Saroja - Review

Starring: S.P.B. Charan, Siva, Premji Amaran, Kajal Agarwal, Nikitha, Prakash Raj, Jayaram
Direction: Venkat Prabhu

Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Production: Amma Creations
It’s the return of the victorious team of Chennai 6000028. All those who watched and loved the refreshingly youthful fun story would certainly have high expectations of Saroja. The onus is on Venkat Prabhu to prove that Chennai 600028 was not a freak hit. Billed as a first of its kind in Tamil cinema, Saroja tells the story of four ordinary men who end up in an extraordinary situation on a day that is perfectly normal to start with.
Ganesh Kumar, Ram Babu, Jagapathi Babu and Ajay Raj are the four protagonists of the story. The movie begins with four of them setting off in a car towards Hyderabad to catch a cricket-one-day-international. But what happens is more exciting than just a 50 over cricket match, perhaps something more exciting than they would have bargained for. Things start to go wrong when an untoward incident on the road threatens to spoil their trip. But the youngsters have spirits that will not be dampened and that is exactly what leads them to the centre of a conspiracy. Taking a deviation from the highway, they make their way through an isolated path hoping to rejoin the main road at a later point.But events start taking unexpected turns by the moment. An accident, a few gunshots, a heart stopping incident, a few goons, a missed purse and a girl (Saroja) all alone in the middle of nowhere leave them bewildered. It is only slowly revealed that what they have seen are the moving parts of an immaculately planned conspiracy. As the threads are unraveled, henchmen, policemen, a high flying businessman and many others are at different ends of the conspiracy.Basically planned as a thriller, we feel it would not be appropriate to reveal anything else about the movie as it would take the zing out of the experience of watching it. The prerequisite for any thriller is the pace in the script and Venkat Prabhu seems to have faltered a bit in this regard. Some scenes in the first half could have been shorter and crisper. However, he has done really well in all other departments. His evolution as a film maker is evident in the way most of the scenes have been picturised, the scale is definitely bigger this time round. There are places in the movie where one can clearly feel and see a Hollywood influence. The dialogues are youthful and well conceived. The high point of the movie is when the threads of the conspiracy are fully revealed, the audience will surely be taken by surprise, however intuitive they may be.
Talking about the cast, it is indeed pleasant to see much of the Chennai 28 cast back again on screen; the director shows his acumen here. All of them have done fairly well, but the one who scores highly is Premgi Amaren once again. He returns to his best after his debut, seemingly enjoying the experience of working under his elder brother; but there is a lingering doubt as to whether his comic capers in the midst of racy thriller will be liked by the audience. SPB Charan is the new addition. Apart from the Chennai 28 cast, the movie also has experienced hands in Prakash Raj and Jeyaram who add a touch of class to the proceedings. Debutant Vega, Nikitha and Kajal Aggarwal have done their parts well without delivering anything special.
Technically, Saroja is a movie that gives a lot of scope for the cinematographer, most of the story being at night, and has been used well. The background score too is befitting of a thriller. The songs have been tailor made for the youth and are bound to be enjoyed. But the movie on the whole belongs to the director who has taken a one line plot and maintained the element of suspense till the very end, a very challenging thing to do for a director in only his second movie. He has managed to cleverly craft the characters such that we don’t get the slightest inkling of what is afoot.Saroja is certainly different from the run of the mill movies and the attempt should be appreciated. At the box office, the thriller tag and the deftly held suspense will prove to be its strength and the lack of pace (at places) and the elements of comedy (perhaps) may go against it. Venkat Prabhu proves that he is not a flash in the pan, the young director is here to stay.
Verdict – Watch it for the excitement.

