Yes, finally I have joined CTS. After having spent around 6 months at home, it does look a little tiring, but whatchado! First day of work was spent filling form after form after form! By the end of the exercise I had signed close to 50 times and written down my address an equal number of times. I reckon my last signature was nothing close to what my signature is actually
supposed to look like! And writing the date in the American format was yet another trying experience. It just doesn't come to me naturally!!! Altogether, it was a nice experience.
Anyway, I have learnt the art of attending interviews,preparing for recruitment drives and most importantly-Getting jobs, in these vetti months. Come to think of it, I haven't been that vetti.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Comedy Kalyaanam!
We have all grown up reading/watching 'Washington il Thirumanam'. And here, I present Beachaangarai il Thirumanam'...
Yesterday, a second cousin of mine got married. And the wedding was held in a beach resort. Yes, you read it right, it was a beach resort with a pool, landscaped gardens, lawns, a thatched roof in the midst, the sea lashing a few meters away... Yes, scenic indeed! But, there was one minor flaw- Varuna Bhagawan chose to bless the couple too. Rain just poured down with all its might, the small thatched roof acted as the wedding pandal- it was full of homa fumes inside and just outside,it was raining haaaaaaard! The tent-like shamianas around the 'pandal' offered little protection and the guests, especially the ladies adorned in their best saris were looking like chickens caught in a drizzle. Straight-from-the-salon hair started bunching up in the rain. Yours truly was smart enough to get a seat that looked dry but as minutes passed by, drops of cold rain started falling through the shamiana and every drop caused a shiver down my spine!! It felt like ice flakes were falling all over my back and the nape of my neck. I covered my head with the sari even though people gave me funny glances, only to find themselves doing the same in a few minutes! The oonjal ceremony was held when the rain had reduced to a bearable drizzle. The maangalya dharanam ceremony was even more hilarious- the bride, after changing into madisaar came to the 'pandal' with an umbrella held atop!!! And people were wondering if she were going on a kasi yatra instead of the groom!!! Most of the crowd hit on the dining hall because that was the only place that a non-leaky roof overhead. Soon enough, the dining hall had become full too. I demanded for the Kasi yatra umbrella but luckily the rain had subsided by then. The reception was to be held in the open lawns. I wished them luck and started before the next downpour ;)
Yesterday, a second cousin of mine got married. And the wedding was held in a beach resort. Yes, you read it right, it was a beach resort with a pool, landscaped gardens, lawns, a thatched roof in the midst, the sea lashing a few meters away... Yes, scenic indeed! But, there was one minor flaw- Varuna Bhagawan chose to bless the couple too. Rain just poured down with all its might, the small thatched roof acted as the wedding pandal- it was full of homa fumes inside and just outside,it was raining haaaaaaard! The tent-like shamianas around the 'pandal' offered little protection and the guests, especially the ladies adorned in their best saris were looking like chickens caught in a drizzle. Straight-from-the-salon hair started bunching up in the rain. Yours truly was smart enough to get a seat that looked dry but as minutes passed by, drops of cold rain started falling through the shamiana and every drop caused a shiver down my spine!! It felt like ice flakes were falling all over my back and the nape of my neck. I covered my head with the sari even though people gave me funny glances, only to find themselves doing the same in a few minutes! The oonjal ceremony was held when the rain had reduced to a bearable drizzle. The maangalya dharanam ceremony was even more hilarious- the bride, after changing into madisaar came to the 'pandal' with an umbrella held atop!!! And people were wondering if she were going on a kasi yatra instead of the groom!!! Most of the crowd hit on the dining hall because that was the only place that a non-leaky roof overhead. Soon enough, the dining hall had become full too. I demanded for the Kasi yatra umbrella but luckily the rain had subsided by then. The reception was to be held in the open lawns. I wished them luck and started before the next downpour ;)
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Jenma Saabalyam Adaindhaen!
Attained Jenma Saabalyam yesterday. Finally attended Sanjay Subramaniam's concert in Narada Gana Sabha. And wow.. am left speechless! There are always questions raised about Carnatic music reaching the common man. The common man should have listened to this concert. It reached me, an amateur Rasikaa. That is all I can say.
P.S- one chinna doubt, I wonder if Sanjay Subramaniam can sing if his hands are tied up!
P.S- one chinna doubt, I wonder if Sanjay Subramaniam can sing if his hands are tied up!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Find of the month!
Though I'm sure this blog will not be updated until the end of the Maargazhi season, am not any less enthusiastic about finding Sikkil Gurucharan's blog!!!! But, I should also warn you not to enter the profile with very high hopes. He is, as we all know, much more comfortable with the mike than with the keyboard!
So, while he is driving between sabhas, we'll read his blog! First,it was Mani's son's Orkut profile and now it's my favorite vocalist's blog! ;)
So, while he is driving between sabhas, we'll read his blog! First,it was Mani's son's Orkut profile and now it's my favorite vocalist's blog! ;)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Understanding aesthetics...
Giving dimensions to aesthetics...
Stunning... that what looks so simple and natural to the viewer involves so much of efforts. It does indeed make a difference when you watch the shots after knowing what goes into the shot. Aesthetics at its' best... when you get to understand the foundations!
Stunning... that what looks so simple and natural to the viewer involves so much of efforts. It does indeed make a difference when you watch the shots after knowing what goes into the shot. Aesthetics at its' best... when you get to understand the foundations!
Pleased as punch!
What do u do when your friends take the pains to CALL/MSG/SCRAP to let you that they found your blog worth a read??
Am the world's happiest blogger today!
P.S- Never mind if the actual post received no comment. NO comment! :)
Am the world's happiest blogger today!
P.S- Never mind if the actual post received no comment. NO comment! :)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
An hour and twenty minutes.
The cold made me tighten the jerkin around me involuntarily. And that's when I sensed the once-familiar, tall figure stride towards me. Within a second, before I could decide whether to flash a smile or ignore him as a mirage, he came and sat next to me. A weak 'hi' was all I could manage. I closed the book in hand. As a sudden after thought, I intentionally let the book suffer further humiliation by letting it slide down. He was quicker and retrieved it for me and flipped it to expose the cover. A slow smile spread over his face as he remarked, 'So, reading 'To kill a mocking bird' for a record 740th time, huh?' .
'Perhaps', I chuckled. He still remembers my favorite book, I thought, after all these years... 8 years is not really long, I quickly said to myself. Especially when he had known me for 15 years prior to that. Remembering the chronological details this accurately bothered me. Have i been counting the days, I asked myself...
Later when Sandya asked me how it felt to bump into an ex boyfriend after 8 years, she regretted asking me that because I could give her no conclusive reply. I didn't expect him to materialize there in a land of strangers, in a transit airport. A terrorist attack would have been less shocking.
Courtesy demanded that I ask him something so as to carry on the conversation. 'So, what have you been upto, how's your family? And what do you do now?', I asked...
'Family's great, we are expecting our first child in a couple of months. And I take it that you haven't been to India for a long while. Someone with your acumen wouldn't have missed spotting my growth there', he said.
