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Murali-sar, why apologise? No need. We are too engrossed with your postings in NTs and in the Padalgal Palavitham threads. How are you going to find time to post it here.
This thread is not going anywhere. So, we can wait...with gratitude to your previous postings here.
Thanks for the new list. I didn't know of his particiaption in Mani's film. Will be third time, wouldn't it?
Yeah. After Agni Natchathram and Anjali.
Just watched Agni Natchathram - he is such a fluent performer :clap:
Duet (1994)
Written & directed by K. Balachander
(Assited by Anandhu).
Starring: Prabhu, Ramesh Aravind, Meenakshi Sheshadri and introducing Prakash Raj.
The film was one of the most highly anticipated for the time, due to many reasons, chiefly association of K. Balachander, the then leading hero, Prabhu and of course, the new musical chartbreaker, A. R. Rahman.
Making films with already established hero is a rare thing for K.B 80s onwards, so it was with curiosity that we viewed this film. The result was not disappointing. The film has its flaws, but good performance and great music, and apt direction saved it.
Alas, I am told, it did only average business. As scriptwriter William Goldman said about success of films, “Nobody knows”.
By now most of you should know the story. It’s basically a love story. Two brothers in love with a girl. Also, its love among the brothers and, unknown to some of the lead, love of a stepmother.
Prabhu plays Guna, a saxophonist and music composer and writer, while Ramesh Aravind plays his brother, Siva, a singer, an ex-suicidal case and career whiner. Meenakshi Sheshadri, hot from Bollywood, plays the love subject here (is it me, or does she look a lot like Saroja Devi?).
Of course, the film also marks the debut of Prakash Raj. And it was quite a debut…a lasting impression, so much so, that Prakash Raj is now one of our finest character actors, and also a good producer (he named his film company after this film).
He plays Star Hero, an antithesis of Rajini perhaps. He is opposite of the image of Rajini as we know it, arrogant, crude, violent, possessive and is full of himself. And he too is in love with Meenakshi. They should have named this film, Everyone Loves Meenakshi.
And so the struggle goes….till the bloody ending. Yes, it involves death, unnecessary but it happens.
Let me go department by department.
Writing and direction:
Nothing new from one of the masters of multiple angled love. KB’s direction by now has become a bit pedestrian, and predictable. The shock and awe tactic of the 70s is gone, and is now replaced with simpler shots.
I recall an interview which KB said he was directly involved with the song sequences and fight sequences. Former was good, and the latter sucked.
I believe KB wanted this to be a masalaic feature, and I’d say it is in between the usual dramatic KB fare and typical masala flicks.
And he could have avoided the dreadful comedy track. It was horrid.
Music:
ARR rocks! The specialty in this film is the sax. He roped in Kadrith Gopalnath to do the solo sax…which sees a unique way of playing. The sax is made to sound like nathaswaram…interesting and very unique.
Also, I was told that there was a second sax player in this film. But it was Kadri who got the spotlight.
All the songs rock. My non-Tamizh speaking fiancé loves Kulichaan Kuttaalam. We all love En Kathale, a powerful ballad that even SPB now would think twice to sing (of course he can). Yes, who can forget the melodious Anjali. The fusion-istic Mettu Poodu
And the background score too. ARR is only two years in the industry (as film composer) and he was already composing like a senior. Look at him now…
Acting.
Everyone did a good job. Prakash Raj, of course, steals the show here and there.
But the heartbeat of the film is Prabhu.
Here, he displays his biggest strength as an actor: displaying vulnerability. There is always something about his performance that moves us. It is further emphasised here when his body size is made fun off. His character takes it easy, but there is pain in there.
And he is constantly thrown in moments where he cannot fight back…and we feel for him, when he is unable to speak for himself, unable to defend himself, and when he can only sulk in silence.
Here, he is a nice, gentle creature with fallibility. And when he falls, he falls hard. And Prabhu excels in showing innocence in jeopardy. Sure, there are some tough guy moments, when he indulges in physical fight with, or confronting Prakash Raj. Other than that, you feel his loneliness.
