[CASE: Rajni's antics]
Behindthewoods report - Today the SuperStar ate a cheese sandwich today! It was filled with masala podi and mahalapodi and chickpeas. Fans of the Superstar were rumored to know that it tasted good. However, Rajni denies he said that as he was not available to comment.
Sify.com report - RAJNI EATS SANDWICH! The superstar today had a delightful lunch at a local hut where only middle-class indians can afford. Today, our superstar was seen eating a masala sandwich while his desperate fanbase was watching gleefully. There were rumors going around that Rajni had planned to eat a sandwich as he was fed up with masala dosas and idili's. Remember that Rajini ate a Pizza at Pizza Hut when he got tired of living with rasam rice and sambar!
[CASE: Vijay's ATM]
CATEGORY: ATM Launch
Behindthewoods report - After that blockbuster hit BAKERY, our Ilayathalapathy has signed onto his next venture entitled, NALLA THAMIZHA. There are reports that it's another Telugu import from PRAMANDHA CHEPPANDI but this time, Vijay borrows it from Hindi flop, ACHA HINDUSTANI. Vijay was unavailable for comment as he's too busy watching Mahesh Babu act so that he can copy his style too.
Sify.com report - ILAYATHALAPATHY'S NEXT! Our Ilayathapathy is enjoying the 10 day run of Bakery but now he seems to be in a rush for his next venture, Nalla Thamizha. Rumors are going agog that it's a remake of a Telugu blockbuster Pramandha Cheppandi while disclosed sources claim that it's a copy of hindi hit, Acha Hindustani starring Abhisheshtan Batchan and Kuppaiwarya. Remember that Vijay has a knack of copying films from Telugu such as Naan Okkadu, Pathi, Thirrutu kuchi in the past. Only our Ilayathalapathy can confirm this.
CATEGORY: ATM heroines
Behindthewoods report - Telugu import Shreeka has found success in Baaji: the dish along with Superstar. Even though she can't speak tamizh or have any good sense of acting, she was bagged by our Ilayathalapathi Vijay, who found success with Bakery for his next recycler: Nalla Thamizha. She plays a vulgar lady opposite to our Vijay who's half naked and dances for Ilayathalapathi's front benches and have no lives. Shreeka comments: "I love Tamizh cinema. It gives me good opportunities to do nothing but be concubines to the superstars, the thalapathis and whatnot. Plus, I'm shedding my wardrobe to win acclaim with biased reviewers." Also casted opposite Vijay is Vambitha, the obese actress with 0% of talent. She also comments, "Finally, I get to play Vijay's bodyguard in a song sequence. It's my long time dream to shake my flabby body along with Ilayathalapathi even though I've made claims that I'm not fat in the press releases."
Sify.com report - Sreeka and Vambitha bag Vijay's next! Baaji the dish is still making waves thanks to repeat audience and piracy! Sreeka, the vulgar heroine has bagged her next recycler opposite to our Ilayathalapathi in Nalla Thamizha. Vambitha, the obese Shakeela, has also bagged Vijay's next as well. Sreeka comments that she needed some money after wasting all her Baaji collections on skimpy wardrobes. "In Nalla Thamizha, I have a 5 reels of appearances before I get chopped off for Vijay's sequences." Vambitha couldn't comment on her acting as she's too busy showing off to the public more that what they bargain for...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
[RANT] Kollywood's heroines [PART I]
Sivaji, ATM, or (insert any big budgeted film with superstars.) What do these films have in common? SuperStars like Rajini and Vijay. Anything else? How about those heroines, hmm? Remember them? Really? Tell me what their so called part of the film is?
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
.....Time's up! The correct answer is "absolutely nothing!" That's right. Nada, zilch, zero! What they claim to say about themselves in interviews and press? Bullshit. Absolute lies. Today's Kollywood is more or less the "money-spinning " machine for the superstars because nobody cares about "story" anymore. They care about "sleaze", "iterm numbers" or better yet, "hero's figure."
