Top Albums and Songs - 2018

For previous years, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.

In Tamil, this year surely belongs to Santhosh Narayanan. Albums like Pariyerum Perumal, Vada Chennai and Kaala,. Govind Vasantha of Thaikkudam Bridge also made his mark with his 96 and Seethakathi. And, Anthathi was my favorite, most heard song in Tamil. And, it was between Inkem Inkem and Pilla Raa in Telugu. And, Jeevanshamai from Theevandi in Malayalam and Aahista from Laila Majnu in Hindi

Didn't have enough time to hear all the albums and even some of them in repeat. And, also I hate this single culture where CCV kept releasing songs till the release day and I almost lost interest to go back to those songs.

Tamil  - Saavn Playlist for Top 30

Top Albums

• Pariyerum Perumal - Santhosh Narayanan
• Pyaar Prema Kadhal - Yuvan Shankar Raja
• 96 - Govind Vasantha
• Nimir - Darbuka Siva and Ajaneesh Loknath
• Vada Chennai - Santhosh Narayanan
• Kolamavu Kokila (CoCo) - Anirudh
• Kaala - Santhosh Narayanan

Top 30 Songs

1. Anthathi - 96
2. Geedhara Kiliye - Nimir
3. Kurumba - Tik Tik Tik
4. Pottakaatil Poovasam - Pariyerum Perumal
5. Orasadha - Madras Gig
6. Pondattee - Golisoda 2
7. Kannamma - Kaala
8. High on Love - Pyaar Prema Kadhal
9. Kaarkuzhal Kadavaye - Vada Chennai
10. Kalyana Vayasu - Kolamavu Kokila (CoCo)
11. Naan Yaar - Pariyerum Perumal
12. Life of Ram - 96
13. Avan - Seethakathi
14. Raajali - 2.0
15. Vilagadhe Enadhuyire - Oru Kuppai Kathai
16. Dope Track - Pyaar Prema Kadhal
17. Yaenadi - Nimir
18. Guleba - Gulaebakavali
19. Ennadi Maayavi Nee - Vada Chennai
20. Gun in Kadhal - Kolamavu Kokila (CoCo)
21. Mandaara - Bhaagamathie 
22. Rowdy Baby - Maari 2
23. Mazhai Kuruvi - Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
24. Vaayadi Petha Pulla - Kanaa
25. Onnavitta Yaarum Yenakilla 2 - Seemaraja
26. Koottippo Koodave - Junga
27. Yedhedho Aanene - Mr Chandramouli
28. Yaen Penna Neeyum - Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
29. Sodakku - Thaana Serndha Kootam
30. Oru Kuchi Oru Kulfi - Kalakalappu 2

Other Favories

• Vaa Rayil Vida Polaama, Karuppi - Pariyerum Perumal
• All Songs - Pyaar Prema Kaadhal
• Kaathalae Kaathalae (Duet), Iravingu Theevai  - 96
• Nenjil Mamazhai, Poovukku - Nimir
• Maadila Nikkura Maankutty, Goindhamavaala - Vada Chennai
• Edhuvaraiyo, Orey Oru - Kolamavu Kokila (CoCo)

• Title Track - Tik Tik Tik
• Seramal Ponal -  Gulaebakavali
• Peela Peela, Naana Thana - Thaana Serndha Kootam
• Kanave Kanave, Vaanam Thooramale - Sketch
• Karakudi Ilavarasi - Kalakalappu 2
• Uyir Uruvaatha - Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
• Arumbey - Kaali
• Konjali - Karu
• Kanamma - Golisoda 2
• Mazhai Pozhindhidum - Oru Kuppai Kathai
• Katrvai Patravai, Thanga Sela, Nikkal Nikkal - Kaala
• Avan, Ayya - Seethakathi
• Maari's Aanandhi, Rowdybaby - Maari 2
• Po Urave - Kaatrin Mozhi
• Saayali - Adanga Maru
• Raja Raja Kula - NOTA
• CEO in the House, Simtaankaran -  Sarkar
• Kambathu Ponnu, Sooriyanyum Sooriyanyum - Sandakozhi 2
• Hayati, Bhoomi Bhoomi -  CCV
• Kaadhal Kadal Dhana - Ratsasan
• Othaiyadi Pathayila, Oonjala Oonjala - Kanaa
• Nigara Than Nigara, Pesugindren Pesugindren -Aan Devathai
• Vaaren Vaaren Seemaraja - Seemaraja
• Kannanin Leelai - Vanjagar Ulagam
• Pattukutty Nee Than - Raja Ranguski
• Mayakkuraane, Maane Thene - Annanukku Jey
• Adhiroobaney - Saamy²
• Raati - Madras Gig
• Naanaagiya Nadhimoolamae, Gnyabagam Varugiradha -Vishwaroopam II
• En Nadanam, Kalavarame, Evada Unna Petha - Tamizh Padam 2.0
• Aala Aala, Morrakka Mattrakkaa - Lakshmi
• Neeyum Naanum Anbe, Vilambara Idaiveli Malaiyil - Imaikkaa Nodigal
• Thandora Kannaala, Sandakkaari - Kadaikutty Singam
• Kallooliye - Mr. Chandramouli
• Pullinangal - 2.0

Malayalam - Saavn Playlist for Top 20

Top Albums

• Aravindante Athidhikal - Shaan Rahman
• Poomaram  - Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath, Gopi Sundar, Faisal Razi, Leela L GiriKuttan, Arackal Nandakumar, Nasil P, K.A Anish, Vishnu Sivasankar, Sayoojya Das
• Koode - M JAyachandran, Raghu Dixit
• Theevandi -  Kailas Menon
• My Story - Shaan Rahman

Top 10 Songs

1. Jeevamshamayi (Duet) - Theevandi
2. Endhe Kanna - Aravindante Athidhikal
3. Vaanaville - Koode
4. Poomaram - Poomaram
5. Ranam Title Track - Ranam
6. Mizhi Mizhi - My Story
7. Oru Varthai - Angarajyathe Jimmanmar 
8. Ore Nila Ore Veyil - BTech
9. Pranayamayi Radha - Aami
10. Kalariyadavum - Kayamkulam Kochunni
11. Kaadhale - Maradona
12. Thoovenilla - Mohanlal
13. Kannane Kannalane - Neerali
14. Njaano Raavo - Kammara Sambhavam
15. Kanne Kanne - Mandharam
16. Oru Mozhi Parayam - Ira
17. Thoo Manju - Krishnam
18. Kannaanthalir - Velakkariyayirunnalum Neeyen Mohavalli
19. Kaathangal - Swathanthryam Ardharathiriyil
20. Neela Neela Mizhikalo - Ente Mezhuthiri Athazhangal

