#4 - Fav.Tamil Songs & Albums of 2012

It is almost the end of another glorious year & its time to look back at the things we did enjoy all these months.

As far Tamil Film Industry is concerned, there are primarily two legends in music....
Yes, U r right....

Its Maestro Ilayarja

& Isai Puyal A.R.Rahman

The thing is tat, my top 2 positions for the best album goes for

#1 - KADAL

                Directed by Mani Rathnam with Gautham & Thulasi Nair, it is a story based on the life of fishermen & this masterpiece is slated for release on Feb 1, 2013. Right before the original release of the ACD, there was a UNPLUGGED version of NENJUKKULE which created waves & Shaktishree Gopalan sky rocketed with a single track. Then came ELAY KEECHAN with a bang bearing the vocals of none other than A.R.R & after this the ACD was released two days prior to the original date due to the humungous reception by the audience & to prove the point the album was in the TOP 10 in iTunes. Other than these two tracks, there is another sweet duet "Moongil Thottam" which is a sweet lullaby  for youngsters & the old age group. The remaining tracks r catchy & pleasant making it the TOP ALBUM of 2012.

#2 - NEETHANE EN PONVASANTHAM

                 Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon with Jiiva & Samantha, it is a beautiful love story of a couple VARUN & NITHYA. Even though it was not well recieved by the audience, the songs were chartbusters coz of a single reason - MAGICAL TOUCH of Maestro. All songs topped the charts but my personal favorites were "Yennodu Va Va", "Katrai Konjam" & "Pidikala Mamu". Satru Munbu & Sayndhu Sayndhu r slow melodies while Mudhal Murai is filled with disappointment & rage. A perfect Album but it just fell short of the mighty KADAL.

I found the other albums interesting but all their tracks were not good.... So My  TOP 30 are given below. P.S - They are numbered randomly.

#1 - Oh Baby Girl - Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathiley (Achu)

#2 - Idhazin Oram - 3 (Anirudh)

#3 - Sollitale Ava Kadhala - Kumki (D.Imman)

#4 - Poda Podi Kadhalai Kadhalikiren - Poda Podi (Dharan)

#5 - Unnai Kannadha - Vishwaroopam (Shankar Ehsaan Loy)

#6 - Rettai Kathire - Maattrraan (Harris Jayaraj)

#7 - Google Google - Thuppaki (Harris Jayaraj)

#8 - Ambalaikum Pombalaikum - Kazhugu (Yuvan Shankar Raja)

#9 - Soi Soi - Kumki (D.Imman)

#10 - Nijamellam Marandhupochu - Ethir Neechal (Anirudh)

#11 - Oru Murai - Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal (G.V.Prakash Kumar)

#12 - Venam Macha Venam - OK OK (Harris Jayaraj)

#13 - Rekkai Mulaithen - Sundarapandian (Ragunathan)

#14 - Mogathirai - Pizza (Santhosh Narayanan)

#15 - Oru Paadhi Kadhavu - Thaandavam (G.V.Prakash Kumar)

#16 - Kutti Puli Kootam - Thuppaki (Harris Jayaraj)

#17 - Edho Oru Mayakam - Billa 2 (Yuvan Shankar Raja)

#18 - Manasellam Mazhai - Saguni (G.V.Prakash Kumar)

#19 - Vaayamudi Summa Iruda - Mugamoodi (K)

#20 - Global Gear (Radio Edit) Instrumental - Veena in Vienna

#21 - Azhaipaya Azhaipaya - Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Eppadi (Thaman)

#22 - Aaha Kadhal - Moondru Per Moondru Kadhal (Yuvan Shankar Raja)

#23 - Ethir Neechal ft Yo Yo Honey - Ethir Neechal (Anirudh)

#24 - Kalyanamam - Soorya Nagaram (Some random Guy)

#25 - Oh Sunandha - Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal (G.V.Prakash Kumar)

#26 - Po Nee Po - 3 (Anirudh)

#27 - Veesum Velichathile - Naan E (Another Random Guy)

#28 - Club le Mubbu le - Hip Hop Thamizhan (Adhi) (Pop)

#29 - Bhagvan Rap Song - Adhibhagvan (Yuvan Shankar Raja)

#30 - Makkayala - Naan (Vijay Antony)

There are other songs too which are good, but I have given my TOP 30 other than 2 full albums as mentioned earlier...

