Man Madan Ambu – Predictable confusions

Madan is the fiancée of Ambu, Deepa’s friend. And Mannar is the detective to trail Ambu started loving her in due course aptly convinced by Deepa who developed a sudden interest in Madan and became his fiancée, who was forced to sacrifice Ambu to Man(nar). Have I made myself clear? If not don’t blame it on me. It is what Man Madan Ambu all about. Confusions galore from the take one of the film, which taken off in Kodaikanal flew to Paris, Barcelona, Marseilles and ends at Venice.

After the supremely hyped super hit of the super star now it is Universal Hero’s turn to woo the audience to the theatres. The much expected movie after an excellent Dasavatharam, comparisons are inevitable but as like previous offerings Kamal never one in emulating the success of the previous ventures took a different path. Mixing comedy, sentiment and human emotions always a delicate attempt hardly fails to succeed in tamil cinema. Kamal the writer scores over kamal the actor here. Dialogues are so powerful but got mixed in the melee. In a super star movie all other actors were invisible when he is around. In a kamal’s movie all the actors look like Kamal Haasan as they were try to match him skin to skin, word to word, movement to movement. Some times it works, sometimes it fails miserably. The best example is kamal’s directorial venture Mumbai express.

The problem or it seems the problem with MMA is it takes neither the comedy route, nor the commercial route and jammed in between. When watching a character like Ambujakshi (a dignified portrayal by Trisha) a super actor with a heart who cant tolerate the ever suspecting fiancée (Madhavan), took a 3 year break from love to complete the professional part of life, took a holiday trip to Paris with her divorced chatter box friend Deepa with her two children(sangeetha) fall in love with the detective Mannaar (Kamal) sent to tail her and report her color of modesty in every possible way second by second by MMS, email, live chat and what not. Whether she took the decision because she fed up with over protective and over jealous rich lover or out of compassion over Mannar whose fate was changed due to a terrible accident by her is not clear.

The first half of the movie fairly engaging, as the scenes are moving at a pace you can digest. Second half plays truant when all the characters assembled in an alien location speaking the same language in their own voices keep the viewers guessing on their own except for some appreciable laughter here and there. The change of heart of Ambu towards Mannar can be understood as compassion turned into love. But Mannar’s sudden affection towards her can’t be justified as he has hardly shown that side of love and could be construed as sympathy converted into an opportunity of love. That too he has almost ditched his employer breaching the basic code of conduct for a security or detective agency or whatever for his own personal favour, though the reason justified the act. But all starts well that ends well.

Performance wise it is not a memorable one by Kamal’s own high set standards. But in this movie good performances are reserved for Madhavan, Sangeetha and to some extent Trisha. But the hero of the move is the cinematographer Manush Nandan who brought the lovely locales of the movie and the magnificent ocean liner rightly titled SPLENDIDA lively. The editing deserves a mention especially the flashback cut song of Kamalhaasan replayed or played backwards. A truly delightful five minutes of the film and the song beautifully sung by the aging actor. The live recording adopted for the first time enhances the proceedings some times and the background noises mar the proceedings some time.

Nothing much to cheer about on the songs front (music by Devi Sri Prasad) as the titled track Manmadan Ambu was edited out (for want of time or what) the other songs fails to capture. But he managed well on BGM. The much controversial verses rendered by Trisha and Kamal was edited out (I supported this wholeheartedly) with the second part of the same come in background at the end as the title card rolls. Surprisingly there is no duet between the lead pair, surely a disappointment for Trisha.

Sorry I forgot to mention the brilliant cameos by Urvashi and Ramesh Aravind (he is chatting and I am vomiting – nice ramesh)

If it is a Kamal directed movie the disappointment level would have been much lower. Since it is a K.S Ravikumar movie, who never fails to impresses that too in a kamal movie (this is their fifth offering) a disappointment creeps in.

