Surgical Strike 2.0

The mood of the whole country on 26th Feb Morning is HIGHHHHHH. The Indian Air Force has executed a terrific job with finesse. Surgical Strike 2.0 is the new face of India. Brave, Gutsy, Unimaginable and Capable.

Today's surgical strike is very complex, tough and risky. During last surgical strike, the enemy was not expecting anything of that sort, so there was an element of surprise. By the time they realise and react, our men are back home safely. But this time that is not the case. They were expecting such kind of retaliation, they were prepared for counter attack, they have mobilised men and artillery for back-up and despite all of this, still our IAF has done the damage and still returned safely means, that's unthinkable and excellent.

The last attack and current one, both were conducted in the early hours of day and it proved that's best time. The famous saying of "Will not let enemy sleep" has been practically implemented by our men. Whenever there is an attack in India, they won't dare to sleep, especially after 3AM. Also, the time period of operation this time has been hardly 30 mins. It was like Virender Sehwag's innings in ODI's. The stay at crease would be very short, but the destruction done in that period is 100 times. We are so joyful today that we are ready to give Umesh Yadav another chance in the team for tomorrow's match, Such is the Josh.

We as citizens feel proud and would like to take the credit for what our Air Force did, but there are a lot of people to be thanked who are major stakeholders in this strike and whose life, position, power were at stake, had the strike caused any casualties in the Air Force of our side or civilians in the other side.

Firstly, the Air Force team who took the job knowing the risk involved in losing life during operation. 40 Jawans were killed in an attack 2 weeks back and still these brave men choose to enter enemy premises. Thanks and Hats Off to them.

Secondly, the policy makers, government, planning team. There is a lot for stake for these people, had the attack turned bitter, whole nation would have turned against them. A gutsy and brave decision to back such operation. Thanks to you.


DC

2.0 - Movie Review

The Robot combo is back with 2.0. Robo smashed all records in 2010 and set the bar high. However, neither Rajni nor Shankar were able to recreate such phenomenon again. Shankar failed with Snehitudu and "I", while Rajni scored average grossers with Kochadaiyan, Linga, Kabali, Kaala. With an enormous budget, ensemble cast and crew, unprecedented expectations, huge target to beat (Bahubali2) - 2.0 has arrived today.

Story :-

Cell phones start vanishing into air suddenly and everyone is worried. Any attempts to bring back the cell phones back to operational are also hampered and people behind the attempts get killed. Vaseekar identifies that it's a new force called "Bird Man" and is to be dealt scientifically. He suggests "Chitti-The Robot" is to be bought back to duty to control this force. What is birdman's intentions and How Chitti neutralises birdman forms the story.

Performances :-

Superstar Rajni as Vaseekar and Chitti excelled as usual. Though few antics felt repetitive from Robot, his comic timing towards climax stands out. Akshay Kumar as Birdman was an apt choice and he was phenomenal. Kudos for the make-up and getups he took for this film his efforts did not go unnoticed. Amy Jackson as Vennela had a lengthy role and she was decent. Not much scope for Adil Husain and other artistes.

Technicians :-

2.0 can be declared as the best visual effects movie from India till date. It's the Indian "Avatar". Extraordinary graphics. 3D effects were excellent starting from titles. Shankar's direction was stupendous. He picked up an interesting point, written an engaging story, imagined an visual wonder and executed with perfection. He did not waste time for any commercial elements and went straight away into the story since start. Best part of the movie is that it didn't had songs which is unimaginable for a South commercial movie with such crazy combo. Shankar's guts and planning should be appreciated. Background score was neat, not fantastic. Nowadays people got used to not expect the old AR Rahman, so no disappointment.

Positives :-

VFX, VFX, VFX
Shankar's direction
Akshay's get-ups and Rajni's antics

Negatives :-

Predictability

Summary :-

2.0 is packaged entertainer with all elements. This is not a regular movie you get to watch on Indian screen. Definitely worth a watch for its graphical extravaganza. A sure shot winner

Watch it in 3D for enhanced experience

Beating Bahubali2 depends repetitive audience.

Rating :- 2.0 @ 3D = 3.5 (Watch It)

Taxiwala - Movie Review

Latest sensation and new star in tollywood Vijay Devarakonda's latest outing is "Taxiwala" under new director Rahul Sankrityan. This movie like all other VIjay's movies had its share of issues. Unedited and entire movie of 3.5 hrs movie got leaked, movie was in shooting and post production for almost 1.5 yrs. Since Vijay's last movie "NOTA" couldn't reach the expectations of audience, pressure is on him to prove his mettle and stardom.

Story - 

Shiva comes to Hyderabad in search of job and tries his hand at multiple jobs but they doesn't seem viable. He comes to know that cab driver job has good returns and plans to buy a car. In his limited budget, he gets an old model car which he loves it at first look. He starts his job as a cab driver, gets a girl friend, gets well paid and everything seems fine. The car has a history which starts haunting Shiva. He tries to get rid of the car but couldn't due to unavoidable circumstances. What is the history of the car and how he resolves issues forms the rest of the story.

