Three Biopic Films On The Late Jayalalithaa To Be Made

Tamil Nadu celebrated former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s 71st birth anniversary on the 24th of February, and another filmmaker has decided to hop on the biopic bandwagon to make a movie about her. This brings the total number of biopics made on the former actress to three. Jayalalithaa passed away on the 6th of December 2016 and the state still holds her in high esteem for the changes brought about while she was in office.
The Iron Lady

Director Priyadarshini’s first foray into the film industry will be with The Iron Lady. Actress Nithya Menen will be playing the former Chief Minister, and filming commenced on Jayalalithaa’s birthday, the 24th of February.
The Iron Lady is financed by Paper Tale Productions.
Thalaivi

Popular director AL Vijay, the visionary behind films like Madrasapattinam and Deiva Tirumagal, has recently announced his offering, Jayalalithaa’s biopic entitled Thalaivi. The cleverly made title poster that was released yesterday also features a sketch of the former Chief Minister in red.
Vijay has apparently spent 9 months researching the project, and has promised to reveal more details about the cast and crew of Thalaivi soon. So far, we know that GV Prakash will work on the film’s music and Nirav Shah will be handling the cinematography. The editing will be handled by Anthony and the stunts choreographed by popular stunt actor, Silva.
The production house has obtained a ‘no objection certificate’ from Jayalalithaa’s nephew Deepak.
Thaai: Puratchi Thalaivi

Y-star Cine and Television Private Ltd’s Adithya Bharadwaj announced that a biopic on the late Chief Minister would be directed by veteran director Barathiraja. The film’s title was revealed as Thaai: Puratchi Thalaivi.
The film was said to be shot in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and was reportedly planned while Jayalalithaa was alive. This biopic will tell the story of Jayalalithaa’s journey from an actress to politician. No other information is available on the cast and crew at this point.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under AL VijaybiopicJayalalithanithya menonthaai: puratchi thalaivithalaivithe iron lady


Aneethi Kathaigal; A Meaningful Short Film Depicting The Queer Community

Helmed by Pavithren, Aneethi Kathaigal happens to be one of the short films that brilliantly portrays the treatment of its homosexual characters which brought the attention of the audiences towards the much hyped film.
The depiction of Praveen’s character reinforces the image of a transperson as an effeminate man or a eunuch, who enjoys behaving like a woman. Well, it’s definitely a bold attempt by the entire team and surely the director himself came up with the idea of emphasising on a transgender character which was truly at the heart of this short film.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbujBBIF1sG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What made the writer get goosebumps while watching the film?
Well, as all of us know, a screenplay is an important element for a film and definitely the scriptwriter has penned it in a way that is related to our daily lifestyle. One of the dialogue which grabbed my attention was;
Religion and caste can change humans into a beast but only LOVE can change a beast into human!
Watch the full short flick below:

Featuring university students Praveen Kumar Munusamy, Tamilselvan Nagarajan, Pavithren Thiru, Dhaneish Kumar, Trickster Karan, Kesika AhnathaaRao, Preba, Manisa, Raj, Revin and many more young actors in pivotal roles.
The short film wouldn’t be a hit without a great team effort. Let’s give a special shout out to the entire crew members:
Audio : Harie
Make-up : Pavethra, Vishalini
Publicity designs & Colours : Loganathan
Choreography : Kesika Rao
Camera : Dhaneish
Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Editing : Praveen / PK
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Aneethi KathaigalDhaneish KumarHarieKesika AhnathaaRaoManisaPavethraPavithren ThiruPraveen Kumar MunusamyPrebaRajRevinTamilselvan NagarajanTrickster KaranVishalini


Arvind Raj Presents His Rendition Of ‘Yaanji’ From Vikram Vedha

Arvind Raj, along with Vidhya Mohan, made a beautiful cover of the super-hit song from Vikram Vedha, “Yaanji”.
The song worked very well with Arvind’s expressive vocals, which were complemented by Vidhya Mohan’s tender voice. The cover is further enhanced by Pangasasaanii Gowrisan’s beautiful violin solo.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan Awarded Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema at IIFA 2023
Filed Under Arvind RajVikram VedhaYaanji


Kavita Maheendran Discusses How MBM is Reviving the Job Market

Malaysia’s unemployment rate is now the highest in a decade, due to the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to ease their burden, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) is now working to revive the job market for youths.
MBM executive committee member Kavita Maheendran said, “MBM was finalizing discussions with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Bank Negara on organizing a webinar on securing jobs.”

“We are finalizing our collaboration programs and we have decided to hold a webinar to educate participants on the five key foundations in securing a job in the future.” The five key foundations are financial literacy, soft skills, lifelong learning mentality, adapting to the digital age, and entrepreneurship.
“Among the five, we believe soft skills and lifelong learning mentality are key driving elements that can distinguish one individual (in terms of employability) from another,” she said in a statement today.
Kavita said experts had highlighted insufficient skills, working experience, education, and even skill mismatch as among the contributing factors to youth unemployment.
“People who are willing to learn, believe that their basic qualities and abilities are things they can cultivate through efforts and persistence.
“Such a mindset will lead not only to a passion for learning and personal development, but also confidence and resilience.”
For instance, she said people have learned that work could be done from home.

“We all have adapted to this new norm and to be on top of the game, youths can learn something new so that their skills will be useful in future job applications.”
Related:  Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam Receives 'UniteHealth's COVID-19 Influencers Award'Kavita said as of now, MBM is offering Employability Skills Training (EST) for Malaysian youth in partnership with HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd.
“There are potential internship opportunities awaiting trainees who complete the full program.
“The training program includes soft skills training, resume writing, interview skills, career guidance, and digital entrepreneurship skills designed to elevate employability skills.”
The program is open to all Malaysians between the age of 19 to 26 years old, who are currently unemployed or working part-time.

Head on to MBM’s Facebook page if you’re interested to join this program. Seats are limited to 300 participants.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under covid-19Employability Skills Training (EST)Job OpportunitiesKavita MaheendranMalaysian Youth Council (MBM)MalaysiansUnemployed


2 Ladies for GV Prakash

Actor GV Prakash is on a roll, releasing movies after movies. He was last seen on screen in the action entertainer Kuppathu Raja released last week, and this week, yet again he will be seen in the AL Vijay directorial Watchman. This will be his 3rd release of the year after Sarvam Thaala Mayam and Kuppathu Raja.
GV Prakash is currently shooting for his next movie. This movie will be a comedy entertainer directed by Ezhil. Ezhil is  known for his fun filled entertainers like Velainu Vandhutta Vellakaran, Desingu Raja and Saravanan Irukka Bayamen.
Lets hope this film passes the Bechdel Test!
Eesha Rebba, a Tollywood actress announced that she will be playing the lead. However, the team also revealed that they will also be having another female lead! Yay for women empowerment! Nikesha Patel, who was seen in movies like Bhaskar Oru Rascal, Yennamo Yetho, will be seen playing the second female lead in the movie.
More updates to follow!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  The Amazing Trio Is Back In #Surya 43
Filed Under chennaieesha rebbaGV Prakashnikesha patel


Dr. Kavitha Stresses The Importance In Understanding Allergies

The Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology told FMT today, in conjunction with Malaysian Allergy Day, that the National Specialist Register still does not officially list immunology as a specialist field, despite the profession being recognised in Europe, North America, and Australia.
According to Dr. Kavita Reginald, a member of the society’s executive committee, there are many more undiagnosed drug allergies, food allergies, and primary immune diseases, which contributes to poor care and management of these conditions.
She said;
“This underlies two major issues. First, patients must be proactive in seeking medical advice to treat their allergies and not leave them undiagnosed. Second, there is an urgent need for more allergy specialists to be trained.”
She stated that misconceptions about allergies are “abundant,” and that being aware of potential symptoms is an important part of early detection.
Rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen before seeking medical attention, Dr. Kavitha strongly advises seeing a specialist as soon as an allergy symptom is suspected. The specialist would be able to identify the trigger and work with the patient to develop an allergy management plan.

Kavita also stated that it is critical not to confuse allergic reactions with the flu, as they share common symptoms such as congestion or sneezing, because, unlike a virus, which typically dissipates over time, an allergy can persist and worsen over time if not treated.
While many people are unaware that allergies can be cured, immunologists can handle reactions in the long term and reduce the need for medication.
“Immunotherapy is a form of allergy vaccination, where it conditions the body to react differently to the allergen, building tolerance. It is the only therapy which provides long-term improvement of symptoms, lowers medication use, as well as significantly improves the quality of life of the allergic individual.”
She further said;
“Immunotherapy is suitable for those with moderate to severe allergies that cannot be well controlled with medication, or those who do not wish to take medication long term.”
She stated that, as with many health issues, early detection is critical, and that one’s quality of life can be greatly improved if appropriate management strategies are found in a timely manner.
Furthermore, according to a group of doctors, the health ministry should recognise immunology as a specialty field so that more trained personnel can be produced to improve allergy care and treatment.

Having that said, the Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology is organising an event to promote public awareness of various aspects of allergies with the Malaysian Allergy Day.
This public webinar is part of the World Allergy Organization’s global consciousness campaign. This year, “Anaphylaxis” is the theme selected (or severe allergic reaction) and everyone is encouraged to engage in this informative talk.

DATE : 19 JUNE 2021
TIME : 7.00pm – 9.00pm
PLATFORM : Facebook (Allergy.MSAI) (https://www.facebook.com/Allergy.MSAI/)

Source: Free Malaysia Today
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Dr KavithaMalaysian Allergy DayMalaysian Society of Allergy and ImmunologyMedicalTalk Session


Prabhu Deva Birthday Special: Did You Know Prabhu Deva Met Michael Jackson in 1999?

