Reviews

My take on Vikram - 1st half - An engaging Investigative crime thriller drama 2nd half - A fully pumped up action thriller

Vikram was a pure labor of passion and a 100% directorial venture of Lokesh so far in his filmography. I loved "Kaithi" movie but when I compare it with Vikram the daughter sentiment portion that Kaithi had was taking a bit more space or like mellowing down the screen play where as in Vikram we see a husband trying to save his wife , a grand father trying to save his grand son, drug lord trying to save his empire but these where handled with a subtle note such a way it didn't spoil the thriller that was unfolding in front of us. Some brilliant screen play out here.

There were moments in the film which audience were so invested and engrossed clapping their ways as the story unfolds.

Every Technical aspect fell in place perfectly for this movie. There wasn't anything that was underwhelming for me throughout the crazy ride.

For me I found this movie thoroughly engaging start to finish with the stellar cast including three mammoths of south cinematic talents whose craft speaks for itself.

Ok Surya was supposed to be a surprise but boom as the spoilers went out in advance before the movie git released his character appearing wasn't having that wow factor but nevertheless he gives us a promising glimpse of the next season.

Can't wait for the next instalment to see what's there in Lokesh's vision.

My take on Hridayam translates as "Heart" - Though it's a simple title but sometimes they say Simple is more powerful, I guess that's what has worked for this magical masterpiece on screen.

This is a romantic coming of age story of Arun Neelakandan (beautifully essayed by Pranav Mohanlal) and how his life transpires through various People he meets, incidents that happened in his life and off course his love interest shape him as a person.

Ok I know it's a regular coming of age story we have seen in so many movies of similar genre, that's easy and said but Director Vineeth Sreenivasan makes sure he delivers his mark in this soulful tale that unfolds on big screen leaves all your emotions turned.

This close to 3 hours long movie might sound like a long affair to sit and watch but a quirky and engaging screenplay makes sure mostly you don't get that thought.

Performances - All three leads deliver what's exactly needed for the role they look naturally the character which is a testimony to their craft. Pranav Mohanlal as Arun emoted almost every node of the emotional graph and gave his character life. Darshana Rajendran plays Darshana a beautiful curly haired girl next door seemed effortless in her role delivers strong with her subtle emotions. Kalyani Priyadarshan as Nithya is your cute software angel will make sure boys go crazy with her cuteness but that doesn't shy away her acting skills equally shows all range of expressions especially when showing the sense of insecurity in loosing your loved one to another person. I have to say if these main characters must live and shine the support should be strong and that's what we get from the supporting cast characters Antony Thadikaran, Jimmy, Maya, Lachu Patti, Selva, Ironing girl Selvi, Kedar. Everyone did their role with full justice.

Music - Lets talk about the elephant in the room, yes songs and BGM from this movie makes the Music director the real hero of the film. Hesham Abdul Wahab on his Debut as music director his soundscape gives the life to the story. I cannot think of this movie without the songs and BGM which were soul stirring. Lyrics by Arun Aalat were so powerful and beautiful that connects to your heart.

Cinematography - May it be the college life or the city scape Viswajith the cinematographer transfers the viewers to their world for a subtle yet immersive experience. Make sure to catch this move on big screens it's not always the Avatar's that need big screen sometimes as simple as our day-to-day life story can do magic on screen.

Overall a definite solid coming of age story with lots of fun, sadness, anger, betrayal, passion, love, friendship, and Romance at its heart Vineeth Srinivasan's Hridayam makes sure it touches the viewers Hridayam.

An easy 8.5 on 10 movie.

NB: I watched it twice before reviewing 😊

-Reviewed by Sivakumar Balachandran.

My take on Laabam : Such a let down by director SP Jananathan & team The movie wants to deliver so much in the likes of economy, agricultural crops pricing mafia, depletion of natural resource, labor exploitation etc. But the whole idea goes for a toss when the screenplay is super lousy and marred by disaster editing. Character sketching was very weak. Summing all these negatives it becomes un bearable in so many stages and we get some amateur vibes in terms of execution. In terms of casting wasn't impressed by VJS, I have no idea why would Shruthi Hassan or Sai Dhanshika would even accept roles which have literally zero impact.

