Category Archives: Worth a Watch

Comedy, Drama, Genre, Malayalam Movies, Rating, Reviews, Romance, Worth a Watch

Premam Review

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Premam Review – Premam is a Malayalam romantic comedy movie released in 2015. The plot revolves around the life of George living in Aluva, his love interests, his happiness, failure and transformation through various phases of life.

The movie is from the Neram team. Director Alphonse Putharen has delivered yet another interesting tale that would keep you engaged throughout. Premam does not follow the usual three act structure rather the entire screenplay is organized like a bouquet of pages from the diary of a person. You get to peek into the life of this person in 3 periods of time. The core theme of the movie is love and the factor that would connect the audience throughout the movie are those nostalgic moments that one could associate with. The director has used some extreme close up shots of the surroundings to give the feel for it. The director has also banked heavily on the star value of Nivin Pauly which he has gained since Neram. This has worked very well. Nivin Pauly has grown into a versatile actor. He could transform himself from a soft spoken, shy chocolate boy to a fearsome angry young man in jiffy. This is a major strength for the movie. Rajesh Murugesan has delivered yet again in the music department for the director. The editing is also done well in particular for the songs.

High Points: Nostalgic moments, Nivin Pauly’s performance, Editing and Cinematography, Comedy in the script and Of course love.

Low Points: The screenplay is tad bit longer for the content of the script. The second half gets a bit dragging before it gets back on track.

Overall you will fall in love with love (Premam) once again and watch it when it is in the theaters. Kudos to Alphonse Putharen and team for giving a light-hearted and breezy movie

Worth a Watch

Comedy, Drama, Genre, Hindi Movies, Rating, Reviews, Worth a Watch

Piku Review

Piku Review – Piku is a Hindi comedy drama film released in 2015. Piku is a 30 year old woman living in Delhi taking care of her father whose major complaint in life is about his constipation. Just like his constipation he doesn’t want to leave any of his legacies including not letting Piku getting married, while on the other hand Piku wants to let go of them. The only thing that glues them together is the love and affection they have towards each other despite their differences. The plot revolves around the road trip they decide to take to visit their old house in Kolkata.

Director Shoojit Sircar after his successful outings with Vicky Donor and Madras Café has taken a very light hearted comedy drama. The movie is simple and sweet. The movie solely banks on the performance of the lead actors. Amitabh has performed with a natural flair that you see Bhaskor and not Amitabh in every frame he appears. This would be one of the top notch performances of Deepika Padukone as well and would be a highlight in her acting career. Irrfan Khan is a nice addition to the cast that he adds more strength to the performances of the cast. The screenplay itself is very light hearted and subtle. What could be an elaborate melodrama in any other movie has been handled with ease and keeps the lighthearted tone throughout.

High Points: Performance of Amitabh and Deepika, Light hearted screenplay, comedy sequences

Low Points: As a screenplay there is no strong establishment of conflict in the plot

Overall the movie is scripted like a view through window into the slice of time in Piku’s life. It is scripted well to keep you engaged and happy throughout the movie. Go and watch Piku for the performances of the lead cast.

Watchable

Comedy, Genre, Heist, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Worth a Watch

Rajathanthiram Review

Rajathanthiram Review – Rajathanthiram is a Tamil heist movie released in 2015. 3 friends who do petty theft for a living plan on doing a larger heist from a rich jeweler.

Debutant Director A.G Amid has chosen heist as the plot for his movie. Heist plots has the potential of creating a very interesting and engaging screenplay. However the element of surprise and twist should be placed very smartly enough for the audience to be enthralled as the movie ends. If this is not done well then any heist movie would fail badly. Rajathanthiram manages to keep the interest going on. Although the audience know there would be a twist in the end but still the script keeps you engaged with it as how it is done is kept as a well maintained secret in the film. The movie also works well in most of the parts in moving the pieces together. The acting levels of the lead actors are not of top notch as many of them are new. Still they put up a show that is decent enough to make it an entertaining watch. The comedy blends in well with the story and helps in moving the story ahead. Regina is underutilized and serves only as an eye candy in the film rather than how the promos of the movie had tried to portray her. The director should be appreciated for his sincere first attempt with a limited budget yet giving a decent output.

