Unda (Malayalam) Movie Review

Unda (Malayalam): Slow paced action comedy with Mammukka at his best. Good watch!

Virus (Malayalam) Movie Review

Virus(Malayalam): Riveting medical thriller based on real incident. An universally appealing movie, which is worth your time.

Vedalam Movie Review

 A Telugu style commercial Mass entertainer with enough elements to excite Thala fans. It's Siva & Ajith's version of Baasha (Though cannot be compared with the original). Fans went crazy for Ajith's marana mass scenes, his more than usual dance moves and for more importantly his different shades of emotions. Shruthi Hassan takes up the role of one of the comedians, while Laxmi Menon scores much better with a stronger role. Missing Santhanam in comedy department as it did not work out well here. Anirudh gave Theri BGM for mass scenes while Ajith's presence saved the songs for otherwise an ordinary stuff. Story wise its run of the mill but would make you to live with that as Ajith carried the movie single handed. 

Overall Ajith's perfect and Mass Deepavali gift to his fans!!

Thoongavanam Movie Review

You know the movie is an adapted one from french thriller 'Sleepless Night' but not many would care since watching Kamal on the screen is always delightful. Movie has a simple plot with no great twist and turns but what makes interesting is performances and decent narration. Ghiran's background score suits the mood of the film. A decent debut by Director Rajesh. Overall, A Racy & Slick action thriller worth watching.

Shamitabh Movie Review

A movie where performances of lead actors  take front seat along with great and original music.

Amitabhji steals the show throughout the movie and marks his presence quite strongly.  Dhanush at the same time did extraordinary as mute hero while Akshara Haasan made a very good debut. 

Kudos to director Balki for coming up with a fresh idea but what it lacks is engaging screenplay esp the second half. I was able to connect emotionally only during the climax where Amitabh cries but other wise it was missing in the movie.

To me this movie could have been named as 'Ishamitabh' where Maestro Ilayaraaja was talking through his music through out the film. Here is a link to the BGM of end titles:

https://soundcloud.com/navin-mozart/illayaraja-shamitabh2015-soundtrack-end-credits

Special mention for cinematographer PC Sreeram for his splendid work.

Overall a decent watch for extra-ordinary performances and music!

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Yennai Arindhaal Movie Review

One of the much awaited combo in Tamil cinema is Thala Ajith and Gautham Menon. When the project kicks off,  expectation goes to sky level and to add spice Harris Jayaraj joins back with Gautham after a long time.

Yennai Arindhaal is a typical Gautham Menon's movie, period. It is very healthy to see Ajith as a Director's actor not worrying about his Thala Image and this movie is an attempt to bring the actor Ajith out.

You may not find a new story and In fact movie might remind you of Gautham's previous works but he (along with Sridhar Raghavan and Thiagarajan Kumararaja) made it interesting with racy screenplay and obviously presence of Ajith factor. It feels fresh when Ajith does it again on the screen.

Cinematography as expected is in international standards with Dan Macarthur in place and editing  is done in typical Gautham's movie. Harris Jayaraj's special effort is distinctive but felt the BGM is little loud in few places. Mazhai Varapogudhey and Unakenna Venum Sollu songs which was shot brilliantly are my favourites.

Arun Vijay may have found a role of his life, he just steals the show in second half and in many places out performing Ajith.

Gautham's heroines always find a special place in his movies and same happens here for Anushka and Trisha. Undoubtedly Ajith-Trisha episode was shot so beautifully.

Overall I liked the movie! Go for it, If you are a GVM fan and want to see Ajith in it. 

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Enakkul Oruvan Tamil Movie Songs Review

Prabalamagavey

Singer: Siddarth

Very Interesting composition!! Gives you the feel of 80's disco. Reminds me of so many songs…like Introduction resembles Illamai Idho Idho, Initial Rhythm might remind Vikram.. Vikram song, Tune when the line Prabalamagavey starts is same as Paruva kaalangalin song from Moodu Pani and Violins when the  line 'Ulaga medayil starts' reminds me of Boney M songs.

