Three Kings (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Kunchacko Boban as Ram
• Jayasurya as Shankar
• Indrajith as Bhaskar Unni Raja
• Sandhya as Manju
• Ann Augustine as Ranju
• Samvrutha Sunil as Anju
• Ashokan as Ashok Varma
• Jagathy Sreekumar as Dinakaran
• Salim Kumar as K. S. Prashanthan
• Suraj Venjaramoodu
• Sreejith Ravi as Murugappan

Directed by : V. K. Prakash
Produced by : Abdul Nazar alias Jeevan
Written by : Y. V. Rajesh
Music by : Ousepachan
Cinematography : Venu
Editing by : Mahesh Narayanan
Studio : KNM Films, Trends Adfilm Makers, Innostorm Entertainment
Distributed by : Playhouse Release

'Silsila hai silsila the song Rocked the Nation last year, comes back with the Remixed version in V.K Prakashan'S Three Kings. Silsila hai silsila is remixed by Ouseppachan and Sung by one of the lead of the movie Three Kings Jaysurya.

V.K Prakashan'S back with another Comedy riot , after the success of 'Gulumal-the escape'. Three Kings will have V.K Prakashan'S lucky charms Kuchacko Boban and Jaysurya along with the Versatile Indrajith . Ann Augustine, Kathal Sandya and Samvrutha Sunil will play the lead roles.

Three kings is the story of Three cousins born to brothers of a royal family at the same time, but the family now struggling to meet ends now. But Malayalam Movie 3 Kings Review-Story- Cast and Crewthe cousins are in search of ways to make quick money. Indrajith, who plays Bhasi, also known as Bhaskaranunniraja, who is interested Cricket is trying his luck in the cricket arena, he plans are to invest in the big cricket leagues like IPL.

Jayasuriya's character is a tele-screen actor called Sankar, whose original name is Sankaranunniraja. He consider himself as actor in the league of Mammooty and Mohan lal, he is desperate to make easy money from acting in Television Serials. Kunchacko Boban plays Ramanunniraja also known as ram in 'Three Kings' who is trying to make a fast buck by participating in various reality shows on television.

But the cousins are living in no harmony; each of them makes sure that the other never succeeds in his goal. Each makes every effort to ditch the other. Three of the cousins fail in the early attempt to make quick money.

But all of a sudden things changes, there comes a ploy to get rich, the movie proceeds with how the Three cousins execute their plans. They fall for the Rich mans played by Jagathy Sreekumar , Three daughters, actually dump daughters. Kathal' Sandhya plays Bhasi's girl friend Manju, while Ann Augustine comes up as Ranju, who has a crush on Ram. Samvrutha Sunil plays Anju who is the love of Sankar.

Ouseppachan will lend tunes to the songs of three kings, highlight being the song Silsila hai silsila, which was composed in presence of makers of the Album, Jaysurya will lend his voice for The New Silsila hai silsila, and movie will also have 4 songs other than silsila

Three kings' is scripted as a complete family entertainer by Y V Rajesh, who had earlier been with V K P for Gulumaal. Rajesh had been an associate to Shafi and Bobby -Sanjay in many of their films.

Ulakam Chuttum Valiban (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Jayaram as Jayashankar
• Mithra Kurian
• Biju Menon
• Vandana
• Suraj Venjaramoodu
• Salim Kumar

Directed by : Raj Babu
Written by : Krishna Poojappura
Music by : Mohan Sithaara
Cinematography : Anandhakuttan

Ulakam Chuttum Valiban was the title of a hit Tamil film staring MGR, but now it is the title of a flop Malayalam film starring Jayaram, scripted by Krishna Poojappura and directed by Raj Babu who earlier did Chess, Kangaroo etc. The movie is based on story by Gopu babu.

Jayashankar played by Jayaram is a vegetable vendor who lives with his mother and sister Kalyani. Jayashankar gets into a financial trouble, which has a lame reason. He goes to city to meet his relative Sethu enacted by Suraj, to borrow money to straighten things up.

Padmasree Jayaram

Padmasree Jayaram should stop mocking, pretending shocked in the name of acting.

Even after 20 years into acting Jayaram is imitating himself and teasing the viewers. His expressions are getting hackneyed and audience gets haunted even after they go to their houses. This is another film with the gene of Parthan Kanda Paralokam where he does everything with out any sufficient reason and the film lacks believability. UCV proved again Jayaram’s lack of story sense.

Acting

Suraj who is flavor of the season had tried very hard in this movie but he too couldn’t help the sinking ship. Song of him imitating Rajnikanth brought appreciation. Vandana as Varsha acts as a TV channel presenter, her brother Sajan Joseph by Biju Menon is a boastful CI, who easily falls for flattery, elicits laughter.

