The Amazing Spiderman: Just a VFX tour

The Amazing Spiderman: Just a VFX tour

The Amazing Spiderman directed by Marc Webb another version of Sam Raami’s Spiderman –I but with a different villain, is worth watching it for the Special Effects.

The script is fully focused on the Pre-Transformation era of Peter Parker and his parents, in this version a more logical light has been thrown on the way Peter Parker becomes a Spiderman by a Spider bite. Here peter parker uses a mechanically designed instrument to spin his web. The whole script focuses more on the psychological aspects of Peter Parker than on the Spiderman.

The script is very strong when it is seen as a prequel but when you expect your Superhero “Spiderman” on the screen you flunk. The film is full of logics, where you find many occasions when Spiderman reveals the Peter Parker within him, bows his head before the cops. But when it comes to the visual effects its simply amazing work. The antagonist of the movie is not like Sandman or any other villain the Spiderman has fought before it’s his Father’s colleague this time.

The Amazing Spiderman is really a good film when it is watched without expecting the previous versions, especially for Indian Audience who always don’t want their superheroes to keep on talking and wondering about their previous life.  The same fate was to “The Batman Begins” too.

Irfan Khan in the film clearly shows that Hollywood has started depending upon Indian market for their films nothing else.

Finally “The Amazing Spiderman” is not for Indian audience……

Gangs of Wasseypur:  As Raw as Blood

Finally Anurag Kashyap has done it with his “Gangs of Wasseypur” , a film so Raw that you will feel blood in you and go to the interiors of Jharkhand and Bihar.  A film tells you about decades of Revenge between the different clans with Coal Mining Mafia as the background.

The script very bound that nothing has been compromised in it. A very clean script which tells every detail about the story without any drag or forcefully injected characters. The film revolves around characters that are very realistically portrayed to a very large extent.

Manoj Bajpaee has done a wonderful job as Sardar Khan the central character around whom the story happens. The story traces back to the pre-independence era when coal mining was started as a trade and goes through the lives of people who depended on the mines for life and the clans fighting for their power.

The film technically is very raw and every shot and scenes break the cliché of the trade mark Indian cinema.  Especially the areas when Sardar uses his first gun, the place when Najma instructs her son to give the lunch box full of raw materials to make a bomb are very realistic.

The camera just reprises the eye of the director and shows us the story as it is, the dialogues are to be noted and thanks to the Censor board for making the film reach the screens as raw as it is now.

Every Actor has carried the film on their shoulders with at most care. The film sows seed for the part 2 of it, and the trailer rises the expectation to a peak.

Finally Gangs of Wasseypur is as raw as Anurag and the writer within him.

Mudhalvan - an Analysis...

Mudhalvan – Always a viewer’s choice….

Mudhalvan a tamil Political film that released in the year 1999 directed by Shankar, starring Arjun, Raguvaran, Manivanan and others was a box office stealer. It has always been a viewer’s choice on Television whenever it is telecasted; it steals the TRP whenever it is on air.

Today though I have seen the movie several times both on big screen as well as TV, I was attracted towards it, but this time I wanted to analyse the film as an audience as well as a film analyser. I was taken aback by seeing some insight things hidden in the characters, names and dialogues. 

I am basically a very big fan of writer late Mr. Sujatha Rangarajan, his combination with Shankar has always been keenly noted by everyone. 

First of all let us discuss about the face value of the film, the first USP of the film is its director Shankar, this happens to be his fifth film all the fourth films that he has directed before from Gentleman to Jeans were all a box office stealers, his first was with Arjun and made a twist in the history of tamil cinema all his films lived upto the expectations, his gentleman fought against corruption while his Kadhalan was a love story, his Indian starring Kamal Hassan set a benchmark and that was too against bribery with a unexpected  characterization of Kamal Hassan plying both protagonist and antagonist, his next was Jeans with Prasanth playing dual roles and starring Miss Universe fame Aishwarya Rai, it was a Romantic comedy film so obviously his next created more hype in the minds of the audience, and it was speculated that Mudhalvan was to be originally done by Rajinikanth and due to some reasons Arjun took over the project, beyond all these massive inexpensive marketing insights it had A.R.Rahman’s music which gave the film another USP. And with all these face values it is always a cat on the wall situation for any film to meet the expectation of the audience but the film did it with a very effective yet different storyline.

