Ezhamathe Varavu - Malayalam Movie Review

 Ezhamathe Varavu - Malayalam Movie Review

 Director, Lyrics, Music by     Hariharan
Producer Bhavani
Written by     M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Cinematography     S. Kumar
Editing by     Bavan Sreekumar
Studio     Gayathri Cinemas Enterprises
Release date(s)     September 15, 2013
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

 Cast

    Indrajith as Gopinath
    Bhavana as Bhanu
    Vineeth as Prasad
    Kavitha as Mala
    Vinu Mohan
    Suresh Krishna
    Mamukkoya
    Kanchana
    K T C Abdullah

 Story

Gopinath is a rich aristocratic estate owner, whose main pass time is Hunting. Bhanu is his wife who is longing for love and affection. Prasad is an archaeologist, and also Bhanu's college mate. Mala is a tribal girl who introduces Prasad to the forest.  The incidents that happens between these 4 as a Tiger begins to hunt the villagers forms the major plot of 7A.

I am nobody to judge legends like Hariharan or MT Vasudevan Nair, so conisder this not as a review, but just comments of a layman after watching the movie.

7A is the remake of 'Oridathoru Shathru' [Hariharan-MT-Sukumaran-Venu Nagavally] which in fact never got released. The film reportedly got tons of positive reviews back then when a preview show was conducted & the reason behind the title 'A creature coming very 7 years to kill/eat 7 girls', got me very excited about the movie, but unfortunately it was very much disappointing.

The film is lengthy, but it looks even lengthier thanks to the snail pace in which the film movies. Nothing much happens in the movie in most of its run time. The first half was better which sets up everything nicely for what could have been an exciting 2nd half with a brilliant climax. But the post intraval portions drags even more. could hear people murmuring and few even booing during the flash back portions.

Most of the characters seems under written. The script is very loose and drags in most of the part. MT is well known for his hard hitting dialogues, this time that too fails.The film is predictable in every corner. All the build up to the 'Tiger' and the myth of the creature fizzles in the end, by raising expectations through out the movie

The posters were full of Indrajith's face, but he gets an extended cameo/supporting type of role. Indrajith has given an honest performance, but his character is horribly underdeveloped. Viewer never really feels anything towards 'Gopalan'. Same is the case with ohter character in the movie.  Its Vineeth who is there through in the movie & his role is what he has been known for over the years, nothing exceptional, he had a cake walk. Bhavana's character was a bit confusing one, but she did try to give a good performance. Mammookoya, debutant Kavitha did their roles well.

Camera work was excellent, In fact the locales were so breath taking that it did half the job, but shooting like this in the forest in commendable. Songs are just speed breakers in an already dragging movie. Resul Pookutty once again gave his best in Sound department. Editing should have been a lot crispier, the movie deserved a run time of 2hrs or there abouts. 

Watch the film for some nice visuals, a film with out mass/crass elements and because its a film by the 2 legends.

Rating: 2.25/5

Verdict: Average

Last Word: Disappointed !!!

North 24 Kaatham - Malayalam Movie Review

 

North 24 Kaatham - Malayalam Movie Review

 

 Writer, Director: Anil Radhakrishnan Menon
Produced by: E 4 Eentertainment
DOP: Jayesh Nair
Music: GovindMenon
Editor: Dilip Dennies
Costumes: Sameera Saneesh
Make up: Ranjith Ambadi

CAST

    Fahadh Faasil as Harikrishnan
    Swati Reddy as Narayani
    Nedumudi Venu as Gopalan

  Premgi Amaren as Vyomkesh [Cameo]

Chemban Vinod
    Sreenath Bhasi
    Srinda Ashab
    Prigi Abigail Benger
    Deepak Nathan
 

 Story

 'North 24 Katham' [1 katham = 16 KMs] narrates the story of a journey by 3 strangers [Harikrishnan (Fahad Fazil), Gopalan (Nedumudi Venu), and Narayani (Swati Reddy)] through the heartlands of Kerala, on a 'Harthal' day & the incidents that takes place on course. Harikrishnan is an IT professional. Gopalan is a yesteryear Marxist & Narayani a social worker.
It also the journey of Hari in which he breaks the shell which he himself created around him and finally gets a feel of the life & word out there.

