*Very Funny * Sourav Ganguly IMITATES Saeed Ajmal

ORU KAL ORU KANNADI

	Movie Oru Kal Oru Kannadi
	Director M Rajesh
	Producer Red Gaints
	Music Harris Jayaraj
	Cast Udhayanidhi Stalin, Hansika, Santhanam, Saranya You know what they say- "Laughter is the best medicine". Every person wants to laugh and feel positive and cheerful. Today's way of life is fast and stressful and most of the times there is no time to laugh. Intelligently written comedies can help to alter this state of mind and tensions of a person and thus refresh him for the challenges of life. Director Rajesh’s who has given two consecutive hits proves once again that he is the king of comedies. Oru Kal Oru Kannadi is a barrel of laughs with a wafer-thin story. Saravanan (Uday) and Parthasarathy (Santhanam) work at a popular multiplex and are close buddies. Saravanan sees Meera (Hansika) at a traffic signal and it is love at first sight for him. He follows her and realises that she is the daughter of a top police officer (Sayaji Shinde) and she is not interested in him. What follows is a roller-coaster ride, as Saravanan tries to impress and win Meera’s love as she does not think great about him. OKOK works largely because of Rajesh’s smart packaging, dialogues and the lead actors Uday and Santhanam, as their chemistry is unbeatable. The film is light and easy and enjoyable for the most part. The pace is fast and the jokes come at furious speed. Packed with clever one-liners, Santhanam carries the film to the winning post. He is in top form and no wonder; he is a superstar in his own right. Uday’s debut is promising and hats off to him (he is also the producer) to underplay his role and allow Santhanam, Hansika and Saranya to hog the show. The film wouldn't be half the film it is if it weren't for the abundant charm and sheer screen presence of Hansika. One of the highlights in the film is the one in which Hansika brings her fiancée to a restaurant to introduce Saravavan to him and the scenes inside the aircraft. Hansika’s lip sync is perfect, comedy timing is impeccable and she looks good. Saranya Ponvannan is outstanding in creating a lovable and ultimately memorable character as Saravanan’s mother who is struggling to complete her graduation. It's hard to imagine another actor pull off such an unselfconscious performance with such ease. Harris songs though repetitive is hummable and the pick of the album is Kathal Oru Butterfly and Veenam Macha. Picturisation reminds you of several Suriya songs (Ayan, Aadhavan among others). If all you're looking for is a relaxed time at the movies, then, this is Good Fun. Go with your buddies, you'll laugh till you have tears in your eyes! Verdict –Rollicking comedy

Ek Deewana Tha

Film: Ek Deewana Tha
Director: Gautham Menon
Actors: Prateik Babbar, Amy Johnson
Rating: *

A few minutes into Gautham Menon's latest film the leading man (Prateik Babbar) is shown seated in a church, muttering to himself, "Mujhe Jessie Se Hi Kyon Pyaar Hona Tha? (Why did I have to fall in love with Jessie)".

The leading lady is at the altar, waiting for her groom. The audience is expected to hold their breaths, as the flashback unfolds. Not the most original beginning for a love story.

While there are directors who dig relentlessly for a new theme around which a rom-com can be built, there are others such as Gautham Menon who believe old cliches are the best plot points for a love story. For starters, the girl is a year older to the boy. Then they come from different religions. The boy is a passionate movie buff, hopes to make a career in films. The girl's family doesn't even watch films. The girl's brother is a toughie who needs an excuse to start a fight. But there is something called love at first sight. You get the drift.

Prateik Babbar plays Sachin -- the quintessential Maharashtrian middle-class romantic. He watches films, mooches off his older buddy Manu Rishi. Amy Jackson plays Jessie, the 'docile' middle-class girl who dutifully sets off for office each morning with her laptop bag and immaculately draped sarees. Prateik's career hasn't really taken off so he spends his days planning on how he can bump into Jessie. The 'accidental' meetings which happened at bus stops through the '70s and '80s now happen at the closest Mcdonalds.

It's a slow screenplay where the director hopes to convey the couple's despair with their inability to come together. For a scenario like this, performances must be superlative to engage the viewer. Each glance, every gesture must speak for itself. It is here itself that Ekk Deewana Tha fails to deliver.

Prateik Babbar has considerably beefed up his body since Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na days and doesn't look like a fresh twenty-two year old love-stricken graduate. He tries hard (maybe a little too hard) but eventually all he deserves are brownie points for his efforts rather than his acting abilities.

Amy Jackson, with a digitally altered skin tone, lacks the sizzling sensuality most South Indian gals are blessed with. What comes across is a mass of wavy black hair which needs to be oiled or combed. Ideally both. Where is the angst a young girl goes through when she must choose between her father or the man she loves?

Given their limited acting abilities, they just do not come through as a couple. And with the spark missing, the innumerable tiffs and make-ups and casual kisses just serve in endlessly prolonging the film.

Manu Rishi in his small role as Prateik's friend-philosopher-guide is great fun. The few laughs one enjoys are the times when he is on screen. A R Rahman's music doesn't make an impact.