Raman Thediya Seethai - Review

Starring: Cheran, Pasupathi, Vimala Raman, Ramya Nambeesan, Navya Nair, Gajala, Karthika, Nithin Sathya

Direction: K.P. Jagannaath

Music: Vidyasagar
Production: Moser Baer Entertainment & Global One Studios Production
Cheran appears once again on screen after Pirivom Sandippom, this time he is directed by his protégé K P Jagannath in Moser Baer productions’ Raman Thediya Seethai. As the title indicates, the film is all about the search of an apt soul mate for Cheran. Cheran is an exceptionally brilliant boy who ranks 2nd in the state in the 10th standard exams. However this does not seem to please his mom who taunts him for not bagging the first position and his feat goes without being given due recognition. Though bogged down by this, he raises his bar too high to perform exemplary well in the 12th exam which eventually affects his mental health and he finds himself in Kilpauk Mental Hospital. Though he recovers and returns to normalcy, he does not find acceptance in the society which continues to treat him as a mentally ill person. As he is left with no option, he is not able to continue his studies and resigns to the fate of taking care of his dad’s mediocre business of printing invitations.
As the years roll by, he reaches marriageable age and is in the process of scouting for a suitable bride. Not wanting to hide his past, Cheran reveals that he was in the mental asylum for sometime and as expected this truth becomes a deterrent factor in his mission of getting married. He gets rejected and it takes three years for him to get married. In this process five women walk into his life and the film revolves around them and who accepts Cheran forms the rest of the story. Pasupathy as the blind Radio Jockey does a brilliant job. His mannerisms and body language are par excellence. The movie is sure to be a landmark in his career. However, the natural sequences linked with Pasupathy get jarred with the artificially thrust fight scene and his character suffers a serious blow at that juncture. The hospital scene where Cheran gets slapped by Manivannan when the former tries to hold Manivannan’s grandchild moves the audience. Karunas’ presence does not evoke any laughter.
Among Cheran, Pasupathy and Nithin Sathya, Nithin has perfectly enjoyed essaying his role and has delivered the best. Cheran’s role requires him to evoke sympathy right from the beginning and beyond a point it starts getting a bit tiresome. Heroines have done their bit.The director needs to be appreciated for delivering a film without kissing or glamorous scenes. However, he could have tried to make the subject a bit more interesting. Music by Vidya Sagar is a big let down for the film. Heavy sentiments and pathos drench the film which may not go down well with the youth. Perhaps, RTS may find some takers in newly weds and may be liked by some patient souls. However it would be a strict no-no for those who adore commercial potboilers. The ray of hope comes in the form of ladies and other domestic audiences who enjoy the daily soaps on TV; they are likely to find this kind of a subject and narration suitable to their tastes.
Verdict – Has its chances if soap lovers show up.

ARNIE TO BE TERMINATOR AGAIN ?

MGM Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan said in Boston this week that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger may do a cameo appearance in his most famous role as an indestructible cyborg in the new "Terminator" movie. Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American of California bodybuilder, actor, and politician, currently serving as the 38th Governor of the U.S. state. As a young man,Schwarzenegger gained widespread attention as a highly successful bodybuilder. He was recently photographed on the sets of Terminator: Salvation prompting speculation that he is due to return to the hit franchise, reports Hollywood.com.online reports suggest the star will make a brief cameo at the end of the movie, playing his "Terminator" character.Schwarzenegger shot to fame playing the cyborg in 1984`s The Terminator and followed it up in 1991s Terminator 2: Judgment Day and 2003`s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. . He later gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Perhaps his most famous role is in the "The Terminator" series. This is the fourth instalment of the "Terminator" franchise.

Hip-hop style songs in Tamil Cinema

Crossing various genres of music, Tamil Cinemas has experienced a wide round of classics, raps and more. Here comes music director Mariya Manohar who had different plans for his forthcoming flick. Are you guessing, who this Mariya Manohar? Probably, because he is new to Tamil Cinema and made his debut with the film `Nayagan` featuring J.K.Ritish and Ramana in lead and now he has been immersed in lots of offers.
His next film produced and directed by unknown film personalities is titled as `Naalum Therinja Irandu Paer`. The entire songs in this album will be tuned in the Hip Hop kind of style. Hip hop style is nothing but uttering dialogues, singing rap and blending with musical tunes. Mariya Manohar has been a sound engineer for several projects and learned the music professionally and also has released music albums in Hindi.

