Book - 47, Thara Specials

Thara Specials (1968)

by

Vaikom Muhammed Basheer

Book Read: 29 December 2015

Note Written: 19 January 2016

'Thara Specials' is a novella in classic Basheerian style. He has a way of writing which combines the most ordinary usage of language, which is realistic, conversational and comedic. Compared to conventional Malayalam literature, his language holds a shock element, with its simplicity. His style of writing feels closest to our hearts; his writing is, perhaps, the actual 'mother tongue'.

Now to 'Thara Specials'. This novella tells the story of three friends, one of whom endeavours to persuade the other two to start a cigarette factory named Thara Specials, as a local business opportunity which could flourish. We see caricaturistic characters and strange incidents unfold in front of us, making us laugh and smile throughout. There is also a tinge of grief between those layers of humour as well. It felt good to be back reading Basheer. Hoping to buy the complete Basheer collection soon. Thank you my friends Rohith and Thara for being the reason for me to read this. 

Movie - 46, The World's End

The World's End (2013)

by

Edgar Wright

Movie Seen: 18 October 2015

Note Written: 02 November 2015

'The World's End' was the only movie left for me to watch in Edgar Wright's 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy'. I have seen 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shawn of the Dead' twice over already. The movie was as delightful as the other ones of the series. Wright chose a totally different theme this time - he calls it 'social science fiction', apparently. The base of the story is that a group of grown-up's come back to their hometown after years, for a 'pub-crawl' (drink from all the pubs of the locality) and the interesting things that follow.

Something that interested me a lot was the sense of homecoming in the movie. You migrate from your small hometown to a big city, a different locale or so, and after undergoing so many experiences, changes etc you come back and find your place and its people almost the same as when you left. Nothing much has changed for them, except you and ways, maybe. I am familiar with this feeling. The same can be seen in 'The World's End' even though the crux of the story is something else altogether. The movie was  a thrill ride with lots and lots of fun. Eagerly waiting for Wright's next.

PS: As usual Simon Pegg and Nick Frost rocked! Nick frost looked as if he'd changed his style, in the beginning. Later, he transforms to his true self - crazy!

Book - 46, Kallan Pavithran (Graphic Novel)

Kallan Pavithran: Graphic Novel (2014)

by

P. Padmarajan and Amal

Book Read: 29 December 2015

Note Written: 18 January 2016

'Kallan Pavithran' the graphic novel is based on the movie by Padmarajan, which is based on the short story by himself, of the same name. I had seen the movie some time back. It is a caricature-mode story about village folk, living with their follies, flaws, and simplicity. The attitudes, outlooks, jealousy,  and exploitations within village people, ideally considered epitomes of innocence, are explored through this humurous story. The illustrations are great and the story is told in a comfortable pace through the graphic novel, which follows the pattern of the movie. It was fun reading this tiny graphic novel and I finished reading the whole thing in about 10-15 minutes, in a running car. 

Movie - 45, Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak (2015)

by

Guillermo del Toro

Movie Seen: 18 October 2015

Place: INOX GVK, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Note Written: 02 November 2015

That particular week I wanted to watch two movies - 'The Walk' and 'The Martian'. We already went for 'The Walk' and wasn't so satisfied with it. We had got two complimentary tickets from 'CloseUp' through a voucher code and wanted to use it. My choice was 'The Martian' but my friend suggested 'Crimson Peak'. I watched the trailer and decided that Martian can wait. 

'Crimson Peak' was a truly classic, gothic horror experience full of scary surprises, twists and turns. It wasn't the full-blown 'ghost attack horror' that we are used to in films like this, but a more subtle kind. Del Toro's films are never what you expect from it, it is said. In 'Crimson Peak' the director was in full-control and he pays a tribute to the genre of gothic horror. 

The era set for the movie was created with utmost perfection -  oft times I forgot to notice the existence of the cinematic apparatus (the camera); the movie is crafted seamlessly. The cast gave wonderful performances, my favourite being Jessica Chastain. 

I thought there would be much censoring in the movie even while it was released as 'A' certified in India, but the gore and violence were all there, just a sex scene cut. What a nation right? You can show all sorts of violence, but acts of love are shunned. Bravo! 

Overall, 'Crimson Peak' was a wonderful theatrical experience. I have to have a Del Toro movie marathon sometime. 

