RAANJHANAA ("PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC")

June 21, 2013

Cast: Dhanush, Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor.

Director: Anand Rai.

Like many of the South stars, Dhanush makes his bollywood entry this year through the Anand L Rai film.

School kid Kundan (Dhanush), the son of a Pandit falls for muslim girl Zoya who is one year younger than him (Sonam Kapoor) right from the moment his eyes fall on her praying figure. He starts following her everywhere and finally when it seems like his love is about to blossom when he is in the tenth standard, Zoya’s father comes to know about the affair and sends Zoya packing to Aligarh from Banaras.

The multi ethnic, vibrant and diverse Banaras has been made use of in a wonderful way by the director in the first half with the help of nothing short of simple but spectacular cinematography.

The first half just flows out beautifully with some really spectacular performances ,especially by Dhanush and the actress playing Bhindiya, amazing music by the legendary ARR and a good screenplay filled with all the elements required to satisfy almost every demographic section. While the camaraderie between Kundan, Murari and Bhindiya is nice to watch, Sonam Kapoor gives a decent performance as Zoya.

8 years on and Kundan is waiting for his Zoya to come back to him and when finally she does, she comes with the ultimate bad news for Kundan; Zoya is in love with her college-mate Akram (Abhay Deol). On hearing this Kundan rides the scooter right into the Ganga with Zoya as his pillion; such a scene is a very natural response anyone could think of, yet so fresh and hence interesting.

Abhay Deol, in a character with an unexpected twist, gives a cool performance in the limited screen space that he has. The whole mood changes in the second half with the story getting more serious with a tinge of politics and may be a few little clichés and it is a bit of a turn off. But again towards the end the screenplay is sure to surprise a lot of the viewers.

There may be a few loose ends in the screenplay which might catch the attention of a critic but that would in no way take away the pleasure from the audience, especially because of the music and performances.

Dhanush undoubtedly steals the show with a stellar performance towering above everyone else. The scene, just before the climax where he talks to Sonam Kapoor holding her face, itself is more than enough to understand why the guy is a National Award Winner.

I am giving a 3/5 for the film and 0.25 for Dhanush and ARR. The bollywood innings for Dhanush has just begun.

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

       

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

THEEYA VELAI SEYYANAM KUMARU ("DECENT JOB")

June 14, 2013

Cast: Siddarth, Hansika, Santhanam, Ganesh Venkataraman.

Director: Sundar C.

It is very clear that Sundar C is on a comeback mode and he further strengthens that with Theeya Velai Seyyanam Kumaru.

Kumar (Siddharth) has been a loser as far as girls are concerned right from childhood. He lives along with his sisters and brothers-in-law. Sanjana (Hansika) joins Kumar’s office and Kumar falls for her at the first sight. George (Ganesh Venkataraman) is the smartest guy at Kumar’s office and when Kumar feels threatened by George he decides to take up the help of love guru Mokia (Santhanam).

The first thing that would strike the audience is the beautiful presentation by Sundar C right from the time the title starts rolling out. He continues with that throughout which gives a slick urban look to the film.

There is nothing much about the story which is a pretty straightforward one but Sundar C ensures the feel good factor throughout the film. One other thing that ought to be mentioned about the screenplay is it’s length. It is crisp and offers what is required apart from two songs that are unnecessary.

Siddharth does a decent job as Kumar, Hansika is as artificial as always. The supporting cast play their part well and Santhanam sans his regular punch dialogues(except in a few scenes) is a bit refreshing to watch.

Theeya velai seyyanam Kumaru manages to engage the audience as long as it lasts.

I am giving a 2.75/5 for Theeya Velai Seyyanam Kumaru. It is a nice timepass film that you can enjoy with your family.

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.
       
3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

MAN OF STEEL ("SUPERMAN IS HERE....ALMOST")

June 14, 2013

Cast: Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon.

Director: Zack Snyder.

When Superman Returns released in 2006 it gave nothing but disappointment to the fans worldwide. So after the failed attempt when the man who miraculously rebooted the dead Batman franchise collaborates (as producer) with the man who gave us films as different as 300 and Watchmen it is but natural to expect something over the top. With all that specialities amongst others comes Man of Steel.

In the face of the destruction of Krypton, Jor El (Crowe) sends his new born son Kal/Clark(Cavill) to earth in a pod using the codex (which is the only thing that can revive Krypton). Jor El gets killed by General Zod (Michael Shannon) who wants the codex for himself and the future of Krypton. Clark is raised by the Kents (Costner and Diane Lane) where he slowly learns about himself and the need to keep his real identity a secret. He is forced to reveal himself when General Zod threatens the whole world for the codex.

