Tumhari Sulu

#TumhariSulu - Pressure doesn’t spare anyone. Girls, Boys, Parents, Rich, Poor...it just comes in different forms and shapes and sizes. What happens when one such “happy-go-lucky” woman is traumatised by the sheer sibling and parental pressure and decides and designs her own life? How judgemental people could get? How haunting the experience would be? How naive some women are? How such women are taught and made to internalise to safe-guard the so-called “Kahaandan’s izzat”?  #VidyaBalan expresses it all as the titular character and lead, Sulu.

And man! Did I say expresses it all? She probably would have been a tough competition for Sridevi had she acted during those times. Next to Saritha, Sridevi kind of pure play performers, Vidya has directly taken the baton from them. Especially the last scene where she has to deliver a monologue with a heart that is bleeding but lips that are smiling. Simply wow! I can’t get out of that scene! Long time since I wept so hard watching a movie 😊

Now in a female lead subject, would any of the Khans agree to do the male partner to the lead? No way! But c’mon!! We need an actor against such a terrific actress. I don’t have to google. I’m kind of sure the male lead is from one of the best drama schools. He is picture perfect. Only at the end when title cards were displayed, I learnt his name. #ManavKaul. Amazing! We need more Manav Kauls.

#NehaDhupia. Yet another “lived-the-role” actress. These people are not noticed much nor kept in mind when they do glam acts. But such a performance will be remembered in history.

Director #SureshTriveni has done a phenomenal job of making the script and the actors do all the talking! Casting is perfect. Sulu’s son, the poet character, the Principal (with a Mumbai Mallu lingo) - each person has performed very well. Hats-off!

Must watch!

Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru

#TheeranAdhigaaramOndru - after a few misfires, #Karthi is in full form in this one. Wish he continues to pick such solid scripts rather than get sold by the brand. #Vinoth, the director, has researched thoroughly on the subject. The film is more educative about our own history. Based on spine-chilling dacoity and ruthless murders, the movie is quite racy and keeps you at the edge of your seat most of the time. 

If some songs and item numbers were cut down, it would have made the movie a notch above other movies. But wait! When a real life story is being told, if not for some masala, doesn’t it look more like a documentary? Or, we as audience do not how to accept and they as directors haven’t mastered the art of real life story telling! May be the truth lies in between. 

#Rakul’s appearance in the initial scenes make us feel good about her. Nice portrayal of a mischievous girl. Again, we just don’t see such ravishing next door beauties. Do we? The chemistry between Karthi and Rakul is good. Very rarely these days have I felt that the chemistry between the hero and heroine is working. Nothing like the yesteryear Kamal-Sridevi. The movie kind of gives away that characters like Rakul come in just to die! Anybody’s guess. Huh!!

Vinoth has done a fantastic job on casting. Bravo!

#Ghibran has done full justice. Superb music. And the background scores are also very good. 

Overall - please watch to know how safe we are today because of some real life heroes!

Om Shanthi Om!

This episode happened about 15 years back. In our constant endeavor to get the “right” stay-at-home domestic help, we finally found this lady called Shanthi. She came with good reference from people known to us for years.

Shanthi looked slim and slender. She had beautiful features and long black hair. The way she knots up her hair and starts her chores was a sight worth watching. She would go about the morning tasks with so much sincerity that all of us at home were very contended. We talked amongst ourselves (with our eyes) at every task of hers, signifying how happy and satisfied we were with her sense of duty.

The first two weeks, we rejoiced. During the third week, my nephew came up to me one morning. He was in all just about 18 years then. He shut the door behind us and started explaining what had happened the previous evening after all of us had retired to bed. He narrated the episode with a lot of horror. He was in the living room   watching some cricket match on TV. It was well past 11 in the night. Shanthi suddenly appeared from her room, walked straight to the main door in the living room which was all latched up. She started knocking the door a couple of times. Then she walked up to the French door leading to the balcony. A few knocks there…By this time, my nephew asked her what was wrong. She looked at him straight in the eye. Her long hair was left open. She stared at him without saying anything. This boy grew nervous. He immediately switched off the TV and ran into his bedroom, locked himself up and came out only in the morning.

