Film fest - weekend dhamaka

With unseen movies piling up in my hard disk, I could not ignore the fact any further and started watching them yesterday. What had kept me so long from watching those movies was my schedule, a product release to a new client. But the story doesn’t end there. What little time that was extracted from my sleeping hours was dedicated to playing FIFA 2010. So I started off with “Double Indemnity”. It was one heck of a movie and for the movie being released during the war, around 1944; it still stands the test of time. Casting was spot on and the screenplay was spellbinding, not to forget the dialogues. If I were to rate the movie, every department in that movie would score a minimum of 9/10. It is worth a watching more than once and for the writer’s sheer brilliance that radiates in his dialogues.

Since I could not stay away from FIFA 10, the idea of watching back to back movies was shelved and was continued today with “Wakeup Sid”. This cannot be compared with the earlier movie as both belong to different genres and I ended up liking the movie. It was filled with restrained performances from the artists and a stirring music from Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Nothing new has been churned out in this movie but the director had to be lauded for his efforts for not offering a tearjerker the production company is known to serve the audience.

Time to sign off now and resume my duties: Folder “Kaminey” is screaming for attention that I am yet to pay my respects toward it. It’s a long weekend ahead and movies galore.

Savouring till the last morsel at..... Giorgio

I was so engrossed with my office work that I couldn’t keep in touch with my friends for over 2 months. I don’t remember a similar instance prior to this since joining the IT workforce. So this led to a meeting of sorts and catching up with updates during dinner. We had to decide a restaurant and we wanted to try out someplace we haven’t been. I gave a call to my colleague (fondly called “Macha”¹ by his peers) who can rant about n number of restaurants in any place you ask for. People look toward him for suggestions on apparels/footwear/movies/Tours/anything under the sun. To cut a long story short, we use him as our yellow pages. I gave my location and my expectation and pat came the reply.... “Giorgio”.

Few meters from the Beseant Nagar church is this small restaurant where I feel the management never had to turn away any diner as it was empty bare 2 tables and it was a SATURDAY. We settled ourselves in a corner and started glancing at the menu. It was a multi cuisine restaurant that boasts with serving food varieties from more than 10 countries’. A usual routine of Soups with starters’ formality was completed with a Mexican (Nachos) and Indian (Baby corn & Mushroom) starters. It was decidedly yummy and I knew we were in for a feast. Soon, the main course followed with pastas (Al Forno and Cantolleni) and sizzlers. Both were rich in cheese, no doubt about that except that the sizzler had an Indian/Italian mix of vegetables while the pastas had more of mushroom. The starters had tickled the taste buds and when this irresistible food was placed on that table I started devouring them as if it was my last meal. If you find too much of mushroom in the food we ordered you have myself to blame for, I am mad about mushrooms or shall we say obsessed? I try to squeeze in as much mushroom as possible when I have my food outside and even enjoy mushroom “Masala Dosai”² in Ratna Cafe apart from those “Idly Sambars”³.

After this heady mix, we thought we could still attempt at having a Pizza and an order was placed for the same. No surprises there, a mushroom pizza of course. This was not of the type you get a Pizza huts and corners or the ones you get at authentic Italian restaurants – Little Italy/Bella Ciao. It was a sumptuous meal and none of the items were found lacking in taste. Though the pricing is on the higher side, I would still recommend people to try out here. One of the best I have had in the last few months and being a food freak, it was gratifying.

All said and done, my favourite food will always be “Vatha Kuzhambu, Thachi mammu and vadumangai”⁴.

PS:

1: Refers to being lucky and not to be confused with “Machan”.

2, 3, 4: South Indian food items.

Disgraced enroute to Africa

"The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well." – Pierre de Coubertin

What transpired on the field of Stade de France last week, would linger in the minds of football fraternity for a very long time. After all, this is a second “hand of god” wherein, the first enabled the demigod of Argentina secure a berth in Semi finals for his team and ultimately claiming the world cup while not less in stature Frenchman enabled the hosts to qualify for the 2010 world cup. Thierry Henry, a footballer of impeccable character couldn’t help slipping from greatness on day when his un-footballish play sealed the fate of an enthusiastic team that deserved to be traveling to Africa. Fair play and skills should dictate the outcome of a sport and not treachery. I don’t intend to smear Henry but his little aberration has given a birth to a ghost that it would be impossible to exorcise for years to come.

