Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » Movies » Southern Spice » Reviews
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
  Email this Page
November 17, 2008
Naanu Gandhi is a sincere film
Nanjunde Gowda has always chosen well-known commercial movie stars to make his artistic movies. His films invariably have some social issues as the backdrop and were made in good taste winning critical appreciation and awards. In his new Kannada film, Naanu Gandhi too, he has not compromised in his artistic beliefs and values.

November 14, 2008
Avoid Maharshi
The Kannada film Maharshi is not only an extreme violent action drama without a credible story, but a perfect example of how a thoroughly incompetent and boring venture can be made.

It's Surya all the way
Aascar Films's Vaaranam Aayiram, directed by Gautam Menon and starring Surya in many varied roles, is a moving, if a longish tribute to an ideal father and a loving son. It's a common enough premise and is Surya's magnum opus but this one is inherently up-market.

Avakkai Biryani is refreshing
Avakkai Biryani, produced by Sekhar Kammula and Chandrasekhar Kammula is a contemporary, uplifting story which offers a slice of life. Anish Kuruvilla scripts and directs this simple sweet love story of an inter-religious romance which warrants a watch.

November 10, 2008
Don't miss this
Debuting director Sumana and writer Agni Sridhar have done a commendable job in providing insights to the cruel world of politician, police and criminals. Vijay and Shubha Poonja have done a perfect job in the acting department. The two songs in the film are sure to rock.

November 07, 2008
Yuvan disappoints
Perhaps Yuvan Shankar Raja has spoilt you by his innovative work in his previous albums but in this one, he seems to have careened off after Silambarasan's tastes. He might have ended up satisfying the makers; the duo's track record might help in this album becoming a best-seller. But the collection, barring one or two moments, is nowhere near his best.

Fresh tunes
Put together, V Selvaganesh seems to have turned out a collection which seems, on the surface, familiar. That said, he has taken the time and effort to present some variation, which accounts for the freshness in a couple of numbers. It looks like we can expect good things from debutant music director.

November 06, 2008
Navagraha disappoints
Navagraha directed by Dinakar is a thriller featuring Darshan and six other heroes who were born to seven well known villains of the Kannada film industry. It suffers because of weak narration and illogical story. Darshan is lively and new comer Dharma is impressive. Harikrishna scores with two good song compositions.

Twenty: 20 is surprisingly good
Twenty: 20, the mother of all multi-starrers comprising all the leading artists of Malayalam cinema, spreads an interesting smorgasbord.

November 05, 2008
Not bad, but not good either
Taken together and barring a few moments, the album of Ananda Thandavam doesn't really rise to inspiring heights. There's a lot of romance and Vairamuthu's words add some dashing energy, though the tunes are familiar. It's not bad but not very good either.

October 31, 2008
Psycho is thrilling
Psycho stands up to the hype it had created before the release. Not only Raghu Dixit's music, even the other technical elements like cinematography, editing and art work are top class. Director Devadatta has done a perfect job in getting good performances from new artists.

October 27, 2008
Seval is watchable
Jinnah Creation's Seval, directed by Hari and starring Bharath is a potpourri of drama, romance and action – which makes for watchable fare despite some melodramatic hiccups.

Sangama is ordinary
Ganesh's emotional performance and the dialogue delivery save an otherwise weak film. Vedhika looks glamorous. Devi's music is the strong point while directorially the film is weak. Just an okay film.

October 25, 2008
Aegan is watchable in parts
Aegan is watchable in parts.

October 24, 2008
Another commercial cop story
Hero is another cop story in the mainstream genre with a message. Nitin and Bhavana perform well in this film directed by debutante director G V Sudhakar Naidu.

October 23, 2008
Keka : Same old love story
Director Teja seems to have got embroiled in the stereotypical pattern of filmmaking. Gone is the freshness associated with his films (as his earlier films Chitram and Jayam reflect). One can't help but wonder if he has lost his touch.

October 21, 2008
Mediocre
Though Vijay Antony seems to want to go beyond his Kadhalil Vizhunthen tracks, it still looks like the hangover exists. Some numbers are passable, while others are down-right boring.

