Simple Pleasures - Kodai

Visiting Kodaikanal is always cool and comfort since this place accompany me easily or I got to be familiar as I visited it unlike any other places and the climate is completely blissful at any time of the year. At other hand I feel sorry for this princess of hills station which is turning into concrete valleys and mountains being carved for real estate lands and natural environs polluted by carefree tourist and vehicle population had turned down this pristine town, but we can’t blame anybody as they all come to enjoying what I cherish, a little concern on its behold state will do better.

There are many places to steal our heart and sight at Kodaikanal but for better refreshment and entice one need to extend their limit out of the town and I wish only people who love and care for the nature should led so. During one of my visits to Kodaikanal I find the pretty little church in the picture above, bound to a mist environment and light blue sky behold my attention for its simple white blue structure, on the Pillar Rock Road.

Following the church, the little falls with stream like structure is another wonderful sight that come along the way near a shopping complex that sells homemade chocolates and eucalyptus balms. It seems only during the rainy season the water flows here but today it looks pathetic with plastic wrapper shattered around and growing shops on one side. It could really be a good attraction to the visitor if it was taken into cleaning and cut wild shrubs and protect from people throwing wrappers in. 

Maattrraan – moves into international platform

I wished not to miss this movie watching in theater, and went for a late night last show in drive-in, the only theater I could visit and more over the director of the movie, K.V. Anand is one of my favorite filmmaker in Tamil lately whose movies make me look forward his next venture and I feel he’s someone special in creating quite content and quality films on the mainstream cinema. Maattrraan is also a unique movie dealing with conjoined twins and we have seen many movies on twins early but this is something different for which the director has to be appreciated.  This is very interesting and amazing to see how conjoined twins survive with different style and attitude on their own with no space for personal or privacy since both stick together.... the film make a thought on the real conjoined exists.

The movie not only left with the conjoined twins but also handles a serious social subject on adulterated energy drink as alternate, the movie rides on a roller coaster of action thriller, glamour and social science and technology. As Vimal and Akhil, Surya plays the dual role perfectly and there’s nothing to say about his acting because he had lived to the core of the subject and the action sequences are stunning with merry first half and serious pursuit rear.

The director was dare to develop a story tracing back to Ukraine, revealing a real mystery flight crash and   the country’s well performance at world games by the athletes based on steroid in 80’s moves the Tamil cinema into a international platform. One important thing that leaves at amaze and spellbind was the cinematography; the director who itself an outstanding cinematographer doesn’t need much to say how well the visual performance must be... he makes everything look at the state of the art.

Sachin Khedekar as Ramachandran does a great job of father and genetic scientist, wearing a smart face of veil hiding an evil and Kajal Aggarwal holds a partially chief role alongside Surya, adding glitz and glam to cheerful; and one of the drawbacks of the movie was the early grip loose of the suspense but the director dragged as much possible tighten and loosing the thread like a kite before landing on ground. The songs were a kind of usual Harish Jayaraj flick and the intro song was fascinating with apt lyrics and the duet was remarkable capturing the wonders of Norway.

Could easily feel the hard work of each crew behind the screen and without going deep in research on the technicians and technology used off-screen I appreciate all the emphasis given from behind to behold. Overall Maattrran is a better transformation or enhance for Tamil cinema on the commercial front. 

Dream Girl

Image Courtesy: Forward from mobile

There she was 

bright flash inside the heart
a photogenic face
that ever so clearly invisible.

Her every smile;
stress the heart to squeeze
the craving eyes
that never seems stop seizing.

Her falling tress
a downfall for autumn leaves;
the rising brows
defeat all her distinct features.

Her hands gesture
is no less than vocabulary
the sleeveless arms
that embraces beauty and elegant.

Never mind what
her past holds to enroll
the only thoughts
that envision was future imparted.

Not easy so
to keep away her sight
across the lane
a delight like never before.

அலைகள் / Waves

Pic by Jeevan (click for enlarge)

இயற்கை படைத்த உன்னதம்,

அணைக்கவும் அழிக்கவும் செய்யும் 

கையில் அடங்காத ஆயுதம். 

எழுந்தும் விழுந்தும் 

ஆற்றல் குறையாத அலைகள், 

வாழ்வியலின்  மைல்கல் உதாரணம்.

கொஞ்சி விளையாடும் அலைகள் 
பாதம் தொட்டு வணங்கும் 
ஓர் பண்பாட்டு சின்னம்.

