Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, July 29, 2011

Reviews for the tamil film VEPPAM

Veppam, directed by debutante director Anjana and produced by Gowtham Vasudev Menon, has finally hit the theaters this Friday (29-July-2011) after a long delay.

Rediff review


As expected from someone who worked first in ad films and later as associate director with Gautam Vasudev Menon in Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu, Anjana's debut film Veppam (Heat) is certainly very chic. Together with cinematographer Om Prakash, she has crafted a film that is easy on the eye and possesses a style that reminds one of Gautam Menon himself. Photon Kathaa's Veppam (Heat), is a slickly made film.
Tamil-film-Kollywood-movie-Veppam-Tollywood-Telugu-cinema-Sega
Nani and Bindhu Madhavi, newcomers to Tamil films, do very well and manage to engage our interest. Nithya Menen has a very small role to play while Karthik plays to his strengths and doesn't really move out of his comfort zone. The rest of the cast is, truth be told, no great shakes.

Antony's editing is adequate though it could have been better in the second half. Mayan's art-work is realistic, bringing the scenes to life.

A tauter screenplay, more logic in the sequences and realistic dialogues would have made Veppam an eminently enjoyable film.

Super Good Movies review


A movie set in Chennai slum, directed by debutant Anjana, Veppam promises aplenty. With a strong technical team behind, Veppam is a movie different from the rest.
Tamil-film-Kollywood-movie-Veppam-Tollywood-Telugu-cinema-Sega
It is a movie set in the backdrop of Chennai slum. It reminds one of movies like Pattiyal and Drohi a lot. Anjana has given her hard wolrk and the result is there to be seen in parts. The script is racy and the first half with some breezy moments passes off quickly. The twists and surprising turns in the story are enjoyable.

It has a very sleek cinematography by Om Prakash. He has penned a poetry through his camera. The songs by Joshua Sridhar stands out. All the seven songs including Veppam, the theme song, is worth a listen.Anthony's crispy editing adds pace to the script.

Nani plays his part well while Karthi is breezy and entertaining. Bindhu Madhavai has a limited scope while Nithya Menon hogs limelight with her character.
.

Reviews for the tamil film VEPPAM

Veppam, directed by debutante director Anjana and produced by Gowtham Vasudev Menon, has finally hit the theaters this Friday (29-July-2011) after a long delay.

Rediff review


As expected from someone who worked first in ad films and later as associate director with Gautam Vasudev Menon in Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu, Anjana's debut film Veppam (Heat) is certainly very chic. Together with cinematographer Om Prakash, she has crafted a film that is easy on the eye and possesses a style that reminds one of Gautam Menon himself. Photon Kathaa's Veppam (Heat), is a slickly made film.
Tamil-film-Kollywood-movie-Veppam-Tollywood-Telugu-cinema-Sega
Nani and Bindhu Madhavi, newcomers to Tamil films, do very well and manage to engage our interest. Nithya Menen has a very small role to play while Karthik plays to his strengths and doesn't really move out of his comfort zone. The rest of the cast is, truth be told, no great shakes.

Antony's editing is adequate though it could have been better in the second half. Mayan's art-work is realistic, bringing the scenes to life.

A tauter screenplay, more logic in the sequences and realistic dialogues would have made Veppam an eminently enjoyable film.

Super Good Movies review


A movie set in Chennai slum, directed by debutant Anjana, Veppam promises aplenty. With a strong technical team behind, Veppam is a movie different from the rest.
Tamil-film-Kollywood-movie-Veppam-Tollywood-Telugu-cinema-Sega
It is a movie set in the backdrop of Chennai slum. It reminds one of movies like Pattiyal and Drohi a lot. Anjana has given her hard wolrk and the result is there to be seen in parts. The script is racy and the first half with some breezy moments passes off quickly. The twists and surprising turns in the story are enjoyable.

It has a very sleek cinematography by Om Prakash. He has penned a poetry through his camera. The songs by Joshua Sridhar stands out. All the seven songs including Veppam, the theme song, is worth a listen.Anthony's crispy editing adds pace to the script.

Nani plays his part well while Karthi is breezy and entertaining. Bindhu Madhavai has a limited scope while Nithya Menon hogs limelight with her character.
.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Kanchana as reviewed by Rediff and The Hindu

Kanchana is a 2011 Tamil horror film directed and written by Raghava Lawrence as a sequel to his previous venture, Muni (2007). The film features himself in the lead role with Sarathkumar and Lakshmi Rai in other roles.

Rediff review


Choreographer Raghava Lawrencce's Kanchana is a continuation of his earlier film Muni as far as the characters are concerned, but is not technically a sequel.
Lawrence-Lakshmi-Rai-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Kanchana
It's supposed to be a horror film, but also has a 'cause' towards the climax which however gets drowned in the narrative.

The film may scare kids but no one else. The acting in many scenes is over the top and it's obvious that every effort is being made to appeal to the masses.

Lawrencce's acting is okay, but a bit overdramatic in most scenes and the dancing scenes are expressly for him. As a director he should have developed the theme better.