I laughed to my heart’s content hearing his narration. Then I comforted him saying that he is paranoid about such behaviors even otherwise and there is nothing to read between lines here. He was not convinced but I chose to ignore this episode.

A week later, my hubby left to another country for work. People at home were my parents-in-law, nephew, niece, my son and Shanthi! One evening, after I got back from work, around 10 PM, we started having our dinner. My in-laws had slept off. Shanthi had arranged the table and had gone off to sleep. The 4 of us at the dinner table, as is the usual practice in our family, were exchanging our day’s stories with each other. In loud decibels, we were chatting and laughing. Suddenly, Shanthi stepped out of her room and stood behind my son. The same way my nephew had described. Straight looking, hair left open and eyes gazing. I immediately ordered my son to get up and move to our side of the table. Shanthi held his chair, kept looking at me intently raising her eyebrows as though questioning me. The children fell quiet. Their heads bent down in fear. I was left alone to handle this psycho woman.

For a moment, I thought to myself, what can happen...worst possibility is that she can hit me. But If I hit her back she is sure to die. That gave me a world of courage. I asked her, “Shanthi, what happened?” in a commanding tone. She looked at me deeply and nodded her head and said, “What? What? (in Tamil, that  is, Ennama, Ennama). She kept saying that. I realized she is trying to scare us. So I immediately left my hair open. I am blessed with thick, long, hair which I put to good use in this instance. I started behaving exactly like Shanthi. So much that she got scared for sure. She got herself in quick composure and kind of pretended shaking herself up. Then she tied her hair up. Wiped her face. I still kept springing on my feet with my hair left loose. She sure thought I have got possessed. She asked me if I wanted water. With some groans, I said yes. She quickly ran to the kitchen and fetched some water for me. After drinking that, I pretended to have calmed down. I ordered her to go and sleep.

After all this drama, the terrified kids, looked up at me and I winked at them. We finished our dinner quickly, ran to our bedrooms and started roaring with laughter.

Meanwhile in the middle of this commotion, my MIL had slightly opened the door of her bedroom to see why there was so much noise outside. The moment she saw Shanthi and me in the same form, she quickly shut her door and never came out until the next day morning.

We still laugh heartily whenever we recall this episode!

Maids & their tantrums!!

Nibunan

#Nibunan - means Expert. My mistake. Shouldn't have relied on some reviews. Nothing was different from a typical Arjun starrer action movie. Why romance and family in a thriller like this? Which psycho killer makes such intelligent (!) The Hindu kind of crossword clues for his next victim? Does anybody know anything like this in real life?

Arjun is ageing. But he has maintained his fitness. That is impressive! Prasanna is handsome. I'm stating facts, I know. But there is only so much to write. Having a smart woman cop as part of the police crime intelligence team is refreshing. Varalakshmi has essayed this role without much efforts. A slimmer cop would have done more justice to this super active role.

In the backdrop of Aarushi murder, spin a yarn and add a psycho killer. You get Nibunan!

Hmmmmmm.....

Vikram Vedha

After months of watching the teleserials as a child, the song still rings in my ears loud and clear, "Vikram aur Bethaaal....". And so will the movie "#VikramVedha" for some more months at least!

Any film that captures audience attention must have one or more of the following: good story, great script, perfect casting, nice narration, impressive cinematography, interesting editing, appropriate music and visionary direction. When most of the ingredients are in the right mix, even if a couple of elements are not in the desired proportions, the feast is still enjoyable. Vikram Vedha is immensely enjoyable.

#VijaySethupathi's antics definitely add to the enjoyment. He is just a perfect fit for the role. His casualness is his biggest asset. The only minus is his dialogue delivery. His expressions during sentimental scenes (his eyes speak a lot) are worth a watch!

#Maddy is super fit and has done a fantastic job. He has started doing only tough roles, looks like. His charm hasn't dwindled a bit. He continues to be as romantic as ever. And as a cop, the act is different from the usual movie cops(not sporting the police uniform at all is such a relief)!!!

