Director: Jayam Raja
Producer: Venu Ravichandran
Screenplay: Jayam Raja
Star Cast: Vijay, Genelia, Hansika Motwani, Saranya Mohan
Music: Vijay Antony
Cinematography: Priyan
Editing: V. T. Vijayan
Studio: Aascar Films
Release date: 26 October 2011
Ilaya Thalapathi Vijay has his comfort zone in the form of formula mass films that have a superhero at its epi-centre, destroying evil; saving his world; offering safety and security to those around him: all preferably done with panache and the prowess of a superman.
This time too, he has attempted more of the same with Aascar Ravichandran's Velayudham, directed by M Raja. It is safe to say that the young commander has managed to hit the bull's eye.
Velayudham, remade from the Telugu hit Azad, with suitable modifications, has a story that's as old as the hills but there are a few elements that do add some flavour to the old wine in a new bottle.
There's Bharathi (Genelia D'Souza), a journalist committed to eradicating terrorism, and who loses two of her friends to it. She comes up with a novel idea that might quell the terror: create a fictional character called Velayudham, who supposedly foils all their plans and torches them alive, to boot.
The thing is, there really is a Velayudham (Vijay) a milkman who lives in the tiny village of Pavunoor, and adores his sister Kaveri (Saranya Mohan). Together, the two create havoc in the village, as Velayudham is the kind of filmi brother who will do anything for his darling sibling, and vice versa. There's also the incredibly bouncy Vaidehi (Hansika Motwani), who wears incredibly revealing pavadai-dhavani, and whose presence leaves you in no doubt as to what her purpose in the film is. Her father (M S Bhaskar) is as silly as they come.
When Velayudham arrives in Chennai to retrieve money from a chit fund for his sister's marriage, he gets entangled in an elaborate terrorist plot and the fun really does begin.
The first half moves at a spanking pace, thanks to Vijay's own incredible comic sense. After a long while, you see not the star Vijay, but a genuinely affectionate brother who wants to get his sister married well. His antics, together with those of Speedu (Santhanam) set the audiences rolling right away. It's this Vijay that you've missed, for so long.
Post the intermission, the speed drops considerably and you're treated to more formulaic, mind-numbing stunts that defy every law of physics. But what does it matter when Vijay looms large? He dances well, beats people up, clad in a stylish attire that's supposedly stolen from a Genghis Khan collection (and which is, so it's said, inspired from Assassin's Creed), and wields a samurai sword to the manner born. He's the ultimate super-hero, and makes no bones about it.
Saranya Mohan, as his sister has precious little to do except look adorable and hug him a lot, which she does dutifully. She gets almost as much screen-time as Genelia D'Souza, who, for once, has given up the giggling school-girl act and actually has something to do. Hansika, however, doesn't, and her tittering gets on your nerves after a while.
Santhanam delivers his usual, as is his wont. The rest of the cast: Suri, Shayaji Shinde, Manivannan, et al merely form part of the backdrop.
Of Vijay Antony's numbers, Rathathin Rathame (sung, presumably, to Vijay's sister, but in reality, to Vijay's fans) and Molaichu Moonu linger. V T Vijayan's editing could have been utilised better in the second half, while Priyan's cinematography fits the bill.
With Subha's dialogues adding some pep, director M Raja has set out to provide a masala entertainer that doesn't require you to tax your brain cells. Velayudham doesn't take itself seriously and doesn't expect you to either. In other words, it's paisa vasool.
Story
Bharathi (Genalia) is a journalist on a mission. She fights against evil and corrupt men in the society. She reports on Home Minister's links with ultras and their plans to disturb peace in Tamilnadu by planting bombs. She incurs their wrath and she becomes their target. Meanwhile she leaves a note where she creates an artificial character Velyudham, whom she says will end the menace of corrupt and greedy.
