Akshay Kumar's Boss - Kerala release Paper AD with Theater list

18th International Film Festival of Kerala 2013 - Complete List of Films Selected

 The 18th International Film Festival of Kerala is scheduled to be held from December eh to 13th at Thiruvananthapuram. The festival is organized by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on behalf of Cultural Affairs Department, Govt. of Kerala. The list of films in the Competition, Indian Cinema Nov and Malayalam Cinema Today sections has been finalized. Festival will have 10 International Films, two Malayalam and two other language Indian Films in its prestigious Competition section.

 The details of the films are as follows:

International Competition Section: 

1. 101 Questions/101 Chodyangal [Dir: Sidhartha Siva / Malayalam / 106 min / 2012]

2. Arbani [Dir: Adi Adwan / lsrael / 84min/ 2013]

3. Capturing Dad/Chilli o tori ni [Dir: Ryota Nakano/Japan/74min.2012]

4. Club Sandwich [Dir Fernando Eimbeke/Mexico/82min/2013]

5. Const ructors/St roiteli [Dir: Aciilklian Yerzhanovi/ Kazakhstan/71 min/ 2013]

6. Errata [Dir: Ivan Vescovo /Argentina/76min/2012]

7. Inercia [Dir: Isabel Muitioz/Mexico/70min/2013]

8. Jonathas' Forest [Dir: Srgio Anclrade/Brazil/99min/2012]

9. Meghe Dhaka Tara [Dir: Kamalcswar Mukherjee/Bengali/152min/2013]

10. Parviz [Dir: Majid Barzegarilran/107min/2012]

11. So be it/Astu [Dir: Surnitra Bliave& Sunil Suktliankari/ Marathi/123min/ 2013]

12. Taj Mahal [Dir: Danesh Fighba Shavi / lran / 82min]

13. The Battle of Tabato [Dir: Joao Viana/ Guinea-Bissau / Portugal /83min]

14. The Master of the Play/Kaliyachan [Dir.Farook Abdul Rahiman/Malayalam/100min/2012]

.

Indian Cinema Now: 

1. Accident [Dir: Nandita Roy & Shiboprosad Mukherjee/Bengali/128min/2013]

2. Crossing Bridges [Dir: Sarme Dorjee Thongdolc / Sherdukpen/102min/2013]

3. Liar's Dice [Dir Geethu Mohandas/ Hindi / 101min/2013]

4. Lucia [Dir: Pawan Kumar/Kannada/ 136 min/2013]

5. OASS- The Dew Drop [Dir: Abhinav Shiv Tiwari / Hindi / 105min/2013]

6. Soodhu Kavvum [Dir. Nalan Kinnarasamy/Tamil / 133min/2013]

 7. The Coffin Maker [Dir: Veena Bakshi/English/l16min/2013]

Malayalam Cinema Today

 1. 5 Sundarikal [Dir: Shyju Khalid, Sameer Thahir, Ashiq Abu, Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed]

2. Annayum Rasoolum [Dir: Rajeev Ravi]

3. Celluloid [Dir: Kamal]

4. CR NO: 89 [Dir: Sudevan P.P. ]

5. English [Dir: Shyamaprasad]

6. Kanyaka Talkies/ Virgin Talkies [Dir: K.R.Mano] 

7. Venal Odungathe/ The Endless Summer [Dir: Sanjeev Sivan]

The Committee consisting of Sri. A. Meera Sahib(Film Critic), Sri. K.K.Chandran(Filmmaker), Sri. C.S.Venkiteswaran (Film Critic), Sri. Albert Antony(Filmmaker) and Smt. Sulochana Ram Mohan (Writer and Poet) made the selection of International Films in Competition. 

The Committee for the selection of Malayalam Films in Competition and Malayalam Cinema Today sections include Sri. T.V.Chandran(Filmmaker), Prof. Chandramati (Author and Film Critic) and Sri. V.B.K. Menon(Producer).

