Akhil Pillai

Actor Vikram: A True Underdog Tale From Kollywood

We’ve all heard of actor Vikram, the star who has won hearts with his versatile performances.

Though he born in Film Family, why he couldn’t succeed initially?

Why he couldn’t become a superstar though Rajanaikanth predicted the same?

But do you know how he made it to the top, against all the odds?

Vikram’s journey to stardom is a tale of grit, determination, and hard work that is sure to inspire and thrill you.

The Inspiring Journey of Actor Vikram

Born into a family connected to the film industry, his father’s failed career made it hard for him to break in. His father was a producer, his maternal uncle was director-actor(Thiagarajan), his cousin was top-star Prashanth.

But he didn’t get much support from his maternal family. Despite these setbacks, Vikram pursued his dream of becoming an actor and caught the attention of directors as a model.

He also learned karate (his karate classmate Besant Ravi, later turned out to be a sidekick villain in films) and dance to improve his skills.

Overcoming Challenges: Vikram’s Early Struggles in the Film Industry

Although Vikram demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, his 1990s acting career was characterized by setbacks.

Vikram’s debut movie, En Kadhal Kanmani, premiered in 1990. Over the course of his first 15 films, 11 were box office disappointments, with Ullasam being the lone average performer.

Vikram’s luck improved when Amitabh Bachchan produced Ullasam, starring Ajith and Maheswari as the lead pair. Initially, the filmmakers had intended to cast Arun Vijay in a co-lead role, but he was not interested in dual-hero projects and that led to Vikram’s signing instead.

This opportunity allowed Vikram to work on smaller film projects.

However, his luck was short-lived, and he soon found himself taking on minor roles in Malayalam and Telugu cinema.

To make ends meet, Vikram even resorted to dubbing for other actors, such as Prabhu Deva and Ajith. Despite these challenges, Vikram remained steadfast in his determination to achieve success.

Actor Vikram to Chiyaan Vikram

Actor Vikram’s cousin Prashanth was already a top star, but they didn’t communicate with each other. Fortunately, luck favored Vikram once more in 1997, as it had during Ullasam.

Assistant director of Balu Mahendra, Bala, penned an unusual romantic script titled “Sethu” (originally “Akhilan”), inspired by his classmate’s story.

First, Bala offered the leading role to his housemate Vignesh, who declined. Next, actor J.D. Chakravarthy was approached, but he was unavailable due to another commitment. Murali was also considered but ultimately did not join the project. In 1997, Bala finally offered the role of Sethu to Vikram, who was struggling at the time.

Vikram believed that Sethu would be his big break. He declined smaller roles and took a risk.

To prepare for his character, he shaved his head, lost 21 kilograms to become half his size, grew his nails, and spent hours in the sun to darken his skin as the script required. Vikram lived on fruit juice for six months and maintained his appearance with a minimal diet.

Regrettably, Sethu encountered financial obstacles and was stalled due to Bala’s perfectionism and rustic approach to coworkers.

Director Ameer, Bala’s assistant at the time, implored various producers to invest in the film. Even after post-production, the film had difficulty finding a distributor, and only after 67 screenings did it secure a buyer. Most rejected the film due to its tragic ending.

Bala and Vikram used funds from Vikram’s wife, Shailaja, to organize press previews. Despite favorable reviews, no one showed interest in buying the film, leaving it completed but unreleased.

Ultimately, the film premiered on December 10, 1999, with a single afternoon showing in a B- Class theater. Thanks to word-of-mouth publicity, the film ran for over 100 days in multiple Chennai theaters.

As a result, Vikram was swarmed by fans on the streets. Sethu’s blockbuster success proved that Vikram’s dedication and faith had paid off. Following Sethu’s success, Vikram added the prefix “Chiyaan” to his screen name.

The Rise of Chiyaan Vikram: Success with Saamy and Anniyan

Vikram’s success didn’t come easily, and it wasn’t everlasting. After Sethu, Saamy elevated Vikram’s career. The film broke box office records in Tamil Nadu, surpassing Rajnikanth’s highest-grossing movie, Padayapa.

After watching Saamy, Rajnikanth himself predicted that Vikram would become the next superstar. Saamy remained Tamil Nadu’s highest-grossing film until 2005 when Anniyan broke records across South India.

The Two Critical Errors in Vikram’s Career

Although Vikram didn’t have as many fans as Vijay or Ajith, he dominated the far more extensive family audience, which comprised 65% of weekend watchers back then.

However, he made two critical errors in his career after 2005:

First, he didn’t focus much on mass masala films, while Ajith and Vijay pursued a mix of scripts.

Ajith delivered big hits like Dheena, Citizen, Villain, Attagasam, Varalaru, and Billa, which generated substantial profits.

Ajith’s flops included Red, Raja, Anjaneya, Jana, Ji, Tirupathi, and Aalwar.

As you can see, with six hits and seven flops, Ajith managed to survive by the skin of his teeth, till the release of Mankatha.