Interestingly there is one Velayudham (Vijay), a milkman in a village living a happy life with his sister (Saranya Mohan). Videhi (Hanshika Motwani) has a crush on him. She is his cousin in the village and the rural belle is desperately in love with Velayudham. One day velayudham comes to Chenani to withdraw cash from a chit fund firm and he comes across Bharathi. It is now obvious that Velayudham will take up the challenge and he turns the messiah of the masses from here. Its action and revenge from here.
Performance
It's Vijay special all the way. Three cheers to Raja for weaving a script to the strength of Vijay. His mass elements are utilised well; by the director. As usual Vijay rocks in dance and stunt sequences. Interestingly in the climax, he rips his shirt and fights, a delight for his fans. Genelia is apt fort the role. She plays a serious journalist and has a meaty role to do. Hanshika provides the oomph factor. As rural belle, she is impressive. She does her role well. She tries her hand at comedy too. Three cheers to her. Saranya Mohan has a part to play while Sanathanam as usual flies high with his one-liners, that are rib-tickling.
Technicalities
Vijay Anthony's music and the peppy songs add strength to the film, while Priyan's cinematography gives it solidity. he captures the chase, fights well. Raja deserves all applause for weaving an interesting film, though inspired by telugu hit Azad.
Analysis
Vijay and Raja team up to give an unpretentious entertainer. It is a good movie to see relish and enjoy. Vijay at his best, it has everything to appease movie -buffs. But the lacunae is its length. Specially needless songs stuffed in between which breaks the flow.
Direction: V.C. Vadivudayan
Music: Vidyasagar
Production: Senthilkumar
Thambi Vettothi Sundaram directed by VC Vadivudaiyan is a bio-pic on a notorious history sheeter who lived on Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in Kanyakumari district.
The film has gone out of its way to glorify the lead character and made him look like a sort of do-gooder, who was forced by circumstances to do bad things against the law. A sense of déjà vu, as films in the same genre are dime a dozen.
Poliyur is a village that lies on the border area between Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern part of the state in Kanyakumari district. The main occupation of the people in this area seems to be brewing and smuggling of illicit liquor to neighbouring Kerala.
There are many cartels involved in it who are bitter enemies and also kill each other to gain supremacy in the flourishing trade.
Sundaram (Karan) is hard working guy with a brilliant academic career. He is looking for a government job but always loses out due to prevailing nepotism and corruption in selection of candidates.
His best friend is Sala (Saravanan), who is a middleman for various illegal deals. Sundaram falls in love with the beautiful college girl Lourd Mary (Anjali), daughter of a notorious smuggler and dealer of illicit liquor.
Due to circumstances, Sundaram is forced to enter liquor trade, which leads to further twists in the story. After agreeing for a church wedding with Mary, Sundaram’s plans go awry, leading to a bloody climax.
Vadivudayaiyan has made it very melodramatic and highly sentimental especially in the climax. His characterisation of lead actors is half baked. There are too many censor cuts and muting, which leaves the audiences confused. Karan has delivered a matured performance; Anjali does her aggressive girl act. It is Saravanan who steals the show in the films very few lighter moments. The music of Vidyasagar is one of the silver linings in the film.
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra
Music: Vishal-Shekar
Camera: Nicola Pecorini and Manikandan
Editing: Sanjay Sharma and Martin Walsh
Producer: Gauri Khan
Banner: Eros International and Red Chillies Entertainment
Entire country is discussing ‘Ra.One’ and dancing to tunes of ‘Chammak Challo…’ It is all for one man – Shah Rukh Khan! Ra one expectations were flying high. As people started comparing with the Superstar Rajinikanth’s “Robot”.King Khan didn’t allow the expectations to come down about Ra one. Shahrukh Khan’s hard work had made the film come out really well.Film buffs can’t ask for a better Diwali treat than this.
Story:
Shah Rukh Khan as Shekhar Subramanian does all he could to fit into the world of his son ( Prateek) but just couldn’t. Prateek finally gives up his effort to make his dad cool. At this gloomy juncture, Shahrukh khan succeeds in designing a superb game and good time returns to the family.Surprisingly, their lives take a ‘U’ turn following hard drive crash. They are supposed to play the game but the game starts playing with them. The rest of the film is whether Shekhar and his son get out of the mess and whether Shahrukh Khan solves the problem.
