Showing posts with label Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comedy. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Thirudan Police, Comic Revenge

Long long ago (for that matter even now), most of the actors and directors, when they gave interviews as pre-launch publicity, would claim that their film was "different". Just that I have grown up not to believe them.

So when I say that this film is different, please do trust me and, at the same time, don't trust me! Well let me explain it.

The movie is a simple revenge story. Father gets killed and son avenges death by bringing the perpetrators to book. Where this movie differs is in the treatment of the subject. It's different! Just like Yaamirukka Bayamey which very beautifully mixed comedy with horror, Thirudan Police makes you laugh even while the hero is feeling for the death of his father and is extracting the revenge. There is no dilution of either emotion.

The movie is thoroughly enjoyable. 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Her, Love Recently

It is an interesting movie, funny and entertaining! It is quite beautiful to watch, too! But it did disturb me. You see as human beings, we are always worried how our future is going to be. There are many movies which have envisioned it for us. Often, they are in the sci-fi genre. Though I enjoy them, it is difficult to relate to them.

But on the other hand, Her seems more realistic. Though it does seem to be in future, maybe a near one, the movie to me seemed more like a statement on the present. I know Bicentennial Man has a similar story line and is equally touching but somehow Her felt more real.

Her is love story between a man and his computer's operating system! But then the operating system is not a simple operating system either. It is based on artificial intelligence. It keeps learning and become more human-like. And eventually ends up more evolved than its creators, the human beings. Once I settled to the thought and accepted the voice as a person, the movie made me smile, feel a bit of pain and, at times, angry.

As I said the movie, in my opinion, is not set in future. It is the state of affairs in our lives, today. We are glued to our laptop or tablet or mobile phones. Though our devices are still not like "Her", we do spend more time with it than other human beings. Our every emotion, today, is connected with these devices. We are more occupied with it than spending time with either others or with our own self.

I loved watching the movie. If you have watched it, let me know what you thought. 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Jigarthanda, fulsome

For those who do not know what Jigarthanda is, here's a little intro. Jil Jil Jigarthanda is a rich milk-based drink that owes its origins to Madurai city. It was apparently popularized by Muslim community, there. It is similar to Falooda though different!

As far as the movie goes, it is anything but similar. Unlike the drink, the movie is not sweet. A little, maybe. But it is certainly rich. It is more similar to the dishes that are served in the legendary messes of Madurai - hot, spicy and rich. Meat served with loads of blood.

The story is about a young movie director being asked to make a gangster movie. In search of an original and true script, he lands in Madurai to find out more about the subject - Assault Sethu. On a side note, Madurai needs some serious PR as its image as a city of goons, rowdies and murders now precedes its otherwise historic and religious glory.

Coming back to the storyline, the young director faces many a difficulties to get acquainted to the gang leader. But when he does, the gang leader readily agrees to share his story. Trouble comes when upon rejection, young director's amour instigates Sethu to don his own role in the movie.

The movie then is about the trial and tribulations of the young director and what he does with the opportunity that is provided to him. One of the most important part in the movie is the dialogue between the young director and the old shopkeeper who also once aspired to be a film director.

The movie is again a testimony of the fresh talent that is now populating Kollywood. Karthik Subburaj has served a different fare after Pizza, which was equally delectable.

I must say that just like Simbu, I don't like Sidharth much. But should admit that he has done some good offbeat movies in the recent past. Though in my opinion he still is a limited actor but is doing well within those limits.

Bobby Simha on the other hand is very impressive. He seems to have taken his role in Neram to a very different level in this movie. He is one of the best talents in Tamil film industry, today.

So is Karunakaran. The comedian is immediately likable.

Lakshmi Menon is good. Must say that this girl proves to the world that one doesn't have to be "beautiful" to be successful in the film industry. She has chosen her movies quite intelligently.

Bottomline? Go watch! 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Bobby Jasoos, Elementary!

In my opinion, Vidya Balan is the most talented actress in the Bollywood, today. To me, she is a bit like Kamal Hassan. She has done a variety of roles in the last few releases and I have some expectations of her films.

As far this film is concerned, she has managed to give a commendable performance, yet again. She is cast as an Hyderabadi Muslim girl whose ambition is to become a famous jasoos (detective). In this pursuit, she faces many a difficulties. She is rejected by a leading detective firm; her own father disapproves off her ambitions.

But as luck favors the prepared, she gets her break when a man hires her to search for few people in her locality. The movie is about how she uses innovative methods to accomplish the tasks; discoveries she makes in this process about herself and her family. The methods she employs bordering on histrionics provides comic relief in otherwise an ordinary movie!

