Marathon Movie Reviews

Hold your breath.. I am gonna post my trademark 5 point movie reviews - this time it is much much longer than ever. It almost accounts for the new movies that I ve seen in the past 2 months. Well, I am going in the reverse chronological order I saw.

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna [K.A.N.K] (Hindi)

1. Karan Johar's new venture disappoints with its weird storyline unlike his previous blockbusters KKHH, K3G and KHNH.
2. For a change, I guess SRK has taken Emraan Hashmi's job by fitting into his Infidelity bill!
3. Plus: Music - All songs rock especially Party song and Mitwa as well the Rock n Roll number, Comedy in the first half and cinematography
4. Minus: The story itself - fails to appeal and empathize the Indian Audience
5. Verdict: KANK may be a KALANK; but very much watchable once though .

Thimiru (Tamil)

1. Following successive hits - Chellamae and SandaKozhi, Hero Vishal comes all packed for yet another opening, which has all the ingredients of a racy masala cum action movie.
2. First half of the movie goes with ease when compared with second half, which drags with a unjustifyingly poor flashback with the acerbic Shriya Reddy (she does a very artificial and unconvincing Negative Role).
3. Plus: Stunts (Action), Vadivelu comedy, Vishals Background music and First half.
4. Minus: Songs (Except Manamadurey) and Second half.
5. Verdict: Can be watched once but dont expect it in the genre of Dil, Dhool or Gilli.

[Something..Something]Unakkum Enakkum (Tamil)

1. Yet another colour xerox copy from Remake Raja, this time from Prabhudeva's Telugu blockbuster Nuvostanante Nenodantana, which has a fine blend of DDLJ and Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya.
2. Has all the elements of a feel good movie, an impressive star cast and yup nice songs too!
3. Plus: Story, Music and Santhanam's comedy.
4. Minus: The drag in the climax and Jeyam Ravi's choice for the UK-returned-chilled-out character unlike Sidharth (with his long hairdo) in the original version which he did it with ease.
5. Verdict: Good. Watch it if you havent seen the Telugu version, else leave it as it is the same!

Omkaara (Hindi)

1. Vishal Bharadhwaj's Omkaara is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello confining to a UP village with power, politics and lust in the game.
2. The movie has an impressive star cast and there are no songs here.
3. Plus: Definitely Saif with his Langda character, Ajay Devgan and the typical deep rooted Hindi dialogues with the flavour of authentic-rustic-ambience of rural UP/ Bihar .
4. Minus: A conspicious drag through out the movie, love making scenes and incoherence at times in the movie.
5. Verdict: Not a family movie, watch it if you have inclination for such bold movies.

Amma Cheppindhi (Telugu)

1. A novel attempt in presentation, Amma Cheppindhi is an off the beat movie sans masala, the whole story which is spun around the colony and people of a fictious Nuclear Power Plant Nagar.
2. Central theme focusses on the sacrifice laid by a Not so intelligent, funny and adorable Hero Shravan.
3. Plus: Picturisation, Clean presentation, First half and Suhasini's character.
4. Minus: The not so convincing melodrama in the climax and drag in some of the scenes, esp. the senti ones.
5. Veridict: Amma Cheppindhi may be like Amma Champindhi, but it is definitely bearable on the whole.

Uyir (Tamil)

1. Hmmm.. Uyir is on the lines of 'Vaali' or the recent 'Kalabhak-Kadalan', only change this time is it is the female who has an incest love on her young brother-in-law.
2. Apparently, the movie has done good business without getting stuck into any kind of controversy and if I am not wrong it has got rare reviews too.
3. Plus: The electrifying Sangeetha's Arundhati Character (she shadows Srikanth in the movie!) and two of the songs that are quite melodious.
4. Minus: Samvridhi, the actual Heroine and some of the irritating kinda Sangeeta's expressions.
5. Watching Uyir is not suicidal ;-) though one gets to see too many suicides in the movie which noticably starts with a Non Suicidal note !

Imsai Arasan 23-aam Pulikesi

1. One of the best movies made in recent times, Imsai Arasan 23-aam Pulikesi with the ambience of an East Man colour movie has all the flavors of a quintessential Comedy hit.
2. Though I am not an ardent fan of Vadivelu, I find him good in this movie where he does both the roles with finesse and comic mettle (Vadivelu has double Action here).
3. Plus: Comedy,dialogues, the chaste Tamil used in the movie which one rarely gets to hear these days and yeah Vadivelu, of course.
4. Minus: The heroines who had nothing worthwhile to do and though I appreicate the language used, I personally found tad difficult to follow some of the dialogues.
5. Verdict: A roar out laughter riot, 23 aam.. definitely is the watch of the season.


