Bahubali. 18 short reasons to watch.. :)

Bahubali.

You can't make everyone happy. That's life. 

People will still try to find the faults. The pessimists - that's what they are called. 

But, why worry, when you have given your best? Why stress when the cons outweigh the pros? Why let the minuscule create a mammoth issue? 

It is, to me, one of the greatest Tamil movies, ever made. I enjoyed every minute of it, despite it ending nearly at 1am. 

1. Rajamouli. He is an ace at animation. Think, “E” ~ the fly movie, starring Nani, Samantha & Kicha Sudeep.

2. The mammoth set. Even mammoth sounds a little plain for what we actually got to watch on screen.

3. Ramya Krishnan. Sivagami Devi. What charisma! She is the female version that fits the “Vayasaa aanalum un style mattum kuraiyiley” statement perfectly.

4. The final battle. I was awed. I felt I was watching the latest of the Indian Jones series. And, it WAS NOT long. WAS NOT. 

5. The Shivan song. The one where Prabas/Shuva picks up the shivlinga and transports it right beneath the water falls ~ for his mom. Beautiful. 

6. Kattapa. Satyaraj-Ji. The perfect role. He did perfect justice to his part. And, his awesome sword fights.

7. The warrior spirit in Tammana. Avantika. There was a certain fire in her.

8. The fact that Rajamouli didn't try to squeeze the storyline in the two hours and forty five minutes. You know what comes at the end. I'm eagerly waiting.

9. Sudeep Kicha. My favourite dashing villain. As the sword trader, Aslam. 

10. The inauguration of the king's golden statue. What a momentum. The dancers, the singers, the slaves, the people, the hall, the elephants. Astounding is too small a word.

11. One year of pre production? God bless the crews patience and diligence. 

12. That vehicle that Rana drives during the last battle. The one with that rotating scissors. I found it quirky. 

13. The language spoken by those tribes. And their leader. What an impact. Armageddon-ish. 

14. Days since I watched this epic. But, I'm still talking about it. Still flabbergasted. Still awestruck.

15. The Kali Statue in the open fields. Majestic. 

16. 733. The number of days from the very first shoot to release. Can you imagine? Rajamouli’s patience. Golden. And, the fact, he didn't end with rushingly, just for the sake of making a movie. Refer No. 8 again. :)

17. The avalanche and its wonderful V-effects. Wow. :)

18.   Villain Naseer. And Rana. Both cunning. Another great performance. 

Overall, a must watch. Go support their mammoth effort. Encouragement is a catalyst to further success. 

So, when is the sequel coming huh?

Signing off, with love.

Shalu. 

Vaa Vennila from Mella Tiranthathu Kathavu.

And, finally, here, I am, with greetings, from the heart :-)

I hope you are all fine. Fine, hale and hearty. And happy, too. Because, life is ACTUALLY about being happy. Being happy, over, even the smallest blessing bestowed. Being happy over what we have and what we, will have - with hard work, and faith and hope, and diligence. 

So, here's me wishing you a tonnes and tonnes of happiness - as a starter. :-)

I wish I was more industrious in blogging. Yes. More spirited and persevering. More in full swing. Unfortunately, these are all, just a couple of mighty words that I am using to camouflage my hefty laziness. 

I didn't post the entire of June. And, it's mid of July - already.

Today, I continue to write, from my heart. Because, I allow words to flow. I enjoy synchronization. 

I miss my father. Beyond all the words that I can accumulate, here.

My day begins with his thoughts. Still. His photo is by my bedside. Still. He is my King. Still. And, always will. 

My aunt visited us recently. She put up a few nights here, at our home. We had a great time catching up. 

During one dinner, home cooked meals and all, Appa's name cropped up. Aunt told me how he was always referred as the perfectionist during his teacher's training days. She spoke of his beautiful handwriting, be it English or Tamil. His composed personality. His uprightness. And, his dashing good looks. Appa, well built, stood tall at 5 feet 11 and a half. 

By the time Aunt finished her stories, I was crying profusely. So much so, that my dinner plate was filled with more tears than curry. 

She was apologetic that she put me in such a state. But, I loved her stories. Loved as in capital L-O-V-E. Someone who was present during his younger days, relating them to me. To me, it was genuinely beautiful. 

