Vikramadithyan

My review: Vikramadithyan

Lal Jose known for his feel good family entertainers is at it again with his latest release "Vikramadhithyan". Taking up a simple story weaving an interesting screenplay with some twists and turns with lots of emphasis on the human values and feel-goodness is Lal Jose's forte. "Vikramadithyan" is yet another venture in that vein that has a simple story told tastefully in an interesting manner leaving the audience cheerful in the end. He joins hands with Iqbal Kuttipuram after the immensely satisfying "Diamond Necklace". 

It is a potpourri of family sentiment, friendship, romance, bromance, jealousy, coming-of-age, and mass elements mixed delectably with such precision and taste. Hence it is a perfect recipe for a lazy afternoon family get-together. Time and again Jose is proving that simplicity is the most endearing thing not only in life but also in cinema that can evoke awe and interest as well as fascination when presented honestly. There is not even a single scene which one can call as over the top. Subtlety is the movie's USP which transcend every aspect of the making. 

Dulquer Salman is finally out of his comfort zone and plays the role of rustic and errant Adhithya with gay-abandon. It is such a refreshing change to see Dulquer in such a breezy and mass role. He carries the movie in his shoulders and has done it with aplomb. Unni Mukundan as suave yet kindhearted Vikram is also good. Though not fully out of his comfort zone he is getting better. Namitha Pramod is adorable in her role of Deepika Pai who make up the lead trio. Anoop Menon is terrific espousing villainy in the most subtle manner possible. Lena and others in the support cast have also done their parts well. Nivin Pauly enthralls in a terrific cameo towards the end. 

Bijibal's songs and background score are apt for the situation in  which they appear while Jomon T. John's cinematography is brilliant. Movie has a lot of wonderful visuals which are vibrant and rich in color. 

On the whole, "Vikramadithyan" is a simple movie with subtle performances that elevate it to a thoroughly enjoyable sphere for the entire family.  

Bottomline: Hard work pays.  

3.5/5

Sathuranga Vettai

My review: Sathuranga Vettai

"Sathuranga Vettai" written and directed by debutant H.Vinoth with self-proclamation by the makers themselves that it is "an indianized con movie", one wonders whether such a genre existed in the first place. The movie is certainly not a bad film, but neither it is a path-breaking effort as many proclaim it to be. As a director Vinoth is self-assured and has done his part with aplomb. There is hardly any glitch as far as direction is concerned. But as a writer he is both terrific and annoying. 

Screenplay is so good, movie flows lucidly from one episode to another without any undue detours or speed-breakers (except for couple of poorly placed songs). So as a script-writer Vinoth comes out unscathed. Where he falters is as a dialogue writer. He clearly overdoes things. In his over-zealousness he tries to make the actors mouth all that he wants to convey endlessly. which though sugar-coated, gets a bit preachy. Also his over-reliance on dialogue oriented drama rather than to convey part of his story visually gets into one's nerves. It is as if watching a dialogue driven  stage drama of the yore than a feature film. There is unnecessary emphasis on explaining each and every thing to the audience. Also many of his dialogues look artificial, as if a tasteless benign translation of certain English concepts or anecdotes.  

Natraj is good as the antagonist/protagonist which ever way you see it. He has always been easy on the camera be it cinematography or acting. His forte is casual acting and dialogue delivery. He continues in that vein this time too. The support cast made of largely unknown faces have done terrific job. Ishara is pretty okay in a minuscule heroine role.

Sean Rolden's songs are not that endearing to hear but he has done a great job in his background score. It is one of the pillars of strength for the movie. The making is tacky at times, more a function of budget than the talent of the technical team I think, K.G.Venkatesh is the cinematographer.

On the whole, it is a decent attempt attempt by the debutant, his ideals are good but his execution is what which needs more sharpening.  

Bottonline: Chatterbox 

3/5

  

Velaiyilla Pattathari

My review: Velaiyilla Pattathari

Cinematographer Velraj makes his directorial debut with Dhanush's 25th film, "Velaiyilla Pattathari" (VIP). At the outset it looks like an perfect amalgamation of scenes from movies that Dhanush himself has done in the past. And at times one can't but help the feeling that if Selvarghavan made an out and out mass commercial masala movie it will be something close to what VIP is. When there has been dearth of movie of this genre in the recent past, VIP with it's razor sharp screenplay and brilliant portrayal by actors concerned makes up for a pretty decent watch. 

