ரோமா

சமீபத்தில் நான் பார்த்த படங்களில் மிகச் சிறந்தப் படம் இதுதான். படம் பார்த்து மூன்று வாரங்களுக்கு மேல் இந்த படத்தின் பல காட்சிகள் என்னுள் மீண்டும் மீண்டும் ஓடிக்கொண்டே இருக்கிறது. இந்த கதை  இயக்குநர் அலோன்ஸோ cuaron-னின்  வாழ்க்கையைத் தழுவியது . இவர் ஆஸ்கார் விருது பெற்றவர்.

கதை 1970-ல் மெக்ஸிகோவில் நடக்கிறது. அது மெக்ஸிகோவின் இருண்ட காலம். மக்களிடையே ஒரு விதமான பதட்டம் எப்போது என்ன நடக்குமென்று. மாணவர்களின் போராட்டத்தை அரசு இரும்புக்கரம் கொண்டு ஒடுக்கிக்கொண்டிருந்தது. அந்த வருடத்தின் கால்பந்து உலகக்கோப்பையின் போஸ்டர்கள் அறையில் தெரிகின்றது. இந்த படத்தின் பெயர் ரோமா என்பது முந்தை காலனிய ரோமா மாவட்டத்தைக் குறிக்கிறது.

கிளியோ (Cleo) மிஸ்ட்டக்கோ இனத்தை சேர்ந்தவள். அவள் ஒரு மத்திய மேல்தட்டு குடும்பத்தில் பணிப்பெண்ணாக வேலை செய்கிறாள். அவள் வேலை துணிதுவைப்பதும் நாய்களை பார்த்துக்கொள்வதும் . அந்த குடும்பத்து குழந்தைகள் அவள் மேல் பாசமாக இருக்கிறார்கள் அவளும் தான்.எல்லாம் நன்றாக போய்க்கொண்டிருந்தபோது அவள் கர்ப்பமாகிறாள். அவளது காதலனை தேடுகிறாள் ஆனால் அவனோ போராட்டத்தில் பங்கேற்கிறான். கிளியோ தனித்து விடப்படுகிறாள் ஆனால் அந்த குடும்பம் அவளை நல்ல முறையில் பார்த்துக் கொள்கிறது.

மற்றொரு பக்கம் அக்குடும்பத்தலைவி சோபியாவின்  மனப் போராட்டம் - அவளது கணவன் அன்டோனியோ கியூபெக் செல்வதாகச் சொல்லி அங்கே மெக்ஸிக்கோவிலேயே மற்றொரு பெண்ணுடன் வாழ்கிறான். கிளியோ மற்றும் சோபியாவின் வாழ்க்கை ஒரே நேரத்தில் வேறு விதமாக மாறுகிறது.அவர்களுக்கிடையே நடக்கும் அந்த ஒரு வரி வசனம் மிகவும் முக்கியமானது. படத்தில் கிளியோ மிகச்  சில இடங்களில்தான் பேசுகிறாள். ஏன் அப்படி?  ஏன் அவளுடைய குடும்பத்தைப் பற்றி ஒன்றும் சொல்லப்படவில்லை? இப்படி பல கேள்விகளுக்கு விடை இல்லை.

மேலே கூறியது போல இது இயக்குநரின் வாழ்க்கையைத் தழுவி எடுக்கப்பட்டது . கிளியோ யாருமல்ல இயக்குநரின் செவிலித்தாய். அவரின் உண்மையான பெயர் லிபோரியா ரோட்ரிகெஸ் (Liboria Rodriguez). அலோன்ஸோ ஒன்பது மாதக் குழந்தையாக  இருந்தபோது லிபோரியா அங்கு வேலைக்கு வருகிறாள். படப்பிடிப்பைப் பார்க்க வந்த லிபோரியா பல தடவை அழுத்ததாக அலோன்ஸோ ஒரு பேட்டியில் கூறியுள்ளார் . படத்தின் கதையை நடிகர்களிடம் கூட அலோன்ஸோ சொல்லவில்லை அன்றன்றைக்குத் தேவையான வசனங்களை மட்டும்தான் சொன்னாராம்.