நாடிவரும் மக்களுக்கு 
இன்பம் அள்ளித்தரும் அலைகள், 

இன்றியமையாது கடல்.

Nature’s best creation,
that embraces and destroys at same
an arm, excluded of hands.

At rise and fall
the unflagging waves
are life’s milestone example.

The waves implore and play
is a traditional symbol
of touch feet worship.

The sea’s essential, waves
pays pleasure for people
who come seeking.

Northeast monsoon

Picture by Jeevan

Drops stick to array of ferns

as festoon across the doorstep
sprinkles rain water, instead of rose
like a traditional way of reception

through the perch of bird.

The light and dark green leaves
go evergreen forever in rain,
the tree soak to deep brown shade
reproduces new leash of leaves
against the fall season.

The croakers singing chorus
for millipedes to march-past,
the slow pace snails creeps
climbs on the algae walls, overall
develops into a small rain-forest.

The northeast monsoon, shower
like a trailer of Diwali release
spreading everywhere the festival fire,
even it causes drawbacks
enhances the lives of farmers behind.

Dolphin City

‘An attempt on recollecting and restoring memories’

It was a feeling of enthusiastic when my uncle announced that we are going to Dolphin City in the evening and I was on my way to barbershop for hair cut when hearing it, but couldn’t resist dreaming on Dolphins actions on the Discovery Channel, sitting to the rolling chair while scissors trim the hair. It was the time we were residing on the upper portion of my maternal grandparent house in Thiruvanmyuir while we rebuilding our own in Adyar – both were neighboring areas of south Chennai – the barbershop was in the ground floor of my grandparent’s two storied building.

From the time I get to remember things, I’m cutting hair from the same salon and even today the barber from this salon comes home to get trim my hair and bread. The one who runs this shop for years had become our family friend in the latter run and who sincerely care for me and never took money to cut my hair but I’m not sure and haven’t asked my grandfather whether he balance the pay with the rent.

It was a Sunday evening, as usual, with close family members get together at grandparent’s house and since we sojourn from the same building, it was more cheerful for us to stay connected throughout the day with dear ones. In two cars we reached the Dolphin City in the early hours of evening, which is about 43km from Chennai and 10km before Mamallapuram on the ECR (east coast road), opposite to the then famous amusement park Little Folks, who initiated the first on its kind of fun filled water park in the country.

We parked the cars on either side of the ECR, adjacent to the walls of amusement park and with great excitement we entered the park where a disappointment waits for us to learn that Dolphin show was canceled due to illness of the species but Sea Lions show was available alternatively. After discussing sometime our elders take the right decision and gladly that was not to get back home but catch-up with the Sea Lions show.

With no idea of the lions I entered the venue, which is a two storied high gallery partially enclosed and arch in shape with a blue pool in the center looking cool at us; and after waiting few minutes the black two lions emerged skating through the doorsteps behind the stage and took hold the stand up like table. I remember they clapped first with their fore flippers, following many amusing activities like playing volleyball, pool basketball, catching rings, diving into water... are all awesome; and their playful behavior, sharing kiss and splashing water on the audience on the first row were looked fun and fascinating.

After a great amusement and lifetime experience disclosed by the pool stage, we head to the artificial lake hold within the City premises which also houses a boat jetty with small pedal boats and water cycles for a leisure and pleasure ride. But my bad chance couldn't agree for a ride unlike my parents and uncle family took around the small islands created amid the lake surrounded by tranquil and I had a spicy dinner with my uncle at the restaurant located aside the lake, where cool breeze wake up to the off shore and whisper of waves embraced.

I still remember, we had noodles and chicken 65 sitting on one of the tables under the thatched roof restaurant surrounded by trees and lake beside. We also had opportunity to visit the Little Folks on the other side of road and it was already late evening and time for closing the entry, but we managed to get tickets and like the name referred it was a very little amusement park left with a sliding pool and few small riders for kids. My bro and cousin tried the sliding pool and we can’t spent much time there while there’s nothing to do and the lights were turned off we forced to head out quickly.

Footnote:

We visited the Dolphin City in 1998, that was nearly 15 years ago but I just inspired to write on the experience now... after reading one of my friend’s blog post on cities. The Dolphin City and Little Folks stopped its operation at the latter years of last decade and the dolphins were also died very soon after our visit and they continued with sea lions shows for sometime and now only the building is remain.