The gangster is a lovable prankster and the cop is a heart throb for many a fan. So who do you think will win your hearts? Watch to decide 😊

Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum

#ThondimuthalumDriksakshiyum. Please do not think I'm babbling. This is the latest Malayalam film by #DileeshPothan. This is his second movie (wow) after the much critiqued #MaheshintePrathikaram. Both movies carrying the super awesome #FahadhFaasil.

My awe for Mallu movies and their makers keep soaring high up with every movie off late. The pace of this movie is quite slow only to give a run to the art movies. Barring that, I doubt if such natural film making would ever be practised by the other regional film makers.

The story (like in many of Mani's movies) can be written behind a stamp. The articulation of the subject is what matters. All the actors live their roles. So much so that, especially if you have spent time in the villages of Kerala, you would for a second think you are part cast of the movie. Suraj, Nimisha (what a find!), Alencier and every other member bring so much life to their characters. You are sure to find them on the roads of Kerala. Such is the portrayal!

I will not justify this post without expressing my admiration for Fahadh. Did his father coach him on acting when he was still in his mother's womb??? His body language as a petty theft criminal is unmistakable. His voice modulation, looking through the corner of his eyes with head tilted at 45 degrees showing his inhibition to speak up especially when interrogated, showing the subtle
sense of humour such criminals carry, and his cool approach to people other than the police! He is sure to go a very long way! He has never been a contender in looks to his contemporaries. But that hardly matters! He is a wow package of performance!

Overall, a 90 minutes movie stretched to 135 minutes. Leaves the audience with a mix of emotions - all subtle!

Maragadha Naanayam

Hate to be acidic about movies. But what crap is this #MaragadhaNaanayam! Genre was horror-comedy. Neither goals achieved. Post Baahubali, for almost 3 months, did not feel like watching any other movie. Should have stuck to that decision for some more months. Waste of time!

Power Paandi

Pavam Paandi. Pavam because of the lack of speed in the movie and also because the screenplay (that is so loose). The only places where there is some friction and interest on screen is when Dhanush and Madonna appear. Their chemistry works!

Individually, Raj Kiran and Revathy are remarkable. But something is amiss. Unable to put my finger to it. Something doesn't look right. It leaves the audience with a vacuum. There is no connection with the characters. Prasanna and Chayya do as they are told/not told.

A very touchy and sensitive subject which could have been treated much better. Dhanush as a debut writer and a debut director proves that it is just a debut. And since we love him as a performer and producer, we can pardon his mistakes in his debut venture.

Sean's music is cool. Makes one want to listen again.

Overall, Power Paandi is Poor Paandi.

Kavan

Should it not be spelt Kavann? Given that it is a 'ட'ண்ணகர 'ண'னா in Tamizh? Anyways, thanks to some of these film names we end up bettering our knowledge of Tamizh. Kavann or கவண் means 'Sling'. And we do see that the movie slings back and forth hurling stones at media some times and flowers at some other times.

We have seen movies expose the dark shades of our state of politics, business, society, schools, colleges and what not! This time around #KVAnand takes a dig at Media. Surprised and shocked, though we can take it with a pinch of salt and ignore some aspects of exaggeration. Movies come with this right endorsed on them - the right to exaggerate.

Gripping and entertaining first half; predictable second half. If only some cliches in the second half could have been avoided, and some unwanted stretches of the screenplay cut down, I would have called it as one of the best entertainers. Now I have to stop myself calling it a good entertainer.

Music by Hip Hop Tamizha. Hmmm! Loud. The concept of setting Bharathiyaar's songs to trendy music is good. But not all of them should have been so jarring in the name of rock and (loud) desi beats. But yes! Loved Bharathi's words from youngsters!

Now about the cast. I have no qualms in admitting that I'm totally a huge fan of #VijaySethupathi. Want to watch this movie again just for 3 important scenes where he has totally cracked it up. Of course, his dialogue delivery has to be worked upon. Very clearly one of the 'best actors' our film industry has produced in the recent times. Totally loved his 'smirk'iness. #Madonnafolds in very well. She must have been given more screen space. The rest of the journo group was good too. Jagan had scope to perform and he has always been a good bet. Nasser is wasted. Pandiarajan, again, lacked clarity in his dialogue delivery. He has only been using his 'rolling of eyes' as his only action ever since he has been an actor. Does that very well in this movie too! Power Star in a cameo. I feel sorry for this guy. Akashdeep Saighal as the villain. C'mon! Something certainly is wrong with this chappy. Horrible! Please keep him away from Tamizh movies for Tamizh's sake. That lady Bhavani has lived her role of a media business woman. Good act!

