99 Word Rant: Partners In Crime

You make a choice, take a chance and feel its worth something and for what? A big fat kick in the pants! Gone are the days of "til death do us part". Don't tell me its just girls. Stories of broken relationships, friends or more, has both sides involved. The concept of being emotionally attached is becoming extinct. Worse yet, the egocentric social-network generation is open to it like no other. Call me old fashioned, but at least I have a belief of finding a soul mate, a life long friend and a true connection. What do you have?

Dilliwaali Girlfriend Video

There is always a song that no matter how much you try, you can never quite get the words right. The ultimate issue is when you want to forget the song.You cant even sing it properly to get over it! So instead of forgetting it, it becomes a song that gets you humming and dancing along even more and for longer. Till the movie releases anyway.

So I have found my latest craze.. and most likely other's too..WITH LYRICS!!! Enjoy!!

Eega vs Naan Ee

This was bound to happen. I mean how many times have we seen the same film being made in two languages but one taking the bigger piece of the appealing cake. Lets forget how they turn out. Unfortunately for this filmi fanatic, there have been more than one instance where she has been caught between two of her favourite languages. The last two was Veppam and Kadhalil Sodhappuvathu Eppadi taking over Sega and Love Failure. But even if I was determined to not let it get to me, the latest is surely going to take a toll. Veppam was shot in Tamil and dubbed in Telugu but the film somehow appealed more in Tamil. KSY has definitely had some odd scene changes for the Telugu version. 

This may be nonsensical to you my dear reader, but its disheartening peeve for me. In my whacky way, I am looking at the films as my best friend and my lovable brother. You shouldn't need to decide who is better. But when they do, its harsh. They are not all like that. I sat and watched Sagara Sangamam as many times as I watched Salangai Oli. Hello Brother was watched so many times in both languages that I memorised the lines! Get my drift? Well, the latest to fall into the trap is Eega/Naan Ee.

Same poster, same film, same cast/crew but where Naan Ee misses, Eega scores. Dont ask how, or why but this is one film I am dying to watch however, in Telugu first. It might have to do with S.S.Rajamouli, the director, or Nani's voice (he has a dubbing artist for the tamil version) or maybe even the song lyrics (Nene Nani becomes Veesum Velichathil). But Telugu will get first preference for me. How about you?

A Night To Remember

As much as I would like to stay diplomatic and retain some sense of decorum as I recap the events of yesterday’s musical concert by Vani Jeyaram, Chinmayi, Vijay Yesudas and Haricharan, I have to be honest with myself and you, the reader. We are dealing with people that I have danced, sang, laughed and even cried along with through song. So if I go back into crazy fangirl mode, please bear with me.

Tickets booked way in advance, the excitement had already boiled to scary levels before the event. However, I actually started the night on a bad note. It didn’t last long but was surely there. We [my mother, her friend and I] arrived at the event thinking that we were early, although puzzled there was no parking. Turns out the show wasn’t supposed to start at 6:30pm as we thought. It was 5:30pm. My heart sank. I feared I missed out on those crucial songs I wanted to hear. Worse, we lost our seats even though they were booked! But I have to thank my stars that they were running a little late so we didn’t.

 So there we were, late and pissed off when I set foot in the auditorium to see Chinmayi on stage. She had already started the event with a respectful tribute to those that have left us and that were taken from us in Sri Lanka so the auditorium was quiet and solemn. After the silent tribute, she began with the song that I have a tradition of crying with. Oru Dheivam Thantha Poove played on cd is more than I can bear as it is, but to hear Chinmayi render it live was too much for me. As my mother sat mystified at my state, I cried to each line [no joke!]. The word beautiful is simply not enough for me to describe how it was.

Next on the dias, or rather from in the midst of the crowd, was one of my favourite star kid singers. Vijay Yesudas actually makes me forget his father when he sings his own songs which a tough achievement actually since I grew up on a lot of K.J. Yesudas’ songs. Also, I have already seen him perform a few years ago with his dad so I was somewhat aware of his interactive way of singing. But he had a few more tricks in store this time, with more dancing and walking through the aisles. To say that I was within grasp of a handshake is no lie as he walked straight passed me, stood in front of me and even looked at me [Eeek!!]. Dhavani Potta Deepavali never sounded as awesome as it did last night and Vijay had the full attention of a singing and clapping audience.

The next intro went to Haricharan, who was making his debut to Sydney-town. He didn’t really dawdle with thank yous and how are yous in his entry and got stuck right into Thuli Thuli Mazhaiya Ponaale. As smooth as his singing was, he did make a point to not be completely precise; adding a few extra bits here and there, which was welcomed. At the same time, I don’t think he expected there to be such large fan base for Yuvan when he began as the audience went beserk [myself included!!] when he was finished. But the singer took that as an energy booster and sang his next songs with more gusto.

