Raja Rani

My review: Raja Rani

When you watch "Raja Rani" things that go through your mind are this one is the most weakest of all the movies directed by an young debutante this year. It is blatantly unoriginal, not even a single scene which will not give you a feeling of having watched it before. Right from the first scene which is borrowed from that legendary television series "Friends" (the famous Ross' slip-of-the-tongue moment in the altar during his marriage with Emily ) till the end with the beaten to bushes airport hero-heroine reunion, movie has nothing much to boast of in terms of novelty in writing or story. They could very well named the movie "deja vu" for that is the predominant feeling one goes through while watching this movie.

"Raja Rani" is not only unoriginal, it is disturbingly inconsistent. A wonderfully written (rather inspired) and executed sequences is followed by a plain ridiculous and juvenile sequence. It happens not once or twice but almost everytime. It is not surprising that almost all these juvenile sequences has to do with comedy which has found recourse mostly to racist, misogynist or physical themes. Atlee manages to execute the emotional sequences so well that there are many sequences that will move one to tears. But the promise he shows in those sequences evaporates quickly in the so-called comical ones like those involving Nazriya's boss or her office colleague for example. 

Story is a straight lift from "Mouna Raagam". Jai's characterization is almost the same as in "Engeyum Eppodhum" only this time it is not as subtle or as seamless as in the former. Here it is very much contrived and artificial. Same goes to Nayanthara's characterization which is an amalgamation of what Tamil cinema heroines have been doing for many years, especially someone in a forced marriage. Last such character that was well executed was Parvathy Menon's in Kannada flick "Milana" couple of years back. Sathyan and Shanthanam has been doing these kind of characters since time immemorial. Only Nazriya's role has semblance of novelty to it but even it's culmination is contrived. Even the small kids in the crowd will guess what will happen when a happy smiling lady crosses the road with ice-creams in her hand. 

In spite of all the knowledge and loads of information available at the tap of your fingertip it is plain irritating to see even these knowledgeable young kids are making movies in which the cure for epilepsy is still a key bunch. We are in 2013 for god's sake, not 1970's. Grown up guys, a simple research on the net could have been useful in this regard rather then such lazy and lousy thinking. 

Except Arya, everyone else have done their parts well. It is astonishing that even after all these years he has not learnt how to emote on screen. He is mostly monotonous with plain expressions. If anyone is not able to learn the tricks of the trade even after working with Bala, he never will. Jai is good in his part, like I said earlier a continuation from where he left off in "Engeyum Eppodhum". His voice modulation has improved leaps and bounds from his "Vamanan" days. 

Nayanthara has lots of scope to perform and she has utilized the opportunity well. She is too good in all those intense scenes. Nazriya Nazim comes across as a pleasant breeze on a sunny afternoon. She is cute and at the same time effortless and casual in her performance too. Some of Shanthanam's one-liners are laugh-worthy but most of them are tiring and irritating. Sathyan does his usual hammy stuff. Sathyaraj has a dignified and understated performance.

G.V.Prakashkumar's songs are already huge hit among the youngsters. "Hey baby" and "Oda oda" are youthful bubbly numbers while "Chillena" is good melody. But the best song in the album "Angnyaade" is not there in the movie or did I miss it. Background score is mixed bag again from G.V. At some places it is jarring and hurting to the ears. 

The movie marks the debut of one of the most promising cinematographer in recent times George C. Williams. His frames are too good. He has ensured that the youthful appeal is maintained throughout by  his colorful frames.     

Atlee shows some promise especially in the emotional sequences and romantics ones. But consistency and originality is what that is lacking which he needs to work on. Otherwise it is a decent debut and a decent movie that people who were in love, who are in love and who will be in love would lap it up. 

Bottomline: Mishmash of all the romantic movies of the yore. 

2.5/5 

The Lunchbox

My review: The Lunchbox

There are films that you watch, only a few you experience. Most of the time you see actors enacting the roles written for them, only rarely you forget that it is "actors" who are enacting roles written for them. Whenever a movie evokes your interest you get hooked to it  but very rarely you become part of the it. Even the best of movies will make you laugh or cry at the proceeding but once in a while you come a movie that makes you laugh or cry along with it. "The Lunchbox" is one of those rare movies that befit the later descriptions.   

In the days of texts and emails the main theme of two totally strange and diverse persons sharing a beautiful serendipitous relationship through letters right away gets you sucked into the narrative. Once you do then it is two hours of once in a lifetime experience through the gullies, crowed trains, busy roads, and mundane government offices of Mumbai along with the protagonists. You actually get to smell the sabjis when Imran takes a sniff at the lunchbox or when Nimrat prepare them under the tutelage of her neighborhood aunty. That is the power of Ritesh Batra's writing which transforms an obscure chennaiaite watching the movie in a multiplex into a Mumbaikar. 

