Ko Movie Review

Headline. Scoop. Byte. Edition. These words are familiar with all journalists. For a layman it's the newspaper that he reads finally counts. A photojournalist-turned-director, K V Anand, with 'Ko', has rendered a movie that is like reading a newspaper fresh and folded very early in the morning from page one till the last.

Journalists are until known to be portrayed in a cliched manner in Tamil cinema, wearing a pyjama kurtha, spotted with a beard carrying a long shoulder bag. Times have changed and so are the lives and struggles of journalists.

With 'Ko', Anand has turned the arc light on the unsung heroes of modern India, the neo-journalists, their dedication and passion towards the profession.

Anand has proved his mettle coming with intense thrillers with great detailing, thanks to writers Suba in his side as it was evident in 'Kanna Kandein' and 'Ayan'.

'Ko' speaks about power struggle and press freedom, laced with all commercial ingredients in an interesting manner. All credits should go to the script and screenplay. Tautly written, there are hardly any logical loopholes.

Be it a hardworking scribe or a photographer who are chasing sensation news, a power-lust Chief Minister, or an opposition leader, or a youth who wants to change the political system, all characters do have a say in the film. Anand has woven all of them craftily.

The movie revolves around Ashwin (Jeeva), who is a talented photographer in a Tamil daily Dina Anjali. He is the sought-after lensman in his newspaper for his images speak a thousand words and bring awareness.

There are a couple of other journalists in the same media house- Renuka (Karthika), who covers sensational events and entertainment -in-charge Saro (Piya). They develop an affinity for Ashwin.

A battle begins in Tamil Nadu as Assembly elections are announced. It becomes a direct war between Chief Minister Yogeswaran (Prakash Raj) and opposition leader Alavandan (Kota Sreenivasa Rao). As typical politicians, as they are portrayed, they do everything under the sun to come to power.

But Renuka and Ashwin's brilliant investigative reports and photographs, help a third force led by youth Vasanthan (Ajmal) emerge the front-runner. He is a symbol of modern Indian youth who believes in clean politics.

At an election rally of Vasanthan, a bomb goes off killing Saro. Vasanthan goes on to win the polls. Now the onus falls on Ashwin and Renuka to find the real culprits behind the attack. Get ready to watch an unpredictable climax.

Jeeva is impressive and played his part exceedingly well. He looks a typical photojournalist. His body language and dialogue delivery are worth a watch. An intense performar, Jeeva pulls it off with ease.

Karthika as Renuka brings out the nuances needed for the role well. She has not exaggerated. She downplays her emotions to gel with the character. Ajmal is a revelation as an aspiring politico Vasanthan. His looks compliment the character.

The veterans Prakash Raj and Kota Sreenivasa Rao have played their part well. They have given right emotions needed for the roles. Piaa in the supporting character is adequate. Watch out for Sona in a cameo. Chinmayi's dubbing for Karthika is apt.

Harris Jayaraj is a major attraction. All his songs pep up the environment. 'Ennamo Yedho...' is pick of the album.

Anand deserves all accolades for rendering a brisk entertainer that is devoid of cliches. Racy all through, it is a movie that is worth a watch, if you are really not bothered about logic at certain places. 

Mappillai (2011) Movie Review

Can a Rajnikanth movie be remade with same aura and feel? Will it reverberate with same energy and gusto? Will it charm the audience? Partially yes seems to be the answer. 'Mappillai', a remake of yesteryear Rajinikanth flick carrying the same title, is a perfect treat for the front-benchers, oozing with gusto and energy.

Remake is always a risky affair. No one tries to remake a failure attempt and hence the success of the original naturally becomes the burden on the remake. Director Suraj has taken it in his stride and ensures all charm is not lost.

More of Rajinikanth meeting Dhanush, the movie's success rides on the latter not trying to imitate the former anywhere in the movie. He is himself and ensures that he gives what his fans exactly expect out of him.

There is tremendous pressure on Suraj's shoulder for at least half the movie-goers would have watched the original and a comparison is bound to be there. A shrewd Suraj has made some changes to make it more contemporary and lively.

With Vivek giving Dhanush company, there is no dearth for humour all through. If Sri Vidya was an arrogant mother-in-law in the original throwing all challenges at Rajini, Suraj has brought Manisha Koirala for the role, bringing some freshness.

Come to the story, Saravanan (Dhanush) is a do-gooder, who is soft-spoken and admired by one and all. He comes across Gayathri (Hanshika Motwani), daughter of arrogant business woman Rajeshwari (Manisha Koirala) and falls for her.

