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Bramman (2014)
2/10
Sasikumar's modern makeover rolls up into a cornball. A total yawnfest!
1 March 2014
The people's favorite, Sasikumar picked a different route this time by teaming up with newbie Socrates in Brahman. With Lavanya Tripathi, Santhanam, Soori and Jayaprakash alongside Sasikumar, the movie has music by Devi Sri Prasad.

Brahman is the story of how two friends who are separated in childhood reunite through their journey in the tinsel town.

The movie begins with a butt load of cliché, where you only survive thanks to the comic relief provided by Santhanam. The positive vibes which Sasikumar induced in his previous films is nowhere to be seen here, as he is offered no room for performance. The heroine is a doll, both in her looks and in the acting department. Into the second half, and Brahman turns into an indefinite drag, with Soori replacing Santhanam. The climax is the savior, in the absence of which people would have ended up cursing the movie to their heart's content.

There is nothing much to speak about the performances either, cos here we have a movie in which even a talented performer like Sasikumar is made to dance to tepid songs with absolutely horrid moves. No comments on the guy who plays Sasikumar's friend.

Brahman falls on the technical side too, especially cinematography where we have a few shots which can be identified as blurry even by a 10 year old. Music and BGM by DSP just pass muster.

The whole of Brahman is peppered with lame buffoonery, as one pleads for something interesting to pop up. Almost nothing works in favor of the film until the very end, where it obviously gets too late. Brahman is a forgettable film for Sasikumar, and the exact opposite of what we usually get when he is in the picture.

Siddarth Srinivas, Cinemalead.
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Goli Soda (2014)
8/10
Honest and gutsy attempt, just go for it!
1 March 2014
Tamil Cinema is known for producing unexpected and memorable cult classics. Goli Soda is easily one movie which is completely new to Tamil cinema.

Goli Soda basks on a group of adolescent boys residing in the Koyambedu market. The obstacles they face and the way they wind themselves out of the problems is what the movie is all about.

For audience who are expecting a feel good simple film like Pasanga, think otherwise cause Goli Soda is a completely different and unique experience. The way Vijay Milton sketched the characters of the adolescent boys are terrific and their screen presence provides the feel just like seeing Ajith, Vijay or any other powerful mass heroes on screen.

Every character in the movie is very unique and novel, especially Sujatha of Paruthiveeran fame who has done a fabulous job in the Aachi role and the lead villain is another great find who has given a very powerful performance.

Goli Soda's biggest assets are Pandiraj's dialogues which evokes good laughter, provokes strong message and Vijay Milton's camera simply give the glossy feel to the film. The way Vijay Milton used the cinematography never gives a feeling of seeing a low budget movie and the brilliance is very much evident in the market fight sequence where the stunt choreography, slow motion shots and slick editing gives us an epic experience.

The fight scenes are gory with lots of blood shed which might not be suitable for family audience but script wise those kind of scenes are very much needed for portraying the raw feel.

Goli Soda is definitely technically slick with well placed situation songs, adequate BGM, stylish grand cinematography, and fine cuts.

Overall if you prefer to watch a gutsy film which is different and unique from the routine Tamil cinema, go and watch Goli Soda which surely deserves a repeated viewing.

Siddarth Srinivas, Cinemalead.
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Vallinam (2014)
7/10
Victorious Vallinam!
1 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Any successful sports based movie will be known for its high energy, feel good factor and fast paced screenplay. Director Arivazhagan's Valliinam is having all these factors and adding to these he has also conveyed an interesting message which is very much essential to the entire nation.

The film opens with an interesting conversation between Krishna (Nakul) and Shiva (Kreshna-cameo) who are best buddies in Trichy and Shiva is the main reason for cultivating a strong basketball passion in Krishna. During an inter-college basketball match, Shiva meets with an accident and passes away. In order to overcome Shiva's death, Krishna (Nakul) gets himself a transfer to Chennai National college and also decides not to play basketball anymore.

In Chennai, Nakul develops friendship with Guna who is incidentally a basketball player. He realizes that just like his old coach's (actor Aadhi, another cameo) saying, despite rejection anything which is truly loved will come back to us some day. The situation forces Nakul to play the game for a good cause.

