Strays (1997) - (Movies To See Before You Die - Drama)

Strays follows a drug dealer and hustler who is fed up with the repetitive life style he leads and begins looking for meaning in his life. This film marked Diesel's feature film directing debut and takes a hard look at Diesel's own adolescence and upbringing in New York City.A macho cruiser comes of age. Frustrated by the repetitious grind of one night stands and aimless hustling, study drug dealer Rick is looking for meaning and intimacy in his life.

A special mention must be given to the melodious songs of the movie which are still famous . 

 

A must watch for drama movie lovers and also for youngsters .

 

Directed By Vin Diesel 

Starring :Vin Diesel ,Suzanne Lanza ,Joey Dedio  , F. Valentino Morales  & Others

Music ByJulius Robinson

Vellaripravinte Changathi - Some work, some not. (Movie Review By Yunus E.K)

 Vellaripravinte Changathi is based on the story of film-maker Augustine Joseph who made a Malayalam film in 1966,in some scenes in the novel part which can be compared with "Cinema Paradiso" kind of movies.Director Akku Akbar's Vellaripravinte Changathi is about a cinema-within-cinema. There are visuals of an old film, which was shot in the 1970's and then, the story investigates what happened to the characters later on.

You have to admire the honesty with which the film has been made, but still one can't help feeling that this one could have been much better! Manikkunju (Indrajith) gets a job in the famous Gemini film lab and soon after, he finds a film can where the reels of an unfinished 1970's film titled Vellaripravinte Changathi that never got released, at some corner of the store room.
The film had two newcomers in the lead- Shajahan, who played Ravi (Dileep) and Mary Varghese, who played Sulekha (Kavya).
Now we watch the whole film along with Manikkunju and a few others, inside a preview theater. The plot is so powerful and shockingly impactful that you will surprise why it was not adopted for a complete movie.The film, which is said to have a path breaking story, turns out to be a rather boring romance between a Hindu boy and his neighbor, a Muslim girl. 

It is soon told that the lead pair was having a torrid romance, during the shooting of the film.
 Once the preview is over, the attention shifts to the question of what happened to the love birds after the shooting.
(Good use of surprise element, human touch and sensuality) And things end up in a rather disappointingly melodramatic way.
(You find it funny as you get to know the real thing though its quite serious) The obvious question here is; which one is the actual romance in the film? Is it the reel life affair between Ravi and Sulekha or the real life one between Shajahan and Mary Varghese? In all fairness, director Akku Akbar and scenarist G S Anil have tried to have a different pattern, but it is just that they failed to package it in a spectacular way.

The cinematographers, Vipin Mohan and Sameer Haq, have done a good job.
 Music director Mohan Sithara's tunes are superb and the music takes the viewer to those years, in a highly effective way.
If you are ready to forget his mimicry of Prem Nazir's style during one of the scenes and his odd make up during the final sequences, Dileep has done a decent job.

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 As always, Kavya looks the same in all the phases and here it is all too evident when she acts in her trademark style even in the 70's as well.
The rest of the cast including Manoj K Jayan, Indrajith, Sai Kumar, Vijayaraghavan, Ramu and Mamukoya have done their parts pretty well.
It is evident that some real hard work has gone into the making of Vellaripravinte Changathi , which should be appreciated.

But still, the film ends up as a half baked one, at best
'Vellaripravinte Changathi' from Akku Akbar offers plenty of fresh air with narratives thrown out of conventions and a tale told in three different levels and periods.
 The movie has Indrajith as Manikunju coming to Chennai in search of a job and to realise the dreams of his father Augustine, who was a failed movie director.
As he is offered the job of cleaning up the retro reels at Gemini Labs, he finds to his surprise a dusty print of a film titled 'Vellaripravinte Changathi' that his father had directed thirty years back.
Manikunju attempts for a preview results in a famous banner agreeing to distribute the film, which though made in the seventies is still watchable in the current times. 