Verdict: Total disaster VJS star power couldn't save this sinking ship.

My take on 1917 :

It is a war movie but like no other, I mean in terms of the film's take on World War I (WW I). It doesn't show you the usual chaotic war sequence all the way, rather it takes you for a journey which will suck you in and soaks you thoroughly in the mood during those times.

Mendes known for his big films Spectre, Skyfall doesn't fail to impress the audience in presenting a visually astounding story of two courageous soldiers embarking on a journey to deliver a message that could save 1600 fellow soldiers.

What worked for me was the amalgamation of brilliant direction, screenplay, cinematography, lighting, the whole productions design, top notch sound mixing, background score and class performance by the two leads. It all kind of fell in perfect blend which set the tone of grimness on the viewers.

The level of detailing in the movie was so immersive that we are teleported to the war trenches. There were scenes in the dark where the soldier is running for a hide out and the flashes of grenades illuminates him, watching this on big screen was sheer breath taking. The song "Poor wayfaring stranger" when sung by one of the soldier before their big day was moving.

At the end, we come out of the move as proud as the soldier saving the battalion from the trap.

Overall Mendes's 1917 is a pure cinematic brilliance and will be a strong contender for the Best Picture of 2019.

PS: Watch it in biggest screen possible.

-Review by Sivakumar Balachandran.

Navarasa as the name suggests is an expression of 9 human emotions (rasas) in form of 9 short films featuring stellar ensemble cast with popular directors and technicians on board. With all that we get ready for an extremely emotional ride but the ride isn't interesting enough to get us intrigued.

So for me 3 out of 9 worked and the rest merely had good efforts but failed to translate the vision or message of the story teller.

Here is a short review on my top 3 episodes:

Inmai (Fear) stars siddarath and Parvathy was an eerie take of an islamic horror, folklore, thriller with a twist served to perfection in terms of performances,cinematography, direction & production design. For a short film this was a stand out for me.

Rowdhram (Anger) had an usual story of poverty and life struggle of a single mom to keep her kids happy but the expression of anger towards the exploitation in our society was subtly put in form of one boy's anger. This was a surprise directorial debut by actor Arvind samy who also appears in one of the shorts.

Payasam ( Disgust) transports us to the world of Kumbakonam Brahmin family's marriage and happens in 1965. The whole plot on envy, ego, jealousy transforming to an act of disgust was skilfully emoted by the legendary Delhi Ganesh.

Verdict : See over all Navarasa had strong acting and execution but didn't have equally strong substance in the storyline. So we didn't get invested by all the emotions and we leave with a rasa of "feeling flat".

• Sivakumar Balachandran.

Wonder is a beautiful family drama with a cast that's wonderful. It's an incredible story of mid school boy with facial differences who attends regular school for the first time. The movie showcases acceptance , love , friendship, kindness twined with lots of fun moments. The best part of it was the message " if you were given a choice to being right or being kind, choose kind". Watch this touching drama that resonates assurance of kindness. Wonder was in and out wonderful. A must watch for the family drama lovers 8.5/10.

