Home Blog Page 249

India won 11th gold in Asian Games

0

Hangzhou: India’s 11th gold in Asian Games.  India won gold in the men’s trap team event in shooting.  Women also won silver in the same event.

 The team consisting of Kinan Darius Chenai, Sorawar Singh Sandhu and Prathviraj Tondaiman won the gold.  India got 361 points.

 From the women’s team, Manisha Khir, Preeti Rajak and Rajeshwari Kumari bagged silver in the same event.

 In the same event, Kinan Darius Chennai and Soravar have made it to the finals in the men’s individual category.

 With 11 gold, 16 silver and 14 bronze medals, India’s total medal haul has reached 41 and remains at the 4th position list.

Leap into history followed by Aditya L-1;  9 lakh kms passed

0

New Delhi: Leap into history followed by Aditya L-1.  ISRO says India’s first solar mission has crossed Earth’s orbit  ISRO also stated that the journey to Lagrange Point is continuing.  Aditya L-1 has crossed the Earth’s influence zone and is on its way to the Lagrange Point after covering 9.2 lakh km, ISRO said.  It is expected to reach the destination by the first week of January.  The mission aims to study things including the Sun’s magnetic field, the corona, the composition and temperature of the solar atmosphere.  For this, 7 channels have been set up.  Four will observe light and the other three will study the Sun’s plasma and magnetosphere.

 The probe’s main payload, the visible emission line coronagraph, is expected to capture 1,440 images per day and send them back to Earth.  India’s historic mission Aditya L lifted off from Sriharikota on a PSLV C57 rocket last September 2.

 In the first week of January, Aditya will reach Lagrange Point 1, which is 15 lakh km from Earth.  Once fixed in a fixed orbit here, the probe will begin a thorough study of the Sun.  The mission period is five years.

Chance of heavy rain in the state today;  Yellow alert in five districts

0
kerala rain

Thiruvananthapuram: Rain will continue in the state today.  The Central Meteorological Department has warned that there is a possibility of isolated heavy rains in Central Kerala and North Kerala.  Yellow alert in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.  Caution should be maintained in hilly areas.  The public should be alert as there is a chance of thunderstorms and wind along with the rain.  Due to the possibility of strong winds and bad weather, the fishing ban will continue on the Karnataka coast. There is no restriction on fishing on the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast. Fishermen and coastal residents should be cautious as there is a possibility of high waves and storm surges on the Kerala coast.

The withdrawn 2000 notes can be exchanged for 2000 notes till the Oct 7th

0
2000 notes

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India said that the withdrawn 2000 notes can be exchanged or deposited from banks till the October 7th. The earlier deadline had expired today.

 Transfer of Rs 2000 through banks will be banned from 8. After the deadline, the Rs 2000 notes can be exchanged through 19 offices of the Reserve Bank of India. Notes can also be exchanged through India Post.

On May 19, when demonetization was announced, 3.56 lakh crores of 2000 rupees were in circulation. RBI itself had informed that 3.42 lakh crore rupees had been returned. 0.14 lakh notes are still in circulation.

Malayalam Cinema Icon Madhu’s 90th birthday celebration “Madhu Mozhi” on Asianet

0
madhu


Malayalam cinema’s legendary actor, producer, and director, Madhu, who has graced the silver screen for an astounding six decades, is set to be honored in grand style on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Asianet, in collaboration with the Trivandrum Film Fraternity, presents “Madhu Mozhi,” a mega stage event that promises to be a tribute of unparalleled magnitude.

The highlight of this prestigious event is the grand ceremony dedicated to honoring Madhu, an icon whose contribution to Malayalam cinema has left an indelible mark on the industry. Madhu’s legacy will be celebrated, and his enduring influence on the world of cinema will be acknowledged.

