We all owe it to them

Its has been a heartbreaking experience seeing the happenings in Mumbai for the past 3 days. As if the carnage is not sufficient, the news channels, especially Arnab Goswami of Times Now and Burkha Dutta of NDTV were pathetic. They were using 'adjectives' as if they witnessing the making of a hollywood action flick. Shame on them. Such senior journalists making a mockery of the situation is hard to digest. Rajdeep Sardesai of CNN-IBN and Arnab Goswami went to the length of interpreting the happenings in their own terms, as if they were experts - They went to the length of suggesting what NSG were supposed to do, what it means when gun fires are heard. Barkha Dutt was interviewing the husband of one of the captives Mrs. Saikia and it was painful to see him answering her questions at the hour of his grief, when he was just hoping against odds that his wife would come out alive.

The only saving grace was the news channels had virtually cut down on their ads. Atleast money was not made out of such a tragedey.

When coming to think of the freedom we enjoy, the very fact that we are all sitting at our homes watching matches, commuting in our bikes and cars, flying to various places and sleeping peacefully, we owe it to this men who have made the supreme sacrifice we can only imagine doing. The best tribute we can pay to them is to pay our taxes honestly. Our taxes pay our soldiers. Hope the personal and professional standards of our soldiers (hope the politicians at least do these things without any scandal) improve. Let us not demean the very freedom we enjoy by complaining about the bad roads, flooding rain waters, corruption etc. Men are sacrificing their lives everyday at the highest and the coldest battlefield in the world - Siachen. Recently we lost M.C Sharma of Dehli Police. Now we have lost great officers from Mumbai - Ashok Kamte, Salaskar, Hemant Karkare;Gajendra Singh and Major Unnikrishnan from the NSG.
They have given their lives to save ours. Lets not demean the very freedom we are enjoying for which they have paid the ultimate price, by complaining about so many things which are not right in our country at this point of time, for which none other than the political class is entirely responsible.

Its only appropriate that Hemant Karkare's widow had rejected the monetary assistance from Modi. Wonder how he would feel if he were in the same position mourning his family member's death in a situation like this and some one offered money hoping it would get rid of his grief!!!

We have lost so many of military and paramilitary men since the days of Kargil. I have very vivid memories of Burka Dutta (guess at that time as part of Star News) interviewing Captain Vikram Batra in Kargil inside a Bunker. A few days later the death of Captain Vikram Batra was shown on the very same channel. Some of the names I could still re-collect are Major Saravanan, Captain Ahuja of IAF. So many young men we lost - some were the only bread earners for their home, some joined the army because of sheer passion (its sad to see people sometimes commenting that several of them joined army since they had no other option. One should also understand that several soldiers who were killed in Kargil were sons of Ex-Army officers. So, these men joined army knowing exactly what the life in army would be). When young army men in their 20's are fighting for our freedom, most of the men this age are enjoy their lives earning and living peacefully under the freedom our military men are providing us.

The political class appears to be making the sacrifices of our soldiers who are guarding us day and night meaningless. Unless these men in white clothes show some sense of responsibility towards the men in uniform, brave men like Major Sandeep, Captain Vikram Batra, Halwadar Gajendra Singh, Ashok Kamte and others will be forced to lay their lives for us...

Indian Republic Day in Sao Paulo - 26Jan08

Three weekends have passed since the 3 of us arrived in Sao Paulo. We haven't gone any where beyond the office space yet. The laziness was catching up on us over the weekends, what with Sao Paulo caught in rain over the past 2 weekends.

But today, its a special day and a special occassion, a different one and that after our school days, we were going to be part of the republic day celebration at the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo. Yesterday night we had planned to be there at the consulate at 103.0 AM dot for the flag hoisting at the Indian Consulate in Paulista Avenue.

The three Indian friends we found here in our hotel are very nice people and have been helping us since the day we got to Sao Paulo.

Its 10.15 AM in the morning and we are already late and were getting anxious that we might miss the flag hoisting. But, dada was quick to get to the breakfast table and grabbed something to eat quickly and just gulped a glass of juice and then the 6 of us were on our way in 2 taxis to the Paulista Avenue. We rushed to the elevator (its already well past 11 AM) and got down at the 7th floor which houses the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo. Luckily as we would have it the flag hoisting was still to happen.