I know Its too late but better be late than never and I wanted to recommend this one for movie addicts. Aruvi is Bold - Intense - sensitive - dark - funny - rip roaring - reflection of today's eco social demand. Simple yet Powerful. The movie flows like a waterfall with lots of emotions packed in a 2 hr drama directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman. No wonder and no doubt it's earning praise all over and definitely one of the best Tamil movies of all time. An ode to un conventional film making with an exemplary performance from the debut lead actress Aditi Balan. She will make you feel loneliness, cry ,laugh, angry, at last goose bumps for sure. Don't miss this un conventional psychological social dark yet fun ride which encompasses ensemble cast full new faces who has delivered to perfection. Loved it enjoyed it. Rated as must watch.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's (SLB) magnum opus finally hits screens after all pre-release protests of demeaning the Rajput's honor, queen dancing etc. but at last what we see is completely the opposite Rajputs are shown in all glory here except for the Brahmin villain, wonder what dirty politics was behind this protests and cult. The core plot is the fight between the good and evil and Rajput women choosing death over dishonor. (Sati or self-immolation) As with any SLB movie the magnificence is, lavish everywhere and the canvas painting etches the screen throughout. BGM synchronized perfectly to the tone of the movie. Songs have come out well but couldn't avoid comparing it to SLB's previous movies - like courtyard dance Ghoomar in this movie where are Mohe rang dola or deewani mastani in Bajirao also Ek tu song sounded similar tone to Laal Ishq of ram leela and Aaji ki Badat of Baji rao. SLB's trademark directorial template was exactly maintained but I felt there was some emotional connect missing unlike what Bajirao brought perfectly. The screenplay or the storytelling was not that great here and had some slogs here and there. Performances: Undoubtedly, its Ranveer singh as Alaudin Khilji steals the show with his venomous looks he brings the character live to the screen. Khilji is demonic, ruthless, notorious, and barbaric with animal instincts and he desires for everything that is considered precious in this world. Deepika fits the role of Rani Padmavat of Mewar delivers another strong performance though she took the front seat in the second half, she captures us with her emotive and glazed eyes with a uni-brow. Shahid as Raja Rantan the Rajput king mostly depends on his posture and delivers a decent performance. Jim Sarbh as the slave of khilji and Aditi as Mehunisa the first wife of Khilji have also equally done justice to their roles with the amount of screen space they had. The film runs close to 3 hours which feels stretched and sometimes makes us think logics in the decisions made by the characters but also we realize it is what happened in reality so nothing much to think rather dive and sink into the story to enjoy it. VFX in some places were weak, not sure it looked perfect in 3D. Worth watching in big screens for SLB's style of periodic drama rendition.

New generation Spy brand - elite secret service - gadgets - mission accomplished If the above words interests you then welcome to the Kingsman franchise.

Kingsman: The Golden circle -In this sequel, Kingsman meets The Statesman and this new acquisition brings more fun elements and doubles the entertainment. This installment fires up with some good action and spy stuff. Before venturing into this flick it's good to brush up your kingsman knowledge with its part 1 Kingsman: the secret service so that you are not lost with the characters and the basics.

So this time from the very elaborate trailers shown before its release it's clear kingsman crashes down and finds new allies to crack the mission.

With an ensemble cast including Colin firth , Taron Egerton, Channing Tatum , Halle Berry , Juliane Moore , Jeff bridges and seriously was it, Elton John ?? this flick promises some good dynamic action and some new spins.

This time the mission to bring down a secret drug racket and save millions from the ruthless and ravishingly wicked Poppy Adams played by Juliane Moore. She is one crazy villain with hideouts designed like vintage and uses robots on the other side. She has style and her own world and she is cunning and definitely brutal behind her Charm. OK, other than a vicious villain the movie had some Solid VFX and good action choreography (particularly the cable car sequence ) and a star cast who essayed their roles perfect.

The film runs 2 hours 20 mins which is a bit long for a spy action genre nevertheless pace picks up after 20 mins into the story.

A definite exciting spy brand sequel to watch. I would rate a 7 on 10.

