ThiraiKatha ... Screenplay'ed

When Movie making is commercialism and Movie Viewing is to chew popcorn as every sensible fellow ,I aligned myself away from these clutches which in the end of the day are just nothing more than a Puke-Plate.
To make a movie which is commercially viable and at the same time to make a viewer take back a lesson to live a life happier is much more important or at least need of the hour in constant changing dynamics of the living world where we tend to forget our roots. Palpable emotions hurt me the other day when I came out of my living room , tears went down and became emotionally challenged. Not that this movie was so , but just because some movies grew deep into your life , sit in your Hall of heart and pinch you so badly that you need almost days together to come out of that evil.

Thiraikatha (Screenplay) as it aptly says in its final closure scenes , we people make films (see films) that is much etched out neatly tuned , characterized with a picture perfect ending just to realize the people who make it and who live it (sentinel it with pure passion) are the actors who are poor in acting directed by an amateurish fellow with a poor plot called life. I was moved.

An Homage in the title card a read in Wikipedia moved me much before the start of the cinema. Generally we don’t believe on internet facts but for me , I was equally saddened with a thought of “Had it be true, how would it be , how would the lady endured the sufferings”. Yeah I accept it’s after all a screenplay, but…

“Akbar Ahmed” alias ‘Akky’ after a debut Hit film qualifies as a hot cake for the producers in Malayalam Film Industry , post success he takes care of his family business of running a Motel “Casablanca” along with his friends which includes his girlfriend ‘Devayani’. Passion for Movie making is the wealth these folks have and they become more focused on the next project though commercially winning was an option when top heroes agree to bend their dates for them.

Akky has different plans. He initially ventures into a research on ‘Lost Ladies of Yester Year Cinema’ leading up to Malavika , leading star of the previous generation. The Screenplay of Thiraikatha is well pictured as a flashback of realization in a form of narration that leads to a pursuit for the lady who not only did quit the industry but lives in an exile away from comfort. Akky unravels the life of Malavika , initially to be scripted as his second film making him to drop the plan when he knows the truth about her.

Ajayachandran who is the Super star of the industry who once debut with Malavika shares an important role in her life or if it’s the reverse ? What is the reason for which he did the act of becoming a cheap rouge in Malu’s eyes and how could this be resolved becomes the rest of the story amalgamating with what makes Akky Realize the realm of life.

Aby Kuruvilla ‘s role is one of the finest characterization I have ever seen in recent times.

Thiraikatha is not just the screenplay , but it unravels the truth behind the screens of people who give three hour pleasure. Neatly sketched , poignantly assaulted , it’s a movie of must watch. Most of the details I’m keeping away from this post to make a watch more poignant.

Technically , it’s a Malayalam movie. (Do anyone need more description?)
It contains the exact proposition of what to be made as , or to be called as a neat movie. Ranjith who is the director , who also did co-produce the movie , written and even acted the important role of Aby Kuruvilla whose letters take Akky to Malu, is one to look for. I’ll immediately start researching about him.

Prithviraj Playing the role of Akky and the voice over narration is perfectly blended with a marvelous Midas touch of a perfectionist. The closing scenes of the movie where he emotes the truth and the scenes with Anoop Menon , the talk-less montages , he wins as an actor. Main character of the films are Priya Mani and Anoop Chandran. Priya Mani sizzles as a star of the yesteryear as well as the lady in her late years struggling. She manages to portray a perfect execution of what her character needed. ‘Anoop’ , exhibits his mastery. BGM is as soothe and move with the scenes , couple of songs still rings in back of your mind. Chitra,Swtha,Madhu B , Shankar Mahadevan made me to relate much more... More than technically bright the apt titled screenplay becomes more strong by every passing scene. If ‘Srividhya’ is ‘Malu’ and whether the universal hero has a role in her life as suggested in Wikipedia is to be researched but for me this movie shall remain as a master piece from industry which has become my home of cinematic excellence.

PS: I’m stopped in end of each and every line to make sure those who watch this movie tonight after reading this review shouldn’t be spoiled. It’s hard to write a memoir about a movie which has shaken you.

Ek Tha Tiger

Guys for once you have to accept the admiration that Salman Khan acquires , a 100 Crore plus box office collection for the opening week with 100% occupancy in single and multiplex theatres , only the Demi God of Asia can think of. He has done it repeatedly in recent years with even movies which doesn’t qualify for decent story or screenplay. This makes him a true star , this is where from day one the other Khans lack. Particularly the Badshaah has to learn in making money not the other way like Ra-one.

Coming to ‘Ek tha Tiger’ , a Typical YRF Production who are minting money dangerously these days , a Kabir Khan film whose reputation in New York and Kabul express is good , and it’s a Salman Katrina starrer.

Story : A RAW agent is in love with ISI Lady , what happens is the climax , with Iraq used for Showing what is Tiger , Dublin where Tiger waits his chance to leap , a twist in Istanbul a Cuban Climax.

Screenplay , with a story said above similar to Kinder Garden books , screenplay is where Kabir khan has capitalized at least when you have Salman with you , basic glitches are acceptable. And when movie move from one place to another , country here , one can easily predict the unpredictable but Kabir for a normal movie goer , he got their pulses.
There are lot of loop holes in story as what happened to Scientist and is their mission so small that a love story take sit over and even you have hints of Bondesque scenes and at last a Dhoom 2 conclusion

Though it is not a romantic movie like at least Body Guard , or a complete mass entertainer like Dabaang , it falls in between two.

Execution and performance : Katrina is the poorest casting I have seen. Some scenes I would like to mention here , when Sallu Bhai catches Katrina in professor’s house , emotionless face like not a blood is moving kind of look, VijayKanth-Ballaya kind of stuns (though it came out well , its sans logic , at least a laugh riot) , her emotionless always open mouth expressions sick. Poor Casting

More importantly the quick utterence of words with sudden break syllable ends the one i did notice in ZNMD is not suiting her , may be she has cultivated this habit for no good.

Girish karnad , shenoy everyone else did their part yeah including the Professor and the doggie.

Sallu Bhai is just amazing , be it actions stopping the spidermanesque Tram with his coat or be it the opening Iraqi stunts be the dialogue delivery ,”Zinda ya Murda” he is Macho man. I could see only my Thalaivar like this and he has repeated many times right from Wanted days.

This kind of Sattire low voice dialgogue delivery i enjoyed while watching transformation of Mahesh Babu and yeah the pokiri remake wanted has played a strong change in body language and dialogue delivery of Sallu bhai.

Most importantly what Sallu Bhai wins over others is timing of Satire , No one can match him with his low voice comical satire , talking to self … which I feel he has got a punch of his own. If not for Salman I wouldn’t have dared to watch this movie and that explains well.

Coming to music none read none is a chartbuster at least for me and BGM reminds me of Don. Mashallah song , I bet I have heard this in a Tamil Item No ( 90’s film ).