I made it very clear that I enjoyed her stories and that there was nothing to be sorry about. Appa, is the greatest love of my life. Thus, emotions, always, get gigantic at the mere regard of him.

I so love him. 

During my recent absence, I traveled to Andaman Island, India. Saw Boracay Island, Philipines. Attended an awesome university reunion. Went frolicking in a water park. And, ate loads and loads. 

Life, as I always say, is about the little things. Done, with people who matter. Money doesn't buy all these. It cannot, actually. To love and to be loved, is a very beautiful blessing. And, that is - happiness.

You MUST have someone in your life. MUST. MUST. MUST. I mean, we all, MUST have that special someone in our lives. If you already have, APPRECIATE them. If you don't, it is high time you go fish for one. SOMEONE TO COUNT ON AT ALL TIMES.

That - special someone. Your mom. Your best friend. Your other half. Your internet buddy. Anyone. Anyone who makes your heart chime in happiness. The one who you want to share your best moments and sorrow, with. Someone, you can count on, without a doubt. 

I am blessed to have a handful. My mom. My sister. Mogan. My cherished and genuine friends, Inpan and Devaki. And, girls from my uni days.

I look for Amma, all the time. I share everything with her. And, we are great TV buddies. My mom is extremely well read. She is world news savvy. If I know anything, it's all her knowledge. Not mine. I just brush up and further research via the net. And, share it with her in return. It is a beautiful relationship. I count on her, both to criticize and support me. Her opinions are downright honest. And, that is what matters to me.

I share practically 99.0% with the people mentioned above. I trust them completely. Even, the greatest of my guarded secrets. 

That's why I am echoing my sentiments that we all MUST have someone. To share parts of our life, with. Someone we can always rely on. Someone, we can seek, anytime - without the guilt. 

Sharing is an excellent trait. 

I just did. Shared parts of my days and thoughts with you. 

So, you go do that, too.

Share something today. 

Your favourite piece of chocolate cake. A good book you recently read.

A movie you think people should watch. Anything worth sharing with a good intention. 

I am getting sleepy. Lack of oxygen. Hahaha. 

I may get delusional, soon.

So, pardon me. Allow me to sign off before I blabber.

Allegiant.

That's a new word I learned today. It means, loyal. faithful.

Thus.

Allegiant-ly,

~Shalu~

p/s - one of my favourite songs from bygones. what-a-song feeling. :-)

Nadhi Pogum Koozhangal from Pisasu.

A very beautiful good morning to everyone. 

Sungai Petani, my quaint hometown, is cloudy and mildly cold, this morning. I get to sleep in longer, thanks to it being Sunday. :)

Actually, I'm still in bed. Writing from my iPad. With a slight grin. I have a song that I want to post, too. But, the huge question will be, if I manage to do it. Or not.

I'm still a horrid iPad user. I still fail at embedding songs via it. STILL. So, if you are my blog reader and an ace at Apple products and how blogging works with them, please, puhleeezzzzzzzz enlighten me. :)

I'm heading for a vacation next month. It is very much looked forward to. However, finalization has yet to take place. Still a little fidgety and on the edge, although I am praying hard it the plan will go on, eventually.

God, I need a holiday. It has been two months since. Hahaha…. Don't curse me. Only two months, and I'm complaining? Not complaining actually. Rather, psyched out. 

I'm a Scorpio. I'm the Tamil girl who loves to travel. Tamil, read correctly. Indian is vast. I want to be specific. ;)

I'm a homebody with a penchant for on and off getaways. I'm a fan of the art of rejuvenation. I'm happy in unwinding state. Simply put – I so so so love my holidays. 

Most of us do, I believe. We fail to plan and make it a reality. There's always a reason. Work. Finance. Other obligations. Blah blah blah. But, if not now, when ? You've got to start somewhere. It will pick up in time. Those tiny fetes. 

Start with a weekend. Go to a good café nearby. Not the noisy, rumbling one. Something quieter. Something that would put you in a mood, to go on a holiday. Because ambience is a great tranquilizer. 

We have one here in Penang. It's named Harvest Time. Aratoon Road. A beautiful restaurant, it is. Renovated from a two storey colonial kind of house to an angelic white and resplendent diner, now. It's attractively old fashioned. Quaint. And, it always reminds me Pondicherry. Only that, it's white here and yellow there. And, thus, my drive (oh, yeah – drive) to holiday, gets ignited. ;)

I have a huge imagination, don't I? I bet many of you are wondering how a coffee café can ACTUALLY stem an idea to holiday? It does. For me. And it will, for you.

