7/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movie Recommendation

Amadeus and The Lives of Others

The inadequacy of one’s life and talent can be dealt with in very different ways.

In an interconnected world, lives intersects and it may be human enough for people to compare with one another. It is but natural that all kinds of emotions, emerge and erupt.

Jealousy or Admiration.

We can exercise choices of either managing jealousy, get consumed by it or leveraging jealousy to raise the bar and eventually neutralize our perceived or innate inadequacy.

Admiration has the potential to result in Inspiration.

Jealousy and Admiration are dealt in contrasting fashion in Amadeus and Lives of others

Amadeus is a 1984 American period drama directed by Milos Forman is a fictionalized biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rivalry with Antonio Salieri as narrated by its antagonist Antonio Salieri.

The Lives of Others (German: Das Leben der Anderen) is a 2006 German drama film, marking the feature film debut of filmmaker Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, about the monitoring of East Berlin residents by agents of the Stasi, the GDR's secret police.

7/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesou, Indian Movie Recommendation

36 Chowringhee Lane, English, 1981

Two movies that I saw in 1983, which were telecast, during the commonwealth summit, made a big impact.

36 Chowringhee lane was one. We will visit Aakrosh, 1980, by Govind Nihlani tomorrow.

When I saw 36 Chowringhee Lane, yesterday, I was surprised that I had enjoyed this movie as a 20 year old. 

When Shashi Kapoor received the best actor award for New Delhi TImes, 1986 he was in tears, that Jennifer Kendall did not receive the recognition for 36 Chowringhee Lane (For those who may not be aware, Jeniiffer Kendall was Shashi Kapoor's wife). How true.

I would rate this as one of the best acting performances of all times. From her her gait, to the delivery of the Anglo Indian English, and those eyes that get lost, we drift along with her trying to understand whatever is left of her life.

The movie will certainly test your patience, but for the patient, there is a treasure.

Aparna Sen is in supreme form, aided by top notch technical team and a great background score by Vanraj Bhatia.

Aparna Sen's Mrs and Mr. Iyer, the heroine had a long walk, in the climax, reminding you of Roman Holiday, but the climax in dark lonely streets of Calcutta in the climax, will wrench your heart.

They do not make movie's any better than this.

7/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

Aval Appadithan, 1978

When we came out of Mekala theatre, after seeing Aval Appadithan in 1978/79 we were stunned.

Rudriah, sets expectations at the beginning of the movie that "This is Cinema". and some where in the background, something to the effect, that, he would not be bothered if his work does not reach the villages/B centres or C centres,

The close up shots are just terrific. 

The enigmatic nature of women is an excuse to discuss, not only the nature of woman but also how a common man'perceives and treats a woman.

Sripriya as the bold but enigmatic Manju sizzles. Rajinikanth dazzles, again making us wonder, how we have abused him as a Star. Kamal plays a wonderfully subdued role.

Here is an article written by Baradwaj Rangan on Rudriah, that fills you on one of the most important director of Tamil cinema

https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/.../lights-camera.../

6/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movie Recommendation

CRASH, Streaming on Netflix

After watching 'Crash', I could not but be reminded of Abraham Lincoln's quote

With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds.

There are wounds a plenty.

Wounds caused and carried internally within the hurting individual.

And then there are the perceptions, preconceived notions, deep rooted prejudices, judgments, opinions and sweeping generalizations, which amply contribute to ineffective transactions between individuals, leading to additional wounds.

The cumulative wounds of the world, could be at a scary high!!!!

Thus, there is a compelling case for binding the World's wounds.

Identity seems to revolve around, geography, language, dress, appearance, eating habits, music, dance, values and beliefs. I guess everybody has natural inclination to feel proud about elements of their identity.

Alas! pride tends to extend to a feeling of misplaced superiority, about one's own identity.

'Crash' mirrors the innumerable conflicts that arise out of the vulnerability of being human, the futility of being judgmental, the loftiness in accepting people as they are and the extraordinary beauty in the relationships that embellish the HUMAN IDENTITY.

6/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Indian Movie Recommendation

Adi Shankaracharya, Sanskrit, Streaming on Amazon

Adi Shankaracharya is a 1983 Indian film in Sanskrit language directed by G. V. Iyer. The film depicts the life and times of 8th century Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism) in Hindu philosophy. It was the first film in India to be made in Sanskrit.. At the 31st National Film Awards, it won four awards, including Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Audiography.

