Laughing Buddha

All Izz is not well!

2009-11-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

The Thamizh Film Directors Association was abuzz with activity early in the morning of a rainy Tuesday on Nov 10th. Four middle aged actors paced in to the office in Chennai and lodged a petition citing apathy meted out to them over the past five years.

As the TV cameras zoomed in, the familiar faces of Vivek, Charlie, Chinni Jayanth and Dhamu appeared sans the typical facial antics. They were clearly miffed that they were removed from the college scene rather prematurely.

After RK Silvermani heard their case patiently, he explained to them that they were in their early forties and that Suman Shetty, Santhanam and other dumuks have already taken their place.

Not to be bogged down, the college veterans argued that this is a clear case of discrmination, as Bollywood have called back Aamir Khan and Madhavan along with Sharman Joshi to the campuses through 3 Idiots.

Dhamu reiterates the point saying he possesed extra talents like mimicry and more importantly better hair dyes than his Bollywood counterparts.

Vivek was agitated and threw away his cooling glasses as a symbol of accepting his age. He added that there was no more a need to hide his age showing through his sagging eye bags.

Chinni Jayanth feeling left out had the last say " Jilku Jikkan Jikka, Bollywood hero enna Kokkaa".

Charlie as usual filled the space on the conference dias with his mute presence, a role he used to do with aplomb in movies with a lab record book in hand.

Is recession over?

2009-06-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hurray! The recession is behind us…. Forget the sensex, forget the GDP numbers, forget the inflation percentage and forget mooted media bytes on revival.
There are some barometers that have no numbers but are very vital in signifying positive mood in the economy.

There are pamphlets distributed outside IT campuses.

Eunuchs are running around signals and establishments demanding their katthas.

The side middle berth is getting removed in some of the trains.

Sun Pictures has started releasing movies which are lighter (Maasilamani) than ‘Thee’ and ‘Kadhalil Vizhundhen’.

Some of the above may not be welcome, but these are pointers to some sunshine.. may the brightness resume!

Beyond Cricket

2008-12-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

It is a world renowned fact that Cricket at any level unites Tambram Mamas across Chennai. The Triplicane tribe are walking Encyclopedias of statistics when it comes to even league cricket. An ICF all rounder of the 80's would still find a mention on discussions and debates on why India never had a quality all rounder after Kapil Dev.

But beyond cricket, there is another topic that makes them jump up and participate. Fondly referred to as 'Avan'(him), the Indian Railways plays an integral part in building acquaintances between unrelated Mamas in social gatherings like Nichayadarthams (engagement), weddings, naming ceremonies and the likes.

"Avan adichindu vandhutaan" is the biggest accolade a train gets for catching up after running late for most parts of the journey.
"Avan routa maathitaan" means the train's route has been changed. This is an all time favourite with Mamas as they would get travel tips for the next occasion.

Increased Tatkal seats, inclusion of middle berth in the sides are all developments which have caught the frenzy of the enlightened generation of late.

It is high time that Lalu va takes cognisance of the innumerable Advisors he could have for his Ministry and duly take their suggestions going forward.

BCCI's next big plans

2008-10-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Lalit Modi was pleasantly surprised when he woke up last Friday morning, as the entire world was reeling in a state of shock.
As he was skimming through ET and sipping his morning chai, he was thrilled to find out that Iceland had gone bankrupt.
Here is a country which was so close to the Mecca of Cricket that could be acquired with the brimming coffers of the Board of Cricket Control in India.
His 'Dil ki Awaaz' started to yell louder than ever before. No fight over stadiums but a full country all for himself and his ambitions to make cricket the most profitable business ever.
Since English players are hesitant to join the Indian Premier League, he hoped no such resitance would be felt once Iceland Premier League starts.
If the weather turns too chilly he can make T-20 cricket a two day event. That could bring in double the crowds for a single match.
He could build stadiums at will as there would be no farmers protesting against mass land acquisitions.
If he can hold 20-20 in Iceland's local time of 8 PM, then Indians who would have just completed watching the local IPL can gear up for the Icelandic edition. Higher sustained TRPs will do no harm. So what if it affects next day's productivity at work.
Just imagine, if South Africa or Australia could go bankrupt next, a country in southern hemisphere can provide summer all round the year for cricket!

