amithjose

A Wedding Trip (Day -1)

There was a time when trips just happened. Someone would initiate the idea, others would chip in and we would just go. Backing off was considered a sacrilege and the fear of missing out was real. But times have changed, we have changed. Somewhere along the way, we forget that the best reason to goContinue reading “A Wedding Trip (Day -1)”

Entering the Padmarajan Cinematic Universe

My exposure to Malayalam movies was always limited. During childhood, I did watch a lot of matinee shows coming on TV, but I largely confined myself to funny entertaining movies. I never explored the more serious layered movies of the 80s-90s. In fact, I never even knew such movies existed. Thus, I was pleasantly surprisedContinue reading “Entering the Padmarajan Cinematic Universe”

Dhruvam

The exploration of pre-2000 Malayalam movies brought me to another gem today. Dhruvam is a solid story brought to life by some good acting by an ensemble cast that included Mammootty, Jayaram, Suresh Gopi and Vikram. A combination that is unlikely to ever come together again. I remember watching the initial portions of this movieContinue reading “Dhruvam”

Mathilukal

Walls are a funny thing. On the one hand they separate and divide. On the other hand they are liberating. They liberate the mind to think, desire and yearn for things or people that we would otherwise not care for. Basheer’s character in the novel goes through feelings and emotions that are quite commonplace andContinue reading “Mathilukal”

RDX

How do you take three ordinary actors with minuscule fanbases and create a mass movie? Is it even possible? This is precisely what the makers of RDX have achieved. A technically brilliant movie with a solid script and good performances all around. The hooting and cheering as the leads made their timely entrances in difficultContinue reading “RDX”

Thiruchitrambalam

It has only been a couple of months since I first chanced upon the trending dance reel based on the “Megham Karukatha” song from the “Thiruchitrambalam” movie. Dance moves from movies going viral through short-form video platforms are not something new, but there was something about this song that set it apart. The catchy beat,Continue reading “Thiruchitrambalam”

With a Plan we don’t have (Hampi – Part 1 )

After a usual day at work, the five of us started from Bangalore around 7:00 PM. The city traffic was torturous, but things got better once we reached the highways. We stopped for dinner somewhere near Tumkur, where as usual, I ordered more than what was required and ended up wasting a lot of food.Continue reading “With a Plan we don’t have (Hampi – Part 1 )”

Don’t worry, Be Hampi (Hampi – Part 2)

There are many ways to explore Hampi. The ideal way would be to take a guided tour and explore this medieval city to its fullest. Our first trip to Hampi was very much in this fashion. This time however there was no plan, no itinerary, no schedule. We walked till we were tired and restedContinue reading “Don’t worry, Be Hampi (Hampi – Part 2)”

When in Hampi, Be Hippie (Hampi – Part 3)

There are two worlds within Hampi. While we enjoyed the ancient ruins and heritage sites to the south of the Thungabadhra river, a trip to Hampi is not complete without crossing the river and exploring the north side popularly known as ‘Hippie Island’. A rather quiet place with lush green agricultural fields, cottages and cafes. WithContinue reading “When in Hampi, Be Hippie (Hampi – Part 3)”

Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya He

Conveying hard hitting messages on social wrongs through movies is not something new. But when it comes to issues like domestic abuse or deep rooted patriarchy in our societies, creators have often failed to showcase the same in a manner that appeals to the masses. While movies like ‘Thaapad’ or ‘Great Indian Kitchen’ does aContinue reading “Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya He”