Coming to know of their affair, Rajeshwari decides to get them both married. The reason is- she is keen on getting a son-in-law, who will always do what she wants and be under her control.

But she in for a shock when she comes to know that Saravanan has a past. He is a ruffian and is feared by one and all. Now she plans to halt all plans, while Saravanan takes up the challenge and ensures that he end up marrying his ladylove.

It’s now a cat and mouse game between Saravanan and Rajeshwari. Then there is one Style Chinna (Vivek), with his own set of friends (including ‘Cell’ Murugan), who is desperately behind Gayathri and tries to win over her love.

Dhanush is the man of the match. He takes the whole burden on his shoulders and passes the difficult test of enacting a famous role played by Rajinikanth with consummate ease. He is good at humour and those scenes where he challenges his mother-in-law. A wholesome role which the actor does exceedingly well.

Cheers to young Hanshika Motwani. Cute and bubbly, she has a meaty role to play in her maiden venture itself. A look-alike of Kushboo, she does gel with the character. Watch out for Manisha Koirala. She performs with a steam and vigour. As a young aristocratic mother-in-law, she is impressive. She brings out her agony, arrogance and anger well.

Vivek as Style Chinna brings the roof down with laughter. His funy-looks coupled with crazy dialogue delivery are a pleasure to watch. With Dhanush, he recreates the magic of 'Uthamaputhiran'.

Music by Mani Sharma is an added strength. There are a couple of racy numbers and it peps up the proceedings, with the highlight being 'Ennoda rasi...' Sathish Kumar's cinematography is rich and glossy and lives up to the theme, while editing by Kishore is crisp.

Produced by Nemichand Jhabak and Nemichand Jhabak, 'Mappillai', presented by Sun Pictures, is warm, bright and bubbly. If you are ready to forget that deja vu feel which prevails in many a place, the film is no doubt a big summer treat.

Ponnar Sankar Movie Review

It is rare that movies are made based on historic novels. For it needs not just huge labour but enough resources. However, Thiyagarajan has brought on screen what is one of popular novels in Tamil - Ponnar Sankar, penned by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

It is a valorous tale about twin brothers, who fought for their motherland. Produced and directed by Thiyagarajan, the movie features Prashanth playing both the characters- Ponnar and Sankar.

A period film demands huge ensemble of star cast, lavish sets and immense research. Taking the game on, Prashanth and Thiyagarajan have managed to come out with a movie that is more a desi version of ‘Brave Heart’.

With story, screenplay and dialogues by Karunanidhi, Thiyagarajan has given them good shape on screen. Thankfully with seasoned artistes in his side, he has passed out in flying colours. Karunanidhi's dialogues are colloquial and touch relevant contemporary political and social issues. There he scores a point.

The movie begins with the wedding of Thamarai (Kushboo), the daughter of King Periyamalaikozhundhu Gounder (Vijayakumar) arranged with Mandhiyappan (Prakashraj), a king of neighbouring country. Enters Nellaiyankondan (Jayaram), Thamarai's lover and he walks away with her.

Her parents disown her and drive her out of their kingdom.While leaving she throws a challenge at her brother Chinna Malaikozhundhu (Ponvannan) that he would come to their doors one day seeking to marry her two sons for his two daughters.

As years go by, Mayavar (Nasser), a chieftain in the village, comes across twin brothers Ponnar and Sankar (both Prashanth), who are students of Rakki (Raj Kiran). Good at heart, Ponnar and Sankar are valorous and they voice for the sufferings of poor.

One day, they save the sisters Muthayi (Pooja Chopra) and Pavalayi (Dhivya Parameshwaran) from death. Both happen to be daughters of Chinna Malaikozhundhu.

Impressed with their valour, their parents agree for their marriage with Ponnar and Sankar. A flashback reveals that Ponnar and Sankar are Thamarai's sons and Rakki had taken them with him to save them from Mandhiyappan when they were born.

Coming to know that Ponnar and Sankar are alive, Mandhiappan hatches a conspiracy and ensures that Kali Mannan (Nepolean) and Thamarai's father help him in killing them.

Eventually a war is fought. The intense battle ensures that good prevails over evil. Watch out there are the likes of Prabhu, Sneha, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Seetha among others in the cast.

Seemingly inspired by ‘Apocalypto’ and ‘Brave Hearet’, Thiyagarajan has ensured battle scenes are shot grand and great. The graphics, supervised by Prashanth himself, is highlight of the movie, though at places look amateurish.

Prashanth, who makes his comeback, has done it doubly well. As a proud prince, he pours out right emotions. In romance and battle scenes, he leaves his mark. His previous experience stands him in good stead.