Vijay delivered average or hits during this period, including Tirumalai, Tirupachi, Bagavathi and blockbusters like Ghilli and Pokkiri.

Vijay’s flops during this period were Azhagiya Tamil Magan, Aathi, Udhaya and Sachein.

With four hits and only four flops during this period, Vijay thrived and managed to become one of the first choices for producers and distributers.

Secondly, He invested too much time in films like I (and even Robot) and Raavanan, causing him to miss out on many films, for example Ratsasan. The good decision is he rejected the villain role in Pushpa.

Similarly, after the collapse of Kanthasamy, he chose stereotypical projects or ordinary plots, such as Rajapattai, Thandavanam, Sketch, or 10 Endrathakulla. Out of this only Thandavam could manage some positive reviews.

Chiyaan Vikram: Versatile with No Haters

After 2010, his only decent hits were Daiva Thirumagal and Iru Mugan.

Vikram encountered numerous challenges, including financial struggles, small role offers, and missed opportunities with renowned filmmakers.

Yet, even during those difficult times, he trusted his chosen path and pushed himself to improve. Despite setbacks, his performances in films like Saamy, Anniyan, and Bheema solidified his position in the industry as a versatile actor.

Vikram’s journey exemplifies grit, determination, and perseverance. His performances, transparency, and dedication to his profession continue to inspire us.

While many actors have foreign accounts, Vikram still uses his SBI account at the Besant Nagar Branch for transactions. He is a man of honesty and simplicity.

Actor Vikram’s Latest Movies: High Hopes for Thangalan and Dhruva Natchathiram

Even with numerous box office failures in recent years, actor Vikram remains a beloved figure in the Tamil film industry. This could be attributed to the audience’s admiration for his dedication to his roles and passion for cinema.

In both successful and unsuccessful films, Vikram’s enthusiasm and commitment are evident, garnering the respect and admiration of fans, including myself.

We have high expectations for his upcoming releases, such as Pa. Ranjith’s Thangalan and GVM’s Dhruva Natchathiram.

With Maniratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS-2) releasing tomorrow, we’ll witness the star Vikram shining once more as Aditya Karikalan, showcasing his capabilities to the world.

As the saying goes, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Vikram’s passion for his craft sets him apart, making him a true underdog hero in the film industry.

Read movie reviews here.

Yaathisai: A Riveting Period Drama by Dharani Rajendran

This summer is a real treat for fans of Tamil culture, as they’re in for two back-to-back period dramas within a week’s time.

The interesting twist is that Dharani Rajendran’s ambitious venture, Yaathisai comes with a modest budget, an unknown producer, and several debutant actors, telling the story of the Pandyan and Einar clans.

On the other side, we have a highly anticipated Ponniyin Selvan -2 by a renowned director, a team of experts, LYCA productions and a star-studded cast, including Karthi, Vikram, and Aishwarya Rai, who delve into the Chola Kingdom.

Yaathisai: A Compelling Period Drama on a Budget

If you’re short on time, here’s the gist:

Director Dharani Rajendran has shown that crafting a compelling period drama doesn’t require a massive budget, famous stars, or a team of experts – all it takes is a vision.

That vision is evident in Yaathisai, and as a filmiholic, I wholeheartedly appreciate the effort. I believe you should experience this in theatres and encourage such commendable attempts.

Dharani Rajendran: Hidden Talent of the Tamil Film Industry

Yaathisai is truly a refreshing period drama that stands out and serves as a lesson for big-budget period dramas. Directed by Dharani Rajendran, this film showcases the hidden potential of the Tamil film industry.

Yaathisai takes us back in time, where the Einar clan fights the powerful Pandiyan kingdom.

In my opinion, the film was marketed incorrectly, as it seems less focused on Pandian warriors and more on the underdog tale of the Einar clan.

Powerful Performances and Technical Excellence

The director’s extensive research is evident throughout the movie, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.

The lead actors, Seyon as Kodhi and Shakti Mithran as the Pandiyan king Ranadheeran, deliver powerful performances that breathe life into the story. In one word, their performances are raw-rustic and loud.

The technical team also deserves praise for creating a world that looks and feels real. The movie gradually picks up its pace, slowly taking us into the world of Yaathisai.

I truly appreciate the action choreography; the fight scenes are intense and make you feel like you’re part of the action.

Of course, the movie isn’t perfect. Sometimes the special effects take away from the story, but that can be considered given the budget constraints.

In the second half, the pacing could be better. After the interval punch, it moves through some melodrama and the marriage scene reminds me of Santhosh Shivan’s Asoka. There are some slow-paced melodramatic moments in the second half, but the movie picks up its action soon.

Finally, enhancing the dubbing and sound effects could elevate the movie further, especially during the forest sequence and ambush event, which could provide an even better theatre experience with a bit more effort in the sound department.

Why I Love Yaathisai

Yaathisai shows that you don’t need a lot of money or famous actors to make a great historical drama. You just need a team that’s passionate and creative.

