SAMAR

SAMAR

Theatre : Aluva Matha
Showtime & Date : 3.00pm, 19-01-2012
Status : About 20%

Director Thiru once again joins with Vishal after his debut hit THEERATHA VILAIYAATTU PILLAI, a mass entertainer. This time he takes a deviation from routine tamil formula. The result is SAMAR.

Story
Shakthi(Vishal) goes to Bangkok after his lover(Sunaina) sents him air tickets three months after love breakup with him. At airport, he meets Maya(Trisha). At Bangkok, he faces strange things & rest is what is happening to him & how he resolves that.

Performances
Vishal gives a controlled performance, something different from his routine formula films(leave AVAN IVAN). Trisha gives an impressive performance, not a routine just for songs heroine this time -  a well written role which she did with 100% perfection. Sunaina in her cameo was ok. Rest of the cast - Chakravarthy, Manoj Bajpai, Jayaprakash.. did their part well.

Songs & BGM
Music by Yuvan Sankar Raja disappoints. Except Samaran & Azhago Azhagu, no other song impresses. Azhago Azhagu was the only well picturised song. BGM by Thaman disappoints.

Technical
Nothing great to rave about. Editing could have been a lot better.

Script & Direction
Both departments were handled by Thiru. Basic thread was inspired from hollywood flick THE GAME. Script was a haf baked one. First half created the expectation only after protaganist starts to Bangkok. The initial scenes & song were just part of commercialisation. Till interval though enjoyable, lacks thrill & speed to a great extent. Second half lacked the thrill & climax was predictable. Still Watchable because of actors. Direction could have been a lot lot better. Song were speedbreakers.

On the whole a somewhat different attempt & one time watchable
Not everyone's cup of tea

Verdict : One time Watchable
BO Verdict : Average

ROMANS

ROMANS

Theatre : Aluva Zeenath
Showtime & Date : 6.15pm, 17-01-2013
Status : Balcony FULL, FC 95%

The hit duo Kunchacko Boban - Biju Menon comes together in Janapriyan fame director Boban Samuel's ROMANS scripted by Y V Rajesh. Expectation was just a simple entertainer. But the movie turned out to be a well made kidu racy mass comedy entertainer which was never expected from the director. The duo actors made the show to the max entertaining level.

Story
Aakash(Kunchacko Boban) & Shibu(Biju Menon) escapes from way to prison and reaches Poomala village where people were expecting two priests from Rome. To find a hide out & to make money, they acts like priests from Rome & things change when they plans to conduct the church function which has got some mysterious past.

Performances
Kunchacko Boban & Biju Menon - their chemistry was magical. Throughout the film we can see them complimenting each other. The whole film was their show. Terrific combo & ORDINARY is just a history after this movie for sure

Shaju was funny with costumes & visiting card numbers. Nelson was too good. Ponnamma Babu rocks in her cameo. After a long time, Kakka Ravi aka Nizhalgal Ravi in a cameo.Lalu Alex rocks, T G Ravi & Vijayaraghavan too. Niveda was just for the sake of a heroine. The one who played Arun Ghosh's heroine is a heroine material. Awesome screen presence.
Rest of the actors did their part well.

Songs & BGM
Though songs by M Jeyachandran was passable, BGM by Bijipal rocked especially for Chackochan & BijuMenon scenes.
Technical
Cinematography was awesome, Editing was perfect for second half, but first half needs a bit more better work I felt. Art direction was awesome.

Script & Direction
Script by Y V Rajesh was superb. Though the basic thought was from hollywood flick We're No Angels, the thread was beautifully made into a fresh story & executed very well with nice elements in apt mixture. Fun was there thoughout along with sentiments & horror factor. Best screenplay by Y V Rajesh till date. Dialogues were too funny at many parts which makes us miss some proceeding dialogues. Smart work

Direction by Boban Samuel was impressive. We can't believe that the same director who created Janapriyan made this. Scenes were well crafted & told in a fresh manner at many points especially flashback & story telling modes. Frame composition were awesome for 90% of the scenes. Not a single dull moment. So racy & fun filled.