The Hindu review


Like the eerie tales telecast on Tamil satellite channels at nights for thrill-hungry viewers, Kanchana (U/A) is bound to find takers.
Lawrence-Lakshmi-Rai-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Kanchana
The latest from Raghava Lawrence's stable, is another foray into the occult and comes as a sequel to the 2007 film, Muni, also directed by him.

Lakshmi Rai returns after quite a while. Paired with Lawrence, it's a glam show all the way. And that's about it.

Thanks to effective CG, the supernatural sequences (there are several) in Kanchana impact.

As an actor Raghava Lawrence overdoes, as a dancer he is inimitable, as a director he impresses and as a storyteller he scores.

Kanchana as reviewed by Rediff and The Hindu

Kanchana is a 2011 Tamil horror film directed and written by Raghava Lawrence as a sequel to his previous venture, Muni (2007). The film features himself in the lead role with Sarathkumar and Lakshmi Rai in other roles.

Rediff review


Choreographer Raghava Lawrencce's Kanchana is a continuation of his earlier film Muni as far as the characters are concerned, but is not technically a sequel.
Lawrence-Lakshmi-Rai-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Kanchana
It's supposed to be a horror film, but also has a 'cause' towards the climax which however gets drowned in the narrative.

The film may scare kids but no one else. The acting in many scenes is over the top and it's obvious that every effort is being made to appeal to the masses.

Lawrencce's acting is okay, but a bit overdramatic in most scenes and the dancing scenes are expressly for him. As a director he should have developed the theme better.

The Hindu review


Like the eerie tales telecast on Tamil satellite channels at nights for thrill-hungry viewers, Kanchana (U/A) is bound to find takers.
Lawrence-Lakshmi-Rai-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Kanchana
The latest from Raghava Lawrence's stable, is another foray into the occult and comes as a sequel to the 2007 film, Muni, also directed by him.

Lakshmi Rai returns after quite a while. Paired with Lawrence, it's a glam show all the way. And that's about it.

Thanks to effective CG, the supernatural sequences (there are several) in Kanchana impact.

As an actor Raghava Lawrence overdoes, as a dancer he is inimitable, as a director he impresses and as a storyteller he scores.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Bollywood film SINGHAM reviews

Bollywood action flick SINGHAM, released this Friday (22-July-2011), is one of the quickest remakes to have been made in recent times. While the Tamil version had released last year with Suriya and Anushka Shetty as the lead couple, within a year the Hindi version is also ready. Here this blog lets you know about reviews for the film.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham

Rediff Review


In Rohit Shetty's mass-masala movie Singham, Ajay Devgn plays an upright, honest and do-gooder cop who goes way beyond the training and duties of a regular Indian Police Service officer.

He will stop to push a cart if its wheel is stuck in the mud; play with little kids; become a part time no-interest loan financier to settle a dispute between two people in his village, especially if someone is about to get married and it is their 'izzat ka sawal'.

Singham is packed with a lot of bone crunching sounds, and loud action moments. Gone are the days when Bollywood films just featured dhishum-dhishum in the fight scenes.

The fights are long, painful and yet fun to watch.

NDTV Review


For one, Rohit Shetty’s nifty reworking of the 2010 Tamil hit of the same title nurses no pretences. It is an out-and-out potboiler.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham
Shetty plays up the epic quality of the good vs evil clash without letting go of the strong streak of humour that is the Golmaal director's obvious forte. Thoroughly entertaining and consistently watchable, Singham delivers more than your money’s worth. If a feral analogy could be applied to a film, Singham is like the roar of a lion, unsubtle, unambiguous and power-packed.

Singham is an old-fashioned but rousing Hindi commercial film that pretty much restores one’s faith in this often-maligned brand of cinema. It has super-duper hit written all over it.

Yahoo Review


The film is about a humble village cop, Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) who enforces law like a preschool moral science teacher. All accused and convicts are let off with a warning, as they're usually his friends and/or belong to the good ol' gaaon ki mitti, which is later distinguished from shehar ki dhul through a clichéd reference.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham
Singham also flexes his perfectly sculpted body to slap-whack-smash goons who try to get fresh with Kavya (Kajal Agarwal), a family friend, who plays quite 'easy to get' and swiftly falls in love and establishes herself as the female lead.

Devgn does a fair job and conveys sufficient conviction and humility through his character. Kajal Agarwal makes an unobjectionable debut and her eyes would surely inspire a few compliments.

Bollywood film SINGHAM reviews

Bollywood action flick SINGHAM, released this Friday (22-July-2011), is one of the quickest remakes to have been made in recent times. While the Tamil version had released last year with Suriya and Anushka Shetty as the lead couple, within a year the Hindi version is also ready. Here this blog lets you know about reviews for the film.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham

Rediff Review


In Rohit Shetty's mass-masala movie Singham, Ajay Devgn plays an upright, honest and do-gooder cop who goes way beyond the training and duties of a regular Indian Police Service officer.

He will stop to push a cart if its wheel is stuck in the mud; play with little kids; become a part time no-interest loan financier to settle a dispute between two people in his village, especially if someone is about to get married and it is their 'izzat ka sawal'.

