Ghanchakkar

My review: Ghanchakkar

After two critically acclaimed movies "Aamir" and "No one killed Jessica", Rajkumar Gupta's latest release is "Ghanchakkar". Title somehow justifies the movie as a whole. Advertised as dark comedy, movie's best oneliners and moments are all revealed in the trailer itself. Hence if one goes in with the expectation of wanting more of those stuff they are bound to get disappointed. Otherwise it is quite an engaging heist thriller with comical elements sprinkled throughout. 

The amount of tension that it builds in the viewers slowly throughout the narration reaches a nadir towards the climax. But the revelation in the end is all too abrupt and short that one can't help but get out of the theater earning for a better ending. This kinda waters down the overall impact of the movie in the final analysis. Especially bringing in a supposedly menacing character all of a sudden from nowhere and his end brought about by freakish of accidents (kiddish stuff this) are all too imbecile for a movie which was up till then keeping the viewers in leash. 

Performance wise more than the lead pair, it is Rajesh Sharma and Namit Das as Pundit and Idris who steal the show. Spontaneous rendition of such fresh characters with full range of emotions to portray the duo come up trumps. They provide quiet a few laugh-out-loud moments. Emran Hashmi is stoic, having nothing much to express for his character doesn't demand much of emotions to be portrayed. Vidya Balan who's  character was supposedly the main attraction going by the promo and as proclaimed by the makers, ends up disappointing. She looks so conscious about her looks ( or the lack of it), dialogue delivery ( with her annoyingly overdone "OYE") and tries hard to portray herself as crazy and stupid. The spontaneity from her is missing this time.   

Amit Trivedi has given good background score which suits the mood of the movie as does the cinematography of Sethu. Sethu's lighting deserves credit for majority of the story takes place indoors and in the dark. 

Writers Parveez Shaikh and Rajkumar Gupta try their best to keep the mood lighter at the same time not allowing the main plot to get diluted in it's seriousness. But in their quest to have a simple ending, their idea of  a double bluff to fool the audience who by this time must have gone overboard in their guessing game, the climax some how kills the entire mood.  

On the whole, "Ganchakkar" is a definite one time watch just missing the mark to wow the viewers in its quest for over-smartness. 

Bottomline: Less crazy than expected. 

3/5 

Balupu

My review: Balupu

One thing has always intrigued movie lovers of the south. Telugu film industry is by far the richest industry down south, technically far superior and has the widest release among all the south Indian language movies. Yet sadly content wise they still languish at the bottom harping onto the same mass masala template from the 80's and 90's. Nothing seem to change over the years except the actors, actresses and the technicians.

Tamil film industry has always been known to have equal footing in both commercial mass masala as well as classy story oriented movies. In the past few years after repeated failure of mindless commercial movies, even those staring the A-list actors , it is going through a heartening phase of content getting more importance than anything else. Malayalam movies have always been meaningful and had content. Especially over the last couple of years there is a sea change in the manner in which script and scriptwriters are given more importance than anything else. These are exciting times there in Malayalam cinema industry. Even Kannada film industry is showing promise in the form new young directors trying out new subjects and themes in spite of the regular flow of remakes.

But the Telugu movies are still following the same age old template of a girl in the distress first scene followed by the Hero introduction who saves the girl from the group of gundas mouthing couple of corny punch lines along the way. Cut to the next scene, heroine introduction in a pub who is as always as dumb as you could get accompanied by a even dumber crony. Cut to the next scene a menacing sickle/pistol wielding Villain and then a loving sentimental father are introduced one by one.

Initial tit for tat game between the hero and heroine ends up invariably in Heroine falling in love albiet one-sided even after getting subjected to loads of insults. Then comes the Interval bang with stuntmen flying all over the place when the real identity of the hero is revealed. After the break comes the flashback where there would be another heroine purely for sentimental purpose who would invariable get killed. She would give a long sermon on why the hero should mend his ways and look out for another girl to marry in the ICU, before breathing her last...! After a fast dance number with heroine brandishing her midriff in flashy costumes  and another couple of high octane over the top action sequences , movie ends with the entire cast flashing their Colgate smile on the screen...!!!

Ridiculous is the word. Whether to blame the laziness of the makers or the inanity of the viewers which is resulting in movie of such banal nature getting released in Telugu Friday after Friday. Read somewhere that Shruthi Hassan has told that she is not getting enough challenging role in Tamil as the reason for not acting that much in Tamil. After acting in such a dumb character one wonders what she meant by "challenging". Is it that silly brandishing of your dancing skills for "jampak japang" at the most ridiculous of situation in the movie. Wonder what was the director thinking when he kept that "jampak japang " scene in the climax when the two gangs shake their hip tit for tat..!! sigh..!!!