Performances - 

Vijay as taxiwala was natural. His character had to emote fear, humour, frustration, sentiment and Vijay was good at all. His costumes, hairstyle, dialogues complement the cab driver character. Heroine Priyanka Jawalkar was there for namesake and she is okay. Couple had one song "Maate Vinadhuga" and its good. Madhunandan and Vihsnu Oi (Hollywood) provides some comic relief. Malavika Nair in the flashback episode was apt. Remaining character artistes performed to their potential. Shiju has limited scope in negative role and he did a decent job.

Technicians - 

New director Rahul Sankrityan has chosen a novel concept of "Astral Projection" and linked it with a car and plotted a story around it. The premise, screenplay and writing is engaging and entertaining. Jakes Bejoy is music is average. Maate Vinadhuga song stands out and background score is decent. Remaining songs are montage and are not catchy. The colour and tone of the movie is fresh and cinematographer has done a commendable job. Production values are good and there are no unnecessary elements, characters.

Positives -

Vijay Devarakonda
Novel plot and taking
1st Half

Negatives -

Uneven pace in 2nd Half
Predictability towards climax

Analysis -

Horror-comedy is one genre which has yielded success to many film makers within limited budget. Taxiwala also falls into this category and gained brownie points in terms of box office success. Crisp editing, good & entertaining 1st half makes "Taxiwala" a joy ride despite its shortcomings here and there.

Vijay should be appreciated for trying different genres in such a short span and also getting succeeded. Rom-com in Pelli Chupulu, Geetha Govindham, Political drama in Nota, Alchol addicted aggressive doctor with a love failure in Arjun Reddy, Horror comedy with Taxiwala. His choices have been refreshing and innovative. Luck favours the brave so does the box-office.

Rating - 2.75/5 (Average Entertainer. One Time Watch) 

Andhadhun - Movie Review

Ayushman Khurrana is known for selecting versatile subjects and unique roles since debut. However, success also has been accompanying him with recent movies unlike the roller-coaster rides previously. His last 2 movies, "Bareilly Ki Barfi" and "Shubh Mangal Savdhan" have both been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. His new release "Andhadhun" has got an interesting subject of blind man in a murder premise. The trailer also was intriguing.

Story : Ayushman plas a blind pianist who teaches piano classes and looks for inspirational tunes. Radhika Apte, daughter of a restaurant owner, gets him a job to perform at their restaurant. In short time, he gets good recognition for his skill. He goes to teach piano class at home to Tabu on the request of her husband as an anniversary gift. A crime scene happens at that house and how it effects the life of the hero forms the story.

Performances : Ayushman stands out as the blind pianist with his body language, dialogues. He is known as an spontaneous actor and this film proves it again. His acting prowess improved the impact of thrilling episodes in the movie. Next standout performance in the movie is Tabu. Should say this is a comeback movie for this talented actress who gets to play a meatier role after many years and she has just nailed it. Andhadhun clicks because of these 2. Radhika was apt for the hero's love interest and played it effectively. Anil Dhawan as Tabu's husband, Manav Vij as Inspector, Zakir Hussain as doctor are other prominent characters who have done justice to their roles. There are hardly 3 or 4 supporting characters in the movie and there is no unnecessary casting. 

Technicians : It's a fantastic team work. Editing has been crisp and cut to point. Art work has been very good with great ambience created according to the mood and locations. Cinematography is subtle and suits the thriller movie concept. Songs are limited but good, background score is an asset to the film generating curiosity and lifts the tempo. Director "Sriram Raghavan" has been outstanding with the writing. The screenplay. plot, casting, executing everything were phenomenal. This is going to be remembered as one of the best thriller movies in the bollywood history. Especially, the 1st half of the movie needs to get special mention. This is one of the best 1st halves i've ever seen. There is a surprising twist or a shocking element in every 15 minutes since start. Compared to this exceptional 1st half, the 2nd half might look a bit slow down. But the overall experience is a thrilling ride and I don't remember when was the last time audience enjoyed a thriller with so much fun and interest. The way the 1st scene of the movie is interlinked to the climax is great. 

Positives :-

Ayushman & Tabu
Screnplay
Terrific 1st half
Entire Casting

Negatives :-

Not much, to some extent 2nd half may look clumsy

Analysis :-

This is a thriller one should not miss. It has the surprising element and edge of the seat moments throught out and a lot of brains and efforts would have gone through in the making. 

Rating - 4/5. Must Watch Thriller, Trust me, You would be Shocked

96 - Movie Review

Story : 1996 batch school students meet for a reunion after 22 years. Ex-Lovers Ram and Janu, the lead pair meet after 2 decades again and the way they share their memories, the time they spend on that reunion night and the confessions they make form the story.