“Madhu Mozhi” is not just about accolades; it’s a musical journey through the enchanting melodies that have graced Madhu’s illustrious films. The stage will come alive with the melodious voices of renowned playback singers and the charisma of celebrated film stars. Leading the pack are luminaries like Mohanlal, Biju Menon, Indrajith, Siddique, KS Chitra, MG Sreekumar, Madhu Balakrishnan, Najim Arshad, Afzal, Rajalakshmi, Gayathri, Krishnaprabha, and many more, all set to deliver a musical feast that will resonate with fans and cinephiles alike.

But “Madhu Mozhi” is not just about the stars of today; it’s also about paying homage to the visionaries who have shaped the Malayalam film industry. Eminent figures such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shaji N. Karun, Priyadarshan, Satyan Anthikad, Janardhanan, Dilip, Maniyan Pillai Raju, Menaka, Ambika, Jalaja, Ragavan, Sudheer Karamana, Idavela Babu, Seema, Sreelatha Namboothiri, Saga Appachan, and others will join in this celebration of Madhu’s enduring legacy.

Asianet, the leading Malayalam entertainment channel, is all set to bring “Madhu Mozhi” to television screens across the world. Don’t miss this historic event, as “Madhu Mozhi” unfolds on October 1st, Sunday, starting at 11 AM.

Kannur Squad Review: An engaging investigative crime drama with the brilliant performance of Mammootty

0
A Review by Arunjyothi. R 1

Review for KANNUR SQUAD: An engaging investigative crime drama with the brilliant performance of Mammootty. 

  • REVIEW BY ARUNJYOTHI R 

•Language: MALAYALAM  

•Duration: 02 Hours 41 Minutes. 

•Genre: Action Crime Drama. 

•POSITIVES: 

1: Direction 

2: Screenplay 

3: Performance of Mammootty and other actors 

4: Cinematography 

5: Songs and Background score 

6: Editing 

7: Thrilling Second half 

NEGATIVES

1: Predictable story 

2: The first half was a little slow-paced 

ONE WORD: An engaging investigative crime drama with the brilliant performance of Mammootty. 

STORY IDEA

The film “Kannur Squad” revolves around ASI George (played by Mammootty) and his highly skilled team, consisting of Jayan (Rony David), Jose (Azees Nedumangad), and Shafi (Shabareesh Varama). Renowned for their impressive track record in solving numerous cases, the Kannur Squad is faced with a challenging new assignment. A wealthy individual residing in Kasargod falls victim to a heinous crime, resulting in his untimely demise and the brutal torture of his family members. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, SP Manu Needhi Cholan entrusts the case to the capable hands of the Kannur Squad.

Given a tight timeframe of ten days, the Kannur Squad embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the culprits responsible for this heinous act. As their investigation progresses, they unearth crucial evidence that points towards the involvement of individuals located in Northern India. Consequently, George and his team are compelled to undertake a lengthy journey from Kerala to Northern India in order to apprehend the criminals.

•DETAIL REVIEW

The film Kannur Squad is directed by Roby Varghese Raj. Muhammed Shafi wrote the story and screenplay for the film along with the Malayalam actor Rony David Raj. The movie is produced by Mammootty under his own production company Mammootty Kampnay. The movie is distributed by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films and Truth Global Films distributes the film in UAE. With a running time of 144 minutes, the film is currently in theatres with a censor certificate of U/A. 

Kannur Squad can be best described as an investigative crime drama that boasts a brilliant script and direction. Personally, I found the film to be highly engaging, thrilling, and filled with numerous standout moments. The exceptional direction by Roby Varghese Raj, coupled with the well-crafted script by Muhammed Shafi and Rony David Raj, serves as the primary driving force behind the success of Kannur Squad. The film strikes a perfect balance between its making style and scriptwriting, resulting in a truly captivating and intriguing cinematic experience. Falling under the genre of investigative crime drama, Kannur Squad follows the journey of five dedicated police officers as they relentlessly pursue a group of murderers. Spanning from Kerala to North India, the film takes viewers on a lengthy and unforgettable journey. I must emphasize that the team behind Kannur Squad delivers a truly remarkable cinematic experience. The film is replete with many memorable moments, and the stellar performances by Mammootty and the rest of the cast make us feel like active participants in their ambitious quest for justice.