• Review by Sivakumar

Jab Harry met Sejal – Easily one can expect the magic or something different when a director like Imtiyaz Ali ropes SRK for a romantic – comedy. But Imtiyaz Ali's experiment fails to react correctly in spite of perfect chemical composition comprising SRK, Anushka and scenic Europe because of not adding the catalyst which I would say the storyline and screenplay. I am not trying to sabotage the eagerness of all SRK or Imtiyaz Ali fans here. This movie was neither a romantic comedy nor some complicated love story like ones we see these days. OK, what was good in the movie, locations off course (but we have seen enough Europe nowadays in Hindi films). SRK as Harry has the charm to tie the audience to the seat, his character is rusty but lacks details like his troubled existence or past. Anushka as Sejal whose character has the habit of reminding the class she belongs to and a tourist guide is too low for her to fall in love. On the contrary, she wants an opinion on her looks from the same guy whom she doesn't even respect. Watch this movie if you are a die-hard fan of either of the two lead actors and you get some melodrama, some no sense comedy and some songs then I guess you won't be disappointed. Be sure you will be lost in the plot which travels to Holland, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and Frankfurt. Sure I am not buying this as a love story. Rating 2 /5.

Pushkar Gayatri the husband wife duo directors hits the right chord to present an engaging, entertaining, gripping thriller. This is a Neo Noir movie which happens rarely in Tamil.

Story is simple straight forward police and gangster cat and mouse or I could say hide seek game.

The wow factor is the screenplay which is well crafted and characterisations are well etched. The perfect pace stands out first kept the audience thrilled and guessing till the end. Dialogues are sharp as knife and powerful as the gun shots in the movie. The BGM was rock solid which had added the feel to the play.

Coming to the performances Madhavan as Vikram the protagonist a perfect police maintains his grip and emotes intensive emotions particularly when he feels he was used. Vijay Sethupathy on the other hand essays antagonist Vedha a most wanted leader of local gang pulling it off effortlessly seriously effortlessly like so much of assaultness the way he carries himself stands out unique particularly. Loved the in between short stories he threw. Both Madhavan and VJS with their exposed grey carried on their roles picture perfect. They present raw psychological thriller duo. All the other support characters were picked perfect. Varalakshmi's plays an extended cameo but stands out as well the new face lady who plays the lawyer and wife of Vikram.

Subtle messages on guilt - revenge - emotions of gangster or the police were the special catch.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this Neo-Noir flick.

Verdict : Don't miss it. Hats off to the team Vikram Vedha. Easy 8.5 on 10

My share of two cents to the existing buzz that this film is making. No spoilers so anyone can read.

SS Rajamouli concluded this franchise on a sound note with rip roaring performances and a true magnum opus production. SSR has well understood the expectations pinned to this movie, from its first instalment and delivered or rather should say it's a triumph, truly outperforming the first part. Very few movie franchise does that and with Baahubali 2 SSR hits a master stroke. So without spoiling the storyline I have to say this movie has answered all left over things that was lingering in our minds from the previous instalment which includes the million dollar question why Kattapa killed Baaahubali?

As on whole this movie delivers substance what it is supposed to and to mention on the strong positives the top score will be the VFX, production design and an engaging screenplay that doesn't make you feel bored even for a minute rather promises goose bumps in so many places.

I would be failing my duty if I don't talk about the top notch performances by the entire crew. To be in particular what I felt was the performances by the legendary three stars Ramya Krishna , Sathya Raj and Nasser they were competing each other and outperforming with their acting skills off course I guess this what they call as experience speaks by itself.

Prabhas nails the differences precisely between the father and son characters. Anushka's portrayal as Devasena is an ode to brave royal princess of those days. Rana with his etched body delivers the role perfectly.

On the production design we have seen movies where grandeur is stuffed without need but period films like this it is important that it is rightly done to hit the right note which was one not so saturating thing about this flick makes us feel sad that it has come to an end and wanting more of it.

SSR has broken his own records and made history in historic movie making.

Hit the big screens next to you and immerse in the grandeur. Jai Baahubali Jai Magizhmadhi

My take on Kaatru Veliyidai : (press see more / read more to read my complete review )

One of this year's expected movie kaatru veliyidai has all the elements that you would expect from a Maniratnam's movie yet it is not the usual smitten by romance type of flick. This time the director has featured a love story that's intense at the same time intriguing.

