Of Super Deluxe, and Anthi Maalai from Monster

I watched Super Deluxe. No, this is not going to be a review of the movie, but rather reasons to watch it.
You see, Super Deluxe was banned in Malaysia for somewhat absurd reasons. The character played by Vijay Sethupathi, Shilpa, is a transgender. Yeah. Due to that. So, it did not play in any of our cinemas.
The same fate fell upon Kadaram Kondan despite it being filmed in Malaysia. Yes, we are a conservative country. Wink. But I love my country. So, I abide by our censorship boards decisions.
Back to Super Deluxe. Read that the dashing Vijay Sethupathi won Best Actor in Melbourne. And Gayathrie won, too. Claps, claps, claps.
Super Deluxe is a movie that invokes a thousand thoughts. No fancy locations, dance sequences or things that the mass movies have. And despite this, it scored a big ten for me.
I loved Vijay Sethupathi's son's character. Rasukutty. His innocence. Such a natural. Also, his beautiful, plain, devout, faithful and homely wife - Gayathrie. Their extended family.
Then there's Samantha Akkineni, my favourite actress. And Fahad Fazil. The couple whose arranged marriage was based on caste and creed.
And Ramya Krishnan and her adolescent son and his bunch of friends.
A pervert policeman. His pathetic team.
A gangster. His wall mounted TV.
A preacher who survived the tsunami. His devoted follower.
An alien. Her quest to find a companion.
The beauty of the movie is how all the characters connect with each other. The moral we learn along the movie. The movie has a bit of everything.
Don't read a review and decide about the movie. A review is only an individual's perception. Their point of view. Give it a chance. If you enjoy good movies, Super Deluxe is on 2019's must watch.
I didn't review. See. I don't have to spoil the momentum of the movie. This is something you should watch and ponder and rave about, once over. I did.
I smiled the usual Cheshire Cat, that I usually do. A smile of appreciation to great upcoming Tamil directors.
So, yes. Go watch.

I also watched Kolaikaran. The one with Arjun and Vijay Anthony. Hmm. I like Vijay Anthony. He has that demure acting capability. I'm not and have never been a fan of Arjun. The movie was blah, if you know what I mean. Watch it at your own discretion. I comment no further.

Mogan and I just returned from the capital of the country a weekend ago. We went to visit his family. It was a beautiful long ride to and fro. He bought me McNuggets and Fries from the Drive Thru when all I wanted was a Chocolate Sundae. I ate them, nevertheless. Wink. He didn't stop by the quaint town of Ipoh although I really wanted to have lunch there. He said some other time. Wink. We went to the very revered and auspicious Jalan Baru Muniswaran Temple. A short but blessed visit.

Life is beautiful. Being nice to others is a good thing. Not talking bad about others is a very good thing. And wanting the best for others, too, is an immensely great trait. I used too. Because we must learn to want good for others as we would want it for ourselves. Right ?

India is months away. Karnataka most probably. Or the Northern parts of Andra Pradesh. I'll update you all. India is my muse. It always will be. I hallucinate being there quite regularly.

I love this song. I watched the movie, although not in full and found it quite amusing. Will watch the remaining parts and let you know if the movie was as good as its songs. Monster with SJ Surya & the beautiful Priya Bavani Shankar.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Good night. God bless.
Malaysia celebrates her National Day this 31st August.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan, Negaraku Yang Tercinta ! That's, Happy Independence Day my beloved country in our National Language, Bahasa Malaysia.

Love, R. Shalu <3 p="">

Chekka Sivantha Vaanam - Yes !

Hello everyone.

July is about to bid goodbye. Here I am. As always. Trying to beat a monthly deadline. I am an ace at procrastination. Yes, I am. On days, when I am way too lazy, I gift myself extra extra time to idle away.

I watched Chekka Sivantha Vaanam today. Finally. I was glued and didn't leave the sofa even during advertisement. It was an awesome one. Mani Sir must be a perfectionist. This movie is an example. The flow doesn't stop. It is fast paced, interesting and mind blowing. His other revolutionary gangster movie, after Nayagan, I feel.

