Kadal Mozhi: The dialect of Chennai's fishermen
For the fishers of Chennai, this isn't a thought experiment. Their wind directions aren't plotted on a grid. They are drawn in winds, tides, and ancestral knowledge.
As they push their boats into the sea, something remarkable happens. On land, it's the colloquial Tamil that one would fully comprehend. But once they cross the sea, the dialect changes. While some words may arrive with unfamiliar twists, some other words may seem familiar — like echoes of our own tongue — but slip past meaning. Spoken in the depths of the blue by those with salt in their blood is one such dialect, that neither you nor I hear. Out in the ocean, their dialect is shaped by the sea that they worship as their amma, and the wind they believe to be their guiding ancestors — paatta.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX: ‘Box office success of re-releases shows theatres are not dying'
The eulogies of theatrical cinema in India have been written every decade. First, it was the VHS boom that threatened it. Then it was cable television. And the newest Boogeyman is the streaming world. But theatres are still alive, at least in India, where housefull boards may have become less common, but they haven't vanished. And as Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, argues, the success of re-releases alone is proof that theatres are here to stay. Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, talks to HT about re-releases and more. On Umrao Jaan re-release We meet Niharika on the sidelines of the grand re-release of Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan. Many in the audience saw it in theatres for the first time ever. Talking about the re-release, Niharika says, "We can't take solo credit for this at all. Something like this is a collaboration with the NFDC, the film restoration committee. They have been absolutely amazing. They made it their mission to bring certain films back to the big screen. We are delighted to be able to host these films. And then there are the filmmakers themselves. So a lot of people come together." When asked if she and the PVR-INOX group consider themselves facilitators of this trend, she responds, "We consider ourselves facilitators but also movers. Ever since this entire strategy of re-releases became more than just festivals, a lot of people have also been encouraged to bring films back." How the re-release became a trend The trend of re-releases began last summer in India. For years, Tamil and Telugu hits have re-released on important anniversaries or stars' birthdays. But they were sporadic. It was only the summer of 2024 that made it a widespread trend, even in the north. Talking about how it all began, Niharika tells us, "In Delhi, we did have a period in time where we showed this one-off show in an Anupam (now PVR Saket), or Priya. This was a classic being re-screened. It ranged from a Bollywood movie to Hollywood hits, but in a very limited capacity. We did these experiments, but at that time, none of these properties performed. The genesis of this happened last summer, with Laila Majnu. We did it as an experiment in one property. The kind of response that it got made us take a step back and turn that experiment into a strategy. But it's too early to just even figure out what this beast is. It's still growing." As films like Tumbbad, Sanam Teri Kasam, and Laila Majnu outdid their original runs upon re-release, the industry took notice. Many films shed the 'flop' tag and became profitable after re-release. That a film which is available on streaming still manages to do well in theatres is no mean feat, something Nihariks points out. "It's a testament to two things. Firstly, these films are a major testament to the makers because they have made pieces that are transcending time. There's that nostalgic pull. But it's not just them. New people are discovering these. So definitely it's a testament to the big screen experience, because these films are available everywhere. There is something about experiencing them in this format with people, with other people in this shared space that is doing something," she says. Theatres are not dying This success and feedback are what convince her that she does not need to respond to the 'theatres are dying' jibe. "Theatres are not dying. There are a lot of people who are putting their effort and their entire might behind theatrical - a lot of brilliant producers, actors, etc, who have devoted their careers to making theatrical films, not just within Bollywood, but across India. And a lot of the films are doing well. So I think it's not a statement to really feel. And I really think we're in a place where theatrical and OTT can co-exist and it should," she says. Niharika adds that some of the classics have worked because of how the 'social media generation' functions. Giving an example of the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, she says, "We live in a generation of social media. So basically, it is somewhere FOMO. But it's also this curiosity that 'Why are the previous generations still talking about these movies?'" The business of re-releases But are re-releases just about nostalgia, or does it make business sense too? "It is definitely a combination of both," responds Niharika, adding, "It's not that there is no business in it. If you look at the footfalls of some of our highest-collecting films, like Tumbbad, they are unbelievable. It is a big number, especially for a film that is widely available (on streaming). So that is where we are encouraged in our drive to keep this going." Niharika informs that collections from re-releases account for 8.5% of PVR-INOX's total revenue."It's not a very big number, but it's also very decent," she says, adding that it was just 4% a few years ago. "It's a market that's growing, and people are enjoying this momentum," she concludes.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Swathika, Madhumitha, and Abitha to play titular roles in upcoming Tamil serial ‘Chinnanchiru Kiliye'
