Alia Bhatt

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025

Sharing my first magazine interview in Ichamati thanks to my dear friend Kuppili Padma

1 Will share your background?

Ans 1 I have done M. A English literature. With the purpose of becoming a teacher I also did B.ed. However the job of a teacher didn’t really suit me. As an education content writer I worked in Pudami publications for four years. Once the office was shut down movies became my full time profession. Currently apart from movies I am also doing a fellowship for a society called Yakshi, Yakshi has set a program regarding the upholding of constitutional values. I discovered my passion for writing on movies, web series etc during the pandemic. and since then there has been no looking back with more than 500 reviews available in my website rigoberthareviews.com. Even while working as an education content writer I used to watch movies and web series on a regular basis. Apart from movies, web series and theme based some book reviews are also there mostly based on movies.

2 How did interest on movies grow?

My experience with movies started on not a great note. My first movie experience which I saw and couldn’t complete was Ramgopal Varma’s Satya. The first five minutes had numerous killings as a result I hugged mom tightly. Accompanying us was also a friend called Khadeer. Without seeing the movie we came back. My age at that time was six years. Of course later I saw Satya on TV. Now its one of my most favorite films, the depiction of villains specifically showcasing Manoj Bajpai as a normal human being is something which I liked. My initial movies didn’t consist of Hindi much. Whenever mom suggested seeing some language films (she was a member of film society). I used to make a huge ruckus. In fact I made a protest on why she wouldn’t take me to see Telugu movies, however slowly watching the likes of Laagan, Mangal Pandey, Munnabhai MBBS spiked me in an interest towards Hindi language films, I remember even dad accompanying us. Since I couldn’t understand Hindi much mom had to translate. but the sporadic outings of Hindi movies soon led to a major interest. Some of the early Hindi movies which I saw were Lagaan and Mangal Pandey besides the two Munnabhai films. On certain occasions dad also came against his nature and mom had to do the explaining. As the years have gone by I have acquired my own taste across different languages and genres. It has reached a different level by seeing actors and directors across various language spectrums

3 What was the starting point of writing reviews?

Ans 3 Maybe COVID was the reason for that. Just like many I also got habituated to seeing movies and web series in various OTT platforms. I used to write three to four paragraphs on my Facebook page and used to post. it. Apart from posting reviews on facebook I also did Youtube videos in Prabhathalovesmovies. Of course later I stopped it. Knowing about my interest in writing reviews senior editor Ramachandra Murthy guru asked me to write for his website Primepost. At that time I had no proper idea on how to write reviews. Slowly I became habituated to it. I discovered a lot joy analyzing each movie or web series as the stories and the characters vary a lot. As a result it gave me a lot of excitement each time I watched something. As time progressed I also started doing stuff other than movie reviews, these include profiles, theme based etc. Similarly I have also written book reviews based on movies. Although I resumed my job after COVID I continued to write. Even if I join another job in the future I hope to continue writing.

4. Through which mediums do you share reviews?

Initially it started with facebook. However once I started writing for websites like Primepost and Southfirst I started sharing it on Twitter, Instagram, facebook and Linkedin. Currently I have my own website as well; the name of the website is rigoberthareviews.com

5. What are the changes that you have observed from the time you started watching movies to now?

A lot has changed in terms of storytelling particularly with the entire pan Indian phenomenon. Technology has also increased. If we take movies like Bahuballi, RRR and Kalki this change is very apparent. Rugged mass heroes with huge beards are ruling commercial cinema. This doesn’t mean that other kinds of stories aren’t being attempted. Thirty Five Chinna Katha Kadu, Court and Iravai Moodu kinds of movies are coming successfully. A lot of changes are visible too in the new age horror stories. The days of scaring people with swinging doors is gone, instead the new age horror films have plots that have both scares and social issues.

6. In your view how are our movies in comparison to world cinema?

I don’t like comparing Indian cinema with world or Hollywood cinema. We have our unique traditions; many filmmakers have done movies that are remembered even today. There is no limit to the talent we have whether its directors or actors. Many are trying to push the envelope in their own ways. At the same time we also need to let go of some notions, this includes defining commercial cinema as only large action sequences.