It is natural to go in expecting a Nolan touch especially when he is so much involved in the project, as are his regular mates Zimmer and Goyer. If that is the case you will be in for a disappointment because ultimately this one is a Snyder film, and so it should be viewed from purely that angle. And in that way, it is a film which almost does justice to what Snyder does best; visually appealing set pieces and some really cool action and effects.

The screenplay, which is more of an average one, keeps shifting between the present and the past trying to give us a clear picture of how the Superman came into being. Goyer is someone as unpredictable as the monsoons and this time it would not be wrong to say that he disappoints as far as the depth of the screenplay is concerned. Though it offers some really amazing action sequences what is lacking high time is the emotional depth and the chemistry between the lead characters; be it Superman and Lois, Clark and his dad, Clark and his mom or Kal and Jor.

The music by the ever reliable Hans Zimmer is amazing as usual but it might be a bit sad for the fans with extreme expectations to see his work wasted on some really “mechanical” scenes. But nonetheless the music is a big plus factor contributing to the film.

The one main reason you would want to watch this film would be the high octane action sequences. Though the hand to hand or one on one fight sequences are less in number, Snyder shows his class with the simply brilliant sequences heavy with action and effects.

This may be termed as a successful start to a fresh Superman series. Let us wait for the sequel to offer us more of what is lacking in this film.

I am giving a 3.25/5 for Man of Steel. There is plenty on offer for the fans.

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

       

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI ("YEH FILM HAI BAHUT LAMBI!")

May 31, 2013

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalkin Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapoor.

Director: Ayan Mukherjee.

After Wake up Sid, Ayan Mukherjee comes up with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani once again teaming up with Karan Johar and Ranbir Kapoor.

Bunny(Ranbir Kapoor), Avi (Aditya Roy Kapoor) and Aditi(Kalki Koechlin) are best friends from school days itself. Naina(Deepika Padukone), the nerdy loner used to be their classmate. After years Aditi bumps into Naina at a supermarket and all 4 of them end up going for a trek to Manali.

The obvious happens afterwards; the reticent reclusive Naina falls for the outgoing flirtatious Bunny and as a bonus for the audience a one sided romance is brought in by the director between Aditi and Avi.

The first half more or less goes on with all the usual masti and friendships and those tender moments and the audience will have some good popcorn munching time.

Come second half the director really tests the audience’ patience by dragging it out as far as possible. It would not be surprising if some of you might feel like leaving the theatre before the climax, but a word for those people; stick till the end and you will have a nice last fifteen minutes or so that will relieve of you of some of the boredom that you went through.

The breezy first half cannot really be credited to the script as you do not have something over the top as far as the content goes and this is corroborated by the shabby writing that is evident from the shallow second half. A lot of questions are left unanswered and the span of 8 years which has changed the main characters’ lives does not have any impact at all and empathising with them would be the last thing that would cross your mind. The characters never really evolve owing to the amateurish scripting and erratic screenplay and that is a real dampener.

Though the BGM is a real bonus in the film right from the Madhuri Dixit item number almost all the songs, some eight or ten of them, are unnecessary and irritating and this is one of the main reasons why the film feels so long.

Coming to the performances Ranbir and Kalki are very good, Deepika is excellent and Aditya Roy Kapoor, though good,is actually wasted with no role of substance whatsoever.

I am giving a 2.75/5 for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. It is nice timepass except for some dragging scenes in the second half.

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

                                 

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

                                                                    

THE HANGOVER 3 ("IT ENDS......IN SUCH A BAD WAY!")

May 31, 2013

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galfianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha.

Director: Todd Philips.

When The Hangover came out in 2009 it was a really fresh concept that catapulted both the cast and the crew into stardom. Come the carbon copy sequel The Hangover 2 in 2011 and the signs of deterioration started getting apparent. Now with The Hangover 3 it goes beyond correction.

Alan’s father dies not being able to cope up with his son’s condition. So Doug, Phil and Stu along with Alan’s family decides to take him to an intervention centre. Meanwhile Chow escapes from the Bangkok Prison. On the way to the intervention centre the Wolf pack is kidnapped by Marshall(John Goodman) who wants them to find Chow for the gold bars he stole from Marshall.

If you think that’s the perfect recipe for a Wolf pack adventure then you are in for a misfortune! After setting up the scene beautifully till then Tod Phillips forgets the fact that it’s best not to tamper with the original (something which he also forgot while making the second part).

