Malayalam Movie Review - Trivandrum Lodge (Rating 3.25/5 Star)

  WOW!!! The theme and language that makes up Trivandrum Lodge is unlike any other Malayalam Movie....

Credits:

Trivandrum Lodge
Directed by	V. K. Prakash
Produced by	P. A. Sebastian
Written by	Anoop Menon
Starring	Jayasurya Honey Rose Anoop Menon Bhavana
Music by	M. Jayachandran (Songs) Bijibal (Background score)

Summary:

Going into watching the movie, I had no clue what I was in for.  The move is filled with language and scenes that revolve around sex (Yes, you read that right).  While never really visually being explicit, the dialogues are far from subtle.  

Definitely pushing the envelope.   

What disappointed me a bit is that the movie builds characters for a good two thirds of a movie and kinda abandons all that and goes with a somewhat unrelated suspense and finishes.  A lot of what went into building up the characters was abandoned.

Noteworthy Performances:

Jayasurya:

I believe I have mentioned this before, I am a fan of Jayasurya and appreciate that he takes on a variety of characters (that are not sometimes very glamorous).  His character of "Abdhu" can be classified as one of these variety roles.

Anoop Menon:

I am starting to blindly believe that any movie that has Anoop Menon is one that is worth watching.  He is also the Writer of this film so two thumbs up to him.

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Kanninnullil Nee Kanmani

• Theyyaram

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Malayalam Movie Review - Simhasanam (Rating 2/5 Star)

Simhasanam is an Old School Malayalam Movie of two Families.....

Credits:

Simhasanam
Directed by	Shaji Kailas
Produced by	S. Chandrakumar
Written by	Shaji Kailas
Starring	Prithviraj Vandana Menon Aishwarya Devan Sai Kumar Thilakan
Music by	Roni Raphael Rajamani

Summary:

When I envisioned this blog, I had promised my self "Good Stuff" means anything above 3 Stars.  So at 2 Stars, this does not quite cut it.  Yet I wanted to bring it to your attention because, as mentioned above, it's Old School.  Family Vs. Family, Good Vs. Bad, Generations being passed on, Tharavadi Vs. New Money....so on and so forth!!!!

For that reason it's a worth while watch as it has all the elements of a normal "Mohanlal" Family Vs. Family flick.  Nothing different here, so please set your expectations.

Noteworthy Performances:

Saikumar/Siddique:

Although his beginnings were mainly in Comedy (have to mention Ramji Rao Speaking), he has transitioned and perfected the Villain role in many many Malayalam Movies.  He took a step over the the Good side in this one and did a great job being the Good Guy that cares and takes care of all his people.

Similar to Saikumar, Siddique was also a loved Comedy actor in Malayalam (have to mention In Harihar Nagar).  He two has been seen primarily as the bad guy recently.  He once again takes on the Villain character and delivers as expected.

Prithviraj:

I don't know why so many people dislike him (Social Media).  He is a good actor that seems to work hard at perfecting his craft.  I commend him for breaking some of the barriers in Malayalam Film.

Biju Pappan:

Normally seen in the negative role, he actually had a "Good Guy" role in this one.  Throughout the movie, I expected him to turn into the bad guy but props to the makers for at least not taking this predictable story turn seen in many films.

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Nothing

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Malayalam Movie Review - Thappana (3/5 Star)

Thappana is a lighthearted feel good movie!!!

Credits:

Thappana
Film poster
Directed by	Johny Antony
Produced by	Milan Jaleel
Screenplay by	M. Sindhuraj
Based on	Ashapoorna Devi's work
Starring	Mammootty Charmy Kaur Murali Gopy
Music by	Vidyasagar

Summary:

As you can probably tell from the Rating, not exactly the most "unique" of movies, but nevertheless it's worth a watch.  If you look at the cast of the movie, basically it's all on Mammootty.  The movie is worth a watch because of him.  Mammootty's character is along the line of his character from Loud Speaker.  A kind lovable person that wants to do good.  A satharanakaren!!!

Mommootty seems to have perfected taking on different dialects/accents for his movies and this is not different.  

While there are not many other noteworthy performances in the film, the main Villain certainly stands out.  Murali Gopi, who is the son of late Bharath Gopi, was cast perfectly.  He is one BIG dude and will certainly bring fear to anyone that gets caught in front of him.  I know he is not exactly a new comer  but I hope this film opens up some doors for him.  