Other Favorites

• Rasathi, Aanandhame, Kanne Thaai Malare - Aravindante Athidhikal
• Mruthu Mandahasam, Neramayi, Kadavathoru Thoni, Oru Mamarathinte - Poomaram
• Thaa Thinnam, Maanathe Kanalaali, Jeevanshamayi (Male) - Theevandi
• Doore Doore, Kaattin Saarangi  - Carbon
• Neela Shalabhame, Adra Beat - Charminar
• Nisa Shalabhame, Meenukal Vannupoy, Rock Rock - Hey Jude
• Neermathalappoo, Chand Hoga - Aami
• Nenjin Ninave (Duet Version), Mattulad mattulad - Angarajyathe Jimmanmar 
• Pande Nee Ennil Unde, Kalyanam, Dhrithangapulakithan - Kalyanam
• Oru Mayil Peeli - Velakkariyayirunnalum Neeyen Mohavalli
• Paalthira Paadum, Peythalinja Nimisham - Captain
• Kannum Kannum - Vikadakumaran
• Eeran Nilavu - Uncle
• Kurrah (Football Song), Cherukadhapole, Kinavu Kondu - Sudani From Nigeria
• Va Va Vo, La La Laletta - Mohanlal
• Chuvanna Pulari, Theyyaram Thaalam - Parole
• Edanpoove - Kuttanadan Marpappa 
• Mulla Poovithalo - Abrahaminte Santhathikal 
• Trip Song - Payunne Mele, Paravayai - Thobama
• Uyirin Nadhiye, Mizhiyil - Mayaanadhi
• Doore Doore - Carbon
• Azhake Azhake, Neeralippidutham - Neerali
• Doore Doore, Ennullil Ennum Nee Mathram, Kaana Kadalaasilaaro - Njan Marykutty
• Neela Neela Mizhikalo, Marayatholi Kannal, Kaattil Ee Jaalakam - Ente Mezhuthiri Athazhangal
• Ore Nila Ore Veyil - BTech
• Mizhi Niranju, Udalin - Eeda
• Aararo, Paranne, Minnaminni, Koode - Koode
• Kadhakal, Mayamanjeleri, Kozhiyumo, Aaranu Nee - My Story
• Varum Varum , Nilapakshi Happy Version - Maradona
• Mama Sa Bibo, Bum Bum Bum - Iblis
• Puthiyoru Pathayil, Nee - Varathan
• Kanniveyil - Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam
• Panimalarum - Kinavalli
• Pathiye - Ranam
• Kadalazham, Neeye Neeye, Mizhimuna - Mandharam
• Neelakaayal, Kaayal Olam Enthino Kothichuvo, Onnaam Aanikku Thattu Kodu - Oru Kaatil Oru Paykappal
• Kaavalam Kaayal, Maanathe - Oru Kuttanadan Blog
• Melle Mulle, Mounam - Mangalyam Thanthunanena
• Kalariyadavum, Kochunni Vazhuka - Kayamkulam Kochunni
• Pandaarand - Drama
• Arike Aaro, Ente Maathram - Johny Johny Yes Appa
• Viralthumpum, Pranayappoo - Oru Kuprasidha Payyan
• Poomuthole - Joseph
• Panimathiye , Arike - Vallikudilile Vellakaaran
• Nenjinullilaake, Mangalakaaraka, Muthu Muthu Radhe - Thattumpurathu Achuthan
• Kondoram - Odiyan
• Madhu Chandrika Poloru, Sanjaaramaay - Ente Ummante Peru
• Omal Thamara, Athmavin Akasathil - Ente Ummante Peru

Hindi - Saavn Playlist for Top 25

Top Albums

• Laila Majnu - Niladri Kumar, Joi Barua, Alif
• Manmarziyaan - Amit Trivedi
• Raazi - Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
• October - Shantanu Moitra
• Nawabzaade - Gurinder Seagal, Guru Randhawa, Badshah

Top 10 Songs

1. Aahista - Laila Majnu
2. Chogada - Loveratri
3. Kar Har Maidaan Fateh - Sanju
4. Aankh Marey - Simmba
5. Chonch Ladhiyaan - Manmarziyaan
6. Ae Watan - Raazi
7. Nainowale Ne - Padmaavat
8. Manwaa - October
9. Aaj Se Teri - Pad Man
10. Hafiz Hafiz - Laila Majnu
11. Monobina - Gold
12. Dilbaro - Raazi
13. Dhayaanchand - Manmarziyaan
14. Raasleela - 3 Storeys
15. Paintra - Mukkabaaz
16. Chota Sa Fasana - Karwaan
17. High Rated Gabru - Nawabzaade
18. Chaav Laaga - Sui Dhaaga: Made In India
19. Naina Da Kya Kasoor - Andhadhun
20. Mere Naam Tu - Zero
21. Jaan ‘Nisaar (Asees) - Kedarnath
22. Badhaaiyan Tenu - Bahdaai Ho
23. Tere Liye - Namaste England
24. Tareefan - Veere di Wedding
25. Challa Chaap Chunariya - Daas Dev

Other Favorites

• Mushkil Hai Apna Meil Priye, Bohot Dukha Mann - Mukkabaaz
• Heeriye, Selfish - Race 3
• Kaala Doreya, Kaalakaandi, Aa Bhi Jaa - Kaalakaandi
• Sayaani, The Pad Man Song, Hu Ba Hu - Pad Man
• Ghoomar, Khalibali - Padmaavat 
• Maine Socha Ke Chura Loon, Phir Se, Yeh Dil Jo Hai Badmaash Hai - Phir Se
• Lae Dooba - Aiyaary 
• Bas Tu Hai - 3 Storeys 
• Raat Youn Dil Main Teri,  Rangdaari, Marne Ka Shauk, Train To Uttey - Daas Dev 
• Theher Ja, Chal, Tab Bhi Tu - October
• Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya, Ruby Ruby - Sanju
• Sanu Ek Pal Chain, Nit Khair Manga, Black - Raid
• Happy Happy, Nindaraan Diyaan, Patola, Bewafa Beauty, Sataasat, Badla - Blackmail
• Ek Do Teen - Baaghi 2
• Veere, Aa Jao Na, Dagmag - Veere Di Wedding
• Chavanprash, Tafreeh - Bhavesh Joshi Superhero 
• Shubh Din, Sapna, De De Jagah - Parmanu
• Tera Fitoor - Genius
• Saansein, Heartquake, Kadam - Karwaan
• Tere Naal Nachna, Mummy Kasam, Amma Dekh, Lagi Hawa Dil Ko -Nawabzaade
• Achche Din, Halka Halka, Mohabbat - Fanney Khan
• Naino Ne Baandhi, Monobina - Gold
• Thenge Se -Mulk
• Milegi Milegi - Stree
• F For Fyaar,  Daryaa, Grey Walaa Shade, Sacchi Mohabbat, Jaisi Teri Marzi - Manmarziyaan
• O'Meri Laila, Tum - Version 2, Lala Zula Zalio, Gayee Kaam Se, Sarphiri, Katyu Chuko, Tum - Laila Majnu
• Balma, Hello Hello -  Pataakha
• Chaav Laaga - Sui Dhaaga: Made In India
• Gold Tamba - Batti Gul Meter Chalu
• Akh Lad Jaave, Tera Hua - Loveratri
• Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hain - Manto
• Title Track, Aap Se Milkar, Aap Se Milkar - Reprised, Laila Laila - Andhadhun
• Badhaaiyan Tenu, Nain Na Jodeen - Badhaai Ho
• Bhare Bazaar, Proper Patola, Tu Meri Main Tera, Kya Kahoon Jaaneman - Namaste England
• Vashmalle - Thugs of Hindostan
• Tere Bin, Aankh Marey - Simmba
• Issaqbaazi - Zero
• Qaafirana, Namo Namo, Sweetheart - Kedarnath
• Suraiyya - Thugs of Hindostan

