I run a company called "Dash of Masala" and frequently have people ask me what "masala" means. I generally struggle to explain the meaning of this ubiquitous and uniquely Indian word, just because it is so pervasively used in India, not just to signify that perfect blend of spices that whet your appetite and add piquancy to your dish, but also to signify any kind of perfect, finely-honed blend.And "masala" is the word that sprang to mind when I watched "Ayan" the tamil movie, last night. Why? Because it was the perfect entertainer. I am one of those people who prefer movies that are light, fun and exotic. I am also one of those people who love to watch beautiful people dressed in clothes that cannot be carried off by the hoi-polloi, prancing to throbbing music, beating up bad guys and becoming good by the end of the movie. So, by definition, I am a masala movie fan. And the movie "Ayan" was all that and more!
Take a large dollop of two extremely beautiful, young, vibrant, gorgeous, drool-worthy specimens of humanity.
Saute that in a story line of drug lords, African diamonds, movie piracy, diamond smuggling, international travel, customs officers and a gory murder. Add a large cup of a steamy love affair, a back-stabbing brother-in-law, a huge lover's tiff, a big misunderstanding, and a wonderful making up. Stir fry for about 3 hours. Add a garnish of a couple of sentimental scenes with a widowed, doting mother. And you got it! A masala movie!Surya, as the hero, is the ultimate droolable male. Beautiful, with greek god chiseled features, gorgeously muscle bound, 6 pack abs, and wonderful emoting abilities, he commands the screen. Tamanna is his lissome love interest, she of the pouting lips, creamy skin, large doe-like eyes and a slender, curvaceous figure. Her role is that of a playful, flippant young college going girl, who is very sure of her beauty and her appeal. All other protangonists are a foil for this beautiful pair - you cannot take your
eyes off the screen when either one or both appear.No Indian movie is complete without the song and dance sequences. And this one has it in abundance: fabulous music, hip-shaking gyrations, gorgeous costumes, lots of supporting dancers, opulent scene settings, and above all, the Indian male's dream - the heroine wearing the floating chiffon saris complete with beautifully cut backless blouses.
The scenes set in Congo were simply breathtaking with rugged landscapes, undulating deserts and vast rocky mountains.
Ok, now to cut to the chase: here is the story in all of one paragraph: Hero is a bad man who smuggles diamonds, indulges in movie piracy but has a good mom (Oh, glorious womanhood!), meets heroine, falls in love, dances with her, fights with her, makes up with her and then suddenly switches sides to help the cops catch a rival thug. So, he becomes a good guy and his mom asks the cop who worked with the hero to help her son become a good guy. So he becomes a good guy and makes his mom happy. End of story. :)
Rating: 5 stars, if you like easy-on-the-eye actors, glorious settings, fabulous dances, fantastic costumes, lots of fights, hot chases, and a forgettable story line.
If you are a girl, go see it for Surya's glistening muscle-bound hot bod.
If you are guy, go see it for the curvy cute Tamanna's beautiful pouty smile.
2 comments:
Hi Jaya: Fun post. I confess mild surprise upon reading the rather detailed descriptions of the actors' appearance.
Plus, you fooled me. When I first saw the photo, I thought it was Nipun :).
Well Eric, that's why its called a "masala movie"! All that matters is that the main protagonists are good-looking and can dance well. If they can act well too, its a plus, but definitely not indispensable! :)
Considering that India churns out about a hundred or more movies (in many languages) each year, of which many are shallow and full of "mirch masala", appearance is all that carries these movies through the box office. :)
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