Kudimahaan Review: Comedy-Drama Worth a Watch

Kudimahaan, now streaming on Amazon Prime, is a unique comedy-drama directed by Prakash N, who won the runner- up title for his short film Kutti Dhadha at the Naalaiya Iyakkunar Season -6 reality show. Prakash adapted his Kutty Dhadha into a fulllength feature film, and that is Kudimahaan (2023).

Based on real incidents: Kudimahaan title
Based on real incidents: Kudimahaan title

Who is Kudimahaan & What’s his Story?

Kudimahaan is the story of a teetotaller middle-class family man. Whose life gets turned on its head due to an unexpected twist of fate. Mathi, our hero, works with an ATM replenishment agency. With a salary of 15,000 INR, he is leading a family of 4. He leads a simple and responsible life, fulfilling the needs of his family, including his father, who has a history of alcoholism.

But what if I told you that his life goes on a roller coaster ride, not because of any external pressure, but due to an odd medical condition?

This condition is so peculiar that it creates a role reversal, with Mathi, who has never tasted alcohol in his life, turning into a drunk, while his alcoholic father turns sober (because of a love affair πŸ˜‰).
Can you imagine the chaos that ensues in his life due to this?

How will Mathi manage his job while dealing with this strange disorder? How will his family react to this sudden and bizarre change in his behaviour? And importantly, how does this affect his struggle to fulfill his responsibilities towards his family? These questions form the crux of the storyline of Kudimahaan.

What happens next in Mathi’s life is something that will leave you entertained, perplexed, and curious, all at the same time. It’s this compelling thread of curiosity that weaves the story of Kudimahaan.

Why you Should Watch This Movie?

What makes Kudimahaan special is not only the story but also the freshness in casting. This movie is filled with some new faces. Their performances will definitely make you laugh. But remember that this movie is not a laughing riot; rather, it’s mostly filled with dark humour. This is my simple reason why you should give it a try.

Chandini Tamilarasan, Suresh Chakravarthy and Vijay Sivan in Kudimahaan
Chandini Tamilarasan, Suresh Chakravarthy and Vijay Sivan in Kudimahaan

Vijay Sivan, who plays the lead role, does a great job showing us the life of an ordinary guy facing some crazy problems. He switches from a guy who never drinks to someone who can’t help it, and he does it really well.
He keeps his acting simple and real, just like Biju Menon, using his eyes more than anything else to show us what he’s feeling.

Chandini Tamilarasan, as the dutiful wife Pavithra, stands out even in the limited scenes she’s in. She keeps her acting honest and matches up well with Vijay.

Suresh Chakravarthy gets to have all the fun playing Mathi’s dad. He’s a guy who doesn’t care what anyone thinks and just lives life his way. He keeps us laughing throughout the movie.

Namo Narayanan comes in later in the movie and adds more comedy. He’s good at making funny situations even funnier.

Last But Not Least

The director, Prakash N, has done a commendable job of keeping us invested in the movie. He told an unusual story from a new angle, using dark humour to address the serious parts. He is truly talented in getting genuine performances from his actors.

The movie is technically sound as well. Meyyandiran’s cinematography captured the subtle emotions and the everyday yet special moments of life. Shibu Neel’s editing kept the film’s pace engaging and prevented it from becoming monotonous. Tanuj Menon’s music could have been a little more impactful, but it does not detract much from the overall film.

All in all, the cast and crew of Kudimahaan have come together to create a memorable cinematic experience.

They turned an ordinary story into an extraordinary one with their combined skills and dedicated performances.

It’s actually a perfect example of collaboration, and I recommend this movie to all film aspirants.

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Veeran Movie Review: A Desi Superhero with a Rural Twist

Who is Veeran? What is the Story?

(No Spoilers)

Veeran is about a man named Kumaran, played by Hiphop Adhi, who gains superpowers due to a childhood incident. He has the ability to control minds for a short period and can discharge electric arcs. The movie is set in a village where a corporate body, led by a character named Sharath, plans to implement a dangerous project.

Veeran Movie Scene
Scene from Veeran Movie

Kumaran decides to use his powers to protect his village and its people. He disguises himself as the long-forgotten guardian deity of the village, Veeran. The film’s narrative revolves around Kumaran’s journey in stopping the corporate project and how Sharath (Vinay Rai) plans to remove Veeran from their path.

