‘Dear Megha’ movie review: Love and life, in fits and starts
The Hindu
‘Dear Megha’ offers little by way of performances and narration
The film begins with Megha Swaroop (Megha Akash) trying to kill herself at a railway track but changing her decision in the last few seconds. A crestfallen Megha then shares that she is in search of peace and hopes to find it. The next scene takes us to her college life; obviously, we shall know the circumstances that lead her to the railway track. Dear Megha is a remake of the Kannada blockbuster Dia, whose Telugu dubbed version was recently streamed on YouTube. Those who have seen Dia might not be too happy with Dear Megha. The first half of the film retains the soul of the original but there is a striking contrast thereafter. Though the dialogues are similar, there is a difference in conveying the meaning. Unlike Dia’s Khushi who is an introvert and barely smiles, Megha is cheerful and has a sunny disposition. Cinematographer Andrews splashes Dear Megha in pinks and bright colours; the wall colours of the two homes of the lead pair makes it clear that the director wanted to bring in some change in the narration.
A vacuum cleaner haunted by a ghost is the kind of one-liner which can draw in a festival audience looking for a little light-hearted fun to fill the time slots available between the “heavier” films which require much closer attention. A useful ghost, the debut feature of Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke being screened in the world cinema category at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), even appears so in the initial hour. Until, the film becomes something more, with strong undercurrents of Thailand’s contemporary political history.

Sustainability is not an add-on, but stamped firmly into the process: every piece is biodegradable, waste-free and unembellished, free from glitter or beads. “Products should be sustainable and biodegradable so that our planet is not harmed,” says Anu Elizabeth Alexander, a student of Sishya, Adyar. At a recent exhibition, the stars she made sold the fastest, followed by the small diamonds. “I would like people to know about the process, how it is created, and that it is sustainable,” says Anu. Infanta Leon from Kotturpuram developed an interest in crochet as a teenager. It was a hobbyhorse that evolved into a steed that would help her embark on a journey of identity-shaping creative engagement. She started making Christmas-themed decor two years ago, spurred by a desire to craft safe, eco-friendly toys for children. “With a toddler at home, and my elder child sensitive to synthetic materials, I wanted to create items that were gentle, durable and tactile,” she explains. Her earliest creations were small amigurumi toys which gradually evolved into ornaments that could adorn Christmas trees with warmth and charm.











