Star Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagadeesh Pratap Bhandari, Rao Ramesh, Sunil, Anasuya Bharadwaj

Director: Sukumar

What’s Good: Allu Arjun unleashes his wildfire like nobody’s business, cinematography, action sequences, and dialogues which will invite some more hooting and whistles this time, Fahadh Faasil’s performance

What’s Bad: Some unnecessary sub-plots only add to the pace of the film laboriously, some action sequences threaten to go over the top, the romantic scenes look borderline cringe at some point, the dance numbers and the choreography just do not land like the OG film

Loo Break: You can take one during the ‘Kissik’ and the ‘Peelings’ song. You won’t miss anything worthwhile.

Watch or Not?: This is inevitably a treat for all the Allu Arjun fans out there ,irrespective of some of the flaws

Language: Telugu

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 200 minutes

User Rating:

In one of the scenes, Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna) proudly addresses a crowd on how her husband Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) doesn’t need his father’s name or origin to proclaim his identity. Pushpa has now become a ‘brand’. This very much sums up the magnetic aura of Pushpa as he basks in the very glory of his rule in almost the whole of South India. While the film does full justice to this by upping the swag, fire, intensity, and rowdiness of the character, too many sub-plots threaten to drag the pace laboriously.

Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) is not a fire but a ‘wildfire’ now wherein he has built an entire empire of a syndicate that helps him to run his red sandalwood smuggling chain. He keeps the powerful politicians, businessmen, police officials, and dangerous smugglers under his control and in strong alliance by giving them crores of bribes. Along with being a no-nonsense kingpin, he is also a dutiful husband to his wife Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna) who stands as a strong pillar of support for him. However, his arch nemesis, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), is back with a vengeance and promises to be the biggest obstacle in Pushpa’s smuggling syndicate. But, apart from this, some old foes too return, and he makes some additional enemies on the way.

Pushpa 2 – The Rule Movie Review: Script Analysis

Director Sukumar along with co-writer Srikanth Vissa attempts to serve us a fine blend of mass, intensity, and entertainment when it comes to the dialogues and some of the high-octane scenes. While some definitely land and how! (hysteria and hooting alert) others fall flat. The movie definitely has a stronger first half wherein we see the varied shades of Pushpa – as a powerful syndicate leader, a doting husband, and a vulnerable man who’s still broken because of the humiliation he has faced due to his parentage. Be it him twisting the tides of politics and all of the significant conspiracies against him or tricking Shekawat time and again, there’s never a dull moment in the first half. Watch out for a scene wherein Pushpa, with his unending swag, buys out a helicopter from a dealer because he wishes to have a ride that matches his aura.

However, the film’s major shortcoming is its pace. There is too much inculcation of sub-plots, which becomes exhausting after a point and also does not flesh out properly. A cat-and-mouse chase with Shekawat, his bitter relationship with the step-brother’s family, politics within the syndicate, and the shift in power on the CM’s chair, too many things happen, which tediously adds to the pace. Any of these sub-plots could’ve been either omitted out or could’ve been wrapped up quickly. Plus, the ‘peelings’ gag to describe Pushpa’s romantic moments with Srivalli appears to be borderline cringe. After a point, despite Faasil’s stellar act, there’s no spark or growth in Shekhawat’s character arc as it also falls prey to a monotony. Not to forget, some action sequences appear over the top, barring some which are saved by Allu Arjun’s powerful screen presence.

Pushpa 2 – The Rule Movie Review: Star Performance

Allu Arjun proves why the legacy that he has created with the Pushpa franchise will be irreplaceable for many years to come. The man elevates the hard work, sweat and toil from the OG film and is just a visual spectacle to behold. There’s no guessing that he shines in all the massy dialogues and dance numbers, especially his trademark walking and the ‘Jhukega Nahi’ dialogue. But the highlight of them all is his Ma Kaali-inspired act, which appears in two significant moments in the film. He allows the divinity, madness, devotion, rage, and anger to engulf him completely in these scenes. Arjun also shines in the emotional scenes wherein his character still grapples with a deep sorrow because of his father’s family not accepting him. From a wildfire, he erupts into a massy volcano in this one.

Faahad Faasil is sheer brilliance as the conniving and crooked Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. He especially shines in the scenes wherein he is outsmarted by Pushpa but is still hell-bent on getting his vengeance. Even though his character deserved a better graph in the writing, Faasil’s performance makes up for it. Rashmika Mandanna, as Srivalli has more scope to perform in the sequel. She’s a protective, loving, and a dutiful wife who isn’t afraid to fight the world for her husband’s honor and dignity. The actress especially shines in the scenes wherein she declares her husband as a powerful brand when he is belittled by his step-brother. The other impressive performances included of that of Jagadeesh Pratap Bhandari, Rao Ramesh, and Anasuya Bharadwaj.

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Pushpa 2 – The Rule Movie Review: Direction, Music

Pushpa 2 fulfills the expectations of a massy and visual extravaganza when it comes to the direction and the overall execution, especially during the climax. Barring the pace and the irrelevant sub-plots that threaten to do more harm than good, the movie makes way for an entertaining watch. While the background score is a total vibe and acts as a fine catalyst to the plotline, the same cannot be said for Devi Sri Prasad’s music. Barring Shreya Ghoshal’s rendition of ‘Angaron Ka’, none of the songs strike a chord like the soundtracks of the OG film. The weakest tracks are probably ‘Peelings’ and ‘Kissik’ and the bizarre lyrics and choreography make it all the more cringe and unbearable.

Pushpa 2 – The Rule Movie Review: The Last Word

This Sukumar directorial does have some technical flaws, but Allu Arjun is a delight which you simply cannot miss. And (no spoilers) but it definitely ends in a ‘boombastic’ note.

Pushpa 2 – The Rule Trailer

Pushpa 2 – The Rule released on 05th December, 2024.

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For more recommendations, read our Devara Review here.

Must Read: Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Aura & Star Power Is A Solid Anchor To This Gripping Actioner, Fahadh Faasil Is The Cherry On Top!

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Star Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Maganti Srinath, Addanki Rohit, Kishore Raju Vasistha, Ramki

Director: Venky Atluri

What’s Good: Nearly everything came together in this film: the early ’90s period setting, the background score, and Dulquer Salmaan‘s outstanding performance all worked perfectly.

What’s Bad: The first song feels unnecessary and disrupts the film’s flow. By this point, the characters and their lives have already been well established, and the song reiterates what we already know, adding little value to the narrative.

Loo Break: Feel free to take a short break during the song mentioned above, but I suggest not taking any breaks except during the interval.

Watch or Not?: This film is highly recommended, but whether it warrants a theatrical visit is up to you. The film is a solid entertainer, particularly for family audiences, as it needs fight sequences or unnecessary elements that detract from the core plot. If you’re looking for a good family movie, catch it in theaters; otherwise, it’s worth waiting to watch at home.

Language: Telugu

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 162 Minutes

User Rating:

Lucky Baskhar follows the life of a typical middle-class man, burdened by financial struggles and dreams of a promotion from his job as a bank clerk. Baskhar navigates the daily challenges of supporting his family, which includes his younger brother, younger sister, his ailing father, who is partially paralyzed due to a stroke, as well as his wife and their seven-year-old child. When Baskhar unexpectedly becomes wealthy, the story delves into how this windfall alters his perspective and lifestyle. The film thoughtfully explores how money can transform one’s outlook and how society views the wealthy and those without wealth.

Lucky Baskhar Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script of Lucky Baskhar is exceptionally well-crafted, featuring well-defined characters, though Baskhar’s siblings could be more developed. Nevertheless, they effectively contribute to the plot despite their limited screen time. The film introduces its characters and Baskhar’s job through an informative voiceover, which proves valuable in tying up loose ends by the end and enhancing the understanding of the conclusion. While the ending may seem slightly unconvincing and even absurd, mainly regarding a necessary procedure unknown to upper management, Baskhar’s motivations are well-established, providing a solid rationale for his actions.

The plot gains credibility by introducing the character of Baskhar’s father and his former profession. If someone had approached this with a ‘woke’ perspective, Baskhar’s father might not have existed, and his wife would have taken on his role instead. However, the scriptwriter recognizes the importance of such characters. Baskhar’s wife, Sumathi, is well-developed, and her limited screen time contributes to the film’s pacing, preventing it from feeling lengthy. This choice enhances the overall flow of the story. The script is tight and engaging, avoiding bloat or sluggishness.

Lucky Baskhar Movie Review: Star Performance

The first person to commend is Dulquer Salmaan, who delivers an exceptional performance in this film. After the setback of King of Kotha in the Malayalam film industry, this role marks a remarkable comeback for him. He fully embodies his character, bringing authenticity and depth to every scene.

Meenakshi Chaudhary also shines as she convincingly portrays the life of a typical housewife. Whether expressing anger or joy, her performance feels genuine and relatable, beautifully capturing her character’s essence.

Additionally, every actor in the film fits seamlessly into their roles, creating a cohesive and believable ensemble. All of the performances feel in the right place; instead, each actor enhances the story and adds to the overall richness of the film.

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Lucky Baskhar Movie Review: Direction, Music

Direction is one of the most crucial elements in any film, as the director’s role is to unify all aspects of the production. Aside from minor hiccups and a few logical errors that only the most observant viewers might catch in Lucky Baskhar, everything else comes together quite nicely. Writer-director Venky Atluri truly shines in this regard. He expertly navigates the challenges of setting the film in the early ’90s.

The music also significantly enhances the film’s overall feel. Compelling music should complement the viewing experience without being overly noticeable; in this case, it perfectly strikes that balance. The score elevates the emotional moments and creates the right ambiance when needed. Kudos to G.V. Prakash Kumar.

Lucky Baskhar Movie Review: The Last Word

In conclusion, Lucky Baskhar is a heartfelt portrayal of middle-class struggles and triumphs, brought to life by solid performances and skilled direction.

Lucky Baskhar Trailer

Lucky Baskhar released on 31st October, 2024.

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Star Cast: NTR Jr., Janhvi Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Shruti Marathe, Prakash Raj, Shrikant

Director: Koratala Siva

What’s Good: Unalloyed heroics, shot on a grand scale and with style and finesse

What’s Bad: Too testosterone heavy—the women here hardly seem to matter!

Loo Break: Can be taken whenever you feel some sequences are prolonged

Watch or Not?: Overall, yes!

Language: Hindi (Dubbed)

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 177 Minutes

User Rating:

Set in the 1980s and 1990s, Devara: Part 1 is about Devara, a man from a coastal village who sets on a danger-ridden journey into the sea to safeguard the lives of his people. His brother Bhaira would rather be selfish and conspires against Devara. Will Devara’s timid son, Vara, be enough to counter Bhaira?

Devara Part 1 Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script by Koratala Siva makes it clear that it is all about unlimited audience gratification. The story is about the good versus the bad among the folks of four adjoining small fishing villages. There is one man, Devara (NTR Jr.) whose statement is like an order (I remembered the iconic line from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… that went ‘Jo keh diya, bas keh diya!’ though the similar line here is not as memorable!). But he is a good man, though he and his tribes initially indulge in what they do not know is illegal and antinational—at sea.

When he realizes what they are doing is wrong, he orders the entire community that works for him not to contribute to elements out to create anarchy. Naturally, Bhaira now wants to eliminate him. A plot is hatched when Devara has agreed to come to Rayappa (Shrikant)’s blind sister’s wedding. Assailants by the dozens attack Devara at a beach. Still, he fights valiantly back and finally leaves a message (in the blood of his victims) on the rocks that he is leaving the village to keep an eye on the anti-national and wayward elements.

Twelve years later, we get to see his son, Vara (NTR Jr. again), who has grown up listening to his father’s tales of valour but is exactly the opposite in nature. Unlike his courageous father, who can take on over twenty armed adversaries at once, he even drugs his competitors at the village to win the annual ritual of puja for weapons, where the winner takes the weapons to his village.

Due to a chain of incidences, Vara has to join Bhaira in restarting the nefarious activities of stealing contraband and must be a part of Bhaira’s team that also simultaneously must kill his father, who is expected to come from hiding and prevent them from achieving their criminal mission—to appease the businessman (Murli Sharma) and the corrupt cop (Abhimanyu Singh) who hire them.

