NRI, what is the cost?

Every now and then a video appears where someone returns from abroad to surprise their family. The scene is always the same. A mother bursts into tears, a father tries to hold back emotion, a wife runs forward in disbelief. These moments are celebrated as joy and shared online as if they capture the essence of love. This is particularly visible in Kerala where migration has become part of everyday life.

Behind these emotional reunions lies a truth that is less comfortable. For such a surprise to move people to tears there must have been years of separation. The videos may capture a few minutes of joy but it cannot show the long absence that created it. The daily silence in homes, the empty seat at family events, the distance between partners, or the fading connection between friends is never part of the video.

Migration is often justified as a pursuit of financial stability. Families accept it as a sacrifice, believing that money will make up for what is lost. But wealth does not accompany parents in their old age. It does not replace the time a couple spends apart. It does not bring back the years missed with children or the companionship of friends. The cost is not just separation but the gradual erosion of relationships that once defined life. Time once lost does not return, no matter how much wealth is gathered.

What is rarely questioned is the pride associated with this choice. Those who leave are celebrated as successful while those who choose to stay are often seen as lacking ambition. The truth may be the opposite because staying requires a different kind of courage. It means choosing presence over prosperity and valuing moments over wealth.

Just one question to all the NRI's out there

Whether this pursuit of wealth abroad is worth the years of absence it demands? 

The Blog That Writes Me

When I began writing I thought of blogs as pages filled with my thoughts. I believed I was the one in control by deciding what to say and how to say it. Yet as I look back at the long trail of blogs, I begin to wonder if it was never just me shaping them. Perhaps the blogs have been shaping me all along.

Each time I wrote I put a part of myself on paper and each time I finished a part of it remained within me. Some blogs made me face truths I had avoided, while others forced me to question what I thought I already knew. Slowly without realizing I began to live with those questions even outside the page.

There were days when I struggled to find a topic, but the act of searching itself opened doors I would not have noticed. A casual observation became a thought then the thought became a paragraph and the paragraphs turned into a blog. By the end of writing I would find myself not the same as when I started. 

And after two hundred blogs, I realize that these are not just records of what I thought at a certain time. They are teachers. They have taught me patience when I struggled to finish, honesty when I was tempted to soften the truth and courage when I feared how my words might be taken. 

If I had not written I would have been someone else. Writing has not simply been a habit. It has shaped my identity, as much as my choices and my journeys do. I thought I was writing to preserve my voice but in truth, the voice I have today was carved by the very act of writing.

So the question is no longer about what I have written. The real question is what writing has written into me.

Soothravakyam Review

Soothravakyam released under the direction of Eugune Jos. The film stars Shine Tom Chacko in the lead along with Deepak parambol, Divya Nair, Vincy and co. The film promised a different take on a crime investigation drama and came with the usual Malayalam authenticity.

The plot is indeed different but it could not hold its grip for long. Till the interval the pace is slow but not boring. After the break it picks up and finally settles with an emotion towards the end. The plot line is not that interesting. There is not much of an investigation happening except for a few moments. The crime is in plain sight. While it brings a bit of suspense the depth is missing.

The acting holds the film together. A few extra characters were poorly cast and acted lousy. But the core cast delivers strongly. Shine Tom Chacko especially takes on a different sort of role in his career. A serious fun type that works well. The supporting cast supports where needed.

On the technical side the cinematography is good just like in other Malayalam films. It has the natural look and authenticity. Costumes, lighting and locations stay grounded and real. But a core scene is missing. An important moment is never shown and only told later. That hurts the impact. The screenplay is the weak link. Certain characters are poorly written. A few scenes happen without explanation. The writing loses grip in crucial places.

The music and background scores are a major strength. The bgms brings intensity to the film. They were well done. The songs also conveyed story in parts. Using songs as a storytelling tool is a smart move and it worked here.

So what makes Soothravaakyam a decent watch and not a great one is its genre. It is yet another usual crime investigation, but loses grip here and there. Not much of the investigation is shown. Most of the film moves through dialogues rather than scenes.

Overall it is a decent watch.

Rating: 6/10⭐️

Between Correction and Compassion

Life often puts us in situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer. There are choices that lean towards fairness and justice while others lean towards kindness and compassion. Both paths have their own burden and neither is easy to ignore.

Take a simple example. You sit in a restaurant and the dish placed before you has too much salt. If you let the chef know, it gives them a chance to correct it and improve the dish for future customers. Feedbacks when shared politely can sound less like criticism and more like a suggestion that helps. Yet you might also choose to quietly finish the meal without saying a word because you do not want the chef to feel embarrassed. Both choices can be defended and both has a sense of good intention.

