Kadaiseela Biryani, Tamil Movie

Streaming on Netflix

Wild n Wacky

There  seems to be no doubt that this movie is inspired from The Wild Tales, the Argentinian Anthology

There are three 3 scenes which I do not think I will ever forget.

There is a staring contest here between two adversaries which is seen to be believed. A good 17 seconds before one of them relents.

The second is an amazing sequence of an old and infirm lady summoning all the energy in the world to slice a lemon with a blunt knife which seem to take ages. Hitchcock would have approved of the tension, risen from his grave and hugged the guys responsible for this scene.

Third is a spoiler. I do not want to spoil your fun.

I think adults can watch this outrageous film. I think you can still make this movie engaging without the violence with a capital V!!!

Westside Story 2021

Unlimited inspiration 

Last time I was theatre alone with my wife was while watching Home. Alone way back in 1991 in Dallas. Thirty years later got to watch Westside story 2021, with her and 8 others at IMAX at Forum Mall.

On the eve of the music season in Chennai, the lack of endorsement of an extraordinary musical is astonishing. But looks like the box office for Westside story is universally poor. Rather sad for a spectacular effort.

I continue to be inspired by Spielberg. The sheer diligence and detail orientation is inspiring . 100 million dollars in making. The sets are a faithful recreation of its original. The timeless story of love, hatred and the futility of identity is narrated with such great simplicity. It is just impossible for your heart not to be wrenched.

Janus kaminski the cinematographer to me is the hero of the film, your heart flutters along with his camera movement and you are awe struck at those finitely infinite camera angles. 

I am sure the movie will be nominated for several oscars and revisit the halls. 

Do not miss it for the world

Love you Spielberg

Tabbar, streaming on Sony Liv

The melancholic strains that are as sweet as 'Gajar Ka Halwa'

I have not seen much of Supriya Pathak, since Masoom, way back in the early 80s.

Over the years, she has physically gained so much weight that she  hogs most of the lens without much of a problem.

Not only is she physically overwhelming, but overwhelms us with her eyes that just talks whatever it wants and demolish the thriller and essentially forget the story and the men who propel in top gear.

Not to be left behind is this sweetheart Paramveer Singh Cheema.  He competes with Supriya for the top honours. He is a talent to watch out.

And then there is the protagonist, Pavan Raj Malhotra who is close to our George Kutty, Drishyam, as vulnerable as George kutty but a bit more flamboyant. 

The movie starts of in the mold of Drishyam,, but evolves into something different. 

It ends up with the melancholic strains that is sweet as Gajar Ka Halwa,

I saw the serial atleast 3 weeks back and the sweet strains of the melancholy linger on!!!

P.S:

Every episode of Tabbar is preceded by quotes from Baba Farid, a Punjabi Sunni Muslim preacher and mystic, and each of them explodes with wisdom.

Here is a sample

Everyone talks of separation, separation is supreme,

Who knows the pangs of separation,  is dead indeed

Jai Bhim, Tamil

Streaming on Prime

Suriya takes issues on social emancipation pretty seriously.

Recently I had first hand interactions with Agaram Trust, a trust that he runs. They are extremely professional. It was a heartwarming experience.

Personally I think, Suriya by producing Uriyadi 2 probably did something which nobody has probably done till date.

IN my facebook post May 31, 2020 I capture the essence of that post

Quote 

'Uriyadi 2' is one of the significant movies that reenacted the Bhopal tragedy graphically. A very important moment in our history that every one of the Indian citizens need to relive, understand, introspect and feel miserable.

Suriya needs to be commended for the fact that he produced an extremely important work which probably really did not reach as many people as it should have.

Unquote

Suriya again produces a very important film. 

The moment I saw the first sequence, I was reminded of Aakrosh, 1979 (thereabouts) directed by Govind NIhlani on the subject of tribals.

I remember seeing the film somewhere in 83 or 84, late in the night. It was scary. 

Devoid of any clutter, with a handful of characters, the point was driven home like a sledge hammer.

Do yourself a favour, watch Aakrosh, which is also available on Prime or You tube. THis is film making its finest. 

You will empathize with Om Puri, cry along with him and spend an entire night thoughtfully awake!!!!