Performances : Vijay Sethupathi as "Ram" was phenomenal. A Travel photographer by profession looks and acts tough with everyone becomes a completely different person, shy and tensed guy when he faces "Janu". Vijay excelled in the character and seems completely natural. Slowly as story unveils, he opens up his emotions and confesses his love, sacrifices, struggles. Trisha as "Janu" was equally good and gives a stellar performance. Story is narrated in such a tough way and involves us so deeply, that we urge for entrance of "Janu" which happens only after 1 hour of movie and people cheer for her entrance with joy. The teenage "Ram"and "Janu" have to be given special mention for their tremendous portrayal of characters with ease. They looked so natural that everyone is reminded of their school days. Glad to see Janagaraj on main screen after many years. Friends of Ram & Janu during school and as grown-ups have done a decent job with subtle humour.

Technicians : Music of Govind Menon is the biggest asset for the movie, be it the soothing background score or songs. Music is soul of the movie. Next comes the cinematography and art work which complement the story to a great extent. Production values are good, no unnecessary costs were done. Very simple and straight forward narration, as per the demands of the story. Prem Kumar direction is of top notch with perfect screenplay and engaging narration. One would not be rushed into the story, the director slowly injects the characters first, next their bonding, their friendship, their childhood days, teenage love, pain, dissociation, confession, tears in a sequential manner. One cannot detach from the story even after coming out of the theatre. That's a rare and huge impact in the digital world.

Positives : Everything

Negatives : Nothing (Glad it had sub-titles for better understanding of dialogues for non-tamilians like us)

Analysis : '96 has everything in right place and is the love story in purest form. No selfishness, no vengeance, no threatening, no cheating. Pure love and care for another is narrated in an very touching way.

Rating : 4/5 (Must Watch Love Story)

Aravinda Sametha - Movie Review

NTR has been on a success streak with average or Superhits consistently Temper, Nannaku Prematho, Janatha Garage, Jai Lava Kusha. Trivikram just had a jolt in the form of "Agnyaathavasi" and is looking to back to gain back his reputation. This rare combo created interest in everyone.

Story -

Veera Raghava Reddy had to take up violence due to faction feuds in their villages. However, aftermath of this violence costs lot of lives and tears and his grandmother creates an awareness in him to stop violence and he leaves hometown to bring peace. Then he meets Aravinda who is studying on "Losses of Factionism" and Raghava gets attracted to her. How he brought peace in the village with the inputs from Aravinda forms rest of the story.

Performances -

NTR as usual was terrific in his role conveying all emotions perfectly. He was good in Action sequences, Emotional scenes, heroic scenes. Pooja Hegde though present in the major part of the movie isn't a pivotal role of the movie. Title of Aravinda Sametha is nowhere justified or logical. She looks cute and her smile is awesome, but that's it. Jagapathi Babu gave a memorable performance as it has lot of physical and mental stress and he has done justice to the role. Sunil is neither a comedian nor a character artist, felt he was wasted in the role. Entire story is narrated from Sunil's version. Eesha Rebba role was unnecessary. Supriya Pathak, Naveen Chandra, Naresh, Srinivas Reddy, Devayani, Nagababu, Sithara, Eeswari Rao, Brahmaji, Rao Ramesh, Shubalekha Sudhakar were okay in their roles.

Technicians -

Music is a huge let down. Thaman hasn't done anything great. Peniviti song was good, Anaganaga song was okay. Remaining songs were disasters. Background score is also very poor as it doesn't elevate the scenes where required. Agnyaathavasi songs were far better than this and don't understand what difference Thaman created by replacing Anirudh. Cinematography and Art work is good. Action sequences are done effectively and are not overboard. Trivikram has failed both as a writer and director. Story is not at all new and narration was not engaging even. Movie looks like a rehash of Mirchi, Dammu. It is not that comedy is mandatory for a movie to be engaging. But the emotions should connect the audience and narration should be gripping for generating interest, which didn't happen. Most part of the movie is boring except for a few episodes. Relationship between lead pair is not established properly and is not convincing at all. Some dialogues are illogical and confusing also. Guruji (Trivikram) is not yet back and if this is the form he's going to continue, days are not far that he would join the school of Krishna Vamsi, Sreenu Vaitla.

Positives -

First 20 minutes
Warning scene over phone from Rao Ramesh office
NTR and Jagapathi Babu performances

Negatives -

Uneven Screenplay and dialogues
Illogical sequences
Boring narration

Analysis -

When a rare combo of NTR and Trivikram happens, audience expect a memorable ride which doesn't happen with Aravinda Sametha. Idea was good but execution fell flat and doesn't seem heading in right direction. Could have been far far better if it was Old Trivikram, hope he finds his magic wand soon. NTR also couldn't save it.

Rating - 2.5/5 (Won't recommend to watch).

