Monday, December 28, 2009

3 cheers to Rajkumar Hirani

Rajkumar Hirani impresses once again but this time with Aamir. Drifting away from Sanjay Datt and Munnabhai, he gives us a visual treat. Though based on Chetan Bhagat's Five Point Someone, Hirani has adapted the story well to suit the sensibilities of the film audience. So, if you have read the book, you will enjoy seeing the fictional characters - Alok, Hari and Ryan come to life, though with different names - Raju(Sharman Joshi), Farhan(R Madhavan) and Rancho(Aamir Khan). And if you haven't read the book, never mind, you will enjoy the movie too(your mind free of predicting next scenes!).

Best thing about Rajkumar Hirani's movies is the humorous way of conveying serious matters. That we have seen in Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai and 3 Idiots is no different. Most part of the movie makes you jump out of your seats and laugh out loud. But there are also scenes which makes you bring your hands closer for an applause.3 Idiots film poster featuring Aamir Khan, Madhavan and Sharman Joshi
Picture Courtesy : bollywoodhungama.com
If Munnabhai MBBS asked the doctors to be more humane in their treatment to patients, 3 Idiots asks us to be thoughtful when making career choices and do not succumb to pressures from various quarters. If we are not passionate about engineering and choose it, we will become those reluctant engineers. For Aamir, I thought this is an extension of what he had conveyed in Taare Zameen Par - one should follow his heart and excel in the work he loves. Film also mocks the education system, which sets a rat race among the students for jobs.

We can also spot some more similarities with Munnabhai MBBS. All Is Well mantra is to 3 Idiots, what Jadu Ki Jhappi was to Munnabhai MBBS. Prof.Viru Sahasrbuddhe(Boman Irani) reminds you of Dr.J.Asthana of Munnabhai MBBS and Rancho(Aamir) appears as a gentle version of Munna(Sanjay Datt). In this film, Hirani has retained the term Imperial in college name - Imperial College of Engineering just as in Imperial Institute of Medical Sciences in Munnabhai MBBS. One more thing I noticed in this movie is how well the director has connected the minute details in the film. I dont want to the give the details of the same as you will definitely find this out while watching the movie.

This movie may not herald a revolution in India in terms of career selection but defintiely will provide some food for thought for those parents who have only 2 career choices for their kids - Medicine or Engineering. Must watch for all age groups. Worth every rupee.

Recommended Reading :
5 Things I liked about 5 Point Someone
Munna Shines Again(review of Lage Raho Munnabhai)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Maleyali Jotheyali Film Review

Hearthrob of Karnataka, Ganesh is back with his latest flick Maleyali Jotheyali. And this time, he looks to pass behind him, the poor box office records of his recent films.

Plot : Preetham(Ganesh) comes to Sakaleshpur to escape from his father who wants him to get married soon. On the way to Sakaleshpur, he meets two girls Anjali(Yuvika Choudhary) and Sandhya(Anjana Sukhani). Anjali is an introvert and Sandhya, the opposite. In order to impress Sandhya, he takes the help of Anjali. In the process, both Sandhya and Anjali start liking Preetham. Equations change when Preetham realizes that he is in love with Anjali.Maleyali Jotheyali film poster
Picture Courtesy : movies.sulekha.com
Though there is nothing new in the sript and it is a plain triangular love story, there are many reasons for you to like the movie. Ganesh impresses with his spontaneous dialogue delivery and is touchy in emotional scenes. Another impressing act is of little girl Lucky, who befriends Preetham and both share their sorrows and happiness. Though you might have scene some of the best locations in Western Ghats in Mungaaru Male, there are some more for offer here.

