Posts

Posted on

Tamizh 3.0: 4 பண்ணுக்கு பாட்டெழுதுதல் – Lyrics for a Tune

கனடா கனடா நீ அழகு பூஞ்சோலை
என்னுள்ளே என்னுள்ளே தித்திக்கும் தேன் மழை
உன்னை நினைக்கையிலே அம்மம்மா என் நெஞ்சமே
பட்டாம்பூச்சிகளும்தான் சிறகடித்து, இங்கு பறந்திடுமே
என்தன் வாழ்வின் ஒளி தீபம்
அது யாரோ நீ…

கனடா கனடா நீ அழகு பூஞ்சோலை
என்னுள்ளே என்னுள்ளே தித்திக்கும் தேன் மழை

தாழம்பூவ போலுனது வாசம் வசந்தமே
கோடையிலும் சில்லென சாரல் பல பல வீசுமே
பனிமழை பொழிகையில்
என் உள்ளம் பூக்குமே
பஞ்சுபோல் பனி பறந்திட என் நெஞ்சம் பறக்குமே
கனடா கனடா என் கனவம்மா
இந்த மண்ணின் மணம் என்னை கவர்ந்ததம்மா

கனடா கனடா நீ அழகு பூஞ்சோலை
என்னுள்ளே என்னுள்ளே தித்திக்கும் தேன் மழை

வான்குவரில் இயற்கை வளங்கள் கோடி கொட்டி கிடக்குதே
அதை ரசிக்க ருசிக்க பிறப்பு பல பல வேண்டுமே
பனிமலைகளும் அருவியும்
முத்தமிட்டு விளையாடுதே
கார்மேகமும் வனங்களும் புதிர்கள் போடுதே
கனடா கனடா சொல்லம்மா
நாமிங்கு வாழ்வது இறைவரமா

கனடா கனடா நீ அழகு பூஞ்சோலை
என்னுள்ளே என்னுள்ளே தித்திக்கும் தேன் மழை
உன்னை நினைக்கையிலே அம்மம்மா என் நெஞ்சமே
பட்டாம்பூச்சிகளும்தான் சிறகடித்து, இங்கு பறந்திடுமே
என்தன் வாழ்வின் ஒளி தீபம்
அது யாரோ நீ…

 

Posted on

Tamizh 3.0: 3 திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! Impacts of Thirukkural!

What is Thirukkural?
Thirukkural is a collection of couplets on Ethics, Politics / Wealth and Love, composed by Thiruvalluvar. There is no clear evidence of when Thiruvalluvar lives or when this work was presented – it is believed to be anywhere between 300 BC and 6th century AD.

Thiru means the One who is Omniscient and Kural means Words – Words of the Omniscient. We can see that there is no reference to any religion in this work. Hence, it belongs to all mankind. It is a set of common rules that a man/woman has to follow to live a splendid life, in the path of righteousness.

This book is structured into 133 chapters, each containing 10 couplets (or kurals), for a total of 1,330 couplets. All the 133 chapters have an ethical theme and are grouped into three parts, or “books”

Book I – Aṟam (அறம்): Book of Virtue, dealing with moral values of an individual (Chapters 1-38)

Book II – Poruḷ (பொருள்): Book of Polity, dealing with socio-economic values, polity, society and administration (Chapters 39-108)

Book III – Inbam (இன்பம்): Book of Love (Kama), dealing with psychological values and love (Chapters 109-133)

The book on aṟam (virtue) contains 380 verses, that of poruḷ (wealth), has 700 and that of inbam or kāmam (love) has 250. Each kural or couplet contains exactly seven words, known as cirs, with four cirs on the first line and three on the second.

One of the many Kurals that has had a huge impact on me is

Kural 183
புறங்கூறிப் பொய்த்துயிர் வாழ்தலின் சாதல்
அறங்கூற்றும் ஆக்கத் தரும்

This kural, hits the nail right on the forehead – it means, it is better to die than talk bad about a person when they are not present and talk pleasantly in their presence. Through this Kural, Valluvar is asking everyone to be truthful not just to everyone around, but also to oneself.

This kural also reminds me of the triple filter test that I heard of a long time ago that Socrates used while talking / gossiping about people
Is the information shared TRUE?
Is this information something GOOD or KIND?
Is this information USEFUL or NECESSARY?

If the answer is NO to any of these questions, why to proceed?

Valluvar asks everyone to introspect, and talk about those things that are useful for oneself and the society, many many years prior to this triple filter test. If only we all follow these words of wisdom.

CONCLUSION:
Thirukkural cannot be caged – it is not for just one sect of the populace. Its principles are for everyone – man, woman, kids, saint, kings, politicians – everyone on this earth. Impacts of Thirukkural cannot be condensed in a few pages. Each couplet has a profound meaning, all in seven words. The more you read, understand and follow in your day-to-day life, the more you would enjoy.

I pray, that everyone follows the path of riotousness as prescribed by Valluvar for a peaceful world.

Here is a collation of a few of the impacts of Thirukkural in my life…

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #1
Impacts of Thirukkural! #1
————————————-
Kural 1
அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு

When I think about திருக்குறள், this is the kural that always comes to my mind as that is the logo and theme of Kavithalayaa Films of இயக்குனர் சிகரம், Sri. Balachander. This is the banner that has brought us a number of beautiful, forward thinking movies. And, for me, it brings in a lot of beautiful childhood memories – the times we have been to various movies in beautiful Vellore.

The times we used to rent a VCR for a couple of days and a number of movies at the same time to enjoy; how we had our neighbours join us to watch the movies and how mom had to prepare food for everyone. It was those innocent, simple and beautiful days when people were not immersed about themselves and actually were ready to help each other and had time for one another. Those times when technology had not invaded our homes, and kids were allowed to be kids.

Those beautiful days…

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #2
Impacts of Thirukkural! #2
————————————-
Kural 411
செல்வத்துட் செல்வஞ் செவிச்செல்வ மச்செல்வம்
செல்வத்து ளெல்லாந் தலை.

