Alluda Majaka (1995)

Trigger warning for sexual assault (in the movie).

If there's one thing this movie proves, it's that I am truly a 13-year old Delhi boy on the inside, considering that I was planning to rewatch it even before it got over (be prepared, L). And yes, I know it's problematic in its representation of women, and yes, some scenes were so full of it that I felt numb by the time the movie ended, but I also found it really funny, I loved the fashion (I want at least 10 outfits worn by various characters), the songs picturisation was absolutely 90s-level insane, and finally, you just can't go wrong with Lakshmi and Chiranjeevi, that too in such inappropriate settings.

I wish they had given Ramya a more substantial role, though. She would have killed it as the bitchy rich girl, if Padayappa (1999) is anything to go by. Or even half of it. *cries in subtitles*.

In true E.V.V. Satyanarayana fashion, Alluda Majaka was full of references to Ramayana and bigamy. In addition to that though, this movie can actually be interpreted as an absurdist commentary on the marriage market, specifically with respect to the objectification and commodification of women, even though I don't really think that was intentional. Had they focused specifically on that aspect, the movie would have been an amazing satire. Anyway, Chiru throws a snake to prevent Ramya's wedding and if that isn't symbolism at its best and most beautiful, I don't know what is. Chiru also says land reform rights in the movie, and I was so emotional- if only Indian cinema realised that feminism and working class/farmers' rights don't necessarily have to be in opposition to each other, society would have been utopian by now. 

Fun fact: Canadian Kumar ripped off the infamous "We Love We Love Rocky" song from Aflatoon (1997) from the "Pitta Kootha" song from this movie, and made it worse and also more blatantly similar to "We Will Rock You" by Queen. #TheMoreYouKnow

In conclusion, Alluda Majaka is one movie that deserves academic research, and I am pleased to say that someone has actually written a whole paper on it, which I will read soon. Also, I can't wait to learn Telugu one day so that I can truly understand what the songs mean, especially the Reddu Reddu song. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Shyam Singha Roy (2021)

There is honestly nothing more annoying than a movie that has flashes of being a good movie, but turns out to be a bad one anyway. Not only have you watched a bad film, but you have also been cheated of all hope and it's exhausting, to say the least.  Also, when this movie is a first day first show, you can't help but feel betrayed. Full "I trusted you!" moment only.  The first half was so tedious to sit through, I genuinely thought of leaving after the interval at one point. I didn't though, because Sai Pallavi only made her entry in the second half, and let's face it, she was the real reason for me to go watch it anyway. I mean, Nani was a huge pull factor too, but after Tuck Jagadish (2021) and V (2020), I was a little wary of trusting this man completely. As I should, because look what he made me sit through... again! (I swear to god, if the Nazriya film isn't good, I just might never watch a Nani movie ever again). Back to Pallu though- she is the onl
Read more

Aasai (1995)

My only regret is that I wish I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before watching it. I know I'm 26 years too late to the party, but honestly, not knowing the basic premise would have made things even more scary and messed up, not that there wasn't enough of those sentiments already. But to watch it unfold like the psychotic drama it was on the big screen, while innocently expecting another cute sweet love story featuring foetus Thala... I would give anything to have that experience. I know we love poking fun at Prakash Raj for being the evergreen villain, but it takes an Aasai for one to truly understand why he's earned that reputation. He really brings to life the evil but powerful psychopath who can manipulate people and situations to get what he wants, and I swear I was shaking a little when the movie ended because he is just that good at driving the point home. That's the thing about well-written thrillers- they work excellently as horror movies because you
Read more

Pokiri (2006)

Sairam, thank god I had forgotten the "twist", despite having seen Bhai's Wanted (2009) when it came out. Not only was I majorly zoned out (so much that I don't even remember for sure if I slept for sometime in the middle) but I have also actively tried to erase all memories of it. Which is why I was shocked enough to legit scream when the big twist came along.  From what I have heard about Pokiri , it sounds like some kind of cultural reset. And going by that, I must say that it totally lived up to that hype. Prince Mahesh seems to be at the peak of his career, and it's a performance that is memorable in more ways than one- he really shines through as the cool, stylish hero who outsmarts villains and beats them up. Of course, he needs a solid story and some killer dialogues as well, both of which are amply present here. I loved how understated his commitment dialogue was, especially in comparison to Bhai's exaggeration, the memory of which still gives me war
Read more