Nanjupuram Movie Review

Movies made on snakes always attracted attention in Tamil cinema. Taking cue from them, debutant director Charles, in the company of popular television actor Raghav, has woven a script that is entertaining and enthralling in parts.

�Nanjupuram� is more of Anaconda meeting Rama Narayanan movies. Interestingly, the distribution rights of �Nanjupuram� have been bagged by Sri Thenandal Movies, a company backed by Rama Narayanan himself.

There are some interesting visual treat and pulsating scenes that sustain our interest. Raghav, besides playing the lead role, has also made his presence felt as a music composer too.

Monica plays the female lead. Charles�s intention to render a taut thriller should be appreciated. But at the same time, we should also say that it is the execution that goes haywire.

Magudeswaran's dialogues are razor sharp at places, especially while taking a dig at caste system which is still active at many places of the State. Also, the makers have not gone too superstitious, for a movie on snake would mean too much of it.

The film is set in a village called Nanjupuram. Ridden deeply in caste system, there is often trouble between the upper caste and lower caste in the village. Also deeply rooted in superstitious belief, the villagers believe that anyone who hurts a snake there will get killed in 45 days.

As it happens, Velu (Raghav), an upper caste youth falls in love with Malar (Monica), a lower caste girl. One day, he attacks a snake and was asked by villagers to stay away for one-and-half month. But his love towards Malar makes him to elope with her. What�s next is the climax.

All actors, including Raghav and Monica have played their parts well. Due credit should go to Raghav. He is cool and casual. He has taken all the responsibilities to deliver hie best. Monica plays a de-glamourised character. She has a meaty role to do. Others in the cast are adequate.

Unfortunately, the script misses some novelty. Had Charles blended more of it and reduced cliches, �Nanjupuram� would have been different.

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Ponnar Sankar Movie Review

It is rare that movies are made based on historic novels. For it needs not just huge labour but enough resources. However, Thiyagarajan has brought on screen what is one of popular novels in Tamil - Ponnar Sankar, penned by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

It is a valorous tale about twin brothers, who fought for their motherland. Produced and directed by Thiyagarajan, the movie features Prashanth playing both the characters- Ponnar and Sankar.

A period film demands huge ensemble of star cast, lavish sets and immense research. Taking the game on, Prashanth and Thiyagarajan have managed to come out with a movie that is more a desi version of �Brave Heart�.

With story, screenplay and dialogues by Karunanidhi, Thiyagarajan has given them good shape on screen. Thankfully with seasoned artistes in his side, he has passed out in flying colours. Karunanidhi's dialogues are colloquial and touch relevant contemporary political and social issues. There he scores a point.

The movie begins with the wedding of Thamarai (Kushboo), the daughter of King Periyamalaikozhundhu Gounder (Vijayakumar) arranged with Mandhiyappan (Prakashraj), a king of neighbouring country. Enters Nellaiyankondan (Jayaram), Thamarai's lover and he walks away with her.

Her parents disown her and drive her out of their kingdom.While leaving she throws a challenge at her brother Chinna Malaikozhundhu (Ponvannan) that he would come to their doors one day seeking to marry her two sons for his two daughters.

As years go by, Mayavar (Nasser), a chieftain in the village, comes across twin brothers Ponnar and Sankar (both Prashanth), who are students of Rakki (Raj Kiran). Good at heart, Ponnar and Sankar are valorous and they voice for the sufferings of poor.

One day, they save the sisters Muthayi (Pooja Chopra) and Pavalayi (Dhivya Parameshwaran) from death. Both happen to be daughters of Chinna Malaikozhundhu.

Impressed with their valour, their parents agree for their marriage with Ponnar and Sankar. A flashback reveals that Ponnar and Sankar are Thamarai's sons and Rakki had taken them with him to save them from Mandhiyappan when they were born.

Coming to know that Ponnar and Sankar are alive, Mandhiappan hatches a conspiracy and ensures that Kali Mannan (Nepolean) and Thamarai's father help him in killing them.

Eventually a war is fought. The intense battle ensures that good prevails over evil. Watch out there are the likes of Prabhu, Sneha, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Seetha among others in the cast.

Seemingly inspired by �Apocalypto� and �Brave Hearet�, Thiyagarajan has ensured battle scenes are shot grand and great. The graphics, supervised by Prashanth himself, is highlight of the movie, though at places look amateurish.

Prashanth, who makes his comeback, has done it doubly well. As a proud prince, he pours out right emotions. In romance and battle scenes, he leaves his mark. His previous experience stands him in good stead.

Kushboo is the pivot around whom the movie revolves. She is good at it. So are the likes of seasoned artistes Nasser, Prabhu, Nepolean, Sneha and Rajkiran among others who chip in with their best.

Unfortunately Ilayaraja disappoints with his music. The songs fail to enter our ears. But he compensates with his brisk background score. Cheers to art director T Muthuraj. He has created huge palace, fort, battle field before our eyes. Shaji Kumar captures them well on his lens.

