The day we raided Marrybrown

The last of the CA PE-I exams (foundation exams, if you will) was over. Six students stood outside the examination centre, a strange mix of frustration and relief flooding them. Relief because the exams were over, marking the end of a month long toil. Frustration because all of them were sure they would fail the exams. 

We talked for a while about how badly each of us had screwed the exam. Before we knew it, our stomachs were growling. Since no one was in the mood to go home, we decided to eat outside. As we left the school, we saw a Marrybrown outlet. What’s more, there was an “all you can eat” offer. It was a no-brainer. The six of us entered the empty outlet, and two waiters sprang into attention. They walked toward us with pamphlets. We shouted “Six all you can eats!!” to save them the effort of coming to our table. The message was relayed to the kitchen, and soon enough, our table was covered with burgers, chicken, fries and drinks. What followed can be termed a “blitzkrieg”. The plates were empty so fast that we had caught the waiters off guard. We had signalled our intent. Refill after refill came, but it seemed our hunger was insatiable. All the frustration and the anger that was in us were taken out on the food that kept coming to our table. It was like we were men possessed (probably by very, very hungry spirits).  

Soon, the situation came where the waiters started getting genuinely worried. They started shifting around uneasily, and urgent messages were relayed to the kitchen area. At one point, when we complained about the slow service (which was totally unjustified, in retrospect), a waitress came and in a choked voice, told us “Sir, please understand. It takes some time for us to prepare it. We have to give it fresh and hot.” I felt bad for her; and gave an angry glare to my friend who complained “Hmph! So much for fast food!” I gave her my best smile and told her “It’s okay. Take your time.” My complaining friend, who had caught my glare, returned a sheepish grin.  

But that was as much sympathy as the staff got. They didn’t have a moment’s respite, as our plates and glasses got empty faster than you could say “Marrybrown”. Soon, the time came when they were all cleaned out. The waitress came to us, almost trembling, and broke the news. Surprisingly, everyone stayed calm on hearing the tragedy, much to the relief of the waitress. She didn’t stay relieved long though. “There was something about all you can eat ice cream”, I commented. She sighed, defeated, and said “Yes sir, I’ll get it.” 

The all you can ice creams were the small vanilla cups you get for Rs.5 or so. They were in a small cabinet. “You may want to bring the entire cabinet here”, one of us said. The waitress considered our suggestion in all seriousness for a moment, and then decided that it wasn’t an option. If she thought that would slow us down, she was grossly mistaken. The cabinet was emptied with the same efficiency with which we had emptied the kitchen.  

At the end of it all, we sat at our table, finally content. All the frustration was gone, and we were at peace now. We laughed, joked, made plans for the next day, and of course, burped out loud. The bill came to our table, and we left a generous tip. As we left the place, I noticed that the manager was having an urgent conversation with his waiters (probably discussing if there was a possibility of keeping the outlet open till night, given that they would have to get a whole set of supplies). I know it is a cliché, but if I were to sum up our visit to Marrybrown, all I can say is “We came. We saw. We conquered.” 

Not long afterwards, as I was passing the area where the outlet was located, I saw that the Marrybrown outlet was closed. I am not suggesting anything, but then it was also interesting to note that the “all you can eat” offers that were there in many of the fast food outlets in Chennai stopped after a few months. If there were a few more cases like ours, I can’t blame them.  

Proud to be an Indian?

Are you proud to be an Indian? I know if I put forth this question to anyone of you, pat will come the response - “YES!!” But hold on. Don’t give me an answer that has been programmed in your head, and don’t give me an answer that is all heart. For this is a vital question that really needs to be pondered over, and its significance is huge.

What do we have to be proud of as an Indian? There are a lot of things. The first thing that comes into mind is, almost always, our rich cultural heritage. Not only do we have a rich and diverse culture that has survived the test of time, our earlier generations were pioneers in many fields, and many of their achievements are even marvelled at today. We can be proud of the fact that we have embraced all cultures, and live in harmony despite our differences. “Unity in diversity”. There is our independence struggle, which brought forth many heroes and was perhaps the first freedom struggle to showcase non-violent methods as an effective force. India has taken leaps and strides in its 62 years of independence, and is now a world power to be reckoned with.

But look at these reasons. Don’t you think we are constantly looking at the past for things to be proud of? Sure, the past is definitely something to be proud of, but is it enough? What about today? What can you say that you are proud of now? Unity in diversity? We all know the reality to that – politicians using the weapon of religious politics have ripped apart our unity, not unlike the ‘Divide and rule’ policy adopted by the British. The people who once were ready to embrace all that was good, no matter what the religious background; and who said that all people on earth were their kinsmen, today cannot even tolerate people practicing their own set of values. As for the progress chart of our country, our position in the world is something we can be proud of. But what of the situation within the country? Sure, we have come a long way, but was this all we could achieve in 62 years?

