KUSELAN MUSIC REVIEW (2008)
Cinema Cinema is too much a blantant copy of Rahman's Mudhalvane chorus backdrop but Mahadevan passes muster in this "Devuda Devuda copy" track.
Sollamma comes to a great relief as it mirrors Hariharan's lullaby vocals supported aptly by the kids. Brings a lot of comparison to Rahman's Indira tracks and Bombay's "Kuchi Kuchi Rakamma" back in the early-mid 90s.
Om Zazare seems to be a pale comparision to DASAVATHAARAM's "Ulaga Nayagane". Oh and this is that supposidly Om Shanti Om rip off track where a dozen of stars appear. But why the lame "Vaaji Vaaji" tune rip off. But Daler does okay for his first tamil song.
Nice to hear goshal sooth her way through Chaaral along with the junior singers.
Perinba has Kailash Kher (After debuting with Bheema's Rangu Rangamma) and the over-the-top lyrics. Toss in the tune from Nayak's "Rukhi Soni Roti" and
presto!
G.V Prakash has done well but really, Katha Parayumbol had 2 tracks, a satircal comic song, which Kuselan lacks, and a Mammooty track featuring is film song sequence, which Kuselan contains TOO MUCH of (Om Zazare, Cinema, Perinba)Besides Sollamma and Chaaral, Kuselan is only for the fans only. I fear worst for the remake as the original had a message-driven soundtrack, whereas here, it's sounds forced to be a commercial entertainer like SIVAJI.
Rating: **
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
DASAVATHAARAM (2008) MOVIE REVIEW [TAMIL]
Finally! After 2 years of patience and various hurdles across several controversies, this Kamal Hassan magnus opus finally arrived at theaters this past weekend here in Loehmann's Plaza. Any blemishes? While the Telugu version got a nice theater where English movies are screened, we get the trashy kachra like place that was dripping throughout the whole film. But never mind that, let's get onto the review.
Several questions must be boggling for those who haven't seen the film yet. 1) The film lives up to expectations. 2) The songs were placed well into the film. 3) All the avatars got equal scope. 4) Kamal the writer has done an excellent job of mixing the Chaos theory for the first time in Tamil Cinema.
Comparing DASAVATHAARAM to last year's surprise blockbuster SIVAJI - THE BOSS is like comparing a tsunami to a small boat. Once the film has concluded, you could only imagine that no one but the great Kamal Hassan could don 10 avatars in a 2.46 hours flick. That too directed by K.S Ravikumar, who's given 3 back-to-back hits with Hassan, AVVAI SHANMUGHI (1997, also remade in hindi as CHACHI 420 by Hassan himself), THENALI (2000), and PANCHATHANTHIRAM (2002). In fact, the screenplay deserves applause and appreciation as Kamal, the writer decided to go out of the box and weave the story around the events of the 2004 Indo - Tsunami event. Tamil Screenwriters and Directors, please take note from Hassan, you might even save the number the flops that you're experience right now (aside from ANJATHEY, SANTHOSH SUBRAMANIAN, YARADI NEE MOHINI, which are currently the only hits from the beginning of the year.) Even the great S.Shankar could learn how to place his obsession of graphics properly by viewing this filmand maybe give us a fresh kahani (kathai, ala a new story besides a cliched corruption episode?)
