National Bandh Day

Today was the day of the National bandh. Both the Arien and self opted to work from home. After a few minutes, the Arien brought the silence to my notice. The silence was deafening. Usually, there is a lot of traffic noise all around - horns blaring, brakes squealing, autos honking, people yelling, hawkers selling their wares - it is a regular noisathon! All that was Gaayab - Gone!

I actually managed to make out the sound of a bird chirping which can be heard only early in the morning. I think the bird was probably frightened at the absolute lack of noise. My neighbour took his chuntu dog out for a walk at 2 pm. The time was odd and the Arien made a nasty comment that had us both giggling like goofballs :) Sometimes, one can be so mean :(

The senior Arien also did not go to work today and slept the morning away, happily. I am all for the Bandh for the enormous sense of peace - artificial, of course - that it created today. Am I being the nasty one, now?

How was your day?

Mockingjay -- Book Review

Finished it - finally!! After days of suspense, was happy to see the story end the way it did. There were a few nail-biting elements, a few ohcomeon moments, and a few Egad! moments. While I did not expect the casualty list to be that high - well, who are we kidding - this was a War - so, I guess it was to be expected.

Gale Image Courtesy: http://www.realbeauty.com/makeup/hunger-games-inspired-beauty-gale-hawthorne#slide-9

I wondered who Katniss would ultimately chose, Gale or Peeta.  I also wondered how the series would end as I read Mockingjay. In this book, Katniss is now in District 13 and Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. Katniss spends a lot of time recovering and is unable to shake off the guilt 'bout Peeta's capture. She finds District 13, a very dark, desolate place to live in even though she has her mother, Prim, and Gale for company. After a broadcast from President Snow and Peeta, Katniss agrees to be the mockingjay. 

There are some moments of self-realization, when Katniss creates a game for Buttercup which has been written very well. Some of her asides are so fundamentally Katniss that instead of saying "Uff - will you stop doing that?" you enjoy them.

The scene where she is unable to shoot one of the District 2 members as he falls off the train is again oh-so-Katniss. She runs to save him but is shocked to notice that he has a gun trained on her - albeit with a shaking hand. After a few words, both of them decide not to shoot each other. However, a sniper shoots Katniss and that scene is watched by everyone including Katniss on national television, later.

Katniss Image Courtesy: http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/featured/the-hunger-games-bulls-eye-or-dud

I liked the book. I probably liked Katniss the character. She did not feel like a caricature and was quite real. In a moment of brutal honesty, both Gale and Peeta share that her choice would not be based on how much she loves him or how she cannot live without him but more on whom she cannot live or survive without. Katniss is shocked at their very accurate analysis and promptly forgets about it in the morning.

She is a major contrast to Twilight's Bella who forever is so surprised that someone like Edward can fall in love with her. I like Edward's character very much though and Peeta seems more like Edward whereas Gale is a lot like Jacob. Totally understandable that most folks consider Peeta a very goody-goody boy, a wimp even (so unfair) and Gale to be THE guy.

Peeta Image Courtesy:http://hungergamessingapore.wordpress.com/tag/magazine/ 

If I had to guess the sun sign of Katniss, it would be Leo or Aries. The fire element in the character adds to the co-incidence. A fire sign is a natural fire-brand, an independent worker, and a great ally to have in a game, or in a war :) Peeta must be a water sign -- Cancer or Pisces. Gale, I am guessing is another fire sign, Aries or Leo. What do you think? If I had to choose based on the pics of the actors, Gale wins Hands-Down :D I am so mean :P Peeta looks so good-looking, nice, and Gale looks wild, uncontrollable, and absolutely drool-worthy. I sound like a teen -- Egad!! This is what happens when one reads too many young adult novels :) I enjoyed it - Read the series in order when you have the time.

