Monday, December 15, 2008

Villu - Audio Review


Vijay's films are known for their foot tapping hit dance numbers. Devi Sri Prasad's hit albums are popular for their peppy tunes. So a Vijay-DSP combo was expected to rock music charts with super hit peppy dance numbers. And Villu is one album that wont let your expectations down even for a minute throughout the listening.

Packed with full of youthful and vibrant songs, this is a real treat for music lovers especially for those who need some refreshing music for the ears.

Hey Rama Rama: (9/10)

The album starts with the introduction song of Vijay as per usual tradition, and this time its Amalraj who sings for Vijay. His powerful voice with a soft touch, gives the right feel for the song especially in lines like "Unga kitta anba keten". Kabilan keeps the lyrics simple and more like the words of common man, even when asking "Agadhi aana makkaluku, amaidhiyana naadu kaepaen". Kovai Sarala's harmony "Villu villu" sounds off note in the song, but may be justified by the visuals.

Nee Kobapattal Naanum: (8/10)

A pleasing melody with a lots of classical orchestration this song takes you into romantic mood. Pa.Vijay's lyrics talking about what a guy would do for his girl and what not is really interesting. Sagar's lilting voice is a perfect choice for the song. The "baby I love you" bit is extremely good, so is the short rendition of swaras by DSP in second interlude.

Daddy Mummy: (9/10)

DSP has used effectively the Aakalesthe from Shankardada Zindabad for this song. Rendered stylishly by Mamta Mohandas, this song is a perfect club number with good beats throughout. Naveen Madhav joins for the male bit in the middle and does a good job too. Lyrics by Viveka is good in parts but on the whole enjoyable.

Are you crazy: (8/10)

This short song running for less than a minute is a funny bit full of scoldings from a girl towards her guy. Sung by Divya, this is one perfect ring tone material to amuse people around you. Prabhudeva's name in lyrics credit is a pleasant surprise.

Jalsa: (10/10)

Same as the tune of title song of telugu film Jalsa, this song has a lot of energy and vibrance that instantly gets on you when you start listening to it. The Spanish lyrics in the beginning and lines like "The dance in the beat prabhudeva, the beat in music is DSP, the girl in the groove nayanthara, and to rock the floor Ilayathalapathy" give the song a very special feel. Most acclaimed Indian rapper Baba Sehgal has done a great job with his singing that too with right diction, and Rita supports him well. Rohini's lyrics also need a worthy mention here... "Nee pirandhadhu Greece ah, Nee valarndhadhu swiss-ah, madhimayakkum un nadayin mugavari thaan Paris ah" Definitely the best of the album.

Vaada Maapilla: (8/10)

This is a folk based song with lot of funny words thrown in between. You get to hear voices of Vadivelu(Dont angry me) and Prabhudeva at couple of places. Tippu and Rita do justice to the song while Kabilan's lyrics are quite ordinary. Indicates more of a visual treat but worth a listen too. "Eppidi Eppidi??? Appidi Appidi" is really cute.

Dheemthanakka Thillana:(9/10)

This is a constantly paced song with fast beats and a good amount of energy. Snehan's lyrics fits the tune perfectly, especially lines like "Kannan... naan kannanukke annan... ada leelaigalin mannan... andha manmadhanin maaman naan thaane" and use of Telugu words like "Okka saari". Devi Sri Prasad joins Divya for this song and both have done a great job in keeping the momentum of the song. Divya's voice has this sexy feel to it which works out very well for this song.

Jalsa Remix: (8/10)

This is a remix version of the other song with DSP singing along with Baba Sehgal and Rita. Neatly done without spoiling lyrics and not too much of rap for a remix. The pleasing orchestration and remix programming is an added advantage. Perfect number for dance floors.

On the whole, its an album that will be readily lapped up by Vijay fans and will appeal to all youth. On top of that, this is an album that will attract every music lover for its clean and neat presentation of songs.

Overall rating: 9/10

Verdict: Hits Right on target

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Writing about nothing to write!?

I am writing a blog post after so many days and this is to write about my emptiness of mind, that has almost rendered my blog inactive...

There was a time when I used to blog every other day, about myself, about the things I see in day to day life, anything and everything that comes to my mind...

But today, while writing this, nothing comes to my mind except that "I have nothing to write"

Let my mind come out of its shell and the thinking process start.. I have things to write about loads of movies and songs, but I don't want to make filmi posts alone :(

Ultimately, nothing exciting in life has happened.... :-|

Sunday, October 05, 2008

To be or not to be...

The following might seem to be a explosion of pessimistic thoughts from a frustrated soul or a immature ramblings of a sambar sadham/appalam/curd rice/pickle-eating Typical South Indian(TSI). Fortunately or unfortunately, this is how I am able to think when some one pampers me with dollar note allowances :D

Here's nothing but a collection of what a TSI encounters in his day to day life in the US of A- the paradise of NRIs with a thirst for money.

Bay Area as far as I heard and seen is the most Indian part of West coast, and much safer place than many other locations in US. In that way, I was lucky to have landed up there twice, that too in the best season which is almost like the one in Bangalore/Delhi in India. Especially my place was full of Indians, most of them Gujjus and Andrawalas.... Optimistic na? :P

Americans are very courteous or appear to be so always. You keep walking on the road and out of somewhere a "Hi" pops up. You turn around to see that its some American uncle/aunty whom you haven't even seen before any time. And you think about your double bedroom apartment in India where you can hardly recognize your neighbor when you meet him outside.

And they are happy to see happy faces around them unaware of the turmoils you have gone through on that day. I was walking back home one weekend when an old man told me "You dropped something".. When I turned around in astonishment, he laughs saying "Its your smile". I was like "Enna koduma sir idhu!" Just then I realized how serious I had been looking all the while.

They have abundance of water resources and the power to create new ones. Still you get only tissues in most places to keep yourself clean. Its not a problem for them any day, because all they eat is dry breads, coke and lot of other stuff most of which TSIs like me cannot even thrust below the throat. But for the amount of oil, spices and gravies we Indians take in everyday, we would need a whole bunch of tissues and picking up them so much anywhere would be looked upon like an odd act.

One major confusion that most people face is that of directions. The left hand steering and the reversed driving pattern would get anyone totally mad for few days until you get used to it. Most times you end up taking the bus in opposite direction in a hurry and finally realize it only when the route is totally new.

You gotta thank the bus driver even if driving you in bus is what he is paid for. And even if you are a regular traveler and you get in and get down at the same stop for many days, unless you raise a stop request, the bus will not stop for you to get down. Old people and handicapped get highest privileges, and if you barge into a bus (like you do in India) when an oldie/handicap is getting down, you would be looked upon like a traitor and worst case would hear an unpleasant "Wait.. Step off" from the driver.