Now we shall discuss about the storyline of the film, the film had all the above said pre-release expectations, and now after all these fanfare it is the story which should keep up the promise made by the publicity, and this story kept the promise. This film also deals with a vigilante subject as the earlier films of Shankar like Gentleman and Indian did, but this time with a very different perspective. The main plot of the story is an ordinary layman taking up the challenge of a state’s Chief Minister to be the Chief Minister of the state for one single day (i.e) “One Day CM”, which the audience never had in their mind at all. It is always a dream of every layman to curse his ruler and aim to become CM one day and do good to the people, this simple desire was taken as the knot by Shankar and Sujatha and made into a very interesting film with it. This story deals with very ordinary next door character of ours, and that character does many good to the people like arresting and suspending more than 300 corrupted officials ranging from a weigh boy in a ration shop who cheats people with fake weighing to the ministers of the state in one day. This was the main pulse capturing thing in the story. The second half of the film where Arjun becomes CM and faces all the problems kindled by Raguvaran the Ex CM is a usual cat and mouse fight of tamil cinema. The first half of the film made the content of the second half look brighter though it was usual.

Today when I saw the film things I noted were the names of the characters in the film which itself marks the brilliancy of Sujatha Tamil names like Pugazhendhi, Balavesha, Mayakrishnan, Aranganathan, Thenmozhi, Muthuvadugu, Needhimanickam, Indhrani, Manavalan, etc,. these type of good Tamil names disappeared from films for a long time. And things like “Angathu” a tradition followed by the farmers during the harvesting were told casually along with the story without any force. This is a technique that must be followed in the screenplay, nothing must find a separate track in the film apart from the main storyline, the comedy, romance and message must be constructed along with the storyline not as a separate track. Indian cinema always has a gift of a character called Comedian in all its film, but not many are being used effectively, a comedian is the person who answers the questions of the audience about what the Hero is going to do next, in this film both Vadivelu and Manivanan’s characters are designed to do the job neat and clean, for instance Mayakrishnan’s character motivated Pugazhendhi to become CM which is the main question of the audience in that moment. In that way every character a Village girl, a old fashioned Farmer with the desire of getting a Groom with a Government job to his daughter, a Cartoonist father, a Serial Addict Mother, etc, were was different. 

The film had very strong and punchy dialogues full of messages, for instance, the dialogue Mayakrishnan says to Pugazhendi crawling through the crowd waiting for this decision to contest in the election “” உங்கள மாதிரி படிச்சவங்க எல்லாம் அரசியலுக்கு வாங்கடான அரசியல் ஒரு சாகடன்பனுங்க , சேரி சாக்கடைய எறங்கி சுத்தம் பண்ண வேண்டியது  தானே, அதவிட்டுட்டு நாததுலயெஹ் வாழனும்னா  எப்படி” . Sujatha as a writer gave excellent dialogues all over the film.

The cast of the film Arjun, Raguvaran, Manivanan and Vadivelu who carried the film on their shoulders were brilliant throughout, Raguvaran was excellent from his introductory scene where he breaks the hand of a follower to his last word in the film “that was a nice interview”. Manivanan had a brilliant role who motivates both the audience and the central character of the film to the main knot of the story, apart from these Manisha Koirala, Haneefa, Vijayakumar, etc were at their best.

The music of the film was a chartbuster with songs of all genre, the winning combo of Shankar and Rahman reaped the gold again in Mudhalvan too, K.V.Anand the colourful cinematographer of the Tamil cinema did a colourful capturing of the film and pleased the audience with more beautiful yet appealing shots.

Finally, Mudhalvan had a complete structured screenplay with all the necessary ingredients that a common audience needs, and that brought it the winning olive crown at the box office.