Overall the first good comedy mass entertainer, enjoy with your families

Verdict : Go for it
BO Verdict : Sure Hit, chances for Blockbuster too(if ORDINARY can, this one has  double chances)

ANNAYUM RASOOLUM

ANNAYUM RASOOLUM

Theatre : Aluva Matha
Showtime & Date : 2.45pm, 12-01-2013
Status : Balcony Good status, FC 35%

Rajeev Ravi, cinematographer turned director's debut film ANNAYUM RASOOLUM is a simple love story presented with atmost sincerity in a realistic way.

Story
Its just the love story of Anna(Andrea Jeremiah) and Rasool(Fahad Fazil). A set of characters comes in between. The whole movie is presented through the voice over of Ashli(Sunny Wayne), who comes to his home for a vacation.

Performances
Realistic performances by all be it debutants too. Fahad Fazil as Rasool was impressive with his looks, dubbing and body language. An actor delivering emotions on screen through his eyes is here. Andrea Jeremiah as Anna - the silent simpleton realistic girl was good with Rima Kallingal's cool dubbing. It is Sunny Wayne as Ashli who steals the show eventhough his screenspace is limited. Smart performance & dialogue rendering & cool narrative style. Ranjith was good in his role with appearance, hand movements & slang. Aashiq Abu was fine. Rest of the roles were realistic and good. The actress(the one who played Rima's friend in 22 female Kottayam) is one cool actress to look forward to - realistic performance.

Songs & BGM
Both were just fine only. The movie deserved a more emotional than a viral one

Technical
Cinematography was top class. Editing was good in first half, but second half lacks the punch.

Script & Direction
Script by Santhosh Echikkanam was simple and realistic one. The first half had enough moments to engage. But the second half went to cliches. It is direction by Rajeev Ravi & cinematography & performances which takes movie to another level. First half was more of a visuals telling a story. But second half lacked that magic though tried best at parts especially Sunny Wayne's love track and all. On the whole a commendable debut.

Overall, a good first half and an above average second half though the movie is not everyone's cup of tea

Verdict : Good
BO Verdict : Above Average to Hit

KARMAYODHA

KARMAYODHA

Theatre : Aluva Zeenath
Showtime & Date : 3.00pm, 29-12-2012
Status : Balcony No idea, FC 50 people

Major Ravi after box office debacle Kandahar is back with his new movie KARMAYODHA with Mohanlal in lead which has no military backdrop.

Story
The whole story is inspired from hollywood flick TAKEN with Mad Maddy aka Madhavan DCP Mumbai(Mohanlal) in search of her kidnapped daughter.

Performances
Mohanlal as Maddy was cool and makes most scenes of the movie engaging. Rest of the actors - Mukesh, Janardhanan, Anil Murali, Bineesh Kodiyeri, Rajeev Pillai, Asha Sarath... all were good and bad at parts. Sukumari after a long time on screen with Mohanlal makes scene refreshing and energetic.

Songs & BGM
Though music by M G Sreekumar fails, BGM by Jonathan though copycat, was awesome

Technical
Pradeep Nair's cinematography was fine, but Editor Don Max needs some more concentration.

Script & Direction
Script by whoever in the court case, had a nice thought though copied which is a socially relevant theme in current Indian scenario. Screenplay could have been more crisper. This one lacks the thrill at many parts. Major Ravi handled the subject very lazily I should say. The theme had everything to set the screens on fire with a fire brand character on screen but failed in directing the movie to a level the script demanded. Shaji Kailas or Joshiy was the best option

On the whole a watchable socially relevant movie

Verdict : Watchable
BO Verdict : Above Average to Hit

KUMKI

KUMKI

Theatre : Aluva Casino
Showtime & Date : 3.00pm, 16-12-2012
Status : 60%

Prabhu Solomon after the success of MYNAA is back with his new movie KUMKI with Vikram Prabhu(son of actor Prabhu) and Lakshi Menon(Sundarapandyan fame, check the song in Vinayan's Raghuvinte Swantham Rasiya, you will find her) in lead. Whether movie entertains us or above like MYNAA. The answer as a Malayali audien is NO. 