TR - what an intelligent man! If only some good mentor could have coached him!! I have always hated his rhyming dialogues. And that is one thing I hated in this movie too. He should have stopped with some undertone acting and brought in some maturity to the role. But he is loud and as always his own self. That's so disappointing! Don't people mature as they age?

Overall, semma entertainer. Watch for the sake of #VS! 😊😏

Maanagaram

There are very few movies which leave you thinking, replaying and pondering about the sequences, chuckling and laughing at the subtle comedy and truly realising the value of the time and money spent. The last movie which made me feel this way was #Pizza. Now it is #Maanagaram.

It is not an exaggeration if I said we rarely get to watch such excellent movies in Tamil off late. There are multiple stories going on in parallel and as we would expect, they DO NOT converge in the climax. Probably this is the only movie with a parallel climax? That itself is giving away quite a bit and hence I would stop with that. But it is true that I'm all in awe. Three or four days now after we have left the movie hall and all of us end up talking and discussing several aspects of this movie. Brilliant!

The director #Lokesh Kanagaraj and the Editor #Philomin deserve special kudos. Many new (or relatively new) faces in this movie again. The director has done a great job of getting them perform naturally. #Sri and #Sundeepare very impressive. Hope Lady Luck smiles at them and they get more opportunities of this kind. #Charlie has been an actor you can bet on. He may not have fan clubs but he has his own set of fans. He has been a great asset to this movie. Another fantastic performer is #Muniskanth. Where was this guy all this while? Whenever he was on screen, we can hear the theatre laughing. His is a tough role. Had he goofed up, it would have been total mockery. But he has done the role so casually. I still smile thinking of some of his scenes as I write this.

Overall, a must watch!

Angamaly Diaries

It's about a week since we watched this movie in the theatre. What still is etched in the movie watcher's mind is definitely the "pork" business. The impact is so deep! One may wonder if the movie didn't have anything else. But as I said the movie's largest impact especially on a hard core veggie is, "How the hell does someone even do this pork thingy as a business!!!" Cruel and nauseating, I say. That in itself is the director's success.

No known faces (or probably just one). And too many characters. A different dialect (Angamaly dialect??) which is difficult to follow. And my usual problem with subtitles is I miss out on actions and gestures and facial expressions if I focus on subtitles. So, I must admit that I was scampering between the subtitles, the actors' expressions, the actions on screen and many such other elements. Not a great movie watching experience.

However, do not want to discount on many great aspects. First, as with many Malayalam movies, it's 'ek dham' natural. I felt like I was sitting in the centre of Angamaly as events unfold. Excellent! Characters were so beautifully cast. The story telling reminds us of Premam. The hero guy is a poorer version of Nivin Pauly. His love interests remind us of Premam again. He has done well for a debut. And all the other actors have measured up to their roles perfectly. It's funny to see how the grousiest of enemies can become frenemies so swiftly and quickly!

The climax is shocking. But we all know how karma pays off, don't we? Overall, probably had I followed the dialect very well, it would have been a fantastic movie. My lack of language skills should not berate a good movie!

Ezra

Ezra! I have always believed that some movies, some plays and some books teach you a handful which you otherwise in a normal, mundane life, would not bother to pick up.

So, here is one such movie which beautifully educates you on black magic, Hebrews/Jews and Christians and a little bit on radio active materials. Interesting!

Director Jay K does give you a few chills. And keeps you guessing and at the edge of your seat in anticipation of what would unfold. Though personally I hate our Indian way of picturising devil and satan, we can excuse all that for the way the story has been told.

Prithviraj has the knack of picking the right stories. He does a fantastic portrayal of an anxious husband. His eyes display so much fear, love and concern. Priya Anand as his wife. Quite subtle but still brings about the right emotions. Pratap Pothen could have been used more.

