Lemonade

As the kids come back from their prolonged cricket session, Karthu sees that I am making lemonade for them. He picks up the halves of lemon and declares that he knows the recipe for the juice, doesn't want me to help him and wants to make it all by himself!
He puts half teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar in each of the small glasses, squeezes one half of a lemon in them, fills them with water and quickly mixes with a spoon.
Prithvi is completely excited about his brother's newly exhibited skills and is ready to have it. He drinks till the last sip, licks his lips, sighs and looks at Karthu, who is eagerly waiting for the feedback.  Both of them are used to watching the tasting followed by judges' comments on the 'Masterchef'.
Prithvi, the boy who never likes to withhold any thoughts but is sensitive enough to not hurt anyone, passes his remarks carefully this way...'Good Anna!! I drank away all the salt and ate the sugar at the end!!'....Karthu, who is straightforward and perceives the world in just black or white, is puzzled as to what he meant.... Did he like it or not??!!!
While the stark contrast between the children becomes strikingly evident, I realize that their innocence, quick-wit, subtle humor, sensitive nature and soft-spoken behavior reflect the traits of their grandfathers from both sides (maternal and paternal).....

Oopiri......Reiterated

Two weeks after watching the movie, I realized that my take on Oopiri was a knee-jerk reaction, when I happened to keenly observe this poster at a busy crossroad. It was neither about the story, nor the actors who played the roles....I became aware that I missed to notice the chemistry between the two male protagonists, one challenged physically while the other couldn't surpass his emotional deadlock. The rich and poor economic statuses were devised to just make the contrast between them felt by the audience. The film has particularly concentrated on the small ways in which they encourage and provoke each other to act, rather than miss being themselves. This cognizance is created in a no-nonsense manner and there lies the true beauty of the movie.

I particularly feel guilty for not having caught this point of the movie, not because it shows lapses in my perceptive ability, but because I happened to stand witness to this phenomenon for almost 20 years. It should have been the first point that should have struck me. Once known for his swiftness, briskness and high energy; people had to practically 'run to catch up' to reach Naanna. Twenty eight years of the speed was jolted by a congenital hiccup that has surfaced after having carved a career and creating a happy family for himself. Even after that, his willpower was unbridled and he was steadfast. Though he had better motor abilities than Vikramaditya, Naanna more or less could not continue at the same pace. The near and dear who had seen him during the good old days had compassion, sympathy and felt sorry for him. But, that could never match up with his aspirations of being the man he wanted to be!!

At this juncture, a childhood buddy stood by him, exactly like Srinu.....The Man Friday in a true sense!! He ignited the engine, took Naanna to all the happening places; be it the Union office, secret spots to take a couple of friendly puffs, holiday spots, pilgrimages, ice-cream parlour and everywhere both of them wished to be!! Though it was not a give and take relationship, Naanna buttressed and stood as a pillar of strength in every possible way beside his friend and boosted his morale whenever necessary. This uncle was also with Naanna on his bedside during every visit to the hospital and stressfully waited outside the theatre whenever Naanna had to undergo a procedure. His help was priceless. However, neither of them poked nose into the other's family affairs. Their respective wives and kids were totally supportive of all this, as they understood that happiness lies in staying oneself, rather than sit and cry over spilt milk. I appreciate the support of the Uncle much more now, since Oopiri just put it into perspective.

Thus, Oopiri was not just a movie, but a trip down the memory lane for me!! Oopiri is the breath of fresh air that blossoms new bonding, inspires the two men to overcome the obstacles and beautifies their lives. It is a tribute to the evergreen friendship between Naanna and Santoshkironvedantam Vedantam Uncle. 

I am still burdened by the way I missed noticing this crucial aspect while watching Oopiri!!

Uncle.

I am still burdened by the way I missed noticing this crucial aspect while watching Oopiri!!