'Congrats', I smiled and offered my arm. Of course, I didn't expect him to remain the playboy he had been back then but him saying it casually had a note of finality about it. But then, he was 29 now. He went on to ask a barrage of questions. I was extremely cautious about my answers, not revealing much. My answers were diplomatic and lacked any kind of emotion and sentiment. He probably decided that I had indeed become quieter, less flashy and altogether different in the interim years.
We had coffee together, obviously I let him pay. We spoke about his parents and siblings for I had known them pretty well. We talked of school, college and of other such rhetorical topics. Not that I was bored with the conversation. Not that I deemed it an unfortunate incident- the chance meeting. It was a moment of melancholy, I decided later.
As quickly as we had met, we had to part. If you call one hour and twenty minutes, quick. The inevitable moment arrived- we had to exchange numbers, addresses and other contact details. Of course, we did exchange cards. I fastened the backpack around my shoulders, shoved the book into one of its' deep pockets and began to leave.
I walked through the long passage, not looking back even once. I kept flipping the card between my fingers which held it... And when I knew that he was nowhere in vicinity, I threw the card into one of the bins in the airport. And began my upright stride and did not slacken until I reached my plane. Throwing that card away was probably the only sane thing I had ever
done, with regard to that issue.
And the only favor he ever did to me was never trying to contact me. To this day.
'Perhaps', I chuckled. He still remembers my favorite book, I thought, after all these years... 8 years is not really long, I quickly said to myself. Especially when he had known me for 15 years prior to that. Remembering the chronological details this accurately bothered me. Have i been counting the days, I asked myself...
Later when Sandya asked me how it felt to bump into an ex boyfriend after 8 years, she regretted asking me that because I could give her no conclusive reply. I didn't expect him to materialize there in a land of strangers, in a transit airport. A terrorist attack would have been less shocking.
Courtesy demanded that I ask him something so as to carry on the conversation. 'So, what have you been upto, how's your family? And what do you do now?', I asked...
'Family's great, we are expecting our first child in a couple of months. And I take it that you haven't been to India for a long while. Someone with your acumen wouldn't have missed spotting my growth there', he said.
'Congrats', I smiled and offered my arm. Of course, I didn't expect him to remain the playboy he had been back then but him saying it casually had a note of finality about it. But then, he was 29 now. He went on to ask a barrage of questions. I was extremely cautious about my answers, not revealing much. My answers were diplomatic and lacked any kind of emotion and sentiment. He probably decided that I had indeed become quieter, less flashy and altogether different in the interim years.
We had coffee together, obviously I let him pay. We spoke about his parents and siblings for I had known them pretty well. We talked of school, college and of other such rhetorical topics. Not that I was bored with the conversation. Not that I deemed it an unfortunate incident- the chance meeting. It was a moment of melancholy, I decided later.
As quickly as we had met, we had to part. If you call one hour and twenty minutes, quick. The inevitable moment arrived- we had to exchange numbers, addresses and other contact details. Of course, we did exchange cards. I fastened the backpack around my shoulders, shoved the book into one of its' deep pockets and began to leave.
I walked through the long passage, not looking back even once. I kept flipping the card between my fingers which held it... And when I knew that he was nowhere in vicinity, I threw the card into one of the bins in the airport. And began my upright stride and did not slacken until I reached my plane. Throwing that card away was probably the only sane thing I had ever
done, with regard to that issue.
And the only favor he ever did to me was never trying to contact me. To this day.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
K.K.Nagar to Postal Colony.
I took 12G to my friend's place today and the bus had a poster on it about the Ramar Palam. It said 'Indhu Madha Veri pidittha Paarpana Kottamae, Ozhiga'. Isn't it high time they stopped playing the same game to garner votes?!! Forget the caste remarks, it's the same cud they have been chewing for eons...
I can never come to a clear stand whether I am theist or atheist. Yes, I am rational but I also realize that mankind needs a central fulcrum to develop. And that fulcrum is religion. I like to see Hinduism as a way of life. But, I'd do what is expected out of any civilized person- I'd not intentionally hurt peoples' sentiments. How do our hypocrite politicians define atheism? Would they ever hurt the sentiments of Christians and Muslims??? Would they speak a word against Christ and The Prophet, and expect to remain alive the next minute?!!
I can never come to a clear stand whether I am theist or atheist. Yes, I am rational but I also realize that mankind needs a central fulcrum to develop. And that fulcrum is religion. I like to see Hinduism as a way of life. But, I'd do what is expected out of any civilized person- I'd not intentionally hurt peoples' sentiments. How do our hypocrite politicians define atheism? Would they ever hurt the sentiments of Christians and Muslims??? Would they speak a word against Christ and The Prophet, and expect to remain alive the next minute?!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Follow Up!!
I have been thinking about my DOUBT raised in the previous post- why not insure marriages?! But come to think of it, isn't marriage in itself an insurance?!!!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
DOUBT!
One question that's been nagging me for a long time, seeing many divorces in progress -
Can a marriage be insured?!! If so, how is the marriage valued?
No slippers please ;)
Can a marriage be insured?!! If so, how is the marriage valued?
No slippers please ;)
Life's hardest problems!
5) Having to make decisions. How I wish I never had to decide anything. Life'd be great if someone gave us an If or Else case stmt-program; do this if this happens, else do this.
4) Accepting life, the good, bad and the ugly. I wonder if we ever think that life's great in our good times. But, we never lose an opportunity to rant about our bad fortunes.
3) Standing by your decision firmly, whatever happens;even when you feel the whole world thinks you are wrong.
2) Having to say 'NO'.
1) Having your heart scream something when your lips say say something else. Managing to salvage your pride with a tight upper lip only to let it quiver when licking your wounds in private.
4) Accepting life, the good, bad and the ugly. I wonder if we ever think that life's great in our good times. But, we never lose an opportunity to rant about our bad fortunes.
3) Standing by your decision firmly, whatever happens;even when you feel the whole world thinks you are wrong.
2) Having to say 'NO'.
1) Having your heart scream something when your lips say say something else. Managing to salvage your pride with a tight upper lip only to let it quiver when licking your wounds in private.
Mishtake!!!
The sports arrtcle I mentioned in the previous post was Rohit Brijnath's and not Nirmal Shekar's. Sorry! Here it is.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Leave Sports Writing to Men!!
Who the hell is Nandita Sridhar,who has written a pathetic excuse for a column in the Hindu sports page today?! Am not fueling male ego, but it just doesn't make a good read-a woman's sports column. It sounds like a paradox to me. What's up with Nirmal Shekar and Dinakar? I can still recall a certain paragraph Nirmal Shekar had written during the World XI Vs Australia match down under, about one particular over bowled by Mutthiah Muralidharan. THAT is what I call writing! If any of you stumble upon it, do give me the link!
The Metrosexual Man!
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw an ad today for a men's fairness cream from Shahnaz Hussain. Yes, you read it right, it's not a men's shaving cream but a fairness cream! The ad was the only dampener while watching the India-Pak match today. As such, every Caucasian in this world is going to roll on the floor laughing if we debate whether who's fairer- Kamal Haasan or Shah Rukh Khan. Worse is the countless number of womens' fairness creams that promise fairer Kareena Kapoor kind of complexion in one tube. But,worst is this- Surya and Shahrukh Khan campaigning for fairness creams!!!!!!! Whatever happened to the age ol' romantic girls' fantasy about tall, DARK and handsome hunks who'd spend the morning cutting vegetables or read the papers rather than layer their faces with fairness creams, moisturizer,sunscreen and toner?(And if I'm, wrong with the layering order, forgive me-am not too dexterous with the art of making up. I'll ask my men friends about it).
