My Night Shift

My Night Shift

Whilst others were busy packing by the end of the day,

I was entering my workplace with sleepy eyes at bay

In a few hours from now, I was going to be alone;

The usual chores and calls had the monotonous tone.

Touchwood! The day seems to be pleasant;

No critical mails to make me repent.

The vacant seats were growing in numbers,

My cubicle by now, was devoid of members.

Even the slightest sound of typing a word,

Seems impossible to be left unheard;

Quite frequently, I was glancing at the time,

Dinner time was the most anticipated chime

With frugal choices in the cafeteria, I settled for a light supper

Wondering how Mom’s cooking was always better

Back again to my workplace

Oh that time !! moving at a snail’s pace

Things were quite in order, nothing much to bother

Having finished my work, no waiting further

The moment I was out from the cozy underground parking

Came the chill December winds almost striking

A traffic free road was indeed a pleasure driving

Caught my attention were a few sighting

Nightshift watchmen all wrapped up

Fast asleep not bothering to get up

Street dogs staring at me as I speed my bike

Late night travelers still waiting for their buses with dislike

Atlast I’ve reached my apartment and unlocked the main door

Every nerve of mine craving for sleep.. there I go.. snoor ! snoorr!!

Deivathirumagal Movie Review

It has no bounds,

It is blind,

It is not biased,

And it’s all about caring and sharing.

That’s LOVE..

The universal feeling everyone surrenders to. Comes in here is a story of parental love and care with a little twist. This is a father whose mental maturity is tantamount to that of his five year old daughter. His struggle to raise her all by his hand and the custodian battle over the kid forms the crux of the story. That’s Deivathirumagal – a movie that sans gravity defying fights, scantily clad heroines/item numbers or the usual super hero or romance. This makes it a complete family movie with it’s heart at the right place.

Now to the review. Krishna (Vikram) works in a chocolate factory in a small village near Ooty and suffers from mental development disability. His little daughter Nila (Sara) and his supportive group of developmental disability friends are his life. The chocolate factory owner and the neighbor woman help Krishna to raise Nila in their own capacities after the death of his wife post child birth. Over the years Krishna learns to take better care of his daughter and is in all love for her. Nila comes of age to join school. This is where the school’s new correspondent Shweta (Amala Paul) develops a special bonding for her. On learning that Nila is her own niece, she along with her influential father takes away Nila from Krishna abandoning him in Chennai. After a series of events Krishna ends up in the court premises in search of a lawyer to find his daughter. Though initially apprehensive about his mental ability, later sympathetic on hearing about Krishna ’s past, Anuradha (Anouskha Shetty), a novice lawyer agrees to help him. She and her associate Vinod (Santhanam) takes up Krishna ’s case against a powerful and unreceptive lawyer Bashyam(Nassar). Did Krishna win the custody of his daughter ? Did Shewata and her father realize Krishna ’s unbounded love for Nila ? – watch the movie for those answers. The climax definitely deserves a special mention.

Though the base story is that of “ I am Sam”, the alternations help suit the Indian flavour. Vikram, the actor par excellence once again proves his versatility. Equally and infact prodigious in performance is the little girl “Sara”. As an understanding daughter she is splendid and so natural and spontaneous. Anouskha is shown at better light and not the usual glam-doll type. Her performance is adequate and so is Amala Paul. Santhanam and M.S Baskar add to the comic part and excel in certain serious emotions as well. Nassar is at his best as always. The scenes involving the father-daughter duo move your heart.

The first half of the movie is shot in some scenic locales in Ooty and is visually alluring. The second half is much of a courtroom drama and moves at a slightly better pace than the first half. G.V. Prakash’s music is pleasant and “Vizhigalil Oru ..” is a breezy melody quite beautifully cinematographed in a slow time-sliced fashion. (My fav. Song of the movie J ).

As for the demerits, the slower pace but that’s quite inevitable in such a movie. May be a few actions of Vikram resembles that of a spastic child and not like that of a development disabled

adult. The song between Vikram and Anouskha seems a frivolous add-on.

Despite a few flaws, Kudos to the director Vijay, for having delivered a complete family movie with etched emotions.

Ko - A racy kho- kho..

