Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Latest news from and about the homeland

Following his recent hit, 2023’s ‘Mark Antony,’ Adhik Ravichandran returns to the screen having teamed up with his idol Ajith Kumar for ‘Good Bad Ugly.’ Fanboy cinema has yielded interesting results for the industry recently: Karthik Subbaraj collaborated with Rajinikanth for 2019’s ‘Petta’ and Lokesh Kanagaraj worked with his idol Kamal Haasan for 2022’s ‘Vikram.’ These films are primarily…

Raangi - On the wrong track

Overall, the core concept of ‘Raangi’ could have made for an enthralling and morally conflicting drama. Instead, Saravanan botches the delivery and presents a sloppy shell of a great film.

Varisu - A wobbly family entertainer

‘Varisu’ is mostly successful in what it wants to be: a wave of nostalgia for Vijay fans and a safe ‘masala’ film. It can be enjoyed with the family, and Vijay has certainly played his cards well to ensure Pongal success. 

Thunivu - No guts, some glory

Ajith Kumar teams up with H. Vinoth once again following their moderate success with ‘Nerkonda Parvai’ and moderate failure with ‘Valimai.’ Now, the duo return with their take on the heist film, ‘Thunivu.’

Laththi - Does not stick the landing

‘Laththi’ is a prime example of a decent concept ruined by terrible execution. There were many factors which were haphazardly completed, which needed more time, care and attention for the potentially adequate thriller ‘Laththi’ could have been.

Connect - Mixed reception


 

Conventionally speaking, ‘Connect’ may be one of the most successful horror films in the Tamil film industry - which is a very low bar to step over.

Palermo Tamil community celebrates Oli Vizha

Around 1000 Tamils gathered in Palermo, Italy, last weekend to celebrate Oli Vizha - 'festival of light' - a cultural and community showcase which returned to the city after two years of hiatus caused by the global pandemic.

Imperial continue reign as 'Kings of Gaana' on tenth anniversary

King’s College London’s annual ‘Kings of Gaana’ event, the world’s largest inter-university Gaana competition, took place for the 10th year in a row on December 11. This year it was held in the Eventim Apollo theatre, and hosted by British Tamil event personalities Kutti Hari and Braha.

Tamil couple fundraise for toy drive for refugee families

The Amma project, a charity initiative started by a British Tamil couple, is working alongside the Swansea Asylum Seekers Support (SASS) to provide gifts for children from refugee families during the Christmas period. SASS charity was chosen by the couple as they help asylum seeker familes in various situations, a cause close to their hearts. Donations can be received on the GoFundme until the 16th of December for gifts, where almost £900 has been raised.

Naai Sekar Returns - No bark, no bite

Overall, ‘Naai Sekar Returns’ is an underwhelming effort and not the re-entry into Tamil cinema a comedic legend like Vadivelu deserves.

Revisiting Baba - 20th anniversary re-release

Baba is a strange yet singular film, which reveals a lot about its writer. It is an unmissable film for a Rajini fan. Unfortunately, the re-release has toned down the aspects which make the film unique.