The numbers game

Suddenly, a lot of random statistics are being celebrated in Tamil cinema. When Kamal Haasan was felicitated at a grand event six years ago for completing 50 years in the Tamil film industry, you understood why. Most people don’t even live that long. For instance, the life expectancy of Chad — yes, it is a…

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Sakalakala Vallavan

Old, crass and hostile Dheena. Thalapathi. Vaali. Padithal Mattum Podhuma. Thirupaachi. Enthiran. Kanchana-2. Singam. Annamalai. In chronological order, Sakalakala Vallavan makes references to these films by borrowing either punch lines, background music, or songs from them. Director Suraj more or less rewrites the popular adage ‘If you can’t find a way, make one’ to ‘If…

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Idhu Enna Maayam

Nothing magical here Idhu Enna Maayam will go into the annals of history for inventing a new position in hockey — the pinch-hitting batsman. In one unintendedly hilarious scene, Arun (Vikram Prabhu), a proficient batsman, thumps his chest and steps into the hockey pitch when his college badly needs him. He figures that “both sports…

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Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum

Small joys One of the opening shots of Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum (NPNO) is of a Thirukkural inscribed on a bus stop. It’s Thirukkural number 131, and it talks about how important virtue is, and how it must be guarded with one’s life. The village, Porpandhal (awfully similar to Porbandhar, the birthplace of Gandhi,…

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Games films play

It’s incredible how a minor change to one’s routine — like paying a visit to the neighbourhood playground — can make you part of fascinating experiences. At a corporation ground near Valluvar Kottam after sunset, I saw a unique game being played by slum kids. They’d take their position about 10 yards from a light…

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