Ravi Teja does what he is comfortable with but how long he plans to do the same thing time and again. Shruthi Hassan comes in a pedestrian "telugu glam " heroine role. It is a shocker from her considering her lineage. Anjali in another mundane "heart of gold, homily telugu" heroine role. Prakash Raj, Ashutosh Rana and his gang of Villains roam around the screen with menacing eyes and loads of weapons.  

Thaman continues from where he left in his umpteen Telugu movies. Couple of foot-tapping numbers, couple of melodies strictly adhering to the template.

Jayanan Vincent captures all the masala elements that need to be captured studiously.

On the whole, I don't know how the Telugu audience would take it, but for the rest of us it is pain sitting in the movie theater for two and half hours. May be it is my mistake to venture into the theater showing this movie for they make movie for their audience and hence this not nice on my part to barge into their territory and cry about it.

Bottomline: Ridiculously hackneyed.

1.5/5 

5 Sundarikal

My Review: 5 Sundarikal

"5 Sundarikal" is an anthology film consisting of 5 short stories with the common thread being the focus on a female character in each of these stories. Each of these stories are different in the subject matter, making style, treatment and production. Hence it would be unfair to review and rate the movie as a whole. So I have tried to review the movie by each segment so that it is easier for the reviewer as well as for the readers to decipher about what the movie is all about. 

"Sethulakshmi" : 

This is the first segment and by far the best of all the five ones. Even now when I have a glance at the still below, there is a feeling of unease and churning sensation in the stomach. The innocent smile on the face of Sethulakshmi ( enacted brilliantly by Anika) as the camera zooms on to that smiling face towards the last few shots of this segment would haunt you for long. 

This segment is based on the short story "Photo"by M.Mukundan, script for which is written by Shyam Puskar and Muneer Ali and directed by Shyju Khalid. It focuses on a socially relevant yet hushed up subject in a hard hitting manner. The beauty of this segment is the simplicity in which the makers have gone about things. By far the simplest in making style of all the five segments it ends up being the most memorable of all too. Alby is the cinematographer of this segment and he has captured the innocence of childhood and the malevolence of adulthood in a telling manner. 

The understanding that the writers and director have on the subject matter is evident in many nuances that one can appreciate on screen. The feeling of insecurity in the young mind after such a traumatic experience shown by the few shots of Sethulakhsmi getting up in the middle of the night and trying to lie in between her parents, trying to catch hold of her father's hands when going to her school by cycle, etc. 

Anika has come up with one of the most haunting performance by a child artist in recent times. She is so natural and seamless in her acting that belies her age. Among the dozen of actors that the movie showcases she manages to stay in one's memory long after the movie is over. Guru Somasundaram is also brilliant as the vile photographer, manages to earn the wrath of the viewers instantaneously which shows the caliber of his performance. Chetan the other child artiste has also done his part well.  

On the whole, "Sethulakshmi" would have swept all the short film awards if it was released as an independent short film. 

Bottomline: Respect.

4.5/5 

"Kullante Bharya ": 

Based on the Chinese short story, "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband" by Feng Jicai, "Kullante Bharya" is another telling commentary on the societal bigotry. Scripted by Unni R and directed by Amal Neerad, this segment focuses on how a couple is subjected to pointless gossip and ridicule just because the wife is taller than the husband, through the eyes of the protagonist (Dulquer Salman) who is wheel-chair bound recuperating from an orthopedic surgery. 

How society is unabashedly hypocritical and sanctimonious is beautifully conveyed through the motley group of people who inhabitate the residential colony. How they are judgmental and Pharisaical by jumping to conclusions and ostracize the couple as soon as they get the opportunity to do so reveal a thing or two about society that we live in and makes one introspect.   

Reenu Matthew and Jinu Ben again haunt the viewers with their heart-rending smile. The final shot of the segment is yet another haunting piece of work and would move anyone to tears. Dulquer Salman is adequate while everyone in the cast have done their job sincerely. 

Ranadive's camera captures the rainy days of the small colony beautifully. With good background score, "Kullante Bharya" is the second best segment of the anthology.

Bottomline: Moving.

4/5

"Gowri" : 

Written by Amal Neerad and Abhilash Kumar, Aashiq Abu's "Gowri" is what one would expect something but end up getting something different and better. What starts of as a cross-sectional glimpse of a couple's life who have got married against their parents' wishes since they belong to different religious affiliation turn interesting half way through when Gowri is left with a treasure hunt by her husband on the day of their marriage anniversary. What happens from then on is a chilling tale of suspense that needs to be seen on screen. 