Salim Kumar appears as a trainer for petty thieves in the film, Lalu Alex enacts IG Hameed. Also in the cast are Kalabhavan Shajon, Kottayam Nazeer, Janardhanan, Mamukoya, Pradeep Prabhakar, Kishore and Priyanka.

Technical Department

There were several good numbers in movie but the script and technical department was a big let down. Old type of takings from Ananthakuttan has affected the look of the film. Director Raj Babu delivered better in film ‘Chess’.

Impact

The film is just like an aged actress who tries to cover her age with heavy makeup but still couldn’t succeed. Poor story, film’s length, unbelievable situations, lame reasons, unwanted songs, trite villain, preaching, loose ends in story all added up its own share of disaster.

Most important thing why the film hasn’t worked out is because there was no chemistry. If the same script was done by Dileep it would have fared well. The film couldn’t replace a Dileep flick under Sibi – Udayan Script. UCV seems to wipe clean the balance from Milan Jaleel’s bank account.

Ulakam Chuttum Valiban appears to have all the ingredients of a sleeping pill and it may work for you.

Violin (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Asif Ali as Aby
• Nithya Menon as Angel
• Lakshmi Ramakrishnan as Annie
• Reena Basheer as Mercy
• Vijayaraghavan
• Jagathy Sreekumar
• Sreejith Ravi
• Chembil Asokan

Directed by : Sibi Malayil
Produced by : AOPL Entertainment
Written by : Viju Ramachandran
Music by : Bijibal, Anand Raj Anand
Cinematography : Manoj Pillai
Editing by : Bijith Bala
Studio : AOPL Entertainment
Distributed by : APOL Cinemas Release through Lal Release

Siby Malayil sure has seen better times. Violin, the latest film from the director that hit the screens this week, has an airless and stagy feel that makes it quickly topple downhill. It looks glossy all right, but the melodrama that unfolds is depthless and adheres to the Fort Cochin Movie Rulebook with all sincerity.

The lives of Angel (Nithya Menon) and her two aunts Annie (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan) and Mercy (Reena Basheer) are transformed, when Abey (Asif Ali) walks in, as their tenant. After a bout of initial resistance from Angel, romance strikes, and the two fall in love.

The obviousness that mars the script plays spoil sport time and again. There is absolutely nothing in this film that you wouldn't be able to foretell. It's almost as if the entire sequence falls into place as you have in your mind already. Where are the surprises?

Films set in Fort Cochin run the huge risk of falling into a cliché cavern and disappearing without a trace. Violin doesn't escape this danger at all. Everything from the costumes, the ambience, the conversations and the smell of a rusty lineage are maintained without fail.

And then towards the end, the story finally moves a little bit away from your plans, and you think that finally things are going to look up. Sad, because in no time you realize that predictability was better. The last fifteen minutes stretch on and on without no sense whatsoever, which makes the climax of the film a big let-down.

I have always wondered why the Violin is seen as an icon of despair in Malayalam films. Haven't we come across any number of scenes where a character plays a melancholic tune on the violin, for one last time before he blows himself off or somebody else? What has the Violin actually done to deserve this miserable fate?

The three women have been living alone for quite a while, and looks like the rest of the world is plotting against them. So they spend their lives baking cakes, going to church, and hoping for better days ahead. And to add further anguish to the despondent scene, there is the Violin as well, that Angel keeps playing every now and then, as if to ensure that they are neck-deep in trouble.

Even as things stand, I wouldn't mind watching bits and pieces of Violin once more, and the reason is Asif Ali. The charm that he fills up into the character of Abey is absolutely endearing, and this is easily one of Asif's best performances. Nithya Menon is equally good, though she has two totally strong contenders in Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Reena Basheer. A special pat on the back for the talented Abhishek Raveendran as well, for bringing in some mirth into the proceedings.

That song that goes 'Ente Mohangalellaam..' set to tune by Anand Raj Anand is out of this world.

Violin is old fashioned to the core. It sticks to conventions and keeps you hoping that some discovery is about to be made. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort happens, and you walk out of the theatre lamenting the film's downfall.

Doctor Love (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Kunchacko Boban as Vinayachandran
• Asif Ali (cameo)
• Bhavana as Ebin
• Ananya
• Bhagat
• Aju Varghese
• Manikuttan
• Prakasaan
• Hemant
• Rajat Menon
• Shari
• Nimisha
• Vidya Unni

Directed by : K. Biju
Produced by : Joy Thomas Sakthikulangara
Written by : K. Biju
Music by : Vinu Thomas
Cinematography : Shaji
Studio : Jithin Arts
Distributed by : Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments

'Dr.Love' is a movie primarily aimed at the youth .An interesting plot loosely inspired from the Tamil flick 'Shahjahan', this debut attempt from director K Biju is a feel-good film and though it has its share of loose ends, the outcome leaves you feeling pleased than many of the recent entertainers.

