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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Thalaivan Thalaivii' movie review: Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen anchor Pandiraaj's hilarious but problematic entertainer
After watching Thalaivan Thalaivii, you might ponder over a lot of things — from how tiffs in families can arise out of petty reasons and how gender dynamics play out in Indian families, to whether the film's radical stance on divorce is a bit skewed. But before you get into all that, you will be tempted to do this — hit a south Indian non-veg joint for some hot steaming parottas and chicken salna (you win if you order the alluring Paal Parotta that Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen devour in the film). Somehow, spice is the term that comes to mind when thinking of Pandiraaj's latest flick ('masala' feels too strong these days). Thalaivan Thalaivii, like a spicy Madurai fare, has all the flavours you would find in a crowd-pleasing entertainer. At its bare bones, it may not tell a novel story — about a feisty couple whose marital life turns sour, from their families and friends adding unnecessary spice to a match already at odds. But the film truly comes into its own in the first half, thanks to how audaciously Pandiraaj mixes the several elements we've come to associate with such family entertainers. Assembled with intent and purpose, the film reminds us that the template can still work — and that the elusive monster called patriarchy will rear its head in a world built to host it. We begin with Perarasi a.k.a Arasi (Nithya Menen ably shoulders the part) and her family taking her infant daughter to perform the ceremonial tonsure at their family deity's shrine. But while the barber is halfway through the shave, Perarasi's estranged husband, Aagasa Veeran (a fantastic Vijay Sethupathi), interrupts and sends him flying, infuriated that the ceremony is taking place without his notice. The two families collide, there are brawls, slaps and taunts, and the chaos attracts the attention of a local thief (Yogi Babu) and a family (Kaali Venkat and co.) visiting the temple for their son's birthday. Why are the two families so enraged at each other? Why did Arasi walk out of her married home, leaving a husband she so dearly loved? What is, after all, the issue between Veeran and his brother-in-law (RK Suresh)? How much parotta does Veeran, a parotta master at the family-owned hotel, eat when he's stressed? A child with half-tonsured head, a boy carrying his birthday cake, and a thief shaken away from his thieving pursuit, wait patiently with the audience as a hilariously chaotic story unravels the answers to these questions. Firstly, one thing is made clear right from the beginning — these are anything but 'normal' families, if there's ever been one. A joke calls Veeran a 'Kirukku Payan' (crazy fellow), and you are left in splits because these are truly mad, mad people. Characters, especially the central couple, get so eccentric that they border on absurdity, and at times, even come across a tad too annoying. At the hands of less able performers, this shtick wouldn't stick, but Vijay and Nithya somehow sell the charm, romance and the eccentricities of their characters, and the easy chemistry on screen allows us to forgive when it gets slightly repetitively theatrical. Every five minutes, we have them bickering at each other, with Veeran screaming pointlessly, only for Arasi to silence him without breaking a sweat. This becomes a pattern, and you love how self-aware the film is about Veeran's helplessness. Thalaivan Thalaivi (Tamil) Director: Pandiraaj Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen, Yogi Babu, Chemban Vinod Runtime: 155 minutes Storyline: As a couple heads for divorce, we recount their lives to see where the trouble really lies Much of the first half sails quite smoothly — except for a few problematic dialogues, which we will come to in a bit — as we witness how Arasi, after marrying Veeran, gets distraught at how her in-laws treat her. An educated young woman who fell in love with a man she believed to be caring, Arasi questions whether she was married to work as an unpaid labourer at their hotel. The life of comfort that she was promised, where she would truly get to be an 'arasi', is compromised, and so she returns to her parental home. Veeran then follow her home, pacifies her and brings her back. This becomes a vicious cycle, and it's hilarious how, after a point, these tiffs are triggered by ego brushes, one more nonsensical than the other. Now, while it's fine to show these inconsequential reasons as such, you expect the trigger for the bigger, central tiff that eventually led to divorce to be strong. This is where the film begins to lose its footing, as the reasoning isn't