Which is more difficult?
Planning or Executing?
Formulating or Implementing?
Thinking or Doing?
Learning or Performing?
Talking or Working? and on goes the questionnaire.
In my opinion, for any action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Ok. That was Newton's law. Let me try again. In my opinion for any action before it gets materialised something should have been ideated prior to it. Coming back to the initial question of which is more important, is the intellectual part more important or the gross and palpable part? Some would opine and rightly so, as there are two sides to a coin which are equally important so does the subtle and gross elements that are equally important. But the secret lies in the quality and the pace at which one makes the transition from the conception of an idea to its implementation.
Sometimes because the idea lacks the desired punch it falls apart. And sometimes getting absorbed too much in the nitty gritty of the practical aspects also causes the execution part to go haywire. Added to this there is one Murphy's law "If anything can go wrong it will go wrong". So what is one supposed to do amidst this seemingly inextricable maze called life?
We all had faced this dilemma in the past,are facing at present and I have no reason not to believe that it will happen in the future.
The topic in discussion is to have a party among friends. The usual barrage of questions like why, when, where, how and who, follows and we more often that not end up in the same square from where we had actually set forth. Democracy is good until every Tom, Dick and Harry comes up with a opinion of his own. Though one's friends doesn't consist of any of Toms, Dicks and Harrys each one will have his or her own opinion which makes it a challenging task to reconcile all these different opinions and to find a common ground.
However your woes won't end at the arrival of the decision. Only after it actually happens can one truly answer the question, which one is more difficult?
The planning or its execution? :-)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
1st Anniversary
It's really amazing how time flies!
It's been exactly a year since I started blogging in the net and you started banging your head on the wall. It's said that all good things come to an end; but not my blogging, for obvious reasons. :-)
But if at all I have learned something by this year long experience, it is this. Though anybody can write not everybody can write. Not because someone lacks proficiency in language but rather lack of inclination to write. It's only when someone starts to write do they realise to their astonishment, how much they want to share their thoughts and feelings with the world. It doesn't matter even if no one in the world gives a damn to what you want to say as is the case. But what is important is the process of giving shape to the thoughts in your head through words. I guess it provides an emotional and intellectual(probably :-)) outlet atleast for the blogger(Not sure about the readers).
So with this spirit, my legacy continues and so is your torture.......
It's been exactly a year since I started blogging in the net and you started banging your head on the wall. It's said that all good things come to an end; but not my blogging, for obvious reasons. :-)
But if at all I have learned something by this year long experience, it is this. Though anybody can write not everybody can write. Not because someone lacks proficiency in language but rather lack of inclination to write. It's only when someone starts to write do they realise to their astonishment, how much they want to share their thoughts and feelings with the world. It doesn't matter even if no one in the world gives a damn to what you want to say as is the case. But what is important is the process of giving shape to the thoughts in your head through words. I guess it provides an emotional and intellectual(probably :-)) outlet atleast for the blogger(Not sure about the readers).
So with this spirit, my legacy continues and so is your torture.......
Friday, December 10, 2010
History and its lessons we ignore!
Today the nobel committee awarded this year's peace prize to one Chinese national "Lu Xiabao". This is the first time I am watching such a ceremony and unfortunately it was incomplete because of the absence of the prize winner himself. In other words he was conspicuous by his absence. None of his relatives and friends were present on the occasion. It seems that the Chinese government has put him in jail and imposed a 11 year sentence on him.
Here comes the interesting part. He did only one thing for which he was awarded nobel peace prize on one hand and a 11 year sentence on the other, and that one thing is to raise his voice against the Chinese government on behalf of the weak and downtrodden. One action and two extreme reactions.
In the award ceremony the person who addressed the gathering had rightly criticised China on its unwillingness to realise that peaceful protests and valid dissent is as important as discipline and compliance to the incumbent constitution. Just because a country is an economic and military super power it can not turn a blind eye to the indispensable needs of its citizens and human rights is an important part of it. If imprisoning Lu is not enough, it went ahead and decried the nobel committee's decision to give the prize to Lu and by influencing around 40 nations not to attend the ceremony, China has brought itself upon the ignominy of an immature state not withstanding its economic and military might.
The same kind of mistakes were committed by erstwhile USSR, and now a fading super power called USA. Both, during the course of history were blinded by pride and an insatiable greed to gain control over anything and everything they could lay their hands upon. Only now do they realise that ones stature is not based on GDP or military might but based on the extent of empowerment of its people. Both the nations taught us these lessons and we humans, the most intelligent species should have learned the lesson by now. But no, we don't learn our lessons as is shown by China and by thus doing so, history repeats itself. When a person begins to hate himself the road to degeneration has already begun and the same is true for a nation. When a country tries to suppress the voice of its people, though its economic curve may point northward in the short term, its social curve falls to depths pulling the entire nation down.
Once Abraham lincoln famously said "Anybody can stand adversity. But if you want to test the character give him power". China did struggle a lot and survived the last century to become a major player in this century. But the real test has only started now because it's only now that it has great power. If God has equipped us with a neck, he surely meant us to stick it out. So all the nations should at-least voice their opinions against this immature stance taken by China and hope that sanity prevails in the end.
Here comes the interesting part. He did only one thing for which he was awarded nobel peace prize on one hand and a 11 year sentence on the other, and that one thing is to raise his voice against the Chinese government on behalf of the weak and downtrodden. One action and two extreme reactions.
In the award ceremony the person who addressed the gathering had rightly criticised China on its unwillingness to realise that peaceful protests and valid dissent is as important as discipline and compliance to the incumbent constitution. Just because a country is an economic and military super power it can not turn a blind eye to the indispensable needs of its citizens and human rights is an important part of it. If imprisoning Lu is not enough, it went ahead and decried the nobel committee's decision to give the prize to Lu and by influencing around 40 nations not to attend the ceremony, China has brought itself upon the ignominy of an immature state not withstanding its economic and military might.
The same kind of mistakes were committed by erstwhile USSR, and now a fading super power called USA. Both, during the course of history were blinded by pride and an insatiable greed to gain control over anything and everything they could lay their hands upon. Only now do they realise that ones stature is not based on GDP or military might but based on the extent of empowerment of its people. Both the nations taught us these lessons and we humans, the most intelligent species should have learned the lesson by now. But no, we don't learn our lessons as is shown by China and by thus doing so, history repeats itself. When a person begins to hate himself the road to degeneration has already begun and the same is true for a nation. When a country tries to suppress the voice of its people, though its economic curve may point northward in the short term, its social curve falls to depths pulling the entire nation down.
Once Abraham lincoln famously said "Anybody can stand adversity. But if you want to test the character give him power". China did struggle a lot and survived the last century to become a major player in this century. But the real test has only started now because it's only now that it has great power. If God has equipped us with a neck, he surely meant us to stick it out. So all the nations should at-least voice their opinions against this immature stance taken by China and hope that sanity prevails in the end.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Fifth stone
During the past two months a lot of events came and went, most of them without a trace and few of them leaving some memories. Teacher's day, Dussera, Deepawali, Obama's visit, Children's day etc, etc. And then there are other things Mumbai's Adarsh housing scam, CWG scam, Karnataka CMs land acquisition scam and the "raja" of all scams:the 2G scam.
To tell you the truth, I wonder why people are making so much noise for a mere scam. I guess it's because Indian media and public have forgotten the fifth and most influential corner stone (Oops! it's the central stone) of our democracy. Once people remind themselves of this undeniable fact and face it courageously all this brouhaha will continue forever. All the four cornerstones, the parliament, the constitution, the judiciary and the fourth estate, are taught in our schools, colleges and in some way or another we all would have come across few incidents that indicate their presence. But nothing is taught about this fifth one. Nowhere can you find it being mentioned in any of our books, institutions and it doesn't have any physical record whatsoever. But we all feel it. Just because we can not see it, it doesn't mean it isn't there. In fact it is as much a part of us that it's the building block of our DNA. It is "the message" that's transmitted by the billions of neurons in our brains.It's omniscient, ubiquitous and every word in the dictionary that represents infinity.
Wise men mention that soul is "சதயஸ்யா சதயம்" i.e, "the truth of the truths". But I am sure they said this before they actually became wise. They left out this fundamental entity which at least in Indians' case is "the truth" and that thing is "CORRUPTION".
It is an institution by itself and it's the central stone of our democracy which you would have figured it by now, is taller than the rest of the four corner stones which makes our democracy rest solely on this single most important pillar. Like in any institution there are rules and regulations for this institution too. They are
First and foremost is 1.when it comes to me there are no rules and regulations.
2. Rules are not meant to be followed but to be stretched and if not feasible to be broken.
3. Nepotism is a must.
4. There are no copyrights, because copying is our right.
5. There is no such a thing as bad or unethical or immoral. The things that matter are shamelessness, insensitivity, arrogance and how fervently you follow them.
I can go on and on but for beginners I guess, these are enough.
To tell you the truth, I wonder why people are making so much noise for a mere scam. I guess it's because Indian media and public have forgotten the fifth and most influential corner stone (Oops! it's the central stone) of our democracy. Once people remind themselves of this undeniable fact and face it courageously all this brouhaha will continue forever. All the four cornerstones, the parliament, the constitution, the judiciary and the fourth estate, are taught in our schools, colleges and in some way or another we all would have come across few incidents that indicate their presence. But nothing is taught about this fifth one. Nowhere can you find it being mentioned in any of our books, institutions and it doesn't have any physical record whatsoever. But we all feel it. Just because we can not see it, it doesn't mean it isn't there. In fact it is as much a part of us that it's the building block of our DNA. It is "the message" that's transmitted by the billions of neurons in our brains.It's omniscient, ubiquitous and every word in the dictionary that represents infinity.
Wise men mention that soul is "சதயஸ்யா சதயம்" i.e, "the truth of the truths". But I am sure they said this before they actually became wise. They left out this fundamental entity which at least in Indians' case is "the truth" and that thing is "CORRUPTION".
It is an institution by itself and it's the central stone of our democracy which you would have figured it by now, is taller than the rest of the four corner stones which makes our democracy rest solely on this single most important pillar. Like in any institution there are rules and regulations for this institution too. They are
First and foremost is 1.when it comes to me there are no rules and regulations.
2. Rules are not meant to be followed but to be stretched and if not feasible to be broken.
3. Nepotism is a must.
4. There are no copyrights, because copying is our right.
5. There is no such a thing as bad or unethical or immoral. The things that matter are shamelessness, insensitivity, arrogance and how fervently you follow them.
I can go on and on but for beginners I guess, these are enough.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
ROBOT
The long wait is over. It's time for thalaivar padam "Endhiran". Before I proceed any further let me make myself clear that this is definitely not a review of this movie and I'll tell you why.
In my opinion a review of any work of art like a cinema, by an individual is meant to explore good aspects and not so good aspects of that work. Though it's subject to that person's own interpretation, people who want to see that particular work of art can go through these reviews to have an idea of what's actually in store for them or more specifically whether it's worth the effort or not.
Having said this, it's not applicable to our thalaivar's padam. Reviews of his movies are irrelevant and can be dispensed with. It's like a big festival which comes once in two or three years and everybody wants to participate in it. They can not afford to be left behind without their share of fun and frolic. No matter where you are, what you do but when his movie releases you have to go and watch it, period. It's like devotees going to temples for no specific reason. Rajni's fans are devotees of a different kind. It doesn't matter who has directed the movie, whoever else has acted in the movie, and even if there isn't any story at all, it's just enough for them to have a glimpse at their movie idol on the big screen. Such is his charisma and magnetism towards which like everyone else I am also drawn. His style of acting, his style of dancing, his style of dialogue delivery and to top it all his style alone can make the fans go in a frenzy.
It's an enigma that when today's young, fair and handsome actors well trained in dance and sporting six pack bodies struggle to draw crowds, this sexagenarian actor has consistently drawn crowds of all classes, in all centres. Unlike popular belief that he is just a commercial star, if we go through his filmography one will surely be impressed with his work earlier in his career. Our current crop of actors would do well to emulate it. So that's the review of the move "ENDHIRAN". My sincere belief is that you would be going through this review having watched it already. If not I hope you would be leaving this midway to watch it.
