Diversification of my blog

Ever since I started this blog, I have put all my thoughts and views in it and never aimed to categorize them in anyway. But of-late I have been giving my friend's idea a thought, of writing the reviews for the books I read and have it cataloged separately. A proper organization of things I would say. I am not sure how much I will be able to maintain that. But it never hurts to try does it, especially when something is free :). So here I am with my new blog which focuses only on the books, movies and music reviews (the three elements which keep me company forever) and may be some of  my favorite photos too (if I happen to be in the mood for it and get a good caption for it).

Hope you enjoy it...

Breaking Dawn 2 - Fitting Finale

(Warning: Contains spoilers from the movie)

I am not a great fan of the Twilight series movie adaptations. I really loved the romance in the books but somehow my imaginative Edward and Bella did not resemble Robert and Kristen in any way and I strongly believe that my fantasy version of these two characters were much better (even though I cannot describe how they looked or who they resembled.. because I don't know that myself). But I have to say that in this final version of the movie they did some justice to the role.


Finally I got to see Kristen show some action and emotion, at least according to me. Since they had broken down the book into two parts, you get to see some lighthearted moments too.. like the fight between Emmett and Bella. The stunts were good. Nessie..oops..sorry.. Renesmee was such a cute doll. Right from the baby to the girl. Oh.. where did they make her ? I liked the scene where Bella confronts Jacob on imprinting on her daughter. The scene where Edward and Bella enter their new house..there is such a blunt cut in the print.. Gosh.. if that scene was never to be there in the Indian print, then it should have been at least cut to not make that part so blatant. According to the book, we know that no one dies, everyone is happy together.. but we got a shock when Carlisle was killed by Aro.. There was a huge AAAHHH!! in the theater including us (me & my friend) and then to have the good war between the volturi and cullens, all to end in a vision by Alice (I always like Ashley Greene in this movie.. much more than Kristen Stewart actually). The invisible shield was portrayed well, but why was the observation by Aro on her shield not shown (or may be I missed a subtle emotion from him on his understanding !!!). He does try to make use of her as per the book isn't? The color of this movie was nice when compared to the other twilight movies.

The best part of the movie.. With the song of "A Thousand Years" (a very beautiful song by Christina Perri) playing in the background, Bella 'shows' Edward all the best part of their lives since their first encounter right from the first movie.. That was really touching to see it. It couldn't have been better depicted. It was sort of emotional too... to see an end of a much appreciated romance between a vampire and a human which transcends all boundaries only to find them together forever. 


Best of all the twilight movies (may be because it ends here :D ....)

Mom's 60 years - one complete cycle of life

With all the confusions that have been happening lately in my family, I was not sure what to buy for my mom for her 60th birthday this month (on 9th Nov). She had wanted to go to Thirukadaiyoor for a visit and then it was clubbed with the Thirukarukaavoor for my bro and sis for their pending prayers there and once it was planned and all tickets booked we knew that it would become the two hectic days before Diwali. I landed in Coimbatore on 7th evening flying from Hyderabad, to be greeted by the warm hands of my niece and nephew. My niece (eldest) has this way of welcoming me, always, with open hands and a fast run. (She reminds me of Manisha Koirala from Bombay :D, except that this is very cute and loaded with all innocence). I literally go weak on my knees all the time she does that.. and she does that frequently when I am around (even if I am away for a few hours and she sees me back...I really wonder why.. but I am glad that I can have that little heart's love for me). Apart from that, there was this cutie pie of my nephew, who gives a very gorgeous look along with a sly smile (oh! he's gonna break some hearts later for sure..), both welcoming me in the airport.. Taking them both in my arms.... I can never be that happy.

I wasn't sure what to buy for my mom as a present. So I got her a pearl set from the Airport (I had been only two days in Hyderabad after my Bangalore visit..so no time for shopping). Even though she has a pearl strand..it was a standalone stuff...so after checking out various options, I got her a full set. She always looks good in white pearls. She was happy to receive a gift (she doesn't get that often, apart from sarees), I could tell that from her eyes. And I was glad to give her that small piece of happiness.

