For those who haven’t seen or can’t recollect, there is a comedy routine by Goundamani which is about a husband complaining about how he can’t beat his wife anymore, how the few people in the neighborhood (society) find reasons to stop him. He explains how they say initially, it’s wrong to hit a newly wed wife, then that she’s pregnant and how dare he hit a new mom, and later in life how could he hit his wife when his son is old enough to understand the situation. While this post is in no way appreciating the content exhibited in the video (It is very wrong to hit your partner, no matter what they do how much ever you wish to, just don’t. It hurts and your partner is people too, Unless you’re into that kind of stuff, then it’s your personal wish), this is about the way that I’ve related to this video more than a video of a irresponsible arrogant man talking about hitting his wife should.
But..but how would this be any relevant to me nor anyone in their right mind or how could such a low act be extrapolated to other life situations. Well , that’s where the genius of Counter Mani a.k.a Goundamani works.
1. I want sit at home and do absolutely nothing productive when my parents are around.
Class X (Before that one doesn’t stay quite in one place or appreciate the awesomeness of general nothing-to-do-ness) : How can you be doing nothing, study class X properly and you’ll cruise your life after that. [ Helps you get into class XI in some popular school in your locality which in my case was the same and thus, obsolete]
Class XII : This is the most important part of your life, if you study now and get into a good college, your life would be swell.
Under Graduation : Do you know how bad the job market is out there, put in your effort now and get into IT and you’ll be in the US of A within the next two years.
Post Graduation : You can’t study anymore, so unless you want to do a PhD and become a Professor in a B-School, you can’t afford to waste time doing nothing.
At Work – Do you think I pay you for this incompetence?
When you get to a point where you retire, you can’t do anything else so it isn’t fun anymore.
[Cue the video]
2. I want to spend money on some mundane stuff which for some obvious reason is of value only to me and not anyone around me.
Student Life : ARE YOU KIDDING ME? YOUR PARENTS ARE PAYING FOR YOUR FEES AND YOU’RE ASKING FOR THIS? THIS? WHATEVER THIS IS..
Right Before Work : You’re only going to start work and you’re spending on THIS? If I was you, I’d worry about my future than spend lavishly like this. Kids these days and their lifestyle. IT has paid them too much money and they don’t understand the value of it.
At Work : You should be saving money now for your student loans, marriage, kid’s education (well, I’m not married yet) and your retirement plans (DUDE, I just started working).
When you’re old enough to spend without worrying about anything else – Is this the age to buy THIS?
[Cue the same video]
You get the picture? One has to appreciate the underlying tone of the video which speaks about the interference of society in our personal lives, the extent we let other people control our lives and seeking constant approval from people who probably don’t even care. While I’m not implying this is rule written on a stone and is universal, it does exist to a major extent everywhere around us. This only goes to show the genius that is Goundamani who’s more than once portrayed life lessons through unorthodox, crass and sometimes absurd ways, most of which would remain unparalleled by the successors. If I was any less informed, I might have dropped the “Underrated” word in his description but he isn’t. I’m understanding more in those than I did when I watched them as a wee kid. Yeah, it does takes age to appreciate his comedy. And one that should be truly appreciated.
Ps. I don’t recollect the exact movie name and I’m not able to find the video yet. Will add it to the post as soon I find it.