NEW PROGRAMMES ANNOUNCED FOR KIDS IN KOZHIKODE FOR MAY 2011

The summer camps already announced are in full swing or have concluded on one side. Simultaneously, new programmes have been announced for kids for the month of May 2011 in and around Calicut (Kozhikode).
Many short duration programs that extended for 1, 2 or 3 days also went on amidst this ...

Kids are truly having a splendid vacation this year. 

AN EVENING AT CALICUT BEACH
 

KIDS ENJOY CAMEL RIDE IN TROPICAL KERALA !

SHUTTLE BADMINTON 

This is a one month coaching camp from May1st, 2011. Targeting kids of 8 to 16years, the camp is held at Indoor Stadium, Parayanchery. Indian Coach, Shri.A.Nazar is extending the training to kids. Timings are 10am, 11.30am, 3pm. Organised by Badminton Well wishers Association; contact 9995208250 for more details.

BALL BADMINTON

Organised as part of Summer Coaching camps by District Sports Council, this is from May 4th. Interested kids between 8 to 14 years can register at 7.30am, with age proof at Polytechnic College, West Hill.
For details contact 9497645619 or 9496134290.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

A 10days programme has been announced at Indoor Stadium, Kozhikode for students from Class V onwards. The sessions are on Personality Development, Public Speaking, Spoken English, Group Discussion, Debate, Quiz, General Knowledge, Goal Setting and Confidence Building Mechanism.
Starting on May 9th, the timing is from 9 am to 1 noon daily. For registration contact: 9446364917

FILM FESTIVAL

The 5th John Abraham film festival organised by Bankmen's Film Society  in association with Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and Film Society Federation is in progress at Town Hall on May 2,3,and 4th. Malayalam Movie "Amma Ariyan", "T.D.Dasan VI B" and Satyajit ray's Satranj ki kiladi are proposed to be screened along with other films.

OUR HOME LIBRARY - KIDS AND SOUTH INDIAN MOVIES

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SOUTH INDIAN MOVIES- MALAYALAM AND TAMIL- KIDS CHOICE

This is exclusively our personal picks. Watching movies is a family pastime for us and hence naturally the list is exhaustive. Though my kids regularly watch other popular movies and even cherish some of them, some of them have been purposefully omitted from this index, since they felt its not an appropriate choice for inclusion here for various reasons! Some others are pending their re-appraisal and shall be uploaded in due course. 

Most video clips here have attractive songs and none are links to the full movie as noted in my earlier post...

Vacation is a time for kids to enjoy and good movies in fact screw them down to their seats! 

Everything in a judicious proportion, in a well managed and monitored dose is an excellent supplement for personal development...

So I prefer utilizing the positive impact of media.

ANJALI

KANNATHIL MUTHAMITTAL

ROJA

BOMBAY

KESU

CHITRASALABHANGALUDE VEEDU

DADDY COOL 

MAKALKU

ATHISAYAN

 MAKANTE ACHAN

KAKOTHIKAVILE APPOOPPAN THADIKAL

MANU UNCLE

ENTE MAMATTY KUTTY AMMAKKU

MY DEAR KUTTICHATHAN

UNCLE BUN

ENTE VEEDU APPOONTEYUM

KOODEVIDE

PRIYAM

NIRAM

NAMMAL

PATTANATHIL BHOOTHAM

MOZ AND CAT

LOUDSPEAKER

VELLINAKSHATHRAM

NOTEBOOK

KAZHCHA

PAPPAYUDE SWANTHAM APPOOS

POOVINU PUTHIYA POOONTHENNAL

ACHANEYAANENIKKISTAM

OUR HOME LIBRARY - PART V- KIDS AND HINDI MOVIES

Some of the most popular picks that kids enjoyed are listed in this collection. Please note that none of the clips here are that of the full movie; but only glimpses to let you get to know or recollect or verify the film. Most of the full movie are available both on youtube or metcafe for online view or can be rented out from video shops or purchased from Moser baer home collection, readily.

My kids are regular visitors at film festivals organised for children at Kozhikode and they enjoy those movies also well. Elders should definitely help them to choose movies that suit their taste by going through the synopsis of each movie and narrating the same to them, before hand.They can't watch all movies and selection is a must. Its not easy for children to watch the movie and follow subtitles,either. Especially for films that have serious themes, they need help from elders. So, in such cases, its always better that elders accompany kids and facilitate them to participate in the following discussions also. They are sure to develop their observation skills and the diversity in movies of different language as well.

Some movies are in languages other than mother tongue.Hindi or Tamil and in these situations, we had to pause it occasionally to narrate the story and dialogues to children.We may have to repeat this with elementary level kids for one or two times in every movie; but they pick up the story far better, later when they watch it by themselves. They learn to appreciate art better.

