“Chekka Chivantha Vaanam” is a subtle, succinct and searing tribute by Maniratnam to Quentin Tarantino. With unmistakable shades of “Reservoir Dogs”, assaulting the viewer in the closing phases of the movie, one of the most acclaimed directors in the annals of Indian cinema both delivers as well as disappoints. The innovative, ingenious and inimitable genius … Continue reading Chekka Chivantha Vaanam – A Drama in Crimson
Month: September 2018
Carlos Castenanda & the Cowrie Shells
(Photo Credit: Susan Spaulding) Ever since Erwin read Carlos Castenada, he had become a believer, a devotee, and an unrelenting worshipper. His only avowed objective and burning ambition in life became a need to connect with the supernatural. He even constructed an architecturally abominable wooden structure – a sanctuary – in the middle of a … Continue reading Carlos Castenanda & the Cowrie Shells
STALINGRAD & THE T-26
(Photo Credit: Priorhouse) Anastasia polished the last of the white cups and carefully positioned it atop the gleaming table at exactly the same spot from where it was picked. Even at 84, frail and with an eyesight that was fast fading, this was one chore from doing which no physical or mental obstacle could deter … Continue reading STALINGRAD & THE T-26
The souls of the Withered
(PHOTO CREDIT: YARNSPINNERR) “So what do you have to say in your defense Herr Eichmann?” The man in the witness box stood ramrod straight and remorseless. With the contours of a derisive grin slowly taking shape, he replied, “they are durable and soft to step on.” The prosecutor’s rage now was in full bloom. Turning … Continue reading The souls of the Withered
Books that I am reading yet not reading
As would be the classic case with any bibliophile, yours truly also is beset with this irritating yet impossible habit of starting off reading multiple books, beleaguered by the notion of not accumulating even more until completing the burgeoning stack, before finally succumbing to the "Tsundoku" Syndrome and drowning in a sea of books! So … Continue reading Books that I am reading yet not reading
PODCAST #2: What’s In A Name?
By the means of this short podcast I try to highlight a few hilarious instances where even the shortest versions of my name - "Venky" & "Venkat" have proved more than just a mouthful for many! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CfJz3KR94
X-84 and a hole in the sky
(PHOTO CREDIT: ANURAG BAKHSHI) The man with the calloused palms at the Hertz customer service desk hardly raised an eyebrow as he processed the run-of-the-mill car rental papers. How could he have? The voice making a request sounded perfectly human. The inbuilt Re-calibrated Vocal Chord Deceptor could deceive the most capable of man and the … Continue reading X-84 and a hole in the sky
Adalberto’s Corner
(Goizueta, Navarre | © Google Maps) Adalberto neither knew the machinations of politics nor the motivations of politicians. Ensconced in an uncontroversial world that comprised of a plot of land inherited from his devout and hardworking peasant father, an uncomplaining wife and a flock of sheep, Adalberto lead an existence that was prosaic. Rising along … Continue reading Adalberto’s Corner
PODCAST #1: Fresh Milk and a Confounded Expatriate
An insight into the conundrum which an expatriate faces when grappling with the local language of any country! A personal experience that has left me all the more wiser and funnier! https://youtu.be/GOsq1VP3enQ
ILLUMINATION
(PHOTO CREDIT: DALE ROGERSON) “Mum, why can’t I have just one of them hanging umbrellas, even the smallest one will do”, intoned little Amish tugging at the edge of his mother’s saree. “No my love, they are not for sale and even if they were, we cannot afford them”, said the 28-year-old Varsha, a daily … Continue reading ILLUMINATION