7. Who is your favorite director and why?

Not just one there are many. For example, Kabir Khan, I like him for the way he crafts underdog stories who become winners in a heartouching way. The likes of 83, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Chandu Champion are good examples of these. I also like Anant Mahadevan who directed Phule and Storyteller. Among the senior directors I am a fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali as well. His stories are not just different, but they also have strong women characters. Among the ones he directed Gangubai Kathaiwadi is my most favorite. Coming to Telugu movies among the new directors Nag Ashwin is one of my favorites. With just three movies he has created a strong space. He effectively handled a big star like Amitabh Bachchan in Kalki. Among the Tamil directors I like Vetrimaaran, I like the way he boldly presents the issues of caste and class. It feels like an eye opener. In Malayalam I cannot single out a particular person, Blessy who directed Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Adujeevitham one of my favorites. I like the way the directors there give importance to stories, it seems like they don’t have the habit of writing a story keeping in mind the hero. Due to this many directors are able to make good films there, In Hollywood I like James Cameron who directed Titanic and the two Avatar films.

Kabir Khan the director of Chandu Champion

8. Who is your favorite actress and why?

Ans 8 Maybe I would have said Alia Bhatt once upon a time. Now though there are many. From Meryl Streep to Ananya Pandey. In between there are the likes of Nayanthara and Parvathy Thiruvothy, there are also some actresses whom I have liked in some movies. We are seeing actresses in different languages acting brilliantly. I will also give my reason behind liking these actresses. Talking about Alia Bhatt she has acted in a wide variety of roles, she has done characters which have represented different sections of society. Examples of these are Udta Punjab, Dear Zindagi and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Parvathy Thiruvothu comes across as a strong person both on and off screen. Nayanathara on the other hand has managed the perfect balance. She has done glamorous roles as well as characters that are strong in nature. Meryl Streep of course doesn’t need a particular introduction. Along with doing many memorable characters being bold is also her strong quality. In the last few years Ananya Pandey has done some good roles and is emerging as a fine talent.

Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawai

Ananya Pandey CTRL

9. You are translating stories from Telugu to English right! How did you get that interest? Would you like to share those experiences?..

Ans 9 In the beginning Hyderabad book trust (HBT) Geeta asked if I could translate. I said yes since it would be a new thing for me. I transalated Satyavati garu story ‘I am coming with the name of ‘Here I am’. Till now I have done forty small poems poems and 10 stories. Some of the translations have come out in anthologies; some are yet to be published. I don’t know how much the writers liked my translations but I got an opportunity to read Telugu literature through them. Since both the writers and the time periods are very different I found it challenging to translate both in terms of language and style.

I got the feeling of learning something new from every story. The stories of B Anuradha ‘Dheesali’, Ek Chaddar Mailisi’ while translating these two I entered into a new world of jail life. Both the core and the language in Satish Chandar’s Thorn felt unique. While translating this story which deeply examined gender and caste, I initially felt surprised on the spat of verbal abuses between the mother and daughter, it was their way of expressing love. Although it was extremely difficult to translate their conversations I soon started enjoying. The two stories which I did from ‘Viyuka’ collection are also special. I learned many things about the lives of revolutionaries who face many challenges. Also, Chaso’s ‘Why would I throw away Father’, ‘Yugantham stories of Nelluru Keshava Swamy story and Sudhakar’s some soap bubble and a knife cut’ (Barber’s Tale). Finally, Kuppili Padma’s Coffee Plantation. The language in Kuppli Padma’s stories is mostly poetic as a result to bring out their emotions was difficult. Apart from those mentioned I have learned a lot from the rest too however I will stop here since the answer has already become big.

10 How is the response for your reviews? Would you like to share any responses that are special for you!

Ans 10 The response for my reviews has gradually grown specifically after putting my reviews in Instagaram and X. A big reason for this increase is fan pages. They have shared reviews and profiles of their favorite stars. For example my profile on Kartik Aryan was shared well on twitter by his fans. Similarly my Dhootha review starring Naga Chaitanya was widely shared by Akkeneni fans. Coming to the rest of the readers I don’t know whether everyone who has read have liked them or not, so I haven’t had the opportunity to better them. As far as I am concerned I am writing whatever coming to mind. In the recent past the ones which I felt special are one of the directors in My Melbourne anthology Onir. He directed a short segment called Nandhini. Also Ananth Narayan Mahadevan who directed ‘Storyteller and Phule, their responses felt very special. One shared it on Instagram and the other on facebook with praises. Similarly Rahul Ravindran sharing my Jigra review and lastly Bhavana Pandey the mother of Ananya Pandey liking my ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ review are also some of the special moments.