Movie's characters are not that unusual or obscure beings. These are the people you and me come across everyday in our work place, neighborhood, and the public transport. A lonely grumpy widower yearning for company, emotionally dissatisfied taken-for-granted housewife, an young at time annoyingly sweet intern, intrusive at the same time helpful neighborhood aunty are the ones none of us are oblivious to have known. Especially the neighborhood aunty whom we only get to hear is one of the best supporting cast in films recently. We don't feel like we have not seen her face, Bharati Achrekar is simply awesome with her voice acting. Don't be surprised if she gets an award or two for the best supporting actress and if she gets it would go down in history as for first time any one would get award without even appearing for a second on screen which she truly deserves.  

Irrfan Khan is simply superb as Saajan Fernandes, a brooding grumpy old man on the verge of retirement. His body language, voice modulation and demeanor, everything about his Saajan is memorable. Watch out for the subtleness in his acting whether when he consciously takes a sniff at the lunchbox in the middle of a busy office or when he realizes that he is too old to play this romantic game. 

Nimrat Kaur is an excellent and exciting find to Indian cinema. She seems to have a natural flair for acting, her theater background comes to fore here. Her portrayal of Ila is so casual and effortless. Both the writer and the actor have restrained themselves from melodrama though there is ample scope for it which is a huge relief. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a bundle of talent and once again he rocks the screen. What an actor he is turning out to be. In each every frame he is on screen he grabs the eyeballs which is no mean feat considering the stature and the performance of the co-star he shares screen space with.

Max Richter's background score adds soul to the story. Michael Simmonds' camera work captures the hustle and bustle of Mumbai's crowded trains, the route traversed by the dabbawalas, their lifestyle and the interiors of  Mumbai's middle-class households.

Ritesh ends the movie with a poetic happy ending that is open to the interpretation of the viewers. Thus rounding of a well made movie that is bound to find its place amongst the best of Indian cinema.

Bottomline: An exquisite lunch.

4.5/5

North 24 Kaatham

My review: North 24 Kaatham

 The freshness and levity in the writing is fast becoming a common creative trait of the new age Malayalam writers and directors. Yet another debutante to fall in that line is Anil Radhakrishnan Menon. His debut feature film, Fahad Fazil starrer "North 24 Kaatham" is an interesting movie with its unconventional fascinating characters, exciting backdrop and a simple story that keeps the audience under its spell for two hours. Stylishly shot and crisply presented with an undercurrent of levity that lightens up the mood "North 24 Kaatham" is yet another example of how Malayalam movies are fast becoming the best among the south Indian if not Indian cinema. 

Movie has one of the best performance from Fahad in his already powerful repertoire. His character is the heart and soul of the movie on which the its foundation is laid on. As a high functioning autistic Harikrishnan with the traits of Asperger's Fahad has lived the character. Not even at a single moment you could realize that he is enacting a movie role. He is so natural and his portrayal is so authentic that he instantaneously grabs all the eye balls and attention towards him and sustains it till the end. It is a career best performance from this immensely talented Mallu. Sad that his talent is getting restricted to Malayalam movie industry. Talent of such stature needs a pan-Indian stage and recognition.  

Coming onto Anil, his hard work in the conception and development of the character that is so eccentric and unusual is evident on screen. Except for the contrived ending, both for the movie and the character arc of the protagonist, his writing and execution is faultless. The backdrop of a hartal day in Kerala is so effortlessly visualized and seamlessly blend into the narrative. The landscape that the trio traverse makes up for a visual treat with awesome cinematography by Jayesh Nair. Govind Menon's background score and musical score further enhances the whole movie viewing experience. Such a seamless confluence of talent from all the quarters is what makes a simple movie like this special. 

Swathi Reddy as an independent social worker has a meaty role as well. She is such a talented actress who is underrated in all the three industries she is working in. When it comes to expressions and emotive skills she is second to none and right there among the best. Nedumudi Venu gets a substantial part to play after a long gap. It is a pleasure to see the veteran in full flow. 

On the whole, "North 24 Kaatham" is a beautifully made film, a must watch for Fahad Fazil's excellent acting. 

Bottomline: Road less traveled, but the travel is a pleasant one. 

3.5/5  

Lucia

My review: Lucia

 Pawan Kumar showed us glimpse of his immense potential with his debut "Lifeu Ishtene", which turned out to the best movie of the year 2011 in Kannada. But that movie threaded a safe path though the making was refreshing. His second venture "Lucia" was one of the most eagerly awaited movie of this year because one, everyone was curious to see whether Pawan can keep up with the good name he created with his debut flick. Two, it is the first movie made in Kannada, (if not in India) funded by audience themselves. And, three the promo posters immediately evoked curiosity when it was released due to it's bizarreness and abstractness. 