Here's the story: We are taken to the 12 century as mentioned in several news sites had mentioned prior to the film's release. Rangarajan Nambi (Hassan 1) is a devotee of Lord Vishnu who is sentenced to his death along the magnus Vishnu Idol under the reins of King Chola (Napolean) and a big sacrificeto his wife, Kothai (Asin 1). Fast-forward to present-era, Scientist Govind Ramaswamy (Hassan 2) discovers a chemical bio veil that could potentially help or destroy the world in his lab. But whenhis corrupt bosses and employees are behind the schemes of the ex-CIA Christian Fletcher (Hassan 3),events surrounding the veil lead to deaths of his co-worker's wife, Yuka, and his sneak-in into a flight to India. At Chennai Airport, he is arrested by Andhra CBI, Balram Naidu (Hassan 4, a comic relief character) in which misunderstandings occur and at the same place, famous Singer Avtaar Singh (Hassan 5, strangely enough can speak kocha tamil!) encounters blood cancer while his wife Ranjitha (Jayaprada) witnesses. Once Fletcher catches upto Govind in India along with his translator Jasmine (Malika Sherawat), a chaotic chase ends up in Chidabaram, where Andal (Asin 2) and an old lady, Krishnaveni Paati (Hassan 6), ends up witht the deadly vial and a chase involving a goddes idol, an encounter with Kalifullah Khan (Hassan 7), Vincent Poovaraghan (Hassan 8), Yuka's brother, Shinghen (Hassan 9), and in the end concludes with our president George W Bush (Hassan 10, phew!)
The story is excellent and contrary to laymen sites in the likes of Sify.com, Behindwoods.com,who are strongly biased towards Rajnikanth films (Just look at their verdicts for the heavily-cliched Sivaji - the Boss) there is nothing COMPLICATED in this film. The critics from those sites either can't take the intelligence woven around the screenplay or rather are dumbfounded. I think both. The Climax is the biggest highlight and I shall not say any more.
Music by Himesh Reshammiya is really good. In fact, post the Audio release, I've played the music several times during my workouts and in my sleep. So really all the songs are catchy. Devi Sri Prasad's Background score fits the bill well.
Again and again, Kamal Hassan deserves applause, merits, and max kudos for bringing something different to the Tamil and Telugu audience. Unlike SIVAJI - THE BOSS, I didn't have to sleep during the film because of the boring screenplay, I simply loved DASA's story. Asin also deserives praise for speaking in Iyengar tamil because frankly, that's no less of an achievement. Mallika Sherawat's role is limited but she also does her part well. M.S Bhasker makes a good comedian, unlike the likesof Vivek and Vadivelu. Nagesh, K.R Vijaya, Sunderajan, and P.Vasu do their parts well.
On the whole, DASAVATHAARAM will create new records while beating the other biggie, SIVAJI THE BOSS. The film ought to be watched multiple times and it's definetly worth a price of a ticket. Expect the Hindi version to be release later this year.
Rating: ****.5/5
Several questions must be boggling for those who haven't seen the film yet. 1) The film lives up to expectations. 2) The songs were placed well into the film. 3) All the avatars got equal scope. 4) Kamal the writer has done an excellent job of mixing the Chaos theory for the first time in Tamil Cinema.
Comparing DASAVATHAARAM to last year's surprise blockbuster SIVAJI - THE BOSS is like comparing a tsunami to a small boat. Once the film has concluded, you could only imagine that no one but the great Kamal Hassan could don 10 avatars in a 2.46 hours flick. That too directed by K.S Ravikumar, who's given 3 back-to-back hits with Hassan, AVVAI SHANMUGHI (1997, also remade in hindi as CHACHI 420 by Hassan himself), THENALI (2000), and PANCHATHANTHIRAM (2002). In fact, the screenplay deserves applause and appreciation as Kamal, the writer decided to go out of the box and weave the story around the events of the 2004 Indo - Tsunami event. Tamil Screenwriters and Directors, please take note from Hassan, you might even save the number the flops that you're experience right now (aside from ANJATHEY, SANTHOSH SUBRAMANIAN, YARADI NEE MOHINI, which are currently the only hits from the beginning of the year.) Even the great S.Shankar could learn how to place his obsession of graphics properly by viewing this filmand maybe give us a fresh kahani (kathai, ala a new story besides a cliched corruption episode?)