The catch is, that you have to give yourself room to visualize and ideate. I'm a beach person. So anywhere in vicinity of one, is awesome. I love temples and art architecture. India and Thailand score a bingo. That's how the drive, starts. Keyword – visualize, ideate and finally, accomplish. :)

Catch my point ? (You've got to say this like Kamal, in Michael Madana Kama Rajan, to his mammoth assistant, Beam Boy ;)

Oh, I've watched Kamal’s movie. At the cinema in my hometown, with my family and half a theater crowd. It's  an artistic movie. It's a movie with a message. Of how frail life can actually be. Especially when you are made aware of the time you have left – to live. 

I found it a little boring. I am not a fan, first. And, I prefer him in comedies. His, work 100%. Think Michael, Madana, Kama, Rajan. Panchathanthiram. Pammal K Samantham. And MBBS. Hilarious to the core, weren't they? 

Also, due to the fact that I watched OK Kanmani too manyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy times. You know – minimal dialogues, beautiful cinematography, lovely songs and the sombre feel. Mani Sir’s territory. So. I'm still reeling in it. 

But, I've got to applaud Kamal’s initiative. The movie in the movie one was excellent. From comedy to songs to attire to graphics. Found it amusing. And, certain scenes, when realism sets it. Pulls the heartstrings. 

Ahhh.. See the drives came in droves. Haha… Can't imagine I've written this much.

Got to go though. It's going to be 9am soon. I've another busy schedule. ;) 

So, see ya around. Stay blessed.

And, go plan that holiday. And tell me about it – too. Would love to listen. :)

This is, Shalu, signing off. With love and affection. 

p/s - such a mellifluous piece. I love this song. So does Amma. Uttara Unni Krishnan sings this perfect and crisp clear. And the sound of the violin. Majestic. I adore Myskin's movies. Amma doesn't though. Opinion differs. And, I stick to mine. 

Mother's Day - For Amma & Appa. Kaatru Veliyil from Un Samayal Araiyil.

I'm breaking the norm. 

Here's wishing not only my Mom, but also my dearest Dad, up in heaven, a very blessed Mother’s Day. 

It took both of them to raise me. To be what I am today. It’s undeniable that a family runs solely because of a mother’s sacrifice and dedication. And, in ours, my father played an equally strong part. 

Yes, I say, “Amma” first, whenever I fall. Yes, it's Amma that I confide in anything, and everything. Oh, yes - it's Amma this and Amma that. 

But, my father – my Appa – he ruled my world. 

He still does. He always will. 

My Heavenly Mother. 

The one I carry in my heart at all times, and everywhere I go. 

So, here's ALSO wishing all the great guys who are totally supportive of their moms and wives and girlfriends, a Happy Mother’s Day. 

For my fellow women – A Blessed Mother’s Day, TOO. ;)

What-A-Song. Illayaraja. Sung by himself. From an awesome movie. Listen on loop - you will fall head over heals with this one. :-)

Gratitude is beautiful. Nilaa Kaayum from Sembaruthi.

Dedicated to a beautiful stranger ~ Sridhar Vittal. The one residing in my favourite city in the whole wide world.

I came home from a tiring Friday but much anticipated weekend – due to a dating spree day and the very publicized, Mother’s Day – to see your name pop on my inbox. 

Thank you. It put a grin on my face. It is, indeed, simple things in life that create mammoth effects. 

Thank you – Sridhar Vittal. 

No, I am not on a tour. Though, I wish I could, and was. And, neither, I am too busy, to write. Lazy? Oh, yes. That would be a more honest answer. 

I need drive, to write. Only then, I can. Words must flow from my heart. I don't fancy the idea of constructing words into frilly sentences just for the sake of posting. I write because I want to. 

And, days that I want to actually write, are dwindling. 

Life is going fine. And, I hope it is the same for all my readers. 

Yesterday, I went on a one day dating spree with two of my close girlfriends. We had maximum fun and food and frolicking. And, last night, after the girlie date, I joined my family at this local Indian hangout for a pre Mother’s Day celebration. 