Watch his facial expression when he plays the sax for En Kathale. That is a lonely man in a house filled with gaiety. A lonely man easing his pain through music and entertainment to the public.
Great performance. Great actor. I don’t know what else to say.
Aside: Our very own Mohanram-sar plays Prabhu’s dad. May I, with all the arrogance of a film critic, say that his credibility in playing an elderly character was destroyed by the fact that he looked (and still do) damned young! End of aside.
The others did a competent job. Those who likes to use the label “overacting” should take a look at Ramesh Aravind here.
Overall:
Could have been greater, if not for the silly comedy, unnecessary fight sequence. Best to be remembered for excellent music and Prabhu.
Note: This film was shown in Vellitirai yesterday. Joe, thanks for the info.
Watched the movie yesterday. tremendous performance by Prabhu uncle. Not that anyone else were bad, but Prabhu was just too good.
Nice writeup Groucho :clap:
Good one groucho. Prabhu would have done a great job in Duet. Particularly in " En kadhale" song, he will be playing the sax and suddenly look at Meenakshi entering the hall. Immediately his eyes would brighten up and without stop playing the sax he will switch over to "Anjali" song. His facial expressions & eyes will speak volumes in this scene.
Rakesh,
Nice write up on Duet. Prabhu underplayed that role to perfection. What I wanted to quote, Mohan has already done. But still I would second him regarding that scene. One more scene that was so nicely done by Prabhu was the one when lights would go off and you can hear the water drops falling from the tap. With this backdrop Prabhu would recite a kavidhai laced with emotions (kudos to Vairamuthu also).
But the best compliment came from Kadhiri Gopalnath. He said that barring one or two fleeting seconds, Prabhu's handling of saxophone was near perfect. But Rakesh, as you always used to say, Prabhu's performance never got the due credit. People took it for granted that it is no great deal for Sikkal Shanmugasundaram's son to do it in a perfect manner.
Now coming to the let downs, as you had rightly pointed out the comedy and unnecessary fight sequence were the major ones. Worst still after the movie's release KB blamed Prabhu fans for insisting on including such heroics. I used to wonder (in fact still wondering) who were those fans who went to warren road to demand such scenes. Nice excuse for a man of his calibre who lifted the vaazhaipazha comedy from Karakaattakaran and made it as a cheque (instead of vazhaippazham) here.
Regarding songs what to say except that as an album and as a combination of Vairamuthu - Rahman, it is on top of my list. (On a lighter vein always used to enjoy Prabhu with his trademark கன்னக்குழி புன்னகை lip syncing நடிச்சா எங்கப்பன்).
One magazine while reviewing the movie said that in our Tamil culture, it is 101 that occupies a predominant position than 100 and likewise Duet, the 101st film of Prabhu would occupy a more prominent position in his career. How true!
Regards
One scene which I love in the film is the one where he puts together the jumble
When his stepmother rearranges "வாசி வாசி" as the intended "சிவா சிவா", his reaction will be great. He will know that it is after all the more probable meaning. In a mix of embarassment and self-pity he will go into denial.
In another (following ?) scene in the terrace, the stepmother waxes eloquent about how he should be the bigger man (உன்னைப் பத்தி என்னவோ நினைச்சிருந்தேன்.... இவ்வளோதானா நீ ?). Then recounts her life's experience about the unparalleled joy in sacrifice. Prabhu will respond with "இதையே ஏன் நீங்க அவன் கிட்ட சொல்லக்கூடாது ?"
The delivery of that line is very impressive.This dialogue in particular is atypical of his character and he would have pulled it without sounding suddenly villanous or anything. He knows what he says is not possible. He knows Siva more than anyone else in the world.Yet he will display almost childlike petulance out of his love.
When he is recounting Yuvarani jilted him for being obese, you will see the anger : அவளை அடிச்சு பல்லை கிழட்டிருப்பேன் (or something like that...Sivaji also uses that expression in many films :-) )
I will compare it to Virumaandi's reactions when recounting his days to Angela. As he describes his face will show the various emotions pertinent to what he is describing. What is endearing about Prabhu's acting is that he is recounting a low-point in his life several years earlier when he has still not moved on considerably.
