Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Kodi - the Sirukki's must watch

Kodi

Watched it at the theatres during my Deepavali holidays.

Verdict : I loved it. Despite the major emphasis being politics.

Dhanush. I'm a huge fan of him. One of those few who actually have good acting skills. The fascination begun with Aadukalam. And it is growing with every good one he continues to give. Think Mariyan.

In Kodi, Dhanush plays dual roles. As the serious political fanatic Kodi and the home buddy Anbu. He has done immense justice to both.

I'd choose Kodi any given time. Full beard. Serious. Driven. Ambitious. Loyal to the core. He was an epitome in his character. And, yes, adorably charming. He is. He is. He is.

Trisha. If you enjoy watching good Tamil movies - yup, please read that line again.
If you enjoy watching good Tamil movies (not the mass ones which have dancing around trees, big names, item numbers, exotic locations, massive stunts BUT no storyline ;) - then, you will understand that Trisha was an equally strong character in Kodi. As equal as Kodi himself, actually. And she brought total grace to her over ambitious Rudra.

Saranya Ponvannan. The perfect mother character. As always. She never goes wrong in her ability to showcase love in such candid ways. We can relate her to our Moms at home, so very easily.

Santhosh Narayanan. The modern music director. His flair for jazzy untraditional Indian music. The duet between Dhanush and Trisha titled Sirukki Vaasam stands at Number One for me.

Bhagat Singh. Kodi's best friend. Despite not having too big a role, he definitely leaves a mark.

Don't listen to what others have to say. Don't let them stop you watching from this good movie. It is. Do. If you enjoy reading my blog and the movies I suggest, then, yes, kindly watch. I did. I'm recommending to many.

Till then, it's Shalu signing off. With love and prayers to keep you safe always.

Hooked on this one. Wow song. <3 p="">


Friday, January 20, 2017

Acham Enbathu Madamayada - Cool Watch

Acham Enbathu Madamayada

A one time watch but nevertheless a good one, with some illogical hiccups. But, we can close an eye to that. Because of the ones mentioned below :-

1. Cinematography - GVM is an ace at bringing out colors in his scenes. From Simbu's home to the roads they travel, everything is just so fresh and vibrant.
2. Manjima Mohan - Stunner. And a natural, at acting. No frill heroine to watch out for.
3. Songs - ARR. Magical. The most beautiful ones to me, come in sequence, in the movie. Raasali, Avalum Naanum and then Thali Pogathey.
4. GVM - Gautham Vasudev Menon. His storyline. His on and off appearance to make a mark in his movie. It's become routine now. But, why not ? Positive stamps are always good.
5. Daniel Balaji - After a long hiatus. But as bad as always. His villainy character always makes me tremble. In this, too.
6. The Royal Enfield - What A Bike ! I saw many on the streets and highways of India. It's a luxury there. GVM made it look more majestic in this movie.
7. The hero's name - Undisclosed until the end. I'm not saying anything more. You've got to watch it to know. Wink, wink.
8. Kanyakumari - Reminiscence. For me. The coastal town where sunrises are too beautiful to be explained. The couple watch one on their road tour. Overwhelming.
9. The Ending - We do get a summary on why things happened and how it has come to present day. Justified. As we were not left in a lurch.
10. STR - for not overdoing it, unlike in his other movies. GVM always tones down STR and brings out the best in him, alike VTV.

So, that's it. 10 reasonable points given to watch Acham Yenbathu Madamaiyada. It was not a box office hit, but a pleasant one, no doubt. Tamil audience are hard to predict and harder to please.

But, zealots will continue to recommend the good ones - box office or not.

Vijay Yesudass is a gem. Tamil at its utmost.
Chose this video for its Tamil lyrics.
No language expresses emotions like Tamil.

Yes, watch. Not the "wow, what a movie one", but "yes, a cool one"...

Signing of,
R. Shalu



Monday, January 16, 2017

Kathalum Kadanthu Pogum - Must Watch

Kathalum kadanthu pogam.
What-A-Movie.
If you have a weekend to laze at home with two hours or so, just to get comfy on the sofa with a cup of hot Nescafé and something to munch - this movie will be your best pick.