Book - 45, Running in the Family

Running in the Family (1982)

by

Michael Ondaatje

Book Read: 22-23 December 2015

Note Written: 18 January 2016

'Running in the Family is a memoir/fictional account about the ancestors of Michael Ondaatje, at his birthplace, Sri Lanka. There is no specific pattern visible in this book - the accounts are chaotic, just like the people who are characters of these anecdotes. It is a fun read. It filled me with a kind of nostalgia towards Kerala, not so different in geography from Sri Lanka. These are stories found in and associated with most 'hometowns' as well, as local legends, featuring local characters from all our childhoods. 

Every place has its own unique stories to tell, unique people to remember. These could be relatives, friends, acquaintances, or people who are just flashes of memories for you. I have many such local legends/interesting characters around the places I grew up - Devasiappy, Keeran, Quintel Hamsa (about whom I've written here in Malayalam), Kunjettan etc. 

Michael Ondaatje's ancestor's and their friends lived in an interesting time in colonial Sri Lanka, and their history is more interesting because they don't identify with the natives much or the Britisher's for that matter. They are a completely mixed race with double lives - as locals but also outsiders. Identity is a weird thing and it is interesting to see how each person is different according to his birth and growing up circumstances. Will people behave or be different if they were born or brought up in another place or time? Or will their basic nature be same? I am going off topic I think. The book was fun - might read again. Do read, all of you.

PS: You can read another point of view of the book, written by my friend, here.

Movie - 44, Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

by

Edgar Wright

Movie Seen: 17 October 2015

Note Written: 31 October 2015

This was the second time I was watching 'Shaun of the Dead'. When I first watched it while I was in my MA days, I got really interested in the zombie-comedy flavour of it. This film is where i started noticing Edgar Wright the director, and his combination with talented comedians and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. I've seen most of his movies now. While 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World' is my favourite work of his, I really enjoyed and still enjoy watching the 'Corenetto Trilogy' and 'Antman', which he co-authored. 

'Shaun of the Dead' is perfect with its fake startles, fast cuts, montages, comedic situations involving zombies, and its satirization of the world and many movies we've seen. Simon Pegg-Nick Frost combo is a delight to watch. Nick Frost is simply adorable with his coolness in catastrophe. With enough and more laughs, gore, romance, and fun, Shaun of the dead is a great entertainer. Looking forward to more good works from Edgar Wright. 

PS: You can read my note on 'Hot Fuzz', another great movie from the director, here

Book - 44, Vita Brevis: A Letter to St. Augustine

Vita Brevis: A Letter to St. Augustine (1996)

by 

Jostein Gaarder

Book Read: 21 December 2015

Note Written: 14 January 2015

'Vita Brevis: A Letter to St. Augustine' is a short novel written in the format of a long letter from a woman named Floria Aemilia, supposedly the lover of St. Augustine that he forsook for religion and soul salvation, in the insistence of his mother, St. Monica. The novel begins with Jostein Gaarder telling the readers that he 'stumbled' upon this letter in an antique shop among forgotten manuscripts and is publishing it. At first, I thought that it was real. I did a google search and found that it wasn't. Also, as you read on you probably find that this couldn't be the real one, if at all something like this existed. 

The letter (novel) raises certain questions towards religion, spirituality, and associated notions of piety. Established religions all over the world has seen (and still sees, in some cases) women as inferior to men. They are always depicted as an object of 'temptation' and 'sin'. Most of these sects say that salvation of the soul is only possible through asceticism and keeping away from family, love etc. Isn't that some kind of escapism from responsibilities in the pretext of gaining piety? Claiming that a person can only achieve glory through not associating with another (like the case of Augustine and his lover) is demeaning the person, demeaning humanity. The fact that in 'Confessions' St. Augustine never mentioned the name of his lover but has named their son Adeodatus shows the kind of patriarchal mentality existed then in the society and the church. The son is mentioned as the 'fruit of his sin', apparently. If love is sin, you have got the wrong interpretation from the life of Jesus. 'Vita Brevis' made me think a lot and reflect on certain subjects. Should read 'Confessions' sometime and see what it says. 

PS: You can read another point of view of the book by a friend of mine here

Movie - 43, The Walk

The Walk (2015)

by

Robert Zemeckis

Movie Seen: 14 October 2015

Place: INOX Kacheguda, Hyderabad

Note Written: 31 October 2015

I was very interested in the trailer of 'The Walk' and  was adamant about watching it in big screen. Knowing that the movie was based on a true person and event increased my want. 

'The Walk' is interesting in terms of the subject chosen and the story but failed to impress me with its treatment. The movie felt soulless, to me. While watching the movie and after, I thought may be it's so that I had too much expectations from the film, especially coming from someone like Robert Zemeckis; but even if I was watching it without knowing anything, I wouldn't have liked it much, I'm sure. 

