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…..!