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b dot rangan at gmail dot com

108 Responses “Contact” →
  1. http://forumhub.mayyam.com/hub/viewtopic.php?t=14466&start=0

    An interesting discussion on theology in Kamal’s films here. If you are interested, go through and if a between reviews materialises on it, would be great. But I guess br also has to be current so I might have to wait for some group to lynch kamal to get you to do a br on it 🙂

    Like

  2. Hey, do you actually read these stuff?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. You mean the link above? I went through it a bit, though I guess I had far more time to idle-browse and idle-debate when I was actually employed by someone else and was wasting their time. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks for posting Raj. A good discussion on Mani too..
    http://forumhub.mayyam.com/hub/viewtopic.php?p=2181171#2181171
    Who are these people, do they comment here? 😛

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  5. “though I guess I had far more time to idle-browse and idle-debate when I was actually employed by someone else and was wasting their time.”

    Sorry to unnecessarily prolong the comments section of a post that’s not actually one, but this one is so precisely put. Touché! enga life history ‘yavE reNdu vArththaila soltInga sir.

    Like

  6. hi,sir,i am From Hyderabad, i read your Articles on films,in indian express.i want to see scince fiction films, i like very much of scince fiction,because i strongly belive our NextBirth(Rebirth) is also in other planets,other galaxies,;where that planet Aliens live without polution,(they not use petrol,desil;they use solar energy) in that planets Aliens are looking so beautiful compare to us; God creates notonly our Dirty planets,he also created Good world’s for who people doing Good karma at present life; sir please send your response to me ,thank u.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi
    Looking forward for your review for “Good Night Good Morning”
    chrs

    Like

  8. Hi,
    One of the idle browsing/idle debating members from Mayyam/Hub despite being employed by myself 🙂

    Got to know that you are ‘In discussion’with THE Kamal Hassan on 20th at landmark.

    Would be interested in seeing a complete video of the same.Kindly oblige.

    Like

  9. my shortfilm called “nadigan” enjoy it
    http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=105737616135656

    Like

  10. do u have a review on the movie 15 park avenue?

    Like

  11. I thought you might like this piece on a famous writer, who wrote about another revered writer and writing.

    http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/11/the-only-time-gabriel-garcia-marquez-saw-ernest-hemingway/

    Like

  12. Interesting read, though would post my column once I watch the movie (intend to do so by end of this week).

    Like

  13. saw ur article on sunday hindu, regarding margali season. humorous. nicely written

    Like


  14. Yashwantwirle@ovi.com

    February 14, 2012

    Sir. Plz muze film me kaam do na plz

    Like

  15. Sir, plz i am intersted in film work as ( actor ) help us for the job…

    Like


  16. Ashish Jha

    March 17, 2012

    Why haven’t you reviewed Paan Singh Tomar? I’m curious to see your comments, though i myself hv liked the film.

    Like

  17. Dear Baradwaj Rangan,

    I don’t know if this the the right place to ask this question, i haven’t found any other section in your website to post a general question.

    Most of the reviews you write are about Hindi, English and Tamil films. But there are really wonderful films made across the world every year, for example last year alone there were many beautiful films got made like: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Turkey) Elena (Russia) Pina (Germany) Turin Horse (Hungary)etc. Why are you not writing about it and introducing these gems to the large no of people who read your reviews?

    I am asking this from a deep feeling that we are loosing the finer taste of appreciating great cinema, and moved into an age of celebrating mediocrity. i sincerely wish critics like you could make a difference if you write about great films made in rest of the world. Cinema is alive and kicking beyond Hollywood, Bollywood, Kollywood……people should know about it.

    Thanks
    Hari

    Like

  18. sir, see leelai. nice but with mistakes

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  19. The Dark Knight Rises, Mr. Baradwaj Rangan. Get your literary nuts cracking up.

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  20. Buddy, fire your book’s coverpage designer and the title. Clearly in the lines of this one:

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  21. Not sure where else to post this. Wonder if you have read this piece? http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/08/a-critics-manifesto.html#ixzz2633DAtQu

    Like

  22. no review of raaz3?

    Like


  23. Amandeep Singh

    November 24, 2012

    Hi,

    We’re interested in advertising on your blog / website. Let me know if you’re interested in discussing further about it.

