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Movie Reviews

Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Other Languages, Rating, Reviews

Cinemawala Review

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Cinemawala Review – Cinemawala is a Bengali drama released in 2016. The movie’s plot revolves around the stress in the relationship of a father and the son, where the father wants his son run his family business and the son takes a different route.

Director Kaushik Ganguly has used the background of a father-son relationship and depicted the fading glory of single screen theaters in India. The movie has a realistic take on the current state of affairs of the single screen cinema and how elements like piracy is killing them.  In a way the father and son and their strained relationship becomes the metaphor for the struggle and identity of the single screen cinemas.

The performances of Paran Bandyopadhyay and Parambrata Chatterji is very powerful and they add a lot of life to the scenes. Sohini Sarkar has supported them very well. Parambrata Chatterji has played the character with a negative shade very well. The character of the man who looks after the theater has also been created well. The scenes are constructed very well and there is an aesthetic appeal to it.  The climax sequence of the movie is very impactful and nails the message very effectively. This one is yet another wonderful movie I got to see at Bengaluru International Film Festival.

High Points: Performances of Paran Bandyopadhyay and Parambrata Chatterji, Engaging screenplay, Climax sequence

Low Points: The only low point is the core message on the state of single screen theater loses its focus when the focus is on the father-son relationship. However, the climax sequence brings back the focus and ends convincingly.

Overall Cinemawala has a very compelling story and creates the impact it intends to. You cannot stop yourself from feeling sad for the single screen cinemas that have been closed. This one is a must watch for all film lovers.

Must Watch

Drama, Genre, Malayalam Movies, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews

Ain Review

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Ain Review – Ain is a Malayalam drama film released in 2015. Maanu is a lazy and aimless youngster living in Malabar area. He has a weird interest towards the smell of blood from the slaughtering of animals. Things change when Maanu happens to witness a murder which makes him flee from his village. This movie has won the National Award for the best feature film in Malayalam.

Director Sidhartha Siva has painted the life of a jobless youngster very well. He has brilliantly used the canvas of local political situation. The movie questions the responsibility of an individual towards the society. While there are organizations fighting for rights of animals there are a lot of human slaughtering that goes unquestioned. Thanks to Bengaluru Film Festival, I was able to see this on a big screen.

The tone of the movie is very realistic and takes you into the life of an aimless youth in the region. The nativity of the region is very well covered in the movie. The script has a very good sense of humor built in which makes it a very interesting watch. In particular, the dream sequences of Maanu are well done. The lead actor Musthafa has portrayed the character of Maanu very well.  There are no dramatic turns in the movie. The movie just captures the coming of age process of the lead character.

High Points: The performance of Musthafa, a very realistic tone, the nativity of the Malabar area, the dream sequences

Low Points: If you are not aware of the Malabar area you might miss many subtle things portrayed in the movie

Overall Ain (The Eye) is a movie made sincerely. Although about an aimless youngster, the movie has an aim in questioning some of the social injustice that happens and emphasizes the duty of the citizen to stand up for it. If you are interested in watching good cinema without the usual song and dance then this one is a must watch.

Must Watch

Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Other Languages, Rating, Reviews, Uncategorized

Pather Panchali Review

Pather Panchali Review – Pather Panchali is a Bengali drama directed by Satyajit Ray, released in 1955. The movie is based on the novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay by the same name. This was also Satyajit Ray’s directorial debut. The story revolves around a poor family in the rural area of West Bengal. It is the journey of the family struggling to make the ends meet.

This movie is now a landmark in the history of Indian Cinema. Ray took the film to outdoors and started the trend of realistic movies in Indian Cinema. The movie introduced many legends to Indian Cinema. It took 3 years to make the movie due to funding issues. If you are interested in the journey of the making of the movie then read the article Song of the Little Road from this site. Thanks to Bangalore International Film Festival, I was able to enjoy this movie on a big screen in Gold Class.

