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VigneswaraPrabhu
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Varshangalkku Shesham (2024)
Vineeth is the master at invoking feelings in his audience
Recently, I've noticed this trend in Malayalam movies, where male friendships and companionship is explored in a healthy way. Such as Manjummel Boys, Premalu and now this one.
Vineeth Srinivasan is an old hand at making movies about people, their pasts, emotions and relationships. Whether it be the theme of pure love in Thattanthin Marayathu, the fear of losing a loved one in Thira, the nostalgia and life defining periods that we miss from our college days.
In Varshangalku Shesham, he similarly explores the erstwhile caricature of Malayalees passionate about Movies, migrating to southern movie hubs in madras and Kodambakkam, all with a dream in their hearts, and an uncertain future in their horizons.
As is the reality, most don't end up being the next MGR or Rajnikanth. Oftentimes having to give up on their dreams as the reality of life comes knocking on their doors.
But this movie doesn't entirely focus on the plight of such Indviduals. Rather, it uses it as a backdrop to explore the estranged friendship between two childhood pals, who both came to the city of dreams to fulfil their own.
How, a turn of fate, the flip of a coin, a bad decision, decides their futures in different directions. One who suffers from perceived failure, while the other ironically, suffering due to the pitfalls of success.
In regard to the actual movie, the first half, up until the interval block, sets up a period from half a century ago, the nuances and the nostalgia of the time, with plenty of pop culture references. Cinematically beautiful and picturesque, it does a great job in highlighting the contrasts between the natural rustic rural beauty of Kerala in the seventies, versus the hustle and bustle, glamour and glitter of the tinsel town in Tamil Nadu, where dreams come to die.
At one point you begin to be concerned, as the story seemed to take a more melodramatic tone. It's dramatic and emotional, but toes the line of venturing into sappy territory.
But the filmmaker, almost as an acknowledgement of this sentiment felt by the viewer, shifts gears and does a 180, taking the story to a contemporary setting, while at the same time filling it with satirical, self-referential, self-critical, as well as fourth wall breaking meta narrative, which, I'm pleased to say, gets more hits than misses.
The biggest surprise of the self-half is definitely the utterly bombastic and scene stealing performance by actor Nivin Pauly, a Vineeth regular, who, plays on screen a satirical, hyper-inflated, almost caricaturish version of himself, Nitin Molly. (lol).
Something also needs to be said about actor-director Basil Joseph, who is someone improving his acting skills with each role he assays. He has great chemistry with all the other characters, especially his comedic timings and counters with Nivin/Nitin. The duo perhaps is responsible for some of the biggest laughs elicited from the audience.
Nivin chews every scene he's in, poking fun at his own expense, as well as bevy of criticisms he's been faced with over the years, especially in light of his series of box-office duds.
But this is not an egotistic star trying to one-up their critics. Rather, someone who's very much aware of them, and is willing to poke fun at them, and at himself, at the expense of giving an entertaining performance.
In regard to the Deuteragonists, I'm pleased to say that both Dhyan and Pranav are competent in their portrayals. Pranav has improved himself as an actor. But as he has himself stated, Pranav is not committed full time as an actor. Which is clear as we can still see there are places where he can improve and refine as a performer. Hoping he is able to do so in the future. While Hridayam, and now Varshangalku Shesham seems to be received well by the audience, we are still waiting for a performance which Pranav can call his own.
The real surprise however, is Dhyan Srinivsan. The self-proclaimed easy going back-bencher, under the able direction of his brother Vineeth, has perhaps puts forth an earnest and understated performance, a career best perhaps, after his much-underrated debut in Thira.
This movie has a large cast of characters, who appear in everything ranging from cameos to supporting roles, all performed well.
There are references, particularly tied to the lead actors, rather their parents, Mohanlal & Sreenivasan, who were at their time a phenomenal onscreen pair in their own right.