Catching Fire -- Book Review

**Spoiler Alert--If you have not read The Hungry Games, I may unknowingly reveal some of the suspense in this review**

After successfully winning The Hunger Games, both Katniss and Peeta return to District 12, to a Hero's welcome. Katniss is happy that she is still alive and hopes she and Gale can get back to being normal -- easier said than done. They move out of their old home and move into one of the victor's cottage. Haymitch and Peetha live in the other cottages, separately. Gale has started working in the mines and so Katniss hardly sees him and is unsure what she can say to make things ok between them. They finally meet one day in their forest. President Snow makes an appearance and informs her that he knows about the kiss that she shared with Gale and she better make her love story with Peeta look convincing. President Snow is intent on seeing the marriage between Peeta and Katniss happen. This book introduces a number of secondary characters. It starts with the victory parade as the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss, tour the districts. Katniss realizes that most people view her the person who will help them rebel against the Capitol - the mockingjay. All she wants is to keep her family, Gale, and Peeta safe which seems very selfish to her. This is followed by a series of activities that are part of the wedding preparations to mollify President Snow. Katniss sleepwalks through it all.

Just when you are convinced that that is where the story is headed - the writer throws in a twist of gigantic propotions. President Snow is not likely to forgive Katniss and Peeta for embarrassing the Capitol at the Hunger Games and so at the 75th Hunger Games (Quarter Quell) a huge surprise awaits them.

The book is just as interesting as the first and while I was so sure the author was headed the twilight way with the wedding, I was happy that it did not go that way at all. As you reach the end of the book, you gasp and want to kill the author. Seriously. You cannot believe your eyes and you realize you must read the next book to know what happens next. I was so glad I had the third book with me. Katniss seems very believable. 

The Hunger Games -- Book Review

The Arien spoke 'bout the Hunger Games movie a while ago but I was not interested then. Two weekends ago, when I was browsing the library for a book, I opted to re-read one of my ole favorites Atlas Shrugged and also picked up The Hunger Games.

Dare I say anything 'bout Atlas Shrugged? Naaah. This review is about the other women writer, Suzanne Collins.

The book is based in the future, in Panem, a place that was North America. The narrator is Katniss Everdeen, who lives in District 12, the district of the coal mines. All the districts live in near poverty, ruled over by the Capitol. Several years ago, District 13 rebelled against the Capitol and was razed to the ground. To prevent other such uprisings, the Capitol comes up with the Hunger Games. 2 participants (1 male and 1 female), between the age group of 12-18, from each district are selected via a lottery to participate in the Hunger Games every year. The participants are placed in an artificial arena and to win they have to kill off the others. While I can understand that that may not be something appropriate for the young adult -- I did not find the book offensive.

Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games

Katniss shares information in a very likeable manner -- she shares that she is unsure of her feelings for Gale, her friend of many years. She shares that she is indebted to Peeta when during a really rough winter, Katniss's family was almost dying of starvation, Peeta burns two loaves of bread and throws it out to her amidst his mother's hysterical cries over the burnt bread. Katniss's life changes forever when her sister's name, Prim, is pulled out of the lottery. She immediately offers her name instead. And thus Katniss is pulled into a rollercoaster ride. The other participant is Peeta. While you are sure that Katniss will naturally win, because she is the narrator - the author manages to maintain the suspense. The story couples a triangle love story (Gale-Katniss-Peeta) in a dangerous reality show where you may lose your life. I flipped out for this book. I was reading it late into the night -- and the moment I finished the book, I really wanted to read the other two.

Finally, after a looong time, I am back to reading :)

Vicky Donor -- Funny Take on a Serious Topic

Saw the trailer and found it too hilarious! Was not too sure if the Arien will agree to watching a Hindi movie over the weekend especially wen Avengers was also running in the theatres but he decided to catch Vicky Donor with me on Sunday at 5:30.

The first half was absolutely hilarious. Ayushman, the MTV VJ, was a great choice and did a fantastic job. If I had to compare his performance with any other male debutant, it wud be Ranveer Singh (Baand Baaja Bhaaraat). The performance was effortless and believable. Yami Gupta, the Fair and Lovely girl, was quite real - pretty and very slim. The mother and grandmother of Ayushman were absolutely fantastic. The first half of the movie moves at a good pace, was funny, and at no point boring. The seond half was a bit of a let down with the script taking the road always taken in Hindi cinema. The movie ends in typical Hindi movie ishtyle and providing an easy solution.

The bengoli and punjabi aapas mein hate-hate was handled well. The mother and grandmother love-hate relationship was also well handled. Some dialogues and scenes were superlative. By not making a blade session out of typical rhona-dhona scenarios - the movie kept the audience enthralled. The other movie-goers enjoyed the movie completely as it was impossible to fake those laughs. Some of the punju stuff went a bit over the top -- we wished we had a translator arnd - but did not feel we missed much.

