Sight-Seeing => Hyderabad

Pic 1: Hussain Sagar Lake
Pic 2: Joothis, Near Charminar
Pic 3: Peals, Choodi Bazaar
Pic 4: Neck-pieces, Choodi Bazaar
Pic 5, 6: Bangles, Choodi Bazaar
Pic 7, 8: Charminar
Pic 9: Shilparam, Hi-Tech City

Picture Courtesy: Sharanya Rajendran

Sights and Smells of Hyderabad!

I always wanted to take a break and escape somewhere the minute my college was over. Yes, Bangalore was my first option. But why go to the place where you’ve been to a thousand odd times? So my second option was Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. A visit to these places was a long, unachievable dream of mine. Well, most of them would say, what is so great about these places, But still, I wanted to visit the capital, the beautiful Taj Mahal and the pink city, no matter what.

I kept hounding my dad, but yes, it is raining cats and dogs there right now. My dad questions me, “What shopping will you do when it’s raining there? You can’t even step out.” Hmmm, true it is. Plan B also flops. When I decided to go ahead with Plan A, my dear friend Haritha visits Chennai (from Hyderabad) to collect some documents from college. As casual our talk can get, we decided that I should to go with her to Hyderabad (She was leaving in two days).

To my surprise, when Haritha asked dad, my parents readily agreed (I still find it strange though!). Finally, I was all set to get my share of well-deserved break that I was longing for. The tickets are all booked, and I am all set to leave.

I must say our train journey was fun. While Haritha got an AC Sleeper, I got the normal one. But she wasn’t convinced that I travel alone. (Oh! I love people pampering me ;)). Later, she exchanged with a person in my coach. We had a whole lot of fun and to travel with pals is much more than fun!

We reached the next day morning and find Kaushik (Hari’s Hubby) greeting us warmly! Well, I see a new city. I did visit Hyderabad about six-year’s back, during my school trip. But now, I see a whole new place. Big buildings, malls everywhere, cheesy film posters (Like really!), banners promoting Hyderabad Biriyani, bunches of Burkha Ladies, hot men and hindi all the way.

The first-day was visit to Hi-Tech city and a near-by place - Shilparam. It is a cultural-center, something similar to our Dakshinachitra. The place was constructed in a very arty manner. You enter the places to find several stalls where craftsmen display a bunch of artifacts and other products. It reminded me of Dastkari exhibition that happens at Kalashetra. I found some arty earrings, bags and bought quite a few products. You can see lovely ladies near the park wanting to decorate your palm with henna at a minimal price of Rs20. Will we miss it? No way! On the later part of the day, we went to few malls and Keshav Reddy Chat at Jubilee Hills. Wah! What pani-puris you get! One of the best that I've had!

It was a long day and we hit the bed as soon as we reached. However, I reminded Kaushik & Haritha of treating myself a nice Hyderabad Chicken Biriyani. (Hyderabad minus the biriyani? Nah!) The next day we decided to go to Charminar. I was waiting to see the charming old Hyderabad or rather the Nizam place. Most building had a mosque-look to it. We first hit Hotel Taj Mahal for lunch. Apparently, it is one of the best restaurants in the city. After having a sumptuous platter, we drove to Choodi Bazaar. As I walk in, I discover that the place is a heaven-on-earth for bangles. It was around three-o'-clock-ish, and the bangles were shimmering against the sunlight. I wanted to buy dozens of them, but I was bewildered after seeing the line-up of numerous shops.

Haritha and I would decide on one set, but will find something better in another shop. We literally scouted the place and I finally bought around 8 dozens of bangles! Oh, thank the Lord, I am a girl! :-)

Then I went hunting for surma, and to my surprise every other shop has the Arabic kohl! Talk about the city, the next thing that comes to mind is Kohlapuri chappals. Being a chappal-o-holic myself, will I miss it? ;) Bargained with my broken Hindi and I got two-pairs of them.

Then we drove to Husain Sagar Lake. Haritha was complaining about the lovely odor it produces, but I wasn’t convinced. We went to eat street, hogged and took a boat to see the Buddha statue. It did stink, but never mind. The place didn’t have anything much except for the tall, erected Buddha. We drove back home and had delectable Hyderabad Chicken Biriyani from Hotel Paradise (Another famous restaurant).