On the flip side, the movie has many dragging moments. Too many characters come and go without leaving a mark. The first half proceeds at quick pace, but the latter part of �Ponnar Sankar� stutters and staggers.

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Mappillai Movie Review

 

Can a Rajnikanth movie be remade with same aura and feel? Will it reverberate with same energy and gusto? Will it charm the audience? Partially yes seems to be the answer. 'Mappillai', a remake of yesteryear Rajinikanth flick carrying the same title, is a perfect treat for the front-benchers, oozing with gusto and energy.

Remake is always a risky affair. No one tries to remake a failure attempt and hence the success of the original naturally becomes the burden on the remake. Director Suraj has taken it in his stride and ensures all charm is not lost.

More of Rajinikanth meeting Dhanush, the movie's success rides on the latter not trying to imitate the former anywhere in the movie. He is himself and ensures that he gives what his fans exactly expect out of him.

There is tremendous pressure on Suraj's shoulder for at least half the movie-goers would have watched the original and a comparison is bound to be there. A shrewd Suraj has made some changes to make it more contemporary and lively.

With Vivek giving Dhanush company, there is no dearth for humour all through. If Sri Vidya was an arrogant mother-in-law in the original throwing all challenges at Rajini, Suraj has brought Manisha Koirala for the role, bringing some freshness.

Come to the story, Saravanan (Dhanush) is a do-gooder, who is soft-spoken and admired by one and all. He comes across Gayathri (Hanshika Motwani), daughter of arrogant business woman Rajeshwari (Manisha Koirala) and falls for her.

Coming to know of their affair, Rajeshwari decides to get them both married. The reason is- she is keen on getting a son-in-law, who will always do what she wants and be under her control.

But she in for a shock when she comes to know that Saravanan has a past. He is a ruffian and is feared by one and all. Now she plans to halt all plans, while Saravanan takes up the challenge and ensures that he end up marrying his ladylove.

It�s now a cat and mouse game between Saravanan and Rajeshwari. Then there is one Style Chinna (Vivek), with his own set of friends (including �Cell� Murugan), who is desperately behind Gayathri and tries to win over her love.

Dhanush is the man of the match. He takes the whole burden on his shoulders and passes the difficult test of enacting a famous role played by Rajinikanth with consummate ease. He is good at humour and those scenes where he challenges his mother-in-law. A wholesome role which the actor does exceedingly well.

Cheers to young Hanshika Motwani. Cute and bubbly, she has a meaty role to play in her maiden venture itself. A look-alike of Kushboo, she does gel with the character. Watch out for Manisha Koirala. She performs with a steam and vigour. As a young aristocratic mother-in-law, she is impressive. She brings out her agony, arrogance and anger well.

Vivek as Style Chinna brings the roof down with laughter. His funy-looks coupled with crazy dialogue delivery are a pleasure to watch. With Dhanush, he recreates the magic of 'Uthamaputhiran'.

Music by Mani Sharma is an added strength. There are a couple of racy numbers and it peps up the proceedings, with the highlight being 'Ennoda rasi...' Sathish Kumar's cinematography is rich and glossy and lives up to the theme, while editing by Kishore is crisp.

Produced by Nemichand Jhabak and Nemichand Jhabak, 'Mappillai', presented by Sun Pictures, is warm, bright and bubbly. If you are ready to forget that deja vu feel which prevails in many a place, the film is no doubt a big summer treat.

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Ko Movie Review

Headline. Scoop. Byte. Edition. These words are familiar with all journalists. For a layman it's the newspaper that he reads finally counts. A photojournalist-turned-director, K V Anand, with 'Ko', has rendered a movie that is like reading a newspaper fresh and folded very early in the morning from page one till the last.

Journalists are until known to be portrayed in a cliched manner in Tamil cinema, wearing a pyjama kurtha, spotted with a beard carrying a long shoulder bag. Times have changed and so are the lives and struggles of journalists.

With 'Ko', Anand has turned the arc light on the unsung heroes of modern India, the neo-journalists, their dedication and passion towards the profession.

Anand has proved his mettle coming with intense thrillers with great detailing, thanks to writers Suba in his side as it was evident in 'Kanna Kandein' and 'Ayan'.

'Ko' speaks about power struggle and press freedom, laced with all commercial ingredients in an interesting manner. All credits should go to the script and screenplay. Tautly written, there are hardly any logical loopholes.

Be it a hardworking scribe or a photographer who are chasing sensation news, a power-lust Chief Minister, or an opposition leader, or a youth who wants to change the political system, all characters do have a say in the film. Anand has woven all of them craftily.

The movie revolves around Ashwin (Jeeva), who is a talented photographer in a Tamil daily Dina Anjali. He is the sought-after lensman in his newspaper for his images speak a thousand words and bring awareness.

There are a couple of other journalists in the same media house- Renuka (Karthika), who covers sensational events and entertainment -in-charge Saro (Piya). They develop an affinity for Ashwin.