In conclusion, Yaathisai is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and anyone looking for a fresh, raw-rustic movie experience. Dharani Rajendran’s bold attempt is a great example of what Tamil cinema can do. So get your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the world of Yaathisai – Just like Baahubali, PS-1, Yaathisai also has a second part; it’s just the beginning.

For more reviews, check whattowatch.

Adi – A Thriller Exploring Male Vulnerability

Prashobh Vijayan’s Adi takes on the central theme of toxic masculinity and its associated vulnerabilities, with a thrilling plot revolving around road rage in Kerala.

I must say, Prashobh Vijayan’s movies never excited me, which is why I opted for Madanolsavam over Adi. However, when a few people from the theater gave positive responses for Adi, I decided to give it a try. And, let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised! Adi is the best movie from Prashobh, Ahana Krishna, and Ratheesh Ravi so far.

A Thin Plot with “I am Man!!” Pride

Adi revolves around Sajeev, an NRI played by Shine Tom Chacko, and his wife Geethika played by Ahaana Krishna. Their adversary, Joby Joseph, played by Dhruv, oozes with masculine pride. Sajeevan gets badly beaten by Joby Joseph, and it bothers him that it happened in front of his wife, Geethika.

The film effectively highlights the issue of toxic masculinity, with the characters repeating the line “I am a man!” before and after every act of violence. Eventually, the movie shows how Ahaana’s Geetika is challenging this “I am Man!!” pride.

Road Rage, Masculinity & Vulnerabilities

The movie addresses the alarming issue of road rage in Kerala, which is something that we should prioritize. Road rage and revenge have been the central theme of many movies like Hollywood’s “Unhinged” and Mollywood’s “Kali,” and Adi follows suit but with a less intensity compared to “Kali” or “Unhinged”.

Still, As the movie progresses, it turns its colors and Adi tries to explores the congeniality between relationships.

The movie initially gives the notion that it’s all about toxic masculinity, much like Ratheesh Ravi’s previous work, Ishq. Some viewers may have misunderstood as Adi as a male chauvinistic movie. However, in my opinion, the film aims to address the issue of toxic masculinity and its associated vulnerabilities.

Adi’s Cast Brings Depth and Intensity to Their Characters

All three main actors, Shine Tom Chacko, Ahaana Krishna, and Dhruvan, excelled in their roles. It was surprising to see Ahaana and Shine’s on-screen chemistry. Normally, the contrast between young actors and experienced actors like Shine Tom Chacko is visible, but Ahaana was able to pull off her character with ease. Dhruvan made a great attempt but there were instances where I felt he could have done it in a more sublr manner instead of exaggerations.

Athira Patel’s character may have been short, but it effectively points a finger at toxic relationships and the male ego.

Adi’s music is one of its strongest assets, thanks to Govind Vasantha, who composed music for the 96 movie. The music adds an emotional layer to the film’s many scenes, elevating the overall viewing experience.

Adi: A Conclusion without a cliched “Adi”

Overall, Adi has a great start, subtly addressing its core theme. However, when it reaches to the end, I felt like the climax of the film a bit forced and unconvincing. If the filmmakers could work on it a bit more, the movie could have impressed more viewers this festival season. I feel like, Adi is a movie best suited for youngsters, not for everyone.

With standout performances from Shine, Ahaana & Dhruvan, superb music, and a thrilling theme, Adi is a one-time watchable for anyone interested in exploring the issues of toxic masculinity and vulnerability.

Here you can read about the second release of the week, Madanolsavam.

A Modern Version of Raghunath Paleri Classics: Madanolsavam

Ratheesh Pothuval’s Signature Style

Ratheesh Pothuval’s movies always remind me of the old Raghunath Paleri classics.

When Malayalam film industry was filled with slap-stick comedy tracks, Raghunath Paleri scripts transport us to a different world, filled with dark comedy, subtle political satire, and a touch of Deadpan comedy with quirky characters like Pashune Kalanja Paapi, Meesha Vasu, Krishna Kurup, Doctor Vadhu…

Ratheesh Pothuval movies are no different as they are a modern version of those Raghunath Paleri classic films.

An Unexpected Turn of Events & A Political Game Changer

This title can be the one-liner of this movie.

The story revolves around Madanan, a young man who sells coloured chickens for a living. One day, a girl unexpectedly enters his life, creating the most hilarious (dark humor) event in the movie, even though it’s unrelated to the film’s central theme.

Madanan Manjakkaran, a BDF candidate played by Babu Antony, is about to win an election for the first time in Manjeswaram. However, the opposition party, led by “Porali,” decides to use Madanan as an imposter candidate against Manjakkaran to scatter the vote share. The rest of the story follows how Madanan’s life changes after this event.

Entertaining, But Lacking Freshness

Madanolsavam is a complete family entertainer that has enough elements to keep you entertained.

