Archives Dec 08

Woe unto me, the saga continues! NWW - Please forgive me if I am brief and do not recount all the conversations verbatim, it was too much for me and made me sleepy to hear the same stuff again and again.

Update for Monday, Dec 1, 2008:

Opening scene: A shocked RK listens to Kalima saying that she thought Karthik would do the right thing by her daughter and make her his wife, but that has not happened. She tells RK that either Shanthi should leave and pave the way for Manisha to be the only wife for Karthik, or else RK should give them money, and she and Mani will leave. RK reminds her that he had given the house itself to Rocky and Manijaan returned it to him, but Kalima says that he was only giving his house to Rocky, who is his varisu, in any case. There was nothing in it for Ammi and Mani. RK is shocked to hear this. He asks her how much she wants, and she says that he is a periya manushan and he should know what his son's varisu is worth, and so ... She leaves the room. Nallan has been eavesdropping as usual. RK is in shock and reels back, coming to a rest against the wall, under Raji's big portrait.

Abi and Srini, talking. Abi does not want to relate what happened between SKPD and herself, Srini probes, and she says that she will not be seeing her father again. Srini offers to take her himself and he says that he will ask SKPD how he can blame his daughter for what transpired, and he will find out who poisoned SKPD's mind and turned him against his darling daughter. Srini says that he is doing all this for his darling sambandhiamma, and says that he is willing to take a back seat and stop trying to secure SKPD's release and release of his assets and Abi stops him. He says that is proof that Abi cares about her father, and he says he will find out who is responsible for SKPD's changing his mind about his daughter. Yeah, really!

Manisha comes to see RK, and she confirms what her mother has already told RK. She says that Shanthi is willing to step aside, but nobody is letting her do so. She feels like she is being held here against her will, and she doesn't like it. She goes on about how she used to see Karthik whenever she saw her son's face and she hoped that one day he would come back to her, and then she came to hand over the baby to him, but saw Anitha en route and handed over the baby to her. Since then, Anitha put the baby in an orphanage, and she was heartbroken to discover this when she came back to Chennai after all this time. Since he was undergoing treatment, she stayed behind and now she is unable to leave. She reminds RK that his son is not able to make a decision, and RK himself was the one who stopped her when Karthik asked her to leave, and he stopped Karthik and Shanthi from leaving, too, so now they are all in the same house together. She tells him that Arjun and Rohini are saying that she should be the one to leave and wants to know who these people are that they should be deciding what should happen to her (Mr. Viduthalai, we have also been asking the same thing!). She also tells RK that once they get the money, she and her mother will leave, and leaves the house. RK is stunned. As usual, Nallan is listening to all this. FREEZE.

(NO COPY)

If I missed any important part of the conversation, please feel free to add it. Thanks.

Update for Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008:

Rating - W (watchable, but just barely!)

Opening scene: Vishnu and Srini talking. Vishnu is full of praise for how cleverly Srini has been able to manipulate the situation so far to their advantage. Vishnu has doubts about how long this situation can last, and Srini says he went to consult his josiyar but the josiyar is now in jail. Vishnu says that this can be converted to their advantage too, by using the josiyar to contact SKPD in jail and having him brainwash SKPD and tell him that all his problems have come about because of his daughter. Srini is all praise for Vishnu's "highlight idea".

RK is polambufying in front of Raji's portrait about Manisha and her mom turning out to be money grabbing people, after all. (The viewers are not surprised, he has never been a good judge of character, he falls for Abi's machinations, and now he has believed Mani and her mom's story about their leaving if he gives them money.) He thought she was a good girl and tried to bring her and K together, now he regrets having done so, and regrets having brought all these problems to the family. He resolves to give them money and hopes that Shanthi and Karthik can live peacefully thereafter. All we ask is that something be done so that we can live peacefully thereafter, and ideally he could take Bon's advice and tell K to pack his stuff and move out.

Nallan does his spy job and calls up Abi to tell her about Mani and her mom asking RK for money.

SKPD is lounging in the prison while others are busy working in the yard and tending to various chores (evidently he has special privileges!) and the josiyar walks in and sits down beside him (he too has special privileges, he is an Anandham star!). Josiyar tells SkPD that he used to be PP's asthana astrologer and he is very familiar with SKPD's horoscope. He says that he was last consulted by PP when SKPD was arrested by Jamuna, and talks of how SKPD's problems are caused by his daughter and says that his release should come soon, thanks to the efforts of someone who is not related to him (obviously Srini). SKPD is thoughtful, and feels that it will be Srini who will get him released.