Here's the story: We are taken to the 12 century as mentioned in several news sites had mentioned prior to the film's release. Rangarajan Nambi (Hassan 1) is a devotee of Lord Vishnu who is sentenced to his death along the magnus Vishnu Idol under the reins of King Chola (Napolean) and a big sacrificeto his wife, Kothai (Asin 1). Fast-forward to present-era, Scientist Govind Ramaswamy (Hassan 2) discovers a chemical bio veil that could potentially help or destroy the world in his lab. But whenhis corrupt bosses and employees are behind the schemes of the ex-CIA Christian Fletcher (Hassan 3),events surrounding the veil lead to deaths of his co-worker's wife, Yuka, and his sneak-in into a flight to India. At Chennai Airport, he is arrested by Andhra CBI, Balram Naidu (Hassan 4, a comic relief character) in which misunderstandings occur and at the same place, famous Singer Avtaar Singh (Hassan 5, strangely enough can speak kocha tamil!) encounters blood cancer while his wife Ranjitha (Jayaprada) witnesses. Once Fletcher catches upto Govind in India along with his translator Jasmine (Malika Sherawat), a chaotic chase ends up in Chidabaram, where Andal (Asin 2) and an old lady, Krishnaveni Paati (Hassan 6), ends up witht the deadly vial and a chase involving a goddes idol, an encounter with Kalifullah Khan (Hassan 7), Vincent Poovaraghan (Hassan 8), Yuka's brother, Shinghen (Hassan 9), and in the end concludes with our president George W Bush (Hassan 10, phew!)
The story is excellent and contrary to laymen sites in the likes of Sify.com, Behindwoods.com,who are strongly biased towards Rajnikanth films (Just look at their verdicts for the heavily-cliched Sivaji - the Boss) there is nothing COMPLICATED in this film. The critics from those sites either can't take the intelligence woven around the screenplay or rather are dumbfounded. I think both. The Climax is the biggest highlight and I shall not say any more.
Music by Himesh Reshammiya is really good. In fact, post the Audio release, I've played the music several times during my workouts and in my sleep. So really all the songs are catchy. Devi Sri Prasad's Background score fits the bill well.
Again and again, Kamal Hassan deserves applause, merits, and max kudos for bringing something different to the Tamil and Telugu audience. Unlike SIVAJI - THE BOSS, I didn't have to sleep during the film because of the boring screenplay, I simply loved DASA's story. Asin also deserives praise for speaking in Iyengar tamil because frankly, that's no less of an achievement. Mallika Sherawat's role is limited but she also does her part well. M.S Bhasker makes a good comedian, unlike the likesof Vivek and Vadivelu. Nagesh, K.R Vijaya, Sunderajan, and P.Vasu do their parts well.
On the whole, DASAVATHAARAM will create new records while beating the other biggie, SIVAJI THE BOSS. The film ought to be watched multiple times and it's definetly worth a price of a ticket. Expect the Hindi version to be release later this year.
Rating: ****.5/5
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
DASHAVTAR [DASAVATHARAM ] (2008) MUSIC REVIEW
Wow, It's 2008, and I barely have Music reviews up. You can thank the lack of
music releases up until this magnus opus, DASHAVTAR [DASAVATHARAM in Tamil, review to
come later] is the latest Kamal Hassan film, a film that's been 2 years in the making. No, it's not directed by Shankar but "Avvai Shanmughi, Tenali and Panchathantiram favorite, K.S Ravikumar. Incidently, Both Kamal and Ravikumar come together after a gap of 6 years.
However, compared to Shankar's films, this one is penned by our Log Nayak (Roughly translated: Ulaga Nayakan, or Universal Hero.) The CD had come with a story regarding it's backdrop set in the 12th Century, Scientific Crisis, Terrorism, Religion, Politics all rolled into one.What's the real story? Well wait and watch for the film then. But this post ain't about the film, it's about the Audio review by Bollywood composer, Himesh Reshamiya. A composer with several hits to his credit, he enters the Kollywood with his style. Reviews were bouncing back and forth criticizing his style but to me, in lieu of the norm music that Tamil Cinema's been giving (Where's Ilayaraja when you need him!) Himesh does an excellent job at it. Media sites like Behindwoods and Rediff only praise Rahman because they are probabaly biased towards him no matter how crappy his "recent" Tamil music is.