The same conflict plays out in daily life. When a friend, a colleague or a family member makes a mistake, telling them directly might prevent the same error from happening again. Imagine your mother serves you food and it does not taste the way it usually does. Do you mention it and risk hurting her feelings even though she has cooked with care or do you quietly eat it so that her effort remains appreciated?. Silence spares feelings and avoids an awkward moment, while speaking up shows honesty yet risks being taken as harshness.

The heart of the dilemma is that both honesty and kindness claim moral ground. Neither action is wrong, but the value of each depends on the moment in which it happens. What feels right in one situation may feel unkind in another. This is why the struggle never truly ends. Choosing fairness can sometimes come at the cost of warmth. Choosing kindness can sometimes come at the cost of truth. Each decision forces us to see what matters more in that moment, is it the chance to correct or the chance to comfort.

There is no final rule that fits every situation. The choice rests with the one who faces it and the meaning of right changes with intention and circumstance. Which brings us back to the question that : if faced with this choice, which one would you choose?

Heart That Forgives

Disagreements are part of life in every household. Even the closest relationships encounter moments of tension over small matters. Yet some bonds remain firm. The next morning mom places breakfast on the table as if yesterday never existed. In the evening dad brings snack, a small gesture that says more than words ever could. Past quarrels disappear and love appears again as if nothing had happened.

In the world outside home one may not find this patience. Minor inconveniences or misunderstandings can end connections. Even the slightest difficulty prompts people to move away from one another. Emotions are scrutinized and the errors from past are used to justify the distance. 

On the other hand parents follow a different path. Disputes do not change their approach. They do not withhold care or expect an apology. They move through conflict with patience and offers warmth again without hesitation. This shows a fundamental truth about human bonds. While many interactions depend on give and take. They do not rely on apologies or the passage of time. Ordinary gestures like offering food or a thoughtful word, holds meaning.

In a reality where minor inconveniences or misunderstandings can end connections, this 

love is remarkable. And yet despite its simplicity

it remains almost mysterious. How can this love manifest so fully without reason?

Lets Save Fur Babies

Lets save fur babies because kids today hardly get enough outdoor adventure. What is a trip to school if not being chased by a pack of strays at seven in the morning. Add in the bonus of injections and trauma, and childhood suddenly looks so exciting.

Lets save fur babies because riders on two wheelers need challenges. Straight Smooth (Indian) roads are too boring. A dog sleeping in the middle of the highway or sprinting across the road is the perfect obstacle course. Some even get to skid into hospitals. Truly the perfect way to do a practical crash test.

Lets save fur babies because food/product delivery guys have it way too easy. Balancing ten orders on a bike through traffic is child’s play. But imagine the thrill of a barking stray lunging at you when you are already late. Customers may curse for cold food, but hey at least the Fur baby had a good time.

Lets save fur babies because people walking at night should not feel safe. Because seriously what is democracy. Empty streets should only mean silence and calm. But with stray dogs, a simple walk home feels like a thriller. Adrenaline pumps, heart races and every shadow looks like trouble. Night walks turn into horror shows, all thanks to fur babies.

Lets save fur babies because travelers deserve souvenirs. Pictures and memories are not enough. A bite mark or scar on the leg is more permanent. Forget magnets and keychains. Stray dogs give you token of love that never fade.

Lets save fur babies because hygiene is overrated. Streets without dog feces would look too dull. Sidewalks decorated with feces add character to the neighborhood. Fleas and ticks wandering around are nature’s reminder that sharing is caring. Who wants sterile clean surroundings when fur babies can enrich the environment.

Lets save fur babies because grandparents love company too. After all what is a peaceful evening walk to the corner shop without the thrill of escorts. The shaky legs need a bit of cardio and nothing builds bone strength like dodging dog bites. Why settle for peace of mind when survival instincts can keep them young.

Lets save fur babies because garbage bins are too neat. Leftovers should be scattered around for that AESTHETIC city look. Plastic bags flying, bones tossed across the road and dogs tearing apart waste shows us what urban life truly is.

Lets save fur babies because life without constant fear is bland. Who wants children cycling peacefully, workers reaching home safely or tourists enjoying the city calmly. 

Because Peace is boring and Chaos is culture.

Coolie Logics: Is it bad?

Spoiler Alert

This discussion contains details from the movie Coolie. Read at your own discretion.

Coolie arrived with huge expectations because of Lokesh and the image he has built over time. Once you look beyond the surface, the film begins to unfold with loopholes that question its very foundation.