There was this odd looking guy in a PTC bus I took to the Mount road,the other day. He was trying every other antic to gain attention from a bevy of b'ful girls. Much to his chagrin, the girls only gave him a look of sympathy. FOR, he was bejeweled all over- ear studs, jerkins that'd be of use in a wintry Siberia, miniature cycle chains on his wrists, maattu sangli's dangling around his neck with pendants the size of his wallet. I couldn't help but sympathize with him for his wooing efforts.
Why don't men remain men?!!!!
Forget all this, my neighbour gave me an eyeliner pencil for this Navaratri-am still wondering what to do with it! I do really want to use it. I googled, watched a video that showed the technique. I swear half the pencil lies in the form of wooden shavings,in the dustbin- thanks to my attempts.. I'm still trying!! My living room stands testimony to such earlier attempts with a lipstick- only difference is, I tried it on the wall! My house was being painted and I thought it'd be a good idea to use up the lipstick. The painter flew off the handle saying the dye was not coming off. Mom followed suit... After some 5 coats of paint, my attempt at vandalism still remains. Every rainy season, the writings on the wall appear clearer.
And finally, if you are wondering what I kirukkified on the wall, it's
"I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU, WHEN THE RAIN STARTS TO POUR
I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU LIKE I HAVE BEEN BEFORE"
Poetic justice, they call it!
There was this odd looking guy in a PTC bus I took to the Mount road,the other day. He was trying every other antic to gain attention from a bevy of b'ful girls. Much to his chagrin, the girls only gave him a look of sympathy. FOR, he was bejeweled all over- ear studs, jerkins that'd be of use in a wintry Siberia, miniature cycle chains on his wrists, maattu sangli's dangling around his neck with pendants the size of his wallet. I couldn't help but sympathize with him for his wooing efforts.
Why don't men remain men?!!!!
Forget all this, my neighbour gave me an eyeliner pencil for this Navaratri-am still wondering what to do with it! I do really want to use it. I googled, watched a video that showed the technique. I swear half the pencil lies in the form of wooden shavings,in the dustbin- thanks to my attempts.. I'm still trying!! My living room stands testimony to such earlier attempts with a lipstick- only difference is, I tried it on the wall! My house was being painted and I thought it'd be a good idea to use up the lipstick. The painter flew off the handle saying the dye was not coming off. Mom followed suit... After some 5 coats of paint, my attempt at vandalism still remains. Every rainy season, the writings on the wall appear clearer.
And finally, if you are wondering what I kirukkified on the wall, it's
"I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU, WHEN THE RAIN STARTS TO POUR
I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU LIKE I HAVE BEEN BEFORE"
Poetic justice, they call it!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Varungaalam inbam endru nigazh kaalam koorum kanne...
Nigazh kaalam koorum kanne...
How true, i wonder!!
Melancholy, thy calls for the search of the soul!!!For a long long time, it was some kinda
habit to rant out to my diary every Diwali eve. And I'm still carrying out the self-formed, senseless tradition with this blog, i guess!! Anyway, HAPPY DIWALI,folks!!
Nigazh kaalam koorum kanne...
How true, i wonder!!
Melancholy, thy calls for the search of the soul!!!For a long long time, it was some kinda
habit to rant out to my diary every Diwali eve. And I'm still carrying out the self-formed, senseless tradition with this blog, i guess!! Anyway, HAPPY DIWALI,folks!!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Murphy strikes.. Again!
Wanted to jog today,so woke up early... only to find it raining! Lazy me snuggled back into the blanket!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Plagiarism or inspiration?!
What's the difference between plagiarism and inspiration in the world of films? I think Nayagan is an inspiration from Godfather while Vetri Vizha is an attempt of plagiarism! Here's a list of LESSER KNOWN tamil movies and the corresponding English movies from which they have been copied/inspired. I trust your skills of discretion to come to a conclusion.
Whistle - Urban legends.
Manasukkul Matthappu - One flew over the Cuckoo's nest.
Naalaiya Manidhan -Bride of Frankenstein.
Moodu Pani -Psycho.
Julie Ganapathy -Misery.
Vaa Arugil vaa -Child's Play.
Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum- The Parent Trap.
Makkal En Pakkam - Rage of the Angels (Sheldon's book).
Time - While you were sleeping.
SooraSamharam -Witness.
Ghajini -Memento.
Vetri Vizha -Bourne Identity.
Mazhalai pattaalam-Yours,mine and ours.
MayaBazaar(95)- Ghost.
And here's de welcome addition from Mr. Connoisseur:
Pachai kili muthu charam - Derailed
Shanthi Nilayam - Sound Of Music
Vegam -Cellular
Panchathandiram-Very bad things
My dear maarthaandan-Coming to America
Magalir mattum - 9 to 5.
Anbe sivam - planes, trains & automobiles
Avvai sanmugi - Mrs. Doubtfire
Nammavar-Lean On Me
Tenali - Patch Adams
Vettayadu vilayadu-Red Dragon
Arunachalam- Brewster's Millions
Whistle-I know what you did last summer
Rishi has the climax from Nick in Time
Vaaranam aayiram-Character
Asuran-Predator
The Life of David Gale story is similar to Virumandi
Ayirathil oruvan - Captain Blood
Well, if you don't remember Manasukkul Matthaappu,it's the Prabhu,Saranya and Sarath Babu flick set in a mental asylum where they electrocute Prabhu.
Naalaiya manidhan and Adhisaya Manidhan are movies similar to 'The Bride of Frankenstein'- the former has Ajay Ratnam transformed into an inhuman form after death; the latter has Gautami being chased around by the ghost or whatever you call it.
Makkal en pakkam-remember the Ambika,Satyaraj,Rajesh starrer where Ambika plays a lawyer, Satyaraj-a gangster and Rajesh as a corrupt politician...
Soorasamharam has Kamal Haasan and Nirosha in the lead.
Whistle - Urban legends.
Manasukkul Matthappu - One flew over the Cuckoo's nest.
Naalaiya Manidhan -Bride of Frankenstein.
Moodu Pani -Psycho.
Julie Ganapathy -Misery.
Vaa Arugil vaa -Child's Play.
Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum- The Parent Trap.
Makkal En Pakkam - Rage of the Angels (Sheldon's book).
Time - While you were sleeping.
SooraSamharam -Witness.
Ghajini -Memento.
Vetri Vizha -Bourne Identity.
Mazhalai pattaalam-Yours,mine and ours.
MayaBazaar(95)- Ghost.
And here's de welcome addition from Mr. Connoisseur:
Pachai kili muthu charam - Derailed
Shanthi Nilayam - Sound Of Music
Vegam -Cellular
Panchathandiram-Very bad things
My dear maarthaandan-Coming to America
Magalir mattum - 9 to 5.