The movie is very engaging from the start. Given the limitations of the technology and challenges in lighting the output still brilliant. Ray paints the picture of the family in the rural area. The household set has been brilliantly designed and is utilized to the maximum. There is a scene in which the mother pushes her daughter out of the house and closes the door. Through the hole in the wall, Ray has captured both the characters and their emotions at the same time without resorting to any split screen editing. You would see many such brilliant moments in the film.

The music composition pandit Ravi Shankar is just brilliant and adds soul to the movie. The sound recording captures the sound you would experience in a countryside. The two kids in the movie are the ones that win you heart as compared to the others. They have performed very well.  Although the family is going through financial troubles the world in the eyes of the kids is still beautiful as they take extreme pleasure from the smallest things. The activities they do would have been nostalgic for many of the movie goers during that time.  As the movie is based on a popular novel the story itself is very compelling and Ray’s visual language gives a new dimension to the story.

High Points: The outdoor sequences, Scene compositions, performances of the actors, nostalgic moments, background score, use of the sets, the iconic train scene

Low Points: The only low point is the legend Ray is not with us now

Get ready to travel to a countryside and relive the early 20th century. This is a milestone movie in the history of Indian Cinema that had got a lot of attention from the world. Don’t miss if you get a chance to watch this one.

Must Watch

Comedy, Genre, Malayalam Movies, Must Watch, New Wave, Rating, Reviews, Romance

Charlie Review

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Charlie Review – Charlie is a Malayalam romantic comedy released in 2015. A young woman Tessa moves into a house and finds the previous tenant Charlie has left his things as is in the house. As she cleans she finds the narration of incomplete incident and attempts to find more about it. Her attempt turns into a journey of her life and she falls in love with Charlie before she meets him.

Charlie is a soul searching journey filled with love. It seems to be a fairy tale of sorts that each one of us try to find in our life. The characters in the movie are sketched beautifully and each one of them stays in your mind later as well. The comic tone of the movie adds to a pleasant watching experience. Dulquer Salman and Parvathy Menon have essayed their roles with perfection. As the movie progresses they grow on you. The curiosity and eagerness to meet Charlie grows on with Tessa. As it grows on her it grows on the audience too. The other significant character in the movie is played by Aparna Gopinath. She is a great addition in the second half.

The screenplay never dulls for a moment and it is one of the best interval blocks I have seen for a romantic movie after Vinnaithandi Varuvaya. The movie also captures the essence of the culture of Cochin very well. The background score and songs merge with the sequences well. The climax sequences happening amidst of Thrissur Pooram has been done well. Kudos to Director Martin Prakkat and team for believing in Charlie and being candid in presenting it.

High Points: Fresh screenplay, Characterization of the artists, Comic flavor to the whole movie, Culture of Cochin, Performance of the lead actors.

Low Points: Not many low points here.

Overall, if you have been complaining about the usual cliches in movies go and watch Charlie it is fresh, emotional and provides a great viewing experience.

Must Watch

Genre, Hindi Movies, Rating, Reviews, Thriller, Uncategorized, Worth a Watch

Wazir Review

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Wazir Review – Wazir is a Hindi mystery thriller released in 2016. Anti-Terrorism Squad officer Daanish and Ruhana lead a fairy tale life with their little daughter Noori. Things take an unprecedented turn when Noori is killed in an unplanned ambush attack in Daanish presence. He is stuck with guilt but finds some peace with learning chess from Noori’s chess teacher Pandit Omkar Nath Dhar who has lost his wife and daughter. Soon Daanish learns that Omkar Nath’s daughter is killed by a politician and decides to help him settle scores.

Director Bejoy Nambiar has taken up a mystery thriller with some stellar star cast after his multi-star film  David. This is based on a script initially written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra in early 90s. The movie is slick and engages with the audience throughout. However, the more predictable nature of the mystery involved spoils the watch. At least, I felt the story gave too much away before it should have. One more reason is the interval break. This movie shouldn’t have had one. That gave me time to think and predict the next half easily.

The performances of Amitabh and Farhan are the pillars of the movie. They seem to have slipped into their roles with ease and are very convincing.

