Change Your Image
zephyr555
Reviews
Celluloid (2013)
A haunting journey through the history of Malayalam Cinema
In a movie industry mainly based on song-dance melodramas, the importance of biopics are lost on a large section of the moving-watching population. The prevailing view is that they are not entertaining enough, and the only biopics made being the ones on freedom fighters and the like. So it was a refreshing change to see a movie by veteran director, Kamal, on the man considered to be the Father of Malayalam Cinema, that too in the centenary year of Indian Cinema.
J.C. Daniel, long been reduced to a mere footnote in movie history is finally given the treatment he truly deserves and full credit goes to Kamal for bringing this lesser known icon of Malayalam cinema to life to this generation of audience. It is a tragic tale of a man who dared to chase his dreams and as a result found his whole world falling apart, for the sole reason that he was a man way ahead of his time. We are taken through the journey of a young J.C. Daniel, known as the maker of the first Malayalam movie, "Vigathakumaran" ("The Lost Child"), cheerful and enthusiastic, with stars in his eyes, who was determined to bring the art of movie-making to the Malayali shores, but soon turns into a person disillusioned with the world and his passion, and gradually becomes a shadow of the man he once was.
As with most biopics, its the performances that are the real highlight and the pulse of Celluloid which makes it a tour de force. Prithviraj comes up with a stupendous performance as the young and ambitious Daniel as well as the old, ailing and resigned version in later years. Mamta Mohandas, who essays the role of Daniel's wife, Janet, gives a fine performance as the ever supportive and later suffering better-half. Sreejith Ravi and Century Jayaraj give commendable support as Daniel's friends who aid him in making his dream come true. But the one who deserves a standing ovation is newcomer Chandni, who literally breathes life into the character of P.K. Rosy, believed to be the first ever heroine of Malayalam Cinema. As the low-caste girl, Rosamma (later Rosy), she gives a stunning performance filled with naiveté, excitement, anxiety and genuine curiosity for this never-before-seen phenomenon called Cinema. Her innocence and wonder at her new surroundings practically leaps off the screen. A Reality TV contestant, this is the first time Chandni has faced a movie camera. Another notable performance comes from veteran actor Sreenivasan who plays the journalist, Chelengath Gopalakrishnan, whose never-ceasing efforts and campaigns to get J.C. Daniel and his movie their due is what gets the deserved recognition for Daniel but alas after his lifetime.
A touching tribute not just to the man himself but also to all those who have shared a passion for this craft, Celluloid also presents an evocative portrait of the social landscape of the time. The fact that the characters were real people of life and blood who actually experienced and witnessed these events makes the movie all the more heartrending and poignant. The story is as much that of Daniel as it is of "Vigathakumaran", whose prints (like its title) are now forever lost to us.
Aashiqui 2 (2013)
A Thought-provoking Love Story
I must confess I was skeptical of all the hype surrounding this movie. But finally I decided to watch Aashiqui 2 and I must say I came away impressed. Its not the average mushy romance that I was dreading but a love story with a lot of depth and emotion in it. Its probably a story that is as thought-provoking as it is poignant. We find ourselves looking for true love all our life thinking cupid will strike at some moment but this movie goes to show that its the commitment and selfless effort we invest in a relationship which really transforms it into true love. The story follows a familiar path with a jaded music star discovering a talented bar-singer and guiding her to stardom. But unlike movies like Abhimaan there is no jealousy or ego to mar the proceedings and only pure love guiding these two people in their journey together. The movie also does an effective job of tackling the issue of alcoholism.
In the acting department, both actors are commendable in their performances. Both have done small roles before and its apparent the kind of pressure they are under to carry the whole movie on their shoulders. But they don't disappoint. What is notable is the chemistry shared by the two which actually exudes innocence and genuine affection. This is probably what makes their relationship all the more real and convincing to us, which makes us laugh, cry and root for them till the end. Shraddha Kapoor is refreshing as the sweet and innocent Arohi Shirke. Though stiff at times, she puts in a sincere effort which shines through in conveying the quiet inner strength of Arohi's character. Aditya Roy Kapoor gives a confident performance as the alcoholic, angst-ridden Rahul Jaykar who suddenly discovers hope and purpose in life. He is extremely effective in the mellow, contemplative scenes; his eyes seem to be his greatest asset in showing the love and pain experienced by Rahul.
The music is the highlight, which is supposed to be so in a movie based on the music industry. Its been a while since I have liked the entire soundtrack of a movie and they seem perfectly in sync with the scenes. All songs are hummable, with some lovely tunes and poignant lyrics.
With extremely likable characters, a realistically touching love story and some great melodies, Aashiqui 2 is definitely worth a watch. After the deluge of new age dramas and action its great to see the return of the musical love story.