    Thanks

    Amandeep singh

    Like

  24. Just finished reading your book, it was a great pleasure especially the Iruvar part was fantastic (It’s my favorite film of Mani Ratnam). I am very glad you did this. My heartiest thanks/wishes to you.
    I have some questions to ask, since you are also a screen writer, I thought of posting this question-
    When you were asking Mani about the screenwriting, he said ‘His screenplay will be more structured where as Hasini’s will be free flowing’. What is the basic difference we see here?
    Can a screenplay be structure as Mani said? Just want to know about the nuances of screenwriting. It will be great if I get chance to meet you in person.
    Note: I got the autographed copy of your book at Cognizant.

    Like

  25. BR – Sharing this because the writing (and the general rumination style) reminded me of you.

    Like


  26. Pavitra

    May 1, 2013


  27. lisatsering

    June 22, 2013

    I love your reviews. Please send updates.
    Lisa

    Like

  28. lisatsering: It’s probably be easier if you subscribed to the blog. There’s a link on the sidebar.

    Like


  29. Ishita Samaddar

    June 26, 2013

    Hi Sir,

    Was interested in interviewing you for a short documentary film. Please let me know the right time and method to contact regarding the same. Have sent you a mail as well.

    Thank you,
    Ishita Samaddar

    Like

  30. Hello,

    Have been following and enjoying your reviews for a while now, one thing I miss in reviews though is “some info” that lets me know If i can take the 8 year old along – or should I settle down to thinking that I can no longer take a child to tamil movies any more 🙂 Actually we have done ok with very few movies – Sivaji was one of the good ones I can remember….we did not take him to Endhiran obviously and we did fine with NKPK more recently…. and he must have watched Ra.One on television I dont know how many times…180 did not go too well with that “death guy” showing up with all that sinister music!! and honestly thats all the tamil movies we have watched together in the last few years I guess!!

    All in all would be wonderful if you can incorporate a child friendliness index of sorts!! Its time somebody did that – pls!

    btw as an aside – I tried to look up “corporealise” and got to corporeal – still am curious about its origins?

    Like

  31. Kavitha, How can any single person decide these age bracket things? Too subjective isn’t it?

    Like

  32. This conversation between Kavitha and Rahini David reminded me of this line about Ra.One…

    Bottomline: Too adult to be a kid’s action fantasy, too juvenile to be a sci-fi entertainer for adults.

    From this review: http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/strictly-for-your-lilone/article2577113.ece

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  33. yes Rahini, but so is the entire review process!! isnt it? If I trust a review to give me an idea about a movie I guess I can consider the same with some pointers on whether its appropriate to take a child along? Right now I ask around, check with friends and look at trailers…..and then decide not to go with children mostly!!!! The current motion picture rating system followed in India(U, UA, A and S) is too broad, some countries have a age band based rating with far more categories like suitable for 4 – 6 or less than 8 etc, which I think would be the best!

    Like

  34. Just read BR your review of Arrambam in this morn’s TOI. First, I enjoy reading your columns. Two, you have a sense of humor. And three, at times you can gush. All of which as a reader I so look forward to. Coz to me your passion for cinema and writing what you think about movies you watched comes through. But this morning, you didn’t come across as genuine. you sound fake and wishy-washy. Gimme a break BR! You know it too. The movie is crap. The characterisation pathetic. The songs, sad. The plot with any stretch of imagination still is ill conceived, unbelievable and stupid. Yes, ajit with his paunch, weight, baggy clothes and slow motion shots still comes across as hero material. There is no denying there. But please, as a reviewer it is expected of you by fans of yours (like me for instance) to say it as it is.and not lick ass. Don’t sugar coat the truth-it’s a pathetic movie.and thank god for ajit in it. If not ,someone like you would not have even bothered to write about it. Admit it.

    Like

  35. it’s worst and worst

    About

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  36. i’m still waiting for the review for the movie “Rush” based on 1976 formula season. I really enjoyed this movie,and very eager to know the review from you

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  37. Hi BR..

    Not sure if this is the right section to raise this request, but didn’t know where else to put it…

    There was your article on your blog some time back, (am trying to remember exactly which one), wherein you had mentioned how you found the stereotyping in Mr & Mrs Iyer quite appalling. Was curious about what parts you found objectionable, coz IMHO, the portrayals were fairly authentic and weren’t offensive or derogatory.

    I actually liked the film, I have seen several movies with horrendously mangled portrayals of Tam Brahms–Prithviraj in Kannamoochi Yenada springs to mind here–but somehow I never felt Mr & Mrs Iyer was a stereotypical portrayal. Look forward to hearing more from you on this, when you have the time.