When our people get immersed in Subway, McDonalds, Taco Bells and pizzas, most non-Indians love eating spicy Indian food right from South Indian Dosas to exotic North Indian dishes. And most Indian buffets will find equal number of non Indian population as the Indians.

People(read NRIs) consider it as a big fuss when a new entrant Indian complains about chill weather or wears a jacket. But for a TSI who has spent most of the life in hot and humid climate, even a 16 degrees would be a cold weather until he gets used to it. Unfortunately, no one understands this and keep speaking of their adventures during last winter ending with a scary note "How are you gonna stay here in winter?"

If you are a regular bus traveler, you would frequently encounter variety of strange people. There will be depressed people, who either keep taking to themselves or who talk uselessly with people around. If you get into any conversation with them , you are done because the talk will not stop until you or the other person gets down from the bus.

Then there will be drunkards, especially on weekends who keep mumbling some nonsense with all bad words in English interspersed in between. Unless you share their drink or talk in their wavelength they would not consider you worthy to even sit near them. Apart from this, I have seen some strange characters like the chinese mottai lady who carries half a dozen huge polythene bags of clothes back and forth for no known reason and the fully-covered-in-rags guy whose face is also covered completely with a black cloth all the time.

One more interesting scene is that of couples, who irrespective of the time of the day start feeling their love for each other and stop caressing each other front and back, left and right in public. This can be seen not only in buses or any public gatherings, but even in shopping malls when looking through the racks. I can't understand how could one feel love when looking at Tropicana and Kellogs :P

Leaving office @ 7 PM in India is a proud feat because it means that you are lucky enough than your fellow software coolies who might be slogging till 10 PM or midnight or even after that. But leaving @ 7 PM from your office in US makes you feel like you are the most pitiful soul in the office who is slogging late hours for completing the work :D

Some Indian aunties(aunty => more than 50 yrs of age) and uncles who gave birth to NRIs :D unfit themselves into unusual outfits that you really feel sad for their wannabe American style. There are of course lots of aunties who roam around in sarees/salwars with all essential accessories to protect themselves from heat/cold.

They have no work than to roam around and find similar poor souls, after their sons/daughters are away to office and their grand children to play schools. May be, this in in a way better than your parents staying 1000s of miles away while you calculate every cent and talk to them through calling cards.

But whats the use of the dollars you earn in a country of strange and weird people, when you can't spend proper time with someone you love and care for and be near them when they need you?

That's precisely(!! :P) to be or not to be onsite!

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Saroja - A Tale of Brilliance

Very few films have given me the satisfaction of watching a complete movie. That way, Saroja is a movie that has made me happy and contented after a long time. Never in my life I have seen the crowd staying in the theater till the screen goes blank after end titles for a Tamil film. That says volumes about how brilliant a film Saroja is.
Instead of depending on a hero or a director, Saroja is full of team work and team work never fails. Each and every character in the movie has a good role to play and they play it to satisfaction. In these days, when serious movies become full time comedy, it deserves a huge applause to give a thriller with a light string of comedy throughout and keep the audience engaged throughout.
The performance of the 4 friends, especially Premji and his timely punch lines and RJ Shiva's comedy timing deserves appreciation. Prakashraj as the bereaved father in search of his daughter is very natural while Jayaram is a pleasant surprise. Music by Yuvan fits the bill perfectly and all the songs have been well shot and edited.
Even the minor aspects of the film have been taken care well, and lots of little excitements like the cameos. The camera work and stylish editing are the main highlights of the film. Well created, well shot and well packaged, Saroja is definitely one of the best films of the year and a learning for those film makers who are still ignorant of the fact that best films can be made without big stars.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Happy Birthday Haasini...

This blog post is dedicated to all fans, well-wishers, fanatics, one sided lovers and husbands by self-imagination of the cutest actress of Indian Cinema - Genelia D' Souza.
Genelia began her acting career as this tom boyish high society girl Harini, in the film Boys. She was too good for a new comer and it was the first transition of the girl in a parker pen ad to an amateur actress. And after that there was no looking back. Hit or flop, single or double heroine subjects, tamil, hindi or telugu, she left her unforgettable impressions in each and every film she had acted over these very few years. An impression that cannot be erased by time, impression in the hearts of people.
An MBA graduate, she has managed her career very well in this male dominated film industry, by acting in films where she had a very good footage on par with the hero. What matters more than that is the way she had played her roles, most of them will become void without her presence. It becomes unimaginable to place an X or Y actress in her roles.
It is difficult to imagine anyone in place of the egoistic and short tempered Shalini (Sachein), innocent and obedient Madhumathi (Happy), the bubbly and adorable, the immortal Haasini (Bommarillu).. From Harini to Haasini, her roles speak for herself, including the latest Hindi flick Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa. And Haasini was her second transition to a matured actress where she proved her talents and walked away with all accolades.
The industry has seen actresses who became popular through serious roles, dialogue delivery, dance, deglamorized roles, controversial acts etc etc. But Genelia has walked her way through people's hearts as herself. An angel in the disguise of girl next door.
Her cuteness, innocence, the child like smile, those expressive eyes have stolen a number of hearts just like that. She has got the best dressing sense among the actresses of today and whatever she wears never crosses the the boundary of glamour and vulgarity. She is also an excellent dancer, who dances as gracefully as a female can do.
She has loads of talents to be explored, tonnes of best performances to be given to her fans. May God bless her with all successes and good luck, and let she remain the ever smiling Haasini of our hearts!!

♥♥♥♥♥HAPPY ♥♥♥♥♥BIRTHDAY ♥♥♥♥♥GENELIA!♥♥♥♥♥

Monday, August 04, 2008

Of music and movies....

My choice of favorite songs is based on the singers who sing the songs and not by the music director or the actors who act in it. I dont like many of the hit songs just because of the fact I don't like the voices in it or by the way it was sung. I feel that a voice that can hold your senses is what is important in a song and then comes the music and lyrics.

On the other hand, favorite movies have a different criteria. Unless I like the actor and actress in the movie, I never even bother to look at the promos of the movie on TV, however good it is and how many ever people recommend me to watch it. A face that makes you feel happy is more important according to me, and the director, story and plot takes a next preferences.

The above tendency makes me meditate on a few songs and movies again and again till I get bored, or till I get a new favorite. This post is just to mention about few of such songs and movies that I enjoyed recently.

I watched just 4 movies ever since I left India, call it lack of time or interest. First one was Horton hears a who, that I watched on my way in flight. Horton was made familiar to me by Vinodh once during a chat and so i decided to watch it. It was a cool animation film with a cute and affectionate elephant as the central character.

Next was Office Space, recommended by Balaji. Its a movie made almost a decade ago but is very much inline with today's corporate scenario, especially in IT world. Should really appreciate the director's forethought.

