MADHURAI SAMBAVAM

My Review: Madhurai Sambavam



“ Madhurai Sambavam “ is one of those movies where we step in with zero expectation but the movie makes us sit back half way through sustaining the interest right until the end credits. Plot is nothing but a cat and mouse game between a “ Madhurai dada ” & a cop on special posting to eradicate all the anti-social elements of the city . Cop here is cute looking but mean encounter specialist, Caroline Thomas.


Unlike our regular movies here none is good or bad, every one has a dark secret to hide & have their own share of justifications for all their grayish activities. Unlike the regular Tamil movies here both the male lead as well as the female lead are equally strong characters & scope to perform equitably.


Eureka , the debutant director has done well in his screenplay , dialogues & direction . The movie moves very predictably until the entry of Anunya after which there are numerous unexpected twists & turns keeping one glued to the seat. All said and done but it is the central theme of the movie which is disturbing one’s mind – that encouraging “ goondaism ” while punishing the sincerity of the cops in their mission . Also there are severe doses of male chauvinism sprinkled throughout the movie. The manner in which a rowdy French-kisses a cop in the middle of the street & a senior cop getting burnt alive in the public while glorifying all those who does these atrocious acts , the director has gone too far . Why this fascination towards rowdism …?!


Among the actors Anunya scores more than anyone else .It is yet another strong character for her which she has done admirably .Though she evokes peels of laughter in her initial scenes when she comes in the cop uniform & mouths punch dialogues against the rogues , she comes to her own after a while . Here is one actress with all the potential to make it big as an “ actor ” rather than just yet another glamour doll.


Harikumar though needs a lot of effort to become a credible actor . I don’t know who advised him to delivery his dialogues the way he does in this movie. It gets under one’s nerve after a while . The manner in which he talks even the most casual of dialogues sounds artificial as if he is delivering a “punch dialogue ” .


Karthika doesn’t have much to do expect for a song sequence & couple of scenes . Radharavi’s is a dignified portrayal .


Tamil cinema has got yet another comedian (what is his name ) in the one who comes as Harikumar’s friend “Mandayan” .He excels in serious sequences too.


Sukumar’s cinematography is patchy & average to say the least while John Peter’s music has nothing to rave about .


On the whole , “Madhurai Sambavam ” is not a bad cinema , it merits at least a watch once.


Bottomline : Watchable.


2.5 / 5 (deserves a "3" but for the wrong theme ..!)

KANTHASAMY

My Review : Kanthasamy





“Kandhasamy ” is not a typical tamil movie . Susi Ganeshan who has been giving us some sensible movies has turned atypical with this movie trying to ape Shankar who himself modeled his style on S.A.Chandrasekar’s “ Naan Sigappu Manithan “ and Kalaigner’s “Parasakthi” .Movie has scenes , dialogues , situations …what not which we have witnessed & battered from the days of “Parasakthi ” to “Shivaji ” . While working over-time on what to ctrl+v & what to ctrl+x , he seem to have got confused a great deal which we come to know from him swapping the “Making of Kandhasamy ” which would have ideally come in the end credits finding place in first half itself. Also his penchant for screen space ala Perarasu continues with this movie too.

Vikram is yet another person who baffles us with his atypicality . Post “Anniyan ” at which point of time he was right at the top behind the “Big Two ” of Tamil cinema , he has done some pathetic script selection & what more he has wasted precious time (very generously at that ) in those banal projects . He keeps plummeting down the rail with each of his movies ever since without any rethinking of his strategy. Sad that all his hard-work & time is getting wasted by such over-indulgent directors.


Shriya is atypical too but in the positive sense of the word . Though she continue with her routine show of skin , she has tried to “Act ” a bit in this movie & unlike heroines of such movies , here she has scope to perform which she has used well. Infact it is she who seems to attract more men to this movie than anyone associated with the movie.


One person on whom one cannot use the word atypical is Kalaipuli S.Thanu who keeps his track record intact with this movie too after that colossal “ HIT ” – “Sakkarakatti”. One wonders from where he garners resources for such big budgeted misadventures one after another –the dialogue “ivan evlo adichalum thangaranya…! ” echoing in my mind.One sincere advise to Thanu sir . Instead of adopting villages if you stop producing movies it would be a great service to mankind in general & movie buffs in particular.


DeviSriprasad’s music doesn’t have any scope for subtlety & re-recording has nothing novel .

One person who comes out with his reputation enhanced is N.Ekambaram , the cinematographer of the movie. He has done some excellent cinematography elevating the movie beyond the written material . If only he used some subtleness in the Mexican scenes as far as the colour scheme is concerned he would have sparred the viewer’s eyes from photo toxic effects of bright yellow.


After seeing this movie one is bound to get angered by the obscene amounts spend for the invitation , audio launch & the movie’s budget overall – in how ever modern , costly tetra pack you sell a gruel , none will bother to even sniff at it if it is stale & unhealthy which is what “Kanthasamy “ is ….