February 27, 2025February 28, 2025

The many faces of Vicky Kaushal: A look at his iconic roles

An overview into Vicky Kaushal’s versatile filmography and what makes him a fantastic actor and also a potential superstar.

Starting from his critically acclaimed debut in the very moving Masaan (2015) Vicky Kaushal has done a wide plethora of roles whether it is characters based on history or more contemporary roles.

Son of the well-known action director Shyam Kaushal, Vicky, before making his debut with Masaan, worked as an assistant director on the movie Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).

In fact, Masaan— Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial— was co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane under the banner Phantom Films.

Masaan saw Vicky in the role of a bright student from a marginalized caste. His character Deepak works in the cremation Ghats of the place Varanasi; it isn’t something he likes doing but Deepak has no other option. Vicky made a splendid debut, particularly in the portion where he expresses the centuries of discrimination that the marginalised caste people have been subjected to.

Before tasting huge commercial success with the action drama Uri in 2019, Vicky had a very good 2018 with first-rate performances in Raazi, Sanju and Manmarziyaan.

Playing to the strengths

Vicky Kaushal in Raazi — Vicky Kaushal in ‘Raazi’. (X)

In Raazi, Vicky played a Pakistani soldier contrary to the usual stereotypes. In terms of screen time, Vicky’s role was more of a supporting one, but the actor made his presence amply felt. Vicky has an endearing persona, particularly in the scenes where he romances Alia Bhatt’s Sehmat.

There is a visible sensitivity in the way he treats her. His character Iqbal was written as a sensitive soul and Vicky with his acting made the viewers feel for Iqbal.

A major strength of Vicky is this endearing quality both on and off-screen. He comes across as a very loving person, which explains the female fan following.

Another standout strength of Vicky as an actor is his physicality. To portray a warrior king in Chhaava, having a strong build is crucial; the audience must feel that the hero has the power to cut through countless enemies and become a real threat to the antagonist. Vicky naturally fits this role with his tall stature and solid presence, making him the perfect fit for such characters.

Following are some of Vicky Kaushal’s best performances over the years. This ranges from intense to slightly more comedic parts.

Chhaava

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava has stirred up significant attention for various reasons. While the film has been lauded for its strong performances and its grand cinematic appeal, it has also faced criticism over the accuracy of its historical events.

Regardless of these debates, one thing is undeniable: Vicky’s dedication in embodying the courageous Maratha warrior on screen. He fully embodies the fierce king, presenting a character who is a true menace to Akshay Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb. Beyond his physical transformation, Vicky masterfully conveys the emotional and psychological toll of being a warrior.

Beneath his warrior exterior, there’s a profound vulnerability—whether it’s the longing for his mother’s affection or the haunting nightmares involving his father. In Chhaava, Vicky’s tenderness shines through in the romantic moments with Rashmika Mandanna.

His tender moments, like calling her “Shri Sakhi” and adoring her with such genuine affection, enrich the character, giving it a rare emotional depth.

These layers of complexity add depth to the role, and Vicky Kaushal’s performance brings them to life brilliantly.

Sardar Udham Singh

In Shoojit Sircar’s nuanced biopic of the Punjabi revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh, Vicky Kaushal delivered a stellar performance, conveying the inner rage of a freedom fighter with nothing but his eyes.

Vicky skillfully portrayed the many emotions of Sardar Udham through subtle changes in his body language.

A special mention must be made of his performance during the Jallianwala Bagh sequence. Vicky’s portrayal of Sardar Udham’s anguish gives the audience goosebumps. He truly brought to life the various stages of Udham Singh’s journey.

Sam Bahadur

Meghana Gulzar’s biopic on the dynamic Sam Manekshaw may follow a predictable path, often playing out like a highlight reel, but Vicky Kaushal’s charismatic performance makes the movie worth watching.

He perfectly embodied the fearless attitude and dynamism of Sam Manekshaw.

There’s a Dev Anand-like demeanour to his portrayal, and Vicky was simply superb. He also excelled in the vulnerable moments shared with his wife, played by Sanya Malhotra.

Sanju

Although Ranbir is the main pivot of this Rajkumar Hirani directorial, Vicky Kaushal as Sanju’s best friend Kamlesh was also equally good.