We are also shown the film which narrated the love story of Ravi (Dileep) and Sulekha (Kavya Madhavan) who were fated to be separated in life in the filmy climax. 
 Manikunju realizes that the actors Shajahan and Mary Varghese (again Dileep and Kavya Madhavan) who had played the lead roles, were in intense love as well, and were planning to marry after the film. 
Manikunju now embarks on a journey to find out what happened to them, who ran off into anonymity after the final shoot.
The movie about a 'cinema within cinema' definitely has a novel theme by G S Anil and much of it is treated with honesty and elaan by the director Akku Akbar, who takes pain to pay brightest tributes to the period settings.
Much of the dialogues are also impressive and suits the mood of the film. 
 Akku just misses the post of a big hit by a whisker as the events turn melodramatic in the later half, with the odd makeup taking out much of the charm.
Adding to the negatives are that the romance portrayed lacks depth and the coincidences for the twists looks contrived.
.It is the final few minutes that take the life out of the hard work that the crew has done in the other 110 minutes.
This is Dileep's best of the roles  in 2011, who exceptionally plays the 'Ravi' on screens while Kavya Madhavan also looks good, though she hasn't improvised her acting to suit the settings of the old period.
Manoj K Jayan looked the most impressive of the actors with a few scenes to treasure.

So  it gives only average rating to the movie.

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Rating : 2.5 / 5

More Inspirations in "C" Category (24)

1. Chilamboli (1963) - Chinthamani (1937)

2.Chirikkudukka(1976) – The basic plot taken from “Sabhash Meena” (1958)

3. Chambalkkadu (1982) - References of “Sholay” (1975)

4. Chakravalam Chuvannappol(1983) - Plot similar to “Keezhvanam Sivakkum” (1981)

5. Changhatham (1983) – Partially exploits the story idea behind Warren Beatys “Bonnie&Clyde” (1967)

6. Cabret Dancer (1986) - If Tomorrow Comes (1986)

7. Chekkeranoru Chilla (1986) - Highly Inspired from “Saheb” (1985)

8. Cheppu & Nammavar (Tamil)(1987) - Basic Plot from “Class of'84” (1982)
9. Chithram (1988) - Very Close to “Manoranjan” (1974)

10. Charithram (1989) – Takes the plot from movies like “Chase A Crooked Shadow” (1958) & The Whistler:Stranger in the House (1955)

11. Chanjattam (1991) – Follows the plot of “Mouna Geethanghal” (1981)

12. Chambakkulam Thachan (1991) - Saayam Sandhya(1986)

13. Commisioner (1994) – Takes its basic plot from Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables” (1987)

14. Cid Unnikrishnan ba b.ed (1994) - Cid Nazeer (1971)

15. Chandralekha (1997) - Follows “While You're Sleeping” (1995) .

16. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) – References from “Alicinte Anweshanam” (1989)

17. Crime File (1999) – Heavily takes its content from “Jagged Edge” (1985)

18. Chandamama (1999) – Loosely based on the idea of “Weekend at Berniers” (1989) which was also adapted in “Weekend at Bootys” (1992)
19. Cover Story (2000)– References of “Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu” (1999)

20. Chronic Bachilor (2003)– Inspired by 'Hitler'.

21. Chakram (2003)- Inspired from “Thazhvaram” (1989)

22. Chakko Randaman (2006) - Has a particular sequence inspired from “Ravanaprabhu” (2001).

23. Classmates (2006) -The main plot revolved around 'The Wedding in December'.

24. Chess (2006) – A Clear copy of “Sabhaash” (2000).

Arabeem, Ottakom, P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomikkadha (Movie Review By Yoonus E.K)

This movie's based on an nri(mohanlal)and the things that happening in his life,that gets revolved around many other peoples lives. But the film does not impress and fails to make an impact. The viewer does not relate to the happenings and cannot feel anything for the characters. The story has its plots pointing towards the English movies Nothing to Lose,Serendipity&Excess Baggage.
The script before the interval seems like pieces joined together. It only gets its grip after the interval but till then the audiences have lost hopes. Its as if we are watching an old Priyadarshan movie on comedy of errors.
After seeing the flick one is forced to believe that the casting couch existed in the film industry long time back too and everybody had illegitimate relations around them.
Performaces wise Lakshmi Rai tries her best which shows from her effort but she looks too young and immature to play the role. Her act is satisfactory but she lacks the depth demanded by the script. Mohan Lal is impressive but gets loud at some places. The best act comes from Mukesh as the unemployed youth and he looks superb and very enjoyable. The music is good but doesnt have any memorable song. Only the title song scores the highest among the all.

