Avan Ivan Review

In all honesty, I dont know where to begin with Bala. The man began his career with Sethu and has risen to heights that I dont think he even thought he would reach. Personally, I have found his films disturbingly dark but extremely sensitive as well, an odd combination but one that was present. His latest one of Avan Ivan was supposed to be done in the shortest amount of time and be a full length light-hearted film but while the time factor was clearly extended more than anyone liked, does he succeed in the different style of film? Not really.

Avan Ivan is about Walter Vanagamudi [Vishal Krishna], the oldest son in family of thieves that aspires to become a big time actor, his step-brother Kumbiduren Saamy [Arya], a much louder mouthed but quick witted theif, and the dethroned Jaminder of there village, Highness [G.M.Kumar]. As the only person that can command some respect from the two, Highness is the only thing between the two step-brothers that can stop them fighting. At the same time, he cares about them dearly and wants them to reform from their criminal ways. As the two find love, Highness is the one that clears the way for them, even if it means he must let go of his own grudges against people who cheated him. But what happens when Highness is in trouble? Will the brother look past their mutual animosity and help him? This forms the crux of the story.

Let me continue from my first para and say that this is definitely a Bala film although slightly different. His style of filmmaking is definitely evident in the picturisation and pace. However, his undying desire to write stories about the forgotten ones of society although merit-worthy, is something he hasn't given up even in his light-hearted filmmaking. Vishal Krishna steps away from the masala of Malakottai and Thamirabharani and transform himself quite literally. As the "onnarai kannan" [squint eyed] Walter, he has put in a lot of effort to be the character instead of the star and it is greatly appreciated. Arya is not new to the slum characterisation and pitches in a decent performance. You could even say that barring a few scenes, he is the central comedy relief for a good portion of the film. A special mention must be made of their bromistry [brotherly chemistry for the uninitiated] which works big time. Constable Baby is a fun character played by Janani Iyer, a cute newbie that does what she can. Hopefully we will see more of her. Madhu Shalini plays a key role but she is just about ok as Thenmozhi. G.M.Kumar is fun, innocent and courageous as Highness and scores on more than one occasion, higher than the lead actors. Ambika and Jayapradha are nowhere near as classy as I have known them to be but both work well as the foul-mouthed mothers. R.K's intro seems too quick for liking and his screen time is quite short but as the catalyst he tries his best. The artists that play the DSP position aspiring Inspector and Arya's sidekick bring the house down repectively. The rest add to the mix.

Music is always a highlight with Bala's film and he returns with Yuvan but this isn't his usual best although completely in sync with Bala's storytelling on the background score. Rasathi does entertain but listen to the soundtrack more than watch the visuals since they aren't up to par. Editing by Suresh Urs is neat and the cinematography by Arthur Wilson is a big plus point for the film. Each scene is shot with amazing grace and depicts the mountain area beautifully with no superficiality. 

The weakest link and certain cause of the setback is the story and the pace, two key items Bala has always had tight reigns on. So the characters are supposed to be of the forgotten sector of society yet you are not supposed to look at them that way. Ok, granted. But in all honesty, do people of any sector of society have such a constant flow crass jokes? Dialogue writer S.Ramakrishnan does have good points since the audience does laugh out loud sometimes but that isn't for very long. Adding to this, there is no logic behind the supposed "romantic" scenes. Neither pair of ladies are shown to give reason behind their affinity to the male leads, if you leave aside the rude behaviour towards that precedes these circumstances. On top of this, you are bombarded with the crass comedy for a good portion of the film before the story progresses. Yes, you will have to swallow Bala's trademark brutal depiction but does that also warrant patience being tested? 

I walked in with no expectations since this was Bala's attempt at being more mainstream and light-hearted but when you refer Pithamagan to have better comedy and Naan Kadavul to have more heart, disappointment is all that you are left with.

Rating: 2/5

Chikku Bukku Review

Sometimes you come across a film that just tickles your fancy ever so lightly and before you know it, you want to know all about it! Chikku Bukku which has Arya, Shriya Saran and Prateeka Rao in lead roles directed by first time director Manikandan is not one of them.

So here's how it goes: Arjun[Arya] is a DJ born and bred in London. His life consists of flirting with women, surfing Facebook and music. While Arjun wants nothing to do with it, his grandmother instructs him to go to back to India and save his ancestral property in Kaaraikudi. Cut to Anu[Shriya Saran]. A mischievous final year student at University, hers is thoda masti, thoda mazaak kinda character. Living it up in london, she certainly doesn't want to go back to Simmakal, Madurai but has to go home to see his ill father. With varying reasons, the two set out to make their way back to the home. All things are going to plan untill they reach India. Flights in Bangalore are cancelled as there is a strike by employees. Now this is where the Chikku Bukku reference comes from as the two have no other resort but to buy illegal[black] tickets for a train ride to Madurai as husband and wife. But the fun doesn't stop there. As two unlikely travel buddies, they also get forced to hitchhike rides from random strangers, sleep on top of an abandoned bus, steal a car and get chased by goons in said car along the way. In between the chaos, through writings of Arjun's father Shekhar's[Arya again] diary, we shift to 1985. An era when Shekhar was waiting for his police training call. An era where he fell in love. So how does Arjun and Anu's travel link with Shekhar's love story? Board the train to find out.

