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Tag: New Releases

  • Raat Jawaan Hai – A Must Watch Friendship Hug!

    Raat Jawaan Hai – A Must Watch Friendship Hug!

    Raat Jawaan Hai – A Must Watch Friendship Hug!

    Dil Chahta Hai & Zindagi Na Milegi Dobra Friendship Meets An Ultimate Adventure Called Parenting!

    Raat Jawaan Hai is a refreshing and heart warming series focussing on adult friendships and raising children. Three friends Avinash, Radhika and Suman are juggling the challenges of parenting while their spouses focus on winning the bread. Their friendship helps them navigate life, marriage, parents, self-identity, career and other challenges that emerge on the way.

    Anjali Anand as Radhika is the energy and outspoken cult leader. Barun Sobti as Avinash gives a perfect portrayal of ‘stay-at-home-dad’ blending his humour and insecurities. Priya Bapat as Suman is the hesitant one but the emotional anchor of the trio.

    Highly relatable to the urban couples, it touches your heart with humour, feelings and profound thought. Special credit to the writer – Loved the rural uncle who refused a life because he has to get 10K steps on Fitbit. Or the lines like: We are exactly like our kids. Just potty trained!

    Brilliantly written, wonderfully acted and beautifully directed, ‘Raat Jawaan Hai’ is a must watch!

  • CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL: Promising Idea Gone Out Of Control

    CTRL has all the right ingredients but its a stale dish on arrival! 

    AI
    GenZ 
    Ananya Panday
    Social Media
    Talented Director

    All the above elements fail to make a compelling and refreshing story. The movie seems a packaged product designed to fill the Netflix shelves of new content. 

    Teenagers Nella and Joe are the GenZ couple living a dream life on social media. The influencers blissful life gets punctured when Joe is caught cheating – live on camera of course! 

    Nella gets Geet’s ‘Jalaa Do Saali’ inspiration from AI App where Joe’s images and videos are erased from her digital footprint and possibly life – The Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind!  But the AI Avatar is not a noble friend philosopher and guide – it takes over her data, privacy and soul for sinister gains. The evils of technology, data security and digital life are showcased – even prompting us to switch off our cameras and microphones. 

    Ananya is effortless in her GenZ avatar – her third outing on GenZ, social media and evils of technology after the very recent ‘Call Me Bae’ and ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan’. While the movie maybe a project to showcase Ananya’s talents, it has nothing new to offer. 

    Full credit for getting the look and feel of the movie right but the impact is missing. 

    Vikramaditya Motwane is a genius but he fails to convert a good idea into a credible movie!

    #CTRL #CTRLReview #CTRLMovie #Ananypanday #Ananya #GenZ #Netflix #Netflixandchill #AI #digital #privacy #digitallife #bollywood #newreleases #hindicinema #hindimovies #weekendwatch

  • Sector 36 Review: Dark, Gruesome & Spine-chilling Watch

    Sector 36 Review: Dark, Gruesome & Spine-chilling Watch

    Sector 36 is not for the faint hearted. It is a disturbing tale of child abuse, murders, organ trade, necrophilia and cannibalism.

    Inspired by the infamous Nithari Killings of 2006, writer Bodhayan Roychaudhury and director Aditya Nimbalkar concoct a gripping story that leaves a strong impact. Paedophile businessman Bassi’s Sector 36 bungalow is a playground for his sexual escapades. His servant Prem not only captures the acts of his boss, but he rapes and butchers the kids as well. He relishes their organs and even sells the body parts. Macabre and disturbing – Right?

    A failed kidnapping and convenient coincidences bring him in the radar of inspector Ram Charan Singh, who eventually gets Prem who relishes his confessional like a KBC hot seat! Watch the movie for this highly impactful interrogation scene where Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal deliver a masterclass in acting – reminds of Robert De Niro / Al Pacino in Heat and Nawaz / Vicky in Raman Raghav. This scene will outlive the movie like Pyar Ka Punchnama monologue!

    Vikrant Massey gives yet another stellar performance after 12th fail. He showcases his versatile art on Bodhayan’s canvas. Clearly in his purple patch! Deepak Dobriyal is equally impressive but his character could have been even stronger – his transformation from lazy corrupt copy to a spirited passionate truth seeker was too convenient. The movie has the apt dark gloomy look including the perfect opening sequence! Excellent cinematography.

