Among the many unwritten rules that are a product of the unique reality of Tamil filmgoers is the timing of film releases. Big budgets jostle and edge out smaller banners to arrange multi-theater release during festivals. The festive mood brings along with it an urge to entertain oneself and...
The union government’s decision to include Narikuravars in the list of Scheduled Tribes – a welcome migration from the MBC list - has not come out of the blue. It is a hard-earned final victory for the long suppressed people’s struggle of sweat, tears and blood. The air had long been thick with...
The Internet has given new hope for news consumers and journalists. The entry barrier in terms of capital cost is low. Unlike in print and television, the investment needed to start and run an online news journalism operation needs to cover only salaries, largely. Unlike established media where...
Railway track doubling may seem like a technical term but is critical to Tamil Nadu where roads have become the main carriers of people and goods. The main reason for vehicular overload is the lack of rail connectivity to the southern districts of the state. The complete doubling and...
V Sudarshan’s book, Dead End, is as much a story of the everyday reality of Indian life – miscarriage of justice – as it is about those such as K Ragothaman doing their best to ensure justice is done. Dead End: The Minister, The CBI, And The Murder That Wasn't, published by Hachette,...
Independent India’s founding fathers and mothers had envisioned that any social science research institution's efforts and its outcomes should reflect the ground realities and struggles of the people, translating into public policy debates to improve living standards across strata. The...
Nilgiris is teaching the rest of Tamil Nadu some lessons. The storied monsoon that has inspired weathermen, poets, writers and nature lovers defines much of India in many ways. It used to define Tamil Nadu too by leaving the state out barring bright showers up in the Ghats and Nilgiris. Not...
Chennai’s storm water drain work has become a major disruption for normal life in a big city. But it could well have been minimised or avoided. One striking feature of Chennai Metro Rail’s construction methods is the speed at which the concrete spans and pillars come up along the elevated...
Apple products typically received enthusiastic response so the excitement with which iPhone 14 was received wasn't surprising. Apple rarely compromises on quality but the premium that customers pay for the brand is always going up. Customer patience is tested often. iPhone 14 was unveiled on...
Actor Dhanush in his film Padikaathavan says: “Guys like me are not liked on sight; will be liked as they are seen more and more.” I have often thought if these lines were written keeping in mind music composer A R Rahman. The reason is that there is a critical opinion right from his early days...