Bottomline: “Kanthasamy “ – Super Zero…..

2/5.

POKKISHAM

My Review: Pokkisham



One has to wait almost 8 months of the year to get to see a Tamil movie which can be proudly proclaimed to have come from Tamil film industry. And “Pokkkisham ” is worth the wait . Cheran , one of the most underrated director of the Tamil Industry has once again vindicated his talent .One wonders when will creator like him get his due when all and sundry makes it big after just a couple of commercial routines. It takes loads of guts on the part of the makers as well to come forward & produce such an experimental movie .

“Pokkisham ” is a special film that anyone with lyrical bent of mind will savor . The writer in Cheran has had a field day & he must have enjoyed himself writing for this movie. Dialouges sparkles while the letters that come interspersed are enjoyable & are of high quality Tamil. It’s been years since one has come across such a beautiful use of Tamil language onscreen.

Cheran , the director has been growing in stature ever since his debut both content wise as well as in the making too & “Pokkisham ” is a natural progression in that evolution. He has come back with a bang after that blip with “Maya Kannadi ” . The way he has scripted such an unusual screenplay & has directed that in such a coherent manner deserves couple of awards or two.

Another department that deserves high accolades includes the Production Design team headed by the Art director Vairabalan. They have recreated Kolkatta , Chennai & Nagore of the 70’s with such precise minute detailing .

Rajesh Yadav has captured the movie which is essentially an emotional reminiscence with élan & gaiety . He has worked meticulously on the 70’s look along with the Production Design team . Like the “Subramanyapuram” team last year they too come out with flying colours in thisn department.

Saravan-Ayyapan’s Editing is trendy but at the same time very relevant to the script.

Sabesh-Murali’s re-recording is excellent as does all the songs of the movie. “Nila ..Nee Vanam ” with beautiful verses from Yugabarathi & rendered mellifluously by Vijay Yesudas & Chinmayi haunts for long while “Anjal Petti ” , “Azhagu Mugam ” & “Mozhi Illamale ” are very good . “Nadira Nadira ” with Bengali folk is foot-tapping.

Coming to the performances Cheran has improved a great deal in acting . The manner in which he is able to portray even minute of expressions (though he overdoes those in couple of instances ) convey the progression.


Padmapriya too has done an excellent job with her natural portrayal . She scores over Cheran in almost all their combination scenes . She has effortlessly performed in each & every scene but the only blemish is her garish make-up in the end with looked very clumsy.

Each every other character stay in our mind for long like Vijayakumar , Ilavarasu , Bengali neighbour girl , that postman in Kolkatta , Nadira’s mother & father , her friend …..so on.

“Pokkisham ” is a must watch movie since movies of such high class & content comes very rarely in Tamil Cinema nowadays. Don’t miss it at any cost .

Bottomline : “Ilakiya vadivil oru eyalbana cinema …..!”

4.5/5

MALAI MALAI

My Review: Malai Malai




A.Venkatesh directed "Malai Malai " starring one of the most talented yet unlucky actor , Arun Vijay , is a decent commercial cocktail with all ingredients of the masala in almost correct proportions . Movie has a decent storyline , competent acting by all concerned , hilarious comedy tract with ample dose of sentiment towards the end . Barring few over the top “hilarious” action sequences (especially hero flying all over , buildings , buses …. While riding a bicycle ) the director has managed to keep the heroism at a reasonable level.

There is nothing new about story which is a clash of wits between a innocent , manly village ruffian and a powerful city dada . The credit must go to the director in presenting such a stale story in an engrossing & entertaining manner .

Arun Vijay may get a long awaiting break with this movie . He has worked hard & it shows on screen . He looks every inch a villager who is not only courageous but also courteous .He looks dashing in song sequences .

Vedhika plays a RJ who falls in love with the hero .Her’s is not a insignificant role that heroines in such masala entertainers usually have .She has scope to perform as well her character too have some degree of importance in the movie.

Prabhu seems to have enjoyed playing his role to the hilt which shows onscreen . He revels in both hilarious as well in sentimental scenes.

Prakash Raj is brilliant as usual though there is nothing novel in his role .

Kasthuri comes back after a long hiatus & the song “Anthiyile vanam ” when she meets Prabhu for the first time is a case of good timing by the director.

Shanthanam , Kanja Karupu , “Lollu Sabha ” Manohar & Aarthi combines to present on the hilarious comedy track in recent times .

Mani Sharma ‘s music is nothing new but couple of melodies which he has reused from his Telugu Albums are good to hear .

A.Venkatesh’s cinematography is adequate .

A.Venkatesh once again proves that he is a competent director when it comes to giving a commercial potboiler . Though one may feel that there is nothing new to watch , this one keeps you interested throughout its length . At the time when the top stars of Tamil Cinema are struggling to give a good commercial cinema to satisfy their fans , this movie comes as surprisingly entertaining .

On the whole , movie is a nice time pass if you don’t mind doses of illogical sequences .

Bottomline : Not Bad.