The movie directed by ARK Saravan, explores themes of Myth, Massy-Superpower and village absurd comedy. Despite being a superhero movie, it tried to keep its touch with reality and village life, and these aspects make it interesting. The humor, action, and music add to the charm of the film.

It’s Not Minnal Murali, It’s a Mix-Bag

Veeran” does share some similarities with other films like Vijay’s Velayudham, Nikhil’s Karthikeya, Ram Kumar’s Mundasupatti, and Basil Joseph’s Minnal Murali. However, in the end it maintains its own identity, thanks to Da Vinci Code (Maybe an inspiration πŸ™‚ ).

Veeran reminds us of “Velayudham” because of the dialogues, costumes, and the climax, where the protagonist assumes a guardian deity’s identity to protect his people.

The character sketch of Veeran bears a resemblance to “Karthikeya”.

The narration around the temple in “Veeran” is quite similar to “Mundasupatti”, and there is even a dialogue referencing it.

Temple Scene from Veeran Movie
Scene from Veeran Movie

Minnal Murali seems to have inspired Veeran in its plot and acts. Even the character of Kaali Venkat in Veeran appears to be similar to Aju Varghese’s role in Minnal Murali. Both characters provide comic relief and being a detective behind the main super-heroes.

The major difference between Veeran and Minnal Murali is in the writing. Minnal Murali has a steady, well-paced character development and transformation into a superhero, whereas Veeran tends to be more sudden in these aspects because of its poor writing.

What Could Have Been Better: Writing

Firstly, the pacing in the first half of the movie could have been better. The story’s development and character introductions felt sudden and could have been more gradual to allow the audience to connect better with the characters and their transformations.

Secondly, the narrative suffers from various logical loopholes. This indicates that the script could have used a little more time and thought. A more tightly woven plot would have significantly enhanced the movie’s overall impact.

Thirdly, the utilization of the superhero aspect of Veeran could have been done more creatively. The film does not fully explore the potential of Adhi’s superpowers, especially in the confrontations.

R BADREE in Veeran
R BADREE in Veeran

Finally, the villain characters, played by Vinay Rai & R Badree, could have been more compelling. A stronger antagonist would have added more tension to the plot, making the story more engaging for the viewers.That’s what worked best for Minnal Murali.

Why You Should Try Veeran

Unique Setting

Veeran is set in a rural backdrop, offering a fresh and inter

esting take on the usual urban-centric superhero movies. The depiction of village life and its nuances add to the film’s charm.

This week, there are two super-heroes Spiderman and Veeran, I believe children should try this different superhero. Let them get a different perspective.

Superhero Theme

For fans of superhero movies, Veeran presents a novel, desi superhero, which isn’t very common in Indian cinema, especially Tamil cinema. The unique powers of mind control and discharging electric arcs set our hero apart.Thanks to Minnal Murali for this initiative.

Hiphop Adhi as VEERAN
Hiphop Adhi as VEERAN

Performance of Hiphop Adhi, R Badree & others.

Hiphop Adhi, as the lead character, delivers a solid performance. His portrayal of the superhero character, with all its complexities, is commendable and a major reason to watch the movie. R Badree nailed his role as a villain.

Good use of Comedy & Myth

The film manages to weave in subtle-humor throughout the plot, making it entertaining. Especially, the situational comedy sequences involving R Badree is a special treat. There is a surprise comedy for you from Munshikanth and Kaali Venkat in the climax.

Kaali Venkat, Munishkanth in Veeran
Kaali Venkat, Munishkanth in Veeran Movie

The way Veeran(Kumaran) uses Myth, is intriguing, it clearily shows how religious systems works, this is where I felt like Veeran is a mediocre Mundassupatti. But still it’s worth considering there are no creepy romantic track.

A scene from Veeran Movie
A scene from Veeran Movie

My Suggestion

Veeran doesn’t quite reach the heights of films like “Minnal Murali”, it still manages to entertain and engage the audience to a certain extent.People were laughing and clapping at theatre, especially children enjoyed the most, I guess.

Remember the first half is slow-paced & poorly written, but in the second half Veeran team did a better job. You may find some thrilling moments.

If you’re a fan of superhero movies and are interested in seeing a different take on the genre, Veeran could be worth a watch. But go in without high expectations, and you might find yourself enjoying the film.

