Author / whatsonsidsmind

by whatsonsidsmind

2 Years Already! | Two and a Half Rainbows

Hi All,

Happy to inform that my book Two and a Half Rainbows has completed 2 years!
The experience of travelling with my first book, as it journeyed through clouds of uncertainty, to make a name for itself, was humbling and enlightening. Let me not mince words here; it is a very lonely process. While you write to tell a story that you are dying to tell, a finished book at the end of the day is meant for its readers. It must find miraculous ways to reach them. And on rare days, when it receives the appreciation of a book lover, all the effort that was put into nurturing ideas and transforming them into words feels worth it.

So, to all who have supported me in this journey, and sent in a kind word of encouragement; thank you for believing in me! And to all who have read and reviewed my book; I can’t thank you enough!

Two and a Half Rainbows is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Google Books. (link below)
https://amzn.to/3dC7aqd

Regards,
Sid

by whatsonsidsmind

The Sandman-Review | Netflix | A Brilliant Adaptation of a Classic that is not just made for its Ardent Fans

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

To the unversed, a species that I belonged to as far as The Sandman is concerned, this new Netflix series might seem like a fantasy epic similar to The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia. But such an assertion may not be fully correct. However, don’t get fooled into thinking that this is a Game of Thrones either! While Sandman’s universe boasts of gargoyles and other fantastic creatures, they deliciously exist only in the realm of where we spend one-third of our life—sleep. Thus, the concept and truths that this web series explores are as deep as our fabulous dreams and our worst nightmares.

The Sandman subverts the fantasy genre in more ways than one, in the end catering more to gothic horror fans than to fantasy fiction puritans. So there are many dark themes explored here with its fair share of blood and gore. But it also has an emotional depth that you don’t generally see in fantasy epics.

Based on the DC graphic novel series written by Neil Gaiman, published between 1989-1996, this screen adaptation was long awaited by its ardent fans. I don’t fall into that category, having discovered Gaiman’s writings only a year and a half ago. But ever since, his style of writing and his imagination have impressed me. He has a way of telling very true things in the most magical and unexpected ways. But I went into this series with little expectation since I am not a big fan of fantasy fiction. My apprehension―how was this adaptation going to appeal to an audience who knows nothing about the Sandman comics?

I was in for a pleasant surprise!

In recent memory, I don’t remember seeing a more precise and compelling opening to a series than this one. In just under three minutes, the concept, the world and the purpose of the story are unraveled.

I was hooked! At least for the first 6 episodes.

The hero, Morpheus, also known as Sandman or simply the Dream, is a god who controls the dreams of humans. We go into his realm to seek freedom and adventure and to face our fears and fantasies. He must control our dreams lest they consume and destroy us. But Morpheus is not a flawless god. He is vulnerable and often needs advice. He belongs to the family of the endless, whose members include desire, destiny, delirium, destruction, death and despair. Three of whom we meet in the first season. These eternal and universal forces have been given anthropomorphic personifications.

The story begins in 1916, when an occultist named Roderick Burgess invokes the god of death to revive his dead son, but mistakenly captures Morpheus. Unwilling to let go of the god he has erroneously taken captive; the Magus tries to seize his powers forcefully. He steals Morpheus’s tools in a bid to get richer. Thus, the lord of dreams is held captive for 100 yrs. When he finally manages to free himself, he realizes that without his tools; he isn’t as powerful as he used to be. So he goes in search of them, to restore balance in the waking world of humans whose dreams have gone berserk. Thus, begins an adventure through many magical worlds, including hell. We travel through a non-linear timeline spanning thousands of years to meet mythical characters like Lucifer and historical figures like Shakespeare. The scale is epic to the point of being overwhelming at times. But it remains for most parts engaging.

