Tik Tik Tik: A space film that’s not Indianised right

‘For as long as possible, I kept making allowances. I forgave clunky exposition in the name of dialogues. I turned a blind eye to an official discussion about an incoming meteor, which seemed more like a team huddle aimed at identifying the venue of the next office party. I tried not to make a big deal out of paintball being used as a shooting exercise for a space mission sanctioned by the Prime Minister.’

Kaala: An important work by a socially conscious filmmaker

“The film is an exploration into the relationship of the oppressed and the oppressor. The climax works so beautifully because the only real redemption for the oppressed is through unity, through education, through awareness — not through the informed voice of just one leader. Individuals are fallible, ideologies aren’t.”

India’s jewels

“This trend of labelling films as the first of their kind in the country has turned into a contagious phenomenon. So crucial has it become that makers seem willing to go to  any lengths to legitimise the claim.”

Kaalakkoothu: Good performances in a predictable film with an oft-told message

Simply looked at, it’s yet another story of friendship flavoured by a love story that runs into that familiar demon, caste trouble. The difference here though is that the two friends, Easwaran (Prasanna) and Hari (Kalaiyarasan), aren’t just defined by their friendship — Easwaran especially. He’s a person scarred by, and hence, scared of loss.

Sema: A comedy that’s largely offensive, occasionally funny

A girl our hero, Kuzhanthai (GV Prakash), is supposed to find repulsive is dark-skinned and named Karunkuzhali. In truth, the actual actor is very decent-looking, but that doesn’t stop Yogi Babu, playing Kuzhanthai’s friend, from referencing ‘aduppu kari’ when talking about her appearance.