Kadaisi Vivasayi is a reminder that it’s not enough for filmmakers to just be passionate; they must also be compassionate I like Manikandan films. Even in dealing with profound, perhaps even dark, themes, there’s a stillness to them, a tranquil quality. He isn’t hurrying; he isn’t forcing conflicts or outcomes. There’s tragedy here, sure, but it…

Mahaan may not be among Karthik Subbaraj’s better work, but it’s still worth being kind to, if only for some fascinating writing choices I’ve missed seeing Vikram perform. In Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film, Mahaan—a gangster extravaganza if you will—it’s a pleasure to see the actor in full flight and strive to lift the film along with him….

This Vishal-starrer is a template exercise for the most part Veeramae Vaagai Soodum pretty much shoots itself in the foot during the opening hour, as it seems frustratingly occupied with ticking the ‘commercial elements’ checkbox. So, you have a mother character who’s introduced like most mothers in our ‘commercial films’ are: She’s making dosas, for the…

The interest of this reunion special is, however, not so much on analysis of the story or on delineating filmmaking choices but on the dynamics of its cast members I remember it like it happened yesterday—hanging about the Landmark Store in Chennai about 15 years ago, standing in a serpentine line that stretched as far…

The twins switch places, but there’s no one to do it with us It never stops to astonish how it can be that a film like Anbarivu that runs for close to three hours can be devoid of a single truly honest emotional moment. There’s separation, death, isolation, parental neglect… And yet, Anbarivu, oblivious to the weight and…