Happened to watch masterfully made Jigarthanda XX from Karthik Subburaj. It churned out mixed feelings. The brilliance of film making strikes first, especially when he comes from a self learning stable of movie makers shaped by a TV reality show. This is not a well meaning criticism as it requires to understand film making and its nuances. This is more from story hearing perspective on what hits or misses the common audience.
SJ Suryah shows off a subtle version of himself, when we compare his over the top performance of previous blockbuster films. Surprisingly, it still works out very well. He is the Ray of the film. Raghava Lawrence reminded me of young Rajinikanth on his closeups amped up by Santhosh Narayanan’s music. No wonder Balachander identified the spark in him. The show stealer is Nimisha Sajayan who does her character effortlessly and still stands tall. She is the emotional pole of the film. The signature twists of Karthik works very well, It makes one wonder what is still left in the film as the antagonist gets captured. It actually gets emotionally riveting just after that.
One of the marked differences between the prequel and this film is the Karthik Subbaraj has revered the film making in not so subtle ways and his work also justifies the same. But, has the glorification of cinema actually helps or stands the test of time. The answer will be a “No” as cinema has moved on to be a mindless magic show rather a sensible messenger. There were carefully laid propaganda on War by Hollywood with its favourite theme of Second World War II with the main antagonists as Nazis. Has that changed anything other than glorifying wars? It only changed the past victims to present remorseless murderers in Gaza. Of course there are exceptions like Nolan’s Haunting Dunkirk and I am yet to watch Oppenheimer. Wish Hollywood makes its mark on the futility of wars too.
I always liked Karthik Subbaraj conviction in his films on the social topics, where he stays true. But what lacks is the conveying part where it works on a superficial layer. The tribals and their issues reverberate still today along with the Government’s apathy with their focused obsession on reckless development. Joshimath and Himalayas are the latest visible victims as they are in the news, while other coal field agitations irrespective of the Parties rule are silenced on the National media, owned by the same Cartel.
Where the movie could have weighed on is on exploring their world as the set piece is synthetic and their life is shown in voices rather visuals. Understand it’s already a long convoluted film with filmy reverence on Films, but there are many flabby scenes which does not add to the story, like Lawrence’s monotonous antics of beating up everyone around and the unnecessary fight scene in the Court campus around Gandhi statue. I am personally fine with his strong opinions on Gandhism. At least he remembers Gandhi more than anyone else in Films. But it’s about being practical and factful. I have not seen any gandhian family as portrayed in Mahaan movie. But this movie deals with such criticisms better… with actually a better criticism.. Who cares for Gandhi nowadays. Haiku!
Instead of mass heroic flabby scenes, the movie could have dwelled on the Couple’s life on both their sweet, bitter and bittersweet moments, which forms the emotional core and introduced us to the tribal setting pre-interval so that, we are familiarised to the end objective. It’s like we have religiously sighted Clint Eastwood but forgot on Hollywood’s tried and tested screenplay template of setting the plot context after the impressive introduction. Even the elephant conservation part sounds bit preachy when it could have been visualized, rather on plain talks. For example, someone has to explain us that the elephants have come to thank Lawrence which could have been an emotionally powerful game changing visual, justifying the immaculate graphics. Jeyamohan’s Yaanai Doctor explains a similar scene with just plain prose but still impactful. Even Kumki does it visually. This is also where Blockbuster Kantara beats other films of similar genre. Kantara has its negatives as poorly made film, but it immerses us into the tribal world and its rituals, that it starts mesmerising in the end with the Hero’s transformation. Even the objective and the context set very beautifully in Kantara, that the climax gets larger than life with a simple disappearance. Subburaj could have attained box office pinnacle by fine tuning the screenplay.
Similarly, Lawrence’s motive towards filmmaking is too subtle that it gets ignored. Either they could have built his character sketch with his introduction on that he takes challenges seriously or gets offended on his complexion, or it could have been with a forceful scene, rather a bar brawl with insensitive exchanges by Ilavarasu. That could have made his fight with Shettaani even more meaningful and not just for a Phot0-Op. The game changing scene is shot poorly making the premise shallow. On the other hand SJ Suryah scores very well with a clear character sketch and impresses a lot till the end.
This is not for nitpicking or fault finding an already well made film. It’s about what will I tell my Kid as story I savoured for 3 hours. Whether it’s about an insane rowdy artist or equally insane acting Director trying something ridiculous for their moment of fame or about forest conservation or about a fiercely fighting couple or a plotty political film, the problem of becoming all in one but being master of none. Also, it is a question if what exactly affects me or I take home… as this has the effect of Sethu type climax but still goes off as a whiff of twisty air. Wish the movie added a bit of intensity and focus on screenplay with clear objectives, to achieve its pinnacle. It reminded me of Ponniyin Selvan trying to do an amazing lot and ending up not so convincing, lacking the novel effect we see in Pudhupettai or Aayirathil oruvan – both the films have a clear cut fall and rise of a Hero story. Even Viduthalai hs a clear cut cop dilemma as its theme, though it’s about a similar social issue.
With due apologies on my uninvited comic post… afterall I am just a deadwood, it’s just a lament about why our filmmakers could not reach the crest amidst exhibiting exceptional filmmaking skills as much deserved reward. But filmmaking is still a journey hopefully not as twisted or convoluted as Jigarthanda Double X does. It’s a must watch for its make believe world, earthy humour and signature twists. Jigarthanda Double X is an All-in-One package, doubling up as delicious treat with beautiful characters and also a slight whammy on failing to reach its hidden potential lacking a refined presentation and lack of intensity.
Finally made it to Jawan after SRK announced BOGO offer. What a Masala Express it was!
Jawan worked well for many reasons, the main reasons being its Multiple SRKs, each coming in different avatars. Jawan is a Jack in the Box puzzle of peeling an SRK only to find another SRK to be peeled, and he keeps on coming like matrix Army, in different variations and modulations. Even the antagonist VJS plays around with Red and Blue pill like Morpheus, when we are struggling to buy expensive Popcorn to keep the excited Kids pacified, making me wonder about Birth control Pill.
SRK is the USP of this film. If you missed his teddy Bear avatar, we get a sweet cuddling SRK. If you want more of his Pathaan, you get a Baldie who sounds more like Anniyan Vikram instantly changing his tone and tenor with his each dialogue delivery, from a caring citizen to Lover to Fatherly nurturer of his team, a Three-in-One Guy. If you wanted SRK for real, getting himself promoted to Mufasa from Simba, you got a stylish Oldie, who plays things subtle like a Hollywood Hero but still evokes awe with his macho mannerisms and stunts. So, for every Hundred Crore invested in the Movie you get a SRK, like failsafe Load balancers. You also get a Divine SRK as Disaster recovery Bonus wondering – “Who Am I?” A Super Star who rested enough and now on a rampage on Silver screens, treating us with satisfactory mini vacation.
From his opening line (“who am I?”), Khan draws us into wondering what relation the bandaged warrior liberating a village in a prologue has to the gruff baldie laying siege to Mumbai’s metro, and the prison warden clinging to a second chance at love. A one-man Cloud Atlas, Jawan is a puzzle movie where the star proves the puzzle; it’s a great showcase for Khan to play everything under the sun: godly badass, dandyish army vet, total sweetheart with a prospective stepdaughter. There’s ego involved, undeniably, but few stars in any cinema could model such radically diverse hats with this much flair. – Guardian
In fact SRK had so many avatars, my Kids got so confused that they took a selfie with Manish Malhotra cutout at Multiplex, after the movie. When asked why… they said it was the SRK who comes off after removing the Mask. Maybe it’s due to too much Popcorn as my Kid thinks Theatre is some kind of Hotel without a dining table, finally chiding me – for spilling so much popcorn, like a kid, once lights come up. But also thanks to too much de-aging Makeup / Technology which made young SRK look like Robot Rajinikanth. I am someone who always liked SRK for all his graceful Dil Se-ish wrinkles. Other than this episode it’s very difficult to point out any issues with this well polished Pot boiler.
The Movie looked like Atlee had a dream as an Editor of many Tamil movies and Hollywood references. Well, that’s his USP. If anyone mocks him about copying his inspirations, how would you explain Jailer and Vikram share the same story and still become blockbusters. Coincidence? or Just we don’t know the “History of source”. At least Atlee is copying references from many films.
The worldwide Movie Industry is becoming a Comic Book Theme park of Sorts as rightly lamented by Scorcese. I would not be surprised if the Multiplexes started attaching Vibrators in our seat to add yet another dimension to our adventure ride. For a change the movie looked more like Shankar’s rather Atlee’s with rich and unique action set pieces and the story on a Nation-wide big canvas. The way he has skillfully made a collage of so many narratives, acts as testament to his skills of getting disparate things together, like a Movie Integration Engineer. You may Mock Atlee or Admire Atlee but you cannot ignore him for the decade to come.