This weeks’ topic has certainly kindled some memories of the long post past. I fondly remember my Tamizh Teacher in grade 9&10, Mr. Srinivasan. Though he is no more, I still remember his classes.

This above kural is one of the many that he would repeatedly remind us – an unruly class of teens. He insisted that we used this gift of listening. The meaning of this kural is – of all the wealth / gift that one can attain in this world ‘ear’ (listening) is the best.

Though it seemed to fall into deaf ears those days, that kural has always stayed with me. Over the years, when the meaning of the kural got ingrained in my head, the impact was even powerful.

Certainly the ability to listen is the supreme gift one can posses as that can solve many problems in our lives. If we listen, we can understand better; we we can sense better and thereby act more appropriately.

If people listen to one another they would not be talking at or over each other. Eternal peace and tranquility would prevail in this world.

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #3
Impacts of Thirukkural! #3
————————————-
Kural 788
உடுக்கை இழந்தவன் கைபோல ஆங்கே
இடுக்கண் களைவதாம் நட்பு.

A friend in need is a friend indeed – is an English proverb / phrase that has come into existence since 11th Century. However, our Valluvar has mentioned this centuries before Christ.

Many people come into our lives each day. Just as a train journey (our life), each person enters in a station and leaves when they reach their destination. No one is there forever. Most of them have their own agenda when they extend their friendship. Once in a long while though, we do get to meet good friends, that truly live the words of Valluvar. Don’t miss out on such friendships.

One need not talk to these amazing friends on a daily basis; there is an automatic sync with them and you know that they are there for you as a solid rock, to hold you when you need them the most – financially or otherwise.

If only everyone, lived by these wonderful words of wisdom, wherein they treat everyone as a great friend and run to help each other, there would be no more animosity and hatred amongst people – in a community, state, country or even the world. Only love and peace would reign!

Hope we all would get to live in that peaceful world, one day!

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #4
Impacts of Thirukkural! #4
————————————-
Kural 592
உள்ளம் உடைமை உடைமை பொருளுடைமை
நில்லாது நீங்கி விடும்.

Passion and zeal is the most valuable possession that one can have for any other wealth / material possession is transient and will be lost one day. This is a kural that I love to repeat to myself particularly on those days when things are not going the happy path.

This kural certainly provides the motivation to lift up the sprit and not lose hope during challenging times. During the initial days in Canada while struggling to set foot in this unknown land and culture, this kural gave me the strength to face all hurdles.

Even today, when any challenge knocks my door, this kural reminds me that like a Phoenix I can return from the ashes, as long as I have the passion and zeal to win.

On this fourth day, I would remind everyone that there is a Phoenix hidden in each one of us. All we have to do is to hold on to our passion and follow our hearts, just as what Valluvar has said.

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #5
Impacts of Thirukkural! #5
————————————-
Kural 314
இன்னாசெய் தாரை யொறுத்த லவர்நாண
நட்னயஞ் செய்து விடல்

Thinking of the kural where Valluvar says the way to punish someone that has harmed us is to keep doing good to them and thereby shaming them. Many a times I had wondered if this kural holds good in today’s world, in 21st century where most of the people are very selfish and would do anything to attain their goals.

When this kural is looked at deeply, one can understand its validity in this century. Here is my interpretation. When is it that we get offended and feel bad when someone burners us – it is when we have expectations. Valluvar also implies that you do good and forget both the harm done by the person and the good you have done. In other words bear no expectations which is the root cause for our misery. So, keep doing good with no expectations- either good or bad.

Good deeds are certainly like boomerang – it will find its way back to us in some form. There will always be someone to lend a helping hand when we are in need. I love the ‘pay it forward’ motion in some cages in some European countries, wherein you can pay for someone’s drink in advance.

Valluvar was right. One needs to keep doing their part with no expectations. If only everyone, followed this kural and kept doing only good deeds, this world would be another Garden of Eden, with everything in surplus!

திருக்குறளின் தாக்கம்! #6

Impacts of Thirukkural! #6
————————————-
Kural 20
நீர்இன்று அமையாது உலகெனில் யார்யார்க்கும்
வான்இன்று அமையாது ஒழுக்கு

In the second chapter of Thirukkural, Valluvar very clearly describes the importance of rain and water for mankind. It is now scientifically proven that man can live without food for about 3 weeks but only 3 days without water. It is a wonder that he already knew this fact. Also, it is very surprising to know that Valluvar already knew about evaporation and condensation (kural 17).

Valluvar, in the kural quoted above, aptly says rain and water is so important that when righteousness and good deeds vanish when there is no water. People fight and even kill one another in those areas where there is scarcity of potable water. People fight for drops of water. I remember those Vellore days when there was water scarcity during the summers and we had to wait for the government to release potable water. Water was released during the wee hours every two to three days and everyone used to be awake to fill their homes with enough water to survive the next couple of days. Have seen a number of fights when the water tanker came in with the supply of water.

Luckily we live in a country where there is abundance of rain and water. However, if we do not take care of this precious liquid and allow for climate change to happen, we will one day have scarcity in this land of abundance. Hope and prayers that this adopted motherland of our’ is always filled with the richness of rain and water!

#VTW
#VTWdf3
#VTW_Tamil3
#VTW_Tamildf3_3
#DM_VTWTamil3

Posted on

The Losing Game – Part 3

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The following account is my journey of weight loss. It is not necessary that this should work for everyone. Please consult your medical professional / nutritionist for specifics regarding what diet would suit you.

Thus came along Jan 20. After a carefully rationalized lunch at Saravanaa and the last minute shopping of chocolates to be delivered to my teams in Colombo and Hyderabad I was back home, to pack for this 2.5 week trip.

After supper, I was ready to leave to the airport. My mind was a smorgasbord of questions on how I was going to manage my weight. I was an Endomorph, waiting to add kilos. I had to conquer this trip, absolutely by conditioning my brain and thereby my body.

