Banner: Red Giant Movies
Cast: Surya, Sruti Hassan, Avinash, Abhinaya and others
Direction: A R Murugadoss Production: Udhayanidhi Stalin
Music: Harris Jayaraj
 No fiction is 100 per cent imagination. Somewhere in its bottom lies a pinch of truth. And if blended with history with the carefulness of a master chef, it could result in a delightful dish, sorry, entertainer. Precisely that is the case of '7aum Arivu', A R Murugadoss' magnum opus starring Suriya, produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. The film takes us to the era of our valorous forefathers, explains their greatness, brings us back to the present, entertains us and ends up giving a message. Though a preachy tone at places could have been avoided, there is no denying that '7aum Arivu is one of the biggest entertainers of the year. The story starts in 6th century AD, when a part of Tamil Nadu was ruled by Pallava kings. Bodhi Dharman (Suriya), a prince who is an expert at martial arts, medicine and 'nokku varmam' (or hypnotism) was sent to China with a purpose. There he imparts his skills to the Chinese, who learn them with all interest, and present death to him in return. But they start to worship him after that. Cut to the present, China sends Dongli (Johnny Tri Nguyen), a modern day master of all skills taught by Bodhi Dharman, to India, as it comes to know that genetic engineering student Subha Srinivasan (Sruthi Haasan) has found circus artiste Aravind's (Suriya) DNA matches with that of Bodhi Dharman. As the neighbouring country plans a bio war against India, it feels that Bodhi Dharman, who could prevent its attempts, should not be given life again. Suriya is superb as Bodhi Dharman, a great saint and Aravind, a circus artiste. The homework he has done for both his roles is visible on screen, especially in the first fight sequence with the Chinese and in the opening song (The actor performs some breathtaking circus stunts during 'Oh Ringa Ringa...'). Sruthi Haasan is not the usual heroine. The elder daughter of Kamal Haasan has a meaty role to play and she proves where she hails from. She pronounces Tamil like English and we have no complaints as long as she gets such urban-suave characters. Johnny Tri Nguyen is menacing. His eyes do all the talking for him. There are others too in the cast (like Ilavarasu), but we are unable to remember them, thanks to one big factor, or actor, and it is Suriya. Harris Jayaraj's background score is good, but his songs remind the ones we had heard from him already. Ravi K Chandran's cinematography is a pillar of support for A R Murugadoss. His stunning visuals in the first 20 minutes leave us in awe. Looks like there was much work for Antony's scissors, as there seem to be some cuts to the original footage considering the length, especially in the climax. There are two things on the flipside for '7aum Arivu'- one is the glaring preachy tone which very often tells the greatness of ancient Tamils and how the race is suffering now, through lengthy dialogues. And the second is the visual effects. The main road fight scene before the climax, where vehicles collide with each other, is just a sample to prove our claim. All said, Murugadoss has made a bold attempt and has succeeded in it with the help of Suriya and Udhayanidhi Stalin. The director should be lauded for conveying a bitter truth- that we are not aware of the greatness of our ancestors- in a sugar coating. This 'Ghajini' seems to be a winner in all his invasions.
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Banner: Group Company
Cast: Dhanush, Tapsee
Direction: Vetri Maaran
Production: S. Kathiresan
