Anwar

Over the weekend, we watched the Malayalam movie Anwar. Directed by Amal Neerad, the movie is a good-watch, inclusive of beautiful shots, action, and a considerably good story. The cast includes Prakash Raj, Prithviraj, Lal, and Mamtha in the lead roles.

The story revolves around terrorism - the kind people behind it and the victims. The movie opens with the shot of a bomb blast in a textile shop in Coimbatore. Following we see the investigation, arrests, and the scenes in the jail. The story proceeds to show how Prakash Raj, an ATS officer, investigates the case; Lal, a person behind the blast and several similar ones; and Prithviraj, a victim of the Coimbatore blast, do things to achieve what they believe is right.

Through the first half we see Prithviraj joining the terrorist gang, planning attacks, training new people, and making bombs. From the second half, the movie takes a twist and it is now when it is revealed that he is actually a victim and wants to take revenge. From there the movie takes a fast pace.

The best part about the movie were some of the beautiful shots like the one in which the Coimbatore blast is shown, leaves rustle against the bus when it takes a turn and the like. The songs are good and are in harmony with the mood and movie. I like the colour tones used to represent the moods and the kind of lighting used. Everything seemed real about the movie including the sets and the characterizations.

Though I liked almost everything about the movie, the moment you leave the theatre, the movie is forgotten. The movie was not successful in creating a lingering effect on the audience.

A good movie, well-shot and presented.

Saagar

Have you watched this movie? It is a movie of the 80s. I saw it probably when I was very small. But the songs and the Kamal Hassan's character immediately attracted me to the movie. Since then I have been a big fan of the songs of the movie, especially Saagar Jaise Aankhon...

Today, probably after a lot of years, I am watching it again, as it is coming on television. Even after 25 years the movie and songs seem fresh. Except for Dimple Kapadia, who looks a bit old for her role in the movie, I love everything else about Saagar.

And if you haven't watched this movie by any chance, it is a triangular love story, where Rishi Kapoor and Dimple are in love with each other and Kamal in love in Dimple without her knowledge. Rishi and Dimple have nothing in common apart for their love for each other. Both come from different classes of the society and family backgrounds. The second half of the movie deals with these problems.

Whether you like the movie or not, you will definitely love the songs.