A screenplay is not complete unless or until all the questions of the audience are answered before the end card pops in and all the characters in the film had something to do with the story not anything separate.  

Vazhaku En 18/9 : A perfect “Charge-Sheet” against today’s social evil..

Vazhaku En 18/9 : A perfect “Charge-Sheet” against today’s social evil..

Balaji Shakthivel has once again stroked the right chord. An ordinary story with an extraordinary screenplay and fabulous Casting.

The film is a huge success only by its well-read casting and the way they have carved the characters throughout the 2 hours journey, every character is at its best. A film of this genre needs a known face but the director has broken the role by introducing all new faces into the story and make us feel fresh.

The best part of the story is its screenplay this film is another example where the writer has showed his touch all over. The story revolves around very ordinary and limited characters which is the strong hold for the film for not losing its pace, from beginning to end the story has only 10 important characters.

Sri as Velu has done a benchmark performance, Urmila Mahanta and Manisha Yadav are at their best, a special credit has to be given to Muthuraman who portrayed the role of inspector Kumaravel, what a subtle and realistic performance.

Vijay Milton has done a remarkable camera work with a 5D camera, the use of Body Mount shots is applauding.

Balaji Sakthivel as a director has proved that cinema is medium where everything could be told in a realistic manner, with little commercial elements all around, he needs just a camera and bunch of people he will do wonders.

As far as the film, its very good a bit dragging in the second half but a ends up with a protruding climax. After watching the film you will never open your front door without watching the see through lens in it….

Paan Singh Tomar: An Unsung (Movie) Hero…

The time has come for Indian cinema to make bio-pics on some of the great Indians, the director of the film Tigmanshu Dhulia has to be applauded to bring in the life of one of the Unsung Heroes of Indian sport to the limelight. 

After Shekar Kapoor’s “Bandit Queen” its “Paan Singh Tomar” now a bio pic of an International Record setting Indian Athlete turned Dacoit Paan Singh Tomar of the Sambal Valley. The film revolves around the chapters of his life recording the events which made him an athlete and a dacoit. This film does not only showcase the life of a dacoit but the life of the down trodden people of the sambal valley.

The way the story has been narrated makes it more interesting, usually the most difficult part in making a bio – pic is the narration, usually many Indian bio – pics lack the important essence in narrating which make them soar, but Tigmanshu Dhulia has stricked the right hord in narrating the life of a very less known athlete as well as a dacoit.

For those who have watched “Bandit Queen” it would be a reviving journey through the sambal with the same interesting flavour. 

Irfan Khan has lived the role and has made his way to the national awards next year, I wish he bags the “Swarna Kamal” next year, his transformation both physically as well as his attitude concern is impressive, especially as an very innocent Army Officer was really wonderful.

I wish more and more Films that focus on the unsung Heroes be made in Indian Cinema.

Finally, please rush and Watch the movie without Fail….

3 : Expect the Unexpected

After all Kolaveri has hit the screen with a good opening and high expectation running all around, 3 is neither a regular love film nor a completely new theme. Its just a “Old Wine in a New Bottle”.

Dhanush is really a director’s actor, he has again proved his mettle in his own way, Shruthi after her launch in 7am Arivu it’s a good role to come back. And as far as Aishwarya . R. Danush it’s a good directorial attempt.

The first half of the film is very cool and breezy, with youthful flavour all over, the first half had some glimpses of a suspense which the story is going to lead to but those suspense did not have a great impact on the audience and mildly created a hype for the second half, the next half of the film was a completely different story with many clichés of Mayakkam Enna and other physiological thrillers, and it failed to live up to the expectations. And a very simple flaw but was delebrately visible in the story was the importance given to the characters of Shiv Karthikeyan and Sundar. The first half was in the hands of Shiv Karthikeyan and he disappeared completely in the second half and Sundar got the importance.

Danush and Shruthi have done a commendable role, especially their transformation from school students to a mature man and woman was superb both physically as well as the attitude concern. Shiv Karthikeyan rocks in timing and Sundar in the performance. Anirudh excels in BGM and is widley influenced by Yanni.