A battle begins in Tamil Nadu as Assembly elections are announced. It becomes a direct war between Chief Minister Yogeswaran (Prakash Raj) and opposition leader Alavandan (Kota Sreenivasa Rao). As typical politicians, as they are portrayed, they do everything under the sun to come to power.

But Renuka and Ashwin's brilliant investigative reports and photographs, help a third force led by youth Vasanthan (Ajmal) emerge the front-runner. He is a symbol of modern Indian youth who believes in clean politics.

At an election rally of Vasanthan, a bomb goes off killing Saro. Vasanthan goes on to win the polls. Now the onus falls on Ashwin and Renuka to find the real culprits behind the attack. Get ready to watch an unpredictable climax.

Jeeva is impressive and played his part exceedingly well. He looks a typical photojournalist. His body language and dialogue delivery are worth a watch. An intense performar, Jeeva pulls it off with ease.

Karthika as Renuka brings out the nuances needed for the role well. She has not exaggerated. She downplays her emotions to gel with the character. Ajmal is a revelation as an aspiring politico Vasanthan. His looks compliment the character.

The veterans Prakash Raj and Kota Sreenivasa Rao have played their part well. They have given right emotions needed for the roles. Piaa in the supporting character is adequate. Watch out for Sona in a cameo. Chinmayi's dubbing for Karthika is apt.

Harris Jayaraj is a major attraction. All his songs pep up the environment. 'Ennamo Yedho...' is pick of the album.

Anand deserves all accolades for rendering a brisk entertainer that is devoid of cliches. Racy all through, it is a movie that is worth a watch, if you are really not bothered about logic at certain places.

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Engeyum Kadhal Movie Review

Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence, they say. No one can understand this better than choreographer-actor-director Prabhu Deva, for reasons which are obvious.

So expectations were high on 'Engeyum Kadhal', his directorial venture. Though romance reigns supreme in this film, lack of enough care in the script and narration mar the flow. But hold on! Harris Jayaraj's music, Nirav Shah's cinematography and the crackling chemistry of 'Jayam' Ravi-Hansika Motwani set things right to a decent extent.

From Laila-Majnu to Karthik-Jessy, romance has been celebrated in various ways on screen. 'Engeyum Kadhal' follows this formula, and who knows, it may strike the right chord in today's youngsters, who vote for candyfloss stories.

Unlike earlier Prabhu Deva films that were more noisy, 'Engeyum Kadhal' is rather quite, sedate to start with. The movie is more like a gentle breeze touching your face on a cool evening.

It is a tale of a suave, rich and a successful young business man Kamal ('Jayam' Ravi) who wants to break all hectic shackles around him to go on a vacation to Paris, the capital city of France.

It's boy meeting girl story here. Destiny brings Kayal (Hansika Motwani), a Indian girl brought up in France in his life. Rajasekhar (Suman), Kayal's father runs a detective agency.

She is shocked when she comes to know from reading his father's case that a client (Sonu) is currently behind Kamal, only to kill him. Kayal decides to save Kamal's life. The saviour act turns as love between them.

Kamal leaves France and Kayal is shattered. After almost a year, they meet again and things take a turn.

'Jayam' Ravi is impressive. He plays his part extremely well and seems to have got under the skin to deliver his best. Especially as a stylish entrepreneur, he fits the bill well. Hansika, the bubbly, girl is awesome. Her presence itself is a big plus, not to forget her performance. Suman and Raju Sundaram play their part well.

If Prabhu Deva is the heart for 'Engeyum Kadhal', Harris Jayaraj is its soul. His mesmerising tunes catches admiration of one and all. Nirav Shah's lens captures the Paris at its pristine glory.

There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is God's finger on man's shoulder. Perhaps the movie ends proving this point. Go fall in love with 'Engeyum Kadhal'.

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Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai Movie Review

 Tamil cinema has evolved a lot coming out of cliched themes. It�s no more hero running around trees romancing heroines or an angry young man bashing a bunch of anti-socials.

A young breed of filmmakers has come laying hands on unexplored themes and dwelling on sensitive and emotional ideas, taking leaf out of our daily life. Director Suseenthiran is one among them, who has proved his mettle with �Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu� and �Nan Mahan Alla� before.

�Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai� by Suseenthiran is more a children's tale narrated with utmost maturity capturing the emotions and sentiments of rural people with all sincerity.

The story is wafer-thin, but the screenplay and dialogues are its life and blood giving a fresh feel. Two horses are found missing in two different places. Their disappearance leaves a big impact on the lives of many.

What happens if the lost horses are found forms the story. There are no familiar faces and the hero is no suave-looking or a smart fellow. But what makes the movie count is the way Suseenthiran has handled the story.

Perumal (Azhagan Thamizhmani), a village president, along with his men wants to conduct the temple festival of Lord Azhagarsami. The general belief in the village is that if the deity is taken out on a wooden horse, they would receive copious rain and all things would go well.

But due to various reasons the festival could not be conducted for many years. As it happens, the village reels under drought. Amidst great difficulty, Perumal arranges for the festival.

But to his horror, he finds the wooden horse missing. A police complaint is lodged and a couple of constables are posted in the village to investigate the incident.