Go for it without any expectations and enjoy the ride in Splendida. This is vacation time. A virtual tour of Paris, and Venice, come with an unbelievable story and cost.

Mathusuthanan.

Enthiran - The wait is over

Relief seems to be the first word must have come to the minds of Shankar and Rajinikanth after the FDFS (first day first show). The butterflies in the stomach must have fly now over their heads as the cash registers are ringing and money and appreciations started pouring from all quarters. Strangely the BABA syndrom which was remembered and reminded by only few. Others never seem to worry about the result of the fated film, just thronged the theatres from the wee hours of friday.

It was 6.30 in the morning I reached the theatre and the parking space is full and no fans at sight. Everyone occupied their seats never wanted to miss even the censor card. Anxious ticket holders waited for their companions to come, cursing their fate for waiting outside when all the fun and frolic is happening inside. The whistles and cat calls, and thalaivaas' increased the blood pressure of those waiting outside literally and figuratively. The much expected and supremely hyped Enthiran is going to run infront of the screen before them. Does the film fulfilled the expectations of overexpected (always) rajinikanth fans?. Rajinikanth is like a tendulkar of sorts as every match we expect sachin score a ton which might not happen. Every three years when rajini film hit the theatres we expect the fireworks and a brand new success which could match only the earlier rajinikanth film. How is Enthiran?

Now that the story is out let us not revel on that aspect. As Dr Vaseegaran ( Rajini ) makes Chitt - the robot ( rajini ) a look alike robot who he wanted to dedicate to the army to fight the enemies ( or to assist the army ) got stumbled by the treacherous Superior Bohra ( Danny Denzongpa ) installed the human emotions programme to make it almost human from humanoid. Trouble starts when chitti started developing a passion for Sana ( Ishwarya Rai Bacchan- but who is not) and all hells broke loose when Dr Vaseegaran hit with jealousy pangs and Chitti fall into the wrong hands become Chitti - the villain. In the end all ends well but not for Chitti.

This one liner ( or a multi liner ) story developed into an exciting screenplay, mixed with mind blowing special effects, gravity defying stunts, animatronics, Bombs and cars explode, Glasses shattered and we can say the second half itself as a climax. Yes, We have not seen a climax this long runs almost 50 minutes with full of action.

The fans are in for a treat from the first frame as they ( we ) are watching Rajini in a double avatar. Playing a Robot came naturally to him and his fast paced diction adds pep to the role. But Dr Vaseegaran he could have done better both with make up, body language, expression and action. The growing up of beard then and there gives him an avoidable look. Only to justify a dialogue written by late Sujatha " leavukku vantha rishi maathiri irukke " he grows beard it seems. Sujathas' participation is very much appreciated but his demise is a major cause the film lags in certain portions. He could have certainly added the flavour on talkie portions in the second half where Shankar has no other way but to rely the CG work rather than the projection of human emotion. Certainly the tussle between Vaseegaran and Chitti would be a treat to watch if the team scratched their heads for few interesting scenes between them on the love affair.

The abrupt start of the overstretched climax gave the necessary adrenalin pumping but the effort The BOSS had in the last 10 minutes of Sivaji sorely missed here. Afterall we all used to rajini doing certain thing unimaginable, implausible things on screen only because he is rajini. The robot avatar given him enough leeway on this and added to Shankars imagination on destructive power of robot the last 30 minutes we sat is sheer awe. Awestruck and jaw dropping action sequences a never before in any of Indian movies certainly the highlight of the film. The balcony circle society tend to compare this with matrix, terminator and other hollywood block busters. No comparisons please, when the same team work together for a tamil movie we should accept Rajini as we accepted Arnold and Keanu reaves.

Performance wise Rajini literally has given a lot for this movie but his style, mannerisms, magnetism and charisma were underutilised. Whenever he get a chance he enthralls and swept us completely. Check out for his tone "Robo" and the maaaaaaaaaaaaaaay". Less said about Ishwarya the better. Danny didn't have much chance to exhibit his villainy after Rajini take over that part too. A forgettable outing for him.