All reviews are 3 and above, don't understand why. Either I'm wrong or they are convinced. But I didn't enjoy this movie, so it's my personal opinion. Similar thing happened with Aagadu also. Reviews were good and movie was horrible.

Geetha Govindham - Movie Review

New star in the town "Vijay Devarakonda"s next release after 1 year of the sensational "Arjun Reddy". So obviously all eyes are on this movie. Also the 2nd movie for "Rashmika Mandana" after successful debut with "Chalo". Let's see how this turned out

Story :-

Vijay Govind is a decent, traditional boy desperately waits to meet a traditional girl to get married and fulfil his dream of an ideal family. He finds his dream girl Geetha and by the time he gathers guts to propose her, a mistake happens from his end and the girl starts hating him. Icing on the cake is they become relatives with a marriage and need to take care of the marriage related works together. How these two come together forms the story.

Performances :-

Transformation of Vijay from spoilt brat in Arjun Reddy to the decent dignified Govind was phenomenal. He convinced you as a alcohol addicted medico earlier and with same conviction he carried this role and mesmerises you. A star is under making and don't get shocked if he becomes next "Pawan  Kalyan". Requesting heroine throughout the movie with "Madam, Madam", emotional scenes, comedy, anger, everything was natural. Rashmika was perfect choice for Geetha and feel no one would have better suited for this role. Their combo clicked big time. Entire movie is dependent on these two and they did with ease. Subba Raju has got his standard brother role and he is good at it. Nagababu, Giribabu, etc have very limited roles. Rahul Ramakrishna gets a meatier role and he was flawless in it. Vennela Kishore in the last 30 mins brings the much needed comic relief in emotional scenes. He takes the movie to next level with Rahul Ramakrishna and Annapurna Garu.

Technicians :-

A well deserved hit for the long struggling talented writer and director "Parashuram". His first movie Yuvatha released in 2008 and it's been a decade. He has been attempting on regular basis with Solo, Anjaneyulu, Saarocharu, Sreerastu Shubamastu but couldn't get that exact break. Geetha Govindham proved his worth. Perfect entertainer with apt casting and crew made this possible. Major asset of the film are it's dialogues. It has been long time since I laughed my heart out, which happened with this movie. Excellent situations and dialogues, especially the bus episodes. Next credit goes to music director "Gopi Sundar". Superb album with all good songs accompanied by good visuals. Photography has been complimenting while editing is crisp.

Highlights :-

Vijay & Rashmika
Dialogues
Songs

Negatives :-

Few episodes in 2nd half which feel a bit dragged.

Summary :-

This is a wholesome family entertainer after a long time, I would say after "Bhale Bhale Magadivoy". Without much competition except from "Goodachari" this movie is going to shake box office for sure. This has repeat audience for sure.

Rating - 4/5 (Must Watch Entertainer)

Second Chance - Short Story 7

"No Fictional Characters. Narration of actual incidents as happened"

Everyone wants to be famous in their college, we too wanted to be same. It was time for our MVGR College of Engineering "Annual day" and it was a chance for us to become famous. We formed a dance group to perform on the stage with friends from multiple branches. Raghu (IT), Sagar (Electrical), Pavan (Chemical), Myself,  Naveen, Karun, Kiran (Mechanical). Raghu was our dance choreographer. We were well known for our dances in our respective branches during Freshers party, departmental functions, but it was confined only to our branch. This is the time to show our talent to whole college.

Chose the songs for our medley with "Koditey Kottali Ra (Tagore), Thakadimi thom (Arya), Naraazu (Johnny), Larger than life (Backstory Boys)". Raghu completed the choreography and we started practising it. By the time we achieved perfection, lecturers started selecting groups for performing on the main event. Though they didn't had any apprehensions on our performance, they wanted to see how it has shaped up. We did the audition and staff were pretty happy with our group and the energy we pumped in. We were excited with the response and were anxiously waiting for the main event to see similar response from our friends.

Finally, the big day has arrived. After few performances, it was our turn to explode. Black pants and White Shirts was our attire for performance. Midst of huge roars from the whole college, we entered the stage. Just after the 1st song of medley started, audio got struck suddenly. We were amused, thought it was a minor glitch. Checked the CD player, re-winded it and played it from 1st again. CD got struck again and this time it looked embarrassing for us. Meanwhile, we started hearing boos from audience. As there are many performances lined up, staff asked us to recheck and get another CD later, meanwhile other performances will continue. We were shell shocked with what happened. Raghu was damn furious with it. However we couldn't let this opportunity out of our hands. We got the medley copied on another CD, rechecked multiple times and then went to stage after sometime. Our morale was already a bit down but wanted to set everything right. This time the medley played properly with minor hickups, but we couldn't perform to the level we prepared. Beauty for a group dance is sync between all and that was missing and I was to be blamed for not following the beat properly, might be due to less sound or disruptionss in between. We have completed our performance for namesake but we ourselves knew this is not what we were supposed to deliver or our stamina.