Another highlight of the film that deserves a mention is the one and only song (I think it was the only one).  "Oorum Perum Parayathe" kinda comes out of nowhere but it's a beautiful song.  Most Malayalis know that, if there is a weakness in Mammootty, it's his dancing capabilities.  The choreographer for Thappana makes this weekness into a strength   It literally get's played at my house like 2 - 3 times a day as my kids love the song.

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Oorum Perum Parayathe

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Malayalam Movie Review - Ayalum Njanum Thammil (Rating 4/5 Star)

Ayalum Njanum Thammil is just a thing of beauty!!!

Credits:

Ayalum Njanum Thammil
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Lal Jose
Produced by	Prem Prakash
Written by	Bobby Sanjay
Starring	Prithviraj Narain Rima Kallingal Samvrutha Sunil Pratap Pothen Remya Nambeesan
Music by	Ouseppachan

Summary:

I refer to Ayalum Njanum Thammil as a thing of beauty not only because of the acting, but because the Story and the Direction was on point.  Lal Jose, who in my opinion is one of the best we have, has done it again.  I really did not know what to expect when going to the movie.  While I did not know what the story was about, I had heard favorable things via social media.  My expectations were fully met.

To put it very simply, there are many points in the movie where you expect it to take the usual path of the typical Malayalam Movie, but the creators do a great job in making the film unique.  While overall  the movie is more on the serious side, the sprinkles of laughter spread all over the movie was of quality and helped build the characters perfectly.  

While I heard from some they were not too keen on the type of "Flash Back" strategy used, I thought it was brilliant.  The strategy once again is part of breaking out of the "Typical" Malayalam movie mold.

The casting for the film was also on point.  Loved the small role of Rima Kallingal.  Naran & Pratap Pothen was perfect in there roles.  Who can forget Salim Kumar's character: Just the opening sequence where he helps out Pritviraj's character was priceless.  Last but certainly not least, Prithviraj knows how to pick them.  He once again delivers a stellar performance.  I heard an interview in which he has indicated that he would like to remake the movie in Hindi with Amitabh Bachchan. I hope he accepts and you can count me in as someone looking forward to watching that movie.

On a side note, not sure what was the time frame between filming Ayalum Njanum Thammil and Aiyyaa, but I'm assuming it was short.  While Prithviraj looked "Fit" in this film, wow, what a transformation for Aiyyaa to become the "Buff" six pack dude.  As said in Thattathin Marayathu, "Malayalikke ethinadda six packe"!!!! lol

Best part of the Ayalum Njanum Thammil: It's not a love story...Love is just part of the Story!!! 

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Januvariyil

• Azhalinte Azhangalil

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Malayalam Movie Review - Ustad Hotel (Rating 3.75/5 Star)

A great tribute to Thilakan...All around good movie!!!

Credits:

Ustad Hotel
Theatrical poster
Directed by	Anwar Rasheed
Produced by	Listin Stephen
Written by	Anjali Menon
Narrated by	Mamukkoya
Starring	Dulquer Salmaan Nithya Menon Thilakan
Music by	Gopi Sunder

Summary:

It has been some time since I saw this movie.  Whenever i feel like I want to do something special (Especially write), I keep putting it off so that I can "do it right".  As it's pretty evident from my recent reviews, there are quite a few good movies being made in 2012.  Some people refer to it as the "New Age" Malayalam Films.  This fits right in, all in all a really good movie.

What is up with movies that revolve around food lately.  Similar to Salt N Pepper, food plays a large role in this film and I am happy to say that the quality of the movie is also similar to Salt N Pepper.   On the grand scope of things, it's a story of a young rich spoiled kid that gets brought back down to earth.  But the presentation of his journey makes the movie unique and enjoyable.

I recommend everyone to check it out as it's a great piece of work and sure to bring a smile to your face.

Noteworthy Performances:

Thilakan:

Although he is no longer with us, he will always be with us though all the great movies that he has been part off.  In my opinion he left us on a high note by giving us one more great movie to remember him by.  

The opening sequence that introduces Thilakan, where he is sitting on the beach with his gigantic pipe, was just brilliant.  

Dulquer Salmaan:

I remember watching his first movie Second Show, while I considered the movie to be average, one would never be able to tell that the lead character played by Dulquer was a new comer.  Maybe it's in his blood (Mammootty's Son) or maybe he's just a hard worker, whatever it is, he's got talent.  Once again, he does a great job with Ustad Hotel.  The character was very apt for him as it was of a person who is coming back home to Kerala.  This I'm sure was a walk in the park for Dulquer to prepare for as he should have plenty of experience having done his schooling in the US and being back in Kerala.  

