Madharasapattinam Movie Review

It seems that A.L. Vijay has flair of getting “inspired” for his directorial ventures. His popular and most-talked about projects prove the fact. He debuted with Kireedom, which is a remake of a Malayalam movie of the same name; then he made the remake of Khosla ka Ghosla (a popular Hindi movie) as Poi Solla Poram. His latest outing Madharasapattinam, also seems to be inspired from the Oscar nominated Lagaan. However, his taste for selecting unique subjects is definitely interesting for the viewers.

The plot of the movie deals with the passionate love between a Tamil dhobi-cum-wrestler (played by Aarya) and a young Amy Wilkinson (Amy Jackson). The story revolves how two people from different strata of society, falls for each other and how they overcome the obstacles laid in their path.

The film starts in London with an old lady suffering from a blood clot in the brain. Her family and the doctors want to conduct an immediate operation on her, but her chances of survival are 50:50. She decides to visit India before she takes up the surgery, to fulfill a certain unaccomplished task.

She visits Chennai and flashback starts rolling to the 1945 era. This was the time when Chennai was Madras, and it was under the British rule. She was 18 years old beautiful girl at that time, called Amy Wilkinson, Governor General’s daughter. She met with a local dhobi, Ilamparidhi, who was a wrestler as well. He used to wash the Britishers’ clothes. Ilamparidhi revolted against the decision of the government to construct a Golf course in the dhobi colony and left a mark on the heart of Amy. Then both Ilamparidhi and Amy start meeting and love blossoms. The story takes a U-turn when the British government announces to make India independent in 1947.

As for the performances, Arya is awe-inspiring in Madrasapattinam and Amy is like a breath of fresh air. Other casts supported well. Cinematography and art deserve kudos for taking Tamil cinema to a different level. The first half is amazing and fast, but drags a bit in the second half. Overall, Madrasapattinam is an entertaining outing.

Vikram’s ‘Vedi’ from July 15

Vikram is back to work. The ‘Chiyaan’, who has been busy receiving accolades for his performance in ‘Raavanan’, will start working for his forthcoming venture ‘Vedi’ from July 15.
Confirming this, director of the film Boopathy Pandian says, “Yes, the movie will go to floors next week. It is an out and out action film which would show Vikram in a different shade. Ileana is the heroine.”
“I will be back to making commercial films with Vedi,” the director of ‘Thiruvilayadal Aarambam’ and ‘Malaikottai’, says and adds: “The entire film will be set in the backdrop of Tiruchirapalli and Salem.”
On his next release ‘Kadhal Solla Vanthen’, the filmmaker says, “A longtime dream to make a beautiful love story has come true with this movie starring newcomers Balaji and Meghna in lead roles. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is the highlight of the film.”

MANIRATHNAM NEXT DEBUT“POOKADAI”

It seems Mani Ratnam has zeroed in on a title for his next venture. If reports are to be believed, the ace filmmaker, who is getting ready to launch Karthik’s son Gautham in the movie, has named it ‘Pookkadai’.
“Remember it was Mani Ratnam who directed the two important films in Karthik’s career- Agni Natchathiram and Mouna Ragam. And he was the one who announced the reentry of Karthik in Raavanan,” sources say.
“The good rapport between the actor and the filmmaker has now resulted in the latter introducing the former’s son as hero. The movie will be a typical Mani kind of urban love story with music by A R Rahman,” they add.
“The director is now keenly watching the responses evoked by his last release ‘Raavanan’ and ‘Raavan’. In the meantime, he is also busy doing groundwork for his next venture. He may reveal the details soon,” sources maintain.