'Revolution in Malayalam movie industry.'

'Don't waste time on watching movies, the useless time killers!' I brought up hearing this from every angle.  But, watching genuine movies is as much as meaningful as reading novels. Novels convey the VIBGYOR in life; movies too do. How food and beverages to body; books and movies to mind. I couldn't visit many places, I couldn't meet more people and I couldn’t experience more life; but, unknown facets of life flowed to me through movies and books. For me, movies and books are the best universities. I do rate people by understanding the types of books he/she reads or movies he/she watches. Literature and art transmit superlative feel. But, taste varies from man to animal. After reading a novel or watching a movie, if you didn't undergo a transformation, then the particular novel or movie seems to be waste. A positive change to my 'thinking stream' is what I anticipate from a movie; the alchemist.

I watch English and Malayalam movies and none from any other language. I started watching English movies after my laptop purchase; which happened 3 years back. I am a sheer lover of classic movies in both my mother language and universal language. I appreciate and criticize movies right from heart on ground of my personal perception. A box office hit movie may be a flop movie to me and vice versa. I believe that standard of beholders will judge the financial success of a movie rather than the standard of the movie. Many times I remained silent in movie theaters when the whole crowd laugh out loudly; either something is wrong with me or with the movie. I see many film-posters in Bangalore since last 3 years, on which blood, knife, sword and pistol are notably displayed to attract prey. Here art value encounters in front of the majority of public need; also, a constraint is being formed to the minority of public who love the art form called movie!   

If movie is a food item, actor is waiter and director is chef. So, I admire more those who work at the back end. Actors should apply their flair in garnishing the feel and expressions and exhibit which the director indented to explore. It should evolve from the solid understanding between the director and actor and the consideration towards the realty of life. I hate exaggerations and superstitions on movies. 

From past 5 - 7 years I was disappointed by the standard of most of the new Malayalam movies and happy with the eminence of Hollywood movies and avoided watching new Malayalam movies. Heroism has spoiled the splendor of 'god's own movies'. I found glory with the movies like Godfather series, a beautiful mind, the departed, no country for old men... Etc... But, things have been changing nowadays in Malayalam film industry. A trend is rising and quality-movies are being made. 

The names I like the most in Malayalam film industry are Padmarajan, Bharathan, Sathyan anthikad, Sibi Malayil, Lohithadas, Sreenivasan, Ranjith, Raveendran, Ilayaraja, Yesudas, Nedumudi Venu, Thilakan, Mohanlal, Mammootty... Etc... There are even more names whom I admire. I couldn’t have mentioned ‘Adoor Gopalakrishnan’, simply because I haven’t watched any of his movies unfortunately! The aforesaid have engineered and shaped Malayalam film industry into a lively one. I have not mentioned many names knowingly, because I’m not making an essay on the pioneers of Malayalam film industry. Kerala-culture stays alive still through the efforts made by Bharathan or Padmarajan. They have engulfed the healthiest way of living in the society and created strong benchmarks for the ones who wish to know more closer the life.

On pages or screen, every mannerism counting love, lust, sentiments, anger, fright, rage and so on should come out in the raw form instead of reproducing them as a user friendly end product.  This factor depends upon an artist’s guts. An artist (director) should be courageous, independent and blatant. There is no text book-equation made up for the success of a director. The essential capital of such an artist should be something beyond any explanation. Spontaneity and uniqueness should be the symbol of good movies. 

Now, I hear the musical footsteps of new entrants in to Malayalam film industry. They started serving fresh, innovative and nutritious food items rather than serving junk food. I believe that good time have come for Malayalees to cheer up. 

I am a common man who wishes to clap at good's and howl at bad's. Here, I aspire to share my joy with my friends, of watching the kind of movies I wished for. I can't recommend the movie I liked for Oscar awards or National awards; but, surly I can make my friends watch it and sprinkle ecstasy.  

The following are the movies which inspired me to initiate this blog post. It’s a place wherein I put across my feedback on the movies I enjoyed watching and thus showcase proudly. Here I do not wish to praise the grandeur made by the movies like Neelathamara, Bhramaram, Pranayam, Urumi and other super hit movies we have seen over last couple of years. My attempt will reach only the movies which brought the ‘difference’ in a row. 

Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Kadha, Cocktail, Traffic, Salt N Pepper, Apoorvaragam, Thirakkadha, Unnam, Indian Rupee, Pranchiyetan and the saint, Ee adutha kaalath, 22 Female Kottayam, Beautiful, Melvilasam, Chappa Kurissu, Ordinary, Grandmaster, Usthad Hotel, Friday.. Etc... These are some of the movies made me flattered!

Akale, Ritu, Ore Kadal and Arike are unique from diversity. Shyamaprasad stands out among the directors in Malayalam. He brought perfectionism in his movies and the numbers of awards on his show-case show cases his talent. 

‘Akale‘ was a story of an Ango-Eastern family lives in Keralam. Every characters in film possessed distinctiveness in outlook.  Shyamaprasad drew out even minute fragments of their daily life. The movie concealed an overwhelming sense of life from a different angle. Prithviraj’s performance as a writer in the making with no support from surroundings, Sheela’s performance as a helpless possessive mother and Geethu Mohandas’s performance as one with no confidence for the state what she is on pooled as a family on screen and this chemistry made the movie a unforgettable one.  

‘Ritu’ shed the leaves of changes happens in humans over the course of seasons. 3 intimate childhood friends rejoin after a long while in intention to run their life together. The trio represents many friendships seen in new generation without minding gender. Nishan’s role was the vital one in the story. Casting done for Nishan’s brother’s character was outstanding. Rima Kallingal lived in the movie as a metro girl who is unhappy about the family life and fallen in materialistic horizons around her. She was accessible to more than one man at a time; a typical modern girl who is well-educated and independent in modern society who is dare enough to think out of the obsolete box made by generations over years. ‘Ritu’ was a signpost in Malayalam film industry which initiated so called new-generation movies. 

‘Ore kadal’ was made based on a Bengali novel. The protagonist of the story is an unmarried intellectual economist who considers his sexual needs as something which has to be dumped on any girl whom he gets attracted towards. The movie starts from a point at which he cheers up on the death of his only one relative in the world. He loved to live alone without commitments to anyone. Life situations of 2 entirely different humans were the gist of the story. Mammootty and  Meera Jasmine were the best medium which could Shyamaprasad could use for the communication in his mind. The two characters joined for an impulsive reason. But, at a point of time the ratio between lust and love have come into view and it lead the two lives on the screen! Music by Ouseppachan was a vital fator to this movie’s identity.  

'Arike' stood too closer to real life. Shyamaprasad revealed an extremely interesting phase of 'love'. Mamtha, Samvritha,Vineeth, Dileep, Chithra Aiyyer, Urmila Unni, Innocent.. ETC.. have beautifully played thier roles and more presisely, the director took the best out of these artists. I cannot pick out the best performed actor in the movie since everyone did it exceptionally well. The feel which he created through this movie contained a flavour of love, family-bond, compassion and emotion. Music provided the right platform to exhibit the communication meant by the director.

