Pasanga - A classic ?

A few days back when I stepped out of the theaters after watching Pasanga with two of our 'pasanga' (aani and bull), I was completely overwhelmed. I was sure I had just seen a classic and one that will be a trend-setter. But was it just an impulsive reaction borne out of the drought of good movies in tamil cinema? Or was it a genuine classic? What is to follow in this blog is a deconstruction of my thoughts into words and see if it turns out to be a classic.
To squeeze the story into nine words - it's about the rivalry between two secondary school mates. If inflated it would read something like - the pride and arrogance of the highly naughty son of a teacher (antagonist) along with his two 'close associates' is challenged by a new-comer (protagonist) who is an immediate hit with both his class-mates and teachers. The innocuous scheming employed by the triumvirate and how the new-comer tries to reconcile with them along with the brief animosity that develops between their families amounts to a run-time of two and half an hour. Sounds like our regular run-of-the-mill movies except that the characters are abridged in age? But the similarity ends here. The simple yet refreshing and entertaining screenplay and the characterization that is both realistic and interesting, is like a fresh whip of cool breeze. From the start there is a discernible difference in the treatment of the movie. For a change kids behave and speak like kids. There is a dignified appeal to the classrooms and at least in this movie teachers are sensible and seem to be in control of the classes. The portrayal of parents is heartening in the sense that they are ready to give up their ego for the welfare of their children. There is also an underplayed romance that runs parallely devoid of any sleaze and glamor. But the icing on the cake is the characterization of the kids. The naiveness, rivalry, cravings and aspirations of children have been brought out in an enjoyable manner with loads and loads of humor. Let it be the disposition of the protagonist to demand encouragement for his deeds or the innocuous instigation of the antagonist by his 'close associates', there is a sure charm in them.
For a movie of this genre, the technical finesse is also a sweet surprise. The songs are just average but the BGM seamlessly alternates between the various moods of the movie. The cinematography is refreshing with some pleasing shades and hues that beautifully complement the movie. Overall the movie is a sincere and straight-out-of-the-heart effort, that explores the lives of children in a realistic manner. And just for the records here is a rural themed movie sans its blood and gory. Looks like I am convinced this is a classic. How about you?

N.B. - There are no protagonist or antagonist in the movie. I used them for the ease of referral.

Burden of cultural diversity or sheer populism?

India's highest civilian awards had been announced recently. And our 'beloved' Aishwarya Rai is there in the coveted list. It is a recognition of her accomplishments - winning the Miss World crown, brand ambassador for international brands, bollywood actress and becoming a part of the Bachchan household. You think I am kidding? Aren't they accomplishments worthy of a Padma Shri ? If you don't think so, then you are not able to discern a fine artist. Because the Indian government thinks Aish has made contributions to Indian cinema more significant than stalwarts like the versatile Nagesh or the redoubtable genius Ilayaraja. Aishwarya Rai's glamor quotient has fetched her international fame whereas these guys are relatively unknown outside Tamil Nadu. You might argue it is no match either to the unrivaled musical wizardry of the Mastero who will enthrall music aficionados forever or the acting ingenuity of Nagesh, who can seamlessly transit between humor and melancholy. Well thats what I too think but not the selection committee (The two examples being from tamil cinema is just because they are some outrageous omissions I know of. Such omissions should be there in every language for sure.) So how can an award which honors its outstanding citizens be mired with so much discrepancy?
One possible argument could be that India though a geographical amalgamation of tremendous diversity, still remains disparate in its soul. In such a milieu, when a group of individuals come together for a decision making exercise, unintentional cultural ignorance and prejudice are prone to creep in. But as a country that prides in being secular and diverse, the government should make sure that every deserving candidate in any nook and corner of the country is given his due respect. It is imperative that such selection committees be highly inclusive and include individuals who are free of any prejudice and well informed about the various regional happenings. And at the end of the day if such inappropriate candidatures keep perpetuating, then such awards might be displaced from their highest pedestal. The day is not far off when a prominent personality rejects these awards exposing the inequalities embedded in it.

P.S : All these rumblings are not out of envy or frustration because, as a non-recipient I am already in elite company.