rajesh-puvvada Reviews

Manjummel Boys (2024)

It's NOT GOOD, but BETTER than the BEST

[9/10 · 10 March 2024]

_A review by Rajesh Puvvada_

If I recollect right, this is the first Malayalam movie I went and watched in a movie theatre after the first 3D movie "My Dear Kutti Chattan " in 1984. All this while I catch upon good Malayalam movies in OTT. So this is a very unique experience for me to watch a Malayalam movie in theatre at Pune. I was influenced by friends who gave me a very positive feedback.

What makes the story telling compelling?!?! A story can be told in various ways, it can be told straight forward to the point or it can be told with a lot of creative presentations within. That creative presentation to bring the edge of a seat thriller experience is one of the key ingredients of Manjammel Boys.

A group of friends who are in their youthful prime, with a lot of blood rush usually do a lot of mischief. And so were the Manjammel Boys. But there is one thing unique about their bonding. Bonding among friends won't happen overnight. The power of bonding is that one will do anything to cover one's back. When I say anything it's everything under the sun. For that kind of a bonding to happen, there has to be years and years of friendship among them and over the years they have many stories to tell you. And that's what Director Chidambaram prepares you for. If one friend is ready to take a huge risk to save an other, it is backed by years and years of true bonding and friendship!! I really liked the way Chidambaram handled it!!

The movie starts with credits to Ilayaraja and Kamal Hassan. And now I am convinced why they gave the credit to both of them. If you had watched the early 90s movie Guna, a song would have remained stuck in your head after you watched that movie. That very same song forms the essence for the unexpected things that will unfold!!

Indian audiences always want a hero who is stylish, well built and good looking!! Well if you have a story to tell with a solid presentation then looks go unnoticeable. Soubhin Sahir does one performance with his natural looks, receding hairline, short and not so well built body as Kuttan in this movie which is exemplary!!

Every character does their part to fit well into the plot. If you consider the police men in the movie as villains for their tough and corrupt ways of working well you will hate those characters in this movie. And that's exactly how the director wants you to feel!!

The movie grips you well within its grasp and you will enjoy that tightness. This is one such movie that you want to ensure a safe ending but things go back and forth like a "Tug of War"

The "Tug of War" is by far the real saviour in this movie. Wondering why?!? Watch it with your family!! There are a lot of leadership lessons here. So make sure you watch with your office team if it matters to you!!

I am going with a 9/10 and I am humming "Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan...." song while I complete this review. A lengthy one. You need a long and lengthy rope to bring someone back from an abyss!!

Article 370 (2024)

It's TRUE!! The movie carries a lot of naked truth!!

[9/10 · 25 February 2024]

A review by Rajesh Puvvada

Setting aside political affiliations and opinions, the movie lives to the spirit of a making inspired by true events.

Article 370 as a movie is based on the events that unfolded between 2015 to 2019. The knotty parts of the article in the Indian constitution were untied smartly during this period and the way it was done is the movie all about. So if you assume that the movie is all about a verbal exchange of key leaders over a debate, you are grossly mistaken.

The movies balances between the interpretation of the constitution and a solid action of the NIA (National Investigation Agency) against terrorists and separatists. It's really interesting to see some sections of the article disappeared over the course of time. The movie handles this confusing and complicated part very well. Further, the tact of understanding and dealing with the power equations when changes are imposed to parts of the wider constitution was dealt with very well.

The movie reminds one about the fact that the ugly truth can't disappear forever someone will stumble upon it and justice will prevail even after 5 decades.

You will remain at the edge of the seat when pace builds at the valley and at the Indian parliament. The background score is heart thumping hence I will say you should watch this movie in the theatre.

Both Priya mani and Yami Gautam have played their parts unequivocally!! Arun Govil can't be ignored in the movie!!

I am going with a 8.5/10. You can safely take your entire family to this movie, but emotions will be felt only by the Baby Boomer till the Gen Y populace. Get to the truth soon!!

Vadakkupatti Ramasamy (2024)

Lollusabha Gang comes out with a bang!!

[9/10 · 3 February 2024]

Vadakkupatti Ramasamy

A review by Rajesh Puvvada

If you want to forget the real world stress and laugh until your stomach ache, this movie is a treat from the Lollu Sabha gang!!

I used to really adore the Lollu Sabha gang and await their spoofs in Vijay TV every week. Now I watch those select episodes on YouTube. I used to wonder what happened to Seshu, Maaran , Swaminathan et all. You get some wholesome entertainment from these guys once again. I would say it's a Lollusabha reunion.

The first half of the movie is a drag but it sets the stage for a fantastic second half. Imagine what happens when Motta Rajendran and M S Bhaskar and some funny faces join the lollusabha gang it will leave you with loud laughter if handled well.

The screen play and comedy has been carefully handled and comedy content is fully packed across the movie. The additional comedy cushion offered with Nizhalgal Ravi came out funny, fit and proper.

The film picks up the "Period Film" format with a village setting and the plot fits well within the format!!

Good News is there is a story in this movie, and the story speaks. Further roles for heroines in movies these days are light plot wise and they are typically brought in as a compulsive embellishment. But in this movie the role of the heroine is solid within the plot.

