Quality of entertainment - Part 2

Let's look at these two options for entertainment as black and white as possible. 

Going to a Jaya T.V. Margazhi Mahotsavam concert vs Going to a cinema. 

We are talking of common folks like you and me - bank officer, engineer, marketing manager, house wife, etc and not any fancy profession. Attending the kutcheri is probably more time consuming and yet more thrilling. One has to plan ahead and leave home to reach the hall well in advance. That's because the seating is a first come first serve basis. You might simply end up sitting on the ground or get pushed to the last row, either way getting missed out from T.V.camera. Talking of T.V camera, you also need to focus on your appearance. Chennai is hot in Margazhi too, remember. Depending on your gender, you have to try few sarees and jewels or kurtas and dhotis. You must remember not to dress up any grander than the performer. Else, you might prompt unwarranted pause-and-look in the video that gets posted illegally in YouTube few days after the concert. You don't want to anger Sudhaji. You are also anticipating what kritis and ragams the singer would perform that day. What if the Jaya T.V crew chooses you to air your opinion after the concert? You need to prepare for that too. Meanwhile, your mind is also debating during the concert what to eat and what to resist in the food stalls outside the concert hall.  You are also trying to have a post kucheri chit-chat with Mami and Mamas you know and others whom they introduce. So much hullabaloo for a concert while you would just  casually dress and go to the chosen cinema hall. At least the movie starts on time.  

Cutting the jokes apart, is the kutcheri any better than a cinema? Both yes and no. 

No - Carnatic kutcheri is also a purely entertainment for those who chose any other full time profession. Its taking the mind away from work place politics and ease up the stress spot. Its a costly proposition to go to a concert, in terms of time and travel. And a big disappointment if the performance is just a repeat of the albums. It is time away from your otherwise productive chores (supposedly). 

Yes - Definitely better than the silly mess, that is, the Tamil cinema. When you are in a kutcheri, atleast for those few hours, your thoughts are elevated to the realm of Bhakti - Qualities of Rama from Saint Tyagaraja Kritis probably dominating. The mood set by different ragas leaves you refreshed and energized. 

I am not a visual seeker of entertainment. I strictly prefer to listen a recorded kutcheri from the conveniences of digital media rather than watch in youtube. I would prefer to attend a kutcheri only if I know for sure it will make a difference. Time with kid is more precious these days. 

To reiterate, I still seem to hold on to the pattern set from childhood. That good music is a better entertainment than anything else, especially the visual media. Entertainment must make one feel refreshed and energized to do your routine. It beats the very purpose otherwise. This is my take. As long as whatever you choose does the good to you, go for it.