The high jump into chartered flight , the tram stopping scene , the cuban chase reminds me of lot of yesteryear hollywood flicks.

Having said all this its just an entertainment.

Some points i need to add , rightly mentioned is the beautiful cinematography and sharp editing as its a chase film with international locales.

Overall , this movie is like anyother movie which has base and building on the star power. At least we could see a not a blunder movie with Kabir doing his part. Watch it you won’t regret it. With piracy at its best here , I’m loving it.

Tiruvasagam Revisited...

This is an rat-size contribution for the Himalayan achievement Illayaraja has done 7 years ago. Seven years ago I was in 3 year of my college typically involving myself anything other than engineering. My involvement with Theatre , Music , Street Play , Mime started then. My Daily after college attending theatre workshop , work shop in Russian cultural center Alwarpet Chennai gave me ample time and scope to look for creative field as my occupation and I somehow achieved as little as I have now. These days my involvement with people in stage production (Musical play) was much and I even went to extend of doing small theatric roles for Madras Players and winning four in four Saarang IIT Theatre almost changed my mindset about life. With friends , I even managed to pull out a music album about Namma Chennai , from scratch completed full length production involving six tracks with as many music director-friends , invested months of my savings , released launched in Sathyam cinemas on Chennai day … and thus entering into the world of Music production with my life time aim to stage a musical play in Chennai (the land of creative hearts).
4 PM , took an auto from Chennai central to Music academy RK Salai grabbed a third row seat for the launch of Tiruvasagam in Symphony by Illairaja Supported by Tamil Maiyam.

Thiruvasagam ( திருவாசகம்) is a volume of Tamil hymns composed by the ninth century Shaivite bhakti poet Manikkavacakar. It contains 51 compositions and constitutes the eighth volume of the Tirumurai, the sacred anthology of Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta.

Illairaja , the Maestro did an Oratorio aptly supported by Tamil Maiyam ( NGO) consists of 6 tracks on “Tiruvasagam”. The oratorio was performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.

Goose bumps, Happy –Cry, Speech less are some words which doesn’t get apt after listening to this track. It’s an experience. Particularly from a Vedic family , the impact of this experience was an Himalayan journey whose fathom can never be measured. The launch was grandeur who is who of Literal musical political fraternity who can relate to anywhere any form with Tamil Literature and music were there. Speeches after speeches four hours of non-stop experience of once in lifetime portrayal of magnanimous creation was this. Its blend of Carnatic music with western world , it’s what Mozart or Beethoven would have taken Illayaraja into their lap and kissed him and said , the legacy of Symphony was created just for you to master it.

Shiva , the Lord as we all know has lot of literature on him right from Veda to silent prayers. Tiruvasagam is very sacred and experience. Illayaraja donning the creators hat to give an ever lasting impression in the musical world is not just fluke.

Whom I’m here review it when my life has changed that evening. Three time each academy award and Grammy award winner says this on illairaja who wrote English Lyrics for this Symphony.

“Last night, at Sony Studios in New York City, I had the pleasure of hearing the almost-finished mix of Ilayaraaja's amazing work. It is unlike anything I've ever heard before, a stunning blend of Indian and Western music and instruments. I asked Mr. Raaja if this was something different for him too, and he said he had never done anything like this piece before. I don't know if anyone has. So I believe those of you looking forward to this are in for a great treat. The section to which I contributed English words is about twenty minutes long and dovetails back and forth between Mr. Raaja singing in Tamil and an American singer singing in English, plus there is a large and beautifully produced chorus. Mr. Raaja's orchestrations are superb, and the recording engineer, Richard King, has done a spectacular job sonically. I felt so very proud to be a small part of this project. Mr. Raaja is a pleasure to work with, in answer to your question. He is a quiet and gentle personality, always smiling and encouraging, which can make one forget what a musical genius he is. He was extremely clear with me about what he wanted me to do in translating/paraphrasing the Tamil text, what portions of Manikka-Vacagar's poem he wished me to emphasize, and what the deeper meanings were. When he wanted revisions, he was again very clear and helpful as to what adjustments he felt needed to be made to accomplish his vision. The people Mr. Raaja surrounds himself with, at least those it was my pleasure to meet, are also unfailingly positive personalities. The entire project for me has been an enjoyable and fascinating experience from beginning to end, and I feel extremely lucky to have been asked by Mr. Raaja to participate. I hope this answers some of your questions, and I believe I can promise you with confidence you are in for a major treat when you hear Thiruvasakam in Symphony. Sincerely, Stephen Schwartz”

And this is true , an experience of life that was and that is for last 7 years I’m looped this more often than not. To realize and gain this performance of Thiruvasagam, you seldom have to be an adept in music or an ability in Thiruvasagam. But you have so , you can understand what a Himalayan trek it was , it was of course trekking to MT Kailash sitting in your living room. Thiruvasagam is itself a master stroke and any compilation on it is burning your hands , Illairaja did it. To Bring Symphony in Classical Tamil , it’s an honor to have lived in the era and to have firsthand copy of it and experience meaning of life way back to my home .

“Poovar Chenni Mannan” The track brings out westernized symphony with classical Vedic rendition Maestro himself singing the lines (Tamil) . “Muthu Natramam” , Sung by Unni Krishsnan Madhu Balakrishnan Vijay Jesudas and others is folky. This proves the variation in his style. My favorite is the album itself but to pick Pollaa Vinayen sung by Illairaja and Ray Harcourt. The voice of Harcourt gives me a thumping hit on my inner most senses with lines of Stephen in English you are killed with senses on.

Some lines of translated Tiruvasagam by Stephen are here.

So many forms I must wear –
Grass and shrub and stone and tree
So many lives I must bear –
Worm and bird and beast and demon
Learn the sky and turn the earth
How long till I am fin'lly worthy?
My eyes were set on my own great deeds
My ears heard only words of praise
Tasting, smelling, touching only what is here and gone
And wond'ring why the hunger, thirst, and longing went on
Lost in vanity and pretense
My five senses made no sense
And then to this man, so blind and base
To him, you granted a glimpse of grace

Particularly the layered genius he is. A week back Prahsanth_Ashok was sharing in FB , thoughts on Illayraja and i mentioned a comment on the status. No one in India at least i know of it, has mastered the different layer utilization in their songs like Him.
Basics of audiography and mixing i have learnt when my album was processed in Panchatam studios. When listening to Polla vinayen track in this album , i could feel how could one possess extreme talent in doing this , fact is he didn’t compose using Harmoniam or keybord , he writes notes and fax it to the Hungarian folks. Now that is art. Not Just art , excellence of art.

This being his third attempt with Hungary , first was for a Malayalam film Guru (Lalettan) second was for Hey Ram.

