O KADHAL KANMANI

O Kadhal Kanmani #OKKanmani – A Maniratnam Film..Naah.. This movie is Digitally made.. So it is A Maniratnam Movie…

Simple story/Simple Characters – Reflecting Today’s generation with both Simple and Complex emotions..Told very beautifully with very few characters in Lead..

The lead actors (Adhi – Dulquer / Tara – Nithya) are so very charming.. They have carried the movie effortlessly till the end..  Prakash Raj and Leela Samson play an “Amour” like couple.. Their relationship is etched so beautifully.
No flashbacks.. No complexities.. No Stunts..  Yet so very entertaining!!

Visually unhindered and creates a perfect feel. It is so very real.. Thanks to the Master of Visuals!!
The production design adds so much value to each frame convincingly..

The movie is so crisp unlike any Maniratnam film. Thanks to Sreekar and Mani!! People don’t have patience to sit even for 150 minutes unless it is really needed and worth it..

Special mention to the game animation.. Too good 👍👍👍

I wasn’t actually sure how it is going to be when Maniratnam told that they have created an OST.. It’s Truly and Beautifully an “Yes”.. It is an OST.. Lot of songs.. But no hardstops!! It gels with the film.. Especially Theera Ula!!

Finally the Master – The writing is simple, straightforward and so beautiful..
Found Sujatha’s screenplay(Referring his book – Thiraikathai Ezhthuvathu Eppidi) pattern throughout.. “Introduce all characters in first 10 min.. Establishing the story and premise in next half an hr. Create a problem for the protagonists.. Solve it in due course..” Each characters find their place and destiny in the story over due course of time very convincingly.. Definitely trendsetting movie again!! Thanks again for having me smile all through the movie.. Truly Joyful!!

#AngelmanSyndrome #Joyful #Maniratnam #ARR #PCSreeram

Oath of Vayuputras – Shiva Trilogy

Not a riveting end to the Trilogy. Not bad either.

The book drags a lot, especially the war portions. The author takes his own time to explain philosophical and war aspects in the story. It was so boring and I was so impatient to know the ending that I had just flip couple of pages here and there just like that.

The best part of the book is that, Amish tried to give scientific explanations to all mythological beliefs. The love between Shiva and Sati, Sati’s braveness, Parvateshwar’s decision in protecting his Homeland were all portrayed really good.

I felt Shiva’s character could have been morally sensible towards the end. It would have been more relevant today. May be Amish wanted to have the essence of angry Shiva as in our mythology.

The closing pages had clever hints of his next book.

If at all the book was 100 pages shorter, it would have been a roller coaster ride.

Vishwaroopam Review

After much delay and watching the movie twice – here goes my review on Vishwaroopam.

First on its genre – You can broadly categorize it as “Spy Thriller”. Not the usual one which we get to see in Hollywood or Bollywood. This is a bit more intelligent and humane. This goes much deeper in terms of analysis and detailing. And the way the narration happens is brilliant. It is Non Linear and it travels seamlessly between times.

 

Kamal Haasan as an actor is at his best in first 30 minutes. You couldn’t think of an actor other than Kamal Haasan, who could perform so graciously as a Kathak Dancer. I could even bet with those who challenge me. And this character finds its end with an extraordinary scene which I would easily term it as the Best Mass Scene Ever in Indian Cinema.

Rahul Bose is brilliant as Omar. A man who never thinks what he does is wrong. A pure dark character.

Pooja Kumar as Nirupama has done her part so well. It is from her point of view the story opens up.

All other characters in the movie had performed really good. Some had meaty roles. Some didn’t have much in this part like Andrea and Shekar Kapoor.

 

Technically the movie is very strong.

Sanu Varghese has done brilliant cinematography. It gives an international color to the movie. The Time Slice technology has been handled very well.

The production design by Boontawee ‘Tor’ Taweepasas and Art Direction by Ilayaraja brings you Chennai Made Afghanistan. So very realistic.