படத்தில் அனைவரும் சிறப்பாக நடித்துள்ளனர் அதிலும் குறிப்பாக கிளியோவாக நடித்த புதுமுக நடிகை Yalitza Aparicio. அந்த முகத்தை மறக்கவே முடியாது அதும் அந்த கடலில் குழந்தையைத்  தேடும்போது .கதையில் பெரிதாக ஏதுமில்லை. ஆனால் அதை எடுத்த விதம்தான் என்னை பிரமிப்பில் ஆழ்த்தியது. படம் முழுவதும் கறுப்பு வெள்ளையில். அதுவே ஒரு mesmerising effect-ஐ கொடுக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு frame-லும் அனைத்தும் (மனிதர்களும் பொருட்களும்) துல்லியமாக உள்ளது .Long takes லாம் பலதடவை பயிற்சி செய்து எடுத்துள்ளனர்.ஒளிப்பதிவும் இயக்கமுமு அலோன்ஸோ தான்.படம் மெதுவாக நகர்ந்தாலும் அழுத்தம் குறையாமல் இறுதிவரை செல்கிறது.

அவசியம் பார்க்க வேண்டிய படம்.

Punyalan Agarbathis

After many months decided to write about a movie which I enjoyed a lot. This movie not so called "world cinema" or "parallel cinema" but something is there in this light hearted entertaining movie. I was very curious to watch this movie just because of its name 'Punyalan Agarbathis'.

This is a story of a common man who struggles  to start / run  business.  The Malaylam movies of 70's and 80's were popular for its social satire . I enjoyed watching many of Sathyan Anthikad movies like Varavelpu , Sandhesam and other such films. I felt the same happiness when I watched this movie, though I can not compare those classics with this movie. But enjoyable.

The dialogues are peppered with social message specially the court scene dialogues about 'hartal'. Most of it are true and spot on. There is a positive vibe in the way the hero talks and behave through out the movie. The relations are portrayed realistically understanding and lovable wife who gets angry when needed , brother who sue his brother and workers who behave normally just like today's - playing Angrybirds .

Jayasurya as Joy Thakkolkaran was just amazing. He has transformed into a good actor and real deal.A performance to remember. I'm not that much familiar with Thrissur slang but he sounds good specially with mixture of English words. Nyla Usha  as Anu was beautiful and perfect match for this story. Aju Varghese as Greenu was outstanding- an apt sidekick for Joy Thakkolkaran. Another memorable character was Sreejith Ravi as Abhya Kumar- the driver. His mannerism and dialogue delivery was hilarious (thithiru thithiru ..!!).

I like the title song which captures the essence of a lively city and "Ashichavan" wonderfully song by Jayasurya himself. The music director did a good job in background score too. The cinematography too was good.This movie is not a perfect social satire like the old classics but there are moments which one can relates to our daily life and remember for a long time.

An aromatic agarbathi...!!

Amen - A Refreshing One

An unexpected and beautiful movie. Loved all the aspects of this movie.After a long time i watched a movie two times.The cinematography and music made this movie an unforgettable experience. The crew and cast were simply superb.

The story is nothing new but the narration is fresh and interesting.The story revolves around the church and its band,which historically had a good record. But lately the band is not winning any titles.Solomon, the son of the dead master clarinetist , was a failed band member , as he struggles to play before the priest . He was in love with his childhood sweetheart Shossana but her family ,except her grandmother, did not support their love.

Fahadh and Indrajit .. 

The parish priest Fr. Abraham wanted to dismantle the band and vows that the church will not finance the band anymore. Then comes the new assistant priest Fr.Vincent Vattolli , young and exuberant music loving priest who supports the band and helps in their training. He also came to know about Solomon and Shossana's love and wanted to help them. He tried to sent them out of the village but he and the pair were caught .Louie Pappan who was a band member and master of the band came to know about Solomon's talent one night .  Solomon has to prove his musical talent and marry Shossana, did he? that was the story. And there is a twist who is Fr.Vincent Vattolli?

The stunning cinematography by Abinandan Ramanujam was a big plus for this movie. Prasanth Pillai's  background scores as well as songs were great support for this story. Specially , the clarinet's solo scores.The composer brings the freshness of the village in his melody and background.I loved it. The screenplay and dialogues by Rafeeque was apt and it was wonderfully executed by director Lijo Jose Pellissery .

Fahadh and Swathy.....

All the actors played their part perfectly,well almost. The parish priest played by Joy Mathew reminds me many priests i have encountered in my life.The tone and the facial expressions were just perfect. Indrajit as Fr.Vincent Vattolli was witty and genuine. Fahadh Fazhil as Solomon was perfect. He has grown and shown his versatility in this movie. Swathy as Shossana was beautiful and her eyes speaks volume. Another great performance was by kalabavan Mani as Louie Pappan .

This movie manages one to laugh and think.This movie touch the heart with its simplicity ,humor and above all love. I loved the one liners . Well done director.

Argo

This movie is based on CIA Operative Tony Mendez, who led the rescue of six  US diplomats from Tehran, Iran.When the militants seized the American embassy and took all the people hostage , six of the embassy officials escaped through the back door and was given place to hide by Canadian ambassador.