Then I watched Billa just for the curiosity of what was there in it, that it was hyped so much by everyone. I totally disliked Rajinikanth's Billa and felt there is nothing worth to remake in it. But I was wrong, because this version of Billa was something more inline with today's genre of movies. It was different to watch Ajith with less dialogues and swear lines(which I feel he is very bad at) and Nayanthara was definitely lots better than a plumpy and bad looking Sripriya. There are lot of negatives about the film but it was a good time pass and the cameraman Nirav Shah and the stylists should be appreciated for packaging the movie very well.

Then finally, I watched Taare Zameen Par, a long time pending movie in my list. It was a very emotional and touching movie especially in the second half after Aamir Khan enters. As everyone who watched the movie said, I could not control my tears towards the end. That kid Darsheel has acted extremely well and realistic and deserves lots of awards for his performance. A unique movie in this age of Hindi movies full of sex, violence and horrible comedy.

Coming to new music that I heard in recent past, one album thats lingering in my mind always is Sakkarakatti. I never had any liking towards Rahman's Hindi albums hat had come in past 4-5 years so its exciting everytime a new album of Rahman is released in Tamil. Sakkarakatti is one album that is worth the excitement.

Taxi Taxi is a very peppy and youthful number that opens up with a bang. Lyrics by Muthukumar about friendship are very catchy. Benny Dayal shines in his western avtar and Blaaze's rap is simply cool. The excellent harmony(Viviane Chaix and Javed Ali) with the Latin(or Spanish?) style beats foils well with the song's flow. Inspite of a westernised number with rap, its very pleasing to the ears unlike the efforts on same lines by other music directors. A song that has already gotten into my list of infinite loop numbers :P

Marudhaani is what Rahman is best at. Melody with western beats. Yet another "Ma" series song Rahman-Vaali combo. The interludes by Rahman himself and the harmony are excellent. I wish Madhushree sings atleast a single song without errors, but everytime she gives Tamil words a hindi face. A Sadhana Sargam or Shreya Ghosal would have definitely a better job, but Madhushree is Rahman's constant choice. Inspite of all, this is an outstanding melody number from this album, that reminds us Rahman of the last decade.

I miss you has a different pattern of music like Thazhuvudhu Nazhuvudhu and Maaja Maaja, but this sounded to me a tonnes better than those two. Chinmayi's voice has a sweet innocence attached to it, which gives the song a special feel. The constant paced and simple beats throughout the song is too good and does not eat up the words.

Chinnamma Chilakamma is the tune of the song with same title from Meenaxi. I thoroughly enjoyed this song because I hated the original version by Sukhwinder singh. Benny Dayal is one of those few singers who pronounces words with prefection and does not eat them up in the name of singing. The clarity in his voice is amazing and his voice is as powerful as Sonu Nigam's in Hindi songs. He is a gifted singer for Tamil Cinema. Chinmayi does her part well, but don't know why she was made to sing like Sayanora Philip or Malgudi Shubha in parts? :) Lyrics by Pa.Vijay are pretty ordinary and shows clearly that they are written for the tune.

Elay is of the same genre Roobaroo from Rang De Basanti and has a similar pattern. It has a very pleasing effect when you hear it. The violin and guitar that plays all through is brilliant. Lyrics by Muthukumar is more of youthful imagination(and surprisingly not childish) and enjoyable. Krish and Naresh iyer do a brilliant job.

Naan Eppodhu is the same tune as Yeh Rishta from Meenaxi, sung by same Reena Bharadwaj. Reena has a beautiful voice but an awful Tamil diction. Same thing as said about choice of voices earlier. I wish she sings atleats a single line in the song without mistakes but not a single line till the end :( The dhol beat thats there throughout the song and lots of string instruments used give the song a divine feel. Pa Vijay's lyrics are simple and meaningful.

Overall, its a great experience for any Rahman fan to listen to this album. Full of youthful vibe... Now all that has to be seen is how well these great songs are shot on screen :)

On the other hand, listening to Sathyam was an ultimate boring experience and it is the worst album from Harris Jayaraj I have ever heard. There is not even a single song that I liked to hear once again. A very forgetful album! Same with the case of Jayam Kondan, Thenavettu and Kuselan. Saroja sounded good only for a couple of songs(Cheeky Cheeky and Dhosth Bada Dhosth).

Thursday, July 31, 2008

The photo tag... :)

Ok.. finally got a chance to complete the tag from Shrinivas.. I has been over a month since he tagged :P

Here are the rules.(Copy pasted from Shrinivas :P)

1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into FlickrSearch.
2. Using only the first page, pick an image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

And happily tagging Ram, Nirmal, Vikram and Venky with this one :D


1. What is your first name?
Srinivasan

2. What is your favorite food? Right now?
Dosa - Any variety of Dosa tastes good. :)

3. What high school did you go to?
St. Anne's Mat. Hr. Sec School

4. What is your favorite color?
Blue.. Anything blue :)

5. Who is/was your celebrity crush?
Priyanka Chopra :D

6. Favorite drink?
Filter coffee made by by mom

7. Dream vacation?
Lots of places around Europe

8. Favorite dessert?
Black forest gateau

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I have grown enough in size so should try to grow down hereafter :D Moving further, may be a good husband :P

10. What do you love most in life?
Music

11. One Word to describe you.
Lazy

12. Your flickr name.
centumsrini (As like many other login ids :P)

Credits for photos:
1. Vineeth Srinivasan, 2. Masala Dosa, 3. St Anne's School, Bristol, 4. water droplets in the shower - o.k. bokeh, 5. Priyanka Chopra ,Film actor, 6. Simple Filter Coffee!, 7. Zuiderkerk - Amsterdam HDR, 8. My wifes todays artwork: Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau), 9. good husband, 10. Who needs DRUGS when there's MUSIC, 11. Ci-Ci & PB, 12. IMG_0532

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Veerachaamy - A Warning!!!

I thought of naming this post Veerachamy - A review, but thought more than a review this could be best described as the horrible experiences of a film viewer watching a king kong, which could prevent phyical and mental damages for weak hearted people yet to watch this classic, and also could prevent some casualities among pets at your home accidentally turning towards TV.

Reading reviews from websites and blogs long back when this movie released, I imagined this to be a life story of a social servant (!) called Veerachaamy, interspersed with sister sentiments some love scenes. But after watching the film last Sunday on Sun TV, I came to know that it is the story of two lovers, Veerachamy and Sarasu, and the hurdles they face in life. The story of two love birds except that there is no bird existing to be compared with either of them :P

The film had an intersting "opening" fight when T.R's dothi opened up showing his pattapatti underwear after which we get to see it in many scenes, giving the effect of watching a horror movie.

