Dabangg 2

My review: Dabangg 2

Usually sequels carry forward story from where left off in the first part or would have a different story with the same main cast. In case of "Dabangg 2" it is the same story & screenplay but only this time with less vigour, more ridiculousness and way over the top action sequences. Agreed that one step into the cinema knowing what to expect but this is way too stale to taste.

Almost every sequence seems like a reprisal of the first part including the songs and their making. The fun & energy which made a pretty average script click in the first part is totally missing this time. The antagonists' are contrived, shallow and poorly written.

 The writer and the director are unsure of how to carry the movie forward. In the end they have settled for very primeval second half. When the heroine who just had a miscarriage after being assaulted by the Villain gives a emotionally charged speech from the hospital bed and the hero walks with dust flying around after a punch dialogue, one has to pinch oneself with disbelief how bankrupt the writers have become in Bollywood in general and Salman Khan movies in particular.

Salman Khan tries his best to carry a fragile script on his shoulder but this time even he can't redeem it. Sonakshi Sinha has nothing much to do in a even pettier role than the first part. Vinod Khanna & Arbaaz Khan reprise their roles which are older than hills. Prakash Raj can do these types of roles even in half sleep. Wonder why dubbing was used for him, it totally watered down the impact.

Sajid-Wajid are the music directors and the songs are average. Much hyped "Fevicol se" falls flat both musically and visually, far cry from the now legendary "Munni badnam". Aseem Mishra has captured the action sequences well. The action sequences though way over the top, the making is good. Anal Arasu is the stunt choreographer and he has done a tremendous job.

Arbaaz Khan is the director of the movie and the tentativeness of the debutant is evident. Dilip Shukla has scripted the movie but without his co-writer Abhinav Kashyap from the first part, this time his script lacks a punch.

On the whole, "Dabangg 2" is yet another reason why sequels to successful movie should never be tried.

Bottomline: Silly & boring

2/5

Kumki

My review: Kumki

Whether it is "Kokki", "Lee", "Ladam" or "Myna" Prabhu Solomon's movies are different from each other and the mainstream Tamil movies in their thought and execution. He also seeks to it that his movies are entertaining at the same time. Known for his gripping screenplay, Prabhu Solomon has slipped a bit this time with "Kumki".

The story and screenplay gives a feeling of something is missing. Though the backdrop is novel the story is old mundane boy meets a girl falls in love and the dilemma of one's good versus collective good. Though the ending is good, it looks a bit contrived.

Music and cinematography more than makes up for the writer-director's lapses. D.Iman and Sukumar are the real heroes of this movie and they sure would get lots of accolades for their works.

Boasting of the best musical album of the year "Kumki" seem to have got an opening mainly due to its songs. It has been a very long time since one witnessed audience growing crazy when the songs starts in a Tamil movie. Each song is greeted with applause and whistles. For Iman it is his career best. Even the background score is too good though most of it is the songs' BGM. Songs keep the audience going.

Another pillar of the movie is cinematography. It is career best for Sukumar too. The best visuals this year. Yes the story is set in a landscape which is rich in its natural splendor but it does need talent to showcase the same with such dexterity. Awards and accolades are awaiting this talented youngster.

Thambi Ramaiah is once again used well by Prabhu Solomon. Most part of the movie he keeps the audience entertained with his witty one-liners and nearing the climax he comes to his own with his emotive skills. Vikram Prabhu has worked hard but somehow the spontaneity is missing. Lakshmi Menon keeps up her good work following her debut "Sundarapandian". Here she doesn't get that much scope though. THe support cast of largely unknown actors have done their parts well.

The production team could have spent more time and money on the CG work. It is poorly executed especially in the climax fight sequences between the elephants.

"Kumki" is entertaining in parts, excellent music and brilliant cinematography makes the audience forget the deficiencies in the writing and execution. Definitely once watchable for its strengths mentioned though it kinda fails to live up to the expectations.

Bottomline : For splendid music & amazing visuals

3/5    

Neethane En Ponvasantham

My review: Neethane En Ponvasantham 

Goutham Vasudev Menon's romantic tracks have always been over the top, far from reality and mushy. "Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya" was a bit of revelation as he tried to tone down and became subtle. But with his latest "Neethane En Ponvasantham " Gautham has once again fallen behind with poor writing where artificiality  rules the roost.

