3 movie review

After some mixed feedback about this movie and due to a late release in Mumbai, I finally got a chance to see the movie. A late but latest review, so to speak. First things first, 3 is definitely watchworthy. The first half sparkles at places while the 2nd half is a total Dhanush show, which is shocking yet striking. Loved the second half personally.

The first half impresses during the school romance portions but, limps towards the interval when the actual action starts and Dhanush casts a spell on you, literally. Sundar has a good support role in the second half while Siva Karthikeyan continues his 'Marina' ' love nakkal' form into this too. Prabhu has a very natural underplayed cameo after long. Rohini is pretty dramatic while Bhanupriya appears sorry on screen. Shruti's younger sister in the movie has a cute role too.

Shruti is miserable while crying (which she is most of the time) but looks like a dream in her salwar suits. Humans are meant to be miserable while crying, agreed, but actors need to look good while crying too. Shruti, learn this fast. Her body language is perfect during the school portions. Dhanush is too hyper in these portions and the mustache doesn't look good on him. He is better off with a nice rugged stubble.

Aishwarya Dhanush must be commended for trying something different in her first film. She has not made a formulaic happy film, she has not seen sentiments and she has given her husband another acting milestone. Dhanush has totally mastered the darker emotions of the human psyche. The way he cries, screams, struggles with his own self, grapples with his conscience, repents etc etc. TOP CLASS. Definitely a successor to Kamal Haasan is coming up in the most unlikely family. I would even go as far as to say that Dhanush is the best at portraying psychotic shades.

Anirudh is the other hero of the movie. His 'bell' BGM is pounding and is so very much in sync with the dark content on display. The other BGMs are also pretty popular thanks to the audio and the trailers. A dream debut. He has been inspired by Yuvan, that is certain. His songs are awesome as everyone already knows. Po nee Po takes the cake for picturization.

Why this Kolaveri is decent on screen. Too many brands have been integrated into this song. Rather than media partners, in the title card, these brands could have been displayed as Kolaveri partners. This song has painted a wrong picture of the actual movie. 3 is not all about Kolaveri. That's why the masses aren't enthused by the second half in particular. They are lame enough to laugh when the hallucinations and bi-polar disorder scenes are played out.

A nice message about bi-polar disorder and suicide puts an end to the movie followed by a dreamy end credits roll. The way Dhanush acts just before his breaking point, is something that is seen to be believed. His second half act justifies a repeat viewing for 3

VERDICT: Dhanush makes the second half a must watch for the 'serious' movie buff. The first half is for the general masses. Watch-worthy for sure, on the whole. 

Polladhavan (2007)

Prabhu is a jobless young loafer who has his set of loyal friends. He swindles money from home and has a lot of drunken fun with his friends. His father isn't happy as expected. Prabhu covets the Pulsar bike and he uses the money that his father gives him in angst, to buy his favorite bike. He gets a job through that and slowly comes up in life. He also has a love affair with Hema.

Just when things are fine, his Pulsar bike goes missing. As a result, tt is a hunt that involves gangsters in North Madras. Selvam is the kingpin, Out is his man-Friday. Ravi is the younger brother of Selvam and he is an immature, impulsive guy who is looking to make it big like his brother.

Prabhu and Ravi accidentally face-off a couple of times and the missing bike also has Ravi's involvement (for drug trafficking). At one instance, Prabhu beats Ravi to within an inch of his life. Prabhu's father is incapacitated by Ravi's men as a result. Selvam advises Ravi not to take this matter further and even Prabhu is prepared to let go after he gets his bike back. But, Ravi doesn't relent and takes it as a personal ego issue to settle scores with Prabhu.

In the end, the lean 'boy next door' uses his guts and daring to eliminate Ravi in his own den. There is a major bloodbath prior to this, where most of the gangsters are killed one way or the other.

Review

• A major break for Dhanush back in 2007. He rocks in comedy, the romantic pursuit scenes, the intense scenes and also in the climax 6 pack fight. Wholesome appeal. 
• The songs by G.V. Prakash are all chartbusters. 2 needless songs in the second half break the rhythm of the movie. The BG score is cult. Widely appreciated themes though some have been blatantly lifted. The bike theme, the theme for Selvam etc. take the cake. 
• Riveting non-linear screenplay from 2 perspectives - Prabhu and Ravi. Definitely something new. 
• Kishore, Pawan are imposing as the gangsters with some conscience. Daniel Balaji as Ravi has a terrific makeover and is brilliant in such negative roles as expected. 
• Santhanam and Karunas are a riot in the comedy department along with Dhanush. Divya Spandana has a cute little part as the lady love. Murali and Bhanupriya are the typical middle class parents. The sister has a small likable part too. 
• The scenes following the bike's theft are riveting. Such shocking and authentic detailing. Hats off. A birds eye view of the gangster life in North Madras. 

