Kumuki - Movie review

They say breath-taking, breath-taking without really meaning it. Well, this movie does it, and I mean it. Kumuki is one of the highly anticipated movies of this year, for it stars the grand-son of the great Sivaji Ganesan in the lead role for the first time. It was quite evident from the guest list of this movie's audio release - the reputation Sivaji ganesan has in & around Tamil Cinema industry. How often or when have you actually seen Rajinikant and Kamal hasan participate in the audio release of a movie starred by debutants? Sivaji's heritage is not the primary focus of this post, and it's here if you are interested in more of him. 

Another visual treat of the year

About the movie, first impression, my favourite part. It's the cinematography that stood out. There was a beautiful place, beautifully picturized, and presented on screen. And the Music, Oh yeah! every minute, whatever was shown, appeared awesome to the eye and ear. It was a treat to watch (those hills and plains) and as well listen to the songs (which are a runaway hit since its release). I am waking up everyday listening to Shreya Goshal's voice for more than a month, because my roomie will play this album first thing in the morning. And I liked it myself. There were four relentless guys seated (they never sat actually) near me who danced and danced for every song, despite multiple expellant warnings from the security. It just showed how well the songs got into people. If there existed a people's choice award, this movie's getting it is highly likely.

The plot was so very different and screen-played so well that it makes your heart ticking, "Oh my...it's gonna  come now" every now and then but (to my disappointment) it never did before the last 5 minutes. I anticipated it to be a thriller movie that partly portrayed love but as the move progressed I realized that it was quite the opposite. The concentration on love and thrill could've been reconsidered. Some where I lost the interest in watching it. I liked many parts of it except for the mediocre climax. Keeping the element of uncertainty, that what-will-come-next aspect alive is the key to engaging screenplay. This movie does it successfully for a major part of it. Kumuki is a fresh attempt portraying fresh faces. A different experience altogether.

Credits to the director for making an attempt as brave as this. Double credit to Vikram prabhu for taking up such a challenging role in his debut film. After his grandpa and dad, the family's legacy in the film industry is sure to continue, with Vikram looking good to do more films. Playing a character as intense as what Karthi did in paruthiveeran, Vikram will make it to the list of top 10 debut performances, if there ever was one. 

Movie Review: Life of Pi

It was quarter to nine, as I skimmed through my emails. "Let's watch a movie", said JP, my roomie. Little did I know then that I was in for the "ride of a life time", which is witnessing Piscine Molitor Patel's breath-taking journey. A visually vibrant and an incredibly impressive one to watch and get amazed.  Out of nowhere came this outstanding movie, and blew me away. It seems it is the "much awaited" of this year, and I just didn't know! For once in my life, I don't have to read the subtitle when a foreign language is being spoken in the middle of an English movie. For this is gonna get really popular, I can just quote the name of the movie to anyone if I wanted to introduce my mother language - Tamil. 

A pic. from patheos.com

If the plot of the movie is about faith, then its making has a lot to talk about. Getting rejected 5 times, before the book was accepted and published, becoming an award-winning best seller, and then a 9-year wait before the technology can evolve enough for the artistic on-screen portrayal of Pi's Life. Having survived all that and hitting the big screen is a great leap of faith in itself. Only a director with this amount of faith could've delivered a movie with such great heights of faith. One more 'faithy' fact is the debutant Suraj Sharma's selection for playing the lead role, who had overcome 2000 other nominations for the same role. Not in terms of plot but when popularity and "awards  in store" is considered, Life of Pi is the next Slumdog Millionaire.  

  

I am a photography lover, and this movie has master pieces all over it. Deep blue sea, a brown skinned man, orange-ish sunrise and the yellowish tiger. Oh...my....God, i thought. I just wished I was there myself (although not with that Tiger). There is some amount of titanicism in the ship wreck and some amount of avatarism in the portrayal of Nature. And I am happy the world got to see Munnar which is one of the most beautiful place in the Indian state of Kerala. Really loved watching it on 3D. And I admired the attention to detail. How pondicherry was described, how a poster of a older tamil movie is poster'ed on a wall to highlight how backdated the movie is, plus the biological changes Pi goes through, for having starved 277 odd days in extreme weather conditions. 

Although an adventure flick, Life of Pi actually attempts to define God. Not straight to the point, but has left substantial inferences from where we can figure a way on our own. Spirituality is sprayed all over this adventurous Pizza. Pi's life is as uncertain as 22/7. Pi's life redefines Hope and faith. Pi's life is waiting to "sweep you away". Don't miss this ride. 