For those who have already watched the movie and still going through this review, one wonderful insight.
When the entire country was tense awaiting the verdict of ayodhya, people of almost all other states were weary of any untoward incidents but people of Tamilnadu in my opinion weren't so concerned about it. The release of thalaivar padam is far more gripping, exciting and enticing than the fate of a temple for a poor chap known as Ram!
In my opinion a review of any work of art like a cinema, by an individual is meant to explore good aspects and not so good aspects of that work. Though it's subject to that person's own interpretation, people who want to see that particular work of art can go through these reviews to have an idea of what's actually in store for them or more specifically whether it's worth the effort or not.
Having said this, it's not applicable to our thalaivar's padam. Reviews of his movies are irrelevant and can be dispensed with. It's like a big festival which comes once in two or three years and everybody wants to participate in it. They can not afford to be left behind without their share of fun and frolic. No matter where you are, what you do but when his movie releases you have to go and watch it, period. It's like devotees going to temples for no specific reason. Rajni's fans are devotees of a different kind. It doesn't matter who has directed the movie, whoever else has acted in the movie, and even if there isn't any story at all, it's just enough for them to have a glimpse at their movie idol on the big screen. Such is his charisma and magnetism towards which like everyone else I am also drawn. His style of acting, his style of dancing, his style of dialogue delivery and to top it all his style alone can make the fans go in a frenzy.
It's an enigma that when today's young, fair and handsome actors well trained in dance and sporting six pack bodies struggle to draw crowds, this sexagenarian actor has consistently drawn crowds of all classes, in all centres. Unlike popular belief that he is just a commercial star, if we go through his filmography one will surely be impressed with his work earlier in his career. Our current crop of actors would do well to emulate it. So that's the review of the move "ENDHIRAN". My sincere belief is that you would be going through this review having watched it already. If not I hope you would be leaving this midway to watch it.
For those who have already watched the movie and still going through this review, one wonderful insight.
When the entire country was tense awaiting the verdict of ayodhya, people of almost all other states were weary of any untoward incidents but people of Tamilnadu in my opinion weren't so concerned about it. The release of thalaivar padam is far more gripping, exciting and enticing than the fate of a temple for a poor chap known as Ram!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Friendship day!
Language is a beautiful revelation that man has experienced in his existence and still I find it woefully inadequate to express something as ------- as "friendship" (no adjective can be found to compare it with). It's said that a human being can attain unprecedented heights or fall to unimaginable depths when he is emotionally charged. Friendship is one such emotion that belongs to the former. In it there are no negatives just positives. No pressure, just relaxation. No jealousy, just joy. No betrayal just unflinching support. No feeling of being ignored but always making us feel that we are important.
It's said that one can tell about a person by the kind of friends he or she has. It emphasizes the influence of friends on an individual. The uniqueness of it is it's a dynamic relationship in which a person influences as well as gets influenced simultaneously and continuously. Such is its presence that there can be someone without a family, without a spouse, without anything but not without a friend. People say that love transcends everything but it is through friendship that it finds perfect expression. Without friendship it is impossible for people to grasp love. That's why we hear that parents should treat their children like friends beyond a certain age. Even in a marriage though husband and wife are the formal names given for the sake of recognition in a society, actually during the ceremony the couple owe to each other to remain a friend for the rest of their lives. Friendship is something which is self sustaining. It needs nothing special for its existence, but everything else needs friendship for their survival.
Considering the tectonic drifts in today's sociological setup where families becoming nuclear and relatives distant and relationships irrelevant, friends have come to fill up that void. In earlier days one's primary source of support had been family and relatives but nowadays it's friends and unlike relatives friends come with no strings attached.
In the end if one's present state is a sum total of all his successes and failures, pluses and minuses, good and bad then in my opinion one's personality is the sum total of his family and his friends. In my opinion there is not such thing as love failure. Only lack of friendliness. So let's try to maintain good friendship with our near and dear ones, love automatically follows!!!!
It's said that one can tell about a person by the kind of friends he or she has. It emphasizes the influence of friends on an individual. The uniqueness of it is it's a dynamic relationship in which a person influences as well as gets influenced simultaneously and continuously. Such is its presence that there can be someone without a family, without a spouse, without anything but not without a friend. People say that love transcends everything but it is through friendship that it finds perfect expression. Without friendship it is impossible for people to grasp love. That's why we hear that parents should treat their children like friends beyond a certain age. Even in a marriage though husband and wife are the formal names given for the sake of recognition in a society, actually during the ceremony the couple owe to each other to remain a friend for the rest of their lives. Friendship is something which is self sustaining. It needs nothing special for its existence, but everything else needs friendship for their survival.
Considering the tectonic drifts in today's sociological setup where families becoming nuclear and relatives distant and relationships irrelevant, friends have come to fill up that void. In earlier days one's primary source of support had been family and relatives but nowadays it's friends and unlike relatives friends come with no strings attached.
In the end if one's present state is a sum total of all his successes and failures, pluses and minuses, good and bad then in my opinion one's personality is the sum total of his family and his friends. In my opinion there is not such thing as love failure. Only lack of friendliness. So let's try to maintain good friendship with our near and dear ones, love automatically follows!!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
INCEPTION
When someone begins to read an exciting fast paced story, he or she will find it almost impossible to put the book down unless and until the book is completely read. Quality of the prose, the vocabulary, though enhances the experience are secondary when compared to the style of the story telling and the set up in which the story unfolds. Inception is one such movie where after watching, one feels like having taken a wild ride in a bobsleigh. Breathtaking pace, sharp twists and turns, intersecting subplots all combine to unveil a chaotic yet admirable movie.
Those who have watched the movie "Matrix", will certainly find similarities as far as the plot is concerned and that is the vacillation of human mind between conscious and the subconscious. But then the similarity ends there. Chris nolan the director picks up the story from that point and gives wings to his imagination and they are no ordinary wings, for the story did soar very high or rather very deep :-).
Imagine yourself playing against a master in a game of chess. The opponent is so ahead in terms of the moves that he would have actually check mated you even before you made the first move for he would have planned all his moves ahead against yours. You may think that you are playing well and giving him a tough fight, but in reality you have actually become a pawn in his hands and will be playing just like the way he wants you to play, to make the moves he wants you to make, only to find in the end that you have been checkmated. Though in retrospect you may think that you had all the possibilities in the world to have played differently, you realise that at that specific moment all your intelligence, logic was somehow shut itself down. That's the feeling one would get after he or she had watched this movie.
The director, a master of non linear story telling takes a leaf out of Hitchcock's book to sedate the audience's sense of logic. No time to ponder,no time to pause and proffers unfairly miniscule time to even think before the next scene grips your mind. After a point of time the images on the screen find no relevance simply because they would have transcended the screen and incepted your brain. The movie virtually starts rolling inside your brain and it's like watching a movie from within.
Watch this movie simply for the outrageously intriguing plot. The concept of exploring the different layers of consciousness of human mind is in itself enough to make us wonder. The special effects the performance of all the actors and top of it all: the background music perk up the overall experience.
I have seen people coming out after watching a movie. Mostly they would be talking about a few scenes and simply passing judgement about the movie. But in this case everybody were discussing about the movie emphasising that more than the entertainment, this movie has got cerebral appeal.
VERDICT: INCEPTION- A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Those who have watched the movie "Matrix", will certainly find similarities as far as the plot is concerned and that is the vacillation of human mind between conscious and the subconscious. But then the similarity ends there. Chris nolan the director picks up the story from that point and gives wings to his imagination and they are no ordinary wings, for the story did soar very high or rather very deep :-).
Imagine yourself playing against a master in a game of chess. The opponent is so ahead in terms of the moves that he would have actually check mated you even before you made the first move for he would have planned all his moves ahead against yours. You may think that you are playing well and giving him a tough fight, but in reality you have actually become a pawn in his hands and will be playing just like the way he wants you to play, to make the moves he wants you to make, only to find in the end that you have been checkmated. Though in retrospect you may think that you had all the possibilities in the world to have played differently, you realise that at that specific moment all your intelligence, logic was somehow shut itself down. That's the feeling one would get after he or she had watched this movie.
The director, a master of non linear story telling takes a leaf out of Hitchcock's book to sedate the audience's sense of logic. No time to ponder,no time to pause and proffers unfairly miniscule time to even think before the next scene grips your mind. After a point of time the images on the screen find no relevance simply because they would have transcended the screen and incepted your brain. The movie virtually starts rolling inside your brain and it's like watching a movie from within.
Watch this movie simply for the outrageously intriguing plot. The concept of exploring the different layers of consciousness of human mind is in itself enough to make us wonder. The special effects the performance of all the actors and top of it all: the background music perk up the overall experience.
I have seen people coming out after watching a movie. Mostly they would be talking about a few scenes and simply passing judgement about the movie. But in this case everybody were discussing about the movie emphasising that more than the entertainment, this movie has got cerebral appeal.
VERDICT: INCEPTION- A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tom & Jerry
Well it's time to give a standing ovation to one of the greatest if not the greatest entertainment icons on their 70th birth anniversary: TOM & JERRY. Even is someone is an adult he or she can not help enjoying this eternal cat and mouse game. Whether they admit or not even the heavily tattoed, macho men will be bursting their bellys out laughing, while watching these two comic superstars in action. The greatness of this cartoon series is that they still appeal to current generation of kids and adults alike as they had, to the previous generations. Even today's state of the art 3D life like animated characters find it difficult to connect to us like those two did to us instantly. It has got all the ingredients for great entertainment: simplicity, colour, funny, high in action. Kudos to the creators for they just didn't draw the characters, but made the characters perform to perfection. Though there is some criticism that it actually shows violence, masquerading as fun and entertainment and that it may negatively influence young and impressionable minds.
As we all know, in any case, much can be said on both sides. Just like a coin has two faces, this cartoon too has some good and bad in it. But in the end looking at the popularity of these two, I tend to believe that good certainly outweighs bad at the end of the day. Hope it carries the mommentum further and may it outlive our lifespans!
As we all know, in any case, much can be said on both sides. Just like a coin has two faces, this cartoon too has some good and bad in it. But in the end looking at the popularity of these two, I tend to believe that good certainly outweighs bad at the end of the day. Hope it carries the mommentum further and may it outlive our lifespans!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
World's happiest couple!
Recently I was busy in finding the happiest couple in the whole world. Well to some skeptics the two words 'happy' & 'couple' may sound like an oxymoron, but sarcasm apart, I still tried to find out one such couple. I was about to give up this endeavour which was turning out to be futile, but in the last minute much to my relief I found out one such couple. You may ask why one should put so much effort in a relatively not so important matter. On the contrary I believe that this information will be like a beacon of light in the darkness for all my newly married friends and for those who are awaiting their turn.
And as per my findings the happiest couple in the whole world were Adam & Eve. Simply because Adam didn't have to listen to Eve about all the men she could have married and Eve didn't have to listen to Adam say how well his mother cooked. :-)
To remain as a happy couple, this is the recipe!
And as per my findings the happiest couple in the whole world were Adam & Eve. Simply because Adam didn't have to listen to Eve about all the men she could have married and Eve didn't have to listen to Adam say how well his mother cooked. :-)
To remain as a happy couple, this is the recipe!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Raavanan!
The limitation of being a master craftsman in what one does, is that the person can not afford to be just ok or for that matter even good. He has to be more than good. That's the quagmire in which the master director Maniratnam finds himself in, with the release of his latest bilingual extravaganza "Raavan" in Hindi and "Raavanan" in tamil. Having clearly been stated that this movie is a contemporary take on the ancient epic Ramayana, it was supposed that it would portray the myriad shades of the wonderful character "Raavanan".
As per the epic Raavanan is a learned, able and strong king and a great devotee of lord Shiva. In fact, except for the misdeed of kidnapping Sita, I have never heard of him being notorious like some of the other characters like Kamsa, dushaasana etc. Rama-though the lord incarnate, is still a human being and is bound by the cycle of karma. As a result he undergoes all emotional turmoils like dilemmas, suffering and happiness and sorrow. Now the drama heats up! Raavan with such an exceptional track record meets with his downfall with one act of imprudence. Raam too, whom we eulogise, too commits a blunder of suspecting his wife's chastity and forcing her to take a idiotic fidelity test. Though the reason for this stupid action is mentioned in the epic, it's sheer stupidity nevertheless especially when looked at from today's perspective.
