Visitor Column: Celebrating the magic of Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum and La La Land

Arjun Murugesan

Those who've watched the Tamil movie Ka Ka Po and the Oscar nominated La La Land, would agree that it is hard to ignore the striking resemblance of the story that brews between Yazhini (Madonna Sebastin) and Kathir (Vijay Sethupathi) and Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastin (Ryan Gosling). The lives of two struggling professionals (IT girl and a goon in Ka Ka Po and an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in La La Land) are interwined by the nature of the universe but eventually part ways and live their own lives. As Arjun Murugesan puts it, the chord that these odd couples strike, is not only similar but also magical. His random scribbles on the comparison of these two movies take us through the common essence they share. Have a look

#1 It ain’t often you come across someone sharing similar traits as that of you, in the business of chasing dreams. This very fact, naturally contributes to a spontaneous affinity to that someone to such an extent that they start viewing your dreams as theirs, expecting no returns. Successful or not may be the pursuit of their dreams, they try and lend you all the possible support to overcome the odds. After all you both have one thing in unison, being honest dreamers.

“Someone in the crowd
Could be the one you need to know
The one to finally lift you off the ground”

#2 A glance filled with gratitude towards that someone, having gained confidence that you aren’t alone in the road towards your goal. The moment of overwhelming euphoria that you have somehow realized the gravity of the opportunity given to you and the essentiality to grab it and use it to the best of yourself.

"அக்கம் பக்கம் பார்
அம்மா அப்பா யார்?
சுற்றும் முற்றும் பார்
உன் சொந்தம் பந்தம் யார்?"

#3 The traditional ‘butterfly in my stomach’ sensation that is clichéd to exist in such an interview situation gets intensified because of the happenings that preceded. Thanks to the need to perform, not in a ‘do or die’ manner, but rather to make that someone feel proud of ourselves, to not make their selfless efforts go in vain, and of course to give them a tight hug of infinite gratitude uttering the good news that you’ve succeeded.

" ஏனோ தானோ வா ஏதும் ஆகாது
காடோ மேடோ வா கானல் வாராது
ஆஹா ஆஹா ஒரு நட்டம் ஆகாது
ஆஹா ஆஹா வட்டம் தீராது"

#4 An ecstatic state is attained, after having the taste of success finally; the one for which you have been running throughout your life. But still, there prevails an unusual void because of that someone who’s being badly missed by you over here; that one who deserves as much credits as you in the successful journey.

"ஏன் எப்போவும் ஏதோ தனிமை
வா அதற்காக விழா எடுப்போம்"

#5 Years pass, weather changes. The only thing which remains without a change is the void, which has only deepened. The eyes which were in a constant state of wandering, in order to see that someone have almost halted, with disappointment.

"சாய்ந்திடும் மாலை நிழல்களுமே
பார்த்திடும் போதே மறைந்திடுமே
நாட்களும் தேதியும் நிரந்தரமா
தினம் தினம் போய் வருமே"

#6 The heart badly wants that someone to celebrate and share the success alongside you. The longing reaches a state where you wish they appear at least in your dreams to feel happy for your life. After all, success and dreams work the best when shared.

"பாதி கனாவினில் தூங்கிவிடு
மீதிய வாழ்ந்திடலாம்"

#7 After reaching the threshold of searching, in a moment of total unexpectedness, we get to meet that person for who all those lonely years we were waiting for. The eyes meet with a mixture of shock, confusion, peace and above all happiness. That look on their eyes you’ve been waiting to see. A moment to be cherished for all dreamers out there after having finally made that someone proud and happy.

“City of stars
Just one thing everybody wants
It’s love
Yes, all we’re looking for is love from someone else”

“Here’s to the ones who dream
Foolish as they may seem
Here’s to the hearts that ache
Here’s to the mess we make”

"மொத்தத்தில் எல்லாம் கண்ணுலதான் தம்பி
பூலோகம் முங்கும் அன்புலதான் பொங்கி"

Here’s to Damien Chazelle… Here’s to Nalan Kumarasamy… Here’s to Mia Dolan… Here’s to Yazhini… Here’s to Sebastian… Here’s to Kadhiravan… Here’s to dreams… And here’s to life…

(This article was first published by the author on his Facebook page on sunday and has been reproduced with permission)

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MovieCrow doesn't endorse personal opinions expressed by the visitor/author. Also, the points expressed above is not based on pre-judging the box-office outcome of the movie.