Balamurali krishna's music is at its scintillating best.

A good opportunity for you to watch it along with the kids, understand and discuss the work of Shankaracharya

6/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

16 Vayathinile

Watching Annakili and 16 Vayathinile back to back, highlighted that the decision of shooting 16 vayathinile in colour made a world of difference. The village looked all the more beautiful and the villager's looked all the more innocent.

Bharathi raja, is one of the most important directors of Tamil Cinema. His stories, especially the ones connected to the villages are least plagiarized.

16 Vayathinile is a simple story narrated without any clutter and with a great deal of heart.

The opening shot is probably the most soulful, with Sendurapoove sung in slow and halting manner.

Sr Devi as Mayil, is juvenile and irritable in the first half, as is demanded of her role and is majestic in the second half, with a superlative posture. The experiment to make Mayil laugh the way Panchali(Radhika) did in Kizhakke Pogum Rail, begins in 16 Vayathinile. But that remains Radhika's signature laughter. And Radhika's voice retains that innocence until the recent Vanam Kotattum.

Rajini is spontaneous and smashing as Parattai.

To me the disappointment was Kamal's casting. Kamal seemed to have lost his innocence sometimes after Avargal, which incidentally was released in the same year. Was just wondering if it had something to do with hair styling. Even a older Sivakumar with more dense, hair, in Rosappu Ravikai Kari looked more innocent than Kamal.

While Chappani, was extremely well written and kamal does a neat job as an actor, I thought the role would have been enhanced, had Kamal looked more innocent.

There is the special sequence where Chappani slaps Parattai and the whole world comes to a stop, straight out of Thiruvalayadal sequence. Watch out when Parattai, thrilled to bits run away from the sequence with the maestros Piano strain in the background. Absolute bliss.

I certainly felt that some of the lewd sequences could have been avoided.

5/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movie Recommendation

Into the Wild, Streaming on Netflix

'Into the Wild' has to be on the must watch list of not only high school students, college grads but also, professionals, aspiring parents, parents and adults who aspire to live, learn and evolve.

Into the Wild is a 2007 American biographical drama survival film, adapted from Jon Krakauer's 1996 non-fiction book of the same name, based on the travels of Christopher McCandless across North America and his life spent in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s.

Why does Christopher McCandless, decide to spend, 114 days in the Alaskan wild? In his own words:

And I also know how important it is in life, not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong, to measure yourself at least once, to find yourself atleast once in the most ancient of human conditions,facing the blind deaf stone alone, with nothing to help you but your own hands and your own head.

What do you do there? You are just living, in that moment, in that special place and time.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/abstractions-distractions-living-enrichyourweekend-eyw-ramaswamy/?fbclid=IwAR1hWYgpU_rXH6mwQBbkXwOAsJfe-PIvP5Ki6nUU2sqNVSDO-H-KZaPRTzw

5/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Indian Movie Recommendation

Oru CBU Dairy Kurippu and August 1?, Malayalam movies 

Malayalam movies as on date is way ahead of others in Indian Cinema. The motivation of Malayalam movie makers is noteworthy. The quantity and the quality of good Malayalam movies is noteworthy. While their technical finesse is unquestionable, the kind of content they are able to come up with is absolutely fascinating. 

In the late 80s and early 90s, is probably we started paying a lot of attention to Malayalam movies. We had the authentic Vadakkan Veera katha, the fascinating Vandhanam, and Kilukkam. All of them worth seeing.

My movie recommendation for the day are two superb Malayalam thrillers in late 80s and early 90s, Oru CBI Dairy Kurippu and August 1?

The then Madras was taken by storm and the movie ran for a year at Safire, Cinema.

Oru CBI... is a perfect investigative thriller. I guess at about that time, it was one of those meticulous thrillers made in India.

While August 1? may be a rip off of Day of the Jackal, you have to see it to understand the Malayalam movie's grasp of narrating a story. August 1? was infinitely better narrated than The Day of the Jackal. Day of the Jackal faithfully followed the book, and fell by the wayside especially in the second half. August 1? was able to hold the interest and tension till the end.