We were long awaiting for a family entertainer and finally it has come by. So go with your family and laugh out loud.

Going with a 4/5. The movie can also be watched on OTT when it shows up but how about going out with family together!!

Maamannan (2023)

Mari Selvraj's third movie ranks third in his offerings so far

[8/10 · 1 July 2023]

Maamanan A review by Rajesh Puvvada

Mari Selvraj once again paints caste based strokes on a culturally stigmatic canvas!! After pariyerumal and Karnan, he used the same starting ritual, which is to have a hound killed or slaughtered!! This time it got a little predictable.

Casting Vadivelu as the protagonist in a realistic appearance gives great strength to this movie. After a long hiatus, we could witness a larger screen presence of this seasoned actor. I enjoyed every bit of his performance largely. The maturity in which he handles his character tells us how strongly he lived into it.

At the very beginning of the movie when the titles were coming up there was a huge applause when the name of Fahad Fazil came up. He definitely raised the bar of his own best performance. Every move if his was unique and natural.

I am not going to mention any one from the caste because their roles or performances were not pivotal or palpable.

Years of stigma around the lower and higher castes dominate our rich social fabric and that is well brought out in this movie. Honestly, the true value of this movie was delivered right at the time of intermission. What ever came out from Mark Selvraj after the interval had lesser value plot wise. The plot got diluted into a political portion that stinks. However the end state was very well handled. Many directors these days suffer to handle the crispness of a fine plot for a longer duration. Presenting something solid for a longer duration requires great degree of detail and an emotional grip. The way Mari Selavaraj held our emotions firm around Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan is felt well because he did not hold it well in this movie. Especially in the second half.

Red giant wanted a platform to put its political agenda forward and the second half was a gift to red giant by Mari Selvraj.

A R Rehamans score jelled well with the movie but I think, no tune or a BGM or a song is playing repeatedly in my head after watching the movie. Which means the musical manifest of this movie evaporated very quickly.

Given the movie did not employ any illogical parts this movie holds water on a thin paper cup. Without the protagonist and the antagonist performances the movie would have lost its worth.

I recommend a one time viewing with family. And, I am going with a 7.5/10. You can also wait for it to come on OTT.

The Kerala Story (2023)

This movie is an eye opener

[8/10 · 12 June 2023]

The Kerala Story

A review by Rajesh Puvvada

Amidst a lot of protests, hype and hoopla I set myself up to watch this movie a day after its release in theatre early morning show, today. To my surprise we had a packed audience at an unpopular time slot.

For a moment let me keep religion and politics aside, and focus on the true event inspired story. The film unfolds a sequence of events that gradually but steadily sets you up for a spine chilling saga. The modus operandi of such structured and organised crime is the key here. Every girl in this world immaterial of which religion or ethnicity she belongs to, should watch this movie and make sure she senses the initial signals and nips such inviting channels of terror in the bud.

Shalini Unnikrishnan (played by Adah Sharma) fills the role of a happy go lucky teenager who, with no fault of hers, lands into a trap set up by some organised terror network. The trap is so well set that it drags not only Shalini but all her room mates at her alma-mater. The trapped girls graduate from being gullible to sex slaves to the worlds most dreaded terror masters, and the movie is all about that graduation. How ruthless and powerful the darker side of humanity can be? You will find an answer to this question in this movie and you don't want any girl or women in this world to go through this. Why am I saying girls alone, everyone should watch this movie.

There was no compromise on the cast. They lived their characters.

There were some reviews calling that the locations that were shown in the movie are all outside Kerala, but who cares. I once again maintain that the modus operandi of organised crime and terror is the key.

The film moves you into places where you would avoid to even hear about. And that cruel journey along with haunting music effect leaves one exhausted in the end.

The movie does have some parts that compares and challenges other religions, but one must understand that the movie makers are not experts in brainwashing the soft targets. Nevertheless, there are many ways these parts could have been handled better. That way the movie makers could have not invited that initial salvos against this movie's release. The sensitive parts could have been more referentially and euphemistically crafted.

The numbers and stats mentioned about the number of girls missing from a certain state is subjective and one can argue about it until the cows come home, but the truth is there are girls, no matter few or many, who have been through this vicious ordeals. The proof of the same exists in the far end of the movie.

When the lights came back, I sensed a lot of silence and shock on the faces that were carrying a weekend look at the beginning of the movie. Honestly with a daughter who is in the university left me with a deepest agony and anguish.

A must watch for every one. Keep the state, politics, religion and other dogmatic influences aside go with an aim to understand the modus operandi and you will train your mind to challenge the symptoms of the social disease called terrorism.

I am going with a 8/10 and care two monkeys about the NDTV and other secularly laced reviews!!

The Kerala Story (2023) A converted muslim women Fatima Ba narrates her ordeal of how she once wanted to become a nurse but was abducted from her home and manipulated by religious vanguards and turned into an ISIS terrorist and landed in Afghanistan jail.

Por Thozhil (2023)

Well Presented!! Don't miss this movie!!

[9/10 · 11 June 2023]

Por Thozil A review by Rajesh Puvvada 11th June 2023

It's been while since I have watched a movie where every sentence spoken and every shot taken has complete relevance. The plot and presentation is so handsome that the looks of actors are of no purpose in this movie.

