Addicted to Youtube

It all started with hubby (who can be loved dearly just for his impeccable taste in thamizh music) playing Vijay's famous vadu maanga song in the car. I got hooked (sorry, as always, i am the last thamizhian on the planet to catch up with superhits). I used to be a big fan of Vijay in song sequences. My crush started right from the o pyari panipuri days. My sis is even better...she discovered his vast potential right away after watching dhottabetta roattu mela muttai parotta (i'm ROFLMAO as i'm typing this!!!)

So i logged on to youtube to search for vadu maanga's video, getting all misty eyed in the process, thinking about our vastly improved lives with thamizh music on demand. I remembered the doordharshan days when we used to wait all week for the magical 30 minutes of Olliyum Oliyum (took me many years of thamizh lessons to figure out the right words, i always called it oliyum muliyum and thought muliyum was just another unfamiliar word in the vast thamizh world). The video disappointed me. Vijay's dance was awesome as always, but the picturization didnt pack the punch that appadi podu does.

I then spent the next three hours online. Each time you watch a song on youtube, you can immediately check out other similar videos. And soon, I found myself watching some golden hits of Illayaraja. There were some surprises - my favorite Pudhiya poovidhu was entirely picturized on Mohan in a swimming pool (ok ladies, just calm down!)

Nizhalgal's madai thiradhu was picturized mostly on Chandrashekhar, and sung by SPB, but, when you listen to the song, you only think Ilayaraja. His personality, his aspirations, and his spirit jump out right at you in this song, more than any other composition of his. I watched the video, and had to rub my eyes with disbelief, when, they actually show Ilayaraja lyp-synching to SPB's voice (ah...the delicious irony), specifically for the famous (or rather infamous) lines "pudhu raagam padaipadhaaley naanum iraivaney". Is it the height of arrogance? Maybe yes....but hey, as a fan of Da King, I'm not complaining for sure.

And then the clothes. No Manish Malhotra needed. Some of our yesteryear actresses were seriously fabulous. I still have not seen a single actress match Sridevi's look in Thanikaatu raaja (simply with mallipoo and pondy bazaar accessories and simple nylon sarees). And of course, Thalaivar rocks in the song too.

Mohini in Eeramaana Rojave wore some really cute outfits -coordinated paavadai, well-cut salwar kurta (long but with deep side slits) and a skinny dupatta. It looked really feminine and indian, i wish that trend had caught on (like the gitanjali dress did).

And then there was Amala...sigh....she deserves a whole blog post dedicated to her style, so watch this space!

Sivaji Review - The verdict? Chummaa Adhirudhu!!!

I feel a great sense of responsibility as i write this review. I have just witnessed a historic event - the coronation of the emperor, the greatest star in the history of Thamizh, Indian, Asian, and most definitely world cinema. Is my praise excessive? Na.... watch Sivaji and you would probably agree.

Sivaji marks a historic departure from the political and emotional ghosts that have haunted Rajni's career in the past decade. In Padayappa, he embarked on a pseudo onscreen battle with JJ, and the movie was bogged down by one-upmanship and consequently, male chauvinism. Baba was a daring exercise, but failed. It painfully showcased two of the things Rajni seemed to be most uncomfortable with - his age (should he act young , or middle aged?), his beliefs (should he showcase his spiritual side or continue to play cat and mouse games about his political future??).

Finally, there was Chandramukhi. A little unsure of the viability of his superstardom, Rajni played safe. He chose to remake an old favorite, let Jo and the screenplay rip and then made a grand comeback in the last 15 minutes of the movie, with almost no dialogues, a super cool bad ass getup and the famous "lakalaka".

The movie became a superhit, with fans loving his negative role. Rajni got his mojo back, and the rest is history. Sivaji continues in the same vein - a totally unihibited, unshackled bad ass Rajni; Ofcourse, he still helps the poor and needy, but he also unapologetically chases his girl, changes wigs more often than Shriya changes her costumes, fearlessly spoofs the patron saints of Thamizh cinema (Sivaji and MGR), allows Vivek to speak his punch lines for him (in Rajni style ofcourse) and endearingly calls himself the mottai boss!