Performances
Shah Rukh Khan plays the character G.One and not the title role Ra.One. He is wonderful as always. He fits into the role superbly. His energetic performance is commendable and the scenes like the train-chasing sequence and the climax are jaw-dropping. His chemistry with his son Prateek in the film is wonderful. His popularity among the children will surely increase by manifold after the release of the film.Female lead actress Kareena Kapoor has given yet another splendid performance. She played the role of Shah Rukh Khan’s wife Sonia Subramanian in the film, and she fits the role to the ‘T’. Her performance in the song “Chamakchallo” is simply stunning.
Arjun Rampal, who plays the title character of ‘Ra.One’, has raised the bar for villains. He has given a solid performance. He looks stylish and has done his role with ease. Child artiste Armaan Verma, who plays Shah Rukh’s Prateek Subramanian, deserves special mention. He plays a crucial role in the film and he has given a splendid performance.
Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra have added spice to the film and the presence of Superstar Rajinikanth will make his fans go crazy.
Technicalities
Director Anubhav Sinha deserves all the accolades for making such a good film. He brought the best in Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and child artiste Armaan Verma. He did everything right from direction to screenplay to action sequences. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is also cool with songs like ‘Chamakchallo’, ‘Dildara’ and ‘Raftarein’ going down well with the music lovers.Analysis
“Ra.One” is an excellent superhero film; a complete entertainer. It will entertain both the young and old alike. Don’t miss this Diwali treat from King Khan!The movie is directed by Anubhav Sinha and is produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s home production company Red Chillies Entertainment and Eros International. The movie is being released in 3D versions also in select theatres. What a hard work by the team! A standing ovation to the entire team of Shah Rukh Khan for producing this movie.
Music is by Vishal-Sekar and Akon is a major plus to the film. Cinematography is by Nicola Pecorini and Manikandan is amazing. Editing by Sanjay Sharma and Martin Walsh and the special and visual effects are done by the technicians from Hollywood who worked for James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ and other big blockbuster movies. Oscar winner Rasul Pookkutty works as sound designer in the film.
The film is a definitely a big Sci-fi thriller that has come as an equivalent to any Hollywood movie. Hats off, Shah Rukh!
Vaagai Sooda Vaa is branded as a romantic comedy and will have Sarkunam’s trade mark simplistic comedy, infused with real life humor. And it has the Sarkunam regular Vimal, who played the wastrel from a village role in Kalavani to perfection. Joining Vimal onscreen is a bunch of promising actors including veteran Bhagyaraj, Ponvannan and Thambi Ramaiah.
In his interviews, Sarkunam revealed that the movie is set in 1966 and has a message. The movie was his first script and supposedly his dream project, with which he wanted to make his directorial debut. It took him a few years and a sleeper hit like Kalavani in his profile to find a producer who would take up the project. Vaagai Sooda Vaa has a newcomer Iniya playing Vimal’s lead
Produced by S. Muruganandham and N. Purna for Studio Village Theatres, the movie is scored by M. Ghibran, whose tracks have already become chartbusters. Om Prakash’s cinematography and Raja Mohammed’s editing will strengthen the movie’s credentials.
Vaagai Sooda Vaa - Movie Trailer
Starring : Vimal,Iniya,K. Bhagyaraj,Ponvannan
Music Director : M Ghibran
Written by : Sarkunam.
Directed by : A. Sarkunam
Produced by : S. Muruganandham & N. Puranna
Music Director : M Ghibran
Written by : Sarkunam.
Directed by : A. Sarkunam
Produced by : S. Muruganandham & N. Puranna
Producer: Dhayanidhi Alagiri & Vivek Rathinavel
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Arjun, Thrisha, Lakshmi Rai,Anjali,Andrea, Premji Gangai Amaran, Vaibhav Reddy,Mahat Raghavendra
Movie Review
Mankatha is a story about stealing 500 crore money. One of the movie which was under great expectation for a long time. Audiences may have never experienced similar story before, they are fulfilled well.