I have heard of the BGM before. But, listening to it, today, in the movie, was a whole new experience. How apt for each situation. Fit in so well.

A friend of mine - Arti, has been asking me to watch Gully Boy. A Hindi movie. I don't understand the language. I like good movies, though. I have yet to but I promise I will. She has such great taste and we share the same thoughts on many movies.

Super Singer 7. As Benny Dayal said, it is the very best of seasons. I root without fail for Mukkuthi Murugan or Mumu and the ravishing Puniya. What great talents. And there is also, Sam Vishal for his exotic coarse voice. And Roshini. Did you see her performance during the Devotional Round ? I had goosebumps and tears. It was astounding.

The link for Roshni's performance is here - https://youtu.be/T_vwxKNFJ3w

Bigg Boss 3, Tamil ? I don't follow. I have watched a couple of times. Recently watched only to see what Kamal had to say regarding false accusations and character assassination of the very respected Cheran. I felt what that Meera did was utmostly wrong. To not react at that moment but to dwell on it later and create a ruckus out of it is so inhumane. My opinion.

It's hot here on most days. My cousins in Tamil Nadu said it rains every few days there. And the climate is awesome for a vacation. Yes, we are in the midst of planning. Our tour operator, Indian Panorama suggested Vijayawada, Vizhag or Karnataka, since we have hardly ventured there. Planning still. Will update once finalized.

I want to watch Aadai. The beautiful Amala Paul. She is a great actress. It's not playing anywhere near my hometown. I heard all the noise regarding her nudity. I wish people will stop being hypocrites. I did see the trailer. Didn't see anything vulgar in it. Some Tamil movies project immense vulgarity despite the heroines clothed. Some movies, you can't sit and watch with kids around. But did Aadai do that ? Even the trailer is bizarre. Just that. Not vulgar. But people.... Argh...

Kadaram Kondan is a banned in my country. Do not ask me why. Just like Super Deluxe, this too. I have no comments. But as told in my earlier paragraph, people are just hypocrites. I have no further comments.

I love the song in Kadaram Kondan. Thaarame. Sid Sriram. So beautiful. Marriage is life long promise, come what may. It takes so many things to make it last forever. Patience is one. Lots of it. I'm smiling. And motivation for your other half. Even in your angriest, do not mock them. Love accepts the person as they are. We learn all these in lessons of marriage. I'm smiling again because I sound like a philosopher.

Good night everyone.

Love,

R. Shalu

Sungai Petani, Kedah,

Malaysia.

Vijay Sethupathi - Dayummmmmmm !!!

For starters, those of you who are unsure of the word dayum (apologies, if they are a little harsh), refers to the word 'damn' exaggerated. I mean, when we say, darmmmmmmmm in an astonished voice, it sounds some what like dayum. Urban dictionary.

So, yeah ! The Vijay Sethupathi is an ace actor. And he plays his parts perfectly. I am a fan. I think he oozes the manly charm. The Tamil Azhagan. Tall, dark, handsome. I have always been his fan, since his Naduvala Konjum Pakkatha Kaanom days. And in his recent '96, I fell flat. What a character. Present day chivalry.

I didn't watch Junga. Wanted so much to watch Super Deluxe since it had Samantha too, but unfortunately, it was banned in Malaysia due to the transgender issue. Enna kodumai Sir ithu ?

It's a Saturday night here. Drizzling outside. I'm very much a home person. So, nothing soothes me like home sweet home. I thought of this post since evening and compiling them weren't easy. I have been a little free, so here it is - 8 video songs of Vijay Sethupathi. 8 different characters he portrays.
If you are a zealot like me, you'll understand how valuable this songs actually are.

My favourite ? In this list, I'd say Govind Vasantha's Karai Serntha Piragey. Simply love the video. The flow. The cinematography. The lyrics. The tune. I can listen to this one all day long.

So here.
8 videos songs of Vijay Sethupathi !