Kushboo is the pivot around whom the movie revolves. She is good at it. So are the likes of seasoned artistes Nasser, Prabhu, Nepolean, Sneha and Rajkiran among others who chip in with their best.

Unfortunately Ilayaraja disappoints with his music. The songs fail to enter our ears. But he compensates with his brisk background score. Cheers to art director T Muthuraj. He has created huge palace, fort, battle field before our eyes. Shaji Kumar captures them well on his lens.

On the flip side, the movie has many dragging moments. Too many characters come and go without leaving a mark. The first half proceeds at quick pace, but the latter part of ‘Ponnar Sankar’ stutters and staggers.

Nanjupuram Movie Review

Movies made on snakes always attracted attention in Tamil cinema. Taking cue from them, debutant director Charles, in the company of popular television actor Raghav, has woven a script that is entertaining and enthralling in parts.

‘Nanjupuram’ is more of Anaconda meeting Rama Narayanan movies. Interestingly, the distribution rights of ‘Nanjupuram’ have been bagged by Sri Thenandal Movies, a company backed by Rama Narayanan himself.

There are some interesting visual treat and pulsating scenes that sustain our interest. Raghav, besides playing the lead role, has also made his presence felt as a music composer too.

Monica plays the female lead. Charles’s intention to render a taut thriller should be appreciated. But at the same time, we should also say that it is the execution that goes haywire.

Magudeswaran's dialogues are razor sharp at places, especially while taking a dig at caste system which is still active at many places of the State. Also, the makers have not gone too superstitious, for a movie on snake would mean too much of it.

The film is set in a village called Nanjupuram. Ridden deeply in caste system, there is often trouble between the upper caste and lower caste in the village. Also deeply rooted in superstitious belief, the villagers believe that anyone who hurts a snake there will get killed in 45 days.

As it happens, Velu (Raghav), an upper caste youth falls in love with Malar (Monica), a lower caste girl. One day, he attacks a snake and was asked by villagers to stay away for one-and-half month. But his love towards Malar makes him to elope with her. What’s next is the climax.

All actors, including Raghav and Monica have played their parts well. Due credit should go to Raghav. He is cool and casual. He has taken all the responsibilities to deliver hie best. Monica plays a de-glamourised character. She has a meaty role to do. Others in the cast are adequate.

Unfortunately, the script misses some novelty. Had Charles blended more of it and reduced cliches, ‘Nanjupuram’ would have been different.

Sattapadi Kuttram Movie Review

You can call S A Chandrasekar the legal expert of Tamil cinema, for the director is known for taking a dig at potholes of legal system with his movies. After a break, the filmmaker is back in his familiar territory, with ‘Sattapadi Kuttram’.

SAC has made the film with two agendas, one to criticise the ruling party of Tamil Nadu and the other to promote his son Vijay. Concentrating more on these two things, the director has failed to ensure that the script is free of loopholes and lag.

In many a scene, one would wonder whether it is a feature film or a propaganda movie made by the opposition party. That too with Assembly elections nearing, the intentions of the director are clear from scene one.

A death convict Thangarasu (Vikranth) and drug addict Surya (Harish Kalyan) are kidnapped by a man and his gang. As scenes unfold, it is revealed that the brain behind these things is Chandrabose (Sathyaraj), leader of a revolutionary movement.

Chandrabose runs a parallel government in the forest and instills revolution in the minds of youngsters. His aim is to clean the corrupt system and to infuse fresh blood in the society.

One day, he kidnaps important persons from the judiciary, media, bureaucracy and police departments and tells them the need to bring in the change. They get convinced when Chandrabose ensures protection to their family members.

Rowdys get killed and corrupt politicians are punished. Money seized from evil politicos (which runs into several crores of rupees) is distributed equally to every family in the country. An egalitarian society prevails.

Sathyaraj lives up to his sobriquet- Puratchi Thamizhan. In Che Guevara costumes, he ensures that the audience too goes into ‘revolutionary mode’. Vikranth is good while Bhanu, Harish Raghavendra, Livingston and A Venkatesh have meaty roles to play.

Vijay Antony has remixed ‘Rathiri nerathu poojaiyil….’ in his typical style. Anjaneyalu’s cinematography is okay while the highlight of the film is dialogues by V Prabhakar (of ‘Pokkiri’ fame).

On the whole, there is no wrong in the idea behind making the movie. But cogency between scenes and logic in the script could have ensured that ‘Sattapadi Kuttram’ is as racy as claimed.

