Wednesday, October 22, 2025

DUD-e

Pradeep Rangnathan’s hugely expected third movie after phenomenal hits of ‘Love Today’ and ‘Dragon’ is directed by Keerthiswaran and co-stars Mamitha Baiju, R. Sarathkumar, Rohini and many others.

Spoilers Ahead

Highlights
  • Music by ‘Sai Abhyankkar’ was a melodious accompaniment for the movie, including the raging hit ‘Oorum Blood’ track.
  • Cinematography by Niketh Bommi and Editing by Barath Vikraman provided the necessary impetus to keep the story moving forward.
  • Mamitha Baiju’s tamil entry showcased her superb acting and extraordinary dance skills. Her performance in ‘Oorun Blood’ song is the trend-setter of the year.
  • ‘Dude’ Pradeep Ranganathan carries forward similar acting skillset to his earlier movie. Hope he chooses different movies to showcase different aspects of his acting skillset.
  • The real dude is however Sarath Kumar, who mixes comedy with his antagonist nature beautifully and showcases his fantastic acting prowess. Hope he continues doing such varied roles in his future movies.




Problems Galore
The core story against caste segregation is appreciable. However, it is the path taken that raises many questions. Keeping the morality code aside, there are many logical mistakes that do not let you immerse oneself into the movie completely.
  • For a couple this close and emphasis on my ‘choice’, why would two people allow their parents to set up their marriage instead of speaking of it amongst themselves.
  • As my friend pointed out, why would the girl realize that she is using a guy for her motives till very late in the movie, then repent and try to correct it.
 
Even with all these short-comings, the movie is a good one-time watch and is perhaps is aptly summarized by the one symbolism that Pradeep Ranganathan’s friend (well portrayed by Dravid Selvam) shows to him very often.
Do share your thoughts and comments on the movie.


Friday, October 10, 2025

Kantara 1: GODLY!!

A prequel to a very successful movie, “Kantara: Chapter 1” stars a host of actors, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram helmed and directed by Rishab Shetty.

Spoilers ahead!!


Highlights

  • The music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap take you right to the door-step of the magical Kantara world set up 300 years ago.
  • The production designer by Vinesh Banglan is top notch and gives you the feel of a top Hollywood movie. The movie navigates in way to capture the beauty of the masterpiece set as well as its destruction.
  • Pragathi Shetty, who is also the director’s wife, has done a fantastic job as a costume designer and royal embellishments as well as the forest-dwellers aesthetics look absolutely true to value. 
  • The story and screenplay is truly remarkable, given the limited scope of the Kantara world. However, the forced laughter gags seemed to bring down the beautiful action sequences a touch down.
  • Rishab Shetty has totally shouldered this movie on his chiseled body both in action and emotional sequences. If not for some minor improvements, the movie would have a masterpiece like the prior Kantara movie.


Alternate Sequence
The success of the beautifully crafted first Kantara movie was its realistic story with an extra-ordinary climax. The second movie could be well served if the guardian daivas, Panjurli and Guliga, had come through on him in the absolute climax. 


Berme fighting a less than ordinary King, with a vicious daughter and coma-ridden brother, all three coming together with the evil energy of their grand father would have been an absolute fire cracker of a climax. Nevertheless, the movie is quite an entertainer and never lets you take your eyes off even for a minute. Looking forward to Kantara: Chapter 2 with great excitement.


Do share your thoughts, if you have watched the movie.