Singham is packed with a lot of bone crunching sounds, and loud action moments. Gone are the days when Bollywood films just featured dhishum-dhishum in the fight scenes.

The fights are long, painful and yet fun to watch.

NDTV Review


For one, Rohit Shetty’s nifty reworking of the 2010 Tamil hit of the same title nurses no pretences. It is an out-and-out potboiler.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham
Shetty plays up the epic quality of the good vs evil clash without letting go of the strong streak of humour that is the Golmaal director's obvious forte. Thoroughly entertaining and consistently watchable, Singham delivers more than your money’s worth. If a feral analogy could be applied to a film, Singham is like the roar of a lion, unsubtle, unambiguous and power-packed.

Singham is an old-fashioned but rousing Hindi commercial film that pretty much restores one’s faith in this often-maligned brand of cinema. It has super-duper hit written all over it.

Yahoo Review


The film is about a humble village cop, Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) who enforces law like a preschool moral science teacher. All accused and convicts are let off with a warning, as they're usually his friends and/or belong to the good ol' gaaon ki mitti, which is later distinguished from shehar ki dhul through a clichéd reference.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Ajay-Devgn-Kajal-Agarwal-Hindi-flick-Singham
Singham also flexes his perfectly sculpted body to slap-whack-smash goons who try to get fresh with Kavya (Kajal Agarwal), a family friend, who plays quite 'easy to get' and swiftly falls in love and establishes herself as the female lead.

Devgn does a fair job and conveys sufficient conviction and humility through his character. Kajal Agarwal makes an unobjectionable debut and her eyes would surely inspire a few compliments.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Deiva Thirumagal - Tamil film reviews

Directed by AL Vijay of 'Kireedam' and 'Madraspattinam' fame, 'Deiva Thirumagal' has Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul and Santhanam essaying lead roles. Sarah plays Vikram's daughter in the movie.

Rediff review


Deiva Thirumagal has its plus points, chief among them the work of Dr Chiyaan Vikram (the film opens, in fact, with his name and face displayed prominently). And in many ways, this is completely his movie. As the mentally under-developed Krishna who works in a chocolate factory in Avalanchi, Ooty, he establishes right in the beginning the helplessness, goodness of heart and deficiencies of someone whose mental age is only five.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thirumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
As for the actors, Vikram obviously scores. Yet, you feel that after Sean Penn, Vikram has been given an acting template of sorts. Yes, he has done very well – but it's not really original. Anushka delivers what her role requires her to do, but the screenplay lets her down. The same can be said of Amala Paul, Sachin Khedekar, M S Bhaskar et al.

If you're a fan of sentimental tear-jerkers, and have not seen I am Sam, Deiva Thirumagal might impress. For the rest, it might provide a sense of déjà vu, and towards the end, the meandering, weak screenplay is largely dissatisfying.

Indian Express review


Actor Vikram has this penchant for playing quirky characters. Whether it was the mentally impaired ‘Sethu’, the psychologically challenged ‘Pithamagan’, the multiple personality-driven ‘Anniyan’, or the visually impaired ‘Kasi’, he can play any role easily.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thirumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Now he takes on yet another character of a mentally-handicapped man in ‘Deiva Thirumagal’. Vikram, as Krishna, is a man with the IQ of a five-year old. The relationship between Krishna and his six year-old daughter Nila, whose custody he fights for, forms the crux of the film.

Despite its glitches, ‘Deiva Thirumagal’ is a warm tale that touches an emotional chord at places, and is a different take for the audience

Deiva Thirumagal - Tamil film reviews

Directed by AL Vijay of 'Kireedam' and 'Madraspattinam' fame, 'Deiva Thirumagal' has Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul and Santhanam essaying lead roles. Sarah plays Vikram's daughter in the movie.

Rediff review


Deiva Thirumagal has its plus points, chief among them the work of Dr Chiyaan Vikram (the film opens, in fact, with his name and face displayed prominently). And in many ways, this is completely his movie. As the mentally under-developed Krishna who works in a chocolate factory in Avalanchi, Ooty, he establishes right in the beginning the helplessness, goodness of heart and deficiencies of someone whose mental age is only five.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thirumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
As for the actors, Vikram obviously scores. Yet, you feel that after Sean Penn, Vikram has been given an acting template of sorts. Yes, he has done very well – but it's not really original. Anushka delivers what her role requires her to do, but the screenplay lets her down. The same can be said of Amala Paul, Sachin Khedekar, M S Bhaskar et al.

If you're a fan of sentimental tear-jerkers, and have not seen I am Sam, Deiva Thirumagal might impress. For the rest, it might provide a sense of déjà vu, and towards the end, the meandering, weak screenplay is largely dissatisfying.

Indian Express review


Actor Vikram has this penchant for playing quirky characters. Whether it was the mentally impaired ‘Sethu’, the psychologically challenged ‘Pithamagan’, the multiple personality-driven ‘Anniyan’, or the visually impaired ‘Kasi’, he can play any role easily.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thirumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Now he takes on yet another character of a mentally-handicapped man in ‘Deiva Thirumagal’. Vikram, as Krishna, is a man with the IQ of a five-year old. The relationship between Krishna and his six year-old daughter Nila, whose custody he fights for, forms the crux of the film.

