Tag: Netflix

  • ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder! 

    Glam Gossip

    Media Trial

    Family Secrets

    The Sheena Bora case, yes – Shenna Bora case, was one of the most sensational topics in the media. It was India’s Amber Heard – Johnny Depp moment or our own Kardashian coverage! There were more and more twists and turns as the case progressed – exactly the details that media loves! And the spicier story was even hotter because of the rich and famous media power couple – Peter Mukerjea was the former head of Star TV and Indrani was the INX Media Channel founder. 

    The movie ‘Dark Chocolate’ was based on the same case. 

    How it changed from Sheena Bora case to Indrani Mukerjea story is the magic of the times we live in! 

    ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ is a real true crime docuseries. A 25 year young bright and beautiful girl Sheena Bora is suddenly off circuit. Her fiancee’s tries to find her whereabouts and is not successful. He confronts his dad Peter Mukerjea and his step-mother Indrani Mukerjea, who claim that she has gone abroad for studies. He does not buy it. The interesting part is that Sheena is Indrani’s daughter – even her claims about Sheena’s father are very shocking! 

    Indrani has three marriages – none of which resulted in Sheena’s birth. Earlier, she had claimed that Sheena was her younger sister. After allegations of cover-up by Mumbai police, the case was handed over to CBI. As things stand today, all the four accused – Indrani, Peter, Sanjeev (2nd husband) and driver are on bail. 

    As you watch the series the list of questions are endless – why did she claim Sheena was her sister? Why did she hide that  Sheena was missing? Why and how did she enroll her second husband in the alleged murder of Sheena and torture of her? Why did Peter kept silent? What was the role of Mumbai’s top cop Rakesh Maria?

    Sheena’s body was found in Pen in Raigad district. It was just a conicidence that Indrani and her accomplices visited the same location for exploring farmhouse property. It was just a coincidence that DNA of the body proved that it was Sheena – defence disputed it. 

    Who knows the truth?

    Was there a cover-up?

    Why the expose happened?

    Who knows the real truth? 

    Will Sheena Bora get justice?

    Questions that remain unanswered! 

    The documentary tries to be as objective as possible and gives a well-rounded view of every perspective. The testimonies are complemented well with actual footage and events. Access to Indrani is a big plus and they fact check her claims as well. Her intervention when her lawyers speaks (Alleged) and how lawyer asks her to ‘Chill’ are important unedited footage. Indrani’s bold statements will produce a factory of Instagram reels. She is Sheela of Wild Wild Country!

    Indrani Mukerjea!

    Imperfect Mom!

    Gold Digger!

    Secret Past!

    Social Climber!

    Who knows her?

    Let us not forget that the documentary also has its point of view and soft corners – which could influence our understanding and hence opinion of the actual incident. And that is the intent – the documentary allows the audience to be the judge, jury and executioner. 

    Let’s not forget the ethics and responsibilities in the whole episode. 

    Let’s not forget Sheena in the sensationalism. 

    Peace to Sheena Bora!

    #newrelease #indranimukerjea #indrani #petermukerjea #sheenabora #sheenaboramurder #netflix #crime #murder #docuseries #buriedtruth #buriedtruthreview

  • Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Bhakshak: Bhumi’s Stellar Performance In A Hard-Hitting Expose! But Who Cares?

    Based on the horrific Muzzafarpur shelter home case that rocked the nation in 2018, Bhakshak is a gripping tale of a fearless small town journalist Vaishali. She follows a tip of horrific crimes and painful realities of a shelter home and pursues it relentlessly. The politicians, corrupt cops, bureaucrats and ’system’ live up to their cliche of blocking justice, abusing power and being partners in crime but Vaishali manages to release the victimised girls and ensure justice. 

    Bhumi Pednekar gives a solid performance with her driven and empathetic approach – Afwaah, Bheed and now Bhakshak. Sanjay Mishra as her cameraman and Aditya Srivastava as the criminal perpetrator give a praise worthy performance. 

    The screenplay is solid but editing and writing could be crisper. Clear loopholes and gaps exist but the overall honest intentions overshadow them. 

    The biggest challenge for the movie is the lack of interest and audience fatigue – who cares about child abuse, sexual torture, rape, and murder crime in shelter homes of Bihar? As Bhumi asks: “Doosro ke dard mein dukhi hona bhool gaye hain kya?” Scrolling continues… 

    #bollywood #netflix #netflixindia #moviereview #ott #newreleases #bhakshak #bhakshakreview #cinema #hindimovie

  • Kho Gaye Hùm Kahan: The Insta Movie Of The Goldfish Generation

    Kho Gaye Hùm Kahan: The Insta Movie Of The Goldfish Generation

    Friendship. Ambition. Romance. Heartbreak. Situationship. Adulting. Personal Demons. Coming Of Age. All In The Digital World.