Lyrics are by Sameer. Tamil was credited to Vaali and Vairumuthi
1. Duniya Ke Nayak Ho [Ulaga Nayakan in Tamil] (Come Dance with Me) -Vinit Singh (Credited as Vinith)
---Fantastic peppy number by Himesh. The singer is Vinit Singh (of SA RE GA MA PA CHALLENGE
2005 FAME) and he does an excellent job at it too. A great number describing the stuff on
Kamal!
2. Om Namo Narayan [Kallai Mattum Kandal in Tamil] - Hariharan
--- A 12th Century based number that's surely to be a winner among music lovers. Featuring Hari at his best, the song should be regarding Kamal's role as Nambi.
3. Oh Oh Sanam - Shaan/Mahalaksmi [Sung by Kamal Hassan in Tamil instead]
----Another pick of the album. This one should rank high as Kamal boogies as Avtar Singh, in this bhangra like number! A Remix version is also included too. The tamil
version had Himesh debuting in Tamil. Check that out too!
4. Mukunda - Kamal Hassan & Sadana Sargam [Same in Tamil]
----A devotional number towards Krishna, this one is where Kamal's the old lady. Watch out for his vocals!
5. Hey Black Ho ya White - Shalini Singh [Kaa Karpanakkum in Tamil]
---Pop Shalini makes her debut in Bollywood with this sensious peppy number setting up Mallika Sherawat in nightclubs at Malaysia. Recommend a couple of hearings to get it through your ears.
Overall, Himesh rocks with Dasa and all credit goes to Kamal Hassan for getting the best. Certainly the best album yet in the Tamil Market.
Rating: ****
music releases up until this magnus opus, DASHAVTAR [DASAVATHARAM in Tamil, review to
come later] is the latest Kamal Hassan film, a film that's been 2 years in the making. No, it's not directed by Shankar but "Avvai Shanmughi, Tenali and Panchathantiram favorite, K.S Ravikumar. Incidently, Both Kamal and Ravikumar come together after a gap of 6 years.
However, compared to Shankar's films, this one is penned by our Log Nayak (Roughly translated: Ulaga Nayakan, or Universal Hero.) The CD had come with a story regarding it's backdrop set in the 12th Century, Scientific Crisis, Terrorism, Religion, Politics all rolled into one.What's the real story? Well wait and watch for the film then. But this post ain't about the film, it's about the Audio review by Bollywood composer, Himesh Reshamiya. A composer with several hits to his credit, he enters the Kollywood with his style. Reviews were bouncing back and forth criticizing his style but to me, in lieu of the norm music that Tamil Cinema's been giving (Where's Ilayaraja when you need him!) Himesh does an excellent job at it. Media sites like Behindwoods and Rediff only praise Rahman because they are probabaly biased towards him no matter how crappy his "recent" Tamil music is.
Lyrics are by Sameer. Tamil was credited to Vaali and Vairumuthi
1. Duniya Ke Nayak Ho [Ulaga Nayakan in Tamil] (Come Dance with Me) -Vinit Singh (Credited as Vinith)
---Fantastic peppy number by Himesh. The singer is Vinit Singh (of SA RE GA MA PA CHALLENGE
2005 FAME) and he does an excellent job at it too. A great number describing the stuff on
Kamal!
2. Om Namo Narayan [Kallai Mattum Kandal in Tamil] - Hariharan
--- A 12th Century based number that's surely to be a winner among music lovers. Featuring Hari at his best, the song should be regarding Kamal's role as Nambi.
3. Oh Oh Sanam - Shaan/Mahalaksmi [Sung by Kamal Hassan in Tamil instead]
----Another pick of the album. This one should rank high as Kamal boogies as Avtar Singh, in this bhangra like number! A Remix version is also included too. The tamil
version had Himesh debuting in Tamil. Check that out too!
4. Mukunda - Kamal Hassan & Sadana Sargam [Same in Tamil]
----A devotional number towards Krishna, this one is where Kamal's the old lady. Watch out for his vocals!
