Nagesh-A Legend-Emperor of Comedy-No More
Nagesh is no more! I stopped looking at the news and started typing this post. At the moment I am at a loss of words to describe the immense joy and happiness he used to bring to viewers and the feeling of intense. Shivaji, MGR, Kaml, and Rajni are superstars but one man who defied all their stardom and acted with all of them leaving his own special charm-Nagesh.
There was a period when no Tamil movie would be made without Nagesh. Clean comedy, natural slapstick and buffoonery. He formed a great on-screen pair with Manorama. The two gave many memorable hits together.
An unforgettable role was of Dharmi in Thiruvalayadal. Other hits were given by him as a solo hero in "Server Sundaram" and "Ethir Neechal."
A longer post is on its way soon.
At the moment al I can say is-"Continue to delight angels in heaven."
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
UNCERTAIN TIMES
200 people asked to quit in the past 2 days!
So was I an ass?
No, now I am still here though very insecure!
So it is back to updating resumes and scouting the Web!
Nothing remains stable!
Nothing man-I have been unlucky in love, not too lucky with the jobs, only good thing a couple of good friends.
I am beginning to sound more and more cynical and pessimistic with each passing day.
God save me!
200 people asked to quit in the past 2 days!
So was I an ass?
No, now I am still here though very insecure!
So it is back to updating resumes and scouting the Web!
Nothing remains stable!
Nothing man-I have been unlucky in love, not too lucky with the jobs, only good thing a couple of good friends.
I am beginning to sound more and more cynical and pessimistic with each passing day.
God save me!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
INDIA DRAW FIRST BLOOD
India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the first ODI at Dambulla. Sri Lanka posted 246 runs powered by Sanath Jayasurya's 107. The man continues to mystify and fox critics and admirers alike.
India lost Sachin early, but good knocks by Gambhir, Raina, and Dhoni ensured that the year 2009 started on a winning note for India.
Jayasurya becomes the second highest run-scorer in ODIs followed by Sachin.
India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the first ODI at Dambulla. Sri Lanka posted 246 runs powered by Sanath Jayasurya's 107. The man continues to mystify and fox critics and admirers alike.
India lost Sachin early, but good knocks by Gambhir, Raina, and Dhoni ensured that the year 2009 started on a winning note for India.
Jayasurya becomes the second highest run-scorer in ODIs followed by Sachin.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
ABOUT THE RECESSION DURING RECESS
The situation is not at all bright. Everyday there is news about Microsoft cutting jobs, or IBM cutting jobs, the list continues with all industries getting affected by the global economic meltdown. Earlier the lunch session used to be a time when colleagues would discuss movies and cricket. The past two-three months have seen a big change as everyone is worried and insecure about their jobs.
Rumours about three senior managers quitting, people being asked to leave, well I just don’t know. Things are not rosy and it looks that there is going to be a lot of heartburn by the end of March.
Hastily convened meetings asking employees to stay calm and focus on improving productivity does not work wonders.
Let me see what happens!
In all probability it might be curtains here too:]
The situation is not at all bright. Everyday there is news about Microsoft cutting jobs, or IBM cutting jobs, the list continues with all industries getting affected by the global economic meltdown. Earlier the lunch session used to be a time when colleagues would discuss movies and cricket. The past two-three months have seen a big change as everyone is worried and insecure about their jobs.
Rumours about three senior managers quitting, people being asked to leave, well I just don’t know. Things are not rosy and it looks that there is going to be a lot of heartburn by the end of March.
Hastily convened meetings asking employees to stay calm and focus on improving productivity does not work wonders.
Let me see what happens!
In all probability it might be curtains here too:]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
INDIA vs SRILANKA ODI SERIES-A PREVIEW
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played tomorrow. Sri Lanka is high on confidence after a morale-boosting 2-1 series victory over Pakistan. India have had a decent break after the England series and will play confidently under Dhoni. The problem seems to be the unplayability od Ajantha Mendis and his wizardry. Sehwag seems to be the only player who can play him confidently. Muraltharan can win matches all by himself, Mahela Jayawardene is battling poor form and he is due for a big knock. The absence of Harbhajan do to an injury might be a problem. We have Ravinder Jadeja debuting for the national team and is sure to get a chance. There are five one-day matches and one T-20 match.
