A scene from Jack and the Beans Talk
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

It is that time of year when the mango showers fall, bringing a welcome respite from the heat and a promise of fragrant, wholesome summer fruits. While one cannot predict the rain these days, the city’s music lovers can certainly enjoy the Mango Showers Music Festival — a three-day programme with a mixed bag of events.

When it was established in 2011, the primary purpose of the Majolly Music Trust was to aid aging musicians who were unable to land or perform gigs anymore. However, the Mango Showers Music Festival is a fundraiser to launch their newest initiative — a scholarship fund for students who want to study music but cannot afford to.

According to Neecia Majolly, founder of the Trust, a scholarship fund was always on their cards. “When it comes to Western classical music, there are no institutions in India for higher studies and students have to go abroad to pursue their passion,” Neecia says. “Now, this is not cheap and banks do not offer loans for music studies as they feel they are not a financially viable cause.”

Neecia says watching one of her own students run from pillar to post a few years ago, to raise the cash for her education, spurred her to get this fundraiser up and running. She does admit that while the event may not generate enough funds to cover the entire tuition for every aspiring student, it could ease their burden and raise awareness, hopefully benefiting more students over time.

Andreas Konig
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“All proceeds from the Mango Shower Music Festival will go towards the scholarship fund.”

Bengaluru-based musician Joey Sharma, who will be performing at the festival, says he and his band were glad to be part of the initiative when Neecia approached them a few months ago. “We’ll be playing a genre of music called gypsy jazz, a style pioneered by Django Reinhardt, a Belgian guitarist,” he says, adding that audiences could expect melodies “reminiscent of Woody Allen movies with a modern touch.”

A musical titled Jack and the Beans Talk, with an original score and script will be presented, as well as a performance by German pianist Andreas Konig. Andreas who will be presenting a Western classical piano recital on April 27, will also be conducting a master class with piano students at Odyssey School of Music, earlier in the day.

The Mango Shower Music Festival will take place from April 25-27.Donor passes cost ₹449, ₹225 for children below eight years. For bookings and other details call 8494930941

Chiyaan Vikram’s ‘Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2’ made a strong impact right from its theatrical release on March 27, garnering positive reviews despite a few initial hiccups. The film, with its gripping narrative and intense performances, drew steady footfalls at the box office throughout its run. Now, after a successful theatrical journey, the action-packed saga has officially premiered on Prime Video today (April 24). As soon as it hit the digital platform, social media lit up with fresh waves of praise from viewers and fans alike, many calling it a compelling watch.
Authentic setting and strong performances praised
Viewers who caught the film on OTT praised its raw setting and taut narrative that held their attention till the end. Some noted similarities to classic gangster dramas but felt that the unique treatment and storytelling style made it stand out. Performances across the cast received solid appreciation, especially Vikram’s, who many felt was in top form. Comments like “Vikram Peaked ” and “Acting masterclass from Vikram and SJS!” filled timelines, showcasing just how much the audience connected with the leads and their portrayals.
A gritty rural thriller that delivers
Many described ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ as a gritty rural action thriller that doesn’t waste time before plunging into high-octane drama. Fans felt this was truly a “Chiyaan Vikram film” in every sense — intense, stylish, and emotionally grounded. SU Arun Kumar’s direction and vision were applauded for their precision, and GV Prakash’s music alongside Theni Eswar’s cinematography added significant weight. One fan wrote, “Vetrimaaran-esque level taking, peak drama building. Super watch ” while another posted, “Dei, high beam ah podra ”, celebrating the film’s energy and visual style.
Kaali’s journey from peace to chaos
Set in Madurai, the story revolves around Kaali, a former gangster turned humble store owner trying to lead a peaceful life, only to be dragged back into the underworld due to rising conflicts. The narrative unfolds over a single, intense night and is packed with emotional twists, fierce confrontations, and memorable moments. Along with Vikram, the film features powerhouse performances by SJ Suryah, Dushara Vijayan, and Suraj Venjaramoodu. Backed by HR Pictures, with an engaging score from GV Prakash and visuals by Theni Eswar, Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is currently trending for all the right reasons.