Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya

 

2024 Indian Hindi-language science fiction romantic comedy film starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The film is written and directed by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, in their directorial debuts, and produced by Maddock Films and Jio Studios.

Aryan Agnihotri, a smart robotics engineer born in Delhi, now based in Mumbai, follows in the footsteps of his aunt, Urmila Shukla, who owns a company, E-Robotics, in Los Angeles. Urmila invites Aryan to the U.S., where he eventually meets SIFRA (Super Intelligent Female Robot Automation), Urmila's secretary. Aryan is unaware that SIFRA is a robot and falls in love with her. However, he later discovers that SIFRA is actually a robot, created by his aunt as a test to see if humans could differentiate SIFRA from themselves.

Heartbroken by the revelation, Aryan returns to India and agrees to an arranged marriage. But as the engagement approaches, Aryan realizes his true feelings for SIFRA. He decides to sneak out of the engagement ceremony but is caught by his grandfather, who encourages him to follow his heart, assuring Aryan that he will handle the family in his absence. Aryan wishes to have SIFRA in India to introduce her to his family, so he calls his aunt and requests that she send SIFRA to India for further "testing" within a traditional Indian family setting. Urmila agrees, and SIFRA is sent to India, where Aryan introduces her as his girlfriend, leading to numerous comical situations.

Aryan's family, unaware of SIFRA's true nature, agrees to their marriage. However, just before the wedding, SIFRA installs a faulty update, riddled with a virus, which corrupts her memory and causes her to forget everything. In desperation, Aryan calls his aunt for help, who sends him a memory backup. Aryan successfully restores SIFRA's memory, but Urmila, who was unaware of Aryan's intentions to marry SIFRA, is furious when she learns the truth. She demands that Aryan return SIFRA, claiming she is the intellectual property (IP) of her company. After an emotional conversation, Aryan convinces his aunt to let him keep SIFRA.

On their wedding day, a blackout occurs while SIFRA is charging, causing her to malfunction. Her speech becomes distorted, and her movements begin to glitch, executing previously given orders that had since been canceled, including one to "set Delhi on fire." Witnessing the destruction caused by SIFRA, a devastated Aryan is forced to stop her by slashing her face with a sword, revealing the inner technical workings and realizing that, despite her human appearance, she can never truly be human.

Later, at a tech show in Mumbai, Urmila launches a new series of robots, including SIFRA 2.0. The new SIFRA has her memory and settings formatted, and Aryan is no longer her administrator. Jiah, a new intern, approaches Aryan and flirts with him. Observing their interaction, the new SIFRA starts to display jealousy, shocking Aryan as he realizes that she may be developing feelings of her own.

Meiyazhagan

 

This film is a heartwarming and emotional drama that beautifully captures the essence of family bonds and our forgotten history. It resonates deeply, especially for those who have experienced the warmth of extended family, the simplicity of village life, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. The movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, at times making your heart feel heavy while filling you with a profound sense of nostalgia and reflection.

Karthi and Arvind Swamy deliver outstanding performances, effortlessly conveying the emotions of the story and drawing us into the characters' world. Even the supporting cast, despite their limited screen time, shines in their respective roles, adding depth and authenticity to the overall narrative.

The film strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and quirky moments, keeping you engaged throughout. It reminds us of who we are and where we come from, prompting reflection on aspects of our history and culture that we may have forgotten. It leaves you with lingering thoughts about identity and heritage. Underlying message being "With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

However, this is not your typical commercial film filled with action sequences, dance numbers, and predictable love stories. If you’re looking for a mainstream, formula-driven movie, this may not be for you, as its themes and storytelling might go over your head. But if you’re open to a reflective, emotional, and deeply personal cinematic experience, this is a must-watch. 

This is a very nice movie. The emotions and expressions are top-notch, making it one of the better films of this year. I didn’t feel bored, except for a few scenes in the initial stages. The screenplay is outstanding, and the chemistry between Arvind Swamy and Karthi is well portrayed and captivating. The dialogues are engaging, and '90s kids will especially appreciate this film, understanding the value of friendships and the importance of care and affection. The storytelling is historical, with every scene contributing meaningfully. While the approach is simple, the acting is phenomenal. The background music enhances the experience, making you want to stay glued to your seat until the end.