  

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil (Song of the Album)

Singer: Pradeep Kumar

This one is a classy!! Excellent composition from Santhosh Narayanan, while you expect to continue the melody that started well in charanam but it ends with just two lines and switches back to pallavi tune. Though shorter version (~3.5 mins) of songs are not new format but Santhosh Narayanan pretty much follows this for many songs in his movies. Magic happens when Santhosh Narayanan, Pradeep Kumar and Keba Jeremiah (Guitar) joins.

Reference: Whistle pattern could remind you of Thoda Thoda song from Indira and also the drop sounding rhythm in the same song, beautifully made as strumming guitar chords when En Moochu Kuzhazhilae starts. 

Endi Ipadi

Singer: Santhosh Narayanan

The intro video game tone sets the mood of the song to be peppy and energetic. Santhosh Narayanan's 'local style singing is gaining popular after 'Baby' song in Jigarthanda. Again it cannot go without resemblance, the core tune of Endi is 'Thaana vantha santhanamey' from Ooru vittu ooru vandhu film, in fact would have used the same words "Thaana Vantha"..kanaku. Overall an energetic and powerful kuthu number.

Kutti Poochi

Singer: Manicka Vinayagam

I guess Gana Bala would have been the first choice but roped in Manicka Vinayagam to give a folk flavour. A good fusion with the use of folk style singing, Nathaswaram, western orchestration. Special mention to Keba Jeramiah for his guitar works esp. the bass.

Yaar

Singer: Dhibu Ninan Thomas

A pathos song nicely rendered by Dhibu (who is a music composer himself) accompanied by piano. A situational song which will go well along with picturisation.

Verdict: Santhosh Narayanan stands out in his latest release and as usual continues to astonish me with his sound quality.  Overall an impressive album!!

'I' Tamil Movie Songs Review

Movie: 'I'

Director: Shankar 

Music: AR Rahman 

Producer: Ascar Ravichandran

Cast: Vikram, Amy Jackson

Mersalaayitten

Singers: Anirudh Ravichander, Neeti Mohan

Lyrics: Kabilan

For moment I thought it was Simbhu singing when the song opened, thanks to Techno effect.  Overall the song sounds like Kadal Rasa from Mariyaan to me, may be another composer (Anirudh) sung like Yuvan did for Kadal Rasa, the high notes and rhythm. We cannot call it as Innovation, just using melodic Violin in interlude. I am sure this song would be chartbusters, thanks to our young Tamil music lovers.

Ennodu Nee Irundhaal

Singers: Sid Sriram, Sunitha Sarathy

Lyrics: Kabilan

Another attempt by ARR on R&B (Rhythm & Blues) after Adiye from Kadal, probably used to signify the intense cry of the actor. Nice rendition by Sid Sriram (Graduated from Berklee college of Music, USA and trained singer in Carnatic, Blues, Jazz..). I felt the tune or singing in few places, had traces of modern western pop singing like Travie McCoy. Short Sangathi by Sunitha Sarathy is addictive. Over all I liked this number.

Ennodu Nee Irundhaal (Reprise)

Singers: Sid Sriram, Chinmayi

Lyrics: Kabilan

This is a beautiful reprise. Girl's soft and romantic reply to the guy's outcry (in Original Ennodu Nee Irundhal). Mesmerising singing from Chinmayi and Sid with soft strumming guitars.

Ladio

Singers: Nikita Gandhi

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

Instead of listening to this song, I could probably listen to Katy Perry, Beyonce's numbers.

Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal

Singers: Haricharan, Shreya Ghoshal

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

Hearing lot of Haricharan in ARR music in back to back albums, already I feel little bored. Wondering how could the legendary composers like MSV, Ilayaraja sounded different in each film with same singers. It will be a hit number even though nothing great about this song, typical Shankar format duet numbers like I am Kadhal Anukkal, Sahara song.