The next two days went mostly in travel by Train (where the kids were uncontrollable..playing for the whole trip and going back and forth through the length of the train) and then by taxi to thirukarukavoor and back to Mayuram and then the next day to Thirukadaiyoor and then back again in train to Coimbatore. We were so damn tired by the time we reached home that all we did was sleep and rest for the next two days.

I was then wondering a few things.. why is that people celebrate their completion of 60 years with so much fanfare. I know we did not do anything for my mom, except visit a temple as per her wish..but for my dad it was a great fanfare with homams, wedding and all that stuff.. then I googled and found out that in earlier days it was a big thing to complete 60 years which marks one cycle of life.. We have 60 years in tamil calendar. So once we complete our 60th birthday, we start another cycle of it and that is considered a big achievement that too with good health and if the guy is still married at that time, it is sort of used as an occasion to renew their vows (as in Christian parlance) or an opportunity for their kids to conduct their parent's marriage. One doubt though: What if the lady is elder to the guy, in that case will the marriage be still conducted or is it only when the guy completes the 60 years ? I somehow suspect the latter.

I know for my mom, the year doesn't signify anything special. She is still called by some as my elder sister (not because she looks young..I guess its because I look rather old and resemble her too closely in looks), and she managed without any gray hairs until now. She still goes on with her chores in her kitchen as if nothing else matters. Even though she complains of her health regularly, it doesn't deter her from making the boondhi ladoos for Diwali which is a ritual for her. I really had to bully her to stop making the kaaraa boondhi this time even thought I helped her with the ladoos. Somehow the kitchen is her world, even though she loves to do a lot of other things, I guess she relieves her stress by just being there in the kitchen. I often wondered why would anyone be in kitchen for so long when it actually takes only maximum of an hour to cook (irrespective of the number of people..may be give or take half an hour etc) But that is her way of proving her worth. She does her work on her own pace. If not that, then some cleaning work at home. She used to do stitching until her eyes did not help her. She used to be good in drawing, typing and quite a lot of other handi crafts. She loves to travel. I still remember her enthusiasm when I took her for the Singapore trip. I can never forget that moment, especially during the flight when we were above the clouds, she was so enthralled seeing them that I almost had tears in my eyes watching her. But she hasn't done all that she had wanted for so long. I wonder how she feels after all these years for not doing all those. Does she regret them? God knows that I would.. After all these years, I know that she would like to have some peace for herself and rest when she can at this phase of her life, watch as many malayalam movies as she can (at times that drives me nuts, because when she is @ my home, all she watches is malayalam channels as if she knows no other languages.. I used to make fun of her), eat whatever she feels like without having to worry about the criticism that might come along with it, go for walks with some company where she can chatter away to her hearts content (when I work from home, she at times wont bother to think if I am listening to her at all, as long as I say hmm, oh ho.. ok.. or any small response, she can keep talking for hours together and sometimes in loops.. I never stopped her, because all she wants is to be heard...). Raising three children with barely enough to make ends meet, giving them good education and taking care of the household without any help from any relatives and stowing away all her needs and putting others needs before hers.. God as much as I love her for that, I pity her too.. I wouldn't want to do that because I don't want to resent it later. But that is where the difference lies. I am not my mom. Even though she has her own faults (and we know she has many) she never resented these and I know what she resents most (which I cannot help her in anyway).

She knows her tears are my undoing and I hate it when she cries, especially if it was because of me or for me, I cannot stand it. I am not sure if I have ever told her in any small way that I value her ..love her (I am not that demonstrative with words when it comes to face to face contact....I would rather use my actions.. but I am not sure if she understood that ever) I know I have made her happy by getting good ranks and my proficiency awards have made her proud (at times it becomes very annoying when she starts to recount those facts.. because it never mattered me a bit.. ) But I have made her very sad with bad choice of partner in my life in spite of her warnings. The worst betrayal from my side according to her was that she thought that she was my confidante and that I failed to confide in her with my feelings much earlier (so that she could have changed it somehow.. I wonder how.. but that is how she sees it till date..) I wish I could make her life little cozier and comfortable at this stage where all she needs to do is relax..but aadina kaalum paadina vaayum summa irukaadhunu solluvaanga.. she can hardly rest for a week or two and then she has to go back to work  otherwise she gets really freaky :)

I wish her all good health (that is what she needs the most now) and hope that I have done as much as possible to make her believe that I love her as much as she loves me or at least half of it. I cannot undo a lot of my actions but I do wish her to forgive me for taking her for granted quite a lot of times in my life.