It seems fate is not without a sense of irony, (quote borrowed) as Henry comes from the same country as a certain visionary who advocated the spirit of playing and being sport. Times have changed where only the goal matters most and not the means which when achieved isn’t bothered. Notwithstanding the match fixing scandals and rise of racist views, this punches a deep hole in to the very beauty of sport and sportsmanship. Probably from Henry’s perspective, this would be his last chance to play in the football finals at an international level and in a rush of madness left a trail of melee behind. I feel pity for him, if he had been truthful, he would have been condemned by his own countrymen in spite of his greatness. We live in a world were past good deeds are forgotten and thrive on what holds for the future.

This could be easily avoided in the future only if FIFA takes steps toward assisting referees with technology as in other sports which they aren't inclined to do and god knows why.

PS: I could not help but feel pity of a certain Trappatoni (as a manager) who for the second time in this decade has been felled by a referee’s fault in a do or die game. He was the manager of the Azzuris in the 2002 WC 1-2 defeat to South Korea in the round of 16.

Reminiscing the good old days

                It was sort of reliving those memories when few of my high school friends and me caught up to swap our stories. We had studied together from our kindergarten till we went our own ways to pursue our under graduation. Whoa, that’s 14 years together. So when we met again (5-6 people) at around 9 PM, it was nostalgic for many reasons. The usual recitations of events that command a mention in any reunion followed by pulling other’s legs were the agenda for the evening. It made me yearn for those golden days when we had nothing to care about in the world and live life to the fullest.

                Everybody had settled in their professional careers and it was as diverse as one could expect. They range from being Strategic manager in a large corporate house to running a dance class and performing stage shows. It soon veered towards a more common subject that guys of our age never get bored even after innumerous discussions. Yes, “So when are you tying the knot?” And a revelation it was for one had already got engaged few months back and another though didn’t venture an opinion then, is getting engaged this week.

                After a marathon 2 hour session we decided to meet in the school premises the next day (actually it was a planned meet for all the old students) and I was really in for a surprise as I could not recollect anybody’s face baring a handful though separated by few years either ways. I couldn’t stay for the entire session to accommodate few personal errands. All these events occurred during my diwali visit to my native. Having come back to work, the ritual started again last week with the only difference being a mail chain which helped us pulling few more names into the loop. Without exaggerating the mails accumulated in the following 2 days would have crossed a ton and I had to keep moving them to personal folders before my mailbox could become full.

                I really miss those moments and I could only hope to meet all these friends occasionally at least if not frequently though reality stares at me with the words “chances are remote”

Tryst with truth

“I conceived this story with you in my mind sir. Only you of all heroes could do justice to the script. ” There was an emphasis on HEROES. The director was narrating a script to the “_______ Star” (the industry had dried up all the adjectives even before Yuvaraj could make a foray into films).

“Hmm, and who do you suggest do the female lead?” That was the first time Yuvaraj opened his mouth during the 1 hour story discussion. There wasn't much of a scope for the leading ladies in all his movies except to shake a leg here and wipe a tear there. But he got to choose the gorgeous ladies and he couldn’t think of a heroine who he hasn’t paired with.

“Divya”. The last time you did a movie together, you scorched the screen. I have booked her call sheet for the next 2 months.

Yuvaraj couldn’t suppress his smile. He had enjoyed a good relationship with her on and off the sets.

He affirmed to do this movie. This was the first time after attaining a star status he had signed a movie without a prior knowledge of the full script. He was read only his part and those necessary for him to complete his part. His star power was waning and his last couple of movies bombed bringing down the movie producers to their knee. This was a sort of comeback vehicle. But what made him fall for this director was he was about to break his image and sport a new guise. Now the press would have to stop smirking at him which he hadn’t experienced since his formative years as an upcoming hero.

1 week later, the muhurat of the movie was attended by who’s who of the filmdom. Anybody who got a chance at the stage predicted this to be a blockbuster of the year and wished the team success. When it was time for director, he made his speech crisp and to the point.

“The story and the concept is entirely new, you would see a new treatment meted out. You are going to appreciate this. I guarantee you would never have seen this kind of a movie either in Bollywood or in the Hollywood. I hope the plot doesn’t get leaked.”