People of Kerala celebrates Harthal,Strike,Bandh etc like festivals & Holidays. Roads will be empty, shops will be shut and most remain in their home. Those who can't avoid traveling in such days will have to go through Hell before reaching destination. The film also throws light into the condition, but in a lighthearted manner.

The story line is similar to Steve Martin starrer Planes, Trains & Automobiles, which film like Anbe sivam, Due Date have also used. But the Director who is also the writer have adapted the screenplay according to our conditions and discuss some socially relevant issues.

N24K is a nice, slow, breezy entertainer which begins as a typical New-Gen film, but later changes its track. The main highlight of the film is the performances of the lead cast. Nedumudi Menu was excellent as Gopalettan, especially in the climax portions. Fahadh Faasil once again has given a superlative performance as the OCD IT professional. Swati Reddy also was good. All the supporting cast were very efficient. Premgi Amaren who comes in a cameo, with his typical punchline, wins claps. Liked the title card which very much explains the entire film in photo cards.

The film is slow for the liking of Masses. Its not everyone's cup of tea. Those who prefers crass/mass formula films may stay away from this. Even though it runs just over 2hours, it drags here and there. There is no spoon feeding in n24k which might leave viewers with some unanswered questions once the film get over, even I would have preferred some sort of clarifications on some points. Also the pre-climax portions seemed bit far stretched.

Direction was very good, a confident debut by Anil. Camera work was excellent, captured the heart of Kerala with al its grandeur. Music & BG were very good too. Editing could have been a bit sharper.

SO all in all, its a different entertainer that may not be of every body's liking. As far I am concerned, I liked it, think you should check it out too.

Verdict - Good

Rating 3.25/5

Last Word - Its Different !!!

Sringaravelan - Malayalam Movie Review

 Sringaravelan - Malayalam Movie Review

 

 Directed By : Jos Thomaas

Produced by Jaison Elamgulam

Script By : Udayakrishna- Sibi K Thomas

Music by: Berny Ignatious, Nadirsha

Lyrics by  Rafeeq Ahmed

Cinematographer Shaji

Banner: RJ Creations

Distributed by Manjunatha & RJ Release [Kerala]

 Cast

 Dileep - Kannan

Vedhika - Radha

Lal - Yesu

Shammi Thilakan - Ookkan Tintu

Babu Nambootiri  - Ayyappanasan

Shajon

Baburaj

Joy Mathew

Chembil Asokan

Sreedevi Unni

Story

Sringaravelan tells the story of Kannan, whose sole ambition in life is to make some quick bucks. His father, Ayyappanasan who is a weaver by profession wants his son to excel in the field of clothes & fashion. Rada is Kannan's love interest and Yesu, his partner in crime. What all troubles these various characters get into and how they solve all of them in the end forms the rest of the story.

Any Dileep movie is associated with lots of expectations, same was the case with Sringaravelan. Especially when coming from the team that gave you Malayalam cinemas 2nd biggest hit ever, Dileep - Jose Thomas - Sibi  Thomas - Baburaj.. But the film kind of failed to meet that expectations.

The biggest problem with the movie is its length. The film runs close to 3hours and is lower in humor content compared to previous Dileep hits. Dileep-Lal-Shajon trio raises laughter whenever they appear on screen, like the scene in which Lal enters as an Astrologer, which brings the house down. But that doesn't happen in the entire movie. SV turns into a romantic-drama track once the heroine is introduced. The romantic track didn't work out well like in Bodyguard or many other films. It should have been better had the writers sticked on more to the comedy genre. The tagline says 'Romantic fighter', but there is only one action block in the movie which only comes in the climax. Like most Dileep mass entertainers, this one too have lots of double meaning dialogues.

Despite these flaws the film is neither a disappointment or it makes you cringe on your seats. It is a very much watchable entertainer, especially in this festive mood. Dileep's target audience, Ladies & Kids, who have received even craps with open arms before will sure lap up this one too.

Dileep have once again given a good clean performance, but his contribution to humor is fewer this time. Lal has given a complete knock-out performance, wish his character was lengthier, it could have taken the movie to greater heights. Shajon who had a great chemistry with Dileep, bit of disappoints this time, Suraj would have been a better option. Vedhika has given avery good performance, getting the emotions and lip sync right. She has a significant role too, comparing the roles heroines gets in usual mass films. Only -ve was her nake up, felt was bit over the top, could have looked prettier even without make up, like she proved in Paradesi.