Crime and serial killing stories are not new, but how the movie is presented makes a whole difference. It's a typical story with a veteran and rookie gap in understanding is wide and the grumpy veteran has an edge backed by experience.

By far Sharath Kumar's most meaningful no nonsense performance. Ashok Selvan fits very well within the plot and delivers his part without blemish. I must say with his performance he has come of age in Tamil cinema. You get to see Sarath Babu for one last time in this movie. The quaint septuagenarian has delivered and that was noteworthy.

The movie spins around a few roads in Trichy. No long chases, unnecessary build ups, six pack glamour. There is so much realism in this movie, one will appreciate the colloquial flavour the movie keeps.

The movie leaves a message to all those parents who fail to offer a proper childhood to their children. So it's a must watch for all the parents. The mortuary scenes can be disturbing, hence I would recommend to leave the young children away from this movie.

I am going with a 8.8/10 for this one. Do watch it!! Some can wait for the OTT release, but you will miss the completeness a theatre would offer generously!!

I am planning to watch it again, to analyse the presentation style!!

IB 71 (2023)

Paisa Vasool with some pride and patriotism

[8/10 · 13 May 2023]

IB 71 A review by Rajesh Puvvada

The film aims to instil some pride and attempts to lace that pride with a fair degree of patriotism too.

Set during 1971, the film draws inspiration based on true events that eventually led to the Indo-Pak war in 1971

An undercover agent discovers the war plans of Pakistan at time when India would need more time get ready for war. He comes with a strange and a brilliant idea to put a full stop to Pakistan's advances. To execute that idea he has to run an operation like clock work and was he able to really complete the operation? To get an answer you should watch the movie.

Film is engaging throughout. It's starts with many scattered pieces and gains pace with those pieces leaving you confused. I was lost for a few minutes and was trying to recap the scenes in my mind. Almost close the interval time the scattered puzzle comes together and the second half leaves one at the edge of the seat.

The clock work execution is challenged by a few hurdles, but the hero overpowers all of them. But that's the bit o felt it was like a comic book style. They could have made it it a little realistic in some parts.

The part I really liked was there were tin cans tied to a fast moving vehicle on a rickety road. There are no songs and unnecessary characters who try to fill up just a check in the box. You guessed it right, there was no heroine too. The movie closes 30 secs before 2 hours, and that I felt was no time lost!!

The art work and music adds well to the pace as the plot reveals itself. Do you get a sense of pride laced with patriotism in the end? Yes you do!!

So I am going with a 8/10. Can watch with family more than once if you have other good movie to watch this time of year!!

Virupaksha (2023)

A strong grip loosens in the far end

[8/10 · 23 April 2023]

I watched this movie in a theatre with almost full house at Pune.

The movie begins well. The initial scenes are strikingly sharp with excellent cinematography, editing and a strong background score.

Though the plot makes the hero's character strong, I could think many other actor who would have played this character quite well. Tej did his best but somewhere he did not live the character. At least I had that feeling!!

Samyuktha Menon carries her pretty face into everyone's dream. Her role takes more ground and shape in the later part of the movie and I think she does justice.

The plot was well conceived but was messed in the far the far end. Complicated explanations of a supernatural subject. To add some more spookiness into the plot the film circumnavigates quite a bit. I felt there were many ways to keep it simple and firm. Love can avenge revenge that's the underlying message and that could have been brought a bit early than relying on too much VFX.

I am going with a 7.5/10. You can watch once.

Kantara (2022)

With Kantara, Kannada film industry has just made a mark

[9/10 · 5 October 2022]

Kantara A movie review by Rajesh Puvvada

A casual conversation lead me to a movie recommendation, and that's how I chose to go to Kantara. I tried for the tickets for this Kannada movie in Pune, and trust me I could not find a decent seat in any of the theaters. They were all almost full this morning. Finally I got a decent Gold class seat for a late night show. I chose to book the expensive ticket against the option of watching this movie in the forthcoming weekend. Don't ask the logic behind this decision. I had a gut feel and urge to watch at the earliest.

The movie commences wonderfully with a flashback. Artwork, cinematography, costumes and the cast were a perfect fit. Usually art work takes a back seat at Kannada movies, may be due to budget constraints, but for this movie the thought process towards the artwork was fabulous. A narrative will guide you for sometime until the cast speak up, I felt the narrative was paced, there was a palpable urgency in it. That's not a deterrent.

The movie spins around the belief system. The traditional "Bootha Kola" and the associated beliefs. The initial song is a fusion of Carnatic and softrock to a "Bootha Kola" performance. Though it sounds offbeat, the combo was fantastic.

Trust me, the movie will grasp you into its fold. The amount of detail they have presented about the life and times living with the forest range, the kind of language, expressions, the day to day lifestyle was absolutely brilliant. I did not understand the dialect of Kannada the movie mostly carries, but it not bother me at all. My eyes were switching quickly between the subtitles and the scenes and I never wanted the movie to release me from its grasp.

Rishabh Shetty, aces his performance as the current generations protagonist. The accent, the facial expressions and the screen presence was never falling short at the same time it was not overdone either. It was well balanced. He lives into the character and made me to live in his world. His side kicks and the cast around him played aptly.