In my personal view movies are an easy way to create awareness and instill the issues in and around us, the social matrix into children.The list here is quite personal without any order of preference whatsoever. It includes those that were pure entertainers and those which I used to communicate values or trigger certain specific thoughts or used to explain certain life situations or sensitive aspects that can't be depicted otherwise.

How genuinely children respond, their attitudes, emotions and reactions are worth a watch. When some aspects touch or pierce their sensitive minds, I have seen them discussing probable solutions over a long time. At times, we can also learn from kids.

I have added descriptions for Hindi movies and skipped that for Tamil and Malayalam Movies. In case anybody feels it essential, please be free to drop a mail or a note.

TAARE ZAMEEN PAR - Every child is special

Eight year old Ishaan's world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate. Adults are more interested in things like homework and marks. And Ishaan just can't seem to get anything right in class. When he gets into more trouble than his parents can handle, he is packed off to boarding school to be "disciplined"...

New Art teacher Nikumbh, soon realises that something is wrong and sets out to discover why. With time, patience and care he ultimately helps Ishaan find himself.

CHAK DE INDIA

Chak De India is the story of a coach's fight of making his team, Team India, by overcoming their diverse backgrounds, by learning to use everything that life hurls on them as a secret weapon. It's a story about honesty, sincerity and integrity. A story to remind the Nation of its National Sport...

HANUMAN - India's first 2d Animation film

Hanuman was born to Anjana, female Apsara and Vayu, the Wind God. He was blessed with supreme intelligence, strength and divine power. As a baby, Hanuman was quite naughty and used his powers to pester the saints living in the nearby forest.Once when he was he was hungry he leaped to catch the sun thinking it was a fruit. On the instance, Vayu, Indra and other Gods came together to bless baby Hanuman of immortal life. Blessed with divine powers, Hanuman grew up to be powerful and mighty. No harm could befall him from any weapons. Fire and water couldnot harm him. He could overcome death and above all he could transform his body to take the smallest form or attain the biggest form of life. He befriended Lord Ram and Lakshman in their search for Sita. Hanuman with his super powers help Lord Ram and Lakshman. Seeing Hanuman's devotion and love towards Him, Lord ram blessed hanuman with the boon of immortality.

  
My friend GANESHA 1,2: Go on a fun filled ride

A composite animation film by Rajiv S Ruia and distributed by Moser baer. The story revolves around a family of 4 members, Aaditya (Father), Aarti (Mother), Ashu (8 year old son), Aditi (paternal Aunt) and a maid (Gangu bai).

The parents of the boy are too involved in their daily lives and hence cannot give much time to the boy who always feels lonely. He would only get to be with the maid.

On one rainy day the boy saves a mouse from drowning and saves his life. He brings the small mouse home and tells the maid about it. She is very happy and tells the boy that he has saved Lord Ganesha's pet ride.

Gangubhai inspires Ashu to make Ganesha his friend and how he goes about it, they fun they jointly enjoy and how Ganesha comes in their home and problems are resolved in their family, is the script in brief.

In Part 2, the plot is laid thus. Vashu is the only child of brilliant parents - Airhostess Anita and Dr. Amit. But Vashu is also an extremely unhappy child. Because he has this funny habit of covering his ears all the time, everybody in school teases him and calls him 'Gandhiji's monkey'. While others laugh at him, his friend Tanya is the only person who bothers to find out why he's doing this. Vashu helplessly confesses that the moment he removes his fingers, he starts hearing his parents fighting and the noise is unbearable. Besides Tanya, Vashu's only other friend and ally is his new maid, Gangu Tai.How the maid helps him perform in the dance competition at school and how he befriends Ganesha and solves his problems is the thread of the story.

AVATAR

Jurassic Park and Harry Porter are good options for kids who prefer them ...

OUR HOME LIBRARY- PART IV- KIDS AND ENGLISH MOVIES

The taste of movies varies with children. They always enjoy those in their mother tongue. Kids may sometimes watch the same movie many times repeatedly; unlike adults. Thats their way of grasping the story all by themselves. At times certain portions may warrant help or explanation from elders; so as to help them understand perfectly.

Kids who are interested in movies are those who enjoy stories, photography, acting or performing arts and another category are those who look out for the technicalities as well. Whatever the situation, picking movies that are child friendly and useful is a true form of enjoyment and entertainment.It also helps kids to understand about the social fabric if we take effort to communicate the extent of exaggerations effectively.

Our personal pick of movies are listed here.

Baby's Day Out

A simply wonderful movie that kids watched innumerable times...

Baby Bink couldn't ask for more; he has adoring parents; he lives in a huge mansion, and he's just about to appear in the social pages of the paper. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world is as nice as Baby Bink's parents; especially the three enterprising kidnapers who pretend to be photographers from the newspaper. Successfully kidnapping Baby Bink, they have a harder time keeping hold of the babe, who not only keeps one step ahead of them, but seems to be more than a little bit smarter than the three bumbling criminals!!!


