Category Archives: Drama

Dum Maaro Dum

Dum Maaro Dum – A suspense thriller  that revolves around drug trafficking and associated crime. ACP Vishnu Kamath a previously corrupt cop looses his family in a road accident. He transforms and he is posted to Goa to clean up the drug gangsters. Lorry a footballer and aspiring student to go to abroad for studies is forced to smuggle drugs to fulfill his ambition. Kamath finds and arrests him. Lorry’s friend DJ Joki tries getting him out of Jail. All the source of drug trafficking leads to a mystery man Michael Barbosa. The story gets engaging as the plot moves towards the search of Michael Barbosa. Did Kamath succeed in cleaning up the drug gangster mob? Did Joki succeed in saving Lorry? Did Michael Barbosa meet the end? – is the rest of the story.

Rohan Sippy is one of the brilliant film makers of recent times. His movies are stylish and does not have any frills attached. They are also noted for new plots and unique way of story telling. Unfortunately his movies do not make a box office blockbuster. Dum Maaro Dum is no exception. It is a brilliant movie but unfortunately did not make a bang in the box office. Probably he doesn’t need so much star value in the flick which is just a distraction.  The hero of the script is the story and not any of the characters. For the enthralling suspense, slick editing and engaging screenplay Dum Maaro Dum is a Must Watch. If you have missed watching this movie when it was released then grab a DVD and watch it…

Must Watch

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting –  Will Hunting is a 20 year old unrecognized genius who works at the MIT University as a janitor and anonymously solves difficult mathematical problems posted by Professor Lambeau. Will gets into a fight with a police officer and the Professor comes to his rescue with an agreement that Will would undergo therapy sessions with Sean Maguire a friend of Lambeau while working with him for advanced mathematics. Will has a rough personality due to the hardships he has faced in the past. He is hard to get through and Sean is the right man who could do so. The rest of the movie is about how Sean Maguire helps Will discover his fears, love, friendship and eventually the biggest decision of his life that would change his destiny.

Matt Damon (Will Hunting) and Robin Williams (Sean Maguire) are heart and soul of the movie. Their interactions sparkle the screen. The script written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon is the strength of the movie. The movie is straight and simple. As Will discovers his future it touches upon many of footprints of Will’s personality the viewers have within themselves. If you are in mood for a soul searching movie that is truly inspirational … This is a must watch!

Must Watch

Kumki

Kumki –  In villages adjacent to forest areas the threat of wild elephants are a growing concern. During the harvest season they rampage the fields for food causing the whole year of hard work by the farmers go in vain. In order to circumvent such issues they hire trained elephants which are called  “Kumki elephants” to guard the crops and chase the wild elephant away. The movie revolves around the story of one such village wanting to protect their people and crops from a dreadful wild elephant. They are in search of a mahout and a trained Kumki elephant. In a scheme of things the protagonist Bomman who owns a pet elephant ends up taking his elephant to do the job. However his elephant is domesticated and has no skill what so ever to guard the village against the wild elephant. Bomman falls in love with the daughter of the village head and decides to extend his stay there. Life is happy till the wild elephant comes into the village and starts attacking… What happens is the rest of the plot.

The plot is unique and new. Prabhu Solomon should be appreciated for taking up such a plot and to make a movie. The way the incidents build up to the climax is very well done. The biggest positive of the movie is the cinematography. They have captured the beautiful forests of Shimoga and Kerala very well. However the movie falls just short of what could have been a fairy tale in the climax. Not many audience would have been happy with how the director had ended it… But still you could watch it for the excellent plot, beautiful locations and its visuals.

Watchable

David (Hindi)

David (Hindi) – The movie begins with 3 persons with the same name “David” on the verge of doing something destructive that would end a life, friendship and relationship. The only difference is the first David’s story is set in 1975, the next ones in 1999 and the last ones in 2010. Coincidentally the date of the incident remains the same. The story then rewinds back in life of each of them and take us through the incidents that had bought them to this juncture. The movie is quiet engaging in particular the story of the first two played by Neil Nitin Mukesh and Vinay Virmani. The shots have been taken picture perfect and the editing is done very well. The third story in which Vikram plays David seems to be too weak for a movie plot and is in sharp contrast to the other two. However the other two make up for it. All the lead characters have done very well. Kudos to the director for screening the 1975 story in black and white. It is so pleasant to watch the black and white sequences which concentrates on the depth of the story with some brilliant lighting and cuts off the unwanted details which might have conveyed in color. If you like movies like Amores Perros, Yuva where the plot is built around incidents and does not have an ultimate goal which it leads to, then you would like this movie. Or else this may not interest you.

