AMMA - Makkalaal Naan Makkalukkaka Naan

Homage to AMMA (1948 - 2016) - [From a MGR Follower to Fan to True Follower to AMMA Follower]

Iron Lady who fought for Love, Affection from her birth till the Last day of her life. The Love , Affection , Respect she got from people of all ages 5th Night and 6th December 2016 is the ultimate showering which she couldn't see or hear or feel. You have to be in Rajaji Hall to see and believe the outpouring of grief the common people showered when they saw the mortal remains of 'their beloved ÁMMA'.  The grief poured out from the heart when women cried out ÁMMA' - who is their now to take care of us. Yes, finally a leader who truly wanted to serve the people of downtrodden -  the various welfare schemes are the legacy she leaves behind.

AMMA's life from the beginning itself is filled with Sorrow and Desperation. Lost her father when she is 2 years old - who squandered the wealth by gambling and other means. Mother who has to support the 2 children single-handedly by making a career through acting. AMMA missed her mother dearly as whenever she wanted her mother was not there with her -during the school functions, during her birthdays etc., AMMA understood the circumstances which forced her mother not to be with them always. AMMA excelled in studies during her school days and had got awards as an outstanding student in school.

AMMA when circumstances forced her to become an actor , which she was not interested at all - she excelled in films too - nearly 140 films and during her peak she was the highest paid actor(ess) in whole of Indian Film Industry. Her relationship with MGR - her mentor in Film Industry - in Politics which shaped her life completely. Her relationship with MGR which made her join Politics - became Propaganda secretary - Rajya Sabha MP - then General Secretary - to Chief Minister of Tamilnadu.

In Films there were so many instances when she was insulted by very people who was close to MGR - as they don't want her to become close to MGR - MGR Supported her / helped her - but MGR in later times disowned her also.

In Politics during that time late 1970's to Early 80's when she started her career with the help and support of MGR - blossomed to be a Propaganda Secretary in AIADMK to Rajya Sabha MP - many instances where she was insulted - attacked - faced wrath from the DMK politicians - during that time street meetings were held to insult AMMA - you have to hear to believe what they spoke in those meetings.

Who can forget the insult she faced during the last months / days of MGR - even during the day when MGR was announced dead - nobody allowed her to see MGR's face in Ramavaram Gardens - all the doors were closed - and in the Rajaji Hall - all the Janaki Ammals' women friends and relatives would stand behind AMMA and pinch her, kick her, hit her from behind - as AMMA was standing near the cortege of her beloved mentor MGR  - to get her move our from their. It was her indomitable will which made her stand there for 13 hours on first day and 8 hours on second day continuously - she didn't moved an inch from that place. The ultimate is throwing her out from the gun carriage when she tried to get in.

History will not rest, without mentioning the insults she faced at the assembly in 1987 - the same assembly which stood in rapt attention, mesmerised by her eloquent speeches, she stood like a towering personality - nobody could match her charismatic personality and her brilliance.

She became chief minister  - she single handedly won the state and parliament elections --> 1991 - 1996; 2001 - 2006; 2011 - 2016 and 2016;

Administratively she was brilliant at the way which she drove tamilnadu into one of the model developed state in India - made Tamilnadu an Automatic Industrial Hub - developed the services industry (Paved the growth of Tamilnadu in IT Sector); Scores of welfare schemes - thottil kuzhandhai scheme, AMMA Unavagam etc., , innumerable welface schemes..

During 2006 - 2011 -- she drove the Government staffs to bow before her when they went onto strike and she successfully nullified it. She muzzled the might of the Government staffs by running the show - when everybody thought she cannot do that.

There are highs and lows in her political life as in her Life - but she fought all alone and in all the fights she won - that too all alone.  It was truly remarkable that she with no political family support and alone single-handedly fought and won in this male dominated and feudalistic mentality of political world - she successfully made a mark in Regional as well as in National Politics.