One wonders how can anyone take up such real people, real situations and real emotions in such an artificial manner. Except for the last 20 minutes, nowhere one feel for the people onscreen or get their emotions reflected on to them. This is by far the most silliest and uninteresting Gautham movie ("Nadunissi Naigal" included).

To make matters worse, the soggy screenplay is plagued by utterly mushy dialogues which are throwback to the era of Mohan's and Murali's. What happened to cinema as a visual medium. Where emotions can be portrayed visually, Gautham plays easy by tiring and cliched dialogues. It gets irritating when his protagonist speaks pages on how he feels looking at his sweetheart or how he is missing her. It is as if there is a running commentary for each and every emotions with blatant neglect of acting or director's visual imagery.

As said earlier last 20 minutes that just starts with the "Satru munbu" song is the redeeming factor of the movie. Those are the few reels of this movie which is contemporary. It is very sad to hear audience burst into laughter hearing Ilayaraja croon a sad bit song when the Heroine just learns that Hero is engaged, blame it on the bad direction. Also the background score during that conversation especially when she gets to hear that he is engaged brings back memories of all those movies in the 70's and 80's, the same music one hears when it is revealed that some one is having cancer. But for that Ilayaraja's background score is one of the few factors that keeps one awake.

Jiiva is earnest, tries his level best to portray a confusing character which is sketched poorly. Samantha has lots of scope in her role and she has utilized it well. But none of them look school-kiddish in that school love episode. It is one of those rare movies in which Shanthanam fails to evoke even a little bit of smile forget laughter. What was that wannabe spoof on "Vinnai Thandi  Varuvaya", seriously!

Ilayaraja's songs are awesome to put it subtly. All songs except "Pudikala maamu" are captivating melodies. As always picturization of songs are poor, Gautham Menon stills lags behind in this aspect of his. Background score is good.

There are two cinematographers M.S.Prabhu and Om Prakash with additional cinematography by S.R.Kathir. Wonder what three cinematographers where doing but there is no hint of discontinuity. Once promising editor Anthony has become lazy in recent times, that continues with this one too.

Jointly written by Gautham Vasudev Menon and Reshma Ghatala story is okayish but the screenplay is poor and direction lazy. On the whole, "Neethane En Ponvasantham" is the scrawniest of Gautham Vasudev Menon's movies so far ("Nadunissi Naigal" included !) .

Bottomline: Ulagathula ethanaiyo padangal irunthum na yaen intha padatha parthaen...!!!

2.5/5

Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum

My review: Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum

Krish is one of the most promising young directors of Telugu cinema. His previous movies "Gamyam" and "Vedham" are not only critically acclaimed but also well received at the box-office too. He is a kind of director who addresses contemporary issues without compromising on the entertainment quotient. His latest movie "Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum" (KVJ) fails to live up the standards he has set for himself.

KVJ also address a socially relevant issue of illegal mines and exploitation of the natural resources but sadly it is used just like a pickle. KVJ in actuality is an full blown masala, good old revenge story of the protagonist settling his scores against the killer of his parents, a young man's fight for justice against the mighty antagonist.But the problem is that  Krish has totally got confused as to whether make it as a commercial masala or a classy his style of a movie. In the end he has done justice to neither.

A uninspiring storyline, unengaging screenplay, low entertainment values, poor comedy track and irritating item numbers (not one but two..!) leaves a bitter taste in the end. The action sequences lack a punch and the dialogues are mundane.

Rana has done a decent job. His histrionic skills has improved. Nayanthara is radiant, though she is on screen almost throughout the movie she doesn't have much scope to perform. Milind Gunaji in a beaten to bushes villainous role who ends up getting beaten black and blue though he is the most powerful man in Bellary is a big yawn. Brahmanandam fails to make any impact.

In Manisharma's music there isn't any good music number. Background score is good. Technically the movie is sleek and stylish. V.S.Gnanasekhar should get credit for most of it for his brilliant cinematography. CG work however could have been better.

On the whole, KVJ fails to pass muster.

Bottomline: Much ado about nothing.

