POWER PANDI - movie review!

POWER PONDI

2017 Tamil movie has an unusual modern  theme . It depicts the story of the 64 year old widower POWER PONDI ( the unlikely hero) a movie stunt master feeling something missing in his life and leaves the house without the knowledge of his son, daughter in law and 2 lovely grandchildren. He leaves on his motor bike with Rs 25 lacs from his account on a road trip. He meets other older men on motorbike by the roadside who have left their families on a similar mission.

He reminiscences his ‘first love’ to them, how she had made an impact on him in just 2 days, of how her dad whisked her away to Madurai and blocked all their  puppy love. The road side acquaintances show him how to use face book and he sends a message to his first flame Revathy who is now in Hyderabad and makes a date to meet her in a restaurant.

The story attains a higher plane at this stage of how 2 elderly people ( she is a widow too ) talk of pent up feelings over the years, how their own children meet them together and accept the truth of romantic friendship between the two parents who are now single.

Movie reminded me of 'Wild Hogs' when you see the motor bikers in wind cheaters by the roadside!

Danush the director / story writer is a bit confused if the story is about the grown up, married children being harsh on elder patients ( because the son and DIL are quite good to Power Pondi and treat him well!).

I am assuming the director wants to focus on how the elderly also have great memories and strong feelings - wanting to lead their lives , not just be a shadow on their grown up, married children. If the focus indeed is on the active life of the elderly people, ( I am  hoping so) then it is a great theme!

Conversation between Revathi and her daughter when talking of the former’s old flame is quite revealing ( serious on Revathi’s side; playful and non judgemental on the daughter’s side!) on how the youth of today want the elderly to live well and be happy too.

Also the conversations of the neighbouring youth ( an useless, good for nothing chap) with Power Pondi are very casual and lively all the time ; the neighbour helps the elderly hero to sneek into the grandchildren’s feelings of sorrow when the old man is missing! The youthful heroine Madonna acts with finesse.

A great social movie, but I wish Danush had sat down to focus on which theme  - the one I feel should be on the active lives of elderly middle class people in Tamil nadu!

I will not be surprised if the debut director soon explores on newer themes such as live in relationships in modern life in the youth and elderly.

Or would that been too modern for our traditional public?

ADE KANGAL ( 2017) Tamil Movie

ADE KANGAL (Same Eyes)

ADHE KANGAL  ( Same Eyes)- Tamil movie released on 26 Jan 2017 with new casts. Initially what appears to be a triangle turns out to be a thriller.

Director has paid attention to young new actors who appear to be modern commoners we meet every day!

Blindness and woman empowerment are showcased  well.

Hero is blind initially, but successful as an entrepreneur with culinary skills.  Apart from this he plays no major role.  Most of the movie including the kicking and killing! is dominated by woman power!

Modern woman's mind is revealed aptly when Sadhana rejects the suitor quite abruptly when she finds his mind wandering; she appears practical even when it comes to marriage.

Deepa is also shown in a tough role with independent thinking and plotting while on the run.

The most jovial chap of course  is Constable Panju who makes the whole movie so deliciously palatable. A real 'paavam' police constable from Kanyakumari plays his innocent, comic role to the hilt till the very end.

The style of narration and story line reminds one of Soudhan -  the Hindi TV series of true police diaries!

It is reassuring to see good quality, modern movies in Tamil with novel thinking and showcasing of women empowerment by directors with minimal songs and no fighting!