Movie: Janakan
Date : 09-04-2010
Language : Malayalam
Review
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Being Predictable is boring and not even trying to move away from that is even more, in these times. 'Janakan' is exactly what you expect. It begins where the last year's movie 'Vairam' ended and then tells the story in flash back. Finally, you eagerly wait for that 'difference' which is how the advocate would save the father (who has taken the revenge for his daughter's murder) and you wait for that grand climax which never happens and fizzles out to a great extent.Never quite still understand what a 'Brain Bank Story', caption of this story means. It is a story which you can watch leaving your Brain ‘Blank’.
'Janakan' is a late movie. Both the story and the narration take Malayalam Cinema a good 10 years backwards. The theme suddenly has been given a social message in the second half and is predictable to the core. Direction is fare during the first half but as the movie proceeds; you loose interest as you very well know what will unfurl. The predictable flashback should have ended at least by the interval and post interval dedicated to how the advocate saves them (which was expected to be the new portions of the predictable story) but that doesn't happen. Director and Script writer have let the flashback linger on up to 90% of the movie making it a boring affair.
Suresh Gopi is good in glimpses but mostly taxed and tired. He looks foolish at times in the act of trying to seem innocent. Jyothirmayi is passé. Kaveri is wasted. The new girl has nothing much to do as well. The only interesting thing in all of 'Janakan' is Mohanlal as Adv. Surya. He keeps you interested whenever he is on screen. He is the story listener and a representative of the audience. Its not a guest role by any means and the second lead actor in the whole movie. But as we anticipate an intelligent climax to save the protagonists it never happens.
Camera is so-so. The sole song 'Olichirunne' is fine. BGM lifts the movie in certain scenes but mostly jars for no reason.
In short, 'Janakan' is predictable to the core and with only saving grace being Mohanlal as Adv. Surya.
Verdict - 2/5 and 'Predictable and Outdated' as an opinion.
Janakan - The Brain Blank Story.
Movie: Paiyaa
Language : Tamil
Date : 02-04-10
Theatre : Cinemax, Kochi, Screen 1 (Opening Day)
Capsule Review
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Last year saw a commercial action entertainer in Surya's 'Ayan'. Though not a path breaking cinema by any means, 'Ayan' was an entertainer for the time it lasted. This time around we have Karthi (Surya's brother) trying something similar in Lingusamy's 'Paiyaa'. And 'Paiyaa' succeeds to a great extent in what 'Ayan' did i.e to entertain the audience.
'Paiyaa' starts of as a road movie and director keeps it engaging with some crisp pace, beautiful foot tapping songs and a fresh performance by Karthi. Tamanna is engaging as well. As the movie starts after interval, we see Lingusamy going back to his forte. One man against a goonda gang world which he has used successfully in movies like 'Run' and 'Sandakozhi'. It looks a bit cliched but nevertheless engaging. He falls in to many traps like the hero and heroine land up in a forest as an escape and we soon see the customary song and dance. As we start to feel that the movie may be loosing it with too many unnecessary plots and songs, Lingusamy ushers in the grand climax.
At the end of it, you feel entertained. Not as to the level of 'Ayan' but quite close to that. Technically, direction is neat and crisp except in portions of second half. Action scenes are well choreographed.Its just a car and 2 people during the majority of the movie, hence the camera is also used well as its kept engaging all the while. Karthi is almost the life of the movie. Fresh and charming he uknowingly resembles mannerisms of Surya, many a times. He is a lot of promise. Tamanna is good to watch but not as good a performance as 'Ayan'. The chemistry looks lacking. Songs are really cool and well shot. 'Thuli Thuli', 'Poongatre' and 'En Kadal Solla' are soothing tracks by Yuvan.
All in all, as an entertainer 'Paiyaa' is the brother of 'Ayan', no two ways about that.
Verdict - 3/5 and 'Entertainer' as Ratings
Movie: In Ghost House Inn
Language: Malayalam
Date: 25th March, 2010
Review
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'In Ghost House Inn' has the by now Lal formula in place. A first half that tries to be comical. A second half which turns serious and delves deeper in to the premises of the story. A pre-climax conundrum and finally the grand twisted climax. The only differences this time around are that the foursome from 'Harihar Nagar series' are not chasing girls but they are chasing (or being chased by) ghosts. The premise is horror. Playing with Nostalgia which was a major part in the previous edition is completely non existent. So does the formula work this time around? Yes, to some extent.
The backdrop - Horror
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'Horror' is always an interesting backdrop to have for a comical movie and Lal has presented the setting well. As the first half begins with the story explaining the 'Ghost House the mood is perfectly set. Then begins the jokes and gags which are not that great but you still feel the fun because its quite creepy setting to say the least. The proceedings move at a smooth pace and as the interval arrives the feeling is about not a great movie but still engaging watch. Second half is when Lal last time caught the viewer in surprise with the pace. This time around things start to take creepy edges. Pre-climax conundrum is where Lal almost looses the game but salvages it with a wonderfully executed twist and end credits.
Director's Game
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'In Ghost House Inn' is whatever it is only because of one man and that is Lal. Like a master chess player and a captain tightly holding his ship against raging seas, Lal manages to engage the viewer and keep him hooked for most parts of the movie. A good director is always a good story teller and Lal uses such tools, techniques and takings to move the story forward, that its impressive to say the least. The kind of scenes designed to give the horror backdrop and presentation is worth mentioning. Lal will have a tough time breaking away from the formula he has set especially the famous 'twist' in his forthcoming movies. His amazing story telling ways should be applauded big time.
Cast
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The foursome have nothing much to do. Its Nedumudi Venu who takes the cake with the best role of the movie. Followed by Radhika who is somewhat competent with a not so easy role. Execution could definitely have been better though. The four leading ladies also are passé.
Negatives
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None of the four characters actually have a growth in 'In Ghost House Inn'. They remain where they were after the 2nd part. None of them have a proper sketch neither they play a major part or role in the movie. It is the horror setting and the Ghost house which is the main character followed by Nedumudi. This aspect may leave the foursome's fans tad disappointed.
The pre-climax portion is very loud and over the top. Could have been better executed seeing the way Lal has command over rest of the movie. This is the only time the audience feel like giving it all up and the only time when the director who
is a master story teller looses his grip on the audience. Screeching and Screaming with gory scenes and stunts. Nothing looks good, subtle or deft here.
Technically the movie is good. You may wonder whether some such horror scenes have ever been done in Malayalam before. But the music is pathetic to say the least. Tracks have been forced in. Looks completely formulaic and out of place.Background score is better.
Finally, 'In Ghost House Inn' is not a good or great cinema. You can watch it once because its engaging. Its like 2 hours spent in some fake haunted house ride. It will keep you hooked when it lasts and once you are out of it you will soon forget it as well. That is kind of ok in these transient and fast times. Isn't it?
Verdict - 3/5 as Rating
'Engaging' as an Opinion
'In Ghost House Inn' - A Director's Game Plan