India’s Dancing legend, Prabhu Deva Turns 50 Today, and here’s an amazing “did you know” fact about him.
Prabhu Deva’s dance style is heavily influenced by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, as you may have noticed. In fact, he has expressed his admiration for MJ on numerous occasions. Did you know that Prabhu Deva even had the opportunity to meet the late Hollywood icon?
Check out the video below where Prabhu Deva shared his amazing meeting with Michael Jackson:

https://youtu.be/G-hzaQTPcx4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: With Michael Jackson’s fall, Prabhu Deva’s Dream Got Crushed| Untold Stories| Rahman Music Sheets 83 (https://youtu.be/G-hzaQTPcx4)

Also, check out these Prabhu Deva Dances That Will Leave You in Awe-

Muqabla
Urvasi Urvasi
Pettai Rap
Kathadikudhu Kathadikudhu
Mukkala Mukabula
Vadi Vadi Nattukkattai
Romeo Aattam Pottal

From the iconic Muqabla to the fun Pettai Rap, Prabhu Deva’s dance numbers have always been a treat for the eyes. Which one is your favorite?
THE NEXT STEP
Here is another great news- The legendary Prabhu Deva is all set to take Malaysia by storm with his upcoming dance show, “THE NEXT STEP“, organized by DMY. Get ready to witness his electrifying and iconic dance moves, along with performances by some of the most talented dancers in the industry.
And here’s some more exciting news – you can have a chance to join Prabhu Deva on stage and showcase your moves! Participate in the DMY one-minute Dance Video Contest and win your spot on stage with the dance legend himself. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shine and dance alongside the best in the business.
So get your dancing shoes on and join the contest now!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRABHU DEVA
Source : (1)
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.


Visu Passes Away at 74

The actor, director and stage artiste M.R. Viswanathan, popularly known as Visu, passed away due to a cardiac arrest yesterday. He was 74 years old.

He acted in over 60 films and directed 25 films, which are still regarded as cult classics. His popular films which include Manal Kayiru, Samsaram Adhu Minsaram, Aval Sumangalithaan and Dowry Kalyanam. They were known for their strong, family-centric concept.
Visu has also played supporting roles in films like Irattai Roja, Arunachalam and Middle Class Madhavan.
The Varnam team extends our heartfelt sympathies to the family of M.R. Viswanathan.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  Remembering Visu: The Luminary Film Maker, On His Birthday
Filed Under Aval SumangalithaanDowry KalyanamIrattai RojaM.R. ViswanathanManal KayiruMiddle Class MadhavanSamsaram Adhu Minsaramvisu


Millennial Children And Technology

In this day and age of advanced technology, children tend to pick up on a variety of skills very quickly without even really realising it. These kids are the “millennial children”.  Unlike previous generations, who were not much of tech savvy , these kids are just super tech friendly and super smart to be honest.
Picture credit: ThePrint
I remember being unable to unlock my mother’s old Nokia keypad phone to play the very famous snake game, I suppose you guys remember. Nowadays, I see a lot of kids who can smoothly unlock a password-protected iPhone, not to play games, but to watch YouTube.
But I’m not arguing because they’re pretty smart for such a young age. As a result, we have actually witnessed how many young geniuses have accomplished extraordinary feats at such a young age.
An app developer at the age of 12, a CEO at the age of 15, and numerous young business geniuses who have launched their own venture. Of course, even back then, there were young people who dared to achieve great things and set a good example. However, we can no longer deny that as generations pass, more astute children are born.
In Malaysia, we even saw a large number of children taking part in the white flag movement. They helped by wisely using the social media platform to gather people to assist the white flag raisers. Seeing the children who participated in this initiative fascinates me. Not that they are actively helping, but that they empathise for the less fortunate who were severely impacted by the pandemic.
Picture credit: The Week
Back then, children of those generations had little involvement in or knowledge of the outside world. Because children are frequently seen and raised as “children,” very few participate in occurrences that affect mankind. They are frequently regarded as the naive and gullible.
However, the progress that the children are making is not without its drawbacks. Because, whether we like it or not, they are limited in their ability to distinguish between the good and the bad. They didn’t arrive in this world very long ago, and I don’t think they’ve given themselves enough time to understand where certain things might lead them.
Related:  SJKT Ebor Bagged 2 Gold Medals in The 34th ITEX'23Sometimes, even adults have difficulty distinguishing between what is good and what is bad at times; what about children? This technological advancement will only benefit children today if it is used wisely and under supervision.
Technology will continue to advance and it’s not going anywhere. Today’s children have access to technology that allows them to know far more than we believe children of their age should understand. At the same time, I personally also believe that when this occurs, their childhood, which they are supposed to have until the age of 12-14, diminishes and slowly vanishes.
Picture credit: YouTube
The “childhood” phase that they are supposed to go through is shortening and, I believe, will vanish in future generations. The sad part is that most children who do not use technology wisely become victims of it, suffering from a slew of negative consequences.
Adults do not properly guide them regarding the balance that they are supposed to apply in their lives. I would never blame the child for this because I still see them as vulnerable and naive. The adults who are the children’s parents are supposed to model the balance that the children should understand.
It is their responsibility to facilitate the wellspring of doing anything with balance, and technology is no exception.
This reminds me of a famous quote by Rumi, a Persian Muslim poet;
“Anything which is more than our necessity is poison, it may be power, wealth, hunger, ego, greed, laziness, love, ambition, hate or anything.”
That’s what I’m trying to say, too much use of this perk of technology will have some adverse influence even if you’re an adult, and doing so at such a young age will be more destructive in so many ways. We live in an advanced technological era that will only continue to grow, and completely halting the use of technology is both impossible and illogical. But, when it comes down to it, using in moderation would bring this debate to an adjacent.
What are your views on this? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under millennial childrenNokiaRumitechnology


Sollividava: Arjun Should Just Accept The Fact That His Daughter Cannot Act

There wasn’t much hype for Sollividava when it was announced, and I was very surprised. The movie is directed by Action King Arjun and his daughter Aishwarya is starring in a leading role. Sounds like it’s going to be a pretty good movie, doesn’t it? Well, I was wrong.  In fact, I have never been more wrong about anything in my entire life.
Here are a few reasons why I think Sollividava should have never made it to the theaters:
1) It’s about time Arjun accept the fact that his daughter CANNOT act
I had high hopes for the movie for two reasons: 1) Because Aishwarya is the daughter of the Action King 2) Because I didn’t watch Patthathu Yaanai (Aishwarya’s only other movie)
And here’s what I learned from the movie: Just because someone’s father is a fantastic actor, it doesn’t mean they can act. I guess not everyone can be Shruti Haasan. Also, make sure to watch their only other movie first so you know not to get your hopes up.
While Aishwarya Arjun excels in dancing, her acting and delivery of dialogues were painful to watch. I don’t know if she speaks Tamil, but delivery didn’t feel natural. Perhaps that could be blamed on the screenplay, but she doesn’t command attention with her screen presence anyway. She mostly tries to bank in on her cuteness. She probably needs more time and experience – this is only her second movie – but perhaps acting is just not her forte?

2) Arjun may be a great actor and director, but he probably shouldn’t write
For a movie that deems itself to be a war movie, Sollividava spends way too much time on unnecessary scenes before we even hear any mention of the war. Madhu (Aishwarya) is introduced through a scene at a gym – where she is doing classical dance with her hair flying. Perhaps she could be introduced in a scene where she is winning an award for her writing prowess, because she is, after all, a hardworking journalist. But no – why showcase a woman’s brains and ability when you can focus on her beauty? And it is disappointing that this scene was directed by her own father.
After that, we spend way too much time learning about her bond with her grandfather and her aunt – all of which contributes zilch to the plot of the movie.
Sollividava is also saturated with Tamil movie cliches. In fact, if there was an award for the most cliched Tamil movie ever, Sollividava will win it.
While we low-key (but hopelessly) wait for Tamil movies to be more progressive, this movie takes three hundred steps backwards. And as someone who grew up watching Arjun on screen, it’s hard to believe that someone of his calibre wrote and directed this movie.
Related:  Happy World Environment Day! To Celebrate Mother Nature, here are 5 Soothing Tamil songs about the Environment.Source: The Auteur
The film is basically about two journalists who fall in love during an assignment to cover the Kargil War. Here, Arjun is confused whether he wants to make this movie about the war, or about love. If he says it’s about the war, then he’s just lying to our faces.
Instead of giving us any backstory or implications of the Kargil War, the movie solely focuses on Sanjay and Madhu – two headstrong journalists who are falling in love with each other and won’t admit it.
This is how the movie went: They’re in the war zone. *bombs blasting* *soldiers shooting each other* *Madhu admiring Sanjay* *bombs blasting* *soldiers shooting each other* *Sanjay admiring Madhu* *bombs blasting* *soldiers shooting each other* *soldier takes picture of Sanjay and Madhu to convince them that they are falling in love with each other*
War ends.

Both still won’t admit that they’re in love with each other. Prakash Raj makes a cameo appearance and talk about how you should always tell people what you feel, because his son died in the war and he never did tell his son how proud he was of him.
Madhu’s fiance (yeah she was engaged the whole time) conveniently turned out to be a playboy. She calls off her engagement and runs in slow-mo toward Sanjay.
There, I saved you 13 bucks and 3 hours of your life. You can use that money to watch Kalakalappu 2 instead.
3) There were only two memorable moments in the movie
The only time I fought the urge to walk out of the cinema was during the “Jai Hanumantha” song, and I thought I heard S.P. Bala’s voice. Arjun also made a cameo in this song, and his screen presence was the only redeemable thing about the movie. He also appeared for a few seconds towards the end of the movie, which gave me the same feeling as when I see Stan Lee in Marvel movies.

Aside from that, nothing about the movie is particularly worth remembering. In fact, this is a great movie to watch if you don’t like someone and want to put them through 3 hours of cliched dialogues and painful acting.
Verdict : As Simon Cowell would say on American Idol, “It’s a ‘No’ from me.”
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under AishwaryaArjunSollividava


Indian Police Ask 10 Foreigners To Write “I didn’t follow lockdown. I am sorry” 500 Times!

The Uttarakhand Police on Saturday caught ten foreigners flouting lockdown norms and loitering near the Ganga River in Rishikesh, and handed out a novel punishment to make them toe the line. They told the ten foreigners to write “I didn’t follow lockdown. I am sorry” at least 500 times on a piece of paper and hand it over to them.

