Anegan - Survives on love

There are certain creations we don’t want to miss and in the field of filmmaking, as a director, K.V. Anand has created a place for himself for us to look forward to watch with interest. Anegan is one of an interesting Tamil movie (I watched last week) from the director, and as a wholesome entertainer, is based on memories of previous birth, not one, but multiple! Although it is only a part of the film, that traces and survives on love on each birth, the director has a different phrase to communicate the reason which perhaps due to hallucinations or use of drug to enhance dreams. But what highlight was how the illusion becomes clue to explore a mystery?

Dhanush and debutant Amyra Dastur as lead, appears in four difference characters, look, period/age. Dhanush seems to have not much works to do to in showcasing the difference in looks, which was slightly altered by pretty shaved and grown beard – resembles one of his earliest and in beard he reminds the dancer-actor-director Prabu Deva. One could see a usual Dhunush in the sequences relevant to current situation in the film, and I don’t find it quite impressive. But who steal the screen/show was, Amyra Dastur.

The beautiful actress does not only appear prettier, but her performance outshines the star cast and quite admirable. According to the period, her transformation has been done well and though not so highly differentiated, her expression and attitude conveys much to not to believe she’s debut. And another notable thing about Anegan was veteran actor Karthik’s re-entry, but as anti-hero, he acted pretty cool which suppose to be his usual/casual character in movies as well in reality.

I think the concept of this film (with two more situations happening at different periods and traced as previous birth memories) was pretty new for the Tamil audience, even though it was conveyed in a lighter way, I feel some people will find it hard to capture quite. Among the two different eras, the film that begins in Burma (today Myanmar) in 1960s is very beautiful and heightened the interest of watching. As a migrant worker Danush stunned with action and the love with Amyra is impressive than other two.

The music and songs of Anegan is chartbuster even before its release and Harish Jayaraj has touched the peak with both melody and local genre – but the most popular Danga Maari, doesn’t lived up to the expectation that created though music. Being a great cinematographer himself (though K.V. Anand is not the cameraman of the film), his perspective and locations selection always fascinated and in the songs of Roja Kadale and Aathadi the beauty of nature and Amyra stunned.

There’s also limited fight scenes to keep pace and sustained on tack with love genre, which is the centre pole of the film. Like his previous movies (Ayan, KO and Maattrraan) that open door to some daring issues, K.V Anand has focused this time on the rising depression among corporate workers, though the film deal with gaming company, it almost indicates the same and pulled the trigger to dread. Anegan is a must watch for many reasons and also way being different! 

A gap between the fences

During my visit to Kukkal, a village near Kodaikanal, I come across this interesting fence built using firewood’s or bunch of sticks accompanied by some shrubs lined along. The gap between the fences captures my attention to click photo.  

Although it is the not view (picture above) capture thought the gap, but it’s the same that behold behind the fence... the villages, along with terrace farming, was covered by mist while we visited. Being afternoon time, the village looked like taking nap under the blanket of mist J

Linking this post for Run a Round Ranch's Good Fences

Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Puthuppakkam

Last Thursday my father suddenly decided to visit the Thiruporur Murugan temple and by afternoon, along with my uncle’s family we head to the temple. And btw my uncle suggested checking the Anjaneyar temple on top of a small hill near Kelambakkam – about 35 km south of Chennai, which my parents and others wanted to do for a long time.

In front of the temple, from left: parents with uncle and aunt 

Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple in the village of Puthuppakkam is 5 km from Kelambakkam, on the road towards Vandaloor, is the beautiful small temple situated atop a hill called Gajagiri hills. We know this temple from a very long time and those days it can be reached only by steps, that too in pathetic condition, never gave us a thought to  try  although we have passed this hillock many times.

A view from hilltop towards east... stretching across OMR and ECR and  far end with sea. 

My cousin who visited this temple few years back comes to discover a road has been built up to the hill top. And from that time onwards, I wanted to go to this temple to get some views around the area from the hill top, with SIPCOT IT Park as its backyard. So taking this as a wonderful opportunity, I also find it little exciting take the small road up the hill with couple of hairpin bends! It was cool and breezy, and awesome with views once atop.

The temple is told to have a strong connection with the Nithiyakalyana Perumal Temple in Thiruvadanthai, next to Kovalam in ECR. It seems, every year they set/said to follow a custom of carrying certain things as procession from the Anjaneyar Temple to Nithiyakalyana Perumal Temple in times of festival.  Thiruvadanthai being my grandmother’s native village, my mom used to indicate it always when coming across the temple.