Songs by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The Kathak number is a killer. The way it was shot is also different from usual song numbers. Other songs are used in background. Some didn’t suit the scene. Some did. BGM is by Indrajit – Brilliant stuff.

 

Kamal Haasan as a writer amazes every time. The research he has put into this subject is tremendous. Be it Mughal Knife, Geiger Counter, Faraday Shield and Rituals of people who fight in the name of God – Intelligent. You can also find an Undercurrent humor in many scenes – Trademark Kamal Haasan. Also I don’t think any director/actor would have guts to end a movie like this – Sheer Planning. It was simple, intelligent and paving way to the second part. It also gives you a sneak peek into the second part.

 

On the downside – I felt the first afghan portion was pretty long. It could have been shorter with some scenes trimmed.

 

Of course there are a few unanswered questions. But with the pattern in which the screenplay is written, am sure that it is going to be explained in second part.

Eagerly waiting for the second part.

 

Rating:- 4/5 (Must Watch)

Django Unchained– Movie Review

One of the best action movies I have seen in Western Genre..

Instead of remaking the old Django, Quentin Tarantino has created an extraordinary screenplay over a simple story which makes it so heroic.

The major show stealers are Christopher Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx.. All three had excellent characters. Samuel L Jackson has an interesting role too.. And we also have a short and sweet cameo of the first Django – Franco Nero.

Technically the movie is very well shot. It is very stylish yet raw.
Tarantino has never taken the traditional path.. Everything in his movie is over dramatized be it the blood, bullet, dialogues.. which surprisingly works so well in his movie..

As usual this movie also has one unnecessary scene where people keep on discussing about wearing the bag mask for nearly 5 minutes.. Tarantino style.. This is the most hilarious scene in movie.

There are some disappointments too.. When hero shoots the bullet kills and guy and the guy behind him too.. The same doesn’t happen when the baddies shoot. Movie seems to over worship the hero at times..

With excellent performances, hardcore action and super dialogues people will definitely love this movie.. Thorough entertainment..

 

Rating:- 4/5

Indian Rupee–Malayalam Movie Review

A well written movie with some extraordinary acting by Thilakan, Prithviraj and Jagathy Sreekumar..

Thilakan – Aah!! What an actor.. Wonderfully etched character.. 
And Prithviraj – An actor who can emote so well. Why does ever he want to play some dirty roles in Hindi when there is lot to do in his own language??
Wake up Prithvi. No more Dreamum–Wakeupum. Plsss..
Haven’t seen much of Jagathy Sreekumar earlier.. But he has done extremely well in this movie.. 
Revathy too played a sweet cameo in this movie.. Happy to see her on screen after a long time..

Songs didn’t play a big role in the movie.. But BG score did.. An apt score which suited the movie..

The camera work was very clean and It didn’t disturb the audience in any way with unnecessary angles and cut shots.. 

All this worked because of just one thing.. The writing was so clean and had all real emotions.. Ranjith had No confusions on what has to be told.. Very clear and simple way of Story telling.. 

Few things I didn’t like about the movie is that the length of the movie is big and lacked a hard hitting end..

Apart from that, This movie actually educated me on real happenings of Real Estate Dealings and on the mentality of youths in making some quick and big money..

On the whole – This movie is a worthy watch..

Rating:- 3.75/5

PS – Should learn Malayalam first to watch films like this earlier.. 🙂

Salt N’ Pepper–Malayalam Movie Review

Quite a matured romantic comedy.. Sort of Jack Nicholson’s "As Good As It Gets".. The movies are no-where similar except for the content handled..

Lal and Swetha are show stealers.. They acted so well in the lead roles..

There are scenes which are draggy.. But there are also scenes which you wouldn’t want to end.. Like the cake making scene.. Felt really bad that i couldn’t cook after watching this scene..:P:P
I liked the few Historic connections(Ibn Battuta/Joan’s Rainbow cake) cited here and there in the movie..

The Music was Quite Average.. The Cinematography was good..

