Journey Under The Midnight Sun

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Book: Journey Under The Midnight Sun

Author: Keigo Higashino

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Language: English

Pages: 539

The best way to start reading journey of the year is by picking up my favorite Keigo Higashino's Journey Under The Midnight Sun.

The story begins with the murder of a pawnbroker in an abandoned building in Osaka in 1973. Detective Sasagaki is entrusted with the investigation and he finds many clues and possible suspects, but unable to zero down on particular person. Because of this the case is closed as unresolved, yet Sasagaki finds it difficult to let go. So his obsession continues with suspects and he follows their life for two decades. It is his belief that the very first crime has caused ripple effect that resulted hurting many other people.

From early on readers get to know who the murderer is. The mystery lies in how and why. And when that unravels you're in for shock and empathy.

The story is narrated from multiple point of views and lots of characters get introduced as it progresses which can be little overbearing especially with names. Still you get the hang of it. There were reference to video games, computer technology and hacking, Yom Kippur war, economic crisis, and brilliant insight into Japanese culture and lifestyle.

For me nothing can go wrong when it comes to Higashino, so I might always be partial.

Pachinko

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Book: Pachinko

Author: Min Jin Lee

Genre: Historical fiction

Language: English

Slowly but steadily I acquired a taste for historical fictions. Until Pachinko happened I knew nothing about Japan-occupied Korea.

The story follows life of Sunja who becomes pregnant at 17 by an older married man with Japanese wife and three children. A young priest Isak falls sick on the way to Japan while staying at an inn run by Sunja's mother. Mother-daughter duo nurse him back to health. Hearing about Sunja's situation, Isak promises to marry her and takes her to Japan with an assurance of good life. But he is soon arrested by Japan law enforcement for practicing his faith in Japan as a Korean.  Sunja and her sister-in-law take charge of the situation to run the household. However, destiny had different plans for them.

This multi-generational book spans between 1910 to 1989. It deals with imperial Japan's colonization of Korea, discrimination, racism, horrors of World War II, traditions, family dynamics and above all perseverance to move on with life despite all the hardship they have to go through.

And Pachinko is a Japanese gambling game played on a vertical pinball like machine. To see the reference one must read the book.

A wonderful read of the year.

A Gentleman in Moscow

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Book: A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towels

Genre: Historic Fiction

Language: English

“If patience wasn’t so easily tested, then it would hardly be a virtue.”

In the beginning of the year I made a conscious choice to pick books set in different parts of the world. There is a famous saying in Kannada 'Desha Nodu Kosha Odu' (Travel the world-read books). Since traveling is restricted I metaphorically transport to these countries to hear about the stories. I've even zeroed down on where to stay when in Moscow. It maybe entirely different establishment now, but since it is still functional why not get a sneak-peak into Count Alexander Rostov's life.

In 1922, count Alexander Rostov was sentenced for life on house arrest at the Metropol Hotel,  Theater Square, Moscow because of his alleged anti-revolutionary beliefs.  Now he is not allowed to stay in his unusual luxurious suite,  but in a small attic room. Not the one to mop around Rostov accepts the situation he is in. He is charming, witty, kind, intelligent, more over a gentleman through and through.

Spanning over 30 years this historic fiction gives insight into the Russia's tumultuous past of Bolsheviks time. Initially it takes time to get used to the narration. Once established it is a thought provoking read.  

Aarya 2

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TV Series: Aarya 2

Language: Hindi

Cast: Sushmitha Sen, Sikander Kher, Ankur Bhatia, Maya Sarao

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Drama

Streaming: Disney Hotstar

Having loved Aarya season 1 we were excited when season 2 aired on Hotstar. Ah! The disappointment.

Aarya is back from overseas with children under witness protection. She changes her mind about convicting her father and brother. Now, she has to face the wrath of both law establishment and Udayveer Shekhavat. Her youngest son is undergoing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder, teenage daughter is suicidal, and eldest son is overburdened with responsibilities. There was an attempt on her life when staying in safe house. She is not sure of the enemies. She is trying very hard to sell the pharmaceutical company with brother Sangram. He goes missing, only to be found dead later. His lover Hina blames Aarya for the death and abandons her newborn son. And Russian drug dealers does not stay behind either. With no other option but to pull out her claws and stay atop of matters for the safety of her family.

Episodes are slow and situational scenes are repetitive of season 1 except for the last episode. Then it was too late to call it a good show.

Pushpa The Rise: Part 1

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Film: Pushpa The Rise: Part 1

Director: Sukumar

Language: Telugu

Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Dhananjay, Sunil, Fahaad Faasil

I had three reasons to watch Pushpa and multiple other reasons not to watch. Still braced it with open mind with the intention of not missing on good cinema.

