In the run-up to Diwali, anything and everything was about Mersal. In his latest film, Vijay takes on three roles and a whole lot of controversies all in one go. It’s a different role, alright. One that sets him up for his future ambitions (whatever that maybe).
Read here: Finding An Identity – The Rise Of Vijay As A Tamil Superstar
It has also made him the cynosure of all eyes. The Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Tamizhisai Soundarrajan demanded the removal of scenes criticising PM Narendra Modi from the film, and it looked like the producers would acquiesce to her demands. They’ haven’t so far.
We needed a breather, and Netflix served us right. From Our Souls At Night to Aankhon Dekhi, we explore the less mainstream films that the streaming giant has to offer its audience.
Read Here: Slightly Off Mainstream – 7 Lesser Known Gems On Netflix
Vishal Krishna, in his capacity as President of the Tamil Film Producers’ Council has made some bold declarations and announced some bolder initiatives since he took on the post. The question remains – has the actor done what he promised?
Read Here: Vishal Krishna As President Of TFPC – A Report Card
Vadivelu loves the memes that involve him and says that Tamil film culture can survive only if it embraces digital media.
Deepavali may have become a festival all about big budget releases and unhealthy star competition now. But, some decades ago, the scenario was quite different.
Read Here: When Deepavali Was Not About Big Budget Releases
The celebrations for Vijay’s Mersal began in earnest earlier this week. There was the usual paal abhishekam and a whole lot of bursting crackers.
Read Here: Mersal FDFS – King Size Celebrations For Vijay’s Film
The alleged rivalry between Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan may have provided fodder for many tabloids. But, there’s no truth to the rumours.
Read Here: Story Of A Friendship That Never Faltered
On Diwali day, Gautham Menon finally revealed the name of the composer of his Enai Nokki Paayum Thota. Darbuka Siva is every bit the nomad he says he is, and it certainly must have been a tough task restraining him from soaking up all the adulation.
Read Here: Interview With Mr X – An Interview With Darbuka Siva
Mersal and Apoorva Sagodharargal may seem similar on the surface. But, that doesn’t mean that one film is a copy of the other.
Read Here: Mersal Vs Apoorva Sagodharargal – Similar Plotline But Different Treatment
Dharamshala International Film Festival is the brainchild of Ritu Sarin. In a special interview, she talks about her vision for the future and her upcoming films.
Read Here: Ritu Sarin Interview
When The New York Times broke the story on how Harvey Weinstein coerced, harassed, abused, assaulted and even raped scores of women and silenced them by using his power and money, we at Silverscreen were momentarily stumped as to how to cover this news. As more and more women came forward with horrifying stories of how they were terrorised by an entitled, misogynistic man that Hollywood has nursed, fed and turned into a monstrous form of patriarchy, the initial shock led to anger, then tired resignation and tacit admission that this is something not new or surprising.
Read Here: Women, Cinema & Sexism
Reviews:
Mersal Review – Because Vijay was on-screen, and when there’s a hero as big as Vijay, nobody else needs do anything.
Not even A.R Rahman, whose music for the film must count as one of his least inspiring ones.
As a film, Mersal does what it sets out to do, entertain the audience, and make Deepavali a festival if not of lights, at least of sounds.
Meyaadha Maan Review – If not for Vivek Prasanna and Induja, Meyaadha Maan would just end up in the league of movies that have an idea but don’t quite know what to do with it.
Recommended
Golmaal Again Review – Golmaal Again, makes for a decent watch if you are cool with a long first half, and a dark and confusing second half. It’s a film that would appeal to many just because it belongs to the “oh-so-funny” Golmaal franchise and if you are looking to kick back this weekend. If not for the obnoxious five, watch it for the supporting cast, the real heroes of this mish-mash.
Secret Superstar Review – Secret Superstar is yet another Aamir Khan film that serves as a lesson on making a perfect feel-good drama using all stereotypes available. The Muslim father is a wife-beater and the divorce lawyer is a stern-faced feminist whom men despises. The first song that Insiya uploads on her YouTube channel goes viral, and every nasty character she encounters in life (barring her dad), turn out to be good-hearted people. Yet, Secret Superstar soars high, thanks to the performances, and the intelligent editing that structures the narrative with perfect pauses and punches.