I know what you will say. Every country has problems. It is not just exclusive to India. And I don’t disagree. But this brings me to the vital point. We talk about the shortcomings of our country (which have been there for a very long time, mind you) in such a matter-of-fact way. We don’t feel even slightly upset about the plight of our nation, which we are apparently very proud of. When someone talks about all the ills of India, we nod our understanding and sympathetically shake our head and mutter “This country will never improve!” in disgust.

Being proud of one’s country isn’t only about standing at attention and singing the national anthem. It isn’t only about shedding a tear or getting inspired when a patriotic movie is on. It isn’t only about supporting the national team at sporting events. It may include these. There is a common misconception in India that being proud of India is all about shouting the virtues of our country on a loudspeaker, while blinding ourselves of all the problems that face the nation. “I love my India, whatever it be, however it be.” Noble, but is it enough?

Isn’t patriotism or being proud of one’s country about loving the country enough to look at the problems it faces? Wouldn’t a patriotic person feel upset about the fact that his/her nation is lacking so much, when it has so much potential? Wouldn’t he/she be so distraught over the plight of his/her nation that taking action would seem like the only step left?

Today, apathy is a disease affecting each and every Indian. The “chalta-hai” attitude of her people has become India’s curse. Indians talk about India with a hopelessness. How can such people say that they are proud of India, if they think there is no hope for India?

As proud Indians, shouldn't we join hands and move towards a common goal – to take India to where it can, and should be? Isn’t it time we actually made an effort to shed our apathy, our helplessness, and try to act? Don’t we all deserve a country which is the pride of its people and which is looked at in awe by the world? I think we do. And I think it is time we made our love for our India count. After all, we believe we are proud to be Indians, don’t we?

Sherlock Holmes Movie Review

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s evergreen creation, the sleuth Sherlock Holmes whose intellectual capabilities have always left readers spellbound, has been brought to the screen before. Now Guy Ritchie tries his hand at it, and how! The movie explores characteristics of Sherlock that have been mentioned in the book, but seldom made their way into the television adaptations. A lot of effort has gone into defining the nuances of the character; notably the eccentric nature, the adeptness in martial arts and his relationship with Watson. The movie also takes some distinct turns away from the book – the witty exchanges, Holmes’ disregard for personal hygiene, the fast pace and the importance to action. The end result is a facelift for Sherlock Holmes from the stuffy, tight upper lipped intellectual to a modern, eccentric genius, more suited to today’s audiences.

The movie starts with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson capturing Lord Blackwood, who has murdered five women in his practice of black magic. Lord Blackwood is sentenced to death by hanging, though he warns Holmes that this was only the beginning and that he would rise from the dead. And true to his word, he does. It is now up to Sherlock and Watson to stop him before he succeeds in his plan of ruling England, and then the world. And, to make matters worse, Holmes has to deal with Watson’s relationship with Mary Morstan and the fact that Watson will no longer be his partner. What follows is a whirlwind ride with twists and turns, the beautiful but deceptive Irene Adler, a secret society, a huge French speaking adversary, and innumerable perilous sequences, all leading to a conclusion that is pure Sherlock in its logic and completeness. To give out any more of the plot would be sacrilege, which I do not intend.

The movie is different from other Guy Ritchie movies (thankfully showcasing that he can be versatile), though many of his creative styles and trademarks are evident. He skilfully handles the job of reinventing Holmes while maintaining the essence of the novels. I can’t say this is his best movie, but it is definitely not short on style or substance – thanks to a good screenplay (though over the top at times), great camerawork and smart editing. The scenes where Holmes anticipates incidents in his mind are noteworthy. And let’s not forget the art direction, which brings the late 19^th century England to life. The feel is further accentuated by Hans Zimmer's unique score.

As for performances, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are perfectly cast as the lead pair. The chemistry they share as the squabbling duo is one of the highlights of the movie. Mark Strong gives a chilling performance as Lord Blackwood. Rachel McAdams is efficient as Irene Adler, though she may not have been able to hold her own among the other performances. The rest of the cast provide able support.

So, what’s the final verdict, you ask? Elementary, my dear Watson. The movie is fast paced, action packed, and also exercises your grey cells; in short - a winner. Some may argue that the movie could have been better, but no one can dispute that it is a fun filled ride.

For my astronomically inclined readers who suggested that I introduce the star rating system for my reviews, ****.