My expectation from Maniratnam was that he would build the plot upto a point where he will let the audience decide as to who was great:Raavanan or Rama. Raavanan though kidnaps Sita, an act which is immoral still makes us admire him with his decision to first win Sita's heart before having her. On the contrary though Raam is revered to be a perfect man, in my opinion no one else had inflicted so much pain to any woman as he had to Sita. Moreover what would be the thought process of Sita if she were a modern day woman? I guess she may even take Raavanan's side instead of jumping into fire just because her husband has asked her to jump! :-) This drama, crossfire of ideologies, social beliefs, characters is what I expected and I have to reluctantly admit that I was disappointed in the end. I had this expectation based on his previous movie Guru in which he weaved that magic.
But no one can complain about the performances and music. They are top class. Cinematography is truly amazing and there is no point in mentioning separatley this aspect in a Mani's film. Though the deliberate camera shakes to build the tension of a scene resembled Jason Bourne movies, in my opinion they weren't as effective as the later.
Back to square one, if this movie had been directed by any other director it would have been a great movie. Though the movie is good in many aspects, just because it was directed by avgreat director, Raavanan has out as a normal movie.
As per the epic Raavanan is a learned, able and strong king and a great devotee of lord Shiva. In fact, except for the misdeed of kidnapping Sita, I have never heard of him being notorious like some of the other characters like Kamsa, dushaasana etc. Rama-though the lord incarnate, is still a human being and is bound by the cycle of karma. As a result he undergoes all emotional turmoils like dilemmas, suffering and happiness and sorrow. Now the drama heats up! Raavan with such an exceptional track record meets with his downfall with one act of imprudence. Raam too, whom we eulogise, too commits a blunder of suspecting his wife's chastity and forcing her to take a idiotic fidelity test. Though the reason for this stupid action is mentioned in the epic, it's sheer stupidity nevertheless especially when looked at from today's perspective.
My expectation from Maniratnam was that he would build the plot upto a point where he will let the audience decide as to who was great:Raavanan or Rama. Raavanan though kidnaps Sita, an act which is immoral still makes us admire him with his decision to first win Sita's heart before having her. On the contrary though Raam is revered to be a perfect man, in my opinion no one else had inflicted so much pain to any woman as he had to Sita. Moreover what would be the thought process of Sita if she were a modern day woman? I guess she may even take Raavanan's side instead of jumping into fire just because her husband has asked her to jump! :-) This drama, crossfire of ideologies, social beliefs, characters is what I expected and I have to reluctantly admit that I was disappointed in the end. I had this expectation based on his previous movie Guru in which he weaved that magic.
But no one can complain about the performances and music. They are top class. Cinematography is truly amazing and there is no point in mentioning separatley this aspect in a Mani's film. Though the deliberate camera shakes to build the tension of a scene resembled Jason Bourne movies, in my opinion they weren't as effective as the later.
Back to square one, if this movie had been directed by any other director it would have been a great movie. Though the movie is good in many aspects, just because it was directed by avgreat director, Raavanan has out as a normal movie.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Golden age for sports fans!
Don't ever make the mistake that this could be somehow related to cricket by a mere cursory glance at the topic. No, not in the next million years. Looking at the quality of cricket that's being played, all sports enthusiasts like me would certainly be in a state of deep depression. So instead, let's look towards Europe and Africa and there they are!
Tennis- the ultimate individual game and Football- the ultimate team game both are ready to feast our eyes, excite our minds and inspire our hearts. Of course the wheels had already been set in motion two weeks earlier when the French open at Rolland Garros kick started. Now the Football world cup which starts on 11th of this month and Wimbledon which will probably start on the third week of this month will continue the momentum, carry on the excitement well over into the month that comes next. For a sports fan the feeling is like that of a normal person acquiring a home and getting married at the same time (I can find no better example than this one:-) ).
Both the games impose tremendous pressure and test one's technique, fitness and of course one's mental strength. One interesting point is that in French open Rafael Nadal is considered to be the favourite which he did win yestereday. In wimbledon Roger Federer is considered to be the favourite albeit with some reservations because of a looming threat in the form of Nadal. But this time in Football no team is considered to be a clear favourite to win the world cup and this adds some zing and suspense to the proceedings.
No matter who loses at the wimbledon or whichever team loses at the football world cup, one thing is for sure; Tennis and Football will win hands down. If the fans don't have any allegiance to any particular team or to any particular player, they can be winners too! So let's just invite the the golden age of sports that's in our doorsteps ( of course it's just a figure of speech). All you have to do is to just flick the remote on!
Tennis- the ultimate individual game and Football- the ultimate team game both are ready to feast our eyes, excite our minds and inspire our hearts. Of course the wheels had already been set in motion two weeks earlier when the French open at Rolland Garros kick started. Now the Football world cup which starts on 11th of this month and Wimbledon which will probably start on the third week of this month will continue the momentum, carry on the excitement well over into the month that comes next. For a sports fan the feeling is like that of a normal person acquiring a home and getting married at the same time (I can find no better example than this one:-) ).
Both the games impose tremendous pressure and test one's technique, fitness and of course one's mental strength. One interesting point is that in French open Rafael Nadal is considered to be the favourite which he did win yestereday. In wimbledon Roger Federer is considered to be the favourite albeit with some reservations because of a looming threat in the form of Nadal. But this time in Football no team is considered to be a clear favourite to win the world cup and this adds some zing and suspense to the proceedings.
No matter who loses at the wimbledon or whichever team loses at the football world cup, one thing is for sure; Tennis and Football will win hands down. If the fans don't have any allegiance to any particular team or to any particular player, they can be winners too! So let's just invite the the golden age of sports that's in our doorsteps ( of course it's just a figure of speech). All you have to do is to just flick the remote on!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Kites
Actually in my opinion, there are two aspects to a movie. One is what is being told, and the other one is how it is being told. After a century, that the motion picture came into existence, it's becoming progressively difficult of the former part about what is being told. Because it's almost next to impossible to say or to show something radically new on the screen after having so many stories brought on to celluloid by all the film makers on this planet. That leaves us with the only option left which is how it is being told.
Kites is one such movie where the first aspect doesn't apply at all because a love story in which the two lovers try to overcome all the hurdles only to realise that everything goes in vain, is not new at all and this theme has been used and done to death by our film makers. So the film makers of this particular movie zeroed in on the second aspect but it is now the turn of the audience to realise that this effort too has gone in vain.
I heard that the chemistry between the lead pair is good and I agree to some extent, having watched the movie. But it ended up being an incomplete chemical reaction as there was no catalyst at all, to speed it up. The story and the other characters who constitute the catalyst, were all ignored. The problem with this movie is that it tried to fit into all possible genres, romance, action, drama and tragedy. The film makers would have thought to make this movie appeal to a global audience but I believe that it's a terrible mistake. Because you need not ape others to be global, but can remain local and still be global. As Kamalhasan opines that when it comes to movies, as one becomes more ethnic it becomes more global.
Off late a disturbing trend is springing up in our movies and that is importing foreign actresses (read white actresses). Though I have no complaints with the casting of this movie, movies like "Love aajkal", "Aladdin" etc have female leads who are foreign and don't know the language at all. Even in kollywood and tollywood the trend has been to cast north indian actresses who don't know the language at all. I leave it to the film fraternity to ponder over the true intention behind this trend. If the reason is to have an actress only if she is fair skinned, then I have no reservations to say that ours is a racist film industry.
Coming back to Kites, the positive in this movie is the romance between Hrithik and Barbara mori-the spanish beauty, lightening up the screen. All the guys would have wanted to trade places with Hrithik, and all the girls would have done anything to trade places with Barbara mori. Well some guys would have even wanted to trade places with Barbara mori too, such was the beauty and sex appeal of Hrithik and Barbara. It reminded me of "Meet Joe Black" in which Brad pitt and Claire Forlani sizzle to our delight.
Verdict: Hrithik has given a wonderful performance, but watch it only if you are his die hard fan.
Kites is one such movie where the first aspect doesn't apply at all because a love story in which the two lovers try to overcome all the hurdles only to realise that everything goes in vain, is not new at all and this theme has been used and done to death by our film makers. So the film makers of this particular movie zeroed in on the second aspect but it is now the turn of the audience to realise that this effort too has gone in vain.
I heard that the chemistry between the lead pair is good and I agree to some extent, having watched the movie. But it ended up being an incomplete chemical reaction as there was no catalyst at all, to speed it up. The story and the other characters who constitute the catalyst, were all ignored. The problem with this movie is that it tried to fit into all possible genres, romance, action, drama and tragedy. The film makers would have thought to make this movie appeal to a global audience but I believe that it's a terrible mistake. Because you need not ape others to be global, but can remain local and still be global. As Kamalhasan opines that when it comes to movies, as one becomes more ethnic it becomes more global.
Off late a disturbing trend is springing up in our movies and that is importing foreign actresses (read white actresses). Though I have no complaints with the casting of this movie, movies like "Love aajkal", "Aladdin" etc have female leads who are foreign and don't know the language at all. Even in kollywood and tollywood the trend has been to cast north indian actresses who don't know the language at all. I leave it to the film fraternity to ponder over the true intention behind this trend. If the reason is to have an actress only if she is fair skinned, then I have no reservations to say that ours is a racist film industry.
Coming back to Kites, the positive in this movie is the romance between Hrithik and Barbara mori-the spanish beauty, lightening up the screen. All the guys would have wanted to trade places with Hrithik, and all the girls would have done anything to trade places with Barbara mori. Well some guys would have even wanted to trade places with Barbara mori too, such was the beauty and sex appeal of Hrithik and Barbara. It reminded me of "Meet Joe Black" in which Brad pitt and Claire Forlani sizzle to our delight.
Verdict: Hrithik has given a wonderful performance, but watch it only if you are his die hard fan.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Open book!
I have heard people say that they are like an open book. Wait, I myself have said this few times. Though we all know that it's just a figure of speech, we shall put it to test purely for the sake of testing.
Inside each one of us there are few things that are good which we don't mind letting others know as they are self serving. As a matter of fact we either consciously or subconsciously try to make it known to the world followed by the famous tag line "I am like an open book". But once those things,change their shades from plain white to gray and further into dark, our so called open books get closed and at one point of time becomes air tight, a scenario that can no more be claimed to be an open book. :-)
It's like a series of circles around a centre which we have drawn in our minds. We let everybody into our outermost circle without any inhibitions. But as we proceed towards the centre, the people we allow into our inner circles becomes lesser and lesser. I guess, lot of variables such as our previous experiences, our comfort level, our likes and dislikes etc play a part in letting us decide who stays inside which circle.As a matter of fact after a particular point we ourselves are afraid to get into the innermost circle as it constitutes our darker side full of fears, colossal blunders, failures and what not. That chapter in our book is left untouched for most of our lives.
I think any problem that arises in any relationship is simply due to the mismatch of perceptions between the perceiver and the perceived. Let's take X & Y.
X puts Y in an outer circle where he thinks his obligations to Y are very limited, whereas Y may assume that he is in an inner circle of Y in which case he thinks he is at liberty with X. Result is an inadvertent friction and we all know where friction leads to!
I think in the end this mismatch in perception can only be wiped out by opening ones book wide open to ones near and dear ones atleast. The first step towards that goal is to assess ourselves and ask ourselves one simple question. "Is my life really an open book?"
Inside each one of us there are few things that are good which we don't mind letting others know as they are self serving. As a matter of fact we either consciously or subconsciously try to make it known to the world followed by the famous tag line "I am like an open book". But once those things,change their shades from plain white to gray and further into dark, our so called open books get closed and at one point of time becomes air tight, a scenario that can no more be claimed to be an open book. :-)
It's like a series of circles around a centre which we have drawn in our minds. We let everybody into our outermost circle without any inhibitions. But as we proceed towards the centre, the people we allow into our inner circles becomes lesser and lesser. I guess, lot of variables such as our previous experiences, our comfort level, our likes and dislikes etc play a part in letting us decide who stays inside which circle.As a matter of fact after a particular point we ourselves are afraid to get into the innermost circle as it constitutes our darker side full of fears, colossal blunders, failures and what not. That chapter in our book is left untouched for most of our lives.