The movie has Kunchakko Boban as Vinayachandran, a struggling young writer, who is trying different ways to make a living. He has a friend in Gowry(Ananya), who is a staff in the local telephone booth. Mainly threading his plots for novels around love, Vinayachandran accidentally happens to meet Sathya Sheelan(Innocent), the P E Teacher of a college, who comes for advice to somehow fulfil his love for a fellow teacher in the college. And for that Sathyasheelan finds ways to post Vinayan as a supplier in the college canteen. Once inside the college, Vinayan instantly strikes a chord with the students helping some to reward with their first love. Instantly rechristened as 'Dr. Love- the Romance Consultant', he starts to deals with people who are affected with love and becomes the last word for youngsters in the college struck by Cupid's arrow and those who have a problem with their love affairs. The after-effects of his so-called 'guidance' and the consultant's own love story is what that takes the story forward.

K Biju in his debut screenwriting relies on the tested formula, but packs in a lot of unpredictable situations that has been smartly woven in the screenplay to make it more exciting. The movie with a unrealistic, sometimes unconvincing plot lines, is interspersed with light moments aplenty and much of them have been handled deftly. Things are smooth sailing till the emotional angle comes up, where the narrative dips a little, but the experience as an assistant to many big names of Mollywood helps Biju to manage the climax with out much chaos. Dialogues deserve special mention, as the youth are sure to identify with them!

The performances are topnotch. Kunchakko Boban seems to be riding in the best of the times in his career and here he gets ample scope to display his potential as an actor and he takes full advantage of the opportunity. Bhavana just manages to play to he demands of her Ebin, a tomboyish character who is the de facto leader of a group of friends in the college. Bhagath and Hemant are lovable while Manikuttan springs a pleasant surprise with his witty one-liners.! Ananya in another good role is completely natural with a fine performance. All others in the cast including Salimkumar, Vidhya Unni, Rejith menon and Kalabhavan Shajon come up with right performances to suit the demands of the roles they are on.

Debutante Vinu Thomas's music is more than okay with a mix of good and melodious numbers, but those that stand out are the title track 'palapoo', 'Aakasham doore' and 'Ninnodenikkulla' for their honey-sweet tunes. Cinematography by Shaji is eye-catching and the beautiful ambiance of SB College are utilized to the maximum to give that colourful, chic look of the campus flick.

All in all,' Dr.Love' has some interesting moments and the ensemble star cast pitches in real performances too. On the whole, the movie could' be an ideal popcorn flick targeted to strike a chord with the youth and those who relish candy floss and madcap entertainers. If you are not looking for wisdom and rationale in a light-hearted entertainer, We are sure you will savour this campus carnival .

Sarkar Colony (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Mukesh
• Devayani
• Jagadish
• Jagathy Sreekumar
• Ashokan
• Suraj Venjaramood
• Salim Kumar
• Narayanankutty
• Jaffer Idukki
• Kochupreman
• Adv. Chandrashekhar
• Sajan Pallaruthy
• Sinan Kodungaloor
• Geetha Vijayan
• Bindu Panicker
• Sona Nair
• Ambika Mohan

Directed by : V. S. Jayakrishna
Produced by : Rajeev Thampi, Chandrasekharan
Written by : V. C. Ashok
Singers : M. G. Sreekumar, Nayana, Afsal, Madhu Balakrishnan.
Lyricist : Bichu Thirumala, Rajeev Alumkal
Music by : M. G. Sreekumar
Cinematography : Salu George
Editing by : Manoj

‘Sarkar Colony’ has Mukesh as Shivaramakrishnan, who is a clerical staff in the PWD. As his wife (Devayani) happens to be his superior at office, he takes liberty to jump out of the office chores and engage himself in a MLM run by Jagathy Sreekumar’s character curiously named as ‘Pi Pu Pa Pi’, which promises heavy dividends. He also brings in maximum of his colony members in the various legs of the schemes, by showing the generosity of the MLM Company offering cars, tour packages and hefty cheques to their clients. His wife is heavily opposing her husband’s attempts on making easy money. And by the interval we are made to note of the devastating consequences of the MLM’s as Shivaramakrishanan and his friends are in the run for their money, and the MLM owner’ and even their websites sinking without a trace. Even after being in such calamitous consequences, Shivaramakrishanan still makes another try to prove worthy before his wife and relatives by running a kindergarten school named ‘Daddy’s day care’, which proves to be even more pathetic affair than their earlier endeavours..

The movie essentially had a good thread and message which could have itself made a good view. But the script writer V C Ashok, in his attempt to appease more families loses the plot just after the midway and it does an about-turn and touches the ebb, wandering around silly jokes and melodrama. The serious issue has been tackled sloppily, unsympathetically and amateurishly and for this reason, it comes across as an exercise in boredom. The characters appear devoid of life and the staging of the material is evident all through.

