Idle musings

Soldiers who wear their patriotism on their sleeve and love their job are a rare breed. I was quite surprised to see one such man attend a popular talk-show recently. The usual flimflam was flung about, and my respect for him only rose as the disciplined man of action bore it all in good humour. Perhaps he sought to break some preconceived notions regarding men of war being rather 'serious'.Be that as it may, the glow in his eyes as he spoke of the past - his days as a commando, of covert operations and unsung heroes - was truly awe-inspiring. As the anchor ended the episode by going braggadocio, the military man still held up his dignity and stayed true to form as a picture of the perfect soldier. He was Major Ravi. One can only hope that such admirable fighters receive the respect they deserve.

Among the young dancers, one man entered and stole the limelight for a few hours.Or was it more? I don't know. He did not seem like a visitor; so effortlessly did he meld his movements with theirs. His knowledge was so different, and yet so similar. The man of the woods saw his dream's fruition as dance and martial arts came together in that small room - enrapturing the audience, uniting some of them in a flow of postures, evoking admiration in others, by his finesse. He inspired them to imbibe any learning into life, to love and protect nature, and to be socially responsible individuals. His leaving would not prevent the audience from remembering him. For men who sincerely adore this Earth, men of truth, cannot to be easily forgotten.

Are social gatherings relevant anymore?  Take marriages,for instance. Parents spent their life's savings on their child's wedding- which is often only a contract based on money. Either they see the wedlock as a final responsibility taken care of ,or as a means to a more luxurious life. And what happens at the destined venue? Girls - relatives and friends alike - compete to look their best and steal the show, while the bride herself is decked in gold and glittering garment, so that a stranger may get confused as to the identity of the true bride. Mothers huddle together to gossip or to compare outfits and accessories - Who wore it better? Who purchased the priciest gift? - and so on. Needless to say that modern technology has ensured that there is no sanctity left in this supposed holy communion of two souls. "Then there is mirth in heaven when earthly things made even atone together" - that is all of the past. The very concept of love has changed. A majority of th...

A Dog's Purpose( direction -Lasse Halstrom )  is an endearing watch for canine lovers.But here's the catch - since when does a dog reincarnate as another breed of dog, and still remember his first owner?Animals never search out the meaning or purpose of life,either.That's all in man's head - Biology 101,remember? There is the expected bonding between the human and their four-legged companion which presents some beautiful moments onscreen.What is disturbing, though, is that a man's way of thinking is projected through the mind of his pet - too much analyzing and purpose-seeking to seem real.Only when the credits rolled did I find out that the film was the adaptation of a book of the same title by Bruce Cameron, which released me from my ill-founded judgement. Atleast the storyline was tribute to man's love for his pet.And for love like that, forgiveness is readily given.Music by Rachel Portman and cinematography by Terry Stacey are truly lyrical and idyllic.Watc...

Take Off   is new turf for Malayalam cinema,and it is a laudable adaptation of true events, aided by powerful performances.But what struck me was the invariable tendency of people to remain selfish while cocooned in their spheres of comfort, as opposed to the selflessness which naturally expresses itself during a calamity.Do we really need to wait for a crisis to lend a hand to a suffering man nearby?!