    Another request was related to your fabulous book review of Dan Brown’s Inferno. One of the best and most entertaining book reviews I’ve ever read. Have you reviewed Amish Tripathi’s Oath of The Vayuputras outside of your blog? Please do provide a link if so, and if not, what was your take on this novel? Please do tell 😉

    Cheers…

    Like

  38. P.S–To add to my above request, would also like to read your take on ‘House of Flying Daggers’. Have you seen the movie and reviewed it outside of this blog?

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  39. @ BR– I keep referring back to this section in the hope you might have found the time to reply to a couple of my requests for reviews/ more details on one of your comments. Disappointed so far…. 😦

    Would really like to know your take on the above films/ books, when time permits, that is…

    Cheers.

    Like


  40. thillai

    March 9, 2014

    Waiting for ur review on nimirnthu nil.. I watched it.. frst haf was really enthralling.. kani’s Dialogues were a firebrand as usual.. dat was d nly plus of d muvie.. come secnd haf movie strts gng dwnhill.. agn needless sngs nd crude item numbr spoil d pace.. luks lik kani lost d plot afta intrvl.. gopinath nd ravi outstanding performance.. teme wt u feel

    Like


  41. NullPointer

    September 24, 2014

    It would be nice to read book reviews of yours, if you ever plan on those it would be really nice to read ,though not the Hunger games/Harry Potter variety since I tend to agree with
    Ruth Graham

    Like

  42. Please post review of UGLY (Anurag Kashyap). Also, eagerly waiting for Bombay Velvet.

    Like


  43. Vadamalaiappan.T

    July 12, 2015

    Mr.Rangan, Reading your columns. On the latest on choreagraphy you have mentioned Vaijayanthi Mala in passing. May be the period is old, but the art is timeless. Can anything match Madhumathi’s Zulume chang auk ladi or the truly folk Thaiyyare Thaiyyare Bichua. Look how every dancer performs in complete sync and that is choreagraphy for you. How did they envision such a classic. Bimal Roy , Salil Chowdhry and the entire team created a master piece. Will you please write a separate column on Madhumathi with Vaijayanthi Mala madam.

    (0n your food columns, You came close but left out the Azhagar Kovil Dosai prasadam).

    We love your writing.

    Would be delighted to have your response

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  44. i never did catch a review of HUNTERRR anywhere….did you not watch it or something else?

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  45. BR how come in your Puli review (The Hindu) there was no mention about Vijay’s acting skills (which doesn’t exist) and how out of place he was looking in a fantasy movie. I expected your review to be brutal but it was sort of disappointing (taking into account how bad the movie was).

    BTW the Sridevi trivia definitely one for actresses in Indian cinema.

    Like


  46. asmamasood

    November 14, 2015

    I’d be honoured to get feedback on my movie review site launched yesterday. It’s an oldish one, Gravity, but one of the greats nevertheless. Thanks.

    Like


  47. Nupur Singh

    November 16, 2015

    Hi Sir,

    I know you are a film critic by passion and profession but I would still like you to do music reviews, specially the soundtracks from Ilaiyaraja, ARR, Amit Trivedi and the likes. Any chance my request will be accepted in the near future?

    Regards,
    NS

    Like

  48. Rangan Sir,

    Please review marathi movies as well. The marathi film industry is going through its golden phase. Movies with good content, good actors are being made in conjunction with masala movies. To start with please review Katyar Kaljat Ghusli which I belive is masterpiece. Your reviews have always been in depth and while reading it I discover new things about the movie retrospectively. Your reviews always bring up new point of view in seemingly straightforward scene. I miss those things in case of marathi movies, since there are not much good marathi critics to my knowledge. So, please take out some time for watching and reviewing marathi movies.

    Like

  49. Hi Rangan Sir,

    This is John from nowrunning.com. Could you recommend anyone good in reviewing Hindi and Tamil movies?

    Thanks, john@nowrunning.com

    Like

  50. Dear Mr. Rangan,
    Instead of aarathu sinam and kanithan, I would be happy to read your sethupathi review. Is it in the pipeline?

    thanks,
    Karthik

    Like

  51. Dear Sir, can you please review Robert Egger’s movie “The Witch”? Please

    Like

  52. Hi Baradwaj: Been a long time silent follower of your posts. Very keen to read your review on the movie “Zero”.

    Like


  53. Vivek Surendran

    April 12, 2016

    Sir, Have you caught up on Jacobinte Swargarajyam?? your thoughts on it please. I felt it was a really good movie quite hard hitting .