Despite its glitches, ‘Deiva Thirumagal’ is a warm tale that touches an emotional chord at places, and is a different take for the audience

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - Bollywood film reviews

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi: ज़िन्दगी ना मिलेगी दोबारा, English: You Won't Get Life Again) is a 2011 Hindi film, directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar.

Rediff review


Second-time director Zoya Akhtar puts together a familiar plot, with recurring themes of friendship, love, coming-of-age and travel as its mainstay, but her invigorating characters pump in fresh energy into a film that could have been strictly mediocre.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
Zoya keeps it straight, as far as the dilemmas of her characters are concerned. But as I point out, the conversations come along easily; they act as fill-in-the-blanks, even as an instrument of smokescreens at junctures where the story appears weak.

The dialogue are gentle, they won't make you ROFL; they are more like tender dig in the ribs. The real triumph is that the characters are real and life-like.

If you shut your eyes for a moment, you might see your own self in Kabir, Imran or Laila.

TOI review


'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' remains true to its narrative and is as much unadulterated as the fun the three boys have, indulging in untried adventure sports.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
The film has 3 stars in their own right yet it employs them as actors over heroes. There are no heroic entries, stylized background score or larger than life action. The entire film is shot in virgin locations of Spain, yet the beauty of the picturesque country is used only as a catalyst and not as a gimmick in this road flick.

And though the film has characters like a possessive girlfriend, a flirtatious friend, an illegitimate father and immense scope for melodrama, it remains subtle and lighthearted throughout.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara remains true to its narrative and is as much unadulterated as the fun the three boys have, indulging in untried adventure sports.

The Hindu review


Zoya Akhtar's second outing as a director is way more filmi than her first about the film industry. This one only pretends to be real. It's not.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
You get Katrina Kaif drenched in tomato pulp at the La Tomatina festival when she's not holding you by the hand and teaching you scuba diving. If this is not fantasy, what is?

However, ZNMD works as a mood piece if you are in the mood to live vicariously through them. Hang out with the boys and Katrina, put up with bad jokes, surrender to the quiet of the ocean, the thrill of the free-fall and the atmospherics of bulls charging at you Spainstakingly captured by cinematographer Carlos Catalan.

Bottomline: A laidback trip with stock characters dealing with standard Hollywood hero issues that makes up for its predictability with its camaraderie and spontaneous banter.

India Today review


Jokes about teachers. Fights over girlfriends. Silly word games. Bare chests. Rippling muscles. Streaked hair. Sigh. Glossy looking and beautifully written.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
The film is gentle, taking time out to look at horses running in the meadows, feel the wind the air, swim with the fish underwater. All that male beauty may be a little manipulative and the plot is a little contrived--three adventure sports to test your courage--but the story keeps you engaged.

Lovely. A bromance that has more style and heat than most rubish romcoms. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? It's a film you will want to watch dobara.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - Bollywood film reviews

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi: ज़िन्दगी ना मिलेगी दोबारा, English: You Won't Get Life Again) is a 2011 Hindi film, directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar.

Rediff review


Second-time director Zoya Akhtar puts together a familiar plot, with recurring themes of friendship, love, coming-of-age and travel as its mainstay, but her invigorating characters pump in fresh energy into a film that could have been strictly mediocre.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
Zoya keeps it straight, as far as the dilemmas of her characters are concerned. But as I point out, the conversations come along easily; they act as fill-in-the-blanks, even as an instrument of smokescreens at junctures where the story appears weak.

The dialogue are gentle, they won't make you ROFL; they are more like tender dig in the ribs. The real triumph is that the characters are real and life-like.

If you shut your eyes for a moment, you might see your own self in Kabir, Imran or Laila.

TOI review


'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' remains true to its narrative and is as much unadulterated as the fun the three boys have, indulging in untried adventure sports.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
The film has 3 stars in their own right yet it employs them as actors over heroes. There are no heroic entries, stylized background score or larger than life action. The entire film is shot in virgin locations of Spain, yet the beauty of the picturesque country is used only as a catalyst and not as a gimmick in this road flick.

And though the film has characters like a possessive girlfriend, a flirtatious friend, an illegitimate father and immense scope for melodrama, it remains subtle and lighthearted throughout.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara remains true to its narrative and is as much unadulterated as the fun the three boys have, indulging in untried adventure sports.

The Hindu review


Zoya Akhtar's second outing as a director is way more filmi than her first about the film industry. This one only pretends to be real. It's not.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
You get Katrina Kaif drenched in tomato pulp at the La Tomatina festival when she's not holding you by the hand and teaching you scuba diving. If this is not fantasy, what is?

However, ZNMD works as a mood piece if you are in the mood to live vicariously through them. Hang out with the boys and Katrina, put up with bad jokes, surrender to the quiet of the ocean, the thrill of the free-fall and the atmospherics of bulls charging at you Spainstakingly captured by cinematographer Carlos Catalan.