Music is good in most places. In a few instances, it could have been left silent to increase the anxiety.

Screenplay could have been tighter.

Overall, after a while, we hit the theatres to get some chills! Good experience!!

Bogan

Surreal theme of yesteryears in latest trends. The initial few scenes, it did feel like, "Did I make a mistake?" But very soon, the movie goes in a complete throttle. The scenes start moving so swiftly that we don't realise that the first 90 minutes is already over. Every frame we get concerned. As audience the film does keep us guessing as to what would befall the protagonist next. I mean the soul of the protagonist and his body. Very well done, Team #Bogan!

Lakshman is the director. Very neat job. Clearly makes a mark and lets us speculate there is a Bogan II coming soon. Kudos!

Imman's music is good and lyrics make sense (no no, not the damalu dumeelu number). Madhan Karky and Thamarai - good, meaningful verses.

Jayam Ravi has proved that he is just not a stud material but can also perform, imitate, cry, laugh and do all that to make him a true Star! Great performance!! Hansika has essayed the hero's romantic interest. She has actually 'act'ed! Impressive.

Coming to the hero of the movie -oh wait! This was the chocolate boy and heartthrob of the 90s! Arvind Swamy!!!! A big shout out to this awesome handsome actor! What myriad of expressions and he has done ample justice to this quite a meaty role! I am still in awe!

Overall, very different, unexplored theme. Very beautifully executed!! Total paisa vasool :-)

Jomonte Suvisheshengal

Quite predictable lines initially when the film starts. The character of a spoilt brat in a rich and happy family suits Dulquer Salman. He is a charmer (both on and off screen). The father-son bonding has been portrayed very beautifully and gets us emotional in a few instances. Mukesh is a veteran and he has breezed through in this role.

In many places the movie reminds you of Jacobinte Swargarajyam. The romantic sequences with Anupama Parameshwaran are real cool. It's different treatment when we see the whole family plan a romance and execute it to perfection!

Aishwarya Rajesh is so deglamorised that you feel sorry for a handsome looking boy like Dulquer. But she is made for the role and does ample justice.

The ups and downs of life are told in a way which is very typical of Malayalam films. No exaggeration or dramatisation in any part of the film. How life moves on in spite of the curveballs that are thrown at one is the core of the story.

When the entire TN is fighting to lift the ban on Jallikattu, this movie depicts how life in itself is a Jallikattu and how to embrace life as it comes.

The duration could have been much, much lesser. Slightly dragged and lengthy. Many unwanted narrations could have been cut down. But yes, an ok Sathyan Anthikkad movie.

Bairavaa

Take a good, pertinent subject. Add 3-4 songs. At least 1 should be the typical "kuthu paatu" that will fit in just before the climax. To this mixture, add at least a dozen fight sequences. Before you finish the recipe don't forget to add a beautiful heroine, 2-3 comedians, some nice one liners and punch dialogs. What do you get?

Varlam varlam va varlam va Bairavaa....

Vijay does what he does best. Somehow in the initial scenes he looked more detached from the role. Surprisingly, very surprisingly, Keerthi Suresh had a meaty role. She does it very well. Love her sense of dressing first and her expressions next. Jagapathi Babu is the typical bad guy.

Vijay looks a lot fitter and smarter. He is a director's actor. And many of his films focus on giving some good message. That way, I personally don't care whether there is logic in the movie or not. So long as the message is loud and clear and the film entertains, I am good! :-)

Dhuruvangal Padhinaaru

Should not have gone with such huge expectations post the much hyped feedback from many a friend. Was wondering throughout what was so good about this movie. Editing was very good so much that the editor must have been paid twice or much more than the hero of the movie.

But I admit. It takes guts to make such movies. Somehow felt eerie about the whole movie or almost every scene being shot in semi darkness. The events folding and unfolding a dozen times, the story shuttling between the present and the past countless number of times, so many versions from so many people - all leading to only sheer confusion.

At least the director could have avoided misleading the audience from the very start. Personally I felt cheated. You don't mislead and test my intelligence. Not a fair game.

Overall, from a direction point of view, for a debut, Karthick Naren is good. From an audience point of view....well, that's what the whole post is about!