The filmmaking of Roby Varghese Raj was exceptional as it effectively established a strong connection between the audience and the characters and situations portrayed. The film’s realistic approach and high-quality direction greatly enhanced my viewing experience. Despite its lengthy duration of 144 minutes, the film managed to captivate my attention throughout, without any moments of lag or boredom. From start to finish, director Roby Varghese Raj executed the film with great passion, providing convincing explanations for each scene, thereby fully immersing me in the unfolding events. Additionally, Raj’s meticulous attention to detail added an extra layer of intrigue to the viewing experience of Kannur Squad. The unpredictable nature of the plot, coupled with the team’s compelling efforts to capture the criminals, created a sense of anticipation and excitement. While the first half of the film flowed smoothly, the second half introduced a shift in the narrative, presenting more intense and crucial scenes that were executed with impeccable cinematic quality. Initially, I anticipated a more dramatic storyline, but to my pleasant surprise, the director skillfully incorporated realistic and thrilling elements to engage the audience, resulting in my enthusiastic applause.

The screenplay writers have demonstrated exceptional skill in their work, as the script of Kannur Squad possesses an extraordinary level of power, captivating our attention effortlessly. The characters of the Kannur Squad, consisting of four police officers, have been meticulously developed, allowing us to truly connect with their emotions. Throughout their investigative journey, their struggles, commitment, honesty, and desperation are portrayed with utmost authenticity, enabling viewers to witness the unwavering dedication of these true law enforcement professionals. Inspired by a real-life crime incident, the story of Kannur Squad prioritizes realism over fiction, ensuring a practical and collective experience for the audience. The scriptwriters have conducted thorough research on the case, studying how actual police officers conducted their investigation, the locations they visited, the obstacles they encountered, and ultimately, how they apprehended the criminals. These findings have been carefully and flawlessly incorporated into the screenplay, resulting in a narrative that closely mirrors reality without any exaggeration.

The film took ample time to establish its storyline, resulting in a slow-paced first half. However, the second half of the film was truly remarkable due to an unexpected shift in narrative. The initial crime drama pattern gradually transformed before the interval, leading to an unpredictable and sudden change throughout the entire movie. The latter half became increasingly thrilling, with a heightened intensity in the investigation method. Thanks to the brilliant script and direction, the film offered numerous intriguing moments and effectively created a tense atmosphere. While it was easy to anticipate that the Kannur Squad would ultimately apprehend the criminals, there remained a lingering question in my mind as to whether they would be caught or if the culprit would somehow escape. Nevertheless, the film’s predictability did not detract from the overall viewing experience, as it was supported by an exceptional script and direction. The ending was truly impressive, and the background dialogues delivered by actor Kishore, who portrayed the character of SP Manu Needhi Cholan, provided a wholly satisfying sensation.

The director’s instructions to the actors to portray their characters realistically were clearly evident in the film, adding a special touch to Kannur Squad. The movie showcases exceptional performances, particularly in the combination scenes featuring Mammootty, Rony David, Shabareesh Varma, and Azees Nedumangad, which are sure to captivate and impress viewers. In the second half of the film, the characters played by Jayan (Rony David) and Jose (Azees Nedumangad) engage in a fight, with Mammootty’s character ASI George Martin stepping in to resolve the conflict. The scene depicting his efforts to console and motivate them for teamwork is one of the film’s highlights, leaving a lasting impression. Additionally, the Sumo car featured in the film serves as another standout element, best experienced on the big screen. While the plot of Kannur Squad shares similarities with the Malayalam film Kuttavum Shikshayum, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to filmmaking. Unlike Kuttavum Shikshayum, which left me with a lukewarm feeling due to its slow pace, Kannur Squad strikes a perfect balance between dramatic and thrilling scenes, eliminating any concerns of sluggishness. The film is devoid of unnecessary or glorified hero moments, instead focusing on delivering a compelling narrative with well-developed characters and situations, all without compromising on quality.

