This morning I skipped all the way to school in great excitement. I tried to get Arun to go watch the picture with me, but after all I realised that it’s pointless to debate with such a snob like him (he only favours English picture). But indeed this picture is gonna be different, it’s not like a stereotyped Tamil film at all. No hero, no dancing and minimum of music. Most importantly it’s got Dad in it.
And he didn’t let me down. From the moment he appeared on the screen with his familiar dhoti and his stern voice and his favourite posture, I was totally captured with emotions. I watched every move of Dad carefully as if it was the last chance I’d ever see him again. I envied with Kumari, the protagonist girl, for delighting Dad so much. He patted on her shoulder every time she gave the right answer. Suddenly I recalled the rare occasion on which I was able to answer ‘3 hours’ and then how he jumped up from the chair with sheer joy …
Memories were like a waterfall flowing through my mind. When the film ended I still hold back, lingering to see his last image vanishing into the the trail of the projector’s light. I became lonely again and ran quickly back home. Mum was waiting anxiously. Throughout the dinner I talked about the film without ceasing, I imitated his posture in the film, acted like him, talked like him, but Mum just kept listening in grim silence. She refused to make any comment, but allowed to give me four annas each day to see the film.
I’m coming back to the cinema tomorrow ! Anyone wants to go with me ?