If you are looking for OTT Releases this week, here are my suggestions.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review

Exploring Dreams and Quirks of Middle-Class Love

If I were to paint a simple picture of what ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ is all about, it would be like this: Imagine a slice of life from a middle-class Indian home from Indore, few drama stuffed with humor and woven around the dreams of a young couple. The director, Laxman Utekar, has tried to create a lively canvas where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, much like his previous work, Mimi.

A collage of scenes from Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Poster Collage: Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

Story of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’

Let me introduce you to our main couple, Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, who play everyday people just like any other middle-class urban couple. Vicky’s character, Kapil, is a yoga teacher with simple dreams and a clever way of finding shortcuts to solve big problems. On the other hand, Sara Ali Khan portrays Saumya, a spirited chemistry professor with dreams that extend far beyond her home and her lovely georgette sarees.

Their everyday life takes an interesting turn when the pressures of living with their extended family become overwhelming. They yearn for a ‘place’ they can call their ‘own’, a home where they can create their own space and cherish their dreams. And that’s when our story, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’, begins to unfold.

What follows is a delightful rollercoaster of events, ranging from comical to dramatic, all revolving around this relatable and universal desire for a home.

In a nutshell, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ take us to witness the dreams, challenges, and hilarious complications faced by this young Indian couple. Especially, while they navigate through societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the quest for a place to call their own.

Why You Should Give A Try?

Firstly, let’s talk about the performances. Vicky Kaushal, known for his versatile acting skills, brings his A-game to the table as Kapil, the yoga teacher with a penchant for finding clever solutions. His portrayal is relatable and engaging, showcasing his ability to bring charm and authenticity to the character. Sara Ali Khan, on the other hand, captivates with her vibrant presence as Saumya, a chemistry professor who yearns for more from life. Her energy and commitment to the role shine through, adding depth to the narrative.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to tackle real-life issues in a light-hearted manner. The storyline revolves around the dreams and challenges faced by a young middle-class couple, resonating with audiences who have similar aspirations and struggles. Laxman Utekar’s direction, as seen in his previous work like Mimi, ensures that the film strikes a balance between entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.

Moreover, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ offers a glimpse into the world of Indore, a city that adds its own flavor to the narrative. The film beautifully captures the essence of small-town life, providing a unique backdrop for the characters and their journey.

What Could Have Been Better?

In my opinion, one thing that really felt odd to me was that the chemistry between Sara Ali Khan and Vicky Kaushal. It didn’t seem to have much chemistry on-screen.

Even though they are both talented actors with their own strengths, their pairing in the movie didn’t create the desired spark.

Sara Ali Khan

I was expecting a Sara Ali Khan from Atrangi Re, unfortunately, I only got that energy from her, not the natural demeanour. If Sara – Vicky chemistry had been stronger, it would have made Kapil’s & Soumya’s journey more interesting. Here audience may feel some disconnect with the story.

Plot of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’

Another important point to consider is that the plot of the movie. I felt it was stretched out. The pacing, especially in the second half, was not well done.

If the script had been tighter and repetitive elements had been eliminated, it would have created a more focused and engaging narrative.

Originality & Freshness

The story was highly relatable, but it lacked originality and seemed similar to other films like old Dinesh Vijan films or “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” style. If the filmmakers had strived for a more unique storytelling approach, it would have made the movie stand out from its predecessors.

Chemistry between Vicky Kaushal & Sara Ali Khan

As I said before, Vicky Kaushal’ portrayal of Kapil is excellent, but I felt that Sara Ali Khan’s efforts fell short compared to Vicky. It’s important for Khan to refine her acting approach, finding a balance between being authentic and avoiding being too theatrical.

Laxman Utekar’s approach

From an audience perspective, Laxman Utekar’s approach to ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ should be criticized for lacking energy and excitement. If he had incorporated more dynamic and innovative storytelling techniques, especially during crucial moments of the film, it would have injected more vitality into the overall viewing experience

Final Verdict

In conclusion, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ remains an opportunity to immerse oneself in a light-hearted tale that resonates with the dreams and challenges faced by many. So, if you’re willing to overlook its flaws and embrace its relatable themes, this film has the potential to provide an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Bookmyshow offers a Buy one Get one offer for this movie (Only for June 2 Bookings I guess) considering that, it’s worth to give a try.

We don’t have so many alternative options this week. If you are looking for OTT Releases this week, here are my suggestions.

Enjoy the Sweetness of Satire: Kathal Movie Review

The title of the movie Kathal (2023), which translates to ‘Jackfruit’ in English, is a curious choice.