•PERFORMANCE OF ACTORS

Kannur Squad has the casting of Mammootty, Rony David, Azees Nedumangad, Shabareesh Varama, Vijayaraghavan, Kishore, and Deepak Parambol in the main leads. Mammootty as ASI George Martin delivered a magnifying realistic performance. The way Mammootty undertook his character and the kind of performance he showcased was once again proving that he is a versatile actor. The facial expression of Mammootty was unbelievable in the film and the emotional scenes were acted out flawlessly. The various emotions presented in his character were acted out easily by Mammootty. The action sequences of Mammootty were also thrilling to watch and his adequate screen presence was seen throughout the entire film. The dialogue delivery and its timing were easily handled by Mammootty and the combination scene with Rony David, Azees and Shabareesh was engaging and thrilling to watch. Like always Mammootty had given his best and I’m sure his character ASI Geroge Martin will be remembered in the list of his best characters. Rony David as Jayan delivered an impressive performance. In the film, his character had both emotional and aggressive sides and Rony David was very successful in acting out every emotion. His combination scene with Azees was good and the screen space with Mammootty was nice to watch. Azees Nedumangad did a noteworthy performance and his acting was completely realistic. In the emotional scenes, the acting of Azees was supreme and the scenes with Mammootty were enjoyable to watch. He is very talented and I hope he will get good character in future. Shabareesh Varma as Shafi also did a fair performance, the action scenes and the combination scenes with Mammootty came out well. Vijayaraghavan and Kishore’s supporting characters were important and both of them did complete justice to their respective characters. The actor who did the main villain role also delivered a notable performance, his expressions and voice modulation was matching for the character. 

MUSIC AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS

The musical work for the film is composed by Sushin Shyam which includes the background score. Kannur Squad has less importance in songs but more priority is given to background score. At first, when I heard the song ‘Mrudhu Bhaave’ sung by the composer Sushin Shyam it seemed average to my ears but in the theatre, the song had a unique feel and synched totally with the situation. The title song of the movie was catchy and it was nice to hear. The background score has more role than the tracks, every background tune was perfectly composed by Sushin Shyam by knowing the situation. In the second half the movie has many crucial scenes and to give the feel of intense the background score stood higher. The emotional scenes were enriched with the right set of background tunes and one will be able to sense a kind of sympathy for the characters. In the action scene the beat mode of the background score was making the scene more impressive. Overall, more than the songs the background score was highlighting and it’s one of the winning positive factors of Kannur Squad. The cinematography by Muhammed Rahil is the next positive factor of Kannur Squad. As a movie with a travel outline the visuals should have the ability to draw our attention so the work of Muhammed Rahil has that strength to make the movie powerful. The frames of Northern India were amazingly captured according to the story and the camera work in the action sequences was also nice to watch. All the night shots in the film have the right set of lighting techniques and the scenes in which the central characters capture a criminal inside a small village were outstanding. The closeup shots of actors exhibited their natural acting and the various wide-angle frames in the film were impressive. The editing by Praveen Prabhakar was neat and clean without errors in transitions and the length of 144 minutes never felt as lengthy. The colour grading and locations in the film were also imposing to set the right mood and ambience. 

CONCLUSION:

The film Kannur Squad provided me with an absolutely fantastic and fulfilling cinematic experience, thanks to its exceptionally well-written script, incredible direction, and outstanding performances by the actors. Notably, Mammootty’s brilliant portrayal adds another captivating element to the Kannur Squad. This engaging investigative crime drama fearlessly depicts the challenges faced by four dedicated police officers who refuse to back down from their duties. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Kannur Squad to everyone, confidently asserting that it is one of the finest Malayalam movies of the year.

