Reviews

"Anveshanam" Malayalam movie.

Media man with his wife and kids....a son and a daughter living peacefully in a flat, in the city. The story starts in the evening, as the boy is injured and unconscious and taken to hospital by his mother and family friend. At the hospital, the mother and family friend claim, the boy fell down the stairs in the apartment and got the head injury. Mystery starts as everyone has their version of the events and they don't seem to match each other. The police got involved and an investigation is initiated. Meanwhile, the boy breaths his last.

The point of view, takes the audience through, whether the boy had an accident or is it a murder...any foul play involved, or any child abuse possible.

The IPS lady police officer, is very suspicious about some possible 'cover-up' activities, to hush up this boy's death. The investigation keeps the audience on their toes, suspense is nail biting, make us guessing who the villain is or villains are.

Jayasuriya as the media man father, Sruthy as the hapless mother, VijayBabu as family friend doctor, Lena as the suspicious nurse and Leona as the IPS officer ...all lived their characters well. The interactions between these characters and their chemistry between them, is exploited well by the director, to hike up the thriller taste.

Screenplay is watertight and dialogues are apt. Director with his team has posted each scene and each item in the canvas kept deliberately, which will help solve the mystery. Editing is superb, to keep you, on the edge of the seat ... even the interval slot felt irritating, as the audience were eager to know the truth.

The movie comes with a tagline... 'The truth is always bizarre'... So, are the events unrolling in this presentation. First half is packed with tensed investigation and suspense, to give way for more emotional and sentimental approach to the death, in the second half. Fast paced first half and a slower second.

7.5 on 10 for this investigation thriller, maybe a medical investigation.

The suspense levels were kept so high, the climax came bit bizarre to me as the movie's tagline suggested... abrupt and twisted. The screenplay is trying to justify this, through the police officer "There's something fishy".

Anveshanam can be the investigation involved or Is it a search into every family, while handling the kid's issues. Anveshanam gave me a feel of K.G George's movie 'Yavanika' .... One event, multiple character's version of the same event and their interpretations. You'll get confused.

Very serious watch.

" The Kung Fu Master " Malayalam movie.

Abrid Shine does extensive background work on his projects, before venturing into them. If the movie '1983' was on cricket, 'Action Biju' was on Police life and 'Poomaram' was solely on youth festival.

In this project, he has selected 'Wing Chun' ...a Southern Chinese Kung Fu technique, as a theme for this presentation. Wing Chun' a form of self defense that requires quick hand and leg movements, to conquer over the opponent. Abrid Shine was able to introduce the Mallu audience, some un-adulterated action sequences, without any dupes not any camera techniques.

Storyline revolves around the brother sister couple, both Wing Chun' experts, suffering some personal damages and loses due to attack by a goon gang and the revenge follows. The background scenery is beautiful, as the story is happening at Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mana the last village on Indian side....snow clad scenic settings for a Kung Fu climax fight.

Director, himself taking care of the action sequences, has choreographed the fight scenes to perfection.

The story is so flimsy and usual revenge thread, which we would have seen in, so many grade 3 Chinese Kung Fu movies.

7 on 10 ....get ready for some rapid fire punches.

Even though most of the actors are naive and debutantes, they have perfectly done the action choreography, to mask their inexperience. Neeta Pillai has grown from the bubbly girl' image of 'Poomaram' to a disciplined killing machine, in this presentation.

Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan ... not your cup of tea.... Forget about this movie.

Me, enjoyed those speedy repeated punches, very much ... Ouch ! Looks like, I dislocated my shoulder.

" Psycho " Tamil movie.

Director Mysskin, in his unique style, presents a psycho action thriller.

There's no suspense, as far as the identity of the villain is concerned, but his modus operandi is meant to initiate nausea and horrify the audience. This terrifying villain is on a brutal murder spree and police is on their heels.

Meanwhile, the heroine is also abducted and love bound hero is dazzled ( he's blind from birth ), hence the search for his lover is made interesting.... using his hyper activated senses.

The storyline is a cat and mouse game, in the scary joner. The story has been inspired by Gautham Buddha's angulimala ( garland of fingers ). The screenplay is interesting, keeps the audience on the seat edges. The background score is the highlight, conveying the emotions and that scary feeling creeping up your sleeves.

