Cinema reviews

Radhe Krishna 16-12-2009

Kandha Kottai Preview
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Kandha Kottai - Fort trust
IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 09, 2009]

Nakulan, one of the five boys in director Shankar's 'Boys', has grown in stature to establish himself as one of the important heroes in Tamil film industry.
After a good showing in 'Kadhalil Vizhunthen' and 'Masilamani', the young actor is now ready with 'Kandha Kottai', a film by debutant director Sakthivel.
Produced by Kalpathi S Agoram for AGS Entertainment, the movie has Poorna of 'Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moonramandu' fame as the heroine. Dheena has scored music.
Claiming that Nakulan would fulfill the expectations of the audience in 'Kandha Kottai', the director of the movie says: "He is a dedicated actor who takes pains for perfection. He delivers what the director wants."
On the film, he says, "The entire movie revolves around Kandha Kottai, a residential colony. Nakulan is a resident of the place while Poorna comes to the colony for vacation. Nakulan hates love while Poorna has immense respect for it. How they come together is the rest of the story."
Heapping laurels on Poorna, he says, "despite the fact that she is just one film old, she emotes well like an experienced actress. She would go places after Kandha Kottai’s release."
Expressing gratitude to producer Kalpathi S Agoram, Sakthivel, once an associate of filmmakers Radha Mohan and Priya V, says, "He has given me the opportunity with immense belief on the script. I would live up to his expectations."
'Kandha Kottai' is originaly produced by T T Raja under the banner of E S K Productions. Kalpathi Agoram has later acquired the rights and planning to release the movie soon.
Adhey Neram Adhey Idam Movie Review
Adhey Neram Adhey Idam - Lacks logic and magic
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, November 10, 2009]

Director M Prabhu, a former associate of actor - director S J Suryah, has treaded a movie that begins as a romantic entertainer but ends up a thriller. Sadly, the life and soul is missing in the movie thereby becoming a damp squib.
The pre-release publicity of 'Adhey Neram Adhey Idam' promised a lot. But the end-product unfortunately fails to cater to all expectations thanks to its weak screenplay which hardly has any logic.
Jai seems to have continued from where he left in 'Vamanan'. He plays a jobless youth in 'Adhey Neram Adhey Idam' too. Vijayalakshmi, who shared the screen space with him in 'Chennai 28' does the same here too, however as his ladylove this time.
Karthick (Jai) is a jobless youth who leads a jolly life. He falls in love with Janani (Vijayalakshmi). He falls for the moment once he spots her.
However, on his father's ('Nizhalgal' Ravi) advice, Karthick goes to Australia for a year to pursue his studies. His father takes a promise from him that during his stay in Australia, Karthick should not communicate with Janani.
Meanwhile, Janani's wedding is arranged with a rich industrialist Siva (debutant Rahul). During his return journey from Australia, Karthick meets Siva by chance and they become good friends. Siva tells Karthick to teach a lesson to Janani for cheating him without realising that she is his wife.
The scenes that unfold in the movie have no logical sequence. Jai tries to live up to the proceedings but ends up in vain as he is complimented by a weak screenplay.
Vijayalakshmi has taken to glamour as she appears in skimpy costumes in a couple of song sequences. Premji's music is cool. Had Prabhu showed more attention to the script and adopted a logical path, 'Adhey Neram Adhey Idam' would have been an entertaining stuff.
Adhey Neram Adhey Idam - Jerky journey

Renigunta Movie Review
Renigunta - All violence, no silence
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 05, 2009]

