Coming Attractions

So many Prakash Raj movies are coming out this fall and in the coming months. Here's a run-down of what's coming, and my level of excitement (in Prakash eyebrow raises) for each one.

Anwar (Malayalam, starring Prithviraj and Mamta!!!)
This looks like it actually has a suspenseful plot, so I'm trying not to read too much about it. It looks like a "Prakash Cop" role, with a focus on terrorist interrogations. I'm loving the clunky glasses, I love Mamta, and I've loved the Prithvi-Prakash pairing in other films.

Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 5 eyebrow raises.

Brindavaanam (Telugu, starring Jr. NTR and Kajal)

I saw a short summary online that Prakash Dad and Srihari Dad play feuding factionalists with daughters. Jr. NTR's character tries to bring the feuding Dads together.  I've liked the way Prakash plays off of Tarak and Srihari in other films, plus he will be wearing lots of white and, fingers crossed, lungis!

 
Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 4 eyebrow raises.

Khaleja (Telugu, starring Mahesh and Anushka)

I'm really excited to see Mahesh, I'm loving the soundtrack and the northern India location, but it sounds like a pretty standard Prakash Bad role.

Note: Dark, oversized sunglasses= evillllll.



Prakash Raj makes a short appearance a few minutes into this "making of" video:

Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 3 eyebrow raises.

Badrinath (Telugu, starring Allu Arjun and Tammanah)

There hasn't been a lot of official info on this one, but what has been confirmed:  scenes were shot in Manali (and Prakash Raj and Pony Verma honeymooned there while he was shooting), Imran Khan is NOT in it, andV.V.Vinayak is directing. I think I read that it's a negative role, but who knows.

Prakash Raj wasn't at the muhurat, but it's still fun to watch Bunny, Chiru and the gang.

Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 2 eyebrow raises (but that could change with more info).


Electra (Malayalam, starring Nayantara and Manisha Koirola)
This is a modern-day adaptation of the classic Greek story/play. I'm psyched that this has some strong, interesting female roles for Nayantara and Manisha to tackle. Prakash plays the Agamemnon role and he may not have a lot of screen time, but it's "Classical Prakash Dad"! It sounds like the release is tied up in some legal brouhaha, but hopefully it will make it's way to subtitled DVD in the next few months.

 Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 4 eyebrow raises

Vaanam (Tamil, starring Simbu, Bharath, Anushka)
This is the Tamil remake of the Telugu Vedam, which I am looking forward to seeing. (I still want to see Bunny in it before seeing the Simbu version, but I'm always excited to see Bharath.) Prakash is slated to play the Manoj Bajpai role. I've really liked Prakash Raj in some of these more nuanced roles (like the Kannada Atithi.)  Scoop on the South just posted some photos:

"Why didn't Bella choose Jacob?! Why??!"

Level of excitement for seeing Prakash Raj in this movie: 3.5 eyebrow raises 

Prakash News

Google is now alerting me to all kinds of Prakash Raj news, for instance:

Prakash Raj’s brother debuts in Kollywood 

Prakash Raj’s brother, Prasad Raj is debuting in Kollywood as a villain with 'Padai Soozha'. Debutant director AS Prabhu is introducing the heir of Prakash Raj in the film produced by Royal Moon Pictures. 'Padai Soozha' is about the rivalry between a gangster and some college students. Prasad Raj is the gangster.

Prakash Raj's brother Prasad Raj debuts in 'Padai Soozha'

As Prakash Raj made his first entry as a villain with K. Balachandar’s film, his brother is also playing a baddie in his first film being directed by A.S. Prabhu. "Though he resembles his brother Prakash Raj, Prasad is totally different from him in his style of acting. He has a natural flair and is impressive in stunt sequences,” claims the director. Maybe that’s why he has reserved a special, introductory fight sequence for Prasad — a rare privilege for an actor making his debut.

Prakash

Prasad

If Prasad Raj's career takes off, I'd love to see a Kannada-language version of the Fabulous Baker Boys, with Prakash as Jeff Bridges, Prasad as Beau Bridges, and  Mamta Mohandas in the Michelle Pfeiffer role.

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.

Ram Gopal Varma and I agree...