I think any problem that arises in any relationship is simply due to the mismatch of perceptions between the perceiver and the perceived. Let's take X & Y.
X puts Y in an outer circle where he thinks his obligations to Y are very limited, whereas Y may assume that he is in an inner circle of Y in which case he thinks he is at liberty with X. Result is an inadvertent friction and we all know where friction leads to!
I think in the end this mismatch in perception can only be wiped out by opening ones book wide open to ones near and dear ones atleast. The first step towards that goal is to assess ourselves and ask ourselves one simple question. "Is my life really an open book?"
Friday, May 14, 2010
Unwind!!!
It's been a while since i went for any sight seeing or took any vacation. However recently I had the opportunity to visit Kodaikkanal and Ooty at one go. It was a nice trip and both places offer so much in terms of natural beauty, that mere 7 days aren't enough to explore them fully. But one thing I learned in this trip is that you never go for any tourist spot during peak season. You will be bored to death commuting, due to the traffice caused by the serpentine queues formed by all the tour vehicles. By the time one reachs the spot he or she would literally be drained of all the energy. So no matter what, one must always go for any trip during off season only.
Somewhere I read that "A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving". Well, my trip fails miserably on both the counts. I had fixed plans and right from the start of the trip, I had been planning for the return. I could say that I had visited few places, but can never say that the trip went on as I had actually intended it to be. But one learns through one's experiences and I have certainly learnt a few lessons. Next time I plan for a trip, my objective will be to explore and not just to visit the place and I think that's the best way to unwind and recharge one's mental and emotional batteries.
Somewhere I read that "A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving". Well, my trip fails miserably on both the counts. I had fixed plans and right from the start of the trip, I had been planning for the return. I could say that I had visited few places, but can never say that the trip went on as I had actually intended it to be. But one learns through one's experiences and I have certainly learnt a few lessons. Next time I plan for a trip, my objective will be to explore and not just to visit the place and I think that's the best way to unwind and recharge one's mental and emotional batteries.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Another best friend's betrothal!
Today, I attended one of my friends' betrothal function and I needn't tell you explicitly, that I am really happy for the couple in focus. The function went smoothly, with lots of fun and activity as one can expect in such functions. Though I would love to draw a line in the middle of a paper and state at-least six differences between this one and the other betrothal function I had previously attended, on second thought, I would disallow myself such indulgence so as not to create any rift between those two friends. :-) Jokes apart, I shower my best wishes to both the bride and the groom on their engagement. (A damn good lunch is certainly a considerable contributor involved in this wish :-) )
There is a song that begins with the words "It's raining men" and it's going to be raining betrothals and marriages in the next 3 to 4 months. Added to this one of my friends has become the proud father of a pretty baby girl. (I realised why people call a baby as "bundle of joy" just by looking at my friend).
Now as people are getting ready to either to tie the knot or to say "I do" in one of the most important events of their lives called marriage, following are some of the rules of a happy marriage; but I would like to call them as "ten commandments of a happy married life" as recommended by elders and psychiatrists. As I have nothing else to give to my friends I list these golden rules which certainly made some sense when I read.
1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you must criticise, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once every day say a kind or complimentary word to your life partner.
9. When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10.It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong usually is the one who does the most talking.
We can refer "Social Psychology" by Robert baron & Donn Byrne or any other related books for further details as to how to make a marriage or for that matter, any relationship work.
DISCLAIMER: All the incidents and persons I mentioned above are imaginary and any resemblance to any persons or incidents in real life is purely coincidental. :-)
There is a song that begins with the words "It's raining men" and it's going to be raining betrothals and marriages in the next 3 to 4 months. Added to this one of my friends has become the proud father of a pretty baby girl. (I realised why people call a baby as "bundle of joy" just by looking at my friend).
Now as people are getting ready to either to tie the knot or to say "I do" in one of the most important events of their lives called marriage, following are some of the rules of a happy marriage; but I would like to call them as "ten commandments of a happy married life" as recommended by elders and psychiatrists. As I have nothing else to give to my friends I list these golden rules which certainly made some sense when I read.
1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you must criticise, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once every day say a kind or complimentary word to your life partner.
9. When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10.It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong usually is the one who does the most talking.
We can refer "Social Psychology" by Robert baron & Donn Byrne or any other related books for further details as to how to make a marriage or for that matter, any relationship work.
DISCLAIMER: All the incidents and persons I mentioned above are imaginary and any resemblance to any persons or incidents in real life is purely coincidental. :-)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Particle science * x = Vedanta !
Amidst the cacophony of IPL contoversiy and celebrity gossip one significant scientific breakthrough has been overlooked and didn't get registered on our grey cells. It was the successful testing of the LARGE HAEDRON COLLIDER in the CERN facility somewhere underground below the European continent. When something as significant as the GSLV launch by India doesn't find much coverage in the media it is understandable why an event, no matter how significant it may be, that happened underground and that too in Europe didn't cross the view of our media persons.
It's said that the scientists have achieved a successful collision of sub atomic particles at energy levels about 3 eTera volts.(I don't know its exact significance, but if the unit shows "Tera" then I guess it must be insanely high :-)). And this is just the half of the total energy levels for which the LHC has been designed for. Now drifting to a more relevant area, scientists say that this experiment tries to recreate the situation that existed right after the big bang some 13 billion years ago. (Now I understand why scientists are so nut cases!). There are lot of theories that pronunciate the creation of this universe. Most of them say that this universe was created as a result of a very big explosion called big bang and that the entire universe was about the size of an atom just prior to the explosion. As a result of those incomprehensible, unimaginable forces a big explosion happened and as a result a lot of subatomic particles were created and they in turn collided to form newer materials and this process went on and on till more and more tangible and stable particles were created which eventually led to the creation of this universe as we know now.
Now first of all I have to admit that I don't know the entire big bang theory, but still I have few questions at my disposal which needs to be clarified. If this theory says that the universe was created out of a big bang then does it mean that there was no universe prior to it? because creation means the coming into existence of something which was non-existent earlier. This leads to another question; So this universe was created out of nothing by the big bang? It can not be, because the scientists themselves say that all the energy existed in a very concentrated form known as singularity. Well, well, well, if big bang happened because of the already existing energy then how can it called as the CREATION? because the name itself supposes that something non-existent should come to existence. In other words that something came out of nothing which is inconceivable because in my school days I distinctly remember the fundamental scientific concept that "energy can neither be created nor destroyed".
It was at this juncture when I was at the crossroads of scientific turmoil :-), I stumbled upon a book which clarified all my doubts. It's one of the 12 works of Swami Vivekananda; 2nd volume to be precise. Among the host of all the answers to almost all the questions, following are a few.
All the massive celestial bodies with unimaginable sizes are all constituted of unimaginably smaller particles called atoms. If we go further we hit subatomic particles and this is the stage our current scientific knowledge has arrived at. Vedanta says that more finer and still finer particles exist beyond the subatomic particles. It says that what we see as a finite object is as a matter of fact infinite. For example if we take a tree, it's a finite entity. But if we keep on dissecting it there is no end to the amount of sub entities that are present and the same applies to all the things in this universe. Vivekananda beautifully states that we all are "infinitely finite" or rather infinite beings in an otherwise finite body.
Next statement is also an arresting one. As per the current scientific evolution, we believe that the universe is evolving, that universe evolved out of big bang, whereas vedanta says that universe not only evolves but also involves. Every evolution is succeeded and preceded by an involution and every involution is preceded and succeeded by an evolution. Evolution is a process in which the energy becomes grosser and grosser whereas involution is a process in which the energy becomes finer and finer. Hence Vedanta clearly states that there wasn't anything that can be remotely be called as creation for creation means something out of nothing which is impossible. This thought was beautifully taught to us in the Bhagawadgita which in turn is the abridged version of the Vedanta and it says "Never did I not exist, nor you, nor will any of us ever hereafter cease to be".
EPILOGUE: Vedanta says if you realise that one thing, by which you know everything that's the ultimate goal. In an interview the genius scientist Stephen hawking said that if we know that one thing (Unity) there isn't much left for physicists to know any further. Vedanta says you have to realise whereas science says you have to know. So I am inclined to say that Vedanta is the epitome of true scientific achievement and the pinnacle which the present science is trying to reach. That's why I say that Particle science or for that matter, science multiplied a X number of upgradations equals Vedanta!!!!
It's said that the scientists have achieved a successful collision of sub atomic particles at energy levels about 3 eTera volts.(I don't know its exact significance, but if the unit shows "Tera" then I guess it must be insanely high :-)). And this is just the half of the total energy levels for which the LHC has been designed for. Now drifting to a more relevant area, scientists say that this experiment tries to recreate the situation that existed right after the big bang some 13 billion years ago. (Now I understand why scientists are so nut cases!). There are lot of theories that pronunciate the creation of this universe. Most of them say that this universe was created as a result of a very big explosion called big bang and that the entire universe was about the size of an atom just prior to the explosion. As a result of those incomprehensible, unimaginable forces a big explosion happened and as a result a lot of subatomic particles were created and they in turn collided to form newer materials and this process went on and on till more and more tangible and stable particles were created which eventually led to the creation of this universe as we know now.
Now first of all I have to admit that I don't know the entire big bang theory, but still I have few questions at my disposal which needs to be clarified. If this theory says that the universe was created out of a big bang then does it mean that there was no universe prior to it? because creation means the coming into existence of something which was non-existent earlier. This leads to another question; So this universe was created out of nothing by the big bang? It can not be, because the scientists themselves say that all the energy existed in a very concentrated form known as singularity. Well, well, well, if big bang happened because of the already existing energy then how can it called as the CREATION? because the name itself supposes that something non-existent should come to existence. In other words that something came out of nothing which is inconceivable because in my school days I distinctly remember the fundamental scientific concept that "energy can neither be created nor destroyed".
It was at this juncture when I was at the crossroads of scientific turmoil :-), I stumbled upon a book which clarified all my doubts. It's one of the 12 works of Swami Vivekananda; 2nd volume to be precise. Among the host of all the answers to almost all the questions, following are a few.
All the massive celestial bodies with unimaginable sizes are all constituted of unimaginably smaller particles called atoms. If we go further we hit subatomic particles and this is the stage our current scientific knowledge has arrived at. Vedanta says that more finer and still finer particles exist beyond the subatomic particles. It says that what we see as a finite object is as a matter of fact infinite. For example if we take a tree, it's a finite entity. But if we keep on dissecting it there is no end to the amount of sub entities that are present and the same applies to all the things in this universe. Vivekananda beautifully states that we all are "infinitely finite" or rather infinite beings in an otherwise finite body.
Next statement is also an arresting one. As per the current scientific evolution, we believe that the universe is evolving, that universe evolved out of big bang, whereas vedanta says that universe not only evolves but also involves. Every evolution is succeeded and preceded by an involution and every involution is preceded and succeeded by an evolution. Evolution is a process in which the energy becomes grosser and grosser whereas involution is a process in which the energy becomes finer and finer. Hence Vedanta clearly states that there wasn't anything that can be remotely be called as creation for creation means something out of nothing which is impossible. This thought was beautifully taught to us in the Bhagawadgita which in turn is the abridged version of the Vedanta and it says "Never did I not exist, nor you, nor will any of us ever hereafter cease to be".
EPILOGUE: Vedanta says if you realise that one thing, by which you know everything that's the ultimate goal. In an interview the genius scientist Stephen hawking said that if we know that one thing (Unity) there isn't much left for physicists to know any further. Vedanta says you have to realise whereas science says you have to know. So I am inclined to say that Vedanta is the epitome of true scientific achievement and the pinnacle which the present science is trying to reach. That's why I say that Particle science or for that matter, science multiplied a X number of upgradations equals Vedanta!!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
My best friend's betrothal :-)
Last Sunday I attended one of my friend's betrothal.It was a simple and yet a striking function. I couldn't help remembering a classic movie sequence from the film "Mayabazaar" in which the great actor S.V.Ranagarao stares at the feast in front of him and starts to sing impromptu. Well in this case the occasion may not be that of a marriage but the intensity was no less than that of any marriage. There were sweets, there were dresses, and an insane amount of jewellery :-).
