‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ a revenge tale that carries little malice 

By Mythily Ramachandran

If you thought that revenge tales must be laden with gore and violence, then Dileesh Pothan’s debut film, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ (Mahesh’s revenge) busts that notion. 

As the title indicates Mahesh (Fahad Faasil) does have a score to settle and until that is done he will not rest, sorry in this case, he will not wear his slippers, preferring to go around bare-footed instead.  

What then makes this tale of retribution engaging and entertaining?
Clean and good humour to begin with right from the moment the story opens in a nondescript town of Prakash in Idukki. 

Mahesh is a photographer managing a small studio. He lives with his father (K J Antony), who has taught him the trade. Mahesh is in love with his school mate Sowmya, (Anusree) who works in another town as a nurse. Their love story is an open book and Mahesh is certain that they will be together someday soon. But Sowmya’s father has better plans for his daughter and with that their love story comes to a close.  

‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram’ is Dileesh Pothan’s debut film. Pothan who assisted Aashiq Abu prior to going solo, left an impression as an actor in a small but memorable role in Aashiq Abu’s ‘Salt and Pepper. ’
With this film he scores as a director.
The story written by Syam Puskaran unfolds in a manner that cannot be predicted. 

An ordinary incident that happens outside Mahesh’s studio affects him and that propels him on a revenge journey thus taking the story ahead.
But the anger and hatred one often associates with a revenge tale is missing. Humour takes over and with Soubin Shahir around be prepared to laugh. 

Shahir plays Crispin, an assistant working in the studio next –door to Mahesh’s. This studio belongs to Baby Achayan (Alancier Lay) and the day to day interactions between the boss and his new apprentice is hilarious. Not to forget Soniamol, the young daughter of Achayan, a distraction for Crispin.   

There is no loud acting here. Fahad Faasil who is not new to playing a common man brings out effortlessly the highs and lows of Mahesh’s life. Anusree as his onscreen lover who eventually ditches him is  good. The surprise though is young Aparna Balamurali, (see Box) who wins hands down. She plays Jimcy, a clear headed sensible girl, who ushers love once again into Mahesh’s life. New comer Lijomol as Soniamol is an actor to look out for. 

So does Mahesh avenge the insult inflicted on him and slip on a pair of size 8 Lunar Chappals?
‘Maheshinte Prathikaaram,’ is a good entertainer. 

‘Puthiya Niyamam’ is a Nayanthara film

By Mythily Ramachandran

Louis Pothen (Mammootty) and Vasuki (Nayanthara) are a happily married couple with a school going daughter.
Pothen, a lawyer deals mostly in divorce cases and is also popular as a film critic on television. Vasuki is a home-maker whose second love is Kathakali, a dance form she indulges in.  

But then something untoward happens in Vasuki’s life and that is reflected in the change of her behavior.
She is now always anxious over her daughter’s safety and after nagging Pothen she makes him buy a car so that her daughter could be dropped to school every day instead of taking the school bus. 

A chance meeting with the city’s police chief, IPS Jeena Bhai (Sheelu Abraham) emboldens Vasuki to approach her for help. From then on the story picks up speed.
Written and directed by A.K. Sajan, ‘Puthiya Niyamam’ is a Nayanthara film all along. Sajan who wrote the scripts for blockbusters (‘Nadiya Kolapetta Ratri’ and Chinthamani Kola Case) has addressed a social issue that could affect women. 

This is Nayanthara’s second film with Mammootty after ‘Bhaskar the Rascal,’ and the actress has delivered a good performance. Revealing more would be a spoiler since this psychological thriller saves the best moments for the end when curtains come down. 

And, that’s when Mammootty’s Louis Pothen takes over to reveal the twist in the tale.
So is taking the law in one’s own hands the ‘new rule?’
Check that out in ‘Puthiya Niyamam.’

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Nivin Pauly raises a toast to the cop in ‘Action Hero Biju’

Abrid Shine, shines again with his second film, proving that his maiden film, ‘1983’ was not just a flash in the pan

What’s a day in a cop’s life like?
Is it merely bashing up criminals with pent up anger?
Malayalam director, Abrid Shine’s cop tale also shows that a cop can be trusted with your woes. 