Shankars' dream project took life with the larger than life image of Rajinikanth and after watching the film we can surely say only Rajinikanth will make the project workable and viable. The other two actors who considered for the job would have done different but the end product and result might not be so staggering as this. Randys' camera breathes life to this celluloid magnum opus, promptly aided by Anthonys' editing and Oscar winner Rehman. The much talked about RR during climax doesnt seem to have an effect as the sounds of the bullets and bombs sabotage the background music. Songs are exception and a sheer delight.

All said and done Enthiran is a sure winner of cash across the country and it is difficult to recreate the Enthiran's Magic by any other actor. But of course all of Rajinis records were broken only by Rajini himself. Collections apart he just brings us into senses during the two minute climax by his monologue and strong message to one and all. We all love that rajini and his films. We expect an out and out rajini masala next time.

What do you say.

Mathu

God / Life -What do you think

God / Life -What do you think

Without faith you will not pray God first. Advaitha ( one god ) philosophy was diluted to the maximum now we started believing everything we see whether men or beast, serpent or turtiles we attached some avatars to it and pray. We pray only because we are afraid.

We are not afraid to the actual loss in first place. We are actually afraid about the consequences of a loss. Man, Material, Relationships, Profession, money everything falls into this category.

This attachment or binding makes us live and forces us to make mistakes, and keeps us alive. We actually think we are always living for others but in truth it is not....We console ourselves as if we are sacrificing a lot for others throughout our life and die with a hollow space in our heart that echoes, we never lived a single day in our whole life for our self.

Money and fame always come to people who multiply their efforts and resources not to whom who scatter. Anything scattered is scattered and will not be compiled in full. We never know when we claim we are financially free and we are famous. Do we ever say enough of what we have? Very rare. We go to a status and looking for the next level in the ladder. We accrue money and strive for something more...it is an endless pursuit....

Everyone strives to live great...but in my opinion if you strive to die great you naturally live great too.

What do you think?

Mathu

what do you think?

Superiors or Subordinates

All of us will have superiors one day subordinates one day. All of us were/are superiors one day and subordinates one day. When we are subordinates most of the time we think our superiors are inferior in so many things like decision making, attitude, behaviour, pro-activeness, shrewdness, and lacks hunger because they have reached certain position in their career. How much of this is actually true? Yes, it is true to some or even great extent we should start see the world through a universal spectrum rather than watching it in subordinates or superiors glasses. Expectations have no limit but elevations have. Instead of grumbling whenever you feel humiliated it is better to vent out the feelings and concentrate on whats in store for us to grow up. Since anger is a potential force direct it on our work the results will be multiplied. But even after that if you think of being sidelined....think, the world is wide open. Only thing we need is grit and determination. Are we ready to take the risk?

Superiors on the other hand became demigods and thought of in a cult status once they reach the top. They always claim to help the subordinates to come up in the ladder. Whatever the subordinates try they can reach only the next step below them. is it not? At the bottom of the heart they sure must have feelings on a subordinate come up in the organisation and viewed as a potential threat if he is a real smart guy. Behind the scenes they make every other thing to keep the subordinates in their places. Is that a wise thing to do? In a world of changing scenario where nothing is guaranteed the position of a superior is always under threat and he cant enjoy the chiefdom forever. While we evaluate people also have a thought people will also evaluate us. They may not have the power that will impact you immediately. But in the long run surely it will. People grow, We grow, reflexes may ditch us, Smart or crooked people play smartly and make our lives a hell. In the age of impermanence understand the subordinates and superior status also impermanent.

what is that has been left for us? Pride or Prejudice. Nothing. Only human-ness.

What do you think?