How often do we have the chance to reminisce about the good times spent with people in our lives? Those who have poured unconditional love on us—family, friends, long-term neighbors, or even a stranger who lent a helping hand in tough times—often shape our experiences. Have we ever considered how even small acts of kindness have a significant impact on our busy lives? Life can make these memories fade as we navigate through various phases, often trapped in survival mode.

*Meiyazhagan* invites us to pause and reflect on those who have shown us unconditional love without expecting anything in return. It encourages us to remember the angels who have helped us in difficult moments. The film immerses you in the emotional journey Arvind Swamy’s character undergoes.

In a world rife with negativity, *Meiyazhagan* feels like a breath of fresh air, reminding us that good people still exist, and that hope and positivity endure. When you encounter such moments, don’t let them slip away. As human beings, the ultimate pursuit is seeking love.

Sometimes the briefest conversation in kindness and beauty with a total stranger in life’s vagaries is what stays closest to your heart!!

Meiyazhagan. Potato. 🥔 🍠 🥔 🍠

OMG2

 

OMG 2 is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film about sex education in India, written and directed by Amit Rai. The film was theatrically released on 11 August 2023 to positive reviews from critics.

The original film had Akshay Kumar playing Lord Shiva but the censored theatrical version consists of him playing a messenger of Lord Shiva. This narrative is written in the censored release's context, treating Akshay's character as a messenger

Kanti Sharan Mudgal, a loyal devotee of Lord Shiva, owns a shop outside the city's prominent Mahakaal temple. One day, he is called to the hospital and told that his son Vivek has been up all night masturbating continuously until he fainted. Vivek's friend explains that Vivek was bullied about the size of his penis and due to this, he became insecure. Vivek was told that masturbating will make it bigger.

The school chairman Atal Nath Maheshwari tells Kanti about a recent video showing Vivek masturbating in the school restroom. As this is affecting the school's image, Vivek is expelled from the school. Kanti's friend, Pandey Ji, a rich priest at the temple, advises him to leave town as the situation is tarnishing their religious image. The video reaches Kanti's wife and daughter and their entire neighborhood. They begin to be shamed by society. Devastated, Kanti prays to Lord Shiva for help and a Messenger sent by Lord Shiva arrives.

After a police complaint against Vivek for trying to murder his bully, The Messenger meets Vivek and Kanti at the police station, saying he's there to lodge a complaint of his missing bag, where he comforts Vivek. Vivek tries to commit suicide twice but is saved by The Messenger. He meets Kanti as they're about to leave town, and tells him that his son did nothing wrong, explaining that not everything done in privacy is wrong or obscene. It is the school's fault for not educating him properly and Kanti's fault for not guiding him properly. He advises Kanti to file a case against the school and the medical practitioners.

Kanti files a case against the school, the chemists, the doctor, and himself. When opposed with the fact that he is just promoting vulgarity by defending his son's act, he holds the point in court that Hinduism and Indian culture was always inclusive of conversations on sex to get his case accepted. Pandey Ji asks Kanti to leave his given house and shop as this case will tarnish their religious image.

The opposition lawyer, Kamini Maheshwari says Kanti is doing all this to cover up his son's vulgar act. Kanti argues that if the school had included sex education in their courses, his son wouldn't have been so misinformed. The Messenger often visits to give Kanti indirect advice on how to continue the case.

Kamini calls a sex worker to court, whose son studies in the same school, to prove a point that the school is noble. Kanti asks the prostitute if she ever enjoys her work, to which she says that those ignorant men don't know anything about a woman's body and how to treat it with respect. Kanti says if the schools taught sex education to young boys, they'd know how to respect a woman's body. He bows down to her calling her a brave mother and teacher.

