Thillu Mullu - review

The Buzz: It's one of the most anticipated films of 2013 and a remake of one of Tamil cinema's evergreen classics - Thillu Mullu. Shiva reprises the role that was one of Rajinikanth's finest comedies 

 

The good: Shiva, Light and entertaining

 

The bad:  Isha Talwar, some of the supporting cast don't measure up to the original  

Bottomline: If you want to enjoy a remake of a classic it's best if you haven't watched the original. Just in case you have it's a good thing not to make comparisons. Thillu Mullu is a case in point. You have to credit director Badri for transforming a film rooted in the 1980s for a 2010s audience. He has managed that with tweaking scenarios and also the treatment of the supporting cast. If Rajni brought all his style and attitude to the original, Shiva is at his deadpan best tickling your funny bone at the most unexpected moments. Shiva is equally comfortable playing Pasupathy (The fake Lord Murugan devotee) and Gangulee (The fake Karate master) in a bid to con his boss Gurunathan (Prakash Raj does well  but is not a patch on Thengai Srinivasan especially in the legendary interview scene). Thillu Mullu  version 2.0 is tailored for Shiva, the screenplay works on his strengths. It's almost an extension of his roles in films like Tamil Padam and Kalakalapu. He lifts the film above a heroine who looks out of place and a supporting cast that is not a patch on the original. The film ends on a high with Santhanam's sparkling cameo, another reason why this mindless comedy is worth checking out.     

 

Running time: 140 mins (Approx)

Theeya velai seiyyanum kumaru - review

The Buzz: Director Sundar C returns with his latest comedy. Santhanam and Hansika Motwani (who starred in last year's biggest comedy blockbuster OK OK) are in the mix along with Siddarth.  

 

The good: Santhanam

 

The bad:  Songs, Hansika, contrived in parts  

Bottomline:  Sundar C sure knows a thing or two about comedy capers - he has a long list of films that have used some of Tamil cinema's finest comedians like Goundamani and Vivek. TVSK (Thank god for these movie acronyms) takes Sundar C to slightly new territory - a typical IT/ITES company where the arrival of the hottest new employee shakes up the life of a loveless, luckless, unromantic guy. The only problem is the hottest new employee is Hansika Motwani and the guy who needs help with his crush is Siddarth (as Kumar) one of Tamil/Telugu cinema's most romantic heart throbs. Hansika has shed a few kilos from OK OK but hasn't got rid of the same 'bubbly' expressions that will grate your nerves exactly three minutes after you spot her on screen.  Most of the cast (Including Hansika!) are earnest but most scenes end up looking contrived with the songs adding more agony (Don't miss the one with the end credits that has Chinna Khusboo and Khusboo regular shaking a leg.. Gulp). TVSK is still worth checking out because of Kumar's love guru Mokia (Santhanam) who bills Kumar for a series of ideas that bring him closer to conquering Sanjana (Hansika's) heart. Santhanam is probably the only reason this film is watchable. The humour is clean and he gives you very little time to recover with one funny line after the other. It's scary how indispensable Santhanam has become :P      

 

Running time: 140 mins (Approx)

Hangover Part III - review

Buzz:

• Probably the most anticipated guy flick of the year. 
• The 'wolfpack' reunites for one last 'mis'adventure

The good: The same zany cast and lots of funny moments

The bad: Contrived in parts

Bottomline: Let's accept it, you can't expect another Hangover instalment that measures up to the legendary first film. Once you have lowered that expectation meter, you can actually have a fun ride. The basic premise is quite slim - that happens when you are trying to stretch a popluar franchise. Alan (Zach Galifianakis) needs serious medical intervention and the rest of the wolfpack come together to drive him to a centre in Arizona. The misadventure begins almost as soon as they hit the road and pulls them into a deceitful web with the legendary Mr Chow (Ken Jeong) in the thick of it. There's no hangover almost till the end of the film, no planned trip and yet the film winds its way back to Las Vegas (Where else!). The film has its share of funny and wacky moments - enough elements for a mindless one time watch. And yet there's a good chance that you might pull out that old Hangover (2009) DVD and end up watching it all over again!   