The amalgamation of these lines with Tiruvasagam and its singing by Illairaja and Harcourt , with symphony , you should be living your second life , after reaching out your innermost death in conscience. Death in Niravana , I would call or by…You have missed your life best opportunity to experience Nirvana if you have never listened to this. My journey in the field of music , if by any chance I continue , will never be easy if I don’t bend down in front of maestro like Raaja , for whom the world might know ARR thanks to Andrew Loyd Webber and his Bombay dreams , the who is who in Music of the world should have toasted a cheers on this fellow from Theni , who not only mesmerized the field of cinematic excellence composing music, but went beyond the reach of all so that generations come by , world may destroy this year end , until the Sapta Swaras exist , the god of Music , Mr Illairaja shall survive in the hearts of millions of his lovers.

Hangzhou Dusted...

Travel not of road but once own self existence was my thought and write in my previous posts , but for a change I decided to travel on road forcefully self-failing to think beyond reality , beyond the last page of my novel, just reality to love and pleasure the beauty of mother earth . I did that , did that in my maiden travel beyond the place of work, This Friday evening I was set for a travel to Hangzhou.

There is a Chinese proverb which says “生在苏州,活在杭州,吃在广州,死在柳州” meaning "Be born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou, die in Liuzhou”. Neither I was born here , death is not a planned task its always unplanned, hence the rest two are in our hands and I decided to go with one of them keeping the other for later adventures. “Live in Hangzhou” can also be sophistically translated to “Travel to Hangzhou” as for me like many of us meaning of Life is Travel, isn’t?

Friday evening , my last status mail for the week , Time sheet submission, Packed my Rucksack , charged not mobile of course , my Nikon and left for a journey initially thought as a stay-away from work but eventually it was more knowledgeable and pleasure ride.

Brief Description about the city and the need I planned for this trip and my initial expectations and places to visit : Hangzhou a 200 KM away city from Shanghai , South west of it , Has Infosys Office (DC) from the people I came to know the city is of Mussorie range, a lake , couple of temples is famous . My initial expectations was , nice breezy drizzling climate , lake boating , Temples, Food for self and lens , Overnight pubbing and snooker. The city is bisected by Qiantang River before flowing to East China sea.

Saturday morning with Friday night LOL in shanghai with non-intermittent game of 8-Ball Pool , travelled to the city by Road. It was heavily down pouring and visibility was not even for 15 m. After a quick fire brunch may be at the time when you all would have got up , we checked in the Sheraton . One hour later we were in Lingyin Temple.


Lingyin is a Buddhist temple of the Chan sect located north-west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. The temple's name is commonly literally translated as Temple of the Soul's Retreat. It is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, and contains numerous pagodas and Budddhist grottoes.

It is basically a five hall structure created to dedicated by Dynastical rulers to the Buddhist ages. One is welcomed by Maitreya or Milefo what you call as ‘laughing Budha’. My Favorite was Guanyin, a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, with relief screen, at the back of the Grand Hall of the Great Sage. The initial pathway leads as if entering caves of Feilai grottoes stone carved sculptures caves leading to great halls. Kwan-yin Statues was very uniquely designed and it perched my eye sight. ‘Mahavira Hall’. In front of Every hall there is a minaret style tombs which can be called as “pagoda” varying around 15 ft. There is also a 500 Arhats Hall which is lined display of Sculptures of ancient Monks.

**Pictures to be FB’ed.

Midafternoon , a temple to start and it was time for entertainment. We decided to move to lake side. “West Lake” it’s a big lake , big as a 40 min drive around its circumference in a radio car(Golf Cart) (I did it , later in the day). Reached for a place where I can have a nice Nai Cha (Tea) , the place was full of tea plantations and in house display. Post that I decided to take a boat ride alone. It was battery operated boat and runs in a decent speed. Behind the wheel , driving for more than half an hour without sun being seen , a breezy lake drive was like eating Butter scotch ice-cream with a Jack Daniel topping. Some pictures here and there I had some profile shots mostly OOF by locals there (it was very hard to explain what I want to them in my broken Chinese) .

The complete lake was paved perfectly for pedestrians , scenic beauty and most importantly it was like Ruskin Bond’s Mussorie. The Shore had Metal park-like chairs where one can sit with perfect magnetic view of the Leifeng Pagoda on one side , the commercialized sky scrapers on other side , a Hill on one side , Never ending lake on the other. Some time I even felt I was reading the white nights by Fodor Dostoevsky. Perfectly romantic and I could just dream of Sajda next to me. Just Dream , make a note.

With a king sized breath , I travelled lake side , completed a walk , reached a Mexican joint to have some Baritos and continued my walk for another half an hour when Lamborghini to Ferrari outlets passed by (I was seeing these first time , even a Rolls Royse ) SEXY .

I retired in my Hotel room in Sheraton after shaking legs for tunes , playing 8-Ball with a French lady (meaning of the word Gorgeous) couple of Daniels.

Next day got up with Ghost Rider and a cup of tea , finished the movie , checked out the hotel to Leifeng Pagoda

It is a five story tall tower with eight sides, located south West. History takes back thousand years ago. Some say there was a mausoleum below but later I got to know about this in internet that officially excavation resulted in a gold and silver coated hair of the Buddha was found. More importantly there was a superstition that the bricks from the tower could repel illness or prevent miscarriage, many people stole bricks from the tower to grind into powder. PRC made a point to conserve this and now it’s a Heritage center. The Pagoda resides as a tomb of these bricks (sacred) .The view of entire city , lake from each of third fourth and fifth floor looks quixotic. Each of these floors consists of display of carvings , pictures sculptures depicting the culture and history of this place. I was imaging Crouching Tiger and Hidden dragging when there was carvings of a war sequence. Have anyone been to Santhome basilica tomb in Chennai (In tomb, there is a molded sculpture of Thomas),these are of similar type.

A lunch in Indian restaurant , stared my journey way back.

Vintage Classic Happening: I was driving in the lake the other day and some body from other running boat called me . The boat was like typical "Dal lake" (remember Rajesh khanna with voice of Rafi sahab). Indu-dua (something) meaning are you from India ? and i nodded my head . He suddenly started singing a song in Chinese. Just to be later realized that the song is Main Awara Hoon (RAJ Kapoor Clasic). The fact that he is young max of my age making me realize that this song has transcended generations. RK take a bow.

Hangzhou is a place where you can spend a weekend enjoying the weather food and a pleasant travel , just a hour or two travel from Shanghai makes a perfect Holiday destination. More to come in Travelogue series : Revenge of Chinese : Food , Travel and Photography

Gangs of Wasseypur Part II

Before you read this, please go through my so called review about Gangs of Wasseypur here.

Now that everyone would have seen or at least heard about this epic cinema , as i would call , and no one can stop me, the is a reason for self-analysis why this movie for me is so special in Indian Cinema.

My review of Part I would have emphasized on the passing of Baton to Part II in a very classic touch , though Part I stands itself as an individual movie , there is lot to take from part I , and you are a semi lunatic if you sit in theatre watching just this part.