It was unbelievable show of emotion by people - Makkalukka Naan - which the people believed - the people who are coming and paying the respects to her Samadhi - last resting place - it was not a crowd which was brought or bought - it was a crowd which came from all over tamilnadu just to show their love and affection to their beloved ÁMMA'

Will the world see another AMMA!!! It won't.

Rest well AMMA !!!!

Kabali Review - Aug 01 2016

Kabali Review from a Die-Hard Thalaivar Fan

Watched Kabali on Saturday at INOX Movies - CitiCentre RK Salai.

How was the Film?

Film was Good. Mixed Feelings. Started well - went into a emotional mood - trying to show the other side of Rajini - Emotive scenes (During the Lunch session in Ameer's House showing his son not eating the biryani) - In Free Life Foundation - Rythvika shouting at Rajini - Might have looked good on Screen Play writing - but in the film doesn't gelled for me.. Looked Plastic.. Ranjith showed thoses scenes to justify the emotive look for Rajini and to show he is taking a rajini film different and in his own way... I think Ranjith could have restricted the emotional scene with Rajini going to his old house and remembering all the old memories - that was good - it created a lump on the throat.. Even the Free life farewell day - it was a bit dragging with the flashback and all..It wa a drag - those scenes definitely slowed down the movie after it started with a bang!!!

Did the film met the expectations?

First what is the expectation.. What do we want to see - do we want to see Rajini fighting / flying et all or wanted him to do some comedy scenes (yes, it was sorely missed) - I didn't get the logic of Ranjith that this film doesn't need a comedy.. singing duet songs.. really at the end somehow missed everything.

Is it a Pa, Ranjith Film (What is a Ranjith Film????)?

Critics whom I appreciate like Baradwaj Rangan - did said that Rajnith Character development of characters - introducing / bringing them into the groove etc., was not there - yes - characters like Jeeva, Manimaran, Even Rythvika, or the Free Life Foundation Lady - even the introduction of Jeeva to Rajini - all looked artificial.  I think Ameer character was not a good selection - it deserved some other person - that character didn't lasted in my mind..


Is it a Rajini Film?

Nope - that is the billion dollar question???? even say it was an enigma.. I missed the comedy.. good songs !!!!

How was Rajini - did we saw a Kali of Moondru Mudichu!!!! (Can we see a Kali now)... Lots of Questions..

He was charismatics - great screen presence - he really lifted the film - carried the film on his shoulders - it could have been a great - missed it by a length - even the scene where he got shot - that looked bit artificial - Rajini and Radhika Apte did great when they saw each other - dhansika was good - Ranjith wanted to show some characters which maniratnam did in Nayagan and Dhalapathi - like tinu anand - here it was tiger (Climax he is coming and in the background while running the end credits we heard a gunshot!!!) like dhalapathi - maran talking with 43 gang and after informing that to Kabali and going ahead with the plan ..

How was the Music? - Me being a Hardcore ARR fan - listened to the songs only once (that too for Rajini).. So don't want to say anything more.. For me music was a dampener..damp squib etc.,

Actions were good - scene of rajini with Seeni at his place - action scene at the Pondicherry house - action scene at the Thailand - climax scene - cinematography was good.. Naser scenes didn't gelled well - the main problematic entrée was Villain - a great villain was needed to lift the film it wasn't here - Sivaji had suman - endhiran has rajini himself playing a villain - chandramukhi had jyothika enacting powerful scenes with the alien theme - Padayappa has nilambari etc., Choice of characters - Ranjith didn't do justice..

At the end - yes Rajini was shown different.. Rajini Was Magical ... Rajini did hit the Bulls'eye with this film.. Yes Rajini fans will like him..  May not be a milestone film or path breaking film -- but yes it was a very very very successful film..

Rating - 3.5 / 5 - 3 to Rajini and .5 to Ranjith for making a different rajini film..

Kabali Review - Aug 01 2016

Kabali Review from a Die-Hard Thalaivar Fan

Watched Kabali on Saturday at INOX Movies - CitiCentre RK Salai.

How was the Film?

