Dear Film Critic,

I understand you are not very bright. Actually, not even average. Or, just below. Had you been any of that, you would have become an Engineer, like the rest of us. And had a regular job type thing. So, by definition, you cannot write a brilliant review. But that's alright. The rest of us aren't very intelligent either and we don't mind mediocrity -- even by our standards.

However, when you take yourself and your silly job that exists because newspapers and TV channels need to fill space and time, seriously -- there is a simple rule: You stay relevant within the layer you just defined for yourself. Just like the movie is expected to stay logical within its structure. In other words, one does not compare Annamalai and some obscure Eastern European movie -- Annamalai is brilliant because it is Annamalai.

Or, stop saying 'No Smoking' is a bad movie because you have decided that the masses will not be entertained or that the director is self indulgent in your opinion. I have a feeling, you basically belong to the camp that says 'Lost Highway' is a great padam but 'No Smoking' is not, because the former was called a great padam by some clever crtic (who was also white). Not that you can't or shouldn't -- but don't.

Regards,
Nilu

How to win awards and prizes #21

Argue thus: I am jealous. Therefore, you should not.

Peru vechhaye, soru vechhaya?

Generally, the monetary policy statement cannot be faulted insofar as it provides for a respective measure of increase of credit. It recognises the problems posed by the appreciating rupee, albeit in a casual way, but it does not promise any remedial action. The monetary policy statement is more significant for what it has apparently in store for the future.

Is the Op-Ed page a meal or is that mint too? Kadasila saapade kadayatha?

Someone should tell these geniuses that the absence of diversity does not necessarily mean the presence of discrimination. Asking for a normal distribution of demographic detail is akin to mocking evolution. Think deeply and send your certificates to Seattle.

No Smoking

Go watch it.

I did not understand it fully, though I am blaming that on my Hindi. I have a feeling it's a very very good movie.

About Decision Makers

If you want to know the reason a Democracy elects whom it does, attend a strategy meeting in any given company.

Thanks to this boy's photographs and Google Gadget, life isn't as bad as I had imagined it to be.

In fact, I am not even dead these days.