Abi goes to Karthik's house and walks in as always, since all doors are left open. She sees Manisha and congratulates her for one-upping Abi herself, who has the Agmark certificate for villiness! She then asks M if her son is really Karthik's and questions if the whole story of the son was just a ploy on the part of Mani and ammi to gain money from the RK family. Mani tells her to mind her own business and leaves.

RK with Anitha and Arjun, he tells them how he has been disappointed in Mani and ammi, and how they are nothing but selfish, greedy people who seek money. He feels sorry for Shanthi who still thinks that Manisha is a nice girl. Anitha looks skeptical, but Arjun says that he has always felt that way. He tells RK to give her and ammi whatever money they want so that they can leave. RK leaves with a troubled expression on his face, leaving A and A looking at him. FREEZE

(NO COPY)

Update for Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008:

No ratings given, can't think of anything suitable. NWR? (not worth rating?)

Opening scene: RK is walking away with a miserable look on his face. Anitha goes to Karthik's house, screams for Manisha, takes her in the car to some isolated spot on the beach and yells at her for being such a selfish person and asking for money from RK. Manisha remains silent. The water rises, rises, rises till it is knee high (approaching tsunami?) and Manisha is shown standing.

Anitha and Arjun, Rohini and Madhan in alternate frames, doing - what else? The topic of discussion - their favorite topic of Shanti vs. Manisha. Of course, now Anitha and Madhan have realized the error of their ways, and are surprised to see Manisha's behavior.

Arjun comes to Shanthi's house, followed by Anitha, then RK, then Rohini and Madhan. Shanthi wonders what is going on, have they decided something, she is joined by Karthik and Manisha, finally Arjun breaks the silence and says that Mani has asked RK for money. Shanthi is surprised, confirmation from the clan, Shanthi asks Manisha if this is true. RK hands over a blank check to Mani, tells her to fill in whatever amount she feels is the appropriate value for Rocky. Manisha remains silent, and Karthik has this confused look on his face. Shanthi launches into this monolog on how she treated Rocky like her own child, was so distressed that he had cancer and tried to help him, now he has accepted her also as his mom, and how could Manisha have done this? (I was reminded of the children growing up in the courts of the emperors, with all the various mothers, as shown in The King and I).

FREEZE

(NO COPY)

I apologize to all the readers, this was too boring an episode, even if it did seem like some kind of resolution was in the offing, which is why I have just given a synopsis of the events (what little transpired, that is).

KO - Kodumai unlimited (today's rating)

Update for Thursday, Dec 4, 2008:

Today was a mushy, damp squib. I had hopes of a resolution after seeing yesterday's episode. All I got was a bunch of wet eyes and tears (on TV, not in my eyes, lest some of you think I was moved to tears!)

Opening scene: RK handing over the blank check to Manisha. Manisha doesn't move, Shanthi blasts everyone present for believing the worst of Manisha. She says that just as she is trying to get M and K together, M is trying to move out, guessing that if she asks for money, nobody will suspect her true motive is to reunite K and S. After talking like this for a few minutes, she goes and gets Rocky and asks M to swear on his head that she did all this for money. As expected, M gets all teary eyed and falls at S's feet, asking for forgiveness.

Now both S and M shed tears together, and RK joins them. Anitha, Arjun, Madhan and Rohini look uncomfortable, while Karthik looks ??? Confused? More conversation, more wiping of eyes, and finally Shanthi leads Manisha upstairs (the two wives go off, leaving hubby behind!). Song in background about anbu and maaradha nenjam, and Shanthi, Shanthi is the refrain, so I guess Shanthi will emerge as the great thyagi here in the end.

RK leaves and sees Kalima entering with a suitcase. He tells Kalima that he knows everything and asks her to return to the ashram with him, which she does. (another hope of mine dashed to the ground!)

Shanthi and Manisha in conversation - more of the same - why did you do this, it is my job to see that everything is resolved properly. S says that she gave K her word a long time back that she will stick with him through all troubles, so she is still here, similarly M has said that she will not make any attempts to leave, so she should also stay (neither statement is meaningful, just causes more problems). Both continue to wipe their eyes. FREEZE

(NO COPY)

Update: December 5, 2008

Thanks to isaitamil.net for the video update. Only one scene, the penultimate scene, is worth watching. The rest are NWW, especially the unbearable last scene.