After the function, Yuvaraj was nowhere to be seen in the public. He shunned invitations to all the functions citing his guise had to be kept under wraps. The director didn’t give a hint of the storyline when queried and was playing his cards close to his chest. These little things led to a big expectation among the masses and this movie became the most talked about in the industry.

Once the post-production was completed, the director and Yuvaraj invited the press and arranged for a preview show. The audience’s face registered surprise when the hero skidded into a not unusual introduction. From then, till the title cards rolled, silence reigned and lights had to be switched on to bring the audience out of trance. They were thoroughly mesmerized. They just had one question for Yuvaraj.

“Was that really you?”

“Yes” quipped Yuvaraj. He was on cloud nine.

They appreciated his subtlety in makeover. He was clean shaven throughout the movie as against stubble that he wore every time. As if that wasn’t enough, he had parted his hair from right instead from left. You don’t call that cunning. Will you?

The next day, review on Page 3:

THE DIRECTOR KEEPS HIS PROMISE

This movie is yet another all star ensemble to bring back the crowd

to the theatres. This director is a man of his words for he has been so

secretive about the story that we are kept guessing about that even

after the end of the movie...............................

So(a)phisticated Telly

                The moment I switched on the television yesterday, a promo of a new soap opera (mega serial) was in play. This was during another soap aired between the commercials. I realized that it had been a decade since this serial marked its debut. Gosh! Think of 5 days a week for full 10 years. The director should have been abundantly talented to have hooked the whole of one state and keep them engrossed. May be we should look at the flip side of that coin. People have been living a decadent life of excessive obsession on soaps J. This indicates their consent to be fooled, mocked by and enabling the television studios and directors to thrive on staple concepts to rake in the moolah.

One of the successful directors of soaps did try his hand in wielding the megaphone with barrage of reviews notwithstanding, packed the movie with verbiage and handing visitation to patrons of the movie, if there was ever one. His vicissitude deterred the aspiring directors riding on the small screen bandwagon to follow his footsteps thereby showering mercy to the celluloid.

Briefly put, the 1 liner of all soaps would be women empowerment and there could never be a bigger goof up. The characters sketched and portrayed would make the modern day women cringe. Thinking of serials, I could recall few ranting I was subjected to witness albeit I wasn’t interested. To list a few:

(a)    Having completed one of my class X board exams, I was duly welcomed home by my granny with abuses directed toward the “Fit for nothing” villain who could have easily stolen the “Worst actor of the year” award trying his best to emote. However he did get his acknowledgement for his performance from my granny.

(b)   It was during one of the festivities at the temple did I hear the rumbling of 2 old women comparing notes on how the artists were performing and the direction where the story was headed concluding that a status quo was being maintained for the last 6 months.. gaw........

(c)    A one soap experienced artist reprised a small role of hero’s sidekick in celluloid and a group of women in the theatre seated in the row in front started referring by his debut screen name and reiterated how bad he is. (Note: not was.)

                I can only wonder why these enactments are taken seriously and discussed/dissected and spoil the mood surrounding them. A word of caution to those portraying archetypical villainy, stay indoors and do not get caught in the midst of ever emotionally empathizing viewers of your own soaps for they are more virulent than you appear to be on screen and gleefully ostracize you.

                It hath been my own volition or rather men’s nature that we aren’t glued to these serials. Back from the past, I am fortunate enough that I haven’t been interacting with people who consume serials as elixir for the last few years but I promise I have no notion that the situation would have improved and we have 2500+ episodes to second my opinion. When would this era end? Possibly not for another decade I suppose. 

Penalty Kick

A full 90 minutes of play could not bring out a result in the final play off between the rival school teams with score tied 0-0. The rivalry dated back a few decades when they were yet to make a reputation. The match was being held at the corporation grounds and the atmosphere was electrifying. It was the most anticipated event and was being played out to a sell out crowd.

Yuvaraj’s dream of representing the state seemed to be on the verge of materializing for he had shown a tremendous skill and precision over the last few matches. However, he was a bit off colour on the day when it mattered most. His shoulders sagged and looked toward his school supporters over the bleachers. He could hear them chanting his name. They pinned their hopes on Yuvaraj to deliver as he had been menacing the opposition defence. His eyes roved around to find Divya and there she was with her group smiling and gesturing at him. He had badly wanted her to be his girl friend and he knew if he wins this game, she was his’.