As a part of my diet plan, one thing was clear – I had to burn more calories than what I consumed to ensure I lost weight. If there was no opportunity to burn calories, I had to reduce the calories consumed, without compromising on the minimum calories required for a person to be healthy. Also, I had to ensure that my diet was balanced – 25% Carbs, 40% Protein and 35% good Fat.

I had started analyzing the calories in each of the common food items that I consumed, particularly, the East Indian plethora of food. For example 1 normal sized homemade idly packed 40 calories; 1 normal sized homemade dosa had 35 calories; 1 small roti 25 calories. A cup of rice (4 spoonful) had 220 calories; a small bowl of daal 170 calories; 1 large egg white 17 calories; I cup of yogurt 200 calories; 1 aappam 45 calories; vada and poori was a big no-no.

This knowledge of calories had to be combined with how much protein and good fat was in the food for carbohydrates alone did not have any nutritional value.

With this basic information, while in the flight I started charting out a plan for the weeks outside home. Of course, in the flight I had no option but to eat what was served. I ate the fruits, small portion of rice and daal. I avoided the desert. I had to spend 13 hours at the HK airport as a layover before I could board the flight to Colombo. In the lounge, where all food was free, I selected the steamed vegetables and bread made out of whole wheat or multi-grains. I did not have any juices as none of them were fresh and were loaded with sugar.

In Colombo, I had the buffet option for breakfast. I carefully selected my meal – 1 dosa (small), 1 aappam, 1 cup of fresh juice (pineapple, cucumber & carrot with no additional sugar) and 1 small cup of yogurt with nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts and coconut). This was a real sumptuous breakfast that kept me full for a long time that my intake during lunch was controlled. I continued with the same every morning while in Colombo.

The lunch was served at our meeting site. Again, I chose 4 spoons of red rice, with daal gravy and the vegetables in the menu. Dinner was Roti with vegetables or 3 spoons of rice with vegetables. Of course there were a couple of burger dinners with colleagues. You would notice that I tried to balance it all out – have fun in the company of people while ensuring I eat right.

As I had forgotten to pack my swimming trunks in my baggage, I missed out on swimming. Though I didn’t swim, I had no regrets, as I was always worrying about the quality of the water in those pools (no matter even if I were staying in Cinnamon Grand, one of the best hotels in Colombo). And while swimming, I would invariably ingest a few gulps.

Ergo, my exercise in Colombo was the walk along the sea wall, enjoying the sound of the waves hitting the shore, the street vendors selling fish, cotton candy and various snacks. And, the view of the Chinese company that was defining a new coast line, by reclaiming the land from the sea on one side and the tall buildings that housed the various multinational chain hotels – Shangri La, Hilton, etc.

In Hyderabad, though I had the opportunity to get egg whites, I did not try raw egg white, as I didn’t want to be sick. In fact I was not having raw vegetables during the entire trip, as that was one of the main reasons for having Delhi Belly.

Hyderabad was more difficult when it came to diet, for there was so much rich food available there. Even though the quantity was rationalized, each morsel was loaded with calories. And there was sugar freely available. To balance it, I ensured that I walked my 10000 steps each day. And, took the opportunity to hike a nearby hill, in Hyderabad.

My breakfast usually consisted of Dosa / Idly. The lunch constituted of 4 spoonful of rice with lots of lentil gravy and veggies. Dinner was stuffed paratha – I avoided naan and paratha stuffed with potato.

In general, I did not lose out on any good food, and actually enjoyed my regime. It certainly was not very difficult, particularly being a vegetarian and travelling. Finally, when the trip done and I returned to Vancouver, I had gained only 1 kg in 3 weeks. Not bad at all.

My main learning in this trip were

  • Everyone has to be aware of one’s body needs and while on a weight loss program ensure that they are not starving. Starving is an open invitation to add more fat in unwanted places of your body. When you starve, you body thinks you are not going to get food and would trigger the conservation mode. I’m sure you would have all guessed where this conservation was going to show up; yes, the belly and the back first.
  • You can be in a diet and certainly need not kill yourself. You can still enjoy the simple pleasures of life – some great food.
  • As the saying goes “anything in excess is poison”, it is all in the quantity. Eat in right proportion and never stuff yourself.
  • Keep a routine and have food at the right time. Though I had to work the night shift with my team during the travel, I ensured that I was not eating snacks throughout the night. My dinner was usually done by 8:30 pm and I avoided eating anything after that. To energize myself, I had tea. The stomach does need some rest during the night.
  • The one thing that went for a toss was the 7 hours of sleep – I was not able get the 7 hours even if I was willing to spilt it.

When I returned on Feb 5th and weighed myself, I was down by 3 kg from the starting point – 86.5 to 83.5 kg. I had 7 more weeks before when I had to lose another 7 kg to be able to win the challenge, with M. Yes, certainly an uphill daunting task.

The very fact that I was able to manage travelling and actually gain only 1 kg during that time, gave me the confidence that I can do it. I had to be stricter in my regime. I cannot yield to temptations and my diet can do it.

So, what is this diet called?

to continue…

The Losing Game – Part 1

The Losing Game – Part 2

Posted on

The Losing Game – Part 2

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The following account is my journey of weight loss. It is not necessary that this should work for everyone. Please consult your medical professional / nutritionist for specifics regarding what diet would suit you.

More than the concern of a weight gain, my worry had always been about the challenge. M had said that beginning of April, whether I win or lose, it would be published in our fitness page in Facebook, for public to view. Calling out publicly would be my worst nightmare. Of course if I win, M would also sponsor a dinner.

I was in frenzy because, the weekend of Jan 12, we had gone to visit my cousin in Seattle. Just 1.5 days with them and the rich Indian food that I ate (though I was very careful about the quantity), gained me 1.5 kg, which was not expected in this Losing Game. So, I was aware that I would put on weight, very easily. How was I going to manage the weight increase, particularly when I am touring Colombo and Hyderabad, working the Canadian hours and with few hours of sleep?