    A story of three buddies Ahana, Imaad and Neil – who face different challenges of life behind the happy shining mobile screens. Smart business marketer Ahana’s boyfriend has broken up with her, Gym instructor Neil is trying to rise above his sub-par existence and Stand-up comic and Tinder addict Imaad has intimacy and trust issues.

    The movie gives a subtle nudge on the perils of fake social media crutches and embrace the no-filter reality with healthy relationships. The constant validation seeking behaviour is as addictive as drugs and causes emotional upheavals and mental health challenges. The non-preachy messages are powered with smart lines and sharp editing. The conversations seem very real and authentic. Special mention for the catchy music – English songs are apt and give the right vibe!

    The trio of Ananya Pandey, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gaurav are relatable and perform with effortless elan. Kalki adds depth to the movie – We might be more connected now but we are lonelier than ever.

    Zoya Akhtar & Team bounce back after The Archies!

    Kho Gaye Hum Kahan – Predictable. Relatable. Relevant. Easy Breezy. Like Insta – Smile, Like & Move On!

  • Afwaah Review: A Political Thriller Of Modern Times!

    Afwaah Review: A Political Thriller Of Modern Times!

    ‘Achhi kahaniyaan woh hain jisme tark ho, jo aapko provoke karein to ask why’.

    Writer of ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’ and Director of ‘Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi’, ‘Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin’ brings a dramatic commentary of the modern times! A strong telling of how unverified chat forwards and social media rumours trigger unrest and create destruction! 

    Mob Lynchings, LoveJihad, Social Media Factory, Chat App Crafted Realities, Cattle Killings, Election Build Ups, Patriarchy, Communalism, Politics Of Hate – All feature in the relatable thriller.

    A political rally in Sawalpur, Rajasthan goes out of hand and rising leader Vikram Singh (Sumeet Vyas) faces the heat. His defiant and disapproving fiancee Nivi (Bhumi Pednekar) decides to run away and is saved by a NRI returned Muslim adman Rahab (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Rahab is on his way to meet his wife’s book launch at a high society literature festival. But the trip becomes a hell of an adventure ride when he becomes the face of LoveJihad, thanks to social media alchemists. 


    Nawaz is very cool and shines in a very restrained and understated manner. Bhumi and T J Bhanu are the real stars – strong women who fight back, defy patriarchy, listen to their inner voice and keep the moral sanity alive. Sumeet Vyas is stellar and very convincing as suave, polished politician! 

    Afwaah has cliches as well as smart moments. The butcher scene and a man begging for his life are clearly drawn from one of the biggest riots of India. The Jaipur Literature festival equivalent where all high talks fizzle or the choice of animal at the end of the movie is finest sarcasm. 

    The movie is a courageous attempt but looses grip in some portions and becomes a drag. Afwaah manages to avoid becoming a preachy sermon. But it fails to deliver the punch that was expected from such a film – blame it on the everyday newspapers that we read. Nothing shocks us anymore! 

    But if Afwaah makes one think of verifying the social media post before blindly forwarding, sharing and believing it, Afwaah would have done a great service to the nation and posterity!

  • Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala Review: Visually Spectacular Musical Pyschodrama

    Qala – Where Guru Dutt meets Bhansali meets Vikramditya Motwane!

    Qala is a work of art! Picture perfect frames, scintillating music, brilliant acting and empathetic treatment make Qala a great watch!

    Qala is the story Qala Manjushree – a famous Bollywood singer and winner of Golden Vinyl record, who is struggling with parental disdain and personal guilt. She has unbridled ambitions in a highly misogynistic society and she actualises her dreams with intriguing choices. The pyrrhic victory takes an epic toll on her. She shines outside but is burning within. She is calm but broken within.

    Triptii is the perfect choice for Qala who shows fragility, ambition, vulnerability, guilt, jealousy, hurt, power and many other colours in a single canvass. She constantly reminded me of Natalie Portman’s Black Swan act – only with Organza Sarees and high neck quarter sleeve blouses.

    Swastika Mukherjee is equally amazing as Urmila – who had learned the hard realities of life and tells her daughter to work harder in a man’s world. Her apathy to Qala and her affection to Sajan are two sides of the same coin. Stoic Swastika!

    Irffan Khan’s son Babil makes a great impact in a brief but significant role. He immerses himself in the character – like his Dad. He and supporting cast uplift the movie.

    Full marks to Anvika Dutta for creating a beautiful dark painting with multiple shades. The icy cold Himachal and warm Kolkata are so strikingly different – even the mood and clothing of characters.