But more importantly there were his family members, the girl's family members and of course their colleagues and friends. Both dressed impeccably and looked at their best. My only concern is that why is that it's always the girl who dresses traditionally whereas the guy dresses like he has just dropped from London? But one look at them and these thoughts become evanescent. I can assure that all the shutter bugs would have had a field day, had they been present on the occassion! All of us had a good time but I can not say the same about the couple in focus :-).
EPILOGUE: There's another friend's engagement which is very soon and normally he should be under tremendous pressure to maintain the standard that has been set, if not to exceed it. But having known him for some time, I am sure one can expect wonderful surprises.
But more importantly there were his family members, the girl's family members and of course their colleagues and friends. Both dressed impeccably and looked at their best. My only concern is that why is that it's always the girl who dresses traditionally whereas the guy dresses like he has just dropped from London? But one look at them and these thoughts become evanescent. I can assure that all the shutter bugs would have had a field day, had they been present on the occassion! All of us had a good time but I can not say the same about the couple in focus :-).
EPILOGUE: There's another friend's engagement which is very soon and normally he should be under tremendous pressure to maintain the standard that has been set, if not to exceed it. But having known him for some time, I am sure one can expect wonderful surprises.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Shop street
Yesterday I watched this tamil movie "Angaadi theru" which approximately gets translated into "Shop steet" in english. :-). I didn't like the movie right from the beginning. I thought it was turning out to be another movie which Kollywood is churning off late with the the theme currently in vogue and that is, a few village blokes coming to the city to earn money and the difficulties they face and the misery they end up in. All the characters barring a few were like caricatures deliberately exaggerated in their performances, way over the top. The movie was very loud and I wonder how my ear drums endured that loudness. Though it's a small budget movie, considerable share of it has certainly gone into the purchase of glycerine, it seems. Because almost all the characters cry all the time. Even Poseidon couldn't have produced so many tears within the short span of about two and half hours, I guess.
As my thoughts were leading in this direction, somewhere it started to change its course and to my surprise I ended up loving the movie. What made me say this? Here we go...
Though the movie's theme may be redundant its picturisation was very natural.
Though the treatment was cliched and loud, the intention was pristine.
Though the faces were new and raw, they were natural and can be easily related to.
Though the movie sashayed with a negative vibe it ended up as a tragedy with a damn good positive vibe.
This is more than just a story projected on a celluloid. It's the depiction of an altogether different lifestyle which we either ignore or are unaware. This reminds me of some of the novels written by Arthur Hailey like 'Airport", "Hotel","Wheels", "Final diagnosis" in which he elaborates all the nitty,gritty and minute details of respective professions or fields. He beautifully brings the other side of all these professions into our full view. The characters in his novels serve mainly as a means and they don't move the plot by themselves. This is what I exactly felt when I was watching this movie. The characters by themselves don't move the plot of the movie but they are just part of the bigger picture and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
One uncomfortable reservation I have with this movie is its music. Though it could be because of the pathetic audio system in the hall, there are some moments in the movie which could have been memorable except for the mistimed music score. I guess our directors have to know the best way to use music and that is by not adding any music at all. They should apply it subtly and should give importance to silence. In one scene the camera pans out from the hero's face to show us the situation of the room in front of him. Though I can not tell how better the music could have been scored for that situation, it still could have made an excellent impact with no music at all.
I didn't like the movie because it wanted me to sympathise with the characters, but only in the end it succeeded in making me empathise with the characters and for that I like the movie.
Verdict: I'll never watch this movie again, except for the climax for which I can watch this movie any number of times.
As my thoughts were leading in this direction, somewhere it started to change its course and to my surprise I ended up loving the movie. What made me say this? Here we go...
Though the movie's theme may be redundant its picturisation was very natural.
Though the treatment was cliched and loud, the intention was pristine.
Though the faces were new and raw, they were natural and can be easily related to.
Though the movie sashayed with a negative vibe it ended up as a tragedy with a damn good positive vibe.
This is more than just a story projected on a celluloid. It's the depiction of an altogether different lifestyle which we either ignore or are unaware. This reminds me of some of the novels written by Arthur Hailey like 'Airport", "Hotel","Wheels", "Final diagnosis" in which he elaborates all the nitty,gritty and minute details of respective professions or fields. He beautifully brings the other side of all these professions into our full view. The characters in his novels serve mainly as a means and they don't move the plot by themselves. This is what I exactly felt when I was watching this movie. The characters by themselves don't move the plot of the movie but they are just part of the bigger picture and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
One uncomfortable reservation I have with this movie is its music. Though it could be because of the pathetic audio system in the hall, there are some moments in the movie which could have been memorable except for the mistimed music score. I guess our directors have to know the best way to use music and that is by not adding any music at all. They should apply it subtly and should give importance to silence. In one scene the camera pans out from the hero's face to show us the situation of the room in front of him. Though I can not tell how better the music could have been scored for that situation, it still could have made an excellent impact with no music at all.
I didn't like the movie because it wanted me to sympathise with the characters, but only in the end it succeeded in making me empathise with the characters and for that I like the movie.
Verdict: I'll never watch this movie again, except for the climax for which I can watch this movie any number of times.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
IPL - Indian Pathetic League
Indian Premier League is currently underway and every evening we are told that it's a feast for the eyes, what with atleast two nail baiting high quality matches. Set max has taken this responsibility of broadcasting these matches upon itself and beaming them right into our homes, into our drawing rooms. For those who are stuck up in offices "Youtube" has come to their rescue what with live match video feeds in it. It's been said and observed that viewership is at an all time high, TRPs are ruling the roost, it's providing excellent entertainment with fashion shows, with music videos, with fire works, with cheer leaders, with new advertisements, with parading of glamorous models along with cricketers, countless number of analysis, pre-match discussion, post-match discussion and what not? Amidst all this cacophony one has overlooked one simple yet central entity, "CRICKET".
Off late it has become a fashion to say that cricket is no more just a game that it has to be repackaged and to be presented as entertainment. Otherwise current generation will not accept the game. Well let me say this to whosoever conceived these conceptions that there is one major flaw in it despite being partially right. I agree with the view that everything undergoes change and it is imperative to adapt to the changing environment and times. But it's no excuse to indulge in dousing the spirit of the game itself. Let me elucidate further on this topic.
When we observe major leagues all over the world, they have all evolved as an attempt to tap the business opportunity using the existing format of the game. Nowhere can you see the game being modified to suit business requirements. On the contrary all the businesses are fit into the game's scheme of things. But here we are modifying the game itself for the sake of business. Cricket by its nature is a game which is every corporates' or ad agency's dream come true because it provides so much visibility which is quintessential for anybody who wants to advertise their products or services. Now this has gone to such an extent that the game is being used just as a means for advertisement and nothing else. To substantiate this statement is very easy. Just watch any IPL match this evening and you can find that 30% to 40% of the screen is occupied with advertisements some text based and some graphic based. If there is some small delay in the bowler's run up, you can see an ad squeezed within that time. If not they will show you the ads being played in the giant screens present in the ground. If a decision is pending there's an ad, if a player is injured there's an ad, if the captain is setting the field there's an ad. Some ads showcase an individual player's endorsement of a particular product, and some others show a team's endorsement of a particular product in which a particular individual player is also part. To which product his allegiance lies? No one knows! All this reminds me of the story of a goose which used to lay one golden egg each day. Trying to utilise cricket just for advertising is like killing that goose to have all the golden eggs which is sheer stupidity.
All the owners and corporates' may beat their chests and cry that they are doing this for the love of the game, for country and other stale reasons, but the fact is undeniable. If they want to really improve the game then they should be encouraging players in ranji trophy. That will strengthen the game at the grassroots level which is good for the game and eventually good for the business too. Hence this argument is invalid.
Eventhough I can be convinced albeit reluctantly by agreeing to the reality that it's all business! (and I know nothing about business) there is one more fact which I find it hard to ignore.
Every game has an intrinsic quality which makes it unique. Cricket's is "Unpredictability". All the factors such as size of the ground, type of ball being used, pitch, dew, visibility, day or night etc, play a factor in the outcome of this game. More the number of variables more possible outcomes, less the predictability, more suspense and more enjoyment. This is the soul of this game and this is what makes a game transcend generations and generations. But when this soul is taken away the game will die a natural death. This is what is being assiduously attempted at this grand farce called IPL. In no other league, the game is modified favouring a particular segment of the game like in cricket. For example, pitches are made to be batsman friendly, boundaries are shortened, field restrictions have been modified, introduction of free ball; all to help batsmen and to kill the spirit of bowlers. If you want to modify the game by eliminating all the variables favouring only the batsmen, then it's much better to get a throwing machine instead of a bowler.
Cricket unlike any other game represents the life very closely. Like in life, it has highs like the first 15 overs, lows like quick fall of wickets, a period when nothing significant happens like in middle overs and something very exhilarating like the slog overs. And the last but not the least, the unpredictability factor in which an underdog can sometimes overcome even the invincibles to win a match is what makes cricket what it is. If this soul is taken away it's no better than a video game. One may feel like having fun can never experience the essence of the game.
EPILOGUE: Moreover game is never meant to be entertainment. If a player or a team work their hearts out and sweat it out on a field it's not to entertain the audience but to achieve excellence in what they do. Roger federer doesn't want to win one grand slam after another to entertain the audience or to just be famous but for the sake of the game. Sachin doesn't bat the way he bats to entertain the audience but only for the sake of the game. Any game or for that matter any work needs to be played for its sake only. If audience want entertainment they can very well hit a theatre and watch a movie. Games and sports are not meant for entertainment but for something else and that something else is "inspiration". Once the legendary tennis player "Evan lendle' was criticised for being sober and not that entertaining for which he responded something like "I am a player and I like playing and giving my best. If you want entertainment, you better choose something else" Well this statement surmises what I had been trying to tell the whole time.
Off late it has become a fashion to say that cricket is no more just a game that it has to be repackaged and to be presented as entertainment. Otherwise current generation will not accept the game. Well let me say this to whosoever conceived these conceptions that there is one major flaw in it despite being partially right. I agree with the view that everything undergoes change and it is imperative to adapt to the changing environment and times. But it's no excuse to indulge in dousing the spirit of the game itself. Let me elucidate further on this topic.
When we observe major leagues all over the world, they have all evolved as an attempt to tap the business opportunity using the existing format of the game. Nowhere can you see the game being modified to suit business requirements. On the contrary all the businesses are fit into the game's scheme of things. But here we are modifying the game itself for the sake of business. Cricket by its nature is a game which is every corporates' or ad agency's dream come true because it provides so much visibility which is quintessential for anybody who wants to advertise their products or services. Now this has gone to such an extent that the game is being used just as a means for advertisement and nothing else. To substantiate this statement is very easy. Just watch any IPL match this evening and you can find that 30% to 40% of the screen is occupied with advertisements some text based and some graphic based. If there is some small delay in the bowler's run up, you can see an ad squeezed within that time. If not they will show you the ads being played in the giant screens present in the ground. If a decision is pending there's an ad, if a player is injured there's an ad, if the captain is setting the field there's an ad. Some ads showcase an individual player's endorsement of a particular product, and some others show a team's endorsement of a particular product in which a particular individual player is also part. To which product his allegiance lies? No one knows! All this reminds me of the story of a goose which used to lay one golden egg each day. Trying to utilise cricket just for advertising is like killing that goose to have all the golden eggs which is sheer stupidity.
All the owners and corporates' may beat their chests and cry that they are doing this for the love of the game, for country and other stale reasons, but the fact is undeniable. If they want to really improve the game then they should be encouraging players in ranji trophy. That will strengthen the game at the grassroots level which is good for the game and eventually good for the business too. Hence this argument is invalid.
Eventhough I can be convinced albeit reluctantly by agreeing to the reality that it's all business! (and I know nothing about business) there is one more fact which I find it hard to ignore.