Finally, 3 a movie for which you can give a try, watch it for Danush and Shruthi, especially Danush in the last scene…..

Karnan : A Grandeur in every bit….

Karnan : A Grandeur in every bit….

**Note: This is not a Review or any sort of Criticism of the film, this is an Appreciation…**

Karnan, Wow what a grandeur not only in the aspects of sets or making Shivaji Ganesan’s acting, Kannadasan’s writings, NTR’s performance, and not but not the least Bandhalu’s direction.

This is the real grandeur every youngster must watch this magnum opus and learn what making a grandeur really is, there are no words about Shivaji sir’s performance, he is a legend, his delivery of dialogues is the real dictionary for Tamil for these youngsters.

It was a real lifetime experience for me at Sathyam cinemas, the screen was full and This man still attracts people towards him, what an acting, in the climax when Karnan leaves his last breath I don’t know weather Karnan was such brave on his death bed or not but after watching Shivaji in that character I wish Karnan should have been such bold and brave, for me and many others Karnan is non-other than Shivaji after watching this, dialogue delivery his Tamil pronunciation no word,.

NTR as Lord Krishna has lived as witty Krishna himself every expression of him shows he is witty, especially when he induces Kundi Devi to ask the two booms from Karnan, superb attitude.

Kannadasan has told the whole impact and message of Mahabaratha through his lyrics.

Thanks to Mr. Shanti Chokkalingam for this effort, and thanks to media for taking this effort to today’s generation.

I wish all youngsters, especially upcoming filmmakers watch this movie and know how to shoot a real grandeur..

Finally, “Chevalier” Dr. Shivaji Ganesan is always a star and still very much alive in all the hearts of his Fans….

Kahaani : A exhaustive “Sit-on-Edge” Drama

Kahaani : A exhaustive “Sit-on-Edge” Drama

Kahaani is a movie of espionage film doing great justice to its Genre, after a long time a move that’s driven by a mystery and makes you sit tight to the edge of your seats from the start till the end.

The story is itself a twisted tale of many and the answer for which the story searches is such a mind blowing episode. Vidhya Balan has just eloped the film to a different height with her subtle and modest performance as a Pregnant women searching for her lost Husband in the densely populated streets of Kolkata and a………? (it’s a suspense watch it for yourself).

Technically the move has an wonderful camera work with a commendable role, Setu, the cinematographer has worked on what the script demands and his montages to establish the locations around which the story happens is an example for his work.

The casting has worked out well in the film and this forms the main optimistic theory behind the success of Kahaani. Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui have done an excellent performance all over the film. This film has another example to showcase that Indian film industry is now fluctuating from an Artist oriented industry to a Script oriented industry.

Sujoy Gosh has done a commendable role both as a writer and director of the movie.

Finally Kahaani is a Indian film on the lines of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and a wonderful espionage film that gives you a very thrilling experience.

Watch it for Vidhya Balan and…………..?

Aravan : A wonderful epic after a long time…

Aravan : A wonderful epic after a long time…

Vasantha Balan has stricked the winning chord again with his period epic “Aravan”, a story set in 18^th century Tamil Nadu. The most important thing about the film is it has maintained a very good inter-textual relationship with its original Sahithya Academy Award winning novel “Kaaval Kotam” by Su. Venkatesan.

The film has an extraordinary casting which adds the real flavour to the content of the story. The film is supported by its ensemble cast who carry the film to this excellence.

The film basically has a very strong story of two clans in southern Tamilnadu. Sidarth’s cinematography has brought life to the 18^th on the screen. The cleche of the regular Sepia tone in a period film has been avoided in the film which makes it colourful.

Pasupathy and Aadhi have done a great job all over the film, Karthik’s Background score adds more flavour to the film and makes the audience stay tight to the seat.

Vasantha Balan the captain of the ship has moulded every frame of the film with at most care and detailing. The locations, the sets, the casts, the dialogues everything has been moulded to the best. Barath and Anjali have done a neat special appearances which the story demands and not for just an item number.

