Review of Kushi

Introduction

Quite a short synopsis but the film is a simple journey of two young characters who have many strengths as well as weaknesses, causing them emotional problems that are very human. At the start of the film the narrator reveals that the two lovers will become united, thus making the audience concentrate more on how they achieve their love for each other by overcoming these problems.

This is perhaps the reason why the film works, because it already suggests what is to happen, so the predictability is not a problem when viewing. We as an audience are then treated to an entirely different approach in film narration and the way a young couple can love and hate each other. It also is quite youthful in tone and made in a humorous way rather then taking the melodramatic `I will love you till I die` approach.

The scene where Vijay looks at Jyothika`s naked waistline and is then told off by her, is reminiscent of the way sexuality is now considered in present day India. The confrontation that follows is also rings brilliant dialogue moments and wonderful performances from the two main actors.

The film is the second film by the director S.J. Suriya,
after Valli (1999) which was also a very interesting film. Though Kushi was a flop at the Indian box office, the film already has plans to be re-made in Telegu, Hindi, and even Gujirati due to the excellent screenplay and the moments created in this film.

If there are any problems with this film then it would be the songs that are quite poor and the fight sequence which is out of place (and not needed). One poor song in particular is `Kattipudi` with Anita and Vijay, this was rather embarrassing with sexual sounds blasting in the rear speakers of the cinema and DVD when I saw it. This song cheapens the sexual feelings the two people have for each other. I should mention that the character of Anita, played by Mumtaj, is rather sexual which many viewers might find offensive.

Finally, beginning the film with Shiva and Jenny as babies was over doing it a bit, I think it would have been better if the film started from Jenny`s university application and arranged marriage. The film has excellent cast performances, nice cinematography and some wonderful special effects, particularly the four seasons in the credit sequence.

Video

Kushi is presented in an anamorphic aspect ratio of 2.25:1 which has been cropped from its original ratio of 2.35:1. The cropping doesn`t affect what we see as most of the Cinemascope frame is kept on this DVD. I would prefer it if Ayngaran transfer their future titles in the correct aspect ratio so that the director`s original intentions are kept.

The 35mm print negative source used for this DVD transfer appears to be in excellent condition. The source used was that of the interpositive 35mm print negative as major wear and tear blemishes were never a problem when viewing. The only sort of blemishes seen are in the form of tiny unnoticeable black and white dots which don`t really detract. The film looks really fresh and clean which adds more enjoyment to viewing.

The DVD had no major signs of compression artefacts, but small signs of film grain are seen and this is partly due to the age of the film. Edge enhancement and moiré effects never appeared to be a problem with this transfer. There are some fine details which shimmer at times, but these aren`t really a distraction.

This DVD exhibits a nicely rendered picture that is solid, with well-balanced colours while images are generally sharp and add definition to the overall picture. Colour fidelity too is well balanced, with accurate fleshtones, rich hues, and deep blacks. Contrast is well defined and reveals more information in the picture.

Audio

The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is predominantly dialogue driven and has been nicely recorded featuring impressive fidelity while sound effects are subtly spread across the speaker spectrum for a compelling sense of spaciousness. The musical score, a predominantly multichannel element of the sound mix, delivers an expansive and engaging presence which fills the room, coupled with moments of deep, clean bass from the LFE channel leads you to getting a richly satisfying soundtrack. Essentially the 5.1 mix is panoramic, pleasing and an involving experience that puts Ayngaran on the map as one of the best Indian DVD companies to produce 5.1 mix.

Features

The menus are very impressive in design, with some original artistic concepts that match a lot of American DVDs. English subtitles are okay, but some more grammar work is still needed.

Conclusion

To sum up, this is another winner from the house of Ayngaran, Kushi is a teen flick worth checking out, and recommended.