Aila Aila

Singers: Aditya Rao, Natalie Di Luccio

Lyrics: Madhan Karky

This is the song of the album to me. Probably a romance number between Beast and the Beauty. A Brilliant fusion from ARR with Western, Jazzy Piano, Opera, Carnatic & Bhangra. I am imagining this would be a 'Arima Arima' of Ai with grandeur sets. Though In few places it resembles strawberry kanne song from Minsara Kanavu. Lyrics from Carnatic portion is completely dumped, poor Karky.

Kalyana Samayal Saadham Movie

 

Kalyana Samayal Saadham is funny, thought provocative and well executed. It clearly shows the modern day attitude towards marriage and its rituals behind. Many sensitive things were conveyed subtly, which could be eye-opener to many. Prasanna, well known for soft roles, played the character at ease and performed brilliantly. All other leading characters did very well esp Delhi Ganesh as modern Brahmin father.Though few melodies were inspired, Music complemented the movie very well. On the whole a good entertainer and kudos to the entire team. 

Verdict - A perfect South Indian meal!

Irandam Ulagam Tamil Movie Review:

 

Every time any Selvaraghavan’s movie creates eagerness in me and this one created even more because of the subject that he handled, a second or parallel world, which always fascinates me. A big thank you and hats off for attempting this experimental and visionary project, which very few Indian film makers would even dare to attempt. At the same time, feel sad for him that his experiments are always not welcomed well at box office.

Coming to the movie, audience not necessarily need to be entertained just by showing a different world.. For any good movie, you still need engaging screenplay, which I felt was missing. May be this could have been a better script when read but couldn’t quite connect well with the execution on screen. Lead role’s characterizations are so weak that it did not even linger in your mind for a while. Movie had only few good moments with lots of dull moments and it did not had enough love emoting scenes, which all could lead to the box office failure.

I think arya could not blend well with Selva’s school of acting, while Anushka did pretty well. My most favourite is father character (acting and voice) which made an impression even though he came for short duration.

I feel Anirudh messed up with his background score, I could hear lot of old Raaja sir melodies improvised and also could hear similar score from movie ‘3’, which diverted my attention. Harris’s songs, as usual nothing new to talk about.

Having said that, I still expect more experimental works from Selva and am sure, he can pull it off one day.

Verdict: Daring attempt but not engaging!!

Arrambam Movie Review

How long directors are going to make movies with JUST Ajith's charisma and screen presence? Thala's mass and stylish screen presence as usual enjoyable and has done incredible job on that but is that enough forever?? DirectorVishnuvardhan had all great ingredients to make a great movie, with real life incidents (Like usage of substandard jackets-Hemant Karkare controversy and Nariman point shootout) but couldn't quite pull it off. Bad characterisation of Ajith, lagging second half with too many logical flaws made it just a watchable movie.

Engeyum Kadhal Movie Review

Movie starts with Prabhu Deva narrating about the city of love - Paris and appears for the intro song, proceeding further to narrate about the lead pair and declares, how this couple fall in love (reminds me of SJ Surya in Kushi).

Jayam Ravi, a rich businessman comes to Paris for vacation and meets his love ( Hanshika). Hanshika falls in love with Jayam Ravi at first sight (for a change ;)) but later realises that he do not beleive in love and following commitment, how does she manage to make him realise her love is the rest of the story (Does it have one?). Raju Sundaram's comedy was irksome and do not sync with the movie.

Looks like Prakash Raj joined the sets for couple of scenes while he was vacationing at Paris. All other characters in the movie has no scope to perform including Suman.

Nirav Shah excels in capturing the romantic city and needs a special mention. Jayam Ravi performs with ease and did justice to the role. Hanshika looked fresh and bubbly with good expressions.

Harris Jayaraj's songs/BGM sounded usual. Overall Prabhu deva made a decent attempt to make an out and out romantic film with a weak story but some how fails to impress.


Verdict: Prabhu Deva's travail to make a bubbly romantic movie fails.

'KO' Movie Review

KV Anand definetly at his best, struck the right chords again. Mindblowing song locations, picturisation and direction.