Comedy combo of Ganesh and Sharan makes you laugh loud. The same jodi had proved their worth in Krishna. Ganesh has sung a song in this movie - HaaLaad HaaLaad Heartali Hosa Hudgeer HaavaLi - mocking his act of Devdas in Mungaaru Male. There are few glitches in the movie like that of stereotyped role of father for Rangayana Raghu. Colonel Thammaya(Dattatreya) reminds you of Colonel Subbayya in Mungaaru Male. But a fast paced script covers up these glitches. Even then, I thought climax of the movie could have been different. Anyway I give thumbs up for this Preetham Gubbi venture. Rain and greenary are once again a treat to the eyes. Have a enjoyable time watching Maleyali Jotheyali.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

raveeshkumar.com in KODIPU - Commemorative volume of Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009

KODIPU is a Commemorative Volume of Vishwa Tulu Sammelano - 2009 held at Ujire, Dakshina Kannada comprising of articles on Tulu language, literature and culture. I am very happy to note in KODIPU, my blog www.raveeshkumar.com gets mentioned in the article - Namma Tulu on the Global Platform written by Yogitha Shetty, Mysore. Check out page No.219 of the KODIPU for details.Cover page of KODIPU - Commemorative Volume of Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009This is what the article has to say about the blog - "Amidst innumerable issues which have beeen spurred for debate, a post on the forum of the website http://www.raveeshkumar.com which dwells on 'Learn Tulu Online: Talking to your Tulu Speaking friend' very interestingly provides a list of sentences in Tulu and Kannada. The feedback that it has received not only pats on the back of the blogger who has posted those sentences but also expresses the desire to read more of them thereby giving a glimpse of the pulse of the readers."raveeshkumar.com in KODIPU - Commemorative Volume of Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2009
Here are the posts I had written about learning Tulu on the net
Learn Tulu Online : Part 1 - Commonly Used Phrases
Learn Tulu Online : Part 2 - Talking In a Restaurant, Conversing with a vendor
Learn Tulu Online : Part 3 - Talking to your Tulu Speaking friend

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tulu Grama at Vishwa Tulu Sammelana, Ujire

Probably, Tulu grama at Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009 in Ujire attracted more number of visitors. Tulu grama, spread across 8 acres of land in Ujire was called Ajjara Kallu. It refreshed my memories about the professions people were involved, some 10-15 years ago in most of the villages in Dakshina Kannada. On the whole, Tulu grama was representative of the adminstrative setup of Tulu village some time back.
Ajjere Kall Graama Vishwa Tulu Sammelana
Entrance to Ajjara Kall Tulu grama

Tulu Graamada Vivarane
Info about Tulu grama in Tulu

Tulu Gramada Nakshe
Map of Tulu grama

People flocking to see Tulu Graama
Crowded Tulu grama

Paddy Field Tulu Graama
Paddy field in Tulu grama

Devasthaana in Tulu Graama
Temple in Tulu grama

Tailor Darji
Tailor

Vyaayaama Shaale
Conventional Gym

Katri Saane
Machine to sharpen Scissors

Kalaayi Paadune

Goli Soda
Preparing Soda

Gaanada Eru Tulu Graama
Extracting Sugar cane juice

ButtiNeyune
Basket preparing

Basave
Kole Basava

Bangaarda Beledaar or Goldsmith
Goldsmith at work

Bachchire Porbulna Ill

Mithaai Angadi
Candy shop

Achchida Bella
Jaggery

Kaavali

Gas Light
Gas Light

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009 Photos

Few snaps of Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009 held at Ujire, Dakshina Kannada from 10th 13th December 2009.
Entrance to Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009
Entrance to Vishwa Tulu Sammelana

Tulunaada Siridompa
Tulunaada Siridompa

Tuluvere Maanasthambha
Tuluvere Maanastambha

Koti Chennaya Aane Baakil
Koti Chennaya Aane baakil

Koti Chennaya
Heroes of Tulunaadu - Koti Chennaya, Statue of Koti

Parashuraama
Statue of Parashuraama

Vishwa Tulu Sammelano Main Stage
Main Stage of Vishwa Tulu Sammelana

Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009 Ujire
Crowded roads in Vishwa Tulu Sammelana

