Kochadaiiyaan

[MysteRy]

Kochadaiiyaan Movie Preview

Cast:    Rajinikanth, Deepika Padukone, R. Sarathkumar, Sneha, Aadhi, Shobana, Jackie Shroff, Nassar
Direction:    Soundarya Rajnikanth
Production:    Adlabs and Ocher Studios
Music:    A R Rahman

4 years of waiting and finally the moment put to test is here! 2010 saw the entry of “Enthiran” a technological marvel matching the Hollywood standards and no better actor could have carved a milestone than superstar. And now yet another time, its Superstar Rajinikanth making his entry into Indian cinema for the first time for a feast of motion capture amazement through Kochadaiiyaan this summer.

By far this is the most awaited movie for perhaps the last two years itself, and considering the amount of technicalities the movie holds, it’s only fair we are led for a reasonable waiting time. Starring Superstar Rajinikanth in a triple role, the periodic film is a revolutionary make in the whole of Indian sub-continent itself no doubt about that. What started as “Rana” by KS Ravikumar led to “Kochadaiiyaan” which is supposed to be a prequel.

Bollywood beauty queen Deepika Padukone makes her debut in Kollywood and along with her, the movie has plenty of reputable stars:Sarath Kumar, Jackie Sharoff, Aadhi, Nassar, Shobana and many more. Apart from Tamil, Kochadaiiyaan is also releasing in Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Japanese, Bhojpuri, Marathi, Punjabi and English making the first of all sorts.

Not all debutants can chart out a glorious career ahead as the likes of Soundarya Ashwin, who happens to direct this movie. A technology savvy woman she is was a part of the much hyped “sultan” which did not take off for various reasons. And she has pumped up all the technicalities through this movie, as she quotes “”First, we (the team) scanned his face and made a 3D model to get the exact precision of his features, such as the scar on his nose. And then we corrected the 3D model by tightening his skin to make him look 25 years younger. They used that technology in the film Tron.”

The technology surrounding the movie is immense, with performance capture taking the front seat, 48 cameras were used to shoot each and every scene. The 48 cameras captured performance of artistes’ at 48 angles. Kochadaiiyaan was equipped with Auro 3D sound technology, becoming the third Indian film to do so. Award winning Neeta lulla was chosen as the fashion designer of this flick that rides high on periodic design. And not to mention the amount of Hollywood style film making behind the scenes, set on the standards of Avatar and Tin Tin, this will be the first film venturing into this scenario.

Music as again, needs no introduction for AR Rahman, who better can provide an ambience for such a periodical film that will ring the bells of box office. With National award winning sound designer Resul Pookutty in the helm of mixing, its just breached the hype.

The history behind KS Ravikumar and Rajini go back a few decades and everytime they joined hands it was nothing but box office demolition and no wonder this movie can be put in the same league as well.

Well, enough has been said now, its all but to watch and relish the 3D and 2D versions of the movie. No matter how the movie is, it’s a first of all kinds for an Indian movie and who better than superstar could have matched the standards.

[MysteRy]

Kochadaiiyaan Music Review

Cast:    Rajinikanth, Katrina Kaif, R. Sarathkumar, Sneha, Aadhi, Shobana, Jackie Shroff, Nassar
Direction:    Soundarya Rajnikanth
Production:    Adlabs and Ocher Studios
Music:    A R Rahman

Engae Pogudho Vaanam

Voice: SP Balasubramaniam
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

All of the five minutes of the first track could be summed up in a phrase – majesty at its best. Opening with grand reverberating orchestra, launching SPB’s voice in grandeur, the first song of the album is a soulfully worded praise for the king of kings. There is majesty in every note, with the constant rise and boom of orchestra, with extensive use of strings at every level. The chorus hum in the background add to the magnum opus of the song, elevating the fab of the mood to a great height. While the lyrics are an inspirational order in the first stanza, with the confidence of success, in the second stanza they transcend to the assurance of indespensability, come what may, going on to praise the princely king further. While the background score is an inviting lovely experience, it gets even better in a piece of distinct musical rapture bordering on foot tapping melody, after the second stanza. Speaking of the promises of His Majesty, the third and fourth stanzas are worded of the goals of the kingdom, concluding to a round of appreciating claps and climaxing in the trumpets singing praise for ever after. In simple terms, AR Rahman, SP Balasubramaniam, Vairamuthu and Rajinikanth – need we say more?

