A guide to all the movies that have been released this weekend. Read the reviews and take your pick!
Puli: A colourful diversion for undemanding kids
If Chimbu Deven’s brief was to create a colourful diversion for undemanding children, then Puli, starring Vijay, must be counted as some sort of success. Put differently, Chimbu Deven has forgotten to make a movie for adults. His inventions surprise us, delight us for a second or two – and then we’re back to the turgid story, >writes Baradwaj Rangan.
Kutram Kadithal: Very well done... up to a point
The crux of Kuttram Kadithal, which was recognised as the Best Feature Film in Tamil at the National Awards this year, is the blurring of the line between religion and humanity — rather, the blind belief in a higher power versus the more rational belief that humankind is capable of many of the things (retribution, absolution) we often associate with God, and is therefore as worthy as being worshipped. >Baradwaj Rangan writes.
Kirumi: A superb, low-key character study masquerading as a thriller
Part of Kirumi’s power lies in its unerring eye for casting — not a single actor feels wrong. The other reason the film works so well is its feel — the low-key nature of the story fused with the low-key swagger of the telling. There’s attitude from start to finish — in K’s groovy score, in Arul Vincent’s underworld-hued cinematography, and especially in Anucharan’s editing. Kirumi moves like a dream, >says Baradwaj Rangan.
Singh is Bliing: Welcome to the zoo
More moronic than mahaan, Akshay Kumar's comic timing saves the day. A no-holds-barred Punjabi comedy in Hindi, director Prabhudheva paints the stereotypical image of good-natured, father-fearing, mother-loving simpleton sardar caught in a situation in new, more vibrant colours. >Here is Anuj Kumar's review.
Talvar: Double-edged
Talvar is more of a crime docu-drama than a piece of fiction. From the title to the material, writer Vishal Bhardwaj and director Meghna Gulzar stick close to the details of 2008 Noida twin-murder case that shook the society in more ways than one. But beyond the pale of integrity and intentions, Talvar is a razor sharp piece of cinema, >writes Anuj Kumar.
Shivam: Far from engaging
Shivam , directed by Srinivasa Reddy, falls into the formula trap — a template that is overused and looks jaded. The hero, Shiva (Ram), risks everything to bring together lovers torn apart by family and societal pressures. The film is lengthy, boring and comedy isn’t enough to save the day. >A review by Sangeetha Devi Dundoo.