Tulunaadu Bhootaaraadhane
Idol representing Bhootaaraadhane in Tulunaadu

TMA Pai Mantapa
TMA Pai Mantapa

SDM College Ujire
SDM College, Ujire

Ratnavarma Heggade Stadium
Sri Ratnavarma Heggade Stadium, Ujire

Kadambaadi Jattappa Rai Mantapa
Kadambaadi Jattappa Rai Mantapa

Bhootada Ani
Ani used in Bhootaaraadhane

Art In Sand
Art in Sand

AatilAragane
Ajja Ajji in Aatil Aragane

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani : Movie Review

A comedy movie, as projected by the posters of the movie, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani lives upto the expectations. Movie is fast paced and never seems boring. Rajkumar Santoshi is aware that primarily it is a comedy movie and he puts limited emotional scenes and it gels well. Few scenes here, may remind you of the great comedy movie of the 90s - Andaz Apna Apna.

Plot : Prem(Ranbir Kapoor) is the president of Happy Club of the town, which he runs along with his jobless friends. The motto of the Happy Club is to keep the people of the town happy. His gang of men also help in uniting the lovers, when faced opposition from their parents. Jennifer(Katrina Kaif), who initially mistakes Prem for a kidnapper, later becomes his good friend. He does everything to win over her - turns into a non-vegetarian from being a pure-vegetarian, finds himself a job, does his work sincerely, keeps aside time for his family to get himself the tag of achcha ladka from Jennifer! But all this goes in vein as Jennifer is in love with Rahul(Upen Patel).Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Picture Courtesy : BollywoodHungama.com
In the meantime, Jennifer's parents are adamant on marrying her to someone else. But Prem comes to Jenni's rescue as the befitting president of Happy Club! But there are complications as Rahul's parents are also against him marrying Jenni. Will Jenni marry Rahul? What will be Prem's fate? To know answers to these questions watch the movie.

Kahani is not so ajab as you might have seen this type of triangular love stories before but definitely the comedy element is ghazab and that proves poora paisa vasool! Funny dialogues for most part of the film keeps audience in good homour. Few comedy sequences are - Stammering by Ranbir and Katrina, when they get emotional. But this creates funny misunderstandings! Salman Khan does a cameo and the best part here is when Ranbir hesitatingly introduces Katrina as his girl friend, Salman says why are you acting as if you are introducing my girl friend as yours! Prem turns into a non-vegetarian without knowing Jenni is a pure vegetarian! Prem's confession to Lord Jesus in broken English also tickles your funny bone. Comedy of errors in the party, when Prem is eager to dance with Jenni sets a laugh riot. Beautiful landscapes of Ooty, where the major portion of the film was shot, are a treat to watch. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif make up a good onscreen pair. Fight sequence which is at the final part of the movie seems dragged. Climax of the movie well dealt, though in an unusual way. On the whole, this film is a complete entertainer. So, surely make up your time to watch it.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

A Temple Without Walls

Sowthadka Mahaganapathi Temple, 20km from popular pilgrimage center, Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, is unique in the sense that it has no temple structure. I am not aware of any other temple for which there is no temple structure.Sowthadka Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, KokkadaThis temple nestled in tranquil natural surroundings is open round the clock for offering prayers, with simple worshipping opportunity to the public. Devotees themselves have the opportunity to perform pooja to Lord Ganapathi. It is not crowded as most of the popular temples are. With lush greenery around and Lord Ganapathi in middle of it, this place is ideal for meditation. If you are looking for calm, serene surroundings, this is the place for you. Main Deity of the Sowthadka Temple, Shree MahaganapthiWell, I see these settings continuing the ancient Indian tradition of worshipping the nature. One can also see a lot of cows freely wandering around the place of worship. Monkeys can also be seen jumping from tree to tree. Prasada of the pooja is also offered to these animals. Thus, love towards animals is nurtured. Simplicity of this place is sure to delight you.There is also a park near the temple, where there is a statue of Lord Shiva.Sowthadka, greenery all aroundBit of History : Long ago, a temple was in control of a Royal family. During one of the battles, the temple was destroyed. At that time, cowherds in and around this area took away the Mahaganapathi idol and started worshipping wherever they went and finally installing the idol here at Sowthadka. They were growing cucumber and during their worship started offering same to Lord Mahaganapathi of this temple. In Kannada, "sowthe" means cucumber and "adka" means meadow hence the name "Sowthadka". No temple structure has been allowed as per the traditional norms.Park near Sowthadka Temple
For more info on the temple, you can visit the temple website
Sowthadka Temple

