Kabali - Movie Review - No Spoilers

My quick take on the film that's on everyone's minds today.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely Yes. It is a good film.


What is good?
Rajnikanth - Don't expect the 40 year old you saw in Baasha or the swagger of Sivaji. The director has made it very clear that he is playing his age. So expect a performance as mature as his age and he will not disappoint you. Infact, I loved some of the emotional scenes and his performance.‪#‎magizhchi‬ to see him take this route and it paying off.

Ranjith-Rajni Balance - The director has struck a wonderful balance in how he has treated the Superstar giving ample space for the whistles as well as the character. Augurs well for the future!

Radhika Apte - All it takes is one scene for her to prove why she is so sought after.

Duration & Script - It is not a long movie by Kollywood or Rajni movie standards with a running time of little over 2 & half hours and was engaging. The script does not give you much scope to think with all the characters and events, despite its relaxed pace, which I think is a big positive. Good balance again!

Others: 'Neruppu da' theme from the already popular soundtrack (Mayanadhi plays out beautifully!) and some adequate performances from the co-artists. Good cinematography (subtle and not on your face, which I think is a big plus) and neat editing.

What could have been better?

I don't have a list here. No Major grudge either. Maybe the 2nd half could have been just a few minutes shorter. No stand out performance either from the supporting cast with a couple of them looking amateurish at places. A more menacing Antoganist could have added more value.

It is a gangster film. So expect some violence and bloodshed. It is not too much gore though.

Final Thought: Good film with a strong 'performance' from the Superstar. Do watch it!

Endhiran-Movie Review

Its been a couple of days since I went in the Endhiran roller coaster.

Endhiran, Rajnikanth, Shankar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Rahman have been all over the news & the net, for all the right reasons.

Rajeev Masand and Anupama Chopra have given magnanimous 3 and 3.5 stars respectively, for the dubbed hindi version, Robot (people who follow their reviews would know why I am saying this). Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan endorse it.

Every article written has its own estimate of the moolah Endhiran/Robot has garnered in the opening weekend and predictions are galore of how much it will end up raking in (reports say, in the US box office alone, it has collected $200,000 in the first week) . Talks of this going on to become the biggest blockbuster of all time in Indian films are also in the air.

A few friends who have seen it also feel that its actually not worth all the pre release hype and hoopla. Complaints of a dragging second half and Rahman's music not being upto the mark are also doing the rounds.

In the past, we have heard producers and directors and actors claiming that they have a product which is better than a hollywood film waiting in the wings and on release they have flattered to deceive.

Having said all this, here is why I strongly recommend a trip to the theatre playing Endhiran/Robot.

Endhiran is probably one film that can atleast stand up to a hollywood flick in terms of production values and execution of visual effects. Watch it in a theatre to experience the last 30 minutes when Shankar weaves magic with his imagination.

The best part of this film is Shankar's vision of casting Rajnikanth in the lead and the Superstar delivers big time in his own inimitable style. I don't think anyone else would have taken this film to the heights its going to touch in the days to come. He handles the 2 diverse roles brilliantly and his interpretation of 'Chitti Version 2.0' is absolutely delightful. His antics in the first half as Chitti are hilarious. Mind you, there are no trademarks flicks and swishes that you are used to as a Rajni fan as neither of the characters warrant them. But there is no dearth of entertainment.

No doubt the screenplay has a few weak moments in the second half, but if one knows the worth of Rajni in a negative role, nothing else matters. The Superstar and his magical screen presence ensure that you are glued to your seats. Endhiran is worth a watch or two just to experience the Superstar's magic. On top of all this, he looks jaw droppingly good, especially in the Kaadhal ANukkaL and KiLimaanjaaro songs.

Casting Aishwarya Rai is another point of strength and she looks like a million bucks throughout, probably the best since 'Jeans' and "Kandukonden Kandukonden'. Though she doesn't have much to do, she holds her own in front of Rajnikanth and Rajnikanth.

The other characters including Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam and Karunas pass muster.

Rahman's background score is good and elevates the film (except for the jarring version 2.0 theme). The songs, like I had mentioned in my music review earlier, manages to strike a balance between Rajni and Shankar. The instrumental version of Pudhiya Manidha that plays during the end credits (rolls for about 5 minutes) is brilliant.

Apart from Rajni and Shankar, if this film belongs to anyone else, it is Sabu Cyril (Art Director/Production Design) and Rathnavelu (Cinematography) who deserve a standing ovation for their effort. Each and every frame spells hardwork. Magnificent sets and camera work.

Of course there are some logical loop holes (like how the Robot charges himself after being drained out), but I believe any Rajni film is incomplete without a few of them!

Endhiran without doubt entertains and is a landmark film in the history of Indian cinema. Do not forget to take the kids along. Rajni uncle is waiting to enthrall and cast a spell on them.

"இவன் பேர் சொன்னதும் பெருமை சொன்னதும் கடலும் கை தட்டும்,
இவன் உலகம் தாண்டிய உயரம் கொண்டதில் நிலவு தலை முட்டும்"

"இந்த எந்திரன் என்பவன் படைப்பின் உச்சம்!"