Walt Disney's The Jungle Book

This is based on the adaptation from Rudyard Kipling's classic novel. This is the 40th anniversary platinum edition, brilliantly restored with enhanced pictures and sound. Experience the song- filled celebration of friendship, fun and adventure that was the last animated film to receive Walt Disney's personal touch.

Embark on a thrilling, adventure- filled journey with the boy Mowgli as he makes his  way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets Jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable  , happy-go-lucky-bear Baloo; who teaches Mowgli " the bare necessities" of life and true meanings of friendship.

Swing into a jungle of fun and meet the long lost character, Rocky the Rhino and experience never- before- heard deleted songs!

Watch the trailer at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ker49kN5Agk

Shemaroo entertainment's GHATOTHKACH- Master of magic; a film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao.

Ghatothkach, lovingly called "Ghattu" is the prince of the forest and is blessed with extra ordinary powers. He has loads of fun with his magical powers, but also uses them to protect every one around him. As a five year old, he rescues " Gajju" - a baby elephant which leads to a lifelong friendship. The film is the journey of a prince and his elephant friend- full of magic, fun and adventure. When challenged by evil forces, that are out to destroy him and to stop him from fulfilling his destiny, Ghattu and Gajju form an invincible team to fight them. Together they unite two soul mates - against all odds; in their own unique funny way.

The Sound of Music- a timeless classic for every family.

Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, the spirited young woman who leaves the Convent to become governess to the 7 children of Captain Von Trapp, an autocratic widower whose strict household leaves no room ofr music and merriment.Winner of 5 academy awards, including best picture, this timeless classic features some of the worlds best loved songs.


Slum Dog Millionnaire by Danny Boyle that won AR Rahman, the Oscar for music...

Jaiho the song has become so popular in schools that kids become more familiar as they watch the movie.

It is an adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. Set and filmed in India, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the Juhu slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Kaun Banega Crorepati in the Hindi version) and exceeds people's expectations, thereby arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials.

AMU by Shonali Bose

Kaju, a 21 year old Indian American woman is visiting her family in India. In wandering around Delhi, she is overcome by dejavu and stumbles upon secrets and lies from her past. Aided by Kabir, a young man who is deeply attracted to her and her quest, she embarks on an unstoppable journey that uncovers the suppressed history of the 1984 genocide in Delhi. How does this past event affect the two young people in the present?Why are they blocked at every turn and will they ever find the truth?

The Indian Censor Board cut crucial line sof dialogue from the film all indicting the governemnt's complicity in the genocide and gave it an "A" certificate on the grounds that "why should young people know a history that is better buried and forgotten."

Ironically, in its theatrical release in India, USA and Canada, the film won the hearts of youth of all nationalities. This film is one among the 50 International film festivals and has 10awards to its credit.

Water is a 2007 film by Deepa Mehta, it had the Oscar nomination for best foreign language film.

The year is 1938. India is ruled by the British. Around this time Gandhi has arrived from Africa and to begin his tryst with the British as well as battle the traditions that bind Hindus. Not yet in her teens, Chuyia is married to a much older and sickly male, who shortly after the marriage passes away. From there she is taken to the Holy city of Banaras, and left in the care of a wide assortment of widows, who live at the "widows house"  shunned by the rest of the community. Her life there and her fellow beings is the thread of the story.

Air Buddies - they shoot, they score, they talk !

Here is a delightful tale of teamwork and adventure. Air Bud is the proud father of 5 adorable puppies, with an unbelievable secret - they can talk!The hilarious hair-rising exploits of these barking, talking, ball playing, pups have us cheering as they run off on a daring rescue mission to save their parents. .. The pups are simply cute and kids love them...

The blue umbrella by Vishal Bharadwaj

National Award for best children's film, this is based on the novella by Ruskin Bond. It is a desire about the zealous attempt to fulfill and finally its conquest. The story unfurls with the discovery of a vibrant blue umbrella by Biniya an 11 year old girl from an idyllic mountain village in North India. She has never seen anything more striking and beautiful. Neither has Nandkishore khatri. ... read the story and watch the movie...it will let you thinking about the concept of material happiness and futility of the whole process...

Kungfu panda

Kung Fu Panda is a 2008 American computer-animated action comedy fiilm produced by DreamWorks Animation.Set in a version of ancient China populated by anthropomorphic animals, the plot revolves around a bumbling panda named Po who aspires to be a kung fu master. When an evil kung fu warrior is foretold to escape from prison, Po is unwittingly named the chosen one destined to bring peace to the land, much to the chagrin of the resident kung fu warriors...

The part 2 of the movie is to be launched next month. Watch that trailer also.

In KUNG FU PANDA 2, Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.