Good cinematography and great locations in Kerala make some portions a visual treat. Another redeeming factor is the absence of item songs and unnecessary sub-plots.

Ekk Deewana Tha is the Hindi remake of Gautham Menon's Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya which was a huge commercial hit. Somewhere, something obviously got lost in translation.

Kadhalil sodhapuvadu Yeppadi

Directed by Balaji Mohan
Produced by Sashikanth Shivaji
Siddharth
Nirav Shah
Written by Balaji Mohan
Screenplay by Balaji Mohan
Starring Siddharth
Amala Paul
Music by Thaman
Cinematography Nirav Shah
Editing by T. S. Suresh
Studio Y NOT Studios
Etaki Entertainment
Distributed by Dil Raju (Telugu Version)
Country India
Language Tamil
Telugu

Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (or Love Failure) (Tamil: காதலில் சொதப்புவது எப்படி; English: How To Mess Up In Love) is an upcoming Tamil and Telugu bilingual romantic comedy based on a short film directed by debutant Balaji Mohan. Starring Siddharth and Amala Paul in the lead roles, the film is simultaneously produced in both langauges. The trailer of the film was released on January 14, stating the release of film on Valentine's Day..

Cast
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Siddharth as Arun
Amala Paul as Parvathi
Arjun
Vignesh
Suresh
Ravi Raghavendra
Sriranjani
Balaji Mohan in a special appearance


Debutant director Balaji Mohan, who earned recognition through Kalaignar TV’s ‘Naalaya Iyakunar’, has tried his hand in making a full length feature film through ‘Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi’. The movie has Siddharth ( Arun), Amala Paul ( Paarvathi) in the lead roles besides a pool of supporting cast like Ravi Raghavendra, Sriranjani, Suresh etc.

Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi story :
The movie begins with the narration of Siddharth explaining about how he faltered in his love and from there on the lecture starts. Siddharth, an ECE student , who lives an easy life with the support of his good parents falls in love with Amala Paul, who studies in Computer Science department. As usual, the couple face tiffs every now and then and a final outbreak ends in breakup. Losing hope on patching up with Paarvathy, Arun sets off to divert is mind with the help of his friends.

In the meanwhile, Paarvathy’s father (Suresh) and her mother apply for divorce due to mutual concern, and the case falls in the laps of Arun’s father (Ravi Raghavendra). The movie toggles between real life sequences and flashbacks holding Siddharth and Amala Paul’s love sequences and petty quarrels. Despite of Arun’s efforts to patch up with Paarvathy, the couple fail to succeed due to a lot of difference in opinions. Amala Paul, who is shown as the dominating character of the relationship, finally melts down after seeing her parents patching about after a years-long fight and makes her first attempt to patch up. The couple’s reunion, with a list of messages forms the climax.

Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi Review :

The very first thing to be mentioned is debutant director Balaji Mohan’s screenplay which he has tailored in a engaging, rather not boring manner. The director has chosen, apt faces for filling up each and every character, which is one of the main plus of the movie. The happenings seems to be unrealistic in a few sequences, but it is a usual thing in rom-coms.

On the acting front, Siddharth scores well as a charming, lovable college guy, which he is used to and continuing to do in most of his ventures. Amala Paul’s has done her job well. The supporting roles need a special mention, as they are the one who give us some timeout from Arun-Pavathy’s story narration, which at times seems to bore us a bit.

About the technicalities, Nirav Shah has done his best with the lens. The colors and locations shot, right from the college campus to each and every other place in the frame, keeps the freshness alive.

Music director Thaman has done full justice to the movie with his music. ‘Kaadhalithu Sodhappuvom’, ‘Love Love’ and the final songs are filmed in a happening way. The re-recording travels well with the script and adds good feel to the story, especially in the portions where emotional flow is on a high.

The movie can be declared as a perfect release for Valentine’s day weekend for age group between 18 to 40 and above as it holds portions showcasing the love story of a young couple and matured love of their parents as well.

Verdict : On the whole, ‘Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi’ is a 2 and a half hour lecture on how, to and what to do while in love, but interestingly the lecture is not boring.

Rating : 3 / 5

Marina review

Directed by Pandiraj
Produced by Pandiraj
Written by Pandiraj
Starring Siva Karthikeyan
Oviya
Music by Girishh G
Cinematography Vijay
Studio Pasanga Productions


Colourful and catchy tale
Life in the shores of Marina beach offers aplenty. It speaks about the culture of Chennai. The travails of innocent children work in the shores and various faces that we see daily on the shores are dealt in detail by Pandiraj. Pandiraj had proved his mettle in handling serious issues with a feel-good script and the likes of Pasanga and Vamsam are pointer to it.
In Marina, with a bunch of children, he has given what could be termed as Slumdog Millionaire of Tamil cinema. Pakoda Pandian plays the lead role, while the likes of Siva Karthikeya, Oviya, Jayaprakash and the rest play around him.
Story
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Ambikarathy (Pakoda Pandian) comes to Chennai and Marina beach beckons him. An orphan, he resolves to work in the shores and starts selling sundal. His circle expands. After enmity, he wins the hearts of children working in the beach. They live life their own way.
An old man (Sundararajan) and postman (Jithan Mohan) turn friends for
these children. Also parallely a love story between Senthilnathan
(Sivakarthikeyan) and Sopana Sundari (Oviya) is narrated. The beach provides the common link between the two stories.
Their romance reflects the one we see in daily life these days.
There are twists and turns. But the movie harps on a strong message that the child labourers should be given a formal education for a better tomorrow.