After lot of mokkaiest scenes with lengthy dialogues (Yawn!) love episode of T.R and Mumtaj starts. Mumtaj considers T.R. her saamy and is devoted so much to him to the extent of resting her cheeks on his shoes (of course after he removes it)

She wipes her face with the towel used by TR to wipe his face, rubs her face with the comb used by TR to comb his dhaadi, uses TR's poster to relieve her body pains whenever her mother (one bitch of a lady) beats her etc etc

T.R is the tharuthala MLA who suthifies with 4 allakais(unfortunately Santhanam is one of them) all the time, and most times seen in vella vetti with pattapatti trouser inside and karupu sattai. He uses all innovative techniques against corruption like shooting with video cam hidden in book, giving paarangal when a guy asks for "weight a kudunga"(lanjam) etc.

He too expresses his love towards Mumtaz but time and situations spoil their love life that was going on with milk tub and ooty garden duets.

TR has practiced a special reaction for love scenes. Mumtaz will be resting on some support and TR will come near her, stretch his hands sidewards, tilt his body 45 degrees parallel to her, open his mouth in 6 cm diameter, giving a killer look towards Mumtaz. He also excels in his standard senti"mental" scenes and aduku mozhi aruvais.

Lots of chichuvesanal songs come in the movie most of which are sung by TR in background. "Ye Ye Ye Veerachaamy" is one lingering number that will spoil ur tastes of music for sumtime. TR's shouting and aerobics in the songs is the best capital punishment that can be given to terrorists.

TR does editing and so all scenes are unrelated to each other. In all scenes unwanted characters will be seen around, just because he has paid them salary and they have come to the shooting spot. For example, in all scenes happening in his house, you can see all people in his house, plus his friends, plus mumtaz.

Mumtaz goes to the extremes of worshipping TR even after marriage, and in her devotion she steals his natham pudicha shirt and dothi. Wearing the shirt and lying on the dothi, she keeps crying, when her husband spots the vasthus which are reason for eli setha naatham in his house. He ultimately burns the vasthus giving them motcham from earth and from TR.

The ultimate part of the film is the climax, when after asking "Naanum manushanthaane", TR realises he is no more a human form, and starts vetting all villan gang with aruvaal. There is a special dance from TR with dothi in one hand and aruvaal in other which no one can afford to miss. At the end of the fight, the dothi sweeps over Mumtaz'a face, indicating that she is gonna die soon.

There is a side track involving one ambala vesham pota pombala(AVPP) and pomabla vesham pota aambala(PVPA). AVPP is in love with TR's sister(the only female who looks like a female in the film) and PVPA tries to kalachify it. But finally she realizes that AVPP is not in love with her and marries him off to TR's sister in the climax.

Hearing this, the bride groom who was engaged for TR's sister comes with his parents and accuses TR of "vaaku thavaritenga". Thanmana singam TR unable to bear this insult, dies in his chair and Mumtaz also in the shock, dies in his feet.

Watching this world crap stressbuster movie will really boost up your confidence (ivanuke love nadakaudhu namaku nadakaadha), build up your courage (ivane hero va nadichitan, naama ennalaam pannalam life la) and give you a feel good effect (nammala vida mosama sila peru work pannranga ulagathula)

So don't miss your next chance in case you haven't watched this Thirai Kaaviyam yet!!!

P.S: This post is intentionally made with non sequential paragraphs to imitate the editing style of T.R :P

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Thoughtless Thoughts....

It’s been months since I made a solid and original post here which is non-filmi. Thoughts are locked in a heavy box and still searching for the key. Shaking the box had a few them spilling out and here they are....

• Airtel barred my outgoing calls few days back. Calling customer care on 121 said my outgoing has been barred for non-payment. Surprised at this (my ECS payment was already taken for the month) I called up customer care from landline. Then I learnt the real reason. My team mate had lost her mobile and to call customer care she used my mobile in the morning. After asking her for all details that is as good as getting her whole bio data, the "extra intelligent" customer care representative had barred calls for my number instead of hers. Then what? After some nice talks, they had to activate my outgoing in an hour...

• The greatest entertainment channel Doordarshan Chennai aka Podhigai, after its innovative ideas like solo teacher teaching in an empty classroom, music band of bunch of school kids with kitchen wares as instruments, cooking competition where the cooked dish occupies screen background... uff... let me stop... Has come up with new idea of a Quiz show for housewives(or house paatis) called "Aasai Dosai". The team names are Onion Rava, Special Saadha and Masala :O The show is more like maamis arattai in veetu thinnai on an afternoon with no professionalism. No editing nothing. Paricipants talk haphazardly to the host and between themselves after answering the "questions"(!!!) Couldn't bear for even 5 minutes so channel shift :P

• This dance show called Maanada Mayilada in Kalignar TV is good. I watch a whole bunch of "reality" dance shows like Jodi No. 1, Aatam paatam, Chak De Bache, Yeh Hai Jalwa etc. just because I love watching people dance. But this show is something different, in the sense, the choreography and sets are really good and most participants are good dancers rather than popular TV stars. Also there is no tear jerking emotional scenes or fights between participants and judges followed by a suya puraanam singing by the judge. The show is purely for dance, dance and nothing else. 2 and half hours a week seems like too much with almost an hour gone in ads, but the show is worth a watch.

• Traveling in Chennai buses has become more of a comfortable experience than a painful torture as it was before. With lots of new buses (still the green color devils are roaming for shorter routes) and routes covering whole length and breadth of Chennai, traveling has become faster and easier. And paying more charge in deluxe buses has at least the benefit of a courteous conductor, even though you don't get a seat. :P Still waiting for a chance to try out the AC buses zooming across Mount Road.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Kuruvi - The Movie Review

Banner: Red Giant Movies

Produced by: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Directed by: Dharani

Music: Vidhyasagar

Cast: Vijay, Trisha, Vivek, Suman, Manivannan, Ashish Vidhyarthi

Kuruvi, one of the biggest releases of this summer, had lot of expectations with the comeback of Ghilli team and with Dharani promising something more than Ghilli. Truth is, the film just lives upto the name of an average commercial entertainer. Dharani who made the best ever remake in Ghilli and made us enjoy Dhil and Dhool has stopped with a half baked effort this time and has let Vijay carry the film for him.

Vetrivel(Vijay), living with his huge family in Chennai goes to Malaysia as “Kuruvi” along with his friend Ops(Vivek) to get a pending payment from Gocha(Suman) and clear off his family debts. There he finds himself betrayed and in the chase for Gocha, he ends up getting his sister Devi (Trisha) fall in love with him. Vetrivel and Ops return to India stealing a diamond from Gocha along with Devi who elopes in search of her Kuruvi. Gocha comes to India in search of the diamond, finds Vetrivel and reveals lots of hidden secrets about the whereabouts of Vetrivel’s father who is considered as missing by the family. The rest of the film is about how Vetrivel wins over Gocha and his aides to save his father and how Trisha unites with her Kuruvi.