Postmen in the Mountains

I think the title reveal it all, but that isn't enough and there’s something much more to behold bewitch and enhancing about the film that words could mere describe. With no subtitle I watched this Chinese movie moves with light hearted emotions between a father and son amid stunning mountain scenery and remote villages, leaves a deep impact at the rear fall.

With the soothing traditional Chinese music, the movie wakes up to the misty morning among the mountains and patches of green fields; where a young man leaves his home with backpack of letters or mails on a journey as a postman at the mountainous rural areas of China. Back in memories, his father, who forced to retire due to a bad knee decided to accompany his son who succeed his job as a postman for years, on his journey exploring the routes and mail recipients.

The film embark on hiking routes throughout, walking up and down the valleys and climbing mounds and crossing rivers, the father guides his son from behind on the nitty-gritty of the job, makes him realize that it’s not just a job of distributing letters but being courtesy and generous at exhibiting friendship with villagers. There are many popup flashbacks alongside the journey sending bond waves of memories embrace with current emotions and gestures between the father and son is remarkable.

Almost light warming, damp and dew, the film beholds some visual treat and the way of nature exists was enchanting and breathtaking, while no trace of added special effects or use of technology everything sights simple and beautiful. Not to forget the German shepherd that accompanies all the ways ahead their journey emphasis with its gratefulness and as a guide signals at certain attain.

Footnote:

'Postmen in the Mountains' is a 1999 Chinese movie – originally titled as 'Nàshān nàrén nàgǒu', based on a short story set in the early 80’s, around the mountainous region of western Hunan province of China. The movie attracted me so much or I moved to core by watching it that I would recommend anyone to watch it in silence (not putting at mute) and it doesn't need any dialogue to understand where gestures speaks a lot!

நந்தலாலா... / Cradlesong...

Image Courtesy: Indian Nature Watch

கூக்குரல் காரர்களுக்கு 

காக்கை  கூட்டில் தாலாட்டு; 

கரகர குரலில்
காகம் படும் நந்தலாலா... 

ஏங்கும் குயில்களுக்கு
காகம் ஊட்டும் அமாவாசை சோறு;
பறக்கஇயலாத பறவைக்கு
காக்கை சிறகினிலே நந்தலாலா...

For the cuckoos
lullabies at crow’s nest;
in the voice of caw
crow sings the cradlesong...

For the longing Koels – cuckoos
crow feeds a new moon’s meal;
for the bird incapable to fly
crow’s feathers is the cradlesong...

PS. Inspired by the Crow Koel relationship.

இலையுதிர்காலம் / Fall Season

Image Courtesy: Colourbox

இலையுதிர்காலம் இது, உலகெங்கும் 

வண்ண மலர்கள் இலைகளாய்; 

சிவப்பு  கம்பளம் விரித்து, வரவேற்கிறது 

பருவகால பனி  பெண்ணை.

வேகாஸ் சென்றார் போல், மரங்கள் 

இலைகள் கலைந்த நிலையில்;

ஏங்கிகொண்டிருந்தன, பனி பெண்கள்
வந்து ஒட்டி உறவாட!

Its fall season everywhere
where colorful flowers as leaves;
stretched its red carpet to welcome
the seasonal snow women.

Like went to Vegas, trees
go naked without leaves;
longing for the snow women
to come stick hold and intimate!

A part of outing and nuclear power

This is a post on the remaining photos from my last outing on ECR in August and it’s been nearly two month I went out of home except couple of time to watch movies and beach visits, since dad got cataract surgery in the middle of August. For more than a month mom was the only person to take care of me quite and so it wasn't easy for me to think of going out and giving much trouble to her but I have a great company of birds and wonderful weather around.

I hope you all remember my visit across the Kalpakkam Township – a quiet green residential area of Indira Gandhi Atomic Power Station and it has a beautiful backwater lake and small calm lagoon delta to unwind. It was mid noon when we come around the backwater channel that divides the township and it has a well laid platform aside the lake to stroll at leisure in evening. Wish I could be there again one evening experiencing the unwind moment and whisper of waves.

There are many paddy fields on the way to Kalpakkam and they are all evergreen in light and dark shades compare to the growth of stalks. When people are protesting against the Nuclear Power Project in Kudankulam, Kalpakkam stands very close to the farm lands setting an example of unchanged environment and greenery against the thought of Atomic Power Stations will spoil the environment and threat livelihoods.

