BLACK BUTTERFLY

BLACK BUTTERFLY

Theatre : Aluva Zeenath Screen 1
Showtime & Date : 11.35am, 17-02-2013
Status : Balcony Good status, FC around 45 people

BLACK BUTTERFLY is the official remake of acclaimed tamil movie VAZHAKKU EN 18/9 by Balaji Sakthivel. Whether it works in Malayalam??? Lets see

Story
Movie begins with a bad incident & the investigation leads to 2 stories - Its Benny's story on pre interval & Aarathy's on post interval part - both linked well & ended up with a hard hitting yet the most loving climax we need eventhough we have seen 1000 times & still we love to see.

Performances
Don't know the name of all 4 newfaces - all performed well. Ganapathy was cool. Janardhanan was fine. Manianpillai Raju had a scene to score well. Sithara was artificial in Bhagyalakshmi's dubbing. Nelson rocked in single scene. Rest of the cast were apt & delivered a realistic performance especially the policeman was good with Shammy Thilakan's effective dubbing.

Songs & BGM
No songs were there in the movie though situations were there a lot. Good & Bold decision by the makers.

HERE COMES THE SOUL OF THE MOVIE - BGM BY GOPI SUNDAR. When it comes to BGM, he's the Ilaiyaraja and Yuvan Sankar Raja of Malayalam Cinema, another Johnson mash on the way. May be we have Shyam, Rajamani & many others. But those BGMs were remebered for the heroic scenes. But for me, its GOPI SUNDAR who took us to a different level even if its a sentimental scene or romantic scene or whatever. HATS OFF GOPI SUNDAR!!! Waiting for the release of BGMs in SOUND CLOUD very soon

Technical
Cinematography had some nice moments. Alagappan did a good job. Editing by Saajan was apt. Art by GokulDas disappoints a bit.

Script & Direction
Though credits of story was given to Balaji Sakthivel, screenplay also deserves credit for him though rewritten by J Pallassery wirh malayalam dialogues. Dialogues were a bit artificial in initial few scenes but rocked towards climax.

Direction by debutant M Renjith needs special mention. We won't feel like a debutant did this. Awesome work. Second half was more racy than first half. Climax [portions were well concieved.

On the whole, a movie for Society TODAY for the future of TODAY's & TOMORROW's GENERATION

Verdict : WHAT I SHOULD SAY!!! VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT,AWESOME, GO FOR IT, MUST WATCH, DON'T MISS IT????? I DON'T KNOW. WATCH THE MOVIE & COME OUT OF THEATRE WITH A TINGE OF TEARS IN YOUR EYES - WHICH HAS FLAVOURS OF LOVE HOPE HAPPINESS PAIN.....

BO Verdict : Deserves a SUPER HIT

TERRIFIC CLAPS AFTER THE SHOW

CELLULOID

CELLULOID

Theatre : Aluva Zeenath Screen 1
Showtime & Date : 6.15pm, 16-02-2013
Status : Balcony No Idea, FC 25%

CELLULOID is the unknown story of father of MALAYALAM CINEMA.

Story
Its the story of J C Daniel(Prithviraj) & his lifestory from 1928-1979, the difficulties he faced to make VIGATHAKUMARAN(first malayalam cinema), his life after that.

Performances
Prithviraj as J C Daniel & his son Harris has done a decent job. As J C Daniel in first half, his Trivandrum slang & certain scenes were a bit artificial. In second half, he maintained the slang & modulation well. As Harris, in climax scene he was good. Sreenivasan once again proved why he is still there in Malayalam Cinema. There are a set of dialogues which Sreenivasan alone can make audience clap. T G Ravi was superb in his single crying scene who played old age character played by his real life son Sreejith Ravi. The CINEMALA member as the actor in movie was nice. Ramesh Pisharady made us laugh with "AYYO ENGLISH". Mamta was fine.She too faced the slang problem, may be more than Prithviraj.  Siddhique.Jayan, Chembil Ashokan...all supporting cast were apt.

Its CHANDNI who played Rosi stealed the show though she was not even mentioned in climax portions(could have been done that).

Songs & BGM
Songs fits well to the movie. Thanks to the superb modulation of singers. BGM was fine. Could have been a lot better for a movie like this.

Technical
Awesome crew I should say. Makeup by Pattanam Rasheed & Costumes by S B Satheesan needs special mention. Cinematography by Venu was superb. Editing was apt. Art direction definitely needs an appreciation. The whole crew's hardwork was seen in every frame.

Script & Direction
Both departments handled by Kamal. Script by Kamal was apt, simple & straight forward. Cinematic approach was less. Script flows like a biography. Dialogues were simple. Hardwork done by Kamal in researching J C Daniel was evident throughout. Direction was top notch.

On the whole a good movie on the lines of THIRAKKADHA, but a more realistic one & strictly one time watch to know who is J C Daniel

Verdict : Good
BO Verdict : Can't say, at max, a hit level

Family audiences, I don't think they'll enjoy these type in cinema halls other than in major centres. Another movie which will get appreciated for effort when watched on DVD by major Kerala audience

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