Masala Padam Review: A Lesson on Why Formula-based Movies Work!
Masala Padam is a lesson/lecture on why formula-based movies work in India (makes money, engages the audience, etc.). In this movie, although the makers have tried to wrap a story around this ‘message’, it’s the message that takes the center stage. The story seems to have been twisted (quite blatantly during the climax) to justify the ‘message’.
An experienced producer’s movie is trolled by Online reviewers for being ‘unrealistic’ and ‘un-artful’. The producer is called for a interview (in a TV show?) where he challenges a group of youngsters to come up with a good story without masala elements, and will sell in the box office. They accept the challenge.
Then the group follows three guys from varied walks of life, each of whom they plan to make as characters in their movie. They request the assistance of Lakshmi Devy and she accepts to help them. She then starts mingling with all three characters and reports their activities, feelings and emotions. How will this affect their real lives and what happens to their script, is the story.
While I feel this is a different attempt at making a movie, the story is unrealistic, and there is too much lecturing to the audience. The comedy by Shiva is a bright aspect of the movie, and based on the applause, I guess people enjoyed it. I surely liked it. Graphics was good and the <bg> music worked. Otherwise, the crowd applauded only when their favorite stars were shown. Ajith Kumar got the maximum applause, if you wanna know.
Let’s look at two recent movies that were commercially successful and won the hearts of movie goers, critics and reviewers: Kakka Muttai and Papanasam. Did these two movies follow any formula? Were they not realistic? Didn’t they make money?
The notion that a formula-based movie is what the audience want, which is what this movie tries to justify, is slowly getting outdated. If it was so simple, all formula-based movies with big actors/actresses will become a super hit. Do they?
Along with masala, people also want to see a good (and a believable) story with believable characterization. At least that’s what I want to see when I go to a movie. If the story is not strong enough, no formula will work effectively.
I think Parthiban’s ‘Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam’ was a better attempt in this genre. Because in that movie, characters discuss what might/might not work in a movie, as a part of the story. They don’t lecture the audience, unlike this one.
Destination Infinity
movie business is weird .. you never know what will be a hit .. i think it depends what mood the audience is in 🙂
Bikram’s
yeah, that is true 🙂
Destination Infinity
Now, you will be get bored to watch new movies:)
Vizhundhacchu, thangi-than aaganum 🙂 Some turn out to be gems, like Kakka Muttai, Papanasam, Indru Netru Naalai, etc. So I think it’s worth for now 🙂
Destination Infinity
I liked the trailer… But I dont like Shiva’s acting generally… Seeing your review, I might catch this later when telecast in TV…
I had enjoyed Kathai Thiraikkathai Vasanam Eyakkam though.. It was one of a kind!
I like Shiva’s comedy. I think his style has a good promise. Let’s see… Try to watch Indru Netru Naalai, that was also a good movie in recent times.
Destination Infinity