DISCLAIMER: People with weak constitutions/heart problems please stay away from this post. Contains graphic violence and thematically disturbing images.
The year was 1990. There was an unusual crowd at the theater. Upon investigation, it was found that it was the occasion of the release of next film by Ramanarayanan, the master of “religious thrillers”, if they exist. Aadi Velli (1990) had set high expectations in the minds of the film fanatics and they did not want to miss the rare chance of seeing it in theaters. The whole crowd got in. The show finally began. But only half the people returned.
The whole film has such exhilarating moments that people went numb watching it. The climax which tops all the scenes is one that was jaw-dropping (minus the drool) and will be cherished by generations to come. I had the chance of seeing it on VHS about 15 years ago and boy did I love the film! I recently got hold of the original VCD. As a service to mankind, I have cut out the best parts from the climax and uploaded it on you tube. I am presenting the same below. (If you have hurried to this point, read the disclaimer above)
Notice the time-slice photography in the duel, later copied by The Matrix. Also note how easy it is to generate King Katari. But please kids, these stunts have been performed by expert programmers and professional monster-creators. Do not try this at home.
Though King Katari is defeated, it will remain as the best villain in the memories of the audience for its efforts, intimidating acts, courage, shape, size, colour, cost, elastic coefficient etc. As a Cinemaniac and responsible human being, I request all of you viewers to spread the word and ask as many people to watch the video so that we do not miss one of the best moments in world cinema history.
P. S. : Please do not compare with Narasimma or Yaarukku Yaaro. I hate such comparisons.
June 2, 2008 at 12:18 am
Nice video cutting work. I noticed the time-slice photography, but how likely is it that the makes of The Matrix lifted it from here?
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June 2, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I do not know if the Wachowski siblings follow “Amman” movies closely or if it is a sheer coincidence. But who ever watches King Katari, is bound to have a lasting impact in his life.
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June 2, 2008 at 7:16 pm
hey which part is the time slice photography come in this video? By the way I appreciate your noble intentions in creating awareness about the programming genius such as the King Katari’s creator. I hope Prasanna(Iyer) and Adi take note of his topcoder profile ;)
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June 2, 2008 at 8:03 pm
LOL, the time slice photography appears at 2:45 up to 2:48… enjoy
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June 2, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Talk about LOL, The possibly related posts has some interview with Leonardo Di Caprio. Here is an excerpt:
“We were trying to make a film that would really impact on people, to the point where they leave the movie theatre facing the harsh realities of what will happen to this planet and us in the future if we don’t make a change.”
A bigger riot if you read the whole interview in relation to King Katari…
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June 2, 2008 at 9:29 pm
was that paint brush !!??
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June 2, 2008 at 9:31 pm
why does he draw a octopus and how come the resulting monster looks like a cross between a frog and a dinosaur .. !!??
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June 3, 2008 at 10:13 am
That looks like paint brush; but at the back end it is an out-of-this-world software that creates what you think!!!
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June 4, 2008 at 4:37 am
[…] The Best Villain Of All Time […]
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July 10, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Great find… cant help thinking how it would be with director’s commentary ;)
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March 3, 2009 at 5:46 am
I still admire how Ramanarayanan fiddled around with the Science vs. Religion part :)
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May 10, 2009 at 11:23 am
I bow before the might and majesty of King Katari. twitter plug coming up.
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May 10, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Oh Ya…
Villains are of two categories only – King Katari and the rest.
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