The recently held Duchess Utsav organized Kalanikethan fashion show saw a host of socialites including the likes of Nina Reddy and fashion designer Karun Raman in attendance.
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Maverick Fitness launch
Maverick Fitness Studios, one of south India’s leading fitness and wellness chains with established state-of-the-art studios in Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem & Pondicherry recently launched 3 new verticals of their franchise — Maverick Academy of Fitness in association with the Australian College of Sports & Fitness, Maverick Fit Kids and Maverick Wellness @ Work.
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Kirtilal Jewellers launch
Kirtilals, the premium diamond jewellery brand recently revealed their re-vamped Chennai showroom with their newly launched- ‘Mystery’, ‘Precision Bangles’ and ‘Glow & Go’ collections.
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The unadulterated truth
City of God (Cidade de Deus)
Year: 2002
Language: Portugese/Brazil
Director: Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund
Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen
This movie reminds me of another Brazilian movie I reviewed a while back – Elite Squad 2; Drugs, gang wars, unbridled ambition and death. Both movies are racy, exciting and never lacking in bullets! The main protagonists in both movies fight against the system, they win some battles and they lose some, but they never give up the fight. Rocket (Rodrigues) tells the story of City of God, a favela (slum) in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The story is told through flashbacks, and the inter-linking of various connected stories of different elements in the crime-laden slum where kids grow up as hoodlums, with the more enterprising, ruthless ones graduating to become gang-lords.
Rocket’s brother, Goose is one of a trio of such hoodlums (the ‘Tender Trio’ – Shaggy, Clipper and Goose) that engage in theft and extortion, sometimes killing to make money. Li’l Dice and Benny are their two add-ons, two kids who have a frightening thirst for crime. Li’l Dice suggests holding up a motel to make some money and we see his resentment of how the trio treats him like a child, never giving him a piece of the real action. And in this, we see the makings of a brutal, evil, hard-nosed drug-lord. He is asked to be the lookout but instead kills everyone at the hotel and makes away with the money while the trio is pursued by the cops. He kills Goose and then continues to kill at whim, just for the thrill of killing.
Li’l Dice becomes Li’l Z (Firmino) and along with the help of Benny, completely purges the competition in City of God and establishes a drug empire (since Li’l Z realises that drugs is where the money is). At the head of an industry of foot soldiers and dealers that run on the necessities of dope-heads and addicts, Li’l Z establishes some calm in the slum and a certain level of protection to the slum-dwellers. Meanwhile, Rocket wants to be a photographer and tries to keep away from the gangs, especially his brother’s killer. He starts work with a local newspaper and tries to earn money the honest way. His chance photographs of Li’l Z’s gang catapult him into a life of ambition and danger.
This movie is just thrilling and disturbing at the very core of its subject. Children as young as 6 and 7, drink, smoke weed and tote guns. They steal and extort, threaten and hold up bakeries, run by honest people. They sell drugs and ingest drugs. And what is more chilling is that it is based on real-life events, on a novel of the same name by Paulo Line. Watch this. It’s a superb ride through hell on earth; of crime, passion, revenge and just pure evil. Watch it to know how Li’l Z meets his end…and how the cycle of crime in the City of God is a vicious, never-ending one.
Verdict: An exciting, disturbing movie that kept me on edge throughout
Rating: 
Hot: Superb performances, some of the actors are actual residents of the City of God. Plus the movie is based on actual events. What could be more thrilling than that?
Not: It is a movie about pure, unadulterated crime. If you cannot stomach that, don’t watch this
Sticky sweet caramel
Caramel (Sekkar Banat)
Year: 2007
Language: Lebanese Arabic
Director: Nadine Labaki
Cast: Nadine Labaki, Adel Karam, Yasmine Al Masri
The story in a nutshell is simple: Four women and a beauty salon in Beirut, and the caramel that holds them together.