The central idea of the film itself is flawed. Rajasekar played by Sathyaraj is drawn into Simon’s world for the cremation process using an electrocution chair that instantly turns humans to ashes. The film stresses that this invention is crucial because the villains need a way to kill and dispose of bodies without the police finding out. 

Yet throughout the narrative the police are never shown as a threat. They do not intervene. They do not investigate also no action from their side is portrayed. Also Simon, a ruthless villain who could have used many other ways to dispose the bodies, but the film insists on this one machine. That insistence feels random.

The problem deepens as the film progresses. After this supposed need for disposing bodies without cops knowing, Coolie, Dayal and Simon continue to kill openly and repeatedly. Bodies fall everywhere yet still no police presence. If the story began with a villain’s fear of being caught for killing people and wants the cremating chair, why overlook that fact completely as the plot moves forward.

Another inconsistency is Rajasekar being projected as the only person who can operate the machine. Later Kalyani an undercover cop uses it to kill a person with ease. No justification is offered in that. It is just a matter of pulling levers yet the film builds its premise on the idea that only Rajsekar could do it. This also questions the very reason why Preethi was introduced into Simon’s world.

Rajasekar’s death is another point left unaddressed. The film shows that he was killed by Dayal when he tried to find some documents. But how and why did Rajasekar suddenly become aware of an underground deal. What drove him to collect the files. Why did Dayal abruptly kill him. None of these are explained leaving the audience with unanswered questions.

Preethi’s escape sequence is equally weak. Deva video calls her and instructs her to wrap the chain around Dayals neck and hands, after that she simply walks away. She could have tied him down which might have slowed him or at least attempted to resist but the film conveniently skips logic. This leads to another inconsistency. During that scene Preethi watches as Deva threatens Dayal by showing Kalyani on the call. But later when Preethi meets Kalyani outside the train she behaves as if she knows nothing and follows her unquestioningly.

Soubin’s character killing Arjun is another unnecessary act. He video calls Simon and executes Arjun but he demands nothing in return. The act adds nothing except an attempt at creating tension. It mirrors the earlier unexplained killing of Rajasekar again leaving viewers with questions rather than answers.

This brings us to the most important question. What is the story. The film begins with a cremation machine, then shifts to watch smuggling, then Dayal’s greed, then revenge for a friend, then labour disputes, then organ trafficking, then a flashback, then the mystery of Preethi. What thread should the audience follow. The narrative keeps jumping from one point to another without any clarity.

The antagonist Simon is another weak link. He is introduced as ruthless but spends the entire film believing anyone who offers him help. First Dayal then Deva. Both betray him. A powerful villain becomes an easily deceived pawn. Once the antagonist is weakened the film itself loses the grip.

The cycle of revenge also becomes absurd after a point. Deva seeks revenge for Rajasekar. Simon seeks revenge for Arjun. Dahaa seeks revenge for Simon. One death leads to another revenge arc endlessly. This pattern makes the plot feel generic.

So why bother with all these details if it is a commercial film. The answer lies in the director. Lokesh has built his reputation on combining commercial elements with logical progression and carefully thought out details. That is why the gaps in Coolie feel more absurd. Expectations amplify the flaws.

But does it mean the film is unwatchable. Not quite. If one walks in without expectations without the baggage of Lokesh’s name, Coolie is still a watchable film. It has energy, it has moments and for someone detached from the hype, the loopholes may not bother as much. The issue is not just that the film fails but that it fails under the shadow of what Lokesh has delivered before.

Coolie Review

Coolie released on August 14 2025, under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars Rajinikanth in the lead role. Alongside him are Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan and many more. The movie promised to be a massive entertainer and came with the usual Lokesh hype. But post release Coolie leaves us with mixed feelings.

The casting is something that stands out first. Every actor played their part well. The screen presence was balanced even with such a huge lineup. Characters did not just appear for namesake. They were given something to do. But the problem is with the writing. The characterisation was poor. Anybody could have filled the cameo roles. Nagarjuna’s villain role had style but was weak in depth. Shruti, Soubin and Rachitha stood out but others had no scope. The film did not need such a heavy casting.

The plot is another weak link. It starts at one point moves to something else and ends at another. Many scenes had no link to the core story. Events take place without clear reason or follow up. Some moments stand on their own without belonging to the core. The story felt scattered. It was never tightened by the director. The loopholes were many and they hurt the backbone of the movie.

The screenplay did not help either. It had the same rhythm as earlier Lokesh films. A few twists came but they faded quickly. Nothing remained in the mind after the scenes had passed. The film kept drifting without focus. Even though it was designed as a larger than life film it crossed into excess and broke its own balance.

