----NY----

I happen to watch this movie yesterday. I did not read reviews before I watched and I think that's one reason that I liked the movie. There are 3 other things that adds flavor to it - The smart hunk John Abraham, the
gorgoeus looking Katrina Kaif and the story plot. This is the first movie of Katrina that I am watching and I should admit that she is amazingly beautiful! Neil as Omar has done his part well except for some weird
emoticons that he shows at times. When it comes to a police officer role and someone has to pick up from Bollywood, the choice obviously goes to Irfan and he did not make people regret for the choice that was made. I am not sure how much validity lies in the brutality shown to the 9/11 suspects, but John Abraham scores high when he is ill treated in prison. Everytime he was beaten, I was closing my face not to see it and giving a noise as if someone is beating me :) When Katrina says to Neil that she knows what John is doing, When Neil drops down knowing Katrina loves John, When John takes his daugher Dhaanya upstairs not to hear what they talk, all that shown was love. The story plot is good in terms of the inability to guess what would be the next move. On the whole, the movie was good to watch when compared to all other masala, commercial or the usual evergreen love stories. The facts shown at the climax is good as an ending. On the whole, I liked it and my verdict is good!

Love or Friendship?

Main plot:
This should have been the title of the movie that I watched yesterday. Vijay and Gayathri are friends from childhood and always seen together. Hence the society thinks they are 'to-be' turned lovers. The first scene starts with these two getting ready with a wedding costume from the trial room of a garment shop which was visible like 'Sree Devi Textiles' (Hope my new spectacles proved its worth reading:)) where someone in the shop asks 'Kalyanama'? and they both smile. This would have left the audience in a thrill, is what the director would have thought. I think he has forgotten that we people live with kollywood's promising screenplays and we may know what lies behind each scene in a so-common movie like this. V & G talk, smile, sms during classes except listening - That was a common trend in late 90's love but not now in the 21st century :) V goes to G's sis marriage with his friends where he meets G's brother in law Rajesh who is the main character of the movie. You should be even ready to spend an expensive ticket to watch this movie especially for Rajesh's character and the way he shows his potential. The accent/slang he uses and the correct pronunciation of 'sh' on the words that ends with it - I have never seen such a perfection in words. Worth mentioning is his coiffure when he 'kodhify' it everytime we see him - Beauty lies beneath. The plot Rajesh chooses to get G married to him - I was wondering how can be a director very innovative in creating a plot like this? Salutes! Amidst so many thrills, there comes the hero Ravi. Amongst all, R1 (Rajesh), R2 (Ravi) and V (Vijay) chooses to say 'Kadavule vandhu sonnalum, they can never get rid of G'...If G had a brother instead of a sister in the movie, he would have ended up asking 'Ethana peru ipdi kelambirukeenga? In the whole storyline, there was one line that captured the fact when V calls G as 'Gundamma loosu' - Very funny, in fact true. R2 and G falls in love. Proposal response comes in a different way by V blasting the cricket ball with his bat to ring the temple bell before 5 P.M to show G has given a green signal to R2 - Wat a move! After which R2 was found missing (an oxymoron?). G runs away from R1 and gets the help of V to get R2 who was missing after G and R2 fell in love. After verrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy long struggle, V finds R2 and gets him to G. Without a time to spare for their togetherness and happiness, R2 and G were shocked to see V stabbed by R1 and gang. Then comes the core climax which can leave us very emotional (Does laughing like crying falls into the emotional category?) - Doctors advise G that V has been attacked in the head and someone has to take care of him very seriously in the coming years. So G decides to give up her love since she thinks marriage and kids would leave her busy and V can be left without anyone to take care of. R2 too agrees to it and says without V, they could have not been together after years. Anga nikkudhu Friendshipa? Lovea? V is hearing all these conversations silently and takes the drips bottle out of him and dies. R2 and G cries and leaves. What do you think? Did friendship win or love? The director leaves it to the viewers.

