Friday, 28 April 2017

Divine Vibes : 3 – Dandeeshwaram, Vedasreni, Chennai

Vedasreni is a place in Chennai known for floods and water logging. For someone who visits Chennai frequently and knows the topography well to an extent, it will still be a jaw dropping moment, the moment one comes to know Vedasreni is nothing but Velachery. Velachery is the name derived from ‘Vedasreni’. It is said to be the place where 4 vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama, Adarvana vedas built kudil and worshipped Lord Marundeshwarar presiding at Thiruvanmiyur. The vedas were captured by Somugan, who was killed by Lord Vishnu in Matsya Avatara and subsequently they were released from hostage. The vedas came here to Vedasreni and prayed to Lord Shiva at Thiruvanmiyur to annihilate their dosha of being in the hands of asura.

Also Lord Shiva here called as Dandeeshwara was worshiped by Yamadharmaraja after he lost his life and Dandam at Thirukkadaiyur, after the Bhaktha Markandeya incident. To get back his powers he came here created a pond and is called ‘Yama Thirtham’, which is still here but less maintained. The Lord is originally called Dandapanishwarar but later became Dandeeshwarar as Yamadharmaraja couldn't take back his Dandam that he kept aside during Shiva Pooja.

There is an awesome age old temple with five tier gopuram facing south, in 2 kilometers distance from Velachery bus stand. As one enters the Arch and proceeds to Sannidhi Street, strong smell of Vibudhi and flowers welcome devotees. As one enters the two prahara temple premises, divinity sets in effortlessly. Entering the sanctum, Goddess Karunambika welcomes her children with so much kindness. To the left of the sanctum Lord Shiva as Linga Swaroopam is seated majestically. The goddess was installed by Shri Appaiya Dikshitar along with Sri Chakra. Shri Appiya Dikshitar stayed in Velachery and worshipped both Lord Dandeeshwara and Lord Marundheeshwara. It is said that even Lord Marundheeshwara changed his direction to west while he was facing east before as he was impressed by the devotion of Shri Appaiya Dikshitar.


As one proceeds for circumambulation, a Latin word, circum - around + ambulātus to walk, is the act of moving around a sacred object or idol as wiki states, one can see various deities like Maha Ganapathy, Yoga Shree Dakshina Moorthy, Somas skandhar, Lingothbavar – famous in temples in and around Kumbakonam, Maha Lakshmi, A stunningly beautiful Goddess Saraswathi sitting cross legged having her Veena in hand, Lord Brahma, Durga Devi, Muruga, Utsava Vinayaka, Nataraja, Sambu Sooriyan with few songs on Lord Shiva written on the walls of the prahara. The second prahara has stala viruksham, annadhana kudam and navagrahas.

The Lord here is prayed so as to get rid of fear of death and as vedas were purified here, devotees are said to visit Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery temples simultaneously to get complete blessings of Lord Shiva. The Lord and the Nandhikeshwarar, seated close to Dwajastambam is slightly tilted which is another specialty of the temple. Famous Utsavams celebrated here are ‘Chitra Pournami’, ‘Vaikasi Visagam’, ‘Aani Thirumanjanam’, apart from usual pradosha and other celebrations. As one walks out back through the same south gate, which is the only functioning gate, just opposite to the arch is ‘Goddess Chellayi Amman' temple.


A small temple for Goddess Chellayi, she is called Grama Devatha in that premises. A small chat with age old Priest who is devoted to the goddess for the 7th generation tells that three temples in Velachery was built and maintained by Pallavas who ruled this place long back. The temple has been renovated and we had lost many ancient scriptures and structures says the 7th generation priest. Along with Goddess Chellayi, Sapta mathas, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Virabhadra blesses devotees graciously.



Walking past the regional Bakery shop, one is likely to make note of Today’s special board reading Vaazhaippu vadai and can reserve place in stomach for the same after the darshan of mighty Lord Yoga Narasimma. Temples of Goddess Chellayi and Lord Narasimma was renovated in the year 2016, though the Narasimmar temple reads to be constructed in the year 2016. The highlight of Lord Narasimma temple is one can see his adherent devotee ‘Prahaladha’ seated in front of him. The temple welcomes devotees with staunch smell of Tulsi water. The presiding goddess is Shir Amrithabalavalli thayar. The utsava moorthy is ‘Bakthavatsala Parabrahma Perumal’ seated along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. The temple also has Shri Chakkarathazhwar, Shri Kodhanda Ramar Sannidhi and the inner sanctum has Saint Ramanuja’s utsavar idol. The temple is gearing up for Saint Ramanuja’s 1000th birthday celebrations. And the peaceful prahara around has Nava Narasimmas sculpted beautifully making one realize palpable divine existence.

Though currently due to over bridge construction (as on April 2017) the frequency of buses has reduced, the divine vibes emitted from the place fills mind and peace sets in as one gets down at Dandeeshwaram bus stop. Despite the buzz that is prevailing all around the place gives profound peace taking away all anxieties in no time.

Vedasreni also known as Velachery not only floods with water but also is flooded with divine vibes in abundance.


Reference : Partially from the Article of Mr. Panayapuram Adhiyaman from 2017 March Edition Daily Thanthi.

Wednesday, 19 April 2017

Good Vibes : 15 Kanda Naal Mudhal

This movie was released in the year 2005. The movie is an ever fresh movie. Debut movie for director V. Priya, from the school of Manirathnam Asst. direction. ‘Kannamoochi Yenada’ from the same director is breezy too but this one is poetic.

The plot is simple and well executed by director. Two, long time, say two decades;  equal and who oppose each other fall in love as they find themselves in each other. Lyricist Thamarai would have put it beautifully in the song Pani Thuli,

Mugathiraikkulle nindru kannaamoochi aadinaai
Nizhalgalin ulle ulla nijangalai thedinen
Neeyaai adhai solvaai ena nithamum naan vaadinen

Destiny brings them together after the initial aesthetically short bite from Ramya but deep scar for Krishna. She bites his cheeks when young just to fall in love slowly and steadily with him later. The movie is named after ‘Kanda naal Mudhal’, a Carnatic composition in Raga Madhuvanthi composed by Shri S. Chithambaram. A beautiful composition on Lord Muruga on love at first sight. Ramya and Krishan fight at first sight so as to connect much deeper later.

Laila Mehdin as Ramya. A strong, independent, bold girl who looks beautiful in all costumes throughout​ the movie. All scenes where she tries to act passive and submissive is a treat to watch. ‘Pombala veerappan’ as Krishna states tells it all. Most of the girls don’t like to be addressed ‘de’ and the way she reacts and tries to hide her anger is beautiful. When she tries to evade questions of Arvind on women empowerment stating ‘Apidiyum argue pannalam’, ‘Enaku konjam kozhappama iruku’, ‘Funny ah iruku’ is epic.

Karthik Kumar as Aravind. KK, one of the best standup comedians ever seen. He does complete justice to his passion turned profession. Tit bit is he has stood university 4th in Chemical Engineering. Rest career path is left to individual's imagination.  Sorry to KK, after watching his ‘America Mappillai’ standup comedy whenever he appears on screen as America return pushing the trolley, the dialogue ‘All I want is Anna International Airport Entry Pass’ resonates and brings laughter instantly. Aravind, a guy who doesn’t want to be pinned down initially but after ‘othukada’ song finally accepts to meet the girl and becomes curious as Krishna tells about her original attitude but couldn’t find it on surface and finds her to be a non-equal partner missing chemistry.

Prasanna as Krishna, an awesome male lead role. When misunderstood by Ramya, stands and prove that he hasn’t done anything wrong and at every point he wants Ramya to be her own self but fails to make an impact as she doesn’t listen. As his mission progresses with complete family support Krishna becomes Ramya’s supportive friend, who stands by her side in crisis and in the process slowly and steadily falls in love finding each other missing parts in each other.

Both Krishna’s and Ramya’s appas are level headed and practical who at each point makes a impact of being together as a  family. When Krishna comes and tells that Aravind has left and engagement has been called off, his father tells to go and resolve the issue and be a gentle man shows healthy parenting. And Krishna at first shows usual human anger but reflects and brings about compassion on screen beautifully. The scene where he gets back to hospital is an epitome of ‘Manasu kekkala’ on screen. Just reminds how we fight with mother and get back to her in the evening with a sorry face to make things normal again.

Similarly when Ramya complains about Krishna to her appa, her appa tells that she has misunderstood him and he is a man with good intentions tells that parents find people much before than children on screen. Throughout the movie, the way the relationship of Krishna – Ramya buds and goes to the next level is shown with so much elegance with less drama. And the way both accept and then confess their love for each other is poetic. In most of the love stories it is ‘Enaku naanae thadaiya irundhuten’ is true and is well portrayed on screen.