As soon we reached the foothill, I was amazed, not just looking at the two big colorful statues of Hanuman and Karudazvar that stands upright on the either sides of the footsteps leading to the top. It was the place only recently I saw in a Tamil movie, where an action scene took place. There are 108 steps to reach the temple if one decides to take by foot, while enjoying the nature.

The temple believed to be 500-1000 years old, is also said to be that while carrying the Sanjeevi Hill to save Sri Lakshmana, Sri Anjaneyar stopped here for a while to perform Surya Namaskar. So he become so powerful at this place to named Veera Anjaneyar. The temple was quite calm and clean when we visited, but I couldn’t take more photos as I left my camera at home. Here are photos shot from my sister’s mobile. 

Temple torch on top of the hill, which is suppose to lit during special occasion

My new abode and stroll in wheels

As you all know I have shifted home to my pretty old area, where I born and brought up till I was 20. It was in 2005 we left our native house in Adyar for the convenience of mine, and to avoid the difficulty of being carried up and down (to the home in 1^st floor) each time while going out, we shifted to three different places in a decade except staying at our own apartment flat for 7 years, others were rented. I never thought I would come back to where I belonged and also haven’t wished as I know it’s not possible to go back unless there is great alteration to my native house.  

We don’t find any difficult with this house, except for few more works related to plumbing has been pending for the owner of the house to be done. We have settled for a comfort stay and the house was spacious than expected to accommodate all our things and well lit and airy throughout the day. The house with front and back entrance facing each other, accompany by two big windows, make feel not choked inside. I think mosquitoes are something impossible to avoid and it seems they are presented no matter where but to feel glad they are growing less day-by-day as summer emerging.

And to say about the street we live in is much quiet and clean, but right now an apartment being built on opposite to this house has been the only disturbance and I know once it completed the tranquil will return. I always wished our native house was in this street esp. for its quietness and neatly presented houses. Housed very close to my native one, I come to see many familiar faces once again more and also got to converse with few after long back and reconnecting with memories. My uncle’s family (father’s bro), who is living in our native house, frequent to support us in all possible ways and my sister (cousin) also visits  me after her college to spent some time in evening. It’s so good to have someone to give company although she’s busy with her mobile most time. lol

Other day I went out in my wheelchair, for the first time on the streets where I wandered, run and played a lot and pedaled the cycle plenty of times. There isn't much change happened in my area in the decade past although I find some new apartments and reconstructions has emerged and roads enhanced to concrete from the tear up to tar. My uncle accompanied me, also led to our native house to say hi to my cousin and aunt who come down in regard receiving me as I could not go to their upstairs home. Like I wished not many noticed me in the area that day, as most are shifted to various places and those being in touch know my condition well but not many would seen me in wheels, but I was glad to meet my childhood friend Karthi on my way.  He used to come and talk to me anywhere he sees me but it’s been long back met him as well.

As I remember he’s my first friend and only through him I know others in my neighborhood and my best part of childhood days were also with him and his brother. Until 1998 before temporarily shifted to my grandmother’s house, as we reconstructed our own, I used to visit him as well as he and I also had a close friendship with his brother – which I don’t know how it broke – and his father also used to be friendly with us. Even though we were back within a year to our newly built home, my difficulty with life has brought a big void between our relationships in reaching or following back. Initially I thought some sales man was standing at the corner of the street, when I saw him that day but moving closer he came with a smile greeting me and also put me in wonder with great transformation in his look that almost resemble his brother.

After shifted here I feel nostalgic at every move out of the home. I remember that it was in front of this house I once fishing in the rainwater drain after some heavy showering. And those days it was the street that often used to be stagnant to rainwater where we come to play in water and I have drenched few times by slipping while playing in water. Ours was a continuous resident area and my native house being situated on the main lane/road; our playgrounds were the backstreets where the house of our friends located. There isn't a nook or corner left where my footsteps patched and I have walked these streets until my legs aches. And it was so good to be back, at least on wheels, to rediscover the area that I hold lot of memories. 