Director Vettrimaran proved that he is a man of substance in 'Polladhavan'. He reiterates it with more conviction and courage in 'Aadukalam'. With Dhanush again in the company, he has crafted a story that is meaningful and loaded with faces whom we often see in our midst. The core word is realistic and touchy. After a sci-fi film in 'Enthiran', Sun Pictures have gone to the roots of our culture and they have managed to produced a film that strikes our heart instantly, which they could feel proud of. Vettrimaran deserves all pat for narrating a simple story with intricate and complex emotions in a nice manner. The essence of true friendship, love in hatred and hatred in love and betrayal are highlighted in a excellent way by the director. Unlike the regular run-of-the-mill Madurai movies, 'Aadukalam' has more substance to chew for the masses. It is strikingly different and Madurai just forms part of the story. If Vettrimaran is the flesh and blood, Dhanush is the soul. Doing the roles of boy-next-door is like a cakewalk for this lanky actor. His intense performance is the hallmark of the movie. He leaves a magic with callous dialogue delivery and apt body language. He seems to be in more comfort when he works with Vettrimaran. Coming to the script, everything is new in 'Aadukalam'. Perhaps a different pitch where Vettrimaran goes all guns blazing. The story unfolds in a suburb in Madurai where cock fight is the most happening thing. Be it sorrow or joy or be it to proclaim the superior status in the village, rooster fight is played with all seriousness. K P Karuppu (Dhanush) does everything and works tirelessly for Pettaikaran (Jayabalan). Pettaikaran is a stud in the sport and he had won many cock fights .There is one Dorai (Kishore), who too is an assistant to Pettaikaran. Obviously ego flare up between Dorai and Karuppu is bound to to be there. Karuppu comes across an Anglo Indian girl Irene (Taapasee), living in the nearby railway colony. Innocent Karuppu tries ways and means to impress Irene. Meanwhile there is a cop in the same town - Rathnaswamy (Naren) who is also involved in cock fight and a name to reckon with in the sport. All troubles break loose when he plans a fight with Pettaikaran. They manage to obtain permission from all authorities concerned and the sport for prestige begins. Interestingly the former adopts all fraudulent methods to scuttle Pettaikaran. When Pettaikaran loses at the start, enters Karuppu to save his master's pride. He matches Rahtnaswamy's tricks and emerges winner. A jealous Pettaikaran now disowns Karuppu. The victory brings laurels in Karuppu's shoulder and soon he becomes a star in the neighbourhood. Pettaikaran plan a plot to avenge him. This enmity snowballs in to a huge crisis leading to a racy climax. 'Aadukalam' is a whiff of fresh air in cliched Tamil cinema. Dhanush is at it giving one of his best . He is right there giving an astounding performance from frame one. He is at ease with Madurai diction of Tamil. WIth a perfect body language, Dhanush walks away with all aplomb. Jayabalan is a perfect choice for the character of Pettakaran. He lives up to the role and delivers dialogues with such power and punch. Kishore as usual does the job entrusted to him well. But a surprise package in the cast is Taapsee. She in the role of Anglo Indian girl is simple, sweet and elegant. Vettrimaran has entrusted that it should not just be a superior product with a strong story but should be technically-rich. Dialogues and razor sharp editing (Kishore) besides cool visuals of Velraj adds strength. G V Prakash's catchy musical score is another plus for the film. Songs and background score go hand-in-hand withe the theme. However on the flip side, some dragging moments in second half could have been avoided. On the whole, it was an different experience watching a different film. Hats off Vettrimaran and team and three cheers to Dhanush.