Anbe sivam - planes, trains & automobiles
Avvai sanmugi - Mrs. Doubtfire
Nammavar-Lean On Me
Tenali - Patch Adams
Vettayadu vilayadu-Red Dragon
Arunachalam- Brewster's Millions
Whistle-I know what you did last summer
Rishi has the climax from Nick in Time
Vaaranam aayiram-Character
Asuran-Predator
The Life of David Gale story is similar to Virumandi
Ayirathil oruvan - Captain Blood
Well, if you don't remember Manasukkul Matthaappu,it's the Prabhu,Saranya and Sarath Babu flick set in a mental asylum where they electrocute Prabhu.
Naalaiya manidhan and Adhisaya Manidhan are movies similar to 'The Bride of Frankenstein'- the former has Ajay Ratnam transformed into an inhuman form after death; the latter has Gautami being chased around by the ghost or whatever you call it.
Makkal en pakkam-remember the Ambika,Satyaraj,Rajesh starrer where Ambika plays a lawyer, Satyaraj-a gangster and Rajesh as a corrupt politician...
Soorasamharam has Kamal Haasan and Nirosha in the lead.
Iruvar...Mani and the viewer!!!!
Am watching Iruvar this afternoon! Just the right movie for this moment. I always consider this as one of the best movies I have ever seen. And I'm not pleased with myself for having caught the movie midway. I admit am not too interested in politics but still this is one movie that stirs interest in laymen too. Guess only Mani can combine biography, aesthetics and ilakkiyam this effectively. The cast selection could not have been any better- the subtle portrayal of Mohanlal vs the histrionics of Prakashraj is an ideal match.
Prakashraj's voice appeals more than his acting,especially in the recital of his eulogy to Anandan!
I was at my wit's end trying to place the oh-so-familiar voice of Kalpana(Aishwarya Rai). Had to wait for the credits to roll out since Google offered no result. The voice belonged to Rohini.
What interested me most in the movie-
First and foremost, Rahman's music.
Literary content- right from the lyrics of Narumugaiyae to the eulogy.
Recreation of the old filmdom-the 60's,70's...
AND most importantly, the director guts for having chosen this storyline!!!!
Prakashraj's voice appeals more than his acting,especially in the recital of his eulogy to Anandan!
I was at my wit's end trying to place the oh-so-familiar voice of Kalpana(Aishwarya Rai). Had to wait for the credits to roll out since Google offered no result. The voice belonged to Rohini.
What interested me most in the movie-
First and foremost, Rahman's music.
Literary content- right from the lyrics of Narumugaiyae to the eulogy.
Recreation of the old filmdom-the 60's,70's...
AND most importantly, the director guts for having chosen this storyline!!!!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Mani Mania!
You can now call me a certified lunatic! Or, a damn good spy! I actually took the pains to find Mani Ratnam's son on Orkut!!! Quite some time, I spent on the profile.. Verified whether it was the authentic one! Also found G.Srinivasan's daughters!!!!! Gawd, am this vetti!!!
Anyway, for all those die hard Mani maniacs like me-
His son seems to be a hard core communist.
There's no mention about his dad. Not even a community to celebrate the glorious guy.
And it looks like anything that sounds Cuban or Russian appeals to him. There are communities ranging from Anton Chekhov to Tchaikovsky!
To read the profile without stammering much like me, I suggest you hazard a try only after taking a course in the Russian language.
Altogether, the profile shouts- "Non-intellectuals, keep away" ( Not that I'd have scrapped anything foolish to have left a trace of my visit) [;)]
The only communities that suggest his link to world filmdom- he's part of the communities for Ilayaraja and Tamil Cinema. No mention about dad. No mention about mom. Nothing about Kamal Hassan!
Anyway, for all those die hard Mani maniacs like me-
His son seems to be a hard core communist.
There's no mention about his dad. Not even a community to celebrate the glorious guy.
And it looks like anything that sounds Cuban or Russian appeals to him. There are communities ranging from Anton Chekhov to Tchaikovsky!
To read the profile without stammering much like me, I suggest you hazard a try only after taking a course in the Russian language.
Altogether, the profile shouts- "Non-intellectuals, keep away" ( Not that I'd have scrapped anything foolish to have left a trace of my visit) [;)]
The only communities that suggest his link to world filmdom- he's part of the communities for Ilayaraja and Tamil Cinema. No mention about dad. No mention about mom. Nothing about Kamal Hassan!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tholai nokku paarvai ;)
I was listening to this awesome Ilayaraja composition-
from Murattu Kaalai, a song that I have loved listening to, for as long as I can remember! The movie was released in 1980, I just verified. I somehow feel that the 70's and the early to mid 80's are the golden ages in Tamil film music. Of course, I'm a Rahman loyalist but still I doubt anyone can recreate the 80's magic. Rahman, I admire him on another plane which somehow stays away from the Ilayaraja saga . There's no comparison- they are apples and oranges! And I'm passionate about both.
Anyway, I'm now wondering how many songs the present era, i.e Rahman+Harris Jeyaraj et al, will leave to the future generations.
"Pettai Rap" from Kaadhalan- Yes, surprising to see that I have gone for Gaana, but this particular one's a true marvel that's sure to stand the test of time!
"Kaadhal Rojave" and "Pudhu vellai mazhai" from Roja.
"Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalaali" from Muthu.
"Mustafa Mustafe" from Kaadhal Desam.
"Poovukkul olindhirukkum kani koottam adhisayam" from Jeans.
"Poongaatrile un swasatthai thaniyaaga thedi paarthaen" from Uyire.
"Pacchai Nirame" from Alai Payuthey.
"Kandukondaen Kandukondaen" from Kandukondaen...
Quite a few numbers from Rhythm.
"Kannathil Muthamittaal". Though I hold "Vellai pookkal" in similar heights, it lacks picturisation and hence it stands a very good chance of fading in the minds of the public.
I'll continue with Harris and the rest later!!!
from Murattu Kaalai, a song that I have loved listening to, for as long as I can remember! The movie was released in 1980, I just verified. I somehow feel that the 70's and the early to mid 80's are the golden ages in Tamil film music. Of course, I'm a Rahman loyalist but still I doubt anyone can recreate the 80's magic. Rahman, I admire him on another plane which somehow stays away from the Ilayaraja saga . There's no comparison- they are apples and oranges! And I'm passionate about both.
Anyway, I'm now wondering how many songs the present era, i.e Rahman+Harris Jeyaraj et al, will leave to the future generations.
"Pettai Rap" from Kaadhalan- Yes, surprising to see that I have gone for Gaana, but this particular one's a true marvel that's sure to stand the test of time!
"Kaadhal Rojave" and "Pudhu vellai mazhai" from Roja.
"Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalaali" from Muthu.
"Mustafa Mustafe" from Kaadhal Desam.
"Poovukkul olindhirukkum kani koottam adhisayam" from Jeans.
"Poongaatrile un swasatthai thaniyaaga thedi paarthaen" from Uyire.
"Pacchai Nirame" from Alai Payuthey.
"Kandukondaen Kandukondaen" from Kandukondaen...
Quite a few numbers from Rhythm.
"Kannathil Muthamittaal". Though I hold "Vellai pookkal" in similar heights, it lacks picturisation and hence it stands a very good chance of fading in the minds of the public.
