‘Thangameenkal,’ comes like a fresh breath of air

By Mythily Ramachandran

“Which is of a higher value-Rs.1000 or Rs.100? Asks Stella Miss looking at Chellama. The class 2 student answers in great enthusiasm, “Rs.1000 is costly for my granddad but Rs. 100 is costly for my father.”
Her teacher rebukes/shouts at her in anger while her classmates laugh at her answer.
Chellama believes that there is no single correct answer to a question, but then nobody around her understands that, least of all her teachers. The only person who understands her is her father who patiently answers all her questions. The two share a close bond.

Chellama is a special child and the hero of ‘Thangameenkal,’ a story penned by Tamil director Ram.
Kalian, a school drop- out working on a low paying job finds it hard to run his home. It is his father who continues to provide for the family including paying Chellama’s fees.
Kalyani prefers spending time with his daughter until one day his father in a fit of anger asks him to leave home. Kalyani finds work in Kochi as a security guard and the only link with his daughter is his cell phone. When she asks him for a pug as a birthday gift, this father travels to a tribal village to procure a ‘rainmaker,’ an antique piece that would fetch him the required money to buy the pug.
This story while pivoted around a father-daughter relationship raises few questions. Taking a dig at the influence of commercials on innocent minds of children and pointing out the flaws in the present education system in India, the director wonders if a child’s potential cannot be realized in a government school under the guidance of a good teacher.
The hero of this story undoubtedly is Sadhana, a class 6 student and resident of Dubai who slips into the role of Chellama. She shows great promise on her debut carrying the film on her little shoulders. Director Ram deserves praise for not portraying a special child in the stereotypical mould. And no one understands children better it would seem from the dialogues he has written for his child actors. There is a cute moment where Chellama asks her friend Nithyashree, ‘Why are you crying?’ Nithyashree replies, ‘I am going to die as my mother is always scolding me to study.”
Chellama asks, ‘Are you going to die today?’ Pat is the reply, “Not today but tomorrow.’ Why not today? probes Chellama.
“Today my mother is making puris.” Watch out for more cute moments between the two.
While Ram as Kalyani has delivered a convincing performance, there are moments when he gets melodramatic. Newcomers Lizzie as the strict Stella Miss and Shelly Kishore as Chellama’s mother impress. Other members of the cast include Rohini and Ramu, who deliver a mature performance.
Yuvan Shankar’s beautiful music strikes the right chord and the song, ‘Aanandha Yaazhai,’ is mesmerizing.  Arabhindu Saara’s visuals are another plus, shot in Nagercoil and the mountains of Waynaad.
‘Thangameenkal,’ may be a fish out of water amidst the present age films but then you just can’t ignore this golden fish.

‘Deivathante Swantham Cleetus’ is just another entertainer

In a small village of Kerala, a priest, Father Sunny (Siddique) plans on a sound and light show depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
While searching for an actor to play the Lord, he comes across Cleetus (Mammootty) and is impressed with his calm demeanour and physical looks. He finds in Cleetus a striking resemblance to Christ. After much persuasion Cleetus agrees to play Jesus Christ.
Trouble starts during the rehearsals when the true colour of Cleetus is revealed. While the rest of the cast members are shocked to learn that Cleetus is a local criminal, Father Sunny believes in giving him a chance to reform. He hopes that in essaying the character of Christ, Cleetus might turn over a new leaf.
Does Cleetus live up to the image he essays on stage?
Marthandan, as associate director in the Malayalam industry for several years makes his directorial debut with this film.

Yes, with Mammootty in the central role of Cleetus, the story is predictable. And of course there is a villain who has a score to settle with Cleetus. Expect fist fights too.
Honey Rose, who is best remembered for her role in ‘Trivandrum Lodge,’ plays a character in total contrast to Dhwani, the divorcee. As Lakshmi, a single mother with a little boy, Rose portrays a demure yet a bold woman.
There is good humour to keep you chuckling. And I am not referring to Suraj Venjaramoodu’s comic antics that have become so repetitive but are supposed to make viewers laugh. Hilarious moments revolve around P. Balachandran playing an aging dramatist in this film, but who is keen on playing Jesus Christ, much to Father Sunny’s annoyance. Aju Verghese as Cleetus’ side kick impresses with his comedy too. Mammootty does not disappoint his fans either. Siddique is at his usual best.
The spectacular visuals captured by cinematographer Pradeep Nair are a treat for your eyes.   
‘Deivathinte Swantham Cleetus,’ entertains, nothing more.