Overall its an average movie with insights on the gulf labour System. But surely much more was expected from Priyadarshan who gave us "Chithram" & "Kilukkam"

Ratings : 2 Stars
(Go for it if you want to take a look how films were made in the Priyadarshan camp)

VETA (Movie Review By Yoonus E.K)

Veta - Richard's comeback movie could not create the ripples it should have in the movie world. The first thing which was not in tune were the weak promos and the weakest musical score for a comeback movie like this. If you see the movie, you will find that there are better scenes and dance sequences which should have been used to introduce the film in the market. The story line and the basic plot has a striking resemblance to the theme of a Bollywood Movie called "Darna Mana Hai" which came in 2003 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349333/), which was also not a well made movie.   In the whole movie Richard is the only positive thing to see and he keeps on trying to make it happening with all the artists. He still looks ravishing and can carry a whole movie on his own but he was not given the backup of a good script. The next best thing in the movie is Rajiv Kanekala & Moha Chopra, but they also have their limited scenes. The talented Ghazal Shrinivas is just wasted. The viewer never gets convinced or feels entertained while watching the movie. The writing is not upto the mark and almost all the scenes are weakly written which simply fail to impress. The only scene which i liked was the chase scenes in the first half.   The movie has the weakest start as Richard is straight away introduced in the first scene and that also in the first scene. The climax "I Know What You Did Last Summer" concert is well executed but the melody required is not there.   The movie has a good feel but you dont get entertained which is a must for a good film. . Ratings : 2 / 5 (with special mention of Richard's spirited performance)

More Inspirations in "A" Category (38)

1. Anarkali (1966) – Inspired from the movie 'Anarkali”, by Nandalal Jaswanthlal.

2. Ambalapravu (1970) –Basic Plot inspired from “Amma Enna Sthree” (1970)3. Achante Bharya (1971) - Chithi (1966)4. Aana Valarthiya Vaanambadi (1959) – Inspired from Edger Rice Burrough's novel “Tarzan of the Apes”.5. Aabhijathyam (1971) - Manini(1961)
6. Aaradi Manninte Janmi (1972) - Neer Kumizhi (1965)

7. Athithi (1974) - Based on “Waiting for Godot” (1953)

8. Ashtami Rohini (1975) - Pettaal Thaan Pillaya (1966)

9. Aalibabayum41kallanmarum (1975) – References from “Alibaba we el arabeen harami” (1942) & “Alibaba&40Theives” (1944)

10. Amma (1976) – Annai (1962)

11. Appooppan (1976) - Basic Plot from “Tata Manavadu” (1972)

12. Aayiram Janmanghal (1976) - Dheerga Sumungali (1974)
13. Aanayum Ambariyum (1978) - Uravadum Nenjam (1976)

14. Alaudheenum Athbutha Vilakkum (1979) - Reminds you  “ Aladin et la Lampe Merveilleuse” (1970)

15. Anupallavi (1979)      - Inspired from B.R Chopra’s movie “Pati,Patni aur Woh”

16. Anghadi (1980) - References from “Coolie” (1936) 

17. Adimachanghala (1981) - Under Influence of “The Five Men Army” (1969) 

18.  Archana Teacher (1981) – Inspired from Sanjay Mukharji movie “Kora Kagaz”. 19. Ankuram (1982) - Inspired Plots from “Namak Haram” (1973) & “Becket” (1964)