Yennai Arindhaal

First time stepped out, after almost settled at the shifted house, to watch Yennai Arindhaal – an excellent Tamil action thriller film, from the director (Gautham Menon) who is popular with his cop subjects and this is supposed to be the conclusion of his cop trilogy. Ajith who wore the khaki shirt/cap this time, even though he’s seen almost in casuals, has recreated an image for himself and battled well parallel to Surya in Kaakha Kaakha and Kamal in Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

Yennai Arindhaal is portrayed around the protagonist named Sathyadev and apt to the name (Sathya, which means truth), the character has consciously tried the best in establishing the same. Ajith comes in four different look and style, according to the phases of his character, has exhibited smart and intelligent to admire and also a person with intense while combat and gentle like wind when patting his loved ones.

Next to Ajith the most impressive was Arun Vijay’s performance, as anti-hero. He has acted more than dozen films as hero, but he couldn’t address well in industry rather being son of veteran actor, Yennai Arindhaal will lead him where he wants to be. Although his character and hairstyle reminds Pandian of Kaakha Kaakha, Arun’s hard work is bright enough.

Trisha comes as bold and beautiful, and allured, although portrayed a character of pretty young mother, her romance with Ajith look matured and rejuvenating at same despite their relationship that sounds odd and many couldn’t get what. I think the best and most exciting part of the film was the 2^nd half from where I feel the real movie starts. The film kept moving at the rear was very interesting and engaged, even though the progress was predictable.

One of the blissful parts of the film was the music! Harris Jayaraj’s background score, as well the beautiful songs are caressing the heart as fascinating as cinematography, which hold some unique light presentation. Though the film was captured mostly under low light and many scenes composed in night, there’s something enrich in tone and light to cause thrill and admire.  Like they say, last but not least, Gautham Menon’s way of filmmaking is something worth watch whatever the subject. 

Monkeys on neighbour’s terrace

As you all know there are monkeys in my neighborhood, here is couple of photos on few monkeys perched on a terrace of neighbor's house. 

A little one climbing over the railing of an open balcony... I am also expected to see these monkeys in my yet to be shifted residence, since the canopy of trees (that spread behind this house) extends to the backyard of the row house that we planned to move this weekend. 

I link this post to Run a Round Ranch for the Good Fences

Another house shifting event ahead!

A month less than to utter a year, another move waits ahead in form of house shifting. Like the previous one, where we lived for the same period i.e. we are moving out of this house as moved in eleven months before. Though the reasons aren’t same this time, I think the move could be for the betterment of life, peace in environment and nostalgic with memories. Shifting to a place I was familiar and very close (120m) to my native home – where I grew up and lived till I age 20 and started blogging – and a street adjacent to the current one, brings me to feel closer and nostalgia.

We aren’t stressed searching house this time and the house that we suppose to move in next 2 days was the only one we checked and liked at the initial step itself.  It isn’t a great bungalow or spacious house, but the compact in size (I think) is more than enough for 4 members to stay comfort. The house positioned in ground floor is a kind of row house but built with enough space between each duplex house to park cars. What impressed me as usual was the environment. The house in a backstreet or street away from the main road is quite calm and very less expose to pollution, seems to have good ventilation and light.

Being the first house on the row of three, I hope to catch with things happening on street looking out through the windows. I could also come out and wader in the open space, as well go on street without fear. I hope I could write more about the place, the happy old days and the memories that I always cherish as best and many things to connect while transferred back to origin. Even while shifted to this house (the current one) we weren’t quite comfort or content, but to put an end to the house hunt which has been constant and unsettled for quite some time. When things were settled on its own, very lately, the owner of this house raised their voice for reconstruction.

Though we aren’t in force anyway and their announcement and request weren’t harsh anymore, but our intention (to shift home esp. due to water problem and expose to nuisance created by the school as we staying opposite to) has been fuelled by their pre-plan although a year still left according to their two years agreement. The broker who showed us this home never said or he too ignorant about the lease contact, but being committed we aren’t to go back immediately then. Gladly all doors open for us this time, there is no broker fee, anymore conditions on keeping pet or restriction in food, because most of the ads on houses for rent these days prefer only veg.

So we are happy to move to a different home and I am excited about the new environment and people, although it isn’t quite new but within 10 years don’t things change anymore? The landscape of Adyar has been turned to certain extent and exists alongside equally with old residence and buildings.  Not all people we are familiar with exist. And when I left this area I wasn’t wheelchair bound and not many would have confronted me after I become confine, but my memories behold many faces and moments fresh.