However, somewhere in the movie, I felt like the freshness of Ratheesh Pothuval’s previous scripting was missing, maybe because of the overused template of Kasargod slang, stereotypical character comedies, and subtle burlesque moments. I believe Ratheesh Pothuval needs to reinvent his writing to avoid losing the punch he had in his earlier works.

Tried and Tested Formula

Ratheesh uses the same eccentric political shades that succeeded in “Enna than case kodu.”

I love the way he builds the first act of the movie. Be it “Enna thaan Case Kodu” “Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham” even “Madanolsavam” he uses a “staright to the point” style. Within just 10-15 minutes, he will settle everything in place and make the protagonist ready for the confrontation.

From his aunt’s weak bowel movements to his marriage, it all happens within a few minutes in Mdanan’s life. With hilarious punchlines from characters like Mohanan (Sumesh Chandran) and Madanan’s aunt, it’s an entertaining gateway to the world of Madanolsavam.

Subtle Performances

Suraj Venjaramoodu fully steals the show with his full-fledged comedy role in Madanotsavam. However, there are some moments where he becomes too emotional, adding some material for the family audiences into this political satire. Madanolsavam employs Suraj’s ability to oscillate between comedy (his slapstick style) and serious (but not bordering on melodrama) elements.

Sumesh Chandran’s character, Mohanan, was a laughing riot in the film, and I am sure that he will be viral soon after Madanolsavam’s OTT release.

Rajesh Madhavan’s Namboothiri goon, Chandrika Madikkayi’s aunt role, Rakesh Ushar’s corporate strategist, Babu Antony’s Madanan, and PP Kunhikrishnan’s Chindilayappan are all characters that ensure Madanolsavam is a wholesome entertainer.

Bhama Arun’s Alice deserves a special mention because even though it was her debut in Mollywood, she truly nailed it. Her chemistry with Suraj was well-portrayed, with awkward pauses, romantic smiles, and emotional eyes. I expect to see her in more movies soon (Hopefully without being stereotyped).

Bhama Arun’s Interview (Credits: The Cue Studio)

Missing a Signature: Sudheesh Gopinath

Though it was directed by Sudessh Gopinath, Madanolsavam has all Ratheesh Pothuval’s trademark humour and deadpan set-up throughout.

Casting, Narration, Opening, Ending, in simple words it’s Ratheesh pothuval everywhere. Eevn he did an extended cameo role as well.

Overall, I felt if Sudhessh could manage to add some unique elements we could have felt the freshness from a debutant director.

On the other hand, it’s possible that Sudheesh Gopinath’s influence was present in Ratheesh Pothuval’s previous works, as he served as the chief associate director for all of those films.

Final Verdict

Madanotsavam is a solid family entertainer packed with witty one-liners. However, it falls short as a political satire, especially during the rushed climax. Climax was too fast and disrupts the convincing-natural flow of the film.

So, Madanolsavam is a dark-comedy enteratiner which failed to leave a lasting impact.

Corona Papers: Priyadarshan’s Gripping Crime Thriller Inspired from Akira Kurosawa’s Stray Dog

Corona Papers is an engaging thriller directed by Priyadarshan.This will be a different Priyadarshan movie for you, since the film is devoid of slap-stick humor or romantic songs.

Corona papers maintaining a thrilling atmosphere from start to finish. In this movie, Priyadarshan demonstrates his return to form as a master craftsman, presenting captivating visuals that keep the audience hooked.

Priyadarshan’s crime thriller, Corona Papers, starts with an acknowledgment that the filmmaker was inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Stray Dog. This 1949 detective film revolves around a stolen gun and delves into the social and economic conditions in Japan after World War II.

And this acknowledgement is true I feel, the movie is not actually a remake of 8 Thottakal rather it’s an adaptation of Stary Dog.

The Riveting Plot

The story follows Rahul, a newbie Sub-Inspector in the Kerala police force, who is assigned shadow duty at his first station. Tragically, he loses his service revolver, and the bullets from it are later used in a bank robbery.

As the investigation unfolds, the audience is drawn into the core of the story, with the tension continuing to escalate.

Priyadarshan’s approach in Corona Papers is straightforward and focussed, unlike his previous thriller, Oppam. He eliminates all the unnecessary melodrama and humor, ensuring a laser focus on the script.

Engaging Performances and Visual Beauty

Corona Papers’ first half offers a unique, thrilling experience with the freshness in casting and the fast paced events.

In the second half, although the plot points are predictable, the focus lies on how they connect and drive the characters towards the central event. This intriguing aspect keeps the audience engaged.

Secondly, the film remains engaging due to the skillful execution by the actors and Priyadarshan’s enhancement of the visual beauty and dramatic elements.

For example, there is a memorable scene where characters are exchanging money on a rainy night, adding an intriguing layer to the thriller.

The supporting cast, including Shane Nigam, Shine Tom Chacko, Gayathrie, P P Kunhikrishnan, Henna Reji, and Siddique Lal Jr., all deliver commendable performances.