The only drawback of the film is the second half lags a little due to the placement of songs and the mood the flashback has.

Please do watch the film…

Dirty Picture: Mass and Class with “Silky” Attitude.

Dirty Picture: A Movie filled with “Attitude”

Dirty Picture portrays the Best Picture of Vidhya Balan, She has really taken this flick to an Altitude full of Attitude.

The film has portrayed the bold yet frustrated life of “Silk” Smitha. The dialogues form the core of the film. Every word uttered by Vidhya has an in-depth meaning in it. A big band of applause has to be given to Ekta Kapoor choosing this subject and Vidhya for the role.

Script wise the first half covers the mass and the second half touches the class. A very tricky screenplay by Rajat Arora where every question asked has an answer before the end. The complete screenplay structure where nothing is left without an answer as well as nothing is unnecessary till the end.

The ensemble of cast for this film is the most important strength starting from Naseerudin Sha, Emran Hashmi, Tussar Kapoor to the Junior artist is Good.

The only drawback of this flick is at certain point or many places the happening spot of the story (Chennai) has not been justified, except for the name boards.

A Special credit has to be given to the director Milan Luthria for handling this crucial subject in a very warm manner.

The cinematography and the BGM has to be given a due credit for creating the feel for the film.

Finally, Watch it for Vidhya her face reflects “Silk” Smitha’s attitude, she has done a great job, She owes a couple of awards for this.

Dirty Picture: Mass and Class with “Silky” Attitude.

Mayakkam Enna : A matured Love story of a Frustrated Youngster…

Mayakkam Enna : A matured Love story of a Frustrated Youngster…

Mayakkam Enna is a Movie that could not be classified in a single genre, it starts with a Triangular Story and Turns back into a Family Drama.

Selvaragavan has tried a light hearted flick with his own flavour. The film seems to be very slow in both the halves, because the audience are sent to a confused state as far as the main motive of the plot is concerned. The usage of Sub-Plots in the script has dripped the pace of the screenplay.

Danush excels day by day and gets matured as an actor in every film. Here as a freaky youngster, a passionate photographer and a frustrated photographer.

Selva’s light comedy carries the film to the audience. Richa is fabulous as Yamini. The story of the film is nothing special same as 7G and Kadhal Kondein but here its bit matured.

G.V.Prakash’s Background score as well as songs are good and give a tempo to the film. But unnecessary CG work everywhere in the film makes it a sober. Ramji’s cinematography and Kola Baskar’s Editing lose their content to the unwanted CG work.

Finally “Mayakkam Enna” is bit matured lot are not going to like it. Watch it for Danush and Richa the performers.

Rockstar: Not a regular “Run-on-the-Mill” Love epic..

Rockstar: Not a regular “Run-on-the-Mill” Love epic..

**Note: Not for regular Movie Buffs***

Rockstar is a very quite interesting movie about Love, Pain and Music. It tells us how Janardanan a quite innocent boy discovers the Music in him due to his Love and Pain. Ranbir is at his best.

Imtiaz Ali has really stroked right chords, the way he has portrayed Ranbir as Jordan is very interesting and with many realistic inputs of an artist. Some places where he induces the frustration of life and rules in the mind of Jordan are out of the box.

A very critical screenplay that drives the story, the story has done justice to its genre.

A.R.Rahman has given what Jordan demands. His background score his songs fit every situation, every character at their best.

“Oh Eco-Friendly.. Nature ke Rakshak… Mai bhi Hoon Nature…?” what a lyric… Mohit Chauhan has given his at-most and Ranbir has done a complete justice to his vocals.

This movie being a musical drama doesn’t suit every kind of audience. The love between Ranbir and Nargis is written in a Matured manner. JJ gives Birth to Jordan only because of the Love on Heere and the Pain created due to his Break-up with her, is the plot of the Story.

The Adventures of TINTIN

The Adventures of TINTIN

WOW…! The master craftsman strikes back with a spectacular Motion Picture Event of the Year

It’s a Spielberg movie no doubt of the “Sit-Tight to the Seat” experience, a wholesome entertainment and a marvel in screenplay. The answer for why he chose it to be an animated film is well seen in the film, if this was to be a live action film it won’t have been a full justice to Herge’s work.

