Drishyam

My review: Drishyam

Following his super-hit thriller "Memories" Jeethu Joseph comes with his next movie "Drishyam", Starring Mohanlal and Meena in the lead. Defying genre, movie cuts across family drama and suspense thriller mode. Unlike usual thrillers which follow whodunnit or crime mystery mould, in "Drishyam" Jeethu focuses more on the aftermath of a crime and the psychology of the families involved on the either side. Also the interesting cat and mouse game played out with intelligence flowing on both the sides make it an engrossing watch. 

First half flows like a warm mountain stream effortlessly. Warmth, tenderness, day to day humour and family values gets detailed without much tedium in the first half. Also along the way many trivial details gets sprinkled that helps putting the pieces together in the later half. Hence though the pace is laid back the script keeps you in its leash throughout. By the intermission point the movie gets into a more serious mode with a jolt that happens just before the half way point. 

Second half is a roller-coaster ride that keeps the adrenaline pumping with the twists and turns and the surprises that get revealed all along. The success of the writing is seen the manner in which the viewers' mind get jolted every time police tries to close in on the suspects. Here almost everyone wishes that the suspects somehow manage to escape from the net thrown at them. The strength of the writer in Jeethu Joseph is in the forefront. 

Mohanlal has underplayed but the effect that it has on the viewers in humongous. It is unimaginable anyone else could have made George Kutty so endearing and at the same time getting the viewers root for him so effortlessly in the end. Credit is due to both the writer as well to the actor for making a middle-class rural family man a mass hero without any commercial trappings. Meena brings in all the experience she has garnered all these years to full use. She lives every inch the role of a naive housewife.

 Ansiba Hassan and Esther, who play the kids in the household are fantastic. They have integral parts to play in the narrative. They have enacted their roles with aplomb without losing the childishness that we often see in mainstream cinema. Kalabhavan Shajon is equally good as Sahadevan, a role with grey shades. Asha Sarath and Siddique does their parts admirably. The whole support cast have done their parts to perfection. 

Anil Johnson's background score keep up with the thrills in the second half while leave a pleasant taste in the first part. His score adds strength to the narrative succeeding in keeping the viewers engrossed. Sujith Vaassudev has captured the movie with as much simplicity required to the script as possible. Instead of taking recourse to undue gimmickry in the pursuit of showing all his wares, he has absorbed the mood of the content and captured it accordingly. Movie is technically suited to the narrative.

On the whole, "Drishyam" though released in the fag end of the year would easily be anointed  the best movie of the year by a fair margin. 

Bottomline:A fresh engrossing narrative. 

4/5

Biriyani

My review: Biriyani

"Biriyani", a Venkat Prabhu diet is in reality a Venkat Prabhu Cliche. It follows the same mould of all his previous movies. Not only the making style, picturisation, character graph, story-telling, what ever the story may be, all his movies look and feel the same. Initially it was lapped up for the novelty and freshness of it all, but off-late it is getting redundant and stale. What could have been a neat crisp action-thriller gets spoiled by all the Venkat Prabhu constants and must-haves including his brother, Premji in yet another irritatingly annoying exhibition of his histrionics and his gang of  friends. As a result the main plot gets diluted by poorly timed and placed gags and sequences which are not fun anymore.  

Otherwise "Biriyani" is one of the better movies that has Karthi in it. Though the twist in the end lacks the punch required, movie keeps you hooked to it except for those frequent comical escapades that happen throughout the narration. Karthi looks trim compared to his bloated self in "Azhagu Raja". He is in his home turf in the first half filled with fun and frolic. In the second half  he has lots of scope for action which seems to be his latest fetish. Hanshika is still to get the basics right as far as acting is concerned. She is poor in dancing too which is the only thing heroines these days excel in. 

Premji is irritating and annoying. He and his brother should ponder over why he doesn't get  any offer from movies other than his brother's. It is sad to see Nasser reduced to such buffoonery these days while refreshing to see Ramki after a long break. Mandy Takhar is sensuous and ravishing. Television stars like Uma Riaz, Prem, Badava Gopi, Tarika get noticeable roles. 

Yuvan Shankar Raja has put in his best effort after a a long time, considering it is his 100th movie. Songs are all hummable while his background score is adequate. Sakthi Saravanan's camera work is praise worthy. He along with the VFX department have succeeded in presenting the movie technically rich.

On the whole,this "Biriyani" has nothing much new to offer  just about satiates your appetite.   

Bottmline: A Venkat Prabhu cliche. 

2.5/5    

Ivan Veramathiri

My review: Ivan Veramathiri

After his impressive debut with "Engeyum Eppodhum" M.Saravanan has written and directed "Ivan Veramathiri" starring Vikram Prabhu, Ganesh Venkatraman, Vamsi Krishna and Surabhi. Saravanan who showed lots of promise in his debut seems to have changed track trying out his hand on the mass masala commercial cinema this time. At the same time the sincere filmmaker in him  also seems to be alive as a result in the end the movie has turned out to be a commercial actioner made sincerely keeping in mind the plausibility of the situations and sequences. Ironically the realism that he has tried to infuse into the narrative results in the audience getting taken aback when the movie turns too filmy towards the second half.