Mathu

what do you think

Experience and Efficiency:
Efficiency is not a natural by product of experience. Those who learn the traits effectively during their man hours will apply it diligently will become successful. Is that a real necessary all efficient people are experienced? or all experienced people are efficient. It varies from individual to individual.

Unconscious competence is the order of the day when someone doing a job for quite some time and getting acclimatised with it thoroughly. Once he attain that status he should start explore it further and try to reach newer heights. Otherwise he get stuck in a rut and become a dud.

Who will tell you are efficient or experienced? Ask yourself as I am asking myself
now.

What do you think???

Mathu.

Enthiran – 100 % entertainment guaranteed

Enthiran – 100 % entertainment guaranteed

The wait is over. Super fans of Superstar now shout with joy as their agonising wait for more than two years was over and the audio of the much awaited and anticipated Enthiran was out. Now they wait to with bated breath for the date of release. No actor in India can command such a euphoria for an audio release like Rajni does.

In most of the towns it is a precursor for the mega release that follow a month later. Crackers burnt, Goats sacrificed, Prayers offered and all the usual things done during the films release happen for audio release also. At Madurai when the van reached with CDS, hundreds thronged the van and given anxious moments for the waiting cops. First sale started at 04.30 and 500 cds gone before the clock touches 5.30 am commented Mr Tulasiram, my good friend and owner of a chain of cd stores in madurai. Only Enthiran can beat Sivaji he remarked.

When all big names joined hands together say Rajnikanth, Shankar, A.R. Rehman, Vairamuthu, and Sun pictures the expectations soars and touches peak. Has the names brought magic?

The answer is an emphatic YES.

Each track has its own plusses and trade mark of all the lead players Rajni, Vairamuthu, Shankar and Rehman. Rajni’s sense of lyrics, Vairamuthus choice of words, Shankars obsession with innovative and imaginative sequences, Rehmans penchant for new voices and sounds all adds glamour. I find difficulty in rating the songs as each one is unique and appealing. But the trend is clearly set as per earlier shankar movies a folk number, a fantasy number, a fast paced, a lovely duet, an opening song, and one for the number.

But a clear deviation is the opening song which is not a traditional superstar opening song hopefully it is “puthiya manitha” beautifully rendered by SPB with soulful words an amalgam of realism and fiction. Look for the words like Thanthai mozhi - simply good.

Arima Arima stands tall among other because of the richness in the composition on par with international films with Oscar winner Rehman given his best for this song which is a traditional shankar fantasy song with words like Silicon Singam, Agriniayin arasan naan rules the song.

The foot tapping Kilimanjaro is going to be in the lips of the youth for some days to come beautifully sung by Javed Ali and chinmayi. An instant catcher the folk number is the one which was shot in Peru. “ Kadhal Anukkal “ is the duet on the lead pair sang skillfully by Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghosal ( only song people thought of going out for a smoke not withstanding how skillfully it would have been captured )

With “Boom Boom” dedicated to kids, and other one just for the number the album is a complete entertainer and a must for music lovers whether they are the fans of Rajni, Shankar or Rehman. The song Irumbilye Idhayam reminds us the earlier Rahman number in the movie by S.J Surya ( maram koththiye maram koththiye )

Now that we heard whats in store the expectation raised and everyone is eagerly awaiting how those songs unfolds before us in silver screen. However with all things intact we are sure guaranteed of a 100% entertainment. If half of the efforts on the songs were translated the result definitely would have been amazing.

Lets wait and watch how the magic of Superstar unfolds....

Guys it is party time in September............................................

Raavanan – Efforts are less than Expectations

Where would you get such a cast? Mr. and Mrs. AB (of course they comes on package either as Mr. and Mrs. or Senior and Junior), a versatile Vikram, Seasoned veterans like Govinda, Karthik, Prabhu. Only Mani Ratnam can bring them all out in one roof, make them struggle in the rainy forests of UP, Kerala, and drench them in all sorts of water from rain, to lake to stream to water falls to mud. All of them dutifully obey what the director wanted them to do. But the end product is far less convincing.

