Category Archives: ET

1 – Nenokkadine…

The movie ‘Crank’ is about British hitman( Jason Statham) in Los Angeles who is poisoned with a deadly Chinese venom and must keep his adrenaline pumping constantly in order to keep himself alive to end his adversaries. In doing so he wreaks havoc everywhere, gets into fights with other gangsters, bumps in to police and takes refuge in whatever drugs he can lay his hands on to. Thankfully, hero’s mental state and his mission are revealed right at the beginning of the movie, and you get ready to absorb whatever action that is thrown at you.

 

However, in “1-Nenokkadine” one has to sit through a long movie to figure out the all the adrenaline pumping scenes and the resulting havoc, while the hero’s mental state wavers from reality to imagination. The director keeps the movie in this limbo for too long and we watch helplessly as the unfolding scenes puncture the previous scene’s understanding. For instance, a decently choreographed and VFX touched action scene at the beginning, becomes a ploy to reveal the mental disorder of the hero. And this trend continues till the climax and beyond climax. Yes there are two for this film—one physical and the other mental? One has to watch it to find out. So, is there one good reason watch it? Sadly, only one, i.e.Mahesh Babu.  But he doesn’t need muddled films these prove his worth as a star and an actor. He is in the top league already.

Different films have to be accepted and the effort behind it appreciated. But this attempt of talented director Sukumar’s ‘Nenokkidane’ to concoct a rock’star’ing and entertaining psychological thriller falls short of everyone’s expectations. (Well, he did say in an interview that one should watch it without expectations. Now how is it possible for a highly publicized movie of Mahesh Babu and Sukumar? :))

Related links:

 “Chala information undi” (3:32)

 ‘Raka rakaluga undi mashtaru’ (3:12)

 

Nenu meeku telusa

Parash Pathar…

 

Satyajit Ray’s “Parash Pathar-The Philosopher Stone” is an entertaining fantasy fable that depicts the events in the life of a middle class clerk when he comes into the possession of a stone that can turn any metal into gold.

Tulsi Chakrabarti is just about perfect as the old man who is hurled into several out-of-his control circumstances. Satyajit Ray extracts a ‘musical’ kind of performance from him and his overplay of vacillating soul fits brilliantly into the what-if theme of the film.  Apart from the physical resemblance, this portrayal could be the reason one is reminded of the character of ‘Goblin’ from ‘The Lord of the Rings” ( both physical and behavioral aspects).

While there are several scenes that are note worthy, the lead scenes to the climax and the climax, are probably the best, as they deliver a resolution that you would least expect.

A must watch for anyone who is interested in a simple story, well told, without too many ‘twists’ in the name of screenplay. Sometimes a simple linear three act structure is all it takes when you have a good story and a great director.

DVD is available in the market (which I bought) but the quality is a lot to be desired.

Here’s an Youtube upload without subtitles that just about does it.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street….

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is a delirious ride even for Martin Scorsese’s fans and with a duration of 180ms (175ms for the Indian version) one needs to be even more prepared. He teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio for the 5th time and extracts his career-best performance.

In many ways the movie is a tribute to all of Martin Scorcese’s films that assembles most of his well known elements into a world of excess. This time around the gang of criminals are well dressed stock brokers who take over the wall street. And this gang makes their clients invest in future, while they take home hard cash, which leads them every where, from broads to (Swiss) banks. In the end, their crimes like chicken, come home to roost.

There are quite a few brilliant scenes in the movie (lunch with Matthew McConaughey, Leonardo DiCaprio first meeting with Jonah Hill, Leanardo De Caprio’s meeting with the FBI agents on the yacht etc) and the lead cast shines through all of these.

In the end, a crispier and less ribald version would have served better? 🙂 The F word reportedly is used more than 500 times (Source: IMDB) and the director breaks his own previous record (Source: Variety ) 🙂