I think the protest in Kudankulam is unnecessary and when many experts expressing their vows that the Power Station is fully protected, there is no mean for continues protest. Everyone knows that Nuclear power is harmful but there’s a way for handling everything at safe and there isn’t certain that only the nuclear power would destroy lives than anything else. We move only by hope kept forth and there’s risk at every turn, so could we stop traveling and progressing in life?

Wish government take steps to clear their unsecured feeling and peace returned to Kudankulam and Idinthakarai!

YMCA Building

Last year I come around the core area of Chennai, the so called Mount Road, Central and Parrys and got to capture some remarkable buildings and landmarks of Chennai; and one among them was the YMCA Building. Young Men’s Christian Association building is an architectural marvel located on the NSC Bose road in Esplanade; and it was the first building to be built in Madras at the request of then Governor Arthur Have-lock in 1900.

YMCA Esplanade is the oldest branch of the Madras YMCA, established in year 1890 by an American Secretary Mr. David McConaughy in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. YMCA is a Jaina-Jaipuri style of building, began its work in 1895 was completed by a donation of $40,000 by John Wanamaker, the then Post-Master General of the US. The building was designed by G.S.T Harding and it is one of the oldest heritages of Chennai – the then Madras.

Crow adopts Koel Chicks!

Yesterday I heard unusual chirping or screeching from outside and I moved to check what was happening on but I saw an amazing scene I ever seen or known before.  There was a Koel Chick perched to the Gulmohar tree in front of our house and a Crow sitting next to it; and apart wondering from where this Koel chick came all of sudden with no sign of it emerging around, I puzzled by their behavior.

First I felt very sorry for the Koel chick thinking that it got trapped by a crow and was struggling to escape from its piercing bite; but only observing carefully I found that the crow was treating the chick. It was the scene continued even today with another male chick joining the feast, but their behavior doesn’t look so kind for me even  I watch closely that the crow drop its beak into the chicks mouth holding something.

I couldn’t come out of amaze after coming across this sight and as I know Koels or Cuckoos lay their eggs on crow’s nest but the behavior of crow truly mesmerize me with its attitude toward the Koel chicks and feeding them as their very own. For just the reason of eggs found on their nest, how come the crow adopt the Koel chicks or is it the color that resembles the crow took them easily under their shelter, crows simply seize me to amaze.

It is told that Koel chicks grow very fast, so it took some time to confess me that they are not the adult Koels which reside among our neighborhood. There are couples of paired Koel in our area that they all rarely come around together, but I got to capture them at many occasion and this is first time for me on their chicks. I couldn’t capture the moment of crow feeding the koel and the photos above were on the male koel chick – mouth widely open, which was the only indication, identified me the chicks.

Mother

Everything comes under one word;
without her there’s no sphere.
Bears forever under eternal shower;
love, even in bitter cold weather.

The owner of ever so soft cushion;
her bosoms feels the comfort at home.
Ever chanting word at pain and trouble;
she’s a magic wizard to disappear the fear.

The founder of fond and affection;
who’s foremost lover of any living species.
The only familiar face of unknown;
holding breath for fetus to inhale in womb.

An instinct intend to love and care;
where no one can stand against her wisdom.
A genuine by birth to behold infants;
a mystery only she can understand.

PS - Image Courtesy: Google

Autumn, gloom and gleam

Bright sunshine

blossoms at morning
waking up the flower buds
bathed in fresh dewdrops.

Animation of birds’
bees busy at seeking nectar
crickets played around
putting aside the tranquility.

Autumn arrives
as colorful as cheerleaders’
sounds of crushed leaves –
from the departed trees
lets new lease of lives set in.

Enveloped by gray clouds
lightening as indicator
unexpected showers in evening
produces a lovely weather.

Hues of sunlight
developed into a rainbow curve
as a gateway to getaway
into cloud nine.

PS - Image Courtesy: Google

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

(Click image for enlarge)

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is constructed on the seashore of Kanyakumari - the southern tip of India, where his ashes were kept for public view before immersion in the sea on February 12, 1948. The Gandhi Mandapam is built in Orissa style of architecture and designed in a way that the rays of the sun falls exactly on the place where the urn was kept through a hole on the roof, on his birthday of October 2^nd.

The beautiful Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956, is situated as a memorial to the Father of the Nation; and its central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the Mahatma. The memorial was transferred to the administrative control of the Public (Information and Public Relations) Department from Public Works Department of Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 1978.