    Like


  54. Sriram

    June 1, 2016

    Why you were not giving review for Tollywood(telugu) movies?

    plz do for Telugu movies also..

    Like


  55. Ananthakrishnan

    June 7, 2016

    Hearing a lot about Marathi box office hit sairat. It is considered to be one of the best versions of romeo and Juliet saga… Have u seen the movie sir?? Pls share ur thoights. Eager to hear it from the horse’s mouth.

    Like

  56. Waiting for those 3 reviews….

    Like


  57. Ruchira

    August 11, 2017

    I was introduced to your writing by an ex-colleague some 3-4 years ago. Reading your thoughts on movies is an education, rather a learning! Recently I was watching The Green Mile and i kept on wondering how would you interpret the movie. what are those nuances, metaphors that I just could not fathom. Would be grateful if you would find time to share your insights.

    Like


  58. u, katharmeera

    September 21, 2017

    நான் நன்றாக திரைக்கதை எழுதுவேன், முழுமை பெற்ற நிலையில் இரண்டு திரைக்கதைகள் உள்ளன. உங்கள் வட்டத்தில் என்னை இனைத்துக்கொள்ளவும்.

    Like

  59. Hi BR,

    Happy to share my book of poetry “A tropical sojourn” in English and Tamil has been published and listed in Amazon. The poems are based on nature, life, people and a few universal human traits , predominantly set in a tropical country setting. I would be much happy if you can read and share your feedback.

    Thanks
    Anand (hidnana)

    Like


  60. nssforeons

    November 12, 2017

    Hello BR sir.

    I’ve been silently following your blog these last few months. Always admired your writings in The Hindu and when I searched online I came across your blog.

    I really enjoy reading your articles and insights on fine details you pick up while watching movies. Really it is fascinating.

    I’ve always followed movies but I felt whether it was a waste of time at one point. Now reading your articles I’ve begun to understand that Cinema can be viewed as an art and critically analysed.

    Your writings and the interesting comments by your followers have kept me hooked for more.

    Most importantly it has sort of reinforced this notion in me that following Cinema can be done at a finer level and helped me remove sort of a taboo that it’s a waste of time and only for entertainment sake which most films try to achieve.

    Your blog helps in increasing my knowledge of Indian Cinema, and learn how to put thoughts on paper effectively.

    Thank you sir.

    N.S.Srihari

    PS: Being a Kannadiga I sincerely urge you to review more Kannada films. Being fan of Rakshit Shetty I enjoyed reading your articles on his movies.

    Like

  61. Hi BR
    Just watched this short film called LAKSHMI. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. Simple story(anybody with a taste of cinema can conceive it visually and ideologically) with good writing and good filmmaking. I had two issues with the short but the actress – Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli in a terrific form – and good music made me buy the overall picture.

    Also, what did you think about the ultra-overrated Thor:Ragnarok

    Like


  62. Akash Balakrishnan

    November 24, 2017

    Hi BR
    You’ve gotta watch this Hollywood animated movie called COCO. I wouldn’t term it a masterpiece for it didn’t give as much focus to the protagonist’s inner journey as it gave to the external journey (You can either call that a flaw or my personal taste). However, it is a brilliant movie except for a one-dimensional character(or was it intentional considering that this is mainly watched by kids) and an unwanted -villain kills hero type of- drama. The main theme is memories and it is very well utilized. A musician who is eternal, a person forgotten, etc. The title is not named after the protagonist. Look for the wonderful answer in cinemas.

    BTW, Did you get a chance to watch the short film I mentioned the other day ?

    Like


  63. Ashwini Kulkarni

    February 12, 2018

    Hi would like to get your reviews in mail.

    Like

  64. I recently watched Gaspar Noe’s “Love” and was left completely spellbound. The actually story itself was very relatable and I have personally been in a relationship with an ‘Electra’. I just wonder why Indian love stories don’t ever deal with toxic lover stories in depth or as Murphy says in the movie “sentimental sexuality”?? Sex is obviously one of the most raw emotions like say revenge or love itself. Why is sex treated as a cheap thrill rather than a sensitive deep emotion?? Would love to hear your thoughts.

    Like

  65. Dear Baradwaj Rangan, your body of work is very impressive. Your point of view always stirs the pot and makes me think for days. You are a wonderful writer who has mastered ways to separate critique from criticism. Do you have any resources / tips / pointers for someone who wants to improve their writing ?