Telugu - Saavn Playlist for Top 20

Top Albums

• RX 100 - Chaitan Bharadwaj
• Geetha Govindam - Gopi Sundar
• Mahanati - Mickey J Meyer
• Sammohanam - Vivek Sagar
• Tholi Prema -  S. Thaman

Top 10 Songs

1. Pillaa Raa - RX 100
2. Inkem Inkem - Geetha Govindham
3. Mooga Manasulu - Mahanati
4. Oohalu Oorege Gaalanthaa - Sammohanam
5. Ninnila - Tholi Prema 
6. Swagatham Krishna - Agnyaathavaasi
7. Adbhutam - Lover
8. Oka Nuvvu Oka Nenu - Gayatri
9. Beautiful Love - Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India 
10. Yentha Sakkagunnave - Rangasthalam
11. Maate Vinadhuga - Taxiwaala
12. Peniviti - Aravindha Sametha 
13. Mellaga Mellaga - Chi La Sow
14. Vachaadayyo Saami - Bharat Ane Nenu 
15. Most Wanted Abbayi - MLA
16. Parichayamu Leda - Manasuku Nachindi
17. Ithadena Ithadena - Srinivasa Kalyanam
18. Inthe Inthena - Nannu Dochukunduvate 
19. Padi Padi Leche Manasu (Title Song) - Padi Padi Leche Manasu
20. Egiregire - Shailaja Reddy Alludu

Other Favourites

• Sada Nannu, Aagipo Baalyama, Mahanati - Mahanati
• O Cheli Thaara, Kanulalo Thadigaa, Manasainadedo - Sammohanam
• Baitikochi Chuste, AB Yevaro Nee Baby, Gaali Vaaluga - Agnyaathavaasi 
• Sunona Sunaina, Allasani Vaari, Vinnane Vinnane - Tholi Prema 
• Manasa, Rang Barse - Touch Chesi Chudu 
• Choosi Chudangane, Ammaye Challo Antu - Chalo
• Sarasamaha - Gayatri
• Gadichina Prathi Rojuni, Ra Ra Ilara, Chatu Matu Chupulanni - Manasuku Nachindi 
• Girl Friend - MLA
• Very Very Sad, Pedda Puli, Ga Gha Megha, Miami - Chal Mohan Ranga 
• Rangamma Mangamma - Rangasthalam 
• Iraga Iraga, Maya - Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India 
• O Vasumathi, Bharat Ane Nenu (The Song Of Bharat) - Bharat Ane Nenu 
• Oh Priya Na Priya, Naa Pranam, Aa Bhi Jaa - Mehbooba 
• O Sari Try Chei, Love You Love You - Nela Ticket 
• Nijama Manasa, Chiniki Chiniki, Premika, Naa Nuvve - Naa Nuvve
• Andhamaina Chandhamaama, Nachuthunnade Vachi - Tej I Love You
• Aagi Aagi, Collegee Agelona, Veediponidhi Okateley - Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi 
• Deshamante, First Time, Im Sorry - Pantham 
• Naalo Chilipi Kala (Theme Song), Anthe Kada Mari - Lover
• Soundarya Lahari - Saakshyam 
• Reppalanindaa, Adire Hrudayam, Rudhiram Marigi, Manasunipatti Daaram Katti - RX 100 
• Kalyanam Vybhogam, Modalaudaam - Srinivasa Kalyanam 
• Chi La Sow - Chi La Sow 
• Anaganaga - Goodachari
• Vennela O Vennela - Neevevaro 
• Vachindamma, Yenti Yenti - Geetha Govindam 
• Pelli Pandhiri - Shailaja Reddy Alludu 
• Nijamga Kothaga, Okadhaari Lona - Nannu Dochukunduvate 
• Yeda Poyinado, Anaganaganaga - Aravindha Sametha 
• Vaaru Veeru, Chettu Kinda Doctor, Hey Babu, Emo Emo Emo - Devadas 
• Okkarantey Okkaru, Savyasachi - Savyasachi 
• Ladies And Gentlemen, Neeve Neeve - Taxiwaala 
• Na Na Na, Undiporaadhey - Hushaaru 
• O My Lovely Lalana, Emai Poyave, Kallolam - Padi Padi Leche Manasu 

Rajapalayam and Then Mala - The(a) Vera Level Trip

Another trip with my KONE gang after more than a year. All my previous trips were "Krishna's Wedding Trip", "Dharun's Wedding Trip", "Muthu's Wedding Trip", but no wedding this time and this trip is called "The(a) Vera Level Trip" organized by Mano, co-organized by Ram. First of all, I didn't even believe this trip would happen even on Thursday when we are supposed to start on Friday night. We fixed the date months ago, but didn't even talk about it. And, I have even decided to go on another trip with my Visteon friends on the same date and that's when Ram pinged and reminded about this trip. Then, we even got lucky with Tatkal tickets to Rajapalayam and five members grew to eight and we were set to go.

After Gramathil Oru Naal

First surprise Ram reached the station before all of us, which was certainly once in a lifetime for him. And, when the train started these guys started their dinner and it went on even after we crossed Chenagalpattu. And, I didn't know this would be the theme of the whole trip. Eating.

Right after reaching Rajapalayam everyone wanted some Vadai with Tea. But, we settled for "muttakos" bonda, Bhajjis, Banana and Coffee. Little did I know this would end up as my breakfast. From station, we went to R. Mano cottage, our organizer's house. On the way, we stopped quite a few times to purchase, charcoal, fish, chicken, masala items, etc and finally reached his house. I thought these guys were joking when they said they are gonna be barbecuing, but they were really serious with the purchases, even bought a barbecue grill and started seasoning the chicken and fish right after reaching his home.

So, we decided to go to our first destination "Thalaianai". On the way, we plucked some leaf to eat, then stopped to get some lunch, where we had some "Pearl Millet porridge" (ya googled) and kinda finished everything he had and got some parcels of Parotta, omelets, and gravy and finally reached the destination. And, then the twist in the tale was it was closed and no one was allowed inside. Then, we tried someplace near only to find a pump set and a thatha. And, we had a DSLR and the memory card we had didn't suit, so the DSLR was useless. Then, when we decided to eat the parotta, we found that the gravy and omelet cover was missing.