Sardar Khan is brutally killed, now where it goes, how the next generation takes the revenge of their ‘bujurgs’ , What shall Faizal Khan do , who shall support him , who shall betray him, will he kill Quereshi clan and Ramadhir Singh , that his father and Grandfather wasn’t able to do , What happens to him is just what it was going to be , but its own style. Style unique only to the city, people , generation.

Nawasuddin Siddique is not only a great find, but he is future of Indian Cinema. Why is so? Future of Indian Cinema leaving out mainstream commercialism, the characters played by him in Kahani and here , and in Pan Singh Tomar is what going to be the future of Indian Cinema , where Film Making takes a middle way between mainstream commercialism and so called art film. This type of making is commercially much more viable with huge returns and less investment and what we call with a Midas touch.

Without going for a spoiler , the scene where he kills Ramadhir singh, the agony he faces when he is cornered , the attitude he shows , he is what i call / the people like him / what i call the future of Indian Cinema.

Piyush Mishra Nagma Khatoon and others who had prominent role in first part did their justice for the role continued here. The second part is complete ride of Faizal khan and Zeishan Quadri , and i m sure no one could even think to deny this. And this is apt , again with no spoilers watch it.

The characterization of Zeishan Quadri is well plotted that for sure Anurag would have thought it that from scene one. Though Huma quershi didn’t have much part to play in latter half of Part II , but the montages involving her has been rightly pictured and she has lived the role. If it was ironic display of Huma Quershi in Latter part of first Part , it’s tough and bold sometimes timid lady in former part of first half. But i would say , taking the characterisation of Huma Quershi, The Casting of Gangs of Wasseypur is a bulls eye shot from Anurag.

Coming to Ramadhir Singh and Sultan Quershi , played by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Tripathi. We all know Tigmanshu for his once in life time cinema "Hassil" , but i recognize him as a fellow who comes to talk in a public telephone booth when Shah Rukh khan runs behind Manisha Koirala in Dil se, and yeah he is the co-writer of a MANI Movie and for me one of the classics of Mani. Pan Singh Tomar and GOW (I & II) are taking Tigmanshu Dhulia in a path from where he can become one of the top notch talents in Indian Cinema and yeah ..... he is the Hassil Man.

The Role played here of Ramadhir Singh is the back bone of this Epic. There is no scope for losing the string that can lead to a sick film because , only when his role is portrayed strong , the roles played by Nawasuddin and Manoj can live to what it is now.

Particularly his body language and the way he acts when he is saying rich valued dialogues plotting the story in a comical way, he has lived as Ramadhir singh. Take a Bow.

Pankaj Tripathi as Sultan Quershi has not only lived for what he has mesmerized as the fellow who got trapped between his moral and struggling to save his life, taking revenge ... the ferociousness when he thwarts inside Faizal's area ... Picture perfect talent.

For me this movie stand alone or together with the part I is what each and every director needs to look upon , the budget is not a stop for making a cinema and i mean it. Anurag Kashyap has lived to what he would have imagined and i can visualize how strong he would have been in his emotions on the day of its release.

If you could ask me to rate what is so special about this movie , i would end up listing the entire divisions of Film making , the aweness with which movie is made , made me to feel forget even small mistakes.

My Famous dialogue in the movie is the statement made my Ramadhir singh on Indian cinema and its effect on the public. Hilariously true.

Reema Sen .. you see why she is not just hip churning bomb but she is actress which has act in it.

Now let’s come to main team behind this epic without whom movie is just a dust.

The relationship among Anurag Kashyap , Manoj Bajpai , Tigmanshu Dhulia Piyush Mishra is not new it’s from the days of Satya and assisting Ram Gopal Varma. Zeishan Quadri who played the role of Definite and also the writer of the film , the locale of Wasseypur. Sneha Khanwalker and GV Prakash for their music.Rajeev for handling lens.

More i write about this movie , it would become talking the well-known fact, so watch this movie. Don’t call yourself a movie fan , cinema fan , I love Indian Cinema , to some extent DONT SAY HOLLYWOOD STANDARDS IF FILM MAKING IS SUPER .... WITHOUT SEEING GANGS OF WASSEYPUR.

For Me Gangs of Wasseypur is a movie to be watch on last day of your life in death bed....

Gangs of Wasseypur (Film)

Gangs of Wasseypur (Film) Directed by Anurag Kashyap and written by a quartet (Zeishan quadri , Akiliesh jasiwal , Sachin Ladia and Anurah Kashyap)  shall be a two part epic to be released in a months’ time gap whose first part was released on 22^nd June weekend.  I did manage to see this weekend as I was on a  travel last weekend and was in a vacation. May be that’s the reason I was cursing myself for the whole week , a highly expected movie an expectation equaled to what I would say for a Mani Ratnam or a Rajni movie , at least from my end , I wasn’t disappointed. This is a drama talking about  Mafia, Gang war , life of three generation people in around 5 and ½ hour of thrilling portrayal of people of Wasseypur and in and around Dhanbad.  So , what was in store for me , let’s see how much I got involved in the movie.

Before talking about the movie , I with my fellow blogger cum friend saluted the Madurai Trio Bala,Ameer and Sasi , who were credited in the title run by Anurag Kashyap which says “People who made me realize my roots” . I salute once again.

Impersonation of Sultana Daku is for both Shahid Khan and Quershi with Shahid Khan is made to exile from Wasseypur making him taking a pledge to kill Quershi’s and return to Wasseypur as a big Mafia . Shahid Khan exiles and becomes a Balvaan (Gang lord)  who slowly plans to kill Ramadhir Singh his boss who runs coal mines . Ramadhir Singh kills Shahid with Farhan (Shahid ‘s Cousin) escapes with  Sardar Khan making him to take a pledge to kill Ramadhir singh and become a Gang lord of entire Wasseypur. Will Sardar Khan succeed in his pledge what are the consequences , makes the first part of GOW. 

This movie is outright win for the Anurag Kashyap  and Manoj Bajpai.  The Script wins in portraying even minute details to perfection about the way of living of a mafia gang , life when in an area there are two gangs and they are in bloody quarrel with each other , life with in a family , portrayal of the details in generation time . This script I can consider is a proof of hardwork and dedication.

Two things standout completely in the reason to make the already strong script and performance to better , the Dialogues and the Background music. To be based on Parts of then Bihar now Chattisgarh , the local slangs , the way of usage of languages is mastered , I’m not sure to which extent they have , but for me this is SUPER. (People of Bihar can throw light on whether they have justified the slangs used or it is dramatized) . Songs with duration of a minute or two and BGM taking  a strong hand on the moving of the talkie , with most of the shots being montages.