For me,
KUMKI = Mammootty-I V Sasi team's MRUGAYA+ Dileep-Fazil-Muralikrishnan's SUNDARAKILLADI

Story
KUMKI is the name given to elephant trained to protect people from attack of Wild Elephants who often comes to the village. Bomman(Vikram Prabhu) lives with his elephant Manickam along with his uncle(Thambi Ramaiah) and his assistant played Ashwin Raja - the fat boy who played the spoiled brat in Boss Engira Baskaran. They live their life by taking their elephant for festivals and other functions in towns. Once they were forced to go a village with their elephant for just two days instead of another person with elephant to keep the word of their caretaker. Actually their elephant was not Kumki. The original person was expected to come to Kumki elephant. Once they reach there, they were treated well. These tribes still follow the rules as old as 200 years. Though they try to leave the place in two days, once Bomman falls in love with Alli(Lakshmi Menon) daughter of village chief - love at first sight, plan change. The rest whether they unite and whether Manickam defeat wild elephant becoming a Kumki.

Performances
Vikram Prabhu made a promising debut performance especially in the starting scenes and emotional scenes. In romantic scenes, the performance was similar to that of a college boy, though costumes and character were not. Lakshmi Menon had nothing much to do. Thambi Ramaiah steals most of the scenes with his oneliners. Ashwin Raja was apt. Sreejith Ravi was wasted in a poorly written role. Rest all did their parts. Manickam the elephant was superb.

Songs & BGM
Both departments were usual. Nothing great. D Imman disappoints

Technical
Cinematography by Sukumar was awesome especially waterfall sequences. Editing could have been more crisper, lags a lot at parts. Art direction was fine. CGI works were good at many points except a few climax portions.

Script & Direction
Script by Prabhu Solomon was a mix of malayalam movies Mrugaya & Sundarakilladi. Though the storyline was fine, converting it to a full length movie failed due to lengthy and cliched love story which lacks conviction at many points. It is Thambi Ramaiah's role which makes movie entertaining on both halves but still we feel his character could have been limited. Once the leads fall in love, we were waiting for the climax to happen as the in betweens were predictable for a normal film goer. It is the cinematography & virgin locations which makes the movie watchable. Climax was a poorly written incomplete one. Direction couldn't hide the problems with the script. MYNAA stands a mile above this one. Though tried to be a man-animal relationship, in that point of view succeeds to an extent but the love story spoiled the show as there is no proper villain to make the movie engaging. Sreejith Ravi could have been used well. Songs were badly picturise as if the characters were like college students. The final song was a crap with tribals doing heavy cinematic dance.

On the whole, wait for the DVD. Or else if you want to see some visuals on screen then go for it

Verdict : Average
BO Verdict : Average

NEETHAANE EN PONVASANTHAM

NEETHAANE EN PONVASANTHAM

Theatre : Aluva Madhurya
Showtime & Date : 11.30am, 16-12-2012
Status : 40%

Gautham Vasudev Menon, after a big hit romantic movie Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya is back with his new movie Neethane En Ponvasantham - an Ilayaraja Musical with Jiiva and Samantha in lead roles. Whether the movie entertains us??? Before watching the movie, the first & only thing you have to forget is VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYA.

Story
Its all about Varun(Jiiva) & Nithya(Samantha) - their love & breakups at various stages of life. Whether they unite or not - watch it on screen.

Performances
Jiiva was good in a well written role with depth of a lover boy with possessive nature as a school kid, a happy-go-easy loverboy in college life, a loving son who recoginises his duties to family & ultimately as a LOVER. He performed what the character demanded. Samantha was cute in all stages of life lookwise. But when comes to acting, she needs more homework especially in such a movie where female character having equal importance, may be more than that of hero. Missed a golden chance in my opinion. Still the school episode and second half and climax episode will make an impact because of the well developed and well written character by Gautham. Santhanam - once the movie starts and first song will make you feel whether he is the hero. Yes to an extent he's also a hero in the movie. His Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya spoof episode in opening second half sequence was superb. As usual, his oneliners will make us laugh throughout in scenes he appear. Ravi Raghavendra repeated his role in Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Eppadi with a dull tone. Even the school friends of Samantha was the same in Kadhalil Sodhappuvathu Eppadi. Rest of the characters were fine in limited roles. Once again GANESH rocks with his trademark dialogue.

Songs & BGM
Songs were a big letdown except Saayndhu Saayndhu. Rest of the songs looked totally unfit for the movie. BGM was okay.  A R Rehman or Harris Jeyaraj could have taken movie to another level with both songs and BGM.

If this is your first impression, then you are thoroughly mistaken. The songs in the movie are like slow poison which will haunt you like anything once you watch the movie. Saayndhu Saayndhu, Mudhal Murai, Satru Munbu - Ilaiyaraja is a genius. BGM was superb. The best BGM was Saayndhu Saayndhu BGM used at parts, especially with climax.