In the initial portions, he brings in a lot of laughs but as the movie progresses, he also provides solid emotional depth.

He is exceptional, particularly in the scene where he encourages Sanju to not succumb to difficult circumstances and reminds him of how his father is facing an equally big battle.

In fact, Vicky Kaushal can be called the second lead of Sanju.

Bad Newz

The best way to describe Anand Tiwari’s Bad Newz is as a showreel of Vicky Kaushal. Apart from his nimble dance moves in “Tauba Tauba,” Vicky was fantastic as a typical happy-go-lucky Punjabi boy undergoing a transformation.

Vicky Kaushal played a major role in lifting the movie’s energy whenever the proceedings started to slow down.

Not only did Vicky bring the house down with his impeccable comic timing, but he also excelled in the emotional scenes. For instance, there’s a moment when his character, Akhil Chaddha, has a breakdown during introspection, and another scene where Vicky reflects on the loss of his late father. In both of these moments, Vicky showcased his versatility and all-around capability.

This is all about Vicky Kaushal’s current filmography. His ability in seamlessly jumping genres is what makes him a potential superstar.

Here’s hoping that Vicky Kaushal continues to entertain the audiences with different roles and genres.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/the-many-faces-of-vicky-kaushal-a-look-at-his-iconic-roles/

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

Resurgence of Bobby Deol: An overview into the actor’s second innings with a variety of characters, both in theatres and OTT

While ‘Animal’ came across as a breakthrough performance, his performances on the OTT platforms with the web series ‘Aashram’ and the two movies ‘Love Hostel’ and ‘Class of 83’, also showcased his acting finesse.

Starting with the 1995 movie Barsaat, Bobby Deol has acted in more than 50 movies, including thrillers, action movies, and love stories.

From a boy next door in the likes of Barsaat the actor has transformed into a gritty actor with a diverse portfolio of characters. He has been a leading man, a supporting actor and has now transformed into a wonderful character artiste.

In the 1990s and 2000s Bobby Deol was a popular leading man primarily known for his stylish looks. However, as the years have gone by he has also proved his acting talent. While Animal came across as a breakthrough performance, his performances on the OTT platforms with the web series Aashram and the two movies Love Hostel and Class of 83, also showcased his acting finesse.

Standout performances in late 90s

In the late 90s and early 2000s too, the actor had a slew of fine performances to his credit. Among Bobby Deol’s earlier performances, his act in Abbas Mustan’s Humraaz (2002) deserves special mention. Bobby Deol’s character in Humraaz goes through many emotions, particularly in the second half. There is a palpable sense of distraught when Bobby’s Raj Singhania finds out that his wife has double-crossed him.

Another impactful character in Bobby Deol’s early career includes the romantic thriller Gupt (1997). In this movie, Bobby plays a young man wrongfully accused of murder. He portrayed the different nuances of the role in an impactful manner. Talking about comedy roles, Bobby’s act in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) as a mama’s boy was endearing to watch.

At one point Bobby’s career saw a dead end with no solid work coming. There were sporadic appearances but nothing substantial.

However, he rose to fame with the Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, in which he plays a non-speaking person. The film released in 2023 December, opened many avenues for the actor— he is now the most sought-after villain.

In 2024, he once again played an antagonist in Suriya’s Kanguva. While the movie didn’t work as expected, Bobby Deol’s performance earned praise.

Now let’s get into a little more detail about Bobby Deol’s reinvention by expanding on the recent films and the web series mentioned above.

Animal

In Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, Bobby Deol makes a late entry in the second half but leaves a lasting impact. His introduction scene captures two contrasting emotions. In the song “Jamal Kudu,” he dances joyfully with an alcohol glass on his head, celebrating. This is immediately followed by a moment of intense rage upon hearing of his brother’s death.

With his chilling eyes, Bobby’s character becomes a formidable opponent to Ranbir. In the climax, his emotional intensity shines through as he battles Ranbir.

Despite having no dialogue, his fiery eyes and body language convey murderous rage, making him an intimidating and deadly presence.

Class of 83

Class of 83, directed by Atul Sabharwal, is based on the novel by acclaimed crime journalist Hussain Zaidi. The film follows a cop, Vijay Singh, who is demoted to the dean of a police academy as punishment. At the academy, Singh selects a group of rookies to restore justice through unethical means. His plan works for a while, but things eventually fall apart.