3/5

SINDHANAI SEI

My Review : Sindhanai Sei



“Sindhanai Sei ” is not a regular Tamil Cinema is evident right from the start of the movie which traces the lives of “the middle benchers” in school .Here every one is grey with their selfish interests overwhelming everything else – love , friendship , trust ….et al. It is refreshing to see a movie devoid of hero & heroine being the epitome of kindness & righteousness & none getting away with their deeds unpaid .

After a long gap we are presented with a movie with a strong script supported by good technicians as well as good actors who make this movie viewing a wholesome experience .Not to forget the Music of the movie which is Superb .

R.Yuvan has written , directed as well as led the acting department with élan . Though it is touted to be inspired from “Jhonny Gaddar ” & some romantic scenes lifted from “My Sassy Girl ” , R.Yuvan has a good visual skills as well as ability to extract emotions from his cast . His dialogues are crisp as well casual . As far as his acting capability goes there is ample scope for improvement and it will be prudent if he reduces his body girth .

Rest of the 4 members who make up the gang have all performed credibly .

Madhu Sharma too has done justice in a different kind of a role that heroines of today rarely get .

Thaman,s songs are superb each of different genre but nonetheless catchy .His re-recording too deserves pat on the back .He elevates the movie with his superb re-recording.

K.Thanikachalam , (Super good films’ company editor) is a revelation in this movie . His cuts are trendy & enhances the technical luster .

Sri Pawan Sankar is yet another talented cinematographer whom we come across in Tamil Cinema. But the manner in which the colour scheme of the movie gets changing almost with every scene may get into the nerve of the viewers after a point of time.

One gets a doubt whether this movie is a bilingual especially with the scenes involving Yuvan & Madhu being shot in Andhra Pradesh , their dialogues seems to be dubbed , the buses & police sporting Andhra number plates & uniforms respectively It is the only glitch in otherwise carefully done movie . Though the songs are superb , they mar the flow of the proceedings which becomes irritating after a point.

On the whole , after a long gap here is movie to savour for those who were longing for a meaningful movie.

Bottomline: Sindhanai ethum seiyamal poi parkalam…..

3.5/5

AINTHAM PADAI

My Review: Aintham Padai.




“Aintham padai ” is one of the better Sunder.C movies in recent times but since the quality of his movies have gone abysmally low since his first two attempts at acting , this one too can’t salvage him at the box-office . Though they have tried to give a family entertainer ,too much of commercialism has left the movie high & dry (This is where a movie like “Mayandi Kudumbathar “ scored ).

Sunder.C is getting irritatingly type cast &it is not that these kind of roles is paying dividends for him at the Box-office . When does he going to realize it is anybody’s guess what with his next two movie have nothing suggestive of it.

Simran has a meaty role to play but as with most of Sunder.c’s movies it is too nothing novel . Devayani’s role is nothing short of paying tribute to bygone era of 80’s . Adithi plays Sunder.c’s lady love who seems think that acting is nothing but stare blankly at the camera & stare more .

Among a horde of actors who from the support cast , Naser’s is a dignified portrayal while Dottana’s is a routine village baddy type. Mukesh’s Malayalam accented tamil is offsetting his portrayal while SampathRaj is sadly type cast yet again .

Vivek’s comedy tickles at some points though he is a long way from his best .

D.Iman’s music has nothing special to talk about while Sankar’s cinematography is routine.

Badri who started his career with promising “Veerapu “ fails to keep up the good work here . The climax of the movie is one of all time comedy in Tamil Cinemas.

Though this movie may have some takers in the rural areas , it will find it difficult to pass a couple of weeks in the urban areas.

Bottomline : Sunder.C , it is Wake-up time .

2/5

MALAYAN

My Review: Malayan



“ Thiruvalarselvan “ Karan’s “ Malayan ” has a solid script , adequate acting & some suspense in the proceedings which keeps the viewers guessing .

M.P.Gopi joins the list of R.V.Udhayakumar & P.Vasu in giving good village based movie with a neat script .

Dhina’s music is nothing special but he too follows the flavour of the season with some native songs like recent hits “Mudhal Mariyadhai ” ,” Chinna Goundar ” …etc.

I.Sridhar’s cinematography is wonderful with some stunning CG work .

Karan is sure to become one of the leading hero in the near future especially in the rural areas among the women in particular .

Shammu is a native face & acts well while Udhayathara fills in the void after Shammu leaves the scene.

Sharathbabu is in form nowadays with varied roles like in “Annamalai “ & here too he has a solid role to do which he does with aplomb.

It is encouraging that these days movies have gone out of the confines of Madras & refreshing to see rural South Tamil Nadu for a change . Let this be a begging for we have a lot many areas there to show on screen .

On the whole , go & watch this well made movie in theatres & not in your VCRs.

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P.S: Don’t get confused by this review which dates back to 28th , July , 1989 .

Coming to the present time , this movie is good but the only thing that works against it’s favour is that it may have got a release some 20 years too late……

2/5