Tamil movies for your free days...

This is not my zealot's list. Some movies mentioned here are from my zealot list, though. Note : Some. Most are ones I have watched and recommend you to, on your free days.

Watched & recommended for 2017 & 2018 :-

• Adhe Kangal - Kalaiyarasan, Sshivada & Janani Iyer. It was a rather good crime thriller. On rainy, snuggled on your sofa, this could be a good pick. Also had some nice songs.
• Dora - The gorgeous Nayanthara in the lead. Humour & horror well done. 
• 8 Thottakal - MS Bhaskar Sir nailed it as the main character. A crime thriller with a good set of casts. Tamil thrillers are revolving. 
• Pa. Paandi - Power Pandi. One of the best I would say. Because it didn't need glamour and glitz to leave a mark. Truth is, I love these kind of movies. Feel goods ones that end with a tug of the heart. And the songs. I have them on loop on my playlist. Rajkiran & Revathy Maam outshone Dhanush & Madonna Sebastian. 
• Bahubali : The Conlusion - Rajamouli brings movies to an all together different level. I prefered the first but this was tremendously good as well. p/s :- we visited the Bahubali sets at Ramoji film City in Hyderabad in February 2018. 
• Oru Kidaiyin Karunai Manu - Dont let the rustic surrounding of the movie con you into not watching this gem. This is a stellar. Again, no glamour, no glitz. Armed with an astounding storyline and very talented casts, this is another must watch of the year. 
• Vikram Vedha - The Movie of 2017. Wins uncontested. Yes, I am a huge fan of the very charming Vijay Sethupathi. And the young as ever Madhavan. But the movie is above them. I watched at the theaters, skeptically. Some reviews were rather negative and cynical. But I am glad I went ahead because this, is one of our very best Tamil thrillers. 
• Taramani - Because Director Ram is an ace at what he does. Warning : The hero will annoy you to the maximum. But, that is not what good movies are about. The story line wins. Ram wanted to emphasize on the cons of social media and he did it rather well. Yuvan's music brings further grace to the movie.
• Velaiila Pattadhari 2 - The first one was superb. A mass. This was moderate. The floods in Chennai and the lessons we should learn from the catastrophe. 
• Thupparivaalan - Another one of my favourite directors. Mysskin. Another good crime thriller that you can safely enjoy.
• Solo - This is a Malayalam remake. It is a compilation of a few good stories. It has the dark feel so if you are not much of a fan, please skip. I truly liked the movie - nevertheless. 
• Meyaadha Maan - Vaibhav. Priya Bhavani Shankar. Acute romantic comedy with equally fun songs that you should give a try. 
• Theeran Adhigaram Ondru - Based on a true story, this action thriller dwells into the history of robbers in India. 
• Aruvi - Aditi Balan. An original social drama. Must watch. I guess I have reviewed 10 reasons to watch it in early 2018.
• Savarakathi - Mysskin & Ram. Poorna, the heroin, in her character, will drive you mad. She has the ability to nag continuously. But there is Ram, and there is Mysskin, and there is this beautiful story about a father's responsibility and love. And a very very beautiful song titled, Anaanthu Paar.
• Nadigaiyar Thilagam - A biography on the legendary Savithri Madam. I enjoyed Samantha & Vijay Devarakonda just as much as I did Keerthy Suresh & Dulquer Salman. 
• Kaala - Superstar's best. He shines like a diamond as Karikalan. The entire cast too. For me, it was Rajini Sir's best to date. He played someone his age. No frills, no foreign locales. And songs that melt your heart. Must watch even if you are not a Thalaivar fan. I am. Diehard. :)
• Lakshmi - Prabhu Deva and that very talented little Ditya Bhande. A dance musical that you can enjoy with your family.
• Merku Thodarchi Malai - A village based movie on the cardamon sellers and the struggles they endure. It is based on the heir plights. Solemn.
• U-Turn - Samantha Akkineni is drop dead gorgeous - as usual. A horror movie with a twist. And the message it delivers. 
• Pariyerum Perumal - Many people have referred it as the best of the year. The story dwells on caste and the continued importance we give them despite all the progress in the world. I want to write further about the movie, but I will definitely recommend it to everyone. Remember, our blood is all red.
• 96 - My movie. Vijay Sethupathi & Trisha. Loved it to the core and have watched it too many times, till date. Everything about the movie is REVOLUTIONARY ! :-)
• Nota - A political based movie with the cute Vijay Devarakonda, Naseer, MS Bhaskar, Satyaraj and a lot more. A good watch especially for NRI's like me. NOTA - None of the above, in election terms.
• Raatchasan - Crime thriller with a very eerie villain. Go watch. I do not want to spoil the excitement.

This is it. A short compilation for 2017 & 2018. Hope you agree. Hope you watch a couple of what I have recommended.