Almost on par with Baasha and Thillu mullu, this is one of Rajni's finest performances. His comedy with Vivek is simply unbelievable - they bring the roof down with their totally irreverent satire, including spoofs on subjects as varied as raraa sarasuku rara, tehelka's investigative reporting, and even Vadivelu's famous "aoowww"!
Sivaji was much anticipated, partly for being a Rajni movie, and partly for being a Shankar movie. It ends up being a FANTASTIC Rajni movie. As for Shankar's contribution, I am torn between two equally plausible verdicts -

Verdict A - It is a terrible Shankar movie, simply a rehash of Gentleman with bits of Indian and Anniyan thrown in. Shankar's specialty has always been taking the common man's problems, throwing in spectacular song and fight sequences, and creating a vigilante single man army who changes Thamizhnadu in an unreal, but still very believable fashion. You have to willingly suspend your disbelief when watching a Rajni movie, but sequences in the second half of Sivaji where he sets the world right are just too much - even for a diehard Rajni or Shankar fan. Also, the "office room" (where government officials are beat up) concept has been exploited to a lesser extent in Vijaykanth movies, and it was disappointing to see such sequences in Sivaji. This movie could have just as easily been directed by K.S Ravikumar. If this criticism seems harsh, think of Indian - despite Kamal's double action and much-hyped performance, it was Shankar's taut direction that stood out. There is none of that brilliance in Sivaji.

Verdict B - Shankar has done a brilliant job here. The same guy who totally overshadowed Kamal, has gallantly stepped into the shadows here to create a memorable tribute to the superstar's talent. He makes Rajni shine, and lets everything else pale in comparison.

Vivek is simply brilliant. Suman is on par with Rajni. His restraint and understated performance is simply superb - he is menacing, but without becoming a caricature. Surprisingly, the movie does not have the big crowds of actors who typically surround Rajni. Some good actors show up very briefly, and make an impact - Livingstone, Raghuvaran, and Chinni Jayanth being the most notable.

Now the songs - a big portion of the movie's budget was spent on building sets and on song picturizations. Shankar hits and misses in equal parts. Ballelakka's picturization does not befit such a wonderful song (but Nayanthara makes the guys in the audience real happy). Also, Sahana saaral is redundant and boring - Shankar actually has women in angel dresses and fluttering white and silver wings...is that not so.....last century? duh! But Rajni simply dazzles in Vaaji Vaaji, Style, and Adhiradi kaalam. Style is especially cool - with loads of wild wigs, a white Rajni (yea really, white, and he looks pretty good!) is a treat to watch! Shreya is fabulous - she has a perfect figure, dances well, and carries off some pretty daring costumes.

Chandramukhi left me with a sense of dissatisfaction - of having watched a Rajni movie that could have almost been really good, but was not. Sivaji leaves me with no such feelings of disappointment. Cinematically, it may not be an Indian or a Baasha, but, for Rajni fans (and for many new converts), this movie is incredibly special, worth watching at least twice in the theater, and proves that Thalaivar is truly the Baasha...he is really THE Boss.

The One...Da Boss!!!

My dad (with a lot of irony in his voice) : "So sivaji gets released and all the poverty and corruption in India will somehow get taken care of?"

Me: "ofcourse Daddy. Anna vandha thamizh naadum amerikkaaa"...

And i was only half kidding. Somehow, I've almost become a believer, there is something about Rajni that transforms everyone. Rajni fans are everywhere. You cannot dismiss them as simple gullible people living below the poverty line who can be charmed by a bunch of goody goody scenes on the silver screen. Cos, Rajni's fans in Chicago cheer him with the same gusto exhibited by the rasigar mandram diehards celebrating at udayam and devi paradise. Cos, Rajni's fans drive all the way from Florida and Tenesee to Atlanta just to watch Baba on the first day. Cos Rajni's fans are ready to pay 26 dollars per ticket, when even Spiderman 3 at IMAX cost only 11 dollars.

Will he ever participate in politics? I dont know, maybe Sivaji has some big hints thrown in? I checked out a couple of blogs where fans were making live updates as they watched the movie, but i didnt read these articles. I dont want anything to detract from my pleasure of watching the movie tomorrow. Thats why i loved chandramukhi - i didnt have a clue about the movie and was pleasantly surprised.

Celebrating Sivaji's release, i made a special Rajni hits cd for my commute. Here are some of the songs that i enjoyed the most -

1) Devuda - Chandramukhi
2) Thillaana thillaana - Muthu
3) Paandiyanin raajiyathil - Paandiyan
4) Maadathiley kanni maadathiley - Veera
5) Ballelakka and vaaji - Sivaji

Deva and Illayaraja have given Rajni some of his most memorable tunes. Sivaji is a rare expection - but Rahman's music for Rajni has always been strictly mediocre - Baba, Padayappa and muthu come no where near Baasha or Thalapathi. I know, Muthu had a couple of big hits, but i was cringing as i listened to kuluvaaliley - it seemed cute then, but it seemed childish and disjointed as i listened to it now. Dont know why Rahman runs out of inspiration when it comes to Thalaivar's movies.

I'll post my true Sivaji review on sunday. I cant wait!!!

Book Review - how not to write...

Finished two bad books in one weekend. They do not write good books anymore do they? I'm trying to remember all the good books and stories I have read (like the Gift of the Magi or classics like To kill a mocking bird), just to remind myself that good books still exist.