So when you enter the theater the baggage of expectations does weigh on your shoulder but 130 odd minutes later you would come out with each and every inch of those fulfilled. Pawan Kumar has gone from strength to strength from his debut movie. If "Lifeu Ishtene" was brilliant, "Lucia" is outstanding. He has dared to thread the path unexplored in Indian cinema before and has done it with aplomb. The amount of homework, acumen with which he has come out with such a "lucid" screenplay that is so simple (though a lesser mind would have ensured it ends up confusing the viewers) and comprehensible once you put the pieces together in the end, that keeps you hooked to the screen for the amount of time the movie runs, is an astounding feat. Pawan, take a bow. You are one of the future of Indian cinema. 

The clarity in the thinking with which Pawan has made this movie in spite of the financial hassles he had to go through would be a story worth celebrating. Made at a shoe-string budget of Rs 75 lakhs movie doesn't appear to have any tackiness even for a fraction of a second. This is an excellent example of how to make as much with the resources available at the disposal.  Now you wonder how come people in Tamil and Telugu movie industry are making movies with such glaring technical glitches with insane amount of money at their disposal. May be they need a crash course on this from Pawan. 

The story has many layers (literally) which keeps one engrossed. It is based on "lucid dreaming", a scientific concept in which people can remember their dreams vividly and resume it from where they left off. A condition common in people with sleep disorders, distorted sleep architecture with excessive REM sleep. If anything more is said about the story it will spoil the viewing experience of those who have not watched it yet. But one thing is sure, there is more than one surprise in store for the viewers. 

Satish Ninasam, who has played supporting role in many movies is the protagonist Nikhil. He has a challenging role to play that has many shades, layers and emotions to portray which he has managed to do with such precision. From comedy to anger to jealousy to innocence to......he has almost all the navarasas to portray. Shruthi Hariharan is another worthy addition to Kannada cinema. Not only she looks pretty, she is so natural and effortless in her acting also. Yet another actress with potential whose talents needs to be celebrated. Achyuth Kumar rocks in his supporting role. What a talent he is. Almost all the cast members have done their part excellently with natural flair. 

In Poornachandra Tejaswi's music movie has variety in its album. "Jamma jamma" is a foot-tapping dance number, "High schoolu" is an experimental number on the lines of " Yaarige Healona" while "Nee  thorebeda" is a good melody. 

Siddartha Nuni must be a talented cinematographer. With such restrictions in the movie's budget, he has managed to present to us the movie in such a glossy and suave manner. Pawan Kumar's visual sense was evident even in his first movie which gets celebrated on a higher scale this time in unison with Siddartha. Movie has a lot of shots with interesting angles that doesn't comes across as forced. 

Only glitch is Pawan's misogynistic tendencies comes out now and then which was so evident in his debut movie as well. The manner in which he has shown the protagonist's disapproval of his lover's career ambitions and later she herself repenting not listening to him in that regard and apologizing for the same is a serious glitch in an otherwise neat movie. He could have very well done without the same. In the end she becoming a "housewife" bringing lunch (albeit Pizza )  to the work place of her husband is so regressive which one didn't expect from an intelligent person who has made such a wonderful movie. 

On the whole, "Lucia" is one of the best Indian movie this year which needs all the support, a wider release and bigger reception from the pan-Indian movie loving public. After all "your small life is someone's big dream".

Bottomline: Rare gem of Indian cinema. 

4.5/5 

Mathapoo

My review: Mathapoo

"Dhinanthorum" Nagaraj's "Mathapoo" has a neat story, uncomplicated screenplay, good acting from the cast, soothing background score yet it is lost in the time warp. Movie might have worked well may be ten years back, but everything in the movie looks out of place, not in sync with the contemporary. As a result though the story keeps you engaged somehow you tend to aspire for something better. One can only wish that such talented person like Nagaraj should come out of his comfort zone and explore more. The movie and its making is redundant though it is not totally farcical either. 

Story is simple has interesting moments, screenplay moves at a pace which is consistent, neither too fast nor too slow. Nagaraj is known for his witticism which is evident in his dialogues. Except for the songs, movie is realistic, almost. Some of the characters are fresh especially Sithara's is one of the most delightful "chittis" in recent times. Some scenes show the alertness and acumen of the director. Especially the one towards the climax when Sithara impulsively slaps Gayathri, then just about noticing her father standing nearby and instinctively apologizing to him by gesture. So casually and effortlessly done both by the performers and the director. There are quiet a few such well thought about sequences in the movie.

