8 Things You Missed By NOT Attending MOJO’s MILFF 2018

Last week, this time, I was still mesmerized on how amazing MOJO Project’s MILFF 2018 was. It wouldn’t have been easy, coordinating so many big names and giving each a length of slot they deserve and to do all of this whilst the other 3 shows they had previously this year. Was MILFF the best of them all? No, because each was individually fantastic. But was this lit? DEFINITELY YES! Join us as we countdown the top 8 things you’ve missed by not being there, experiencing one of the greatest show put together in Malaysia!

1. The Opening Act: PU4LYF Adding The Malaysian Flavor

PU4LYF did justice to the stage that was shared with other international artistes and gave the crowd what they wanted to listen, whilst adding the Malaysian colours to their performance.  I loved the concept PU4LYF used for this show. They would start off by singing a Kollywood song and then mash it up and blend it with an Original PU4LYF song or A Malaysian Classic Tamil song. That’s right  PU4LYF performed Malaysian classics like Kokorogiri, Akkamaage and Jagat songs with ease! The end of their slot literally set the stage on fire when Santhesh sang Amalina and the entire team sang Vai-Lapalam. Huge shoutout of DJ Ruckes on the deck, the guy was amazing by hyping the crowd up with some amazing mixing.

2.  Aalaporan Thamizhan

You know Aalaporan Tamizhan is set to be sang when you see the names of Sathyaprakash & Pooja on the performers list for MILFF 2018 and although I have heard them performing this exact piece on the television over a bunch of times, the goosebumps when they performed live was real! Being a huge Vijay fan myself, this was a very special moment for me as there was an emotional bond with this song, and it was evident among the crowd with it being one of the most cheered songs that night.

3   3. Rajhesh Vaidhya

Rajhesh Vaidhya- the maestro of Veenai walked on the stage and pushed up the energy level, which went skyrocketing when Sathyaprakash sang along his veenai tunes for Enggeyum Eppothum. Some music will leave you speechless and the experience, you will carry it forever. The one moment I’ll never forget was when the great man was dazzling us with some Veenai magic, he suddenly blended in Metallica’s Enter Sandman’s tune. That led to roaring cheers from the crowd and myself. 

This was one of a kind of music and performance. Another favourite was Thendral Vanthe Theendum. Raja sir’s magic was captured to perfection and I didn’t know veenai, such a traditional instrument could lead such a musical act. His gig end on a high, not just figuratively but literally as well by him lifting his Veenai high up in the hair with one hand as a sign his gig is done. Pure music madness

4      4. Anuradha Sriram’s Duet With Sasi The Don

Although a big portion of Sasi The Don’s performance couldn’t keep up with the energy and atmosphere created by Rajesh Vidhya, when Anurdha Sriram started their duet, ABCD from Sasi The Don’s new album, the crowd got back up! Although, one thing I would’ve done differently is that I would’ve swapped this slot with PU4LYF’s opening slot because when PU4LYF was performing, many was still arriving and they did not get the recognition they deserve.

5    5. Sean Roldan’s Medley

It was definitely a privilege to watch this man create music live, on stage at MILFF 2018. Sean has always been unique and his medley from Power Paandi was highly appreciated by the crowd. He is the very few that can make fantastic music and can sing well and I really enjoyed Kannaana Kanne from Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Sean Roldan also had a very different concept because most of the words uttered while he was on stage were using a recorded video.

6      6. Leon James Unplugged Verratama Veraturiye

I have been a huge fan on Leon James since I watched KO 2 & his Kanne Kanne for Madras 7UP Gig and it literally connected to me so much when he performed Verratama Veraturiye. I would consider this as an impromptu performance as it was a filler for the technical fault that was happening on stage. But, Leon being him, the filler was gold and definitely touched the hearts of many with the melodious tune.

7     7. Andrea’s Shape Of You & Urvasi

Who knew? Who knew that they are going to walk in MILFF 2018 and hear Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You? Nobody! It was a fantastic surprise as no one saw it coming. The Mashup between Shape Of You & Urvasi Urvasi was a thing of pure genius  and Andrea’s stage performance surely needs credits because she constantly knew how to manage the pulse of the audience. 

Andrea also proved her versatility with a classic, Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa, a 90’s hit, Shakalaka Baby, an upbeat latest song, Hey Mama Trouser Kalendechi and her most successful song in her singing career, Who’s the Hero? Another goosebump moment is when Andrea achieved the high portion at the end of Who’s The Hero. It was simply WOW!

8      8. Benny Dayal

The final act of the night was highly energetic, Benny Dayal. It was high octane energy from the moment till the very end from Benny. He kept changing caps throughout his gig and they looked super cool!  Let me tell you another thing, THIS MAN CAN DANCE, WHILE SINGING! I have no idea how he manages his breathing. 

His performance started with Taxi Taxi and then it was Kanire from Dil Se. The fans where almost losing their voice screaming and cheering at this point. Songs like Usulampetti Pen Kutty, ChikkuBukku, Pettai Rap, Aathangara Marame, Anthe Arabic Kadaloram and Guleba definitely justified his presence to be the grand closing act. It was mesmerizing and another moment I would treasure forever!