Jayamkondaan - Review

Starring: Vinay, Bhavana, Lekha Washington, Vivek, Santhanam, Nizhalgal Ravi, Cochin Haneefa

Direction: R Kannan

Music: Vidyasagar

Production: T G Thyagarajan

An attempt at a free flowing feel good film that involves a clash of ambitions - that is what Jayamkondaan is all about. Though the film revolves around the ambitions of its central characters, the makers have not been too ambitious themselves, not adding too many commercial ingredients. By and large, the narrative concentrates on the central plot without any unnecessary deviations. Coming from a debutant director, these are the signs of a good movie. But has Kannan delivered?
Vinay is a successful professional in London, but he is also frustrated with his distance from home and finally takes the call to return to India and do his own business. Lekha Washington (SS music VJ) on the other hand is in India and cherishes a dream of doing a master’s degree at the MIT in USA. The clash of these ambitions is the crux of the story. But why do their ambitions collide head on? Apparently, they are related in a way that no one would be too proud of and the rather twisted nature of their relationship leads to disputes over property.With neither party willing to give an inch or compromise on their ambitions the stage is set for a battle in and out of courts that could get far more serious. And, things do get serious, as it always does when big money is at stake. A businessman and a thug get involved in the skirmish for money and a few unsavory incidents later, things have gone far too out of hand to be settled amicably. How Vinay and Lekha take the issue that they began to a final settlement forms the climax.Having read this, one might feel that the movie is one long battle for money between two people. While one cannot deny that,Jayamkondaan has something more to offer, not to mention the romantic track between Vinay and Bhavana whom he meets during his travails. The disputes and stand offs that occur in property related issues have been shown well, so have the usual scavenging characters who appear out of nowhere during such opportunities. The story is simple and well written and the script to a large extent remains true to its character, but the vital element of briskness is missing in the narrative. One can’t really put a finger on what went wrong, but the film fails to grip for any length of time and that’s where the script has failed. But full credit for sticking to the narrative and not infusing artificial elements that could have further pulled down the movie.Technically, the movie looks like one shot with finesse, the camera pleases the eye. That is the least one expects when the director is Mani Ratnam’s erstwhile assistant. The music is pretty average, barring one particular number by Hariharan and Madhushree. However, all songs have been shot on scenic locations which make them pleasant to sit through. There is a bit of action, but it is largely restrained.Vinay, in his second Tamil film has done a job that is not too bad. Bhavana, in a role that doesn’t offer her much just comes and goes without impressing at all. However, debutant Lekha Washington does not show any VJing hangover and delivers a neat performance. Santhanam leads the comedy charge with a hilarious fare. Vivek, too, makes appearances on and off which evoke laughter to some extent. VMC Haneefa comes across as a gullible businessman and scores well in certain scenes.
Overall, Jayamkondaan is clean fare that has something lacking to make it entirely interesting. The director has shown that he knows the nuances of film making well. One is not sure whether this is unfair to the debutant, but shades of Mani Ratnams’ films and concepts can be seen here. Overall, a good attempt that could have done with a crisper script.Prospects at the box office are not too bright owing to the lack of pace in narration, but the neat presentation could bring the families in.
Verdict – A few fries short of a happy meal

Starring: Jeyam Ravi, Kangana Ranaut, Lakshmi Rai, Nizhalgal Ravi, Anu Haasan, Jeyaram
Direction: Jeeva