Nakul's new college is highly obsessed with cricket and it doesn't have any proper basketball team. The remaining story tells about how Nakul and his basketball team prove the pride of their game in Chennai city. It also showcases the same to the villain who is Nakul's senior and their college's cricket team captain.

Having selected basketball as the film's backdrop, director Arivazhagan must be lauded for showcasing the game with maximum authentication. Vallinam's major strength is that every basketball sequence in the film is interesting and the shots are well focused. Everyone including the hero looks convincing as a basketball player and their efforts are well recreated in the big screen.

Coming to the cast, Vallinam is easily one of the best performance from Nakul. The actor is subtle and focused throughout the film and his climax dialogue delivery where he motivates his team members is commendable.

After Nakul, it is Jayaprakash and Atul Kulkarni who are taking the film to the next level. Jayaprakash handles his rich 'JK' character with ease, so as Atul Kulkarni as the coach. The other cast including Santhana Bharathi, Jagan and the debut heroine Mrudhula are adequate and fit to their roles.

Thaman's songs are just passable numbers but his BGM is terrific and pulsating, which elevates the film's tempo in all the basket ball matches. Debut cinematographer Baskaran has done a wonderful job behind the lens. The basketball matches are well shot and it gives the feeling of being inside a basketball stadium. Especially the climax basketball match is well shot within a limited light setting.

On the flip side, the first half of Vallinam deviates from the main theme with the inclusion of dreamy songs, clichéd romantic portions and also with the routine college comedy. But the good thing is that in the second half, the director shifts his focus to the core theme and throughout the second half he has maintained the tempo, which is quite laudable. Also, Arivazhagan must be appreciated for conveying an important message to give equal importance to all games.

Overall, Vallinam is a highly entertaining film with a good message, which is sure to be enjoyed by all sections of audience.

Rajasekar S, Cinemalead
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Thegidi (2014)
7/10
A fair mind game with some good twists and turns.
1 March 2014
Detective thrillers and mind game plots are a rarity in Tamil cinema. Now with the arrival of new-gen filmmakers, Tamil cinema audiences are slowly witnessing such genres. Debut director Ramesh's Thegidi falls under such a rare genre. Does he succeed in it? Read on to know...

Vetri (Ashok Selvan) is a criminology student and he gets a job as a detective in Chennai. Being passionate, Ashok does his job with his whole- heart and soul, his agency is also impressed with his efficiency in handling various subjects. When Ashok is asked to handle a case of Madhu Shree ( Janani Iyer) ,both starts loving each other.

After sometime, Ashok comes to know that some of his previous subjects are murdered by unusual accidents. What happens next? Why all the previous subjects handled by Ashok are in danger? Does Ashok saves Janani ? Well, to know the answers you have to watch Thegidi on the big screen...

Debut director Ramesh takes his own time in the first half for establishing various characters and also to convey the basic theme to the audience which is fine and no big complaints about the pace. Coming to the second half, the film travels in a good pace and the twists are well sketched and narrated. Taking the direction part into consideration, Ramesh must be lauded for his brilliant effort.

Coming to the casting, Ashok Selvan has given a fair performance, but what is really missing is the energy level and the expressions. In Pizza2, Ashok's character is of a novel writer and his subtle expressions justified the role. But for a thriller like Thegidi, the tensed expressions of the lead characters have to create the impact to the audience. In Thegidi, Ashok has underplayed, probably a fine tuning of his expressions and energy levels should have done wonders.

Janani Iyer has given an adequate performance and essayed her role of a girl next door with so much ease. The romance portions between Ashok and Janani are also quite natural, which must be appreciated.

Kaali, who acted as Ashok's friend has done a commendable job and his subtle one-liners evoke some good laughter. The other characters like Jayakumar, Pradeep Nair have done a good work. Just like any other recent films not to forget Jayaprakash who is brilliant as an Inspector.

Technically the film is sound- be it the title card edit, cinematography and the music- everything is well-jelled in the film. Newbie Nivas Prasanna is a welcome addition to the promising list of music directors in Tamil cinema. His BGM works are also quite laudable.

