Dam999 (2011) User Reviews

DAM 999....Damn boring...

[zizourono · 3/10 · 25 November 2011]

Prologue: Watched this movie from 'Sridar'(theatre) in 3d today. As it was a movie by a keralite, & we are having a similar problem here in kerala , (Mullaperiyar Dam) the urge to watch the movie was very high. Read in newspapers that the script made to the Oscar library. So altogether, the expectations about this movie was high.

Story: Its all about the figure 999 which has got importance all along.Two mariners coming home. Both having their own personal problems.The director tried to connect the dam to the characters in the movie. Their emotions holding back like a Dam & finally dam breaks at the same time the emotions are also opened. I could understand the story of 'Inception' in one watch. But this was complicated. It fails to connect with the viewers.

Cast: Casting was like 'hmm.ok'. Thats it. Everybody did their part. But apart from the main actors, all others lacked professionalism. It was like they were made to act.You could feel, you are watching a movie.You couldn't live in it.

Music: There is no notable music to show up off in this movie. Background score was poor. Actually we have seen lot of movies, though being average, getting uplifted by the background score. The songs were not impressive.

Camera: Cinematography was good. But you don't notice it, since the movie is boring.

My Verdict: This movie is boring. Will make you feel like a loser. It fails to communicate with the viewers. Not at all recommended. Im gonna watch a good movie from my library & save my day. phew... 3/10.

When will these Film crew stop?

[maddydilip · 3/10 · 4 December 2011]

When will these Film crew stop posting their own reviews says the film is great,it better than Titanic,It's original than beautiful mind,grafix beats 2012..and more Sh*t.It's just another borin movie?Turtle story,Awful grapics,and more over a disaster story with hardly less disaster in it.Unfortunately Sohan Roy puts too many sub plots that the main plot looks rather lost in the crowd.Unfortunately the movie was supposed to be about a dam disaster and we have come in for some stereoscopic graphic fun. Finally the Dam does break but is it a bit too late? Overall it's a lost cause. It's a disastrous disaster movie.

Dam 999....to be named aptly, DAMN 999!!!

[dileepkumarb · 3/10 · 27 November 2011]

First of all... .let me tell you..

If you are expecting visual effects like '2012', please don't watch this movie.. If you expect the thrill of a chaotic situation as like in,'Armageddon', don't watch this movie.. If you expect the tragics of a disaster situation as like in,'The day after tomorrow', don't go watch this movie... This is a movie apart from all those genres, which deals with a disaster situation in a different kind of way although that way fails to make a mark as the director/script writer would have expected it to be..... The main drawback of the movie is it's selection of cast for pivotal roles.... To be 1st,let's take the case of the protagonist of the movie(Vinay) whose acting is just terrible.. . He lacks expressions and the mere artificiality in his acting is clearly visible all through out the movie! The movie doesn't specify much about the dam although it depicts life of people around the dam in a rather interesting(?) way.. The cinematography is awesome as it cared to suck up every minute aspect about the scenic beauty of the locations... And when it comes to acting, The villain (Durai) is in a class above all others who are cast in the movie.. His acting is flawless and we can't demand more from him owing to the poor script... And when we're coming to the VFX part, it can be considered notable considering this is an Indian home production and no Hollywood biggies in VFX were roped in.. Two of the 4 main female characters did justice to their roles..namely Vimala Raman and Linda Arsenio.. Others' acting are just okay or below average.. The movie lacks intensity, where it's mostly in demand, in the dam bursting sequences... Also..the portrayal of death n it's after effects are like,they're of lesser importance in the movie.. Actually the real protagonist, the Dam, comes into play only in the 2nd half of the movie... We feel like whether it's the story of the dam or whether the dam disaster is just like a side-dish ,while the story is revolving around the lost love of the protagonist.... The movie can be rated an average one with a rating of 6/10, as far as I am concerned...:)

Too less of a DAM in DAM 999

[gennext_69 · 2/10 · 25 November 2011]

The Title shouts DAM, the posters speak DAM, but where was the DAM in the movie. Except for 4-5 minutes of water breaking through the dam and gushing in to the nearby towns, rest of the movie is a troubled love story. I went with expectations to see good 3D effects, sometimes a movie may not be up to the mark, but special effects and 3D feel keeps you glued to the screen but not this one. Throughout the movie i can count and say there are only three instances where you feel that its a 3D movie; one when title appears "A Sohan Roy Film", two when the title appears " DAM 999" and three... (well find it for yourself, because now my conscience kills to write so badly about something). All in all the movie fails to reflect the tragedy, sorrow or helpless situation of the people which is very expected when such an event occurs, mostly because it spent all its time in portraying the tension between the two love birds who cant be together for astrological reasons, but the the director fails to even build up that emotional attachment and deliver it to the hearts of the viewers. In conclusion I would say you can watch the movie for the sake of it, but don't expect any hair raising scenes, "Spectacular 3D experience" (as the poster claims), better don't hope anything.