Siddique Steals the Show

Siddique stands out as suspended police officer Sankararaman, delivering an exceptional performance that showcases his talent. He effortlessly handles emotionally intense scenes, adding depth to the film.

A philosophical scene unfolds between Shane Nigam and Siddique, and it’s hard to picture any other actor delivering it so effortlessly. And here are few elements around Siddique’s character and it added some philosophical layers to this thriller.

For exmple, a scene where Siddique uses Alexander Pope’s famous quote “to forgive is divine” that voice modulation is an icing on the cake for that scene.

Some Weak Points

While Shine Tom’s character is not insignificant, certain aspects of his role feel disconnected at times.

Shane Nigam excels in emotional scenes alongside Siddique. However, Sandhya Shetty struggles to match their ease. Her acting and dubbing fall short, particularly when sharing the screen with the experienced Siddique, creating a noticeable contrast in their performances.

Additionally, her character Gracy could have been written better. It’s not that convincing and there is a lack of depth. It reminds me old Vani Vishwanath era of Mollywood thrillers.

An Anticipated Climax with a Twist

Priyadarshan tried to make this different from typical crime thrillers, the climax of Corona Papers is not a twist but an awaited resolution of the interlocked puzzle.

The film pulls this off decently, but for those expecting a twist, there is one included. However, it feels forced and unnecessary for an otherwise solid thriller.

Experience a sleek thriller with minimal drama,
outstanding acting by Siddique, and
Priyan’s masterful visuals.

These three key elements make Corona Papers a must-watch film for thriller enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Corona Papers is a decent crime thriller with a few flaws, but it will undoubtedly keep audiences captivated throughout its runtime.

Viduthalai: Vetrimaran’s Hard-Hitting Expose on Bureaucratic Atrocities

Vetrimaran’s Latest Release Sheds Light on India’s Oppressive System

In India, where the colonial hangovers still loom, we need more directors like VetriMaran who create films that shed light on bureaucratic atrocities in our society. Tamil films, such as Visarai, Vilangu, and Writer, are examples of movies that explore such issues. Viduthalai is the recent addition.

The Need for Viduthalai : A Hope

Over 30 Israeli Air Force pilots recently refused to participate in training or reserve duty as a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. If more people acted ethically and humanised rather than blindly following laws on paper, our world could have been better.

Think about Russian soldiers protesting against Putin’s fascist and uncongenial decisions to invade another country.
Think about all our police constables refusing to work like a maid (more like a slave I should say) at IPS officers home.

I hope at least some of you remember how human right activist Father Stan Swamywho died while he was in judicial custody in Taloja jail.

I believe, changes may not happen soon, we need to wait for another generation to eradicate the GOI Act 1935 and its colonial hangovers. But these movies may act as a catalyst for those changes.

Viduthalai’s Gripping Storyline and Setting

Vetrimaran’s latest release, Viduthaalai shed light on India’s bureaucratic system, which is infamous for its hierarchical slavery and political nepotism.

Viduthaali, set in 1987 in a remote forest village, portrays a community of oppressed people, rebels, and a subservient police force conditioned to follow orders led by a treacherous, sadistic, perversive commanding officer (Chethan).

The movie starts with a gory extended single-shot sequence of a train bombing.

Then we follow Kumaraesan (Soori), an innocent man who starts work as a driver and cook in that police camp at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

With Kumaresan as our POV character, we understand the nuances of police operations, atrocities, sufferings of low rank officials.

Then we have the mysterious Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi), who is fighting against a proposed mining project.

Stellar Performances and Unique Casting Choices

When it comes to the performances in Viduthaalai, everyone did an outstanding job. I believe the whole credit should goes to Vetrimaaran’s outside the box casting choices.

Gautham Menon, who glorified cop-killing in his movies, plays a brutal cop.

Soori portrays the central character with a magnificent makeover.

Bhawani Sri, who played a small role in Ka Pae Ranasingam, plays a village girl and love interest for Kumaresan (Soori).

Even Rajeev Menon’s performance as a Principal Secretary is subtle and elegant.

Vijay Sethupathi appears in only a few moments in the film. Still he may give you goosebumps with his classy ‘mass’ performances and that one-liner in the climax was epic.

Soulful Music and Captivating Cinematography

Viduthalai is packed with many raw and hard-hitting moments, but it also sprinkled with some emotional-romantic moments. In both cases, Ilaiyaraaja’s soulful tunes elevate the emotions. His music is not loud but is subtle and prudent enough to leave an impact.

R Velraj’s cinematography effectively take us to the world of Viduthalai, with unshowy visuals of forest terrains, single-shot visuals in the introduction, and documentary-style realism in the frames.

Viduthalai is a great film backed by a talented team on and off-screen.

Why We should clap for Viduthaalai: Relevance in 2023

Although the movie is set in 1987, it remains relevant today. Police atrocities against SC/ST communities remain prevalent in many areas of India.

I hope you are aware of Police atrocities in Wayanad, where Attappadi tribal head claimed that Kerala police were taking revenge as they fought against the land mafia.

