Azhagiya Tamizh Magan - not as beautiful as expected

Twice on the same day and I liked the movie better after the second seeing. Still, it's not a complete satisfaction for all I expect from Vijay. But, I heard some cribbing from people in the theatre and they don't like Vijay doing something different from his usual masalas. It's these same people who never stop complaining when Vijay comes up with similar movies one after the other. Can't they see him differently, especially for a talented actor like him should be breaking monotonies and do a lot of variety.

The movie surely hasn't lived up to the expectations it has created, more so after the song release. The songs have been a whopping hit already (Rahman super!) and movie may not be close to that. It's a bold initiative to break Vijay's sameness, but the screenplay lacked the grip that people expect all the time from Vijay, but not from many others. First time in dual role and Vijay has done very well in different style of dialogue deliveries and body language though the appearance isn't any different. Shriya & Namitha are the ladies and the latter is literally seen on only one song. Shriya isn't looking as beautiful as she was in Sivaji, but still has nothing much to do as the usual tamil heroine. There are some good comedy shots from various actors. After Pokkiri's dance let down (inspite of Prabhudeva & Vijay), the choreography for Azhagiya Tamizh Magan is splendid and we have got to see new steps mostly which is very refreshing. Though, one can feel a little disappointed about the picturization of Valayapatti... One other glaring mistake in the movie was that there were a few scenes which were shown on the wrong side, ie, like printing a photograph from the wrong side of the negative, showing mirror images of the real picture. Vijay's dances have been fabulous as usual and he has started to look more and more gorgeous - really azhagu!

All in all, with ESP and a look-alike double role in your hands, you definitely expect a much better screenplay and some real nach scenes. The director has missed it totally there inspite of having a lot of scope to keep the viewers captive. A completely different Vijay movie, not handled that well. Importantly, the fans should also learn to see Vijay in such movies too rather than the usual flat movies and roles. I wouldn't want to miss any of Vijay's movies anyway.

Pokkiri - next only to Ghillli

After hearing nice reviews, needless to say, I was so excited to watch Pokkiri on saturday and the movie didn't let me down. No doubt, the movie has been made for Vijay, but its a lot more sensible than a lot of other movies. Vijay detractors keep talking about the movie being a remake and not a original. But, what's the point of giving original flops? It's better to give remade hits. After all, even Sholay is being remade in the same language. All said and done, Vijay's charisma and his screen presence make this movie a good-watch.

The movie opens with a fight, a regular punchline and the usual Vijay intro song. One of the good things about the movie is that the punch dialogues aren't overdone inspite of having a lot of scope. Prabhudeva, as the director, has done well to keep the screenplay moving fast and the viewers don't feel a lag anywhere, unless you are there to find some fault with any Vijay movie. Generally, movies defy logic - Pokkiri also has some of those. Otherwise, even small things are paid attention to and there is no goof-up to be pointed out majorly. There are some gory killings and some adult scenes which could have been avoided, given the children following for Vijay. The Vijay-Asin scenes/dialogues and the "Yen Chella Paeru..." songs are definitely a bit too much considering the recent Vijay movies which have been decent to watch with the family. Vadivelu's comedy is good, though its not rib-tickling except the Surya impersonation. With Prabhudeva & Vijay together, if you expect some fine dances, you would be disappointed. Mani Sharma hasn't let down the Vijai fans with his tunes and all the six are already super hits.

Stay away from hearing the story, as the suspense would definitely thrill you. But, I was thrilled inspite of knowing the storyline, but you see, I am a proud Vijay fan. If you liked Ghillli, you will like this too, but this is not as racy as that.

Sivakasi - a quick glance

Managed to sneak into Sivakasi last week. Being released for Diwali and Standard Fireworks being a major sponsor, the movie was totally like an electric cracker. Not any 1000 or 5000 wala, but a two-and-a-half hour wala with a short break inbetween - once its over, you forget it, go and fetch another cracker to have the fun. While watching the movie, you could sense the Vijay aura all through the movie. It had the usual mass entertaining stuff and nothing more. I think, Vijay is getting a little monotonous by giving very very similar movies most of the time in wanting to just satisfy his mass and keep up his image. I am sure, he can do much better roles where he can do full justice to the character which needs some acting talent and not just do some gimmicks and fight the evil doers or just dance for a few songs or take great oaths to destroy evil or pacifying the crying female folk of the family. Though he is enjoying superstardom and his films are huge hits irrespective of the story, screenplay, etc. But, being Vijay, he has to break the sameness and give us more justice.

Managed to see the Vijay starrer 'Sachein' over the weekend and I was disappointed to say the least after so much hype and expectations (probably if the name is Sachin, it would fall short of expectations). I was so eager to see Vijay do this loverboy role after quite sometime, but the director has muffed up. The movie doesn't have a proper storyline in the first place though you could feel shades of 'Kushi'. Inspite of Vijay doing complete justice to the role and Genelia looking cute (though she can't act), I have to say the movie turns out to be a bore. You really wonder why was a talent like Raghuvaran wasted in the movie. If you have seen this image here, you have seen all of Raghuvaran in the movie too. And of course, Bipasha Basu, inducted for sex-appeal turns out to be a huge flop as Shobha Warrier points out aptly. Her song also has been cut, atleast in the theatre where I watched. Sudhish Kamath writes that there are only two fight sequences in the movie unlike his other movies, but I wonder why those two? Even the songs aren't great when compared to his recent movies. Vaadi Vaadi..(sung by Vijay himself) and Vaa vaa, yen thalaiva.. are quite ok and that's it. The unnecessary misty feel given throughout the movie is irritating. When was the last time anyone saw mist inside homes and even inside the Chennai airport? This might turn out to be a hit with the Vijay-charisma, but the movie can't win by itself is blatant. Now for Vijay fans, its time to wait for 'Sivakasi'.

Being a Ilaya THALApathy Vijay fan these days, I make sure to see all his recent movies. I, certainly, feel that Vijay is becoming the next Rajinikanth though there have been a few others who want that 'superstar' throne & crown. After a series of flops like Vaseegara, Bhagavathy & Pudhiya Geethai, Vijay has understood what his fans want and is treating them with super masala movies. All his last 4 movies (Thirumalai, Ghillli, Madurey, Thirupachi) have been superhits at the box office, though Madurey really had nothing in it expect for his trademark punch-dialogues and that seems to be good enough for his hardcore fans (I am not one). One can surely argue that Ghillli was the best of the whole lot just because of the racy entertainment it provided to every watcher. Ah, I shouldn't forget Udaya which was also released amongst these four movies, but failed. It might have made an impact if it had been released without all those actress-producer problems etc. All said and done, Vijay looks far better and away from those 'Naalaiya Theerppu' days and he is here to stay, if not as the 'superstar'.