As the case continues, Kanti points out issues regarding pornography, rape, drugs, and the importance of sex education. The school chairman offers him ten million (one crore) to take his case back. Kanti signs the contract. He gets into an accident and apparently dies. The Messenger visits him in the hospital, who criticises his decision of losing faith, and finally reveals himself to be a divine manifestation sent by Lord Shiva. He shows Kanti that his efforts have come to light as Pandey Ji's granddaughter reveals that she had been molested by her uncle, thanks to Kanti's case being shown on TV. Kanti realises his mistake and is revived. The Messenger drives him to court.

At the hearing, Vivek arrives for the first time and proves through his research that colonisers ruined India's education system, which was actually inclusive of sex education in the ancient times. Kanti wins the case as the education board is ordered to make sex education compulsory and payment be given to Kanti, and Vivek be taken back into the school.

Kanti introduces the Messenger to his family as "the doctor who treated him" and offers Him all the money instead of the temple. The Messenger then reveals that the lost bag was his, and asks Vivek to keep it with him. He then says he has another patient to attend to, and drives away, leaving a happy Kanti with praying hands behind.

Ratan Tata : A Life ~ Thomas Mathew (111 of 2024)

 

Ratan Tata’s story is that of a man who overcame extraordinary obstacles and whose compassion took priority over business profit objectives, uniquely achieving both goals. As the head of India’s oldest and largest business house, his story also encapsulates the narrative of India’s growing ambitions on the world stage and rising clout in the last few decades.

A bachelor  Ratan Tata (1937–2024) was one of the most influential and inspirational personalities of our times—an iconic business leader who was instrumental in transforming independent India’s industrial landscape. He developed a romantic relationship with Carolyn Emmons, a 19-year-old college student and the daughter of famed architect Frederick Earl Emmons. who partnered with fellow designer Archibald Quincy Jones to form Jones and Emmons, a prominent architectural firm soon after his studies in US, but came back to India as his grandmother was unwell. 

About Ratan Tataji's first love.... if this story grows too big.... It will over shadow the rest of his 60+remarkable life.   This MAN lived a life of integrity and was a human being beyond compare  .  Let his memory be forever focussed on his remarkable contribution to Bharat, in his life's work..... do not reduce His life  to a romantic love story.   One way WE can Thank Him for his profound contribution  is to respect his private life  and not reduce it to a Mills and Booth story. Book says, she soon got married after his return to India, as she could not come because of the India China War. She was married to another person, who like RNT was an architect and could fly planes.  She had two children, RNT met them after the second child was born, and said would never meet again as he believed they were leading a happy life. But then she came to meet him, after her husband passed away. 

During his tenure, Ratan Tata transformed the Tata Group from a collection of disparate companies into a unified powerhouse. Today, it is one of the world’s largest business conglomerates and is greatly admired for its compassionate capitalism and trusteeship model of holding wealth. He showcased calm demeanour but extraordinary courage. Carolyn, flying, dogs, pranks where his four loves - other than country and work. Tito, Goa - his love for dogs, surpass everything except for his grandmother.

Established in 1868, the Tata Group spans a gamut of industries, from salt to steel to software, and is synonymous with quality and trust. It operates in more than 100 countries, impacting the lives of billions of people around the world. The abiding goodwill and respect that the Tata brand carries today can be traced back largely to the vision and integrity of one individual who spearheaded the conglomerate for over two decades—Ratan Tata.

Starting out as a novice on the shop floor of a Tata company, Ratan Tata achieved an unequalled growth rate for the Tata Group as chairman and took India to the world through global acquisitions, overcoming many serious challenges along the way.

This fascinating biography traces Ratan Tata’s years in immaculate detail, from his lonely childhood to his irrepressible youthful exuberance, from his first major job in the conglomerate to being appointed chairman of Tata Sons in 1991 to his role as the head of Tata Trusts, India’s largest philanthropic enterprise. It is as much a story of determination and an unwavering commitment to enduring principles and values as it is a testament to achieving unprecedented corporate success.

ETOS and cardinal principals of this group were laid by Jamshedji Tata. He appointed Cyrus Mystry as his successor. Had high hopes. Considering that things were not working as expected, Nitin Nohria was brought in to support Cyrus Mistry. Cyrus said, I am not going to disassociate with his father's company. Many favours were shared against company law. Regrettable inevitability, Removing Cyrus, hurt him the most.