Episode begins with Shanthi and Manisha continuing their conversation. S counsels M against taking hasty decisions; I'll take care of everything else, she says. Mournful-looking S then goes into the empty hall, sits on the sofa and starts to reflect. Waste of time with flashbacks to M speaking, to K telling M to leave, etc, etc. S removes the prayer charm (sorry, folks; forgot the Thamizh word) on her wrist and flings it away. Then she concludes: M, you must live with K. I will return to my village.

James Bond goes to report to his lady boss, who is lounging in her garden. Nallan reports his disappointment that contrary to expectations of the KSM story ending it has become a "thodar kadhai" as Kalima and Manisha are still hanging around. He says he doesn't know the details of what went wrong with their plan of taking money in settlement. Abhi says M is a smart woman and won't give up on K easily. Nallan comments that Mother and daughter must be schemers. Abhi then says this turn of events is in fact better since as long as M is around there will be continued conflict in the family as well as between K's siblings and their spouses. Nallan says I am sure your wish will materialize. Abhi then tells the Indian James Bonda to wait as she goes into the house. Nallan meanwhile congratulates himself on having landed a good job, which only requires an expenditure of words. Abhi brings him his fee and off he goes merrily. Abhi's famous smirk fails to materialize as the camera focuses on her. She must be getting jaded and unable to keep replicating that one and only expression episode after episode.

Next scene is another useless scene, essentially to reveal to the viewer the Kalima-Manisha plot. But the viewer already knows, so why bother, Viduthalai? Kalima scolds M for having failed to maintain the lie. M says she had no choice. But Kalima says she could have made a false oath on Rocky's head with little compunction; because she would only be lying for S's good, there would be no ill fallout for her. Kalima says they would have taken the money and donated it back to the Raji trust or to an orphanage or a temple. M tells her Mom that such advice is easier to dispense than to carry out. Then she chides her Mom for reminding her of bygones (the readers thank you for that, M). Kalima then regrets the turn of events because, although M has been redeemed in everybody's eyes, it is she, Kalima, who is now considered the mastermind of the whole plot. She says she fears going back to the trust and facing RK's wrath. M tells her to stop polambifying (yes, again, we thank you, Manisha, for telling that to your Mom; we too want a viduthalai from polambals).

The only watchable scene. RK goes to see ACD's dad. RK says he is surprised ACD changed his mind about the marriage. ACD's dad says his son has a lot of respect for RK. Blah, blah, blah. RK then asks for ACD's jathagam to fix a date. Dad gets it for him. RK then asks ACD's dad what he and his son want from him as seervarisai. ACD's dad says none of that business, please. But RK says he doesn't want the world to say that he has treated Priya like an orphan rather than his own daughter. ACD's dad says there was a time when he himself had told ACD that Priya was not suitable for him. But now he knows Priya's true character and feels blessed to have her as his daughter-in-law. RK is pleased and says he will arrange for a grand wedding at a big venue. ACD enters at that point and says he objects. RK gives him a quizzical look. ACD explains that what he is objecting to is a grand wedding, not the wedding itself. RK is relieved. ACD says he is used to simplicity and would be content with a quiet ceremony at the Registrar's office. RK replies he understands ACD's desire and takes his leave. Bring on that mellam!!!

Final scene. Another totally wasted scene that took up 30% of the whole episode. Viduthalai uses losing in a game as a symbol. The scene begins with S and M playing some sort of snakes and ladders game with their offspring, S paired with Rocky and M paired with Indhu. Nearly 3 precious minutes or approximately 15% of the total episode of 20 mins are wasted showing the four just playing the game. Grrr!!! Finally, over another 3 minutes, as S is pondering on her next move, Indhu, from the other team, advises her Mom to pick a move of 4 and tells Rocky that her Mom will not fail to heed her advice. S does likewise but ends up in the snake's pit. Indhu rejoices that dear Mommy S has lost the game to M. S's face changes as she realizes the implications of losing the game of life. M notices the expression on S's face and says that in fact S has won since she had moved only three steps rather than four. But Indhu points out that M has fixed the game and is lying to help S win. S gets upset and rises from the game table. Indhu continues to point out that her Mom has lost and shouldn't get upset. M says hush to Indhu. All stare at S, who is standing silent, lost in thought. Freeze.