When your intent is good but decide to make a film like Jai Bhim, this way, a person like Suriya who is so well meaning still does no service to his fans by dumbing down the process of film making.

Happy Diwali Folks

Dune Movie

You have seen it all before & yet you have not seen anything like this before

However cliched it may sound, Dune is a perfect example of  a jaw dropping exercise.

Dune must go down in the history as probably the first movie that uses the entire length of its first part to introduce the universe that the audience is going to experience.

There are details, details and more details. 

There were several riches to be savoured, the immense spaces, the visual grandeur, the magical images of a desert, the diversity of the universe and a narrative cloaked in intrigue and mystery.

Denis Villeneuve's capability to narrate a story with as little clutter as possible comes in handy. But the scope of the story is so vast that new  characters are tossed in and so are the concepts. There is quite some processing to be done. Certainly requires to be seen a few times before you really get a grasp of the Dune universe.

Dune is a  stunning achievement not so much as what you see on the screen but the thought process that might have gone behind the making.

Must Watch!!! for a serious movie goer.

Sardar Udham, Streaming on Amazon Prime

Must Watch: An important slice of history

For the patient, the Jallianwala bagh massacre erupts in graphic detail towards the end of the movie. The Jallanwala Bagh massacre is recreated capturing the essence of the traumatic incident in  no uncertain terms. It is raw and mercifully not sugar coated. This segment is a must watch especially for Indians of all ages and especially the millennials. 

An understanding of our history and how our freedom has been won is something we all may reflect from time to time.

Having said that, the movie seems inordinately long i hope this important film can be trimmed by 30 to 45 minutes. This will help the movie to be viewed by a lot more people, especially the youngsters.

P.S: This is certainly not for those who seek light weight entertainment

Remembering veteran tamil actor Srikanth

I remember meeting Srikanth on lazy Saturday evening around 2003 outside Narada Gana Sabha along with my family at the outdoor canteen at the Sabha. 

It was unforgettable interaction. One distinctly remembers Srikanth so relaxed and so much at peace with himself. He was very happy that we were taking our kids to R.S. Manohar’s play that evening. He thought it was essential education.

When one thinks of Srikanth, his unmistakable voice comes to the fore.

The villain in Anna Bhoomi, Devar’s first 3D film was Srikanth. Unfortunately his voice quality gave away the suspense of the movie or whatever was left of it.

For me Srikanth’s best film was the poignant ‘Raja Nagam’, which was a remake of Puttana kanagal’s Naagara Haavu and remade into Hindi as Zahreela Insaan, with Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.

For me the song, “Adutha Athu Ambujatha parthela” will be a constant reminder of Srikanth and Sowcar Janaki.

Srikanth was metrosexual. Remember his looks in Venniradai. He was amazingly handsome. But somewhere in 70s, after Thanga Pathakkam, when he became a villain, his hairstyling slowly became bizzare undoing his natural state.

The mantle of villain in Tamil cinema was supposed to have been passed to Rajnikanth. However with Bairavi, Srikanth was the villain and Rajnikanth as the hero, the the foundations of superstardom for Rajnikanth was laid. The rest is history.

I will always remember Srikanth as the gentleman whom I met on the lazy Saturday afternoon

May your soul rest in peace, Sir.

Kaanekkaane, Malayalam Movie streaming on Sony Liv

B +ve

Go ahead and decode the spoiler from this smashing movie.

The Angry young man of the yore, Mr. Bachan needs to visit the Angry old Man of KaaneKkane and understand what searing and bridled anger is all about. Mr. Bachan, you can let loose your anger and manage to hurt people around without raising your voice or even a little finger.

Suraj Venjaramoodu is in great form and drives this sublime, drama narrated  with great taste.

The hallmark of any great story telling is the absence of clutter.

Kaanekaane, packs a punch through tightly woven screenplay. It is taut, riveting and absorbing.

I just wonder how, Tovino Thomas's eyes manage to  toggle between a haunting look to the ones that spring to life. He does that so effortlessly. 

Aishwarya Lakshmi is another great performance.

There are so many performances in Malayalam that are stacking up for great awards. 

For me

Suraj's performance in this film is one for the ages.