The only failing with the script, if that is what it is, was that they did not follow the story to its possibly arbid ending - they instead chose to end on a filmy note. If they had taken the risk, the movie would have achieved a beeg Thumbs-Up and possible cult-status. Anyway, it is a movie that had the guts to showcase a very serious topic in a manner that was not a documentary or an emotional atyachaar. The movie was a very in your face, adult comedy tht was not crass and served with dollops of humour and supported by very good supporting actors!

If you didn't already know, John Abraham not only does an item number in this movie but is also the producer. He is jes not a good-looking dude - he is a gutsy dude. Kudos to John Abraham and Shoojit Sircar.

Paan Singh Tomar -- Movie Review

A movie that did not set expectations -- no glam-sham -- no item numbers -- no cameos from super stars -- would it work? Work it did. A nice movie -- an excellent performance from Irfan Khan -- it worked almost as if it was a Vidya Balan movie :D

Irfan Khan as Paan Singh Tomar.

Image Courtesy: http://unboxedwriters.com/2012/03/paan-singh-tomar-guts-and-glory/run/

Its a simple, true story of how an unsung national athelete, who was in the Army, becomes a dreaded dacoit. Paan Singh's child-like innocence, his naivety was like a breath of fresh air. You may wonder how a dacoit can be naive or innocent - but Paan Singh (Irfan) just wanted answers for his questions. Why did his daddu (elder brother/cousin) take the produce from his (Paan Singh's) fields? Why, when he (Paan) questioned this, did daddu get angry and threaten to shoot him and his family? Why did the policeman not take his complaint seriously? Why did daddu kill his mother and beat his son to an inch of his life?

A lot of questions and no answers. The real Paan Singh Tomar.

Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paan_Singh_Tomar

The story is compelling but Irfan's performance makes it even more so. A well-told story that keeps you engrossed. Watch it when you have the time.

Kahani -- Movie Review

This was a movie I was not interested in, initially. This was largely because I had watched The Dirty Picture a few weeks ago and I could not believe Vidya could top tht. I had had major doubts 'bout Vidya donning the role of an uninhibited seductress (Silk Smita). Vidya was simply superb in that movie. I think everyone was surprised at her potrayal and her performance deserved all the accolades she received. Usually, after a power-packed performance in one movie, the actor does not give their all for the next. So, I was not expecting much.

The idea of a pregnant lady (Vidya) searching for her missing husband was intriguing but I somehow thought we would all troop in with high expectations and then think "Why Why Why -- why did I have to waste my weekend watching this movie of all movies?" I thought the Arien shared this view and so was quite surprised when the Arien said we were watching it over the weekend.


Image Courtesy:http://in.movies.yahoo.com/photos/

The movie was fast-paced, gripping, and demanded all your attention. Unlike most movies where they blade you with the over-indulgent flashbacks, this movie did a good job of the editing. Kolkata was noisy, colourful, dirty, and beautiful at the same time. It was enjoyable and Vidya has done it again - Fantastic! I felt guilty for writing her off as an actor who may not have given her all for the next project. She has carried the movie on her slender shoulders. She received good support from the inspector, who assisted her in her quest. The actor's name is Parambrata Chatterjee, a bengoli.

Watch it!!

Image Courtesy: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/article2973946.ece

The Drop -- Michael Connelly

During the second visit to the library, I picked up two books written by Michael Connelly - The Poet, and The Scarecrow. Both of them had Jack McEvoy as the main character. I liked The Poet more than The Scarecrow but I missed Harry Bosch a helluva lot. So, I was real glad that Michael Connelly's The Drop was available online.

Reading this book after Nine Dragons (Did not much like) and The Reversal (Liked), I was looking forward to this book. It brings Irvin Irving back into Bosch's life. Harry is assigned to the Open-Unsolved unit, and works with David Chu. At the express request of Irvin Irving, Harry and Chu are assigned a high jingo case which involves Irvin Irving. Meanwhile, Harry and Chu are also working on the cold case, that they were assigned to before the high jingo case. The two cases do not overlap and the author does a great job of giving the two cases equal importance. The book also showcases the relationship between Harry and his daughter, Maddie. Doesn't get all lovey-dovey and I am really thankful for tht.