The movie isn't bad. It is nice to watch but nothing exceptional. I felt a bit disappointed. Probably because of the expectations that had built up. Don't expect too much and you might end up liking.

It's just rudimentary entertainer! 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, Possession

This movie will certainly make into the Best Tamil Movies of all times list. Even if it doesn't, it will remain one of the very best that I have watched.

Is it Vijay Sethupathi who is creating such opportunities or is he leveraging them? Whatever be the case, midst the usual hero-oriented flicks, his movies guarantee that we get to watch a flick where story is the central character.

Pannaiyarum Padminiyum is a beautiful portrayal of life of people set in the "other-India". The India where people may not have access to internet and my blog. It is the story of an old Premier Padmini car, and the lives and emotions of people whose lives it touches. The movie is about our love and possessiveness. Even for inanimate objects! But mostly, it celebrates love.

It reminded me of my obsession with our first washing machine that we bought several years ago. After the installation, I sat in front of the machine for the full cycle of washing which usually lasts for an hour. I was so enamored by the rolling of the drum. I mused at detergent in an upper tray mixing with the water that came from the backside of the machine. I loved watching the tumble of  the drum, and the games that the mix of detergent and water played with the cloths. I waited for the final spinning and the machine coming to a halt. You see with automatic washing machines, one has to wait for sometime before the doors can be opened. Those few minutes of waiting felt like eternity. But that wait was worth it as the doors opened to a heady perfume of washing power in the warm misty air.

Now this went on for sometime before I lost interest and found other things to keep me amused.

In the movie though, the old car keeps bonding people and brings more love. The love story of the old couple intertwined with the car is a treat to watch.

This movie could take you into a nostalgic trip of your own. At the end of the movie, I was in tears. The tears of happiness on having watched a good movie. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Kalyana Samayal Saadham, Tasty Fare

How many of you had an arranged marriage? How many of you had a love marriage? How many of you had love-cum-arranged marriage? And how many of you had arranged-cum-love marriage? Though this movie is about the last kind, anyone can relate to the movie.

Kalyana Samayal Saadham is a nice cute romantic comedy. It deals with the relatively newer trend of having an "affair" in the period between the engagement and the wedding. Basically, it is similar to what people do when they have a love affair except that here the couple have the blessings of the families. The movie also deals with the taboo subject of premarital sex. There's more, sex in married life and erectile dysfunction. In addition, the pressures of organizing a wedding, the politics and other nitty-gritties. All this served nicely as the food served in banana leaf in South Indian wedding. Not rich but sumptuous and delicious.

If you are married, you will relate to it. If you are not, take this as an easy digest.

Nice to see a big fat South Indian marriage for a change. Though it is not as fat as North Indian marriages, it has its own charm. On a different note, have you noticed that many South Indian weddings have Sangeeth and Mehendi! It is like a South Indian restaurant serving Naan and Paneer Butter Masala

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, Local Dreams


Vijay Sethupathi has become some sort of phenomenon in Tamil Cine industry. He has built a reputation for acting in off-beat yet commercially successful movies. While Pizza was a thrilling entertainer, Suddu Kavvum was a brilliant black comedy and Naduvula Konjam Pakatha Kannum was refreshing movie that will ever remain in memory.

So naturally I was keen to watch the movie, though initially dejected by some negative feedback.

Story in short. Hmmm. I am just thinking what the story line was. Makes me think if there was any story or if there were too many.

1. The love story of Sumar Moonji Kumar and Kumudha. The girl spurns all the moves by the guy. An upset father then reaches out to a local goon to teach the guy a lesson.

2. The love story between Balakrishnan and Renu. A sales executive caught between his nagging girl friend and his irritating boss.

These are the main tracks though not necessarily the only important ones. The other parallel tracks are that of a drunkard man whose wife has just announced that she has become pregnant after long years into their marriage. A painter and patti guy (Tamil) gang who have just murdered a thug. Both of them instigated by the thug's wife. Both of them also vying for her attention.

The movie will keep you entertained till the very last. Though movie has an ensemble of cast, in my opinion, Pasupathy as a local goon with diabetic condition was the best. While Sumar Moonji Kumar and Kumudha's father fight, Pasupathy impresses with his performance as someone who gets low sugar. Hilarious!

You will like the movie for its very Chennai flavor (the slum clearance dwellings, TASMAC bars, local goons) or, if you are diabetic like me, you will see the lighter side of low sugar through Pasupathy. I loved it.

Ganesh Happy! (just like Kumudha Happy at the end!) 