Film was Good. Mixed Feelings. Started well - went into a emotional mood - trying to show the other side of Rajini - Emotive scenes (During the Lunch session in Ameer's House showing his son not eating the biryani) - In Free Life Foundation - Rythvika shouting at Rajini - Might have looked good on Screen Play writing - but in the film doesn't gelled for me.. Looked Plastic.. Ranjith showed thoses scenes to justify the emotive look for Rajini and to show he is taking a rajini film different and in his own way... I think Ranjith could have restricted the emotional scene with Rajini going to his old house and remembering all the old memories - that was good - it created a lump on the throat.. Even the Free life farewell day - it was a bit dragging with the flashback and all..It wa a drag - those scenes definitely slowed down the movie after it started with a bang!!!

Did the film met the expectations?

First what is the expectation.. What do we want to see - do we want to see Rajini fighting / flying et all or wanted him to do some comedy scenes (yes, it was sorely missed) - I didn't get the logic of Ranjith that this film doesn't need a comedy.. singing duet songs.. really at the end somehow missed everything.

Is it a Pa, Ranjith Film (What is a Ranjith Film????)?

Critics whom I appreciate like Baradwaj Rangan - did said that Rajnith Character development of characters - introducing / bringing them into the groove etc., was not there - yes - characters like Jeeva, Manimaran, Even Rythvika, or the Free Life Foundation Lady - even the introduction of Jeeva to Rajini - all looked artificial.  I think Ameer character was not a good selection - it deserved some other person - that character didn't lasted in my mind..


Is it a Rajini Film?

Nope - that is the billion dollar question???? even say it was an enigma.. I missed the comedy.. good songs !!!!

How was Rajini - did we saw a Kali of Moondru Mudichu!!!! (Can we see a Kali now)... Lots of Questions..

He was charismatics - great screen presence - he really lifted the film - carried the film on his shoulders - it could have been a great - missed it by a length - even the scene where he got shot - that looked bit artificial - Rajini and Radhika Apte did great when they saw each other - dhansika was good - Ranjith wanted to show some characters which maniratnam did in Nayagan and Dhalapathi - like tinu anand - here it was tiger (Climax he is coming and in the background while running the end credits we heard a gunshot!!!) like dhalapathi - maran talking with 43 gang and after informing that to Kabali and going ahead with the plan ..

How was the Music? - Me being a Hardcore ARR fan - listened to the songs only once (that too for Rajini).. So don't want to say anything more.. For me music was a dampener..damp squib etc.,

Actions were good - scene of rajini with Seeni at his place - action scene at the Pondicherry house - action scene at the Thailand - climax scene - cinematography was good.. Naser scenes didn't gelled well - the main problematic entrée was Villain - a great villain was needed to lift the film it wasn't here - Sivaji had suman - endhiran has rajini himself playing a villain - chandramukhi had jyothika enacting powerful scenes with the alien theme - Padayappa has nilambari etc., Choice of characters - Ranjith didn't do justice..

At the end - yes Rajini was shown different.. Rajini Was Magical ... Rajini did hit the Bulls'eye with this film.. Yes Rajini fans will like him..  May not be a milestone film or path breaking film -- but yes it was a very very very successful film..

Rating - 3.5 / 5 - 3 to Rajini and .5 to Ranjith for making a different rajini film..

Kabali Review - Aug 01 2016

Kabali Review from a Die-Hard Thalaivar Fan

Watched Kabali on Saturday at INOX Movies - CitiCentre RK Salai.

How was the Film?

Film was Good. Mixed Feelings. Started well - went into a emotional mood - trying to show the other side of Rajini - Emotive scenes (During the Lunch session in Ameer's House showing his son not eating the biryani) - In Free Life Foundation - Rythvika shouting at Rajini - Might have looked good on Screen Play writing - but in the film doesn't gelled for me.. Looked Plastic.. Ranjith showed thoses scenes to justify the emotive look for Rajini and to show he is taking a rajini film different and in his own way... I think Ranjith could have restricted the emotional scene with Rajini going to his old house and remembering all the old memories - that was good - it created a lump on the throat.. Even the Free life farewell day - it was a bit dragging with the flashback and all..It wa a drag - those scenes definitely slowed down the movie after it started with a bang!!!