Dangal

This review note was written on December 30, 2016 

Dangal

With very limited Hindi knowledge, was wondering what Dangal meant. Probably the name of a place in the north? Did not want to read any reviews that give away the story before I watched it. Anyway it has become a norm to expect Aamir Khan to produce/create/be a part of world class stuff. So, was waiting to watch the movie with inputs like, "Dangal is good", "Dangal is phenomenal". And how can a movie buffs's holiday be complete without watching a movie in the local theatres?

This movie is based on a bunch of achievers' life stories. With some spice and condiment here and there. Not a moment was wasted. Every frame was essential. Every actor was important. Every match brought us the sheer excitement of watching a real one that I ended up clapping for the protagonist's win.

Many "jambhavans" in India have to learn a lot from Aamir & Team - the script was crisp, the screenplay crispier, acting was just so natural with no dramatisation, direction was superb, lyrics fantastic and motivating, music adding to the tempo of the movie!

Girls/Women - do not succumb! We can do much more and much better. Stay focused! Men & Women - it's ok if you do not want to cheerlead, at least do not discourage!

India should now focus on making 90 minutes of movies with no intermissions. That will make it completely worth our time! Way to go, Team Dangal! #dangal #aamirkhan

Dear Zindagi

This review note was written on November 27, 2016 · 

 May be it is a recent trend in Bollywood to bring in more women-oriented films? English Vinglish, Pink and now this! Picturizes the girls of today and reasons out why they are how they are!

It could have been made to feel like a film. It seems more like a documentary. However, the message for the youth and for the parents are all there. #GauriShinde has handled the subject quite well.

#SRK - Wow! Love his style and dialogue delivery and modulation. King Khan, indeed!

#Alia - Wow, Wow!! She's really good. What a myriad of emotions and expressions she brings out and that too so effortlessly! Tough competitor for Kangana.

Liked Alia's friends and boy friends. Each did their part very well. And her brother Kiddo, though just in a couple of scenes, did justice.

Very happy about the ending. Truly realistic and commendable.

Overall, if you have more than an hour and thirty minutes, you can watch! 😊

Acham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada

This review note was written on November 19, 2016 · 

"Acham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada" - the first line of an yesteryear song sung on screen by the evergreen MGR. It directly translates to "Fear is Foolishness". The song was meant to encourage youth to be fearless and protect our motherland.

In the movie AYM, the message is to be fearless and fight to save the youth's girlfriend. See the divide and difference already???

Simbu has this unique way of delivering his lines without using his tongue so much to pronounce words in Tamil. It's as though he has stuck his upper and lower jaws together, teeth inseparable, tongue unrollable... for hard core Tamil followers, this is the first punishment in Simbu's movies. He is morphing so beautifully (!) to look so much like TR!

Manjima is pleasant, beautiful, can act and does act. Good!

Baba Sehgal - not bad!!! But why should someone who sings so well and has established in that industry has to change tracks? Probably GV is an inspiration?

Danny - I have always liked this stylish villain. Good job, again!

Unbelievable story! GVM is running out of stock clearly. The movie will definitely remind you of VTV, Khaka Khaka and Varanam Ayiram. Why does he have to tell 4 movies worth of stories in just one? Aaaaawwww (yawn, yawn)!

The only saving grace is ARR! Salute Sir!! Loved the music.

#AYM

Kodi

This review note was written on October 31, 2016 · 

#Kodi - simply means flag! That is a common noun. In the film, it is a proper noun. It is a political milieu. The protagonist is named by a politician. What else can a politician give as a name but Kodi which is expected to keep flying high all the time! But does it?

Dhanush as Kodi and the twin brother Anbu is marvellous. Though reminded of yesteryear "Enga Veetu Pillai" especially in some places where Dhanush intentionally speaks like our evergreen MGR, the packaging of the characters and their characteristics is done well without much dramatisation. Really like the difference he has brought about in the scenes where he cries as the betrayed lover and the loving brother in search of justice. Awesome #Dhanush!!!

Trisha - how is she surviving this industry! So plastic! What a plum role this is as a greedy and overly ambitious upcoming politician!! How well one could have brought about the array of emotions! But Trisha? No way! Wasted the opportunity grossly!

