The Murugan Theatre. It is one of the theatres in Thiruthangal, a small town near the famous industrial town of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. The small town had three theatres in those days (1980s). Chinnakani Theatre was in the northern corner of the town and Balaji Talkies was at the other end, in the southern corner. The Murugan Theatre, the majestic and the aesthetically sound theatre was in the middle of the town. Without any doubt this was the best theatre in and around the industrial area. This was the only theatre to boast on the balcony and box system then. Even the outside appearance of the theatre was far more superior to other theatres of this area.
From childhood days the Murugan Theatre had a fascination for me. My house was very close to the theatre. It was barely thirty steps away from the theatre. The theatre and the activities centered aroun theatre were everyday sight for me. And, it was really an interesting sight.
Those days there were three shows during the weekdays and on Saturday and Sunday there were four shows. Each show had its own identical mark. The matinee show (the noon show) was also aptly known as the ladies’ show. After the routine work of cooking the ladies were free and the only relaxing front was the theatre. Most of the ladies were happy to stick to this logic. The first show (the evening show) was appropriately known as the family show. It was a pleasing sight to watch the husband riding the bicycle or the motorbike. The wife would be on the pillion and the kids would be accomodated in an interesting and creative fashion. In most cases the fuel tank was the seat reserved for the small kid. At times the kids would have to find places between the mother and the father. All would come neatly dressed as if to visit a guest. The second show (the night show) was known as the men’s show. It was the relaxing time for the working males.
The weekends were special. There was an additional show – the ten thirty show (the morning show). And on every Saturday and Sunday there was a heavy crowd on every show. On weekends nothing matters – heroes, heroines and success of the movie. There will invariably be crowd on the weekends. But the theatre owner was sensitive. On Friday usually a hit movie or a movie with a big star would be released. The industrial workers from fireworks, match factories and printing presses were free only during the weekends. And to relax and to refrsh they had no parks and beaches. In our dry area the theatres were the only relaxation point. Murugan theatre had the advantage among the three. It was situated in the middle and the accessibility was easier for all.
As a small boy I enjoyed watching movies and I still enjoy. Those days along with my cousins I used to get ready to go to the film. We would be led by our aunt. Our aunt would lead the procession. The procession would stop by the entrance of the ladies’ counter. Our aunt would go first and then we would faithfully follow. To stand inside the narrow counter is an unique experience. The feel of the movie would already descend upon us. We kids would be around ten in total(the gift of a joint family). But aunt would always take three to four tickets only. Only the tall members deserved respect as far as the movie ticket was concerned. That was the staunch belief of the aunt. The theatre employee had the other opinion. A small argument would erupt and we would wait for the aunt’s victory. She won it always. Once the victory is ensured we would rush to the movie hall and would occupy one or two benches. Aunt would arrive and would organize our sitting positions based on our height and the height of persons sitting front. Once seated we would be restless and would be waiting for the bell. As soon as the bell rang a blanket of silence would spread on the audience. The movie would begin.
The next interesting episode would be the interval break. Vendors would carry edibles on a platter and would come inside the theare. They were experts in jumping over benches and the intersections between benches and chairs. All this they would do without any struggle and without any drop. As they arrive our area we would be seeking the mercy and generosity of our aunt. Murukku was her choice always and we had to be content with that. Once again a bell and the movie would start again. When the final bell is rung we would be the first ones to reach home to deliver the first report of the movie to our relatives.
The practice went on for many years. In 1994 I left my town for my higher studies. I had to go to Madurai, Bangalore, Goa, Bombay and Chennai. In all these places I visited the best theatres. I still missed the Murugan theatre. Whenever I came for a holiday I made it a point to visit the Murugan. And on such days I saw some gradual changes. The usual crowd was missing. The shows had decreased. There were two shows on weekdays and three shows during weekends. Bench jumping vendors had disappeared. Theatre was almost losing its original identity. The only saving grace was its majestic structure.
This May (2010) I had gone to Thiruthangal. As usual I planned for a movie in Murugan theatre. When I enquired of the movie runnig in the theatre my brother told of the tragedy. He said that the theatre was no more operating. With heavy heart I came out of my house and walked towards the majestic theatre. The structure was seen. As I closed in on the theatre a hammer struck my heart. The side walls were partly broken. I could see some construction workers mercilessly inflicting wounds on the wall. There were more workers inside the theatre destroying the structure. I could see theatre crying and I was helpless. I returned with a heavy heart. My brother informed me that it was being transformed into a marriage hall.
It was on that day I cursed Thomas Alva Edison for the first time. I cursed him for his invention-the television.
I cursed then the satellite channels for arresting people inside the houses. I cursed them for destroying my favourite theatre.