As his wont the romantic portions are once again presented with taste and in an interesting manner as in his first movie. The fresh pairing of Vikram Prabhu and Surabhi also further enhancing the effect. They strike a good chemistry in the movie. Also the vigilant portions and the manner in which the sequence of events ensue are told as pragmatically as possible. But it gets irksome when suddenly movie turns filmy with contrived situations. 

Vikram Prabhu seems to have lost some of his acting skills he acquired in "Kumki". At many places he is all at sea. His dancing skills are abysmal. Surabhi is pleasant to look at but she also needs a long way to go as far as acting is concerned. Ganesh overacts while Vamsi Krishna does better. 

In Satya's music "Loveulla" and "Ennai maranthaen" are good songs. His background score is mixed bag. At certain sequences it is very good while at certain others pathetic. Sakthi's cinematography is good. Technically movie is sleek.

On the whole, "Ivan Veramathiri" is an average movie where filmy characters inhabitate realistic world engaging in superhuman encounters told plausibly.

Bottomline:   Not that different.

2.5/5

Endrendum Punnagai

My review: Endrendum Punnagai

With interesting star cast, hummable songs and glossy visuals "Endrendum Punngai" promised a lot before its release. But all these positives gets spoiled by poor screenplay which fails to keep the audience in its leash. Hence due to lethargy of the screenplay where nothing much happens for long stretches it is difficult for anyone to sustain their interest. As a result in the end it becomes an arduous watch. I. Ahmad is the writer-director.

The genrelessness which is the wont of the Indian film industry in general and Tamil film industry in particular has spread its tentacles even into these type of movies which on the face of it appears to be a romantic-comedy. But like the commercial mass masala movies here too the makers get recourse to family sentiment, forced-in comedy, professional rivalry. Hence the romantic-comedy which the makers advertise the movie to be is scarce. 

Movie meanders along with no direction whatsoever in the first half. Scenes go on and on with endless chattery with almost every other scene someone bemoaning about marriage. When the intermission point promises some scope for something that might happen in the form of a story in the second half , it gets more tiring and labouring. When the movie moves into melodrama towards the end, it becomes unbearable. 

Except for the three male leads  rest of the characters are poorly etched out. Even the character of Thrisa, the lead actress is half-backed. Andrea's is purposeless while Nasser is used shoddily. Jiiva who is already on a long lean patch will continue to remain in that after this movie. May be he can put all his faith in his next movie "Yaan" to get him out of this rut he finds himself in. Trisha who has been almost non-existent for a long time gets to perform well in a poorly etched out role. Vinay who's credentials have always been under scrutiny once again fails to grab the eyeballs. Santhanam continues in his downward spiral. Sad to see Andrea restricted to such shoddy roles. 

Harris Jeyaraj has nothing new to offer. All the songs have the deja vu effect. "Kadal Naan" is the best of the album. "Vaan engum nee minna" is a typical Harris number. Madhie's cinematography makes the movie technically grand with glossy and sleek visuals. 

On the whole, "Endrendum Punnagai" fails to bring smiles on the face of the audience. It is a boring fare which needs a lots of patience and time to sit through it. 

Bottomline: Plastic smiles. 

2/5

Venkatadri Express

My review: Venkatadri Express

"Venkatadri Express" is not your routine commercial mass masala movie which get releases every Friday in Telugu. Written and directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, it is a romantic comedy spiced up with a pinch of family sentiment and action on the backdrop of travel from Hyderabad to Tirupathi. Gandhi's script is crystal clear and his narration lucid and engaging. Backed by good performances from the star cast, "Venkatadri Express" is a thoroughly enjoyable humorous ride for the whole family. 

The protagonist is the youngest son a strict retired headmaster who is at the verge of being thrown out of his house if he commits one more mistake. On this background the family leave for Tirupathi for the elder son's marriage. Protagonist somehow misses the train who happen to meet Prarthana (Rakul Preet Singh) who is also on her way to Tirupathi. The events of that night as they travel from Hyderabad to Tirupathi by various means of transport and the people whom they meet during the travel form the gist of this interesting movie that never fails to keep you in it's leash.

Sundeep Kishan is casual in his ways. He is at ease in almost all sequences be it comical, romantic, action or sentimental. Rakul Preet is cute and homely looking at the same time ravishing in the song sequence. Her role is the routine Telugu film heroine who must be bubbly and talkative and at times retarded. The support cast is made of largely lesser known actors who all have done their parts excellently. It is the excellent support cast that elevates the movie to a higher level. All of them have succeeded in evoking laughter at most places. Thagubothu Ramesh and Sapthagiri deserve special mention.

Movie is technically sleek with, Chota K.Naidu wielding the camera. Ramana Gokula's music is passable.