P.S. Since shifting house, I could not access to internet for less than a week or so... putting off to all online activities and blogging. Hope it doesn’t take a month to reconnect like it happened last time with shifting. I will blog until I am available with net or shifted quite. 

Sunday Photos: Volkswagen Beetle

There was a heritage car rally happening in Chennai this weekend, where the old cars are drove to and fro to Pondicherry. Being close to Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar, I couldn't visit the venue – where cars are parked in front of the promenade – although I was interested, I wasn't intended to go to be the truth. But I have been to one of the rally held in VGP (Golden Beach) parking lot, few years back on ECR and got chance to capture some of the vintage cars on park, as well as on move. Follows one of the cars I found in rally: a yellow color Volkswagen Beetle, a 1964 model!

The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as VW Type 1 or VW Bug, is a two door come four passenger car with rear engine manufactured and marketed by German automaker Volkswagen from 1938 until 2003. The need of this car and its functional objectives were formulated by Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, who wished for a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for the new road network of his country. He contracted Porsche in 1934 to design and build it to his exacting standards was one of the first rear-engine cars, which was on designing for four years.

The bug on move

With over 21 million manufactured in an air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, the Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single design platform, worldwide. Although designed in the 1930s, the Beetle was only produced in significant numbers from 1945 was internally designated the Volkswagen Type 1 and marketed simply as the "Volkswagen". The model became widely known in its home country as the Käfer (beetle in German) and was later marketed as such in Germany, and as the Volkswagen Beetle in other countries.

(Source of info Wiki)

Wow! A tag after long back

DestinationInfinity trapped me in a tag, but to say the truth I took this into my favor as I was out of idea what to post in my blog today. Actually I don’t have a thought to write about me because my blog is a part of myself but still I like to make some notes. So here are 7 things about me. 

1.  Liked to be simple, I like things related to same and also like it to be compact and neat. And to put it simple I even received a certificate while in school for coming neat to school.
2. I am very easy/happy going guy and ever looked serious or can’t even act like that. I too forgive easily (esp. to avoid hurting others) and always try to give change to see if they could adjust or repeat it again.
3. An atheist! But I don’t exhibit it to others unless it needed and also don’t interrupt others belief and accept the dear ones come up with scared ash/saffron in affection and love. Though I know nothing going to change by letting those, at least I don’t hurt their feelings until they understand me quite.
4.  I am a Complan boy, but love coffee more than anything and lately addicted to butter biscuit and tea! :D  A non-vegetarian on limited intake with recipes/dishes but the favorite one is fish.
5. I always go for things and think which is only possible; because I don’t want my life to lead stressful and let others suffer for my intention and desire. I feel content with what I have.
6. I always want to go out exploring places and an adventure seeker, who likes to venture into the wild and take roads that less traveled. An off-road enthusiast who believes the true experience lies only out of comfort.
7. I have a passion for world cinema and for me the films are not just entertainment but there’s lot to understand/learn and admire. I don’t like watching films in pirated DVDs or downloading a film before it crosses 100 days. But these days the TV Channels don’t let me wait long and as soon or even before the film is out of theater they drop at our small screen.  Quality is very important for me when watching a film in theater/television, because I don’t watch films just for that although my list of films watched are very less.

I am not going to tag anybody and I think many followers have been tagged for the same by their friends. So those willing to share about you can do :) 

My current house gate

Ours is a corner house with a gate facing opposite to the gate of a school (sishya) and what I like about this gateway was its ladder arch.  I have seen many houses with such arches in my early days and this house, which is suppose to knock down soon, belong to the same old category.

The arch also let climb the eternal jasmine vine, beautifully adorning the gateway in pretty green and white little blossoms. After shifted to this house, plucking flowers from the jasmine vine has become an activity for my mom every evening. Planned to change the house in a week so, mom sure going to miss her one of the activities, but it isn’t a matter as the plant can grow anywhere planting its stems. The flowers also smell pleasant in fragrance.

I link this post to Run a Round Ranch for the Good Fences

Nerium Oleander @ Neighbour’s House

Nerium Oleander is an evergreen shrub thrives in the house next to ours and it has beautiful flowers in white with pale yellow centre. Native from the Mediterranean area to Southeast Asia, the shrub is one of the most poisonous shrubs known today which has toxic in all its parts. I captured the flowers (in couple of photos below) during the early summer season when the shrub was in its full blossoms.