Let us see how the Indian team fares against the Lankans.
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played tomorrow. Sri Lanka is high on confidence after a morale-boosting 2-1 series victory over Pakistan. India have had a decent break after the England series and will play confidently under Dhoni. The problem seems to be the unplayability od Ajantha Mendis and his wizardry. Sehwag seems to be the only player who can play him confidently. Muraltharan can win matches all by himself, Mahela Jayawardene is battling poor form and he is due for a big knock. The absence of Harbhajan do to an injury might be a problem. We have Ravinder Jadeja debuting for the national team and is sure to get a chance. There are five one-day matches and one T-20 match.
Let us see how the Indian team fares against the Lankans.
A DOUBLE FOR THE PROTEAS DOWN UNDER
A great partnership between Hashim Amla and A.B. De Villiers ensured that Australia suffered a defeat that ensured a series defeat. The Proteas will relish the fact that they have managed a historic double by defeating Australia in both the one-day and test series.
Australia batting first on a sporting pitch squandered a chance to post a big total from 110 runs for the loss of two wickets they were bowled out for 219. Ponting scored 63 runs and James Hopes added a valuable 42 runs lower down the order. Ntini and Steyn took thre wickets each.
The Proteas chased down the total with more than 10 overs to spare. Amla scoring 80 and de Villiers scoring 82.
Australia will have to regroup and start afresh when they face New Zealand in a week's time. Is this the beginning of the end of Australia's dominance in world cricket?
A great partnership between Hashim Amla and A.B. De Villiers ensured that Australia suffered a defeat that ensured a series defeat. The Proteas will relish the fact that they have managed a historic double by defeating Australia in both the one-day and test series.
Australia batting first on a sporting pitch squandered a chance to post a big total from 110 runs for the loss of two wickets they were bowled out for 219. Ponting scored 63 runs and James Hopes added a valuable 42 runs lower down the order. Ntini and Steyn took thre wickets each.
The Proteas chased down the total with more than 10 overs to spare. Amla scoring 80 and de Villiers scoring 82.
Australia will have to regroup and start afresh when they face New Zealand in a week's time. Is this the beginning of the end of Australia's dominance in world cricket?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
DEATH OF A DUTCHMAN.....
This was a novel that I picked up on the pavement. It is by Magdalen Nabb. I had never heard of this writer before and it was the book's title that attracted me to it. The price was Rs 20.(Used Book).
This is a series of books set in Florence and Marshall Guarnaccia is an inspector who investigates mysteries. In this novel he investigates the death of a Dutch goldsmith. It appears to be a case of suicide, but slowly clues and a list of suspects appear.
The book is slow in its pace and intensity. There is a good description of the city of Florence and some of its landmarks. Who murdered the Dutchman?
Read the book to find the answer.
A decent book but this will not appeal to readers of fast-paced thrillers.
I need to check if I can get other books in the series for the same price.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Of Hospitals and Marriage Propsals!
Monday evening I get a call on my mobile from an unknown number, I answer it and surmise that a distant uncle has had a massive heart attack and has been admitted to a hospital. It is his neighbour who calls me and gives me this information. I pack a change of clothes in a duffel bag take some cash and rush to the hospital.
I hire a taxi and wonder at the man who served as a source of inspiration to me and all the other kids in the extended family. Seshumama was a bachelor, a man who was an enigma. He had studied Law and then been to Oxford to pursue a slew of degrees. He was a man of incredible physical strength. I remember me and my cousins four of us hanging on to his powerful arms and he would lift us and again set us down with incredible ease. He had gone on to join the United Nations and worked in various countries in Africa. It seems his work was top-secret. It was something to do with Crisis-Prevention and Disaster-Management. No one knew where he was and when he would suddenly land up at their doorsteps with a bag full of goodies for the kids.
The elders in the family considered him to be the "black sheep" as he had not married and settled to lead a normal life. He had retired about seven years back and used to shuttle between his cottage in Munnar and flat in Chennai. I had always stayed in touch with him, and he used to treat me like his own son. He would often remark to my parents" Watch out Meshu(he used to call me that) is going to be a great man." I have not achieved any greatness yet. I have a regular job and a normal life. He used to gift me books and stamps and would always listen patiently to the stories that I would narrate to him. It is a matter of pride for me that in spite of there being so many relatives, he had two sisters and a younger brother; it was my name and number that was given by my uncle as an emergency contact number.
