Murattu Kaalai(1980)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Action)

Murattu Kaalai is S.P Muthuraman's one of the greatest all time movies with which he made a major contribution in the world of Tamil cinema . Very few films have the power to transform you into the past where you can feel the pain and sufferings of the people who were actually there at that time of the event. “Murattu Kaalai” is one of those realistic films which transport you into that era and takes the curtains off from one of the most bitter truths of the history, making you witness the horrors of the  Tamil's history.

Its undoubtedly, one of the best action films ever made in Tamil and a must watch for quality cinema lovers as a mandatory clause. After you have seen the 3 hours and 17 minutes of Muthuraman’s work, it will be something you will find hard to forget for days. Muthuraman makes you feel proud of every single person who tried to help others survive that dreadful massacre. He deliberately made this movie in colour to have a more authentic feel for the viewers in that era.

 

 Superbly directed by S.P Muthuraman, amazingly photographed in colour, perfectly performed by the entire star-cast and immensely effective with the brilliant background score. In simple words, It would be a crime to miss this  triumph of cinema. 

Directed By S.P Muthuraman Starring : Rajni Kanth, Jai Shankar & More

Kick(2009)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Action)

It is one of the few under-rated movies of Surender Reddy, which on the contrary I found to be one of his most entertaining ones. Reddy surely knew what kind of subject should be the next for his much awaited ventures and he intelligently chose his stories with a great futuristic vision. That’s the reason many of his movies were way ahead of their times like Kick. In fact the movie and it’s several sequences became the inspirational source for many Bollywood thrillers and robbing mysteries in the later years.

 The script is full of suspense, anxiety and spine chilling chases. The plot is about a  guy with an abnormal lifestyle tries to find thrill and pleasure in every work he does and finally becomes a thief. The viewer knows him from the start itself and you are made to witness how he robe and manages to escape. It's like you are one of the characters of the movie witnessing every crime happening in front of you. A dark & grim movie, perfect for the lovers of suspense and action. In few words, a not to be missed true Reddian experience.

 

Directed By Surender Reddy

Starring : Ravi Theja, Ilyana, Shyam & More

Swati Kiranam(1992)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Musical)

Nationally acclaimed K.Vishwanath’s thought provoking & extra ordinary movie revolving around a music teacher. The film is considered among the Top 100 movies made Telugu till date. It surely deserves that place in the rating as it both entertains, as well as enlightens the viewer about the human mind and its thought process. The movie would not be a usual normal experience for many as it has its own silent moments and slow proceedings. But if you are interested in studying it as a text book material on film-making then there is lot to learn and follow.

The story is woven around  an egoistic music teacher envious of the extraordinary talent of his prodigious young disciple. The film starts with a shabby old man living as a recluse near a famous temple. When he ventures out into the village, he is beaten by the shepherd who believe that he is the one who was snatching sheep and killing them some time ago.  And as the new truths unfold, you get to see the inside of a human psyche. In simple words, if you can get through its slow pace, then watching this K.Vishwanath Classic will surely prove to be worth your valuable time.

Directed By K.Vishwanath Starring : Mammutty, Master Manjunath & More

Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla:A simple comedy from the master of the cinema.(Movie Review By Yoonus Mohyudhin)

V.K Prakash, one of the key names, who represent our Malayalam Cinema in the nation. The man responsible for number of award winning meaningful films tries a different genre this time which is a very simple, easy going and fresh attempt. But it may be too straight and slow for the fast paced young audiences.

For his fans (including myself), this is a welcome change from the master of the medium and the maestro seems to be in a completely different mood this time. As a sincere fan, “Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla” is not among best of his works, but it’s entirely a different kind of attempt from him which surely has moments of his golden touch.

The story is about  Preman (Fahadh Faasil)is the caretaker of a flat at Cochin. Everyone in the flat calls him 'Natholi'.  The plot is very thin and there are too many characters roped in. So as a result no particular character comes out shining except the  writer himself. The film starts off easily with a much laid back pace and moves on as each character is introduced. It is more like the good old “Rachana” and impresses as it unfolds stories about each one of them. But some sequences are pretty predictable such as the flat life and the rivalry among the society ladies. 