Season 1 adapts the first 2 volumes of the comic book series―Preludes and Nocturnes, and The Doll’s house. I found the first six episodes to be the most entertaining. Things move quickly and the themes are mostly dark. The much talked about fifth episode where the character John Dee puts his theory of truth and lies to the test, inside a diner using the staff and customers as guinea pigs, is where the writing is at its best. I am given to understand that the screenplay departs the furthest from the original in this episode. Critics of the graphic novel have said that Gaiman’s writing was the weakest here, where he subscribed to the horror tropes of the 80’s. I cannot comment on that, since I have not read the original, but I can say with certainty, that this contemporary adaptation made for some gripping cinema.

While the world and character building of the show are exemplary, adeptly supported by the CGI work, sound design and background score, the dialogues though did not sit well with me at all times. Especially in the later episodes where things get a bit verbose and sanctimonious. The darker characters have better lines than the virtuous ones. Furthermore, most characters are a shade of grey. There is no clear villain, except for Burgess, perhaps, and the truth is not monopolized only by the good guys.

From the little research that I have done, it was amply clear that while the screenplay writers (David S. Goyer, Allan Heinberg and Neil Gaiman) have been faithful to the original work; they weren’t imprisoned by it. The subtle changes that have been made were to better the original story or to contemporize it. The gender swapping of certain characters, for example, is not a trope but an attempt to give more life to the original characters. To an unassuming viewer like me, though, all of it came across as quite natural.

That brings us to the casting, which is another strong point of the web series. Tom Sturridge as Morpheus is brilliant, bringing the right amount of strength and vulnerability to his character. His physicality and voice were also apt for the role. Among, the supporting cast, I thought, Boyd Holbrook as the rogue nightmare Corinthian, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar and David Thewlis as John Dee were the most eye-catching. Mason Alexander makes a short, interesting appearance in this Season, as the gender fluid ‘desire’, evoking curiosity within the audience about the future of this character.

Considered as one of the most imaginative and intellectually stimulating comics ever made, The Sandman is one of those written materials which was thought to be unfilmable, much like The Life of Pi. It is a rare blend of mythology, history, horror and fantasy which gets the mind ticking. In the end, I think, for the fans the long wait has been worth it. The show has garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike. As a relatively new fan of Mr. Gaiman and as someone who has not read the original work, I can only say that this Netflix series has all the ingredients to be a long running one. It is a brilliant adaptation of a classic that is not just made for its ardent fans.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

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by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review – Pyre | Perumal Murugan

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read

In Poonachi, it was a one-day old black goat, and in Pyre, it is the feeble and gullible Saroja. After I was done with it; I wondered why Perumal Murugan chooses such naïve and timid characters as his protagonist. Having read three of his novels, and upon some introspection, I found two reasons. One, that it helps him magnify the inequities and power imbalance, which is an underlying theme of most of his books. Two, and this is the more important reason, that this style of characterization serves him well, to ask questions to the reader, without really asking them. Like, what drives groups of men and women in positions of power to hurt such fragile creatures who cannot retaliate? Or, what is that animalistic trait within us that fuels this hate and drives us to madness?

That said, his novels aren’t just one thing. It is an emotional journey, always. At least that has been my experience so far. The people, cultures, places may not be familiar to me, and yet when I read about them, they seem miraculously tangible. He has this remarkable ability to help the reader inhabit the minds of these characters, and be one with the world they inhabit. Aniruddhan Vasudevan in his translator’s note writes – ‘His works invite vulnerability on the part of the readers and draw us into their rich details of life, landscape, ecology, and social life of a region.” I agree. In recent times, I can’t think of any other writer who has been able to do that to me. This process is meditative.

Pyre opens with Saroja and Kumaresen getting off a bus with the sun blazing on them. They are deeply in love. But they have a secret, that theirs is an inter-caste marriage. Trusting Kumaresen, the lighter-skinned Saroja has come along to his village, hoping that his mother and villagers would accept them, eventually. All she needed to do was to let him do the talking. His house is on a rock surrounded by barren land. The remoteness of the place is terrifying. She is from a busy town. The language of his people seems unfamiliar, as does their food. But it’s their gaze and constant mumble that alienates her. Kumaresan’s mother is scathing in her taunts. She sings a dirge now and then, lamenting the mistake her son has made. He is dead for her. It’s a crime that cannot be forgiven! Their hate is formidable against the love the couple holds for each other. Saroja gives into Kumaresan’s belief that he will turn things around one day. But is faith, love, and hope enough to survive?