It’s good. But, What could have been better?
To improve Atlee’s career span for few more decades, Atlee could work on Original / improvised screenplay at least for every alternate ten minutes rather reminding us of all movies we have watched. It actually spoils his own meticulous craft of weaving a compelling emotional wholesome narrative, not many Directors of his generation could master. Every new Wave Director excels on a field like black comedy or action, but seems like failure on other Departments. Atlee is a rare Bull’s eye hitter, extracting the exact emotion as required. As an use case, I liked the portrayal of a lethal villain with Bane Mask and a Cheetah, conveying the deadliness in a shot. Money heist pulled off a perfect heist when it comes to such creativity with Masks. They just improvised on Guy Fawkes mask to an artistic form which become a statement by itself rather being a cheap copy.
The screenplay comes down as an abrupt jigsaw puzzle slowly unraveling by itself. But we have seen better Saviour dramas even from his Master Shankar himself, where we get intelligent cat and mouse chase and the flashbacks gets unravelled by the Chaser rather by simple cuts and edits. In Jawan such surprise elements comes sparingly with the narrative getting rescued by stunning action sequences and inimitable SRK.
The flashbacks are intense especially the Farmer’s plight and depressing Hospital scene. But the entire set up especially the Jail sounds like a Barbie land, without any realistic flavour. Shankar always keeps his set pieces very close to reality, which helps us gel with the screen. The puzzle does not connect all the Justice redemption flashbacks to the Protagonist well. Ramana did a very good job on this aspect where the logic was lucid enough and the investigation was also kept interesting slowly unraveling the core plot, with the direct involvement of the Protagonist at all occasions. The screenplay is just not fluid as it has too many stories to tell. Maybe Atlee needs to be a “Gentleman” Screenplay writer for cracking such saviour templates, as it does a beautiful presentation of the Jack in the Box storyline, slowly unraveling the Protagonist with the help of Investigator, in a believable make-believe world and at the same time larger than life on the slowly expanding big picture scenario, upgrading its extravagance rather just being an embellishment. Maybe there could have been better emotional investment for the supporting Characters, rather acting like screen cosmetic.
Is Jawan a Propaganda Movie?
Now there are lots of debate about what SRK endorses with this movie. There was even a Smart Alec Op-Ed on how SRK smartly milked up all sections of People and Parties with his commercial potboiler. To me, cinema itself is a mind(less) magic show fooling people with its antics or at the worst could be scam with badass aspirational intentions of hollow Stars dreaming to become haloed CMs or political encashment, by creating a positive mental imprint at our own cost. In Tamil we call as Sontha Selavula Sooniyam – Inviting Maleficent’s Black magic at our own call.
For example, I have cherished a Saviour Drama from Shankar – Gentleman which portrays the evils of quota system and how poor Brahmins are denied their opportunities, exposing the cleavages in the society with the help of lot of female cleavages and double entendres. Same Shankar is yet to come up exposing with the cleavages on evils of EWS Quota. So, Cinema could be just a visual social commentary at it’s best. Nothing changes except for a public mental imprint on the state of affairs. But Shankar is genuine master masala blender without any political aspirations, leveraging social issues for a mass connect as it glues everyone of us with a common concern.
Nasruddin and his wife lived in a small house and shared a small bed; they had just a single pillow.
One night Nasruddin’s head itched so badly that the itchy feeling woke him up. He scratched and scratched, but it didn’t do any good. “What an itch!” he thought to himself.
Then his wife yelled, “Stop scratching my head! I’m trying to sleep.”
“My apologies, dearest,” said Nasruddin. “Go back to sleep.”
Nasruddin then felt around until he found his own head.
“Ah,” he said to himself, happily scratching the itch. “That explains it. I was scratching the wrong head.”
The above story is dedicated to Quota Directors with a social message scratching others head to cure their own itch. But, the real damage to Tamilians’ psyche happens with movie stars acting like prospective CMs in real life by playing larger than life role in movies, trying to create a make-believe world that they can rule the world. Indian cinema in such cases could be the height of deceptive entertainment, if you don’t count the Political theater, playing on our minds like a Piano, slowly and gradually creating an alternate universe in our own mind, when the reality could be totally different and unpalatable. Modi is just replicating that “Pompous Popcorn act” well outside Cinema theaters and very well aware of its mass psychology swaying potential.
Dare hue log aksar alfazon ke peeche chupte hai. (Means) People who are scared often hide behind words
SRK in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Movie
One Nation… One Movie… Mera Desh Chala raha hai!
More than anyone else Modi deserves an Oscar for running a compelling Show on National level canvas. Don Ko Pakadna Mushkil Hi Nahi… Namumkin Hai just became Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai. Movie’s teasers are replaced with Demonetisation and Midnight GST, with the screwed up public, scratching their heads, wondering – “Picture abhi baaki hai?” on how to handle this New India Tughlaq Sultan’s eccentricities. Audio launch happens with every state or Panchayat or Ward election where Modi speaks what people want to hear while doing what Adani likes. Mass moments happen with the help of Delhi Police arresting Modi critics for every silly reason one could imagine. Emotional moments with Bulldozers and engineered riots. Apart from this, bloody comic relief is handled with aplomb by Fringe outfits, Pragyas and Bidhuris. There are no antagonists to this story as Modi doesn’t like anyone else hogging camera space. Even if someone gotta fight him, he just fights in air – Mann ki Baat Mukt Bharat. Only guest appearances are allowed for World Leaders to create RajaBabu movie type photo lineups, where Modi guides them… to Dinner table. Overall, It’s a complete Paisa vasool propaganda sucking the taxes from public. Nobody could beat that.
Call him shahenshah ka shahenshah or Lol-lapalooza of entertainment, Modi is so much of an occupant of our Mindspace, like Israel occupying Palestine forcefully, Tamil Meme Makers have rendered all super hits in Modiji’s voice using AI, making a navarasa movie of it. No wonder Modi supports crazy atrocious, his unethical spy partner Israel, flipping India’s historical support to Palestine, instead of targeting Hamas, and Israel going greedy to capture Gaza making use of the crisis situation.
While Hamas is brutally keeping the war alive with the initial provoking, it’s now Israel’s Jews who always aspired for world domination through intelligence, irrespective of their own allies’ history of brutally crushing them in the past, now joining the same aggressors, showing their inhuman side to the poor Palestinians. If the “forever fighting race” in History, who have always exhibited tenacity, finding a way to win, but make it short lived victory with meaningless aggression, are calling themselves children of Light, they should have ideally lit a candle of Peace rather firing rockets pounding Gaza.
It’s sad, the Children of Light could not even rebuild their own temple even after stealing 91% of Palestine, even after amassing enough clout and resources to kill a certain race, with the help of the same ones who killed their own ancestors in their bitter past. For Israel, the lessons learnt from history is always Zero. They have always chosen to the intelligently vicious Path of backstabbing and betrayal creating a roadmap for self-destruction. Sincerely wish they adopt the Truth and Diplomacy mode which has always helped them in their past to be at peace with Arabs.
If Obama could erase Osama with a clean strike and nil casualties to the Public, Biden seems to be mimicking Toxic texan Bush, addicted to fireworks, singing forgotten hymns on the Mighty USA currently suffering from inferiority complex doubtful of its Big Brother / Bully status, who could only prove it’s supremacy to the world by killing innocent People around. It’s just wicked mockery – USA condemning Gaza Hospital attack, when the Gaza is dying a slow death with Israel’s ‘Method in Madness’ siege amounting to genocidal ethnic cleansing. If at all war happens at different places in Ukraine, Palestine, Taiwan etc, China will be the ultimate Winner riding from Chaos, toppling the World’s Supremacy Order. US might be already sensing its waning influence with Ukraine crisis and now at Gaza, for its stupid doublespeak fighting the occupiers of Ukraine and shamelessly supporting the bloodthirsty occupiers of Gaza.
Enjoy! Soothe your monstrous suffering inflicted by Modi with Modi’s melodies, the snake venom which could be both PR Poison and laughter Medicine. PS: The Video has been removed now. But search for AI Modi to have Fun.
Back to Movies.. Personally, I would happily listen to any genuine Movie crew without any selfish / political aspirations whole heartedly. But only time will tell their truth. Just a Jolly good Quote below, from brilliant Shankar to wrap this social messaging charade.
Journalist: Can anyone kill just for this?
Ramanujam ‘Ambi’ Iyengar: [as Anniyan] Do you do this out of the confidence that no one will kill you?
Journalist: Such a large punishment for such a small sin?
Ramanujam ‘Ambi’ Iyengar: [as anniyan] As if sin come like vest, in small, medium, large, extra large, sizes?