Film travels at relatively slower pace but still keeps you engaged with twist and turns. Jiiva's role is adorable (not sure, if it would have suited Simbu). I am really impressed with Ajmal's performance, be it his body language, acting esp in climax portion.

One role which was lingering in mind even after movie got over was Pia's, kudos. Karthika, welcome to tamil cinema, way to go, can have better expressions.

Richard excels for his Cinematography, sure KV Anand's expertise would have helped a lot. Harris Jeyaraj fares with his usual hit formula.

 

Verdict: Overall very good entertainer (inspite of the fact that script was inspired from Russel Crowe starrer 'State of Play')

Radha Mohan's Payanam Movie Review

Guns, Bomb, Terrorists & hi-jack... some thing which we would not have seen in Radha Mohan's earlier movies. In fact a full fledged flight hi-jack movie is new to Tamil cinema.

Movie starts with introduction of all the passengers name & their background who are about to board the flight to Delhi. I would have appreciated if the names were displayed in Tamil too.

Radha Mohan still prefers to cast the same artists from his previous movies which could have been avoided to give a fresh look with few exception being Nagarjuna and Rishi.

Though the humour part was thoroughly enjoyable esp Chaams vs Babloo, it diluted the fear factor and gave a melo-dramatic feel.  

I just admired Nagarjuna, he was so apt for the role, be it his body language, physic, dialogue delivery, emotions, etc. Perfect choice and has done extremely well. Prakash Raj as bureaucrat did not had much scope to perform except few scenes. Thalaivasal Vijay as retired colonel has shown the perfect emotions. 

Back ground music by Praveen Mani  was ordinary. Special mention to the art director for flight interior sand airport sets.

Verdict: Melo - Dramatic Hi-jack

ManMadhan Ambu Movie Review

Disclaimer: Dont expect a Avvai Shanmugi or Panchathanthiram or Thenali.

The quality of stuff that Kamal Hassan has delivered in MMA cannot match anyone's expectation. MMA didnt had any elements which will excite audience ..be it story, comedy, dialogues. After a tiresome project ( Dasavatharam), Kamal & KSR thought of doing a casual holiday subject. Yes watch out for locations.. loved it and it was well captured by Manush Nandan using Red One Digital Camera.

Kamal could not succeed in writing 'confusing dialogues' like Crazy Mohan & don't expect that in the movie.

None had much scope to perform barring Madhavan in few scenes. DSP's songs and RR was ok.

Watch out for Neela Vaanam song's picturization, I dont think any other Indian artist could have done that Lip sync in reverse slow motion ( in 48 frames) so easily. ( You can find that in "Nakida Nakida" line ,Kadal Sadugudu song from Alaipayuthey). But sad part is, concept was copied from Coldplay - The Scientist.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWLpTKBFcU)

Verdict:  A Boring Holiday

Vettaikaran's Release Back out

Initially Vettaikaran(VK) was talked to be set for a Diwali release but in the last minute the VK team has said that the movie is still not complete in all aspects and hence the Die hards of Ilayathalapathi will have to wait for some more time. Lets dig more into what REALLY could have been the show stopper?

May be the VK team could have found in Aadhavan, a potential threat to its collections, especially during the Diwali week, given the schedule clash -But WHY SO ?

Is it because of the following reasons ??? Read on... :)

1.Aadhavan being produced by a big banner like Red Giant, has almost blocked all the main theatres( atleast in City). This leads to a situation were Aadhavan might be screened in all the main theatres( Like Abirami, Satyam, Sangam, etc) while VK might have to find itself a place in halls that are supposedly 'Sub Theatres' (like Bala Abirami, Padmam, Santham,) to the main theatres, which is not a good sign for Ilaya Thalapathi's janta that would look offended and bring about a negative mileage.

2. Aadhavan has got more number of SUCCESS ELEMENTS than VK - the movie is produced by a BIG production company Red Giant, which does not mind promoting the movie in a big way. It is directed by KSR, who is considered to be a SUCCESS director ( proven Hits and a great track record ). It has Harris Jayaraj, Vadivelu, Nayanthara to add more colors.

