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Reviews
Kaathal - The Core (2023)
A voice, better late than never. . .
For the Indian society, this movie is an extremely difficult topic to narrate to, actors to act, and makers to conceptualize. There are no references for the actors to view, read through or probably not much on the legal references too.
Complex, complicated in the eyes of a common man, brilliantly written (Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria) and executed. Director (Jeo Baby) has proved once again that he could take a topic that's rare to be divulged, write it almost politically correct and execute it. Nobody shouts at high decibels, they do not call names, they don't wish others ill, this is idealistic and much more. Pray tell? Watch the movie and you'll know, provocation isn't needed in a relationship to be one's self.
I normally don't agree on praising the leading actors, especially when they are super star actors. However, Jyothika and Mamookka definitely should be praised for this movie.
Jyo for being part of progressive content, that she chooses, everytime. Mamookka for not typecasting himself.
The simplicity of the arc (of his character, in this movie) and the final say, grabs you by the throat. Last but not the least, Sudhi Kozhikode is a perfect cast for the movie, man he's out of the world.
This movie, in the history of Indian cinema, will be a leap towards progressiveness and inclusivity. They have tried to normalize different identities and show audiences that the world is not as black and white as it is often painted to be. And, succeeded.
'Mammootty Kampany's' last 3 movies (Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Rorschach, Kannur Squad and Kaathal - The Core) are poles opposite in genre and quality movie experience. In all of these, other characters get same or more screen space and are catalysts too.
When other actors of Mammokka's age are playing saviors and have god syndrome. This man, is on a separate league.
I am in awe of the staging (to keep the tension), Cinematography (Salu Thomas), and Music (Mathews Pulickan. )
When Chitra Ma sings - "Anbaleyen Chiragalanjeedum", written by - Anvar Ali (Roughly translates to - 'My wings will protect you, with love') the facade of being strongs breaks down. There's a heart ache, when this line ends. And, one carries that ache and leaves the movie hall.
There was standing ovation after the movie. On a weeekday in Tamilnadu, the movie is almost sold out. That is a testimony of the quality of the content and the making. Grace, dignity and love personified should've been the tagline of the movie.
Dear Friend (2022)
The No-Closure, is what makes the movie work
Tovino and Darshana are the crucial protagonists of the movie. They're the ones who carry the movie throughout, and the rest of the cast are a perfect fit too (Sanchana Natarajan, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Basil Joseph, Arjun Lal, Hakkim Shah, Jaffer Idukki, and Rekha.)
Even though, Tovino has the most to score; Darshana as usual keeps you hooked and her expressions stays with you long after you're done with the movie.
Tovino has the distinct role, and something that no one would choose after a global reach like - "Minnal Murali." Kudos for that - clarity about the art, and the wisdom.
The movie is a extended version of something I read through Wordables - " "When someone says , " after all I've done for you ... they are revealing that what they did for you was not for you at all but for their own need to control you . Their generosity was just a contract with hidden terms of compliance . Breach that contract , and you become the problem .."
This is a simple yet complex movie. What starts with a series of days passing through with friends, takes a 360 turn. Emotionally rich, and a movie one must see.
This is a no closure movie, like - 'Three Billboards', 'The Drive', 'The Lunchbox', etc. Might not work for many.
Alma Matters: Inside the IIT Dream (2021)
Will take you down memory lane!
It's a must watch documentary on one of the India's elite graduation colleges. Called the cream of India's future.
How we think that the grass is greener on the other side, and it's actually not so.
Three episodes of 45 minutes each. Shows you their world inside the campus, how they prepare for the job hunt, and how they celebrate culture.
There's cutthroat competition, loads of insecurity, failures and dejections too. Alongside shows the prime institutions, sexism, gender inequality, and a great expose on how they're as humane as the rest of the world.
The history of this elite institution system dates back to 1946 when Sir Jogendra Singh of the Viceroy's Executive Council set up a committee whose task was to consider the creation of Higher Technical Institutions for post-war industrial development in India.
They were created to train scientists and engineers, with the aim of developing a skilled workforce to support the economic and social development of India after independence. Are the institutions aiming to live up to their purpose? - watch to find that out!!!
Sigai (2019)
An Interesting Watch
The director is an associate of 'Kaka Muttai' fame 'Manikandan.' Sad that the movie couldn't make it to theaters inspite of a gripping screenplay. The director's work definitely is worth watching in theaters.
Why? - seeing a movie after a long time which doesn't confine itself to a protagonist. It doesn't portray the story of a single man or a woman but revolves around 9 characters and the shades of it. One day and how all of their lives have changed forever.
With Kathir's filmography, he is just lifting his game with every movie. The varied performances and the content that he chooses. Kudos to him.
Raj Bharath, with whom the narrative starts has done a commendable job too.
Navin's cinematography and Ron's music adds beauty to the movie. BTW, this has nothing to do with the Korean movie (Chaser - 2008)
#Sigai #RajBarath #Jagadeesansubu #RajBarath
#Kathir #Riythvika #MeeraNair #MayilSamy #NavinKumar #RonEthanYohann #Zee5App #Zee5 #OTT
Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018)
Awestruck !
For me , the prime contributor for any movie is the screenplay and the dialogue writer and then comes the director and the other technicians.
When the writer and the director are the same, the magic never gets diluted. Here the cinematographer adds to the magic.
Lenin Bharathi is the credited story-writer of Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer and won awards for the story writing. He has also majorly contributed for Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai.
I guess we have a director that's close to #DileeshPothan , #VJS can be super proud to have produced such an exemplary movie.
The cinematographer is another dearer one for the movie and then comes the actors ! If you don't watch this movie, then you're missing a creator's product that's going to change the way we look at #TamilCinema
#MerkuThodarchiMalai #LeninBharathi #VijaySethupathi #TheniEaswar #VijaySethupathiProductions #Antony #GayathriKrishna #AbuValayankulam #TamilMovie #Ilaiyaraaja