Overall, Thegidi is a fair mind game, which is sure to have to grab your attention.

Rajasekar S, Cinemalead.
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6/10
A pleasant entertainer with the right mix of comedy, romance and morals.
1 March 2014
After a fun filled debut in OKOK, Udhayanidhi Stalin returns to the silver screen with Idhu Kadhirvelan Kadhal (IKK). Directed by S.R.Prabakaran, IKK has Nayanthara and Santhanam alongside Udhayanidhi. Music is by Harris Jayaraj while Balasubramaniem takes care of the camera.

Idhu Kadhirvelan Kadhal is the love story of Kadhirvelan (Udhayanidhi Stalin) and the series of events which happen in his family before joining hands with his ladylove.

Instead of crafting the movie just like any other rom-com, S.R.Prabakaran has worked towards filming a wholesome entertainer which is high on family values. Right from the word go, the movie travels on a straight path which doesn't deviate big from the main motive. Santhanam's character too, blends with the story as he is present right until the climax.

Udhayanidhi Stalin's performance here is as good as other mainstream heroes. With tremendous improvement in the dancing category, he puts up a convincing show. Nayanthara has been provided with a lot of screen space, as her charming smile and graceful movements bring out the drool. Santhanam's comedy works at most places, with the supporting cast fitting the bill. Special mentions to the characters playing Udhayanidhi's father and brother in law.

IKK is technically and musically fine. Balasubramaniem flaunts his talent through the songs, churning out enjoyable picturisations. Harris Jayaraj's mild BGM is just in line for the movie.

Even though IKK does drag around a bit at places, it is a feel good fare on the whole and not another OKOK as most would have thought of. The touching dialogues at the end do help the film finish on a high. IKK will meet your expectations, if not for beating them. Happy Kadhirvalentines Day!

Siddarth Srinivas
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Aaha Kalyanam (2014)
6/10
Enjoyable right from the start, yet falls a step below the original.
1 March 2014
Yash Raj Films make their first stride into the south, with Aaha Kalyanam which is the official remake of the Hindi hit Band Baaja Baaraat. Starring Nani and Vaani Kapoor in the lead, the movie is directed by newcomer Gokul Krishna with music by Dharan.

Aaha Kalyanam is the fun filled episode of how Shakti and Shruti meet, greet, fight and unite with a wedding planning business as their motive.

Sticking to the script of the original, the director has played it safe by carving out a replica of the Hindi version. However, he has ensured that the movie is bright and colorful to provide a glitzy treat to the eyes. Most of the movie is concentrated on the lead pair, who share a surprisingly good chemistry between them. The feel good factor is maintained till the very end without spoiling the essence of the movie.

Aaha Kalyanam's biggest strength is the male lead Nani, who comes out with a bubbly performance. His Telugu-ish Tamil diction brings out instant chuckles at times, both intentionally and otherwise. Vaani Kapoor is beau, and is compelling enough for the role. The rest of the cast fit the bill, notably Badawa Gopi as the flower vendor.

Technically, the movie is in the swim with hunky-dory camera and passable editing. Nevertheless, the movie does boast of some good production values and great wardrobes. Dharan's music is another plus, even though there are an overdose of songs in the first half. The Punch Song gets lucky with glittery picturisation.

On the downside, Aaha Kalyanam pays heed to a few dull moments in the second half and a slightly alien feeling overall due to the esoteric casting. Yet, it does leave you with a smile at the end and for sure is a remake which stays faithful to the original.

Siddarth Srinivas, Cinemalead.
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Veeram (2014)
6/10
Thala Pongal all the way!
1 March 2014
Thala Ajith is back to his rural avatar. Every movie fan in Kollywood is having their curiosity to know how Ajith would carry himself in a traditional rural subject .After watching the movie one can frankly say that ' Thala irangi adichurukar'.

Veeram is all about a fearless elder brother of a family, his relationship with his four brothers and how a gorgeous lady love and her family changes his life. In the recent past, we haven't seen a mass entertainer with feel good factor and appropriate mass screen presence. Veeram has brought the good old days which can be enjoyed by everyone in the family for a festival occasion, thanks to Ajith's majestic screen presence and Siva's screenplay which is a complete package for the audience.