Medhuvaagathaan

Voices: SP Balasubramaniam, Sadhana Sartgam
Lyrics: Vaalee

Following the majestic number is a subtle and soft romantic duet, opening in Sadhana’s mesmerizing voice. This song is special for multiple reasons and one of them is the lyrics of the legendary poet, Vaalee. The first two lines are sung against breeze of music, which then gathers beats in mrudangam, supporting a lilting melodious number. From the lyrics, it is can be gathered that it is the romance between the prince Rana and his love interest, which is celebrated in this melody, in the charming and soothing voices of SPB and Sadhana. Vairamuthu’s lyrics are pristine pure Tamil, predominantly describing the handsome prince. The poesy has a bounce to its own, especially in the third stanza, while the purity of language makes it a sweet challenge, yet compelling to sing along. Tone of the song changes slightly towards a deeper shade in this stanza, and the song continues at the same pace to end in a soft, sweet melody.

Maattram Ondrudhaan Maaraadhadhu

Voices: Rajinikanth, Haricharan, Umashankar
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Here’s a surprise package! Everyone loves Rajinikanth – his flair, his acting and his style of language. ‘Maattram Ondrudhaan Maaraadhadhu’ brims with inspiring lyrics, in Rajinikanth’s own voice! More than a song, this one is a recital of a compilation of motivating lines. It opens with encouraging lines in Superstar’s voice, followed by trumpets to complete the regal feeling of the song. Beautiful orchestra runs in the background, which elevates the overall regal demeanour of the track. The song is all about people singing in praise of their leader who they adore, while the king himself is a humble man, unfazed by victory or defeat, and lives up to the duties of a king and of a normal human being. Poetic and motivational lines are narrated in Superstar’s voice; between two recitals, there’s song in Haricharan’s voice. The song picks up in an all new vigour after the second recital, in majestic trumpets, followed by immaculate lyrics on poetic violins again. The song wraps up in a very unique fashion – mesmerizing jathi in Umashankar’s voice, trailing off on breeze of BGM in the end.

Manapennin Sathyam

Voice: Latha Rajinikanth
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Love is an undying promise in itself and the fourth track of the album is a romantic promise of eternal love, by the bride. In her own unique voice, Latha Rajinikanth has sung this number, which makes the package all the more special. Protective, careful, innovative, selfless, loving, undoubting, caring – a woman can take various forms and play it all with perfection, and this song is about the promise of the beautiful bride, who assures to display all her virtues as a sincere wife. The song is set in the background of shehnai music and gentle beats, with Latha’s sweet voice playing perfectly with the beautiful lyrics, making it a soothing romantic melody, and also gives the feeling of a wedding in progress. Background score and the lead voice compliment each other in a beautiful lilting sweet melody, making it a lovely package that every woman would willingly offer as her own promise to her loving husband. The melody ends in softly playing shehnai and gentle taps.

Idhayam

Voices: Srinivas, Chinmayee
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

After four up-beat songs, this offers a change in mood as a serious number, on a melancholic note. Musical score in the song swings and sways between soft melody and rolling beats, signifying the emotion in sheer perfection. The song opens in Chinmayee’s voice with a couple of lines in pure Tamil and drags on, establishing the feeling of loss in the clear and then rolling to a sudden question. The complete package sounds typical of an aggrieved woman torn between feeling lost and her anger thereof, questioning the injustice. Poesy is an adorable yet complicated pure Tamil with a good share of ancient words thrown – this one is sure to get you to scout in the dictionary for the meaning of many words. Every time she questions why she has to suffer and why her hero abandoned his duties, there is response from the man, who sounds cornered for a mistake he did not intend. Srinivas’s voice completes the package of this unique song, in his rendition that carries the right emotion on each note. The woman questions again, against rolling beats and the man responds that he will keep up his promise – all in pure Tamil words. The song ends with the woman’s verdict of undying and unconditional love for her man, irrespective of her loss.

Engal Kochadaiiyaan

Voices: Kochadaiiyaan ensemble
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

The battalion is ready for the war, and they hail the king with this song of praise and motivation. ‘Engal Kochadaiiyaan’ is typical gathering of an army of loving and faithful citizens, for the king they adore and worship. The entire nation gathers to praise their lord and motivate him for a probable war, in this song. But this song stands out from the regular ones of this genre, in its uniqueness of a contemporary touch. The song, in fact, begins on an electronic note, and opens on the rustic yet lively calling out to the king. There is chenda and mattalam in their traditional fashion, and there are also electronic guitar notes, making the song a perfect blend of ancient and contemporary. Praise to the king flows in awe inspiringly pure Tamil, in highly complicated adjectives of appreciation. With all the praise, the nation surrenders in worship to the king they love – the almighty Kochadaiiyaan. After two stanzas, the second half of the song is only music. With trumpets adding the royal touch, the score is rich in adrenaline; in the minor details, the sound of swords clanging against shields is also simulated, and you can almost see a historic war gearing up, in your imagination.