This story, in fact, is narrated by Singappa (Prakash Raj), a confidante and admirer of Devara, to a present-day officer who has come to search for a criminal. And the film cleverly ends with a poser a la Bahubali—we now come to know that Devara is no more. He had warded off all his attackers, but a surprise, devoted-to-him entity had killed him. Why did that person kill Devara is what will be answered in Devara Part 2. After a rollercoaster of incredibly sustained action, blood-splitting and the occasional stir of a cauldron of emotions, the poser ends the movie.

But I must admit that the script could have provided more importance to its women. There is some attention on Devara’s mother (Zarina Wahab), on another grieving woman who loses her son, but Janhvi Kapoor as Vara’s beloved and even Devara’s wife (Shruti Marathe) barely count in the story’s plotline.

As for logic—what’s THAT?! So don’t even ask all the dozen and more questions you want to!

Devara Part 1 Movie Review: Star Performance

NTR Jr. is now known to Hindi cinema not just because of RRR but also for his forthcoming role in War 2. He has played to the gallery with full vigor and intensity, and his naturally likable persona holds the film totally, though regrettably, he gets no chance to ‘face’ himself (as in his dual characters).

Saif Ali Khan has by now mastered the art of villainy for 20 years (Cyrus and Ek Hasina Thi being the first, down to Omkara, Tanaji: The Unsung Warrior, and—in the South—Adipurush). Here, he brings in the subtlety that we witnessed in the first two films and the vicious and rustic ruthlessness of his role in Omkara. Shrikant as Rayappa and Narain as Kunjara’s son impress among the rest.

Prakash Raj is excellent as Singappa, while Zarina Wahab is the typical long-suffering mother of Indian cinema. Rameshwari as Jogula, Shruti Marathe as Devara’s wife, and the other women are wasted. But no one is ill-used more than Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam, who is just given a less-than-ten-minute screen time (with one song) as a libidinous girl lusting for Vara.

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Devara Part 1 Movie Review: Direction, Music

Koratala Siva writes for the director in him and directs for the writer in him! The film can perhaps be best described as an orgasmic exposition of mainstream masala movie-making, The scale is gargantuan, and R. Rathnavelu’s frames are as magical as A. Sreekar Prasad’s cuts, Sabu Cyril’s production design and the fantastic background score by Anirudh Ravichander.

However, Anirudh’s songs do not make the slightest impression, and the lyrics by Kausar Munir and Manoj Muntashir do not help.

Devara Part 1 Movie Review: The Last Word

Only some weeks ago, we had another barrel of unmitigated entertainment with a father-son dual role for the superstar Thalapathy in G.O.A.T. This time, NTR Jr. scores much better, ditto the film. It’s long but does not seem so at all.

Three and a half stars!

Devara Part 1 Trailer

Devara released on 27th September, 2024.

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Star Cast: Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani

Director: Nag Ashwin

What’s Good: The unique blend of Hindu mythology and science fiction

What’s Bad: The humour and a forced romantic song

Loo Break: It’s a long movie, so you can run the moment the interval break begins

Watch or Not?: Yes

Language: The review is done by watching the Hindi version. You can also watch the movie in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 181 Minutes

User Rating:

Kalki 2898 AD is a post-apocalyptic mythological drama set in the ruined city of Kashi. The once-majestic Ganga River is dry, and there is no sight of food or water. Humanity has degraded to the point where people sell each other for survival units. The city is ruled by Supreme Yaskin, who runs a mysterious Project K involving pregnant women for an unknown experiment. Meanwhile, the people of Shambala await the arrival of a god who will save humanity. The story is inspired by the Hindu mythology of Lord Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki, who appears at the end of the Kali Yuga.

Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Script Analysis

The story begins with the final moments of the Mahabharata, where Ashwatthama (played by Amitabh Bachchan) kills the unborn child of Uttara (Abhimanyu’s wife), ending the Pandavas’ lineage. Lord Krishna curses Ashwatthama to live forever until the end of Kaliyuga to protect his last avatar, Kalki. The narrative then shifts 6000 years ahead to Kashi, now a desolate land devoid of its former beauty and religious significance. People are reduced to mere units, fighting and killing for survival.

We are introduced to Bhairava (played by Prabhas), a careless and self-obsessed bounty hunter whose sole aim is to earn units. He is portrayed as an opportunist who aligns himself with whichever side offers him the most profit. The first half of the movie focuses on Bhairava’s antics and his impressive vehicle, Bujji. Simultaneously, we see a lab in the Complex where Supreme Yaskin’s men extract serum from pregnant women held captive in different cells. These elements contribute to the world-building of Kalki 2898 AD. While Prabhas’ entry sequence and the lab scenes are engaging, the unnecessary humour and song sequences distract from the narrative.

Too much time is spent showcasing Bhairava’s unhinged nature, with comedic sequences slowing down the story. Random conversations between Complex workers and Bhairava and his house owner add little to the plot. Despite the distressing view of Kashi, Bhairava is shown drinking and dancing, which feels out of place. Thankfully, the interval block picks up the momentum, leaving viewers curious about how the saga will progress.

The second half of Kalki 2898 AD showcases Nag Ashwin’s brilliance in keeping viewers immersed in the tale. Ashwatthama takes centre stage again as he must protect the pregnant Sumathi (played by Deepika Padukone). The fight sequences featuring Ashwatthama and Bhairava are exceptional, finally presenting the clash of titans. This is just a teaser, as the narrative intensifies towards the end, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Although the second half is enjoyable, it is apparent that Nag Ashwin has drawn inspiration from movies like Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, and Star Wars for the fight sequences. However, once these sequences are over and the Mahabharata flashbacks take centre stage again, viewers can’t help but be mesmerized by the blend of past and present.

Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Star Performance

Amitabh Bachchan truly shines as Ashwatthama. The movie begins with him, and he leaves a significant impact after the interval and during the climax. His powerful screen presence and commanding portrayal of Ashwatthama are commendable. Despite the stunt double performing the fight sequences, Amitabh’s determination and fiery emotions on screen are praiseworthy.

Prabhas’ Bhairava has shades of Baahubali’s Shivudu and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man—unserious, full of himself, and tone-deaf. The actor delivers a good performance, especially during the climax sequence. Prabhas’ camaraderie with his AI vehicle, Bujji, is entertaining. In a movie that tries to force a romance between Prabhas and Disha Patani, the chemistry between him and Bujji is endearing.

Deepika Padukone’s SUM-80, aka Sumathi, is reminiscent of her character in Jawan. Here, she is pregnant in the Complex’s cell, similar to her role in the 2023 film where she is pregnant in jail. Though her dialogue is limited, Padukone’s expressive eyes help us empathize with her character. Kamal Haasan plays Supreme Yaskin, the tormentor of human souls. While his screen time is limited, his lifeless body and cruel intentions make for a promising portrayal. Saswata Chatterjee, as Commander Manas, also stands out. With a smile on his face, he commits ruthless acts and delivers bitter lines.

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Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Direction, Music

Kudos to Nag Ashwin for blending Hindu mythology with a modern apocalyptic saga. The director had a clear vision of the dystopian world he wanted to present. However, in focusing on Bhairava’s character, he sometimes derails the intriguing elements of the first half. Nonetheless, Nag utilizes each actor to their full potential, leaving viewers curious as the saga has not yet concluded. The inclusion of Mahabharata scenes helps connect the movie’s current situation with its mythological roots. It is evident that the director is inspired by Hollywood franchises like Star Wars, Mad Max, the MCU, and Dune.

I watched the movie in 3D, and the visuals look outstanding. Djordje Stojiljkovic’s cinematography masterfully captures the bleak and depressing atmosphere of the apocalyptic world. His skilful handling of the camera, especially during the intense fight sequences, ensures a steady and engaging visual experience without any shakiness.

Santhosh Narayanan’s music is used exceptionally well in the second half. In the first half, apart from Bhairava’s theme song, the music does not elevate the narrative. The song featuring Prabhas and Disha Patani could have been completely avoided.

Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: The Last Word

Overall, Kalki 2898 AD is an ambitious and visually stunning film that blends mythology with a dystopian future. While it has its flaws, particularly in the first half, the movie shines in its action sequences, performances, and overall storytelling. Nag Ashwin’s vision and the stellar cast make it a compelling watch, leaving the audience eager for the next instalment.

Three stars!

Kalki 2898 AD Trailer

Kalki 2898 AD released on 27th June, 2024.

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For more recommendations, read our Munjya Movie Review here.

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The post Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas & Deepika Padukone Shine In An Ambitious Blend of Hindu Mythology & Dystopian Future Despite Some Shortcomings appeared first on Koimoi.

Star Cast: Bobby Simha, Tej Sapru, Makrand Deshpande, Raj Arjun, Annusriya Tripathi, Vedhika, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Thalaivasal Vijay, John Vijay

Director: Yata Satyanarayana

What’s Good: Tells us in a no-holds-barred manner about the way Hindus were tortured by a megalomaniac in the name of Islam. The film also has fabulous performances by Raj Arjun in particular as well as by Tej Sapru and Makrand Deshpande

What’s Bad: An avoidable ‘filmi’ touch merely to add masala entertainment elements, especially in the conception of songs and some clearly implausible stunts by the ‘good’ forces.

Loo Break: Not really

Watch or Not?: Yes, if you are a devotee of truth

Language: Telugu with Hindi dubbing

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 166 Minutes

User Rating:

The real story is set around the time India got her Independence and some princely states had to be integrated into India. The Nizam then, Mir Osman Ali Khan (Makrand Deshpande) refuses to do so, preferring to keep Hyderabad intact and make it an Islamic state of his dreams. His militant and despotic lieutenant and general advisor, Kasim Rizvi (Raj Arjun), unleashes a frenzy of torture, brutality, murder, rape and conversions in different parts of the state against Hindus and against Marathi, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi as languages being taught—a genocide that few Indians today are even aware about.

As Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru keeps prevaricating, intoning about a treaty India has signed, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the original Iron Man of India and the Home Minister then, decides to take stringent action even as the Nizam plans to ally with Pakistan and other Islamic nations.

Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad Movie Review: Script Analysis

While the original Telugu script does not beat about the bush and shows the extreme levels of inhuman brutality shown by the militant ‘police’ (the Razakar), the Hindi lines also do complete justice to the saga of unbridled despotism out of religious fanaticism. Footage of sadism, unspeakable horrors and mayhem resorted to by the Razakar, again and again, take up most of the film’s long length while an ageing Nizam struggles to retain his royal status out of a misguided sense of power and authority.

The dialogues are chilling, and so are the situations. And the non-fanatic and righteously secular (a term not employed then!!) and nationalistic Muslims are also given the same treatment as the helpless and hapless Hindu folks by these fanatical forces.

Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad Movie Review: Star Performance

If there is one actor who dazzles here, it is Raj Arjun, a man who played the evil stepfather in Secret Superstar with the same ease and aplomb as his portrayal of Shirdi Sai Baba in the web series we saw some years ago. As Rizvi, he comes across as so malevolent and tyrannical that this must be one of the most horrendous of the real-life villains we have seen so far in Hindi cinema. I can only salute him for his expressions, the way he rages, roars and otherwise modulates his voice. And his expressions and the manic look in his eyes in close-ups are simply out of this world.

Tej Sapru is excellent as the determined Sardar Patel in a performance that is as much subdued as it is intense. Makrand Deshpande brings to life the erring Nizam, who sees the light too late but cannot be punished for the genocide he sanctioned. The character of K.M. Munshi, popularly known by his pen name Ghanshyam Vyas, an Indian independence movement activist, politician and writer from Gujarat and the founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, is evocatively brought out by veteran South actor Thalaivasal Vijay.

As the film is so stark and graphic about everything, the characters are all perfect for the parts, and among them, Annusriya Tripathi as one of Mir Osman Ali Khan’s wives, Vedhika as Shanthavva and Bobby Simha as Rajireddy stand out. The issue here is that all have got limited to even less (!) footage, but they all still shine in the roles given.

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Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad Movie Review: Direction, Music

Director Yata Satyanarayana goes all out in his passionate zeal to expose (as in The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story and Bastar: A Naxal Story) truths hidden from all or most of the nation out of vested interests. A present Censor rule is that whatever is depicted on screen must be backed by documented facts, and clearly the depiction must be authenticated. It is horrifying how the Indian powers then distorted even relatively contemporary history out of pure malicious intent.