August 15, 2010
August 9, 2010
A Peep into the Sangam Literature
‘Coo – Coo,’ the rooster crows,
and a chill runs through my heart.
Dawn has come
like a cruel sword
to tear me apart
from my lover’s arms.
(What the girl said to herself)
Marutam
--- Allur Nanmullai
Kurunthokai 157.
This is a poem from the Sangam Literature. I had read it in my text books long back when I was a school student. Even as a school student I had a special liking towards the Sangam Literature in Tamil. They are simple and direct. Moreover and more importantly they are universal in nature.
I had also an implicit desire to read the poems in its English translations. I was searching for A. K. Ramanujan’s and George Hart’s translations. But they were always in the list of out of stock books. However I could get a copy of M. L. Thangappa’s translation of selected poems in Sangam Literature.
The translation is superb (at least to my taste). A sample is provided at the beginning of this article. Let me also give you another three more poems and ypu can judge yourselves about the translation.
LIKE THE SWEET MILK
Like the sweet milk of a cow
spilt on the ground
going to waste
without being sucked by the calf
or collected in a vessel,
the speckled beauty of my complexion
is being eaten away
by the pallor of lovesickness,
neither enjoyed by my lover
nor retained by me.
(What she told her friend)
Palai
--- Velliveethiyar
Kurunthokai 27.
THE FIRE OF LOVE
I feel an urgency to get up
and smash things,
to knock and break my head,
to send out violent shrieks
as if in mad frenzy.
This cool night breeze
kindles the fire of love in me.
But this callous village
is sweetly sleeping.
(What the girl told her friend)
Palai
--- Avvaiyar
Kurunthokai 28
RAINWATER AND RED SOIL
Your mother and my mother
do not know each other.
Your father and my father
are not related either.
As for you and me,
how do we know each other?
And yet,
like the mingling of rainwater
with red soil,
our hearts have mingled.
(what the lover told his beloved after their first meeting)
Kurinji
--- Chempulapeyanirar
Kurunthokai 40
Book: LOVE STNADS ALONE: SELECTIONS FROM TAMIL SANGAM POETRY.
Publisher: Penguin/Viking, Price: Rs. 399/-
P.S.: Good and a scholarly introduction to this text and to Sangam poetry is also given by erudite scholar A. R. Venkatachalapathy.
and a chill runs through my heart.
Dawn has come
like a cruel sword
to tear me apart
from my lover’s arms.
(What the girl said to herself)
Marutam
--- Allur Nanmullai
Kurunthokai 157.
This is a poem from the Sangam Literature. I had read it in my text books long back when I was a school student. Even as a school student I had a special liking towards the Sangam Literature in Tamil. They are simple and direct. Moreover and more importantly they are universal in nature.
I had also an implicit desire to read the poems in its English translations. I was searching for A. K. Ramanujan’s and George Hart’s translations. But they were always in the list of out of stock books. However I could get a copy of M. L. Thangappa’s translation of selected poems in Sangam Literature.
The translation is superb (at least to my taste). A sample is provided at the beginning of this article. Let me also give you another three more poems and ypu can judge yourselves about the translation.
LIKE THE SWEET MILK
Like the sweet milk of a cow
spilt on the ground
going to waste
without being sucked by the calf
or collected in a vessel,
the speckled beauty of my complexion
is being eaten away
by the pallor of lovesickness,
neither enjoyed by my lover
nor retained by me.
(What she told her friend)
Palai
--- Velliveethiyar
Kurunthokai 27.
THE FIRE OF LOVE
I feel an urgency to get up
and smash things,
to knock and break my head,
to send out violent shrieks
as if in mad frenzy.
This cool night breeze
kindles the fire of love in me.
But this callous village
is sweetly sleeping.
(What the girl told her friend)
Palai
--- Avvaiyar
Kurunthokai 28
RAINWATER AND RED SOIL
Your mother and my mother
do not know each other.
Your father and my father
are not related either.
As for you and me,
how do we know each other?
And yet,
like the mingling of rainwater
with red soil,
our hearts have mingled.
(what the lover told his beloved after their first meeting)
Kurinji
--- Chempulapeyanirar
Kurunthokai 40
Book: LOVE STNADS ALONE: SELECTIONS FROM TAMIL SANGAM POETRY.
Publisher: Penguin/Viking, Price: Rs. 399/-
P.S.: Good and a scholarly introduction to this text and to Sangam poetry is also given by erudite scholar A. R. Venkatachalapathy.
