Pachaikili Muthucharam

Going into this movie, I guess most people are attracted to the fact that this is a "Gautham Menon" film - the director who brought us "Minnale", "Kaakha Kaakha" and "Vettaiyadu Villayadu". Most people like the first two, and I find people divided on the last (personally, I found the movie very interesting until maybe the last 25-30 minutes, but still worth watching, if you ask me). The director certainly has laurels to attract an audience, but he comes up quite short here.

A quick synopsis of the story - Venkatesh (Sarath Kumar) is a happily married man, comfortable in his middle-class existence with wife and child, until his family life begins to go south when his son is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. He can't connect with his wife the way he used to, and befriends Geeta (Jyothika) on his daily train commute. How his life comes crashing down afterward forms the rest of the story (I have to admit, it sounds much better on paper than it translates on screen).

I appreciate the fact that he cast Sarath Kumar, who typically doesn't play to a Gautham Menon audience, and he brings a lot to the role, but the screenplay leaves a lot to be desired, and I don't see this movie connecting with the Tamil audience (and apparently it didn't, it flopped quite badly from what I hear). What irks me the most, though, is that Gautham Menon thinks he can copy off Hollywood movies and pass it off as original and fresh in India. Wake up, Mr. Menon, everyone watches Hollywood movies - I didn't even have to see "Derailed" (starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston) to know that this was a rip-off - I only watched the trailer! Even "Kaakha Kaakha" had its climax scene ripped off of the David Fincher directed "Seven" (which is quite good, recommend checking it out).

And what's with the score? The same tune is played over and over again throughout the movie, and its repetitive and annoying. Not to mention the fact that, again, one part of the score is ripped off of the Hollywood movie "Forrest Gump" - listen to that movie's theme music and you'll know what I mean. I find it hard to believe that we Tamilians cannot come up with some original ideas.

Though many are quite upset with the film, I'm quite impressed.

First of all, I would say Sarath Kumar was apt for the role. Though he's not an excellent actor, when compared to Cheran or Madhavan (who were approached to do this role before him) he's a better choice.

Jyothika, a very good actress, has done her role well, except for some places.

I felt that Andrea's performance was better than that of Jyothika's.

Dialogues were good in most of the places. Direction could have been better. Camera was good. Editing was good too. Music was nice.

Though Gautam Vasudev Menon said that Sarath Kumar was wrong for the film, I would surely say that this is a landmark film in Sarath Kumar's career.

The climax was a bit disappointing with the action scenes....but as the previous reviewer mentioned....this is an Indian movie! the director had to compromise if he still has a chance to make this movie a success.

but the fight sequences were suspenseful as well. given gautham's capability of making movies with a tragic ending (kakkha kakkha), you never could guess what was in store!

this is one of the best Tamil movies I've ever seen. unfortunately, i am forced to agree with the previous comment. i don't see it being successful for a typical Indian audience. in fact. even a major section of the audience i saw it with here in Chicago hated it! maybe they weren't really able to relate with it. i think the theme is a bit too mature for an average teenager or a guy in his early 20's to relate with. maybe the movie should come with a PG 25 rating! :)

a pity...but I'm not sure if a typical college going kid will be able to relate with this movie.

but, if you think Tamil movies don't have class...see this one. and pardon gautham for the action sequences at the end. without that, he dint have a ghost of a chance to make this a success! the camera work was superb...it wasn't about special effects, but about brilliantly capturing the life of a typical upper middle class person in tamilnadu...the close up shots were amazing. distinctly different from anything at least i have seen before.

and Andrea...ooomph!

brilliant performances. never knew that even sharath kumar can act! don't miss this. but if you are expecting a typical run of the mill entertainment...save your money and see pokiri...:)

Another stylish movie from gvm but slightly disappointed Sarath fit for his role but my choice is Kamal or madhavan...andriya perfect role & perfect acting...jothika asusual done his job..other characters also good.. music is the strength.. Harris bgm awesome songs another plus..cinematography another plus... climax is the main disappointed.. but engaging entertainer

PKMC - Mr. Menon must have been really tired working with Kamal for V V. The consequence are clearly seen in PKMC. Apart from the fact that it is a remake of DERAILED, the film showcases the weakness and lethargic approach in direction which is not seen in 'kahka kahka'. One can hardly see any neutral shots in the film. Hand held shots does give a candid feel but not every time. I have seen Aravind Krishna(D.O.P) doing a role in kandukondein kandukondein in which he operates camera for marriage receptions, i see the same effect here too. It was like watching a wedding video. Well, esthetics and shot-divisions are exclusively director's perception, but one should also admit that a good paper can be converted to a good celluloid only when the right combinations are used. Writer/ Director Gautham menon should however be praised for the dialogues, the only best part in the film. Every piece is memorable but had western color.

Editing is pretty decent but eclipsed due to poor shot selections. Harris Jeyaraj, the current heart-throb should come out of his shell. A director can be identified by his way and style of film-making, because he has the cushion of doing it with different characters and artists every time, but not the music director. He has to be different and innovative every time. Harris's original score not only gives the audience a 'deja vu' feel but also 'Why is that i hear the same in every movie of his'?' thought. His background score is better comparatively. For someone who has a strong memory and were moved by a piece in 'Samurai' (that's Harris's too) they can hear the same here too. Just the same!

The casting is also a weaker section in PKMC. Except Jothika and Milind Soman (Awesome lip sync) nobody is impressive. Andre who is full of colours in the second half, showed a stiff face in the first. She carried a small smile in her face through out the first half which is a trait for any newcomer, Director should have taken extra care. Sarath Kumar, the protagonist's performance is below par. Sarath will be the best when he don roles like Natamai. I cannot take the 'so called' fact that he is underplayed. A scene where kalyani cries out "kaila 600 rooba than iruthathu" i expected some top class reaction from Sarath. Both the Director and the actor let me down. I'm not thrilled or surprised to see Jothika's acting. It's a known fact that she is THE best actor at present.

P.S. It is not a taboo that all films should be criticised to prove a single point that a review writer is intelligent and well-informed about the films than the director. It is the result of the juxtaposition of other films that the director had directed with the present one. We saw a new light in 'Khaka Khaka' which was fading in 'Vaytaiyadu Vilaiyadu' and now it is a complete black out.

BOTTOM LINE: Pachai Kili Muthu Charam - A necklace with counterfeit pearls!!!