Day: October 30, 2021

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

- Roshan

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man is a 1943 American horror film directed by Roy William Neill. The film stars Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolf Man and Bela Lugosi as Frankenstein’s monster. This was the first of a series of later called “monster rallies” combining characters from several film series. This film’s script written by Curt Siodmak follows The Ghost of Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. The film involves Larry Talbot who is brought back to life. Seeking a way to return to his death to escape his werewolf curse, he meets with gypsy Maleva (Maria Ouspenskaya) who advises him that the only way to stay dead is to confer with Dr. Frankenstein. The doctor is long dead but his equipment is in working condition, leading Talbot to seek the help of scientist Dr. Mannering (Patric Knowles) and Frankenstein descendant Baroness Elsa Frankenstein (Ilona Massey). Talbot then attempts to have his life sucked from his body and transferred into Frankenstein’s monster (Bela Lugosi).

Leicester City 0 Arsenal 2

- Roshan

Arsenal continued their recent resurgence with a comfortable Premier League win over Leicester City at King Power Stadium. The visitors capitalised on a lacklustre start from the hosts to dominate the early exchanges and were rewarded with a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes. Gabriel put the Gunners in front, climbing above several static Leicester defenders to head in from Bukayo Saka’s corner, while Emile Smith Rowe picked his spot when the ball broke to him after good work from Saka and Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced several fine saves as Mikel Arteta’s side showed defensive resolve to record a seventh league game without defeat. They climb from 10th to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham, before Saturday’s other fixtures. It was a disappointing afternoon for Leicester who remain in mid-table. Brendan Rodgers’ side were roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd but struggled to find the rhythm and poise that helped them to successive victories over Manchester United and Brentford.

James Maddison’s curling free-kick just before the break brought an excellent save from Ramsdale but despite a significant improvement after the break they were unable to claw themselves back into the contest. After starting the campaign with three consecutive defeats, which included a dismal display at Manchester City, Arsenal are beginning to look like a well-oiled machine. Their fifth victory in seven matches has propelled them into the mix for European places and ensured any pressure on Arteta has eased.

This performance followed the template laid out against Aston Villa just over a week ago, with the Gunners setting a tempo that the hosts struggled to deal with early on. Nuno Tavares charged forward from left-back while the likes of Saka, Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey largely controlled midfield. England winger Saka was particularly impressive, dancing through the home defence within two minutes to almost lay on a chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and then contributing to both goals. Arsenal’s resilience is also likely to have pleased their Spanish boss, with Ramsdale key to that.

Does India Celebrate Halloween?

- Roshan

Although this fascinating festival is mostly celebrated in countries like the United States, Ireland, Canada, England, New Zealand, and Australia it hasn’t found a big imprint on the Indian sub-continent for so long. Even as the craze of the festival is now quickly rising in various regions of India, it is still a very, very minor event when compared to the major festivals of the nation. Still now, a huge section of the population thinks it is something that was created from horror movies.

Globalization & multi-national companies/BPOs in India have made some changes to that thought. Just like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, Halloween is now also gaining special attention in India. Especially the people of the metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai celebrate Halloween with much enthusiasm. In these cities, pubs and hotels offer scary theme parties to attract customers. Here, its craze is high, especially among the youth. In my city Kochi, there are a few BPOs that do conduct small events with face painting and costume wearing at the offices.

Due to the association of violent and horror images of this festival India also faced criticism about celebrating this festival. A couple of reasons given against celebrating Halloween in India are:

  • According to the Indian mindset, it is not a tradition to indulge in the celebration of the departed souls and saints by highlighting horror and ghosts. Even if it is done on a lighter note and fun way, as in Halloween.
  • Indian traditions perceive remembrance by fasting or prayer and charity in the specific period. The tradition to commemorate the departed souls with festivity doesn’t go well with them.

Some year down the line, Halloween will hook the Indian public and we will celebrate it with the pomp and splendor that this awesome festival deserves. Until, then the small pockets of society will continue to dress up and don face paint in their offices and select pubs.