The CIA has to rescue those who escaped from the embassy and hiding in Canadian embassy.The CIA operative Tony Mendez came with the plan, in which he will go to Tehran and make those diplomats as a  movie grew and rescue them. The imaginary movie name is "Argo". How Tony  rescued those diplomats? thats Argo.

From start to finish , its nail-biting, very interesting and engaging. I was hooked to the film never got distracted by anything and it was a good experience.Ben Affleck made an true story into an engrossing espionage thriller.Hats off to him.This movie shows that now and then CIA can pull something off.All the characters played their role to near perfection.

Ben Afflect as Tony Mendez was amazing, this guy is really talented.The way the screenplay slowly creates tension was awesome, well done Chris Terrio.I loved the background score by Alexandre Desplat.Overall a very crisp and neat movie.

Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu

I think its a great start to 2013 for Tollywood. A feel good movie about relationship.Director Srikanth Addala not only succeeded in bring two big stars but also delivered his content neatly.Kudos to him.

The story is about relationship between different family members-relationship between two brothers , relationship between sons and father, relationship between grandmother and grandsons and relations between  men and women.Very simple story but executed neatly.Mahesh Babu's oneliners were too good especially the dialogues during his romance with Samantha.

The two star performers....

First, songs composed by Mickey J Meyer were excellent - an apt mix of melodies and fully supported by Mani Sharma with his background scores.In most places the background music brings the feel of the characters. Well done Mickey and Sharma.!Cinematography by K.V.Guhan too was good and in some scenes-excellent.The camera brings the Relangi village with its beauty to life on screen.
Though Mahesh Babu as Chinnodu occupies more screen space, its veteran Venkatesh as Peddodu who stole the show with his wonderful emotions.The two stars's powerful performance made this movie a wonderful experience.Apart from these two,Prakash Raj as father of the two had done his role neatly.

Among female characters ,its Anjali who with her lively expressions comes first.Samantha had not much scope,neverthless she did well.I liked the characterization of Rohini Hattangadi as grandmother, the relationship between the grandma and grandsons were portrayed realistically.

My first telugu movie of the year and it was a good one.Overall a neat family entertainer.

நடுவுல கொஞ்சம் பக்கத்த காணோம்

Atlast a full length clean comedy movie! Watch and laugh loudly! Its even more interesting when we realized that this story was based on real life of the director's friend, who was the cinematographer of this movie C.Premkumar.

The story is about a guy who loses his memory just before a day of his marriage.The series of events that unfolds during those three days will make us laugh like anything. The four friends Premkumar, Bagavathy(Bugs),Balaji and Saras were typical good today's friends who takes life easy and enjoy each other company.When Premkumar loses his memory while playing cricket , the other three decided not to inform to his family and go on with marriage.

The movie is full of serious scenes but the director bring the subtle humor out of it, hats off to director Balaji Tharaneetharan.Even though many dialogues repeating many times i did not get irritated rather i enjoyed those scenes and laughed.Vijay Sethupathy as Premkumar was awesome, his repetitive expression and dialogue modulations were big plus point for this movie.Rajkumar as Balaji with his innocent look and stupid questions was excellent-specially when he asks "why Prem is not listening to me but to you?".Bugavathy Perumal as Bugs with his 'punch' dialogues and looks was hilarious.Vigneswaran as Saras did his role neatly. Gayathri as Dhanalakshmi did not had much ,nevertheless she did her role perfectly.

Background score by Siddarth Vippin was good.Cinematography by "real" Premkumar was perfect in some scenes(slow motion scenes during cricket match) and not-so in some other scenes ,not bad.The director did not deviate from the story line, it was linear and perfect, there is no sub-story or unnecessary flashbacks etc including songs,well done director.

Overall a perfect comedy to relax...!!

Thattathin Marayathu - Malayalam Movie

The meaning  of the title "Thattathin Marayathu " is Behind the Veil... very opt title.Wikipedia says this movie is a genre -"Musical Romance", i completely agree that. Awesome music after a long time ,i was hooked to a malayalam movie's songs from the moment i heard it .This is director Vineeth Srinivasan's second movie after his successful first one "Malarvadi Arts Club"- a movie which i enjoyed a lot. 

This is a romantic story of Vinod , a middle class,an average Hindu student, who falls in love with Ayisha , wealthy girl from a influential Muslim family.Even though i guessed the flow of the  story after 15 minutes, i still enjoyed the movie, may be because of comedy and songs.The guy-next-door look hero is a big plus point for this movie, you can immediately feel for/with him.