A monosyllable title- "Ko". May be a cautious step to prevent some naming issues ?? :).. Or an effort to revive the forgotten tamil word "Ko".. I guess it's the latter (some tamil enthusiasts reading ???? ). "Ko" means a king in Tamil. If that was the intention, the director has pulled off a protagonist and made him indeed the King with his screenplay making sure he gets the limelight throughout the story. That's "KO" - an entertaining racy thriller action romance movie .. was that too much of adjectives added ? Of course yes.. the movie has all ingredients to allure all types of viewers.. Hmm.. of course do mind the "omnipotent and super intellectual" hero which Tamil cinema could never be void off :)




Ok.. to the review.. Ashwin (Jeeva) is a photo journalist whose camera never fails to shoot the perfect picture out of anything. He has an acumen of completing his assignments with panache (obviously the hero type). Romancing him are two girls namely Renu(Karthika) and Saro (Pia Bajpai) who happen to be journalists in the same tamil daily "Thina Angal" as the hero. No time wasted in any love triangles. Instead a racy story unfolds with the hero and his journo crew closely following political scenario just in time before elections. The ruling party leader Yogi(Prakash Raj) and the opposition leader(Kotta Srinivasa Rao) both have a row with Ashwin for exposing them. Comes in a youngster Politician Vasanthan (Ajmal) who is anxious to bring in a change in the system. With a strong backup from Ashwin's 'Thina Angal', Vasanthan's "Siragugal" party wins the election eventually making him the CM who's sinister means are later identified by Ashwin in the climax. (oh save that part for watching the rest on screen).

It's an out and out "Hero" movie and Jeeva has rendered an excellent performance. He has pulled off the role with elan and proves himself to be a versatile actor with every movie. Next in line would be Ajmal, the handsome lad have landed in a plum role in this one and could count on. As for Karthika, Oh madam.. plz show some variety in emotions. She's much like a puppet and quite artificial. Pia's cameo is adequate. The director has to be lauded for his starcast, since all the actors look apt to the age they play which gives the movie a touch of vivacity. The interludes with current political undertones are very subtle and add to the humor. (The Namitha style election campaign is one such.. machans :) )

The director K.V. Anand, a cinematographer himself has rendered a very colourful pallette on screen. The distinction of colours are evident and enhance the aesthetic rendition. The songs are a visually appealing with Nathan's camera and the Harris Jeyaraj's numbers are already topping the countdowns. The racy screenplay keeps you engrossed and definitely deserve mentions. Some unwanted duets, unpleasant jokes involving a little boy & Pia and the tad impossible heroic acts add to the demerits.

Go for the movie !! It's a complete package for this summer !!

jet ... set .. go.. errr.. KO :)

Show me the meaning of feeling lonely

It's been over a year since i moved all alone to a house of my own. More than knowing about the meaning of feeling lonely I've better experienced it. Though it was a little bitter at first, the solitary peace which my solitude offered me was indeed an experience. hmm... so much like the lyrics of my favourite number.. Feel it as you read.. The meaning of feeling lonely..

Show me the meaning of being lonely
So many words for the broken heart
It's hard to see in a crimson love
So hard to breathe
Walk with me, and maybe
Nights of light so soon become
Wild and free I could feel the sun
Your every wish will be done
They tell me


Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

Life goes on as it never ends
Eyes of stone observe the trends
They never say forever gaze upon me
Guilty roads to an endless love (endless love)
There's no control
Are you with me now?
Your every wish will be done
They tell me



There's nowhere to run
I have no place to go
Surrender my heart, body, and soul
How can it be
You're asking me
To feel the things you never show

You are missing in my heart
Tell me why can't I be there where you are?

Madharasapattinam - Movie Review

Madarasapattinam.. was that name something of a nostalgia of this city’s re-christened name of “Chennai”??.. Well this one is a love and lost story which happens in Madarasapattinam in the then Madras presidency. So much was I impressed by the ostentatious audio release and the innovative invitations for the same of this movie. The CD cover resembled an ‘anna’ paisa and accompanied some rare pics. But.. but.. but.. where was this innovation and effort in the movie’s story ??