The PM has a total sense of responsibility....

2008-09-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well Manmohan Singh is a real lucky man. He is probably one of the few highly paid Public Servants in India reporting to foreign bosses.
He has an Italian to report into on what is going in the agreement with the US, and reports to the French Prime Minister on what happens within India in Karnataka and Orrisa.
If only we the people knew that our Prime Minister is responsible to explain the state of the nation to the Eurpean Union andnot to us, we would rather enrol ourselves for the ballot process in France.
The same Prime Minister who told the Opposition not to politicise Price rise, and told the nation to be united and not create tension on account of blasts that killed hunderds of fellow Indians is now explaining to the EU head as to what is happening to the Christians in the country.

On the flip side his is also an uneviable post. He is accountable to the western world for attacks on the Church. He is accountable to the Arab nations for any atrocities committed on the Muslims. Well, an attack on Hindus is just a cowardly act which they are supposed to be resilient to and not create an uproar against.
He should not be faulted though. Had the Hindu Kings of the past gone ahead on an acquisition and convrsion spree when they could afford to there could be some Hindu nations as well, which Mr Singh would have preferred to report to... because he is not reporting to the electorate that pushed him to where he is today.

Recently came to hear that Ram Leela in New Delhi are to close down by 10 or 11 at night pwing to security issues. Hope the same rule applied for Ramzan in Bangalore. Well giving an equal right to Hindus is unsecular in a country where Indian Muslim League is a secular party whereas BJP is not.

I have nothing against followers of other religions, but without any help from the Britishers, the current top brass of poilticians have indeed mastered the act of divide and rule.

Country Drub

2008-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

His reach was limited to the Hoardings along the main roads in South Indian cities. Then he would eavesdrop though his wide hat into our compounds through countless brochures.
Then his endearing photos were featured in sponsored columns with newspapers. He would feature with the best of the worst tinsel town glam girls.
Thankfully, he has exercised abundant caution and managed to keep his cheer away from innocent Gabbar Singh fearing children, and refrained from featuring himself
In the prime time advertisements in national news channels.
The Swayambu King of Leisure and Pleasure, Y Rajeev Reddy is now omni present.
For some weird reason, he thinks that he is the Best Brand Ambassador for his enterprise, ala Virgin’s Richard Branson.
The self styled Black Boot to Black Hat attire with his thumbs up in the air is a trademark of this Recreation Czar.
But alas, he doesn’t stop there. If any of you have been lucky enough to get a copy of the brochure that talks about adventure holidays, you would find amidst the now familiar two parents two kid family, atop an elephant, a cute middle aged homosapien with a mulberry worm mush and a Bermudas to hat brown clad attire smiling gleefully with the thumbs up pose intact.
Is he some two amusement park or something? Has no one told him that his image on all his printed ads is perhaps a deal breaker and not a deal clincher.
Once I dared to quench my curiosity and arranged for a meeting with one of the sales executives of the Club, and he offered me one plot free with a lifetime membership. He studied my silence for a couple of minutes, and went to add that I could also get one more complimentary plot to the complimentary plot if I sign up for membership on the same day! With these kind of offers on display,
I tend to ask myself as to Y? Rajeev Reddy thrusts his image on us at every single opportunity. Watch out for the Clown in Sheikh Dress and diving down in a parachute!! Hilarious boss!

Breaking News! Its a Vaaman 'Exclusive'!

2008-05-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

That's precisely one word that carries no exclusivity in News Channels!
Amitabh Bachchan catches cold in Mumbai!
Vengsarkar picks out Dravid for exclusion as he is a soft target!
Father kills daughter over Extra Marital Affair!
Scarlett Raped and Murdered after being Drugged!
Fantastic! My IQ seems to soaring exponentilly over the last few months!
Extra Marital Affairs, Cricket Selections, Gory Gory Blood Scenes after Bomb Blasts..
Price rise, persistent followup on national security issues, Impact of Reservations, Implementation of Govt Plans are issues not worth dabbling about for thse bunch of exclusive news channels...
Forget all this, why is that all inspiring stories on a village underprivileged, an idli vendor's
son making it to the IIM and subsequently stating a catering chain find mention as snippets at the very end of each news magazine.
Are all our lives ebing with unlimited joys that we yearn for such depressing and irrelevent news in prime time news? Can we have a more Pan India coverage that brings Good news across the nation and cheer us all and help us keep our Heads high?

