The Ghilli Craze

As you all know, the movie 'Ghilli' was re-released recently. I only just got the opportunity to watch it. At first, I wanted to watch it to know what all the fuss was about. (I admit, I had my doubts about it. I only watched the movie once before and I barely remembered what the story was.) 

Once the movie began, all my doubts flew away. The movie theatre wasn't full, but the energy that the movie's fans emanated was magnificent. It began as the first notes of music played. I could almost feel the anticipation rising among the viewers. As the hero, Vijay, appeared on the screen, the theatre pretty much exploded with cheers and claps and whistles. The same happened with the appearances of the heroine, Trisha, and the villain, Prakash Raj. I honestly didn’t expect such an uproar in honour of anyone but the hero.

The audience quoted dialogues from the movie in sync with the actors on screen. The most iconic dialogue was, of course, Vijay’s opening punch line, “Intha area, Antha area, Intha edam, Antha edam, all arealeyum aiya ghilli da.” One of the most memorable ones was “Chellam, I love you chellam.” (The entire theatre said called it out.) Another one which I loved, (it looked really innocent when the heroine said it) “Kaarapodi sapadnum pola irruku.”

Another thing I really liked is the fact that everyone knew what was going to happen next. I know, it might seem unusual, but I liked it because of the laughter that erupted. Usually, it’s considered proper etiquette to remain silent in the theatre, but that wasn’t the case here. People were very free with their laughter. No one had to worry that they were laughing too loud.

Then came the dancing. No one could resist dancing to the movie’s hit songs. I had expected this but it was still exhilarating to watch. (And to take part in.) People were rushing by me as they went to the front of the theatre to dance to the songs. The astonishing part was that they had the dance moves memorized. I couldn’t resist joining in (no, I didn’t have the steps memorized.)

By the end of the movie, I was sold. The craze about it was justified.