The Pyre is tense. It’s simmering from the very beginning and rages on till it decimates everything. It offers respite only in places, and these moments felt like a traveller has found an oasis in the desert after days without water. The writing has cinematic power to keep you at the edge of your seat. But it is also lyrical, layered, and highly evocative. The title is apt, but you need to wait till the end to understand the meaning of it in totality.

There are three central characters. Saroja and Kumaresan, the lovers and Kumaresan’s mother, Marayi. Their backstories have been revealed in detail, but most of it happens when the characters go into a reverie. These episodes end with them harbouring several unanswered questions, which in turn are probing into the mind of the character. I found Marayi’s character the most interesting. You begin by hating her. But once her back story is revealed, you understand where her angst is coming from, although you do not agree with her actions.

Neil Gaiman, in his thought-provoking piece – “The Mushroom Hunters”, talks about the power of observation and how it is intrinsic to human nature to observe and find answers to our most important questions. It is the way of the seeker and the inventor. Murugan’s power of observation, for me, is his greatest strength as a writer. I remember reading a passage in Poonachi, where he describes how goats play and seduce a possible mate. I was stunned, because he wasn’t attributing any human-like qualities to these animals, and yet the details were mesmerizing, and I could fully understand what they were doing. You see this in Pyre as well when he describes the arid, rock-strewn landscapes, the rituals of the people, the contrast in cultures between communities, their language and mannerisms. The translator deserves all the accolades that have come his way for seamlessly incorporating these details into his translation.

Writers like Perumal Murugan are a rare species. Discovering his work has been an enriching experience for me, both as a reader and a writer. He has found ways to address the elephant in the room without the need to be scornful in his narrative. His deep understanding of the topics he chooses helps him tell his stories with empathy and grace. For that, he needs to be read.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

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by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review | Sapiens: A Graphic History | Yuval Noah Harari

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan : 3 Min Read

If we ask the right questions, the chances of getting the required answers go up significantly. This is true for all human endeavors, including tracing human history from its origins to the birth of civilization.

I had read Yuval Noah Harari’s international bestseller, Sapiens – A Brief History of Humankind two years ago, and the questions he asked in it piqued my interest right away. Also, the way he answered those questions in a language that was previously alien to historians was exemplary. This newness captured my imagination like no other reading of history had done before.

But with this graphic novel adaptation, Yuval and his team have gone a step further. They have presented history through colored illustrations, quirky fictional characters, and witty storytelling. And in doing so, attempted to reach out to all sapiens of today, to tell their story.

The graphic novel series is expected to be of five-volumes, of which two have been published so far. Volume 1 – Sapiens: The Birth of Humankind, focuses on the origins of humans, the rise of sapiens over other animals, the footprints they have left behind and the cognitive revolution. It reimagines human evolution as a TV reality show, through a globetrotting adventure where characters (some real and some imagined) are out to find answers to important questions regarding our evolution.

While Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, was all Yuval, this graphic novel, is a collaborative effort. Renowned comic artists, David Vandermeulen (co-writer) and Daniel Casanave (illustrator) are the key collaborators, along with colorist Claire Campion. They take us on a breathtaking adventure, through forests, deserts, grasslands and remote islands, switching often between the past and present.

The story is predominantly told through conversations, i.e. questions and answers with the right dose of humor. A good example of wit in this graphic novel is when Dr. Fiction (who wears a VR device, always) takes us to 1913 France, to meet Armand Peugeot, the founder of the automobile company, Peugeot. She explains the role that fiction has played in our evolution, using the growth story of Peugeot as an example. The conversation between the two was hilarious as well as enlightening.

