Lying on the soft plank
Gazing through the East window
Adoring the waterfall,
Low-light of the scattered white
Dancing Greens came to sight
Lil ones peeping through crevice
landed gently on my cheek,
Desiccated figure feeling wetted
levitating breeze hitting muted
Arctic on my face
Antarctic in my heart
hefty eyelids slowly shut
and out went the light
to fondle me good night.
- Sarukrishna R
One of the standout aspects of this movie is how the hero’s character is crafted without relying on the usual build-up seen in Indian cinema. There’s no exaggerated introduction or backstory, yet he commands attention purely through his presence and actions. The tension in his body language and demeanor is subtle but impactful. His character arc is equally compelling, starting with a clear intent to disarm and protect, he’s gradually pushed into a brutal killing spree. The transformation from restraint to survival is powerfully portrayed, making the hero's journey both gripping and emotionally charged.
Unlike many films that use violence for the sake of shock or gore, This film manages to tie in real emotional stakes. The bloodshed isn’t just there for shock value, it’s deeply connected to the character's survival. You are not just watching a series of kills instead you are rooting for the hero because you understand why he is doing it. The movie succeeds in creating a genuine emotional connection with its characters. You feel the tension of being on that train, the desperation and the drive to stay alive.
What also works in this film is the smart engaging screenplay. Every scene builds on the last, cranking up the tension one scene at a time. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat always wondering what is coming next. The pacing is tight, and the shorter runtime actually works to its advantage. There’s no room for filler or unnecessary scenes, which keeps the momentum going from start to finish. Every moment is purposeful and every scene is selected with care. You never feel like the movie drags or loses focus, which is rare in thrillers.
And it’s not just the hero that leaves an impression, the supporting cast is equally impressive. Even the minor characters make an impact, adding layers to the story. Everyone on that train feels important, and their roles are designed to enhance the tension rather than just fill the screen. It's a simple story at its core, but the way it’s executed gives it so much power.
Overall, this is a well made film that does not rely on typical Bollywood tropes to deliver thrills. It’s a tight, tense narrative where the performances, direction and emotional stakes all come together beautifully. If you’re a fan of action-packed, high-stakes stories with characters that resonate, "Kill" is a must-watch. It proves that sometimes, a simple story told well can have the greatest impact.
For anyone who missed it in theaters like I did, it is worth catching on Hotstar. You won’t regret it.
Rating: 8/10⭐️
A prime example of this trend is the current music in India particularly with famous music directors in Tamil cinema. Their work, although catchy and trend worthy, often feels tailor-made for the bite sized attention spans that social media promotes. These songs have the energy and hooks needed to go viral becoming instant sensations on reels or dance challenges. However, if we pause for a moment and reflect, how many of these songs truly stand the test of time? How many find themselves revisited months or years after their peak popularity?
This has also led to an unfortunate ripple effect across the industry. Established composers, who once crafted music with layered emotions and thoughtful compositions, now find themselves pressured to create similarly fleeting tracks. And while some adapt successfully many stumble, losing touch with the authenticity and depth that once defined their work. The backlash they face from fans when they fail to meet these viral expectations is harsh. We demand hits that stick but only for a moment and when they don’t, we are quick to dismiss the artist altogether.
And what has this done to our music knowledge? As listeners, we are slowly being conditioned to expect less. Gone are the days when we would dive into the details of a song, appreciating its musical layers, its poetic lyrics or its emotional journey. Instead, we are content with the surface level appeal of a track that fits neatly into a 15 second clip. Our understanding of music has become shallow, and as a result the richness of the art form is being diminished.
It’s easy to call this an evolution of the industry, but is that really what’s happening? If evolution is meant to bring progress, where is the progress in music, that’s designed to be forgotten? True evolution in music should be about experimentation, pushing boundaries, and creating songs that remain relevant long after the trends have passed. But what we are experiencing now is the opposite, music tailored for short-term success.
The shift toward trend-driven music is not just a passing phase. It’s a symptom of a larger cultural movement where speed and virality are prized over quality and longevity. In a world where everything is disposable, including art, we are left to wonder what this means for the future of music. Will we continue to sacrifice quality for quick gains? Will future generations grow up without a true appreciation for the depth and beauty that music can offer?
Perhaps it’s time to reconsider what we call "evolution" in music. Because if evolution means losing the essence of what makes music timeless then perhaps it’s not an evolution at all, it’s a regression.