First half is too simple and slow, whereas the second half picks up and generates more interest. The last 40 minutes of the movie are more entertaining and engrossing and the climax reminds you of Sathyan Anthikkadu kind of cinema. At first it may seem that this is not a movie matching today’s fast pace of life, but as it moves on, it takes you in and after the last few minutes you feel that you liked it.    

Performances wise each and every character shines like a star in the sky and “Fahad Fazil” is like the moon with the stars. Undoubtedly, this is his best performance after “Chappakkurishu” and “22Female Kottayam”. Kamalinee Mukharjee, though has acted well but deliberately speaks like an urban girl, where she gets caught. Rest all have done a fine job but since no other character has an upper edge provided by the writer so everyone is at par with each other. Musically, the title song is good but all the other songs should have been avoided.

In few words, it’s a simple and sweet movie, to enjoy as the gold old cinema from the golden era of Malayalam Movies. It may not be liked by the youth as it has nothing to offer to the Rock Generation. But it has the values which we find missing in the current times.

One Request for the viewers who are new to V.K Prakash Cinema :

If you are watching this as your first V.K Prakash flick then Please don’t make any viewpoint about the master from this movie. This a different genre tried by the master and it’s like he is chilling out after making some very intense and meaningful movies. I insist and request you to watch his “Punaradhivasam”, “Freaky Chakra”, “Phir Kabhi”, “Aidondla Aidu”, “Beautiful”, “Kavya's Diary” before reaching to any unjustified conclusion about V.K Prakash.

Particularly a must see is “Punaradhivasam” where you will find most of the cast of “Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla” doing a completely different act with the utmost conviction.

In the current trend of loud comedies, “NOCM” might be too simple and slow for the young viewers but it has its moments to enjoy. Rating : 2.5 / 5

The Bank Job(2008)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Crime)

It was only due to the brilliance of a master film maker, Roger Donaldson, which made this film possible . It was really a brave attempt on Donaldson’s part to opt for such kind of subject and that is the reason, why he is one of the most loved film makers all over the world.

The film revolves around Martine offers Terry a lead on a foolproof bank hit on London's Baker Street. She targets a roomful of safe deposit boxes worth millions in cash and jewelry. But Terry and his crew don't realize the boxes also contain a treasure trove of dirty secrets - secrets that will thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit. scandalSporting complex consequences for a relatively straightforward plot, The Bank Job remains intriguing throughout as each set-up leads to ever more suspenseful twists for the likable group of ragtag antiheroes.

 Over-thorough character introductions cause a slower build in the early stages of the heist, but such complications likely arise from fewer liberties taken with the "based on a true story" events, and the result is a fascinating look at criminals, the corrupt, and those least guilty. And then he makes you sit straight waiting for some extraordinary and unexpected scenes to follow. Few sequences in the movie are quite brutal and bold in execution, which are strictly not recommended for minors. But at the same time, the narration and ambience created by the director is highly entertaining too. The most innovative and well written scene of the movie is its climax, which is worth watching, leaving an open end for the viewers to think it over. Though there are mixed responses towards its experimental end but the movie still remains a real masterpiece by Roger Donaldson, definitely finding its place among his Top 5 Films.

 

Directed By Roger Donaldson Starring : Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows & Richard Lintern

Paap(2004)-(Movies To See Before You Die-Drama)

While watching this all time classic I was amazed to see the grandeur and huge canvas on the screen, visualized by its makers at that time . It really must have taken a lot of courage to even think of making such a spectacular movie in 2004. No doubt, that is the reason for its being there in the Top 10 All Time Great Movies list by all critics and lovers of indian cinema. A well conceived movie with majestic touch. It revolves around the life span of a  young girl, Kaaya (Udita Goswami), living in the beautifully serene valley of Spiti, waiting to join a Buddhist monastery, an idea which has been fed to her since childhood by her father (Mohan Agashe) and one which she has never questioned. The huge sets in the climax were really unimaginable and a true experience to watch. Frankly speaking, I was more convinced by its direction and magnificent treatment of the movie than its content and storyline. It’s not a thorough entertaining stuff for the normal cine lover, but technically it has all the qualities of a great movie if viewed from the eyes of a film-maker. Hence go for it if you are keen on studying the art of film-making in a grand style.   Directed By Pooja Bhatt Starring : John Abraham & Udhitha Goswami

Papilio Budha:Kudos to the fresh talent with new thoughts in Malayalam cinema(Movie Review By Yoonus Mohyudhin)

First of all I wish to thanks “Prakash Bare” for being a unique producer who has the guts to back up projects like “Papilio Budha”. Secondly, Kudos to writer & director “Jayan K.Cheriyan”, who brings a fresh & new tide in the vast ocean of Malayalam Cinema.