That scene of corporate women harassment that mostly happens is shown so well and Krishna handles it with so much ease. ‘Connexion’ famous Jagan comes only for few scenes still stands in mind with his dialogue ‘sidumoonji singpal soornakesi’ and ‘marupadiyum un kannatha kadichutala’. Devadarshini as a super cool sister who pulls her brother’s legs whenever and wherever possible shows awesome sibling relationship. The character of  Latha, portrays the pain of eloping that family faces. One thing that nags is the craze for America Mappillai. In general for foreign mappillai. But yes, it does vary with individual’s view point and is totally fine until unless it isn’t forced or pushed on another person.

One amazing strength for the movie is Yuvan Shankar Raja music. Both back ground score and music are lovely and heaven. This a movie taken for lease by J movie ‘HD’ where he overtakes Vijay Tv in telecasting his leased movies, just that J movie HD telecasts this movie for morning show and 2nd show in his channel on the same day just like last Saturday and you shameless watch it both times.

In short Kanda Naal Mudhal is a story of ‘Tom and Jerry’ relationship where both can’t live without each other and will fight between them and doesn’t allow another one to come into the relationship. To sum up the story in a line from the song beautifully rendered by Shankar Mahadevan and Sadhana Sargam is

Minnalum minnalum netru varai pirinthathu yeno

Pinnalaai pinnalaai indrudan pinainthida thaano”.

Clean movie.

Monday, 17 April 2017

Divine Vibes : 2 – Sriranganatha Swamy Temple, Trichy

When a work has been started to have continuity and consistency need to do it on consecutive days. Usually said for courses that one joins. To join a new course ‘New Moon day’ is considered to be auspicious. Just like moon, one is likely to make progress in the course undertaken is the belief.. Though (16th April 2017) the previous day wasn’t a new moon day, wanted to continue and wanting consistency and commitment to be blessed by the almighty here is the second post on divine vibes.

Thinking to write about ‘Sriranganatha Swamy Temple’ so many thoughts line up in mind. The place is very close to heart as it is my home town and I have been blessed an association with this place for the past 25 years. The thought of writing about temples actually stuck one fine day, precisely on 14th March 2017, especially to write about less widely known, small but beautiful temples around Chennai and the palpable divine vibrations they emit. But to start with something familiar can make it comfortable and slowly moving out of the comfort zone seems to help in long run rather jumping into the unknown suddenly without doing much of the spade work. Hope almighty blesses thoughts, ideas, authentic information about  kshetras that can come through this series, importantly less or no typos in posts, strength to write something good and useful without hurting another soul.

Srirangam is an island sandwiched between the Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. There are N number of songs, verses on this Kshetra. Not sure how many will come into written form, may like to have a series on this Kshetra owing to overloaded information that has caught eyes. Not sure though, as in any case the post will have to seek and decide on the amount of information as it unfolds. Srirangam is called ‘Thiruvarangam’ in tamil. When split it is ‘Thiru’ and ‘Arangam’. Sri means Lakshmi/auspicious/ denotes prosperity; Arangam means stage. Stage which is an abode of prosperity.

Saiva and Vaishnava Sampradhaya has close association with each other. Lord Shiva is called ‘Pashupathi’ and Lord Vishnu is called ‘Govindha’ both meaning the same ‘Lord of cow herds’. And also as Sita and Sati are anagrams as Shiv and Vish are, tell the close association between the two sampradhayas. With that as the thread, ‘Chithambaram’ is called ‘Kanaka Sabai’. Srirangam is called ‘Thiru Arangam’. Both symbolically represent ‘The stage’. The stage that William Shakespeare states in his work ‘As you like it’.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

So spiritually it signifies that the protector of Dharma, the destroyer of Adharma take a lead and guide us on this stage play called life.

( The majestic Raja Gopuram )
Srirangam is called ‘Buloka Vaikundam’. The topography of the place is similar to Vaikundam, the abode of Vishnu with 7 praharas. The presiding deities are Sri Ranganathar and Sri Ranganayaki here.  As one gets down at Srirangam bus stand, opposite to Ragavendra Brindavan Arch, looking around the place one cannot miss the majestic Raja Gopuram facing south. The 13 tiered tower was built only in the year 1987 till that it was called ‘Mottai Gopuram’. Raja Gopuram is the tallest temple tower in Asia. As it was constructed only years after the construction of ‘Srivilliputhur’ gopuram, which was the tallest in Tamil Nadu, Sriranga gopuram is not used as the symbol of Tamil Nadu Govt. Walking through the Raja Gopuram one can feel the force of wind pushing people aside. There are N number of Sannidhis starting from ‘Munishwarar sannidhi’ at the entrance of Raja Gopuram to ‘Dasavadhara Sannidhi’ near Kollidam bank with beautiful related histories which can take one effortlessly to eras behind in no time.

Many petty shops, restaurants, flower and vegetable markets keep the walk busy as one reach ‘Ranga Ranga’ gopuram in uthra veedhi. The temple has 21 gopurams. A view point is present close to 'Ranga Vilasa Mandapam' to the left as one enters Ranga Ranga gopuram. There are also various sannidhis of gods associated with Lord Vishu. The Kshetra history takes one back to the age of Ramayana. The Ranga Vimana – Shrine over the main sanctum is called ‘Ishvaku kula dhanam’. It was worshiped by the kings who came in the lineage of King Ishvaku till King Ramachandra. During his pattabishekam, after his 14 years of exile King Ramachandra gave it to Asura King Vibhishana as a token of love. While he was travelling to Sri Lanka along with the Vimana, Lord Ganesha diverted his concentration so as to place the Vimana in Srirangam. Lord Ranganatha is said to be facing south as per Vibhishana’s request. Lord Ranganatha is in ‘Kidandha kolam’ that is in reclining position on the serpent ‘Adisesha’. He is affectionately called ‘Periya Perumal’. The utsavar is called ‘Azhagiya manavala perumal’.

( Mottai Gopuram, before 1987 )
Opposite to Shri Ranganatha Swamy  Sanctum is a Garuda Mandapam where the mighty ‘Suparnan’ one who has beautiful wings and the king of birds, Garuda, made of teak wood  is graciously seated. Over years after Ramayana Era, the temple was covered with sand. In the period of Chola king Killivalavan the temple was restored and maintained. The temple has survived Mughal attacks, slack of Malik Kafur. The eastern gopuram is called ‘Vellai Gopuram’ which stands as a symbol of sacrifice of the lady ‘Vellayi’, who killed one of the Mughal kings to save the temple. It is still painted only in white to mark her bravery.

The presiding goddess is Shri Ranganayaki, embodiment of Lakshmi graciously blessing her devotees with abundant love. She is called ‘Periya Piratti’. The temple is the first divya desam out of 108 sri vaishnava divya desams. This is the only kshetra where all 12 alwars has made compositions about the kshetra and the presiding deities. The entire work of all Alwars put together is called ‘Naalayira Divya Prabandham’.

The temple has many historic significances and lot of hidden tales. 1000 pillars hall is a phenomenal architectural beauty. Saints like Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar has composed kritis on this kshetra. 12thcentury poet Kamban, who wrote Kamba Ramayana presented his work in front of scholars in a Mandap, the one situated opposite to the sanctum of the presiding goddess.

( A view of Vellai Gopuram )
This divya desam celebrates utsavams throughout the year and hence is called ‘Nithya utsava kshetra’. Notable ones are ‘Vaikunda Ekadesi’, ‘Panguni Utharam’, ‘Aadi Pooram’.  Perumal Kovil famous Puliyodarai never fails to amaze along with festive special ‘Sambara dosa’ and ‘Vella kesari’.

As one comes out to board bus back to home or even before entering the Raja Gopuram the smell of Murali Coffee, a small shop just for coffee pulls devotees to either get the strength to stand in long Qs for darshan or to etch the memories of darshan and code them permanently with taste buds receptors.

Sunday, 16 April 2017

Divine Vibes : 1 - Rock Fort Temple, Trichy

A maiden attempt to write about temples, kshetra histories and few poems on temples that sing the glory of the ksetra or the presiding deities.

In Hindu mythology, elephant faced god is called 'MuzhuMudhar Kadavul' and there is a saying 'Pulliyar pudika koranga poiduchu', which means usually people start any ritual with Lord Ganesha and end a ritual with Lord Anjaneya, Bhajan is one of the best examples for this saying. Also not to have any hurdles in a work undertaken, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. With that, starting to write on temples and the surroundings along with few historical importance that have been heard or taught or caught eyes somewhere. So keeping Lord Ganesha in mind - "Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa".