Remembering Jean Paul Belmondo

Jean Paul Belmondo passed away today at 88. I am not aware of his more revered works. Some of the old citizens of Chennai got to savour his unforgettable Fear over the City way back in 1975. It had a silver jubilee run at Bala Abirami. Apart form Ennio Moricone's music, I think it had the first of its kind chase on the roof top. In all probability performed without any double. The chase on top of the metro was another unforgettable action sequence. I have a added a clip, which is not tightly edited, but can give you a glimpse of what was in store. 

Thanks for entertaining us, Jean Paul Belmondo.

Fear over the city - action thriller movie - https://www.youtube.com/live/H1evDZ1PgxA?feature=share

Kasada Thapara, Tamil film streaming on SonyLiv

Ruminations on Randomness: A tense riveting watch

Chimbudevan, at heart  is a philosopher, extremely creative with an extraordinary sense of humour. Humour is something that you may not expect from this film.

Part Cloud Atlas, part Babel and probably part from his own Arai Enn 305, Chimbudevan, sets us on tense riveting ride  across 6 stories that keep us engaged( Not an anthology)

I thought some of the techniques to reflect upon the interconnectedness was novel. I do not want to dwell upon it as it could be a spoiler.

With six cinematographers and six musicians, there were some interesting formats. The music was uneven. I though the background score for the first story made it even listening to the dialogue difficult). Santhosh Narayan's song was terrific in the 6th episode. I thought arriving at a consistent background theme could have enhanced the experience. 

With about 4 stories this could have been more easy to digest. With so much happening, it was difficult to crunch and keep track. I  felt rushed through.

I am not complaining, as I am a great fan of experimentation. The end product is definitely consumable and interesting. 

There is food for thought!! 

Here is the parting thought from the film maker

Is God a protector or a prankster?

#Home, Malayalam Movie, Streaming on Prime Video

An instant classic

All our storms brew in a tea cup, Don't they?

I thought #Home was right there in the league of "It is a wonderful Life"

Hurt is probably one of the biggest diseases. While people do not hesitate to heal physical well being, the mental well being is seldom addressed.  I guess the greatest gift that people should gift themselves is a visit to a Psychologist. It is all in the mind. Small adjustments can help people tremendously. 

For me the most fascinating story is of Vivian Richards taking psychiatric help when he was falling to low scores in Australia. With help, the world saw the emergence of a colossus.

As the Alchemist would have averred, the treasure is in our backyard.

Are we conscious enough to savour the extraordinary moments of life?

We are born to win, Aren't we?.

Thanks to the entire team of #Home to bring to us the most rejuvenating movie of the pandemic.

Let celebrate Life and Living

P.S: 

In this context, a related field of Transactional Analysis (psychoanalytic method and therapy) is an essential science that must be taught from High School. It can help bring in a greater degree of consciousness and effectively transact ( communicate ) while interacting with others.

SherShah, Streaming on Prime Video

Difference between 'SherShah' and Lakshya"?

The way the two films announces the arrival of the Pakistani infiltrators

SherShah:

Captain Batra takes on a certain terrorist, with clenched teeth, pounds him with bullets. The terrorist as he departs, spells doom for India and sets an expectation that " Aag barsegi", Fire will be sprayed (or something to the effect), hinting at the arrival of infiltrators.

Lakshya:

Two shepherds are tending sheep on the upper climbs of the mountains. One sheep gets lost. A shepherd in search of the lost sheep, during his search notices a train of infiltrators armed with missiles and other deadly weapon walking towards the peak. Shit  scared,  he treads back unnoticed and communicates about the march to his fellow shepherd.. Along with shepherds out stomachs also churn.

And that my friends is the magic of film making!!!

By the way Farhan, why don't  you get back to making movies again.

Kuruthi, Malayalam Movie

Independence from hurt and hatred

It  is interesting to see essential conversation between "them" and "us" dealt with sensitivity.

I thought the movie was thought provoking and felt Mamukoya's flamboyant persona was not consistent with his final observation.

I guess only Malayalam movies has the guts to make such kind of sensitive movies. It is indeed a tight walk and importantly reflects on some reality, some illusion and some delusion that exists on both the sides.