As usual , I was late to this movie as well..Though I was comfortably seated in the Elite class tickets in Sathyam cinemas, i still felt the pain on my neck with movie’s uneasy lengthiness.. The first half was little over stretched and the second half did a little patch up by enhancing the pace of the movie.

The story is nothing new, something that’s similar to a lot of pre-cursors and much familiar in treatment as well. An elderly Amy Wilkinson comes back to India in search of her long lost lover Paruthi and as she remembers her good old days as the daughter of Madrasapattinam’s Governor, the movie unfolds to the pre-independence period. This traces back to the love story of the washerman cum wrestler Paruthi(Arya) and the beautiful daughter of the Governor Amy (Amy Jackson). Thrown in is a little story of confiscation of land from the washerman to build a golf field and some revolts against the British rule.

Watchout for yourself if Amy succeeds in finding Paruthi and a touching climax though it was predictable. Arya as Paruthi was good. The ruggedly handsome man flexes his muscles and does some fight sequences to his credit. Amy Jackson as Amy was cute(of course a sure eye candy ;) ) and much a Barbie doll like. She does tries to act a little. The older Amy was better in terms of acting. But it was the late ‘Cochin’ Hanneefa and ‘lollusabha’ Jeeva who entertained with their comedy interludes in the ‘flashback’ and present parts respectively.

OMG !! something i forgot to mention this. I guess the director Vijay must have been a big fan of ‘Titanic’.. Anyone could sense the strong influence of Titanic in this movie. Hmm.. a little analogy.. Instead of the diamond necklace here it’s a ‘Thaali’, the back and forth shifting of past and present through the eyes of ‘Rose Dawson’.. err.. sorry Amy in this case.. Even Amy’s hot iron hair curls and the trench coat are much similar to Kate Winslet’s in Titanic..

The art direction was good.. much effort had been taken in re-creating the Madarasapattinam with Trams, hand written signboards etc.. But unfortunately, they all still carry the fresh paint which seems odd. . The songs were pleasing.. ‘Pookal Pookum’ was a worth mentioning melody and the cinematography was adequate.

Despite certain positives, the movie couldn’t make an impact owing to the screenplay with innumerable flaws. And the comparisons i drew with “Titanic” became inevitable as i had watched Titanic more than 30 times i almost lost count..

So to the Director Vijay, “Better luck next time”.. The screenplay was so buoyant that it didn’t make a profound impact, just like my love for the city of ‘Madras’, it’s been 4 yrs since i moved here and yet to fall in love with this place J..

Afterall it’s a period film, after quite some time.. so give it try and it’s watchable once

Raavanan- Movie Review

TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday..:).. I was waiting for those updates at office, which never came even after lunch. I had already planned to leave early to catch my train to hometown. Hmm.. a little thought .. How about trying to watch “Raavanan” ?? My TL confirmed those updates are yet to come J.. whoopee !!!!... I did a windows + L and switched off my monitor (Go green folks!!) and left for the theatre. I hired an auto and was just in time to the tambaram “Vidya” theatre’s matinee at 2:45 p.m.. Did i say the balcony ticket which i bought here was even more costlier than some posh multiplexes in the city ?? It’s a highly anticipated ManiRathnam movie andso i didn’t mind that J

Now to the review.. well wait !! before the review there’s something else to be discussed.. guess what ?? the lead actors and the story ...

The Story– Need no introduction to the Ramayan which has been an inspiration for many other stories. But what’s different is this one ?? well.. this allegorical Ramayana leaves you with questions like, “Is the righteous always right ? Does the wrong has the right to express their part of right ?? .. err.. sorry about that .. but I would say there’s nothing much as a story in this movie but it’s an experimentation which leaves the viewers with quite a few questions.

Aishwariya Rai – OMG !! such an elegance !! an expressive pair of eyes which does acquire a characteristic of it’s own to carry forward her character “Ragini" which is the epicentre and infact the most empathised one between two males of opposite poles. She was splendid !!

Vikram – hmm .. what am I to say about this actor who is beyond excellence.. He plays the protagonist “Veera” and does his job to perfection hands down.