I'll continue with Harris and the rest later!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
What this woman wants!
Watched Bourne Ultimatum, first day first show!!! Film's awesome and I don't understand why I haven't read the trilogy yet! Here's the list of books I'd like to get hold of-
I'd also like to start with John Grisham. And if I can get hold of a copy, some classic- just to relive good ol' school days!
I have a list of movies now but haven't watched them, I wonder why! But guess I'll watch 'To kill a Mocking Bird' first and then start with the rest of the movies. I just went through the book- 501 Must-See movies and I have narrowed down some 100 yet-to-watch movies!
- The Bourne Trilogy by Ludlum
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- The Namesake by Jhuma Lahiri
- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
- Gone with the wind, because that's one of the very few classics I have somehow missed reading!
I'd also like to start with John Grisham. And if I can get hold of a copy, some classic- just to relive good ol' school days!
I have a list of movies now but haven't watched them, I wonder why! But guess I'll watch 'To kill a Mocking Bird' first and then start with the rest of the movies. I just went through the book- 501 Must-See movies and I have narrowed down some 100 yet-to-watch movies!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Mayakkam thandhadhu yaar... Tamilo Amudho Kaviyo...
The other day, I watched one of my favourite movies, 'Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu' on K TV. Guess the Sun Network is shooting from all barrels now to tackle the competition from Kalaignar TV. Kalaignar has clearly lost the momentum it managed to build in the first two days of their telecast. I have no means to garner what footage it currently has in the 'Nedun thodar' area but anyway am enjoying the good movie-run on the Sun network now, in their attempts to fight the competition.
And hence, I had the opportunity to watch this film!
That the movie is one of the best in Tamil film history needs no saying. And of course, neither does the music by M.S.V. Anyway, I just wanted to say this- after listening to 'Theertha karai inile therkku moolai ile', an awesome piece by Bharathiaar , I want to listen to quite a few other Bharathiaar songs SANS accompaniments! Yes, that'd be an ecstatic experience...
Thinking about this,I have a doubt- do performers think of the notes or of the lyrics when playing?!
And hence, I had the opportunity to watch this film!
That the movie is one of the best in Tamil film history needs no saying. And of course, neither does the music by M.S.V. Anyway, I just wanted to say this- after listening to 'Theertha karai inile therkku moolai ile', an awesome piece by Bharathiaar , I want to listen to quite a few other Bharathiaar songs SANS accompaniments! Yes, that'd be an ecstatic experience...
Thinking about this,I have a doubt- do performers think of the notes or of the lyrics when playing?!
Friday, September 14, 2007
To Kill a Mocking Bird!
I asked myself repeatedly how I could have missed this book for so long! Yes, that's exactly how I felt when I finished reading 'To Kill a Mocking Bird'. In fact, I now feel like appealing to the CBSE to introduce it in their syllabus in middle school. The atrocities of the racist western world narrated by a child not more than 8 years old- it cannot be told more effectively! Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch is unarguably the best heroine in my opinion... The innocence of the child and her own interpretations of certain happenings, humanity that rises in mankind when least influenced by society- Harper Lee is awesome at bringing these ideas afore! My greatest regret is that the lady has never written another book...
I can very well relate my own childhood with that of Scout's- I still remember talking in hushed tones about supposed thieves and later, frightful personalities lurking in less populated spots in my primary school, a sense of equality, petty skirmishes and arguments ranging from who could sharpen pencils to the sharpest degree to who had the best chess set- when we didn't even know how to play the game!
Guess the book brings about such reminiscence in all its readers..
Am itching to see the movie which looks really promising in wikipedia with Gregory Peck starring as Atticus Finch and Robert Duvall as Boo Radley!!!
I can very well relate my own childhood with that of Scout's- I still remember talking in hushed tones about supposed thieves and later, frightful personalities lurking in less populated spots in my primary school, a sense of equality, petty skirmishes and arguments ranging from who could sharpen pencils to the sharpest degree to who had the best chess set- when we didn't even know how to play the game!
Guess the book brings about such reminiscence in all its readers..
Am itching to see the movie which looks really promising in wikipedia with Gregory Peck starring as Atticus Finch and Robert Duvall as Boo Radley!!!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Hey, Goodbye nanbaa...
Boo hoo! I lost my phone! I tell you it all began with a pen.. yes, a pen! I went to the bank to withdraw some money. Only then did I realize that I didn't have a pen. I went to the cashier, asked her for a pen, chatted for a while about her son who had just started college... As always, I kept my phone on the table beside me.. And I look at the place which had my phone.. Flash, it's gone!!!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sheer agony, great food- the great Indian wedding!
I recently went through the agony of listening to a pack of an unknown band playing their music(?!) in a wedding. I had never been to a Christian wedding, it all went fine except for the so-called music! I just don't understand why Indians hazard singing in English... And the instruments remind me of a badly resonating tuning fork! The worst was yet to come- Tamil lyrics sung with western notes. God, I could cry out loud. And I was happy for the fact that Jesus didn't understand Tamil! Leave English lyrics to native speakers!
I'm one who can't stand loud music anywhere; in fact I never attend wedding receptions if they host light music concerts-they are anything but light. But this one beat it all!!!!!! I swear I'd have been in better shape if it had been the worst light music band in Chennai playing their loudest gaana song. Not that I'm against gaana but just that people don't realize that wedding halls are not built to accommodate such loud decibels. Wedding halls should have a speaker-free zone. Yes, you may ask me to select the other alternative- to avoid going to weddings at all, but how can I miss the food???! ;)
I'm one who can't stand loud music anywhere; in fact I never attend wedding receptions if they host light music concerts-they are anything but light. But this one beat it all!!!!!! I swear I'd have been in better shape if it had been the worst light music band in Chennai playing their loudest gaana song. Not that I'm against gaana but just that people don't realize that wedding halls are not built to accommodate such loud decibels. Wedding halls should have a speaker-free zone. Yes, you may ask me to select the other alternative- to avoid going to weddings at all, but how can I miss the food???! ;)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Fountainhead! And Frank Lloyd Wright.
I have finished the job which I had taken earlier this month to beat time. So, am back to surf away all my vetti time!! I have finished reading "The Fountainhead". I wasn't impressed with the book, especially after the exalted expectations with which I started it, thanks to heavy recommendations from Sindhu and Dhivya. I'm only left thinking if the author has done a 'Gallant Gallstone' act on us- you know, Fountainhead is a book that people in intellectual circles talk much about and hence when you don't want to fall out of march, you end up reading it AND, even if the book doesn't impress you, you claim it did, because you have heard that it appeals only to the intellectual!! I couldn't care less! But as always, I did like a few quotes, pages and incidents in the book. Gail Wynand does leave an impression on one...
Anyway, the book did me some good- the book, an article in the Young World and a little research later, I stumbled across information on Frank Lloyd Wright, the real-life architect who inspired the character of Howard Roark- he was chucked out of his university without a degree,designed some of the best buildings in the world, he had an affair with the wife of one of his clients and was arrogant- it all matches!
The FallingWater, a residence in Pennsylvania left a lasting impression on me. It's a house on a waterfall, can you believe that?!!!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Discovering Madras and the MMC!
