The third quarter of 2016 saw quite a few critically acclaimed performances pitted against just the one blockbuster candidate – Superstar Rajni‘s Kabali which despite being a brilliant attempt that deserved more recognition, failed to live up to the misleading pre-release hype and set a sobre tone for the rest of the quarter that largely served quantity over quality! Notable disappointments included biggies Thodari and Irumugan while the low-key releases like Andavan Kattalai and Kutrame Dhandanai hogging the limelight. Joker turned up the heat big time and proved to be the ultimate dark horse that had a unanimous positive response in stark contrast to many other movies that led to polarizing opinions among both critics and the general public. Now lets walk through those deserving movies that made it to our top-picks:
Kabali (July 22, 2016)
150 min
- U Rated
- Directed by Pa. Ranjith
- Music by Santhosh Narayanan
- Shot by G. Murali
- Edited by Praveen K.L
Full Review
Kabali
Undoubtedly, Kabali has been the the biggest film of 2016. 'If Rajini would act in a Ranjith film' or 'If Ranjith would make a Rajini film' has been the intriguing question ever since the collaboration's confirmation. The boundary zone the film takes is its own plus & minus. While its struggle to stay close to a Ranjith film is evident, the fact that it attempts to stay away from templates commonly seen in Rajini films is a welcome change in the right direction if the Superstar is determined to continue for years to come. And the audiences seem to have given a nod as well!
Full ReviewJoker (August 12, 2016)
Peepli Live
Full Review130 min
- U Rated
- Directed by Raju Murugan
- Music by Sean Roldan
- Shot by Chezhiyan
- Edited by Shanmugam Velusamy
Dharmadurai (August 19, 2016)
147 min
- U Rated
- Directed by Seenu Ramasamy
- Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Shot by M. Sukumar
- Edited by Kasi Viswanathan
Full Review
Dharmadurai
Much was expected from the Seenu Ramasamy - Vijay Sethupathy combine after their National award winning Thenmerku Paruvakaatru & the un-released Idam Porul Eval and they haven't disappointed. In offering a first person's perspective on a 'first-in-family' graduate's story, the viewer is kept interested in its proceedings. To add to that, you get opinionated layers on some social topics & Yuvan getting back in the groove is a bonus! On the downside, it must be said the film has its fair share of avoidable love related cliches.
Full ReviewKutramae Thandanai (September 2, 2016)
Full Review
Kutramae Thandanai
Kutramae Thandanai is a radical attempt devoid of commercial compromises where the actual crime takes a backseat & dynamics between the involved parties take center stage. It metaphorically plays with the emotions without ever going melodramatic featuring excellent performances, measured dialogues and brilliant camerawork. It breathes freshness which is precisely why it makes it into our picks of this quarter.
Full Review99 min
- U/A Rated
- Directed by M. Manikandan
- Music by Ilaiyaraaja
- Shot by M. Manikandan
- Edited by Anucharan
Kidaari (September 2, 2016)
139 min
- U/A Rated
- Directed by Prasath Murugesan
- Music by Darbuka Siva
- Shot by S. R. Kathir
- Edited by Praveen Antony
Full Review
Kidaari
Despite failing to create much of an impact with pitfalls so deep in the screenplay and weak treatment to a potent subject, the way it was brought to life via vivid visuals and unique camera angles accompanied by some captivating performances from the lead cast were too hard to ignore. An underlining background score and songs that held the rustic nativity supreme ensured Kidaari had just enough stuff to sneak into our top picks for this quarter!
Full ReviewAandavan Kattalai (September 23, 2016)
Full Review
Aandavan Kattalai
A simple knot that appeals equally to the heart as to the brain is a difficult balance to achieve. While the protagonist’s honesty & earnestness appeals to the heart, it is the director’s socio-economic commentary running throughout the duration that affects the brain. Delightful dialogues, impeccable casting & outstanding music make Aandavan Kattalai one of the best wholesome films to have come out from Tamizh cinema industry in the recent past.
Full Review150 min
- U Rated
- Directed by M. Manikandan
- Music by K
- Shot by N. Shanmuga Sundaram
- Edited by Anucharan
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