High Points: Heist plot, Comedy in the screenplay, the final heist sequence is entertaining to watch.

Low Points: Predictable plot line and novice acting skills

Overall Rajathanthiram may not be that brilliant heist movie that would blow your mind off but it is a movie that would definitely serve as a light hearted entertaining watch any time.

Watchable

Comedy, Genre, Horror, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Worth a Watch

Darling Review

Darling Review – Darling is a Tamil horror comedy film released in 2015. Three youngsters decide to end their life in a guest house near the beach. But the beach house has more mystery in it than they had imagined.

Darling joins the recent list of horror comedy movies that had worked well in Tamil language. This is a remake of the Telugu movie Prem Katha Chitram. This is the first movie of G.V Prakash as an actor. He had taken a subject that is too light which is good. The best thing about the movie is the humor that had worked well. The horror part may not scare you like many other movies but the humor part would definitely make you laugh your heart out. The scene in which Rajendran appears as Ghost Gopal Varma is a laugh riot. Given that this is the first movie for GV as an actor we can forgive the nuances that he had missed. Nikki Garlani has also tried her best to act. Karunas and Bala Saravanan are a great addition to the cast and they steal the show in many places of the movie. Credit should be given to Director Sam Anton who in his debut film has given a very decent product.

High Points: The genre of horror comedy, Comedy scenes, The scenes in which Rajendran appears as Ghost Gopal Varma, Staying away close to the core plot

Low Points: Novice actors, if you miss the jokes then you may not like this one as many of the jokes are very much related to other Tamil Cinemas

Overall Darling will keep you entertained throughout and make you laugh your heart out if you care for the jokes. If you go with the expectation of getting chills and thrills then you would be disappointed. This is a good addition to the movies in horror comedy genre and definitely deserves a watch.

Watchable

Genre, Horror, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Worth a Watch

Pisasu Review

Pisasu Review – is a Tamil Horror movie released in 2014. A young musician tries saving a girl who had met with a road accident; she dies in the hospital when trying to tell him something. When he comes home strange things start happening at his home.

Director Mysskin has ventured into a new genre for himself. Pisasu has turned out as a very nice product at the end. The movie has a very convincing plot and very engaging screenplay. It is complete Mysskin show and you would see his trademark shot making as in his other movies. The long and continuous shots, characters spread out on the screen; dark shots with high tension are present in Pisasu as well.

Naga’s performance is very apt for the story. As his face is half covered with his hair there is an air of suspense in his emotions. This has worked well for the story. The climax of the movie has been done well. Certain aspects in the movies are left to the interpretation of the audience and you might feel it as incomplete at times like the visibility of the ghost when it appears and when it does not. There is also subtle humor in the first half of the movie when the three friends go on the search of finding ways to get rid of the ghost. The background score fits well for the screenplay.

High Points: With horror movies picking up in Tamil this cashes in as well, Screenplay is very engaging, performances by the lead actors, the twist in the tale, and horror story with a strong message

Low Points:  The visibility of the ghost has been used liberally and not consistent, thrills and chills are far apart

Overall Pisasu is a horror movie with a message. Its intent is not to scare you but to emotionally move you.

Watchable

Comedy, Drama, Genre, Hindi Movies, Rating, Reviews, Worth a Watch

PK Review

PK Review – PK is a Hindi satire movie released in 2014 . An alien lands on earth to learns the ways of the humans, however he looses his remote transmitter to get back to the ship. He is now forced live with human race, learn their ways to life to find his remote back.

Aamir and Rajkumar Hirani coming together has raised the expectations sore high for the movie. After their blockbuster 3 Idiots, PK had become the most awaited movie of the year. Well the movie does have all the necessary elements to woo you and you would definitely feel good that you have watched PK.

