nragul Reviews

Vikram Vedha (2017)

Oru katha sollatta...?!

[10/10 · 23 July 2017]

What will happen when two star actors, who tend to give priority to stories more than their respective roles, join together in a movie...? Vikram Vedha happens...!

A usual cop-criminal story, which is presented with a unique screenplay inspired by Vikramadithan-Vedhalam stories of folklore, where Vedhalam (Vijay Sethupathi) asks a tough riddle to Vikramadithan (Madhavan) to evade encounter. The movie starts with a huge difference between the characters, with Vikram - as an honest cop; and Vedha - as a ruthless gangster. The differences fades away as the movie progresses and goes through a complete karmic cycle, from evil vengeance to redemption, with the support of riddled flashback stories narrated by Vedha. The idea remotely resembles Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction in a rather simpler manner. But this movie is a masterpiece of unique kind.

When you find enough ingredients in the plot, setup and pace of the movie, the unexpected thrilling element that changes the entire course of the movie, at regular interval, will take you by surprise. The pace keeps you hooked and does not give you time to anticipate a twist. That's what have made this movie enjoyable to watch.

No one can fit into the role of Vikram Vedha better than Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi. Especially the comical arrogance of Vijay Sethupathi have created wonders on screen. Even a small character in the movie have owned the role to perfection providing a flawless performances from all sides.

Yaanji song and BGM does the work it was expected to do.

The movie is a rich mixture of class and entertaining elements with astonishing story and narration. In all, this movie is a treat to watch and worth sparing some extra bucks post GST.

Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)

Thrilled; Entertained - Over Satisfied - Worth every penny

[10/10 · 13 March 2017]

When one particular name of a movie keeps rounding your ears amongst movie-buff circle, anyone would be rather intrigued to go for it. That is how I set to watch D16. A movie with no anticipation, zero expectation, just to experience the cinema and get entertained.

Movie starts with a crime scene and sets to move forward a few years where the flashback of investigation is told. The exaggeration about the crime, the mystery throughout the investigation and the search for clues - all these factors adds up to keep you in edge of your seat peeking on tip of your toes.

Plot is rather simple, but the narration in a police's point of view is top notch. You can't help but think about the crime scene and investigate along with the movie. That's how beautiful the narration is.

Karthik Naren has announced his arrival to Kollywood with an astonishing debut. The story and screenplay were nothing less to perfect. Dialogues were so mature for such a young director.

BGM beautifully synced with the rugged tone of the movie. Glad that there wasn't any song to ruin the flow.

As the name suggests, there are 16 characters in the film. But there are two outstanding characters in the name of Rahman and the Constable who assists Rahman. Rest all of them have done their part in upwards direction.

This movie is a perfect treat for all people. It gets you to investigate, think and keeps you active and entertained in all means. Its a rare genius.

Kuttram 23 (2017)

Another investigation thriller in the crown of Kollywood

[9/10 · 10 March 2017]

A successful movie can create a new identity to the team involved in making. As Director Arivazhagan is already addressed as director of Eeram, after this movie, he can definitely be addressed as director of Kuttram 23. This credit goes to the protagonist Arun Vijay as well.

Kollywood has established a new benchmark in investigation thriller after the success of movies like Thani Oruvan to recent Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru. Precisely, Kuttram 23 have met those standards with a riveting plot and a befitting social message.

The movie has followed a simple art of story telling with a linear screen-play. But this does not mean that you can sit reclined in your seat.

The action sequences especially are well made and looks realistic. Unlike majority of thriller movies, this movie looks more colorful and grand in visual.

Fortunately, every other factors falls into place for this movie. Please don't search for shortcoming(there isn't any in my opinion), as this kind of movies are meant to be watched by audience of all categories.

Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (2016)

Inspired from Godfather - Well inspired..!

[8/10 · 21 November 2016]

It has been a long wait ever since the release of single song "Thalli pogathey", ironically, the movie release took a long time.

But its worth the wait.

A typical GVM start to the movie with mature parents, loving sister and a gorgeous heroine to fall in love for - Manjima Mohan

A special mention for that fabulous bike song - Showkali, most of the guys would have booked a Royal Enfield as soon as they got out of the movie.

Such was the presentation and passion expressed.

With romance and song filling the first half, the movie turns into a thriller with some strange situations encompassing a common man.

A colorful first half followed by a contrasting dark second half.

The thrill element was presented beautifully as you will never know what is going to come next.

Unlike usual GVM movies, this movie has got some logical setbacks in the name of "commercial" element. This might give out some mixed reactions. Nonetheless, the movie overall will be a good watch.

Verdict: Go for it...

