On 'Wake Up Sid', love & new cities

Finally, watched this movie too. That kinda completes my list of top bollywood movies of 2009 that I wanted to catch. Actually, I liked Ranbir's other movie, Rocket Singh a lot more than this movie - thought that was much more realistically done. But, Wake Up Sid spoke to me in it's own way, especially through Aisha's (Konkona) character.

She, in her article for the mag she was was writing for, finally contends that her love for the new city (Mumbai in this case) was perhaps the love for Sid, and that she probably wouldn't have loved the city so if not for his introduction to it. Or something like that. Which I totally agree with.

I always thought Chennai had more character than Hyderabad (mostly cultural - I still cherish a lot of things about Hyderabad - apart from the obvious things like the awesome Biryani, Karachi Bakery biscuits, it's unabashed love for all things new and flashy - something that I share ;). But I think I really fell in love with Chennai, partly because I was also falling in love with this girl.

There was a time when I couldn't go to any of our favorite haunts without thinking her, or a million painful memories springing out of nowhere, surprising me with their strength. I guess I should've left Chennai at that point of time, but something in me, wouldn't let go.

I'm proud to say that my love for this city won over my love for this girl. I'm glad to have proven to myself, that my love for what this city represents, transcends my love for this person. I also think in that process, I rediscovered myself in a lot of ways. Which is probably a whole new blog post for later :). But I shall never forget the fact that she was part of this process, probably the originator too, and for that, I will be eternally thankful. To the city, and to her.

Chasing Amy

Yesterday, I've seen this awesome movie quite unexpectedly, called Chasing Amy. While it should not be something surprising for fans of the Clerks franchise or other Kevin Smith flicks, I was pleasantly surprised by the razor-sharp witty dialogues and the story itself.

The humor is awesome. I was cracking up right until the story gets a little bit serious. And the movie is more than 10 years old... but it's still relevant, and feels rather timeless. It's such a shame that Hollywood doesn't make more such movies. Of course, I loved Jay and Silent Bob ;-). If you're into movies that expect you to have a brain, then this one is a must. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Atonement.

I've seen this movie recently. Beautiful, beautiful movie. Though a bit painful, because I was acutely aware of something equally painful that I've done to somebody. How wise a teacher time is. Now in retrospect, I can see how arrogant and stupid I have been. And what a superbly wrong path I have chosen to travel in. How totally wrong many things have turned out.

Though, just like the movie, there is perhaps no atonement for me here. That would be a shame, because I believe in redemption. I would like to think I will be forgiven for the mistakes I made. I guess, like everybody with a guilty conscience, I hope to show that I still care. That somehow, I can do right. Perhaps it's a silly notion. I don't think I can ever make it up for what I've done, but my friend, I screwed up. I did not know any better. Would you please forgive me?

Movies are my escape.

I just realized that apart from music, movies are my escape. If I don't want to dwell on the darkness I sometimes see, I just go watch a movie. Thankfully, it doesn't involve alcohol or shopping :).