Technically it’s a next level animation, every detail of the characters have been designed with at-most care. A very tight screenplay, the plot starts from the very first scene of the film. Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish have excelled in the way the sequence is driven to the spectacle.

The camera work is really a fabulous movie experience, especially when TINTIN chases Red Rackhman to get the clue in the dessert city is a wonderful play with the shots. The way Captain Hadcock remembers the past has been sequenced in a very interesting way.

The film moves in a very faster phase, which makes you feel that the movie gets over in a hour.

Finally, a dream team Steven Spielberg – Peter Jackson – TinTin, What else we could expect just go to the theatre, enjoy a thrilling roller coaster ride.

7am Arivu: Two strong canvases but stitched very loosely

7am Arivu: Two strong canvases but stitched very loosely

Kudos to Murugadoss for bringing in such lost history and a very informative message into Tamil cinema. I won’t say that it’s all but its good.

The film has a very strong and very good plot that is more effective to make the audience sit tight to their seats. Technical wise it’s really good except for the stunt sequence before the climax. Murugadoss as a writer has brought in many information at every end of the play, the only thing that lags behind is the entertainment value, people feel that many incidents and techniques have been pushed forcefully inside the screenplay to boost the entertainment value that have failed to work.

As far as Suriya and Shruthi concerned they have done a wonderful job, Suriya as Bhodhidarma, Circus man and a Hero has done a very neat job. After a very long time a heroine of a Tamil magnum opus had a good role to play with the story, here the story travels with Shruthi, and she remains the motivation for the story.

Ravi. K. Chandran has done a neat clean job, nothing more or nothing less. His experiments and skills are reflected only in the song sequences. The most important credit to the cinematographer is for not using sepia or b/w tone for the period part.

Tong Lee the handsome Villian as he is addressed had no scope to show his martial arts, but to show the beauty of his eyes, all over the film.

Special credit must be given to Rajeevan for a wonderful art work in the China portion and 6^th century Pallava empire.

Harries hits the chord in some places while the BGM has nothing more special. “Innum Enna Thozha….” Is a sure hit after the release of the movie.

Finally 7am Arivu has two big things Concept and Technique nut not fully mixed with entertaining ingredients. People who expect a reprisal of the Ghajini’s magic will be disappointed a bit.

My special salute to Murugadoss for bringing Bodidharma to the knowledge of his kiths and Kins here, and for remaining about the immense knowledge and power which we had and which we have forgot for a very long time like Sidha and Ayurvedha. And warning us about the Bio Warfare that we shall face.

Special credits to Shruti for a good role and Acting.

7am Arivu – Worth watching twice…..

Vaagai Sooda Vaa: Watch for camera work and Strong message..

Vaagai Sooda Vaa: A poignant tale with a good message.

Sargunam has again boarded the wagon of a brand hit. Vaagai Soodava is a definite different shot for the audience. The story is set in a small hamlet which is dependent on the brick lin during the 60’s. First applause is to the cinematographer Om Prakash for bringing in the feel of the dry land and the economic condition of the people.

The story has all the ingredients in it to entertain as well as to create an awareness in the minds of the audience. The director has selected an apt timeline to tell this story. The film has many cliché’s of Bhagyaraj genre, but fails to meet his screenplay. Though every character had its lead in the story, no character was left un explained, the pace of the screenplay gives it a docu feel.

The love episode lags a lot, making the radio and the songs played in it as a character was good but it was used in many places which made it loose the real feel.

Vimal has given a nice try and has succeeded, Pon Vannan was really good. Iniya was a nice find. She was a real justification to the character.

The best part was bringing back the 60’s, the characters, their mannerisms, the locals, the sets, the problems was amazing. Every child artist in the movie must be duly credited for their attractive performances.

The songs were good, background was apt in some areas but lost the lead in minor places.