The arrival of Suraj venjaramoodu as Babykunju, the caretaker of the children adds to the woes of the narratives. The attempts to create comedy out of kids and the group dance song punched in the later half is more than bearable, making viewers to look for the exit. The very regular climax with really low surprises also adds to the pitfalls of the movie. V S Jayakrishna’s first independent affair as a director falls flat , as he hasn’t been able to crate a watchable movie from an interesting thread and even the talented actors in the cast fail to redeem the enterprise.

All the senior artists in the cast including Mukesh, Jagadheesh, Ashokan and Devayani are consistent in their regular acts, with really nothing demanding them to do any kind of diversity. The technical sides including camera work by Saloo George and music department by MG Sreekumar fails to add to the merits of the movie.

With a poor script and execution that reminds us of the movies of the nineties, ‘Sarkar Colony’ may not offer any interesting watch for general viewers. At the best, the movie may end up as an average earner at the Box office.

Snehaveedu (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Mohanlal as Ajayan
• Sheela as Ammukkutty Amma
• Padmapriya as Sunanda
• Biju Menon as SI Balachandran
• Innocent as Mathai
• K. P. A. C. Lalitha as Reethamma
• Mamukkoya as Seithali
• Rahul Pillai as Karthik
• Reeja as Shanthi
• Chembil Ashokan as Manian
• Lena as Lilly
• Urmila Unni as Nalini
• Arundathi as Rosemol
• Sasi Kalinga as Marar
• Appukutty
• Praveen Premkumar

Directed by : Sathyan Anthikad
Produced by : Antony Perumbavoor
Written by : Sathyan Anthikad
Singers : K. S. Chithra, Hariharan, Shreya Ghoshal, Rahul Nambiar, Shweta
Lyricist : Rafeeq Ahamed
Music by : Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography : Venu ISC
Editing by : K. Rajagopal
Studio : Aashirvad Cinemas
Distributed by : Aashirvad Release, Maaxlab

In a movie like this only two people need to perform. And if they do, the rest automatically follows. With a predictable story and an even more predictable climax, the onus on the lead players is huge. And as far as Snehaveedu is concerned, they deliver.

We all know who Sathyan Anthikkad is. He is a highly successful director, who has consistently provided money spinners at the box office. And he has been peddling the same genre of cinema for about 30 years. I actually like to think that he created the ‘family cinema’ genre over here. The kind of guy the industry turns to when it is in a dire need of a hit. Though the condition of Malayalam film industry is not so dire (and not so great), Sathyan has crafted another family movie that ought to attract families to the ticket counters.

We have been waiting for a long time so as to see Mohanlal in a role that would wring, zing and bring out the best in him. And I am sorry to say that Snehaveedu does not end that wait. But the good thing being that, nor does the movie pretend to. Mohanlal portrays the role of a man who chooses to live in a village with his mother and try his hand at farming. And here too as was with Mathews in ‘Ividam Swargamaanu’ we do not see Mohanlal- the actor, we see Ajayan the farmer. After quite some time, we get to see the old brand of comedy. The one for which the triumvirate of Sreenivasan, Mohanlal and Sathyan was famous for. The non slapstick genre.

The Maestro Ilayaraaja has churned out better stuff than this. But fortunately, the background score and songs do not jar. The BGM actually gels well with the narrative and that’s all we could ask for.

Do not expect the movie to be path breaking stuff, Sathyan is just reaffirming his style of film making. But, here is a movie which guarantees you quality family time and keeps well on the promise.

Makaramanju (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Santhosh Sivan as Raja Ravi Varma and Pururavas
• Karthika Nair as Anjali Bhai and Urvashi
• Nithya Menon
• Lakshmi Sharma as Bhageerathi, Ravi Verma's wife
• Poorna
• Mallika Kapoor
• Jagathy Sreekumar as Govardhandas Makhanji, Ravi Verma's business partner
• Bala as Raja Raja Verma, Ravi Varma's younger brother
• Chithra Iyer as Rukku Bhai, Anjali's mother
• Saiju Kurup

Directed by : Lenin Rajendran
Produced by : Green Cinema
Written by : Lenin Rajendran
Singers : K. J. Yesudas, Hariharan, Sujatha, Ramesh Narayan, Anuradha Sriram, Srinivas, Sunita Menon, Manjari
Lyricist : Kavalam Narayana Panicker, K. Jayakumar Chandran Nair
Music by : Ramesh Narayan
Cinematography : Madhu Ambat
Editing by : Mahesh Narayanan
Distributed by : Sree Gokulam Films

What interests us most in Lenin Rajendran's Makaramanju is the parallel narrative - the epic story of Pururavas and Urvasi as seen through the eyes of a painter who is determined to craft his masterpiece. That apart, the film stretches and strains a bit too hard as the jerks and jolts between the two story lines get a bit too tiring after a while.

