Narthagi – Tamil Movie Review

When it comes down to any film from any regional language, especially the South Indian film industry, most of the directors take the role of ‘transgenders’ for evoking laughter.  But, with Tamil Cinema emerging into the changing phase, things are taking a different route now.  Thanks to the trendsetters for their different and commendable approach.  Before few weeks, we have Krish’s ‘Vaanam’ hitting screens in which he had the characterization of ‘Karpuram’.  Though, it was a minimal role, it had a colossal delineation.  Now, it’s director Vijaya Padma making a bold attempt with the film ‘Narthagi’.

The film as known earlier from the tagline revealed that it is all about a transsexual ones.  She has taken it up as a challenge of bringing out the reality in all aspects.  The story is so simple as it revolves around a boy, who suddenly starts feeling womanly.  Though, the film slightly reminiscences of Santhosh Sivan’s ‘Navarasa’ it brings an intellectual thought provoking subject – Difference between Gender and Sex.

There is nothing much to delineate the storyline as it is all about the boy starts feeling girly and how his looks are transformed into a woman during later point of ages.

The act of transformation from a boyish to the girly thing has been very well projected by Vijaya Padma and she manages to change the artist at the right point of time to add perfection.  Though, it has some sort of irrelevance, it doesn’t seem to be a blatant one.

The filmmaker has shown keen interest, over throwing lights into the social and cultural contexts as well.  One of such greatest highlights is why the transsexuals are often dragged into the business as sex-workers.  Vijaya Padma has done a wide-range research that becomes the nitty-gritty element of this subject.  All the actors Kalki, Swathi and Ashwin have done their parts with justice.  Ashwin has made a daring effort of choosing to make his appearance in such a film while most of the young lads want to be a ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ SRK and ‘Alaipayuthey’ Madhavan or ‘Sivaji’ Rajnikanth on their first films.

The day-to-day problems experienced by this cohort are very well depicted and at times wins our sympathy.  Thanks to G.V.  Prakash and Na.  Muthukumar for accepting this project.  They have worked in several mega-budget films and to take up such a project really needs boldness.  Especially, the background score by G.V.  Prakash enhances the visual aspects and keeps the audiences’ attention from getting scattered.

Mark our words! For such films like ‘Narthagi’ to become a blockbuster, it might take hundreds of decades.  If after that ages, if this kind of movies becomes the major success and then remember this! Vijaya Padma will have her name registered in the history of Tamil Cinema for pioneering with ‘Narthagi’.

Cast & Crew:

Production: Punnagai Poovae Geetha

Direction: G Vijaya Padma

Star-casts: Kalki, Swathi, Vivin, Girish Karnad and others

Music: G.V. Prakash

Verdict: An unusual film

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Kandaen – Tamil Movie Review

Actor Shanthanu has been clear over his selection of projects. Right from his first film, he has been determined towards taking up films based on romantic entertainers while he rejects the serious themes. Say for instance, Sasikumar’s ‘Subramaniapuram’ in which he was supposed to play the role of Jai. Though, his selection of rom-com was good, he wasn’t able to go for a breakthrough. His very first film ‘Sakkarakatti’ that had lots of expectations bombed at box office followed by ‘Siddhu Plus Two, First Attempt’ that had mixed reviews. But with ‘Kandaen’ Shanthanu gets a new lease of life in his showbiz, though not to a greater degree.

The film is directed by newcomer Mugil, who previously worked with Prabhu Deva as assistant director. ‘Kandaen’ is a romantic story with a hackneyed storyline, but has some twists in the tale with some interesting moments. The film marks the debut of Reshmi Gautham while Santhanam plays a significant role and keeps the film with entertaining factors.

Vasanth (Shanthanu), a software engineer by profession lives a high-spirited life, but is troubled his grandfather (Vijayakumar), a Nattamai, who wants his grandson to marry a relative girl. In order to escape from the situation, Vasanth bluffs that he is already in love with a girl and that leaves him into a speculative challenge.

The protagonist has to find a girl and seek her parent’s blessings to marry her, with a specific deadline – 30 Days.