It's been an embarrassing day today altogether-
I tripped over a stone jutting out of nowhere in the K.K.Nagar bus terminus in the morning!
I was denied entry into the Armenian Church next- the khaki clad watchman there spoke better English than you and me! Do i look like a terrorist or something???? :(
I walked all the way to the Evening Bazaar Road through the Fraser Bridge Road which happens to house the MMC Men's hostel. And I was shocked that such a prestigious institution provides such a seedy, smelly, dirty and altogether revolting place to its students! The stench, grime and dirt will make the Cooum banks smell like a meadow!
Is this the scant regard we give the most promising brains in the city?!
Did you know these facts about the MMC-
While I was surfing, I was extremely proud to note that 4 out of the top ten medical colleges in India are from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Here's the list-
1. All India Institute Of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), New Delhi (Central Govt.)
2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (Pvt.)
3. Armed Forces Medical College(AFMC), Pune (Ministry of Defence)
4. JIPMER, Pondicherry (Central Govt.)
5. Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai (State Govt.)
6. St. John's Medical College, Bangalore (Pvt.)
7. Kasturba Gandhi Medical College, Manipal (Pvt.)
8. Moulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi (State Govt.)
9. Stanley Medical College, Chennai (State Govt.)
10.Grant Medical College, Mumbai.
Yes, we are indeed proving to be the educational capital of the country!!!
I tripped over a stone jutting out of nowhere in the K.K.Nagar bus terminus in the morning!
I was denied entry into the Armenian Church next- the khaki clad watchman there spoke better English than you and me! Do i look like a terrorist or something???? :(
I walked all the way to the Evening Bazaar Road through the Fraser Bridge Road which happens to house the MMC Men's hostel. And I was shocked that such a prestigious institution provides such a seedy, smelly, dirty and altogether revolting place to its students! The stench, grime and dirt will make the Cooum banks smell like a meadow!
Is this the scant regard we give the most promising brains in the city?!
Did you know these facts about the MMC-
- The MMC is the second oldest medical college in India. Established in 1835!
- It is ranked fifth in the list of best medical colleges in India!
- It has the distinction of being the alma mater of the first lady doctor in the English speaking world.
While I was surfing, I was extremely proud to note that 4 out of the top ten medical colleges in India are from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Here's the list-
1. All India Institute Of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), New Delhi (Central Govt.)
2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (Pvt.)
3. Armed Forces Medical College(AFMC), Pune (Ministry of Defence)
4. JIPMER, Pondicherry (Central Govt.)
5. Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai (State Govt.)
6. St. John's Medical College, Bangalore (Pvt.)
7. Kasturba Gandhi Medical College, Manipal (Pvt.)
8. Moulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi (State Govt.)
9. Stanley Medical College, Chennai (State Govt.)
10.Grant Medical College, Mumbai.
Yes, we are indeed proving to be the educational capital of the country!!!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Snippets!
It's been quite a while since I have posted! Well, even if it sounds stunning, time is scarce now because I have found a temporary job to keep me occupied! Someday,maybe after a month I might want to post on Madras... Am beginning to love the loooong bus ride from K.K.Nagar terminus to Broadway! I can almost see that queer look on your face when you think I should be nuts to claim that I enjoy a bus ride at 8 in the morning in 17D or 11G! But I tell you it's worth it. I see a fair cross section of people from all walks of life-from young employees talking non stop over their cell phones,Dental and Medical students of MMC to the downtrodden who take the same bus to the G.H; an evolution in lifestyles and architecture from old-old British buildings in North Madras to the swanky offices and well-to-do houses in Nungambakkam, tenements jotting all over the banks of the Cooum* river(or whatever is left of it); the commercial hub in Parrys that's always abuzz with activity to the sleepy housing board flats in K.K.Nagar; a gleaming black Benz parked unobtrusively in a corner of Armenian Street; a flurry of black blazers and gowns and the intimidating red structure that is the Chennai High Court. However, there's only one stretch that never fails to draw attention to itself- the Marina Beach that's visible if I choose to take 11H! The exhaustion after a day's work, the crowd, the perspiration stench thats hangs in the bus... nothing seems to bother the commuters when they look at the distant waves!
A ride to Broadway takes you back in time-you see more of Madras than Chennai!
*I remember my cousin's grandfather saying that when he was young, Cooum was clean enough that he had taken a boat ride across it!!!!
A ride to Broadway takes you back in time-you see more of Madras than Chennai!
*I remember my cousin's grandfather saying that when he was young, Cooum was clean enough that he had taken a boat ride across it!!!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix
Watched the much awaited movie yesterday. This is the worst in the series!!! I agree it's a long book but they have cut most of the vital parts...
- The Protean Charm finds no mention.
- And why twist the story so much as to portray Cho Chang under Veritaserum to reveal Dumbledore's Army??
- Rita Skeeter has also been missed altogether.
- Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood is a good choice but they have missed Harry's interview in ' The Quibbler'-her dad's paper.
- The fun parts in the book are also omitted-like the one in which a swamp created by Fred and George's escape attempt considering it a monument to be preserved at Hogwarts; Umbridge being sent out of Hogwarts; Snape's worst memory, I remember, is one whole chapter in the book. The scene appers for a few seconds and there is no sign of Lily Potter there!
- By the way, who is Nigel, who appears in the D.A?
- Sirius dies in a flash! Such an important episode!!!
- Where is Firenze??
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
My favourite off-beat film songs!
My friends never really want to borrow my ipod except when it's too boring and they have got nothing else to do. That's because it hardly has any popular songs. Maybe they'd be aware of those songs but I guess noone would want to load their ipods with them!
Here's the list-
Here's the list-
- "Uravugal thodarkadhai, unarvugal sirukathai" from 'Aval Appaditthaan'. This song just stands out! I listen to as often as I can. Amazingly simple lyrics!! AWESOME! Lyrics take the upper hand; not that the music is anything less. Just the song to listen to when you are in a melancholic mood. Sung by K.J.Yesudoss!
- "Kanaa kaanum kanngal mella urangaadho paadal solla" from 'Agnisakshi'. Another song that's got good lyrics. The picturisation shows a hysterical Saritha and Sivakumar as the caring husband. Slow and soul-stirring... Sung by S.P.B!
- Sangeetha SwarangalEzhae kadakka,innum irukka" from 'Azhagan'. Anyone with good taste would like this song. I especially like the DD theme music that gels beautifully with this song!;)
- "Poo pootthadhu, thottam yaar pottadhu" from 'Mumbai Express'. Probably the only memorable thing in that movie was this song!
- "Kamban Engu Ponan,shelley enna aanaan"from 'Jaathimalli'. The lyrics are different and I love the screams in between!
- "Maanida sevai dhrogamaa, kalaivaani neeyae soll" from 'Unnaal mudiyum thambi'. Awesome lyrics!! And Maami says the ragam is Poorna Chandrika! The whole film is a musical treat and this one, is unarguably the best!
- "Sattena nenaidhadhu nenjam, sarkkarai aanadhu kanneer"- the BGM piece from 'Kannatthil Mutthamittaal'. I'd like to watch the visualisation too! Typical Mani style...