An innocent cop (Suri) enters the village disguised as an ordinary man to trace the horse. Meanwhile there is Ramakrishnan (Prabhakaran), the atheist son of Perumal, who is in love with Devi (Advaitha), belonging to a lower caste.

Enters a white horse and all villagers gets convinced that it is Lord Azhagarsami's horse and it has come alive. Things change in the village and all good things start to happen.

When they decide to conduct the festival with the white horse, comes to the village a youth Azhagarsami (Appukutty), claiming that it is his horse. He even lodges a complaint with police.

Azhagarsami is all set to get married to one Rani (Saranya Mohan) and the wedding is halted because the horse owned by him has gone missing. It is eventually agreed that the horse would be handed over back to Azhagarsami after the festival. But fate has other plans.

Appukutty is tailor-made for the role. His caring and sharing for his horse, his desperate search for his four-legged friend are brought out well. Saranya Mohan in a breezy role walks away with applause.

Azhagan Thamizhmani as Panchayat president brings out his best, while debutant Prabhakaran as rural youth is impressive. Devaraj, who played Ameer's father in �Yogi�, is Saranya Mohan's dad and is apt for the role.

If Suseenthiran is the captain of the ship, cinematography by Theni Eashwar, dialogues by Baskar Sakthi and re-recording by Ilayaraja are its guiding force. The three combine well.

At many places, the innocence of village life is brought out well by the maestro's background score, with cinematography and dialogues providing enough support.

A major eyesore may be the movie's pace in the first half, but due credit should be given to Suseenthiran for compensating it in the latter part, which goes fast and furious without losing its nativity.

Produced by Escape Artistes Motion Pictures and presented by Cloud Nine Movies, �Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai� is a movie to cherish and celebrate.

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Narthagi Movie Review

Even as the government and the society seriously thinking about the rights to be given to transgenders, comes a film, which conveys the feelings of the third community in a subtle and honest way.

Narthagi, directed by Vijaya Padma and produced by 'Punnagai Poo' Geetha (of 'Arindhum Ariyamalum' and 'Pattiyal' fame), is not the usual kind of films you have been watching all these years.

Made with a purpose, the movie advocates for the rights of transgenders. Though a docu-drama feel prevails, one should understand the motive behind such an attempt to understand and appreciate it.

Coming to the story, Subbu (Kalki), born in a 'strict family', undergoes mental and emotional changes. He realises that he is not actually a boy and takes shelter with the transgender community. He is now Kalki.

The society ridicules her. But a determined Kalki becomes a dancer and emerges successful in life. And the climax comes with a message, which would make everyone to think for sometime.

Kalki has come out with commendable performance in the lead role while G V Prakash Kumar�s music adds credibility to the script. The linear narration by Vijaya Padma which takes us slowly into the story is neat and convincing.

The film poses a few questions to the society and in some scenes it also comes with answers. 'Narthagi', in the meantime, is also recommended for a section of filmmakers in Tamil cinema who normally portray transgenders in bad light.

On the whole, despite its preaching tone, 'Narthagi' is the need of the hour. Kudos to director Vijaya Padma and producer 'Punnagai Poo' Geetha for making a gutsy attempt.

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Kanden Movie Review

Boy loves a girl and the affair faces hurdles where the boy is the reason for everything. How he overcomes all to hold the hands of his beloved forms the crux of �Kanden�.

A C Mugil, an associate to choreographer-filmmaker Prabhudeva, has directed this bubbly and youthful entertainer that has everything to woo youngsters. Mugil at many places reminds his mentor, who handled similar ideas in his directorial ventures.

The film stars Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Santhanam, debutante Reshmi Goutham, Ashish Vidyarthy and Vijayakumar. The director deserves credit for weaving an entertaining tale with just five principal characters. The script is light-hearted but oozes with energy.

Vasanth (Shanthanu) is a computer engineer, who works in a software firm in Chennai. He wants to marry a girl of his choice. However in his village his grandfather (Vijayakumar) is a Nattamai, who wants him to marry his relative.

Shanthanu in a bid to stop the wedding says that he is in love with a girl. Now his grandfather sets a deadline - bring his beloved with her parents� permission in just 30 days.

Shanthanu comes to Chennai and bumps on Narmadha (Reshmi). It�s love at first sight. He acts as a blind man and wins over her sympathy. Eventually it develops ionto romance.

Narmadha's father (Ashish Vidyarthy) is a police officer who is against the wedding. All hell breaks loose when Narmadha comes to know that Vasanth's is not blind. Now a desperate Vasanth with the help of his friend Saami (Santhanam) goes all means to prove his true love for Narmadha.

When everything falls in place and Narmadha forgives Vasanth and gets ready to marry him, he loses vision in a freak mishap. How the couple is bailed out of the trouble is the climax.

Shanthanu is bubbly and enthusiastic. Unlike his earlier ventures (�Sakkarakatti� and �Siddhu Plus Two�), he plays a wholesome role and does utilise it well. He is good at stunts and romantic sequences.