Native to mild climates, the Nerium Oleander is a basic shrub for desert gardening and in coler climates they make an outstanding container plants. An untrimmed shrub can reach up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 10 feet and leaves grow to 10 inches. The easy to grow and drought resistant shrub, doesn’t have a particular soil conditions.  

Sunday Photos: Ready for R Day

Yesterday I went to Marina beach, casually, and come across the arrangements for Republic Day (Jan 26). I actually forget about it even I watched news on the rehearsals related to Republic Day parade on TV. I usually used to visit marina beach, a day ahead to the celebration to check what’s happening around. For the last few years I couldn't make up to the marina beach during that time, and it was nice to be there seeing a bit of the display.  Here I share some photo taken last evening:

 An elevated stage erected opposite to Ghandi statue, in Marina beach, as part of Republic Day celebration.

A helicopter displayed near the Marina beach lighthouse as part of Republic Day celebration – car procession.

 

Tanks (above and below)

Zoom on people watching from the top of Marina Beach Lighthouse

PS: I received another lovely handwritten card from our fellow blogger friend Indrani, following Chandra’s greeting. It is so nice to receive cards from friends and it gives a feel that words can’t describe. But it produces a sense that was truly bliss and inspiring to go ahead with a feel of significant. Thank for your support dear Indrani!

Here her beautiful card

Shanker’s "I"

There’s something impossible to avoid when it comes to Shanker films. Yes, Anticipation! He’s a man truly behind this cause and deserves much to look forward. Teamed with A.R.Rahman, except for Anniyan, they have rocked always. I really thought do I want to write a review on “I”? Because I can’t appreciate this film just like that or consider as another Tamil film, because each frame has something to behold and feel magical though the many marvelous beauties exhibited in front of the big screen. To say in a word/phrase “I” is a visual treat encompassed by delightful music, even the awkwardness provoke wonder and admiration.

Shanker’s “I” is not a regular film from the director of grandeur, but to say in their style “I” is beyond that and incredible.  Not that to say as a fan of Shanker, his knowledge and ability is sophisticated and so his daring to touch things that are practically impossible or narrow peak. With a director with international content, what upholds the structure (“I”) and burnish was Vikram’s double standard: as bodybuilder and hunchback. I don’t think I need to say anything about Vikram, perhaps, because I couldn't get a word to appreciate him quite.  But who needed when the protagonist is universally acclaimed for his acting and “I” is an added crown to his humble summit.

Thought the story of “I” can be shrunk within a line: where a bodybuilder (aspiring to become Mr. India) accidentally becomes a supermodel and how does him revenge those disabled him awful to take back their course, is set in super-rich scenario, awesome recreation with ambiance and settings and terrific characterization. As a bodybuilder Vikram has harshly worked out like ever bending from tip to toe... he’s sure to inspire many who aspire to become same and as hunchback he take possess everything within his hood. Emy Jackson looks literally super cool, sexy and admirable entirely.  But her performance has went beyond the expectation and skimpy to pickup her own place/space.

The foremost to take the center stage of “I”, as soon it begins, was the camera. P.C. Sreeram! Renowned as master of cinematography, has conveyed a lot and through his perspective our views get enrich and remarkable. The scenes relevant to China have been quite fascinating, and next to songs, either though visual or music, emphasis and produces enormous support in background was extraordinary when it comes to stunt and actions scenes. The fight using men and muscles was massive and amazing to watch, although it doesn't show off well, as every other men were muscular than Vikram, it was challenging and gives a feel of raw.

The film goes off partially fun filled and entertaining was quite thrill after the interval as they unleash how each get revenged. Santhanam played a decent role as supporting actor and humorist and Ramkumar and Suresh Gopi as indirect villains in their unusual/new role. The director has utilized the ad film making as the part of content and recreated real brands in his own style. The movie is also very stylish in trendy costume designing, had maintained the feel of local in slang and it’s funny to hear Emy spoke on. It is a movie truly enjoyed/experienced only in theaters; if you are my kind admire the advance in technology, beauty and quality in films. To feel Mersel – sound mesmerized!

Fence in chains

Here's a portrait on the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, inside the Bryant Park in Kodaikanal. Though the picture was shot in 2009, I find the fence in chains around the statue was pretty to link for Good Fences at Run a Round Ranch.