October 17, 2008
A feel good romance
Despite its weak points, Payana is a must watch for audience who prefer neat film. Hari Krishna's top music, Ravishankar's good debut and Rumaneethu's screen presence makes it interesting viewing.

Avoid Premigaagi Naa
Premigaagi Naa has a weak plot handled very badly by director Snehapriya Nagaraj. Rajesh Ramanath scores uninspiring music for his hundredth film. The new comers Shankar and Vandana put up an uninspiring show. A tedious watch.

October 15, 2008
Ho-hum
It looks like G V Prakash needs to re-group his resources after Kuselan or Seval's premise wasn't interesting enough, and he decided that ho-hum numbers is the way to go. The tunes are not too bad but somehow, you've come to expect a little more from this youngster who showed so much promise, to begin with.

October 14, 2008
A half-hearted attempt
Post Saroja, you suppose expectations from Yuvan Shankar Raja are certainly high, but you can't really say that this album is scintillating. Perhaps the composer had to bow down to a film that comes with star-trappings.

October 13, 2008
Avoid Baa Bega Chandamama
Baa Bega Chandamama is an illogical film from start to finish. Prince Deepak fails to add life into his role. Poor music composition and ordinary camera work add up to the negative points in the film.

Abhiyum Naanum' music is dated
Barring infrequent flashes of his earlier works, there's very little to write home about -- and you hope Radhamohan's picturisation makes these numbers work.

October 10, 2008
Kathikappal disappoints
Gajanana Movies' Kathikkappal, directed Dinesh Selvaraj, Mani Ratnam's assistant, falls short of your expectations of a classy thriller.

Kousalya Supraja Rama is entertaining
This Telugu movie has something good to convey yet is not preachy. Though there is nothing new in the story the film offers decent entertainment. One can view it for Srikkanth's acting.

Chikkamagaloora Chikka Mallige entertains
Chikkamagaloora Chikka Mallige has some fantastic visuals and brilliant acting performances by veterans like C R Simha. Debutant Radhika Gandhi is cute and Shravan is lively. Though the story is not contemporary, the film engages the audience.

Kurukshetra disappoints
Kurukshetra, the Malayalam film based on Kargil War, directed by Major Ravi starring Mohanlal is technically superior, but ends up being loud and jingoistic.

Worth a watch
Kotha Bangaru Lokam is a teenage romance set in a college backdrop. Varun Sandesh and Shweta Prasad make this film worth a watch. This entertainer is fresh with some good camera work, music and some thoughts on parenting.

October 06, 2008
Guru En Aalu is unoriginal
All through the album, you're confronted with already-heard moments when the melody takes predictable turns. There's a dated feel to the collection, showing, probably, how well Srikanth Deva has channelled the original and its aura. Strangely, you don't feel appreciative.

October 03, 2008
Chintakayala Ravi entertains
It's Venkatesh show all the way in the movie Chintakayala Ravi. A triangular love story also starring Anushka and Mamta Mohandas, directed by Yogesh, this movie makes for some decent viewing for the family this holiday season.

Jayaraj is back in form
Gulmohar marks the debut of writer-director Ranjith as an actor, who plays the role of a revolutionary of the seventies. This film is worth watching for his performance and to see Jayaraj bounce back to form as a director.

Vamshi is just average
Puneet and Prakash combination strikes again in Vamshi which however turns into an average fare. Prakash could have done a better job by selecting a logical story, though he has done well in getting good performance from Puneet and Lakshmi. R P Patnayak again disappoints with his inconsistent music composition.

A sheer waste of time
Parthan KandaParalokam starring Jayaram and directed by Anil is sheer waste of time.

A colourless Rainbow
Rainbow has a usual storyline but is dreary because of average storytelling and performances by Rahul, Sonal Chauhan and Sindhu Menon. The film lacks colour and punch.

October 02, 2008
Mayabazaar : Only for Mammootty fans
There is enough for Mammootty fans in Mayabazaar to cheer, clap and hoot about; punch lines, comedy and their hero shaking a leg in couple of songs.

October 01, 2008
Strictly for Arjun's fans
Sri Rajalakshmi Films' Dhurai, starring Action King Arjun comprises of many fight-scenes, with the story inserted in between.