Prithviraj – he plays the role of the cop “Dev”. Fortunately he’s the only one gets to wear some fancy costumes whilst the others are soaked in muddy waters or ‘mutani’ matti . Prithvi plays his role quite adequately and stands equal to the other stalwarts.

Hmm.. well.. well.. the review ?? Unfortunately, the above lists were the positives of the movie. The main negative or the sad part is that the movie rides on a very known and thin storyline. You wouldn’t even regret if you missed the first half of the movie as it has nothing to render. Infact, it’s the breath taking visuals and awesome cinematography which forms the first half. Not to forget Mrs. Aish Bachan who carries the first half. The actual story unfolds only in the second half.

The flashback brings “PriyaMani” and quite a story which had been long awaited by the audience. A host of other actors like Prabhu, Munna, Ranjitha and Vyapuri join the “Veera” gang, while Karthik plays the forester who helps Prithviraj. It was quite baffling to me as why Mani sir opted for desperate measures like (making karthik do a monkey act or the police officer asking priyamani if he cud cut her nose) to define the characters ?? I guess almost all of us know the Ramayan and could have identified the character mapping even without such deliberate additions.

Despite these shortcomings, it was the climax which impressed me and the numerous questions which it lead within me while i walked out of the theatre. Go for the movie for it’s iconographic cinematography of typical ‘Manirathnam’ movie. The breathtaking visuals and songs are definitely the positives which could make you forget that the movie lacked substance. The awesome camera the miss world mesmerise you .. err..t he ex- miss world J

Go with zero anticipations.. You wouldn’t regret.. Time to catch my train.. Have a nice weekend folks !!

It's not that wonderful .. though..

Though I couldn’t manage to get tickets for this movie in the all-time favorite ‘Satyam Cinemas’, I did manage in a newly cropped multiplex, high above the Ampha Skywalk Mall.. well it was the PVR in chennai.. With three rounds of screening… ( post a metal detector :( … ) , ticket checking, body frisking and a bag-checking (phew !!! ) … where in which the umbrella had to go in for a separate token (I was wondering when this redtape is gonna be over !!! ).. all I had to loose was the first 15 minutes of the movie “It’s A Wonderful Afterlife “(IAWA)…. Well that explains i had left with only 85 minutes of the remaining movie..

Did i really get to believe that it was witnessing only 85 minutes of it ?? Hmm.. let’s not conclude that here before further reading ;).. Gurinder Chadda again comes back with a Punjabi family …errr… not exactly a family this time, but a mother-daughter duo.. If in the “Bride & Prejudice” aka “Balle.. Balle… Amritsar to L.A” it was Mrs. Bakshi’s concern (more appropriately constant worrying) over the marriage of her 4 daughters, here in IAWA, it’s Mrs.Sethi who is determined to get her only daughter married away happily.. Mrs. Sethi’s (Shabana Azmi) determination goes overboard to the extent of even killing people (in her own way) who rejected her rather unattractive, plump daughter Roopi.

The ghosts of her victims continue to haunt Mrs. Sethi as they couldn’t be reincarnated unless their murderer dies. Mrs. Sethi has no regrets in killing herself but she has to find her daughter a suitable match before that. In addition to the four victims, an accidental victim, her neighbour Mrs.Goldie joins the wagan of ghosts to help Mrs.Sethi in this matrimony mission. ( oh.. don’t look for the logical reasons here !!! ). Comes in a tall, dark, handsome childhood friend, Raj (Sendhil Ramamoorthy) who by the way spies on Roopi reluctanlty playing an undercover cop. Well .. the rest of the story is very much predicatable but the much elongated climax quite mercilessly test the patience of the viewers.

The ghosts who reappear in the very same manner they were murdered, Roopi’s mate Githali @ Linda with her psychic powers and obsession for Indian sprituality keeps you in splits but quite scarcely.The thrown in gags and a few practical jokes are a fun but couldn’t help much to the weaker screenplay.

With an actor of such magnitude as Shabana Azmi, what was rendered was an average package of a movie with few fun elements which was a disappointment. As such, the churned up curry fails to appease your taste buds..May be the recipe by itself is little bland (just like the hotdogs sold at PVR.. I didn’t like them much )

Go for the movie for the mere comical interludes.. look for nothing more..!! you might enjoy it :)..