Last but not the least, Surya, who is at the peak of his career and has been on a successful run so far, with his last film also doing very well at the box office.

Wherein, VK does not have any of those brownies except Vijay ( who himself is not having great time at the moment given the recent string of flops). Considering all these factors, VK team decided to delay (safely postpone) the movie's release intentionally.

Could it be so ? This is what the grapevine has got to say. Lets wait and see how Aadavan fares.

Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru Movie Review

 

Movie: Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru

Director: Nandhini JS (Debut)

Music: Mani Sharma

Production: Sathyam Cinemas & Real Image

Camera: Sudhir Chaudhary

Art Direction: Kiran

Background of the director:

Nandhini JS has Assisted Priya in directing the film Kanda Naal Muthal which is the only film to her credit. She is a D.F.T (Direction) Gold medalist from Film & television institute of Tamil Nadu.

Review:

Definitely a good start by the debutante Nandhini JS.

She wanted to try an out and out light hearted movie and we should say has done it quiet well.

Arjun (Ajmal) - Lazy, Irresponsible, Unpunctual and Archana (Rupa Manjari) – who is totally the opposite in her attitude, unlike Arjun, work for an Ad agency run by Srinivas (Mouli). Arjun messes up an important client presentation, due to his carelessness. To win that particular client, Mouli plans to spend his own money and prove himself. Arjun, who is so, attached to Mouli’s family feels bad for his mess up and takes it up as a challenge along with Archana to iron out things. But as luck has it for him that the baby that was auditioned for the ad shoot falls sick and the ad agency is desperately in need of a cute baby. Arjun finds a kidnapped baby (which he comes to know later) and he keeps the baby at his house and Archana decides to help him. Arjun is in search of the baby’s real parents to get no objection signature in the agreement without which their client will not accept the project. Script is crafted out in such way that how these two opposite characters gel together to accomplish the task, which is narrated with full humor.

There isn’t much of scenes which explains the love between the both which could have added more interest to the script. There could have been few good shots which show the Ad shooting with baby instead of showing it in a laptop during the climax.

For Ajmal this is definitely a challenging role after his roles in Anjathey, TN 09 A L 4777 and one must say that he has managed it pretty well. Rupa Manjari’s voice though a bit loud and screechy, suits well for the role. The Director has definitely tried to bring the best out of both the actors and has succeeded in it. Mouli as usual performs his role with ease and brilliantly renders the much needed flavor to the role especially the sequences where he keeps forgetting names and ends up once forgetting his wife’s as well, are really rib ticklers. (Though this does not does help much to the script)

Mani Sharma has done a pretty decent job unlike his usual heavy beats and noise; he has managed to get his music gel well with the theme and feel of the script.

This is a kind of script that is very hard to explain and convince a producer unless it is backed by good dialogues and sound narration. On that front, Nandini deserves a big Kudos.

The entire movie is short with Red One camera, probably the third movie in Tamil after Achamundu Achamundu and Unnai Pol Oruvan. You would even find it difficult to make out if it has been shot by a Red One camera with some good lighting sense. Good work by Sudhir.

Total budget of this movie is said to be around Rs. 2.5 Crs. The director and the cinematographer have tried their best to make the visuals look rich and at the same time have done many things to reduce cost like the use of Red one camera.

Apparently, this would be the first movie to release digitally without converting into traditional films; a huge cost reducing factor!

Being a Gold medalist one would expect Nandhini to make films on much more serious and sensitive subjects. Hope we can look forward to them as well.