Layale (Labaki), Nisrine (Al Masri) and Rima work at a Beauty Salon in Beirut. Jamale is a regular customer there and the four women are close friends. The movie shows the challenges of living in a closeted society where pre-marital sex is taboo, virginity is held at high premium and the desire for freedom comes at a cost. Layale is in a frustrating relationship with a married man, one who she hopes will leave his wife for her but we know that will never happen. Nisrine is about to marry her boyfriend and we realise her secret is something that many Indian women who are about to marry, also harbor. Her fiancé is not going to be her first time. She is not a virgin. So the four women discuss ways to fix this, many of which are intensely comical like when Jamale suggests dabbing a little dove’s blood on the sheet. Nisrine ultimately decides to go for a hymenoplasty!
Rima tries to understand her lesbian side and realises she is attracted only to women, especially a customer at the salon. It is apparent to the viewer that it would be next to impossible to come out peacefully in Lebanese society. Jamale fights her inevitable ageing with make-up and countless auditions for commercials, realising that her youth is slipping away from her. She tries everything to hold on to it and you will know the extent to which she goes for this when you watch the movie. A sweet angle to the movie is the sister duo of Rose and Lily who live across the street from the salon. Lily is mentally challenged and we see how Rose’s responsibility towards her is always tugging at her longing to live her life fully, find love and know desire.
Verdict: Caramel is a sweet comedy about serious issues and I thought it was fitting to review it this month, especially as debates about women’s freedom rage around the country.
Rating:
Hot: Completely realistic storyline, resounding with stories we hear in India.
Not: I completely enjoyed the movie. I can’t think of a Not!
Beyond Realistic
Italian for Beginners (Italiensk For Begyndere)
Year: 2000
Language: Danish, Italian
Director: Lone Scherig
Cast: Anders W. Berthelsen, Anette Støvelbæk, Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Lars Kaalund
Well, for starters all the synopses for this movie read ‘Romantic comedy!’ and ‘Lighthearted comedy’ among others. I thought to myself – perfect! The other movie I have reviewed this month is a serious one with a dark theme so this seemed a good way to offset the somber mood. Well, it is anything but! Following stories of different people who are all connected in some way, we are drawn into their lives and the darkest moments. The characters are woven around real, serious issues of family and history. Made in the style of the Dogme 95 movement, this film is Dogme XII and the use of natural lighting and hand-held cameras make for an extremely realistic movie-watching experience. Andreas (Berthelsen), the priest joins the Church in the town in which the movie is set, hoping to fill the Pastor’s position. His sadness lies in the loss of his wife and the constant struggle to become an inspiring Pastor. Olympia (Støvelbæk) is a young, pretty lady who works in a bakery and is plagued by the curse of the ‘butter fingers’! She is chronically clumsy and seems to always be dropping cakes and buns. She lives with her father who is verbally abusive. Karen (Jørgensen) is the local hairdresser whose mother is severely ill with various addictions, and frequently visits her salon in a wretched state begging for money. Jorgen Mortensen is the receptionist at the Hotel in which Andreas, the priest stays. Halvfinn (Lars Kaalund) is the young, fiery and boorish man in charge of one of the restaurants of the Hotel and Giulia is his Italian assistant. Giulia and Jorgen are in love with each other but neither of them knows of the other’s love!
All of them attend an Italian class in the village to escape the drudgery of their highly stressful lives and this is where the title of the movie comes from. This is but a miniscule portion of the entire movie, though. The movie really takes off when their teacher dies and they all decide to take a trip to Italy. In Venice, Jorgen and Giulia look past the barriers of language as Jorgen confesses his love for her all in Danish. Luckily, Giulia’s broken understanding of Danish makes for a sweet pudding of a scene! In Venice, we see romance, comedy and the light-heartedness of it all! In addition, the budding romance between the pastor and Olympia and the seedlings of a relationship between the sexually charged Halvfinn and Karen dissipate the gloomy overtones of the rest of the movie. The movie has a twist as well, a secret that is revealed after the deaths of Olympia’s father and Karen’s mother. Watch this movie with low to zero expectations of romance and comedy and you will not be disappointed.
Verdict: A serious movie with a few light-hearted moments.
Rating: 
Hot: Extremely realistically etched stories of misery
Not: Not as comedic as it is made out to be!