I liked the way few characters were handled.. It didn’t have any importance or need at all.. But still they were present.. You would expect a follow up from those characters, but the director made a good decision in not bringing the characters in again..It didn’t spoil the flow of the story..

Overall it is a worthy film to watch..

Heard this is being remade by Prakash raj in Tamil.. Good choice for a remake…But I don’t like to see Prakash raj in Lal’s character.. May be someone else..

Rating:- 3.25/5

Neethaane En Ponvasantham–Music Review

1. Saayndhu Saayndhu (YuvanShankar Raja, Ramya NSK)

Lovely tune, Fantastic Lyrics, Mind-blowing Interludes, Extraordinary use of Guitar and Wonderful Singing – What else does it need to make it a great song? This songs breezes through your lighter vein. The Prelude and Interludes are true examples of how a guitar and violin should be used.. The last bit in the First Interlude just brings you Goosebumps..  This song is A Real Sedative!! It just Melts you down!!

Rating:- 5/5

 

2. Kaatrai Konjam (Karthik)

Typical Raaja Genre – The Reverse Bowing which Raaja had done it in the end of Pallavi is just brilliant. The Prelude and the Interludes just sets the mood right.. The Humming in the First Interlude and the violin version of the same is fabulous. Karthik has sung effortlessly with a wonderful backing of Clarinet(Or Saxophone?) which even makes this a duet between Karthik and Clarinet!! Lyrics by Naa. Muthukumar is simple and too poetic. “Ennai ingu Meetkathaan Unnai thedi Vanthene!! Meetathodu Meendum Naan Unnil Tholaiguren!!; Same applies to the song!!

Rating:- 4.5/5

 

3. Mudhal Murai (Sunidhi Chauhan)

This just Flows Hard into your darker veins.. Be it orchestration or singing.. Both are just terrific.. Sunidhi Chauhan just gets everything right. Be it the words, accent, pronunciation – Everything. She just hits the note right. The Violin Interludes are really haunting. Again – Lyrics are too good. Veyila, Mazhaiya, Valiya, Sugama?? Neethane En Ponvasantham!!

Rating:- 5/5

 

4. Vaanam Mella (Ilaiyaraaja, Bela Shende)

Pure Raaja.. A Cute Breezy Rich Romantic melody. Whatever be the reason – we all are addicted to this Man’s voice. The way he sings the Charanam – “Kaadhalaana Ullam Rendu Uyirile Inaiyum Tharunam Tharunam” – That’s when you think Music is God. Bela Shende backs him strongly in this duet. The Orchestration just melts you and takes you to a different world!! The Prelude has some Oboe’ish wind instrument(Doesn’t sound like Flute) followed by Violins in the interludes..

Rating:- 4.5/5

 

5. Pudikale Maamu (Suraj Jagan, Karthik)

What a Scintillating Start!! A Perfect Soft Rock!! Suraj Jagan doesn’t need an intro for Rock genre.. He has just sung with ultimate enjoyment.. A Real Rocker!! The interlude has an awesome foot tapping Guitar Piece.. Where was this Raaja?? Woooooow!! The choice of words in lyrics like Bucket, Ticket, Wicket is too good.. But somewhere halfway through the song – It shifts to folk abruptly for no reason. The tune is just ordinary in the folk part.

Rating:- 3.5/5

 

6. Yennodu Vaa Vaa (Karthik)

Damn Sure Chartbuster!! Karthik sings it beautifully. The expressions he gives all through the song is what that makes it stand out.. Awesome lyrics by Naa. Muthukumar.. The tune is a more of a melody with a little groove and funk!! The Charanams are beautifully composed.

Rating:- 5/5

 

7. Pengal Yendral (YuvanShankar Raja)

A Perfect Heavy Metal Genre Start – This is something which you don’t expect from Raaja!! He is just Breaking Boundaries.. He also mixes his usual melody in the Charanams. Yuvan’s Voice just suits the song.. And that too when he sings those lines “Enna Solli Enna Penne – Nenjam Oru kaathadi” as if he is made for it !! But somewhere down the song – You feel that there could have been a better singer.