Word of caution... This presentation is not for the fainthearted... 7.5 on 10.

Udhayanithi Maran as the blind hero is just an average show, Aditi Rao as the bubbly heroine has done well, but the suprise was Nithya Menon as a quadriplegic police officer lived her role well. The stone faced Rajkumar as the psycho villain, still gives me shivers. I can still visualize his non emotional face, while decapitating his victims.

Director Mysskin has succeeded in instilling fear into the minds of the lesser human beings, and rightly credited Alfred Hitchcock, as the whole presentation reminded me of the master's classics.

The psychic mentality of the villain haunts the audience, the vivid details of his brutality and the camera work during those butchery will leave lingering memories... nightmares.

You must realise, the FEAR is the KEY to all inhibitions. It's impossible for the FEAR to prosper, without the power of your imagination.....

If this presentation is on your immediate recall memory, Director Mysskin has won his battle.... Watch out ..you might be the psycho's next TARGET.

" Anjaam Paathira " Malayalam movie.

Midhun Manual Thomas after his comical stints like 'Aadu' series, Alamaara, Argentina fans, Ann Maria Kalippanu.. he has matured into the senior league by choosing a psycho-thriller project and successfully executing it.

A serial killer is on the stroll in the city, killing police officers and psychologist cum criminologist 'Anwar' is on his trial.

Very interesting thrilling first half, with an inevitable sentimental drag in the second half and climax scenes topped with an unexpected twist...wraps up the movie.

Kunjacko Boban as the psychologist, did his lead well. Screenplay is watertight, with cyber-technology used very well. There are no superhero stuffs in this story and the villain is justified for his actions. Audience can relate themselves with the dialogues and actions in this presentation.

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seats, knowing that 5 murders are going to happen, in this crime thriller and that psycho is going to strike again, near you....8 on 10 for this extra thriller.

If 'Drishyam' was the killer's side of the story and saving himself, 'Anjaam Paathira' is the pressure on the Police force, in solving every chrime thrillers. Here victims are police officers themselves, adding stress on them.

Are you a weak-hearted person, you may not stand the presentation.... Miss it

2020's first pscho-thriller hitting the bull's eye and film making techniques are fined tuned to perfect by the team.

'Difficult situations need Difficult decisions' This team should be credited with an extra applause, for this entertainment thriller.

" Driving License" Malayalam movie.

Hareendran' superstar of Mollywood, has a take a driving license, for an official purpose. Kuruvila, the motor vehicle inspector, is a hardcore Hareendran fan....so ... getting the license for the superstar, seems to be a situation, won with hands down. The news... 'the superstar was so far, driving the cars without a valid driver's license', was a hot cake for the news paparazzi and the channels. The simple license issue escalates to a ego-war between the superstar and the hardcore fan....is the one line story.

Events take us through their families, the media, the association, the rival who are opportunistic to take advantage of this situation etc.

Well crafted story, hyperinflated screenplay with sentiments and emotional dramas, presented on screen, for our entertainment.

7 on 10 for this so-so time pass movie.

Dangerous degrees of ego clash erupts, which could have been sorted out, at the origin, between the affected parties. Fans and fan clubs taking spur of the moment decisions to aggravate the situation.

' Fan or no fan' is a serious discussion, the superstars should initiate, and Who'll bell the fans, from over indulgence, is the Question.

" Prathi Poovan Kozhy" Malayalam movie.

Rosshan Andrrews ( ya, that's how he, spells his name) and Manju Warrier combination, yet again, to confront the social menace of sexual harassment at public places. Manju come alive as Madhuri, a low socioeconomic status spinster, working hard at a textile shop, to make the family's ends meet. The story-event starts, as she gets groped in a bus. Her agitated mental mood to take revenge on him, takes us through the presentation.

'Sankadam' - Unni R's story being picturized for our entertainment. Director Rosshan did a credible job in direction and as the antihero, his debut acting. Background music is commendable to keep the feel of the movie. Anusree as Manju's friend, is the cause for, all situational comedies, comical interludes.

7.5 on 10 for this social satire.