As a part of the diet for the weight loss plan, it was suggested that 2 egg whites a day for breakfast would balance the protein requirement, and also would keep the appetite low. But, how was I going to consume egg whites for I don’t eat eggs at all (except in store bought pastries).

I wanted to give egg whites a try, as I wanted to lose this 1.5 kg gain, before I started my trip. I bought the Burnbrae brand “Simply Egg Whites”. Though I searched for the various ways in which I could consume egg whites, I was not convinced about the smell once cooked and if I would be able to eat it at all. The only method that sounded convincing was to mix it raw in a cup of hot milk with 2 teaspoons of honey and drinking it.

The first day (Monday) that I decided to try it out was horrendous. I measured a cup of milk and boiled it with 2 teaspoons of liquid honey. In a cup I poured a quarter cup of egg white and kept it ready. When the milk was lukewarm, I poured it into the egg white. I felt as if I could smell the egg cooking. Closing my eyes and covering my nose, I started pouring the egg white milk directly into my throat.

I did it! And lo and behold, I was not feeling any hunger pangs until 3 pm. Amazing! I was now motivated to try egg white again the next morning.

I had a light lunch and very light supper at about 6:30 pm, followed by 45 minutes of swimming, just as what I had been doing since Jan 2. The next morning when I weighed myself, I saw a reduction of almost 500 grams. That was something that I did not expect. Now, I was convinced to continue with egg white.

The second day, with new enthusiasm and motivation, I did not have difficulty drinking the milk with egg white. I realized that there was absolutely no smell for egg white. The lunch and supper was similar to the previous day and there was another 300 grams lost. This trend continued until that weekend, culminating on Jan 20 when my nightmare began.

Let us now try to understand as to what happened that I gained 1.5 kg, so easily over a day and a half, when I was losing in hundreds of grams, after careful diet and diligent exercise each day.

While talking about weight loss or the desire to lose weight, we need to understand that there are three kinds of body types. We all need to be aware of our body type to be able to gauge what would suit us.

The three body types are Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph. Though we all have a tendency towards being in one of the three types due to our genetic makeup, our lifestyle also plays a part in how our body will look. Therefore, we can definitely change it over time, if we are determined.

ECTOMORPH
An ectomorph tends to be thin and struggles to gain weight as either body fat or muscle. They can eat loads of food and still stay looking the same, even when gaining muscular weight is their primary goal. They appear skinny and underweight and have a relatively faster metabolism, making addition of fat or muscle very difficult. They are often called hard gainers. They preferentially burn carbohydrates and fats for fuel. Ectomorphs should eat relatively high-carbohydrate diets. Their optimal daily calorie intake should be more than 50% percent carbohydrates, and an almost equal percent of protein and fat.

Characteristics:
Narrow hips and clavicles
Small joints (wrist/ankles)
Thin build
Stringy muscle bellies
Long limbs

MESOMORPH
The mesomorphs are the ideal ones that has the middle-of-the-road build taking the best of both worlds. They have a natural tendency to be fit and muscular. They can easily get back into shape, than the other two types. They appear muscular and athletic and have efficient metabolism. They burn carbohydrates and fats, with a preference for carbohydrates than fatty acids. Mesomorphs should eat a diet predominantly consisting of proteins and fats and less than 50% of carbohydrates.

Characteristics:
Wide clavicles
Narrow waist
Thinner joints
Long and round muscle bellies

ENDOMORPH
The endomorphs, unfortunately, has got the raw end of the stick. They tend to gain weight easily and keep it on. They have good strength, little to no stamina, and average endurance. They may have more muscle than either of the other body types, but they often struggle to gain it without significant amounts of accompanying body fat. They appear to be be overweight and mostly fat, and suffer from water retention issues, couples with a very slow metabolism. They just tend to store carbohydrates and fats. With everything going against them, Endomorphs should minimize empty calorie intake. Their optimal daily calorie intake should be one-quarter of carbohydrates and the rest, protein and good fat.

Characteristics:
Blocky
Thick rib cage
Wide/thicker joints
Hips as wide (or wider) than clavicles
Shorter limbs

As a reference point, South Asians, genetically, tend to be mostly Endomorphs, and I was not an anomaly. Being an Endomorph, myself, I tend to gain weight easily and retain it. No wonder I gained 1.5 kg over the weekend.

And came Jan 21, my hurdle and nightmare, thinking about the horrors of what would happen if I lose this Losing Game! For I was sure, M would certainly publish the results publicly.

to continue…

PC: www.bodybuilding.com

The Losing Game – Part 1

Posted on

The Losing Game – Part 1

2018 had been one of those rare years where I attempted numerous things and actually got hooked on to hiking, much to my surprise. We had done a few hikes as a group through a community group and also individually with a group of friends that included my buddy M.

My passion for hiking increased to such feverish heights that, when M asked me if I would be interested in doing the West Coast Trail (WCT), an 80 km hike in the rugged terrain of Vancouver Island, without batting my eyelid, I said yes.

Maybe, M thought I was just fibbing and was not serious about this strenuous hike. Nevertheless, I started collecting information about this trail and how to actually accomplish this feat.

It was a cold evening in December when I met M at the movie “Possession of Hannah Grace”. While chatting, about various things, slowly the topic changed to WCT hike and this time, I was more knowledgeable. I was able to talk about the trail. As M saw that I was quite serious about WCT, he right away said, I had to consider my health and my weight in particular, if I was seriously considering hiking WCT.

Well, I knew weight was an issue. Though I was doing a lot of hikes, WCT was another beast altogether and I knew that. I had to backpack and actually be able to carry a weight of about 22 kg and hike the terrain. I had already considered that, and still I wanted to do it.

When we met at a common friends house, the next time, before Christmas, WCT invariably came for discussion. I insisted on trying the trail in 2019. Out of nowhere, M challenged me to reduce my weight by about 10 kilos in three months. I accepted without thinking how I was going to do that. My only condition was that I would start in the New Year, as I didn’t want to lose out on eating sumptuous dinners during the holiday season.