Saranya can now do any kind of mother on screen. She walks away after giving an effortless performance. Hope they create more challenging roles for this versatile actor.

Karunas is good though it's a cameo. Anupama Parameshwaran has a very insignificant role but is quite impressive. Hope she works on her Tamil accent. Sounds so much like Mallu 😊

Music is uninterrupting. Not bad! Can watch for Dhanush but close your eyes if Trisha is on screen. 😀😀

Pink & Remo

This review note was written on October 29, 2016 · 

Have been watching a few movies in the past month. Did not feel like writing my thoughts here. For not any specific reason. Just didn't have the mood 

Pink was good. Bachchan was as usual...remarkable! The cast was hand-picked and perfect. There were gaping holes in the screenplay. But the message was loud and clear. Girls! Watch out!! Guys! Watch out twice!! #pink

Then it was Remo. Makeup as an art form has become testimony to how it can contribute to a film's success, in this movie. They used to say if a male actor can pull off a lady role, then he has defined himself as an actor. Sivakarthikeyan pulls it through deftly. If I were a man, I would have fallen in love with Regina Motwani 'sister' Don't ask for more on the movie! Asking me for trouble, that is! #Remo

The Diwali season forced me to elevate my spirits. And so I go with family and friends for Dhanush's Kodi last evening. Review? Coming soon...

Oozham

This review note was written on September 11, 2016 · 

If you want to watch a movie to understand the power of editing, watch "Oozham". If you want to watch for the twists and turns, watch "Oozham". If your pick is plots based on technology, "Oozham" does ample justice. If you want to witness what a combination of simple techno-geeks can do to set an empire on fire (in literal sense), it is "Oozham" then. It is a movie that will make you wonder how differently and interestingly a revenge story could be told.

No unwanted song and dance. No bull shitting super heroism. Every moment from the time the plot picks up, that is from the 20th minute roughly of the movie, you will be on the edge of the seat.

Team #Oozham, kudos for presenting an awesome yet simple film.#JeethuJoseph wins yet again. "It is only a matter of time" before the awards start pouring in.

Dharmadurai

This review note was written on August 22, 2016  

I'm awestruck! What a performance by Vijay Sethupathi! The storyline is sensible and good. No unnecessary stuff. But what hits us hard is 'living the role' Vijay Sethupathi. That innocence in his face all through sticks to us. His muscle power in the scenes he thrashes people is impressive. His romantic looks will make women yearn that look again! The scene where he breaks down for his biggest loss, makes you feel it's something that you have lost personally. The outpour of emotions hugging his mom and then between sobs grieving his loss to his mom... #Vijaysethupathi YOU ARE THE MAN!

Next Radhika. Very moving performance. Can relate to her emotions more as a mother. The determination of a mother to protect her son comes out clearly in her eyes.

Again very convincing performances by each and every actor. MS Bhaskar excels. Aishwarya Rajesh lives it. Rajesh as always, awesome. Tamannah does very well. I have started liking her after Bahubali. She has it. Hope more good directors put her talent to meaningful use.

Overall, extremely satisfying movie. Do watch!

Amma Kannakku

This review note was written on June 26, 2016  

Let me first share what I really liked about this movie.

The central character and actor is a woman. Amala Paul does very well. She is totally de-glam and that adds to the simplicity of her role. Yuvasri, as her daughter, has put up a fantastic performance. Quite a natural. Samuthirakani as the headmaster and Math teacher has also done his role well. Liked the concept of dreaming big. Very few movies these days make you shed a tear! This one did in copious amounts. I thought only I gave in and wept. But I was happy to note that was not the case 😊 The background score was good. But...

Was the music by Ilayaraja? Songs did not seem like The Maestro's! Revathi is old and that shows and it hurts. Have loved many of her yesteryear movies. But in this she had little scope and she has done little justice to that. It didn't impress. Some of the dialogues did not glorify the story teller or the script writer or the director. It is very mean to talk low of the blue collar jobs. Just in India this can happen. What is wrong in being a driver or a domestic help or a peon? And who says women are weak in Maths? Nonsense! And which school admits mothers as students?

