Kabali

My review: Kabali

At the outset I must congratulate Pa.Ranjith for his courage and conviction in making this movie "Kabali" with Rajnikanth. At the time when even the most illustrious of directors try to play safe he has stuck to his strengths and made a movie like how he wanted it to be, not getting swayed by the star power of the lead man. It is actually a blessing in disguise that I happened to watch this movie well after the euphoria and the subsequent backlash that followed the release of this movie died down. 

The mistake the makers have done is releasing a teaser which is so much dissociative from what the movie actually is. Hence the fans who went in looking for an action thriller must have got disappointed with the gangster drama that the movie is. And it is not that this gangster drama is that bad to warrant that kind of backlash. Also the political propaganda that people were alluding to when they were listing out the negatives of this movie is as subtle as you can get in a Tamil movie. We have had movies, even the hardcore commercial mass masalas, where the political propaganda and castiest chest thumping nauseatingly overwhelming and none had any problem then. 

Coming to this movie, I am again amazed by the homework Ranjith must have done in understanding the Malaysian milieu and recreating it on screen within the framework of a commercial cinema. The historical and contemporary underpinnings with all its socio-cultural and political constructs which is usually a casualty in a Rajnikanth movie is conspicuously prudent this time. The demographics, economics and the temperamental outlook with which each and every character and scene is conceived and created on screen belie the fact that Ranjith is only two films old prior to this. It has been a while that a movie has so beautifully and accurately managed to present to the audience such an authentic portrayal of community that most of them are unfamiliar with. 

There have been criticism that the movie is slow and the screenplay is lagging. I actually found the screenplay engaging and kept me engrossed with the proceedings throughout. Each and every character made an impact, though there are numerous of them and some of them are not that well etched. But the detailing of even minor characters were amazing. Take for instance that the hyperactive and impulsive characterisation of Dinesh and most of the teenagers in the Free life foundation. Most of the teenagers who have a profile of being a school dropout, who take to drugs early and engage in gang activities and  antisocial behaviour are indeed hyperactive and impulsive. Also the early adverse life situations which are one of the important risk factors for these type of personality development are all alluded to along the narration. 

Ranjith deserves praise for casting "actor" Rajnikanth in this movie, dumping the "superstar" Rajnikath in the process. It need guts and he sure seem to have loads of them. It is refreshing to see "actor" Rajnikanth on screen after a very long hiatus. He has performed well, especially in the emotional sequences. Radhika Apte is a terrific actress whose talent is used well for the first time in a south indian movie. And equal praise needs to be reserved for the one who dubbed for her too. The scene everyone raving about when the lead pair meet after 25 years is elevated to a great deal by the dubbing artist as much as Radhika's terrific performance. The quiver in the voice while crying which in my opinion only Kamalhassan can pull off effortlessly was brought out by this person who not only deserves praise by limelight too. (Who is she ?) 

One criticism levelled about the movie is that the villain was not of the same league as that of the ones we have seen over the years in a Rajnikanth movie. But in a story that is set in the backdrop of Malaysian sociodemographic conflict involving Indians and Chinese, who else other than a Chinese could be the movie's main antagonist ? 

Movie's background score is irritating to the eardrum. Santosh Narayanan is not in good form this time. Murali's cinematography and overall technical aspects of the movie are satisfactory.

On the whole, though "Kabali" is not a movie without any glitches, it is a courageous attempt by Ranjith who has rediscovered Rajnikanth. the actor after may be couple of decades. 

Bottomline: A film by Pa.Ranjith 

3.5/5   

Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran

My review: Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran

"Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran" by Ezhil stars Vishnu Vishal, Soori and Nikki Galrani. I am still mystified  by the fact that this inane movie is a hit and more so it is credited to be a comedy. I didn't smile leave alone laugh for even a moment while watching this movie. It only goes to show that the threshold for laughs has come down drastically for the contemporary audience. As a result Ezhil marches on triumphantly with ordinary work. 

There are only two running gags that could be justified in people laughing, one that involving Soori and his botched up marriage and the other one involving Robo Sankar's compulsive repetitive narration. Other than this there is nothing much in the movie. Story is redundant and the screenplay directionless. Even the dialogues which are intended to be comical are all trite with overuse of alliterations.

After an impressive lineup of his, one wonders what made Vishnu to take this movie. He is all at sea in the genre which he is clearly not comfortable with. Nikki Galrani on the other hand is energetic and does justice in a poorly written role, Soori and Robo Sankar does their job well. 

Sathya's music is one of the very few positive aspects of this movie. "Kutheeti kannula" and "Pappara mittai" are ruling the FM channels. There is nothing much for him to do as far as background score is concerned. 

On the whole, "Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaran" is yet another hackneyed so-called comedy from Ezhil.

Bottomline: Tiresome watch

1.5/5

Jackson Durai

My review: Jackson Durai

One wonders when would this never ending lineups of horror comedies come to a stop. The guys have overstretched this genre and it has gone beyond it's self life. When there is this fatigue associated with this genre has caught up comes this movie, "Jackson Durai", which again threads the same beaten to bushes path with some seasoning in the form of historical fiction thrown in.  