The love story of a hard Air Force fighter pilot Varun aka VC essayed by Karthi sivakumar who is super stiff , dominant, chauvinistic by character. The female lead Leela played by Aditi Rao who is a doctor she is simple grounded yet expects equality when it comes to a relationship.

With this contrast what else to expect in a Mani's movie they fall for each other and goes head over heels and slowly develops the crack and the usual fights and intense romance ballets goes on. Though seems clichéd the screenplay makes the difference.

First half of the film is a bit light but filled with heaviness of Rahmanism every single no of this album is a pleasure to ears. Second half gets more of a destructive love genre inter woven with times of Kargil Kashmir, prison life.

The supporting cast though was strong which includes Delhi Ganesh Rukumani RJ Balaji and KAPC Lalitha. They weren't having a big scope nor created an impact. It was an out and out Karthi-Aditi romance duo.

Performances side Aditi was pleasing with her looks which resembles a bit of Aishwarya Rai and some times like an re incarnated Shobhana. She has pulled this character perfect portraying maturity. Karthi on the looks side a bit out of sync but scores towards the second half.

The movie struggles with a bit of pace issues and predictability. VFX was another let down. Some might feel clichéd.

Overall get in for an intense romance ride with breath taking taking visuals through the lens of Ravi Varman intertwined with a soul tingling BGM and music by ARR. I am sure you will walk out satisfying if you are a Mani fan.

-Reviewed by Sivakumar Balachandran.

Lady Superstar "Nayantara" takes another horror genre after her sleeper hit Maya. Dora follows the recent craze in the industry, which is horror- comedy genre. Nayatara as the lead buys a vintage Austin Cambridge car that is possessed and seeks her help to take revenge on a Psycho burglar group. Therefore, that is pretty much the story.

On the execution, the first half was slow with some over introduction base of just two characters that is Nayantara as pavala kodi and her father. It moves with some boring comedy scenes between the duo which doesn't seem to hit the note. However, the second half picks up notes right from the scene of the interval break. Nayantara brands herself as equal to a hero in the second half. A sensitive flashback connects pieces in the second half.

The villain group scares us by their ruthless burglary sessions filled with no mercy murders. There is a cop character shown from the starting but towards the end of the movie it disappears for no reason and nothing was shown what happened to his follow up on the case. VFX was convincing and all car scenes keep us interesting.

Dora with a lousy 1st half and thrilling 2nd half will be a treat for Nayantara fans.

Naam Shabana is a prequel to the 2015 super hit "Baby" which is like Baby origins: Shabana. Though Shabana was, a brief character in Baby played by Tapsee Pannu who looks tuff, hard has given some powerful kicks here. She perfectly takes the weight of the story on her shoulder. Was it enough to make this spin off a complete racy thriller?

Have to say a no. The movie lacks intent of an espionage thriller as it jumps from a revenge thriller.

Story dialogues and screenplay though handled by the same Neeraj Pandey but has given the main function direction to Shivam Nair where the grip goes out of hand and faces some serious pace struggle throughout. Akshay Kumar who appears in an elongated cameo inevitably steals the show from our lead protagonist Tapsee though his role appears to help and disappear.

Overall, it is a no doubt one-time watcher, but not in lines with Baby's race. Get in Naam Shabana will not fail to keep you entertained once.

Trapped as the name leads it is obliviously a survival flick.

Rajkumar Rao as Shaurya who leads an average life of any single man working on a normal job routine. He rents an apartment in the 35th floor of a 40 something floor building. The hitch here is its is in the middle of the happening city yet deserted by itself or isolated from the people's world.

So Rao takes us with him on his struggle ride when he gets himself locked in his flat on the first day he moved in. The next 80 mins in the movie are about how he fights for survival locked in without no water no electricity and no food. We see him struggle through psychic reactions, hallucinations, growing impatient, crying, growling losing hope. All the above said expressions perfectly convinced by Rajkumar Rao.

What I particularly like about the movie is the end message as you take it is very subtle and up to you.