    Thank you !

    Like

  66. respected sir,
    I have sent you a mail for telugu movie film critic job. Please check it.

    Like

  67. Hi,
    Do check out my latest review of Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri movie review here

    Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Movie Review

    And please do let me know your thoughts on it as it would go a long way for an aspiring movie reviewer like me.

    Like

  68. Hi Bharadwaj,
    Here is my latest article on some of the comedies that would get you to laugh till you cry!

    13 Movies that will make you laugh till you Cry!

    I do understand that you have a busy schedule, but do read it when you get time and lemme know your thoughts on it as it would definitely help an aspiring reviewer like me.

    Like

  69. Hi Bharadwaj,

    The link to my my latest review of Chekka Chivantha Vanam is https://akhileshchetty.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/chekka-chivantha-vaanam-movie-review/

    Please feel free to read through it and hope you can let me know your comments on it.

    Like


  70. Aravind

    October 9, 2018

    Hi BR sir,
    Can u please do a scene by scene analysis and review on Kamal hasan ‘s”Heyram”.We would like to know the deeper layers and allegories which were there in the movies.

    Like

  71. Aravind: Do read this:

    Hey Ram: An Analysis (Part 1/20)

    Like


  72. Aravind

    October 9, 2018

    Hi BR sir, I already saw that review on seventhart by srikanth srinivasan. That was insightful. But still i feel that i need ur analysis on the film in youtube like you did on michael madana kamarajan and devar magan reg the cinematography ,bgm,costumes, location historical event of “direct action day “, partition of india etc.

    Like


  73. Thakkaali

    November 26, 2018

    Whats wrong with ‘Indira Logathu Sundariye’ song of 2.0 and What could have been done?

    When I started playing ‘Indira Logathu Sundariye’ in Youtube, I was praying that it should not be another irumbile type of song (from Enthiran). Alas! Same blood!

    Same template repeated! Instead of analog dance movements (Aishwarya Rai), its digital movements now for Amy! Backdrop might be different…costumes might be different….etc etc…but the point is… What about the concept? Is this the same Shankar who used to make each song like a movie in itself earlier with a separate story/concept inside? Ya…we may argue that 2.0 is not out yet and we should not jump to conclusion! Agreed…But still, I don’t think this song has anything in it on its own to be part of such a so called magnum opus!

    The fact is that Rajini cant dance! Not fair to expect it either at this age! So the only way to avoid a boring song is to have some kind of interesting concept and use the song as montage! Else, you are bound to look so ridiculously funny! Shankar might have narrowly escaped in his previous outings with Rajini on the dance numbers! Time is up now!

    What could have been done!

    Here is a daring attempt from my side! A suggestion to Shankar on what could have been done if there was indeed a song required for Chitti in 2.0 and that too a romantic number between Chitti and his love interest Amy.

    How about the two robots imagining a life for themselves as that of humans! Say they too lead a life like humans, go for 9 to 5 job (where they work as robots for humans), and come back home at 5 in the evening, waiting to hug and kiss each other!

    Montage can start from 5 PM evening where Amy is waiting as Chitti is held up with his work and arriving bit late! Chitti has to do some style gimmicks to cool down Amy (yes…you are right…cigarette throwing and catching)! Then they both go for a costume change (say from steel body to a lighter weight flashy casual plastic body), enjoy candle light dinner together (wherein the food is different brands/sizes of batteries)! And then both sit to watch a movie on TV (obviously the choice is i-robot)!

    Finally they both go to bed after setting up a morning alarm on their head! They both go to sleep dreaming of having baby robots, needless to say a boy robot (look alike of Rajini…am sure Shankar can find someone like master suresh who used to do younger version of Rajini earlier) and a girl robot like Amy. That would complete the dream romantic sequence! Montage song with some concept like this could have avoided a boring song that I think ‘Indira Logathu Sundariye’ is!

    Like


  74. Bhargav Srivatsav

    January 16, 2019

    Sir,
    Big fan, been reading your reviews since I was a college student. I follow your videos on FilmCompanion South and before I put forward my request, thanks a lot sir. My humble request sir, please make a video on any of Kubrick’s films, 2001 A Space Odessey, if you want an option to start from. He is someone general movie goer from tamilnadu is unaware of and I think watching his films open profound discussions on “human experience”.

    Thanks and keep up the good work sir!