'Pushpa The Rise' as name suggests is story of Pushparaj and his advancement from a coolie to a powerful smuggling syndicator of red Sanders, a rare wood that only grows in eastern ghats of southern Andra Pradesh. Two subplots, one his romantic liaisons with Srivalli and other his troubled humiliating relationship with his half brothers runs paralally.

Despite all the raves, hypes and marketing I found this film below average. Just old wine in a new bottle.  

Drishyam 2: Resumption

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Film: Drishyam 2: Resumption

Language: Malayalam

Director: Jeethu Joseph

Cast: Mohan Lal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil

Streaming On: Amazon Prime

We watched Drishyam 1 (now since we have 2) in Kannada first and loved it. Since we know how Ponnappa family got away with the murder it never made any sense to watch it in other languages. So, obviously were quite excited about the second.

Six years after the incident George Kutti (it took a while to get used to) now owns a cinema theater. He is an aspiring writer and wants to produce movies. His elder daughter suffers from PTSD while younger one is her usual teenage rebellion self. These along with George Kutti's debts and alcoholism worries his wife Rani to no end.  She seeks comfort in the company of her neighbor, Saritha, a victim of domestic violence. And as expected their family entangles in criminal investigation yet again.

The first half of the film is really slow. The second half picks with twists after twists at a breakneck speed. For one twist the makers took inspiration from Keigo Higoshino's Devotion of Suspect X as they did in Drishyam 1. An alright film.

Pukkate Salahe

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Play: Pukkate Salahe

Language: Kannada

Genre: Comedy

Troupe: Vikasam

Director: Ashok B

Artists: Ashok B, Gururaj Reddy, Prabhakar, Mala Sujith, Jairam, Phalguni, Kiran Devraj and others.

Everyone's life had come to a standstill due to the obvious. So was our theatre hopping. When above drama was to be played we were all game.

Pukkate Salahe (Free advice) is a play written by Dundiraj, a famous Kannada writer who is specialized mostly in short humorous poems (hanigavana).

A popular TV show where the guest is a self-appointed astrologer who doles out suggestions to various callers from different walks of life with numerous problems.

The drama is a satirical take on our society. The humour is just right. It managed to touch sensitive issues without offending anybody. And one get to hear various dialects of Karnataka. You wouldn't even realize how one-and-a-half hours was spent.

We had watched Vikasam's 'G.K. Mastarara Pranaya Prasanga' last year. We couldn't help but wonder if Ashok B (director/astrologer) had played Rama's role in Poulasthyana Pranaya Kathe.

What we watched (Pukkate Salahe), is their 48th show and make time for it if you enjoy theatre. 

The Turn of The Key

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Book:  The Turn of The Key

Author: Ruth Ware

Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Language: Language

“Because it was the lies that got me here in the first place. And I have to believe that it’s the truth that will get me out.”

When I was taking stock of the year's read Ruth Ware tops the list. This was the second book of the year.

Rowan Caine accepts the live-in nanny post with a hefty paycheck and accommodation in fancy smart home in Scottish Highlands.

Circa present she was awaits trial for the murder of a child. She writes to a lawyer narrating the incidents that lead her to her imprisonment.

Though ending felt rushed definitely an over the edge thriller.

Mukhyamatri

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Drama: Mukhyamatri 

Artists: Mukhyamatri Chandru, Manjunath Hegde, Srinivas Meshtru

Director: B.V.Rajaram

Language: Kannada

Troupe: Kalagangotri

If one is Kannadiga he/she is bound to know Mukhyamantri Chandru. Having heard about this drama for so long we're able to see it this year. This is their 41st year running the show. We couldn't recall the exact number of the show, but kind of sure that it is more than 750.

This was originally a novel of same name by Chanakya Sen. From Hindi it was translated from another Kannada thespian T.S.Lohitashwa. During which he didn't change the last names of characters, hence we could hear Dubey, Tripati, etc.

Chief minister of Udayachal, Krishna Dwaipayana (Chandru) is concerned about losing his position as his rivals are rallying up against him. He must act cautiously to retain his chair and is determined to go to any length.

Chandru though little weak and old, on stage he has the same charisma way better than the silver screen. The leader of opposition was played by Manjunath Hegde. We know him from Kannada serials like Guptagamini and Moodala Mane.

Stage is awash with whites of divans and bolsters, party uniforms and caps. A hilarious drama that cackled us throughout the act.

Must watch for theater enthusiasts. 