 The Committee consisting of Sri. Renji Panicker (Filmmaker), Sri. Premchand (Writer), Sri. Jose Thomas (Filmmaker), Smt. Bhagyalakshmi (Dubbing Artist) selected the Indian films to be screened in Competition and Indian Cinema Now sections.

Idukki Gold - Malayalam Movie Review

 

Idukki Gold Malayalam Movie Review

Directed by Aashiq Abu 

Banner - Rajaputra Visual Media
Produced By M. Ranjith

Story by Santosh Echikkanam
Written By Syam Pushkaran , Dileesh Nair
DOP Shyju Khalid
Music Bijibal
Editor V Saajan
Costumes Sameera Saneesh
Production Controller Benny Kattappana
Distributed by Rajaputhra & Kaleeshwary
 

Cast

Prathap Pothen as Michael
Raveendran as Ravi
Babu Antony as Antony
Maniyanpilla Raju as Madan
Vijayaraghavan as Raman
Lal
Joy Mathew
Sajitha Madathil

The script of Idukki Gold is based on a short story written by Santosh Echikkanam under the same name. 'Idukki Gold' is the local name of 'Marijuana'. The main story is also set in Idukki

'Idukki Gold' is the story of camaraderie, 5 Men who are in their Golden 50s decides to get together like they used to do in their teens. The Events that follows on their get away to 'Idukki' for a 'nostalgic reunion' is the main theme of 'Idukki Gold'. The story switches back & forth between certain events in the past & present.

The online of IG gives one great expectations, a trip down memory lanes for every one, especially middle agers. Plus the charm of veteran actors uniting, beautiful locales of Idukki, a hit director-writer(s) combo etc also increases the hope and hype surrounding the movie. But unfortunately the film fails to meet any of those standards (Except the beauty of 'Idukki').

The film instead of being a nostalgic trip, turns out a trip just to smoke weed, drink alcohol & get high.
The first half of the movie is actually pretty decent, even though bit slow, but in the 2nd half all hell break loose. The movie drags like anything and goes on for ever, the climax twist also fells flat, it was very much predictable, especially if you have taken notice the cast & posters of IG. In order to satisfy the so called 'New-Gen' fans many things have been forcefully added into the film.

The biggest plus in the movie is the kids that play the younger version of the gang in the flashback episodes - they are simply outstanding. All of them have given  knock-out performances. One can't blame for hoping if the film was just about these kids.

 The 'vetrans' are the other saving grace of the film, especially Raju & Raveendran. Scene in which Babu Antony leaves hospital bed, walking down the hallway to the BG [which is also featured in trailer]. Idukki has been captured by Shyju Khalid like never before, it looked breath taking. There is just one song in the film which has been composed, written and shot beautifully. The movie definitely needs some editing, especially in the second half. Background score was impressive.

Aashiq Abu has done a decent job directing the movie, with whatever material he had.

There might be few out there who could identify with the movie, for whom the film might be entertaining enough. I am certainly not one of them. The film is low in content even for the likings of the so called 'New Gen' movie goers, who has been the main target.

The controversy/intelligent marketing have helped the film to get a decent opening, once the holidays are over If the movie still survives in theaters it will be a miracle, but this short run will be more than enough for the producer to break even I guess.

Hereby recommending 'Idukki Gold' for my 'Ganga' brothers, & as for others, please stay away, or just watch the 1st half and leave the theater

Verdict - Disappointing

Rating - 2.25/5

Pattam Pole - Malayalam Movie Review

Directed by     Azhagappan
Produced by     Karunakaran
Written by     Girish Kumar
Music by     M. Jayachandran
Cinematography     Jomon T. John
Editing by     Raja , Mohammed
Studio     Carlton Films
Release date(s)     11th October 2013
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

Dulquer Salmaan as Karthik
Malavika Mohanan as Riya

Anoop Menon
Archana Kavi as Sherin
Jayaprakash as Ramanathan
Lalu Alex as Mathews
Ilavarasu
Seetha as Sussan Mathews
Nandu as Father Alex
Shraddha Gokul as Rita

'Pattam Pole' is a Rom-Com told in the beautiful backdrop of 'Aleppey'. But unlike most films PP begins with a break up and tells the story of romance after break up. Karthik born in a Tamil-Brahmin family Ria born in a Christian family decides to part their ways finding themselves incompatible. If &  how fate reunites the couple forms the rest o the story.

