Nodi Swamy Naavirode Heege

I remember watching him in "Nodi Swami Naaveerode Heege" and I liked him so much, especially in the title song. Even today I can sit and watch that song again and again. There was something special about him. He did not belong to the intense actors' calibre like his elder brother yet he captured the masses so well that he is remembered the most by the common man. Most of you must have guessed his name already. yep, I am talking about THE "Shankar Nag".

I have been a movie freak since my early childhood. So I was and am very knowledgable when it comes to movies.;) Anyways, I was in higher primary school when I heard of his accidental death. I felt so bad that I almost cried. That incident lingered in mind for a long time. I would watch all his movies on TV with more interest. At that age, I could just relate myself with his acting. But as I grew up, I started appreciating his directorial ventures too, especially Malgudi Days. I think that was one of his ambitious projects and I must say that he really brought R.K.Narayan's characters into life once again.

Why did think of him once again? The photo of Arundati Nag and Manjunath inaugarating the stamp of R.K.Narayan pushed me onto the memory lane. Both of them have been associated closely with Shankar Nag.

Arundhati Nag and Shankar Nag were one of the ideal couples of the industry. Both of them had the background of theatre and they probably had similar ambitions. It was a pleasure to watch them together. I have always admired Arundhati Nag for her courage and determination. This I saw when she went ahead in spite of difficulties and built "Ranga Shankara". Her efforts have paid off very well as Ranga Shankara is almost a synonym for theatre in Bangalore now a days.Kudos to the brave lady.

Manjunath, better known as Master Manjunath or Swamy from Malgudi Days, was an integral part of Shankar Nag's movies. They brought so much life to the movie whenever they starred together and they almost looked like a real father son duo. After Shankar Nag's demise, I don't think Manjunath regained the glory.

Shankar Nag has always been missed by the masses. Even today, once can see his photos on most of the autorickshaws in Bangalore. Even today, when the name of Sangliana is mentioned, the face of Shankar Nag appears first as he played the reel life hero onscreen. The songs from his movies, especially the ones from "Geetha" are played again and again in the request sections. Well, that is the greatness of art, isn't it? It defies the law of mortality very easily.

Mungaru Male

When I heard of "Mungaru Male", I was not very interested. That was because I was just back from another movie, "Kallarali Hoovagi" and my experience was not very good. So I turned a deaf ear to the praises of "Mungaru Male". But then I decided to listen to its music.

I was just mesmerised when I heard the songs, especially "Anisuthide". I heard them again and again until I decided that I had to watch the movie. So one fine day, I pulled my friend along with me to the movie. And I fell in love with this movie.:) I would rather call it a beautiful poem.From the title to the song, to the lyrics, to the amazing photography and to the simple yet touching story, it depicts a poem to me. And of course, how can I forget the rain that is there throughout the movie? After all, "Mungaru Male" means the first rains of the rainy season.

All the artists have done a great job, especially Ganesh. I never thought that he would put up such a natural performance. I think the freshness of the actors, the director, the music and the lyrics strike you when you watch the film. The story is nothing new but it has been given a very refreshing narration. And so all these factors make the movie a family entertainer.

"Mungaru Male" is going to be in my memory for a long, long time. I have been enjoying its music thoroughly. Mano Murthy has done a fabulous job in rendering some melodious numbers.

Okey-dokey, I am getting back to listening to "Anisuthide". It is a song that has been tailor-made for Sonu Nigam. I would definitely recommend that song if you are looking out for a melodious number.:))

Mohe Rang De Basanti

There was a time when my friends and myself were heavily inspired by the movie "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". The fact, that Bhagat Singh at such an early age, had dedicated his entire life for a great cause, intrigued us. Ok, why did I talk about this now? Because all those memories came back to me when I watched "Rang De Basanti".

On saturday evening, I was very excited as I was finally getting to watch "Rang De Basanti". I had heard so much about the movie. And me being a big fan of Aamir Khan, I was very much looking forward to the movie.