His simplicity was more daunting. His aim was to convert socially relevant decision,  into Business proposal. Resplinded - 26/11 crises changed the man - he was standing outside the hotel for 2 days....he felt that Tata family consist not only of Tata - there was no procedure, no prescription - he was melted by the devotion of the Taj employee showed for the group. You can beat us, but we will not kneel. People who received his support considered him equivalent to God. 

There were issues and controversies too. ULFA and Tata Tea - Walki Talki , Tax and few others. 

To create an Indian environment with fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, nutritious food with no one left hungry, and a way to care for everyone’s health should be the priority for you and me.—Ratan Tata

This is the only comprehensive, definitive and authorized account of Mr. Tata’s life and times, his struggles and his important contributions to contemporary India. It is the story of a private individual, a great industrialist, and a remarkable leader who steadfastly believes, above all, in the values that he inherited, and who spent his life in the service of his fellow humans and a fledgling nation.

Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with Ratan Tata, his family, friends, former colleagues and business associates, and filled with previously unknown facts, anecdotes and the author’s insights, this is a comprehensive account of a life the likes of which the world has seldom seen.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

Today was a movie day, well this year by itself. 

Before the name, the movie begins with story 200 years before and the dancer being set on fire.

 It's  interesting to see how Karthik Aaryan has evolved between Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3, the way  he supports people as dongi Babba initially,  including a Malayalee family,  young guy and then finally fall into the trap.

A Perfect Blend Of Action, Slapstick Comedy, Horror And Drama!!! Totally Awesome!!!" 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,'  directed by Anees Bazmee, surpasses expectations.

Overall a fabulous movie,fine performance, lead actress have finesse, hero adequate make you wonder if he has born, classic music, the film is definitely worth a watch. Camera work, cinematography could have been better. 

 

Watching Madhuri & Vidya's dance face off is a treat and the main reason.  But it was worth the view.

The trio of Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra & Ashwini Kalsekar are damn entertaining.

MadhuriDixit's entry scene is phenomenal. She leaves the mark even with small screen time.

Vidya balan had more screen time and horror to show.

Loved the tug of wars.

Never realized that I would enjoy horror-comedy and that it can also make you cry. Was it the unexpected twist in the climax?

A year of introspection

A year of introspection indeed, with 8 death of near and dear ones, I'll health,  travel, meeting  and talking to people....

When the year begin with high BP and the gift of BP controlling machine what more could one expect? 

During the launch of his manager Shantanu's startup, Goodfellows in 2022, Ratan Tata shared his feelings about wishing for companionship. "You don't know what it is like to be lonely until you spend time alone, wishing for companionship. I also feel that you don't mind getting old, until you get old.

What would you do when someone messages you "Come.very loniless.in this house I am alone"?

L.O.N.E.L.I.N.E.S.S

War & Peace

Outside and Inside.

We need to live, really live till we die.

It is not the years in our life, but the life in our years that count.

The only reality in life , which  make us contemplate 

D.E.S.T.I.N.Y

D.E.A.T.H.

Why a certificate for birth, marriage and death?

So many deaths this year?

What is death? What happens when someone die?

Life goes on.

Trivandrum Velliyamma, Janumuttu, Gopikunchachan, BabuChettan, Chandran Uncle, Raghavsn Uncle, Ratan Tata, Rajan chettan, Giri Uncle.

P.L.E.A.S.E.

F.U.L.L.S.T.O.P.

What matter? Who matter? Why does it matter?

Job, Money, Living, Politics, Religion,  Family,  Friends,  Travel,  Books, Thoughts,  Views, Parents,  Children, Men, Women.  

All Unique yet similar. 

Kashmir Khi Khali Finally

There is a Malayalam proverb that says 'ചങ്ങാതി നന്നായാല്‍ കണ്ണാടി വേണ്ട'; literally translated it means The best mirror is an old friend. / There is no better looking glass than an old friend.  Some even quote this as equivalent to 'A friend in need is a friend indeed. This proverb to a great extend can be applicable to travel too. Let me tell you why and how. 