The first 5 minutes (titles) of the movie has been sketched like a happy ending of a fairy tale with some ultra motion visuals and jump cuts. This is visually very appealing. Even the rest of the movie is visually appealing product and helps you glued to the screen. The encounter operation in the night is shot well. Also, the length of the movie is just right for the script. I hope all the Indian movie makers follow this to keep their movies precise.

High Points: Performances of Amitabh and Farhan, Visuals, Stunts, short length of the movie

Low Points: Predictability in the suspense

Overall Wazir is a commendable attempt in the Bollywood. This would be a memorable movie for Farhan Akthar and Bejoy Nambiar. I hope to see more such movies from our talented filmmakers.

Worth a Watch

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

Oru Naal Iravil Review

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Oru Naal Iravil Review – Oru Naal Iravil is a Tamil thriller film released in 2015. Shekhar, an NRI lives with his family of wife and two daughters. He gives into the temptation of sleeping with a call girl. His friend Suri an auto driver arranges for it in an unused shop near his house. Circumstances lead them to be locked in the shop through the night and Shekhar fears of getting shamed if someone opens the shop during the day.

This is the debut directorial venture for editor Anthony. The film is a slick 100-minute thriller without too much of frills. Given this is the first movie for Anthony the output is definitely good and keeps the audience engaged throughout. The casting of the movie is also good. Sathyaraj’s performance stands out in the movie. He makes us feel the pressure of the situation very well. He shines in the scene where he hesitantly looks out of the auto as his friend talks to the call girl and immediately gets as she sees him. He is ably supported by Anumol, Yugi Sethu and Varun.

The movie is based on the Malayalam movie Shutter released in 2012 directed by Joy Mathew.  However, he has carefully tread over the boundary of maintaining the idealism of the protagonist. He could have been bold in crossing the boundary and shown the weaker side of the protagonist without having it look like a induced situation due to compulsion.

High Points: A slick thriller, No unwanted sequences, Sathyaraj’s performance.

Low Points: The plot has certain holes that help in creating the conflict.

Overall Oru Naal Iravil is a decent thriller movie that would keep you engaged throughout. If you are a fan of thriller movies go and watch this one. Looking forward to more such ventures from Anthony.

Worth a Watch

Comedy, Genre, Korean Movies, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Romance

My Sassy Girl Review

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My Sassy Girl Review – My Sassy Girl is a South Korean romantic comedy movie released in 2001. Gyeon-woo an engineering college student meets a girl who is very bizarre. But circumstances make them meet frequently and he falls in love with her. Will they get together is the plot of My Sassy Girl.

A feel good romantic comedy script’s success depends upon the uniqueness of the characters and the situation although the overall plot is going to be the same. The script should introduce the lead pairs and make the audience want them to get together. My Sassy Girl does that perfectly. The movie is so fresh due to the characterization of the lead characters and the unique situations they are seen in. The movie throws a surprise to the audience in the way the characters react at every scene. It thus makes it a very interesting watch. For instance, the habit of the girl to create screenplays for movies based on some popular blockbusters and bringing in a twist to the ending is a brilliant ploy. The director Kwak Jae-yong has not given into the temptation of creating the usual cliches of a romantic movie. Rather he has travelled along with his characters throughout and the suspense he has held till the end makes it a very interesting watch.

The script also brilliantly leaves certain aspects to the viewers discretion. For instance, the girl’s name is not told throughout the movie and if she actually meets an old man at the end is left for interpretation.

High Points: The plot situations are crafted well, The characterizations of the lead protagonists are done well.  The suspense held till the end gives a high degree of satisfaction to the viewers, the fresh visuals are of a great strength for the movie. The flash sequences of the story written by her.

Low Points: Not much of low points here

Overall My Sassy Girl is a great example of how a romantic comedy script should be. This is a must watch for all romantic comedy lovers.