Goodbye 2018. Hello 2019.
Stay blessed peeps.

Here's Ponapokkil from the 2017 Adhe Kangal.

Thunbam Nergayil - The Gem

I woke up to the smell of freshly fried vada - the famous and all time favourite Indian savoury. And, what came next to mind was, of course, tadaaaaaaaaaaa - Chennai ! Allepey ! Hyderabad ! Kanyakumari ! India ! Where my soul continues to live !

It's been many months since I did my daily dwelling on my favourite country. I woke up every morning missing India, prior to May 9th. The very memorable May 9th 2018. When my Malaysia was swept by a gigantic political tsunami. The people of Malaysia, unitedly, with the leadership of our favourite former Prime Minister, Tun M, changed the ruling government of 60 years. Amazing isn't it ? How unity can create such huge wonders. How people power is not something minuscule. 

So, well, now... 7 months later, here I am, writing my blog, from what we the people of Malaysia call, Malaysia Baru. Simply translated, the New Malaysia. The new government is learning the trait. We do have lots of hick ups, but we believe in them and a better future for this beautiful country. Hello ! Rome wasn't built in a day ! And, we are led by our 4th Prime Minister, our greatest pride. The oldest Statesman in the world. The one who initially put our country on the world map, for all good reasons. 

You should have known by now, how much I look up to my Prime Minister. I do. He is well read. He is intelligent, bright and quick to respond - sensibly. He remains calm at all times. A hard worker. Diligent in pursuits. And not to mention, funny and super cute at times. 

There was a video, viral days after our huge win over the last ruling party. When our Tun M returned from the Royal Palace after taking oath as our 7th Prime Minister. I remember crying in awe over it. His official vehicle stops in a sea of people, all who rush to thank him for saving the country and asking him to take care of his health and well being. He is 93. 

Yes, he is 93. He has led the country for more than 20 years as our 4th Prime Minister. He has seen us through economical and political turmoil. He did his very best for this country and has been the brainchild of many of our greatest achievements. 

I'm smiling. I'm truly proud of him and thus my extra bragging. And, if you are a non Malaysian reading this, do visit my beautiful country any time soon. In advance, here's me welcoming you to our New Malaysia. 

7 months have passed by swiftly. 7 months in which my thoughts of India have reduced drastically. I did think of her. Not as often as before but I did. I still do. India, she's a beauty. And, you'll never fail to be amazed by diversity. 

Until this morning. When the smell of vada, fresh from the oven, filled the air. Vada is a staple breakfast there. You can get it piping hot first thing in the morning - in most parts of India. So, yes, in between all this writings, I'm also scrolling between pages on which part of India to visit next, real soon. 

I'm back, I guess. The crazy-about-India person that I am. 

Signing off with a song that my Appa introduced me to. A friend posted this song on his Facebook wall recently. It's a wonder that young people find this piece magical. I've had many subsequent posts and write ups after I posted this song the very first time. I met many new people through it. Some even helped me with translation and in depth explanation. 

My favourite lines as I end today's post. Happy weekend everyone !

"துன்பம் நேர்கையில் யாழ் எடுத்து நீ
இன்பம் சேர்க்க மாட்டாயா? - எமக்
கின்பம் சேர்க்க மாட்டாயா? - நல்
அன்பிலா நெஞ்சில் தமிழில் பாடி நீ
அல்லல் நீக்க மாட்டாயா? - கண்ணே
அல்லல் நீக்க மாட்டாயா?"

 

The 72 things I adore...

1. Tirupathi, Telangana - or is that Andra ? The holy hills of Tirumala. My heaven on earth. Without exaggeration. 

2. Vacations - wherever and whenever possible..

3. Forehead kisses - so real. Memories of Appa. 

4. Beaches - the best place to hangout. The sound of waves. The cool breeze. That tranquility. 

5. Coffee - warm. Madras. Iced. Mocha. Starbucks. Coffee Day. 

6. Ice creams - banana splits. Baskin Robbin's Love Potion topped with hot fudge. Vanilla with Hershey's chocolate syrup. Cornetto's.

7. Dogs - dogs, dogs, dogs. I just adore them. 

8. Stargazing - on a bright moon lit night. And wishing upon them.

9. Elephants - love them heaps. Real ones. Soft toys. Kerala. Anything associated with them awes me.

10. Jelebi - the Indian sweet. Fried. With a sugary syrup filling. Crisp. Golden. I had the best while in Jaipur. 

11. Songs of Nivas K Prasanna - a young and new Tamil music director. Think Thegidi, Sethupathi and Zero.

12. Yellow - fun. Bright. Chirpy. My favourite colour. 

13. Chennai - always. My soul is there. Don't ask me why. Marina. Panagal Park. Filter coffee. Flower shops. Yummy food. Breathtaking temples. 