Here are few articles that I read, before I sat to write this blog:

• http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/....tom-rothman-suraj-sharma-nyff-375217
• http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ang-lee-life-pi-...-film-festival-375299
• http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/i-can-...3d-ang-lee_123040.htm
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-edmund-m...2188397.html

P.S:

This is my first review of a English movie. 

Movie review: Barfi!

One of the few Bolloywood movies to have crossed the 100 Crore mark (in terms of money grossed). Sent as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film nomination for the 85th Academy Awards in February 2013. "Barfi! is the most deserving film to go for Oscars", said Anurag Kashyap. "It's pure plagiarism. Every scene including the music is copied from different international movies", says social networking posts. For good (or bad) Barfi! is trending nation-wide. The name Jhilmil will be a difficult one to forget. I was double-lucky this week, for I got two accidental chances to see this movie. First one, when I met my friends yesterday, and today, after I was half-way through this blog entry, when my roomies asked me, "Let's go for some movie" which ended me up in watching it one more time. Burfi! was the only available show in that theater. 

The key characters of Barfi!

The plot takes you through a lot of flashbacks, and if you are not paying close attention, you will be lost. While some found it confusing - shuttling between past and present - the screenplay actually leaves you puzzled, popping up a lot of WHYs and HOWs, and answers them one by one with a flashback. At times, you laugh out louder (LOL), and at times, you cry out louder (COL if such acronym ever existed). Barfi's unconventional mix of positive and negative emotion leaves you 'disturbed'.

The epic of the movie is Priyanka Chopra. The last time I was this impressed by an actress was Rani Mukherjee in Black. How did she manage to suit so well to the Jilmil Chatterjee character, only God knows. This is possibly the most different Priyanka anyone would've ever seen on screen. She steals the entire show. Keeps you at your feet when she feebly voices, "Baarrfiiiii...Baarrrffffiiiiiii", running around the farm. That wink. That blush. That gasp. That frown. Unmatchable. Unteachable. Impeccable. This ugly looking differently abled lady still steals your heart with her facial expressions.

Ranbir's deaf & mute acting - almost as beautiful as Priyanka, having only one dialogue - that contained only one word - his name. Makes you smile whenever he introduces himself by whistling his name - "Furpphhhiiii". Throwing shoes around windows, Giving directions with signs, Flirting around trams and tea shops, Cycling around the beautiful Darjeeling, evading the cops in a chaplinesque style, hiding behind horses, riding bullock carts, venting out sheer frustrations in a sign language -  Ranbir has done a lot of hard work. 

Most of my attention was glued to the breath-taking cinematography. It's the prime skill I watch out for in any movie I go to, and I was in for a great treat of Darjeeling. The background score - irrespective of whether it is copied from a French movie or not - deserves adulation. The songs are beautifully directed, cinematographed and edited. They complement the plot. They are part of the plot. They never distract you from the main plot like how traditional Indian movie songs do. This is the 9th time I'm blogging about a movie, with Burfi! being the first non-tamil flick. Barfi! justifies its append of the exclamation character to the movie name. It leaves you surprised. It leaves behind a lasting impression of its characters. It leaves you exclaimed, from beginning to end!

Deiva Thirumagal - Movie review

Deiva Thirumagal (தெய்வத்திருமகள்) is a 165 minute video of true love between two kids, one aged 30, and the other, 5. Vikram, one of my favorite hero took everyone's breath away with his master-class act, playing the former, while a cute little never-known-before age-5 angel, whose name I am still trying to find out, stole the entire show. Both of them deserve a National award for their hard-work in this movie.

Like I always do, my reviews neither describe the story, nor rate it with a 5-point scale. I simply express my views about the movie, while suppressing the story at the same time. I don't want to ruin the suspense package by revealing it to someone who has not yet seen the movie. Whenever I love watching a movie, I encourage others to watch it by writing a blog about it. 

About the movie and Vikram...

This movie exceeded the expectations of many people and has given some real food for Vikram's brilliance. Giving him Masala movies and action roles is like sending in Sachin Tendulkar at No.11. There are other heroes like Vijay who can do such 'any-man-can-do' roles. "Dr. Chiyaan Vikram", read the title scroller. I never knew when he got it, but I am damn sure he deserve it. He has another 10 years of active-acting in him and I will be disappointed if he doesn't deliver 5 more such-roles. To me, He is the only man, close to Dr.Kamal hasan, when it comes to creative efforts and 'converting-into-the-character'. Surya is another person, although he chooses to remain in the commercial track, which keeps him going.

