Flashback Series: Train Heist!!

As one of my friends randomly quoted that a Mani Ratnam classic ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ (Thief Thief) movie had been re-mastered and released, it took me down a nostalgic path. This unique ‘train heist’ genre movie, based on two small time thieves taking on an international don planning to whiff away crazy amount of money from the Indian government has a no-parallels in world history and has some of the best visuals and music.

The Journey

The movie is a non-stop bonanza of action sequences in a fun movie of a train heist, that has the lead actors use all modes of transportation: bicycles, horses, car-bus, train sequence including a ridiculous bullock cart chase which perks the interest of all the kid’s energy inside us.

Breath-taking pre-dawn and golden crisp evening shots by PC Sriram combine with some amazing pink hue sky visuals make it a memorable imprint on every movie-goer.

The dialogues and lyrics of the movie are some of my favorites, combining chaste Tamil language with upscale English to provide a unique and distinct flavor to the movie.

 

 

RAHMANIA

The soundtrack and the BGM (especially a interlude by GV Prakash) are absolutely mid-blowing and so ahead of its time, that every time I hear it, I recognize something new and gives me goosebumps listening to it. It would be a dis-service to this fantastic album and to AR RAHMAN if I do not list the songs by itself.

Kannum Kannum – A fantastic fast based musical track that shows the good natured protagonists in action.

Putham Pudhu Boomi – A uplifting track that hosts the ambitions of a just world for us humans to live in.

Veerapandi Kotayyile – One of the best group based themed songs, with breathtaking visuals set-up in a fort like structure. Very recently I found out that the beat in a melody section of the song is based on a Rajasthani folk instrument.

Thee Thee – One of the most underrated songs of Rahman’s career with crazy jump-cut visuals. Recently heard that this was sung by a Chinese singer, which is quite unique new for a Tamil movie.

Rasathi – My most favorite and most hummed acapella song sung by the late legendary singer, Shahul Hameed, that pulls your heart strings and leaves an imprint on it for years to come.

If you have some time over a slow weekend and want to go on a crazy fun-ride of roller coaster emotions, this is the movie to watch. 

LET’S GO KNICKS!!

Having watched many documentaries on the “Dream Team” of American basketball who had won Gold in 1992 Olympics to ‘Michael Jordan’s’ epic ‘Last Dance’ documentary, I have always been amazed by the risen from ashes/underdog story. But none have captivated me like the historical match played yesterday between Knicks and Spurs.

The Set-Up

Knicks have been quite a decent form in the past, reaching the semifinals or finals of the eastern conference many times in the last few years. But a fired up teams this year defeated the Hawks, 76ers, and Cavaliers enroute a finals berth. They grabbed a 2-0 lead before losing the 3^rd game to an ultra-aggressive Spurs team.

 

 

Magician BRUNSON

Having watched legends Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe, Shaq, Lebron and Steph Curry (with Steph pulling USA back from the brink in the Sudan game in ‘24 Olympics), never did I know that I was watching another fantastic player at his best. Jalen Brunson came, played and conquered every single of the offensive and defensive players. He moved at lighting speed, cut across defensive lines, passed many throws to the waiting line-backers for their 3 pointers. But his last play where he threw a ball from nearly half-way down the court with only 5 seconds on the clock tilted the match in Knick’s favor.

Hand of GOD

As the ball left Brunson’s hand and dipped enough to make it to the hoop, it bounced off of it. That is where the magic of the night happened. Anunoby who had scored 33 invaluable points ran in from the middle of the court, cut through many players and made contact with the barest amount of his hand’s surface on a rebounding ball from Brunson’s half court throw and came tumbling down. But to everyone’s surprise, the whole Madisson Garden tumbled along with him as the ball passed through the hoop to make 107-106 in knicks favor.

Having been 29 points down at half-time to beating a ultra-aggressive team by the barest of margins, yesterday’s game was an absolute cliffhanger. With just 1 game to win their first cup in 52 years, All I would want to say to all the fans of this amazing New York team is……  LETS GO KNICKS!!!