Achyuth Kumar peaks in his role delivery at the end of the movie. His portrayal is that friendly, approachable and cool headed landlord and he delivers it quite well.

The choice of the heroine can never be underestimated. I am sure Sapthami Gowda is a new kid on the block, but she plays her part decently well.

As usual Kishore Kumar plays his role as a rough conservationist well. In my view he is the most unsung roughies in the film industry. I have seen him deliver decent performances in Vada Chennai, Ponniyin Selvan, She (OTT TV series), Sarpatta Parambarai etc..,. You can never ignore his presence in any of the movies mentioned above. Yet no one speaks much about him after watching the movies. I would probably would like to raise a toast for this actor.

The conflict between greed, god fearing traditional believers and the science based environmentalists is what the movie's plot is all about. Though the traditional beliefs are questioned flippantly, once in a while the belief system shows its existence by the acts of nature or by the mysteries in a thick forest or like a intense dream. I appreciate the smartness in handling of this mysteries in a very natural and a logical way.

Greed will never win the might of the traditional believers and the environment conservators, together.

Its after a very long time I had a very strange feeling while watching this movie. That is, I never wanted this movie to end. I wanted to remain in the strong grip of the movie. I have a longing to get back into its grasp this weekend.

The underlying message of the movie is not to remain flippant about traditional beliefs and rituals while working along with the people who have the common purpose. I enjoyed this every bit.

I am going with a 9.5 /10. I don't know when I gave such a rating before.

Just ensure you Live in the grasp of this movie, over and over again. Kudos to Kanada Cinema, its a harbinger of good times to come for this industry.

Naane Varuven (2022)

It's a story of Twins and Twins. Plot spins and never wins!

[6/10 · 2 October 2022]

A review by Rajesh Puvvada

Selvaraghavan and his brother came together after a decade. I thought it would be a psychological thriller, but this time he went paranormal. They went out of their limits and stepped into a wrong territory.

The movie commenced well, but the moment the audience it's paranormal plot, the expectations dilute like solid ice in a hot iron pan!! These kind of movies should leave the audience into believing that the paranormal things may mostly exist. But in this case you will realise that you are getting into a illogical paranormal stuff.

The score from Yuvan Shankar Raja is very good and that holds the movie to some extent.

Dhanush delivers well, especially as the mischievous twin. I could see that there was some yester year style statements in it. It's a decent performance on a weak plot.

When the plot is weak, what ever you do will be like applying lipstick to a grannie!!

If you have time to kill you can watch this. If you are keen on a good movie, avoid.

I am going with a 6/10, and the score is only for Danush and Yuvan!! Rest scored a zilch!!

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)

Best adaptation that Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan will ever get

[8/10 · 2 October 2022]

Ponniyin Selvan - 1 (PS-1) A review by Rajesh Puvvada

At the outset, let me make that single declration. I have read Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan. I was having two things in my mind before I went to the movie. Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan is not story it is close to an epic with too many characters, complex structure and a fantastic plot, so I was wondering how Maniratnam will present this to the audience in a way it is easy for all to relate. The second thing I had in mind was the dialogue delivery. Kalki's epic had an amount of detail and depth in the dialogues.

Kamal's voice will greet you at the beginning of the movie. It started with a shockingly poor VFX, and I was worried if the entire movie will have that kind of quality. Within a few minutes, Thota Dharani's art takes over rather wonderfully. The lighting and the camera work will captivate one and all.

I saw this movie in a theatre where the sound quality was not at par. So I cannot make a comment on the sound quality and mixing. I will only blame the theatre. Rehman's score took pace in the far end of the movie, there is no anthem or theme which I could remember after I came out of the movie. If you take Bahubali's music score, the BGM and the songs lingered for weeks in me. That effect I did not get in Rehman's score.

Now lets come to the Movie as a whole. If you ask me in one line, I will say that this the best adaptation that Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan will ever get. Every actor lived the character. The star cast was strong with actors who enjoyed stardom a while ago. Hence the best experience came out very well.

Aditya Karikalan played by Chiyaan Vikram, thrives in the northern end of the Chola empire. The dynamic war like environment was presented very well. Vikram fits the character impressively. He delivered it with a bang.

Vandhiyathevan the cheerful and yet important character in Kalki's epic was delivered quite well. The ease in which Karthi delivers the role is commendable.

Nadini, played by Aishwarya Rai, came out well mostly. Mostly because the botox was obvious in some scenes. For sure you will realise that age is slowly taking her beauty away and she is filling the gaps now. The venom in her eyes and dialogues is palpable. I must say she fits.

Kundavi, played by Trisha, befits perfectly. One cannot take eyes off this character. When I read the Kalki's ponniyin selvan I had imagined Kundavi in a certain way in my mind, and Trisha scored beyond my expectation.

Arulmozhi Varman played by Jayam Ravi, is tepid. I was not happy with the intro of the Arulmozhi Varman. One of the greatest rulers of India definitely deserved a massive build up. Right from beginning I never accepted Jayam Ravi for this role. He played his part for sure, but I am not taking anything away anything special.

