Bangalore Days - All Songs Copied ??

 Bangalore Days - All Songs Copied ??

Is what the Facebook page  'Cut Copy Paste' is asking the viewers. The video edited and uploaded by the group brings 3 of the songs from the movie and the much appreciated climax BG under the spotlight. Gopi Sunder songs have always been accused of being inspired from other versions and the video also has his explanation to why he do that, sometimes on purpose... !!! Social Media activists have given him the nickname Copy Sunder, but copied or not his songs and BG have worked most of the times. 




Check the video here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=682699545137077

The longer version of climax BG and its original can be found in youtube.

Bangalore Days - Malayalam Movie Review

 Bangalore Days - Malayalam Movie Review

Crew

Directed by     Anjali Menon
Produced by     Anwar Rasheed, Sophia Paul
Written by     Anjali Menon
Music by     Gopi Sunder
Cinematography     Sameer Thahir
Editing by     Praveen Prabhakar
Studio     Anwar Rasheed Entertainment. Weekend Blockbusters
Distributed by     A & A Release through August Cinemas
Release dates   May 30, 2014
Running time     171 Minutes
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

    Dulquer Salmaan as Arjun aka Aju
    Parvathi as RJ Sarah
    Fahadh Faasil as Das
    Nazriya Nazim as Divya Prakash
    Nivin Pauly as Kuttan
    Isha Talwar as Meenakshi
    Nithya Menen as Natasha
    Vijayaraghavan
    Maniyanpilla Raju
    Sajid Yahiya
    Kalpana
    Praveena
    Prathap Pothen
    Vinaya Prasad

One of the biggest multi starrer to release in Mollywood since 'T 20' the BAAP of all Multi starrers. Usthad Hotel team [Anjali Menon, Anwar Rasheed, Dulquer, Gopi Sunder, Nithya] reuniting after 2 years, there were plenty to look forward to 'Bangalore Days'. The trailer, song, posters also increased the expectations.

The basic plot of 'BD' deals with 3 characters, Arjun, Kuttan, Divya, who are not only cousins but thickest of friends. Even though their families have issues and egos between them these 3 gel like anything & were inseparable. In the course of time, like Most of the Malayali youth now a days, the 3 end up in the land of techies, Bangalore, even though for different purposes. Certain characters like Das, Meeenakshi, Sarah enters the lives of these 3. How all these change their character, friendship, attitude toward life etc forms the rest of the story.

'Bangalore Days' is not your typical candy floss youthful romantic film, it deals with complex relations, emotions as well. but if you are expecting a 'Manjadikkuru' or an 'Usthad Hotel' you might be disappointed. The film doesn't have memorable dialogues & the heartwarming scenes are few and far in between. The film in the beginning felt like to feed on the nostalgia of youth, deviates from that path few reels later. The main issue with the film is that its too lengthy and the pace is horribly uneven especially in the second half. Had the length been on the shorter side the emotional sequences, even though few in number, would have had greater impact. The climax was predictable. There are also in brand promotions, few of them prove to be distractions, while few have been used efficiently. Youth might be able to connect more with the film (or those who have gone through such a phase) than others.

Even though made to look like for comic relief its Nivin Pauly's characters and story that makes the film engaging and provides clap/whistle worthy moments and he has done a Good job in that too. What could have been a usual role for Dulquer gets saved with the introduction of Sarah and the story provides few touching moments too and their relationship has been etched out beautifully. Parvathi has done a great job and Dulquer hasn't disappointed either. Fahadh gets scope to perform in the later half, which he does brilliantly. In the initial half he is just confined to look a 'Uninterested husband' and he successfully manages to irritate viewers too. Nazriya too has done a good job a bubbly girl in her early 20s forced to get married and entering the serious business of 'house making'. Nithya in a cameo and Isha in an extended cameo appearances were Okay.

Direction of Anjali Menon was okay Script couldn't meet the promises or expectations her other two films created. Dialogues were good. Cinematography was outstanding. Songs except the wedding song act as speed breakers. There were much expectations from Gopi Sunder's Background score, much more than the songs, due to which it feels tad disappointing. Film should have been shorter by at least 20mins for better box office prospects. But if you have greater patience and come with out expecting a candy floss, through out entertainer or the baggage's of Anjali's previous attempts you might find the time invested worth.