These foreigners hail from Israel, Australia, Mexico and some other European countries, the police said.
The police had been getting reports that some foreigners were defying the lockdown and coming to the Ganga stretch from Neem Beach till Sai Ghat in Tapovan to chill.
The police officer said when they were asked to explain why they were strolling without any reason during the lockdown; the foreigners said they thought they can do so from 7 am till 1 pm when the lockdown is relaxed.
After punishing them, the police told them that it is a light one and if they refuse to do so then they will be blacklisted which will bar them from entering India again. They then agreed to the punishment and wrote the apology out 500 times at the spot. They were then let off with a stern warning and told not to venture out without any reason.
Tapovan is a very popular spot among foreigners visiting Rishikesh because of the Ganga River and greenery all around. Foreigners usually gather there to spend some leisure.
According to officials from Uttarakhand Tourism and the Covid-19 control room, around 1500 foreign tourists were stranded across the state due to the lockdown. They said over 700 tourists have been sent back to their countries with help from respective embassies in the last 15 days or so. A few days ago, 96 Americans were also flown out from Dehradun to Delhi in a special Air India flight.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam Receives 'UniteHealth's COVID-19 Influencers Award'
Filed Under covid-19Indiarishikeshtourist


Indian-American Scientist, Swati Mohan Who Led NASA’s Perseverance Rover On Mars

A historic mission took place on 18th February, where NASA successfully landed its Perseverance rover on Mars. An Indian-American scientist, Dr Swati Mohan, has confirmed the landing.
Picture credit: News week
The rover landed at the Jezero crater that was once flooded with water, according to scientists. Past studies have shown that life in the crater may have developed and that clays are highly likely to contain a rich fan-delta deposit.
 Scientists and engineers at NASA’s mission control in California burst with joy as soon as the rover landed.
The Indian American lady, Dr Swati and her team are among the scientists part of this historic mission. Dr Swati, who is the Operations Leader for Mars 2020 Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C), successfully led the development of attitude control and the Perseverance landing system.
Picture credit: The Hindu
When the world was watching the dramatic landing, Swati was communicating and coordinating between the GN&C subsystem and the rest of the project team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Los Angeles in the control room, calm and composed.
Swati Mohan migrated to the United States With Her Parents from India When She was a year old Toddler. Most of her childhood was spent in Northern Virginia-Washington, DC.
Swati has a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. She completed her MS and PhD from MIT in Aeronautics/Astronautics.
Since the beginning, Swati has been a key member of the Perseverance Rover mission and has also been part of various NASA missions. She also worked on Cassini, a mission to Saturn and GRAIL, a pair of spacecrafts flying to the moon.
Picture credit: www.xooon.in
Swati decided to discover new and beautiful places in the universe after seeing the American science fiction Star Trek at the age of 9. Also, until she was 16, she wanted to become a paediatrician.
The scientist later took an interest and became an engineer in physics. Her interest in space exploration was then pursued and she joined NASA.
Dr Swati Mohan was the one who confirmed the Perseverance rover’s landing on Mars.
“Touchdown confirmed! Perseverance is safely on the surface of Mars, ready to begin seeking the signs of past life,” she announced shortly after the rover landed.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Indian-American ScientistNasa IndianSwati Mohan Who Led NASA's Perseverance Rover On Mars. Swati Mohan


Frustrated with the Slow Internet? TM Clarifies

Has the snail paced internet been getting on your nerves?
Damage to submarine cables is causing reduced Internet speeds, especially for certain sites based out of the United States and Hong Kong, says Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).
The telco said the consortium of operators which maintains the Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2) has detected some faults in the submarine cables at Segment Three, between Chongming to Lantau connecting Malaysia to Singapore, Hong Kong and San Jose, in the US.
“The affected cable provides international connectivity to many Internet-based services such as video conferencing, gaming and Virtual Private Network (VPN) hosted in Hong Kong and the US,” it said to The Star Online.
TM added that the cable fault may cause a degree of service degradation for Internet users of these services in Malaysia and in the region, while other users and services should be largely unaffected. Efforts on rectifying the faults detected have begun, the company said.
In the meantime, mitigation works and traffic rerouting is being done to reduce the impacted services.
TM said it is also taking measures to optimise traffic from its networks to reduce congestion and divert traffic to alternative routes.
The telco added that existing partnerships with tech giants and social networks in localising Internet content has resulted in only 20% of its Internet traffic going truly international, mainly for streaming, online games and tele-conferencing.
This means the cable fault would have minimal impact to Internet users in Malaysia, the company claimed.
It also assures that its core network and fibre optic infrastructure are capable of supporting any sudden increase in bandwidth requirement for the industry to ensure that their services to end users are not interrupted.
Asked about the timeline for repairs, TM said the cause of the cable fault was still under investigation by the consortium and can only be ascertained after cable ships arrive for repair work.
“The expected date of full cable restoration has not been determined yet by the consortium. However, on TM’s part, we are targeting to have additional capacity ready by April 20, ” it said.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.


The Teddy Bear Doctor; A Benevolent Doctor Dedicated To Aid The Homeless And Underprivileged

Kindness is the simplest act of love and equally crucial for today’s distorted society. It is the only thing that can help the world become a better place. And a change is good and welcomed by all of us.
Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
Having said that, here is a man who is a compelling proof of the aforementioned statement. He started with 20, and now he’s got 160 volunteers.
 He is Well known as the Teddy Bear Doctor because he looks like a giant teddy bear and has a smiling and friendly Face enough to make his patients feel safe and comfortable.
Dr. Madhusudhan is a full-time doctor who uses his medical expertise and skills to provide treatment and aid to those in need.
Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
In 2015, he started the Teddy Mobile Clinic, an after-hour clinic that reaches out to the urban underprivileged and homeless every week. Now in 2020, he has set up three mobile clinics and is also funding old folk’s homes, orphanages and Orang Asli.
Dr. Madhusudhan shared that he observed his dad helping out so many people during his childhood days. He was inspired and encouraged to follow in his father’s footsteps, and soon became a doctor, not for the sake of money or fame, but to do good.
My patients and volunteers are like family to me. And I am happy to do this over and over and I hope with my help, they too are able to live better lives for themselves.

Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
His volunteers include doctors and pharmacists who Treat and Aid about 50 patients a night.
The key health issues our patients face are skin problems, diabetes and high blood pressure due to the burden of working in the streets. Others, he added, were with severe blood pressure readings of more than 200. Others who have symptoms of tuberculosis are immediately taken to the hospital by volunteers.
Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
Even while it’s an open-air mobile clinic with no walls in Jalan Hang Lekiu, consisting only of folding tables and chairs, Dr. Madhusudhan and his team regard it like a proper clinic. He also accepts everyone who comes for treatment.
Dr. Madhusudhan, who also operates a typical clinic in Cheras, said that when he started the Teddy Mobile Clinic, he had to take medicine from his own centre. Now though, people donate to the cause.
As a doctor, Dr. Madhusudhan expressed that he has the strength and expertise to reach out to more people. And with Teddy Mobile Clinic of aspiring volunteers, he believes that they will really have an impact in the community.
Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
Teddy Bear Clinic is such a blessing for the underprivileged and homeless. It made their lives less burdensome and tiresome. “Without Teddy Bear Clinic, I’d have to go to the hospital and go through a lot of financial stress,” said a homeless man.
Dr.Madhusudhan also said that he feels the authorities should do better to balance the responsibility of caring for the underprivileged with NGOs.
But for Dr. Madhusudhan, who has been consistently engaged in voluntary work since his school days, says that he needs to do more as there are many out there that are in dire need of help.
Teddy Mobile Clinic Official Facebook page
Hence, the doctor welcomes anyone who wants to work at the clinic or support the cause financially, ultimately believing that it certainly takes two to tango.
“And if you meet someone who wants medical attention and cannot afford it, you should bring them to us. We never turn anyone away,” Dr. Madhusudhan ended.
Dr Madhusudhan recent feature on Dutch Lady :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kld40D9opic&fbclid=IwAR3EQKfh-N6rZBYFJhUekB5PvlWKvMoa5v9mCkfV-wZ-d_IQuVI_RQl65MoVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Dr. Madhu, The Teddy Bear Doctor #DLStrongMeStrongerUs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kld40D9opic&fbclid=IwAR3EQKfh-N6rZBYFJhUekB5PvlWKvMoa5v9mCkfV-wZ-d_IQuVI_RQl65Mo)

Source: SAYS & FMT
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Charity work in KLDoctor doing charityDoctor TeddyTeddy Mobile ClinicThe Teddy bear doctor


RapidKL: Users Burst Out Their Disappointment Due To Sudden LRT Shut Down

From Facebook to Twitter, we can see tonnes of netizens are bursting out of disappointments and frustrations with the current LRT issue.
Yesterday (8th November), RapidKL announces through their social handles that the LRT service between KLCC to Kelana Jaya and Kelana Jaya to Ampang Park station closed due to some technical issues. In the meantime, they advised passengers to use the free intermediate bus service or take other alternative modes of transport to travel.
IMAGE CREDIT: MISSMEADOWFOAM (TWITTER)
Social media were flooded with questions and dissatisfaction from many LRT users as they were stranded at the stations unnoticed and some weren’t aware of the sudden situation. Some of them also shared that they aren’t able to get any e-hailing services at the moment due to rush hours, traffic and heavy downpour.
IMAGE CREDIT: SHASHAPASIRMAS (TWITTER)
However, LRT users left home with the hope that the situation will be sorted out and most of them can travel like normal the next day. Earlier this morning, RapidKL made an announcement in regard to the issue to LRT users.
Today (8th November), via their Facebook page, RapidKL announces that 16 stations from the Kelana Jaya LRT line will be temporarily closed for 7 days straight, from 9th November to 15th November after being hit by temporary service interruptions.
IMAGE CREDIT: RAPIDKL
Speaking to a daily LRT user Sangeetha, a KL employee residing at Subang Jaya said “As a regular Kelana Jaya Line LRT user, this disruption has majorly inconvenienced me. Yesterday, 6pm after work I walked all the way to the LRT station to notice it has been shut with little to no other options provided.”
The 26-year-old HR further explains that the only option she had at that time was to take a grab service and yet, the e-hailing back to Subang yesterday was expensive, which cost around RM50. “To add further inconvenience I had to wait nearly an hour to secure a grab as no drivers were accepting my grab request.”
Frustrated with the situation, she said “This has definitely brought difficulties like major traffic congestion, unacceptably high grab fares, moreover, a mental burden on arranging alternate transportation. I’m exhausted both physically and emotionally as I travel home from work yesterday.”
IMAGE CREDIT: JASMINEYUNO (TWITTER)
Another regular LRT user, Thivyaa Baskaran shared “I was drained from the incident yesterday. Everyone at my office had to take grab service as the LRT was not available. I found it difficult to return home as someone who travels all the way from Kajang using only public transit,”
Elucidating further, the 24-year-old said, “Thankfully I got a Grab during the non-stop rainy weather although I had to wait quite a long time, stuck in traffic for almost 1 hour 40 mins, reached KL Sentral then took the MRT back home.”
She who usually uses the LRT service from Pasar Seni to Kerinchi advises that we shouldn’t lash out at the RapidKL management because this is a sudden technical failure. She added that it would have been easier if there were other alternatives that could have been suggested by the management during this situation,”. Thivyaa also wishes that the office management would consider allowing their employees to work from home until this issue resolves and further notice from RapidKL.
Most LRT users rant shared about how they were affected through their social media. Adding weight to the LRT issue, the heavy downpour also made many people stranded for hours without any other alternative transportation to travel back.
This are the list of 16 affected stations:

