Sister Stella(r)!

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?

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

*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!!

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