    Technically brilliant, gorgeously shot and strong direction. Loved the metaphors – Moth, Mercury, Snowfall, Cuckoo! Moth embraces Organza saree….Strong screenplay. Loved dialogues – “The times change. This is an old trick of time.” “Naam ke aage pandit lagna chahiye, uske peeche bai nahi”.

    The brilliant film’s biggest star is the music. What a composer Amit Trivedi has become – each and every song is so impeccable and integral to the story line. Shauq is a masterpiece which convey’s heartbreak while Ghode Pe Sawaar brings nostalgia of the past era. Nirbhau Nirvair is awesome! Magical!

    Watch it! What remains with us are handmade painting visuals, mesmerising music, moth motifs, organza sarees and lots of thoughts – Qala is a remarkable movie!

    Caveat: A dark movie – not for everyone! Not a masala entertainer or typical Netflix skin and crime thriler! Qala is an acquired taste!

  • ‘Monica O My Darling’ Review: Womaniya Blast In A Musical Comic Thriller!

    ‘Monica O My Darling’ Review: Womaniya Blast In A Musical Comic Thriller!

    A taut pop culture rich thriller with unapologetic eccentric characters! A social climber has it all – great job, beautiful fiancé and a bright future – till things go south! A femme fatale secretary and a kick-ass police officer create a mad energy of its own! And there are murders along the way!

    Huma Qureshi & Radhika Apte have a blast in the intriguing murder mystery! Huma Quereshi is a riot. Radhika Apte is completely sassy. Lovely to see them enjoying in their well-written characters. Rajukumar Rao does a great job but he has been there, done that. A great ensemble cast.

    The music is terrific and adds to the quirky fun. Songs like ‘ Yeh Ek Zindagi’, ‘Love you so much that I want to kill you’ ‘Bye Bye Adios’ etc are a character in itself!

    Smart writing, strong screenplay, fabulous dialogues, marvellous acting and outstanding music make it a nice watch. Editing could have been better. Director Vasan Bala creates a cool cocktail of Johnny Gaddar, Sriram Raghavan and James Hadley Chase novels.

    Worth a watch!

  • Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard – A Gripping Crime Docu-Thriller!

    Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard – A Gripping Crime Docu-Thriller!

    • German FinTech’s Unicorn
    • Silicon Valley Innovation From The Land Of Automobiles
    • Black Turtleneck Wearing Witty CEO
    • Death Threats, Thugs & Spies
    • Funding Of Militia & Influencing European Elections
    • Suave COO Features In Europol’s Most Wanted Fugitives
    • Yet Another Financial Fraud

    All of the above and much more!

    Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard, is a Netflix Documentary that unfolds one of the biggest corporate corruption and financial fraud case of the recent times! Wirecard went bust after its dubious malpractices were discovered and a staggering $1.9 billion was found missing from its books. Skandal! is based on Financial Times’ Dan McCrum’s book ‘Money Men: A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth’. Dan was the person who unravelled the Wirecard fraud. 

    Skandal! explains the entire Wirecard drama and its intricacies in a lucid and engaging manner – through a mixture of graphical story telling, rich interviews and brilliant insights. The journalists where followed and spied by Wirecard’s investigators. They were suspended due to smart counter-allegations by Wirecard and a short trader was threatened by thugs. Lots of interesting histrionics! 

    How did Wirecard execute the scam? Who were responsible? While Skandal! answers such questions about the Wirecard saga, its raises important queries as well: 

    • How did the Wirecard fraud go unnoticed for so long?
    • What loopholes were exploited? Are they fixed?
    • Did German politicians and media turn a Nelson’s Eye to Wirecard?

    Lots of truth is still not unknown. The former Wirecard COO Jan Marsalek disappeared shortly and is currently wanted by the German police. He is listed on Europol’s list of Europe’s most wanted fugitives. CEO Braun resigned and was arrested on suspicion of false accounting and market manipulation. 

    Watch it!

    A few thoughts do emerge….

    As always, it was the Wirecard employees, customers and common investors who had to pay the price!

    Wirecard had some of the best and extremely talented technologists and business experts, who brought great ideas to life. Many innovative ideas came to an abrupt end and many employees suffered for no fault of theirs. 

    Wirecard was a darling of investors. The whole financial world watched how Wirecard surpassed CommerzBank and Deutsche Bank, the traditional Financial heavyweights. There was a move to buy Deutsche Bank as well. All investments turned sour!

    And biggest casualty was the image of Germany and Germans – extremely hard working, honest, focussed, passionate and determined champions! 

    #netflix #wirecard #financialtimes #scam #fintech

  • Thar: Visually Impressive Slow-Burn Thriller

    Thar: Visually Impressive Slow-Burn Thriller

    Thar: Visually Impressive Slow-Burn Thriller

    Infinite. Parched. Arid. Stunning. Enigmatic. The imposing Rajasthan landscape and sounds of ‘Marusthal’ stay on – long after the movie ends! 

