Naan Sigappu Manithan Movie Review

Staring : Vishal, Lakshmi Menon, Saranya Ponvannan, Sunder Ramu

Director : Thiru

Music : GV Prakash Kumar

Production : UTV, VFF, Vendhar Movies

Come to think of it, Thiru’s Naan Sigappu Manithan (NSM) is a simple revenge saga that gets interesting because of the inclusion of a rare sleeping disorder called Narcolepsy into the narrative. This also proves that there are several ways to narrate a story that has been milked dry for decades now. NSM becomes a fine example of presenting a simple story just the way you and I would have never imagined and yet feature elements that will appeal to the masses.

How does Indran (Vishal) suffering from a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy, which sends a patient to deep sleep whenever extreme emotion is experienced, take revenge against those responsible for something extremely painful in his life?

Director Thiru deserves to be lauded for a spinning an engaging thriller in which you don’t have anyone to root for. Of course, we have the hero, played by Vishal, but he keeps falling asleep every time he experiences extreme emotion. This being the case, audiences don’t even get an opportunity to cheer for a hero or their star. Nevertheless, you connect with film more on an emotional level and that is one of the reasons you won’t NSM even though it has very weird twist in the second half.

While the twist does have strong reasons that are neatly justified in the narrative, you’re still not convinced with it. This could be one of the factors many may dislike or even love the film. I, for a reason, didn’t quite like the twist and was left a little disappointed. Nevertheless, it’s a film that you would enjoy mostly, thanks to an engaging narrative and Vishal’s subtle performance.

After Pandiya Nadu, good luck continues for Vishal with NSM, in which he plays the role quite convincingly. Let’s not forget that he’s a six-footer and for someone of his height to keep falling off at regular intervals, is not easy, as each fall should also look authentic.

Naan Sigappu Manithan is not an exception thriller, but it definitely has the potential to keep you hooked for over two and a half hours.

Verdict : Not an exception thriller, but it definitely has the potential to keep you hooked for over two and a half hours

Pandiyanaadu Movie Review

Starring : Vishal, Lakshmi Menon, Bharathiraja, Vikranth

Direction : Suseenthiran

Music : Imman

Production : Vishal Film Factory

Pandiyanaadu starts with the death of a local gangster and the fight over who should be taking his place. In line are two of his own men who have split into separate factions. And on the calmer side of town are Siva Kumar (Vishal) and his family. Siva’s brother works in the mining department and his father played by Bharatiraja is a calm going man content with his family. Siva works as a mobile phone service man in the back room of a showroom. I have been to a service centre recently and what was behind the door (like all doors saying No Admission) made me curious, though much wasn’t explored on that front it was a nice dose of realism.

Kattama Ravi, the more dangerous and audacious of the two in the race for the chair goes on a killing spree eliminating any potential enemies and eventually gains control over the town. One of Siva’s friends (played by Vikranth) whom he would turn to in tough situations needs to protect his lover, who is now married to someone else from one of Ravi’s henchmen who obsesses over her (played by Harish). Siva’s brother taking some strict action against Ravi’s illegal mining knots the fearful protagonist in another conflict with the dangerous Ravi.

The Siva Malathi love story provides us with some clean humour, the songs in spite of the badly dubbed lyrics were still bearable for the visual component and the film stands out mainly for its super choreography of the action sequences. After the screenplay had done its job of setting up these fights, the choreography and the cinematography made sure the emotional drive is retained to move you to the edge of the seat without realizing it.

After yet another stretch of desperate commercial failures this looks like the one that will bring back the love and the money to Vishal. The film’s central conflict of pushing a scared and restrained protagonist to finally rise and fight is a used idea, but, when done right it can still engage one. Suseenthiran’s screenplay creates a convincing arc for Siva to have no other choice. The film keeps you guessing till the very end and Siva’s final confrontation was valid, necessary and exhilarating.

Verdict : Tightly scripted and has some of the best action sequences in recent times

Pandiyanaadu Movie Review

Starring : Vishal, Lakshmi Menon, Bharathiraja, Vikranth

Direction : Suseenthiran

Music : Imman

Production : Vishal Film Factory

Pandiyanaadu starts with the death of a local gangster and the fight over who should be taking his place. In line are two of his own men who have split into separate factions. And on the calmer side of town are Siva Kumar (Vishal) and his family. Siva’s brother works in the mining department and his father played by Bharatiraja is a calm going man content with his family. Siva works as a mobile phone service man in the back room of a showroom. I have been to a service centre recently and what was behind the door (like all doors saying No Admission) made me curious, though much wasn’t explored on that front it was a nice dose of realism.

Kattama Ravi, the more dangerous and audacious of the two in the race for the chair goes on a killing spree eliminating any potential enemies and eventually gains control over the town. One of Siva’s friends (played by Vikranth) whom he would turn to in tough situations needs to protect his lover, who is now married to someone else from one of Ravi’s henchmen who obsesses over her (played by Harish). Siva’s brother taking some strict action against Ravi’s illegal mining knots the fearful protagonist in another conflict with the dangerous Ravi.

