Visaaranai - A realistic, raw and riveting story

Vetrimaaran is back with his third movie “Visaaranai”, with no hurry, almost 4 years after winning a national award.

It is the story of four young men who get imprisoned and exploited by the cops for their selfish motives and who are forced to prostrate in front of the bureaucratic system for series of reasons. The movie has a number of intricate layers within it.

The success of the screenplay is,  every audience could see from both from the victim's’ perspective as well from the cops side., who too feel helpless and let down as the victims of the so called “system”.

The police station and the bureaucratic system behind the entire drama naturally creates cold waves through our spine. We find it hard to see and digest such bitter truth, but these are the men that we face daily, people whom we lay our faith to protect us from harm and whom we got to go for many of our issues.

This movie is based on a true story that was penned as a novel by M. Chandra Kumar , who is the lone surviving victim of this dark and disturbing tale, the screenplay was adapted to suit the sensibilities without any botheration towards commercial elements.

I would say, “Visaaranai” is worth all the hype. An unbending, hard-hitting and spine-chilling attempt to uncover the abuse of power. The movie doesn't preach or do mere talking, rather it exposes a shock of the reality today. And it makes you think - because this could happen to you too!

Great Work Vetrimaaran. Take a bow!

A Flood of Inspirations

Chennai has faced one of the worst floods in the history. There were hundreds of people drowned in the water and crores of materials went in the loss. Many have gone without food, water and basic amenities for days. Entire homes have been washed away for many. Without any difference, rich and poor ran into community centers overnight, for basic shelter!

It feels really miserable to think about the tragic situations of Chennai floods!. But, amongst all these destruction and desperation, one thing that certainly made us proud and inspired was the “humanity among people”

People proved that the humanity is still alive. They proved that they didn't need any direction from the government or any organization to help themselves and to help their struggling neighbor! They just listened and did what their heart said!!

Many prepared food and distributed to all those strangers stranded in the waters; Trucks of supplies and support arrived from all over Tamil Nadu and from all neighboring states; So many young volunteers came out for rescue, risking their own lives.

From cinema theaters to temples/shrines/mosques opened up their doors for people in need; Some cinema heroes turned real life heroes too!; Heard stories of a woman who dared to deliver milk, even when there was a hip level of water on the streets…

I can keep listing many stories of inspiration during the flood. But, one thing that really made me to think was this video interview of an old lady from the Harrington Road area of Chennai.

Her house was completely washed away in the floods. She didn’t have anything to eat or to change; but still with her smile, she just taught all of us that It isn't that hard to be happy even during your most difficult times!! Her smile would have touched and inspired many of us for sure, who are cribbing even for small issues and break down easily.

  

Money can undoubtedly help you attain your goals, provide you comfort, make life more enjoyable, and shall give some feel of confidence for your future, but merely having the money doesn’t guarantee fulfillment in life! You don’t need to be rich - to be happy. And, this old lady just proved it right!

This article is posted for #SpreadTheVibe, a contest by IndiBlogger in association with Youth Ki Awaaz.  For more inspiring stories from fellow bloggers, visit http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/

"A Flood of Inspirations"

Chennai has faced one of the worst floods in the history. There were hundreds of people drowned in the water and crores of materials went in the loss. Many have gone without food, water and basic amenities for days. Entire homes have been washed away for many. Without any difference, rich and poor ran into community centers overnight, for basic shelter!

It feels really miserable to think about the tragic situations of Chennai floods!. But, amongst all these destruction and desperation, one thing that certainly made us proud and inspired was the “humanity among people”

People proved that the humanity is still alive. They proved that they didn't need any direction from the government or any organization to help themselves and to help their struggling neighbor! They just listened and did what their heart said!!

Many prepared food and distributed to all those strangers stranded in the waters; Trucks of supplies and support arrived from all over Tamil Nadu and from all neighboring states; So many young volunteers came out for rescue, risking their own lives.

From cinema theaters to temples/shrines/mosques opened up their doors for people in need; Some cinema heroes turned real life heroes too!; Heard stories of a woman who dared to deliver milk, even when there was a hip level of water on the streets…

I can keep listing many stories of inspiration during the flood. But, one thing that really made me to think was this video interview of an old lady from the Harrington Road area of Chennai.