Next day, we drove Ramoji Film city. Though I've been there before, some sets were relatively new. The most exciting thing about this place is the bus-tour that they arrange for the visitors. The presenter was at his creative best and we enjoyed a lot.

The last day was more or less a rest day. I can’t end this post without mentioning the help, love and care Haritha & Kaushik provided. I almost felt like I was staying at my sister’s place. They made me so comfortable. A million thanks and hugs to them for making my visit a memorable one. Mwah to you guys!

Happily signing off,

Shara :-)

A change...

....is waiting for a change. A change that can make me happy. A change that I deserve the most. And, I know it is not too far. . .

Scribbles,
shara :)

Blessed

It was a cloudy Sunday evening. My heart is heavy. Full of worries. The only way I thought I can deal with this is to visit my favourite Church - St George Cathedral in Nungambakkam.

I entered the church and peace is what I get. The ceiling as high as the sky looks beautiful with English lights. Long fans, bright lights with children moving around and Pastors welcoming you with a smile. They really don't know you, but they lift their hand to bless you and say 'God Bless you my Child'.

With few minutes of prayer and flipping through sacred verses, I walk out of the church feeling blessed. I read the verse, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Co-incidentally, my friend sent me the same message few days ago.

He is watching.

Amen.

Smiles,
Shara :)

Mad-about-him (Madhavan)

*Please See: This post is dedicated to Sowmya :-) *

This is like my renewed internship for the second time with DNA. After my initial boredom days, they asked me to cover a showroom launch in UB City. Lisa Ray was the Chief Guest. So my editor asked me to interview her!

Surprisingly, even after affected by the dangerous disease (Cancer) she looked extremely good. The way she spoke itself conveys the confidence she has that is enough to survive the disease! With the two minutes time I had, I asked her around three questions. Number one being how did she handle the fact that she is been victimised by 'it', secondly being any word of hope she would like to give for people who are suffering from this incurable disease and lastly her experience in working with Deepa Mehta's latest flick 'What's cooking with Stella'. Being extremely diplomatic with her answers and hardly giving any elaborate replies, I had to dump her story! Nevermind I get a Rado wallet for wasting time :p

Ok now, forget that! I got a call from my office to cover another event that was happening in the same place and guess what Maddy had come to UB city to promote his upcoming film 'Teen Patti' along with other debutant's, director and producer. They gave a press conference there and typically PROMOTING their film by saying all good things. But this guy was all hippy and happy and just stayed himself throughout the event.

Wanting to interview him, I waited around 30 minutes for him in the hotel that was in the same venue. Now, this completely put me off. I just didn't know what to do apart from gazing at couples who publicly romanced and rich as****s who just didn't know what to with money! (Yes, I saw a guy purchase an umbrella for 6000 bucks!). He finally came out from his room looking visibly tired. (Poor guy!) Nevertheless, he charmed with his typical 'maddy' smile, believe me even the journalists went gaga over him.

Yes, he's put on weight and doesn't look like how he used to look like before. But his smile never fades! Guess that's the trick he uses to wow girls even though many 'new chocolate boys' (!) have forayed in the industry.

So in the little time I got, I questioned him only about food. Being called as the sexiest vegetarian among other hot men is no joke. And to put off with meat completely is no big deal. He answered all of them patiently and behaved like a gentlemen. Compared to these just born heroes who throw their price for giving one big hit (see below to see whom I am talking about ;)), he's far better.

He was done with interviews and was ready to pose for the cameras. He signed off with warm hugs and yes, the trademark smile. An extremely warm person with no 'heavy' top load :p He seriously makes people 'Mad-about-him' and I was no exception.

Signing off with MY trademark smile :D

Shara

Post Script: If at all I get to interview him I promise sowmya, I will get an autograph for you :-)

Vinnaithandi Varamatta (credits to sow) :D

I finally saw VTV in a local theater in Bangalore. After several attempts, I watched the film fully(Did you know, first I went to Ajantha Theatre to watch that film and power cut immediately after Hossana song. They reimbursed our tickets and I saw the entire film after a day in lavanya theatre). Guess only people like me will have such stupid experiences like this.

Coming to the point, I saw the film finally and loved Simbu and Trisha! For simbu, I just didn't imagine in my wildest dreams that he could act well. Subtle and extremely minimal expressions unlike his previous films. For Trisha, she looked so beautiful. The clothes she wore inspires me to wear saris! She was super hot, except for the fact that her role in the film was extremely confusing.