I am lost in my thoughts, when the taxi-driver announces that we have reached the hospital. I pay the fare and rush to the reception. My uncle's neighbour is waiting there and he informs me that my Seshumama is undergoing surgery; and that he has also informed the other relatives and all of them were on their way to the hospital.
As the clock ticks my nervousness increases and slowly the relatives troop in to the hospital. People whom I had not met for more than seven or eight years years arrive and they are surprised to see that the lanky Meshu has grown up into a man. Meena Aunty comes up speaks to me and in a most embarrassing situation asks her husband-Raju Mama-"Ennanga Maheshkku namma Shriyava ponnu pakkalama?"(Why don't we seek an alliance for Mahesh with our Shriya [Damn! of all places and times an alliance/proposal in a hospital]
The doctor comes out and says Seshumama is out of danger and he will be moved into the General Intensive Care Unit after a couple of hours. I heave a sigh of relief and thank God and the doctors who saved his life. When I see him he is still in a drug-induced sleep. He is tired and weak but even then with an enigmatic smile on his face.
As I return home I wonder if I am going to end up like him all alone and without any one! My thoughts are interrupted as I get another call this time it is Meena Mamai-" Dei Meshu Ammakitta sollu njan Shriya jadhakatha courierla send panren!" (Hey! Mahesh tell your mother that I am sending Shriya's horoscope through courier." )
I manage by saying-"Mami signal weak a irukku aathukku call pannunga"(Aunt the signal is weak try calling home.)
Monday evening I get a call on my mobile from an unknown number, I answer it and surmise that a distant uncle has had a massive heart attack and has been admitted to a hospital. It is his neighbour who calls me and gives me this information. I pack a change of clothes in a duffel bag take some cash and rush to the hospital.
I hire a taxi and wonder at the man who served as a source of inspiration to me and all the other kids in the extended family. Seshumama was a bachelor, a man who was an enigma. He had studied Law and then been to Oxford to pursue a slew of degrees. He was a man of incredible physical strength. I remember me and my cousins four of us hanging on to his powerful arms and he would lift us and again set us down with incredible ease. He had gone on to join the United Nations and worked in various countries in Africa. It seems his work was top-secret. It was something to do with Crisis-Prevention and Disaster-Management. No one knew where he was and when he would suddenly land up at their doorsteps with a bag full of goodies for the kids.
The elders in the family considered him to be the "black sheep" as he had not married and settled to lead a normal life. He had retired about seven years back and used to shuttle between his cottage in Munnar and flat in Chennai. I had always stayed in touch with him, and he used to treat me like his own son. He would often remark to my parents" Watch out Meshu(he used to call me that) is going to be a great man." I have not achieved any greatness yet. I have a regular job and a normal life. He used to gift me books and stamps and would always listen patiently to the stories that I would narrate to him. It is a matter of pride for me that in spite of there being so many relatives, he had two sisters and a younger brother; it was my name and number that was given by my uncle as an emergency contact number.
I am lost in my thoughts, when the taxi-driver announces that we have reached the hospital. I pay the fare and rush to the reception. My uncle's neighbour is waiting there and he informs me that my Seshumama is undergoing surgery; and that he has also informed the other relatives and all of them were on their way to the hospital.
As the clock ticks my nervousness increases and slowly the relatives troop in to the hospital. People whom I had not met for more than seven or eight years years arrive and they are surprised to see that the lanky Meshu has grown up into a man. Meena Aunty comes up speaks to me and in a most embarrassing situation asks her husband-Raju Mama-"Ennanga Maheshkku namma Shriyava ponnu pakkalama?"(Why don't we seek an alliance for Mahesh with our Shriya [Damn! of all places and times an alliance/proposal in a hospital]
The doctor comes out and says Seshumama is out of danger and he will be moved into the General Intensive Care Unit after a couple of hours. I heave a sigh of relief and thank God and the doctors who saved his life. When I see him he is still in a drug-induced sleep. He is tired and weak but even then with an enigmatic smile on his face.