It is young Pandian's show all the way. He is right there giving his best. A bunch of young children give life to their roles. Siva Karthikeyan's witty humour and one-liners wins our heart. Oviya has very little to do on screen. Watch out for Thatha Sundarrajan and Jithan Mohan who walks away with applause. A cameo by Jayaprakash is worth a mention.
Debutant cinematographer Vijay and music composer Girish does give their best. They are like flesh and blood to the story.


It is a tight walk for Pandiraj. he has achieved his best without falling into commercial cliches. Educating young children will usher a better tomorrow. It is what the movie conveys. Three cheers to Pandiraj for achieving it. Though a documentary feel could not be avoided, Marina is worth a watch.

Rating :4/5

Vaikunda ekatasi

Vaikunta Ekadashi or Mukkoti Ekadashi is the Krishna paksha Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha shukla paksha ekadashi in lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day


According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikunta Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year. However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.

Lord opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his abode) for two demons in spite of they being against the Lord. They also asked for the boon that who ever listens to their story and see the image of Lord coming out of the door (called Dwar) called Vaikunth Dwar they reach Vaikunth as well! Temples all over the India makes a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to pass through that.

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu slayed demon Muran and protects `Devas'. This happened on the eleventh day of lunar month during the sun's journey in the Dhanur rasi. Impressed by the act, Lord Vishnu names her as `Ekadashi' and gives her the boon that those who worship `Ekadashi' on the day of her victory over Muran would reach `Vaikunth' (His abode).

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one the important and auspicious days to the Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margashirsha (Between December and January). Also called the 'Mukkoti Ekadasi', when observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.


The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is mentioned in the 'Padma Purana'. As per the legend, the Devas unable to bear the tyranny of 'Muran', a demon, approached Lord Shiva, who directed them to Lord Vishnu. A battle ensued between Lord Vishnu and the demon and the Lord realised that a new weapon was needed to slay Muran.

In order to take rest and create a new weapon, the Lord retired to a cave called 'Himavati' in Badrikashrama. When Muran tried to slay the Lord, who was sleeping, the female energy that emerged from the Lord burnt him to ashes in one look.

Lord Vishnu who was pleased, named the female energy 'Ekadasi' and asked her to claim a boon. Ekadasi, instead beseeched the Lord that people who observed a fast on that day should be redeemed of their sins. The Lord thus declared that people who observed a fast on that day and worshiped Ekadasi, would attain Vaikunta. Thus came into being the first Ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi.

Fasting
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Vaikunta Ekadasi Fasting is an important aspect of those associated with it. People fast the whole day and keep vigil. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and devotees engage in Japa (Chanting of the Lord's name) and Dhyana (Meditation). On 'Dasami', the previous day of the observance, devotees who take up Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting are to take only lunch. On Ekadasi, the next day, they have to maintain a complete fast and engage in prayers and meditation of the Lord. They are strictly prohibited from taking rice. That night, people keep vigil the whole night and visit the temple of Lord Vishnu, mostly in the wee hours of the morning.

On this day, the Vaikunta Dwaram or the Swarga Vaasal, 'The Gates of Heaven' are believed to be kept open. The area encircling the sanctum is referred to Swarga Vaasal and devotees throng to gain entry into the temple, to seek the Lord.


In SRIRANGAM
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The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is an occasion when the Paramapada Vaasal is opened for devotees. It begins from suklapaksha Ekadasi and celebrated for 23 days wherein Namperumal listens to the vedas and Nammazhvar'sThiruvaimozhi as rendered by the Araiyars. The festival is divided into two parts, ten days before and after the ekadasi of the bright waxing period of the month, which is "Vaikunta Ekadasi".

The first period of ten days is called Thirumozhi Thirunal or "pagal patthu"and the second period of ten days is called "Thiruvaimozhi Thirunal" or "rapathu".

During the Vaikunta Ekadasi day and the subsequent nine days, Lord Namperumal enters the Thirumamani Mandapam[paramapadam]through this door known as paramapada Vasaal[sorga vasaal]. It is one of the most auspicious days in all the Vishnu Temples. The Vaikunta Dwaram or the Gate to the Heaven is opened on this day. In Srirangam, this is the passage leading to the Thirumamani Mandapam, a replica of Sri Vaikuntam, the permanent abode of Lord Maha Vishnu. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikuntam in the temples in the belief that they would escape from the cycle of re-birth, if they step on the Paramapada Vasaal on the sacred day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. This helps us reach our ultimate destination, Vaikuntam, which is the place of no-return and thus the human soul is free from the ills of this world.

TIRUPATI
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Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also has a similar concept. Thirumala has a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. The dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadashi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikunta Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation.The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikunta Ekadashi.

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