The film is very candid in its exhibition of reality, and while the gore may put off a section of the audience (word-of-mouth is always vital for a film’s box-office standing), I must congratulate the director, who has also co-written the script, for showing things as they were.

That said, mention must be made of the needless dramatization that elongates the film, so to speak. The dance invoking the Goddess Durga and another rousing song not only slow down the pace but also seem clearly inspired by S.S. Rajamouli! One song, contextually, is very similar to the classic Kumuram Bheemodu from RRR! The background score is also an inspiration, as are the end-credits. Then there are some action sequences akin to normal films in which the lead actors take on multiple antagonists all at once! The director should have steered clear of such needless add-ons to a terrifying saga, which, unlike the fictional RRR or the Bahubali franchise, is totally real.

The music per se is alright, ditto the fitted Hindi lyrics.

Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad Movie Review: The Last Word

Such films, sadly, in our country, are labelled as ‘propaganda’ films, even more so as the election season is on. But the truth will always be the truth, and in any case, films always work because of their resonance with the viewer.

Three and a half stars!

Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad Trailer

Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad released on 26th April 2024.

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Star Cast: Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar, Paresh Pahuja, Ruhani Sharma, Mir Sarwar, Vaibhav Tatwawadi & others

Director: Shakti Pratap Singh Hada

What’s Good: Intention of promoting the valor of the Indian Air Force

What’s Bad: Uninteresting and uninspiring execution, which is literally a yawnfest

Loo Break: Too many, especially during the scenes between Manushi Chhillar and Varun Tej

Watch or Not?: Just ignore it, as it isn’t worth your time!

Language: Telugu & Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 2 hours 12 minutes

User Rating:

The film introduces us to a command center officer, Ahaana Gill (Manushi Chhillar), and a fighter pilot, Arjun Dev, aka Rudra (Varun Tej). Ahaana always disapproves of Rudra’s attitude as he’s cocky and doesn’t care about protocols when it comes to saving the life of his teammates or taking ‘badla’ (revenge). Even though both are married, there are constant disagreements between them due to Rudra’s mindset of breaking the protocols, as in the past, they had lost their comrade, Kabir (Navdeep), during Project Vajra.

The story takes a turn when a terrorist attack takes place in Srinagar, where a suicide bomber crashes his car into a convoy of Indian security forces, leading to the death of 40 jawans. Post this deadliest attack, India plans a mission to retaliate, where Rudra, Ahaana, and their comrades play an important role.

Operation Valentine Movie Review: Script Analysis

Operation Valentine is basically a story based on the Pulwama attack and the Balakot Airstrike that took place in 2019. Full marks to the thought of presenting India’s revenge for one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces. However, the thing is that such concepts are getting too repetitive now. Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter had a similar storyline, and even recently released Article 370 was linked to the Pulwama attack. The latter two films were at least entertaining, but this Varun Tej-led aerial action drama fails to keep the audience engaged.

During the first half, the film seems to be running on a confused track, with more preference being given to a sub-plot between Manushi and Varun rather than focusing on the main storyline. While it’s important to give a backstory to the leading characters, the attempt isn’t impactful enough, and it just does a job of increasing the length. Due to this, half of the interest is lost even before this big-screen entertainer begins to unfold why it’s exactly titled ‘Operation Valentine.’

In the past few years, we have had many patriotic films, and this is just another addition to them. Of course, some of them have been really good, but this one falls into the category of unnecessary jingoistic films made in India.

Hari K. Vedantam’s cinematography is pretty ordinary, and honestly, there wasn’t much scope as most of the film is either backed by visuals loaded with VFX or scenes shot inside a room. The VFX work is below par, with some scenes literally looking artificial. It could have happened due to a moderate budget, but still, the poor work has to be mentioned as it did pull down the quality of the film.

Operation Valentine Movie Review: Star Performance

Varun Tej, as Rudra, looks charismatic and effortless as a cocky pilot. However, at times, his act comes off as unconvincing, especially during the emotional scenes where he is dealing with the trauma of his comrade’s death. Talking about the overall impact, his performance lacks depth and fails to establish a connection with the audience.

Manushi Chhillar, as Aahana, fails to leave any impact despite getting a meaty role. Compared to her previous like Samrat Prithviraj and The Great Indian Family, she has improved a bit, but still, she doesn’t add anything valuable.

Paresh Pahuja, as Yash Sharma, does a decent job and comes off as a comic relief in between during the entire yawnfest that’s going on. All other actors, like Ruhani Sharma and Vaibhav Tatwawadi, are okay in their portrayals.

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Operation Valentine Movie Review: Direction, Music

Shakti Pratap Singh Hada lacks the conviction to pull off such an important subject. Despite an ample scope of moments of elevation, Hada fails to capitalize. He follows the repetitive and routine template of India versus Pakistan animosity, and that’s where Operation Valentine turns boring and uninteresting. Things keep on happening on the big screen, but you tend not to bother about it.

The background score gets too loud at points, and it kills the impact rather than adding value to scenes. Speaking about the music, no tracks except for Vande Mataram fit well in the film. If it comes to only listening to songs, none of them make it to the playlist.

Operation Valentine Movie Review: The Last Word

All said and done, Operation Valentine comes off as a yawnfest despite a strong story in hands. It’s a valuable lesson to the filmmakers who are still thinking of milking the Indian versus Pakistan angle, loaded with jingoism.

One and a half stars!

Operation Valentine Trailer

Operation Valentine releases on 01st March 2024.

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Star Cast: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Jayaram, Kiara Khanna, Angad Bedi

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Shouryuv

Writer: Shouryuv

Original Language: Telugu

Other Available Languages (Dubbed): Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam

Runtime: 2h 36m

Available on: Netflix

What’s Good: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Kiara Khanna deliver stellar performances, breathing life into the characters and dynamics of the heartwarming family drama. The on-screen chemistry between the lead actors creates delightful moments, while the ensemble cast, including Shruti Haasan, Nassar, Priyadarshi, Angad Bedi, Jayaram, and Hemayat Rahman, significantly enhances the film’s appeal.

What’s Bad: Occasional predictability and deliberate pacing may be observed, and specific narrative paths may feel dramatic and cinematic.

Loo Break: Consider taking a break around the 1-hour and 48-minute mark when an item song, ‘Odiyamma,’ featuring Shruti Hassan, unfolds. The song does not significantly contribute to the plot; remember that the narrative picks up pace swiftly after this musical interlude. Plan your restroom break accordingly to avoid missing crucial developments in the storyline.

Watch or Not?: “Hi, Nanna” is a compelling watch, especially for those who can establish a deep emotional connection with the main characters. If you appreciate love stories and romcoms enriched with heartache and a surprising twist leading to a happy ending, this film is tailored to your taste. However, if this genre doesn’t resonate, explore other cinematic options that align better with your preferences.

Language: Telugu

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 2h 36m

User Rating:

Plot Summary:

“Hi Nanna” unfolds the captivating tale of Viraj, a dedicated single father portrayed by Nani, and his six-year-old daughter, Mahi, skillfully played by Kiara Khanna. As the narrative delicately navigates through picturesque settings and unexpected twists, it explores the complexities of love, marriage, and parenthood, ultimately delivering a cinematic journey filled with emotional depth.

Hi Nanna Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script of “Hi Nanna” might leave some viewers with a sense of déjà vu as it traverses familiar territory within the realm of family dramas. While the narrative unfolds with skillful storytelling techniques and propels the audience through unexpected twists, it may lack the distinctive “wow” factor that sets it apart from similar genres. The film’s reliance on certain old-world tropes and exploring well-trodden themes might contribute to a feeling of predictability, potentially leaving the audience wanting a more innovative and surprising narrative approach.

Despite this, the script successfully engages with emotional depth, delving into the complexities of love, resilience, and family dynamics. While it may not break new ground in terms of originality, the familiarity embedded in the storytelling could resonate with those who appreciate the comforting allure of traditional family narratives. Although not ground-breaking, the script provides a foundation for the stellar performances and emotional resonance that characterize “Hi Nanna.”

Hi Nanna Movie Review: Star Performance

Nani’s portrayal of Viraj in “Hi Nanna” is poignant, showcasing his emotional depth and acting prowess. From his character’s belief in love at first sight to embodying the dedicated father willing to go to great lengths for his daughter, Nani’s performance resonates with authenticity. This role stands out as one of his most compelling avatars, leaving a lingering emotional impact beyond the theater.

In the portrayal of Mahi, Nani’s character’s daughter, young Kiara Khanna, exhibits an adorable charm and displays impeccable acting prowess. Her performance left a lasting impression and surprised me with the depth of her abilities, showcasing tremendous potential for her future career. Kiara’s emotive connection resonates universally, leaving an indelible impact on almost every viewer.

In her role as Yashna, Mrunal Thakur exhibits an extraordinary performance, deftly manoeuvring through the intricate facets of her character with seamless finesse. Her contribution extends beyond mere acting, infusing an additional layer of profound depth into the narrative. The palpable on-screen chemistry she shares with Nani becomes a pivotal element, substantially enhancing the film’s overall emotional impact. Alongside Nani and the other accomplished ensemble cast members, Mrunal Thakur‘s stellar performance collectively propels ‘Hi Nanna’ to the echelons of a poignant and sophisticated cinematic experience.

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Hi Nanna Movie Review: Direction, Music

In his directorial debut, Shouryuv demonstrates a keen understanding of storytelling nuances in “Hi Nanna.” His ability to blend fate-driven elements with poignant narratives showcases a promising start to his filmmaking journey. Shouryuv’s careful pacing and clever storytelling techniques contribute to the film’s engaging experience, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the intricate threads of love, Resilience, and family dynamics.

Hesham Abdul Wahab’s musical brilliance in “Hi Nanna” is a captivating companion to the unfolding narrative. The haunting melody of ‘Idhe idhe’ resonates at crucial junctures, adding an undeniable emotional layer to the film. Wahab’s masterful incorporation of soothing sounds and strategic silences enriches the auditory experience, elevating the overall impact of the storytelling.

The synergy between Shouryuv’s direction and Hesham Abdul Wahab’s musical prowess creates a harmonious cinematic experience in “Hi Nanna.” Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography and Praveen Anthony’s editing further enhance the emotional depth of the narrative. Together, these artistic elements form a cohesive and resonant tapestry that elevates the film, making it a visual spectacle and a symphony of emotions woven into the fabric of the storytelling.

Hi Nanna Movie Review: The Last Word

“Hi Nanna” transcends expectations, providing a cinematic odyssey that intertwines heart and soul. While occasional predictability and pacing concerns emerge, the film’s emotional richness, outstanding performances, and artistic elements harmonize harmoniously, resulting in a captivating viewing experience. Shouryuv, Nani, Mrunal, and the entire cast collaboratively sculpted a splendid film that resonates profoundly with the audience, establishing it as a must-watch for those searching for an emotionally resonant family drama.

Hi Nanna Trailer

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Star Cast: Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Samyuktha Menon, Edward Sonnenblick, Elnaaz Norouzi

Director: Abhishek Nama & Naveen Medaram

What’s Good: The film excels in its grand storytelling ambitions, creating an immersive narrative that blends murder mystery and espionage thriller. The execution of thrilling scenes, particularly the investigation phase, captures attention. The opulent setting, art design, and commendable performances, led by Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and Samyuktha Menon, contribute positively.

What’s Bad: The film’s overt reliance on dramatic elements and the descent into chaos in the second half might leave viewers yearning for a more cohesive plot. Unrealistic fight sequences, bordering on superhero feats, detract from the otherwise engaging storyline.

Loo Break: At approximately the 41-minute mark, an item song with Elnaaz Norouzi takes center stage. If you’re in need of a well-timed break, this could be the ideal moment.

Watch or Not?: Recommended for those who appreciate a mix of murder mystery and espionage, with a willingness to overlook some inconsistencies. Fans of grand storytelling and immersive settings will find elements to enjoy.

Language: Telugu

Available On: Prime Video

Runtime: 2 hours 24 minutes

User Rating:

“Devil: The British Secret Agent” unfolds against the pre-Independence backdrop, following Agent Devil’s investigation into the murder of Vijaya, the Zamindar’s daughter. As the mystery deepens, the Devil’s mission intertwines with espionage involving Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.