However, despite taking creative liberties, in terms of its core messaging, the book mostly sails on the raft of scientific evidence instead of paying attention to the opinions of Dr. Fiction. This lends credibility to what the book finally says. By the end, I felt I had returned from a globetrotting adventure across the world. I got a glimpse of the places where our ancient ancestors lived, the food they ate, the language they spoke and the stories they told each other. This, for me, is the biggest triumph of this book.

There are, however, certain questions the book does not clearly answer because of a lack of conclusive scientific evidence. When tracing the 2-million-year evolutionary history of a species, you are bound to find such grey areas. Here, the writers have presented circumstantial evidence, and then tried to add things up. Just like in the original, here too, they have ensured that for these grey areas, both sides of the argument are provided to discerning readers, allowing them to decide which side they want to be on.

For me, this graphic novel is a winner, because it cuts through the information overload, and presents a complex evolutionary story in simple language, while also ensuring that the storytelling is entertaining enough to appeal to all. I have never read history in this way before, and for that, this collaborative effort deserves all the accolades that have come its way. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on the second volume of this series – The Pillars of Civilization.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

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by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, felt like a warm hug on a cold winter night. It had the magic of Julia Donaldson, the simplicity of Dr. Seuss, and the innocence of Roald Dahl. Yet, it manages to deliver something rare. I listened to the nearly one-hour long audible version narrated by the author, and for most parts, I felt like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. However, this is not a children’s book, although it looks like one. This graphic novel serves little nuggets of profound thoughts with humility, garnished with rare grace.

The story is about four unlikely friends who are in search of their ‘home’. They meet on the way and encounter some magical, some mundane, and some terrifying moments. There goes a saying that nothing comes into your life without teaching you something. This book echoes that thought perfectly.

At times, one could feel that the four characters could have been the same person at different stages of one’s life. Hence, the idea to tell the story through conversations was a great idea. This aspect of the storytelling reminded me of a book that I had read last year, Hermann Hesse’s—Siddhartha. The use of animals and fantasy also reminded me of the stories from the Panchatantra, Aesop Fables, and Arabian Nights, evoking nostalgia.

It is difficult to find faults in books like these, and that could be frustrating for a reviewer because our objective mind reminds us that nothing is perfect. While that is true, it is also true that very rarely do you come across a book that exudes empathy like this one does. It embraces everyone no matter what your beliefs with the same warmth. Therefore, it is not surprising that the book is so popular.

People are calling The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, a book for the difficult times we live in. Bracketing it into that category is unfair, I feel. I think this book will turn out to be a timeless classic appealing to generations after us. Moreover, humanity has been in crisis at several points in its history. And we’ve found ways to get through those difficult times, with kindness, reasoning, co-operation, and great storytelling.

I knew that the hardcover is adorned with stunning pencil sketches by the author, yet I chose to listen to the audible version because the story was narrated by the author himself. At the end of it, I felt I had made the right choice. I am not a big fan of re-creations of written words in a studio but this felt different. The author has narrated his words with the same passion that he wrote. That he has a great voice, was the icing on the cake. Hence, even without his beautiful illustrations—the river, the mountains, the storm, and the sounds of nature came alive for me. I could magically see what he had drawn. But I am still going to buy the illustrated version because this one is to be treasured. Also, this is a book that you will keep going back to.

Finally, there are books that stir—some evoke, others provoke, but this is meant to heal. This one stirs your conscience and makes you more accepting of the world. It should be read by all.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

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by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review – The Nameless God | Savie Karnel

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan | 3 Min Read

A lot can go wrong when writing a book that takes on a difficult subject like religious polarization and introduces the same to middle-graders. A certain kind of maturity is demanded from the writer to ensure that the story does not come across as being biased. It is here that I felt author Savie Karnel shined the most as a storyteller with her debut book “The Nameless God”.