Have a good look, no seriously a GOOD look at the cinema Kollywood MANAGED to give us: Mozhi gave us Jo's blind character, ParuthiVeeran had scope on Priyamani's character, hell, look at Mani Ratnam's films for god damn sakes! Those films actually gave a damn about portraying strong female characters. Even Kireedom had Trisha portrayed as a comical character and that was a tad better than sitting around for Santhanam's crass comedy or Vivek's repeated acts.
Case in this point: Sivaji the Boss. The film was a blockbuster no doubt, but only because of 2 things. 1) Rajni's over-obsessed fanbase and 2) Shriya's sleazy looks. Period. The film didn't boast of a great story or characterization or plot (those who haven't seen it, my advise: avoid it. It's Mudhalvan, Gentleman and Indian remixed.) Every tamil forum site I visited during the film's release period, they all rave about Shriya's performance. What performance? Did I watch a different film or were they just wiping the drool off their faces from watching her vulgar dance steps and skimpy costumes that makes the film border an U/A rating. In fact, the irony here is that Rajini's character in the film boasted of her as a simple "tamizh" girl, yet the song sequences have a different story to tell.
Still don't buy it? How about that rumbum called "Thiruyadhal Arambam?" It's got Dhanush playing that shady version of Rajni's Mr. Bharath right? Nope. Go ask anyone in the blasted forums or ask any cinema crazy person down South. Nope. People remember Shriya's designer looks, that's about it. As it is, she can't utter a single tamil word [read Koffee with Anu episode] nor manage any kind of acting skills. She's basically another "wooden face." She's only face for her "valley girl" roles that REALLY don't boast much off. Going by the latest "ATM" snaps, it's basically Sivaji Mark II only Masala Monkey Vijay's taking over Rajni's role. I pray that the film gets bankrupt.
Speaking of "ATM" how about that "Namitha?" Remember that *big* article about how she's "reportedly" lost all that weight and crap?" Guess what? You've been BS'd again! I love it how the media sites like to mess with the human mind whenever the news of "ZOMG! Rajni's doing a film with t3h Mani Ratnam!" Yayz!" OR "Rahman's t3h awesome's cauz he's got better muzak skillz than copy-cat Jeyaraj!" Back on Namitha, just have a good look at this pic: http://www.behindwoods.com/image-gallery-stills/photos-4/tn-award/tn-govt-film-award-12.html.
So in closing, would the directors and writers of the film actually give a damn about the heroine instead of portraying her as a "front-bencher", or a "pointless' character, cause it really beats the purpose of making the movie. Heck, I think this is why directors like Priyadarshan and Mani Ratnam vowed to never come back to Kollywood again cause of this kind of situation. Going by our present situation, it sure looks like it.
Be sure to catch Part II, where I'll slam more on portrayals in movies [Asin, Bhavana, Jo] and more!
Monday, October 15, 2007
KUMARAN (2007) MUSIC REVIEW [TAMIL[
Dubbed Telugu films continue to make a mark in Kollywood. Be it "Udamba Eppadi Irukku" from Dr. Rajashekhar [Their version of the Sarath Kumar release, "NamNaadu"] and the latest Trivikram release, "Nandu"[Athadu], this next one is also a dubbed film and it's got the common factor of Trisha and Telugu Superstar, Mahesh Babu [Last seen in dubbed latter.] This one hails from the Telugu disaster of last year, SAINIKUDU. Aside from that, the film boasts of creative numbers from Kollywood's happening maestro, Harris Jayaraj. After Bheema, Jayaraj dubs his Telugu chartbusters into Tamil witht the help of Viveka Snegan, Paruthi and Na. Muthukumar [KIREEDOM fame]
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
Tippu and wife Harini give it their best with "Oru Banaram." Originally sung by Indian Idol 2 Runner-up, N.C Karunya, one wished that the latter could've re-sung the popular chartbuster in the Tamil version. Nevertheless, Tippu manages to emulate Karunya while Harini supports aptly. Malathi also joins in with a viliage tone during the song. The song is somewhat inspired from the popular A.R Rahman hit, "Chaiyya" from "Dil Se."