If you think Chethan’s portrayal of the film’s commanding officer is unrealistic, consider a real-life incident where a police officer in Wayand subjected a 16-year-old girl to violence.

Shockingly, the punishment given to the officer by the system was just a “Suspension order”. Is that really justice for the young girl?

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Dasara Movie: A Mixed Cocktail of Themes and Emotions

Introducing Dasara, it’s a Blend of Familiar Elements, that’s my one word for this film.

Srikanth Odela, is the recent pass-out from the school of director Sukumar, after Buchi Bbau. So, there is no wonder why his latest release, Dasara evoking memories of Rangasthalam and Pushpa.

Chitti Babu Rangasthalam, Pushpa, Dharani in Dasara

Rather than delivering a raw revenge thriller, Dasara serves up a concoction of influences from Rangasthalam, KGF, and Kantara, all while incorporating themes such as casteism, friendship, love, heartbreak, politics, alcoholism, misogyny, twists, and even mythology. Despite offering a wide array of elements, the movie fails to deliver anything truly special or unique.

A Rustic Setting with Flawed Character Development

Set in the dusty village of Veerlapalle, where a deeply ingrained caste system prevails, Dasara follows the story of Dharani (Nani) and his friend Suri (Dheekshith Shetty), who both fall in love with the same girl, Vennela (Keerthy Suresh).

Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthi Suresh & Nani

The first half of the movie focuses on the Silk bar, a morning meeting place for the village men. Here, our hero and his friends steal coal from passing goods trains to make ends meet. Sadly, the introduction to this world is somewhat lackluster.

In the second half movie shifts from ‘Silk’ Bar to Vennela, who is the love interest of Dharani and Suri.(No Spoiler)

Nani’s introduction scene with the title card “Natural Star” feels forced and inorganic. The major problem with Dasara is that the character arcs and the events surrounding the central characters are too predictable. For example tehre is a scene in the second half where Shine Tom’s character confronts with Vennela, it ended up so amateurish and lacks conviction because of the poor writings. The director’s attempt to establish numerous elements in a short time frame ultimately dilutes the intensity of the script’s foundation.

Performances: Shine Tom Chacko Shines, Nani doesn’t seem Natural

Shine Tom Chacko’s standout performance comes with ease and a minimalist approach in his devilish moments. Unfortunately, his character lacks opportunities to elevate the film’s experience. Besides Shine Tom, it’s Nani’s one-man show, there are many moments where he excelled at ease, especially emotional moments, but his rugged character shades fails to convince.

The climax brings Kantara to mind, highlighting the absence of a more “ruthless bulky” character. Unfortunately, neither the music nor editing support Nani in creating a “Make-Belive” moment.

Keerthy Suresh delivers a decent performance, but her character could have been more fleshed out. I was expecting a Draupadi, but I got a Sita who suffer in between Ram and Raavana. Her Telangana dialect is surprisingly well-executed, though.

Music and Pacing: Room for Improvement

Santhosh Narayan’s music offers little that is noteworthy, and the lack of high-octane background music or emotionally stirring tunes is disappointing. Dasara could have been a stronger film if the events and character arcs been better developed. In comparison to Rangasthalam, where Chitti Babu’s character arc slowly evolves and leaves the audience with goosebumps, Dasara’s fast pacing results in a disconnect from the audience’s emotional investment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Dasara’s potential hindered by weak writing and vision. Dasara had the potential to be an industry hit, it falls short due to weak roots in Srikanth Odela’s writing and vision. I hope Nani’s aggressive marketing will reward Dasara with a super-hit tag, but will likely lack a lasting impact.

Pathu Thala: Silambarasan TR Shines, But Is It Enough for an Action Thriller?

The rivalry between a daring cop and a brutal gangster is a cliched one-line, but what makes it thrilling is how the team brings the audience closer to the characters’ world or how the cat & mouse events unfold.

Pathu Thala is crafted using the same one-line, and Pathu Thala, delivers a mixed bag of emotions, drama, and entertainment. Read on to find out if it’s worth the watch.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of Kanyakumari, Pathu Thala revolves around an undercover agent, Guna (Gautham Karthik), who infiltrates a mafia group led by AGR (Silambarasan) to locate a missing Chief Minister (Santhosh Prathap). Though the genre demands tense and fast-paced moments, the movie gets diluted with dramatic rain shots, clichéd romantic sequences, and Thankachi paasam(sister-bro sentiments). Thankfully Director Obeli Krishna didn’t add any mother sentiments.

Comparisons to Mufti

Director Obeli Krishna claims that Pathu Thala is an adaptation, not a remake, of Mufti. However, the resemblance is striking. I believe he should watch the Hong Kong movies ‘Internal Affairs’ and ‘Departed, which will be perfect examples of adaptation. Here, I strongly feel like Pathu Thalla is a remake of The Mufti.