The book takes you back to 90s India and into the lives of two children, Bachu and Noor who decide to create a God who listens only to them. It was this concept that grabbed my interest at first because I remember toying with this idea as a kid with a close friend. We eventually lost interest in that God, but these children were more resolute. Also, their God seemed more responsive than ours, when a miracle is performed the very next day—a holiday from school! However, what the kids do not know is that the holiday was declared due to the Babri Masjid demolition. Unaware that riots have broken out across the country, they go to thank their God for the miracle performed. What unfolds thereafter is what the book is all about.

The author invests sufficient time in the beginning, to set up the world, introduce the characters and gradually move to the point of conflict. When things turn for the worst, we as readers are fully invested in the lives of Bachu and Noor. This was well-crafted.

The language is lucid and consistent. There was nothing pretentious about it. Many times, especially debut authors get into the trap of making the prose beautiful and lyrical without a strong enough story to back the words. For me, as a reader that is deceiving. This is a book written for middle-graders with a clear purpose and the author achieves what she sets out for by the end of it. The use of humor to lighten the mood when things get murky was clever, especially considering the age group the book is primarily catering to.

There were some moments though where I felt that the author could have let certain scenes linger for just that minute extra to make them more impactful. To elaborate, several events unfold on one wretched night in the lives of the boys when they are caught in the crossfire, and each scene has a definite purpose and clear message. Several characters come and go, playing a small part in the larger scheme of things. Some readers may like this fast-paced writing while others may want certain powerful moments to linger more. This I don’t consider a flaw but more a matter of taste. Moreover, this could be an adult’s perspective.

From the beginning, we know that the book is going to end on a hopeful note. The progression to that ending did not feel abrupt, which means that the story is structured well. And I liked how that was achieved by the author.

I am a product of the 90s, and this story will connect with a lot of the 90s kids. Noor, Bachu, and the other characters of the book are people I know. There is a bit of me in these kids too and I felt that this is a book with a big heart, so it deserves to be read.

Link to purchase the book –

Amazon link

***

About the author –

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’. A mad dog lover, tripaholic and a tale-weaver who shares his essays, travelogues, book and movie reviews on his blog (www.whatsonsidsmind.com).

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Book Review – The Star Outside My Window | Onjali Q. Rauf

Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read
Reading middle-grade fiction as an adult is a lot of fun. Even if the narrative is dark, there is an underlying innocence about the worlds and characters of these stories. Also, the fantasy and adventure in them evoke pleasant memories of our childhood. However, that was not the reason why I picked up ‘The Star Outside My Window’. I picked it up after reading a compelling review of it in a Facebook group for bibliophiles, and I felt that it would be a good way of introducing novels to my six-year-old.
From the review, it was clear that the book deals with a sensitive topic, that of parental death and domestic violence, and I was curious to know how the author had managed to convey these realities to young readers. But I was also jittery about the prospects of reading the same to my son, who hadn’t yet been introduced to the likes of Enid Blyton or Roald Dahl, and who hadn’t yet reached the reading age suitable for this book.
So this write-up is going to be as much about the book as it will be about my experience of reading it to my son. We had both decided to take it slow and read one chapter a day. I had decided not to over-explain, and censor only if things got out of hand. But the writing was so good that I didn’t have to censor anything, despite the odd moments of silence I had encountered when reading the murky bits.
In a week we were at the halfway mark, and for some reason my son got bored! I didn’t see that coming. He angrily put the book back in the rack once we were done with the 11th chapter. I couldn’t pinpoint what had put him off, and resigned to the fact that we weren’t going to read the book again. However, a week later he came back and reminded me that I had forgotten to read him the remaining chapters. I was startled by how nonchalantly he had passed the blame onto me for not meeting our agreed target for finishing the book. Anyways, we continued, and in 2 weeks we were done.
But the reaction from him after having finished his first novel was a bit of an anti-climax. It seemed as if he wasn’t impressed. Just relieved at finishing the book, made apparent by the ‘phew’ he let out before jumping off the bed to return the book to the rack. I left it at that. Thoughts flooded my mind – maybe the topic was too sensitive? Was I over-ambitious? Did I corrupt his innocent mind with dark thoughts? … I asked myself. It wasn’t until a week later that I got the answer.
His teachers had asked him to pick a person, place, animal or thing to speak for a minute for their “introduction to nouns” in class. Guess what he chose – a book, ‘The Star Outside My Window’. It’s only then that I realized that the book had actually made an impact on him. I was thrilled!
This was how Advay introduced the book to his class. “The Star Outside My Window is the story of two children Aniyah and Noah, who go on a road trip with their friends Travis and Ben on their bicycles, from their foster home to the Royal Observatory in London to name the newly discovered star after their mother. I really enjoyed reading the book and you should read it too!”
Let me add my two cents to his description. I felt that this book was an emotionally engaging read. We as parents generally tend to shy away from difficult topics which we deem unsuitable when choosing books for our children. But this book deals with the subject of parental death with maturity and finesse. The pain and suffering have been conveyed metaphorically, and the tenderness of the storytelling is retained throughout. The characters are well-sketched and the author gives them unique characteristics to make them easily distinguishable for young readers. This is definitely a book that you should gift your child.
Advay and I finished the book two days before we lost our dog. So the book took a different meaning for us. He was our first dog, and was with us for 13 years. That evening when we returned after his burial, my son asked, “Is Joshua going to become a star outside my window?”. I nodded.