Eventhough the one line is unique to Mollywod the film has been treated as any other Rom-Com, especially like the ones that Bollywood churns out in plenty ever year. The importance the families of her0 & heroine gets makes PP stand out. The first half was light breezy entertainer, in the second half the pace slows down and drags towards the end. There are no twists or turns, everything is quite predictable.

The film draws elements from various Tamil/Telugu movies of the past. The scenes between 'Karthik' & 'Varalakshmi' reminds Dhanush-Saranya love track in 'Yaaredi Ni Mohini'

Even though scripted in the predictable routine its the performances that makest the film stand out. Dulquer has once again given a convincing performance, where he had to underplay the character which e did beautifully. Malavika, daughter of noted cinematographer Mohanan has made a very good debut. She gets the dominant role which she delivered perfectly. (Credits should also go to her 'voice', if its not of her's). The supporting cast of Archana, Shradda, Jayaprakash etc have also done god job with their roles.


Azhagappan did a great job in his directorial job, the years of experience handling camera helped him a lot I think. Apart from acting & direction the superb visuals captured by Jomon T John also helps to cover the flaws in the script and makes the film engaging. Songs in the film are passable except the 'Mazhaye' number. 'Antha naalil' sounds exactly similar to 'Kannanayal Radhavenam'. Even though the run time is just about 124mins it drags towards the end, don't know if we can blame the editor for that. Background score was okay, suiting the mood of the film. 

So, Pattam Pole is a time pass Rom-Com flick, what could have been just average saved by the actors. 

PP is a must watch for all Dulquer fans, espeically female and all those who love good old Rom-Coms. for others its just a time pass or one time watch at the max.

Verdict - above Average

Rating - 2.75/5

Naiyaandi Exclusive Movie Review

Friday, October 10, 2013 Naiyyandi: Exclusive Movie Review

Written & Direction by A. Sarkunam

Produced by S. Kathiresan

Music by M Ghibran

Stars: Dhanush, Nazriya Nazim, Soori, Sathyan Sivakumar, Sriman & Vamsi Krishna

Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair Theater – National Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE 10/10/2013 – 1.00am Occupancy – 80% (Surprise)

A. Sarkunam is known for directing National Award Winning film Vaagai Sooda Vaa. The film was honored with the National Award For Best Feature Film in Tamil for the year 2013. Naiyyandi is the third film of director Sarkunam. The film was earlier titled as Sotta Vazhakutty. Naiyyandi stars Dhanush & the young 16 year old Malayalam actress Nazriya Nazim. Dhanush had a rocking year with his Superhit debut hindi film Raanjhanaa & an above average grosser Maryan. Nazriya also had a dream run at the Tamil box office with both Neram & Raja Rani turned hits. Naiyyandi also stars Soori, Sathyan Sivakumar, Sriman & Vamsi Krishna.

Story

Naiyyandi is the love story of Dhanush & Nazriya Nazim till the interval. But the second half is a

complete remake of 1993 Malayalam film Meleparambil Aanveedu. Dhanush's brothers (Sriman & Sathyan Sivakumar) are not as handsome as Dhanush. Both are 40+ old bachelors and struggling to get a girl to marry. Dhanush is afraid of whether or not his parents would agree to his marriage with Nazriya, so he keeps her undercover as a sales girl in his Kuthuvilakku shop. Dhanush's parents realize that Nazriya is pregnant and they decide to dismiss her from her job. Because of that Dhanush is forced to reveal that Nazriya is his wife. At the end his parents express their willingness to accept Nazriya as their daughter-in-law.

