#SeeingRed Seeing Red - A Short Film! A slapstick satire in Tamil

 #seeingred

A viewer's review..

This film takes us into a society that believed in certains ways of life. It is not about any specific community. It is about a society that set certain unappealing boundaries on women without any logical reasoning. Customs and traditions are made for convenience of mankind. It reflects on the mindset of people during various generations.

Lot has changed and transformed ever since. In the last 40 years, we have witnessed not only a transforming change in the society with regard to women, but also towards a much empowered and diversified acknowledgement of women power.

No longer we have all households with separate puja rooms or restrictions on women that can be imposed. However, there are still fractions of society that silently imposes the age old customs on the family members. Mindsets have changed but not for all. There are traces left behind

This film is a hit on the head for those 'old school' customs and thoughts. The director Shalini Vijayakumar has beautifully woven the script with ample humour and wit to reflect on the leftovers of a bygone era which seems to haunt few families even today.

Looking at this deep subject with an amazing way, Director and her team of young talents took us on a time travel to show the family dynamics and how it ghosts the minds of women suppressed and conditioned. 25 years ago, I as a women did experience a bit of this and know the inconvenience it caused. Today things changed only because we have living Shalinis' around us making it easy for every woman and in fact many men making our lives easy

Technical brilliance of the crew to be appreciated with managing to film a movie n an iPhone and qualifying for a renowned film festival. The setting of the house with the colours that showcased the time of the film, especially greens n blue and the beautiful big frames of deities in Puja room and the backyard...kudos to the production design team and DoP Viki who did a brilliant job. Young and hardworking crew with a brilliant selection of artists as cast made this short film a wholesome entertainer.

When you have a mentor like #vetrimaran , you are compelled to deliver the best! You will put your heart, head and heals over the delivery. #ShaliniVijaykumar as a director is here to stay! Her script and direction is brilliant and Roju, #Kanupriya and everyone did give their best. When you have senior artists like #BadavaGopi sir and #AppaRamesh sir, you not only bring in discipline, quality and learning to the table but an amazing output. Young #Shivani to the amazing #RaBo Patti , every artist gave their best. Every technician and including lightmen, make up artists, hair dressers, the crew went along the script.

Personally, I am delighted Aishwarya worked in this project on costumes and styling. As a mother, I have seen her creative thinking from an early age and I was always confident she carried the best of genes of legendary art director A.k.sekar Garu...

As a viewer, I loved the film. The theme, the making, the cast and crew and all about #SeeingRed. Watch it!

https://www.apple.com/.../meet-four-emerging-filmmakers.../

Proud of you my girl Aishwarya Raghunath and the entire team of Seeing Red ..wishing you the best for this film...

This film was one of the four films in India that got selected for the MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL. Great job Shalini and team

So happy Aishu got to work with you Ramesh Krishnamurthy Sir ...and wonderful team under the mentoring of Vetrimaran Sir...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZYLe-6KHuI

Seeing Red, a slapstick satire in Tamil from the second edition of MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone IS OUT NOW on YouTube!

Directed by @shalinivijayakumar_

Mentored by #VetriMaaran

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#SeeingRed #MAMISelectFilmedOniPhone

#MAMI #MAMI2025 #MumbaiFilm Festival #Vetrimaaran #LijoJosePellissery #MAMISelect #MAMI #MAMI2025 #MumbaiFilmFestival #MAMISelect #MAMISelectFilmedOniPhone

75 years of Chandralekha (1948)

 #Chandralekha (1948)... released on 9 April 1948...a Magnum opus movie made with 3 Million at those times

First Pan India movie from South

First Indian movie distributed in UK, USA and Europe

Known for its extravaganza production design and sets..

Especially for its Drum Dance Song. 75 years since this glorious movie got released ..

ART Direction by Raghu's grand dad- Shri A.K.Sekhar

Movie Review : Kadaysi Vyavasai - 11 Feb 2022

 Director: M. Manikandan

Cast: Nallandi, Vijay Sethupathi, Yogi Babu, Muneeshwaran, Raichal Rabecca Philip

Genre: Drama
Runtime: 142 minutes

Synopsis:
"Kadaisi Vivasayi" (The Last Farmer) is a poignant drama that revolves around the life of an elderly farmer, Maayandi, played by a non-professional actor, Nallandi. Set in a small, picturesque village, the film explores the themes of tradition, sustainability, and the struggles of the agrarian community in the face of modernization and neglect.