At present, Renjith is my favorite Malayalam director. He is fearless, open to life and dare to explore the uncharted pitch of living. I watched 'Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Kadha'on Asianet with the continuous disturbance of advertisements. Renjith showed the real-life arena of 1950's in Malabar. It was a stupendous investigational story. The most important attraction I met with on this movie was the linguistic slang in the movie. Shwetha menon appeared as a clever, erotic and uneducated ‘Thiya-lady’ in a village in Malabar. She exhibited the attitude of an outstandingly pretty women who got married to a below-average and incapable man. The casting was absolutely appropriate. Mammooty appeared in 3 roles and the final appearance as old man was sharpest in my view. The leading role of Mammootty was of an arrogant feudal landlord who is a ‘natural womanizer’. He kept no boundaries to his ‘biological-needs’. I felt a flavor of Bharathan-movies in this work. The movie took me to some decades back and showered the feel of olden days.

‘Thirakkadha’ is another pioneering work from Renjith. The director beautifully narrated a story of an actor-couple. I recognized the potential of Anoop Menon after watching this movie. Priyamani too played a challenging role. Priyamani’s curvaceous body build and impulsive piece of acting added value to the movie. When I watched this movie, it was rainy out and chill. Having this movie watched inside a chunky blanket was a fascinating experience. In most of the movies, the back ground music will be a vital impact-factor as of in this movie. The surprising story-curves in the movie has penetrated into my mind and conquered. 

  

I watched ‘Pranchiyetan and the saint’ from theater. Most of my friends gave me a worst feedback and comments about the movie. ‘It’s a waste of time and money. It’s rubbish and there is no story in it!’ This was what I thought of this movie before I watch it. But, right from the soothing background music in the beginning, I couldn’t feel the unexpected flow of time! I have seen many ‘Pranchiyettans’ around me in realty. I could say that it’s a sarcastic satire-movie, which unveiled the hidden face of ‘worried-rich people’ in the society.  This work showed that ‘movie is an art of Director’. This movie is Renjith’s reply to every ‘Pranchiyetans in our society’; and a contribution to the social life.  

Renjith’s recent movie is ‘Indian Rupee’. I watched it on the releasing day itself without waiting for any feedbacks from my friends; because, for me ‘Renjith’ is a trusted brand. My expectation from Renjith was huge and he gave it huge! Thilakan played the leading role of the movie. My tears welcomed most of his dialogues. The extraordinary piece of concentration, intelligence and dedication he put in on this movie even at his age was inexplicable! I still couldn’t digest the chemistry behind his performance in this movie. It’s a story held in Kozhikod of a middle class Malayali youngster and his friends. Prithviraj and Reema Kallingal played their role nicely. Jagadi came up with another different possibility of humor. The movie could have been an average one, if Thilakan-factor was not there; he was the alcohol in beer.   

I watched ‘Cocktail’ too late. It’s a remake of a Canadian film called 'Butterfly on wheel'. It conveyed a serious social issue. Anoop Menon and Jayasurya played the 2 vital roles. Rajesh Kumar Aravind, the director made use of the hidden potential in Jayasurya up to a wide range. For me, Jayasurya was ‘just an actor’ who is weak in humor presentation until I watch this movie! A furtive romantic relation between two colleagues in corporate world is something we see in day to day life of this networking society. Followed by the revolution in internet and telecom, everybody enjoyed freedom to channelize affairs as per their private desire. Facebook is also a market-place wherein relationships can be purchased on an impulse on private tastes. We live in a world wherein I or you can launch sexual relationship with anyone whom we like; no religion or social rules would hinder this new generation lifestyle. This contemptible modern-tendency has been considered as a ‘way of living’ in the global materialistic community. A few percentage of global community believes that ‘Marriage and family’ are an orthodox and outdated narrow concept from India; human also should have liberal-sex like animals do. Life should be filled with enjoyments and it should not be sacrificed for the bond called family. So, nowadays ‘values’ are becoming the soiled currencies in the idiot’s wallet. What the upcoming generation needed is an antibiotic injection directly in to the vein, which would cure the disease. Here lies the social significance of ‘Cocktail’. This movie conveyed a strong caution message against the wrong turn of mankind. Malayali youngsters welcomed this new generation-movie with warm applause. 

Arun Kumar Arvind’s second movie was another wondrous piece of work. ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ displayed a different face of ‘married life’ of one cadre of our society. Anoop Menon, Murali Gopi (the script writer as well), Indrajit and Mythili have played key roles. The movie was funny, fast and flamboyant in presentation. Every character in the movie was someone whom we haven’t seen on any movies till now. Murali Gopi acted as a rich entrepreneur with weird psychological and physical characteristics. Indrajith and Mythili showed a happy face of a ‘Below Poverty Line-family’. Nishan and Thanu Shree Ghosh demonstrated a trend existing somewhere in our weak social bonds. The movie was appraised widely as a distinctive one.

Rajesh Pillai’s ‘Traffic’ was a ground-breaking stuff. The presentation was an entirely new-fangled treatment in Malayalam film industry. Sreenivasan and son, Anoop menon, Asif ali, Kunchakko Boban, Ramya Nambisan and team generated an electrifying blow on screen. Story was attention-grabbing and movie had many turning points and wonderful climax. Movie reminded many things. When I saw the crucial death of Vineeth Srenivasan’s character in the movie, I did empathize about the same and thought of  my parents and this was the winning formula of the movie. Whenever I get wedged in traffic, I do remember and scare about the scene I have seen on this movie. There were some minute criticisms on the technical perfection (the driving scenes couldn’t justify the speed) and about some scenes (road clearance efforts by Babu Ezhupunna and crew, which seemed to be quiet artificial). Boby and Sanjay made a great script and Sreenivasan’s guidance could have helped the Director to framework this project better. Kunjakko Boban’ segment reminds about the dangerous monster hidden in every gentlemen; the boundless lust! Not even a single person watched this movie could have opined me that this movie is worthless. This movie gave courage to the upcoming directors to experiment on screen. 

Srinath Rajendran's 'Second show' was special in many aspects like young and talented new crew, background music and reality pulse. Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne made a warm entry to film field through their genuine show on the movie. I was amazed to get a Hollywood feel out of this movie. The way of ending lives and relations being shown were interesting and judicial to the ground reality. Hero lost his heroine with the most common reason. Theme, cast, music, story, humor.. Etc.. made the movie an outstanding one.