What can a debutant filmmaker, new team of technicians and a group of fresh faces do when they come together? They can team up to render a quality product that is engrossing from the very word go, proves director Panneerselvam.
A former associate of filmmaker Lingusamy, Panneerselvam's ‘Renigunta’ is a violent tale on the lives of young criminals. The director stress the need to manoeuvre children well and sends a strong message that criminals are not born but made. Teenage boys turning hardcore criminals and contract killers is no ordinary thing and the need to halt it seems to be the mission behind the movie.
Seemingly influenced by The City of Joy, ‘Renigunta’ has bloodshed, gore and violence almost all through. The young criminals involving in murder and heist sends chill in one's spine. The director's apt characterisation and strong team of technician gives sheen to it.
Johnny (son of producer NIC Arts Chakravarthy) makes his debut playing the lead role while a group of freshers including Sanusha, Nishanth, Theepetti Ganeshan, Thamizh, Sandeep among others make up the rest of the cast.
The movie begins in Madurai where a young boy Sakthi (Johnny) leads a happy life with his parents. A shocking incident changes his life. His parents are murdered by an anti-social and Johnny is forced to go to prison, where he is tortured. He comes across four criminals in the prison - Pandu aka Pandurangan (Nishanth), Dabba aka Prem Kumar (Theepetti Ganeshan), Mari (Thamizh) and Michael (Sandeep). They sympathise with Sakthi, who seeks solace in their company. These hardcore criminals break loose from the prison and help Johnny take revenge on his parent's killers. They decide to go to Mumbai where they plan to become big gangsters. But fate has other plans. They land at Renigunta where they come across Bunker (Bunker), who acts as mediator between contract killers and clients.
At Renigunta, these boys get the acquaintance of Sardar (an influential don) through Bunker. After a successful murder in the town, Sardar takes these boys seriously. Meanwhile, Sakthi comes across a dumb girl (Sanusha) in the neighbourhood. After a few encounters, romance blossoms between them. But the girl's brother plans to push her to flesh trade. Taking pity on Sakthi, his friends decide to help him elope with the girl, but only after completing a murder for Sardar.
But all plans go haywire when they execute their murder plans. Sakthi loses a couple of friends in front of his eyes. An angry Sakthi turns to Sardar for help. But Sardar flees from the place. Sakthi eventually teaches him a lesson by bumping him off. But did he join hands with his lover girl or not forms the climax.
Johnny as Sakthi has been impressive. His body language and dialogue delivery besides emotions sit apt for the character. Sanusha is not just cool and cute on screen, but has also performed with grace. Among the boys Nishanth and Theppati Ganeshan has been outstanding. He not just evokes terror while committing murders but successfully manages to evoke laughter in few scenes.
Due credit should be given to young cinematographer Sakthi, a former associate of Jeeva. His capturing of the action sequences looks fresh in Tamil cinema. Ganesh Raghavendra's background score sets up the momentum.
Produced by Mahendrakumar, 'Renigunta' is a raw action film. However too much blood and wielding of knives creates a fear in the audience. Had the director cut down on such scenes, 'Renigunta' could have been a destination one would love to travel.
Avatar Movie Review
Avatar - A dazzling spectacular treat.
[Tuesday, December 15, 2009]

A dazzling spectacular treat.
What is it?
‘Avatar’, Oscar winner James Cameron’s next feature after ‘Titanic’ is a dazzling spectacular treat in technical
terms but on content wise it’s another smartly woven bolywoodish romantic heart beat.
Its no surprise by now that the goras adapt the soap opearish known & accepted bollywood (or rather say human
emotions) & come out dazzling as winners, the reason they do it with technical finesse & don,t go overboard like
many of film makers or call it film fakers do.
If ‘Titanic’ was a western pajama worn over bollywood ‘amir chokri, garib chokra’ love t-shirt with a calamity
thrown in to bring an uplifting desired effect.
Then ‘Avatar’ is spectacularly symbolic, captivating and immense film themed on a very Indian belief known as re
birth or re incarnation.
Even the last year academy sweeper & the sensation at major international awards ‘Slumdog Millionire’ was a
smartly restructured Manmohan Desai’s ‘Bhai Bhai’ thingie with an element of destiny thrown in.
Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ comes in large scale, this contemporary action adventure mingled with sci fi genes & spiritual
and ecological themes is more mighty & bigger as a visual epic then his previous ‘Titanic’.
On the drama & emotional front however its fails to match the ‘titanic’ scales & this may be the reason why its
tries to sway you by its visual delights by offering it in 2D or 3D.
Cameron holds the vision together creating a spectacular world filled with both the familiar floras & fountains
(amazingly striking) and the exotic species in this anything is possible digital world.
Cameron marshals his forces well making it dazzlingly spectacular enough for us to sit through over two and a
half hours and feel satisfied.
The Story Paraplegic war veteran Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), is sent to the exotic planet Pandora, replacing
his brother, who was killed. Although he's part of the military under the command of Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephen
Lang), the human presence is driven by a corporation mining a unique mineral alongside a scientific probe
directed by Dr Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver).
Humans cannot breathe Pandoran air, so they genetically engineer human/Na'vi hybrids known as Avatars. The
indigenous Na'vi are resentful - but Princess Neytiri (Zoë Saldana) befriends him and becomes his guide and
protector on the strange planet. Jake is soon caught in the middle of the conflict between the Na'vi and the
human military machine raping their world. The Highs The action sequences are superbly created by a digital army
of compositors and FX engineers - including a brigade of motion capture specialists - and the seamless visual
effects render the tall, blue Na'vi entirely credible. Some of the natural wonders are blended with imaginary
beauty in Pandora's astonishing forests, floating mountains, spectacular plants and tremendous trees - the latter
playing a key role as spiritual guardians.
Sam Worthington is perfect for the character, Jake. Stephen Lang as the military brute offers valuable support.
Sigourney Weaver is terrific as the frustrated scientist. Zoë Saldana is fascinating as the princess of the
Na'vis (who all seem to have recognizably human traits and personas. They hunt with bows and arrows, and speak a
fantasy language).
The scale is extraordinary as is the bewitching world of ‘Avatar’ that James Cameron has created with jaw-
dropping technology, stunning production design and exotic golden eyed, blue-skinned aliens whose passions are as
tangible as the giant flying dragons on which they fly. This huge ambitious project which took many years in the
planning earns ‘Avatar’ 4 out of five for the above mentioned reasons.
The Lows While visually fantastic, however emotionally it struggles to be at par & the length 2hrs 43 minutes
makes the spectacular delight a bit monotonous.
Verdict You can,t afford to miss it.
IMP Cast & Credits A 20th Century Fox release presented in association with Dune Entertainment and Ingenious Film
Partners. Produced by James Cameron, Jon Landau. Executive producers, Colin Wilson, Laeta Kalogrios. Co-
producders, Brooke Breton, Josh McLaglen. Directed, written by James Cameron.
Camera (Deluxe color, widescreen, HD, 3D), Mauro Fiore;
visual effects and animation, Weta Digital, Industrial Light & Magic, Prime Focux;
Starring
Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver & Stephen Lang

