Movie Reviews

Urumi – an epic unfolded with creativity and aesthetic beauty

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Urumi – an epic unfolded with creativity and aesthetic beauty

Expectations were really high when we entered the Eldorado Theatre in Abu Dhabi to watch the movie Urumi. A move directed by Santhosh Shivan having Prithviraj, Prabhu Deva, Jagathy and Genelia in main roles definitely bound to be. The initial oration by KPAC Lalitha did bring in the early interest to the almost 3 hours of picturesque and innovative picturisation of an ancient folklore about Vasco da Gama. Tell you, it did mark a strong “Santhosh Shivan” presence in each and every frame of the movie. An advantage for major part of the movie in terms of visual treat for the audience and a slight disadvantage at times in terms of flaws in directorial nuances.
The whole movie has been presented with beautiful permutations and combinations of every major artists in it. Prithviraj as Kelu Nayanar outshined his contemporary form Krishna Das by miles. Prabhu Deva excelled in both his different roles throughout the movie and presented once again for the movie world that, he is never going to get aged on his trademark movements, comedy and presentation style. Jagathi Sreekumar as Chenichery Kurup proved once again to us that he is one actor for whom characters are a cakewalk. Genelia as Ayesha with her excellent performance outshined at times even the male actors. Nithya Menen added an innocent and attractive variety to the movie and story line and perfectly justified her role throughout. This performance will definitely give her opportunities to fill in many open slots up for grab in South Indian movies.
Tabu in her cameo was beautiful as ever. However, Vidya Balan disappointed. Probably due to lack of frames she has in this story telling, at times, she was left seen with no expressions and emotions, which was inexcusable from an actor of her calibre in a classique of this nature.
Amol Gupte as Chirakkal Maharaja, Ankur Sharma as Chirakkal Crown Prince Bhanu Vikraman, Alexx ONell as Estêvão da Gama, Robin Pratt as Vasco Da Gama, Bharath J as Beeran Kutty, Arya as Chirakkal Kothuwal and Thandachan played individuals roles to perfections.
The camera throughout the movie presented a lush watery green that reminded a nostalgic memory for all those who love the gods own country.
The fight scenes were done excellently well and the narration at the beginning of the movie that “no animals were harmed in the movie” augmented a sense of responsibility by the producers and crew towards animal rights.
Costumes and make up, especially of all the female artists were simple and outstanding. Prithviraj and Prabhudeva’s make were natural.
Shankar Ramakrishnan’s script well conveyed the story throughout in a beautiful manner and took the viewers guessing till the end. However, at times I felt, he and Santhosh Shivan could have concentrated on dialects in the dialogue presentation, which seemed to be out of place.
Music by Deepak Dev scored brilliantly on background and one song “Chimmi Chimmi” done as a tribute to M. G. Radhakrishnan, will remain on the lips, caller tunes and memories of movie lovers for a long time for its beautiful presentation by the singers and actors in it. The folk, lullaby, ballad part of the music were interestingly audible and well presented.
A valiant and successful attempt by Prithviraj, Santosh Sivan, Shaji Natesan for producing a good movie to watch with family, especially children to give them a different version of struggle undertaken during the yesteryears by our unsung heroes.
An overall brilliant effort by Santhosh Sivan and Prithviraj and looks like the year ahead belongs to both of them.
Rating: 4/5
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
04.05.2011

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Movie Reviews.

My Name is Khan – a review

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My Name is Khan – a review

Movie: My Name Is Khan
Director: Karan Johar
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

A movie which I went in with lots of expectation after the recent debate and action created by political and film personalities.

Shah Rukh Khan playing the lead role “Rizwan Khan” and Kajol as his partner.

Screenplay by Shibani Bhatija is interesting, however at times lagging and a test of patience.

The movie touches the 9/11 myths and tries to capitalise from the anti-muslim agenda emanating against all peace loving Muslims world-wide. Shah Rukh Khan in this movie, I believe is trying to project himself as a character actor and tries to justify the mannerism of patient with autism. He succeeds in it, and may be this is one of the projects where he tries to display a serious role oriented performance than his usual touch of humour here and there. After watching it, I felt, is this an attempt to project himself over Amir Khan as who is the best expressive actor in the field.

Kajol as Mandira, gave a graceful self and bring back the golden touch of beautiful presence and calibre of our beautiful actors of yester years. Her come back is really marvellous and classy.

The child artists Yuvaan Makaar who played as their son Sam (Sameer) played a commendable role in the movie and at times scored even better than both of them. Kudos to this little talent. Tanay Chadda as young SRK also did a great job.

Zarina Wahab as his mother in her short role was superb.

Nice music, especially the background scores and the Tabala beats for the songs Tere Naina, outstanding. It has also a well choreographed dance scene in which SRK trying to dance with his autism disabilities and the emotions projected throughout are excellent.

Sabu Cyril’s set created an outstanding effect of the flood and devastation scenes. However, it could have been a bit more realistically captured by thoughtful camera presentation.

Overall, the movie provides an interesting viewing although it does require lots of patience to sit through certain stages of it. Those who go to movies for pure entertainment purpose may stay out of it. This is a serious stuff and do convey messages to the society and the world around that human beings should not be treated according to religion and topographic orientation. Daring attempt by Sharukh Khan and Karan Johar for trying out something different this time than their usual projects.

Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
11 Feb 2010

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Mind Speaks, Movie Reviews.