These let-downs hurt. But the movie itself, from an acting and performance perspective, touched!

Iravi

This review note was written on June 6, 2016  

Iraivi - female noun of Iraivan. Karthik Subbaraj creates "Iraivi" for us to understand and appreciate womanhood. And how!

His story telling style is unique and intriguing. There is a clear display of genius. Any other director might have muddled this up. But not Karthik.

Each character is etched so thoughtfully. Guess his favourites are VS and Bobby Simha. They have not let him down at all. Reliable bets! Wonderful performance by both of them. But, SJ Surya is a surprise package!!!! Class act. Have liked a couple of movies directed by him. That was all. With Iraivi, SJ becomes a true blue actor and performer. Superb! All credits to the director!

Again, have not liked Kamalini earlier. But in this one, she has really acted. Good job.

Anjali has a power packed performance. Liked her especially when she retorts to Vijay Sethupathi about her feelings. Truly fitting reply for such men! Tight slap, in fact!!

The Chithappa character (Crazy Cheenu???) touches your heart. And so does Radha Ravi.

Santosh scores again! Somehow got Raja feel. But guess it was apt.

The "getting drenched in the rain" euphemism...... Extremely intelligent and takes time to sink in.

"Aan nedil. Penn kuril. " Sorry non-Tamil folks. I am not that articulate to translate this wonderful piece of dialogue in English. Cannot even guess how they will sub title this dialog!

Overall - worth every minute of the 3 hrs. Not a second did I find boring or dull. Karthik has done a splendid job elevating the status of women! But in his own style!! 

Don't miss it.

Vazhga Tamizh. Valarga penninam.

Kammatipaadam

This review note was written on June 4, 2016 · Sholinganallur · 

It is Dulquer and Vinayakan all the way. It is violence all through in the name of revenges and avenges for the cause of protecting the naivety of the village Kammatipaadam from the realtors and business goons.

Dulquer and every actor on screen portray 3 phases of life. The first phase (15-20 years old boys) is a set of different actors altogether. The second phase has a handsome and charming Dulquer. The third phase is post 40s with streaks of grey. One needs courage to show up as 40 year old during his prime time in his movie career. Very few (like Kamal) have that guts. Hats off, Dulquer! He has done abundant justice to the role. His body language is impeccable. Really loved the way he switches between a furious face when hitting his opponent and immediately bringing a sporty smile after he thrashes every time. In a ten minute fight sequence his expressions keep changing from ferocity to a naughty smile! Enjoyable.

Vinayakan and Manikandan have lived their roles. Wait! Is this Manikandan's debut? Wow,man! These are such perfect choices for the roles. Vinayakan kalaki!

The movie was very slow and long drawn. 3 hours!!!! Had they made it more racy it would have been more interesting.

I don't know how Mallu movie makers get this art of making it all so natural. The village, the houses, the clothes that people wear, the looks, the ambience.... It's as though you are transported and transfixed transparently right in the centre of the movie watching as it unfolds! A special kudos to that!

No big romance. Just one song! Thankfully. Else it would add another 30 minutes to the already stretched story telling.

Overall, very slow. Very violent. Mixed emotions!

24

This review note was written on May 16, 2016 · 

There are movies which have such an impact that you can't forget them for ages. Eg. Mahanadi. There are movies which make you laugh even after years of watching them. Eg. MMKR, Panchathanthiram. There are movies which make you keep reliving the moments again and again, for a week at least, after you have watched, making you go through the plot in your mind. Eg. Pizza, Thupakki. Unfortunately for hardcore Tamil movie goers like me a sci-fi like this one doesn't seem to fit in any of the above. That's where 24 fails.

The plot, story line, cinematography, direction everything is good. If you make a sci-fi, make a sci-fi. Why bring the Tamil masala ingredients into it? That's where 24 fails.

Surya ^ 3 is brilliant. His emotions and actions and body language are fantastic. Saranya is one of the best onscreen mothers. Surya and Saranya interactions are good especially the scene where she explains her story is so beautifully done by both of them. Why a heroine in Samantha? That's where 24 fails.

No scene to recall even as you step out of the theatre. Sorry 24!