sudarshan-47109

Watched the Tamil Dubbed Malayalam Movie 'Padakkalam'.

Recommended by my niece, I went in with absolutely no expectations. All she said was, "It's unique and enjoyable" - and that was spot on.

The movie is refreshingly original and thoroughly entertaining. I usually avoid reading about a film before watching, so I was open to surprises. For a moment, I thought it was heading into the horror genre, only to discover it's a supernatural comedy-thriller!

The depiction of friendship stood out. The narrative kept me engaged throughout with no dull moments. As the story unfolds with twists and turns, emotional scenes seamlessly transition into bursts of comedy. Just like Guilty Minds felt like an Indianized version of Suits, this movie reminds one of Jumanji in spirit, though the plot and story are entirely different.

It's a bold attempt, with a unique storyline, screenplay, and direction. The team has pulled it off successfully. The film dives straight into the plot, holds your attention, and never lets go. A well-made, distinctly different movie that's worth watching.

Watched the Tamil film Eleven and walked away with mixed feelings.

To start with the strengths, the movie is gripping from the midpoint till the end. The narrative unfolds one twist after another, pulling the viewer deeper into the story. Abirami's storytelling stands out, structured, immersive and paced well. The hero, with his stoic expressions, fits the role perfectly and adds to the film's serious tone.

However, the first half is very slow. It could have been fastened a bit. No, not just a bit, a lot. The pacing drags and tests patience before the story picks up momentum. While suspense exists, it does not allow the viewer to play detective. The plot twist comes not with shock but with an air of detachment. The heroine's portrayal was a letdown. Her performance felt like theatre rather than cinema. There was emotional weight in the voice, possibly dubbed, but the acting lacked conviction and polish.

What resonates deeply is the emotional exploration of childhood trauma and its lifelong echoes. The school day flashbacks touch a universal nerve. While no one would ever condone the killer's actions, the film invites empathy, not justification, for how a disturbed mind is shaped.

Eleven may not be perfect but it attempts to probe the fragile line between pain and violence. Despite its flaws, it is engaging and thought provoking. It is a family watch that sparks reflection and discussion.

Watched Crash - 2004 Oscar Winning Movie. This isn't a thriller, but a powerful human drama that starts with a literal crash and unfolds through the intertwined lives of everyday people in Los Angeles.

What makes it stand out is its portrayal of human complexity. People do good or bad things, sometimes by choice, sometimes involuntarily, and often due to circumstance. A single act doesn't define a person.

The film shows that goodness and badness coexist within us, shaped by experience, values, and unseen battles. It's not a dark movie, but one that quietly urges us to reflect on our assumptions and reactions.

As I often tell my children, everyone you meet is carrying a burden you can't see. Crash doesn't offer easy answers. It simply holds up a mirror and asks us to look within.

After the movie, it made me ask myself:

• Do I react because of circumstance or my attitude?

• Did I inadvertently ignore something completely?

• While I'm humane, am I doing other things the right way?

• Is there a weakness in me that crosses the line?

• Can I just blame it on circumstance for a bad-value act?

A deeply human and thought-provoking experience.