 

Salt N Pepper and 22 Female Kottayam were such an outstanding family pack of products from the director Ashiq Abu. Salt N Pepper made history and made benchmarks for the futuristic movies. As the name says, food is the main feel of the movie. I watched this movie when I was hungry and it literally drove me crazy. Baburaj, Lal, Asif ali and Shwetha Menon have done a wonderful job. Baburaj came out from the label of rowdy to a humor-machine by this comedy thriller movie. The director brought out even the minute portions of comedy which can happen according to the situation. The story was an absolutely innovative one and everyone enjoyed watching it over and over. The movie released without major publicity. But, after a week of release the movie became the topic amongst youngster in Kerala. A variety story presented in an intelligent manner was Salt N Pepper. Suitable background music to the situation gave a special feel to the movie. I and my friend Syam went for this movie by mistake. But, both of us have returned with a fulfilled mind. We laughed till tear come out in the theater! ‘Avial’ band became a trend in Kerala after their unique performance in the movie. 

I came to know about ‘22 Female Kottayam’ on the releasing day since no publicity did reach me. Rima Kallingal, Fahad Fazil, and Prathap Pothen were the starring in this revenge movie. I loved everything about this classic movie. Rima Kallingal became my favorite female actor in current Malayalam film industry, simply because of her performance and appearance in this movie. The movie exhibited the realty of city life of 2 'bachelor-couples'! Songs in this movie were vibrant. ‘Can I have sex with you?’ is a dialogue segment by Prathap Pothen in this movie seemed to be too closer to real life situations seen in upper class people live in Metro cities. Fahad Fazil had to do nothing more than his usual roles in most of his past movies. I will watch it once again. I heartily appreciate Director’s courage to form this outstanding thriller by putting the unfair countenance of real-life on screen. I hope, the young generation including me will think twice before dating a new girl and that’s the triumph of this movie! Ashiq Abu could consecutively retain the quality in his work through this movie. 

‘Ordinary’ is of a debut director named Sugeeth. It was a memorable experience. The movie explored a beautiful story in the theme of nostalgic KSRTC buses. The story location is ‘Gavi’, a land with awesome climate and natural beauty. Biju menon performed exceptionally well. His each and every dialogue in Palakadan slang transmitted a wave of laughter in the theater. Baburaj showed his impeccable talent in humor. Asif ali did a role of an amateurish and uneducated brat and it was above standards. Kunjako Boban too did well with all other actors in the movie. I enjoyed a lot; feel like watching it over and over! I love red KSRTC buses and I have special sentiments towards them; I miss it now! I specially thank the Director for bringing back the sweet memories about red KSTRC buses. The music and background scenes were heartening and that factor could make the theater ‘Gavi’.  

‘Beautiful’ by VK Prakash justified the title name. Anoop Menon did the lyrics and dialogues part. It’s a story of a Paraplegic millionaire (Jayasurya). His dialogues carried high dose of philosophy on life. I underline, this character took the best out of this ‘old upcoming actor’! Anoop Menon entertained me too much; a booming super actor in Malayalam film field. He displayed his bottomless flair through Thirakkadha, cocktail, Pranayam and this one. Film made me happy. A simple story; but it carried a profound feel. These are the kind of movies I was looking for.

‘Melvilasam’ was the first courtroom drama film in Malayalam; directed by Madhav Ramadasan. The film traces the progress of a court martialof a Dalit  soldier (Parthiban), who has accused for killing a superior officer. Suresh Gopi appeared in courtroom to defend the accused. He was keen not to save the culprit but to divulge the unjust visage happened to the accused soldier from the malicious superior. The movie was thrilling even though it was happened in a single courtroom. It maintained high degree of uniqueness. Director brought out the facts the soundless group of the oppressed wanted to speak off about. 

‘Chappakurishu’, a new-generation thriller film, co-written and directed by Sameer Thahir was impressive with quick shots and a good song. Fahad Fazil, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Roma, Remya nambeeshan and Nivetha have appeared in the lead roles. Fahad Fazil represented a rich bachelor who keeps his doors opened towards beautiful girls into his bed room. The movie conveyed a serious message through a simple story.

‘Apoorvaragam’ and ‘Unnam’ were a different mode of venturing from the renowned director, Sibi Malail. Asif ali played key roles in both the films. Through him, director unveiled the dreadful elements concealed in youngsters we see all around. ‘Apoorvaragam’ was an average one. But, it contributed to the new change happened to Malayalam film industry. In ‘Unnam’, Asif ali acted as one dangerously selfish character who is passionate about his private desire which is absolutely unscrupulous. Vibrant presence of Lal, Rima Kallingal and Shwetha Menon helped the movie to form into a good one. Prashanth Narayan entertained a lot with his dialogue presentation and naturalness. Sex and money lead this remarkable story; a credited remake of the Hindi film 'Johnny Gaddar'.  

'Malarvadi Arts Club' was Vineeth Sreenivasan's new venture as director. It was a youngster-centric movie, which represents the talented youth who remain unnoticed in villages. 

‘Grandmaster' is a neo-noir thriller film by B Unnikrishnan; starring Mohanlal, Anoop Menon, Narain, Priyamani and Jagathi. Mohanlal played a hero role of a grandmaster-investigating officer, who could positively anticipate and foresee opponent’s moves. He did well and the age at which he appeared on movie was relevant to his current exteriors. The most gifted actor in Malayalam deserve a heart-felt admiration for his right decision. Babu Anotny got a key role and made a great show. Background music throughout the movie was appealing. Enjoyed watching this thriller movie, which always keeps the beholder thrilled.’

I watched 'Diamond necklace' of Lal Jose twice at the theater. Casting was magically perfect and the music done by Vidyasagar turned up as the 'music in my mind'. Laljose presented a wonderful story with maximum utility of his available  human resources. Fahad fazil's another impressive character was seen on this movie. His smile is been always striking! The 3 girls in the movie performed in such a way that we cannot judge easily that whose performance was best. Credit goes again to the director for bringing out the best of these 3 girls. Gauthami nair looked extremely lovely. Song scenes of Gauthami nair in traditional Tamil saree literally shed joy in my mind. Her dialogue presentation was spontaneous. Samrutha Sunil upgraded her acting range with her splendid performance in this movie. She represented a soft-hearted girl belonging to an elite class family. Anushree's role was more challenging and she did it brilliantly! Her body language, dialogue presentation and minute contributions deserve massive appreciation. Also, needles to mention about another heart touching performance from Sreenivasan, the evergreen representative of the majority of population! Idea of bringing a Kasaragod character was good though casting for that role was substandard. Anyways, Director has communicated a lot through this valuable necklace!