Going to places in car has it's own advantage. Going by car can take us to few more near by places effortlessly. Similarly, going by bus and walking to places has it's own adventure involved though can cover only few places in a visit. But both are worth in the memories they bound to make. So, to Rock Fort Temple, buses take us to Main Guard Gate entrance either from Lourdes Swamy Pillai bus stand known as central bus stand or from Chatram bus stand.

From Main Guard gate one need to travel across one of the busiest streets of the city, NSB road. Many petty shops, Burma bazzar around the tank and famous textile shops of Trichy keep one engaged through out the small walk to reach 'ManikkaVinayakar' temple which is the first Sannidhi located in the foot hills of Rock Fort Temple.

Opposite to ManikaVinayakar Sannidhi is a small  Sannidhi of  Lord Ayyappan which is 'Iru Mudi' famous till date. Lord Vinayaka is magestic and shines as ruby as his name. To the north of sanctum is the steps that lead us to Uchi. A road cuts across the steps and in a Mandapam, temple elephant eating sugar cane (sometimes) welcomes devotees. The sight of elephant is never boring at any age.

The steps to the top lead to the presiding deities sanctum, few windows on way shows the view of the city at various altitudes. The presiding deities are Mathrubutheshwarar, in Tamil called 'Thayumanavar'; Sukanthakuthalambal, in Tamil known as 'Mattuvar Kozhal Ammai'. Kshetra history says that Lord Shiva came as Mother to take care of his devotee's daughter who was pregnant. The mother was stuck in the opposite bank of River Cauvery owing to flooding. Lord Shiva took pre and post pregnancy care like a mother. After floods the mother crossed and came to see her daughter to realize lord's love and care. Till date many people pray for normal, complications free deliveries, offer 'Vaazha Thaar' to Thayumanavar after child birth and distribute bananas to devotees. (after offering it to the lord).

Saint Muthuswamy Dikshitar addresses Tiruchirapalli as 'tri-Sira giri' in his Kriti on the presiding deity Thayumanavar - 'SrI mAtR bhUtaM' - one who became mother, in the raga kanada. Famous Poet Thayumanavar has sung numerous poems on Lord Shiva and he lived here in Trichy worshipping Mathrubuteshwarar. There is one awesome painting of Lord Shiva on the ceiling while entering the Thayumanavar Sannidhi. Standing wherever with in the vicinity of the painting of Lord Shiva, his eyes seem to look at us. Goddess Sukanthakuthalambal, one who has hair with sweet fragrance, lovely divinity sets in as one enters the sanctum of divine mother.

Next, the steep steps lead to Uchi pillaiyar. While climbing, to the left has tunnels that are said to lead to Tanjore, Kumbakonam and one leads to Golden rock temple (present in another part of Trichy) but currently closed. Even in 21st century this showcases the brilliance of 7th century. To the right side there is a telescope placed in a Mandapam to view the entire road stretching till Gandhi Market.

Still more steeper steps take devotees to Uchi pillaiyar. Uchi pillaiyar has a history dated to the age of Ramayana when Vibhishana, the Asura king was taking Lord Ranganatha to SriLanka; Lord Ganesha, as a small lad diverted his attention to place Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam itself and Vibhishana had hit Lord Ganesha on his head and is still said to be visible on deity's head.

A clockwise walk around the sanctum of Lord Ganesha gives a breezy awestruck view of the City. Stunning view of River Cauvery, Srirangam temple, Chatram bus stand, in and around areas, make one stay in present without bothering about past or future.

For anyone visiting the temple, sitting on the rock after darshan is delightful and is a total bliss. Someone brought up in Trichy, Rock Fort has numerous memories of childhood days spent sitting on the rocks missing cricket balls, balloons while playing and running behind it to see falling out of the handrails.

(A view from top)

As in any temple, utsavams are famous here too. Chithira* Utsavam to celebrate - 'vaiSya jAti strI vEsha dharaNaM' (SrI mAtR bhUtaM Kriti); ie Chettipen utsavam for whom Lord Shiva disguised himself as Chettipen and for Ganesh Chaturthi a bigger kozhukattai is offered to the lord. 

On top, quest for divine is quenched, climbing down having a chilled rose milk in Chintamani Juice Stall will treat the taste buds and quenches throat. Rock Fort stands as the symbol of the city, a historic fortification, a temple which gives divine vibrations along with trekking experience thrill at the same time.

*Edited later - As Chithirai was stated as Panguni. 

Monday, 10 April 2017

Good Vibes 14 – Bama Vijayam


From the archive folder of ‘Kaviya Budhan’ comes this, all-time awesome movie Bama Vijayam released in the year 1967, directed by one and only KB. He is called ‘Iyakunar Sigaram’ for a reason and this is just another movie that proves his caliber and greatness of art, ‘Direction’. He is a director of different kind who usually handle middle class subjects with a stylish elegance. This one is a comedy film but gives the greatest food for thought, now and ever on financial management. For financial management course this movie is a University.

The plot revolves around 3 brothers and their family headed by their father, a retired head master. The name selection is so apt that goes well with the puranic stories. Maheshwaran–Parvati, Raman-Sita, Krishna-Rukmini. Not sure which part of ‘Arthamulla Hindu Madham’ from Kaviyarasu Kannadasan, he states meaning of Sagodharan, Sagodhari. Udharam denotes to womb. So Sangodharan, Sagodharai means someone who shares the same womb. Similarly, in Tamil language, women married to brothers are related by the term – ‘Oorpadi’, means there isn’t any difference between/among them, when split it reads oor – padi (same level or step).

The movie starts with a song ‘Aani Muthu Vangivandhen’ which beautifully describes this kind of family lineage, togetherness and contentment. The movie takes-off when cine actress becomes their neighbour and these ladies get carried away with her luxurious style while she is attracted to their simplicity. They invite her to their home. Each of them stay in separate portions of their home. In the goal of showing off that they are rich they start to get into financial crisis and their father/father in law works behind the screen to teach them lesson with a shock treatment to make them realize their slippage.

The movie typically describes the 'mellisaana kodu', obsessed with this term. But this movie perfectly defines this line with at most precision. Few scenes are too good to explain. Nagesh’s mustache style will make one laugh whenever he enters the screen. Similarly when Balaiah makes one stand on the bench. Two yesteryear celebrity crush personalities are ‘Thennaga James Bond’ JaiShankar and ‘Navarasa Thilakam’ Muthuraman. Muthuraman keeps scolding Kanjana, keeping the empty vessel on the stove and it starts melting in heat. His reaction on screen is beyond description that one cannot stop laughing. Sowcar Janaki and Kanchana’s Hindi – English fight is ever green.

‘Varavu ettana’ till date teaches how to manage finance. While setting out journey for career, mother reminds not to stay hungry and father gives the best piece of advice ever to save 1/6th of the salary and to give at least 5Rs. of 100Rs salary to someone needy and the song tells all loop holes brilliantly.

In short, the plot is sandwiched between two songs from Kaviarasu Kannandasan, Music by Mellisai Mannar MSV, from ‘Ani Muthu Vangivandhen’ to ‘Varavu ettana’. The movie travels from

“Vittin Nalathukkum
Naattin Nalathukkum
Verrumai Enbadhe Illaiyadi”

to

“Nilaimaikku mele ninaippu vanthaal nimmadhi irukkathu
ayya nimadhi irukkadhu
alavukku mele aasaiyum vanthaal ullathum nilaikkathu
amma ullathum nilaikaathu”

While Nagesh sings

“vayasu pillaigal pudhusa perusa vaazhvathu porukkathu
appa vaazhvathu porukkathu”

T.S. Balaiah, teaches them that bigger isn’t always better in KB’s own style. Trivia tells that the movie was remade in Telugu as 'Bhale Kodalu', in Hindi as 'Teen Bahuraniyan', in malayalam as 'Sreekrishnapurathee NakshatraThilakkam'.

But of all Bama Vijayam sounds perfect as it indirectly tells how luxury enters so as to make necessity take a back seat. A chat with yester generation people tells that this movie was the black and white movie which was a super duper hit when MRG, Shivaji was at the peak of their career delivering commercial colour movies to box office. It just tells the power of KB’s direction and stands till date as hilarious heartwarming movie lingering in mind forever.

Friday, 7 April 2017

A humble tribute to hostel

Dear Hostel,

We don’t love you. Leave love, we don’t even respect you in the first place. The boundaries of hostel and home are very well set and there is not even a slightest breach in that. The walls are up for your love not to enter. Though everything passes, You are visibly, vocally, verbally ‘a time pass being’. Until unless, someone who have a troubled family, normal people don’t like you. We always look forward for a way out. Many of us cried out loud while going to school, especially KG classes tell such stories. We constantly look forward for a reason to be at home. We have been telling baseless reasons to evade school. You are literally 100 times magnified version of the same.