VERDICT: MUST-WATCH 

RATING: 4/5

  • A REVIEW BY ARUNJYOTHI R 

Chandramukhi 2 Review: An Unwanted sequel which can be avoided. 

0
JAILER REVIEW: 1

Chandramukhi 2 Review in one word: An Unwanted sequel that has the worst horror and comedy.

  • Language: Tamil 
  • Director: Vasu P
  • Duration: 171 Mins
  • Genre: Comedy, Horror
  • POSITIVES
  • Story
  • Direction
  • Performance of Raghava  Lawrence
  • Performance of Lakshmi Menon 
  • Performance of Kangana Ranaut
  • NEGATIVES
  1. Screenplay
  2. Comedy
  3. Performance of Vadivelu
  4. VFX
  5. SFX
  6. BGM
  7. Stunts
  8. Songs
  • STORY IDEA

A wealthy family faces several problems in their business and the solution for these problems is to go to the temple of their deity with their entire family to pray to their deity, they stay in a haunted palace, as usual after plenty of warning one of the family members awakes the sleeping spirit of Chandra Mukhi, the classical dancer. Then she gets possessed by the spirit of Chandramukhi and wants to kill King Vettiyan who killed her by burning her alive. So the protagonist saves the family member by risking his own life. 

  • DETAIL REVIEW

Chandramukhi is a popular Tamil language horror-comedy film released in 2005, starring Rajinikanth,  Prabhu, and Jyothika. That story revolves around a psychiatrist who cures a woman who is possessed by the spirit of Chandramukhi. 

Chandramukhi 2 is the prequel of Chandramukhi. The lead role was played by the actor Raghava  Lawrance. He was in the role of reuniting the family. The film begins with the visuals of burning factories and an accident with poor CG.  Then from nowhere, a priest arrives at their home and informs them that these problems are because they all didn’t serve the Clan deity temple so the solution to get over all these problems is to lighten the lamp of their deity temple and worship their deity god. The entire family should participate in the ritual. The separated families due to religious issues are coming together for the ritual. So when the entire family gets together they need a Huge house to stay and for that purpose, they rent this Chandramukhi palace.

Vadivelu is the owner of the palace; he just wants to sell the property but no one is ready to buy the place because of the history of the palace. Vadivelu warns everyone about the restricted place in the palace and says no one should get into that place, even after all the restrictions a member of their family gets into the restricted place and releases the spirit of Chandramukhi.

The spirit possesses Lakshmi Menon; she wears a property of Chandramukhi. Then the spirit of vettaiyan will also be released after the ritual is done in the temple. To save Lakshmi Menon  Vettaiyan should die and Raghava  Lawrance is Vettaiyan so he risks his life to save her.  The same concept of Chandramukhi 1.

  • Direction 

Fresh Perspective: P Vasu brings a fresh perspective to the franchise by focusing on the relationship between the two female leads. He introduces new characters and plots, giving the film a distinct identity while maintaining continuity with the first film.

Slow Pacing: The film’s pacing is deliberate and slow, allowing the audience to absorb the story and connect with the characters. The setup is elaborate, and the director takes his time to establish the protagonists’ lives and their dynamics.

Atmosphere and Tension: P Vasu creates an eerie atmosphere right from the beginning, slowly building tension as the story progresses. He uses long shots, close-ups, and clever camera angles to maximize the impact of the horror elements.

Performance Extraction: The director extracts excellent performances from his actors, particularly Kangana Ranaut and Raghava Lawrance. Their interactions are natural, and their expressions and gestures augment the film’s emotional quotient.

Sound Design: The sound design in Chandramukhi 2 is effective and complements the visuals. From the creaking doors to the eerie whispers, the audio elements contribute significantly to the film’s scariness and tension.

Visually Appealing: The film is visually appealing, with vibrant colours and crisp cinematography. The palace setting adds to the grandeur and mystique of the story, making it a treat to watch.

