Rowdy Rathore review

2.5 / 5

Following the massive success of Housefull 2, Akshay Kumar is back in action with Rowdy Rathore, the remake of Vikramarkudu which was also made as Siruthai in Tamil. The trailers met with good response from the general masses. Whether this film directed by Prabhudheva (yes that is how he spells it now) and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali in association with UTV, does provide the expected entertainment quotient? Read on to find out.

Shiva (Akshay) is a petty thief who is an expert conman along with his partner in crime, 2G. He makes a lot of money out of this and also succeeds in bowling a girl over (Sonakshi as Paro) with his dubious charm and antics. But after the entry of a little girl (Chinki) into his life who calls him as her father, things turn upside down for Shiva. Certain people are behind his life while certain people swear by his side. The reason for this is Vikram Rathore, a perfect lookalike and a daredevil, proud and larger than life cop.

We come to know of Vikram’s unfinished business in a village called Devgarh which is tormented by three goons, Baapji, Munna and Titla. How Shiva gets involved in finishing the job started by Vikram is the remaining part of Rowdy Rathore.

There is no point in comparing this movie with the original as it is more or less a faithful remake. The essence of the original is not lost though as comedy, action, sentiment and masala are there in correct doses.

Akshay Kumar is in home territory as funny antics, punch dialogs, clumsy body language, atrocious dressing sense etc. are so easy for him. He pulls it off convincingly though a proper mustache would have helped his looks much more than the artificial mustache. Sonakshi Sinha dresses properly as the mandatory eye-candy in a commercial movie though the scenes involving her waist give us doubts whether they are graphically enhanced. The villains are all loud, inclusive of the seasoned Nassar as Baapji.

Among the songs, ‘Chinta Ta’ is a universally likeable number with special appearances for Vijay, Kareena and Prabhudheva himself. They are all ‘blink you miss’ type cameos. The other songs will appeal to the masses though placement of these numbers has been done randomly. Costumes for the songs are pretty crude and could have been toned down. Action choreography by Arasu Kumar has the necessary punch what with Akshay’s proven prowess at martial arts.

The mother sentiment element in the movie might be laughable for the youth but, will appeal in the heartland of the country.  Ultimately, this is a movie that will give critics a lot of fodder to pan the fact that this is a mindless commercial movie. But, this is escapist cinema and it is meant to be enjoyed. Just switch off your analytical mind and you will find yourself clapping and whistling happily at many points in the movie

To conclude, Rowdy Rathore in all probability will join the list of blockbusters (Bodyguard, Ready, Singham, Wanted) remade from Southern super hits. This will also give that much needed solo hit for Akshay Kumar who has generally been riding on multi-starrer comedies for the past few years. This being another cop movie based on the South, after Singham, Force and Wanted is another coincidence.

VERDICT: Proper masala fest guaranteed to please the average movie goer

Pokkiri (2007)

The remake of the blockbuster Telugu movie of the same name. This movie did the same roaring business in Tamil as well and was a major break for Vijay.

It is about an undercover cop who singlehandedly wipes out goons from the face of the city. He enters the goons' own den, moves among them, becomes a dreaded goon himself and shows his real face towards the end much to the shock of everyone concerned.

The movie is a perfect masala entertainer with all the elements that go into making a perfect combination. Amazing over-the-top stunt choreography, peppy foot-tapping songs, a ravishing and youthful Asin, an extremely versatile Prakash Raj, a silly but laugh-worthy comedy track by Vadivelu, an earnest Napoleon and last but not the least an extremely agile and fit Vijay. He rocks in the fights and makes them believable with his rage and aggression. His police makeover was a big joke due to his unkempt looks and slim frame. But, he is THE single biggest trump card of the movie.

The love scenes between the lead pair are another highlight of the movie. Nirav Shah's camerawork rocks in the stunts. The pre-interval stunt, the stunt in the train, the stunt in the dark room with blinking lights and the climax fight are all amazing thanks to Nirav and stunt master FEFSI Vijayan

VERDICT: Watchable anytime for some super-fast action entertainment. A commercial milestone in Tamil cinema 

Dhoni movie review

Based on the Marathi film Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho by Mahesh Manjrekar, Dhoni is another film that questions the state of the current education system where schools are obsessed with 100% result and students are burdened by teachers and parents alike

Subramaniam dreams of making his son Karthik an MBA graduate. Karthik idolizes Dhoni and is a star cricketer at school. He is poor at studies though.

Subbu is a widower with a girl child as well. He is a typical middle class man with a government job. He sells pickles to add to his income. He lives in a colony with his friends and loyalists strongly by his side.

Subbu doesn't understand his son until a small freak accident occurs and totally turns him upside down. Karthik is comatose and Subbu keeps hoping and trying to cure his son.

Subbu then experiences the follies of the education system firsthand and he decides to take on the system with the help of the media. It isn't smooth sailing as he keeps encountering obstacles. He braves them all and pulls off the mission of getting his son back in good health.

The film has heavy melodrama and the climax encounter with the CM is highly improbable. For a film that focuses on cricket, there are hardly few convincing cricket shots in the movie including the final triumphant moment of Karthik.

Prakash Raj is the pillar of the movie. He is involved all through the movie and it is his baby all the way. What a terrific and earnest actor. He has overacted in the heavy scenes though. Splendid, anyway. All the support characters are solid - the humane money lender, the friends, Nalini - the caring neighbor, the 2 kids, the office colleagues etc etc.

Ilayaraja's songs are serene and mellow you down. His BG score is A-rate as always. The pace of the movie is steady. Never peaks or drags. MSD will feel proud if he ever sees this movie. Such hero-worship :)

VERDICT: Another sincere film that takes on the education system. Prakash Raj, all the way.

Engeyum Kadhal (2011)

Prabhudeva's attempt at making a candyfloss romantic movie on the lines of Yash Raj Films' numerous such movies.

Kamal is a prolific businessman who comes to Paris every year for a month just to unwind and have a nice romantic time with the ladies. He doesn't believe in commitment and love. Kayavizhi is a Tamil girl who lives in Paris with her detective father. She falls for the charming Kamal, at first sight. She slowly draws Kamal towards her. In the end, Kamal also reciprocates and feels the same about Kayal. The lovers join as expected

Hits

• The look and feel of the film is so classy and glossy thanks to Paris, the costumes and the attractive lead pair. Nirav Shah has had a nice time capturing all the beauty around
• Hansika Motwani redefines bubbly, cute, charming, innocent, plump and pretty. Her dubbing voice is also very apt. She is expressive too. 
• Jayam Ravi, the handsome dude is best suited for such lover boy roles. 
• Harris Jeyaraj is the heart and soul of the film. Super duper hit songs colorfully picturized by Prabhudeva
• Crisp and not dragging for the most part

Comments

• Some hard to laugh moments provided by Raju Sundaram. Could have been avoided

VERDICT

Above average romantic musical. Definitely watchable