Anniyan Movie
[ Update 5th October 2023
Initially kept the above quote for fun on how social message films manipulate our emotions with ridiculous justifications. But looks like we got “Political Anniyans” in real life too, who can’t bear even a Mini-Kerchief size criticism from Journalists, when they just quoted the reality that, the Emperor got no clothes. Modi obviously should be ashamed of himself and course correct, rather getting offended on a piece of Opinion or media coverage.
Around 2019, Modi got his robust image where “Modi hai toh Mumkin hai!” got oomph factor with a tinge of reality, pulling out sick rabbits out of hat like Demon / GST. I don’t know if ten years of power makes people arrogant habituated to unquestioned subservience from the executive and from other pillars, that they go full throttle oppressing everyone around, making Jokers out of themselves. New India is going through “Dark Room” episode, a boogeyman, teachers use to control unruly Kids. But it got its own validity. They can’t keep going on that lie and it works till kids are ignorant and they start laughing at them upon maturity.
By 2023 end, BJP has successfully achieved the expiry of “Dark Emergency” scenario where none are going to fear Mo-Sha. They have maxed out the fear factor and if they overdo it, they will end up creating situations like uncontrollable Manipur / Kashmir crisis. If they dream on derivative positives like after effects of such Polarisation, it’s going to work out like reverse mandal Politics, where BJP is losing sleep to counter and still clueless as pathetic campaign weeps from Modi is sticking to the public mindspace. RG cracked it with a very simple code, Quota will be proportional to the demographics, irrespective of caste or religion.
There existed a good chance of Mo-Sha duo coming back after 2024, as INDIA alliance is a Juggernaut pulled from all sides and elected power only spoils / corrupts them further aggravating their selfish egoes. By burning all bridges with ED / IT / Intelligence fireworks – be it Executive, Judiciary, Honest Media and Public, Mo-Sha is entering their own “Political Death Well”, going nowhere but on a downward spiral. Sadly, Modi is just entering the Phase of “Modi hai toh Nothing hai!”. Personally, I will miss Modi’s decisiveness, energy and efficiency on rolling out schemes, however useless and backfiring they are. It is sick fun so far.
Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuch haarna padta hai….aur haar kar jeetne wale ko baazigar kehte hain” (Sometimes to win you must also be prepared to lose ….and the one who ends up winning the end game is called a Baazigar)
Baazigar Movie.
]
Propaganda and Atma Nirbhar Theater
Of late, Some Political Parties have taken Cinema too seriously investing a lot of money on Propaganda movies, so as to instill a fake pride, burning their own fingers and crony money, crying Mera Crony Money Jal raha Hai! They believe Rang De Basanti type movies helped them create unrest among masses. They could be right then, but currently, we don’t have a situation where a movie could make or break political situations. Earlier, we had an engaging government providing RTI and other schemes where People felt a sense of belonging believing they will also find a way out of corruption, along with their new found hope and prosperity. Now we have a situation of peeing ourselves on our own “prosperity” by voting ludicrously..
“We have one leg in the past and one leg in the future … that’s why we’re peeing on the present.”
Rang De Basanti Movie
The reasons why movies are just movies in Amrit kaal being… Firstly, People are immune to such silver screen emotional arousals nowadays, as Bollywood lost its respect with attacks from the very side it promoted once. The Social media generation, apart from creating memes to make fun of things around, are fighting for their own survival tackling Inflation and unemployment. If at all you think bad of Government we got it’s Master who will increase fuel price. If you still crib, LPG price will be increased. If Farmers crib on Crony friendly Farm laws, our usual Villains Onion, Pulses and Tomato will become costly helping out the “New India Hero Crony Billionaire Middlemen” to stock them up and inflate the prices. After all these blows, you might have forgot why you started cribbing. But the empty-purse-pain still exists. Sometimes, the best way to lessen pain is just don’t focus on the pain and start playing Tic-Tac-Toe with Bharat or India coins, a country naming game as if our country is someone’s pet puppy or watch Movies like One Nation-Gaddar election-One Begging Bowl. Essentially, every citizen is playing survival chess with the well oiled Mighty Government Machine powered by Crony electoral bonds working with full strength when he just gets a Pawn to his side to play. Purse-Mate!
“On this side of the college gate we make life to dance … and on the other side of the gate life makes us dance”
Rang De Basanti Movie
Secondly, People are kept busy by the Government engagements with Aadhaar PAN Ration linking exercises or Clean India initiatives creating a psychological Master-Slave behaviour edging on Stockholm syndrome. From UPA’s citizen empowerment era we are now reduced to Kartavya-era, reducing ourselves to no-questions-asked-duty-bound-slaves till we reach Amrit Kaal in 2047, that is… if we are alive to realise the Amrit/Vish-kaal truth then.
“Even now whose blood doesn’t boil, then that blood is water … the youth who doesn’t serve the country is a waste.”
Rang De Basanti Movie
Thirdly, Leaders across spectrum who act as catalysts for Movements and Protests, fondly called as Urban naxals by our Dear Leader, are caught in fear psychosis of enforcement and Law agencies. The Law Enforcement Agencies evidently even plant evidence in Laptops using Israeli Spywares. On an insignificant bit, even so called socially conscious Shankar’s Gamechanger movie, discussing about Indian Polls got silently postponed to sneakily appear only after the 2024 Polls. Gear up yourselves for a movie “bravely” talking about necessary Poll reforms, but only after the election gets over, obviously does not want to be a real game changer but more of a Dummy one cashing on mass connect with ex-voters. Enjoy your Political cold popcorn then. Remember “Sunil, Your Din is getting cold!” from Sunil Gavaskar’s Boss?
“Here you try to change the system and the system changes you.”
Rang De Basanti Movie
Fourthly, Most people are blissfully ignorant of who is looting them with taxes and stealing National assets, without realising they are in much worse situation than before, as they only hear sensational synthetic headlines like Cricketers’ BCCI antics / Chest thumping G20 Vishwamitra comedy enacting Mossad type dirty works, powered by Whatsapp University courses. Majority of people might even assume that such Farmer plight and poor hospital conditions portrayed in Jawan existed a decade back and they are now in Singapore, unless otherwise BJP exposes themselves by making a lot of fuss around Jawan / Dunki. BJP is acting tax thief for long and they know how to react when the scorpion bites, at work. So, In this fascist world, we are kept happy and proud, entertained by the Government at least until we feel hungry. If we are hungry, fascist Government usually ask us to just fry pakoras or just die silently… Shhhh… no dissent please…
“To the millions who have to go without two meals a day… God can only appear as bread”
Mahatma Gandhi as Quoted by MS Swaminathan
Lastly, nobody goes to a movie shelling out thousands just for a social message which could be read cheaply in twitter (not X) or Whatsapp. I don’t think anybody reads these loong blabber logs.
These people don’t fear death. Ajay used to say “Let death come… Anything for the country”
Rang De Basanti Movie
The below story is dedicated to our Nationalist Heroes with foreign citizenship and Agnihotris suffering with (P)Files problems, who got a knack of creating an unrestive narrative out of nothing and make a living out of it.
ModduNasruddin and his wife awoke to the sound of men quarreling outside. The shouting got louder and louder.
“I’ll go see what they are quarreling about,” said Nasruddin.
He then lit a lamp and went downstairs.
His wife heard him open the front door. Almost immediately, the shouting stopped. She wondered what Nasruddin had said to stop the quarrel so quickly.
“What happened?” she asked when he came back to bed.
“When I opened the door, one of them grabbed my lamp, and then they both ran off,” Nasruddin replied. “I suppose they must have been quarreling about my lamp!”
With that said, I also differ on the perspective of SRK milking his audiences for monetary benefits. If that sounds like contradiction, which I felt too initially, just compare the Rang De Basanti dialogues with Jawan’s to get yourself convinced. As someone who is thoroughly bred on South’s vigilant movies, where a solo Hero kills an Army holding Dozens of Guns but personally end up falling on the feet of Politicians for personal survival and favours, Jawan is certainly not the one milking our emotions for any selfish interests. SRK obviously had taken a lot of pain enacting powerful stunts / energetic dance moves and the Khan couple has poured in lot of money, to justify our hard earned movie tickets. Such sincerity cannot be attributed to milking the audience emotionally, but just to establish a pan-india massy masala connect, providing justice to the narrative.
“Even now whose blood doesn’t boil, then that blood is water … the youth who doesn’t serve the country is a waste”
Rang De Basanti Movie
Quintessentially Jawan is just Pushpa fighting from another end of Justice spectrum. So, I would not be surprised at all if the entire Bollywood takes a selfie with a Government Head just before elections like 2019, after giving us sermons on Voting wisely. Are we headed by a ridiculous Government which invites Film stars for the New parliament Building inauguration cautiously ignoring the First Citizen of our Country?