There is Santhosh Sivan himself playing the much renowned painter from Kerala, Raja Ravi Verma, who is on exile, following an innocent looking liaison with a model (Nithya Menon) that went terribly wrong. He has found refuge in the big, bad city of Bombay, where he meets wine and women aplenty.

Bhagirathi (Lekshmi Sharma), is his wife back home, who confesses that his visits once in a while that often gift her with a child, are simply not enough. She goes out of her way to seduce him, requesting him to make her his canvas and to paint her all anew.

There is talk about Theodore Jackson and the Kilimanoor Palace, and of all possible cross reverences that could be afforded. There is Makhanji (Jagathy Sreekumar) as well, who is all optimistic about the market value of the painter's works.

Ravi Verma in Rajendran's film has transformed into a rebel, and the twirled mustache is just an indication. He is forever battling with himself and those around him, and hopelessly torn apart by the pangs of love, he comes across as a terribly confused man, with flashes of a firm ideology.

The object of his affection is none other than Sugandha Bai (Karthika), a dancer who later models for him. It is to her, that he narrates the love tale of Pururavas and Urvasi, and as the painter and his model are drawn closer to each other, they realize, that the epic story is being rewritten again.

Santhosh Sivan looks remarkably confident as both Ravi Verma and Pururavas, and his highly unconventional looks add an extra charm to his portrayal of both the characters. Karthika, however, has all the amateurishness of a fresher, and goes woefully overboard at times and excessively restrained at others.

Makaramanju is a beautiful film, thanks to the remarkable frames of Madhu Ambatt. Having witnessed a naked Pururavas in the glorious moonlight, Urvasi bids adieu to her lover once and for all. And as the King looks on in amazement, she flies up to heaven, promising to meet him again someday - one of the most striking scenes in the film, thanks to an amazing cinematographer at the helm of affairs.

Makaramanju loses grip on its material half way through, and remains an elusive piece that doesn't tug at your heart strings. Which is why, you walk out of the hall mumbling to yourself that perhaps a bit more clever scripting could have made all the difference.

Indian Rupee (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast :

• Prithviraj as JP (Jayaprakash)
• Thilakan as Achutha Menon
• Rima Kallingal as Beena
• Tini Tom as CH
• Lalu Alex as Surendran
• Jagathy Sreekumar as Gold Pappy
• Kalpana
• Revathi
• Sreelatha
• Mamukoya
• Mallika
• Babu Namboothiri
• Asif Ali (cameo)
• Fahad Fazil (cameo)

Directed by : Ranjith
Produced by : August Cinema (Prithviraj, Santosh Sivan, Shaji Natesan)
Written by : Ranjith
Music by : Shahabaz Aman
Cinematography : S. Kumar
Editing by : Vijay Shankar
Studio : August Cinema
Distributed by : August Films

Indian Rupee, directed by Ranjith has Prithviraj essay a very deglamourised role for the first time. The film can be easily categorised as one of the best films of the Malayalam film industry to hit the screen this year.

Indian Rupee, unlike most of Prithviraj's film is minus any thrilling action sequences or mushy romance. Indian Rupee has Prithviraj essay a very mature and the boy next door sort of role, contrary to his previous films.

Ranjith has been regarded as one of the best film makers in Malluwood till date and with Indian Rupee, he has reaffirmed the audiences belief in him. Though the style adopted is conventional, Ranjith has managed to make a nice movie, thanks to a well written script and perfect execution.

Though one must say that some of the twists and turns and melodrama could have been avoided, Indian Rupee is a film which should not be missed.

Cinematography by S Kumar is beautiful and so is the music by Shahabaz Aman.

Story

Jayaprakash or JP as he is popularly known (Prithviraj), is a simple guy with huge dreams and aspirations about his future. JP begins his career as a sub agent in the real estate business. He is interacting with some of the bigwigs in the industry and is slowly making his presence felt in the big bad world of reality business in Kozhikode. Hameed (Tini Tom) is his best buddy who backs him all the time and helps JP make some quick bucks. The two decide to make money by selling the property owned by an old man named Achutha Menon (Thilakan). However, that never happens.

In the process, Achutha Menon becomes an inseparable part of their lives and things start falling in the right place, much to the delight of JP. Rima Kallingal as Bina plays the love interest of Prithviraj in Indian Rupee. Bina is a doctor and her parents are not too keen to get her married to JP.

JP manages to earn a commendable fortune. However, in the process, he learns some valuable lessons about the importance of money in life.