AVATAR ****
Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai Preview
Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai - Playboy's game
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 03, 2009]
Vishal is keeping a low profile these days. The reason is- the actor is keeping his fingers crossed for the release of his forthcoming 'Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai' (TVP), a romantic comedy directed by debutant Thiru.
"I am not going to talk much about TVP. The film itself would do all the talking. It is an usual entertainer. The story is about a guy and three beautiful girls. Thiru has shaped up the film in an interesting manner," he says.
Produced by Vishal’s GK Corporation, the film has three heroines - Neetu Chandra, Tanushree Dutta and Sarah Jane, a Mumbai-based model. Others in the cast are Santhanam, Mouli and Urvashi. Yuvan Shankar Raja is the music director.
Stating that the film would hit the screens come January, Vishal expresses confidence TVP would bring to light his acting skills. "Hitherto I have managed to make a mark as an action-hero. But TVP is an image makeover for me. I took it as a challenge and did my part well", he says.
For the first time, the actor plays a role with some negative shades. "I play Karthik, a playboy who has this habit of choosing the best from three options, even when it comes to his wedding. It is a thriller kind of a story from the first frame till the last".
Vishal adds that they had initially planned three big heroines, but they all expected enough screenspace for them. "Hence we chose to go with lesser known faces. More over we thought it is wise to cast fresh faces for the suspense element will be maintained."
Heaping laurels on Yuvan Shankar Raja, Vishal says his music is as usual energetic and peppy. "My association with Yuvan has been meaningful. I go to Yuvan with a film if there is something in it for him, and he delivers more than what I expect."
Talking about the film, director Thiru says, 'It is a visual treat for youngsters. Unlike Vishal's recent films which were action-oriented, TVP will be more romantic'.
"The Vishal you see in films is totally different from the real Vishal. He is trendy, suave and cool. In contrast, he is shown in films is an angry young main who comes to the city from a rural area only to cross swords with baddies."
"I know Vishal when I was working as an associate director for ‘Sathyam’. I wanted to bring on screen some real life qualities of Vishal. The end product is ‘Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai’, which will make you glued to the seats," he adds.
Vishal is playing a playboy in the film. So, is he a Casanova in real life? To this question, Thiru says, “The film only showcases certain stylish qualities of Vishal. The playboy character he is doing has no similarity to him. He is a gentleman in real life.”
On rumours that the film is inspired by a Hindi blockbuster, “there is no truth in such baseless reports. The script is original, different and will be new to Tamil cinema. The movie will tell you the answer once it hit the screens.”
Kacheri Aarambam Preview
Kacheri Aarambam - The game starts
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, November 17, 2009]