Devil: The British Secret Agent Movie Review: Script Analysis

The script of Devil: The British Secret Agent skillfully blends the complexities of a murder mystery and espionage thriller, introducing genuine ideas and commendable twists. However, a notable drawback is the predictability of certain major twists, reducing the surprise factor for attentive viewers. Despite this, the narrative successfully weaves together the two genres, delivering a compelling story set against the backdrop of pre-independence. While the script excels in building suspense and maintaining audience curiosity, the emphasis on dramatic elements sometimes obscures the subtle nuances of the plot. The inclusion of an espionage subplot with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose adds depth, though at times, it leans towards theatrics. Striking a better balance between grand storytelling ambitions and maintaining unpredictability in plot twists could have further enhanced the script. Nevertheless, the film manages to engage viewers with its captivating storyline, even with some foreseeable turns in the tale.

Devil: The British Secret Agent Movie Review: Star Performance

Nandamuri Kalyan Ram takes center stage as Agent Devil, delivering a compelling and nuanced performance that anchors the film. His portrayal skillfully captures the essence of a secret British operative entangled in the complexities of a murder mystery and espionage. Kalyan Ram adeptly handles the multifaceted character, seamlessly transitioning between the suspenseful investigator and the patriot entwined in historical intrigue. His on-screen presence and ability to convey his character’s internal conflicts contribute significantly to the film’s overall impact.

Supporting the lead, Samyuktha Menon adds depth to the narrative with her convincing portrayal. The ensemble cast, under Kalyan Ram’s leadership, collectively elevates the film. While the script presents challenges, Kalyan Ram’s star performance ensures that the audience remains engaged, providing a solid foundation for the success of “Devil: The British Secret Agent.”

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Devil: The British Secret Agent Movie Review: Direction, Music

Addressing the significant controversy over the director’s credit in Devil is crucial. The film, released with co-producer Abhishek Nama credited as the director, faces allegations from Naveen Medaram, the initial director credit holder, claiming the movie was entirely his creation and asserting denied recognition. Despite the considerable effort invested by the makers, this controversy adds a disturbing layer to the film’s narrative. However, this effort hasn’t resulted in a flawless film. In terms of direction, the director, whoever it may be, navigates the intricate plot effectively, capturing the essence of both mystery and espionage genres. The film’s pacing and scene execution contribute to maintaining audience engagement despite the unsettling controversy that shadows its release.

While the background scores in Devil were effective in enhancing the overall visual experience, they lacked originality and a wow factor. The music succeeded in complementing suspenseful scenes and contributing to the film’s atmosphere but fell short of bringing a distinctive or memorable quality to the soundtrack. Although the scores elevated the cinematic journey, a missed opportunity for originality prevented the music from leaving a lasting impression.

Devil: The British Secret Agent Movie Review: The Last Word

Devil: The British Secret Agent offers an engaging blend of murder mystery and espionage despite occasional dramatic excesses. While not without imperfections, the film stands out with its impressive setting, commendable performances, and gripping narrative, making it a compelling choice for genre enthusiasts. However, it ventures beyond its narrative into themes of nationalism, resonating particularly with Indian viewers. Yet, the abundance of nationalism introduced into the storyline adds an unnecessary layer to the overall viewing experience.

Devil: The British Secret Agent Trailer

Devil: The British Secret Agent releases on 29 December, 2023.

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Star Cast: Mahesh Babu, Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ramya Krishnan, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Jagapathi Babu

Director: Trivikram Srinivas

What’s Good: Mahesh Babu’s effortless charm…

What’s Bad: …but that charm gets on your nerves for getting monotonous without any solid narration to back it

Loo Break: More than a few; use all the songs!

Watch or Not?: If you can watch a film purely for a star & nothing else, watch Mahesh Babu’s wallpaper on your desktop because more thoughts might’ve gone into making that

Language: Telugu

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 162 Minutes

User Rating:

In an adamantly abrupt opening flashback sequence, we witness how Ramana’s father (Mahesh Babu) Satyam (Jayaram) mistakenly murders someone and is jailed for it. His mother, Vasundhara (Ramya Krishnan), abandons their family to return to her influential father, Venkata Swamy (Prakash Raj). Twenty-five years later, Satyam is out of jail, living a minimal life & Ramana turns into a flirty man looking after his father’s Chilli business.

His mother has now become the Law Minister, so his grandfather wants him to sign papers saying he’s not the legal heir to the film. This is done only to push Vasundhara’s son from the second marriage to enter & rule politics on her behalf. He, of course, won’t sign the papers, but how he will manage to dodge the political angle to solve the personal relationship with his mother is what the story is about.

Guntur Kaaram Movie Review: Script Analysis

It’s official: the reshoots have adversely impacted the film’s narration, as everything is messy from the word go. Trivikram Srinivas’s story isn’t as detailed to warrant a 2-hour-39-minute time, which is majorly used to fit in unnecessary clutter. I’ve never minded films that are all about ‘stardom showcasing,’ but this one fails at making it even that interesting.

A few scenes work & the credit goes solely to Mahesh Babu for that. Cinematographer P. S. Vinod (Aaranya Kaandam, Vikram Vedha) left the film midway to get replaced by Manoj Paramahamsa (Leo, Radhe Shyam) & I think he knew where this film was heading. In a scene, a character greets Mahesh Babu by saying ‘Namaste’ to which he replies, “You & your stupid Hindi greetings.” This was unnecessary and uncalled for, especially after he declared Ranbir Kapoor as the best actor in the country.

In another scene, Mahesh Babu’s Ramana, amidst a conversation in front of Sreeleela’s Ammu, says, “They (girls) barely have flesh on them these days.” I thought she’d give him back for saying this, but she got up and started dancing to showcase her ‘fleshy’ body & said, “(I am an) updated piece.” A fight sequence in which Ramana gets beaten up by ladies ends with him showcasing his power & giving them a pan, saying, “Get down to the cooking… Biryani should be yummy.” Such things are passed as casual sexism in 2023.

Guntur Kaaram Movie Review: Star Performance

Mahesh Babu carries the entire film on his charm & it hampers when things get repetitive. In a movie of about 3 hours, we’ll need something more than solely star-worshipping. The humungous 26-year age gap between Mahesh Babu & Sreeleela gets awkward most of the time as her character is written purely to be only around him.

Meenakshi Chaudhary, as Ramana’s cousin, hardly gets any importance and screentime. I wonder if Pooja Hegde was considered for this role, or they shuffled it to get Sreeleela in? Ramya Krishnan doesn’t leave any impact as Ramana’s mother because of the lousy writing. Jayaram & Prakash Raj act well but hardly get any meat to rise as important characters.

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Guntur Kaaram Movie Review: Direction, Music

Trivikram Srinivas misses it badly this time, possibly because of the struggles this film has faced since the beginning. From Cinematographer PS Vinoth leaving the film due to creative differences with Trivikram to Pooja Hegde allegedly charging a bomb to be in it exiting anyway, some reports also stated that Bob wanted to replace the Music Director Thaman with Anirudh midway, but that didn’t happen.

Thaman’s background score is all noise and no substance. The sudden songs only to showcase Bob’s dancing skills start getting on your nerves because they are not even appropriately synced with the screenplay.

Guntur Kaaram Movie Review: The Last Word

All said and done, there’s a sequence in which Mahesh Babu gets drunk & forgets everything that’s happening around him; I wish we could do something similar with this film.

Two stars!

Guntur Kaaram Trailer

For more movie recommendations, read our Ayalaan movie review here!

Guntur Kaaram released on 12 January, 2024.

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Star Cast: Teja Sajja, Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vinay Rai, Vennela Kishore, Satya, Getup Srinu, Raj Deepak Shetty

Director: Prasanth Varma

What’s Good: If a 60-crore film starts to feel better than a 600-crore film (ahem… Adipurush… ahem…), you know what would be good!

What’s Bad: Some unnecessary subplots, a weak villain & the film industry’s unfair trait of supporting big stars

Loo Break: Just the interval, as the film is close to 2 hours 45 minutes

Watch or Not?: If you can digest the weaknesses over the strengths above

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 2 hours 38 minutes

User Rating:

Set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, this is a story about how an ordinary pick-pocket from the village Hanumanta (Teja Sajja) gets the superpower of Lord Hanuman to fight against the injustice done by the dictatorship of the classists. It starts with the villain Michael’s backstory, who, like many of us as a kid, believed in the superpowers and tried to be a superhero doing some crazy things.

The only difference between us & him is he goes a little too far to k*ll his parents because Spider-Man, and Batman turned superheroes only after losing their parents. His psychotic journey of being a superhero turns him into a supervillain & how he crosses paths with Hanumanta is what the story is all about.

HanuMan Movie Review: Script Analysis

Let’s start with clarifying the biggest doubt many would have about the Film. For those saying it’s a 25-crore budgeted film, nope, it’s not because it went up to match the director’s vision, and the film is said to be made at a 55-60 crore budget. Even at that cost, this film is the most stunning-looking mid-budget film ever in the history of Indian cinemas. This happens when a team of people sticks together, injecting their creative input at every stage with an equal amount of passion & love for cinema.

Dasaradhi Sivendra’s cinematography serves exactly what is required to fulfill Prasanth Varma’s unparalleled vision. Scenes like Teja Sajja’s Hanumanta standing tall in front of a flame-lit structure of Lord Rama, backed by a magnificent hill sculpture of Lord Hanuman, prove how you can achieve anything with the right imagination.

Yes, there are flaws as the story to build up the visuals has just started & a lot is kept undercover for the sequel. So, this takes its own time to lay the base for Hanumanta as it’s the climax in which he fully understands the depth of his powers. The comedy falls flat in places but gets full marks for keeping it clean. Also, the love angle adds to the duration without giving anything to connect with properly. The helicopter scene in the VFX looks out of place & the hyper-running visuals lack the finesse.

HanuMan Movie Review: Star Performance

You would, of course, imagine someone bulked up to be able to play a superhero possessing the superpowers of Lord Hanuman & that’s where the maker’s masterstroke, Teja Sajja, comes into play. Much like Abhimanyu Dassani in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota & Tovino Thomas in Minnal Murali, Teja Sajja is not your typical superhero who would flaunt his physique to eliminate the goons. He’s more relatable, an ordinary person who enjoys the superpowers, and that’s how his character is written. That comes across as an advantage for Teja as he nails the role, barring a few action choreography hiccups.

Amritha Aiyer’s track felt unnecessary, but she does the job well to not come across as uninteresting. Playing Hanumanta’s sister, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar deserved more screen space, being the sole bridge to the emotional connection with the lead. She delivers a thunderous performance. Vinay Rai’s villain is wasted after a good set-up; I hope the sequel serves us with a better baddie to balance things. Satya & Getup Srinu scored high to attract tremendous laughs, while Vennela Kishore’s character needed better writing.

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HanuMan Movie Review: Direction, Music

Prasanth Varma, take a bow! It’s not only about achieving everything on a restricted budget; it’s also about fighting your way in the industry ruled by the super/mega/rebel/action ‘stars.’ The way this man has been pretty chill with the screens/shows his film got down south only comes from the confidence he had in his content. This could be a Spider-Man moment for the Indian superhero genre & while the US slips deep into the superhero fatigue, Prasanth might’ve just started the journey of superhero films in the country.

Anudeep Dev, GowraHari & Krishna Saurabh’s songs won’t blow your mind apart from the Hanuman Chalisa track towards the end. But the background score pumps up some scenes so high that you’d want to hoot for Lord Hanuman.

HanuMan Movie Review: The Last Word

All said and done; if you would give Prasanth Varma a 600-crore budget like Adipurush, he could give back visuals never seen, never imagined by the Indian film industry. Preserve this man’s vision, as it could really elevate our industry to another level.

Three and a half stars!

HanuMan Trailer

HanuMan releases on 12 January, 2024.

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Star Genre: Horror, Mystery & thriller

Star Cast: Payal Rajput, Nandita Swetha, Divya Pillai, Ajmal Ameer, Ravindra Vijay, Chaitanya Krishna, Ajay Ghosh

Original Language: Telugu

Director: Ajay Bhupathi

Writer: Ajay Bhupathi, Kalyan Raghav Pasapula, Tajuddin Syed

Dubbed languages: Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam

What’s Good: The film’s captivating world is filled with diverse and intriguing characters, impeccably portrayed by a commendable cast, including Ajay Ghosh, Meesala Lakshman, Chaitanya Krishna, Divya Pillai, Ravindra Banerjee, Nandita Swetha, and Payal Rajput. Dasharadhi Shivendra’s cinematography, especially in night scenes, stands out, complemented by Ajaneesh Loknath’s impressive musical score. The eerie atmosphere created by the sound design and the utilization of folk elements add depth to the narrative.