I loved it. I LOVED it. So much.

Vijay Sethupathi. The dark Greek God. He is plain awesome. One of our skilled actors, who broke through the industry a little late. But, he is here now. And he is definitely going to stay. For long.
In this one, he plays the not so notorious rowdy. He stumbles during fights. And loses his cool easily. But, he has the quirkiest dialogues you can ever imagine. The ones that make your eyes pop and you lips smile.

Madonna Sebastian. She is girl next door gorgeous. I've seen her on Kappa TV, singing but I was amazed by her acting skills. She is a natural. And, her dressing sense syncs a hundred percent with mine. The chemistry between her Yazhini and the hero Kathir, is magic.

Decency. Many Tamil movies lack this substance. Of lately. This one wins high time. No sexy songs. No read in between the dialogues. No unnecessary dialogues. The flow just goes and goes and by the time you realize it, baaammmm.., the movie ends.

The sky is the limit. The ending puts you in such a mood. I was in tears. I was smiling, too. What is life without gratitude. What is life if you forget the people who actually matter.

Songs. Awesome. Jazzy. No overseas backdrops. They run along with the movie plot. But so tastefully done.

A word of caution though. It is slow moving. Like a dark comedy. The mass will not be able to digest this kind of movies. But, zealots will.

If you read my blog regularly and the movies I suggest suit your taste, this will to. Nalan Kumarasamy is a Nallaya Iyakunar talent. This time to the silver screen.

Yes, watch. Please.

Signing off with love,
R. Shalu 

- no song day, listen to what you want.. ;)
Or leave me a line, on what you would like me to listen to, for change ;)

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Recommended Tamil Movies 2015 & 2016 - A Zealot's List

Recommended Tamil Movies 2015 & 2016 - Zealot's List (with added features)

The movies that made me realize how mind blowing Tamil movies can still be.

For the year 2016. In no particular order, unless stated.

Undisputed : Kabali. Review can no one ever. That's how mass the Superstar is.

* Irudhi Sutru - Madhavan & Rithika Singh. An incredible attempt to emphasize the art of boxing. Excellent cinematography and amazing songs. A must see.
* Bangalore Naatkal - Arya, Bobby Simha & Sri Divya. One of those movies I have yet to get tired of. It's a wholesome entertainer. Adapted from the original Malayalam box office Bangalore Days, the Tamil one justifies equally.
* Sethupathi - Vijay Sethupathi & Remya Nambeesan. Yes, I'm a huge fan of Vijay Sethupathi. He is charming. It's a police movie but with a twist. Yes, watch. It's a good one.
* Kathalum Kadanthu Pogum - Vijay Sethupathi & Madonna Sebastian. Again. Vijay Sethupathi. He's the current heartthrob. I really love this movie. Despite it being a slow, dark comedy. Madonna Sebastian was out of the world in her character. It carries a beautiful message. Keep some tissue for the heartwarming ending.
* Vetrivel - Sasikumar & Miya George. Sasikumar continues to sacrifices in yet another saga. Smile please. Smirk, at least. I tried making a funny statement there. But, despite the redundancy of his character, the storyline nails the point. Miya George is a stunner, despite only being in the first half of the movie.
* Kodi - Dhanush & Trisha. One of my recent favorites. It was my watch-at-the-theaters-Deepavali-movie, and I truly enjoyed its entirety. Especially the political position crazy Trisha. Must watch 2016.
* Oru Naal Oru Koothu - Dinesh & a beautiful lanky newcomer. I watched this movie like three times on paid TV. A very good attempt about marriage and relationships. Life is full of twists and turns.
* Dharma Durai - Vijay Sethupathi & Tamanna. Yet again. 'The' Vijay Sethupathi as a heartbroken doctor from a feuding family and how he overcomes the obstacles in his life.

For the year 2015. In no particular order, unless stated.