He had his chance in the first half but could not convert a cross from his midfielder and hit over the bars. The game progressed to the injury time of 4 minutes. Yuvaraj led the attack, piercing the midfielders and the defenders and his team’s ball possession and control was just good. With 1 minute for the final whistle he got into the D only to be tackled by their left back. The referee didn’t miss the act and awarded a penalty kick.

After a brief huddle, Yuvaraj came forward to take his kick. He was sweating profusely and was nervous as he knew he could seal the fate of the game by taking this shot. He would become a hero in his school and would be rewarded aptly and loads of appreciations to follow. He would be a sensation. Waking from the dream he concentrated and was waiting for the referee’s signal – whistle. The referee blew the whistle and it was muted by a roar from the audience and he stepped to shoot the ball.......... woke up startled.....getting kicked.... with his mom by his side and an alarm still ringing.

“Oh! Mom, I was just a second away from scoring a goal and we would have won the cup. ”

“You were about to hit a six last week and this time around a goal eh?”

“Mom, you have this uncanny timing of waking me up.”

“Can I ask you something?  What is the difference between an isotope and an isomer?”

“Err....... ”

“With barely a month for exams you are thoroughly lagging behind and dreaming things untenable by all means. For god sake grow up yuv and stop watching all those nonsense movies. Now make up your bed and get yourself ready. Don’t make your dad come up and whip you.”

During lunch he could not help listening to what Divya and her friend was chatting as he was sitting behind them.

Her friend asked, “Hey! Did you watch the match between India and Australia yesterday?”

“No, I was watching soap and I don’t miss even a single episode of all soaps.” Divya beamed with unsolicited pride. “I don’t worry much about sports. I hear the matches are fixed and they just play it out for the audience.”

“Not all matches are fixed but yeah, matches were fixed in the past but I don’t think that’s recurring.”

“Tell me; are Soccer and Football the same sport?”

“Grrr..............” Yuvaraj was stupefied.

Being guests of the Nizam

A trip to Hyderabad was in the offing and it did happen last weekend. The occasion was a wedding of one of our colleagues’ and we didn’t have any inkling to work on Friday. As we had to board an evening train, we started filing out of workspace by lunch. Though the journey consumed around 14 hours, it was enjoyable as we were 11 in the group trying to extract fun to the fullest. The wedding was to be on Sunday and we had the whole of Saturday to wander the streets of a beautiful city. I, very much liked the city and would rate it better than Chennai (though would not prefer to leave Chennai). The only dark spot in the otherwise pleasant visit was the loss of my friend’s wallet worth 2500/-.

Since we could not club a tour with this particular wedding, as we had done for the previous ones, we tried to do the routine stuff that the local tourists do. First was a visit to a “Lumbini Park” and there was nothing much to do there except gaze at the speed boats cruising along the lake and trampoline. We could not venture into either of these because the waiting time for boating was more than 2 hours and trampoline was restricted to people weighing less than 60 Kgs. Then came a distracted entertainment in the form of Cricket – Score 50 from 18 deliveries and bat for another 12 extra deliveries bowled by a machine. 3 of us did try our luck and we were able to score around 40. Having spent an hour trying what else to do having come here, we took few snaps and left for a bowling alley. None amongst us could boast of prior experience and yours truly was very much delighted to had ended with highest score (113) and thereby winning the championship (@#$?!)

The next day, we reached the wedding hall well in advance (as a matter of fact, first to reach even before the bride or the groom). The groom was rhapsodic and why wouldn’t he be, for he had been waiting for this day since his graduation...J. The rituals were in contrast as to what I had witnessed in the weddings in the past and it was over in few hours. We duly completed our formalities of wishing the newly weds and devouring some gorgeous food down the way. We had very little time before our return journey could start so we decided to do some shopping. One particular ad captivated us, a 4-D movie – “Haunted house” was being screened which runs for around 15 minutes. Wow! Man, it surely rocked. It was a 3-D movie with the addition of trying to create a reality by involving us in the adventure. It surely worked in their favour and we were thrilled to have experienced that. We felt it was apt to start so that we could pack our things and be on time for our return journey. Though we didn’t sightsee any place in particular it was a different experience altogether compared to the previous ones.