What’s Bad: Mangalavaaram ventures into ambitious territory, tackling societal sexual identity, but loses its way within the intricate narrative. The overt display of hypersexuality, especially in a conservative setting, may overshadow the intended message. The film, as an adult-rated (certified A) experience, is unsuitable for a universal audience and might face criticism for its bold approach.

Loo Break: A song plays at the one-hour and 39-minute mark. It lasts about 5 minutes. If you need a break, consider taking it during this time. However, return promptly as important scenes follow immediately after the song.

Watch or Not?: Mangalavaaram offers an exhilarating ride, delving into daring and controversial themes while maintaining exceptional production quality. Given its adult rating and bold content, it’s not a film for everyone. If you appreciate audacious storytelling and are comfortable with mature themes.

(Author’s note: Remember that the impressive nighttime shots are best enjoyed on an OLED screen with enabled High Dynamic Range (HDR). The panel should also have a high peak brightness to ensure good contrast for some aspects, like fire against a pitch-black night background.)

Available On: Hotstar

Runtime: 2h 24m

User Rating:

Plot Summary:

Director Ajay Bhupathi guides us through the intricate narrative of “Mangalavaaram,” set in the village of Mahalakshmipuram in Andhra Pradesh. This Telugu period thriller opens with the pure friendship between young Shailaja and Ravi, shattered by a tragic incident. Jumping fifteen years ahead, the village becomes a web of illicit relationships, forbidden affairs, and mysterious deaths, triggering a relentless Sub Inspector to dig deeper. As the film boldly exposes societal double standards and hypocrisy, Shailaja’s destiny emerges as the pivotal anchor of the story.

Mangalavaaram Movie Review: Script Analysis

Ajay Bhupathi’s script for “Mangalavaaram” boldly attempts to delve into societal complexities, focusing on themes of faith, relationships, and morality. The narrative structure, with an intriguing prologue set in the mid-1980s, lays a solid foundation for the events that unfold in Mahalakshmipuram. The film ambitiously intertwines intricate, morally ambiguous characters with the unfolding mystery of forbidden relationships and untimely deaths. However, the script’s effectiveness in conveying its intended societal commentary needs to be improved.

The exploration of societal double standards and hypocrisy surrounding unconventional sexual relationships is a central focus. Ajay Bhupathi’s attempt to push boundaries further overshadowed the movie, causing the societal message to become obscured. The script introduces wall inscriptions detailing forbidden relationships, creating a web of uncertainty and suspicion. While the film aims to address bold themes, the weight of surpassing its expectations may have compromised the clarity of the societal commentary.

The script’s strength lies in its diverse characters, each impeccably fitting into their roles. As the narrative unfolds, the script attempts to answer pivotal questions, shaping the remainder of the story. Despite facing challenges in conveying its intended message, the hand skillfully portrays Shailaja’s story, exploring her se*ual awakening and desires symbolized by butterflies, adding layers to the central character. The script offers a mix of ambitious storytelling, controversial themes, and moments of genuine emotional depth. Still, its impact may vary based on the audience’s interpretation and acceptance of the bold narrative choices.

Mangalavaaram Movie Review: Star Performance

The cast of “Mangalavaaram” delivers impressive performances, particularly Payal Rajput in the central role of Shailaja. Rajput skillfully navigates the complexities of her character, portraying a wide range of emotions and adding depth to the narrative. However, her portrayal raises a potential concern regarding cultural appropriation, as her skin tone appears reddish, reminiscent of a Native American, in contrast to her actual fair Indian white complexion. This nuanced performance, while commendable, introduces an aspect that might have faced challenges in a different cultural context, such as the United States, due to negative connotations associated with cultural appropriation and blackface issues.

The supporting actors, featuring talents like Ajay Ghosh, Meesala Lakshman, Chaitanya Krishna, Divya Pillai, Ravindra Banerjee, Nandita Swetha, and others, significantly strengthen the film. Their impeccable performances bring authenticity and conviction to the diverse characters in Mahalakshmipuram. Ajay Ghosh stands out by infusing humor and depth into the narrative, offering a refreshing contrast amidst the film’s darker themes. Particularly unforgettable is Divya Pillai’s commendable portrayal of Lakshmi, a memorable and integral part of the village’s tumultuous events. The chemistry among the cast enhances the overall viewing experience, crafting a believable and immersive depiction of the village’s cataclysmic events.

Despite the script’s challenges in societal commentary, the star performances play a crucial role in captivating the audience and adding authenticity to the narrative. The collective effort of the ensemble ensures that each character, no matter how peculiar, becomes an integral part of the mysterious and intriguing world crafted by Ajay Bhupathi.

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Mangalavaaram Movie Review: Direction, Music

Ajay Bhupathi’s direction in “Mangalavaaram” crafts a visually captivating world, immersing the audience in the intricate narrative. The film begins with a prologue that effectively sets the tone for the events that unfold much later in Mahalakshmipuram. Bhupathi dedicates the initial hour to establishing the village’s setting, allowing viewers to absorb the essence of the place. His skillful combination of folk and contemporary elements creates a unique atmosphere, complemented by Dasharadhi Shivendra’s cinematography. Particularly noteworthy are the night scenes, where Shivendra’s vibrant reddish-orange hues add a haunting quality to the visuals. The director navigates through fields and jungle areas rapidly, enhancing the eerie ambiance that underlines the film’s mysterious elements.

Ajaneesh Loknath’s music score stands out in “Mangalavaaram,” adding another layer to the cinematic experience. The composer skillfully combines folk and contemporary elements, aligning with the film’s themes. The musical score enhances every mood with unwavering intensity, creating an immersive backdrop for the unfolding narrative. Notably, Loknath’s contribution becomes pronounced at the intermission point, where the actual history takes center stage. The music and practical sound design elevate vital moments, making them resonate with the audience. The film’s ambitious narrative relies on the synergy of direction and music to create a compelling cinematic journey, and both aspects contribute significantly to the overall impact of “Mangalavaaram.”

Mangalavaaram Movie Review: The Last Word

Mangalavaaram is a bold attempt at exploring controversial themes in a period thriller, offering a mix of thrills and challenges. While it may not be suitable for a universal audience, those seeking a daring cinematic experience with top-notch technical aspects may find it intriguing. Ajay Bhupathi‘s storytelling ambition is evident, but the film struggles to balance pushing boundaries and maintaining coherence in its societal commentary.

Mangalavaaram Trailer

Mangalavaaram releases on November 17, 2023.

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Star Cast: Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu, Easwari Rao, Bobby Simha, Tinu Anand & others

Director: Prashanth Neel

What’s Good: Prabhas getting a character that’s high on adrenaline rush after a long time

What’s Bad: Length & overdramatization at several points

Loo Break: You’ll need more than one due to the length of the film

Watch or Not?: If you’re enjoying the current season of mass entertainers, go for it!

Language: Playing in five Indian languages – Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime:  2 hours and 56 minutes

User Rating:

In the violent city of Khansaar, Deva (Prabhas) and Vardha (Prithviraj) are close friends. Deva, filled with anger, is always ready to take on anyone if Vardha is in trouble. However, due to some circumstances, Vardha asks his best friend to leave the place, but Deva promises to return whenever Vardha needs him.

Far away from Khansaar, Deva is living his life peacefully and avoids any kind of violence as promised to his mother. On the other side, the father of Vardha, Raja Mannar (Jagapathi Babu), plans to make his son his successor in Khansaar. But Raja Mannar’s own ministers and advisors plan to kill Vardha in a battle for the throne. Then comes a day, after 25 years, when Vardha calls his friend Deva to help him.

The next that follows is bloodshed and much suspense, eventually leading to part two.

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Movie Review: Script Analysis

So basically, it’s a tale of a friendship with a backdrop of bloodshed that’s going on for the throne. The story appears to be simple, but Prashanth Neel has tweaked it in his own style. Neel never likes things happening in their simple form and loves making them complex to keep the attention of viewers hooked. He has used flashbacks conveniently to narrate the story. However, sometimes it gets too complicated to understand.

We understand that Prabhas is being presented as a silent, angry man who is living his life with a lot of anger suppressed inside him. But to establish his character, Neel goes overboard by showing that Deva eats red chili powder with his food. I mean, that’s too much! Also, the angle between Deva and his mother appears too dramatic. While the friendship angle is presented well, at times, Deva’s obsession with Vardha seems unconvincing. Neel could have involved a certain backstory about how the bond between Deva and Vardha became so strong.

The cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda is good, and you get that KGF vibe while watching every frame. His work excels in fight scenes and has captured the film’s grandeur really well. Action scenes are well choreographed, especially Prabhas’ first fight sequence and the one where he fights with an axe.

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Movie Review: Star Performance

Prabhas finally gets the character that suits his persona. His performance as a lover boy or a godly figure was a huge letdown, but this ‘angry young man’ role is apt for him. Like Deva, he doesn’t talk much, but the intensity through his eyes is on point. He is simply effortless in action, and his overall screen presence is powerful.

Prithviraj Sukumaran as Vardha is believable, and his subtle act flows with the film. His on-screen camaraderie with Prabhas also seems natural and doesn’t look forced by any chance.

Shruti Haasan has limited screen time and only gets a little to add. All others, including Jagapathi Babu and Tinu Anand, have done their job well.

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Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Movie Review: Direction, Music

Right from the opening scene, Prashanth Neel takes you into his typical dark world, where there are a lot of slow motions and over-the-top shots. Many scenes are enjoyable on the big screen, but there are a couple of scenes, including the one where Prabhas breaks the chain fetters with just a strong jerk of his hand, which is too much to digest.

The elevation scenes of Prabhas are well-directed, building just the right amount of intensity before he starts beating the sh*t out of the enemies. He presented the actor in a perfect massy avatar on the big screen, which was fun to watch.

Speaking about the music, ‘Sooraj Hi Chhaon Banke’ song is good and makes some impact. BGM by Ravi Basrur is a hit-and-miss; it elevates the film at some points while getting too loud and annoying at others.

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Movie Review: The Last Word

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire is definitely not a perfect film, but it passes with flying colors in the genre of mass entertainers. With good elevation scenes, adrenaline rush moments, and Prabhas’ angry young man avatar, the film does its job of entertaining you.

Three Stars!

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Trailer

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire releases on 22nd December, 2023.

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Star Cast: Ravi Teja, Anupam Kher, Murali Sharma, Nupur Sanon, Gayatri Bharadwaj, Renu Desai, Jisshu Sengupta.

Director: Vamsee

What’s Good: Ravi Teja’s performance and transformation for the role are commendable.

What’s Bad: The clichéd scenario of the hero outshining his villainous adversaries, poor romantic subplot, subpar CGI & 3hr long boring film.

Loo Break: Take whenever you want, you won’t miss anything! Actually why bother coming, at all?

Watch or Not?: Unless you want a migraine for free, don’t watch it.

Language: Telugu (with subtitles at selected theatres).

Available On: In Theatres Near You

Runtime: 3 Hours 10 Minutes

User Rating:

Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja now presents his most significant project to date, Tiger Nageswara Rao. The film revolves around a notorious dacoit hailing from Stuartpuram in Andhra Pradesh, who assumes the role of a modern-day Robin Hood, striving to empower his village’s residents to lead lives of dignity. Can he surmount the challenges in his path? This forms the crux of the story.

Tiger Nageswara Rao Movie Review: Script Analysis

Vamsee embarks on a journey to unveil the intricate sociopolitical tale of Stuartpuram and its infamous outlaw. While such a narrative would typically be rich in complexity and moral ambiguity, this film primarily portrays characters in stark black and white, and the initially promising storyline gradually devolves into a formulaic mainstream narrative.

The film kicks off with a promising start, drawing inspiration from true rumors. A voiceover sets the stage, describing it as a narrative steeped in blood and tears, effectively establishing the film’s tone. To a certain extent, the filmmaker successfully maintains this tone throughout, but the weak storyline made me look at my watch multiple times.

