Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)

​"Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)".

Watched Hindi version movie "Ponniyin Selvan 1 (पोन्नियीन सेल्वन १)". 

This movie is directed by Mani Ratnam. Screenplay by Mani Ratnam and Elango Kumaravel. Produced by Mani Ratnam and Subhaskaran Allirajah. Cinematography by Ravi Varman. Music by A. R. Rahman. It features Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayaram Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, Jayram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman, R. Parthiban. Film runs for about 2 hour and 48 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 4th Dec 2022 on Amazon Prime.

Chakravarti Chola is sick. Aditya Karikalan, Elder Chola Prince, is expanding boundaries northwards. Arulmozi, Younger Chola Prince, is expanding boundaries in Sri Lanka. Senapati Parvateshwar and other ministers want to make Madurantakar, son of Chakravarti Chola’s elder brother, next king. Aditya Karikalan sends his friend and messenger, Vallavrayan Vandiyathevan, to his sister Kundavai, father Chakravarti and brother Arulmozi. Aditya Karikalan doesn’t want to return to capital because his ex-lover Nandini, is now married to Parwateshwar and is in the capital. 

The die is cast. Can the sick Chakravarty ensure safety of his sons for their return? Can Vallavrayan Vandiyathevan reach all three destinations safe and sound? Can Pandya assassins kill Arulmozi? Can Gungi Rani help Ponniyin Selvan? Who is Ponniyin Selvan?

Aishwarya plays Nandini, the beautiful and vengeful. Trisha Krishnan plays Kundavai and Shobhita Dhulipala plays Vanathi, Ponniyin Selvan’s lover. The beautiful ladies look exotic and act well. Vikram plays Aditya Karikalan and he is impressive. Jayram Ravi plays Arulmozi and he too does well. Karthi plays Vallavrayan, a brave but hilarious character. 

The story is set in 10th century during the Chola reign. It’s about politics of power, story of unrequited love, story of alliances and friendships. Chakravarty’s objective is to bring his sons to capital safe and sound. Parwateshwar’s objective is to install another heir on the throne. Nandini’s objective is revenge. Kundavai’s objective is well-being of Chola empire. Aditya Karikalan’s objective is not to return to capital and not to confront Nandini. Arulmozi’s objective is to follow orders of his father, come what may. How will these diverse objectives play out?

Once the movie starts, audience starts looking for Ponniyin Selvan, but there is no such character in first half. It’s revealed in second half. Direction is good. It’s Mani Ratnam. The last battle on the ship is fantastic, realistic and exciting. The movie is slow in first half but picks up in second. Since first half was to establish characters and interrelations, it can be understood. 

Cinematography is very good. Locations are excellent, exotic and beautiful. Costumes are appropriate, neither too heavy nor too simple. Fighting scenes are realistic. 

At the very end of movie director gives a shock by showing the face of Gungi Rani, that’s not shown until then. This twist raises the curiosity and audience anticipate the next movie PS2 that will be the conclusion.

This set of two movies is based on a 5 book series by Kalki published in 1950s. I haven’t read the books, so can’t say if the movie remains true to the book. 

Positives: Fighting, acting. 

Negatives: Slow first half. 

Watch if you plan to watch the second part.  

Kantara

​"Kantara"

Watched dubbed Hindi version of movie "Kantara". 

This film is directed by Rishabh Shetty. Written by Rishabh Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kirgandur. Cinematography Arvind S. Kashyap. The film stars Rishabh Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Manasi Sudhir, Achyut Kumar, Deepak Rai Paanaaje, Pramod Shetty, Swaraj Shetty, Prakash Thuminad, Shine Shetty, Mime Ramdas. Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. The film runs for about 2 hour 27 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on Netflix on 26th Dec 2022 with Aditi. 

In 19th century, there was a Raja. He had everything but not peace of mind. He finds it when he comes across Demigod (Daiva) Panjurli (Bore spirit deity). He requests the tribals to give him the stone (Panjurli) and in return hands over a vast tract of land to the tribals. Fast forward to 1970. Raja’s descendant demands the land back during Kola dance performed by Shiva’s father with spirit of Panjurli in him. Panjurli curses, Shiva’s father vanished in the circle of fire and the descendent dies. Fast forward to 1990. Son of the dead man is now Raja. He takes care of villagers but the new forest officer has a grudge against them.

Why is forest officer against the villagers? Can Shiva do any good? Will Raja help? Is the village in danger?

Shiva is the lovable rascal of the village. Big hearted, powerful, cantankerous, good for nothing leader. Kamala is his love but she is torn between being the villager and forest guard. Raja always takes care of villagers, is always good to Shiva and desires something. Forest officer is honest, duty bound, decent chap. 

This movie is a Rishabh Shetty show. He is the writer, director and actor. As a director he handles the movie very well. As actor he portrays benevolent Daiva Panjurli, lovable rogue Shiva and ferocious Daiva Guliga impressively. Kishore portrays the honest forest officer effectively. His measured acting brings order. Sapthami plays Shiva’s love interest. It’s good to see an average looking actress casted as protagonist. Achyut plays the two faced Raja and does well. Manasi plays foul mouthed, loving mom of Shiva. 