About the author –

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

 

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Ray On Netflix – Movie Review | Revisiting the Short Stories of the Master Storyteller

Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 6 Min Read

In Satyajit Ray’s short story Bonku Babu’s Friend (1962) a spaceship on its way to Pluto, lands by mistake into a pond in Kankurgachi (North Kolkata). From it emerges an alien, by the name Ang, with slender legs and arms, and a disproportionately large head, wearing a pink outfit covering everything but its face. A shocked bystander, a geography teacher, by the name Bonkubihari Datta is the only witness to this event. Ang manages to befriend its human counterpart, dazzle him with its technology, and fulfill all his wishes. On the surface, this might seem like science fiction; but at its core, this is a human story. Ray cleverly uses the allegory of the alien, to tell the story of a man, who thinks and acts differently from his milieu. In other words, an outcast  —  an “alien” among his friends!

Ray, the auteur, was also a prolific short story writer among other things. He wrote in multiple genres but was most famous for his science fiction fantasies like the Pterodactyl’s Egg (1962), Bonku Babu’s Friend (1962), and The Hungry Septopus (1962), as well as his horror classics like Khagam (1973) and Indigo (1968). His stories were tightly written, highly entertaining, and had elements of fantasy in them. But there was one indispensable quality which was as clear as daylight, and that was his understanding of human behavior and motivations. Ray’s humanism is what elevated his stories from the category of popular fiction into the realm of literature. This is the essence of his storytelling and without it, an adaptation of his classics will be incomplete. It is in this light that I will be reviewing the Netflix anthology Ray.

Forget me not – Srijit Mukherjee’s adaptation of the short story Bipin Chowdhury’s Loss of Memory (1963) is the story of a man’s fall from grace. This modern retelling is darker and more twisted compared to the original story. The director takes you to Mumbai, where we meet Ipsit Nair, the blue-eyed boy of the city’s corporate scene, whose memory is believed to be as sharp as a computer. But this notion is challenged early in the film when a mysterious woman appears before Ipsit and tells him about their first meeting in Aurangabad, which ended up being a short intimate affair. An incident he doesn’t have any memory of! This triggers a series of events that keeps the suspense alive till the end.

The commendable aspects of the storytelling are the camerawork and exceptional set design. The performances too are noteworthy, especially by Ali Fazal who tries his best to deliver a nuanced performance to capture the inner conflict of the lead character. But the film falters in its writing, and while you are intrigued by what is happening to Ipsit, you do not fully connect with him in a way that you end up either hating or empathizing with him. The film is entertaining but it could have been a lot more if it had sacrificed a few twists in the tale and invested that time in adding much-needed layers to Ipsit’s character.