Thus the Losing Game began.

After returning home, I started worrying about how I was going to achieve this, particularly with a very hectic schedule, that included travelling. I started Googling and reading a lot of materials. Most of them either talked about strenuous diets or exercises. There was no middle path. Every one of these dieticians was placing restrictions on a lot of food varieties. And me being a vegetarian was not being helpful at all. Adding on, when your staple food is rice, and to top it all, if you have allergies (for chlorine in water), you are literally dead.

So, how was I going to do it? I didn’t want special foods to be prepared at home for each meal, for myself, to cater to my diet. I wanted a more sustainable option. Something that I can follow for a long time, better yet make it my lifestyle.

During one of my researches, I stumbled upon a diet that seemed to be doable. It was not asking me to let go of most of the food items, but asked me to eat them all in the right proportion and only when hungry. Just had to avoid caffeine, deep-fried food, potatoes and sugar – cheating once in a while was allowed. The amount of exercise required was only about 30-45 minutes a day and that too, not vigorous ones. That seemed reasonable and I didn’t bother to check what diet this was.

On Jan 2nd I started this wonderful journey. Also, I started off with swimming in the evenings.

I had a cup of hot water with half a lemon – trying to fool my brain (in vain) that it was coffee.

With no coffee and very less carbs for 2 days, I had started having withdrawal symptoms. By the end of the second day, I had headaches and nausea. My body needed caffeine very badly. Like an addict, I smelt coffee to appease my brain cells. The third and fourth days were the worst. I was very irritable and my brain was not functioning properly. My brain said that I had to drink a large Starbucks mug of coffee and eat a large scoop of ice cream with potato fries.

However, I didn’t want to give up. I had to fight. I resisted. After all, at the end of it, this game was for my benefit.

Lo and behold, by the fifth day, I started seeing my weight decrease. The weighing machine showed a kilo less. That certainly was a huge motivation. By the time it was a week, I started getting used to no coffee and less carbs. From then on, I noticed that I was losing more than a kilo per week. I lost 4 kg by Jan 20. As a treat for myself, as a family we had a sumptuous meal at Saravanaa Bhavan (and I cheated).

What an awesome feeling it was to feel lighter! However, nobody (including my best half) actually noticed my weight loss, which was disheartening. I did not lose hope though, and comforted myself that people would start noticing soon.

Jan 21st, I hit the first obstacle.

to continue…

Posted on

Super Deluxe – A Review

Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Produced by Tyler Durden and Kino Fist
East West Dream Works
Alchemy Vision Workz
Screenplay by Mysskin
Nalan Kumarasamy
Neelan K. Sekar
Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Story by Thiagarajan Kumararajan
Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematography P. S. Vinod ; Nirav Shah
Edited by  Sathyaraj Natarajan
Starring Vijay Sethupathi as Manikam (Shilpa)
Fahadh Faasil as Mugilan
Samantha Akkineni as Vaembu
Gayathrie as Jothi
Ramya Krishnan as Leela
Mysskin as Arputham (Dhanasekaran)
Bagavathi Perumal as SI Berlin
Ashwanth Ashokkumar as Rasukutty
MirnaliniRavi as alien

A dark, raw movie, with humour laced all over, and sometimes in weirdest spots. It is a mélange of four different parallel stories (Vijay Sethupathi; Samantha and Fahadh; Ramya Krishnan and Myskin; the four teenage boys) that are related but not in a linear fashion. Also, these four tracks get intertwined at some point, but certainly not at the culmination. Each track has its own end.

The entire story is happening in a span of 24 hours. The incident that happens in one story triggers the rest of the happenings. The director dwells into the chaos theory and the butterfly effect; and culminates philosophically, into the oneness of all beings.

The movie is more in line with what is happening today – about beliefs, commitments, sex, philosophy, inclusivity, AI and, overall life in general, with a good dose of message at the end. I’m sure this would be the boldest movie done by all the characters as, there are no restrictions (particularly language). That being said, the sexual content is only implied. There are quite a few scenes that can churn your stomach.

Artistic value adds –
The sepia colour tones used highlight the poignancy of the story.
The camera angles used are just amazing; it is always through a window or a door, highlighting how the characters are trapped in their own different ways – Vijay Sethupathi in his identity, Fahadh and Samantha in an unhappy wedding, Myskin in his Godly illusion, the boys, for whom sex is the be all and end all of life.
The cool blue colour is splashed all over in every scene; however, the characters living in these spaces are not cool and stable, but very volatile; each with their own baggage.

Vijay Sethupathi’s Shilpa is not vulgar in any sense – in fact, it will make one feel sympathetic towards transgender people and would make one think about being inclusive. Samantha and Fahadh, Ramya Krishnan, Myskin, the little boy Raasukkutty and his mother Jothi (Gayathrie) – everyone has done their role to perfection. How can the villain SI Berlin be forgotten – he reeks just nausea in all his scenes – and the audience would certainly feel a sense of relief at his final destiny.

The characters are unapologetic of their actions, which is a rarity in Tamil Cinema.

Of the many fantastic dialogues, two really stood out

  • Rasukutty tells Shilpa, you be a man or a woman, it is your choice. How can you punish my mom and myself when we have accepted you, just as how you are.
  • Ramya’s Leela says it is all in the point of view – if one sees a porn star in me, or the Goddess that I have acted as, it is just their reality. Mine is that, I am just Leela

The BGM by Yuvan was superb and very apt for the scenes, intensifying the ongoing. A great relief in this movie is that there are no songs in this 2:45 hours’ movie.

The only negative that I felt in the movie was its length. Certainly, the movie could have been cut by about 10 minutes at least, particularly in those scenes involving the missionaries. That would have made the move more taut and edgy.

Though it is not everyone’s cup of tea, Super Deluxe is a wonderful movie, but certainly not to be watched with the kids. More than a movie, Super Deluxe is an experience, not just another random show.