After these series of unfortunate events, thanks to that thatha in that farm we started bathing in that pump set and guys started barbecuing in that hot sun, thinking it's going to be easy. Meanwhile, our organizers found the river nearby that farm. It was wonderful, the flow was too good and nobody was there. We spent enough time then finished the remaining things to cook and took some photos in that lush green and started to Then Mala. Thanks to that thatha to help cook it fast and also for giving us the gravy he had. So, that's the end of our Gramathil Oru Naal and I won't forget having Parotta with curd.

Then Mala: On the way stopped for a tea and had that Vadai which we were looking for in the morning, then some murukku, omelet which we lost, some parotta as well and ended with the tea which we were supposed to have. And, reached Then Mala and went to have the dinner and back to the room. The dormitory was so hot and we thought of switching to AC room, but they said, the "mist" will reach by 12:30 and it would be cooler later. And, it did reach it seems cause it got cold later in the night.

Next day, the morning we decided to go to Mekkadu falls, Isfield Estate which we missed during my last trip. So, Once again it was closed, but thankfully there was an old man who opened the gate after we bought tickets. It was a small, but wonderful falls amidst rubber trees and since it's a private falls, nobody was there and no one came until we left as well.

Isfield Estate, Mekkadu Falls

Then after the breakfast and some tea and fruits and some mixtures, we went to the adventure zone in Then Mala. It was fun all the way, and one man Joseph really became a child and enjoyed every adventure ride there. He was planning to take his family there, but I am sure he's gonna enjoy more than his kid. And, if he attends police selection, I think he will pass them with flying colors. The Flying fox where we crossed the river in the air and Ball Roller were too good and too much fun.

Flying Fox, Ball Roller, etc

After finishing the remaining oranges and apples, we went to have the "kulukki" sharbhat which I had the last time. This time there was a different shop, but the taste was not great. And, some buttermilk, pineapples, mango, amla and one awful fruit called "bubbly mass".

The next destination was "13 kannara bridge" where Tamil M A climax was shot. Last time we crossed this spot without knowing its significance. And, Ram, came out from his 96 "Life of Ram" and became "Prabha" of Tamil MA here.

Ram as Prabha

After spending too much time we started to "Border Parotta". On the way, we stopped to have some "Pathaneer" for 1000 RS, (konjam overa than poromo). Since we need some time before we eat in Border Parotta, we went to that place called Courtrallam which was near that Border Parotta. But, that doesn't stop us from trying some "ilai" halwa, nentharam chips and chilly bajjis. After, clicking some pictures in front of that gigantic falls we went to border parotta to finish the early dinner and ended it with a sweet beeda and decided this is the last item we would be eating before leaving from this trip.

From there we reached Rajapalayam playing antakshari in some two hours and much earlier to our standards. We had more than an hour left before boarding the bus. But, I have never played Antakshari like this before thanks to the judge Mano. He does not just give the starting letter of the song, he even sings a song and both the teams have to just repeat it. He was playing antakshari with himself. And, also shared some funny story about his friend who might be the inspiration behind Vijay Sethupathi's character in iDhaba.

The return journey was awful, I took the last sleeper seat on the bus and I was literally flying up and down. And, the driver was asking 5K from us to fill the diesel. Finally, he managed to reach Chennai on time to end our trip. I must say it was like a movie I went in without any expectations and without even knowing the genre. I really liked the twists and turns it had and it was really "The(a) Vera Level Trip".

I might have missed some food items so do check this post as well: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=726331854395163&set=a.127282824300072&type=3&theater

Vada Chennai - Epic

Another excellent addition to Tamil Cinema this year after Pariyerum Perumal, Ratsasan and 96. And, we get an epic Vada Chennai from Vetri Maran after his terrific Visaranai.

Everyone was hearing about this Vada Chennai from Vetri Maran for quite some time, years actually. Dhanush, Simbu, Vijay Sethupathi, Jeeva and finally with Dhanush as an actor and a producer as well. I thought this film would never see the light of day just like Marudhanayagam, but I am glad it did. And, even more, glad that they didn't go for a U or U/A certificate and went with A certificate to make this movie as raw as possible with a lot of swear words not getting muted.

If we see the story in just Anbu's pov, he was just a good carrom player and wants to become a national level player, but destiny had other ideas and he gets linked to too many things unknowingly which changes his life completely.

Vetri Maran, once again he proves himself as one of the best screenwriters in recent time. Each and every character were so detailed. Even this first part itself could have been made into two different films since I was ready to know more about Kishore, Samuthurakani, Pawan, and Andrea.

The best thing about Vada Chennai are the characters. Each and everyone was unique and you don't get bored seeing anyone on screen. Right from Kishore, Pawan, Samuthrakani, Daniel Balaji, Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrea, Ameer, and Dhanush, everyone fits perfectly for their roles and their performances were so natural. I really wish to see Kishore in more movies.

Dhanush has shown enough varieties during each phase as a carrom player, then in the jail and towards the end as a gangster. And, Aishwarya Rajesh and Andrea were terrific too. After the poetic much-loved heroine entry of Jaanu in 96, here comes an absolute shocking intro for a heroine, Aishwarya Rajesh because of her very first dialogue.

The whole jail set was just terrific and looked very original. And, each and every area gives the much-needed authenticity to the story and everyone belongs to the story so we never feel anything was artificial.

Once again I say this year belongs to SaNa in terms of music. After, Kaala, Pariyerum Perumal he's back with a bang here as well. It was a fitting 25th movie for this composer. Those two themes which were already part of the audio release were terrific and elevates the scenes perfectly. Especially it fits very well for the Rajan character (Ameer), whose portions were the highlight of this first part. As Vetri Maran said in one interview, I will be glad to see a prequel for this about the Rajan character alone.

So, coming back to Vetri Maran, he turns a revenge and a gangster saga into an epic with his terrific characters. Though I guessed what could be the basic plot, Vetri Maran had enough surprises and twists which unveils whatever I have guessed. And, also the pace the story was unveiled was good as well. The story is nicely set up where the one line of the second part could be close to Kaala, but here the trouble is not external. So, waiting to see more about Anbu, Chandra (Andrea), etc and their plans.

Vada Chennai, lives up to the expectation and hype it created since I've been hearing about this movie for ten years. And, it was totally worth the wait and it was just an intro to Anbu and looking forward to the next parts. 

96 - பேரன்பே காதல்

மாற்றங்களே வினா. மாற்றங்களே விடை.

What-ifs are always beautiful. Everyone has at least one moment in their life where they would still think what-if I've done that differently. 

That's a hat-trick of good movies in Tamil cinema I've seen in a week. This is rare, a very rare phenomenon. And, the hat-trick is 96 after Pariyerum Perumal and Ratsasan. It's not necessary that you should be a Ram and have a Jaanu in your life to enjoy this. Ram and Jaanu story itself was so beautiful we can very well feel the love. 

