Vinnaithandi Varuvaya Movie Review
Right from the time, the word ‘action’ was told, the film has been creating the ripples of expectation among director Goutham’s fans. He has surely tried his maximum to live up to the expectations. Captain Goutham and his team- comprising of editor Antony, art director Rajeevan, director of photography Manoj Paramahamsa and music by A R Rahman, just look at that combination, have always given us that feeling of modern cinema. Well technically, the movie is made with high values- Exceptional music, background score, re-recording, classy camera work, foreign locations, etc. All the technicians involved must receive that imperative appreciation for they have done their work with much finesse. The first in the list of technicians who have to be appreciated would be, undoubtedly, A R Rahman. Man! Isn’t he a creative genius! His 1st movie after the Oscar phenomenon. His music is one of the main reasons to the much acclaimed hype. The re-recording and the background score are really amazing. If you’ve listened to his songs in your personal stereo, then its only half of the magic you have experienced. The picturisation of the songs is simply remarkable and they complete the magic. God knows how Goutham gets his ideas and the eye of Manoj Paramahamsa who’s done ‘Eeram’ before, not just his eye that thought of those exotic locations but his ‘lens eye’ as well that caught all those beautiful locales. Watch those videos even with half opened eyes and you’ll realize he hasn’t used a camera but a paint brush with the palette of colours from Mother Nature. The colour tones in the movie have been brought out quite amazingly. The songs especially, ‘Hosana’ and ‘Omanna Penne’ shot at Malta, are worth the watch at the cinemas. Songs get major attention in the movie and the other technician we are going to talk about is Rajeevan and his art-work in the sets of a few songs is fascinating. The D.O.P (director of photography) Manoj has used minimal artificial lighting in the movie, showing his signature style. We’ll come back to the people behind the camera a little later. Now is the time for the people in front of the camera. Trisha and Silambarasan as the lead pair, and quite a few veterans in the movie like Kitty as Silambarasan’s father and Bob Antony as Trisha’s father. All artists have done well especially Ganesh, also one of the producers, who plays Silambarasan’s friend, has acted well, and his dialogue delivery must be appreciated. Lets talk about- Silambarasan! We’ve seen him as a college student, as a mass character and we’ve seen him dance in the middle of the road, typical Chennai style, but can you imagine Silambarasan in formals, as a simple, regular guy-next door, decent and at his best behaviour? Well, he has proved he is not just the normal run-off-the-mill commercial hero but an actor who will mould himself into any character that a story demands. He’s come out of that commercial image with VTV. All were apprehensive about the fact that Silambarasan working with a classy director like Goutham. But the director has been persistent about Silambarasan and he hasn’t let the director down. Silambarasan has been in front of the camera since he was a kid and such a role as ‘Karthik’ in this movie is really not demanding or impossible to him. He hasn’t acted in this movie, but has been himself. His dialogue delivery appeared to be simple, just like how he would talk to anyone in his real life. He is an ambitious and aspiring film maker in the movie and in real life, he really is. Opposite Silambarasan is pretty lass Trisha. Trisha as Jessie has portrayed her character brilliantly, she hasn’t over acted or under acted, and she’s done it perfectly. Director of Photography, Manoj has prettified Trisha, and she looks prettier than her previous appearances. Saree clad in most of the movie, Trisha has pulled off a terrific performance. Nalini Sriram’s costumes might start a cult with the ladies from now on. Now we’re moving in to the ‘story, screenplay and dialogues’, by Goutham. Don’t expect us to be spoilsport and reveal the storyline and the cute screenplay of the movie. The first half till the interval will grab your attention as it has been nicely written and well taken. Some cute scenes between Silambarasan and Trisha look really candid and the camera man has managed to capture that cheeky chemistry between the two. According to the film promos, theatrical trailers, etc ‘VTV’ is a love story ‘with a difference’. There wasn’t anything particularly different to talk about, except for Silambarasan being gentle. Silambarasan wooing Trisha, their second pairing after ‘Alai’, is not at all impractical and you can relate their characters to real life. Their chemistry is enticing and they actually appear a cute pair. Silambarasan’s attitude in the movie is straight forward while Trisha is homely and conservative. The one thing you can’t relate to life or even agree is the hero meeting the heroine at her house, at his will without anyone noticing. Cinema has grown of age, or have people!? The screenplay in the first half is slow but the