Bottomline: A laidback trip with stock characters dealing with standard Hollywood hero issues that makes up for its predictability with its camaraderie and spontaneous banter.

India Today review


Jokes about teachers. Fights over girlfriends. Silly word games. Bare chests. Rippling muscles. Streaked hair. Sigh. Glossy looking and beautifully written.
Indian-movie-Bollywood-film-Hrithik-Katrina-Hindi-flick-Zindagi-Na-Milegi-Dobara
The film is gentle, taking time out to look at horses running in the meadows, feel the wind the air, swim with the fish underwater. All that male beauty may be a little manipulative and the plot is a little contrived--three adventure sports to test your courage--but the story keeps you engaged.

Lovely. A bromance that has more style and heat than most rubish romcoms. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? It's a film you will want to watch dobara.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Deiva Thitumagal - Kollywood film reviews

Directed by AL Vijay of 'Kireedam' and 'Madraspattinam' fame, 'Deiva Thirumagal' has Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul and Santhanam essaying lead roles. Sarah plays Vikram's daughter in the movie.

The Hindu review


From a director who prefers to steer clear of stereotypes and an actor who plumps for roles that keep winning brownie points for him at every turn comes a different attempt.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thitumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Director Vijay and hero Vikram join hands for the first time to present a drama replete with human emotions that stay with you for long. Vijay provides enough fodder for this veritable storehouse of talent, and the actor gobbles it up with glee! Deiva Thirumagal (U) showcases paternal instinct in all its poignancy.

‘Dr. Chiyaan Vikram' screams the title card! Good job, Vikram!

Baby Sara is a darling! Wonder how Vijay made her emote so naturally! Santhanam is lucky to get roles that transcend the level of sheer comedy — fun with the right mix of substance.

Bottomline: A sensitive poem on celluloid!

Behindwoods Review


“Simpler a thing is, nobler it is”, said the legendary Sathyajith Ray. He would have reiterated his stance now had he watched Krishna (Vikram) in Deiva Thirumagal.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thitumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Director Vijay’s caliber as an effective raconteur keeps escalating in every film of his and DT is the latest example. His matured handling of the script and his characters are just testimony to this. It is endearing to watch this tale unravel itself in a very charming and touching fashion.

After a long while, DT gives the satisfaction of watching a film without cringing in your seats or worrying how it would appeal to the young population. In short Deiva Thirumagal is a well nuanced film that will appeal to everyone who has their heart and feelings in the right place.

Verdict: An emotional tale between a father and a daughter well told

Deiva Thitumagal - Kollywood film reviews

Directed by AL Vijay of 'Kireedam' and 'Madraspattinam' fame, 'Deiva Thirumagal' has Vikram, Anushka, Amala Paul and Santhanam essaying lead roles. Sarah plays Vikram's daughter in the movie.

The Hindu review


From a director who prefers to steer clear of stereotypes and an actor who plumps for roles that keep winning brownie points for him at every turn comes a different attempt.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thitumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Director Vijay and hero Vikram join hands for the first time to present a drama replete with human emotions that stay with you for long. Vijay provides enough fodder for this veritable storehouse of talent, and the actor gobbles it up with glee! Deiva Thirumagal (U) showcases paternal instinct in all its poignancy.

‘Dr. Chiyaan Vikram' screams the title card! Good job, Vikram!

Baby Sara is a darling! Wonder how Vijay made her emote so naturally! Santhanam is lucky to get roles that transcend the level of sheer comedy — fun with the right mix of substance.

Bottomline: A sensitive poem on celluloid!

Behindwoods Review


“Simpler a thing is, nobler it is”, said the legendary Sathyajith Ray. He would have reiterated his stance now had he watched Krishna (Vikram) in Deiva Thirumagal.
Vikram-Anushka-Amala-Paul-Deiva-Thitumagal-Kollywood-film-Tollywood-movie-Nana
Director Vijay’s caliber as an effective raconteur keeps escalating in every film of his and DT is the latest example. His matured handling of the script and his characters are just testimony to this. It is endearing to watch this tale unravel itself in a very charming and touching fashion.

After a long while, DT gives the satisfaction of watching a film without cringing in your seats or worrying how it would appeal to the young population. In short Deiva Thirumagal is a well nuanced film that will appeal to everyone who has their heart and feelings in the right place.

Verdict: An emotional tale between a father and a daughter well told

Friday, July 1, 2011

Movie Reviews: Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap

Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap, earlier titled Buddah, is a Hindi film directed by popular Tollywood filmmaker Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Prakash Raj, Hema Malini, Raveena Tandon, Charmy Kaur, Minissha Lamba, Sonal Chauhan and Subbaraju in the lead roles.

Rediff Review


Puri Jagannath's film is not a particularly well-crafted one. The story is threadbare, the scenes disjointed and abrupt, and poor Raveena Tandon [ Images ] is made to contort her face for almost a full minute. None of that matters.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
This isn't a masala film, it's a full-blown exploitation flick, and all that makes it work is the man under the spotlight. The extras can't stop smiling, almost as if Bachchan told them a knock-knock joke before the cameras started rolling, and they're all just basking in the grand silliness of this film. As are we.

