New Era

  Talk faster. Walk faster. Grow up faster. Get to school faster, get through school faster, get a job, get settled. We keep saying it, all of it, like there's a finish line somewhere and the sooner they get there, the better we've done our job. I catch myself doing it every morning. Shoes, bag, breakfast, hurry, hurry, hurry. I hate mornings for exactly this reason. Not because they're hard, but because I become someone I don't recognize. A man in a rush, standing next to a child who isn't rushing anywhere, dragging him toward a clock that means nothing to him and everything to me. Then I stop and think, what am I actually rushing toward? Nothing that's mine to rush. He'll get to all of it in his own time. The only thing that's really mine, right now, is the chance to be here for the slow part. That's not something to get through. It's something to be glad I get to have. Avyaan draws for a while most days. I don't fully know what it is about...

  Dear Seta, The moment you will arrive in this world society will start giving you certificates, approvals and disapprovals. Some for winning, some for not accepting the defeat. Some for living to the fullest and some to live responsibly. Some to be cherish forever and some to create memory. Some will make us feel proud of you, some will make you confident. At some point you may believe these certificates are necessary for your existence. Let me tell you a secret- They are not!!! They sure provide some temporary anchors but it's a choice to stop them from becoming chains. It’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. There is no time limit, you can stop whenever you want. It’s a choice to change or stay the same. World may tell you that you can’t, but there are actually no rules to this thing. We can make the best and worst of it. I hope you make best of it. And I hope you see the things that startle and amaze you. I hope you feel new things in your life. I hope you meet...

  I fell in love with Mari Selvaraj's previous film Peruam Perumal, It is also available on Amazon Prime. Dhanush involvement in Selvaraj's project raises the scale of it but the core of the premise doesn't have to adjust to his star value. Presence of Dhanush provided the beautiful platform and scale to Selvaraj where he can creatively express himself.  And the result is Karnan which compelled me to write this blog.  PLOT The film focuses on village of Pudiakalam considered a wasteland for some but home for others. People of village understand and are pragmatic towards the structure of society and inequalities that come with it. They acknowledge the unfair treatment by the neighboring village. There is a simmering anger within them and they are on the edge. The movie then explore the manifestations of that rage beautifully. I realize that movie review are of the film and not about it. I will stop here with the plot.  Visuals What  struck me the most about Karna...

  Rituals Without Purpose I had a basic problem with any kind of rituals is they often adrift from the context. Be it modern world ritual of saying sorry or traditional ritual of touching feet.  Consequence: A hollow sorry or disrespectful feet touching.  Our ancient religions it seems are ardent believers  of second chances be it use of gangajal to wash sins or Micchami Dukkadam or shama yachna for washing harsh words, deeds or actions.  These ritual to a layman with bit of common sense like me looks like they are systematic opportunity provided to human beings to start afresh.  I can say for sure the purpose can't be to tell you keep doing what you are doing and just say micchami dukkadam at the year end. It is a window to introspect, it is a rewind button.  Practice in  Reality  When i talk to fellow Jains they often ask did you kept fast. I did two he did three fast etc.As if it is competition to show your patriotism towards your rel...

   There are many fine movies I watched during lock down from various states of the country and I think it is my prerogative to recommend them so that you can experience their craft too.  1. NATSAMRAT         Totally heartbreaking Marathi film that I witnessed on Netflix . This movie is not only story telling at its finest but showcased some of the best career performances. Starring Nana Patekar and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. Before I rave about what I love about this film I wanted to talk about how we have this perception that when actors are not working actively in Hindi movies they are not creatively stimulated or not doing profound work.  Natsamrat is story of famous theater actor Ganpatram  who retire from theater to spend more time with family. Natsamrat is heart breaking tale of man who was once a celebrated artist and now seems to feel out of place. Its a acting masterclass by Nana Patekar. The story is not about the the ungra...

There are nearly 7 billion people on the planet, and we get time only to be friends with approximately 30 of them. As you can see the choice is really tough. But you came across as someone I need to know come what may. I will be honest, when I met you, you are little too unsure of yourself, A little too weird even by my standard. It took me a while to realize how amazing and smart you are. I ignored your values as rigidity I resented your love as licentiousness. I overlook your courage as brashness. But I am proud to say that despite of my narrow mindedness I get a chance to know you better. People like me are convinced that nothing can be done and we cannot overcome our circumstances. And most of us are oblivious of the fact that our circumstances are outcome of our thoughts and that our mind in itself have ability make heaven of hell, and a hell of a heaven. The universe isn’t evil it is just indifferent and it will remain so.  But you my dear are always aware ...