Extraordinary performances make this a riveting watch. The choice of the genre ensures that the movie does not reduce to a listless debate or documentary. 20-30 minutes less and some less verbal chatter especially, repetitive and non-converging towards the end could have made this a better product. The climax is a bit overdrawn.

I am glad I saw this movie on independence day and I was reminded of several things, chief among them was a lecture by Kishore Mahbubani,  Singaporean diplomat of Indian ancestry from the erstwhile Sindh province now located in Pakistan, delivered in  Chennai in 2008.

He spoke of his dramatic escape from Pakistan during partition as a child. When he visited Pakistan he found the people of Pakistan wonderful as wonderful in the other parts of the world.  As the lecture progressed, there was the reference the hate and hurt that people carried in certain parts of the world. And how it was very important to address them and without that there would no reconciliation and peace until that hurt is resolved.

In an interdependent world, I guess it is time we emphasized on the human identity and strive to work towards independence from hurt and hatred.

Nettrikan

Lady Nayanthara falls from grace

Nayanathara featured in Ghajini was awkward. And then she reinvented herself  in Aegan, we were blown away and then she enacted Sita in Sri Rama Rajyam to perfection. and enshrined herself in our hearts.

She is a class act and has continued to  carry herself with so much of grace and elegance 

I do not want to review the disdainful Netrikann. It is an assault on sensibilities. It treats the audience as dumb, blood thirsty, frustrated wimps.

Did the producers not have the imagination to remake, Audrey Hepburn's "Wait Until Dark"? It would have showcased Nayanthara's persona to perfection!!!

I promise you that you cannot get thrilled but certainly feel dumbed down by insensitive movies where you feel the makers need a whack, whack, whack( that is how everybody gets whacked around in the movie) like everybody in the movie.

There should be a constitutional right to take the producers and the censors to court and sentence them to seeing such movies for a life time!!! Some revenge indeed!!!

Navarasa, streaming on Netflix

"Payasaam": The disgust that will endear itself to you forever

For readers who may not understand the Tamil word, "Payasam", it is a dessert equivalent to Kheer in Hindi.

"Payasam" also happens to be a short story written by T Janakiraman. Vasant Sai has adapted "Payasam" for one of the episodes of Navarasa's Netflix. 

"Bheebathsa", Disgust is the Rasa or the emotion that is visited,

"Payasam" is a work of perfection. A story  from our backyard.

The writing is so  good, even the smallest of characters so beautifully written, the casting can't get better, watch out for the innocence of the bride, the lovely shyness (a precious commodity, that may be  eternally lost!!), the setting transports you to savour the the authenticity of the event and even magically manages to recreate the smells, and Justin Prabhakaran beautiful violin notes and laced with Sudha Raghunathan's lovely voice and in all this glorious setting, savour the hate of an old man whose hate gets accentuated not only by loving wife and affectionate children but the overall lovely setting of a wedding.

Delhi Ganesh is in the role of his life time. Since I have not read the story in print, I do not know whose idea was it to adorn the  white coat for Delhi Ganesh just before the wedding. It literally enhances the darkness of his face and exacerbating the devilish intent, making you really scared of what he is going to do next.

Writing a short story is an art. It requires skills like the legendary T. janakariraman to transform Hate into Disgust in a fraction of a second. Are you left with disgust.? NO.

Sheer ecstasy. You are blown away by the craft.

Vasanth, this is is probably the best work of your career. Take a bow.

Agni, the Adbhutha Rasa is well made but does not seem to be novel.

The last 5 minutes of Priyadarshan's Hasya are OK. 

The Rest of the Six shorts, Rasa's are mediocre at best, either rehashed and plagiarised. Eminently forgettable

But do not miss, "Parayasam" for the world.

"Vaazh"( LIVE when translated in English), Tamil Movie, streaming on Sony Liv

A frenetic climb to the top of a steep cliff and then a liberating free fall.

That is how I felt after watching the exhilarating film making of " Vaazh"

Finally after a long long time, a good Thamizh film that breaks beyond the petty boundaries imposed upon themselves. Vaazh  explores the human identity with gay abandon.