Newcomer: Senthil Dass joins in with "Go Go". A phenomenon in Telugu, one wonders if did justice to the Tamil dub as well. Supposidly, it's the title track. You're the judge for this one!
The other numbers: "Nizhal Endrum" and "Byla Baylamo" are good mass numbers that would give people a run for their money, or better yet, an encore.
Sadly, Anuradha Sriram falters with "Sorgathil". The Telugu version was apparently a big hit next to "Banaram" but as far as the Tamil dub goes, it's more or less an average track.The last one "Pombala" by Anu Sriram and Karthik is a good duet number. Should also be a chartbuster as well.
Overall, Jayaraj does a decent job in dubbing the tracks from the Telugu film. One wishes that him or the associates had recycled his singers from the original into this album. It is what Mahesh Babu [who has marketed the Tamil dub] should've thought of before dubbing the songs into Tamil. Nevertheless, enjoy "Oru Banaram", "Pombala" and "Go Go" while the others are time-pass. Unfortunately, the film bombed badly last December and it's uncertain how it's fairing in Tamil Nadu. Still, the album's worth a hear.
Rating: ***.5/5
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Movie Review : DHAMAAL (2007) [HINDI]
From PARTNER to HEYY BABY, seems that Comedy films are the only way to success. Which brings us to our next case: DHAMAAL. Indra Kumar directs this wacky comic laughathon that will leave you all in splits. Right from the word, "go" the situations, the humor, the funda, everything seems to gel out well, therefore giving the right prescription to humor.
To sum it up: DHAMAAL suceeds in giving you the laugh treatment you awaited for all the time. Ek dum jhakass seems more like it.
4 bums [Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Aasish Chaudhary, and Javed Jaffery] are idiots in life, until they meet up with a dying man [Prem Chopra] who assists them in the secret of the burial of 10 crores in a resort in Goa. Along the way, they meet up with selfish people [Sanjay Dutt], [Asrani] and the Baba singh, who also in pursuit of the money. The rest of the story then unfolds.
While the first thought from the film deviates the plot from Priyadarshan's MALAMAAL WEEKLY, it's actually directly lifted from videshi hit RAT RACE [2001]. Nevertheless, the scenes with Sanjay and the bus kids are hilarious while the portions with Aasish Chaudhary are unbelievable. These guys know how to act in elan!
However, all credit must go to Javed Jaffery. Probably one of the outstanding peformers after Tusharr Kapoor's dumb act in GOLMAAL (2006). Second comes Aasish Choudhary for his mimicry, then Riteish and Arshad. Sanjay the rest are competent and make their presence felt.
On the whole, DHAMAAL is time-pass paisa vasool entertainment. Go watch it for laughs!
Rating: ****
To sum it up: DHAMAAL suceeds in giving you the laugh treatment you awaited for all the time. Ek dum jhakass seems more like it.
4 bums [Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Aasish Chaudhary, and Javed Jaffery] are idiots in life, until they meet up with a dying man [Prem Chopra] who assists them in the secret of the burial of 10 crores in a resort in Goa. Along the way, they meet up with selfish people [Sanjay Dutt], [Asrani] and the Baba singh, who also in pursuit of the money. The rest of the story then unfolds.
While the first thought from the film deviates the plot from Priyadarshan's MALAMAAL WEEKLY, it's actually directly lifted from videshi hit RAT RACE [2001]. Nevertheless, the scenes with Sanjay and the bus kids are hilarious while the portions with Aasish Chaudhary are unbelievable. These guys know how to act in elan!
However, all credit must go to Javed Jaffery. Probably one of the outstanding peformers after Tusharr Kapoor's dumb act in GOLMAAL (2006). Second comes Aasish Choudhary for his mimicry, then Riteish and Arshad. Sanjay the rest are competent and make their presence felt.