I think that the movie met all my expectations. It is definitely very well made. Each actor has contributed his/her best to the movie. Each role, irrespective of its length, is significantly portrayed in the movie. And Rahman's music is the cherry on the cake.:)

I do not want to say that this movie will make you think and blah-blah. Yes, it definitely is packaged with a message. It is probably a movie with which we can identify ourselves. (Are you listening, my revolutionary friends? :D)

Applause for the whole team of "Rang De Basanti" for giving us such a fantastic, inspiring patriotic movie.

When I think of movies, I think of entertainment. I like movies that make people smile. I like movies that celebrate life. Yes, I would definitely want a movie to be meaningful rather than one with a whole set of songs and some dialogues in between. But I would not go in for too serious movies. I am not at all a fan of "reality bites" kinda movies.

I have always thought that watching movies is an elusion from routine and harsh realities. In simple words, it is a two and half hours get away. May be that is why I never completely enjoy the "art movies". I have majorly gone into depression after watching some "serious" movies. :)) This is not to take away any credit from those excellent directors and actors. Some of them might be trying to give a message through their movies. But I personally feel that the moral of the story hits people more when it is given with a smile.:))) Maybe even Aesop felt the same and so he made the fables interesting and entertaining. :))

Finally, I saw "Hanuman". It was a fun movie. Lots of people raised their brows when I told them that I was going to this movie. "Why do u wanna watch a children's movie?", was all they asked. Well, did I tell you that there is a kid concealed in me ( and perhaps in everyone;-)) and that, most of the times I let that kid surface up.;)

I watched "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" this weekend. I liked it. It was an escape to fantasy land. It had been some time since I had watched such type of a movie. I loved the movie more when I saw the kids in the movie hall enjoying it to the core.:)

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I have been reading " The Rainmaker" again. Yes, I have read the book a couple of times before. And I really love this book. In fact, I keep telling that it was my holy book during my days of unemployment. Rudy Baylor's experiences, Insurance companies- they all make the story very interesting and pacy. The best thing about John Grishan's novels ( atleast most of them) is that every page will contain some crucial info that is required for the story. Of course, the story is predictable. But still, it is an interesting read.

For me, "The Rainmaker" is a book to which I can keep returning to, especially during low phases.

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Yesterday I watched the movie, "Mangal Pandey- The Rising". There are lot of controversies going on about this movie. The reviews have not been very good. Even then I wanted to watch this movie badly.

I liked the movie. No, it is not the best movie I have ever seen. But it is a good movie. I think patriotism + Aamir Khan makes the movie worth watchable. It definitely throws light on the life of the forgotten hero. Aamir has provided full justice to this role. He does not have too many dialogues to deliver in this movie but his eyes say them all. An excellent actor, Aamir ( will blog about him some other time). I was disappointed by the music of the film though. The title song was the only one that impressed me. Rahman was too good in "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". Didn't find the same calibre of music in this film.

About the real Mangal Pandey- he started the war of independence. He sort of awakened the people of India who were in deep slumber and who were getting used to slavery in a way.
I got the following information from various sites:
" Mangal Pandey (d. 8 April 1857) also known as Shaheed Mangal Pandey, was a soldier of the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the British East India Company. He was born in village Nagwa in district Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
An english scholar "Fisher" has written that Shri Mangal Pandey was having all qualities of a good soldier. He was so brave and capable to embrace his death peacefully.According to the records available in Jabalpur museum( general order books). Shri Mangal Pandey was due to be executed on 18th April but he was hanged ten days before i.e. 8th April and it was kept secret. Because english rules were well aware of the fact that if Mangal Pandey remains alive it will endanger British rule.
Thus Mangal Pandey became the first freedom fighter & and martyr of 1857. The name of Mangal Pandey became an emblem of revolt against British rule. "

Amazing! In one of his interviews, Aamir Khan said that he found it difficult to act out the scene in which Mangal pandey is hung. He kept wondering about how could people accept death so gracefully, fearlessly and selflessly.

A big salute to all those people who gave up their lives for the sake of our nation. Their bravery will always be unmatched and commendable.