Reshmi is a welcome addition to the list of Tamil heroines. She emotes well and interestingly after a long gap one gets to see a heroine hogging major share in a movie. Vijayakumar and Ashish Vidyarthy deliver what is expected of them.

The real scene-stealer is Santhanam. As usual his one-liners, quick wits and sarcasm are the movie's highlights. He comes all through the second half and adds pep to the proceedings.

Music composer Vijay Ebenezer reminds one of Harris Jayaraj with catchy tunes which is a fusion of West and East. Prashath D Mishale is the backbone for the film capturing the scenes with essential grace and charm. Newcomer Antony Rooban's editing is sleek and crisp.

The movie is more of �Kushi� meeting �Minnalae�. Mugil has not tried anything extra-ordinary or tried to be preachy. In fact at many places a sense of deja vu prevails and the climax looks amateurish. Mugil could have made it more logical. On the whole, �Kanden� could be a summer destination for youth.

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Maaveeran Movie Review Indiaglitz

Glitz, glamour, grandeur� These three �G� words sum up �Maaveeran� by S S Rajamouli, the man behind many hits in Telugu industry. He has come up with a wonder in �Maaveran� (�Magadheera� in Telugu). Mammoth sets, huge star cast, racy script and good use of computer graphics make it a stunning show on screen.

A blend of contemporary and period events, �Maaveeran� is not the regular commercial clich� you would expect from the �Telugu Desam�. Another highlight is apt Tamil dialogues by veteran filmmaker K Bhagyaraj.

Nowhere one gets a feeling of watching a Telugu movie being dubbed in Tamil and this makes �Maaveeran� work big time. What more, it has a universal theme that would be liked by kids and adults.

Huge palace, herds of horse, hundreds of soldiers, big desert, helicopter chase. Rajamouli has brought all this into reality in the film, thanks to producer Allu Aravind of Geetha Arts. The way they have been captured on lens by Senthil Kumar deserves appreciation.

Going hand-in-hand with the story is Maragadhamani�s musical score. It is a combination of racy and melodious numbers that lifts the spirit of the movie. Costumes play a pivotal part in period films.

Understanding this fully well, Rajamouli has ensured that apt attires are created for each and every character. Kamala Kannan's visual effects add to the charm. Watch out for the chase and stunt sequences that are close to reality.

Coming to the star cast, young Ram Charan Teja, son of �mega star� Chiranjeevi has cast a magical spell playing the title role, while the young and bubbly Kajal Agarwal gives him good company. The movie has many other actors too with all playing their part exceedingly well.

Harsha (Ram Charan) is a bike racer and is behind thrills and spills in his life. Life takes a turn when he meets Indhu (Kajal Agarwal). When he touches her hands, a mystic feel prevails and he feels destiny has brought them together.

But enters Randheer (Dev Gill), Indhu's cousin with an evil desire. Attracted by her beauty he kills her father and blame falls on Harsha. Randheer takes away Indhu with him to Rajagiri palace in Rajasthan.

Now Harsha goes in search of her and embarks upon a mission to set things right. Meanwhile it is revealed that the events in the lives of these persons have connection with those that happened four hundred years ago. What follows next, is the story of �Maaveeran,� a story that effectively juggles between the past and present, keeping audience glued to the screens.

Ram Charan is extraordinary as Harsha and Parthiban, he is impressive. His amazing body language, dialogue delivery and his expressive eyes are a treat to watch. A blend of beauty and glamour, Kajal Agarwal is apt choice. She is cool and casual in trendy costumes as well.

Dev Gill as baddie is tailor-made for the role. He deserves appreciation for the character. Sri Hari's cameo in double role lends twist to the tale. Watch out for special performance by Sunil and Brahmanandham that evokes good humour.

Three cheers to Geetha Arts for making such a mammoth movie. They have rendered a grand film that is entertaining and enthralling and one that sure deserves applause.

�Maaveeran� on the whole lives up to the title.

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Sabash Sariyana Potti Movie Review Indiaglitz

It seems to be the season of television personalities trying their luck at wielding the megaphone. Close on the heels of Abhishek who directed �Kadhai� and Naga who made �Ananthapurathu Veedu�, here is Venu Aravindh.

His maiden directorial venture �Sabash Sariyana Potti� is a comedy caper that touches on the lives of tinsel town heroes, the world they are in and their political aspirations.

Venu Aravindh is a familiar face in small screen playing prominent roles and in cinema he has played second fiddle in many movies. Having watched filmmakers closely, he seems to have embarked on a journey to direct a movie.

His intentions are clear from reel one. He wanted to make a comical film and hence he has ensured that there is no place for logic. But stretching too much for effect he seems to have lost his way at many places. As a result, the end product ends on a sticky wicket.

Jayaram plays the lead role- that of a popular hero in Tamil cinema. What begins more like a �Thamizh Padam� (a spoof on Kollywood) ends up as an average and routine Tamil film.

But credits go to Jayaram who manages to evoke interest in the movie. His antics, body language and dialogue delivery manage to garner one�s attention. Debutant Sriram Karthik plays a pivotal character while Anjana Thamburatti in her maiden film plays a good samaritan.