Manju as the bold Madhuri, the lone fighter against the male patriarch society, as the lead in the presentation, did an excellent job... was reminded of her work in the movie "Kanmadham".

Screenplay is so flimsy, superficial and at times over dramatic. Sub-Inspector enacted by Saiju Kurup was portrayed as a petty jester and Alencier, the seasoned actor was brought in for a superficial role.

Sexual harassment at work places or in public should be curtailed. Groping , unwanted comments, ogling stares all amounting to humiliation and mental discomfort of the victim, but a common scene, of this male chavnistic society.

Rosshan-Manju combination, ' How old are you ? ' was able to create an social awareness about kitchen gardens. I hope this movie will be a wake up call, for all chavnistic pigs, who presume, the fairer sex are meant for their fondling.

Give due respect to the fairer sex, Otherwise they react back, taking cue from this presentation. The devilish, gratifying smile on Madhuri's face, during the climax scene is clear warning for the harassment specialists.

" Thambi" Tamil movie.

Mystery thriller with an extra dose of sentiments.

MLA living with his wife and daughter, searching his son, who had disappeared, 15 years ago. A con man, from Goa, comes into the scene as his son, bringing happiness and brightness in that family.

Story unfolds in first half, mostly as drama genre movie, to take us to an unexpected interval with a chilling suspense. Second half is in tune with thriller, with overtones of sentiments.

Story and screenplay carefully crafted well and director Jeethu Joseph has presented well, yet another thriller. Compared to his previous outings like 'Memories', 'Drishyam' ...this thriller is not that intense.

And these kinda story, we had seen in movies like 'Charithram' 1989 Malayalam, 'Imposter' 2012 English.... So this movie storyline maybe inspired or plagerized from the references.

Camera work is superb to keep the suspense and tension intact.

7 on 10 for this dragging thriller lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Karthi as the con man and Sathyaraj as the MLA, shone well in their respective performances.

Well knitted presentation with unexpected twists and turns to keep the audience, guessing who is hero and villains are.

Safe watch

" Stand Up" Malayalam movie.

Stand up comedy is a, not so popular stage show in Kerala, where Jayaraj Warrior has perfected his stage performances.

The movie starts with a stand up show mela, where our story narrator takes us through this presentation, as a flashback.

A very ambitious studious girl, getting violently violated by her rich, abusive and temperamental boy friend... Police case follows... Family members and police officers trying to nullify the case under the influence of rich father of the accused and his purse. The emotional trauma of the victim, her haplessness, her grief, her suicidal ideas... all presented well.

Nimisha Sajayan as the stand up narrator and Rajisha Vijayan as the victim, excelled in their performances to take this female centric storyline forward.

8 on 10 for this socially relevant presentation.

Even though the screenplay drags a bit in the beginning, the essence of the message is not lost. The climax scene clearly mentions ' the violated human being is not a victim, She's a survivor'. Surviving from the evil glances of the society, surviving from the accusations of the family, surviving from the demeaning thoughts about self.

We, the society should be changed, the way we look at these rape cases, how we handle the survivor and the accused. This movie 'Stand Up' is a clear wake-up call for the society, to Stand Up against this social evil and Stand Up with the survivor.

I'll never understand, why it is more shameful to be a RAPED, than to be a RAPIST.

" Thakkol " Malayalam movie.

This is the story of Fr. Ambrose ...his childhood, his life in theology, his life as the junior priest of a stubborn and very strict senior, his home coming as the head priest of his home town and his piles... Yes his PILES ( Haemorrhoids).

This drama genre movie turns into a mystery after the priest's homecoming.... The search of a lock, that could be opened with a specific KEY ( Thakkol ).

The whole presentation has a overtone of biblical theme and deals with the hierarchy of the church and it's padres.

Photography is mostly in portrait mode, rich and visual treat. Storyline maintains some amount of suspense, which lacks it's punch.

Murali Gopi and Indrajith did well, on screen, as senior and junior priests.

7 on 10 for this 'barely watchable' presentation.

Screenplay was prolonged, unnecessarily, at lots of areas. It also took, lots of time to affix the characteristics of main characters.

Piles or Haemorrhoids... Whatever name you, this malady, the suffering was clear on the face of Indrajith, throughout the presentation.