Kelana Jaya
Taman Bahagia
Taman Paramount
Asia Jaya
Taman Jaya
Universiti
Kerinchi
Bangsar
Abdullah Hukum
KL Sentral
Pasar Seni
Masjid Jamek
Dang Wangi
Kampung Baru
KLCC
Ampang Park

However, Rapid Rail said other stations would operate as normal starting from 6am, but the service would end one hour earlier at 11pm.
IMAGE CREDIT: RAPIDKL
These are the available LRT stations at the moment that operates from 6am to 11pm:

Gombak
Taman Melati
Wangsa Maju
Sri Rampai
Setiawangsa
Jelatek
Dato Keramat
Damai
Lembah Subang
Ara Damansara
Glenmarie
Subang Jaya
SS15
SS18
US7
Taipan
Wawasan
USJ21
Alam Megah
Subang Alam
Putra Heights

Let’s all hope that after 15th November, the LRT service will be available to use without any technical disruption.

To all regular users, you may stay updated with the current situation by following RapidKL‘s Facebook page by clicking HERE or throughout the Pulse App. Let’s hope for a quicker solution from RapidKL.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Ampang ParkGrabKelana JayaKL SentralKLCCLRTLRT disruptionlrt technical issueRapidKL:Sangeetha


On Subverting Agony to Power: A Maamannan Album Review

Esaki character in Devar Magan is what Maamannan is about. What if Esaki becomes Maamannan?
– Mari Selvaraj, director of up the upcoming film, Maamannan
Mari Selvaraj has etched his own name in Tamil cinema history. His films, on par with Pa. Ranjith’s, have subverted and questioned the culture that Tamil cinema has represented all along. Mari Selvaraj’s debut film, Pariyerum Perumal, is a significant work on a young man’s life and the casteist, dystopic world around him. Karnan, Mari’s second film, had a similar theme, but Karnan believed in revolutionary violence. Karnan took up arms to defend and liberate his people. Mari’s films so far have all dealt with subverting the way cinema has depicted the oppressed castes in its caste-feudal lens, never seeing them as complete people with a culture, history, and philosophy.
A.R. Rahman has brought out Mari Selvaraj’s politics and ideology brilliantly in this album. He also has his own musical interpretation of the filmmaker’s aesthetic and philosophy. Some of the songs, particularly those that follow the Oppari and Nattupura (folk) traditions, call back to the Rahman Era of Rasathi (from Thiruda Thiruda) and Kizhakku Cheemayile.
Image Source IMDb
Kodi Parakura Kaalam

The album opens with this revolutionary call for battle. The song of a broken, docile woman calling out for her lover in her trapped, abandoned state. She mourns the loss of her Ondiveeran, but a brave woman comes along and tells her, Inga Ondiveeran Nee Than Di!  She demands the other woman arm herself, brace herself before the world, and forge her own path. The use of the historical figure Ondiveeran here is notably important. Ondiveeran was an anti-imperialist warrior who fought against the East India Company, the British imperialist economic instrument used to colonise Tamil Nadu. He was also from a subjugated caste. The memory of Ondiveeran is kept alive not only as an emblem against imperialism but also as a revolutionary struggle against caste-feudalism. Most Tamil cinema has two women singing about romance, but these women sing for revolution. The might of brave Ondiveeran lives through us all. The Kodi that flies here is the flag of liberation. The flag of resistance to the Old World of enslavement.
Nenjame Nenjame

Arguably the weakest song in the album, Nenjame Nenjame doesn’t have the intended impact of a love song. It’s a shame because everybody involved in this romantic song has talent way beyond what this song has produced. From A.R. Rahman to Vijay Yesudas to Shakthisree Gopalan to lyricist Yugabharathi, all of who have made mesmerising romantic works, have failed to entrance me in this particular ballad. The lyricism is no doubt intimate on its own, but in the form of a song, the depth and beauty of the poetics do not entrance the listener.
Utchanthala
Just as the song is titled, you can feel this mournful ballad seep from the top of your scalp deep into the flesh and marrow of your spine. The song makes one come face-to-face with death and loss; it’s ominous, haunting, and eerie. The voices of Deepthi Suresh, Sireesha Bhaguvatula, and Pavithra Chari, sink deep into our souls and leave us grasping for air, as if space has suddenly collapsed all around us. There are very few instruments in this masterful song, and the annihilating lyrics and harrowing vocals drag us to a form of abyss. Yugabharathi’s lyrics visualise torture; he writes rhetoric, asking questions he and we know the answers to. The scene of bodies rotting right before us is immense. There is one incredibly striking line that goes, “Muchu muttom nasikulle ratha vaadai therkam enna.” Forces one to face the cruel and deadly realities of caste violence that often leaves one in death.
Related:  Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan Awarded Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema at IIFA 2023Manna Maamanna

Arivu has delivered yet another powerful anthem for liberation. Arivu’s lyrics and A.R. Rahman’s music amalgamate into this heavy, forceful, and assertive lifeform. The trumpet adds a layer of richness and a segment of opulence to this song. It is a song that demands attention. The song is about the inner chant of a subaltern shattering through the confines of his body to be heard by the whole world that subjugates him. ‘Vaazhvil osai parai osai’ parades how the sound of human life is ancient, proud, and powerful. This song is truly fit for a Maamannnan. The speaker also demands ‘kekkutha en bashai,” striking us with the truth that the oppressed speak another language, another lexicon, and another axiom than his oppressors.
Veerane
A. R. Ameen has sung this very upbeat song about being a Veeran. The song has a jolly, adventurous tune to it. Yuga Bharati has done great work in creating suitable lyrics for this tune. Parts of this song remind me of Veera from Raavanan. It has a playful, youthful magic to it. One should not fear danger; one should plunge head first into the beating heart of the world and claim your place as a warrior amongst the chaos. The Jayam chant embeds a sense of this song being a theological hymn, a spiritual call even.
Raasa Kannu

Vadivelu has always had a rooted vernacular in his voice, in his body, and in his soul. Perhaps it’s the title, Raasa Kannu, or perhaps there is a gentleness to this song that makes it feel like a lullaby. Like grandparents telling their grandchildren of their history. It is a song that passes the memory of one generation to another. A history of memory is carefully whispered into the ears of the young. To not forget, to never forget, to always remember our torments. The line ‘padaiyirunthum payantha sanam’ shows how an enslaved people can outnumber their enemy but still hesitate to fight for their freedom.
Jigu Jigu Rail

Jigu Jigu Rail is a bittersweet closing song with Rahman himself featuring in the music video, accompanied by darling little children. The reggae influence and callback to Santosh Narayan’s ‘Vaa Rayil Vida Poolam Vaa’ from Pariyerum Perumal are interesting choices. As it feels like a continuation of hope from one film to another. Reggae has historically been pioneered as a music for African liberation. While some might say this is a foreign-influenced song, which is indeed correct, the reggae genre too is an instrument of the oppressed just as Tamil folk music has always been. Reggae was an weapon used by icons like Bob Marley (who was greatly guided by Marcus Garvey, a prominent Pan-Africanist) to fight for African liberation. Rahman’s unique voice singing “Elam Maarum, Elam Maarum” truly reassures us that the world will change to be a better place one day, for all of us.
Overall, this is a masterful album and one of Rahman’s greatest works, and the fact that it deals with the crucial subject of liberation means that his music will truly anchor itself further in the hearts of the people.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under A.R. RahmanKeerthy Sureshmari selvarajudhyanidhi stalinvadivelu


WATCH: Young Ruff’s Latest Tune, Gang Gang is Now Streaming On All Platforms!

Rapper Young Ruff is back with his latest tune, Gang Gang.
The tune was produced, composed and arranged by Roshan Jamrock with lyrics by the rapper and Young Ruff.
In the past, Young Ruff has worked with some pretty big names like Balan Kashmir and Emcee Jesz. Roshan, on the other hand, has done well in the Indian music industry, having worked on films like Kabali, Kaala and Bairavaa. He is a part of the hip hop troupe K-Town Clan.

Keep up with Young Ruff on Instagram here.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.


Inaivi; A Melody Tune That Soothes Our Soul

Helmed & written by DK and the team, the melody track was composed by our very own talented musician Shameshan Manimaran and lyrics penned by Jegen John Peter. The beautiful melody tune was sung by Santesh and guitarist Keba Jeremiah executed this lilting tune to perfection.
Inaivi depicts the story about a husband-wife duo who expresses the struggles and triumphs of being away due to the pandemic disrupting their lives on both sides of the bridges that link Singapore and Malaysia. Hence, the wait continues for many Malaysians to see their loved ones across the sea.
Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19, a complete border reopening looks to be a long way off, but that hasn’t dampened the hopes of many that they won’t have to wait that long to meet their closed ones.
The melody tune is certainly tender and sweet but the accompanying music video starring DK, the beautiful and humble Vikneswary, Baby Eron Leonardus Leon, Ravin, and Lega. Not to forget the special guest Gurdev brings the tune into the tear-jerker status of great love songs.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under DKInaiviShameshanVikneswary


Asuran Review: Vetrimaaran and Dhanush Deliver Another Riveting, Blood-Soaked Picture

Apart from Petta and for very different reasons, Asuran (The Demon) was my most anticipated Indian film of the year. What can I say? I’m a fan of director Vetrimaaran and a fan of actor Dhanush, but more than that I’m a huge fan of the Vetrimaaran-Dhanush combination. The duo’s first outing together, Polladhavan, was an average entertainer, but an interesting one. Their brilliant second film, Aadukalam, sent shockwaves across Tamil Cinema and announced the pairing as one to keep a close eye on. But it was last year’s gritty and sprawling epic, Vada Chennai, that kicked my ass so hard, I lay unconscious on the hospital bed for two days straight. I was revived only by the scent of tickets to another screening of Vada Chennai that a friend held in front of my nose like a boxing coach would with smelling salts. My love for that film runs deeper than Russia’s Lake Baikal.
So, don’t mistake it for hyperbole when I say I walked into the opening night screening of Asuran feeling both nervous and excited, the kind of anxiousness you feel walking into an event film or a big football match. There’s always the chance of being grossly disappointed with the end result. Thankfully, I’m happy to report that the film, in true Vetrimaaran-Dhanush fashion, grabs you by the throat and pulls no punches. It’s an utterly engrossing film that provokes thought and taps into your feral emotions, even if it’s not as good as the duo’s previous two films, nor the director’s other film, Visaranai.