Our Pongal

The last we celebrated Pongal in our traditional way i.e. cooking in firewood stove, was five years back, on the terrace of our native home in Adyar. Surrounded by close family members, we settled for a firewood stove, enclosed in bricks, and placing a new mud pot atop and calling Pongalo Pongal as the Pongal (boiled rice/milk) overflows the pot, it was quite delight as we ever so directly celebrated the festival under sunlight. Pongal is a festival celebrated esp. to thanksgiving the sun for it’s entice source of energy and other natural elements for helping farmers in good harvesting. Not only farmers, Pongal is believed to bring auspicious to everyone, the way Pongal boils over the pot.

Mom's Pongal Kolam, - in front of the gateway

Shifted to an individual house in 2013, I planned to celebrate the festival in more traditional flavor, bringing my dear ones into another cheerful enclosure of firewood, mud pot and sugarcanes. But nothing worked out and I couldn't make anything as I wished, as I myself suffered with the fracture in my femur. This year, still living in an individual house with enough space to make firewood stove, we went ahead to celebrate the festival, in our personal interest, as it was not possible to recreate a then moment.  I think personally, Pongal is a social festival and it should be celebrated by all together. Not only Pongal, but I think every festival is celebrated to bring togetherness and sharing.

Follows our Pongal Pot: 

 

 

My celebrations and memories of Bhogi!

Among the festivals we celebrate, Bhogi has been my favourite one once, next to Deepavali/Diwali. A day ahead to Pongal – the harvesting festival of Tamils – Bhogi (Jan 14)  is celebrated according to an old phrase in Tamil: “Pazayana Kazithalum Puthiyana Puguthalum” which means discarding the oldest and let in newest, in all possible ways. Though the way of celebrating Bhogi has changed latterly from the real cause, which is relevant to cleaning up and replacing old seed grains in the storehouse with newly harvested. The generation of ours and the previous ones celebrate it simply by lighting a bonfire, at the dawn, with the old and useless woods and materials related to same.

Pic shot back in 2007 (my last witness to bhogi)

My Bhogi celebrations with bonfire have ended even before the beginning of 21st century or age less than 15-16. It was a time I wasn't conscious about much anything, including the pollution of environment and endanger of fire, and liked burning things without an idea. Though we haven’t burnt tyres or plastic things, or to say literally, my mom never let us uses tyres despite having many in my uncle’s workshop. We usually put card-boards and old cartons into fire, along with household items like worn out grass mats, broomsticks and winnowing baskets. In our street we are the only to make bonfires – as most residents are faith in different and modest – but compared to our neighbors in backyard, who set huge blazes and light tyres, we put less flame.

I think it is the passion for Bhogi influenced me to always wish for bonfire whenever I visit a hill station or mountain landscape with chillness. Bhogi, being the last day of the Tamil month Margazhi, which is a midwinter time here, the bonfires produce enough warm to bask during the cold winter dawn. Personally I used to look forward to this day, as previous celebrations haunt me while festival nears and more than burning things, gathering along with friends make it keen. What is there a festival without some sound? And having a bonfire in front of us how can we miss a beat? Of course, beating the skin drum is a part of the Bhogi which is impossible to forget.

One doesn't need to be skillful of these drums, which is made of bovine skin covering a terracotta ring, but whoever takes the small skin drum is a composer on their own gesture of hands. Waking up early in the morning we keep beating the drum, heating it often by showing on the bonfire flame so that the skin become tight and make loud noise. And we don’t stop there, but go further around the area beating the drums with friends until it quite dawn. For some time or until the Pongal holidays end, we take the drum and beat whenever it feels and sometime heat the drum on the gas stove. Few times I have saved the drum to beat next year by hiding it somewhere, if unbroken, because  parents don’t allow to have skin products at home.

My brother mostly get two drum each year, as he will broke it very soon it was bought, we sometime fight for the one, if drums anymore available. Because the accessible to these drum are limited for a day or two with Bhogi and we used to get it from the pot-pan makers in our area.  Usually we use to beat the drum with a stick removed from the coconut broom, but many used to stick tar to the tip of theirs. Seeing those I too wished having a similar one but except couple of occasions (to my memory) I couldn't make it out. One of my memorable trails with Bhogi was carried out to the streets. During an occasion we (friends) took a cycle tyre from a bonfire in the neighborhood and carried out along our way to show heat to the drums.