2.5/5 

Edegarike

My review: Edegarike

"Edegarike" is an interesting movie written by Agni Shridhar and directed by Sumana Kittur. It has a very novel storyline and engrossing screenplay. It is the execution that lags behind but the script is so taut and good the final product is a once watchable flick.

"Edegarike" is an interesting tale of a friendship between two gangsters one killer and the other to-be-killed. The moral dilemma and the clash of personalities, one a ruthless killer without any morals and the other a righteous man who gets into the profession by quirk of fate. It makes up for a riveting watch with the movie under just two hours.

The movie moves at a steady pace  and keep one engaged throughout. There are no undue melodrama or over the top action sequences. Interestingly though it deals with the underworld and gang-wars there is only one action sequence. The movie explores more on the psyche of these people, their thought process, differing personalities, etc. So nice to see a movie that speaks about the humane aspect of the criminals without justifying their acts or glorifying the same.

Atul Kulkarni is brilliant as the morally correct Sridhar who is supposed to kill the protagonist but instead ends up becoming a good friend of him. The manner in which he has portrayed the mental agony and dilemma that he is faced with,  reaffirms the fact what a great actor he is. Aditya is no match for Atul but tries to keep his end engaged. Most of the movie he has the same blank expressions. Akanksha is pretty and does a decent job as a social activist who falls in love with the gangster. Movie has a strong support cast and they have all delivered their parts with aplomb.

Deepak Pundit is the music director and movie has just one song which is a shooting melody. His background score is adequate. Movie is shot by Rakesh, in spite of the constraints of the budget has done a pretty decent job.

Sumana needs to brush up her directorial skills. Such an enthralling script ought to have made more convincingly. Nonetheless the end product is way better than the other Kannada movies that got released in the recent times.

On the whole, "Edegarike" has gripping story and fine acting that warrants one time watch.

Bottomline: Gutsy

3/5

Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom

My review: Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom

"Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" is based on real-life incident that happened in the life of the makers of this movie. It is astonishing to note that all that is shown in the movie has happened in real life which is unbelievable. The audacity of the writer-director debutant Balaji Tharaneetharan in making a movie with almost exclusively male protagonists with the heroine making her appearance only around two hours into the movie has to be lauded. Also he has done away with song routines though he had a chart-buster in "Oh crazy minnal".

 Another fact that needs applause is that Balaji has presented such a serious scenario in a humorous manner but in the same time not diluting it into tomfoolery. He has also been successful in casting people who look natural and apt, not only that he has extracted good performances from them too. Second half of the movie is a laugh riot with many situations making one laugh out loud.

But the main drawback of the movie is in it's making. The movie moves at its own pace and at many instances one get a feeling of watching a tele-serial. Nothing much happens in the first half and it seems like a life-time even though it runs for around one hour and few minutes only. Slowly the pace picks up in the second half but by that time most of the patience is lost. One wonders why the movie's running time is two hours and forty minutes. This movie must have never gone beyond two hours maximum. The impact would have been greater if that would have happened. In the end what could have been a crisp comedy-thriller has become a long-drawn-out tale which gets exasperating at times.

Vijay Sethupathy is good in the role of Premkumar who suffers from memory loss following a freak accident. His characterization may be annoying after a point of time but that is how annoying a patient with recent memory loss would get. Rajkumar as Balaji is too good with his hilarious body language and inimitable dialogue delivery. Bhagavathy Perumal who reprises his real life role is casual.(wonder how many can get such a chance of playing oneself onscreen) Vigneswaran as Sarasu is adequate. Gayathri has nothing much to do in a brief role. However she acquaints herself well in the brief time she is one screen.

Ved Shankar's average compositions "Excuse me, sir" and "Omlette potta" are picturized but his brilliant composition "Oh crazy minnal" is not. Sidharth Vipin's background score is average.

Premkumar who is the real life hero is the cinematographer. He has done it well though the technical values of the movie is not that great.

On the whole, "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" would have done wonders if the pace was a bit brisker and the length shorter. Nonetheless it is a worthy debut from the team and one could expect them to learn from the mistakes and give more memorable movies in the future. 

Bottomline:  Clean comedy caper.