Sister Stella(r)!

2007-08-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

God’s Own Country is famous for two things. One that is universally acclaimed and well document is the natural splendour that perennially blesses the state with plenty.

That other thing that is universally acclaimed but not adequately documented unlike the Mumbai dabbawallahs is the gift to mankind in the form of Nairs who dutifully set up a tea shop the moment the population per 100 sq mtrs in any area is more than 10.

However, what remains an enigma is the reason why 98% of nurses are Mallus. What makes them stand out? If the warmth with which they treat every patient is anything to go by, there is no other reason required to prove why Kerala ranks supreme in hospitality.
Tresa, Jini, Biji are all hospitalhold names I guess. Does Kerala state govt provide subsidized education for courses in hospital-ity?
The smiles range from warm to super warm…. (Since I am talking about hospital nurses and not Kingfisher air hostesses, I am not using words like hot and …..)

But the serious question again is , why Mallus, and not anyone else… Any thoughts?

How will it end?

2007-07-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

There is a never before hype about this one. Everyone wants to have their say.
This is the question that is gripping the public of West Mambalam
How will the seventh release of ‘Lorry Water’ scheduled for tomorrow end?

Insignificant Opinions Ltd, the leading dip stick survey service providers did their best in the heat, collected opinions from almost every street and have listed the top five possibilities:

Visalam maami picking up a fight with Kousalya Maami
Metro Water giving dimki as usual and not turning up
Lorry Driver arrives triumphantly after bashing one more unsuspecting school kid on the way
The Lorry cleaner gets bashed up by local residents for demanding extra bucks for the timely service
The most unlikely ending would be none of the above!
Let’s all wait for the action to unfold and see who guessed it right!

Sindhanais

2007-07-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Oru Vaanam Pala Desam
Oru Ennam Pala Vannam
Oru Nokkam Pala Padhai
Oru Needhi Pala Sattam
Oru Mugam Pala Vesham
Oru Karuthu Pala Mozhigal
Oru Nilam Pala Thotram
Oru Udal Pala Unarchigal
Iru Uyir Ore Moochh

A city in the making...eternally

2007-07-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

The endearing honks,
The F1 quality cabbies,
Action all around,
Filled with dynamic inertia

Six directions of traffic,
On a two lane road,
Survival of the fittest
Victory for the meanest

Rising from the greens,
Concrete crass in the name
Of civilization and progress
An immature city in its teens

Masses flock here
To make a living
In this focused quest
We forget to make a life

The heart is binary
The heart is intuitive
The heart is unadulterated
Listen to it, Listen to it.

Verum Kanava? Kaanal Neera?

2007-07-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

Erimalai Ponra Vaazhkaiyil
Aangaange Oru Poonthottam
Oru Vaarathil Irendu Naal
Pottal Dhaan Enna Kondattam

Anbargoludu Oru Sila Mani Neram
Kadarkarayil Sila Nimidam Amaidhi
Sombal Murikamal Adhiganeram Urakkam
Mugavari Illadha Idathil Tholaivoma?

Dinasari Alaichalai Konjam Marandhu
Thalaiku Mel Vetta Velicha aagayam
Kaalin keezh Methai Ponra Pulveli
Thirumba Oduvadharku Thevayana Marundhu

Pookalin Nirangalai Rasipadharkum
Ain pulangalin Magathuvam Arivadhirkum
Pozhudhupokku galai Seendi Paarkavum
Ketpadhellam Irendu Naal Vidumurai

Payanangal

2007-07-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thodangi vittom Payanathai
Mudivai noki vegamaai selgirom
Kadaisi Mile kal Enna Vendru
Innum Nirnaikka Neram Illai

Nedunjaalaigal Vazhiyil Sila
Otrai adi paadhaigalo Pala
Thadai karkal pala nooru
Pallam paalam Sila nooru

Paadhi Vazhiyil Sandhegam
Sellum Vazhi Sirandhadha?
Serum Idam Uyarndhadha?
Indha paadhayil veroruvarume illaye?