Good show by  the cast....

Not a tough job for the costume designer as anyway, Anushka wears the lawyer rope all the time, while Vikram immerses inside one of his two sweaters throughout the movie. Nasar portrayed that Senior Lawyer very well, but I thought Prakash raj would 've fit into that role very well. Anushka played an entirely different role, keeping aside her chubby smiles, and hip-hop masala-movie hoorays.Well done Anu.

Thumbs up to the dialogue writer..

Dialogue writing was crisp and commendable. There were few few words that gave big big impacts. When Amala Paul ask that little girl, "Why do you want your dad? Can't you live with us here?", she cutely responds back, saying, 'You live with your dad. Why shouldn't I live with mine?". That feeble voice not only silenced Amala but the entire audience. Thumps up to the dialogue writer. Santhanam, although not at his blistering best, made the best use of the opportunity and cracked some witty remarks wherever possible

An ace director is emerging...

I almost appreciated director A. L. Vijay for conceiving such a creative story, but later I got to know that the story line is based on "I am Sam", a 2001 Sean Penn starred English movie. Still, directing such a crew is really commendable and Vijay deserves laudations. This is the same man who gave us "madarasapattinam" last year. Music is pleasing through out the movie. G.V.Prakash is slowly reaching toward greater heights. All the best to him.

The show stealer...

Rightly so, the person goes behind the movie title. It's the cute little kid that stole the show. I searched "Deivathirumagal Cast" on google, but unfortunately, no one had any mention of this girl. Really shocking because the story is all about her life, and the credit is taken by others. After serious googling, She turns out to be, "Baby Sara", whose history and geography will soon get published on south Indian magazines. Talking about her performance, she blew away not only my mind but both body and soul. At her age, performing such a role is truly world class. Really loved it. After  the children I saw in Kannathil Muthamittal, Jillunu oru kadal, and Siruthai, this girl has entered the list of my favorite child actors.

Message?

Hmm...probably the integrity and love that vikram portrays. The man has no use of his senses, but he is truly inspiring. He puts his mind to work, which is very obvious at the end of the movie. We all are physically and mentally capable of using all our senses, but we possess not even half as much probity and love for others as what Vikram possess. Shame on me :(

Reactions from the audience...

I seriously cried on many occasions, and the longest one came at the end of the movie, when they both hugged each other. I was not the only person in the theatre hall who dropped a tear. Even the hardest of hearts cannot stand a chance of coming out of the movie without dropping a tear. The sun was shining at its best when we walked in, but after the movie, the whole place was full of water. Whether it was because of the tear drops of the audience, or because of the rain that just started, I couldn't figure out. Stared home after a greater deal of satisfaction.

Manmathan Anbu

"Truth alone triumphs", is the single line i could draw outta the 156-minute movie. Kamal is known for his trying-out-things-differently style and he re-affirmed that once again. I wonder how many different love stories are going to come in future. While all possible combinations seem to be tried out already, such movies prove it otherwise. I heard poor reviews for this movie, with the most outright  attacking one being the single tag, "Manmadhan Sombu", given by one of my best friend, Karthik. I expected the worst outcome while entering into the theatre, and I was very satisfied while coming out. "Never have any expectations in life", said my brother always. This is one example why. It results in lesser disappointments.

When you are a Kamal-fan, watching the movie on Day #1, eagerly looking forward to it after the expectations it built, you have more reasons to get disappointed. Story isn't that gripping, as it moved too slow. Sound recording is slightly dull due to which I missed out some of the dialogues at the end.  Except for one amazing song, "Neela vaanam", written and sung spectacularly by Kamal himself,  the music is slightly lagging. Devi Sri prasad is a very good composer, upon whose brilliance, I have no doubt with. The theme music played in the trailer is very attractive and entertaining. It  makes/drives you to jump and just jive. I was thinking hard, who gave voice for Trisha as her character sounded different in this movie. As it turned out, I was shocked to hear that it was Trisha's OWN VOICE. Well, not every female lead here has done that but for the time she has spent in south India, there is no wonder she spoke native-tamil at ease.