VERDICT

A major cult in Tamil commercial cinema. The screenplay, the authentic portrayal of gangsters and the bike element make this movie a classic. 

Mayakkam Enna (2011)

The Plot
The film is about a struggling photographer Karthik Swaminathan aka 'Genius'.  He aspires to become a wildlife photographer. He has a sister and a loyal group of friends. His life is sustained by his close friend Sundar. They spend their free time drinking like hell.

Sundar's date Yamini falls for Karthik and his moody ways. Karthik struggles with Yamini because he feels he is betraying Sundar and his friendship, though he too has feelings for her.

Finally Karthik and Yamini marry each other, after Sundar comes to know of this. Karthik also faces a major betrayal from an ace photographer whom he treats as his guru. He doesn't handle this betrayal properly and becomes increasingly eccentric and psychotic.

His wife Yamini bears all his mood swings and tolerates him. She loses a lot. Finally Karthik gets his big break and makes it big as a wildlife photographer. He dedicates his success to his close ones and the movie ends like "A Beautiful Mind"

Hits

• Dhanush shows myriad shades of his talent. Particularly after he tastes defeat, anguish and becomes frustrated, eccentric and psychotic, he soars on a really high plane. His best show till date that combines all his previous quality works.
• G.V.Prakash gives the best ever BGM for a Tamil film in a long long time. The film will have repeat value just for his BGM. His songs have become huge hits long time back. G.V.Prakash is slowly but surely becoming Tamil cinema's numero uno. Each of his movies has his trademark brilliance. What a talent. Almost the entire movie has his stamp of mesmerizing brilliance. 
• Richa starts performing brilliantly after she gets married to Dhanush. Towards the end, the way she portrays her pain and her solidarity towards her husband, is top notch. In the first half she is plain, grim and very serious
• The other characters like Karthik's friends, Sundar's father, the egoistic photographer etc. have all added weight to the movie. 
• The photography and the cinematography by Ramji, are a real treat to the eyes.
• Reality all over. No shades of heroism in the hero's character
• Good attempts at animation in the Oda Oda song. 
• A beautiful message about following what your heart says and persisting at it. The struggles that Karthik faces have been shown very truly. 

Comments

• Moves at an unhurried pace. Though never boring for a matured audience. 
• The way that Karthik gets his big break, seems a bit far fetched
• The movie has shades of "A Beautiful Mind" particularly in the second half. 

VERDICT

Selvaraghavan makes a return to what he does best - highly intense and emotional human dramas. A beautiful movie for a mature audience. 

Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002)

The Plot
A bunch of school kids in their teenage, go through the hard realities of life like sexual infatuation, drug addiction, parental pressure at home and lack of proper guidance. Each of these kids has some sort of problem from their parents at home.

They flee home at a stage and don't inform anyone at school either. They encounter a lot of difficulties and 2 of these kids even have sex with each other in the heat of the moment without any thoughts about their future.

In the end, they decide to go back home and their school principal advises their parents about how their lack of proper guidance had made their kids flee home and embarrass everyone. The movie ends on a positive note about the need for parents to handle their kids carefully between the crucial years of 15 to 18

Hits

• Yuvan Shankar Raja's cult songs. Each of them is an evergreen hit. But the picturization of a few songs border on vulgarity. Commercial compulsions I guess. 
• Vijayakumar's strong character role. He takes the cake in the climax
• Sherin looks like a billion bucks. She oozes sensuality, sexuality and no wonder her classmate loses his mind seeing her. The long hair, the seducing eyes and her voluptuous structure are a real delight that made her a sensation at the start of the 21st century. 
• Abinay acts well as the student Vishnu. He is a talent gone wasted sadly

Comments

• Dhanush's first movie. He looks insanely thin and doesn't show one shade of the superstar that he is today. His mustache getup is absolutely funny. 
• Ramesh Khanna stands out like a sore thumb in a very young cast. His usual antics are partly impressive 

Misses

• The sexual angst of students at this age is understandable. But, things go overboard at times. Could have been curbed a bit. Soft porn effect so to speak. 