Manamaganin Sathyam

Voice: Haricharan
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

We’ve heard the bride’s promise and here comes the groom’s counterpart for his loving wife. Tune of the song is unchanged from ‘Manapennin Sathyam’ but the lyrics have been altered beautifully to celebrate womanhood from a man’s perspective. He is the royal prince, responsible and protective; but at heart, Rana is also a man who loves his heroine endlessly. As a romantic lover, he adores every little detail of his lady love and promises poetically to be the faithful loving husband, who would selflessly sacrifice himself for her happiness and longevity. Lyrics are penned beautifully, describing every little detail in its own fashion of high regard, and are highly descriptive. Though the fundamental tune is same as the female version, there are slight variations in the background score, especially the usage of shehnai, in ‘Manamaganin Sathyam’. In all, this is a song that every man will lovingly promise to his soul mate.

Karma Veeran

Voices: AR Rahman, AR Reihanah
Lyrics: Vairamuthu

The last track begins with an English touch on a pleasant opening in Reihanah’s opening notes, followed by AR Rahman’s voice praising the almighty king. The ups and downs in trumpet are beautiful, pleasant and rejuvenating. This song is self motivation to the king, who is required to be unfazed by fluctuations between victory and failure. As a human, he is to be humble and sincere. Lyrics speak of the duties of a king who has the pride, but not the ego, of being the worshipped leader. It reminds the king to keep calm and ensure his feet on ground, irrespective of his unmatched success, and also prepares him for the forthcoming challenges. Beats are reverberating yet not thumping, but a soothing touch while maintaining majesty, which gets even more regal with the chorus. After a roll of beats, the song changes tempo and pace, yet maintains its consistency of motivation. Following the chorus, the lyrics are backed by violins, which taper off in subtle yet fast paced notes that shoot up in pitch to join in the chorus again – this transition is a magical, musical travel. Following the heavy orchestra, Rahman’s rendition takes an interesting twist. The song travels through upbeat notes to end softly in gentle strums.

The mighty king is on his way in a first-of-its-kind film and the welcome to him has been perfected in the music with royal touch in nine tracks – eight beautiful songs and an instrumental ‘Rana’s Dream’ by London Session Orchestra. It uses pure Tamil and complicated adjectives, making it sound historic and rustic. Yet, it is also kept simple and straightforward in tunes and contemporary in music with modern touches to the royal story. Given that ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ is a graphic entertainer, this music will well suit the screenplay, and is also a soothing album independently. Now, we can’t wait to watch the king in action!

[MysteRy]

May 23- Big Friday at the box-office

May 23, is going to be the biggest Friday of summer of 2014.

3 big movies are jostling for theatre screen space at the Chennai box-office. The biggest of them all is Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan, which has cornered almost all screens.

It is Kochadaiiyaan versus X – Men: Days of Future Past, this Memorial Day weekend worldwide. In addition, the Telugu family film Manam is releasing in Chennai this weekend.

Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan is releasing in 2D and 3D in nearly 75 screens (at the last count) in Chennai city and suburbs. X- Men has got approximately 32 screens while Manam has got 17 screens.
 
Kochadaiiyaan has the biggest buzz around it as it has been under the arc light for so many months. It is a Rajinikanth film and is sure to take an earth shaking opening

X Men Days of Future has the hot international action hero Hugh Jackman in the lead. His action packed Wolverine which released last year was a super hit in Tamil Nadu.

 Nagarjuna’s Manam is a comedy drama  directed by Vikram Kumar. The film stars the late Nageswara Rao,Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya along with Shriya Saran and Samantha in the lead roles while Amitabh Bachchan makes a cameo appearance in the film.

[MysteRy]

'Kochadaiiyaan' releases big today!

The D-Day has finally arrived. Today, May 23rd Friday, superstar Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan releases worldwide in large number of screens.

And the happy news for producers is that Kochadaiiyaan has got entertainment tax exemption, a big boost for the film releasing in nearly 450 screens all over  Tamilnadu.

Several overseas countries have held premiere shows on Thursday night. The feedback has been very positive so far. While the Animation/Performance Capturing may not be top notch, everyone seems to be bowled over by Superstar’s screen presence, dialogues and voice.
 
Elaborate FDFS celebrations are planned all over South India, Mumbai and in some overseas destinations. Meanwhile, already Kochadaiiyaan is on track to break several box office records.
In US, on Thursday – based on advance booking ticket sales, Kochadaiiyaan was at No.2 ahead of several Hollywood movies.

Kochadaiiyaan with a wide release and a positive momentum is looking at a huge opening in Tamil Nadu and in other markets.

[MysteRy]

Kochadaiiyaan 2-D Movie Review

Director: Soundarya R Ashwin
Cast: Rajikanth, Deepika, Shobana, Nasser, Sarathkumar,Aadhi
Music: AR Rahman

The eagerly awaited Kochadaiiyaan has finally hit the screens. The early trailers were not encouraging as the motion capture technology used was not convincing. But after watching the film, one gets the feel that there is more to it than just the animation.