96, right from the title design we know it's going to kindle our 90s memories. And, even the story and what we can expect was pretty clear from that teaser and a trailer. And, also it was evident that the music was gonna play a bigger role. Never ever in Tamil Cinema, I've seen a musical piece receiving the applause as much as this "Kadhale Kadhale" musical bit got right when the credits rolled or when Trisha introduced. The third hero apart from VJS and Trisha is obviously Govind Vasantha and his violin.

The story starts with "Life of Ram" song, where we see him travel around lonely and ends with a long shot of him writing his name and I think "Jaanu" too in a beach. So, that's Ram, unmarried, single, wanderer, who still loves Jaanu. So, who's this Jaanu? When Ram accidentally crosses his hometown, he visits his school and where he wanders around, but I was expecting them to cut to the flashback, no, the director didn't. So, it rekindles his memory and that leads to the get-together of 96 batch after 20 years. When Ram hears Jaanu's name, we get the much-awaited flashback and get to know that Jaanu. And, also a night Ram and Jaanu get to spend together after 20 years.

Jaanu, short for Janaki Devi, who is a good singer, sings only S. Janaki's songs. These school days portions are cute and we see the innocent love that develops and how the friends find out and help them. And, Ram kept forming waves in his hands asking his friends to tell Jaanu to sing Yamunai Aatrile, but she keeps singing other Janaki songs which are subtle message to Ram. And, she does sing Yamunai Aatrile, but not when he expects her to sing.

After seeing Jaanu in the flashback, everybody was expecting Trisha and there she comes after almost an hour with the much-loved BGM, the whole theatre erupts. I don't remember any of the heroine introduction this much loved like this in recent times. Then, like the famous red-velvet scene in Premam, we have a fried-rice scene here where Govind Vasantha once again just elevates it with his beautiful music. Another scene, where they go through his suitcase with his memories which contains his school uniform shirt, her dupatta which oozes "palaya vasanai". And, that end shot too, so good where her jeans and dress goes into that suitcase and this night too as a memory.

Ram and Jaanu, both the young actors and VJS, Trisha have done wonderfully. And, their friends as well, Divya Darshini, Aadukalam Murugadoss, and Bhagavathi and their younger version actors as well. Also, nice to see Janagaraj in a small role.

And, half the credits and praise for Jaanu goes to Chinmayi as well for her dubbing and singing all the songs. Not just the songs in the album, those beautiful Ilayaraja songs as well, Thendral Vanthu and Yamunai Aatrile. Everyone clapped instinctively after her Thendral Vanthu rendition at the reunion. And, whoever sang for the younger Jaanu as well.

So, Premkumar makes an excellent debut and also amazing screenplay to keep you hooked for nearly three hours with just two characters. A very natural VJS and Trisha, Govind Vasantha's music and songs help big time. And, so many beautiful shots around Chennai in that night by the cinematographer.

And, the most beautiful part of this movie is even here there's a 'what-if' portion that comes in the second half where Jaanu narrates her imaginary story of VJS's proposal to VJS's students. Both, of them, know that was a big moment which changed both their lives. 'What-if' Jaanu had seen Ram or 'what-if' Ram have waited and met her in person. So, we get Jaanu's version of 'what-if'. No other visual could have justified the "Kadhale Kadhale" song as well. That was literally the best part of this movie for me. I wish the movie ended right there I could have just imagined Ram and Jaanu are now together in some other parallel time.

Ratsasan - High Intense Thriller

Not often you get to see back-to-back great movies in big screen. And, it happened this week. After Pariyerum Perumal, here comes another contender for movie of the year Ratsasan. Director Ram Kumar is back after four years with Vishnu Vishal, Kaali Venkat and Munishkanth again after Mundasupatti. And, oh boy, this is completely different and vera level.

Ratsasan, right from the trailer we are clear that we are in for a treat if we love this genre involving Psycho serial-killer. And, yes those who love this genre are gonna enjoy this much, just like me. I felt like I forgot to breathe for the most part of the movie. I don't remember watching a Tamil movie with this much intensity right from the first scene till the very end. And, in these kind of movies the intensity could be missing once we get to know the identity of the killer, but director Ram Kumar made sure it doesn't slip even after we know the killer.

So, the story, hero Vishnu was an aspiring filmmaker who wants to make a movie based on a serial-killer, but he couldn't get the green light from any producer. After struggling for years and due to his family pressure, he joins as an SI in the police department. And, then a murder happens and because of his research, he thinks it's a serial-killer. And, how he convinces his colleagues, who were not ready to take orders from "nethu-vantha-unnakku-ennada-teriyum" SI, especially his lady chief officer and proceeds to find the killer is the story which was told without even wasting a single second. Even the heroine character was not the typical love story which runs parallel to the main story, the director somehow involves her as well.

The two pillars of this movie are Ram Kumar's screenplay and Ghibran's music. It was absolutely spine-chilling. He just turns simple shots to a different level with his work. Those BGMs still rings in your ears even after you have left the theatre. This is not a horror movie, yet you have the constant fear of what's 'bad' going to happen.

This is director's second movie after four years. I think he took so much time in perfecting the script and rewriting so many rough draft before locking into this perfect script. Even the title written on a piano has a significance and all the gift boxes as well.

Vishnu looks perfect as a policeman, but it is Munishkanth who impressed me a lot with not just his laughs, but also in emotional scenes, what a changeover. Even Vishnu's egoistic chief police officer was good who couldn't let herself to accept Vishnu is right. And, there was a creepy maths teacher as well. Whose character is to make people aware of whom might be around us.

I feel this kind of film doesn't need a soppy flashback to justify the actions behind the psycho killer, but at least it wasn't cliched or boring as well. The only logical question I have was how did the police department get that hearing aid of that girl? I don't think the killer would have packed the girl with that hearing aid or even the police don't know where the murder took place. But, it is just me nitpicking in an otherwise flawless thriller. 

Ratsasan, a well-researched movie with a gripping screenplay which doesn't lose it intensity and doesn't have any unwanted comedy track or love track or unwanted songs. Keeps you hooked and it will make you follow Vishnu for the clues in finding the killer and also in a constant fear of what might happen.

Pariyerum Perumal B.A B.L

After a disappointing first half in 2018, Tamil cinema is giving us some best movies with some entertaining and important movies like CoCo, Merku Thodarchi Malai and this. And, this, Pariyerum Perumal is the best movie of this year 2018. Not just because of what it talks, but also how it talks. The "how" was far more interesting than most of the commercial movies. It never gets into the brooding Bala movie mode and also doesn't compromise like Ranjith's commercial mode as well. It was a well balanced bloody good movie, even if you don't care about the message. I usually think we should see a movie as just a movie, but definitely not for this one. This one shows us the reality and it's ugly.

