22 August 2023

Koyambedu (கோயம்பேடு) today's Vegetable Price



 

Onion Big (பெரிய வெங்காயம்) ₹30 1kg 
Onion Small (சின்ன வெங்காயம்) ₹60 1kg 
Tomato (தக்காளி) ₹40 1kg 
Green Chilli (பச்சை மிளகாய்) ₹45 1kg 
Beetroot (பீட்ரூட்) ₹40 1kg 
Potato (உருளைக்கிழங்கு) ₹32 1kg 
Amla (நெல்லிக்காய்) ₹89 1kg 
Baby Corn (சிறிய மக்காச்சோளம்) ₹85 1kg 
Banana Flower (வாழைப்பூ) ₹25 1kg 
Capsicum (குடைமிளகாய்) ₹40 1kg 
Capsicum Red (குடைமிளகாய்) ₹150 1kg 
Bitter Gourd (பாகற்காய்) ₹30 1kg 
Bottle Gourd (சுரைக்காய்) ₹20 1kg 
Butter Beans (பட்டர் பீன்ஸ்) ₹90 1kg 
Broad Beans (அவரைக்காய்) ₹40 1kg 
Cabbage (முட்டைக்கோஸ்) ₹15 1kg 
Carrot (கேரட்) ₹50 1kg 
Cauliflower (காலிஃபிளவர்) ₹20 1kg 
Cluster beans (கொத்தவரை) ₹25 1kg 
Coconut (தேங்காய்) ₹28 1kg 
Cucumber (வெள்ளரிக்காய்) ₹10 1kg 
Drumsticks (முருங்கைக்காய்) ₹30 1kg 
Brinjal (கத்திரிக்காய்) ₹30 1kg 
Brinjal (Big) (கத்திரிக்காய்) ₹50 1kg 
Brinjal (Green) (கத்திரிக்காய்) ₹30 1kg 
Elephant Yam (சேனைக்கிழங்கு) ₹44 1kg 
French Beans (பீன்ஸ்) ₹45 1kg 
Ginger (இஞ்சி) ₹200 1kg 
Green Peas (பச்சை பட்டாணி) ₹150 1kg 
Mango Raw (மாங்காய்) ₹130 1kg 
Ladies Finger (வெண்டைக்காய்) ₹30 1kg 
Pumpkin (பூசணி) ₹20 1kg 
Radish (முள்ளங்கி) ₹15 1kg 
Ridge Gourd (பீர்க்கங்காய்) ₹40 1kg 
Snake Gourd (புடலங்காய்) ₹25 1kg 
Sweet Potato (இனிப்பு உருளைக்கிழங்கு) ₹60 1kg 
Bangalore Tomato (பெங்களூர் தக்காளி) ₹50 1kg 
Kohlrabi (நூக்கல்) ₹15 1kg 
Chayote (Chow Chow) (சௌ சௌ) ₹25 1kg 
Plantain Stem (வாழைத்தண்டு) ₹60 1kg 
Ivy Gourd (கோவைக்காய்) ₹35 1kg 
Tapioca (மரவள்ளிக் கிழங்கு) ₹67 1kg 
Onion White (வெள்ளை வெங்காயம்) ₹22 1kg 
Garlic (பூண்டு) ₹120 1kg 
Garlic Small (பூண்டு) ₹180 1kg 
Double Beans (டபுள் பீன்ஸ்) ₹95 1kg 
Elephant Yam Small (கருணைக்கிழங்கு) ₹30 1kg 
Colocasia (சேப்பங்கிழங்கு) ₹50 1kg

21 August 2023

Kolai Movie Review: An Imitation Murder Enigma

Director Balaji K Kumar's "Kolai" strives for style but lacks substance, presenting a murder mystery that mimics American influences yet falls short in both visual allure and emotional engagement. Contemporary Indian cinema faces a notable challenge—its tendency to replicate and revere American film content. Throughout its developmental years, filmmakers have emulated the narratives, visuals, and even the aesthetics of Hollywood productions. A significant accolade within the mainstream is often, "It resembles a Hollywood movie." The latest casualty of this aspirational emulation is Balaji K Kumar’s "Kolai." A prefatory note suggests that the film is set in Madras, not Chennai, as the film's elements diverge somewhat from our reality. However, it's not a period piece. The rationale behind this choice seems solely rooted in the director's desire to emulate the ambience of an American murder mystery. Regrettably, "Kolai" ultimately materializes as a superficial and uninspiring endeavor.




The narrative unfolds with the murder of Leila (Meenakshi Chaudhry), a model and vocalist, in her apartment. As the Inspector General's retirement looms, he presses Sandhya (Ritika Singh), the lead investigator, to enlist the expertise of Vinayak (Vijay Antony), a renowned private detective. Predictably, the PI initially shows reluctance due to his struggles with a failing marriage and an ailing daughter. Yet, inevitably, he takes on the case. The night of the murder saw several men visiting Leila's apartment, rendering them all suspects. The plot unfolds with the customary inclusion of red herrings, flashbacks, a grieving boyfriend, and other familiar elements.

 

Balaji has taken a straightforward murder mystery and attempted to fashion it into a retro noir film, although the underlying narrative lacks the depth to substantiate the stylistic treatment. Considerable effort has been expended on the ostentatious set design of the film. Each frame exudes opulence but lacks vitality. The depicted spaces seem devoid of human habitation. The residence, police station, and even the streets appear akin to life-sized models showcased in a home decor store. While enhancing aesthetics to align with the storyline can be justified, Balaji's stylistic approach lacks intrinsic significance. A more significant concern is the inconsistency of this cinematic world.