As I return home I wonder if I am going to end up like him all alone and without any one! My thoughts are interrupted as I get another call this time it is Meena Mamai-" Dei Meshu Ammakitta sollu njan Shriya jadhakatha courierla send panren!" (Hey! Mahesh tell your mother that I am sending Shriya's horoscope through courier." )
I manage by saying-"Mami signal weak a irukku aathukku call pannunga"(Aunt the signal is weak try calling home.)
Monday, January 19, 2009
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE-Movie Review
Danny Boyle who made the intense yet enjoyable "Trainspotting" has taken the basic plot of Vikas Swarup's novel "Q and A" and added lots of characters, masala, the proverbial presentation of India as a land of poverty and roped in the services of A.R. Rahman to provide the music score, to make a movie that is breaking records and winning awards.
Honestly it is nothing monumental. It is a good movie. We all love movies that are about the triumph of the human spirit and have happy endings.
Two kids Jamal and Salim witness the Mumbai riots, there mother being killed, caught in a network of goons who run an organized syndicate of child-beggars. How the kids escape, go on a trip across India, (Taj Mahal and Agra), return to Mumbai. The story has twists and plots but beyond Jamal winning a quiz show and becoming a millionaire it is his quest for the girl he loves-Lathika(played by Frieda Pinto)that draws more interest. Dev Patel as Jamal does a good job. Anil Kapoor as the quizmaster is nice. Irrfan Khan and Surabh Shukla in brief roles as policemen do justice.
It is the chap who plays Jamal's brother the boy-who-became-a-gangster whom I liked. The kids who portray the role of slum kids are real slum kids. The child jumping into a pile of human faeces to get an autograph of his matinee idol is gross but conveys the message of the madness that cinema is!
The movie is much better than what is on fare from Bolywood-Ghajini, CC2C, RNBJ and the other stuff. So do watch it. I am eagerly awaiting Anurag Kashyap's "Dev-D." He is one chap who is really willing to experiment and radical in thought and belief. Watch "Black Friday" and "NO Smoking" to understand. I hope Abhay Deol does a good job, as the Law of Averages is against him.
Let us see.
The next reviews will be of-"Revolutionary Road" and "Rock n' Rolla."
Bye folks!
Danny Boyle who made the intense yet enjoyable "Trainspotting" has taken the basic plot of Vikas Swarup's novel "Q and A" and added lots of characters, masala, the proverbial presentation of India as a land of poverty and roped in the services of A.R. Rahman to provide the music score, to make a movie that is breaking records and winning awards.
Honestly it is nothing monumental. It is a good movie. We all love movies that are about the triumph of the human spirit and have happy endings.
Two kids Jamal and Salim witness the Mumbai riots, there mother being killed, caught in a network of goons who run an organized syndicate of child-beggars. How the kids escape, go on a trip across India, (Taj Mahal and Agra), return to Mumbai. The story has twists and plots but beyond Jamal winning a quiz show and becoming a millionaire it is his quest for the girl he loves-Lathika(played by Frieda Pinto)that draws more interest. Dev Patel as Jamal does a good job. Anil Kapoor as the quizmaster is nice. Irrfan Khan and Surabh Shukla in brief roles as policemen do justice.
It is the chap who plays Jamal's brother the boy-who-became-a-gangster whom I liked. The kids who portray the role of slum kids are real slum kids. The child jumping into a pile of human faeces to get an autograph of his matinee idol is gross but conveys the message of the madness that cinema is!
The movie is much better than what is on fare from Bolywood-Ghajini, CC2C, RNBJ and the other stuff. So do watch it. I am eagerly awaiting Anurag Kashyap's "Dev-D." He is one chap who is really willing to experiment and radical in thought and belief. Watch "Black Friday" and "NO Smoking" to understand. I hope Abhay Deol does a good job, as the Law of Averages is against him.
Let us see.
The next reviews will be of-"Revolutionary Road" and "Rock n' Rolla."
Bye folks!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Conversation, Smile, and a Farewell
To have spoken to you,
Was such a great feeling,
But sadly it is never going to bring back,
The joy that it used to,
When times were different.