"Kettiyolaanu ente Maalakha" Malayalam movie.

High range village with its innocent villagers, form this presentation. Sleeva, the middle aged bachelor, doing the daily farm work.. have his daily dose of alcohol in the evening... to lead his contented life. His family pressure forced him to get married. Sleevachan's misguided ideas about sex, his in-experience in the carnal knowledge..all leading to a marital-rape.... later family disharmony...is the one line story.

This kinda highly tensed bridegroom seeking help and doing blunders....all remind us of Dineshan of "Thalayina Mandram". Script touches on socially relevant issue of necessity, of premarital counseling and sexual education.

Asif Ali as Sleevachan did well. Other characters also were good on screen.

7 on 10 for this, no twist, clean entertainer.

Careful planning could have made, this 'message' filled presentation, more indulging.

' To love and then marry... Or Marry, then love ' is the subtle question posed to the audience.

Ask yourself... !

" Helen " Malayalam movie.

Widower father and her ambitious daughter-nurse.... their relationship, their daily interactions...all started a simple family drama... unfolding into an unexpected thriller- a survival thriller.

Anna Ben on her second outing as the movie star, has definitely outlived her 'Babymol' shades from 'Kumbalangi nights'. She handled Helen Paul, in a very matured manner. Lal, as her father, Paul supported Helen well and scored very well, in the emotional scenes.

Director with his team of script and screenplay writers, are bold enough to introduce the Mallu audience to a rare thriller. Camera work and art direction is creditable. Makeup' of the heroine during the climax scenes are excellent.

8 on 10 for this 'freezing thriller'.

Even though the story line and some of the scenes had similarly with the Hollywood movie 'Freezer', this presentation gives a distinct, different feeling.

Screenplay drags at places, still the anxious moments keep the audience on the edge of their seats..... Thrilled... Frozen thrilled... Extra frozen thrilled.

" Jack Daniel " Malayalam movie.

Dileep and Arjun Sarja starrer action thriller movie. Purely illogical, unimaginable scenes woven together to make a time pass movie. Neither Dileep nor Arjun were exploited of their capabilities.

4 on 10 for this 're-run' of old cat-mouse story, of the police-thief game. Thief telling a Robin hood sympathy tale and police finally empathising with the former.

Keep your logics out of the auditorium, if you dare to watch this presentation. My advice will be.... Have two shots of original 'Jack Daniel'.,.. and enjoy. ( If planning for shots..,. Call me)

"Android Kunjappan version 5.25" Malayalam movie.

Variety is the spice of Life'.... Malayalam movie field is trying out, varied possible scenarios to entertain the audience.

The director Ratheesh Balakrishnan has braved himself to make this unique presentation.

The unusual relationship between a human being and an android robot. The whole story happening in the orthodox village of Malabar, where the 'out of place' robot suddenly becomes the centre of attraction.

The story line and screenplay are well woven with sentiments, twists and turns to develop this unique relationship. Situational comedies give some hilarious moments.

Suraj Venjaranmood as the stubborn father and Soubin as the qualified, jobless, middle aged, desperate son...both brought lives to their respective characters.

7.5 on 10 for this android version.

Even though the story line went flawless, the climax scenes were messed up, due to the hurry burry in the screenplay... careful re-creation of these scenes, could have improved the presentation better.

Three cheers for the robot.... excellent robotics, sense of humour.

Must watch for some easy smile.

" Moothon" ( the elder one) Malayalam movie.

Yet another, no frill, no nonsense, chrime thriller from Geethu Mohandas. Very bold presentation.

Mulla' from Lakshadweep, traveling to Mumbai in search of her elder brother, is the one line story. The events take us through the dark side of Kamathipura, their shady deals, the wenches and their lives. The camera work is superb, the script and screenplay are flawless.

8 on 10 for this very serious watch.

Nivin Pauly's performance shot him, into the senior league. Director has proved her mettle again, by giving us a tidy presentation. Hats off.

"Nalpathiyonnu" 41 Malayalam movie.

Movie belonging to satire genre.... interlacing politics, atheism and family affairs to give a full drama.

Biju Menon as Ullas, the hard core left activist with his atheist ideas trying to bring about social changes, suited well into the character. Saranjith, as Vava Kannan, the party-goon alcoholic, whose life events, lead the story.

