Some days, you see very clearly where you stand in other people’s lives. Deep down, you know how much you matter to them or don’t. And yet, instead of accepting it, you keep holding on to hope. You hope they will feel the same way about you, that they will understand what you’re going through, and that they will care for you the way you care for them. But most of the time, that hope is just a wish, not reality. Your gut usually tells you the truth, and in moments like this, it’s better to trust your gut than to cling to false hope.

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That one conversation reminds us of who we were, who we still are deep down. It makes us wonder why we waited so long. Maybe life won’t always give us second chances, but when it does, it’s up to us to hold on. Not every connection will return, but the ones that do remind us that time and distance mean little when hearts still remember.

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One day, we reconnect, maybe by accident, maybe on purpose. The years in between don’t matter. The moment we speak, it feels like no time has passed at all. There’s no awkwardness, just pure happiness on both sides. Sometimes, we talk about serious issues, and the other person says just the right thing to lift our spirits. At other times, we discuss random, silly things. But once the call ends, our hearts feel lighter, and we find ourselves smiling, a smile we hadn’t felt in a long time.

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This week felt like a journey back to people I had lost touch with. I've always believed that everyone enters our lives for a reason, and once that reason is fulfilled, they quietly drift away. Not in a bad way, just the way life works. Over time, we lose contact, and it’s only when we go through something, or stumble upon an old photo or video, that memories of those people come rushing back. We feel like reaching out, but hesitate. Maybe too much time has passed, or we assume they’re too busy now. So we convince ourselves to stay silent, even when a part of us still wants to reconnect.

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Many times
As the sun sets
Roads get crowded
Kiosks get set up
Eager sellers lay their wares
Trusting buyers to be there!

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Sometimes in life, you walk alone,
No crowd to cheer, no comfort zone.
But peace is found in quiet grace,
Not every fight is yours to face.

When instincts speak, don’t turn away,
They guide you true, they light your way.
No need for noise, no need for show,
The soul finds strength in letting go.

We’re born alone, we leave the same,
No one to blame, no need for shame.
Expect no more, just let things be—
In solitude, you’re truly free.

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As the film proudly declares, "Mohanlal Thudarum"—Lalettan is here to stay. With powerful performances and unforgettable roles, he will continue to captivate and inspire us for years. The legend lives on, and the journey continues.

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Lalettan truly embodied the spirit of Thudarum’s powerful tagline: "When the elephant walks, the forest walks with him." Audiences laughed, cried, and cheered alongside the mundu-clad everyman, Shanmughan—a character who would go to any lengths for his family.

Credit goes to the writer and director for tapping into the very essence of what fans had long been yearning for—a role that showcased Lalettan’s full potential. Adding to the magic was his on-screen pairing with Shobana, a duo that the audience has always cherished. It’s rare to come across a film where the casting, background score, and cinematography align so perfectly. The surprise element, however, was the antagonist—holding his ground against a powerhouse like Lalettan is no small feat, and it’s something we don’t often see.

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The recent controversy surrounding the podcaster made me question, "Where do we draw the line?" I certainly do not condone his statements, even if they were made under the guise of comedy. But does this deserve national news coverage? There are far more pressing issues that demand our attention.

"Freedom of Speech and Expression" is a fundamental right. Growing up, I don’t recall major concerns over what was said or expressed. However, with the rise of social media, people are now speaking and expressing too much under the cover of anonymity. At the same time, more people are taking offence and turning trivial matters into controversies. In the end, the media capitalizes on this, competing for TRPs by sensationalizing such topics—until the next controversy takes over.

Having opinions is important, but expressing them openly can sometimes hurt others. As individuals, we should think critically, consider our audience’s perspective, and consider what should be shared. It's important not to hide our mistakes behind the excuse of fundamental rights. Use the rights wisely, as freedom is not free.

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In the Malayalam movie "Charlie," there is a scene where the protagonist announces his death by publishing the news in a local newspaper. He explains that this was his way of discovering how many lives he had touched and how many people would show up to mourn his passing.

This scene stayed with me and lingered in my thoughts. Recently, the death of a loved one brought it to the forefront. Watching the people who showed up and listening to their conversations was a profound reality check. The key takeaway for me was the importance of priorities. Regardless of your relationship with the deceased, you attend only if you choose to prioritize mourning over the other tasks demanding your attention.

The deceased may have been the most significant person in someone’s life at one point. But over time, priorities shift, people change, and the once most significant person gradually becomes insignificant. Perhaps that’s just the way of nature. As I reflect on this, with a heavy heart, I believe that everyone encounters a reality check at some point.

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