Velaiyilla Pattadhaari (3/5)

Velaiyilla Pattadhaari is the usual Tamil film with the hero portrayed as a guy who can fight against any odds. And as the usual Tamil film, the film doesn't follow logic, or a solid storyline. The film purely relies on Dhanush's dialogue delivery and Anirudh's Background score.

The film is about Raghuvaran (Dhanush), a student of B.E Civil who is not willing to take a job in any other field, ending up unemployed for four years. The first half covers how people in his home and the society treats him and how he feels. The first half of the film was very natural and exceptionally good, and having Samuthirakani as Raghuvaran's dad was a very good decision. Filled with a witty script, the first half is meant to make u laugh your heart out and at the same time can be related to by any engineering student.

After a turn of events, Raghuvaran gets a job, and later a very big project to construct for the government. And as in every Tamil movie ever, there is a villain competitor who is determined to ruin Raghuvaran's work. The movie takes an illogical turn when Raghuvaran decides to fight back. Despite the lack of logic, the film manages to engage us with its fast pace and "Rajini-style" script, though showing six pack was definitely not necessary. The "Amma centiment" played a crucial role in the movie.

Anirudh's Background score.gave the movie a lot of energy, without which the second would've been bland. There were no songs in the wrong places that'd irritate us (or maybe the quality of the song made me ignore it, I can't really tell). As in most of the tamil film, Amala Paul had no crucial role for the storyline. But she was not totally ignored and was given a spotlight in both halves of the movie (which is as good as it gets). There was not a single segment in the movie that would bore you.

Dedicating the film to B.E students was a good decision and would win mass appeal. VIP is a racy and fun movie that keeps the audience engaged and lose track of time. It is a definite success in the box office (expecially because there is no competition for the movie AT ALL)

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (4.5/5)

Dawn of the planet of the apes is a work worth watching in theatres (preferably in 2D). "Rise" by itself has impressed us by displaying a protagonist ape Caesar with so much emotions that even show in his face. "Dawn" takes it a step ahead by introducing new charecters and giving most charecters an equal rapport.

Is "Dawn" understandable without watching "Rise"? Other than the fact that you'll be perplexed seeing intelligent, english speaking apes, yes, it is fairly understandable. However, you will feel left out in some scenes regarding Caesar's past. The main story however, since it takes place 10 years after Caesar marked his territory, isn't connected to the first movie. The human cast is totally different from that of "Rise".

The story takes place after the virus is spread across the human race and only a handful are alive. The movie portrays lifestyle of the apes, the relationship between the apes and the humans when in need, and the beginning of an inevitable war.

Caesar is portrayed to be a very wise and just leader, and many scenes reminds us of "The Lion King" Mufasa. The lifestyle of the apes in the first half shows us what we are lacking as humans. Many scenes from the movie fills us with awe, while other scenes makes us feel like "awww..." ;-)

The sets used are very good and apt for the movie and the dark blue tone used gives the movie an intense "this is serious" feel. What amazes me the most is how realistically they have depicted each charecter. Even if the plot is impossible, the film does a good job of shaping it realistically and makes us accept talking apes exist. (To be fair, credits goes to both "Rise" and "Dawn")

The movie, on the whole, is based on how one species understands the other and draws us into movie without a single moment of boredom in spite of the slow pace. The only complaint is that the movie didn't use 3D AT ALL. Other than that, the movie is totally worthy and best viewed in theatres