* Bahubali, The Beginning - The movie. Mind blowing. SS Rajamouli is a diligent film maker. Remember the fly movie, 'E' ? He awes us all in this too. I have already reviewed about it in full. So, yes, please watch.
* Yennai Arinthal - The movie that made me an Ajith fan. He was impeccable in his role. A wholesome entertainer that would keep you on toes.
* Oh Kathal Kanmani - My favourite movie in recent times. I really need to review it. Real soon. I think everyone should watch it, despite the a-tad-too-modern-lifestyle-for-the-normal-Indian-family. One of the major reasons it didn't appeal to the typical Indian audience. But Maniratnam  Sir is a prodigy in film making. He was just conveying what is becoming norm.
* Kaaka Muttai - The award winning one. Liked it in all its simplicity. The other side of Singara Chennai showed as how it is basis. That small boy, Chinna Kaaka Muttai, he was just adorable. And, Aishwarya Rajesh - the Tamil beauty who plays the mom role wonderfully.
* Orange Mittai - For the umpteenth time, Vijay Sethupathi. If there is one movie that I think a zealot should watch, it is this. This is not for the mass. But, it was a real awesome one, about life and relationships. Many people told me it was boring. The truth is, you need skills and patience to watch good movies. This movie applies. But, give it a try. On a real free weekend, cozy up on your sofa and play this one. You'll smile, when it's over. If you are a true fellow zealot, that is.
* Thani Oruvan - I do not fancy Jeyam Ravi. But he was good in this. The star of the movie, was however, Arvindsamy. The dashing villain. Oh, and the Kathal Cricket song that I so enjoy.
* Naanum Rowdythaan - Watched in at the theaters. An awesome comedy. I was laughing in tears for a huge part of it. Vijay Sethupathi and Nayantara and a whole lot of talented stars.
* Purampoku Engira Podhuvudamai - Arya. Vijay Sethupathi. Shaam. Another good one that many didn't appreciate. I liked it, though.
* Kutram Kadithal - I read this won awards. Local and overseas too. It is about a teacher and her pupil. And an accident which sets of a huge impact on many. A good watch, nevertheless.
* Vedalam - I watched this only a few days ago. Ajith. And Lakshmi Menon. About siblings. An enjoyable one except for a few glitches which include Shruthi Haasan. Oops, sorry.

Yet to watch but recommended by fellow zealots. I shall review once done. Apologies in advance.

* Acham Yenbathu Madamayada
* Visaranai
* Jil Jing Juk
* Pichaikaran
* Thozha
* Iraivi
* Joker
* Papanasam
* Rajathandiram
* Maya

To watch out for :-

* Aishwarya Rajesh
* Mia George & Madonna Sebastian
* Nivas K Prasanna
* Rajaganapathi of Super Singer
* Ram's Taramani

Special mention :-

Vijay Sethupathi. Tall, dark, handsome. And funny. And, an awesome actor. Tamil Nadu's undisputed current gem. Yes, I am a huge fan of him. But Dhanush still wins. At least for me.

Songs that were catchy and left a mark. My pick.

* Undisputed once again. Nerupudaa from Kabali.
* Naan Maati Konden from Bangalore Naatkal.
* Aandipatti from Dharma Durai.
* Mei Nigara from 24.
* Usuru Narambula from Irudhi Sutru.
* Azhage from Kathakali.
* Akkam Pakkam Paar from Kathalum Kadanthu Pogum.
* Sirukki Vaasam from Kodi.
* Aval from Manithan.
* Konji Pesida Vendaam from Sethupathi.
* Jittu Jiladi from Theri. Am I sure ? Yes. Catchy song, choreography and cinematography.
* Adiye Unna Paatida from Vetrivel.
* Engey Ponai from Zero.
* Malargal Keaten from OK Kanmani
* Parandhu Sella Vaa from OK Kanmani
* Adiye Azhage from Oru Naal Oru Koothu
* Kathal Cricket from Thani Oruvan
* Kanna Kaatu Podhum from Rekka
* Karuvaatu Karuvaaya from Marudhu
* Enna Solla from Thanga Magan

Appa's song. He sang me this classic many many times. It always brings a smile. Always. Originally sung by PB Srinivas, this Job Kurian cover is just as amazing.



Love,
R. Shalu

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Sow Love, Reap Love !!