Delhi Ganesh, Mayilsamy and Vaiyapuri also form part of the cast. Besides wielding the megaphone, Venu Aravindh appears in a double role that has a say in the script.

Gnana Guru (Sriram Karthik) lives a happy life with his friends in Vadipatti village. His mother (Sri Rajnani) wants him to make it big in life. Meanwhile Gnana Guru along with his friends that includes Ranjani (Anjana Thamburatti) are ardent fans of actor J R (Jayaram). They never miss the first day first show of his film. A mass hero JR has a couple of assistants Delhi Ganesh (Dass) and Mani (Vaiyapuri), who want the matinee idol to enter politics.

A visit to Vadipatti village by JR helps Gnana Guru meet him. He manages to leave an impression with the actor with his antics. While leaving the village, JR urges Gnana Guru to come to Chennai and try his luck in cinema.

Taking his words seriously, Gnana Guru comes to Chennai to meet the actor. He is in for a rude shock as the JR in real life is different from the one in films. He is a bundle of lie and selfishness. Gnana Guru's attempts to get an entry to cinema through JR end futile.

Unable to bear the shock and disappointment, Gnana Guru resolves to become successful with his own efforts. He enters a television show which has JR as one of the judges. A battle begins between them. Who wins in the end forms the climax...

Jayaram has tried his best to infuse life in the film. Sriram Karthik, for a debutant, does his work well. The rest of the cast including Delhi Ganesh and Mayilsamy try to evoke laughter, but end up in vain.

Music by S Thaman is the film's strength. The mass number and a couple of melodies are good to listen to. Krish Kamal's cinematography and AL Ramesh editing are okay.

Produced by V R Raghunathan, �Sabash Sariyana Potti� begins on a good note but is half done.

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Eththan Movie Review Indiaglitz

Call 'Eththan' a sequel to 'Kalavani' with a difference. For, after 'Kalavani', producer Nazir and actor Vimal have opted to go the same way - coming up with a simple and straightforward film set in rural Tamilnadu about the life of a callous youth.

Debutant filmmaker Suresh, who had worked under ace director Balu Mahendra, has sketched the life of a young man, who borrows money left, right and centre and fails to repay them.

He has touched upon a serious theme but dealt it in a lighter manner. The movie proceeds in a brisk way and is flashy in parts. However the lacunae here is the grip over the script. It is jerky and deviates at many places from the core theme.

Vimal continues from where he left in 'Kalavani'. As a mimicry artiste, his antics is sure to evoke laughter. Watch out for dialogues by Suresh, whenever Vimal tries to escape from money-lenders. It is sure to evoke laughter.

Sanuksha of 'Renigunta' fame plays the heroine. Young and chirpy, she fits the bill. It is yet another dignified performance by Jayaprakash, the most-wanted 'dad' of Kollywood, while Singam Puli succeeds in evoking laughter at many places.

Sathyamurthy alias Sathya (Vimal) is the son of a school teacher (Jayaprakash) in Kumbakonam. Vimal is a happy-go-lucky youngster, who yearns to do business. To achieve his 'mission', he borrows money from all quarters and is almost drowned in debts. Even as his father advices him to start leading life in a right manner, enters Selvi (Sanuksha), a student.

Sathya gets acquainted to Selvi and his life takes a turn. Meanwhile, Selvi gets into trouble and the baton is passed on Sathya to ensure that all goes well. How Sathya helps her overcome troubles and does romance blossom between the two forms the rest.

Vimal does his part well, while Sanusha is right choice for the role and emotes well too. Jayaprakash as school teacher delivers a punching performance. Manobala, M S Bhaskar and Mayilsamy form part of the cast.

Music by Taj Noor is okay and the exception maybe the song with lyrics in reverse 'Eththan' is a movie that begins well but loses direction as it progresses.

On the whole, 'Eththan' has its moments of brilliance. But a sense of deja vu prevails at many places.

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Aanmai Thavarael Movie Review

Who said movies are for mere entertainment. It is also a medium to propagate a strong message that is most needed for today's society. Filmmaker Kulandai Velappan, in his debut venture, has handled a sensitive issue and arrives at offering a strong solution to it.

Women and child trafficking is the most common news one would find in newspapers daily. Three cheers to Kulandai Velappan and producer Kamal Nayan, who have gathered guts to take this issue, in their first venture itself.

�Aanmai Thavarael� is a compilation of events that happens in real life. Seemingly inspired by media reports and intense research on the subject, Kulandai Vellappan has etched a story and screenplay that is strikingly different from the commercial cliches.

He gets into a rhythm in the first frame and settles down to render a wholesome product that speaks about safety and security of womenfolk in the country. The need for the government agencies concerned to tackle the crime against women has been highlighted in the best possible manner.

The filmmaker also succeeds in convincing us with lesser known star cast. The actors have fit the role well. Maria Manohar's peppy background score, Arabindhu Sara's cinematography and V J Sabu�s editing deserve credit for they set up the right momentum.