It can be from what came to my mind

1. You can end up in a big hole if don't think logically and fall for cheaper options. 2. Even the minute careless negligence of an everyday action can put you in a big struggle for life. 3. My favorite one: there are still chances that you will be surrounded by hundred thousand people but nobody will hear you or see you though you are seeing and hearing them. It's like situations can camouflage your presence and makes you disappear.

I wouldn't say this is a perfect survival flick it has its own flaws in it, you might feel it is depressing disturbing and not to the logic but still I would recommend it because compared to other films of the same genre like 127 hours or cast away or life of pi where the struggle situation happens in middle of nowhere. The point in this story it happens right in the middle of a populated area and yet he is isolated.

Reference to no of days or the place (looks like Mumbai but was not explicit) could have added more of impact to the audience.

My take on Sully : First let me say wow what a movie.

A real story which showcases power of quick wit of one man and his act of bravery. Feat of a Captain saving 155 lives on board. Also proving Human brains out wit computer brains or simulations ( watch the movie to understand that one )

Another flawless portrayal by Tom Hanks! you were in the water with your ship as captain Philips now in the air as captain sully either way you are nailing it. Salute to you Captain.

Clint East wood on each of your projects you are raising the bars and meeting the expectations. No wonder you are a legendary director. Exceptional and impeccable directorial feat.

Verdict : The movie lived well up and above expectations. So what are you waiting? Grab your tickets and get in for a movie which is Intriguing and gripping. It's a must watch on big screens. Last but not least I am sure you will return with some moments will put in tears and goose bumps. - Sivakumar Balachandran

Don't breathe has effortlessly entered into my favourite heart pounding nail-biting thriller list.

It has broken all pre fixed notions I had like it would be a home invasion gone wrong, Psycho killer, Haunted house with a possessed person, creepy creature attack. But this was a bit different from the above said track and definitely hit the right chord what an intense thriller has to deliver.

Some of you might come back and argue it's a home invasion thriller but why I deny that point is here the invaders become the victims of the inmate of the house.

Long story short three friends break into a house of a blind man thinking it would be a piece of cake to rob some dollars and run, but they didn't know that they are in for a crazy ride of survival. Well that's enough not to spoil further as this much was shown in the trailers.

Stephan Lang as the blind man had nailed it to the core where he didn't have long dialogues but has brought out the fierceness and terrifying looks through his actions and body language. I would say he provided me more thrills than other creature feature movies so old uncle feature wins the creature feature. Jane the lady from Evil dead's recent remake has also emoted well and her desperation over the money even in the life or death situation was a shocking surprise.

Very well managed budget movie inside a small house but can sure give you at least five six jumping up moments and stopping the heart beat moments for sure. Get in and you will enjoy the thrills by this crazy old man.

I would definitely give a 7.5 on 10. Except for the logic holes here and there the movie delivers 100%. Thrills and chills guaranteed. Watch it in the theatre.

-Sivakumar Balachandran

No wonder why Akshay kumar is the bankable star of Bollywood who scores a clean six in the box office for the third time in the year.

Rustom story is based on the scandalous Murder case involving naval officer KM Nanavati of 1959 which gave a big scoop to the press media back then. Rustom Pavri a naval officer in a decorated position shoots his friend Vikram when he comes to know his wife Cynthia has an affair with Vikram who is a rich businessman. The post mortem of this three shots opens up as the rest of the movie questioning Rustom who is a strict martinet on the whys behind his impulse action. The transition from a Patriot to a murderer to a traitor and finally who is he kept the viewers puzzled till the end until the climax.

Technical Side: I have to fragment each and every bit of technical that has gone into this movie to give us the wholesome feel of the period.