Mamooty ofcouse is topclass in both the films. Captain Raj in August 1? is ofcourse a treat to watch.

5/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

Annakili, Streaming on Youtube

Annakili is a watershed event in the history of Tamil Cinema.

Before Bharathiraja, there was a director Duo Devaraj Mohan who brought the villages to the households in Tamil Nadu. It is sad that the Devaraj Mohan seldom get the credit for getting the villages closer to our households.

Annakili may not be completely shot outdoor, but a significant portion was,

The movie also introduced Ilayaraja and the rest is history. The songs retain their tingling freshness.

You may also want to catch up with Rosappu Ravikaikari, an exquisitely lovely movie made by Devarajan Mohan.

4/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movie Recommendation

Jurassic Park

'Jurassic Park' is both inspiring and profound.

Spielberg is supposed to have done the post production work of Jurassic Park in Poland while shooting 'Schindler's List', which makes me wonder the stretch a creative and motivated professional can take. Undertaking two monumental efforts in parallel is exhilarating.

The entertainment quotient of Jurassic Park pales in comparison to the profoundness of concerns discussed over Chilean Sea Bass.

It is cool to be innovative. A million ideas restlessly waiting to arrive into the world. Technology is empowering individuals with seemingly limitless powers. New identities of state and companies are evolving. We are in the process of being consumed by Technology. The perils of innovation looms.

Jurassic Park, discusses with the passion, the sheer act of creation. It is time that the entrepreneur asks himself, loudly and clearly, what will be the impact of my innovation, creation and enterprise?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/risks-entrepreneurial-exuberance-enrichyourweekend-eyw-ramaswamy/?fbclid=IwAR2imK4T8CSD3O6kSWktngerNUZRw0tLtvf67OBKqyZQuLWYsV23ziU4WB0

#4/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Indian Move Recommendation

Harishchandrachi Factory, Marathi, streaming on Netflix

The audacity of an ambition

Thanks to Lakshmi Madhusudan for recommending this film

The movie is about how Dadasaheb Phalke, set about making the first Indian film way back in 1913, out of thin air.

A must watch for all, especially children, youngsters, start ups and entrepreneurs.

Sets out to London, without knowing anyone to learn the art of film making.

His first work, a miracle of sorts, that creates the excitement and genuine interest among his near and dear, is worthy of goosebumps.

Challenges are aplenty, script to actors to training to marketing He breezes through it all with a smile on his lips.

A perfect film to watch to beat the Covid Blues.

4/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

Ethirneechal, 1968

Streaming on Youtube

To my mind three prolific film makers, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Shyam Benegal and K. Balachander, have made consistently socially responsible movies over prolonged periods of time.

K.Balachander a hundred films over four decades, later adapted himself to the TV as well. 

Not only did K. Balachander, directed 100 films, but more importantly introduced scores of actors, technicians and musicians over those years. The kind of impact it has on the whole Tamil industry is unparalleled.

I do not think, there is anybody/anywhere in the world that has introduced so many hugely talented people.

K. Balchander had to figure in the list of 21. I chose Ethirneechal ( Swimming agains the Tide), as I thought it was aligned with the times.

Ethirneechal, is supposed to have been adapted from Sombhu Mitra's play, kanchana Ranga. 

Sentimental and melodramatic, you may get a feeling that you are watching a play. Despite these drawbacks, the drama is powerful and it definitely strikes a chord with the viewer.

As usual, K Balchander's songs are always appealing.

Nagesh is the highlight ably assisted by a dozen gifted actors.

A mandatory watch for youngsters who have it relatively easy these days.

Ethirneechal drives home the fact that we may not want to take things for granted and appreciate those very small things in life, which really matters.

3/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movie Recommendation

Remember the Titans, Streaming on Netflix. No matter you have seen Remember the Titans, n number of times. No harm in catching up with this GEM

Just as there is no short cuts for success, there can be no short cuts to building teams. This post is as much about Leadership as it is about building teams, Leadership is that special adhesive that holds together teams.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/short-cuts-building-teams-enrichyourweekend-eyw-week-12-ramaswamy/?fbclid=IwAR2yc5gOMBSlR0qkQ-1WhJxpXay0mg37F_IrST6kdbyYbRmjRoyJYf9euNs

3/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

Andha Naal, 1954, Suspense, Whodunnit

S. Balachandar, is popularly known as Veena Vidhwan. His grasp of cinema is so good that it is a pity, that he is not known as a Cinema Vidwan as well.