The director moves the film in right direction till the end of first half. Thereafter, in his quest to project Vijay as a super (natural??!!) hero and satisfy the die hard fans of Vijay, Dharani has taken painful efforts to the let the screenplay move carelessly, drenched in blood and gore with lots of spicy masala thrown in.

Considering this is an action film, action sequences are surprisingly the main drawbacks of the film, barring a well composed club fight in the first half. Many stunts are unbelievably overdone with poor visual effects aimed at only projecting the super hero power, ultimately evoking from the viewer a totally different reaction than what it is supposed to do.

Songs have been shot well, choreography in Dandaana Darna and Mozha Mozhanu song is a treat for eyes. Vidhyasagar's background score too is impressive. Gopinath's camera work, VT Vijayan's editing and Maniraj's art direction does an awesome threesome magic for the film. Scenes shot in Malaysia and the rusty look of second half deserve special mention.

Vijay is at his usual best in dance, action, comedy and expressions. He has handled the whole second half by himself where director has taken a back seat adding less value to the film. The extremely over the top punches and one sided fight sequences may go down well with the die hard Vijay fans but for the normal audience, a feel of boredom creeps up after a point.

Trisha has performed her role well, acts vibrant, looks cute and shares an excellent chemistry with Vijay in scenes and songs. Vivek in first half is a major advantage for the film and does a great job as Vijay's friend. You miss him in the second half where expect a couple of songs and few lighter moments, all you get to see is violence. Suman and Aasish Vidhyarthi as villans are just fine while other villains deafen you most of the time. The supporting cast of the film has done a very good job, Saranya, Manivannan and the small kid in the quarry being noteworthy mentions.

The content and the edge-of-the-seat excitement of Ghilli is surely missing in Kuruvi, but even if you forget Ghilli and look at Kuruvi as a normal entertainer, there is a serious lack of director's work and only Vijay remains in the film. Lifted scenes/ideas from other films, unwise packaging of fun filled first half and fan desired second half and a loose story line are Dharani's major mistakes in Kuruvi. Better luck next time Dharani!

Overall Rating: 5/10

Verdict: Kuruvi - Flying with limits and limitations

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Kuruvi - The Audio Review

It is a very well known fact that Vijay's film songs are 50% audio and 50% visuals. Yet another known fact is that songs of Dharani-Vidyasagar combo are strictly for mass, and it has been proved through films like Dhool, Ghilli and Bangaram. That said, the trio of Vijay-Dharani-Vidhyasagar have delivered in "Kuruvi" more than what is expected out of them - An album that satisfies all Vijay fans and a good time pass for neutral fans.
Peppy, loud and full of energy, it is the right mix for Vijay fans if you leave aside senseless comparisions with things of past. Anyone who listens to the album in a low mood is sure to get an high spirit, to say the least. It is definitely a break away from the usual class-melody routine that Vidhyasagar has been through for the past couple of years.

Now over to the songs....

Happy New Year
Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan, Yogi B, Dr.Burn

Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar


The album starts with a loud bang with this number which I call in my terms as "Techno Kuthu". Sunidhi singing Tamil folk is something new and she is brilliant as ever. The Tamil Rap by Yogi B and Dr.Burn is equally enjoyable. The heavy percussions provide the perfect accompaniment for the song.

Rating: 8.5/10

Dandaana Darna
Lyrics: Kabilan

Singers: Sangeeth Haldipur


This is the third time in a row we get to hear Vijay's intro song in a different voice than the usual Shankar Mahadevan/Tippu. Use of new voice renders a fresh feel to the song and Vidhyasagar has rightly taken a note of this aspect. Sangeeth Haldipur, the famous Marathi music composer/singer and part of Channel [V] Pop stars 2, does the honours this time. For a first time non-Tamilian singer, he has managed to do a good job and delivered what is required of him - right feel, energy and heavy throated singing. What Pokkiri Pongal is for Pokkiri, Dandaana Darna is for Kurvi.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thaen Thaen Thaen
Lyrics: Yugabharathi

Singers: Udit Narayanan, Shreya Ghosal


Vidhyasagar's melodies always have a unique feel to it and he is at his usual best here too. The hindustani tune with Arabian style of orchestration gives the song a lilting touch. Shreya Ghosal yet again proves that nothing is sweeter than her voice, while Udit Narayanan too does a good job if you can forgive his awkward diction at a few places. This is one song that has the right elements to attract anyone after first few listenings. A slow poison.

Rating: 9/10

Palaanadhu Palaanadhu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay

Singers: Vidhyasagar, S. Rajalakshmi


If you loved Thottu Thottu Pesum Sulthana(Edhirum Pudhirum) or Ithunoondu Muthathile(Dhool) of Dharani-Vidhyasagar combo, you will surely love this too. Composed in Bhangra style with lots of techno beats mixed with the Punjabi Dhol, this song will leave you dancing for the exitement it provides is magical. Thankfully, Vidhyasagar has chosen the right song for him to sing and Rajalakshmi of "Kokku Para Para" fame does a good job too.

Rating: 8/10

Theme Music
Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

Singers: Praveen Mani, Dr Burn, Ranina and Suvi


With varying paces, possibly to be used at various situations in the film, this a rocking music bit filled with lots of mass lyrics, that will leave Vijay fans mesmerised. You may get a feel of Kabadi Kabadi of Ghilli westernised, but this song has more than that to offer. The heavy guitar fused with traditional folk percussions does what it is intended to do - rushing up the adrenaline.

Rating: 8/10

Mozha Mozhanu
Lyrics: Pa. Vijay
Singers: K.K, Anuradha Sriram


The least best is saved for the last. This is a song whose success is heavily dependent on the picturisation because the music has nothing great to talk about. Vidhyasagar-KK-Anuradha combo of the unforgettable Appadi Podu has done a mediocre job here. The disappointment leaves you searching for Srikanth Deva or Dheena as Guest composers in the credits. Completely folk in all aspects, this is clearly targetted for front benchers. Nothing without a reason, visuals will speak on that.

Rating: 6.5/10

Pluses: Fresh voices, simple and neat presentation
Minuses: Lyrics are mediocre, songs are targeted only at the youth

Overall Rating: 8/10

Verdict: Good

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Atlast!!! A tag...