convincing enough. Post the intermission, the film moves quite erratically till the climax. The stretch, from when Veeran's enemies leave to confront him at the temple to when the two go on a religious pilgrimage to get back together, is haphazardly written. Up until this point, humour lent a strong hand, especially thanks to Yogi Babu, but when the jokes dwindle as well, the middle stretch gets quite tedious to sit through. The climax we get to also becomes the final entry in a series of problematic takes in the film, like a jibe about who the 'wife in the relationship' is when Arasi slaps Veeran. Yes, domestic violence remains deeply normalised in such milieus, but it's ironic to see it in a film that speaks against egotistical clashes. A film that places its faith in sentimentality to heal broken hearts might have done well to show that same compassion to the rest of its characters. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Thalaivan Thalaivii is the anti-divorce stance that it propagates. A major concern that might arise from Pandiraaj's preachy dialogues is that the film could be perceived as one that supports patriarchal notions surrounding divorce that tend to imprison women in relationships, when in fact, it could have served as a case study on how divorce isn't always the answer. There was value in being a film that only shows how egos cloud judgements, and that love deserves a second chance (and that parottas can be comfort foods). After all, this film had already undone the scope for any moral pursuits, as it had just shown how ill-fitted these two people are in the relationship. On one hand, the film overblows a fractured dynamic for the gags, and on the other, it wishes to make a serious statement on relationships. Regardless of who to blame or what had transpired between the two, there's incompatibility, and the film never provides answers to how the underlying issue is resolved — do they figure out the role Arasi plays in the family? Do the mothers understand the perils of their actions? We never know, and so the film turns reductive in its moral lessons. Perhaps the moral we could take from this whole exercise is that couples can decide for themselves — you don't need relatives, friends, or filmmakers to tell you what is right or wrong. Thalaivan Thalaivii is currently running in theatres
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's 5 high protein veg recipes for fitness enthusiasts: South Indian beetroot quinoa pachadi to salad
Incorporating a variety of high-protein foods into your diet can help you stay on track with your fitness goals. In a March 6 blog on his website, chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared five easy protein-rich recipes for fitness enthusiasts, including the popular south Indian dish, beetroot quinoa pachadi, a nutritious dish combining quinoa, beetroot, yogurt, and spices. Also read | Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 5 delicious ways to sneak protein into your daily diet: Moong dal to vegan omelette with tofu Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's healthy recipes are rich in protein and vegetarian. (YouTube/ Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana) He also shared other delicious recipes, such as overnight oats, a wholesome breakfast combining oats, milk, chia seeds, nuts and seeds, which provides a protein boost from milk, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and pistachios. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor further shared his recipe for green pea mash, another protein-rich dish made with green peas, which also offers dietary fibre, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants. Chef Kapoor said, 'Add these recipes to your list of pre- and post-workout meals and fuel your fitness journey with delicious, nutritious options. Who says you have to sacrifice great taste to stay fit?' Ahead, a look at the chef Sanjeev Kapoor's top 5 recipes that are nutrient-dense and perfect for added protein and energy: 1. Beetroot quinoa pachadi Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, 'With a vibrant fusion of traditional Indian flavors and modern superfoods, this Beetroot Quinoa Pachadi is crafted to delight your palate and fuel your fitness journey. Quinoa, often hailed as a superfood, is a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids. With approximately 4.4 grams of protein per 100 grams when cooked, it surpasses many traditional grains in protein content. The incorporation of Beetroot not only adds a rich, earthy flavour but also infuses the dish with antioxidants and essential nutrients. The added yoghurt and a blend of spices enhance the protein content and offer a probiotic boost, promoting gut health. This harmonious blend of ingredients results in a dish that's as nourishing as it is flavourful.' ⦿ Ingredients 3-4 tablespoons beetroot puree ¼ cup quinoa 1 cup yogurt Salt to taste ½ tablespoon + 1 teaspoons oil ¼ cup scraped fresh coconut 1 green chillies, finely chopped ½ inch ginger, finely chopped 2 dried red chillies ½ teaspoon mustard seeds 4-5 curry leaves ⦿ Method 1. Heat a small deep non-stick pan. Add quinoa, 1 cup water and salt and mix. Add 1 teaspoon oil, mix and bring the mixture to boil. Cover and cook till quinoa is done. Transfer in a bowl and refrigerate it. 2. Coarsely grind together coconut, green chillies and ginger. 