Bobby Deol’s portrayal of Vijay Singh is far from the traditional larger-than-life cops like Salman Khan in Dabangg or Ajay Devgn in Singham. Instead, he plays a brooding mentor, conveying much through silence and his intense eyes. Deol effectively captures Vijay Singh’s inner turmoil with a powerful, internalized performance.

Aashram (Web series)

Bobby Deol in Aashram — Bobby Deol in ‘Aashram’. (X)

In his web series debut, Bobby Deol played a charismatic godman in Aashram, directed by Prakash Jha. His character, Baba Nirala, is revered as a messiah for the downtrodden, but in reality, he harbours a dark past. The three seasons of Aashram tackle various social issues, such as the caste system and reservation, in typical Prakash Jha style.

As the cunning yet charming Baba Nirala, Bobby Deol brought immense charisma to the role. He skillfully portrayed the contrast between the god-loving persona he presents to his devotees and the darker side revealed once the curtain falls. Deol perfectly balanced the revered godman with subtle hints of his evil nature.

Love Hostel

In Love Hostel, Bobby Deol played a hitman named Dagar, who believes he is doing society a favour by killing young couples who try to break societal norms by marrying outside their caste or religion.

Deol portrayed the mostly emotionless Dagar with the perfect attitude, outstandingly capturing his self-righteousness. He also nailed the hinterland accent.

This is an overview of Bobby Deol’s resurgence. This list is by no means complete, as the actor’s second innings includes many more exciting projects.

These include Yash Raj Banner’s first female-led spy film, starring Alia Bhatt and promising new talent Sharvari Wagh. There is also Anurag Kashyap’s untitled thriller with Sanya Malhotra. In addition, Bobby Deol has Telugu films Daaku Maharaj and Hari Hara Veera Mallu, as well as the Tamil film Thalapathy 69. Here’s hoping Bobby continues to deliver solid work.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/resurgence-of-bobby-deol-an-overview-into-the-actors-second-innings-with-a-variety-of-characters-both-in-theatres-and-ott/

December 21, 2024January 4, 2025

Horror to humour: Best Bollywood films of 2024

While horror films ruled the box office, there were other films that made an impact irrespective of their box office numbers like ‘Laapataa Ladies’, ‘Srikanth’, ‘Chandu Champion’, ‘CTRL’, ‘Kill’, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, ‘Crew’ and ‘Jigra’.

The year 2024 has seen a significant shift in terms of viewer choice. Tenth-pole action movies with macho men at the centre predominantly dominated 2023.

This year though there has been a clear fatigue towards the action genre. The horror space has given exciting storylines with sufficient thrills and a good dose of humour.

One of the major production houses Maddock Films scored a double whammy this year with Stree 2 and Munjya. Both these movies featured grotesque demons representing sinister thoughts.

In Stree 2 the headless demon kidnaps women with a modern outlook representing our sexist leaders. In the case of Munjya a young Brahmin boy resorts to black magic to win over a girl but this only results in self-destruction. Stree 2 and Munjya had impactful social commentary apart from the folklore touch.

Another film of the same genre is Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a horror thriller/comedy with an important message on inclusivity and acceptance. A poignant flashback connected to homosexuality made Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 a notch above the second part.

Queen director Vikas Bahl also made a strong comeback this year with Shaitaan, a home invasion thriller with elements of horror.

While horror films ruled the box office, there were other films that made an impact irrespective of their box office numbers like Laapataa Ladies, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, CTRL, Kill, Amar Singh Chamkila, Crew and Jigra.

Following are some of the most impactful movies of this year.

Laapataa Ladies

Kiran Rao’s second directorial venture, Laapataa Ladies, is a well-crafted feminist tale that effectively uses humour to address serious issues. The absurd scenarios arising from the confusion surrounding the same ghoonghat have a Shakespearean touch.

The film tackles important themes such as the necessity of education, the burdensome customs imposed on women, and the need for self-reliance. The latter is explored through the character of Manju Maai, a feisty and independent older woman played delightfully by Chhaya Kadam.

A major highlight of Laapataa Ladies is Ravi Kishan’s incredible comic timing. As a bribe-loving cop with a conscience, he left a strong impact with his performance. Newcomers Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Rana, and Sparsh Srivastava were also a joy to watch.