Every game has an intrinsic quality which makes it unique. Cricket's is "Unpredictability". All the factors such as size of the ground, type of ball being used, pitch, dew, visibility, day or night etc, play a factor in the outcome of this game. More the number of variables more possible outcomes, less the predictability, more suspense and more enjoyment. This is the soul of this game and this is what makes a game transcend generations and generations. But when this soul is taken away the game will die a natural death. This is what is being assiduously attempted at this grand farce called IPL. In no other league, the game is modified favouring a particular segment of the game like in cricket. For example, pitches are made to be batsman friendly, boundaries are shortened, field restrictions have been modified, introduction of free ball; all to help batsmen and to kill the spirit of bowlers. If you want to modify the game by eliminating all the variables favouring only the batsmen, then it's much better to get a throwing machine instead of a bowler.
Cricket unlike any other game represents the life very closely. Like in life, it has highs like the first 15 overs, lows like quick fall of wickets, a period when nothing significant happens like in middle overs and something very exhilarating like the slog overs. And the last but not the least, the unpredictability factor in which an underdog can sometimes overcome even the invincibles to win a match is what makes cricket what it is. If this soul is taken away it's no better than a video game. One may feel like having fun can never experience the essence of the game.
EPILOGUE: Moreover game is never meant to be entertainment. If a player or a team work their hearts out and sweat it out on a field it's not to entertain the audience but to achieve excellence in what they do. Roger federer doesn't want to win one grand slam after another to entertain the audience or to just be famous but for the sake of the game. Sachin doesn't bat the way he bats to entertain the audience but only for the sake of the game. Any game or for that matter any work needs to be played for its sake only. If audience want entertainment they can very well hit a theatre and watch a movie. Games and sports are not meant for entertainment but for something else and that something else is "inspiration". Once the legendary tennis player "Evan lendle' was criticised for being sober and not that entertaining for which he responded something like "I am a player and I like playing and giving my best. If you want entertainment, you better choose something else" Well this statement surmises what I had been trying to tell the whole time.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Women's reservation bill
Recently the bill proposing 33% reservation for women in the parliament and in state assemblies was passed in the upper house "Rajya sabha" amidst lot of hue and cry from some of the political parties. There is some criticism that women can not handle the bonhomie of politics and will easily succumb to the inherent pressures and hence will be ineffective. Well, looking back at the track record of our male politicians in the last 63 years, I believe that women can certainly do better than male politicians. Even if they turn out to be worse than their male counter parts it doesn't get bad than the current situation. Then what harm is there in giving them a chance to take a shot at politics? At least women can get to make their presence in terms of numbers. To put it crassly, at least the glam quotient of politics would increase if this bill becomes an act. :-)
But if we go by the track record of general reservation over the past few decades it is evident that eventhough it has uplifted a lot of people from socially and economically deprived sections of the society, there's been a gross misuse of this. This time if we make sure to minimise the misuse part to a bare minimum then this bill would certainly be a landmark in the evolution of Indian democracy. For that to happen there is one more test in the lower house of parliament which I am eagerly waiting for.
But if we go by the track record of general reservation over the past few decades it is evident that eventhough it has uplifted a lot of people from socially and economically deprived sections of the society, there's been a gross misuse of this. This time if we make sure to minimise the misuse part to a bare minimum then this bill would certainly be a landmark in the evolution of Indian democracy. For that to happen there is one more test in the lower house of parliament which I am eagerly waiting for.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Oscars scoop!!!!
Ealier last month I made 6 predictions for this year's oscars. Out of 6 only one came true, i.e, best supporting actor for Christopher Waltz and out of the technical categories only best visual effects went to Avatar. Best sound and sound mixing went to Hurt locker. This shows that there is still scope for improvement in recognising the true talent: for the academy of course :-).
For best adapted screenplay I expected "Up in the air" would win. But it went to "Precious". For best score I wanted "Sherlock Holmes" to win but went to "Up" the animation movie. But the most prized awards of best picture and best director went to "The Hurt locker" and its director "Katherine bigelow". As per the PST, on the eve of Women's day the academy would have felt somewhat sentimental and relevant to give those awards to a woman director and to her picture. This is the first instance in the history of 82 years of oscars that a woman has walked away with the best director oscar.(Imagine, we are in the 63rd year of independent India!)
But I wish to take this scoop in my stride and sincerely wish that the academy will pull up their socks and try to reach my standard! :-)
For best adapted screenplay I expected "Up in the air" would win. But it went to "Precious". For best score I wanted "Sherlock Holmes" to win but went to "Up" the animation movie. But the most prized awards of best picture and best director went to "The Hurt locker" and its director "Katherine bigelow". As per the PST, on the eve of Women's day the academy would have felt somewhat sentimental and relevant to give those awards to a woman director and to her picture. This is the first instance in the history of 82 years of oscars that a woman has walked away with the best director oscar.(Imagine, we are in the 63rd year of independent India!)
But I wish to take this scoop in my stride and sincerely wish that the academy will pull up their socks and try to reach my standard! :-)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sex, lies and Ashrams!
A few days ago there was a breaking news in all the news channels about a god-man who was in the eye of a sex scandal. There were even pictures showing him in a compromising position with an actress and that news is still breaking!!!!! Gone are the days when people looked for either a hotel room or a bush or some other means to get hooked. They realised that it costs money and err.. is not convenient, you know? Here comes into the picture, the power of thinking. The purpose of physical fling, to put it decently is to have a good time. You can not have a good time if there is disturbance and distraction all around you. So what would one do to have a peaceful environment? He would either go to a temple or to an ashram. This is what the priests are doing, but the former had already been occupied by a priest from Kaanchipuram.Most of us are aware of the video showing the divine banging act :-). Poor fellow, this second priest is left with no choice but to use the second option and that is the Ashram.
Actually I find no wrong in it and I am surprised why everybody is making such a haullaballo over this one. Actually this highlights the devotion of these guys and how religious they are. Whatever they do in their lives they want to involve Him. Actually that's a good thing. :-)
Some one said that "women need a reason to have sex, whereas men just need a place." Oh boy! they did find a place! The ashrams, the sanctum sanctorum inside the temples. The only concern for me out of this brouhaha is henceforth if anybody says that they are going to a temple or to an ashram what would be our imagination?
Shame, shame puppy shame!!!!
Actually I find no wrong in it and I am surprised why everybody is making such a haullaballo over this one. Actually this highlights the devotion of these guys and how religious they are. Whatever they do in their lives they want to involve Him. Actually that's a good thing. :-)
Some one said that "women need a reason to have sex, whereas men just need a place." Oh boy! they did find a place! The ashrams, the sanctum sanctorum inside the temples. The only concern for me out of this brouhaha is henceforth if anybody says that they are going to a temple or to an ashram what would be our imagination?
Shame, shame puppy shame!!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Up in the air!
There are few actors, whose voice I have admired for some time. Some of them are Robin williams, Josh hartnet, Matt damon, Heath ledger, Alan rickman and George clooney. Besides his appearance Clooney's voice is certainly a strong aspect of his personality and he puts it to maximum effect in this movie "Up in the air". This movie starts with a sound track that sounds almost similar to Sade's "Smooth operator" and proceeds at a leisure pace.
It gives you the feel that you have peeked into the protagonist's life for about two hours. His initial state; his lifestyle his views about love,marriage and life etc all are presented in a nutshell right at the beginning of the movie with excellent blend of visuals and his voice over. He is a guy who is disinclined towards any sort of commitment and vehemently vouches for it. In this scenario in comes two characters (of course they are ladies) who are like poles apart in their approach to life. One is a young girl who joins the same firm as that of George clooney and the second one is a middle aged woman who develops a casual relationship with him. All three's expectations, aspirations and emotions travel through a maze in which their careers their social equations all go for a toss. The beauty is all the above are set against the backdrop of the recession hit economy.
No where this movie is judgmental nor patronising. It beautifully depicts the inertia inside one's mind towards change and in subsequent frames the pain and agony associated with that change. The dialogues are top notch and if I were an important member of the academy I would certainly handover the golden statuette for best adapted screenplay to whoever the screen writer is. Though the situations are neither extraordinary nor unexpected, the dialogues and acting take all the scenes onto to a different plane. In the end though it doesn't have a conventional ending, one would have got a fair idea of what the movie was all about "Change". It leaves us where we come to realise the changes in the lives of the characters till then and then accepting that their lives will again change subsequently even after the end credits roll. In a nutshell no adrenaline pumping action, no over the top reactions but excellent concoction of emotion and present society's aberrations.(TR's touch. How is it?)
Verdict: Wanna bitter, sweet feeling? Watch this!!!
It gives you the feel that you have peeked into the protagonist's life for about two hours. His initial state; his lifestyle his views about love,marriage and life etc all are presented in a nutshell right at the beginning of the movie with excellent blend of visuals and his voice over. He is a guy who is disinclined towards any sort of commitment and vehemently vouches for it. In this scenario in comes two characters (of course they are ladies) who are like poles apart in their approach to life. One is a young girl who joins the same firm as that of George clooney and the second one is a middle aged woman who develops a casual relationship with him. All three's expectations, aspirations and emotions travel through a maze in which their careers their social equations all go for a toss. The beauty is all the above are set against the backdrop of the recession hit economy.
No where this movie is judgmental nor patronising. It beautifully depicts the inertia inside one's mind towards change and in subsequent frames the pain and agony associated with that change. The dialogues are top notch and if I were an important member of the academy I would certainly handover the golden statuette for best adapted screenplay to whoever the screen writer is. Though the situations are neither extraordinary nor unexpected, the dialogues and acting take all the scenes onto to a different plane. In the end though it doesn't have a conventional ending, one would have got a fair idea of what the movie was all about "Change". It leaves us where we come to realise the changes in the lives of the characters till then and then accepting that their lives will again change subsequently even after the end credits roll. In a nutshell no adrenaline pumping action, no over the top reactions but excellent concoction of emotion and present society's aberrations.(TR's touch. How is it?)
Verdict: Wanna bitter, sweet feeling? Watch this!!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The run machine!
Sports history was made yesterday when our Sachin tendulkar made an unbeaten 200* in a ODI. Since then everywhere it has been a festive atmosphere. It appeared that everybody won a million rupees in jackpot. It's one of those occasions where more than the person who achieves a feat, the persons surrounding him, or the persons who know him feel happier hovering on the verge of ecstasy. Well one more case where the pursuit of excellence resulted in what was thought to be an unattainable success. What is it that makes everybody from the President of India to a coffee boy in my office to take pride in an achievement which is not of their own? What makes an entire nation as diverse as ours, forget all their troubles ranging from an irritating boss to Indo-Pak border dispute to revel in a sense of achievement in unison? I tend to believe that we are happy more when someone achieves something extraordinary than something really good happening to us. Now this is an enigma which needs to be unraveled.
It seems that achievements like the one which Sachin accomplished, shows what sincerity, hard work, determination and endurance can achieve whatever is humanly achievable, thus by pushing further the horizons of human potential. This instills strength and a sense of hope that one can do greater things if one sticks to ones passion and sincerely try to attain it. Sachin's achievement is not 200 runs but showcasing the fruits of qualities such as sincerity, hard work, determination and endurance and giving us hope that something can be achieved and instilling strength within us to achieve the same. These qualities are neither limited to any particular field nor by any age bar. This is the secret why the president of India and the office boy from my office could both relate to. This is how this enigma has been unraveled. :-)
It seems that achievements like the one which Sachin accomplished, shows what sincerity, hard work, determination and endurance can achieve whatever is humanly achievable, thus by pushing further the horizons of human potential. This instills strength and a sense of hope that one can do greater things if one sticks to ones passion and sincerely try to attain it. Sachin's achievement is not 200 runs but showcasing the fruits of qualities such as sincerity, hard work, determination and endurance and giving us hope that something can be achieved and instilling strength within us to achieve the same. These qualities are neither limited to any particular field nor by any age bar. This is the secret why the president of India and the office boy from my office could both relate to. This is how this enigma has been unraveled. :-)
Friday, February 19, 2010
What a life!!!!