Moral of the movie: Don't love or make friendship with people like 'Gundamma loosu'.

Aftermath of the movie:
If there's a situation like I am coming out of the theater watching this movie where SUN TV/Raj TV/Jaya TV anchor has a conversation with me, here is how it would go:
A: Is it the first time?
Me: No, I have come many times to this theater
A: I am asking if u r seeing this movie the first time
Me: Oh, apdi...
A: Yes...
Me: First time-a paaka mudiyala...Idhula ipdi oru kelviya?
A: What do u think is the best in the movie?
Me: Eating popcorns and icecream in the interval and snoring :)
A: Who gets the most marks if u had to score this movie?
Me: No doubt...it's the director
A: Why do u think so?
Me: Because I think he has got the unique talent of making no sense in any scene of the movie
A: If u had to replace one character in this movie, who would it be?
Me: That's a tough question. I would have replaced Ravi for a good cause
A: Why & how?
Me: Ravi has got a good physique and if he had involved himself in any boxing/wrestling matches instead of wasting time in acting in this movie, he would have atleast seen some pennies and a great future
A: A punchline about this movie in your own words
Me: Enna lottery draw edhum vachu, prize thara poreengala? 'X X (Movie name) - Kan koosuthu, paaka mudiyala'

Oops! forgot to mention the name of the movie. Any guesses? ;)

Connexions - Part III (The End...)

B'lore trip: I would call this trip as the most cherishable trip for various reasons. When I landed @ B'lore, my friends were not yet there to receive me but called me and notified. I waited at the lounge and was praising the infrastructure of B'lore airport as it looked great! They even have rental car facilities as in US. Heard more details about how it works from friends later. Once friends reached, I was delighted. Being born in the southern part of India where traditions behold, hugging is not a thing that comes to me so easily unless I feel the impact of love to be shown :) In my lifetime, I remember doing it only 2-3 times...first time when my sis came from US and this time with my college friend Sridevi who I am meeting after 6 years. She handed a bouquet and it was so beautiful with red flowers embedded with white ones. After this comes the Volvo AC 4.50 part :) Headed to Shobana's (good friend of mine) place where another friend from Chennai joined us. We gals had fun chatting late at nights. this, loved eating sweet boli from Sridevi's mom since she knew that I love her bolis and can sit and eat that for hours in a day. Next day, we went to an amusement park which erased my yearning for adventure rides for a long time. Sri and I love adventure rides and with a companion like her, we did not leave any ride. Most of the rides turned my heads up and down and twisted my neck leaving my hands tightly closed on the ropes for safety but legs hanging loosely which instilled thrills. Loved those rides! But got rid of the water rides since I have hydrophobia :( For water rides, Sathya (my friend from Chennai) gave company to Sri and I was protecting their slippers watching them dive into water and splashing it :) On the way back, stopped by at my college friend's house who came with us to the park. His parents could still recognize me and I was happy about it. As always, they gave lots to eat which made me remember the same thing that happened at his house @ Sivakasi during college days. The next day, It was a double delite from Shobana as she made Aapam and Veg stew for breakfast which is one of my favorites. It was so tasty that I took some time to finish eating. Then, went to meet my newly wedded college friend and from there, we went to shopping. I was in a shopping spree and got whatever I liked. Then went with all friends to Shobana's house and had lunch with her and her hubby. It was a great get together as everyone got connected easily and shared all those memories we had. Then we had a photo session after which I had to pack things and got ready to leave. Shobana gifted me a 'black' color kurthi and I was elated :) 3 of my friends came to drop me at the airport and we discussed about M.A.D (Making a difference) - A small non profit organization that we formed recently. Want to write about M.A.D in a separate post and hence drifting away from that now. Reached airport and came to know that I had to give Rs.260 for the User development programme at B'lore airport. If they are going to have such a great infrastructure and improve it in the coming years, it's worth giving the money to be spent for UDP. Nevertheless to mention - B'lore weather was great in the early mornings and evenings but pretty hot in day time.

