Now!

It's ok to cry

Don't ask why

Just cry

Now. 

It's ok to shut

Don't say but 

Just shut

Now. 

It's ok to end

Don't await amend

Just end

Now. 

Yes, now

Don't wonder how

Just now

Now.

Wow!

'Cz today's now is tomorrow's then

If not now, when?

It's now!

Fourteen Years as Locomente

All through the day today,  I thought about what to write on this blog anniversary.  Fourteen years sounded overwhelming to me. In fact, this is one of the longest connections in my life - my alter ego. 

Locomente has brought several changes in my life. Or rather brought more perspectives and urged me to look at things more vividly. It has nudged me to be more present when I watch a movie or read a book so that I could come back and write a more meaningful review.  It has taught me the joy of writing haiku and micro fiction; yes - so much can be said with so less. 

As i write less and less these days in my blog, i also know that doesn't mean I don't do less of any of these things.  Maybe I am just not posting enough. 

I have trying to reinvent Locomente. This process has been going on for a while and I am sure that this is going to be lifelong endeavor. Someday I might just find the true potential of Locomente. I am very hopeful of that.  In fact I am relentlessly waiting for that day as I continue to be present and mindful. Well, those are the key thing that Locomente has taught me. My precious learnings. I am truly glad for that.  

Also grateful for everyone who have been part of this journey.  All of you count in shaping Locomente over all these years.  Meanwhile I will strive to hold on to the childish curiosity and zeal that Locomente symbolises to me. 

Happy birthday Locomente!

The craziest mind i have ever known... ! 

(Gladly so)

Miles to go before I sleep...

Hridayapoorvam: A Movie Review

One of the most anticipated movies this Onam -  Hridayapurvam - led brilliantly by Mohanlal and directed by Satyanandikar. This is one movie that you can just go to the theatres with your friends and family and just feel the calm. It's just so beautiful that I am sure that when you walk out of the cinema you will have this little smile.

There is a certain sincerity that flows through the story. Kudos to the screenplay writer Sonu who has done a brilliant job. It's very simple and the beauty lies in the dialogues and in the pauses. There is something very natural about it that it almost feels like the story is happening right in front of our eyes and we are also participating in that. There are multiple characters here and everyone has an arc and a role to play. They all are brilliant. There are three star-studded cameos which takes us by surprise and lets us cheer. 

Mohanlal with his subtle eye movements and pauses and blink of eyes and smile and gestures captures the character of Sandeep Balakrishnan very beautifully. There is this sincerity in the role he plays that we feel for him and we root for him. There is actually a small storyline that passes through the film which can become borderline controversial but it is managed and handled with so much delicacy that it's a delight to watch. We also get to see Sangeeta Prasad after a very long period of time which takes us through nostalgic. Malavika Mohan plays a  tricky character and she has done reasonably well. sangeeth Prasad and his timing is impeccable and hilarious. 

So go for it. It's a very very beautiful and feel good movie!

Coolie - Movie Review

Coolie,  written and directed by Lokesh Kanakaraj, is a wonderful ode to the superstar's style and acting skills. It captures his charm, mischief, humor, emotions and the villainous traits. And he just aces it with his usual addictive grace. In short, this is a paisa vasool for a fan who has enjoyed him in movies like Aarilirundhu Arubadhu Varai, Padikkadhavan, Basha, Thalapathy and even Muthu flashback. Hidden within his charm is a melancholy, often reflected in his eyes. That vulnerability dictates why he has been the undeniable superstar for 50 years! That's a minimum of 5 generations!!

Coolie is one of the rare movies where most of the assemble cast have a character arc. They leave a mark. Needless to say, Soubin Shahir is the show stealer as the menacing villain. Nagarjuna, to be honest, was too charming to be a scary villain. Sudeep has a wonderful supporting role. Aamir's character was the least expected, in a good way indeed. The glitch, if I must say, is Shruthi Hassan's character. It appeared underdeveloped and lacked any spunk. She aced the emotional scenes and mostly came across timid, damsel in never ending distress. I hoped for an Agent Tina like spin off. It was disappointing. On the contrary,  Rachita Ram's solid character was brilliant.

The saturated hues, close up shots of the superstar and the wide shots at the harbor are well done by the cinematographer, Girish Gangadharan. In one of the interviews,  Lokesh said there are separate bound scripts each for direction and editing. The crisp editing really works, especially considering the saga with multiple flashbacks are conveyed effectively. Good job by editor Philomin Raj. Honestly, I didn't enjoy any of the singles. But it totally worked as part of the movie. Uyirnadi Nanbane hit in a different level. And the unexpected BGM during the fight sequence at the mansion was entertaining. Anirudh rocks!

Overall, this is a wholesome entertainer. Glad that it has A certificate because the violence, as usual, is another level. Highly recommend it for a theatrical experience. Kudos to Lokesh for delivering a movie that aligns with his cinematic aesthetics yet blends artfully into the expectations of superstar's fans

When my Home Speaks...

As I stand still and quiet, watching you breathe,

I hold the echoes of your laughter, your sighs beneath.

You ask what I think—of you, of us—

My dear, you are the reason I exist, thus.

When you wander restless from corner to chair,

I cradle your silence, I soften your despair.

You say I put up with your boredom, your moods—

I see them as rhythms, your own soulful truths.

Every chip in my paint, every creak in my frame,

Is marked by your presence, not worn out in shame.

You’ve given me purpose, filled me with grace,

With every soft glance and each lived-in trace.

You call me shelter, but I call you spark,

The warmth in my wood, the light in my dark.

You dance through my rooms like sunlight in folds,

I hold you in quiet when the evening grows cold.

Where you unravel, I gather you close,

In your stillness, I bloom like a hidden rose.

You lean on my walls when the world feels too loud,

I stand tall beside you, quiet and proud.

You and I—imperfect, complete,

You bring the soul, I bring the seat.

When you’re worn thin, I offer retreat,

And when I seem empty, your presence repeats.

We complement like moon and tide,

You carry the storms, I hold you inside.

Not just your shelter, I am your skin,

A witness to all that pulses within.

I hear your heart thanking me

But my love, I want to thank you for making me your home.

I am home because of you!