Gals and Moon

It took me more than two decades to feel secure with my writing skills. There was, however, when I first started out with this profession, the cockiness set in, and I told myself that I could write about anything (non-fiction, in a magazine feature article-length piece). With a bit of research, I was ready to go.

Then, the food poisoning happened. Yes, I was hired to write reviews on food, and after a trip to a few places, I had diarrhea so intense that the darkest region in my posterior still quivers in fear just thinking about it.

The confidence (not the arrogance) has somewhat returned, especially after I started contributing to an online portal, because the subjects had been pretty varied, and even recently, I attempted writing about politics in the country. My late brother, Balan, who first encouraged the writer in me, would be proud.

So, imagine my surprise, strangely, that on the very same day, two ladies—one my editor at NMH and another, someone whom I consider an intellectual sparring partner—challenged me into writing something about their own chosen subject.

I accepted both, having now written the piece for NMH. Now, what was my beloved frenemy (I am a cat, she’s into dogs) wanting me to write about?

Women and the moon cycle. She may as well ask me to write about nuclear fission.

After cracking my head, I thought, How would AI respond to that? And I asked ChatGPT the same. The sonovabitch gleefully rattled a piece; here’s the screen cap.

It is still enthusiastically writing... until I shut the browser on its face. Yeah, I can be mean to technology.

Anyway, while I was in deep thought on this subject, something occurred to me about the effect of the moon on living beings. Werewolves!

As everyone knows, legend has it that some normal guys and gals who have been attacked by werewolves themselves will turn into one—on full moon night. They could be anyone you know, from your school bus driver to your grandma’s sex therapist.

So, what does that tell you about women’s monthly predicament and the effect of the moon on both gals and wolves? They are both immensely angry. Werewolves will kill you. Girls having periods will tear you from limb to limb if you accidentally walk into their brooding moments. Be careful!

And what are the connections between werewolves and women? Actually nothing. I just tried to link 'em up.

Anyway, back to the given topic, I did learn that over the centuries, womenkind found a close link between the moon and their own period cycles. The article here says: “Traditionally, women bleed with the new moon and ovulate with the full moon. This assumption has been built into work with moon phases.”

Also, after telling us (thank you) that during the ovulation period, gals bodies are most fertile, Then, moving on, the goddamned articles started giving colours to the periods! White moon, pink moon, mauve moon, whatever. I am colour blind.

Which means I have a perfect excuse for me to no longer research this stuff. If it involves colour, it ain’t my gig.

Writing about Writing

Not a random Internet pix. That's my horrendous handwriting alright.

Since I have been doing this for sometimes ( two decades plus), I feel comfortable now sharing some of my views, experiences, or knowledge - if at all they are of any value - in writing. I shall disseminate some, hopefully, useful pointers from time to time. No plans. Just by whim. Instinct. I started writing out some pointers last year and have pointedly abandoned it. Let’s restart it. Here you go.

Writing about writing #01

Long Sentences.

If you are writing long sentences, use commas adequately, and if it necessitates, use them generously, as is demonstrated in the very sentence you are reading. A lack of commas in a very long sentence will put the reader in a coma.

You see, punctuation gives a reader breathing space. Which, in turn, allows her a fraction of time to think, process, and figure out what the hell was that had to be read in a long stretch. Putting a comma before “and” is referred to as an Oxford comma. You can avoid it. It's pure snobbery at best. So, to summarise:

Write short sentences.

Like this.

Ciao – RKP 27/4/23

Writing about writing: #02

Using abbreviations

Or short form. Chat speak, that is. 2moro, stf lk tat.

Fine, I am okay with that. Having crossed the bridge from the analogue to the digital age, I am sort of able to adapt and understand, but at the same time, I am fond of the languages enough to not have to read them—by looking at what appears to look like pigeon’s diarrhea on screen—and I have to spend additional time deciphering them like bloody wartime code.

But it's okay to use them. Only be prepared to be misunderstood. It needed to be translated to whichever language the reader has in her head, from the chat language to the proper sentence, back to the mother tongue—not to mention the state of mind the person is in. A lot, I mean, shitload can be lost in that translation after translation, which leads to...

….misunderstanding. No? Think. Switch that flashback button. More on this later... RKP 28/4/23

Writing about writing: #03

Thoughts on why writing and speaking are different.

Those who speak well may not write just as well. Likewise, you would find great writers who are not quite as “flowing” and “flowery” when they talk. Some are just as gifted as both. When you write, you have the freedom of pausing, formulating thoughts, and kneading them into a fresh sentence. The best part is that you can correct, or even better, delete, the whole damn thing. Try that when having a conversation. You can go back, saying, “Oh, wait, erase what I said just now." Life doesn’t work that way because you are also erasing some of the better reputation you have been saving up until then. The media guys, though—the reporters on any platform—are fast. So, you will find them to be good conversationalists too. They can talk as they go. They appear on talk shows and dominate the proceedings. But you will still notice the difference in the way they write and talk. Choices of vocabulary are more apt and functioning in writing, not so when they are talking. This is especially true in a country like ours, where most of us have different mother tongues and learn another dominant language in school.

