Wednesday 14 January 2015

UTTAMA VILLAIN TRAILER


I MOVIE REVIEW

 The biggest movie in recent times, Shankar's I is finally here. And, it is yet another proof of the capability of the director for whom even big or bigger won't cut it. His latest movie is his biggest, as of now (with no doubt that this can be said of his next movie as well - such is his vision and ingenuity).

 
In I, he has taken up a genre that's remarkably different from his previous flicks - a romantic thriller. However, the screenplay, still, can be fitted into his typical pattern. Also, he makes sure that he puts forth some succinct messages in the areas of cosmetology, and medical negligence.

Coming to the I-man, Vikram, he doesn't take time to warm up, and instantly wins over the audience right from the minute he hops onto the screen - as the hunchback. Entirely covered under a world-class prosthetic makeup, the actor emotes more via his eyes, and also with his body language and posture rather than his curbed up voice.

In fact the loudest claps from the theater was when the hunchback character is given a minute of hope, letting him catch a glimpse of a long lost happiness, before taking it back in the next, leaving him pendent all alone in the middle of the road. Claps for his passion and dedication! Also, watch out for the scene where Vikram matches muscle to muscle with some of the best professional body builders.

The other clapping moments were reserved for the Shankar-brand inventiveness such as the Royal Enfield morphing to Amy, and when Vikram's shoelaces get tied off itself with him just flapping his legs. And, the stunt sequences and also his songs! The thing about Shankar is that he never lets these sequences become a smoking-time for the audience. He invests so much into these moments that would make the viewers to stay. And, with PC Sreeram behind the camera, these sequences become mini-movies. The stunt sequences in particular, be it in China or India are grippingly shot. Art director Muthuraj is subtle even in his grand sets, speaking of his artistry. 

Also, the non-linear narrative, which Shankar has used to intrigue suspense, serves to elucidate the effort put by his hero, as the tale shifts between the actions of the wafer-thin hunchback and the big and muscular bodybuilder, Lingeshwaran.   

Even though, it's Vikram, who is in the center of frame throughout and who steals the show, Amy Jackson's part, as a model, deserves commendation too. The entire plot is driven by the lead protagonist, Lingeshwaran's love for her.

Hence, for the plot to work, this love had to be a two-way street. With Vikram holding a solid ground on one end, Amy had to deliver on the other side. And, she does! Initially, at times, her dubbing does feel a bit tacky. However, around the halftime, when she gets to converse the 'Madras slang', she hits the perfect chord!

Santhanam doesn't have much work to take the plot forward. But, in the end, when Shankar ties all the loose ends, after a three hour long  deal, like the Boss he is, Santhanam is given a free run to deliver his one-liners - his trademark Punch lines.

Music composer, AR Rahman and Shankar combo has always worked and in I too, their winning streak continues.

I begins when a man low on confidence is motivated to 'act' for a professed love. And, it ends when the man, who's again low on confidence, is motivated back to action - only, this time, it's for true love.

The problem with I is that the story becomes predictable beyond a point. The villains are weak, the love portion in China extends more than what it should have and though songs are brilliant stand alone, they do have an impact on the pace of the narration. 

Ultimately, it's an amalgamation of Masters at play which works to a larger extent because of their huge efforts. 


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Thursday 8 January 2015

'I' is not releasing for Pongal?

The team ‘I’ is busy promoting the movie across the Nation and a few cinema halls have already started the booking too. Meanwhile, Pixar Media has filed a petition stating Aascar Ravichandran hasn’t returned the loan in Madras High Court. In turn, the court has stalled the movie for 3 weeks for the time being.


However, there is still a minor hope for the fans of Vikram; if Aascar Ravichandran settles the debt in a day or two, the movie might get released as planned. Stay tuned for more.


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Vikram lost his senses during I...

 When asked about Vikram's contribution to I, art director Muthuraj had this to say on Chiyaan. 

“Vikram is not an ordinary human being. His commitment and dedication can floor you for life. He is an inspiration by all means. The character transformation he went through is probably the first of its kind you'll witness. Be it the hefty body builder or the one with the hunchback, he has given his heart and soul to it. 




From over 90 kgs, he went to the 40s in just a month. How can somebody do that? For the hunchback role, he had to reduce so much of weight in order to deal with the heavy make-up. We had a small AC box for him to go sit inside. During the shoots, before the shot got ready, we used to take him around, in the box which had a wheel attached to it.

When he came out of the box while the shot was ready and if somebody was working on the sets, the very sound of a hammer on a nail can send unbearable pain to his body. He was so feeble and weak. A mere look at him can terrify us. There were times when we had to repeatedly call him; the complete starving had dampened his senses. Who will do all this? Can somebody go to this extent? Vikram is a phenomenal artist. Your accolades and also the awards can't suffice the effort he's taken to give life to Shankar's dream”.

For more such stories, stay tuned to a full-fledged interview with the art director which is on its way.    


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Everything You Need To Know About - Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal!

 After mesmerizing as a North Chennai lad in Merasalayitten aka Issak Taare, now is Vikram - the Remo-ish cool dude's turn to astonish us with something else. Tu chale, the Hindi version of 'Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal', was released a few hours back, and it spells grandeur in every frame.



The three other highlights, apart from the director Shankar stamp grandeur, are: the lead pair's chemistry, PC Screeram's cinematography, and Anthony's edits.

Chiyaan Vikram looks ravishingly handsome, and Amy looks sculpted awesome! And, their romance works big time in the song.

PC Sreeram's camera constantly shifts through the horizon keeping the young lovers in the center of the frame. The definition is so high that we could witness even single strands of Amy's hair - that too in a PC. Imagine the effect, the movie will have on the audience in big screen!

Anthony's edits are another highlight. He never leaves a moment on screen stagnate, cutting to another enthralling moment, before moving on, again, to another...  


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Vijay Sethupathi is not doing it...

We had given the inputs about Vijay Sethupathi's next production venture Merku Thodarchi Malai (MTM). Now we have more to share. The film is into its fourth day of shooting. The first schedule is fast progressing at Munnar, a hill station, in Kerala. 



Shoot will go on for 20 continuous days here and this Lenin Bharathi directed film will have new faces donning important roles. Vijay Sethupathi is definitely not doing a guest role in MTM. Azhagarsaamiyin Kudhirai fame Eshwar is cranking the camera along with Kasi Viswanathan dealing the cuts. Merku Thodarchi Malai has Ilayaraja doing the music.



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Vijay to continue his dream winning streak in Puli?

One of the most awaited movies, Puli features Ilayathalapathy Vijay, Shruti Haasan and Hansika in the lead roles. This semi-period film directed by Chimbudevan will have Devi Sri Prasad’s music.

Puli is said to have 6 numbers. DSP has already completed three songs for Puli, of which one has already been canned.

Now we have information that will please all Vijay fans. Our sources close to the team have hinted that Vijay will continue his dream winning streak as singer. Since Thuppakki, Vijay has sung one song in each of his movies. From Thuppakki’s Google Google to Kaththi’s Selfie Pulla, all the numbers have been smashing hits. To add to this Shruti Haasan, the multifaceted actress is also expected to sing in the film.

Stay tuned for more updates!

 
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