Watchable

David (Tamil)

David (Tamil) – The movie begins with two people by the same name David at different time periods trying to take a step that would lead to destruction of life, friendship and relationship. The only difference is the time period, each of the incident is 11 years apart but the same date. The movie rewinds back in each of their life to take us through the incidents that had lead them to do this and what is the ultimate decision they take. Jiva and Vikram have done their roles as David very well. The story of Vikram seem to be very weak as a plot and the director has struggled to build up the incidents that would make the audience connect while the story of Jiva is quiet engaging. At the end of the movie it leaves you with a incomplete feeling. The completeness is in the Hindi version where there is 3rd David whose story is much earlier to these two. If you are keen in this movie then I would recommend you to watch the Hindi Version. You can read the review here

Can Skip it

Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga

Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga – A watchable comedy flick. Pandiraj has tried to convey a message for the newer generation combined with some above average humour. This has a flavor of middle class drama what you would have seen in erst while Visu movies and then later with V Sekar’s movies. Siva Karthikeyan has done his part very well. Vimal’s acting seems to be getting stereotyped with his previous movies. He should start trying to do something different. Overall it is a watchable flick that will make you laugh in parts.

Watchable

Sundarapandian

Sundarapandian – A run of the mill commercial entertainer. There is nothing special or unique about the movie. The narration style is very simple, funny in parts and stays  on track of the plot without wavering too much. Local bus travel is plays a prominent part in the movie. For those of you who had extensively traveled in public bus during your school and college days this might bring back some nostalgic memories. If you want to watch a movie without having to think too much then this one might keep you engaged.

Watchable

Seven Psychopaths

Seven Psychopaths – A crime comedy which revolves around a struggling screenplay writer who is looking for inspirations to complete his screenplay. Very soon he is entangled into the crime world as he along with his friend decides to write on real experiences of Psychopaths. Their quest turns into an adventure which turns the life of everyone of them involved. Very interesting plot but it gets too complicated. It becomes very difficult to keep track of the story line after a while and you end up trying to attach things together constantly. The narration is stylish and if you love dark comedy movies then you might enjoy this. I am giving this a rating of Wait for DVD/TV as you would be able to enjoy the script better when you watch at home.

Wait for DVD/TV

Bombay Talkies

Bombay Talkies – A perfect bouquet of four stories from four great film makers of the present… It’s a tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema. It is anecdotes of lives of people, their challenge and how they deal with it… All the directors have dealt with subject which they wouldnt have dealt with in their mainstream cinema… So what is so Bollywood about it… Well it needs some reflection 🙂 Bollywood is integral part of all their lives… Leaves you with the feeling how the on screen artists impact everyday life… A laudable attempt… Due to its lack of commercial elements it might appeal only to serious movie goers and multiplex audience… If you like great stories and not bothered with star values and gimmicks… This one is for you…

Watchable

Special 26

Special 26 – One of the best heist movies in Indian Cinema. While there has been movies like Players which has been a deliberate attempt to remake Italian Job, Special 26 does it in Indian style… It is based on a true incident and it is a very entertaining drama that will keep you engrossed…. Unfortunately it is out of theaters now… but you can watch on DVD or your DTH home video… Its a must watch!

Must Watch

Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne

Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (Bengali) – Satyajit Ray special… Its the Legend’s Birthday today! One of the childhood memories I have is reading about his making of Pather Panchali where kids Apu and Durga run through a paddy field to catch a glimpse of a train… Iconic! Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne is a movie made for children by Satyajit Ray it is funny, witty and filled with sattire… He got the story told by his grandfather to the silver screen… It has very brilliant sequences considering it was taken in 1969…. Its a laugh riot throughout…. Pickup a DVD and watch it…If you like it you can watch the sequels as well Hirak Raja Desh and Goopy Bagha Phire Elo…

Must Watch