Tiger Nageswara Rao generated considerable anticipation as a unique thriller, supposedly inspired by a real-life character. Regrettably, the backdrop and the character’s name were employed for a plot that ultimately proves to be exceedingly dull and clichéd.

The first half attempts to showcase the ruthless and brutal side of Nageswara Rao, yet the methods employed for character elevation and heroism lack originality. The ascent of Nageswara Rao is depicted through a narrative that’s predictably straightforward. The clichéd scenario of the hero outshining his villainous adversaries by accomplishing an extraordinary feat is deployed, albeit with little freshness. The romantic subplot, unfortunately, adds to the film’s lackluster quality, being both uninspiring and tedious.

The core plot unfurls in the second half, introducing the true Tiger Nageswara Rao, but it quickly transforms into a run-of-the-mill action drama. The latter part of the film becomes a test of patience, inundated with wearisome and foreseeable sequences. In this reincarnation of the age-old Robin Hood tale, not a single episode or line manages to inject a sense of novelty. The oscillating flashback narrative, the students’ suffering at the hands of the antagonist, the lackluster CGI, and the villain’s political clout all contribute to an overall lifeless experience. A hefty budget of nearly 50 crores is down in the drain.

The viewing experience becomes increasingly arduous due to a plethora of nonsensical scenes scattered throughout the film. For instance, the hero is unjustifiably credited with facilitating the construction of roads and the provision of electricity in the area, as the police intend to use these amenities to apprehend him more efficiently. Adding to the absurdity, the director introduces yet another heroine, who fervently professes her love for the most wanted criminal. The latter half of the movie is marred by a series of overused and repetitive episodes that never seem to conclude.

Tiger Nageswara Rao Movie Review: Star Performance

As always, Ravi Teja invests his full dedication into the character of Tiger Nageswara Rao. His performance and transformation for the role are commendable. However, the choice of the storyline falls short. While TNR is touted as a character inspired by real life, it ultimately devolves into a narrative reminiscent of the generous hero roles he has portrayed in numerous films. The attempt to introduce a grey shade for the hero in the first half aims to deceive the audience but ends up feeling underdeveloped.

Nupur Sanon and Gayathri Bharadwaj assume typical heroine roles, delivering performances that are passable. Renu Desai makes her return to the screen after an extended hiatus in Tiger Nageswara Rao, but her character is lackluster and confined, failing to make her re-entry a memorable one. Nasser delivers a standard performance, while Jishu Sen Guptha adheres to a routine portrayal of a negative cop. Unfortunately, a talent like Anupam Kher is utterly wasted in the film.

Hareesh Peradi assumes the solitary villainous role in the movie, but his portrayal lacks the necessary intensity and power. Murali Sharma makes a fleeting appearance in a brief role, delivering a satisfactory performance. Anukeerthy Vas, while appearing in a limited capacity, fails to leave a notable impact on the audience.

Tiger Nageswara Rao Movie Review: Direction, Music

In an already protracted drama with a monotonous narrative and mundane sequences, the songs serve as an additional source of pain for my eyes and ears. Both the songs and the background music fall far short of expectations. Despite the considerable hype surrounding Tiger Nageswara Rao’s intelligence, not a single heist showcases the cleverness one would anticipate.

Vamsee tried a biopic-style presentation of a dacoit with two different narratives in the film: a villain who stops at nothing for his heist in the first half & the age-old Robin Hood tale in the second half. Both fell flat. Even with a star-studded cast including Anupam Kher, Renu Desai, and two heroines, they are unable to salvage this lackluster production.

Tiger Nageswara Rao Movie Review: The Last Word

All in all, Tiger Nageswara Rao emerges as an interminably dull and formulaic action drama. It challenges one’s patience with its clichéd narrative and outdated attempts at elevation.

Tiger Nageswara Rao Trailer

Tiger Nageswara Rao releases on 20th October, 2023.

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Star Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal, Sarathkumar, John Vijay, Muralidhar Goud, Brahmaji and Subhalekha Sudhakar.

Director: Anil Ravipudi

What’s Good: Nandamuri Balakrishna’s performance as Bhagavanth Kesari was a delight to watch along with the expected over the top action sequences.

What’s Bad: It’s predominantly a retread of familiar territory rather than offering something entirely novel.

Loo Break: A plethora of clichéd moments, and that’s your signal.

Watch or Not?: It’s a family entertainer, If you’re a fan of NBK, watch the film otherwise don’t bother.

Language: Telugu (with subtitles at selected theatres)

Available On: In Theatres Near You

Runtime: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

User Rating:

In the film, Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari, portrayed by Nandamuri Balakrishna, holds a strong desire for Vijaya Lakshmi, also known as Viji, played by Sreeleela, to cultivate strength and courage within her. He harbors a fervent wish for her to consider a career in the Indian Army, driven by a compelling rationale. However, Viji remains disinterested in this pursuit. Meanwhile, Rahul Sanghvi, portrayed by Arjun Rampal, actively pursues her for a compelling cause of his own.

The motivations behind Rahul’s pursuit of Viji and the connection between Bhagavanth Kesari and Viji are central mysteries within the movie’s plot. The film answers whether Bhagavanth had any prior connection with Rahul Sanghvi. The ultimate decision of whether Viji chooses to join the Indian Army or not forms a pivotal turning point in the narrative, and all these intriguing questions will find their answers within the course of the film.

Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: Script Analysis

The movie commences with a slow beginning, dedicating a whole half-hour to elucidate Bhagavanth Kesari’s heartfelt intentions to empower Viji and encourage her to enlist in the Army, a well-grounded aspiration although total in disregard to her aspiration. Nevertheless, where it encounters a setback is in the somewhat conventional central plot, specifically revolving around Sarathkumar’s incident and his aspirations for Viji, which might be considered rather ordinary from a cinematic standpoint.

Anil’s attempts to infuse some humor into the storyline through the Kajal and Bhagavanth Kesari subplot do not seamlessly merge with the overall narrative. This additional layer fails to deliver full-fledged entertainment and feels somewhat disconnected, especially during Kajal’s proposal to Kesari. The humor exchanged between these two characters falls short of expectations. Even the ‘Ganesh Anthem’ song featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna and the talented dancer Viji lacks the necessary vibe and energy to set the screen ablaze with their moves.

On the other hand, Rahul Sanghvi (played by Arjun Rampal) as the antagonist and the backdrop appear to be passable. The highly anticipated flashback episode leans more towards background dialogues rather than delivering an exhilarating moment for Bhagavanth Kesari, which might leave audiences wanting more from this crucial narrative element.

Nonetheless, the meticulously crafted interval action sequence proves to be highly effective, effectively generating anticipation for an exciting second half, where Anil Ravipudi shines. The latter portion of the film commences with a dynamic, action-packed start and sustains this momentum adeptly by skillfully integrating brief, well-placed flashbacks. What truly excels in the latter part of the movie is its unwavering pacing, seamlessly blending with the meticulously orchestrated action sequences. The impact is further heightened by the well-crafted dialogue that accompanies these action-packed episodes.

Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: Star Performance

Balakrishna truly exceeded expectations in his portrayal of Bhagavanth Kesari, and it’s a delightful surprise to witness him in a role that closely matches his real age. His emotional interactions with Viji were the icing on the cake in this cinematic masterpiece. Moreover, the incorporation of the Telangana dialect and Anil Ravipudi’s understated yet effective dialogues lent an authentic touch to Kesari’s character, making it remarkably genuine, I must say.

As for Sreeleela, known for her previous glamorous roles, her decision to take on the character of Viji was a rather unexpected twist in her career. While her performance in the emotional scenes might have benefited from a bit more intensity, it’s worth noting that this is her first attempt in such a role, so let’s be understanding and patient. No complaints here. And then there’s Kajal Aggarwal, playing Kaachi, the psychology expert with limited opportunities to dazzle us with her acting skills. The way her role is written doesn’t give her much chance to shine, but at least her fans get to see her on the big screen once more.

Arjun Rampal‘s portrayal of Rahul Sanghvi is competent, yet his character design and the portrayal of Project V both feel quite conventional. He effectively embodies the role of the archetypal wealthy antagonist. In the company of other actors such as Sarathkumar, Muralidhar Goud, Brahmaji, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and others, none stand out with a lasting impression; they mainly play their parts in advancing the storyline.

Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: Direction, Music

Director Anil Ravipudi has left audiences pleasantly surprised with Bhagavanth Kesari, deviating from his typical trademark of extravagant comedy entertainers. This time, he delves into an emotional narrative that, all in all, comes across as somewhat conventional and foreseeable.

The director overlooked a chance to explore the deeper connection between Bhagavanth Kesari and Viji, which could have mitigated various other shortcomings. While it’s not a complete failure, there’s a certain enchantment that seems absent. To genuinely enhance the film’s core, this aspect needs to harmoniously come together. In summary, ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ presents a somewhat lackluster first half, but its more dynamic and compelling second half, coupled with a subpar meaningful message of women empowerment, renders it a worthwhile one-time viewing for the festive season.

During the initial half of Bhagavanth Kesari, there is limited space for the music director Thaman to make a distinctive impact. While his background score for the Interval action sequence is passable, it’s in the second half where Thaman truly stands out. With more action sequences in the latter half, Thaman excels in elevating the film’s intensity. The cinematography is decent, and the action scenes display improved visual quality. While the editing could have been more refined, the writing managed to impress in various segments.

Bhagavanth Kesari Movie Review: The Last Word

Bhagavanth Kesari is a robust commercial entertainer. The second half outpaces the first, offering a thrilling experience. Nandamuri Balakrishna delivers an exceptional performance as Kesari, even surpassing his role in Akhanda, much to the delight of his fans. The film is laden with impactful dialogue without crossing the line into excess. The mass action sequences are potent, and the emotional moments strike a chord with the audience, with Sreeleela delivering a pleasant surprise through her acting. Director Anil Ravipudi presents Balayya in a novel light, making this a worthwhile watch for the Dasara season.

Bhagavanth Kesari Trailer

Bhagavanth Kesari releases on 19th October 2023.

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Star Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Samantha, Jayaram, Sachin Khedakar, Murali Sharma, Lakshmi, Ali, Rohini Molleti, Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ramakrishna, Srikanth Iyenger, Saranya Pradeep.

Director: Shiva Nirvana

What’s Good: Vijay Deverakonda & Samantha’s chemistry, amusing albeit somewhat cinematic and silly situations giving feel-good moments.

What’s Bad: It’s predominantly a retread of familiar territory rather than offering something entirely novel.

Loo Break: There are a few predictable scenes; that’s your cue.

Watch or Not?: It’s a family entertainer, regardless if you’re a fan of Vijay Deverakonda or Samantha, the film is worth giving a shot.

Language: Telugu (with subtitles at selected theatres).

Available On: In Theatres Near You

Runtime: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

User Rating:

Viplav (Vijay Deverakonda) and Aradhya (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) find themselves in love, but soon discover that their families are worlds apart. As they bask in the glow of their love, can they navigate the challenges and bridge the gap to make their relationship endure?

Kushi Movie Review: Script Analysis

Viplav (Vijay Deverakonda) and Aradhya (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) fall in love, only to realise that they and their families are poles apart. Happy in love, will these two manage to make their relationship work?

Shiva Nirvana’s movie doesn’t delve into groundbreaking concepts; instead, it revolves around the everyday and trivial challenges encountered by individuals in their relationships. Numerous films such as Chalte Chalte, Alaipayuthey, Akele Hum Akele Tum, and many others have previously tackled this theme. However, Shiva Nirvana approaches it with a lighthearted touch, particularly in the second half of the film.

The storyline seems to skim over issues without allowing them to resonate deeply. It consistently hurries to introduce a comedic twist or launch into a musical number, ensuring that the feel-good essence remains intact. However, as the film progresses, it becomes increasingly predictable, which somewhat diminishes its impact. Anticipating the next turn of events can make the movie feel somewhat less exhilarating at times.

Even the portrayal of the middle-class setting and the influence of the older couple (played by Rohini and Jayaram), who encourage the younger couple to view the bigger picture beyond their everyday conflicts, bears a resemblance to narratives seen in movies like Alaipayuthey and Okay Kanmani.