The only thing I would take away from the movie, is that the story could've explored the events surrounding the estrangement of the main characters with a bit more depth. But it is understandable why those sections could've been shortened.
Another aspect is the songs. While they're melodious and soulful, they don't have the same memorability as Vineeth's previous venture. And I think, in regard to a movie with the backdrop of movies, and music, should've had songs which were able to elevate the emotions even further.
A last word. In light of the almost discriminatory decision by PVRs to not screen any Malayalam movies, all over India, as a native spectator, I hope that the movies releasing this week and going forwards, are able to gain acceptance from the audience and continue to do well in theatres.
We Malayali audiences don't really care if our movies enter some trumped up 100 crore clubs. As long as the makers of good projects manage to get rewarded for their efforts. And thus, have the incentive to continue making such memorable movies.
Joker (2019)
Go watch the Movie for an Unbridled Performance from Phoenix. And for the Filmmakers who had the Determination with go through with a Disturbingly Brilliant Ventures.
Never Did I thought there would be a redefining role for this character after Ledger. Phoenix puts his heart and soul into the psyche of a man who has little to lose, who's constantly at odds with what the society considers Norm.
He tries to life by its rules, only to constantly find his back to the wall. Abused, Put down, Shaken up, Underappreciated.
It is only when he sheds his tattered concepts of morality, does the world start making sense to him. and his ascension spells chaos to the world.
Joaquin Phoenix is notorious telling us stories not only through dialogue but also his Body language. And here we see, how as the strings holding him tied are cut one after the other, the timid, unsure and pitiable Arthur transforms into this confident reality he built for himself. Into what he sees as his destiny.
There is no doubt that the movie is a vehicle for the character study of Arthur Fleck's descent into Madness. or as he sees it, his 'enlightenment'. the world, the characters, the narrative, even the colors and environment are set in a way to accentuate it.
Make no mistake, This is not a Marvel brand of 'family Friendly' entertainment. Definitely not one you take the kids to. The actions and themes explored are chilling in how close they are to reality. They are scenes you cannot/should not be seeing, but will regardless. And it does an excellent job of making you squirm in your seats. As it should.
The story towards the end overstays its welcome a bit. Without spoiling much, there were some parts where i thought 'this is when & how the story should wrap' but it kept pulling on. And at least one scene related to Bruce's origin seemed more like shoehorn. All in all, go and watch for Phoenix's Spellbinding performance and story with a heart of Dark Depravity.
47 Ronin (2013)
Some movies are an acquired taste
I have seen this movie being criticized for historical inaccuracy and addition of a 'white' actor for appeal to larger audience. well i do have to remind these people, these would be valid concern if this was a adaptation or a historical piece, like 'Lincoln' or 'the last king of Scotland'. however this is not. it is a fantasy fic that borrows from the lore of Japanese culture.
just to clarify, i only am vaguely familiar with the source material. so i went to see this movie with no preconceptions. in that sense it was worth the money.
in an industry that fans the flames of bloated pieces of movies, based on trending bestsellers, where actors don't do a dime worth of acting, or directors who do nothing but blow swag up in all their movies(u know who you are) i appreciate the effort,put forth, not only by the thespians,but also the director, cinematographers, even the artistic directors and set makers.
yet it is inaccurate, its fiction, deal with it. and regarding casting, i understand that most Japanese, actors or otherwise have a very thick accent. i myself prefer them delivering dialogs in Japanese. its powerful, mesmerizing and not as awkward. but unless the film was made completely in Japanese, making an English movie with a English actor in one of the lead roles, help bridge the gap, and ease the experience to the audience.
and kaenu reeves is one of my favorite actors. He has a niche of roles, matrix, john wick, Constantine (yes i liked it !, the movie just stays with me) which he excels in. And without any over the top antics, kaenu can deliver a respectable performance.
The artwork and effects were also stunning to speak
I do agree that the script could have been better, but i guess hindsight !
overall it is the type of movie which you like it or not. i for one would not mind recommending this to anyone
So there is my piece