Must Watch

Can Skip it, Comedy, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Romance, Tamil Movies, Uncategorized

Inji Iduppazhagi Review

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Inji Iduppazhagi Review – Inji Iduppazhagi is a Telugu and Tamil romantic comedy released in 2015. Sweety is a happy go lucky girl. Her mother is worried about her over-weight. When Sweety meets a handsome and health conscious documentary filmmaker Abhi as her wedding alliance she rejects the proposal before he rejects it but internally she hopes that he would fall in love with her.

The movie’s plot has a potential to be a wholesome entertainer. It opens very well where we are introduced to the sweetness in sweety’s life. She reminds of Amélie Poulain from the french movie Amélie in the way she views her life and wishes to bring happiness in people’s life. But soon the plot looses its track and gives into the temptation of commercial formula thereby giving way for cliches being introduced. There is a point in the film where Sweety tells Abhi that she is tired of being just a friend. Post this the movie does a nose dive and Sweety’s character becomes lost in translation.

Anushka has performed well for the most part. But the story couldn’t capitalize on her acting skills. Apart from her, Urvashi has a very enjoyable role. The character of Sweety’s  father, grandfather, mother and brother have been sketched well. In the end, you think they could have made a very good movie with the premise and the characters.

High Points: Initial setting up of the plot, Production quality, Anushka’s acting, Characterization of Anushka’s family.

Low Points: Lack of focus on the screenplay, commercial cliches, predictable and beaten to death sequences.

Overall this is an effort that has gone bad due to its lack of focus and substandard treatment of the plot. With a better screenplay, this team has a great potential to deliver an entertainer. Wish them luck for their next venture.

Can Skip It

 

Biopic, Comedy, Drama, English Movies, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Worth a Watch

Joy Review

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Joy Review – Joy is an American biographical comedy-drama released in 2015.  The movie follows a common woman who struggles to manage her dysfunctional family of four generations, is on a path to become a greatest business tycoon.

Before I write any of my review comments let me tell you that I love David O Russell movies. Hence, I couldn’t resist watching Joy. The movie banks on the performance of Jennifer Lawrence throughout and she has done a phenomenal job in portraying the role of Joy on screen. I love the drama value in the movies of David O Russell. I loved the drama in the story of Joy as well. I loved the transformation of Joy’s character through the movie and her Character Arc is brilliantly sketched in the movie.

The director has certain shots subtle and in the background avoiding the usual cliches in a deliberate attempt to make something magical. I liked this treatment very much. I believe this is what has disappointed the larger set of critics who might have walked in with the expectation of watch yet another Silver Lining Playbook. The distinct characterization of each member of the family has been portrayed very well. Also, the dream sequence construction which is a mixture of the Soap Opera her Mom watches and book she reads for her daughter.

High Points: Performance of Jennifer Lawrence, The sequence of her business counterpart during the climax is phenomenal.  The dream sequence for Joy.

Low Points: The plot is a simple one compared to his previous outings with Silver Lining Playbook and American Hustle.

Overall this may not be the best movie of David O Russell but it still has the ability to engage you throughout. If you are a fan of Jennifer Lawrence you cannot afford to miss this one.

Worth a Watch

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

Ant-Man Review

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Ant-Man Review – Ant-Man is an English superhero film from the Marvel universe. Scientist Hank Pym quits S.H.I.E.L.D to protect the shrinking technology he has invented as he believes it could destroy the world if gotten by evil men. He is thrown out of the company by his daughter and his former protege Darren Cross. They are at the verge of reinventing the shrinking technology. Hank has to rely on a well-meaning thief Scott Lang to become Ant-Man and prevent them from becoming successful.

I was not very interested in watching a movie about a miniature man who could be a superhero in parallel with the Avengers. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the output of the movie. It was very interesting and engaging throughout. The movie had some good visual effects much like any other Marvel movies. The humor element was well used by the writers to keep the movie a very interesting one. Also, the challenge faced by Ant-Man was a very interesting one.

Director Peyton Reed should be lauded for the kind of output he has produced from a superhero much less known to the world in comparison with other Marvel superheroes. Michael Douglas is a good choice for playing the character of Hank. The story sets up nicely well for its sequel. Don’t miss the post-credits sequence featuring an Avenger.