There's a sadness in the yelp of a hurt and helpless animal. If you hear one, don't walk away. Try to help. Please. Compassion for another being is far more valuable than everything you preach.

We helped one today. It was teamwork. A dog caught in a vacant army camp. My friend and I heard the cries while having breakfast together. And, we went searching. What begun as a wild goose chase ended up as a collective effort by many, into freeing that poor soul. You should have seen the leap it made, when freed. That was joy to us.

To everyone who was part it, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To Appa, thank you for instilling so much of love in me. I miss you, so much.
To a God, the Almighty. Thank you. We are all nothing without You.

Love moves mountains and stirs seas. Spread it around.

Cheers !!

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Food = Love, Un Samayal Araiyil

Hush, hush... I will tell you a secret.
I love food. Yes, I do. Lots. Lots. Lots.
He does, too. Another reason, why I need to love it even more.
And I enjoy cooking, on my rest days. So, yes, food is one of my loves.
People assume, always, that I am a strict dieter. Someone who is rather disciplined in my food consumption. And, I am often a vegetarian. But believe me, I am not. And, I never will be. I love food. To the core. Rice being favourite. Truly. Really. Any form of rice makes me drool and I am thankful we have an extensive choice, here in Malaysia.
Rice ? I can hear echoes. Yes, rice. I am Indian. I am Asian. It is natural. Staple food. I am lucky because I am petite. Thus, rice does not pile up on me. A little, oh yes !!
And in order not to balloon, I do monitor my weight. I balance up my protein and lessen the carbohydrates on relative days. It has since become an on and off task.
Rice with mutton. Dosa and chicken curry. Especially during Deepavali. In any Malaysian Indian family. Essential food on the table.  And then there is my all time favourite Nasi Kandar. The most prominent rice serving dish in Penang. It has Indian roots, but has since become Malaysian favourite. Let me tell you this - Do not leave Penang without trying it. Round it up with a cup of hot Teh Tarik. Supercalifragilisticexpialidociously delicious.
I also love ice creams (on rainy days), hot waffles with honey, crispy fried chicken, seafood platters, baked fish, colouful salads, Chinese soupy noodles, Nasi Lemak (oh-God-how-can-I-miss-that?), sardine samosas, homemade fruit cakes, chilled coffee, crunchy banana fritters, big Western breakfasts and whole lot more of edibles that make my eyes light up when you mention them.
And, above all this, there is Amma's cooking, on any given day. The one that is cooked with love.
Today's post was inspired by Illayaraja. Listen to the song. You can surely relate.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Kathal Cricket... Happiness is Mandatory

Hola !! 2nd post. For January 2017. I'm hyped, I guess.
Just returned from a beautiful holiday.
Holidays are ALWAYS fun. The days before are always anticipated. The days after, reminisced. It's a form of rejuvenation. And I'd recommend it to everyone, more matter how busy.

I love this song. It used to be my mobile ringtone. It's one of those happy songs. And, I like the playfulness in the singer's voice. On the days, when I am smiling wide over something silly, I enjoy listening to this song, on loop, in full blast. It motivates further happiness. And, being happy, is mandatory in life.



Here's to the start of a weekend, albeit a day away. Enthusiasm. 

1. The best way to chase a bad mood - Grab your two wheeler / car keys, and head to the nearest beach, with a loved one. Once you are there, sit by the beach, hold their hands and listen to the sound of the waves. Close your eyes and breath rhythmically for the extra effect. You can never go wrong. The return of that wonderful feeling, 100% guaranteed. Try it. You will thank me.

2. The best movie in recent times - OK Kanmani. I have 10 good points. Besides the fact that it's by Maniratnam. I've watched it a couple of times. The most recent being last week.

3. The best gift to someone - Time. A morning message. A phone call. An email. A coffee date. A shopping spree. A short holiday. Anything that convinces them that they matter, most. That, despite the busy schedule, you want to make time for them, because they are genuinely important.

4. The best way to start your weekend - A good western breakfast. For me. It could be Indian or Chinese for you. Doesn't matter. A good breakfast, is what it takes to start the weekend on a happy note. And, gardening, there after. The happiness of the sun shining on me as the soft breeze sways the  plants to dance. And, birds chirping happily. And blue skies.