Though the movie follows a predictable path with many beaten to bushes scenarios, there are quiet a few fresh scenes as well especially in the family context and the hero-heroine parts . The casualness and simplicity of the narrative elevates what would have been a pretty mundane tale. Especially the effortlessness with which both  the director and the actor Dhanush have approached the mass masala scenes make it enjoyable instead of one indulging in nitpicking. And that is precisely the reason why one even enjoys the dozen punch dialogues the protagonist mouths (to add, they are not the banal inanities a Perarasu hero mouths but loaded with wit and meaning ). When was the last time when we had  a mass masala movie without a duet or a item song or a separate comedy track with a leading comedian.  

In the short span of 25 films we have seen the numerous varieties that Dhanush can dish out. So what if he gives us a sample of all these in a single movie. VIP has Dhanush having a field day, unrestricted and fully evocative. The apathetic Dhanush one saw in "Nayyandi" seems to have transformed into a bundle of artistic energy for the better.  Amala Paul plays a perfect foil. As always assured of her own abilities, she looks gorgeous this time around. Saranya Ponvannan, in yet another typecast mother role, dishes out nothing novel. Samuthirakani is dignified in his portrayal of Dhanush's father, while Surabhi, Vivek, Amitash provide good support.

Music is already a hit even before the movie has released. But Anirudh is getting predictable be it in his tunes or his background score. But one can't deny the fact the his background score is definitely a value addition for the movie.  

It is a pretty decent debut for Velraj. His dialogues are powerful, witty and thoughtful all the same. His frames as the cinematographer is as good as ever. On the whole, he makes a perfect recipe made up of ingredients from the days immemorial. For the hero-worshiping Tamil cinema audience who have been starving for such an offering since a long time, it is a perfect dish to savor.  

Bottomline: Will surely be one of the VIP films of the year. 

3.5/5

The Fault in Our Stars

My review: The Fault in Our Stars

"The Fault in Our Stars" (TFIOS) is a heart-warming romantic drama that comes with a fresh perspective. Unlike movies that deal with romance between terminally ill patients in a cliched manner, TFIOS is more real and relatable, more subtler and refined. Based on the John Green's 2012 best seller of the same name, movie is directed by Josh Boone with screenplay adapted by  Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort play the titular roles. 

TFIOS is populated with people who are real, who go through real emotions, have real vulnerabilities and draw strength from the graveity of their lives, it's bitterness and disappointments. Hazel Grace is an adorable teenager who yearns for a life that any teenager of her age wants in spite of her debilitating illness. Her aspirations are so real and when she gets one she goes through the ups and downs like everyone without any undue understatements of sympathy in view of her illness. She years for company, tries her hands on silly childish prank when the situation arises, and can get intellectual too. She is such a rounded character that eny teenager can relate to.

 And she doesn't have parents who constantly sympathizing with her or trying to make her live her life. They step back when the situation warrants and leave her live her life the way she wants to. Her mother politely brings to her notice the unaffordability of the family in fulfilling her wish of visiting Amsterdam due to her mounting medical bills, though she herself tries her best to mask her dolefulness. And when the situation arise when the finance part is taken care of she fights her best to make it sure that the trip happens in spite of the reservations that the doctors express. 

 Augustus Waters is not your carefree, devil-may-care teen. Though he is introduced to us as some one who is flashy, carefree and charming, he too has a breaking point and reacts the way he ought to when he gets to know of his relapse. And the most endearing of all the characters, Isaac, who is funny but at the same time evokes your sympathy. The scene when the trio go to bombard Issac's ex-girlfriend's house with eggs is  a riot. And thankfully other than that eulogy scene, there is not much of a melodrama. 

William Dafoe has a terrific cameo as the alcoholic and almost hysterical Peter van Houten. The manner with which he confronts the duo when they come to meet him and ridicule their illness is not sullied down by a justification in the end. He ought to behaved in the manner he did after his personal tragedy but he is never brought to apologize for that behaviour. The end has a poetic tough to it and the eulogy that Gus delivers to Hazel and the messenger is a pleasant surprise. What could have been a tearful ending is beautifully camouflaged into a heart-warming one. 