3/5
   

Drama

My review: Drama

Maverick writer-director of Kannada film industry Yograj Bhatt's latest release "Drama" is a romantic-comedy which looses the plot after a promising start. Unlike his previous flicks this movie has a solid story but the screenplay goes haywire.

Movie seem to be shot in a hurry and edited in a jiffy for many scenes end abruptly and some others spring on from nowhere. Final product ends up like a collection of gags and comedy one-liners with few sentimental scenes which border on melodrama thrown in between. Easily "Drama" would end up as the least aesthetic of Yograj's movies so far. What happened to the subtlety of emotions and screenplay that he is a master of.

Other two aspects which are USPs of a Yograj movie, enchanting & stunning visuals and awesome music, both are missing in "Drama". Krishna who was the man behind those stunning visuals in "Mungaru Mazhe" disappoints big time this time. Technically the movie is tacky. And it is a routine musical score from V.Harikrishna. Except "Drama hitavachana" all other songs are not that impressive.

Yash has done a fine job as the protagonist, fun loving irresponsible guy who goes to college with intention of pursuing a girl who happens to meet him on her way to college! A hackneyed characterization. Satish Neenasam carries the movie on his shoulders with his brilliant comical one-liners which keeps the audience in splits. He acquaints himself well in the emotional scenes also. Radhika Pandit is good as ever as the haughty Nandhini with whom the protagonist is romantically involved. Her poor make-up sense continues. Sampath Raj is wasted in a cliched role while Sindhu Lokanath has nothing much to do. Ambarish appears in a bizarre cameo.

Unimaginative & logicless sequences, tiring screenplay, bad editing and poor technical values sums up Yogaraj Bhat's "Drama."

Bottomline: Amateur drama.

2.5/5

Talaash

My review: Talaash

Many average movies ends up being a better one by an intelligent climax twist. On the contrary for some others an insipid ending would spoil the good work done thus far. "Talaash" belongs to the later category. Written and directed by Reema Katgi with inputs from some big names in Bollywood like Anurag Kashyap, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, "Talaash" is an engrossing tale which keeps the viewers guessing right till the end before an unimaginative twist disappoints big time.

Screenplay could have been better. First half is good both pace wise and the manner in which the happenings hold one's attention. As with movies of such "whodunnit" genre, viewers are introduced to many characters on whom our suspicion is spewed upon. The second half of the movie slackens and the pace goes in for a toss. Nothing much happens with movie focusing more on the complicated grief reaction of the protagonist. It gets boring before the lackadaisical climax rubs salt in the already burning bruise. 

When Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap are the dialogue writers one would expect lot of sparks in the dialogues. Sadly expect for a couple of instances, the dialogues are pretty  ordinary and routine.

What makes the movie work in spite of the negatives is the actors who have done a great job. Aamir Khan is  as good as ever. In fact this role is child's play for an actor of his caliber. Rani Mukerji is good. It is a good comeback for her (who cared about "Aiyya" anyway.!) Kareena Kapoor is earnest in her effort. But the one actor who is just brilliant and make every one take notice is Nawazuddin Siddique. In fact if there is one role which can kindle emotional response from the audience it is his Tehmur.

Ram Sampath's background score is good and technically movie is brilliant. Mohanan is the cinematographer.

On the whole, "Talaash" what could have been a cult classic has got undone by  poor writing especially towards the end.

Bottomline: a pretty average fare

3/5

Neerparavai

My review: Neerparavai

Now and then one gets to see a movie which not only entertains but also makes you feel proud that you belong to the same state from which the movie has been made. Seenu Ramasamy's "Neerparavai" is one such movie which satisfies the audience in all aspects and is a must watch.

Seenu Ramasamy has taken two topical issues this time, alcohol addiction and the problems faced by the fishermen. It is so pleasing to see a director handling the alcohol addiction problem so scientifically. As far as my knowledge goes this is probably the first time alcohol addiction being talked about as a disease (which really it is) and not merely as a bad habit or a mere source for melodrama. Kudos to the team for the homework done in this respect, thus aiding in spreading awareness.