Kavya Madhavan is good as the wife who is expecting the unexpected. Biju Menon, Tini Tom, Rimi Tomy and Jayasurya leave their mark in the short time they are on screen. What makes this segment special is the musical score which fills up most part of the screen space. Rajeev Ravi, the cinematographer shows his class with the lighting inside the house where Kavya spends her time lonely expecting her husband to turn up. 

Bottomline: Soothing with a jolt in the end.

3.5/5

"Aami": 

Now starts the weaker links of the anthology. Anwar Rashid's "Aami" written by Hashir Muhammad starring Fahad Fazil, Honey Rose and Asmitha Sood is undone by loss of focus. They have tried to pack in so many things in the stipulated time slot as a result of which the story meanders into too many subplots with sum of the parts not adding up in the end. 

Fahad Fazil is once again good in his part. Honey Rose is getting typecast though her work cannot be faulted. Asmitha Sood has nothing much to do, her dubbing artiste has done more work than Asmitha herself. 

   Amal Neerad's cinematography elevates this average segment. What could have been an interesting and simple story between husband and wife with a slight detour in between has got convoluted in the end by some overzealous writing. 

On the whole, "Aami" is a curious case how things could have been better with little bit of discretion on the part of the writer.

Bottomline: Lacking in focus.

2.5/5 

"Esha":

Coming on to the least interesting and most predictable of the five segments "Esha", written by Sidharth Bharathan and directed by Sameer Tahir. Main drawback at the outset is the casting. Isha Sharvani looks totally out of place and lacks nativity. Secondly the story is easily predictable right from the time Esha starts flirting with the thief without raising alarm, giving clues about all the valuable things in the house all along. Hence when the final twist comes about there is no surprise element in it. 

Nivin Pauly looks jaded and disinterested in his part as the thief who gets conned by someone unexpected. Isha as I said earlier looks outlandish and doesn't seem to be knowing even the basics about what acting is all about. A case of very bad casting. 

 Shyju Khalid is the real hero of the movie, who has shot this segment in a suave manner. Though the story takes place mostly with the confines of a bungalow, he has shot it so tastefully that it doesn't get monotonous. 

On the whole, "Esha" is all style and no substance.

Bottomline: Weakest link.

2/5

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

My review: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

At the outset when one watches "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", one can't help but wonder is it made by the same person who also gave us one of the better movies in recent times "Wake up Sid". One wonders what had gone into the promising Ayan Mukherjee's head this time. May be this time around the influence from the  producer side (Karan Johar) must have so overwhelming for him to avoid it from getting into his head which he astutely stayed away from in his debut film. Movie has lots of Karan Joharisque idiosyncrasies which puts off the viewers.

There seems to be an ongoing battle throughout the movie between the casual, naturalistic writing and characterization of Ayan and the cutesy, overtly dramatic, irritating making style of Karan Johar which makes the movie neither here nor there. A well conceived and enacted scene is quickly followed by an artsy-craftsy, pretentious scene, which is want ruins the impact the movie would have created otherwise. Many characters are typical Karan Joharisque. Evelyn Sharma, Kunal Roy Kapur and parts of Kalki's character to name a few, are plain irritating and imbecile characterizations. These type of characters spring now and then and spoil the good work done by Ranbir's, Deepika's and Aditya Roy Kapur's.

Ranbir Kapoor is good, carries on with his good work he has been doing off late. As a carefree Bunny he comes out with various shades in his portrayal with elan. Deepika Padukone in an almost deglamourised role has got good opportunity to perform which she has done with glee. An unidimentional character with some cliches of how medicos are portrayed on screen, she has left nothing to blame as far her performance is concerned. Aditya Roy Kapur once again shows what a talent he is. He is brilliant as Avi while Kalki is getting a bit typecast in the last few movies of her's. Less said about the rest of the cast the better.

Movie's music is already a huge hit among the youth and it is the main reason why the movie has got a grand opening and is able to sustain the same. Yet another hit album from Pritam with "Badtameez Dil " rocking the dance floor. He scores in other melodious numbers too. 

V.Manikandan is the cinematographer who's hard work is evident on screen. Excellent picturization of the Himalayan snow clad mountains and the royal beauty of Udaipur.

When one comes out of the theater there is a feeling of something missing especially when one ventured into the theater with "Wake up Sid " in the back of the mind. Considering the talent that Ayan revealed to the world with his debut, his second coming is way short of what was expected of him.