Direction- Tinu Suresh Desai has done a brilliant job in handling the conspiracy of the case with a witty screenplay by Vipul that keeps the audience engaged from start to end. Hats off. Art Direction – Backbone of any period film where the entire time has to be recreated to convince the audience was it done well here? Extremely well would be the answer starting from the background and the smallest thing example the biscuit packets kept in a tea shop was taken care. Costume Design- if this doesn't go hand in hand with the art department it will spoil the show and this was handled picture perfect. Worth mention would be the lead ladies attire well designed to reflect Parsi's and the aristocratic looks. It made the ladies look fabulous on their roles may it be the western outfit or the hair styling it was stupendous. Cinematography plays an important role her to show everything presentable and believable on celluloid. Camera well-handled by Santhosh Thundyil.

Entire team stands as a proof of a well-researched play. I would say at least for the periodic time factors and not the actual case as definitely some fictions would have been added.

Casting- Got to be Akshay Kumar no doubt is the show stealer here may it be his body language or expressions or dialogue delivery he nailed it. Ileana as the lead lady Cynthia looks convincing as a parsi community lady. Esha Gupta as Preeti Makhija has pulled the aristocratic attitude well even the way she stood in the witness podium was justifying. All the other support cast did a fantastic job I would say special mentions would be the Judge and the publisher.

Overall an out and out crime suspense interrogation court drama well enacted. Don't miss if you like drama thrillers. Rating would be 8 on 10. - Sivaklumar Balachandran

My take on The Shallows (English) 2016: Survival flicks have always been my favorite. So thought recap some of my favorite survival flicks before actually reviewing the current one "Black Water" "Frozen (2010)" "127 Hours" "Burning Bright" ( I am taking "Cast away" " Life of Pi" " Gravity" in this list because of it higher production values). The Shallows is a solid survival flick which falls in line with the above mentioned movies.

With that genre introduction let's see what the movie has to offer. Lone survival – animal attack – Thriller- Secluded place- touring/expedition gone wrong and off-course shark attack are some of the key words that can best describe this movie. Blake lively as Nancy goes on a relaxing holiday to a secluded beach and enjoys her freedom surfing where she encounters a shark attack and whether she was able to win the shark and get to the shore safely is the next 1 hour 25 mins movie in front of you.

With the whole weight of the movie on her shoulder Blake Lively has given a solid performance in terms of her expressions, screams and courageous attempts acts.

On the technical side the cinematography was so vivid showcasing the beauty of the beach in terms of its depth and color which actually sets the ambiance for the movie. VFX works were commendable. The best part of the movie the thrill element was kept intact ie the shark itself by not showcasing it every now and then ,we see it surface few times with a terror unexpected entry. Screen play and direction has went hand in hand.

The climax was a bit soggy. Otherwise it was a worth watch. Highly recommended for those crazy Survival thriller lovers out there. I would rate it 7 on 10.

• Sivakumar Balachandran

The so-called historical drama by the well-known director Ashutosh Gowariker(AG) (who brought us Lagan and Jodha Akbar) is a historical disaster or I can call it the disaster of period films making. Even the presence of the Greek God looking Hrithik Roshan couldn't save it falling down to the black hole.

The movie had no solid story line it suddenly seemed to be an out an out Love story which turned to a revenge tale and merged to a Water- River- Dam tale. I doubt whether the director did any research on the ruins of real Mohenja Daro. As of the little history I know from my schooling Mohenja Daro is the ancient urban settlements somewhere in the Sindh-Punjab so which is today's Pakistan. The Director's along with the art-director has worked to bring us the overly done building structures, I have to say the furnishings with all minor details making me doubt whether the both technicians forgot that they started the movie stating it was 2016 BC.

Another biggest let down was the costume designing we see people wearing perfectly stitched costumes and sandals/slippers. Particularly the heroine who is some holy women wears a crown or some head hat with all plastic lotus and feathers and with perfect eye kajal and lipstick with multiple slit robes. Stitching was an after 4000 BC concept if I am right. Also didn't know Lakme and Loreal were there back in those times to supply cosmetics to the ladies of Mohenja daro. I know this can be over looked as the director's creativity point but the fact of 2016 BC is damn hitting my mind. Let's come to the VFX the first scene of the most touted crocodile fight was so B grade which confirms you the quality of VFX to expect in the movie. Music by ARR could not save either. At one stage in this super lengthy movie, I started searching for any saving factor but I had to return in vain finding none.