PUC entertains
PUC is a message oriented film that harps on focused learning during the study of PUC Course. Good music and photography are highlights of this film. S R Brothers have done well in introducing talented artists Chethan Chandra and Harshitha in lead roles.

September 30, 2008
Vaaranam Aayiram has quality music
Put together, you definitely feel that Harris Jayaraj has broken out of a self-imposed mould of recent times, and has set out to provide some quality music with a difference.

September 29, 2008
Worth a watch
Sun Pictures' and Atlantic Movies' Kadhalil Vizhundhen, directed by P V Prasad and starring Boys' Nakul, is a angsty romantic story that brings a lump into your throat and is definitely worth a watch.

September 26, 2008
A big disappointment
Patre Loves Padma has lots of weak points. Other than melodious music composition by Arjun and good cinematographic work by Cine Tech Soori, this movie has nothing going for it.

Budhdhivantha is extremely satisfying
Upendra shines as an actor and a writer in this thoroughly entertaining film with five heroines. Vijay Anthony's exceptional music and Giri's photography are the major highlights. Go and watch the film for Upendra.

Sakkarakkatti is anything but sweet
Kalaprabhu really needs to observe the world around him if he needs to come up with a plausible screenplay, dialogues and performances. Picturising A R Rahman's songs in SFX, throwing in American catch-phrases and making his characters swagger in designer wear won't make a good, peppy film.

Souryam is a potboiler
Souryam is another mainstream film with all the ingredients of a masala flick -- action, romance, sentiment and emotion. Director Siva adds nothing new to this formula.

September 25, 2008
Average fare
Four music directors, declares the album. Regretfully, barring a horror number, it looks like the composers have decided to deliver the most basic compositions.

September 19, 2008
A feel good romance
Moserbaer's Tamil movie, Raman Thediya Seethai, starring Cheran, Pasupathi and Nithin Sathya is a charming blend of realism, feel-good romance, logical screenplay and neat performances.

Something old, something new
Mallepuvvuu, set against the backdrop of terrorism, can be watched for its different theme and good performances (particularly by Bhumika) even though it has the commercial elements.

Pandhayam is ridiculous
V V Creations' Pandhayam, directed by S A Chandrasekhar is said to be a serious, commercial movie but ends up being an unintentional laugh-riot.

Urban audience will love M3V
M3V is an inherently up-market movie, targeting a niche, urban audience. Its tale of affluent directors in search of their dreams, girls who aren't afraid to have sex before marriage and single parents who raise children certainly doesn't fall under the formulaic genre.

September 17, 2008
Yennai Theriyuma? is interesting
All in all, this album tries to bring in a little of everything and through some clever usage of old hits and new music, succeeds in providing reasonably interesting fare.

September 16, 2008
A glimpse of Ilayaraja
What can be said of the whole album is that when asked to produce a collection with a completely rural feel, S S Kumaran has tapped into his reservoir of Ilayaraja favourites and come up with songs that sound different for the first ten seconds -- and then merge into oft-heard melodies.

September 15, 2008
Ranjith's best so far
Thirakkadha, Ranjith's new film stars Prithviraj as a filmmaker struggling to find a new story for his film. It is a film that could be Ranjith's best so far.

Thalappavu is a must watch
Director Madhupal has taken a bold subject for his debut film Thalappavu. It deserves to be watched just for the performance of Lal.

Watch Thaavalam for Suresh Gopi
Thaavalam, the Onam release of Suresh Gopi helmed by debutant Baiju 2D has nothing to boast about except for the star.

September 12, 2008
Uday Kiran shines in Gunde Jhallumandi
Directed by Madan Gunde Jhallumandi is a love story against a college backdrop. The entertaining film has some good performances by Uday Kiran and Aditi Sharma.

Watch Dheemaaku for Naveen Krishna
Dheemaaku ends up as an ordinary fare because of a weak script and poor directorial work. However Naveen Krishna shines. Arjun's music has some catchy tunes.

Poi Solla Porom is fun and racy
UTV Motion Pictures' and Four Frames' Poi Solla Porom, directed by Vijay is a remake of Khosla ka Ghosla -- and is a fun and racy reproduction.

September 11, 2008
One dimensional
Call Center has a love story set against the backdrop of the Call Centre. It also gives a uni-dimensional glimpse of the call centre culture and is more a film for the youth.