True to the rumour mills it is largely based on the Ravan-seetha-rama- lanka episode but as a story teller Mani ratnam is known for his details. Whether it is MGR-KARUNANIDHI in Iruvar, Ambani in Guru, Tamil Eelam in Kannathil Muthamittal he never shied away from facts. Here he takes cover may be to avoid wrath of the traditional audiences who will not digest a Sita falling for Raavan while Ramas’ merciless act against Raavan who strangely saved him.

As the opening credits roll out we are getting ready for a visual delight. We are not disappointed. Both Santhosh Sivan and V Manikandan, Cinematographers presented a magnificent canvas laced with water, fog, greenery and mist. From the first frame to the last fall, they have captured the beauty with a beastly smile in their eyes. The naked forests, jungle and sets are a treat to watch.

The film opens with Raavanan (Vikram) kidnapping Ragini ( Ishwarya rai bachchcan), and Dev ( raginis’ Husband - Pritviraj ) on their trail. Raavanan alias Veera is a sort of head of a Tribal community (or villagers) live in god knows where in Vikramasingapuram in Tirunelveli District. The reason for the kidnap of the wife of the police commissioner and their 14 days of existence formed the story in full.

The way Veera falls in love with ragini (by the way, who will not, when the person concerned is Ishwarya with her alabaster skin, raunchy looks and the glittering eyes ), ragini’s change of heart as she come to know the reasons behind the kidnap, a wolfish husband looking to increase his count on encounters to maximum, the police force’s futile attempt to tame a team of villagers with all their ammos intact, and the well known ending, gives us a feeling of discontentment at the end of 120 minutes and we wanted more as we expected more of a Mani Ratnam Movie.

Comparisons are inevitable with the epic as the story happens in forest (asoka vanam originally the movie titled as such, that would have been more apt than Raavanan at least in Tamil), the villains name, and a hanuman like character (nice cameo by karthik, but to indicate his character he was made to jump from tree to tree to tower, so unlikely for the caliber of both the actor and director), a lie detector test instead of Agni pravesham and so on.

Performance wise Vikram leads the pack because he has to do his double act in this bilingual movie (Raavanan in one and Ram in other) truly an achievement no wonder Abishek declined to do a bilingual. His body language, fiery eyes, chirpy movements enamours the audience. But the bak bak sound reminds of his earlier movie Kandasamy and dialogue delivery in some places are too fast not decipherable a trade mark of Mani’s Movies (Dialogues by Suhasini Maniratnam). Ishwarya rai who matched Vikram in the double act (she has to do twice the routine) followed by Pritviraj. Others who also made their act felt are Prabhu, Vaiyapuri and Priyamani. What is Ranjitha doing there in a no dialogue two scene character? Very Pathetic.

A.R. Rehman’s songs are truly captivating but only in Hindi version. In Tamil it looks very odd as song picturisation in Maniratnam movies are truly imaginative, and a movie goers delight. It was sorely missed here as the songs flow along with the movie and on montages. It is surely a disappointment. Dhok de gilli and Usire Poguthu songs may be an exception.

But, for 3745 feet and 15 reels the movies’ running time looks very short and I really wonder whether the movie was pruned to make way for international audience. Some cuts are abrupt through out the movie. Because bollywood movies run a minimum of 3 hours plus and Kollywood movies 150 minutes on an average.

Of course when a wafer thin story line it cant be overstretched too. Who will want to watch, all the characters including the lead pair were given an ugly look the whole movie, characters meandering around forests and waterfalls speak in a language they can’t fully involve with, for more than two hours.

Only for die hard mani ratnam fans. Vikram has something to cheer about after the dud Kandasamy. But t is only something.

For ordinary and regular movie goers who are looking for 100 % entertainment and their value for money, wait till august. Enthiran will be over and ready to enthrall you all.

Mathu.