I have seen some people used to boil water with the last bit of fire on the bonfire to take hot shower on the cold winter morning. On this day households carry out cleaning process and some whitewash their house with fresh coat of paint. I spent the Bhogi only once at my grandfather/mother place and being a congested/crowded residential area, the festival is light up heavily and waking the street in barefoot means dyeing in black. Many residents there burn mostly tyres and at the entrance of each by-lane a pile of ashes would wait to spread all over the tar road. These years I almost forget there was a day like this! But memories...  

Insists

Change is a thing obviously everyone needed and hence to beat boredom or to be frustrated, a change in environment or activity is must at least. For a Chennaitie or whoever lives in a coastal town/city, the first thing comes to mind of escaping could be the beaches, if there isn’t malls, restaurants and events happening around. A place just to relax, breathe in fresh air or sit ideal watching the waves and things happening around, in random, is an entertainment unplanned.

Last week I went to Elliot’s Beach and in the usual way spent something sitting inside the car parked in front of the promenade.  Though it’s good to see new faces and people from various walks, there are certain things keep disturbing. The average fee collected for cars to park at Elliot’s beach is 5 ₹ and 10 ₹ for vans, but what they insist was 20 ₹, that too without producing a ticket. My dad, who is a regular walker at Elliot’s beach, had come across the board, that mention the exact ticket price which is only five, many times, but what they insist is against the regulation of corporation.

The other day when we parked the car, the person in charge demanded 10 ₹ by placing a ticket valued for just 5 ₹... No matter where the partial amount goes, but how dare they bring it into force without any hesitance or thing to prove their price is fair. I think the amount they collect differs from person to person, and anyone dare to deceive could easily implement their task. Among them I find few genuine people like the one who (understanding - with the number plate - that we are from the local) gave us excuse from paying even the fair amount.

If the parking system was like this, the mobile vendors who do business along the promenade have touched the worst state of ever. Already the beauty of Elliot’s beach has lost its charm to the occupation of number of shops/eateries spread all over the sandy beach. Though I am not dared to explore the eateries to put my health at risk, I always go with the bordering items like peas and peanuts. But this time I was quite surprise to note when I bough peanuts (plain nuts), it was very less than usual and priced doubled i.e. from 10 to 20 ₹. But what really bothered me much was what I heard from my dad who came back the vendor...

He has been insisting 150 ₹ from a foreigner to get slices of spicy mango! ...expressed provoke and anger. Even a whole mango doesn’t cost more than 10 ₹ and however rich in class they doesn’t going to extend more than 50 ₹, but in which way a few slices spread with spice become special for him to insist such amount. Whoever let it be, fairness is oneness and just being fair and came  far away from isn’t we have to be cruel or scare them to never turn back. Let us be smart and generous to consumers whichever country and skin tone they bore.

I don’t understand why there’s so price difference between local/national resident and international visitors. Not only tourist places, but I guess at every level/layer foreigners have to pay more than the amount Indian pays. Let’s keep away the economic boon perhaps involved it in, but what comes with food and restaurants? Why do we need to make big holes in their pockets just because they are foreigners? Food is an essential of life and there shouldn’t be partiality/discrimination at least with the price tag at eateries. I don’t know does it happen with every other country in the world or we Indians alone insist this pattern. But I wish we become a moral example to be fair enough at least with eateries. When we say globalization, I wonder why there’s still differentiation. 

Sunday Photo: A monkey peek

Sitting on a Neem tree at the backyard of the home, the monkey looks down at who shoots him alike. Yesterday I come across a bunch of monkeys, wandered around the neighborhood and it was fun to watch their acrobat took place over the cable wires that pass our house. The bigger ones just march past the street with younger ones made a beeline across the cables. 

Another red letter box and gate from neighborhood

Perhaps, you all know my love for red letter box which used to be my favorite thing from childhood. My neighborhood has many houses with letter box to drag my attention towards their gate and they aren't quite red and I also find some milk boxes similar to letter boxes but in blue.

Following my previous post on the red letter box, I received few calls from the friends to send my address in regard receiving a card as intention of love and harmony. I really feel gratitude for their sweet gesture and taking time to make a handy note sense touch. While the technology has reached a height unimagined, receiving card through post feels quite nostalgic!

The red letter box in picture above belongs to the neighbor opposite to our house. Since we are 10 months old to this area, though it isn't new for us being a native to same, they are the only family (of four) to share few words and exchange smiles occasionally. They have been a resident of this area for more than 20 years and the letter box is hanged to the gate in front of their doorstep.

To add an additional gate image to the post, I link to Run a Round Ranch’s Good Fences, is the aluminium plated gate (of the same house) that enclose their car park.