Author - Haridev (haridev@live.com) 

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#3 - My Fav Movies of 2012 - Tamil

Merry X'mas 

              Its been a great year for me & for some movies. I have to say that the audience have grown more than they used to be. There was a time when they would apt for mindless commercial flicks but nowadays they too need a strong plot to enjoy. After all MOVIES are for the audience to enjoy..!!!!

   

 This post is about the Tamil movies I enjoyed the whole year. The first half of the year, I used to go to ARRS MULTIPLEX, Salem with a bunch of my friends and we had a great reign there since 2008. After moving to Chennai, there was a multiplex which I consider to be the best in TAMILNADU. It has Dolby ATMOS, RDX - 3D, Pure Cinema & Auro 3D technology.  
                   

                     

Its the ESCAPE CINEMAS. Even though the cost per film is humongous, the pleasure n comforts makes it worth each & every time.

So lets get started....

#1 - MOUNAGURU 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKSPqxq-e9I


The movie released in the month of December, but I missed it due to the cast. Later a Jr.girl named Mithra told me about the movie & thanks to ARRS to screen it once again in the early Jan. So the movie was a thriller & it was mind blowing coz of the plot n stellar performance from Arulnidhi. Music was a mediocre one but Santhakumar, with his direction made it happen... Rating - (3.5/5).

#2 - NANBAN

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1YaqEIIQL8

After multiple flops from VIJAY, I had really lost all the confidence in his movies & even after watching "3 Idiots" a million times, I wanted to give it a try. Thx to Vijay Sr for getting me the tickets & I watched the spl.screening for free. It turned out to be a clean entertainer & I enjoyed the music & the hottie ILEANA D'Cruz.
Vijay tried to copy Aamir's acting style but in vain. Music was peppy n fresh and the visuals were incredible.... Rating - (3.75/5).

#3 - VETTAI

Trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I7bZPpveUE

After Nanban, I loved watching VETTAI not the film but the fun we had in the theater. Raj Vignesh & me were predicting the screenplay and we were proved to possess psyche powers. :D Loved Amala Paul & Sameera.... OMG... Haaaawwwwwwwttttt....

#4 - MARINA

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RIsYpZ9kPA

The first month got over & it was the month of Valentine & I was pretty sure some good movies would release. Midst of all the movies, one stood out & it was about the life of kids who live & work @Marina beach. Good show from Pandiraj for producing such a value based movie.... Rating - (3.5/5).

#5 - DHONI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrrNceItSx8

A great attempt by Prakash Raj but unfortunately it failed to bloom at the box offfice. Simple plot but filled with lots of emotions especially the last two scenes. Maestro's Music was another plus.... Rating (3/5).

#6 - KADHALIL SODHAPUVADHU EPPADI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOjsXN51OoE

Wow.... Just loved it... The first movie I ever went with ma MBA friends & they loved it too.... Real time plot & it was full of fun & joy.... Kathir should remember the things happened n it was closely related to everyone who r/were/going to be in so called LOVE..... Rating - (3.75/5).

#7 - MUPPOZHUDHUM UN KARPANAIGAL

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Sy2lpLzCo

Horrible & stupid movie. But I enjoyed it coz of the pranks we made n the awesome OST by G.V.Prakash Kumar. David had a great fight after that movie with this GF n it was fun watching as he was getting jacked n later I got jacked too by YOU KNOW WHO...!!!! Rating - (1/5).

#8 - KAZHUGU

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7d59MikTOM

Watched this flick with ma GF n I was flying high coz of the happiness n it was an apt movie.... Incredible Visuals n story. Different ending n i just loved Thambi Rammaiah.... Watched it twice, the second time with the guys coz only a guy can really understand the deepest meaning of this movie.... Rating - (3.5/5).