Life goes on..
In all its monotony...
Interspersed with brief vignettes,
Of nostalgia.
I wish I could go back in time,
And change events,
So that you would-
Once again be mine.
But then we are all bound-
By the rules of time and space.
And a code of honour and faith.
So I will stay back and smile,
And wish you good bye.
To have spoken to you,
Was such a great feeling,
But sadly it is never going to bring back,
The joy that it used to,
When times were different.
Life goes on..
In all its monotony...
Interspersed with brief vignettes,
Of nostalgia.
I wish I could go back in time,
And change events,
So that you would-
Once again be mine.
But then we are all bound-
By the rules of time and space.
And a code of honour and faith.
So I will stay back and smile,
And wish you good bye.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Fox and the Child
A simple tale that transports us to the world of the bedtime stories of a childhood long gone. Kate Winslet narrates the story of a little girl who meets a fox.
The story just has these two characters. The fox which the girl learns later is actually a vixen. The movie appears to have been shot in some France. The girl tries to befriend the vixen and names her Lily.
The cinematography is pleasing and the transition from winter to spring is shown aesthetically. Music is OK. It is just that there is a documentary-like feel to the whole thing.
The movie is directed by Luc Jacquet, the same guy who gave us "The March of the Penguins." French actress Bertille Noël-Bruneau plays the little girl who tries to befriend the vixen.
Some things are unclear. Does the child have nothing to do except run in the woods in search of her friend Lily. Are her parents so sure about their daughter's safety?
Are all vixens/foxes so meek? In one scene the girl chases away a pack of wolves by bursting an empty paper bag and shouting at them. Maybe it is better than watching Dhanush bash up twenty goons who are five times bigger than him:).
Good movie to watch on idle Sunday afternoons.
A simple tale that transports us to the world of the bedtime stories of a childhood long gone. Kate Winslet narrates the story of a little girl who meets a fox.
The story just has these two characters. The fox which the girl learns later is actually a vixen. The movie appears to have been shot in some France. The girl tries to befriend the vixen and names her Lily.
The cinematography is pleasing and the transition from winter to spring is shown aesthetically. Music is OK. It is just that there is a documentary-like feel to the whole thing.
The movie is directed by Luc Jacquet, the same guy who gave us "The March of the Penguins." French actress Bertille Noël-Bruneau plays the little girl who tries to befriend the vixen.
Some things are unclear. Does the child have nothing to do except run in the woods in search of her friend Lily. Are her parents so sure about their daughter's safety?
Are all vixens/foxes so meek? In one scene the girl chases away a pack of wolves by bursting an empty paper bag and shouting at them. Maybe it is better than watching Dhanush bash up twenty goons who are five times bigger than him:).
Good movie to watch on idle Sunday afternoons.
Friday, January 16, 2009
AT THE BOOK FAIR
The 32nd Chennai Book Fair is on at the St. George's School Grounds opposite Pachaiappa's College, Kilpauk.
The usual trend continues this year and the number of stalls offering Tamil books continues to increase.
The big offer this year is offered by Indian Thought Publications, Mysore. The complete works of R.K. Narayan for Rs 1,500.
Software stalls offering lots of stuff ranging from games to rhymes. The big draw was the Shakti Office stall. Visit www.shakti.office.in to find out an Indian alternative to MS-Office.
All the usual stalls were there and the kids this year were surprisingly less. It was more of the 20 to 35 years age-group that was in prominence.
Food stalls doing super business. Sri Krishna Sweets being the highlight.
On the pavement adjoining the Pachaiappa's College a group of old-book sellers have set up shop. Books for as low as Rs 5. There are some real gems available for Rs 20 go check them out too.
The 32nd Chennai Book Fair is on at the St. George's School Grounds opposite Pachaiappa's College, Kilpauk.
The usual trend continues this year and the number of stalls offering Tamil books continues to increase.
The big offer this year is offered by Indian Thought Publications, Mysore. The complete works of R.K. Narayan for Rs 1,500.
Software stalls offering lots of stuff ranging from games to rhymes. The big draw was the Shakti Office stall. Visit www.shakti.office.in to find out an Indian alternative to MS-Office.