Did the film met the expectations?

First what is the expectation.. What do we want to see - do we want to see Rajini fighting / flying et all or wanted him to do some comedy scenes (yes, it was sorely missed) - I didn't get the logic of Ranjith that this film doesn't need a comedy.. singing duet songs.. really at the end somehow missed everything.

Is it a Pa, Ranjith Film (What is a Ranjith Film????)?

Critics whom I appreciate like Baradwaj Rangan - did said that Rajnith Character development of characters - introducing / bringing them into the groove etc., was not there - yes - characters like Jeeva, Manimaran, Even Rythvika, or the Free Life Foundation Lady - even the introduction of Jeeva to Rajini - all looked artificial.  I think Ameer character was not a good selection - it deserved some other person - that character didn't lasted in my mind..


Is it a Rajini Film?

Nope - that is the billion dollar question???? even say it was an enigma.. I missed the comedy.. good songs !!!!

How was Rajini - did we saw a Kali of Moondru Mudichu!!!! (Can we see a Kali now)... Lots of Questions..

He was charismatics - great screen presence - he really lifted the film - carried the film on his shoulders - it could have been a great - missed it by a length - even the scene where he got shot - that looked bit artificial - Rajini and Radhika Apte did great when they saw each other - dhansika was good - Ranjith wanted to show some characters which maniratnam did in Nayagan and Dhalapathi - like tinu anand - here it was tiger (Climax he is coming and in the background while running the end credits we heard a gunshot!!!) like dhalapathi - maran talking with 43 gang and after informing that to Kabali and going ahead with the plan ..

How was the Music? - Me being a Hardcore ARR fan - listened to the songs only once (that too for Rajini).. So don't want to say anything more.. For me music was a dampener..damp squib etc.,

Actions were good - scene of rajini with Seeni at his place - action scene at the Pondicherry house - action scene at the Thailand - climax scene - cinematography was good.. Naser scenes didn't gelled well - the main problematic entrée was Villain - a great villain was needed to lift the film it wasn't here - Sivaji had suman - endhiran has rajini himself playing a villain - chandramukhi had jyothika enacting powerful scenes with the alien theme - Padayappa has nilambari etc., Choice of characters - Ranjith didn't do justice..

At the end - yes Rajini was shown different.. Rajini Was Magical ... Rajini did hit the Bulls'eye with this film.. Yes Rajini fans will like him..  May not be a milestone film or path breaking film -- but yes it was a very very very successful film..

Rating - 3.5 / 5 - 3 to Rajini and .5 to Ranjith for making a different rajini film..

Blog Post after 2 years - From Sify Desk Chennai - 28th June 2016.

Blog Post after 2 years - From Sify Desk Chennai - 28th June 2016.

Tamilnadu : AMMA returned to power in the 2016 May General Election for Tamilnadu Assembly held in the month of May (16th to be precise) 2016 by getting 132 seats. After MGR - 34 years - ruling party has come back to power in tamilnadu. Amma has done it.. DMK has bagged about 89 seats - in recent times an opposition has bagged good number of seats. Makkal Koottani - consists of DMDK, VC, CPI, CPI(M), TMC and Vaiko were trounced in the elections. Not able to win a single seat and nearly lost deposits in all the seats. PMK went alone and got trounced also. Seeman bragged but he also got decimated losing all the seats - deposits. Amma has started well by signing about 5 poll promises - Closing of 500 TASMAC Shops, 8 Gram gold for Marriage - to graduate poor girls (increase from 4 gm gold), Loan waiver for all types of Farmers, Educational Loans for Students..

In recent times - precise to be in last two weeks sudden increase in the Killings of individuals, families etc., Most horrendous crime is killing of an IT Techie from Infosys while she was waiting to board the train in Nungambakkam Railway station in broad daylight - 6:45 AM. Police has started raiding the rowdy dens and arresting the so called rowdies till yesterday arrested about 1150 people in chennai alone. The same has been done in other cities of Tamilnadu particularly in Madurai, Thoothukudi.