5. The best way to make you laugh, even alone - Cartoons. From Tom and Jerry to Oggy and the Cockroach. They easily make you smile, snort and laugh out aloud. Try watching one today. I bet your mood wil perk up.

6. The best way to find your roots - Spend time with your parents. Yes. Exactly. We are always claiming to be busy. We find a hundred reasons and quote a thousand obligations. But seriously, what are all these, compared to the love, care and affection they showered us while growing up ? They didn't forsake us. That's why our lives are so comfortable. Don't forsake them. It's our turn to show them they matter most. At least, start with a phone call and plan a trip real soon.

7. The best way to calm down - Besides taking 10 long breaths. That's so ancient. It's not wrong but we have so many interesting ways now. Mine is baking. And cooking a new dish. Both are truly therapeutical. Sometimes, it gardening. There's a certain calm in talking to your plants. So, try one the next time someone tests your patience. Window shopping. Walking your pet to the garden. Drawing. Sketching. Closing your eyes and thinking of what makes you happy. Going to a place of worship. Writing - the ability to pen your feelings gives a sense of calm. So many ways. Find what appeases you.

8. The best way to go on a date - Don't plan. Yes. DONT plan. Just go. Ask at the brink of the moment, and just go with the flow. If it's a yes, bowchickawowow... If it's a no, try again another day. At least there was an attempt, right ?

9. The best music to unwind to, my pick - Music. Read that right. Rajesh Vaidhya. He is a Veena prodigy. You've got to listen to him play. Jaw dropping. Mind blowing. I'm a huge fan. And watching him live in concert is one of my bucket lists.

10. The best way to end a blog post - Say stay blessed. Say see you all real soon. I just did.

Love,
Shalu. R. 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Happy New Year 2017 !!



Greetings everyone.
First post. New Year 2017. And, as you all know, it's being dedicated to the greatest love of my life - my Dad. My Appa. My everything.
I begin with random ranting. In point format. It's easier to digest.
* Appa called me Kannama. It's a fiercely guarded pet name. No one gets to call me so, easily. If I smile when you call me so, then, yes !! - you are in my favourite people category. If I don't and reprimand you about it, I'm courteously asking you not to. Ever. Call. Me. So.
* Happy New Year 2017 everyone. Here's wishing all, another 365 days of happiness, good health and prosperity.
* I have hit more than 100,000 web views on my Blogspot. Unfortunately, the last I wrote was in mid August 2015. And, after a 13 month gap, I am doing today. It was inspired by the gratitude I wanted to give so many people in life. The ones who stand strong by me. Thanks again. You guys know who you are.
* I am a Scorpio. If you have read my earlier posts, you would have known by now, that relationships are Numero Uno to me. Some things money will never be able to buy. Good honest genuine relationships are one of them. Think about it. And sort your priorities.
* Kathalum Kadanthu Pogum. It was the movie I watched on recently Loved it. Every minute of it. Vijay Sethupathi & Madonna Sebastian amazed me from minute one till the last. I'll blog about it on soon. It's a lovely movie and I want to spread the word around.
* The plan is to write at least 4 posts per month. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I will diligently keep up. Inspiration needed.
* My 7th point. 7 is a lucky number. It's associated with Lord Tirumala, thus the extra significance. Vaikunda Ekadasi comes this Sunday. Say your prayers. Life is short. Make the best of it. Tell the people that matter how much you love them. Shower them with care and affection. And, tone down your anger level. It ain't cute and it ain't healthy either. Sow love. Reap love.
This is for now. This is for Appa. Everything in my life is a reflection of what he has given me.
Take care. God bless.
This is Shalu signing off, with love. Remember, be kind to everyone you meet. Sow love. Reap love. Xoxo.

 P/S :- Appa introduced this magical 1957 classic number to me. I'm not embarrassed to say I so, so love this song. It's a masterpiece. You have to let it sink in, gradually.  Ask me one of my favourite things, and I will definitely name you this song.