The movie begins when a group of policemen trying to encounter a gangster from chettiar (jayaprakash) group. Vinayak is a Police officer (Ajith) makes his fantastic entry and rescue’s the gangster in style. Most of Ajith’s fan would go crazy on this intro scene.
Vinayak gets suspended for escaping the gangster.
Arjun is a special police officer for team investigating gambling groups. Vinayak makes a small love affair with chettiar’s daughter Sanjana (Thrisha). Four people Mahat ( Mahat Raghavendra), Prem (Premji) and Sumanth (Vaibhav Reddy) and Dharavi SI Ganesh create a secret mission to steal 500 crore money from chettiar. Vinayak comes to know about this plan through Prem who unknowingly delivers all secret when drunk.
Vinayak capitalizes the situation and loots the 500 crore money which was intended to go the chettiar’s place. All the Five people including vinayak move the money to a secret place. Then they make it secure by IT whiz Prem. When Chettiar gets hold of Sumanth, Vinayak and SI Ganesh enter chettiar’s place to rescue Sumanth. Vinayak, SI Ganesh and Sumanth gets back to the place where the money is hidden but they were shocked to see a empty place.
At last they understand that Mahat and prem escaped with money. Police officer Arjun gets hold of Sumanth and starts investigating. Vinayak takes Arjun’s wife Andrea as Hostage and Threatens Arjun to kill sumanth and gets it done….. Watch the Remaining on Silver Screen.
As the story has so many twists and turns. Director Venkat prabhu has traveled beyond the Expectations of the Audience.
Ajith has done a character that no top hero would accept. His character is portrayed in such a way that he does anything for money. Ajith does this role with ease and gets applause each and every scene he appears. Another two to get applause other than Ajith is Arjun and Premji.
Ajith has traveled as a Anti-Hero through out the Film but his fans would still love it and Shout “Thala” for every scene.
Release Date: 26th October 2011
Language: Tamil
Banner: Red Giant Movies
Star Cast: Surya, Shruthi Hassan, Johnny Tri Nguyen
Music By: Harris Jayaraj
Direction: A.R Murugadoss
Movie Review:
7aum Arivu is the ambitious project by Director Murugadoss to enlighten the masses about our ancient history and our obscured greatness. The movie is in two parts. The first part is a documentary on the life of the historical figure Bodhidharman and how he was instrumental in spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda and Martial arts in China.
The second part of the movie is in a contemporary setting with a researcher (Shruti Hassan) trying to bring back the talents of Bodhidharman into the body of his descendant Aravind (Surya), to prevent a Bio war with China!
While the context of the movie is impressive, the lackadaisical script, irrelevantly placed songs and sci-fi mumbo jumbo take away the greatness that it could have achieved. Surya is impressive in his role as Bodhidharman and Shruti Hassan who has as much screen time as Surya does justice to her role. Her Tamil diction is a bit patchy and needs work, but one has to commend her for not using a voice dummy like many popular actresses. The music of Harris Jayaraj is pleasing.
The outfits of Surya are designed entirely to showcase his amazing physique. He wears unbuttoned waist coats over his bare body, shirts which are unbuttoned to the waist and tight fitting t-shirts which highlight his muscles. He carries off not only the classic combination of White shirt with blue jeans, but white shirt with red trousers too with style. Sleeveless hoodies & T-shirts pretty much make up most of his wardrobe in this movie. Shruti Hassan looks great in the songs in western attire.
The dresses are classy and the shorts make her look sexy. They show off her long legs and slim figure. The colour coordinated outfits of Surya and Shruti in the songs are very appealing. Considering the fact that Shruti is known to design her own clothes, one must agree that she has a great sense of style. According to us folks at YEPME, the outfits of both Surya and Shruti are vibrant and stylish. If you are a fan of Surya and would not mind a dose of history to go with it, 7aam Arivu is definitely worth watching in the theatres despite its many flaws.