After two mediocre fares, expectations were riding high on Vijay’s Villu produced by Ayngaran International and directed by Prabhudeva. Added to that the hopes given by Vijay and Prabhudeva, with the latter going on to term the film as “james bond film of Vijay”.
Well, this is no James bond fare, not an excellent piece of work like Ghilli or Pokkiri, but sure does not fall into the “bad” or “average” category. This is a good movie and a good attempt for a new style of Vijay films, except that there are things that could have been done in a better way than they actually are.
The story is about Pugazh(Vijay), who works on a mission driven by a honest police officer, to bring down international criminal Prakashraj and his associates. On his way, he gets Nayanthara in love with him, who is the goon’s own daughter. He travels with Nayanthara to meet her father, works for him, eliminates his associates. Why he does all these unwinds before climax and in the end, truth triumphs.
It is very clear that the movie is a remake of late 90’s bollywood film Soldier, except for a few changes mainly in romantic scenes, but the interesting thing is that only the good aspects of the film are retained and most of the crap was cut. Like the lengthy climax scene in desert is cut down to a watchable fare and most of the boring romantic scenes in the original have been avoided.
Vijay as Pugazh does an impressive job, though this adds nothing new in his feathery cap. Even the dance movements are very much toned down, you don’t get to see much of the usual Vijay there. The dual role as father Major Saravanan is definitely not Vijay’s cup of tea, but he makes a decent attempt at it. Nayanthara as Vijay’s love interest Jhanvi has done her job neatly and makes her presence felt throughout the first half.
Vadivelu’s comedy is brilliant in most parts, but sadly he doesn’t have much of a role in second half. His fight with the graphics cow, an inspiration the most popular mootrix mail video, is a different attempt and people do appreciate it in theatre. Again, it is perfectly misplaced in the movie.
Prakashraj does the same job he had done in a dozen other films. The other supporting cast including Geetha, Anandaraj and others does what is expected from them. Ranjitha as Vijay’s mother and wife of father Vijay is a misfit, and gets nothing much to do than yelling and crying.
Songs are picturised well and choreographed well, but most of them have not brought out the best of Vijay’s dancing prowess. “Nee kobapattal” is a visual treat with good special effects and “Vaada maapla” is an entertainer with Vadivelu joining the show. Stunt scenes are mostly over the top, but most of them look good in the movie with proper CG works and co-ordination. The one in the fight club is brilliant while the sequence of bombing a dozen cars with the remote coolers is too unbelievable and overdone, with miserable CG work.
Screenplay is racy, mainly in second half, but lacks complete punch and there are many places having a scope for better job. The climax especially looks odd for a movie that had gone slick for 2 odd hours. Even if you forget that, something better could have been conceived as it is awfully old, seen in a number of movies. The romantic scenes between Vijay and Nayanthara have been brought out well by Prabhudeva.
Camerawork by Ravivarman is extra ordinary, especially in foreign locales and songs. Kola Bhaskar has done a good job in trying to keep the movie gripping despite few lows in screenplay. Prabhudeva as a director does a satisfactory job.
Villu is definitely a welcome film from Vijay and Prabhudeva, only that it is not the best from them, but just turns out to be a good job. Logic is something that one should not look for in mass entertainers, so if you forget that, there is a lot of enjoyment as a viewer.
Highs: Vijay’s screen presence, Vijay and Nayanthara’s chemistry, Camerawork, few stunt sequences and Vadivelu
Lows: Couple of overdone stunts, age old climax
Verdict: Worth a watch – Villu, Joyfullu!
Rating: 8/10
January 12, 2009
Villu - Movie Review
December 15, 2008
Villu - Audio Review
Vijay's films are known for their foot tapping hit dance numbers. Devi Sri Prasad's hit albums are popular for their peppy tunes. So a Vijay-DSP combo was expected to rock music charts with super hit peppy dance numbers. And Villu is one album that wont let your expectations down even for a minute throughout the listening.
Packed with full of youthful and vibrant songs, this is a real treat for music lovers especially for those who need some refreshing music for the ears.
Hey Rama Rama: (9/10)
The album starts with the introduction song of Vijay as per usual tradition, and this time its Amalraj who sings for Vijay. His powerful voice with a soft touch, gives the right feel for the song especially in lines like "Unga kitta anba keten". Kabilan keeps the lyrics simple and more like the words of common man, even when asking "Agadhi aana makkaluku, amaidhiyana naadu kaepaen". Kovai Sarala's harmony "Villu villu" sounds off note in the song, but may be justified by the visuals.
