Nanjupuram (2011) - Tamil Movie Review

Cast and Crew :

Starring : Raaghav, Monica, Naren, Thambi Ramiah, Priya, Anuya Bhagvath
Directed by : Charles
Produced by : Preetha Raaghav
Written by : Charles
Singers : Raaghav
Lyricist : Magudeswaran
Music by : Raaghav
Cinematography : Antony
Editing by : R. Sankar, V. Baalu
Studio : Ilusionz infinite
Distributed by : Sri Thenandal Films

Movies made on snakes always attracted attention in Tamil cinema. Taking cue from them, debutant director Charles, in the company of popular television actor Raghav, has woven a script that is entertaining and enthralling in parts.

‘Nanjupuram’ is more of Anaconda meeting Rama Narayanan movies. Interestingly, the distribution rights of ‘Nanjupuram’ have been bagged by Sri Thenandal Movies, a company backed by Rama Narayanan himself.

There are some interesting visual treat and pulsating scenes that sustain our interest. Raghav, besides playing the lead role, has also made his presence felt as a music composer too.

Monica plays the female lead. Charles’s intention to render a taut thriller should be appreciated. But at the same time, we should also say that it is the execution that goes haywire.

Magudeswaran’s dialogues are razor sharp at places, especially while taking a dig at caste system which is still active at many places of the State. Also, the makers have not gone too superstitious, for a movie on snake would mean too much of it.

The film is set in a village called Nanjupuram. Ridden deeply in caste system, there is often trouble between the upper caste and lower caste in the village. Also deeply rooted in superstitious belief, the villagers believe that anyone who hurts a snake there will get killed in 45 days.

As it happens, Velu (Raghav), an upper caste youth falls in love with Malar (Monica), a lower caste girl. One day, he attacks a snake and was asked by villagers to stay away for one-and-half month. But his love towards Malar makes him to elope with her. What’s next is the climax.

All actors, including Raghav and Monica have played their parts well. Due credit should go to Raghav. He is cool and casual. He has taken all the responsibilities to deliver hie best. Monica plays a de-glamourised character. She has a meaty role to do. Others in the cast are adequate.

Unfortunately, the script misses some novelty. Had Charles blended more of it and reduced cliches, ‘Nanjupuram’ would have been different.

Muthukku Muthaaga (2011) - Tamil Movie Review

Cast and Crew :

Starring : Natarajan Subramaniam, Vikranth, Harish, Oviya, Monica, Ilavarasu, Saranya Ponvannan, Varshini as Vasanthi, Sujibala, Veerasamar, Singampuli, Gayathri, Janaki
Directed by : Rasu Madhuravan
Produced by : Rasu Madhuravan
Written by : Rasu Madhuravan
Singers : Vijay Jesudas, Chinmayi, Sriram, Mukesh, Janani, Baby Harini, Haricharan, Dr. Lavanya, Krishnaraj, Madhu Balakrishnan, Krishna, Roshini
Lyricist : Nandhalala, Uma Subramaniam, Kavi Periyathambi, Rasumadhuravan, Na. Muthukumar
Music by : Kavi Periyathambi
Cinematography : U. K. Senthilkumar
Studio : Pandiyanadu Theatres

Rasu Madhuravan's next movie after Mayandi Kudumbathar is Muthukku Muthaga which also falls under the same genre like his previous movie. The movie is all about the family's relationship with each other and the children's sacrifice for the sake of their parents. The director has been keen in using the character artist like Saranya Ponvannan and Ilavarasu to make his point clear.

The couple Saranya and Ilavarasu have five children and they are very much devoted them and they too are very much devoted to their parents. Ilavarasu raises his children decently with his little earnings. Each son vary like five fingers of the hand and Saranya and Ilavarasu help them to choose their path actively and passively.

The core of the movie is family sentiment and the movie's plot in not well planned and lacks the knot it should hold. There is been a jump in emotions frequently which does not keep the audience in pace and packed. For instance, the whole family is trying their best to bring their son out of jail and in the next scene one son his shown being with his girlfriend and in another scene there is a incident where there is no connection to the previous scenes. .

The movie also have some voyeur scenes which most of the tamil movies have now. The movie lacks behind in terms of screenplay. Singam Puli has tried to evoke laughter but has failed to do so.

As said before, the director has depended mainly on Saranya and Ilavarasu to hit the nail. The character portrayal has been good and Ilavarasu is the one to be mentioned. Natraj, Harish, Veer Samar, Vikranth are the sons whose acting do not make any impact. Monica overreacts and Oviya annoys.

Verdict : Five fingers down