Even though the original plan had lots of interesting events going on, the screenplay failed to knit these events well, for a smooth presentation.

Kannur party village to Sabarimala, the trip is interesting, Director has taken extra precautions, not to hurt any parties nor any religions sentiments.

6 on 10 for a atheistic logics.

Many characters, including the heroine is loosely knitted, director should be more careful. Even though Ullas is the hero of this presentation, the story belonged to Vava Kannan... his life, his problems, his alcoholic excursions. Saranjith has definitely did well his role as an addict.

For a Lal Jose movie, below PAR. ' Sorry.

"Jallikattu" Malayalam movie. Lijo Jose Pallisserry, as a director, has highlighted his credentials in 'Ameen, Ankamaly diaries, Ee. Ma. Yu'. Even the pace of these movies differ, so did the themes. This movie is the screenplay adaption of the book 'Maoist' by late Hareesh.

This presentation is all about a small high range village and it's simpletons. The chaos starts as a buffalo escapes from the butcher house of 'Kaalan Varkey'- the butcher and his assistant Antony. The whole village gets involved as the escapee destroys crops and damages properties. Then follows the confusion and frenzy scenes ... leading to the inevitable climax.

Each and every character has be measured to perfection and pasted on the presentation by the director. As the chaos starts, audience is introduced to every character in depth and the symbolisation begins. The unity during commotions and the diversification in the name of 'petty sects' is the projection from the community itself. Every character has their own egoistic self interest, to be worked out during the time of confusion.

The 'beat' of the presentation is established in the opening shots of the movie itself. That keeps the audience, on the edge of their seats, through the tense moments. Camera work is superb, taking the audience into the depths of the movie. 'Mission impossible, Sahoo' are movies made to thrill us, with car chases and action sequences... Here, similar thrill is presented with the buffalo loose in the village... Action sequences and chases are vividly exposed by the observant camera work.

9.5 on 10 for this 'Bull in a China shop'

The theme represents the society and it's chaotic life. The characters lose their human nature, bringing out the beast in themselves. Hats off to the director for this chaotic extravaganza, managing his team and battalion of villagers, to give the audience a spell-binding thriller. Audience will be anxious, throughout the 130 minutes of story telling. Blink your eyes, you miss a lot, here... Watch out.. the BUFFALO is aiming for you.

"Aadya Rathri" Malayalam movie Mullakara village on the banks of the lake, it's people, their livelihood and their one and only Manoharan cheettan... That's the one line story, of this comedy drama. If laughter is the best medicine... get ready, wear your comedy cap and prepare yourself for some 'belly-shaking' laughs.... and live longer.. (Maybe). As in 'Vellimoonga, Aanakkallan and Anuraagha Karikkin Vellam' , Biju Menon has enacted his comical stunts to perfection and carried this presentation to success. Biju as Manoharan, is enjoyable, the situational comedies, the timing of the counter dialogues.. all are rib tickling. 8 on 10 for this society satire. A serious message is conveyed, about marriage... 'Consent of the girl is more important than the dowry, during the wedding' Manoharan as the marriage broker, steals the show, with ease. Many comical dialogues are borrowed from other movies, but apt for that situations. Forget about your tensions, just laugh your gut out for 122 minutes... You will feel refreshed.. (Maybe)

"Asuran" Tamil movie

Family drama with heavy dose of raw action. Screenplay adaption of the novel 'Vekkai' by well-known writer Poomani.

As in their previous outings, Dhanush as the hero with director Vetrimaran, has given us another vivid and live depiction of the deep emotions and reactions of the villagers, in the period 1950s, towards land grabbing by the upper class. Manju Warrior and Pasupathy has supported the hero very well. All these three, put out their best performances.

Camera work during the action sequences need extra credits.

"Vada Chennai, Polladavan, Kodi, Aadukaalam" .... if you were not entertained by these movies, please miss this one too, this is not your cup of coffee, only for the brave hearts.

7.5 on 10 for this Dhanush-Vetrimaran presentation.

"Kaappaan" (Protector) Tamil movie.

Mass action thriller movie, which is filled with all ingredients of a 'Masala' presentation.