5. Hey Black Ho ya White - Shalini Singh [Kaa Karpanakkum in Tamil]
---Pop Shalini makes her debut in Bollywood with this sensious peppy number setting up Mallika Sherawat in nightclubs at Malaysia. Recommend a couple of hearings to get it through your ears.
Overall, Himesh rocks with Dasa and all credit goes to Kamal Hassan for getting the best. Certainly the best album yet in the Tamil Market.
Rating: ****
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Change...
As of this writing, I'm in the process of shifting over my blog under a new name. Yes you heard right. And this time, I will promote it via Orkut!
The new name will be placed under a new blog entitled, "The Desi Factor". No, I'm not going to be an ass like Bill O'Reilly's doing for Fox news, but anyways. Almost everyday, I'll be updating you with news regarding Kollywood and Bollywood and B.O status. Fans are free to comment, but this time, I'm moderating them. No biased remarks, no insults, no crap like that. Opinion as always is welcome. But just because I give my reviews doesn't mean that I'm a ____ fan. That's nothing but a cheap shot.
Anyways, just play nice. This blog will stay as an archive for past reviews. Of course, nothing's really good in theatres right now. My recent viewing of Kannammoochi Yenada will be up in the reviews in the new blog shortly. So really, enjoy this change.
Lates!
The new name will be placed under a new blog entitled, "The Desi Factor". No, I'm not going to be an ass like Bill O'Reilly's doing for Fox news, but anyways. Almost everyday, I'll be updating you with news regarding Kollywood and Bollywood and B.O status. Fans are free to comment, but this time, I'm moderating them. No biased remarks, no insults, no crap like that. Opinion as always is welcome. But just because I give my reviews doesn't mean that I'm a ____ fan. That's nothing but a cheap shot.
Anyways, just play nice. This blog will stay as an archive for past reviews. Of course, nothing's really good in theatres right now. My recent viewing of Kannammoochi Yenada will be up in the reviews in the new blog shortly. So really, enjoy this change.
Lates!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Billa (2007) Movie Review
It was Chandra Barot's DON with Amitabh Bachchan that set the screens on fire.
Nearly a decade later, Rajnikanth's BILLA stormed the box-office records and entitling him the SuperStar status.
Then came SRK-Farhan Akthar (Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshaya fame) version of the DON but with a slick and thirlling output. This one become part of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood back in 2006.
Now Ajith Kumar comes to "don" Rajni's role as BILLA 2007.
This Vishnuvardhan film (PATTIYAL FAME) is neither good, nor bad. It's plain average. Remaking a classic is one thing [look at RGV's AAG for instance], but making it to fit to the standards of today. In this case: Have mass star do tricks-add in glamour to distract viewers-fill in songs for duration and repeat. If you remember I had an article related towards SearchIndia Rehka's review on this film.
In the end, BILLA 2007 doesn't quite live up to expectations. It ends up giving you an average film. But more on that later (and this doesn't mean that I'm biased towards Bollywood or SRK or a "you must be a ____fan".)
BILLA (Ajith Kumar) is an underworld don who's trade is booming with illegal underground activities. With a team behind his back, BILLA succeeds in becoming the DCP's (Prabhu) and the Malaysian Police's most wanted criminal. Along the way, they encounter Sasha (Nayanthara), who joins Billa's gang to get revenge on Billa himself. A series of circumstances later forces Velu (Ajith in double role) to impersonate Billa and so on.
Let's talk about the pros and cons of this BILLA. For instance, Vishnuvardhan has basically copied scene-by-scene of Farhan's locations from the DON 2006 (the bridge confrontations, several city bazaars, downtown fights, etc.) Also the bulk portions of the film is really really dull.
Another problem with this BILLA is the half-baked characters. C.J and Sasha's roles become utterly useless and in the end become a damsel glamour contest. Also the lack of Arjun Rampal/Pran's character is gone, giving the film some more awkward moments. Added to that, the songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja aren't upto mark. Barring the remix of "My Name Is Billa", the rest of the songs are fast-forward variety and wasted. Anthony's Edits are loose. The highpoint of DON was the ultimate climax whether as here, it's mssing. Seems like Vishnu focussed on Ajith's character and Prabhu's character while getting carried away at the same time.
