Entertainment
Mea Culpa
He narrated three draft concepts – each unique, engrossing and enviably out-of-the box.
“Why don’t you make these into movies, Sir?”, I asked.
“Because ‘they’ say the audience wouldn’t accept them” – “they” being the so-called pundits of cinema – the producers, directors, writers. It’s “they” who unfortunately decide if a movie is to be canned or not.’
I was sitting in Mr. Kamalhassan’s office. I would call it one of the most precious days of my life. No, not for the reason you think – being in the company of a star the whole of India would kill to get a glimpse of – no, but for the contagious energy which made me raring to go, for the youthful zest which made me look old in comparison for the umpteen numbers of screenplay techniques I learned from him in less than 6 hours.
The thirst for innovation was written all over him! It got me thinking – is it just Mr. Kamalhassan? Is it just he who wants to do movies which throw conventions to the winds? I don’t think so! I have seen similar fire in Mr. Mammootty. The man transforms into an enthusiastic teenager the moment you show him the willingness to boot out the clichés. Did I hear the inevitable? “Then why are they doing mediocre movies?” Because they have no choice. They have to choose the lesser evil – not the better of the best. Who is to blame, I ask myself and the answer is – I am to blame.
Trust me, no actor in the industry desires to do a senseless role. When they do one, they know they are doing one. Fortunately or unfortunately, when such a movie succeeds, they are forced to do churn-outs from the same recipe again and again. And I, the scriptwriter laments, “I can’t break rules because the audience needs the conventional.” I would go on to quote examples of hundreds of run-of-the-mill stuff which made it big at the box office. But who are these audiences? How many among the three odd crores do I know personally? Come on, I don’t even know what my best friend’s favorite dessert is but I unabashedly lecture on what people out there, whom I haven’t even seen, really want. In introspection, well, that is just pathetic!
I have had movie goers come up to me, with sarcastically raised eyebrows, arguing how such & such a scene in one of the movies could have been so illogical. I’ve had one laughing at me in a crowded mall (yes, that was embarrassing) for writing a scene which had a factual error. I’ve had them asking why their favorite actors are letting them down by acting in movies which even their 10 year old finds ridiculous! I can hardly reply – because you want it! No, they don’t! No, the actors don’t! It’s me the writer and my laziness to tread the untrodden path that leaves the ordinary Malayali cheated out of the magic of the movies!
Sometimes it is because I don’t have the time – I am committed with movies which I have to finish writing by next Christmas. That gives me just three months to finish a script. I can hardly afford to write rough drafts before the final one. Even when I am not very okay with a scene that I have written, I let it pass for the fear of the three other scripts dangling over my head like Damocles swords, demanding to be finished. And naturally and inevitably I leave out the research. This leads to a character who takes over as District Collector a day after he has cleared his IAS examination or India’s top lawyer who wins a complicated case with elementary commonsensical arguments.
And sometimes, it could be that I just don’t have the talent – I can’t think of anything new (or don’t feel the need to) because I am stuck with some 2000 odd images from movies I have seen and got inspired by. I just follow the rules – Mohanlal has to have a punch line; Mammootty has to have the last word; and the heroine has to fall in love – even if the hero has slapped and insulted her (in fact, sometimes it is a pre-requisite). I am the very contended frog who has no desire for the sea even though it knows that it is out there. I try to make myself believe that the blueness, vastness and depth of the ocean are highly over-estimated. I am afraid to try to swim there.
Yes, we all dream of making our Rashomons and being immortalised. If only that is what the producers and directors and most importantly the audiences wanted! We’ll never know till we try, will we?
The author is a notable Script writer whose writing has changed the face of Malayalam movie industry.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.
1. Luxurious Velvet
Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.
2. Airy Sheer
Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.
3. Classic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.
Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.
4. Elegant Silk
For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
5. Versatile Linen
Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
6. Durable Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.
Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
7. Chic Satin
Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.
Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.
Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.
Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Kendal Jenner
Eva Longaria
Aishwarya Rai
Anitta
Viola Davis and Simone Ashley
Jane Fonda
Heidi Klum
Andie MacDowell
Cara Delevingne
Belinda Peregrin
Bethenny Frankel
Aja Naomi King
Beatrice Vio
Samadhi Zendejas
Alia Bhatt
Camila Cabello
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.
Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.
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