Casting : Another letdown is the choice of the lead lady who has the least possible expressions when her father dies in the story and also support cast for God sake will you have Arondhay Singh who refuses to go to a gym before confronting Hrithik.

Over all seems the Director was sure about the thing that he needed the name Mohenja Daro and that's it then he worked on his own imaginary facts to produce a movie which will boast taking you back 4000 years.

Verdict : If you are a core fan of Hrithik Roshan like me go ahead invest your time who needs to see it to believe it ! and for others my sincere advice or warning would be straight to skip it 100%.

Much awaited, most hyped, most touted, most marketed, made profit before its release, grand release in so many screens overseas, talk of the social media before and after release, whole state was affected/impacted by Kabali fever these words can summarize how much this film made hype and definitely no doubt enters the history of Indian cinema for its expectancy before release and hype. Having said that, I went and watched the movie exactly after a week of its release to see what it has to offer strictly forgetting the above hype. Overall the movie gave an above average feeling and had definitely worked in parts.

So what's good about the flick: 1. Rajini for the first time gave up his usual funda and come as a gangster/old man for almost 90% of the movie and definitely with his style. Off course Thalaiva as Kabali has nailed it. 2. Support cast – Dhanshika as Yogi, Radika Apte as Kummudavalli, Dhinesh as a loyal assistant for Kabali and Kishore as Veera has done justice to their characters. 3. The main antagonist played by the Taiwanese actor Winston Chao as Tony Lee has his own style and has pulled the role very well and wow what a fashion sense (nice coloured printed blazers) 4. A better Second half What's on the lagging side: 1. Slow pace of the movie with a screenplay which is so predictable (but still had worked in parts) 2.Logic holes for instance the fight sequence in the Thailand followed by car chase in two minutes ends up in Kuala lumpur ???!! Did I get it wrong?? 3.Nothing in the movie seemed extraordinary like the VFX was below average and the expense or the production value seemed so thin but touted as 75 crore budget (may be promotions took half of it) PS: Just gave my two cents of view about this movie and how I felt about it.

Disappointing after the eager wait for this to watch in IMAX 3D. An over done/ over exploited genre of saving the world movie. Completely disappointing and demeaning the first part. Over used graphics and so much cliché yet without proper clarity. It was a PlayStation in the big screen. It looked like they wanted to make a a powerful comeback franchise after two decades but ended up spoiling it with shallow screen play, void loop holes like the African place and people warring against the alien force and so many facts here and there was left unexplained. The fact is I couldn't treat is as a comedy also. What so ever not ready for another franchise in the coming years. Demeans the first part.

-Sivakumar Balachandran

The movie which grabbed lots of attention before its release because of its 90 censor cuts. The movie focuses on the drug abuse among the youth in the state of Punjab through the life of four people. Salute to the director for taking us on an emotional journey through the streets of Punjab filled with lots of madness and revelations on the high and low ends of Drug terrorism. So out of the four main leads, two of them are fighting against anti-social elements to put an end to drug mafia and the other two fighting with themselves to come out of this addiction and madness.

On the performances Alia as a Bihari girl/migrant worker and Kareena Kapoor as a doctor delivered solid especially looks of Alia as a migrant labour was convincing. Shahid Kapoor as a pop star supposedly to resemble the life of YoYo Honey Singh guy (don't know for sure) has delivered justice to the role in the latter half of the movie rather the starting because during the start I didn't feel he was into the skin of the character rather over emoting. The Punjabi actor as the police officer looked so authentic.

Now with all this outline wonder what was the fight for 90 cuts it's the wordings which were too raw and used extensively. Though the story had the scope to show case sexual assault the director didn't use that cheap trick.

So what's on the down side the length of the movie, over push of lots of messages or revelations through the plot. Otherwise it was an honest attempt that deserves applause. Definite award category movie.