After knocking me flat with an emotional Parithi in Madrasapattinam and into hysterics as Bhaskar in Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Arya is back as the cool, fun loving Arjun and a matured man of loyalty and dignity as Shekhar. Although making the two characters completely different, he underplays them so that a "like father, like son" trait is visible and also keeping the two era's in mind. Shriya Saran is in a role that was announced with Genelia first and I think they should have stuck to her. As the hyperactive, talkative, know it all Anu, she tends to go overboard alot. Understandably, she's playing a crazy character and it has worked before but this time it just doesn't. The two actors seem totally out of sync for the massive amount of screen time they have with Arya's casual act and her overreacting. To fans of Amrita Rao, Prateeka is beautiful and clearly has similar traits to her sister Amrita but don't expect the same acting. She makes her presence felt in certain scenes but as a newcomer still has a long way to go. A special mention must be made to all the cameo's in the film. Usually, cameo's are an added highlight, but for this film they are the reason the film perks up with the likes of Santhanam, Vayapuri, Pandu and Jagan making their presence felt.

While Gurudev's camera keeps the ongoing pleasurable to see, Milan's sets in the flashback era lack authenticity. Dialogues by director Manikandan and Ramakrishnan are just about ok. So what can I say about one time assosciate of Jeeva, Manikandan on the writer/directoral front. The story is pretty easy to follow but there is a sense of one era has the story and the other is just an unnecessary second track. There is also a tad bit of confusion on whether this is a crazy travelogue between two contrasting characters or a tale of how two men fall in love and how they express it. Its good that on the outset characters have been identified but the bonds between them haven't been established properly so instead of feeling for them, you are left blank. The styling[V.Sai and Deepali Noor] of the main leads, especially Shriya, definitely needs work. Where Arya looks the parts, both the leading ladies are a bit all over the place. Shriya's especially was a mish mash of items put together so instead of being hip and stylish, she looks confusing to say the least barring the saris. The music by "Colonial Cousins" Leslie and Hariharan leaves a lot to be desired with Zara Zara being the pick of the lot. The background score is Pravin Mani works well with the proceedings. 

Chikku Bukku: A romantic ride with travel sickness and nice visuals.

Rating: 2/5

Boss Engira Bhaskaran Review

They say comedy is a serious business. Not everyone can capture what is funny on paper, on celluloid. For director Rajesh M, he does it with such ease; you find it difficult to believe it’s only his second feature film. With great performances from his lead cast, he returns after the huge success of Siva Manasula Shakthi (SMS), with another comedy caper that is sure to follow suit.

Meet Bhaskaran aka Boss (Arya). A busy bee with nothing to do. Carefree and callous, he has failed his English exam that many times, he will soon be doing the exam with his much younger sister. Now meet Nallathambi (Santhanam). A barber shop owner who’s making ends meet. As a dutiful friend, wherever necessary, he helps his best friend out with ideas and whatnot (read: money). This doesn’t always work out for him. As you may have guessed, enter Chandrika (Nayanthara). Boss falls for Chandrika while he's waiting for a bus to attend his exam. As he tries to impress her and fumbles, he reaches the exam hall only to find out she is the exam hall teacher. But wait, why was he running after someone with a sickle in the opening scene? Isn’t it supposed to proceed with how Boss gets his girl and becomes the son/brother/son-in-law that everyone wants him to be? 

If you follow me on twitter, you will know that I was keeling over in pain from laughter while watching this movie. Yes, it’s a "leave your brain at home" type of movie but so what? It’s entertaining to say the least and Rajesh has made it abundantly clear that is aim. The best part for me was the old Arya from the days of Arindhum Ariyaamalum is back. And how! From a serious, heart-wrenching role in Madrasapattinam, the actor has done a 180 degree turn, showcasing a natural performance in comedy. As Boss, he is just your average lovable loafer. Although accused of being a dead-pan with his facial expressions on occasion, Arya has shown improvement from his previous comedy caper Oram Po. With Santhanam in the mix, the two just have a ball. The chemistry between them is superb and sure to be seen again. Already known for his amazing timing and quick wit, Santhanam returns with Rajesh and delivers yet again, a rip-roaring performance. With them, another person that I wish to see again is Subbu Panchu who plays Arya's older brother. Having seen him tear-jerker Tele-serials as an arch-nemesis for the protagonist, I honestly could not recognise him on the silver screen. In a small, yet vital role that’s definitely a pleasant surprise, he leaves his mark and brings the house down.

With the boys hogging the limelight, Nayanthara does tend to get lost in the mix. But as the demure yet confident teacher in training, Nayanthara looks and acts the part effectively. Often criticised for her costumes, Nalini Sriram has finally got it right with her costume design to suit Nayanthara’s physique and character. Adding to the already good looking on screen couple, their chemistry is effortless. While Arya is the verbous bumbling idiot, Nayanthara composed and calm, comes back with a "Pardon?" The expression on Arya's face is priceless.

Although the performances are what you look out for in the film, it would be wrongful to not mention the re-recording and dialogue. If one openly makes you giggle, the other makes you gaffaw with what it alludes to. Look out for the references to past Tamil flicks. Some may find it offensive, but I simply could not stop laughing. Rajesh has made the dialogues easy for the common man to identify with what's being said. Admittedly in a humorous manner, but the emotions and projection are quite natural.

Once again it is time to pull out the short straws. And for this, I am a little disappointed. As mentioned, no path-breaking cinema is expected but when the viewer can guess the next “twist”, you better have a backup plan. Having a guest appearance is fine but this one was just stupid. The re-recording was typical Yuvan, yet he still had me questioning his state of mind. Undoubtedly it is him on the soundtrack too but he is just not up to par. For such a fun film, I was expecting a lot more.

For the non-Tamil viewer, if possible, watch it with someone that can explain Tamil slang properly as you don’t want to be lost in translation. A total Paisa-vasool kinda film after a long time...