Rating – 3/5

Behrupiya – Based on the short story Bohurupi, Srijit Mukherjee’s second film in this anthology is about a makeup artist, too timid, to confront the cruel world. But he finds a way to get back at the people who have wronged him by using the masks he has created as his armor. But will he succeed?

The film is set in the dark underbelly of Kolkata, and again Srijit manages to make a visually stunning film. This is also the darkest film in this anthology and the protagonist Indrashish’s character is perhaps the most complex. But, here too, the film falters with the writing, and with a skillful actor like Kay Kay Menon in the role of Indrashish, a lot more could have been achieved to show the mental conflict. Instead, the film becomes too verbose as it progresses. This for me was the weakest film in the anthology.

Rating – 2.5/5

Hungama Kyon Hai Barpa – Directed by Abhishek Chaubey and based on the short story Barin Bhowmick’s Ailment (1973), this film is widely regarded as the best in this anthology. In this adapted version, a vivacious ex-wrestler and a seemingly poised but self-absorbed ghazal singer, meet on a train journey. The conversation that takes place thereafter unravels the story through a non-linear narrative, and the audience is made to believe that these are two very different people. But are they?

With two powerhouse acting talents, Manoj Bajpayee and Gajraj Rao on screen, we are in for a treat. And they deliver, with their comic timing, and exemplary understanding of their craft! The director pays a near-perfect tribute to the master storyteller, with a generous dose of surrealism, and an ode to his frames. The imagination and execution were both immaculate. All through the interest of the audience is kept alive, by not indulging in excesses and sticking to the essence of the original story in this modern retelling. This is a film that is bound to leave a smile on your face at the end of it.

Rating – 4/5

Spotlight – At a little over an hour, director Vasan Bala’s adaptation of Ray’s short story Spotlight (1983) does test your patience. Also, this is an unusual adaptation, drifting the furthest from the original story in this anthology. But, the consistent caustic humor and a sprinkling of magic realism in the narrative manages to take the audience on a trippy ride.

At the forefront is a famous actor whose only claim to fame is a stare that he has been able to master. But he suffers a blow to his ego when he is confronted by a religious cult leader lovingly called “Didi” by her followers. Her popularity far surpasses his, which sends the self-centered actor on a path of self-discovery. What we get in return through the subsequent soliloquies is a homage to the master storyteller, through some interesting imagery and intelligently written dialogues. Also, through the social and political commentary, blended cleverly into the screenplay, we hear Ray’s voice but in a modern cinematic language. This was a brave film to make and the outlandish climax scenes justifies this statement. However, despite the evident departure from the original story, it still manages to preserve the essence of the original. This for me was the best of the lot.

Rating – 4.25/5

Overall Rating – 3.5/5

In the words of Charlie Chaplin, “the deeper the truth in creative work, the longer it will live”. The stories of the Aesop Fables, Panchatantra, and Arabian Nights have stood the test of time for precisely this reason. Through fiction, the greatest writers of the past, and the present have been able to convey truths about humanity. Ray is undoubtedly one of them. However, if his stories have to truly cross over to all cultures within India, and not be limited to the bookshelves of bibliophiles then such adaptations are necessary. These stories are for mankind, and they need to be told.

In the distant future, if an alien were to visit our planet after we were gone from it; I hope it discovers a scrap dealer’s shop like “Roohi Safa” (just like Musafir Ali did in the film Hungama Kyon Hai Barpa) which houses a rare collection of Satyajit Ray’s short stories. The book may not serve its purpose for visiting Earth, but the visitor is sure to gain an understanding of how we humans thought, and what our aspirations were through it.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues, and movie reviews.