To quote a memorable line
Embarrassment is one of the most enduring of emotions, with a terrible needling rhythm. Grief heals; hate like love, fades over time; but when touched by memory old embarrassments throb like fresh wounds - Irene Dische (Sad strains of a Gay Waltz)
An excellent actor. Hope he gets to do more interesting roles in the coming years.
PR, thanks. I wanted to do a list of scenes to watch out, and yours and Murali sars were supposed to be in. But I wanted fellow hubbers input as well. Yes, those scenes are amazing example of his acting prowess. What went wrong towards the late 90s and 2000s, I don’t know. I guess as the quality of TFI itself deteroriated (my assessment), so did the quality of roles that came his way.
And that is a nice quote. Fits the situation you described. And yes, that “palla kazhutiduveen” is very NT.
Murali-sar,
Thanks. Of KB, I recall very well (appa-appa memory work pannum) an interview he did where he actually bragged about doing the action sequence himself. He said, normally he will leave it to the stunt master and someone else to shoot, if there is a fight scene, but this time he personally handled it. If he is not interested, he could have got someone to do it, right? As a director who understands market, I am sure that using Prabhu, he would have WANTED to include that scene to cater the market.
I am glad that you like the album, it is one of my favourite too…My brother, a ARR fan(atic) said that there was actually a second sax player used for the film. And yes, we NT fans relish that “Nadiccha enggappan” line. A wink from Vairamuthu to fellow NT fans.
Oh, another smashing scene: The “Vennilaavin Theeril” and Prabhu’s silent suffering. All patient elder brothers (like me) can relate to that sequence, that’s for sure.
Thanks to VCD/DVD, we have forward button, and we can enjoy this film without the silly comedy and
Oh well, lets see what else the cinema industry has to offer to Prabhu.
My brother sent me this:
Got this from http://spbindia.blogspot.com/2007/05...-dated_28.html
3) en kaadhale ...... from Duet (SPB)
Kedharanath rendered this song. Our SPB asked "Baatcha" to talk about the sax player of this song. Baatcha said that this was played by "Sax" Raju who is one of the rare players who could play the sax without aberrations in the sruthi. He also said that when he discussed about this sax player with A.R.Rehman, Rahman used to compare Raju with the world renowned sax player Kenny G. Such an impact Raju had created. Our SPB also chipped in saying that the music industry had two great sax players both with name Raju. He also mentioned that many had mistaken that sax was played by Kadri Gopalnath for this song. But he had played sax only for one song in the movie which was also sung by our SPB (maybe Anjali song ....). Only Raju had played for this song, he said and that too with great expressions using his sax. He also talked in awe of the actor Prabhu who is featured in this song. SPB felt that his acting was such that he exceeded even his father Sivaji in expression (having tears in the eyes without letting them fall). He also spoke about the great picturisation of director K.Balachandar for this song and also the use of the "Anjali" song bit in this song when the herione appears in the scene. SPB finally praised the contestant for taking a risky song and presenting it well 99.9%. He, however sang out certain portions of the song himself which he felt the contestant should take care in future which he himself found difficult when singing on stage. He also brought in Baatcha's habit of pointing out mistakes in his singing when they used to record live in earlier days.
Yeah I was wondering too Groucho. I think Gopalnath only played Mettupodu - very Carnatic-ky pieces.
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by groucho070
The only good thing about Duet is Prabhu's acting, it really got to me. But he was a good actor, now he is just a box of histrionics, there's nothing fluid about his performances any more. The last notable performance was Siraichalai. Films after that, he didn't really strike a chord in any performance. I think he struggles to find any motivation. And when you have likes of P.Vasu around, it's not all that surprising.
I'm looking forward to the Mani Ratnam film.
:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by thilak4life
P. Vasu's existence in TFI is still a mystery to me. That he continues to get job (why Rajini?) is another great subject for movie thesis.