It is this curiosity which makes me give a try for this comedy-thriller from Netflix this week. Maybe, we can consider it as an answer to Amazon Prime’s Dahaad, which released last week, considering the core plot.

Yashowardhan Mishra’s direction takes us through an eventful narrative, highlighting the socio-political dynamics, caste prejudices, and gender biases in an Indian semi-urban setting.

Plot of Kathal (2023)

The plot revolves around a bizarre case of missing jackfruits that propels the story into unexpected territory.

The jackfruits aren’t your regular type; they’re a rare breed from Malaysia, owned by a local MLA (Vijay Raaz) who values them highly, not for their taste, but for their role in his political ambitions.

These jackfruits, when pickled, are his secret recipe to win over political allies. One day, the jackfruits mysteriously vanish from his garden, throwing the town into a frenzy.

Here comes our heroine, Inspector Mahima Basor(Sanya Malhotra). She’s a dedicated and diligent police officer, driven by her commitment to solve crimes and bring justice.

When this peculiar case of the missing jackfruits falls into her lap, she doesn’t shy away. Instead, she dives right into the heart of the mystery, unafraid of the oddities and absurdities it brings.

But just as she begins to unravel the enigma of the missing jackfruits, she stumbles upon an even darker secret lurking beneath the town’s surface.

This unexpected twist takes her on a path that is far removed from her initial assignment.

Find The Answers by Watching Kathal(2023)

So, what does Inspector Mahima find?

What does the missing jackfruit case have to do with the darker mystery she uncovers?

And can she manage to solve these intertwined cases while dealing with the complexities of her personal life and the societal biases of her small town?

Well, to get these answers, you’ll have to dive into the vibrant world of “Kathal”

Trust me, it’s a ride filled with comedy, intrigue, and a dose of social satire you wouldn’t want to miss!

Perfect Casting With Poor Costumes

The performance of the “Kathal” cast is truly one of the highlights of the movie, bringing depth and authenticity to the storyline.

The lead role of Inspector Mahima Basor is played by the versatile Sanya Malhotra, who has already proven her acting prowess in several previous roles. I believe she is the new Radhika Apte of Netflix.

In “Kathal,” she continues to impress, beautifully balancing her character’s charm and firmness. She delivers a performance that’s both compelling and endearing, offering a fresh portrayal of a diligent police officer.

Sanya Malhotra & AnanatVijay in Kathal
Sanya Malhotra & AnanatVijay in Kathal

Supporting Sanya is the talented Anantvijay Joshi. His portrayal of a junior police officer brings a dynamic element to the film, contributing to its overall charm and depth.

Neha Saraf, known for her excellent comic timing, also joins the “Kathal” cast, portraying the challenges of a professional woman balancing work and domestic duties. Her performance adds another layer of relatability to the story.

Veteran actors Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav bring their trademark humor and style to their roles as a manipulative MLA and an enthusiastic local journalist, respectively. Despite the peculiar choice of wigs for their characters, they manage to deliver performances that are both enjoyable and memorable.

Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz in Kathal
Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz in Kathal

Why Should You Watch Kathal Movie ?

The “Kathal” movie is a perfect blend of social commentary, humor, and excellent performances.

A shot from Kathal Movie: Image credits- Netflix
A shot from Kathal Movie, Image credits: Netflix

It sets itself apart by using a unique storyline – the mysterious disappearance of two prized jackfruits – to highlight deeper issues prevalent in society.

One of the key reasons to watch the “Kathal” movie is its successful portrayal of the socio-political landscape of small-town in North India.

It doesn’t resort to preaching or making lofty statements. Instead, it nudges viewers gently towards acknowledging and understanding the biases and loopholes in our society.

The nuanced performances of the “Kathal” cast further enrich the film. Sanya Malhotra’s character, Inspector Mahima, is particularly noteworthy. She is not just a police officer on a mission, but a woman striving for respect and equality in a male-dominated world.

The movie also benefits from its balance of serious themes with light-hearted moments. The injection of humor keeps the tone enjoyable, ensuring that the audience stays engaged while absorbing the film’s key messages.

In conclusion, if you appreciate cinema that makes you laugh while also making you think, the “Kathal” movie is a must-watch.

Where to watch Kathal?

So, why wait? Try “Kathal” from Netflix and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Check out more reviews on our latest releases page.

Written by Akhil Pillai