The story is simple. Boy meets girl, its love at first sight, and they both go around the city (they even go to my favorite place moonrackers:-) ) , exchange hugs, kisses and finally the girl backs off. Now this is new to tam films. Though an extremely common case today :p

So now what? I liked every part of it. But still, there are few things that went wrong. Number One being the climax. The climax of the film is the best part ever, I mean that's the most gutsy climax ever a director can give. But what's bothering me in that?

There is this scene were Trisha meets Simbu in a bridge after a gap of two years. She sees him and he sees her with her most ugly looking hus-band! Cut to watching Simbu's film. She sits next to him walks out the theatre and parts as friends with a handshake.

I mean a girl who can't even take few steps to talk to him on that day, flies a thousand plus miles to watch his movie? I don't see the logic in this!

Moreover, the line "enga appa strict" has no meaning attached to it apart from repeating it over thousand times! There is no establishing scene as to how strict is her appa. May be Menon should change it to "enga anna romba strict". The bro character in the film was one.

And finally Menon ends with a note saying "You can still be friends with you ex"! Personally if you ask me, you can still be friends provided that both of you are not committed to someone else or vice versa. Even if one of them is married or committed to someone else, its a DISASTER to keep in touch with them. Simbu looked like a complete loser in the last scene, while she happily walks off.

Hmmm, apart from this I loved every other part. Especially the dialogues of the film. They are penned in such a manner that it urges me to hear it from someone who can tell me that. Then there were these typical Menon's like flying to another city to met his love, having a mallu connect, the guy's super emotions for the girl etc. I wonder which guy falls head over heels with a girl like that!

signing off
shara

Back

I think my blog went in hibernation for few months! After reading updated ones by my friends blogs, I decided to kick start... all over again!

Will continue posting on topics I like,
Keep checking
Shar!

Its 12 'o' clock!

I usually get to bed quite early. Say around 10.30 pm! There have been only few instances where I stay online for a long time. Otherwise its usually around this time. Though I jump off early and make my bed cozy to 'sleep', I read books or text until I actually fall ASLEEP!

Of late, every night say around 12-1 am, I suddenly wake up and imagine me typing something in my comp! And what am I typing? About unusual concepts or rather concepts that I always wanted to talk about and share it in my blog.

I don't know why! Never have I tried doing that, but yeah still! I should give it a shot!

Cheers!
Sharu:)

interview with karthi :)

"Surya is my inspiration" - Interview with Karthi Sivakumar

It’s always been a dream for every new comer to make their debut film a super hit. Some succeed, some fail, but very few go that extra mile. Some critics compare his debut to that of Sivaji’s Parasakthi. Sivaji Ganesan created magic then, but for now it’s Karthi Sivakumar. Introducing the youngest son of the legendary Sivakumar and brother of actor Surya. Karthi flagged off his career with a sensational debut in Paruthiveeran, a movie that turned the tables in his career.

Attired in a casual jeans and a dark purple shirt, Karthi walks in the room quietly with a pleasant smile. The first thing that you notice when you sit for an interview with him is his killer eyes and the infectious smile. Well, that’s the trick the entire family did to wow us. Will karthi be an exception? Sharanya C.R records...

Karthi was raised like any other normal child. He finished his schooling in St.Bede’s and joined engineering in Crescent Engineering College. He went on to do his masters in the US and finally realized that his heart was with films. So when did the transition happen? “I was earning my scholarship, working 20 hours a week as a graphic designer in the US, when I realized that I never got tired of creative work. I suddenly understood my priorities. Earlier, I never had the clarity or courage to tell dad that I wanted to be in films though I always loved the medium. At that point I decided I wanted to be part of movie-making, the most interesting job ever,” says Karthi.

Later he joined a film institute in New York and did a small time course. But when he decided to come back to India, he was sure that he will work with ace director Mani Ratnam, as his assistant. “When Mani Sir was doing Ayutha Ezhuthu, he wanted a guy who looks like Surya’s brother for the film. Few people recommended my name. However, when he saw me he got a shock of his life. I looked like a hulk! Thanks to the pizza’s and burgers” chuckles the young lad.
Reminiscing about the times spent with Mani, he says, “Working with Mani Ratnam is an unforgettable experience. I always wanted to learn the best from the best people. Interacting with some of the top technicians like Ravi K Chandran, Sabu Cyril and a few others helped me a great deal. I felt I was sitting in a university!”