From next day, everything is normal again, college, classes, friends, etc but it took sometime for us to come out of what has happened. Not sure we would get another chance to prove ourselves. After few months, one fine day morning at 8:45 AM, got call from Raghu to meet urgently. When i went to meet him, remaining group members were already there. News is that there is dance competition in Raghu college that day, which is just few Kms away from ours. Everyone wanted to participate in it desperately, thought this could be our second chance. Pavan couldn't come due to some mandatory class / lab. 

We came on casual dress to college as usual, not dreaming of going to a dance competition. When going to some other college for competition, our attire should compliment the group dance. Since Naveen's house is near to college, all of us went to his house. His love for black colour saved us that day. He had 4-5 black shirts, T Shirts with him and as we were all of same size and shape, those shirts perfectly suited for us. Everyone's shirt turned black now, though trousers remained different. Just practised the dance to recollect once and went for the competition.

By the time we reached Raghu college some performances were already underway. Again among huge roars, we entered the stage. It was just like replay for us. Just as "Koditey Kottali Ra" from Tagore started, the cheers were so loud that we couldn't actually hear the music for few seconds, Thanks to Megastar for setting the platform right. From thereon, it was a flawless performance. Not a beat missed, perfect sync, huge cheers. The crowd was with for entire 5 minutes of performance, cheering and charging us. Except for few friends in Raghu college like Kishore, Lokesh, Soujanya, I didn't knew many of them there. But the response we got after coming down from stage was once in a lifetime. We knew none, but everyone was shaking hands with us, clapping for us, appreciating us, "Wow, What a High". An epic heal for the injury we had in our college. While we couldn't get the applause in our college, we were lifted to sky in another college.

It was not just a second chance but also our best chance. The performance was recorded in a video and handed over to us later. We were also informed that we won the competition. That video was kept in YouTube and till date we were able to share it with our family, kids, friends, relatives and cherish it. Also all our friends in college who couldn't witness the uninterrupted version were able to see it now. Mission Accomplished!

If you have put your 100% efforts and if you fully deserve it, life would always give you a second chance. Remember it's not just second chance, it is your best chance, better than first. Whatever the case may be, job, education, love, friendship, match, deal, etc. You would get a second chance. Just be prepared to grab it with open hands.

Myself,
D E C Narayanan

https://youtu.be/3quY8ytEg5I

Sanju - Movie Review

RajKumar Hirani is master in bringing human emotions effectively on screen in combination with ample entertainment and social message. This time he has chosen the biopic of his Munna Bhai "Sanjay Dutt" which has enough twists, turns, emotions, rumours, cases for a perfect masala film. Let's see how it turned out.

Story - Sanjay Dutt (Ranbir) and Manyata (Diya Mirza) were looking for a good writer who can bring Sanju's real life story into book. Meanwhile court sentences 5 yr jail term for Sanju for the previous cases pending on his name. They come across famous writer Winnie (Anushka) and persuades her to write the biopic. Story unfolds as Sanju reveals his life. His alcohol &drug addiction, film career, Mother's illness, Father's support, Wrong companions, lifetime friendship, weapons, Cases, courts, family, career revival. What was Sanjay Dutt and What is Sanjay Dutt now, story revolves between this period.

Performances - 2 pillars for the movie : Paresh Rawal as "Sunil Dutt" got the best characterisation and he excelled, which is expected from him. Vicky Kaushal as "Kamlesh", Sanju's best friend was fabulous. These 2 were so natural that you feel their pain, anger, suffering, happiness. Manisha Koirala, Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma & Dia Mirza have got limited screen presence and were good. Thought that hairstyle didn't suit Anushka, not sure why Sonam was casted at all. Ranbir lived Sanju's life elegantly. Body language, looks, Attitude were all pitch perfect. His portrayal of pain and drug addiction were similar to that of "Rockstar" movie. He once again proved why he is one of the finest actors of this generation.

Technicians - Screenplay was engaging with narration through multiple characters like in 3 idiots. Costumes, Art Work, Background score were good. Cinematography was excellent with rich and bright colours, locales in US covered well. Music was good but on par with Hirani's previous chartbusters. Kar Har Maiden Fateh stands out of the lot with right emotions and beat. Raj Kumar Hirani has once again narrated his major strength of human emotions and comedy. He has done a great job in bringing both brighter and darker sides of Sanju, balancing the act.

Highlights

Ranbir, Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal characterisation
Drug addiction and rehabilitation scenes
Right amount of comedy
Father-Son relationship

Negatives

Nothing specific as such

Analysis -
This cannot be seen as his best works, but surely better than PK. His casting was superb and so was the direction. This should be a relief for Ranbir after the disasters of Roy, Jagga Jasoos, Bombay Velvet. Though "Ay Dil hai mushkil" was commercially hit‌, major chunk of
Share went to Anushka and Karan Johar. Many apprehensions on Sanju's life were cleared. However it would have been glad if it also revealed earlier 2 marriages, daughter of S itanju.