- "Enakku pidittha paadal" from 'Julie Ganapathi'. It's quite an experience to listen to this. I can almost feel the rain, the drive and the Ooty atmosphere when I listen to it!
My second innings with Music!
Like any other Brahmin girl, I was also sent to 'Paattu class' when I was in school. What with every one in the family taking up carnatic music damn seriously!! Somehow, I never stuck to a single teacher. We shifted pretty often. And I ended up learning the same 'Sarali varisai' and 'Jantai varisai' again and again and again! For years together! Finally, I just got bored with the ordeal and quit at the age of 12 or 13 after learning a few varnams and keerthanais. The decision was met with stiff resistance from most of my family; to them,it was strange not to learn music!!!
Days went by... Maths tuitions during high school began eating up my free time. So, I couldn't spend much time thinking of music except when my paatti and aunts would brood over my 'hasty decision'. Every vacation when I went to my paatti's with my cousins, she'd make every cousin sing in the evenings. And I'd watch the kutcheri silently!
Entered college and somehow Shantha maami made me listen to some music and this time, I found some kind of a passion in me. I badly wanted to get back to it but I had taken too long a break and my vocal chords refused to coordinate with my desire. I now wish I had not discontinued those music classes! I did try to learn from Maami but it wouldn't work. Anyway, am now content listening to it rather than singing; and trying to learn and identify ragams!!!
Days went by... Maths tuitions during high school began eating up my free time. So, I couldn't spend much time thinking of music except when my paatti and aunts would brood over my 'hasty decision'. Every vacation when I went to my paatti's with my cousins, she'd make every cousin sing in the evenings. And I'd watch the kutcheri silently!
Entered college and somehow Shantha maami made me listen to some music and this time, I found some kind of a passion in me. I badly wanted to get back to it but I had taken too long a break and my vocal chords refused to coordinate with my desire. I now wish I had not discontinued those music classes! I did try to learn from Maami but it wouldn't work. Anyway, am now content listening to it rather than singing; and trying to learn and identify ragams!!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Roadside Romeos! Pay heed to this!
With lots of time to kill today, I went out for a walk today. I had just crossed our street and there was this group of young men coming the opposite way. And before you jump to conclusions that am this self-conscious, vain female, drop such accusations! Am usually the least bothered about wayward comments from these pests or their antics. Like any sensible woman, I just walk as though they are invisible and that their comments never reach my ears. But for some reason, I start smiling to myself incurably after witnessing such attempts. And smile i do, IDIOTICALLY, for a long time after the incident! Today was yet another such day when this gang of brash men started nudging each other in front of me. One fellow came forward and shouted 'I love you' on top of his voice for the whole street to hear! And went back with a speed that'd have surprised a lightning. And damn it, I started smiling to myself! For quite a few minutes after that!!! And damn Murphy's Law- I bumped into several familiar faces who saw me smiling like crazy for no apparent reason at all! Guess they thought I was heading straight to Kilpauk! One lady gave me such a confused stare that I can't forget, for the life of me! Men who wanna behave strangely,please choose your victim more carefully!
Classmates right from school to college would not scoff at this and would rather sympathize with me, because they know what I go through! Whenever I get caught by the teacher I just start giving them one of my idiotic smiles!!! I have frustrated my high school Physics teacher so much with my vacant smile that she quit sermonizing with me after as soon as a term with me! And as expected, I ended up becoming more lethargic with my school work!
Classmates right from school to college would not scoff at this and would rather sympathize with me, because they know what I go through! Whenever I get caught by the teacher I just start giving them one of my idiotic smiles!!! I have frustrated my high school Physics teacher so much with my vacant smile that she quit sermonizing with me after as soon as a term with me! And as expected, I ended up becoming more lethargic with my school work!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Thanks to Ajay, stumbled upon this poem... And I found it great!
A Dream Lies Dead
A dream lies dead here. May you softly go
Before this place, and turn away your eyes,
Nor seek to know the look of that which dies
Importuning Life for life. Walk not in woe,
But, for a little, let your step be slow.
And, of your mercy, be not sweetly wise
With words of hope and Spring and tenderer skies.
A dream lies dead; and this all mourners know:
Whenever one drifted petal leaves the tree-
Though white of bloom as it had been before
And proudly waitful of fecundity-
One little loveliness can be no more;
And so must Beauty bow her imperfect head
Because a dream has joined the wistful dead!
Dorothy Parker
A Dream Lies Dead
A dream lies dead here. May you softly go
Before this place, and turn away your eyes,
Nor seek to know the look of that which dies
Importuning Life for life. Walk not in woe,
But, for a little, let your step be slow.
And, of your mercy, be not sweetly wise
With words of hope and Spring and tenderer skies.
A dream lies dead; and this all mourners know:
Whenever one drifted petal leaves the tree-
Though white of bloom as it had been before
And proudly waitful of fecundity-
One little loveliness can be no more;
And so must Beauty bow her imperfect head
Because a dream has joined the wistful dead!
Dorothy Parker
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Last night, I watched 'Vettayadu Vilayaadu' for the third time. I do like the movie; think it's novel and brave attempt in Tamil filmdom. The story's great, fast-paced, it's got awesome music, an impressive cast and of course, KAMAL HASAN! Watching the movie is an experience.
Yes, i think the movie's great. But do I ever want to watch it again, I ask myself. And I answer with a definite note- NO! I don't want to watch it again. In fact, I have a list of movies which I love but I'd never ever want to watch them another time... for various reasons.
1) Vettayadu Vilayadu- I admit I don't have the stomach for gore and blood. I remember watching it the first time. In a seedy theatre somewhere in Kerala. En route to Munnar. Watched it with the whole C.S dept in our final year tour. The movie got over at 1 '0' clock in the morning -serial killing+ungodly hours+strange place!!! I can vividly recount the fright when we came out of the theatre!!! The film is probably the goriest Tamil movie I have ever watched!
2) Mahanadhi- This is one film that can make me go to a state of deep depression! Certain scenes and dialogues echo in my mind for days after and I simply can't shut it out of my mind.
3) Guna- Should i even state the reason?!
4)Arangettram- There are some issues you wish you had never known; or that you had never stumbled upon. Watching this film is one such experience. Prameela haunts your thoughts ever after.
Now, I'll go and catch Chennai-28 or Michael Madana Kamarajan as an antidote to last night's movie and this post!
Yes, i think the movie's great. But do I ever want to watch it again, I ask myself. And I answer with a definite note- NO! I don't want to watch it again. In fact, I have a list of movies which I love but I'd never ever want to watch them another time... for various reasons.
1) Vettayadu Vilayadu- I admit I don't have the stomach for gore and blood. I remember watching it the first time. In a seedy theatre somewhere in Kerala. En route to Munnar. Watched it with the whole C.S dept in our final year tour. The movie got over at 1 '0' clock in the morning -serial killing+ungodly hours+strange place!!! I can vividly recount the fright when we came out of the theatre!!! The film is probably the goriest Tamil movie I have ever watched!
2) Mahanadhi- This is one film that can make me go to a state of deep depression! Certain scenes and dialogues echo in my mind for days after and I simply can't shut it out of my mind.
3) Guna- Should i even state the reason?!
