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Reviews
Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002)
Nearly beats the classic Gunda during its more powerful moments
Absolutely horrible and headache inducing, this unique multi-star nonsense is a pathetic excuse of a film. Nothing makes sense but that doesn't mean this is a boring film. This is rip-roaring laughter ride that frustrates and entertains you in the equal proportions.
The best scenes of this movie like Akki producing a rocket launcher from nowhere and the mimicry scene from the villain will have you rolling in laughter and then some. The villain is a terrible actor, wears black suit and morphs into random people. The special effects are hilariously bad, the skeleton with the huge leg bones had me laughing forever. Its probably the high point in the movie. Actresses wear skimpy clothes and act foolish while actors who agreed to act in this movie should be driven a jeep into when not wearing that nonsense locket.
My favorite scene in the movie is when Kiran falls into water and cries for help, Aditya Panscholi doesn't know to swim so he cries for help; Aftab jumps in to rescue Kiran but he doesn't know to swim. Later Kiran swims with Aftab and tells Panscholi that she was testing who loves her more and she really knows to swim. The writer who came up with such gems should be applauded, although him not being Bashir Babbar shows in the dialogue department. Suniel Shetty and Sunny Deol are poor actors but they at least try in this movie.
Hilarious in its best moments, Jaani Dushman is a horrible B-movie that can be a pleasant Saturday diversion if you have a sense of humor.
Insomnia (2002)
Chris Nolan's worst is still good
As is evident by now, anyone who has enjoyed Christopher Nolan's movies would, most probably, Insomnia at the bottom of their favorite from Nolan. While people who don't enjoy the Nolan brand of cinema will mark Insomnia as their favorite from Nolan. Simply because, this movie is a remake and while has many of Nolan's signature styles, it is not as evident as it is in his other superior works (IMHO).
Nolan's movies (from Following to Inception) is built around the concept of duality. Insomnia has a similar theme running through it, that of Al Pacino's character living the life of a honest role-model while still doing things reprehensible, thus showing two sides of life. Al Pacino and Robin Williams are in supreme form and the cinematography by Wally Pfister is gorgeous. But the 'quickness' that is associated with other Nolan movies (even BB) is visibly absent in this one. It is by no means a bad movie, but the slow burn of the thriller does dampen the effect. Not a must watch, but an intriguing thriller that well matches its Swedish inspiration.
The Prestige (2006)
A magic trick in itself
This twisted, cleverly plotted movie is a favorite of mine. The movie progresses like a magic trick which as you're told at the very outset by veteran genius Michael Caine's character has three parts: The Pledge, The Turn, The Prestige. Analyze the movie after watching it and you can identify how well it fits into this description. Everything unfolds in front of your eyes but you still didn't watch while Nolan amazes you with a new trick from his seemingly inexhaustible bag of tricks. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play the obsessed magician roles perfectly while the cinematography and terrific production values set this mystery drama in Victorian London. One can uncover a few plot flaws on re-watch but that is because you know the secret. Once you know the secret, the magic is nothing.
Dhrona 2010 (2010)
Snooze-fest, but better than Shaji's recent movies
Shaji Kailas finally understands that shaking the camera or sizzling up the frames with over-edgy editing can induce only nausea for viewers. After the headache of 'Sound Of Boot' and 'Red Chillies', he delivers a movie without his irritating technical gimmicks. Now swap the non-existent storyline with a good one, and we may actually end up getting a quality movie from this once promising director. Coming to the movie, the performances of Mammootty and Manoj K. Jayan, are the only redeeming factors apart from Shaji's toned down edginess. The storyline is a mess and A.K. Saajan has borrowed ideas from movies ranging from Manichithrathazhu to his solo good movie Chinthamani Kolacase. Unwarranted comedy sequences (the bane of Malayalam movies nowadays) and zero suspense reduces the movie to be a prescription for insomnia at least a couple of times during its running time. The supernatural angle of the movie is sketchily described and the plot holes left in this process is too glaring to overlook. It's not a good movie by any means; but Shaji has bettered his previous horrible movies with a bad movie - that is comforting. (3.5 / 10)
Gunda (1998)
Brilliantly executed surrealistic high octane intellectual action drama with a tinge of fantasy packed with spectacular performances by seasoned veterans
The long summary of this review doesn't manage to give even a percent of acclaim to this splendidly written, innovatively directed, well-shot Mithun classic. Gunda won't cater to the escapism loving masses but will be loved and embraced by the elite who will forever be intrigued by the deep psychological undertones and surrealism enveloping this film. What separates this movie from any other is the script, written by poetic genius Bashir Babbar who takes the pain to transform a crime drama into an achievement in screenplay, writing turning villains out of characters never seen before in world cinema and gifting them with poignant yet powerful lines.
