
The much anticipated Rajnikanth movie, Enthiran, hit the screens in early October, to wide spread acclaim and rave reviews from the fans. While some have been less than impressed with the clichéd story, all have had to accept that the technical wizardry and action sequences make this a movie to remember from 2010. The story is that of a robot, created by a scientist (both played by Rajnikanth), who falls in love with the lover of the scientist. The man versus machine story revolves around the drive to control the robot and to deal with the humanization of an automaton. Aishwarya Rai and Danny...
When you think of Rap, who pops into your head first? 2Pac, Jay-z or T.I.? I am asking you about Tamil Rappers. You might come up with Sujeeth G of course, but guys I think it is about time you engrave this young fella into your head - MC SAI!

The long awaited showing of a film following a pair of female Black Tigers at the sold out Frontline Club finds the audience in expectant mood given the controversy the film has drawn.

The third of a three-part series looking at a Tamil treasure.

The second of a three-part series looking at this Tamil treasure.


A detailed exposition of the sacred symbols associated with Vinayaka is given by Swami Subramuniya in his modern classic “Loving Ganesha” (Himaayan Academy Press). Vinayaka has 108 names including, Ganesha and Ganapati (“Lord of the Ganas or hosts” in Tamil) and Pillaiyar (“Sacred Child” in Tamil). There are 32 forms of Ganapati in various colours and postures, with differing numbers of arms, holding different symbols. Shown below, for example is ‘Bhakti Ganapati” where bhakti means devotion. Of the many symbols associated with Vinayaga here are a few mentioned in the Vinayagar Agaval: The...

The Vinayagar Agaval (‘Song of Vinayaga’) is a stunning example of Tamil sacred poetry. It is thought to be the greatest poem of the Chola era poet Auvaiyar, written shortly before her death. The Chola dynasty, which emerged around the ninth century, went on to rule most of South India for the next four hundred years. The Cholas presided over an important renaissance in Tamil literature, art and architecture, particularly temple construction. The name Auvaiyar has been given to a number of important female poets, of whom three in particular stand out as literary giants. Whereas Auviayar I...