Prasad S – Google

#Uppena, by debutant director Buchi Babu, treads the formulaic path of a rustic, casteist, village-belle love story, yet it evokes raw emotions - both positive and negative - tugging at your heartstrings especially towards the end. Keeping aside the overtly romantic and typical patriarchal clichés that are integral to such stories, what works in its favour is the unpretentious act put on by the entire star cast in a well-written screenplay, which has been backed by some powerful dialogues. The chemistry between the lead pair (played by debutants #PanjaVaisshnavTej & #KrithiShetty) - thankfully devoid of any stardom and aura - is palpable and natural, which carries the movie during the breezy first half. Though the voiceover/dubbing for #VijaySethupathi is inapt, he rises above such backend hassles with a menacing-yet-measured performance as the antagonist that is sure to fetch many more similar opportunities for him in Tollywood. It would be interesting to see his choice of roles in the upcoming movies. While the utterly predictable second half meanders to a supposedly tame conclusion, the director springs a surprise by unleashing a verbal barrage (convincingly delivered) by the female protagonist, instead of opting for the time-tested climax fight between the male protagonist and the antagonist. For a change, most of the songs/tracks, though sounding like oft-heard tunes (music by Devi Sri Prasad), are aligned to the mood board and help the screenplay to move forward. A peppy background score balances the somewhat sombre, melancholic canvas on which the entire story has been mounted. Cinematography (by Shamdat Sainudeen) is a treat to watch throughout the movie. The coastal milieu, including the visual montages of the ocean, have been canned beautifully (barring a couple of frames though). The intro scene of the lead protagonist where he gets into a brawl on the seashore has been fantastically shot, and deserves a special mention. Editing by Navin Nooli passes muster. Uppena is a classic example of how a predictable love story can be elevated by an apt cast, engaging screenplay, and good production values. Above all, it takes you through the ebb and flow of emotions - anger, joy, love, and melancholy to name a few - and makes you empathize with the lead pair and root for ‘pure love’ instead of ‘manhood-driven love’! (Well, this is an alert on what to expect if you are planning to watch!). Worth a watch.

Unlike other movies of #LokeshKanagaraj, #Master's screenplay is utterly predictable. #VijaySethupathi provides a spark or two while #Vijay is confined to his routine formulaic performance. Despite having an apt premise, it lacks an emotional connect due to poor characterization. Starting with Andreah, too many characters are left half- baked, some without even making it clear if they are with the protagonist or the antagonist. As usual, silly logical overtures are aplenty resulting in a bulky output of almost 3 hours. It appears that #LokeshKanagaraj had to let go of his usual flair to accommodate Vijay's larger-than-life, mass persona.

It is astonishing to watch a 70-year old, energetic #RajiniKanth trying his best to salvage a run-of-the-mill, stale script and a mediocre screenplay. However, one keeps wondering when would #Kollywood directors come up with a compelling script that would bring out the giant actor in him, which has been completely ignored and forgotten in the melee of muscles and whistles! #Rajini became a Super Star because of powerful scripts and screenplays that enabled him to showcase his acting prowess besides allowing him to unleash his charisma through his inimitable style quotient. Sadly, what we get to see often is only his punch dialogues [that are not-so-punchy of late] and some goofy mannerisms. Producers, directors, and fans should quickly realize that when there is no script, all these gimmicks are not enough to save the movie. The chemistry between Rajini and Nivetha Thomas [as an aging father and a doting daughter] is the only saving grace in the long movie. Is it compulsory to have a romantic track even in a script like this? How #Nayanthara agreed to do a toothless role is still a mystery. And when would they stop portraying somebody get slapped or beaten as comedy? Production values are below par for such a big-budget movie, music is pedestrian, background music is either blaring or inappropriate, and stunts are altogether unimpressive. Horrible lip sync and accent is a complete put-off. Verdict: Diabolical Darbar! We want 'Rajini' - the actor who is stylish. However, we keep getting only the latter. See it for Thalaivar though!

After #IrumbuThirai (in which the main focus was on digital/online payment frauds & perils of social media exposure), PS Mithran has nailed it again in #Hero by exposing the corrupt education racket, widely-prevalent corporate intolerance towards disruptive innovations, and importance of imparting & nurturing ideas and knowledge among students! Finally, #Sivakarthikeyan has taken a baby step towards transforming himself from a goofy (& often vagabond) hero mouthing useless punch dialogues into a mature and responsible protagonist. He fits the bill perfectly (in the role of a superhero) as it always takes a hesitant, self-doubting common man to gradually grow into the role. Shortcomings in screenplay are ought to be ignored as a credit to the director's idea (story premise) despite it being an extremely sensitive topic (that are likely to ruffle a few weathers among the higher echelons in the political, corporate and educational domains). In a nutshell, it is a hard-hitting, must-watch movie (preferably in theatres). And make it a point to stay put while the credits start rolling at the end. The content crew has really worked hard to collate and showcase quite a few real-life innovators and their inventions. And after the credits, the director too chips in with a quick cut that points to a sequel!

#Kaithi keeps you cuffed to your seat (!) with its explosive and brilliant screenplay [sans songs and dances]. #LokeshKanagaraj makes you forget about logic, plausibility, lapses, and overtures until the movie is over. That itself is a testimony to the cinematic brilliance. Though a bit loud, background music [BGM] raises the pulse! Perhaps for the first time in #Kollywood's history, a hero's (impactful) flashback is told merely through his own narration in less than 5 minutes, and without the usual escapades such as romance, duet, melancholy, retribution, and justification. Simultaneous and relentless action on multiple fronts keeps you glued to the screen always. And oh boy! that rustic #JohnWick or #Rambo moment! #Karthi not only blows the hapless dozens of villains to smithereens but also your mind! Verdict: Don't miss this 'edge of the seat' thriller! And fasten your seat belts to ensure that you don't tumble over to the next row of seats!

#Bigil unravels slowly as it addresses multiple social causes - women empowerment, child education, abhorring violence, and tackling corruption - all at one go. Bigil fights his way through a corrupt minister, local goon and his rowdy son, greedy head of a sports body, a heady rival coach, villainous police, and dozens of thugs. In between, he indulges in cheesy romance, truckload of sentiments [involving father, fiancee, sister, players etc.], countless comic capers, and a bit of #football coaching too [which happens to be the main premise/plot]! Hence, the bulky output of 179 minutes. It would become racy enough just by trimming the hero intro template of a mass fight and a mass song in the first half. Watchable.