Vikramaarkudu (Telugu)

1. Vikramaarkudu is again another Masala Mass movie from Ravi Teja which has all the proscribed dance, crass comedy, masala songs and yeah dialogues so much typical in any telugu mass movie.
2. Movie has no great plot, it simply is a fine mixture of previous movies, but yes, it has a refreshing element in it with Anna Ravi Teja is double action for the first time.
3. Plus: Ravi Teja as Rathore and his dialogues
4. Minus: Songs that doesnt match the pace of the movie, Crass comedy and Violence part.
5. Veridict: Hmm.. I wouldnt really advocate to watch it, but if you are simply left with nothing to do and laze away around 2 and a half hours, then go ahead!

Thiruttu Payalae (Tamil)

1. With a refreshingly new plot, the movie is certainly far away from the cliched approach when looked at any angle.
2. The way the characters are etched, especially Jeevan's is fabulous and things are presented nicely without much boisterous screenplay.
3. Plus: The gorgeous Sonia Agarwal, songs especially the opening number Thiruttu Payalae and Poi Solla poraen.. which pulsates me even now and the climax that goes totally unexpected.
4. Minus: Not much though and its quite long time since I had seen the movie that I am unable to ponder upon its minusses!
5. Verdict: Watchable once and even twice, pats to Susi Ganesan (director) for the good job that has a good message in the climax.

Godavari (Telugu)

1. This is one of the best movies that I must say I ve seen in the recent years; surely it is a landmark in the annals of Telugu Kollywood's 'Klass' movies.
2. Watching the movie is a treat to enjoy Godavari's splendid picturisation and the movie goes in a decent pace, doesnt make you bore throughout the fare.
3. Plus: The Godavari backdrop with beautiful lightening and cinematography, pleasant songs, the suave Kamlini Mukherjee, soft spoken but bhatka and confused sa Suman and also the doggy that speaks gr8 thought provoking dialogues!
4. Minus: Couldnt find any, the story was natural and it was a wholesome pleasure in watching it.
5. Verdict: Hats off to Shekhar Kammulla, the young director who has presented us such a wonderful movie that has a long lasting impression. Go and watch the movie, if you havent!

As I see, I dare !

Place: Chennai
Date: 22-July-2006, exactly a week before
Time: 11.55 am (IST)
Situation: Me sleeping all the way to glory till this time . Perhaps, then realised that its the wake up call and grabbed The Hindu lying in a corner of the Hall. Now...

As usual, I flipped through its pages to the Business and Sports section, when this ad by the Nani A Palkhiwala Foundation somewhere in the middle suddenly grabbed my attention. The ad read:

"Talk on women Empowerment and....
Speaker: Smt. Kiran Bedi, Magsaysay Recipient
Venue: Rani Seethai Manram, Near Anna Flyover
Time: 11.30 am(and yeah)
All are invited"

Plus a request to occupy the seats atleast 15 minutes before the commencement.

Though I pay attention to details, what attracted me instantly was the speaker and then straight I looked for the time and venue only to find that time was already 12.20 in my watch! I felt very bad for waking up late and I told Satya, my roomie about this. He replied -- "These people seldom come late for occasions like this da unlike politicians where the actual speech begins comfortably hours later than the scheduled time". And he made some time calculations and advised me not to go as even if I start immediately I might be able to see only an empty hall. But I was already prepared to go even if it were to see an Empty hall. Within 2 minutes like the Maggi Instant Noodles, I was ready (of course, bathing is a luxury in this time and had to be avoided). Rushed from my apartment across the road to the Autokaaran I could see first and then started to the venue.

It took almost half an hour to reach there and the time was 1 pm. I sped across the stairs and asked the attendant whether its still on. Yeo, he said yes which sparkled my face and added "Ulla Ponga Saar. Mudiya poguthu..". As I went inside crowd was less than what I expected (I had expected to stand but fortunately there were enough seats left unfilled). As it happened, Kiran Bedi was answering the last audience question from the dias and I came to know that the programme started at sharp 11.30. Ms. Bedi clad on a baby-green Pathan style Patiala suit was radiant and effervescent amongst the galaxy of dignitaries present on the podium. Seated along with her on the dias was Apna company CFO too. After her answer to the last question, Vote of thanks was proposed by the Palkhiwala Foundation Secretary.