    Like


  75. Venkat

    March 3, 2019

    hi BR – sure you have heard of Spielberg’s efforts to keep streaming services like Netflix out of Oscars? Thoughts?

    https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/03/02/steven-spielberg-netflix-ineligble-for-oscars-academy-awards/

    Like


  76. Keshav

    April 1, 2019

    Hi sir,
    In movies, it is almost always good to “show rather than tell”. But have you seen movies that successfully pull off the opposite? If so, can you list a few of them?

    Like


  77. Sukumaran Durai

    June 28, 2019

    I kindly request you to review our movie “Natchathira Jannalil” which will be screened on 28th June, 2019 at 10 AM (morning) in Koyambedu Rohini theatre. Apart from this theatre, we did not get too many theatres to screen our movie. The movie will also be playing in Rohini theatre over the weekend on 29th, 30th of June only during this slot (10 AM in the morning) and hopefully with your expert touch our film gets a better shelf life. Please give it a try, Sir!

    Like


  78. Sai deepak

    July 31, 2019

    I found it interesting to find your vocabulary is very different when it comes to print media when compared to spot-on conversations.My questions who is the real bd. And is it tough to always talk like how you write your blog. Clearly explain why this much language difference occurs?

    Like

  79. Dear B R sir, I wanted to send an article for the Readers write in section. Can I send it to the above mentioned email id, or is there any other id for this?

    Like

  80. Yes. You can send submissions to the email ID above.

    Like

  81. Hi BR,

    I request you to do a interview session with yg mahendran sir on sivaji ganesan..we ,youngsters couldn’t able to understand when people say he is the greatest actor ..

    Like

  82. Hi Sir. Do check out Lootcase on hotstar. Released a few months back…it is a laugh riot. Very intelligent writing.

    Like


  83. D PRABHAKARAN

    December 28, 2020

    Sir, recently I watched your interview with Mysskin where you peoples discussed about MAN ESCAPED and THE SHAWSANK REDEMPTION,

    I have a doubt in the movie shawshank redemption once the protagonist escapes From the cell who closed the tunnel with that poster…(is the logic OK)…..

    Like


  84. R Ramesh

    January 29, 2021

    Sir namaste I watched your interview with Sri azhagum Perumal and Sri and the director of the movie sethum ayiram pon.

    I don’t know tamil much because I am from Hyderabad. As you said the interview was amazing, for a established director to give a vent to the quality of the movie sethum……pon. for your kind information I first saw the movie then watched your interview.

    Hats off to the director and crew of the movie I enjoyed every frame of the movie

    Finally I really appreciate your opinion when you heard the director telling about the journey of the plot of the movie . Thank you so much for you Perumal sir and the great debutant director of the movie sethum ayiram pon

    Namaste

    Like


  85. R. Kailasham

    February 28, 2021

    https://kailasham29.blogspot.com/2021/02/three-karthiks-and-cricket-ground.html

    A sampling of my blog post that explores he connection between three Tamil movies whose male leads are all named Karthik.

    Liked by 1 person

  86. Hi sir,
    As a humble request as a vijay fan,can u do a interview with director john mahendran on the movie sachin which i consider as one of the coolest ,casual movie ever made in tamil cinema…

    Like

  87. Hi Brangan, I had written a blogpost on Joji. Can you consider it for publication in the ‘Readers Write-In’?

    Here’s the post:

    ‘Joji’ grabs you by the throat and never lets go till it’s over. An exquisite modern day morality tale set in the thriller mold, it is one of Malayalam cinema’s finest offerings in recent times. However, there’s one thing I couldn’t quite agree with : the makers claim that ‘Joji’ is inspired from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. I find that misleading, a bit pretentious and thoroughly unnecessary. You can say ‘Ishaqzaade’ or ‘Sairat’ is inspired from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and that’s perfectly understandable and readily apparent. You can say ‘Superman’ is inspired by Jesus Christ and that will make sense too. But Joji and Macbeth are two fundamentally different men and theirs are two fundamentally different stories.