For Jeeva, ‘Thenavattu’ has perhaps showed the commercial route after trying hands in off-beat films like ‘Ram’ and ‘Kattradhu Thamizh’. Next from the actor’s den is ‘Kacheri Aarambam’, directed by a newcomer Thiraivannan.
Produced by R B Choudary for Super Good Films, the movie features Poonam Bajwa opposite Jeeva again. The two had acted together in ‘Thenavattu’ before. “I had not recommended Poonam for the role. She was the director’s choice,” says Jeeva. Thiraivannan had worked with Boopathy Pandian, Seeman and Selvabharathy before. Says the director, “it is a typical commercial entertainer. It is hilarious and there are enough action sequences too”.
On choosing Jeeva, Thiraivannan says, 'he is one of the young brigade of actors, who proved that he can excel in any kind of role. A complex character in ‘Kattradhu Thamizh’ was handled well by him, while in ‘Thenavattu’, he did with ease the role of a happy-go-lucky youngster.”
“Jeeva and Poonam Bajwa shared wonderful onscreen chemistry in ‘Thenavattu’. I felt there was nothing wrong in repeating the winning combination,” says Thiraivannan, justifying Jeeva’s statement.
Heaping laurels on producer Choudary, the director says, “he is encouraging and has the knack of tapping the right talent. He has introduced many film-makers to the industry and many of them have gone on to become legends. I am happy and privileged to associate myself with Super Good Films”.
Imman is scoring the music. “It is a commercial entertainer and I was inspired to come up with racy tunes once I heard the script,” says the music composer. Jeeva, on his part, expresses confidence that ‘Kacheri Aarambam’ will go on to become a hit.”
Odipolaama Preview
Odipolaama - Running race
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, November 14, 2009]
A film’s destiny starts with its title. A racy title always catches attention and an apt example is ‘Odipolaama’, a film starring Parimal, actress Sangeetha’s brother and Sandhya in lead roles. The movie is directed by Kanmani, who earlier wielded the megaphone for 'Aaha Ethanai Azhagu'.
"'Odipolaama’ would be a romantic entertainer but with a difference. It is the story of two people who are not in love with each other but decide to elope. The movie narrates their travails and tribulations,” the director says.
Throwing more light, he says, “I conceived the storyline long back and was waiting for a right opportunity to make it as a film. Parimal and Sandhya fit to their respective roles well. The movie has been shaped up in an interesting way.”
The rest of the cast includes Vasundhara, Mahadevan, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Suman Shetty and Thambi Ramaiah. Produced by V Barani, the movie has music by D Imman and cinematography by Anji.
Says Parimal, "I come from a family with a strong filmi background. I grew up watching movies. So I had no hesitation whatsoever in accepting 'Odipolaama'. I am thankful to the support from my family members, especially my sister."
On the movie, he says, “All credits should go to director Kanmani. Each and every scene is interesting and it is all due to him. My thanks to Sandhya and other colleagues who helped me a lot as this is my debut movie.”
On her part, Sandhya says, “ ‘Odipolaama’ will be an important movie in my career. The script is so gripping and my role has been given enough importance. It is not a run-of-the-mill kind of story, but a knot with so may twists and turns.”
Expressing happiness that her sibling has entered tinsel town, Sangeetha says, “I am proud that one more member from my family is in films. My brother needs all your blessings. I am hopeful that he will make it big.”
She adds: “I am happy that Parimal has done a fine job. And I am aware that hard work always pays rich dividends. I wish not just my brother, but the entire team of ‘Odipolaama’ a great success.”
A major portion of the movie was shot in Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangkok. Being made in Tamil and Telugu simultaneously, 'Odipolaama' will hit the screens soon.
Yogi Preview
Yogi - One and only
IndiaGlitz [Sunday, October 25, 2009]
Filmmaker Ameer is back. This time as an actor. He is playing the lead role in ‘Yogi’, directed by Subramaniam Siva of ‘Thiruda Thirudi’ fame. Produced by Ameer’s home production Team Works, plans are on to release the movie this Deepavali.
“Life in slums has changed a lot. There are many graduates and IT workers living there. We have chronicled the travails of a youth living in one such Chennai slum in ‘Yogi’,” says Ameer.
“We chose to do a movie around Chennai hutments, a hitherto unexplored area. The protagonist Yogeswaran alias Yogi leads a happy-go-lucky life and the events that he comes across in his life make up the story,” he adds.
On his playing the lead role, Ameer says, “I am comfortable directing movies. My movies ‘Mounam Pesiyadhae’, ‘Ram’ and ‘Paruthiveeran’ were well-received. But Subramaniam Siva insisted that I do the lead in ‘Yogi’. I took it as a challenge. I had rigorous workouts, reduced my weight and followed a strict diet to prepare myself for the role.”