“Papilio Budha” is not a big movie, but it is many times powerful than all the 50-70 crores projects being talked about in the news. It’s a movie which shows the signs of intelligence and the art of film making flowing in the veins of our young directors. It’s a movie made with courage, with conviction and with a strong point to raise in favor of a common man.

Without giving away the main plot, the story is about  the atrocities committed against Dalits, women and the enviornment. In simple words it’s like fire between two stalwarts of our Malayalam Cinema and they both make it just worth watching. I remember seeing two giants together on the screen last time in “Vida Parayum Munpe” (Prem Nazir & Ravi Menon) and way back in ”Naayattu” (Prem Nazir & Jayan). And like those two movies, this one too satisfied my expectations to a large extent.

 Seeing a faded portrait of Comrade EMS along with a childhood photograph of Shankaran (Sreekumar) on the wall, the lepidopterist along with him (David Briggs) cannot hide his curiosity and inquires as to who "the guy with the baby" is! When asked by Shankaran as to why he hasn't chosen to take the portrait down, despite having severed ties with the Communist movement long back, Kariyan sighs and remarks that Gods have a tendency not to disembark from the lofty positions that they are once hailed to. We are alarmed to see that Shankaran is yet to come to terms with his Dalit blood, despite having been educated at the JNU, and regardless of his incessant interactions with a movement that has been raising its voices against oppression of the marginalized.  The script is strictly to the point and that takes the viewer to the edge of his seat with every passing minute. Many movie buffs may judge the main twist post interval but even after you have cracked it, the movie still has the grip to keep you glued to your seats.

Performances have many surprises in store for the viewer. First of all, Prakash Bare is completely convincing and once again impressive in his act of an angry young police officer.The four Adivasis and the entire supporting star cast has done a commendable job which makes you believe the unexpected happening on the screen. Cinematography and Background Music both completely support the vision of the director.

 He is appalled at his invisibility even in broad daylight, and when his efforts to merge in seamlessly with the rest of the world meet a dead end, he walks back into the arms of a dear companion, dejected and absolutely crestfallen. Drenched in the rain that batters over the forests, Shankaran seeks the light of a glow worm to steer himself back home. 

The last 20 minutes need a special and standing ovation for both the director and the actors. The long, strong and impressive explanation by Sreekumar about his reasons is a kind of landmark in Malayalam Movies. You will find each word, completely justifying our day to day experiences in life. You will feel that whatever may be the outcome, this man (Sreekumar) is somehow saying the right thing, which you may have felt at some moment in your life.

The worth praising fact about the movie is that it doesn’t take sides for any religion or its followers. There are references to some Hindu & Muslim characters, but they do not indicate any partiality on behalf of someone particular character. At many times, the silence of the actors, just says it all.

And the best part is that the director refuses to tell the real name of the man causing all troubles in the end. And the narration says that “If a name is given then it will lead to un-necessary conclusion, so let it be a common man who chose to fight for his own safety”. And that, in my opinion is the most unexpected and original climaxes you may have seen in a Malayalam movie. A well written and fantastically executed climax scene, when both Thamby Antony & Prakash Bare shake hands and cross each other is simply excellent.

The two volcanoes of talent, Thambi & Prakash Bare have nothing to prove about themselves, but they do prove one thing.....that we are not making much films which can tap the talent available in the state.

Imagine Thambi in “In Gost House Inn....” & Prakash Bare in “Friday” after watching “Papilio Budha”. You will surely understand what I am trying to say. I also remember “Murali” & “Thilakan” together in “Ekantham” in the same context.

Coming back to the movie, “Papilio Budha” certainly takes its place among the Top10 movies of both Thambi Antony & Prakash Bare. And the director “Jayan K.Cheriyan” is a talent to watch out in the coming future.

An essential Watch, even at the cost of a holiday from your work. Rating : 4.5 / 5