Seethakathi, Uyir


Sinthubath, Nenjey Unnakaaga


Orange Mittai, Payanangal Thoduruthey


Panayarum Padminiyum, Ennakaaga Poranthaye


Thenmerku Paruvakatru, Kallikaatil Pirantha


'96, The Life of Ram, Karai Serntha Piragey


Sethupathi, Konji Pesida Vendam


Kathalum Kadanthu Pogum, Akkam Pakkam Paar


Rummy, Oru Nodi


Till then, have many blessed days ahead. God bless. Love your parents and your family. Life is short and love is monumental.

This is R. Shalu, signing off with love. 

Tangthile Oru Kurai - Bagapiravinai

Halo everyone !! It's June, once again. That time of the year, when my hero celebrates his birthday. Yup, Mogan's birthday is in the mid of June. It is norm for us to celebrate his birthday as mine, and mine and his. It may sound a little weird to many, but we have been keeping up this tradition for some couple of years now.

Well, you see. On his birthday, I wake up to a birthday wish and vice versa. It's fun actually. Love is kind of weird. You find joy in the small things. And it's  a learning journey. Everything seasons. Relationships, too. And this is us.

The two day Eid holidays is about to end soon. I had two days of undisturbed rest at my mom's place. Mogan is away for work in the country's capital. I was supposed to join him but couldn't get last minute tickets for the train nor flights.

I didn't watch any movies in recent times. New movies, I mean. Movies that I have watched before, yes. But nothing new. Not Majili. Not Oh! Baby! Both being Samantha's. And me being her ardent fan.

Watched bits of Thotti Jaya, bits of Veyil, bits of Snegitheye. All in bits. None in full. Read some reviews on recent Tamil movies. Imaika Nodigal seems to have many positive ones. I haven't actually. Did catch some snippets of it. But in full, not yet. I should I guess. I like Nayantara and Aadharva. And of course, the very talented Vijay Sethupathi.

It's fifteen minutes to 10pm now. My GERD has improved tremendously, thanks to my daily consumption of yogurt or kefir, which I alternate. I do get them once in a while, especially when I have too much of coffee or spicy stuff. I'm learning what I can take and not, gradually. I have reduced my food portions. And I don't eat excessively - anymore. Being petite does not guarantee a healthy body. That's the lesson I have learned.

I love this song. It is a classic one. I love the melody and the lyrics. Love is defined so beautifully. Old songs are majestic. Like this. I owe Appa my gratitude for introducing me to such beautiful ones. Songs such as this remain forever. Just like love.

The Tamil lyrics.

தங்கத்திலே ஒரு குறை இருந்தாலும்
தரத்தினில் குறைவதுண்டோ
உங்கள் அங்கத்திலே ஒரு குறை இருந்தாலும்
அன்பு குறைவதுண்டோ

சிங்கத்தின் கால்கள் பழுது பட்டாலும்
சீற்றம் குறைவதுண்டோ
சிங்கத்தின் கால்கள் பழுது பட்டாலும்
சீற்றம் குறைவதுண்டோ
சிந்தையும் செயலும் ஒன்று பட்டாலே
மாற்றம் காண்பதுண்டோ...
மாற்றம் குறைவதுண்டோ

கால்கள் இல்லாமல் வெண்மதி வானில்
தவழ்ந்து வரவில்லையா
கால்கள் இல்லாமல் வெண்மதி வானில்
தவழ்ந்து வரவில்லையா
இரு கைகள் இல்லாமல் மலர்களை அணைத்து
காதல் தரவில்லையா...
காதல் தரவில்லையா

காலம் பகைத்தாலும் கணவர் பணி செய்து
காதல் உறவாடுவேன்
காலம் பகைத்தாலும் கணவர் பணி செய்து
காதல் உறவாடுவேன்
உயர் மானம் பெரிதென்று வாழும் குல மாதர்
வாழ்வின் சுவை கூறுவேன்...
வாழ்வின் சுவை கூறுவேன்

தங்கத்திலே ஒரு குறை இருந்தாலும்
தரத்தினில் குறைவதுண்டோ
உங்கள் அங்கத்திலே ஒரு குறை இருந்தாலும்
அன்பு குறைவதுண்டோ...