One the whole, "The Fault in Our Stars" is a movie that is touchy at times, up-lifting at others, but largely soul-stirring. And the makers have been able to elicit all this in such a simple manner is testimony to their brilliance, the quality of the writing and the talent of the actors. 

Bottomline:  a well-rounded romantic drama. 

3.5/5

Ek Villain

My review: Ek Villain

After the last year's surprise blockbuster "Aashiqui 2" Mohit Suri and his team is back with "Ek Villain" which is a romantic thriller. Whether inspired or not, "Ek villain" is eminently watchable. It is actually amusing to see reviewers googling Korean/Iranian/European movies once they suspect a inspiration after a Indian movie release, hurriedly torrent and watch them, before writing a comparative analysis of the two in the name of their review. When such inspiration do occur it is churlish to expect the makers to just reproduce what is there in the original. How can a movie set in say Korea be reproduced as it is in an Indian milieu without any changes to suit the sense and sensibilities of the country. And when one does it the hue and cry from this self-proclaimed saviours of the art is despicable and down right silly. 

I have not watched any Korean masterpiece, but I liked "Ek Villain". Though it has its own share of cliches and contrivances, most part of the movie is a refreshing departure from the movies if this type. When you expect the movie to travel in a particular vein the writers surprises you by the smart variations in the direction the script veers to. Also the understated emotion that is the strength of the movie leaves you touched. Though there were abundant scope for melodrama and one-your-face-emoting, the director and the actors have beautifully exercised restrain. 

In spite of a poorly written cliched role, Shradda Kapoor with her charm and charisma makes Aisha endearing. Even when she mouths ridiculous of lines her sincerity keeps you going. Sidharth Malhotra is good, better than his previous outing, though he has scope for improvement in showing variation in his emotions. Riteish Deshmuskh steals the show with his best role so far in his career. The evilness that he espouses with his eyes in spite of his naive demeanor is spine-chilling. Aamna Sharif as a nagging wife is terrific. 

As with any Mohit Suri's movie, the music is top notch. It is a power-packed album from Ankit Tiwari and Mithoon. 

On the whole, in spite of its imperfections, "Ek Villian" is an engrossing thriller with power-packed performances and exquisite musical score. 

Bottomline: Neat romantic thriller 

3.5/5

Saivam

My review: Saivam

Vijay's "Saivam" is one delightful movie that is refreshingly simple and endearingly thoughtful, all at once. It is a perfect recipe for a family outing on a Sunday afternoon. First things first, Vijay must be appreciated for attempting a movie which breaks away from the traditions of a mainstream Tamil movie. "Saivam" is by no means an offbeat venture, it is hardcore mainstream with protagonist, antagonist, romance, drama and suspense. Only difference is that the protagonist and the antagonist are actually kids and drama and suspense is centered around a missing rooster. 

Though the pace seems constant in each and every Vijay movie be it an action thriller, or a period romance or a dark comedy. But for the first time he has found a script suited to his pace of story telling. "Saivam" is told in a perfect pace and keeps you engrossed to the screen. There is lucidity in the screenplay and each and every character is crafted with precision in taking the story forward or complete. And every character plays their role to perfection except may be the protagonist Tamil, who behaves, talks and acts way more than what is expected of her age. 

Though Sarah Arjun is adorable as Tamil, her over-the-top characterization may be off-putting for some. Maybe Vijay could have made her role more subtler but in his endeavor to make it the proponent of his message he ended up having it in the way it has. Nasser is terrific while the kid who plays Sravan, Ray Paul steals the show. He is rocking in his performance. The largely unknown support cast have done their parts with aplomb. 

G.V.Prakashkumar could have done a better job with his background score without taking recourse into the cliches. "Azhagu" is a mellifluous number amazingly performed. Nirav Shah has once again shown that one need not have a large canvas to show the mastery on screen. Even simple landscapes and ordinary people can be a worthy fodder for some great camera work. 

On the whole, "Saivam" is Vijay's best so far, a well conceived and deftly crafted movie that has simplicity in it's heart and sincerity in it's brain. 