“Wish they live happily forever. May the insanity and the romance never die.”
Rang De Basanti Movie
Akhand Bharat or Celebrity Bharat?
Well, the reality behind Government inviting Celebrities for New parliament inauguration is not that the Government is ridiculous, it’s just that we are ridiculous enough to hero worship Celebrities taking their endorsements seriously but underestimate our precious votes. If at all we understood our value, the 50K Crore meaningless grandeur – Kartavya Central Vista, New PM Planes and New Parliament Building just to please One man – Modi, would have been non-existent. Any government afraid / ashamed of accountability would have spent such huge sum on Governance / welfare rather egotistic / luxury edifices, rather covering themselves behind celebrity veil. We Indians are not that rich enough to be spendthrift like Modi, when we are ranked 107th out of 121 countries on Global Hunger index. India also ranks below Sri Lanka (64), Nepal (81), Bangladesh (84), and Pakistan (99). Taliban ruled war ravaged Afghanistan (109) is the only country in Global South Asia that performs worse than India on the index. Maybe our rulers thought, Viswagurus should be on starvation / diet to shine as Vishwamitra, if we ignore political Pot bellies.
When we ask so many questions buying a Mosquito coil which burns for 5 hours, Why are we not raising questions when we elect a 5 year tenured Government? It can’t be put simpler than this.
It’s our Cinema tradition that Angry Young men sell BP pills very well, then partially retire to sequence their tweets, shamelessly supporting Fascist Government, to save their Panama err.. Pan India image. Swachh Bharat? …Present Sir! Shitler hailing tweet? Sure Sir! Election time endorsement of Dictator? Done Deal Sir! Don’t know about what future holds, but only side SRK has taken is to deliver a movie with social responsibility in an entertaining manner, staying apolitical- but also being loyal to his base, asking everyone to think before they vote. In a well functioning Democracy, you are your own Superhero. Make your Opinion matter by voting responsibly. The way he delivers it, he makes us feel like DDLJ Kajol and even the Political Parties behave like Amrish Puri with an acknowledgement to voters – “Jaa Simran Jaa”. Only SRK can do this in New India!
“There’s no childhood, no adulthood. One is as grown-up as one feels.”
– DDLJ Movie
Love always looks good at least until the climax… of course whatever you think as Climax… of course our Political Amrish Puris will make sure Simrans and Rahuls don’t get away so easily, even if they board Bullet trains. There are rumours of theaters getting booked for Ugram err… Salaar, compelling the theater owners to club Salaar with Animal movie distribution. The Bollywood blackmail is such that, If screen owners choose to screen Dunki, they cannot screen Animal. I am just a Cinephile who admire any decent movie. The way we have made our Movie industry politically dirty just like BCCI at the hands of arrogant political paternity, any cinephile including me is at loss of good and healthy entertainment.
“…I Bet You Ain’t Never Seen A Donkey Fly!”
Donkey, Shrek Movie
Quotes apart, it will do a lot good for the Dunki crew if they choose to release on non-competitive January 1st week with the monthly income demography helping them out in the first few weeks. It may be healthy for the Industry too, avoiding clashes like wrestling matches out of pure political Hombale pressures and bruised hitless egoes. Just a harmless plain opinion.
Nasrudin used to take his donkey across a frontier every day, with the panniers loaded with straw. Since he admitted to being a smuggler when he trudged home every night, the frontier guards searched him again and again.
They searched his person, sifted the straw, steeped it in water, even burned it from time to time. Meanwhile he was becoming visibly more and more prosperous. Then he retired and went to live in another country.
Here one of the customs offices met him, years later. “You can tell me now, Nasrudin,” he said.“Whatever was it that you were smuggling, when we could never catch you out?”
“Donkeys,” said Nasrudin.
The Propaganda Playbook – If thought corrupts language, can language corrupt thought?
One more observation is that, the Society / State which accepts / encourages or atleast hears out opposite voices and opinions, tend to have very high social indices. One could see Movies like Parasakthi(1952) providing an entirely different perspective of then status-quo becoming a Hit in Tamilnadu. Parasakthi’s dialogue writer become a 5 time Chief Minister for his wit and wisdom and excellent administrative and organizational skills, only to be rivalled by other tinseltown stars who exploited movie psychology to the hilt creating themselves a mass persona. Such movies thrived on the open environment created by the then Rulers, acting like Barometer for the Government to gauge the public mood rather keeping them isolated and enclosed, fooling themselves on masterfully putting a lid, like kashmir crisis where silence itself is becoming a strong opposition, making BJP tremble to conduct election.
The easiest way to propagandize people is to let a propaganda theme go in through an entertainment picture when people do not realize they are being propagandized.
Elmer Davis
Happened to watch Thuramukham a brilliant but slow moving Film, making for a painful watch where the entire family of two generations toil and even die for nothing except for making a very feeble resistance, but contributing to a larger cause of “Resistance for fairness and equality”. Seems like the movie got adapted from a Stage Play which worked across Kerala prior to the movie. Thuramukham stands as a testament to what made Kerala, “God’s own Country”, where there were many Gandhi-alikes biting the bullet to empower the future generations. No wonder Kerala is scoring very high on Social indices, by keeping that culture alive.
“It’s hard to change something that has been rusty since a long time. “
Rang De Basanti Movie
Looks like BJP wanted to make a playbook out of such societal evolution through Movies and heavily investing on it luring the Top filmmakers to incorporate Hindu Pride opposing Minority Villains, though the History and fact states otherwise. While some have been inflated Hits, most of them failed to attract audience failing miserably in Box Office. Kashmir Files was a hit because it was Political, just like Jawan, though very low on facts, obfuscating History just like BJP’s fake narrative on Pandits.
Movie is just a mirror to the society. Distorting the mirror does not alter the reality especially in social media era where everything becomes an instant Meme and potently travels virally as good as the Movie. After watching a goosebump-ish actioner Vikam movie, got diffused by a simple meme which stated, Vikram is just a story of how KH saves his own Grandson by killing his entire undercover team, who managed to dodge the establishment for decades. When someone talks loud of sanatana dharma, there is a simple meme which questions whether all castes will be allowed to enter Sanctum Sanctorum or will be disallowed citing lame reasons like Agamic temples. Maybe God did not exist before agamic laws got formed by the elites.
Only time will tell if BJP can make an Hallowed achievement out of Fake narrative films without any improvement on Social Indices, on the ground, like the South accomplished with their fruitful Movie-Society nexus, in pre-internet era.
Those who are capable of tyranny are capable of perjury to sustain it.
Lysander Spooner
INDIA alliance – The Antagonist and Protagonist of the 2024-202X Elections!?
As a Congress sympathiser, the movie also made me think of their deficiencies leading to their own self destruction. Of course they were callous and Corrupt rulers. If Modi is comparable to Ravan abducting the idea of India, Congress at its best has acted like Kumbakaran, unaware of its own strengths, origins and ideologies, as if confused between Indrasan / Nidrasan. Maybe it’s because, Congress is also full of brahmanical elites just like BJP. Much credit for 2019 loss should go to the Brahman Group of Congress who were able to weaken the Party from within like termites, chanting “RIP / Om Shanti!” to the same party which allowed them to prosper. Of course there are exceptions to generalizations.
I still wonder how Modi in 2019 was so invincible then, looks pathetic now? What exactly has changed by now as Modi remains the same Mediocre Fascist Ruler helping Crony cause? Is it because half the Congress elites were busy killing Congress rather attacking BJP, secretly happy with it upholding brahmanical supremacy? Wonder how they have suddenly found a Leader in Gandhi palatable after a yatra? Wonder if they they think, walking make someone a greater Leader or it’s just a chameleonic / opportunistic sense of stars getting aligned at present?
The question that needs to be asked is whether Congress leaders, particularly those belonging to the upper caste, have had a change of heart or are overwhelmed by Rahul’s leadership qualities? After all, throughout the UPA years, particularly during 2010-2011, the caste-based census was a vexed issue, causing a lot of division and disquiet.
It is a matter of record that when the then law minister Veerappa Moily in 2010 called for the collection of caste/community data in Census 2011, his cabinet colleague and Union minister P Chidambaram had raised several “vexed questions” such as the issue of a central list of OBCs and state-specific list of OBCs and some states not having a list of OBCs.
The reasons for OBC-SC-ST social Empowerment will work for the alliance is multifold. Firstly, except for Minorities and Upper castes heavily aligned towards Congress / BJP , the rest are not amalgamated to a strong cohesive voter base fragmented by regional / casteist Parties, who may have a say in State elections but may not be so impactful in Union elections.
Secondly, it’s much better to talk about the Voters – the real vote base, than targeting Modi with “Chowkidhar Chor hai” type attacks, pushing him to cry hopelessly that no Party is mentioning him except for Himself with Modi’s guarantees. Modi’s lame defence of opposition alliance dividing Hindus with OBC quota is nothing but the case of Satan preaching Vedas, especially when he did the same division by enacting Economically weaker Section Quota exclusively reserved for upper castes.