Popular actress Swathika is all set to make a grand comeback to the small screen with the upcoming Tamil serial Chinnanchiru Kiliye is set to premiere on July 21 at 7 PM. The show, which promises to be a gripping blend of romance and drama, will see Swathika essaying the titular role, marking a significant return for the much-loved television star. Joining Swathika in the cast are noted actors Naresh, Punitha, Syed, Madhumitha, and Abitha, each bringing depth and diversity to the ensemble. Produced by a reputed banner, Chinnanchiru Kiliye will be aired on a prominent Tamil entertainment channel known for its successful shows like Veera and Anna. With such a strong team behind it, the show has already generated a buzz among television audiences. Here's the promo: View this post on Instagram A post shared by zeetamil (@zeetamizh) The story is said to revolve around a poor, kind-hearted girl and a street-smart young thug. Their unlikely relationship and the emotional journey that unfolds is expected to be the heart of the serial. The narrative promises to explore themes of love, survival, and the power of transformation, with strong emotional undertones that are bound to strike a chord with viewers. Sources close to the production reveal that the makers are aiming for a fresh yet relatable storyline that reflects the struggles and aspirations of everyday people. Swathika's role is believed to be both emotionally layered and empowering, setting the stage for a memorable performance. With its intriguing premise and a strong lead cast, Chinnanchiru Kiliye is poised to become one of the most anticipated shows on Tamil television.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Special Ops Season 2 to Kuberaa and Wall to Wall and Vir Das: Fool Volume. Watch out for the latest OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
Buckle up, entertainment junkies — July 17 and 18 are turning OTT into a battlefield of bangers. Whether you're in the mood for a heart-thumping crime thriller, a courtroom face-off, political betrayals, or simply a good laugh, this week's OTT line-up across JioHotstar , Netflix , Prime Video , ZEE5 , and ManoramaMAX brings something for every kind of binge-lover. And trust us, your weekend plans are about to write themselves. DNA (JioHotstar – July 17) Atharvaa and Nimisha Sajayan headline this tightly woven Tamil thriller from director Nelson Venkatesan. DNA plunges into the corrupt underbelly of hospitals, where lives are exchanged like commodities and identities are never what they seem. With a sharp narrative pace and emotionally loaded performances, the film probes themes of greed, medical malpractices, and the ethical price of survival. Produced by Jayanthi Ambethkumar, this socially relevant thriller is now streaming exclusively on JioHotstar. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science healthcare CXO Finance Digital Marketing Product Management Cybersecurity MCA Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Degree Healthcare others Leadership Others Technology PGDM Project Management Data Analytics Design Thinking Management Public Policy Data Science MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Special OPS: Season 2 (JioHotstar – July 18) RAW officer Himmat Singh, played by Kay Kay Menon, returns with even sharper instincts and a deadlier mission. This season escalates into the world of cyber-terrorism, where enemies aren't just hiding in shadows — they're sitting behind keyboards. With Karan Tacker and Vinay Pathak reprising their roles, Special OPS 2 dives into murky geopolitical games and backstabbing espionage. Expect betrayals, bombshells, and edge-of-your-seat drama, all streaming on July 18. Wall-To-Wall (Netflix – July 18) Wall-To-Wall isn't just a thriller — it's an anxiety trip. Directed by Kim Tae-joon and Sharon S. Park, the Korean mystery stars Kang Ha-neul, Yeom Hye-ran, and Seo Hyun-woo. Woo-seong finally buys his dream apartment, only to see it morph into a claustrophobic hellscape. Financial ruin creeps in alongside eerie noises from the neighbouring walls. What starts as a real estate dream turns into a full-blown psychological spiral. Sattamum Needhiyum (ZEE5 – July 18) In this hard-hitting courtroom drama, Sundaramoorthy — a soft-spoken lawyer — must dig deep for courage when a self-immolation protest forces him to take on a powerful legal case. As he defends a grieving father's desperate act, Sattamum Needhiyum examines the cracks in India's legal machinery and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. Led by Saravanan, Namritha, Aroul D Shankar, and Shanmugham, the series captures moral turmoil with powerful storytelling. Kuberaa (Prime Video – July 18) Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa brings together a dream cast — Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Rashmika Mandanna — for a gripping tale of ambition and conscience. As politics, power, and justice collide, three characters chase redemption in a system riddled with compromise. Packed with dramatic punch and scored by Devi Sri Prasad, Kuberaa walks the tightrope between mass appeal and thought-provoking substance. It's available in Tamil and other Indian languages on Prime Video. Bhairavam (ZEE5 – July 18) Temple land worth ₹1,000 crore becomes the epicenter of greed, betrayal, and political manipulation in this action-loaded rural drama. Childhood friends — played by Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Nara Rohith, and Manchu Manoj — find their bond shredded by power games. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, Bhairavam uses a small-town setting to unpack big themes: loyalty, corruption, and how money poisons even the deepest friendships. Asthra (ManoramaMAX – July 18) Dark, brooding, and slow-burning, Asthra dives into the heart of Wayanad's criminal underworld. Directed by and starring Prem Kallat, the crime thriller also features Kalabhavan Shajon, Santosh Keezhattoor, and Neena Kurup. The series unspools like a puzzle — with atmospheric tension, political undertones, and morally conflicted characters. Screenwriters Vinu K Mohan and Jijuraj craft a gritty narrative rooted in local realities and eerie suspense. Vir Das: Fool Volume (Netflix – July 18) After winning an International Emmy, comedian Vir Das is back with Fool Volume — a brand-new stand-up special that promises to combine outrageous humour with razor-sharp social commentary. In a quirky poster, Das poses with a mic in one hand and an electric lamp in the other, teasing a mix of mischief and meaning. If you're looking to laugh and think, Fool Volume might just be your smartest stream of the week.