On the whole, "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" is a futile union of sagaciously thinking young director and still juvenile in mind middle-aged producer.

Bottomline: For the juvenile minds. 

2.5/5  

Shortcut Romeo

My review: Shortcut Romeo

 Susi Ganeshan makes his Bollywood debut with "Shortcut Romeo " starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta, which is a remake of his only hit in Tamil "Thiruttu Payale". Story which was told in a powerful manner in Tamil looses steam in Hindi due to poor casting, lackluster direction and wobbly screenplay. As a result movie fails to engage the viewers and create the same kind of impact the original created.

Story is how parents inadvertently corrupt the young one's mind and its repercussions in the future. Though a novel theme, director has hotchpotched his way to boring the viewers with never ending drama of infidelity, blackmail, deceit, and murder. To make the matter worse movie boasts of some of the most terrible actors in Bollywood with Ameesha leading the way. 

In a role in which Malavika did her best in Tamil, Ameesha sleep walks her way to irritation. Wonder what she has learnt after spending all these years in acting business. She looks lost in most parts with inane expressions (or the lack of it) at some of poignant parts of the tale annoying the viewers. Puja Gupta is marginally better though she has a long road ahead as far as acting is concerned. One excuse could be she doesn't have much of a role to play this time. Neil Nitin is earnest and tries his level best to mask the inadequacies of his co-stars but to no avail. Rest of cast are amateurish in their acting skills bringing down the movie to b-grade level.  

Himesh Reshammiya's music is patchy with couple of songs hum-worthy. Technically movie is tacky with at many points the cinematography looking pedestrian. Shabbily made CG shots further bringing down the quality of the movie. Surprising to note that such a talented person like N.K.Ekambaram is the cinematographer of this movie.

On the whole, "Shortcut Romeo" proves once again that there is no shortcut to success which the director Susi Ganshan seemed to have failed to realize himself.

Bottomline: A tacky b-grader. 

1.5/5

Raanjhanaa

My review: Raanjhanaa

Dhanush makes his Bollywood debut with "Raanjhanaa" and carries the movie on his shoulder with confidence of a veteran. The three Tamil connection of the movie Dhanush, A.R.Rahman and Natraj Subramanyam, the cinematographer redeem the movie to a watchable extent despite a patchy screenplay that meanders into dreary territory in the second half. Himanshu Sharma has written the story and screenplay and Aanand L Rai is the director. 

Story once again deal with the oft repeated theme of a low-class, uncouth, lowly educated, small town youth chasing and falling in love with an upper-middle class, highly educated and urbane girl. Though the girl reciprocates during her teen years, once she gets to see the real world, educated and matured she becomes realistic and falls for the right guy in keeping with her intellect and personality. But the protagonist who still harbours interest in his mind tries to break her engagement in the melee of which girl's boyfriend dies and all hell breaks loose between the couple. As it is cinema the boy is portrayed as one with heart of gold trying to redeem himself in the eyes of the girl who by this time has gone beyond exoneration until she gets her chance to get  back at him. 

When you see it in an objective manner what the heroine Zoya does is what any sane person would do in real life situation and there is absolutely nothing wrong in it. It is only the foolishness of the hero who still thinks that the love (or at the most crush or infatuation) that blossomed when the heroine was 14 would remain when she comes back at 22. And further more trying to get her back even after knowing she has found her match is imprudent. The bigoted writer makes this silly lover boy the embodiment of selflessness while tries to vilify the practical and wiser heroine as a villain.

In the eyes of the writer the hero is still a hero however bad he treats the girl who is head over heals in love with him and does whatever he asks her to do (even going to the extent of trading her own chastity to try stop heroine's marriage at the behest of the hero). As a male he can ignore a girl of his own background (who's love is more selfless and ingenious than his love for the heroine) and fall for a girl from a better background, better educated and sophisticated, but if the same thing when a girl does it is wrong and she ought not to do so in the eyes of the writer of the movie. How bigoted is the thinking. No wonder the incidence of acid attacks and murders of the girls who refuse to reciprocate the love is on the raise when movies like these actually inculcate such a line of thinking into the young minds.  

Thus story wise movie falls well below par with unnecessary detour into student politics in the second half increasing the irritation quotient further more. Pace of the movie is maintained throughout with good dose of humour sprinkled throughout.    

Despite all the negatives with the story and subject matter what makes it watchable is Dhanush and his superlative acting. He gets into the skin of the character with ease and has delivered a memorable performance. His dialogue delivery is surprisingly good. (To the makers of "Chennai Express", this is how Tamilians speak Hindi when they learn it, not the gibberish you people try to showcase in your movie). 

