Bijesh Nagesh's Blog, page 79

Greatest...

Human Beings, by our very nature, want someone or something to believe in. Whether or not such entities truly exist, many of us will go on believing in them. This is our greatest strength, and our greatest weakness.

Commandment...

Those who cannot make sense of Life mustn't try to uncover the workings of Death.

Always...

Whether you're living in luxury or wallowing in pain, you will always be able to do what you are good at regardless.

Tamil Horror Movies...

International cinema celebrates indigenous folk horror. I'm surprised we have so few well-researched and deeply detailed Tamil movies in this genre. Tamil Nadu has folk tales that are centuries old. Aside from generic tales, secret cannibal tribes, and paranormal animals, there are horror elements aplenty. Slap-happy 'muni' spectres, the palm-tree dwelling cannibalistic 'kuralai-pei' ghosts, the marsh-dwelling 'kolli vai pei' will-o-the-wisp demons, ghostly wind 'kaathu karuppu' entities, 'kuttichaithan' poltergeist-like demons (on whom only one proper film exists), and full-fledged 'kaateri' vampires. Intricate lore surrounds each of these folk elements, and numerous others. Gabriella Eichinger Ferro-Luzzi's work "Anthropos" has an entire section titled 'Demonology in Tamil Folktales'. The Tamizh film industry, sadly, boasts bland horror-comedies or 'shallow' explorations of the supernatural through various half-hearted titles. In fact, it has nothing detailed or artistic enough to complete on the world-stage. I wonder how when there's a wealth of ancient folk knowledge and 'new' talents who can make amazing films using or adapting them, this particular genre still suffers inattention, still attracts mediocrity. Then there's the part where they're afraid to openly showcase violence and blood on screen, adding to the censorship woes that do little to nothing to promote and elevate quality Tamil Horror Films that can actually compete, even beat, many a foreign title to the 'fright crown'.

Monster Hunter games...

For some reason I have never been drawn to the 'Monster Hunter' games. They find these magnificent monsters that they then learn so much about only to end up killing them. Kinda didn't sit well with me. I would've liked to see a game where you tame these monsters (similar to 'Ark') and use their special powers and abilities against an opposing enemy nation from another land intent on bloody conquest. Meanwhile the invaders too have their own unique beasts and monsters to find, learn, tame, train, and wield on the battlefield. The game's title would also have held more meaning, that the real 'monsters' one faction hunts are other people who see them as 'monsters' in turn. A reflection of Human Nature through the ages, right down to them using Earth's lifeforms and resource for their own goals. Whatever your perspective may be, I just feel this idea has more depth and diversity than merely running around killing unique bio-forms (creatures, monsters, animals) even after learning precisely how unique they are.

The Written Word...

You find more than just an education in Books. The stories that call to you also connect with your soul. It is an inclusive experience open to all, including those who have only read a page in their lives. Books and their 'styles' of expression call to us in ways no other Artform can replicate or replace. Even reading a book to somebody else imparts profound sensation. The magic of the 'written word' is proof that somewhere in this world Magic exists. Words are just shells meant to carry specific threads of Meaning into our hearts, minds, and souls. This Meaning is invisible yet tangible, is often fictional yet compelling, and inspires different understandings based on who's perceiving it. In this regard, the 'written word' is like the 'evolved human'. Shells carrying souls, ferrying Meaning, communicating something different depending on where they are and with whom, in any given 'book' or lifetime. Humans living out various chapters. Stories and Meanings wrapped in the flesh of words.

Adapt...

If you can't find the Light, adapt to the Dark.

Dark Hit...

Ever walked a few seconds in the dark and you suddenly jerk your head as if you've hit something really hard and stand there like all your senses have tumbled to the floor, and then you start wondering, 'Have I gone mad?'?

The Murderous Lot...

[Alien lands, looks at lone human on road, approaches]

Alien: Do you come in peace?

Human: [stares stupidly]

Alien: Are you a peaceful species?

Human: [takes deep breath] Everybody wants to kill somebody. The fact that every one of us is capable of murder should tell you a little something about our species.

Alien: [stares stupidly] Don't call us, we'll call you. [Gets in spaceship and leaves]

Anytime...

Whether you're living in luxury or wallowing in pain, you will always be able to do what you're good at, no matter the situation.