Interestingly, the director brilliantly infused how Vijay Deverakonda is a fan of Mani Ratnam films, and thus makes repeated references to the above films, including Roja, and Dil Se. Kushi experiences a shake-up when the parents intervene. There’s a moment when a father responds with a somewhat ‘I-told-you-so’ remark upon learning of an unfortunate incident, choosing ego over emotional support. It serves as a portrayal of the human tendency to prioritize pride. The resolution of the conflict and the convergence of characters with opposing viewpoints occur in the final act.

Although executed brilliantly, the filmmaker could have handled the Kerala segment more effectively. Even the scenes depicting Vijay Deverakonda’s efforts to woo Samantha could have benefited from more refined scripting. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but be entertained by the amusing albeit somewhat cinematic and silly situations presented in the first half of the film.

Kushi Movie Review: Star Performance

Vijay Deverakonda delivers a performance imbued with innocence and sincerity, effectively channelling his innate charm. It’s been quite some time since the actor has portrayed his original strength – that of an imperfect boy next door. He fully inhabits his character, carrying the film, particularly through some of its weaker later sections. Additionally, there’s a humorous reference to his Arjun Reddy character that elicits laughter from the audience.

In contrast, Samantha‘s performance initially revolves around her portrayal of a mysterious woman, whom Viplav falls for at first sight in Kashmir during the first half. Gradually, she comes into her own, effortlessly embodying the role of Aradhya, a woman seeking happiness above all else. The duo succeeds in making viewers genuinely care about their characters and their strained marriage. Their on-screen chemistry appears seamless, even during scenes where they can hardly stand each other.

Sharanya Pradeep, portraying the role of the friend, assumes a prominent conversational role, delivering her lines with remarkable ease, especially in the first half, particularly during the Kashmir sequence. Saranya Ponvannan, cast as Viplav’s mother, and Lakshmi, in the role of Aradhya’s grandmother, has the potential to be voices of reason within the narrative but are constrained by limited exposure. Conversely, the father characters, portrayed by Murali Sharma and Sachin Khadekar, take on a somewhat caricatured quality. Despite their efforts to transcend the constraints of their characters, there’s only so much they can do. Rahul Ramakrishna’s performance as Vijay Deverakonda’s friend also deserves commendation.

Kushi Movie Review: Direction, Music

Shiva Nirvana subtly weaves in numerous references to films by the likes of Mani Ratnam, Vijay, and Samantha, enhancing romantic drama with a delightful blend of humour and captivating music. With finesse, he crafts a narrative that skillfully introduces a conflict rooted in clashing ideologies, hidden beneath the surface of entertainment, capable of tarnishing relationships. Shiva Nirvana chooses a straightforward path to convey the notion that love can triumph over disparities. Nevertheless, some characters remain one-dimensional, and the exploration of ideologies lacks depth.

The film’s opening segment underscores Shiva Nirvana’s need to delve into a more nuanced portrayal of characters, embracing their multifaceted nature. Nonetheless, he adeptly leverages the father figures, who border on caricature, to construct a tense sequence aboard a metro train that also elicits laughter from the audience. Moreover, Kushi could have benefited from a more concise runtime to enhance its impact. Nonetheless, Shiva Nirvana presents a film that resonates with family audiences.

Kushi Movie Review: The Last Word

Is Kushi entertaining? Most definitely. This delightful romantic musical is elevated by its charismatic leads, Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha. It had the potential to stand out even further had it delved deeper into the thought-provoking conflict between science and religion with additional consideration and effort.

Kushi Trailer

Kushi releases on 01 September, 2023.

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Star Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Sai Dharam Tej, Priya Prakash Varrier, Samuthirakani, and ensemble.

Director: Samuthirakani

What’s Good: Pawan Kalyan’s swagger that translates so well on screen and how it compliments his character, is fun to watch.

What’s Bad: it is mostly a rehash and not something that you haven’t seen already.

Loo Break: there are numerous half-baked lazy songs; that’s your cue.

Watch or Not?: If you are a Pawan Kalyan fan, nothing can stop you. It’s a fan service and not even one that is shaped nicely.

Language: Telugu (with subtitles at selected theatres).

Available On: In Theatres Near You

Runtime: 134 Minutes

User Rating:

An arrogant man-child Markandeya (Sai Tej), dies in a road accident. God of time gives him a limited second chance at life, and now he has to fulfill his responsibilities before his time ends.

Bro Movie Review: Script Analysis

How much control do we have over our life? Is a question that cinema has been exploring for a while. The concept where a man stands on the boundary between the real world and the afterlife is something that has been fascinating people for at least a couple of decades now. India mostly has seen it in more commercial movies like God Tussi Great Ho and Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!, The former was a remake of the Hollywood movie Bruce Almighty. Years later when Samuthirakani brought back the plot in his Tamil movie Vinodhaya Sitham, the reception was, as expected mixed.

Now with Bro, he remakes his Tamil story into Telugu and brings in a top star to drive his point home. With Trivikram Srinivas writing the Telugu version, they end up diluting their subject even more because now the responsibility to do a fan service arose the moment they cast Pawan Kalyan. The core of Bro is in the question about existence how one’s presence affects the world around him. It is a substantial question and one that can be explored pretty well. But the writer and the filmmaker here choose to rather focus on the casting coupe they have managed to pull off.

So now, more than a film about a potent subject, Bro is now a fan service that is filled with innumerable ‘King-like’ walking and sitting shots of Pawan Kalyan, and infinite references to his songs, movies, his political ideologies, and much more. This affects the movie in a massive way because he was introduced as the God Of Time with so much panache, but you have now associated him with Kalyan’s real self and the line has blurred. Post the first three references; he is now Pawan Kalyan and not the character you want me to see.

Add to this the urge to break into random weirdly composed and picturised songs every 10 minutes. Pawan Kalyan snapping is used as a device that controls the world, because he is Time, remember? But barring the 6-7 genuine snaps, he starts snapping randomly to break into dance numbers and one even brings in Urvashi Rautela, we deserved Thanos; he wasn’t wrong! The decoration that the makers lace Bro with kills its very essence and doesn’t let its subject breathe at all.

The last few scenes by the climax, where you meet the man in his most vulnerable moments, are good, but it is too late by then.

Bro Movie Review: Star Performance

Sai Dharam Tej is comfortable when it comes to being comical and kicking some goons, but the moment he has be emotional is when his ship begins to sink. He is a man-child who can sulk at anything and is also a control freak. Too rich for an AGM of a company. The character is written in broad strokes and with no realism to him.

Pawan Kalyan walks in with his swagger and owns it. But as said, he never becomes the character but remains his real self throughout. Priya Varrier gets nothing more than being a sister in love with a boy without her elder brother knowing and an emotional scene that concludes things.

Rest everyone is a one-tone part with not much as redemption.

Bro Movie Review: Direction, Music

Samuthirakani’s direction is haywire and completely all over the place. One can see his struggle to tell a story and also cater to the fans of Pawan Kalyan. This ends up creating a weird mix that doesn’t do either. His idea of introducing an entire platter of songs that have no connection to the movie and its story is the most bothering part of it all.

The music is exactly the kinds we want to skip except two numbers, and you already know which ones.

Bro Movie Review: The Last Word

Bro tries to tell a story and be at service to Pawan Kalyan’s fandom but does neither by the time it ends.

Bro Trailer

Bro releases on 28 July, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Bro.

For more recommendations, read our Purusha Pretham Movie Review here.

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Star Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, and ensemble.

Director: Mani Ratnam.

What’s Good: it is the sudden shift to detail,  finding the moment amid the pristine grandeur and Aishwarya’s deep sea-like eyes that make part 2 a much more poignant movie than the first.

What’s Bad: Ratnam introduces a platter full of characters, but some don’t get the redemption their arcs deserve.

Loo Break: Part 2 is a fascinating watch that finally dives deeper into the lethal world of Cholas and the enemies around them. You don’t get to miss the moments.

Watch or Not?: You must because this is finally Mani Ratnam, the master bringing out the complexities of the world he has borrowed from Kalki Krishnamurthy.

Language: Tamil (with subtitles).

Available On: In Theatres Near You.

Runtime: 165 minutes.

User Rating:

Taking ahead the story of the Cholas, Arunmozhi (Jayam Ravi) is alive, Nandini (Aishwarya) still seeks revenge, Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) continues to be the protector and a broken lover, Kanduvai (Trisha), and Vallavaraiyan (Karthi) continues to weave them all in a single tale. Plans are laid against the Cholas and war is fought only to realise that the real battles were more personal than we thought.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: Script Analysis

We have to agree with the fact that the fuel to Mani Ratnam’s cinema is the unrequited love and the abundance of it. The filmmaker knows how to make people fall in love and then drag them out of it while making his audience a part of a destructive love story. For someone who didn’t like Ponniyin Selvan 1, Part 2 came in as a massive shift and a beautiful surprise, mostly because Ratnam has a love saga to tell here at the helm of a story about a reigning house.

Adapted by Mani Ratnam, Jayamohan, and Kumaravel from Kalki’s iconic work, Ponniyin Selvan 2 finally manages to find its soul and a hook to put the multiple threads it intimated in the first part. While I still believe the first left too much for the second, it is in Ratnam’s mastery that he made it all work. PS 2 exists in its moments more than the grandeur that is designed by the creators so skilfully. Yes, the fight is for the throne, but that never makes an impactful entry to the movie visually. But that does work well, too, because all the key moments are created away from the treasures and the thrones, leaving a long-lasting impact.

PS 2 works as a redemption for at least the key characters in more ways than one. Mani Ratnam is in no haste at the beginning to take you where he left with the first part. He rather invests the opening 10 minutes or so in telling you the love story that was introduced in bits and pieces. Aditha and Nandini’s saga becomes the centre conflict and is so poignant. A fierce prince in love with an orphan who is ousted because she has no house to be eligible for becoming a queen. That makes her fantasise power and work towards it, only to meet the lover in the most traumatic turn of life.

Ratnam’s magic unfolds right here when he weaves the entire widespread narrative around this plot. While he does move the other parallel storylines, but he always kind of creates a void purposely so a viewer’s mind would keep wanting to come back to it. The first half is spent busting the evil plans and letting the love between its multiple characters bloom.

The problem begins beyond the interval where Ratnam picks up pace, and doesn’t let us breathe in the heavy moments. It doesn’t let us process some of the most pivotal twists one of which even involves the mysterious aged Aishwarya, introduced at the end of part 1. Her mystery is revealed only to snatch bet away in one scene, making it all look like a waste of opportunity. Similarly, multiple characters do not get their deserving redemption.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: Star Performance

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has to be one of the most underrated actors. Her demand in the circle of period cinema somewhere made people think that the grandeur compensates for her but that was never the case. As an actor, she brings so much to the table, and Ponniyin Selvan 2 lets her go wild with Nandini. She commands your attention and doesn’t let you move even a bit in her presence. There is so much mystic beauty even when she walks into Ravi Varman’s camera that it makes the frame even more beautiful.

Vikram is a performer who knows his job well. Adding Aditha to his characters that go wild after a point and let it leak into their behaviour, he adds a lot more than what you see on the screen. There is so much to learn from the way he approaches the part that is the King In Line, but he manages to make him human first.

Ponniyin Selvan cannot be mentioned without talking about Karthi and his acting range, that makes him the most prominent cast members. His casting must have been the toughest bait because he is the voice of the viewer in here. Karthi knows humour, he is good at action, and can make you root for him.

Jayam Ravi, as Arunmozhi, is likable and also very charming. Trisha shows her vulnerable side this time, and she is brilliant. Wish Sobhita Dhulipala and Aishwarya Lekshmi deserves much more screentime. Dhulipala shows so much potential in the little she gets, some more complex scenes would have done wonders for her.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: Direction, Music

Mani Ratnam as the director in PS 2, is in his glory. The filmmaker creates a visual spectacle expected from him and worships his story more than anything. Be it the moment where the three Chola siblings finally meet after investing two movies in saving them, or the final moments between Nandini and Aditha, or Vallavaraiyan’s helplessness; he captures all of it with ‘theraav’.

With DOP Ravi Varman, Ratnam’s longtime collaborator, he creates visuals which are stunning and detailed. Top angle shots of two people talking, or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan simply breathing. They all look ethereal. How does Mani Ratnam managed capture Aishwarya in such a godly manner should be a case study. The set design and costumes are worth every minute.

The only place where Ponniyin Selvan 2 flickers visually are the war sequences. Two reasons lead to the bothering aspect. First being the haste in which they appear in the story and second, that very flat execution.