Kamal brings in interesting insights into the story of an actress (Trisha), whose day-job involes intimacy enactment with the male lead. Two-timing suspicions from her fiance (Madhavan), forces him to set up a spy (Kamal) on her activities, which eventually leads to disaster in the end as he loses her trust and then herself. Trisha falls for the truthful man and dumps her fiance. "Trust alone triumphs", is another moral you can take out.

All the tamil movies move in a casual manner and turn to serious-mode during the climax. Manmadhan Anbu is the exact opposite. The last 20 mins is the most hilarious part of the entire show. Only at that moment, I felt like watching a Kamal-KSR movie. The problem is the ultimate brought out in Panchathanthiram. Once you 've seen such a movie, your expectation increases. You don't expect half-centuries from Sachin, do you? He already crossed Double Hundred in ODI's. Panchathanthiram is a similar kind of Double Hundred. Such flicks will not come often. Like Sachin did it once in 400 odd, ODI games. Walking into the theatre with very less expectations will give you an enjoyable ride. Overall, it's same as a Cruise in Paris. If this is released in English, could well be titled as The spy whom I Loved !

Movie: Chikku Bukku

 Movie review Chikku bukku சிக்கு புக்கு  

© mp3scorner.com

Just came home after a nice ride in chikku bukku. Little bumpy here and there but an enjoyable ride overall. No big story to scribble about. Reminded me of the pair-travel-together-throughout-movie types like Uthamaputhiran and Paiyaa. Just another love story (Two infact), screened  in parts subsequently on frequent intervals. Difference-element in this story is that a guy gives up his love for his best friend. Somehow, their children fall in love later on and they get together in the end.

The first-half runs very fast than the later and is also more interesting and fun-filled to watch. Thanks to Santhanam, he steals the comedy scenes with his Lollu-saba teammate, pairing him up as his 'Papa'. We were jumping outta the seat during most of his scenes.

The screenplay should 've been made more gripping as the story appears easily-guess-able. Not too many twists around and all you feel most of the time is like watching a slow+boring episode of a TV Serial.

Had Genilia been given Shreya's role, chemical reactions would 've yielded better products as this one is her typical type. She is just match-less at a jumping-all-day-charming-girl role...

No other good movies running these days. So this is worth watching on a fine weekend with your family or friends. And this is the amazing theme of the movie is: "If you run away with your friend's GF, one day, your daughter will run away with his son." Or in tamil, i would say, உலகம் உருண்ட டா.

Enthiran - The Robot

Tags: Enthiran the robot movie review stills images songs scenes video download ringtones wallpapers screensavers

This movie is still running inside me even though I came outta the theatre 50 hours ago. I woke up at 4 AM for the first-day, first-show of Enthiran – The Robot. Never before a movie was screened at 5 in the morning ! Fans were already going berserk throughout the night, cracking fireworks, dancing, pouring milk on posters by the time we reached the theatre.

Such an astounding sci-fi master piece in terms of Indian movie standards is unthinkable. Undoubtedly the best movie I have ever seen. Big thanks to my friend Karthik who secured us a seat. It had the perfect mix – Indian aspects with International standards. Minutest detail was given to every facet, all credits to Shankar, our dashing director, one of the creative minds around. Despite those little flaws in logic on certain occasions, I still rate it 15/10. CG was stunning. Those Indians who frequently watch Hollywood movies can easily distinguish the CG work done in Indian movies. The animation work that we do here was no way near the Hollywood standards so far but Enthiran proved it otherwise. It's truly breath-taking. And do you know who was given this special effects job? It's Stan Winston studios, the same team that rocked in Avatar, Terminator, Jurassic Park!

Most of the movie success can be attributed to CG. Also adding up to the bill was screen play, dialogues, Rahman’s on-the-movie BG. But it was Rajini’s name that created huge expectation to the movie. Presence of Aish will make it popular on the bolloywood street but Rajini is no stranger there !

The first half makes you laugh, laugh and laugh. The later keeps you engrossed, especially the final 45 minutes, stamps you at the edge of the edge of your seat. Not even a single scene you would feel to have been omitted. We enjoyed watching every frame. I have read ‘Standing Ovation’ on magazines to emphasize brilliance but saw it in front of my eyes for the first time! All the audience, stood up after the stunning movie ended, and applauded unfeignedly!