As you watch the movie can only shrug with disbelief that Dharani Dharan  is the same guy who gave us that wonderfully made taut thriller, "Burma". This time the screenplay is not that taut with the proceedings just moving along sluggishly. Also except the few sequences in the flashback, rest of the movie don't hold your attention that much. The comedies are all redundant and the horror cliches too much contrived to get surprised by it. 

Sibiraj has put in his earnest effort but still something is missing in him to hold a movie by himself. Karunakaran is almost like a second hero in this movie with substantial screen space. He acquaints himself well. Sathyaraj sizzles in the extended cameo. Rajendran, once again doesn't disappoint. But these talented individuals could have been used a bit more better. 

Sidarth Vipin's background score is good while none of the songs evokes any response. Movie is beautifully shot and is high on production values. The CG work is world class. Dharani Dharan has once again proven that he is a very good film maker but falters in his story telling this time.

On the whole, "Jackson Durai" is yet another cliche-ridden average horror comedy.

Bottomline: High on flavour, low in substance 

2.5/5 

Dhilluku Dhuddu

My review: Dhilluku Dhuddu

"Dhilluku Dhuddu" by the famous Vijay TV "Lollu Sabha" team with Santhanam as the protagonist and the director of that show Rambhala at the helm, is a dreary affair. What the team spoofed in their super hit show is what they have ended up doing in this banal movie. It is really funny to see the team taking themselves seriously in trying to give us a movie that is neither here nor there. The intended serious scenes brings out all the laughter while the intended comical scenes leaves you high and dry. Right from the introduction scene of Santhanam where he tries to keep his face serious and does acrobatics dance moves ala Simbu, you keep laughing at the movie. 

Only redeeming aspect is the 15 minutes or so scenes in the pre-climax portions involving Rajendran and his team of bumbling gangsters which brings the roof down. Other than this portion, only periods you laugh are when Santhanam takes himself seriously trying to emulate the heroes he spoofed to claim all the fame in his "Lollu Sabha" days, be it in the over the top action sequences or something which they try to project as romantic portions. He does dance well, but you just can't control the laughs when he does those dance moves with poker face. 

As I have mentioned earlier, other than Rajendran, every one else just irritates. The newcomer, Shanaya, neither emotes nor speaks her lines, guess what was she doing during the shooting. She can at best be classified as a glorified set property. It is sad to see talented Saurabh Sukhla reduced to  a caricature. Anandraj and Karunas try their level best to irritate the audience which they have succeeded to a large extent. 

Nothing much to rave about in this movie which looks, sounds and feel amateurish, worse than their "Lollu Sabha" shows on TV. On the whole, "Dhilluku Dhuddu" is a grave misadventure by a team which could have just stuck to their strength which is spoof, which they haven't and hence it is a torturous watch. 

Bottomline: Skip the movie, watch Rajendran's portions alone in youtube/comedy channels. 

1.5/5

Enakku Innoru Per Irukku

My review: Enakku Innoru Per Irukku

The hit team of "Darling" is back with their second movie "Enakku Innoru Per Irukku" (EIPI). Sam Anton who showed glimpse of his comical prowess in his debut seems to have perfected it in his second venture, EIPI. On the outset if you are the one who looks out for logic, political correctness and morality in cinema, then you can just avoid this movie because it has none. It is a comical-gangster story in which showcases how a haemophobic wastrel becomes the next don aka naina aka godfather of Royapuram. 

First half is non-stop laughathon. Sam has taken recourse to every genre of comedy possible be it, slapstick, farce, parody, satire, blue, word play or even dark comedy to keep the audience in splits. The sequence which satires the "super singer" audition, the spoof of many gangster movies, the intelligent use of famous punchlines in comical of situations, the whole bride seeking sequence are few examples of wonderfully written and staged stretches that evokes laughter to the extent that it hurts your tummy.

On the other hand, the second half fails to emulate its predecessor as the movie takes a dichotomous route with the serious portions taking over and the comical portions not that impressive. As the mood is set so light in the first half and the continues in that  vein in the second too, the serious portions fails to create any impact, Even the what could have been wonderful mass transformation moments in the second half towards the climax seem less impactful and play out like episodes from "Lollu Sabha". But in the end, you don't come of the theatre unsatisfied. Movie entertains and people who crave for it would be satisfied. 

There is a tremendous improvement in the overall development of G.V. Prakashkumar as an actor. He emotes well, dialogue delivery has improved by leaps and bounds and tries his hand at dancing too well. Ananthi is good in the limited portions that she gets to perform. Yogi Babu is the show stealer among the support cast which has lots of promising names in it. His physique, dialogue delivery and timing harmoniously lends a stupendous hand to the effectiveness of his effort in evoking laughter, which he does in tonnes. This movie is sure going to be a game changer in Babu's career. Another promising actor who evokes notice is Vijay Varadharaj, a youtube sensation with "Temple monkeys". His effortless miming comedy is another asset to the movie. Saravanan, V.T.V. Ganesh, Rajendran (who is fast emerging as one of the most sought  after comedian at least in terms of the theatre response ), Nirosha, Karunas, Charlie, among others have given admirable support. 

