Round-up for August 2015

Monthly Prakash Raj Movie Total: 23 (August, 2015)
Overall Prakash Raj Movie Total: 267 (as of 08/31/15)

Thillu Millu, Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu, Gouravam, Santhosam, Thulli Vilayadu, Heropanti, Rainbow, Anukoolakkobba Ganda, Khakee, Pandhyam, Saravana, Govindudu Andarivadele, Collector Gaari Bharya, Naam, Raghavan (Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu), Lee, Saguni, Hoo, Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu, Mumbai Mirror, Zanjeer, Rajjo, Singh Saab the Great
Wow, I think 23 films is definitely my record for most Prakash Raj films watched in a month. I think in the past I was probably sprinkling more non-PR Indian films in the mix, and I wasn’t watching as many K-Dramas this month, so that may explain the current binge.

Themes of the month: Remakes of Telugu blockbusters and the full range of noble cops, corrupt cops, diagnosing doctors, villainous politicians, and gaudily-dressed gangsters.

A Guide to the Roles of Prakash Raj

I'm going to start doing some blog posts for specific movies, but I thought I'd play catch-up on the 46 films I've seen so far by cataloging them by the "types" of roles that Prakash Raj plays in each one. Credit goes to the folks at BollyWHAT/Beyond Bollywood forum for the initial identification of these types, which I've fleshed out a bit and will elucidate in further posts.

"Prakash Bad"

Oversize sunglasses with dark tint=Evillll!!!

Definition: villain (noun), a character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. Generally an urbane kingpin, a diabolical rural factionalist, or a conniving in-law.
Citations to date: 12, see Pok(k)iri, Arjun, Okkadu, Samba.
Note: often forms a hybrid with "Prakash Dad", to create "Prakash Bad Dad." (See below.)

"Prakash Pal"

Oversize sunglasses with graded tint = friendly

Definition:  friend (noun), a person whom one knows and with whom one has bond of mutual affection. Generally a co-worker and romantic wing-man.

Citations to date:  3, see Mozhi, Kannathil Muthamittal.

Note:  the most rare of the types, although "Prakash Dad" sometimes features "Pal' elements (see Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam).

"Prakash Dad"

Sweater with sleeves= paternal

Definition:  father (noun), a man in relation to his natural child (uh, ok OED.) Generally a sophisticated businessman or a respected village leader.
Citations to date:  23 24, see Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, Abhiyum Naanum, Chakram, Kanchivaram.
Note 1:  Variations of this type include "Hero's father" and "Heroine's father".
Note 2:  Has sometimes filled the "dad role" as a brother (Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam) or uncle (Rajakumarudu).
Note 3:  Often hybridizes with "Prakash Bad" to create "Prakash Bad Dad"-- 5 citations, see Kantri, Munna.

"Prakash Cop"

Sweater vest= honest

Definition:  police officer (noun), a member of the civil force of a national or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. Generally a morally upright supporter of the law, or an inept-appearing-yet-savvy investigator on the trail of the hero.

Citations to date:  7, see Athadu, Bombay, Tagore.

Note 1:  occasionally inlcudes "Pal" elements, though a true "hybrid" is not yet part of the database.
Note 2:  it is believed that "Prakash Bad Cop" hybrids also exist, and merit further research.