Ajith as Billa is okay but it's Ajith's Velu who's the best. But the actor needs to take care of his physique as major portions of the film has his pot-bellied ponch showing. Nayanthara and C.J are okay, nothing worth mentioning. Prabhu is highly competent. Rahman is average.
On the whole, BILLA is a so-so film.
Rating: *** (3/5)
Nearly a decade later, Rajnikanth's BILLA stormed the box-office records and entitling him the SuperStar status.
Then came SRK-Farhan Akthar (Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshaya fame) version of the DON but with a slick and thirlling output. This one become part of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood back in 2006.
Now Ajith Kumar comes to "don" Rajni's role as BILLA 2007.
This Vishnuvardhan film (PATTIYAL FAME) is neither good, nor bad. It's plain average. Remaking a classic is one thing [look at RGV's AAG for instance], but making it to fit to the standards of today. In this case: Have mass star do tricks-add in glamour to distract viewers-fill in songs for duration and repeat. If you remember I had an article related towards SearchIndia Rehka's review on this film.
In the end, BILLA 2007 doesn't quite live up to expectations. It ends up giving you an average film. But more on that later (and this doesn't mean that I'm biased towards Bollywood or SRK or a "you must be a ____fan".)
BILLA (Ajith Kumar) is an underworld don who's trade is booming with illegal underground activities. With a team behind his back, BILLA succeeds in becoming the DCP's (Prabhu) and the Malaysian Police's most wanted criminal. Along the way, they encounter Sasha (Nayanthara), who joins Billa's gang to get revenge on Billa himself. A series of circumstances later forces Velu (Ajith in double role) to impersonate Billa and so on.
Let's talk about the pros and cons of this BILLA. For instance, Vishnuvardhan has basically copied scene-by-scene of Farhan's locations from the DON 2006 (the bridge confrontations, several city bazaars, downtown fights, etc.) Also the bulk portions of the film is really really dull.
Another problem with this BILLA is the half-baked characters. C.J and Sasha's roles become utterly useless and in the end become a damsel glamour contest. Also the lack of Arjun Rampal/Pran's character is gone, giving the film some more awkward moments. Added to that, the songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja aren't upto mark. Barring the remix of "My Name Is Billa", the rest of the songs are fast-forward variety and wasted. Anthony's Edits are loose. The highpoint of DON was the ultimate climax whether as here, it's mssing. Seems like Vishnu focussed on Ajith's character and Prabhu's character while getting carried away at the same time.
Ajith as Billa is okay but it's Ajith's Velu who's the best. But the actor needs to take care of his physique as major portions of the film has his pot-bellied ponch showing. Nayanthara and C.J are okay, nothing worth mentioning. Prabhu is highly competent. Rahman is average.
On the whole, BILLA is a so-so film.
Rating: *** (3/5)
[FLASHBACK REVIEW] Chithram (1988)
Recently, I've become an avid fan of Malayalam cinema. Films like Nadodikattu, Udhayananu Thaaram, Varavelpu, Thanmathra, Ramji Rao Speaking, The Tiger were all my personal favorites.
But I have happened to come across this film under a family friend's recommendation. Apparently, it's considered a cult classic in Kerala today thanks to the direction of Priyadarshan and Kerala's Megastar Mohanlal. Also co-starring Renjini, Nedumudi Venu, and Srinivasan, the film is a roller-coaster ride full of humor and sentiments.
Here goes the story: Kalyani (Renjini) lives with his uncle Kymal (Nedumudi Venu). Her father is currently working in the U.S and it's suggested that Kalyani should go to Ooty to get married. However, Kalyani declines as she's in love with someone (Suresh Gopi in Sp. Appearance). Down in Ooty, the villiager (Srinivasan) vows to be head-chief with this marriage but after hearing the news regarding Kalyani's wishes, he approves of her beau.