screenplay in the second half is slower. A faster screenplay might spoil the feel of a romantic movie. Back to technicians, Editor Antony has done a decent job but could have advised his Captain to chop off a few reels. Some of the audience thought the movie got over and they got off their seats when a song was being played! but the movie continued for 10 more minutes after that. Silambarasan, we all know fights well and dances amazingly. There is just one stunt sequence in the movie and that’s designed by Shiva who’s handled the fight scenes very well and Silambarasan is the demi-god we know, sustains not a single scratch on him. Silambarasan’s dance is admirable. Keeping in mind that most of the songs are not dance numbers, you’ll still see him sway to those tunes convincingly. Dialogues in the movie and especially Silambarasan’s dialogue delivery are worth mentioning. The dialogues make you giggle at times, and sometimes they make you feel- how one can be so romantic. Director Goutham has tried something ‘different’ but the audience is perplexed at the end. You wouldn’t know how to react after the climax. Weird! If you’ve been following all his movies and know his style of film making, then you would appreciate his work. There were rumours about two climaxes to the movie. The version the audience saw on the first day is not really lively. Finally a disclaimer: If and only if, you have all the time in the world, and you like the slow romantic genre, you’ll enjoy this one. VTV- a good beginning but confusing end. |
‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’, (VTV) and you know what its like to cross the sky and get into another dimension called love. ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ is a popular lyric from the ‘Vennilave Vennilave’ song from ‘Minsara Kanavu’ directed by Rajeev Menon and all of you know that. So director Goutham Vasudev Menon has rightly acknowledged Rajeev Menon in the first card of the Titles. How humble!Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai Review
"I am not going to talk much about TVP. The film itself would do all the talking. It is an usual entertainer. The story is about a guy and three beautiful girls. Thiru has shaped up the film in an interesting manner," he says. Produced by Vishal’s GK Corporation, the film has three heroines - Neetu Chandra, Tanushree Dutta and Sarah Jane, a Mumbai-based model. Others in the cast are Santhanam, Mouli and Urvashi. Yuvan Shankar Raja is the music director. Stating that the film would hit the screens come January, Vishal expresses confidence TVP would bring to light his acting skills. "Hitherto I have managed to make a mark as an action-hero. But TVP is an image makeover for me. I took it as a challenge and did my part well", he says. For the first time, the actor plays a role with some negative shades. "I play Karthik, a playboy who has this habit of choosing the best from three options, even when it comes to his wedding. It is a thriller kind of a story from the first frame till the last". Vishal adds that they had initially planned three big heroines, but they all expected enough screenspace for them. "Hence we chose to go with lesser known faces. More over we thought it is wise to cast fresh faces for the suspense element will be maintained." Heaping laurels on Yuvan Shankar Raja, Vishal says his music is as usual energetic and peppy. "My association with Yuvan has been meaningful. I go to Yuvan with a film if there is something in it for him, and he delivers more than what I expect." Talking about the film, director Thiru says, 'It is a visual treat for youngsters. Unlike Vishal's recent films which were action-oriented, TVP will be more romantic'. "The Vishal you see in films is totally different from the real Vishal. He is trendy, suave and cool. In contrast, he is shown in films is an angry young main who comes to the city from a rural area only to cross swords with baddies." "I know Vishal when I was working as an associate director for ‘Sathyam’. I wanted to bring on screen some real life qualities of Vishal. The end product is ‘Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai’, which will make you glued to the seats," he adds. Vishal is playing a playboy in the film. So, is he a Casanova in real life? To this question, Thiru says, “The film only showcases certain stylish qualities of Vishal. The playboy character he is doing has no similarity to him. He is a gentleman in real life.” On rumours that the film is inspired by a Hindi blockbuster, “there is no truth in such baseless reports. The script is original, different and will be new to Tamil cinema. The movie will tell you the answer once it hit the screens.” |
Vishal is keeping a low profile these days. The reason is- the actor is keeping his fingers crossed for the release of his forthcoming 'Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai' (TVP), a romantic comedy directed by debutant Thiru.Asal Box Office Collection Report
What with the prevalent hero-bashing scenario in Tamil movies, Ajith has successfully done without his ‘ultimate star’ prefix for Asal.
