Nagaswaram musings

Back mint-fresh from a wedding, the role of the nagaswaram at such auspicious events worries me. It's getting smaller and smaller. Its quality is commensurate with its present role too, which is worrisome, for the art needs to be kept alive and kicking.  In the southern parts of the state, the wind instrument is quite a loud hero and quality on the higher side.

 It must be the influence of the famed Ampalapuzha brothers whose expertise with the nagaswaram is legion. They made it as much Keralites' own as that of Tamil Nadu's, where it was literally born, nourished and cherished. Not only lovers of classical music for who can forget Singara velane....of S. Janaki where the instrument and the human voice flowed as one generic blessing?
But sometimes your heart goes out to the poor guy/lady who keeps bellowing out air that neither produces sweet sounds nor the right pitch, while the percussion is happily on its own trip. Why is the nagaswaram considered apt for weddings?
 Common sense tells you that the vibrant sound that emanates makes your heart flutter...... the music makes even the most morose of people tap his/her feet and sway to the intricate nuances, aping the human voice. The loud music, indicating joy abandon, is the perfect background for the couple, for they forget to be nervous in the musical din while the guests figure out the tune being played, usually very famous ones. The music with quick rhythmic beats and joyous undercurrents, bring smiles to the faces assembled in their silken attire.  As soon as the thalikettu is over, the quick pause and abrupt switch  to 'Kanavu kanden naan kanavu kanden......' is so romantic, predictable and the perfect finale to the occasion.

 But imagine this scenario: The nagaswaram begins off key.....the sound is barely audible as the music maker is unsure of the notes ...there is no merriment in the music because of hesitant notes....when there should be notes dancing like a bhangra, the feel is like the steps of a lazy man walking in the hot sun, aimlessly. Added to it, popular tunes are played all wrong, bringing on scowls to faces. To cap it all the the notes end unceremoniously like the fag end of a fart long suppressed. (forgive me my uncouth expression.) The wedding ceremonies lose the charm it ought to register for a lifetime, for the couple and loved ones.
But what beats me is that nobody thinks it is some kind of a problem. It has been plaguing me for a long time and now that I have opened up, I feel better.
Prema Manmadhan

Oru Vadakkan Selfie is fun

Freshness  pervades the entire movie, Oru Vadakkan selfie. A bunch of young actors and technicians giving of their best. That is what makes you very happy. Fast paced, naturally funny and yet has a very good message.
 The story can happen anywhere and the same plight can be anybody's. That's yet again why people relate to it. Vineeth's script is the key to its success. More importantly, the excellent performances of most of the artistes, its music and cinematography by Jomon.
 In every department of the film, what stands out is the freshness of approach. It's a breezy comedy that gathers seriousness as it progresses. Yet the characters are not morbidly pessimistic and give you reasons to expect the unexpected. The director has taken his job seriously and the team has risen to the occasion.
This is not to say that there are no flaws. Yes, the ending does not match the quality of the movie taken as a whole and there are loose ends but not so loose that you take the memory home. All is forgiven for the nearly three hours of sane entertainment.
 Manjima is an actress to look out for. Subtle emotions that rock the soul of the character she plays come out successfully. Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, the boy with curly hair and Vijayaraghavan act very well. There is sincerity in their work. A movie with a message for the young, not so young, the old, and most of all, crazy netizons. But wait...why vadakkan selfie? Don't know!!
Prema Manmadhan