    Let’s compare the protagonists. There’s a fine line separating Ambition and Greed. The line might be blurred at times but there’s still an intrinsic difference between the two. Macbeth, when his story starts, is presented as a brave General. His warrior skills are well known and he is widely respected by those above and below him. He is fiercely ambitious but firmly loyal to his King. Two external events have to happen for his ambition to corrode into greed. First, the prophecy of the witches. It’s their prophecy that Macbeth will one day be King that plants the seed of that idea in him. He himself would have never thought along those lines. Second, Lady Macbeth’s instigation. Lady Macbeth herself is ruthlessly ambitious and a shrewd manipulator. She knows she will have to push her husband to murder the King or he will never follow through with it. She leaves no stone unturned in manipulating him, finally even goading him by questioning his manhood. It’s only then, actually, that Macbeth decides to strike the King. As said earlier, these two external events had to happen for Macbeth to transform into a despicable person. And once he has done the unthinkable, he goes on a killing spree to cover up his wrongdoings and fulfill his ambition. Joji, in contrast, is a drifter in life. He has several Quixotic dreams and plans. He is perennially on the lookout for a get-rich-quick-and-easy deal. He won’t even mind killing his own father if he feels his dream lifestyle is assured. This is not ambition. He doesn’t need a push to become vile and greedy. Bincy, too, has none of the character traits of Lady Macbeth. She colludes with Joji but her motivations are different from that of Lady Macbeth.

    Macbeth is consumed by guilt after killing the King. His pangs of regret only grow sharper as time progresses. He is able to deal with the split in his psyche only by becoming proud and reckless. Character-wise, he is a far cry from the brave and honourable man he was at the beginning. Joji, meanwhile, is essentially the same guy he was when his story started.

    If ‘Macbeth’ has a theme, it is this: Ambition is fine, as long as it is tempered by conscience every step of the way. Blind ambition, unchecked by our inbuilt moral code can only end in doom. On the other hand, the theme of ‘Joji’ would be: You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.

    Whether you do a character analysis or a theme analysis, you realise that ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Joji’ can’t be anymore different. But that doesn’t mean ‘Joji’ is any less of a tale. Just that it doesn’t have to invoke ‘Macbeth’ to stand tall among contemporary films.

    #JOJI

    Like


  88. Rohan Iyer

    September 23, 2021

    Hello Baddy,

    On November 16th 2021, one more tour de Force from Kamal Haasan Sir’s Repertoire I.e. Aalavanthan completes 20 years since its Release.

    As you have had an “AskBR” video done for Hey Ram & other Kamal Sir movies, can you kindly organize same for this movie as well..

    It’s a Landmark movie on many fronts & primarily on Inspiration that Quentin Tarantino had on Manga Sequence in Kill Bill Volume 1 from this movie’s Animation scene..

    Also introduction of Motion Control Technology & Adapating Kamal’s Own Story Series “Dhayam” into this movie, there were a lot of first’s attached to this movie..

    It will be a fun session & more importantly, hearing your thoughts & interpretation of Kamal Haasan Sir’s execution would be very fascinating!!!

    Like

  89. Mr. Rangan,
    Really? Your review of the recently leased, over the OTT, Tamil movie, Jai Bhim, was pathetic. You do not have any idea of what it means to even enter into a house of such lowly people. You AC room chair talk looks arrogant and without any empathy. No movie is perfect, but lack of empathy for the people about whom the movie is shot, is inhuman. I regret to have watched the reviews of an heartless critic. Get a life, honest life.

    Like

  90. Ahhh….you are a coward, Mr. whatever. You can’t post any criticism of you. Humbug.

    Like

  91. Francis: Unfortunately, at my advanced age, I find myself unable to be near the phone all the time to anticipate your comments and post them instantly.

    I do hope you are okay with your comment being published this morning (FIVE WHOLE HOURS after you sent it), else please feel free to shoot off another one.

    Warmest regards.

    Like


  92. Siddanth Bharadwaj

    December 6, 2021

    Hello Sir,

    I am writing this to request you to watch SKYLAB.
    I watched the movie two days back and after that we(bunch of movie buffs) were continuously debating on this interesting movie. We all had different opinions sometimes polar opposite, we all had different perspectives but we all ended up agreeing to one idea that your perspective/break down would be amazing.

    Thank you.

    Like


  93. Harsha vardhan

    January 21, 2022

    Sir, please watch the skylab movie on Sony liv

    Like


  94. Sadagoban Sathiyanandasivam

    February 6, 2022

    Hi Bharadwaj,
    I was watching your interview with Kamalhasan and it occurred to me how hungry HE was to speak about his insights.

    May I suggest an in depth profile with your magical tough on the life, works, and mindset of Kamal.

    All the best in all your future plans. Huge fan!!

    Like


  95. Yogesh

    June 6, 2022

    Hey Bharadwaj, Was looking for HMT Airavata: https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2021/09/24/readers-write-in-412-kaalathai-thindra-gadigaram/. Do you know or have any idea how can I get it?