3. Take yogurt in another bowl and whisk. Add ground coconut mixture and whisk. Add beetroot puree and whisk well. 4. Add salt to yogurt mixture and whisk. Add cooked quinoa and whisk well. Transfer on a shallow serving plate. 5. To prepare tempering, heat remaining oil in a tempering pan. 6. Roughly cut dried red chillies using a pair of scissors. 7. Add mustard seeds to hot oil and let it sputter. Add curry leaves and let it crackle. Add dried red chillies and swirl the pan for few seconds. 8. Pour the tempering over the beetroot yogurt mixture and serve. 2. Overnight oats 'This Overnight Oats recipe is a delightful fusion of taste and nutrition, meticulously crafted to support your fitness goals. This wholesome dish combines fibre-rich oats with protein-packed ingredients, offering a convenient and nourishing start to your day. In this recipe, oats are combined with milk, chia seeds and a variety of nuts and seeds. Milk provides approximately 3.3 grams of protein per 100 ml, while chia seeds offer about 4.7 grams of protein per ounce. Nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, and pistachios contribute additional protein, with pumpkin seeds providing around 7 grams per ounce, cashews about 5 grams per ounce, and pistachios approximately 6 grams per ounce. This combination ensures a substantial protein boost, essential for muscle repair and growth,' he said. ⦿ Ingredients 1½ cups rolled oats 2 cups yogurt 4 tbsps honey 2 cups milk 2 tbsps chia seeds 4-6 tbsps pumpkin seeds 4 tbsps chopped cashew nuts 4 tbsps chopped pistachios 4 tbsps dried cranberries 4 tbsps chopped dried figs 1 tsp cinnamon powder Chopped mixed fruits for topping Orange segments for garnish Flax seeds to sprinkle Fresh mint sprig for garnish ⦿ Method 1. Take yogurt in a bowl. Add honey and whisk well. 2. Add milk and mix again. Add oats, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts, pistachios, cranberries, dried figs and cinnamon powder and mix well. 3. Transfer in a serving jar, close the lid and refrigerate for 6-8 hours. 4. Top up with chopped fruits, orange segments and sprinkle flax seeds on top. 5. Garnish with mint sprig and serve. 3. Green peas mash Chef Kapoor added, 'The green pea mash is a fabulous blend of vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking protein-rich options. Green peas are a notable plant-based protein source, providing approximately 8.6 grams of protein per cup when cooked. In addition to protein, green peas offer dietary fibre, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being. Incorporating this flavourful green pea mash into your meals not only enhances your protein intake but also adds a nutritious and delicious element to your fitness-focused diet.' ⦿ Ingredients 2 cups green peas ½ bunch fresh mint 1 tbsp butter 2 peeled potatoes 1 tsp crushed black pepper 1 tsp red chili flakes 1 tsp paprika powder Salt to taste ⦿ Method Roughly slice potatoes and place them in a pan. Add green peas and fresh mint to the pan. Add water, bring to a boil, cover with a glass lid, and cook until potatoes are mashable. Check potatoes; once soft, strain the mixture and let it cool to room temperature. Grind the mixture into a smooth puree. Add seasonings: paprika, crushed black pepper, and red chili flakes, then grind again. Heat a pan, melt butter, and cook the pureed mixture briefly. Serve in a bowl, garnished with paprika powder 4. Corn and sprouts sandwich According to the chef, 'The corn and sprouts sandwich is a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for those focused on muscle building and fitness. Moong Sprouts contain around 3 grams of protein per 100g, making them a great plant-based protein source that also provides essential amino acids. Sweet Corn adds about 5 grams of protein per cup, along with fibre and essential nutrients that support overall health. The bread and cheese add more protein content to support muscle repair after workouts and carbs to sustain energy. This nutrient-dense, high-protein sandwich is an ideal pre- or post-workout meal, helping fuel your workouts and support muscle recovery.' ⦿ Ingredients ¾ cup boiled and crushed sweet corn kernels ¾ cup boiled moong sprouts 8 white bread slices 1 tbsp butter + for applying 1 tsp oil 2 green chillies, chopped 1 small green capsicum, finely chopped 1½ tbsps green chutney ¾ cup grated processed cheese Salt to taste Tomato ketchup to serve ⦿ Method 1. Heat butter and oil in a non-stick pan. Add green chillies and sauté for 20 seconds. 