Kalki Koechlin

OTT Review : Paava Kadhaigal – Tamil film on Netflix

by 123telugu December 21, 2020

Cast : Kalidas Jayaram, Anjali, Kalki Koechlin,Padam Kumar, Simran, Prakash Raj, Sai Pallavi

Directed by : Sudha Kongara, Vignesh Shivan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Vetrimaaran

Producer : Ashi Dua, Rhea Kongara

Cinematography : Theni Eswar, Ganesh Rajavelu

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows, our today’s pick is Paava Kadhaigal, the Tamil anthology film. This film is available on Netflix and let’s now see how it is.

Story :

This anthology film has our stories directed by Sudha Kongara, Vignesh Shivan, Gautam Menon, and Vetri Maran. The Sudha Kongara story deals with the life of the transgender Sattar(Kalidas Jayaram) who is looked down on by his own family. In the second story directed by Vignesh Shivan, honor killing is the main aspect and deals with the story of two twin sisters played by Anjali. In Gautam Menen’s story, his own daughter gets raped at the age of 12. Finally, the last short directed by Vetrimaran is about how a father kills his own pregnant daughter(Sai Pallavi) for his honor and prestige

What’s Good

Paava Kadhaigal is undoubtedly the best-made anthology series so far in the country. The stories deal with rape, honor killing, and taboo subjects in society and have been narrated in a riveted manner. The emotions are so strong that leave a deep impact on you even after you are done watching the film. Tamil cinema’s finest directors narrate four stories that are contemporary and have superlative performances.

Kalidas Jayram as the transgender kills it with his adorable act. His emotions and the way he showcases his body language was amazing. Anjali is superb in her bold role and gets to showcase different aspects of her twin role. In Gautam Menon’s story, the once glam Simran plays a doting orthodox mother with aplomb. Gautam Menon himself plays the husband and the way the couple deal with the rape of their daughter is showcased so well with moving emotions.

But the best of the lot is the story of Prakash Raj and Sai Pallavi that is directed by Vetrimaran. Sai Pallavi gives one of her best performances as a pregnant lady whose father kills her by poisoning her. The drama, emotional outburst that Sai Pallavi gives was too good to see. Prakash Raj as the menacing father who does not show anything on his face was another asset. The songs of the film are too good and so was the BGM. The camerawork, production values of all the stories was on point.

What’s Bad

There are not so many drawbacks in this film as an episode is nicely packed. Gautam Menon looks a bit war in showcasing some emotions in the film. His expressions could have been better in key scenes. Also, in Sudha Kongara’s story, Kalidas’ love for hero Shantanu Bagyaraj should have been showcased in a better manner. This would have helped to establish the story even better.

Verdict :

On the whole, Paava Kadhaigal is one of the best films in recent times. Each short story in this anthology deals with strong subjects and evoke moving emotions and questions human integrity. Upon this, the mesmerizing performances and finest narration by top directors make this film a must-watch. Don’t miss this one.

123telugu.com Rating : 3.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

December 21, 2020

Lockdown Review : Kadak – Hindi film on Sony Liv

by 123telugu June 27, 2020

Cast : Sahukar, Shruti Seth, Rajat Kapoor, Tara Sharma Saluja, Sagar Deshmukh, Nupur Asthana, Kalki Koechlin, Chandrachoor Rai, Palomi Ghosh, Manoj Pahwa, and Yamini Das

Director : Rajat Kapur

Producer : Gurudas Pai, Mithya Talkies

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows during the lockdown period, our today’s pick is the new Hindi film Kadak. The film is available on Sony Liv and let’s see how it is.

What’s it about

Sunil(Ranvir Shorey) is happily sitting at home on a Diwali holiday. A guest named Raghav(Chandrachoor Rai) arrives and starts irritating Shim. At once, Sunil does not know who Raghav is but in further conversation, comes to know that Raghav is the husband of Chayya with whom he is having an affair with. The twists in the tale arise when an upset Raghav shoots himself. Sunil’s wife(Mansi Multani) arrives at the scene but she does not know about her husband’s affair. The rest of the story is as to how the couple manages the body with guests arriving back to back for Diwali celebrations.

What’s good?

Ranvir Shorey is a terrific actor and we all know that. He showcased his best as the confused, frustrated husband who is handling a murder scene. He is serious with his role but for the audience, the whole set up and how the character get tense is a lot of fun. The dark comedy touches many aspects and has scope for various emotions that are showcased well by the actors. The twists and turns in the film are pretty decent and come in quick succession without irritating the audience. Mansi Multani does a superb job in the role and adds a lot of depth to the proceedings. Cyrus is also good in his small role.

What’s bad?

The plot of the film is simple and is established nicely right at the beginning of the film. But in the last half an hour too many characters are introduced making the narration dilute. Actor turned director, Rajat Kapoor has his story on point but his execution falters, in the end, make things look a bit over the top. Things look too silly as the way the main leads act in spite of having a dead body at home.

Final Word

Overall, Kadak is a dark comedy with a superb premise and solid performances. The film starts off well but all the fun is diluted in the crucial last half an hour disappointing the audience. As it has a crisp runtime of under two hours, this film can be given a shot during this lockdown period but with very low expectations.

Rating: 2.5/5

June 27, 2020

Lockdown Review : Made in Heaven – Hindi Web Series on Amazon

by 123telugu April 29, 2020

So, continuing the series of reviewing movies and shows during the lockdown period, our today’s pick is the first season of Hindi web series Made in Heaven. Created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Katgi, this web series is available on Amazon Prime. (You can watch in English as well)

What’s it about?

The web series is all about the lives of Tara Khanna(Shobitha Dhulipala) and Arjun Mathur(Karan Mehra) who run a wedding planning agency called Made in Heaven. While Arjun is gay and has his own problems with society, Tara is married to a rich businessman Adil Khanna(Jim Sarbh), and has her own share of insecurities. In each episode of the web series, a grand Indian wedding is showcased with some problem or the other. How do Tara and Adil solve these wedding issues amidst their own problems in the rest of the story?

What’s good?

This web series has some of the best performances in recent times. Shobhita Dhulipala is a revelation as Tara Khanna. The way she brings out those deep dark emotions is terrific. Karan Mehra does his gay character supremely well. The lavish Delhi culture and what happens in these so-called big fat Indian weddings have been showcased supremely well.

Jim Sarbh is superb as Shobhita’s husband. The twists and turns in each episode and a harsh truth behind every character is so well thought of and will shock you completely. The production values, camera work is stunning.

Final Word?

Overall, Made in Heaven is a terrific web series that is dark, bold, emotional, and filled with twists and surprises. It has some of the boldest lovemaking scenes for a web series and is only for adult viewing. Barring that, all those who missed this web series during its release should not miss Made in Heaven for its terrific performances and drama.

123telugu.com Rating : 3.5/5

April 29, 2020