Storytelling Techniques: P Vasu uses a range of storytelling techniques to engage the audience, such as flashbacks, dream sequences, and symbolism. He also incorporates cultural references and beliefs to root the story on Indian soil.

Horror Elements: While the film relies on jump scares, it also incorporates other horrific elements, such as possessions, curses, and paranormal activities. The director handles these elements skillfully, balancing shock value with storytelling.

Emotional Connection: P Vasu ensures that the audience develops an emotional connection with the characters, making the scary moments even more impactful. The film explores themes of love, loss, and trauma, keeping the audience invested in the story.

Homage to the Original: The film pays homage to the original Chandramukhi while also offering something new. P Vasu respects the source material while adding his spin to the franchise.

The direction of the film wasn’t good. P. Vasu is a good director but this film is not his cup of tea.  A major drawback of this film is its almost 3 hours. This could have been shortened to 2 hours or less. It can’t be termed as a full-fledged horror movie, not even a single frame scared the audience. 

  • Screenplay

The screenplay of Chandramukhi 2 has several strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

  • Engaging concept: The idea of exploring multiple personalities and possessions is intriguing and provides ample opportunities for suspense and thrills.
  • Well-structured plot: The screenplay is well-organized, with a clear three-act structure that builds tension and suspense throughout the story.
  • Character development: The protagonist, Pandian, is well-written and relatable, with a compelling backstory that adds depth to her character.
  • Scary moments: The screenplay includes several chilling scenes that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, particularly in the second half of the film.

Weaknesses:

  • Predictable twists: Some of the plot twists and revelations are easy to anticipate, which reduces the surprise factor and tension.
  • Lackluster dialogue: The dialogue in some parts of the film feels clunky and forced, which can detract from the overall impact of the scene.
  • Underutilization of characters: Other than Pandian, the rest of the characters feel underdeveloped, which means their actions and decisions don’t carry as much weight as they should.
  • Clichéd horror elements: The film employs many familiar tropes of the horror genre, such as dark corridors, flickering lights, and possessed children, which can feel tired and overused.

The reason why I felt that the movie was stale and repurposed, is not only due to this familiar storyline but also the constant callbacks to certain iconic moments of Chandramukhi featuring Rajinikanth and Vadivelu.

The filmmakers have largely depended on repeating the success of the previous movie by using it as a formula. Even certain shots, like the close-up of the eyes when one of the family members is possessed by Chandramukhi, or the shot of three people peeping out of a small window to see the possessed Chandramukhi dancing, are all the same. 

Even the role of a house help, which was played by Nayanthara in Chandramukhi is back. Only, in this film, the young woman is played by Mahima Nambiar. She is paired with Raghava Lawrence.

  • PERFORMANCE OF ACTORS:
  1. Raghava  Lawrance : 

In the movie, he played the lead role of Pandian, a character possessed by a vengeful vettaiyan. His performance was praised for its versatility, as he successfully portrayed both the comedic and horror elements of the character. But the way he performed was not new the same as the horror films he had done in his past (Muni, Kanchana, etc.) the same expression and same family emotions which was boring. The flashback was good and the way he performed there was great. He lived in the character of Sengottaiyan and Vettaiyan. Raghava Lawrence is always special for his dance but in this film, there is no dance. The stunts performed by him were so boring and lagged,  the entire stunts and the fight choreography were out of logic, and that made us feel irritated. 

  1. Vadivelu: 

Vadivelu’s comedy and timing in “Chandramukhi” were widely appreciated, and his performance added to the overall entertainment value of the movie. But in Chandramukhi 2 his performance didn’t meet the expectations of the audience and his plot was too weak. The comedy he tried didn’t work out. The entire comedy portion is a scrap. The major disadvantage of this film is Vadivelu.  Though he has been experienced in this industry for decades his performance was boring in this film.

  1. Lakshmi Menon:

Lakshmi Menon was appreciated for her natural acting style and her ability to portray relatable and down-to-earth characters. Her Performance was decent.  She was not overreacting; her natural acting made her character beautiful and interesting. Her version of Chandramukhi was not equal to Jyothika’s Performance but it was natural and good. 