Then the folks off the stage were disbursing, but how could I? I had come all the way atleast to say a 'Hi' to her. She was flocked by the foundation members, some socialite women and few who wanted to see her from near. Oh la, she readily interacted with all the junta and her mere presence electrified everyone. I had this strong urge to get an autograph from her; and Kiran is a star in her own right. I made the first move to get her autograph and with me making the intiative, others too followed.. [Autograph from movie actors is not my cup of tea though I ve taken snaps with Vikram and Saami team when some of its sequences were shot at my uncle's place, Radhika and Annamalai (Sun TV sop) team during its shooting at Keelapoongudi, near my hometown].

I dared to go and conveyed what I really wanted to. I said yours truly is so and so and told that and this. She was happy when I said that. She immediately extended her hand which was spontaneous, congratulated as well as wished me good luck. Though I didnt take my camera, one kind soul was generous enough to shoot few of my snaps as well and sent them across to me. And yeah I am posting 2 of them here.





Also when I said where I am working, Apna Company CFO who was behind her looked at me giving a sense of belongingness. With his pleasant dispostion he asked about me and how I find the work. As obvious I was ready with the stereotypical answer -- "Fine.., Er..Its actually good." He smiled and decently made my way to hang around Kiran jee. This time, few more folks joined to get autograph from her and I watched from behind. Meanwhile, a cute looking Hindu Reporter joined in a for mini chat. She gave me tid bits of info and told me about the Palkhiwala foundation.

The apparent delay in posting this despite being a week since I met Kiran Bedi jee is because of my interest to research on her career, life and biography after friday when my work would get over and whereafter I could devote time for that. I read a mini biography of Ms. Bedi from this. Visited http://www.kiranbedi.com/ and explored that fully too.

Though that meeting-Kiran jee-moment didnt last for more than a minute, her instataneous gesture and what she talked is still vivid in me. I definitely am more proud to consider that moment as an honour!

PS: Trivia - The title of this post -- As I see, I dare has a relevance to her publications. I dare is Ms. Bedi's biography and As I see is a collection of her articles

Back from the usual hibernation !

I am back from the mini hiberantion (as usual). Nope , neither my blogspot was blocked nor was it inaccessible as with the hue and cry of many bloggers across India. Bloggers all over India are back in business, definitely giving heaps of relief to the Indian blogging fraternity. Dept of IT and communications has communicated over this issue yesterday.

Procrastination and/or lethargy,which is inherently present in me loads and loads deterred me from posting anything, especially when I had lots of things to put down and share. Yep, lots of posts are still pending -- reviews on Godavari and Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi (movies), Rendezvous with Madam Kiran Bedi( I have this strong urge to call her 'Madam' after meeting this iconic personality) last saturday, the happy ending to the struggle of a 6 year old boy Prince over 50 hours in a deep pit in Harayana (60 feet, My God! and more here...), me reading Tin Tin series these days (hmm.. I was a fan of Tin Tin during my school days) et. al.

Hope all these would materialise into the blog soon, but I shall post my meeting with Kiran Bedi first and the rest next (well this old rugged cliche '..first and rest next' still sounds good, isnt it?).

ZIZOU - what ya done??

The World Cup is over and Italy went all the way to Glory. Hats off to them. On the hindsight, France had also a chance of making it. Though France lost, it was rather a disgraceful exit for Zizou at the end of his career. Zizou was shown the door out for his own hasty act in a moment of rage during the ET, the moment which required his much-needed-presence owing to the intensity and momentum of the finals. The moment which required his concentration and balance - mentally and physically. The moment which ought to have reminded the obvious consequences. And... all the French dream was shattered in a moment....

Zidane had rather an unpleasant day with his headbutt-into-Materazzi-episode-followed by-Red Card becoming a disappointment for his fans and supporters. It certainly doesnt behove a player of Mr. Zinedine Zinedane's stature to get a Red Card at the end of his career match. Poor Zizou, he couldnt make it to presentation ceremony either...I felt sorry for him losing his temper. But I certainly wouldnt approve what he did either, whatsoever the reason be, call it circumstances or anger or any xyz. In the true spirit of healthy sporting, physical abuse is an obvious blackmark. Sad that Zizou too fell a prey to it.

Football and etc.