September 09, 2008
Meet the director of Thirakkadha
After facing the camera for the first time with Gulmohar, filmmaker Ranjith all set to welcome this Onam with Thirakkadha, which he has scripted and directed. The film will have Prithviraj and Priyamani in lead roles.

September 08, 2008
Very pedestrian
Ankith Pallavi & Friends is a pedestrian love story with nothing new. Hence, there is nothing much to look for in it.

A masterpiece from Girish Kasaravalli
Gulabi Talkies is an outstanding film with perfect casting and top class performances. Girish Kasaravalli once again comes with a master piece in a subject that is rarely touched by the Indian film industry.

September 05, 2008
Worth a watch
Talking Times Movies' Alibhabha, starring Director Vishnuvardhan's brother Krishna and directed by Neelan G Sekar, is definitely worth a watch, with its near-perfect blend of masala ingredients, a darn good story and an intelligent screenplay that'll make you stick to your seats.

Ashta Chamma is pure fun
Mohankrishna Indraganti, Ashta Chamma has good performances by Swati, Nani, Srini and Bhargavi. It is a nice joy ride for the family.

An entertainer
Ganesha Maththe Bandha is a clean and healthy comedy directed effectively by Phani Ramachandra. Anant Nag, Vinaya Prakash, Doddanna and Vijaya Raghavendra shine in their performances. Watch the film for a good two hour laugh.

A wasted effort
SNS Movies' Dhanam, starring Sangeetha, shows itself as a serious movie -- but ends up being a tired old flick that takes its viewers for a disappointing ride.

September 04, 2008
Saroja rocks!
Amma Creations' Saroja, directed by Venkat Prabhu is a feel-good entertainer with logic, fun and music. Go watch it.

September 01, 2008
Only remixes work
Vijay Antony seems to have gone out in providing a commercial fare -- more than half the album is comprised of two past mega-hits, and one international hit. The album works because of these original artists. Regretfully, he can't claim credit for creating the 'remixed' songs (unless you take in lewd lyrics and remix credit). Pandhayam wouldn't make any impact without them.

August 29, 2008
Jeeva's last film is worth watching
Dhaam Dhoom, Jeeva's last film, certainly showcases the Tamil cinematographer-turned director's larger than life ambitions, and his talent for storytelling, that is no exaggeration. Right from frame one, where the titles race across magical graphic-induced map of Russian cities, you're prepared to sit up with eagerness.

Go watch Jayam Kondaan !
Jayam Kondaan is a nice blend of the cinematic and logic. It is a good, watchable fare. Go for it.

Maadesha : Enjoyable for Shivraj Kumar fans
Ravi Srivatsa's Kannada film, Maadesha, is quite different from the other recent gangster films. While most of those portrayed the protagonist as a larger than life character, Ravi Srivatsa shows the grey sides of an ambitious youngster, who takes to crime.

August 28, 2008
Homam is disappointing
Homam is a desi 'amateurish' medley of the Hollywood film 'The Departed'. It's another cop-don drama with nothing much new and the main highlight is the acting of Jagapathi Babu, Mahesh Manjrekar, J D Chekravarthy.

August 27, 2008
Not great
Vidyasagar has made a name for himself as someone who understands the entertainment-percentage in movies, and delivers accordingly. He has done the same here as well, trying to provide a little bit for everyone. It's not terrible, but then it's not great either.

August 25, 2008
A different experience
Aakashagopurum, the Malayalam adaptation of Henrik Isben's The Master Builder directed by K P Kumaran starring Mohanlal and newcomer Nithya. It is worth watching for the lead performance.

Just average
Jaggesh's signature style dialogues and mannerisms apart, it is Pooja Gandhi's glamour which is the major attraction of the Kannada flick, Kodagaana Koli Nungiththaa. Director Vasu has just borrowed the content from Telugu film Malleshwari.

August 22, 2008
Works -- in parts
Shakya Celluloid's Nayagan, directed by Saravana Shakthi and starring J K Ritheesh and Ramana, is hotchpotch of wannabee superstars and a good plot, which keeps you in your seat -- barely.