A long way down - Nick Hornby

The author has taken every random thought that filled his mind over the past year and filled 352 pages of the book (what a waste of rain forests). The story line is simple - four strangers end up meeting on top of 10 story building in London, all intent on killing themselves. They end up not doing so and form a weird support group. There is nothing redeeming about the end of the book - three of the four characters' lives are a lot more screwed up than what it was when they decided to jump off the building. How depressing!

PS: I checked out the reviews for this on amazon.com. Most of the reviews were favorable. I still stand by what i say, i prefer simple books that have a real story.

Trump - Think like a billionaire - everything you need to know about success, real estate, and life - Donald Trump

Hubris. Egotism...add any other words you can think of here. Even the title is silly - does Trump really think he has the authority to tell the reader everything they need to know about life? Is life made up of the apprentice and saturday night live (two shows that i have never ever seen even once).

Instead of teaching you "everything you need to know about success, real estate, and life", you get Trump's two cents on everything from why the UN is failing as a peace organization (because they did not have the good sense to award Trump some New York renovation project) to what kind of pet you need to have (pitbulls - no, trophy wives- most certainly yes).

Stick to your copy of how to make friends and influence people . . . you may well be on your way to getting a raise, paying your mortgage and marrying your college sweetheart. Who needs billions?!

The blissful book worm

I've gone back to my first love...reading! Try to borrow these on your next library visit.


Harry Potter and the half blood prince - Much better than Order of the Phoenix. Though this book has over 600 pages, its a great page turner and the end of the book is kinda sad (though i can almost guess why the person who killed someone had to commit the murder). Rowling has cleverly woven in serious adult issues such as racism, class differences and believe it or not.. the war on terror into the plot! On the flip side, this book is most certainly not for kids below 16, and reading about Harry Potter's love life is way too weird!


The Historian - by Elizabeth Kostova
If you like reading about history, medieval europe, travel, and vampires, this one is for you! I have been listening to the audio book. Though the narrative is rather slow, this first time author manages to hold the reader's interest.



The Five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom -
This is a tiny little book, ideal for inflight reading. It could have just been a short story, some how, the author manages to stretch the plot out to fill 208 pages with wide spaced text. The writing style is pretty similar to that of R.K Narayan. The message conveyed by the book was actually very touching - about how all our lives are inexplicably interlinked with each other and how our tiny actions make huge differences in the lives of other people.


Digital Fortress, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown -
Dan Brown's books are entertaining, but he is worse than the current tamil cinema script writers. All his books have EXACTLY the same formula -
Nerdy professor (who plays a lots of sports) meets Brilliant female researcher/historian/scientist who is also totally hot; they have to crack a piece of indecipherable code within exactly 24 hours or some catastrophic event will destroy a major establishment which in turn will threaten world peace. Oh, and by the way, the main character in charge of the major establishment is actually the villain. In angels and demons, the Vatican is threatened, and in Digital fortress, its some National security agency. Both the books are the same otherwise. But, I am not complaining. The novels are fast paced, and good enough to help you survive a delayed american airlines flight from atlanta to chicago!

There are a bunch of non fiction books that I am reading too. Watch this space!

The true Chandramukhi review

I got to see the movie in a Chicago suburb with a good friend of mine from college. We reached the theater just in time, and standing in line to enter, I felt I was in Madras, right in the middle of Devi Paradise! The whistles, "uh-ah-uh-ah" chants, and "thalaivarukku savalaaa?" chorus started right outside the theater (surprisingly the mall security didnt bother us!). Someone even managed to bring an auto rickshaw horn in tribute to the immortal Badsha.

The movie started with the classic "SUPERSTAR R-A-J-I-N-I" title, and the crowd turned hysterical! Rajini single handedly fights 20 men, defying gravity and every law of physics and all of us went hoarse cheering for our thalaivaaa! All the madras pasanga and local girls (like me!) tore ticket stubs and threw it up in the air (the peter-girls gave us disgusted glances and said "cha, too much yaa") and a group of die-hard thambis ran up to the screen and put a big kumbudu. With the stunt scene done, the main movie started.

The story:
Chandramukhi is the legend of a beautiful dancer who was killed (along with her lover) by a cruel king. 150 years later, Prabhu, his wife Jyothika, and a big extended family move into the palace and they start believing that someone is tormenting them . Needless to say, our superstar saves the day!

The review:
This is the remake of Manichithathazhu - regarded as one of the best malayalam movies ever made. Shobana won the national award for her performance. However, you cannot have a female oriented Rajini movie (especially a positive female character at that). So, P.Vasu condenses the great original into the final 30 minutes of the movie and fills the first 2.5 hours with a lot of brightly colored candy fluff, with the pretext that that is what Rajini fans want.