Character Sketch: White Pathu Thala

AGR and his team used to carry a copy of the Kamba Ramayananam, maybe because of the R in AGR, which stands for Ravanan. This is where the script disappointed me more; the script demands a grey or a black character, bad luck; Atman is in spiritual transformation, I guess.

AGR is a white character here, and the melodrama that whitening AGR brought spoiled the mood of the film in the second half. That Black to White character arc was a reminder of the real Ravana from the Ramayana. How Ravana gets the white shades in contemporary literature.

Performances

Silambarasan TR carries the entire film on his shoulders, supported by AR Rahman’s music.

Gautham Karthik does a decent job, but his characterization could have been more powerful in the second half.

Director Krishna has always ensured the female characters in his movies are powerful, be it Sillinu, Kadhal, or Nedunchaalai, but I was curious how he was going to portray Priya Bhavani & Anu Sithara here.

Priya Bhavani Shankar gets a substantial role in the first half but fades away as a mere romantic interest later on. Anu Sithara has nothing to do much, and even she couldn’t deliver the emotional output that a few scenes demand.

Gautham Menon started with a heavy aura, but, in the climax, he just vanished in the shadow of STR’s terrific performances.

Technical Aspects

The film’s technical elements, such as AR Rahman’s music and Farooq’s cinematography, skillfully elevate the flat moments. For instance, the scene where Guna enters AGR’s world, accompanied by Rahman’s background music, is particularly thrilling. Similarly, the interval block is a high octane moment for fans. With A R Rahman music, Farooq’s visuals and STR-Gautam Karthick charismatic performances are just like a blended cocktail.

Audience Appeal & Box office Potential

Pathu Thala has the ingredients for a family entertainer, but it may disappoint those expecting a rampage. Marketed as a “neo-noir action thriller” or an Atman STR Sambhavam (Rampage), the film is actually a semi-action thriller with a significant dose of family drama.

With a budget of ₹50 crore and running at around 400 screens, Pathu Thala has the potential to give a hat-trick to STR. The Satellite Rights (ZEE Tamil) of ₹12.50 crore and OTT rights (Amazon Prime) of ₹13 crore add to its appeal.

Conclusion

During the trailer and audio launch of Ponniyin Selvan 2, where Simbu appeared as the chief guest, he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers of “Pathu Thala” from thousands of fans. It’s quite rare to witness fans attending an audio launch to show support for a movie and cheering for another movie. Simbu enjoys such a loyal fan following; however, it seems he has yet to find the perfect script that can truly harness his star power.

Pathu Thala offers a decent watch for STR fans & family audiences but falls short of being a gripping action thriller. Thus Obeli Krishna may fail to satisfy STR’s hunger for a heavy blockbuster.

For more reviews

John Wick: Chapter 4 – A Thrilling Conclusion to a Masterful Franchise

Baba Yaga is back with a bang! John Wick’s latest outing is an incredibly violent and impossibly stylish masterpiece that is sure to leave action fans breathless.

John Wick Chapter Four Review — John Wick Chapter 4 Poster

But le me answer some questions before I jump to John Wick: 4.

What makes the John Wick so popular despite repeating the same concept?

Firstly, John Wick is the modern-day gladiator. The character is a masterful assassin who, like a gladiator, is fighting for his survival. There is a sense of finality to each film, as Wick has a specific goal in mind, and once it’s achieved, he can finally rest. This creates a heightened sense of tension and urgency that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Another reason for the franchise’s success is the character and world-building. Director Chad Stahelski, a former stuntman for Keanu Reeves on The Matrix, knows how to craft a compelling story and character. Stahelski uses wide shots, long takes, and simple transitions of shots to make the action scenes feel more visceral and realistic.

Moreover, Stahelski’s choreography is a blend of multiple combat styles like Judo, Jujitsu throws, intense shooting, and combat driving. The action sequences are a work of art, with each move carefully thought out to create maximum impact. The use of practical effects and stunt work makes the action feel more authentic and thrilling.

If you haven’t watched the John Wick franchise yet, you’re missing out on one of the best action film series of all time.

Why should you watch John Wick 4, if it’s all about actions?

Lastly, John Wick 4 is a must-watch for fans of the franchise. While it may not be for everyone as it focuses purely on delivering an action-packed experience, it’s the conclusion of the story. John Wick 1 was about love, John Wick 2 was about an unbreakable vow, John Wick 3 was about survival, and John Wick 4 is about his freedom. It’s the final chapter in a thrilling and emotional story that audiences have invested in over the years.

How does Chapter 4 compare to the previous John Wick movies in terms of action, storytelling, and overall quality?

Will John Wick finally find redemption or be consumed by his violent past in Chapter 4?

The plot of John Wick: Chapter 4 follows the titular character, John Wick, as he seeks his freedom from the High Table. To handle John’s situation, the High Table unleashes the sadistic Marquis Vincent de Gramont, who hires and/or coerces several highly skilled assassins – including John’s old blind friend, Caine – to track him down. Meanwhile, John travels across the world, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin, seeking out the most powerful players in the underworld. As Caine chases John, it adds an emotional layer to their chase. The film ends with the quote “Loving Husband,” and some new characters leaving fans with a sense of anticipation for the next chapter.