Rating:- 3.5/5

 

8. Sattru Munbu (Ramya NSK)

A Female Pathos on a Darker Vein – Beautifully Rendered by Ramya with a strong backing of Chorus towards the end.. Seducing tune from Raaja.. The Orchestration is completely dominated by Violins. The Lyrics sets the mood right.

Rating:- 4/5

Overall:-

If you ask me one of the Musically Rich albums in India – I would just say this. Just for its Beauty in Orchestration in Various genres ranging from Rock, Hard metal, Melody and Folk. Gautham Menon has got his life time opportunity!!

 

Rating:- 4.3/5

Maatraan Music Review

1. Rettai Kathirae (Krish, M.K.Balaji, Mili) – So Called “Intro” song for a conjoined twins. We have already had a lot of this kind from Harris. The choice of phrase “Rettai Kathirae” is very good.  Overall – Not so impressive – But still not bad.

2. Naani Koni (Vijay Prakash, Karthik, Shreya Ghoshal, Shekhinah Shawn Jazeel) – A clear carryover from Aadhavan. For a song with 4 Singers, the song should at least engage a little. Sadly it doesn’t happen. My favorite portion of this song is the end of both the Charanam’s – “Classical Touch”.  Wish Harris had retained that classical touch throughout the song.

3. Theeyae Theeyae (Franco, Aalaap Raju, Sathyan, Charulatha Mani, Suchitra) – A Club song with usual Harris Melodic touch. I couldn’t get a better word. Boring!!!

4. Yaaro Yaaro (Karthik, Priya Himesh) – Grow up!! A Typical Harris Sad Melody!! Its time we move on from such songs.. Karthik’s voice is the only relief.

5. Kaal Mulaitha Poove (Javed Ali, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Nincy Vincent) – A Spanish – Latin Mix. Inspired from Rockstar – Hawaa Hawaa?? Quite interesting try from Harris. But the melody portion is usual same old Harris stuff!!

Overall Rating:- 2/5 (Hope the visuals impress the audience. Sadly the album doesn’t do that!!)

Ice Age 4–Continental Drift

Fellas!! Time to become kids.. Manny, Sid and Diego set another adventurous travel in finding back their herd whom they lost during the great drift.. The story dates back to the time when land drifted apart and continents were formed.. Thanks to Scrat who always sets the crux for ICE AGE series. This time it is toooo good.. Don’t miss the First and the Last Scene.. Ice Age followers know what it has.. But this is wonderful.. Better than all other parts.  Story is perfectly packaged within 88 minutes. No Lag in the movie. Dialogues are good.. Top Notch Animation and that too when it comes from some production house apart from Pixar and DreamWorks SKG, it is commendable..  BTW – Animation is by Fox Animation Studios and Blue Sky Studios. The movie also tries to establish some sentiments which doesn’t work well.. But it has loads of fun.. If you want to watch some logical stuff – then this is not a movie for you. Personally I don’t care about logic in animation movies.

Rating:- 3.5/5

A Separation

A Separation by Asghar Farhadi

The movie leafs through many important aspects of life. Responsibility, Love, Sacrifice, Fear and Truth.. The movie has a gripping screenplay with lot of detailing. The lead actors have given their best. Especially the children. This is quite different from the Iranian movies I had seen. It just had a single start point from where the movie starts and spreads itself eventually.  There is hardly any BGM. It just had SFX. Cinematographer has to be given the credit for having the movie so Raw and Real. One important aspect of cinematography is that you should not feel that there is a camera between the story and your eyes. This movie did 100% justice. One thing I did not like about the movie is that it did not have a solid end. The climax decision is given to the audience. Just read that this director(Farhadi) always makes an abrupt ending leaving the decision to the audience.

Rating:- 4.5/5 (Must Watch for Cinema Lovers)