The film almost plays like as if it played from a dream. Discrete, seemingly not comprehendible, flickering on and off, and hurtling at a break neck pace. Erupting emotions, a short fuse, a hyperactive kid and insanity propel the movie to a tension that diffuses  the undercurrent of comedy. 

We are on the razor's edge with the protagonist caught between the choices of the most interesting ladies that you could come across. The pscyho lover, the controlling mother, the distraught wife and the wonderful "Sakhi", friend.

The movie is powered  by its editing, and the music is so creative, that you really wished the tension in the movie allowed you to savour the music  a bit more. The rendition of the Muruga song, from Kandhar Anubhooti signals the commencement of free fall, a descent of joy and discovery.

You know what to do this weekend, Don't you?

Watch 'Vaazh" and enjoy a slice of life!!

Malik, Malayalam, streaming on Prime Video

An extremely well written screen play aided by scintillating film making.

Probably one of the 'God Father' variations in India which has  tragic  undertones, running right through the movie.

It is an old wine, but packed in a nice new bottle

Great acting performances, but Joju George's expressive eyes reflecting an ocean of kindness in his first interaction with Fahd Fasil was the 'goosebump' variety.

This is an intense movie that is gritty, melancholic and may be even heart wrenching.

Certainly not for the people looking to relax.

Remembering Dilip Kumar

Celebrating a Super Star

What endeared us to Dilip Kumar?

Was it his relaxed gait? Was it his evocative eyes which could alternate between kindness and sadness that would haunt us? Was it the restraint in his speech, a restraint that could unleash so much power beyond comprehension?

I decided to revisit with Shakthi which I had seen in Devi Paradise in 1982.  Wanted to understand how Bachan had performed in the company of Dilip Saab. 

I was not really disappointed with the movie, except that the background sound was completely out of place.

Dilip Kumar's control of varied emotions is punctuated by restraint. Whether it was responding to the demise of his wife or rebuking his son or ecstatically welcoming his would be daughter in law home, the man is in perfect control of his craft.

Surprisingly Bachan was a tad heavy and loud, probably miscast, with Rakhee as his mother and Smita Patil as his wife. The ladies are in great form.

There are different versions, some say the movie has been adapted from Sangram some say, Thanga Pathakkam, but in true Salim Javed style, no credit to anyone.

We have always believed that Shakti was a remake of  "Thanga pathakkam". The writers were more sympathetic  to Amitabh in the way the misunderstanding developed between the son and the dad. But what was interesting to note that Amitabh's character arc is directly lifted from Deewar.

The climax sequence clearly gave away that "Indian" (Hindusthani )core has been lifted from Thanga Pathakkam/Shakti.

I decided to savour one more of Dilip Kumar's movie, the one in which he acted first and then Gemini remade with Sivaji in the lead. Paigham and Irumbuthirai.

Understand that Dilip Kumar is not supposed to have charged  SS Vasan for acting in Paigham.

The kindness of Dilip Kumar's eyes and his body language were a treat. Paigham is available on Prime. A predictable fare. But  Dilip Kumar and the onscreen chemistry with Vyjaythimala is worth watching.

Since I got a taste what Dilip did  in Shakti, I wanted to check out how Sivaji had reprised Dilip's role in Irumbuthirai. Did he overact?

Here is a sample of how Sivaji acts. I could not get the equivalent footage of Paigham on Youtube. For people who are seriously interested in understanding the geniuses of two different actors in a simple similar scene, can be instructive.

May your soul rest in peace. Thanks for entertaining us and several moments of bliss in our  lives

Aanum Pennum, An anthology in Malayalam streaming on Prime

Rani, the last of the three shorts

It is wild, wicked and whacky.

Adults may not want to miss this short.

Be assured of a smile!!!!

P.S; It qualifies to be the seventh short in The Wild Tales

Kappela, Malayalam movie, streaming on Netflix

A lovely slice of innocence

" Will you take me to the sea?" requests the damsel

" Why not?" retorts the handsome young man

And as the damsel views the magnificence of the ocean unfold in front of her moist eyes, she ambles forward to feel the splashing waves, she lingers on to wet her feet and experience the quirkiness when the sand under the feet gets washed away by the receding waves. She savours and consumes the vastness of the ocean, in the process filling us with an undefinable experience.