So when did Paruthiveeran happen? “I worked as an assistant director in both the versions – Ayutha Ezhuthu and Yuva. Later I got offers from many directors. However I wasn’t convinced with the script. Ameer then came with Paruthiveeran. The script was too tempting to say a ‘no’! After all, who wouldn’t reverie of a dream debut with him,” says Karthi.

No one would forget the impressive climax from the movie. Many even said that Karthi was too good for his first film. Winning the Filmfare Best Debut (Male) and the Filmfare Best Actor is something no actor would imagine! “When I did Paruthiveeran, I never bothered about the results. I was focused only on two things. One is delivering the best and the second being satisfying the director. When I saw the film for the first time in Albert theatre, people gave me a standing ovation for the climax. I was happy that my hard work finally paid off” he says with pride.

Son of a veteran actor, brother of a sensational star and brother-in-law of a pretty actress, what was their family’s first reaction when they saw the movie? “It was not just the public; my family too said that I was too good for my debut film. I literally got Goosebumps. I was glad that I made my parents feel proud of me.”

Immediately after the release of Paruthiveeran, the lad rose high winning several accolades for his performance. He was then signed up for Aayirathil Oruvan, a big project with Selvaragavan. The movie almost took a year and a half for completion and is finally releasing this November. Musing about his experience, Karthi says, “I signed the film before Paruthiveeran got released. Selva is such a fantastic director. Initially we decided to do a romantic film, but since Selva was bored of making romantic films, we switched to this. I knew the film would take a longer time to complete and I was thoroughly prepared for it. It’s such a fantastic script and one of a kind. The movie is about adventure and has an epic quality.”

On a question about his co-stars, he chuckles, “One guy stuck with two girls! Very difficult, that too both being weird in different ways. Jokes apart, both of them are lovely. We naturally became friends as the project was on for more than a year. Since AO is adventure genre, we need to travel for long distances no matter how the weather would be. It was pretty hard, as co-stars even Andrea and Reema Sen also travelled without complaining. We share a great rapport and we are still in touch.”

So how does he differentiate Ameer and Selvaragavan? “Both are brilliant directors. Ameer is a kind of director where he expects the actor to act like him. But Selva is more relaxed. He enacts the scene but allows the actor to use their imagination and act” says the actor.

The one-film old Karthi is excited about his next romantic flick, Paiyya directed by Lingusamy which has Tamanah in the female lead. “Paiyya is a very urban film. It’s my first romantic film and I am really excited about it. The outline of the movie is about a guy and girl who travel from Bangalore to Mumbai in a car. Well, the rest is a hush-hush” he winks.

Ask him about his favorite co-star, he blushes, “I got along with everyone. Be it Priyamani, Andrea, Reema Sen or Tamanah everyone were sweet with me.” Probe him more about this, he laughs, “I love them all.”

Finally any case of sibling rivalry in the Sivakumar household, “There have been comparisons between my brother and me. I don’t think its fare; he has come a long way and achieved a lot of things. I am just three films old. Moreover, I don’t see him as a competition. He is more of an inspiration to me. He has just crossed the same road ahead of me. So whenever I face a problem, one shout is all I need to do and I know for the fact that he is there beside to support me” he ends with a million dollar smile.

Quick FIVE

Surya as a brother or Surya as a Actor?
Both! Can we differentiate them?

Jyothika...
My best buddy

Best Compliment...
From Bharathiraja, “Dei enna da panna? Nee namba ooru paiyan da.”

Favorite Director?
Mani Ratnam

Upcoming Films ?
Paiyya, Nan Mahaan Alla and Siruthai

Post Script:
This is interview was for my journal! We went to his ghar, he has a separate office for himself. Gee, one of those heros who can speak good english! But yes, he does have an attitude problem !!

*sharanya cr*

In awe!

My dad always used to say, “There is an art of doing things. If you do it that way, it will be perfect.” I somehow second his thought. Though I don’t do things in order, after seeing something, I completely agree to his point.

Sowmya was shifting to Bangalore. They had called ‘packers and movers’ to pack all their stuff. One would easily notice the room being dusty, the place being noisy and people moving here and there. But if you look close, you can actually sense how creative the packing guys are!