Running time: 100 minutes (Approx)

The Great Gatsby review

Buzz:

• One of the biggest summer releases this year.
• Director Buz Luhrman reunites with Leonardo DiCaprio after close to two decades  (after Romeo + Juliet)
• Amitabh Bachchan in a significant cameo

The good: Brilliant visuals and production values, Casting and performances, faithful to the book

The bad: Slighty long and tedious in parts

Bottomline: there's more than one reason you must watch Baz Luhrman's screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's slim yet engaging novel. Watch it for its spectacular production design and visuals that come together to create an immersive 3D viewing experience and transport you to the roaring 1920s. If that's not reason enough watch it for brilliant performances by Leo, Tobey Maguire and most of the stellar supporting cast. Leo is Jay Gatsby, a New York businessman (With a dubious reputation) while Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway his neighbour who is enamoured by Gatsby's lifestyle and wild parties. Gatsby's love story from his not so distant past ultimately unfolds and Nick gets unwittingly intertwined as the drama plays out. Amitabh sparkles in a brief cameo as Meyer Wolfsheim, a shady Jewish businessman. The parallels between 1920s New York and urban India in the 2010s are eerily similar - wild parties where you make shallow acquaintances, rampant corruption and unhappy marriages of convenience. Luhrman is faithful to the novel and  his visualization is grander than images that might have flashed in your mind as you read the book. If there's one crib it is the running time of the film. This is after all just a 140 page novel (One of the reasons I got to actually read it!) full of lengthy yet enchanting details. The film could have been about 20-30 minutes shorter.     

Running time: 146 minutes (Approx)

Samsung Galaxy S4 review

The most anticipated Smartphone of the year is finally here. Samsung's flagship device aims to take over the baton from the S3 and S2, phones that have given the company a runaway lead over its competitors on planet Android. And as you'd expect from Samsung, the S4 has some serious bells and whistles.   

  

Highlights: Octa Core (1.6 GHz + 1.2 GHz Quad core processors) / 2 GB RAM / 16 GB onboard memory (Plus extendable memory up to 64GB) / 5-inch (1080 x 1920 pixels) touchscreen (441 pixels per inch) / 13MP Camera / Android 4.2.2 (Jellybean) /removable 2600 mAh battery / 130 gms weight / Dimensions - 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in)

 

Verdict: The Galaxy S2 was probably the high point in Samsung's journey to Superstardom. With the S4, Samsung has opted to stay within its comfort zone, the result is a phone that looks strikingly similar to it predecessor - the S3. Your friends might not even realize you've switched to a new phone. The build feels plasticky but ensures the phone stays very light and pocketable. Samsung has raised the bar with the hardware specs; yet again. There's a class-leading Octa Core processor with 2GB of RAM, an impressive shooter, great data storage and a gorgeous display. The S4 runs on the latest version of the Android OS complemented by a slew of Samsung add-ons and gimmicks. There's dual shot that adds the person who is clicking the picture into the image, sound shot (Adds a audio input to an image), S Health a companion for health freaks and scores of more such apps that you may or may not use. The S4 is the best Samsung smartphone out there but if you already own the S3, you probably don't need the S4. If you are in the market for a smartphone there are a whole lot of options from the Xperia Z, HTC One and the Z10. The S4 will probably end up winning this battle and yet 2013 is finally that year when all the flagship devices are evenly matched.

 

What’s Cool: Camera, Screen resolution, Hardware spec sheet, Add ons (Might work for some)

 

What’s not cool: Design (The S4 looks similar to Samsung phones that are much cheaper), plasticky build  

 

My slider:

• Battery life: 9/10
• Camera: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Hardware specs: 9/10
• User Interface: 8/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 9/10

Price: India: Rs 41,500 / Singapore: SGD 998 / Indonesia  Rp. 7.5 Million (Approx)

Google Nexus 7 review India

Google's pet tablet project built by Asus that was first unveiled at the Google I/O in June 2012 finally arrives in India after keeping Android fans waiting with bated breath. The good news is that this edition comes after quite a few tweaks and enhancements.    