Vettri (Dhruva) is an executive with a call centre while Yamuna (Sruthi), his neighbour, works in a BPO. There is romance between them and the couple meets every morning after Yamuna retuurns from her night shift.

One day, Dhruva waits for her, but Yuamuna goes missing. The issue takes a turn when Yamuna�s mother (Lakshmi Ramakrishnan) prefers a complaint with the police. The blame falls on Vettri. But enquiries reveal that she was kidnapped by a gang in a car.

Vettri promises to return with his beloved and sets out on a search. He knocks the doors of the police who keep passing the buck to various departments. Understanding that he is running short of time, he takes the help of Charles Antony (Sampath Raj), a former official in anti trafficking wing.

He helps Vettri obtain some vital clues and enquires to find out that Yamuna was kidnapped with few other girls only to be pushed to flesh trade in Goa. Vettri embarks on a journey to trace the car and redeem his lover from them. The search begins in Chennai which eventually after many twists and turns ends in Goa.

Dhruva is impressive. He portrays his role with utmost dignity. Sruthy is a welcome addition to Tamil cinema. She fits the role to T. The fear and agonies of a kidnapped girl are brought out well. Such roles are a cakewalk for Sampath Raj and he does play his part exceedingly good. The soft-spoken Subbu Panchu in the role of a villain is adequate.

All credits should go to the producers Redhead Entertainment. At a time when production houses prefer to do mindless masalas, Kamal Nayan, in association with Kulandai Velappan, has come out with a movie that is most needed for the hour.

A bold attempt that is worth a watch is �Aanmai Thavarael�

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Aaranya Kaandam Movie Review

Tamil cinema is slowly maturing to move away from commercial cliches towards experimenting unique plots and innovative themes. Gone are those days when tear-jerkers, masala movies and saas-bahu stories dominated the scene.

�Aaranya Kaandam� by debutant director Thiyagarajan Kumararaja is a novel attempt that breaks all barriers of methodical film-making.

Strikingly different from frame one, �Aaranya Kaandam� is a film not for weak-hearted. Though it may present scenes as they are from the real life, it may put the viewers in jolt at the first instance. It is more a character-driven story where the events in the lives of various characters make up the script.

The filmmaker has chosen to pull out a story from the warlords in North Chennai. With guns, narcotics and men dominating the scene, it is a violent tale on screen. There are enough swear words, specially in Chennai Tamil. The characters are so real for there is no fantasy attached to them.

Singaperumal (Jackie Shroff), who runs a gang of his own in North Chennai, dominates the story. His trusted lieutenant is Pasupathi (Sampath Raj). But the latter has a motive - to take control from Singaperumal.

There is one young girl Subbu (Yasmeen Ponnappa), who was lured by Singamperumal by promising to make her an actress, but he keeps her with him for personal gain. Sappai (Ravi Krishna), an innocent simple straightforward youth, is also with Singam Perumal. Subbu plans to woo Sappai and escape from the clutches of Singam Perumal.

Meanwhile, a narcotic deal comes and Pasupathy plays a double game, leading him to incur the wrath of Singam Perumal. Then there is Gajendran (Rambo Rajkumar) who has his own gang.

And an alcoholic Kalyan (Somasundaram) and his son Kodukapuli (Master Vasanth) arrive with their rooster from village to make money participating in fights. The war begins and the cunning and smart cookies survive. The movie eventually ends with blood shed and violence.

Kudos to the director for casting Jackie Shroff as dreaded Singam Perumal. He seems to have done it with elegance. He plays the role with consummate ease. Watch out for a different Sampath Raj. He is the scene-stealer playing his part with arrogance and style.

It�s an interesting role for Ravikrishna, which he has done well. He portrays emotions well on screen, while Yasmeen Ponnappa is tailor-made for the character. Somasundaram and and master Vasanth walk away with honours.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score, more of natural sounds and silence at many places sets up the momentum in the script, while Vinod has opted for some stylish angles to capture dark life in Chennai.

All said, �Aaranya Kaandam� is a movie that doesn't belong to the regular genre of Tamil cinema. It is different and unique. Watch it if you love bloodshed and violence. And credits go to SPB Charan for coming forward to fund such a novel attempt.

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Avan Ivan Movie Review

First things first. �Avan Ivan� is no serious kind of a Bala film. It is like a marriage between commercial cinema with the signature style of Bala. The ace filmmaker has woven the script in such a way that there are no dull moments and the wafer-thin storyline does proceed without any lag.

All the characters blend well and there is a touch of realism in each of them even though Bala has opted for some commercial clich�s here and there in the film. The national award winning director has played to the gallery at most places, with Vishal and Arya getting due space on screen to woo the audience with their acting skills.

But quite like other Bala movies, there are enough scope for other characters too that have a bearing on the script.

If the first half is more like a cat and mouse game between siblings (Arya and Vishal), the latter part ensures that the two join hands for a cause. They embark on a journey to take revenge, reminding you �Pithamagan�.

