Reviews
Amaran (2024)
Inspiring and patriotic romantic story
Based on a real story, it's a heartbreaking combination of patriotism and love story of Major Mukund, who dedicated his life to protect the country. Siva Karthikeyan's career best acting where he delivers the right punch as an army officer. His commanding voice, valor and action sequences are in prime, and now joins the big league. Sai Pallavi is a gift to the movie industry with her extraordinary acting depicted in a natural manner. She is the soul of this movie and embraced wife's character with poise and sincerity. BGM is on point, and screenplay is racy, except in the second half first portion where 15 mins could have been trimmed.
This movie portrays an honest army officer and a family man who sacrifices everything for the country. Major Mukund, Ashok Chakra recipient is the pride of India, and this movie is dedicated to him and all army officers who stand tall and safeguard the nation. Such an inspiring and emotional movie for all ages!
Vettaiyan (2024)
THE HUNTER HITS BULLS EYE
Vettaiyan: One of the best Thalaivar movie in the last 10 years when it comes to non-massy, great content, and with a deep social message that hits the audience like a jolt. Gnanavel the director is rightfully the captain who steers the racy boat in the first half and puts a stunner before the interval. He tops the second half with a strong story and an important issue that a common man is currently facing. Screenplay is like a fighter jet and editing is top notch. Anirudh's terrific background score keeps you at the edge.
Shri Amitabh Bachchan ji has done complete justice for his role with grace. Rana Daggubati shows his ferociousness and anger with the right balance. Fahad Faasil is the charm with his wit, quirkiness, humor and intellect. He just owns the character and pushes the envelope with ease. Our Thalaivar Rajini brings fire on the screen with his style, swag, seriouness and emotions. Fans will have plenty of clap worthy moments from him as he smashes with intelligence. This is easily Thailavar's career best investigative thriller with a deep social message, and where the law needs to kick in.
"THE HUNTER HITS BULLS EYE".
Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali (2024)
Multi layered matured love story
Matured love story, deep meaning on poetry and with a slow narration of parallel story telling makes this a surprise winner. This movie takes us through a journey of true love, surpassing the social pressure and facing the mountainuos battle. Vihan Gowda's casual acting and serious looks is just right for the role. Ankita Amar's charming smile and innocent looks is a breath of fresh air. Mayuri Nataraj's bold stand and dialogue delivery is the highlight.
Background score and songs are good.
This movie is not everyone's cup of coffee, but enjoy this refreshing dew drops as it's a pearl for Kannada movie industry.
The Greatest of All Time (2024)
Massy action and family entertainment
GOAT: Finally Vijay delivers a massy action and a family entertainment, with plenty of comedy elements. He has delivered his career best acting in this movie, with variety expressions and emotions, and it's a feast to his fans. Venkat Prabhu shows the antagonist with a strong backstory and connects different elements together. Music is a big letdown and songs come abruptly. Three songs could have been cut, but the plot keeps you hooked.
Action sequences are shot well. Comic timing is spot on, and certain scenes are hillarious.
It's a complete family and action film barring few atrocious scenes which are not kids friendly. Go watch it as it's "Anna Yaarudi, THALAPATHY". He is back!
Srikanth (2024)
Inspiring and brilliant movie
Inspiring and brilliant depiction of Srikanth Bolla's real life journey from "impossible" to " I am Possible".
The story is moving and awakens how we need to think about gifted persons who have superpowers and nothing can stop them if they dream big, and achieve with all the hardwork and specials skills.
Rajkummar Rao steals your heart with his innocence, determination, vision and top notch acting. Jyothika, Alaya and Sharad Kelkar are the supporting pillars and strong.
Director Tushar's plot and screenplay is spot on.
This movie shows you hope, courage, dream big attitude, fire within, can fly no matter what, not forgetting roots, not losing oneself and being grounded when you raise, and showing gratitude to others who have helped carved the path.
Don't miss this gem on Netflix.
Watch it with kids!