 ‘Sonna Puriyaadhu’ a romantic comedy that entertains 

Krishnan Jayaraj makes an impressive debut with ‘Sonna Puriyaadhu.’
Siva is a dubbing artiste, who lends his voice for Tamil versions of Hollywood blockbusters and Discovery Channel programs. A fun loving guy who enjoys his daily quota of booze, Siva dreams of the day he will buy his Volkswagen, his first love actually. But when it comes to matters of the heart, he is not serious. Nor does he believe in marriage. Every time his single mother broaches the subject, Siva evades it, until one day she emotionally blackmails him into agreeing to a traditional marriage. So he meets Anjali in the traditional girl-boy seeing ceremony. Anjali, a host for a spiritual channel is just the kind every Kollywood mother wants for her son: demure, god fearing, vegetarian and conservative, a contrast to Siva. And, before Siva is given a chance to think for himself, his mother has approved of Anjali and their marriage fixed too.
Not one to give in, Siva plots on breaking this alliance. Does Siva get hitched to Anjali finally? Go and watch ‘Sonna Puriyaadhu.’ 
Jayaraj’s film does not pretend to be anything else but an enjoyable entertainer. Siva as Siva keeps you chuckling with his lines that he delivers with a straight face. Like his earlier film, ‘Tamil Padam,’ some scenes are a spoof on Tamil films. The dubbing scenes are hilarious.
Vasundhara Kashyap as Anjali comes out with an impressive performance. You will love Siva’s Face book addicted grandma, who is inseparable from her I-Pad. Meera Krishnan as Siva’s mother brings out her character well too.
Unpredictable and funny without resorting to toilet humour, ‘Sonna Puriyaadhu,’ keeps your mundane worries at bay for a while.

‘ABCD’ is Dulquer Salmaan’s show all the way

When Johns (Dulquer Salmaan) and his cousin Korah (Jacob Gregory) arrive in Kerala from the US anticipating a great holiday they are in for a rude shock right from the word go.
The house that Johns’ father (Lalu Alex) has arranged for their sojourn is "disgusting," as described by Johns to his mother over phone, and he further adds, "How can dad be so irresponsible?"
Not one to give up, the duo check into a posh hotel and start planning on a visit to Goa, only to be greeted with the second shock of the day. They are told by the local bank authorities that Johns’ credit card is no longer valid since his father had closed that particular account in the US.
Puzzled and angry, Johns’ calls up his father and asks, "What the f__k is this dad?"
His lingo is typical of today’s youngster, be it in India or elsewhere, laden with four letter expletives and absolutely disrespectful of his parents.
This American born Indian has been taking life easy basking under his father’s wealth without shouldering any responsibility. When he gets into trouble with an Afro American in a pub there, his life is endangered. So his father, a reputed doctor, concerned over his safety sends Johns to his hometown in Kerala. He also takes this opportunity to mend his son’s wayward ways.
Dulquer gets into the skin of Johns as the spoilt US lad who has least regard for the value of money.  Dulquer has even lent his voice for the song, ‘Johnny Mone Johnny,’ that is a hit online. Jacob Gregory supports Dulquer’s antics as Johns. New comer Aparna Karthikeyan shows promise.
This is director Martin Prakkat’s second film after ‘Best Actor,’ a Mamootty starrer. Produced by Thameens, ‘American Born Confused Desi,’ has music scored by Gopi Sundar. Cinematography is by Jomon T.John.
Taking a cue from the new generation films that make Malayalam industry, this puerile comedy relies on fart and toilet humour for laughs. If that is not enough to irritate you, the accompanying music in almost every frame that grows louder during a supposedly comic moment, will get at you for sure.
Taking a dig at the television media’s fascination for breaking news, some satirical scenes remind you of  Bollywood’s ‘Peepli Live.’ But then that had a stronger script unlike ‘ABCD.’ A tad too long, ‘ABCD’ calls for better trimming.
If you are a Dulquer fan, this one is up your alley. 

'Kuttipuli' is a saga of vendetta and violence with blood flowing freely

Debutant Muthiah opens his innings as a director with a story based on a real life character named ‘Kuttipuli,’ whom he admired during his growing years.
A lot of expectations rode on this film with actor-director-producer Sasi Kumar donning the titular role, but the story is a let- down.
With its backdrop in Srivelliputhur, near Madurai, the story opens with blood-shed when Arjunan,( Lal) leading a group of men brandishing aruvaals (a knife) kills a man from a neighbouring village for insulting a woman from their village. Mission accomplished, the group manages to escape except for Arjunan, who is caught while climbing over the wall. In order to protect his identity Arjunan orders his friends to behead him. And, there is more blood spilt.
His widow ( Saranya Ponvannan) is determined that their only son Kuttipuli (Sasi Kumar) will not follow his father’s path of violence but Kuttipuli often gets involved in brawls earning himself more enemies.  His mother hopes to tie him down by way of marriage but Kuttipuli resists marriage as he does not want another woman to suffer like his mother.
But then, how long can Kuttipuli remain single? Muthiah introduces us to Bharti, (Lakshmi Menon) who moves into their neighbourhood.  And, it does not take long for Cupid to strike arrows between the two. She finds Kuttipuli to be a good soul beneath that hard exterior. Predictable right?
Being in love is reason enough for Kuttipuli to turn over a new leaf.  However,
baying for Kuttipuli’s blood is the local goon who has been publically humiliated by our hero. Muthiah now tips in mother sentiment, an emotion most exploited in Indian cinema. And Kuttipuli’s mother will leave no stone unturned to protect her dear son, even if it means spilling more blood.
Where is the Sasi Kumar who debuted with an impressive story in ‘Subramaniapuram?’ which despite its violence carried a social message and was supported with a convincing story? Not to forget its wonderful music by James Vasanthan.
Where is the Sasi Kumar of ‘Nadodigal,’ another good commercial entertainer with a beautiful message?
And who can forget ‘Easan,’ an urban story speaking on the corrupt system? ‘Kuttipuli,’is not a good choice for the actor.  Saranya Ponvannan is getting too repetitive in her roles and as the suffering mother, she no longer surprises. Lakshmi Menon had very little to do besides smiling coyly at Kuttipuli. 
Kuttipuli lacks a convincing story, the music fails to impress. What is passed off as humour involving a group of young men plotting to win Bharti’s heart is hardly worth a chuckle? Drenched in blood and gore, ‘Kuttipuli’ disappoints. Certainly not a film you would want to watch with the family. 

