Beneath all the glossy visuals, racy songs and enjoyable comedy, lies a repugnant concoction of a cliched plot, a wavering story, an insincere screenplay which spills over to spoil the experience as 'Rajini Murugan' drags on endlessly – an ordeal indeed!
'Suspects - The Encounter' has the looks of a pilot shoot of one particular sequence in a gangster-cop thriller rather than a single product. It is safe to say that it is more of a technical show-reel rather than an acting or directorial achievement.
Filled with unexpected twists - some of them well done while others not so much, ‘Kathakali’ keeps you guessing for most of the time which makes for an absorbing two hours of movie watching that has compelling acting, fine direction and enjoyable music to help the cause!
Thara Thappatai is a typical Bala-template film that delights in its ability to bring out the life of our traditional folk artists & a commentary on the commercialization of art, but it is undeniable that the film disappoints while transforming into a highly violent and disturbing encounter towards the end.
This is one breezy short that flows from start to end with great ease with just a simple core that’s treated well to kindle that debate as to what we are versus what we aspire to be. Excellent camera movements which we believe is achieved using a GoPro camera, helps focus the attention better which is further enhanced by the perfectly complimenting editing techniques used. The humor worked well and brought quite a few smiles with the largely due to the funny antics of the characters.
Kolza - The Rape is an audacious attempt for a short-film & its writer/director deserves praise for successfully packaging it in under 8 mins of Rashomon-ish scenario based treatment, raising pertinent questions on a generally prevelant societal evil. The female lead, Theertha pulls off a rather difficult role with convincing ease & is supported well by the other character. The technical aspects of the short are impressive (Slick work behind the camera & some realistic sound design providing a touch of reality. The random fast cuts alongside Beethoven's symphony bit combine aptly adding to the tension.
This satirical take by Karthik Vilvakrish on the lack of inspiration for employees in the Technology industry & the avenues to look for outside its confines is appreciable for the narrative brimming with creativity that goes beyond the usual. Prakash, donning the dual roles of DOP & Editor warrants special mention for the haphazard cuts that add to the puzzle & the commendably good low-light filming and grading. VFX work also catches the eye in the loopy maze sequence & so does the casting of a giant-like figure who, sadly, does nothing!
Almost 70 seconds into this 5 minutes-long, short film there is just a monologue with a very bleak voice narrating the monotony of her life. But at the end of 5 minutes this charming little creation from Prabanchan & Team satisfies you technically as well as thematically.
With a good central plot relating to children and how they influence the well-being of various kinds of families, Azhagu Kutty Chellam squanders the opportunity to reach greatness as it tries too hard to establish the plot by resorting to multiple incoherent story lines and some ill-advised tactics. Nevertheless, a strong technical show makes it a worthy watch and a respectable attempt!
2015 kicked off with the Pongal releases & right in the middle of the mix was Shankar’s Vikram starrer I – arguably, the most expected film of the year that received mixed reviews but performed well at the box-office with Vikram receiving unanimous praise for the toils he had taken for the role! GV Prakash’s litmus test as an actor came in the form of Darling & the maverick SJ Suryah got back after a hiatus through his Isai that focused on a fictitous rivalry between Raja and Rahman.