On his way down in Chennai, Vasanth comes across a beautiful girl Narmada (Reshmi) and falls in love with her. In order to win her sympathy, Vasanth lies that he is blind and somehow makes her fall in love. But when truth breaks loose out of hell and Narmada swears that she’ll never be a part of his life. Vasanth seeks the help of his close pal (Santhanam) and he helps in uniting them. When you think everything is perfect, things go terribly wrong as Vasanth is injured during a clash after boozing and loses his eyesight. What unfolds next is a series of problems faced by the lead pair.

Shanthanu tries emitting the best from his part, but falls into pit by overreacting at some places. But, we ought to appreciate his performance in dance and stunt sequences.

Newcomer Reshmi is a special delight to the eyes as she spells a fabulous oomph factor at places, especially in songs. Santhanam brings laughter tremendously with his one-liners and usual paradigms.

Musical spell by newcomer Vijay Ebenezer reminisces of Harris Jayaraj as the songs sound pretty with the same style. Cinematography by Prashanth has eye-catching visuals.

On the flip side, the story seems to be too cliched and the screenplay remains predictable at few places. But soon Mugil takes a turn and avoids time-worn elements. Though, the logic is completely missing at many places, ‘Kandaen’ is a film that you can enjoy watching it to kill your time.

Cast & Crew:

Production: TCS, Sri Siva Selvanayakiamman Movies

Direction: A.C. Mugil

Star-casts: Shanthanu, Reshmi, Santhanam, Aashish Vidyarthi, Vijayakumar and others

Music: Vijay Ebenezer

Verdict: Passable entertainer

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Azhagar Saamiyin Kuthirai – Tamil Movie Review

What differentiates Hollywood films from Kollywood? The technical aspects? Definitely not, as the technicians down herein are excelling with their efforts… But then, the difference lies with ‘Novel Adaption’ as most of the Hollywood films are based on novels while in Indian film industry, it’s a far-from act. Though, we find such films made now and then, it’s rare of its kind. Filmmaker Susindran has now attempted with such an endeavor of making a film based on the story written by Sakthi Bhaskaran.

Much alike the other films based in backdrops of village, we find that certain characterizations are little clichés, but only to a certain extent. On the pars, unique characterizations stand out as the major highlight of this film. The other thing that makes the film highlighting is the distinctive narrative structure. With ‘Azhagar Saamiyin Kuthirai’, filmmaker Susindran makes it clear that a film’s success needn’t be defined by the big star-casts and technicians, but by substantial quality.

The film is set in the era of 1982 across the village of Mallayapuram. The villagers strongly believe the ritual practices of having a ‘Thiruvizha’ annually with a belief that it will bring good rainfall and big harvest, so that prosperity persists. The ritual-practice involves God’s deity carried on wooden horse as a part of tradition. Unfortunately, the wooden horse goes missing, it becomes a mess. And all of sudden, a horse arrives in village that results in assumption amongst the villagers that it’s godsend and decide to have it with them. Then comes Azhagar Saamy (Appukutty), claiming that to be his own horse. But, the villagers aren’t willing to give it back, which results in an emotional drama.

Right from his previous movie, director Susindran has been maintaining a decorous way of storytelling process, by keeping the running length crispier. Having handled this film with some new actors and not so familiar ones, it would have become a dull show, if the duration was extended to a longer duration. The performance by all the star-casts deserves special mention as they have lived under the skin of their characterization. Susindran has blended humor and emotions with a panache that keeps audiences engrossed at moments. But the moments become slightly sluggish during second half, but keeps everyone guessing about the climax.

Ilayaraja’s songs and background score offer a significant role in enhancing the visual feel of the film. Cinematography by Theni Eshwar is brilliant and his work for the song ‘Kudhikira’ is worth appreciable.

There are no major minuses in the film, but it may take some more time for appealing to the interests of masses of commercial cinema. But to mark our verdicts, it’s an excellent effort by the entire team.

Cast & Crew:

Banner: Escape Artists Motion Pictures, Cloud Nine Movies

Production: Madan, Dayanidhi Azhagiri

Direction: Susindran

Story: Sakthi Bhaskaran

Star-casts: Appukutty, Saranya Mohan and others

Music: Ilayaraja

Verdict: Different stream of Cinema.