Thirdly, Social Justice empowerment has really propelled South states with far better economic and social indices. It is very well the need of the hour. Focus could be on economically weaker sections and first generation graduates to uplift masses. This is very much similar to Indira Gandhi’s “Garibi Hatao!”, connecting with the masses.
Fourthly, Modi could come back strongly with “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke” attacks, like in 2019, making even SC spray Gangajal on him, transforming him to a holy saint winking at Kedarnath for cameras, just with a closed envelope (maybe containing secret overtures of a future BJ(M)P ) pressing for an apology from Congress in last minute. But when it comes to Social Justice plank, his only option becomes forming half baked Laws like Reservation bill to a appease his vote block., antagonizing his own loyal base of upper castes. Anyway, Merchants and SMEs are already a disgruntled base and the opposition just needs to nudge them with incentives.
Finally, this has the potential to make Congress grounded shedding its suave and elitistic outlook, a crucial factor when competing with a Maverick-PR-Beta-Modi, who could go to any extent to exhibit his connect / groundedness with stunts like cleaning the feet of sanitary workers and blowing it up with PR about it, to completely change the narrative.
More than anything else, Congress / INDIA alliance Parties are weak on creating “Political emotional Plank”. They have approached all elections objectively with Social Problems and Manifestos. With too much anti-incumbency and weaker sections getting even more weaker under BJP regime, INDIA alliance is handed out 2024 election on a Platter. Its up to them whether they will choose to be the Protagonists for next five years or Antagonists by fighting themselves for power and selfish interests. Modi might be right is calling out the next few decades as Amrit Kaal, where an United front of Asuras and Devas got divided once the mission of churning Amrit got accomplished. Now, its upto the alliance, whether they turn Indian Politics to Ganges of present or Cesspool depends on their own inactions prior elections and actions afterwards, as Indian Politics is running out of options. Apart from Congress, only few AK-types are promising but with small footprint to sway / impact Union elections. The Problem could be coming from the same mercurial and ambitious types who want to gobble up others vote blocks.
UPA brought in RTIs and Food security Bills. Wish they could have also instilled a sense of Duty / Participation among citizens for any resolution, at least a gram Sabha or signature exercise, rather just blind empowerment, making us demanding Cry babies, without realising our own accomplishments as a Nation. For making a winning narrative, Congress / INDIA alliance has a long way to go. More than usual Census and Quotas, there is a need to go beyond on empowering the socially backward. Social Justice movements are rooted movements establishing direct connect to the people. Congress is still perceived as elitist party, as Modi leverages to hit with coinages like “Lutyens elite” or “Khan market gang”, especially before elections. Unless Congress breaks it with a grounded approach like Gandhi did with Yatra and senior leaders kept a simple profile during it, it’s an uphill task for them to get the trust of the masses.
The best part of yatra – bringing out the simplicity of the Party leaders and tenacity of the Gandhis.
Can INDIA bypass Mo-Sha’s Election Jugalbandhi?
BJP scored on the participatory aspect, by successfully transforming elections to “Dramatic Hungama”, making it a sort of Masala Movie like Jawan incorporating “Nationalistic Identity” politics poking a weak Pakistan, “Social identity” politics like stealing their respective Leaders, hitting their sweet spots and gain political mileage out of it, without even doing anything for the backward masses and lastly, “Proud Personal Identity” politics with exceptional ‘Toilet -Ek Prem Katha’ level PR and Door to Door canvassing with Beneficiaries on how Modi uplifted the poor to become Zamindars who are now rich enough to clean their orifices with the milk and honey flowing through the streets, originating from Namo’s head. Modi’s real masterstrokes happens just before elections where he cools various demographics, EWS Quota for upper castes and Farmers Income for lower castes. The way he swiftly rolled out after election rout in 2018 elections marks the excellent success traits of Modi, meaning Business. The way he creates an election time euphoria among his Beneficiaries, along with a heady cocktail of identity politics of various layers, is something the opposition need to replicate, with Door to Door canvassing on guarantees, if at all they fancy any chance to usurp BJP in cow belts.
INDIA Alliance might be doing well momentarily on the emotional political plank by pitching the Caste Census, but the issue is still yet to be reach the masses with a connect like a comprehensive Quota system ( now an old tactic needing better presentation on identity politics ) or how it will benefit the masses as a Union / Demography. BJP gave a refined touch to Elitist Quota system with economically weak coating. Also, Both UPA and NDA have recruited on their own strong belts so far like Laalu making Railways a Bihar Cultural center and Modi converting Institutions as Brahmins and Cow belt exclusive domain. Regional quota for Union jobs could work well for South and other states deprived of representation, of course with its own backfiring disadvantages in the cow belt. The propaganda for 2024 may yield more benefits if tackled at both national and localized levels to suit the needs of regional aspirations.
The secondary factors like BJP’s governance failures are well addressed with guarantees, but INDIA alliance is seemingly failing on emotional “Social Justice Plank”, which has worked very well in the south states and remain one of the strong reasons for its immaculate social indices. However Modi cries about the “evils” of the Quota when its for all backward classes, linking with Minorities and Delimitation, he still remains a Culprit pushing the “economically weaker section Quota” which does not essentially include the weak SC-ST-OBC groups, making them even weaker. As RG mentioned, Modi remains as an incapable failure on conducting Caste Census, owing to his Brahmanical Political system which thrives by leeching the bottom to feed the top creamy layer.
Reducing powerful election as a “Mass Masala Political Drama”, by showering vacuous political popcorns on the voters, like Women’s reservation bill which gets cold / stale even before anyone enjoys it, is not a failure of our Political System alone. As Jawan rightly points out the root-cause, “We” as Voters have not done our Job well so far. We have invested enough on juicy celebrity gossips but not on knowing our MLA / MP / Politics. We had enough time to peel Celebrities like Onions till they are reduced to nothing, but simultaneously unaware of how crony Middlemen make huge profits by hoarding Onions. We Hopefully it’s not too late for a turnaround within us. Maybe if at all we voted responsibly our Filmmakers will be busy with making “Shah Rukh – Ken – Khan” movies. Afterall, Entertainment is just Business and they just sell what is in demand.
I’m a soldier … and I can bet my life a thousand times… but only for my country … never for people like you who sell the country
Jailer is an Out and Out Rajinikanth film rather being anything else. But, Nelson brings in his brilliance by making him an Old saintly person, who does not hesitate much to tackle his opponents in a fitting way. It was refreshing to see Rajnikanth in a calm demeanor but still getting menacing as and when required. His gradual ascent to mass elevation happens in a very measured way, combined with Nelson’s intelligent scripting of bringing out the best out of grim situations. But still I would rate Doctor as his best film , which fired from all cylinders from the start till the end.There were lot of positive reviews and equally hateful reviews too, but the film dusts off everything in a flick by making it a watchable and even enjoyable treat. I especially liked the way Rajnikanth admirably making himself a adorable grandpa dancing on the sideline compared to his sacrilege with Sonakshi Sinha. But he never disappoints audience with his massy and blessed screen connect, be it teary eyed Rajini or the gaiety one in the Climax or flashback. I could not see any negatives with the first half and second half, may be I am inherently biased towards his screen persona.
Now what could have been better?
The first 15 minutes worked out like Veedu movie, where Rajini plays out like stylized version of Chokkalinga Bhagavathar, without any high moments. The mass moment of his kidnapping could have been far better, with few more intelligent moves from him, maybe like showcasing it as accident to avoid displaying his other persona. Ramya Krishnan could have been a lot more engaging, compelling and competing character, unknowing of his persona, shining back on their legacy, which could have elevated her impactful Dialogue, blaming the Hero on his son’s death. She could have even elevated the pre-interval scene, like how Kamal Hassan surprised his spouse in Vishwaroopam.
The Father-son bonding is the core of this film. But except for a beautiful song and easy to miss shots on their bonding, the movie fast forwards to his death. The climax twist is even more indigestible as there are no scenes earlier to underscore his chameleonic character. Vikram again handled it quite well at the appropriate segments to stress on the weight of emotions. Nelson could have done better with impactful Dialogues and making compelling shots which required to be registered on audience minds. For example, Rajinikanth opens all windows in the pre-interval scene does not register well or convey any meaning, unless you watch it second time or in trailers. Maybe Ramya Krishnan could have questioned on such mad behaviour. Such buildups adds up well later with Snipers.
Anirudh has played a large catalyst on this film. He does not hesitate amping up the BGM, where even ARR shies away. Kudos to him, though he could have done a lot better replacing Jujubee song.