August 18, 2008
Ayudham is run of the mill
Ayudham brings Suresh Gopi as a cop again. Director Nishad has tackled few topical issues in this film and even made Thilakan mimic the CM. But, it ends up as a run of the mill stuff.

Anthoo Inthoo : Well made
Veera Shankar's Kannada film Anthoo Inthoo Preethi Banthu has some decent performances and good technical work.

Arjun : Not even for Darshan fans
Kannada film Arjun should serve as a warning to popular star Darshan, who has become very repetitive in the last three years -- he has featured in films with the same story, same dances, same fights and same one-liners.

August 14, 2008
No good, not good at all
GK Film Corporation's Tamil film, Satyam, starring Vishal and Nayanthara is a glossy cop movie with tons of stunts, ear-shattering music but tot much else.

Ravi Teja entertains
Director Uday Shankar provides a cliched storyline with a reasonably okay screenplay but Ravi Teja makes Baladoor watchable. The movie has all the ingredients of a potboiler.

August 11, 2008
Veruthe Oru Bharya is preachy
Gireesh Kumar's script does not ever leave the preachy tone. Besides marital harmony, the film also preaches about the misuse of cell phones and internet by teenagers.

August 08, 2008
For Ganesh's fans
A competent performance of Ganesh notwithstanding, his new film Bombaat fails to impress because of a weak and illogical story. Mano Murthy rocks with two songs. Go for it if you want to see Ganesh in his action avatar.

August 07, 2008
A good album from Ilayaraja
Dhanam, with its off-beat theme, has demanded a similarly off-beat offering from Ilaiyaraja, and much will depend on how these songs are picturised. Though some of the tunes are meant to titillate the front-benchers, you can't deny that the maestro has turned in a rather good album.

August 06, 2008
Appealing music by Vidyasagar
Not much of Vidyasagar's recent work has been of the exemplary kind but this one seems to be making a definite attempt to veer away from stereotypical fare. The composer has tried to experiment with his own work, attempting variations on the same theme, and sometimes hitting a new, appealing note. Some of this album's numbers might be familiar, but on the whole, they do strike the right chord.

August 04, 2008
Nandadeepa is illogical
Nandadeepa has a story based on a folklore about a stepmother's exploitation of her stepson. The narration is amateurish though Master Manoj is impressive. Devaraj and Shruthi, on the other hand are passable.

Give this one a miss
Kabadi Kabadi marks the launch yet another directorial team Sudheer Manu. But, there is no novelty in there approach. The story of this film starring Kalabhavan Mani and Mukesh is just a rehash of couple of old films.

August 01, 2008
Pasupathy, the real star of Kuselan
Kuselan would have been a great watch had the makers used the premise as a tool to explore the phenomenon that makes Rajni the enigma he is. In trying to serve up a 'Rajni film' when the original script had space only for a cameo, the makers have ended up with a film where the star is reduced to merely a walk-on role rehashing his most popular one-liners from recent times. But Rajni being what he is, don't be surprised if nobody complains.

Rajni, Jagapathi Babu shine
Kathanayakudu is a worthwhile watch for Rajnikanth and Jagapathi Babu's endearing performances and the climax.

Watch Kuselan for Rajni
It is really a daunting task to remake a realistic sentimental film like Kadha Parayumbol with a Super Star like Rajnikanth. The biggest challenge is to meet the expectations of his fans. Director P.Vasu takes it as a challenge in Kuselan.

Rajnikanth's show all the way
The script falls flat at times, while the movie pulls you into two extremes -- Rajini's many extraordinary merits and Pasupathy's warm-hearted honesty. Obviously Pasupathy works more effectively but Rajini's star status is unquestionable. If only the dialogues and screenplay had been more effective and subtle. In the end, it's a definite treat for Rajini fans. For the others? The last twenty minutes will do.

July 29, 2008
Surya's music is forgettable
Considering the fact that Surya is renowned stuntman of Tamil films' Jaguar Thangam's maiden venture, which also marks his son's debut, you ought to have a pretty good idea of what the music would be like. And depressingly, you would be right. Here is music director Jerome Pushparaj's offering.

July 28, 2008
An experiment gone terribly wrong
My Mother's Laptop is an experimental film starring Suresh Gopi about incestuous love between a mother and her son. Directed by first timer Rupesh Paul, this experiment has gone terribly wrong.