Monday, October 7, 2013

Lunchbox, satiates

Lunchbox serves a very different meal to film goers used to Indian masala diet. This despite the fact that this movie is like the Maanga Pachadi, a dish made with raw mango, jaggery and neem flower, that my mother makes for Tamil New Year. It has all the tastes. And just like my mom's preparation the movie is more on the sweeter side. The Pachadi is supposed to be equally sour and bitter in addition to being salty.

The main ingredients of the movie? An old widower on the verge of retirement accidentally starts receiving lunchbox from a depressed housewife and the depressed housewife is trying to gain her husband's attention by cooking delicious meals (believing the way to a man's heart is through his stomach). The lunchbox becomes medium of correspondence between the two. 

Before I go further, there are other side dishes served along. There is a young raw accountant trying to get the attention of his manager, the old widower. Then there are two old ladies stewed in pain. One turns into a sugar syrup despite her husband's condition while the other becomes dry and burnt due to her husband's state. 

So coming back, the correspondence which starts as a way of killing each other's loneliness, soon turns into love. The relationship seems like perfect mix of spices, each bringing what the other wants. Soon the practicality sets in and the old widower is unsure. 

The movie entertains in all parts. The interaction between the housewife and her helpful invisible neighbor, and the young recruit vying to get the attention of his superior adds zest. 

Like water which despite not having characteristic but important for any dish, the Mumbai dubbawallas and the local contains the plot. 

But what the dish really delivers is love. Love served to the old man, who otherwise is cold and emotionless, makes him give love back to the unknown lady, children in the neighbourhood and an inept subordinate. Love given to a depressed lady gives her hope. 

Lunchbox is a good fare. Despite being an Indian movie the spices seems to be light. 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Sonna Puriyadu, Parthalum Puriyadu


I believe that some movies are better watched in DVDs, sitting in the comforts of home. These though aren't bad, one shouldn't waste their time or money by going to theater to watch such flicks. This one is one such movie.

The movie isn't that bad, actually. It will make you laugh. Especially, the scenes where Shiva and Blade Shankar dub for Chinese movies. There are other moments were you will burst into laughter. Some twists to keep you engaged, too. But when I came out of the theater, I felt as if I watched some crap movie. The second half drags.

Light, very light entertainer. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Theeya Velai Sayaanum Kumaru, fiery comedy


It was a laugh riot!

These are good times for Tamil cinema, especially for the comedy genre.

Except for the songs, Sunday C has given a great entertainer and there is never dull moment in the movie.

Sidharth is software professional who has had some bad experience with women(unkind) in his childhood. But having been born in the family where love marriage is the norm he is expected to woo a girl and get married.

He loses his heart to Hansika who joins as a Trainee in the same organization he works for. He faces intensive competition not only from others in the company but also from himself as he is clueless in the matters of heart. Upon his brother-in-law's suggestion he seeks Santhanam's (the hitch doctor) tutelage.

The part where he manages to win over Hansika's love is as interesting as the twist in the story where Santhanam turns against the affair will keep you entertained till the end.

Don't miss it. 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Sudu Kavvum, honest lessons




It has never been so good for Tamil movies. Marina, Pizza, Neer Paravai, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanum (NKPK). All relatively low budget movies that have excelled in entertaining. Unlike Alex Pandian sort of movie that have a big stars and bigger budgets with pathetic script and storyline, these movies are very intelligently made.


Vijay Sethupathi seems to be really doing a good job in choosing his movies. After Pizza and NKPK, he is back with Sudu Kavvum. But I must say that he is not the only hero of the movie. Everyone in the movie have been given a chance and none of them have failed.

A group of youngsters join Vijay Sethupathi who runs a kidnapping racket. But he has strict principles of "kednapping".

Then there is an upright Minister who has a wayward son.

Due to an enmity with a Minister, a businessman commissions Vijay and his team to kidnap Minister's son. And then a laugh riot ensues.

The Police Inspector, Vijay's Doctor Rowdy brother, Vijay's girlfriend, and Radha Ravi are as impressive as the others.

But the winner in the movie is the Minister's son. Especially, in the climax scenes where he interacts with Radha Ravi.

The movie is a great dark comedy that portrays the current affairs. Loved it. Kudos to the entire team. 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Tanu Weds Manu, Perfect Couples

I don't watch much of Hindi movies. I am quite prejudiced, you could say. I do think that most of the Hindi cinema is very shallow. South Indian movies are far better. Well if you think I am biased, please be informed that even American diplomats feel so.


Last week was the first time when we used the Showcase feature in Tata Sky to order Tanu Weds Manu.


The movie is about an educated and sophisticated NRI who falls in love with the girl that he visits as part of his bride hunting tour in India. But the girl is already in love with someone else. The rest of the story is the twists and turns in these two characters' life. Of course, finally these two do get married.