While we were chatting, we noticed how creatively this man was packing the computer table and the computer itself. He simply attached a pillow to the monitor and plastered it around so that the screen escapes from scratches.

What an idea! I mean, when we are under work pressure, we usually end up doing something stupid. These men have a deadline, like say, finish it within few hours, but they still do it perfectly. They had bought so many rolls of carton sheets and they used them perfectly without wasting it.

Every work requires an art. When people used to question me why I didn’t take up engineering, I simply said I am not interested. There are 'still' few people whom I know personally who don’t consider other courses ‘respectable’ as engineering or mbbs! [Don’t know what ‘respectable’ in their dictionary means].

There are other few good gentlemen whom I know said, “Sharanya every course and job has a value.” I so got reminded of this while typing! They are true. Can we sit and pack all our belongings in such a nice way with minimum of time? No, right! It’s time people respect the work of others and never underestimate them by their work nature.

Signing off, shara

Meet the strangers

My meetings with strangers always have a story and this one is not an exception!

It was Saturday night. Say about 8.30 pm.

I was walking in MG road, on my way to Shivaji Nagar bus stop.

Usually I leave early from office, but that day work kept me busy until 8! So me and another friend of mine were literally running to the bus stop. It was quite a distance though.

We were walking in the road exactly opposite to Manipal Center. It's usually quite. That day, even worse. Much quieter and dark too. With breezy weather, one tends to enjoy such a walk!

Just then I unusually saw two women dressed in a bizarre way. One lady, quite huge, was wearing a saree with plunging neck line. The other was wearing a normal salwar but that was also quite revealing! Both were standing in the corner of the platform, smiling at all the male drivers in the cars which passed by.

It took me about a minute to sense that they were prostitutes! Honestly, I was scared. I had to pass by them. The lady in the saree gave me a cold stare. I was looking down and ran as fast as I could!

Finally reached the bus stop. Got a seat and phoned my sister and all I had to talk was about her! It's quiet strange, the way they lead their lives!


*signing off*
Shar :)

I is bored!

I is bored

-Not much work to do

I is feeling sleepy

-Yeah, I wake up early

I is hungry also

- It's 1.20 pm!

That was one helluva party!!

I always hated parties.

In my dictionary parties, discs and pubs are one reason for all the men in this world to touch women unnecessarily! I mean they go about touching women all over and they just don't realize how irritating it can get![I know few wannabes do enjoy]

Loud music that can tear apart my ear drum, the area filled with smoke and dancing or rather falling on each other is something I just don't prefer. That's one of the reasons why I avoid going to parties! The other being me not a part of this 'Oh so, wannabe gang'! [Oh God, Thankfully]

When my editor asked me to cover this party last night, I was shocked and surprised. I mean, they sort of know I am not this party material who would jump and grab the invitation! But still, they chose me! I had no choice but to go. They gave me an offer of taking friends along. Thankfully, I had guru. She has always been there when I needed her the most. Be it studying together, shopping or during times of emergency, like this one!

Me and guru decided to leave to Fuga [Supposedly, one of the hottest taverns in Blore] and be there at about 8.30 pm! We met there and was denied entry! LOL... We had to tell them that we are from the press and behave like this 'I am -very- interested -to -cover- ur- party' sorts!

Yay, they finally let us in! I went in to find a world by itself. You walk in the red lit glass floor and almost feel like stepping inside a place that never existed before! Fuga is awesome. Has about two floors, a pretty moderately sized dance floor and a pretty decent lounge bar!

Ok, now this is completely new to me! Seeing girls in uneasy outfits, weird men nodding their heads in a weird way, scary crowd, men and women tumbling all over the place and what not!

Guru and me got a drink for ourselves and set to the first floor! Since its been long since we met, we had loads to speak. But with loud music hitting our ear drum, we barely heard each other!

We spent quite some time gazing at those hot men and yeah a few women also ;-) and headed to the dance floor. I saw Nikhil Chinnapa, DJ Ivan and DJ Markus Schutz playing feet tapping music that made the crowd dance like never before! The place was chock-a-blocked with young chaps going boogie woogie!

We decided to move out after sometime. Silence is what I get! Moving out from a noisy, busy and boisterous place to the world 'I' belong to!