Breaking my weeks of hibernation with this tag from Nirmal. Actually, should thank him for bringing me back Very Happy

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

"Azhagiya Thamizh Magan" in Santhi on a Saturday afternoon. It was a big get together of my online friends and I went just to meet them and give my presence. Smile

2. What book are you reading?

Bharathiyar Kadhaigal. Never knew that there are stories written by Bharathiyar. Lots of varieties.. Its like his personal diary compiled as a book.. Many stories are somehow incomplete. Some will be liked by kids, some are philosophical, some are sarcastic and some are exaggerated. On the whole a different experience of learning. I am reading it in parts for 1 hr, 30 mins, 15 mins for a long time Smile

3. Favorite board game?

Trade or Business whatever it is called… Used to play it with my cousins and I play the banker most times. Buying and selling cities, mortgages, money handling.. It was a fantasy for me. I liked playing it for hours even though my cousins wish to stop after some time. We count the property worth and end the game most times Very Happy

4. Favorite magazine?

Ananda Vikatan. I always feel some maturity in its presentation and it has lots of write up series that I enjoy reading.

5. Favorite smells?

Smell of new books, sambhar, Tiger balm and Brut Very Happy

6. Favorite sounds?

Violin. I get mesmerized every time I hear it.

7. Worst feeling in the world?

When people don’t trust you or the words you say even though you have been honest. Crying or Very sad

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

"Shall I go in 9.30 shuttle? Nah, sun will kill me.. ok... I shall get ready now.. but 6 PM bus atleast today" Rolling Eyes

9. Favorite fast food place?

Ram’s milky way near Panagal Park, T.Nagar.. Though I have been there only twice I liked it a lot.

10. Future child's name?

Will not be as long as mine and will have two parts in it to be used as first and last name Razz

11. Finish this statement. "If I had lot of money I'd....?"

Build an independent house in a peaceful residential locality and if more money is left would spend it on a travel to any of my favorite holiday spots.

12. Do you drive fast?

I haven’t driven anything Very Happy But I like traveling in fast vehicles (fast=fast and not rash)

13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

I stuff something at 12 midnight and sleep like an animal. I believe only girlies use stuffed things. Wink

14. Storms - cool or scary?

Scary. affraid I stay in a safe building. What about millions who don’t even have a house to live? No

15. What was your first car?

I don’t own one yet. The first one I traveled in was an Ambassador.

16. Favorite drink?

Orange juice and to drink hot, filter coffee.

17. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would...."?

Take my mom to all places she likes to visit.

18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

What is broccoli? confused

19. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?

I already have a receding hairline. I don’t wanna add chemicals to it and lose them early.

20. Name all the different cities/towns you've lived in?

Chennai and Bangalore. Chennai is da best and I love it like anything. cheers

21. Favorite sports to watch?

Tennis when I feel like watching it. And I never miss gymnastics during Olympics. Basketball

22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?

Nirmal is a nice guy who I always see with full of energy. He always has this child-like smile on his face which makes you forget all tensions when you talk to him. Cool

23. What's under your bed?

A wooden Cot Razz

24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Yeah.. And to the same parents but with lots of courage and good luck.

25. Morning person, or night owl?

Night owl. Typing this reply at 12.10 AM on a Saturday night or ahem, Sunday Twisted Evil

26. Over easy, or sunny side up?

I don’t eat eggs Razz

27. Favorite place to relax?

A window shopping in crowded streets of T.Nagar…

28. Favorite pie?

Apple pie Laughing

29. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Vanilla I love you

30. Of all the people you tagged this to, who's most likely to respond first?

I guess it would be Shrinivas SG.

****************************************************

Now for the tagging part, I pass this on to Vikram, Shrinivas SG, Hell's angel and Venky.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

A Tale of Four Cities

Hiring an auto in Kerala:

You need to go to railway station from a hotel in Trissur. You call an auto, get in with your luggages. Meter switched on showing Rs.10(Minimum charge for 2 Kms) You reach station which is about 1.3 kms from your place. Just then you are reminded of special Kerala chips which you forgot to buy. You request autowallah to leave you at the shop at main road.(almost half a kilometer away) Meter is reset now. He leaves you at the shop. You give him Rs.20, he picks Rs.10 from his pocket and gives you.

Hiring an auto in Hyderabad:

You need to return late night from a dinner to your house situated in a residential area. The time is around 9.30 PM. You take an auto, he asks you 5 Rs. extra charge over the meter charge, as it is late night. The meter charge is Rs.23, you give him Rs.30 and he hands over Rs.2 back to you.

Hiring an auto in Bangalore:

You need to travel from Koramangala to Madiwala. Auto 1 has gone without stopping. Same with Auto 2. Auto 3 stops but on hearing Madiwala the autowallah turns his face and goes without a reply. Same with Auto 4. Auto 5 and 6 also does not stop. Auto 7 agrees to take you home and after reaching home you pay him the meter charge.

Hiring an auto in Chennai:

You need to go from T.Nagar bus stand to your house. Empty autos slow down and you say the destination. First one moves away saying "varaadhu". Second one asks you Rs.50 (Nominal rate is Rs.25) You look for the third one who asks you forty. You bargain for Rs.30 and get in. You watch the dummy electronic meter with a sigh which is running for no known reason. You reach your home and the meter has run for about 2 kms and the fare has increased by 20 Rs. You hand over Rs.30 to the auto driver who looks like "the happiest man in the world".

You walk up the steps wondering "what on the hell bothers these guys in life that is not affecting auto drivers in any other state!!!"

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentine Special!!!

On this romantic day, just thought of listing down 10 of my all time favorite romantic movies.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge: A movie that stressed on winning your love with parent's approval. Shahrukh and Kajol are a cutest pair to watch. And how can I forget the excellent songs!!!

Dil To Pagal Hai: Love love love and love all along. Anyone watching this movie will go mad with love. "Someone somewhere is made for you" is the catch line. Sharukh and Madhuri rock the screen with great chemistry, and the film has too good songs.

Kaadhaluku Mariyaadhai: A movie with the same concept as DDLJ, but told in a different way. Vijay and Shalini are a great pair to watch and songs by Ilayaraja are unforgettable.

Poovellam Kaettupaar: I love this movie which was the first ever movie starring the romantic couple Surya-Jyothika. This is again a movie with same concept of parent's approval for love. The screenplay is interesting especially Jyothika's bubbly acting is too good. Songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja were a treat to listen and watch.

Tholi Prema: A movie that speaks of first love. Starring Pavan Kalyan and Keerthi Reddy, its a story of untold love that keeps you engaged till the end when the lovers express their feeling towards each other in the final scene. The song in the Taj Mahal set and couple of other songs are too good.

Bommarillu: A very cute movie starring Siddarth and Genelia that speaks of a young man's dilemma between being a good son to his father and winning over his love. A feel good movie with very good songs.

Minnale: When love strikes you in a lighting flash, you would go to any extremes and do anything to win it. And that is what this eternal love story starring Madhavan and Reema Sen is all about. Who can forget the wonderful songs, especially the evergreen Vaseegara?

Dumm Dumm Dumm: You are engaged in an unwanted marriage and you try your level best to break it and it breaks one day. Later you realize that you have fallen in love with her and try to win her back facing all odds. This interesting plot with nice songs make the movie a delight to watch.