Performance

Indian Rupee is one of the best films of Prithviraj, who has not had a hit for a long time. His expressions, vulnerable look and dialogue delivery is excellent, considering it is an absolutely deglamorised role.

Thilakan is truly outstanding and undoubtedly the show stealer. His mannerism, dialogue delivery, style – Thilakan is truly amazing. He has shown that he need not be superstars like Mohanlal or Mammootty to win accolades for his performance.

Jagathy Sreekumar, as Pappachan is good too. Rima Kallingal, Mallika, Tini Tom, Lalu Alex and Mamukkoya have excelled in their parts.

Overall, Indian Rupee is a must watch film.

Chinatown (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast and Crew :

Starring : Mohanlal, Jayaram, Dileep, Pradeep Rawat, Captain Raju, Kavya Madhavan, Poonam Bajwa, Dipasha, Shankar, Shanavas, Jose, Jagathi Sreekumar, Maya Viswanath, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Bindu Asokan, Lakshmi, Deepu Karunakaran
Directed by : Rafi Mecartin
Produced by : Antony Perumbavoor
Written by : Rafi Mecartin
Singers : M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra, Jassie Gift, Manjari, Rajalakshmi, Afsal, Pradeep Palluruthy, Ranjith, Rijiya, Kavalam Sreekumar
Lyricist : Anil Panachooran
Music by : Jassie Gift
Cinematography : Azhagappan
Editing by : Don Max
Studio : Aashirvad Cinemas
Distributed by : Aashirvad Release through Maaxlab

If you are a great fan of comedy film and don't care much about the logic, Rafi Mecartin's multi-starrer China Town is yours! As a comedy film, it meets the expectations very well till the break, but the second half doesn’t live up to the mark and in the process, it breaks your heart.

China Town largely had great potential to amuse the audience with an overwhelming level of humour as the cast comprised megastar Mohanlal, Dileep, Jayaram and the comedy prince Suraaj Venjaramood, but the film emerged as a dull affair altogether and it seems to have even failed to please Mohanlal fans.

China Town begins with a story of four friends who run a gambling shop in Goa back in the 80s. Quite a sight to see Mohanlal with co-stars of the 80s Shankar, Prem Navas and Captain Raju gamboling in their bell bottoms and prancing in care-free hippy style. The flash back ends with a gross murder that ends their lives. But one of them survives along with their 3 sons. No, no revenge this time when the kids grow up! The survivor brings up the three kids – Lal, Jayaram and Dileep.

Jayaram (Zacharia) in an unusual gluttonous role played very well except for an awkward wig. Dileep (Binoy), a jobless Romeo, gives a good performance. Mohanlal (as Mathukkutti) is a wanna be ‘Don’. Kavya Madhavan plays Rosamma and she does a fair role except in a few scenes. The first half rocks with a lot of interesting scenes and the tempo is excellent. In the second half, Captain Raju (survivor) brings these three sons to Goa - China Town - to give them back their gambling shop. The villain is still around – bigger and meaner. The slide begins somewhere here.

In the second half, we get an impression that the film has some similarities with Hollywood flick Hangover and the inclusion of the Hangover story by the script writer (the director himself) is the biggest flaw in the movie. Introduction of Ranjini and all the reality show contestants probably was a touch unnecessary. Suraaj is okay in the comic role, but what extra comedy can he bring up when the film already has Mohanlal, Jayaram and Dileep?

The film has music by Jassi Gift and he has done some impressive songs. Editing and special effects are quite interestingly done. All in all, an excellent first half, but a disappointing second is all about China Town.

August 15 (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast and Crew :

Starring : Mammootty, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique, Sai Kumar, Lalu Alex, Meghana Raj, Shweta Menon, Jagathy Sreekumar, Madhu, Balachandran Chullikkadu, Thalaivasal Vijay, Biju Pappan
Directed by : Shaji Kailas
Produced by : M. Mani
Written by : S. N. Swami
Music by : Rajamani
Cinematography : Pradeep Nair
Editing by : Boominathan
Studio : Sunitha Productions
Distributed by : Aroma Release

In Shaji Kailas' 'August 15', the Chief Minister of Kerala (Nedumudi Venu) escapes an assassination attempt, and hotshot cop Perumal (Mammootty) is called in to investigate. Realizing that the CM was poisoned, Perumal decides to nab the assassin before he has another go at the CM's life.

What has backfired in 'August 15' is the lack of a clear cut ploy that is intriguing enough to keep you glued to the screen. Yes, the CM's assassination attempt is matter enough to craft some thrilling material, but the writing is often downright lackluster that you realize that Swamy is nowhere near his prime any more.

There is one particular scene where an exasperated Perumal, fires a series of bullets on to a wall that has been plastered with several possible pictures of the assassinator. Light floods in through the cracks on the wall. The entire investigation is punctured with similar loopholes, and a lack of logic runs all along. Some scenes are downright silly as well. It's quite odd, when Perumal gets up at the middle of the night and starts surfing Wikipedia for 'poison' entries.