Plot:
The narrative follows Maayandi, the last active farmer in his village, who continues to practice traditional farming methods amidst an environment that is rapidly changing. When Maayandi is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit, the community's dependence on his farming knowledge and their apathy towards agriculture come into sharp focus. As the village grapples with the implications of his absence, the story delves deep into the essence of rural life and the irreplaceable value of those who sustain it.

Review:

Story and Direction: M. Manikandan, known for his realistic storytelling, crafts a narrative that is both simple and profound. "Kadaisi Vivasayi" does not rely on dramatic twists or high-octane sequences. Instead, it finds beauty in the mundane, portraying the life of a farmer with a sense of authenticity and respect. Manikandan’s direction ensures that the story resonates with the audience, drawing attention to the plight of farmers and the importance of preserving agricultural traditions.

Performance: Nallandi, in his debut role, delivers a heartwarming performance as Maayandi. His portrayal is natural and unembellished, bringing an air of sincerity to the character. The casting of a real-life farmer adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the film. Vijay Sethupathi, in a cameo role, and Yogi Babu, known for his comedic roles, provide strong support, adding nuance and depth to the narrative.

Cinematography: The film’s visual appeal is enhanced by the stunning cinematography that captures the rustic charm of the village. The use of natural light and wide shots of the landscape underscore the connection between the farmer and his land. The cinematography not only enhances the storytelling but also serves as a tribute to the natural beauty and serenity of rural life.

Music: Ilaiyaraaja’s music is soulful and complements the narrative perfectly. The background score and songs are subtle yet powerful, enhancing the emotional impact of the film. The music reflects the simplicity and depth of the story, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

Themes: "Kadaisi Vivasayi" tackles important themes such as the decline of traditional farming, the impact of modernity on rural communities, and the disconnect between urban and rural life. The film serves as a critique of the apathy towards farmers and highlights the critical role they play in sustaining the community and the environment.

Pacing: The pacing of the film is deliberate, mirroring the slow, steady rhythm of rural life. While this may feel slow to some viewers accustomed to fast-paced narratives, it is this very pacing that allows the film to delve deep into its characters and themes, providing a rich and contemplative viewing experience.

Conclusion: "Kadaisi Vivasayi" is a deeply moving film that sheds light on the lives of farmers and the challenges they face. It is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the enduring bond between man and nature. M. Manikandan's storytelling, combined with Nallandi's poignant performance and Ilaiyaraaja’s evocative music, makes this film a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

In a world that often overlooks the contributions of its farmers, "Kadaisi Vivasayi" stands as a powerful reminder of their indispensable role and the need to cherish and support them. It is a film that stays with you, urging you to reflect on the true value of the simple, unassuming lives that are the backbone of our society.

My 2 cents on the Short Film #Lakshmi ....

When whole of the Social media was going against with negative reviews and comments on the short film, Lakshmi,  I took sometime today to watch it with curiosity.    Usually I enjoy short films for the message conveyed, the effort taken with low budgets and upcoming artists...however, this short film which I watched with the curiosity, made me end up in deep thinking.

This short film is not about extra marital affair of the man and justified by the affair of the woman in turn.  It is the routine life that is portrayed.   How a middle class family goes through a mundane life with cooking, getting the child ready to school, husband dropping the kid, then the woman getting ready to work,  coming back, cooking, putting the child to sleep and then satisfying the physical needs before calling it quits for the day.  There is no sharing of emotions, affection or exploring love and embracing happiness and there is neither appreciation nor a moment of pause to care.   It goes on like a well oiled machine.  Forgetting the fact that human emotions gets lost in this cycle.

So when the women goes out of a routine due to a strike in transport, and ends up in the road,  the husband's attitude towards the woman, not worrying about her safety or return but selfish about the next morning breakfast, makes the woman pause and wonder what she needs..That's when she says that she is hungry.   Yes, she is hungry not for food or sex as the internet calls her as an item.   She is hungry for care and affection.   So when she gets that from another man outside marriage, she accepts it.   It is not about the extra marital affair,  it is about the moment of self-need for that warmth and love that a third person Kathir shows her. 

