kennethmanoj Reviews

Laapataa Ladies (2023)

Simple yet impactful storytelling

[9/10 · 23 June 2024]

A simple story of two lost women as portrayed in the trailer is so much more as the story starts to progress. Women empowerment, nurturing dreams of women, the impact of marriage on a woman, the pressures a woman faces in life from family, society and husbands. Master storytelling.

The actors have done a terrific job in this movie from the innocent phool,her devoted husband, mysterious Jaya and annoying Pankaj. The minor characters from the tea seller, beggar, the man asking for chutney bring forth laughs and move the story gently forward.

A movie like no other in recent times which reminds that it doesn't take a lot of money to make a memorable movie. Loved it.

Japan (2023)

Pure unadulterated trash

[2/10 · 12 November 2023]

I wonder what made anyone involved to even make this movie. The two story lines are so abhorrent and unbearable meandering everywhere but going nowhere. Karthi tries to make an impact but falls flat in his face with every scene being more cringeworthy than the last. The violence scenes seem unnecessary and the characters from his henchmen to the cops don't add any meaning. The worst is the cheap copycat of the GVM cop role whose entire role is to keep chasing the culprit.

The scene where the so called movie about Japan was made kicks in at about five mins. If you can survive and enjoy the movie scene which runs for five mins then please continue with the movie but if you can't just get out and walk away.

Life's too short to waste three hours on this movie.

Ayodhi (2023)

Wonderful movie. Need the missing scenes someday.

[8/10 · 16 March 2023]

Walked into the movie theatre with zero expectations and walked out with an emotional tug in my heart.

The story is generic and many scenes are predictable but the performance of the actors and the emotions involved are what makes this movie feel great.

From the simple scene of a person leaving his family during a celebration to come and help to the various acts of kindness shown in the movie the experience elevates the story.

Often times we see ourselves in the place of the hero. In this movie see yourself as the villain to experience the vision of the director and how kindness can impact the life of another.

It doesn't take a lot to make someone's life better. The message is heard clearly throughout the movie.

The only thing I wish for is to see the original director's cut of this movie. Some scenes are clearly deleted. Maybe due to the sensitive topic of religion. But someday I wish we as humans can see the director's vision as is when we all prioritise compassion over our differences.