Azhwar Kadiyaan Nambi played by Jayaram, came out well. The role needed more screen presence. In Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan Azhwar Kadiyaan Nambi has a massive presence in the first part. But given the time constraint and the adjustments that needs to done, I must say Mani Ratnam did justice.

Between Periya Pazhuvetarair and Sundara Chozhar there should have been a role swap. Cannot see Prakash Raj as ailing king. He is quite fizzy as a villain, and very lukewarm as a good guy. I meant generally. I felt he would have fit well if he has played Periya Pazhuverariar instead of Sharath Kumar. Nevertheless, I won't mind too much on this.

Maniratnam cuts the plot to size, but did not cut corners. In part one, there are few things that were not considered. Senthan amudhan's role in Kalki's ponniyin selvan was a little larger than what I saw in the movie. Anirudha Bhramarayar did not have much presence in this part at all. But this did not alter the overall plot.

Most of the parts were shot in Amber fort and a couple of forts in Rajasthan, but smartly Thota Dharini's magic works brilliantly. They did make Chola lions as large sets around the fort so that I matched the chola period. The smart work they did was, they did more close up shots and did not show the overall land scape many times. They did but briefly before one could make out it. It was obvious they shot a Srilanka part of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan in Bali (or may be another place in Indonesia). A few scenes were in a resort with a heritage look. These are not deterrents.

Dialogues were all paraphrased, so that everyone can understand. The dialogue delivery I felt could have been a little better.

I did see a few frowning faces in the interval. They were confused with things that were happening in the movie. But I am sure post interval they would have related better. Well, they obvious did not read Kalki's Ponniyin selvan.

I must say that you don't have to read the book before you went to the movie. Maniratnam will ensure that you will grasp most of it before the movie ends. Brilliant work from his end.

Time period and historical fiction is usually my favourite. So I am a little biased about my views. However, I am sure you will love it.

Will I go again to watch the movie like I did for Bahubali ? Well, not with an urge, but I won't mind if I have time to kill.

Overall at I am going with a 8/10. At least go after reading the synopsis of the Kalki's epic.

Hit: The First Case (2022)

Don't believe the NDTV rating. This one is worth it!!

[8/10 · 16 July 2022]

Hit: The first case

_A review by Rajesh Puvvada_

The ray of sunshine in Pune after weeks of gloomy weather brought me out of the house. I chose this movie just get out without having any expectations. But Ola!! This one definitely did impress me.

I was given to understand that this one is a remake. But I have no idea of the first make. So my review will be unbiased

It's a whodunnit saga cantered around a eminent but a psychologically challenged police officer. Many leads unleashes a wild goose chase and intensifies the suspense dramatically.

The plot rests on a extreme relationship which is revealed without a rush in the end.

The screen play is well paced with all characters playing their part aptly. Rajkumar Rao ones again holds the balance without letting the sides to tilt. Sanya Malhotra does justice to her role There is no character exaggeration. There are no unnecessary ornamentations, and hence the movie wraps up in 134 mins flat. The music score is decent and fires up well during the intense moments.

I am going with a 8/10. Every bit is well knit, and HIT is well poised to be a hit.!!

Suzhal - The Vortex (2022– )

Magically draws you in!!

[8/10 · 24 June 2022]

*Suzhal* *OTT: Amazon Prime* A review by _Rajesh Puvvada_

Suzhal will not only spin fast, but it will draw you in. Once you escape out of it, it's spins in your mind. This series stirs that strong and intense feelings and emotions in you and lingers for ever.

The story fits really well with no loose ends left untied. The theme adopted to draw a parallel across the length of 8 episodes has been very well crafted. The camera work let's you to accept the frames and makes you a part of it.

Every character fits into their roles very well. Every technical department has done its job well. Kathir, Sriya Reddy, Parthiban have played stellar through out.

Profanity exists and strictly to watch without children.

Powerful message in the end with gripping suspense.

I am going with a 8/10. Binge this weekend.

Vikram (2022)

Kamal Delivers a Killer Punch!!

[9/10 · 3 June 2022]

*Vikram 2*

_A Review by Rajesh Puvvada_

*A* Tamil movie release in Pune on a working day. One would expect empty seats and a few loyal fans. I was pleasantly surprised when many fans were patiently watching the board with words "Cleaning in Progress". Lower level seats got filled up, and I made sure of that, when we all stood up for the National Anthem. People were a *plenty.*

*N* arcotics mafia gang movies have a common theme, gory ways of killing people. Intelligent ways of escaping, and the good guys finish up winning after many bruises. My original feeling was it is yet another Narcos extension. My feeling got crushed, when the movie starts with a search. A search to demystify an undercover agent. Amar(Fahad Fazil) the good cop tries to demystify the undercover a serial killing pattern, but realises it is a much bigger and a sinister plan behind it. He realises the serial killing spree was triggered by the capture of a Raw Narcotic *bounty*.