‘Spirit’ is an attractive movie name and the name in small font beneath the movie name was another major magnetism of this movie. Many people guessed that the movie theme will be something related to ‘spirit smuggling’. I watched this satirical movie on the ‘releasing night’ itself. Theatre was crowded with Malayalam-noise. The movie shows that when it comes to any sort of addiction, intelligence and education of someone becomes inferior. The recent trend seen in Kerala youth towards alcoholism has been considered as an ‘accepted life style’ and as a natural instinct of society in general, rather than categorizing it as a cultural pest. The new born baby of Ranjith explored the raw-life of a genius who is also a chronic drunkard in nature. Ranjith’s casting for this challenging role was finest. Mohanlal’s character-presentation as a supercilious whiz kid with special perception towards life on having a fuel in him called ‘spirit’ was inimitable. He carried out his first English novel venture sitting at bar with no barrier to pegs of expensive brands. Mohanlal’s each and every boozing gulp-down was welcomed with unstoppable applause by the ‘majority’ of the theatre crowd; since it seemed like a recognition to those who are dare to drink! The post divorce life of Mohanlal’s character with the divorcee Kanika’s character initiated for a new conception. On the ground of this intellectual-couple’s bilaterally encouraging separation, Ranjith effectively explained that ‘some’ married life has an uncanny dimension and it’s beyond love, sex and mutual trust. The divorced couple lived as best friends along with the warm presence of ‘new face’ happened to their life. Kanika is naturally tall and looked attractive and captivating. Kanika’s married life advertised the luxury, soothe and comfort of the elite class’s pleasurable life. Sidharth Bharath’s body language as a young versifier with an inevitable addiction to drinks stood out. His silent gaze itself communicated a lot. The responsible artist in Ranjith tried hard to install Sidharth’s blood vomiting face in minds of mislead-youth. Nandu got his best role in his career. He brilliantly reproduced the gesticulations and traits of a fully fledged drunkard. He loved ‘spirit’ rather than his family and life. He drunk whole of his days and remained slept on street like filthy dogs. ‘Spirit’ in him lessened the difference between him from wild animal. His character is a manifesto to every fragile gentleman who encountered in front of artificial illusion of ‘spirit’. Kalpana represented a lady of regrettable class of oppressed who lead their life like soiled poultry in cage. Every characters in the movie carried high degree of eccentricity. Thilakan, Tini Tom and Lena have notably performed in the show. Again, this piece of art on silver screen became a movie of Ranjith rather than the movie of Mohanlal! The movie underlined that ‘wine is bottled Satan’.  

Film name 'Usthad Hotel' itself sounds interesting. The film incorporated under the combination of Anwar rasheed, the director and Anjali menon, the writer. Anwar Rasheed's direction for this movie looked thoroughly matured compared to his earlier ones. Main ingredients of the movie are Thilakan and Dilquar Salman. Theme of the movie is food. Presentation of various food items made the film colorful and more delicious. All actors performed good and genuinely supported Thilakan. Thilakan's broad stretch of lips throughout the movie was heartfelt and even penetrating than that of Nithya menon! Background music by Gopi Sundar made the experience of movie watch memorable. Movie unveiled the pathetic face of the unfortunate people who even in take own excretion to combat starvation! 'Food is god', and filling one needy creature's stomach is the best duty one can do under sun. This movie is a strong social reminder which helps to brush up the buried humanity in every humans. Relationship shown in the movie between grandson and grand father adds value into the thinking stream of current generation. Presentation style adopted by the director right from the  delivery of 5 babies in the beginning of the movie till the commencement of solitary pilgrimage of Thilakan was innovative and full of vigor. 

Vinneth Sreenivasan's 'Thatathin Marayath' was a beautiful love film. Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar made pleasing pair. Director added a pretty good flavor of humor thorough out the film. The movie might inspire the youth for inter-religious marriages. I enjoyed Kozhikodan dialect in the movie.    

'Friday', directed by Lijin Jose was a beautiful visual experience. Brilliant casting, vibrant flow of story and neatly trimmed screen-play made the film extraordinary. Genuineness was the base of direction. And, the director deserves a pat on his shoulder for avoiding adulteration with exaggeration throughout the life in a day of a handful of middle class humans who value tear drops than currencies. 'Friday' spewed lava of humanity and kindness, which have been gradually found vanishing in the current networking society. The movie would make at least a few of it's viewers courageous to help another (strangers or acquaintances) for no reason or for no materialistic benefits. 'Friday' was a breast-feed to the real lovers of life and it's inexplicable meaning!

  

'Trivandrum Lodge' by VK Prakash and Anoop Menon team was an experimental attempt. It brought a visual difference on screen though movie was simple in it's theme. Genuine dialogue presentation was the highlight of this movie. Movie was all about varying approaches from different people to gain sexual opportunities. Jayasurya performed good.  All the ladies-interventions on the movie was appreciable. M Jayachandran made good songs which would stay in mind for more time. This movie might appear as a 'mischievous brat' in front of eyes of those who live in public hiding their sexual passion by believing 'sex is an abandoned fruit'.  

I watched  'Ayalum Nhanum Thammil' by Laljose in a rainy and chilling night. Strong story by Bobby Sanjay was a concrete platform for the director to proceed. Prathap Pothen's performance was irreplaceable. He met perfection on this movie. Other casting crew including 3 beautiful actresses and 2 handsome actors done well. Kalabhavan Mani and Salim kumar also being noted for the quality delivered on screen. The relation between a senior and his son-like junior was a different stuff presented to Malayalis. Many dialogues and contexts in the movie brought out the hidden emotions in me. The film was simple and one of the best of the year.

Ashiq Abu's 'Da thadiya' was fat in terms of humor, social importance, motivation and presentation. The director continuously proved his sheer talent at his job. His microscopic care given to every scenes increased the quality of the movie up to a great extend. The big new face in the movie performed a magic. Every smile and grief reflected on his face were potent enough to penetrate into beholder's hearts. The movie beautifully narrated the foolish mentality we could experience around us toward obesity, ayurvedic spas and the flavor of a different love seen in the movie between the hero and heroine. The scenes between Luka with his Grand mother stood out. The grand mother's words actually gives enormous inspiration and energy to live in to many of the 'Lukas' in the society. The fight scenes at the end of movie were of below standards. 

G S Vijayan's debut venture as a director gifted a new talent to Malayalam film industry. Ranjith's story was beautiful and he justified his brilliance once more. Kavya Madhavan's presence was the best thing happened to this life-smelt movie. Her Kasaragod dialect presentation has turned up as a major attraction of the movie. She clearly sketched out mannerisms of a Malayali home maker who is good at heart. Her body language and confidence reached saturation and set new bench marks. Shankar Ramakrishnan's vibrant performance was irreplaceable. His intelligence and dedication seen at every point of his performance on screen literally proved that he has a clear cut idea and identity about acting. Vineeth came up with another strong character after 'Arike'. The degree of representing the character given to him was high and he could smoothly handle it. His accent presentation was also notable. Harishree Ashokan and Kanika played an entirely different role in the movie. It was real entertainment to welcome those two interesting characters of different flavor. Bed ridden Augustine's scene was an innovative input to the movie.  Rest of the crew who did every minor and major roles looked very matured and relevant to the situation and character. Mammootty made a decent performance as a loyal driver although his role was not a challenging one; perhaps a boring repetitive assignment being gotten.  Director blended an essence of humor throughout the movie and it was being squeezed straight from the real life. Cinematography by Manoj Pillai was impeccable. As a whole, the style of narration, real life correlation, group comfort among the crew, flow of the movie and music made the winning formula. One of the best movies in Malayalam watched over last couple of years.  

