Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal movie review

On the surface it looks like a typical love story between a Chennai IT guy Ram and Charu. Ram is approached by many girls but, he refuses to budge saying he already has a girl friend in Bangalore. He goes over to Bangalore for the weekend to spend time with her. Ram and Charu start off their bonding after they work together for a software competition in Bangalore.

After some time, when the same Charu comes to the Chennai office as the boss from the USA, Ram doesn't respond to her as he has been doing, when he goes to his Bangalore home on weekends. Charu also finds his behavior very weird and formal.

We wonder if there are 2 Amala Pauls in the movie. But, she is one and the same. We find out later that there are psychological strands to this tale. Delusions, as they say. Obsessive love is also touched upon.

Ram's past chronicles a very deep bonding with his mother. These portions showing the extent to which the mother goes, to take care of her son and the Kangal Neeye song are very touching

Whether Ram and Charu unite in the end or not is told with lot of shifts in the narrative. The structure is really non-linear and even confusing at times.

Atharva really has a solid future. He looks charming, trendy and handsome. His stunts are terrific. Has very expressive eyes that show a myriad of emotions. Just needs to improve his body language and remove the Vishal effect from his persona. Amala Paul is a seductress with her eyes and calm face. Another major highlight of the movie. She is decent in emoting and her dubbing voice is apt. Anupana Kumar as the mother is A-Rate. Santhanam's comedy falls flat, sadly. Jayaprakash impresses yet again as the doctor who advises Charu about Ram.

G.V.Prakash's songs are neat and popular already. But, too many songs pop up at frequent intervals. They spoil the flow. His BGM bits are shamelessly plagiarized at places. Here he has used one famous theme from 'A Beautiful Mind'. Sad that this youngster resorts to such practices while doing the BG score.

The stunts stand out quite oddly, though they are very well done by Atharva. His obsessive love is brought out through the stunts. No compromise has been done in the production. The product is rich though over-the-top at times.

VERDICT: Interesting most of the way. But, the premise could have been handled with more focus. 

Marina movie review

Another children's movie by director Pandiraj. He has focused on the kids and other dwellers in Chennai's Marina beach. Most of the kids have the intention to go to school but they are forced to sell a variety of things on the beach for their living. We have horse riders, flute sellers, singers, dancers, retarded people, 'sundal' sellers and of course young lovers who make the beach their abode.

Ambikapathy is one such kid who stands out in the group with his friendly and cheerful demeanor at all times. There is a suspense behind one particular kid and this episode shows how the police force can be such low-lives.

The love scenes between Nathan and Swapnasundari are pretty entertaining. Lot of wisecracks and sarcastic wit. The movie is entertaining primarily because of these love scenes. The way he woos her, tries hard to maintain her and finally lets her go - humorous all the way. Jayaprakash has a majestic cameo emphasizing the need for educating children.

The songs sound good but have been picturized in a pretty basic manner. The BG score is neat. Good job by the newcomer Girish.

The documentary feel is dominant when the lives of the kids at the beach are shown in such vivid graphic detail. Scenes showing kids playing pretty elementary cricket are not meant for big screen viewing - they resemble some home video. The climax horse racing sequence is better though.

But all the characters in the beach make a mark. Each of them has a touching story behind their current state particularly the old man, the small dancing girl and her father. The expected tragic climax leading to the kids finally going to school for good, is predictable but makes you get involved with the movie.

VERDICT: Novel intentions but could have been more gripping. Nevertheless, a good movie.