This is Adiga’s second book which is a compilation of short stories. All these stories are based in a small town called Kittur, which is modeled on Mangalore. For those who are weak in geography and haven’t been following the news closely, Mangalore is a coastal town in Karnataka, adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is a melting pot of various religions, languages and cultures. It is indeed a small town, the population of which consists of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, etc and they speak varied languages ranging from Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Malayalam, Urdu and a language called “Baire” or “Malabari”, which is a mix of Kannada, Malayalam and Urdu.

Why am I talking only of Mangalore? Because you cannot separate Mangalore and this book. The short stories here are of different people in that sleepy town – from a half-casteboy who explodes a bomb in his class to a quack sexologist trying to help a dying stranger. These stories map the time between the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. I could relate to it more because I have lived in Mangalore. Also, this book is very much relevant in today’s context, when there are so many unwanted events happening in Mangalore. This book might give you a better perspective on the demography of the place and help you understand the present events. Kittur is like any other small town with its variety of people, its beliefs and its problems.

The book is a good read for those who like reading Indians writing about India, full of wit and keen observations.

Lloyd Jones’ novel on the blockade of the 1990’s is the latest addition to the list of books that I’ve read.

This story about the young Matilda, her small island, her mother, her school, her “teacher” Mr. Watts (called Pop eye by the village folks), is an enchanting and endearing story. The story has a very unassuming start but as it slowly takes shape, you realize that you are reading a story which is impactful yet simple but not too simple so as to let you forget it easily. The story held my attention throughout and is stil fresh on my mind because of the picturesque descriptions and explanations, I could actually see what Matilda was looking at (I am not exaggerating here).

For a person who picks up books at random, I am happy that I chanced upon this book. It gave me a totally different view to Dickens’ and his Great Expectations. I had read it during my under grad but never saw it the way Lloyd Jones makes us see it through this novel.

On the whole a beautifully written, poignant story which makes you see life the way an innocent child would.

Watching this movie was a co-incidence; had gone to watch “Honeymoon Travels” but got tickets for this movie and ended up enjoying it.

“Just Married” was definitely a better choice. Though both the movies revolve around the same theme, marriage, the treatment has been different. All about a couple brought together not by fate, but by parents. Quite a true depiction of strangers thrown together by marriage. It’s about how love blossoms between them after marriage (which is quite obvious by the trailers).

Fardeen has finally learnt to act. He’s been more than the chocolate hero in this movie (could be also because he’s put on a bit of weight). For a change even Esha’s good. A slimmer Esha, with minimal make-up; she comes as a bit of a surprise. The other couples are cute too. Perizad Zorabian with Bikram Saluja (the most perfect, “in love” couple of the lot), Sadia Siddique and Mukul Dev (Sadia who’s completely in love with Mukul but Mukul’s confused), Kirron Kher and Satish Shah (the senior citizens) and Raj Zutshi and Tarina Patel (the “unmarried couple”). But they only support the story and help Abhay (Fardeen) and Ritika (Esha) to come closer.

Meghna Gulzar has come up with a refreshing movie, after such a long gap. Though its devoid of any high-tension drama, its still enjoyable (so those who love Karan Johar-Yash Chopra kind of movies would be terribly disappointed and would not agree with me). It’s for those who want to see a serious theme put in a very subtle and light way.

For me arranged marriages are beyond imagination so watching this movie was worthwhile (though I still stick to my decision of not going for a complete arranged marriage). A must-see for those who have decided to take the plunge the parental way, and also for those who are sailing or drowning in it (as applicable!!!).

Nishabd wasn’t actually spell-binding but I have just one word to explain it – ‘interesting’!!!

Ramgopal Varma has proved his forte with “different” movies. This movie with an unusual storyline stands out among all the crass seen today. Its been well taken, especially the treatment of the theme (I know there might be people who would love to disagree with me on this). The movie goes on at a gentle pace, even slow at times, but that’s the charm of such movies.

Amitabh has done an excellent job as always (though many couldn’t digest such a character being potrayed by him) and Revathy too stands out with her performance. But the one who left an impression is the sexy Jiah Khan. She plays her role of seductress to perfection (the lollipop in her mouth, her legs always at display and “take light”). I’ll give her full points for her attitude and clothes (though minimal!) and accessories.

Another interesting aspect of the movie is the location. Munnar-the beautiful hill station of Kerala-has been very beautifully shot. The camerawork’s been exceptional especially the shots of the locale. Also, there’s one scene where the camera glides from the rooftop of Amitabh’s house to his approaching jeep (just loved it!!!).

Well, as for the story, I liked it. It’s a complicated storyline treated in a very simple way and that’s the beauty of the movie. I don’t know what others think about the movie but for me it is as I said in the beginning – INTERESTING…