Damn 1000

[solidstoned · 1/10 · 29 November 2011]

The worst thing about this movie is that it tricks you into watching it promising to be a disaster movie in 3D. You would probably think what could possibly go wrong with that combo? However, the answer is everything! Dam 999 does what those sleazy Morning show posters do to you. The promise of hot bombshells shedding their clothes in the movie, which turns out to be nothing more than a 'blink and miss' hairy armpit show. The movie hardly had 3 minutes of 3D effects that too were nothing more than what you can probably create on your home computer these days. The acting was sub par, bordering on hamming and sounding like those badly dubbed Tele shopping commercials that haunt your televisions late at night. Disappointing.

Great Publicity Material supported by a weak execution of the theme but with one cool performance.

[bobbysing · 5/10 · 2 January 2012]

DAM 999 can easily be rated as a project with probably the best pre- release publicity received in 2011 both by effort and by chance. To have an idea just sample the below mentioned points related with the promotion of the film which can easily influence any serious cinema lover to go for it at the earliest:

An Indian English film, whose screenplay gets officially selected for The Oscar Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, even before its release, for the first time in India.

According to the makers 'The film is a tribute to the1975 Banqiao Dam disaster in China that claimed 250,000 innocent lives'. But the Indian Political authorities take it in a different way and BAN the movie in Tamil Nadu, on the grounds that it can disturb friendly ties between the State and Kerala related with Mullaperiyar Dam in the region.

The rumors spread that the movie is about, "What will happen if the Mullaperiyar Dam collapses due to any reason?"

The official website of the film, names many International Film Festivals where the film has strongly made its presence felt amongst the various appreciable films coming from all over the world.

The posters and publicity material of the film are all beautifully designed, showing a big dam with loads of water all over, suggesting a great Disaster Movie on the lines of Hollywood with some exceptional graphics and that too in 3D.

One of the taglines on the posters says – 'Take the journey of a lifetime - Nine characters, Nine moods and a crumbling dam of emotions... DAM 999 - experience it in 3D!'. (Probably indicating towards the 'Nine Rasas' of human emotions.)

Now who would not like to watch this film called DAM 999 after going through all these pre-release proceedings related with the project. So being in the same state of mind, I also went to see it eagerly with a hope to witness something out of the box as projected. But unfortunately, it couldn't fulfill majority of the expectations raised by its brilliant pre-release hype with its weak handling of an interesting script and mediocre performances.

First of all, I really couldn't understand the selection of its script for the Oscar Library. The story is no doubt interesting with a lot of emotional touch but its surely not anything which can be treated as capable of being the source material for the students of cinema all over the world. The tag line of DAM 999 does indicate towards The Ancient Indian Concept of Navarasas or the nine human emotions depicted in its script. But I really didn't find much of that in its plot because if seen from this angle then most of the Indian films are always made around these 9 human emotions only.

Secondly, on one hand all its publicity material, posters and promos were presented featuring the Dam Disaster very prominently. But on the other the film has only its last 15-20 minutes given to the Dam and rest of it focuses completely on the love and relationships progressing between its various characters. And to be straight DAM 999 is more of a touching, painful love saga and very less of a Disaster movie as wrongly projected by the makers, which remains the major factor working against it. Moreover, due to this same reason the 3D attraction also doesn't work in the film with just a few above average graphics strangely credited to a mixed technical team including many foreign names.

So, there is nothing even close to what you see in its promotional campaign to be precise. Content wise, it has a story based on two characters who do love each other from their early childhood, but are never able to become a couple due to their own destiny till the disaster separates them forever. Their true but controlled love is compared to a DAM which breaks open one day due to its huge pressure. The cast is an amalgamation of Indian & foreign artists who are not able to make any kind of contribution with their mediocre acting. But still I found a few positive things in this sincere attempt as given below:

The film takes you into a different culture and outdoor locations of South India (Kerela), with a soft introduction to AYURVED – An alternative healing therapy, raising many positive questions in mind about the ancient method of medicine and the inviting scenic beauty of South India.

It is originally made in English but I really liked the idea of using 3 different songs in Hindi, English and one in south Indian language (probably Tamil) in the film, quite intelligently. Among its all below average to average performances, there is one worth mentioning act coming from Vimala Raman who superbly plays the quite, suffering girl as the main victim of her own cruel destiny, which surely needs to be appreciated.