The Siva Malathi love story provides us with some clean humour, the songs in spite of the badly dubbed lyrics were still bearable for the visual component and the film stands out mainly for its super choreography of the action sequences. After the screenplay had done its job of setting up these fights, the choreography and the cinematography made sure the emotional drive is retained to move you to the edge of the seat without realizing it.

After yet another stretch of desperate commercial failures this looks like the one that will bring back the love and the money to Vishal. The film’s central conflict of pushing a scared and restrained protagonist to finally rise and fight is a used idea, but, when done right it can still engage one. Suseenthiran’s screenplay creates a convincing arc for Siva to have no other choice. The film keeps you guessing till the very end and Siva’s final confrontation was valid, necessary and exhilarating.

Verdict : Tightly scripted and has some of the best action sequences in recent times

Pattathu Yaanai Movie Review

Cast: Vishal, Aishwarya Arjun, Santhanam
Movie: Pattathu Yaanai
Direction: Boopathy Pandian
Producer: S. Michael Rayappan
Banner: Global Infotainment Pvt Ltd
Music: Thaman

After kicking off the year with Samar, Vishal is here for the second time in 2013 with Pattathu Yaanai. After the success of Malaikottai, director Boopathy Pandian and action star Vishal are joining hands on a “fun, action, romantic” movie, Pattathu Yaanai. Produced by Michael Rayyapan and directed by G.BoopathyPandian, Pattathu Yaanai has Aishwariya Arjun, Santhanam, Jegan, John Vijay etc alongside Vishal. Music is by Thaman Sai while the camera is handled by S.Vaithy.

There are two other box office drivers for the movie: Santhanam and Santhanam. Yes, for those who haven’t had enough of the comic takes of the most happening star in Tamil cinema now, Pattathu Yaanai has the actor playing a double role.

Also adding novelty value to the movie is the launch of Aishwarya, the daughter of ‘action king’ Arjun. Incidentally, Vishal had started his film career assisting Arjun in his heydays on his directorial ventures Vedham and Ezhumalai.

Story:

Pattathu Yaanai is the story of a common man who rises up to the challenge thrown against him.

The movie starts off with Santhanam being introduced as Gouravam, a caterer. Vishal and his friends arrive at the scene to aid Santhanam in his cookery chores. The premise moves to Trichy, where Vishal, Santhanam and his group plan to set up a hotel. Comic scenes entangled, we have the incidents with Aishwariya Arjun too stitched in. A series of events leads to Vishal locking horns with one of the dons in the city. A story is revealed at the interval block, from where the movie progresses on.

Into the second half, and we have more of the so-called story and less of comedy. Lots of new characters are introduced with John Vijay propelling himself as the comic villain. A cat and mouse game follows, and how Vishal pulls himself out of these troubles is what Pattathu Yaanai is all about.

Performance:

Vishal is fine in his acts, but one puts up the question as to when he will come back with a thumping film, just like his Thimiru. The lead actress Aishwariya Arjun is bland, just a walking doll. She needs to learn a lot, especially to dance and a ‘debut’ is all that can be said about her. The supporting artists are okay, but the villains are damp squibs, especially the guy who flexes his abs at the end.

If there is one man who might save this movie from a dump, it is Santhanam. Even though the much talked about dual role is nowhere to be seen, Santhanam keeps us smiling whenever he appears onscreen. Some of his jokes in the first half do crack pick you up.

Technical Analysis:

Nothing new in the musical department from Thaman, and the BGM which is done by Sabesh Murali is mediocre too. There are just three fight scenes in the movie, but they are well choreographed by Anal Arasu. Technically, Pattathu Yaanai is satisfying, but I would have loved to say something nice here.

We have seen tons of commercial entertainers in the past, and Pattathu Yaanai is yet another one in the list. Boopathy Pandian has a fine outing here, but it just isn’t enough with the current trend of movies passing on. Pattathu Yaanai fails to deliver something out of the bag, so watch it if you have nothing else to do over the weekend. An average film in all aspects.

Verdict : Average Flick in All Aspects

Vishal’s cameo in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

Actor Vishal recently shot for Sundar C’s Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (TVSK), starring Siddharth and Hansika in the lead. And the director tells us that Vishal agreed to make a cameo appearance purely for the bond of friendship the two share.

Sundar C says, “Vishal will be playing himself in this film, and we shot his portions last week in the city. Santhanam plays a love guru in the film, and we required a celebrity to make a guest appearance in the sequence. I asked Vishal, and he immediately agreed. He’s a good friend of mine, and he shot for the film just for the sake of our friendship.”

Sundar adds, “We will be filming a song in Chennai for TVSK by next week, and leave for Japan in April to shoot two more songs

Samar in financial crisis

2012 seems to be unlucky for Vishal and Trisha, as both the stars didn’t enjoy single Tamil release during the year, while their Samar is in postponing spree, due to deep financial crisis.

Buzz making vibes in Kollywood tinsel town that Samar is facing one more case in the court filed by equipment dealers, Anand Cine Services for payment of Rs.1.20cr. While theater owners wanted Samar to clear all the financial problems before the screens are booked, reasoning this Samar might also get postponed once again to dates post Pongal 2013.

Directed by Thiru, Samar music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and the soundtracks are highly entertaining the music lovers. Sunaina is also playing one of the lead roles in Samar under Jaya Balaji Real Media banner.

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