PK’s plot would sound similar to OMG however the treatment here is subtle and has much more fun fare to entice the holiday crowd. The impact liners is a highlight of Rajkumar Hirani’s script like Jadu ki Jhappi in Munna Bhai MBBS, Get well soon in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and All is well in 3 Idiots. PK also has an impact liner which is “Wrong Number”. Although the concept of Wrong Number is interesting and very powerful if you think of it, still it may not connect instantly with the audience as Get well soon or All is well.

The sensitivity of the plot might have imposed many restrictions in building up the screenplay. I believe Rajkumar Hirani has done a good job despite of the challenges. However in few areas the struggle to walk the fine line is visible. The way the character of Aamir Khan transition from an alien landing on the earth to study the humans to a situation where he has to question the ways of the Godmen is done very well. This would be the highlight of the movie.

High Points: Characterization of PK, Positive outlook of Rajkumar Hirani movies, Intelligent screenplay, the whole wrong number episode.

Low Points: Climax sequence not as impact full as the build-up, Similarities in plot with OMG, No change in costume for Sushant Singh Rajput 🙂

Overall if you do not go with a checklist to compare it with 3 Idiots or OMG then you would love watching PK. The movie has a satirist take on Godmen. If you do not connect to it, then you would find the movie kiddish and boring. If you like satires then you would love PK every bit. So go for PK with an open mind and enjoy it on the big screen.

Watchable

Action, Animation, English Movies, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Worth a Watch

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review

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How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review – How to Train Your Dragon 2 is an American animation movie released in 2014. This is a sequel to the How to Train Your Dragon movie. After changing the culture of Berk to co-exist peacefully with the dragons Hiccup and Toothless are out on another adventure where they have to face a deadly villain called Drago.

The movie has capitalized on the success of the first part and has the necessary plot points to entice you one more time.  The movie majorly succeeds in maintaining the interest of the audience throughout but for few dragging sequences. If you were to compare this one with the first part then you might like the first installment better. But as it goes with any sequels it is not as fresh as the first one. Also many sequences would remind you of the first part. Leaving this aside if you watch this movie you would certainly enjoy many parts of this one.  The way they have ended this movie promises for yet another sequel.

The quality of animation is very good. There are also new types of dragons introduced in this one which makes it even more interesting. Toothless steals the show completely. The way the character of Toothless is shaping up would create a very memorable dragon character for the viewers.

High Points: Chemistry between Toothless and Hiccup,  The flying sequence between Toothless and Hiccup, The new game invented by the citizens of Berk, Some new kind of dragons

Low Points: Not great when compared to the first part, Few of the sequences seem bit repetitive and dragging.

Overall this one may not be as great as its predecessor but nevertheless a great watch. If you have kids do watch this one with them.

Watchable – for the Night Fury Toothless!

Related: How to Train Your Dragon

Drama, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Worth a Watch

Kaaviya Thalaivan Review

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Kaaviya Thalaivan Review – is a Tamil drama released in 2014. The movie is set in the era of British rule in India during which stage plays were very popular. The plot revolves around two upcoming stage artists Gomathi Nayagam Pillai and Kaliappa.  Although Gomathi Nayagam dedicates himself, works hard to reach to fame Kaliappa seems to get everything easily meaty roles for acting, praise from the master, women he loves. This sparks jealousy in Gomathi Nayagam. What happens is the story of Kaaviya Thalaivan.

First of all, kudos to Vasanthabalan for making this movie. As in any Vasanthabalan’s movie the story is very intense and gets on track right from the first shot. Although the plot of rivalry and jealousy has been used in many movies, the entire thing set in the era of stage plays is brilliant. Lot of research has gone into recreating the elements of a stage play. A R Rahman’s music is soul of the film. Siddharth, Prithviraj and Nasser have performed very well. During the second half of the movie the pace lags a bit and at times makes it feel lengthy. It is a neat idea to bring in the elements of patriotic plays in the movie. However the reason behind Siddharth’s patriotism is not manifested well in the plot. Hence his entire transformation into a patriotic stage actor doesn’t create an impact.

