MALAYALAM MOVIE FANS, PLEASE HELP

[Niranjana]

It's as thrilling as the first showers of monsoon, as beautiful as first love, as nostalgic as happy childhood days. Yes, Megh Malhaar by ace director Kamal is all this and much more. A quiet and tranquil love story with no larger than life villains or stunt scenes or any of the usual masala.

It is sheer co-incidence that Adv. Rajeev meets the young and brilliant writer, Nandita Menon. And it is later that he recognizes her as a writer, after reading her short story Megh Malhaar in the esteemed Malayalam publication, Mathrubhumi Aazhchapathippu. And from then on begins a kind of admiration on Rajeev's part.

As fate would have it, they keep running into each other at various places, also finding out that some of their interests and likes are similar. It is on a journey to interview a celebrity that Nandita learns who Rajeev really is - her long-lost, childhood friend. And in her heart, she bears this secret, lovingly, nostalgically.

When Rajeev confesses his 'liking', Nandita is shocked that she must've conveyed the wrong message. And when, finally, she tells Rajeev who she really is, the twosome feels drawn towards each other. But, now, it is too late for a union as both are married with families of their own and a closed society to fear. They promise each other that they'll never meet each other again, looking at the sad beauty of the setting sun at Kanyakumari.

And when they do meet again, what happens?

The story, originally by Dr. Iqbal and Akbar Kakkattil turns into an unforgettable one in Kamal's experienced hands. The lyrics by famous Malayalam poet O.N.V Kuruppu and music by Ramesh Narayanan are enchanting.

Nostalgic memories and childhood reminiscences sweep by as the film unfolds and the appreciative audience feels a little heavy in the heart. A wistful beauty and undefined sorrow embraces the movie and the characters.

Sweet and beautiful would be my choice of words to describe Megh Malhaar.

[Niranjana]

"Why then, me thinks it's time to smile again!" Said the jovial Viola in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. And by what she has said, I think, it's time we all smiled or rather laughed heartily, seeing Rajasenan's latest film, Malayali Mammanu Vanakkam.

Kuttan (Jayaram) and Revathy (Suja Karthika) disappear for a while on their engagement day and cause a little confusion and worry. Kuttan's mother (Sri Vidya) expresses a strong desire to see her daughter, whom she hasn't seen for the past 20 years. Inorder to bring his sister for his wedding, Kuttan and Keshumamman (Jagathy) sets forth to Tamil Nadu. Kuttan's sister, who is considered an outcast in the family, is actually an innocent woman who had to elope with a Tamilian because of her sadist husband.

Kuttan and Keshumamman, in their search for the former's elder sister, encounter a couple of hilarious situations. And as luck would have it, they land themselves at Tirupathi Perumal's (Kuttan's brother-in-law) house. Kuttan's niece, Parvathy (Roja) falls in love with her uncle (it is customary among Tamilians to marry their uncles) and chases him round the clock. Perumal (Kalabhavan Mani) has already decided to marry her off to his nephew, Kannaiya (Prabhu), who is a well- known rowdy in the area. Parvathy goes with Kuttan to Kerala, as per her mother's decision. Perumal tells Kannaiya that he will consent to the wedding of Parvathy and Kanaiya, only if the latter goes and cuts off Kuttan's leg to avenge for what his father-in-law had done to him, long ago.

Kannaiya sets of to Kerala and series of events comes up, thus bonding the friendship between Kannaiya and Kuttan. Her maternal relatives advice Parvathy that to marry an uncle is wrong. And overnight, she falls in love with Kannaiya, of course, being brainwashed by Kuttamamma several times. The weddings of Kuttan and Revathy and Kannaiya and Parvathy are arranged.

Perumal comes for the twin weddings, with his passion for revenge stronger than ever and creates a scene at the wedding, giving a twist to the climax. And finally gives in before tears and pleas and decides to forget burning memories of a distant past and forgives all and seeks forgiveness himself.

