Malayalam Film Oru Thekkan Thallu Case

 I watched this on Netflix mainly because it stars Padmapriya, a friend and former student. She's done a great job in her role as the wife of a respected guy in a Kerala village, who gets drawn into a long fight with a rival who is jealous and wants more attention/respect from the villagers.

The husband-Biju Menon- also has acted well, though I saw him for the first time- I don't watch that many Malayalam films. So has the girl who plays Vasanthi, the link between the two rivals, and a friend of the wife.

The film is worth a watch, though it may not be a must-watch. The Lighthouse plays a prominent role in the story, making it interesting.

The Narrow Path- Malayalam Film Review

This is a 2016 film which could be one of the lowest budget films I have seen. Mostly, the action happens in one small house and its terrace. But it is also one of the most unusual, because it is gripping.

The hero is not fair and handsome, by any stretch, but he acts like he is a natural. Actually, there are two heroes- a son and a father. Both are great for their roles. It's about a son who has to care for his partly paralysed father, and the possibility that he may have to forego his love because of the situation. The dilemma keeps the movie going.

Wonderfully narrated story, direction and editing. I saw it on Amazon Prime, and you should too (anywhere), if you like good cinema. Subtitled where I saw it.

Again brings home the point that the story can be the lifeline of a film- Race 3 guys, are you listening?

Some Good Love Stories on Film

There are a few good love stories I remember from the days when I watched films regularly. Of course, the obvious one is 'Love Story' (English) itself. Had a nice pair of lead actors who made it come alive.

Among Hindi films, "Ankhiyon Ke Jharonkhon Se" from Rajshri films is one that I remember. Sachin and Ranjita played the lead. Kabhi Kabhi was also a good one, a mature one for those days. Because the lovers do not marry each other, and do so without tantrums. Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon and the title song were classy.

Another Rajshri film that I liked a lot then was 'Paheli,' starring Namita Chandra and Satyajeet. This is about an urban guy and a rural girl, but very well told. It had some beautiful songs, one that went "Sona kare jhilmil jhilmil,.....vrishti pade tapur tupur, tapur tupur" being the best.

Some Rishi-Kapoor- Neetu Singh films like Khel Khel Mein were also very good. Rajnigandha, Chitchor presented love in a different, and endearing way. Chitchor also had some of the best semi-classical songs in Hindi films- Jab deep jale aana, and Tu jo mere sur mein sur milale for instance. Ravindra Jain was the music director.

Premikudu in Telugu starring Prabhu Deva and Naghma (caled Kathalan in Tamil, and Humse Hai Muqabla in Hindi I think), was pretty good too. But the love story was overshadowed by the dances of Prabhudeva (in particular, the Ole o, song with a Western Cowboy/saloon setting).

Among more recent ones, I also liked a Malayalam film, Swapnakoodu, that had some excellent songs. 'Karuppi nalugu' was one, and 'Ishtamallada' was another. This had Prithviraj and Meera Jasmine, and another pair in the lead.

Among Kannada films, Mungaru Male was a lovely love story, with an unexpected ending. Shot in the rain-drenched parts of Karnataka, pleasing on the eye, and with some great songs.