Jeyan is the new find who fits the bill as a happy-go-lucky youngster who is behind Gayathri. Except in the few emotional sequences towards the end where he is totally at sea, by and large he is confident on screen. Gayathri is one of the most talented and promising youngsters in recent times who has performed well in almost all her movie so far. She continues in that vein this time too. Movie boasts of a strong support cast led by Sithara, Geetha, Kitty, Renuka and Ilavarasu. The humongous experience these names bring along with them is evident on screen. Even few melodramatic scenes are gracefully enacted by them.

Debutant Velayutham's musical score is below average. None of the songs stay in your mind. However Sabesh-Murali have done the background score very well. It is soothing and consistent with the mood the movie. 

On the whole, "Mathapoo", you would not regret watching this movie in theater. 

Bottomline: Ten years too late. 

3/5

Grown Ups 2

My review: Grown Ups 2

Sandler and his on-screen and off-screen friends are back with another attempt to trivialize the taste of audience and to slander the genre, comedy with their apologetic movie, "Grown Ups 2". What they intended to achieve by making this horribly bad movie is difficult to fathom. Though movie has an impressive line up of proven comical talent like Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade, movie doesn't have much to laugh about. Only thing that makes one laugh is at oneself lamenting the bad time which would be the only reason any one would even think of going anywhere near the theater showing this movie.

Written by Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy and Fred Wolf and directed by Sandler's constant Dennis Dungan, "Grown Ups 2" sees the quartet now living in the same place where they grew up but not yet "Grown up". Faced with their own off-springs going through what they went through during their high-school years, movie is all about how they realize the growing up of their children.

Lame writing, disgusting sequences with lots of vomitus, farts and below-the-belt jokes, inability to make the viewers smile even for a fraction of second, pathetic acting, beaten-to-death- family values , underdog vs bullies, and boring slapstick comedy, just about summarizes what this movie is all about.

This time around the energy and verve which is so typical of Adam Sandler is totally missing. He just sleep walks through the movie. Kevin James hardly gets any noteworthy sequence while Chris Rock is irritating. David Spade also gets limited opportunity. Salma Hayek in a totally forgettable role where her acting has regressed to her early television days.

On the whole, "Grown Ups 2" is one of the lamest and most disgusting movies in recent times. Watch it at your own peril.

Bottomline: Asinine 

1/5

Kunjananthante Kada

My review: Kunjananthante Kada

When your debut movie was one of the finest movies made that gained accolades from all around naturally you feel the jitters when you embark on the next project. Salim Ahamed must have gone through it when he made his second movie "Kunjananthante Kada" following his massively impressive "Adaminte Makan Abu". Starring Mammootty ( once again proving his mettle with a superbly restrained effort )  and Nyla Usha ( an impressive debut), "Kunjanan...." has its heart in the right place but has got undone by poor writing and execution this time around by Salim. 

What could have worked wonders as a short film has gotten stretched beyond its capacity, as a result the movie lacks the punch and fails to engage the viewers after a point. Since there is paucity of the written  material execution of the same becomes a problem especially if one has to maintain the same amounts of intensity for a period of 2 hours. And the strain with which the makers have tried to do it shows on screen. In the end, the movie comes across as a wannabe classic shot in the style of movies which reaches out only to the confines the air-conditioned rooms of the jury of film festivals and award committees. But this time even there I think there would not be many takers for this half-baked attempt. 

Except for the performances of the actors in the movie there is nothing much to harp about. Mammootty is splendid as an anankastic, rigid-minded, brooding Kunjananthan who is fixated with his grocery shop to the extent that he ignores his family and its happiness. He has once again reveled with the subtle acting that he is known for. Pity that in spite of his earnest performance, due to poor writing his character fails to kindle any emotions in the viewers. Nyla Usha is very impressive in her debut movie. She is so casual and natural in her portrayal of a frustrated wife whose aspirations and even minors pleasures are denied by the rigid thinking husband of her's.  Rest of the support cast have also done their parts to perfection.

Madhu Ambat's camera work is pleasant to the eyes. Especially his lighting in the night shots are a treat. M.Jayachandran's background score supports the narrative as much as it can. 

But in the end, certain stories have a better impact if they are made as a short film. They loose their steam if stretched beyond it which is what the precise problem here with "Kunjananthante Kada". Only solace here is that the makers have abstained from being preachy or taking sides in this development-displacement debate. The ending was more naturalistic than poetic or contrived which is appreciable. 

On the whole, "Kunjananthante Kada" fails to impress in spite of good performance from its actors due to poor writing and execution. 

Bottomline: What could have been a crisp short film....

2.5/5