A few minutes later the flag was hoisted by the Indian Consulate official, with the National Anthem being played out from the audio system and everyone in the hall joining in unison in singing the national anthem. It was a unique feeling to be part of the Republican Day celeration away from home and one in which I got to be part of after the school days.

It was a melting pot, which Indians settled in Brazil wishing each other in Brazilian style by hugging each other and speaking very fluent Portungese. We met people from Indain software companies. It was intersting to know when one of the settled Indians told us that there is cricket league going on in Brazil, and if interested we could be part of it.

One of the Indian Restaurants had sponsored delicious Samosas, Jamuns and some nice Indian tea. After the President of India's message was read out, we helped ourselves to some good snacking.

Later, Chak De movie was played on a projector. It was a nice feeling to be part of the occasion and remind ourselves of the very roots we belong to and the Indianess that brings us together.

Jai Hind.

Reel Review - Billa

While Billa may not spring a surprise when it comes to the story line.But except for the story rest of the stuff takes you by surprise and is all class from the word go with the movie setting a racy pace with breathtaking camera work in Malaysia.

While one may observe some slackness in the narration from time to time, may be too many times Ajith and gang are shown walking in slow motion.

Ajith has never looked so stylish and as Billa his screen presence tells it all. For Namitha nothing much and she does whats expected of her as CJ, who is desperately fond of Billa. Nayanthara as Sasha who gets close to Billa and becomes his confidant to get revenge from him is surprising. Nayanthara is simply stunning and she is all confidence personified in her role. But, her role could have be more meaty. She looks stone faced most of the time! Jagdish as the Interpol officer has done well and sports a stylish look.

Prabhu as the cop who is in Malaysia to nail Billa is kind of ok, but doesnt fit the bill so well. The portion where Prabhu convinces Velu (Another Ajith who is a thief) to don the role of Billa after Billa's death to get to the gangsters is not convincing. More convincing scenes could have been added.

After Billa' death, the rest of the plot is how Velu as Billa helps himself out of the gang who are behind him to kill him and get back the secrets he has got access t,o and finally who is the actual Jagdish - the most powerful Don around.

The black or white costumes and the bluish picturization are a class. Nirav Shah's camera work is terrific and my name is Billa though the song is not great, it makes for fantastic viewing. The picturization of the stunt sequences especially the car chase and the stunt on top of the hanging bridge are breathtaking.

Yuvan may not have scored much with the songs, especially the 2 remix songs - My name is Billa and Vettalai pottaen are pretty ordinary. But, the background score is scintillating.
Billa, will be a milestone in tamil movies, for its sheer class and attitude with its costumes, background score and picturization.

Turn Ons: Ajith and Nayanthara, Stylish look and costumes, Terrific sets, Action Sequences, Yuvan's Background score, Nirav Shah's camera work

Let Down: Remix songs, Slow Narration

Punch Dialogue: Ajith says 'Muruganukku aaru thala, enakko oru thala'

Wish You a Happy New Year 2008

The year 2007 had gone for sure,
Had memories that will stand for ever,
We had fond memories to cherish,
But a few which had to perish.

Beneath the calmness lied the storm,
But God willing, it caused no harm,
Storms made ways for more floods,
The violence formed rivers of blood.

The storm has weathered with time,
We could hear the new year chime.
Its time to gather our eternal will,
Be sure there is always a win over the ill.

The journey has just begun,
The preamble has just been written,
Be prepared for the battle,
For the war ahead is no little.

The destiny ahead lies in our hands,
Work had to realize the castles of sands,
Enjoy the challenges ahead that follow

To rewrite the destiny that follows

- Madan

Reel Review - Kalloori

Balaji Shaktivel scores yet again with a sensitive portrayal of a group of 9 school students who go on to join the same college pursuing BA History. Its a testimony to the narrative skills of the director who has mananged to give a gripping emotional rider, with a simple story.

Just when you thought its run of the mill college stuff, you are in for a pleasant surprise. You begin to wonder it can't get more realistic and earthly than this. Though this may not match upto the directors previous hit Kadhal, this yet will be another feather in the cap for director Balaji and Shankar's S pictures production. Shankar (S Pictures) is another producer in the mould of Prakash Raj(Duet Movies). S Pictures previous productions Kadhal, Veyil were milestones in their own way.
Sobana (Tamanna), a new comer to the town joins the same class as a temporary student due to certain circumstances, while she waits for her admission at the Birla Academy, Delhi. Though the group avoids her at first because of her rich Bangalore upbringing, they go on to become a bunch of 10 closely knit friends.