‘Ladies and Gentleman’ will appeal to Mohan Lal fans

The perfect gentleman, as he calls himself, Chandrabose (Mohan Lal) pines for his dead wife Achu (Meera Jasmine). And seeks refuge, yes, we saw it coming, in the bottle.
One day in an inebriated state, Bose stumbles upon Sarath, (Krish J.Sathar) a young IT professional who is on the verge of committing suicide. Bose saves him and from then on becomes his mentor guiding him in facing life head on.
He helps Sarath, who has lost his job, in rebuilding life and starting a software company. Joining Sarath in this new enterprise are his friends, Anu and Chinnu.
In no time the company becomes well known but with success it makes Sarath conceited. His bond with his friends suffers and ultimately leads to the downfall of the company. Once again Bose bails him out.  
With Malayalam director Siddique and actor Mohan Lal coming together after two decades for this film, naturally expectations were high. For those of us who remember the duo in ‘Vietnam Colony,’ this story disappoints with a sagging screenplay.
This role is not new to Lal, he has played an alcoholic earlier, the recent one being Ranjith’s ‘Spirit.’ If you are a Lal fan, you will love Chandra Bose. His comic mannerisms and dialogues will keep you chuckling.
The chemistry between Meera Jasmine (with overdone make-up) and Lal as husband and wife is great but the story needed more conviction to have us believe that Bose can fall in love once again.
Padmapriya who plays Sarath’s sister, an aspiring airhostess, delivers her role well. Also Mamta Mohandas fits into her character easily.
Siddique’s signature is seen in the humour and stealing the show was Kalabhavan Shajon as Bose’s Man Friday. He impressed with his flair for comedy. Satish Kurup’s cinematography is brilliant too.
‘Ladies and Gentleman,’ is a mediocre film that is will be lapped up by Lal fans.

‘Neram,’ is a delightful idea of whiling away time

Right from the opening credits with a Tarantino quote: ‘I steal from every movie made,’ to the unusual dedication by the director thanking his girl- friends, ‘especially the last one,’ ‘Neram’ prepares you for a fun ride.
Software engineer Vetri (Nivin Pauly) gets the pink slip, a riff of the butterfly effect, wherein a business tycoon in the US loses his wife after an episode of flatulence and subsequently his enterprise too.
For his sister’s wedding, Vetri is now forced to borrow money from Vetti Raja, a real Shylock who will spare no means to get back his pound of flesh. Vetti Raja fixes a time limit within which to return the loan or else face dire consequences.
When the day of repayment dawns, Vettri is still unemployed and has no funds to clear the loan. His deadline will expire at five pm and the clock is ticking away. Adding to his woes is his childhood sweetheart Veni’s (Nazriya Nazim) father who refuses to marry his daughter in marriage to an unemployed Vetri. Time challenges him again when the money that his friend John arranges gets stolen.
Filmed to depict events on this particular day when Vetri is bound by time, Puthren narrates his story in a non linear way, taking viewers through hilarious moments and thrills. With tongue in cheek humour lines and characters reminiscent of people around you, (Manickam, for one, who prefers to converse in English and be known as ‘Manick,’) ‘Neram’ is clearly not a test of time for viewers. ‘Puthren’s heroine Veni is a mature girl, who does not buckle under difficult circumstances and a wonderful support to Vetri.
Nivin as the boy next door comes out a winner. Nazriya’s cute expressions impress.  Nasser, makes a brief appearance in the second half slipping into his character with the ease of a veteran. Thambi Ramiah as Veni’s father and John Vijay as a cop perform well too. Walking away with the honours is Simhaa as the much despised Vetti Raja. We last saw this newcomer in Nalan Kumarasamy’s ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ where he played a Nayanthara fan, timid and unsure of himself. This role, clearly a contrast to that taps the performer in Simhaa.
Puthren joins the league of growing number of young directors in Tamil and Malayalam who are making a mark with their fresh ideas and novel presentation.
Just don’t miss 'Neram.'