Stree 2

Aamir Kaushik’s follow-up to Stree (2018) was a rollicking sequel filled with equal parts scares and laughs. The film also featured impactful social commentary through the character of Sarkate, a headless demon. This grotesque creature kidnaps women with a modern outlook, such as those with big dreams or who marry outside their caste. Sarkate had previously burned Stree and her lover alive.

A key moment in the movie shows all the men in Chanderi becoming alpha males due to Sarkate’s spell. In the pre-climax, the women of Chanderi break out in unison, fully aware of the dangers.

What also made Stree 2 a blockbuster sequel was the camaraderie between Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee, Aaparshakti Khurrana, and Pankaj Tripathi. Their comic timing and chemistry added depth to the film.

Apart from Stree 2, Rajkummar Rao had a remarkable year, showcasing his versatility in various roles. In Srikanth Bolla, he portrayed the visually impaired businessman with an exceptional performance, perfectly capturing the character’s mannerisms and insecurities.

In Mr and Mrs Mahi, he played Mahendra, a failed cricketer who manipulates his wife for fame. Despite Mahendra being selfish and unlikeable, Rajkummar’s layered performance made him impossible to fully hate. The film performed moderately at the box office.

Chandu Champion

Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. Based on an incredible real-life story, the film is a must-watch tale of grit and determination.

Beyond being an underdog story, the movie addressed important themes, such as how people with disabilities seek empathy, not sympathy. It critiqued the “Bechara syndrome” and highlighted how their efforts often go unrecognized.

In the title role, Kartik Aaryan delivered a career-defining performance. Along with his impressive physical transformation, he shone in scenes portraying helplessness, frustration, resilience, and grit.

Despite sharing screen space with a strong actor like Vijay Raaz, Kartik held his own. Vijay Raaz, playing the coach and father figure, added significant emotional depth to the film.

Kartik also impressed in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, where he entertained as the fake Baba Rooh Baba, leaving viewers in fits of laughter. He also delivered a heartfelt performance in a small double role.

Kill

Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt’s Kill was a thrilling ride in spite of its visceral action. He elevated a standard action plot by merging the issue of class divide and blurring the lines between what we consider a hero and an anti-hero.

The humanization of dacoits particularly in the second half was very well done. On more than one occasion the armed robbers are seen venting out their vulnerabilities and fears.

The action sequences by nature are very violent with the titular character Amrit (a mighty impressive Lakshya) coming across as a bigger monster than the real armed robbers.

However, stunt directors Parvez Sheikh and Se-Yeong came up with very innovative combat sequences in confined spaces. Raghav Juyal best known for his dancing skills surprised one and all with his act of a cold-blooded villain.

CTRL (Netflix)

Ananya Pandey in CRTL — Ananya Pandey in ‘CRTL’. (X)

Vikramaditya Motwane’s CTRL, streaming on Netflix, is an engaging thriller/drama that explores the dangers of AI, including deepfakes and personal data breaches. The film raises important questions about how Gen Z increasingly relies on internet bots for genuine advice rather than consulting real people.

Ananya Panday plays the central role of Nella, a social media influencer. She and her husband, Joy (Vihaan Samrat), run a YouTube channel called NJoy. Their seemingly perfect relationship unravels, leading to a disturbing chain of events.

A key aspect of CTRL is how Motwane makes viewers reflect on the desire for validation through social media and the fine line between sharing and oversharing. These questions are raised in a thoughtful, non-preachy manner.

Ananya Panday delivers a stellar performance as Nella, perfectly capturing the character’s various shades. Special mention must also be made of Aaparshakti Khurrana, who voices the AI, adding depth to the story.

Do Patti (Netflix)

Kriti Sanon in Do Patti — Kriti Sanon in ‘Do Patti’. (X)

Shashanka Chaturvedi’s Do Patti shares some similarities with Jasmeet K Rheen’s Darlings, as both films depict women taking control of their lives when everything seems to have hit a dead end. However, Do Patti is very much its own story.

In addition to tackling domestic abuse, this Netflix film also explores sibling rivalry, post-traumatic stress, and childhood trauma. Kudos to Kriti Sanon for choosing to back such a project for her first production venture.

Kriti is outstanding, particularly in her role as the jealous twin, who eventually becomes a strong ally to her demure sister. Shaheer Sheikh, as the unpredictable husband, also gave a strong performance.