High Points: Stage play drama, Acting of Siddharth and Prithviraj, Strong story line

Low Points: Pace and length of the movie, Siddharth’s affinity towards patriotism, Unless you appreciate the era of stage plays you may not connect with the movie

Overall Kaaviya Thalaivan is a very sincere and laudable attempt in Tamil Cinema. It is no doubt the best of Vasanthabalan movies so far. You can watch it for some brilliant performances and a creative story line.

Watchable

Animation, Comedy, English Movies, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Worth a Watch

Penguins of Madagascar Review

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Penguins of Madagascar Review – Penguins of Madagascar is an English animation movie released in 2014. The penguins from the Madagascar franchise embark on a new adventure in which they face a fearsome villain from whom they would have to save the entire race of Penguins and the love of people for Penguins.

This one is banking on the popularity Penguins have got with the Madagascar franchise. The movie has a plot that is focused on making the audience laugh and letting the Penguins do what they are best at. Although in parts the movie would resemble to the minions episode in Despicable Me 2. Still the movie would engage you throughout and make you laugh at many places. The quality of the animation is very good.

There are more characters in this other than the Penguins. The new characters have similar taste in adventure as the Penguins do. However they fail to fit in well as Alex and party in the Madagascar series.

High points: The scene in which the penguins fall off a plane is hilarious, their entire adventure in the streets of Shangai is good, The core focus being on the Penguins is a big plus for the movie considering how the last two movies from the Franchise have fared.

Low points: Similarity of the plot and sequences with  Despicable Me 2, The new spy characters did not fit in too well for the Madagascar franchise

Overall despite the short comings this one is a better movie compared to the last two Madagascar movies. If you are a fan of Madagascar Penguins don’t miss this one. Kids would enjoy this movie very much, so if you have kids do take them to watch the adventure of the Penguins.

Watchable

Action, Drama, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Worth a Watch

Lingaa Review

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Lingaa Review – Lingaa is a Tamil action drama released in 2014. The engineer inspecting Solaiyur dam is mysteriously murdered. Just before he dies he mentions that the village temple should be opened to save the village. The villagers have taken a vow that the temple should only be opened by the family member of Lingeswaran who had constructed the dam 75 years ago. Hence they go in search of the grandson of Lingeswaran. Who is this Lingeswaran and what has he done for the village is the plot of Lingaa.

Lingaa is a much awaited Rajinikanth movie after 4 long years. The expectations skyrocketed before the movie release and people thronged the theaters to catch the glimpse of their favorite hero performing in style. Well the movie is made with the objective to treat Rajinikanth’s fans thoroughly. The movie is fairly successful in its objective. Given that the movie was completed in six months period of time the output is definitely stunning and it should have taken a lot of coordination to get things right.

I watched the movie after the initial three days of comments and reviews. I went to the movie not expecting much from it. The initial forty five minutes of the movie was very dragging and slow, just when my hopes where dying the movie shifts to the past which is all about Lingeswaran. From that point on the movie grew on me and the magic of a Rajini movie came alive. The movie is very racy from this point till the customary climax involving some gravity defying stunts. Rajini movie would be incomplete without such a stunt :).

High points of the movie: Rajini’s presence, gripping story of Lingeswaran, Rajini’s acting as Lingeswaran, Stunt sequences which includes the train fight and the climax fight sequence, music in the second half, Cinematography involving the visuals of the dam

Low points of the movie: The jewelry exhibition sequence, lack of good comedy, substandard dialogues for the sequences in the present era

The climax fight sequence has got some mixed feedback. But given it is a Rajini movie the way they have imagined the climax sequence is pretty good. No other hero could pull it off. And worth noting is that they executed this in a very short period of time. Special kudos to Lee Whitaker for choreographing some fantastic stunt sequences in particular the train fight sequence.