Sonam Kapoor is a spontaneous actress and she once again proves her talent in a very casual portrayal of Zoya. Inspite of the  inherently biased nature of her characterization she has managed to pull it off in a dignified manner. Abhay Deol is delightful in a powerful cameo. Swara Bhaskar steals the show whenever she is onscreen which is not a simple thing considering most of her screen space is shared with Dhanush, who himself is a powerful actor.

A.R.Rahman's songs are another reason why one can watch the movie. Background score is very good (more than what the movie deserves) while most of the songs are used to take the story forward.

Natraj Subramanyam and  Vishal Sinha have shared the burden of cinematography of the movie. They have done fabulous job. Movie can be highly rated as per as the technical side is concerned.

On the whole, "Raanjhanaa" is a sinking ship due a shoddy captain rescued by the performance of Dhanush and music of A.R.Rahman. 

Bottomline: Misogynistic love story. 

2.5/5 

ABCD : American-Born Confused Desi

My review: ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi

"ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi", the title says it all. Yup, Martin Prakkat's Dulquer Salaam's movie is a slice of life of two such ABCDs who get their lives stuck in Kochi and it explores how they get out of the quagmire. Written by Sooraj-Neeraj, Martin Prakkat and Naveen Bhaskar, movie is directed in a breezy manner by Martin Prakkat.

Though the movie starts of in a predictable mould similar to many movies of similar themes, there is shift in the course halfway through after which it remains mostly unpredictable and naturalistic till the end. There is no fairy-tale or heroic ending that involve change in the characteristics or personalities of the protagonists all of a sudden following a heart-rending incident or a moralistic sermon by heroine which is what we see in movies of this nature. The writers have ensured that the movie ends in as much realistic manner as possible with the protagonists carrying on with their lives. And it is this honesty with which the makers have gone about things that makes this movie noteworthy.

Dalquer Salman and his cousin Jacob Gregory fritter away their time in chasing girls or engaging in gang fights. Concerned by this behaviour of their's Dalquer's father packs them off to Kochi and get them enrolled in a college there, leaving them to plan and manage their stay with meager amour he sends them every month. How they face the situation, how the city, media, and localites react to it and what changes they bring in others and in themselves through this experience forms the main subject matter of this flick.  

Movie moves at a leisurely pace which is in itself becomes a positive for the movie because one begins to travel along with the protagonist, starts empathizing with them and at times feel for their predicament. Though movie touches a lot of serious issues like selfishness of politics, senseless media frenzy, brain drain, insensitivities of the ruling class for the lives the downtrodden, egotistic attitude of youth of today, etc, they have been touched upon in a light-hearted manner.    

Dalquer Salmaan is once again cool and savvy as a NRI who finds it difficult to adjust to the new environment, country, culture and people. He is so good in these type of roles that he can enact these kind of  roles even in his sleep. But risk of him getting typecast is evident as this role has lots in common with what he did in "Ustad Hotel". Jacob Gregory is brilliant as Korah, Dulquer's cousin. His body language, dialogue delivery and his demeanor are all apt for the role he plays. Whenever he appears on screen it is a laugh riot. Aparna Gopinath seems to have loads of talent. She is so confident as the idealistic Madhumitha that it is hard to believe that it is her debut.

Movie is shot excellently by Jomon T.John. Both New York and Kochi is presented with such flamboyance and flair with riot of colours, concrete structures and nature's bounty. His lighting especially in the house in which the protagonist's stay in Kochi is superb. Technically movie is top-class. Slowly Malayalam cinema is also catching with other big film industries of the country in the technical aspects too.

Gopi Sunder's background score is trendy and groovy. "Johnny mone Johnny " is a foot-tapping number rendered by Dulquer while the remixed version of the "Nayapaisayille" is apt to the situation in which it appears.

On the whole, "ABCD" is a fun-filled jolly ride where you enjoy, empathize, cheer, cry, discover a thing or two about oneself along with the two confused American-born protagonists.

Bottomline: Genuine...!

3.5/5   

Thillu Mullu

My review: Thillu Mullu

Spontaneity, timing and crispness of the script is what mandatory for any comedy to click with the audience. K.Balachander's "Thillu Mullu" which was a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's "Gol Maal" had all these and wowed the audience back then and every time it is telecast on television. Sadly this Badri directed remake "Thillu Mullu 2" lacks all these ends up being a pale shadow of the original. It is one of those comedies where the makers try all their might in making the audience laugh stopping short of literally tickling them.