Oh, Freaking Lord, whatte party it was!!


*Jigging quietly*
Shar!

Post Script:
I don't know now if I like or dislike parties. All I can advice you is, please take someone with you while partying! NEVER go alone unless you hate people! If your a spectator, have a drink, sit quietly and move out like how I did! :P

Louing eett!!

Yes, am louing it! But louing what ?

My internship in Bangalore! I must say it's going in great guns! Never had a internship like this before. When compared to the last one I did in ANI, this one is rocking!

Just imagine you write all day and keep filing stories! And write what ? Features all day! Write on topics that you always don't talk much about and keep tickling your mind always to get new ideas! Isn't that lovely ?

A cubicle for an intern, a nice cute comp, no dress code (It doesn't matter anyways, am more of a kurta person!), a nice boss (unlike my previous boss! Gawd, how much I hated him! :P), a nice team of colleagues who don't throw attitude... wah wah... my dream work environment. Am sure GOD is making a note of it!

Hope it goes in great guns till this month end!
Cya all later! Will post soon!
Ore the loues,
Shar! :)

*BOWS* to RAHMAN!

A. R. RAHMAN >>>>>>>>>>> The genius,.... My GOD,..... the person who re-defined music has won the Oscar!!!

My gawd, I just cannot believe it! Two Oscars, not a joke man! :) :)

My heartiest congratulations to him! :)

He has brought the Oscars to our nation, that we were trying to get for 81 years!

KUDOS! I congratulate Pookuty too :)

*Happily* Signing off,
shara!

KICK START!

I just can't believe that this is my first post in 2009! Don't know what made me hold for the past two months! I was working...rather slogging to finish my projects, seminars, campaign and crap. It's typical for our college to give these crap at the last minute! God knows when they'll understand us!?!

I'll cut the crap now!

I had a great start! New year was so much fun with Vidya, Prabhu and Taarika. No matter how many ever new years come, I've silently made a promise to myself that I will celebrate only with them...and only in Bangalore! They are the most enthusistic couple that I've met so far! For all the food and drinks, the deserve a *hug*.. And bangalore is -the-place, I say!

I have to mention the street where Vidya stays! People are so so nice... enthu pataniiss!! I sometimes envy her. I think one should be lucky enough to get neighbors like that - very nice people, enthusiasts, fun loving and make great neighbors!!

My birthday was also fun! Appa & Amma surprised me with a cake and so did my School & College friends!! :) :) *hugs again*

After that, my life was screwed! With so many deadlines to meet, I went M.A.D! I am still M.A.D!

But blogging after a really really long time, feels great! :) :) Wil promise to post often!

Smiles :)
Shara

R.E.W.I.N.D

2008 was not a bad year for me. Professionally, I successfully completed my Journalism and joined Masters in Communication too! Great projects, great assignments add on to my list! Well, am really happy:-)

Personally,my bday was a disaster at the start of the year! Am just fine now, hope I hang on for 4 more days!!;-)Moving on, my sister's marriage gave me immense happiness! Marriages is truly a wonderful time to bond with lots of people! Well, the rest -don't ask- !! Am still single!:/

I just wish 2009 turns to be a much more nicer year for me and for the country as a whole. The nation saw some biggest disasters and witnessed huge loses, hope we see nothing of that in the coming year!

To all the readers of this blog, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have a great year ahead! May the Lord bless you guys with loads of happiness and good health!
*stay connected*

Love,
Sharu! :)

Post Script:
This happens to be my 50th post! Last post of the year!:D Have fun guys!:)

An unforgettable Wednesday

Mumbai terrorism attacks – something no Indian would have imagined that would happen to us. An attack which had an impact on every true Indian! An attack which is going on for 3 days which we have never witnessed before!

Well, what is happening to our country?

2008 is a bad year for us. Starting from Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur… we are witnessing so many terrorists’ attacks this year. Even after our country has been hit by so many attacks, we are still unable to zero-in on the perpetrator!

Frankly, all the blasts occurred except Mumbai had very less impact on me. I just prayed that everyone should be fine.

But today after seeing Mumbai suffer, I can hear my heart beats go in a rapid pace, a silent prayer goes through my mind, eyes filled with tears and that conveys helplessness and a sense of fear that prevails in me even now.. when I type this.