Cinematography…..! really at the best. The camera was kept in the place where the story demanded. I hope that’s what a real cinematography means. More than showing a cinematographer’s expertise in handling the shots and camera movements, managing the things what the script demands was the work of Mr. Om Prakash, which was really poignant. Especially the long shot and the establishments shots were good. The lighting was the most important thing in Vaagai Sooda Vaa to bring the real feel.

The end was good and was more realistic than many of today’s realistic movies.

Finally, watch Vaagai Sooda Vaa for its Camera work and strong message.

Deiva Thirumagal: It should have been “Deiva Thirumagan”

Deiva Thirumagal: It should have been “Deiva Thirumagan”

Wow what an power and Enthusiasm in Vikram, he simply rocks…. He has made us all feel cry and get emotional in every frame.

Director Vijay has a very clean area wide area for Vikram, and as usual he has done a splendid job. And it is a special appreciation to Director Vijay for bringing out such a emotional script to the Tamilnadu. Though the story line touches Sean Penn’s “I am Sam” he has given a perfect blend of Indian flavor. Vikram’s homework and Efforts reflects in every frame of the film.

Nasser as Advocate “Bashyam” has swiped the hearts of the audience, fantastic performance. Baby Sarah she has carried the whole film on her shoulders along with another Baby Vikram. It is not easy to become a baby, Vikram has succeeded in it.

Nirav Sha’s lens work mesmerizes us with his excellent coloring and textures. His lighting techniques add an extra emotional flavor to the film.

M.S. Baskar, Pandi, Amala Paul and every character that enters the frame is at its best.

Anushka and Santhanam wonderful combo, Santhanam has made us cry in this film, he has showed us that he is capable of more than what he is now.

My only opinion about characters is Y. Gee. Mahendran’s role has lost its weight. Actor of such a versatility could have been used more effectively.

G.V. Prakash’s tunes fill every frame from the start till the close credits, especially his number “Life is Beautiful” makes us cry from heart whenever it is played.

Vijay has concenterated more on the characters and Vikram but has let loose at some areas of the Screenplay, some lags make us feel that it is a lengthy movie. Vijay has many inspirations from his mentor Priyadarshan, which is reflected on the sets too.

All these small flaws have been wiped off by Vikram. So watch it for Vikram. Watch it, and you will feel the real “Deiva Thirumagan’s” are no one else but your Dad.

Transformers : Dark of the Moon -- Wow…! For Special effects and Oops…! For very weak plot

Transformers : Dark of the Moon – Optimus Prime lives for Indian Movie Buffs this time…..

Wow…! For Special effects and Oops…! For very weak plot. The film has a very fragile knot that makes it just a Special effect Exhibition, The length of the film has disappointed the western audience and as for as the Indian audience it’s the VFX that makes them forget the length.

Micheal Bay has this time concentrated more on the visual aspects and has let loose the narrative structure of the movie. Eren Khruger the writer of this movie has been bound to compromise his plot to the VFX in the film. Some inner plots in the movie are very usual and does not create much difference.

Optimus Prime’s bold dialogues have been slashed as Indian theatres are yet to be equipped with 7.1 sound systems. Its only the BGM that audience could hear.

But no doubt that the Special effects and the character designs are marvelous, and the Indian audience are gonna love the film.

Avan – Ivan : A commercial entertainer in Bala style..

Avan – Ivan : A commercial entertainer in Bala style..

Avan – Ivan does not soar the expectations on Bala films. Though he has tried out and out commercial output, the realistic aesthetics in the film make it a critic lovable film. I will rather call this as a wholesome film that full fills every mindset.

The most important clutch in Bala’s films are the characters and their livelihood, which stays par excellence in every frame. Starting from “Chiyan” in Sethu to “Walter” Vanangamudi and “Kumbidren” Samy in Avan Ivan has its own unique potentiality and the characters form the USP of the films. At no extent the characters are thrown from the background the story revolves around.