Nivin Pauly as Vinod is perfect for this role and he really did justice to his selection.Aju Verghese as Abdu,Vinod's friend was excellent, he really brings laughter out of everything. Manoj K Vijayan as S.I Premkumar did his role neatly. Isha Talwar as Ayisha is gorgeous and did act well.

Even though the story is age old and lack intensity, the director with a help of cinematographer Jomon.T.John made this movie a watchable as well as likable one.Do not expect any logic, just immerse in love and beautiful and soothing music. Music by Shaan Rahman was excellent one of the best in recent times. The songs "Anuraagathin Velayil"  and "Muthuchippi" keep on playing in my iPod.The first song was sung by the director himself and he is really a good singer. He already won lots of accolades for his singing. 

Vineeth Srinivasan - Director

Overall watch it, even if you don't like these kind of stories..,watch just for music and cinematography...!!

நீர்ப்பறவை (Neerparavai)

I had high expectations on this movie, simply because the story happens in our place (Rameswaram Islands). After director Seenu Ramasamy's "Thenmaerkku Paruvakaatru" ,i hoped that this one will be even better.I was bit disappointed.

 The story is nothing new but the location and people are new. I believe that the director did not capture the livelihood of fishermen effectively, on the screen looked artificial.But the casting is spot on. I can see the familiarity with most of the characters with my own people .

Kudos to director for boldly telling the world about our fishermen's struggles against nature and more importantly against the Srilankan navy. No other countries fishermen faces this brutal enmity from neighboring country.

Vishnu had done a great job as a alcohol addict and latter as a good husband, he really brings the essence of fishing youths from our side- typical dress and the innocence. Its sadly true that many youths are addicted to alcohol and the elders do not know what to do except admit them in some hospitals, mostly hospitals run by nuns and priests in Tuticorin area. But only 2 out of 5 remains sober and leads healthy life. I have seen many youth running away from hospitals and readmitted as in this movie.

Typical meeting in church..

Nowadays the catholic church is not playing a big role in decision making as old days. Now people are separated by faith and there is no unity among us.As Samuthirakani says in this movie " We, the fishermen do not have unity among ourselves". Its very true.Most of the problems would have been solved and can be solved if we are united. But it does not look like that all the fishermen will unite and fight for their rights in near future.

Nandita Das ...

"poo" Ramu as Vishnu's father was awesome, he looks like one of us.As an angry father and latter as a loving father , he really varies his expression beautifully.Sunaina as Esther too , did her role to perfection.For me the most memorable character was of Samuthirakani, his dialogues are apt and essential for this story. Pandi, Thami Ramaih and Nandita Das did their role neatly.

Cinematography by Balasubramaniyam was excellent, he captured the beauty of sea and shore beautifully. Music by Ragunanthan was good.Lyrics by Vairamuthu also good specially "para para" and "Devan Magale:.

Overall not a great movie but a worth watching! 

My Favorite Inspirational Movies

Some movies  we want to watch all the time, here are my list of inspirational movies.I have almost all these movies DVDs , whenever i feel like watching , i just randomly choose a disc and play.Recently Channel 5 played "The Lion King", i introduced 'Simba' to my little daughter she laughed a lot for sometime ,then she started her own things. Here is my list:

1. The Pursuit of Happyness

A real life of story of Chris Gardner .Never give up your dream and don't never let anyone tell that you can't do.

Director : Gabriele Muccino
Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith

2. Pay it Forward

A story of a boy who creates a good-will movement- he helps three people and asking them to do the same for others.

Director:Mimi Leder

Cast:Kevin Spacey,Haley Joel Osment

3.The Lion King

Whereever and whenever  i get chance i watch this wonderful movie.This movie always inspires me.Awesome concepts and creation.

Director :Roger Allers,Rob Minkoff

4.Forrest Gump

A man who inspires everyone! A lovely storyline and beautiful acting Tom Hanks made this movie, one of the best in recent times.

Director:Robert Zemeckis
Cast:Tom Hanks,Robin Wright,

5.The Shawshank Redemption

A man's twenty year effort to escape from the jail.An incredible tale which shows if we have hope and never give up attitude we can realize our dream.

6.Good Will Hunting

This is a story of Will Hunting,a unrecognized math genius.He is a laborer and is forced to go through therapy session, which changes his life.

Director : Gus Van Sant
Cast : Matt Damon, Ben Afflect, Robin Williams

7.Finding Nemo

A mother's never-give-up journey to find her abducted son.Heart warming and funny!Wonderful movie to light your day!