Sunday night travel, back to you has always been filled with an ineffable void expression. No amount of words can express or fill that empty emotion even tears can’t help. Something has always been wrong in hostel coming. When someone falls sick they invariably feel helpless staying with you. Their soul dries and energy drains. Tears just wait to gush out of eyes. You just stay there unmoved with a dumb empty emotion.

But, you have always grown love. Especially, the love in separation. Rather any other place in this world you have seen genuine love. Typically unexpressed love. Most of the emotions are bottled, stay still and sometimes get the right succor, sometimes made numb subject to the one who is willing to receive or hear the same patiently. But you know all the told and untold dark secrets.

You grow hope and faith of home coming frequently and see honest joy, soulful smiles on faces. You do instill fear of monster under bed but you make one stand on one’s own legs bit of a very rough travel but make the journey worth it. We never feel at home in your presence but you do give a different spiritual, emotional awakening.

When someone ask about you and our stay with you we all would reply ‘you will get used to it’ with a forced smile. But dear hostel, you can be sure of this. At 45 plus when enveloped with many commitments around and at 60 resting on the arm chair, you will be missed. Those awesome endless night talks with friends , from ‘why the universe was created in the first place?’ to the most stupid discussion, the early morning quality alone time, blissful solitude with books and music on a Saturday after hectic week will be missed and never come back. You will be there all over the memories, overflowing beyond.

That day people will feel that you should have been respected and loved more than what you gave everyone. Your unrequited love will be reciprocated 1000 times in return but you will be gone afar.

You are unique. You stay and be there just completely motionless but teach something extraordinary on the ordinary moments of life. You are truly the perfect example of unwrapped gift in hand. A blessing in disguise always unseen.

Teaching, ‘It is better to travel well, while planning to arrive elsewhere soon’.

With loads of love and respect,
A hostel inmate.

Sunday, 2 April 2017

Love, Shri Manju Bhashini and the helicopter

In today's Neeya Naana show, (2nd April 2017) there was a specific comment from the special guest on Shri Andal's 'Vaaranamayiram' and the girl who asked for a helicopter. She stated that when Shri Andal can have an expectation for her wedding to happen with 1000 elephants surrounding the place and people treat it as a Bakthi Ilakiyam, but when a girl ask for a helicopter people troll her. Just a simple analysis on this aspect.

Love is an unparalleled emotion. It can be felt by love only and not with hate. It is the most subtle yet beautiful and powerful one as it's rippling effect is infinite. Where there is love there is growth and fulfillment. There are many people who wrote about love and expressed their feelings in their own style. Shri Andal also known as Manju Bhashini, one who speaks beautifully, wrote 143 verses to express her love. While telling 'I Love You' is a big deal or writing and giving 143 itself is difficult she gracefully wrote 143 verses with an ease with full of love and gave human race, 'Natchiyar Thirumozhi', a wonderful literary work.

The special guest stated that when dreaming for helicopter is unrealistic, dreaming for 1000 elephants for wedding is also unrealistic. True. Absolutely. 1000 elephants can't be dressed, can't be provided with food and fodder. People do have freedom of imagination and fantazise their dreams. It is individual's creative licence. It becomes more beautiful and appealing when the expression comes with a touch of love in it. By reading Shri Andal's work it doesn't sound as a command or demand hope the way those verses stood time and beyond says it all. Just the intention made the difference.

A personal thought. The girl who asked for helicopter could have written a poem or expressed the same in some creative manner with a touch of love rather with an expression which sounded more like a demand. Literally most of the expectations that they put forth that day was something like a leech sucking blood from the host. It didn't showcase their love for their own family but was more like a business partnership. Something like a parasite. Though they claim that they asked only to their parents, it has a greater threat for the society which is slowly recovering from the hands of dowry. While the society is striving to evolve to a healthier state of equality in gender it did sound like something going overboard without understanding the difference between necessity and luxury. The Melisana Kodu never existed in the discussion.

Conflicts remain in mind. Conflicts in mind can be resolved only by self cleansing and purpose, intention matters in demands. From time immemorial it has been said that even a lie which is said for the well being is to be acknowledged but a small smile which hurts even a single soul is a blunder. The helicopter demand can be seen either as need or greed. It is left to individual's perception.

Coming back to Shri Andal, her verses should have come from pure intension serving higher purpose and their origin is love and compassion. Time and generations it has traveled across reveal it. Down the lane helicopter poem if written and the vibration it emits, bring peace to readers and stands the test of time like Shri Manju Bhashini's verses did, the LHS might be proved to RHS and the level of comparison can stand on the same scale that time. But currently it didn't sound so.

Moreover any art form should be self less and should be art for art sake. When it is written by having a higher healthy purpose in mind with faith in beyond it has to be appreciated whole heartedly. Just saying, Shri Andal didn't just fantazise her love, she did write for the well being of society and the world. If not someone wouldn't write,

 "தீங்கின்றி நாடெல்லாம் திங்கள் மும்மாரி பெய்து
ஓங்கு பெருஞ் செந்நெல் ஊடு கயலுகளப்
பூங்குவளைப் போதில் பொறிவண்டு கண்படுப்பத்
தேங்காதே புக்கிருந்து சீர்த்த முலைபற்றி
வாங்கக்குடம் நிறைக்கும் வள்ளல் பெரும் பசுக்கள்
 நீங்காத செல்வம் நிறைந்தேலோ ரெம்பாவாய்."
- திருப்பாவை, 3.

Verses state that let it rain 3 times a month across nations with no negative vibrations around. Let food crops grow healthier and in abundance. And amidst the crops let fishes jump and play. Let bees taste honey from flowers and sleep forgetting themselves. Let milk be there in abundance and let cows yield milk without withholding it. And let all these blessings stay for now and ever.

Down the lane rather having a comparison on a superficial basis of two women personalities or any two thought processes for that matter, let the intentions of the parties involved be compared to have healthy outcomes and let it serve the greater goodness of the society. Not just for convenience to win over an argument with a big round of applause. Please!

Hail Intentions!


Thursday, 30 March 2017

Good Vibes 13 – Taare Zameen Par

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. In few belief systems it is considered unlucky and in few it is called the Angel number. Angel number tells that when someone keep seeing this number effortlessly, it is that they are guided by their guarding angel and are asked to maintain a positive outlook even at difficult times signifying that they will ultimately win over the huddles and reach where they belong.

With that as the theme, growing from pain, facing worst fears, healing wounds and living to one’s fullest potential, this movie showcases understanding, compassion, and love and love only on screen released in the year 2007.

A normal family. A successful dad who wants his children to succeed in their life and come out with flying colours. More or less a dad who wants his children to be  jack of all trades and master of all at the same time. Just that they want his children to be in a good position so that others won’t point fingers at them.

A loving mom who supports her children but couldn’t understand what’s wrong with the little one despite her efforts. A soft, supporting brother who is good in academics and in extra-curricular activities. Most of the second child might go through this where they are being compared with the elder one by parents/teachers if they are studying in the same school. Same is being seen and done to the little one time and again. He does try but fails and doesn’t know the reason of frequent failures in his attempts.

At any home when there isn’t a clear understanding of why things are happening so with ample opportunities, the next potential option is to make one devoid of their luxuries. As a child, one of the worst nightmares is being threatened to be put in hostel if one doesn’t study well. Many places it does work and few places if the issue isn’t addressed properly will complicate the problem.

So the same happens and the little one is put in boarding school. And the plot moves with his persistent struggles and scolding that he continues to recieve. The plot takes a warming pace when the temporary art teacher arrives. But it does signify the saying ‘When the student is ready, teacher will appear’. The little one hesitates but evolves from there on and work on himself with his loving teacher’s efforts to realize his full potential.

The movie is completely an emotional blockbuster. It could be even for the nth time, still there is a need for a hand kerchief to cope with tears rolling over the cheeks. The movie has few awesome scenes. Shifting the focus from normal parenting and how to treat children with love and care, just a random thought, seeing the same emotional situations with how people generally treat one’s own inner child. Mostly, inner child is neglected and pushed to a position were it stands like Dobby to be given a sock by his master - each individual.


That cute little one; wearing the favourite dress, sitting in favourite place, happily reading and working on its own, always busy, bubbling with abundance of love, slowly peeping out from, behind a pillar and smiling so as to connect with oneself deeply in the visualization. Not as an immatured, impulsive jerk which runs behind everything that it sees but the one that aches for love and compassion of one’s own self but neglected continuously. Just the authentic self, tiringly waiting to be hugged, to connect deeply to jump in joy every now and then.