What starts as a silent smiles and acknowledging each other during travels to work everyday, to the moment of togetherness on a silent night that ends up in sharing dinner, art, poetry, appreciation of the inate beauty of the woman both in her looks and inner feelings and then that takes it up to end in bed.   This story if understood rightly do not set a context for extra marital affair but to a woman who identifies her own needs and takes that extra step away from the dark routine of life.   After all she is a human being with emotions

Pain, Doubt, Redemption and Happiness. All in a split second. Those breathtaking eyes-  Salesh Dipak Fernando

Indian Cinema or the society is not immune to these relationships and all most three decades ago, Tamil Cinema accepted Sindhu Bhairavi,  Chinna Veedu and many other memorial films.   However, when it is showed in reality, on how even a sex is a routine,  and how the mother expresses her anxiety when the child turns towards them and how she just fulfills her man's needs and end up a tired soul, people are not able to accept.   It is for the simple reason, that the society is still tangled in the so-called morals which in truth is gone away long ago.  

Here it is not about both the man and woman indulging in extra marital affair.  It is about the woman not able to strike the cord of love with her husband.  It is about a man who does not express his feelings but bothers only about his needs both domestic, financial and physical.  It is about a man, who is still accepted in the normal family set up inspite of his affair to the other woman.   It is the narrow mindset of our present society to throw dirt at the woman when she does that.

What was getting done behind the scenes for decades together, when is shown on screen, making it visible for every one older than 18, on their small computer and phone screens, people started shouting against and it is the very crowd who made this movie popular or else there is nothing new that is shown in the film.   

Coming to the technical aspects,  the movie is technically rich, shoot in the natural environment of the house, work at printing press, train and bus stand..and then the house of an artist...paintings and sculptures...the artists have done beautiful portrayal of the roles....expressions, dialogues and the art making this movie a wonderful art piece.

For every grown up adult, especially in marriage, this is a must watch short film.  Look at the positive message it gives on how not to let your lives fall apart...how not to let your spouse drift apart for love and care.   Take a break from the mundane routine and learn to enjoy life and embrace happiness.

#Lakshmi is a powerful film conveying this message.  Stop looking at the negatives of this film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP5dOY42DKI&t=33s

Movie Review : Dharma Durai (2016 Film) - Absolute delight of the beauty of rural India. Must watch film :-)

When there is no hype in advertisement, you don't really expect a houseful of audience for a normal movie that too for a noon show on a 10th day of its release.  But this assumption proved wrong for 'Dharma Durai'.   Before I proceed with my analysis, I loved few comments from my husband who hardly expresses his opinions.   As we came out of the theater, he said that he is very happy that we saw a very beautiful movie after long time.   He also said that he want to see the same in big screen once again.   This reaction from audience is what makes a movie successful. 

Dharma Durai is a simple story with a gripping story line and amazing characters who portrayed the emotions with ease.  The beauty of this film is that a dusky hero carries it wholly with the story line with strong acting skills.  Another amazing beauty is that the female roles did fabulous job.  It is quite heartening to see women getting equal attention and screen space these days in Tamil movies instead of being used only as 'just there for songs and dances'...these women portray substance and go deep into their characters.

Radhika Sarathkumar is a classic example of how a veteran actor can transition herself into any character given to her.  She does it with charm, depth and absolute delight to watch her.  She reminded me of Manorama amma in few scenes.   As a mother in the movie, she does a brilliant balance to the character.   Those who have been seeing her since ages and off late on small screen would love to see the best of her acting in Dharma Durai once again.   

Vijay Sethupathi needs no mention.  He is not only the hero of the story but also the way he takes it with ease and perfection.  Simple looks, strong emotions, beautiful dialogue delivery,  very right body language conveys that we have an excellent actor here to stay in the Tamil movie industry.   Keep going Vijay....we audience love to watch you again and again.

Tamanah often criticized being non-expressive, does a delightful acting in this movie.  She shows a great maturity in her role, got a wonderful style and carries herself with poise and beauty.  The scenes where she zooms across the village roads on her bike makes us want to see the picturesque again and again.   She brings life to the screen even in the serious of situations in the movie.

Aishwarya Rajesh once again proves that she is a perfect actress in making.  As Anbuselvi, you will fall in love with her acting and character in the movie.  She does it with such an ease that you can be sure that she has a long way to go in Tamil Cinema.   Probably she will take on other roles than being down to earth village type of roles where she already proved her acting in the highest order.  There is a mesmerizing beauty in her eyes and a charm which glows along with her acting.  