Today, I am a bit relaxed. But, we have another Mother’s Day outing, in the evening. Yeah, we are a close knit family, that enjoy our times together. But, aren't all Indian families, too? 

Generally, the Indian family is a little conservative. We don't hug much. Or reveal our feelings through I-love-you’s. But, we love our kin, strong and sincere. 

I've watched some great movies. And some, not so great ones. I've also listened to mellifluous Tamil songs from recent times. I've kept myself abreast with Kollywood. Lacked the drive, I told you earlier about, to blog, though.

It's a cloudy afternoon here. The thunder is rumbling. And, I assume it is going to pour heavy anytime soon. I love rain. I love the smell it gives earth. I love the tapping of it on my window pane. I love its chill that fills the room. I love the fact that it minimizes my whining on the hot weather.

To everyone, stay blessed. Stay happy. And, share your love. That's what we are all here for…...

Take care.  God bless. 

p/s - another beautiful piece by Maestro IR. A yesteryear classic. Heard it one the radio.....

Speak your heart. I have. :)

March is here. 

And March, to me, is about, shouting out (writing, in this case) what I really think.

So here comes, Shalu, sincerely. 

And pre-pardons if they hurt the heart, even a tiny weeny bit. 

1. If you love people, tell them. Life is short. Ego is a horrible trait. And, you don't know what tomorrow holds. Just telling someone they matter, can chill the coldest soul. I have. To my loved ones. You, do too. 

2. I seriously don't think Jessica Jude, the runner up in Super Singer a Junior 4, was worth her title. Apologies. But I am being honest here. If you had watched the program from day one, you will understand. It is not that she is non deserving. Just not on par. With any of the other 5 finalist. This was a talent based show. At least, that's what I assumed it was - until the devastating finals. These children were fed with knowledge that their talent and hard work combined, was the ultimate recipe to success. But, what triumphed in the end, was votes (bought excessively by one majority). At least, the organizers could have had two categories - voters and jury's. That would have justified the entire scenario. p/s : I know it does not matter much, but I ceased being a fan of Vijay TV’s Super Singer, Junior, Senior, whatsoever. :( So, don't expect me to talk about it any more. And, refer No. 1 – Jessica Jude, I love you. I love you not. :)

3. We should plant more trees. And garden, more often. The weather here, is unbearably hot. And humid. Keeping ourselves hydrated has become an important duty. It always is. But, on a mammoth scale now. Malaysia feels like a desert at noon. So, have I been to a desert? Hmmm. Not really. Rajasthan, yes. I know there's a desert somewhere there, although I didn't, specifically. Well, it is sweating hot, even at midnight. Got my point? 

4. Old people need extra care. Extra love. Extra care. Extra attention. Extra conversation times. Extra everything. Kindly understand that. We too, will age, eventually. Put yourself in their shoes before blowing your heads off. We are extinct without them. UNDERSTAND? So, drop your smart mobiles and equipment, while they are around. Talk to them, instead. They love conversations. Try it. See for yourself. Unless they too are social media platform enthusiasts. Even, then, you can. Just send them a cute message. I love you. Thanks for being a part of my life. I am blessed to you have you. Yup. See them smile. See their eyes light up. After all, we've come as far as free messaging. Whatsapp is a blessing. Use it with them, too. Not just your young rocking hip friends. 

5. If you love people, tell them. Life is short. Ego is a horrible trait. And, you don't know what tomorrow holds. Just telling someone they matter, can chill the coldest soul. I have. To my loved ones. You, do too…………………………… Yes, this is actually No. 1. Why not? We tell important things twice, don't we. All. I do, too. So, yes. Love is beautiful. It warms hearts. Fuzzes the soul. Blooms a smile. Invokes happiness. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that phone (better, the person ;) and tell them. So easy. As ABC. Tell them they matter. Tell them they are genuinely loved. Tell them that you are blessed for their presence in your life. Tell them thanks for being in your life. Tell them, just in simple words – Love you. Can? 

So, yup. That's it. Some mildly harsh stuff I wish to tell people.

Have a marvelous March. It's going to move real fast, just like January and February. So, make the best of it. 

Till then, this is Shalu, signing off, with love. 

Take care. God bless. 

p/s : No Song Day The iPad-Blogger Combi Is Hard To Navigate ;) 

Appa's Kannama. Happy Valentine's, everyone.