On the Diwali day, he refrains himself from burning crackers as he is being sent to hostel and is bullied by his neighbor. Crying profusely, he shouts that he isn’t going to hostel and light the crackers and throws on the bully. Same is when the inner little one is neglected. Usual scene on hostel coming for any one in any age. Just the external grown up mask reacts differently with age.

The scene before the start of ‘Maa song’. The car starts and the little one jolts with eyes full of tears and his heart visually runs behind his Mom. Awesome lyrics by Prasoon Joshi and soulful rendition by Shankar Mahadevan in Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy music. The same happens every now and then when the inner little child is not being heard, his true voice to be happy and smile more is sidetracked. The inner one feels the same when it is not being pampered well and shown love, the only language with which it can be reached deeply. More or less the inner child keep singing this song whenever it is pushed aside with no remorse.

The next beautiful scene is where Ishan’s dad comes to meet the art teacher to tell that he and his wife too care about their children and Amir Khan with great ease tells about taking care and pampering the child, expressing the love and making the children trust them with more love and affection and tells a story about Solomon islands where the ‘Adivasi’ people don’t cut trees to clean the jungle but just stand around a tree and abuses the tree for few days and in some days it dies by itself. The back ground music captures the emotion perfectly on screen and Ishan’s dad doesn’t forget to accept mistakes on his part and becomes more understanding and vibes with expressive love.

Ditto with the inner child when there are negative self-talks and constant abuse by one’s own self just to kill their potential by themselves. The movie showcases that Amir is connected with himself so well that he take care of others well as in ‘Taare Zameen Par’ song, another beautiful song on and off video. He has his love tank filled to the brim and hence he waters happiness and love where ever he steps into, in a matured, subtle manner.

By telling the principal to ignore Ishan’s mistake for a while he tells that anything takes time to see a slow, steady, successful, solid progress in Ishan’s self-esteem making him realize his full potential. Proving that inner work takes time, consistent efforts and patience with ourselves. The character Nikumbh loudly tells that one cannot pour from an empty cup especially LOVE.

 Each one in the cast would have done their role so well and the movie is heartwarming in every frame with Amir Khan’s awesome direction. A perfect guide for healthy parenting not only the children whom we see with naked eyes but also the inner child which is waiting to be taken in arms as in the picture below.



“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection” – Buddha. 

Thursday, 23 March 2017

Good Vibes 12 – Aanandham

This movie was released in the year 2001. A perfect movie portraying family values. Many joint family movies have come but this movie has a special kind of breeze and bliss in itself. This movie is less dramatic compared to movies like ‘Vaanathai Pola’, ‘Samudhiram’. Though they also showcase the love for the familial bonding.

The plot revolves around 4 brothers, their parents and their near peaceful life with the normal glitches they face in every phase of life and how strong they stand together in crisis. Few scenes of the movie are really heartwarming. Every single time when one hears about this movie, the first thing that comes to mind is the scene where they feed wholeheartedly, the one who comes to steal at their home. Food has a special, irreplaceable place in this world. It is the only possible desire that can be controlled and when offered repeatedly can be said ‘enough’ wholeheartedly sometimes out to compulsion due to over dosage. Still it is more or less the desire under control to an extent compared to other materialistic ones. Also food has a specialty to bond people deeper. Across dining table, love can be shared in multifold. The family that eats together stays together. So the scene is heartwarming and bring changes in the person and he, the one who came to stole becomes part of their family.

Next is the scene that comes in the song ‘Aasai aasaiyai irukiradhe edhu pol vaazhdhidavae’. Many youngsters might actually agree on this. When the family is on a hunt for bride or bridegroom for a family member they would come up with multiple, various prospective personalities who ever they come across. So is when the family hunts for a bride for their eldest son, Delhi Ganesh, Head of the family shows a woman in temple but to their surprise she gets blessing with her Mangal Sutra. Epic ROFL follows. Before the online matrimonial services started their services, the term ‘Tharagar’ was highly famous, still famous in few places. Their legendary, remarkable services still continue. Hope wedding these days is still union of two hearts with lot of forgiveness on either side rather just a time pass entity.

Well, Mammooty finally selects his bride, Devayani by himself saying no to ‘Tharagar’ and treats her with love and respect healing from  his past and she gives back twice what she receives so well. But gets hurt by Sneha's relatives for not begetting children which shows another unchanged attitude of this ‘just questioning’ or ‘commenting’ society, which need to inculcate more empathy on this aspect. And the family stands with her lovingly.

Next is the second brother, Murali. God only knows why he always gets the same kind of wife in such family movies. He must have worked on himself to change the pattern of attracting same kind of personality in Samudhiram and in Aanandham. But thanks to the plot they realize themselves and change for good. He is also destined to sing ‘Manaivi Amaivadellam Iraivan Kodutha Varam’ at the end of the movie in both movies and it is good to realize and change the attitude if it doesn’t bring peace for anyone. Ramba does her role so well to keep the plot going. Scenes where Murali-Ramba’s daughter fall sick intensify emotions on screen and shows elder brother’s unconditional utmost care to protect his loved ones like shadow.

 Next is Abbas and Sneha. Their love story is simple, practical, measured and more warming. Sneha in awesome combinations of half sarees is definitely a treat to watch with respect. Sneha’s father Vijayakumar tests their love in usual tamil cinema style and showcases his power of wealth. Family values, basic ethics and empathy finish off as a winner in a great usual style in climax.

Someone has to tell that Music is by S.A.Rajkumar because more or less his signature, the repeat mode song in two gender voices is missing. But some lovely music. Every single time when one luckily gets back a small one rupee coin as change especially from bus conductor it reminds the transition of one rupee from ‘Pallankuzhiyin vattam’ to ‘Pullankuzhiyin thulaigal’. That deergadarsi Na.Muthukumar is being terribly missed. Delhi Ganesh, Srividhya, Shyam Ganesh does their roles so apt as an integral part of this lovely family. The director is N.Linguswamy. In his debut film he has really put his well learned viddhais. Wish he takes more movies like Aanandham, Vaettai refraining himself from troll-lable interviews.

Aanandham is an unparalleled feel. This movie is certainly heartwarming and rich in family values and definitely make someone miss the meal that they lovingly​ share with their family, if they are away from home and heart finds its solace in those awesome days, when they are eating all alone.


Saturday, 18 March 2017

Good Vibes 11 - Padayappa

This movie was released in the year 1999. K.S.Ravikumar has been delivering some awesome family movies in his unique style. Almost all his movies fall under the category - Good Vibes. All ingredients necessary for a feel good movie are in his movies. His movies have a mild duet, a folk duet, a philosophical song and some masala to deliver a family package in his own style.

This movie is phenomenal. Padayappa is a story of a Mechanical Engineer. No words to describe Super Star's stylish act. One striking scene that always lingers is the car chase in climax. He would be having a small talk to relieve the tensed situation with his to be son in law with a super cool attitude. Only MSD could be on par with Super Star on screen. He casually tells "Enaku Football dhan pudikum. Patheengala yepidi parakkudhu". And the following scene is awwww! He shows his biceps. That jaw dropping moment it is. Perfect phrase for super star. "Minsara Kanna, Vayasanalum un azhagum styleum innum maaravae illa". No wonder Neelambari fell for this Macho.

Super Star as a comedian is a treat to watch anytime. Every single time when he struggles to express his love is a breeze on screen. That 'Sattai Joke', 'Paambu puthukulla kai vittungalae' are epics. The entire friends gang come through out the movie and play an awesome role in the plot as pillar of strength and hope, stand with hero in crisis.

Ramya Krishnan as Neelambari is a fantastic character. She should be called the lady super star for the fact. That drastic change in her acting could be seen. In the movie 'Vanamae Yellai', she comes as an empath, planning to commit suicide, now a strong woman who is into an unrequited love failing to accept the reality. Her role as a head strong woman and that fantastic dance in the song 'Minsara Kanna' beautifully rendered in Raga Vasantha by Smt. NithyaSree Mahadevan and Shri. Srinivas, lyrics completely revealing Neelambari's character in no time. Her role proves love is natural and can't be forced and it's good to get over the patched up heart rather clinging to the one who doesn't see the worth just to remain unhealed forever.

Soundarya as a girl next door. The obedient, traditional Indian Girl. No comments on Mr. Shivaji Ganesan. He always prove on screen why he is called as 'Nadigar Thilagam'. While Radharavi, Naseer asked Lakshmi to go with their daughter/sister as her daughter in law, she had other plans when she goes and speak alliance for her son. Read in MSD McDowell ad way, one of the famous memes in the recent times. Sithara, is a beautiful actress from the movie 'Pudhu vasantham' to till date. Perfectly plays sister role, exhibits measured emotions on screen when her engagement is called off. Manivannan and Co are examples of Karma. All supporting characters add the required flavour to the movie to make it ever appealing. Wish the movie is re released like Basha to take us back in time.