Bottomline: a pleasant lullaby 

3.5/5

Ramanujan

My review: Ramanujan

Ramanujan is a great person, and one must applaud a movie made on him. But why can't the makers pay a fitting tribute to the legend by making a movie that is professional in its approach and making. Gnana Rakasekharan's "Ramanujan" is a biographical film based on the life of prodigiously talented Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Director who has made better biographical movies on poet Bharathiyar and Periyar E.V.Ramasamy falters this time. Main problem with this movie is it's lackadaisical screenplay and at times amateurish direction.  

The script is too shallow that it looks as if the Wikipedia page on the mathematical genius might have been it's source. There is no proper staging of any events or anecdotes on the contrary appear to be a mere statement of them in a theatrical format. For example, instead of by the virtue of proper screenplay, conception and visualization of the misery and struggle Ramanujan had to undergo in his early days of mathematical research, all that we get to see or rather hear is each and every character sympathizing with him and Ramanujan character himself stating the miseries he is undergoing repeatedly. Also instead showcasing the genius that he is through the visual medium, all that we get to see is each and every one staring at his notebooks and claiming what a genius he is. Movie alternates between these two prototype scenes all through the first half. You would get a feel of watching a hurriedly staged college drama by amateurs.  

Second half is all about how he struggled with not being able to get vegetarian food and how he kept on dreaming numbers. The main problem is movie is didactic which leaves it difficult for the viewers to keep oneself engrossed to the screen. After a point it all becomes tiring. Another problem is acting by the lead protagonist who plays the titular character, Abhinay Vaddi. He wears the same expression throughout the movie, and lacks acting repertoire. Thankfully movie has others who are capable actors who try to redeem the movie watching experience a bit. Suhasini is excellent and Bhama is good. The duo keep you awake whenever they are on screen. The background artists are mere set props who just stare at the camera and chuckle now and then for no reason at all, testament to amateurishness of the direction. 

Movie's background score is pedestrian while couple of songs by Ramesh Vinayagam is hummable. Movie is technically tacky, may be the result of budget. One can excuse the technical making part but the scripting, staging and acting must have been on par if the makers' intended for a fitting tribute to the genius. But in the end one can't help but walk out with the thought that the genius deserved better.      

Bottomline: Tacky biography.

2/5

Arima Nambi

My review: Arima Nambi

Anand Shankar makes a promising debut with "Arima Nambi"which he has written and directed, starring improved Vikram Prabhu and impressive Priya Anand. An action thriller, movie defies many don't-do's of Tamil cinema, aimed at the younger generation in mind. It is one of those rare movies in Tamil where the lifestyles, mores and values of the younger generation are portrayed as authentic as possible. Instead of toeing the lines of an average Tamil movie, the young director has attempted to do away with the numerous ritualistic and moralistic underpinnings without which the makers shudder to characterize their lead actors.

A female protagonist who is not averse at boozing or a male protagonist who frequents "desigirls.com" are not your routine leads who are usually epitome of virtues and morals that is a bane of Tamil movies. But here they are presented with their share of greys and vulnerabilities. Not only the lead, almost all characters are etched out with care and purpose, except may be the main antagonist, who is epitome of age old hard core villainy of time immemorial. When have we seen a minor supporting cast (a terrific M.S.Baskar) stealing the thunder from the protagonist and whole theater cheering for him, a tribute to the prodigious writing by Anand.

First half is flawless. One would get a feel of watching a Hollywood action thriller, both content-wise as well as in its making. Movie moves at a breakneck speed and leaves you gasping for breath. The problem is everything is revealed at this point, the movie gets dreary afterwards. The second half is dreary, meanders through its conclusion with the return of the Tamil cinema must-haves, including an item song, melody duet and tit-for-tat cat and mouse game between the protagonist and antagonist, all cliched to the hilt.

Vikram Prabhu has improved a lot since his "Kumki" days, both in terms of confidence, histrionic ability and footwork. Priya Anand is as impressive as ever. JD Chakravarthy tries to infuse life into a cardboard, cliched characterization.

Shivamani makes his debut as a music director. Songs don't muster any interest while he has done a terrific job with his background score, at many instances on par with international standards. R.D.Rajasekhar, the cinematographer has also done stupendous job in presenting the movie with high quality visuals.

On the whole, Anand Sankar makes a good debut with "Arima Nambi", coming across as a filmmaker with lots of promise. With a tremendous first half and an average second half, "Arima Nambi" is a decent watch, must do well with the younger generation of movie goers.

Bottomline: Packs a punch.

3/5