Rating - 3/5. Worth watch for Ranbir's acting, Hirani's direction and to know Sanjay Dutt's life

R.A.C - Short Story 6

Without breaking the custom, reached Secunderabad railway station just before Godavari starts and boarded it. Once again a last minute Tatkal booking and it's an RAC berth, Sharing with someone else until you get a confirmed berth from TC.

Despite of disappointments "n" number of times earlier, I was still hoping to get a girl as the partner in RAC and reached to my berth. But as usual, got a 50+ uncle as partner, whose only discussion would be politics or youth getting spoiled. Slowly settled in my half space scolding uncle in my mind. I've decided not to initiate any discussion with him and if any question from uncle, reply 1 liners. After 15 mins, Uncle started with standard question "Till where are you going?", I said "Vizag", then he asked "Can you exchange your RAC berth to another place so that my cousin can come here and sit with me", Though not interested, agreed to exchange unwillingly.

The new berth i exchanged was the "Dreamland" I've been waiting for. A young and beautiful girl, sitting irritatedly at RAC berth. She is too cute and bubbly that for the first time I prayed that my RAC berth shouldn't get  confirmed. Thanked God for the opportunity and most importantly thanked the Uncle whom i scolded earlier. Slowly settled in one corner of the berth.

As Guruji Thrivikram said in Khaleja movies, "Ammayini chudagane Magaadu, Katthi ni chudagane Devudu", the guy in side upper berth wants to Don the role of "Karna" suddenly and asked her to take his berth and he would adjust in RAC. The guy looked like a flirt by professional, it's written on his face. Too much of sacrifice, why not, she's so ... beautiful. When she resisted to exchange, he was insisting her "No Problem". It was like a last ball finish in Twenty20 game for me, getting tensed will she agree or not, have I exchanged seat to share with this guy. She firmly said no Thank You. I got relaxed from this tension. But didn't expect the ball would be thrown in my court. Professional flirt asked me to take his berth and he would sit in RAC. Wow, What an offer. Do I look like certified dumb. Who would miss the chance, I've rejected, obviously.

Now waiting for the opportunity to initiate the chat with her. Kept silent for an hour so that I won't sound a flirt. Luckily my phone is about to get switched off and she has kept her phone charging for quite sometime. So, gathered my confidence and asked if I could keep charging as its about to get switched off, she agreed to it. Now that, it started, wanted to continue and asked her destination (I know it's a standard question, but had to), how come RAC, wasn't it a planned journey, Hyderabad traffic, Summer Heat, all nonsense for sometime.

After 30-40 mins, dared to ask her name, It's "Chandralekha". Introduced myself and narrated the complete "Tell me about yourself" interview answers I've prepared long back. No girl would like to reveal details to a stranger, that too who met in a train. I too didn't expect much info, forecasting it. It's dinner time and I've bought my parcel of my favourite Alfa biryani. It would be sufficient for 2 people, but I can't dare to ask her to share it. Kazipet, Warangal stations passed by  and she couldn't get Egg Biryani as the vendors had only veg biryani left. So it's clear, she is a non-vegetarian and a desperate one. I've asked her if she doesn't bother, she can share my chicken biryani. She was reluctant to it. I told her few logics, one, food would get wasted if I alone eat, Two, she won't get any food until Vijayawada at midnight, Three, no sleep and no food would be a deadly irritating combo, that too in a train. She's convinced and agreed to share. Icing on the top, I've got a chilled thumbs up. She loved the biryani and drink, understood she is also a non-veg lover like me. Getting some burnt smell, guess from side upper, professional flirt is completely flaming I guess.

She was looking for TC to confirm the berth. Luckily the crowd was heavy and we didn't get separate berths. Had to adjust on 1 berth whole night. Introduction, Dinner is over, now it's time for some personal and fun stuff. Before getting into the personal zone, thought of easing the environment and shared some funny incidents with friends, some jokes, Office incidents. Felt that she started liking the company and enjoying the time. Asked her about her job, family, education, friends, job etc. She is a Mahesh Babu fan and I'm a Jr.NTR fan. Had some comparisons between both of them, positives, negatives, funny quarrels.

It's almost 11 PM and she looked sleepy. I've convinced her to wake up till Vijayawada as there would be best bread omelette in Station and continued with our conversation. To my bad luck, Godavari got delayed in reaching Vijayawada due to some reason. She started getting multiple calls at 12 and she is responding "Thank You". She's Replying to msgs with a smile on her face. Understood it's her Birthday. But what can I get at midnight in a railway station. Searched the entire platform, took bread omelette and came back to berth. Both ate it, completed the thumbs up. Asked her to sleep in 3/4th of berth  and I would adjust in the balance 1/4th by sitting. She said No and we just leaned back on either ends of berth and continued with our chat. Wished her Happy Birthday and gave her Dairy Milk Silk I've bought in Vijayawada. She smiled and said Thanks, understanding I overheard her phone calls. Between small small nags we had some chats, jokes, laughs, etc., At one point of time, we were so loud that an uncle in opposite berth had to ask us to keep quiet. One of the most memorable nights I've ever had. We didn't knew when, but slowly both of us slept in our respective half spaces.