Manoj Bajpai’s life time role and he has done justification to an ultimate level which only he can master it. If it was not Manoj Bajpai I couldn’t have thought anyone else. Right from the scene where he conquers every now and then Ramadhir singh , from the scenes he has with Nagma khatoon his wife, to the subtle and funny romance with Durga . One particular scene when he comes on top of a convoy  to make warn Ramadhir singh to return the girl kidnapped , ironical scenes with Seductress Durga , when durga washes clothes , the ruthlessness when on killing rage , the scenes with Nagma where she is angry on him of cheating her , for me Manoj Bajpai has lived as sardar Khan.

Richa Chadda a new find as Nagma Khatoon and Tigmanshu Dhulia [screen writer of Dil Se] as Ramadhir singh do perfection in the role.  Piyush Mishra as Farhan is apt. One thing I have to mention about Jaideep Alhawat's fine portrayal of Shaid Khan which makes the setting tone of this 5 hour two part epic.

Durga’s of being seductress and the reasons for the happenings in climax is much awaited in title cards of second part.

Now comes the main Hero Nawazuddin Siddique who plays the role of Faizal Khan  and supposed to be the  Mass man the GOW II . When I noticed him as Khan in Kahani I felt he should be the hot cake in Bollywood. He has fierceness in his language , eyes , body language and he creates style of his own. The scenes where he kills the Gin Seller and the way he plays the scenes with Mohasina played by Huma Quereshi  proves he is a perfectionist.

Now the conclusion of the part I has handed over the baton to him , I m eagerly waiting for the part II .

Good things in screenplay , the way the atmosphere of the script changed with the generations , the more strict language used in 50’s gives way to more comical and satire slangs in 80’s the narration in itself proved the movie is just not unwatchable.

Editing of these kind of movies is like riding a horse witting in opposite direction. Why I say this because , the fierceness of the performances and shots taken , with lot of montages involved , and the comic scenes to be short which should not lose the track of what is the movie made for , I salute.

Scenes I liked , the montages of Sardar wooing Durga , Nagma’s strong yet humorous words to sardar [GHar ki Bejati nahi karna], the Permission dialogue with Mohnisa and Faizal , The opening Khan-quershi fight for Sultana-Mafia-loot-train scenes , emergence of Sardar in Wasseypur, and the pre climax and the Climax and most of all the trailer of the GOW II ,

This Film is a slow plot making , time consuming settlement before it could be fierce ruthless revenge of a family , a triangular revenge set in the city of Wasseypur trailing into three generations ranging from Coal Mafia , Sand Mafia , Fish Breeding , Motor Parts Selling  , and additional coat of romance humor .

This movie is must watch who would like to see changing dynamics of Indian Cinema , emergence of Cinema rather being making a movie.

Last and never the least best find in this movie (even if she is not a new comer is Sneha Khanwalkar she might change the dynamics of Music in a movie , a separate post is warranted to talk about the soundtrack.

Mr. Anurag Kashyap, You have made a strong point in the world of Indian Cinema , with Black Friday Dev D and GOW , the indian Cinema Lovers are gonna love you and your style of Film making. Waiting breathtakingly for part II.

A Forward facing Window Seat : Sajda

People meet strangers , have lot of walks with them, but why your strong heart collapses after listening to an emotion, though you aren’t related. This is what I thought and I think now.

Gogol , a simple yet independent guy transforms his life with an ease of simplicity and care-free life , enjoys the day of innumerable complexities with a smile sleeps a night cherishing his day full of events and purity. He takes his life as it what it comes and lives with a tag ‘Take life as it comes’. Many of us might not have the way of living as Gogol does and yet he is not special , but he feels his way of living is special and pure as he never takes anything to his heart. Gogol lives a life with a motto of passing the ball to the opponent and he believes in scoring goal with defensive tactic and he feels his way of living is successful more often than not as it gives courage to face difficulties , the most important motto for anyone’s living : courage to meet difficulties head high and with a smile.

His travel to workplace starts usually listening to the classics of Sufi singing in his brand new iPod, managing a forward window seat in the local which is what a make shift home for around couple of hours in the mornings and evenings of his life. This is the time he thinks to live and feels to enjoy the life. He always has a saying , Life is a tragedy for one who thinks and a comedy for the one who feels. He lives in these said lines making his life a practical melodrama.

On a fine day , while travelling to office in his daily routine local , the fellow passenger cum train commute-friend asked him why there was pain in his eyes, why the mood was dull and why he wasn’t sitting in the forward window seat even though it was empty…. And the answer to this is what happened a month ago…

A month ago, yeah a month … sometimes events in life doesn’t pass the test of time and lives in heart for ages or may be the time it was in his mind , the event , that made him feel it was as if ages passed… for him even disasters in personal life becomes a moment of despair and next moment becomes the time to concentrate on what is next , yeah the word means a lot to him , next. Having said that , what happened a month ago… yeah a month.

A Month Ago …

Gogol , post lunch with all symptoms of nausea post heavy lunch was sitting in front of his monitor lying on the keyboard for a quick nap , his usual practice a daily routine post which he takes his peers for a war of words in daily status calls. Suddenly a beep sound of a new mailer alarmed him from his sleep , yeah a mid-afternoon sleep , that would read about the need of blood , A- Group , yeah kind of rare group. Like all the corporate mailers it made him to shift delete swiftly , by then he would never know that shift delete is what has changed his mentality of living, of way of looking life and people around him.

Couple of days later around brunch time he planned with his team mates for a Special Lime , came down the Chamiers towers went to the nearby tea shop and ordered. He was enjoying the breathe of the King , suddenly he got a call from a unknown Landline no , notified to be from his office and picked it. It was a call from an HR manager and he asked me to report immediately to HR desk in ground floor. As everyone Gogol was worried about his deeds, his proxy swipe in , wearing informal shoes and all kind of Can be done without harm-illegal stuffs. Just he reached the HR Desk , Gogol was introduced to a Corporate level manager of the same unit as he was and the Manager led me out of the room. He introduced himself as Arvind Balakrishnan to Gogol.

A walk that I shall never forgot ….

Gogol was asked to walk to drive along with Arvind and there was a discussion with Gogol and Arvind in the Parking Lot. Arvind introduced himself as head of Gogol’s unit and he usually works from the same building and he started stating what made Gogol … a changed man.

In Arvind’s words…

I have my 8 month daughter suffering from terminal disease that would require a change of blood on weekly twice basis and that is the only way to make her extend her lifetime . Her blood group is A-ve . She was born after eight years of our marriage and we would like to do whatever we can. From the Internal site of the organization I found you have A-ve and I would request you to join the group of already existing ten odd people in regularizing this. I hope you can understand. There was a silence.

Gogol replied to Arvind with a word , tomorrow morning 10 AM.

The Next Day and the Month

After meeting Arvind the previous day he decided to help Arvind as much as possible. Gogol , organized his school friends and college friends acquaintances who possess A-ve and he made sure it reached the needed , the girl Sajda. Gogol reached office in the morning and post checking mails , he travelled to the hospital and called Arvind. They exchanged greetings and Arvind offered to make Gogol meet Sajda.