The film opens with a shot of the moon reflected in the water — it’s still and peaceful. Then a foot steps through it, forming ripples and disrupting its calmness. This is what Asuran is about. It’s about a man who wants nothing more in his life than peace, for himself and his family, but keeps getting forced, pulled and dragged into situations of extreme violence. It’s a revenge-thriller with a simple premise. The foot we see in the opening shot belongs to Sivasamy (Dhanush), a lower caste farmer who’s on the run with his teenage son who had just killed an upper-caste honcho. We later learn that it’s an act of vengeance — members of that upper caste had previously killed Sivasamy’s oldest son.
Vetrimaaran takes this simple premise and through mostly good writing and fantastic filmmaking, delivers a picture that is always absorbing and at times uncomfortable film on what rage and violence can do to even the most peaceful of families and communities, while also asking, given the circumstances, what else can the oppressed do but be enraged and violent?

After some genuinely thrilling sequences of our protagonist and his family hiding and quietly trekking through the forest to escape the men who are hunting them, we get a flashback where we get acquainted with our characters and discover the chain of events that has led to this moment. Sivasamy lives in a tiny house by his farm with his wife and two sons. He wears a weathered face of a man who has seen some sh*t, his thick beard makes him look older than he is. It’s as if life has worn him down. Well, life and the amount of alcohol he consumes throughout the day. He’s a drunk — at one point he pukes on the floor of his living room — but a loving father and husband. There’s also an unusual calmness to him, mirroring his soft name, taken after a Hindu deity. He speaks to everyone politely and deals with problems that come his way diplomatically. Dhanush plays this character with understated brilliance. Look at the sadness in his eyes when his youngest son is rude to him. Even then, he doesn’t raise his voice. Her sort of just mumbles.
In an absolutely heartbreaking scene, Sivasamy gets down and the feet of every single villager, some of them are kids… and then walks away drained and exhausted. It pained me so much, I dug my fingernails deep into my armrest. (I must ask, what does that tell us about Dhanush as an actor? How many stars within Tamil Cinema would allow their on-screen characters to be subjected to such humiliation without immediately delivering a rousing one-liner / “punch-dialogue” or just beating everyone to a pulp? Would Rajini, Vijay and Ajith do it? Heck, would Post-Singam Suriya?)
His sons, on the other hand, are quite the opposite, despite his methods of nurturing them. Think of this interesting, anti-mass scene. When Sivasamy’s wife, Pachaiyamma (Manju Warrier who finds a balance between maternal warmth and vigour) gets threatened and manhandled by some thieving upper-caste folk, it’s the eldest son, Vel Murugan, not Sivasamy, who comes to the rescue and dishes out the beating. And it’s this beating that leads to Sivasamy’s humiliation, which leads to an even more enraged Murugan who goes on to slap the upper caste honcho repeatedly with a slipper, which leads to the upper caste folks retaliating which leads to…

We eventually do get a Dhanush mass-y fight scene. To save his youngest son, Chidambaram, from getting hacked by the villains, Sivasamy has no choice but to turn into Asuran. God becomes Demon. And this is where my first gripe with the film comes: The transformation, while expected, feels a little too sudden. I know we’ve seen moments like this before, but they’re always in ‘Mass’ movies. Take Baasha for example. Despite Manickam (Rajinikanth) being a passive character in the first half, the film surrounding him was still larger than life. By the interval fight scene, we had already seen police officers stand up for him, cheered during the iconic medical college scene and watched him laugh after getting tied to a pole and beaten to a pulp.
Related:  Vishnu Vishal Denies Being Part of D50Vetrimaaran is not that type of filmmaker. He paints and draws you into a very realistic, gritty world filled with equally realistic characters. So, when a “mass-y” transformation suddenly happens, it feels a little jarring. It bothered me during my first viewing of Vada Chennai as well, when Anbu starts kicking serious ass during the climactic action block. I couldn’t help but wonder if there were missing scenes that detail his transformation a little more. But it became a non-issue after a couple of viewings. In Asuran, it becomes a non-issue after the first fight, partly because you (or at least, I) sort of readjust my frame of mind to suit the slightly less realistic tone of the film, but mostly because the action scenes themselves are so bloody enthralling.

I remember reading somewhere that during the production of Thalapathi, Rajini was taken aback by just how much he was asked to emote and ACT by Mani Ratnam during fight scenes. Vetrimaaran appears to be one such helmer. The fights in Asuran may be stylistic when it involves Dhanush, but there’s also a level of grit and coarseness to it. They overflow with emotion. You see the rage in Dhanush’s eyes, you feel his pain, you get a sense of how hard he’s gripping his machete. The action scenes aren’t just rousing (though, by the end of it your heart is pumping loud and fast), they’re uncomfortable and untamed. There’s a ferociousness to it.
Every time Sivasamy swings the sickle, you wince and gasp. Every time he gets stabbed, you watch the film only through the slits between your fingers. There’s so much weight to the fights, you feel it vibrate deep within your bones. You feel the blood splatter through the screen. While you can’t help but stand up and cheer when the villains are getting their much-deserved comeuppance, when the oppressed and the ostracized start hitting back, you’re also weighed down by the inherent sadness these fights are shrouded in. You want the violence to stop… please. GV Prakash’s untamed and raging soundtrack ‘Bloodbath’ that accompanies the action blocks is one for the ages. In the second half, we get a younger Sivasamy, also played by Dhanush but with the unrestrained energy of a tiger.

With Vada Chennai, Vetrimaaran proved himself to be one of, if not the very best writer-director working in Tamil cinema today. Here, his writing is good once again. The dialogue is organic and interesting, sometimes very funny too. The line where Chidambaram compares the death of his dog to the death of his family members is superb. Asuran may not be an ‘EPIC’ (and it doesn’t have to be), but the echoes between past and present certainly add to the epicness of it. In the past, members of Sivasamy’s caste weren’t allowed to put on footwear (detailed in a gut-wrenching sequence that will make your blood boil), but in the present, we see him casually buying slippers out in the open, for his son to wear. The fact that he does so while on the run from the upper caste villains is beautifully woven in subtext. Times have changed, certain rules and customs have changed, but the oppression still very much exists.
Yet, something seems to be lacking. The last line in the film — “if we have farmlands, they’ll grab it, if we have money, they’ll snatch it from us, but if we have education, they can never take it away from us” — is an important one. But it’s more “telling” than “showing.” Perhaps we could have gotten a stretch where the youngest son goes to school and leads and ordinary life before he too, like his brother before him, is pulled into the darkness. The same can be said about Dhanush’s Sivasamy, whose story seems to be missing a few chapters. What happened between the time when he’s given a new lease on life by the Pasupathy character and the time when we first meet him? How did he become an alcoholic? How did life wear him down to such a degree?

What about those lengthy sequences of sheer thrills that Vetrimaaran is so capable of? One scene sees mother and daughter taking cover in a neighbouring village when a relative rushes in, in a panic, to warn them about Vaddakuran’s men who have arrived. We think we’re going to get a set piece ala Vada Chennai where Anbu and Padma’s brother run away from gangsters through the slums. But here, we just cut away. The next time we see these characters, they’re already somewhere else. It’s as if Vetrimaaran is deliberately holding back, as if to say, “I’m saving my big set pieces for Vada Chennai Part 2.”
But despite the film’s shortcomings, despite not being up to Vetrimaaran’s usual standards Asuran is still a thoroughly riveting film. I like all the characters and while some of them don’t have complete arcs, the performances more than make up for it. The action sequences are both heart-pounding and heartbreaking. GV Prakash’s songs aren’t intrusive, rather used to convey mood and feeling. Velraj’s cinematography increases the temperature of Vetrimaaran’s world. You feel the sting of the sun and the grime of the sandy villages. And Dhanush? What else can be said about the actor? He’s terribly underrated and the absolute best all-round performer in Tamil Cinema.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under AsuranDhanushvetrimaaran


Sabarimalai Ayyappan Viratham: Procedures To Know Before Embarking On Ayyappan Malai’s Spiritual Journey

It’s that time of year where Lord Ayyappan worshippers perform strict prayers in preparation for their journey for Sabarimalai Ayyappan Viratham. Devotees who perform the difficult task and seek Lord Ayyappan’s blessings in the temple are said to get their prayers granted.
Every viratham has a role in preparing you for destiny or a path. During the Sabarimalai viratham time, the devotee must abstain from all worldly pleasures. The devotee must separate themselves from all that is good and terrible, as well as what they enjoy and dislike to keep them concentrated on Lord Ayyappan. The Viratha Kalam also prepares both of their minds and bodies for the long journey to Sabarimalai.
Image credit: Instalker
Taking viratham during this time is unlike any other. In this regiment, it involves great responsibilities and commitments. There are a few things that the devotee should keep in mind while performing the Sabarimalai Viratham.
Listed below are some of the major requirements you have to fulfil before you begin your journey:

A devotee must have a Guruswamy to take them through this Viradha Kalam. It is not advisable to take the viratham by yourself as you may seek knowledge of a Guruswamy to guide you through the fasting period and on your travel to Sabarimalai.
The viratham rituals begin as the devotees wear a Tulasi malai, Rudraksha malai or Spatika malai which is inscribed with Lord Ayyappan’s dollar.
The devotees are required to wear black to symbolise that they have given up on colours in their lives. You also can wear blue or saffron colour outfits but black is more advisable. Shoes and slippers are not advisable on the journey.

