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Reviews
Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018)
Must visit
Right from the opening shot till the end credits roll, this is a technically slick movie and makes you hooked with a compelling narration aided by stupendous cinematography. For just the breathtaking camerawork, this movie is worth a watch. Though the performances of the new actors are very natural, a director like Bala would have made them emote still better. And Lenin has intelligently not filmed their expressions in close-up. Last but not the least, the maestro's score that some critics have been disappointed with. In my view as a layman, his score as always quite effectively connects the movie with the viewers. It is silent at many places, functional at a very few places(including the marriage song), brilliantly intense during the latter half(including the beautifully composed/rendered Andarathil song. The maestro has used a Thara Thappatai movie sequence BGM in the prelude/interludes of this song). In my personal view, this is a Bala-movie minus the violence he is known for forcefully thrusting in his movies. MTM will definitely leave lump in your throat when you come out of the movie hall. Must visit movie amidst the mindless mayhems we have been be exposed to.
Vidiyum Vari Kaathiru (1981)
Thrilling ride
This is one of the very under-rated thrillers ever made, possibly many are not aware of this movie too. K Bhagyaraj fittingly places Ilaiyaraaja's name at the very start of the title credits, and the maestro, as usual, provides a superb rousing score that completely conveys the whole story. In fact, the background score perfectly complements the vision of the director, especially the initial scenes involving the hero and rich man, hero enters the bungalow (eerie music indeed!), murder and the chilling train chase sequence. Top class stuff. The flashback is crisp. Sangili Murugan, Karate Mani and the rich man make a mark. On the downside, some scenes are unclear whether the events happen day or night. But, the movie is definitely worth a watch for Bhagyaraj and Ilaiyaraaja.....
Jallikkattu (1987)
Roller coaster ride
Manivannan, the great director, has converted a usual revenge story into a roller coaster ride with a terrific screenplay ably supported by Ilaiyaraaja's grand score and superb performances from Nadigar thilagam and Sathyaraj. The magnificent title score makes you completely glued to the proceedings right from the start. In fact, the BGM is awesome throughout the movie, completely in sync taking the movie forward. Some not-so-intelligent masala moments, like the leads disguised as villagers, but they are overridden by a lot of racy scenes. Cast wise, everyone is apt. Janakaraj and VA Murthy manage to raise few laughs. Manivannan, who has made successful movies in all genre, hits the bulls eye with this one too!
Katha Nayagan (1988)
Genuinely funny
A remake of a Malayalam movie, Kathanayagan is a great stress buster and anytime watch. I don't remember how many times i have see this! 'Crazy' Mohan in top form, his dialogues aptly and humorously rendered by Pandiarajan, SV Shekar, Neelu, Kallapatti Singaram, the new manager, Gaja, Malaysia Vasudevan, SS Chandran, 'Bayilwan' Ranganathan and his partner. Some standout scenes: Neelu's reaction when he questions the late coming, Gaja helping the travel, Bayilwan running helter-skelter every time he spots the CIDs, MV's priceless reaction after opening the suitcase, choosing the weapons to die and fight with the tall villain. HaHaHa......
Thalaimuraigal (2013)
For all generations
One of the heart-warming movies ever made. Sadly it didn't have a week run at the theaters. Veteran Balu Mahendra (BM) has beautifully captured the sweet moments between a grandfather and his grandson. One particular poetic scene where the grandpa takes a gem chocolate from the latter's hand. BM as the grandpa is top-notch and treat to watch with various expressions. Rest of the casting is very apt. The movie is devoid of commercial compromises, great that it can be watched by entire family. Music is very minimal, but very effectively portrays varied emotions, very typical from the combination of the legends Balu and Ilaiyaraaja. Only one Tamil TV channel telecasts this movie now and then. Don't miss!!
Naan Kadavul (2009)
Bold movie
One of the bold and unique movie ever made! This movie for sure is not for the faint-hearted. Wish the director could tone down the gore and violence in his movies, even this movie has quite a lot of disturbing visuals. Apart from that, the movie is brilliantly made with pitch- perfect detailing, the exquisite photography and the brilliant re- recording. The lead performers as well as some newbies were top class. Rajendran, the antagonist, was absolutely terrifying. The Kasi episodes with the priest are intensely shot, i haven't seen any similar scenes in any other movie. So are the humorous dance episode inside a police station, you have to watch the expressions of the actors mimicking old actors, terrific indeed!!
Captain Prabhakaran (1991)
A movie ahead of times
The very first shot with the camera hovering around the forests aided by the menancing and mesmerizing BGM of Ilaiyaraaja, you will be totally immersed into the movie. Director Selvamani has made this movie with very little commercial compromises, extracted the best from his team.
Technically, the movie is top-notch. And, IR the legend packs an adrenaline pumping score throughout the movie (The BGM when the protagonist searches the forests belong to some other level that the music maestro IR only can do).
Vijayakanth, Sarathkumar, Mansoor all in top form. Wish the great MN Nambiar's role was slightly lengthy. Hard-hitting dialogues are a big plus.
Don't miss it!