Shiva Rajkumar gets a better massy intro than Rajnikanth. Both of his scenes were quite enjoyable. I have endured an unbearable Kannada movie in KSRTC bus, but it’s quite awesome how the industry have turned tables in an admirable way. He made me an instant fan with his climax shot carrying a box of tissues. Mohanlal gets a stylish scene just like Lucifer. Few more scenes could have amped up the excitement. Maybe Nelson thought of bringing in Balayya in the place of brilliant Kishore on the Heist scene. Well it could have been pretty massy rather prolonging Sunil’s portion though I enjoyed it and nothing to complain there. Maybe Balayya could have been that CBI officer who gives his best on Sunil and his triangular sob story and the educating the goon who asks for his ID but could not read. He could have handled the heist better with an equally massy fight between the two veterans. Just plain wishful thinking, but Nelson has certainly opened the gates for multi-starrers with interesting cameos. Audience love such Limited editions be it Rolex or Shiva Rajkumar.
I don’t know what honesty Ramya Krishnan was speaking about Jailer. How can a honest cop could throw a bomb using another goon and take pride in the next scene of reforming the same goon. Doctor had a better character build up rather Jailer, But Rajini being Rajini defies all the logic and science involved and lifts the film with his emotional connect. It’s no wonder this movie become a blockbuster as it manages to touch the right nostalgic moments in a very new backdrop. I especially liked Rajini playing a chess master like character, delegating to others, rather doing unbelievable action scenes.
Honesty is the worst policy
Just like the film’s honesty, we could see Rajini touching the feet of Bulldozer Baba in UP for real. It just reminded me of the eagle you see in the Karumegangal Kalaigindrana trailer, where GV Menon is that legal eagle who flies high but feasts on its hapless prey for its own survival. I always felt Rajini is different as an actor or as part-time politician. Hopefully this eagle does something good for the society or atleast dont hurt the society, becoming an irrelevant “Blue Shirt” in Politics, just like that youtube comedian. Let’s pray Rajini as an eternal Superstar keeps on winning people’s Hearts, rather aspiring for meaningless political chair.
Personally, I don’t have a loving experience with Chennai. It started with intimidating auto drivers fleecing money above meter rates in my childhood to till date crooked Optician fooling around with the cheapest available lens getting foggy in few months and worst specs frame going off in few months still managing to fleece few thousands. There was another optician who even threatened and manhandled to remove my google review. You get variety of roady rowdies and juveniles flocking around School campus. The Climate making you feel like you are getting fried in a giant Oven.
You get fired or fired up by Tam-Brahm Managers who are shameless enough to talk about all nuisance and dirty political culture to push their agenda ahead. Unless you love something here, it’s very difficult to stay put in Chennai. Also, it is tough to love when you are in a pattern of getting slapped up on your eye while sleeping at home like modern gorilla attack, making you lose balance as other ways of inciting anger gone fruitless. Love obviously must be blind. The pain says so. In short, Chennai ennai Poda vennai endrathu…
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
David Viscott
When all you need is not a Sweater but a swatter of sorrows
In Chennai the above quote could be an equivalent of barbecuing me, well done on both the sides. Modern Love Chennai offers excuses making the mention of scorching Chennai pleasant. Ilayaraja is one such compelling chill factor making this series a treat to watch. The soft interludes played on budding love or infatuation in Margazhi is more than enough as testament to his genius. But, it’s just a starter with the master serving his main course in Ninaivo Oru Paravai.
Margazhi is supposed to be the coolest month of Chennai where Chennaites pretend as if it’s snowing for a 25 Degree weather. Well, I bought two sweaters for my Kids. Don’t know if it was the Discount or just pretending like a proud Penguin in the Arctic. Margazhi is a simmering budding love tale of teenagers. IR just rendered a flat slow paced story very beautiful with his music, aided by a mystical Sanjula’s appearance. It’s a slow burn teenage story, still beautifully crafted with a tinge of soft pleasantness. Really don’t know or infer on the repetitive scenes including the monotonous cycle locking. But the love or infatuation tinged with the teenage innocence makes it pretty much close to reality, making it a warm experience. Sometimes, all you need is an admiring Crush…
Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty good questions.
Woody Allen
To believe or not to believe…
As TK is someone who is keen on opening avenues of thought provocations rather prioritising commercial success, would like to delve a bit on the beautiful and humorous scene, I liked, wherein Church Pastor attributes Sanjula’s happiness to the grace of God, while she gets simpy enamoured by her Crush. While this may deliciously sound like attributing human intervention to the credit of God, I have seen many instances where atheists, sticking “There is no God” sticker in alarm clock, mature into ardent devotees of God.. with due respects to the atheists for the same attribute, asking questions to themselves, till they are convinced of the answers.
As Yuval Noah Harari mentions in Sapiens, the greatest power of Humans is – Imagination. Humans created Associations and Business entities out of their imagination and conveniently ensured such entities becomes liabilities or casualties for their own individual faults. It’s the imagined Corporate, with mere existence on Billboards and Papers, goes Bankrupt never its physically present owner, check with Anil Ambani for any doubts. God is one such imagined entity to cover up “God’s creators” faults.
Apart from Corporates, Self styled God-men of all flavors, on direct business with God, enjoy all pleasures and fame due to his Godliness USP. When it comes to troubles, they can just blame it on God and remain unblemished with a teflon coated image. Our derailed economy is just “God’s own act”, if you ask our FM, not due to stupid demonetisation, reckless GST, Crony friendly Farm laws, looting of national resources among the big Four Gujaratis and poor handling of pandemic. God can never pay your Hospital bills, but you will be guided to pray and avail his helpline, indirectly blaming the almighty for your sorrows when bitter things happen, while someone else happily harvests your savings. Panam oru pakkam Pazhi oru pakkam. This is where atheists get things right about God.
But, God-imagination has its own benefits, based on what you imagine and expect out of it. If we healthily imagine God as that omnipresent Camera, looking upon us as ARR said, our conscience gets better. If we imagine God’s prayer as a means of self resolve, we get motivated.
Jesus is sexy. A handsome Jewish boy, just like you. I ask him to come into you. Ask him to enter you.
You can’t ask Jesus to do tricks to impress you.
FabelMans Movie
Think, sensible prayer or childish craving for magic wand lollipops like, promoting things cheaply or getting more views with hit-job on someone is clearly our choice. Prayer is just another form of convincing ourselves – Neraiya sothippaan aana kai vida maattaan to quote Rajinikanth.
There is a saying… Trust in Allah but tether your camel first.
Why trust Allah if you are tethering the camel? — because a tethered camel can also be stolen. You do whatsoever you can do: that does not make the result certain. Then he knows best.
It is very easy to trust Allah and be lazy. It is very easy not to trust Allah and be a doer. The third type of man is difficult — to trust Allah and yet remain a doer. But now you are only instrumental; God is the real doer, you are just instruments in his hands.
Osho
Apologize if all of the above is bit preachy, but hope it opens few more doors for healthy discussion. Enna sariyaathaan pesuranaa? OK. Now a preachy story…
Mulla Nasrudin, a wise yet sometimes foolish man, was invited by village elders to speak in their village mosque for three consecutive weeks.On first friday morning, he stood at the door of the mosque, puffed out his chest and decided to wing it. He turned to the people and asked,
“Do you know the subject I am going to discuss today?”
“No” said the people.
“Then I refuse to preach to such an ignorant assembly. How could you not know given the events of the past week?” asked Nasrudin and left hurriedly.
Next Friday he went up the pulpit and asked: “Do you know the subject of my sermon today?”
People fearing a repetition of what had taken place a week before nodded and said: “Yes yes, indeed we know.”
“Well, then. There is no point in telling you what you already know”, said Nasrudin and left.
On the third Friday he ascended the pulpit and asked: “Do you know what I am going to speak about today?”
Not knowing what to say, some said yes and some said no.
“Then those who know can tell those who don’t”, said Nasrudin and left.
Jokes apart, God / Belief works better when unexplained and un-imposed on us. As a Confused-Atheist-Religious-Nonconformist, trying to find answers, my version of god exists in all of us. God exists in Ilayaraja’s Music. God exists in TK’s screenplay, where Dhanasekar in Superdeluxe gets questioned on his blind belief as he gets saved by a floating Jesus statue at sea, what happens when he gets a teddy bear to crutch on instead of a statue, will he worship that Doll? In my case, why not “Teddy God”, when Hindus worship every benevolent entity in the Universe including Sun / Sea. God exists in all our questions, making us find answers on our own rather blindly go by tutored / spoon fed fables.
Whether its Jesus walking over water or splitting seas, Vasudeva crossing the river with infant Krishna, they are all metaphors to establish our beliefs rather taking it up literally. It’s just a story to impart belief that God will help us out in crisis and he will arise when the evil tries to win over good. If we believe that as reality, missing the subtext god lies in the good, we must be having Jesus Waterways or Krishna Snake safari offering ride on snakes now.