Bala makes the script the first protagonist of his films, and the same happens in this too. Vishal as “Walter” Vanangamudi is at his best. This is the first time I belive that Vishal has become an actor. Director G.M. Kumar, “WoW” what an man, he lives as Zameendar (“Highness” that’s how people call him) as usual Arya has done his best, this time Vishal has carries a part heavier than Arya but both are at their best. As usual Bala surprises us with his unexpected castings like Ananth Vaithianadan (Voice expert in Airtel Super Singer) Ambika and RK (Hero of “Ellam Avan Seyal”) . Both the female leads have done what they were to do, but this time the female leads have lesser weights than the female leads of other Bala films.

The film makes us laugh throughout till the last 20 mins and then you dip into a mind blowing sorrow. In every film the problem or the root cause for the climax will be introduced in the first half but in here the plot is being reviled only in the second half which no audience will expect.

The comedy that grips along the script is natural and has no side track.

Yuvan has followed his Dad’s style in re recording.

This film is an example to all aspiring film makers to know how a commercial movie can be made with realistic aesthetics.

Though not a typical Bala film, this too is a new Genre of Bala’s dictionary.

And last but not least it’s a Vishal film directed by Bala.

Aaranya Kaandam : A raw Sur-Realistic gangster flick..

Aaranya Kaandam : A raw Sur-Realistic gangster flick..

Sabash…..! for Thyagarajan Kumararaja for bringing to screen such a wonderful cleanly weaved raw script. And double Sabash….! For S.P.Charan for producing this movie believing on only the script and the director.

It was like watching Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction or Inglorious Basterds. Really amazing film and happy to see such a flick in tamil. Aaranya Kaandam has already started collecting feathers and gems on its hat even before we got the chance to watch it. It already won the Grand Jury award at the south Asian film festival held at New York a year back.

The script is very raw though the climax is predictable each and every scene and happening is unpredictable and the script the screenplay makes the audience stick to their seats till the end. A very special applause must be given to the “Open” Dialogues in the film. If this was the concern for the censor board, I hit back at all those learned biggies “Please come watch what the real world is before rating a film”.

Characterization, the characters carry the film on their shoulders and they have safely landed the palanquin on a golden palate. Jackie Sheroof, Sampath, Somasundaram, Ravi Krishna avery one are very fresh. Especially Somasundaram as Zamindar has done a wonderful job.

I wish this film has no Interval. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is class and reminds me Inglorious Basterds.

This is a Sur – Realistic film, these type of films are very rare in Indian cinema. This story happens in a day but the most beautiful thing is that no single Time insert shots like showing a clock, Time running has been used to show that it happens in a Day.

Thiagarajan Kumararaja must go places….

Please go watch the film…..

Engeyum Kadhal: Nothing Special, Nothing Unusual, Yet Cool……!

Engeyum Kadhal: Nothing Special, Nothing Unusual, Yet Cool……!

Engeyum Kadhal Prabu Deva’s Visual treat after a “Masala Milieu” Villu, shot in and around the exotic locals of Paris is a feel good and cool film which grabs a visit to theaters for everyone who watch the Cut to the Best trailers on Sun Network and mesmerizing melodies of Harris.

The most creditable substance in the film is the limitation of Casting, no large family, unwanted comedians, Friends nothing just five characters including the lead pair, and the script revolves around them and ends within them without surprise entries at the end.

Jayam Ravi and Hansika have done what the screen needs nothing more or less, A special applaud for Hansika for improving her Lip Sync, she was literally chewing Bubble Gum all around in Mappillai. The comedy that goes along with the story makes the audience go on track. Especially when Raju Sundaram drops the mobile inside the closet.

A special reference has to be made to the choreography for the Song “Engeyum Kadhal” and an excellent and enjoyable movements in “Nangai”. Prabu Deva has brought us the cool drink for this summer please have a sip of it, don’t go in with more expectations, but Go spend some time and feel relaxed.

As per the usual dragging first 2 Acts of the script, it has become a routine that people lag in placement of songs, that too placing four songs in first half which is already dragging pushes the audience to snack counters….!

Harris Jayaraj, Nirav Sha and Sun Pictures’s Trailer Dept. are the real leads of this film…..!