Directionm camera were good. Songs are complete disappointment, not even a single hummable track. BG was okay, felt bit loud at times. Editing could have been crispier, needs a trimming of 10-15mins. 

Sringaravelan is a typical festival entertainer aimed at masses. Don't go with huge expectations (like I did) and chances are that you might enjoy this ride, the crowd response shows that.

Verdict: Above average

Rating: 2.75/5

Box Office: Should be a HIT

Last word: TIME PASS 'Dileeptainer'

Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus - Malayalam Movie Review

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Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus - Malayalam Movie Review

Directed by     Marthandan
Produced by     Faisal Alleppy
Screenplay by     Benny P Nayarambalam
Studio     Achappu Movie Magic
Release date(s)   September 16, 2013
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

    Mammootty as Cleetus
    Honey Rose
    Aju Varghese
    Rejith Menon
    Sanam Shetty
    Siddique
    Suraj Venjaramoodu
    Thesni Khan
    Smitha Samuel
    Mini Arun

Story

Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus tells the story of  a 'Cleetus' goonda, who accidently gets selected to play the role of 'Jesus Christ' in a light and sound show to be played during festivities. What happens to 'Cleetus' and those surrounding him when the events in the life os 'Jesus' starts repeating in life of 'Cleetus' too.

DSC is directed by Debutant G.Marthandan who has 17 years of experience working as AD for various directors. The movie is produced by Faizal Lathif, a member of  All Kerala Mammootty Fans Association.

The film which was promoted as Comedy-Mass entertainer fails to justify both genres. The first half is intersting thanks to the unique characterization of Mammootty, something similar to the role in 'Kanalkattu'. But once the initial excitement is offer the film offers nothing much, even for the fans.absolutely nothing much happens in the second half. Whatever little suspense the writer created in the first half fizzles in the later half. The climax also is a big let down.

 The film is named after the hero, but the character gets lost among the supporting cast often. Mammooty has scored in what ever opportunity that was presented to him by Benny. The job of the supporting cast is to provide comic relief, which they succeed to a small extent. All of them have done a good job. New comer Sanam Shetty has made a confident debut with almost perfect lip sync.

Direction was average at its best. Most of the 'attempted' comedy scenes fell flat thanks to the director (like first scene, Siddique's intro etc). Script fails considering the genre or rather publicized genre of the movie. Many of the Dialogues were mediocre too. The locales were very beautiful making the job of the Cinematographer simple, nothing exceptional unless to talk about. Songs are just average at its best. Editing is crisp and thanks to the editor for keeping the length under (or about) 2hr15mins. Background score was loud and bad.

The film is by no means boring. Considering the lack of any expectations, is not disappointing either. You can watch if there's nothing else to do. Fans can watch it for the different 'attempt' by Mammootty.

Overall its average at its best.

Verdict: Average

Rating : A generous 2.5/5

Box Office: Average

Grand Masti Rated 'A' by CBFC - Exclusive Censor Certificate

'Grand Masti' is the sequel to the 2004 Adult-Comedy Hit 'Masti' . The film has been Rated 'A' by CBFC with few cuts

Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC), India - Censor Certificate

Update: The Punjab and Haryana High Court today (10/09/13) stayed the release of ‘Grand Masti‘ in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on a plea alleging it has vulgar dialogues.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today stayed the release of Bollywood movie ‘Grand Masti‘ in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on a plea alleging it has vulgar dialogues.

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/hc-stays-grand-masti-release-in-punjab-haryana-chandigarh-1098719.html?utm_source=hp-footer

Akshay Kumar's Boss (2013) - Music Review - Paisa Vasoool !!!

