Malayalam Movie Vegam Review

 

Vegam comes across a low-key film with a hero, who is yet to build an identity, with a supporting cast who do not flourish a dazzling acting prowess. It brings together money, virtues, desperation of youth and spontaneous decisions which turn the course of life. Not something new, especially when the money gets packed in a bag and helpless youth find themselves scrambling after the bag. The showcase pieces of villains with huge tummies, twirled moustaches play together.


It is hard to write off Vegam as a brainless repetition of cliches for it does engage the viewer. However it happens not with a gripping consistency but certainly like the occasional, surprise breeze that brushes past our faces on a sultry day at the beach. Vineeth Kumar and Gregory gel together to play the trapped youth dreaming of richness with a vigour that is sometimes really absorbing.


Director Anilkumar works within his limits often affording a few scenes that fall way too short of professional filmmaking. Still he manages to grab the attention with a story that is pretty decently told. Vegam may not make for a blockbuster thriller, however it won't leave you hopelessly disappointed, if you really nurture a heart for films.
 

Bangalore Days Review

In her maiden film Manjadikkuru, writer­-director Anjali Menon explored the theme of homecoming. In her latest offering, Bangalore Days, she looks at the life of a few youngsters in Bangalore who are away from home.

Arjun (Dulquer Salmaan), Kuttan (Nivin Pauly) and Divya (Nazriya Nazim) are cousins, who arrive at Bangalore for various reasons. Arjun lives life on his own terms, Kuttan is a typical techie and Divya is married to Das (Fahadh Faasil), a high-­flying corporate executive.

The cousins go through turbulent times but it is their affection for each other that keep them going. They face situations mostly with a smile and their attitudes keep the viewers entertained in a big way.

At close to three hours the film is a bit too long and yes, the story being narrated is a pretty simple one for sure. But there are moments and incidents that any of the viewers can connect with, which is perhaps the strength of the film. The story goes along predictable lines, but it has been packaged in a chic way.

It’s never easy to handle three bright young heroes in a film, but Anjali does it with great elan. The characters and their stories have been written and executed in an impressive way. Sameer Thahir’s visuals are top notch and Gopi Sundar’s music is fine.

Fahadh Faasil, who had a sensational 2013, has his best role of the year so far and the hero is in full form. Nivin continues with his dream run after 1983 and Ohm Shaanthi Oshaana. In the film, he is the funniest of them all. Dulquer is back with a bang after some disappointing outings and looks absolutely stylish.

Among the girls, Nazriya is full of life and Parvathy comes up with another terrific performance. Isha Talwar and Nithya Menen have limited roles to play, but they suit their roles perfectly. The rest of the cast is good as well.

Bangalore Days is a young, vibrant film that is colourful and peppy. Grab a box of popcorn and enjoy this trip to Bangalore, the city of dreams for most Malayalis.