At this point I am really scared to step out of my house. I feel there is no positive vibes out here. I just want to say ‘enough is enough we can’t take it anymore’!

I want to just put down my thoughts here and show my anger. I just want to point out on the people whom I just hate now and show them what they have not done. But am just scared to go on.. .I sense now that the liberty to express has gone haywire! The blasts have just scared the hell out of me! I just want to say one thing “F**K them”!

I want to end here by thanking the NSG force and the various heros who have helped the people who have been trapped and especially the NSG for shooting the accused! Hats off to them and am just so proud how strong our army force is! It simply implies ‘Dude even if you take 3 days or 4 days, we are not gonna leave you alive’!

With a silent prayer for the people who have lost their lives, I sign off!

Post Script:
I really want to appreciate NDTV for their outstanding coverage on this. Personally I liked the way the news was presented by them. Especially Pranoy Roy for his comments that hooked me to write this! Well, I don’t have a legal platform to comment on this, am just happy that someone who is well learnt about all the sides is doing our job!

Varanam Aayiram.... to all the dads!

Movie: Varanam Aayiram

Cast: Surya, Sameera reddy, Divya Spandana, Simran.

Music: Harris Jayaraj

Director: Gautham Menon

Varanam Aayiram (meaning the strength of thousand elephants) is the most expected movie of the year. After the hot-combination of Surya and Gautham Menon in Kakha Kakha, the second movie of the duo is Varanam Aayiram which was released on Nov 14.

This movie is a tribute to Gautham’s father who passed away last year. The movie talks about the relationship that a father and a son shares. Typically it’s the relationship that Menon and his father shared, of course with a few cinematic elements added to it!

The story begins with Surya (as an army officer) while on a mission gets the news of the death of his father. He starts reminiscing about the days spent with father and the story cuts to a flash back.

Krishnan (Surya) is a government employee who is married to his college mate Malini (Simran). ‘Mundhinam’ is a beautiful penned song that shows the entire love story of theirs. It was love at first sight for him and the song which tells their love story can’t get any sweeter. The line where Simran says, “He just swept me off my feet” explains it all!

Moving on, Surya (played as his son) shares a unique kind of a relationship with his father. He looks upon his father more than his mother (as played by Simran). Theirs is more a friendship than a typical father-son relationship.

Surya goes to an Engineering college in Tiruchi, after his father borrows money to pay his capitation fees, but ends up watching movies than attending classes. While returning back after his final semester he meets Megna (Sameera Reddy) in the train. As expected, it was love at first sight for him! The emotions displayed by him when he sees her brings a smile to everyone who is watching the movie. The way he pats his chest and admires her secretly is most romantic scene in the whole movie!

He starts playing his guitar which is followed by the ‘Nenjukul Peidhidum Mamazhai’ song. His attempt to impress her goes in vain as she leaves to America for higher studies. After setting up his own company along with his friends he follows Sameera and finally wins her heart! (Wonder which father allows his son to go in search of a girl when there is no money around! This is too cinematic to believe. I suppose Gautham did a similar scene in his life too – refer Times article).

A major blast occurs where Sameera loses her life and Surya comes back to India. He meets his sister - Shriya’s friend and neighbour played by Divya who helps him overcome the sorrow. Surya’s unable to forget her gets into drugs and the scene where the withdrawal stage happens is tremendously done by the actor. He was so real and his acting was just brilliant. He comes out of it and at the advice of his father takes a break and goes to Kashmir!

The complete transformation happens when he gets engaged in finding a kidnapped kid and realizes his true self to become an army officer. The awaited six-pack scene comes and everyone goes ‘ahhh’ while watching him! He moves to Delhi and Divya follows him this time and love strikes again! Moving on, Krishnan is diagnosed with lung cancer. And well you can imagine the climax, which directs to the first scene of the movie.

The first half of the movie was great mixture of songs and scenes that moves at a faster pace while the second half was a drag! Certain scenes remained cinematic and so unrealistic while the romantic parts of the story are well crafted and the emotions are well displayed.

This is Gautham’s story through Surya! Surya is the main substance of the story and story revolves around him. He has done full justice to the movie and has shown great acting skills. His hard work is clearly visible and there needs no surprise if he wins a Filmfare award for best actor category this year! I can see a South Indian Aamir Khan shaping in him! The father, the teenage son, the college student and the army officer (where he sports a six pack) is differentiated so clearly. Well for the ladies, all the three heroines get an equal share and have done a great job!