Mari Selvaraj starts the movie with a gory murder of Pari's pet Karuppi. It will literally shock you and make you feel his pain and also register Karuppi with an awesome song by SaNa. And, yes our hero knows who's behind, but doesn't want a revenge, he knows what's more important, he joins law college to study and become a doctor (yeah, watch the movie). He introduces himself as Pariyerum Perumal BA BL, mela oru kodu, whose only aim is to study. He doesn't want to get into any fight and just want to study. He was literally 0 in English and was ridiculed in his class and heroine Jo (Ananthi) helps him learn. He wasn't against English, he just needs someone to teach him. Also we get some good back stories about how he passed English in his 10th, 12th and also why he took Law. And, like Jo some of us may wonder "wow, he has a story behind everything", unlike us where we just did what we are told to do.

Jo is obviously from an upper class and she develops love feelings over Pari. She invites him to her sister's wedding. Where we know what's going to happen and it did happen. Jo's relatives beat him for accepting her invitation for coming to the function. He just saw her as a classmate, but her relatives don't. From, then on everything changes with Pari, he asks himself "Naan Yaar", with a soaring song from SaNa and then begins to ask himself, why he's not allowed to attend that wedding? why he can't sit in front of the class? He distances himself from Jo, without telling her the actual reason, even to his friend played by terrific Yogi Babu.

Wonderful performance from Kathir as Pariyerum Perumal. He was just terrific, we can easily feel his anger, pain both physical and emotional. Aanandhi as Jo too with a cute performance. Yogi Babu is having a terrific year and he's growing high in every movie and with a fantastic character which never ridicules his appearance to make fun.

Mari Selvaraj in his first movie has asked a lot of troubling questions, just like his song Naan Yaar. But, what made me more surprised was the hero's father character. Haven't seen anything like this in Tamil cinema before. And, an old man who does murders thinking he's doing a service. The principal who understands what he's going through and also his dialogues, "room la thooku maati savurahukku bathila sandai pottu sagattum", "avungala thirutha mudiathu la, ivana mattum ethukku adakka ninaikureenga". I would say this was even better than Pa. Ranjith's Madras or Kabali or Kaala. And, SaNa was terrific with the songs and BGMs. That one scene where Karuppi comes back to wake up Pari at the railway track with SaNa's Naan Yaar prelude, literally had goosebumps. SaNa's collaboration with Ranjith always produced better songs, here even though he was a producer, not a director. The visuals, editing, dialogues everything was just perfect.

And, obviously, Jo and Pari love doesn't succeed, but did Pari really love her? He never confessed that he loves her or not. The climax was so good that leaves you heartbroken without any tragedy. You cannot say this as a negative climax, like what Bala does, but still, it will leave you with a heavy heart, especially Pari's last dialogue to Jo's father.
"நீங்க நீங்களா இருக்குற வரைக்கும்.. நாங்க (நாயாக) தான் இருக்கணும்னு நீங்க நினைக்கிற வரைக்கும் இங்க எதுவும் மாறாது". What's most troubling in this line is that நீங்க, it not only represents Jo's father, even Jo's generation, her brother and cousins the current generation as well. That's more troubling, how many more generations it will take to change these?

Courtallam and Golden Peak - Rain, Rivers, Falls!!!

Another trip with my Visteon gang, coincidentally it was in the same date as last year where we went to Vagamon as a bachelor. And, after getting the necessary permission from you-know-who I decided to join this year's trip. This time we planned for a two-day trip to Coutrallam alone then extended one more day and added Ponmudi. Why Ponmudi? Because that was the first result Google yielded for "hill station near Courtrallam". And, then we booked the stay in Coutrallam, a local transport, stay in Ponmudi and the return ticket as well, but the twist was our actual onward journey tickets were not confirmed until the last moment. Finally, we got the RAC at least and yes we began our one of the busiest trips.

The majestic, gigantic Meenmutty Falls, Ponmudi

The first day of the trip is where we covered a lot of places and it was one of the days with non-stop action. After reaching Tenkasi station, we are welcomed with some rain and it continued till we left. We checked into our room and got ready to Papanasam. We reached the top to see a dam and then we got into a river which was fairly empty and we practiced diving and I pretty much suck in that. It was almost noon, then we came down and went into the Papanasam river and let go off all our "sins', ("Papa-nasam", you see :D ) in that river. It was a fantastic dip, the river was flowing at a steady pace and it was raining on and off throughout. And, around 8 pm, our next stop was at old Coutrallam, once again after a heavy rain, we went into the falls and oh boy it was amazing and the falls were gigantic and I was a little afraid to look at it in that nighttime. And, the crowd was much less compared to my last visit and it was an unforgettable experience to get "hit" by that water.

Our next stop was at the famous Border Parotta to finish the dinner and then we decided to hit the PSS Multiplex in Tenkasi for "Agila Ulaga SuperStar Siva's" Tamil Padam 2 nightshow. And, then we were still not in a mood to call it a day. We went to "5 Falls" by 2 am thinking no one will be there, even the roads leading to that was empty, but we were so wrong. Everyone who has come to Courtrallam was there at that hour and Police were needed to control the crowd. So, we decided to check the "Main Aruvi". It was fairly empty, but it was because of the water flow. It was too much and nobody was allowed to enter the falls. So, we took some photos in front of that majestic falls and decided to call it a day around 3 am.

The Gang

That was a great day and we did way too much than our actual plan in just one day including a movie and bathing in a river, falls, rain, etc.

The very next day we started to Ponmudi as early as possible where we were surprised by ourselves after sleeping at 3 am. The first stop was again a dam at a place ThenMala, it was scenic unfortunately we were not allowed to take pics. Next stop was finding the liquor shop, it was somewhere in a middle of a forest. And, on the way searching for a cigarette, it was mini Va Quarter Cutting movie :D. Then, we reached our resort by evening after traveling through 22 hairpin bends and some fantastic view towards the top. And, whenever we tried to step out of that resort it rained. So, we spent indoor watching football, cricket and doing the "usuals", party. And, the resort maintained by the Kerala government was outstanding.

The next day we went to a spot in Ponmudi all we could see was mist and rain once again. And, it was time to get down from Ponmudi and visit Meenmutty falls which on the way. We almost missed it and had to travel back to that place. What we expected was a 10-minutes walk, but it was a proper trekking of nearly an hour in rain to reach that place. And, the view of that falls was absolutely worth it. It was so gigantic and that was the highlight of our Ponmudi visit. But, the water was too much we were allowed to take a bath, so we took as many pics in front of that gigantic falls getting drenched in rain and we left only when the securities decided it's time to shut the shop. We were so glad we took the u-turn to get back to this Meenmutty falls and then we started to Chennai with FIFA finals for the company.

Then we came back to Chennai by next evening thanks to rains which delayed our train and gave us a much-needed rest day from the office. And, that was the end of another awesome trip, it was water all the way rain, river and falls. We only missed the beach, if only we had a little time we would have covered that as well in Trivandrum's Kovalam beach. It was fairly busy without any dull moment or a boring spot, the last trip to Vagamon was so peaceful and calm, this one was just the opposite and both were fantastic.

And, then we are all back to the reality now.