Image credit: The week

A devotee must always done a Santhanam, Vibuthi, and Kunkumam on their forehead.
A devotee who wears a malai is required to perform a pooja twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Throughout the viratham period, people should call the devotee ‘Samy.’ For example, Appa Samy and Thambhi Samy as a form of showing one’s respect towards the devotee.

Image credit: The Economic India

The devotee needs to visit the temple at least once a day.
The food must be fully vegetarian and is advised to avoid onion and garlic. A devotee should eat to satisfy their appetite rather than to fill their tummy.
The person who’s taking part in this viratham, strictly needs to follow bramacharyam.
During this period, the devotee is advised to speak less and avoid arguments.
The devotee should sleep on the floor on a mat and is not allowed to use a pillow for comfort. If necessary, a blanket can be used.

Image credit: Dreamstime

When fasting, that devotee is not allowed to shave or get their hair trimmed and they may shave if their job requires them to be neat.
Events such as marriages, newborn ceremonies and deaths should be avoided. You must be living the life of a sanyasi and must abstain from these events. If you need to attend the funeral of your loved one, you must remove the malai and leave it in your pooja room with Lord Ayyappan. When you return, you must immediately shower and have your mother or Guruswamy place the malai on your back.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under GuruswamyLord AyyappanSabarimalaiSabarimalai Ayyappan Viratham.Sabarimalai VirathamThe Ayyappan Malai Spiritual Journeyviratham


Kadhal Desam Reflects A Swoon-Worthy Love Tune

Nothing expresses emotions better than music.
A brand new track called Kadhal Desam by Pearce Antoni has left a great deal of impression on netizens especially teenagers.
Composed by Tamizh Muthu, the track has very rich and elegant beats which has become a standout amongst other local Tamil tracks simply because of the lyrics. It’s a mellowing song that has the right lyrics to convey your feelings to your loved ones. Featuring Vijata Gupta and Abin, this song is receiving applause from fans for its fineness and is appreciated for its fresh music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tamizh Muthu (@tamizhmuthu)

The independent Tamil music video revolves around young couples who fall passionately in love at the very first sight at a Paris railway station. Cupid hits the kid in order for him to follow his ladylove wherever she goes in order to impress her and win her heart.
Adding on with great news is Malaysian renowned singer, Dhilip Varman a name that needs no introduction has once again wowed us by crooning the beautiful love tune, captivating our lost souls.
Watch the full music video below:

https://youtu.be/4ed_qwE1nlgVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Kadhal Desam – Independent Tamil Music Video | Dhilip Varman (https://youtu.be/4ed_qwE1nlg)

The entire team has done an outstanding job. Let’s give a special shout out to those who have shed sweats for making this video a one to remember;
Editing:  Antoni Photography
Producer: R.Anand Kumar and Lakshmi Muthu
Project coordinator:  Manikandan G and Djeasilan Balane
Makeup:  felany_makeupartist
Music Team :
Flute – Sathish
Guitar – Alex
Bass – Kenny Wesley
Publicity Designer : Karthikeyan (Krapicx Design Studio )
Camera Team : Prakash and Krishnakanth
Public relations : Thilak Raja
Executive Music Producer : Jainraj
Produced By : Shattered Dreams Studio and Antoni Photography
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under AbinBehindwoodsIndependent music VideoKadhal DesamPhilip VarmanTamizh MuthuVijata Gupta


Discrimination? Indian Teen Claims His Teacher Told Him To Convert, In Order To Secure A Spot In National Football Team

A Malaysian teacher has been accused for telling his 15-year-old student to convert to Islam if he would like a spot in the national football team.
According to Malaysiakini, the boy’s mother, who only wanted to be named as Vasan, reportedly learned of the incident last week (3rd February), when her son showed her messages that were exchanged in a WhatsApp group that his teacher had created.
IMAGE CREDIT: MALAYSIAKINI
In the chat group, the teacher been seen encouraging the teen to convert to Muslim and prompted the other students in the group to suggest him an Islamic name.
During the press meet that was held in Petaling Jaya on 8th of February, the mother explained “When I looked through the messages, I noticed that the teacher told my son that if he wanted to join the national team, he had to be a Muslim,”
“What baffled me the most was that the teacher said that only Muslims are allowed to enter stadiums in Malaysia,” adding that the teacher was apparently preaching actively about the religion to her son for the past six months.
IMAGE CREDIT: MALAYSIAKINI
The kid’s parents have lodged a police report against the teacher.
However, the young lad is concerned that his parents lodging a police report may impact in his academic performance and even result in his suspension from the football team at his school.
Arun Dorasamy, the chairman of the Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia Association, has backed the parents’ decision to look into the situation. Arun told the media that because the kid was a minor, it was illegal and unconstitutional to try to convert him to a different religion without getting his parents’ permission.
“I don’t know what the teacher’s intentions were but whatever it was, whatever he has said or done to the student, was against Article 11 of the Federal Constitution (which guarantees freedom of religion),” Arun quoted.
Previous attempts by the teenager’s parents to call the teacher about the messages have been unsuccessful as he has blocked their numbers.
Investigations Have Begun
According to the Cheras police chief ACP Zam Halim Jamaluddin, he confirmed that investigations are ongoing and statements from the witnesses are currently being taken
In a statement, Zam said an investigation have been opened under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony using religious sentiments and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for causing panic and fear to the public.
Furthermore, he also has advised the public to refrain from making any baseless claims and to contact authorities if they have any information concerning the case.
Check the video here:

@malaysia_kini Seorang guru didakwa menggalakkan seorang pelajar Tingkatan Tiga di sebuah sekolah di Kuala Lumpur untuk memeluk Islam, dengan mendakwa ia akan meningkatkan peluangnya untuk menjadi pemain bola sepak kebangsaan. Laporan lanjut: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/654403 #BeritaTerkini #BeritaTikTok #Malaysia #MalaysiaNews #PDRM #BolaSepak ♬ original sound – Malaysiakini

Let’s hope the investigations will soon bring justice to light.

Source: [1,2]
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Arun DorasamyHindu Agamam AniMalaysiakiniTeacher Student Convert IssueVasanViral Issue


Kannan Raajamanickam, Makes Make-Up Magic By Recreating Iconic Jayalalithaa’s Look

Makeup artist and also founder of Apsara Asia Malaysia, Kannan Raajamanickam again amazed fans with his makeup skills by recreating the late legendary actress Jayalalithaa using a model. He took to his social media account and posted the look. Kannan also stated that “It’s a small tribute to the great icon of India!” in his post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

He specialises in helping ordinary people appear like renowned Indian actresses. Kannan created a storm by turning model Vishasree into Nayanthara in half an hour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

Apart from that, Kannan has used Malaysian artist, Moonilaa as his model to recreate Nayanthara’s Kashmora look.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

Kannan had also recreated Aishwarya Rai and Shriya Sharan’s look previously.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kannan Raajamanickam (@kannanraajamanickam)

The make-up artist has come a long way through sheer hard work, determination, talent and preservation. But are you aware of the blood, sweat and tears he had to endure in order to make it in the competitive professional make-up industry? How did he develop his interest in make-up? Team Varnam has come up with a feature detailing Kannan’s life story based on his previous interview in B Frank Say It Out With Punitha Raja.

Kannan, in his very own words said that he was good in drawing since a child. Initially, he worked as a cultural officer (Pegawai Kebudayaan) for about 6 years. His task was to punch in, change clothes and conduct rehearsals for the talents.
A turning point In his Life came when he could’t make it to work for being on Medical Leave (MC).
His higher officer told him not to return to work nor attend the show. Kannan was frustrated as he had bills to pay and needed to support his family. He was clueless about his next step at the same time equally pissed with what the officer had done. This did not depress him further but led him to register a business under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
He was left with no choice and refused to depend on anyone. To make matters worse, his father was a heart patient and his mother had to work to support the family. The only skill that he possessed at that time was make-up. Miracles do happen, not long after he registered his business, a childhood friend approached him and requested him to do a makeover for her wedding.

He hesitated at first and was scared that he might spoil her big day. However, Julie gave him the confidence to make use of his skill. From then on, the opportunities for him were endless.

During the interview, Kannan said he faced a lot of failures.

When Punitha asked him, how did you purchase your makeup products with limited funds at the beginning of his career, the young budding make-up artist said it was his personal savings that helped him pull through those tough times and launch his career as a make-up artist. He used whatever savings he had to buy makeup products. His investment was worth it.
It was a challenging situation for him and he thanked some of the Malaysian artists such as Datin Shaila Nair, Sushmeetha, Shamini, Ratna Gowri, Shubashree, Sangeetha Krishnasamy, Vinokree, Nazirah, Dharshaini and many more for helping him kick-off his enterprise.
Kannan was also honoured at The Business World International Organization BWIO USA award for Icon of Malaysia. Despite all the hardships he faced, he had an unnerving zest for success. We truly believe that he deserves this award!
Picture source: @r__a__g__u___
Kannan also conducts make-up classes in Sri Lanka and India. He believes that one’s skills and knowledge must be shared, not kept to oneself. As the saying goes, ‘what you give you get back’ while building a legacy in the process.
Kannan is the talk of the town as actress Trisha prepares for an award show in Malaysia. Malaysia is the major location for a variety of Tamil shows. This contributed to a variety of openings for Kannan. Today, Kannan has portrayed almost all leading stars of Indian cinema.
Team Varnam extends its best wishes to Kannan Raajamanickam! You’re simply the best!
Click here to watch his full interview:
Part 1

Part 2

Feature image credit: Logu Photography
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  PS2 Recognized as First Indian Language Film Released On 4DX Cinematic Format by Malaysia Book Of Records
Filed Under Aishwarya RaijayalalithaaKannan Raajamanickammakeup artistNayanthararecreational lookshriya saran


Three Devotees From Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple Tested Positive For Covid-19

According to a note posted on the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple’s Facebook page on Wednesday (17th March), three devotees tested positive for Covid-19. It is said that the temple which is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor will be closed until further notice.

