Tamil Movie Review

The first round of promotions of Dayanidhi Alagiri's production Tamil Padam has triggered curiosity. But all Dayanidhi had to say at a recent media gathering about the film was that it is a "complete laugh riot" and a "celebration of Tamil cinema".

He elaborated later, "It is something like Hollywood's Hot Shot or Scary movies. However, despite being a spoof it does not offend anyone."

The film features actor Siva of Chennai-28 fame and is directed by ad filmmaker-turned-director Amudhan.

The movie has been shot fully in RED ONE camera with Nirav Shah helming the cinematography. Kannan debuts as the music director. The film is expected to hit the screens around Pongal.

The finale of the music festival at Chipstead on Thursday night was marked by Shruti Haasan's rocking performance along with Live Martini. They performed to some popular rock `n' roll tracks. Father Kamal Haasan and Gautami were present in the crowd to cheer the pretty lady wield ing the mike. The guest, who made heads turn was another daughter of a superstar father, Soundarya Rajinikanth.
The lady looking very relaxed in a smart white top and blue jeans, as she interacted with Kamal during the show. Many of Shruti's friends were also present at the evening and were seen showering her with thunderous applause for every performance. Also making her presence felt was Shriya Saran, who came in a bright blue saree after attending a film function.

There is lot of hype surrounding the Dhanush and Shriya starrer Kutty directed by Mithran R Jawahar. Though it is a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Aarya, director Jawahar have taken a new angle to the story. It is not a regular one that talks about students on campuses, Jawahar had given a hit film Yaaradi Nee Mohini with Dhanush earlier. At the audio launch of the film Jawahar says, "Devi Sri Prasad's music for the original version was a huge hit and here again he has created the same magic." The climax chartbuster song Aa Ante as been retuned for Kutty to suit the local flavour. Produced by Gemini Film Circuit, the movie will hit the screens by Pongal.

Finally, actress Trisha will be seen sharing screen space with the versatile and top Indian actor Kamal Haasan for his next untitled film directed by K.S.Ravikumar. Many say that the Ulaganayagan himself wanted Trisha to play the female lead role, which is said to be performance oriented. Insiders also reveal that the entire film will be shot in the USA in one schedule and the actress has been asked to dole out dates at a stretch. The movie is produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin under the Red Giant movies banner.

It may be recalled that Trisha missed out the opportunity of teaming up with Kamal on two earlier occasions -- first it was Dasavatharam when she could not accommodate the dates and the second being in his magnum opus Marma Yogi, a period flick which did not take off despite an official announcement.

On 21st December Odyssey had arranged, A Book Reading on Chetan Bhagat's latest work, "2 States", followed by an interactive session with the author himself at Loyola College(Bertram Hall) Chennai.

A Lucky draw was conducted and the winner was given, an autographed collection of Chetan Bhagat's books.

The other celebrity who attended this event were Actress Suhasini, Kushbhoo, Shruthi Haasan, SS music VJ Craig and Pooja.

In the history of Tamil films its the first time, the audio release of a Tamil film which was held outside the country. The Silambarasan & Trisha starrer Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’s audio was released in London on Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Double Oscar winner Rahman composed music for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya and the album has seven songs, one of which is rendered by Rahman himself.

Few songs were screened at the venue to the jubilant NRI audience and the dias of the event was shared by Gautam Menon, Rahman, Silambarasan and Trisha clad in ravishing black outfits. The movie, a breezy romantic story, is expected to catapult Silambarasam to the big league and is expected to be released on 14th February, 2010, on the Valentines Day.

Om Puri’s official biography, written by his journalist wife Nandita Puri, was released in Chennai by Kamal on December 14. The book titled, Unlikely Hero Om Puri, was released in hotel Sheraton Park. Kamal also read excerpts from the book.

Even before its release, the book created a stir for its alleged contents of Om’s sexual escapades. Om also went on record accusing his wife of portraying his private life in poor light. Published by Roli books, the book also has a foreword by late Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze.

The critically acclaimed film Ram, which was directed by Ameer, is being remade in Hindi as Bolo Raam. Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Padmini Kolhapuri play important roles in the film. Finding the script to be a rare gem, Naseeruddin Shah had agreed to star in the film without accepting any payment for it.

He believe's that scripts like ‘Bolo Raam’ are very rare and they require a lot from an actor. Naseeruddin Shah is sure that if he would have charged any money for the film, He won’t ever be able to deliver his best and it would not have been a justification to the film.

Bolo Raam is being directed by Rakesh Chaturvedi and produced by Goldy Bhutani. The film will be the debut vehicle for Goldy’s son Rishi Bhutani.

The new designer hotel The Spring was unveiled to star-struck Chennai on Friday in the backdrop of superstar Rajinikanth turning 60. Anticipating the arrival of the superstar, a huge crowd of fans had gathered near the premises. As soon as he stepped out, the fans began chanting Thalaivar and he acknowledged them with his trademark three-finger wave. The event was a gathering Kollywood biggies comprising director Shankar, lyricist Vairamuthu, producer Ram Kumar, A.V.M Saravanan and others. One of the highlights of the party was a belly dance and flamenco show put up by a group of European dancers. Among those present on the occasion were Ravi and Swarnalatha of the Vasantha Bhavan group, Anand, Vasanth and others.