Love you mom..

துப்பாக்கி - for the men in the borders

Who would have ever thought that I would end up watching a Vijay movie as my first in Hyderabad, especially the one which I had damn well convinced myself would be a disaster (Sorry Vijay fans...but given his past history I am not to be blamed). But A.R.Murugadoss made me eat my words.. Damn...Not that this movie is great or somethin' but it was thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining..just like any other A.R.M's movies (7 am arivu being the exception).

When will Vijay stop having those ridiculous title opening songs!!! and especially when it reminds us of the Chandramukhi opening song... The place where it was shot..was awesome.. What would I not give for my train to stop in a place like that....But I should definitely mention this. Vijay has got every necessary scene in this movie to show case his well built muscles. He has toned up well. It suits him well too for his height and stature.. The only thing that lacks in him is the facial expressions... He is trying to make it up for that in many other ways..

Kajal Agarwal is always a cutie and she definitely makes sure she emulates the chemistry well with all her co-stars (She and Karthi had a great Chemistry in Naan Mahaan Alla...) I did not watch Maatraan so I am not sure how she fared with Surya.. She was looking good with Vijay. She reminded me of Jyothika in yester years when she had to voice out her dialogues with little bit of more.... what you call it.. I am not getting that word.. You can easily make out what she is trying to say even if you are a deaf. Thankfully she made the dubbing easier (I hate to see the unmatched lip sync's). She dances well, emotes fairly enough. But she is just a pin up doll in this movie..

For once, the Villain matches the Hero in height and stature and physicality. Its not always that you get see that. Their encounter is limited but the stunts were done well. I hope that the villain's end wasn't that abrupt..but I guess that is what is takes to end it short..otherwise it will be more lengthier.

As for the screenplay..full credit..otherwise I dont think it would have been watchable.. it doesnt give you time to think twice about any question that might come to your mind. Jayaram was totally wasted. Sathyan had less job.. thankfully people did speak in hindi with a tamil voice over in places where they interacted with people in Mumbai (otherwise it would have been a terrible joke..thanks ARM) Camera work was awesome.. Songs were good but definitely a speed breaker. I was literally rooted to my place when I heard the last song by Karthik. Damn! I did not hear that before. Dialogues were good.. especially the one which gets repeated twice.. "if the enemies can sacrifice lives to take lives..well we should be ready to sacrifice lives to save lives too.. " Good one..

This must be my first post on a Vijay's movie.  But the credit definitely goes to A R Murugadoss. 

North and South - Utterly romantic

Its been a long time since I felt the slight tug at my heart on watching a romantic movie. And its been almost half an hour since I had completed it and it doesn't seem to go away ...What is it with these classics... Damn...

Past two three days, since I was in Bangalore with a good net connection, I wanted to complete a few BBC series which I wanted to watch for a long time. I started with "Emma" (which was good..) , continued it with "Persuasion" (equally good), both belonging to Jane Austen and then for some reason I stumbled on "North and South" first mistaking it for a Jane Austen novel adaptation. When I started seeing it, only then I realized that it was by Elizabeth Gaskell.

How is that these BBC Series are so so good.. Why don't we have series in tamil like these.. oh.. the color, the landscape.. the attires, the emotions, the dialogues.. jeez.. Can I get enough of them ?

Coming back to "North and South". I had to complete something today (at work), but wanted a break in between, so I started watching it side by side and got totally side tracked by this series. I have seen scores of movies based on this theme in english, hindi and tamil... so many times remade with the same premise.. so the premise is not a big deal here.. then ? Its the rendering.. the execution, the style, the action... It just made me feel as if I have seen nothing like this ever. By the time it ended, I was waiting with bated breath... Nothing beats the climax.. but its the over-all series that captivated me..At times (I guess I am repeating myself here..) words lose their meaning.. Nothing can ever be said and made to understand, as much as the actions ( or the reactions ) can explain. It would have broken my heart if I had to read the novel. Thank God I watched it.