My rating:

4.5 / 5

Posted on

Kumbalangi Nights – A Review

Credits

Direction Madhu C. Narayanan
Production House Fahadh Faasil and Friends
Working Class Hero
Fahadh Faasil
Nazriya Nazim
Dileesh Pothan
Syam Pushkaran
Story Syam Pushkaran
Music Sushin Shyam
Cinematography Shyju Khalid
Editing Saiju Sreedharan
Starring  Shane Nigam as Bobby
Anna Ben as Baby Mol
Soubin Shahir as Saji
Sreenath Bhasi as Bonny
Mathew Thomas as Frankie
Fahadh Faasil as Shammi
Grace Antony as Simmy
Ramesh Thilak as Murugan aka Vijay
Jasmine Metivier as Nyla
Riya Saira as Sumeesha
Sheela Rajkumar as Sathi

Synopsis
It is the tale of four brothers (Saji, Bonny, Bobby & Frankie) living in the island village of Kumbalangi. This is the place where kittens are left to die and the lovely green land ruined by the people turning it to a wasteland for human excreta. The brothers live in the dilapidated house, with only cactus growing in its yard.

The movie begins with Frankie, the youngest, returning to this house from the boarding school. There is no woman in the house and Frankie tries to bring this house to a shape – he casts the net to fish and makes fish curry for the brothers and does laundry, while the older siblings quarrel.

With Bobby falling in love with Baby Mol, the sister-in-law of Shammi, a narcissist, declaring himself the “Complete Man” for he runs a hair salon, the story is set into motion. The tragedy at the intermission pushes the story forward, with the aimless brothers trying to turn a new leaf, discovering their potential and mending their ways.

Underlying Themes
Masculinity and the “Complete Man”
Who is a Complete Man? Is he the one that looks good and has a job? Is he the one that protects / takes care of a woman? The one who is responsible for their honour? Does a woman even want this protection? Or, does masculinity mean having a streak of violence?

This is a theme that is constantly challenged in this movie. The director beautifully deconstructs this myth about machismo and patriarchy through the various male characters. The way the vulnerability of each of these men is highlighted is stupendous. And, men too are allowed to be fragile.

Kumbalangi Nights not only questions and challenges staunch patriarchy, but also, identifies it as a sickness that needs to be curtailed and cured.

Femininity
Women in Kumbalangi Nights are not portrayed as weak or in need of a man to protect them. They are not elevated to the status of Godesses. They stand-up and raise their concerns and take matters to their own hands when required. They are not mere toys in the hands of men and make their presence felt throughout the movie.

Simmy who is meek and afraid of Shammi, stands up for herself at a point where Shammi crosses his boundary. Baby’s character is portrayed as strong right from the beginning as she is not afraid to pursue her love interest.

Sathi, makes a practical viable choice of not filing an FIR against the person that was the reason for her husband’s death, knowing that her future and that of her child is on the line.

The mother of the four brothers is shown to have left them to pursue divinity and service. Even when the brothers call her at one point in the move, she refuses to return to the house. It is her choice and it s not judged.

Family
What is a family? Is it just made of parents and children? As dysfunctional as it might seem, there is an underlying love that permeates through the scenes with the brothers. The way the characters of Sathi and her child, living in the same household with the brothers and that of the African American woman Nyla who comes in with Bonny are welcomed shows that family is what we make – a personal choice.

Family can be formed with anyone; with strangers and people that might walk into our lives – as long there is the mutual love and respect for one another, and that is they key.

Kumbalangi
The fishing island of Kumbalangi is the most important character. The way Shyju (cinematographer) has captured the lush green surrounding and the backwaters is a treat to the eyes. The movie talks about eco-tourism and showcases the beauty of the land.

Kumbalangi is the essence of this piece. The transformation of brawls at night into a self-realization and mended ways, going in the direction of happiness (which was missing at the beginning, even though there was ample freedom) is the highlight.

Acting
Each character in Kumbalangi Nights is well etched. They will haunt the viewers for a few days and will be remembered fondly for quite a long time.

If Shammi was awesome in a grey character with a streak of violence, Saji has a lot of warmth and pathos thrown in. The transformation that Bobby shows from being the guy that doesn’t want to work initially and how he discovers what he would like to do (when he grows up) once he falls in love with Baby is amazing. Bonny, the mute is so expressive – he talks through his eyes in this movie. The youngest of the lot, Frankie brings his own charm and innocence to the character.

The female characters of the mother and the two sisters show fragility, fear and strength all at once. Amazing to watch such fluidity in these artistes.

Overall it is a satisfying experience to see these characters live their lives in Kumbalangi Nights

Music
Music by Sushin is very apt. The songs just gel with the narrative and enhance the backdrop. BGM is amazing – the way it changes to a violent, yet calm tune when the character of Shammi questions Simmy, will send some chills down the spine.

My Rating
4.75 / 5

Don’t miss this movie for it brings in a breath of fresh air into the otherwise mundane tales that are churned out.

Posted on

Odiyan – A Review

Odiyan is the legendary clan of sorcerers from the region of Palakkad in Kerala, India, during the time when electricity had not reached the many towns in India. They were the shape shifters and they made a living by scaring people in the darkness of the night.

Hailing from the region of Palakkad, I have heard many a tale from my grandmother of how an Odiyan would scare people by changing their form to various animals, attack and immobilize them but not kill them (but leave them a mere vegetable); how they would take the foetus to use it for their black magic; the various people in the village that were attacked by Odiyan. Odiyan ruled the darkness and the night.

With all these tales in mind, I was very excited to watch Mohanlal’s Odiyan. I was very happy that I was able to relate to the movie and the proceedings.

This movie is certainly not for those that are looking for some Mohanlal type actions or for those that is expecting a horror story. Neither is it a superhero story as what it was promoted as.

This is a simple, yet poignant tale of the last Odiyan, a great, noble sorcerer, who returns to his village after 15 years to clear his name of a crime that he never committed and to safeguard the widows of the Kelakkam Tharavadu (Kelakkam House), to whom his clan is indebted to for generations.