Papanama Top

Papanasam

Old "but majestic" Coutrallam

Five Falls @ 2 AM

Main Aruvi

Room with a view Tenkasi

en-route Ponmudi

Gigantic Meenmutty Falls

en-route Meenmutty

KTDC "awesome" resort

Thenmala Dam

Hanging Bridge, Thenmala

en-route Ponmudi

Ponmudi view point

Movies 2018 - Best and worst so far

Have seen *only* 28 films so far in big screen this year and the list seems little compared to the last few years. Thanks to the increase in ticket rate and strikes.

I feel Tamil Cinema is yet to see any "fantastic" movie so far, barring the above average IrumbuThirai, this year. Expecting a better second half. And, with biopics all around, Sanju in Hindi, Mahanati in Telugu and Captain and Aami in Malayalam, only Tamil cinema is yet to touch that.

And, have to catch up some movies like Raazi, Sammohanam, Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi, Ee MaYau, etc before the end of this year.

Tamil

1. IrumbuThirai
2. Savarakathi
3. Kaala

Not Bad

1. Tik Tik Tik
2. Iravukku Aaiyiram Kangal
3. ‎Kalakalappu 2
4. Thaanaa Serndha Koottam
5. ‎Sketch
6. Gulaebhakavali
7. Mercury
8. Padai Veeran

Worst

1. ‎Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren
2. Sema
3. ‎Naachiaar

Telugu

1. Mahanati
2. Bharat Ana Nenu
3. Rangasthalam

Not Bad:

1. ‎Tholi Prema
2. Bhahamathi

Worst

1. Jai Simha - But still a must watch and hilarious, so bad it's so good.

Malayalam

1. Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil
2. Carbon
3. Captain
4. ‎Hey Jude

Not Bad

1. Aadhi
2. Kuttanadan Marappa

English

1. Ready Player One
2. Annihilation
3. A Quiet Place
4. Avengers: Infinity War
5. Game Night
6. Incredibles 2
7. ‎Black Panther
8. ‎Paddington 2
9. Love, Simon
10. ‎Deadpool 2

Not Bad:

1. Psychokinesis (Korean)
2. Red Sparrow
3. ‎Peter Rabbit
4. Blockers
5. ‎You Were Never Really Here

Worst:

1. Pacific Rim Uprising
2. Jurassic World‎: Fallen Kingdom
3. Rampage
4. Tomb Raider

Hindi

1. ‎Mukkabaaz
2. Sanju
3. ‎Pad Man
4. Blackmail
5. October
6. Hichki

Not Bad:

1. Lust Stories‎
2. Love per square foot
3. ‎Padmaavat
4. Raid
5. Pari

Worst:

1. Kaalakandi
2. Sonu Ke Titu ki Sweety

Songs 2018 - My Favourites so far

My favorite song so far is Geedhaara Kiliye from Nimir, so soothing and pleasantly sung by Sathyaprakash.

It was hard to keep track of an album with all the songs releasing as singles. And, I liked other songs in Nimir which had music from Mr X Darbuka Siva and Ajaneesh Loknath. So, that's my favorite album so far.

So, here's the list of my favorites so far with a link to my Saavn playlist as well.

Tamil - Saavn Playlist Tamil Favorites 2018

Top Albums

• Nimir - Darbuka Siva and Ajaneesh Loknath
• Kaala - Santhosh Narayanan

Top 10 Songs

1. Geedhara Kiliye - Nimir
2. Kurumba - Tik Tik Tik
3. Kannamma - Kaala
4. Pondattee - Golisoda 2
5. Sodakku - Thaana Serndha Kootam
6. Yaenadi - Nimir
7. Guleba - Gulaebakavali
8. Yaen Penna Neeyum - Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
9. Vilagadhe Enadhuyire - Oru Kuppai Kathai
10. Mandaara - Bhaagamathie 

Other Favories

• Title Track - Tik Tik Tik
• Seramal Ponal -  Gulaebakavali
• Peela Peela, Naana Thana - Thaana Serndha Kootam
• Kanave Kanave, Vaanam Thooramale - Sketch
• Nenjil Mamazhai, Poovukku - Nimir
• Oru Kuchi Oru Selfie, Karakudi Ilavarasi - Kalakalappu 2
• Uyir Uruvaatha - Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
• Arumbey - Kaali
• Konjali - Diya
• Kanamma - Golisoda 2
• Mazhai Pozhindhidum - Oru Kuppai Kathai
• Katrvai Patravai, Thanga Sela, Nikkal Nikkal - Kaala

Malayalam  Saavn Playlist Malayalam Favorites 2018

Top Albums

• Aravindante Athidhikal - Shaan Rahman
• Poomaram  - Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath, Gopi Sundar, Faisal Razi, Leela L GiriKuttan, Arackal Nandakumar, Nasil P, K.A Anish, Vishnu Sivasankar, Sayoojya Das
• Theevandi -  Kailas Menon

Top 10 Songs

1. Endhe Kanna - Aravindante Athidhikal
2. Jeevamshamayi (Duet) - Theevandi
3. Poomaram - Poomaram
4. Oru Varthai - Angarajyathe Jimmanmar 
5. Pranayamayi Radha - Aami
6. Oru Mozhi Parayam - Ira
7. Thoovenilla - Mohanlal
8. Thoo Manju - Krishnam
9. Kannaanthalir - Velakkariyayirunnalum Neeyen Mohavalli
10. Kaathangal - Swathanthryam Ardharathiriyil

Other Favorites

• Rasathi, Aanandhame, Kanne Thaai Malare - Aravindante Athidhikal
• Mruthu Mandahasam, Neramayi, Kadavathoru Thoni, Oru Mamarathinte - Poomaram
• Thaa Thinnam, Maanathe Kanalaali, Jeevanshamayi (Male) - Theevandi
• Doore Doore, Kaattin Saarangi  - Carbon
• Neela Shalabhame, Adra Beat - Charminar
• Nisa Shalabhame, Meenukal Vannupoy, Rock Rock - Hey Jude
• Neermathalappoo, Chand Hoga - Aami
• Nenjin Ninave (Duet Version), Mattulad mattulad - Angarajyathe Jimmanmar 
• Pande Nee Ennil Unde, Kalyanam, Dhrithangapulakithan - Kalyanam
• Oru Mayil Peeli - Velakkariyayirunnalum Neeyen Mohavalli
• Paalthira Paadum, Peythalinja Nimisham - Captain
• Kannum Kannum - Vikadakumaran
• Eeran Nilavu - Uncle
• Kurrah (Football Song), Cherukadhapole, Kinavu Kondu - Sudani From Nigeria
• Va Va Vo, La La Laletta - Mohanlal
• Chuvanna Pulari, Theyyaram Thaalam - Parole
• Edanpoove - Kuttanadan Marpappa 
• Mulla Poovithalo - Abrahaminte Santhathikal 
• Trip Song - Payunne Mele, Paravayai - Thobama

Hindi - Saavn Playlist Hindi Favourites 2018

Top Albums

• Raazi - Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
• October - Shantanu Moitra