2. Add green capsicum, and mix well. Add crushed sweet corn, and boiled moong sprouts and mix well. Cook for 1 minute. 3. Take the pan off the heat and transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Add green chutney, processed cheese and salt and mix well. 4. Apply butter on one side of all the bread slices. Apply a portion of the mixture on to 4 slices of bread and cover it with the remaining bread slices with the butter side facing down. 5. Apply some butter on top of the sandwich. 6. Heat an electric griller. Place the sandwich on it and grill for 3-4 minutes. 7. Place the sandwiches on a worktop, diagonally cut them in half and arrange on a serving plate. 8. Serve hot with potato chips, and tomato ketchup. 5. Chickpeas and avocado salad Chef Kapoor said, 'The chickpea and avocado Salad is a savoury blend of flavours and a nutritional powerhouse, making it the perfect choice for those looking to enhance their protein intake to support gym workouts. Chickpeas are renowned for their high protein content, wherein one cup serving provides approximately 11 grams of plant-based protein essential for post-workout recovery. While primarily known for healthy fats, avocados also contribute to your protein intake, offering about 4 grams per fruit. Incorporating this dish into your meal plan can provide a balanced source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, supporting your fitness goals and enhancing overall health.' ⦿ Ingredients Salad 1 cup boiled chickpeas 1 medium avocado, roughly chopped Mixed lettuce leaves as required 12-15 red radish slices 1 small English cucumber, thinly sliced into roundels 1 small beetroot, boiled, peeled and thinly sliced into roundels 1 fresh jalapeno, thinly sliced into roundels ¼ cup boiled sweet corn kernels 3-4 red cherry tomatoes, halved Peanut nougat, roughly chopped for garnish Dressing ½ cup whisked yogurt 2 tbsps fresh cream 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil Crushed black peppercorns to taste Salt to taste ½ tsp smoked paprika powder ¼ tsp dried mixed herbs ⦿ Method 1. To make the dressing, take whisked yogurt in a bowl. Add fresh cream, extra virgin olive oil, crushed black peppercorns, salt, smoked paprika and dried mixed herbs and whisk till well combined. 2. Arrange the mixed lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Sprinkle the boiled chickpeas and drizzle some of the dressing. 3. Arrange avocado pieces, place red radish roundels, and cucumber roundels. Randomly arrange beetroot slices, fresh jalapenos roundels, and boiled sweet corn kernels. Place red cherry tomato halves, drizzle the dressing, and garnish with peanut nougat. 4. Serve immediately. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Government takes measures to enhance representation of south Indian language channels on DD Free Dish
NEW DELHI: With the viewership of Prasar Bharti's Direct-To-Home (DTH) service—Doordarshan (DD) Free Dish growing manifolds every year, the government has been taking various proactive measures to increase the representation of south Indian language channels on the platform. For better regional representation, slots were reserved for south Indian language channels in the e-auctions of DD Free Dish earlier this year. Eligibility norms have also been simplified to ensure greater participation from private broadcasters in the southern region. The DTH service has seen consistent growth in its reach over the past few years and as per industry estimates of 2024; it reaches approximately 49 million households. It was 33 million in 2018, signifying the positive audience growth. While responding to questions on measures taken by the Government to encourage south Indian language channels to secure slots on DD Free Dish and the results achieved, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, on Wednesday, informed Lok Sabha that DD's regional channels such as DD Tamil, DD Saptagiri, DD Chandana, DD Yadagiri, and DD Malayalam have also been onboarded and they are being technologically upgraded and better promoted to enhance their visibility.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Saroja Devi's eyes donated as per her wish, says doctor: ‘It has been about five years since she registered for it'