‘Celluloid’ by Kamal is a biopic based on J C Daniel’s life. Kamal succeeded in going back to decades and to visualize the right-life of that time which makes real tribute to the father of Malayalam Film industry. Cinematography, music, casting and art direction enhanced the eminence of the movie. Prithviraj came up with another genuine performance followed by his delivery in Vasthavam, Vargam, Akale, Indian Rupee and Ayalum Njanum Thammil. J C Daniel’s death scene was a notable segment by Prithviraj. Entire crew maintained cohesive harmony in dialect presentation and body language driven by sense of change in era with an in-depth insight about the theme and character allocated. Degree of dedication put in by entire crew starting with Mamtha, Chandni, T G Ravi and Sreenivasan made the film an indisputable artifact.  Let this palpable endeavor by Kamal encourage the upcoming directors to make exceptional movies in Malayalam. 

'Ammen - a divine comedy', one of the top classic drama movies in Malayalam. Every elements of this experimental movie brought difference with quality on screen. Comic flow, music, talented cast, heartening theme and art value were add on factors to the entire presentation. The director deserves applause for this unbelievable delivery!

‘Mumbai Police’ is a neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Roshan Andrrews. Bobby-Sanjay delivered an effervescent investigation crime story with an extremely thrilling climax at the end. The movie is of same genre of ‘Memento’ by Christopher Nolan and ’The bourne identity’ starring Matt Damon. Both the films unveil a crime story in the backdrop of excessive memory lose of the lead characters after own identity. Prithviraj and Jayasurya performed their role with utmost insight. The director easily visualized the pulse of life in the upper crust of the society. Twists found at various point of time in the movie keeps the mob thrilled and stick to the story flow. The movie found to be unique in terms of style of direction, cinematography, back ground score, dedication of crew to the fullest and authenticity of presentation. These make ‘Mumbai Police’ one of the best crime thrillers in Malayalam. 

'Hotel California' by Anoop menon and Jayasurya stands out in many aspects. It is an end to end comedy film which would keep people belly laugh aloud till end. The story revolves around a gang of luxuriant pimps, worthless kidnappers, posh womanizers and a few ladies and gents who are in hunt of glory. Every character in movie contributed their piece of comic excellence to the total output. It is difficult to mention the name of a lead character in the movie though everyone in the movie were given lateral importance. After a long time, I laughed till I feel my lungs shivering within. My saliva thickened and tear came out copiously on guffawing to the fullest at innovative jokes on screen. There are a few shots which tastes weird in comparison to real life situations. But, this is a movie which can be labelled as a good business entertainer chiseled in an interesting shape. 

'Artist' by Shyamaprasad portrays a life of a brilliant painter and his partner. Vibrancy of Fahad and Ann raised up to the expectations which Shyamaprasad's characters in the movie had to have. This quality-film pulls much more concentration from viewers as the theme of the movie is artistic and perceptual.

Anil Radhakrishnan’s ‘North – 24 Katham’ is an endearing conception by Fahad fazil and crew. Swaty Reddy and Nedumudi Venu lived their roles in fact and made their presence irreplaceable. Fahad’s character in the movie was unique as it was suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Situational humor, humanitarian values imparted in the theme, director’s eye for detail, realness etc made the movie an incomparable one of recent times. 

Watching movies are not just an activity of pass of time, its a constructive  deed. The face of Malayalam films are changing. The taste of waiting for the next movie has reborn in Malayalees. Let's wait, watch and enjoy :)

'Into the wild'

Hi Guys,

The Fun Times are here!!!

This is for all those who have shown interest in the Adventure weekend of Para Sailing, Rappelling, Cave Exploration and Trekking.

We have finalised the date for this trip as January 14, 2012 (Saturday).

Some points to remember for this trip are as follows:

·   1) The pick-up point for the trip would be at Office, sharp at 06:30am. (please stick to this timing as the trip is being organised by an external agency and involves some traveling)

·    2) We would be back in Office by 07:00pm.

·    3) Everyone has to bring along Rs. 700/- (to be paid to the agency) and Rs. 99/- needs to be paid to Mr. Swarn (towards booking charges. If paid already please ignore)

·  4) Lunch would be organised by the external agency. Please bring along some extra snacks and water for personal consumption.

·   5) Consumption of liquor during the trip is prohibited as there would be lot of physical activities involved.

·    6)  Please come dressed in some light clothes and shoes with a decent grip.

·   7) All the people who have confirmed with either Swarn or me need to come as we have committed the numbers to the external agency. The list of people are:

o   Subbanna Kannur, VP

o   Swarn Kamal, Operations Manager

o   Prashant Prakash, Training Manager

o   Mahantesh Nagarwal, Procurement Asst. Manager

o   Jobin Thomas, Marketing Asst. Manager

o   Feroz, Projects Executive

o   Prasanna Chakravarthi, Operations Area Manager

o   Sridhar, Operations Area Manager

o   Dayanand MJ, Operations Area Manager

o   Rajesh Shetty, Projects Executive.

o   Ambareesh YMC, HR Executive

o   Ajendra Naik, Asst. Manager Production

o   Midhun Dileep, MT Production

o   Manohar, Maintenance Executive

Please revert for any concerns.

Regards,
Prashant PrakashTraining Manager,
Au Bon Pain - RP  Sanjiv Goenka Group.

The aforesaid mail made me to think that, ‘oh, why they scheduled it on  Saturday instead of any Mondays or any working days !?’ Anyways, I postponed my 'interview' with my latest facebook bird which I had planned for Saturday afternoon. Trips always fascinated me. I recalled the excursions I had been a part of during my schooling. A faraway-trip for more than 3 days with a simple payment of Rs. 800 including food and bed! 

I asked Mr. Jobin Thomas that ‘what do you mean by Para Sailing, Rappelling and Cave Exploration? He told me ‘I know the meanings of cave and exploration but, I guess the rest are kind of adventurous play in vicious water stream. ’How can I wet my foot since I don’t know to swim?’ I thought. 

I, Jobin, Feroz and Midhun stay together in a rental room. Jobin joined Au bon pain as Executive marketing and he got promoted as Asst. Marketing Manager in the last performance review on grounds of his excellent marketing abilities; he proved in a short span of time that he is a Master in business Administration. This young man with a cherubic face is rich in business skills and hair is the only thing he lacks in. 

Feroz is an inevitable brick stone of the Projects Department. He is known for honesty, dedication and hard work. During his site work days, he won’t even spend more thatn 5 hours on sleep though he enjoys working even for graveyard-shifts. He would come to room late night after my sleep and will go back before i wake up.