Little did Rajinikanth play yet it’s been years since we saw him simple and for the first time, a director’s hero and as well as a Scientist. Those diving fights and punch dialogues was never been part of the movie. That makes it a special superstar flick. A Rajini movie without a PUNCH DIALOGUE. There were cribbing fans who got satiated with the ROBO that portrayed him as a dazzling dancer, acrobatic fighter, and a vibrant villan – sequences that Rajinikant cannot do on his own.

Unlike those Hollywood Terminators, Aliens and Predators, where machines fight each other and die, ROBOT has a different story. What will happen if machines think? What if they start taking decisions on their own? What if a ROBO fall in LOVE? What if a ROBO is made FOR THE PEOPLE? For the benefit of the common man?

It’s an unique treat to watch a ROBO cook, dance, drive, sing, reason out, fight and fun to watch it henna hands decoratively, poke the police, hunt mosquitoes and tamper Televisions! It is even capable of doing surgery, argues as a lawyer in cours, fights fire as a fireman too.

Not sure if the International audience could appreciate much but Indian-born are awarded with effervescent entertainment. Aish was amazing and awe-inspiring. Was looking more gorgeous than Raavan (as her role gave little attire options). She can still win six more Ms.world titles. No surprise to see even a machine falling for her!

Techies will enjoy certain scenes. One cop asks the name and the Robo replies, “I don’t have a name. My IP is 136.67…” and evokes laughter. When rajini was training it for voice, it said, “Hello World”, a testing print statement normally used on all technologies. Also, it will say, "I love Sana DOT". Actually a bug in it's program which makes the machine spell periods ! When it speaks, it ends a statement with DOT which is indeed humorous than illogical !

Santhanam and Karunaas did not add much value to the comedy quotient. They could’ve been used better or removed from the movie. Songs are good but not the best. May be as days progresses, my mind might change :P The stunts on the train, the cop chase and the ones at the climax were NEW to TAMIL CINEMA and deserves a distinction.On top of all the story, the message at the end was marvelous. Like the Robo involving in ill-will after programming the red chip, mankind does the same in terms of illwill, hatred, bitterness, and jealousy. One should throw away everything and live life the way it’s meant to be !

Stop finding faults in story and illogical scenes. Just an entertainment movie.  Go to theatres, watch the treat and enjoy. I would’ve called it a ‘Must’est Watch if there existed a superlative equivalent for ‘must’ !

[Movie] Boss - a.k.a - Baskaran

It's not every week day you go to a movie in the night, come back and start blogging about it right away instead of getting underneath a blanket. Especially, not when the previous night extends to the present day and ends at 4 in the night (or morning or whatever).

Boss (A) Baskaran has that revitalization quotient to drive away every bit of  your dizziness. The last time i laughed again and again throughout the movie was probably during Pancha thanthiram. I badly wanted to sleep early today as i did not get to sleep much y'day but the offer of watching a movie appeared absolutely acceptable for what i went through the previous day.

I want to thank the director M.Rajesh for giving me 2 happy hours today. This is the movie you should watch when you are badly in need of a break. This is also the movie you should watch when you just want to enjoy a weekend with your family and/or friends.

The plot as officially stated goes like this.

The story is about a guy who is always busy running errands for other people and neglecting his own life and career, till he meets a girl who brings about a change.

Just another story that is a common place in a country like ours. The way it was played on the screen made all the difference. The "so-what" casual character of Arya, Charismatic charms from Nayanthara, Comedian Santhaanam, and an extra bit from other contributors - together formed this master piece.

From the beginning till the very very end, the laughter did not end. When sentimental scenes are used as an element to make the portrayal engrossing, otherwise thought the stand-out south-indian director. May be for every section of the script, he thought like, "How can i add humor to this scene?". However humorous the movie is, there are some pressing facts packed inside the movie. Here is what you may find which cannot be in other B(A)B reviews.

• Behind every useless person you encounter, there is a genuine reason for his such-being. Like arya losing his dad at an intermediate age. 
• For every man on earth, there is always a girl who might madly love him for what he is. Love is indeed 'blind'.
• Once a woman decides her guy, she will do whatever it takes to live a life with him. Be it, earning for the family while he sits idle in home.
• Every father always aspires for a Teetotaler for his daughter but every teetotaler is actually not one.
• Every Indian parent always cares about the money earned by his Son-in-law. Not the extent of love the girl has for him. Luxury is for father as love is for girls. Couldn't change both. The resulting conflict is a common place.
• A friend in need is a friend indeed. When every thing in life is lost, the only person who is still there for you is a Friend. Unfortunately, he himself is sometimes the actual reason for losing everything in life.
• Most of the physically challenged are actually ambitious and mentally stronger than the normal and are unfortunately yet to be recognized for their talents. One portion of the movie i went serious was when i saw a blind teacher. There are so many such great minds still in search of securing their lives.