He got it all wrong. We wanted the super star title in the beginning, and a racy introduction song. Once we got that, we were done with our cheering, and we were ready to watch a good movie, which didnt start till 2.5 hours later.

A little cotton candy is nice, but there is only so much you can eat before you start feeling sick. Its pretty for the first 10 minutes and then becomes a soggy mess. The same applies for the movie too. There are constant references to the mysterious Chandramukhi, with snatches of a beautiful telugu song. Just when you hope to see more, the scene is cut short, followed by some meaningless comedy or a big song. 10 minutes after the interval, the crowd was completely subdued. By the time the annanoda paatu song came, there was not a single whistle or cheer. Believe me, if a 1000 homesick tamilians could not muster up enthusiasm for what was supposed to be the superhit song of the movie.. you can imagine..

The lows:
* Nayantara - Shes very pretty, but the audience was positively squirming because she is younger than Rajini's younger daughter! In the next Rajini movie --- please please show him with a WIFE, played by an actress atleast more than 30 years old. Nayantara also stammers now and then, no one knew why. The height of overacting!
* Athindhom song - No one could understand why this song was there in the movie and the dialogue Nayantara says at the end didnt make any sense at all
* The Rajini-Vadivelu comedy - some of it was funny, but most of it was double-meaning stuff. I've never seen (or atleast dont remember) vulgarity in a Rajini movie, and this was pretty bad. The verdict of the loyal Madras fans behind me was "this really is too much"
* Prabhu crying - That was the last straw. Anyway, I'm worried about his heart risk, he really needs to do something about himself
* Rajini's gray makeup - Seriously, who came up with that idea?
* The 100 skimpily clad bombay dancers in the annanoda paatu song ... the biggest low point of the movie
* A lot of out-of-work actresses with white paint and bad wigs were telling Rajini how he is the greatest man in the planet

The highs!
And just when the audience started giving up, the real movie started - and its brilliant! (no credit to P.Vasu, The original was Faazil i think). Vidyasagar's ra-ra song is fantastic. The screenplay captures the essence of Chandramukhi's spirit and it makes the first 2 hours of crap really worthwhile. Rajini takes the backseat, doesnt act like a superstar, and instead takes on the role of the villain...and hes fanstastic! I'm not going to give away any more of the story, but you have to see the movie for Rajini in this scene, and Jyothika's make up for her two kinds of appearances.

The script requires Jyothika to give an over-the-top performance in the end. Unfortunately for her, that is how she usually performs in all her movies anyway, so there were some sniggers from the audience. But, if you forget her past kushi type tortures and look just at this film, her performance is really really good, especially in the yellow costume.

The verdict:
This movie is already a superhit. Rajini is the biggest superstar in the world (no exaggeration) and we love him too much to let his movie flop . In the last 30 minutes, you also see Rajini's potential as an actor and remember his old classics. I wish there are more movies where Rajini actually plays different characters, without worrying about his image. He doesnt have to paint his face a weird gray (he should stick to his new wig though, its pretty neat!) Ok, maybe for his hard core fans, the movies can have the mandatory Rajini intro song and a what-a-man stunt sequence. But, we really dont need contrived Rajini propping scenes all through his movies. We know him, we love him, and the supporting characters need NOT reiterate this to us.

Rajini's sheer charisma is mind blowing enough to prop himself and the script. He is a brilliantly stylish actor and in fact, he's lots more fun when he is being sarcastic and as an anti-hero (remember paratai of 16 vayadhinile?).

In Chandramukhi however, the real Rajini gets lost amidst all the graphics and colorful songs and stunts. Walking out of the theater, the entire first two hours of the movie fade away almost immediately, and the most memorable image of Rajini is him dressed as the king and his taunting "lakalakalaka...". That was the paisa vasool scene of the movie. Dhool machi!!!

You know better than to expect great cinema, when you go to see a Rajini movie. But Chandramukhi's climax brings you tantalizingly close to the idea of a Rajini movie that is also a good movie......and then falls short. And that is a tragedy.

P.Vasu misses his one golden chance. Chandramukhi is certainly no Baba, but, with everyone playing safe, unfortunately, its no Badsha either. What a waste!

Thalaivaa 

Thalaivaaa...

Only three more days to:
* buy a big supply of karpooram and collect my pooja saamaan
* Make a big bag of confetti - preferably from old lottery tickets
* Gather a sackful of change
* Learn to whistle madras front-bencher style

BECAUSE.....

(and dont call yourself a tamilian if you dont already know)

Our thalaivar's movie is releasing friday!!!!

Because... Orey sooriyan, Orey chandiran, Orey sooper star!!!