CHENNAIYIL ORU NAAL (TAMIL)

A very interesting attempt for Tamil cinema.. notwithstanding the fact that it is a remake of a Malayalam movie..

Multi-narrative thrillers with an ensemble cast are new phenomenon for Tamil.. Yet, it is well made and finely presented as a crispy (at under two hours) & racy thriller which has its heart in the right place & connects the viewer successfully ..

Save for a few glitches towards the end & some very avoidable cinematic melodrama, overall, it is an engrossing watch..

Way to go for Tamil cinema.. hoping to see more such fare !

THE HIDDEN FACE (SPANISH)

An engrossing thriller if you could be patient with the initial part peppered with cliches of yore...

This twisted thriller makes you shift your feelings for the three main leads as it progresses !

Definitely a good watch !

P.S. - This is the original from which Murder 3 was "inspired"..

Thank you Shivam Atri for the suggestion !

PARADESI (TAMIL)

Another Bala masterpiece ..

This time, he captures the gruesome exploitation of indentured labourers (who migrate to escape famine & poverty of their native villages) of tea plantations before independence..

He effortlessly transports us to a bygone era & captures the lives of a society & their travails hardly ever chronicled ...

The initial sequences of the movie are a delight where you have several scenes wherein even as we are tickled in subtle ways, the very next moment could poke a sharp needle that pierces your heart.

The sequences leading to the intermission & thereafter, pack an emotional wallop which is heart-wrenching for the tragedy of these helpless exploited society appear so real..

The movie is filled with sprightly and remarkable characters which are finely acted.. Bala has worked like an industrious miner to bring out sparkling performances of a cast consisting of fresh faces and non-stars..

A finely chiseled and technically well made movie.. except for the minor clunky portion involving the missionary couple..

Overall, a movie that would remain with us long after viewing & one which would be remembered with every cup of tea that we sip.

Clearly, one of the best I would be seeing this year !

WRECK IT RALPH

An interesting idea with shades of Toy Story & Shrek ..

Gorgeous with loads of vivid colors.. A few good hummable numbers & cameos like Pacman which make you feel nostalgic..

Could've been a lot better.. One does miss Pixar's masterful narrative...

Nevertheless, an enjoyable watch !

COMPLIANCE

A disturbing & chilling watch ! Raises several basic questions on authority & unquestioning submission !

Horrifying to know that these are based on real life events !

No violence or gore.. but dark & deeply stirring !

FLIGHT

Denzel Washington towers & powers this movie to soar with a nuanced and commanding performance.

Washington proves that he was a worthy contender to Day-Lewis in every way for the awards this year.

Definitely deserves a watch !

HEADHUNTERS (NORWEGIAN)

An engaging thriller that packs quite a few surprises !

A rare thriller movie that does not resort to slam bang action and relies on the narrative to keep the viewer guessing..

Highly recommended !