14. Veena by Rajesh Vaidhya - the prodigy. He lullabies me to sleep with his amazing music.

15. Rain - heavy. Drizzle. Thunderous. The smell of earth, thereafter. Dancing in them. Sharing an umbrella. Blessings - that's what they are.

16. Pillow fights - fun and happy. It's been a while since I had one. 

17. Cooking - therapeutical. Experimental. Traditional. Western. Asian. Baking. New found passion. He loves food and thus, I love cooking. 

18. Sarees and kurtis - can never say no. My favourite gifts come in this form. Cotton especially. Decent. Vibrant. Comfortable. Feminine.

19. Swings - calming. Comforting. Breezy. Childhood memories.

20. Vespa - cool. Antique. Sturdy. Yellow. Appa had one back then. 

21. Lighthouse - sacrificing. Beautiful. Light. Chennai. Kanyakumari. Architecture. Winding staircase.

22. Cafés - quaint and cozy. Coffee. Cakes. Indulgence. Mew's in Muntri. The original kopitiam. 

23. Colonial buildings - Penang. Pondicherry. Robust. Safeguarded. Architecture. No frill. 

24. Kanyakumari - what Paris is to others. Romantic. Boat rides. Strong winds and crashing waves. Arabian Sea. Indian Ocean. Bay of Bengal. One of my favourite places to be.

25. Big breakfasts - compulsory. I'm a breakfast person. And they must be in huge portions. Western. Chinese. Malay. Indian. Coffee. Guava juice. Milo. 

26. Varanasi - ancient. Ganges. Mystical. Hindu. Lord Shiva. Lingas. An indescribable feeling.

27. Gerberas - my other favourite flower. Colorful. African. 

28. Train rides - conventional. Present day ETS. Fast. Convenient. Scenic. Romantic. 

29. Chandrababu - yesteryear comedian. Funny. Gulebagavalli.

30. Phone calls - lost trait. Devalued by social media. I enjoy texts but phone calls mean more. Surprise ones, especially.

31. Museums & art galleries - inspirational. Historic. Awe. 

32. Gardening - therapeutical past time. Roses. Ferns. Nature.

33. Lavenders - my favourite flower species. Yardley. Subtle. 

34. Illayaraja - maestro. His songs will always boost your mood. Magic. Evergreen.

35. Street Art - inspiring. Photo points. Armenian Street Penang. Artistic. 

36. Gulebagavalli - our favourite black and white musical movie. Appa & mine. We have watched this numerous times. Classic. Memories.

37. Watermelons - on hot day. Juiced. Cut. Chilled. Sweet. 

38. Baby's Breath - they are a kind of tiny flowers. White. Light. But hold presence by themselves.

39. Mamak Stalls - road side. Tea. Nescafé. Nasi Lemak. Mee Goreng. Economical. 

40. Grandfather clock - wooden. Antique. Beautiful. Classic. 

41. Bike rides - slow ones. I'm timid. Scenery enjoying ones. Night ones, too. Slow strolls. 

42. Indian Banana Leaf - thali set. Especially on a Friday. Full meals. Sleep inducing. Finished with a cup of hot filter coffee. 

43. Kids - jamming with them. Especially the 3-5 year old categories. Surprising. Laughter. Cute. Lively.

44. Pondicherry - my maternal grandmothers lives there. Still. French colony. Yellow buildings. Coastal city. 

45. Mom's cooking - any given day. Even the simplest ones. Cooked with love. I'm blessed.

46. Rajinikanth - the Superstar. Humble. Style God. Semi crazed fan. 

47. Dates - romantic. Casual. With friends. With my sister. Planned. Unplanned. Just a cup of coffee with the people who matter makes a huge difference to a day. 

48. Rainforest - huge trees. Shady. Tropical. Nature. Greenery. Serene. 

49. Satyam Theaters, Chennai - awestruck. Huge. Excellent sound system. Crisp clear. 

50. Weekends - longer slumber. Rest. Relax. Unwind. Cozy. Home. Abode.

51. Conversations- same wavelength. Interesting. Current affairs. Heart to heart. Genuine. 

52. Armenian Street, Penang - colonial. Street art. Local food. Flashback. 

53. Jasmines - Fragrant. India. Devotional. Traditional. Saree. Hair ornaments. 

54. Iced lemon tea - on a humid day. While reading. 

55. Sewing - hand and machine. Childhood hobby. Keen eyes. 

56. Grilled food - smoky. Chicken. Mutton. Tofu. 

57. Marina Beach, Chennai - really. Miles and miles of sand. And then, a larger than life sea. Fried savory. Horse rides. Lighthouse. Amazing sunsets. The sound of traffic. 

