[doctorzlo]

http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/12/28/s...2800800100.htm

The Fab Five of 2006

SUDHISH KAMATH takes a critical look at the top five films.

5 : Sillunnu Oru Kaadhal: Director Krishna's debut reminds you of the rawness Mani Ratnam showed in the early phase of his career. The film is exceptionally good in parts and terrible when the director tries to sneak in Vadivelu and his brand of humour. But for such unwarranted speed-breakers, this leisurely paced film is an interesting watch, just about beating newcomer Vasantha Balan's "Veyil" for the slot. "Veyil" has an infinitely superior first half, but the second half ridden with nearly four songs in less than 30 minutes completely ruins the flow of the narrative.

4 : Pudupettai: Like "Veyil," this one too has an absolutely riveting first half. But the gangster saga loses steam and focus halfway through with its soap-operatic sub-plots before it redeems itself with a half-decent end. Though "Pattiyal" had a more cohesive narrative, Vishnuvardhan's gangster film did not have the rawness and realism that Selvaraghavan brought to the table. Had Selvaraghavan ended "Pudhupettai" at the interval point with the stage set for a sequel, it might have been the film of the year.





"Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu"

3 : Imsai Arasan 23 Pulikesi: The period setting in the time of rowdy films came as a whiff of fresh air. Hats off to Simbudevan and director Shankar to actually go ahead and make a film out of a script that many would've dismissed as a spoofy stage play. Vadivelu rises to the occasion, sparkling with comic timing and absolutely revelling in a role no one else could've played.

2 : E: If not for the cheesy visual effects in the end (the same used to publicise the movie), Jhananathan's take on biological warfare and its relevance in the Third World actually makes for serious cinema. With brilliant performances from Jeeva and Pasupathy, "E" has an engaging, fast-paced narrative and the raw energy of the streets.

1 :Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu: Yes, this is not half as good as "Kaakha Kaakha," especially with its weak villains. Yet, Gautham's cop-versus-killer thriller has to be the pick of the lot with a rather tight narrative but for the romantic deviation, a super-refined Kamal Hassan underplaying a super-cop role, energetic cinematography and creative editing. A worthy sequel but for the unevenly poised rivals: Experienced super-cop takes on two medical schoolboys? However, in the context of other films made this year, Gautham can walk away with his head held high. "Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu"' is the movie of the year.



:P