Movie: Chattambi Nadu
Language: Malayalam
Date: 24th, Dec
Review
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Originality and New Theme are the last things that you expect in a commercial festival movie like 'Chattambi Nadu' and that is exactly what it renders. Shafi who has made some better commercial movies like 'Kalyanaraman', 'Chocolate' and 'Mayavi' this time ends up with a rehash of some previous Malayalam movies. At strict 2 hours of length, 'Chattambi Nadu' won't bore you to death but neither will impress you much.
Theme
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The theme is oft repeated. The hero returning to village with which he has a past. Two warring groups and families in the village and the hero stealing the show. 'Rajamanikyam' is still fresh in all our memories hence the similarity is so obvious. Even 'Aaram Thampuran' and so many other movies have had this kind of a story in which a hero with a past returns to his village and so on. Even though expected, theme wise, 'Chattambi Nadu' is a major disappointment. Shafi is capable of bringing out some interesting themes within the commercial format like say in 'Chocolate'. Nothing of that sort happens here.
Mammotty and the Rest
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The saving grace of the whole affair is Mammotty who is once again superb in using diction and dialect to perfection. Even though the 'RajaManikyam' hangover is obvious, Mammotty lifts an ordinary role to a notable one with his use of the diction and flexibility in presentation. The rest of the cast is ho-hum except for Suraj and Salim Kumar. Suraj's antics are worth a few chuckles and Salim Kumar though looks jaded, manages to hold on with some one liners.
Direction is below par except for the handling of Mammootty's character. Lekshmi Rai and Maithili are wasted while Vinu Mohan tries hard to replace Rehman in the
RajaManikyam format. Music doesn't have much to write about either.
Verdict - 2.5/5 and 'Strictly Average'
Chattambi Nadu - The Usual Routine
Movie: Paa
Language: Hindi
Date: 5-12-09
Review
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When the main protagonist is suffering from a rare illness in the movie, what you expect is the movie to capitalize on the sympathy generated around that. So, when you see such a movie and the above factor is never exploited but the character is built as smart, witty and lovable, then it comes across as a surprise. That’s exactly what the Balki's movie 'Paa' succeeds in. 'Paa's main protagonist 'Auro' (played superbly by Amitabh) is developed as a lovable, smart and witty 13 year old, that you will really fall in love with, even though he looks unconventional and almost close to being imagined as may be an 'alien'.
Entertaining Movie
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'Paa' in way is a sober, serious movie. It’s actually funny for the most parts of it. And that is because of the way the movie has been written. Up until the interval, the movie is a complete joy ride through the life of Auro. As the second half starts off, many a scenes are lengthy and may look a bit tedious but the honesty and sincerity is evident. Also, by the second half you are in love with Auro and you are really interested in hearing his crackling one liners, which he has ample in stock for each situation. The script smoothly connects incidents up until the last 30 minutes when the emotional part sets in. Also, the length of 2.5 hours looks much appropriate rather than a 3 hour movie.
Performances
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There are some beautiful performances by an ensemble cast in 'Paa'. Vidya Balan as Auro's mother is one of her best performances since ‘Parineeta’. She is confidant and looks convincing as the mother of a 13 year old and also an abandoned mother. Abhishek Bachan not only essays the role of a father but also that of an honest young politician who is ambitious about his goals for the country. His character doesn't look like a father role alone. It has a definite dimension and sketch.
Arundhati Nag as 'Bum' - Auro's grand mother is so delightfully natural in her acting.
She is superb. And then there is Auro's friend - Ganesh (not sure of the child actor's name). He is a treat to watch on screen.
Finally, the movie belongs to the original superstar of Bollywood. Vintage, Classic and like no one else can do it, Amitabh puts in the most superlative performance after 'Black' as 'Auro' in 'Paa'. Auro doesn't go along 'Paa' by dying, he just lives through it and resurrects the movie along with him. Try acting with a mask on your face and then you would appreciate what Amitabh has done. Words are less to mark this superbly studied performance.
Music and Direction
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Illayaraja is a maestro but may be the whole of India still doesn't know him. 'Paa' may change that a bit more because its his best tunes for a long time in Bollywood. The tunes may not look that great individually but try seeing the movie and then you will realize its impact. Well mixed and used as background score, 'Paa' has uplifting tunes including 'Mudi Ittefaq Se', 'Gum Sum' and 'Paa'. Balki is an intelligent director and he has proved that with 'Cheeni Kum'. He just reinforces that with 'Paa'. Smart writing, dialogues, screen play and direction make 'Paa' the movie it is. Balki is special and 'Paa' just is a statement to that.
Negatives
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The only negatives I felt is Auro's height which looks a bit unconvincing. His dialogues may not be that audible for everyone all the time. Some scenes like Media Retaliation episode by Abhishek which look a bit extended.
Verdict: - 3.75/5 as a Rating. 'Very Good' as an Opinion.
Paa - Smart, Cute and Moving.