Faith… must be enforced by reason… when faith becomes blind it dies. – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
Unfortunately we miss the reality but carried over “magical and shiny metaphors” like fake pride on Ganesha’s mythical plastic surgery. Sometimes, we may need to correlate ourselves with Buddha’s story of giving life to a deceased kid as per his Mother’s request, for a reality pinch. He simply did not perform any such miracle, but made her realise the inevitability of death by asking her to get mustard from a Home where death never happened. It’s easier to instill belief with a miracle which works best among the impoverished and uneducated. But it’s much better for society when people understand the reality and work towards their own salvation. This level of understanding, surmises the difference between scientific and communal mindset.
Godly Quote from Osho…
The man who has the sense that “God exists, and I am needed by God,” never feels worthless — never. To the last moment, to the last breath of his life, he is functioning, serving something higher than himself. He has a context bigger than himself; in that context, meaning arises.
Meaning is always in a certain context. A single word is meaningless; when it is arranged in a poem it has tremendous meaning: now it has a context. The color in a tube is meaningless; once it is spread on the canvas and becomes part of a picture that is bigger than it, it has a context, suddenly meaning arises.
It is reported that once a very rich man asked Pablo Picasso to make a portrait of him. Picasso said, “It will be very costly.”
The man was so rich, he said, ”Don’t bother about it. You need not even talk about the cost, money doesn’t matter. Make my portrait and whatsoever you demand, I will give.”
After six months the portrait was ready.
The rich man came, but the price that was asked was fantastic: one million dollars, just for a small canvas and a few colors! The rich man said, ”Are you joking? Just for a few colors and a canvas?”
Picasso said, ”Then okay, you can take an empty canvas and a few tubes full of color and you can pay as much as you want.”
The rich man said, “But that is not the same.”
Picasso said, ”That’s what I am trying to point out to you. I have created a context, I have created a gestalt, a pattern. And nobody else can create it, hence the price. It is a Picasso painting: nobody else can do it the way I have done it, it has my signature on it. The harmony of the colors, the music of the colors, the poetry of the colors – that is the thing. I am not asking the price for the colors, but for something that has become expressed through the colors.”
A real painting is not just the sum total of the colors, it is more – and that “more” is the meaning. A real life is not the sum total of what you do; unless there is something more to it, you live an inauthentic life. That ”more” is God. That poetry is God, that music is God, that surrounds you and floods you.
People come to me and ask, “Where is God?” It is not a question of asking “where”; God is a meaning, not a person. I cannot indicate, “There – go there, and you will find him.” God has no address, God cannot be located, it is a meaning. You have to create meaning in your life, then God is. God has to be created.
Maybe, the idea of “Belief” is to just believe in us first, for the idea of healthy and good God does not seem to be the Micromanaging Dictator who makes each and every one of us, and eventually control like Puppets. We wished for one such character in early 2010 and now we know where we are after enduring nine years of divine comedy.
2024 Election in a single Cartoon.
It’s not Modi or God to be blamed on our craving for Dictatorship then. Even recently, after 9 years of enduring harassment from BJP, we all knew how Karnataka Congress fought like uneducated children fighting for power goodies, rather worrying about their responsibilities / guarantees. Now they have moved on to stir the Mekedatu pot arousing regional sentiments to hide their failures. It’s only during Congress / DKS / Siddaramaiah regime, we get Cauvery sensationalization and water riots. Modi may have his shortcomings, like his well known poor judgement skills and ruthless majoritarianism, but he is decisive and fights for his beliefs till the end rather giving into power cravings and petty greed. His decisiveness and resolve, like his notion of water as national resource, not to be politicised along with concrete steps, may want people crave for more such dictatorship in future, rather looking upon to resolve weak leadership crisis in Congress, like SG/MMS UPA2 regime, good intents but weak and indecisive leadership.
Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let’s take this Political use case of BJP making even Machiavelli blush, BJP is ruthless enough to convict RG on a simple defamation case and getting ready with much more brutal version colonial sedition law to tame the Opposition and democratic groups, with Modi “shamelessly” ( the signature style of Modi Rule ) coining it as “Hindutva Vision”. But, Congress could not convict the gujarati duo on most brutal Riots post independence or other grievous cases and the w*nising Judge who judged them innocent, under Congress regime, earned(?) himself a Kerala treat at Governor’s Bungalow, under their nose. Even Vajpayee with all of his empty actions but a good “Rajneeti” quote made himself look better on this issue. Granting Death merchants, such allowance is Congress’ big heartedness or just… let the country go to dogs type inefficient and lazy rule? If Kejriwal is the new challenger to BJP, just like Mo-Sha to congress in 2014, we all know how they are clipping his wings even if it’s immoral and unjustifiable.
A thermometer is not the only thing that gets a ‘degree’ without having a ‘brain’! – Anonymous Quote
The dictatorship cycle may go on if Congress Mother-ship does not fix its sails and cracks, at least now, to avoid a repeat of 2014 in 2025-30. The only treatment RSS-BJP understands is the same treatment it metes out to others. If not convinced, lets question ourselves why the mighty tentacled, ever demanding RSS group’s current head Mohan Bhagwat is so silent nowadays, like Modi’s pet little lamb? Is this anyway related to the desperate saffron terrorism orchestrated to win 2014, and the after-effect of sins knocking on his door? If Gandhis are the glue for Congress, Blackmailing their own Cadre and public deceit is for Modi’s BJP.
Moving away from dictatorship cravings, the God Delusion / healthy imagination, unfortunately, often gets hijacked for selfish gains and communal violence, creating more doubts than belief. Jai Bajrang Bali! Just like there is a Partner behind anyone’s success, there is always a mythical and illogical story woven around dubious Godly Dictator. Om Namo Shivayah!
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
Searching for God in “God’s own Party”
In the name of God, We, Indians have torn ourselves to polarised opposites – EWS quota Elites Vs Nuremberg/Sedition-Law-in-Process Dalits and Minorities as vote shares of last few elections factify. As TK rightly questioned on God’s futile existence when so much of atrocities happening around, maybe middle class and well to do People who pray to God thanking for their morsel of rice granted by the divine grace, should also question the so called… “God powered God-Men”, when it becomes out of reach or unaffordable to poor by the policies leveraged by the so called God err… Adani’s own Party’s misgovernance.
“My mother always used to say: The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana ( or BJP ) ” – Betty White
Current BJP Government runs on finding solutions to problems that don’t exist like Upper class pleasing, expensive and glossy Vande Bharat trains, for some empty pride ride, rather focusing on real problems – basic train safety systems like cheap Autonomous Driving technology with alarms foreseeing collisions. After the drastic three trains collision piling up on one another, as if its traffic jam in a congested road signal, Modi wants to punish the culprits severely. It’s anybody’s easy guess who made Railways perform poor Vande Bharat magic on weak tracks, as if plying Vande Bharat trains on waters and failed miserably. Because, All who pretend are not Jesus ( like Bharatiya Jesus Party). Just yet another alarm bell for people in Metaphor-land. Even magician like PC Sircar who magically makes train disappear cannot save this Government from accountability, for their sins on poor and unprivileged.
Faith is much better than belief. Belief is when someone else does the thinking.
R. Buckminster Fuller
Life is Beautiful Metaphor
Modi installing the “Sengol for Fair Governance” in Parliament, is a metaphor, yet another imagined fable for good governance, like the symbolic miracles of religious literature, like the Vande Bharat train, a lipsticked Pig among our god forsaken trains. The real question is how fair and impartial he is, to his subjects, and I am not talking about “entire political science” miraculous graduation, but the real people. BJP has trained us so much to live and breathe in metaphors setting aside the realities, that I will not be surprised if one day Modi asks us to eat empty plate, imagining Amrit in it. We are already in advanced stages of such amrit kaal wherein our Parliament got Amritkalash now, if not ethics and dharma.
But are not our beliefs are beautiful metaphors? I was happily enjoying by afternoon siesta after a gruelling session of breakfast and GST Nil filing with late payment. I was trying to milk GST with input tax credits to make something out of it. But our Taxies are too smart that they recovered money from me. My wife woke me up in a rushed manner informing on a bomb scare at my Kids’ school. She acted more like a terrorist terrorizing me with the possible outcomes. I was pretty convinced Indian terrorists of any colour / shades are more human than Israel’s IDF or that weak kneed old Psycho terrorising the world towards Third World War to establish his supremacy pulling down once mighty country to third world democracy. Still it was bit fearsome for 0.01% in case of a hoax turning to reality for my dearsomes.