4)Arangettram- There are some issues you wish you had never known; or that you had never stumbled upon. Watching this film is one such experience. Prameela haunts your thoughts ever after.
Now, I'll go and catch Chennai-28 or Michael Madana Kamarajan as an antidote to last night's movie and this post!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
SUPERSTAR!!
Watched Sivaji last Wednesday... The film rocked,no doubt! 3 hrs- not a moment that was dull or boring! Superstar has proved himself yet again! Yes, it's the same old poor guy-rich guy-poor guy-finally rich guy again-story! Same old indifferent heroine... same old rich,influential villain!
But he's the only one who manages to rake crores of Rupees with each film! Here re my observations-
1)Yes, Shriya does look drop-dead gorgeous! But she could have given atleast half a thought to acting and her lip sync! They have gone horribly wrong!
2)VIVEK is simply AWESOME! He just does everything right.
3)Like many friends of mine, I went to the theatre with high expectations about Manish Malhotra's work. Another sore point!
- Shriya never really wore anything. Jus a few hankies draped around. So, we can't blame Malhotra about that!
- Thalaivar's costumes would have looked good on Shah Rukh and the likes, but didn't go well with Rajnikanth.
-Surprisingly, Vivek's costumes were awesome!
4)Adhiradi n Sahana are good to listen to. The picturisation of Sahana is a li'l too psychedelic.
5)Suman has done a decent job! A neat portrayal.
And despite the sore points, like millions of other die-hard Rajni fans, i wanna catch the movie AGAIN! And AGAIN!!!!!!!!
But he's the only one who manages to rake crores of Rupees with each film! Here re my observations-
1)Yes, Shriya does look drop-dead gorgeous! But she could have given atleast half a thought to acting and her lip sync! They have gone horribly wrong!
2)VIVEK is simply AWESOME! He just does everything right.
3)Like many friends of mine, I went to the theatre with high expectations about Manish Malhotra's work. Another sore point!
- Shriya never really wore anything. Jus a few hankies draped around. So, we can't blame Malhotra about that!
- Thalaivar's costumes would have looked good on Shah Rukh and the likes, but didn't go well with Rajnikanth.
-Surprisingly, Vivek's costumes were awesome!
4)Adhiradi n Sahana are good to listen to. The picturisation of Sahana is a li'l too psychedelic.
5)Suman has done a decent job! A neat portrayal.
And despite the sore points, like millions of other die-hard Rajni fans, i wanna catch the movie AGAIN! And AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Achievement of the day!
Restarted 'The Alchemist' last night;third try,I think. Burnt midnight oil over the book. Read and finished the book with a determination that I'll get back into the groove this time... I did finish the book. Perhaps I was not in the mood to take in that kind of a book. The supposed classic failed to make an impression on me;not that I have always been fond of such philosophical fables.
Trying to get back to Howard Roark and 'The Fountainhead'. Guess I'll eventually get to the last page, but doubt I'll enjoy the experience. Maybe I have lost the ability to take in the essence of the book! Have i lost part of my identity with this, I wonder... Reading glasses, a backpack full of books and my head bent over a book under the desk was what defined me most. Strange and distant, it now sounds... I recount those moments with a sense of wistful nostalgia! Whew, hope I really do get back into the groove!
Trying to get back to Howard Roark and 'The Fountainhead'. Guess I'll eventually get to the last page, but doubt I'll enjoy the experience. Maybe I have lost the ability to take in the essence of the book! Have i lost part of my identity with this, I wonder... Reading glasses, a backpack full of books and my head bent over a book under the desk was what defined me most. Strange and distant, it now sounds... I recount those moments with a sense of wistful nostalgia! Whew, hope I really do get back into the groove!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
A forgotten love...
There was once a time when i went to bed with a book and woke up with the first thought being what I'd read that day! EVERYDAY! Throughout my school days, I was always in the bad books of my teachers because most class hours of mine were devoted not to the blackboard but to the book under my desk! I still remember my class teacher complaining to my dad that I was flouting school rules!! Dad was not too happy about it and refused to lend me money for the library... Not to be put down by this, I'd borrow the library cards of classmates and use them. I'd finish my lunch in the morning break and use the whole lunch hour to read in the library! It continued in college... I was convinced that I had a severe problem with this excessive reading... and would brag to friends that I might possibly develop withdrawal symptoms if I keep away from books for more than two days... Then came my third year of college and somehow, something somewhere went wrong and suddenly I found that I could not take in more!! I lost the inclination, COMPLETELY! Letters swim around the pages when I try to read something these days...
List(!) of books I have read from Jan 06:
Archer's 'As the crow flies'
Follett's 'Night over water'
Segal's 'Love Story'
Some reader's attempt at writing his own version of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'
60 and odd pages of 'The Alchemist'
2(yes, i swear) pages of Ayn Rand's 'Fountainhead'
THAT'S THE WHOLE LIST!
Whatever happened...
List(!) of books I have read from Jan 06:
Archer's 'As the crow flies'
Follett's 'Night over water'
Segal's 'Love Story'
Some reader's attempt at writing his own version of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'
60 and odd pages of 'The Alchemist'
2(yes, i swear) pages of Ayn Rand's 'Fountainhead'
THAT'S THE WHOLE LIST!
Whatever happened...
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Potter, whr art thou, Potter?!
Am reading a fake copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Guess it's doing its rounds among die hard Potter maniacs... I like the part about Dudley being a wizard! Jus cruised a li'l over 100 pgs... lemme see!!!! The mush overdose is affecting the pace though!!!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
an hour and 59 minutes wasted!!! when i could have been vetti....
i saw "the color of money" recently. and am still thinking what the story could have been!!!! a couple of trips to wikipedia later... am still left wondering! no question bout following de dialogue- the dvd came with subtitles too!:) why don't i just stop watching englipees movies and stick to tamil masala?! beats me...
Thursday, February 15, 2007
whatever joy do you acquire by making yourself believe that you mean something to someone... that you are significant to someone in this world... when your practical brain knows it ain't true? if i jump down from the fiftieth floor of a building, i know very well that it is going to be flaunted to the world as a successful attempt in a some blog page n later forgotten...
Monday, February 05, 2007
vettiness at it's worst!
have any of u been thro this- sitting in front of de comp, trying to come up with some idea to fill your blog... stare,stare n keep staring at de screen..type something,erase de typed lines, type again, erase again... that's exactly what am doing now!!
this actually reminds me of sms-ing! how many of u carry out this exercise- frame a few phrases in ur mind, type out something, edit it a good 7-8 times, pick tht spl someone's number... then,go back to de msg, read it again... n finally erase it all again!!!
my 61 yr old aunt does something similar too- write out long letters,addressed to close family members or friends n put them into her draw!! to read them again a decade later!
fine, i kno it's a poor excuse for a blog post! but, i did give it a shot! ;)
this actually reminds me of sms-ing! how many of u carry out this exercise- frame a few phrases in ur mind, type out something, edit it a good 7-8 times, pick tht spl someone's number... then,go back to de msg, read it again... n finally erase it all again!!!
my 61 yr old aunt does something similar too- write out long letters,addressed to close family members or friends n put them into her draw!! to read them again a decade later!
fine, i kno it's a poor excuse for a blog post! but, i did give it a shot! ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)