Temple Address:
Southadka Sri Maha Ganapathi Kshetra,
Kokkada Post,
Belthangadi Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada district
Pin code: 574 198
Ph: 08251 - 254 351, 254 161

Pooja Timings : 7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 7:15 pm

Distances to Sowthadka from major places:
Dharmasthala: 20 km
Kukke Subrahmanya: 45 km
Mangalore: 82 km

How to reach Sowthadka by Road: One can reach Southadka, on the National Highway 48(Mangalore-Bangalore) from Uppinangady towards Bangalore, first left turn after Nellyadi, on Dharmasthala Road.

Route Map:(Click on the picture to view it in larger size)Route map to Sowthadka Temple
Picture Courtesy: SowthadkaTemple.com

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Vishwa Tulu Sammelano(World Tulu Convention) at Ujire in Dec 2009

Update: 19th December 2009, For viewing the photos of Vishwa Tulu Sammelano 2009 please visit here.

Vishwa Tulu Sammelano or World Tulu Convention in association with Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy will be held in Ujire near Dharmasthala from 10th to 13th December 2009.World Tulu Convention or Vishwa Tulu Sammelano Logo
World Tulu Convention logo
Before the Convention in December, talks/competitions/demos/exhibitions relating to Tulu language and Tulu Nadu will be held in several venues on the following dates.

Karkala -- Sept 19,20 - National workshop on Tulu
Bantwal -- October 10 - Riddles, Idioms and Customs in Tulu
Mangalore - October 31 - Debate on Commercial Aspects and Netravati River Diversion
Moodabidre - November 07 - Religious and Cultural Programmes
Udupi - November 21 - Jewels, Costumes, Indigenous Medicines
Puttur - November 28 - Folk games of Tulu Nadu
Kasaragod - November 29 - Dance forms of Southern Tulu Nadu

For more details, contact:
Secretary
Head Office, Vishwa Tulu Sammelano, Ujire
Phone : 08256 - 237801
Mobile : 94485 58583, 90083 61611

Also, you can visit the following links
Vishwa Tulu Sammelano - official website
First Vishwa Tulu Sammelan at Ujire - TOI Report
World Tulu Convention at Ujire in December - Deccan Herald Report

Friday, September 25, 2009

Manasaare Film Review

FYI : This is 200th post in Ee Prapancha.

Much awaited Kannada film Manasaare got released today. Film begins with song Ondu kanasu just like in Gaalipata. Neethu who was paired up with Diganth in Gaalipata, has acted in a guest role here. Whether it was to bring back the Gaalipata chemistry(which was by the way well received by the Kannada audience) here too? That is the question, director of the movie has to answer.

15-20 minutes from the beginning of the film is a good watch with comedy sequences featuring Diganth. But, soon the jovial mood in the film turns into a serious one. This continues for rest of the film canvas with tinges of comedy here and there.

Manohar(Diganth) is a jobless bachelor. He is in love with Bhamini(Neethu) but she deserts him for a well earning groom. Manohar being happy go lucky guy, never minds it. One night in Bangalore, Manohar is mistaken for a mental patient and taken away to a mental hospital in Malligepura in Kodagu. His efforts to prove himself sane prove futile. Even though he manages to escape from there, he comes back because of his love at first sight in the hospital on the day of escape! And now, he plans to elope with his lady love in the hospital van and of course, he succeeds too.
Photo Courtesy : Oneindia.in
Devika(Aindrita) who is also a mental patient, hates all men and her reaction towards them is to stab them. She, unaware of Manohar's motives tries to stab him, once she thinks that she has been kidnapped. She insists on returning to hospital and on her way back to hospital, spends 2 days with him and needless to say, love blooms. Also, Devika recovers to normal mental health. And now, when everything is going smooth in Manohar's life, hospital authorities come to know that Manohar is mistaken for Mahendra, another mental patient. This infuriates Devika, who thinks that Manohar is cheating her. Manohar is evicted out of the hospital and his future seems gloomy. Well, then Devika comes to know that Manohar is a good guy and they live happily ever after.