Magizhvikka Aangaange Porkalangal
Sindhikavaika Appapodhu siriya Tholvigal
Potti Potu Jeyipadharku Sila Payanangal
Rasithu Anubavikave Vaazhkai Enum Payanam

Pesinaa dhaan enna?

2007-07-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Ulagarindha Ezhu Swarangal
Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Da Nee
Mounam Ennum EttaamSwaram
Kandupidithaval Dhaane Nee

Nee Pesum Andha Vaarthaigalai
Maalayaga Kothu paarthal
Ara Mozham Malli Kooda
Neelomo endru Thonudhe

Nanbargal Or Aayiram
Ellayatra Vambu Vedikkai
Un Pechuku Enguvadhe
Ennoda Putham Pudhu Vaadikai

Bombay Mazhai Pol Pozhiyavum Vendaam
Madras Kozha Pol Emaathavum Vendaam
Sorkalai Semipadhal Selvam Servadhumillai
Mounakarargaluku Sorgam Urudhiyum Illai

Pesen, Please pesen, ada pesi tholayen!! :)

Fly Indian, Feel Indian

2007-06-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

Catching a red eye flight is one of the worst nightmares that come true within a couple of hours after waking up.
Vanitha and I were in the boarding hall of IC105 in Mumbai, when we struck a conversation with this old gentleman, who had a child like glint in his eyes. He was very happy as he had just retired and was gifted flight tickets by his son to visit them. As we boarded the flight the Chief Steward suddenly hugged our new friend. “Hey, nice to see you here, we just met twice after our school days, isn’t it!”.
I was busy reading the high voltage nonsense published in Mumbai mirror, when a tray surfaced right between my eyes and the paper – An action that suggested that candies were being offered to me. I felt a little threatened but I collected myself up and grabbed a couple of Minties.
I wonder what Indian’s strategy is, but I would like to remind them that stewards don’t have to pay for the tickets and therefore engaging senior citizens aboard doesn’t save them any costs. This is a stretgy that BCCI has adopted and by employing Chandu Borde as manager they only pay half price for his travel. I think Sachin will feel like a baby if he travels by Indian with Chandu Chacha.I guess the audience they are targeting are the middle aged travelers, who also get a chance to ogle, and not just be overwhelmed by barely 20’s skin show and toned physiques.
Also, I guess it is easier for these 40 plus uncles and aunties to wake up early and report to work, than their children.
Having said this, the next hour and a half was pure pleasure. There were these ‘60s and ‘70s songs that were playing in the background during take off and landing. The service was genuinely warm, and was not just a display of plastic smiles, an art that the younger fin flight crews have mastered.
Even while serving breakfast and coffee, there was this naturally courteous and warm “Sir/Madam”, though they were my Uncle’s age.
The pilot was a really seasoned one (may be his last flight before retirement ) as we did not even feel the jerk when the flight touched down, and a few passengers around us woke up only when the luggage compartments were being opened. I alighted from the flight feeling extremely satisfied, and thanked the steward with a warm smile.