VERDICT

The movie that launched Dhanush and Selvaraghavan. Has a mix of sleaze and message, and of course the heavenly Sherin. 

Venghai movie review

The Plot
It is set in a village Pandiapuram where Veerapandian is the most respected and feared person. Sort of don of dons. Rajalingam is elected as the Sivagangai district MLA through Veerapandian's goodwill. Selvam is his son who is sent away to Trichy to lead a calm life. Selvam respects his dad like a God.

He falls in love with Radhika, his school days flame and a demure woman. Their love has the fair share of misunderstandings and family related problems. As expected Rajalingam is corrupt and he is against Veerapandian's domineering ways which are always for the good of the village.

They both are after each other's heads. Which party wins, is the story. As expected the hero finishes off the corrupt guys in the climax almost singlehandedly after some interesting but predictable ideas, dialogues and sentiments.

There is the usual buffoon comedian who gets bashed up by all and sundry & the rural film constants like Rajkiran and Prakashraj as the village chief-ton and villain respectively. There are also some good moments typical of Hari's films like some fast fights and twists at the appropriate moments.

                                                                           
Hits

• Devi Sri Prasad has given some good songs. 3 of them are hum worthy. But his BGM is loud most of the times
• Dhanush puts up a good show as usual. A full range from him. His fighting is much more convincing now.

Misses

• Too much importance to the sickle and lots of bloodshed. A throwback to olden days.
• Tamanna is a big dud. She looks pale and sad most of the times. Her midriff exposure in the songs is a poor compensation too. 

VERDICT

Just an average Hari movie with lots of typical elements that you would find in his films.

Aadukalam (2011)

Whats it about:
      Set in the backdrop of rooster fights, this film is a take on the ego issues that arise in a person when he sees his own protege becoming a big name in the same field.
      K P Karuppu dedicates his life to rooster fighting and he dotes behind his master and 'brother-like' Pettaikaran and Durai, another Pettakaran protege. His mother wants him to be more responsible in life but the naive Karuppu is always fully behind Pettaikaran and his pet rooster.
      Karuppu also falls for Irene an anglo Indian Madurai girl and a nice matured relationship exists between them based on mutual trust. Pettaikaran has a fierce rival Rathnasamy, and Karuppu is a major reason for Pettaikaran's total domination in all rooster fights. Rathnasamy yearns for one final shot at victory
      Once, KP goes ahead with a fight using his pet rooster in-spite of his master asking him to kill that rooster on an earlier occasion. His rooster totally dominates and wins thrice against drugged roosters. Karuppu wins a huge sum of money as a bet from Rathnasamy and he becomes a major hero in Madurai.
      Following this, the master becomes totally insecure, avoids Karuppu, starts hating Karuppu's new found name and fame and he starts playing foul with Karuppu's life. His ego starts playing big time.
      Pettaiakaran hides KP's prize money, indirectly leads to KP's mother's death, instigates Durai against KP, fights with his wife Meena over KP and also tries to separate Irene from KP.
      Finally KP comes to know of his master's real intentions. He feels so broken and sorry for his master's pitiable frame of mind. Pettaikaran kills himself in shame after coming to know of how highly KP thinks of him. KP then leaves Madurai with Irene to start a new life away from all the hate and blood.

                                                                     
Hits

• Vetrimaran's meticulous research on the subject matter and his honesty in admitting his inspirations in the end credits.
• Dhanush. Deserved the national award that he got. Absolutely expressive, energetic and likable. Be it ecstasy, agony or anguish. Dhanush is effortless. 
• GV Prakash. Both the songs and the BG score add value. All the songs in particular are cult classics and well picturized too.  
• Tapsee is cute and decent as Irene. A fine debut.
• Jayabalan as Pettaikaran, Kishore as Durai, the guy who comes as Rathnasamy, the lady who comes as Meena and the guy who comes as Karuppu's loyal friend are all A rate. Very natural portrayals from all the other support characters too. They bring in the required intensity and believability to the role and involve us. 
• The rooster fight sequences are as thrilling as real fights. Great work by the VFX team. The interval block is terrific cinema. 

VERDICT

A milestone in Tamil cinema when it comes to the number of National awards it has got. A two part movie which is very sporty in the first half and becomes an emotional roller-coaster in the second. 