Inspired by Rashmon, Balachandar is supposed to have scripted this for All India Radio, who rejected the play.

This movie should perhaps be among the early non-linear narrative in Indian and Tamil Cinema.

At about 130 minutes, in 1954, this movie is as contemporary as it can be. No Songs. Not a minute extra. 

The casting is brilliant.

But after viewing this time, I thought Sivaji ganesan stole the show. Sivaji's powerhouse performance illustrates why he is "Nadigar Thilagam". The performance by itself lifts the movie several notches. The body language, the swagger, the brilliant use of the eyes, the dialogue delivery, the sheer effortlessness of it all. Phew. Watch the restraint, even when he takes the bullet. What did we do to this actor?

I had in another post of mine after seeing Once upon a time in America, wondered after seeing Robert De Niro's performance especially towards the second half, as to why we never thought or wrote of such roles for Sivaji.

Andha Naal reminds you again, that the greatest tragedy of Tamil Cinema is that it abused and underutilized its greatest acting talent.

3/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Indian Movie Recommendation

Maya Bazaar, Telugu, 1957

I first saw Maya bazaar during Navarathri in 1977, on a street corner in West Mambalam, as a part of the Navarathri festivals. I continue to this over and over again.

For a movie made in 1957, the technical accomplishments are astounding.

S.V. Ranga Rao and Savithri will be permanently find a place in your hearts.

Perfect past time for the family to beat the Covid Blues!!!

2/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, International Movies recommendation

 March of the Penguins, an extraordinary documentary. I could not get hold of the English version where the narrative is by Morgan Freeman. I am sharing the Hindi version, which is narrated by Amitabh Bachan. Must watch for everyone including Children

When you see what the Penguins do what they are doing for 10 months in a year, a 21 day lock down is walk in the park.

Why do all the Penguins(above 5 years) march to the coldest portions of Antarctica and procreate in the harshest climate of the year?

The almost close to ten month long ritual enacted year after year, a glowing testimony to the virtues of patience and endurance.

I cannot help but draw a parallel to a professional's life. The mental pain, anguish and more importantly the complexities, can be extraordinary.

Here is a prayer for the professional

I am born to win.

I am a living and breathing miracle.

It took nature all of nine months to sculpt me into existence.

Rome will never be built in day.

I am not running a sprint, I am running a Marathon.

Oh! Universe, Life is abound with mirages.

Things do not seem to be what they actually are.

Bless me with clarity to be discerning.

The Patience to understand who I am.

The Patience to understand what I want

The Patience to live for myself.

The Patience to deal with reversal of fortunes.

The Patience to think laterally

The Patience to be positive

The Patience to endure the pain

The Patience to be patient.

2/21, #lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Indian Movie Recommendation

Do Ankhen Barah Haath, 1957

V. Shantharam, produces, directs and acts in this classic. This is an experiment and exercise in transformation. 

The movie also beautifully illustrates, the attributes of leadership qualities and the importance of leading by example. "Yatha Raja, Thatha Praja"

The principles involved in the transformation exercises are worth understanding.

The highlight of the movie is the song, "Ye Malik Hai Tere bandhe hum". 

It gives me great pleasure to attach the video with NECESSARY TRANSLATION. HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching this song video.

The movie is available on Youtube.

The movie has also been made in Tamil and Telugu, Pallandu vazhgha and Maa Deivam. Just checked out on the climax of these films. Not very authentic.

2/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

Thillana Moganambal, is a timeless classic.

A.P. Nagarajan, the producer and director, was a prolific director and producer, whose ambition may have been only slightly lesser than S.S. Vasan, Gemini Studios. To his credit he has not only made other classics like Thiruvilayadal but also produced and directed the first Cinemascope film, Raja Raja Cholan in Tamil, way back in 1972/73. All his works waft with the flavour of Indian/Tamil Culture. 

Sivaji Ganesan, is in supreme form, is all finesse and in great restraint, as he freaks out, in a movie where his eyes unleashes torrents of emotion. 