Discussing about the cast it is Ajith all the way, the actor leads the show like a true super star and the film moves at a rapid pace with his powerful screen presence. It is too good to see Ajith with ample amount of energy, be it the fight sequence or the dance sequence. Ajith has showed his true character and it is an absolute treat to the viewers.

After Ajith, it is Santhanam who acts as a pillar of strength to Veeram. The comedian has made a great comeback and his comic one-liners bring the roof down. Tamannaah has given a superb performance in the film. The gorgeous Tammu looks perfect in every scene and has done justice to the meaty role offered to her.

The other supporting cast including Nassar, Appu Kutty, Atul Kulkarni, Viddarth, Suhail, Bala, Pradeep Rawat, Thambi Ramaiah have given adequate performance.

Veeram is not just another mass masala entertainer,the film's cinematography quality and editing by K Viswanath is more than adequate. The rail stunt sequence gives goose-bumps, especially when Ajith hangs out of the train. Dialogues by Barathan is another big bonus and even the punch-dialogues doesn't appear to be exaggerated and it suits Ajith's mass image.

Devi Sri Prasad's songs are just okay but the BGM is solid and gives the perfect mass feel for the film. Last but not the least, director Siva must be lauded for this splendid entertainer. Though there are some cliché scenes in the second half, the director has maintained the tempo with an unique pace and it is the toughest task for any commercial entertainer.

On the whole, Veeram is a perfect family outing so don't miss this colorful cinema for this pongal.

Rajasekar S, Cinemalead.
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Jilla (2014)
5/10
Vijay and Mohanlal bring in the color!
1 March 2014
Its Pongal 2014. This time around, we have the deadly combo of Ilayathalapathy Vijay and Mohanlal coming together for Jilla, which is producer RB.Choudry's 85th film. Debutant RT.Neason dons the director's cap, while D.Imman scores the music.

Jilla is the story of the sweet relationship between Sivan (Mohanlal) and Shakthi (Vijay) which turns sour due to a series of events.

The movie begins with a classy intro for Mohanlal followed by a little flashback. But the real fun begins when Vijay arrives with a thunderous stunt scene. The first half traverses with comedy which is silly at times, songs at regular intervals and a few action scenes. The interval block is bang on, as Neason had a good twist in store there.

Into the second half, and Jilla follows the tried and tested commercial movie formula. Songs, fights and punch lines galore, the circle of problem arising in one scene, and getting solved in the next swirls for quite a number of times. Although there are some scenes which are absolutely hair raising, there are a few which will make you squirm in your seat. The twists at the end too, are predictable.

Coming to performances, and the two stalwarts are a joy to watch. Vijay keeps the tempo going with his funny mannerisms, which do go over the top at a few instances. It is doubtlessly an enjoyable performance though. Mohanlal who grabs the majority of the screen space in the first half is mighty as he fits into the role of the character pretty well, and excels in his Tamil diction. Kajal is cute, and looks like a dream in the song sequences. Out of the supporting performances, Mahat Raghavendhar is a charm in his pivotal role. Poornima Bhagyaraj, Niveda, Sampath Raj, Pradeep Rawat and the others fit the bill.

Dialogues by N.Baskaran are good, albeit sounding too punchy when it comes to Mohanlal. Cinematography by Ganesh Rajavelu is appreciable, especially in the stunt sequences. Editing by Don Max could have much crispier, as it would have aided the lengthy runtime of the film. Although they lack sense, the stunts are visually worthy. Choreography in Jilla was a huge blow as Imman's foot tapping music was brought down by the unimpressive dance moves. Vijay's wardrobe deserves a special mention.

Music by D.Imman is the kingpin of Jilla. The songs are already tring ringers amidst all stations. Bringing in almost 5 different versions of the theme, he has put in all his efforts to make the BGM stand strong.

RT.Neason could have scaled heights with the story he had with Jilla. The screenplay however, doesn't hit full monty and the movie ends up being a disappointment, baring in the mind the star cast and the production values. Nevertheless, nothing can stop Jilla from being a box office success, lapped up with glee by the fans especially.

Siddarth Srinivas, Cinemalead.
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