A power performance
Applause (Applaus)
Year: 2009
Language: Danish
Director: Martin Pieter Zandvilet
Cast: Paprika Steen
This month, Bengaluru was host to a European film festival centered on women’s issues. I naturally had to watch a few! Sadly, I got to watch just one – the Danish movie, ‘Applause’. The main protagonist of the movie is played by the same actor that played Christian’s sister in the movie ‘The Celebration’ that I reviewed last month. In this movie too, there is a Christian – her ex-husband.
Paprika Steen plays troubled actor Thea in this movie about love, loss and reclamation. As an alcoholic, her marriage spiraled out of control and she voluntarily gave up custody of her two sons. Her on-stage portrayal of Martha seems to mirror her own life’s drama. The ruination is caused due to alcohol, the fraying of relationships and the complete and utter lack of control over the path life is taking. Thea tries to steer her life back into some semblance of normalcy. She gets in touch with her ex, and asks to be a part of her sons’ lives. She yearns for the feeling of being a mother, of taking care of her sons and of having a family life…..her empty home reminds her of her past and the viewer feels as though the movie is a mirror to her disturbed soul.
Her sons are hesitant at first, but her repeated attempts pay off and they warm up to her. Through the heated exchanges between her and her ex, we realise that she was physically violent with her children. And thus, her repeated entreaties to allow them to live with her for long periods fall on the deaf ears of a flustered Christian. The movie portrays beautifully the struggles of someone trying to escape the clutches of a substance that preludes and sequels their every action – in Thea’s case, alcohol. We feel her mind fighting, trying not to give in to alcohol all in the hope of getting her sons back.
Just as in every story of a recovering addict, here too the viewer is always wondering whether the addict will turn her backs forever on the substance, or give in, just for that one hit. The movie has some very poignant moments such as when Thea buys toys for her sons, the day they come over to her house and they have a happy time pretending to be Vikings.
How will Thea’s life pan out? Will she get custody of her sons or will she return to the ravages of alcohol?
Verdict: A wonderfully crafted movie that explores the emotions of a recovering alcoholic trying to reclaim her life.
Rating:
Hot: It seems as though the role was made for Steen – what a powerful performance!
Not: The very real possibility of an addict running back to their substance is slightly, if not very depressing.
Quietly Beautiful
Beyond Silence (Jenseits der Stille)
Year: 1996
Language: German
Director: Caroline Link
Cast: Sylvie Testud, Tatjana Trieb, Howie Seago, Emanuelle Laborit
This is a beautiful movie. There is no other way to say it. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and beautiful in its performances. Beyond Silence is a story of a deaf-mute couple and their daughter Lara. Completely adept at sign language, she becomes the ears and mouth for her parents. Communicating on their behalf with her teachers, the bank and even with her grandparents, little Lara (Trieb) warms your heart like no other. This is a story of the bond shared between Lara and her parents. They occupy completely different worlds, one of silence and one of sound. And yet, there is a world beyond silence, one inhabited by Lara and later by her sister, Marie where they learn to walk the tightrope between the two. Trying their best not to make their parents feel out of place while at the same time, not wanting to miss out on everything life has to offer them is an unenviable place to be.
The viewer feels the frustration and despair that the parents feel, especially since their daughters can hear. There are many poignant moments in the film and my most favourite is when Martin (Seago), Lara’s father asks her how the falling of snow sounds. We are drawn into the world of the deaf and we realise how the simplest of things that we usually take for granted, like riding a bicycle can be a task of mighty proportions for them. Kai(Laborit), her mother who never learnt how to ride a cycle because of the issues with her ears and balance, finally learns to ride one at Lara’s insistence.
Martin’s issues with his family are also a big part of the movie. His strained relationship with his sister, Clarissa who is a clarinet player puts a rut in the relationship she is trying to build with Lara. Clarissa buys Lara a clarinet and Lara takes to it like a charm. But, will Martin’s childhood issues with Clarissa and his subsequent dislike for music, which he cannot hear, be a stumbling block in Lara’s quest for musical excellence?