Mozhi: Love needs no words, no language. This movie proved this statement. Jyothika as the deaf and dumb Archana and Prithviraj as the obsessed lover give the movie the right feel throughout.

Alaipayudhe: Love exists even after marriage and no movie can explain this as beautifully as Alaipayudhe. The spark between Madhavan and Shalini is the life of this movie and of course, the romantic songs tuned by A.R. Rahman.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Save Thamizh.. Save Thamizh Lives!!!

A belated post dedicated for Tamilar oops Thamizhar Thirunaal that was celebrated on January 16th.

உன்னுக்குல் நானே உறுகுà®®் இறவில் உல்லத்தை நான் சொல்லவா(Pachai Kili Muthu Charam)

வெக்கதை மறைதாய் கைகுலே அடைத்தாய் தன்னீà®°ை உட்à®°ு குலின்திட(Unnale Unnale)

à®’à®°ு செல்லா நாயை உந்தன் பீனால் வால் ஆட்டூà®±ென்...
அட என்னை தவிà®± எல்ல பென்னுà®®் ஆனை ஆனலுà®®்(Kaalai)

தீபிà®°்à®°்à®°ை போள் வருà®®் நக்க கன்னுக்கல்(Pori)

à®°ெகசியெ கெனவுகல் ஜல் ஜல் என் இமைஹலை தலுவுது சொல் சொல்(Bheema)

à®’à®°் ஆய்யிறம் ஆண்டுகல் சேà®®்à®®ித்த காத்தல் இத்து(Sivaji)

சேவிதழில் நுà®°ை அல்லி செà®®்பாத்தம் வறை கில்லி(Winner)

வாளுக்க்கை புத்தையலப்பா(Anbe Sivam)

கால கால நீ அடங்காத கால(Kaalai)

உன்னை என்னி என்னியே உல்லம் தான் வாடுதே(Vallavan)

ஜூலை மலர்ஹலே ஜூலை மலர்ஹலே ஊங்கல் எதிà®°ியாய் ஓரு அலஹன் இருக்கிà®±ான்(Bagavathy)

These are just samples of what Thamizh in today's film music is like. May Thiruvalluvar, Kambar, Bharathiyar and all those great Tamil geniuses give dreadful night mares to all those music directors, who, inspite of having an ocean of talents within our own state bring other language singers and make them sing without proper training on diction.

Long Live Thamizh!! :D

Cha... தமிà®´் நீடூà®´ி வாà®´்க!!! :)

P.S: If you can't read and make out the above lines in Thamizh, consider yourself lucky. Because, I know how unfortunate it is to hear your own being language raped and murdered for the sake of hearing a good voice. :P

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Amélie - A movie full of life

I watched a movie of my lifetime yesterday. Its a French movie called Amélie. Having heard about this movie from Vikram long back and having read about it in his blog, I wanted to watch this movie for over an year, and I finally did it yesterday.

It is a very very cute movie, a simple story interestingly told with a beautiful romance plot. To give some flashback, 2002 Oscar awards had a great Indian film in the final list of "Best Foreign Film" category - Lagaan, for which we felt very proud. Of course, it didn't win an Oscar, but another contender among the finalists and which lost to "No Man's Land" was Amélie from France.

The movie is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and stars Audrey Tautou and Mathieu Kassovitz in lead roles. And there a a lot of supporting characters, each of whom has a short but a prominent role in the movie. The film begins with a flashback on Amélie's childhood which sets the base for rest of the film to move on.

It is the story of a waitress in Montmartre, an extremely shy and lonely girl Amélie, who after an incident decides to make people around her happy by solving their problems. She does it all secretly like an angel and feels happy for them. But at the same time she is fighting her own shyness to express her love for Nino. How she overcomes that and how she unites with Nino is what the story is all about.

The way the screenplay is built upon, the characterization of each and everyone, the suspenses knitted and the way they are revealed, the mild comedy that runs throughout, the clues Amélie gives to Nino for finding her are all interesting. The pleasant background score and the beautiful locations make the film a delight to watch.

If you want to watch a movie with loads of feel good factor, a movie that is heart warming and memorable, then Amélie is the best choice. And thanks Vikram for suggesting this movie :)

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Tagged again...

Tagged by Shrinivas personally. Sorry for the late completion, but I managed to do it only today.

1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it.

Hmm there is one.. Which will be there for a life time. During my 9th standard half-yearly vacation, on bad afternoon when I was going in a cycle, a lorry kissed my feet with its beautiful mudguard. The impact had cut a few nerves going to my little toe and took it away from me after few weeks. Now I have only 4 toes in my right leg.

2. What does your phone look like?

Its Nokia 6233 I got last month. This is how it looks:

3. What is on the walls of your bedroom?

One daily sheet calendar(given by Vasanth and Co where i masked Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi with a vute Manakkula Vinayagar pic :P)

4. What is your current desktop picture?

A wallpaper from Ghilli. My favorite, particularly chosen for its dark background. BTW, it was designed by my friend Ashok :)

5. Do you believe in Gay marriage?

Gays should believe in that... Why should I? :P

6. What do you want more than anything right now?

More music in my collection. The one thing which I am never satisfied of and always feel an incompleteness.

7.What time were you born?

6.40 AM on 14th October 1983 at Public Health Center, West Mambalam, Ch-33.

8. Are your parents still together?

Yeah by hearts. Physically he exists far away from us, up there.

9. Last person who made you cry.

I don't cry so often :D To make it recent, I almost cried watching the climax of the movie Happy(what an irony!!!) That much I was involved in that story :D

10. What is your favourite perfume/cologne?

Brut. The Green One.

11. What kind of hair/eye color do you like in the opposite sex?

Black Hair .. Black eyes :P

12. What are you listening to?

Mudhal Mazhai from Bheema. Minimum 10 times a day :P

13. Do you get scared of the dark?

Within house, no. Outside, yes, only when there are stray dogs or drunkards on the road.

14. Do you like pain killers?

There is nothing to like. I like them only when I have headache :P

15. Are you too shy to ask someone out?

Will tell that when I get a chance to do it.

16. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?

Halwaa. Anytime anyday, as girls say, I looooooove it :P

17. Who was the last person who made you mad?

I am still sane. But I become temporarily mad after sitting in a traffic jam :D

18. Who was the last person who made you smile?

Ram. He always brings a smile to my face. Very naughty boy :D

Sunday, January 06, 2008

Kaalai - Audio Review

Kaalai is the best audio to open 2008's music releases along with Bheema, which got shifted from 2007 to 2008. The film stars Silambarasan, Nila and Vedhika in lead roles. The film's music is by A.R.Rahman's nephew G.V.Prakash Kumar, who already had a great 2007 with musical chart busters.