Here's your R. Shalu signing off. This song should go on loop mode. On a soft volume level. At night. A perfect lullaby. An apt reminder that even gold has its flaws but that doesn't decrease its value. The person we love have their cons, too. Accept and embrace them. That's how beautiful relationships last.

Love always,
R. Shalu

May '19. Good Tamil movies to suggest, anyone ?

A friend of mine opened up to me in the lift. We were in the midst of talking about the weekend being just two days away when she told me she was rushing to the hospital to see her ailing dad. He has been battling cancer for 7 years and is currently in stage four. I was shocked. Speechless for a moment. I had tears welling in my eyes. How can I not ? Dad. Father. Appa. The most precious word to me.

If you've read many of my posts, you will understand that this blog begun with memories of my father. The greatest love of my life who left too soon but has never my heart and soul. He remains an integral part of my life. Not a day goes by without me thinking of him or the memories we shared. It has been more than twenty years since his passing. But he is in my life - everyday. Somewhere, somehow. The beauty of parents. They leave their marks and prints on you.

We had a three day weekend here. So, I rested well. Did cooking. Cleaned up the house. Lazed around. Had great conversations over food with my loved ones. Talked for nearly an hour over the phone with my precious extended family, which was long overdue. Read some great articles. And, here we are, hours before Tuesday, when everything goes back to norm.

Hey guys, do you know where can I actually get a legal download of the movie Majili, with subtitles that is ? Beep me ya, if you know. Watched some snippets in Insta and the movie seems lovely. Zealot kind of a movie. That's why yours truly is so enthusiastic. Besides being a true fan of the ravishing Samantha Akkineni. 

May 23rd is just around the corner. A favourite girlfriend's birthday. And "the" day for Indian politics - which I know nil of. But I want to know the results, nevertheless. We had a rocking win. Malaysia. Our 4th Prime Minister returned with a bang to helm the country as the 7th, from a very corrupted government. I adore him. Tun Mahathir Mohamed, despite being 94 this July 10th, is wise and well read and put our country high on the pedestal. He is facing a lot of issues with the present inexperienced cabinet but he knows his job well, and there are four years more for improvements and miracles. Here's wishing my India the very best !!

I do not miss India as much, but she runs through my mind daily. Memories I have had while I was there. The recent one was of the Padmavathi Temple in Tirupathi. Fondly known as Alamelumanga Temple, the beauty of this place of worship is very prominent when the crowd is lesser and the lights are all lit up. The aura. Simply beautiful and peaceful. India. Is. Plain. Beautiful.

I don't watch serials. Here and there at times. And, I get them all mixed up. Amma does though. Vijay TV serials. As they don't run for infinity. She is watching right now. So, I'm blogging. Or else, we would be talking over things, and life and news and such.

It has been weeks since I actually watched a decent Tamil movie. The last I watched was the excruciatingly long Marvel - End Game. Three long hours. The only other one I have watched is Antman. I loved that. But being totally clueless of the Marvel characters, made the movie seem ages long. The first hour was purely conversations. The second, flashbacks. The third, the war. And this is the first time, I got acquainted to Thor. Funny, right ? I've never seen him before. If you ask me to watch again, I will not, but it was pretty decent. Except for the length.

I'm looking forward to July. Meeting up with 5 of my best friends. My darling uni mates. We've planned an overnight stay. We have all been busy and occupied. Finalizing a date that we all can agree on, has not come easy. But we managed somehow. Hopefully it will go as planned. I miss those girls and the memories we shared during four years of our uni days. They have remained an integral part of my life and we chat daily on this private whatsapp group.

Going to be 9.45pm soon. I'm signing off.
If you have watched a good Tamil movie in recent times, please ping me the title.
If you know how I can get my hands on Majili with subtitles, please ping me too.

Here's, me saying take care and have lotsa beautiful days ahead.
Stay blessed and say your prayers, no matter how busy your day.

Love,
Shalu. R

P/S :- Enna song ? You suggest. I'll give it a listen and post in my next. Thanks in advance.