ashokism...
Jan 17, 2025
Cats
These ceramic cats sitting in my showcase... were bought by my mom in the harvest day auction held at the TELC Salvation Church, Madurai. Must be the year 1984 or 85. So these cute cats are atleast 40 years old !
Jan 16, 2025
Jan 15, 2025
Ashokism award 2024 - Kottukkaali and Meiyazhagan
1. Kottukkaali ( the adamant girl) - the 'international' Tamil film by P.S Vinothraj , the director who debuted with Koolankal. In his second movie kottukkaali, Vinod proves that he is no 'one movie wonder'. I greatly admire Vinod's story telling style that is minimalistic yet punchy in presentation. The symbolisms and visual metaphors are spot on. This is artistry at its best and true mastery in film making.
Again like his earlier film, this too is a road movie. Vinod's use of long shots, camera point of views, pauses, ariel shots, etc make the watch enjoyable. He has weaved caste, cultural and social issues,superstitions, gender inequalities, patriarchy, etc into a story and thrown the climax as a question into the hands of his audience. Thats brilliance! Also Vinod's bold decision to avoid music has worked well.
Soori and Anna Ben have given outstanding performances as leads. All the supporting crew have given natural performances. Camera work by Shakthivel is exemplary. Easily the best film of the year for me.
Jan 14, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 12, 2025
Jan 9, 2025
Jan 8, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
Dinner with Architects...
A dinner with fellow Architects Stephen Chow, Terry Tang and Abhishek Srivastava at the Sette mara restaurant at the St Regis, Mumbai. Stephen and Terry are from Hongkong. Since it was Terry's first India visit, he was eager to tryout Indian food. So our hotel GM ensured we get some authentic Mugalai and north Indian dishes from the Chef at Sahib room.
With Stephen and Terry |
Impressive matchbox wall |
Mugalai biriyani, Naan and butter chicken |
Kesar Phirni |
Gulab jamun - Shahi de jaam |
18 Dec 2024