Mithunji in his element, fights corruption and embodies the beacon of hope as it was the case in the epics. A one man army against a horde of colorful and dangerous villains, his performance along with the extraordinary genius direction of Kanti Shah makes the film a truly emotional roller-coaster of a thrill ride. While the villains chew on the scenery with well etched roles; the lush cinematography and the gritty fight sequences only add to the greater pleasure. Tremendously uplifting while also providing us with a social message, Gunda grows into something larger than life. This is not just to be enjoyed; it is to be absorbed. Watch it and you will emerge a changed person.
Ankachamayam (1982)
Awful movie, doesn't even qualify as a guilty pleasure
This early 80's movie starring Prem Nazir in his late fifties has him romancing a girl barely 18. Considering that Malayalam movies are going through a similar phase with Mohanlal, Mammootty and Suresh Gopi, its no wonder the quality of this movie is as bad or even worse than some craps being dished out nowadays. Continuity issues, different voices dubbing for the same person, the main villain dying in the middle of the movie, killed by a guy who appears out of nowhere, only to come alive from thin air and fight the hero in the finale, the movie invites countless explanations and theories to solve its baffling premise. The violence towards women is established in the very first scene with a side villain raping a school girl. Almost all ladies in this movie are raped or just escapes being raped. Prem Nazir acts as a lawyer who turns into a vigilante in an unfortunate turn of events. The actor enacting the part of the villain overacts while Balan K. Nair provides possibly the only average performance in the movie. There are numerous plot threads and unwanted situations that I've even lost count of it. The gibberish written here is far easier to understand this trainwreck of a movie. Stay away unless you want to know how to not make a movie.
In Ghost House Inn (2010)
Tacked on climax to a hurried movie
The original Harihar Nagar was a classic and its sequel, 2 Harihar Nagar worked pretty well despite its flaws. But this movie is an exercise in mediocrity, further pushed down to the level of being a below average movie due to its horrible finale. Sure its a twist, but it only exists for twist's sake as it does nothing to the storyline and makes the whole movie lose its authenticity. The actors work well except for Jagadeesh, who after a stupendous performance in the sequel, hams it up with rather unfunny jokes, for which Lal has to shoulder the blame. Ashokan does well in the few serious scenes and Mukesh and Siddique are as reliable as ever. The ladies have nothing much to do although Lakshmi Rai does well in the dance inserted to appeal to the masses. Nedumudi Venu gives an excellent performance but is let down by the script that is not sure whether to be a horror movie or to remain as a comedy ultimately resulting it to be a disappointing movie. I've given worse movies better rating but they haven't disappointed me as much as this did.
Janakan (2010)
A frustrating movie with moments of brilliance
The entire movie can be described as a mix of parts equally bad and good. With a premise very similar to the slightly better 'Vairam', there is much potential at disposal which is not efficiently harnessed by veteran S.N.Swami's script. Mohanlal plays the cameo to perfection but the role is given more importance than it is due thereby sidelining the major issue of the movie. Suresh Gopi shines with a believable performance but the transition to the vigilante is not sketched out effectively. Harisree Ashokan, Biju Menon and Mohini phones it in while Vijayaraghavan has a few scene stealing moments which he does with aplomb. The movie also skims over the serious issue it deals with just as a framework for a thriller which is unfortunate, in my opinion, as it is a major one in the real world now. An average thriller which may work for you if you don't have much expectations from a Mohanlal-Suresh Gopi movie, which is hardly true in my case.
Bhagavan (2009)
There is a difference between experimentation and torture
Even the best of actors can't save a movie as awful as this one is and no one can blame the array of greats made to participate in this farce masquerading as an experiment. It's an experiment alright, but more like torture. Regardless of whether a movie is being shot in one day or twenty days, a good story is necessary for any movie. This movie seemed to be conceptualized to be filmed in a day instead of narrating a good movie. Mohanlal looks disinterested in the proceedings and does a rare mediocre act in this movie. The worst part of this movie is that it can't be even seen as a guilty pleasure. Sure, the effects are the extreme of tackiness, but, the movie is let down by its sense of dread and hero worship. Stay away or watch when you can't get to sleep.