I celebrate another, non gazetted Valentine's Day. 

Appa called me Kannama. And on some days, Shalu Ma.

Shalu Ma, was more of how Amma called me, during my schooling years.

She still does, now. Once in a while, though.

My darling sister and over protective brother, have their own ways of calling me, too. 

But that will be a whole new topic that, I don't intend to dwell in, at the moment. 

Certain pet names give you goosebumps. These are mine. 

And they come from people I carry in my heart, everywhere I go. 

I grew up in an environment abundant in love. 

My parents were the perfect couple. My Amma, the ever supportive wife. The stern but loving Mom. 

The family, that was and is there for me, every day of my life. 

And, Moganadass... 

The best friend of infinite years.

Moderately reserved. Beautifully loving.

I am blessed, indeed. 

I am thankful, to the Almighty. 

For everything. 

So, here's wishing the loves of my life, a very very very Happy Valentine's Day. 

My Appa, up in heaven. 

My Amma. My Akka. 

My Mogan.

My brother. My share of genuine extended family and friends, too. 

Good morning. God bless. 

Love,

~Shalu~

p/s :- surprise song :) listen. it's beautiful. one of my present favourites.

12 Date Ideas ~ my Tamil girl version

Early Valentine wishes. :)

2015 is the year of dates. Dates, dates and more dates. At least for me. It was one of my resolutions.

2014 was a little lame. Scarce and sporadic. Yes, it was. Just writing it, emphasises the pathetic tone.

So, this year, I want to date more. To enjoy those beautiful moments. To make time for the sweet nothings.

And, I intend to abide by them.

And, what better time to start, than February, the month of love?

12 Date Ideas - I want to have with him.

1. The Temple Visit
My ultimate date, would be definitely this. An early morning visit to the temple. The tranquility and serenity of this place of worship. The peacefulness it brings the heart, is just speech defying. Just him & me. In the presence of the Almighty. Amidst the chime of temple bells, the chant of sacred verses and the aroma of jasmines, roses, sandalwood and incense. And, a stop over for breakfast. Think idli and Madras coffee.

2. The Sunrise Watch
Yes. The Lets Watch The Sunrise Together Date. The one that begins with a phone call. Where he candidly asks if I would want to see it with him. And, where, I would happily say yes. You know, the well spent one, where you talk stuff, hold hands, embrace the silence and enjoy the dancing of waves, as the sun rises, embodying a new beginning. And a simple Western breakfast, there after.

3. The Joggers Park
Oh, yes. The Joggers Park. Oh, and this is not only confined to health freaks or the wannabes. Huge trees. Sweet breeze. Ample shade. Wooden benches. Morning dew. The smell of earth, and grass, entwined. Relationships grow over simple stuff like this, not material ones. Oh, and this is not only confined to health freaks or the wannabes. Stroll along. Jog. Brisk walk. Whatever. Spend time together. That's all that counts.

4. The Coffee Cafe
The coffee cafe date. Something I will never say no too - even on my busiest days. I love coffee. I love tea, too. And, I love quaint restaurants which serve them. Ambience is such a turn on. Just sitting with your greatest crush, sipping a hot drink and exchanging sweet nothings - is downright lovely. Malaysia, every nook and corner, has an endless list of superb cafes and hangouts. It's a matter of starting - somewhere.

5. The Scooter/Bicycle Ride
The thought of the date itself puts a huge grin on my face. Him & me. A scooter. Or a simple bicycle. So honestly romantic. The ability to hug him from the back. To fiddle with his hair and ears. To scream in ecstasy, as you ride downhill. There's a certain kind of happiness when he leads. And, you know, you are in safe hands.

6. The Movie Date
Yup. A good movie, that is. And, Tamil, preferably. A cup of chilled drink. Two straws. And, a strong hand grip at every time a beautiful moment comes. If I could turn back time and choose 3 Tamil movies that for a date, Alaipayuthey would always be Número Uno. Number One. Then, the recent Panayarum Padminiyum. A stellar. And last but not least, any Ajith movie. For him. Think Don.

