VIRUS (MALAYALAM) (2019)

Director Ashiq Abu presents a gripping thriller inspired from events surrounding the Nipah virus outbreak in Calicut and Malappuram districts.

Abu has assembled an ensemble star cast and handles then brilliantly to serve the story he set out to narrate.

A narrative that is crafted with great care and balance without overdoing any of the several potential pitfalls that it skims over gracefully to retain a unitary focus on the events surrounding the outbreak and the collaborative efforts to control it.

Nevertheless, Abu maintains the emotional connect intact through several subtle instances that capture the myriad human emotions of loss, helplessness, love, grit and determination without exploiting them or escalating into weepy melodrama.

In all, this is a naattu (desi) companion piece to Soderbergh's Contagion and could rightly be reckoned as an unequivocal masterclass in every aspect of film-making.

A MASTERPIECE !

RATING - 4/5

JOKER (ENGLISH) (2019)

Crazy can be so captivating ..

Descent into chaos could be so devastatingly brutal ..

This is an origin story that is deeply affecting as it delves into the depths of a psyche of one of the most complex characters from the comics universe - Arthur Fleck aka Joker.

It might be natural for us - as the viewers - to empathise with the predicament of Arthur Fleck - a lonely, failing stand-up comedian - as he is pushed down a slippery slope of insanity through repeated assault of rejections. His sorry state of existence is brought to stark relief when we learn that something as benign and banal as laughter is accessible to him only through a medical condition.

However, if we dig a little deeper .. it becomes quite scary when we realise that this a neither remote nor an imperfect reflection of the times and climes that we inhabit. Director Todd Phillips might have set this movie in the early 80's. But, make no mistake... This is a movie for our times .. In fact, this is a commentary on our very own turbid times. A dire warning on the dehumanising influences that have engulfed us in the form of an irrepressible contagion of indifference towards "the others". 

We, as a society, are unapologetically harsh on those faceless forgettables and indifferent to their sensibilities. Their needs and dreams are continuously crushed under our collective disdain and an ever rising tsunami tide of our insatiable wants. Consequently, the less fortunate majority are forced to flee and dwell on the very margins of our society as we continuously push them ever more further to the edges of their very existence and quite often, even beyond. The rousing finale gives us glimpses of what could be in store if the dispossessed decide to decry and dethrone the dispensation that denies them the chance of decent existence. 

Joaquin Phoenix pours his heart and soul into the emaciated frame of Arthur Fleck and owns every speck of this character's crazy mind space that is a spectacularly chaotic mess. His is a phenomenal performance that captures the journey of Arthur's deep seated vulnerability, inner angst, earnest yearning for acceptance, agony in the face of repeated rejections, frustration at his failures and humiliations, sudden eruptions of bloody violence all the way into the finale of uncontrollable chaos. This is a performance that is in the realm of pure artistry and every bit award worthy. The sombre score and the dark hued framing magnify the  melancholy mood that permeates the movie.

A little over a decade ago, Heath Ledger had totally owned this part as a formidable adversary to the batman in The Dark Knight and elevated that movie to stratospheric heights. In the process, he earned a well deserved Oscar and left a permanent imprint on our minds. To aspire going beyond that stupendous performance and redefining Joker is an audacious endeavour - an adventure in itself. And, after watching Joker, one would concede that director Todd Phillips and his leading man have succeeded to pull off this unlikely feat - a true mission impossible in the realm of cinema - and to add to that, have done it with aplomb and gusto.

If The Revenant was the physically taxing penance of Leonardo DiCaprio which brought him awards glory, Joker is Joaquin's deep meditation on exploring the rapidly unravelling  universe of Arthur Fleck's messed up mind and is certain to fill his trophies chest.

The beleaguered DCU and WB have another winner here that has been forged in the darkest of realms. The scenes where Arthur comes across the Waynes - both senior and junior - are loaded with intrigue, pregnant with possibilities that could herald healthy augurings for the reboot of the Batman franchise. If only they could flesh out a worthy caped crusader to take on this Joker, it would be a delectable entertainment. Amen. 