Its always good to watch a woman with her head firm on her shoulders. The heroine was gorgeous...and the hero..too good to be true...They complemented each other perfectly well. Reminded me of Gone with the wind. That was the last movie I saw which made me feel that the pairing was just perfect...This one is equally good..

There is no villain, no bad blood, no fight (except for a small scuffle)... a pure romantic series.. where the two grow together.. after starting off with a very bad start between them...How their growth extends to each of their families and how they change for the better....Watch it.. if you like good classic romances..even if the story is repeated.. definitely watch this.

Anyone who likes Gone with the wind, Sollamale, etc.. will like this too.

--
05-Nov-2012

Continued my Jane Austen movies with Sense and Sensibility yday. After a few minutes, I realized that Kandukondain_Kandukondain was an adaptation of this novel. Almost exact replica except that it was little toned for Indian or rather Tamil Audiences. But I should say that it was very good adaptation. I saw the 1995 movie with Emma Thompson & Kate Winslet directed by Ang Lee. I have always liked Ang Lee's movies.. especially the photography in his movies and the subtle darkness or melancholy that prevails in the movies.. Has he ever done a comedy or a light hearted movie ? I wonder.. need to check out.. But this was a good movie as is just like the story.. Again an Happy Ending ... :D

Being ....

Discreet:
 This one is hell of work... Especially when you know what is going on and you cannot just talk about it yet, because of various reason (may be its not your business or you are just being polite or you aren't sure about it.. many such reasons)  and yet you want to hint the other person that you might know but you are holding their fort for whatever reason you seem fit at that time.... I really really appreciate people who can do that.. There are lot of people who are so curious (I call them curiosity kuriakose's , just for the rhyming.. no offense to any Kuriakose please) that they just don't know how to be discreet, at least about a few sensitive things.

I should take this chance here and give a Big Thanks for my friends (some of them who read this blog from time to time) for being so discreet in their communication to me over the years when I needed them the most. I knew that they knew about my problem, but when they felt that I wasn't ready, they resorted to being discreet, but were there to give me a sense of support and compassion. That is very much valued and I owe them big time.... For some its their nature to be like that.. but I know for others, it was a lot of work. At times the talks (casual ones) would lead to my situation and they would be ready to blurt out some thing related to that..and I have seen them eat their words at the last minute, thinking the better of it..and end it up with some casual common comment (which were very appropriate to the situation). I am really very thankful for that act and it was by no means a small one for me. Thank you all again.

I only wish that I have that much sense to show the same discreetness.

Possessive:
This one I know it by experience, both the pain and vain of it. When someone is very possessive of you and don't want to let you out of their sight (in hazaar and one ways..), the general idea that gets to us is, that someone doesn't trust you. I somehow have started to realize that possessiveness is not much related to the trust a person has on you or not. Its about how much they need you.. Need you to be part of their life, need you to ascertain themselves that they belong to someone (sense of belonging to someone or somewhere is one of the reasons for our evolution I think..otherwise there wouldn't be boundaries.. or even families..) , need you to believe they mean something to themselves or capable of someone. It also is a way of exercising the superiority complex or the control, one is used to. And this is done to the people they love the most.. because losing them hurts the most.. Possessiveness when done is proper measures can be acceptable..because it at times shows that you care.. And that gives the person who is taken care of, a sense of love and affection and even a relief that there is always somehow to hold on. But in most cases, the act of restraint is always lost. And the limit is very relative to every single person. There is no such thing a hard defined limit in this case. This is not only with respect to humans but also extends to materialistic things..

This one is very difficult to handle...and requires lot of time and work and very importantly self realization...For someone like me, who is not possessive by any single measure on anyone or anything, I have had my share of pain from being possessed. And I am done with that.. I see one single sign of it and you will see me running in the other direction as fast as my leg can take me ;) (vadivelu style-la sollanumnaa..eppadi oadarennu mattum paaru nee.. eppadi oadarenu...)

There are other 'being...' I would like to write..but suddenly my flow stopped here.. Will update it more later..

Ciao.