Ever contemplated how our lives are shaping up? Ever given a thought about the path we are treading? Ever wondered where all those years after we graduated have gone? Recently I indulged in this endeavour of trying to answer these questions. Don't ask me if I have that much free time. That's another topic altogether. Coming back to those questions, I got lost in thought while I was thinking (ofcourse it's an uncharted territory. What else do you expect? :-). Some time later lot of random thoughts flooded my mind. It seemed they are all random at first glance, but after carefully revisiting them made me realise one essential but always neglected and ignored fact which is our uncanny inclination to stress, strain and sorrow or in other words our reluctance to be content, happy and peaceful. I guess our approach to life is fundamentally wrong. I will tell you why.
Normally we think with our brains and act with our hearts not realising that it should be the other way round. Let me give an example. We can consider our own careers. In school days we would have had some idea of what we want to become in our lives, which career to pursue etc. This is what our hearts want. We should have directed all our efforts towards achieving it. But in no time that gets suppressed. We start to think with our brains like which job would give me a good salary? how much salary is enough to manage my family, to repay my EMI? and compel our hearts to set into that mould. From that point onwards it's a downward spiral in our lives with all the uncontrollable emotions taking control of the rest of our lives. We start working because we have to and not because we want to. There's a name for the one who has to work irrespective of his or her willingness or under compulsion, and that name is 'slave'. We drag our lives working, because we have to and not because we want to.
The moment we stop working like slaves and begin working like masters, that's the moment worth spending our lives for. For that too we have to work. But as Swami Vivekananda says "Work is seldom sweet. It's only when love greases its wheels that it runs smoothly. It's a constant friction otherwise". So it's better to work like a master, relax a moment, replenish our vital resources with love that doesn't cost a thing and get back to work, because there's nothing else for us to do in here. If we get this right, it could well make us shout "What a life!" at the end of our physical lives.
Normally we think with our brains and act with our hearts not realising that it should be the other way round. Let me give an example. We can consider our own careers. In school days we would have had some idea of what we want to become in our lives, which career to pursue etc. This is what our hearts want. We should have directed all our efforts towards achieving it. But in no time that gets suppressed. We start to think with our brains like which job would give me a good salary? how much salary is enough to manage my family, to repay my EMI? and compel our hearts to set into that mould. From that point onwards it's a downward spiral in our lives with all the uncontrollable emotions taking control of the rest of our lives. We start working because we have to and not because we want to. There's a name for the one who has to work irrespective of his or her willingness or under compulsion, and that name is 'slave'. We drag our lives working, because we have to and not because we want to.
The moment we stop working like slaves and begin working like masters, that's the moment worth spending our lives for. For that too we have to work. But as Swami Vivekananda says "Work is seldom sweet. It's only when love greases its wheels that it runs smoothly. It's a constant friction otherwise". So it's better to work like a master, relax a moment, replenish our vital resources with love that doesn't cost a thing and get back to work, because there's nothing else for us to do in here. If we get this right, it could well make us shout "What a life!" at the end of our physical lives.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love is in the air!
This may seem a bit late to talk about love; 3 days after the Valentine's day, but as I believe any time is a good time to talk about love if not to show it. Moreover there's this saying that everything is fair in love and war, in which I would like to consider only the former one, letting myself to be deliberately ignorant of the later part.
When one hears the word "Love" one usually associates it with the relationship between a man and a woman who are romantically inclined. All other forms of love either don't make it to the top of our charts or worse, we simply ignore. So more in line with the current context of Valentine's day, let's delve deep into this form of love.
In my opinion this form of love is primarily due to the result of biological programming in all living things of this world. It's like a timer which gets enabled the time one is born with an "if" condition that gets activated at the age of either 15 or 16 or in some cases of early bloomers at 12 or 13 itself. The "code" that follows this "If" condition is what this love is all about. One may assert that this is not love but either infatuation or physical attraction. I beg to differ because when a construction is built it's called a building or a house or whatever including the foundation. Similarly the foundations of physical attraction on which this love is built is love nevertheless. For a healthy relationship, if we convert this into a love to attraction ratio, wise people, lucky people succeed in increasing the numerator continuously. With such a scenario it doesn't matter even if the denominator shrinks let alone stagnate. Hence even a complex and abstract emotion such as love can be converted into a logical mathematical equation. Now it becomes easier to understand it. :-). Whatever variables that are involved in it have to be worked out on a case to case basis.
In the end one may argue, why one should love at all? why one should bear the brunt of possible love failure and the throes of pain and anguish associated with it. For all those skeptics I would like to quote Alfred Tennyson. "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all".
When one hears the word "Love" one usually associates it with the relationship between a man and a woman who are romantically inclined. All other forms of love either don't make it to the top of our charts or worse, we simply ignore. So more in line with the current context of Valentine's day, let's delve deep into this form of love.
In my opinion this form of love is primarily due to the result of biological programming in all living things of this world. It's like a timer which gets enabled the time one is born with an "if" condition that gets activated at the age of either 15 or 16 or in some cases of early bloomers at 12 or 13 itself. The "code" that follows this "If" condition is what this love is all about. One may assert that this is not love but either infatuation or physical attraction. I beg to differ because when a construction is built it's called a building or a house or whatever including the foundation. Similarly the foundations of physical attraction on which this love is built is love nevertheless. For a healthy relationship, if we convert this into a love to attraction ratio, wise people, lucky people succeed in increasing the numerator continuously. With such a scenario it doesn't matter even if the denominator shrinks let alone stagnate. Hence even a complex and abstract emotion such as love can be converted into a logical mathematical equation. Now it becomes easier to understand it. :-). Whatever variables that are involved in it have to be worked out on a case to case basis.
In the end one may argue, why one should love at all? why one should bear the brunt of possible love failure and the throes of pain and anguish associated with it. For all those skeptics I would like to quote Alfred Tennyson. "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all".
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Oscar fever!
Surprise! I have got exclusive access to some information as to who will be the winners in this year's academy awards. And I share this only with the privileged few and that includes you :-). When the academy awards are presented, come this March before the svelte Anne Hathway could initiate the event here is the exclusive preview of that event initiated by a handsome ME :-).
Best picture : Avatar
All technical categories: Avatar
Best director : Jason reitman for Up in the air.
Best supporting actor : Christopher waltz for Ingluorious basterds
Best actor : Jeremy renner for The hurt locker
Best music : Quentin tarantino for Ingluorious basterds
Although for the best director category James cameron (avatar) & Katherine bigelow for "the hurt locker" are in serious contention I would like Jason to win the award.
One interesting fact is that Katherine begelow is the ex wife of James cameron. It seems that they have taken the fight to the academies!! I don't think such a scenario had ever been enacted anywhere in any awards!
I would say that all the above movies are as different as you could ever get. If Avatar is a sci fi imaginary world then Up in the air is a current reflection of the recession hit US with a lot of emotional quotient. If Ingluorious basterds (deliberately misspelt) is a world warII drama with blood and gore then The hurt locker is a current crisis in Iraq faced by the US troops. All punch in some extraordinary performances. For best actor category Jeff bridges and George clooney are also strong contenders but somehow I think Jeremy renner will win this time.
And at last in the best music category Quentin tarantino could win but our own A.R.Rahman has all the chance in the world to weave his magic once again. I say this because his music in couples retreat is worthy of an award, although I can't say the same for the movie! Now the countdown starts for the D day and here begins the waiting game!!!!
Best picture : Avatar
All technical categories: Avatar
Best director : Jason reitman for Up in the air.
Best supporting actor : Christopher waltz for Ingluorious basterds
Best actor : Jeremy renner for The hurt locker
Best music : Quentin tarantino for Ingluorious basterds
Although for the best director category James cameron (avatar) & Katherine bigelow for "the hurt locker" are in serious contention I would like Jason to win the award.
One interesting fact is that Katherine begelow is the ex wife of James cameron. It seems that they have taken the fight to the academies!! I don't think such a scenario had ever been enacted anywhere in any awards!
I would say that all the above movies are as different as you could ever get. If Avatar is a sci fi imaginary world then Up in the air is a current reflection of the recession hit US with a lot of emotional quotient. If Ingluorious basterds (deliberately misspelt) is a world warII drama with blood and gore then The hurt locker is a current crisis in Iraq faced by the US troops. All punch in some extraordinary performances. For best actor category Jeff bridges and George clooney are also strong contenders but somehow I think Jeremy renner will win this time.
And at last in the best music category Quentin tarantino could win but our own A.R.Rahman has all the chance in the world to weave his magic once again. I say this because his music in couples retreat is worthy of an award, although I can't say the same for the movie! Now the countdown starts for the D day and here begins the waiting game!!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The secret of self realisation
At last I found out the secret of self realisation. The date was 23rd January 2010 and the day "Saturday". The venue happened to be the Music academy at the TTK road. You may possibly wonder how the ultimate goal of self realisation could be in any way related to that venue. Well, let me elucidate one of the defining moments of my life.
On that day two legends of hindustani music world came together for a musical concert at the above mentioned venue. They were Pandit Shivkumar Sharma - the santoor vidwan and Zakir Hussain - the tabla ustad. What they created on that stage was, as the cliche goes "history", "musical history" to be specific.
In the beginning, pandit Shivkumar sharma made a brief monologue about their musical journey and let the audience know what they were going to play for the evening. He uttered words such as ragas, aalaps and few others which frankly speaking I didn't understand a bit. It got worse as he announced which raagas they would play and also the style in which they would play them. I felt like listening to a Greek orator. It was precisely at that time when I started to wonder where the heaven I have ended up!, the magic commenced.
Till then I knew nothing about music. It made me feel like i know everything about it
Till then I was of the opinion that the purpose of music is enjoyment. It made me realise that the purpose of music is to feel it.
Till then I thought of it as just another musical concert. But it was a sort of personal revolution within me.
Till then I was just a man. It made me feel like a self realised man.
For the entire duration of that experience which approximately lasted for two hours fifteen minutes I was in suspended disbelief, I felt like I was in a state of tranquility, a state of thoughtlessness, a state of oneness. Then it struck me that the way to self realisation is through music.
The sad part is I actually didn't realise myself, but the good part is I felt like I had self realisation. That itself was an emancipating feeling.
Someone asked a great violinist whose name I couldn't recollect now, "I would give my life to play the way you play" for which the violinist replied "I did". Well, anybody who had listened to the musicians on that eventful evening would know that they had given their lives to their music. It was the evening that shattered my belief that there is no such thing as perfection, only excellence. The music was nothing but perfection which made me believe that perfection is a state that we ordinary mortal beings can just fancy.
Finally as Charles lamb wrote "You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will, but the scent of roses will hang around still", eventhough later that evening I returned to my home and indulged in the mundane routine of my life, that feeling of immense whatever one can name it, joy, bliss, happiness, ecstasy; it will be there with me forever.
Epilogue: One good news is that they promised to return to Chennai very soon. Whenever that happens you know where to find me on that day! :-)
On that day two legends of hindustani music world came together for a musical concert at the above mentioned venue. They were Pandit Shivkumar Sharma - the santoor vidwan and Zakir Hussain - the tabla ustad. What they created on that stage was, as the cliche goes "history", "musical history" to be specific.
In the beginning, pandit Shivkumar sharma made a brief monologue about their musical journey and let the audience know what they were going to play for the evening. He uttered words such as ragas, aalaps and few others which frankly speaking I didn't understand a bit. It got worse as he announced which raagas they would play and also the style in which they would play them. I felt like listening to a Greek orator. It was precisely at that time when I started to wonder where the heaven I have ended up!, the magic commenced.
Till then I knew nothing about music. It made me feel like i know everything about it
Till then I was of the opinion that the purpose of music is enjoyment. It made me realise that the purpose of music is to feel it.
Till then I thought of it as just another musical concert. But it was a sort of personal revolution within me.
Till then I was just a man. It made me feel like a self realised man.
For the entire duration of that experience which approximately lasted for two hours fifteen minutes I was in suspended disbelief, I felt like I was in a state of tranquility, a state of thoughtlessness, a state of oneness. Then it struck me that the way to self realisation is through music.
The sad part is I actually didn't realise myself, but the good part is I felt like I had self realisation. That itself was an emancipating feeling.
Someone asked a great violinist whose name I couldn't recollect now, "I would give my life to play the way you play" for which the violinist replied "I did". Well, anybody who had listened to the musicians on that eventful evening would know that they had given their lives to their music. It was the evening that shattered my belief that there is no such thing as perfection, only excellence. The music was nothing but perfection which made me believe that perfection is a state that we ordinary mortal beings can just fancy.