Now does this sound like a typical Shah Rukh Khan movie where the man goes after someone else's girl? It is not. Well but it is certainly a Mills and Boon type.


Madhavan has a yummy role. Subtle and understated. But is is Kangana Ranaut who really steals the show as a rebellious girl from small town. Very spontaneous and lovable but at the same time very irritating, Kangana impresses. But it is not entirely a lead pair's movie. The friends and relatives play an important role. I especially like 'Puppy' character, played by Deepak Dobriyal.


Tanu Weds Manu is a very clean entertainer. 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I Hate Luv Stories, Puppy Love

We are so prejudiced. And as far as Hindi films go, I, certainly, am. I believe that there is more style than substance in Hindi movies.

When I Hate Luv Stories was released, I told myself that this would be another one of those meaningless stupid Hindi movies. So, like I do all the time, decided to skip it.

But thanks to the in-flight entertainment on Kingfisher flight I took to Mumbai, couple of weeks back, I chose the movie over the book I was carrying to read. Before I begin on what I thought, let me say that I didn't get to watch the climax as the in-flight announcements and duration of the flight cut it short.

I hate to admit it, but I was giggling away to glory on those juvenile humor. Though Om Shanthi Om also takes a dig at the film industry, this movie is more comprehensive in the way it ridicules the love stories films. Of course, there is nothing new in the storyline. Boy meets girl, they both fight and then fall in love. Of course, there are too many twists that kept me hooked.

Well, by the way, IHLS is quite stupid movie with little intelligence, but then not everyone may want to watch serious movies all the time. If you are young at heart, this may keep you occupied and giggling.

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Purple Rose Of Cairo, The Real & The Reel

Woody Allen never disappoints. If you are looking for meaningful cinema about serious issues without getting a headache but certainly that can exercise muscles in the face and gut, chose any one of his flicks. You will never be disappointed.

The Purple Rose of Cairo is a very interesting film with an innovative treatment.

The movie, set in the Great Depression era, is  about a Cecilia (Mia Farrow) who is married to an abusive Monk (Danny Aiello). She makes many failed attempts at moving out of the marriage but returns, finding no place to go. The only solace in her life is movies.

While watching The Purple Rose of Cairo for the fifth time, Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), a character in the movie breaks the fourth wall, and runs away with Cecilia. They begin to like each other and fall in love. A pandemonium breaks out as the cast in the movie are now not sure what to do with Baxter gone and movie goers are puzzled with how the movie will proceed.

Gil Shepherd (Jeff Daniels) who plays Baxter on the screen is brought into solve this peculiar situation. In the process, he also falls in love with Cecilia. An interesting scenario.

This is a very intelligent movie that keeps you entertained in every scene. I loved the scenes involving Baxter in the real world and the cast of the movie on the screen conversing with people in the real world. Must watch!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge: Soaked In Culture

This is like a Hrishikesh Mukherjee movie set in contemporary times. Ashwni Dhir, the director, does a nice job in giving lessons in Indian cultural, capture the urban lifestyle and all the while tickle the funny bone. Maybe, just maybe, a few moments, it was bordering preachy, but it never crosses the limits.

All the three main cast - Konkana, Ajay and Paresh - have given a nice measured performance.

The movie is about a couple with small kid who receive an unannounced guest. Everything seems fine, till the couple realize that the guest is in no hurry to leave. To add to their misery, he is a simpleton with no exposure to urban sophistication. The couple use a variety of methods to eject the guest out, but meet with failure every time. However, in the end they realize their folly and understand the valuable contributions he has made.

If you are looking for a movie that will entertain you and also teach a lesson about hospitality, watch it. I particularly loved the bit where Ajay takes Paresh to the shooting spot where the latter takes fascination for Viju Khote! Athithi Tum Kab Dekhoge!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Baton Baton Mein: Fall In Love

The smile you acquire when watching this movie gets fixed long after it gets over. Set in 1970s in Anglo-Indian community in Mumbai, the movie is about mature apprehensive people falling in love with each other.

Baton Baton MeinTina Munim has bad experience because of which she is apprehensive about men. Amol Palekar, who is just settling into a career, doesn't want to rush into marriage and commitment. He is also finding his ground and wanting to come out of his mother's shadow.

The innocent comedy apart, every song in this movie is beautiful. All characters stand out.

I wouldn't mind watching the movie again for the songs and ravishing Tina Munim. Falling in love with her. Of course, now she isn't what she was then. :(

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Is Kamal Hassan An Atheist Iyengar?

Those who have read a previous post of mine know, by now, that I am a Kamal fan.