#9 - 3 ( MOONU)

Trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlTW73nx_mo

Wuf.. Still remember the nasty fight with ma GF over this movie. She went for the  movie with her friends leaving me since I went on a trip with ma buddies. Later watched it with ma school guys n Loved it coz of Dhanush's acting & Anirudh's mesmerizing music. Rating - (3.5/5).

#10 - ORU KAL ORU KANNADI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evd-qQv6WEI

Watched this movie @ a sick pathetic theater with a spl friend. Mindless plot but worth watching for SANTHANAM n HARRIS's music. Hanshika was weird somehow n I dono exactly what made me to think like that..!!! Rating - (2.5/5).

#11 - VAZHAKKU EN 18/9

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqX1tSlhmME

A really good plot filled with suspense & a beautiful story... Eventhough the OST was absent, the BGM pushed the plot & it was genuine attempt by Balaji Shaktivel who gave us KADHAL & KALLORI..... Rating - (3.5/5).

#12 - THADAYARA THAKKA

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EluusME9prI

Arun's film - was hoping nothing from it n to my surprise it was really engaging.... Slick plot with deep n intense suspense with some mild music from THAMAN. Rating - (3.75/5).

With this the first half of 2012 got over n I moved to chennai for pursuing MBA @Madras Univ and there was a beautiful life waiting for me there....

#13 - MAALAI POZHUDHIN MAYAKATHILEY

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmNEQ4bXoGo

Even though the first movie I watched in Chennai was "The Dark Knight Rises", this was the first tamil movie I ever watched in Escape Cinemas. I was amazed by the theater's features n decided to watch the movies there henceforth. The movie was of low budget but it made me happy coz of the music n a plot filled with love & emotions. Oh Baby Girl song became viral n it turned out to be my song of the year. Rating - (3.85/5).

#14 - NAAN

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYTDbty5cxw

After some series of stupid movies like BILLA 2, saw this one with an open mind since it was the first movie of VIJAY ANTONY... Hats off to him for pulling off a great play putting limelight over IDENTITY THEFT which usually happens n its a serious issue too.... Makayala Makayala song was catchy n it ruined all of my classmates :D.... Rating - (3.75/5).

#15 - SUNDARAPANDIAN

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcZnn1SkGI

Another great movie from Sasi yet I watched it in ma phone.... S2.... Loved the breezy plot n songs.... It completed 100 days n tat proves my point.... Lakshmi menon was cute.... Rating - (3.85/5).

#16 - THAANDAVAM

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRZuQkShMaM

After Rajapattai, I was scared to go to a Vikram flick yet I booked the first day tickets for Richi Bro n me coz of the songs & the reputation of the director. Even though the movie was slow as evolution, it had its moments. Had a tough moment to decide the nature of the movie...Nice OST from G.V.P n visuals.... Rating - (3/5).

#17 - MAATTRRAAN

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L5aWAfjxXY

The movie sucked but I enjoyed the certain parts n the songs.... Unwanted movie in Suriya's career.... Rating - (1/5).

#18 - PIZZA

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y42Mo8K5a3Q

Absolute entertainer.... Typical low budget movie yet it turned out to be one of the biggest blockbuster of the year.... Vijay Sethupathi's stellar performance n the creepy scenes were a huge plus.... Superstitious beliefs are ought to be exploited - crux of the movie.... A great ending & I it was a delight watching this one.... Rating - (4.25/5).

#19 - THUPPAKI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW_j4pNvG98

OMG.... Racy commercial movie n the second tamil movie to cross the 100 Cr mark... Still running in many of the screens.... Success was due to racy screenplay, music n the apt time DIWALI to release the movie.... No wonder if it gets the award for the ENTERTAINER of the year.... Rating - (4/5).