The Night Tiger

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Book: The Night Tiger

Author: Yangtze Choo

Genre: Historical Fiction

Language: English

“In Cantonese, two was a good number because it made a pair. Three was also good because it was a homophone for sang, or life. Four, of course, was bad because it sounded like death. Five was good again because it made a complete set, not just of the Confucian Virtues, but also for the elements of wood, fire, water, metal, and earth.”

In my quest to pick a book set in different parts of the world, The Night Tiger had piqued my attention as people were raving about it on social media.  

A 11-year-old Ren has 49 days to find his master's severed finger to reunite with his body. Otherwise his soul will roam in earth without peace.

Ji Linn's childhood dream was to study medicine, but being apprentice dressmaker was considered more suitable for girls in 1930 of Malaysia and of course getting married. She secretly works as a dance girl at night to help pay off her mother's mahjong debts. One night mischievously she happens to be in possession of the ghastly severed finger.

Soon many mysterious deaths follows and hushed rumor of man turning into tiger at night is behind these murders spreads like wildfire.

Beautifully woven story around Malaysian culture, their colonized past with a twist of Chinese numerology and folklore.

Carvalho

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Book: Carvalho

Author: K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi

Genre: Adventure/Humour

Language: Kannada

I couldn't stop gushing about this gem whoever care to listen. It has bee a long time since I picked a book of my mother tongue only to realize what I had been missing

Set in the quaint village of Moodigere Taluk of Chikmagaluru, Karnataka, Tejaswi meets Mandanna for the first time in local beekeeper's society to buy honey for his father. He was surprised to hear praise about Mandanna from Carvalho, a renowned botanist, entomologist and scientist. According to Tejaswi Mandanna is impulsive and irresponsible vagrant whose only goal in life is to marry Rami (Narway Ramanna's daughter). Once married he is arrested by police for making illegal liquor. To get him bail all the big shots of the village had to go to court. Why Mandanna is important? Why Carvalho thinks him to be born naturalist?

The narration and story had me in splits. In no time it reached my top reads. Tejaswi is an enigma. If you know to read Kannada make time for itt. There is translated version available too. 

The News of The World

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Movie: The News Of The World

Director: Paul Greengrass

Language: English

Year: 2021

Cast: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel

Jefferson Kyle Kid (Hanks), a war veteran from Texas in year 1870 shortly after civil war. His current job is of a news reader for which he travels from one town to the next. On one of those journeys he meets a little girl who was being taken to authorities after the clan who raised was killed. She speaks Kiowa and Jeff takes the responsibility to unite her with her long lost blood relatives.

Next starts the unusual road trip with many highs and lows. There is no need to tell how good Hanks in this. It is Helena Zengel's raw performance sets the chemistry between the two right and Heartwarming.

And the movie is based on a book by Pauletta Jiles of the same.

Mahira

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Film: Mahira

Director: Mahesh Gowda

Cast: Raj Shetty, Veronica Rodriguez, Balaji Manohar

Genre: Thriller

Language: Kannada

Streaming On: Amazon Prime

While browsing Amazon prime we came across Mahira. Seeing Raj B. Shetty on the poster we thought of watching it. From Ondu Motteya Kathe we have seen all his films, though he is a supporting in this thriller.

An alleged rogue agent lives a melancholic life on the coastal Karnataka with her teenage daughter. An incident exposes them to be chased by both law enforcement as well as criminals. Now on the run mother should prove her innocence to protect them both. Why is she hiding despite being an excellent undercover?

A Hollywood style thriller. Few scenes reminded us of "Pieces of Her" novel by Karin Slaughter. There are few loose ends. The relationship between mother-daughter sounded superficial. Just addressing your mother by her first name does not make you cool or your bonding better.

If loose ends were knotted tightly Mahira had the potential to become a exemplary thriller. Nonetheless a one-time watch. Including the lead most of the cast were new faces.

Is Love Enough? - Sir

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Film: Sir

Language: Hindi

Year: 2018

Genre: Romantic drama

Director: Rohena Gera

Cast: Tilottama Shome, Vivek Gomber Geetanjali Kulkarni

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Some characters touch a chord and you couldn't help but fall in love with those. Ratna and Ashwin are one such.

Widowed Ratna (Shome) hails from a remote village in Maharashtra was hired as a house help by Ashwin's (Gomber) fiancee. Incidentally the wedding is called off, the reason being infidelity on fiancee's part. Ashwin confesses to being not in love with her. He proposed to her because she stood by him during a difficult time of his brother's illness and subsequent death.