  1. Kangana Ranaut: 

Kangana brings a lot of energy and conviction to her role, and she can convey a sense of authority and confidence that is fitting for her character’s profession. She has a strong presence on screen, and her performances in the dramatic and intense scenes are quite effective. One of the standout aspects of Kangana’s performance is her ability to portray vulnerability and empathy. Her extremely hot look didn’t allow the viewers to take their eyes away from the screen. 

  • MUSIC AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
  • BGM

One of the primary issues with the BGM is that it’s too loud and overbearing. The soundtrack consists mostly of synthesized sounds and drumbeats, which are blasted at high volumes, becoming grating and overwhelming. This approach might have been taken to create a sense of unease and anxiety, but it ends up feeling more annoying than unsettling.

Furthermore, the BGM rarely complements the narrative or enhances the emotions of a scene. Instead, it often feels disconnected from what’s happening on screen, creating a jarring experience for the viewer. There are times when the music cues don’t match the tone of the scene, taking away from the intended impact. For example, in some supposedly scary moments, the music comes across as cartoonish rather than frightening. There are a few occasions when the BGM shows promise, such as in the opening credits sequence or during a couple of intense confrontation scenes. However, these moments are few and far between. Most of the time, the background score is either distractingly loud or inconsequential, failing to add anything meaningful to the film. Overall, the BGM of Chandramukhi 2 is disappointing. Its heavy-handedness dilutes the effectiveness of the horror elements and detracts from the overall quality of the film. A better approach would have been to use subtler, more nuanced scoring techniques to build tension and amplify the emotions of each scene.

  • Cinematography

One of the main issues with the cinematography is that it lacks consistency. Some scenes are well-lit and framed nicely, while others appear dull and lacking in depth. In particular, the interior scenes, especially those shot at night, tend to look dimly lit, which makes it difficult to see what’s happening on screen. This is particularly noticeable during the climax, where important moments are obscured by poor lighting.

Another problem is the overuse of close-ups. Throughout the film, there are numerous tight shots of characters’ faces, which becomes repetitive and takes away from the overall atmosphere of the scene. This technique works best when used sparingly, but in Chandramukhi 2, it happens too frequently, making it feel more like a TV serial than a feature film.

On the positive side, some of the aerial shots of the mansion and surrounding areas look nice and provide a sense of scale. Additionally, a few scenes showcasing the supernatural aspects of the story are visually interesting, such as the sequences involving mirrors or ghostly apparitions. These moments hint at what could have been if the entire film had received the same level of attention to detail.

  • VFX

The VFX in Chandramukhi 2 is generally adequate but not exceptional. The film’s CGI work is serviceable for the most part, but it’s not as sophisticated or detailed as what you might see in bigger-budget Hollywood productions.

Some of the VFX shots in Chandramukhi 2 look fine, such as the flying spirits, the possession scenes, and the flashback sequences. However, other shots, like the green screenshots, are conspicuous and detract from the overall visual quality. The compositing and integration of live-action and computer-generated elements could have been done better in some instances, resulting in a less seamless viewing experience. Additionally, some of the creature designs, specifically the demonic entities, appear overly simplistic and lack texture and complexity. They come across as cartooni at times, which doesn’t help sell the gravity and danger of the situation. Despite these limitations, the VFX team behind Chandramukhi 2 has tried to create an immersive experience. They’ve employed various techniques, like camera tricks, matte paintings, and set extensions, to create the illusion of a haunted world. However, the execution could have been better in places, making the visual effects feel uneven.

  • SFX

Ghost effects: The film showcases various ghostly creatures and apparitions, and the SFX team has done an excellent job of bringing them to life. From the creepy-looking Pandian to the ghost Lakshmi Menon, the special effects used for these characters are realistic and terrifying. 