The biggest challenge that Ameer faced on donning the greasepaint was from the director in him who awoke every time he stood before the camera. “Thankfully Subramaniam Siva took charge. He made me feel at ease and extracted the best out of me,” says Ameer. About the delay in the movie’s release, he says, “it is no easy task to shoot in various slums of Chennai. We had to wait patiently for several weeks, even to shoot one scene and incurred huge costs.
The whole team, however, worked hard. All credit to the technicians who managed to shoot the movie without much hassles. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is another highlight of the film.”
On working with Subramaniam Siva, he says, “people know him as “Manmadha Rasa” director. But he was the one who gave us a serious romantic story in a lighter vein in ‘Thiruda Thirudi’. I was impressed with his work when I shot for ‘Yogi’. He is sure to go places after this.”
Kanden Kadhalai Preview
Kanden Kadhalai - When they met
IndiaGlitz [Friday, October 23, 2009]
Love stories always come with a charm. If told beautifully, never had they failed to mesmerise movie lovers. 'Kanden Kadhalai', starring Bharath and Tamannah in the lead, may fall into this category.
A remake of blockbuster Hindi movie 'Jab We Met', the film directed by Kannan of 'Jayam Kondaan' fame is produced by Moser Baer and Blue Ocean Entertainment. Sun Pictures, known for its shrewd marketing strategies, has acquired the release rights.
Says director Kannan, "It is an entertaining movie and will be an instant hit with youngsters. A major portion of the movie was shot in Madurai and its adjoining areas. We erected a set resembling a Buddha temple and canned a song sequence on it."
The original version, directed by Imtiaz Ali, featured Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles. Imtiaz, who was the guest of honour at the music launch of 'Kanden Kadhalai', said during the event: "The mistakes I made in the original have been cleverly avoided by Kannan. I am sure that the Tamil version would make it big in the box office."
On the film, Bharath says: "These days, it’s not easy to get a look at the complete script at the outset itself. Most often, while shooting, we don't even know what the next scene would be. But things are not the same in 'Kanden Kadhalai', thanks to director Kannan, who was ready with the full script even before the film could take off.'
Dhananjayan of Moser Baer says they decided to do the film in Tamil mainly because of its appealing theme. "Kannan and his team deserve kudos for their work," he says.
The movie is about Sakthi (Bharath) and Anjali (Tamannah). Sakthi, a down-to-earth unsuccessful young lad meets Anjali, a bubbly young girl with her own dreams and passions.
As their journey begin, they are thrown open to fun, frolic, pain and emotions. Mumbai model Sapan Saran plays the role of the second heroine while 'Silandhi' fame Munna plays another hero. The film has music by Vidyasagar.
Peranmai Preview
Peranmai - A man and his mission
IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, September 30, 2009]
Nothing is going to stop film buffs from getting charged up this Deepavali. For, 'Peranmai', an action-packed heavy budget entertainer directed by S P Jananathan with 'Jayam' Ravi in the lead is getting ready to hit the screens.
Ravi has lost weight for the role of a forest officer in this film. He plays a one-man army in 'Peranmai', similar to that of Sylvester Stallone in 'Rambo'. Vasundra, Saranya, Varsha, Tanusika and Liyasree play the lead female roles.
"I was impressed when Jananathan narrated the story to me. I did rigorous work-outs to suit the role. I learnt martial arts and archery for the movie. Shooting in dense jungles was a great experience," says the actor.
Hailing Ravi, Jananathan says, "He is an actor of commitment and dedication. I am sure that this film is going to be a milestone in Ravi's career."
'Peranmai' is produced by Ayngaran International, a production house synonym with grandeur. After the critical success of 'Iyarkkai' and the commercial success of 'E', Jananathan has been entrusted with the job of making 'Peranmai' by Karunamoorthy and Arun Pandian of Ayngaran.
Thanks to the producers, the film will be seeing some novel technical stuff like helicopter cameras being used for the first time in Tamil cinema.
According to reliable sources, the movie is about how a forest officer (played by Ravi), with the help of five girls, foils the plans of terrorists to enter the country.
Former Mr Universe and Hollywood actor Roland Kickinger plays the baddie. The film has Ravi doing a full length action role as a tribal and forest guard who fights against international terrorists led by Kickinger who are trying to destroy our forest and thereby the ecological system using bio technology.