An entertainer by Rajasenan has never failed to make the audience laugh, though 2 of his previous movies didn't really make a mark. Malayali Mammanu Vanakkam is humorous, lively and entertaining. The music and dance are peppy, playful and in Tamil style.

I would say that the most outstanding in the star cast is none other than the versatile Kalabhavan Mani as Tirupathi Perumal. Mani portrays an innocent Tamilian, whose leg was cut off only because he tried to save a poor woman. This painful incident turns him into a sadist and a lover of violence and revenge. Mani is natural and brilliant in his acting. Chubby, cuddly Prabhu and Roja are cute pair. Jayaram is good enough.

On the whole, Malayali Mammanu Vanakkam is a lovely film.

[Niranjana]

Dileep is practicing the Midas Touch! Yes, all his recent movies have become mega hits by now, the latest being Meesa Madhavan and now, Kunhi Koonan.

Kunjan (Dileep), as he is popularly called is a poor little hunchback who runs a Telephone Booth. A jolly, easy-go-lucky fellow who hides all his sorrow within and portrays a comical figure, laughing at himself and about his hunchback.

Prasad (Dileep again, but has no relation with Kunjan), the son of a constable (Nedumudi Venu) is in love with Lakshmi (Manya), the daughter of a Circle Inspector (Sphadikam George). Unfortunately, Lakshmi dies accidentally while they were eloping. Vasu (Sai Kumar), a local gunda bullies her and she falls off a cliff.

Meanwhile, Kunjan meets Chembakam (Navya Nair), a poor blind girl, whose father is a street performer. When her father dies, Umma (Bindu Panicker) Thoma Chettan (Kochin Haneefa) and Kunjan takes o the responsibility of protecting her. Somewhere along the line, Kunjan and Chembakam fall in love. Kunjan arranges for her eye operation. He is also scared if Chembakam regains her eyesight, she will not like his handicapped form.

When Prasad learns that it is Lakshmi's eyes that have been donated to Chembakam, he develops a kind of obsession for her. Finally, after much twists and turns, Kunjan and Chembakam are happily married. Prasad kills Vasu and is arrested.

All's well that ends well.

Dileep in twin roles is definitely amazing especially as the handicapped Kunjan who calls himself Vimal Kumar. The make-up by Pattanam Rashid, who magically transformed the smart looking Dileep into the pathetic hunchback is superb. The direction is by Sasi Shankar. The lyrics by Yousef Ali Kecheri and the music by Mohan Sitara is good especially the songs 'Kunhante Penninne' and 'Kadanna Chandanamo'. On the whole, your heart goes out to the poor little hunchback.

Either it is the handicapped or it is larger-than-life films by Mohanlal that seem to dominate present Malayalam filmdom. When will ordinary people ever come back to Malayalam cinema? Let's wait and see…

[Girish11]

Suthradharan is a welcoming respite from the trend of present day films with loose scripts and substandard comedy. On the contrary, this film throws light into the lives of ordinary people and how they cope with daily pressures.

Rameshan (Dilip) is the only hope of his family that consists of two sisters, a jobless father and grandmother and he shoulders the responsibility of his family at a fairly young age. He learns homeopathy from home and becomes a self-taught doctor. A jack of all trades, he also sells home-made pickles and pappads. When Sadanandan (Kalabhavan Mani), the local gunda attacks his sister, Rameshan stabs him and escapes to Pandavapuram in search of his friend Leela Krishnan (Salim Kumar). A series of funny events follow while Rameshan frantically goes about in search of his friend, whom he had cured of jaundice. To his surprise, he finds that his friend makes a livelihood by playing a eunuch.

As luck would have it, Rameshan lands himself at Devuma's (Bindu Panickar) brothel, where he meets the chaste and innocent Shivani (Meera Jasmine). Shivani, untouched and pure, falls in love with the first man she has seen. With Devuma's help, Rameshan sets up a clinic of his own and he finds himself falling deeper and deeper in love with Shivani. Ranima (Chithra), Shivan's foster mother, wants him to marry Shivani. But with the arrival of Bharathi, Devuma's guru in this field, things take a drastic twist and in the end, the lovers unite, after overcoming several barriers.