Tirunelveli trip: Went with family to the 'kuladheiva' koil near T'veli. That's the usual thing that is on the agenda if I plan for India trip. Few months ago, some of my cousin's friends had come to Madurai for some
project and stayed at my home. They loved being at my home since they had so much of freedom and hence they treat my parents as the most loveliest people they have seen on this planet. From the day they left my home, they have been calling my parents and talking to them every weekend and I felt that it's a beacon of love that's paid back. For the same reason, these girls came to visit me after finishing their exams at my cousin's place in T'veli. They got me packs of eatables too. I was happy to see them. Was asking them about their studies and what they wanted to do in future. On the way back, I was telling stories about the way we drive cars in US and the ticketing techniques to my dad and the car driver :) Got to eat the delicious 'muscath halwa' and 'Saathankulam Sevu'..not sure how many people know about its popularity :)

Last meet @ Chennai: I was in Chennai two days before leaving to US. Visited a school friend who has got married and settled in Chennai. She has prepared lunch for me and my parents although she had a naughty kid who can keep her off from doing any activity. Then, had dinner with my 'work' friends @ Sangeetha, Adyar. Touched various topics during the talk and got to know what was happening in each of their lives.
A black top as a gift again :) this time from Chennai friends. Meanwhile, my friend was waiting to pick me up for a movie at Satyam. Oru mokkai movie called 'Muthirai'. 3 of us went and I was wondering why Satyam
cineplex is always packed with people. Laxmi Rai proved her intensity of 'GQ' (glamour quotient) in the movie. The only thing in the movie that I liked was the beautiful locations that was shot for songs. The next day, went to the friend's newly built house which I missed in my first meet. On the way, I was surprised to see so many IT/Tech parks at the OMR road and the toll gates that appear the same way as in US. Brands of cars and the types added interest to look at - I could see Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Maruti, Toyota, Mahindra, Chevy, BMW, Mitsubushi. I remember my love towards watching cars on the roads while waiting at the bus stop few years ago. My favorites in India are Honda City and Octavia :) Lots of improvement :) In the later part of the day, few friends visited at the hotel room and I introduced everyone to my parents. Then packed things and went to airport since it was time to leave. Did not feel like coming back to US as I thought I may feel lonely here and will miss some of them very badly :( My EQ (Emotional quotient) has improved these days in a way that I don't cry when I leave although I feel heavy at heart :) One of my friends came to the airport for send off. Few days ago, he asked me if he had to give a gift, what would I ask for? ;) Without any doubt, I asked for a book. I forgot it completely but he had not. It was a surprise that he gifted me the book that I asked for, at the airport :) I did inscribe his name and the date with a pen after he gave it to me. Parents were with me and when I thought they are going to get emotional, I moved away from the place after uttering few soothing words and waved bye.

Mission accomplished: When I planned for India trip months ago, I had some agenda in my mind. I knew almost all my friends will get married by this year end or earlier next year. I may not be able to meet them like this time and cherish those memories once they get married since they would be tied up with more responsibilities and other priorities in life . Hence I wanted to meet all of them this time and I achieved
my target although I may have missed meeting 1 or 2. Also, I wanted to cook for everyone @ home when I was there and also buy what parents/paati asked for. I did all that and that's about the trip! Mission Accomplished!!!

I personally feel that whomever I met during my stay showered me with love and care. Will miss India, family, friends and the fun I had...

The dreamboat

Happiness in its extremity
Shows beauty in its entirety

I listen to songs
I feel the melody in it
I watch the nature
I feel the beauty in it

I hop...
I jump...
I sing...
I giggle...
I dance...
I dream...
I nod...
I twist...

I do everything in haste
Not considering it as waste

I feel the bliss
Not sure to miss

Even in shower
I can see its power

I don't know whether God exists
But I know this exists

Greagious amidst the lonely
I call it as 'love and love' only!!!