Hence, DAM 999 is not a great film, with a well designed Publicity Campaign supported by pretty weak execution of its basic theme. But I would still rate it better than all the RASCALS and DESI BOYZ because it at least doesn't treat the viewers as mere fools coming to the theater.

Not a disaster film, not a thriller and just not very good

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 3/10 · 10 October 2016]

Made in 2011 this Indian made film was widely hyped as being a 3 D disaster movie par excellence. It is all about a couple separated from loving each other due to having an inauspicious horoscope – I kid you not; if they snog the World falls off its axis type thing. This is against a background of a colonial throw backs' son who is actually played by an American. A one hundred year old colonial era dam is about to be replaced by a much larger Indian one. Only the usual money grubbing and political shenanigans has meant that corners have been cut.

The characters run around being in and out of love with each other whilst we all wait for the monsoon rains to deliver the much promised for 'money shot' and that is the dam falling over. It is not a plot spoiler by the way as this is the films' whole raison d'être. We have sub plots to do with alternative medicine and spirituality – which I felt would have made a better film.

The acting is not just wooden it is veneered in places, bad casting has added to this, there are also a number of frames where the 'actor' deliberately delivers their lines direct to camera. This may have been for the 3 D version but it is just stilted as is the ever too bright lighting that makes this look like it was all filmed during a super nova (which would have been the only real star in this entire production).

The special effects are quite passé at best and at one time you want to shout 'it's a model', I mean this was bigged up for it great CGI etc and what we get is paltry and only for a few minutes of screen time. So not really a disaster film, disastrous some may say but not up there with any of the classics. I don't know why this won any awards, let alone so many including Best English language Film at Sangli Film Festival (possibly the only other entry was 'Debbie does Dallas - 3'?). I also don't know how I got to the end, I did fast forward a few times but this was the most unedifying film I have seen for a considerable while and would avoid everything by Director Sohan Roy from now on. The 10 out of 10 'reviews' for this on IMDb also seem to be from people associated with the film, but overall, as of today, it gets 3.7. I would give this a 3, so 2 stars is being generous. Only watch this if you are Sohan Roy as a form of punishment or you were in it – ostensibly for the same reason.

Damn the movie is Cringy >_,<

[TheNonSmoker · 1/10 · 15 March 2021]

The cring is so hard, and involving firangis is making this movie legendary level cringe. Cring Successful cring ++

This movie carries a message

[All-Lights · 10/10 · 1 December 2011]

Dams become curious idioms of love, in Sohan Roy's DAM999. Just like a 100 year old dam, ineffective and feeble in holding the water and its pressure, the main protagonists of the movie -Vinay and Meera, turn unsuccessful in holding back their 'forbidden' love for each other. The fates of both are parallel and predictable- disaster. The dam breaks, bringing with it massive damage to lives and harmony. So does love, once exposed and let out, especially when it is barred and forbidden. Here lies the basic analogy and philosophy that the movie admits- Dams happen to be concrete representations of love, burdened with unrestrained fluids. Vinay, at one point in the movie talks about how he and Meera are like dams themselves – taking the pressure of emotions for others. Dam999 is essentially a beautiful love story, told in the backdrop of water, akin to its precursors, including 'Titanic'.

A Good roller coaster ride

[ethanhuntdeepak · 10/10 · 26 December 2011]

DAM999 is an emotional thriller which characterizes 9 emotions of 9 people. The movie is directed by Sohan Roy and music is given by Ousephachen. The movie is a full fledged entertainment which focuses on the ancient Indian Ayurveda and Navarasa. Before the movie's release the Screenplay of the movie has already been selected for the permanent Core Collection in the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, that itself is a great achievement.

The songs, dialogues and the story are so wonderful and have become favorites of many by now. The number 999 represents the 999-year lease agreement on the control of Dam to the Government of Tamil Nadu, made during the British Empire in India. When it comes to performance Ashish Vidyarthi and Linda has done a fabulous job, Joshua has been fair to the role. The dam breaking part was the best scene in the movie. Well scripted and cinematography was too good. DAM999 is a good roller coaster ride...

DAM999 Movie

[philipgeorge · 10/10 · 2 December 2011]

DAM 999 a poignant title with enigmatic number 9. Movie reflects information and awareness to the people. It details ancient concepts of India as of Ayurveda,Astrology, Navarasa etc. Linked to the theme of story, music makes emotional waves. Movie raises a current issue which is as threatening as the global warming. Its presentation is a tribute to Banqiao Dam Disaster in China. It staying apart as of first international movie by the mariners. 3D project makes the reality rather than 2D. Technical shooting locations match best to the story. Shot on 'Front Sabang', the largest ship ever used for filming. Emotional thriller with 9 different perspectives revealing the power of enigmatic number 9. First 3D website for a movie.