Footnote:

We visited Kanyakumari last year end and I could only view the beautiful exterior of the memorial from road, since there are few steps leading down the entrance. I capture few photos on the memorial but due to lens problem then I couldn’t get a clear picture, so borrowed the first one from my cousin and the 2^nd one was the only better I could take, with mom and grandma standing in front of the memorial.

Eyes

Eyes, the most beautiful aspect on face
exposes enormous expressions.
Eyes, one of a mysterious on earth
beholds immense secrets of life.

Eyes speaks the truth, almost rather
than our words phrases.
Eyes the power source of love
with no wires it interconnect hearts.

PS - Inspiring eyes from: Google

Sundarapandian

Sundarapandian is a love and friendship based rural entertainment capturing the anger and frustration in love, alongside humor and sentiments leading the families to theater. Sasikumar plays the lead character and himself produced the film was directed by his late associate Prabhakaran and the movie is a kind of his usual embark on friendship cruise.

Lakshmi Menon as heroine is a lovely homely debut to Tamil cinema and her innocent smile and mischievous sights are sure to strike your hearts and she also expressed a good acting. The Parotta comedy fame Soori creates wonderful humor and Appukutty’s love interest on heroine was just freak and funny but he gains overall sympathy by run over by a bus and brings a brake to the fun journey.

The movie was shot almost around the Usilampatti town of Madurai district, and when it comes to movies based on Madurai it’s rare to look out of violent and anger; but Sundarapandian was much better than the previous movies except climax at bloodshed. The songs and music weren't imposing but the hero introduction song was pretty and peppy and other songs were a part of fair series.

Bottom line:

Sundarapandian is a family entertainment flick with dose of friendship notes.  I’m sure Sasikumar receives many female fans follow the film and so was his acting supposed to be.

Bird watching in neighborhood – Yellow Billed Babbler

Among the many birds that visit our courtyard or neighborhood, Yellow Billed Babbler is most frequent and almost every day I sight these birds or hear their loud shrills. They arrive as a group of six or seven, kept squeaking and foraging by tiny flights.  

The birds present can be noticed by their distinct noise produced by their overall chattering and chirping sound; go on the ground or on low branches for forage while one of them perches to high branches as sentinel. The common resident of the south Indian peninsula and Sri Lanka, Yellow-billed Babbl looks almost gray in color with light gray shades on head and belly.

The birds also called as White-headed Babbler is fed on tiny insects and grains and locally we call this bird as ‘Thavuttu Kuruvi’ in Tamil, which means Barn Sparrows.

Vibes of Life

Life is based on constant heartbeat

where unruly might end at accident.

Life is so precious and quite large
to retreat once ashes dissolved.

Life is so different in many ways
but we all are similar at somewhere.

Life has various vibrations
but the heart beats are same.

A photo captures a moment
to ever last uncertainly.

PS - Image Courtesy: Google

Mobile computer

Day by day technology only making easier the communication and computing and devices were becoming least in weight from kg’s to gm’s... and the operations has become simply and fast and adequate for anyone to understand and use. Before I began to use computer 12 years ago I had plenty of dreams on the device and the days waiting for it to get assembled at home were indescribable and feel of something great wanted.

In more than 10 years of using computer and internet, the last two year were only been different in operating the system and content with speed. Not so greatly distinguished, the communication and sharing remain same but least satisfied on using the device in person and set free from the fixed desktop to wireless laptop as couch comfort and now lately adds the mini tab making the social network friendly and entertainment.

I was looking for a Smartphone lately but couldn’t get a decent one in least price and expectation, so bought a Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0, an android based handset which only lacks phone option of the Smartphone’s. The versatile handset has a brilliant 5” LCD screen for clear view on letters and large virtual keys for typing comfort... the player has a long standing battery to withstand as a quite eBook reader and player of music, HD videos and games.

The intend for the smart player was the GPS enable and Navigation which I wish will help through my travel and connect with internet on hot spots. It has a better 3.2 MP Camera and camcorder with front VGA for video chatting and alert on email and message from time to time... there’s more to explore and use as mobile computer. 

The New Jerusalem Church – Tranquebar

The New Jerusalem Church is one of a beautiful attraction of Tranquebar, built in the year of 1718 by Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, the first Protestant and Royal Missionary from Denmark to India. The church which was renovated lately to its original structure, without alteration, is yet to complete 300 years of built.

The architecture of the church is an interesting synthesis of indigenous Indian features and traditional European church building style.