The movie would have been much better, I think, if the narration bits by Joseph Gordon Levitt were avoided and the story was told plainly. The visuals, the CGI, (the recreation of the Twin Towers), and the 3D effects were superb but somehow it was all lost on me through the lackluster storytelling. The cast gave fine performances in their respective roles but overall, I really wasn't satisfied with the film. 

PS: The huge 'Smoking is Injurious to Health' sign which appears whenever a cigarette was shown, even while nobody was smoking it, was really ugly and spoiled the frames - grow up Indian Censor Board and 'easily-offended' audience!

Book - 43, Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice (1813)

by

Jane Austen

Book Read: 14-19 December 2015

Note Written: 13 January 2016

After hearing a lot about 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Emma', 'Sense and Sensibility' etc, I decided to give Jane Austen a try. I am not a big fan of romantic novels or films. When I started reading 'Pride and Prejudice', I was a bit skeptical as to whether I'll complete it or like it. The opposite happened; turns out I was the prejudiced one. I liked the novel and grew into loving it page by page - it's such a happy little novel!

The life and times of the story, the pre-victorian era, it's locale and customs, are alien to me, but the people and their emotions are not - the gossipy men and women, the fear of love, the expectations of people, familial prejudices, woes about social status, the adventures to find love, the chance meetings, the late realizations and many things like that. 'Pride and Prejudice' was a wonderful read for me, even though the language was bit too formal for me, since I am not used to literature from the era. When I was picturing the character Mr Collins, the irritating cousin, had the face of Tobias Funke (David Cross) from 'Arrested Development'. He would fit the role perfectly in a movie or TV version if another one comes out. Will try and read Emma soon. Thank you, many friends who inspired or irritated me into reading this novel. 

Movie - 42, Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz (2007)

by

Edgar Wright

Movie Seen: 11 October 2015

Note Written: 27 October 2015

'Hot Fuzz' is one of my favourite British comedy movies - I had seen it before and this time around, I was introducing it to a friend. The best thing about the movie for me, apart from its homage to numerous actions movies, is the lead-combo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost - the are one of my all-time favourite comic duos. 

Hot Fuzz takes us through the experience of a valiant, exemplary cop from London who gets transferred to a sleepy village in rural Britain, and the surprises that await him there. Got to laugh a lot watching the movie and I'm sure I'll watch it again.

Edgar Wright's movies have a fast paced treatment which gives it the seriousness of a thriller and at the same time thoroughly enjoyable and invokes laughter all over. The Corenetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End) follows this style and 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World' is no different in pace, even though the latter is in a different league of absurdity altogether. Edgar Wright's partial involvement in 'Ant-Man' is what gave it the fun flavour, I believe. Mr. Wright, make more fun movies for us. Thank You. 

Book - 42, The Fellowship of the Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)

by

J R R Tolkein

Book Read: 07-12 December 2015

Note Written: 06 January 2016

This has been a book that I've been looking forward to reading for a long time, ever since I saw the movies. If 'The Hobbit' read very light and was more meant for children by the feel of it, 'The Fellowship of the Ring', Part 1 of the 'Lord of the Rings' series is a bit more mature in content and language. It still doesn't come upto the might of 'The Silmarillion', I should say. But it is still a great experience indeed. 

Tolkein's flow of writing amazes me. He can write in any manner, as evidently seen from the variety in the three examples given above. He makes use of poetic descriptions, especially of landscape and rhyming conversations give the novel a smooth flow which helps us engage with it more. I'm not describing the story element, as most would know how great the story is through the mighty movie adaptations by Peter Jackson. There are some differences though, the omission of Tom Bombadil from the movie being one. Eagerly awaiting to complete the series and move on to other works from Tolkein. 

Movie - 41, Ennu Ninte Moideen (Your's Forever, Moideen)

Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015)

by

R S Vimal

Movie Seen:04 October 2015

Place: Prasads Multiplex, Hyderabad

Note Written: 08 October 2015

After a long wait due to distribution problems on the first two weeks of release, the blockbuster 'Ennu Ninte Moideen' released in Hyderabad on its 3rd week. The cinema was houseful when we watched and it looked like everyone in the hall was engrossed in the love saga and completely satisfied. The Moideen- Kanchanamala love story, the story of 'Mukkam' (close to my home), captivated hearts all around. Even though not perfect, it is any day better than the earlier 'love' blockbusters in Malayalam such as 'Aniyathipravu', 'Niram' etc. 