But things take a turn on the marriage registration day that Kalyani's beau declines to appear and at the same time, her father wants to make amends to her daughter by arriving in person. Stuck in soup, Kymal finds Vishnu (Mohanlal) and offers to pay a sum of 10,000 just to play husband to Kalyani for 15 days. What follows is a cat-mouse tale that leades to a stirring flashback and climax.
CHITHRAM succeeds in almost every aspect of a classic. The subtle comic touch in various scenes (Vishnu's alliances becoming relations, identity crisis, Kymal's excuses, money demands) all were touched upon superbly. The music by Kannur Rajan were nostalgic. The flashback song is one my personal favorites. But CHITHRAM also touches upon emotions as well. Vishnu's flashback is basically the rising action of the film, leading up to the climax. Clitches be damned, the movie was near perfect.
Now for the performances!
It's not a Priyadarshan film without the caliber of Mohanlal. Simply put: Brilliant. He makes us laugh when we want to laugh, he makes us cry when we want to cry. Give the guy a padma bhushan already! Renjini is competent. Nedumudi Venu as the Advocate uncle is excellent. Srinivasan brings down the house with his tounge-in-cheek humor.
CHITHRAM is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy cinema. Go for it.
Rating: ****.5 (4.5/5)
But I have happened to come across this film under a family friend's recommendation. Apparently, it's considered a cult classic in Kerala today thanks to the direction of Priyadarshan and Kerala's Megastar Mohanlal. Also co-starring Renjini, Nedumudi Venu, and Srinivasan, the film is a roller-coaster ride full of humor and sentiments.
Here goes the story: Kalyani (Renjini) lives with his uncle Kymal (Nedumudi Venu). Her father is currently working in the U.S and it's suggested that Kalyani should go to Ooty to get married. However, Kalyani declines as she's in love with someone (Suresh Gopi in Sp. Appearance). Down in Ooty, the villiager (Srinivasan) vows to be head-chief with this marriage but after hearing the news regarding Kalyani's wishes, he approves of her beau.
But things take a turn on the marriage registration day that Kalyani's beau declines to appear and at the same time, her father wants to make amends to her daughter by arriving in person. Stuck in soup, Kymal finds Vishnu (Mohanlal) and offers to pay a sum of 10,000 just to play husband to Kalyani for 15 days. What follows is a cat-mouse tale that leades to a stirring flashback and climax.
CHITHRAM succeeds in almost every aspect of a classic. The subtle comic touch in various scenes (Vishnu's alliances becoming relations, identity crisis, Kymal's excuses, money demands) all were touched upon superbly. The music by Kannur Rajan were nostalgic. The flashback song is one my personal favorites. But CHITHRAM also touches upon emotions as well. Vishnu's flashback is basically the rising action of the film, leading up to the climax. Clitches be damned, the movie was near perfect.
Now for the performances!
It's not a Priyadarshan film without the caliber of Mohanlal. Simply put: Brilliant. He makes us laugh when we want to laugh, he makes us cry when we want to cry. Give the guy a padma bhushan already! Renjini is competent. Nedumudi Venu as the Advocate uncle is excellent. Srinivasan brings down the house with his tounge-in-cheek humor.
CHITHRAM is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy cinema. Go for it.
Rating: ****.5 (4.5/5)
Friday, January 25, 2008
[Kolly Talk] Why Dhanush won't suit Venky's role?
Already his latest diwali release, Pollathavan won rave reviews and appreciation all over Tamil Nadu and the film's still going strong without any oppositions.
But now, everyone's talking about Dhanush's next release. Yes, I'm talking about him and Nayantara starring in "YARADI NEE MOHINI." A remake of his brother's first telugu blockbuster, "AADAVARI MATALAKU ARADHALU VERULE" with stars of Venkatesh, Trisha, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Tamil actor Srikanth (or Sriram as he's known in Andhra) and others. Recently, original DVDs of the film were out (with subtitles) and I got a chance to take a sneak peak of the telugu original for myself. Thought I would get a chance to see what to expect for the Tamil original (provided they don't change anything to "suit the images of tamil audience.") [SPOILER'S BELOW F.Y.I !]