It's early morning in Vizag by the time we woke up. We have picked our bags and said bye-bye to each other, wished good luck to each other and departed.

Searched for her profile in social media later for few days, but couldn't find her anywhere.

Not all acquaintances in life lead to a long term relationship, but for sure remain as a refreshing memory for lifetime.

From that  day onwards, RAC is not just a railway term "Reservation Against Cancellation", it means "Rishi And Chandralekha".

Signing Off
Rishi.......

"Em Ledu" - Short Story 5

Eroju office lo baaga late aindi, urgent work ravadam tho team anta undipovalsi ochindi. Intiki bayalderesarike 10pm aindi. India vs Pakistan T20 kuda miss avalsi ochindi. Boss pettina work pressure ki chiraku ga, tala noppi ga undi. Intiki reach ayesarike 10:30. Door knock chesi, shoes teesi, socks teestunna. Epudu open aindo telidu door open aindi kani ma avida door venaka ledu. Mamuluga aite, door teesi entinta late, etc etc adigedi, kani manishe ledu. Something wrong anukunna.

Lopaliki velli, face wash cheskuni, dress change cheskuni sofa lo kurchunna. Kitchen lonchi ginnela shabdalu vinpadutunayi kani, maatalu em vinapadatla. Aadvalla Nishhabdam chala pramadakaram, “Madyam sevinchadam, Vegama ga bandi nadapadam, Poga traagadam” veetannitikanna pramadakaram. Eminda ani alochistu undaga, annam pallem tho na inti devatha ochi darshanam ichindi. Plate chetilo petti velipoindi. Em jarigindi ra babu ani okate tension, melliga tanu kuda tana plate teeskuni ochi pakana kurchundi. Iddaram tinadam modalu pettam TV chustu. Endukala undo kanukundam ani undi, ela modalettalo teliyatla. Entasepatiki tanu matladaka poyesarike, inkd dhairyam chesi, “Emindi” ani adiga, "EM LEDU" ani andi.

Pellam gani, Girl Friend gani, normal ga lekunda, roju la kakunda, theda ga undi “Em Ledu” andi ante, Mana jivitham Sanka nakipoinatte. Edo undi, tanu cheppadu, maname kanipettali, kanipetti daniki explanation ichi, sorry chepte, (apudu convince avutundi anukokandi), apudu asalu godava modaledutundi. Arguments anni ayi, manam longipoyi, vongipoyi, neersainchipoyi, bakkachikkipoyi, arigipoyi, karigipoyi, Ego champeskuni, malla malla malla Sorry chepaka, avida ego satisfy aite apudu settle avuddi godava. Almost annamayya climax lo Suman kanapadinapudu Nagarjuna iche expression mana kallalo amma gariki kanapadali. Season actors (I Mean married 10-15yrs back) aite kummestaru, Freshers (I mean, newly wed, rush of blood, self respect konchem ekkuvina vaalu) dorikestaru. Freshers ki paapam emavuddi ante, ee karyakramam, audio function la kakunda, serial type lo oka 1-2 weeks nadustadi. Mellaga alavatu padipoyi, freshers kuda season actors ga maripotaru.

Ipudu na vishayanaki oste, Em Ledu andi ante ardam, “Niku Telida” ani. Vindanki telugu lane unna, ardham enta maripoindo chusara. Tanu chepindi samadhaanam, kani actual ga adhi prashana. Daanni manam chedinchali. Ee samayam lo mana brain scientist, chess masters, politicians kanna vegam ga, churuku ga panic cheyyali. Deeniko solution undi. Mind lo okasari HCET question paper with OMR sheet ready cheskovali. HCET ante Husband Commonsense Entrance Test anamaata. Ilanti critical situation lo chala chala help avutundi.

Mana ee calculations, analysis, explanation, sorry ivanni kuda, Em jarigindo teluskuni, amma gari tho godava modalu pettinchadaniki manam chese prayatnalu. Prapancham lo ye yedava tana godava tane modalu pettadanki inta kashta padademo, Bhartha / Boy Friend tappite.

HCET lo 3 Sections untayi. 

