Vedhalam is yet another template mass masala film with few well etched out action sequences and feel-good moments but most of the time, the ship rests on the broad shoulders of Ajith, who single handedly makes us sit through the predictable potboiler.

The scale and rich historical importance is major plus point of director Gunasekhar’s laborious movie but the narration is quite ineffective. Despite Allu Arjun’s stellar show and Anushka’s hard work, Rudramadevi makes the movie a tedious watch post interval. But we should appreciate Gunasekhar for taking such effort to present us our rich Telugu history on to the screen.

A crisper script and a lighter directorial hand is what are missing here. Alas, it’s a fantasy film without any of the fun and excitement that ought to go with it. You wouldn’t mind a 3-hour film in fantasy genre even today, provided it has the power to keep you glued to the screen. In this case, the 154 minutes seem never-ending.

Verdict: Disappointing!

Technically, Ramji’s cinematography is top notch as he has used different colour tones according to the mood of the film. Colours like Brown, green and sea blue is used in each shot. Hip-Hop Aadhi’s background score is a major plus for the film and overall, Thani Oruvan is an engaging cinema that deserves your time.

Orange Mittaiis a crisp film with less melodrama and some genuine feel good moments while a little bit extra effort on the characterization and writing, it would have made a remarkable attempt.

Naalu Policeum Nalla Iruntha Oorum is yet another film where the core story is unique and novel but the execution falls short.

On the whole, Maari is sure to appeal to die-hard Dhanush fans. For others though, it’s strictly average entertainment.

As a director Rajamouli has grown leaps and bounds, his work is comparable with the best of talent in the world. His grip and mastery over visuals, VFX, and action episodes is exceptional. But he missed this time as he did not come up with a complete entertainer.

Papanasam is a faithful remake of Drishyam with an authentic local flavor and more detailing from the original!

…is a slice of life vibrant film which is sure to put a big smile on your face as you are stepping out of the movie hall. Well done Manikandan for making a truly international film which entertains and also shows what globalization has done to the poorest of the poor. It stimulates the one organ that popular Tamil cinema consistently ignores–the brain! Give it a chance and prepare to be dazzled.