Biju Paulose (Nivin Pauly), a double post-graduate, quit his teaching job to become a sub-inspector. And, he loves his job. If Biju is not chasing criminals, he is resolving cases at his police station. 

Be it the young woman who lodges a complaint against her former employer for not paying her dues or the father who wants his daughter back after his wife eloped with his friend, Biju Paulose ensures justice. 

When it comes to dealing with criminals, Biju has a unique style. He picks up a coconut, wraps it in a towel and then thrashes them. It sure has earned him quite a reputation.
There is nothing larger than life in Biju’s role and that’s what makes this honest cop believable. 

Shine who bowled viewers over with his debut film, ‘1983,’ once wins hearts with a clean family entertainer. Shine has co-written the story with Md. Shafeeq. There is enough situational humour to bring in the chuckles. Look out for the scene where a human rights activist visits the station and confronts S.I Biju. 

There are a host of characters and each one has been well fleshed out carrying a distinct identity. Several new faces show promise. 

Suresh Thampanoor, was carrying loads on his head for a living until spotted by Abrid for his musical voice. Thampanoor plays a drunkard arrested by Biju. Thampanoor wrote the lyrics, composed tunes and sung the song ‘Muthe Ponne Pinangale.’ 

Suraj Venjaramoodu, a noted comedian, does a brilliant job as a wronged husband. His scene with his onscreen daughter leaves a lump in the throat. Rohini’s subtle performance is commendable. Anu Emmanuel as Benitta, Biju’s fiancée appears in few scenes, yet leaves a mark with her freshness. 

Although Nivin Pauly carries the film on his shoulders, every other actor is remarkable. This is Pauly’s first into production. 

Shorn of cinematic frills, ‘Action Hero Biju’ is a grounded cop tale that packs quite a punch.

Visaranai, a hard hitting film

Newspaper reports about torture and deaths in police custody may be forgotten and can seem so disconnected from our daily lives. But the power of visual images leave a lasting impression.

Vetrimaaran’s Visaranai does just that. The film — which was recognized as the Best Film on Human Rights by the Italian chapter of Amnesty International at the Venice International Film festival — leaves you disturbed, making you confront the flaws in the system today.

What makes Visaranai (Interrogation) hard-hitting is the core plot, which has been borrowed from a real tale.

While the first half is largely inspired from M. Chandrakumar’s biography, Lock Up, the second half is fiction written by Vetrimaaran.

What happens to four Tamilian labourers who find work in neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh and are wrongly arrested by the local police? Despite their innocence, they are kept in custody and put through intimidation and torture, only to eventually become pawns in the hands of the police.

Vetrimaaran builds his narrative and viewers are flummoxed, just like Pandi and his three friends, when beaten up inside a lock-up. Could it be because of Pandi’s love for the servant girl in the cop’s house?

Then Vetrimaran lashes out the truth. The police, under pressure to close a robbery case, make scapegoats of the four men. If Pandi and friends found the Andhra Pradesh police force deadly, it does not take them long to realise that their release from Andhra Pradesh to Chennai is akin to falling from the frying pan into the fire. Not all cops are bad, though. A woman constable lets Pandi make a call on her phone. Every time Pandi sees hope, viewers breathe a sigh of relief — but are caught again in despondency.

Visaranai is Vetrimaaran’s third film after Polladhavan (2007) and the National award-winning Aadukalam. He scores again with his taut screenplay.

The film begins beautifully, promising a new dawn as Pandi (Attakathi Dinesh) opens the corner store where he works.

Just then a mother dog with her pup runs up and he throws a biscuit that the pup catches.

There is a cute love story brewing in the background, but there is no room for trivialities. The narrator’s sole aim is to bare the corruption in the police force and how the law is bent to protect political patrons.

Visaranai rests on the shoulders of a brilliant cast and each one of them has proved right for the role. If Dinesh’s Pandi and his three friends win your empathy, newcomer Ajay Ghoshal, as the police chief of Andhra Pradesh, stuns with his natural portrayal.