So in all even though it doesn't quite match up to the expectations it created, Bangalore Days is definitely a decent watch, for the performances and some nice touching moments and visual splendor.

Verdict: A Generous, Good

Rating; 3/5

Last Word: Have a feeling that film might appeal more on the 2nd watch

Bangalore Days - All India Theaters List

Ulsaha Committee - Malayalam Movie Review - Jayaram, Isha Talwar

Cast

 Cast: Jayaram (Apoorvan), Sheela (Rossamma), Baburaj (Chopra) , Kalabhavan Shajon (Babumon), Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinaya Prasad, Lakshmipriya, Shaju, Kochupreman, Sunil Sugatha, Joy Mathew, Kalinga Sasi, Nelson

Crew

Director: Akku Akbar
Producer: Arun Ghosh & Binoy Chandran
Production House: Chand VCreations
Music: Bijibal
Lyrics: Rafeeq Ahmed, Jophi Tharakan, Engadyoor Chandrashekaran
Cinematography: Anil Nair
Editing: Lijo Paul
Art Direction: Nandan Mannoor
Story/Writer: Shyju Anthikad
Costume Design: Kumar Edapal

 Apoorvan is the self proclaimed scientist of Mantharakadavu Village, who is pretty much interested in inventing various things. Babumon, his financial support and Chopra, his henchman, are his close buddies. Even though many of the inventions are useful for the villagers, the three when join together create mess that than anything. So one day the villagers are forced to kick them out of the village. The 3 thus end up in Rosamma's house, who is a millionaire. What happens next forms the rest of the story.

Akku Akbar with Jayaram has given 2 family hits in the past, the Producers gave the 2nd biggest hit of last year too. But when they united for a mad comic caper, the resultant product is an utter failure.

The film not only lacks a credible story line is a disaster in the scripting department too. There are only few good one liners  in the entire movie, every thing else falls flat. The acting too is over the top here. Jayaram has tried Palakkadan slang in the movie, which is not patch to Biju Menon in 'Ordinary'. Baburaj, Suraj often goes to 'Unsahikkable' levels. Isha Talwar had nothing much to do and her acting/lip sync hasn't improved much from her 'Thattam' days.

Director had no clue about the proceeding and did a below average job. Cinematography was Good. Music was disappointing while Background score was interesting at parts. Editing was okay. 

In all, Ulsaha Comitte, is a crassier crass comedy that you might wanna check out when its premiered on TV

Rating: 1.5/5

Verdict: Escape.....

Last Word: This committee will rip apart your 'Ulsaham' and burn it on the floor....

"Saheba Subrahmanyam" 1st Look Poster & Teaser Trailer - Thattathin Marayathu Telugu remake

"Saheba Subrahmanyam" 1st Look Poster & Teaser Trailer - Thattathin Marayathu Telugu remake

Bangalore Days First Look Posters - Dulquer Salmaan, Fahad Faasil, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya, Nithya, Isha, Parvathy, Anjali

Bangalore Days First Look Poster

Direction & Script:Anjali Menon
Cinematography: Sameer Thahir
Produced by: Anwar Rasheed

Cast:

Dulquer Salmaan
Fahad Faasil
Nivin Pauly
Nazriya Nazim, Nithiya Menon,
Parvathy Menon & Isha Talwar

 Click on images to view them in full size
 

 

Thattathin Marayathu Telugu Remake - Exclusive Details

Blockbuster Malayalam hit of 2012 'Thattathin Marayathu' gets a Telugu remake. The film will be directed by Sasikiran, daughter of famous Telugu actor MS Narayana. New face Dileep and Parul will play the lead role made memorable by Nivin Pauly & Isha Talwar in the original. Shaan Rahman who composed music for the original will be working in the remake as well. As per Music Director's update recording of the songs of Thattathin Marayathu Telugu is almost over. Hemachandra, Chaitra and Rakendu Mouli along with singing  also wrote the lyrics for the songs. Sachin Warrier and Remya Nambeesan will be singing "Muddu muddu" which is the Telugu version of hit track 'Muthuchuppi'.Filming will begin shortly and the film will hit the screens soon.


'Thattathin Marayathu' was a Rom-Com which told the love story of a Hindu/Nair Boy and a Muslim Girl.