  • CONCLUSION:

I’m not satisfied with the film, there are plenty of logical errors, and a lagging screenplay, an unwanted insertion of sequence which distracted my eye from the story. I’m extremely disappointed by the performance of Vadivelu. The jokes and the comedy which he was trying didn’t hit the audience.  This sequel was about King Vettaiyan and the classical dancer Chandramukhi. The weightage in their stories was not enough and the flashback contains a terrible story. The second half was a little good and the performance of Ragawa Lawrence wasn’t satisfying. 

  •  VERDICT: AVERAGE 
  •  RATING: 2/5

A REVIEW BY Gideon Jotham

Mammootty’s Kannur Squad Gets Positive Response from Critics and Audience Alike

0

September 28, 2023: Mammootty’s latest release, Kannur Squad, has received a positive response from critics and audience alike. The film, directed by Roby Varghese Raj.

Mammootty has been praised for his performance as the leader of the Kannur Squad, with critics calling it one of his best in recent years. The film has also been praised for its action sequences, screenplay, and cinematography.

Overall, Kannur Squad is a well-made and entertaining crime drama with strong performances from Mammootty and the rest of the cast. The film has received a positive response from critics and audience alike, and it is expected to continue its strong run at the box office in the coming weeks.

Honda Launches New Activa Limited Edition

0
Activa Limited Edition Pearl Siren Blue

Honda has launched a new limited edition of its popular Activa scooter. The new Activa Limited Edition comes in two new color options: Pearl Siren Blue and Matte Selene Silver. It also gets a Smart Key system as standard.

The Activa Limited Edition is based on the Activa 6G and is powered by the same 109.51cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 7.79bhp and 8.79Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.

The Activa Limited Edition is priced at Rs. 80,734 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Deluxe variant and Rs. 82,734 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the H-Smart variant. It is available for a limited time only.

Key Updates :

  • It is available in two variants: Deluxe and H-Smart.
  • The Deluxe variant is priced at Rs. 80,734 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the H-Smart variant is priced at Rs. 82,734 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
  • It comes with a new metallic paint scheme called Pearl Siren Blue, which is exclusive to the Limited Edition.
  • It also gets some cosmetic updates, such as a new front apron, side panels, and rear fender.
  • Mechanically, it remains the same as the regular Activa 6G.
  • It is powered by a 109.51cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 7.79bhp and 8.79Nm of torque.
  • The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.
  • It comes with features such as an LED headlamp, a digital instrument cluster, and a side stand engine cut-off switch.

The Honda Activa Limited Edition is a good option for buyers who are looking for a stylish and premium-looking version of the Activa 6G. It comes with some cosmetic updates and a new color scheme, but it is priced at a premium over the regular Activa 6G.

Best Tourism Village Award for Kanthalloor;  Kerala with a proud achievement

0

Thiruvananthapuram: A proud achievement for Kerala on World Tourism Day.  Kanthalloor of Idukki district has been awarded the award announced by the Central Department of Tourism.  Kanthallur has received the Best Tourism Village Award in the country.  Kanthallur is one of the first Panchayats to implement the Women Friendly Tourism Project jointly implemented by the Responsible Tourism Mission and UN Women.  Kadalundi in Kozhikode district, Trithala and Patithara in Palakkad district, Pinarai and Ancharakandi in Kannur district, Maravanthuruth in Kottayam district, Manchira, Valiya Paramba in Kasaragod district, Kanthallur in Idukki district and Chekadi in Wayanad district have been selected for implementation of the street project in the first phase.  The project was implemented with emphasis on traditional ways of life and rural tourism.  The street plan is to set up streets with green and cultural themes that are visible and experiential, taking into account the potential of each area.  At least three streets were envisioned to be implemented in each location as part of the project.  This project, which is envisaged to be implemented in full public-private partnership, has been prepared in such a way that the local self-government bodies and the local people can play a major role in the tourism sector.

 Tourism Minister PA Muhammad Riaz responded that it is a matter of pride that Kerala’s model is being recognized.