The world is so vast and beautiful, and the same place look different at different period in time. You can never have enough of them in a life time.  We might not be able to visit all the places we want to. But if we have a good friend, who can share with us the live update during travel, it will satisfy our soul.  So can we not call such friends our soul mates? 

Here is the view of Kashmir from our dear Jisha, she booked her travel through Glance. Was looking forward for ladies only trip,  but figured out rest of the group was family so was expecting that involvement would be less. Also Glance was not a branded agency as such so expectation wasn't high.

Though the trip was to start on the Friday 18th October, since the flight was in the morning, had to reach a day before to Kochi from Allapuzha. Flight was via Delhi, which was delayed by an hour. There were only 5+1 person who boarded from Kochi, other 4 members joined in Kashmir completing the Delhi Agra trip.  

Tour began under the eminent guidance of our manager Raja, and guide Muhammed Shamil.

 Day 1 Reached Srinagar

We had a vehicle dedicated for our travel, which picked us up from the airport. 

The first day stay was in a house boat.  Had to take a Shikara to reach there. 

The view was mesmerising. 

Day 2 Pehelgao

The view was worth it. One would feel like taking 1000 pics. There were so many good spots,   wonderful spots with mountains and green background. All went to see the valley in car, and nobody took Pony ride. 

Actually it was chilly wind everyone wore jackets in the cab too except for your faithfully ..😄

Bed was fine for three. Two families were on triple sharing. Good property check in today . Bathroom too was as big as bedroom.

Lovely to see apples on apple trees.  The family who owned it was courteous enough to let pluck one and have a bite. 

Managed to get a full team picture too. 

Foad was buffet...not too many items but good. Rice, rajma, paneer, chicken

Day 3: Sonmarg - Ysthats - Meadow of gold😍

Had to start very early around 4.30 am because of Chief Ministers visit. 

Was fortunate to pay homage to Kargil fighters. 

Collected  Very small 2 pebbles just for memory even from Kargil.

There was shopping  plan too 7-8 but got late in traffic. 

Trip was in cab but that's also 11k feet high. Gondola ride is also 10k first phase and  another 4k if 2nd phase is done

There were news of terror and two killed. 

Day 4 Gulmarg

Blessed to be on the banks of Sindu River

Next day to Gulmarg mountain top in gondola

This is the gondola ride. Cable car to the height of 13500 feet

Shopping availability there are Shawls, dresses and kesari.  Saffron is costly 1 gm 300. Few ppl had got earlier.  Bought honey. 

In food Rogan Josh mutton is famous, Momos, Kashmiri Baigan and Rajma are also good, in drinks butter tea and Kahva.

Had kashmiri mutton pulav  700 rupees. Didn't like . The tour mgr had taken to place to try kashmir famous mutton dishes but  no one wanted . 

Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup is famous in Le Ladakh not sure in Kashmir.  In bread Khambir and Sheermal  a saffron-infused dish with Nadir Monji.

Did not buy those kind if shawls... not suited for  Kerala. And people  were bargaining so much at every place that we ended up buying nothing.  The family treated your truly as a kid. 

Highlight of the trip was saw the Dal lake finally. Took shikara ride. Trip to kargill area and war memorial 👌🏻. Saw Sind River. And rode world's 2nd highest gondola ride at gulmarg. 🙏🏼

Day 5 : Local Sight seeing and return

There were multiple places but guide asked not to take pictures in traditional dresses except on the last day at  mughal garden. The teenage girl here wants to do. Don't know about others.

 Went to Shakaracharya temple and then to Pari Mahal. 

@Pari Mahal

The return journey was much more delayed than the onwards. First they announced one hour delay in Kashmir, which went upto two hours, due to which connecting flight from Mumbai had to be changed, which again delayed the arrival time to Kochi. The trip was to get over on the 22nd but got over on the 23rd. 

Few places were really beautiful but didn't get the feel of heaven, as they call Kashmir. Photos do give that feel, but now the full city is crowded and dirty. The old charm is gone. Individually there were couple of wow moments.

Waiting for the next tour live updates.