Category Archives: Movies

Vikram- A must watch for ageing superstars

‘Vikram’ is Kamal Haasan’s film all the way, even though he shares his screen time with other stars–Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi.

The story follows Amar (Fahadh Faasil), the head of a black-ops team, as he investigates the murders of several high-ranking officials in the NCB. His investigation leads him to Karnan (Kamal Haasan), who appears to be an alcoholic and drug addict, but Amar discovers that Karnan is not what he appears to be and so is the police chief, Jose (Chemban Vinod Jose). As Amar wades deep into the maze of drug syndicate and police, he gets to know Vikram and soon realizes he holds the key in the scheme of things.

The plot of “Vikram” is complex and has many twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. The story is well-written, and the characters are well-developed, especially Vikram, who has a tragic backstory that motivates his actions. The action scenes are well-choreographed and thrilling, and the film also has a good balance of drama and suspense. The film’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with catchy songs and a great score that heightens the tension in the film.

Overall, “Vikram” is an entertaining and engaging film that is worth watching.  Fans of action-thriller films will definitely enjoy “Vikram”.

The film provides several pointers as to how an ageing superstar can still reign supreme by removing the paraphernalia of duets and romance tracks.

  • Kamal Haasan’s humility and willingness to take a backseat in his own films is truly remarkable. Despite being a legendary actor and director, he understands the value of sharing the spotlight and letting other talented artists shine as well. This is a rare quality to find in the entertainment industry, where egos can often get in the way of collaboration.
  • In fact, one could say that Kamal Haasan’s approach is almost like building a cinematic universe, where each character has their own story to tell and their own role to play in a larger narrative. It’s a refreshing change from the typical hero-centric films that dominate Indian cinema, and it opens up so many possibilities for exploring new ideas and perspectives.
  • As a fan of cinema, it’s exciting to see Kamal Haasan pushing the boundaries and experimenting with different styles and formats. He’s not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo, and that’s what makes him such a visionary artist. Here’s to more great films from Kamal Haasan, and to the bright future of Indian cinema.

Pushpa and a few management lessons

Pushpa – The Rise is a Telugu action thriller film released in 2021, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. The movie revolves around the story of a villager turned smuggler named Pushpa, who gets involved in a fierce battle with mafia and police.

The film’s gritty and realistic portrayal of the smuggling underworld and its characters, makes it a good watch. The film’s stunning visuals, action sequences, and performances of the lead actors, particularly Allu Arjun, who delivers an intense and powerful performance as Pushpa, stand out.

A few management lessons

Pushpa is a film that provides a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey, albeit in an illegal and violent context. The protagonist, Pushpa, demonstrates an impressive array of leadership skills that can be applied to any business context.

One of the key takeaways from the film is the importance of identifying opportunities. Pushpa recognizes the value of red sandalwood and finds a way to exploit it through smuggling. Entrepreneurs must similarly identify opportunities in the market and find ways to capitalize on them.

Pushpa also demonstrates the importance of building a strong team. He forms alliances with other smugglers and builds a network of workers who are loyal to him. This highlights the importance of building relationships and trust with employees and stakeholders.

The negotiation scene where Pushpa asks for a share in the profits instead of a fixed salary is also an important lesson for managers. This shows how incentive structures can be leveraged to motivate employees and align their interests with those of the company. It also throws light on the mindset, that of an employee and an Entreprenuer.

Another key takeaway from the film is the importance of being adaptable. Pushpa must navigate through various challenges and changing circumstances, from competition to law enforcement, and must adapt his strategy accordingly. In business, leaders must be flexible and willing to pivot when necessary.

Lastly, the film also touches on the importance of risk management. While Pushpa’s business is illegal, he takes calculated risks and always considers the potential consequences of his actions. In business, leaders must also manage risks effectively and be aware of the potential consequences of their decisions.

In summary, Pushpa is a film that offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey and leadership. While the context may be illegal and violent, the lessons learned can be applied to any business context. From identifying opportunities to building a strong team, from negotiating incentives to being adaptable and managing risks effectively, Pushpa offers a unique perspective on the qualities that make for successful leaders and entrepreneurs.

Thrills of “Top Gun”: Remembering Tony Scott’s Legacy

“Top Gun” is a 1986 American action drama film directed by Tony Scott, starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, and Val Kilmer. The movie follows the story of a young fighter pilot named Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, who attends the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, Top Gun, where he competes to be the best in his class.

The film was a major box office success, grossing over $356 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1986. It also helped to solidify Tom Cruise’s status as a Hollywood superstar and helped popularize the use of pop songs in film soundtracks.

“Top Gun” is a testament to the late Tony Scott’s talent as a filmmaker. Scott’s skillful direction and attention to detail help to elevate the film above its simple plot and create a sense of excitement and energy that still resonates with audiences today.

Scott’s use of bold colors and dynamic camera movements help to convey the speed and adrenaline of the film’s aerial sequences, while his careful editing keeps the pace of the film brisk and engaging. He also displays a mastery of the use of music in film, with the film’s iconic soundtrack (Harold Faltermeyer) helping to cement its place in popular culture.

Despite its flaws, “Top Gun” remains a beloved film thanks in large part to Tony Scott’s vision and expertise. His ability to create thrilling and memorable moments on screen is a testament to his talent and legacy as a filmmaker.

Tail piece: 1) Tim Robbins is seen briefly in Top Gun as Samuel “Merlin” Wells, an officer who works with Maverick. 2) John Travolta was offered the lead role, which didn’t materialize due to his compensation demands.