Jailer 2- Rajnikanth Film Review

 Saw this action and comedy-packed film yesterday (Oct 20th) in Pune. It continues the story of retired Jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in and around Coimbatore and Kerala. Ends in Goa. The outdoor locations are nice, and the story, though predictable, has some good twists. The cast is competent, though dominated by Rajini's screen presence, as expected. His fans (me included) find something magical about him- he lights up the screen.

Enjoyable on the whole, though the songs and dances are a bit over-the-top. 4.5 on 5 from me. The special effects are good, in particular. Special appearances by Shivaraj kumar, Mohanlal, Hrithik Roshan and Jackie Shroff add to the charm.

Is India Ungovernable?

 Looking at the chaos on the roads, traffic violations that go unchecked, spitting and the lack of civic sense, late running of trains (I just had two bad experiences on different sectors), and corruption at large, I wonder.

Do we need the Angry Young Man again to fix things? Kamalahasan starred in a movie in which he goes around shooting corrupt people. In reality, they only get transferred, at best.

Elections come and go. But few governments pay attention to civic facilities like Metro and Roads. Progress is very slow, if at all there is some. Unemployment -real and disguised- is rising. So is inflation.

Where do we go from here? All Indians migrating is not a solution, because those routes are closing. And we are too many anyway.

How does one make a government accountable for fixing local, regional or national priorities? And working for the people?

I have no idea, but I believe that solutions exist, and we need to find them. 

Trip to IIM Kashipur

 My wife and I visited a friend at IIM Kashipur. Neeraj Dwivedi was my colleague at IIM Kozhikode, in the 2003-05 period, and we were together at IIM Lucknow too. He and Shradha are family friends. We had a great time meeting with them and staying on campus. It's a lovely 200 acre campus with plenty of greenery, and buildings inspired by IIM Ahmedabad. There's also a small lake. I got a chance to speak to some Doctoral students, and also taught Golf to a few students and staff. 

We also managed a small getaway to a resort nearby, Camp Hornbill, dedicated to bird history. 

Itika (above) has played before.. others were first timers. 

The CAO is a Golfer, ex-Army.

Nana Patekar No More

 One of those actors who remains etched in your mind after a movie is over. Whether doing fun parts in Welcome, or serious ones in Natsamrat (Marathi), we will remember him for his expressions, dialogue delivery and magic on screen. Thoda sa Roomani Ho Jayen was a unique film, with a different role. So was Khamoshi. Lots of talent, some fiery stuff in Tirangaa with Raaj Kumar and his own movie Prahaar.

He played every role with aplomb. Even did a dance number Kabhi 100 one kabahi 100 two.. with Bindu.

Hats off!

Golfing in IIM Kashipur

 I was at the IIM Kashipur campus last week. They have a few large patches of green on campus, and we had a couple of Golf Basics sessions for students of MBA and Ph.D. Some admin. folks and the Director also joined in. 

Itika, an MBA student, has played Golf, so she joined in as Coach.

Some more students try out the tee shot.. below, Poorvi, a Doctoral student.

Putting, above, and a demo below.

Almost the entire group of trainees. 

Drishyam- The Conclusion- Film Review

 Saw the third and final part of this film in a theatre. Good acting, direction. Keeps you gripped, and the suspense is so good it can go either way. Courtroom sequences are handled effectively. One of the best in this genre of films.

Birthday no. 66

 Had my cake and ate it too.. 3 of them. One that Roopali Saxena sent, one we ordered, and another compliments of the restaurant we went to for dinner!