Quite different, I liked it

[yoguy65 · 10/10 · 1 December 2011]

After reading through the website, I found the movie to be rather interesting. On screen the audience gets to see the life of 9 characters entangled in 9 scenarios which ends up with a disaster. The dam disaster has come out really well, lets keep in mind this is not a high end disaster movie similar to that of 2012 but it conveys its purpose. The director has put in a lot of effort to share about India which is still not very sound among the international audience. The soundtracks were quite colorful in multiple languages. A family entertainer and a awareness spreading effort by the director and the national award winners in it.Overall the movie was a nice experience, worth watching once preferably in 2D as 3D is needed only towards the dam collapse sequence which comes in the second half.

Very necessary and futuristic subject!

[ganpath-design · 10/10 · 8 July 2019]

The movie tries to highlight the futurist issues with noble intentions. Hope the ply of the people who may be exposed to this disastrous sites.

DAM999

[sumijaxon · 10/10 · 9 July 2019]

Great effort... impressive for a debutant director

DAM 999

[sarathrmenon-94732 · 10/10 · 11 July 2019]

A must watch Movie ... film inarguably portrays a future disaster and warning the entire world !!!

First fortune reality Movie by the Mariner

[k_a_yousuf · 10/10 · 9 July 2019]

DAM 999 is the movie by mariner with fortune reality. Last year Kerala flood is the Impact of our ignorance about the message given in the Movie.

Thanks to the Movie writer and Director for thinking in advanced and shows the world about unmanaged condition of DAM.

I had never watched such a movie

[ishabhshreshtha · 10/10 · 9 July 2019]

I had never watched such a movie, Hats-off, for giving us opportunity to watch such a movie.

A mustwatch

[arunms_scorpio · 10/10 · 2 December 2011]

watched the movie yesterday. 100% occupancy and that too on a Thursday morning. The expectations went high. The movie can be categorized as a drama with doses of disaster and tensed situations adding the flavor. The movie starts on a slow start and by the time of the interval it picks up the pace and the end 20 minutes were the real treat. The 3D added depth to the visuals and dam disaster scenes were crafted with great GFX supported by nice BGS. The story holds it uniqueness and freshness and the craftsmanship of the director is commanding. Locales were beautiful and captured nicely by the cinematographer. Songs were a mixture traditional, western and desi beats and the duet song stand apart. To summarize, the movie is worth a watch and a must-watch for all south Indian states.

DAM999 Movie

[mina-pg · 10/10 · 2 December 2011]

Movie title Dam leads all about it, but there a story of mixed feelings and phases of life.portrays human minds of lost love & a dam alike...Story showcases natural treatments of India, linked to the back ground of two's love,and a couples dream for child. A simple lifestyle story, but sometimes missing story continuity,even though, melodious music. interested because it gives message to all. Marine scenes, ship interiors are captured perfectly. main character always in blue mood and missing to smile to his son, that feel negative to us . movie ending with a never ending story. 2-3 characters performed well enough, but others simply did acted. camera coverage is almost good.

Warning for the coming Disaaster

[dipil4 · 10/10 · 7 December 2011]

DAM999 expresses various emotions of love. The film revolves around nine characters and their emotions which revolve around the central edifice of a dam. Movie makes aware of the coming disaster. Most attractive feature in the movie is how it portrays the traditional treatment of Ayurveda. I like all the songs in the movie. Technically film is good. More than that, director grabbed the attention of entire audience as at least someone came forward to make aware of the endanger gyrated with the aged old dam. I felt this movie is giving warning to the lacs of lives in Kerala. At least all the keralites must watch this movie……... Other than degrading such movies we must unite and come forward for a social cause………….

Thumbs Up for DAM999!!

[deepdan85 · 8/10 · 2 December 2011]

Sohan Roy directed DAM999 which is released both in 2D and 3D. The movie follows a mix of international and Indian cast shot in various locations.

The debut-ante director's work turned to be very impressive, let it be drama or presenting the character depth on screen. Even technically brilliant work especially the ship shots in the beginning and the dam breaking scene was incredibly done.

When it comes to acting Linda Arsenio and Ashish Vidhyarthi has done a tremendous job. American actor Joshua also did a pleasant work with his dialogs. Every character has a Rasa to their character, where 9 characters with 9 Rasa.

The story is a newly heard one with a variety in script. It is not a commercial one so might not please the mass audience but yes, the rest.

The movie's Music is composed by Ousephachen, very good indeed. It adds to the movie's flow. And Ajayan Vincent's cinematography was outstanding.

I say Thumbs Up for the movie and the director.!!