Indian cinema, often hailed as one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world has an impact on shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. Cinema in India is not just entertainment but a reflection of cultural values, ideas and even aspirations. However, alongside the artistic expression Indian cinema has also perpetuated certain stereotypes and practices that have harmful effects on society and one of the most glaring examples being the continued use of 'item numbers'.
While Indian cinema has given the world beautiful storytelling, it has also unfortunately normalized the objectification of women through these item songs. These high energy dance sequences, often inserted without relevance to the plot focus solely on showcasing women in hyper sexualized ways. This practice highlights the patriarchal mindset that reduces women to mere objects of visual pleasure.
The term 'item number' itself is problematic. It dehumanizes the female performer by referring to her as an 'item', a term that inherently reduces her to something to be consumed. The troubling part is that such depictions have been normalized in Indian cinema. Audiences largely accept these sequences without questioning their purpose or impact, seeing them as a standard part of the entertainment experience. Behind the glamour lies the reality of objectification, women are portrayed not as individuals with depth but as ornaments designed to satisfy the male gaze.
This issue is exacerbated by the fact that no male actor is ever referred to as an 'item' or objectified in the same way. The gender imbalance is evident and it reflects a patriarchal notion that women's primary value lies in their appearance and ability to entertain men. This practice reduces women to props, sidelining their potential as characters with substance or meaningful roles in the narrative.
It is not merely a question of removing these sequences from films but addressing the mindset that allows such objectification to thrive. It is time to challenge this practice not just as a cinematic issue but as a reflection of how women are viewed in society. Audiences must demand better representation of women, where they are seen as individuals with their own stories rather than as mere props. Filmmakers must also recognize the role they play in these harmful stereotypes.
The normalization of item numbers is not just a flaw in cinema it shows us how we as a society have accepted the objectification of women. By staying silent we allow this to continue, stripping women of their dignity for the sake of entertainment. Is this really the legacy we want to leave behind? If cinema can inspire and transform, why are we letting it reduce women to mere objects? The choice is ours, do we challenge these harmful portrayals, or do we remain silent allowing this disrespect to persist?
Into 20s
Approaching the Midst
Halfway through the energy
No more paperbacks
Contemplating for a job
Bride walking in,
Infants crawling in,
Responsibilities storming in
Sigh!
Dramatic Decade ahead
A Decade of Consciousness.
- Saru krishna R
Education shapes more than just academic knowledge, it molds character and confidence of one’s life. While many teachers leave a lasting positive impact, others unintentionally cause deep scars. On Teacher's Day, many celebrate their mentors, but for one boy, it also serves as a reminder of a painful chapter, filled with experiences that shaped his journey through education.
School was supposed to be a place where students grow, learn, and develop into better versions of themselves. But for this boy, it was quite the opposite. A genuine character who stood by truth, he was met with judgment. His teachers, instead of recognizing his sincerity, consistently dismissed his words and actions. Whether it was a minor classroom incident or a larger issue, the blame somehow always fell on him.
This misjudgment extended beyond just his teachers. When they refused to believe in him, his parents did the same, choosing to trust the authority of the school over their own child. Left unsupported both in school and at home, the boy was forced to endure his school days in isolation. There was no one who believed his side of the story, no one who understood the emotional toll of being repeatedly wronged despite his innocence. This lack of trust from the very people who were meant to guide and protect him became the most painful wound of all.
The teachers, believing they were molding him into a 'better student,' were only tearing him down. Their attempts to 'help' were misguided, their strict and unyielding methods breaking the spirit of a young boy who simply needed understanding. The management was equally indifferent, operating with a rigid, cold attitude that offered no room for personal connection. Together, they turned what should have been a formative period of growth into a traumatic experience, one that still leaves scars today.
Returning to that school remains unthinkable. It was not a place of learning but one of deep emotional wounds. The teachers, the management, even his own family, all seemed to align against him, leaving the boy with an unshakable feeling of being unheard, unseen, and unloved. Those school years, meant to nurture, became a period he wishes he could forget.
On this Teacher's Day, while many celebrate the positive influence of their mentors, this boy is reminded of the deep emotional scars left by a harsh and unsympathetic education system. For him, the day is a contrast to the gratitude others feel, reflecting instead the pain of being misunderstood and dismissed. The teachers and authorities who should have nurtured his growth instead contributed to his sense of isolation and unworthiness. As the world honors the role of educators today, he wishes for a future where every student receives not only knowledge but also compassion and understanding, so that no child endures the same emotional hardship he faced.