58. Tropical Spice Garden Penang - it's such an awesome hangout. Beach facing beautiful medium scale forest. And a giant swing that lullabies its visitors. And, a  great hill top restaurant with amazing view. 

59. Satyamangalam - scary hairpin bends. Adrenalin rush. Cool. Forest reserve. Bannari.

60. Cotton - comfortable. Breezy. Crisp. Fresh. 

61. Sun - optimism. Morning. Beautiful. Rise. Set. Orange. Fiery.

62. Salads - chilled. Fruits. Raita. Dressing. Crunchy. Colorful. Healthy.

63. Books - any genre. Great gifts. Educational hobby. Mind enhancing. 

64. Vijay TV Super Singer - from the premier season until now. Can't get enough. Where do these people learn to sing ? Mind blowing.

65. Rain showers - it's raining on me - at my disposition. Awesome feeling especially when water pressure is at its highest. 

66. Temples - the ambience. Tranquility. Vibrations. The smell of incense and jasmines. The unexplained beauty. Architecture. Trichy Rockfort. Kabaleeswarar. That hill top Murugan temple in Delhi. 

67. Siri - that awesome guy on any Apple device. He's such a cute one. I spend my free time bugging him. It's fun. Try, "Knock, knock, who's there ?" and listen to what he answers. 

68. People who never give up - we all need them, and that's the plain truth. 

69. Online shopping - a new found craze. I've bought in tonnages. ;) 

70. Tun Mahathir Mohamed and my Malaysia Baru - our 7th Prime a Minister who was also our 4th. He returned with a bang. He is 93 and his is an inspiration in capital letters. 

71. Sandals - the simple footwear. I like them with an Indian touch. Leather. Nothing overboard. Comfortable. 

72. Instagram - because I get to look at pictures. No fuss. Of sceneries. Different countries. Food. Fashion. People. Cropped clips of movies and songs. There's always something motivational to think about. 

Hey everyone, we are all just a month and so away from the very new year. So, here's a toast to wonderful days ahead. 

Make the best of everything you have. Find the silver lining in the stormy cloud. And never stop praying to the Almighty. 

Love,

Me, myself & I.

Sweets

1. I'm not too fond of sweet stuff. There's an exception however. I can eat loads of them, when I'm back in India. Don't ask me the actual recent why. But I believe it has something to do with authenticity. Fresh milk, pure ghee and the Indian spices. And the end product is some mouth watering world renowned Indian sweet.

2. I've had 20 mini jelebis in one go - while in Jaipur. It was a street stall recommended by our driver. Yes, 20. And I wish I had had more.

3. I've also had like half a box of fruit Halwa from Adyar Ananda Bhawan Chennai. And, do so, very time I set foot in my favourite metropolitan Chennai.

4. And, the revered Tirupathi Ladoo. I eat both. NRI entrances comes with two ladoos per ticket. They are divine. Oval shaped but so immensely tasty.

5. During my recent vacation to Hyderabad, I fell crazily in love with another Indian sweet, synonym to the any wedding there. The Double Ki Metta. A sweet bread pudding with almond, pistachios, cashew nuts and raisins scattered on top.

6. Doubles Ki Metta must be accompanied by the Irani Chai - which is a drink made from tea. Originating from Iran, it's justified to the local buds and ya, tastes heavenly.

7. Today, I made them, here at home. Reminiscing the days I had in Hyderabad.
Found the simplest recipe on Pinterest and followed suit.

8. This is the outcome. We had it after lunch and it disappeared from the dining table very quickly. My family consumes very little sugar too, so I adjusted the sweetness. And had more nuts added into the recipe.

10 Resaons To Watch Aruvi

1. Aditi Balan. One of Tamil Nadu's greatest finds - without doubt and hesitation. She's a true actor. She left me awestruck. 
2. Originality. The story. Unheard in Tamil cinema. Bold. Brazen. Beautiful. 
3. Emily. The transgender. How she knocks sense into us. That love has no borders. Or shape. Or image. Or whatever. Love, is love. And it comes straight from the heart.
4. Dialogues. Aditi Balan, as Aruvi. The things she says. Even the long long dialogues are spoken in clarity. Her dialogues stand out, yes but so does everyone else's. The importance of each character in the movie is fair and justified. 
5. Songs. Not your common kind. They are what we Tamils would say, "Veraaa level..."
6. One of the two bests for 2017. The other, I'd say is Vikram Vedha. 
7. Back Groundscore Music - BGM. Precise. 
8. The momentum. I was laughing one minute. Giggling the other. And crying crazily, next. 
9. The appreciation of life. And how we are all actually manipulated by wealth and luxury and everything materialistic. It makes you sit up and wonder. The simpler things in life that we tend to overlook.
10. Because Aruvi is a MUST see !!!