Aviator sunglasses aren't the wisest thing to wear when shooting with a sniper rifle in the glaring sun. But who cares when they're that damned cool?

Bollywood Hungama Review


BUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP is a Hindi film packaged like a well-made South Indian fare: the style of narrating the story, the slick edit, the fast pacing, the stylized action scenes, the larger-than-life characters…
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
The story actually takes off at the interval point, when an unexpected twist startles the viewer completely. From this point onwards, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP only scales higher and higher, reaching the peak towards the action-packed finale and the subsequent emotional reunion. I'd like to single out the confrontation between Bachchan and Prakash Raj in the final moments of the film and also the soaked-in-emotions sequence between Bachchan and Hema. It's the perfect icing on the cake!

Galatta Review


Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap has the 69-year-old Bachchan enacting the role of a defiant, flamboyant hitman in his inimitable style.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
With Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, the angry young man of the 1970s and 1980s re-surfaces to re-live various roles that he enacted in those memorable films. This one's a masala film all the way. Right from a medley of Bachchan hits to the expertly crafted action sequences to the by-now-famous Bachchan baritone, this one has it all.

Frankly, masala films and path-breaking story don't go hand in hand. It's the moments that make a film. And Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap is no different.

Final word? Bachchan fans -- especially those who have grown up on his movies -- are sure to relish it. Even if you're not a Bachchan fan, watch this one for one simple reason: They don't make them like Amitabh Bachchan anymore!

Movie Reviews: Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap

Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap, earlier titled Buddah, is a Hindi film directed by popular Tollywood filmmaker Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Prakash Raj, Hema Malini, Raveena Tandon, Charmy Kaur, Minissha Lamba, Sonal Chauhan and Subbaraju in the lead roles.

Rediff Review


Puri Jagannath's film is not a particularly well-crafted one. The story is threadbare, the scenes disjointed and abrupt, and poor Raveena Tandon [ Images ] is made to contort her face for almost a full minute. None of that matters.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
This isn't a masala film, it's a full-blown exploitation flick, and all that makes it work is the man under the spotlight. The extras can't stop smiling, almost as if Bachchan told them a knock-knock joke before the cameras started rolling, and they're all just basking in the grand silliness of this film. As are we.

Aviator sunglasses aren't the wisest thing to wear when shooting with a sniper rifle in the glaring sun. But who cares when they're that damned cool?

Bollywood Hungama Review


BUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP is a Hindi film packaged like a well-made South Indian fare: the style of narrating the story, the slick edit, the fast pacing, the stylized action scenes, the larger-than-life characters…
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
The story actually takes off at the interval point, when an unexpected twist startles the viewer completely. From this point onwards, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP only scales higher and higher, reaching the peak towards the action-packed finale and the subsequent emotional reunion. I'd like to single out the confrontation between Bachchan and Prakash Raj in the final moments of the film and also the soaked-in-emotions sequence between Bachchan and Hema. It's the perfect icing on the cake!

Galatta Review


Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap has the 69-year-old Bachchan enacting the role of a defiant, flamboyant hitman in his inimitable style.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap
With Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, the angry young man of the 1970s and 1980s re-surfaces to re-live various roles that he enacted in those memorable films. This one's a masala film all the way. Right from a medley of Bachchan hits to the expertly crafted action sequences to the by-now-famous Bachchan baritone, this one has it all.

Frankly, masala films and path-breaking story don't go hand in hand. It's the moments that make a film. And Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap is no different.

Final word? Bachchan fans -- especially those who have grown up on his movies -- are sure to relish it. Even if you're not a Bachchan fan, watch this one for one simple reason: They don't make them like Amitabh Bachchan anymore!

Delhi Belly - Bollywood film reviews

Delhi Belly (Hindi: दिल्ली बेली) is a Hindi film, directed by Abhinay Deo, starring Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan, Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala. The film, written by Akshat Verma, is being produced by Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures. The theatrical trailer premiered with Kiran Rao's Dhobi Ghat on January 21, 2011 and the film released on July 1, 2011.

Glamsham Review


DELHI BELLY has several such gross scenes, but they do manage to evoke laughter.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Delhi-Belly
Director Abhinay Deo executes the script written by Akshat Verma (also the Associate Director) well. However, he does take some time to get along with the story. The interval-less film has just the right amount of twists, to hold your attention. But you do hope the narrative was a bit tauter as it seems a bit lacklustre in portions. Perhaps, some more humorous moments would have done the trick. Nevertheless, the gags that are there are uproarious. The constant bantering between the three friends is very palpable. The slow-motion climax scene is smartly done.

Rediff Review


Delhi Belly is a slick, madly crazy production that is mostly funny -- although the humour will more likely appeal to the 20-something and perhaps 30-something public school educated, English speaking, big city audience that the film targets through its previews, videos and playful songs (from a spoof on K L Saigal's voice, to one that may or may not allude to a curse word).
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Delhi-Belly
What the film fails to do is to capture the ethos and the spirit of Delhi. Delhi Belly could have been set just about anywhere in India. Despite many outdoor shots of India's crowded capital city, there is practically no Delhi in the film's characters.