The church situated on the King’s Street is a pretty follow on Town Gate; and the white coated building with red tiled roof is an enthralling sight. The church built like a holy cross in shape, holds a small cemetery within its compound dating back to 18^th century; and the Danish missionary and founder of the church Ziegenbalg is also buried in the churchyard.

Footnote:

Ziegenbalg died at a young age of 37, is the first to set up ever printing press in India at Tranquebar and published studies of Tamil language and Indian religion and culture in 1711. Ziegenbalg's prime cause is to promote Christianity in India, but his way of moving with society earned him respect of the people of all religion. (Info from the Hindu)

Life at random

Life is balanced between heat and cold

too much of anything isn’t gold.

Life begins at normal temperature
lack sunshine, and interest only grows on shadow.

Life is only comfort at a/c for some
while many leads through burning struggle.

Life isn’t intended to glow and gleam alone
a humble gloom could please contrary noon.

Our day does not wakeup without light
but for blinds darkness is a light leads eternal.

PS - Image Courtesy: Google

Ganesha and My Childhood

Picture from my archives

During my childhood days, I used to wish visiting this Ganesha carved on the rock by a small mound in Mamallapuram – a town famous for rock cut sculptures and a UNESCO WHS near Chennai, while we visiting our relatives house there. The rock cut Ganesha is very close to the Karukathamman Temple – one of our families commonly worshiped temples, in the west of the town; so, many of our visit to Mamallapuram witnessed worshiping at the temple and for me to check the Ganesha climbing on the rocks  beside the temple.

More than the rock-cut Ganesha, the quiet and pleasant environment and a small adventure of climbing on the rocks and following path track are the main that attracts me to this place; and there are also two rock cut shrines on the mound belong to 7^th century, named as Pidari Ratham and Valiankuttai Ratham. (Ratham is a word means Chariot in Tamil). Other than these, we could find a trace of red on the rocks for which my grandma used to say, ‘that it was the bloodstain of an evil man who was killed and dragged though the rocks by the goddess for ill-treated the people of the town.’

This photo was taken by mom in 2006, during one of our visit to Mamallapuram and today no one is allowed on this mound or checking the Ganesha, since archeology department has put fence across the area to protect. I really love visiting this temple, not in devotion but just for the isolation and pleasantness provide by the pond side with trees for shadow and benches to sit relax and cherish.

Ganesh used to be my favorite god in childhood and my mom used to tell till date that my hands come closed wherever I see Ganesh then.  Today the totally perception is different and I have come to believe there no god exists but I don’t deny the fact that I had great faith on god once, unconsciously. In no way I interrupt others belief on god and I respect their faith and wishes from heart for their plea get answered in some ways!

Hugo

I was watching this movie for sometime by parts until watched it quite last night; I totally impressed by the  way it filmed even I find it initially boring as it moves  slowly, the cinematography kept me appreciating and inspiring to watch it fully. Adapted from the novel title ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ the movie is a 3D historical adventure drama winning a bunch of Oscars and directed by Martin Scorsese. I really wonder how fantastic would it be watching through big screen wearing 3D glasses. I hadn’t got the opportunity to watch it while it released last year.

Asa Butterfield, who plays the title role of Hugo, was mesmerizing through his acting as a boy living on the clock tower of Paris railway station and maintaining it secretly while seeking to fit his father’s automation which he believes to write a message. During his continues process of stealing parts to mend the automation, results in discovering the concealed life of very famous illusionist and filmmaker Georges Melies and his way of moviemaking and all makes us upright and fascinate.

The movie brings the whole set of old Paris railway station – Gare Montparnasse, alive and the clock tower and sight of Paris were amazing and the train crash was a great piece on the incident of past. Asa Butterfield eyes were grasping at lot than his conversation and motion, each one of them presents their course of acting very well and Ben Kingsley as the masterful Georges Melies is not challenging for the actor who lived as a Gandhi on the film titled the same.

The film also reveals the innovation in creating special effects on movies when there are no more advanced technology and birth of computers.... the manual techniques of those days are awesome and challenging. The Hugo somehow reminds me the polar express and technically the movie beholds wonder with great visual treat and sounds to listen!

Hugo is one of a best innovation and use of technology.

Inner conflict

My heart kept swelling
to emotionally breakup anytime;
my heart gets scratched
repeatedly to eternal pain.

My eyes left wet
with no warmth to wipe out;
my throat get choked
with no light moment to pass.

My mind left puzzled
with no problem gets solved;
my consciousness gets collapse
in battle with constant grief.

