Two of the most famous franchises in pop-culture history took over X’mas in the city this year.
Two of the most famous franchises in pop-culture history took over X'mas in the city this year.
You know how every other major metro in India either has a Comic-Con or seems close to getting one, except Chennai? Well, this Christmas was perfect for geekdom in the city to get one up over the rest of the country — with a little bit of sci-fi … and a whole lot of magic. Yes, it actually happened — our very first Harry Potter and Star Wars-themed parties, which had fans of both franchises, decked up in their surreal best: from wizards and elves to inter-galactic princesses and Sith Lords! Though both were separate events, it was almost as if a collective pop-culture force had gripped town.
Organised by iloveread.in, the Potter X’mas party at Crimson Chakra witnessed the most ingenious of décor, bringing the world of Hogwarts to life. As cauldrons of smoke sizzled and the haunting theme music played over the occasion, Muggles (non-magic people, namely, us) impersonated their favourite characters, discussed theories, and compared costumes.
Divya Vijayakumar, who came as a unicorn, quips, “It was my destiny to wear this! I’d have loved to be Luna Lovegood from Ravenclaw though, as I identify with her best. But it’s amazing to have a forum for us to be our creepily-obsessive Potter fangirl selves!” Adds 17-year-old Tushar Kanoi, who won best costume for his Dumbledore avatar — “I’ve been dreaming about this day forever, to be part of this world.”
Over at Palazzo, it was the turn of the Chennai Cosplayers Convention to strut their Star Wars garb. Says Ratikha Venugopal, one of the founders, “My cosplay was designed by Jules Idi Amin. I designed the other founder, Siva’s outfit, and he made his own props. We worked on our own sketches and helped each other creating the props and weapons. One of my rooms is full of fabrics, cardboards, and sequins! We posed with fans, clicked selfies, showed off our light sabers and had a blast!”
As Butterbeer (yes, it was delicious!) and Chocolate Frogs were distributed, favourite quotes were exclaimed (Give us hell from us, Peeves) and new wizarding alliances were established!We saw Mubin do an extremely authentic Luna, complete with Quibbler magazines et al, while Anagha was an inch-perfect Professor Trelawney! Karthika and Anisha both channeled their inner Tonks, even as Karishma was a charming Hermoine, albeit, with broomstick in hand. ‘Dobby’ Divya was also also one of the winners for best costume.
The Star Wars cosplay event meanwhile, had the likes of Rahul and Anvar represent the heroes, while Gowri Shankar, Bharat and Arvind made convincing members of the dark side. The Force was certainly strong with Ratikha who grabbed all the attention with her glam take on Princess Leia — evident by all the passers-by who wanted to click a picture with her! It’s safe to say, that movie-goers walked into the theatres, with hopes high.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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