Sajda , 8 month Angel , he would describe , may be that was the only time he met her , smiling and resting the hands of her mother , Gogol rushed out and he wasn’t able to control his emotions. And Yeah Gogol was turning from an emotion less rock to a person made of heart and soul. The fate has already decided in changing the way Gogol sees the world.

He finished hxs formalities and went to Arvind and just said , ‘The day will come you shall live without fear and live without uncertainty. She will be alright’.

Gogol did talk to Latha , Mrs. Arvind on couple of occasions and Gogol realized the trauma the mother would have suffered. Their marriage was against the wish of their parents and no one from their family supported when needed.

For next couple of weeks Gogol did all , went to all kind of Blood banks , meet all kind of his known-mates made sure the twice in a week tablet never stopped. Gogol supported Arvind not financially , but the way anyone wanted , stood beside him. Every morning Arvind comes to Gogol’s place and offers him a chocolate , a practice his wife has asked. Gogol’s life and enjoyment in the weekend movies everything stopped, even for a small break he would drive to meet them in the hospital. He would engage with the doctors and other practitioners and relieve the parents. Even Gogol’s family understood that and his friends also supported him both officially and personally. That was time one could plausibly gauge the reality of people around them.

One day when Latha came to office to bring lunch for Arvind , Gogol met her , and Gogol offered her to drop back to hospital as Arvind was occupied. Gogol asked about Sajda. Latha informed what the doctors have to say. The drive back alone to office for Gogol was very pathetic. Sometime people get involved too much , they tend to look the issue as their own. May be that’s what we call as Human.

The Day which I wish to have never come.

Morning Gogol was attending a status call , His mobile beeped , never minding his status call , he attended the call from mobile , from the other side it was shattered voice of Arvind, Gogol immediately discontinued his status call and rushed to the hospital. The world came down. Sajda boarded a flight , a never returning flight to become an angel in another world. They were never shattered , the angel gave the courage to face the life when she departed. Arvind hold hands of Gogol , Gogol sat stunned .

Even today Gogol never sits in a Forward Facing Window Seat.

There might be a story like this beyond every shift delete you make. I wish there shouldn’t be. The shift delete gave me a brother a sister in law, an angel , Yeah Sajda!!! Wherever you are , your smiling face is what I have which makes me to face the life with Courage.

Don't read the last page of the novel that makes you to cometo reality... be in fiction always....

Shanghai Movie Review

‘Shanghai’ Hindi Movie directed by Dibakar Banerjee is a politico-thriller involving Campaigns , politics , anti-Agenda protest murders , sufferings , causalities, enquiry commission, and a perfect conclusion. For a four film old director a veteran ad film maker , showing the pulse rather nuances of film making which can be equated as film making of an aspiring director of main stream cinema , showing the power of execution equivalent to those of veterans is not  a mere joke and it rains at least from my side a thunderous applause and a standing  ovation from my side just for believing his scripts and not making anything extra commercialistic venture making me feel this fellow he is just another marble wasted. Which he wasn’t rather he proved he has quality in making or being one of the best directors in Indian mainstream cinema who has capability in making a cinema as a cinema.

His plot is strong and yet he made sure that there should be any scene which is pushed or inserted annoyingly, he also made sure that the lead actors are just playing their characters and they aren’t the matinee idols. The three lead actors Abhay Deol , Kalki K and Emraan have only few scenes in common and it shows Dibakar made sure there shouldn’t be anything which is against the planned script. Abhay Deol and Prashanji dada are exact bang on bulls eye fit to their characters and I could see and call as perfect casting. Emraan’s new avatar as a character artist [I seriously feel he has to come out of Bhatt Campaign or Stereotypical Lusty roles which he has already proved he is master and its time to throw some wagon on roles , meaty roles which talks about his acting skills] is perfect and he has done perfectly that , he sense of humor and timing was impeccable and it was serious enough to be called as nice fit.  Kalki as we can call her role of a depressed loser who is battling a lot  right from her  father’s sentencing for corruption to assassination of her beloved professor , is justifiable acting, but I feel due to monotonous in her acting of same type casted role , I feel I was getting irritated but have to accept the fact she is getting such roles.

Main advantage of this movie is that there is no patch where the whole scene is casted on one group , there is a sense of travel of scenes among characters making one feel all are equally rated actors who have done the job to make this movie and give the movie its creditability equivalent to its powerful screenplay.

Music department care taking the songs and BGM have done the job to what a script can demand, not a point more or less. Everything song its depth its visualization , back ground music and rerecording have been played a huge role in making the screenplay to its talking.

Cinematography has its task cut out , the movie is based on a fictionally created city , dark overnight shades, lighting to these kind of assassination chase enquiry is always difficult and I would say there was absolute brilliance in department of cinematography. So is Editing.

Positive Climax made me feel even better, showing bureaucracy in good light is also commendable.

Negatives being Kalki K acting ,

Positives , Screenplay and execution , Music , Abhay Deol and Prasenji Dada , and the technical crew.

For people who love to watch a decent cinema believing the merits of screenplay and execution , watch it . Dibakar looking more movies from you like this.

In Search of Realm Called Life : Taj mahal

Taj , said my Alarm and my eyes went wide open , what would be your feeling if your first thought in the mind for the day will be about the eagerness to watch the TAJ.

After travelling to TAJ dozen times when I don’t know the value of a Ten Rupee Note , will those travels count , or shall the travel count when you earn your own money and you start to a journey to known the realm of life , the meaning of travel and beyond when you venture into history and know why the hell did Shah Jahan built this piece of rock that not only transforms life into it but proves the world that I’m the Crown of Beauty.

We have seen Taj in movies in post cards in magazines but what shall be the reason of loveliness in your soul when you take a left turn from the Darwaza that shows the Crown of Mughal India.

With purity in thought and loving eagerness in heart , I set to travel the most lovable journey I ever had. If there would be any architectural example for the John Keats’ words about beauty , it would be Taj.

The thunderous beats were in sync with the engine and I was almost there for the breakfast, food or Taj, Taj came to my mind and I jumped inside the Taj. The elevation shows the Taj as if a Slow RAM Computer opens the Image of Taj from Top To Bottom , a row per step, First the Chand then the top of Minarets , then the tomb and a couple of steps the Main Mahal , couple of steps up you Could See the beauty you could have known and the reason you live (again Quoting Keats). With the Arc of The Entrance (Darwaza) making a curvature upon the Taj acting as a Boundary , with an early morning sun , images of Silhouette boundary adding beauty to it. With the Restored British Type Gardens and a watered pavement adds to it. The Marble pinnacle is yeah taller than the Everest , uncertain like amazon , plain like the Sahara . May be the real Depth of Field a Human Mind can visualize is Taj Mahal , entirety of its behind and beyond was out of focus.