The jokes are lame the situations have nothing new to them and after a point (and a few genuine laughs) you reach a saturation point just because of the repetitiveness, a sort of déjà vu sets in.

While the hardcore fans of the franchise might cheer for the film it would not be too much to say that this is nothing less than an insult to the original.

Finally one really baffling thing about this third part is the involvement of one of the greatest actors in Hollywood, John Goodman, the role has neither the scope for nor the requirement of a big actor.

The second part earned around 600 million dollars worldwide notwithstanding the fact that it was nowhere near the first. But it seems highly unlikely that this final part will do the same for the producers!

I am giving a 2/5 for The Hangover 3. You would not want to watch this if you want to cherish the memories of the original.

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

                                 

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

                                                                    

FAST & FURIOUS 6 (“SLOW & INFURIATING!”)

May 24, 2013

Cast: Vin Diesel, The Rock, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez.

Director: Justin Lin.

The franchise got a much needed reboot with the action packed Fast & Furious (Part 4) and it came to the forefront of full blown action entertainers with the explosive Fast Five that took the box office by storm. That is not the case, however, with Fast & Furious 6!

Dom, Brian and gang are spending quiet time in different places after the 100 million dollar heist in Brazil. A new gang of robbers with fast cars has it’s eyes set on a billion dollar technology and Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) faces a challenge like never before. He asks for the help of Dom & Co to nab them.

The first half of the film really tests your patience with all the “supposed” drama that’s happening and the emotions that the characters are going through. But the sad part is, nothing ever really reaches the audience. The writers have tried adding humor in between the scenes but they fall flat on the face. Then comes Letty (from the grave) who acts as if she does not know anyone and everyone except the director seems to be knowing why she is acting weird.

After the interval finally when the audience gears up for some action, they are letdown big time by some lacklustre and badly choreographed sequences. Certain scenes like where Dom leaps from a speeding car over a bridge to catch hold of Letty and then walks away without a scratch are sure to make you wonder if you are watching FF6 or a Vijayakanth movie!

When a decent script with some solid action would have easily captured the fans’ and the general audience’s attention alike, a poor substandard and downright silly script with equally silly and shabbily directed action scenes leaves you very disappointed.       

With Jason Statham coming as the villain in FF7 let us hope it will pick up from where Fast Five left us.

I am giving a 1.25/5 for Fast & Furious 6. This has neither the power of fast five nor the credentials of an action film. Do not waste your time or money.

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

                                 

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

                                                                    

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS ("SPACE ODYSSEY")

May 10, 2013

Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch.

Director: JJ Abrams.

Star trek that released in 2009 took us by surprise by it’s quality content and classy execution. Four years later with Star trek Into darkness, JJ Abrams gives us yet another memorable experience.

Kirk (Pine) loses the command of USS Enterprise for violating a dozen rules of the Starfleet in an attempt to save Spock (Quinto) from inside of an erupting volcano in a Class M planet in Nibiru. Right afterwards Khan (Cumberbatch) strikes the Starfleet Archive in London and Kirk and team sets out to kill Khan.

Right from the set-piece in Nibiru you are bombarded with breathtaking visuals and effects. Though such precision in visual effects is a common thing in Abrams’ movies the vision he has for Star trek is something quite unique.

Kirk has the same team with him consisting of Spock, Uhura(Saldana), Bones, Scotty, Chekov and Sulu. The chemistry of the whole crew of USS Enterprise is as sparkling as it was in the first edition and you will enjoy when they are on screen.

Though this is gonna be a treat for the Star trek fans the other section of the audience might complain about the screenplay being not as intellectually satisfying as the first part. But it ensures that the fans familiar with all the characters have one of the best movie outings of the year; this is not to mean that those who haven’t watched the first part will be left in the dark.

If the chemistry between Kirk and Spock was one of the highlights of the first film it is definitely the presence of Benedict Cumberbatch in the second film that is gonna woo the audience. He is spectacular as Khan and completely overshadows Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto whenever they are on screen.

Star trek Into darkness is a compact package offering everything in the right amounts.

Iam giving a 3.5/5 for Star Trek Into Darkness. There is a lot of action, camaraderie, fun, emotion and Benedict Cumberbatch. Go for it!

IMDB Rating

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

                                 

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

                                                                    

MUMBAI POLICE ("BOLD ONE!")

May 10, 2013

Cast: Prithviraj, Jayasurya, Rahman.