Liked the book. However, the idea that Harry could lose his edge is scary. I remember reading the case where Harry and Terry Caleb investigate a case. You instinctively appreciate the edge tht Harry has which Terry did not - having left the police force a while ago. The fact that Harry could lose his edge is painful. Here is hoping thts not where Michael Connelly is going with his other books. Enjoy Harry Bosch too much for tht. Read it and let me know what you think.

A Thousand Splendid Suns -- A book review?

Its hardly fair to the author if I start my book review with "Do not read this book .." but thts exactly how I felt. I have never felt so depressed or drained of all positive energy as I was after I read this book. I am by nature a bit emotional and sensitive, but I did not expect to find myself crying after reading the first few pages. In fact, the unraveling of the relationship between Jalil and Miriam was like a punch in the stomach.

In most stories, there is a lot of hype about a particular scenario and you know for sure that that will soon hit rock bottom. Its more like a Tell. Its like how you know someone is lying. For instance, when the person rubs their nose or when they do not look at you while telling the lie. Authors also have a Tell. They hype-up the scenario into something too huge and almost too good. You know the main character is having all their hopes riding on this one thing - the idea, job, relationship, person, etc. and you know they will not get it.

However, in this story, the author makes you feel sorry for Miriam and the relationship she shares with her mother, and you are lulled into hoping the relationship with the father, Jalil, would somehow make things ok. And thats why when it unravelled, I felt like I had been punched. It was actually a double Tell. Grr..

I know I am talking in riddles. You'll understand wen you read the book. I think I should say If you read the book. At this point, I would like to say that there is no doubt tht the author is a fantastic writer, and extremely talented. Inspite of the punch, I felt compelled to read on. Maybe I needed to know if Miriam would ever be happy. For a reader like me, who keeps an eye out for the Tell, he lulled me and my eye before he punched me - quite a few times, I must say. Having said that, I must state that it is not a book for the faint-hearted or for the ppl who are looking for something light to read to pass the time. If you have read "The Kite Runner" and feel you can manage another book by the same author - go ahead and try it.

I Heart Masala Oats

I share a blaaah relationship with health food. At the insistence of the Arien, I tried Kellogs for breakfast and ended up crying. Ya, really! Amidst tears, I informed the Arien that I could probably avoid having breakfast in a bid to lose the extra kgs but please do not ask me to have these corn flakes. The Arien, zapped by my sudden tears, told me to forget about corn flakes. He is very sweet that way. And there ended my sooper short relationship with health food.

I figured out later that I probably could not abide having something sweet for breakfast. Having something moderately spicy or even slighly bland was perfect for the morning ka khaana. Our typical south indian breakfast options such as: Idly, Dosa, Avalakki (Poha), Upma, Semiya, and Rava idli were perfectly suited for that, I thought. Also, I was 200 % sure that cornflakes, oats, and all tht stuff were just not for me.

All that was history when I was introduced to Saffola Masala Oats by a colleague, who started on Oats recently. Point to be noted - I did not immediately become a fan. First, I heard her out and then did my research. Still, I was a lil apprehensive. I recalled the exact sequence of the Corn flakes fiasco. Over the weekend, purchased the Saffola Masala and Coriander Oats (Pack of 5). Today, plucked up the courage to offer it as breakfast for both of us. The Arien teased me saying that I was offering him paste for breakfast. I worried because he can be merciless in his feedback and really on Friday who wants to hear the unvarnished truth?? :D Was in two minds and then finally yelled - Masala Oats here we come!

Just to be safe, experimented a bit by adding fried onion, tomatoes, capsicum, chillies as well as
seasoning. Yumm!! I lowed it. Fallen for it - hook, line, and sinker. The Arien finished his bowl - surprising. Said it was not bad and then changed it to good. (I fainted).

Anyway, end result - I heart Masala Oats.

I am back

Finally!! I wondered many times last month if I would ever get back to my blog. I'm so glad I did even if only to say jes that.

2012 -- Good, Bad, and the Ugly so far..

• Received sad news in January - loss of a family member that put a pall on all "Hoo Haa Haa Happy New Year" celebration and general good mood.



• Got the first stamp on my passport but the occassion was not celebration-worthy.



• Lost some weight (inches actually) which no one noticed. The Arien naturally does not count :)



• Saw some of the oscar-nominated movies - loved The Descendants, and The Artist. Liked The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, Puss in Boots, Hugo, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Rango. Yet to see My Week with Marilyn and The Help.