Nandhini, Hearty welcome to Kollywood and over to Bollywood (Yea, she is going to direct the same script in Hindi:-))

Verdict: A subject well delivered for “A” class audience

   

Music Review of Blue ( Hindi)

Album: Blue (Hindi) 

     Music: AR Rahman   Director: Anthony D’Souza   

Banner: Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd  

Cast: Akshay,Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Shetty   

Lyrics:  Abbas Tyrewala, Mayur Puri, Raqeeb Alam

Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai (5:29)

Vocals by Shreya Ghoshal, Sukhvinder Singh

A very catchy start, especially with the piano and the strumming chords playing along the background, throughout the song. The first interlude is pretty Jazzy and impressive. Shreya is amazing in her style of rendition and sukhwinder is at the pick of his energy and modulations, as usual as ever! One has to admit that the tune does have traces of a ‘lesser hummed/ listened to’ Tamil song (“Hello Mr Edhir Katchi” from Iruvar) one of his own compositions. A couple of phrases that are sung in Harmony also carry a very strong odor of an English number by the ‘Cold Play’ (now that’s for you to find out). In spite of all this familiarity, a smart use of a host of techno instruments, apart from the bongos, goes on to lend the number an effervescent and Rahmanish :-) feel!

Bhoola Tujhe (5:27)

Vocals by Rashid Ali

Bhoola Tujhe is a modest tune that does not have much of novelty to it, by itself. However, the arrangements as part of the strings section of the BGM are very well orchestrated that provide the song the much needed feel. Rashid doesn’t have much of scope, still does a neat job in sustaining the mood of the song. A ‘NOT SO VERY REHMAN’ kind of song.  Also am compelled to think of the song ‘Ek Chehra’ from Thakshak. However let’s wait for the video to be out.

Chiggy Wiggy (5:12)

Vocals by Kylie Minogue, Sonu Nigam

Definitely the pick of this album, a typical number that is likely to make rounds across the DJ floors, Rehman is bound to enthrall his fans with this stylish song that has an ‘Eminem’ touch to it. I think only a few people can get to experiment with voices, the likes of Kylie Minogue who has lent so much of style and a distinct pop flavor to the number, right from the beginning of the song. Very thoughtful of Rehman. Well into the song, out of the blues, comes a local ‘bhangra’. A lot of very intriguing variety -play here by Rehman, must appreciate the effort.  Sonu instantly gets the desi mood into the song, starting off with the aalap. He creates an aura of pomp and enthu – with the ‘Chiggy Wiggy’ act – can I call it?! Hats off Sonu ji! The tune however has shades of the chartbuster ‘Tanha Tanha’ from Rangeela – wondering where?? :-).It is however going to be very interesting to see how this blend is gonna look like on the screen!

Rehnuma (4:25)

Vocals by Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam

Shreya’s singing sounds magical, the modulations extremely subtle and effective at the same time. The ‘James bond’ kinda interlude is disturbing and dilutes the interest created in the beginning of the song. Otherwise, it sounds much like one of these usual Hindi film numbers churned out, off late.

Fiqrana (5:25)

Vocals by Vijay Prakash, Shreya Ghoshal

Another song which bears the stamp of his own compositions like a ‘Bheka ‘from Ghajini (Hindi), a ‘Kaise Mujey’(Prelude) from Ghajini (Hindi) or the popular Yedho Yedho ( Enaku 20 Unaku 18- Tamil). Much of the Vocals sound doctored with techno beats accompanying them. A Regular fare!

Yaar Mila Tha (4:29)

Vocals by Madhushree, Ujjaiyinee Roy, Udit Narayan

A ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna’ kind of number with the evergreen voices of Udit and Madhushree. Again, parts of the BGM have strong influences of popular English songs. Run of the mine. Not exciting!

Blue Theme (3:56)

Vocals by Blaaze, Raqeeb Alam, Sonu Kakkar, Jaspreet Singh, Neha Kakkar, Dilshad

Typical Rahmanish in all aspects, with a variety of chorus and voice tracks made to resonate throughout the song. Not very distinctive though. There is a lot of techno sound that adds some glitz to the theme, though the sound of an air horn that is comes in the background is at times obtrusive. One has to wait to watch how it sounds as a whole package together!

Verdict:  

 

But for a couple of numbers, the album is just a ‘commercial’ potion that seems to have been cooked in a jiffy- especially with many songs bearing the trail of his earlier hits. Nevertheless, on top of all this, OSCAR Rahman’s evergreen charm might still work like magic, and BLUE could well end up as a classy and entertaining treat to his diehards! Jai Ho!