*D* etermined to demystify, he travels to a great extent and finds out the various facets of Karnan (Kamal), who is actually is a victim of the serial killing. And that way we miss Kamal most of the first half of the movie. Amar's path crosses with Sandhanam (Vijay sethupathy) a quack, meth cook and a terrible gangster. The entry of Sandhanam is not from a glittering higher end automobile, but from a normal rickety auto rickshaw. The entry was really different, bear and very intriguing. Sandhanam's trade mark teeth line and his lip position to reveal it adds to the gory face lift. Every inch of his body and the every move of his will give you a characteristic of a thug on the move to regain his *booty.*

*A* nriudh's score beats all normalcy. It's the score and the power of the star cast that will let you live the movie through out. Karnan is revealed like a flickering lamp, which flickers after a long interval and over time flickers faster till it glitters brightly. The goose bump moment of the movie feels real. Even in that high octane pace of the movie, the audience clapping and whistling could not be missed. Though one can easily mark the behaviour of the audience as a first day first show mania, I sensed more *novelty.*

*V* ersatility at its best, is what I would sum up Kamal's performance with. No matter, whom you bring in, be it Amar, Sandhanam or Rolex (Surya), Vikram makes the entire cast look like an adorable puppy. No one can ignore an adorable puppy but one has to feel the ghost through out. Keep aside the ideologies and political inclinations, as a thespian Kamal outclasses every one in the movie. A great treat from Kamal after a long hiatus. Trust me the septuagenerian can shake a leg with a lot of ease, and he can put us all in shame. No exaggeration or a sublime performance, it was *brevity.*

*A* uthentic screenplay and script. Lokesh Kanakaraj does in best but stitching parts from his earlier blockbusters into this one. You will see scenes from Kaidhi snuggly nestled into this movie. The first half leaves a lot of moving parts in your mind and in the second half you will see that all those parts falling in place seamlessly. Thats the beauty of closing the loop efficiently. A lot of action in the movie, but I never felt anything superfluous, I felt it was all adding up. The introduction of the first batch of the special task force was pulsating. The revealing of the lady agent was simply outstanding, look forward for it. The metaphor used to rescue the next generation was very interesting, follow the path of the kid in the movie and you will realise what I mean by it. In the end all the twists will deliver a lot of *Clarity.*

*R* apid action scenes packed by Lokesh, wonderful background score of Anirudh, smart use of ageing weapons, expressive eyes of Fahad Fazil, Glittering teeth of Vijay Sethupathi and relentless performance of Kamal will give you all a wholesome treat. Oops! I forgot to remind you all the age of the Ulaganayagan. He is young at *Seventy*

4.5/5 for the movie. A score of an infinity for Kamal. I just got my tickets booked for a repeat viewing on Sunday, and I am sure you will do many repeats.

Anek (2022)

Message right... movie making wrong

[5/10 · 28 May 2022]

*ANEK* _A film review by Rajesh Puvvada_

They seem to have coined the name of the movie keeping NE (North East) at the centre. They played with a lot of permutations and combinations and finally arrived at ANEK. They must have felt nice that they included NE in the total of ANEK. It's that "Nailed it" feeling that only lasted in the name.

The movie centers around the struggle of the people at NE. The way they are treated in India. ( Example: They get nick named "Chinki", women get type casted as " Parlour vali" etc...). The film tries to stress on why youth from that part of the country take up odd jobs, can't make into sports at the national level or land in a decent job or could not make it into some decent educational institutions.

Indian government has always had struggle to keep the NE based separatist groups in control as these groups always wanted to get separated from India. One of the strategy, the government adopts is to create a new separatist group and make it grow bigger than the existing ones and finally take control. A few years later the government realises that the new separatist group has really gone big and out of control.

People are confused and are subject to police atrocity. Obviously the police have no clue of the high level government strategy. To them every group is a separatist group and every youth is in a group one way or the other.

Youth are subject to police torture. Youth take up music or sports or odd jobs outside NE to progress. The struggle does not stop even if they get away from that part of the country.

Ayushman Kurana is present but absent in the movie. Not able to keep him in his character well. Very poor cinematography and sound mixing. The background score is for sure tries to keep the NE genre but fails to stick. The dialogue delivery was aimed to keep the NE accent intact and hence gets very tricky to handle or appreciate!!

Machine guns rattle away .... thud...thud ... thud ... and suddenly I feel a thud on my left shoulder. Suddenly started feeling peaceful......life felt eternal.....and all of a sudden a massive bomb blast shook me up, and I opened my eyes!! The thud in my shoulder was my wife's head... she was still asleep.

The words in the screen read "Interval"....

I had to fulfil my wife's request. For once she had a request that suited my desire too. After several years i walked out of the movie during interval time.

While I really can understand the struggle that every guy from NE side of our country goes through, I could not hold up the struggle of watching this movie!!

The choice is yours!! Go with a pillow. You will feel a lot comfortable!!

Runway 34 (2022)

Teasing Tailwinds

[9/10 · 8 May 2022]

*Runway 34* _A Review by Rajesh Puvvada_

There are times when the entire world wants to take advantage of the headwinds, but a talented and smart pilot decides to stick with the tailwinds.

Does this sound Silly or Sully. Mostly Sully but the context is inspired for a true story.

The movie just like the aircraft gets close to the edge of human excellence, pronouncing the power of the Basal Ganglia. Talent sometimes is tacit, and thats what gets amplified in this movie.