IPL 2016: IPL 8th edition was won by SRH captained by David Warner beating Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore. David and Virat were in excellent form especially virat scoring 900 runs in a season. Virat was in different league this time - may be the form of his life. He scored in all the matches may be two matches he would not have scored - also scoring 4 hundreds in this IPL which is a phenomenal record. Overall this IPL was better - game is changing bowlers are using different strategies Yorker on the leg stump, yorker and bowling outside the off, using the bouncers / short ball judiciously, Low full tosses etc., Batting also has improved considerably well - 15 - 18 runs in the last overs have become gettable targets.  MI floundered this time - last time winners not able to reach the semifinals / elimination rounds. With great strength and also having great backup team MI as usual promised much but delivered less.

National: MODI as usual done lots of overseas travels getting the support for India but NSG membership couldnot materialise. India's name was in the top of investment list - FDI improved but nothing great to show. Now in nearly 9 industries - Defence, Food Processing, Airlines etc. 100% FDI opened - we need to see how the investments are coming. Domestically nothing to show - BJP is showing some improvements by winning the ASSAM elections but still the polarisation is being propaganded in the states where the elections are being held - like in UP where the migration of people in Kairana were being projected but in reality nothing like that has happened - investigations have shown.

Cricket: New coach for indian cricket team has been announced - Anil Kumble. It was a very good decision. With 17 test matches this season with 13 home tests anil kumble experience would be very good both for bowlers and batters. Though his appointment is for 1 year only - but really this is a good appointment.

Other Sports : NBA Cleveland Cavaliers winning this year NBA title beating Golden State Warriors coming from behind 3-1 to win 4-3 - first time in NBA history team winning the title coming from behind. Real Madrid winning the UEFA champions league. Leicester City winning the EPL 2016. Olympics in Rio this year - let's see how india is going to fare this year. With Zika virus scare is spreading - we need to see how the Olympics is going to be as brazil is financially and politically in turmoil. UEFA euro 2016 is underway with major upsets of Spain and England going out of the tournament in the round of 16 losing to Italy and Iceland respectively.

From the Desk in Sify - Night of October 29 2014

After 6 months writing a Blog.. A sudden thought of writing a blog - waiting to do an errand - Personal Work - bored of reading newspaper sites - logged into my blog account.

New Government : New Government of Modi got into business, nearly 6 months over. All over the top promises made by them during the election rallies all forgotten by them as well by the media and public. Nothing great done till now except good speeches made by Modi Saab. Already visited US, Look east policy visited Bhutan, now Vietnam head of state is in our country. Also made a speech in UN, Grand Hero welcome party given by NRI's there.. China and Japan heads of government has visited our country. Today when the Black Money case came up in court - after court rapped the government  - submitted a list of 627 persons - Court gave that list to SIT - which states that the list is same as given by the Government in July 14.. This list is of people who are owning accounts in France - Not in SWISS Banks. Who is the **** here????  Modi told that within 100 days he will bring back the Black Money. Another topic today is FM telling CAG not to sensationalise the Audit report and their values. Toeing the same line as of UPA. 

Tamilnadu : A great setback to Amma - in the DA case, after 18 years , special court gave sentence to Amma, and 3 other accused sasikala, ilavarasi and sudhakaran. It was a major blow to Amma and to AIADMK. The case was filed that Jayalalithaa amassed assets disproportionally - more than what the income she earned - during the first period as CM 1991-96;  4 years and 100 Crore fine is the sentence given by the special court. Now a new law has been passed that if the Court has passed the sentence to a public servant under Prevention of corruption act - he/she cannot stand for the elections for 6 years and also the for the amount of sentence given and also lose the status of elected post immediately. So technically Amma cannot be the CM as she lose the MLA position and including the sentence of 4 years for next 10 years she cannot be MLA or CM unless her review petition becomes successful - cancelling the sentence provided by Special Court. Fali S Nariman appeared on behalf of Amma in Supreme court and the bail was granted after the first appeal made at High Court through Ram Jethmalani was dismissed.