Thoughtless Thoughts....

It’s been months since I made a solid and original post here which is non-filmi. Thoughts are locked in a heavy box and still searching for the key. Shaking the box had a few them spilling out and here they are....

• Airtel barred my outgoing calls few days back. Calling customer care on 121 said my outgoing has been barred for non-payment. Surprised at this (my ECS payment was already taken for the month) I called up customer care from landline. Then I learnt the real reason. My team mate had lost her mobile and to call customer care she used my mobile in the morning. After asking her for all details that is as good as getting her whole bio data, the "extra intelligent" customer care representative had barred calls for my number instead of hers. Then what? After some nice talks, they had to activate my outgoing in an hour...

• The greatest entertainment channel Doordarshan Chennai aka Podhigai, after its innovative ideas like solo teacher teaching in an empty classroom, music band of bunch of school kids with kitchen wares as instruments, cooking competition where the cooked dish occupies screen background... uff... let me stop... Has come up with new idea of a Quiz show for housewives(or house paatis) called "Aasai Dosai". The team names are Onion Rava, Special Saadha and Masala :O The show is more like maamis arattai in veetu thinnai on an afternoon with no professionalism. No editing nothing. Paricipants talk haphazardly to the host and between themselves after answering the "questions"(!!!) Couldn't bear for even 5 minutes so channel shift :P

• This dance show called Maanada Mayilada in Kalignar TV is good. I watch a whole bunch of "reality" dance shows like Jodi No. 1, Aatam paatam, Chak De Bache, Yeh Hai Jalwa etc. just because I love watching people dance. But this show is something different, in the sense, the choreography and sets are really good and most participants are good dancers rather than popular TV stars. Also there is no tear jerking emotional scenes or fights between participants and judges followed by a suya puraanam singing by the judge. The show is purely for dance, dance and nothing else. 2 and half hours a week seems like too much with almost an hour gone in ads, but the show is worth a watch.

• Traveling in Chennai buses has become more of a comfortable experience than a painful torture as it was before. With lots of new buses (still the green color devils are roaming for shorter routes) and routes covering whole length and breadth of Chennai, traveling has become faster and easier. And paying more charge in deluxe buses has at least the benefit of a courteous conductor, even though you don't get a seat. :P Still waiting for a chance to try out the AC buses zooming across Mount Road.

Kuruvi - The Movie Review

Banner: Red Giant Movies

Produced by: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Directed by: Dharani

Music: Vidhyasagar

Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Vivek, Suman, Manivannan, Ashish Vidhyarthi

Kuruvi, one of the biggest releases of this summer, had lot of expectations with the comeback of Ghilli team and with Dharani promising something more than Ghilli. Truth is, the film just lives upto the name of an average commercial entertainer. Dharani who made the best ever remake in Ghilli and made us enjoy Dhil and Dhool has stopped with a half baked effort this time and has let Vijay carry the film for him.

Vetrivel(Vijay), living with his huge family in Chennai goes to Malaysia as “Kuruvi” along with his friend Ops(Vivek) to get a pending payment from Gocha(Suman) and clear off his family debts. There he finds himself betrayed and in the chase for Gocha, he ends up getting his sister Devi (Trisha) fall in love with him. Vetrivel and Ops return to India stealing a diamond from Gocha along with Devi who elopes in search of her Kuruvi. Gocha comes to India in search of the diamond, finds Vetrivel and reveals lots of hidden secrets about the whereabouts of Vetrivel’s father who is considered as missing by the family. The rest of the film is about how Vetrivel wins over Gocha and his aides to save his father and how Trisha unites with her Kuruvi.

The director moves the film in right direction till the end of first half. Thereafter, in his quest to project Vijay as a super (natural??!!) hero and satisfy the die hard fans of Vijay, Dharani has taken painful efforts to the let the screenplay move carelessly, drenched in blood and gore with lots of spicy masala thrown in.

Considering this is an action film, action sequences are surprisingly the main drawbacks of the film, barring a well composed club fight in the first half. Many stunts are unbelievably overdone with poor visual effects aimed at only projecting the super hero power, ultimately evoking from the viewer a totally different reaction than what it is supposed to do.

Songs have been shot well, choreography in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu song is a treat for eyes. Vidhyasagar's background score too is impressive. Gopinath's camera work, VT Vijayan's editing and Maniraj's art direction does an awesome threesome magic for the film. Scenes shot in Malaysia and the rusty look of second half deserve special mention.

Vijay is at his usual best in dance, action, comedy and expressions. He has handled the whole second half by himself where director has taken a back seat adding less value to the film. The extremely over the top punches and one sided fight sequences may go down well with the die hard Vijay fans but for the normal audience, a feel of boredom creeps up after a point.

Trisha has performed her role well, acts vibrant, looks cute and shares an excellent chemistry with Vijay in scenes and songs. Vivek in first half is a major advantage for the film and does a great job as Vijay's friend. You miss him in the second half where expect a couple of songs and few lighter moments, all you get to see is violence. Suman and Aasish Vidhyarthi as villans are just fine while other villains deafen you most of the time. The supporting cast of the film has done a very good job, Saranya, Manivannan and the small kid in the quarry being noteworthy mentions.