Towards the shore float
That's my dreamboat :)

1..4..3..

I was into this new place for the first time. Although I have done it lot of times in a different place, this is a new place where I came to shape my eyebrows for the first time. It was an Indian lady's house. Me and my friend went there. She had to put Mehendi on her two hands for an occassion called 'Karva Choudh' (I guess i spelled it correctly). Last week during my dance practise classes, people were talking about this KC and I got information about it (not meant for me though ;)) After we went there, I got my thing done in 15mins. Since Mehendi stuff takes time, I had to sit and watch it. Then there came these two kids - Dhikshu and Siddhu. First, I was watching them play and later I joined in their team. Dhikshu said that I look very dark and I nodded. I played with them for about 2 hours and without any problem, they ate their stuff in between. Then we played till my friend's mehendi was done. I told the kids that I am leaving and Dikshu came and hugged me saying 'I love you!' and looking at me 'When will you come back?'. I bent my knees and sat closer to her and hugged her saying I will come there often and play with her. Siddhu was hiding behind his mom's dress and smiled at me when I waved bye to him. I came back home with a sense of happiness and fulfillment and when I said this to my mom, she said 'You always attract kids! You are a hit among the kids!' Oh..ok! I know - I said that and smiled. One thing I have realised is that when you are with kids, you can be yourself. Kids are very honest and they tell whatever comes to their mind. I love kids! (Who don't?)

Unconditional love...

Guess who can give it? Anyone can...will be the answer if you do not understand the deep meaning of the question. But there's only one answer to this question, according to me. Tat's mom, of course :) That's how I have always felt and will feel anytime without any doubt. Although friends and other relations can give a sense of care and affection, nothing can beat that unconditional love of the motherhood.

When you were inside her belly, she did it!
When you are outside the world for the first time and you saw all the new faces around and cried aloud, she made you smile!

When you grew and played very late, she waited for you to come and eat and sleep quietly!

When you fought with your dad that you wanted to go for an Economics group and he didn't accept which made you cry, there she was soothing you and calming your father!
When you told about your crush/love to your mom, she was there waiting nervously to put that before your dad and get all the scoldings on behalf of you!

When you were there with her, she cared!
When you are miles away from her, she still cares and waits to see you with the same love that she showered you with,when you were born!

When you get married, she cries!
When you become successful, she still cries...all out of boundless joy!

What did she earn from all these? Nothing in return! But she never expects anything, judges and hates you for anything that you had done wrong in life.

Does she need you to earn money and success for all that you have been entitled to? Nah...Tats wat most fathers wanted for the money that they have invested on you all those years.

Does she need to soothe her when she is in a family feud? Nah...She can just see your photo and make herself smile and forget all the sorrows...There stands everything in life!

Does she needs you only when she is in pain and not in joy like most of your friends do? Nah...She just needs you to call her once a week and say 'How are you?...That makes her day shiny!

Does she shows love at first and takes everything for granted like your partner? Nah...She just does the former and not the latter.

Does she gives you only those things that she never liked or wanted that your sisters/brothers do? She can even give her expensive necklace or the one thing that she liked the most in her entire life, for the sake that she loves you more than that.

Is she like your relatives who can tell you should have done like this, that and makes you feel a sense of discomfort? Nah...She wants you to enjoy what you do and never want you to get hurt. That's what she wanted in life through you!

Is she like people who give gifts only for the reason that you gifted them? No...Neither does she give you gifts nor do you...That's the whole essence of this 'unconditional love'!!!

MSMT

I remember watching this when we had this only channel on TV - 'Doordarshan', during those good old days. I liked this and still love listening this song. I feel that this leaves a trail of 'patriotric' trend in me and believe that it does the same to many Indians. The song is melliflous and when I watch this, everyone and everything in this video looks beautiful to me (as a spl. mention: that red saree woman who sings 'ninna dhwaniya' ;)) I simply love watching it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwhGyVgHPtI&NR=1