Shifting Bases

I am not going to bother giving another explanation for the hibernation that preceded this post. It has been few days since I shifted bases from my old residence to the current one which is located in the area known for its frenzied activity and populous commercial establishments (heart of Chennai).

Finally I had convinced my parents to stay with me and this has thrown up an option of having mom’s cooking for lunch and why would I not opt for this. Hmm, yummy food… after 4 long years of crunching and munching junks, this has provided a wonderful relief of sorts. But, there is a flipside to this ecstasy. The moment I devour all the food, my eyes start drooping and a nap would definitely help my cause but the chances are very remote. After all I sit beside my manager and the last thing he expects is a drowsy neighbor let alone the subject being his team member.

I haven’t completely acclimatized to my new surroundings as I still miss my previous abode (a stone’s throw from beach). I could just sneak few minutes to post this and I don’t expect to update my blog for at least another fortnight. Feeling a bit sleepy………….

Arresting inactivity

It wasn’t planned to be so, but for some reason I couldn’t get myself to write something in the past 10 days. I would not even claim I couldn’t squeeze a little time out of my haphazard schedule. Here, I request readers not to spend their valuable time on what comprise of my schedule. But few things, I believe just happen and can’t be forced.

Further I am not sure how to go forward, whether to continue posting reviews or scribbling my views on selective parts in the gamut of our lives. It is lamentable that my posts have been few and far between, so here goes one just to fill the void after a brief hiatus.

If anybody out there still feels why this was ever posted, it was just for the heck of doing so.

Journey to a surreal world

I took a lot of convincing to watch the movie ICE AGE 3. I consider myself a movie buff but was never interested in any animation movies. They were left alone for the kids to enjoy. But 2 of my friends argued otherwise and we ended up booking for show in one of the multiplexes. In truth, kids were in less numbers and the average age in the theatre was around 30+. I didn’t have any expectations of how the movie would be when ushered into our seats.

Once the title cards rolled, I was glued to the screen and soon was transported to a different world. Only the projectionist had the efficacy to bring us all back to senses when he unceremoniously interrupted the show for a break. I realized in contrary to my earlier opinion about animation movies that I had shamelessly enjoyed it. Intermission is something that is meant for Indian movies when the director dishes out those suspense scenes to be continued in the later part. Intermissions look awkward in a 90 minute movie or in any Hollywood movies and who do we blame but the theatre bosses for their marketing strategy to sell those awful samosas and popcorns for an inflated price. When the movie resumed after 10 minute recess, the joy ride continued for another half an hour before a happy ending. It was a worthwhile 90 minute entertainment.

When it was time to leave, I knew I had enjoyed the movie to the fullest but then who would not. There was only one botheration though, we missed watching the movie in 3-D.

The ice never melts in this part of the world!

A nerve wracking experience

It was during a lunch break few weeks back that a suggestion was mooted - A technical session should be organized in the team “for the team”. I was one of the vociferous supporters for this idea and as soon as the bomb landed, that it was mandatory for everybody to do their bit, I backed out. It is so typical of me.

Dates were identified for people to enact the role of a presenter. Haven’t I faced this scenario earlier in my university days? Skipping out when I am supposed to be facing the class. But then the surrounding was different now and I knew at some point I would have to contribute. Try as I might, could not ride on my good luck for more than 2 weeks from the day allocated for my slot. On the D-Day, I was ready with a PowerPoint and sample code for the demonstration. Back of my mind, the possibility of the day’s session cancelled for some reason loomed large. However it was not to be so. I had to accept it was inevitable.

5 minutes to start the session and the attendance was in full. I should mention here that the audience comprised of technical geeks too and this fact sent few chills down my spine. A rush of emotions swept my feet - jitters and not gratitude toward the venerated audience though it was to come at the end for putting me out of misery. Few minutes into the session I was able to get some confidence to face at least a minimal of challenges (if thrown, but I knew they were sympatheticJ). But destiny had its own plans. The session had to be paused for the day and to be continued later as everybody had to assemble for a meeting called out which took more precedence than the one at our hands. The thought of facing a group again haunted my mind and all I could do was curse my bad luck.

I had wanted to get this done as soon as possible and thankfully the show was resumed the very next day. I am not certain if I have to refer this part as my second coming or still MY FIRST PRESENTATION. As we neared the end of the session I was a much relieved man and I didn’t have to bother about my bloody nerves after this. I knew with the stuff I had presented I could have been ripped apart by the group but I felt they perceived what was on my mind and didn’t nudge me around with lot of questions.