If you can accomplish  all this about 90 seconds and in about 14 shots, the world of cinema can't get any better.

Sherni, Streaming on Prime

An interesting, essential and relevant film on Wildlife conservation made diligently.

Almost close to a docudrama Sherni is insightful and thought provoking.

For the entire family and especially  for the students.

Jagame Thandiram

Deeply disappointing

After a 'Tarentinoesque' introduction and a brilliant ambush sequence at the Parota shop, the film gallops until the interval.

A free fall after the interval making it one of the most tiring Karthik Subbaraj's film. Even the customary twist in the end was missing.

Looks like Mari Selvaraj or Pa. Ranjith seemed to have hijacked the film midway.

I believe the Tamil race has all the reasons to feel proud about themselves, their accomplishments and contributions. Why do Tamil  film makers have to make a race always feel either oppressed or downtrodden?  Sad. 

The immigrant narrative is very poorly researched and even more poorly narrated. Absolutely unbecoming of the class of Karthik Subbaraj.

I really hope Karthik Subbaraj gets over  his identity crisis soon.

Sarbath, Streaming on Netflix

Strictly for Tamil Audiences and for Audiences with low expectations!!!

Kathir and Suri crackle in this harmless fun that can bring a smile on your lips. 

And when you look at those Tea Stalls, it feels, just wish the day comes when you can step out without fear and sip tea standing in the open air listening to the most important conversations of the earth!!!

Savour this Sarbath. It is light and cool!!!

Run, 2020, Netflix, English

Aneesh Chaganthy after his engaging  'Searching' ( 'C U Soon, Malayalam was clearly 'inspired' by Searching) comes up with a neat thriller, compact, exquisite and bereft of any clutter.

You can add this to your weekend watch or add this to your watchlist and will not have anything to complain

Kala, Malayalam movie, streaming on Prime

Malayalam cinema, Experimentation driven by content establishes them as the leaders of Indian Cinema

The necessary relentless violence in the film can be fast forwarded, if one wishes, thanks to the OTT platforms.. I did that quite generously after a while.

This is the third film in the estates in Kerala  in quick  succession. The estates are lovely, deep and dark!!. And going by the themes may not be the best of advertisements for the estates!!!

I hope this is not a spoiler, will any other Indian hero in any other language, dare to act in a role, that Tovino Thomas has executed.

For me it brought  some images of Hanuman settling SriLanka on fire. It also brought  memories of Hitcher and the love for the dog certainly influenced by Amorres Perres. The first 45 minutes also brought memories of Predator  too!!!

I will forever remember this movie for Tovino Thomas, a hero in the real sense, for guts to produce  this gory movie and covered himself with glory by acting in it.

Malayalam cinema should be indeed proud. For a small state, they drive home the point over and over again that content is the king. The variety is mind boggling. The concepts are universal and never bogged down by a local mindset.

Way to go Malayalam Cinema. We are indeed blessed.

K.V. Anand: The cinematographer who remembered his Chemistry and Science

A cinematographer first and then a director. A man who cared for his world around and who had a lot of fun making his fast paced action packed movies. A man who never forgot the infinite possibilities of Chemistry and Science. And not to forget his obnoxious humour. 

His first outing as a director he made the remarkable 'Kana Kanden'.with central concept exploring the the tenacity of one man to set up a desalination plant. 

Anand remained a dreamer of the infinite possibilities of science until the latest Kaappaan, where he dabbled about the virtues of  Organic farming.

One could always feel the technical finesse, research, the sweat and the lingering presence of Anand behind each and every sequence that he shot.

Anand certainly knew what he was making and possibly constrained by the markets that he operated in.

To me, KV Anand will always remain the man who could have made that perfect thriller or Sci-Fi thriller in India.

Unfair times. Unfair exits.

I guess we may just hear the  rumblings of giggles from the heaven as Anand narrates some of his raunchy jokes to the good lord!!!

Vivek, Comedian, Actor and Supremely Human

A good man who leaves behind a legacy of Lung Space, not only through innumerable laughs but an excess of 30 lakh trees that he has planted as a part of the Green Kalam initiative over the last decade.