#20 - PODA PODI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvDsWXfyTXY

A great movie INDEED but failed to shine due to the wrong timing of the release date.... If it was released any other time, it would have been a hit.... Whole state was busy watching Thuppaki and they forgot that this ever released. Anyone with pure heart would love this one coz its tat good.... PODA PODI song became ma fav song to me & Afoo... Poda Podi - Kadhalai Kadhalikiren.... Rating - (4/5).

#21 - NADUVLA KONJAM PAKKATHA KANOM

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtEZYxaAXow

Thx to Amuthan who made me to watch this one.... Simple plot yet exciting n funny.... Still running in packed screens.... Give it a try n u wont regret it.... "Ennachu...?" U ll just love it.... Rating - (4/5).

#22 - NEERPARAVAI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGqRle0F0vE

Another good movie about the lives of fisherman & their hurdles but its kinda boring.... DONO WHY..? Maybe I didnt have a interest to watch it.... Kudos to Sunaina for a de-glam role.... Rating - (3/5).

#23 - KUMKI

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2DXqnGlio4

Probably the best movie of 2012, a story about the true bond between a man & an elephant ruined by the selfishness.... Brilliant cinematography, fresh music & touching climax.... Due to poor funding, the VFX r pretty bad, but tats not an issue... is it..? Loved this one n my mom cried at the end coz she loves animals like  me.... FYI: I didnt cry.... :D Rating - (4.5/5).

#24 - NEETHANE EN PONVASANTHAM

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRzQq4HsWB4

After waiting for literally for 14-16 months, was able to watch with one of the STAR CAST of the film.... Yeah.. With JENNY.... I was not at all disappointed coz I'm a huge fan of Gautham's movies.... Stellar performance by Jiiva & Samantha.... Incredible OST from Maestro but BGM sucked big time.... The last 20 mins felt draggy but its due to deep detailing of the plot.... This movie is not for everyone.... Give it a try with an open mind... U may like it.... Rating - (3.5/5).

         Thats it guys.... 24 movies(TAMIL) stand out for me.... There is another one which is to release this friday "SAMAR".... I dont have a clue abt tat.... So lets wait & See.... Advance New year Wishes....

Author - Haridev (haridev@live.com) 

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#2 Rise of the Guardian Movie Review HD

@6 Degrees, Sathyam Cinemas 

            After a hectic day dealing with my first SEM exam results, I made up my mind to relax with an anticipated animated flick. Before I could do so, I had a series of obstacles like the silly LAB class till 6 & the EPIC CHENNAI TRAFFIC. After dropping Mr.Professor(Balamurugan) @Nandanam (Sorry Rushanth.... Couldnt attend the function), drove with breaking atleast 8 traffic rules and reached ON time @Sathyam Cinemas.... 

            After locating the seat, I decided to grab something to eat since I didnt eat anything the whole day. Before I could do anything they started screening the 3D trailers which I never miss. As the movie started, right from the first frame I knew that It would amuse me & IT DID. FYI the movie had AURO 3D sound technology which I was expecting to experience with Kamal sir's Vishwaroopam. 

          When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.Rise of the Guardians is based on an original children's book series by William Joyce, who produced the film along with Guillermo Del Toro. The books were inspired by the author's 6-year-old daughter when she asked him if Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny knew each other.It creates an original formula that goes against certain expectations. Perhaps one improvement in potential sequels would be to focus more centrally on Santa (or "Nicholas St. North"), but Jack Frost's story is incredibly touching and I found it clever how it parallels the antagonist's motives. The film is slow to start but picks up at a fast pace with non-stop action. By the end, the entire movie theater was in applause.I know the feeling of being alone and feeling like I'm invisible/under appreciated/ignored/looked down upon. I would defiantly recommend it to any age, it gives you a total blast to the past of being a kid by bringing together all of the childhood hopes and dreams you had before they were crushed. The animations was excellent, the storyline was so sweet, and I can not wait to hear if there is going to be a second movie or not.Rise of the Guardians is a cute, adventurous, and heartwarming family film that focuses on hanging on to the best thing about childhood belief.