Her house was completely washed away in the floods. She didn’t have anything to eat or to change; but still with her smile, she just taught all of us that It isn't that hard to be happy even during your most difficult times!! Her smile would have touched and inspired many of us for sure, who are cribbing even for small issues and break down easily.

  

Money can undoubtedly help you attain your goals, provide you comfort, make life more enjoyable, and shall give some feel of confidence for your future, but merely having the money doesn’t guarantee fulfillment in life! You don’t need to be rich - to be happy. And, this old lady just proved it right!

This article is posted for #SpreadTheVibe, a contest by IndiBlogger in association with Youth Ki Awaaz.  For more inspiring stories from fellow bloggers, visit http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/

Should you support Free Basics ?

We are so addicted to the word “free” and even without understanding, we just sign-up for everything!. How can a person who wanted “Net neutrality” can now support the “Free Basics” ?, If you do so, you have not understood both the words !!. 

About 1 year ago, Facebook launched "Internet.org" in India and it failed miserably as it was against the #netneutrality. Now, they have just smartly renamed the same as ``Free Basics``, thought Indians will not ever say 'no' to whatever is given for free!.

What is Free Basics ? : #FreeBasics is a platform launched by Facebook in partnership with Reliance in India, where some basic internet websites will be available free of cost (Check out here for all the websites available for free as per Reliance's website). That means, you don't have to pay internet charges for the data usage on any of the mentioned websites. However, if you enter into other websites, then you will have to pay the internet charges. And it’s Facebook (and possibly their parent telecom operator) decide on what websites to be enabled and what content to be displayed.

My simple question:  Why do we need anything for free? Whoever supporting/signing the petition are already capable to afford a paid internet!. In India, a monthly internet charge even now also is less than a single movie ticket !

Nothing is available for “free” in this world; and no company (especially, Reliance and Facebook) are running for charity. #Facebook is going to easily get a very big community for their advertisements and #Reliance is aiming to get a big customer base and business thru’ this bandwagon.

All we need is an unrestricted, un-curated internet, you decide whether it’s free or paid. And you call it as “Basics” or “Advanced”!. It’s up to you to support or oppose – but do it after your own reasoning!!

Should you support Free Basics ?

We are so addicted to the word “free” and even without understanding, we just sign-up for everything!. How can a person who wanted “Net neutrality” can now support the “Free Basics” ?, If you do so, you have not understood both the words !!. 

About 1 year ago, Facebook launched "Internet.org" in India and it failed miserably as it was against the #netneutrality. Now, they have just smartly renamed the same as ``Free Basics``, thought Indians will not ever say 'no' to whatever is given for free!.

What is Free Basics ? : #FreeBasics is a platform launched by Facebook in partnership with Reliance in India, where some basic internet websites will be available free of cost (Check out here for all the websites available for free as per Reliance's website). That means, you don't have to pay internet charges for the data usage on any of the mentioned websites. However, if you enter into other websites, then you will have to pay the internet charges. And it’s Facebook (and possibly their parent telecom operator) decide on what websites to be enabled and what content to be displayed.

My simple question:  Why do we need anything for free? Whoever supporting/signing the petition are already capable to afford a paid internet!. In India, a monthly internet charge even now also is less than a single movie ticket !

Nothing is available for “free” in this world; and no company (especially, Reliance and Facebook) are running for charity. #Facebook is going to easily get a very big community for their advertisements and #Reliance is aiming to get a big customer base and business thru’ this bandwagon.

All we need is an unrestricted, un-curated internet, you decide whether it’s free or paid. And you call it as “Basics” or “Advanced”!. It’s up to you to support or oppose – but do it after your own reasoning!!

Pasanga 2

Everyone call the movie as “preachy”; but what is wrong in it? Let it be…it’s the “need of the hour” for India. #Pasanga 2 points out the issues of Indian education system. It’s is a movie about children, parenthood and parents misunderstanding on the idea and purpose of education.

The story revolves around two hyperactive kids Kavin and Nayana, who are a nightmare to their parents, teacher, and even to their neighbours. Their over naughtiness drives everyone wild and makes them move from school after school and in-turn, different houses and different areas of relocation!.

At one point of time, they move-in to an apartment where they meet an ideal family of Suriya – a child psychiatrist and Amala Paul – a  teacher with their two kids. Surya finds that Kavin and Nayana are suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder),  and they help them to come out of it.  They eventually soothe the harassed and embarrassed parents; and make them to understand their parenting mistakes too!.