The remix dependent songs and back ground score gels well with the mood of the movie and having the lead protagonist compose music for the movie helps. Technically movie looks top class with good cinematography by Krishnan Vasant, especially the special mention to the fact the most of the movie happens in the night or poorly lit atmosphere and his visuals are flawless. 

On the whole, "Enakku Innoru Per Irukku" is a light weight movie that will surely hurt your tummy laughing. 

Bottomline: Unpretentious laughathon 

3.5

Idhu Namma Aalu

My review: Idhu Namma Aalu

Pandiraj's long delayed "Idhu Namma Aalu" is definitely not a perfect movie by any means but it entertains. It is a good comeback for Silambarasan aka Simbu aka STR (or whatever his current name is !). It does have a lots of autobiographical notes as the movie deals with love life of a person who finally ties his knot with a bride sought by his father. And the pairing of Simbu with Nayanthara did arouse curiosity. Their chemistry on screen is superb this time, better than when they were seeing each other a decade back. 

The movie follows a lighter vein throughout its length and the mood is made light that even the forced serious turn that it tries to take towards the end seem to end up as unintended comedy.  Nonetheless the movie is one of the better romantic comedies in the recent times with witty oneliners. Is spite of a neat romantic portions, sizzling chemistry between the lead pair, Soori overshadows everything else by his terrific oneliners. It is one of the prime reason why this movie has done successfully well. 

Simbu is earnest in his effort while Nayanthara is ravishing. Andrea on the other hand looks jaded and throughout the movie sports a quizzical smile of that of a patient who must have got hit in her head severely.  Soori is the real hero of the movie as far as I am concerned. He rocks the show and is definitely one of his career best. Loaded with Pandiraj's witty dialogues he just brings the roof down. 

Kuralarasan has had a decent debut as music director with couple of songs like "Kaathaga"and "Kanne Un Kadhal" hum-worthy. His background score is also pretty decent. Balasubramniam has kept his frames bright and colourful in keeping with the levity of the overall proceedings. 

On the whole, "Indhu Namma Aalu" is a nostalgic trip down the memory lane for all those who must have got married arranged by the family harping particularly to those days between engagement and marriage, an arranged roamnce kind of situation. 

Bottomline: A lively romcom with awesome Soori oneliners.

3.5/5

Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu

My review: Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu

"Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu" (GBSM) is a yet another one of those promising lineup of impressive movies that Kannada cinema is witnessing over the past few months, following "U turn" and "Thithi". And it again reinforces the fact that if Rakshit Shetty associated with a movie then it is bound to be mighty good. It is a scintillating debut for Hemanth Rao, who belies the fact that he is a greenhorn with his masterful command over the medium of cinema. A wonderfully written and terrifically made movie, GBSM leaves you awestruck with the manner in which Hemanth has carved a such a non-linear movie so seamlessly. 

It is refreshing to see a kannada movie dealing so sensitively and scientifically with Alzheimer's. And how Hemanth Rao has weaved a story that is full of thrills and suspense with a missing person with Alzheimer's as its fulcrum is just terrific. Movie takes its own sweet little time to get on the track but once it happens what follows is an engrossing tale that has many strands that gets tied together and each knot getting unraveling as the movie progresses. It is yet another wonderful attempt at the hyperlink format of screenplay in Indian cinema.

Since it follows a hyperlink narrative, it have many strands with each character clearly etched and well rounded. The central character of the one with " godhi banna sadharana mykattu, Venkoba Rao played by Anant Nag is one of his memorable roles so far. He is just fantastic as a person suffering from Alzheimer's with blissful unawareness of the dangerous situation he has gotten into. He has lots of memorable scenes in the movie, the one about black dog and white dog is my favorite. Without him it would have been nearly impossible for the movie to have been made. And it would be a very difficult job for any one to reprise this role if and when the movie gets remade in any other language.   

Rakshit Shetty as his callous son who rediscovers himself and his father while he goes in frantic search of him is again tremendous. The gamut of emotions he brings out effortlessly on screen needs to be savored on screen. Shruthi Hariharan, as the doctor who takes care of Venkob and who assists in his search is impressive. Achyuth Kumar is fast developing into one of the  best supporting actor in Kannada. Here again he vindicates it. Vasishta Sinha gets a meaty role as a gangster with conscience and Ravikiran as his assistant Manja whose indiscretions lead them into trouble are both good.

Movie is technically sleek with able support from Charan Raj, the music director who has given some lilting melodies, and Nanda Kishore, the cinematographer who has come out with some good frames.

On the whole, GBSM is one of the finest debut works in the recent years.

Bottomline: A magnificent movie.

4/5