 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all. The Kids would just love it so if u have a family, do make it during the weekend. Watch it in THEATERS as it is meant to be & PREVENT PIRACY. 

Rating - 3.75/5.

Author - Haridev (haridev@live.com) 

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#1 Music Review - Ethir Neechal

Direction : Senthil

Music : Anirudh Ravichander

Producer : Dhanush

Starring : Sivakarthikeyan, Priya Anand, Nandita

   

                        
                     After the humongous success of "3", Anirudh has been in the limelight & now he has struck with a great album - ETHIR NEECHAL. Produced by the National Award Winning Actor, Dhanush - is a feel good romantic story. 

                       Anirudh came out with a blowing comment that "Tracks of Ethir Neechal will be better than 3". Tats self appraisal n the credibility is low. Is that comment anywhere near the fact.? Yes INDEED. But it's partial. The Album is composed of 6 tracks of each one stands apart with some already topping the charts.

#1 - Nijamellam Maranthupochu - Dhanush, Anirudh 

                        As the opening track, its electrifies with lots of instruments & weird sounds. Sounding different, the song can be closely related to a club music rather than a romantic number. Vocals are pretty clear but there is nothing to enjoy other than the lyrics because of the synthesized voice. Dhanush's lyrics is really catchy n music is peppy. FYI: You are in for a surprise when you tune it for the first time.

#2 - Boomi Enna Suthudhe - Anirudh

                      This track will be close to your hearts especially if u keep hearing it on REPEAT. Anirudh tried singing this song which is pretty different like a school boy voice which is likely good. The composition will make you tap your feet.This song will be a fun song among youngsters. Job well done.

#3 - Local Boys - Dhanush and Velmurugan

                         Get ready for another kuthu song combo from Anirudh and Dhanush. Will be completely a mega hit among youths. Velmurugan did a hype vocal for this song which will be a good masala mix for a commercial kuthu song. The beats will surely tumble you to dance. The naathaswaram and another adding music will be tremendously powerful among youngsters to make a great kuthu dance. Expecting the visuals to be more apt rather like the sluggish one KOLAVERI.

#4 - Velicha Poove - Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal

                         Finally, A duet song..!!!! Vaali Sir's presence with the words is felt well. After Po Nee Po from movie 3, Mohit Chauhan joins Anirudh for this soft melodious love song. The feel from the lyric are good. Shreya Ghoshal did a decent job but her vocal leads in a different way. The chorus part which disturbs a little but the bgm makes us go in a narrow path with a decent music score. Visuals will do the rest of the work to show more effective. Impressive.

#5 - Un Paarvayil - Anirudh, Vivek Siva

                        Un Paarvayil is likely to be used as a background score for it has some of the most emotional compositions in the album. A good doze of strings, flutes and textbook percussion put the song up for listening. The tone is generally quick and there is only a verse of words to accompany them. You might as well mark this one as an instrumental. All the while, you wonder if you have listened to any of it in the past.

#6 - Ethir Neechal - Anirudh feat. YOYO Honey Singh and Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi

                        Anirudh again is right in the middle of things.He has the more realistic lines and makes sure his voice gets all the attention it can. Meanwhile, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Aadhi( My College Senior) are more like special props that jump in for a short duration and try to impress.You wouldn't get anything significant out of trying to understand the message of the song. Instead, you just sit back and listen in to the variety of things that's on show. It's hard to get hold of every little details in the song, for there are far too many instruments and mixing involved. But after a few listerns, you will start to appreciate the effort of the song. It's certainly one of a kind, and worthy of the man who gave us the Kolaveri fever.

      To Sum it up, Ethir Neechal re-introduces us to Anirudh's refreshing instrumentals and quick-impact music. The lyrics are natural for most of its part, and will be liked by the youth. Our man Anirudh deserves a pat on his back for all his effort and will have a lot of promising music to offer in the upcoming years.

Author - Haridev (haridev@live.com) 

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