Iraivi (2016)

Title has everything...!!!

[7/10 · 10 June 2016]

Titled as Iraivi, the movie begins with a gentle note on dreams of women on their married life.

Then comes the worst case scenario, when they get married to men with poor character. A man with career failure - goes dipsomaniac; A man with love failure - Goes more aggressive than usual all time. A series of aggressive decision and action leads to lot of hiccups throughout their lives. And when their women try to redeem them, who wins the battle (for the same result) form the rest of the story.

SJ Surya has given a stand-out performance, obviously the best of him till date. Vijay Sethupathi and Bobby simha have done their job as second fiddle properly. All the three Iraivis have done justice to their role with the amount of screen time they got.

The songs in this movie didn't make big, but when watched along with the movie, looks good. Whatsoever, Santhosh Narayan have not disappointed when it comes to BGM, to be precise.

What happens to women in a family when men takes pathetic decisions without keeping his family in mind, will possibly be a suitable theme of the movie.

Even though the theme sounds simple, Director Karthik Subbaraj has stuck to his usual way of delivery, and possibly would have researched for the most unusual incidents and desperate savage results to convey a social message. Possibly because of that, the movie lags in the second half. Mixed views on this movie is obviously possible as it talks about relationships, degrading men's image. But there are lot of positives to carry on the other side of the coin.

VERDICT: If you are ready to take a message on relationships, do watch it.

CAUTION: Its a weepie...!!!

24 (I) (2016)

Don't read reviews...! Go...!! Watch it..!!!

[9/10 · 7 May 2016]

This movie possess everything:

• Strong story base

• Sci-fi fantasy

• Romance, though below par from the standard of entire movie

• Deadly villain

• Unexpected twists

• Family drama

• perfect logic loops

A once in a decade kind of film, very carefully handled in terms of screenplay and direction. The movie starts in a typical sci-fi way, then slowly takes you into a roller-coaster ride with some unimaginable and unpredictable destinations.

Cinematography & VFX deserves a special mention as this film could have been nothing without this team.

In a sci-fi film, you cannot think of songs to gel up with the pace of the film, but here, they were awesomely handled. BGM, out of word - Rahman rules all over.

Its triple role for Surya as Athreya/Mani/Sethuraman and he rules the entire movie with his performance. The antagonist Athreya is on top of the rest.

Amidst a completely occupied screen space for the lead actor, Samantha and Nithya Menon have got decent roles and they have done their parts well.

The movie do have a few glitches in the first half, but they are completely negligible for its 'never seen before' kind of feel, when your anticipation goes wrong all the time.

Verdict: Just go for it...!

Theri (2016)

The more you expect; the more you get disappointed: An average spark

[6/10 · 15 April 2016]

The much anticipated movie of the season, Vijay starrer Theri (The spark), is definitely doing abuzz amongst Vijay fans (much because of the protagonist), and film lovers (much because of the new Vijay- Atlee combo).

The story revolves around a cop, leaving his duties to raise and protect his daughter. When a potential threat related to his past life arrives and haunt their lives..... (Rest stays true if you have a little Movie sense).

Vijay has rocked throughout the film, with his ability to produce humour by imitating other people around, and the rest are signature Vijay - Dance and action.

The next one in my list would definitely be his little daughter Nainika. A cute kid, with some quirky dialog is definitely more than enough and this kid delivers them with ease.

Samantha and Amy Jackson have done their parts well while Rajendran gells up well with Vijay throughout the film. A different comedy combo this time. BGM works fabulous and so is the cinematography.

However, in my opinion Vijay stays obdurate in choosing his film. A complete Vijayish film - Sentiment overloaded, sympathy, 5 song theory, action and then, here comes the most clichéd revenge. The adorable cop things are completely missing in the movie.

All the songs were unnecessary and they further reduced the pace of themovie.

In all, a not so racy but more like a typical Vijay film, importantly this time without more flaws deserve a quiet watch.

Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016)

Definitely something new... But 'new' need not necessarily be interesting always

[6/10 · 20 March 2016]

Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum stars Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian in the lead. Vijay Sethupathi as Kathiravan plays an aspiring bar owner and Madonna Sebastian as Yazhini-an IT graduate from a typical middle class family. As always (Vijay Sethupathi) and as expected (Madonna Sebastian), the lead pair have done a decent job. BGM score by Santhosh Narayan is fair enough throughout the movie, and nicely peaks at crucial points. But the movie impresses in patches which includes a stunt sequence, interview embarrassing job seekers and of course the climax. These stuff aren't sufficient enough to keep you engaged in a romantic-drama that lacks balance between romance and drama. On the whole, it can be a good one time watch.