What happens when precocious talent like T.S. Baliah, Sarangapani, Thangavelu, T.R. Ramachandran, Nagesh and Manorama compete with one another for attention. A feast.

As the eyes meet, it is almost as if the sequence is straight from Ramayana, when Rama meet Seetha, there is instant love. 

Amidst the sparks that keep flying, the fusion of Nathaswaram and dance is a sound and sight to behold.

You cannot miss, the influence of Thillana Moganambal in a sequence in Sankarabaranam, when Sivaji, walks out of a "Kutchery" at the instance of dsitractions.

KV Mahadevan is a riot, but the way, " CHinna Chiru Kiliye" is used, in two instances, is a hall mark of a connoisseur.

Thanks to the Kothamangalam Subbu, the writer and AP Nagarajan, screenplay, they mercifully keep the Caste out of the equation.

#Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul

IN the next 21 days, three #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul sections, one English/World cinema, one Indian Film Section and one Tamil section, 

These are recommendations. Not necessarily Artsy, but good movies you can easily relate to.

I have recommended Dead Poet's Society in a separate section.

For the Indian Section, I recommend, Aguntak - The Stranger, the last film of Satyajit Ray, Streaming on Prime Video

Aguntak is a must watch. Not very artsy. Easy to understand.

The simplicity of the plot and the narration lends so much power to this drama. There are essentially 5 principle characters in the film

A stranger returns back to his only surviving relatives to claim that he is their long last uncle.

The ensuing dilemma to ascertain if he is indeed their uncle forms the crux of the narration.

Using this plot, Satyajit Ray unravels the possible ways in which the human mind works.

Satyajit Ray, in trying to understand the identity of the stranger, tries to explore the identity of the human race.

While the interactions between the grandfather and the grandson are interesting, the interactions between Dhritiman Chaterjee and Utpal Dutt between the 72 nd minute and the 95th minute on a wide ranging topic including Caste, Religion, organized religion, Drugs, Tribes, nuclear holocaust, the possibilities and the frailties of the human race, makes for a fascinating watch.

You may not want to miss out the elegance of a simple Bengali household and Mamatha Shankar, with her pronounced Bindi, Sindhoor and the bright Bengali cotton saree is a sight to behold.

Last not but not the least, a note on the song picturisation, using the Tanpura, The seriousness with which it is sung and the seriousness with which it is heard is again outstanding.

#lockdownenrichmentforthesoul

Dead Poet's Society

We live in confusing times, unable to get the right perspectives, and may be forced to live in quiet desperation, mindlessly following and becoming, a part of the herd. Perspectives are needed at home, school/universities and work place.

Important questions/learnings for impressionable minds and the young at heart.

1. What will you contribute?

2. Carpe Diem: Seize the Day

3. Discovering Yourself

4. Growing Up

5. Breaking Free from imposed barriers

The world is your oyster. Enjoy the movie. Introspect. Discuss. Enrich yourself during the lockdown

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-your-oyster-enrichyourweekend-eyw-week-41-raghunath-ramaswamy/?fbclid=IwAR2Ji9Bwb6N0OYA8TzWUb_VVBvZ73R55jCY94UROReisj_PrJXPpkQd2GDs

Beating the Covid Blues

#TheTest #AyappanumKoshiyum #DrivingLicense #PrithvirajSukumaran #Sillukarupatti

Last week has been one hell of a week, starting with watching The Test, Docuseries on Amazon. The docuseries starts with the Australians shameful ball tampering scandal in South Africa, owning up their mistake and the whole system working to rebuild the Australian team, restoring their credibility, and rightfully earning the respect of the entire world.

So inspiring to see the Australian leadership focus on building a team and instilling what defines Australia

I just had goosebumps, when Justin Langer instills the importance of the process of focusing on the next ball and Ricky Ponting driving home the importance of saving one single.

On Saturday I got to see Ayappanum Koshiyum. With about 20 minutes trimmed, it may have been a classic. But I understand that movie may already have achieved a cult status in kerala. It was not just the authentic Biju menon that caught my attention, but the not so heroic Prithviraj Sukumaran that caught my attention. Prithviraj a mix of arrogance, fear, cowardice and helplessness, was so comfortable being thrashed around. I am not sure if anybody except Vijay Sethupathi will have the courage to do what Prithiviraj does.