Overall, MILFF 2018 was fantastic and definitely value for the money. And it’s a wrap for MOJO this year. The pressure is on MOJO now as I have no idea how are they going to outdo this amazing concert next year *hint hint ARR live,please!*

Mojo Projects Presents: Madras An 80s Musical!!!!

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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 April 2018 -- Mojo Concert Series is back this year with an extensive eclectic lineup of musicians and this round MOJO is starting off will be Madras, an 80s musical, which will see a night of nostalgia with performances by Aalaap Raju and Band, Rahul Nambiar, KG Ranjith and Saindhavi Prakash.

These Indian artistes will be here on May 5 at Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur, to be belting out hits by composer extraordinaire, Ilaiyaraaja and others from that golden era of musical brilliance.

“Madras is the melting pot and epicentre of culture, language and the performing arts. It is also South India’s movie capital,” said Mojo Projects operations director, Mogethen Gowrisan.

“With this in mind, we’ve envisioned an evening of sweet memories in the form of ballads and hit songs from famous movies during that time. It was an era when Ilaiyaraaja was at his top form. His songs have become timeless and we wanted to focus on that vibe for this concert,” he adds.

Mogethen says the music will intertwine audio visual and poetic aspects of the compositions, as well as some stories told by the performers based on their experiences with the song and movie.

Aalaap, Rahul, Ranjith and Saindhavi have ample of years in the Indian music industry as singers and musicians. They have backed up big names, as well as headlined hit songs individually.

Madras, an 80s musical is part of the Mojo Concert Series comprising of three themed concerts and a Main Stage event. The three themed concert will be a run up to the main stage event targeted for Sept 8 where more than 50 musicians and singers will deliver some of the most anticipated content, promising a one-night only, up close and personal treat for Indian music fans.

Tickets to Madras, an 80s musical, as well as the other events under the Mojo Concert Series, can be obtained at www.airasiaredtix.com . Alternatively, call 012-2000505.

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Taramani, Lakshmi and a Passage through Marital Life

By, Tharanie Rajendran

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Yes, I know I promised a write up on Taramani a while ago but I don’t do movie reviews as that is Sukesh’s forte. I needed more inspiration rather than sounding like a critique, more life to my write up and that is what Lakshmi gave me.

Lakshmi- a short film that deals with a theme of how a married woman is treated that led her into having an extra marital affair.

Taramani- a very bold portrayal of a single mother, dealing with many judgemental characters and a possessive boyfriend who expects her to fit into the mould the society has for a woman. Putting Andrea’s character aside, Vasanth Ravi’s impeccable plan to rob woman by giving them attention and sugar coat a telephone relationship highlighted on the number of empty relationships out there.
   

Both the movies revolve around the idea of sex and marriage where in Lakshmi, marriage is opted as the leeway for sex and Taramani scrutinizes the idea of a woman who has ended her marriage is portrayed impure, regardless of what was the actual reason that led to the divorce.

Both these movies portrayed the clash of desire, sexism and human behaviour. The substance that makes a woman love and make her feel included to form a family is completely evaded, and is portrayed as the harsh reality of life. Companionship and trust makes a family, but in both the stories, Diya and Lakshmi was completely lacking of it. In fact, both of them were victims of emotional violence.

One of the important character in the short film Lakshmi portrayed about a man that perceives marriage as an exclusivity contract and does not really put effort about her emotional wellbeing. There were several parts of the film where it was highlighted on how mundane her day-to-day activities were and she was not even enjoying the sex she has with her husband. He took her for granted and that boils down to a crucial fact that he was not only dismissive, he was okay with how things were between him and his wife. He expects her to fulfil the social notion of a “wife” that has been fed to him, which comes together with loyalty and no personal feelings. 

Well, the rule #1 in any relationship is to never take your woman for granted. She is a human too, who is capable of walking out on your sorry ass at any given time. Both men and women have the right to walk out of an empty relationship. Empty relationships is the kind of relationships that has low intimacy and passion, but high commitment (children, bills, etc..). Some women choose to end it (Taramani), some chooses to go with it (Lakshmi) for the sake of their child and society and some thought that opting for a back up boyfriend through a telephone conversation was a way to fulfil their needs (Taramani-Vasanth Ravi).

On the other hand, Taramani portrayed a strong theme where anyone can choose to have sex anytime they want, and that choice should not be tied with the social notion of marriage or a woman’s purity (Of course this goes really wrong at some parts of the movies, but oh well, I was not the one who made thiose choices). It also showed that most men think it’s okay to approach a divorcee because she “maybe sex deprived”. And if the lady doesn't give in to the needs of her superior, she will be ill-spoken of. 

A beautiful portrayal both these films exposed was only when a woman feels loved, safe and cared, she will be willing to offer a physical connection with the other party. Otherwise, sex given under duress (i.e. arranged marriage) is a hostage situation and perhaps some women were never thought to speak against it (Lakshmi). And that is why Andrea did not give in to her superior because that would be under duress, and it is not what she wanted. Both marriage and sex should never be the starting point of any relationships; it should, and always be love. 

I am not surprised if both these films topped the list of the most hated films of the year. Many hated these movies, because it is raw, ugly and it goes against all the societal norms and moral teachings.  Words like “extra marital affair” and “sleeping around” cause fear within us, not because we are afraid of some Almighty power, but because we fear the society cornering us, for being the black sheep among the norms although everyone’s dirty laundries sing the same song end of the day.

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