
Every year, I set out to the nearest cinema hall to watch new releases. While I used to review every film I watch, I have been lacking the motivation to do that for the last few years. It’s not because these films aren’t worthy of reviews. I just cannot sit down and finish reviews. My drafts folder is overflowing with unpublished reviews. As 2018 draws to a close, I decided to make a list of the films that did not make it out of the drafts folder.
Thaanaa Serndha Koottam
An adaptation of Special 26 that becomes a boilerplate Surya movie. TSK ends with the actor’s trademark monologue where he brings to light a problem with today’s society. It’s an entertaining film but the last 30 minutes could have been better.
Naachiyaar
Bala’s latest film is a cop drama that seems to have been written in the 1970s. Naachiyaar feels like a made-for-TV movie. The presentation needs an extra coat of polish.
Kaala
The second Ranjith-Rajini collaboration makes me reconsider my dislike towards their first outing, Kabali. Nayakan was an effective film set around the plight of the Dharavi neighborhood. Kaala, which is made 30 years later doesn’t hold up.
Tik Tik Tik
Swivel chairs with wheels on a spaceship? A sub-plot to steal a nuclear payload from a Chinese spaceship? A criminal who reforms in outer space? Gimme a break!
Semma Botha Aagatha
Badri Venkatesh and Atharvaa’s second collaboration after the latter’s debut film, Baana Kaathadi feels like a student film and makes you wish for more scenes with Anaika Soti whose stereotypical performance turns out to be the film’s brightest moment.
Tamizh Padam 2
A sequel which is better than the first, Tamizh Padam 2 reunites C.S. Amudhan and “Agila Ulaga Superstar” Shiva. It’s a laugh riot from the word “go”.
Kolamavu Kokila
Writer-director Nelson’s dark comedy has its flaws but Nayanthara’s winning performance engulfs the film’s drawbacks.
Vada Chennai
This is perhaps the most satisfying gangster epic since Pudhupettai.