In early days he benefited from the stars and of course Ilayaraja. Chinathambi benefited massively from Prabhu and Ilayaraja.
Quote:
Originally Posted by karthik_sa2
Yes Karthik, you are correct. In the movie "Manasukkull Maththaappoo" his performance was extremely good. His role was based on a Mentally disordered person. He got Best Actor Filmfare Award for that year. The songs were melodies and hit.
"Muththu Engall Soththu" is a 100% comedy movie. It was very old movie, released before 1990 (if am i correct ?). Starting to the end full of comedy. A must watch movie for a Prabhu fan.Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_karthik
Similarly "Kanni Rasi" also a Comedy cum Sentiment movie, directed by the Director cum Actor Pandiyarajan.
Saran.
saran - a prabhu fan? :)
Guys,
Arangetra velai is very good movie....I also like kanni raasi. (prabhu and GM combination) :redjump:
Yes you are correct,Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_karthik
He was so simple. Easily he minkled with everybody. If Brabhu is there in the Set, then everybody will be in happy and jolley mood. He spare his lunch with everybody in the Set, including light boy.
He know his tallent, so he never afraid of acting with any other leading heros.
During his carrier he co starred from S.V Sekar to Rajini / Kamal.
Yes he acted along with S.V.Sekar, Mohan, Pandiyarajan, Murali, Vijayakanth, Karthik, Sathyaraj, Sarathkumar, Livingston, Mohanlal, Ramesh Aravindh, Rahuvaran, Prakashraj, Ramki, Sivakumar, Rajinikanth, Kamalhasan, and the one and only Sivaji Ganesan.
In Tamil film history no one (hero) has acted as co-hero among the most of the other heros. Somebody may have acted with one or two heros with one or two films. But, Prabhu is the only hero. he acted along with most of the other leading heros without any hesitation. He can dance equally with Kamalhasan, he can fight equally with Rajinikanth.
This itself shows that, he didn't afraid of any other heros. He know his tallent, so he is ready to show his tallent among others. One more thing; he never argue with the director regarding his role against his co-hero (i.e. he never informed the director, that his role should be lifted among the other fello star).
Saran
Dear Saran,
Welcome to Prabhu's thread.
A very good post regarding the no of films where Prabhu had acted with so many heroes. Hope you contribute more to this thread.
Regards
Groucho.. neengale namma Gounder-ah miss panniteenga :DQuote:
Originally Posted by groucho070
Hi Murali,Quote:
Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas
Ilayathilagam Prabhu Co-Starred along with other Heros in several movies. Some of them are:
1. With Nadigarthilagam Sivaji Ganesan
Sangili
Needhipathi
Sandhippu
Simma Soppanam
Neethiyin Nizhal
Saathanai
Ezhuthaatha Saddangall
Vellai Roja...etc.
2. Kamalhasan
Vetri Vizhaa
Vasoolraja MBBS
3. Rajinikanth
Gurusishyan
Dharmaththin Thalaivan
Mannan
Chandramukhi
Kuselan
4. Sathyaraj
Paalaivana Rojaakkall
Chinnathambi Periyathambi
Annaanagar Mudhaltheru
5. Karthick
Agni Natchathram
Vuruthi Mozhi
Thai Poranthaachu...etc
6. Ramki
Chinapoove Mella Pesu
+ one or two movies; the name i could not able to remember
7. S. V. Sekar
Lottary Ticket
Muththu Engall Soththu
+ a movie which was directed by T.P.Gajendhiran
8. Vijayakanth
Nambinaar Keduvathillai
Kaalaiyum Neeyae Maalaiyum Neeyae
9. Ramesh Aravindh
Duet
10. Raghuman
Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam
11. Abbaas
Budjet Bhadmanabhan (if am i correct)
12. Mohanlal
Chirai Chaalai
13. Raghuvaran
Anjali
14. Murali
Paasa Kiligall
+ a movie which was directed by Anumohan
15. The evergreen Hero Mr.Sivakumar
Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam
...etc
regards,
Saran
Hi Karthik,Quote:
Originally Posted by karthik_sa2
Yes U R correct. Prabhu acted in an English (Hollywood) movie named " Ele, My Friend ".