All the usual stalls were there and the kids this year were surprisingly less. It was more of the 20 to 35 years age-group that was in prominence.
Food stalls doing super business. Sri Krishna Sweets being the highlight.
On the pavement adjoining the Pachaiappa's College a group of old-book sellers have set up shop. Books for as low as Rs 5. There are some real gems available for Rs 20 go check them out too.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
A WEB OF LIES
How the wings of time fly,
To be a king one day-
Reduced to a pauper on another.
It was a Wednesday unlike all others.
The dreams of thousands crashed,
As one man confessed,
To a heinous crime,
At a most unfortunate time.
He had misused the trust-
And money that thousands-
Had entrusted with him.
The future is dark and dim.
Will justice be denied yet again?
As the rich and powerful,
Continue to make a mockery-
Of the laws of the land........
This was written in the aftermath of Satyam Raju's confession of misappropriation of funds.
The future is bleak for the thousands employed across Satyam's various branches.
The point to be noted is Global Trust Bank which had a similar fiasco some years back and Satyam-the shares of both these companies were traded aggressively by Ketan Parekh who rigged the stock market.
As more skeletons tumble out will SEBI and the government finally open their eyes and take stringent and prompt action.
I doubt, because in India if you have money, power, and have the right connections you can get away with anything.
How the wings of time fly,
To be a king one day-
Reduced to a pauper on another.
It was a Wednesday unlike all others.
The dreams of thousands crashed,
As one man confessed,
To a heinous crime,
At a most unfortunate time.
He had misused the trust-
And money that thousands-
Had entrusted with him.
The future is dark and dim.
Will justice be denied yet again?
As the rich and powerful,
Continue to make a mockery-
Of the laws of the land........
This was written in the aftermath of Satyam Raju's confession of misappropriation of funds.
The future is bleak for the thousands employed across Satyam's various branches.
The point to be noted is Global Trust Bank which had a similar fiasco some years back and Satyam-the shares of both these companies were traded aggressively by Ketan Parekh who rigged the stock market.
As more skeletons tumble out will SEBI and the government finally open their eyes and take stringent and prompt action.
I doubt, because in India if you have money, power, and have the right connections you can get away with anything.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
AUSTRALIA STILL NUMERO UNO
The last day of the Sydnet Test had twists and turns like a crime thriller. One momentyou thought that Australia had sealed the game and the next moment there would be Protean resurgence. When the ninth wicket fell in walked Captain Courageous Graeme Smith with a fracture and other injuries. He endured the fiery spells for a while but ultimately with eleven balls remaining in the day he was bowled to a beauty by Mitchell Johnson who was ecstatic as Australia managed to salvage their pride and the disgrace of a series whitewash.
South Africa return to their land preparing to host the Aussies who would want to avenge their defeats on home soil. Let us see what happens.
The last day of the Sydnet Test had twists and turns like a crime thriller. One momentyou thought that Australia had sealed the game and the next moment there would be Protean resurgence. When the ninth wicket fell in walked Captain Courageous Graeme Smith with a fracture and other injuries. He endured the fiery spells for a while but ultimately with eleven balls remaining in the day he was bowled to a beauty by Mitchell Johnson who was ecstatic as Australia managed to salvage their pride and the disgrace of a series whitewash.
South Africa return to their land preparing to host the Aussies who would want to avenge their defeats on home soil. Let us see what happens.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
NJAN KADAVUL MUSIC REVIEW
A friend sent me the songs of this movie and after listening to them I am thoroughly lost in thought. Bala has always been a director who has given meaningful cinema and the songs in his movies have always been chart-toppers-be it Sethu, Nanda, or Pithamagan.
This album is definitely not going to sell like hot cakes. The reasons being it does not have foot-tapping disco-themed songs, songs with hip-hop rap and ridiculously written songs that sound more foreign than Tamil, electronically reengineered melodies picturised in Europe, item-song with lewd lyrics during which the camera focusses on the assets of the heroine/item-girl.
All said and done I definitely am going to buy the original music CD because the album is one of its kind. A movie which has a dark theme about crime blending with spirituality cannot definitely have melodious extravagances. This album has six songs all with a bhajan-type feel.
