Charlie (2015) and Maara (2021) Review by Bobby Sing at bobbytalkscinema.com

CHARLIE (2015/Malayalam) - A weirdly beautiful film with adorable lead characters and a mesmerizing cinematography followed by an average remake as MAARA (2021/Tamil). (Movie Notes by Bobby Sing)

14 Feb, 2021 | Indian Regional language Gems (Other Than Hindi) / Movie Reviews / 2015 Releases / Inspired Movies (Alphabetical) / M / 2021 Releases

At times a film makes a solid impact not because of its storyline, but through it impressive onscreen execution and adorable performances by the lead cast winning hearts. CHARLIE is exactly that kind of an unusual creation that at first appears to be weird and uneven. But then surprisingly manages to present the same weirdness with a beauty turning the film into a spellbinding experience asking for a repeat watch.

Apart from the so natural and heartwarming performances, the film gradually grows and leaves an impression also through its outstanding cinematography, art-direction and costumes that make even the small screen of a TV/laptop glow with vibrant colours and brightness. Innovatively directed by Martin Prakkat, CHARLIE actually proves to be a winner more because of a spirited Parvathy than Dulquer in my personal opinion.

Parvathy looks and acts in a stunning manner along with Dulquer and Aparna Gopinath perfectly complimenting each other in their scenes together. Plus the mystery element cleverly incorporated in the script works beautifully after the initial build-up, accompanied by a pulsating background score enhancing the overall impact. The only minus is that the film in reality doesn’t have anything new to add or say in terms of story content. But it all gets forgotten, as you slowly fall in love with the smiling Parvathy, smitten by her cool, magnetic charm towards the end of the film.

So if you haven’t seen it yet then do watch it at the earliest, especially for its lead stars.

Rating : 3.5 + 0.5 / 5 (with the additional 0.5 for Parvathy and her stylist/designer giving her that killer look and attires)

MAARA (2021/Tamil)

The routine norm followed by the general audience is that they are neither aware nor care about the original film before watching an official or unofficial remake. Especially, when the remake is promoted much more in comparison and is easily available on an already subscribed OTT portal accessible with a simple click.

But that is exactly what differentiates between a casual filmgoer and a student of cinema willing to see the real film.

For friends interested in watching their cinema as a study and excited to witness how a director attempts a remake, re-visualizing the same sequences and characters in his own manner, one should essentially watch CHARLIE and then MAARA without messing with this sequence.

To be fair, this is a perfect example of a case, where the remake simply misses the actual spirit of the original and entirely goes off the mark.

In MAARA - the official remake in Tamil directed by Dhilip Kumar, you neither find the spirit of Parvathy nor the spontaneity of Dulquer in the similar portrayals by Shraddha Srinath and Madhavan like a completely different film. No doubt both Sharadhha and Madhavan have their own proven charm visible on the screen, but the look, feel and magnetic pull of CHARLIE is nowhere to be seen in their adaptation. As a result, despite being a more than decent effort in technical terms, the film never rises above an average project and fails to convey anything significant to its audience.

Rating : 2.5 / 5

As a matter of fact, I really feel sorry for friends who watched MAARA first, just because of its easy availability and publicity as a new release of the year.

Giving you the real picture, the two films can easily be compared as two flowers with one being a Gulab (Rose) and other a Genda-phool (Marigold).

Both the flowers are indeed beautiful but then.... A Rose is a Rose is a Rose!

Hence if you haven’t seen any of the two movies yet, then don't miss this weirdly beautiful film titled CHARLIE and try stopping yourself falling in love with Parvathy.

Cheers!

Bobby Sing

Charlie (2015/Malayalam) – Available at Sunnext with English Subtitles.

Maara (2021/Tamil) – Available at Amazon Prime with English Subtitles.

Tags : Charlie (2015) and Maara (2021) Review by Bobby Sing at bobbytalkscinema.com, New Regional Movies Reviews by Bobby Sing, Malayalam Films Reviews by Bobby Sing, Tamil Films Reviews by Bobby Sing

14 Feb 2021 / Comment ( 2 )

Sagar

submitted on 17 February 2021

Bobby veer ji..

Really really thanx Bobby veer ji ðŸ™

Bobby Sing

submitted on 10 Jun,2021

Sorry for the late reply Sagar.
I am really glad to know that you are now watching the films in their original language with English subtitles.
That is exactly the way how CINEMA should be enjoyed as made by the talented makers in its original form.
Keep watching.
And Do keep visiting and writing in.
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