Script as you might have realized by now is weak. Predictable sequences mar the interest of the audience. Also, songs seems to have been stuffed. In a 2 hour movie, you can imagine how difficult it is to put 7 songs. In a way songs tries to lower the pace of the movie, which is otherwise fast paced. Also, several sequences appear unnatural - like, it is quite easy to escape out of the mental hospital and come back again! Bride(Bhamini) confessing her love to other guy(Diganth), taking some time off from the wedding reception! Manohar's uncle wearing patient's dress and climbing hospital wall, to see his future daughter-in-law!

Songs have been well shot but that solely, seems to be the success mantra of Gandhinagar nowadays. Diganth walks away with good performance. Dialogues in north Karnataka lingo are homorous and makes you laugh. Kudos to Raju Thalikote. At the end of the movie, I thought keeping only 3-4 songs with little more on-screen chemistry between Diganth and Aindritha would have made the film much better. What say, folks?

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Manasaare Audio Review

To read the Kannada version click here.

After Gaalipata, director Yogaraj Bhat is gearing up for the release of his latest venture Manasaare. Manasaare literally means straight from heart in Kannada. Here is a first look on the audio of the film released recently.

Trinity of Mungaaru Male - Jayanth Kaykini, Mano Murthy and Yogaraj Bhat is back in Manasaare. Manasaare audio contains 7 songs. Except for one shloka in Sanskrit, lyrics for the remaining 6 songs is written by Kaykini and Bhat. 4 of them are slow tracks continuing the tradition of Mungaaru Male and Gaalipata - where majority of songs were so. ello maLeyaagideyendu tangaaLiyu hELutide(cool breeze is saying it has rained somewhere) is a solo sung by Sonu Nigam. Jayanth Kaykini seems to have hangover of Mungaaru Male. But well, that does seem only in the first line. Beautiful lyrics combined with Sonu's voice is a treat to listen. Glad to see Sonu pronouncing his Kannada correctly here. Music in the beginning of the song is amazing. Yogaraj Bhat has penned kaNNa haniyondige kenne maataaDide(cheek has a talk with tears) which has some new lines in lyrics and it is well sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Kay Kay. naa naguva modalEne(before I laugh), again by Bhat is also sung by Shreya Ghoshal. This song is yet another instance of Shreya's sweet voice.Manasaare Kannada Film Poster
Picture Courtesy : Kannadaaudio.com
Manasaare's title track naanu manasaare maruLanaagE iruvenu innu munde(I will be crazy to my heart's liking from now on) is less of music and more of singing abilities of Vikas Vashistha and Lakshmi Nagaraj. This song with small duration of about 2 minutes and 40 seconds has the potential of becoming a hit just like Kavithe song of Gaalipata did. After the melodious tunes of the above mentioned tracks, onde ondu nOTa saaku(one look is enough), a fast track does not impress. ondu kanasu khaalee peelee kaNNa munde heege oDutirabEku(one dream however crazy must be running in front of the eyes like this) written Jayanth Kaykini was the first song I liked in Manasaare. Reason for the liking may be since it was the first song I heard from Manasaare. Kunal Ganjawala who has proved his mettle singing fast tracks in Kannada has lended the voice along with Ananya Bhagat and Earl Edgar. Finally, Vijaya Prakash of Jai Ho fame has recited the shloka - sahanavavatu sahanav bhunattu. I am curious to know in which part of the film, Yogaraj has used this song. Newspapers have announced the release of Manasaare in next few weeks. Lets wait for that. All in all, Manasaare is sure to steal the hearts of Kannada music lovers. To listen to Manasaare songs visit Kannadaaudio.com.