Technical
Cinematography lacked the usual sharpness found in Gautham Menon movies. Good visuals are also not there much. Editing by Anthony was fine in first half, but second half could have been better. Art direction was good as usual by Rajeevan. Costumes by Nalini as usual rocked bringing apt colour tones with the background at the sametime making characters look realistic.

Script & Direction
Gautham Vasudeva Menon once again presents a romantic movie this time his trademark autobiographical narration was missing throughout the movie. Story by Venkat Somasundharam was a wafer thin one. Screenplay by Venkat & Gautham had enough moments. Somewhere we feel like Venkat wanted this one to be a routine tamil flick where as Gautham wanted to be his trademark film. Felt like this conflict spoiled many sequences. Dialogues as usual rocked especially "Melbourne friend". Email idea was extreme brilliance of script writer. Direction lacked a 100% dedication in second half I think. This can be called as 100% musical love story. Climax was awesome

On the whole a good love story

Verdict : Good
BO Verdict : Hit (low production cost as this one has no foreign location & street dancers, a pure Tamilnadu flick)

The theatre experience of this movie purely lies on the hands of audience watching with you. You may find many scenes as touching while others may find boring. Vice versa too. Their reactions may spoil your viewing experience too. So don't conclude your verdict with public reaction.

INTHA MAATHIRI PADAMELLAM PAATHA UDANE PUDIKKAATHU, PAAKKA PAAKKA THAAN PUDIKKUM

MY BOSS

MY BOSS

Theatre : Aluva Zeenath
Showtime & Date : 3.00pm, 02-12-2012
Status : Housefull

Jeethu Joseph after Detective & Mummy n Me is back with his new movie MY BOSS with Dileep & Mamtha in lead roles. To know whether Jeethu scored a hatrick, read more.

Story
Manu Varma(Dileep), an engineering graduate with distinction in Computer Science joins Quadrek Softwares as assistant to the boss Priya(Mamtha), a strict person by profession hailing from Australia. Manu had to face a lot of work pressure from her. At a stage, when next CEO of the company has to be selected, competition arises between and Mathew(Anand). By the time, Priya's visa period reaches the deadline which will force her to be back to Australia. To be the CEO and to stay in India, she claims that she is in love with Manu & they are going to get married. Manu takes this oppurtunity as a visa card to live in overseas. Things change when Manu takes her to his family in his village. See the rest on screen.

Performances
Dileep was super cool as Manu Varma. He plays with such an ease which we really didn't see from him for last few years. Really enjoyable performance which will make us laugh well. Mamtha was good as the boss Priya. Her fluency in English was well utilised. Tailor-made role for her which she did with 100% perfection. Kalabhavan Shajon as Ali was refreshing. First half gave him ample scope to make us laugh which he did successfully. Saikumar makes us laugh in his role in second half with the witty oneliners. He shines in sentiment scenes too. Mukesh,Ganeshkumar, Rekha & Anand in their cameos did their part well. Seetha & Valsala Menon were usual. Rest of the casts did their part. Dharmajan Bolgatty in his cameo makes us laugh.

Songs & BGM
Songs were enjoyable. Sejo John, though not upto his music in Mummy n Me, impresses us with the BGM & Kuttanadan song & opening song, especially orchestration. Songs stick well to the movie except the album song Enthinennariyilla which was totally out of box.

Technical
Cinematography by Anil Nair was good with fine visuals of Mumbai & Kuttanad.  Editing was good. Art direction needs special mention for his work in first half

Script & Direction
Jeethu Joseph handled both departments. May be the initial spark of the movie would have been hollywood flick THE PROPOSAL, but this one is entirely different. Script was a tailor made one for Dileep & Mamtha. Oneliners were sharp & the proceeding sequences were enjoyable if you are not thinking much of logic. Dialogues wre raser sharp especially for Saikumar. Direction by Jeethu reached next level with this. If Bolgatty Palace was avoided as location & some other in Kuttanad was taken it would have given much more effect(strictly my opinion).

Overall an enjoyable comedy entertainer

Verdict : Good Entertainer
BO Verdict : Hit

Jeethu Joseph won the harick!!!

Without Suraj Venjarammood or Salimkumar and slapstick humour, a clean comedy entertainer is here.