When talking in conversation, the audience varies. In writing, the group is larger, so you may be able to throw gravel and hit some of the right targets. Many would be clueless and would never be able to discern what you are trying to convey. Worse, they may not get your joke. But who knows? Slowly,  the masses may gather at your beckoning.

More, some other day, perhaps... RKP 14/2/2024

Lal Salaam (2024)

I have two issues with this film, and the fault lies with the director, Aishwarya Rajinikanth. One, the incessant to and fro flashback (I call it flashbackitis, a disease that has long afflicted Tamil films) that at times you are not even sure which part of the narration you are in. 

Two, the voice over narration. It was not necessary (she did it herself, I could hear her dad's rhythm in her voice) as the audiences seemed to be able to understand what's going on. But then, considering the flashbacks can send you into a narrative spiral, it may be useful after all.

Otherwise, I loved the film. It's a decent, watchable and, at times, exciting. Rajinikanth is the third character, sort of important supporting role, but you know he is the hero despite his lesser screen time this time around. 

In fact, he is not new in playing cameo roles, and appearing as a guest start in the past, and in almost all of them, he stole the show right under the leads respective noses. He is dangerous that way. Kamal Haasan knows that. 

Speaking of which, I actually caught the glimpse of that naughty, free-for-all Rajini of Ninathale Inikkum (1979) in a scene here where he is joyously flinging the murukkus and palagarams. Really, if you are a long time fan, take a look.

Coming back to the flick, Aishwarya Rajinikanth manages to ride the slippery slope of having the audience investing emotionally on the characters – not on the faction, i.e, religion. It doesn't go on Ram Rahim Robert path of elementary  level national unity preaches. It says things as it is. It doesn't take side. 

Following 3 (Moonu), her directorial debut, Aishwarya should have named this 2. Because it involves two main leads, two religions, Islam and Hindu, and two villages. The friction that starts from cricket matches, leads straight to religious fracas,  and it is good to know that none of the factions are cast in bad light. Well, I would say the rotten ones are the Hindus here. The muslims are borderline stereotypes you see in most Tamil films, with those cotton beards and headwear. But they had characters.

In fact, during the opening fight sequence, Rajini's Moideen Bhai lets his right hand man to do the brawling – an older, kain pelikat and Kopiah wearing big guys who just flattened the opponents like Incredible Hulk. I really enjoyed that sequence.

And the riot scenes. Aishwarya captured them well, without having us lost geographically, and knowing well the fates of the characters at that moment. They are perhaps best shot sequences showcasing riots in that industry, which often tried to portray chaos but often lose out to low budget and poor planning. They look good here. Convincing. 

Speaking of convincing... everyone, I mean, everyone, even those lesser characters performed well. It's not easy and I am glad that whichever plot holes, or ridiculous narration (it's Tamil film, after all) notwithstanding, good performances from the actors can pull you into their world. And she even got the semi-retired comedian Senthil to give a strong, emotional performance. Bravo!!

The leads, Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal are believable, and is present throughout dividing the audiences in loyalty. Damn, that Vikranth guys is a much better actor than...oh, I better shut up.

The other thing which disappointed me was the background score. I refuse to believe that A.R. Rahman himself worked on that. The songs were strong, apt, and really were powerful, enhancing some of the scenes. But when it time for background score, the Rahman energy seemed to have petered out. 

Now, the man of the hour. One scene. One scene. He made me cry. Yeah. That's the power of Rajinikanth the actor, as opposed to the superstar. I am glad that in his twilight year, he is going back to his root and explore that original fire, the actual Rajinikanth – a powerful character actor. It's all over here. This is not a cameo or guest role, it is a lead role. You may not see him in many scenes, but his presence can be felt. 

I was prepared to be disappointed, thus lowering my expectations, But what the hell, I got involved. It's a good film. I know many will dis it, especially as the promotions and PR were pretty low-key, if you put aside the audio launch. But I love it. It's good. There are powerful moments, very consistent performance among the players and it didn't feel like the work of a director early in her career. Even if this flops, I know Aishwarya is ready to roll with the big guns. 

Additional note: I shared this as What's App status on 13/2/24: Most of the reviews of Lal Salaam are bad. Okay, I read them to find out what's the issues. It's the same issue that's rotting many Tamil films, nothing new. Then it struck me.  Of course! Rajini plays a Muslim leader, and the Muslims in the film are portrayed virtuously. Most of the f***ers who reviewed it are Hindu p****s. Ass that to a woman directing a film amidst toxic male worshipping industry. Of course, they wouldn't like the film. F**ktards! AthigamAna Asterisks payanpaduthalukku manikkavum.