Though it was not altogether a great take off, I can definitely say it was neither an inglorious start.

Flex the flexi timing

Whoa! So this is how it is when you reach office before 9 AM. How did I manage to do this? It has been 2 weeks since I decided to venture into this new territory and leave my goddamn principles behind (waking at 7… I am not kidding). The view is filled with vacant seats and I hear an occasional sound of somebody scurrying past my desk. Working hours across all offices are from 0900 to 1800 but not expected to be followed religiously. We call it flexible timings, time that suits us to come to office and that suits to return home irrespective of the work at hand.

It has been more than 4 years since I started working, or shall I say “I was employed”. Sorry for the wisecrack and I assure you I would refrain from making any smartass comments further. I used to step into office at around 1100; a switch to a different company in between (after 3 years) didn’t make any impact. I usually go out for lunch with few friends of mine and have a long chat after that in the lawn within our office premises. It was during one of those chat sessions, one among them voiced out his opinion that we should make a habit of being in office between 0900 and 1800 not more not less. He further added that it augers well for a work/life balance. I initially had an apprehension to this but saw others agree to his view. It took me 2 more weeks to implement and I felt good about this. I had always left home late because I didn’t have much to do at home. But now, I get few new books and have started reading them. I even get some time to catch up with a cousin of mine in the evenings for a snack chat.

This self imposed work timings though are to our convenience now, would definitely hinder us in a long run. Why can’t we complete our work within the time and leave home to spend some time with our family (or friends if not staying with family). Of course, there could be some exceptions when you have to stay back for a release or for a production support but definitely should not be accommodated in your routine.

Circus.... err...... sorry, did you say politicians?

As any salaried class men/women I never thought I had an allegiance toward any political party. To go further, I never gave a damn to the ideas or vision that the parties were projecting for the welfare of people. But deep within me, I had my own preferences of who should lead our country in the global arena. I am not a BJP sympathizer but knew I was anti-congress and I don’t have many reasons why I should not be.

They have been ruling the country after our independence except for few years and most of the time it was one family that dominated the space. You could draw comparisons with the political stage in Tamil Nadu. I have always felt the congress party didn’t have the nerve to hold against the bigger players in the world arena. We were never good in negotiating with the foreign players, be it the boundaries or the free trade market.

These things made me yearn for a change in the rule. The alternative could only be BJP and I carry no notions of being represented by the communists. 2 months back, when the general elections were on, I was expecting a change at the centre as it was projected that the incumbent government would not manage to get the people's mandate in the opinion polls. The result however was in favour of congress and not to my pleasing though I was not hurt. But recently when the BJP had its general body meeting to determine the reason for their poor outing, what ensued was a pandemonium. Internal fighting is not a rare occurrence in our political parties but of this magnitude was the first of its kind (honestly, that I know of). Was it the same party that was led by a stalwart, Vajpayee?

After the 2009 debacle, Advani started distancing himself from party affairs and all the smaller players glimpsed a chance of their lifetime to admire themselves as the future leader, saviour of the party. The stage was set for the clash of egos and for sure, few were bent and many broken. What more, war of words in front of the media. They definitely would have thanked god for the electoral result. I felt a tinge of sadness for the party but there was something that hit hard on my face, thanks to the hindsight. If this party had won the elections, this scenario would have occurred but with a different reason. How would they be able to run the government when they could not find a consensus within themselves? This was one time I was not unhappy that congress (a stable government) was at power.

Congress: “Sit still and revenge will visit thine enemies”

Could this be a coincidence? Draw a parallel to England and the only difference is that the ruling party is in tatters now. Gordon Brown has to have some magic up his sleeve to turn around the tide in his favour if the labor party has to win the elections next year. The opinion polls point to an all time low for Mr. Brown and to make matters worse most of his cabinet ministers have deserted him, an ominous sign. Can they overcome the glitch and win the elections? Anything that BJP could come up with to resolve the impasse? God knows …………

When the bubble burst...

The T20 world cup 2009 is far from over, still in round robin stage to be precise but the Indian contingent has hopped in for the next tour of their never ending FTPs. But what was the atmosphere like within the dressing room when they were doomed. In a cricket crazy nation like India, it was the least of all that could happen and the reverberation was deafening on the day when it became ineligible for the knockout stage.