Three songs continue to play in mind. Om Siva Om is a proper hymn. Oru Kaatril Alai reminds one of Kannadasan's philosophical songs of a bygone era. Pichaipaathiram is a plea for alms which is most likely to be picturised on Pooja who plays the role of a beggar.
Music is by Ilayaraja, songs have been sung by Madhu Balakrishnan, Sadhana Sargam, Vijay Prakash,Ilayaraja and others. Lyrics are by Vaali.
Thanks to Dr. Vijay for providing information. The lyrics for Pichaipaathiram have been written by Ilayaraja.
Look at his comment for further information.
Thanks Doc!
A friend sent me the songs of this movie and after listening to them I am thoroughly lost in thought. Bala has always been a director who has given meaningful cinema and the songs in his movies have always been chart-toppers-be it Sethu, Nanda, or Pithamagan.
This album is definitely not going to sell like hot cakes. The reasons being it does not have foot-tapping disco-themed songs, songs with hip-hop rap and ridiculously written songs that sound more foreign than Tamil, electronically reengineered melodies picturised in Europe, item-song with lewd lyrics during which the camera focusses on the assets of the heroine/item-girl.
All said and done I definitely am going to buy the original music CD because the album is one of its kind. A movie which has a dark theme about crime blending with spirituality cannot definitely have melodious extravagances. This album has six songs all with a bhajan-type feel.
Three songs continue to play in mind. Om Siva Om is a proper hymn. Oru Kaatril Alai reminds one of Kannadasan's philosophical songs of a bygone era. Pichaipaathiram is a plea for alms which is most likely to be picturised on Pooja who plays the role of a beggar.
Music is by Ilayaraja, songs have been sung by Madhu Balakrishnan, Sadhana Sargam, Vijay Prakash,Ilayaraja and others. Lyrics are by Vaali.
Thanks to Dr. Vijay for providing information. The lyrics for Pichaipaathiram have been written by Ilayaraja.
Look at his comment for further information.
Thanks Doc!
Australia vs South Africa final test
Things are delicately poised and tomorrow might well be a red letter day in international cricket. Australia might lose its ranking as Number 1 Test side in the world or South Africa might lose the match and Australia will salvage some pride.
Brief scores:
Australia-445 and 257/4 declared.
South Africa-327 and 62/1.
South Africa require 314 runs to win of 90 overs. Nine wickets in hand but Smith being ruled out due to injury its going to be a tough task.
Can the Proteas end Aussie supremacy?
Will Ponting have the last laugh and salvage the Aussie pride?
Or damningly will it rain and the match end in a draw?
Things are delicately poised and tomorrow might well be a red letter day in international cricket. Australia might lose its ranking as Number 1 Test side in the world or South Africa might lose the match and Australia will salvage some pride.
Brief scores:
Australia-445 and 257/4 declared.
South Africa-327 and 62/1.
South Africa require 314 runs to win of 90 overs. Nine wickets in hand but Smith being ruled out due to injury its going to be a tough task.
Can the Proteas end Aussie supremacy?
Will Ponting have the last laugh and salvage the Aussie pride?
Or damningly will it rain and the match end in a draw?
Monday, January 05, 2009
THE FACE OF MY FIRST LOVE
The sea remains tranquil.
As I stare out of my window,
With nothing to show,
For my week's of solitude,
In trying to create my masterpiece-
Which keeps eluding me.
I stare at the sands,
Glistening in the soft silvery gleams,
Of the shining moon.
The occassional call of some nocturnal bird,
Calling its mate, is the only sound,
Breaking the stillness of the night.
I finally take my brush,
Dipping it into my palette,
I just close my eyes,
Letting my instincts guide my hand.
I continue my painting in my trance,
Opening my eyes to look at the canvas.
A face stares back at me-
A face from my childhood.
A pretty face from my past.
I continued to look at my painting-
And I realized-
That she still held,
A place in my heart.
Years have passed,
Since I saw her last,
Dressed in her bridal attire.
I no longer know,
Where she lives,
Or what she does.
Perhaps I can meet her.
Then again I wonder-
Some things are better,
Left unsaid and unwritten.
Like my unrequited love for her.
Perhaps she too,
In a small corner of her heart,
Has a special place for me.
