Manikyakallu

Year: 2011

Genre: Drama

Direction: M Mohanan

Cast: Prithviraj and Samvrutha Sunil

Rating: Good

Watched the movie this Friday. I felt that it was worth a watch. Unlike other movies released recently, it was not with high hopes or expectations that I went to watch this movie. But indeed, the movie is a worth watch. When compared to the recent disastrous movies, Manikyakallu is conventional malayalam movie with a decent star cast, story, and a message.

The story is a usual one and we are sure to have watched stories similar to this in the past. Though it was more like the old wine in a new bottle, the new bottle was really good. Prithviraj seemed a normal human being and far better than what he portrayed in Urumi. All the characters, did commendable jobs, in the small roles offered. Samvritha had a new look and mannerisms, which she did with extreme effortlessness. Nedumudi, Jagathy, Salim Kumar, Indrans, and the entire cast was good. I would say that the cast itself seemed like a reason for a good watch. The children who played the student cast also were too good. It never seemed as though they were enacting, but just seemed like normal school students. There were no unwanted romantic scenes, supernatural stunt sequences, or exotic locations. Everything seemed perfect and just what a normal Malayalam audience can relate to.

The camera work also was commendable. The beauty of the locations stood out in many of the scenes. The characters also fit in place with the locations. The songs may not linger on after you leave the theater, but were apt for the situation.

All in all, a good movie and a perfect one for a thought.

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.

Swa Le

It is some time since this movie has been released. I had heard good reviews of it and hence decided to watch it. First of all let me say that the movie though is not too good, does meet expectations.

The story is of a news reporter of a not-so-good doing firm, his attempts to get scoops, making meet both ends of his life, and finally trying to be a human being. The film seems to be set in the early 90's and shows the hardships that news reporters then had to face. The brighter side of the movie is the visualization of human relationships, a feeling to be in sync with nature, and trying to be committed to work as well. The sarcastic comments and portrayals also hit the spots exactly.

The visualization is good and set with lots of backwaters and greenery in view. Though there are no songs worth a hum after watching the movie, the on-screen pair does look good together. Gopika did not have much of a challenging role. From the beginning till the end, we see the heroine as a pregnant lady who is extremely patient with her husband's odd timing. The character does lack emotions at times. Dileep has done a commendable job. After seeing the other contemporary super heroic and worst movies of Dileep, it seems he has done a good job.

Everything about the movie was realistic except for the last bit. It shows the sudden transformation of the person with lots of feelings to a very practical news editor. Apart from that, the movie was worth a watch.

Neelathamara - Songs

Have you heard the recent Malayalam song "Anuraga vilochananaayi" from the movie Neelathamara? Well, it is a bit different song and pleasing to hear. Though you will notice similarities to a number of other different songs, it is overall a good effort.

I heard the song very recently and liked it. And I guess it is getting good reviews overall. The visualization also looks good. There is nothing so great but it is good. Just shows the plays and mischiefs of two unopen lovers.

The music for the songs are by the maestro Vidya Sagar and do you know who has sung the song? The female part is by Shreya Ghoshal. :-) Doesn't seem like she is having any pronunciation problems.

To visit the official website of the movie see here.

And to view and hear the song see here