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Engeyum Kadhal Tamil Movie Review

‘Engeyum Kadhal’ has a time-worn concept of romance with a beautiful visual treat’, but stumbles on writing.

While, Prabhu Deva made some romantic films in Telugu, he remained solitary with action-based films in Tamil film industry churning out ‘Pokkiri’ and ‘Villu’ with Vijay. The filmmaker chooses to make a different mark with ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ that happens to be a romantic entertainer. Produced by AGS Entertainments, whose previous film ‘Yuddham Sei’ was a good grosser in box office, the film is released by Sun Pictures all over the world. The film features Jeyam Ravi and Hansika Motwani in lead roles with Suman and Raju Sundaram on minor characters. Songs by Harris Jayaraj and colorful posters have been the most highlighting factors of promotional phase.

The film runs close on the lines of various love stories.

Prabhu Deva takes ‘SJ Suryah-Kushi’ pattern as his reference over introducing the lead characters of Engeyum Kadhal in Paris – Kamal (Jeyam Ravi), a handsome fun-loving businessman, works constantly for 11 months and a month of vigorous enjoyment. And then, we have Kayalvizhi (Hansika Motwani), a Tamil girl born and brought up in France, a cello player by profession living with her father (Suman), a detective by profession. While, their thoughts and perception of ‘Love’ vary up to the far extents,  you can easily predict what’s going to be the climax.

The storyline is so thin as wafer and so is screenplay. Since, the film involves not more than 4 characters, there isn’t more rooms for the unwanted commercial elements. Prabhu Deva completes the tale with just couple of hours, which is a major plus. But even then, with duration of 120minutes, there are so many sluggish moments that’ll turn audiences restless. The first half of the film is very slow and there aren’t any conflicts involved. Maybe, it’s because the story is taken from a girl’s perspective point. There are some interesting moments in the second half with which the present gen-audiences can closely link with. The ego clashes between them and jealousy that pops up maybe a time-worn concept, but again it assures of getting the audiences drawn in.

Hansika Motwani has to shed down some weight as she looks too fat. But, Prabhu Deva gives her a spotlighting look. Thanks to Nirav Shah (Cinematographer), costume designer and make-up artist. Jeyam Ravi lacks romantic feel in many portions. Suman has nothing to perform while Raju Sundaram’s comedy portions are so irritating. What bugs these brothers on ‘Farting’? A clumsy thought exhibited in all their movies.

Harris fails to makes a good impression in background score while the songs ‘Nangai’, ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ and ‘Dhimmu Dhimmu’ are fabulous. Prabhu Deva’s performance (though hyper-active) in title song is cute and lovable while the sequences in ‘Dhimmu Dhimmu’ are aped from ‘Main Kya Hoon’ song in ‘Love Aaj Kal’ with Saif Ali Khan venturing into a different world to forget his love, but is unable to… The sequences are replicated exactly. The locations and cinematography are the best highlights.

On the whole, ‘Engeyum Kadhal’ is technically brilliant and has some engrossing moments in narration, but it confines to the cliches during most of the times. Prabhu Deva has failed to come up with an engaging screenplay and that becomes the major minus for the film.  We’ll have to wait and watch for ‘Box Office’ status as the Kings – ‘Ko’ and ‘Vaanam’ are having its realms across all centres.

Cast & Crew:

Banner: Sun Pictures, AGS Entertainments

Production: Kalanidhi Maaran, Kalpathi S Agoram, Kalpathi S Ganesh, Kalpathi S Suresh

Direction: Prabhu Deva

Star-casts: Jeyam Ravi, Hansika Motwani, Suman and Raju Sundaram

Music: Harris Jayaraj

Cinematography: Nirav Shah

Verdict: Feel-Good Love Story, But Clichéd…

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Vaanam Tamil Movie Review

Hardly we see films that don’t focalize on commercial grounds and the producers of such films deserve praiseworthy remark and so for the actors, who take up such projects. Yes, the producers of ‘Vaanam’ and actors Silambarasan and Bharath have done a marvelous job by picking up a script that doesn’t turn towards the usual commercial masala ingredients, but provides a substantial platform for their performances.