• Gained those lost inches this month :(



• Visited my library after two years -- they had de-activated my account. Borrowed 6 books and scared the Arien. Currently reading Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.



• Thought I had done my excellent best in terms of work last year. My thoughts were validated but the current market situation hardly helped. I wonder if my performance and the market situation will always run in parallel lines... Hmmm.



• This has been the worst ever summer in Bangalore - cannot believe we still have 2 more months to go :(

Nanban -- Tamizh movie

After watching Madrasapattinam yesterday, if you thought we would not see another movie so soon - you thought wrong! The Arien had booked the movie tickets for Nanban -- the Tamizh remake of 3 Idiots. We both felt that that movie would be a safe bet rather than Rajapattai or Vettai.

Yet again, we went to Cinemax and throughly enjoyed the movie. We also had lunch outside and so it was a totally pleasant experience.

The movie was everything we hoped it would be. The 3 idiots in Tamizh were Vijay, Jeeva, and Srikanth. Vijay has done a good job and thanks to his wiry build, he is quite believable as a college student. Both Srikanth and Jiva are also well-chosen. Srikanth appears quite young without his moustache and is well suited for his role. In fact, for a moment I was not sure who he was.

Image Courtesy: http://www.tamilwire.com/

Ileana looks extraordinarily slim and absolutely stunning. The song sequences are simply to showcase Ileana's slim figure. This is Ileana's second outing after Kedi. Unfortunately, the songs are not impressive except for the Yen Nanban pola yaaru machhaan song which is actually a background song. While the songs are not impressive, Ileana looks very nice.

Image Courtesy: http://www.southdreamz.com/

Sathyaraj, with hair combed over his bald pate, and a lisp, as the Virus is good. Shankar has stayed true to the script and has tweaked the script only in a few places.

I was bored stiff of the pregnancy scene in 3 Idiots - I did not feel that in the Tamizh version. Maybe Vijay did not overdo the "All izz well" part or maybe I was watching it after a loong time. Anyway, it was not as bad.

Nanban is a good, clean movie that is ok to watch with family. The pregnancy scene is a bit much but its manageable.

Madraspattinam -- Tamizh movie

MIL was planning to visit - she had informed us on 1st. It has been a while since she has stayed with us. She has stayed over for a day or two, ~ thrice in a year, but never for two whole weeks since 2 years at least. I was a lil concerned because I have not become a great cook in these years :D But, I needn't have worried, the arien helped out quite a bit and 3 days went past very quickly. Before we knew it, the weekend had arrived. I have always wanted to watch Madrasapattinam. The Arien downloaded it on Friday. We asked my MIL if she had watched the movie. When she said no, we all sat down to that movie after breakfast. I know movies after breakfast was absolutely shocking!! So, we spent a nice, lazy morning having shundal, sweet aval for breakfast as we watched Arya do a la Lagaan.

The story is straightforward - it starts out in 1945 in chennai alias Madrasapattinam before India got its independence. The daughter of the then governor, Amy Wilkinson (Amy Jackson), arrives in Madrasapattinam and is drawn to a Dhobi, Parithi, (Arya) who is also a good wrestler. Amy's wedding is arranged with an official whom she does not like. There are plans to convert the Dhobi Ghaat into a golf link. However, with India getting its Independence and the British asked to leave, things take a turn for the worse for the two young lovers. What happens next? Do the young lovers unite? Does Parithi die? Is Amy killed? You must watch the movie to know 'bout that.

Image Courtesy: http://www.indiaful.com/

Arya looks fantastic and has done a commendable job as the proud Indian who refuses to bow down to the Britishers. Amy Jackson is a sight to behold. Very young but has done a great job. I have heard that she is doing the hindi version of Vinnaithandi Varuvaya with Prateik. There are a number of other characters and they lend good support for the main cast. Some of the scenes are shot really well. There is a nice balance between the present scenes and the flashback scenes. This pic is of an ethnic Tamizh ponnu Amy. Doesn't she look very pretty? My MIL said that she resembles Amala.

Image Courtesy: http://news.sky.com/

Catch the movie if you have not seen it yet. It ends with a montage of how chennai was in the 1940s and earlier and how it looks today. That was a nice touch.