Category: Dramas Movies, Comedies Videos, Children's, Adventure, Children/Family, Children (About), Kids Adventure
Starring: Ganesh, Jacob Paul Guzman, Prabhu
Director: Dharan Mandrayar
Featured: Amjad Ali Khan
Amjad Khan, Gazan Khan, Jacob Paul Guzman, Prabhu, R.S. Shivaji - Director: Dharan Mandrayar
During the British Raj of the 1920's, a young Indian boy named Charles crosses paths with a family of elephants in the deep jungle. Excited by his ... Full Descriptionnew findings, Charles quickly befriends one of the baby elephants and names it Ele. Their private world of joy and happiness is suddenly shattered when the sound of gunfire fills the air. Now the bravery of young Charles is tested when faced with the decision to save his new friend Ele from the wrath of the evil hunters.
Stars also making their debut in this video: Jacob Paul Guzman, Prabhu.
regards,
Saran
HR, mannichidunggo. Yes, Gounder also matters. In fact, Gounder/Prabhu made a few kallakkal films themselves, that you and others have share in Gounder's threads.
Dear Saran,
Welcome to Prabhu's thread. Thank you for that info and list of Prabhu's films with leading stars. Man, that is a very impressive list. One thing, Prabhu does not shy away from acting with other list...another thing is for the lead actors to willingly act with him...it must be all good qualities Prabhu possessed.
Thanks again, Saran.
Anbu chinnamQuote:
Originally Posted by thoothukudisaran
Hi RC,Quote:
Originally Posted by RC
The movie which was co starred with Murali and directed by Anumohan is " Ninaivu Chinnam "
Saran.
Kumbakarai Tanggaiya.
Simple village flick by Ganggai Amaran (GA). Prabhu in an awful wig is okay in this movie, playing a rough and tough village type. He has an easy chemistry with Kanaga. But then, you let him act with a Klingon, he will still have easy chemistry…that is Prabhu for you.
Nothing special about the story, which could have been normal village flick that has a Komberi Mookan twist in the middle. GA ventures into action territory a bit…but its just so and so effort.
What struck me was the credit sequences. It starts with massive felicitation on Ilayaraja, really! I mean, GA basically worshipped IR. IR was great that time, but the felicitation kinda put me off a bit. Then, we get to see the technicians with their credits…though most of them looked little at ease. Some really looked like they were asked to stand in front of the camera with a gun pointed at them, behind the camera.
Along the way, I felt uneasy. Something not right. The needed elements are there. Prabhu is okay. Kanaga, underrated just because she is not super gorgeous like her mom, is okay. Supporting cast do their job well. Story is normal…simple to follow. Songs were nice (in fact, Thendral Katre, thendral katre is a great song). But I felt uneasy.
Then I realised something. A grevious crime GA commited.
There was no Goundamani!!!!! :evil:
It explains why the comedy scene in this film plain sucked. SS. Chandrasekhar in Gounder’s place? Come on!
Without Gounder, this film merely takes mediocre rating.
Rakesh,
If I remember right, Kumbakarai Thangaiyaah was produced by Sangili Murugan. His productions were all based in and around Madurai and he used some real life characters (read outlaws) and KT was one such character who lived near Periyakulam - Cumbum - Theni belt. That was one reason why Prabhu was made to use that awful wig. As you said, songs were good [Ilaiyaraja always gave good songs for Sangili Murugan]. Again I remember some good fight scenes. Box office wise it was a hit and it did especially well in B & C centres.
Regards
Oh !Quote:
Originally Posted by groucho070
This is the exact replica of the KaragAttakkAran credits sequence.
It starts with GA introducing the producers to IR - 'scratching his head' requesting IR to sing the title song. Then IR sings "pAttAle budhdhi sonnAr"....a dud song - which I have gotten so used to that I like it now :-)
Boring routine except for one or two 'light' moments. (like GA shown grabbing at the notes of currency from the two producers when the credits for them are shown :D).