The content and the edge-of-the-seat excitement of Ghilli is surely missing in Kuruvi, but even if you forget Ghilli and look at Kuruvi as a normal entertainer, there is a serious lack of director's work and only Vijay remains in the film. Lifted scenes/ideas from other films, unwise packaging of fun filled first half and fan desired second half and a loose story line are Dharani's major mistakes in Kuruvi. Better luck next time Dharani!

Overall Rating: 5/10

Verdict: Kuruvi - Flying with limits and limitations

Kuruvi - The Audio Review

It is a very well known fact that Vijay's film songs are 50% audio and 50% visuals. Yet another known fact is that songs of Dharani-Vidyasagar combo are strictly for mass, and it has been proved through films like Dhool, Ghilli and Bangaram. That said, the trio of Vijay-Dharani-Vidhyasagar have delivered in "Kuruvi" more than what is expected out of them - An album that satisfies all Vijay fans and a good time pass for neutral fans.
Peppy, loud and full of energy, it is the right mix for Vijay fans if you leave aside senseless comparisions with things of past. Anyone who listens to the album in a low mood is sure to get an high spirit, to say the least. It is definitely a break away from the usual class-melody routine that Vidhyasagar has been through for the past couple of years.

Now over to the songs....

Happy New Year
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Yogi B, Dr.Burn
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

The album starts with a loud bang with this number which I call in my terms as "Techno Kuthu". Sunidhi singing Tamil folk is something new and she is brilliant as ever. The Tamil Rap by Yogi B and Dr.Burn is equally enjoyable. The heavy percussions provide the perfect accompaniment for the song.

Rating: 8.5/10

Dandaana Darna
Lyrics: Kabilan
Singers: Sangeeth Haldipur

This is the third time in a row we get to hear Vijay's intro song in a different voice than the usual Shankar Mahadevan/Tippu. Use of new voice renders a fresh feel to the song and Vidhyasagar has rightly taken a note of this aspect. Sangeeth Haldipur, the famous Marathi music composer/singer and part of Channel [V] Pop stars 2, does the honours this time. For a first time non-Tamilian singer, he has managed to do a good job and delivered what is required of him - right feel, energy and heavy throated singing. What Pokkiri Pongal is for Pokkiri, Dandaana Darna is for Kurvi.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thaen Thaen Thaen
Lyrics: Yugabharathi
Singers: Udit Narayanan, Shreya Ghosal

Vidhyasagar's melodies always have a unique feel to it and he is at his usual best here too. The hindustani tune with Arabian style of orchestration gives the song a lilting touch. Shreya Ghosal yet again proves that nothing is sweeter than her voice, while Udit Narayanan too does a good job if you can forgive his awkward diction at a few places. This is one song that has the right elements to attract anyone after first few listenings. A slow poison.

Rating: 9/10

Palaanadhu Palaanadhu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay
Singers: Vidhyasagar, S. Rajalakshmi

If you loved Thottu Thottu Pesum Sulthana(Edhirum Pudhirum) or Ithunoondu Muthathile(Dhool) of Dharani-Vidhyasagar combo, you will surely love this too. Composed in Bhangra style with lots of techno beats mixed with the Punjabi Dhol, this song will leave you dancing for the exitement it provides is magical. Thankfully, Vidhyasagar has chosen the right song for him to sing and Rajalakshmi of "Kokku Para Para" fame does a good job too.

Rating: 8/10

Theme Music
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar
Singers: Praveen Mani, Dr Burn, Ranina and Suvi

With varying paces, possibly to be used at various situations in the film, this a rocking music bit filled with lots of mass lyrics, that will leave Vijay fans mesmerised. You may get a feel of Kabadi Kabadi of Ghilli westernised, but this song has more than that to offer. The heavy guitar fused with traditional folk percussions does what it is intended to do - rushing up the adrenaline.

Rating: 8/10

Mozha Mozhanu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay
Singers: K.K, Anuradha Sriram

The least best is saved for the last. This is a song whose success is heavily dependent on the picturisation because the music has nothing great to talk about. Vidhyasagar-KK-Anuradha combo of the unforgettable Appadi Podu has done a mediocre job here. The disappointment leaves you searching for Srikanth Deva or Dheena as Guest composers in the credits. Completely folk in all aspects, this is clearly targetted for front benchers. Nothing without a reason, visuals will speak on that.

Rating: 6.5/10

Pluses: Fresh voices, simple and neat presentation
Minuses: Lyrics are mediocre, songs are targeted only at the youth

Overall Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Good

Atlast!!! A tag...

Breaking my weeks of hibernation with this tag from Nirmal. Actually, should thank him for bringing me back

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

"Azhagiya Thamizh Magan" in Santhi on a Saturday afternoon. It was a big get together of my online friends and I went just to meet them and give my presence.