Directors :Andrew Stanton,Lee Unkrich

8.Life is Beautiful

A tragic comedy.The use of humour to win girl's heart and to secure his son from Nazis.Superb!

Director : Roberto Benigni
Cast : Roberto Benigni

9.Remember the Titans

My all time favorite sports movie.A true story of Afro-American coach who unites the racially disintegrated football team.Awesome acting by Denzel Washington.

Director:Boaz Yakin
Cast : Denzel Washington,Will Paton

10.The First Grader

The true story of Kimani Maruge who at the age of 80 enrolled in elementary education.I really liked the old man's spirit.

Director :Justin Chadwick
Cast : Naomi Harris,Oliver Nitanto

There are some more on the list specially faith related movies. I will try to list those movies latter.

Ustad Hotel

Ustad Hotel -A delicious kerala meal for you. I love this film for the simple story line and the way the director executed it.This movie is a great starting(i think second film) for Mamooty's son Dulquer Salman.

This is the story of Faizi, only son of the rich man.His father was desperate to have a son, that gave him four daughters and atlast Faizi. His mother died after giving birth to Faizi. He was taken care and brought up by his four sisters.He spent most of his time in kitchen with his sisters and he is fond of cooking. As he grows up ,he wants to become a chef.But his father want Faizi to do MBA and open a Five Star Hotel .

Faizi lied to his father about his studies.He opted and finishes catering course instead of MBA.When his father came to know about his studies he was disgusted and confiscated his passports and credit cards.This force him to go to his grandfather who is running a loss-making small hotel namely "Ustad Hotel". Of course there is a love story too.

The girl who rejected Faizi because of his profession-Chef, latter loves the same Faizi.Faizi learns the secret of life as well as the business from his grandfather Kareem Ikka. The grandpa taught him that "Its all in mind".The grandpa sent Faizi to Madurai to meet a chef who left his high earning job for social work. This teach him life's reality. I think Madurai chef's character is based on Narayanan Krishnan who was nominated for CNN Heroes in 2010.He slowly started loving the people and environment of  Ustad Hotel. The rest of the story is about how Faizi and co saves Ustad Hotel from closing down.

The great Thilakkan as Kareem Ikka was simply superb. I felt very sad that this great actor is no more. May his soul rest in peace.Dulquer Salman continues his good form in this movie too.Hope he will get better as his father.Nithya Menon as Sahina was lively and apt for this role.All the characters played their role as needed, credit goes to Anwar Rasheed, the director. Anjali Menon's script is engrossing and neatly layered.

On the technical side, cinematography by S.Lokanathan was good , he captured the moods of the seashore brilliantly.Music by Gopi Sunder was good, i like all the songs, except one.

Ustad Hotel is bewitching , engaging and entertaining! A feel good movie!

Madhubaanakadai(மதுபான கடை )

I really enjoyed watching this movie,this film tops avant-garde movies in recent times. The story unfurls on the eve of Gandhi jayanthi.There is no hero or villain. The bar is the hero and the people drinking there are the realistic heroes.There is no storyline or plot , the characters and environment takes the center stage.

The director Kamalkannan spent two and half months visiting different bars and studying different people visiting there.This study really helped him to portray the characters realistically.Petition money is one such character- he is everywhere and he is nowhere. Apparently the actor who played the Petition Mani role, Rajkumar , is a Tamil poet and had written seven books which were translated into French,English, Malayalam,Hindi,Kannada and some other languages.He is from Nagerkovil.

Petition Mani

Art director Vino Mirdad had recreated the TASMAC setting realistically in a Marriage hall at Pethaampalayam near Perundurai, in fact while shootingg many people enter into it and started asking for drinks.Well done!It seems the team struggled to find the drinks combinations to make the liquor looks perfect at last they settled with Kesari powder mixed with coconut leaves soaked water combination.Music by Vedshankar was good and his re-recording made the bar alive.He is one of the first batch student from A.R Rahman's  music school. Bhaskar's camera works wonders inside the bar specially night sequences.

There are some memorable characters which will remains with me for a long time -Petition Mani with his one liners ,Ramu as old singer with his songs,the educated man who always sits head down and the two guys who dressed up like gods.

The director also highlights the adulteration of alcohol and cleaners/sweepers needs of alcohol for their work. The good thing about the movie is that the director is not teaching that drinking is wrong or evil, he is not teaching anything, he leaves all those things to viewer .And there is also a beautiful story of love,jealousy and friendship.

I remembered these words of Mads Nipper when i watched this movie :

“Children are fantastic little creatures,because next to drunk people, they are the only truly honest people on earth.” 

The witty one-liners  and beautiful performance by the drunkards make this movie a special one.