 While many directors in Tamil industry are using cinema as just a money making business, We should welcome Director #Pandiraj who has a sincere concern for families and kids. He makes us think about the commercialization of today’s education system, rank-oriented race, and scarcity of 'family time' in our busy lifestyle...

 I agree that #Pasanga2 is preachy, to the extent that in a scene, Surya is literally teaching a some parents about childcare and family values with a white board and a marker J! but as I said already “it’s the need of the hour”. For some of the sharp-valued dialogues, I myself nodded in agreement, for the mistakes that I have done or doing as a parent!.

If we overlook the drama and listen to what Pandiraj says, we – as a parent definitely have a lot from the film to take home!.

அரசியல் பேசும் அயல் சினிமா

I love watching a lot of movies from my childhood, but have never been a follower of documentary films until I read the book "Arasiyal Pesum Ayal Cinema."

As far as I know, this book is one of it’s kind!!!. The author - E.P. Chinthan introduces us 16 different World Political documentary films in this book. But what makes it so special is that he explains and analyzes the historical reasons and political aspects around each film, rather than discussing about those films itself. This naturally builds-up an eager to every reader to know more about the issue; as well a fervent to watch the movies.

We all love mobile phones, and the smarter they become we love and buy them more too. But, are we ever aware of the dark side of these cell phones? Did we know that our demand for phones has been fueling finance to a civil war, which has killed more than 5.4 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo? !!!. An episode of this book presents a hard-hitting documentary “Blood in the Mobile (2010)” that exposes the illegal mining in Congo and how the leading mobile phone manufacturers are craving for them.

Chocolate has always been a favorite to almost everyone of us. But behind it’s wonderful taste, there is also a darker side that can make anyone to feel bad about!. An episode on a documentary "The Dark side of Chocolate (2010)" investigates the stories about child labor during the production and harvesting of cocoa beans, mainly in Ivory Coast.

Many children are slaves in these Coco farms throughout their life, without any education, money not even proper food. I was shocked to realize that this issue has been going on for many years and not any worthy actions taken till now. Thanks to the money power of Big Chocolate companies and our addiction towards them :(

Another episode extradicts an inspiring story, “The Coconut Revolution (2001)”. It’s a story of Bougainville Island people’s incredible victory over the Western Colonial power. This episode explores the hardships of Bougainville against the Papua New Guinea army and its mining plans to exploit their natural resources. The story also shows the Bougainvillean’s courage and creativity to fight it back successfully. It was amazing to know, how they managed to use coconuts to power their own villages, make medicines for all sorts of ailments, and even to fuel for vehicles. I never realized the many uses the coconut could offer!!!

The above ones are just off the top of my head, but each episode tells us a deep, impactful history of a country. Issues discussed in each episode is so dense and heavy, But the author explains it in simple terms, yet giving deep insider on how global economics is manipulated to keep the money flowing into the pockets of the wealthy elite of the world.

Personally, I find this book very valuable for not just giving me some world exposure; but it also has prompted me to think, to reframe my default view on social issues, to realize and stop whether I'm also indirectly propagating the same injustices.... ?

I am extremely happy that I get a chance to read this brilliant book; I can’t imagine how much efforts/ground work Chinthan would have put to analyze and script into essays!

A must read if you're interested in world politics and history.

அரசியல் பேசும் அயல் சினிமா

I love watching a lot of movies from my childhood, but have never been a follower of documentary films until I read the book "Arasiyal Pesum Ayal Cinema."

As far as I know, this book is one of it’s kind!!!. The author - E.P. Chinthan introduces us 16 different World Political documentary films in this book. But what makes it so special is that he explains and analyzes the historical reasons and political aspects around each film, rather than discussing about those films itself. This naturally builds-up an eager to every reader to know more about the issue; as well a fervent to watch the movies.

We all love mobile phones, and the smarter they become we love and buy them more too. But, are we ever aware of the dark side of these cell phones? Did we know that our demand for phones has been fueling finance to a civil war, which has killed more than 5.4 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo? !!!. An episode of this book presents a hard-hitting documentary “Blood in the Mobile (2010)” that exposes the illegal mining in Congo and how the leading mobile phone manufacturers are craving for them.