Srusti Dange does a decent job as a college student falling in love, believing in her friend to come home to discuss on marriage with her father and with a smile that is so broad and contending.  Way to go girl.

Every other character, including the brothers, sister and sister in law of Dharma,  Anbu selvi's father,  Profession Dr Kamaraj  (done by Rajesh)  and friend Gopal (Ganja Karupu )  give their best acting.  Rajesh's calm demeanour reminds us of his wonderful movie 'Andha Elzu Natkal'... Madhuvanthi Arun as the police officer also fits in for the role.  The little girl who acted as Dharma's niece also makes you love in fall with her character.

The BGM by Yuvan Shankar Raja is very lovely and the songs are so soothing with the village backdrop and the greenery that makes you fall in love with your country side again and again. M.Sukumar as Cinematographer gives us the best scenes reminding us of KB Sir's movie.  Variamuthu lyrics especially in Andipati song is very good.  Wonderful movie from Director Seenu Ramaswamy and this combination with Vijay Sethupathi worked once again and the product is a beautiful movie to the audience

I haven't gone into the story plot as there is a detailed description in wikipedia already on the same.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Durai_%282016_film%29

My Rating would be :  4/5

Three Cheers to:

1.  Gripping story line and ease of characters

2.   Beautiful pictuarization

3.   Vijay Sethupathi and lovely social messages on need for medical support in rural villages,  stop dowry and abortions,

What could have been done better

1.  Editing

2.  Lip synchronization of dialogues in few places

3.  Could have not shown too much of alcoholism on the screen

Bottonline:   Please watch this movie in the big screen and enjoy the movie 

#DharmaDurai   #Moviereview   #2016TamilCinema

My Two Cents for Kabali - Why this movie is different and classic of Rajnikanth - A Review on 'Kabali' da!

maya nadhi indru maarbil vazhiyudhe
thuya naraiyilum kaadhal malaruthe

Best shot of Kabali

Keeping aside the fact that I am a die-hard fan of Rajinikanth like millions of people in Tamil Nadu and world all over,  I have my insights into the movie that had mixed reviews from the public.  

 Few beautiful things that make this film, a classic and absolutely different including the concepts of love, betrayal, hero worship, gangs and drugs, prostitution and school drop-outs, and above all, first time Rajnikanth acting of his age.   A elderly man who takes with him, both the pride of being a revolutionary of his times and wanting to take this to the future,  holding on an in-depth pain of a man madly in love for his wife and losing her.     The movie like any other does have its own misses and lengthy scenes, however, those can be overlooked, when you look deep into this movie's beauty of love. 

This movie also gives equal opportunity to every small artist who is part of this team work.  From the school drop out Tiger to the hero worshiping Jeeva, to the rebel Kumaran , to the Free Life Foundation Fathima and Meena,  to the normally dressed Jeeva's mother and Kumaran's mother,  every artist gets an equal screen-space.  Instead of a son, it is the daughter who is shown as a strong willed gangster who turns out to be Kabali's own daughter.   Yogi does an amazing job.  The conscious effort to show the feminine character of Yogi, despite her boyish appearance and fights in the scenes where she takes her foster father Velu to the washroom,  where she slips the coffee cup at the ring of the bell, and the tears that she sheds when she sees her mother for the first time.  You should really watch this movie with no first week whistle sounds in the theater, and cherish each expression that has been beautifully expressed by the artists.   They did an amazing job.  

Beautiful Portrayal of Yogi

The antagonists did no less.    Right from Tony Lee, Vaseekaran and his gang, every one did a decent job.   Somehow, I really missed 'Raghuvaran' being alive to having donned the role of the key antogonist in this movie...he would have been the BEST fit.   Probably, the makers could have also thought about Prakash Raj to be partnering with Tony Lee...the presence of the strong villain would any day make Rajini's movies long living.   

Few scenes, that I felt like watching again and again.   The happy Kabali after meeting Tamilarasan, keeping on talking about it to Kumudhavalli and the kind of full face smiles on their faces,   the silent hallucinations of Kabali in search of his wife,  as he goes near the river side bench and sitting and the way Kumudha keeps on asking ' na enga irukeynu vunaku teriyada...evalovv neram unakaga kathirkaradhu....and the way her ear rings moves as she talks....its a moment to cherish.   

