I've been thinking about the GVM-25 concert I am grateful to have been invited to. How should I capture the joy and nostalgia that made me feel so alive? Should I begin by appreciating the intimate stage design (and those cool digitally animated backgrounds), and how the concert, much like his films, felt like an easy extension of his life (including homages to his parents)? Should I talk about how I didn't have to settle even once for 'concert music', as we so often do? So, maybe then, I ought to praise the singers, the background vocalists, the musicians, for doing such a standup job?
Or shall I instead talk about the music and all the memories it invoked? All those great songs may have been created to serve his films, but we know the truth. They served our life. When new love overwhelms you without warning, that low bass murmur at the beginning of 'Karu Karu Vizhigalaal' is already rumbling within you. When you're writhing in its throes, 'Mannippayaa' comes as divine acknowledgement. When you're transforming all the inevitable suffering into art, Alphons Joseph's Aaromale becomes an arm around your shoulder, his voice carrying emotion beyond the scope of words. And it finally feels like someone gets it.
The legacy of this filmmaker's work, and his exquisite taste in music, mean that I could go on and on about the almost-religious impact of his film songs. At one point, 'Ondraa Rendaa' was being performed to footage from the song, and I wondered what it must be like for Suriya and Jyotika (who were in attendance), for whom, a piece of their past has been immortalised to unforgettable music. Some of us may not get that luxury, but it doesn't matter.
These songs are as much ours too, returning as reminders to live and love unapologetically.
51 doctors from @agaramvision 👏👏👏 All that mindless crowd that trying to bring down @Suriya_offl , what you all have done in your life ? These 51 doctors will save thousands of life. May be someone from your family / extended family too!
50 days since #Retro !!
Whattey roller coaster of emotional ride it was for me personally.... The film literally fought a WAR after it's theatrical release.... Beyond targeted hatred & agendas... there was Love... Loads of love to us that made The One Win this War !! #TheOneWon ❤️
Thanks for all the genuine constructive criticism...reviews & feedback... Have definitely taken it all and will reflect in my future works 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Retro... Will always be a Special Special film for everyone of us involved in the Film... Love you all, my dear Audience 🤗🤗❤️
24 : Revisiting a Masterpiece 🧵
Which according to you is the most under-rated tamil movie of all time? Many would say a anbe sivam, hey ram or a pudhupettai. But, if you look closely you would know, these movies were never made for a larger audience.
#9yearsof24
How good is @Suriya_offl in #Retro - even when the film goes from a moving love story to an outlandish Hunger Games-type scenario, he doesn't miss a beat. The story is overstuffed and bonkers but in a good way. And that 15-minute oner alone is worth the price of the ticket!