Director: Roshan Andrews.

Malayalam cinema rose to greatness mainly because of the bold themes that the filmmakers and actors were ready to experiment with. Mumbai Police comes right out of that stable!

ACP Antony Moses (Prithviraj) who is investigating the murder of his friend ACP Aryan John (Jayasurya) meets with an accident when he is on the brink of solving the case and he loses his memory. Now it’s upto Commissioner Farhan (Rahman) (the third one of the trio popularly called as Mumbai Police by the media) to help Moses recover his memory and solve the case.

Coming from Bobby and Sanjay we expect something different in the screenplay and Oh boy! You get just the same it’s a brilliantly crafted screenplay that teases you every now and then with the whodunit part and keeps you guessing till the very end. After a disappointing Casanova, Roshan Andrews bounces back to show his amazing directorial skills to make Mumbai Police very appealing; slick editing and wonderful cinematography add to it.

ASI Sudhakaran mouths Kerala Police oath by heart when the other officers in Moses’ team need a copy to read it from. Scenes like that and characters like that of Rakhi IPS could have been done away with as they serve no purpose to the plot in any manner. Apart from these minor glitches a few minutes in the middle where the “Mumbai Police” camaraderie is shown might look a bit too long but it may be argued that it is required to establish the core of the plot.

Barring these very few shortcomings it’s precise articulate storytelling and those who love investigation stories are gonna have one helluva time! The way Antony Moses B (as he is called by the doctor after the accident) breaks down the case diary of Antony Moses A is written and executed flawlessly; thanks to the brilliant writing, wonderful performances and top class direction.

When Rahman and Jayasurya do their part perfectly well, Prithviraj simply excels as the mean cold blooded Antony Moses A and the conscientious ethical Antony Moses B.

Kudos; to Roshan Andrews for staying faithful to the script(not even including one song in the film), to Bobby and Sanjay for a brilliant product and finally Prithviraj for taking on such a bold role.

Iam giving a 3.5/5 for Mumbai Police. This is one of the best films that have come out recently and it’s a pretty bold one too. Go for it!

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2    to 2.25                   -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

                                 

3    to 3.25                   -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4    to 4.25                   -           Great.

4.5 and above               -          Extraordinary.

SOODHU KAVVUM ("KIDNAPPERS IN TOWN")

May 1, 2013

Cast: Vijay Sethupathy, Sanchita Shetty, Radha Ravi, M.S Bhaskar.

Director: Nalan Kumaraswamy.

Nowadays when a film comes along with Vijay Sethupathy as the lead we have started expecting something different, and that is just what you get with Soodhu Kavvum.

Das (Vijay Sethupathy) is a middle aged man with a mental disorder (somewhat a funny version of John Nash in “A beautiful mind” you could say) who is a “professional” kidnapper with a rule list on how to kidnap. He keeps talking to Shalu(the imaginary character that only he can see). He takes 3 jobless youngsters along with him and after a series of petty kidnappings they hit jackpot when they are offered 2 crore rupees for kidnapping the minister’s son.

Scripted and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, Soodhu Kavvum is a laugh riot with the situations in the screenplay being the main comedian, which is sort of a once in a blue moon event in Tamil cinema.

With no leading actors from the Tamil industry, except for M.S Bhaskar and Radha Ravi doing minor roles, Nalan Kumarasamy shows his mettle extracting solid performances from the entire cast.

Vijay Sethupathy once again does a fine job, but what is to be appreciated more is the fact that he has allowed the director and the screenplay dictate the course of the film. Though it is apparent from the screenplay that Vijay Sethupathy is the main character he never really hogs the limelight. He looks comfortable and happy letting the other actors have some of the best dialogues and scenes in the film.

The praiseworthy editing (considered Kumarasamy’s forte), catchy BGM and wonderful cinematography involving certain moving shots and slow motions spice up the film really well. Every element like thrill, suspense, humor and tension, to name a few, is given in right doses.

But the USP of the film is undoubtedly the tactful and brilliant screenplay that provides laughter throughout the film (even in tense situations) which keeps you engaged all the while. It would not be surprising if Soodhu Kavvum gets repeat audience especially as it’s summer vacation.

Iam giving a 3.5/5 for Soodhu Kavvum. Change is always good and this film is testimony to that statement! Soodhu Kavvum has finesse written all over it.Make sure you watch it!

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                   -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                    -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Really Good.

4 to 4.25                      -           Great.

4.5 and above               -           Extraordinary.