Joker is utterly dark and is unquestionably disturbing .. Nevertheless, it is an engrossing watch that grabs your attention with a brilliant performance and holds an unflinching mirror to all of us to reflect upon.

A DARK TOUR DE FORCE ! A TRIUMPH !!

RATING - 4/5

MONSTER (TAMIL) (2019)

This is a movie made on a relatively simple premise - the travails of the protagonist and a mouse that haunts his home.

But, director Nelson Venkatesan has woven a nifty narrative around this simple construct that is generously suffused with healthy humour. The movie also has a strong message of harmonious coexistence without being preachy.

SJ Surya is spot on with his part as a soft-spoken vulnerable protagonist in a measured performance that is a far cry from his usual exaggerated antics. He is ably supported by Karunakaran who is sharp with his comic timing and the beautiful Priya Bhavani Shankar who does competent job on her part.

The background score as well as songs from Justin Prabhakaran accentuate the flow of the proceedings. Director Nelson deserves credit for brisk narrative that seamlessly blends with breezy inoffensive comedy and technical finesse. If one could overlook some minor niggles, this sophomore (Oru Naal Koothu was his debut) effort heralds him as a talent to look forward to.

Overall, Monster is the latest addition to that critically endangered genre called wholesome healthy entertainer that could be enjoyed by the entire family.

A HIDDEN GEM !!

RATING -3.5/5

PS - Monster is available on Amazon Prime Video.

DEAR COMRADE (TELUGU) (2019)

The initial sequences of debutante director Bharat Kamma's Dear Comrade feels like a hangover from Arjun Reddy with Vijay Deverakonda steeped in alcohol and angst of loss of love even as his friends try to support him. 

We quickly cut to a flashback which captures Bobby in his college days donning the role of titular comrade in all his raw aggressive spirit.

By now.. the alarm bells of being in another Arjun Reddy wannabe start blaring in my head. 

I begin to wonder if this is another case of  a talented actor getting trapped in an overshadowing image of his past successful outing. 

Thankfully, that is not the case. 

The narrative quickly moves on and we see that this is indeed a love story of an impulsive, hot-headed Bobby (Vijay Devarakonda) and composed, clear thinking Lilly (Rashmika Mandanna) - a state level cricketer with soaring ambitions to become a national level player. The portions between the lead pair (fresh after their successful Geetha Govindam) are capture with warmth with ample support from the score and songs from the talented Justin Prabhakaran. Even the many template tropes work because of the easy chemistry that the lead pair shares. There is a beautifully measured sequence halfway through which introduces the conflict which launches the second half which sees a role reversal between the leads. Both Bobby and Lilly are tested for their commitment for each other and their own dreams. This portion also involves the leads embarking on their own journeys - both in literal and metaphorical sense - to identify the true meaning of comradeship.

This movie is indeed a pleasant package on multiple counts - praiseworthy performances from both the leads, a smooth flowing narrative with emotional heft that feels just right in most places and exceptional music. Bharat Kamma deserves kudos for keeping off the much trodden path of simple romance and delivering a drama with heart.  The writing deserves credit for the several subtle elements through which it establishes the character arcs of the leads initially and takes them forward through the ordeals that they have to face. The manner in which they deal with those ordeals resonates and stays true with the initial sequences and this keeps the viewers invested in their journeys.  Perhaps, that would also explain why even a contrived final sequence of confrontation seems to work.

Overall, Dear Comrade is a heart warming, well executed drama which explores the idea of comradeship commendably in an exceptional way.

AN ENGAGING DRAMA !!

RATING -  3.5/5

MISSION MANGAL (HINDI) (2019)

A delicious blend of cinematic liberties that entertain and the story of India's path-breaking scientific feat of reaching Mars in its maiden attempt on a shoestring budget. The story is presented in the time tested format of an underdog's triumph against tall odds. 

The narrative is populated with characters that make an instant connect with their own quirks and real world issues that they have to face. The fact these roles are played by an aptly cast competent set of actors  headlined by Akshay Kumar and the ever dependable Vidya Balan delivering pitch perfect performances makes the unfolding drama all the more engaging.

Debutante director Jagan Shakti deserves kudos for marshaling all the resources ably and weaving the multiple strands of issues into an engaging tale without losing the focus on his main story arc of India's Mars mission which is a thriller in itself. 