Pandi is a fighter till the very end with his values intact despite torture. Dinesh matches pace well with the talented Samuthrakani, who plays Muthuvel, a cop entrusted by the big boss on a mission, Samuthrakani conveys a lot through his eyes, especially those scenes when he is at conflict with his own conscience. Not to forget Kishore’s remarkable performance as an auditor who is kidnapped by the police.

G.V. Prakash’s music strikes the right chord. Cinematographer Ramalingam makes every scene real and happening. Most of the scenes linger long.

Visaranai is a film that will always come to the fore whenever good cinema is discussed.

Adi Kapyare Koodamani’ rings in funny moments

Clandestine late night parties, the excitement in preparing  for college culturals, not to forget watching porn, what’s new about all this in a men’s hostel?
Bhanuprasad (Dhyan Sreenivasan) and his three friends are a happy lot enjoying college life.
When a young woman Adistalakshmi (Namitha Pramod) approaches Bhanu with an unusual request to enter their hostel in exchange for a good sum of money, he is unable to turn it down. The plan is to escort Adishtalakshmi inside the premises for a while and then lead her out without anyone’s knowledge.
So Adishtalakshmi enters the men’s hostel with Bhanu’s help and visits one particular room. But on their way out of the building, the situation is not conducive for her exit.  Revealing more would be a spoiler.
The first half picks up well and though the narration sags once in a while, it is hilarious. Dhyan Sreenivasan and Namita Pramod play their roles well. Bringing in the chuckles are Aju Verghese and Neeraj Madhav as Bhanu’s friends

‘Rajini Murugan’ is about family bonding  

This is one of those family stories that doesn’t test the intelligence of viewers.  The team that gave you the entertainer, ‘Varutha Padatha Valibar Sangam,’ returns with director Ponram and lead actor Sivakarthikeyan.
With all ingredients of a Tamil masala flick, ‘Rajini Murugan,’ lying unreleased for a long time connected with the audience well. Yet, the story is nothing new.
Rajini Murugan (Sivakarthikeyan) so named by his uncle, (a die-hard fan of Rajnikanth) is an unemployed young man who has all the time in the world to woo his uncle’s daughter, Karthika (Keerti Suresh). He even sets up a tea stall right opposite her house, creating the mood for a duet and song-sequence. And, when the young man is not romancing Karthika, you find him bonding with his grandfather (Raj Kiran) or goofing around with buddy  Thotathri (Soori).
The love story turns serious, when a local goon, Mookan (Samuthrakani) stakes a claim in the family property of Rajni Murgan. Mookan poses to be another grandson but born illegitimately.
It now becomes Rajni Murugan’s responsibility to clear his grandfather’s reputation.
A predictable story it’s a Sivakarthikeyan show all the way. Keerti Suresh is a spontaneous actor.  Director Samuthrakani as always leaves his mark. As the scheming Mookan, he is convincing.
‘Rajini Murugan’ is a family entertainer that you  forget the minute you leave the hall.

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Preview attachment Rajini Murugan.jpg

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‘Charlie’ a fairy tale like story with delightful moments 

Charlie (Dulquer Salman) is an enigma from the very moment that Tessa (Parvathy) occupies the house he had lived in before.
A graphic artist, Tessa does not believe in the conventional life and marriage her mother has planned for her. So she leaves home on the eve of her brother’s wedding and into another city, where she rents a place.
Entering the old house, she is fascinated by the quirky and unconventional art work adorning inside and walls around. But is irritated on finding that the previous owner, Charlie has left behind his belongings. She stumbles upon his book of sketches that unfolds a story. The story is incomplete and it stokes her curiosity.
Now, Tessa is determined to meet Charlie to know the rest of the tale. That takes her on a journey in search for him.
Little by little, she learns about Charlie and his bohemian life-style. It does not take long for Tessa to fall in love with a man she has never met.
Do such love tales exist? Maybe yes. Maybe no. This is director Martin Prakkat’s third film which he has co-scripted with Unni R.
Charlie we are told is a good Samaritan, who makes a difference in the lives of several, be it the young doctor Kani (Aparna Gopinath)  or elderly Kunjappan (Nedumudi Venu).  This free-spirited man’s zest for life is unbridled.
As Charlie, Dulquer oozes with charm and is spontaneous. Parvathy after playing an intense role as Kanchanamala in ‘Ennum Ninte Moideen,’ proves her versatility again with Tessa, a contemporary woman with a ‘I don’t care attitude. 
So long as you don’t ask questions on what Charlie does for a living, though there are references to his brewing and magical skills. Nor do we know how he supports a home for the elderly. Yet, ‘Charlie’ is a feel-good film with each scene opening up in magical frames. Good humour keeps you laughing, especially scenes centred around Soubin Shaheer as a petty thief.  
Cinematographer Jomon T.John’s visuals are sheer poetry and leave you asking for more. 