One of my favourite parts of the movie is when the 18-year old Lara, who moves to Berlin to learn music from her aunt, spots a young man on the road communicating in sign language to a child. Following the two she enters the shop the shop they enter, only to realize that the young man, Tom is just like her. He is not deaf but inhabits their world, just like she does. What follows is a sweet, whirlwind romance.
I can watch this movie over and over and that is endorsement enough!
Verdict: Beautiful.
Rating: 
Hot: Wonderful performances, especially Lara as a child. This is only the second movie, ever, that had me all teary-eyed (the first one being Barfi).
Not: Not a completely happy movie – there are some very sad moments.
21ever.com launch
The launch of 21ever.com’s website was held in Chennai recently. Gracing the occasion was actress Vijayalakshmi of Chennai 600028 fame.
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Colors Collection launch
Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers launched their new collection this evening called ‘colors’ – perfect timing with the ongoing festival of colours Navratri. The collection was launched at their Vile Parle showroom by the National Award winner actress Raveena Tandon. Mr. Aditya Pethe, Director – Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, who has created the collection himself said ” We strongly believe that the women will appreciate this collection and it will add colors to their life”. “Colors Collection” is a range of intricately hand crafted exquisite designs of Necklace, Pendant & Earrings and bracelet. Kundan, Color stones and meenakari adds color to the jewellery pieces making it more vibrant and attractive.
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A Dynamic Duo
In just four years, Pragya and Megha Samor, have built a reputation for being fresh, unusual, unprecedented and avant-garde, as Asmita Aggarwal finds how…
Samor by Pragya & Megha is a label from the mother-daughter duo Pragya Samor and Megha Samor. The label came into existence in 2009 when they debuted at the Lakme Fashion Week and have, since then, completed two seasons launching their collections there.
They believe in bringing a fresh and innovative approach to designing, acting as liaison between their imagination and their client’s desire. The journey of their brand began with the self-made enterprising designer Pragya Samor who has been serving the fashion fraternity for past many years. The designer has always had a passion for experimenting with trends. Her keenness, for creativity and innovation and challenging herself constantly, setting the bar higher each time inspired her to open her own label along with her equally charged and brimming with fashion, daughter Megha Samor who passed out of NIFT Delhi with a degree in fashion design. Megha Samor is a new generation, talented and enthusiastic designer who is not restricted by limits or boundaries and is a passionate perfectionist.
Fresh, unusual, unprecedented and avant-garde, are some of the terms that identify their design sensibilities. They have carved a niche in the domestic as well as international sector in the market the likes of India, Dubai, USA, and Singapore.
Mirari at the Elephant Parade in L.A.
Mirari is possibly the first jewellery designer in the world to have designed for the globally-renowned Elephant Parade
Elephants have been an integral part of the rich culture of Asia. They occupy a very special place in India, as they are worshipped in our country. Yet, as is common knowledge, Asian elephants are widely subjected to various forms of cruelty and abuse and their numbers are fast dwindling. For centuries, they have been part of circuses and routinely subjected to extremely hard labour. In our country, they have even been made to beg on the streets. Of late, there are several movements being undertaken to liberate the elephants and help them regain their lost freedom. Besides the conservation programs and other such, many people have sought to raise awareness about and love for elephants through art.
In 2006, father and son duo Marc and Mike Spits initiated the first open air art exhibition called the Elephant Parade with a strong motive to conserve Asian elephants and ensure their welfare. The parade includes creative life-size models of elephants from various parts of the globe that are created by reputed fashion designers. And for the very first time the parade witnessed a jewellery designer extend her support to the cause. Mirari, a premier name in luxurious jewellery in India, has designed one of the marvelous elephants for the parade. Mira Gulati of Mirari is the first jewellery designer in the world to have participated in this globally renowned parade.
Mira says, “Elephant Parade is a brand in itself, and over the years, has shown immense growth all the while helping in the best possible way to conserve elephants. My support is minimal in the context of the entire Parade but this being my first exposure I have given it my best shot. Elephants are an essential part of the diverse Indian wildlife and saving this endangered species is a must. The elephant designed by us stands in majestic testimony to the rich culture of India and my love for it.” Each year, the elephant models designed as part of this exhibition are auctioned, and the proceeds are donated to the Asian Elephant Foundation.