August 2, 2010
War Movies: Black Hawk Down
From childhood movies had been my passion. I enjoy all the genres except the horror flicks. Nevertheless I try myself also watching the ghost infested movies. My point: I watch each and every genre in the movie world. However one section of the movies had a special attraction towards me – The War Movies.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
War Movies - Black Hawk Down
From childhood movies had been my passion. I enjoy all the genres except the horror flicks. Nevertheless I try myself also watching the ghost infested movies. My point: I watch each and every genre in the movie world. However one section of the movies had a special attraction towards me – The War Movies.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
War Movies: Black Hawk Down
From childhood movies had been my passion. I enjoy all the genres except the horror flicks. Nevertheless I try myself also watching the ghost infested movies. My point: I watch each and every genre in the movie world. However one section of the movies had a special attraction towards me – The War Movies.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
I had a special fascination for such movies. The guns in different forms and shapes, the mighty and majestic ride of the tanks and the variety of bombs and the discipline of the uniformed soldiers had a special impact on me.
I still remember myself enjoying the old Tamil film RATHA THILAGAM, a movie that speaks about the Indo-China war. The legendary and irreplaceable Tamil cinema veteran Sivaji Ganesan played the main role essaying an Indian soldier at the war front with a great passion. Seeing him on the screen I wanted to go to the war front myself. I was by then hardly 12 years old.
Unfortunately for me there were very few war movies in Tamil, the only language known to me then. I was left wanting for more of it. But the Tamil filmdom could not quench my thirst. The passion, however, for the war movies remained smoldering within me. Later, in fact much later, I saw the Hollywood film PEARL HARBOUR. Since then I have watched it nearly ten times. By then I was also acquainted with English. Stung by PEARL HARBOUR, I was soon in a hunt for other war movies in other languages.
Lately I watched a film titled BLACK HAWK DOWN. I watched it and am still in a great shock.
The movie is set in Somalia. And the period is in the 1990s when Bill Clinton was the US president. Somalia was then controlled by a certain Mohammad Farah Aidid, who had absolutely no concern for the people. Even when the international communities sent the much needed food supply that would be claimed by Aidid. He wanted his countrymen to starve and kill themselves. That was his belief: killing people.
The US acting as the world policeman sends its own section of army and air force to right the situation. So on a particular day a small convoy of soldiers is sent to capture two of Aidid’s trusted aides. The convoy of soldiers would be assisted by air support (three big military helicopters and some small choppers). The big helicopters are black in colour and so are nicknamed as Black Hawks.
The mission starts and is expected to be completed within half an hour. What the Americans did not know was the real attacking capacity of the Somali militia. When they realize it was already too late. Two Black Hawks get hit and they crash. Then the same convoy of soldiers is reassigned to rescue the soldiers in the crashed choppers. They are also expected to bring the bodies of the dead soldiers. That is exactly the first rule of the operation: LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
The rescue operations, the encounter between the soldiers and the militia, and the struggle of the wounded men cover most of the time in the movie. Of course at last the US army gets back to their base safely. 19 US soldiers die in the operation.
This is the summary of the movie. But there are so many scenes that would tear your heart apart. War is really “shitty” and as you watch it you would realize the reason.
A Scene in the Film: An US soldier gets down from the armored vehicle and is on his way to take his position near a building. As he scurries forward he notices a severed white hand. He looks at it for a second and the next moment he collects it and deposits it in his ammunition bag. LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND.
April 16, 2010
January 29, 2010
Thoni by Aa. Sivasubramanian
Of late I have been interested in folk culture and anything associated with it. As a result my readings have been partial. I have read few books related to folk culture. Of these books i really liked the book authored by Aa. Sivasubramanian. The title of the book is Thoni.It is a book related to Material Culture(a part subject within the vast section of folklore). This science deals with things used by a community. It specks about its origin, its usages, its capacity to withstand the fast scientific developments, its adaptability to the growing science, etc.In this book the author has talked about Thoni, the Tamil's mode of sea transport from ancient times. The author gives various informations about Thoni from Sangam Literature. By which he establishes that it is a Pure Tamil invention. It was doing the job of the modern day ship. The author wonderfully talks about its evolution from a Odam(to cross river) to Thoni(to cross the sea). It is an interesting part.Moreover the author tells about the making of Thoni. It reveals one fact: the immense intelligence of the ancient Tamils.Another interesting fact is about the people who were experts in sea travel and sea trade. They were mostly Muslims or Paradhavars(Paravars).The author also talks about the axioms, proverbs and other word formations which owe origin to Thoni and its parts. These sayings are mostly used by fishing community.There is another part which says about Catholics who are engaed in Thoni and fishing profession. The interesting news is about how the catholics changed few things to suit their belief. These beliefs were ancient in origin. They cannot be changed. So they are kept in practise but are given Christian colour. There are more interesting facts: Amba paattu - sailors' song, is one of them.Read more of them and get enlightened.