Rock N' Roll (2007)
Harmless, Nonsensical
As is the case for a good part of this decade, Rock-N-Roll is a harmless, nonsensical fluff made by the power duo of Mohanlal and Ranjith. The fact they came up with a movie so cold is disappointing but lets analyze the movie on its merits rather than associating it with the merits of its makers. Its a slightly above average standard romantic comedy when compared with the ones in 2000s. There is no story to tell and not many laugh aloud moments, but it is pleasant and at most times entertaining. There are some double-meaning dialogues in the movie which makes it a not-s0-suitable movie for a family watch but that's a minor quip. The major quip is that the movie never becomes anything - a mediocre but pleasant evening diversion.
Catfish (2010)
See it on home video
Warning: The distributors are selling the movie as a thriller but its more of a drama with a very few moments of suspense.
The movie/documentary touches on a few relevant issues about the Web 2.0 generation where friendships and relationships are plain plastic. The nature of documentaries nowadays makes the characters and the situations in the movie seem unrealistic regardless of whether it's fabricated or not, all thanks to 'I'm here'. Regardless of this, Catfish does make an impression on the serious moviegoer's minds and the closing moments of the movie reveals a few gems of thoughts to ponder upon.
On a closing note, I will say to catch Catfish (sorry for the pun) on home video. Definitely not worth your 10$, but your 3 dollars? Sure.
Raising Arizona (1987)
Entertaining Movie from Coen Brothers
One of the best filmmakers of this generation, this early movie of Coen brothers is tremendously entertaining although not in the league of their better movies that include Fargo, Lebowski or No Country For Old Men. Also even with the over the top premise, some scenes of the movie was plain silly.
Top notch performances from everyone including a young Holly Hunter and an even younger Nicholas Cage - one of the few movies he hasn't phoned in the Nic Cage performance. Despite being the movie that it is, the Coens do end the movie on the poignant note. A great watch for a weekend afternoon.
Udayon (2005)
I loved it
After 5 years of its release and initial hatred towards the movie, I was awestruck by the brilliance of this movie which was sadly ignored by critics and masses at the time of its release. But after watching many more movies in the last five years, I can say Udayon is one of the finest works in the last decade of Malayalam cinema. This may seem like a blind overstatement; but this movie received brickbats for not being the movie everyone wanted. No one took the movie for what it is: an engrossingly character study of a deeply flawed protagonist played by Mohanlal. Although the director falters in many scenes by incorporating unwanted humor, songs and additional characters, the central premise is intriguing as any other great movie. Don't expect the usual entertainer - take the movie for what it is and I for one, found myself mesmerized by this movie. The technical department and acting department do their jobs well. Mohanlal, Bindu Panikker and Manoj K Jayan are at their top of games in this movie.
Ividam Swargamanu (2009)
Enjoyable although unnecessarily stretched out
One of Mohanlal's better films to come out during the past few years, Ividam Swargamanu was capable of much more as it was backed by a major production house and has a brilliant screenwriter and talented director at its helm. But due to some issues with the pacing in the first half, the movie comes off just as a good-not-great movie. The enormous cast headlined by Mohanlal is good and its always wonderful to see him share screen with seasoned actors like Thilakan, Sreenivasan, Lalu Alex or Jagathy. As said, the slow pacing in the first half may put off viewers and that is pretty lethal for a film like this where you need to be rooting for the protagonist by the end. But the movie is definitely worth a watch.
Nayakan (2010)
Excellent
One of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performance. It is sad he is yet to be noticed by the mainstream crowd even though more talented than his star brother, Prithviraj. Although one can argue about the strength of the script, it is Lijo Jose Pellisery's innovative direction that makes this one the winner it is. Cinematography by VTV fame Manoj Paramahamsa oozes atmosphere in each frame sucking you in this world which is strangely realistic and surreal at the same time. Combine all the above factors with an excellent BGM, crisp editing and well choreographed fights, you've a treat in your hands. Nayakan is a movie to be watched by anyone who loves Malayalam movies or any movie, for that matter.
Innathe Chinthavishayam (2008)
Feel good family movie
Although this Sathyan Anthikkad - Mohanlal movie does not match their older movies; it still has some charm to it that makes you sit through this uneven yet enjoyable family entertainer.
The director has still not been able to find his feet in the world of script writing and it shows in the whole movie. The pace of the story is uneven, there are jumps and breaks in the plot points and the whole back-story of Meera Jasmine's character was unnecessary. But still what works in favor of the movie is Illayaraja's good background score, nice visuals from Azhagappan, Sathyan Anthikkad's tried and trusted direction and a nice performance from Mohanlal.