Sivaji The Boss - Movie Review, Uthappam in a pizza box

2007-06-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

A younger looking Rajini, a slimmer looking Nayantara, and a promising start with Balelaka really raises the hopes of the viewer by the fifteenth minute of the film.
This has been the year of sequels - Shrek 3, Pirates Of the Caribbean 3, Spiderman 3 and now it is Shankar's time to present his own Gentleman - 3.
A talented director can make movies on the same theme, but can't keep repeating movies with same screenplay and dialogues. There is no question of a dejavu when actually the film is filled with meticulous lifts from earlier movies, be it Shankar's, Rajini's ,hits like Gilli and even from unheard of movies like Aavaram Poo. Of course, Matrix will find a place in every Tamil blockbuster.
Having said this, this movie is a tribute to the sportiv champ called Rajini. He has to be commended for the way he imitates Vijay, Sivaji, MGR, Kamal, his funky hair style and costumes and above all giving sharing the screen with Vivek almost in every shot.
If you thought this review would carry the story, I will not play the spolier before the first weekend. Even if I want to, I can't since Shankar himself doesn't have anhything new to tell.
If Shankar had spent more time on the script than searching for the right crew, the product would have been much much better.
AR Rehman's background score for Suman and for Rajini at times are good but otherwise he has been lazy and keeps playing bits from the songs as BGM. Even SA Rajkumar wouldn't have overused his songs like this.
With great money spent on the sets for songs, which could make Software campuses look ordinary a little more thought could have been given to technical details. Some mid air dishoom sequences, have very poor morphing quality and one can see two of the Asian Paints 56 Blue shades.
The stunt choreography in the first half is pretty innovative. Vivek and Rajini get together for a fantastic display of timing and dialogue delivery. The best lines though are reserved for Suman. This villain really oozes class. Shankar would be thanking the stars that Mohanlal and Amitabh refused to sign up for this movie. What a comeback from the Black Belt!
This film has many records. After a dozen movies, Rajini goes behind the heroine big time and not the other way round. It is the first time that we get to see the secret behind Rajini's make up tricks.This is also the first time that I have seen a Rajini Movie first day first show, and also the first to leave the theatre. I did not wait till the climax as the entire experience was an anticlimax. The first half was summarised by my wife's long yawn, and the second half by the urge to get out of the theatre.
Overall Shankar Sir, " Neenga Comedy Geemadi onnum pannaliye"........

For heaven's sake

2007-06-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Mahi,

A few years back when you set your foot on a cricket pitch against the Pakis in India and scored that incredible century and later went on to become the world's number one batsman, you were not just the best player but an answer to a billion people's prayer.You continued to enthral audiences with your Federer style stroke play on a cricket pitch and you had avergaes that could have been viewed as ordinary by Mike Hussey.With TVS Victor and Shampoos taking care of your financial needs and a Hummer to carry you around the town, Aapka Life tho ban hi gaya...But suddenly the harsh reality that international cricketers need to play both home and away matches caught up with you.
I thought only shcool kids get home sick, but I must say every inning you played in foreign soil felt like a message that you were sending across to the selectors that you wanted to get back home and drink two litres of milk every day.
And were you working in some corporate before you stormed into the international cricket scene. When a match can be won with a simple run a ball chase, you prefer to cork the pressure and show your heroics in a do or die situation (this scenario operates on home soil only). You would make any manager proud. What I really appreciate about you is the fact that you seem to be turning a blind eye to the danger engufling you. You have another wicket keeper batsman who is playing purely as a batsman in the same side, and all set to displace you from the Test squad.
Arise awake but score not unless you play in India is a philosphy that is worth a rethink.... Think about it.. if you can....
Regards,
A cricket fan whose time has frozen since the 1983 WC!

Jaane Kyoon Jaane Kyoon Jaane... Kyoon

2007-05-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

1. What fondness does Perarasu have with the Tamil Nadu map that he names his movies "Thirupachi""Sivakasi""Tirupathi (This was part of old Madras map you see;) )""Dharmapuri"and "Pazhani"...This is actually inspiring other directors to rename their movies.. Balu Mahendra is thinking of rechristening his next art movie Kaanja Komanam as Kumbakonam... Thevaya?

2.Why does majority of Malayalam movies have English Titles, When English itself is spoken like Malayalam.. Semma Dhil paa.. Though I don't follow Hollywood movies much, reading reviews of Mal movies gives me an alpa sandhosham...Englees Padam review padichen macchi types!

3. What fascination does Karan Johar, Rakesh Roshan and Ekta Kapoor have towards K.. It is more than what Madrasis have for 'h' in all names.

4. How does every movie that Raja Sen rubbishes with his reviews on rediff turn out to be a hit?

5. How does every movie of Shankar get released promptly after half a dozen delays?

Dil he Chota Sa.. Choti si Aasha

2007-05-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Though I am not much into material aspirations, having a wishlst is only human
So here goes my top 5 on my wish list for the second half of 2007! This is in no specific order...
1. Himesh Reshamiyya singing an ARR composition.. both of them singing together might be even better... both pushing their nasal strings to unsubdued limits.. one oozing class.. the other oozing.... whatever
2. David Dhawan casting Alok Nath instead of Rajpal Yadav as the spearhead of the comedy brigade in his next venture (heard that Alok Nath beat Kulbushan Karbanda hollow in Great Indian Laughter Challenge 2.5)
3. Shilpa Shetty declining a press meet invite....she now likes all kinds of press. including richard Gere's auto gear one on her cheeks.
4. Narayanamurthy be left alone, and not be dragged into the Presidency race.Manmohan Singh has already proved that being good is not good enough to lead the country.
5. This is a very bold one..Ravi Shastri in the commentary box admitting on air that a post lunch session in a test match is actually inconsequential!
I leave the tougher task of rating the above to you guys..