Dialogues like, "நண்பன் டா", "தீயா வேல செய்யணும்"  are sure to become a cliche. Apart from the comedy, the dance sequences had some interesting innovations. I could see that the choreographer tried something different and i liked it very much. Yuvan's music is not at its best but worth enjoying.  The way Arya fools santhaanam, his 'sorry' brother is entertaining.  When you get time, the first thing you should do is to book the tickets. Extraordinary enjoyment awaiting. Please be careful. You may die laughing.

ராவணன்: Movie Review

Mani is the master of magnificence. There are people who watch movies especially for DIRECTORS. I am one. Ofcourse, I do revere Rajinikant like any other Tamilian. I do admire Kamal & Vikram. I like Surya very very much but  beyond all  of that, i am more of a director's fan than a die-hard male lead supporter. Mani tops the list of my favorite directors. Why does people show me a sorry face when asked about Raavanan ? I don't feel this most-expected-movie-of-2010 is unwatchable. Maniratnam is back after 3 years. Guru (2007) is his last flick i guess.

I enjoyed watching this movie frame by frame. Yeah, you read it right. FRAME by FRAME. It's the impressive, impeccable Cinematography that definitely deserves a National award. Or even something beyond that. Can give one to the director or any other crew member but the DOP definitely deserves it. Awesome, astonishing camera work. Breath taking locations. Hats off to Santosh Sivan. I presume his SIXTH national award is near. Art direction and editing is sure to receive the same round of applause. Now that i typed the will-be-talked-about part, let me get into the movie.

The plot:

The first scene makes it all clear. You are going to see something different that you haven't seen before. Vikram is a Tamilnadu Tarzan who fights for the good of his forest folks. He is one of the toughest, strongest, bravest, and all the superlative -est's emerged from Oxford. The city cops resents his heroics.  Decides to hunt him down somehow. An encounter specialist, S.P - Prithvi raj is hired to do the job. During his sister's wedding, Vikram was shot on the neck by a decisive move from the encounter specialist. He survives the shot. Evades. Everyone escapes including the groom but the bride. She was taken into police custody for inquiry. Like it happen in all tamil films, the fat folks molest her. She commits suicide. Vikram decides to take revenge. Kidnaps Aiswarya, Prithvi's wife. The cop comes back for her girl as well as to destroy Vikram. The chase constitutes 80% of the movie. Prithvi succeeds after a scintillating climax.

The Cast:

Vikram did a neat job. He is a hard working talent who puts exhausting effort for what his fans respect him. Mani utilized every bit of excatly that. I want to see the hindi version especially for him. I am curious to see how he played the role of the exact opposite there. Aish aunty eyes is still amazing. 16 years after the pageant , the Miss world is still so beautiful. Some said she looks old but it's the least possible you can see in a 36yr old. She did a fantastic job of a fearless wife. Prithivi Raj, after Mozhi, no director would dare to give him a cop outfit. He shined spectacularly. Worked out and improved his physique  for the job and played to perfection - the role of a courageous, hell-i-care, bring'em-on cop. Was Karthik the Hanuman ? Nice to see him on screen after a long time. His role is limited but he did well. And for Heaven sake, dear directors, please don't sign Priyamani for portraying poignancy anymore. Was she a rape-victim specialist or what ? Atleast Mani did not make it as demolishing and devastating as Paruthiveeran. Mani conveyed the point in a decent fashion avoiding Yuck's in the crowd. And no wonder, Ranjitha received more roar and response than Aish :P

The Crew:

A.R.Rahman did give a greater deal of impact in the BGM but not at his best in the Songs as far as i feel.  I am still listening to Vinnai thaandi Varuvaaya everyday. These songs aren't as mellifluous as  i expected. May be because Mani gave foremost priority to the story rather than emphasizing on sizzling songs. Enough lauds for Camera, Art and Editing is already given. Now, the director. Who will dare to enter a dangerous forest like this ? Who will dare to depart from the storyline of the country's greatest Epics ? Mani is an Individual. He gives his view point using his creative brilliance. He clearly conveyed what he wanted to. Like it or not, it's up to you. Mani doesn't direct movies for just MONEY alone. If that is what he intends to, he can also join the bandwagon to remake  those Kutti'z and Jetty'z and all other crap. It's not every time you like what a person conveys !
Suhasini Maniratnam is a movie critique herself and now that she is out there contributing to a Ace director's  movie,  the world is all eyes. Her DIALOGUES lacked punch and strength. The screenplay isn't engaging either. Slow movie. Most of us felt like the chase is happening for a very long time.

