Vijay's corner

  Over the last decade, Indian television has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the way talent is presented to audiences. Earlier, talent shows primarily focused on singing, dancing, acting, comedy, or other forms of performance. Today, however, the contestant's personal journey has become just as important as the talent itself. Stories of struggle, poverty, disability, family sacrifice, rural upbringing, and extraordinary perseverance have become an integral part of the viewing experience.  Many people criticise this trend as the commercialisation of human emotions. Others view it as a powerful platform that provides opportunities to deserving individuals who might otherwise remain unnoticed. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. The reality is that emotional storytelling has become one of the most successful business models in modern television. A talented singer impresses the audience, but a talented singer who travelled hundreds of kilometres every wee...

The Chennai Car Parking: A Masterclass in Hope and Despair Welcome to Chennai, a city where the "Gateway to the South" often feels more like a "Gateway to a Three-Point Turn." If you’ve ever decided to take your car to T. Nagar on a weekend, congratulations! You don’t just have a vehicle; you have a very expensive, air-conditioned waiting room. In Chennai, owning a car is a symbol of status. Finding a place to park it, however, is a spiritual journey—one that usually involves more prayers than a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The Myth of the "Designated Parking Space" In most parts of the world, a "Bank" or a "Shopping Center" is a building with a lobby and a parking lot. In Chennai, a "Shopping Center" is a majestic five-story building squeezed into a plot of land the size of a postage stamp, where the "parking lot" is actually just a very optimistic interpretation of the pavement. We’ve reached a point where t...

Stray dog menace Across many Indian cities, and particularly in Chennai, the unchecked growth of stray dog populations has become a serious public concern. What was once seen as a manageable civic issue has now evolved into a complex challenge affecting public safety, hygiene, health, mobility, and the overall quality of urban life. Stray dogs are now ubiquitous—present in residential streets, markets, school zones, transport hubs, and even high-traffic arterial roads—posing risks that can no longer be dismissed as isolated or occasional incidents. Daily Disruptions and Public Nuisance For the common citizen, the impact of stray dogs is felt on a daily basis. Persistent barking, territorial aggression, and pack behavior cause constant disturbance, especially during early morning and late-night hours. Public places such as footpaths, parks, bus stops, and temple surroundings are frequently littered with dog excreta, creating unhygienic conditions and making these spaces uncomfortable ...

  The Shifting Landscape of Tamil Cinema: A Call for Realism and Representation The Tamil film industry, long celebrated for its depth, innovation, and artistic courage, has consistently delivered compelling narratives that span drama, comedy, action, and emotion. Known for pushing thematic boundaries and embracing new cinematic techniques, Tamil cinema once stood at the forefront of socially resonant storytelling in Indian film. However, over the past 15 years, there has been a noticeable shift in the industry’s creative direction. While technical brilliance and production values have improved, the thematic core of many mainstream movies has drifted away from realism. Increasingly, films rely on extravagant scripts, hyper-stylized action, and aspirational fantasy elements that feel distant from the lived experiences of everyday people. One particular trend that has sparked discussion is the casting and characterization of lead roles—especially in the portrayal of women. There has ...

  Mumbai blues Mumbai blues: Where the rich and the poor are equally fascinated by the roadside vadapav Where the people dream of newyork life in the midst of dirt and congestion. Where If the neighbor is rich everyone feels rich Where the ordeal of travelling in local trains is a heavenly experience Where the feeling of bollywood and industries keep everyone satisfied despite struggle for daily roti. Where being street smart can lead to success.

  The Two-Wheeled Menace: Motorcycle Commuters and India's Traffic Woes In recent years, India has seen a significant rise in the number of motorcycle commuters. This shift towards two-wheeled transportation, while beneficial in certain aspects, presents challenges that increasingly impact urban traffic patterns. As cities become more congested and roads struggle to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, motorcycles—while fast and convenient for many—are often contributors to traffic disruptions and safety concerns for other commuters. The Growing Popularity of Motorcycles Motorcycles have gained popularity in India for various reasons. They are relatively affordable, require less parking space, and allow riders to maneuver through congested roads. For many in crowded urban areas, motorcycles offer an efficient solution to beat heavy traffic, reducing commute times. Additionally, motorcycles are fuel-efficient, making them a preferred choice among those looking to economize on...