Jan 17, 2003 10:45 PM
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(Updated Jan 17, 2003 10:50 PM)
I think its very subjective. However, I'll give my top 5 atleast. This review covers only Tamil movies of Maniratnam. My main criteria were the freshness in the concept of the movie, how well it is directed and how it occupies the viewer. Manis movies have got a lot of national awards, However I dont remember much. So this review is not based on that.
Here we go in the order,
1.Mouna Ragam:
A very interesting and an innovative story. The story is about a girl who loves somebody and marries someone else. Extraordinary Songs/Music and Direction. A bit of no-nonsense comedy too. I have watched this movie atleast 12 times and I can watch it again. This movie is a must watch even If you dont understand Tamil (Get a sub titled version)
2.Naayagan
Correct me if I am wrong, This is a true story based on somebody(I forgot the name) in Bombay. Kamal has performed the lead role and has done an excellent job. The background music and direction are simply great. This is also a very innovative movie. The movie has some voilence too. If I am right, Kamal got a national award for this movie.
3.Anjali
This is about a small kid who is (kind of mentally)sick and is about to die. She is the third child in the family. The story is about what the mother/father/other two children go through while having a mentally retarded kid in their family and staying in an apartment. As with all ratnams movies, great songs/music. A very touchy kind of movie. At the same time it is very entertaining also. A must watch.
- Thalapathi
Rajnikant and Maniratnam. An entertaining movie with some very good acting from Rajni, Mammoty and especially Arvind Swamy. Rajnis character is kind of ''Mahabaratha Karna'' Stuff. The songs and background music are second to none. This is more of a Mani Ratnam movie rather than a Rajni Movie.
- Kannathi mutham ittal.
This is Mani's latest movie. This is about a girl who is adopted by the lead characters (Madhavan and Simran). THis is probably the only movie of Mani where songs were not given a big importance. Well directed. Excellecnt performance by Madhavan, Simran. The climax is a mixture of fear and emotions. Its admirable. No nonsence is added to the movie to make it commercial. Bottom line of this movie is subject, subject and only subject. Worth a watch.
Not in my Top 5 but I considered:
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Roja: The music is great. 1st movie of Ar Rehman and it got him a national award. If you take away the national sentiment, photography and music there is not much in this movie.
Bombay: The story line is pretty much same as Roja. Only the issue of the movie is different. Its a decent movie but doesnt qualify for Top 5.
Alaipaayuthe: A very Good Movie. Misses my top five. However, its definitely worth watching.
Iruvar: A good try. Lacks the punch but I liked this movie though. A great work by AR Rehman. The music will take you 20 years back.
Agni Natchatiram: A good movie. But misses top 5.
Thiruda Thiruda: Nothing except a great music by AR Rehman and a Great Photography by PC Shriram. This is one of the best scores of AR Rehman.