January 17, 2010
Mathilgal by Basheer
I completed reading a novel, named aptly as MATHILGAL. It is written by Vaikom Mohammad Basheer, the famous Malayalam writer. I read its Tamil translation. It has been translated by Sukumaran. It has been published by Kalachuvadu.It is a small novel. In fact it is very small(only some thirty pages). But the feelings it created in me are immense. I specially liked the ending.The hero longs for freedom from the jail walls. Slowly, however he adjusts to the jail life. But the spirit of freedom is a ever burning smoulder in his heart. He wants to be out. Later he comes in contact with a woman prisoner. They are seperated by a wall. But love has no boundaries. The scent of male and female transcends the walls. Two hearts come to a wonderful union. They now long to have a view of themselves. They devise a plan. The hero waits eagerly for the day when the plan will be executed. But on the penultimate day the hero gets freedom.The protoganist replies: WHO WANTS FREEDOM?Read and enjoy.
January 13, 2010
Kaanal Vari by Tamilnathy
Tamilnathy is a Srilankan Tamil writer who lives at present in Chennai. I once just stumbled on her web site during my adventurous trip through various websites. From then on I have become an ardent reader of her posts in the site. I enjoyed her prose more than the poetry. Her poetry is also good. To me, her prose comes before her poetry.
So lately when I learnt that her first novel would be published I was more than eager to get a copy of it. Chennai Book Fair made the chance easy for me. I bought it at the Uyirmmai book stall.
It is a small novel ( only 79 pages) and it talks about the love between a lady and a man. They both are in an illegal affair inthe eyes of the world (they both are married to different people). The love ends in a sad climax(they seperate). This is the crux of the story. But in it she questions society's view on love that exists between two people who are in differnt wedlock, male chavunism etc.
The plot is very ordinary. But I liked the novel for the language. Her prose is superb and at times there are arresting sentences that captur the feelings in a wonderful manner.
Few Examples:
" Vaalvu kaividum bodhu maranam yeththanai alagaanadhaagividugiradhu" (pg. no: 76).
On page 77, there are two paragraphs which talks about time being the great healer. Those passages are simply superb and to the point.
" Pesum, yeludhum vaarthaigalukku visuvaasamaaga naam irukkavendumenbadhu avasiyamaa yenna?" (pg. no: 74).
"Yeeyak kundaaga yen kaalgalai ilukkiradhu un njaabagam" (pg. no: 47)
" Vidindhadhum vadindhu vidum vellam pola pirindhdhum njaabagangalum marandhu ponaal yevvalavu nandraagavirukkum" (pg. no: 41)
Still there are more. Read it and you would medidate on it.
January 12, 2010
Avatar and Its Message
Avatar: An English Movie directed by James Cameroon.
I appeal to you all to watch this film. I watched it three times (twice in 2D and once in 3D).
This movie contains all: action, romance, sentiment, etc. So what I mean is that even if you are a fan of masala movies you would enjoy the film. And at the same time if you are a person who seeks social messages from the films, Avatar would impress you too.
I for myself consider that there is one single message: Save the Nature and it is beautiful.
The moment Nature is deformed it would react and that would be a hell. The modern tecnologies would even become meaningless and surely they would not help us. In its stead a deep connection with the nature and its forces would save the world.
Watch the film if you want your world to be saved.
I appeal to you all to watch this film. I watched it three times (twice in 2D and once in 3D).
This movie contains all: action, romance, sentiment, etc. So what I mean is that even if you are a fan of masala movies you would enjoy the film. And at the same time if you are a person who seeks social messages from the films, Avatar would impress you too.
I for myself consider that there is one single message: Save the Nature and it is beautiful.
The moment Nature is deformed it would react and that would be a hell. The modern tecnologies would even become meaningless and surely they would not help us. In its stead a deep connection with the nature and its forces would save the world.
Watch the film if you want your world to be saved.
Wise Fool and Chennai Book Fair
Now, that we are in the New Year (2010) I have a plan to add more post regarding what I read and the movies that I watch.
I went to the 33rd Chennai Book Fair and as usual it was a wonderful experience. To stand in the midst of books gives a strange pleasure to me. I visited my favorite book stores and bought some books to add to my collection. I am already reading two of the books I bought. Soon a post would tell about what I read.
I went to the 33rd Chennai Book Fair and as usual it was a wonderful experience. To stand in the midst of books gives a strange pleasure to me. I visited my favorite book stores and bought some books to add to my collection. I am already reading two of the books I bought. Soon a post would tell about what I read.
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