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by whatsonsidsmind

Colors of the Wind Song | Pocohontas (Disney) | Advay’s Rendition

My six-year-old tried his hand at Smule this week. He has been taking singing classes for roughly a year now, and this is one of his favorite songs. Long way to go, and this is just the start. (Click the YouTube link below to view)

Colors of the wind | Pocohontas | Advay Rendition – YouTube

My favorite lines from the song …

“You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You’ll learn things you never knew, you never knew”

Hope you all like it.

Have a nice weekend!

Thanks,

Sid

 

 

 

by whatsonsidsmind

Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse | Book Review

Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

First published in 1922 (in German), Nobel prize winning author Hermann Hesse’s ninth novel Siddhartha is a book that has stood the test of time. I have heard a lot about this book over the years. It first caught my eye, as a teenager, when it was languishing in my father’s bookshelf, and I was being introduced to Buddhism in my history classes. Then I heard of a movie adaptation of it from the 70s, during my college days, which starred some famous Indian actors. And most recently it’s been popping up regularly on the Amazon page, which could be a result of my recent searches. Whatever it is, I can safely say that the book called out to me, and that I started reading it on the day of Buddha Purnima felt like divine providence. But after a bit of introspection, it was understood to be a conspiracy by Amazon.

Despite the divine calling, to assume that I have understood everything that the book had to offer would be foolish because a book on self-discovery, spanning a life time of its protagonist, is bound to mean different things to different people. Also, an understanding of what is being told will depend on the reader’s own life experiences and the stage of life the person is in. This could be the reason why I was hesitant to read it all this while. But this could also be the reason why the book is considered a classic.

It is difficult to review a book like this because you can’t really disagree with what is being said. Unlike other works of fiction, the truth isn’t blended or cloaked in something sinister or magnificent. It is said as it is, making it feel like a self-help book or a book of philosophy. Moreover, what is being said is so profound that you don’t have an option but to be an attentive student.

Written in a lyrical style, this novella is meant to take you on your own path of self-discovery through the journey of a brahmin boy named Siddhartha. Born during the time of the Buddha, Siddhartha just like his namesake, renounces his privileged life, but then goes on to live several lives; that of an ascetic, a rich merchant, a lover, an ordinary ferryman and a father before the great realization happens to him. The lyrical style suits the narrative because the writer is trying to find beauty in the suffering. It is through this road of suffering that the protagonist finds his enlightenment. The following quote from the book explains this point,

“I have experienced on my body and on my soul that I needed sin very much, I needed lust, the desire of possessions, vanity, and needed the most shameful despair, in order to learn how to give up resistance, in order to learn how to love the world, in order to stop comparing it to some world I wished, I imagined, some kind of perfection I had made up, but to leave it as it is and to love and to enjoy being a part of it”.

Like the above quote, much of the learnings are shared through conversations that Siddhartha is having either with himself or someone or something he considers dear to him. The prose is replete with metaphors and the pace is intentionally slow to induce a meditative state within the readers.

The Buddha’s story is a fascinating one. It resonates with millions across the world, and although our stories may not be as impressive as his, we do associate with the ideas of renunciation, detachment, transformation and self-discovery. These ideas are universal and timeless. And authors in the past and in the present have harnessed the power of this story to create their own remarkable works of fiction. Robin Sharma’s “The Monk who sold his Ferrari” and Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” comes to mind in this regard. However, for me, Hermann Hesse’s masterstroke, was to let the story unfold during the time of the Buddha, so much so, that Siddhartha even has a conversation with his namesake. This I felt not only made this story timeless but also credible to readers who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in philosophy.

This is a book that readers will go back to, as and when they have new and transformative life experiences, bitter or sweet. There are several quotes in this book that will take newer meanings as you progress in life. The quote that stayed with me at this point in my life was,

“Knowledge can be conveyed, but not wisdom. It can be found, it can be lived, it is possible to be carried by it, miracles can be performed with it, but it cannot be expressed in words and taught.”

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and, on his website, www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and movie reviews.

 

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