Meera Jasmine, a new find, is pretty and looks promising. Dilip, as an upcoming actor of the present generation, gets better film after film. Bindu Panickar has done a neat job of her role and is truly outstanding in the movie.

The music by Ravindran is pleasant enough. Lohith Das, the master storyteller saves the face of the sinking Malayalam industry. The art direction and photography are beautiful. On the whole, Suthradharan has everything an audience looks forward to - music, dance, a well-defined plot, spice, good humour and a happy ending. A good movie in recent times.




This review of mine was published in a website some time back. Thought this wud be helpful for you.

Definately it will help. Thanks.

Actually, I have still not started watching teh movies that I have
recently collected, i.e Malayalam. I have collected approx 40
movies so far and still collecting more. Shall start watching
them slowly after some time after I recollect a little bit of
forgotten Malayalam

[Girish11]

Dileep is practicing the Midas Touch! Yes, all his recent movies have become mega hits by now, the latest being Meesa Madhavan and now, Kunhi Koonan.

Kunjan (Dileep), as he is popularly called is a poor little hunchback who runs a Telephone Booth. A jolly, easy-go-lucky fellow who hides all his sorrow within and portrays a comical figure, laughing at himself and about his hunchback.

Prasad (Dileep again, but has no relation with Kunjan), the son of a constable (Nedumudi Venu) is in love with Lakshmi (Manya), the daughter of a Circle Inspector (Sphadikam George). Unfortunately, Lakshmi dies accidentally while they were eloping. Vasu (Sai Kumar), a local gunda bullies her and she falls off a cliff.

Meanwhile, Kunjan meets Chembakam (Navya Nair), a poor blind girl, whose father is a street performer. When her father dies, Umma (Bindu Panicker) Thoma Chettan (Kochin Haneefa) and Kunjan takes o the responsibility of protecting her. Somewhere along the line, Kunjan and Chembakam fall in love. Kunjan arranges for her eye operation. He is also scared if Chembakam regains her eyesight, she will not like his handicapped form.

When Prasad learns that it is Lakshmi's eyes that have been donated to Chembakam, he develops a kind of obsession for her. Finally, after much twists and turns, Kunjan and Chembakam are happily married. Prasad kills Vasu and is arrested.

All's well that ends well.

Dileep in twin roles is definitely amazing especially as the handicapped Kunjan who calls himself Vimal Kumar. The make-up by Pattanam Rashid, who magically transformed the smart looking Dileep into the pathetic hunchback is superb. The direction is by Sasi Shankar. The lyrics by Yousef Ali Kecheri and the music by Mohan Sitara is good especially the songs 'Kunhante Penninne' and 'Kadanna Chandanamo'. On the whole, your heart goes out to the poor little hunchback.

Either it is the handicapped or it is larger-than-life films by Mohanlal that seem to dominate present Malayalam filmdom. When will ordinary people ever come back to Malayalam cinema? Let's wait and see…

Saw this movie recently in Tamil, its called "Perazhagan", Surya
has acted in the Tamil version. Wonder which one is the original
and which one is the remake.

[Alien]

Malayalam one is the original, Peralagan is the remake of that with the original director

[Niranjana]

I would also reccomend "Boeing Boeing" and "Mazha payinnu Madhalam Kottunnu" for 3 hrs of laughter, confusion & fun

[Niranjana]

Is a touching movie about an illegitimate son. Lal shimmers in Double Role! I'm not sure you 'll like it........because I wasn't happy watching it.........But the story is kind of diff.

[Niranjana]

I loved Kamaladalam, for the interesting star cast & its artistic quality. Its a Dance oriented movie. As usual, the flexible lal, portrays the character of a Dance Master very well.

[Niranjana]

Aye Auto- Seen it? Another nice Lal movie