Nee Kobapattal Naanum: (8/10)
A pleasing melody with a lots of classical orchestration this song takes you into romantic mood. Pa.Vijay's lyrics talking about what a guy would do for his girl and what not is really interesting. Sagar's lilting voice is a perfect choice for the song. The "baby I love you" bit is extremely good, so is the short rendition of swaras by DSP in second interlude.
Daddy Mummy: (9/10)
DSP has used effectively the Aakalesthe from Shankardada Zindabad for this song. Rendered stylishly by Mamta Mohandas, this song is a perfect club number with good beats throughout. Naveen Madhav joins for the male bit in the middle and does a good job too. Lyrics by Viveka is good in parts but on the whole enjoyable.
Are you crazy: (8/10)
This short song running for less than a minute is a funny bit full of scoldings from a girl towards her guy. Sung by Divya, this is one perfect ring tone material to amuse people around you. Prabhudeva's name in lyrics credit is a pleasant surprise.
Jalsa: (10/10)
Same as the tune of title song of telugu film Jalsa, this song has a lot of energy and vibrance that instantly gets on you when you start listening to it. The Spanish lyrics in the beginning and lines like "The dance in the beat prabhudeva, the beat in music is DSP, the girl in the groove nayanthara, and to rock the floor Ilayathalapathy" give the song a very special feel. Most acclaimed Indian rapper Baba Sehgal has done a great job with his singing that too with right diction, and Rita supports him well. Rohini's lyrics also need a worthy mention here... "Nee pirandhadhu Greece ah, Nee valarndhadhu swiss-ah, madhimayakkum un nadayin mugavari thaan Paris ah" Definitely the best of the album.
Vaada Maapilla: (8/10)
This is a folk based song with lot of funny words thrown in between. You get to hear voices of Vadivelu(Dont angry me) and Prabhudeva at couple of places. Tippu and Rita do justice to the song while Kabilan's lyrics are quite ordinary. Indicates more of a visual treat but worth a listen too. "Eppidi Eppidi??? Appidi Appidi" is really cute.
Dheemthanakka Thillana:(9/10)
This is a constantly paced song with fast beats and a good amount of energy. Snehan's lyrics fits the tune perfectly, especially lines like "Kannan... naan kannanukke annan... ada leelaigalin mannan... andha manmadhanin maaman naan thaane" and use of Telugu words like "Okka saari". Devi Sri Prasad joins Divya for this song and both have done a great job in keeping the momentum of the song. Divay's voice has this sexy feel to it which works out very well for this song.
Jalsa Remix: (8/10)
This is a remix version of the other song with DSP singing along with Baba Sehgal and Rita. Neatly done without spoiling lyrics and not too much of rap for a remix. The pleasing orchestration and remix programming is an added advantage. Perfect number for dance floors.
On the whole, its an album that will be readily lapped up by Vijay fans and will appeal to all youth. On top of that, this is an album that will attract every music lover for its clean and neat presentation of songs.
Overall rating: 9/10
Verdict: Right on target
November 6, 2008
June 21, 2008
Vijay's Birthday Special Song
Thalapathy nu sollada
Thalai nimirndhu nillada
Thalapathy ku mele oru
Thalaivan inga illada
Vijay endru peru sonna Ilayathalapathy
Vijayanaaga villedutha Ilayathalapathy
Thanga chilai pola minnum Ilayathalapathy
Thamizhanuku perumai serkum Ilayathalapathy
Kidsu kellam superman
Maasukellam you're the one
Udan pirava oru annan Ilayathalapathy
Youthukellam sensation
Innum enna confusion
Thalaivaru na only one Ilayathalapathy
Kudumbathuku nalla pillai Ilayathalapathy
Tamizhnaatin chella pillai Ilayathalapathy
Kollywoodin diamond engal Ilayathalapathy
Vasoolile chakravarthy Ilayathalapathy
Pesuradhu avar pechu
Vaanguradhu avar moochu
Nenappu ellam avaraachu Ilayathalapathy
Padangal ellam pattasu
Sirippu kooda mathaapu
Punnagayaal ulagai vellum Ilayathalapathy
Aatam naa appadi podu Ilayathalapathy
Nee aadinaale azhagu thaane Ilayathalapathy
Pechu kooda saravedi thaan Ilayathalapathy
Nee nadamaadum deepavali Ilayathalapathy
Varapogudhu avar villu
Mathavanlaam thalli nillu
Jeyikum paaru avar dhillu Ilayathalapathy
Vaazhkaina vattam da
Thokuravan jeyipan da
All details he knows da Ilayathalapathy
Rasigargalin uyir moochu Ilayathalapathy
Rajinikadutha super staru Ilayathalapathy
Malayai pola uyarndhu nirkum Ilayathalapathy
Manangal ellam aatchi seiyum Ilayathalapathy
May 30, 2008
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