Prithivraj is most comfortable acting in movies with another hero, and happy playing a second fiddle or a negative character. Kana kanden, Mozhi, kaviya thalaivan. There must be many more.

On Sunday after seeing Driving License, I wish I could give Prithviraj Sukumaran a warm hug, especially after climax. With those moist eyes, when he nonchalantly puts his arm around Suraj venjiramedu and being completely bowled over by a fan's unconditional love, I just thought the world seemed to be an infinitely better place.

Little did I expect the second story of Sillu Karuppatti( Netflix), An anthology ( Yet to watch the second half) to send me to rarefied heights. O. Henry would have been so proud. You could smell Jim and Stella, from the Gift of the Magi. Well, whoever wrote that story must have been blessed by God.

Forget your Covid blues, there are tonnes of wonderful things to do, update yourself, get active and become fitter, mentally and physically.

You may never get so much free time again!!!

1/21, #Lockdownenrichmentforthesoul, Tamil Movie Recommendation

1/21 Wonderfully Entertaining Tamil Films

Anbe Vaa

I have probably seen and heard, Anbe Vaa, a hundred times

Anbe Vaa along with Kathalikka Nerammillai form a certain Gold Standard in Rom Com

I find Anbe Vaa, therapeutic.

All those 9 songs in the movie can be effectively used as Lullabies.

I keep wondering, how the colors in Anbe Vaa are so rich.

MGR must have been 50 and Saroja Devi 35, too old to pull of a ROM COM, but their chemistry is unbelievable. Saroja Devi's voice does so much to reduce inches off her waist!!!

While MGR is just fantastic and Nagesh is inimitable form, it is TR Ramachandran with his cameo who steals the thunder from everybody.

My very special scene which I see over and over again, is when TR Ramachandran's entire body quivers as he proudly pronounces that he does "Punakku Vyaparam". It is this kind of imagination, displayed for a short sequence which defines genius.

Remembering Visu, Tamil Theatre and Movie, Writer, Actor and Director

The greatest social invention, if I may be allowed to call that way, is the family.  A healthy family represents the robust shock absorbers of the society. The family is not only a shock absorber but also the best insurance for any individual. Concern and care of our family members, have always bailed us out of trouble. 

Visu, over three decades focused  on themes that advocated the importance of the well being of families. More  importantly he wrote it in such a way that it was understood  by everybody in the nook and corner of the state. He seamlessly blended humour and sentimentality and served it consistently.

While K. Balachander may be called the Father of the Messages in Tamil Cinema, Visu, could be called the Father of Messages for the Family, in Tamil Cinema.

One does  not want to forget his brilliant work in Thillu Mullu.

Our family will never forget Visu, in his role in Kudumbam Oru Kadambam, where his role was a replica of my grandfather, Varadarajan Thatha,  in real life. A brilliant man who fooled away to glory. We were just stunned as to how they came up with a hundred percent match, in the way he walked, talked and behaved. Just attaching a brief clip.

Thank you, Sir, for entertaining us and also for making us think.

May your soul rest in peace.

Thappad

Amrita: A dainty face of defiance

Anubhav Sinha, seems to be getting better and better. With Mulk, he surprised everyone with great content. With Article 15, his film making improved leaps and bounds. With Thappad, his writing, has also managed to give us a pleasant jolt (Jhatka)

Thappad is masterful exercise in film making, with subtlety, grace and class that is intoxicating and elevating at the same time.

I like to view as Amrita, the heroine of Thappad, as a trilogy of sorts, an extension of Anuradha ( 1960 ) and Anupama ( 1966 ), wonderful INDIAN women, who are quintessentially ,what defines  India.

India has traditionally derived  its strength from its women and thanks to the director for recreating the Indian woman, who, selflessly dedicates herself to the family. 

Not at the expense of her dignity though!!!.

And it is in the very hands of the woman to assert herself and carve the rightful place in relationships.

It is just not Sinha who hogs the limelight, there is Tapsee Pannu,  as the dainty Amrita who helps convert Sinha's vision into a reality.!!!!

A mandatory watch.

P.S: The Chennai cinema halls would do well to have English Subtitles. This dialogue heavy film will certainly need Sub title help.