Chocolate has always been a favorite to almost everyone of us. But behind it’s wonderful taste, there is also a darker side that can make anyone to feel bad about!. An episode on a documentary "The Dark side of Chocolate (2010)" investigates the stories about child labor during the production and harvesting of cocoa beans, mainly in Ivory Coast.

Many children are slaves in these Coco farms throughout their life, without any education, money not even proper food. I was shocked to realize that this issue has been going on for many years and not any worthy actions taken till now. Thanks to the money power of Big Chocolate companies and our addiction towards them :(

Another episode extradicts an inspiring story, “The Coconut Revolution (2001)”. It’s a story of Bougainville Island people’s incredible victory over the Western Colonial power. This episode explores the hardships of Bougainville against the Papua New Guinea army and its mining plans to exploit their natural resources. The story also shows the Bougainvillean’s courage and creativity to fight it back successfully. It was amazing to know, how they managed to use coconuts to power their own villages, make medicines for all sorts of ailments, and even to fuel for vehicles. I never realized the many uses the coconut could offer!!!

The above ones are just off the top of my head, but each episode tells us a deep, impactful history of a country. Issues discussed in each episode is so dense and heavy, But the author explains it in simple terms, yet giving deep insider on how global economics is manipulated to keep the money flowing into the pockets of the wealthy elite of the world.

Personally, I find this book very valuable for not just giving me some world exposure; but it also has prompted me to think, to reframe my default view on social issues, to realize and stop whether I'm also indirectly propagating the same injustices.... ?

I am extremely happy that I get a chance to read this brilliant book; I can’t imagine how much efforts/ground work Chinthan would have put to analyze and script into essays!

A must read if you're interested in world politics and history.

Chennai Floods - Nature’s fury !

Feeling extremely sorry for the people of #chennaifloods and #Cuddalore. Many people, even those who lived in proper/luxury buildings have also lost all their belongings with the #flood waters.

When a city develop, it’s infrastructure should also get developed at the same or faster pace!!!. But unfortunately this did not happen in Chennai; Well not only Chennai; I would say most of the Indian Cities). I myself have lived in Bangalore, I know that a 2-3 days of rain is more enough to chock the city to halt. I guess same is the story for Mumbai and Kolkata as well ?

It would say, it’s a warning signal for all the Indian cities. Chances are we won't listen to the warnings. We will continue to build by covering up water bodies :( ; but still at least some of us should take a lesson from this disaster and correct ourselves.

And it’s the high time that the government should really think to build large monsoon drains and canals and channel rainwater to man-made reservoirs. It will elevate our summer water problem as well. The present map of the cities must be compared with the maps of 1950-1960, to see the differences in the green belts, lakes, water bodies, rivers, streams etc. If any water reservoir, drainage area or other environmentally sensitive areas are found to be encroached upon, then the government must restore them and also prevent further encroachments.

Above all, we as a responsible citizens, should never throw our rubbish and waste into monsoon drains and canals to chock them. 

It's really awful to see the picture of people leaving Chennai in groups :(

Chennai Floods - Nature’s fury !

Feeling extremely sorry for the people of #chennaifloods and #Cuddalore. Many people, even those who lived in proper/luxury buildings have also lost all their belongings with the #flood waters.

When a city develop, it’s infrastructure should also get developed at the same or faster pace!!!. But unfortunately this did not happen in Chennai; Well not only Chennai; I would say most of the Indian Cities). I myself have lived in Bangalore, I know that a 2-3 days of rain is more enough to chock the city to halt. I guess same is the story for Mumbai and Kolkata as well ?

It would say, it’s a warning signal for all the Indian cities. Chances are we won't listen to the warnings. We will continue to build by covering up water bodies :( ; but still at least some of us should take a lesson from this disaster and correct ourselves.

And it’s the high time that the government should really think to build large monsoon drains and canals and channel rainwater to man-made reservoirs. It will elevate our summer water problem as well. The present map of the cities must be compared with the maps of 1950-1960, to see the differences in the green belts, lakes, water bodies, rivers, streams etc. If any water reservoir, drainage area or other environmentally sensitive areas are found to be encroached upon, then the government must restore them and also prevent further encroachments.

Above all, we as a responsible citizens, should never throw our rubbish and waste into monsoon drains and canals to chock them. 

It's really awful to see the picture of people leaving Chennai in groups :(