NEELATHAMARA - A poetic Reincarnation

The recreation of romantic memories of olden times is not so easy. But Laljose and crew was very optimistic about their new venture 'Neelathamara'. The movie featuring fresh faces is a brilliant adaptation of romantic film of 1979 with the same name itself. The older movie was penned by the literary face of malayalam, M T vasudevan Nair and directed by Yusafali Kecheri. Once again he has recreated the magic with his script. The expectations were sky high as it is the first remaking attempt in malayalam. So its almost a nostalgia that malayalees across the world share when it come to know about the remaking of neelathamara.

The movie follows a Non-Linear narration and M T sir handled it with consummate ease. The original movie revolved round the happenings of six months. But for the remake the film begins in 2009, turns to the happenings of 1979 before coming back to the present for an epilogue. That’s why i mentioned about a Non-Linear narration which is not so common. The title role of 'Kunjimalu' who is the protagonist in this film is portrayed by the fresh face Archana Kavi, a well known VJ. She portrayed the role brilliantly and promises to be a future prospect. Also the male roles are enacted by new comers. Kailash does the role of Haridas, earlier enacted by ravikumar while Ambika's brother suresh is essaying the role of Appukuttan, earlier played by Sathar. Also Rima kallingal and Samvritha Suresh did justice to thier roles too. The main attraction of the movie is the script itself. Another master touch from M T's pazhashi Raja is creating waves in kerala theatres. Before its waves are set down, another script from the master writer is creating an impact among serious film lovers. Its a women centric subject and the three female characters in 'Neelathamara' offer an excellent study in contrast. Kailash played a hot blooded, flirtatious youngster of the 70's and he did well too.

Now coming to the technical aspects of the movie, a big round of applause for Lal jose. He brilliantly adapted this age old story to the new screen, efficiently trimming off the frayed ends, and working up a brilliant visualization which makes him a master director that he is. 'Neelathamara' is an absolute symbol of faith in the film that blooms when Kunjimaalu(Archana) prays before the thevar, signifies more than just an optimism of the house maid and only M T sir could come up with such an idea, Hats off. Vijay ulaganath has successfully created moving frames with an authentic look. His cinematography was rich and expressive. Music director, Vidyasagar deserves a special mention too. The song 'Anuraga.....' tuned by him got received well and malayalees ringing back the same song as thier ring tones.

This film is noted for its inherent innocence and goodness more than its technical aspects. The movie was restructured to suit the tastes of present day audience with a fresh bunch of cast. But i was actually surprised to see comments and ‘boos’ for a movie like this. These people dont deserve good movies. The movie doest drag, its simple, poetic and good. Undoubtedly one of the best movies of the year and it proves to be a worthwhile experiment from Laljose and crew, that too with a specially handpicked fresh team. This film is a must watch for all connoisseurs of films.

VERDICT : 8/10

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

"The Shawshank Redemption" is a movie about fortitude and believing that you will make through even the harshest of times.Rarely will you ever see a movie so powerful and so deep.So here i am, out of my blue moon to express my views on the same.Ironically this movie was released in 1994,when Hollywood was operating at its peak and the movie was thoroughly overshadowed by the media favorites Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction.Directed by master director Frank Darabont and riveting performances from the whole crew,this film was nominated for seven academy awards including best picture and it got humiliated on each of the nominated category.

Shawshank Redemption, based on a novel written by "Stephen King",is a well written,well directed tale about a banker,Andy Dufresne,played by Tim Robbins, who is convicted for murdering his wife and her lover and sentenced to two consequetive life terms in prison.The story is narrated and told primarily,from the perspective of his fellow prison inmate,Ellis Boyd Redding alias Red( because he is Irish),played by Morgan Freeman. The story chronicles Red and Andy's stay in prison,and hope.Hope that Andy never gives up on.Hope that Red gave up long ago,but,ultimately finds again.The story carries you along and keeps you hanging on every moment,then suddenly springs open like jack in the box,revealing parts that you never know existed,but where right in front of you the whole time.No matter how many times i see it or how well i know every detail, the story,the dialogues,eloquent casting of characters etc manages to enthrall me every time.Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are great actors who give great performances.They are joined by the Colorful cast of supporting actors,each of which has thier own story and each of which grows over the course of the story.The dialogues, especially between Andy and Red is both natural and memorable.



It is difficult to give this film a high praise it deserves and not sound like the rambling of an enamored school girl savoring her first crush,so I'll stop here by saying that,to understand the greatness of this film,you must simply experience it for yourself and it is an experience I strongly recommend.