PS - Image Courtesy: Google

Danish Fort - Tranquebar

It was noon when we reached Tranquebar –an Old Danish colony, in the Nagapattinam district of South Indian state Tamil Nadu on an early summer month of March. Today know as Tharangambadi which means ‘land of the singing waves’ host some fascinating sights on colonial building, Danish fort and church and pretty beach of Coromandel Coast. 

(Fort Dansborg Click all images for enlarge)

Tranquebar is a place on my waiting list for very long time and what attracted me to this town was the Fort Dansborg, built along the beautiful Coromandel Coast in the year of 1620 A.D by the Danish Royal Navy Commander Ove Gedde. Tanquebar was once a flourishing trade center which continued to remain up to 19th century under the control of the British; and from the year 1977 the Danish Fort was protected as a monument by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. 

We were invited into this town thought a picturesque arch gateway and one of the landmarks of Tranquebar, holding a caption of ‘ANNO 1792’ from the inside out marks the year it built. The gateway is flourished one side by the images of a lookalike king holding swords and separate swords on top end, with a dome bearing No.7.

Fort complex

The gateway leads to the main street of the colony is very small to allow vehicles only comes under LMV (Light Motor Vehicle); and both sides of the street hold pillared buildings, a colonial style of construction. The Fort Dansborg is on the southeast end of the colony and the fort is a square complex with rampart walls on four sides, which has inner side rooms used as warehouse, prison, kitchen and barracks.

A prison inside the fort

The fort has a two storied building facing the sea, which is also the main building of the fort, holds warehouse and prison to the ground floor has a vaulted roof. The first storey of the building which was once a church and lodging of the governor, senior merchants and chaplain, was now a museum exhibiting antique things collected from the period of colonial and Danish settlement in Tranquebar.

We reached the first storey of the fort through a ramp and fascinated to see the pretty blue sky and sea creating vibrant waves! The courtyard or rampart in front of the sea facing fort building has a wonderful view on the vast blue sea and sailing boats; which is also a platform to reach fort museum, and holds two iron cannons focusing on sea. Due to steps I couldn’t check the museum, but got few pictures captured by cousins and meanwhile I enjoy checking the exterior of the fort and children playing on its shore and wandering about.

Cannon pointing the sea 

There are more to share on the Tranquebar, Fort, Museum ect... So I will do it on further posts. 

The Middle of the World

This weekend I watched another movie based on journey and unlike Duma, it’s a family drama; The Middle of the World is a 2003 Brazilian movie – originally titled ‘O Caminho das Nuvens’, takes a family of seven on a bicycle journey from the State of Paraiba to Rio de Janeiro of Brazil to lead a decent earning in city. The film is based on a real event in the history of an unemployed truck driver who rode his wife and five children from Santa Rita to Rio in search of a job.

The movie begins at a T junction, where the sign reads in Portuguese meaning The Middle of the World, travels along the way from northwestern province to east for Rio, the nearly 2000 miles journey leaves the family at many hardship, event and emotional bond and desperate. The family also faces challenges over seeking on shelter, hunger, deals on adolescent; the movie make us believe that poverty is not that tough when we have great love for each other with faith.

The movie leads a path not many traveled and there are no more usual things about Brazil – pretty beaches, girls, greenery...  but a beautiful life and love for family relationship drawing against the dry northeast province. The ‘Rose’ and ‘Romao’ as husband and wife led so beautiful the movie, the young Rose was expressive, smiley, charming and singing despite fatigue over traveling. Antonia as their teenage son, was faithful to his character and expressions at defiant and desire for exploring the manhood.

The movie end at the foot of Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue of Rio de Janeiro leaves not alone a breathtaking view, but expresses  life at redeem that not only befit to an incredible cycle journey. The locations that captured are not so enchanting but lives up to behalf and believed to be real; the movie runs for 80 minutes is a good watch under the eng subtitle that release along.

Download the movie at torrentz.eu 

Bird watching in neighborhood - Kingfisher

The white-throated Kingfisher is a regular visitor to the Gulmohar tree on the open ground opposite to our house and the branches extends into our compound. This is the first time for me to capture the one of the most beautiful birds, very closely and clearly! 

If there are few things that give me happiness and cheer often, then bird watching is something indeed and among the many birds that visit my neighborhood or the open ground against my home... Kingfisher is one of the birds that close to my heart :)
(Click images to enlarge)

Love IV

Image: google

Love is an essence of heart

sucked via thoughts;

Love is a ripe heart’s mango

tasted via pulp lips.