The story is basically about rights of forest dwelling people who live off the forest. This creates conflict with forest department. Saheb (Raja) sides with the villagers. He too has his agenda. He gives less  and takes more from the simple villagers and they revere him. Thus the conflicts are established. They manifest. So does the spirit of Panjurli and spirit of the fierce Guliga. The movie has smell of earth, feel of forest and the simplicity of life. When I watched the movie, I wasn’t very impressed but as I thought about it later, it grew on me. 

There is an impressive shot of joining the hands of villagers and forest officer, message by Daiva to work together. It is followed by rather perplexing but impactful end.  What does it signify? Mukti? Purity? Shock?

This movie has broken all recent records. It has collected more than 25 times its production cost. It became second highest grossing Kannada film of all times.

Positives: Smell of earth.   

Negatives: Rather perplexing end. 

Watch it. 

Enola Holmes 2

​"Enola Holmes 2".

Watched English movie "Enola Holmes 2". 

This movie is directed by Harry Bradbeer. Screenplay by Jack Thirn. Produced by Millie Bobby Brown and others. Cinematography by Giles Nuttagen. Music by Daniel Pemberton. It features Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, Hannah Dodd, Helena Bonham Carter, David Thevlis, Susan Wokoma, Adil Akhtar, Gabriel Tierney, Serrana Su-Ling Bliss, Sharon Duncan, Abbie Hern. Film runs for about 2 hour and 11 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 12th Nov 2022 on Netflix with Aditi. 

Enola has opened shop as detective. People visit but don’t give her any case, seeing her to be so young and a female. When she is about to close shop, a girl, who works in match factory, comes with a case of her missing sister. 

Will she cross paths with her illustrious brother, Sherlock Holmes? Is their Moriarty? Can she find the missing girl?

Enola is intelligent, smart, has a sharp mind, but isn’t taken seriously as she’s just a girl. She is out to prove herself and help the girl find her sister. The entire Enola Holmes series happens in England, where there are no women rights. Her mother has gone underground and is fighting for women’s rights. 

The story is interesting. Though slow, which is expected, it keeps you interested. There’s also romance in the air. 

Director has created old time England well, however the house where murder happens has modern latch.  He has taken special efforts to ensure that Enola doesn’t look beautiful. The missing girl is really beautiful. 

There is a surprise at the end. It’s a big one. Moriarty is introduced. The identity is the real shock. 

I have read second book of Enola Holmes series by Nancy Springer. This film has nothing to do with it. The film diverges from the book. There are some similarities with Book 4. Probably the script writer took tips from various books to write this movie as an independent script. 

Positives: Old England.

Negatives:  Not much. 

Recommend watching. 

The good nurse

"The good nurse"

Watched English movie 'The good nurse'. 

This film is directed by Tobaius Lindholm. Produced by Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin, Michael Hackman. Screenplay by Kristie Wilson-Cairns. Music by Biosphere. Cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes. The film stars Jessica Chastaine, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kim Dickens, Noah Emmerich. The film runs for almost 2 hours 3 minutes and was released in May 2022. I watched it on Netflix with Aditi, Mihika and Dada on 27th Oct 2022. 

This movie is based on book of same name by Charles Graeber. 

Amy is a nurse. She has a heart condition. But she has hidden this from everyone because her insurance doesn’t cover it. She has to complete few more months in this hospital to become eligible for insurance. A new nurse, Charlie, joins her. He is a very kind and caring man and helps Amy to the best of his abilities. There is a mysterious death at hospital. Hospital informs police as the law requires them to, but stonewalls the investigation. 

Jessica Chastaine plays Amy, the good nurse. She portrays the character convincingly. A human being struggling with heart condition, at the receiving end of her daughters ire for not giving her time, taking care of patients with love. There is a hint of she having feelings for Charlie. Eddie Redmayne plays Charlie. The caring, good hearted nurse who is under cloud of suspicion. 

The story is a slow burn. The story practically has no place. Most of the scenes are in dark. Yet it retains the audience. 

The end is chilling. The culprit in real life was sentenced for 29 murders, but it is estimated that the culprit murdered about 400 patients. None of the hospitals were charged.  Motive of murders was never revealed. 

Positives: Story, end. 

Negatives: Pace

Recommend watching.

The school of good and evil

​"The school of good and evil"

Watched English movie "The school of good and evil". 

This movie is directed by Paul Feig. Produced by Joe Roth and others. Screenplay by David Magee, Paul Feig. Based on book by the same name by Soman Chainani. Music by Theodore Shapiro. Cinematography by John Swartzman. This movie features Sophie Ann Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Jamie Flatters, Charliz Theron, Kitt Young, Michelle Yeoh, Kerry Washington, Earle Cave, Lawrence Fishburne. This movie was released in 2022 and runs for about 2 hour 27 min. I watched the movie on Netflix on 25th Oct 2022.