    Sector 36 – A great watch!

  • Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi’s Mind-Blowing Emotional Revenge Thriller

    Vijay Sethupathi’s Delivers A Knockout Performance In His 50th Appearance

    A bruised middle-aged father visits a police station and wants action against three criminals who stole his “Lakshmi” – a dustbin which has a special value in his life. As the movie progress, parallel tracks and juxtaposed scenes come together to reveal a shocking and heartbreaking climax.

    Vijay Sethupathi’s masterclass acting is the highlight of the movie. He is truly the Maharaja of acting and it shows! Anurag Kashyap fails to leave a mark.

    I loved the smart and intelligent use of metaphors – especially snake. While the climax is what has set everyone talking it was not unpredictable. Lots of scenes are rushed and engineered.

    The director uses “shock and awe” technique. The truck crash, the snake, the non-linear narrative, multiple characters – all are designed to amplify the mystery and engage the audience.

    Maharaja is essentially a father daughter story showcasing the law of karma at work. Packaged emotionally and symbolically designed to leave a strong impact! Worth a watch!

  • Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Maharaj Review: Yashrajified Movie Derails Strong Story & Junaid Debut

    Nothing controversial about the movie – a reiteration of how institutionalised and cult-driven religious practices become the very evil they claim to fight against! Maharaj is indeed an important story that needs to be told!

    The movie is based on the landmark case of 1862 where Gujarati social reformer activist journalist Karsandas Multi (Junaid) exposes religious leader Jadunath Maharaj’s (Jaideep Ahlawat) predatory sexual exploitation and rape of women devotees in the name of ‘Charan Seva’. Karsandas is a progressive liberal who overcomes his personal demons to travel the path of great leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

    The premise and plot is very strong but forced punchlines and Yashrajification weakens the impact. Aamir Khan’s son Junaid is earnest and does a fine job – impressive start and a brave choice for zero fanfare debut. Jaideep rocks with his solid performance.

    Maharaj – A though provoking movie that fails to make a strong impact!

  • Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie

    Srikanth – A Cinematic Triumph! A Must-Watch!

    Srikanth is based on the extraordinary life of Srikanth Bolla – an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually impaired. 

    Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary and it provides director Tushar Hiranandani with a solid material – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success – all captured beautifully. 

    The best part of the movie is that it is showcases Srikanth’s mistakes and follies – when he takes his success and well-wishers for granted – the movie thus not ending as a sugar coated sycophantic hagiographical movie.  

    Rajkumar Rao shines with his sincerity and authenticity. His dives into the mind and heart of Srikanth and gives a nuanced performance. His snapping of fingers, arrogance, emotional speech – he balances all emotions and there is not a single false note. He is confident – I am not trying to be a hero,  I am the hero! Rajkumar takes his own craft to next level and this is indeed an award winning performance. 

    Sharad Kelkar is rock solid and makes a tremendous impact as a loyal friend and well-wisher of Srikanth. Lovely act. Jyothika impresses with her compassionate and understanding where she becomes Srikanth’s backbone. Their performances are a vital strength of the movie. Alaya has a small but charming role as Srikanth’s love interest. . 

    Strong script and nice story telling. Full marks to the director Tushar Hiranandani. Cinematic liberties are indeed taken to elevate certain events and drive home certain points but Srikanth does not get boring or preachy at anytime. No bechara – Only barabari! 

    The songs are beautifully composed and strengthen the story. Tu Mil Gaya and Jeena Sikha De are romantic beauties but the recomposed Papa Kehte Hai fits very aptly with the storyline. 

    Srikant is an inspirational, positive and spirit lifting movie that deserves to be watched with the full family! 

    If Sri can, so can you!

    #srikanth #srikanthreview #srikanthmovie #srikanthbolla #rajkumarrao #bollywood #newrelease #weekendwatch #biopic #hindicinema #indiancinema #inspiration #motivation #visuallychallenged #tseries

  • Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical

    Amar Singh Chamkila Is An Amazing Electrifying Live Street Concert – Mastila, Rasila, Chamkila

    Jis wajah se chamka woh, uss wajah se tapka woh’

    Imtiaz Ali Mojo is back!