On the whole, DHAMAAL is time-pass paisa vasool entertainment. Go watch it for laughs!
Rating: ****
[FEATURE] Amul Spoofs
The famous Amul butter from India has spoofed so many things that are filmy related. Take a gander at what is what for yourselves, then we'll help out if you're lost.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Music Review: Om Shanti Om (2007) [HINDI]
Farah Khan, the choreographer turned director [Main Hoon Na (2004)] is one film old and already she created waves in the Hindi film industry.
The film boasts of King Khan's return to Farah's direction after 3 years. Khan, who's Chak De! India has be declared super-hit, is riding high on it's success and he hopes to continue his winning streak with this film, Hirani's next and S.Shankar [Sivaji the Boss fame] with "Robot". Also in the cast is debutant, Deepika Padoune [Kannada fame], Shreyas Talpade and other stars.
Music director-duo Vishal-Shekhar composed some retro tracks based off the films. In the end, we can forgive them for the hip-hop that was CASH and success with OM SHANTI OM.
Main Aggar Kahoon (4.9/5)
If it weren't for the Ilaiyaraaja hangover for this track, the song would undoubtly be the best of the lot. Sonu Nigam is back in form after along time. Must have been a heavy toll for the singer with his tours, his newly born kid and stuff. Shreya Goshal supports aptly with Nigam after a long time.
Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om (4/5)
A dark and gutsy song with some great organization. The main problem is that it's got Shaan croon for the dark and gruff-like song. Nothing wrong with that. I just felt that he was decent but I strongly feel that a singer like M.G Sreekumar, one of my favorites would've been rocking in this track as song but I guess the background score makes up for it.
Ajabi Se (4.6/5)
The songs seems strikingly familiar. Can't remember where. Anyways, KK's decent, if only they roped in Vijay Yesudas for this, the song would undoubtedly be the best. It's okay in the end.
Dhoom Thana (3.4/5)
The tracks' just average. Nothing remotely interesting aside form Goshal's voice and that Date's vocals.
Deewangi Deewangi (4/5)
Another good song. But did they really have to repeat the same "retro" tunes. I under stand it's a "retro" movie but jeez man! Hard to differenciate!
Dard-E-Disco (5/5)
Best of the lot. Go Sukhwinder saab!
On the whole, OM SHANTI OM is pleasant album to play anytime anywhere. To be frank, it's a step up to that slow poke OST that is the latest SAAWARIYA.
Rating: ***.5/5
The film boasts of King Khan's return to Farah's direction after 3 years. Khan, who's Chak De! India has be declared super-hit, is riding high on it's success and he hopes to continue his winning streak with this film, Hirani's next and S.Shankar [Sivaji the Boss fame] with "Robot". Also in the cast is debutant, Deepika Padoune [Kannada fame], Shreyas Talpade and other stars.
Music director-duo Vishal-Shekhar composed some retro tracks based off the films. In the end, we can forgive them for the hip-hop that was CASH and success with OM SHANTI OM.
Main Aggar Kahoon (4.9/5)
If it weren't for the Ilaiyaraaja hangover for this track, the song would undoubtly be the best of the lot. Sonu Nigam is back in form after along time. Must have been a heavy toll for the singer with his tours, his newly born kid and stuff. Shreya Goshal supports aptly with Nigam after a long time.
Dastaan-E-Om Shanti Om (4/5)
A dark and gutsy song with some great organization. The main problem is that it's got Shaan croon for the dark and gruff-like song. Nothing wrong with that. I just felt that he was decent but I strongly feel that a singer like M.G Sreekumar, one of my favorites would've been rocking in this track as song but I guess the background score makes up for it.
Ajabi Se (4.6/5)
The songs seems strikingly familiar. Can't remember where. Anyways, KK's decent, if only they roped in Vijay Yesudas for this, the song would undoubtedly be the best. It's okay in the end.