I decided first to love the place and then I spent time to capture it. Rightly I did. With a traditional Kurta which I bought on the previous night in Sarojini Market , a french bearded , tall stout guy wearing a spectacle was in complete romance with the beauty called Taj. Words fall silently to describe this emotion.

Steps further , I could touch it, I should say a hug was needed to drench my thirst , thirst of seeing the pinnacle of beauty. Kind of Cave allowed me on the same platform as the main Tomb and I was alone inside as it was not much crowded. Wish I could read each and every word scripted there , that’s is the problem with all the ancient architectures , we are unable to read the scripted walls. There lied two souls, no matter what was their life all about , what was their living all about, what was their sins rather deeds whatever , millions throng there, people come to see them, for centuries , may for centuries to go, that made me feel , to salute.

I just bent down in the middle of the couple and said , murmured , thanked and left without turning back.

With a walk on the platform I could see what would have been the spectacular view centuries ago , with Yamuna flowing by , may be this materialistic world couldn’t see the truth bout could only imagine.

For some time I was on the platform seeing people rushing in , tourists taking pictures and Guides escorting them, I had the customary clicks in the solo bench exactly in front of The Taj and near the entrance and I walked away….

Life teaches you only one thing, leave something behind that people might be proud , they have lived , the Legacy of Dill-e-ilahi Akbar and His family have lived more than what we read in our text books, yeah there might be some wrong pages in the history sins committed by them , but on the whole , the legacy of mughal shall be talked till the last of last Mughal Architecture is demolished.

After enjoying myself in couple of other places on the way to Delhi , I retired for the day , for next what we call the reason to Live and the reason to travel , the reason of what I m today for what changed me , for what the mighty mountains are Called Himalayas , my road trip to Ladakh.

'Ishaqzaade'

'Ishaqzaade' is an action thrill packed Romantic movie which has been directed by Habib Faizal who has been in scripting campaign for most the YRF team and has taken the captain of the ship’s role for the Second time after’ Do Dooni Char’ . This movie is based in a Nonexistent(Fictional) town of Almora (at least I have not heard of it) which has two poignant families (parties) who tug for the forth coming MLA elections. The Chuahan’s and Querishi’s Battle for the elections and have ferocious battle even in day to-day affairs.

Parma (Arjun Kapoor) and Zoya Qureshi are young clads of respective families. Parma is a perfect example for the word uncouth rough rude foul mouthed fellow whose aim is to get up in the family ladder by supporting his Grand Da. Zoya is a girl who wants to make her dad continue his winning streak and she falls in love for the loutish Parma and story unfolds from there.

As with all fairy tale movies there is a quarrel , chase , Love , Romance , Cheat , Life and …

Review : This movie for me is a cracker of a screenplay with Habib handling the script very well. The use of colloquial language has been the bench mark of the script including local satire and abuse. This has been handled well. The twists in the film is nothing but marvelous. None of the actors expect the leads are known and this makes the movie more lively. The locations and the props use in each and every scene adds value to the movie.

Parineeta Chopra playing the role of Zoya. Right from the first scene after censor certificate , you know she is ferocious she is a cracker of character nothing less than the malehood kinda. The scene she pawns her gold earrings for a Katta(Local Pistol) makes one understand what she is of. PC has showed she is no fluke actress and she has lived the role of Zoya. Her Emotions when romance , her anger when in ferocious battle with Parma (Arjun Kapoor) her Eye expressions and Laugh and the Nautankiwala look make one believe either she is Zoya Kinda girl or she has done a marvellos homework and she deserves Filmfare award for Leading lady if ‘Kahani’ is not considered. Every Scene she is in the screen , there is something going to happen and you can move your eye lid and if you do you miss something.

Arjun Kapoor , yet another ‘Kapoor’ , for him perfect debut and a three film contract with YRF will do world of Good. He has showed promise in acting the same way ranbir Showed in Saawariya. He is a promising actor and I’m sure he is next hot cake for the directors and producers. His style and body language when delivering dialogue will make you feel he isn’t debuting. Only time he gets wanting is when there is a close up shot (not always) but this is when experience counts , more films to his bag he is gonna improve from here. His Dancing is good.

Hemanth and Arthi handling the technical crew of Cinematography and Editing makes it a Racy and Pacy entertainer. It’s a chase. I like the slow motion montage shorts for its colour in Pareshan Song.

Amit trivedi handled Music and I say this movie is a musical Entertainer. The BGM suits to each and every scene. Paresan Ishaqzaade and Hallah Wallah are my favorites and Shreya Ghosal my favorite has done two numbers.

Chand baby role Played by Gauhar Khan is good and I have seen her in Rocket Singh and her act is appreciable.

Negatives are when in second half the directors loses his clue of what to do but he perfectly manages with neat performances make you not feel that.

Overall this movie is perfect entertainer with Cracker of performances. I bet You would have already watched it or booked it, for others go and See.

Though the story is common , screenplay is what differentiates with entire unit supports the leads to give a perfect execution.

A 4/5 in my scale and a must watch.

Valakku En 18/9

Valaku En 18/p (premalo Padithe) is Not a entertainer so all those who want to the same please dont even login to book the ticket.

This movie is a typical Balaji Sakthivel Movie in which the screenplay and execution is given importance. Just Two songs one sung by Karthik and Another by Dhandapani. Music Cinematography and most of the crew have "Introducing" Tag. ANd thats balaji Sakthivel.

Story is not seen one its new atleast execution is new. Its just about a untold love , crime and corruptive , MMS Scandal , how rich and poor children are brought up . I m not here to write the story.

performance toppers are always the Sri (the hero) and the school Girl. Police role made a impact on my mind post coming out of theatre.

This is true and real potrayal of the issue and fitting climax.

Cinematography will be discussed for wrong reasons. The use of Poor Camera in first half raises many eye brows why first half was shot as a documentary. May days by we will knwo the truth.

There isnt a point i felt irritated in the movie and some scenes though guessable balaji sakthivel made a point to make sure this is no ordinary.

Overall Should watch movie.

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Those who watch this movie in telugu read this.

There is an important scene in the second half suddenly there is a Song (Local third grade song and shot) been filled may by theatre owners or distributors themselves. This shows even now telugu audience are not ready to see a film which is true as mother earth itself , instead the audience wants a cheap marketting. I would have loved had it come in beginning or at the end and not at that point.

Guys you need grow.

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Overall this movie is pure heart winning performance and execution. If for those movies are just about fights and dance and cheap slapstick comedy of remaking 80s malayalam and tamil comedies as sequels as no.ed to 11 ,12 .... (read Akshay Khanna , priyadarshan , Housefull type etc)

For all those mentioned above there is difference between Movie and a Cinema. This Vallaku en 18/9 is a Cinema and its not a movie.