7. The Beach Picnic
I am an aquaholic. Read that right. Please. Aquaholic. A person who loves water. Any place associated with water. Especially the beach. Mention beach, and I am hyper. I am somewhat lucky. Penang is an island. And, beaches are a plenty. Picnics should be somewhat early morning. Or late evening, when the sun is down. Some chocolate drink, fresh juice, sandwiches, chips, a picnic mat, and voila, you are set.

8. The Count the Stars Match
How beautiful a thought. Not to mention, jaw dropping romantic. On a bright cloudless night, however. But, insect repellants would be very handy. You don't want to spend the night shooing away mosquitoes instead, do you? And, at the end of the day, the magic lies in making the best, out of trivial moments like this.

9. The Kitchen Party
Cooking together. Yes. What more couples should do - more often. Bonding is a necessity in any relationship. And, what better way than preparing a meal together. I think it's a sweet idea. Deciding on a simple but lovely menu. Going to the grocers. Buying the stuff. And returning home to start the entrée. Not to mention, setting up a romantic atmosphere, Illayaraja's music playing softly in the background, and all.

10. The Family / Friend Hangout
I grew up to the notion that love begins with family. Still do. Always will. A guy who ensures you are a part of his family and friends, is ALWAYS a keeper. Make the best of those outings. Be pleasant to everyone in his circle. And, be genuine. Put the effort to be a part of it. Establish a connection with his clique. He wanted you in, so make him proud.

11. The Rain Dance
No. Not the non virtuous one as in Bolly or Molly movies. I am referring to the ones that happen at the brink of the moment. When it's starting to rain a little heavier, you are both out in the rain, he catches hold of your umbrella and throws it away. And, you just embrace the joy of getting drenched in the rain with someone you genuinely adore. Love is about the small things.

12. The Pet Shop Trip
I love animals. Especially dogs. And birds. I have actually done this one, albeit it being a non date kind of thing. More of a stop over. He wanted to get food for his fish, an Arowana. But, I enjoyed those little moments. Both of us drooling over the animals in the pet shop. The rabbits. The hamsters. The birds. The fishes. Why not? Especially if both love animals.

Note : iPads are least Blogger friendly. And I am not too Internet savvy. I want to make that clear. So, I am currently not able to post a song. Pardon me. But, given a choice it would be, at this very moment - "Haiyayo Nenju Alayathudi...." from my favourite Aadukalam.

Till I see you all again, this is a signed off with lots of love,
Shalu.R.

Ps ~ oh, please wish me luck. Will need them, lots. ;)

2014 - Tamil movies, songs & characters.

Happy New Year 2015 everyone.

2014. Of Tamil movies, songs & characters.

I am ditching all those long winded scrutiny and study.

I want you to be able to read this in a jiffy, and get on back on track, to the more important agenda on your to do list, today.

Undisputed Super Movie of the Year

Linga (reviews not applicable)

Top Tamil Movies 2014 ~ My Choice

1. Panayaarum Padminiyum

2. Thegidi

3. Jigarthanda

4. Naan Sigappu Manithan

5. Un Samayal Araiyil

6. Madras.

7. Goli Soda

8. Saivam

9. Damaal Dumeel

10. Mundasupatti

11. Jeeva

12. Rummy

13. Velaiyila Pattathari

14. Nee Engey Yen Anbey

15. Maan Karate & Yaamiruka Bayamey

Special mention - Sathuranga Vettai & Cuckoo

Top Tamil Songs 2014 ~ My Choice

1. Vinmeen from Thegidi

2. Unakaage from Panayarum Padminiyum

3. Poo Indru Neeyaga from Velaiyilla Pattathari

4. Aagayam Theepiditha from Madras

5. Penne Oh Penne from Naan Sigappu Manithan

6. Aye Mr Minor from Kaaviya Thalaivan

7. Let's Take A Selfie Pulla from Kaththi

8. Kathal Aasai Yaarai from Anjaan

9. Intha Porrupudhan from Un Samayal Araiyil

10. Oruthi Mele from Jeeva

Five Awesome Characters in a Tamil Motion Movie 2014

Johnny of Madras

Panayaar of Panayarum Padminiyum

Rajesh of Jeeva

Raguvaran of Velaiyila Pattathari

Meera of Naan Sigappu Manithan

Five Influential Figures - The Tamil Film Fraternity 2014

Bobby Simha

Karthik Subburaj

Hariharan a.k.a Johnny Madras

Santhosh Narayanan

James Vasanthan