ARR back ground score and sound track are immense strength with Vairamuthu lyrics adding valour to the movie. The entire album is a super Duper hit. Super star movies are mostly motivating and awakening in a way. While 'Vazhkaiyil Aayiram thadaigalappa' motivates, 'Kick yerudhae' awakens. Every single time one hears 'Kick Yerudhae', desire for materialistic pursuits takes a back seat.

Take away from the movie are 'En vazhi thani vazhi. Seendadha.' telling it is okay not to understand others journey just doing ones own is the purpose of life and 'Kaiyil Enna Konduvandhom kondu sella'. Relieves all pressure and proves everything is uncertain, is the beauty of life, the zero stress point.


Monday, 27 February 2017

Good Vibes 10 – Bahubali – The Beginning

As the series has somehow come upto 10thpost, a planned write up for a block buster movie. In the year 2015 the movie was released with director SS Rajamouli’s cut out in theatres in Telugu speaking states. Probably the first director to get such a dramatic reception which is quite usual in the case of protagonists.

A magnificent historic movie. Should have watched the movie in theatres to have a real experience before watching it in Jaya TV HD and Sony max (even yesterday) n number of times. The kind of graphics takes one to Mahishmati effortlessly though the reach to the kingdom is bit defying physics theories. But it is okay to defy physics to experience a majestic second half. First half is bit dull with two songs. While the first song can be taken as a destiny driven one, so as to pacify oneself to an extent, second song is a serious threat to cosmetic companies.

Surya wearing water proof Viboodhi in the hero introduction song in 'Aadhavan' is nothing in front of, Jr. Bahubali read as Shiv in first half, using water proof colours to draw one half of the design on Avanthika’s hands and the missing pieces on his hands. The LHS is equaled to RHS in the duet. While one Lakme iconic kajal costs 200 INR this man effortlessly gets it from nature and applies on her eyes like a Tony & Guy professional stylist. So is the cheery red lipstick on Avanthika, gives a throwback of her Sakti Masala ad. Jr. Bahubali causes serious threat to the cosmetic products in second song and challenges professional hair stylists and beauticians blinded by love.

These are the only two points which can be mocked out rightly in this movie. The rest of the movie make one sit on the edge of the chair even today. For the first time, Tamannaah had some expressions on her face. Apart from being THE glam doll, a good show as a fighter. After the second song the movie is transcended to a different plane. The statue event gives goosebumps and the name ‘Bahubali’ resonates throughout the interval. ‘The rescue of DevaSena’ is the turning point and the night chase is captured beautifully. The head slash of Rana’s son and his Mundam walking, Kattappa falling on his knees is still magnificent to remember.

Rangaraj Subbaiah also known as SathyaRaj is a heart throbber even in his early sixties with his entry when Sivagami orders him. Sivagami is a wow factor. Ramya Krishnan even in her salt and pepper style looks ageless. Anyone can fall in love with her for her boldness, the way she handles the ‘Kuru Vaal’, hidden in her pallu and pulls it out effortlessly to kill the guy who threatens the throne. Typical Gambeeram when she feeds breastmilk to the two young lads simultaneously. For Naseer such ‘Bijjaladeva’ role is a cake walk with typical Dhirudarashtra scenario depiction. Bahubali and Bhallala Deva as the best rival cousins equal in might and all other aspects. The crew isn’t complete without mentioning the will of DevaSena in collecting the fire woods. Her passive aggression has been viewed, Anushka's active aggression to be seen soon.

The movie itself has a plot close to Mahabharata except the ratio of cousin rivalry. Here it's 1:1 and there it's 1:20. The terms 'Vyuha', 'Akshauhini' can been seen in Mahabharata but the war sequences till date were left to the imagination of the individual. The serials aired on televisions weren’t enough to feed the imagination. To feed the hunger of the war sequence, this movie gave tons of food to enhance the imagination. The movie would have beautifully shown ‘vyuha’ on map and on field. Execution of the same with oiled clothes is beyond jaw dropping moment.

SS Rajamouli's brilliant efforts and effects now make it easier to imagine even the 11 akshauhinis of Kauravas and 7 of Pandavas. While one akshauhini is 1 chariot : 1 elephant : 3 cavalry : 5 infantry soldiers which is actually 21,870 chariots; 21,870 elephants; 65,610 horses and 109,350 infantry as in Mahabharata.

While Tamil nadu is worried about proving the question 'Who killed Amma? Knowing 'Why Kattapa killed Bahubali?' atleast in 2017 should be a solace.

Eagerly waiting for Bahubali - The Conclusion.


Monday, 20 February 2017

Good Vibes - 9 Kandukonden Kandukonden

The movie was released in the year 2000. One of the most warming movies ever seen. Any Rajiv Menon movie has special importance to music. Be it ‘Morning Raga’ or ‘Minsara Kanavu’ or this one. In his movies, music and lyrics get special care so the plot.

The characterization of each is beautifully carved into existence. Major Bala, then Major now a florist, fantastic role as a supportive lover who doesn’t lose his respect while being supportive to Meenakshi and who likes Vazaippu vadai. Manohar, an inspiration for many, as he leaves his  job to pursue his passion, wins and proves the same with his persistence. Srikanth aka Srika, a business man, but who gets caught up in  things that aren’t under control so as to lose his love.

 Meenakshi, one of the female protagonists, who is a dreamer, Maha Kavi Bharathi fanatic who keeps questioning many things. The song “Konjum mainakkalae” speaks all about her. Sowmya, a very practical woman especially on love, though not a Mahakavi Bharathi fanatic like her sister behaves perfectly like one as he tells in புதுமைப் பெண். - “நிமிர்ந்த நன்னடை நேர்கொண்ட பார்வையும்,நிலத்தில் யார்க்கும் அஞ்சாத நெறிகளும்…”.
Of Couse Rahuvaran throbs heart in any role so the same in this cameo role. So is Srividhya, Manivannan, Nizhalgal Ravi, Pooja Batra in best supporting roles for the plot, Anita Ratnam as a cameo villi.

The movie has to be appreciated for many of it's traits. Firstly, awesome choices of location – Kanadukathan Palace, a must visit to capture a thinnai pose, streets of Chennai for adventure. Next is costumes. Whenever Aishwarya Rai comes in Half saree, she wears the best combo which can make one go gaga, so is Tabu’s salwars and sarees. AR Rahman Musical is beyond description and any description given would always fall short to the kind of music he has composed. The songs will stand for the coming ages.

Lyrics by Vairamuthu. He proved in this movie why he is being called the best. The songs go with the plot effortlessly. He displays both Naayika Bhava and Naayaka Bhava beautifully through his songs.

"என் தளிர் மலரே இன்னும் தயக்கமென்ன

என்னைப் புரியாதா இது வாழ்வா சாவா"

displays Naayaka bhava and won Shankar Mahadevan a national award for the perfect rendition.

And the song Kannampoochi yen ada – a classical ragamalika beauty from ARR

“என் உள் மூச்சிலே உயிர் வீங்குதே

என்னுயிர் துடிக்காமலே காப்பது உன் தீண்டலே

உயிர் தர வா

கண்ணாமூச்சி ஏனடா என் கண்ணா நான் கண்ணாடிப் பொருள் போலடா”

typical Naayika bhavam. And another which speaks about the love of a strong independent woman is

“பாறையில் செய்தது என் மனம் என்று தோழிக்கு சொல்லியிருந்தேன்

பாறையின் இடுக்கில் வேர்விட்ட கொடியாய் நீ நெஞ்சில் முளைத்துவிட்டாய்”

And

“முகம் பூத்திருக்கும் முடியில் ஒன்றிரண்டு குத்தும் இன்பம் கன்னம் கேட்குதே”

from the same song make Gillette razor sharp blade ad hide itself in shyness as it describes aesthetically subtle expression of love.

While Kandukonden kandukonden song is an awesome classical duet which is a mélange of Naayika and Naayaka bhava, the inner transformation of the dreamer from “நாம் நட்டதே ரோஜா என்றே பூக்கணும்”  to ‘வாழ்வே வாழ்பவர்க்கு’ is captured beautifully in the song and in the plot as the heroine wished for the best in love but it  becomes her devil as she doesn’t have to fight for her love or lover but need to compete with another for the same and is unlikely.

All the emotions which run high on screen speaks volume and are captured beautifully by the director. Kandukonden Kandukonden is a prefect package of music, lyrics, plot, best actors, location and costumes in a single go.