NO COPY

Dec 8 (Mon):

Dec 9 (Tues):

Dec 10 (Wed):

Indu asks her mother for help with her lesson but Shanti shouts at her, pushes her asking why she cannot understand after she had been shown once. Karthik comes home and Shanti sees him. Shanti turns to Indu and asks what she is looking at and tells her daughter to leave. Indu is shocked and leaves, crying. Kathik too is shocked but doesn't say anything while Shanti stares at him for a minute and goes into her room. Indu walks out and Karthik stops her and tells her not to cry. Indu tells him that her mother had never been angry like this before. Karthik tells her maybe Shanti had other things in her mind and asks what she needs. Indu tells him she needs help with her lesson. Karthik tells her to to sit and he will come and help. Karthik walks to the room stands outside and sees Shanti sitting on the bed.

December 11, Thursday:

Update: December 5, 2008

Rating: Watchable episode -- a solution is finally in sight (though I don't like it)!!!

A mournful Shanthi, hair let down like a Badhrakali, sits on the sofa, staring into space. Karthik's car draws up to the driveway, followed soon afterwards by Manisha arriving in an auto. Shanthi looks out, ties up her hair and waits for the pair to walk in. She asks Manisha why she hadn't come back with Karthik in the car. M is shocked. S reveals she knew that the two had gone to the doctor's together and asks M what was wrong. M hesitatingly says that she had palpitations or whatever "pada pada" means. She says doctor convinced her there was nothing to worry about.

An overjoyed Dr Guru Dutt is in his garden, smiling to himself. Someone whom he calls "Appa" is laying the dinner table. (The "Appa", however, is too formal in addressing Guru -- uses "neengall" -- and keeps calling him "thambi".) Appa comes in and asks Dr Guru to eat but the latter says he is not hungry. Appa notices that Guru is exceptionally happy today and says people tend to forget hunger when they are in a state of bliss. He then tells Guru that their Kashmir tour tickets have been confirmed but Guru says there is now no need to go to Kashmir and asks him to cancel the reservation. Appa says they stand to lose their deposit but Guru says no worries. Appa then goes off saying something has definitely changed in Guru's life. [It's now all too evident that Guru must have had a crush on Manisha when they were in Kashmir and is now elated to see her in Chennai. Presumably, Viduthalai will have Guru proposing to marry Manisha notwithstanding her past. That way, the entire RK clan will be happy that Manisha now has "a life" and Karthik can continue to give Shanthi "a life". Bah! In the conservative, traditional Indian conception, a woman can have a life only if she is married; even a financially independent woman cannot have a life without marriage!]

Madhan calls on Charu. He first looks around awkwardly but Charu assures him that Abhi has gone out and will take a while to return. They sit and chat. Madhan first apologises for quitting on Charu but Charu says, no worries, since Madhan had given her forewarning by email. She thanks Madhan for his past service. Madhan raises the matter of the Trust and Charu says she will take care of it or something to that effect -- I guess it is an oblique reference to Abhi's embarrassing financial inquiries. Charu then asks how Shanthi is and Madhan gives a full report, which I shan't bore the readers with. Madhan concludes by saying the entire family's happiness has been affected. Charu says she knows that Abhi had a hand in needling the whole affair and adds that although she was in Malaysia she was monitoring Abhi's every move. Madhan is glad to hear that and says he hopes Charu will remove Abhi from managing her business as Abhi is a threat to her. But Charu disappoints him by saying she can't do that as she is Abhi's mother, that she had yearned for dear daughter for years, blah, blah, blah. At the end of a long senti dialogue that made me drift off to sleep, Charu says Abhi has SKPD's blood running in her and can't help being evil but it is her responsibility, as a mother, to reform her.

Dr Guru is driving to K's residence and calls M to inform her he will be arriving soon. M tells her that S knew about her visit to him and she had to lie that it was she who was ill and was consulting with him. Guru says he will handle the matter diplomatically. M tells K Guru is on the way and K goes out to receive him. Shanthi is called in and introduced. Guru asks M how she is feeling now and M rattles off S's symptoms as her own -- restless, feeling angry, tensed, etc, etc. Guru says it must be just tension. Checking her pulse, he says her heart rate reflects her tension and this won't be the case with "normal people" like S and he asks to read S's pulse. So, there he has a backhanded way of checking S's pulse. He then pronounces that S has a normal pulse. He tells M that it is natural to feel depressed and that depression can be controlled by the mind. The best means of handling it is by sharing one's burdens with someone else. He suggests that M share her burdens with S, who stares at the doctor. Freeze on S and M.