Balyakalasakhi - Malayalam Movie Review

Balyakalasakhi - Malayalam Movie Review

Crew

Directed by     Pramod Payyannur
Produced by     MB Muhsin, Sajeeb Hashim
Screenplay by     Pramod Payyannur
Based on     Balyakalasakhi by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
Music by     Bijibal
Cinematography     Hari Nair
Editing by     Manoj Kannoth
Studio     Red Cinema, Livinart Film Factory
Release dates   February 7, 2014 (Kerala)
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

    Mammootty - Majeed/Majeed's father
    Isha Talwar - Suhara
    Meena - Majeed’s mother
    Seema Biswas - Selvi
    Tanushree Ghosh
    Sunil Sukhada
    Sasi Kumar
    Mamukkoya
    Priyam Shaikh
    Kavita Nair
    Parambrata Chatterjee
    Shari
    KPAC Lalitha

 

 'Balyakalasakhi' is the big screen adaptation of  Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's classic novel of the same name. The story deals with the love and life of Majeed & Suhara, the main protagonists. Majeed & Suhara has been in love since they were kids. But economic and social disparities creates some issues in their lives which changes the course of their life entirely. How the characters lived their remaining lives in the beautiful memories of their past, despite a harsh present, forms the rest of the story.

Adapting a novel to big screen is never an easy task. Novelist can create any kind of situation, all they need is the reader's imagination. But movies have limitations, especially in a small industry like Malayalam. Plus there is the constraint of 'run length' too. So considering all those aspects one can say that BKS is a faithful adaptation of the book, in the best possible way that they could. 

Those who have read the novel might feel something missing as it has been made in the constraints mentioned above. Even though censor certificate shows 121min the theatrical version is just around 100mins [May be the festival version gives a better perspective of the novel]. 

BKS is not every body's cup of tea. It is aimed ad festivals and award circuits. The film doesn't have any commercial elements and nothing that excites the common/mass audience. IT lacks pace and is dragging here and there, but the run length is on shorter side, which is a plus. The Kolkata sequences came out really good. The period feel has been maintained very well through out.

Mammooty, who is playing Majeed and his father, has got one of his best role(s) since 'Paleri Manickyam' and he as always has come out with flying colors, but doubt if it can be called award worthy [But Never say never as far as awards are concerned !]. Except few weird wigs everything was good about Mammoty's portrayal of Majeed & his father. Isha Talwar was a bad choice for Suhara, even though she has improved from her previous films. Her chemistry with Mammootty was weird to say the least. Seema Biswas was too good. Rest of the cast were good too. 

Pramod Payyanur's debut directorial venture is something he can be proud of, even though there is a 'drama' hang over in many of the scenes.The idea to shoot in Kolkata was an artistic master stroke. Cinematography is outstanding. Songs are beautiful and BG is good. Kudos to art/costume department. Editing looks jarred, as many scenes ends abruptly, may be due to the cuts made for 'theatrical version'.

Last year's 'Celluloid' released in the month of State/National awards, but looks like that will be delayed this time, so the benefit that the former got @ Box Office won't be there for BKS.

Recommending For lovers of the novel, for those who can enjoy the film that require some patience and those who doesn't consider oodles of commercial elements only make a good film.

If you support attempts like this now film makers will be encouraged to think beyond Box Office &  we will get better products in the future 

Rating: 3.25/5

Verdict: Good+

Last Word: Good Cinematic version of all time classic

Mega Multi Starrer Coming from 'Mollywood' helmed by Anjali Menon

Acclaimed Director/writer Anjali Menon's next could be the next big thing in Mollywood after 'T 20' due to its sheer star presence, and by that we just don't mean the actors. The untitled fun entertainer is all set to start rolling in the month of December

Banner - Anwar Rasheed Productions & Weekend Blockbusters

Writer / Director --> Anjali Menon

Producers - Anwar Rasheed & Sophia Paul

Cinematography - Samir Tahir

Music - Gopi Sundar

Cast --> Fahad Fazil, Nivin Pauly, Dulquer Salman, Nazriya Nazim, Nithiya Menon, Parvathy Menon & Isha Talwar.

Locations --> Ernakulam, Bangalore, Pondicherry, Chennai & Hyderabad

Distribution --> A & A [Anwar & Amal] Release via August Cinemas

Release Date -  May 2014