Kullanari Koottam Movie Review

The ‘Venilla Kabbadi Kuzhu’ team is back with renewed vigour and enthusiasm in ‘Kullanari Koottam’, which is a breezy, feel-good film. Sri Balaji, a former associate of Suseenthiran, has managed to weave an entertainer that is worth a watch.

A light-hearted movie sans any punchline, weepy tale or crass comedy, ‘Kullanari Koottam’ may impress the masses. Knowing precisely what the audience want, the director has managed to get all elements right in his debut movie itself.

Vishnu, who proved his skills handling a comical role in ‘Bale Pandiya’, does take the whole burden on his shoulders and deliver goods. He is at ease all through and passes the muster.

Be it romance or situations where he gets into trouble for no fault of him, the actor is at his best. His body language and dialogue delivery fit very well to the character that he plays.

Giving him good company is Ramya Nambeesan. She, unlike her earlier films, plays a bubbly next-door girl. She has more to do instead of the routine cliched commercial heroine's role.

The actress comes all through the film and does leave an impression. Then there are a whole lot of artistes including Appukutty and Suri among others who stole the show in ‘Vennilla Kabbadi Kuzhu’.

In a nutshell, the movie is about a callous youth who falls in love with a girl. He is thrown a challenge to hold his lady love’s hands. How he achieves the mission is what the film is all about.

The storyline may not be new to Tamil cinema. But the path taken by Sri Balaji is interesting. Vetri (Vishnu), an MBA graduate in Madurai, is waiting for a job. He lives in a happy family where his father is a teacher and his brother works in a private firm.

Interestingly, his father is totally against policemen and he wants his son to even keep off from going to a police station for any emergency. Meanwhile, Vetri's small mistake in recharging his father's mobile phone lands him in contact with one Priya (Ramya Nambeesan), a Vellore girl who pursues her studies in Madurai.

After initial acquaintance, both fall in love. Priya’s father is a police officer and in their town, every family-member wants to send their wards to Indian military service. Priya’s dad too wants his son-in-law to be either from military or a police officer.

Now Vetri takes up the challenge. He sets out on a mission to Chennai and manages to get a group of friends with whose help he plans to achieve his goal. But corrupt police officials come in between his dream. The rest is how Vetri, along with his friends, thwart the cop's plans and achieve his goal.

The romance between the lead pair is interesting. Selvaganesh’s catchy music is the highlight of the movie. ‘Vizhigalile Vizhigalile…’ is a song to cherish. Other technical departments too add value.

Sri Balaji has managed to cast some fresh faces for key roles. They resemble those living next-door, leaving an impact straightaway. The director deserves a special pat for avoiding double meaning dialogues and sticking to the story.

Kudos to Sri Balaji and Vishnu for rendering a movie that is entertaining and light without any overdose of emotions. If you are not looking for a serious stuff, ‘Kullanari Koottam’ may be the right choice to spend few hours of your weekend.

Muththuku Muthaga Movie Review

At a time when directors run behind racy themes and commercial cocktails, filmmaker Rasu Madhuravan is a rare exception. In 'Mayandi Kudumbathar', he touched up on the need for joint family and proved successful in wooing women audience to cinema halls. With 'Muthukku Muthaga', the director is back to render a film for his core audience - womenfolk. Here again, he speaks about family ties, cultural and ethical values and the role played by parents in shaping the lives and characters of their children. He not only narrates the story in an engrossing manner but ensures that it has enough elements in it to appease audience. With young and seasoned artistes playing part, Rasu Madhuravan has ensured that all comes good in Muthukku Muthaga, but for a slow narration. The theme may been the one we would have seen in yesteryear Bhim Singh movies. But as they say, as long as films exist, there is no stopping for love and family stories. Saranya and Ilavarasu have five sons. With his minimal earnings, Ilavarasu showers all love and affection on them and grows them up. As the years roll by, the sons grow up and have their own course of lives. What happens in one tough situation is what the movie is all about. Saranaya and Ilavarasu are tailor-made for the characters. They have got under the skin of their roles and given their best. The likes of Vikranth, Natraj, Monica, Oviya and Veer Samar and others play their part around Saranya and Ilavarasu. In ensuring that the film has enough emotional elements, Rasu Madhuravan has lost to infuse some pace in the script, which at times make the movie resemble a melodrama. Specially when the second half begins, there seems to be some brake applied on the momentum. The leisure in the form of Singam Puli's evokes laughter to an extent. The songs too are like a brake on the movie's progress. But Rasu can be appreciated for the fact that he has delivered what he has conceived. No glam scenes no double meaning dialogues, but a tale that speaks on the need to respect our parents, who toil hard for the welfare of their wards. For those who love melodrama stuff, 'Muthukku Muthaga' may be a right destination.