    Munabao, a sleepy village in the Thar desert on the Indo-Pad border, comes to life when a barbaric murder is discovered. The local officer Anil Kapoor finally finds some action in his uneventful career. The suspects include an antiques businessman and a Pakistani drug dealer. The movie is set at an unhurried pace but it feels a let down due to a deteriorating screenplay. The great start falls apart when the big reveal is served on a platter, rather than the audience discovering it. 

    The movie is an optical treat with amazing cinematography and great production values. It is a tribute to Western style thriller – saloon like restaurant and direct eulogy to Sholay as well. A giant decaying carcass reminds of the scorched and forgotten land and souls. 

    Anil Kapoor is getting better and better. He shines in the movie with his sheer brilliance – his silence talks impactfully, his eyes express the pain and his body language commands respect and love. Harshvardhan Kapoor’s brief may be to remain monotone but he has to just watch his father deliver an acting masterclass – right in front of him! Satish Kaushik is amazing while Fatima and Mukti show a promise that is not exploited. Anurag Kashyap’s dialogues are smacking. Smokers do not care about caste – plain spoken gems exist in the movie! Overall Raj Singh Chaudhary’s Thar is a movie that could have been a great thriller but deflated by a weak screenplay. 

    Thar – Watch it for the majestic Rajasthan vista and Anil Kapoor’s cracking act! The movie would be a marvellous treat on a big screen!

    #thriller #netflix #bollywood #indiancinema #thar #tharmovie #tharreview #review #bollywoodreview #anilkapoor

  • Darlings Review: A Half-Cooked Debut!

    Darlings Review: A Half-Cooked Debut!

    Darlings Review: A Half-Cooked Debut!

    Hindi Cinema’s misfortune continues…Alia Bhatt’ superstar status and great performances may not be enough to save her brave production debut.

    The story of an abusive marriage where an alcoholic husband routinely hits his wife. One day, she decides to turn the tables.

    The choice of the subject is brave. Full marks for that. The execution is bad. Neither emotional nor dark comedy that is aspires to be. The ineptness of screenplay and editing is clearly visible. Secret Superstar and Thappad are better movies for exploring the complex layers of domestic violence, gender roles, power play, patriarchy, identity etc.

    Alia Bhatt is wonderful and fully exploits the canvas that she has been offered – she is good but could have been better. Like Alia, Shefali Shah could have been much much more effective. The highlight of the movie is Vijay Varma – a perfect manipulating machine swaps to a sweet charmer to a frustrated employee. He invokes hatred and has a great screen presence.

    An average fare!

    #darlings#aliabhatt#darlingsmovie#thriller#crime#netflix#weekend#weekendwatch#newreleases#bollywood#indiancinema

  • Suzhal: The Vortex – An Intriguing Gripping Thriller

    Suzhal: The Vortex – An Intriguing Gripping Thriller

    The southern surge continues on OTT. After Bahubali, Pushpa, RRR & KGF, Suzhal sets the ball rolling for southern web series!

    A sleepy small town of Sambaloor is awakened from it lazy slumber by a factory fire and a young girl gone missing! The two incidents open up many fault lines – old hostilities, complicated relationships, parental kid disconnect, abrasiveness of police, class struggle, sexual tenebrosity etc. Ladies and gentlemen, this is ‘The Mare Of Easttown’ in South Indian forgotten town where everybody knows everyone – or so they think!

    The town is celebrating the nine-day carvinalisque Mayana Kollai festival and each day of the festival unveils a layer of mystery. The festival elements – music, colors, beautify adorned Goddesses, religious fervour, passionate devotees, mythology, dance and swaying – strengthen the tense drama. Full marks for the fusion – creates a unique look and feel!  

    The festival celebrates the Goddesses and the series is an ode to Women power – None are black and white. Have made interesting choices. Escaped. Challenged the glass ceiling. Regina (Shriya) reminds of Vijaya Shanti cop avatar but she is more brutal and vulnerable. Sakkarai, Shanmugam and Nandini give top notch performances.

    The characters are very well defined and have a great depth and arc. Emotions as well as mystery. The amazing writing keeps us glued till the end – a challenge in thrillers as all of us know that only the last episode will reveal the true killer and all other possibilities are deceptive diversions!

    Watch Suzhal for:

    – Southern spice to OTT Thrillers

    – Beautiful canvas of rich colors and layered drama

    – Top notch performances

    Recommended viewing!

    #suzhal #suzhalthevortex #southindian #webseries #thriller #crime #primevideo #netflix #weekend #weekendwatch #newreleases #bollywood #indiancinema #amazonprime #goodwatch