Amitabh Bachchan, 67, as Auro, 13, is convincing, compelling, adorable, cocky and will live with us forever. Paa is a touching and delightful story of bright, cute, plucky Auro. Born with progeria, a progressive genetic disorder that causes accelerated aging, Auro is 13 but lives in a 60-70 year-old-body with all its attendant complications and more. Auro lives with his gynaecologist mother Vidya (Vidya Balan), grandmom Bum ("because she has a big bum"), and goes to school where he has several friends.
Auro doesn't know but self righteous MP Amol Arte (Abhishek Bachchan) is his father. We meet Auro when he wins the first prize in a school competition and the trophy is handed over by Amol. Media present at the event is intrigued by the strange-looking Auro and land up in school next day to film the freak. Amol calls to apologise and Auro says he'd like to visit Rashtrapati Bhawan. A date is fixed.

Flashback to Oxford where Vidya is studying to be a doctor, and son-of-politician Amol is studying to be a politician.
The two run into each other and are soon making out in train coupes and restaurants. Condoms, on which Amol will later deliver a speech, aren't close at hand, so they go ahead anyway. Vidya is pregnant.
Vidya takes the next flight home and delivers her baby under her supportive mother's tender love and care.
Amol thinks the baby has been aborted. Full marks to director R.Balki for keeping a sad story low on maudlin and high on fun. It helps that Auro has the funniest dialogues and a cool lingo that's easy to connect with. The in-joke, the knowledge that Amitabh is Abhishek's father, makes their interaction fun.

Paa's problems lie in its second track. Considerable amount of time is spent on Amol and his jung. It's unnecessary, inept and irritates by wasting time that could have been spent in Auro's world.
Amol's character is supremely smug and Abhishek delivers bhashans with one single expression that says: "I look like a dude but what I'm saying is seriously significant and very deep".

Vidya Balan is understated, lovely and sexy. Sabyasachi has done a wonderful job matching her stunning cotton saris with gorgeous blouses. Very desi, very chic. Paresh Rawal hardly has a role, Arundhati Naag is good and the kid who plays Vishnu is great.

Illayaraja's music is fabulous, especially the violin version of Auro Theme.

Though there are moments you feel Auro is behaving and talking like an adult, in the end you don't really care. He is the star of the show.

Mr Balki, could we have a sequel, please. And this time, dump the dad and call it Auro.

CAST: Ameer, Madhumitha, Vincent Asokan, Kanja Karuppu , Snehan, Devaraj
DIRECTION: Subramaniam Shiva

Ameer has proved once again that action is his forte. After wielding the megaphone for the rustic tale of a valourous youth in Parutthi Veeran, Ameer now tells the story of an angry young man, set in a Chennai slum in Yogi.
The film, largely inspired by the Oscar-winning Tsotsi, deals with the element of humanity present even in a man who appears to have no emotions. Kudos to director Subramaniam Shiva.

The filmmaker's work deserves praise. Ameer has stood by him not just with his consummate acting, but also by contributing with his screenplay and dialogues.
There are times when one can see the director in him overshadowing the actor Ameer.

The movie unfolds in the narrow lanes of the Chennai slums.
Yogi (Ameer), born and brought up in this seedy environment, spends his time with his three pals including Parattayan (lyricist Snehan). They thrive on robbery and even commit the occasional murder.

When they rob a hotel one night, the quartet gets chased by cops. Yogi gives them the slip by driving away in a car parked outside a fruit shop. Later, he is shocked to find a baby in the vehicle. Yogi decides to take the baby with him and gradually develops a soft corner for the infant. Yogi persuades a young slum mother, Raja Sulochana (Madhumitha) who's been deserted by her husband, to breastfeed the baby.

Meanwhile the cops are hunting for the hotel heist culprits as well as the kidnappers of the baby. The baby's real mother, Caroline (Swathy) is desperate to get her child back. Her husband Linden (Vincent Asokan), who married her knowing fully well that the baby was not his, decides to find the baby and kill it.

At this point, Yogi's brutal past is revealed through a flashback.
He is tortured by his father (Devaraj), a beggar. His mother ends her life and his sister is beaten to death by his father right before his eyes.

Finally, Yogi feels remorse for the baby's mother and decides to give her back the child. But a twist in the tale makes it difficult for him to take his decision.

Ameer's portrayal of Yogi is convincing. The man who has brought out the acting skills of many, has played his part well.
He is at ease before the camera.

Madhumitha is equally impressive and steals the limelight in a unique role, that hasn't been seen before in Kollywood.

Vincent Asokan, Swathy, Devaraj, Snehan, Ponvannan and Kanja Karuppu among others play their part well. Gurudev and Devaraj's cinematography and Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score deserve special mention. They are the pillars of the movie. Produced by Ameer, Yogi is a movie that is remarkably different from the clichés that have become a staple these days.

The big buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that Venkat Prabhu will be joining hands with none other than Kamal Haasan. According a reliable source Venkat Prabhu had met Kamal Haasan recently and also narrated a script to him. Pleased with the inspiring story, the theme of which is reportedly similar to the Hollywood film Taken the actor has also given his nod to work with the filmmaker, but has reportedly demanded a huge sum as remuneration. Since Venkat Prabhu has a commitment to producer Siva, he wanted to make the film in the latter's banner Amma Creations. Now, it is learnt that Prabhu and Siva are negotiating with the actor and working out the budget as they are keen to begin work on this film soon.