Kalki 2898-AD (2024)
Majestic at scale, grandeur in VFX, and great blend of sci-fi & mythology
Majestic at scale, grandeur in VFX, and great blend of sci-fi & mythology taken at an eye popping level. Proud moment indeed for Indian cinema that stands tall as a mega mountain.
Director Nag Aswin takes us through three different "never seen" worlds. First half is a bit drag with comedy elements and build up. Editing could have been better.
Second half elevates to "PEAKS" with spectacular action sequences, strong story and crisp screenplay. Pre-interval and climax is a hair riser, and giving audience plenty of goosebumps.
Prabhas is at his usual coolness and delivers. Deepika Padukone emotes well and binds to her character. Kamal's getup and dialogue delivery will stun you. There are plenty of surprises in terms of star cast.
Sir Amitabh Bachchan outweighs every other character and is the heart of the whole movie. His stature, voice, caring attitude & protective nature, and breathtaking action scenes will be remembered by all ages.
Terrific BGM & technical aspects, and deeper mythological connection with a strong plot in second half will make audience go gaga.
True cinematic triumph, and there will be a giant sea swell in the box office!
Maharaja (2024)
Brilliant story with a vengeance twist!
This is Tamil cinema's gem with stunning and unexpected climax that will shake you to the core.
Director Nithilan builds the story in an uncanny and unique way with a slow narration in the first half. He then starts connecting the dots in the second half with a brilliant ending.
Vijay Sethupathi's stellar acting and emotions will capture you from the first scene. His expressions and vengeance are at peaks. Anurag Kashyap as the antogonist steals the show. Quirky comedy, different screenplay, and displaying the jigsaw puzzle in the end with a bang calls for a blockbuster.
"Do good and it returns well. If you go the other way, then life will show a full circle that hits you hard".
Not for the faint heart, but don't miss!
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
One of the best visually stunning and "vroom" sound effects
Mad Max Saga, Furiosa: One of the best visually stunning and "vroom" sound effects you would have seen on Dolby Atmos.
The cars and chariot like motorcycles are displayed with pure human motions in a unique way- whether it's anger or rage.
The location in a desert like Wasteland, Gasland and other areas are projected in a different manner.
George Miller's (Director) storyline is good, and the screenplay is well projected from the start to finish. Editing could have been little crisp and could have shortened the movie by 20 mins.
Anya Taylor steals the show with her expressions and rage, displayed magnanimously through the unique automobiles.
Chris Hemsworth does his usual best with his uncanny attitude and gestures.
If you are a motorcycle or automobile enthusiast, and want to experience the real sound of these going at 160 mph on a sand desert with amazing VFX in a Dolby atmosphere and where your mind will be blown, then go for it!
Aavesham (2024)
Epic Gangsta Comedy
Aavesham: Epic mix of gangster story with terrific comedy served in a local platter. It's a full feast thrill ride from Director Jithu Madhavan who displays real creativity. He starts off slow with the storyline build up, picks up the pace midway, jets off with an amazing unique climax. Fahadh Faasil is one of the best actor in this current generation. What a display of his talent in this movie from the never seen before gangsta act filled with rollercoaster ride of emotions, whether it's anger, rage, laughter, sadness and caring. Other three youngsters have acted extremely well. If you are looking for one of a kind rib tickling gangster comedy, just sit on this hilarious thrill ride and watch it on Prime, and laugh out loud.
Maidaan (2024)
Riveting sports drama
Maidaan : Riveting sports drama filled with lots of emotions and hard work. It's based on real story where Indian soccer team was once called "Brazil of Asia". Director Amit Sharma takes us through an inspiring journey of team India from shackles to a renowned team in Asia with plenty of grit and perseverance. Ajay Devgan puts his heart and soul to the character. He is a "Silent Tsunami" showcasing various emotions and anger through his actions. The soccer games are well shot. Rest of the cast has done extremely well. Editing could have been crisp as it's a long movie. Go for it if you are a sports enthusiast and want to know our Brazil team back then!