From here was a clever intro of Vijay singing his father’s Kalaivaniye from Sindhu Bhairavi to introduce Vani Jeyaram conceived by Chinmayi. This is one of my favourite songs and as much as I was involved in the standing ovation Vanimma was greeted with [I hooted more than anyone else!], I secretly wished Vijay would finish the song. But nevertheless, Vanimma’s graceful yet peppy Maligai En Mannan Mayangum was as amazing as the first time I heard her sing it in the film. But more than that enchanting voice, I was taken aback by how humbled and fun she was on stage.

Intros done with grandeur, it was time to get stuck into a lot of jamming, rocking, singing, dancing [or in my case, seat-bopping] and general shenanigans of a concert. As much as my mother wanted to restrain my movement, some songs were not going to have me sitting crossed armed and still. Haricharan made his songs part singing, part dancing to live things up. Vijay went a step further and grabbed a girl from the audience for a special listen of Un Parvai Mele Pattaal on stage, next to him! To say I was jealous of this girl would be an understatement but this was the one occasion through the night that I had to listen to my darling mother. But by far, Chinmayi’s solo songs were the most entertaining. Not only because songs like Maiyya Maiyya gets anyone to move but because of her gorgeous co-singer, Amaiya. For the uninitiated, Amaiya is Vijay’s 2 year old daughter and she was gorgeous in her little princess baby pink dress. Watching her imitate Chinmayi and behave like she was singing as well was a sight for sore eyes.

The best part of this event, beyond the amazing singing, was the performer's interaction. Each time Chinmayi came on stage singing a duet with one of the boys, a little fun banter would make the proceeding a little less formal. The boys definitely had their fun with Jalsa Pannungada and Haricharan’s bicycle act was a little bit of cinema on stage. I especially loved the camaraderie between the young singers with the jokes at each other’s expense although as Vanimma said, she was the youngest out of them all at heart and had the audience laughing just as much with her incredible sense of humour.

Oru Malaiyoram, Mama Mama, Yaar Intha Penthaan, Aariro, Rasathi Pola, Lesa Parakkuthu, Oyyaaiye, Gangai Yamunai, Illamai Oonjaladuthu, Bharathi Kannamma, Vaarayo Vaarayo and Kilimanjaro are some of the songs they sang and to be honest, I just couldn’t get enough of it. i secretly begged to god they would sing more songs and maybe even a few of my favourites. An added bonus had to be my wish list duet of Chinmayi and Vijay rendering Sahana Saaral, a combination I wish was in the film. But they didn’t stop there with songs like Alliyambal, Gori Tera Gaon, Tere Bina, Yammadi Aathadi and lots more were included, if only a few lines.

With the night coming to an end, I must say my personal achievement was being one of the only star-struck fans with a relative composed nature, a camera and an autograph book too, ready and waiting. I was determined to get something since I couldn’t get as many photos during the program as I wanted [The organisers got security to ask me not to take photos]. However, if you thought I was crazy, I must tell you about a dear friend of mine. For someone that is normally quite composed, he became more of a fanboy than me when our request to one of the organisers to get someone, ANYONE to see us was heeded to and out walked Chinmayi. I could have sworn his cheeks when red when he saw her. Yet, even amongst the chaos of fans photos and screams, not only did I succeed in getting an autograph but a photo as well with Chinmayi whom I must thank once again for recognising me from twitter.

By the time I got home, all I could think of was how they ensured the best was only to come for me and the audience at the beginning. Boy did they deliver and then some! Whether it was their own songs, solos or duets, each singer was welcomed with an applause. It was truly a memorable night.

Sthothra Special

I've always been told that there are some mantras I should say to ward of bad omens and help settle good ones. As a good kid i would memorise what I could and the rest were book reference. But sometimes I would this how do I know if I'm saying it right? How do I know that I'm saying what needs to be said? What if i'm invertantly attracting bad omens instead of good ones?!?!? Ok, that was a little overboard but you get the drift. Now I have yet to find all the others that I have been parotting away but this is one that I found and tried to implement. I even went to the level of making my own tune for it. But since I dont own a soundcloud account and suck at singing, we'll stick to the meaning, shall we? :D

Sri runa vimochana nrusimha sthothram

(The prayer to Lord Narasimha to get rid of debts.)

Translated by: P.R.Ramachander

(N.B. the debt could be explained also as the debt of Karma, which we have to get rid off to attain salvation.)