On the whole, "Venkatadri Express" is a fun film, enjoyable neat family entertainer that is pleasantly fresh. 

Bottomline: Delightful ride. 

3.5/5

Thira

My review: Thira

After his immensely successful "Thattathin Marayathu " Vineeth Sreenivasan's next movie "Thira" deals with a topical issue of child trafficking. Scripted by Rakesh Mantodi "Thira" has Shobhana as the protagonist along with Dhyan Sreenivasan. Backed by a strong script, excellent cinematography by Jomon T.John, brilliant background score by Shaan Rahman and power-packed performance from the experienced Shobhana, Vineeth has executed the movie with aplomb keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats for the period of two hours. 

Movie deals with the dirty nexus of child trafficking, their modus operandi and their means of going about things. Though not bereft of cinematic liberties and cliches "Thira" keeps you engaged at the same time not transgressing much from realism too much. Also the movie is multilinguistic with ample dose of Hindi, Tamil and Kannada dialogues which serves to keep up with the realism but might off put many though most these are subtitled. 

The movie moves at a brisk pace. Technically the movie is top-class. Jomon T John's visuals are right up with the best of the best. Shaan Rahman's background score and songs aptly support the narrative. At places they even elevate the impact of certain scenes. 

Shobhana rocks in the role of Dr Rohini Pranab whose quest for truth leads to her engaging herself in yet another rescue mission. With all her experience this role might not have extracted much sweat from her. It is a pleasure to watch her on screen after a while. Even at this age she looks radiant and graceful as ever. Dhyan Sreenivasan just about manages to go about playing his role of a brother in search of his sister who gets kidnapped by the traffickers right under his nose. He however needs to hone up his emotive skills. 

On the whole, "Thira" is a well made taut thriller spiced up by topnotch making.

Bottomline: Engrossing watch. 

3.5/5 

Vidiyum Munn

My review: Vidiyum Munn

"Vidiyum Munn" marks the debut of one of the most promising team of the year in Tamil cinema. Helmed by Balaji K Kumar, who has "written" ?! ( story and screenplay are blatantly ripped off from the British movie "London to Brighton" ) and directed the movie ably supported by Sivakumar Vijayan's top class cinematography and Girish Gopalakrishnan's excellent background score. The young team of technicians are wonderfully supported by the cast led by Pooja and Malavika Manikuttan, supported by talented support cast. 

Balaji K Kumar comes across as one of those movie-makers who rely on their script rather than stars for their movies. His faith in his written material is so astounding that he has made this movie with only Pooja being the known face with other small time actors and largely fresh cast making up the rest. After Mysskin and Sasikumar, both of whom exhibited excellent visual sense in their first movie itself (Chithiram Pesuthadi and Subramanyapuram respectively) Balaji K Kumar comes across as one with good visual sense. Also he seems to have his own style and way of movie making and that he has managed to present the same in his very first movie without any compromise is very difficult to emulate. 

Though the movie is a faithful remake (or will it be right to call plagiarism since I didn't see the producers rightfully to have bought the remake rights ) of "London to Brighton" Balaji K Kumar has adapted well to suit our cultural backdrop, landscapes and milieu. The writing is so powerful that not even at one moment that you feel disengaged. All through the two and half hours one is glued to the seat, fully focused on the screen wondering what would happen next and how would the two female protagonists get away from the mess that they find themselves in. When the climax twist is revealed the relief that everyone in the auditorium feels is palpable. Therein lies the victory of the writer-director.

Sivakumar Vijayan's cinematography is top-notch. Each and every frame is of high standards. Movie has its own tone and treatment. At many instances one mighty even get pleasantly surprised by the quality of the frames. Sivakumar, along with Balaji are the ones for the future and sure would go places. 

Pooja has had a dream comeback after a long gap of almost 4 years ("Naan Kadavul" being the last one). The gamut of emotions that her character goes through which Pooja has successfully internalized and then enacted results in the audience empathize with her character. Malavika Manikuttan is a revelation. The way she has portrayed her character that which is caught in between her innocent childishness and the loss of childish innocence forced by the circumstances she gets into is excellent. Though there is ample scope to overdo the same she has stuck a dream balance. Among the support cast Amarendaran as Singaram is top notch. With his body language, dialogue delivery and unique style, Amarendaran is brilliant.     

Balaji has taken up a sensitive issues of child trafficking, prostitution and  and pedophilia in the most respectable manner possible. Not even a single frame is aversive. Also there is no preaching or taking up sides or painting things or people black and white. By sticking to reality and the natural course of action that actions tends to take and occur, Balaji's "Vidiyum Munn" comes out as a whiff of fresh air. 

On the whole, "Vidiyum Munn" is excellently executed thriller with Balaji K Kumar asserting himself as another promising movie-maker who seems to believe in his script more than the stars. Movie deserves 4/5 but I go with 3.5/5 mainly due the duplication of the content. 

Bottomline: A promising movie from a promising team. 

3.5/5