Films recently watched & worthy of some discussion

[mappi]

Kodi & Kashmora [2016 : Tamil : 2h30m : (Drama/Suspense - Horror/Epic)]



Kashmora and Kodi have much things in common, eventhough presented under two contrasting genres. The protagonists, Danush (plays Kodi & Anbu) and Karthi (enacts Kashmora & Raj Nayak), potray two different characters in respective films where one personage sports a beard. Corruption, mainly in politics (and a bit social too), is used as an important element in both these films, where Kodi fights for injustice done to his people while Kashmora absconds with the wealth of a politician. As a mild spoiler - two specific characters play a vital role between the heroes and they both are females who use a similar type of instrument to fulfil their need. Lyrically, the word "Kal Vettu" occurs in a song in each film whose music composer is Santosh Narayanan. As stated in 'Laws of Double Act', one Danush is weak while the other Karthi is valliant. Both the films were released on the same day.

The major highlight is that none can complain about the story, as both are similar. Where the films differ is the way the writer/director projects them. Fantasy movie lovers like me will embrace Kashmora, and while viewers who like watching their day to day events running on screen, called reality, will applaud for Kodi.



Kashmora is a fraud, while Kodi is a truthful person. Both are into social activities, where Kashmora tricks people to make money and Kodi gives his experience to serve people as a politician. Kodi takes his father (Karunas) as his inspiration but Kashmora works with his dad (Vivek), who is a crook too.



Somewhere at the end of ACT1, Kashmora and Kodi come across an incident that changes the course of their life. Kodi stumbles upon a document that destroys the trust he had on his leader, while Kashmora ignited by greed accepts to visit a haunted mansion. Events twist their life, where Kodi fights for survival and Kashmora bleeds with fear in front of a headless ghost.



The second part of the films starts off with new images, where we see the most awaited role of Karthi "Raj Nayak" battling alone against an entire army. Anbu, the other Danush who kept himself away from violence and politics, replaces Kodi. He tries to walk and behave as his brother, when Kashmora is running away from Raj Nayak. Several blocks of information about the motives are passed on before opening the gates of climax, where our heroes have to win a final war against evil (Kashmora is supernatural while Kodi is just another human) and both the films end with someone using identic instruments to finish the show.



Karthi as Kashmora and Raj Nayak is excellent. Even though the film wanders a lot in the beginning with many repetitions, it sets itself back when Kashmora enters the haunted house. The situational comedy (a broker is stuck inside the palace) fused with thrills (spirits moving around) are enjoyable. Gokul, the writer/director of Kashmora, has come up with an excellent and unique twist, a humoristic turn of events, near the end. Again, both ‘Karthis’ were excellent during the climax - that smile on Raj Nayak's face while watching the 'pocessed' Kashmora, and Kashmora stumbling to correct his mistake are genuine. The Epic parts are poetical and Chief of Army Raj Nayak taking over the kingdom plays very well. Yamini (played by Sri Divya) made me feel that I have not chosen the right movie for entertainment, but luck had favoured me, she is actually not a part of the movie at all. Madhumitha who plays the sister of Kashmora, is a by stander and I love the way she rolls her eyes. I wonder why she does not get enough oppurtunities, she can easily fill the gap left by Manorama and Kovai Sarala. "Matter Romba Fresh-a Iruiku Ji" plays the broker and says, “Kitta vanga ji”. There are few parody inside, a big one is Vivek & family hanging inside a car on a tree top. Vivek excellently gives a Harry Potter look.



There is a stunt sequence in Kodi where the brave Kodi fights local loan sharks for his not-so-brave brother Anbu. We see two Danush during the sequence. The goons are confused, but not the viewer. Danush elegantly potrays the simple differences between identical twins that allows the audience to connect with the scene and enjoy the light hearted humour. Post interval, when Anbu gets into the clothes of Kodi, we can see a mild variation in his attitude. Anbu, even though dressed like Kodi, still stays as Anbu. Hats off Danush. Durai Senthilkumar, the writer/director of Kodi, has neatly sketched his characters, esp., Rudhra (played by Trisha). There is a scene where we are introduced to the coldness of Rudhra - a triangular negotiation which she turns into her favour. Another artist as Rudra would have fitted the mould properly.



Both the films stammer a bit, as the protagonist are mere puppets to the plot. Surprise characters attack the scenes and suddenly become the narrators who actually advance the plot. The directors then struggle to give a motive and make the heroes accomplish a forced activity. A brothers saga shifts when an egg vendor Malathi (played by Anupama) suddenly talks about sick people. Magically the plot of Kodi gets fixed here and turns into a motive for other characters. Rathna Mahadevi jumps into the scene, sits on a horse back and sings with Raj Nayak before disappearing as fast as she entered. An important character which introduces the film Kashmora loses its importance at the end (I wonder how many took note of it). Such debates shall be on to find out why both the films, even though entertaining, does not ignite an interest to watch the proceedings. But such instances will be long forgotten once the actual story kicks in and both the film makers have done a neat job in their presentation.



Kashmora is made with the seriousness from Rowthiram, and the humour from Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, and Kodi is a mix of the ambition in Ethir Neechal and suspense in Kakki Sattai.

Hoist Kodi on Saturday and delight your Sunday with Kashmora.

Kashmora & Kodi – High Spirits