High Points: The visual effects, Humor elements, A sincere attempt, Engaging Screenplay. The sequence where the Ant-Man barges into the Avengers facility is a very interesting one.

Low Points: Overload of superhero movies might not give the credit what Ant-Man deserves.

Overall Marvel is yet again successful in creating a superhero that they can add to their Avenger series. Ant-Man although the tiniest of the superheroes manages to steal the hearts of the audience. If you are a Marvel comic fan, you should watch this one.

Worth a Watch

Genre, Hindi Movies, Historic, Other Languages, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Wait for DVD/TV, War

Rudhramadevi Review

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Rudhramadevi Review – Rudhramadevi is a historical film released in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi in 2015. The movie is based on the life of the warrior queen Rudhramadevi who ruled the Kakatiya dynasty during the 13th century.

First of all kudos to the film crew for taking up a historical subject on woman warrior and bringing it to the silver screen. The magnanimous Baahubali had raised the expectations of film audience so high that anything less than that does not appeal anymore. Rudhramadevi also falls as a prey for this.

In the effort of making a visual grandeur in a limited budget, the filmmakers have lost the viewing pleasure. The visual effects look very amateurish compared to the standards we see today. The only thing that keeps your interest going is the story itself. The story has inspirational parts to it and some good war stories. However, the scriptwriters have failed to capitalize on this one and tailor to the movie format. In the end, it ends up looking like a TV show.

Anushka’s performance is a big strength to the movie. She has literally transformed himself as she plays the warrior. The only other character that had turned out well is Gona Ganna Reddy played by Allu Arjun.  Rana Daggupati’s character is weakly portrayed. The climax war sequence is the weakest part of the movie. In the effort of making it visually spectacular they have lost preparing the audience for it. Most of the times you are confused about who is fighting whom. In the end, it looks too easy to defeat the villain.

High Points: Anushka’s performance, Gona Ganna Reddy’s characterization and Allu Arjun’s performance, The story of a warrior queen.

Low Points: Ambiguous war sequence in the climax, Amateurish visual effects, Lack of character build up for other characters.

Overall Rudhramadevi ends up being a tale better made for the small screen than for the big screen audience.

Wait for DVD/TV

Action, Drama, Genre, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Wait for DVD/TV

Vedalam Review

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Vedalam Review – Vedalam is a Tamil action drama released in 2015. Ganesh comes to Calcutta with his sister to give her admission into a prestigious art institute. He leads a simple life and is a pleasant company to many. But there is untold dark side to him, not known to others.

The hero is so good and straight forward person you suspect something is going to break. Something breaks and exposes a contrasting personality within him. Now you try to justify the contrasting badass personality by giving a purpose to it and then you want to see the hero win. This is a tried and tested formula for many commercial movies. Baasha being the one which started it all. Then we had seen many movies which were wannabe Baasha’s. Vedalam is one to be added to the list that is entirely banking upon Ajith’s stardom.

The movie has some interesting sequences in parts and it is enjoyable during those sequences. But then the movie falls into the trap of lack of direction, with some cliched emotional drama coming rescue making it an average affair. Ajith’s screen presence is a big strength for the movie. The initial sequences in Kolkatta are enjoyable. The most enjoyable portion of the movie is the character of Vedalam which appears in the flashback. Ajith has changed his body language and dialogue delivery which has worked out well. Lakshmi Menon has a significant role in the movie. Shruthi Hassan just adds in glamour quotient and  just becomes the reason for Ajith revealing the flashback.

High Points: Ajith’s screen presence, The characterization of Vedalam, Comedy sequences

Low Points: High voltage emotional drama which looks cliched. The entire climax sequence looks too easy for Ajith compared to the introduction the Villain had.

Overall Vedalam suffers from the common phenomenon of all the mass entertainers of falling into ordinary cliches. This movie is still watchable for Ajith’s performance. Unless you are a hardcore Ajith fan you might enjoy watching this when played on TV.

Wait for DVD/TV