Finally as Charles lamb wrote "You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will, but the scent of roses will hang around still", eventhough later that evening I returned to my home and indulged in the mundane routine of my life, that feeling of immense whatever one can name it, joy, bliss, happiness, ecstasy; it will be there with me forever.
Epilogue: One good news is that they promised to return to Chennai very soon. Whenever that happens you know where to find me on that day! :-)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
SHERLOCK HOLMES
221 Baker street, in my opinion is the most famous residential address in human history. It's ironical that such a well known place ended up being the abode of the most famous detective of all times, "SHERLOCK HOLMES". Or may be because of his unparalleled reputation the address could have become so famous. Either way it's not good for a consulting detective to be so conspicuous. But we can forgive his helplessness because it's we who have raised him and his abode to such meteoric heights of our consciousness. Otherwise he is always a cool headed, unemotional, logical and deductive genius who long ago ceased to exist just in books and began living among us.
Everything is elementary to him, no such a thing as unexplainable. Inexplainable? perhaps! I can go on and on about him, but I suggest you better read his memoirs penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. For now I'll talk about the movie which has recently hit the theatres.
With a stupendously successful literary work such as Sherlock Holmes, which is like a treasure trove for movie makers, it's literally impossible to make a bad movie out of it. You just have to select right people to play the parts and the entire movie can reach sky high on the foundations of the book. Right people is an understatement to say about the actors who played the characters in this movie. Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as his side kick, Dr.James Watson are amazing. Well as the cliche goes, there chemistry was ultra cool. Right from the word go, the movie kick starts and before you try to get a hold of the unfolding events you will find yourself deep into a mystery.
The movie starts assuming that audience are aware of the main characters, because here no time is spent for the their introduction except for the antagonist "Lord Blackwood". Irene addler to whom SH refers to as "The woman" in the book is played by Rachel Mcadams. Oh boy! what a beauty! Other characters such as the police officer Lestrade the landlady and Watson's fiance Mary are all there! There are a few slight deviations from the book which you will find in this movie. In the book, SH has got only admiration for Irene addler. Here he is a bit romantically inclined towards her. In the book Watson's fiance is one of SH's former clients. Here Watson introduces her to SH. In the book, SH is more cerebral. Here he is physical too with all the fist fights in slow mo. In my opinion when it comes to physical attributes, Rober downeyJr is not a perfect match to portray SH, but wait, as soon as he starts delivering the dialogues that mind block vanishes into thin air. Above are my reservations about the movie.
If you want to have a taste of Victorian England, this one is a treat to your eyes.With its late 19th and early 20th century settings and visual effects, the art direction is worth noticing. All the characters speak in British accent. All the characteristics of SH are highlighted in the movie. His prowess in disguise, chemistry and arriving at a solution through logical deduction are all shown superbly. It's like relishing a big fat feast for your brain. No wonder the lead actor got a golden globe for his performance! Gripping screenplay with no loose ends. All the questions are answered in the end albeit in a hurry. In the end it's a good movie to watch.
Wait, one more moment. What would one do to make a good movie into a terrific movie? One would give a call to Hans zimmer and entrust him with the responsibility of background score. If not for the movie, certainly for the music; you can all shut your eyes and just listen to the muscic.
Everything is elementary to him, no such a thing as unexplainable. Inexplainable? perhaps! I can go on and on about him, but I suggest you better read his memoirs penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. For now I'll talk about the movie which has recently hit the theatres.
With a stupendously successful literary work such as Sherlock Holmes, which is like a treasure trove for movie makers, it's literally impossible to make a bad movie out of it. You just have to select right people to play the parts and the entire movie can reach sky high on the foundations of the book. Right people is an understatement to say about the actors who played the characters in this movie. Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as his side kick, Dr.James Watson are amazing. Well as the cliche goes, there chemistry was ultra cool. Right from the word go, the movie kick starts and before you try to get a hold of the unfolding events you will find yourself deep into a mystery.
The movie starts assuming that audience are aware of the main characters, because here no time is spent for the their introduction except for the antagonist "Lord Blackwood". Irene addler to whom SH refers to as "The woman" in the book is played by Rachel Mcadams. Oh boy! what a beauty! Other characters such as the police officer Lestrade the landlady and Watson's fiance Mary are all there! There are a few slight deviations from the book which you will find in this movie. In the book, SH has got only admiration for Irene addler. Here he is a bit romantically inclined towards her. In the book Watson's fiance is one of SH's former clients. Here Watson introduces her to SH. In the book, SH is more cerebral. Here he is physical too with all the fist fights in slow mo. In my opinion when it comes to physical attributes, Rober downeyJr is not a perfect match to portray SH, but wait, as soon as he starts delivering the dialogues that mind block vanishes into thin air. Above are my reservations about the movie.
If you want to have a taste of Victorian England, this one is a treat to your eyes.With its late 19th and early 20th century settings and visual effects, the art direction is worth noticing. All the characters speak in British accent. All the characteristics of SH are highlighted in the movie. His prowess in disguise, chemistry and arriving at a solution through logical deduction are all shown superbly. It's like relishing a big fat feast for your brain. No wonder the lead actor got a golden globe for his performance! Gripping screenplay with no loose ends. All the questions are answered in the end albeit in a hurry. In the end it's a good movie to watch.
Wait, one more moment. What would one do to make a good movie into a terrific movie? One would give a call to Hans zimmer and entrust him with the responsibility of background score. If not for the movie, certainly for the music; you can all shut your eyes and just listen to the muscic.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ayirathil Oruvan
Today I watched the Tamil movie "Ayirathil Oruvan" thanks to a generous treat by one of my friends. Tentatively named after the yesteryear movie of the same name, which starred the first superstar of Kollywood, the great M.G.R; this movie is an earnest attempt to unfold a grand spectacle in the Tamil film industry. If grapevine is to be believed, this movie has been in the making for the past 2 and half years, something very uncommon.
I categorise this movie under fantasy, historical, adventure drama category(Uh!). In the beginning the movie resembled Indiana jones' and mummy. In a shadow chasing scene its resemblance to such sequence in "Mackennas gold" is unmistakable. When you come to know that there is a covert population in a secret location that's being chased by another civilisation for the purpose of recovering a lost treasure and that too generations down the line, I somehow could see the plot line of "Davinci code". The sequence in the amphi-theatre is a straight lift off from "Gladiator". The make up and the mannerisms reminded me the "Lord of the rings" and lastly the music composition during battle sequences with sudden quietness for a short duration reminded me of the battle sequence in "The chronicles of Narnia 1st part". It seems that Selvaragavan the director was caught in between two strong factors, "Inspiration" and "Creation". By the time his inspiration ends the creation begins, the entire 3 hours and few odd minutes come to an end and curtains go down. This is true because in the end, you can see a hint about a possible sequel that would hopefully cover the balance portion that's left unfinished.
Having criticised it, I have to confess that this is one of the genuine endeavours to expand the horizons of the tamil movies. Even if there are some loose ends, it unfailingly proceeds to unfold a story instead of sticking to the same formula that's very typical of kollywood. Here there are no introduction hero worshipping song, no punch dialogues to splinter your ear drums, no over the top melodrama. Instead you get to see two strong female leads which is a rarity. They are delightfully beautiful and look ravishing, a hero who is very good with his role, nice picturisation and reasonable visual effects given the budget and technological limitations.
In my opinion, the director started drawing a human picture, but in the process he got so engrossed in the details that he consumed the entire canvas to draw just the face.
Epilogue: I appreciate it for its bold attempt but makes me want more with its execution.
I categorise this movie under fantasy, historical, adventure drama category(Uh!). In the beginning the movie resembled Indiana jones' and mummy. In a shadow chasing scene its resemblance to such sequence in "Mackennas gold" is unmistakable. When you come to know that there is a covert population in a secret location that's being chased by another civilisation for the purpose of recovering a lost treasure and that too generations down the line, I somehow could see the plot line of "Davinci code". The sequence in the amphi-theatre is a straight lift off from "Gladiator". The make up and the mannerisms reminded me the "Lord of the rings" and lastly the music composition during battle sequences with sudden quietness for a short duration reminded me of the battle sequence in "The chronicles of Narnia 1st part". It seems that Selvaragavan the director was caught in between two strong factors, "Inspiration" and "Creation". By the time his inspiration ends the creation begins, the entire 3 hours and few odd minutes come to an end and curtains go down. This is true because in the end, you can see a hint about a possible sequel that would hopefully cover the balance portion that's left unfinished.
Having criticised it, I have to confess that this is one of the genuine endeavours to expand the horizons of the tamil movies. Even if there are some loose ends, it unfailingly proceeds to unfold a story instead of sticking to the same formula that's very typical of kollywood. Here there are no introduction hero worshipping song, no punch dialogues to splinter your ear drums, no over the top melodrama. Instead you get to see two strong female leads which is a rarity. They are delightfully beautiful and look ravishing, a hero who is very good with his role, nice picturisation and reasonable visual effects given the budget and technological limitations.
In my opinion, the director started drawing a human picture, but in the process he got so engrossed in the details that he consumed the entire canvas to draw just the face.
Epilogue: I appreciate it for its bold attempt but makes me want more with its execution.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Ode on a Grecian Urn
"Ode on a Grecian Urn" is a poem written by John keats. If I remember correctly, this poem was in 11th standard syllabus. The beauty of this poem is that it glorifies the moments that had been depicted on an Urn through a series of paintings. The urn is part of Greek's history. It captures the essence of all the emotions viz, longingness, desperation, ecstasy and a whole lot of other entities in one particular moment. John keats feels that the artist succeeded in immortalising that moment forever. Drawing a parallel from his another famous line "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" this urn is the epitome of all that is beautiful and in turn is a joy forever. It makes me deduct that anything that is beautiful and anything that is joyful can belong to this moment alone. Anything that belongs to the past you can think and can only try to bring back those memories. Anything that belongs to a possible future, you can just imagine and can only calculate the permutations and combination of the events. But if you are to feel the beauty and joy you can do that only at this moment. For that matter anything that involves feeling can only be felt at this moment, not in the past and never in the future. We can surmise the above philosophical maze in a simple sentence and that is "This moment is inevitable".
It seems John keats felt the same way and gave life to his feelings in a way that is best suited to him; thorough his poetry. "Ode on a grecian urn"
It seems John keats felt the same way and gave life to his feelings in a way that is best suited to him; thorough his poetry. "Ode on a grecian urn"
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Do we actually need a GOD in our lives?
Do we need a God even if he exists?. I don't mean to say that he doesn't exist, but at the same time I would neither say that he exists. I say this because I haven't experienced Him to say that he exists and at the same time no amount of science and logic could explain me how else could this universe and life could have been created except for a power that's beyond the reach of a person through his sensory organs.
We all at one point or another would have certainly asked for God's help when things got out of control or situations quite grave. We even blame him and swear at him for all the pain, suffering, death and destruction in our world. This seems like blaming the neighbour for our domestic issues. Not only do we refuse to take responsibility for our mistakes, we expect someone else to sort out the mess for us.
If there is a possibility of, we human beings acquire a capacity to be unaffected by the external environment, then we end up in eternal happiness. Instead of expecting bad things not to happen (which is an impossibility in our world) if we can face them with equanimity we are bound to be happy for eternity. If this is what keeps us happy, then in my opinion that's what we should want, that's the God one should desire, that's the state one should attain. Who needs an external God in this case????
We all at one point or another would have certainly asked for God's help when things got out of control or situations quite grave. We even blame him and swear at him for all the pain, suffering, death and destruction in our world. This seems like blaming the neighbour for our domestic issues. Not only do we refuse to take responsibility for our mistakes, we expect someone else to sort out the mess for us.
If there is a possibility of, we human beings acquire a capacity to be unaffected by the external environment, then we end up in eternal happiness. Instead of expecting bad things not to happen (which is an impossibility in our world) if we can face them with equanimity we are bound to be happy for eternity. If this is what keeps us happy, then in my opinion that's what we should want, that's the God one should desire, that's the state one should attain. Who needs an external God in this case????
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