Love is a reliable source of life

exchange via secrets;

 Love is a hormonal change

exists via heart’s emphasis.

Buildings on Mt. Road

Last year I come across the heart of Chennai – the Mount road or Anna Salai, after long time and I got to capture few shots on the buildings that exist as one of landmarks and heritages of Chennai.  We took a drive on Sunday which is the best time to take this stretch that’s almost busy throughout the week since it’s an arterial road and even it was little crowded that day, we managed to capture few photos on the buildings from the movie car, that follows below.

LIC Building

LIC Building doesn’t need an introduction in Tamil Nadu as well throughout the country, but for others information, LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) is the Chennai’s first skyscraper and tallest building in India, when it was inaugurated in 1959. The 14 story building serves as the southern regional headquarters of the LIC India and the building marked the transition from lime and brick construction to concrete columns in the region.

The building was designed by the London- based architects on the lines of the UN Secretariat in New York City; but the withdrew of architects from the construction after 4 years of its  commence was overseen by Chennai based architect L.M. Chitale. The location on the Mount Road to construct the building was identified by Chidambaram Chettiyar, the founder of Indian Overseas Bank and the United India of Insurance, for his group’s headquarters. 

Spence Plaza

Spencer Plaza is the oldest shopping mall in India and a renowned landmark of modern Chennai (Madras). Originally built during the period of British Raj in-between1863-64, the Spencer Plaza is the first Departmental store in the Indian subcontinent, comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The building established by Charles Durant and J. W. Spencer was one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia when it was built and the original building that destroyed in fire in year 1985 was an example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The present Spencer Plaza was opened in 1991 on the same site, measuring about 10 acres and spread across a million square feet built in three phases with parking space for 800 cars.

The plaza is one of the major hangouts for the Chennaities.

Aguchand Mansion

Agurchand Mansion is a red brick stone building that date back uncertainly more than a century; and it is near opposite to the famous Spenser Plaza. The building is built by an old Madras family called Agurchands; and today the building holds quite commercial shops on the ground floor, whose number of hoardings occupies much space of the building facade, but there are no details about the Mansion, whether it’s running or not.

Tarapore Towers

Tarapori tower’s is half a km from LIC building and the large sign hosted on its terrace was one of the attractions on Mount Road. This is the first public LED display come up in Chennai, over 25 years ago or certainly longest time in survive and it usually displays time and temperature of the city.

Our drive doesn’t stop with Mount Road, and we also come across Parris and Central Station, capturing few more buildings along.  I will post on them in further posts...

Duma

I watched this 2005 adventure drama, Duma, which is a movie based on the friendship between a boy and cheetah and it is a true story loosely adapted from the book titled ‘How it was with Dooms’. The story set in the South Africa, takes us thought a wonderful journey across the dry grasslands, deserts and wildlife... filled with various adventures and revealing the beautiful relationship between a boy and cheetah.

Alexander plays the role of a fearless schoolboy, adopting cheetah as his pet and venture into the wild as per his father’s decision to leave the cheetah back at its real home. The movie wasn’t distinctive among the wildlife adventures and its dealings are very simple and lighthearted to quick pass with strong emotion shared by the boy and cheetah. The desert sailboat rides on the converted bike and cheetah chased beside the speeding bike are few exciting moments and the background score was so fascinating through the 5.1 channel.

What more enthusiastic was the cinematography, which is a real visual treat with scenes changing on landscape and wildlife are notable. The movie directed by Carroll Ballard and produced by Warner Bros also stresses the comfort at home and for the wild animal’s forest is the only place to alive and it’s impossible to exchange its base. Duma is the name of the cheetah and since the story adapts fiction its enjoyable quite unquestioning the impossibilities.

A small date

Image: google

From the day meeting you at heart

I still hold to the conversation
every night at the dreams.

The smile that struggle to untie
the emotion that bewitch
reading the love status on the lips.

Eyes conveyed the message silently
while the lips relish on the coffee
that long lost its savor.

Under the wild date palm tree
the heart shares the unfold files
converting the cool breeze into ocean current.

Footnote: A small write up on fantasy and fiction...  

Happy Onam

Photo on mom's colorful kolam

With colors of Onam,
life becomes a Pookolam
and delight of Orchids.

Wishing Happy and Colorful Onam to all! :)