On the technical side Coolie shines. Cinematography was strong. Lokesh and his team framed the film beautifully. The use of colours the tone of the visuals and the fight sequences were handled well. Even though some fights felt too much for Rajini they were choreographed smartly. The camera work covered the weak spots and gave the film grandeur.

Music was another major strength. Though Anirudh has reached the point of saturation, here he delivered with energy. The songs may not have been needed for a film like this but the background score was outstanding. It lifted many flat scenes and gave them power. The sound design alone made a few moments memorable.

Now the big concern. Coolie once again falls into the Lokesh template. Revenge motive, flashback, retro songs, cameos and a hero centred story. He repeats what worked in his earlier films. But repetition has now turned into saturation. Lokesh is a strong filmmaker but his writing is his weakest area. From Master to Vikram to Leo and now Coolie the flaws in writing are clear. The films look grand and even match international standards in making but the soul is missing.

The story of Coolie in its core is just a revenge tale. But instead of driving the plot on one line it keeps spinning around. Questions keep rising during the film. Why is this scene here. Who is this character. What is the purpose. Not in a way that excites us but in a way that shows the film is half written. The lack of clarity breaks the flow.

Coolie has moments. It has technical brilliance. It has Rajini carrying the film with his presence. But it also has poor writing weak characters and a story that collapses at times. Lokesh may need to take a break and rethink. Because style alone cannot hold a film forever. But it sure is not as bad as the social media posts portray.

Rating: 6/10⭐️

E20 Fuel Explained: What you need to know

India is rolling out E20 fuel, which is 20% ethanol blended with petrol as part of a push for cleaner energy and energy security. Ethanol is made from crops like sugarcane maize and surplus grains. It is renewable burns cleaner and supports local farmers while reducing oil imports. The aim is to cut emissions boost rural incomes and move towards more sustainable fuel.

Technically ethanol has a higher octane rating than petrol so it resists knocking and can help high compression engines run smoother. But it also carries less energy per litre so fuel efficiency may drop slightly. Ethanol absorbs water from the air and acts like a solvent which can corrode or damage fuel system parts if the vehicle is not designed for it. That is why compatibility matters.

Let us get into some common questions that might come to your mind as a driver or rider.

Can I use E20 in my vehicle?
If your vehicle is labeled E20 compatible you are good to go. Many models after 2023 onward are built for it. But Older vehicles may have rubber hoses seals or fuel components that are not ethanol resistant so checking the manual or asking a technician is wise.

Will mileage suffer or fuel parts degrade?
Ethanol has lower energy per litre than petrol, so expect a small drop in mileage usually around 1-6% percent depending on engine type tuning and vehicle weight. Ethanol also dissolves residues and attracts moisture which can loosen deposits or degrade parts over time. Newer vehicles usually handle this well as long as regular maintenance is done.

Does it avoid warranty or affect insurance?
Using an unapproved fuel can lead to warranty issues or insurance claim denial if damage is found to be linked to wrong fuel. To be safe follow your owner manual and use E20 only if your vehicle is designed for it.

Will performance be better or worse?
Ethanol has a higher octane rating so modern vehicles with fuel injection turbochargers or high compression engines may see smoother throttle response. Older or simpler carbureted systems may not benefit and could lose efficiency.

Are cold starts a concern?
In most of India cold starts are not affected by E20. Only in freezing climates might starting be more difficult because ethanol vaporizes differently. For most users this will not matter.

What about storage if the vehicle is parked for long?
Ethanol blends can separate from petrol and absorb water when vehicles sit unused. To avoid issues keep the tank nearly full and drive regularly. Check filters fuel lines and seals more often during early transition.

Can older vehicles be retrofitted for E20?
Some manufacturers are exploring retrofit options but they are limited and model specific. Generic “ethanol safe” parts may not be reliable. The cost benefit may not justify the risk unless it is an official kit.

Is premium 100 octane a good alternative?
Yes it contains no ethanol and avoids the blend related risks. It may make sense for infrequently used vehicles or performance classic machines, but its cost can make it impractical for daily mainstream use.

Should I accept or resist E20?
If your vehicle is compatible, continue using it while monitoring efficiency and fuel system health. If your vehicle is older or you are unsure stay cautious look for alternatives and ask the manufacturer. The shift to E20 is driven by national policy and with time vehicle users feedback and experience will help manufacturers enhance compatibility and updates.

E20 fuel brings environmental and economic benefits when used wisely. Stay informed maintain your vehicle and share your experience so the automotive community and manufacturers build better solutions together.