Music: Harris Jayaraj

Production: Mediaone Global Entertainment Limited

The late cinematographer turned director Jeeva unfortunately walked into God’s hands before Dhaam Dhoom was completed. We are not sure whether he would have screamed in delight looking at the end product made in his absence because Dhaam Dhoom which had enough potential to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller opens in high spirits raising expectations, and then fizzles out.
The Russian-mafia-framing-an innocent-Indian-doctor story opens with Jeyam Ravi leaving to Moscow on a 10 day medical conference, leaving behind his pretty village fiancée. One of his weakest moments lands him in bed with a stranger after getting drunk. Little did he know that he would wake up with her dead body and end up in a Russian jail for a murder offence that he did not commit.But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Lakshmi Rai, an Indian lawyer, agrees to defend his case and invites the wrath of the Russian mafia who had under the table dealings with the corrupt officials in the Indian embassy. Enough fodder for a thriller movie, you would think. But the screenplay is not taut enough.Jeyam Ravi plays the troubled doctor framed by the mean Russian mafia. He illustrates an anxious man caught in the drug deal conundrum in Russia and shifts to Pollachi often to put up a romantic face for his fiancée Kangana Ranaut. Jeeva cleverlyintercuts between Moscow and Pollachi, unfolding the story so that we are kept at least a little curious. The romance blossoming between Ravi and Kangana could have been done with more variation. Kangana herself doesn’t suit the South Indian village belle. And it’s not entirely because we are used to seeing her in skin tight jeans or micro minis. Still, her presence makes the proceedings in Pollachi interesting. Jeeva could have considered a role swap between Kangana and Lakshmi Rai. The latter sizzles even as she is supposed to play the curt professional who is caught in the web of smuggling drugs. A subtler and more interestingly done romance is the one that is hinted at between Lakshmi Rai and Jeyam Ravi. Lakshmi begins to grow attracted to him, and director Jeeva conveys this in an understated manner that gives the movie some class. The comedy that takes place in the village is funny in parts, and irritating in others. Jeyaram is in a role that will surprise you, and he pulls it off effortlessly, making us realize that Tamil cinema requires such stylish and no-nonsense characters.
Russia comes alive in front of our eyes, courtesy Jeeva’s cinematography which is brilliant and evocative of his unbeaten career. Many a times in the movie Harris Jayaraj proves to be a big plus – the songs, coupled with cinematography shot in remarkably breathtaking locations, make the viewer sit and take note, something the script and screenplay could not do. The Anbe, Anbe song is especially beautiful, and it is very possible that some in the audience will want to see this song sequence again. In the end, though, Dhaam Dhoom disappoints with its rather predicable climax. Try it if you are an ardent admirer of Jeeva or Jayaraj. Or if you just like seeing good looking but hollow Tamil thrillers.
Verdict – Little dhaam, no dhoom

Endhiran - The Robot kick starts !

The shooting of Shankar’s Endhiran (Robot), which is being billed as Kollywood’s most historic venture, has begin on September 8.
Industry sources said director Shankar, superstar Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bacchan left for the US on Friday along with a 40-member crew to film two songs for the film.The movie, which has generated a lot of interest, boasts of a fabulous creative team including director Shankar, music director A R Rahman and ace cameraman Rathnavelu.
While Mary E Vogt, the well known designer who has worked in Hollywood movies like Men in Black, Batman Returns and Inspector Gadget will be designing the scientific outfits for the sci-fi movie, the animatronics of the film will be handled by the Stan Winston Studio (USA), which was responsible for the impressive animation sequences in movies such as Predator, Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Iron man and the Terminator. The visual effects and animatronics co-ordination will be done by Indian Artiste.
Stunt director Yuen Woo Ping, who made audiences gasp with his stunts in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Matrix and Kill Bill, has been put in charge of the action sequences of the movie.Hollywood companies like ILM, Tippet, Café EFX; and Hong Kong companies like Centro and Menfond have been roped in to work on VFX. The movie is being produced by Ayngaran International Films Pvt Ltd., and Eros International.

Marmayogi to be filmed with expensive technology

With Dasavatharam getting over amongst the masses throughout the entire world, Kamal Haasan is there gearing up with his next magnum opus titled `Marmayogi`. Shooting for the film is soon to hit the floors across the exotic locations of Sweden and Desert regions of Rajasthan and we have something special about this movie. With Pyramid Saimira shelling out a big budget of Rs.100Crores from its pockets, Kamal Haasan has decided to use High Definition Digital `Red` Camera that has 4K High Resolution. It`s quite shooting up our adrenaline, when we get to hear that rental charges of this camera are Rs. 30,000 per day.
Buzzes are now that actress Trisha is expected to be roped in for playing a prominent role. However, things aren`t confirmed till the date and sooner will be done…

Kamal Haasan in Hollywood film now

Leave out Dasavatharam and Marmayogi, Kamal Haasan is soon to act in a Hollywood film. The film titled `Marmayogi` is produced and directed by Bharath Bala who earlier produced some of the best A.R. Rahman`s musical albums `Vande Mataram` and `Jana Gana Mana`. Sources close to the unit have revealed that Japanese Superstar Thadanobhu Asaano plays other lead role. M.T. Vasudevan, one of the famous Malayalam writers has penned story for the film with A.R.Rahman scoring music. Asin is expected to play the female lead role of a queen. The film is set at the backdrops of 9th Century in Kerala with a warrior (Kamal Haasan) training his protégé (Thadanobhu Asaano) the ethics and techniques of martial arts and waging wars. Kamal Haasan who is busy now shooting for Marmayogi seems to take up this film only after the completion.