Perhaps GA thought he'd just repeat it in KT and get away with it. Nice try !
Check out Ramarajan & Kavundamani in Karagattakaran credits :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram
Recall GM, playing with the kids at the reception. Senthil bumping into GA after a ta-ta to the audience (enna dA viLambaram ! :-))
Ramarajan-kku enna. MakkaL nAyagan-nu pOduvaangaLE..adhai solreengaLA :lol2:
Thanks for the info Murali sar.
PR, yes, that was a funny moment. Grabbing the producers money, nice touch from GM.
But any idea why Gounder was not in it? But seeing that he was very busy, he must have missed out on the call sheet.
GM for his original make-upQuote:
Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram
Ramarajan, ADMK style color color sattaile parthadha nyabagam.. nan :lol2: arthathula sollalaiQuote:
Originally Posted by Prabhu Ram
இன்று (டிசம்பர் 31) பிறந்த நாள் காணும் அன்னை இல்லத்தின்
இளைய குமாரன்
இளைய திலகம் பிரபு
பல்லாண்டு வாழ வாழ்த்தும் அன்பு உள்ளங்களில் எங்களையும் இணைத்து கொள்கிறோம்..
அன்புடன்
Crikey, missed this one.
Happy belated birthday, Prabhu-sar. Hope to have more contributions from you as an actor and producer (which means don't use P. Vasu, pleeaaasee.....).
Have a great year ahead.
:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivasaayi
Yes,
I like Prabhu. As because of his simplicity and his jovial behaviour.
With his FAT body; he was doing nice and perfect dance. And also his Stunt movements are fascinating and worth watching.
regards,
Saran.
just observed something. 3 of Prabhu movie's names:
Chinnathambi
Periyathambi
& Chinnathambi Periyathambi :D
கன்னடத்தில் பிரபு
நடிகர் திலகம் சிவாஜி கணேசனின் புதல்வரும், நடிகருமான பிரபு முதன் முறையாக கன்னடப் படம் ஒன்றில் நடிக்கவுள்ளார்.
பிரபுவின் பள்ளிப் படிப்பெல்லாம் பெங்களூரில்தான். மேலும் நடிகர் திலகத்தின் மகன் என்பதால், பெங்களூர், பிரபுவுக்கு இன்னொரு தாய் வீடு போல.
கன்னடத்தில் நன்றாகப் பேசக் கூடிய திறமை படைத்தவர் பிரபு. இருந்தாலும் இதுவரை ஒரு கன்னடப் படத்திலும் அவர் நடித்ததில்லை. இந்த நிலையில் முதல் முறையாக கன்னடத்தில் நடிக்கப் போகிறார் பிரபு.
படத்திற்குப் பெயர் பாஸ். சத்யா இயக்குகிறார். நவ்யா நாயர், தர்ஷன் ஜோடிகளாக நடிக்கின்றனர்.
இப்படத்தில் முக்கிய வேடத்தில் நடிக்கிறார் பிரபு. படப்பிடிப்பு தற்போது மைசூரில் படு விறுவிறுப்பாக நடந்து வருகிறது.
சிவாஜி கணேசன் பி.ஆர்.பந்துலு இயக்கத்தில் உருவான ஸ்கூல் மாஸ்டர் என்ற கன்னடப் படத்தில் நடித்துள்ளார். இப்போது தந்தை வழியில் பிரபுவும் கன்னடம் பேசப் போகிறார்.
தமிழில் தற்போது தந்தை மற்றும் குணச்சித்திர வேடங்களுக்கு மாறி விட்டார் பிரபு. அஆஇஈ படத்தில் அவர் நடித்துள்ள தந்தை வேடம் ரசிகர்களிடையே நல்ல வரவேற்பைப் பெற்றுள்ளதால் இதுபோன்ற வேடங்களில் நடிக்க ஆர்வமாக இருக்கிறாராம் பிரபு.
http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/movies...nada-film.html
Thanks for the info, Joe.
Another interesting addition to his resume. May his talent be appreciated there too.