Nithya Menon:

Just like most other Malayalam Movies, the female lead is a supporting role in Ustad Hotel.  That being said, she makes most of the scenes she has to make a place for herself in the film.  

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Appangalembadum (A Viral Hit by Malayalam Standards on Youtube)

• Mel Mel Mel

• Vaathilil Aa Vaathilil

• Subhanallah

• Sanchari Nee

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Malayalam Movie Preview - "ABCD - American Born Confused Desi"

Saw this being promoted and have to give a shot out just for the fact that I see "Giri Giri" (A.K.A. Jacob Gregory) in the poster.  For those of you that have watched the series Akkara Kazchakal, mainly on YouTube, you will be very familiar w/ GiriGiri.  For those of you that have not watched Akkarakazchakal,what are you waiting for?????

I think Akkarakazchakal may have been a bigger hit in the US than in Kerala but GiriGiri was one of the two main characters from the series.  Glad to see that he will be seen on the big screen along side a mainstream up-and-coming actor such as Dulquer Salmaan.

I hope George Thekkinmootil (Josekutty Valiyakallumkal) follows soon.

Looks fun.  Will certainly be looking forward to it.

Akkarakazchakal: 

Akkarakazchakal is a must watch for anyone that loves to laugh!!!

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/akkarakazhchakal?feature=CAQQwRs%3D

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Malayalam Movie Review - Husbands in Goa (Rating 3.0/5 Star)

I enjoyed every second of this movie!!!

Credits:

Husbands in Goa
Theatrical poster
Directed by	Saji Surendran
Produced by	Ronnie Screwvala Siddharth Roy Kapoor
Written by	Krishna Poojapura
Starring	Jayasurya Indrajith Lal Asif Ali Rima Kallingal Bhama Remya Nambeesan Praveena
Music by	M. G. Sreekumar

Summary:

Husbands in Goa was the first film that was actually "Previewed" on VIPFilmBlog.com.  In that preview I had stated that "It's sucks that my expectations are high now (Most of the time, things don't work out when my expectations are high), but I hope Husbands in Goa lives up to it!!!!" I am very happy to be writing this review to let everyone know that Husbands in Goa lived up to what it promised to do, MAKE YOU LAUGH!!!.  

While it's not a sequel of "Happy Husbands", it's certainly made with the a similar theme in mind.  I think the team has a nice brand in there hands and hope that they keep making more films that captures the underlying essence of the "Husbands" theme.

Indrajith is turning into one of my favorite Malayalam Actors.  He is excellent in many roles but brilliant in comedy.  I loved the casting for this movie.  I hope more movies are made w/ these four as they were extremely entertaining in this Comedy film.  While the girls in the movie are not the central roles, they round out a great job done in casting.

Highlights of Husbands in Goa:

• Train Scenes

• The first half off the movie features Indarijith, Jayasurya, Lal and Asif Ali in the train.  They create an environment of enjoyment where I wish I was on that train w/ them.
• Number 20 Madras Mail Song "Pichakap...."
• Ohh what a SONG!!!! Loved it....Very happy that they did justice to the original.
• Opening Credits
• The Enjoyment starts with the Opening Credits, where it setups the lives of the "Three Husbands".
• English Subtitles
• Believe it or not there are a lot of Young Second Generation Malayalees abroad that really would like to watch and enjoy Malayalam Movies but are not able to because there are no subtitles.  Often times they watch more Hindi Movies than Malayalam for that reason.  I am very glad to see that some of the newer movies are incorporating Subtitles.
• The Fake Swami
• There is a "Fake Swami" featured towards the beginning of the movie along w/ Jaisurya.  Just Laugh Out Loud funny!!!!
• Subtle Visual Comedy
• While there were several, I remember one T-Shirt word by Asif Ali's character I think: "I'm 6 do you want to be 9"
• Funny Dialog's
• Obviously there are plenty of one liners and comedy sequences in Husbands in Goa.  Out of respect, I am not going to try to butcher them and write them here. 
• Closing Credits
• Truly Unique.  I can't remember ever seeing something like this in a Malayalam Film where credit is truly given to the people that worked on the film.  It is done in a way where the audience, rather than walking out as a set of names are scrolling across the screen, actually watches and sees the people behind the scenes.

One area I thought the move could have done better in is the Climax/Ending.  I feel a little more thought could have been put in to make it on par w/ the rest of the movie.

All in all it's just a fun fun movie.  One that I think anyone who just want to Laugh out Loud for 2 hours should and MUST watch.

Trailer:

Music (Stuff that's on my playlist):

• Husbands In Goa - Title Song

• Neela Neela

• The Best for LAST: Pichakapoo

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