Irates of the Caribbean

2007-04-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

*yaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnn*

It is not every day that an average cricket would forget to watch the World Cup Semifinals twice in two days....i am proud to have done this and I am sure that I am not alone.
When ICC was deciding the modalities of the event, the minutes of the meeting were recorded with one small mistake...instead of "The world Cup is an event held once in four years", it was recorded as "The world Cup is an event held once for four years".. Haven't been witness to a longer edition, and this might last all the way until WC 2011 .....

With the Asian Honchos opting to get back home because of home sickness, and more to protect their families from educated yet senseless public, who were hell bent on vandalising the properties hard earned through endorsing MNC brands. The actual issue could have also been that they might have found it way too boring and demeaning to play in stadiums which were less populous than the cinema halls screening Dharam Paaji's comeback C grade Movies.

So there was this bright mind that thought it would be possible to infuse life into the tournament by taking one's life... Bob Woolmer the victim... downright silly idea.. for the minimal public interested in going to the stadium made a U turn to the Police Station, as there was more action there...

Super 8's.. Less said the better.. what was super about it? No one wants to comment...The only happy souls were the bookies who backed Banglas against South Africa.... Barring that every match has been extremely predictable and one sided, barring one England WI match...Even the commentary did not help.... Guess Sony recruiters were waiting outside ESPN's office for ex cricketers who got rejected by them, so that Sony could employ them at half price...

So am I looking forward to the Grand Final? Well I wouldn't be waking up until 1:30 at night and post this comeback blog..

Thanks for being patient waiting for my blog to be updated for close to four months.. hope i get better with the freqency of posts going forward.

Vidya Balan all the way this new year!!

2007-01-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

After a stunning debut in Parineeta, and a breezy performance in Lage Raho Muna bhai, Vidya Balan is all set to tantalize me and my fellow fans this month, first in Guru, the Maniratnam ensemble, a movie tightly etched on life and times of Dhirubhai, releasing this Friday, and later on the 26th, in Salaam e ishq, a Nikhil Advani ensemble believed to be on the lines of Love Actually..

Whats more, we have Eklavyaa, where Vidhu Vinod Chopra makes a directorial comeback after six years ready for release next month

Each of these movies has Vidya Balan in strikingly different roles, and there is no doubt that her performances are going to warm the hearts of the audience.. All the best to the true Pari of Bollywood!

P.S: Pramod – This might sound way too IMDBish I know.. So your comment can be anything other than praising me on my in-depth knowledge of this domain… J

Choices, voices and more

2006-12-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

One doesn’t have a choice
With what has been given
What one makes out of it
Depends on how one is driven

- Yours truly

A couple of instances, in a span of minutes that actually fuelled these thoughts

Scene 1: Bandra foot overbridge – A beggar with crippled legs seeking alms from another polio inflicted person limping past him. Now the latter could have chosen to go the relatively easy way, but he chose to face the world..take it on with full zest, and be independent

Scene 2: As I climb down the stairs, I see two guys at the railway platform, and one of them was having the Reliance Prepaid promo bag strapped across his shoulders,which said ‘mujhme hei wo baath”, and he was busily miming his thoughts across to his friend…

Need I say more?

Wish you all a very happy new year! May 2007 and the years following that (just to clarify, I didnt mean 05/07) bring unlimited joy and infinite reasons to celebrate life!