    Amar Singh Chamkila is the biopic of the legendary and popular singer Chamkila, who rose to fame with his raunchy double entendre songs and was shot down at the age of 27 years in Mehsampur. Born as Dhani Ram Sandila, Chamkila is a Dalit Chamar who wins everyone’s heart with his music but faces threats from religious groups as well as militants. Popularly known as the ‘Elvis of Punjab’, he lives and dies for his art and beliefs.

    Diljit Dosanjh is the perfect fit and he gives a stellar performance. He is sincere, authentic and he internalizes Amar Singh Chamkila to win our hearts. From flawless mannerisms to energetic songs to passionate emotions – he aces the Chamkila character. Being a singer, he brings life to the songs – all of which are performed live.

    Parineeti Chopra and the ensemble cast provide a great support. A R Rahman’s music and Irshad Kamil’s lyrics provide the perfect magic to the movie – an important accomplishment as the movie is full of original Chamkila songs. While Ishq Mitaye, Vida Karo, Tu Kya Jane and Baaja are great, Naram Kaaljia is an absolute fun statement!

    Imtiaz Ali creates a wonderful and nostalgically beautiful narrative. He is confident and it shows in the creative mix of flashbacks, real video footage, original pictures, graphic style animation and multiple story tellers. I loved the on screen dance of phrases and lyrics whenever Chamkila songs came to life – though it some created distraction. Imtiaz is in his top firm. ‘

    One of the strong points of the movie is avoidance of airbrushing and whitewashing Chamkila’s story – His mistakes as well as pragmatic choices are showcased. Even the greed of the near and dear ones is not hidden. Yes, his first marriage was conveniently defocused.

    Amar Singh Chamkila – A must watch Imtiaz Ali – Rahman earthy folk musical!

  • Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore

    After a terrific performance In Kaathal – The Core, Mammootty outdoes himself in a pure evil avatar in a black and white gem Bramayugam. His ghoulish laughter, terrifying presence, deep voice and authoritative mannerism are simply brilliant! 

    The 17th century film revolves around a dilapidated mansion in middle of a jungle. Kodumon Potty (Mammootty) is the owner of this mysterious eerie place and stays there with his servant. One day, an escaping slave Thevan lands up at the mansion for food and survival and Potty welcomes him. Thevan is happy initially but soon the secrets unfold and he is unable to escape. 

    The movie is a strong commentary on the class, social divide and the nature of power. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. 

    Watch the movie for Mammootyy’s mind-blowing acting, technical finesse and excellent treatment. The black and white movie gives the chills! 

    And yes, Tumbadd still remains one of the best movies of all time!

    #bramayugam #bramayugamreview #mammootty #sonyliv #indiancinema #movies #newreleases #horror #thriller #bollywood

  • Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit

    A murder of the gym trainer Leo at a posh Delhi club opens a can of worms. Everyone is a suspect where the dark secrets of Delhi High Society Club patrons are at stake. A charming outsider ACP Bhavani Singh investigates the case in Agastha Christie’s desi Poirot style.

    The best part of the movie is the ensemble cast and loyalty to Anuja Chauhan’s brilliant writing and class satire.

    Pankaj Tripathi is back in action and is effective – just another day for him at the office. Sanjay Kapoor is brilliant and continues his Merry Christmas form as a royal Rannvijay Singh – tipping 20 rupees but packing food to cover his dilapidated ruined status. Karisma Kapoor is equally magical as a former diva and B-grade movie star of C-grade movies. Vijay Varma and Dimple Kapadia are not given due justice and feel wasted – their arc should have been stronger. Sara Ali Khan tries up to keep things moving but she has a long way to go. A lot more characters like Tisca Chopra add colour to the proceedings though in a very fleeting manner.

    The Delhi class divide is beautifully portrayed. “Poor people should die young!” announces Tisca Chopra or the fact that two trainers from Arunachal and Karnataka are called twins. Smart writing exists – ACP Bhavani says “It’s easy to be branded anti-national these days!”

    The movie sticks to its genre and the secretive layers get unveiled gradually to keep us hooked. Though the movie could have done with sharper editing and crisper execution.

    This is no ‘Knives Out’ nor Homi’s own ‘Being Cyrus!’

    Watch it once for Pankaj Tripathi and Idiosyncrasies of Delhi Gentry!

  • 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