Sunday, November 21, 2010

Mynaa

My review: Mynaa



I’ve always liked the work of Prabhu Solomon , be it original or inspired , for he always tries something novel .Whether it is “Kokki” , “Ladam” or “Lee” , each of these movies had an unique storyline & thoroughly enjoyable at the same time.
“Mynaa” is no different , in fact THE best of all his works so far , I should add.

The premise is in itself very novel & fresh and the manner in which he has gone about things is brilliant. Though it is billed as “A journey of Love ” , the backdrop of how an intense friendship develops between the fugitive & the pursuers within a matter of 24 hours is a very fresh idea , very well executed on screen. “Chemistry ” between the prisoner & the constable in pursuit is as striking as that between the lead pair . The seamless confluence of love , sentiment , anger , comedy & tragedy leaves you speechless at the end of 2 hours & 30 minutes .

The screenplay has a seamless flow with no impasse whatsoever making it a worthwhile movie viewing experience . One sequence is suffice to get acquainted with the calibre of Prabhu Solomon . The whole Bus sequence is terrific (I wonder when was the last time we had a sequences in which the viewer goes through such a gamut of emotions in a matter of 15 minutes .Kudos Prabhu). Though I have reservations about the ending of the movie which looks contrived , movie as a whole has disturbed & will disturb anyone who happens to watch it.

Vidarth who in the role of Suruli , the fugitive madly(literally) in love with his childhood sweetheart who goes any lengths to get her , is very good. The body language , though appeared to be borrowed a bit from “Paruthiveeran ” , his dialogue delivery & histrionics are apt to the character he portrays .He is yet another talent & how the talent is made used of by the Tamil Movie industry is remained to be seen.

Amala Paul’s beautiful eyes conveys a lot augmented by an expressive face . As the gullible schoolgirl who too reciprocates in the same manner as that of the hero without knowing what fate has in store for her , she manages to incarcerate the viewers hearts & later their minds.

Thambi Ramaiah in a substantial role where he gets chance not only to do comedy but also various shades of emotions is another strong point of the movie. As said earlier his chemistry with Vidarth is a treat to watch.

Sethu as the inspector with a kind heart is another good find . Supporting cast have a huge role to play in the success of this movie. Especially the actress who enacts the Inspector’s wife role is brilliant . She makes the viewer hate her & the fact that people enjoy her getting killed is a testimony to her acting skill.

Coming to D.Iman’s music , it is one of the best album of his yet. “Mynaa mynaa manukulle” "Kaiya Pudi" "Neeyum Naanum" are soothing melodies which ringer in the ears for a long time. Background score except for a couple of instances where it is jarring is good overall.

Technically also the movie is brilliant as does all Prabhu Solomon’s movies so far. Sukumar’s cinematography is astounding & the manner in which his camera plays through the natural beauty of Moonar , Bodi & Theni , one is at loss of words. That he manages to present the human emotions & conflicts inspite of all the distractions he would have encountered in the rich backdrop speaks for his work & his talent.

“Mynaa” is a fulfilling movie watching experience after a very long time & every cent spent is worthwhile .

Bottomnline : “Mynaa ” , a charming nightingale ...!

4/5

Friday, November 5, 2010

Uthamaputhiran

My Review : Uthamaputhran



Dhanush-Mithran Jawahar duo has once again managed to vindicate why some movies are best left undisturbed rather than trying to remake it in another language & get it all wrong. After the horrendous remake of “Aarya” as “Kutty” , they have once again managed to do it again in this remake of one of the immensely successful Telugu movie “Ready” as “Uthamaputhran”. Atleast “Yaaradi Nee Mohini” was okay , may be because the director himself was an assistant director when the original was made.

Movie looks jaded , too long & tiring & a perfect example of too much anything is good for nothing. After a point one gets lost & even irritated with the same jokes played all over again & again. First half has nothing happening around while the second one is too long , slow & irritating after a point one begs for the movie to get over soon so that can come out have a fresh air. It getting suffocating after a point of time.

Dhanush needs to choose better subjects rather than trying to make remakes again & again , even after knowing how things can go horribly wrong as seen in “Kutty”. And when does he stops mouthing loads of dialogues which gets under the viewers nerves after a point.

Genelia sleep walks her role . Her lip sync is pathetic & she kinda getting typecast in similar roles.

Vivek tries his best to tickle the funny bones & he does succeeds to an extent but viewers can take only upto a point .

Movie is full of artists of all sizes & stature . Frames gets overcrowded which leaves one panting for breath.

Technically movie is average . Balasubramanyam is the cinematographer. Songs are not that interesting.

Screenplay is erratic with many loose ends & no lucidity whatsoever . Dialogues are trite & on the whole, the movie watching experience tiresome.

Bottomline : Simply not ready...!

2/5

Jackie

My Review: Jackie



Suri , after the immensely successful & critically acclaimed “Duniya” & not so successful “Junglee”, has joined hands with Puneeth Rajkumar for the first time. He once again proves the old adage “Form is temporary but the class is permanent” . “Jackie” is thoroughly enjoyable entertainer with all ingredients to make for a gratifying viewing . Not only action , comedy , romance , sentiment , suspense , message ....all you expect in a good masala pot pouri are there in palatable proportions , there is also a story to back it up.

Suri has once again proved that he is a master storyteller & a talented writer .The lucidness of the screenplay & witty dialogues are the strong points of “Jackie” . Hardly one can feel that 2hours & 30 mins has passed as the movie keeps one glued to the happenings right through. Nowhere does one feels that the movie is dragging or not interesting. Though there are a few logical loopholes here & there , Suri has camouflaged them with élan .

Ravi Kale’s character is not that well etched out as well does Bhavana’s. The character of the hero’s friend who gets killed in the encounter is also not properly dealt with , with loose ends kept hanging. & what is the role of Sampath Raj & his team is not properly explained. But the success of the director lies in that he doesn’t allow one to think about these aspects while one is in the theatre watching the movie.

Puneeth , dances like a dream , agile in the fight sequences & comes out unscathed in the comical situations too. When it comes to serious scenes he flounders a bit & has to work on it. His dialogue delivery is good with a good voice to boost.

Bhavana has nothing much to do but appear glamorous in the dream song sequences. One wonders how come a girl from such a humble background can wear such elegant & classy dresses she wears .

Rangayana Ragu is the real show-stealer with his witty dialogues he brings the roof down with laughter. In the scenes he is in all you can notice is only him with all others taking a back-seat.

Among the strong points of the movie , music is a prominent one. “Shiva Antha Hogutidde” & “Ekka Raja rani” are foot-tapping numbers ruling the charts . V. Harikrishna is the music director .

Award-winning cinematographer Satya Hegde is another major strong ally for Suri . His work is slick & trendy . No wonder he is highly regarded here in Karnataka film circle.

On the whole , Jackie is a good time-pass entertainer.

Bottomline :Bindaas...!

3.5 /5