The first half deals mostly with the alcohol addiction problem in the backdrop of a very dignified and matured romantic track. In the second half Seenu focuses on the problems faced by the fishermen in the form of unscrupulous killing of the fishermen in the Bay of Bengal by the Srilankan Navy. Also the politics of and within the fishermen community, their livelihood, landscape, religion, mores and customs form the beautiful underlay of the story. "Neerparavai" can be recommended to anyone who wants to have an understanding of the social structure and functioning of the fishermen community in Tamilnadu.

Though the movie handles such heavy issues not for an instance that it become preachy and pontifical. The entertainment quotient of the movie is still high even without a forced in comedy track or an item number or action sequences. One is glued to the screen without any moment of dullness or boredom.

Dialogues which are razor sharp and insightful elevate the movie to another level. They are simple and colloquial yet  perceptive, intelligent and enlightening. The dialogues for Thambi Ramaiah and Padni are humorous and makes the audience laugh out loud albiet with abundant sharp connotations. Jayamohan and Seenu Ramasamy have jointly written the dialogues.

Many movies with very good paper work fail to evoke any response mainly due the inability to translate it on screen with the same amounts of impact. One of the main reason for it is the acting. In "Neerparavai" the acting is brilliant. Vishnu is his career best role thus far had lived the character of Arullapansamy. As an alcohol addict in the first half and a hard working lover boy who against all odds comes up in life by sheer hard work before destiny plays spoilsport, Vishnu comes across as a talented actor from whom we can expect many such memorable roles in the future. Sunaina is just brilliant. Along with Anjali, Sunaina is the most talented actress that Tamil Cinema can fell proud of currently. It is a pity that she has not got her due so far and she must henceforth choose her movies cleverly. Else we would miss a gifted actress.

The support cast is filled by powerful lineup of talented people led by Nanditha Das, Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani, Thambi Ramaiah, Pandi, Vadivukarasi, Azhagamperumal, Anupama Kumar and "Poo" Ram. Saranya as the protagonist's mother makes her role a memorable one once again with her effortless acting. She keeps the audience in good humor throughout. She has become one of the best supporting actresses in the country may be counterpart of Prakash Raj among females. Another person who stays in our mind long after the movie is over is "Poo" Ram. Seenu has touched upon the dynamics of mother-son and father-son relationship very well.

"Para paravenna paravai" (all the three versions), "Mennuku " and "Devan magale" are very good melodious numbers by N.R.Raghunanthan with astounding lyrics by Vairamuthu. However background score could have been better.

Balasubramaniem is the cinematographer. He has captured the various colours and hues of the sea in accordance to the mood of the story which is a novel concept he has employed. Technically the movie is good.

On the whole, "Neerparavai" is one of the best movies this year not only in Tamil but in India as a whole.This year again few National awards are on the cards for this talented team.

Bottomline: Best Tamil movie of the year

4/5

Ammavin kaipesi

My review: Ammavin Kaipesi

Written, shot and directed by Thankar Bachan, "Ammavin Kaipesi" is the least interesting and most amateurish of his movies. For a person who gave some very good earthy movies like "Azhagi", "Thendral", "Solla Marandha Kadhai", "Pallikoodam" and "Onbathu Roobai Notu", "Ammavin Kaipesi" is a shocker.

Neither the story is interesting nor the making makes it passable. In fact the making makes the pedestrian story line unbearable. The direction and the style of film making is outdated and stoops down to ridiculously low level. Wonder what has happened to once promising creator.

Except for the two female leads, Iniya and Meenal, all others in the cast are poor. Shanthanu tries a lot but in vain. Thankar Bachan is very artificial while Revathi who plays the central character of the protagonist's mother is  overtly dramatic. All others in the cast are miscast.

"Enna senji pora" is a good melody number from the debutant music director, Rohit Kulkarni. His background score is prosaic.

Thankar Bachan, the cinematographer too has not done up to his mark.

Thankar Bachan has always tried his level best to showcase the culture and livelihood of people from unexplored parts of Tamil Nadu in Tamil cinema. In this movie the landscapes, people, culture and customs of people of Salem-Dharmapuri- Krishnagiri area is dealt by him. If only the story was a bit interesting and the making more prudent, "Ammavin Kaipsei" would have passed muster.

On the whole, "Ammavin Kaipesi" is torturous two and half hours.

Bottomline : Out of order.

1.5/5