AR Rahman and his music evolve 10 folds from one, and there is so much nuance that his music adds in every single frame. Gulzar Sahab only accentuates this set up with his words.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Movie Review: The Last Word

Ponniyin Selvan 2 works like a brilliant compensation for sitting through a scattered part 1. There is so much to grasp here and a Ratnam brand lethal love saga in the centre of it all LLP. You must invest in this one.

Ponniyin Selvan 2 Trailer

Ponniyin Selvan 2 releases on 28 April, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Ponniyin Selvan 2.

For more recommendations, read our Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review here.

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Star Cast: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dev Mohan, Sachin Khedekar, Kabir Duhan Singh, and ensemble.

Director: Gunasekhar

What’s Good: A very brief portion of the background score that seems like it was made for an artistic film but landed in the wrong one. Samantha when she doesn’t have dialogues.

What’s Bad: Whoever was paid for managing the VFX and CGI department should be fined for doing the laziest job. Also, why did Samantha decide to dub her own Hindi dialogues for a period movie?

Loo Break: Please make up your mind if you want to really invest 2 hours of your life in this first.

Watch or Not?: My heart breaks to say a movie made at this scale is better given a chance on the digital front.

Language: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada & Hindi

Available On: Theatres Near You!

Runtime: 149 Minutes.

User Rating:

Based on Poet Kalidasa’s iconic play Abhijnanashakuntalam, Shaakuntalam traces the love story of Shakuntala and King Dushyant as a sage’s curse tears them apart and the longing shapes one of the most legendary love stories of the Indian folklore.

Shaakuntalam Movie Review: Script Analysis

The technique of adapting Indian folklore and making visually scintillating films about it is a very rare occurrence. Not many filmmakers could do justice to the genre barring a few, including the legendary K. Asif, the maverick Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ashutosh Gowarikar. Shaakuntalam, that comes from one of the most celebrated Telugu filmmakers Gunasekhar is disappointing at its very opening. The welcome is so haphazard the hopes from what is packed inside die very quickly and never to rise back.

Adapted by Gunasekhar himself, Shaakuntalam opens to a bird carrying a baby across half the planet only to land it in a forest where a safe finds it and explains her arrival and how she was born. The girl, in no time, grows up into Samantha and begins the story that the makers are interested in telling. It is about a time that did reflect on our screens for years but definitely not a story that did. If a film opens up so vaguely that it believes the audience with suspend their disbelief on the basis of an animation about an ‘Apsara’ and her short-lived relationship, you are expecting a lot.

With no intent to belittle the mythology or the Indian Folklore, there is a lot that cannot be believed considering the human capacity. So technically, it is all magic, and magic cannot be fast-paced that it forgets that it has an entire hall that it has make believe in itself. Shaakuntalam is least bothered about its audience because it just chooses to run with all the convenient plot vehicles available. The fact that it is originally a play means that the scene were written in a way that actors standing in the aisles will enter the stage and play the parts. A movie can take the efforts to place the characters in a way that it resembles real geography. Everyone cannot just appear out of the blue the moment you take someone’s name.

Shaakuntalam highly lacks the glue or the conviction in binding the multiple stories it does and the time frame it jumps. The makers do not want to invest in marinating the audience in the flavour of their film. They do not feel the need to be a slow-burning love story that finds its voice in the moments. It is busy hopping from one sequence to another while creating no connect with itself or the audience that it is made for. The laziness shines too brightly when the writer chooses to place two female characters as Shakuntala’s friends and use them as Mythological Google for the questions the audience might have while watching. The two girls know everything, and they mouth lines like it is an annual school play.

The love saga is so magical. A lover who forgets the woman he fell in love like it was hypnotism, and a curse made him forget her only to realise that he insulted her in that phase. The longing that he suffers and the hardships laid of his love. Instead the filmmakers decides to completely rush through these moments without focusing on them.

Shaakuntalam Movie Review: Star Performance

Samantha is a great actor and knows how to make the silences talk. Very few actors cry as convincingly as she does, but the moment you realise she has dubbed her Hindi dialogues, she walks into the trap herself. A very good attempt to try something new, but a very wrong movies to begin with. It’s a period film dialect, and language is the strongest thing and when one messes up with that, you butcher your own product.

My heart breaks to call Dev Mohan’s performance a school play like. The actor was so good in his debut movie Sufiyum Sujatayam. The mystery that he brought with his gaze and his posture disappears completely in Shaakuntalam, where he plays the part like the emotions were being displayed on a placard behind the camera without any rehearsal.

Everyone else are paper thin characters that exist to take the story ahead.

Shaakuntalam Movie Review: Direction, Music

Gunasekhar probably directs the weakest movie of his career with this one. The attention to detail goes for a complete toss, and you can once spot nail paint on Samantha’s nails; she is running without footwear in one scene, but the next has her wear one. Dev Mohan’s styling looks completely out of context. The VFX is so weak that BR Chopra’s Mahabharat had some more interesting visual tricks. We definitely deserved much more.

If the sets look like sets and not reality what even can the DOP do? Mani Sharma’s music in some parts is good but, extremely staple in the rest.

Shaakuntalam Movie Review: The Last Word

Not just the audience but even Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Dev Mohan deserved much better than a movie that doesn’t even try to catch with the artistry its contemporaries have already achieved.

Shaakuntalam Trailer

Shaakuntalam releases on 14 April, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Shaakuntalam.

For more recommendations, read our Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review here.

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Star Cast: Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, Dheekshith Shetty

Director: Srikanth Odela

What’s Good: Nani thrashing the baddies on Santhosh Narayanan’s music

What’s Bad: Trying to say too many things without trying to explain anyone in particular

Loo Break: Each and every song apart from the ‘Silk Bar’ one

Watch or Not?: Only if you’re a die-hard Nani fan

Available on: Theatrical Release

Runtime: 156 Minutes

User Rating:

We jump into the story of Veerlapalle, a raw, rusty & dusty village with Black air flowing around it; men say ‘good morning’ to each other when the only bar ‘Silk’ opens up for serving & it’s visible to outsiders only when they look carefully for it. Nope, I haven’t made this up; that’s the actual intro of the city, giving you an idea of what kind of business you’ll get into.

Dharani (Nani) & Suri (Dheekshith Shetty) are best childhood buds who were into coal stealing and loving the same girl Vennela (Keerthy Suresh). With the ban on alcohol by NTR Rao, the political war between two families erupts, bringing chaos to the lives of normal people. Dharani & Suri jump between the two families according to their interests, with the story eventually turning into a revenge drama with the shades of a pretentiously sad love story.

Dasara Movie Review: Script Analysis

Director Srikanth Odela, along with writers Jella Srinath, Arjuna Paturi & Vamsi Krishna P, pens a story that touches upon subjects like casteism, friendship, heartbreak, politics, alcoholism, a bit of mythology and whatnot. It doesn’t mimic KGF or Pushpa, but it also doesn’t have a voice of its own to stand apart from the rest.

The characters take too many dumb decisions just to build up the scene to the grand finale, which sees Nani’s Dharani thrashing the baddies before a mammoth Ravana’s burning effigy. Showcasing Dharani’s thoughts when he’s down in the climax through a shoddily edited friendship montage to bring him back remains one of the film’s worst decisions. Naveen Nooli’s editing doesn’t really help much in calming down the chaos.

Dasara Movie Review: Star Performance

Nani doing drama > Nani doing action. Yes, he’s amazing with his moves, but just notice him processing heartbreak in the film, and you’ll see why he proudly owns the tag of being a ‘Natural Star’. Though, he deserved a better movie for this performance.

Keerthy Suresh’s Vennela fails to find a solid ground for herself amidst the world of men in the film. She starts off on a promising note but fades into being the love of one hero and the heartbreak of another. The other hero is, Dheekshith Shetty, who manages to stand well amid the heroic aura of Nani.

Dasara Movie Review: Direction, Music

Srikanth Odela‘s debut is a lost opportunity, as this could’ve been way better than what it is now. The film fails at the script level, and he can definitely better this with a good story next time.

Santhosh Narayanan’s music pumps up the dead mood in many scenes. The jazzy flavour comes across as a fresh attempt at orchestrating some fantastic set pieces. Every song is a turn-off apart from the Silk Bar one as that, in a strange way, narrates the story instead of taking space.

Dasara Movie Review: The Last Word

All said and done, Dasara could’ve easily hit the ball out of the park with the kind of energy it had, but it messes up at the root level, which kind of gets impossible to recover from.

Two stars!

Dasara Trailer

Dasara releases on March 30, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Dasara.

For more recommendations, read our Thankam Movie Review here.

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Star Cast: Suhas, Tina Shilparaj, Rohini, Ashish Vidyarthi and Gowri Priya.

Director: Shanmukha Prasanth.

What’s Good: The heart of this story lies in its details and Suhas and Rohini’s stellar performances.

What’s Bad: The chaos that the movie tries to create feels very half-baked.

Loo Break: It’s a feel-good movie, and you can pause to attend the nature’s call if it’s too urgent.

Watch or Not?: You must. Watch it when you want to only consume content that makes you feel good without demanding too much in return.

Language: Telugu (with subtitles).

Available On: Zee5.

Runtime: 118 minutes

User Rating:

A budding writer is busy cracking the code to becoming a successful author as he roams around with copies of his first book, selling them door to door. One day, when a turn of events makes him hide behind a disguise, a story unfolds and demands him to find his redemption.

Writer Padmabhushan Movie Review: Script Analysis

Some films once in a while manage to impress their audience with the very opening. It welcomes them so warmly that even if there are some bumps in the way, the audience tends to forgive the makers because the ride has been pleasant and rewarding to be bothered about one bump. Writer Padmabhushan is one such movie that manages to immerse you in the very beginning and even manages to keep you engaged for a very long time.

Written by Shanmukha Prasanth, Writer Padmabhushan is a light-hearted drama about a man who wants to make it big in life, an aspiration he has had since his childhood. Ingrained and motivated by his parents, there is no human villain in his story because the world is supportive of his decision. The villain is his own lack of conviction, and that stops him from being the best. The writing so beautifully captures this tale as it begins. It instantly grabs the audience and impresses them as it compares Padmabhushan’s love for writing with Kerala, cinema, and parents and their children. So you know, even when the writer lacks conviction, he is still very dedicated to the profession.

While the larger things in the narrative of Writer Padmabhushan do walk a very bumpy path. The big goof-up doesn’t land well and is barely entertaining. The climax unfolds very haphazardly. But the power of this script lies in the little details it sprinkles throughout the way. It talks about the fathers who are happy when an extra penny is saved in some month. How they will try to show their status to the world no matter what. Here, Ashish Vidyarthi takes an auto rickshaw halfway to a wedding and then switches to a car so his status is matched at the event.

While focusing on fathers, the film also addresses the plight of mothers, who sometimes sacrifice almost their entire existence to raise children. Talking more about this might spoil the experience, but it is a very earnest attempt to pay homage to the original firebrands who actually shaped the achievers with their love and care. There is so much heart to this film just because of this one trajectory.

Writer Padmabhushan Movie Review: Star Performance

Suhas is a natural performer, and even when he is not the quintessential face, the talent he brings to the table is unparalleled, and one has to notice him no matter what. There are moments where he is vulnerable multiple times, and they land well only because he is amazing at enacting them.

Supporting him silently and strongly is Rohini playing his mother. The actor plays in the background and does a very impactful job when she gets to play in the front. Backing her up is a stellar Ashish Vidyarthi, who plays the father and is a winner because he got to crack situational comedy, handle the emotional core of the film, and also have the moment of realisation.

Writer Padmabhushan Movie Review: Direction, Music

Shanmukha Prasanth, as a director, doesn’t believe in going overboard with anything. His approach is very simple, and he keeps that consistent throughout the runtime. He does dwindle a bit in the chaotic sequence but manages to bounce back really soon.

The music by Sekhar Chandra is catchy and will remain on many playlists for a while.

Writer Padmabhushan Movie Review: The Last Word

Writer Padmabhushan is a movie made with pure intention and a heart in the right place. Watch it with your loved ones over this weekend.

Writer Padmabhushan Trailer

Writer Padmabhushan releases on 03rd February, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Writer Padmabhushan.

For more recommendations, read our Thankam Movie Review here.

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