The Reluctant Fundamentalist Film

The Pearl Harbour Attack, the formation of Israel and 9/11 will continue to affect us and our fortunes for the rest of our lives.

The audacity of 9/11 attack exposed the vulnerability of the United States. We are all aware how the US reacted.

In an interconnected world, it is not enough if God blesses America alone, God has to bless all of us.

After My Name is Khan, comes another important film which addresses, the view point of a moderate Muslim.

There are lots of people who have been hurt and therefore the works like Reluctant Fundamentalist have great importance.

MIra Nair, executes a highly ambitious film with extraordinary responsibility, restraint, sensitivity and most importantly without any overt violence.

I think Mira Nair does her bit in not only dedicating this work to her Lahori father but also does her bit in enhancing the Indo Pakistani relationships and more so articulating the moderate Muslim's viewpoint.

The world could benefit more from a dialogue than blood shed.

The experience would not have been complete without Riz and Mike.

Riz Ahmed, you sweep me of my feet with your charisma, authenticity and sensitivity, without you the spirit of the reluctant fundamentalist would not have not been realised.

Michael Andrews, for your most soulful music and background music, infusing the soul into the narrative, a big thank you.

Ethir Neechal(Swim against the Tide), Tamil Film

Amongst the greatest works of K. Balachander  was Punnagai, remake of Satyakam, relevant and timeless classics for the youth. Ethirneechal, probably comes a close second, relevant, timeless and uplifting.

When you decide to even consider a title, there has to be some reverence.

Quite an Ethirneechal to sit through

Frivolous, inchorent, insulting and eminently bad

Soodhu kavvum

Over the last two years, Tamil Cinema, has consistently produced at least 30 good films with little or no star power. The screenwriter and the technicians have been firmly in grip. Not  sure if Bollywood or Hollywood have attempted so many quality films without stars.

Soodhu Kavvum, is one such effort, with the screen writer working overtime to give us pure and unadulterated entertainment. While the story seems to skirt along similar themes in the past, the screenwriter keeps the viewer surprised till the end. 

The movie while being hilariously tense with its zany characters and plot, is peppered with a lot of creativity,  great music and BGM from Santosh Narayanan. Ever since I have heard Santosh in Attakthi I am a great fan of his. While the Sax is joyous and you get to hear it in the background, he freaks out with the Gana and Rap mix and then surprises you with the out of the world, MGR "Thathuva padal"(Philosophy) song in the end. 

I think professionals in all walks of life may learn from the Tamil Film Technicians, who continue to set new standards of excellence.

Way to go.