Best day for learning for Indian contingent at Rio Olympics 2016

It will be 8th August 2016 

Last 24 hours in Indian non-cricket sports (people outside call that Olympics) were best if you see scope of learning from them. Technically, we can learn so many things - like faster release in archery, controlling the pace in last 5 mins in Hockey (Indian Hockey Team have lost 10 matches inside last 10 minutes in last editions of Olympics), etc. And professionally, we certainly lack poise, much needed in key pressure moments. So, what happened on 8th August 2016 in Rio. 

1 point in last set for Indian archery team could have taken them to S/Fs, 

3 seconds less would have put us in comfort for Hockey Q/Fs, and 

a few decimal points in shoot-off could have ended a career of only-individual Olympic Gold holder for India, with a worthy farewell 

And the learning is not just for athletes but also for viewers like me. Which is too accept defeat and loss even if you have given your best. Watch the awesome grace in accepting fate and lets-move-on moments by Abhinav Bindra. History is being made in this video - as he becomes one of few Indians to come fourth after PT Usha (who missed Bronze by 1/100th of second).     

You don't have to justify yourself. You did your attempt, you tried honestly, you fought, you lost. Accept the fate with Chin up. Cheers

ps: In other news, tweeter Shobha De won a Gold in fiercely competitive lets-cash-on-here held in Tweeting Area (@DeShobhaa). It is expected she will wear that medal in all her page three parties and also showcase the medal while performing Produnova . She will be the eight athlete to do so after Dipa Karmakar. Munnabhai has already sent her roses... 

Movie Review: Kabali, or say like the God himself says "Kabaaali Hai Ye"

Disclaimer: I have no clue of Tamil cinema but I love Kamal Hasan, AR, Dhanush and Rajini anna. My respect for regional cinema has significantly increased post my stay with Tamilian roommate during my Bangalore stint. And hence I have guts to see FDFS of superstar’s Kabali. 

Kabali review follows -

                 

Story –

Cliché right! Don (Rajini anna) is a mercy lord for Tamilians in Malaysia. He goes to jail for a quarter of century. Comes back , finds wife (played by Radhika Apte) is dead and now he pledges revenge. Story here is an adapted chapter from story-writing curriculum of a film school. They should not play the writers. Also, the pace is often broken by disjoint set pieces and songs.

Actors & Gods –

Radhika Apte and rest of the lot acted in a satisfactory manner. Viewers who follow Bollywood or Hollywood will find Southern acting style a bit over-dramatic but that’s fine if it adds to entertainment. 

The movie is saved by God – Rajini anna. Actually the bias to see him is so heavy that you just cannot Not Think of him. It is like eyes have a mandate to follow him. Dialogue delivery and style is unmatched. Killer stuff. Ekdum kolaveri di

What works – the hype around the God, the Superstar, the Kabali – his grey beard and black side parting hair styles, everything. And the way he say “Kabaaali”

What not – Hindi dubbing, cliché story, it looks like a revenge drama and not a revenge thriller, pace could have been better

SPEAKing PICtures’s verdict – movie is less of meaning, more of style. Less of a movie, more of an occasion. Enjoy it. 3.5/5

ps: I was away for writing for more than 3 years. I am at my personal low. So, I thought to take some inspiration from an ex bus conductor to one of the God of Indian cinema. I saw a line which compelled me to return – he was once a bus conductor selling tickets, now people die for his tickets. Rajini anna, you give me hope and inspiration. Thank You.