Pudhupettai (2006)

Whats it about:
This movie tracks the life of a gangster Kokki Kumar. How he gets into it, how he slowly picks up the tricks of the trade, how he becomes big, how he gets consumed by his greed and lust for power and how he settles in life finally.
     Kumar leaves home fearing for his life after his mom gets killed by his dad. He accidentally gets mixed up with Anbu's gang. He gets into the drug business initially and slowly becomes a dreaded gangster thanks to his expertise with the sword. He kills Murthy's (another big gangster) brother. He goes to the extent of even killing his father for his mother's sake.
     He has an affair going on with Veni, a prostitute. At the same time he also marries Selvi, his friend's sister in a bizarre wedding. Later he marries Veni too learning about her pregnancy.
    He isn't able to control his urge for power and he kills Anbu and heads the gang in no time. He works for Thamizhselvan, a politician. He helps Thamizhselvan many times and but he is refused an MLA seat. His reaction at this, irks and pisses off many.
   He loses Veni and escapes with his baby. He drops off the baby safely and returns to finish off all his remaining enemies and just when we believe he is about to be hung, he is taken away by the ruling party and he joins the party as a replacement for the very same Murthy that he killed.

                                                                   
Hits

• YUVAN. One of his all time best scores. His BGM is scintillating, mesmerizing and suits the mood of the film perfectly. It enhances the movie. That too, the title credits score is something out of the world. And the songs are all cult classics. No need to elaborate more on these songs :)
• Dhanush scores big time too. Initially as the afraid young kid and later as the ruthless and lusting gangster. All expressions are so easy for this national award winning actor. 
• Sneha as the helpless prostitute gets our sympathies. 
• All the other characters coming as gangsters also look and play the part. 
• The action scene with the sword in the first half is classy. But the same sword fight in the climax becomes too unbelievable. 
• The scenes showing how Kumar gets into the gangster world are so full of impact. 
• The final sequence showing Kumar becoming a politician is a nice spoofy take. 

Misses

• Kumar's transition to a feared gangster becomes too soon and abrupt. 
• Some of Kumar's greed and lust doesn't gel with the movie. His marriage with Selvi is one such ridiculous sequence. 
• Dhanush's pencil thin frame doesn't make him look like a gangster though he more than makes up for it with his perfect lingo, body language and expressions. 

VERDICT

With some more fine tuning, this Selvaraghavan film could have become an unanimous favorite.  

Mappillai (2011)

Whats it about
This is the remake of a Rajinikanth film of the same name that released 21 yrs back. But, the execution is very much old fashioned. Just a new cast but, the same old cliches galore.
      A dumb bombshell falls for a loafer like youngster who acts like a very pious and good hearted man. But he actually was a terror and sort of a rowdy figure in his home town. His parents had sent him to Chennai to lead a reformed life. The dumb heroine's mother is a very proud multi millionaire who looks down upon everyone else and thinks that she is the best in the world. She wants a meek son in law. Our hero marries the heroine due to his initial meek nature and settles in the girl's house itself as a jobless husband.
      He then plans to teach his boasting mother-in-law a lesson through his brain and brawn. He starts revealing his true colors. He marries off his sister to his brother-in-law through some funny schemings and finally saves his mother-in-law and wife from the bad guys too. 'MAPPILLAI' proves his worth to his 'athai' in the end after some silly comedy.
      Amidst all this we have the comedian and his side kicks, the heroine's side kicks, the hero's good natured parents, some villains etc etc. YAAAAWN!!!

                                                                    

Hits

• Vivek's act as JP is really laughable. But, He entertains and annoys in equal measure as Chinna, the Namitha fan. Funny accent indeed for both the characters. 
• Dhanush with his usual style satisfies his fans. 
• The "Ennoda Raasi Nalla Raasi" remix offers some solace amidst the bore

Misses

• Pathetic acting from both Manisha Koirala and Hansika Motwani. Just some chubby cherubic looks. Nothing else
• Terrible boredom during some of the comedy scenes. 
• Dhanush as a terrifying rowdy like figure, is definitely unbelievable. 

VERDICT

When Tamil cinema is looking to cross boundaries with some new subjects and innovative screenplays, comes this film that is a throwback to at-least a few decades back. Nothing new in this film. Why do big shots of the industry continue to associate themselves with such plain mediocre subjects?. After 'Endhiran' and 'Aadukalam', Sun Pictures have gone back to their 'Sura', 'Thee' days ... AVOIDABLE FARE. DESERVES TO FLOP BIG TIME ...