*Ajay Devagan* and *Ambitabh Bachchan* play the pivotal roles around an incident and the investigation. All other characters are created perfectly to fit the context, there are no exaggerations or skin flashing cast or check in the box inclusions or superfluous aspects in the character creation. For once, Rakul Preet Singh justifies her role, which is a support role.

A couple of times in the movie you will realise that you ended up at the edge of your own seat, and you subsequently settle again. Though there is a lot of support from VFX, it does not look like patch work.

Almost all the scenes are well placed and edited to perfection. The investigation and the arbitration scenes look a bit dragging in between but that is bearable.

The run time is about 140 mins, which justifies the purpose of the movie a little more would have got us checking our watch more than once.

All of a sudden we have a decent movie that has hit the theatres. I recommend to take your family along. Time for some popcorn munching, ensure you don't spill it on your lap.

I am going with a 4 on 5.

Annaatthe (2021)

Primitive

[1/10 · 5 November 2021]

The movie is all patch work on a poorly constructed Script.

All the Rajini cult patterns are brought together for name sake.

This is the first movie ever where you have a villain before interval and two different villains after interval. None of them live the character, but the villain in the end fits the costume well. The villans do not induce fear or agony to anyone.

The comedy attempts where obviously poorest of the PJs. Soori's presence was really like a fly on the wall. Kushbhoo and Meena were additional comedians.

The brother sister sentiment with punch dialogues failing on epic proportions.

Wonder why Rajini is being brought into Calcutta in the second half of the last three movies!! The first one was Petta, then Darbar and now Annathey.

One can easily see that the part before interval was completely shot in one location and the second part in Calcutta and a very weak plot connecting the two.

Imman tried his level best to squeeze his kind of music out of the typical Rajini cult music and he got 2 drops of his natural style.

Nayanthara did an act that will qualify for a decent add on, definetly not the heroin.

To sum up in one line, it's "star cast overload doing much ado about nothing in a Tv serial sold as a movie"

Avoid!!

The Dig (2021)

A treasure

[9/10 · 31 January 2021]

A ship had sailed a thousand nautical miles in sand and its still heading steady into the labyrinth of time and mind!!

Time had buried the ship in Sand and yet it does not give up its worthiness!! You will have to dig for sure to unearth it's magnificent appeal!!

Set at the brink of the World War II, a rich and dying women hires a self taught archeologist to unearth some mysterious land formations.

A staggering find knocks many of the well taught archeologists down in to the mud!

A strange bond develops between characters and the war dictates their destiny along with what they found.

True credits appear late and so did the credit for Basil Brown. It took about 7 decades to get his name in the plaque at the British Museum.

The tone of the film is mild and yet meandering!! The finesses of Ralph Finnes makes him adorable throughout. The ease in which he delivers complex parts of the character made me think loud!!

At the moment many would ride the white tiger or follow the master without purpose. But _The dig_, is definetly a great find on Netflix.

I am going with a 4.8 on 5. Please watch with a sense of curiosity, because treasure is

Thappad (2020)

Class Apart from the normal!!

[9/10 · 1 March 2020]

There is more to a cup of tea when it's done with affection. Let's say there is a ritual to rekindle the Essence of a relationship Everyday. The blend of the relationship seen simmering and there are aromatic flavours in the unconditional love, the leaves add the colour and crispness to bond which we call a family.

And all of a sudden, one tight slap in a party cracks the golden family egg and you see everything inside dripping away slowly with enough mess it can possibly create.

Pretty sensitive subject, very well handled with the required nuance. Tapasee Pannu has graduated beyond a certain mark that seldom the current day artists even dare to know about.

There is a line in this movie which provoked a lot of thought in me. "If the whole world around you asks to move on, you hold on to it at times. But there is a deep and the honest inner voice continuously asking you about doing the right thing. But all that is done right may be have a happy end".

This is a feminist movie if you apply the Indian socio - cultural lens to it. And yes not just one women but five. And their lives are portrayed the way they get to handle a mangoe ice stick. These lives beautifully unites and ends up getting to do the right thing.

The movie is not a entertainer. It's a much surreal perspective.

If you did not understand what I just said do not watch it. And, if you did never miss and Ensure to watch again.

Super 30 (2019)

Super 30: Super Pretty

[9/10 · 13 July 2019]

Super 30

Dynastic Vs Deserving, that's the very corner stone of this inspirational movie.

The efforts that go into enabling 30 slum children with skills that lead into the IIT is this movie all about. The money making engine of coaching classes and the political goons who make money out of it, are all brought to the fore front.

Though the greased Hrithik Roshan puts a fair show as the real life Anand Kumar, I was thoroughly impressed with rendering of Virendra Saxena who caps the Father character.

The journey to the IIT with 30 slum kids on board, is marred with poor living conditions, Hunger, stressful competition, humiliation and man handling. The journey however concludes at the gates of a prestigious IIT - not sure which one in particular.

Mrunal Thakur appears as an embellishment but noticeable. Vikas Bhal's problem is much complicated than the IIT entrance exam itself, he has to present the journey to the audience and hence there is a fair attempt to make the tough parts as a real life application. Well, in my view abstract parts are slightly difficult to handle but I must say it was handled well.