Midhun is the one and only Management Trainee in Production Department. The Chef in him, born and brought up in the Christ College, Bangalore. He is a passionate youngster with a zeal to grow and he is ready to suffer up to any extend to achieve it. He works in night shift. After returning home in the morning, he will go for jogging and to gymnasium thereafter. He wanted to chisel his body as that of Silvestor Stallon in coming 6 months. Food and fashion are his weaknesses. He is the nutrition guide to all of us in room (especially of Feroz). On Sundays, he used to experiment interesting dishes and it would make the kitchen premises extremely filthy for me to clean alone.  

We got ready on Friday night for the Trekking. I washed and kept beneath fan, the black ‘Liverpool’ shorts and ‘crocodile’ T shirt with a design of zebra lines across. Jobin had a trial dressing session with his nike set of shorts, jersey and Black shoes. He looked like a nike store team member. Feroz asked us what we wear and based on our valuable guidance he made up his trekking attire ready. Midhun reached room at 22.00. He fell in bed with his apron and ‘fragmenting socks’. I had kept an alarm at 05.15 since we had to reach the office at 06.30. 

I woke up at 05.45 and kicked the buttocks of various Department representatives. It was bone splittingly chill outside. Feroz took bath in hot water as usual. Everyone got ready fast. But, Mithun was confused about his dressings and he took one of my T shirts and asked me, ‘how does it look?’ I thought, ‘I cannot wear it anymore and go to office anymore’. 

‘Where is your black Track suit?’ His second question made my finger to point out my shelves and he went over to the target innocently. 

‘I think, we better carry 2 'boxers' (U.W.) since we are going to play in water’. It was Jobin’s sincere advice. 

Just before leaving room, we squeezed the Amway sun screen lotion tube of Jobin and enriched the exposed part of everyone’s body. 

We reached the office by 5 minutes late. Everybody was waiting for us. A luxurious tourist van was seen at the entrance of the office. Every happy faces found relaxingly talking to each other in the front of bus. Mr. Peeps (Prashanth Prakash) was conducting a serious training session with Frisbee to the others. We went down and received warm hand shakes from all around. 

Subbanna sir asked Mithun, ‘Hi young man, so today you have got morning shift... eh?’
Mithun couldn’t listen (understand) the question properly; he thought he was asked about the ‘trip’. ‘Yes sir I woke up early in morning; sleeping is secondary and for me this is important sir!’ I found the glow of pride emitted from the both guiltless faces.

Being Human Resource Executive, I sent my eye across everyone’s dressing code. Everybody came in trekking attire. Subbanna sir also came in a different appearance in sporty costume with his ‘Ray ban crown’ on head. Swarn sir wore an American-made pull-over of Au bon pain and a sky blue cap of Nike, which looked pretty good. When I interview managerial candidates for Operations department, I have to assure that they should be inclined towards any Sports item and they should not smoke. ‘The healthiest company of America’ really deserves this Operations-head. He won some awards for marathon and sprints for the company in many reputed competitions. Once during a casual talk, he told me, ‘I run a distance of 50 km’s every week’ (which I do usually in 2 months). 

The tour organizer, Mr. Peeps is a wedded man with outlooks of a charming bachelor. I joined Au bon pain on his Birthday, the June 6th. He came in the exact trekking costume with a scarf tied across the top of his forehead and the rough woodlands shoes. His body language would often remind me that of the Hollywood actor, Mark Whelberg in the film ‘The departed’. His frequent flow of witty conversation has been a vital part in the office. Mahanthesh, the man with silky flying hair came in a military colored suit. He is a good listener with a genuine sense of humor.

Prasanna is one of the fastest growing individual in our team with a fat experience from Mc. Donalds for sound 4 years. He is famous among us for his strict dealings and quick decision making abilities. He is the most passionate manager in au bon pain, toward food. Prasanna was well dressed in trekking suit and he was carrying a trekking bag and a book in hand named ‘What would Google do?’ by Jeff Jarvis. He showcased the book till he got into bus. Sridhar is another Area manager and a good friend of mine. He has got entirely different style of work that of Prasanna. When I worked with the both, I felt it. People address him ‘foreigner’ due to his impossible looks. He made up his hair slightly reddish in color and he always keeps all around him laugh and happy. He wore a black UCB T shirt and shorts. The jet-black goggle looked appealing on his fair face. Rajesh Shetty, the man with Anglo-eastern accent. He is a fashionable guy. His body language and style of execution of each and every word has got stirring effects. When I met him for the first time, I though this buddy will be having N number of girl friends! He is a great friend of mine and had so many funny and pathetic moments over the time. I have never seen him cleanly shaved till time and this time also he looked funky and came in Spanish soccer jersey and uncombed hair. It was written as ‘Fabregas’ on his yellow jersey.

Dayanand, Ajendra Naik and Manohar also found practicing Frisbee under the guidance of Mr. Peeps. Dayanand is the new Area manager. He is the owner of huge expectations of the management.  He believes in action rather than hollow words; thus he is not so talkative. Ajendra Naik, the imminent Asst. Production Manager had been to gymnasium for consecutive 7 years. He is a great lover of fun and calm and soft spoken person. He came in White T shirt and a craggy jeans pant. Manohar is a bonny lad who maintains the smooth flow of au bon pain operations with his 24 hours roam service. He wore special trousers of export-quality, which is exclusively made for trekking or any other harsh physical activities.

Sridhar purchased a big bunch of sugar cane from the street trolley-seller. I was hungry and went over to break some canes and to chew the chunky sugary stick. Midhun broke it into some portable pieces and kept in the bag for instant usage in bus.

I got into the bus first. Apart from the driver, another two strangers found occupied the two important front seats and which I didn’t like personally. I thought they will ruin our privacy and which may cause some of my mates to lose the seat. ‘Who the hell are they!?’

Anyways, I rushed into a comfortable window-seat and everybody got in soon. Mr. Peeps sat adjacent to the driver. Subbanna sir came back and sat between Mahantesh and Jobin. Sridhar couldn’t find a place for his buts to fix.

Bus started at 06.40. I slid the window glass wide opened and tried to suffuse holiday-mood into my state of mind. Cold breeze and hot girls are the most attractive factors in Bangalore. The exquisite weather of Bangalore would pep up anyone’s dehydrated mind!

The van quickly took us away from the city into the forestry outskirts. It took an hour to reach ‘Chikbelapur’. We slowly entered into a vast meadow; I felt as if we are moving through a semi-desert in Africa. Subbanna sir pointed out a sullied pond and told Jobin that ‘Jobin, you can go swimming in there’.

The countryside reminded me about the film ‘No country for old men’. The van stopped near to a fashionable red-jeep surrounded by a handful of people. We got off with an excitement of ‘why here? And what’s next?’ I looked around and we were at the center of a huge dry landscape. On observing the men and materials, I surprisingly came to know that, we are there for parachuting (Para-sailing).

