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.

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.

Wake Up Sid

Wake Up Sid is a romantic comdedy film. The story is set in Mumbai where Sid is a rich, carefree college student and Aiysha, an ambitious girl and aspiring writer. The movie revolves around the story of how both meet, live together, and how Sid changes into a better person.

The character Sid is portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor and has done justice to the role. He is brat at times, and sometimes a sweet little child. Aiysha is Konkana Sen, and she is very much alike to the usual characters she portrays. She has the same looks and style. Anupam Kher portrays the rich dad of Sid, who wants his son to take up his business.

Everything about the movie is lovely! The story, the cast, colours, songs, and all. Everthing in the movie seems natural and something that a normal human being can relate to. The elements of life are portrayed well and beautifully. The movie as well as the songs are extremely refreshing. The songs synch well with the moods of the movie.

Wake Up Sid is the directorial debut of Ayan Mukherji and he has done a wonderful job indeed.

I would love to watch the movie over and over again.

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

Picha vacha Naal

I heard a new Malayalam song very recently - "Picha Vacha Naal Muthal" from the movie Puthiya Mukham. A Prithiviraj, Meera Nandan starrer, the movie is directed by Deepan, and the music by Deepak Dev. Somehow I found the song to be an intriguing one. Finally today morning I had an opportunity to listen to the full song. It has that same pace throughout and you feel that you are at the beginning of the song all through the way.

The song sounds fresh and is capable of creating a mood. The lyrics by Kaithapuram are also good. Not to complex. You can easily grasp it if you listen once. I feel that this is one good malayalam movie song after a long time.
To download the song, visit CoolToad. But you need to create an account, if you already do not have one. It's free.

You can listen to and see the clipping here.