 

It oscillates between peculiar settings and the familiarity of Chennai. "Kolai" also grapples with an issue of exposition. Upon a character's introduction, Balaji promptly dispenses all requisite information. However, the characters fail to captivate due to their reliance on stereotypes. A suspect focused on flaunting his muscular physique, a tech-savvy neighbor with cognitive challenges, an addicted photographer—the character roster remains unremarkable. Even Vinayak's personal tribulations fail to evoke empathy, as the entire film appears remote to the viewer. While a well-executed plot twist could have enhanced the viewing experience, "Kolai" disappoints in this regard as well. By the film's conclusion, the audience's investment in identifying the killer wanes. The film's redeeming feature lies in composer Girish Gopala Krishnan's music. Tracks like "Yaar Nee" and the revamped version of the Tamil classic "Paatha Nyabagam Illayo" linger in memory as the film's sole lasting impressions.

Jailer review: Rajinikanth and Nelson Dilipkumar rediscover the magic of a good masala film.

Indian masala films, the lifeblood of the Tamil film industry, are often considered inferior to serious issue-driven films. Yet, when done right, they can deliver an experience like no other. The alchemy of good masala films appeared to have been forgotten by filmmakers at least in Tamil cinema, when Nelson Dilipkumar reminded us how it is done with Rajinikanth--the de facto poster boy of Tamil masala films. The ingredient that has been missing from commercial films of late is respect; Nelson has plenty for this genre in Jailer.


Ironically, a film titled Jailer cannot be contained in one single genre. The shift from one genre to another is pretty distinct and interesting. At one instance, we are watching a family drama, then it becomes a revenge saga, and then it transforms into something which I will not reveal because it will be a spoiler. And the surprises keep coming, just like the enjoyable cameos. A part of Rajinikanth's punchline in Jailer goes like this: "I am the king here. My words are the rules." It's like Nelson telling about how he handles films here. The rules and genres of Jailer keep changing, but one cannot complain because it is pure entertainment.

In recent years, Rajinikanth's films have fallen into two categories. One consists of films about a protagonist who loses all his wealth and starts from scratch to become Padayappa or Annamalai or Muthu. The other category is the Baashaa template: The guy with a past who is now living a life of non-personhood but when destiny comes calling--or even just one phone call--the superhero comes out. Jailer belongs to this second category too. Tiger Muthuvel Pandian is a sweet grandpa who spends his retired life making YouTue videos with his grandson an entitled brat (a call back to Rajinikanth films).

The film begins with the disappearance of Assistant Commissioner of Police Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), who is on the trail of a mafia gang and its leader Varma (a brilliant Vinayakan). When Arjun refuses to stop the investigation, he goes missing. Muthuvel Pandian concludes that his son has been killed and starts his own revenge saga by seeking help from friends from his jailer days, which results in delightful cameos from Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff.The film could have been named Rajinikanth and friends because the cameos help a lot in terms of creating what’s called theatrical moments.

03 May 2023

Manobala: The Versatile Actor and Director of Tamil Cinema

Manobala is a renowned actor, comedian, and director in the Tamil film industry. With a career spanning over three decades, he has acted in over 700 films and directed several successful movies. Known for his versatility, Manobala has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.

Early Life and Career

Manobala was born on December 8, 1953, in Tamil Nadu. He started his career in the film industry as an assistant director to renowned director Bharathiraja. Later, he made his acting debut in the film "Panathukkaga" in 1980. Though he played minor roles in his initial years, he made a mark in the industry with his performance in the film "Sathiram Perundhu Nilayam."

Manobala's comedic timing and impeccable acting skills helped him establish himself in the industry. He has acted alongside some of the biggest names in Tamil cinema, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Vijay. He has played diverse roles, from supporting characters to comic relief, and has been lauded for his performances.

Career Highlights

Manobala has won several accolades for his performances in Tamil cinema. In the film "Kizhakku Vasal," he played a negative role, which earned him critical acclaim. He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for his role in the film "Gentleman." His role as a supportive father in "Siva Manasula Sakthi" earned him rave reviews.

Apart from acting, Manobala has also directed several movies. His directorial debut was the film "Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya," which was a commercial success. He has also directed films like "Uthama Puthiran" and "Jannal Oram." As a director, he has shown his prowess in making entertaining and commercially viable films.

Manobala is also a well-known television personality. He has hosted the popular reality show "Jodi Number One" and has been a judge on the show "Super Singer." His infectious personality and humor have made him a popular figure among the audience.

Personal Life

Manobala is married and has a son named Boopathy, who is also a director in the film industry. Boopathy has directed films like "Kanithan" and "Varma." The father-son duo is considered one of the most talented and successful pairs in the industry.

Manobala is known for his philanthropic work. He is a patron of the "Narpani Iyakkam" organization, which aims to improve the quality of life of the poor and marginalized in Tamil Nadu. He actively participates in social activities and strives to make a positive impact on society.

Manobala's contributions to the Tamil film industry are immense. With his impeccable acting skills and humor, he has entertained audiences for over three decades. His versatility as an actor and director has earned him a special place in the industry. As he continues to act and direct, Manobala will undoubtedly remain a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry for years to come.