  

Highlights: 1.2 GHz Quad core processor / 1 GB RAM / 32 GB onboard memory  / 7-inch (800 x 1200 pixels) touchscreen  / 1.2 MP front Camera / Android 4.2 (Jellybean) / non-removable 4325 mAh battery / 340 gms weight / Dimensions - 198.5 x 120 x 10.5 mm (7.81 x 4.72 x 0.41 in)

 

Verdict: first things first - if you are looking at your 7-inch tablet to double up as a phone and a camera, look elsewhere. This device is designed to be a tablet and not make you look silly as you try shooting unsuspecting victims with a giant screen. There is a 1.2MP front facing Cam for your Skype calls though. The Nexus 7 is probably the finest 7-inch Android ever built; period. It might be slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Mini, might not have as many Apps optimized for the big screen (Like the Mini) but costs almost 40% lesser (The Mini's Wi-Fi/3G Model is Rs 35,900). I loved the build quality with the textured back and the brilliant screen that produces vibrant images. Battery life is decent except that the Mini scores much better on standby mode. Overall Google and Nexus' effort to produce a value-for-money 7-incher to take on the Mini is a great beginning and raises the bar for Android tablets.         

 

What’s Cool: Design and build quality, Pure-play Google UI (Loved the Books and Gmail Apps)

 

What’s not cool: No extendable memory (Though 32GB onboard should do the trick), standby battery    

 

My slider:

• Battery life: 8/10
• Design: 9/10
• Hardware specs: 8.5/10
• User Interface: 9/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 9/10

Price: India: Rs 18,000 to 19,000 (Wi-Fi Only) / Rs 21,000 to Rs 22,000 (Wi-Fi plus 3G)

Sony Xperia Z review

 

Sony's mobile phone assembly line has been churning out a series of good looking devices since it parted ways with Ericsson and went solo last year. I loved the Xperia S, Sony's flagship for 2012 that was probably let down by its below par battery. This year Sony has a lot riding on the Xperia Z.   

  

Highlights: Krait1.5 GHz Quad core processor / 2 GB RAM / 16 GB onboard memory (Plus extendable memory up to 64GB) / 5-inch (1080 x 1920 pixels) touchscreen (441 pixels per inch) / 13MP Camera / Android 4.1.2 (Jellybean) / non-removable 2330 mAh battery / 146 gms weight / Dimensions - 139 x 71 x 7.9 mm (5.47 x 2.80 x 0.31 in)

 

Verdict: It's incredible how many people have asked me if this is Katrina's phone! It's a clear indication that Sony's aggressive campaign has reached way beyond its target audience. The other thing that everyone wants to know if I've dunked it in a mug of beer or taken it to the shower; it's supposed to be waterproof and dustproof after all. Aside from Katrina and the gimmicks this is an incredibly good Smartphone. With clean lines and a gorgeous glass back, its easily one of the sexiest Android phones ever built. The hardware is mighty impressive too. With Sony the camera and audio output are a given; the Xperia Z stays in the same zone. The battery is a big improvement over some of Sony's earlier flagships and yet it's not in the same league as the Galaxy Note II, the marathon runner. This is easily one of Sony's finest devices where great design and top-of-the line specs come together in a compelling package (Its 15% cheaper than the iPhone 5)  Now that we have seen the S4 and the HTC One, it looks like we are set for one of the most even contests for the Android smartphone of the year. Let the games begin!        

 

What’s Cool: Design and build quality, Camera, Screen resolution, Sony's native apps (Like the Sony Music App with unlimited downloads)

 

What’s not cool: Battery life is good yet not outstanding even with the Stamina mode. The flaps (That help keep the phone dust & water resistant) for the headphone and charging sockets can be a tad annoying.  

 

My slider:

• Battery life: 8/10
• Camera: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Hardware specs: 8.5/10
• User Interface: 8.5/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 9/10

Price: India: Rs 37,500 / Singapore: SGD 988 / Indonesia  Rp. 7.5 Million (Approx)

Soodhu Kavvum - Review

The Buzz: Directorial debut of Nalan Kumarasamy of the 'Nalai Iyakkunar' TV show with the ever evolving Vijay Sethupathi in the lead. Produced by the same company that made Pizza and Attakathi.  

 

The good: Compelling plot full of twists and turns, casting & performances

The bad:  Drags slightly towards the end (Minor crib)

Bottomline: Vijay Sethupathi is truly a debut director's delight. First it was the unassuming pizza delivery guy, then the zany wedding groom with short term memory loss and now the 40-something kidnapper with his own set of business ethics! He is joined by a bunch of three young guys who are out of jobs in his unique style of fool-proof kidnappings that are low-risk and low-return. There's also the 'interesting' presence of his girlfriend/muse (Sanchita Shetty) who guides him through all his not so devious schemes. The plot takes a serious (Well not entirely!) when they grudgingly break their rules to nab the son of an honest politician (MS Bhaskar). What follows is a series of brilliant twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and yet leave you in splits almost till the very end. The last few months have seen the comedy genre rake in the moolah at the box office but that's been with more in-your face films with loud humour. Soothu Kavvum is that rare black comedy in Tamil full of subtexts that deserves a watch and looks set to become another sleeper hit for Vijay Sethupathi   

 

Running time: 135 mins (Approx)

CH Sport Men - Fragrance review

Love the ad campaign for CH Sport. This one's actually on my tack board! 