Except for few moments here and there, (especially the brief but brilliant cameo of Shanthanam) movie lacks the punch that is needed for a movie like this. Screenplay is very loose bordering on amateurish with lots of continuity gaps which makes it a tiring watch. Shiva tries his best to lift the tempo with his own indomitable style of dialogue delivery but how long he alone can bear the weight of overall mediocrity.

Shiva is in his usual self, mouthing dialogues with effortless ease. Now famous dialogue delivery of his mouthing even the most ludicrous of lines with poker faced seriousness is a treat to watch. But how long he plans to get away with the same style is a point to ponder. Isha Talwar's looks lack nativity but her lip-sync in delivering Tamil dialogues is surprisingly spot on most of the times. One has to appreciate for the effort she has put in for the same. Prakash Raj is like a fish out of water, clearly looking uncomfortable in the role made immortal by "Thengai" Sreenivasan. Sad such a talented actor is not getting enough challenging roles to perform these days.

Soori fails to create any impact this time in a role that is confusing. Newcomer Monisha as Shiva's sister is both good looking and  acted her part well. Kovai Sarala hams as usual. It is in those scenes in which she keeps her mouth shut that  she manages to evoke laughter. Shanthanam's cameo in the end is a delightful surprise.

Remix (wonder whether it can be called a remix for they have used the same tune, almost) of "Thillu Mullu" and "Raagangal pathinaru" are good to hear. Rest of the songs are banal. M.S.Vishwanthan and Yuvan Shankar Raja have composed the music for the movie.

There is nothing to rave about the technical aspects of the movie. Laskhmanan is the cinematographer.

After a promising debut with "Veerapu" ( which incidentally was also a remake), Badri slipped with his second flick "Ainthaam Padai". With "Thillu Mullu 2" he has slipped down further.

On the whole, makers of  "Thillu Mullu 2" try hard to elicit some laughter but fail in that endeavor most of the time. Wonder what made them remake this movie for the original is shown on television every other week. Whether it is paucity of good story writers or plain laziness, this trend of remaking classics is fast proving to be a disservice done by the current crop of filmmakers to the past legends and their creations.

Bottomline: For few laughs here and there.

2/5

Man of Steel

My review: Man of Steel

One should be clear before entering the theater that not all superhero movies will be "perfect" to the extent of the Batman series or all movies that bear the name of Christopher Nolon would be a "Dark Knight" or a "Inception". If one makes this clear then there would be very little scope to complain after watching "Man of Steel", directed by Zack Snyder, Produced by Nolon, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder.

A revamp of the Superman movie series, "Man of Steel" is a good take at the origin and the rise of Kal-El/ Clark Kent aka Superman. Screenplay by David S.Goyer focuses mostly on the humane aspect of it all for most part which makes the movie tick with the audience. Even though the Kryptonian world and its landscape is an embossment of imagination the writing which focuses more on their emotions and end of life crisis makes the viewer identity with them instantly. Goyer has also subtly incorporated the messages on environmental exploitation and its aftermath intelligently in this part of the story.

Though the story takes its own pace to get going, the initial parts are crucial in making the viewers get involved in the story. Movie keeps the viewers engaged until the the last 20 minutes or so, after which the over-the-top overdone action take its toll on the viewers. They could have toned down the action sequences, especially the final showdown between Kal-El and Zod. This fight goes on and on and on with both of them flying all over the place. But then who would watch a superhero movie without action sequences of such intensity.

Henry Cavill as Kal-El / Superman looks dashing, has a body like a dream and acts more than decently, fits the bill as the Superman made memorable by many in the past like Christopher Reeves and Brandon Ruth. Amy Adams is an eye candy, though not much scope for performing, she does her best in the limited compass that was on offer. Michael Shannon is menacing as General Zod. Other veterans like Russel Crowe, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane make their presence felt bringing into use the wealth of experience they have.

Once again a superhero movie which is not all slam bang action but tries to explore the heart and soul of those involved including the antagonists. Expectation most of the time kills the experience, hence going without expectation one would sure enjoy this "Man of steel".

Bottomline: Man of steel and ...... heart.

3.5/5

Honey Bee

My review: Honey Bee

 Famous writer, director and actor Lal's son Jean Paul Lal is making his debut with "Honey Bee", a breezy buddy comedy. Lal Jr comes across as a talented youngster adept in direction and visualization, but needs to tone up his writing skills with respect to screenplay. He is able to keep the tempo going in the first half with lots of enjoyable moments, dialogues written with gay abandon (though substantial part of it is beeped by the censors ) and the pace is good. But somehow in the second half, screenplay looses its steam, gets a bit boring towards the end with a predictable ending.