DNA Review


Make way for over-the-top profanity and delightfully absurdist humour. Delhi Belly is a raunchy, witty and irreverent film that is bound to please all but the most straitlaced audiences.

Delhi Belly is lethally funny and cynical. It is so gaudy and profane that you can't say it isn't fun in its own exuberant way.Do watch.

Delhi Belly - Bollywood film reviews

Delhi Belly (Hindi: दिल्ली बेली) is a Hindi film, directed by Abhinay Deo, starring Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Poorna Jagannathan, Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala. The film, written by Akshat Verma, is being produced by Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures. The theatrical trailer premiered with Kiran Rao's Dhobi Ghat on January 21, 2011 and the film released on July 1, 2011.

Glamsham Review


DELHI BELLY has several such gross scenes, but they do manage to evoke laughter.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Delhi-Belly
Director Abhinay Deo executes the script written by Akshat Verma (also the Associate Director) well. However, he does take some time to get along with the story. The interval-less film has just the right amount of twists, to hold your attention. But you do hope the narrative was a bit tauter as it seems a bit lacklustre in portions. Perhaps, some more humorous moments would have done the trick. Nevertheless, the gags that are there are uproarious. The constant bantering between the three friends is very palpable. The slow-motion climax scene is smartly done.

Rediff Review


Delhi Belly is a slick, madly crazy production that is mostly funny -- although the humour will more likely appeal to the 20-something and perhaps 30-something public school educated, English speaking, big city audience that the film targets through its previews, videos and playful songs (from a spoof on K L Saigal's voice, to one that may or may not allude to a curse word).
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Delhi-Belly
What the film fails to do is to capture the ethos and the spirit of Delhi. Delhi Belly could have been set just about anywhere in India. Despite many outdoor shots of India's crowded capital city, there is practically no Delhi in the film's characters.

DNA Review


Make way for over-the-top profanity and delightfully absurdist humour. Delhi Belly is a raunchy, witty and irreverent film that is bound to please all but the most straitlaced audiences.

Delhi Belly is lethally funny and cynical. It is so gaudy and profane that you can't say it isn't fun in its own exuberant way.Do watch.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Bilingual (tamil-telugu) film 180 reviews

Ad filmmaker Jayendra's directorial debut '180' that stars Siddharth, Priya Anand and Nithya Menon in the lead roles is one of the much-awaited movies this season due to many reasons.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
This bilingual movie marks Siddharth's comeback to Kollywood after almost seven years.

Balasubramaniem is the cinematographer and Sharreth Vasudevan has composed the music. Umarji Anuradha has written the dialogues and Vanamaali has written the lyrics.

Rediff Review


The production values are brilliant, Balasubramaniem's camera-work is spotless, Sharreth's music is easy on the ears while V Selvakumar's artwork is all cool -- shapes, high-rise apartments and quaint Chennai homes.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
Siddharth is much the same he's been in many movies before this; playing the cheerful guy who has secrets up his sleeve is a cakewalk for him. He's one of those actors who can carry off the role of the urban male convincingly, and he follows the pattern.

Priya Anand is sweet, sympathetic, but doesn't quite manage to pull it off during the angst sections. Part of it is her attire: she actually wears towering heels and perfectly coordinated dresses during the most sorrowful moments!

Nithya Menen gives her excellent competition with her own sweet, unsullied looks. She actually manages to carry her viewers with her, despite the faltering Tamil accent.

DNA Review


180 is two and a half hours of emotional torture that is so brutally assaultive in its determination to extort sympathy from viewers that it practically leaps off the screen and into their laps in order to get to it.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
This film is completely contrived and uneven; by the end we are screaming to yank our eyes and ears away from all that overtly dramatic music, glycerin tears, the super sensitive subject choice and the crushing lack of sensibility. Siddharth’s heartfelt performance and the exquisite cinematography can't redeem the dramatic fallacies surrounding this mess.

180 feels like there was an explosion at the sob story factory and little pieces from dozens of different films were jammed together into one dreadful mutant. The whole terminal illness melodrama attacks your chest so relentlessly, that by the time it's over you’re forced to beg for a defibrillator.

Bilingual (tamil-telugu) film 180 reviews

Ad filmmaker Jayendra's directorial debut '180' that stars Siddharth, Priya Anand and Nithya Menon in the lead roles is one of the much-awaited movies this season due to many reasons.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
This bilingual movie marks Siddharth's comeback to Kollywood after almost seven years.

Balasubramaniem is the cinematographer and Sharreth Vasudevan has composed the music. Umarji Anuradha has written the dialogues and Vanamaali has written the lyrics.

Rediff Review


The production values are brilliant, Balasubramaniem's camera-work is spotless, Sharreth's music is easy on the ears while V Selvakumar's artwork is all cool -- shapes, high-rise apartments and quaint Chennai homes.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
Siddharth is much the same he's been in many movies before this; playing the cheerful guy who has secrets up his sleeve is a cakewalk for him. He's one of those actors who can carry off the role of the urban male convincingly, and he follows the pattern.