The Action Sequences and Characters: Relentless and Innovative, with Emotional Depth

Donnie Yen as Caine and Keanu Reeves: John Wick Chapter 4 — Donnie Yen as Caine: John Wick Chapter 4

While the film is heavily focused on action and violence, it also has moments of emotional depth. The theme of consequences and the importance of friendship and family are explored throughout the film, adding a layer of depth to the characters and their motivations. Donnie Yen’s entry as the blind assassin Caine adds emotional heft to the already impressive fights. All the new characters like Mr.Nobody, Akira, Caine elevates the emotional depth and number of dead bodies in the film simultaneously.

One potential drawback of the film is its lengthy runtime of about two hours and twenty nine minutes, which may not be suitable for non-action fans. However, for those who love mind-boggling action sequences, this film is a visual treat.

Conclusion: John Wick: Chapter 4 – A Thrilling Addition to the Franchise

Director Chad Stahelski keeps viewers engrossed with impeccable action sequences and philosophical one-liners. The film features three major action sequences set in three different countries, each with a unique theme. The Berlin sequence is a must-watch for its stylish actions.

In conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a thrilling addition to the franchise. With its captivating action sequences, emotional depth, and impressive cast, fans will not be disappointed, & Fans shouldn’t miss this treat, you may regret.

Purusha Pretham: A Noirish Crime-Comedy with Layers

Anyone familiar with Krishand’s Aavasayooham or other flicks can easily predict what’s waiting for them. Don’t be fooled by his titles; his film titles are not direct.

Purusha Pretham Poster — Purusha Pretham poster

He always chooses a heavy subject and will deliver it in a fun and thrilling way. Krishand, I believe, is a fan of superimposing dichotomies, such as war and peace or love and hate.This is his way of leaving his imprint on his works. Purusha Pretham is no different.

Purusha Pretham is a noirish crime comedy that is stuffed with numerous layers of Indian politics and social evils that still prevail including discriminations, domestic violence, exploitations and bureaucratic red-tapism.

When it comes to the plot, Krishand always crafts a central character, with confidence being an essential factor. SI Sebastian, aka Super Sebastian, is renowned for his bravery and is feared by many in Purusha Pretham.Sebastian’s reputation is tested when a lady named Susan comes to his station and wants to check whether an unidentified body is her husband’s or not.

Sebastian’s Macho-chauvinism and some Rashomon effects(another pattern in Krishand’s movies) are what make the first half of the movie. In the second half you will witness the fragility of the same macho elements and the shades of femme fatale.

Some of the frames in PP remind me of Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam and Pudhupettai, and those cinematic frameworks reflect Krishand’s outside the box making. Here everything is connected, be it an Orange juice, a bottle, a Rose flower, an underwritten character, everything serves a purpose and that elevates the experience of the viewer.

Darshana stated in a recent interview, “Usually, you have a master shot and then you go for a person’s close-up or over-the-shoulder shots and you are familiar with all of that.”But in Purusha Pretham, it wasn’t.” This is pretty evident in the film. All the characters are at the margins of the frame leaving a space besides (no spoiler 🙂 )

There are no stars (except Darshana), dramatic stunts, or slapstick comedy in the film. But director Krishand incorporated all the tiny elements that will entertain every category of viewers. There are parts of the film where silence would have been appropriate, but he still included some haunting background music and songs by Ajmal Hasbullah.There are some raps that replicate the contemporary style of mallu trends that will elevate the mood of the film, and that’s the beauty of this dark noir crime comedy.

I truly admire Krishand’s research for this film and the way he incorporated some cliches in Malayalam films when it comes to police officers (maybe he was mocking). In his previous film, there is a scene where the character Vava suddenly gets a lot of fish; similar cliched elements to excite the common man can be found in Purusha Pretham as well. Especially, in the climax event of ‘Super’ Sebastian.

Purusha pretham Climax scene — A scene from Purusha Pretham credits: SonyLIv

Krishand and writer Ajith Haridas deserve praise for their nuanced portrayal of police characters in the movie. Instead of painting them all with a khaki shade, Krishand added separate character sketches for each police officer, which made them stand out from one another. Furthermore, the way he humanizes the police force is another entertaining factor in the movie. Sanju Shivram, Jeo Baby, Rahul Rajagopal, and Zhinz Shan all bring a smile to your face with their delightful performances.

Alexander Prashanth and veteran actor Jagadeesh were the two people who stole the show. The way Prashanth delivered ‘The Shades of Sebastian’ was impeccable. At some point, I felt like this character was written specifically for him. Jagadeesh’s portrayal of Dileep was an extension of his character from ‘Rorschach’.

In one word, this is a movie for every set of audience. This is an ideal material for a post-Friday film (a film that will be popular upon its release). I hope next time Krishand will deliver a Friday film since this is going to be the talk of the town soon.