20. Angam (1983) - Inspired from “Zindagi”(1964)

21. Athirathram (1984) - References of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984)

22. Alakadalinakkare (1984) - Vidhaata (1982)
23. Aarorumariyathe! (1984) - Shaukeen(1982)

24. Adaminte Variyellu (1984) - Inspired plot from “Breathless” (1960)

25. Aram+Aram=Kinnaram (1985) - Heavy Influence of “Dhan Daulat” (1980)  

26. Azhiyatha Bandhanghal (1985) - Inspired plot from “Aa Chithrashalabham Parannotte” (1970)

27. Ayalvasi Oru Dharidravasi (1986)       - Inspired from “Khatta Meetha” (1978)

28. Aval Kaathirunnu Avanum (1986) - Only The Basic Plot Inspred from “Mouna Ragam” (1986)

29. Amma Ariyan (1986) - Follows “Koyna Nagar” (1967)

30. Aavanazhi (1986) - Dirty Harry(1971)

31. Aayiram Kannukal (1986) - Nooravathu Naal (1984)

32. Aparan (1988) - The Man Who Haunted Himself (Britain) (1970)

33. Aadhipaapam (1988) – Uses the storyline of “The Sin of Adam&Eve” (1969) with reversed genders.

34. Aaryan (1988)– Inspired from Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” (1972)

35. Augast1 (1988)– Inspired by the movie “The Day of Jackel”

36. Aksharathettu (1989)- On the lines of “Fatal Attraction” (1987) and “Diversion” (1980)

37. Adikkurippu (1989) – All inspired from “The Man without A Nationality” (1952)

38. Adhipan (1989) – All Taken from “Sharabi” (1984)

More Inspirations in "B" Category (26)

1.Bhakta Kuchela (1961) - Based on K.Subrahmanyam’s “Bhaktha Kuchela ” 2. Bhagyamudra (1968) – Main Plot inspired from “Yaar Payyan” (1955) 3. Bheekara Nimishanghal (1970) - Basic Plot from “36Ghante”  4. Bhrahmachari (1972) - Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari (1971) 5. Bhoomi Devi Pushpiniyayi (1974) - Ponnukku Thanga Manassu (1973) 6. Babu Mon (1975) - Inspired Sequences from “Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein” (1964) & Ramu (1966) 7. Balapareekshanam (1978) - Takes inspiration from Poova Thalaya (1969) . 8. Bookambam (1983) - Inspired Sequences from “Do Anjane” (1976) 9. Boeing Boeing (1985) - Boeing Boeing (1965) 10. Bharatham (1991) - Basic Idea from “Honkeytonk Man” (1982) 11. Bhoothakkannadi (1997) - The Cabinet Of Dr.Caligeri (1920) 12. Balettan (2003) - Sayver Thirumeni (2001) 13. Bus Condector (2005) – References of “Balettan” (2003), “Vathsalyam” (1993) and “Vesham” (2004) 14. Boy Friend (2005) - The  character of Mani Kuttan, inspired from “Mr.Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi” (2005) 15. By The People (2005) – Based on the same plot used in “The Organisation” (1971) and Gentleman (1993). 16. Bharath Chandran IPS (2005)– Highly Inspired from “Magnum Force” (1973) 17. Bada Dosth (2005) - Plot resembles “Sathyameva Jayathe” (2000)18. Bhargava Charitham:Moonnam Khandam (2006) - Analyze This (1999) 19. Baba Kalyani (2006) - Similar Plot in "Keerthi Chakra" (2006)  Directed by Major Ravi.  20. Black (2004) - “Ab Thak Chappan”  (Hindi) (2004) 21. Bharyamare Sookshikkuka (1968) – Basic theme on the lines of “Gumrah’ (1963) 22. Bharathan Effect (2007) – Heavy references of “Manichithrathazhu” (1993) 23. Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam (2012) - A remake of the film “Panjavadippalam” (1984). 24. Bombay March12 (2011) - Takes references from "City Of God" (2011). 25. Bamboo Boys (2002) -  Unofficial remake of Jean Marie Gubert's film 'Just Visiting' in English released in 2001. 26. Banking Hours (2012) - by K.Madhu is based on maestro Rob Minkoff's film "Fly Paper".