Priya Anand is sweet, sympathetic, but doesn't quite manage to pull it off during the angst sections. Part of it is her attire: she actually wears towering heels and perfectly coordinated dresses during the most sorrowful moments!

Nithya Menen gives her excellent competition with her own sweet, unsullied looks. She actually manages to carry her viewers with her, despite the faltering Tamil accent.

DNA Review


180 is two and a half hours of emotional torture that is so brutally assaultive in its determination to extort sympathy from viewers that it practically leaps off the screen and into their laps in order to get to it.
Indian-tamil-film-telugu-movie-bilingual-flick-180-starring-Siddharth-Priya-Anand-Nithya-Menon
This film is completely contrived and uneven; by the end we are screaming to yank our eyes and ears away from all that overtly dramatic music, glycerin tears, the super sensitive subject choice and the crushing lack of sensibility. Siddharth’s heartfelt performance and the exquisite cinematography can't redeem the dramatic fallacies surrounding this mess.

180 feels like there was an explosion at the sob story factory and little pieces from dozens of different films were jammed together into one dreadful mutant. The whole terminal illness melodrama attacks your chest so relentlessly, that by the time it's over you’re forced to beg for a defibrillator.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Movie Reviews: Bhindi Baazaar Inc.

As the name suggests, the film is set in Mumbai's Bhindi Bazaar. The story revolves around two gangs of pickpockets, who are at constant loggerheads to prove their supremacy.

TOI Review


The underworld account has been kinda overdone in Bollywood to an extent that the once uncharted underbelly has, today, become familiar fiction onscreen.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bhindi-Baazaar
While Bhindi Baazaar Inc. too doesn't break new grounds in terms of its story; it scores on its gripping storytelling style, some smart twists in its narrative and in creating an authentic aura of its Bhindi Baazaar backdrop.

Though the overall story is predictable per se, some smart twists keep popping up at regular intervals thereby adding variety to the narrative. Some original sequences like the shocking shemale episode or the premeditated spread of flu virus through syringes add resourceful realism to the film. The actual locations where the film is shot add to the authenticity.

Rediff Review


Bollywood has had its share of gangster films. Some have been well conceptualised, neatly scripted and well put together. Think Satya [ Images ] and Vaastav.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bhindi-Baazaar
Ankush Bhatt's debut, Bhindi Bazaar Inc definitely doesn't fit into that category.

Ultimately, no part of the script ever matures into a full-fledged hook. There are moments when things seem to be looking up and it appears as if Bhindi Baazaar has finally found its footing. But it never does. All that is left eventually is a residue of aimless, incomplete bits.

DNA Review


What happens when amateur, inexperienced, and inefficient hands deal with an important project that holds the key to a whole new world?

Most likely you get a half-baked product, lethargically put together that may hold your attention for a short span but not enough to keep you hooked.

Bhindi Bazaar Inc is one such product whose packaging is attractive, but the real stuff turns out to be damp squib.

It’s beyond imagination how, with a cast so talented, a promising project like Bhindi Bazaar could go awry.

Movie Reviews: Bhindi Baazaar Inc.

As the name suggests, the film is set in Mumbai's Bhindi Bazaar. The story revolves around two gangs of pickpockets, who are at constant loggerheads to prove their supremacy.

TOI Review


The underworld account has been kinda overdone in Bollywood to an extent that the once uncharted underbelly has, today, become familiar fiction onscreen.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bhindi-Baazaar
While Bhindi Baazaar Inc. too doesn't break new grounds in terms of its story; it scores on its gripping storytelling style, some smart twists in its narrative and in creating an authentic aura of its Bhindi Baazaar backdrop.

Though the overall story is predictable per se, some smart twists keep popping up at regular intervals thereby adding variety to the narrative. Some original sequences like the shocking shemale episode or the premeditated spread of flu virus through syringes add resourceful realism to the film. The actual locations where the film is shot add to the authenticity.

Rediff Review


Bollywood has had its share of gangster films. Some have been well conceptualised, neatly scripted and well put together. Think Satya [ Images ] and Vaastav.
Indian-bollywood-film-hindi-movie-Bhindi-Baazaar
Ankush Bhatt's debut, Bhindi Bazaar Inc definitely doesn't fit into that category.

Ultimately, no part of the script ever matures into a full-fledged hook. There are moments when things seem to be looking up and it appears as if Bhindi Baazaar has finally found its footing. But it never does. All that is left eventually is a residue of aimless, incomplete bits.

DNA Review


What happens when amateur, inexperienced, and inefficient hands deal with an important project that holds the key to a whole new world?

Most likely you get a half-baked product, lethargically put together that may hold your attention for a short span but not enough to keep you hooked.

Bhindi Bazaar Inc is one such product whose packaging is attractive, but the real stuff turns out to be damp squib.

It’s beyond imagination how, with a cast so talented, a promising project like Bhindi Bazaar could go awry.