‘Kathakali,’  a whodunit thriller that keeps you guessing

 

Amudhan (Vishal) returns from the US to hometown Cuddalore for his marriage.
With three days away for the wedding, Amudhan is busy shopping with his lover Minu Kutty (Catherine Tresa) in Chennai, when his elder brother calls to inform him that Thamba, (Madhusudhan Rao) the much dreaded Cuddalore gangster has been killed. For the brothers, Thamba’s death is a news to rejoice since Thamba had wrecked the elder brother’s sea-shell business in the past and also reduced their father to a cripple.
Much relieved Amudhan immediately informs his close buddy working under Thamba to take care since his life could also be in peril. But that one call proves costly for Amudhan, who is suspected of having killed Thamba. The police are on his heels and Malayalam actor Sreejit Ravi playing a tough cop is bent on arresting Amudhan. He forces Amudhan to report at Cuddalore police station, where Thamba’s goons are waiting to kill him.

How is Amudhan going to prove his innocence?
Pandiraj’s screenplay is gripping. From the moment, he introduces us to Thamba, he lets us know other characters who could have a motive in his murder later. There is the MLA who lost in the elections to Thamba; the tycoon, who disapproved his daughter’s marriage to one of Thamba’s goons, yet Thamba had
conducted it.
The first half entertains with Karunas, (as Amudhan’s room-mate) providing the chuckles. There is romance and duets too as Amudhan and Minu Kutty (Catherine Tresa) find love.
With a racy second half, the director known for his soft romantic and children stories proves that he can deliver a good action film too.
Catherine Tresa’s Minu Kutty is cute and endearing.  But, it’s a Vishal show all the way. The actor has delivered a brilliant performance shifting between a wide gamut of emotions. Mime Gopi who played a ruthless rogue in ‘Gethu’ plays a diametrically opposite character here. As Amudhan’s timid and responsible elder brother, he plays it well.
‘Kathakali’ keeps you guessing till the end without revealing the face behind the mask.  It’s a good watch. 

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Udhayanidhi experiments with an action film in ‘Gethu’

When Thulasi Raman (Sathyaraj), a PT teacher working in a girls’ school lodges a complaint with the police about the extended activities of the bar adjacent to his school, he endangers not only life but of his family. The bar is owned by two brothers who are goons dominating the neighbourhood and they try intimidating Thulasi Raman into withdrawing the complaint. But Thulasi Raman does not give in.
Subsequently the school teacher gets implicated when the younger bar owner is found killed and Thulasi Raman’s ring is found at the scene of the crime. The deceased’s family members are now baying for Thulasi Raman’s blood.
This is Udhayanidhi’s first attempt at an action film. And, the actor shows an improvement in his performance. As Thulasi Raman’s son, Sethu, he embarks on a journey to prove his father’s innocence and find the culprit responsible for the bar owner’s death. Running parallel to this main thread is another story of a sniper, (Vikranth) who is entrusted with the assassination of a VIP. Who is the VIP? And what is the motive behind the assignment?
This thriller is good in parts. Vikranth barely talks but conveys through his eyes. Amy Jackson is a pretty arm candy opposite Udhaynidhi.
What adds strength to this action story is the remarkable camera work by Sukumar. Visuals are stunning.
Directed by Thirukumaran, ‘Gethu’ is an entertainer that can be watched once.