Watch out for:

• The first scene where Aish was abducted.
• The scene where Aish falls down in the falls. The camera-editing-CG must be appreciated. Even if you closely notice, there will be scratches in Aish hands which makes it look R E A L !
• The climax scene in the hanging bridge. I have never seen such a 'cliff hanging' moment in any Indian cinema !
• The camera work when Prithvi burns a news paper with a Cigar. There are lot of interesting such CLOSE SHOTS all over the movie.
• The scenic beauty from scene #1 of the misty mountains throughout the movie. I can watch it again and again. I will never care who kills whom. I will just wow at the scenery :P
• The last scene in which Vikram slowly fall over the steep. Too touching.

Trailer:

Theme ?

Well, as far i saw, the message in one line is - ஆவதும் பெண்ணாலே, அழிவதும் பெண்ணாலே :P
But Mani has a deep insight. This is his message to you all.

Did such a man ever exist..? Was he just a myth or a metaphor ?
Is Raavan the line that divides Good from Evil ?
Does our understanding change when we look from the Opponent's Perspective ?
The bond between the Hunter and the Hunted - Between the Captor and the Captive seems to be a bond of do or die.
The tension between opposites often seems so electric, that it isolates them from the rest of the world, leaving just the two - All alone...
Are Ten heads better than One ?
Is there a Ram inside Raavan ? And a Raavan inside each of us ?!
-ManiRatnam

The Deal

There are lot of aspects that make up a movie. If you find the story or screenplay defective, then don't claim the  entire movie is poor. There are always good things you should cheer about. Like the dedication and hard-work of the entire crew, staying in a forest and shooting gregariously in spite of  a grueling shift. See the brighter side. See the better side. Appreciate it. Life will become more beautiful.

சிங்கம் - Movie Review

Big pictures begins with a BANG., A StudioGreen stunner. Those who have very less expectations (like me) after seeing the promotional posters have an AWE awaiting in Theatres. Hari, after a long time has delivered a family entertainer. A real ACTION dish spiced with equal mix of comedy and love. Typical tamil masala movie.

Surya, my favourite have once again exemplified his insatiable passion of bettering himself every movie. After Kaka Kaka, He once again inspired police officers !

Vivek, without a speculation, with a striking spontaneity in humor has set out so well for the sidekick spot.

Devi sri prasad, though couldn't pull out the quid pro quo of Harris Jayaraj's Kaka Kaka but have done extremely well. Magnificent and mellifluent. Songs are a sure-shot hit. Or else Sun TV will make it so. Look for his rocking & rollicking theme song when surya gets appointed as A.C.

After the Trishaz and Tamannaahaz, it's good too see someone else sharing the lead. Her job is less and she did o.k. Anushka dances dull. Just stands still and slews her side. Even she seem to have forgot few dresses. Either she was throwed into the set half the way while dressing or she forget to wear some of the wearables !

There is nothing new in the plot. One police offers hates rowdies as usual. One rowdy hates such cops. They meet. They fight. They fight again. They keep fighting. Time lapses a limit. The following fight will be fostered as a  'Climax'. The Hero win in the end.

These are evident as well as en elementary essence for any action movie. But the Hero is the enthralling script & Screenplay. Another Hero is the Director. Vivek chipped in to increment the count. And undoubtedly Surya did so well :D

Singam is Fast & Furious. Whizzzzzzzzz goes the movie. Ends in no time at all. There is not even one single sentiment scene that slackens the screnplay and depresses us. For example, take the starting scence. Movie begins with a boring intro action sequence and makes me feel like i made a mistake by coming to the theatre. But in the end of that sequence, you can witness a brilliant CG (Computer Graphics) work if you closely notice. Two cars and 6 villan associates will fly in the air slowly. That's what you call 'improvization'. If it was a typical tamil movie, one old, useless doll & dumb car will thrice turn out in the air and blast.