Manasaare film info : -
Star Cast : Diganth, Aindritha
Music : Mano Murthy
Lyrics : Jayanth Kaykini, Yogaraj Bhat
Play Back Singers : Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Kay Kay, Kunal Ganjawala, Ananya Bhagat, Vikas Vashistha, Lakshmi Nagaraj, Earl Edgar
Director : Yogaraj Bhat
Producer : Rockline Venkatesh
Audio : Aditya Music

Financial Expert by R K Narayan

Financial Expert, a novel by well known writer R K Narayan is a good read. Like most of his novels, R K Narayan tells the story with homorous touch.

Plot: Story revolves around Margayya, who helps and advises poor villagers in getting loans from a Cooperative society. Before people getting loans allocated from the Cooperative society, he gives an advance amount for which he charges interest. These financial deeds are maintained in an accounts book by Margayya. Balu, Margayya's son is always upto some mischief. One fine day, in one of his playful acts, he dumps Margayya's accounts book into the gutter. Margayya is now unable to recover money from his clients as they insist on records in the accounts book. But Margayya earns wealth after various incidents like meeting up with Temple priest and Dr.Pal, a Socialogist. The events leading upto this is sure to tickle your funny bone. Dr.Pal is chiefly responsible for Margayya's success. Ironically, he along with Balu become responsible for Margayya's fall in the end.

Film Adaptation : There are few films which do justice to a popular book. This book's film adaptation in Kannada - Banker Margayya is one of those few. Though one cannot fully depict what the character is thinking in a film as in a book, I am sure even if you had read the book, you will equally enjoy the movie. Director T S Nagabharana has given attention to the details provided in the book, which makes you like the movie. With Lokesh, one of the finest actors in Kannada cinema, as Margayya you are in for a visual treat.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Yegdagella Aithe - A Spiritual Book by Belagere Krishna Shastri

Read this article in Kannada here.

'Yegdagella Aithe' in Kannada means 'Everything is there in Yoga'. Kannada book 'Yegdagella Aithe' by Belagere Krishna Shastri is a memoir of Shree Mukundooru Swamiji. As the author says Swamiji used to use this phrase, 'Yegdagella Aithe' more often in his talks, hence the name of the book.Yegdagella Aithe, a book by Belagere Krishna ShastriBelagere Krishna Shastri is witness to several miracles performed by Shree Mukundooru Swamiji. While reading the book you may face questions like 'What?', 'Whether it is real/possible?' Your logical mind, which is used to scientific explainations may refuse to accept the events described here. But, we having not seen such supernatural events does not mean that they are fake. Also, those phenomena for which we cannot give any scientific explaination just means those are the areas, which need to be explored. Even the author himself did not believe initially what people were saying about the miracles Swamiji performed. But if you keep your logical thinking aside and read Krishna Shastri's experiences as your own you will be amazed. In addition, there are instances in the book about how Swamiji used to explain ordinary people about spirituality using the language they understand better.

In 1949, Krishna Shastri came to Devanooru village in Kadur taluk of Chikmagalur district to work as a teacher. There he met Swamiji and his interactions with Swamiji is the content of the book. Mukundooru Swamiji, who never wanted publicity, also remained modest of his miracles. He acted as if he had not performed those at all. In the book, there are sayings, idioms in particular dialect of Kannada which is common to malnad and surrounding regions of Karnataka. So, if you are not from these places, you may find it new/difficult. But even then, this book is a good read for an amazing spiritual experience.

[Belagere Krishna Shastri now runs Shree Sharada Mandira Educational Institution in Belagere, Challakere taluk, Chitradurga District and is involved in social work. In 2004, Karnataka Government honoured him with Rajyotsava Award in recognition of his work.]

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