The closing was necessary to allow for sanitisation work on the premises.
According to the notice:
 All three devotees were at the temple on the morning of 11th March and one of them also attended the Mahasivarathiri prayers on the same night.
The notice also advised devotees to exercise caution and self-quarantine. Devotees were also urged to seek medical attention if they experience any form of symptoms.
Even if you have the most common symptoms including a fever, a dry cough, or nausea, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
The regular live streaming of pooja (worship ritual) will begin as planned, according to the temple.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under  Gayathri SegaranSri Sithi Vinayagar TempleThree Devotees From Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple Tested Covid-19 Positive


‘Enjoy Enjaami’ – The Trending, Catchy Track With Intense Meaning Is Out On Maajja

Rowdy Baby fame, Dhee, who recently released her single “Enjoy Enjaami” on Maajja, Ar Rahman‘s tech platform, has been gaining popularity due to her absolutely distinct voice, melody, and, of course, the very tribal-like music video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYq7WapuDLUVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Dhee ft. Arivu – Enjoy Enjaami (Prod. Santhosh Narayanan) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYq7WapuDLU)

The song is one that we can all groove to instantly. The lyrics of the song are very catchy which holds an intense meaning. To become addicted to this song, all you got to do is listen to it once.
“Enjoy Enjaami,” produced by Santhosh Narayanan and featuring Chennai-based, lyrically talented rapper Arivu who also wrote the song’s lyrics would mark the first release on Maajja, the artist-first platform that launched on 26th January.
The fact that Arivu‘s voice is featured in this song contributes to the song’s rapid popularity in just four days.

“Enjoy Enjaami” is an effort to celebrate the elements that contribute to our shared experience, with a message of sustainability at its core.
According to Radioandmusic.com,  “This song is about celebrating life, earth and our ancestors,” says Dhee of the idea behind the track.
Dhee further adds;
I see music as one of the best ways to bring people together, as an extended and sometimes embellished way of communicating. It was important to us that this song emphasised the things that bring us all together and to celebrate them. “Enjoy Enjaami’’ is definitely a record that is very special to the three of us.
As explained earlier, “Enjoy Enjaami” is a Maajja-released song. It’s a technology-enabled label aimed at providing full creative control, resources, and global reach to the next generation of artists. AR Rahman, a renowned music director, and a trio of Canadian entrepreneurs came up with the idea.
This song had 2.7 million views on YouTube in just four days and has received a ton of likes and comments from people all over the world.

Fans are looking forward to hearing more singles from independent artists on the Maajja platform. AR Rahman has unveiled great talents that were previously unheard. We can expect a slew of new talents, so stay tuned!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Ar Rahman tech platform for indie artistArivu Indian RapperDheeEnjoy EnjaamiMaajjaSanthosh NarayananYALL


Ministry Of Education Confirms That Almost 30 000 Candidates Did Not Turn Up For SPM Exam

Ministry of Education stated that almost 30 000 students who were eligible to sit for the exams, did not show up for their SPM 2022 examination including private candidates. Private candidates are the ones who are repeating one or two papers. According to the ministry’s records, the number is actually 29, 663 out of the 407, 637 registered candidates, stated deputy education minister Lim Hui Ying.
She also added that there were no any issue existed regarding the disparity between the data and the number provided by Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim recently at the Cakna and Malaysia Madani Dialogue session at the Dewan Tunku Canselor Tun Abdul Razak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). During a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat earlier on June 15th, she said, “What the former Education Minister, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, mentioned was that only 14,858 or 3.8% of the candidates who did not attend the examination turned out to be candidates who were enrolled to take six subjects, including private candidates.” She was responding to a follow-up inquiry about the gap between the dropout rates for SPM 2022 given by the Prime Minister and the information obtained from the Ministry of Education from Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim-Bandar Baharu).
Image source: Head Topics
Last Tuesday, Anwar stated that 30,000 candidates were noted as having skipped the SPM exam the previous year, but Radzi, who is also the Putrajaya Member of Parliament (MP), alleged that the Prime Minister had inflated the figure.
Highlights of SPM 2022 Results
According to Education Director-General Datuk Pkharuddin Ghazali, 10,109 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2022 applicants received outstanding grades of A+, A, and A- in every subject. He mentioned that this year’s national grade average score of 4.74 was recorded compared to 4.86 last year when releasing the 2022 SPM examination results here. Better candidate achievement is indicated by a lower grade average number. “A total of 373,974 applicants took the SPM 2022 exam. Additionally, he added, “75,322 candidates received average results with at least a C for all subjects.”
Image source: MCI
Initiative on Future Education
Lim Hui Ying stated that the Ministry of Education will enhance the teaching and learning system based on the advanced digital technology to fulfill the needs of better education system in the future. Our education system in this modern era have evolved with many changes un order to enhance the students and prepare to live in this modern society.
Related:  Malaysian Tamilar Kural Initiates Guidance For SPM LeaversAccording to her, teachers will be attending training and guidelines to support the implementation of the current education policy, including enhancing their knowledge and expertise in the digitalization of education as well as acquiring the self-reliance necessary to meet their obligations. Trainings are very important for teachers to keep them updated about the latest changes in the syllabus and to refresh their skills as well. Teachers also have to learn the digital technology in order to teach the children accordingly. They should be capable of utilizing laptop, smartphone and online applications such as virtual platforms for online classes, quizzes and videos. According to data from the Training Management System (SPLKPM) of the Malaysian Education Ministry, 1,789 digital or ICT-related trainings had been conducted as of May 31 of this year.
Image source: New Straits Times
Lim Hui Ying claims that in conjunction with the present digital technology modernization, the government has also given 50,000 laptops to schools and other educational institutions under the Education Ministry to support teachers in educating students. She added that her ministry additionally placed in place a service plan to assist teachers in integrating educational technology through webinars, video-sharing activities, and tutorials on how to offer effective instruction using technology. “Teachers recognised by Microsoft, Google, and Apple are among those chosen to offer support services. The Leading Teachers of the Digital Generation are this group, she explained.
Image source: Malay Mail
Due to the effect of pandemic, we learnt the advantage of online learning and ways of using them. Currently, everyone are familiar with digital based learning. Hence, digital platform learning can be applied whenever it is necessary. It could be used as an alternative way instead of cancelling classes. These initiatives taken by the Ministry of Education could encourage students to improve in their studies and show interest in studies.
Source:  New Strait Times , Malay Mail , The Sun Daily ,
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under spmstudents


Sasi The Don To Perform With A 40-Piece Orchestra In Melaka This Weekend

Malaysian reggae sensation, Sasi The Don, is making a comeback and the force is strong!
After 4 years, Sasi released his comeback single titled ‘ABCD’ in which he collaborated with popular Kollywood singer, Anuradha Sriram.  It was the first time that Anuradha Sriram had agreed to a musical collaboration outside of the Indian film industry. Sasi has kept himself busy ever since and was seen in a song called ‘Keep Flying’ for Malaysian Airlines featuring Malaysian singers, Jaclyn Victor, Alvin Chong and Caprice.

This weekend, Sasi will be performing in Melaka at the ‘Melaka Musical Extravaganza’ at the Dataran Bandaraya, MBMB. Sasi will be performing alongside some iconic Malaysian singers such as Datuk Ramli Sarip, Misha Omar, Man Kidal and Winnie K. Sasi will be accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra from Kolej Yayasan Saad (KYS). He shared his excitement on Instagram with a post captioned, “For my show on Sunday in Melaka.. Rehearsel with a 40 pcs orchestra + WOW seriously!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SASI THE DON (@sasithedon)

Sasi shared a little sneak peek of the show that is happening this weekend and announced that he will performing his hit song ‘Anbe’ in a post captioned, “PERFORMING “Anbe” this Sunday in Melaka, backed up by a 40 piece orchestra! This is awesome… can’t wait! #Reggae #liveband#Livemusic #Tamil #Malaysia #WorldMelaka 16 years Historical City Anniversary!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SASI THE DON (@sasithedon)

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under reggaeSasi the Don


Shweta Sekhon Is Miss Universe Malaysia 2019

Shweta Sekhon was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 at the glitzy Gala Night dinner event held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur yesterday. After many months of training, Swetha has bagged the crown and the honour of representing Malaysia at the world stage. Swetha also brought home the subsidiary title of Miss Glojas Beatiful.

Shweta was crowned with a RM2.38 million Habib Jewels tiara inspired by this year’s theme ‘Beauty Beyond You’. The Habib Jewels tiara called ‘Reflection’ features a
10-carat diamond set in white gold and was conceptualised to represent strength, power, courage, creativity, self-respect and love. Swetha also walks home with cash and sponsored prizes with a combined value of RM180,000 and a full education scholarship from HELP University.

Frost Yaw Hui Jing, 25 from Johor is the first runner-up, while the second and third runner-up are Tessminderjeet Kaur, 23 from Selangor and Lee Su Hsien @ Su Lee, 25 from Kuala Lumpur.
(L-R) – 2nd Runner Up Tessminderjit Kaur, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon, 1st Runner Up Yaw Hui Jing (Frost Yaw) and 3rd Runner Up Lee Su Hsien
The additional subsidiary title winners are:
• Miss Glojas Beautiful: Shweta Sekhon, 22
• Miss Tiew Dental Winning Smile: Christine Chai Xin Tze, 19
• Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance: Christine Chai Xin Tze, 19
• Miss Habib: Nikita Menon, 23
• Face of MUCA: Frost Yaw Hui Jing, 25
• Miss Congeniality: Jean Kueh, 26
• Miss Babel Body Beautiful: Jean Kueh, 26
• Miss Duchess & Co. Online Personality: Nikita Menon, 23
• Miss Miko Galere Exceptional Coiffure: Rebecca Chan, 25

Emcees for the Gala Night were Andrea Fonseka and Hansen Lee, while over 800 guests consisting of the who’s who in the local business, media, fashion and entertainment industry attended the event including YB Hannah Yeoh, Dato’ Yasmin Yusuff, Dato’ Hans Isaac, Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 Deborah Henry, Miss Universe Malaysia 2015 Vanessa Tevi Kumares, Kavita Sidhu and more.
Top 18 Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 finalist
The people with the toughest decisions to make in the room were a panel of judges consisting of Alia Bastamam, Creative Director of Alia Bastamam, Dato’ Dr JasG, CEO & Founder of Glojas Smart International Aesthetic, Kiran Jassal, Miss Universe Malaysia 2016, Lynn Lim, Actress, Miko Au, Celebrity Hairstylist of Miko Galere, Dr Nicholas Lim, Medical Director of La Jung Clinic, TJ Chan, Head of Branding & Marketing Communications for Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Whulandary Herman, Miss Universe Indonesia 2013.
Datin Elaine Daly, National Director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) said, “The Miss Universe Malaysia Organization has always been about inspiring, transforming and empowering young women out there to be confidently beautiful so that they can stand proud on a global platform with a sense of purpose, carry the Malaysia flag with pride and be able to make a difference.”