The main story seems to be just of Lingeswaran set in the British ruled India. The modern period is bolt on to enthrall the first weekend crowd.

Overall Lingaa is an out and out Rajini movie and will enthrall all Rajini fans. If you are patient enough during the “Rajini fan only” sequences you would appreciate the main story which definitely has enough content to engage you well.

Watchable – for Lingeswaran

Action, Animation, English Movies, Fantasy, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Superhero, Worth a Watch

Big Hero 6 Review

Big Hero 6 Review – Big Hero 6 is an American animated superhero movie released in 2014. This movie is based on the Marvel Comics of the same name. A 14 year old genius and robotic expert Hiro Hamada has to form a super hero team to fight a villain who is suspected to have played a role in his brother’s death.

If you have read the comics you might already know what you would need to expect from the movie. However if you haven’t then one of the things you might need to know is this is not yet another animation movie that targets kids with a good moral message like Wall E, UP, Frozen, Brave and so on. There is no such thing this Big Hero 6 conveys. The movie is more of a super hero movie than that of a kid’s animation movie. During the break one of the kid exclaimed to her mom that she couldn’t understand the movie. If we are looking this more from a superhero movie angle then it has all the ingredients that would entice you. The animation is of great quality and the characters are all sketched very well. The health care robot Baymax is very cute and the scenes involving the interactions between Hiro and Baymax are funny and would make you laugh. The initial portions of the movie are more enjoyable than the climax itself. The climax is large and involves destruction on a large scale and reminded me of the Avengers and Man of Steel climax. This large scale destruction has now become a trademark for superhero movies. The movie revolves more around Hiro and Baymax. There is little space for the other four characters which I believe would be more prominent in the upcoming editions. The movie does have a post credit sequence which promises a premise for the next edition. So don’t leave the theater before the end of credits.

Overall Big Hero 6 has all the elements to entertain you and keep you engaged for 100 minutes. If you are a fan of Superhero and animation movies then don’t miss this one.

Watchable

Action, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Thriller, Worth a Watch

Kaththi Review

Kaththi Review – Kaththi is a Tamil action thriller released in 2014. Kathiresan escapes from Kolkata Jail and reaches Chennai. Circumstances lead him to rescue his look alike Jeevanandam who is fighting for his village farmers from corporate not taking possession of their lands. He double crosses and let Kolkata police arrest Jeevanandam and he takes his place to make some quick money.

Director A R Murugadoss has delivered a movie with a strong social message like he had done in his blockbuster Ramana. The film’s core part is the social issue of farmers losing land to corporate jungle. However the plot has been tailored for Vijay’s star value to make it look big. In the process the movie builds up Vijay’s star value more than the essence of the message itself. Vijay is in his comfort zone and has played his part well and this one is sure to entice not only Vijay fans but also other movie lovers as well. Vijay’s role as Jeevanandam is done well. He is composed and the scene where he breaks down for his villagers brings out the actor in him. Samantha is just there is in the movie as tick in the box for the leading lady. The first twenty minutes of the movie is made exclusively for Vijay fans and would make you feel bored with songs and not so witty screenplay. Once the story starts dealing with conflict it makes it a very engaging watch. Neil Nitin Mukesh has played the role of the baddie very well. Songs are just about average and are a distraction to the screenplay. Thanks for not including many of them in the second half which doesn’t spoil the pace of the movie. The movie suffers from cliches we had seen in 7am Arivu like repeating the problems and social message too many times. This also makes the movie lengthy and after a while you would feel ok got it… what’s next. If such minor glitches could have been avoided and the first 20 minutes of the movie had been reduced it would have made the script even racier.

Overall Kaththi has all the ingredients of a larger than life masala movie that also tries to highlight on a social issue but gets lost in the star worship. If you are able to ignore the shortcomings there is lot more to look forward in the movie, which definitely makes it watchable.

Watchable