Just when you think the narration is sagging, the director gives his emotional touch to the proceedings. Its really amazingthat Balaji has mananged to extract performances with new comers who are either in school or just into college in their real life.

Kayalvizhi (Hema) is the God Mother of the group, who firmly believes that there cannot be any love between friends, the female protagonist who is always there to guide and help the bunch. Ramesh (Bharani) is the wayward guy who just loves to have fun, and only Kayal can control him. The hero of the movie Muthu (Akhil) is a well built athelete. Considering that he
is just a 11th standard student he has done a remarkable job of underplaying his role.

The story moves through the day to day lives of these group of students, with beautifully woven incidents. Do Sobana and Muthu express their feelings to each other? Do they get to unite in the end, makes the rest of the plot. The climax is quite unconceivable and it leaves a lump in your throat considering that its a true incident that happened in 2000 in Dharmapuri.

Tamanna looks refreshing as a salwar clad soft girl and clearly makes impact with her naunces and emotions. Akhil as the athelete fits the bill prefectly. Especially, the scene where she waits eargerly on her scooter for Muthu to come to the bus stop (the song from tea shop - Unparvailyil oru ayiram from yester super hit movie Amman Kovil Kizhakaale is special
directorial touch) and also when she shows her anxiosness for Muthu when he gets his legs hurt in a college cultural brawl and asks the doctor if he would get well soon and he is a sports person, at the same time showing her furstration towards Kayal because of whom they end up in a brawl. Another highlight is when she gets a new set of sports shoes for Muthu and tell
him that he needs to win in his life too.

Muthu, when he runs all the way from his home to the main road, just when his sister tells him that Sobana had come in search of him and had just left - you feel for him.

The highlight would be the perefect mix of rustic background through Cheliyan's camera work and Joshua Sridhar's music. Na. Muthukumar is simply superb in 'Indhu Sariya Thaavara' and 'Unarugil Varugayil' [one line is 'Idhuvarai sertha inbam thumbangalai unudan pakirdha thudikindraen']. The lyrics in Unarugil touches you. Both the songs have an earthly
picturization. Cheliyan and Joshua Sridhars work are a highlight. The built-in comedy sequences gel well with the narration.

The flip side is, the climax is inadequate. The background score is pretty ordinary towards the end. One makes you wonder why would such a nice narration come to a tragic end. When Sobana tells Kayal about her feelings for Muthu, and just when you change you opinion about Kayal unfortunately both of them end up in flames. Its like a beautiful bouquet made, is crushed
instantly!! A feel good movie with an undeserving end.

A good watch, if you are sick of the run of the mill college stuff and want something refreshing.

Reel Review - Malaikottai

It's not uncommon for movies ending up as big disappointments when they actually hit the screens after all the extra ordinary
pre-release hype. Malaikottai unfortunately falls in that category.After all the pre-release storm created, the movie doesn't even send down a fresh breeze.

Its high time Vishal tries to free himself from the stereotype role of an angry youth who call smash dozens of bad guys all
the time. Its getting repetitive and this looks like a messy masala inspired from Sandakozhi,Thimiru and Thamarabharani.The way the opening introduction song for Vishal (Anbu) begins, followed by the fight - one gets a hint how the rest of the
logic (if any) in the movie will be. The opening fight sequence has been beautifully shot and Vishal as usual excels in all the fight and dance sequences.

He ends up in Trichy for a month just to sign at the police station as ordered by the jugde in Pattukottai, after he bashes up villians by the dozens in the opening scene. As usual the hero falls in love with the leading lady (Priyamani as Malar) at the first sight. Urvashi is a constable and is the ex-lover of Ashish Vidyarthi who is an inspector and also happens to be Vishal's uncle. Both work in the same station where Vishal goes in to sign everyday. The scenes involving their love life in flash back is a saving grace. Vishal's comedy in the first half doesn't cut too much ice and especially his voice modulation is simply out of sync. Vishal calling Urvashi his sitti is even more ridiculous.

Priyamani with all the overdone makeup and short skirts in the song sequences is a big let down, especially after what one has seen of her in Parutheeveeran, where she literally lived and died the role of Muthzhalagu.

The songs and background music, especially during fight sequences and also when villains are on screen, its a test for your ear drums. Vishal bashes up the villian's (played by Kannada actor Devaraj) brother while he tries to molest Priyamani and sends him to hosptial almost dead, who later he kills himself disgusted with his ugly face. Now its time for the villian to show his might and then the war of wits between the hero and the villian begins.