She rushed me to drive fast. Unfortunately, my Royal Enfield was going through a tough phase of molestation by the Burglar Mechanics stationed well inside like trojan horses as it usually surprises me in the morning with hiccups. It reminds me of the Captain Miller / Vivek’s Minor Kunju joke. Maybe the burglar mechanics thought on the Bike as my bodily extension of Brother leg and got expressive with all their vengeance. Only god knows how it becomes magically restrained. TO whomsoever concerned, my little brother’s name is not Thunderbird. Once touted to be a war horse of World Wars, my Enfield slogged like a Bullock Cart, tugging along with the heavy luggage – my wife. Now, I don’t know whom to blame… whether its a weight issue or pickup issue or both or just my bad times. Thinking in futile about it, we concluded our slow procession of reaching the bomb scared school after half an hour. I was bit scared if the school will levy additional fee of Bomb scare relief fund just like our FM waiting to charge on us by some way or other like non-onion-eating-high-profile-pickpocket.
Now, on the way back, my spouse was mocking on the Bullock cart I am maintaining, maybe I am that bullock, wishing that she hired Lord Murugan’s peacock after sighting his image and his vehicle on the way.
Spouse: Wish we had that peacock for a ride to avoid bomb scares and rush to school.
Kid: How can a peacock carry such heavy weight. It will fall.
Spouse: Lord Murugan will power it to carry.
Kid: What if we fall down?
Spouse: Lord Murugan will take care of our safety.
Looks like Kids are Born Periyarists. We ensure them turning to believers with all our metaphors, only to be utilised of by Modi types in the guise of Hindutva. I pray to the Lord, she always thinks analytically and critically. Long live Periyaar for being the eternal Kid and enlightening us on our blind beliefs.
The Fall of PR daredevilry
It’s the same metaphoric gaslighters gambling on the gullibles, on Opposition’s voice deeming them as insanity / dim wit-ness, carefully position themselves closer to God, building swanky temples, while secretly hand shaking with parasitic Crony Corporates, shadily invested with self interest. Correlate yourself with 100 Lakh Crore Loans by our Government in last nine years from , with the Government’s only accomplishment is pushing a Crony puppet / benami to Top 5 Rich list with that money. The real question is how long one can build castles in the air, ride on unicorns, singing Mon-Key lullabies and make citizens feel better in Utopian world. the answer seems to be 10 years.
Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity. – Thirukural
Maybe (to the squared), There won’t be any need for God, if the religious ones are bound by their dharmic beliefs set by their religion and atheists do a little bit more to the betterment of humanity, rather just raising questions, where even science struggles to convincingly explain / answer.
Back to the Barbie Dolls.
Coming back to Modern Love Chennai, Raju Murugan’s Laalagunda Bommaigal is a brilliant stuff, lacing humour even in heavy situations, giving the audience the much needed “Glucose” after surgery. I did not sense a clue on where it starts and where it goes but the narrative was gripping enough to keep things engaged packing up even a nice song. It had pleasant twists or ugly twists made pleasant by “mixing” up witty dialogues with awkward situations. The end was riotous with the ex lovers or flames showcasing their better halves. It’s still a mystery if the Flame got 6 Paani Pooris or just 4 in the end, from Nathuram, serving his (aborted) love. I did not expect this pleasant firecracker from Raju Murugan, kickstarting on a high note. Un Kuththama… En Kuththama…yaara naanum kuththam solla.
My best birth control now is just to leave the lights on.
Joan Rivers
When all you need is blind love.
Balaji Sakthivel’s Imaigal is an intense film. TJ Bhanu is something special on screen, delivers a magnetic performance, with even more special eyeliner making the theme jet black, reminding of Chandramukhi Jyothika. Ashok Selvan gets a superficial character or he just underplays… I am not sure. The verbal duel in the end could have been more impactful and end could have been a lot better. Wish it could have been much better boosting confidence of Heroine rather just making her play Veena. Short stories need a punch in the last line / segment to have an impact, which is sadly missing in this well crafted story. Baalu Mahendra’s anthology of great stories still remains a benchmark. Balaji Sakthivel is one of my favourites who could turn simple moments to great pleasure or pain like he did in Kadhal and Vazhakku En. Who could forget when the Kadhal‘s lovers are lured back to their home, only to get betrayed brutally. Here, I expected a lot better from him… Ennamo Poda Maadhavaa…
Love is blind but marriage is a real eye-opener.
Pauline Thomason
Romantic Master-bation
Krishnakumar Ramkumar’s emoji story is essentially a Gowtham Menon’s film rehashed. It starts with Ritu Varma dancing in rain as School going(?) girl and then she eventually matures ( Thank God! ) With no luck in love. It ends up very well on a satisfying note with rain dance of the couple, thanks to that 90’s Kid who seem desperate to do anything on his First night to fevicol his marriage and its blackhole-ic after effects. He even exclaims “Fck the World!” instead of doing it to his spouse, to please her with his pea-Cock/Mic dance. Varma’s transformation is bit ridiculous like growing obese just with a sweatshirt and ageing just with hairstyle changes. Don’t know if my mind unconsciously moves back to Vaaranam Aayiram with a marvellous Suriya and his brilliant transformations. But, this story is light in treatment and also very light in its making. We get many Filmmakers dating Ritu Varma on Tinder, somehow all escape, maybe after seeing her hairdo. We also get the man with best hairstyle Bharadwaj Rangan in a cameo declaring, “Cinema is the most beautiful Fraud on Earth”. Could not agree more as my Father used to say Frauds know much better about fellow Frauds, just kidding, no offence intended. Nalla Irukkaam… Yaaru sonna… Devave sonnaan…
Romantic love is mental illness. But it’s a pleasurable one.
Fran Lebowitz
When Deers elope in a dignified manner.
Bharathiraja’s story is a pretty mature mid life crisis story turned to a triangular love story. Wonder what happens if everyone starts loving the fellow traveller in Metro just because they happened to attend a wrong call. Anyways, “En Iniya Pon Nilaave” comes to the rescue, to forget the logic, as Vishal Bharadwaj says in Kuttey, fck the logic, it’s all about character, frog jumps, scorpion stings, Humans love everyone else even in a Metro other than their spouse , etc. I did not see any rationale with this so called love. But, the matured treatment of after effects of that whatever makes it a credible one, thanks to Ramya Nambeesan’s role. BR is just brilliant in few shots like the two selfies at the start and end, Delhi Ganesh’s superb performance, justifying from audience perspective. Finally, BR escapes any scrutiny by thanking legendary Balu Mahendra. As an Op-ed noted, BM’s Marupadiyum empowers women rather fall-guys. But this story and its warm ending reminded me of BM’s own short story creations, crafted with finesse and flair. Kudos to BR’s ability and his art of convincing the inconvincible. Legends don’t fade! Nalam vaazha ennaalum en Vaazhthukkal.
Eighty percent of married men cheat in America. The rest cheat in Europe.
Jackie Mason
When Memory is a Monster…
Thiyagarajan Kumararaja’s Ninaivo oru Paravai comes with a notification not to adjust brightness as he wants to highlight cigarette lighting. One would wish for another notification that he starts with an intensely orgasmic scene, so that any kids peeking around should be kept away, so that people could avoid advising kids that fatso Aunty is smoking as punishment and Uncle is punishing her severely, for heaven’s sake, just borrowing from the BR episode. This one more or less sounds like TK’s own story at-least on the romance part with the actor looking like a dyed up version of TK. TK is always something special. Think this is the longest of the anthology and it goes off in a jiffy with so many enjoyable moments, mind blowing performance and captivating music, sometimes looking like extension of Super Deluxe, exploring sex and love. Thanks to his initial film making Gurus… I meant the Protagonist’s initial Film gurus, to play it safe. Don’t know what he did to Ilayaraja, to tickle or pinch his creativity. If he could share that secret to other Filmmakers Cinema will be blessed with a lot more musical masterpieces from this 18 year old Amadeus. Raaja… Raajathi rajan intha Raaja. Applies to all Rajas involved.
Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop.
H. L. Mencken
I liked this scene, as I could relate… like me going to Restroom for Interval, to dump the load and memories.Just Kidding.Beautiful scene though, from Full-time Architect and Part-time Filmmaker!
Tamil OTT has been serving mediocre fares, except for Sony Liv for its clever choice of web series rather investing on the done and dusted cheaply made Whodunits or other inferior love stories with flat action scenes on Bed. Modern Love Chennai is a refreshing and lovable experience taking Chennai a bit closer to heart, breathing warmth and relatability, like Cadbury silk chocolate ads, getting shot in Chennai rather scenic Goa or Puducherry, tough task though, but well accomplished.. Maybe it could have showcased Chennai landmarks rather just cliched claustrophobic set pieces, just for the chennai vibes. Still, it is a sincerely crafted series with pretty good film-making elements, even for its “action” scenes on the smallest landscape.
Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
Timepass Politics 