Vivek, the only thought of you that arises is a SMILE,  I guess that is a privilege and honor for having lived a life well.

Envious of the gods who will now be regaled with your humour.

SCAM 1992 and The Big Bull

Ashwin Mehta: The 'Lakshman Rekha' that separates them

I like Abhishek Bachan. Therefore I tried to watch The Big Bull. Could not see it beyond 20 minutes. Well Abhishek you have made so many disastrous decisions in your acting career. This probably is an addition to those inglorious decisions. But I still have hope and believe this is certainly not the last of you.

The one reason why I loved SCAM and by the same token quite upset with the Big Bull was the very very special exploration of Harshad's brother Ashwin Mehta. A true brother to fall back upon. A brother concerned yet would stand like a rock behind every decision, foolhardy or otherwise. The scam sculpted the character of Ashwin so soulfully. Not very sure if Indian cinema has carved the character of Lakshman so well. 

In real life. It is interesting to note that Ashwin seems to have fought for Harshad's family even after his death. Ashwin, I understand he practices law in Mumbai and the supreme court.

The Scam is engaging, but a reflection of the JUGAAD which we are all so familiar and have even accepted as a part of life that we cannot change. There is probably a whole lot of people figuring out how to make a quick buck.

Ashwin Mehta, is a rare breath of fresh air, that we could draw inspiration from.

Mandela, Tamil Movie, streaming on Netflix

A lovely adaptation of 'It is a wonderful life'.

Three standouts moments for me.

The first was the naming of the protagonist, Mandela, a beautiful adaptation of 16 Vayathinile. 'Mayil' naming 'Chappani' as Gopalakrishnan. BY the way Mandela may have been sculpted out of 'Chappani'.

Last year I had the opportunity to travel in and around Madurai during MGRs birthday. I experienced how alive he was for about 75 kilometers around Madurai. So the outrageously hilarious sequence of an old lady and her belief about MGR was so real that I have never laughed out so loud in recent times. Amazingly true and a slice of brilliance.

When Mandela is about to end his life, the young lady's voice reminded you of sequence of the the guardian angel in 'It is a wonderful Life' but little did I expect the climax to converge into a lovely adaptation of ' IT is a wonderful Life'.

Ultimately the power is in our hand to build our lives.

The Sound of Metal

Lovers of pure cinema may not want to miss this supremely creative  film. The story telling is instructive. This is an unusual mix of writing, sound and editing that works in unison to  provide an enthralling experience. 

And then there is Paul Raci, who believes that deafness should never be considered as a handicap. Paul also believes it is in the moment of stillness lies the kingdom of god. 

For me the Sound of Metal is the best film of the year.

The Sound of Metal nominated for 6 Oscars, will take 5 of the 6.

Not sure if it  will get Riz, his best actor award, since it might most likely be awarded posthumously go to Chadwick Boseman.

First Reformed, Streaming on Netflix

Paul Schrader has to be a gifted child of the Lord. To be able to narrate a complex story devoid of clutter requires extraordinary clarity of thought.

Paul's thought process is crystal clear.

On one level, the humans may have to deal with the strife unleashed by forces beyond their control. At another level, the humans may have to deal with strife unleashed by man made identities. 

It is just not the world that it is at peril but it also faith.

Man may be on the verge of being consumed by despair but ultimately there is the hope of love that has the quality to redeem us.

Schrader explores the modern world through the eyes of Pastor Toller, 

Faith vs prosperity is summed by Pastor Toller aptly

There is a lot of church people, good Christians, who see a connection between godliness and prosperity. But that’s not what Jesus teaches, There is no dollar sign on his pulpit. There is no American flag either.

And in the pursuit of prosperity, is faith the biggest casualty?

The movie is strictly for the discerning

Drishyam -2 Movie

Profound and Brilliant: Punishments invoked by human consciouness

The hero of the film has to be the writer. 

Writing a sequel for  the most satisfying thriller in Indian cinema must be very difficult.

Jeethu Joseph probably has done his best work till date.

As  a thriller, this move does  not match the part 1, but it certainly explores some fundamental themes.

It explores so beautifully the guilt that surfaces, when the human conscience comes into play. Will some of the scars ever be removed? 