Story seems to been inspired from one of the trendsetting movies of the nineties, Fazil's "Aniathipravu". But the making style is totally stylish, contemporary and uber cool.  What make the heads turn is the boldness in the dialogues and the content. Movie is replete with profanities, toilet jokes, lots and lots of alcohol and drugs. Finally these youngsters seem to have shed all the inhibitions and trying to venture into these less explored territories and conceiving unconventional characters.

Movie's strength other than its making and dialogues is the cast and their acting. Asif Ali just about manages to comes out unscathed though at certain scenes he seems have lost focus. Bhavana is stylish and has done her part well. It is the trio of Baburaj, Sreenath Bhashi and Balu as the friends of the couple who steal the whole show. Baburaj is once again excellent in his portrayal of Fernando who is the conscience keeper of the group. Sreenath Bhashi is brilliant complimented well by Balu. Lal and his gang of villains also have done a good job.

Movie has excellent music Deepak Dev. Both the songs as well as the background score is good. Movie is technically classy. Shot in Redone camera by Alby, he has used interesting colour tones. Most of the frames are colourful with the director and the cinematographer having chosen lots of bright colours in the background. But on the downside, like in "Neram", here too there are lots of unnecessary slow-mos which ends up irritating more than anything else.

On the whole, "Honey Bee" is a one time watch. If only Lal Jr concentrated on his screenplay bit more, especially in the second half the result would have been even more better.

Bottomline: Finally out of the closet.

3/5

Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

My review: Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

After his sabbatical from direction Sunder.C's comeback movie "Kalakalappu" turned out to be a surprise hit last year which led to slew of comedy movies in Tamil. Sunder.C this time comes out with an urbane romantic-comedy with his "Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru" (TVSK) trying to venture out of his comfort zone which is rural based action-comedies. He has done justice to what he intended to do, that is to entertain the audience for two hours and twenty minutes.Shanthanam has a major role in that regard with more than ample support from bevy of comedians.

Like most of his previous movies, storyline is not that novel or complicated. Sunder.C has taken a very simple thread adorning it with string of comical bits and pieces that form a tangible assortment.

 TVSK starts of in an interesting manner but fails to sustain the intensity throughout. Movie's screenplay is a mixed bag with stretches of interesting sequences followed by very ordinary and mundane scenes again followed by another string of interesting scenes. Movie gains steam in the second half and just about manage to sustain it till the end. 

In spite of patchy screenplay, trying hard to impress hero and below par performing heroine, what keeps the movie going is the comedy that will work well with the youngsters.Not only Shanthanam, RJ Balaji keeps the audience in leash with his well timed hilarious one-liners. Delhi Ganesh shows his class in the very brief period he is on screen. Shanthanam is the real hero of the movie with whole movie riding on his shoulders. He manages to keep the audience in splits whenever he is on screen.

Siddarth's portrayal of Kumar is not that convincing. He looks clearly uncomfortable portraying a loser.He tries to be cutesy at many places which irritates more than anything else. It is surprising that Hansika even after having spend enough time in acting profession is yet to get it right when it comes to emoting. She looks evidently uncomfortable in dance sequences too. Ganesh Venkatraman doesn't have much scope to perform and he disappears completely in the second half.

Except "Azhago azhagu" none of the other songs strike a chord. Background score is below par. Sathya is the music director. Gopi Amarnath is the cinematographer who done a decent job in capturing the lifestyle of software professionals.

On the whole, when one comes out of the theater watching TVSK one can't but help the feeling that " ya, I enjoyed the movie but something seem to be missing". What could have been a non-stop entertainer ends up just about managing to entertain the audience.

Bottomline: Sunder.C could have worked a bit more harder. (Sunder.C innum konjam theeya vela seji irukalam)

3/5

The Hangover Part III

My review: The Hangover Part III

Unlike the previous two installments this time there is lesser drugs, lesser madness, lesser profanities, and even lesser female screen space, but the movie is more purposeful, more heartwarming and more fun. The "wolfpack" is back, only this time they get hungover not due to intoxication but due to their earlier escapades with Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong is at his explosive best) that catches up with them three years later. "The Hangover Part III" directed by Todd Philips who has also written it with Craig Mazin is more focused unlike the earlier ones which were mindless comedies. 

Yes there are not that many laugh out loud or ROTFL scenes this time, but the laughter that it evokes is heartfelt. There are numerous genuine heartwarming moments most of which are centered around Alan (Once again a rocking show by Zack Galifianakis). 