Section 1 – Eroju Enti. Important dates emanna miss aipoyama anedi gurtu cheskovalu. Tana bday, maa marriage day, engagement day, Pelli chupula roju, tana thammudi bday, thammudi wife bday, thammudi marriage day, mavayya gari bday, attayya gari bday, atta mama marriage day, tana best friend bday, vaala marriage day, etc. Veetanniti ki answers No aite, you are safe. Okavela ye okkadanikina Yes aite Bhayya, ni Kharma kalipoyinatte. Na vishayam lo anni No, endukante anni dates mobile lo save cheskuna, mundu roju ratre reminder ochestadi, so miss aye chance ye ledu. So, go to next section.

Section 2 – Em Maata Ichav. Eroju ekadikina tisukeltanani, Edina kontaanani kani maata ichava. Cinema, Shopping, Friends House, Restaurant, Parlour, Park, Long ride etc., ilantivi emanna maata ichi, marchipote, maadu pagilipoddi. Ikkado china sadism undi, mana daridraniki office work lo busy ayi nijam ga marchipoyina, tanu gurtu cheyyadu. Free ga utike avakasahm oste enduku odulukuntadi. Enta alochinchina alanti commitment emi ichinattu gurtu ledu, so adi kaadu.

Section 3 - Enduku Late Aindi. Sagam mandi ikkade dorikestaru. Correct ga communicate cheskokapote, ee section lo maximum fail aipotaru. Office lo niku pani undani, evadina sachiponi, intlo late avutundani chepava leda. Chepte saripodu, idi just Step 1. Cheppina Danni nijamani tanu nammela prove cheyyali. Idi crucial step. Na varaku nenu evening ye phone chesi late avuddi ravadam, urgent work ochindi ani call chesi cheppa. Sare andi, kabattu Step 1 done. Ika pote Step 2. Bharya modati anumaanam tagi ochava ani. Drunk and Drive lo aina tappinchukovachu kani, ikada kashtam. Vaalu kuda notlo gottam petti check chestaru. Pellam padi adugula dooram nunchi mana moham chusi chepestadi. Adoka Art, manamu em cheyalem. Lucky ga eroju tagaledu, so manam safe. Cricket match chustu friends tho undipoyana ani inko doubt ostadi. Office lone unna, coffee break tiskunapudalla, landline nunchi phone chesa, malli mobile aite nammadani. Kabatti ah anumaanam kuda kadu. Powerstar cinema release kaaledu, whistle veyadaniki, aravadaaniki vellaledu. So, ee section kuda No.

Section 4 – Operation Anumaanam. Tanaki anumaanam oche vidham ga emanna chesama. Indulo peddaga alochinchadaniki em ledu, okkasari mana phone mottam sarigga chuste telisipoddi. Smart phones rakamundu aite, just call list chuste telispoyedi, manam ex girlfriend tho emana matladama ani. Ipudu social media ani okati tagaladindi kada. Okata renda, enni mediums oh. Okapudu, just Yahoo messenger, Orkut tho saripoyedi. Mari ipudo, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google chat, WeChat, Skype, imo, Tinder ila laksha unayi. Endulo aina, tanaki nachani, tanaki anumaanam unna ammayila tho chat gani, photo laki like, comments kani jarigite brahmandam baddalipoddi. Na jagratta lo nenu unna, alantivi emi cheyaledu ee Madhya kaalam lo. Alage ma yedavalaki kuda chepa, bar ki vellina no pics, no status checkin, pics, tagging in FB ani. So alantivi kuda em ledu. Ee section kuda No.

HCET complete aipoindi, ekada china Hint kuda dorakatla. Kabatti manam Sri Chaitanya Narayana Ad type lo rechipovachu "HCET lo Prabhanjanam, Okati Rendu Moodu, Aidu, Aaru, Yedu, Thommidi, Padi Rank la to, No. 1 Sthanam naade"

Mari asalu vishayam emi untundi ani alochistu undaga dinner kuda aipoindi. Manaki CBI clean chit ichesinatte kabatti, dhairyam ga rendo sari “Em Jarigindi” ani adageyochu. Bed mida podukuni phone chuskuntundi, gontu savarinchukoni, “Em Jarigindi, Enduku Ala unav” ani adiga.

“Abba, Em Ledandi, eroju serial episode lo Vasundhara ni Karthik puttintiki pampinchesadu, paapam Vasundhara, ipudu ye moham pettukuni veltundi, peddollani kaadani, preminchi pelli chesukunaka. Ade taluchukunte kopam ostundi, ante. ”

Magallake batta thala enduku ostundi ani adugutaru, Raada andi, Raada, ilanti arachakalu jarigite. Oka medhadu enta tattukogaladu andi. Enni calculations, enta analysis cheste, TV serial ki connect ayi serious ga undi. Manam emo drugs case lo enquiry ki vellina cinema vaala laga okate tension.

Piki vinapadakunda, baitki cheppaleni, akshraniki antu chikkani, bhavanni bayata pette la bootulu tittukuni, duppati kappukuni podukuna. Na sonugudu vinapadinattu undi, Emindi ani adigindi

“Em Ledu”