Good Vibes - 8 Mownam Pesiyadhe

This movie was released in the year 2002.

Whenever one googles any film name, directed to the respective Wiki page, one can find the translation of the Tamil title in the first line. Sometimes the translation would be apt, sometimes it would have been a google translator thing. Where the contextual translation doesn’t happen most of the times, it would be only word to word translation. So for this movie the translation reads – ‘Silence Spoke’.

Many people love this movie for the plot and the character of ‘Jeans potta Saguni – Gautham’. Few scenes would be out of world. The dialogue like ‘Engendhu da varudhu indha lovvu’ shouts the mind voice of many who is undergoing break up. Scenes where the guy wants her lady love to come with him on the eve of her wedding and the way bride’s father speaks show raw emotion on screen. The thought of being upfront and ‘Fearless’ in love is beautifully captured. Rather eloping and assuming that the parents won’t agree there is a crazy little thing called asking/speaking with them would be shown well. One awesome scene that deserves standing ovation is where Gautham speaks about public display of love and affection which tells about ‘Avai Adakkam’.  "Yedhuku vidama pudichutae iruka, oodi poidumnu bhayama? - "Idey Maari dhan veedu varaikum poganum". Un pondati dhana? vittutu poida matta moment. Sheer beauty!

While Kannan is bit playful in love and loves Maha, his friend - Gautham stays away from girls. As it happens in many gangs where one gives the best relationship advice and stays single, one promotes break up and stays single and one is a social butterfly this gang showcases healthy humour. Trisha as a beautiful athai ponnu of Kannan, no specific comments on her acting, she sticks to the story  well so as to induce Gautham’s assumptions in love, except that few of her salwars look like salwars typically stitched in 8th standard with loose fittings with no distinction among  the top, the bottom and the dupatta which the tailor would have claimed to be the latest trend, a photograph wearing the same is still dreadful for a throwback and the one which is loose to wear even in mid-twenties.

Over all bit astonishing to believe that this was the debut movie from the director of Ram, Paruthiveeran – Ameer Sulthan. Good old YuvanShankar Raja musical soothes till date. Though the transformation isn’t visible much on Gautham’s facial expression when he falls in love, Tamil cinema has an unusual display of karmic cycle in love. Laila Mehdin comes back in cameo role where as she left him for someone better and wealthy in the movie ‘Thinking about you’ (Unnai Ninaithu). Though this duo doesn’t match the powerful karmic pattern displayed in  the movies Romeo-Juliet and Engayeum Kadhal.

Just for this song from Snehan,

“மனிதன் என்னும் வேடம் போட்டு மிருகமாகவாழ்கின்றோம்
தீர்ப்பு ஒன்று இருப்பதை மறந்து தீமைகளைசெய்கின்றோம்
காலம் மீண்டும் திரும்போதே பாதை மாறிபோகாதே
பூமி கொஞ்சம் குலுங்கினாலே நின்று போகும்ஆட்டமே
ஆடாத ஆட்டமெல்லாம் போட்டவங்கமண்ணுக்குள்ள
போன கதை உனக்கு தெரியுமா..?”
the movie is worth watching umpteen number of times. This song speaks loudly in this movie 'Silence spoke' adhan Mownam Pesiyadhe! (Read in Major Sundararajan voice).


Good Vibes - 7 36 Vayadhinilae

The movie was released in the year 2015. A Malayalam remake in Tamil. Aired again in Jaya TV, read ‘Jaya TV HD’ on Republic Day. When the movie was released few friends and colleagues especially female friends were speaking about it with a feministic approach. Nay with a false feministic mindset to be specific. The movie was altogether different to the kind of comments received. Some beautiful insights on relationships with thyself and others are captured so well.

Many a times it happens in any home. The contribution of  mother is unseen. Sometimes she is being disrespected. Especially, during the teenage period of a child, she is being treated as if she doesn’t know anything. But as one ages, the realization strikes, even when a code fails and one sobs over phone she gives the best advice. From small ‘ID card kanum’ moment to dealing with breakup one can realize she is the encyclopedia. The movie beautifully speaks about the urge of a mother to stand beside her child any time. Jo at her best when she speaks from heart ‘En ponnu enna maari iruka kudadha?’ and the script is so powerful speaking on self-transformation.

People lose themselves in many things. Some seem healthy and some are visibly unhealthy. Be it work, relationship, alcohol, etc. The movie voices so well about being lost in relationships and losing one’s own identity. As the protagonist loses herself in relationship as a wife, as a mother  to gain no respect that she deserve is depicted so well. When the realization of being treated as a door mat strikes her, the emotions are captured to perfection with supportive friends, well wishers, in laws around.

The movie shows the beautiful journey of an individual, who lost herself in a relationship, the self-realization, pampering of her inner child again, standing up for her self-identity and self-respect, thus teaching the greatest lesson of having a healthy relationship with oneself and having a healthy life outside the relationship leads to healthy interpersonal relationship with partner and children invariably.

The movie equally calls for interdependency with mutual respect and love between the couple. Also gives an insight on being ‘dependently independent’ so the balance is maintained without being too independent, leading to a state where no one is required, or without being too clingy to be treated as a doormat, or without fumbling to too much insecurities and having multiple relationships to boost the self-esteem.

In short, a fantastic story from Rosshan Andrrews in Santhosh Narayanan music which isn’t just for someone who is 36 years old  but suits anyone of any age who lost or losing themselves in relationships, work, etc. With Jo coming around in beautiful cotton sarees, draped to perfection and an awesome social message on unhealthy vegetables and a solution for it, 36 Vayadhinilae is for any Vayadhinilae.

Eagerly waiting for next Jo movie – Magalir Mattum.




Good Vibes - 6 Pasanga

The movie was released in the year 2009. Though the plot goes around kids it has many takeaways for elders here and there in a subtle manner. The movie has so many minute details that make the movie pleasant and enjoyable.

The fight between class leader and Asst. Class leader captured beautifully and the hilarious voting system that the students follow. The ‘Kalla votetu’ scenario – Raising both the hands for a friend to show the loyalty is truly 6th standard school kid thing. The struggle of  a student coming from a private school and adjusting sails to Government school captured beautifully. The fact that ‘Padikara pulla yenga irundhalum padikum’ is justified in a pragmatic manner. Most striking aspect is Govt. Schools weren’t put down anywhere and shows the growth of entire class in a movie.

The small fights, egos, mannerism of 6thstandard students captured well and ends with a change in attitude of the students towards a healthier way shown well though the climax is bit cinematic. The love between Meenakshi and Badrakali ;) is cute in it’s own way. Rather the usual romantic scenes, the love is mild, playful in a non-irritating manner, a more healthier way unlike the purse burning kind. The duet song with lyrics which tell about guy’s vulnerability once in a while like ‘Annin Manadhirkullum penmai irukiradhe; thunga vaithidavae nenjam thudikiradhe’  by lyricist Thamarai, Naresh Iyer  and Shreya Goshal on vocals, a James Vasanthan Musical is a delight and never fails to make one press the repeat button.

The movie also beautifully captures how fights between parents affect children psychologically and tells way to resolve them in a refined manner. The terrace farming scenes and many little things from the song are ‘Anbale Azhagagum’ goes well with the movie plot.

Of all the scenes one is a sure Monday Motivation. When there is a holiday in a month that too on a week day is a joy, inexpressible. When there are no holidays or it falls on a weekend it is typically ‘Varanda Vanilai’. The guy who counts the number of holidays in a month and tells the forecast of the month is typical ‘Nam enam ada’ moment.

In short Pasanga 1 is a breezy, perfect movie to sit and watch with family and kids from director PandiRaj.

#MondayMotivation


Good Vibes - 5 Indian

This movie was released in the year 1996.

Thatha: Sudhandhiram vanginadhu lendhu indha edatha yarumae Sutham seiyala.
Officer: Endha department ?
Thatha: Kala pudungara department.

The sound of claps on theatre would have reached the sky. Such is power of dialogues from writer Sujatha also known as Rangarajan. Nobel, loyal, patriot above all the Impartial Thatha add infinite value to the term hero.

While everyone can go gaga when Ramyakrishnan tells "Vayasanalum un azhagum style um maravae illa" to Rajni in Padayappa, everyone can fall in love, every single time when thatha Kamal elegantly aligns his hair when it falls over his forehead. When he fights and uses the varmakalai, no one can dare, to address him thatha one more time.

The shared core values, the wait and the love beautifully captured. When Nedumudi Venu comes to arrest with no word she packs things. A smile on his face while she catches his mind voice and in climax when he tells 'Amirtham, unaku poi solla varadhu veena muyarchi pannadha' tells the perfect understanding between the couple Senapathy and Amirthavalli.

