Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Latest news from and about the homeland

""
The annual Mahotsavam, or grand festival, of the historic Thiruketheeswaram temple in Mannar concluded last month with the Theertham ceremony, drawing thousands of devotees to one of the most ancient sites of Tamil Saivism on the island. Thiruketheeswaram is revered as one of the five Pancha Ishwarams, the ancient coastal temples dedicated to Lord Shiva that ring the island, and it is among…

Michael - Style over substance

The style of the film outweighs the substance by a large margin. Despite the director’s incessant references to Hemingway novels, Bruce Lee films and Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, the film is outclassed by them all. When almost all the departments of a film fail miserably, there is only one person to blame - the director. ‘Michael’ crumbles under its own lofty ambitions, a hollow shell of a film which dissipates upon any scrutiny. 

Maatu Pongal celebrated in Jaffna

Maatu Pongal, a festival to give thanks to cattle for allowing farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops, was celebrated in Jaffna today. 

To mark the festival, cows were garlanded and fed pongal at Gnanavairavar temple and Tirunelveli market in Jaffna.

Raangi - On the wrong track

Overall, the core concept of ‘Raangi’ could have made for an enthralling and morally conflicting drama. Instead, Saravanan botches the delivery and presents a sloppy shell of a great film.

Varisu - A wobbly family entertainer

‘Varisu’ is mostly successful in what it wants to be: a wave of nostalgia for Vijay fans and a safe ‘masala’ film. It can be enjoyed with the family, and Vijay has certainly played his cards well to ensure Pongal success. 

Thunivu - No guts, some glory

Ajith Kumar teams up with H. Vinoth once again following their moderate success with ‘Nerkonda Parvai’ and moderate failure with ‘Valimai.’ Now, the duo return with their take on the heist film, ‘Thunivu.’

Laththi - Does not stick the landing

‘Laththi’ is a prime example of a decent concept ruined by terrible execution. There were many factors which were haphazardly completed, which needed more time, care and attention for the potentially adequate thriller ‘Laththi’ could have been.

Connect - Mixed reception


 

Conventionally speaking, ‘Connect’ may be one of the most successful horror films in the Tamil film industry - which is a very low bar to step over.

Palermo Tamil community celebrates Oli Vizha

Around 1000 Tamils gathered in Palermo, Italy, last weekend to celebrate Oli Vizha - 'festival of light' - a cultural and community showcase which returned to the city after two years of hiatus caused by the global pandemic.

Imperial continue reign as 'Kings of Gaana' on tenth anniversary

King’s College London’s annual ‘Kings of Gaana’ event, the world’s largest inter-university Gaana competition, took place for the 10th year in a row on December 11. This year it was held in the Eventim Apollo theatre, and hosted by British Tamil event personalities Kutti Hari and Braha.