Stray Dog Controversy and the Dangerous Comparisons

The decision to capture stray dogs in Delhi has ignited a wave of online petitions demanding its reversal. A common argument made by social warriors is that government shelters are not well maintained, also small in size and will not provide the dogs with a decent life. But beyond that a disturbing argument has emerged where some have started comparing the action against stray dogs to the government’s inaction on rape cases. The idea that if rape cases still exist why can’t stray dogs remain on the streets. This is not just logically flawed but also deeply insensitive.

The problem with this comparison is two sided. First it equates women who have faced one of the worst forms of violence imaginable with dogs being taken to shelters which is an entirely different context. Second it trivializes both issues. Rape is a violent crime that demands its own separate protests laws and focus while stray dog control addresses public health and safety. Linking the two not only deviates the conversation but also ignores the actual problems each issue poses. It sends a message to the families of rabies victims and the survivors of sexual assault that their pain can be used as a rhetorical tool in unrelated debates.

This is not unique to the stray dog debate. Such diversions happen often. Whenever a concern is raised instead of addressing it some people switch to "whataboutism". If you can do this why not fix that first. This mindset freezes progress because it replaces action with endless comparisons. In this case instead of debating how to humanely handle the stray population the focus shifts to unrelated crimes and the actual victims are left without solutions.

Some even argue that only a few people have been killed by rabies as if the number makes those deaths less significant. That reasoning risks trivialising the seriousness of the issue. A human life lost to a preventable cause should not be devalued simply because the number is smaller compared to another tragedy. Rape victims deserve attention and justice through a separate and strong movement just as rabies victims deserve solutions to prevent more deaths. Both issues are serious in their own right and neither should be used to downplay the other.

What if the same style of argument was applied elsewhere. How cute does an animal need to be to get public sympathy. What about cows, goats, hens, fish and other living beings that are killed every day. They also deserve a life. When framed like this, it becomes clear how absurd these comparisons are. They do not solve the problem instead they take away the seriousness from the actual issue at hand. The conversation should be about finding real solutions not about defending one problem by pointing to another.

Delhi’s Stray Dog Dilemma

Yesterday, 11th August Supreme Court directed authorities in Delhi and the surrounding areas to capture all stray dogs within six to eight weeks. The order requires the animals to be sterilized, vaccinated and permanently moved to shelters with a strict ban on returning them to the streets. The aim is to protect citizens, especially children from the growing threat of dog bites and rabies. Penalties have been warned for anyone obstructing the process.

The decision triggered strong protests in the capital. Animal rights activists, local caregivers and several organisations called the move unscientific and cruel. They argued that existing rules already demand sterilisation and vaccination but also state that the dogs should be returned to their original locations to prevent territorial conflicts. Many questioned whether this change would truly make people safer without creating new problems for the dogs.

Concerns over what will happen to the dogs after capture remain serious. Most shelters in Delhi are already overcrowded and poorly maintained. Many are run by NGOs with limited funds and space. Shifting thousands of dogs at once could lead to unhygienic conditions resulting in spread of disease and high death rates. There is also the ecological aspect. Stray dogs have been part of the urban environment for decades. They play a role in keeping certain pests under control and removing them suddenly could disturb that balance.

The safety concerns behind the order are supported by troubling numbers. Across India there are an estimated 17.4 million dog bite cases every year and around 20,000 deaths from rabies. Delhi and its surrounding areas recorded over 35,000 animal bite incidents and 49 rabies cases in the first half of this year alone. On average about 2,000 dog bite cases are reported every day in the capital. Nationally the count rose to more than 3.7 million cases last year, a sharp increase compared to the years during the pandemic.

Yes it is true that these animals are lives in themselves but the numbers tell a different side of the story. Those who are comfortable sharing their streets with them are free to feel that way, but there is also a group of people who suffer the consequences of attacks and bites. If the love for these dogs runs as deep as many claim, there is always the option of bringing them into homes and offering proper care. Yet most are unwilling to take that step. This only leaves the burden on those who never chose to live alongside them in the first place.

It is clear that the rule addresses a real public safety problem. For families that have lost loved ones or seen lives permanently changed by dog attacks immediate action feels necessary. Yet without enough shelter capacity and a proper long term plan this move could create suffering for the dogs and new risks for people.

Perhaps the decision is right in intention because human safety cannot be ignored. But what will follow remains unknown. If shelters are built well, care is humane and population control is done responsibly this could bring relief. If not the crisis might simply move from the streets into cramped enclosures. The outcome is uncertain and that uncertainty may decide whether this becomes a solution or a new problem.