New Year Eve

The New Year begins for me with mild disappointment, even before the former end, as I anticipated my cousins to join me on the eve to welcome another brand new year. Though it isn’t a matter really to discus or argues or anything new to complain, as I have been through this many times but I wished they were beside me, like they nod for my midnight cake-cutting plan, despite whatever keeps them away.  It was for the birth of 2013 that we all gathered at our home and celebrated the night in a similar way. Thus I wished to recreate the moment. But at least there was enough greetings shared through phone calls during the wake up of the course to another 365 days.

New year collage (thanks fotor.com)

Excitement is something always exits when beginning a thing or so in anticipation and for the New Year the excitement is something special and always stimulates a mindset to celebrate or at least share the joy though greeting each other for a healthy, wealthy and peaceful journey ahead. I know nothing is going to change big whether we gather or not for the eve, at least it creates an opportunity to share a bit and lean warm greetings through the winter cold night. The night was noisy like ever, while many pedestrians on foot following their faith, bikes and cars sped ferociously creating a bang to head out at risk.

I was at home leafing through the final stage of the book I intend to finish before the yearend as I took vows to read more books in the coming years, I find reading books comforting and inspiring to see life ahead. I also decided to watch enough movies (except Tamil) this year, since my list has been growing with the collection of movie titles from overseas, I want to watch at least a movie per week whether I write a review or not. Coming to the New Year eve, we had a small cake cutting witnessed by my only parents (since bro went asleep already) and cousins couldn’t make up, we spent an hour next catching with dear ones either calling or receiving at phone. Mom used the time to complete her New Year Kolam, she suppose to drew in morning, added colors under our sight as it is untimed to leave her alone to do so at gateway. The New Year day was spent almost in front of the TV, watching movies I haven’t. 

Kayal – Fall in Love

Kayal is a feel good movie I watched, as a night show, from the usual drive-in theatre here and I enjoyed it quite heartfelt and moved at the same time.  Though the Tamil film is development on the background of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the heart goes with the characterization – in a natural tendency, expression and attitude that drive towards admiration. All new/less known faces adds fresh coat to the scenario (that takes on a brief journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari) and gives a distinct feel related to the local realities.

The most pleasant thing to say about this film, which has pleased me even before its release, was the songs and music.  D.Imman’s composition was such a backbone to this film that featured a straightforward love story, simultaneously stroke the hearts strings causing pain and pleasure. Kayal (representing the title) is an orphan girl grows in a big family and guardian in her grandmother, encounters love when she meets Aaron, a traveller who proposes love confronting the big family, who caught him, along his friend Socrates, mistakenly for helping a runaway couple.

Aaron, along his companion Socrates lives a life travelling almost six months a year and works for the rest to spend their next half-dozen on travelling.  Coming across India, they head to Kanyakumari – almost their last destination of the country – while seeking a bright light which Aaron believes his destiny, finds out that the light  is nothing but Kayal. Feeling the love deep within, piercing the heart, the unrest Kayal leaves the house in instinct reaching Aaron while he’s on the same path, meets with great destruction but yet happy ending.

Epicentre with earthquake and tsunami, the film embark on a trail towards ending with anticipation. But what fascinates me lot was the lifestyle of the friends and love affair which incline some positive vibes, intertwine by realistic comedy produces a whole entertainment flick. The love expressed by Aaron (Chandran) and Kayal (Anandhi) through their eyes were powerful than the words conveyed. Anandhi has an expressive face, whether its pain or happiness receives to be real and natural. The mole beneath her lips was a notable aspect that adds beauty to her already exist face.

Directed by Prabhu Solomen, Kayal communicates the emotion of love and nature side-by-side... unlike his early films (Mynaa and Kumki) the director, even though he decided to send tidal waves, concluded without letting down. The tsunami related scenes were partially graphics and couldn’t provoke anymore, as it isn’t anything different from Hollywood movies, also reminds titanic when the companions run thought the railway station carrying a sack just like Jack and his friend embark the ship. The man floating on a piece of wood plank is also subject to same.

The film locations were one of the worth checking and most of the scenes captured in and around Kanyakumari sent me nostalgic with memories. Amazing to note the director has also shot a scene at the living bridges in Cherrapunji, along many unknown places were impressive. The camera work was fabulous and captured great light moments! Overall, Kayal was admirable.