July 25, 2008
Ullasanga Utsahanga is a good watch
Ullasanga Utsahanga is watchable for its feel-good and youthful appeal.

Don't miss this Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal blends pure romance with a right portion of sentiment and a bit of humour. And it is ably complimented by its excellent music and brilliant cinematography. The film also underlines the importance of parents' contribution to the future of their children, and how such an important factor is missed out by today's youngsters.

Not Harris Jayaraj's best effort
As this is a Vishal movie, it means that a composer has to work within certain restraints, and though Harris Jeyaraj has tried to fashion it with his own music sense, the strain shows. Some flashes of the genius that created Vaseegara peek at you uncertainly, but all said and done, this hardly is Harris Jeyaraj's best effort.

July 24, 2008
Peppy but unoriginal
Poi Solla Porom's music is a peppy, enthusiastic and just plain feel-good if unoriginal offering. Perhaps the picturisation will add some zest to the general musical ambience.

July 23, 2008
An interesting offering from Yuvan
Despite the strange and bizarre sounds and phrases, you have to admit that Yuvan Shankar Raja has the ability to make you listen -- even if it's only to analyze what exactly that particularly bizarre note you just heard was. And most times, he gets it right -- even springing surprises when you least expect it.

July 21, 2008
Mammootty's Parunthu is lacklustre
Parunthu starring Mammootty as a ruthless moneylender is directed by M Padmakumar. Haphazardly made without conviction is very tough to be endured let alone be enjoyed.

Moggina Manasu works
Kannada film, Moggina Manasu, is not as good as producer E Krishnappa's 2007 film, the blockbuster, Mungaru Male, but it works.

July 18, 2008
Avoid Zindagi at all costs
Zindagi is a big disappointment -- the script does not make sense, the comic sequences are terrible, the editing is shoddy, and the lead actors are miscast.

July 15, 2008
Sakkarakkatti is worth a listen
Kalaippuli S Thaanu's Sakkarakkati, tuned by A R Rahman falls slightly short of the maestro's classic work -- but it's worth a listen.

July 14, 2008
Minnaminnikkoottam : Not engaging enough
Minnaminnikkoottam, the latest Kamal film with the ensemble cast of youngsters set against an IT industry backdrop, fails to involve us.

July 11, 2008
Minchina Ota tests your patience
Directed by young award-winning director M R Ramesh of Cyanide fame, the new Minchina Ota has been inspired by Hollywood director Steven Spielberg's classic telefilm Duel. Unlike Duel, however, Minichina Ota fails to make the grade as a taut suspense thriller.

Avoid Citizen at all costs
The film has plenty of weak points, starting with producer C V Reddy's bad script and Prakash's poor handling of the subject

July 07, 2008
Subramaniyapuram is a must-watch
Company Productions' Tamil film Subramaniyapuram is a sharp, realistic tale of two friends who find themselves unwitting mercenaries until their nemesis finds them.

Uliyin Osai fails
J Nandini Arts' Tamil movie Uliyin Osai, written by Kalaignar Karunanidhi and starring Vineeth, begins with promise but fails to deliver.

Muniyandi... is watchable
GD Lotus and Thiru Productions' Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moonramaandu is your usual romance/action flick but with a different treatment.

Mohanlal's Madampi is worth a watch
Director Unnikrishnan deserves a pat on his back for tweaking a formulaic and predictable storyline that will go down well with Mohanlal's fans as well as the general audience.

July 02, 2008
Muniyandi... has rural flavour
With lyrics penned by the prolific Vairamuthu, almost all the songs have a strong rural flavour, their intensity and tone varying only slightly. The stirring beats by Vidyasagar, however, lend energy to the tunes.

Kuselan's music has interesting tunes
Tuned by G V Prakash Kumar, with the lyrics penned by Vaali, Pa Vijay and others, it is interesting to see if Kuselan touts an aural fare on par with the rest of the movie's stature.

Archives
April-June 2008 | January-March 2008 | October-December 2007 | July-September 2007 | March-June 2007 | January-February 2007 | November-December 2006 | August-October 2006 | March-July 2006
Get news updates: What's this?
Advertisement
© 2008 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Feedback