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
Big and better with visual treat
Godzilla X Kong- The New Empire:
Dynamic and bigger characters with a well rounded story makes this a spring bonanza.
Kong starts with a bang, and then Godzilla shows its prowess. Enhanced powers for both of them is a feast to the eyes.
Antagonist Scar king is pure menace. Little King steals the heart with emotions and "aww"ness.
It's indeed one of the best visual spectacle in the Kong Godzilla genre, and you will have plenty of "Oh my God" and "Wow" factors, with great build up and hair rising finale!
It's a gigantic, bombastic and super charged movie.
Watch it only on IMAX 3D and enjoy this mesmerizing eye feast.
Shaitaan (2024)
Spine chilling dark horror thriller
Spine chilling and nerve wracking dark horror thriller that will keep you at the edge. The plot is sharp, screenplay super fast, with a terrific background music giving several thunders.
Ajay Devgan shows his class act, while Jyothika emotes well with nervousness.
Janki's after effects gives you shivers down the whole body and elevates the whole sequence.
Madhavan (Maddy) goes fully in the devil mode and delivers the maddest, wildest ride.
Not for the faint heart or kids, but watch it for the pure acting brilliance, for superlative thriller, character buildup and the story that will take the audience on a crazy ride.
Poacher (2023)
Based on true events, a big eye opener for humans
Based on true events, a big eye opener for humans who tries to disturb the nature. Director Richie Mehta takes you through wildest wildlife journey, with a strong story and immense moral.
Nimisha will stun you with her powerful acting. Roshan and Dibyendu are a strong supporting cast.
Nature takes care of itself, heals itself and rejuvenates. Humans are just part of it! This is the main theme and it definitely educates us on how to let live the wildlife, nature and just support it than overtake it. Lots of learnings.
Gripping thriller with the right set of ending that will shake the underlying system with grit and honesty.
Fighter (2024)
Patriotic and high octane action thriller
Fighter- Patriotic and high octane action thriller with a good dosage of emotions.
Siddharth Anand's story and direction is tight, with good depth covered across wide areas inside Indian Air Force - from battlefield, planning, training, being defensive and finally the counter attack.
Hrithik Roshan is in top form as the best fighter pilot. His grace, emotions and grit raises the bar. Anil Kapoor's strong stance and powerful dialogue delivery stands apart.
Deepika Padukone shines bright with her unique performance.
The real hero of the movie is the fighter jet action sequences that will blow your mind. This is easily the best 3D Indian movie in action genre.
Watching it on 4DX was an added bonus.
Wish the director trimmed 3 songs to make the screenplay crisp.
Watch this movie on the big screen as we will be enthralled by the mighty Indian Air Force, and also for their sacrifices and courage to protect the nation. Many "WOW" factors guaranteed.
P. S. Too many songs in the movie is a spoilsport (was not needed at all), and also audience getting punched in the back as it's 4D (seats moving or projected outwards) whenever baddie was get hit. I guess we deserved it for sitting through many songs.
Ayalaan (2024)
Quirky and witty sci fi movie
Ayalaan- Quirky and witty sci fi movie with a great pinch of message for humans to protect and safeguard the earth.
Director Ravi Kumar has shown this simple story with alien and humans confrontation, but taken with a good comic timing.
Siva Karthikeyan is gifted with picking good stories, and he has effortlessly carried forward his magic. Yogi babu and others are hilarious with their comedy.
This movie is a whole hearted kids and family entertainer with a strong message for humans towards Mother Nature.
Go for it and enjoy this sci-fi comedy that has a good meaning to protect earth as it is in our hands.