Prakash impresses once again in Kaalai with a line up of songs that caters to all class of audiences. And as usual, it features a host of popular names in the credits.Kaala Kaala
Singers: Mamtha Mohandass, Benny Dayal

This I would say is the best song in the album, sung beautifully by a beautiful Mamtha. It sounds a little bit similar to "Vallava ennai vellava" in tune and mood. The orchestration is excellent and Benny Dayal's voice is powerful as in power of the hero. There is nothing great in the lyrics though, and its sound slike dialogues tuned into a song. Mamtha starts the song on a melody note and slowly captivates you with her stylish singing. The mandolin bit towards the end is superb.

Rating: 10 - 0.6(for bad lyrics) = 9.4

Gutkha Gutkha
Singers: Lucky Ali, Sunidhi Chauhan

No one would have imagined Lucky Ali's voice in a Tamil kuthu song. Here he along with Sunidhi Chauhan gives us an excellent techno form of kuthu that will leave you dancing in joy, to say the least. The difference in such songs tuned by Yuvan or Imman is that you will still get a keyboard-in-studio effect, where as this song has the feel of a big orchestra. You feel it with very few compositions like Rahman or Harris, and you will feel it here for sure. The singers are both energetic and the drums are rocking.

Rating: 10 - 0.6(for music in few places eating up words) = 9.4

Eppo Nee
Singer: Madhushree

Madhushree is one of the most luckiest singers in Tamil Industry. Inspite of her most horrible tamil diction and a voice which sounds very similar to Sadhana Sargam, she gets to sing a lot of well tuned solo numbers even today. Surely any other singer like Shreya Ghosal would have done more justice to this song, but still it is a very good song. The tune sounds familiar but is well composed. It has a slight folk touch also. The song has some good lyrics in this album, which are unfortunately damaged by Madhushree's diction. Nevertheless, its a lilting melody that demands repeated listeing.

Rating: 10 - 1(for Madhushree) = 9.0

Kutti Pisaase
Singers: Silambarasan, Suchitra

A very fast number sung by Silambarasan and Suchitra with their fullest energy. Silmabarasan sounds really good unlike his previous songs where I always felt touch of TR ;-) It sounds like a combo of Ennasai Maithiliye and Yammaadi Aathadi from Simbu's older movies. The heavy drum beats brings in the mood of the song. There is again nothing great in the lyrics, of course it doesn't matter for such songs. There is a "Dandanakka Danakkunakka" bit which is TR's identity for mimics for a long time. :) The chorus with kids is impressive.

Rating: 10 - 0.8(as there is nothing new, bad lyrics) = 9.2

Veeramulla Eeramulla
Singers: Seergazhi Sivachidambaram, Manikka Vinayagam

A full fledged folk speaking about the spirit of the Tamil soil. The singers have done a good job and the sound of lots of folk instruments like Nadaswaram, Thavil, Urumi, Thappatai(and others whose names I don't remember) create a typical village like feel when you listen to it. There is a somewhere heard feel but the song is very good to hear.

Rating: 10 - 0.8(nothing new, words are masked by music) = 9.2

Vandhutaanda Kaalai
Singers: Rahul Nambiar, Benny Dayal, Silambarasan

The song with the worst possible lyrics, sorry dialogues which are rhyming, as in rhymes of TR. Add to that Silambarasan's full throated shouting that is loud enough to deafen you. Rahul and Benny have not much of a job to do except to sing in harmony a few meaningless lines here and there. The orchestration however is very good and is the only saving grace of the song.

Rating: 10 - 0.7(for lyrics) - 1(Simbu) = 8.3

Overall Rating: 9.1/10
Verdict: Worth a listen. Very Good.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Whats not in a nick name?

I have been called with a lot of nicknames till now in life. Just thought of sharing them here so that people can choose some of these names to call me.. hee hee(Vettiya irukken nu sollama epdilaam bittu podren illa? :D)

Guru: As far as I know, this is the first nickname I had. My mom's sister used to call me by this name. She is a devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan(of course me too :)) and was calling me by this name for sometime. After that no one had called me so.

Keerai: I don't know why and how I got this name. My uncles and cousins used to call me like this when I was about 2-3 years old :) May be because of my food preferences. ;-)

Kaaki: Supposed to be short form of Karthik.:P My cousins were calling me like that for many years.

Srini/Seeni/Cheeni: Very common for a person named Srinivasan. No reasons needed I guess :)

Kulu: Nicknamed by my youngest cousin when he was a small kid. I also call him by the same nickname. God only knows what that means :D

Professor: In college days. Because I have taken so many seminars and general learning sessions enough to kill people with my mokkais :P

Thala: Named by friends in Bangalore for no known reason. Its a common name for many people in IT industry though

KSR: Thats how I nicknamed myself on Orkut. The full form of KSR is obvious. Today many people know me like that.

Few other names were censored fearing self damage :D Anyways, guess this is enough for now :P

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Good Bye 2007 :( Welcome 2008 :))

Before I start, this is my 50th post this year and 150th post in this blog :) :) :)

Thanks to everyone who have tolerated all my junk till date and still alive :D

End of yet another adventurous year and beginning of a new year... Lots of dreams, hopes and wishes...

2007 was a good year for me personally and professionally barring a few instances. Few things I want to highlight are the following. 2 was my lucky number this year it seems, as you can see from most of the ones listed below ;-)

* Got couple of awards at work place. Established a good name with my work and got a big and cheerful team to work with.

* Went to USA on an official trip for couple of months. I would have been the luckiest person to complete a trip successful in aspects, may be God's grace. Had a great weather to live in, very indian atmosphere, visited lots of places and enjoyed a lot. Bonus was a short trip around Singapore in return journey.

* Got myself a laptop from US, a long time dream come true. That increased my system count to 2 and yeah, laptop has a dual core processor :D

* Changed my mobile twice this year. Was happy with my Nokia 6270 and changed over to Nokia 6233 at the right time. I am too happy with this now :)

* My orkut profile was hacked by some idiot, but thankfully he gave me the chance to come back with 2 profiles again, clearly partitioning my interests and activities on orkut into two halves.

* Bought two household gadgets for my mom: A mixer grinder as a replacement for the out of service one and a two-in-one to play old devotional cassetes at home(inspite of having devotional songs on my PC too)

* And last but not the least.. hee hee... Enjoyed two Vijay movies this year. I care a damn about how others like it, but I enjoyed both of them very well. (Of course, there is a list of other movies I saw and enjoyed, and who knows, it might also end up with a count of 2*x :P:D)

Okie.. Enough of PJs I think... :))

Wishing everyone a New Year filled with good health, new hope and new beginnings!
May year 2008 open up for you more opportunities, lead you onto the path of continued success, happiness and prosperity! I wish that the coming year showers on you all that you ever wished for! Good luck and smiles, good cheer and ...

A Very Happy New Year! :)