Due credits should be given to Bala for breaking grammars of Tamil cinema. The heroes are not smart-looking fellows, the mother of the lead roles are not dotting, romance comes without duets and there are no punchlines to mouth. On the whole, the film has no structured pattern of narration.

Kumbidaren Saamy (Arya) is a petty thief and his half-brother Walter Vanangamudi (Vishal) is an aspiring drama artiste. They both live life their own way. Their father (Ananth Vaidyanthan) is caught between his two wives.

There is an old time King who lost all his wealth but commands respect in the village. Called affectionately as His Highness (G M Kumar), he showers love on Saamy and Walter.

Both Saamy and Walter do anything for His Highness. As events unfold, Walter and Saamy fall in love with a police constable Baby (Janani Iyer) and a college girl Thenmozhi (Madhu Shalini) respectively which lead to hilarious situations.

Enters a cattle smuggler (RK). He transports animals illegally to Kerala. His Highness comes across his business and ensures he gets punished. But the latter swears revenge on Highness which leads to a riveting climax featuring Saamy and Walter.

It's a totally new Vishal in the film. As a squint-eyed youth, his dialogue delivery and body language is outstanding. The actor is at his best from the very first reel. He carries the whole burden well in his shoulders. The highlight of Vishal�s performance is a scene where he pours out Navarasa emotions on stage. Wonder where this actor in him was hiding all these days.

Arya plays second fiddle to him. He is cool, casual and is at utmost ease. He carries his role with utmost sincerity. His comic acts don't fail to make us laugh. Suriya's cameo, Ambika's bold performance and the presence of two leading ladies, Janani Iyer and Madhu Shalini, adds strength to the script. RK as the baddie is a perfect foil.

The real scene stealer is G M Kumar. The veteran plays a disappointed but fun-loving old man. He emotes well on screen and deserves applause for playing such a tricky role with consummate ease.

Arya's encounters with Madhu Shalini especially the dialogues where he urges her to drop her money in the temple, Vishal's encounter with Janani Iyer in the police station or the scenes involving Ambika swearing on his sons, all have the signature style of Bala.

Arthur A Wilson's lens captures landscapes of Theni well, while crisp editing by Suresh Urs peps up the proceedings. Watch out for Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score that reminds his dad Ilayaraja in his prime form.

All said, �Avan Ivan� is not a typical Bala film, and it has its own dull moments, courtesy clich�d scenes and dragging second half. But it also has many ingredients to entertain the masses. The producers (AGS Entertainment) and the director deserve credit for such an unusual attempt.

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Offsite Backup Advantages

Creating backups of your data and files is a very important way of staying on top of disaster and missing data.  Both small and large businesses, including individuals, always look towards a backup of information to keep them going in the face of disaster.  Even though backups are a great way to keep your data safe and protected, there are some flaws with the traditional methods.

When you create backups of your data, you must store them somewhere where they can’t be damaged or someone else can access them.  For businesses, offsite backup is a well known and popular way to backup files.  It offers you several different advantages when compared to other ways, such as CD, DVD, external hard drives, and even servers.  One of the biggest advantages to offsite backup is the fact that the backups aren’t stored in your office or business.

Offsite backup companies store your data in state of the art safes, to protect them against fire, flood, and even prying eyes.  This can be extremely beneficial if unexpected things have a habit of occurring around your office. 

Another great thing about offsite backups are the fact that they can be used as stores for your data.  You won’t need to rely on online space, as you can easily go to the company who is storing your data and go through it anytime you wish.  You can also use online space with most companies as well.  You simply upload your data to their online storage area, then go back anytime you wish and view it.  This is a very handy feature, similar to a hosting company.

Another benefit of offsite backup is the fact that your data will always be protected, and you won’t have to use CD or DVDs to do it.  CD and DVD storage is great for individuals, although there will be quite a bit of them for most businesses.  This can get somewhat costly, but more importantly, it will use a lot of space to store the backup files.  They can also become damaged or lost, unlike offsite backup storage. 

Offsite storage is also great if your business is in a bad area.  If Mother Nature has a habit of bashing your area with floods, fires, or hurricanes, you should look into offsite backup storage immediately.  They have ways to protect your information from harm, including anything Mother Nature can dish out.  There is no need to worry about natural disasters, system failures, hard drive crashes, or data failure with offsite backup storage.

Even though you may not realize it, the data will be available anytime you need it.  Online backup services are available anytime, day or night, and can be accessed anywhere you are.  Most are easy to set up, and offers you very impressive security measures.  They are also fast and very efficient, which is great for those who need to access their files immediately.

When it comes to offsite backup, you can store virtually any file you need to, such as text files, e-books, contact record, pictures, music, and anything else you can think of.  The storage for online backups are virtually endless, capable of storing everything you need.

All in all, offsite backup storage is ideal for any business or corporation.  You can store your data with an online offsite backup, or choose to do it physically in an offsite safe.  The choice is entirely up to you.  No matter which method of offsite backup you choose - your data will always be protected, and best of all - it will always be there anytime you need it.

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