Hanu Man (2024)
Exhilarating movie with a blend of localized (village) touch
Exhilarating movie with a blend of localized (village) touch and a simple story, but displayed with a big heart. Director Prashanth Verma has shown rough edges in the first half as you feel it's a typical age old movie with some exciting moments in between. Interval stops with a bang! Second half races with full steam and picks up the pace where he portrays wanna be baddie superhero vs the real superhero. VFX is good given the limited budget. Last 30 minutes is the real deal with full goosebumps moments and it's a feast for everyone. Climax will sure be a mega hit as it supercharges your body with amazing visuals+BGM, and will get to experience the "SUPREME POWER". It's on fire! Teja as a protagonist, Vinay as antagonist and Varalaxmi as sister have provided justice to these characters. Kids will sure love this movie from start to end!
Kaathal - The Core (2023)
Brilliant and a graceful take on a sensitive social issue
Brilliant and a graceful take on a sensitive social issue. Director Joe Baby handles this with utmost sincerity, portraying society's opinion and its repercussions in a realistic manner. Hats off to Mammooty for enacting this role with calmness and humility. Jyothika's maturity and her poise is note worthy. Climax is heart touching and hits to the core on the righteousness. Kudos to Malayalam movie industry for showcasing it with finesse and dignity. Watch it on Prime as the directors takes us through a difficult journey with these couples in a more gut wrenching way that is very hard for each of them.
Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire (2023)
Spectacular mass drama action masterpiece
Salaar- Grand game of master chess played by vulture humans to claim the throne in a most brutal way.
Prashanth Neel's best work till date as he takes us through his monochrome lens into a dark world with a deeply woven plot, great dramatic scenes, blood stamped friendship and complex violent characters.
The story is epic with technical brilliance, sets are grandeur and BGM is outstanding.
The elevation he has given to Prabhas is at a Godzilla level.
Prabhas is definitely back after a long period (Baahubali), and oh boy he delivers big. His effortless acting, less dialogues and screen presence is at peaks. The action sequences are a class apart and strikes like a lightning.
Prithviraj exhibits his powerful talent in the right amount. Rest of the cast has supported well.
First half is only buildup with lots of control over violence which is unique. Second half starts like a heavy thunder with certain scenes at a wow level, and climax gives you plenty of goosebumps moments.
Salaar will create Dhamaal at the box office!
Vyooham (2023)
Gripping and complex web series crime thriller
Vyooham - Gripping and complex web series crime thriller that spawns like a spider web with jigsaw puzzle, and finally comes together in a most intriguing way. This is what is called a great story, well executed screenplay, with grit in the character buildup. Kudos to the director as he takes us through various plots in an extremely fast manner! Sai Sushanth Reddy excels in the cop role and rest of the characters are the pillars in this cat and mouse chase game. This series is a great example of how Karma comes in full circle. Dont miss it on Amazon Prime!
"Many lives, Many paths, Many turns, All towards the same destination".
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
Best Godzilla Movie
Godzilla Minus One- The best Godzilla movie to be made so far with a budget of less than $15M.
Watching it in 4D amplified the breathtaking experience of the larger than life monster with crazy special effects, seats under motion along with gush of air/water.
Highlight is the story telling with the real struggle at Japan post World War Two.
The characterization is close to the heart and feels real.
Don't miss this gem on the larger screen, especially in 4D. Only caveat is that it's in Japanese language (subtitles is the way to go).
Go with kids as they can experience the sheer power of Godzilla and the menace it creates!
Animal (2023)
The craziest and the most badass Indian movie
Animal- The craziest and the most badass Indian movie that will ever be experienced by the audience on the screen so far since 110 years. Definitely falls under "The Cult" category.
The boldest director Sandeep Vanga Reddy takes us through the journey of a Son's possessiveness towards his Dad to the volcanic extreme, that he is just replacing love with vengeance, peace with war, gentleness with rage and saneness with madness.
Most of the scenes are original and never seen before.
Ranbir Kapoor stuns you with the most complex character, and your jaw will be dropped with shock and awe for his mind boggling acting along with various emotions stampede. He just tears open the cinema screen with his brilliance and ease, as he transforms from a raging teenager to animal man, and there is no stopping even with a meteor.
This marks him as the best actor of Indian cinema with a launchpad to reach the elites.
Having to match him is no easy feat but Rashmika Mandanna does it elegantly with stubbornness and guts.
