V For Vendetta

                                        

“ There's no certainty – only opportunity.”

“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

          

For the comic book aficionados and readers of serious literature, comes a seminal graphic novel which has relegated the lowly considered comic book into a stylish artistic medium. 

A serendipitous flip-through of V For Vendetta ended up in my shopping bag and subsequently etched an indelible impression on my mind, compelling me to stack this book and compare it with others in the same genre such as 1984, A Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451 and Anthem.

This dystopian story is set in Britain which has become ‘totalitarian’ following a nuclear conflict that has left the state somehow intact but badly bruised. Order is restored to society once again but at a tremendous price. Amidst all the chaos and cacophony of this ‘brave new world’ emerges the stylish masked vigilante known simply as “V” who through a series of systemic attacks on the government strives to bring order, restore freedom, hope and liberty to his people. Our anarchist revolutionary has a vast knowledge of computer hacking, subterfuge and the art of explosives. But what distinguishes him from other stereotyped superheroes is his vast literary, cultural and philosophical knowledge. The story panel is strewn with references and dialogues from literary giants such as Shakespeare which makes the reading extremely poetic and intelligent.

Throughout the novel, “V” dons a Guy Fawkes mask, a shoulder length wig of dark brown hair and a floor length cloak. “V” remains an enigma whose personal history is only hinted at in one of the subplots of the story. As the story unfolds we gradually come to the conclusion that the identity of “V” isn’t as significant as much as the idea that he embodies. 

The story is deliberately planned to give a jolt to its readers in their comfortable cocoon of security and provoke or engage them to raise questions on alternate history, freedom and identity. Alan Moore does a commendable job as you, at a sublime level, identify yourself  not only with the protagonist but also the circumstances he is pitched in. There lies the beauty of this Orwellian sci-fi which is nothing but a surreal extrapolation of the present state of affairs, irrespective of nations or race, onto a future totalitarian government. In short a must buy for comic book fans and an ‘unputdownable’ read (if you could allow me that) for the more serious reader.

Sahib Sindh Sultan

The Restaurant  Tucked away in one corner of Ambience Mall (third floor) is a restaurant which ostensibly goes by the colonial name – Sahib Sindh Sultan. A bit of history - on April 16, 1853, when India‟s first passenger train chugged between Bori Bunder & Thane, it was hauled by three locomotives, Sahib, Sindh & Sultan, after which the restaurant is named. One is pleasantly surprised to be ushered in by a smiling face at the entrance, a far cry from the hectic poker faces greeting you at other places!
  
The Scene  The ambience is tastefully done and one has the option of being seated either at the open seating arrangement or in the cubicle style. The cubicle arrangement (replica of a train coach) is the one which immediately catches your attention, what with its colonial Indian Railways décor replete with leather high back-up seats, typical railway lamps and the clichéd luggage carriage, housing replica suitcases, silky curtains and other paraphernalia of the colonial era. The cutlery is reminiscent of royalty. The attendants dressed in railways attire, are attentive, quick and come out with reasonable suggestions. The public address system intermittently grabs your attention with its train whistle followed by the voice of a lady, faking the stereotyped sing-song voice of a railways announcer as she talks about the journey you have undertaken on Sahib Sindh Sultan.

The Food  A forewarning to potential patrons – be prepared to hold the menu card with steady hands as it is quite heavy owing to its metal casing. The food is ala carte and the menu card is exhaustive with exotic sounding names followed by a brief description of the same. Of particular interest are Laal maas (roasted mutton) and Kuchchi Biriyani (typical Luckhnavi style) – both finger licking and lip smackingly delicious. Once the meal is through, a Paanwala dressed in Benarasi style, complete with a cap and donning a moustache, presents you with a choice of paans thus completing your meal.

The Verdict  A must visit for the foodie in search of NWFP cuisine. The portions are large and generous giving value for money not simply in quantity but in quality as well. The fact that the food is served on silverware makes one feel important and royal. A sumptuous full course meal (including starters, rice/roti, single gravy and desserts) for two would cost INR 1200-2000.

Taking the step...

Time and again I have come across blogs and imagined myself doing a better job. So here am I making my first step...Dedicate this page to my aunt Tiku and my friend Himanshu who have constantly encouraged me to put my thoughts on paper!