The music score is just wonderful! All the songs are nice and the music itself becomes the USP of the movie. If he hadn’t dragged the movie and cut some unbelievable scenes, the movie will rated 5/5 by me! Well, for all the hard work done by Surya and Gautham I give them 3.5/5!!

Post Script: Watch the movie with no expectations and if your an ardent Surya fan, there is no doubt you will just LOVE watching this movie! And for me, I LOVED SURYA! :) He is a hot property for Tamil industry!

Sa-Ro-Ja Movie review!

MOVIE REVIEW



Movie – Saroja
Genre – Thriller / Comedy
Director – Venkat Prabhu
Cast – SPB Charan, Vaibhav, RJ Shiva, Premji Amaran, Prakash Raj, Jayram, Vega,
Sampath.
Bottom Line – Four friends are mistakenly caught up with baddies and help save the
daughter of rich businessman who is kidnapped by them.
Rating: * * * *

Rarely Tamil cinema has seen the two completely different genres ‘Thriller’ and ‘comedy’ in one movie. Hats-off to director Venkat Prabhu for taking such a big step in entertaining the Tamil audience. ‘Sa-ro-ja’ is a promising movie by Venkat Prabhu which will have you in splits. He re-creates the magic after the runaway success of blockbuster ‘Chennai – 600 028.’

The story begins with the lead character Saroja (Vega) being kidnapped. Prakash Raj played as the girl’s father (a rich Businessman) calls up the police and starts the investigation. Jayram plays the role of Asst Commissioner and friend of Prakash Raj.

Meanwhile the story cuts to the lively and bubbly gang of four friends, Jagapathi Babu (SPB Charan), Ajay (Shiva), Ganesh (Premji Amaran) and Raj Babu(played by new comer Vaibhav).The four friends decide to go to Hyderabad to watch India – Pakistan match. A major accident occurs which forces them to take another route to reach the destination. This is when the story actually begins.

The four men land up in an area where there is no way out. They find themselves in the midst of the baddies who tries to murder them. They try to escape and find Saroja (Vega) who is kidnapped by them. Sampath (Sampath) plays the kidnapper with a gang of guys who assists him. Saroja with the help of these four men tries to escape and what follows next is the climax.

Prakash Raj has played his role really well. The emotions expressed by him sure needs applause, especially when he tries to confess to his wife and when he bursts out thinking about his daughter! Jayram too has played it well. But after years of seeing him as a comedian, this role of his is hard to accept. The villain Sampath is definitely used well by the director. We were just wondering why they wasted him in Chennai – 600 028!

The four guys – SPB Charan, Vaibhav, Premji Amaran and Shiva have loads of acting skills that should be noted by the directors of Tamil industry! Premji’s comedy line in this movie, ‘Evalavo pannitom, idha panna maatoma’ (From Vijay’s movie) is sure to make us laugh out loud! The movie has comedy where it shouldn’t have. When you just think the movie is getting serious, Premji has something for you! He is best used only by his brother.

And for the ladies, Vega is the only female lead who has some weightage in her role.(That too, only for the second half of the movie!). Nikita played as Sampath’s love, shakes her leg for a song and vanishes and so does Kajal Agarwal who is played as Shiva’s woman!

The location of the movie sure needs to be mentioned. We wonder where in Hyderabad the area exists. The music for the movie is composed by Yuvan Shaker Raja. His rapport with brother Venkat has produced great results and one can witness in this movie. The songs ‘Cheeky Cheeky’ and ‘It’s my Life’ has a western blend. While songs such as, ‘Dost bada Dost’, ‘Koodana Kodi’ and ‘Nimirndhu Nillu’ is typical of Yuvan’s music.

The 3 - day movie is sure to entertain you for the 3 hours you’ve paid! If you haven’t laughed out loud before, watch Sa-Ro-Ja, the complete entertainer!


By,
Sharanya CR

Post Script:

Delayed post! Wrote this review a few days of the release for our newspaper! Tell me hozz it guys!!By the way, the guys Vaibhav and Sampath were HOT!!:D I loved the movie...saw it thrice already!:) This is review is 'ore peter' typical for newspaper purpose.. my review is 'semma tucker machan' :P :P