Dhoom Thana (3.4/5)
The tracks' just average. Nothing remotely interesting aside form Goshal's voice and that Date's vocals.
Deewangi Deewangi (4/5)
Another good song. But did they really have to repeat the same "retro" tunes. I under stand it's a "retro" movie but jeez man! Hard to differenciate!
Dard-E-Disco (5/5)
Best of the lot. Go Sukhwinder saab!
On the whole, OM SHANTI OM is pleasant album to play anytime anywhere. To be frank, it's a step up to that slow poke OST that is the latest SAAWARIYA.
Rating: ***.5/5
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Movie Review - RGV ki Aag (2007)
Let's put speculations and criticism to rest. Yes, it's a remake of the all-time blockbuster SHOLAY. Yes, somebody is crazy enough to remake it. Yes, it's our very own Ram Gopal Varma, who's given us hits like SHIVA, RANGEELA, RAAT, SATYA, COMPANY, BHOOT and the recent, SARKAR. Yes, it's consisting of a pretty-darn A-list such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Ajay Devagan, and Sushmita Sen. Yes, it's got Varma's favorite, Nisha Kothari as Basanti, sorry Ghungroo, the rickshawala, and debutant Prashant Raj as Jai, err Raj.
I'm not going to be like every damn critic and blsat RGV immediately by flaming that this remake sucks or I warned you before and so on. Instead, AAG is convential. There are certain parts of the movie that have Varma's stamp all over it. In the end, the film doesn't end up becoming a SHOLAY copy but rather SHOLAY directed by RGV.
No point in going over the tried-tested story but as far as performances goes: Mohanlal steals the show, or rather the movie. He proves to the other artists, why he's Kerala's most sought actor and national winning too. Second comes Amitabh Bachchan, who is highly competent as Babban Singh. Surely, Amjad Khan would be proud of him. Though he gets a bit carried away, he still stands tall for the juniors. Another competent performer is none other than Sushmita Sen.
Out of the the juniors, Prashant Raj makes a confident debut with the right body language and Characterization. Ajay Devagan is okay. Nisha Kothari is average.
As far as music goes, Mohile goes over the top with the background score making it too cheesy. But some songs that are worth listening to: Mehbooba, and Jee Le. That's about it.
On the flip side, the second half could've been trimmed better. The prem kahani was unecessary as well as Rajpal Yadav's comedy irritation.
On the whole, RGV ki AAG is a brave attempt and daringly different from Sippy's original classic. Too bad the junta has declared it the biggest disaster of the year since JHOOM BARBAR JHOOM.
Rating: ***
I'm not going to be like every damn critic and blsat RGV immediately by flaming that this remake sucks or I warned you before and so on. Instead, AAG is convential. There are certain parts of the movie that have Varma's stamp all over it. In the end, the film doesn't end up becoming a SHOLAY copy but rather SHOLAY directed by RGV.
No point in going over the tried-tested story but as far as performances goes: Mohanlal steals the show, or rather the movie. He proves to the other artists, why he's Kerala's most sought actor and national winning too. Second comes Amitabh Bachchan, who is highly competent as Babban Singh. Surely, Amjad Khan would be proud of him. Though he gets a bit carried away, he still stands tall for the juniors. Another competent performer is none other than Sushmita Sen.
Out of the the juniors, Prashant Raj makes a confident debut with the right body language and Characterization. Ajay Devagan is okay. Nisha Kothari is average.
As far as music goes, Mohile goes over the top with the background score making it too cheesy. But some songs that are worth listening to: Mehbooba, and Jee Le. That's about it.
On the flip side, the second half could've been trimmed better. The prem kahani was unecessary as well as Rajpal Yadav's comedy irritation.
On the whole, RGV ki AAG is a brave attempt and daringly different from Sippy's original classic. Too bad the junta has declared it the biggest disaster of the year since JHOOM BARBAR JHOOM.
Rating: ***
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