The political standpoint that 'August 15' adopts, is slightly different in that it is not Chief Minister-obsessed as is the usual case. It talks of the alleged faction war in the Communist Party, and suggests that nothing is actually as wrong as it is being depicted by the media. All is well, says the CM and the Party Secretary (Saikumar).

The script has been stuffed with potentially suspicious characters, and these minor character portrayals are nothing but tiny disasters. Take for instance Aravindan (Jagathy Sreekumar), who hogs plenty of screen space towards the beginning of the film. The slightly strange personality attributes that this man is endowed with makes him the focus of attention for a while. What bothers us then, is the way he fizzles out with a trace not much later.

Another major disappointment is the climax that happens on August 15, and the makers have gone for a scene change as such, perhaps taking into consideration the pains of shooting on a parade ground. It's not the change in scenario that ends up being unsatisfactory, but the way it all ends. Swamy doesn't stop even with the assassin out of the picture. He drags in a further twist that looks and sounds like an appendage that has been severed off, and yet hangs on to the main part for its dear life.

Perumal has softened up a bit; matured perhaps. But then, this isn't a character that you know inside out, like Sethurama Iyer. He drinks gin, we are told, and has turned a bit flirtatious. He pays a fine for not wearing a helmet while driving. He doesn't have an office or personal staff, and of course he rides a Bullet. Mammootty is the man in action here, and no prizes for guessing that as Perumal, he looks swell! Siddiq and Saikumar are the two other actors worth a mention.

In 'August 15', the techniques of film making have moved forward by leaps and bounds, while the writing is still stuck at primitive level. It's doubtful if history would repeat itself, but Swamy needs to spice up his writing skill real quick, lest it becomes history.

Christian Brothers (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast and Crew:

Starring: Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep, Sarath Kumar, Lakshmi Rai, Kanika, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Kavya Madhavan
Directed by: Joshiy
Produced by: A. V. Anoop, Maha Subair
Written by: Udayakrishna, Siby K. Thomas
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Rimi Tomy, Shweta Mohan, Nikhil, Ranjith,
Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri
Music by: Deepak Dev, Rajamani(Background Score)
Cinematography: Anil Nair
Editing by: Ranjan Abraham
Studio: AVA Productions, Varnachithra Big Screen, Medimix
Distributed by: Varnachithra Big Screen

To be frank, ‘Christian Brothers’ is a film that baffles me when I sit down to write the review. To be honest, I am not impressed with the movie. I don’t even feel like seeing it once again; I am one of those who’d love to see some of the old hits of Joshiy again and again. Personally speaking, I won’t give the film as much rating as I am going to.

But when I ask myself as to what else I expected to see, I am baffled. Indeed ‘Christian Brothers’ is almost exactly what I expected it to be- a smaller version of ‘Twenty-20’. It’s basically a film for Mohanlal fans and is scripted in such a manner as to give space to the co-stars too.

Captain Verghese Mappilai (Saikumar) has two sons and two daughters. The elder son Christie (Mohanlal) is in Mumbai, with lots of underworld connection. The younger one (Joji) is abroad; his father had sent him to become trained for priesthood, but now he has fallen in love with a girl named Meenakshi (Kavya Madhavan) and has left the seminary. It’s when Meenakshi, who reaches Kerala and whose father (Devan) is the Home Minister, is kidnapped and a huge amount demanded as ransom that Christie is called in. Christie is now said to be a high-profile police informer and he is brought in to save Meenakshi. He does that, quite easily, but very soon he himself is arrested, on charges of murder. It’s the very daring and upright police officer Joseph Vadakkan (Suresh Gopi) who is up in arms against him. Then enters Andrews (Sarath Kumar) from Mumbai, who has a purpose behind his arrival.

Into this is woven the story of the villainous Kumaran Thampy (Vijayaraghavan) and his equally villainous sons and son-in-law, who are all against Verghese Mappilai and family for some other reasons. It’s action, drama, sentiments all moving on to a predictable climax.

There’s nothing new or great about ‘Christian Brothers’, except perhaps the coming together of Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep and Sarath Kumar. But on the whole it’s a Mohanlal film and all the other characters have been created to prop him up.

Since ‘Christian Brothers’ is almost the thing that I hoped to see, I was not totally disappointed and I am sure that you too won’t be disappointed. It’s what we want it to be or rather what we expect it to be.

Performances
‘Christian Brothers’ is not much about performances; it’s more about the presence of popular stars. Almost all of them, including Mohanlal, have put in OK kind of performances. There is nothing outstanding. The only actor who rises above the ordinary is perhaps Saikumar, who is sort of overshadowed by the presence of so many stars. The actresses however lack importance. The key roles could have been done by anyone, especially the characters played by Dileep and Sarath Kumar and hence it’s evident that these stars have been brought in just to make it a star-studded affair.