Message in the bottle

At times living in the city lying in coastal parts of the country and the city known to its Beach marina, we seldom have any choice for spending the weekend evening, adding to the various diversity the Marina provides you right from Ennore to East coast. Well this post is not about marina nor about Chennai and certainly not about a day did I spend there.

Whenever a message in a bottle is opened on a beach or floating in the ocean, it feels like it’s something out of a book containing reality of stupid-ness and act of lunatic mind. The idea that two people (the message sender and a freak like me who picks up the bottle) have made a connection that mathematics would say as virtual probability of the message to be received by the intention being almost zero.

One such evening I was playing with my friends in the hot afternoon of Chennai somewhere around three I decided to wet my legs and when near the shore. I found a bottle with a cork making sure the message inside the bottle doesn’t get wet. With a feel of Robert Langdon opening the cryptex I slowly uncorked the bottle and took the crushed paper out and sat down in the shadow of a Catamaran.

It was breezing hot, with a bottle of beer I decided to read the letter which was a fag length.

My question here is , with less than dozen of real stories with the concept of Message in the bottle we have read , couple of movies I have watched , couple of novellas I have read, even then it doesn’t convince me enough of the need of the Message in the bottle philos.

I do remember around 5 years of ago, when I was lying literally on the key board with a Post lunch syndrome called Fugly sleep, a mail from my Training mate popped with a 15-minute-read forward. That forward contained a story of Message in the bottle of a Married Lawyer from Bombay intended for a software engineer based in Chennai. This forward, which has been lively buried in a PST of OUTLOOK in my previous organization, has touched me more than any novels I read, more than any movies I watched.

Funny Concept of Message in Bottle, I still feel hilarious to read these stories.

Let me also try this whenever I reach my hometown.

PS: Don’t read the last page of the novel that makes you to come to reality. Be in fiction always.

In Search of Music

Music is the only thing that fascinates any soul in whatever mood of emotion they be, music always feels the upper hand. In Continuation to my series of fascination of songs in Indian Films with usage of Traditional Music (Hindustani/Carnatic) this songs ruled the most of my life’s last half a decade.

It has to be undoubtedly appreciated that Indian Music Directors in whatever language the compose , they rely more on traditional Ragas. Right from Bade Ghulam Burmans MSV ARR Illairajaja Keeravani Devarajan Jayachandran to any one you name it , They rely on Traditional Music for composing in films. When I get fascinated to listen Sufi songs in Hindi Movies , I feel the inspiration of Traditional sufi and Qwualliis . Each and Every Gharana style can be attributed to the songs we hear in day to day life , if we venture closely into it.

With a basic knowledge in traditional music , I always get dragged to the depth of music composition its inspired Raga , no of tracks mixed and the level of acoustic brilliance mastered that makes me to listen a song in loop. Sometimes my friends and relatives accuse me of making them bored if I use the Repeat button in my pod. That happens because only my in loop I’m able to get the complete nuances of any song.

As said, my recent lunatic madness being getting looped to this song. This song has a unique blend of Hindustani and Carnatic Music with beautiful lyrics and feel , mesmerizing voice. A complete composition that can shake you.

Song : Raakili Than Vazhi Marayum

Movie : Perumazhakalam (Malayalam)

Music Director : M.Jayachandran

Lyrics : Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri

Singer : : M.Jayachandran

Raga : Ahir Bhairav (Hindustani)

Ahir Bhairav is a Hindustani Classical Raga and Chakravakam can be said as its equivalent in Carnatic Music.

Arohana and avarohana

Arohana

S r G m P D n S'

Avarohana

S' n D P m G r S

My Favorites in the same raga sect are :

Albela Sajan Ayo re from hum Dil Chuke Sanam and Pibare Ramarasam by Sadasiva Brahmendra.

There can’t be any music lover who listens Hindi Songs(Film) who doesn’t like Albela Sajan (HDDCS). That is really a classic Composition by Ismail Darbar.

This song stars with a Hindustani alap with these Hindi Lines

“Baras baras badraa

 aasa ki boonden bankee baras”

Which to my knowledge can be translated to the asking of the author for drops of rain in the form of his wishes.

I have always fascinated whenever a Hindustani composition attacks the heart of a traditional south Indian Carnatic Music Listening soul.

Malayalam Lyrics of the song :

raakkilithan vazhimarayum novin perumazhakkaalam

kaathirippin thiri nanayum eeran perumazhakkaalam

oru venalin viraha baashpam

jalathaalamarnna mazhakkalam

oru thedalay mazhakkalam

raakkilithan vazhimarayum novin perumazhakkaalam

ri…ri..na…na

piya… piya….

piya ko milan ki aaz re

kaga kaga sab thani khaiyyo

kha moriya……………..

ormakal than lola karangal

punarukayanudal muruke

paathi vazhiyil kuthariya kaattil

viralukal verpiriyunnu

snehardramaro mozhiyukayavam

kaathiloraathmaswakaryam

thengalinekkal parichithametho

perariyaatha vikaaram

raakkilithan vazhimarayum novin perumazhakkaalam

ehh…. rasiyaa…

neelaraavin thazhvara neele

nizhalukal veenizhayumbol

ehto ninavin vaathilppadiyil

kaalpperumaattamunarnnu

aalunna mazhayil jaalakaveliyil

minnalilethoru swapnam

ee mazha thorum pulkkathirukalil

neermani veenu thilangum

raakkilithan vazhimarayum novin perumazhakkaalam

kaathirippin thiri nanayum eeran perumazhakkaalam

oru venalin viraha baashpam

jalanaalamarnna mazhakkalam

oru thedalay mazhakkalam

 

Certainly only a Malayalam learned fellow can translate the meaning of these lines, but whatever my Co-traveller in Infosys bus explained me is as follows.

This song , I feel , is the description of sad and helplessness explaining the beauty of rain , description of pain.

For those who still find themselves in Greece and feel I’m speaking in Latin , this movie Perumazhakalam directed by Kamal (Kamaluddin Mohammed) one of the directors from Malayalam industry who still upholds the industries Classical Way of movie making. For others , he is the fellow who directed the original version of Nuvve Kavali(telugu) Piriyada Varam vendum (Tamil). He also directed Zameer (Hindi).

Dor by Nagesh Kukunoor is the remake of this movie Perumazhakalam. Mr.Kukunoor sahib didn’t even felt the courtesy to give credits to this director. People who would have liked the Hindi version (Dor) , Vaithee suggests them to watch Perumazhakalam.

This film (Perumazhakalam) Won National Award for the Best Feature film on Social Issues.

From Ek Dewaana tha / Vinnaithandi Varuvaya / Yem Maya Chesave , there is a song called Aaromale, the Malayalam Lyrics was written by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri , the same lyricist who wrote the above described song.

When ever I say I m looped to a song, there is something more than just a song that makes me to get looped. This is one such song.