Banner: S Pictures
Cast: Nandaa, Chaya Singh, Master Aryan
Direction: Naga
Production: Shankar
Music: Ramesh Krishna
Naga. The man behind many thrillers in small screen, has recreated the magic on big screen with 'Ananthapurathu Veedu'. At a time when films are made in a grand budget with actors hopping from one country to another to dance for songs and huge sets were erected where the hero bashes goons, Naga has rendered a tale that is woven inside an old house.

Director Shankar's ‘S Pictures’ has produced the film, which again is away from clichéd commercials keeping the reputation of the production house intact. The movie may sound like a scary one, but is a jolly fun ride for it talks about value, relationships and sacrifice within a family.

With just a handful of characters, Naga has penned a script that is engaging in most parts. But the lacunae are it goes lengthy towards the latter part with needless several portions, which fail to garner the attention of the audience.

Bala (Nandaa), comes to his ancestral village Ananthapuram with his wife Revathy (Chaya Singh) and four-year-old kid Anandh (Aryan). Bala's parents had an unnatural death killed in an accident.

Many unexplained incidents happen in the house which frightens the family. The little one feels the unnatural occurrence in the house first. Meanwhile there is a twist to the tale. The reason for Bala and his family taking refuge in the ancestral home is revealed.

Eventually the unnatural activities are nothing but that of spirits of Bala's parents who shower love and affection on the trio. Eventually they sort out all troubles for Bala and all ends well.

Naga has chosen an apt star cast who deliver what is required for the movie. Nandaa, who played a baddie in his last ('Eeram'), has played a doting husband and a caring father. Chaya Singh as his claustrophobic wife fits the role well. Watch out for young Master Aryan, who is right there impressing one and all. The rest of the cast including Kalairani as servant maid, Krishna and Ganesh Babu are adequate.

The movie has just a couple of songs by Ramesh Krishna. His background score compliments the good work of Arunmani Pazhani on camera.

Though the length is a problem in the movie, it can be overlooked for Naga's sincere approach to render a horror flick in a stylish manner without frightening the masses. All said, Naga deserves credit for giving a clean entertainer.
Source 1 - Watch Anandhapurathu Veedu Movie Online

Cast: Karunaas, Navneeth Kaur, Kota Srinivasa Rao, R. Sundarrajan, Livingston, VMC Hanifa, Mayilsamy, Urvashi, Nirosha
Direction: Ramnath
Production: John Prieto
Music: Karunaas
It is no easy task for a comedian to do a lead act and come up with a convincing performance. Karunaas, who managed to do the impossible in 'Dindigul Sarathy', has recreated the magic this time by taking the path laid by actor-director K Bhagyaraj.

At a time when big budget flicks and mindless masalas rule the roost in Kollywood, filmmaker Ramnath has opted to go otherwise. 'Ambasamuthiram Ambani' is about a youth who aspires to come up in life. The travails and the sequence of events that happen in his life in achieving the mission forms the crux.

Karunaas should be complimented for choosing a good storyline and he fits the story well. What is interesting is the gripping screenplay and the events unfolding with greater conviction. There is a touch of humour in every scene and Ramnath deserves all credits for sustaining the interest all through.

There are shades of Bhagyaraj films like 'Andha 7 Naatkal' in this movie. But the theme makes the difference. Hardwork will always be rewarded in life. This is what the director in the company of Karunaas has tried hard to drive home.

Karunaas shoulders the major responsibility of not just playing the lead role but as a music composer too. The background score adds pep to the whole film, which at places resembles a melo-drama. But a convincing performance by all including small characters sustains the momentum.

Dhandapani (Karunaas) dreams of becoming a rich industrialist one day. He works honestly to achieve is mission. He does all menial jobs and strives hard to excel in life. He with his aide goes around dreaming big. He comes to Chennai from Ambasamuthiram with big dreams to become one like Ambani.

He meets his 'God Father' Ayyanar (Kotta Srinivasa Rao) and with his savings buys a shop in a shopping complex that the latter is constructing. But Ayyanar's sudden death gives him a rude shock. Meanwhile there is romance is his life in the form of Navneet Kaur.

Dhandapani is against romance for he feels it may hamper his mission to become an industrialist. But he is forced to marry her. Eventually all his efforts bears fruit and the movies ends up stating loud that honesty and dedication in any profession will reap rich rewards.

Karunaas is good in the lead role. Especially towards the climax, he evokes tears in the eyes of audience with his engrossing show. Navneet Kaur, who started her career opposite Vijayakanth in 'Arasangam', delivers her best.

Watch out for young Shankar. He as Karunaas aide provides necessary twists and spills in the script. Kotta Srinivasa Rao, Delhi Ganesh and Cochin Haneefa does play their part well.

Produced by Karunaas himself on behalf of his Ken Media, the highlight of the movie is that it is simple and refreshing. The pace at which it progresses gives it sheen. Though it may resemble a tele-serial at many places, yet the conviction and the purpose of the film come to its rescue.

In spite of minor flaws, 'Ambasamuthiram Ambani' is a movie to cherish for the audience, who wants to see a film that is away from run-of- the-mill stuff.

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