He could've easily gone overboard in narrating any of the minor story arcs or erred on the side of adding more comedy or melodrama which would have resulted in a crash-landed mission. However, he succeeds in holding a fine balance and as a result, the movie soars.

Special credits are also due to Jagan and his team of co-writers for presenting the science behind the Mars mission in a package that is easily accessible to the novice audience and making it entertaining as well with oodles of humour.

AN EXCEPTIONAL FLICK !!

RATING - 4/5

AVENGERS -ENDGAME (ENGLISH) (2019)

Ship load of superheroes - Check (Eyes-full in an IMAX screen and some more)

Stunning action setpieces - Check

Sharp sparkling humour - Check

Emotionally charged moments - Check

Epic finale - Check

Director duo Russo bros dunk us neck deep into nostalgia as we buckle down for a dreamy ride skimming over a decade worth of our favourite blockbusters from the franchise. Their nifty screenplay pulls together plot lines from all those multiple moments of magnificence to a rousing crescendo culminating in yet another audacious, heroic and dare, I say heart wrenching snap. 

It is beautiful in how the writing draws on the twenty plus historic blockbusters to create what is going to be the definitive piece in the  history of blockbusters. 

The movie delivers on almost every count

As sheer spectacle of ginormous proportions..

As an energetic and exciting entertainer..

As an emotionally charged roller coaster..

Russo bros have crafted a fitting farewell that elevates our favourite superheroes  even as it pays an ode to each of them who would remain etched in the collective memories of the fans for a very long time, if not forever.

Don't see how it could've ended any better ..

Perhaps could've had some more fireworks ..

Perhaps it could've been more 'snap'py.. But, again .. am just nitpicking here. 

Go .. Watch it in the biggest screen possible !

A MUST WATCH ! A MARVEL !!

RATING - 4/5

GULLY BOY (HINDI) (2019)

Director Zoya Akthar's Gully Boy is an affective underdog story that is well executed and supported by solid performances by the leads as well as a competent supporting cast. It presents the story of Murad, a resident of the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai and his rise to become an acclaimed rap artist despite the odds that are stacked against him that seek to trap him forever in his suffocating circumstances. The narrative arc traces his journey of self discovery and how he harnesses his innate talents and self belief to become a famous rap artist by "melting down the shackles that bind him with the lava of his lyrics".

I have never been a big fan of the genre of hip hop/ rap music. But, there is an earnest intensity in the album  and the hard-hitting lyrics (collaboration by an array of artists) here that captivates the viewer and hooks them to the genre.

Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhat prove their mettle as the definitive stars in the making, oozing loads of talent and cement their billing to be counted among the very best of their generation of actors. This film provides a perfect stage for them to collaborate and shine together. Ranveer is like some shimmering liquid metal that could be perfectly cast to fit into any mould. He can effortlessly transform from being an obsessed and cruel medieval Sultan in Padmavat to the underdog from Mumbai slum and make either part feel very real. 

Here, he is inhabiting the part of Murad, a  Dharavi resident dreaming of elevating his life from a rag-tag, down-in-the-dumps reality to match his soaring dreams. And, it definitely doesn't hurt that he can also rap like a pro. Alia Bhatt lights up the screen as the charming Safeena, a pint sized dynamite of a medical student, madly in love with Murad. She shares a warm chemistry with Ranveer, complementing him effectively.

Zoya assembles a string of notable names like Vijay Raaz, Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Verma, Sheeba Chaddha as well as debutante Siddhant Chaturvedi (as MC Sher) who turn in impressive cameos along with multiple real life rap artists who add a dash of authentic flavour of the music and the milieu, especially in the fierce rap battles. The crisp cinematography (Jay Oza) and the conversations soaked in the local lingo add to the lived in feel to the proceedings.

The writing (Zoya and Reema Kagti) is dexterous for the most part and manages to breath a dash of freshness even into some time tested tropes and cliches. The result is an extra-ordinary movie that is engrossing and satisfying at multiple levels.

AN ENTERTAINING WATCH !!

RATING - 3.5/5