Suriya, as the special protection group SPG officer assigned for Prime Minister's security, looks good and did well to be, in his character. Mohanlal as the Prime Minister is, in a 'make believe' mode.

5 on 10 for this disaster thriller, neither Suriya's charms nor Mohanlal's matured acting could save this project. The screenplay writer worked hard to juggle the script, to fill it with actions, sentiments, patriotism, farmer sympathy and love scenes, to optimal levels.

Action sequences are creditable and camera work is superb... Just watch the trailer of this movie, to enjoy those, Why waste 165 minutes in the auditorium.

After his 'Singam' success, here Suriya looks terrible and pathetic due to incompetent screenplay.

Maybe, he should scrutinize his roles, more carefully, in future.

"The Zoya Factor" Hindi movie. This is a romance drama picturized in the cricketing background, based on the book by Anuja Chauhan.

Dulquer Salman as the Indian cricket team captain- Nikhil Khoda, struggling against all odds to keep the team united for winning ways and Sonam Kapoor as Zoya Singh, a girl from middle class army family working in an advertising agency, accidentally get entangled with the cricket team. The team suddenly relates their winning streak to the association with Zoya.

Script has handled the superstitious ways of the players, very well. Second half script has an uncanny similarity with Malayalam movie 'Baktha janamgalude Sradhakku', where Zoya has been accepted by the general public as a God person.

This female centric movie unfolds, in a narrative pattern. Over expressions by Zoya is childish and sometimes, irritating. Director lost his theme, half way through, hence presentation made a radar less progression.

5.5 on 10 for this love-drama-sports movie, where neither love is tuned well, nor drama is serious or the sports is played well. Screenplay drags a lot, in most of the areas.

The only reason I strongly recommend, for you to watch this movie is, the scene where hero proposes to the heroine. Great dialogues, great script, during that scene... Rest, all pass time.

Superstitions Vs Hard work, is the debate. Even though, we do all the hard work, we love to give the credit to our LUCKY CHARM.

"Finals " Malayalam movie. This is a fictional movie presentation, inspired from the unfortunate road traffic accident and death of national cycling champion Shiny Siles at Manjeri, during the state road championship race, in 2002. This movie comes in the genere of sports drama. Malayalam movies are portraying sports and personalities, more often.

Director Arun has vividly exposed the plight of our upcoming sports persons, their poor living facilities, their training insufficiencies, physical and mental abuse by the coaches and federations. When the champion says 'every medal we win, pays the bank loans' ... it sums up the pathetic situations.

Rajisha Vijayan as Alice the cycling prodigy has lived the character. Her father, athlete of yesteryears, now a coach , who went to bad fame due to a misunderstanding, is caricatured very well by Suraj Venjaranmood. Niranjan as the very loving, boy friend of the cycling prodigy also did well.

Even though a sports movie, the focus is more on the drama part. 8 on 10 for this collection of unpredictable sequences of events. First half was smooth and developed on cycling and the champion and her villagers. Interval was sudden bolt from the heavens, and a shock. Second half is a comeback wave of these simpletons.

Must watch... Champions are not made overnight. Audience usually fail to recognise their efforts, behind these championships. Champions shed a lot of sweat, tears and blood .. to reach that position. We should support them.

"Ittymani " Malayalam movie, with a tag line.... 'Made in China'

Storyline is about Ittymani who was born and had his childhood in China, came to Kunnamkulam to have a flourishing business of 'duplicate' items. He bargains for commission for everything, including his mother's gallstones surgery. Unmarried middle aged gentleman, is handy for the society and the parish.

A great social message is conveyed through the movie.. 'aged parents are not taken care nor welcomed by their siblings'. Even though the message is strong, the script is weak, screenplay is pathetic. The Superstar Mohanlal, nor the 'star armamentarium' KPAC Lalitha, Radhika, Aju Varghese, Dharmajan, Hareesh... no body could save the plot. They all worked hard to save this sinking ship. Comics felt flat or below the belt. Dialogues were repeatition from old movies.

Onam release.. ? Sub standard.

5.5 on 10, movie for a 'die hard fan' of Mohanlal.

Debutant directors should have been more careful with the script and screenplay. Heavyweight social message delivered in a 'flat scale'