As is the thumb rule in standard tamil action flicks, it starts raining when the hero meets the primary villian in the climax, and in the end heroism triumphs over the evil. Also, you won't fail to see the half a dozen SUV's whizzing past thecamera everytime the villain is out of his den which has also become a standard feature in tamil movies.

Some puzzling thougths you may have in the end !!!One wonders how could Priyamani think of having a romantic song, when just in the previous scenes they have been threatened
with dire consequences by the villains?What a social service by Vishal - He ends up staying in Trichy to protect Priyamani and one wonders if he was doing anything else - studying, working?
Its hard to believe that this the same directory (Boopathy Pandian) who gave nice musical comedy in Thiruvilaiyaadal Arambam.
Malaikottai, verum ottai!!! Carrying couple of saridons with you is a better option, not viewing is a wiser option.
Turn Ons: O Baby, Ae aatha aathorama (remixed) songs (Mani Sharma) are really nice , fights by Kanal Kannan
Turn Offs: (Too many)Noisy background music, Vishal's punch dialogue similiar to the one by Vikram in Saamy (cant even come close to the original version), Vishal's comedy scenes

Sivaji rocks in Paris

23-Jun-07 80 av Jean Jaurès 93500 PANTIN

Like any other Rajini fan worldwide, I was happy to get a chance to watch Sivaji in Paris so early, when it would have been so difficult to get tickets in Chennai at this point of time and I was excited to see the superstar in the Shankar extravaganza.

As most of us would have it, the story of the movie is about an NRI from the US who wants to set up charity institutions in Tamil Nadu with his savings. The villian, played by Suman (once upon a time hero) uses his political power to foil the good intentions of Sivaji who loses all his money in the process. The rest of the plot narrates how Sijavi settles the scores and achieves what he set out to do in the beginning, in a typical Shankar style narration with the superstar unleashed in every frame.

Shreya is the love lady of Sivaji, and she looks homely (Sivaji wants to marry a homely lookig girl), but she compensates in the songs sequences with her glamour and as one of the newspapers quoted, she might be the next simran for the tamil filmdom. The songs have been picturised with mind blowing sets, especially the Athiradi and Sahana are a visual treat, and Balleilakka with Nayanthara is a visual treat of colours. In Sahana Rajini looks a lot younger and it remindes us of Rajini movies a decade ago, and the superstar is in his own league in Athiradi.

The first half comedy track along with Vivek is a roller coaster, spruced up by the presence of pattimandram Raja and Solomon Pappayah. Along with Rajini, Vivek delivers quite a few punch dialogues and also takes a dig at Simbu and Danush who use their index finger to show thier power and anger as a run of the mill stuff in their movies.

The superstar catches the imagination with his style - be it the flicking of the one rupee coin, the typical sunglass rolling and wearing, and the short and stylish 'cool'. Rajini looks stylish and fabulous in his entire range of costumes, especially Oru Koodai Sunlight song. Thanks to the constume designer Manish Malhotra and the hair designer. His hair style in the first half reminds us of the Rajini we have seen in movies like Padikathavan, Velaikaran. Though the only punch line 'summa athuruthulla' looks little out of place, may be because there are not too many instances when he delivers this particular punch line.

Over these years we have seen that Rajini's hair style has been his USP, but Shankar proves his mettle and courage as a director by sporting a bald Rajini.The rolling of sunglasses around his head, and his tabla style tapping on his head (thanks to AR Rahman for nice choice of sound),will stay in our memories for years to come and the last half hour with bald sporting Rajini is sheer superstar stuff, be it the Sivaji- MGR joke or the matrix style stunt.

While all these dialogues and actions performed by any other hero (poor Simbu and Dhanush)would have taken a booing, there is none but one, who is the Godfather of style and punchlines and who alone can make the crowd go bezerk with his styles and punchlines, its the one and only superstar.

As they say, there may be many stars - but there is only one superstar, at 57 he proves it yet again. Sivaji has set the box office on a scorching fire which has already given blowing punch to Jhoom Barabar Jhoom not only in Chennai (though it was requested to move the screening of JBJ a little later),but in Bombay and UK, but also making it the first tamil movie to make it to the top 10 in the UK. When the king of box office is in move better be warned, because 'summa
pera kettalae adhurudula'!.