Kochadaiiyaan works for those who like the star charisma of Superstar Rajinikanth. His baritone voice and meaningful dialogues are what holds the film together. Plus smart and intelligent writing by KS Ravikumar and AR Rahman’s songs and BGM elevates the film to a new high.

In terms of plot, there are few surprises here. It is basically a revenge and redemption fantasy drama. Evil kings, beautiful princess, cunning ministers and a loyal general who does well for the country and its people mixed with human emotions like romance, jealousy and revenge.

What works for the film seen in 2D are its overall packaging as director Soundarya Rajinikanth pays a handsome tribute to her father’s awesome screen presence, dialogue delivery with punchlines. Rajinikanth, even in animated form is able to whip up the frenzy among the viewers.

Nasser as the evil king creates an impact as his animation and dubbing is in sync. The legendary comedian Nagesh's character has been brought back in animated form and the guy who did dubbing for him has made it look real. Songs, especially Engae Pogudho Vaanam.. and Medhuvaagathaan tuned by Rahman is smartly placed.

The biggest weakness of the film is its calling card- ‘performance capture technology’. The animated characters are not able to capture the emotion, because their eyes don’t roll and hand and feet movement don’t synchronise and looks like they are dangling. Among the characters Soundarya seems to have invested a lot of time and energy on the graphics of Rajinikanth characters of Kochadaiiyaan and Rana but sadly Deepika, Sarathkumar, Rukmini and Shobana didn't get the same love and attention from the director.

Still we recommend that you see Kochadaiiyaan . It is a testament to one girl’s ambition, imagination and courage to make India’s first photo-realistic, 3D.

[MysteRy]

'​Kochadaiiyaan' opens big in TN, lukewarm outside

Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan opened to packed houses in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets. In TN, the state government made it tax free, which helped the trade to get a huge opening.

Kochadaiiyaan premieres started in US on Thursday evening. Considering it is a working day and Kochadaiiyaan is an animation movie, the movie still grossed more than $100,000 beating Telugu movie Manam to be the No.1 Indian Movie in US.

On Friday early morning, festival crowds were witnessed all over Tamil Nadu and the famous “FDFS” celebrations were carried out by fans all over. A good mix of youth, families and kids were in attendance for the opening day shows.

There is lot of craze for 3D shows compared to the 2D shows. The film has been getting positive talk in TN but in rest of India it has been lukewarm. North Indian critics have panned the film calling it “a bad puppet show”!!

Kochadaiiyaan has failed to make an impact in other southern states.

[MysteRy]

Kochadaiiyaan grosses Rs 42 Crore worldwide!

Eros International the producers of Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiiyaan has in a press release said that the film has grossed an amazing Rs 42 Crore worldwide for the May 23 to 25 weekend.

The film released by Eros International in 2D and 3D on May 23, in 6 languages in over 3,000 screens worldwide. Tamil Nadu distribution was undertaken directly by Eros International. In India alone the film has grossed Rs 30 Crore, while Rs 12 Crore has come from overseas markets. It looks like the film is on its way to reach Rs 100 Crores.

Nandu Ahuja, Senior V P, India Theatrical, Eros International Media Ltd said : "Thalaivar fans have given huge thumbs up to the film which showcases the charisma of their favorite superstar in a never seen before avatar. Advance booking for the opening weekend especially in Tamil Nadu were outstanding and true to Rajni films, the shows opened as early as 5.00 a.m. to capacity audiences with the build-up commencing the night before. As the film continues to attract huge numbers with its high octane action, photo realistic animation and of course Rajinikanth's larger than life persona, we expect the film to continue wowing audiences."

[MysteRy]

'Kochadaiiyaan' at reduced prices for in US!

Kochadaiiyaan did a business of more than half million dollar in US and found a place in all-time Top 5 Tamil Grossers in USA.

It is next to Endhiran, Vishwaroopam, Sivaji and Dasavatharam.

Kochadaiiyaan completes a week today and continuing in 58 screens for the 2nd week. Compared to its first week admission rates, the second week ticket rates are reduced.

The Matinee shows in the second week would cost 50% less than the first week and the evening and night shows are at 30 – 50% of the first week ticket rates. This would enable more families and kids to watch the movie.

[MysteRy]

'Kochadaiiyaan' joins the Oscar race

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science announced the eligibility of 114 scores from movies released in 2014 which are in the contention for nomination for best original score at the 87th Academy awards.

Among the 114 scores from various countries across the globe, AR Rahman’s Superstar Rajini starrer Kochadaiiyaan finds a place. Another two AR Rahman's original soundtracks which are also in the nomination list is the American film Million Dollar Arm and The 100 Foot Journey.

Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar and Sonu Nigam’s Jal are also in the contention list. According to the official statement issued by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and science, the original score nominations will be announced on January 15, 2015 while the event will be happening on February 22, 2015.