The two strangers in bus announced that break fast is ready. Now, ‘I ‘m lovin them’. Everybody enjoyed having Idly, Vada, Sambar and Chutney. Since, I was badly suffering from severe hunger; I couldn’t give up denying my intake. 

On having the lip-smacking break fast, I asked one among the caterers about the lunch-menu and I was answered that it will be a vegetarian spread. After food, we went aside to the Jeep. On the front glass of the Jeep, it was written as ‘defense’. The para-sailing authority included a group of about 7. The head of adventurous team, so called ex-Air force uncle in cap, overcoat and dust-mask started to elucidate about the procedures. ‘Obviously, it’s a dicey game; if you didn’t turn bloodcurdling then it will be due to any hormone deficiency in you. So, accept the fright and withstand a few moments. The Parascender will be having little control over the parachute and we will take care of everything”. He demonstrated the actions to be shown if we feel insecure during the fly. He told to urinate and be at ease before we start. Some of us searched for the nearest bushes and emptied the urinal bladder; whereas Swarn and Subbanna sir walked over afar and were seen as two moving colored mustards from the huge distance. 

They performed some trial rounds with their own dummies. The Air force uncle himself drove the anchor-Jeep and it would tow the rope-line attached to the parachute. With the support of wind, the parachute would take off into unimaginable heights with the man. I got thrilled about doing something entirely new in my life. It was Dayananda, the fresher in au bon pain who started off the sail first and Subbanna sir, the most experienced did at last. Many photo sessions happened in the middle of each take off. We jumped, attacked and acted crazy before Mr. Peeps’s camera flashes. Those who finished the sail returned in Jeep and opined that it was exciting.

My turn came and after a couple of quick running foot steps, I was being pulled in to the sky forcefully. There was not much excitement when I was up in the sky. But, I felt like flying which I used to sense in my dream often. I wished if I could get 2 wings and so that could fly whenever I wish to. When I looked about 100 meters beneath, I felt relaxed and ecstatic. The wind supported well and I could sail good. After my flight, when Subbanna sir asked my opinion, I told, ‘it’s extraordinary and a must-felt experience for every wingless creatures on earth’.  

Everyone in the team flew off one by one and I could hear gales of laughter coming from all around. Rajesh’s fly was hilarious. It had us all in hysterics. The wind direction and force had been biased and it shown brutal prejudice to Rajesh. The gentleman landed abruptly soon after the take off, like the aircraft crash land during emergency especially due to engine complaint. He fortunately missed a risky and razor-sharp bush-stump on the ground. If the fate had been malicious to him, the stump could have hurt him badly! He waited in scorching sunlight for a long while due to this set back. The Jeep engine also reported a problem and which made all of us waiting. Meanwhile, we played with the Frisbee the rest. Swarn and Subbanna sir couldn’t let us relax but to enjoy playing with a liberated mind with them. As soon as the holy Jeep got repaired Rajesh finished his round and it went on. We saw more families and campus groups coming in to the plot to enroll for the daring fly. Notably there were two girls around. Midhun told me by pointing out a girl with the edge of his eye brow that ‘that babe’s body structure is as like as of my Dhanya!’

Mr. Peeps paused for snaps with his natural smile in the sailing attire. Everyone kept on giving applause for the flight of the trip-organizer. He ran like a chubby football boy to fly off. But, all of a sudden something went off beam; he dangerously knocked down and found dragged on the bumpy surface for a few seconds. Everyone yelped helplessly and rushed toward the spot. The jeep stopped suddenly and the parachute loosened down. But, the smiling face of Mr. Peeps rose up and he got up as of from his bed at extreme ease and said aloud that ‘I ‘m okay guys’!

Prasanna, the weightiest sailor of all started off with inescapable round of applause and verbal thrust from us. He flew off with a belly-laugh and safely landed after his debut airy getaway.

After the mission, Swarn sir returned about 500 meters running instead of coming in Jeep. He was in a rush to cover his weekly target of 50 km’s.  We packed up with the fine final fly of the business head, Subbanna sir.

We were informed that it will take more than 2 hours to reach the next destination and everybody spoke about different topics and evolved juicy gossips; hard core listeners like I, Dayanand, Feroz and Manohar enjoyed the feast of both the sense and non-sense from the cannons around. The van stopped amid and Mr. Peeps, the Trip in charge purchased soft drinks and fuelled us. He also opened his travel bag and took out some packets of quick-digestive cookies and spicy snacks and handed it over to everyone. Since it’s of free of cost, I often grabbed a handful amount of the same even though I was not hungry. I took catnaps alternatively for a while and got up when I found everyone scurried out near to the Tender coconut hut at a Petrol bunk. I could find the spirit and competitive mentality in everyone under that hut. We enjoyed zipping up the best natural soft drink under the sun.

We resumed our journey to Kolar. A cordial atmosphere was being generated in the bus among the managers and executives. I began feeling more close to all. 

The rubberized express highway was smooth and some attractive mountains with undefined shape started to be seen at both the sides of the road. The van moved onto an enormous undulating area and it went up to the higher-range. The atmospheric temperature kept on attenuated.

The restless needle couple in my wrist watch said that it’s 14:30. The driver parked the van at a valley. We got off the van and the surroundings looked like my native village with the domination of green color. A place which is far away from the city and I could intake authentic oxygen without the blend of smoke or dust. There were some huts and an artesian well near to the mountain footsteps. Also a herd of regimented goats, couple of kinky cocks, a street gang of obstreperous dogs and clueless children. A few lazy housewives found busy at their own work.

Suddenly an aroma of Ghee rice spread and the catering team arranged the pre-prepared items for buffet service. As usual, Dayanand took initiative. The hunger was the best dish among all and so the veggie lunch got over hastily.

‘Hey Guys, the real day starts from right here…’ After lunch, Mr. Peeps announced as if we are about to go for something really amusing. The driver remained in the van asleep and the catering duo took up the control of the situation. They asked us to follow them the alleyway up to the hill. There were no appropriate route and we blindly followed their footsteps. We rambled through the tall grass and chaotically distributed rocks. Everyone found thrilled and appeared bouncy. Every sentence told by everyone maintained high degree of humorous standards and consequently the ‘organization transformed in to a team’. A constant flow of giggling boosted up the mood.

‘Just one sec guys, listen what I am saying…’ On the way up, Subbanna sir told looked aback and faced the followers and we remained silent. We could hear only the horrendous tone of the airstream through the hilly gaps. He resumed, ‘we are starting our Adventurous trip. It will be interesting though extremely risky! It’s our life and it’s in our hands. So, beware of the peril hidden in every next step. I know my team is famous for risk-taking deeds and the young blood may have a natural propensity to exhibit the guts and adventurism. But, don’t get jeopardized. Listen to the instructions given by the guides. Don’t be eager to reach first but try to protect yourself and the team. Probably the person who is in the front and the person at the last have to be more vigilant and responsible. Well, let’s start off…’  His wisdom of hindsight fell from his lips.