‘Vaanam’, a remake of Telugu film ‘Vedam’ boasts of an unforeseen concept. Though, we might have come across Manirathnam’s ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu’ nearly 7 years before, this one proves to be more complex and very much engrossing as well. Each lead character in the film has more significance as they are on the quest of their own dreams. Cable Raja (Silambarasan), a well educated, but struck in poverty woos down a rich girl (Jasmine) unraveling his real status. He is on the run for a whooping amount of Rs. 40,000 for buying couple passes for New Year Eve party.  A Rockstar (Bharath) and his group leave from Bangalore to perform a Live Concert in Chennai. Set in backdrops of Tuticorin, a poverty-stricken widow (Saranya) and her father-in-law Muthaiah are striving for the betterment of her son’s future. But, everything goes terribly unimaginable as the money lender (Kadhal Thandapani) takes him away and insists them to return back the interest money. They’re heading to Chennai for selling off a Kidney for the sake of money. Rahim (Prakash Raj) along with wife Sarah (Sonia Agarwal) are travelling to Chennai in search of his brother Umar, who left them before 3 years in a Hindu-Muslim clash. Saroja (Anushka), a sex-worker aspires to run her own business in Chennai and departs from Sullurpettai along with her pal, a transgender Karpuram.

Although these characters are herein Chennai for different reasons, they are forced by situations that turns them selfless resulting in dawns and dusks in their lives.

A grand applause for the entire team for we get to witness a crème de la crème effort by everyone. For those, who couldn’t experience his usual traits in ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’ have a big treat from the actor. But, that doesn’t mean, he is back to the pavilion of ‘Silambattam’. Nah! He underplays his role as the film gives equivalent substantiality to all characters. His performance in climax is astounding till the date. Bharath on pars makes use of this good opportunity and emotes with a greater depth throughout the film. A humble request to Bharath! Please continue to act in such roles that win you laurels. Anushka’s role as a sex-worker deserves special mention. Unlike her previous films, she doesn’t go for more skin show and instead focuses on performance. Prakash Raj is remarkable. One of his best performances is in the flashback sequences, where he bursts out for his wife’s miscarriage. Santhanam’s comedy tracks are one of the major highlights of this film. While, major portions of the film are filled with seriousness, his comedy tracks freshen up our spirits. Vega does justice to her role while Jasmine as a rich girl is a good option, but is it worth singing ‘Evandi Unna Pethan’ for her? Simbhu should have had a second thought. Maybe, Sneha Ullal could have been the best option. Saranya as a pathetic mother exhibits her adeptness while the actor enacting the role of her father-in-law is fabulous.

Here are few portions that leaves us in tears and urges us to applaud ardently.

1. Anushka trying to save Karpuram and her conversation with doctor that she is ready to sleep with him throughout her life.
2. Simbhu returning back the money with an additional sum from his pocket.
3. Transformation of Bharath after a Sardarji saves.
4. Prakash Raj saving the police officer during attack.
5. Obviously, the climax that will make you sit even after the show is over.

Nirav Shah’s cinematography is the major plus as he tries changing the tone with accordance to the nature of characters. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is awesome and the song ‘Vaanam’ that is heard almost throughout the film turns to be the cherry-pick. ‘Evandi Unna Pethan’ doesn’t have stunning moves of Simbhu, but is shot stylishly. ‘No Money No Honey’ is a Kuthu treat for his fans.

The first half has more commercial elements in the portions involving Simbhu, Santhanam and Ganesh. The opening fight sequence where Simbhu makes fun of ‘Kuruvi’ Vijay and praises for ‘Thala’ is rib-tickling.  Although, audiences might be quite confused with the non-commercial elements, they are sure to be drawn into the film by second hour for the edge-seated narration.

The film needs a special welcome for its unique genre and a brilliant effort by entire team. Watch ‘Vaanam’ for a different and new experience.

Cast & Crew:

Banner: Cloud Nine Movies, VTV Productions, Magic Box Pictures

Production: Dayanidhi Azhagiri, Ganesh, Ganesh

Direction: Krish

Star-casts: Silambarasan, Bharath, Anushka, Prakash Raj, Sonia Agarwal, Santhanam, Ganesh, Jayaprakash, Saranya, Vega, Jasmine and others

Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Cinematographer: Nirav Shah

Editing: Anthony

Verdict: Don’t Miss it. Strongly recommended

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