Don't miss out

• The best scene of the movie in which Surya and Prakash Raj meet for the first time. Evidence of ebullience is all over !
• The scene in which Surya counters the commissioner outta the station.
• The scene in which Anushka drives her dad with his driving license. Claps for you all !
• All the Vivek scenes.
• All the Surya-Anushka sequences. Simple yet elegant. Lovely and lively. No single sign of cinematization.
• Surya's Dazzling Dance.  

Below is an Interview i found in IndiaGlitz. 

Surya debuts in Bollywood in his next flick for a Ram Gopal Varma's Hindi film - Ratha Charithra.

Paiyaa - Movie Review

Well, honestly, first, i am not a writer and i have never written movie reviews in my life. If you are expecting a professional analysis with a 5 point scale rating, you are at the wrong place. This is just another youngster like you sharing his experience of a movie of our class. 

If the Dhanush starrer, Polladhavan is a 150 min Ad for Pulsar, Paiyaa is once such for Lancer. If you ask me to describe the movie in one word - i would say "Fabulous". In one sentence,

"An  exciting entertainment pack with full of fearless action, mesmerizing music, thwacking turning points and unexpressed love".

In one paragraph,

It's a story in which a jobless youngster falls for Tamannah in a "Love-At-First-Sight" Fashion and Like any other typical tamil movie, the male lead has no idea about the whereabouts of this bangalore beauty before she asked him for a drive to Mumbai. The feared female lead was in trouble and karthik drives her all the way from Bangalore in a Mitsubushi Lancer. It was a joyful journey with full of fun, furious action sequences, typical turning points & scintillating song sequences.
Except for the highway, he drove the car all over the country. Mostly on Farms, Falls & Forests. Both Being in pressure, the male lead never had the time to express his love - which he finally did in the end or to put in a actual way, the movie ended after he did.

The thuli thuli song was well received by the crowd and the shout is mostly heard when Tamannah was on screen. But it was for this song - என் காதல் சொல்ல நேரம் இல்லை - the whole audience danced and rejoiced. I realized how hit it's going to be, after listening to the rousing roar when it started. No wonder, as it said the story of the movie in four fantastic stanzas with the voice & vocals of Yuvan.

என் காதல் சொல்ல நேரம் இல்லை
உன் காதல் சொல்ல தேவை இல்லை
நம் காதல் சொல்ல வார்த்தை இல்லை
உண்மை மறைத்தாலும் மறையாதடி

உன் கையில் சேர ஏங்கவில்லை,
உன் தோளில் சாய ஆசையில்ல,
நீ போன பின்பு சோகம் இல்லை,
என்று பொய் சொல்ல தெரியாதடி!

The hero is more concerned about helping her to reach her grandma's home in mumbai and remained in hesitation till the very end to express his love. The end of the first half is still fresh in my mind.  It's the first turning point of the movie as every one was only thinking that the story is all about Karthik saving  Tamannah  but this scene revealed Karthik himself having rivals in Mumbai. This last line of the fantastic, fast-paced first-half,

உங்களுக்கு மும்பை-ல வேண்டியவங்க இருக்கற மாதிரி எனக்கு வேண்டாதவங்க கொஞ்சம் இருக்காங்க" 

was told by Karthik after an astonishing action sequence which was very familiar to the climax of one of my Favourite Linugsamy's action pack - RUN. Though Karthik slaughters the Villan Associates with unconventional action moves, it still looked acceptable and appreciable as far as Tamil movie standards is concerned. That sequence should have been kept at the end as the Climax candidate isn't as devastating as the former.

About the leads, Karthik has thrown away his former formal  wears - Soiled Lungi & teared T-shirts and has come in with a fresh face & spectacular style. But regarding his aggression in previous movies, i would say, History Continues. Tamannah is just beautiful as she always is and was charming throughout the movie for which she received most of the applauses. Audience are awe-struck when she was on screen.
To summarize, It's a movie beyond the worth-watching-once tag. Watch out for the following.

• Scintillating songs spectacularly synched with the visuals - line-by-line.
• Mind-blowing music of Yuvan - both in Songs & BG in action sequences.
• Top-Class Cinematography and Visual effects. 
• Typical Lingusamy's turning points - that uniquely highlights him.

To close out the elaboration, let me just say - Lingusamy is back with a bang!