 Boss is the most awaited Akshay Kumar film of the year. After 2 average films fans of Akshay Kumar are hoping big time that 'Boss' delivers some punch. The film is the remake of Malayalam blockbuster 'Pokkiri Raja'. The initial signs that the films throw at us are positive - The trailer has been very well received, the 2 song promos that has been released have become a rage among people. The entire album came out yesterday, on Akshay's birthday . Now let's see if the album has delivered it or not

Song: BOSS
Caller Tune : sms BSS1 to 54646
Singer: MEET BROS ANJJAN FEAT. YO YO HONEY SINGH
Music Director: MEET BROS ANJJAN
Lyrics: KUMAAR

This is the title song, the first one to be released online. Even though it took a bit of time to grow on me, song was an instant hit with majority thanks to its catchy beat and funky lyrics. The choreography in the video was unique and interesting too. The music, especially the main punch note, is inspired from 'Candy Shop' by '50 Cents'. But it doesn't feel like a complete rip off - kudos to the composers. A perfect song for the mass and class audience.

3.75/5

Song: PARTY ALL NIGHT
Caller Tune : sms BSS11 to 54646
Singer: YO YO HONEY SINGH
Music: YO YO HONEY SINGH
Lyrics: SAHIL KAUSHAL (LILL GOLLU)

This was the second song promo to be released online. Unlike 'Boss' this one caught one the very first instant I heard it and has been playing it ever since. After 'Lungi Dance' another (solo) hit for Yo Yo Honey Singh. The song is a ultimate party number, and is for sure gonna blast the speakers of all music party's across the country. The song do sounds like a faster rappper version of 'Suno Gaour Se Duniya Walo'. But again its the unique Yo-Yo element that makes the song stand out

4/5

Song: HUM NA TODE
Caller Tune : sms BSS5 to 54646
Singer: VISHAL DADLANI
Music Director: P.A. DEEPAK
Lyrics: KUMAAR

Ever since I heard the news that Akshay Kumar has bought the rights for the song 'Appadi Podu' from Gilli [Tamil]  have been waiting to hear the Hindi version of it. Well, 'Hum Na Thode' is that song and eventhough it doesn't quite match to the original is a good one. They have not ruined the song. After 2 songs with 'western' flavour, this one is a pucca desi mass masala number. Vishal Dadlan's voice is a huge plus for the song. Once the video is out, this one also for sure is gonna be a chart buster. Hope that they have given credits to the original composer, Vidyasagar.

3.25/5

Song: PITAH SE HAI NAAM TERA
Caller Tune : sms BSS8 to 54646
Singer: SONU NIGAM, MEET BROS ANJJAN, ALAPS: SANJAY MISRA
Music Director: MEET BROS ANJJAN
Lyrics: KUMAAR

The first melody in the album. A soulful song in the heavenly voice of Sonu Nigam.Loved the song very much. Feels like a song in flashback, may be showing the relations between the brothers and their father. 

3.5/5

Song: HAR KISI KO
Caller Tune : sms BSS19 to 54646
Singer: ARIJEET SINGH, NEETI MOHAN
Music Director: CHIRANTAN BHATT
Lyrics: MANOJ YADAV

The only romantic melody in the film, picturized on Shiv & Aditi. again a nice melody. But noting exceptional or out of the box here, but feels nice to listen.

2.75/5

Song: BOSS ENTRY THEME
Caller Tune : sms BSS17 to 54646
Singer: MEET BROS ANJJAN, SONU KAKKAR, KHUSHBOO GREWAL
Music Director: MEET BROS ANJJAN
Lyrics: KUMAAR

Since its an entry music the song has got more 'instruments' than 'vocals'. Not a pulsating of heart thumping one. The only average song in the entire album.

2.5/5

 There is one additional track called 'Ganapathi Bappa Morya' in the album which is just a 'Ganesh' special version of 'Boss title song' on account of 'Ganesh Chaturthi' - 3.5/5

'Boss' is a full time mass masala paisa vasool album. Don't just go by the ratings, its a must buy. The more you hear the songs I am sure even the average songs are gona grow on you. 'Boss' is undoubtedly the best Hindi film Music album of the year after 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'.  

So with music alsodelivering big time, the film is destined to take the Box Office by storm, come October 16th

Final Rating :- 3.75/5

Verdict: - Paisa Vasool !!!

NB: I an no expert in Music. All the comments are just from a layman's, an ardent lover of Indian filmi music, point of view.

contact the reviewer here: https://twitter.com/BreakingViews4u

Full Songs Jukebox 

Kochadaiiyaan - Exclusive First Look Teaser Trailer, Posters & Stills

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Teaser Trailer