"The Secret of Nagas"

"The secret of the Nagas" - second book in the Shiva Trilogy - by Amish Tripathi is out and already selling well. In Hyd, it sold 5000 copies already. Its amazing how new Indian writers are discovering their roots and connecting today's ethos to magic fables from Indian mythology. First book - "The Immortals of Meluha" is coming as a movie. And it truly reads like Amar Chitra Katha on steroids. When a whole new generation of writers dig for gold (stories) beneath their roots - sky's the limit.

"Gambler"

"Gambler" (Mankatha in Tamil) is Ajith's 50th & also stars Arjun. A thriller on cricket betting, heist & shades of "Dhoom". Dir Venkat Prabhu attempts well but blunders mostly - takes long to establish story and characters, projects Ajith as over-confident manipulator (does well), bad editing and comedy that falls flat. Trisha & Lakshmi Rai sizzle well. Action thrills amazing- best moment: Arjun picks up Mahat in a swirling limousine in split-second. Interesting plot but could've been better.

"TheUnwritten laws of Finance & Investment"

"Don't panic. But if you do, panic early. If trouble strikes it is often best to act decisively and quickly to avoid loss, or to cut losses". Just re-read Robert Coole's magnificent book - "The Unwritten Laws of Finance & Investment." Dare not keep this book further than your arm's length during times of duress - in stock market or comfort - from gold prices. Another gem: Don't look for entertainment, look for profit. Yet another gem: When you are in a hole, stop digging. Timeless wisdom!

Chetan Bhagat: Revolution 2020

Chetan Bhagat's new book "Revolution 2020: Love, corruption and ambition" is  already out on Oct.7. Though I dont devour Chetan's books, love his blockbuster writer status. His last book sold 1.5 million and orders for new book are pouring from Kazipet to Suryapet. Hyd:15k, AP:25k copies - thats about how much one Shobhaa De book sells in a lifetime. Chetan made it fashionable to use 1200 words vocab into cr`edible' tales of modern India. Made Writing worth more than Banking as a career. Inspiring...

"BodyGuard"

"BodyGuard" is stylish and well-made film by Dir Sadiq with good BGM. The chemistry between two huge screen-presence stars-Salman & Kareena is well-bought out and first half has much campus fun and laughter and a good song. Its only the last ten minutes of anti-twist that will disappoint Sallu fans a bit but Dir presents a simple love story, embellishing Sallu with dazzling, heritage property-destroying stunts. Kareena looks gorgeous Diva every bit. Its not a punchy film but watchable mostly.

Money, Money & More Money

"Money, Money & More Money" starring Brahmanandam, Venumadhav and JD (Director) has some good comedy but too one-dimensional with logical flaws - a money-starved gang kidnaps people at their own home; and starts kidnapping all who knock the door. A 10-minute story weakly developed into a 2-hr drag - not as a worthy a sequel to the original "Money" in charm and characterisation. Brahmi and Venu only paisa vasool. Its a mistake to attempt such sequels after generational changes.

India's Gold

In 1991, India had to pledge all its 60-plus tonne gold reserves with Bank of England to bail out a payment crisis. In 2011, justt Mannepuram Finance has created an outstanding gold loan book equivalent to 61 tonnes of gold. Looks like Indians are pulling gold out of their closets finally. Its also good for the country to monetise its "hidden" gold reserves.