Deva karya sidhyartham , sabha sthambha samudbhavam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 1

For the purpose of completion of the need of the devas,

You appeared from a pillar in a palace,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Lakshmyalingitha vamangam, bhakthanaam vara dayakam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 2

Goddess Lakshmi embraces your left side,

And you give boons to your devotees,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Aantramaladaram , sankha charabjayudha darinam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 3

God who wears the inner part of your enemy as garland,

God who holds conch wheel, lotus and other weapons,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts

Smaranath sarva papagnam, khadruja visha nasanam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 4

God whose very thought kills all sins,

God who destroys poison of all snakes,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Simhanadenaahath, digdanthi bhayanasanam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 5

God of a terrible lion like roar,

Who removes fear of elephants, which guard all directions,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Prahlada varadam, srresam, daithyeswara vidharinam,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 6

God who was kind to Prahlada,

The lord of Lakshmi and he who ripped apart the king of demons,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts

Krooragrahai peedithanam bhakthanam abhaya pradham,
Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 7

God who gives freedom from fear to devotes,

Who are being troubled by cruel planets,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts.

Veda vedantha yagnesam , brahma rudradhi vandhitham,

Sri nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye. 8

God who is the lord of Vedas, Vedanta and sacrifices,

Who is worshipped by Brahma, Rudra and others,

Oh Narasimha who is a great warrior,

I salute you to get rid of my debts

Ya idam padathe nithyam , runa mochana samgnakam,

Anruni jayathe sathyo , danam seegramavapnuyath. 9

He who reads daily this prayer for getting rid of debts,

Would surely become debtless and would soon earn lot of money.

No matter how big of a hot shot you, it doesn't hurt to have an extra hand.

Kanchana Mini View

So Raagava Lawrence decided to cash in on the sequel season and made Kanchana which is a part 2/episode 2 of Muni. Barring himself in the lead role and Kovai Sarala as his mother, the cast includes a new set of faces including Laxmi Roy, Srimaan, Devadarshini and Sarathkumar. Now its ok to want to do a sequel but what I want to ask is why choose Muni? It wasn't the most successful film he did nor was there much room for a sequel. But its the movie business so what else can I say but here it is. WARNING: Spoiler Alert!!

Taking off from Muni, Raagava is a scardey cat [this time] needs his mother by his side to even go to the bathroom. Unknowingly, he sticks a stump post in a plot of land that is haunted by ghosts and lets it out. From here on weird things start happening in his house at night and his mother and sister-in-law with help of the local swamiyar and his tests(!!!), confirm the ghost is in the house. Soon after Raagava starts acting weird by trying on saris and showering with sandalwood powder [manjal] like a woman. When his family ask why, theyare confronted by the ghosts that inhibits him one of which is Kanchana. Who is Kanchana and the other ghosts and what's their story is the crux.

Forgetting the story and all its scariness, Raagava has acted pretty well. Understandably he has a foundation for the disabled but it does get preachy initially. Otherwise, good show from the milti-talented. Laxmi Roy really needs a a few lessons on movie choice. She's hardly there and is land when she is. Kovai Sarala and Devadharshini bring out the funnies in a loud way. Srimaan is restrained initially but does a better job. Sarathkumar is different but could have been better. The rest are just average.

Techinals done get very far on this one with cinematography just about ok and editing too. Thaman.S is unidentifiable to such a degree that I thought Srikanth Deva had done the work and fallen out with the producers so they took his name off. One piece of advice to Raagava Lawrence. Muni was ok and Kanchana survived but please let vengeful ghost lie.

Back to Front

Sometimes are a full song is not needed to enjoy a tune. And sometimes, the background music/theme sounds better than the song itself. I know that there have been many an occasion where the background tune from one film becomes a full song in another. So whilst compiling some clippings for another dance post, I thought I'd compile a list of background tunes that I could find.



A classic tune by Ilaiyaraja takes a new turn with his son Yuvan Shankar Raja for Sarvam.



Oy! movie may have had a sad ending but the music was just amazing. Yuvan's magic touch once again.



Now this one is long but its got all the BGMs for VTV/YMC in one hit. ARR is my god!



As cute as the visual, DSP has a beautiful combo of beat and melody in this one from Bommarillu.



MMK really brings out the haunting love story in this tune from Magadheera. Send chills down my spine everytime.



But apart from melodies and mushy stuff, we have an intro which I have yet to get over. MMK working it for our own Puli in Yamadonga.



Coming back to DSP, I love the piano in the title BGM for Aarya 2. Even though the track is just as awesome.



Ahem, this is the tune from Swades by ARR but we all know that Dekho Na was originally from Baba. But its ARR so we excuse.

There seems to be a dominance of melody with the tunes but like I normally say, these are only a few. I know that most intro scenes have a tune in them but its now a little on the ordinary side with most. I know that there is a piece in One 2 Ka Four that was later used by ARR in Star and became Nenthukitten which introduced one of my now fav singer, Karthik. Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck finding it. If you, dear reader, do find it please let me know.