The duo, Gounda Mani - Senthil has been stealing the show from time immemorial and this movie is no exception. Cameo performance by the Guinness record holder, Manorama is beyond description. The heroines and other supporting actors performance to the dot as if measured.

The internal conflict of a straight forward father, "avanuku valikakudathunae meesaiya yezhandha Senapathy inniku avanayae yezhaka thayaraagitan" sumps up all.

ARR musical, Vali, Vairamuthu lyrics, Shankar Graphics songs are delightful ever. The theme of each song correspond to the area of interest of the characters. Akkadangu naanga - Fashion, Telephone manipol and Mayamachindra - Animals, Kappal yeri poyachu - Unity in diversity which takes one to school chart work days where it shows all states dresses in a single song beautifully.

Last but not the least, "Pachai kiligal tholodu" beautifully describes, joys in ordinary moments.

"Veyilin Sutham Aanantham
Mazhaiyin Satham Aanantham
Ada Mazhaiyil Kooda
Saayam Pogaa Vaanavil Aanantham
Vaazhvil Nooraanantham
Vaazhve Peraanantham"

In short, inspired by many face book posts, if one is a true Kamal fan/Shankar fan/ ARR fan/ Sujatha fan/ Indian ;) one would have not missed the movie.

#BattleAgainstCorruption
#BoomikuKaneerSondhamIllai




Good Vibes - 4 Jeans

This movie was released in the year 1998. Should have been the first movie to take viewers to a visual ride to 7 wonders of the world in a song in pre you tube era. While the song is a visual treat with Miss World and one of the best dancers staring on screen, the lyrics from Vairamuthu in ARR music  makes one appreciate the nuances in day today happenings, even the act of cutting nails as a wonder. - "நகம் என்ற கிரீடம்அதிசயமே". And many more...

At times, cinema helps in 2 mark grammar questions more quickly during the vital time than the usual methods if and only if one doesn’t lose track and get lost into lyrics while writing exams.

“சலசல சலசல இரட்டைக் கிளவி தகதகதகதக இரட்டைக் கிளவி
உண்டல்லோ தமிழில் உண்டல்லோ
பிரித்து வைத்தல் நியாயம் இல்லை பிரித்துப்பார்த்தால் பொருளும் இல்லை
இரண்டல்லோ இரண்டும் ஒன்றல்லோ” – வைரமுத்து

While the entire album is a musical hit, the above song is a real wonder in the on screen graphics with the skeleton perfectly doing the namaskaram, Smt. NithyaShree Mahadevan's voice - ARR music and the genius of Vairamuthu explaining the concept of இரட்டைக் கிளவி directly and love indirectly. Could come under the grammatical rule 'Piridhu Mozhidhal Ani'. Such lyrical value adding tremendous power to the script.

Twins are always attractive so does the story of double twins. The story is hilarious with super cool Patti fighting for Paethi's love with the theme 'Ayiram poi solli oru kalyanam pannalam' and S.Ve. Shekhar stealing the show, hilariously contradicting Lakshmi with 'Honesty is the best policy'. The dialogues like 'Amma, inimae enaku bhojanamae kedaikadhama?', 'Mothathula enaku oru ponnu en pondati ku oru ponnu', 'Viyazha kizhamai Rajnikanth ku viradham', etc etc, proves that he is a typical drama artist with amazing spontaneity. Janaki Sabesh explaining lists of Viradhams is a ROFL max.

Senthil and Raju Sundaram a jovial combo.
Nasser as the bipolar twins, Prashanth as the perfect twins exhibit a notable performance. While Geetha from time immemorial, from the era of 'Karpoora bommai ondru' does the same kind of role, to see her hale and healthy one needs to refer to Santhosh Subramaniam, Radhika Sarathkumar exhibits a stunning performance in the climax.

An awesome movie just like the theme music 'Ni Sa Ri Sa'.
Jeans - Absolute Family Entertainer.
A Shankar - ARR - Vairamuthu Combo. Also known as Simply Magnificent.


Good Vibes - 3 Anbe Shivam

Food for thought.

This movie was released in the year 2003. It can be termed as 'Magnum Opus' from the director of Ullathai Alli tha.

With the Kidnap scene and the bargain they make for kidnapping with a tempo , that movie is a hilarious comedy. Total contradicting plot to Ullathai Alli tha is this one.

The Facebook page like for the movie would have exceeded beyond limit. Harsh reality is said with utmost elegance. Dialogues by Ulaga Nayagan and Madhan. The journey of a luxurious man, for whom ignorance is bliss to tapping of his innocence is captured beautifully. Few important lessons taught on screen by the crew. Awesome lessons like 'Appearance is deceptive' with the character 'Uthaman' and 'Kandasamy Padayatchi'; 'Beauty is just skin deep' with the character 'Nallasivam'; 'There are many things beyond the control of human beings in this world' by the entire plot especially the climax where A Aras questions the universal design and Santhana Bharathi telling about his Karma.

People's/ memes creator's favorite is the 'Kadavul' dialogue. But a punch on the extreme materialistic desires, depicting the mellisana difference beautifully, between aasai and paerasai is

"Panam kudutha kuda vasadhi kedaikadha oru naadu idhu, that's India for you."

"Panam kudutha edhu vena eppo vena kedaikum nu nenaikaravanga irukaravaraikum, that will be India for you".

deserves a standing ovation.

Maddy - ignorantly innocent, others in the crew delivering a good performance. Mehrunissa and the love chain reaction is pragmatic at best. With Ulaga Nayagan on screen, comments on acting is beyond description and understanding. It's simply 'Katradhu kai alavu kallaladhu cell alavu' as he states. Songs with good lyrical value from Vairamuthu, Pa.Vijay and music beautifully composed by Vidyasagar.

Simply, an awesomatic of aromale movie.

#VazhvaeThavam


Good Vibes - 2 Rhythm

Sequels are trending. Chennai 28 II innings, VIP2 on the way. Saravanan Meenakshi has jumped into 3rd season - Who knows? many might come down the lane. Inspired by sequels, the post is a sequel of Good Vibes - Aaha.

This movie was released in the year 2000. A calm movie. So much emotion but comes in a controlled manner. There is so much calm on screen even in places where emotions run higher.

Beautiful characterization. Chithra, beautiful in saree, long hair, less/no make up, strong, independent, shows emotional strength at her best. The dialogue from Karthick tells all. "Neenga azhutham nu theriyum. But evalo azhutham nu theriyadhu".

Karthick, equally bold and strong personality. Proves that he is not a jerk when Chithra misunderstands him. The famous "Thamizh Nandu Kadhai" and in climax "neenga kekka mateenga nu theriyum" tells all about him.

Same painful past of losing the beloved in same accident. But both see future with optimism and exhibits strength and strength only. Shiva - an adopted child, bubbles with all emotions of a 4th Std boy and exhibits his earnings for a lovable dad beautifully. The supporting characters are perfect in their roles.

An emotionally matured climax. "Ungala maari oru thunai Chithravuku venum nu yosikama, enaku oru thunai venum nu suyanalama yosichutenae. Neenga rendu perum vayasula chinnavala irundhalum evalo vivegama, evalo nidhanama yosichurukel, ..... endha vishyathula na pazhaya panchangam illa" steals the show.

The confluence of two bold personalities with songs beautifully depicting five elements of nature in ARR music and Vairamuthu lyrics. All notes striking the chords perfectly for RHYTHM.

A Rhythmic movie from the director of Kaeladi Kanmani.

Blissful! Now and ever. :)


Good Vibes - 1 Aaha

In the recent past, number of feel good movies has drastically reduced. If one comes it's pretty far from reality with much show off call Jiguna.

This movie was released in the year 1997. It was released for Deepavali. An authentic family entertainer it was. A mood lifting movie till date. A joint family subject. A cool love story with sentiments. But a perfect entertainer.

The elderly couple steal the show. Dialogues like
"Dei! Shrirama, na 10000 wala onnu pathen. Adha koluthu da. Hall la yae koluthu ellar kadhum sevudagatum".

And when the hero breaks his love matter at home,
Patti with an awesome expression ''Lovevu" and next 10 minutes one can roll over remembering her expression.

All characters in the script would have done their part so well. Raguvaran, Banupriya, Vijayakumar, not this Srividhya in the below pic as Google states but the late actress, (abathamana mistake from the one who updated the cast) Sulekha and our Ashish Nehra (In remembrance of the Udhavakarai meme), an actor, a writer of an awesome trilogy Rajiv Krishna.

Could be 100th time, still a feel good, breezy movie. Well named as Aaha. :)
In short an Aaha movie from Bhasha Director.

Feel good movies are always exceptional and blissful. More of such movies are expected.