For me the film is disaapointing, so starting with the negatives...

Negatives

Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, director A. Sarkunam is known for his critically acclaimed-successful films like Kalavani & Vaagai Sooda Vaa. Unfortunately his third outing, Naiyyandi is plain mediocre. The director has relied too heavily on the tried-and-tested formula to convey the story, which is where he falters. There was ample scope for novelty, but he is letdown by his own poor script.

Music is just about Ok. But the biggest problem with the songs are most of the songs filmed at the wrong time. Infact no connection to the story and too many songs just spoiled the film, especialy 2 songs in the second half. Editing of the film is very poor.

Second half drags a lot and the climax is a huge let down. The desired impact in the climax is missing. For any love story to succeed, it is of vital importance that the emotional moments strike a chord, but in Naiyyandi, the emotions appear superficial. Even the ending is least exciting.

The biggest drawback of the film is Dhanush magic is missing especially in the second half. Yes, he is sidelined in this film. The supporting characters played by Sathyan Shivakumar & Sriman are more convincing and interesting than Dhanush in the second half. And in the first half Soori as Dhanush's friend is the real scene stealer.

Positives

Dhanush acting is good! but not extraordinary like his all films. Because in Naiyyandi he got small scope to display his potential as an actor as his role is not an author-backed role.

Nazriya Nazim looks like a doll, infact very pretty. Her acting is good. But she needs a crash course

in her expressions, especially in the songs.

But the real stars of the film for me, infact the only saving grace are Soori, Sathyan Sivakumar & Sriman. Soori was extra ordinary in the first half with many witty one-liners. Sathyan & Sriman provided maximum entertainment in the second half. There is a scene where Sathyan imitates Dhanush's Ottha Sollala song from Aadukalam, Hilarious stuff.

Overall Naiyyandi is a weak Dhanush film after a long time. The film has precious little to offer in terms of content and novelty. Film will struggle to get a good opening because of the low promotions and poor response to the trailer. Box office point of view film will be disappointing!!!

Verdict - Naiyyandi Is Boring

Rating - 2.25/5! Below Average 

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

Movie Poster showing 'Lord Shiva' & 'Che Guevara' smoking Marijuana creates controversy

This is the poster designed by a group of poster designers calle 'WaxApple' for Aashiq Abu's upcoming Malayalam movie 'Idukki Gold'. The poster has created a lot of buzz in the net world, which is slowly   spreading its wings to the real world and emerging as a new controversy. We still don't know if this is an official poster or one created by fans or supporters or just another 'MalayaleeGraphy' [Posters designed based on iconic Malayalam movie scenes & Dialogues]

'Iduki Gold' is a type of Marijuana/Ganga found/cultivated in Kerala. The movie is based on a short story of same name written by Santosh Echikkanam. The poster is designed based on a dialogue in the movie - " This is Idukki Gold, the same stuff that Shiva & Che Guevara used to smoke"

A bit of googling provided the information  that both Lord Shiva & Che used 'Marijuana' - Che, being a doctor, to treat his Aasthma and Lord Shiva to beat the extreme conditions in 'Kailasam'. 

Any way this poster has given rise to unnecessary controversy and a lot of media attention too, whether intentional or not.

The trailer of the film was earlier removed by YouTube stating "

This video has been removed as a violation of YouTube's policy against spam, scams, and commercially deceptive content"  

The makers of the movie responded to the warning by YouTube explaining everything and providing the censor certificate (U/A) given by CBFC, Trivandrum for the trailer which states its fit for public viewing. Only after this the trailer was restored. 

The film is set to hit the screens on October 11th. 

Dulquer Salmaan's 'Pattam Pole' - Exclusive Ultra HD Posters Set

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW THEM IN FULL SIZE