Having read about the Super 30 in Rashmi Bansal's non-fictional publication "I have a dream ", I was a day ahead in booking the tickets. Very eager to see the cinematic version of how it all happened, my dreams were squashed when NDTV rated the movie 2 on 5. I read through the review and was cursing myself for not able to control the urge. But, I paid for the ticket and I had to watch it by dragging myself into the theatre.

It's a movie for all the kids. It's a movie for all IIT aspirants. It's a movie for all thugs of the education system of India and it's a family movie too.

When I said Dynastic vs Deserving: I meant " A prince will not necessarily be the King, the one who deserves will be" . If you are wondering how, watch the movie.

I am going with a 4.5 on 5, and I care two monkeys to the NDTV review.

The Tashkent Files (2019)

The ugly face of truth.

[9/10 · 13 April 2019]

Yet an other super bonanza of a movie from Bollywood.

The movie attempts to shake up a strong and systematic construction of a possible cover up act surrounding the mysterious death of Shri Lal Bahadhur Shastri at Tashkent.

The rocking of this edifice of possible lies unravels an ugly truth of mammoth proportions. Offcourse no one wants to hear it and no one wants to look at it , until it starts to stink really bad.

The vehicle used to deliver the doubts is well constructed and dramatically engaging. It passes a shrill message of the current day politics and the political vendetta.

The history lover in me does a disco dance of the entire presentation. The truth unfolds gradually and bulldozes the history books and refined it with questions that are valid.

Seems our system is systematically corrupt and well used by Spies and intelligence agencies. Puppetry and puppets work well for a puppy show of politics. Seems The Iron Lady , The iron curtain and The irony of truth are all irrational.

Must watch!!

Super Deluxe (2019)

Super Raw!

[9/10 · 1 April 2019]

*Super Deluxe*

Quentin Tarantino seems to have emerged in Tamil Cinema with so much of Black comedy and sinister situations and many right messages told loud and clear.

The hyperlink movie has completely unrelated tracks and in one way or the other they keep crossing paths leaving the audience to pick every nuance on every frame.

Vijay Sethupathi's rendering of a character, abhorred by many as career limiting, is full of guts, gravity and grim! Hats off to the presentation which makes one empathetic.

Ramya Krishnan's powerful few scenes were very compelling and her character assassination and assignation are by itself her character that's well portrayed.

Thiagarajan Kumararaja's rendetion of tamil style pulp fiction can leave many inspired. No songs, many yester year tamil classic songs keep coming on radio or tv or even cell phones and yet the BGM is striking. Cinematography takes 150 on 100 which such dim lit scenes captured with clinical perfection.

The style of story telling is casual, profanity is high and hence can be disturbing for many.

Acceptance of bizarre social situations and acceptance of the social stigma is the corner stone of this movie.

Avoid going to this movie with a Children: profanity is high and social stigmas are many!! Go with a open mind and that'll leave you thinking

Manto (2018)

Can't rate something PRICELESS

[22 September 2018]

Struggle for the freedom of expression during the turbulent times of partition!! The sliver of those times well presented with some fantastic and powerful story telling from the bold and repulsive pen of Munto!!

*Not* for entertainment seekers. It's for those who can sink inside the every character's mind and try to explore the circumstantial sense of every scene.

Nandita Das has written and directed this by literally living in those characters and times.

I am afraid that the time pass movie goers may complain of boredom and classify this movie a documentary. Nevertheless they may still look at others watching the movie to check if they are alone thinking that they way.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is promisingly the best actor ...sorry the writer. I had to change from actor to a writer because I am still not able to get the Munto out of him.

Art work and sound recording is brilliant!! For some reason I felt the cigarette lighting with a match stick sounded so perfect I felt that it's been some decades since I heard that sound. Same with the sound of the type writer and the ruffle of the paper.

If you are movie lover who loves to analyse every scene go to the movie. If you land up into this movie because other movies are sold out, you won't be sold on entertainment!! Jingoistic expectations will be laid to rest right from scene 1.

I can rate this movie because it will berate someone who will call Priceless!!

Raid (2018)

The honest set rules of going by the Rule Book

[8/10 · 18 March 2018]

To draw an analogy, this is may be one of the very few times where a straight that never got cut first. Hard work and remaining on dot with the rule book in a wild country means courage and conviction, and that's what is "RAID" all about. Honesty raids into the wicked and holds ground.

Time slivered three decades ago, the pace is initially a drag with a lot of paper and analog telephones. The movie continues to pace through but your heart starts to pace much faster. Gangajal is palpable in the Ajay Devagan's rendering. A far more serious affair than the much ado about nothing in Golmaal returns.

Thick, strong, fat and brute power is characteristic, aswell as literally, in Saurabh Shukla's tone and tormenting. It's a clash between rule following David and the rule breaker Goliath. The artistry lies in how the honest officer drafts and crafts the modus operandi of a income tax raid. Indeed it's a wonderful piece of artwork with a " just in Time " lucky finish.

Elleana D Cruz and Gayathri Iyer add to some tinsel value, with no value addition. A censor cut on their appearance would probably never hurt the plot.

A sensible treat from Bollywood where a good story is like a oasis in the atacama. Don't miss a family entertainment of a true chronicle from the 80's.