Anil Kapoor is a class apart with his stature and maturity.
Bobby Deol is back with a bang. He delivers his career best performance although his screen presence is very short (a bit disappointing).
The story is uniquely presented with full heart and woven really well with astounding screenplay and terrific music.
Strictly for 18+ years. The alpha man kicks in, with no good social message. Pure violence, rampage and massacre in parts.
Wish some uncomfortable scenes were edited, and also movie duration trimmed (first part of second half) as its 3 hours 22 mins long.
Animal movie cracks open the movie industry with the boldness and crookedness, and roars loud.
Watch at your own risk!
Kannur Squad (2023)
Masterpiece cinematic thriller
Great story and carefully written plot, along with superb execution make this an edge of the seat thriller.
This movie reminds me of Kaarthi's Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Khakhi), but it's a notch higher given realistic take and ending.
Mammooty's stellar performance and grit takes the movie to the peaks.
The screenplay is terrific and keeps you guessing. Background music uplifts tense scenes with higher elevations.
Rest of the cast has supported really well and is apt for the roles they portrayed.
Antagonists shows the dark side with scares.
Enjoy this close to masterpiece cinematic thriller on Hotstar.
Ghoomer (2023)
Inspiring and spectacular
Ghoomer- A truly inspiring movie for generations where perseverance, belief, hard work and confidence can make the IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE. Director Balki hits multiple sixers with this heart touching story. He takes us through the journey of a player from the 2000 feet mountain to the base, and bouncing back to reach the Mount Everest peak with tenacity and focus. Abhishek Bachchan's acting as a coach is stellar and another big feather in his cap. Saiyami Kher's awestruck performance will blow your mind away. A coach being the hardest can get the best out of the player and pushes them to perform beyond what they can ever imagine. Ghoomer hits a 100 hundreds milestone! Watch it on Zee5.
12th Fail (2023)
Pure class and gem
12th fail- THE BEST MOVIE OF 2023, period!
This is a perfect example of how to take a movie with a strong and inspiring storyline based on true events. It portrays the crowd who has perseverance and never die attitude in pursuing civil services examination (UPSC) exams to eventually become IAS or IPS.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a master story teller, and he sure knows to have the right blend of dialogue delivery with sensibility and delicacy.
The "HUG" definition is shown as real and you can feel it.
Screenplay is terrific with a touch of brilliance.
Vikrant Massey's acting is a benchmark and he embodies it with full of life. His emotions, innocence, anger and happiness can be truly felt as he takes us through his tough journey to the pinnacle.
Medha Shankar provides strong support for Vikrant. Their purest love, chemistry and just being there for one another when it's really needed is worth to withhold in your memory for a long time.
Anant Joshi is the real friend one can wish for in their lifetime. Aisa dost sabko milna chahiye.
Climax is multiple times clap worthy.
10x respect for all those who pursued UPSC exams, tried multiple times and never lost hope. 100x respect for those who cleared the interview and serving for the government as the key administrators, and taking the country forward.
This movie is a big inspiration for kids and future generation. It teaches them and us that life can be restarted multiple times and can bounce back stronger.
12th FAIL is a BIG PASS with distinction (Rank 1, 100/100, GPA 4.0).
Ghost (2023)
Convoluted complex heist thriller with style and creativity
Ghost- A convoluted complex heist thriller that will blow your mind at the end as the deep rock is carved to see the diamond. The plot is mixed with so many layers (like an onion) in the first half, and one will be thinking what's going on here?, but patience prevails in the second half as it is slowly peeled or revealed with a big bang! Shivanna is classic with his scary looks as "THE OG", and the role is perfected with class and style. The screenplay is as fast as F35 fighter jets, and races ahead with full force. Director Srini is a genius as he waves his magical screenplay with a masterstroke by tying all the knots at the end. BGM is loud and hits right to the moments they want to capture. GHOST indeed is a BOOST to Srini's creativity and a FEAST in the intelligent thriller genre.