Lovely expressions from Radhika and Rajini

The beautiful scene where he stands and watches from the french window, and thinks about what his wife will be doing, thinking and will react when he meets her the next day,  the expression in his eyes shows what an absolute actor Rajinikanth can be.   The way he says to Yogi...'po da,,nee poi thungu...nee poooo' shows his age and maturity as a father.    He had played the role of father before, but this particular movie, shows the vulnerability and emotionally drained father.   The way he holds Velu when he murmurs that he has a daughter, shows the desperate search of an aged man for his long lost family.    

Under the coat of the gangster, lies a heart full of love.   The way he looks at Kumudha when she does the bed, and he keeps on disturbing it, the way he watches her with a glitter in his eyes, and during the party, when a french couple keep kissing, the way he looks at his wife and smiles,  shows a true love beyond ordinary expressions,  expressing togetherness forever.  The blushing and glee on their faces, when he approaches her as she gets draped in the saree...the sharp expressions and acts of quick moves makes Rajini ..our best.

Romance, Love, Happiness....what an expression!

Radhika Apte can just be the apt artist.  PA Ranjith as director has done a wonderful job in selecting his cast for the film.   Though many earlier reviewers felt that there is overdose of his friends from earlier movies of the director,  I felt he gave a fair chance to all in this movie.  Nasser did his role with ease.   The Young Rajini looks like a charming young man from Mullum Malarum..taking us back to 80's easily.   

The mannerism is unique to Rajini..The way he sits in the Le Meridian when he reaches Chennai...the way he laughs when Anbu tells him about 'Saraku'....makes him the super star we all love.    I get goosebumps when I hear the song ' Maya Nadhi'...what a beautiful song from lyrics of Umadevi...wow.   One dialogue that stands out of Kumudha is when Rajini  says "Nee sethutenu neniachen". And she replies "Sethu dhan poirndhen, nee vandhu paakara varaikum" - shows how a woman in love for her husband will wait for years together for him to come back in life....truly touching....

Style Mannan !  Super Star Rajini !

One reason why the movie did not touch the fans in the first few days, is to the fact that the urban crowd probably do not know the pains of the rubber tapper or oil farm workers and their problematic lives in Malaysia.   This is reflection of an on going issue.   The deprived generations of people who migrated to the land in dreams of fortunes and ended up in unfortunate situations.   Malaysia Indians, especially Tamils have made the country their own.   However, they have their share of pain and anguish which is very well reflected in this movie.   The dialogues on Gandhi or Ambedkar shows that despite the country or the community, we still have the struggles across the globe.   The story of the crabs is not only true but thought provoking.   The growing dominance of Chinese and controlling our segments of retail and wholesale industry and this subsequently more in the underworld thus making our vulnerable youngsters easy prey to their activities is well reflected in this movie.  

The visuals of Malaysia and Thailand, Hongkong and Chennai are equally colorful and refreshing.   The background music is kind of not in pace with the movie...and could have been better.   The slowness in few shorts is of-course a minus.   One probable thing that could have been avoided is the overdose of violence.   Especially, I was taken back at the scene where "Jeeva's'' hand is packed and sent to Kabali in a box.   We are not seeing this first time in Tamil movie,  we have seen much dreadful scenes in 'Vettayadu Villayadu' and other movies...but over all our movies can stop showing such violence as it effects the viewers.       Critics have all rights to criticize.   You watch it with no preset assumptions and too much of expectations.  It is definitely worth watching.  If you are fan of Rajini or no, you will still enjoy the movie.

Kudos to the makers of this movie.   For God's sake, don't ever compare with Linga.   This is far better movie with depth of acting and entertainment.     I only wish Thaliavar Rajni is at best of health and happiness to give us few more movies and entertain us in what ever way he wishes it is right.  Stop the stereotypes and breaking the protocols and inhibitions,  we need to take a movie as a movie and enjoy, instead of making this a personal success or failure.    After all, what you pay is for a movie ticket...but what the actors and makers of the movie,  technicians and the crew gives is their precious time, efforts and love for the art.   No one will plan to give a failure..If you don't like it, please ignore, it is no body's loss.   If you like it..go watch it again...in the theater...and no piracy!

Magizhchi !!!    

Love you Rajini!
Nerupu Da!

Good work Team Kabali!

Na Vanthutenu Solu
Thirumbi Vanthutenu,
25 Varshathuku Munadi Epdi Ponano Kabali,
Apdiye Thirumbi Vanthutenu Solu..
‪#‎Kabali‬ Da 😎