Technical aspects
The cinematography, editing and art-work suit the theme and contribute to making the film a ‘big’ thing.

Music
Songs, penned by Kaithapram and set to tune by Deepak Dev are just about OK.

Script
Sibi.K.Thomas and Udayakrishna once again does what they have been doing all these years- namely mixing up things that are very much familiar and oft-repeated and coming up with a blockbuster. They must be appreciated for the effort they have put in to give each of the four key actors due importance.

Direction
Joshiy is very much in control of things, as he usually is. The film is in essence a Joshiy film, but I won’t say that I liked it as I had liked some of his all-time bests.

Overall Verdict - Strictly for fans, OK for a one-time watch. Nothing great!

Urumi (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast and Crew:

Starring: Prithviraj, Prabhu Deva, Genelia D'Souza, Nithya Menon, Arya, Tabu, Vidya Balan, Jagathy Sreekumar
Directed by: Santosh Sivan
Produced by: Prithviraj, Santosh Sivan, Shaji Natesan
Written by: Shankar Ramakrishnan
Singers: K J Yesudas, Swetha, Manjari Babum, Job Kurian, Rita, Reshmi Sathish, Guru Kiran, Shaan Rahman, KR Renji,Prithviraj, Mili
Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri
Music by: Deepak Dev
Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
Editing by: A. Sreekar Prasad
Studio: August Cinema
Distributed by: August Films

Santosh Sivan’s Urumi is a miniature masterpiece of moods, emotions, anxieties ruled by a thirst for revenge. The film unfolds like a ballad and is a sweet and simple fairy tale. The 170 minutes film works to a large extent to its perfect casting, fantastic performances, soothing score and technical brilliance.

Santosh has made it like how a period drama should be made without too much talk about freedom struggle, no bombastic dialogues or playing to the gallery for heroism. His vision and concept gives this epic the feel of a Brave Heart or Gladiator.

It provides us a new insight into the hearts and minds of ancient heroes and shot in locations that reflect the period as everything looks fresh, green and clean and one can feel even the mist. Another major plus is that there are hardly any CG special effects that one would associate with a period war film.

Shankar Ramakrishnan’s script is simple and straightforward and keeps the narrative absorbing and inspiring. The film starts in the present day with a modern don’t care youth Krishna Das (Prithviraj) and his friend (Prabhu Deva) having a jolly good time. A big corporate offers Krishna Das a bomb for his ancestral property in Kerala.

On his arrival in Kerala to sign the papers, he learns the truth about his land and ancestors, which is told in a flashback. A brave warrior (Arya), wants to kill Vasco da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India. But he is brutally killed by the invaders and his son Chirakkal Kelu Naynar (Prithviraj) is out to take revenge with a golden Urumi, that he makes with the ornaments of dead women and children who were burnt alive in a ship that was going to Mecca. It was set on fire and sunk under the instructions from Vasco Da Gama.

The film is spread between the second and third visit of Gama to India and chronicles a varied version of how Gama could have met a bloody death in 1524 AD. Kelu is supported by his childhood Muslim buddy Vavvali (Prabhu Deva). In the journey he meets warrior princess Ayesha (Genelia), who has her own axe to grind against the foreign invaders. Will they be able to kill Vasco Da Gama ?

The major highlight of the film is the performances of its lead actors. Prithviraj as Kelu Naynar is dashing. You cannot take your eyes of him, it’s a difficult role and he has come out with flying colours especially in the climax scene. Prabhu Deva is there in as many frames as Prithviraj, and is a real treat to watch. He does comedy and romance with ease and the chat song with Nithya is a scream.

However it goes without saying that this is Genelia’s show. She has shed her bubbly image for an out of the world controlled performance and her Kalaripayattu action scenes are thrilling. Nithya Menen looks pretty and is a scene stealer, while Jagathy is outstanding. Amol Gupte, Alex, Robin and others are lifelike. There is also walk in cameo appearances by Arya, Vidya Balan and Tabu.

Music of Deepak Dev enriches the film with Aaro nee aaro, Chimmi Chimmi and the theme music is haunting. A pat for Shankar Ramakrishnan for his intricately crafted script, super editing by Sreekar Prasad without any gimmicks and eye catching beautiful camera work by Sivan and his assistant Anjuli Shukla.

Santosh Sivan has come out with a story of valour with an admirable degree of craftsmanship and clarity. The producers Santosh, Prithviraj and Shaji Natesan can be proud of this epic.

Urumi is a fairy tale fantasy film that has a heart and technical artistry. Go for it.

Verdict - Very Good