We took each and every step ahead at the mountain with paramount care. The guides helped us to move across the impossible blocks. The hilly way literally looked dangerous and the deep valley trench at both sides could propagate the echo of our progress noise. One wrong foot placement might put the life at risk. We got hold of bush stumps, tree branches and guide’s experienced hands to get the natural hurdles across. Mr. Peeps couldn’t make even a single click over the course of the decisive time.

On feeling the anxiety of the trekking, I recalled an old trekking experience I had with my friends before 6 years, and it was into the ‘Kudajadri’, a pilgrim hill situated in South Karnataka. It was a trekking though a wild fantasy.

We spent about half an hour to climb up the hill and reached in front of a colossal cave. Swarn sir appealed more aggressive and don’t wanted to obey the boring guide’s guidance; I and Dayananda followed the inspiring Trekker who was on cakewalk. We infiltrated into the dark. So much of weird gaps and narrow clefts towards all possible directions gave a feeling of an interesting Treasure hunt; scenes in the ‘National Treasure’ of Nicholas Cage, flashed in mind.

‘This is one of the most exciting experiences I ever had in life till time’. I slowly realized that the day I was having is unique. Every constricted path appeared more challenging and every next action stimulated the adrenal gland. We put on the light in cell phone and that was the only source of light. Sun rays could never have visited this place. Ones with flexible body surpassed the rocky knots without more perspiration. Subbanna sir was the eldest of us all. But, the person who heads the brand even headed this band as well; he moved young! Many snapshots happened with different poses from different plots. Mr. Peeps was the person who could pose the least since he remained behind the camera.

Dayanand was in the front and Mahantesh at the back. Mahanthesh took the most matured movements. He assured everyone’s get through out of harm's way. When I jumped from rock to rock, Prasanna told me, ‘Ambi, don’t show that your ancestors are monkeys’ and he darted a green look at me.

The cave-exploration continued for about an hour. The last step was the most demanding! It was the narrowest gap at the level of out foot. We had to lie down in the gap and to drag. We could not even think to roll over since the gap is infinitesimal. ‘Oh! It’s amazing!’ Subbanna sir told to himself and sprawled horizontally with Swarn sir and I followed them. My jostle skin got slightly hurt on rubbing the hard rock. But, I felt swollen with pride on seeing the bleed.

When Prasanna’s turn came, the guide told, ‘I this narrow way don’t ought to have you’. But, he amazed everyone and got through the stumbling block with most palpable exertion of his force, patience and effort. He moved at a snail’s pace and when he came out of the ‘impossible gap’, Swarn sir patted on his broad shoulders and appreciated with a grin that ‘you did it young man…! See, I have absorbed your impregnable efforts in this handy-cam and you can show this to your kids to motivate and to say ‘impossible is nothing’…’

‘Buddy, let’s upload it in Youtube…’ Sridhar was serious about it. Prasanna was busy gasping and he couldn’t listen to the tens of naughty comments from all around. Manohar illustrated his body flexibility to slouch horizontally faster than anyone else. He could crawl on floor easily because of the advantage of his export-qualified shorts. Mahanthesh also came out and then we got through another mighty hole which took us all the way exit from the cave. The cave exploration-mission finished and everyone closed the eye lids to welcome the sun rays. I felt as if I woke up from a sleep and had an impossible dream!

The adventurous cave-exploration took the best out of us and some of us couldn’t deny the sign of fatigue. We followed the guides and everybody was silent instead of sharing experience and laughing aloud due to the special excitement had just before. I walked cherishing the memories of the time we spent together in dark.

The final endeavor of the trekking was Rappelling. The guide led us near to a mammoth rock which faced downward. They went up to the top of the massive rock to assemble the rope-settings for the subsequent course of action.

It took around another 15 minutes for them to finish the preparatory procedures. Till then we spoke each other and sat relaxed beneath the space of fore heading rock. Subbanna sir, Mr. Peeps, Swarn sir and Mahanthesh played cards. We finished the remaining bottles of water and colored soda.

Before we start, guides explained about the Rappelling. ‘This is a most interesting deed wherein you have to rope down from the cape of the rock. You don’t have to worry about your safety but try to exhibit your confidence and courage. These settings will keep you absolutely safe because a descended device is a friction hitch that allows rope to be paid out in a controlled fashion, under your body load, with a minimal effort by us. We will control your pace. The speed at which you descend will be controlled by applying variant force on the rope or altering the angle at which the rope exist on the device. The climbing-harness will be tied around your waist and it will secure you at any context. So, let’s start… eh? Who is first?’

This time Dayananda didn’t stand up. Subbanna sir got up like an experienced rappelling star and walked over. One of the guides dressed him up with the rappelling suit and sent him to the top of rock. I have seen rappelling before on TV though not had a practical experience. Subbanna sir appeared at the top and he stood facing backward toward the depth. The guide at the top kept on giving him instructions and we all were so excited and some of us went and got ready to get a hold, if something goes wrong. He leaned backward as per the guide’s guidance and he came down perfectly. A long applause echoed in the hilly vicinity. Having inspired from the ‘head’, everybody enrolled and I too went for my take. It was scary. While roping down, a part of the big stone hit my head and the surrounding and people around reeled before my eyes! I landed safely and I couldn’t feel great about it. But, I could enjoy the taste of fright when I leaned backward from the rock cape and looked aback. Ajay came down with a frightening scene. He slipped off from the tip and the rope system proved that, it’s a safe game. Sridhar came down with heroic actions as of Tom cruise in the Mission Impossible. Rajesh and obviously Prasanna needed our unstoppable back support to proceed. Many F’s fell out of Rajesh’s mouth. He cursed Mr. Peeps for organizing Rappelling when he was hanging on rope in fright. Prasanna was about to drop the plan more than 2 times. But, ‘the managers’ made him work through incessant motivation and he successfully finished like a warrior. Many adventurous snaps were born. It was 18:30 by the time we packed up the Trekking; the memorable Trekking!

On the way back we had high-tea from a motel. We were all recharged from the successful completion of Trekking. Everybody appreciated Mr. Peeps for tailoring the day in such a wondrous manner. We resumed the drive with an infusion of music into the thoughts through head phone. Music enhanced the mood and made me feel great. The luxurious van’s tire got punctured amid and it took around 1 hour to get repaired up. We couldn’t find a mechanical shop and we did it by ourselves!

Midhun told, ‘I could speak more to Swarn sir due to this tire-puncture!’ Henceforth, Midhun got a new role-model in many outlooks. We reached back at the office at 20:00 and dispersed with many hand shakes and ‘good nights’! My mind was jam-packed.  

        You can have a Trekking through some the snapshots...!