Music of Enthiran

Albeit a little late, here is my take on the music for the most anticipated movie of its time, Enthiran-The Robot.

I was personally looking forward to this album from Rahman, as this is his playground. He is known to experiment with new sounds and this sci-fi flick gives him enormous scope to score big time.

Of the 7 tracks, "Chitti dance showcase" is more instrumental and is an eclectic mix of Konnakol (performing percussion syllables vocally), percussions, guitars and a brief but beautiful western classical string passage.

'Pudhiya Manidha! Bhoomikku Vaa", the track introducing "Enthiran", starts off with SPB's & ARR's robotic voices before switching to the hypnotic voice of Khatija Rahman. Yes, the daughter of the academy award winner's voice sounds quite ethereal, as she sings "மாற்றம் கொண்டு வா..". SPB pitches in with super energy in the CharaNams, where the various attributes of the Robot are listed out. Vairamuthu dishes out some nice lines like "கருவில் பிறந்த எல்லாம் மரிக்கும், அறிவில் பிறந்தது மரிப்பதே இல்லை" and "பன்மொழிகள் கற்றாலும் தந்தை மொழி தமிழல்லவா!"


"Kaadhal ANukkaL" will see the scientist Rajni romancing Ash, in his super cool looks. The strumming guitar sets the tone for this breezy track. Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal glide through the lilting notes with utmost ease. The bagpipe like sound in the first interlude is nice. The loop in "Oh Baby" ensures that the song stays in loop. You are gonna hear this song a lot more in the days to come.


"Irumbile Oru Idhayam" sung by Rahman in the company of Lady Kash n' Krissy (this Tamil rapper duo from Singapore had also lent their voices to the song composed by ARR for the World Classical Tamil Conference) is my pick of this album. The song is the Robot's proposal to the heroine. Watch out for some super imaginative lyrics by (Madan) Karky (s/o of Vairamuthu). Sample this.

"உன் நீலக் கண்ணோரம் மின்சாரம் பறிப்பேன்,
என் நீலப் பல்லாலே உன்னோடு சிரிப்பேன்"
or
"தொட்டு பேசும் போது shock அடிக்கக் கூடும்
காதல் செய்யும் நேரம் motor வேகம் கூடும்
இரவில், நடுவில் battery தான் தீரும்!

The rap at the end is quite infectious. Robotic..Hypnotic..Hypnotic..Supersonic..

"Arima Arima" begins with trumpets and a march past like rhythm. The lyrics eulogize Enthiran in this mandatory hero worship track (இவன் பேர் சொன்னதும், பெருமை சொன்னதும் கடலும் கை தட்டும்!!). Hariharan and Sadhna Sargam are apt. Wait for the movie to release to see the impact this song is gonna have! One for the music channels!

"KiLimaanjaaro" is for me the weak link in the album. Paa. Vijay's lyrics are mostly quite pedestrian in comparison with the other songs in the album. We have heard such descriptions of the heroine atleast once in some context in the past. Nothing new! Again, lets wait and see if Shankar can work his magic with the visuals.

"Boom Boom Robo da" sung by Keerthi Sagathia, Swetha Mohan, Tanvi Shah and Yogi B (yeah! Kajah Balm!) is a passable track with lyrics that sound repetitive after listening to all the other songs in the album.

Rahman manages to strike a neat balance between the tastes of both his fans and those of the Superstar leaving enough and more space for Shankar's imaginative visuals.

I am ready to welcome Enthiran-the Robot!

Love All

No. This post has nothing to do with Tennis or any other sport.

Raaja's music was a major reason that contributed to the success of the Rajnikanth starrer "Shree Raghavendrar". Raama Namam,Aadal Kalayae and Azhaikkiran Madhavan are probably the more famous songs and oft heard/repeated. Of course Black Eyed Peas'"The Elephunk Theme" helped us realise the hip-hop in "Unakkum Enakkum".

But the song I wish to share is (as far as I recollect is not part of the movie) a real gem and am not sure how many of you have tried this. The movie features only the sloka like rendition at the beginning of the song. (Does that make it a rare gem?? [:)])

The song praises Sree Raghavendra and his principles starting with how love can unite everyone. Malaysia Vasudevan carries the message in splendid fashion.

The song starts with the sunrise (பார்த்தே ரொம்ப நாள் ஆச்சு!) and a description of the early morning atmosphere.

From start to finish it feels like a river in full flow (சலனமற்ற நதி போல) and a walk on the banks is worth it. The interludes are dominated by the Veena and violins. Make sure you do not miss the Jalatharangam bits.

When on the river bed how about a cool breeze?! Check out the flute bit in the second interlude.Magical stuff from the Maestro!

I love the 2nd stanza "Ksheththiram pala Naadi" that culminates in a lovely chorus.

The chorus at the very end evokes the feeling of sitting in front of the Brundavanam at the time of an 'Aarthi' and that state of unison (கடல் சேரும் நதி போல..).

Great Song! Divine Feel!

இசை எனும் அற்புதம்!
அதில் அன்பு எனும் மந்திரம்!

Link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/glykemgz4y4/Anbu Enum Oru Mandhiram.MP3

Happy Listening..Love All!!