He was depressed for a few days until Ratna tells him about her marriage and being widowed at young age. Until then there was no conversation between them. Slowly they built a rapport of friendship and eventually falling in love. But there is a huge class difference between them. Will they be able to break the shackle? If so will it be relationship of equality? 

The Captain

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Film: The Captain

Cast: Zhang Hanyu, Oho Ou, Du Jiang

Genre: Thriller

Language: Chinese

Year: 2019

The film is based on real life incident of Sichuan Airlines flight 8633. The plane took off from Chongqing Airport and supposed to land in Lhasa. On air the windshields of the cockpit shatters forcing the crew to make an emergency landing in Chengdu International Airport. Despite harsh weather, plummeting temperature, turbulence the crew smoothly and deftly handles the situation. We know what happens. 'T' who enjoys airport, flights, flying, all and sundry loved the movie to the T.

The White Tiger

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Film: The White Tiger

Year: 2021

Language: English

Genre: Drama/Crime

Director: Ramin Bahrani

Cast: Adarsh Gourav, Rajkumar Rao, Priyanka Chopra

Streaming Platform: Netflix

"The moment you recognize what is beautiful in this world, you stop being a slave"

We've heard many negative remarks on book of the same. The majority of people's opinion was that it showed India in bad light. Though we've not read Adiga's book so far, read many articles by him regarding various subjects. We're prepared for something like Slumdog Millionaire. It is better than that.

The film starts with entrepreneur Balram Halwai (Adarsh) writing an Email to Chinese premier Wen Jiabao seeking an appointment and simultaneously narrating his story.

Having been unable to utilize the scholarship and study further due to his father's untimely death, Balram starts working in a tea shop. Now his dream is to work as a chauffeur to Ashok (Rao), village bigwig's son who has just returned from USA with his wife Pinky (Chopra). He blackmails his way into becoming Ashok's personal driver in Delhi. He develops close relationship with Ashok's family who treats him with respect. An incident on Pinky's birthday and it's ramifications makes him to believe he is expendable to his master.

Will he be able to break the rooster coop?

A film that makes you uncomfortable and questions whether you have been an oppressor at some point in time.

A beautiful must watch film

Peaky Blinders-2

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TV Show: Peaky Blinders

Season: 2

Genre: Historical crime drama

Cast: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neil, Helen McCrory, Annabelle Wallis, Tom Hardy

Director: Colm McCarthy

Streaming In: Netflix

You don’t parley when you’re on the back foot.” Thomas Shelby

Season 2 picks up few years later in 1921. Having conquered Birmingham, Thomas Shelby hopes to move up in the crime world. He wants to take over horse-racing in England. He plans to ship liquor to America, which was prohibited at the time. This season we get introduced to Alfie Solomon (Tom Hardy), May Carleton, and Michael Grace.

Consisting of only 6 episodes it is the shortest season. Again, great work done in bringing the 1920's alive.

Pitta Kathalu

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Film: Pitta Kathalu

Language: Telugu

Cast: Amala Paul, Lakshmi Manchu, Sanjith Hegde, Shruti Haasan

Directors: Nag Ashwin, Nandini Reddy, Tharun Bhascker, Sankalp Reddy

Genre: Anthology

Streaming: Netflix

Touted as the Netflix's first original Telugu film, Pitta Kathalu (Short stories) is an anthology film consisting of four stories.

Ramula story of a young small town Telengana girl and her useless boyfriend. And how a local politician takes advantage of their vulnerability to her political gain.

Meera story of a young wife and her struggle to deal with her much older husband that is both suspicious and eccentric

X Life story of a young ambitious man who is evil enough to take over the world with his futuristic technology.

Pinky, story of an upcoming writer's illicit affair with his ex-wife.

The first two stories were okay. X Life is senseless and boring. Why Sanjith Hegde chose this role?  Below average film which one can skip easily.

Peaky Blinders-1

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TV Show: Peaky Blinders

Season: 1

Genre: Historical crime drama

Cast: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neil, Helen McCrory, Annabelle Wallis

Director: Otto Bathurst/Tom Harper

Streaming In: Netflix

"All religion is a foolish answer to a foolish question."-Tommy Shelby

If it wasn't for Hippie Sabotage's Devil Eyes we wouldn't have bothered to pick this show. Sure it was in Netflix for sometime.

The story set in 1919 post-world War 1 in Birmingham, England. The war veteran Shelby brothers try to make a living as bookmakers, racketeers, and gangsters. Though second brother, Thomas Shelby is the head of the family and has big dreams for the future. When crate of guns goes missing Peaky Blinders come under the scrutiny of detective Chester Campbell.

A visual treat with sets, costume, cinematography and swag.