Who do we blame for India’s early exit from the tournament? I feel no one is to be blamed but the keen followers of this damned game. Do not forget the expert analysts at private television channels who vouchsafe for our team’s immortality and rip them apart when the result reverses. The most intriguing factor is how come the newscasters are privy to the captain’s/coach’s thoughts and air them disregarding its authenticity. The truth goes for a toss here and viewers get to mull over the garbled story.

The argument goes by, India being a defending champion, this was totally unexpected. But what was the basis of this expectation on the team? Statistics never lie and a win percentage of less than 50 (around 40) between the end of the previous World Cup and the current suggest that we never were dominating this form of cricket. The Indian team was performing better in other formats but never on this. So why was this hyped?

Coach Kirsten’s comments “we thought we were clever, but the other teams caught up with our strategy.” When did we ever have a strategy? Why are we reluctant to believe that the victory in 2007 was a “flash in a pan”? Consistency has been an issue with the Indian teams throughout their cricketing history and this team is no exception. A bubble was spotted 2 years back and its immediate burst was never acknowledged. It is time to move on rather languishing at our team’s dismal show. After all, it’s just a game. J

The Devilish Al

I watched the Al Pacino/Keanu Reeves/Charlize Theron starrer Devil’s Advocate last Wednesday and what a movie it was. Rating given at the IMDB website was around 7.2 but that didn’t deter me from watching a Pacino movie. I am a self confessed Pacino fan and probably what I write might be a bit biased but definitely can’t help that.

It is always going to be a monstrous effort to share the screen space with geniuses but with Al at his devilish best, it could no more be a litmus test for Keanu. To be fair to Keanu, he didn’t do a bad job either given the challenge but avoiding comparisons is inevitable. It is all the way a Keanu’s show until the last half hour with Al filling in and out but the final scenes where Keanu confronts Al; it was a display of a master at work. I didn’t keep counting but I would have watched the last half hour for a dozen times since.

People are not called Geniuses just like that and to supplement the theory, Al has 7 academy awards nominations and a win. An actor needs a right platform to display his armory which I believe was provided in Godfather and there was no turning back for this devil.

Once the movie gets over, what remains at the viewer’s heart would the portrayal of “Satan” by Al and won’t you call that mesmerizing. To recall a quote from the scene where Al boasts of himself to Keanu, “Who, in their right frame of mind Kevin could possibly deny the 20^th century was entirely mine.” That may be from the Satan’s standpoint but I would ask “Who in their right frame of mind could possibly deny the last quarter of the 20^th century was, though not entirely but to a considerable percentage Pacino’s.” Mind you, I forewarned me being a Pacino fanatic.

Vanity……. is definitely my favorite sin.

Backtrack

On an afterthought, I felt this might not be the proper forum to share my new found skill (!), so I have decided not to post my work here. But, for those who like me having nothing to do, let me know and I would be more than happy to share my masterpiece. I call it a masterpiece because that would not be called so by anyone else.

A Story from my Stable

Soon I would be following this up with a short story. For long, I had this notion to write a story/novel and you can put this down to me reading many books and being influenced. As the idea of eventually writing a novel has been established to the readers, I intend to have my characters and the places global (intended target audience). The theme is ready though first draft is yet to be finished.

Disclaimer:-

The story is fictitious and any resemblance to the persons living or dead is purely coincidental. :)

Am I a Nonstarter? If not, then who is....

Note: Readers are requested to bear with below content if it looks gibberish as this is my honest attempt to start blogging.

This being my first blog, it’s worth mentioning the reason behind the title provided for this. As the name suggests, I am a nonstarter.

Planning: This is a word which I use quite frequently though never reveal to the ever conscious public.

Execution: This is a word which I am still trying to comprehend or rather stumble upon. I have been planning to wake up early (7 AM is early by my standards) for a very long time and jog/walk along the beach given the fact that it is few yards from my house and try to burn the excessive fat that has grabbed a lot of attention/space in my body. The above statement does not need any completion. This is one among the many which most of the people could relate to as this person is also a humble employee of an IT organization. I can’t think of even a single act which I had started to see it through halfway let alone its completion.

It’s a never ending list and to prove that I can break from this mould, we will have to see if I am not lazy enough to blog again.