2. What book are you reading?

Bharathiyar Kadhaigal. Never knew that there are stories written by Bharathiyar. Lots of varieties.. Its like his personal diary compiled as a book.. Many stories are somehow incomplete. Some will be liked by kids, some are philosophical, some are sarcastic and some are exaggerated. On the whole a different experience of learning. I am reading it in parts for 1 hr, 30 mins, 15 mins for a long time

3. Favorite board game?

Trade or Business whatever it is called… Used to play it with my cousins and I play the banker most times. Buying and selling cities, mortgages, money handling.. It was a fantasy for me. I liked playing it for hours even though my cousins wish to stop after some time. We count the property worth and end the game most times

4. Favorite magazine?

Ananda Vikatan. I always feel some maturity in its presentation and it has lots of write up series that I enjoy reading.

5. Favorite smells?

Smell of new books, sambhar, Tiger balm and Brut

6. Favorite sounds?

Violin. I get mesmerized every time I hear it.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

When people don’t trust you or the words you say even though you have been honest.

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

"Shall I go in 9.30 shuttle? Nah, sun will kill me.. ok... I shall get ready now.. but 6 PM bus atleast today"

9. Favorite fast food place?

Ram’s milky way near Panagal Park, T.Nagar.. Though I have been there only twice I liked it a lot.

10. Future child's name?

Will not be as long as mine and will have two parts in it to be used as first and last name

11. Finish this statement. "If I had lot of money I'd....?"

Build an independent house in a peaceful residential locality and if more money is left would spend it on a travel to any of my favorite holiday spots.

12. Do you drive fast?

I haven’t driven anything But I like traveling in fast vehicles (fast=fast and not rash)

13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I stuff something at 12 midnight and sleep like an animal. I believe only girlies use stuffed things.

14. Storms - cool or scary?

Scary. I stay in a safe building. What about millions who don’t even have a house to live?

15. What was your first car?

I don’t own one yet. The first one I traveled in was an Ambassador.

16. Favorite drink?

Orange juice and to drink hot, filter coffee.

17. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would...."?

Take my mom to all places she likes to visit.

18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

What is broccoli?

19. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I already have a receding hairline. I don’t wanna add chemicals to it and lose them early.

20. Name all the different cities/towns you've lived in?

Chennai and Bangalore. Chennai is da best and I love it like anything.

21. Favorite sports to watch?

Tennis when I feel like watching it. And I never miss gymnastics during Olympics.

22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

Nirmal is a nice guy who I always see with full of energy. He always has this child-like smile on his face which makes you forget all tensions when you talk to him.

23. What's under your bed?

A wooden Cot

24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Yeah.. And to the same parents but with lots of courage and good luck.

25. Morning person, or night owl?

Night owl. Typing this reply at 12.10 AM on a Saturday night or ahem, Sunday

26. Over easy, or sunny side up?

I don’t eat eggs

27. Favorite place to relax?

A window shopping in crowded streets of T.Nagar…

28. Favorite pie?

Apple pie

29. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Vanilla

30. Of all the people you tagged this to, who's most likely to respond first?

I guess it would be Shrinivas SG.

****************************************************

Now for the tagging part, I pass this on to Vikram, Shrinivas SG, Hell's angel and Venky.

A Tale of Four Cities

Hiring an auto in Kerala:

You need to go to railway station from a hotel in Trissur. You call an auto, get in with your luggages. Meter switched on showing Rs.10(Minimum charge for 2 Kms) You reach station which is about 1.3 kms from your place. Just then you are reminded of special Kerala chips which you forgot to buy. You request autowallah to leave you at the shop at main road.(almost half a kilometer away) Meter is reset now. He leaves you at the shop. You give him Rs.20, he picks Rs.10 from his pocket and gives you.

Hiring an auto in Hyderabad:

You need to return late night from a dinner to your house situated in a residential area. The time is around 9.30 PM. You take an auto, he asks you 5 Rs. extra charge over the meter charge, as it is late night. The meter charge is Rs.23, you give him Rs.30 and he hands over Rs.2 back to you.

Hiring an auto in Bangalore:

You need to travel from Koramangala to Madiwala. Auto 1 has gone without stopping. Same with Auto 2. Auto 3 stops but on hearing Madiwala the autowallah turns his face and goes without a reply. Same with Auto 4. Auto 5 and 6 also does not stop. Auto 7 agrees to take you home and after reaching home you pay him the meter charge.

Hiring an auto in Chennai:

You need to go from T.Nagar bus stand to your house. Empty autos slow down and you say the destination. First one moves away saying "varaadhu". Second one asks you Rs.50 (Nominal rate is Rs.25) You look for the third one who asks you forty. You bargain for Rs.30 and get in. You watch the dummy electronic meter with a sigh which is running for no known reason. You reach your home and the meter has run for about 2 kms and the fare has increased by 20 Rs. You hand over Rs.30 to the auto driver who looks like "the happiest man in the world".

You walk up the steps wondering "what on the hell bothers these guys in life that is not affecting auto drivers in any other state!!!"