The movie has shades of DDLJ but not entirely. First of all, Venky's character isn't a skirt chaser like SRK was. The movie isn't relatively close to it. The THEME of the movie is DDLJ but not ENTIRELY. Just wanted to clear up on that.
Now for the highlights of the film:
Kota and Venkatesh: Kota plays the stern father whom he and Ganesh (Venky's character) have a hate relationship, but care for each other in the end. Ganesh is an unemployed youth who fails at job interviews and lives on his father's money. Things take a turn when Venky gets the job and Venky pleads his father to retire so that he'll care for everything. The execution in this scene was fabulous. It's got the traditional Selva raghavan stamp all over it (read: 7G Rainbow's Ravi Krishna-father bond.)
One of the biggest highlights of the film is this
Venky's job searching
Venky's job interview at Trisha's company
Now no more spoiling of the film. Go get the DVD!
Now you might ask: why the fuss over dhanush. Well after watching the film, there is no doubt that Venky's character won't suit the kuchi Dhanush and here's why. Dhanush is in no form of a Software engineer. He doesn't even look convincing enough (as seen in Pollathavan and his earlier movies.) Venky did a superb job doing such a role and it wasn't so easy. I also can't see Nayantara as a serious Project manager. Trisha did a great job as that and I was floored by her training torture with Venky in the first half of the movie. I REALLY don't see her doing that role with aplomb.
But Yuvan's music was superb. I have loved the telugu songs and I demand he doesn't pull a "Mani Sharma Tamil Pokkiri (read: Pokkiri Pongal over Jagadame)" Retain all of them for the tamil music lovers please!
That's it for today. Expect a Billa 2007 review later this weekend.
But now, everyone's talking about Dhanush's next release. Yes, I'm talking about him and Nayantara starring in "YARADI NEE MOHINI." A remake of his brother's first telugu blockbuster, "AADAVARI MATALAKU ARADHALU VERULE" with stars of Venkatesh, Trisha, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Tamil actor Srikanth (or Sriram as he's known in Andhra) and others. Recently, original DVDs of the film were out (with subtitles) and I got a chance to take a sneak peak of the telugu original for myself. Thought I would get a chance to see what to expect for the Tamil original (provided they don't change anything to "suit the images of tamil audience.") [SPOILER'S BELOW F.Y.I !]
The movie has shades of DDLJ but not entirely. First of all, Venky's character isn't a skirt chaser like SRK was. The movie isn't relatively close to it. The THEME of the movie is DDLJ but not ENTIRELY. Just wanted to clear up on that.
Now for the highlights of the film:
Kota and Venkatesh: Kota plays the stern father whom he and Ganesh (Venky's character) have a hate relationship, but care for each other in the end. Ganesh is an unemployed youth who fails at job interviews and lives on his father's money. Things take a turn when Venky gets the job and Venky pleads his father to retire so that he'll care for everything. The execution in this scene was fabulous. It's got the traditional Selva raghavan stamp all over it (read: 7G Rainbow's Ravi Krishna-father bond.)
One of the biggest highlights of the film is this
Venky's job searching
Venky's job interview at Trisha's company
Now no more spoiling of the film. Go get the DVD!
Now you might ask: why the fuss over dhanush. Well after watching the film, there is no doubt that Venky's character won't suit the kuchi Dhanush and here's why. Dhanush is in no form of a Software engineer. He doesn't even look convincing enough (as seen in Pollathavan and his earlier movies.) Venky did a superb job doing such a role and it wasn't so easy. I also can't see Nayantara as a serious Project manager. Trisha did a great job as that and I was floored by her training torture with Venky in the first half of the movie. I REALLY don't see her doing that role with aplomb.
But Yuvan's music was superb. I have loved the telugu songs and I demand he doesn't pull a "Mani Sharma Tamil Pokkiri (read: Pokkiri Pongal over Jagadame)" Retain all of them for the tamil music lovers please!
That's it for today. Expect a Billa 2007 review later this weekend.
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