Odiyan is also the story of the darkness within the human and the anecdotes that the fear and guilt creates.

Highlights and Lowlights

The non-linear story telling that is used by the director keeps the audience thinking and correlating the various pieces of this puzzle. Though the audience knows who the villain of this piece is,they are still looking for a convincing conclusion and yearns that justice is served.

Now infamous “Kanji Edukatte” scene – I consider this scene, particularly this dialogue to be the most powerful one as it is this dialogue that very clearly confirms that the Odiyan is once again welcomed into the Tharavadu. This scene, in that dilapidated setting, with the widows now tired and dreary, actually comes in as a ray of hope for them. The trust on the Odiyan is once again established.

Climax – The fight sequence choreographed by Peter Hein. Odiyan is restored to his full form, menacing to the wrong doers but gentle to the believers. A fantastically executed fight sequence, that which would leave the audience craving for more.

BGM – what an amazing score! It is so melodious yet haunting. The BGM becomes a character in the movie, clearly depicting the various moods of the principal characters – be it joy or pain.

Music – the beautiful and melodious songs are not a hindrance to the story. They actually serve to enhance the poignancy of the scene and/or move the story forward. The “Kondoram” song is beautifully shot in the Athirapalli Falls locale.

The underlying love between the lady of the Tharavadu and Odiyan is beautifully woven. There is no lust, just pure pristine love – the Thambrati that is mesmerized, just like a kid, by the shape shifting capabilities of the Odiyan and the Odiyan’s devout strong bond of gratitude for this Tharavadu.

Mohanlal – is certainly a fantastic actor. The way he has reduced his weight to portray a younger self is amazing. The way he expresses his gratitude to this Tharavadu; how he menaces the people that does wrong to him; how he ends the villain thereby serving justice – all just amazing. There are two scenes where Mohanlal scores as an actor – the one where he is on his knees, pleading his innocence, trying to explain to the Thambrati that he is not the culprit, the reason for the pathetic state of the widowed sisters of the Tharavadu. That imagery will haunt the viewers for a long time. The other scene is in the song sequence where he is shown as loathing what he does for living; he sees a bull in his shadow and shows surprise, fear, anger and self pity – all at once. Wow!

Manju Warrier – in her second innings, is cautious about her roles. And in Odiyan, she had gotten a meaty one, for her to happily sink her teeth in. She displays the vulnerability, yet the strength in her character, very easily. She, in a weird way is the reason for all hatred and the subsequent deterioration for one and all. Her face and her eyes speak more than her dialogues. Be it the scene where she is waiting for the Odiyan to appear as the deer in her front yard or the one where she spews anger on Odiyan or when she realizes the truth and accepts Odiyan back into the Tharavadu or when she nods to show her gratitude for saving the Tharavadu, or the one where she tells her sister’s teen-aged son “sometimes what we hear need not be the truth”, she is just amazing. It is a real treat to watch her on screen.

Sana Althaf – the blind sister and the widow of the Kelakkam Tharavadu. She is such a natural actor that she is very convincing as real blind person. She is the core of this piece and the only believer of Odiyan’s innocence.

Prakash Raj – the perfect, menacing villain, with no ethics whatsoever. He oozes venom all over and his lustful gait will certainly be nauseating. Though in today’s world, his nickname in the movie, Kariman, denoting black and also his bad character, can be considered racist, it has to be taken with a grain of salt for this is set in a period when there was no electricity. A period drama, when such names were absolutely fine.  The director could have utilized his skills even better. Though, his voice over in Malayalam was quite good, I still missed his original voice, which would have been even more ravaging.

Cinematography was apt with a tinge of yellow throughout. The Art Director should be given kudos for erecting a set to depict the village of Thenkurissi without electricity. They had ensured that all the electric poles were missing. Mamooty’s deep voice in the background to narrate the story is a classic touch.

Direction by V A Shrikumar Menon, in his first movie has done a good job of narrating this tale of the lost legendary character of Odiyan. Kudos to him for taking on a tough subject, with no real data or historical records and bringing Harikrishnan’s story of Odiyan, to life. Shrikumar will certainly go places as he grows in the industry, as he learns how to please the audience even better.

My Rating:

4.25 / 5 👍

Don’t miss this drama if you are a fan of folklores and legendary characters. A different taste served to us, to savour.

Posted on

Arno Kamolika ’s interpretation of Shyama – a Review

The following review is long over due…

I had the pleasure of watching Arno Kamolika’s interpretation of the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore’s Shyama, last weekend. What an amazing performance it was!

Shyama, a tragedy, is one of the many great works of Tagore.

Shyama, the Royal Court dancer falls in love with a foreign merchant Bojrosen. She sees him as a captive of the Royal Guard, who has falsely accused him of stealing a precious jewel from the Palace. It was love at first sight for Shyama, and the time stops for her, in that moment. She had to save Bojrosen, by hook or by crook. Shyama requests the guard to keep him safe for two days, during which time she sends in the silly boy, Uttiyo in place of Bojrosen to free him. Though Shyama has rejected Uttiyo, he is in love with her and is willing to sacrifice himself, so that he could always have a place for himself in her heart. Bojrosen and Shyama escape from the Royal Palace and live happily with the local villagers. When Bojrosen comes to know of the truth of his freedom, he is not able to accept the heinous crime committed by Shyama to save him and therefore abandons her, forever.

In this production (Direction by Rohit Chokhani) the poignant tragic tale of Shyama was beautifully portrayed, as a soothing, but melancholic song. Arno has lived the character of Shyama. The way she has expressed her love and pain for Bojrosen, the ridicule and gratitude for Uttiyo was spellbinding.

Arno has been well supported by
Vidya Kotamraju as Bojrosen
Grihalakshmi Soundarapandian as Uttiyo in the first half and the villager/Sadhvi (Sannyasini/Nun) in the second half
Royal Guard Jay Ravindra
Sakhi by Malavika Santhosh.