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under Miss Universe MalaysiaShweta Sekhon


Sree Abiraame Wins 5 Gold Medals At Skate Abu Dhabi 2019

7 year old national figure skating athlete, C. Sree Abiraame has once again made our country proud as she hauled a total of 5 gold medals at the the recent Middle East’s 4th official ISI International Figure Skating tournament, also known as Skate Abu Dhabi 2019.
Sree Abiraame at Skate Abu Dhabi 2019
Sree Abiraame placed first in Speed Skating 400 meter, Freestyle 1, Solo Comp Freestyle 1, Freestyle 1 Footwork and Artistic Freestyle 1 in the girls’ 7-8 years category. Skate Abu Dhabi 2019 was held at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 14 to 16 February 2019.
In 2018, Sree Abiraame raked four gold, one silver and one bronze medals at the ISI Skate Asia in Bangkok in August and four gold medals at the ISI Asia Skate Shenzhen in December.
Sree Abiraame is currently working towards the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under figue skatingskate abu Dhabi 2019Sree Abiraame


Nayanthara’s Does Something Sweet For Her Bigil Co-Star!

Bigil is now a box-office hit with a hint of woman empowerment in the storyline. The story revolves around a footballer who had to stop playing the game due to an act of personal vengeance. But, when it comes to training aspiring women footballers, he gets back on track to take them to the top. Varsha Bollamma, Reba John, Indhuja Ravichandran, and Amritha Aiyer were one of the many players who won hearts onscreen.

Amritha who sported the role of Thenndral, the captain of the football team, was filled with happiness because of Nayanthara. The actress who played the role of Angel in the film was seen clicking multiple pictures with the girls and Amritha shared a fascinating moment which she expressed through social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amritha – Thendral (@amritha_aiyer)

She wrote, “My most favourite person she’s such a sweetheart ❤ Also thank you so much for the gift you had given me for my birthday which made me feel so special. I will cherish this forever ❤ Thank you for being so inspiring.”
She also shared few pictures with the actress reminiscing shoot days.
Isn’t is nice when a senior actor from the industry behaves like a decent and kind human being, breaking every stereotype of being a diva and what not? Being humble is so much more than just being quiet, it is about having the right attitude towards people who are not the same like you! Kudos to Nayan for being sweet and setting an example of how women should cherish one another and not pit against each other.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  Shah Rukh Khan's Update on His Upcoming Film 'Jawan," Directed by Atlee
Filed Under amrithabigilNayanthara


A Slight Reduction In Malaysia’s Covid- 19 Case Count

It has been several days since the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) was announced, and we encountered a seemingly slight improvement in the number of cases today. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), there are 865 active cases currently in the country.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varnam MY (@varnammalaysia)

However, Malaysia reached the highest-ever number of new cases yesterday, (18th October) with 871 new cases, beating the previous record of 869 cases the day before yesterday.
As reported by Bernama, Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd shut its branch in Tawau, Sabah, after two employees tested positive for Covid-19. The affected workers are seeking medical care at the assigned government hospital.
“The bank promptly closed its Tawau branch and e-Lobby for deep cleaning and disinfection on Oct 16 , 2020 and the rest of the staff also underwent a Covid-19 screening after assurance that one of its security guards had tested positive. It is also confirmed that the branch would stay closed until further notice,” said the bank in a statement.
A total of 2,967 prisoners in Pengkalan Chepa and Machang prison in Kelantan were screened for Covid-19.
State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said that these checks had been carried out since March of this year. However, all prisoners have tested negative and Dr. Zaini stated that steps will be taken from time to time to ensure that all prisoners are free from fatal coronavirus.
 Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said that health authorities would raise screening not only in prisons but also in remand, lock-up and detention facilities, as 25 percent of the country’s Covid-19 cases are in prison in Peninsular Malaysia.

Three schools in Perak; Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Kebun in Parit Buntar, Sekolah Kebangsaan Jaya and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Aminuddin Baki, Chemor both in Ipoh are closed for seven days from today after several students were tested positive for Covid-19.
A resident from H20 Residences in Ara Damansara has tested positive for Covid-19. It was reported that the resident was in close contact with another patient under investigation who was staying in the same unit.
The effected block of the condominium which is Block C will undergo intensive sanitisation said the management. They are also advised to practice social distancing and not leave their unit unless necessary.
Do remember to stay home as much as you can, practice social distancing and sanitise your hands at all times. Should you experience any symptoms whatsoever, please seek immediate medical attention. To break the cycle of Covid-19, we have to be more proactive in adhering to the SOPs required. Stay safe, stay healthy!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  Celebrate Father's Day With A Beach Barbeque At The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi
Filed Under 19 October covid updatecovid-19Malaysia


Shah Rukh Khan To Work With Atlee On Mersal remake?

Shah Rukh Khan has a massive pan-Indian fan following and needless to say that, people around the world go crazy for him. I mean, we gave him a Datukship title; that has ought mean something.
Shah Rukh Khan also owns a cricket team, Kolkata Knight Riders, and was seen together with Atlee at the match against Namma Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

A source said that, Shah Rukh Khan was rumored to be doing a role  in Vijay-Atlee’s #Thalapathy63. It started after both Atlee and film’s producer Archana Kalpathi started following SRK on Twitter at the same time.
However, the team clarified that the King Khan will not be part of Thalapathy’s next. However, the way Atlee and SRK was seen spending time together at the stadium, watching the match and indulging in conversation. Fans immediately started to rise to a new speculation – that the actor might be doing the Hindi remake of Mersal, which was directed by Atlee.
SRK tweeted, “Thought while waiting to go back home to Mumbai….I should for no reason do a Chennai Selfie…so..bye Chennai & all the wonderful friends I met from the film industry & of course the sporting crowd at the stadium. Whistle Podu!!”

Thought while waiting to go back home to Mumbai….I should for no reason do a Chennai Selfie…so..bye Chennai & all the wonderful friends I met from the film industry & of course the sporting crowd at the stadium. Whistle Podu!! pic.twitter.com/lHP5n2T69D
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 9, 2019

In the meantime, Atlee and Vijay have been shooting for #Thalapathy63, which also stars Nayanthara, Vivekh, etc.
Related:  #Thalapathy68: Vijay, Venkat Prabhu & Yuvan Shankar Raja Are Joining Hands Together?Hmmm, something cooking! #mersalremake #thalapathy63
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under atleecskiplkkrsrkthalapathy63Vijay


Was Radha Ravi Really Awarded The Datukship?

Early yesterday, singer Chinmayi has questioned the legitimacy of actor Radha Ravi’s Datukship on Instagram story. The veteran actor has been using the title Datuk before his name for the past 6 years in all official functions and film credits.
In 2012, an article surfaced in The Hindu that Radha Ravi was conferred the title Datuk by the Malacca state government. The article went on to claim that the actor was the first Tamil artiste from India to receive such an honour.

The Istiadat Website Verification
Chinmayi claims that the award he received is dubious. The singer goes one step further, and shares a snapshot of www.istiadat.gov.my, a website set up by the Malaysian government. The search engine feature on the site allows the public to check if a person has been awarded a title by the government. Radha Ravi’s name did not appear when checked, nor did his real name, Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan Ravi. Other prominent foreigners who have been awarded the title are Shah Rukh Khan, Jackie Chan and Aaron Aziz, all confirmed by the website.
A picture of Radha Ravi receiving the award from someone dressed in Sultan’s garb had been circulating at the time, with the actor’s camp claiming the dignitary was the Sultan of Malacca. Malacca is one of the 5 states in Malaysia that do not have a Sultan. In fact, the Malacca Sultanate ended in 1511 when the Portuguese conquered the kingdom. The image is clearly photoshopped and Chinmayi hits the nail on the head when she says that no awardee will face the Sultan sideways when receiving an honour.

The Scammer Sultan
There was, however a bogus Sultan of Malacca around the same time Radha Ravi was given the award. He resembles the ‘Sultan’ in said picture. Businessman Noor Jan Tuah claimed to be the Sultan of the state and even set up a palace in Bukit Punggor and was driven in a Rolls Royce with the number plate ‘Sultan Diraja Melaka’. The self appointed Sultan was said to have cheated a few people by getting them to buy the Datukships. Noor Jan Tuah was later arrested in 2014. Was Radha Ravi the victim of a scammer Sultan?
Other than that report in The Hindu, there have been no reports in the Malaysian media over the actor being conferred a Datukship. Some news reports have referred to him as Datuk, but the fact remains that he did not receive the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka nor the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka, as per the government website. Both those awards are the only ones issued by the Malacca State Government that carry the title Datuk.
The Misogynistic Creep
Radha Ravi has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately. A few allegations by sexual harassment victims were hurled at him at the star of the #metoo movement. A woman claimed that Radha Ravi tried to kiss her when she had a business meeting with him. He went into denial mode and threatened legal action against the complainant. He also gave a speech reeked with misogyny, spewing lines like “This crime (sexual harassment) won’t happen without acceptance,” and “Periyar demanded equal rights for women. But, if he were alive today, he would have said that he was wrong in asking equality for women because they (women) are taking advantage.”
A week later, the actor is caught on video giving a speech that mocks differently abled children.

Singer Chinmayi’s ongoing battle with him began when her membership with the Tamil Nadu Dubbing Union was terminated for not having paid her membership fees. According to the singer, Radha Ravi runs the dubbing union like a mafia and lashed out at her for backing the victims of his alleged sexual harassment. Chinmayi has paid a lifetime membership fee for the union, and has been subject to the 10% commission the union takes from all dubbing artists’ salaries.
It is no secret that the actor wields power in the Tamil film fraternity. Will Radha Ravi clear the air on the debacle of his Datukship? Only time will tell.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
Filed Under chinmayiRadha Ravi