It is quite well know that he is an atheist. For those who have seen Anbey Sivam, which is probably Kamal's best movie, would have noticed this. There is one particular scene where Kamal revisits the place where the accident, which changes his life, takes place. Because he is the only one who survives in the accident, people gather and take 'aarthi'. Kamal rubs away the 'tilak' as soon as it is applied.

But over the last few months, since the launch of Dasavathaaram to be exact, a thought has been recurring in my mind. I have been forced to wonder whether Kamal is in fact an atheist or is he making it up? Or he is an atheist but has not been able to break the Iyengar upbringing? Or maybe I have become too cynical. Now, I do understand that this wondering of mine is of no use to the society and it is unwanted in a world which already has enough complexities. Still, let me make my case.

In Dasavathaaram, one of the roles that Kamal Hassan dons is of Rangarajan Nambi, a staunch Iyengar (Vaishnavite Brahmins), in Chidambaram (near) Tanjore ruled by Kulothunga Chola II, a fanatic Saivite. Kulothunga intends to get rid of Vishnu's idol from the Big Temple. Angered by Rangarajan's resistance, the King gets him tied to Vishnu's idol and drowns him in the Bay of Bengal. A lot of cruelty is committed upon him as he is taken to the sea.

I cannot ascertain the historical veracity of this event. It could have happened or it may be Kamal's figment of imagination, he is one of the story writers. Do watch the movie, I loved it.

Now after watching the movie, it occurred to me that Kamal Hassan, despite his claims of being an atheist, seems to be using a lot of God in his movies. And then I mulled over this thought, it occurred to me that Kamal may actually be still an Iyengar at heart. And consciously or otherwise, he seems to demean Saivites.

Another movie of Kamal Hassan, which is one of my all time favourite comedy flick, is Kadhala Kadhala. Now, an important role in this movie is played by MS Viswanathan, legendary Music Director. In the movie he is a Lord Murugan devotee. The scenes where he dreams about Murugan are funny, not glorifying. In fact, there is a song with Prabhu Deva and Kamal as Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is a Saivite God. In fact, He is the younger son of Lord Siva himself. Blimey!

No, it doesn't stop there. Pammal K Sambandam, the movie based on which the super sexy but extraordinary flop Kambhakth Ishq was made. This time direct dig on Lord Siva. In the movie, Kamal plays the role of a stunt master and a side actor. In a particular scene, he dons the role of Lord Siva. Do watch it, you may get my point.

Then coming back to Anbey Sivam, again, the negative role played by Nasser is of a staunch Saivite. But then Kamal himself plays the role of a Saivite with a name Nalla Sivam. So it's not the best example.

All these make me seriously doubt Kamal's claims. But after a point, my wondering became introspection. I am an Iyer, Saivite Brahmin. Now, agnostic tending to atheism. I think I have already jumped to the other side of the wall! But then, despite all the disbelief, I still, jokingly or otherwise, say that I am an Iyer. I would be lying if I say that I don't feel proud about being one. Or for that matter, I do feel Hindu, deep down. No, I am not the Right-Wing, types! The point I am trying to make is that despite claiming to be an atheist, I haven't broken away from religious shackles, yet. But then India is a religious country. Irrespective of which religion, we are brought up with a strong grounding in religion.

So, it can be overlooked that Kamal cannot do away with what he has imbibed in his DNA. But then is he actually taking a dig at Shiva and glorifying Vishnu? Could it be Mohan 'Crazy' Rangachari, who was the script and dialogue writer for Kadhala Kadhala and Pammal K Sambandham, behind this portrayal? Oh God, he also wrote the story of Dasavathaaram along with Kamal!

Blimey, Kamal, please, prove me wrong!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Kalavaani, Life Cycle Reversed

Usually, Indian parents advise children to settle in life before setting up a family. And that is also what youth, educated or otherwise, who nurse ambitions do.

But then not everyone has ambition or aspirations in life. Many prefer to set up a family even before they stand up on their legs. Kalavaani is story of one such youth.

A romantic comedy, the movie is set in rural Tamil Nadu. While the hero's father slogs in Dubai, son invests the resources and time in drinking with his friends and flirting with almost every other women. Then it happens, true love. Our man falls for a girl from the neighbouring village. Unfortunately for him, his nemesis happens to be the brother of the girl.

To make the matters worse, under the influence of alcohol, hero makes a failed attempt to kidnap a girl who also happens to be related to the girl's family. The movie thereafter is the attempts made by the hero to transform. The movie ends with how he manages to elope and get married to the girl. And finally, thinks about settling down in life.

The movie has nothing new to offer except for the fact that it holds your attention and makes you laugh. And I think that is good enough.