Kaasimedu Raayar

2006-12-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Buoyed by the success of James Bond’s recent success globally, Kollywood has decided to cash in and remake 'Casino Royale' as 'Kaasimedu Raayar'.. did you see that initial teaser campaign featuring the intro song which as usual has been sung by Shankar Mahadevan whose rendition of intro songs is as predictable as Himesh Saab’s item numbers (~ A A Asikee Aasiki = Jhalak Dikh Laa ja= Aashik banaaya aapne~) and set to tune by none other than entry song patent holder Vidyasagar…

If you have missed to catch a glimpse of the rushes that has led to a few crushes, the start goes like this…

Porathu Podhum Pongi Ezhu
Naan Indha Thamizh Not Ezhu (007 nu sollaraaru baa)
Neeyo Naayar Avano Laayar
Naan Dhaan da….Da Da Da.. (echo effikt)
…….Kaasimetu Raayaru (glaring at the camera with the blood shot eyes))

Poduvaaru Draayarr Kasimetu Raayar (chorus at 60 decibels -low pitch)
Poduvaaru Draayarr Kasimetu Raayar (chorus at 120 decibels- ach pitch)

Now what is so unique about this? Just like how airports across the world are revamping their architecture to welcome the A380 into their facility, the multiplexes are planning to combine all screens together so that they can actually project the 7 Vijayakanths on a single screen (the matrix ishtyle intro). Currently only Prarthana theatre is geared up to showcase this spectacle as the screen is 7 storey tall and two buildings wide…

Looking forward to yet another rocking performance from Captain!

Dada(giri) Returns, with a Bong!

2006-12-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

During the third one-dayer against south Africa,when India were tottering around on the field hapless as usual, Robin Jackmann asked Ravi Shastri a simple question “ Raaavi…Where are the Laxmans and Gangulys” .. Ravi Shastri was diplomatic.. “Robin.. Laxman will definitely be back in the Test side” and preferred to go silent on Ganguly's chances…

The BCCI selection committee has answered Robin’s question, and so our beloved Dada is back in the test side…And if you thought Ganguly’s return to the Indian team is more of a political move, than one taken on sporting merit, let me present to you excerpts from the first press meet that Sourav had after being called back…. You can draw your own conclusions from some extremely thought provoking answers from the Bengal Cat (A tiger that doesn’t roar)

Q: You have always been optimistic about returning to the team earlier than what most people would think, and your faith has paid off

Dada: Yes, I was always sure that I will win the vote of confidence of the majority of people who matter

Q: You also insisted that retirement was never on your mind..

Dada: Of course, there are some games, where there is no mandatory age for retirement, and you can continue to play till you have the will

Q: You even gave up Bengal captaincy in the wake of a probability that you might make it to Team India

Dada: I read somewhere that one can't hold two offices of profit simultaneously..so I thought I may not qualify to join the Team in Blue, if I continued captaining West Bengal Ranji team

Q: Sharad Pawar had a word with the BCCI selectors before the team was announced. Do you think running an organization with dual power centres is good in the long run

Dada: Depends on how you define long run. The country is running on dual power centre model for the last two years and likely to last for another three years, this way. Is this long term or short term, or has this hampered the country’s progress?

Q: Your form per se has not been really great either in county or in Ranji. What do you think contributed to your inclusion.

Dada: Anti-incumbency. Either you do well, or wait for others to do badly. (* the naughty Prince of Calcutta smile just got bigger than ever*)

Q: Finally, your relationship with the coach is not enviable by any standards. How do you think you are going to get along in your second stint

Dada: In this game, there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends. Situations change, and along with that, people also need to change.

The entire media contingent were awestruck by the pearls of wisdom from the former captain, and they actually thought they were interviewing Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee before the West Bengal State elections!

A String of relationships

2006-11-28T04:34:00.000-08:00

How much of a difference does a string make to a person, and how much is it used to signify relationships…I can think of half a dozen strings /threads right away that substantiates this.

The rakhee tied to reinforce the bonding between a brother and sister, by birth or otherwise

The string that is tied on the wrist, and sometimes around the hip ;) to ward off the evil eye

The mangal suthra that symbolizes the start of married life for the woman,

The sacred thread that symbolizes the beginning of brahmacharya for a boy

The strings that are tied around the branches of trees in temples which denotes a prayer for well being of a beloved, or any desire for that matter

It is quite easy to understand this, as the tighter these strings are tied, the stronger and longer it lasts.. simple isn’t it?

By the way, I was saying that I can think of six strings and have mentioned only five……on hind sight.. thought would leave out the sixth, as this blog is rated as ‘G’… … please switch off your dirty brain cells that is looking to add two and two here ;)