Quirky and Confident
Two designers from Pune give Asmita Aggarwal the lowdown on some original artwork on natty dresses…
Jayesh Sachdev loved art and honed his brush strokes in Singapore, but little did he know that he would win the British Council Award in 2008, and meet another awardee Rixi Bhatia, and that it would be a life-changing event.
“Being an artist you can only paint 10-15 canvases in a year, restricting my audience to a few people who understand and appreciate art. I thought this was a bit elitist, as art must be accessible to everyone, and that’s how the idea of Quirk Box, our lifestyle and fashion label came about in 2011,” says Pune-based Jayesh, who graduated in Visual Communication from the Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore. He has founded his own art and design studio under the name of Emblem Studios, and admits he is inspired by greats like Andy Warhol and Peter Philips.
After working for an advertising agency in Singapore, Jayesh quit to return to India and immerse himself into art. He has also painted canvases for Ketan Mehta’s film release at the Cannes Film Festival. “Art must not be restrictive, that’s why I like Andy Warhol, it was fun and everyone could get it,” he says.
The design sensibility of Quirk Box is well … quirky and what distinguishes it from other labels is that all the artwork is original, done by Jayesh. Their forte is prints … so you will see offbeat, unconventional ones in the most eye popping hues – nothing is subtle, everything is a bit over-the-top – fuchsia, neons to tangerines. “We wanted to give women something that was original, I am quite inspired by the Japanese Manga comics too, so you will see some bits that come into the label’s DNA,” says Jayesh.
Quirk Box offers dresses from Rs 2,000 onwards, and they have interesting concepts like Dream Factory, Solider, Dolls and Toy factory designs. “We also have stationary, home décor items, cushion covers, coasters, wall art, furniture and mugs. For our Lakme Fashion Week collection, we have knew that we were addressing a prêt audience, but have played with loud prints, and added colour blocking to make them sparklers,” says Jayesh.
Most fabrics are georgette and silks, as the focus remains colour — lots of it. “Indians love colour, and even though we don’t believe in trends, prints will remain our mainstay, irrespective of whether they are internationally ‘in’ or not,” concludes Jayesh.
Big Sundays at ITC Grand Chola
‘Big Sundays’ at ITC Grand Chola now give you a chance to relax while everything is done for you. Head to Ottimo – the Cucina Italiana that offers gourmet antipasti, pastas and pizzas, at Pan Asian you can indulge in an assortment of crisp salads, cold appetizers, lighter-than-air dim sums and fresh sushi and Madras Pavilion features Indian and international gourmet desserts! The ITC Grand Chola invites you to experience the Big Sundays – Antipasti at Ottimo – Cucina Italiana, Main Course at Pan Asian and desserts at Madras Pavilion, and your Sunday Brunches will never be the same again. Make your Sundays memorable!
The ITC Grand Chola: 63, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai, TN 600032
Sizzlers at China Town
Crackle your way through September with a delicious range of sizzlers at China Town! It is quite a gastronomic festival with crackles, sputters and sizzles resounding in China Town. With Chef Lai Chee Chung bringing authentic sizzlers and stir fried delicacies from China all the way to your plate, this is one great gift you can give your taste-buds!
China Town, No. 74, Gopalapuram, Cathedral Road, Chennai, Ph: 044 28112246
Weekend lunches at Azulia
Weekend lunches just got a lot cooler with Azulia’s newest range of awesome stuff. The restaurant offers an exclusive four course menu for the weekend special lunch. Azulia takes the food connoisseur on a true gastronomic tour of Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Malta, Morocco, Spain, South France and Italy. What’s more, you get to interact directly with the chef, and your kids enjoy the benefit of an exclusive menu, too!
GRT Grand, 120, Sir Thyagaraya Road, Thiyagaraya Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600017. Ph: 0448150500
Smoking Hot 🔥 Raashii Khanna
Check out the latest photoshoot pictures of Actress Raashii Khanna
Dashing Photoshoot Pictures Of Harish Kalyan
Check out the dashing photoshoot pictures of Actor Harish Kalyan