Sophie and Agatha are two friends. Being black, Agatha is always called witch and threatened to burn. Sophie always stands by her side. One day Sophie makes a wish to join the school of good and evil. Poof! A bird takes them there. Something is wrong. It drops Sophie in School of Evil and Agatha in School of Good. Sophie can’t believe it and wants to right the wrong. 

Can Sophie right the wrong? Would the balance of power be lost? Can Sophie and Agatha‘s friendship stand the test of time?

Sophie Ann Caruso plays Sophie. Her characters has drastic transformations. But she’s not beautiful as the character was supposed to be. Sofia Wylie plays the Ugly Agatha, but she’s beautiful. She too acts well. Jamie Flatters plays Arthur’s son and the character appears out of depth. Charliz Theron impresses as the bad teacher. Kerry Washington is the likable good teacher. Kitt Young plays the villain. 

It’s a movie full of magic. There are shape shifters. There is telekinesis. There are spells. There are fights. The special effects are good. But somehow, the story doesn’t excite and intrigue you. Something, somewhere is missing. Things appear inexplicable. Why a kiss holds so much power? Why is there a need for a powerful man to wait for 200 years? What’s so special about Sophie? I haven’t read the book, so can’t say if it’s the book or the screenplay. 

Movie ends with a confirmed hint of a sequel. 

Positives: Special effects. 

Negatives: Screenplay. 

Give it a miss.

​Jumanji: The next level

​"Jumanji: The next level"

Watched English movie "Jumanji: The next level". 

This film is directed by Jake Kasdan. Written by Jake Kasdan and others. Produced by Dwayne Johnson and others. Cinematography Gyula Pados. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillian, Awkwafina, Danny DeVito, Madison Iseman, Alex Wolff, Danny Glover, Nick Jonas, Morgan Turner, Colin Hanks, Ser’Darius Blain, Rory McCann. Music by Henry Jackman. The film runs for about 2 hour 3 minutes and was released in 2019. I watched it on Netflix on 16th Oct 2022 with Mihika and Aditi. 

Spencer and Martha  have decided to pause their relationship. Loser Spencer wants to feel empowered, confident. So he Jerry rigs the broken video game Jumanji and enters it. His friends Fridge, Martha, Bethany  decides to go in against their better judgement to bring him back. Two grandfathers, ex business partners, are having an argument. The game begins. 

Where will they reach? Is it Going to be the same jungle like last time? What dangers lurk there? Will all of them return?

Well obviously the setup of this time is different. It’s cold, dark, snow covered mountains. They have two new players. The twist is that they do not acquire the same personalities as the last time. There is a change. But apart from that the story is very weak. It’s neither interesting nor exciting. When the story is weak you need good action to sustain the movie. The movie lacks in good action too. If story and action are missing, you expect at least good acting. But the acting is only passable. Director also appears to be confused. The ideas are not new, direction is not wow. It’s neither a copy of previous movie, nor has anything different. 

When first time two of them enter magical water and personalities switch, they are thrown away. When four of them enter the water and switches happen, they are not thrown away. The girl riding the horse doesn’t understand horse tongue but she understands when he says Jumanji. 

The film grossed more than six times its production cost. It was a commercial success. 

Positives: Acting of the Danny and Awkwafina.  

Negatives: Many. 

Give it a miss.

Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)

​"Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)"

Watched Hindi movie "Atithi bhooto bhava (अतिथी भूतो भव)". 

Direction: Hardik Gajjar. Written: Aniket Wakchaure. Produced by Jayantilal Gada, Hardik Gajjar and others. Cinematography Madhu Vannier. Music by S. Prasad. It features Sharmin Segal, Pratik Gandhi, Divina Thakur, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shakya. The movie was released on 23 Sep 2022 and runs for about 1 hour 53 minutes. I watched it on Zee5 on 2nd Oct 2022.

Shrikant, a standup comedian and Netra, an air hostess are in a live in relationship. They keep fighting. One day Makhan Singh comes into their life. He is a bhoot. He tells Shrikant that Shrikant is Makhan’s dadaji from previous life. He has now returned asking his dadaji to fulfill the promise he made. Unite him with Manju. 

It’s a bhoot movie, so it has the bhoot comedy. It’s about a love story of a bhoot, so there are emotions. It’s a movie with actors that are not bankable stars (except Jackie), so there is a breath of fresh air. There is also a message of eternal love. The director appears to be little uncertain which of these is his prime focus. His handling of the story is not smooth. Some times it slows down. 

The three actors (Sharmin, Pratik, Divina) and Jackie do well. A little more work on story was needed and a little more polishing. Thus the Overall effect is not what it should have been. The very end, though, is good. 

Positives: Fresh faces

Negatives: Overall effect. 

Ok for a one time watch, but don’t go to theater for it.