Roots & Storms

 

Roots & Storms

 

Historically caste rivalries in deep south Tamizh  Naadu are characterized by  relationship & conflicts  between groups which are usually referred to as “Koottam”  by each other,   rooted in  shifting socio-economic dynamics and fierce competition for natural resources .The rivalry often  results in  cycles of violence and conflict. These manifestations have inspired generations of film makers who have  dished out scores of movies with their own interepretations over decades

 

At least two movie releases for Deepavali  are based on this  subject.

 

Listening to the songs of Dhanush’s Idli Kadai & Maari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalai Maadaan  one can easily   perceive the extent to which the makers have been attracted to these emotionally volatile themes ( incidents).  .

 

I  liked  the earthy directness of the  Lyrics used , instead of the usual  poetic verses in both these films.

 

The Songs  “ Enjaami thanndaane”, “Entthnai Saami” , “Yen Paattan Saami Varum” from  Idli Kadai  and

 

“Theekkoluthi” , “Cheenikkallu” ,”Thennaadu” &  the peppy “Rekke Rekke”  from Bison Kaalaimaadan

 

have Captured  raw emotions and pining , with the vocal rendering   working exquisitely with the lyrics.

 

If the respective movies have succeed in  projecting   even 10% of the power of the lyrics visually they would be super hits.

 

After Karnan, Asuran  and now Idli Kadai,   will Dhanush manage to writhe out of the  “Rural” straitjacket that he is entangled in ? He is now on a one way street which will propel him towards  either iconic excellence or Oblivion.The way he has mastered cinema, be it  Acting, Direction , production  and now Lyric writing & singing and the art of Stage speaking , he could well be on the way to becoming Kollywood’s emerging “Thalaivar”.  

 

The soulful  melancholic rendering of Maari Sevaraj’s Song lyrics “Thennaadu”  for Bison Kaalai Maadan are mesmerizing

 

The above mentioned songs are worth hearing. I am finding it difficult to restrain myself from  listening to these songs particularly Thennaadu & Etthana Saami on the loop , Do listen on you tube for added visual effect . Sure you will like it

 

Side light : According to trade sources The Originally Proposed Title “KaalaiMaadaan” was changed To Bison Kalaimaadan  at the instance of OTT syndicate who felt that the original title was too unvarnished & would not catch the attention of Urban/ city  Viewers. Who expect a more relatable title

 

GRAY PRIDE

 

Gray Pride

       ………..A  captivating  Story that’ll  freak you out

This happened   decades ago when I was   a college student, and  with friends led a carefree life. We believed that all good things were free  Once   a few of us  decided to embark on some adventure & made grand plans. Though I don’t recall the details clearly,  I know we travelled to  a  very beautiful  nature hotspot which was popular for some  reason which I don’t remember now..

Many years have elapsed  and I cannot recall that  place. But I still remember the famous shrine we visited en route.  Though I don’t remember the name of the shrine , its splendor is firmly etched in my mind. So I have tried to sketch the same for you to enjoy its beauty. .

At the shrine , we met   a very famous person . We had a very interesting conversation with him. I can’t even remember  his face nor recollect his name now.  We became enamored with his knowledge. As we were about to leave something horrible happened. . Even today  I shudder thinking about it. But, I really can’t recollect  details of the dreadful occurrence.

We travelled further.I faintly remember that it was either a river or a lake and we crossed it in what looked like an enormous squeezed out half of a lemon

As we were having some snacks, strange black birds surrounded us . Then dozens of furry black faced creatures with long tails descended from trees and tried to steal our food. All of us were mighty scared. This was one of the most pleasurable  trips we made.  The wonderful memories are firmly etched in my mind.

                                                    The Shrine

. I have lost touch with the friends who were with me on the trip.One  among them  was my closest collage mate.  His name started with the letter R (or was it M) ? . Any way, I hope and pray that one of them locates me on FB or recognizes himself in the sketch above and connects with me.That will greatly help me  put pieces together in this story .

                                   Me                     Friend                    Friend                 Friend

 My description of  the adventure became so popular that I have 

narrated this at several gatherings.

Recently I was invited to  some place which I cannot recollect now to address  young trainees . To give them  motivation to do better I recounted the  story of our adventure. The kids  listened with  rapt attention.As I concluded they were so thrilled that they tried to throw some greenish sticky balls  at me, the ones we find slapped on to outer walls of homes in villages.. But, other older boys prevented them . It was an emotional moment. I was not able to enjoy the adulation of the audience. I left with my colleague who later informed that he even detected a teardrop (of pride)  in the corner of my left eye. 

All of a sudden memory came to my aid. Yes the discs on the wall ,the name of which I am not able to recollect  now  is used for some  purpose  in rural homes. But why were they throwing  those gooey balls in my direction with so much passion ?  I’m confident that The madasambrani in me will find out shortly. And that will be another inspiring story.