    Like


  96. Vignesh.M

    June 11, 2022

    Hello sir, Vignesh.M from mumbai i always wanted to be a film maker in our tamil industry and trying from past 4 years and even tried alot to reach you but not able to. So i started making short films to improve my skills and now i wrote a script and pitched many producers but they are confused with the story and not confident about this screenplay attempt. So without wasting time i took risk and made it independently. And i want to show you the film, please sir give me a meeting or else what is the way to show you the film. Because personally i like you as critic/reviewer/cinema lover, before this also i have made a film with 1 single shot, 1single character dual role, 1 technician but it never reached anywhere even that time i tried to reach you sir but didn’t happened.

    Hoping to show you this film

    Thanking you

    Like


  97. drdeepthi

    July 17, 2022

    good afternoon sir. pls take time to watch this trailer Mangalyam tamil/telugu by B saroj kumar a multitalented actor director who pleasently surprised you with his exceptional work in Porkalam 2010.He holds your reviews as the highest respect he achieved for his movie..his new movie soon to be released needs ur feedback sir.

    Like

  98. Is it possible for normal readers of the blog to be invited to ReelTwo? Or, only industry people or accomplished folks can be there?

    Like

  99. Hi, I am Mohd Huda and I am a movie review blogger I must say I am a huge fan of your work
    I just went through one of your post ( In ‘Avatar 2: The Way of Water’, James Cameron continues to push movie technology while remaining content with the most generic writing )
    And it is an amazing article I also want you to check this filmhuda.com movie review blog where its related to bollywood movie reviews
    Could you please tell me do you accept the guest posting ?
    And if so ?
    What are the guidelines of accepting the guest post
    Do you share do follow links or no follow?
    Please reply it would make my day
    Thank you
    Mohd Huda

    Like


  100. Rohini Rajagopal

    March 16, 2023

    Hello,

    I found a guest post on your blog reviewing my book ‘What’s a lemon squeezer doing in my Vagina?’ while aimlessly browsing the net on a particularly dull day. Two things. 1. I was thrilled as always to hear from someone who has read the book. A very thoughful, sensitive well researched piece. 2. It was YOUR blog. I have followed your work for years!! Whenever I felt I needed inspiration, I would go back and read your older pieces. Such wit. Such incisive writing. Thank you for carrying the piece. So chuffed that you finally know of my existence. 😀

    Like


  101. MaruRamu

    May 4, 2023

    Hi BR,
    I sent a personal mail to you yesterday. Can you please take a look at it?
    Thanks

    Like

  102. Is there any kind of moderation on comments? I tried a few times, comments on a particular posts are not getting published.

    Like


  103. Michael Akpabio

    August 7, 2023

    Hello, my name is Mike Akpabio; I Wrote a new lifestyle book titled “Songs of Cannabis”, dedicated Chapter 5 (Movies in the Movie 🎥) as an environment for Abstract movie and character reviews. Movies like; “In Time”, Game of thrones, Chaos walking, Avatar etc.
    Characters like; Minions, Scarlett witch etc.

    Will appreciate if you Guys will review the book or chapter 5 and give me a Nice social comment thanks.

    If you need a free copy, please reply.

    Like


  104. sathyajiit

    September 26, 2023

    Hi BR, I’ve also sent you an email about this.

    A friend of mine has released a new movie. He is interested in seeing your review for it.

    I might be biased since I’ve also worked on the film, but it is a very bittersweet and moving drama about a bonding between two strangers.

    The film was also selected at the Bengaluru International Film Festival.

    Do you mind watching it and letting us know your thoughts? It would definitely be helpful for an indie filmmaker.
    Please do let me know.

    Like


  105. Prakash Alagarsamy

    October 7, 2023

    Hello sir. I request you to do a comprehensive interview with nasser. Feel he is very underrated. A critic of your stature dissecting his work will be insightful. Thank you

    Like

  106. Baddy waiting for your Iragapattru review.

    Like

  107. Hello Bharadwaj Rangan sir,i am a great admier of you i just want to know how to become a critic even i want to watch movies and review about it and interview celebrities how can i start my journey can you please tell me how do i make a carrier in it?

    Like


  108. Prashant

    January 31, 2024

    Hello. How can I buy your books ? The thick one talking about hindi and tamil cinema ( forewors by Karan Johar) is unavailable on amazon and flipkart.

    Regards,

    Prashant

    Like

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