 

Fragrance: CH Sport Men  

House: Carolina Herrera

Year of Release: 2012

 

The CH Sport bottle. Elegant, understated and very summer!

Verdict: Carolina Herrera's Summer fragrance for 2012 reached India closer to the winter of 2012 but if there's a time you need this fragrance it's now. With the mercury already rising across India and SE Asia, you probably need a 'go to' summer fragrance that works for a day at the office or for your outdoor pursuits. This scent seeks inspiration from Carolina Herrera's summers on the American East coast - long weekends, water sports and the smell of the sand, sea and wet wood from classic motor boats. In fact the packaging (White and red) is reminiscent of a lighthouse from a forgotten exotic island. Most Summer and aquatic scents are refreshing but if there's one complaint we all have it's how these scents disappear from your skin in a flash. Yes there are notable exceptions like Giorgio Armani's Acqua doi Gio or the evergreen L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme and now CH Sport Men. The scent starts with a fresh whiff of Bergamot (Lemon) and Grapefruit but what defines this scent is the strong and lasting presence of Sandalwood. So if you don't mind the Sandal when you are chilling with your sandals on the beach, then this is a compelling option for especially if you need a fragrance with strong staying power in humid weather.   

 

(ps: Great campaign too. Check the header image!)

 

Ideal for: All day, Summer, the beach!

 

Price: Rs 4150 / 100 ml

 

Notes: Top: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Sage / Middle: Juniper, Sea notes, Sichuan Pepper / Base: Sandal, Oakmoss, Vetiver.

 

My slider:

 

Sillage: 8/10

Longevity: 9.5/10

Composition: 8.5/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackberry Z10 review

Is this the most significant Blackberry Smartphone ever? Probably! The Z10 debuted might have debuted six weeks ago but it's been trending almost ever since we saw the first videos of the all-new BB10 interface and six weeks later the sales figures don't really suggest that the Z10 is a massive blockbuster. Why?

  

 

Highlights: 1.5 GHz Dual core processor / 2 GB RAM / 16 GB onboard memory  (plus Micro SD slot) / 4.2 inch (768 x 1280 pixels) touchscreen (355 pixels per inch) / 8 MP Camera / BB OS10 / removable 1800 mAh battery / 137.5 gms weight / Dimensions - 130 x 65.6 x 9 mm (5.12 x 2.58 x 0.35 inches)

 

Verdict: Never mind the hard sales numbers, this is the sexiest Blackberry device we have ever seen. The build quality is terrific - tall and narrow with straight edges and a textured back that make the phone lovely to hold. I like the 4.2 inch touchscreen - after an extended fling with the Samsung Galaxy Note II, I have to conclude that 4.3 inches is probably the sweet spot for a mobile screen. I loved the new gesture-based BB10 interface where a lot of action is on the hub and also the fact that you now don't need a specific Blackberry plan to take advantage of BB's brilliant E-mail and BBM solutions. The hardware is just about par for the course but is more end-2012 than 2013 - There's a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, a decent (Not outstanding) 8MP shooter and just 16GB on onboard memory. The other disappointing spec is the 1800 mAh battery which is underwhelming. Overall I loved the Z10 - it's probably the best Blackberry device ever  but Blackberry probably missed a trick with its pricing and that might well be the stumbling block to get users from other platforms to switch to the all-new Z10     

 

What’s Cool: Onscreen keyboard, BB10, Build quality

 

What’s not cool: Average battery life, lack of vital apps

 

My slider:

• Battery life: 6/10
• Camera: 8/10
• Design: 9/10
• Hardware specs: 8/10
• User Interface: 8.5/10
• OVERALL SCORE: 8/10

Price: India: Rs 42,500 / Singapore: SGD 770 (Onwards) / Indonesia  Rp. 7 Million (Approx) / Malaysia RM 2000