I shall be happy with that notion.
And continue to be like this......
The sea remains tranquil.
As I stare out of my window,
With nothing to show,
For my week's of solitude,
In trying to create my masterpiece-
Which keeps eluding me.
I stare at the sands,
Glistening in the soft silvery gleams,
Of the shining moon.
The occassional call of some nocturnal bird,
Calling its mate, is the only sound,
Breaking the stillness of the night.
I finally take my brush,
Dipping it into my palette,
I just close my eyes,
Letting my instincts guide my hand.
I continue my painting in my trance,
Opening my eyes to look at the canvas.
A face stares back at me-
A face from my childhood.
A pretty face from my past.
I continued to look at my painting-
And I realized-
That she still held,
A place in my heart.
Years have passed,
Since I saw her last,
Dressed in her bridal attire.
I no longer know,
Where she lives,
Or what she does.
Perhaps I can meet her.
Then again I wonder-
Some things are better,
Left unsaid and unwritten.
Like my unrequited love for her.
Perhaps she too,
In a small corner of her heart,
Has a special place for me.
I shall be happy with that notion.
And continue to be like this......
Friday, January 02, 2009
Bala's Njan Kadavul
Bala's magnum opus Njan Kadavul is ready for release. Arya plays the role of a don turned into a monk/sanyasi. Pooja is a beggar.
The initial still photos are out and the intrigue behind the plot keeps heightening.
The music has been released, no reviews of it yet.
People wait and watch this might well be the movie that changes our ideology of Tamil cinema.
Wait and watch
Bala's magnum opus Njan Kadavul is ready for release. Arya plays the role of a don turned into a monk/sanyasi. Pooja is a beggar.
The initial still photos are out and the intrigue behind the plot keeps heightening.
The music has been released, no reviews of it yet.
People wait and watch this might well be the movie that changes our ideology of Tamil cinema.
Wait and watch
THE NEW YEAR
Well so officially in to the second day of the year 2009-things are pretty calm and quiet. The usual new year, get up in the morning, go to the temple, seek the blessings of your elders, have lunch. In a way it's good because I remember last year I had to go to office-this year I have the luxury of a holiday.
Read a couple of books and saw two movies-"Appaloosa" and "Beowulf and Grendel." Both movies were average the first one being a revisionist western with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen and the second one being the fantasy/legend.
For the second year in a row I did not see a movie in a theatre on New Year's day.
We have just about settled in our new house. The neighbours are quiet and the street is a calm and silent one. There are lots of small kids who enjoy playing hide and seek. It is fun watching them.
The new year brings in lots of challenges and hopes. Around the same time last year I thought I was in love and was in the clouds. This year I have realized my folly and grown saner and realized that the affairs of the heart are best kept hidden to oneself. The way horoscopes are zipping around in couriers and through e-mail it seems that my whole extended family is conspiring and hellbent on inducting me into holy matrimony.
Well as they say-"Life is a box of chocolates, and you never know what you are going to get."
Wishing all of you a year filled with joy, strength, good health and prosperity.
Well so officially in to the second day of the year 2009-things are pretty calm and quiet. The usual new year, get up in the morning, go to the temple, seek the blessings of your elders, have lunch. In a way it's good because I remember last year I had to go to office-this year I have the luxury of a holiday.
Read a couple of books and saw two movies-"Appaloosa" and "Beowulf and Grendel." Both movies were average the first one being a revisionist western with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen and the second one being the fantasy/legend.
For the second year in a row I did not see a movie in a theatre on New Year's day.
We have just about settled in our new house. The neighbours are quiet and the street is a calm and silent one. There are lots of small kids who enjoy playing hide and seek. It is fun watching them.
The new year brings in lots of challenges and hopes. Around the same time last year I thought I was in love and was in the clouds. This year I have realized my folly and grown saner and realized that the affairs of the heart are best kept hidden to oneself. The way horoscopes are zipping around in couriers and through e-mail it seems that my whole extended family is conspiring and hellbent on inducting me into holy matrimony.
Well as they say-"Life is a box of chocolates, and you never know what you are going to get."
Wishing all of you a year filled with joy, strength, good health and prosperity.
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