As usual movie starts of with Doug being separated from the gang, this time abducted by a group of gangsters who are on a lookout for Leslie. Since only Alan seems to be in regular contact with Leslie exchanging with him gibberish all these years they keep Doug as captive for the rest of the gang to go, catch and exchange Leslie for him. The rest is 100 minutes of non-stop adventure and fun. Except for few minutes of dull moment around one hour mark, major part of the movie is riveting, keeps you glued to the seat. 

As usual Zack is brilliant, Bradley Cooper is dashing though doesn't have much scope to perform. Ed Helms is into his elements few minutes into the movie. But it is Ken Jeong who steals the show as Leslie Chow. 

Movie is shot stylishly by Lawrence Sher with background score of Christophe Beck giving life to the narrative. 

People who are used to "The Hangover" series and expect this one also to be in those lines might get disappointed but for those who seek novelty, "The Hangover Part III" would be a pleasant surprise. 

Bottomline: For purposeful laughter. 

3.5/5 

Kutti Puli

My review: Kutti Puli

Except for the last 2-3 minutes of the movie nothing is new or interesting in this banal affair "Kutti Puli". In these days when even the so-called ruling superstars of  Tamil cinema themselves have realized that larger than life buffoonery would only lead to box-office nadir and trying to mend themselves, comes M.Sasikumar with just one box-office hit as a solo hero to his credit so far with all that has been despised with by the audience in the recent past.

"Kutti Puli" is yet another Madurai based movie extolling the virtue of sickle and blood. M.Sasikumar is yet again the angry young man from Madurai mouthing punch dialogues. Lakshmi Menon is yet again the demure young girl who falls for a stranger after witnessing his over the top heroism. Saranya Ponvannan is yet again the quintessential single mom of Tamil cinema who sacrifices her whole life to look after her son. And it also has loads of sickle wielding ruffians who are all after the Hero's head, YAWN..!

M.Sasikumar is getting typecast in the same kind of roles and it is high time he thought about something different, else he might follow the likes of the "actors" Sunder.C and S.J.Suryah. Lakshmi Menon looks jaded and disinterested. She also need to concentrate on her make-up. Saranya is dependable as ever, though one does feel for this talented actress for she is not given enough challenging roles these days.

Gibran fails to live up to his own standards. Songs are average while most of the background score is filled-up with yesteryear hits of Ilayaraja.

Technically movie is good, Mahesh Muthusamy has done a decent job as the movie's cinematographer.

On the whole, "Kutti Puli" is a yawn inducing lackadaisical fare.

Bottomline: Mundane affair.

2/5

Nagaraja Chozhan MA, MLA

My review: Nagaraja Chozhan MA, MLA

Sequels are always difficult to make on many counts. Most of the time the makers find it impossible to recreate the magic of the first part. Even if they try their level best to do it, viewer’s acceptance is not that encouraging always because of the difficulty in recreating the emotional connectivity one had with the characters of the first part. Especially so if the time gap is too big that the making style, subject matter and the actors themselves are too old for the current generation to identify with.

“Nagaraja Chozhan MA MLA” suffers from all that. Manivannan’s sequel to his famous politically charged runaway hit “Amaithipadai” fails to create any impact this time. Shoddy writing in the screenplay department is to blame along with lackadaisical direction. Only saving grace is the dialogues writ with sarcasm that Manivannan is known for and Sathyaraj’s effortless rendition of the same.

Characters come and go with no purpose what so ever, none of them etched properly. Even Sathyaraj’s characterisation is poor and ill defined as compared to “Amaithipadai”. Characters of Seeman, Raghuvannan and all the female leads are shoddily treated. Manivanna seems to have invested all his energy in carving the characters of Sathyaraj and Manivannan, himself. Even in that the second role that Sathyaraj portrays is half-baked. Any extra could have done that role.

It is one and only Sathyaraj all the way. His flair for sarcasm, impeccable body language and dialogue delivery keeps the movie going. Manivannan looks too tired and sickly. Seeman is wasted. Raghuvannan is a bad actor. Among female leads Varsha is the only one who is adept when it comes to  acting. Komal Sharma overacts and Mrudula is average.

None of the songs are worthy of any mention while the background score is plain routine stuff. James Vasanthan is the composer.

Technically movie is tacky, D.Sankar is the cinematographer.

On the whole, “Nagaraja Chozhan MA MLA” is yet another reason why sequels don’t work more often than not.

Bottomline: One man show.

2/5