Oh how come I havent even let a single word about Football when the air is filled with the fumes of football fever. These FIFA days were of mixed bag of reactions and events -- disappointments, Sobs, Frenzied moments, Penalty 'tensions', Red Cards and most importantly the joy when the team one supported won. Brazil, which was the eye of many as well as Kolkata had a rather disappoiting exit. Spare Ronaldo, Ronaldinho didnt either show his overly projected mettle ! There were quite unpleasantries too especially when Argentina was shown the door out. They certainly would have deserved a place in the semi-finals had only the things would have gone fine. And in yesterday's match between Portugal and France, though France had won by 1-0, I really felt Portugal was more deserving. They certainly made many attempts on the goal, sadly they went futile. And I felt there were many instances, where France wasnt given 'foul'. I am not complaining that things went biased but all I feel is things could have been better.
Human mistakes cant be tagged especially when it comes to the match Referee. And looking on the other side, Zidane was too good, he made good use of the penalty kick that led them to the finals. It certainly made everyone realise he has lot of sports left in him and tagging him 'old' is just a cliche...

Worst Orkut Intro's !!!

As promised in the previous, here I present u the Irritating/Funny/worst Orkut Intro's !!!

ENJOY !!!!!!!!!!

1. "You have such a nice voice. can i be frens with u?"!!
2."Can I do friendship with you?"
3. K@MR@@N: HI, H R U ?I AM KAMRAN,FROM PAKISTANSHOULD WE BE FRIEND ?I AM WAITING FOR UR REPLY TC AND BYE
4.hello ,I think u r also in CTS ! when did u got the job ! i got CTS in march previous year n hoping to join in august this year ! lets b friends . mail or scrap back soon !take care ! byeeeeee
5.Leonardo:Hi!I am of Brazil and I would very like to be its friend!If you to want adds to me there also, ok ?A great kiss...L?o
6. I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end. I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend, but I always thought that I'd see you again.
7. "hi !!!wats going on....??really u r loooking stunning in all the pix...wanna friendship...?"
8. Hii,I have seen you in the movie "Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai". I know you are Kareena Kapoor, why has you changing name to Archana under Orkut? I like you verrii maachhh. You friending with me?
9. Heyy , you look very beautiful. You will be best fit for my mega serial character. Pls friends with me and I will give you mega role in my next soap "Marudhaaniyum Maattu Saaniyum".Pls pls pls yaa, add as friend yaaa .
10. hi.. we r looking for a partner for my bro who has completed his double m.s from boston, univ of massacheusetts and is employed at wall street now. we would like to know if u would b intrested in getting married
11. hi interested?
12. Looks like u r new to orkut...let me trap u b4 someone else..What say??

[Courtesy: From an Orkut dating Community]

Back with a Bang !

Its been actually more than a month since I've updated this blog. Bit more workload and odd working hours kinda made me lazy to actually open blogger.com and post something spicy...

Though I was orkutting, my posts to blog kinda got postponed then n there...

Well, I am finding my assignment in the present project bit good, interesting and challenging. I am working on Oracle Applications (E - Business Suite) -- Projects. My previous exposure to HRMS is helping a whale and thanks to Smitha, my teamy who literally spoon fed me all these days on Projects and the functionality of my module.. Now, I am getting a bit to learn on Normalisation, Web Money and Oracle Time and Labor..Well, leave these at-work-chores..

Had been to home last week and this weekend to Kalpu' s place.. All previous weekends were dedicated to office ;-( Yesterday had a bit shopping in the hustle-bustle of Ranganathan St. with Nilesh and went to Marina beach.. Followed by my all time favorite - Capuchino at CCD...

And no movies all these days..Post my Chennai arrival, I had seen only one movie -- Pudupettai, which just kinda was shit of a storyline, apparenlty motivated at making something 'different' by Selvaraghavan. Didnt last to expectations, though I hear a certain section of junta liking it. Photography was good, but that doesnt make a movie full, right?

Well, will be back with anything interesting stuff if any ! Till then Enjoy the next post...

Singaara Chennai !!!

And yeah, I relocated to Chennai on an another transfer !!! I am happy for I am close to home, friends and relatives. Chennai climate is changing from the day next of my arrival, giving me a sigh of relief from the notorious scorching heat of Chennai.

Chennai is fresh after the post election grounds. Mr. K.Karunanidhi, the DMK supremo is the new Chief-Minister of Tamilnadu.