A lovely exercise to introspect on Crime and Punishment.

Jeethu Joseph, Congratulations! on a fantastic effort

PS: The character arc of George Kutty from seeming invincibility to absolute vulnerability makes George Kutty not only real but makes your heart go out for him

Master, 2021, Tamil Movie: Streaming on prime

Random musings on one of the most unimaginative, unoriginal and drab piece of cinema 

What can you wonder about a movie that takes about 57 minutes to set up a central conflict?

How did the movie makers allow the antagonist to hijack the movie? The movie should be remembered for the antagonist stealing the interval block? You set some expectations Mr. Sethupathi, but certainly nothing arrived.!!

I read somewhere Mr. Kanagaraj telling about the influence of Nammavar. I am seriously tempted to cleanse my soul by watching, 'To Sir with Love', the original and an enduring classic

For people wanting to be a prime runner in politics, they just have to look at Mr. MGR for some originality. A man who truly established two brands that have stood the times for 50 years, the Rising Sun and the Two Leaves. We all have to look for nothing further beyond the MGR 'Thathuva'(Philosophical songs) Padal, which touched the chord of millions of people cutting across class. Can the aspiring politicians learn somethings from that? Some USP which can cut across the masses. So much of technology, yet so little of ideas or original thought.

As my thoughts wandered, I started wondering about alcoholism  that torments and pulls down the lower economic strata constantly. 

I could not but help imagining the people of Tamil Nadu in a juvenile house, that is constantly supplied with the goodies from TASMAC.

Hoping for a MASTER who is ready to let go of that wealth?

Sinam: Short Film Streaming on HotStar

My introduction to Anand Murthy is through his work as a colour consultant in 'Paradesi". An unforgettable piece of work.

Congratulations! Anand Murthy on releasing Sinam on HotStar. I am so happy for you. You were kind enough to share the film long before its release with me personally.

I have been following closely your relentless pursuit to take this short film far and wide and participate in innumerable film festivals. The self belief, confidence and conviction in your project is something we all can learn from.

The movie is technically brilliant, with some neat acting from Dhansika.

While the movie was conceived long time before Paava Kathaigal, this movie is pretty much aligned to Paava kathaigal and the content could remind you of Vetri's work. 

Reader's of my wall, are probably are aware that while I was in awe of Vetri's craft, I had differences of opinion with the content.

We discussed this with Anand Murthy yesterday and he was magnanimous in allowing me to express my point of view.

People who like "Paava Kathaigal' will resonate with "Sinam".

All the best Anand Murthy. Looking forward to a full length feature film this year

Lee Daniels The Butler, 2013, Streaming on Netflix

Accidentally tripped on Lee Daniel, The butler today on Netflix today. 

Loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, who worked in the White House for decades, the film stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, an African-American who is a witness of notable political and social events of the 20th century during his 34-year tenure serving as a White House Butler.

Essentially about the black struggle, the movie is so refreshing and positive. 

When a mother is raped in front of you and you father is killed? How do you respond?

What do you make of an unequal system  that discriminates and is unjust?  

The movie  is both a commentary on the travails of the African America people in the 20th century and how different people of the race respond to the larger forces much beyond their control.

The reference to Sidney  Poitier is an interesting one. His emergence as a notable start mirrors the struggle of an African American. 

Inequality will be there and continue to be there. When people persist , you will end up getting a Obama!!!

How I wish the Pa. Ranjith's and the Vetrimaran's of the world focus on solutions rather than helplessness

This is the world we live in, Hate, helplessness and frustration can only take us that much forward.  The world is what it is because there are that many people who have navigated within the system and made things work.

A MUST WATCH FOR EVERY STUDENT OF LIFE.

Maara, Streaming on Prime

A rousing welcome to 2021

Vibrant colours, picturesque backdrops, fluttering winds, lovely rain drops, and a whole lot of people oozing with warmth drowned by a Tsunami of smiles.

As pleasant as it can get!!!

The talent to watch out for is Alexander babu, part Nagesh, part Vadivelu who has the capability to emulate Chandrababu as well, Alex can rock provided he signs up good  roles!!!!

A great way to spend your weekend!!!