Vidya, in the second half has emoted the pain of guilt and separation so well, that as audience, we could become one with her and want her to attain freedom. Grihalakshmi as Uttiyo was so jubilant, silly and vile, all rolled into one. When Uttiyo sacrifices himself, we could feel his selfish intentions – as he could never have Shyama, in a way he wanted to punish her, by tormenting her for the rest of her life.

Deviating from Tagore’s original, this production has opted for a very convincing conclusion for the character of Shyama. The drama begins with Shyama and also ends focusing her. The synchronization at the very end by all four, closing this production was just so good – all four were rotating exactly at the same time, so well synced, when the lights turned off and the curtains were pulled.

It would have been better if more Bharatanatyam steps and movements were incorporated, as this was a Bharatanatyam interpretation. Though I am not a professional, there were certain portions where I felt that it was more of another classical dance form and not Bharatanaytam.

One of the doubts that I initially had was, how could a Bengali poem / drama be adapted for a Bharatanatyam performance. This was shattered by the artists right in the beginning itself, within minutes into the program. The key flow of the story being displayed in the LCD helped. Once, we immersed ourselves into the drama of Shyama that was unfolding itself, the essence of Shyama transcended beyond language – once again proving that dance and music has no boundaries or barriers.

The music was so soothing and just flowed as a river.

Over all, a wonderful performance, an evening well spent. Hoping to see more such presentations in future!

Posted on

Once Again…???!!! – Chapter 4: the Deliberation – 1

Disclaimer: The characters in this novella are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

It was when the first rays of the sun fell on Kiran’s face that he woke up. He was still on the rocking chair in his bedroom. Kiran was not sure as to when he fell asleep, the previous night, looking at Swati sleeping and his mind wandering into the events of the past.

He rubbed his eyes and squinted to ward off the excess light hitting is eyes and strained to see the big wall clock. It was only 6:30 am. He could sleep for another 30 minutes. Then, slowly, his eyes moved to the bed. Swati was not there.

The bathroom door in their bedroom was closed. Kiran heard the water flowing and guessed that Swati was having a bath. His head was pounding due to the lack of proper sleep. He closed his eyes.

Kiran could not sleep. His mind wandered through uncharted territories in regards to what Vicky saw. He did not want any ill thoughts festering his mind and decided to talk to Swati, for he knew that it was never good to bottle-up emotions and thoughts, particularly the bad ones.

When the bathroom door opened and Swati came out, she seemed very normal. It did not look like she realized how rude she had been the previous night with Ammu.

Swati had draped herself a nice baby blue cotton saree, which was well starched and ironed. The crevasses of the pleats were very sharp and neatly tucked. She looked just like how one would imagine a “professor to be” – so elegant – the very reason why he fell in love with her.

‘Swati, I want to talk to you’

‘About what?’ She shot out innocently.

Kiran was doubtful if she was really naive and did not know what happened the previous evening? Even if she did not know that Vicky saw her with a stranger, holding hands, how could she forget her rude behaviour towards Ammu?

‘About what happened yesterday,’ Kiran started.

‘Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I’m in a hurry. Can we chat in the evening? Please….’

‘Hmmmm….’

‘Moreover, I have asked a couple of my students to come in early today for an additional class, as they had doubts in the lesson. So, I need to go’, Swati said calmly.

‘But, I need to talk’, Kiran said.

‘Anything, in the evening please’, Swati was pleading.

Before Kiran could say anything, Swati dashed out of their bedroom and to the dining.

Ammu was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone. Lunch for everyone was also almost ready.

‘Good Morning Swati, the idly’s would be ready in a couple of minutes. I have also made fresh coconut chutney’, Ammu told Swati.

‘Oh no, I don’t need any breakfast. I will eat outside’

‘How about lunch? Fresh food is almost ready’

‘That’s ok, I will eat outside’

‘Is everything okay? I’m noticing that you are eating out most of the days’

‘Yeah, yeah. All good. I’m in a rush. I’m leaving now’. Swati rushed past the kitchen door, without giving Ammu a chance to speak further.

Swati behaved as if nothing had happened the previous evening. Her being with a stranger was something that only Vicky and now Kiran knew. But, her rude behaviour with Ammu – how could she just behave as if nothing happened? Kiran was surprised. The more he thought about that the more frustrated and confused he was.

The time was only 7:15 am. Kiran brushed and had a quick shower. He went to the dining room to have his breakfast.

‘Kiran, did Swati say anything at all? What happened?’

‘No Amma! She didn’t say anything. In fact she behaved as if everything was normal. As if nothing happened. She just got ready and left home ‘

‘Maybe she was just upset about something and showed her anger on us. After all whom else can she share her frustration with? If she is fine today, do not talk about what happened yesterday evening with her’

‘Okay Amma’.

‘What’s done cannot be undone and there is no use in you bringing it all up once again. After all, you should understand that she has left her parents and have come over here to live with you. So please be kind to her’

‘Yes Amma’

Kiran thought to himself ‘Poor Amma she doesn’t know all that is happening between us and certainly not what Vicky has witnessed’.

‘What happened? You seem to be in deep thought.’ Ammu snapped Kiran back to reality.

‘Oh no, nothing. Let me get going now.’ Saying that, Kiran took his lunch box and neatly arranged it in the plastic lunch box holder and went outside where he had parked his Yamaha.

‘Bye Amma, see you in the evening’. Kiran kick started his Yamaha and was on his way to his work.

His mind was very foggy. While on the way to his work, at one of the newly formed MNC near Sangeet Theatre, Secunderabad, his mind wandered back to the events of the wedding and, his first night with Swati, as man and wife.

Kiran maneuvered his Yamaha mechanically, as a robot, through the streets of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the twin cities connected via the Tank Bund, the bridge by the Hussein Sagar lake…

Once Again…???!!! Chapter 4: the Deliberation
to continue…

Once Again…???!!!