family
Pockets of Time
"Pockets of Time" In the bustling city of Strathmore, Alex, a dedicated museum curator with a penchant for history, stumbles upon an archaeological marvel during an excavation. Among the artifacts uncovered, an ancient pocket watch catches Alex's attention. Little does Alex know that this seemingly ordinary timepiece holds the key to a remarkable journey through the ages.
By Kiruthika Gopalakrishnan3 years ago in Fiction
The Last Piece Of Him
I don't want to replace them. I stare at the boots, more brown than black from the layers of sun baked mud. The cracks I've tried to hide are like wrinkles, baring the truth of their age for everyone to see. The only thing new on the shoes are the laces, a poor attempt at trying to extend my time with the boots. Already, they are already dusty from the fields today, much like the white socks I wore on my feet.
By Alexandria Stanwyck3 years ago in Fiction
"Sivakarthikeyan's Extraterrestrial Adventure in 'Ayalaan': A Rollercoaster Ride of Fun Chemistry in an Uneven Film"
Director Ravikumar's much-anticipated venture, 'Ayalaan,' featuring the dynamic duo of Sivakarthikeyan and Sharad Kelkar, brings a blend of sci-fi fun with a touch of whimsy through the inclusion of a cute alien. However, despite its potential, the film falls victim to the constraints imposed by financial challenges, resulting in a prolonged six-year production journey. Ravikumar, known for gifting Tamil cinema the delightful sci-fi offering 'Indru Netru Naalai,' grappled to bring 'Ayalaan' to fruition, a struggle that finally culminated in its release just before Pongal. Let's delve into whether 'Ayalaan' lives up to the expectations set by its director's previous success and manages to captivate the audience in this Pongal release. The narrative follows Tamizh (Sivakarthikeyan), an earnest youngster leading a simple life in Poombarai, who ventures to Chennai in pursuit of better job opportunities. Concurrently, a scientist (Sharad Kelkar) and his subordinate (Isha Koppikar) possess a crystal called Spark, harboring plans to attain unparalleled power by orchestrating the end of the world. The plot takes an unexpected turn when an alien named Tattoo descends upon Earth, seeking the crystal. Sivakarthikeyan joins forces with the extraterrestrial visitor to thwart the scientist's sinister plans and save the world. Conceptually, 'Ayalaan' mirrors the simplicity found in 'Indru Netru Naalai.' If the latter featured a time machine, the former revolves around a crystal. The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer maintains its identity as a sci-fi film, interwoven with comedy and social messages. In 'Ayalaan,' the audience receives subtle messages about environmental consciousness and the importance of animal conservation. Ravikumar's directorial venture, 'Ayalaan,' promises a delightful cinematic experience but falters due to an uneven screenplay. The initial sequences serve as a stark reminder of the film's prolonged hiatus, reflecting the challenges it faced over the years. However, as soon as the alien character makes its entrance, the narrative gains momentum, injecting a sense of excitement and engagement. Sivakarthikeyan's on-screen chemistry with the alien character is a highlight, contributing to the film's enjoyment. Additionally, the presence of a stellar cast, including the talented Yogi Babu and the in-form Karunakaran, enhances the overall viewing experience, making the first half a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
By Mohan Mohan3 years ago in Fiction
"Sriram Raghavan's 'Merry Christmas' Review: A Delectable Crime Thriller Elevated by Vijay Sethupathi's Stellar Performance"
Sriram Raghavan's recent cinematic endeavor, "Merry Christmas," astounds audiences by pairing the unexpected duo of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi as the leads. Renowned for his adept storytelling in crime, passion, and mystery, Raghavan introduces us to a compelling, deliberate Neo-noir that unfolds against the backdrop of Bombay's lively Christmas celebration. The core of the narrative revolves around Albert and Maria, brought to life by Sethupathi and Kaif, respectively. These two solitary individuals chance upon each other in a restaurant on Christmas night, and their connection deepens as they traverse the illuminated streets of Bombay. Layers of discontent in Maria's marriage and a veil of mystery surrounding Albert's past unravel, yet the newfound bond takes a sinister turn when a lifeless body is discovered in Maria's apartment, injecting confusion and suspicion. Crafted by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey, the screenplay deviates from Raghavan's usual modus operandi in the first half. Rather than relying on the anticipated twists and turns, the film unfolds as a nuanced conversation between two strangers, akin to the Before Sunrise series. The initial focus is on Kaif and Sethupathi's characters engaging in dialogues and leisurely strolls through Bombay. Despite the absence of immediate suspense, the story unfolds organically, mirroring the pacing of a well-crafted novel. Adapted from Frédéric Dard's "Bird In A Cage," the film skillfully tailors the source material to Indian sensibilities. The screenplay gradually unveils the hidden truths of the characters, keeping the audience invested without resorting to constant suspense. The outcome is a captivating film that doesn't demand a perpetual edge-of-the-seat experience but successfully immerses viewers in the lives of the characters. The screenplay is enriched with easter eggs and pop culture references, a hallmark of Raghavan's films. Early pulp fictions, nods to classics, and retro music seamlessly integrate into the narrative. The second half introduces the anticipated twist, elevating the pace and intensifying the audience's engagement with the unfolding story. Undoubtedly, the casting emerges as one of the film's strongest assets. Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi deliver stellar performances as Maria and Albert, respectively. Sethupathi, renowned for his acting prowess, embodies Albert as a do-gooder ensnared in an unforeseen murky situation. His interaction with Anne, portrayed by child actor Pari Sharma, stands out, showcasing the actor's ability to forge organic chemistry with young co-stars. Kaif's evolution as a performer is palpable, with "Merry Christmas" arguably marking her best performance to date. From her early days as a model to becoming a prominent figure in action blockbusters, Kaif seamlessly embraces the role of Maria – elusive, tragic, mysterious, and hauntingly beautiful. Together, Kaif and Sethupathi create on-screen magic that surpasses expectations. The supporting cast, featuring Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Radhika Apte, Tinu Anand, Pratima Kazmi, and Ashwini Kalsekar, injects the right amount of quirkiness, characteristic of Raghavan's noir style. Madhu Neelakandan's cinematography beautifully frames the narrative, capturing the essence of Bombay's festive streets. Daniel B George's background score enhances the storytelling, with Raghavan opting for music over dialogues in the climax. Notably, the Hindi version's climax reportedly differs from the Tamil version.
By Mohan Mohan3 years ago in Fiction
The Lost Little Duck
This story has been written in response to L.C. Schäfer's proposal to spend 2024 losing my mind...sorry, I mean, choosing to write a microfiction story every day, making 366 stories for every day of this lovely leap year. You can check her original story out here:
By Rachel Deeming3 years ago in Fiction
The life of a Soldier
In the quaint town of Willowvale, Sergeant Mark Reynolds returned from the front lines, his heart filled with the warmth of love and the promise of a new beginning. He had married the love of his life, Emily, just a month ago, their vows exchanged amidst the uncertainty of his deployment.
By himanshu Sharma3 years ago in Fiction
A Plumeria to Remember
I brought a plumeria with me today. Sitting at the spot. You know the spot. Where we would sit. Where the sea air catches against the palms and filters down the long fronds and we would feel the chills course through our bodies. As I feel those chills flow through my body and shiver, I remember. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time we sat there. The first time I reached over to you and pulled you in close to rest your head against my body. To warm you.
By Paul Stewart3 years ago in Fiction