The movie belongs with introducing us to three couples and the problems in their marital life and the issues it create for their family. The character of Mohanlal unknowingly becomes a part of their lives and the rest of the story is how he unties the knots and make everyone live happily ever after. Other than Mohanlal, Meera Jasmine, Sukanya, Mohini, Vijayaraghavan, Muthumani, Mukesh and Ashokan do their parts well. Siddique shines in a cameo while Innocent and Mammukoya are hilarious in their parts. The child actors including Niveditha have done well. If it hadn't been for the flaws in the narration, this movie would have been one amongst the director's best. Still, Innathe Chinthavishayam is definitely a cut above the recent no-brainers churned out by Mollywood.
Praja (2001)
Don't watch it more than once!
Go get a cup of coffee as Mohanlal starts reciting his dialog penned by the one and only Renji Panikker. In Panikker's world, everyone screams. No one is calm and everyone has got a bad temper which leads to scenes going over-the-top with explosive BGM, lines that never end and actors who look like they sat on a bee. Joshiy and Mohanlal does a lot to keep things consumable for the ordinary viewer but the dialogs are so full of patriotic fervor that anyone in the right sense may be nauseated.
I've watched this movie a dozen times now and I've to say I've started liking it for its sheer absurdness and for it being senselessly over- the-top. That's why I advise anyone with the right mind to not watch it more than once. But I've come to like it over repeated viewings that I give it five stars. The songs are decent, the production values are good and a whole bunch of villains are to be verbally and physically assaulted by Mohanlal. If you like that idea, then watch this movie. But don't forget your coffee!
Aavesham (1979)
One of a kind
Filled with tense, impeccably crafted action sequences one after the other, Aavesham is a rare breed of an action movie in Malayalam. Jayan battles a tiger, a bear, crocodiles and numerous baddies in this late 70's flick that will have your heart rolling.
The story is just an excuse for Jayan to go wild on any evil. Sheela is Jayan's sister and Ummar is his brother-in-law and M.N.Nambiar is Ummar's boss. The boss wants the employee's wife which ultimately leads to Jayan arriving to save her. What follows is a plot so unbelievable that sometimes you don't understand what's happening. But the actions scenes are top-notch and differ in variety and happens every three minutes or so.
Ummar and Sheela are good in their roles while M.N.Nambiar shines as the villain. The heroines for Jayan do their song and glamour stuff. Cinematography is crazy in this film. Jayan does what he does best in two roles and beats the pulp out of many a living thing. Direction is OK while the editing is pretty sloppy with many parts of the movie long- drawn out. But for action junkies, this one is a treat: An action adventure movie we don't see so often in Malayalam.
Mortuary (1983)
Brilliant, tense and deep
Let me get one thing straight - this movie is not for the dumb or faint-hearted. Each actions unveiled in the process of this movie has layers of meanings that can be understood only on further viewings.
The director and the actors should be given credit for developing a seemingly harmless story into a movie that sends a chill down your spine. The slow first half may dupe you into believing this is another routine 80's Malayalam movie but the stunner happens when a key character is killed by the midway of the movie. The second half is saturated with thrills and many tense moments. The climax is a real stunner which will leave you thinking for a while but will have you ultimately satisfied when you think it in the whole picture's perspective.
Coming from the brilliant mind of Baby, director of Lisa, this movie relies on more psychological horror than senseless violence. Prem Nazir and Madhu do justice to their bit parts while Sreevidya is a revelation, especially in the climax. But the real scene stealer is T.G.Ravi who plays the prosecution lawyer to perfection. Shankar, Maniyanpilla Raju are their usual selves. A must have for any horror fan, another film I suggest which is even more thrilling and scary than both Lisa and Mortuary is Soudhamini (starring Jagadeesh).
And please, don't watch it alone.
Soudamini (2003)
Superb!
If you thought Memento was a complicated movie, see this and find the brilliance in the screenplay. The movie proceeds in unexpected directions and scenes can be pieced together as a jigsaw puzzle by the viewer eventually.
The acting is top-notch with the girl playing Soudhamini giving a performance of her lifetime. Songs are well integrated to the whole movie and have meaningful, thought-provoking lyrics. The tight script always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Captain Raju plays the magician with aplomb in this thriller. The special effects like the "bear child" are chilling and will hit you like a bat of bricks. The camera work is awesome with the cinematographer opting for wide and crazy angles. The editor could have done a bit of trimming but that is not a problem at all.
The story goes like this: Jagadish (in a superb cameo) meets a child for whom he gives a ride on his cycle. But suddenly the child turns into a girl who then kills him and disappears. Then the story is told in flashback about the origin of this mysterious girl which leads to the revelation of a age old secret. All these lead to an unbelievable climax that is very logical and satisfying.
On the downside, the comedy track in the movie spoils a lot of fun and hence it loses a point. But I've never seen such a fun movie in Malayalam in ages. This is a cult classic.