The era the film is set in, the 60s, has been shown well and in great detail. The movie wasn't shot in Mukkam. The place has changed a lot. Moideen and Kanchana's love story is tragic yet triumphant - it will invoke in you a slight sadness, yet there is that feeling of the purity of undying love (both of which are a sweet fantasy humans hold on to), which makes you feel fulfilled and content (pure escapism). 

The cinematography of the movie by Jomon T John was spectacular, also the music by Gopi Sunder. I really enjoyed the rain shots (which was aplenty), and I'm glad it rained once I got back. I felt the ending would have had more impact if the real photos of Moideen and Kanchana were shown as the credits rolled. 

The movie was definitely worth the hype and wait. The performances great, especially Parvathy, Prithviraj, and Tovino Thomas (his 'Appu' was a gem!). Seeing the antics of Prithvi as Moideen, I thought  how in awe of Moideen I would be if I had lived in the era - to say your love to your lover via a megaphone in guise of election campaign, that requires guts! 

A great movie experience it was.

Ennu,

Ningade Athul

Book - 41, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984)

by

Milan Kundera

Book Read: 02-05 December 2015

Note Written: 21 December 2015

'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' is a story of existence, love, sex, happiness, woes, and many other emotions of a few people: the novel shows how important we all are even though we can be seen as unimportant in the grand scale of the universe. Through its characters and their individual perspectives we are introduced a lot of insights and questions about our existence, its meaning, and the probable futility of it. Perspectives play an important role here, not only though the characters but also making us think hoe it plays out in our own lives. 

Our perspective are what we infer from some instance or event based on out past experiences and knowledge. So, two people could have similar yet totally different perspectives of the same event. Through Tomas, Terez, Sabina, and Franz, we think about perspectives and understand the need to understand others a little bit more.

Halfway through the book, I was thinking, with all the detailed descriptions and intricacies of closeness, love, living together, sex etc., why wasn't things like shit, piss, etc not mentioned by Kundera (if he was the great mind that people say he is), they being an important aspect of being an living together as well. As it turns out, Kundera dedicated chapters about it. Bravo! 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' is a great work indeed. Would read again sometime else. Also, reading this masterpiece hasn't made me think that 'The Festival of Insignificance', Kundera's new work, is in any way inferior to this one (some people say it isn't so good in comparison to his other works). Looking forward to more Kundera. 

Movie - 40, 300: Rise of an Empire

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

by

Noam Murro

Movie Seen: 02 October 2015

Note Written: 26 October 2015

Ha, the holiday of Gandhi Jayanti and I watched this violent, gore film to pass time - also cleaned up my room and did my laundry. 300: Rise of an Empire follows the legacy set by the first movie and stays in the zone for sometime, but without the soul or fury '300' had. The movie is set in before, during, and after the events which make up the previous. The greatest victory of this sequel is the character 'Artemisia' played by Eva Green. What a delight she was to watch, as the fearsome and cunning warrior! The gory violence enhanced through graphic slow-motion remains the same as the other film, and they have applied it wherever possible. Rise of an Empire gives additional background to '300' as I said before and is a passable fare at that. The visual quality was nice but loses most of its charm with the soulless narration of events. Rise of an Empire doesn't give you the sense of awe that '300' gave but hangs by a rope to the set legacy. 

Book - 40, Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass (1865 & 1871)

by

Lewis Caroll

Book Read: 30 November - 02 December 2015

Note Written: 09 December 2015

The combined version of 'Alice's Adventures in the Wonderland' and its sequel 'Through the Looking Glass' would one of the most non-sensical and weird works of literature of all-time. It is a strange feeling when you read all these classic novels and contemporary fiction (Dostoevsky, Kundera, Tolkein, Saramago, Cervantes etc) and switches to a 'children's book' like Alice in Wonderland. The events and the narration are so silly - it's non-sense combined with a kind of brilliance. I kept trying to find something profound, some underlying philosophy which the author was secretly giving us - but it's all bollocks! We maybe able to interpret something of the sort, that's all.

I constantly kept thinking that maybe this guy (Lewis Caroll) was high on acid or something - 'full tripping', as we say in Kerala now; maybe he had a dream journal and put all the weird things from it to make a story for children. The poems, the illustrations, and the witty exchanges between the bizarre characters are sure to take you to one of the weirdest/strangest settings of all-time. I normally dream a lot and they are mostly vivid, with a lot of strange events happening; but Alice's dreams (or are they really dreams?), as told by Lewis Carrol tops every one of my dreams. Through the Looking Glass is a great idea- a world which is the mirror image of the world you are in; a great fantasy, a great idea indeed. Does such a world really exist? The children might know; adults never do.