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Asal Video Songs
Aasal - Thala pola varuma Kuthiraikku Theriyum Yea Dushyantha Yengay Yengay Tottodaing Em Thanthai |
Asal Movie Review
Ajith who went off the radar in his last 'Aegan', is back fit and fine in 'Asal'. And perhaps to compensate the 'Aegan' disappointment, he hogs all the limelight giving audience a double delight in the movie. Though the story is not new, it is all about style and substance and the film is loaded with rich visuals and breathtaking sequences, making it a quality outing. When a hit pair comes together, the expectations always bound to be high. So when Ajith and director Saran, who have back to back successes under their belt ('Kadhal Mannan', 'Amarkkalam' and 'Attagasam') joined hands for 'Asal', there was an air of expectancy. 'Asal' not just rises up to that level, but also good in its own way especially because Ajith is energetic and Saran efficient. Their good vibes are evident on screen. Sivaji Productions deserves all credit, for at a time when the film industry is facing some troubled times, a production house going all guns without anything in mind but to come out with a quality product, deserves applause. Unlike their earlier outings, Saran and Ajith have consciously chosen not to load the movie with mass hero matters and commercial elements alone. The intelligence in 'Asal' lies in giving them in the under current as the story flows. At the same time, the film has not disappointed 'Thala' fans too as they have moments to rejoice in cinema halls. Yuhi Sethu, who is known as a taut screenplay writer, has ensured that the script has no loose ends and there is no logical lapse. Of course, with Ajith's name as co-director, it makes one sit up and watch. The actor seems to have involved himself in the filmmaking department knowing his strength and the taste of his ardent-fans. Jeevanathan (Ajith) is an arms dealer in France who supplies artillery only to the government. His sons are Sam (Sampath Raj), Prasad (Rajeev Krishna) and Shiva (Ajith). Sam and Prasad sideline Shiva all the time. When the elder sons decide to strike a deal to sell weapons to a terror group, trouble breaks out. In spite of their father's resistance, they go ahead with their plans with the help of their uncle (Milind). Crossing swords with them is a Mumbai-based group led by Shetty (Kelly Dorji). What starts from here is a battle between brothers, besides their war with the competitors. The swiftness in the screenplay begins here. It is from here the movie takes a roller-coaster ride. There is Sara (Sameera Reddy), who works in French Embassy and falls for Ajith. The scene-stealer here is Sulabha (Bhavana). Her scenes especially on Valentine's Day is rip-roaring fun. Meanwhile there is Daniel Dharmaraj (Suresh) a French cop who adds twist to the tale. Though influence of Hollywood movies like 'Payback' could not be avoided especially in the second half, one can forget the fact since 'Asal' is a rich attempt that is bright and beautiful. The conviction in narration and character establishment (except that of villains) is praiseworthy. Yuhi Sethu as Don Samosa provides lighter moment in the movie. It's Ajith's aura all through. He brings all the necessary tricks involved to make the double role look different and also appeal to the masses. As father, he is stylish and elegant. As the son, he is committed. Though the former comes for just 15 minutes on screen, he walks away with all applause. Ajith is willing and efficient. He has a raw passion and comes out shining in the double role. He has the right nuances to differentiate the two characters. After a brief gap, one could see the actor fresh and fine in dance sequences too. He carries the story on his broad shoulders. The film’s success is mainly due to him. If 'Billa' showed him oozing all stylish, 'Asal' showcases him on roles with style and substance. Sameera Reddy is chirpy and vivacious. Happy that Kollywood has an actress who combines glamour with performance. It's a welcome break for Bhavana. The actress understanding the responsibility on her seems to have taken the role in her stride and renders enough justice to it. As usual, Prabhu (who is the producer too) has been breezy and impressive on his part, while the rest of the cast do have a part to play in the script. Prashanth D Mishalae, a former associate of Nirav Shah, is simply the man of the moment. His lens has given the whole movie a fresh coat. Stylish and suave all through, the cinematography sets up the momentum. Especially those sequences in France with different tone and colour, is a revelation to Tamil cinema. Movies on underworld or those about a don do always have some breathtaking stunt sequences and so does ‘Asal’. The stunt choreographers including William Ong, Kanal Kannan, Thalapathi Dinesh, Patrick Bruneton have done justice to opportunities provided to them. Bharadwaj seems to have repeated the magic (if you are ready to forget the background score). The songs are pleasant to listen to. Watch out for 'Em Thandhai...' and 'Tottadoing...', they rock in the theatres. To sum it up, Ajith, Saran and Bharadwaj have the struck the right chord again- for 'Asal' in an unpretentious entertainer. Apart from the storyline, everything seems to be original here. Asal - Worth to watch it! Scoring: 4/5 |