Top 10 Songs

1. Kar Har Maidaan Fateh - Sanju
2. Ae Watan - Raazi
3. Nainowale Ne - Padmaavat
4. Manwaa - October
5. Aaj Se Teri - Pad Man
6. Dilbaro - Raazi
7. Raasleela - 3 Storeys
8. Tareefan - Veere di Wedding
9. Challa Chaap Chunariya - Daas Dev
10. Paintra - Mukkabaaz

Other Favorites

• Mushkil Hai Apna Meil Priye, Bohot Dukha Mann - Mukkabaaz
• Heeriye, Selfish - Race 3
• Kaala Doreya, Kaalakaandi, Aa Bhi Jaa - Kaalakaandi
• Sayaani, The Pad Man Song, Hu Ba Hu - Pad Man
• Ghoomar, Khalibali - Padmaavat 
• Maine Socha Ke Chura Loon, Phir Se, Yeh Dil Jo Hai Badmaash Hai - Phir Se
• Lae Dooba - Aiyaary 
• Bas Tu Hai - 3 Storeys 
• Raat Youn Dil Main Teri,  Rangdaari, Marne Ka Shauk, Train To Uttey - Daas Dev 
• Theher Ja, Chal, Tab Bhi Tu - October
• Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya, Ruby Ruby - Sanju
• Sanu Ek Pal Chain, Nit Khair Manga, Black - Raid
• Happy Happy, Nindaraan Diyaan, Patola, Bewafa Beauty, Sataasat, Badla - Blackmail
• Ek Do Teen - Baaghi 2
• Veere, Aa Jao Na, Dagmag - Veere Di Wedding
• Chavanprash, Tafreeh - Bhavesh Joshi Superhero 
• Shubh Din, Sapna, De De Jagah - Parmanu

Telugu - Saavn Playlist Telugu Favourites 2018

Top Albums

1. Mahanati - Mickey J Meyer
2. Sammohanam - Vivek Sagar
3. Tholi Prema -  S. Thaman

Top 10 Songs

1. Mooga Manasulu - Mahanati
2. Oohalu Oorege Gaalanthaa - Sammohanam
3. Ninnila - Tholi Prema 
4. Swagatham Krishna - Agnyaathavaasi
5. Oka Nuvvu Oka Nenu - Gayatri
6. Beautiful Love - Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India 
7. Yentha Sakkagunnave - Rangasthalam
8. Vachaadayyo Saami - Bharat Ane Nenu 
9. Most Wanted Abbayi - MLA
10. Parichayamu Leda - Manasuku Nachindi

Other Favourites

• Sada Nannu, Aagipo Baalyama, Mahanati - Mahanati
• O Cheli Thaara, Kanulalo Thadigaa, Manasainadedo - Sammohanam
• Baitikochi Chuste, AB Yevaro Nee Baby, Gaali Vaaluga - Agnyaathavaasi 
• Sunona Sunaina, Allasani Vaari, Vinnane Vinnane - Tholi Prema 
• Manasa, Rang Barse - Touch Chesi Chudu 
• Choosi Chudangane, Ammaye Challo Antu - Chalo
• Sarasamaha - Gayatri
• Gadichina Prathi Rojuni, Ra Ra Ilara, Chatu Matu Chupulanni - Manasuku Nachindi 
• Girl Friend - MLA
• Very Very Sad, Pedda Puli, Ga Gha Megha, Miami - Chal Mohan Ranga 
• Rangamma Mangamma - Rangasthalam 
• Iraga Iraga, Maya - Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India 
• O Vasumathi, Bharat Ane Nenu (The Song Of Bharat) - Bharat Ane Nenu 
• Oh Priya Na Priya, Naa Pranam, Aa Bhi Jaa - Mehbooba 
• O Sari Try Chei, Love You Love You - Nela Ticket 
• Nijama Manasa, Chiniki Chiniki, Premika, Naa Nuvve - Naa Nuvve
• Andhamaina Chandhamaama, Nachuthunnade Vachi - Tej I Love You

Nelliyampathy - So near and sooo good.

That was one hell of a looong weekend, a lot of things happened a reunion, a buffet dinner, a stand-up comedy show, a wedding, a betrothal and an awesome trip to end the long weekend. Only thing missed was a movie. So two things were off my bucket list, Alex's standup comedy show, where I bumped into my ex-MD, it was kinda awkward. But, Alex was incredible for two hours with his non-stop comedy, music, mimic, etc. And, the second was a short trip to Nelliyampathy. Been hearing about this place for a long time and finally, we went there and it was sooo good.

Pothundy Dam

The trip was actually a pre-planned, but also an unplanned trip. This trip was planned as a reunion of boys since one of our friend's is back from US after more than three years. After a lot of discussions, we zeroed in on the place to be Nelliyampathy, which was near to Coimbatore yet we haven't visited there. But, as usual, one guy backed out, leaving with just three of us. So we didn't go ahead and book any hotel and almost dropped the plan. Since I couldn't get a return ticket for Sunday night to Chennai and another guy had some work Tuesday, we thought let's go to "some place" on Monday. My first boys only trip after getting married and it turned to be quite good.

At first, we thought we could visit Aanaikatti, another place very near Coimbatore. While we are on the way we even thought about other possibilities like Top Slip or towards Pollachi. But, finally, we thought why not go ahead with our actual destination Nelliyampathy and decide what to do next.


Before entering the hill there was a Pothundy dam, and as usual, it was full of water like any other place in Kerala. It was almost after lunch and looks like it was the usual place for couples to hang out in that hot sun under an umbrella. We didn't want to embarrass them further and we left it and reached the check-post. That's where we came to know that we can't leave the hill in the evening it will be closed after 4 PM. So, we had to stay the night if we decided to enter. We were like why not, let's stay a night here.

We saw a small waterfall on the way up. It was quite a closed place away from the road and after clicking some photos ended up having a bath and it was refreshing. Once, we reached we got a hotel easily, it looked quite new and clean. And, in the night we went on a night safari off-road in a jeep, where we got to see some Samba Deers and Bisons. And, he stopped us on a top of a small hill and the view of the city lights from that top was breathtaking. We were just four members at that top in the dark, expecting some wild animals. It was surreal. Nelliyampathy doesn't even have a wine shop, you have to go down 30 kms if you have to find some. So, we didn't get anything.

"Karady?" Waterfall

The next day morning, we just visited two more places. First one was another falls, I think that place name was Karady. It was quite big than the previous and nobody was there. We were little hesitant whether to get in, but after some time we couldn't resist and it was too good. It looked lovely as well, we went as far as we could and the next place was a hanging bridge. It had a nice view and we took so many photos and some slo-mo videos walking in that bridge. And, the weather was just perfect after a little rain in the early morning. And, returned home by the next afternoon.

It was such a short, but a very fulfilling trip. We went without any plan or expectations, but the places were so good and more importantly without much crowd or I can say anybody else other than us in all the spots. It's a shame that we have never visited this awesome place which was less than a three-hour drive from our hometown, but better late than never. So, not just Ooty, we have another destination now in case we decide to skip town.