The eyes of veteran south Indian actor B Saroja Devi, who died on Monday, were donated to Narayana Nethralaya as per her wish, hospital officials said. Saroja Devi died due to age-related ailments at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was 87. B Saroja Devi died at the age of 87 due to age-related ailments.(PTI) "She had spoken about pleading her eyes a few years ago, and once, when she came to the hospital for checkup she spoke to our chairman about her desire to donate her eyes and a card was made for eye donation. It has been about five years since she registered for eye donation," said an official at the Dr Rajkumar eye bank of Narayana Nethralaya. Speaking to reporters here, he said accordingly she has donated her eyes and they will be transplanted in a couple of days. "Only corneas have been taken, both her corneas are in good condition...." The last rites of the legendary actor will be conducted on Tuesday at her native Dasavara village located in Channapatna taluk in Bengaluru South (Ramanagara) district as per Vokkaliga traditions, her son Gowtham told reporters. "The mortal remains will be taken to Dasavara from Bengaluru at 11.30 am on Tuesday..." he said.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 15th July 2025
A sad day for south Indian cinema It felt sad to hear of the demise of the veteran actress B. Saroja Devi in Bengaluru on Monday at the age of 87. Known affectionately as 'Kannadathu Paingili' (Kannada's parrot), she debuted on a thumping note as a 17-year-old in the Kannada film 'Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955)', which won her a national award. In course of time, she was hailed as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema. She joined the top league after being paired with the legendary M G Ramachandran (MGR) in the 1958 Tamil blockbuster 'Nadodi Mannan'. The 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' has worked in over 200 films, including in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. The crowning glory came in the form of the Padma Bhushan for her immense contributions to the world of cinema. A great actress, her legacy will live on. Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai New tennis rivalry takes shape We have a new Wimbledon champion in J Sinner, who defeated C Alcaraz in the finals without much sweat. This is seemingly the commencement of a great rivalry between the two outstanding players. Rivalries in any sport add spice and generate more spectator interest. In tennis, it was the Jimmy Connors-Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe rivalry that setthe courts on fire. This was followed by the rivalry between Roger-Federer, Rafeal Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who ruled the roost. Following his loss in the semis, it is likely that Djokovic, winner of a staggering 24 Grand Slam titles, will call it day after the US Open. Djokovic has been playing opponents who were toddlers when he started his career. However, in the modern-day power-driven tennis, younger players have the distinct edge over even seasoned campaigners. Anthony Henriques, Mumbai Nipah danger looms in the corner The resurgence of the Nipah virus in Kerala has raised significant public health concerns, following the confirmed death of a 58-year-old man in Palakkad district. Six districts have been placed on high alert, with over 500 people under surveillance. Despite proactive measures by the state's health authorities—including isolation protocols, contact tracing, and mandatory mask usage—the highly infectious and often fatal nature of the virus continues to cause alarm. The virus, believed to be transmitted by fruit bats and through close human contact, poses a serious threat if not contained swiftly. Given the risk of interstate transmission due to travel and cross-border movement, other states are strongly advised to remain vigilant. Hospitals and health workers must be alert to early symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness or respiratory distress. Public gatherings in sensitive zones should be minimized, and people returning from affected regions must be closely monitored. The current situation serves as a warning, underscoring the need for heightened surveillance, public awareness, and preparedness across all states to prevent a wider outbreak. Dr Krishna Kumar Vepakomma, Hyderabad-45 Motivate students towards career in space science Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla's successful 14-day space odyssey with three others is a moment of pride for every Indian. It is a great achievement that the team completed 60 scientific studies and commercial activities while in space. I hope that many young students will get inspired by Shukla's dedication and accomplishments. Similarly, some ISRO scientists and officials should interact with students from across India and highlight the role of ISRO, its scientific brains, the team's methods of working, coordination, concentration and planning, among others. This can bolster many young minds to plan their career choice on these lines. Gudipati Shanti Priya , Secunderabad-11