Jigra

Vasan Bala’s Jigra is a perfect blend of emotional drama and a prison break story. The film combines two distinct elements: on one hand, it tells the gritty tale of a young woman shaped by the emotional turmoil of witnessing her father jump from the roof. On the other, it explores themes of class divide and the brutalities faced by the common man in a police state.

The class divide is starkly portrayed through the way Satya’s wealthy relatives make her brother a scapegoat to protect their son, despite him being a habitual drug offender. Jigra is, for the most part, an engrossing film, and it was further enhanced by Alia Bhatt’s perfect portrayal of Satya’s tigress-like nature.

Vedang Raina, as the naïve young man caught in a complex web, also gave a strong performance. In supporting roles, both Manoj Pahwa and Rahul Ravindran made their presence strongly felt. The film features many memorable scenes, including one where Alia Bhatt’s Satya devours a large amount of food to calm her nerves.

Another impactful scene occurs when a helpless Satya asks a prison security guard if she looks sad. When he says yes, she tries to smile and asks the same question again. The sorrow in her eyes, as she struggles to stay mentally strong for her brother, was beautifully written and enacted.

The Buckingham Murders

Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders is a perfect example of a slow-burn investigative drama. While it may appear to be a police procedural on the surface, the film also delves into the lives of immigrants, communal hatred, and the struggles faced by the Queer community, among other themes.

Kareena Kapoor delivers an outstanding performance as a detective sergeant, grappling with deep emotional turmoil while investigating the case of a missing child.

In addition to these themes, Hansal Mehta also did an excellent job of addressing the changes brought about by the pandemic., both positive and negative. The film offers valuable psychological insight into the shortcomings of society. While the narrative occasionally digresses from the investigation, the conclusion more than makes up for these moments.

Apart from The Buckingham Murders, Kareena also played a hustler who is unapologetically greedy in Crew.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/horror-to-humour-best-bollywood-films-of-2024/

October 31, 2024December 19, 2024

Bollywood actresses turning producers: A look at women pushing the envelope

In the age of pan India Films, and reducing screenspace for women, it has become even more necessary for the actresses to take charge of the stories they are part of.

In the last few years, many Bollywood actresses have turned producers. They have produced films either starring themselves in lead roles or having new talents in prominent parts.

This trend of actresses turning producers proved to be a healthy change, giving them greater control over their roles, and allowing them to explore more challenging roles which mainstream cinema doesn’t always provide. While the box office figures for these movies aren’t massive, there is creative satisfaction.

It is a well-known fact that in today’s age of pan-Indian cinema, actresses are getting reduced to mere dolls with very little to do. Even the romantic track with heroes has become all about the male gaze.

In the recent big-budget film Devara (2024)—Janhvi Kapoor’s Tollywood debut, the actress makes her appearance only in the second half that too for a brief while. She is reduced to a person lusting after the hero and dancing to the sensuous “Chuttamalle”.

In this scenario, it becomes even more necessary for the actresses to take charge of the stories they are part of. Here is a list of actresses turning producers and the projects they undertook.

Anushka Sharma

One of the actresses who turned a producer early on was Anushka Sharma. She launched her own production company Clean Slate Filmz in the year 2013.

The first movie produced under her banner was NH 10 (2015), a gripping thriller. The film is about honour killings, in which a city couple find themselves witness to a brutal incident of honour killing leaving deep scars. In the film, Anushka Sharma portrays a wide range of emotions, from confidence to despair, to finally rage.

After the intense NH10, the actress did a complete U-Turn with her next production Phillauri (2017). In 2018, she produced and acted in yet another milestone film in her career— Pari.

While Philauri dealt primarily with superstitions in a comic tone, it also spoke about long-lost love and the culture of music and poetry in Punjab.

In this movie, she played a strong-willed woman with a flair for writing poetry. Later in the movie, she plays the role of a friendly spirit giving Anushka ample scope to demonstrate both her comic and dramatic chops.

Post Phillauri there was the horror movie Pari in the backdrop of satanic cults. Pari was a challenging part both physically and emotionally for Anushka. She was in equal parts scary and also emotionally vulnerable delivering a knock-out act.

All these movies are not major grossers at the box office but they showcased Anushka’s versatility in taking on challenging roles.

Roping in new talents

Tripti Dimri in Bulbbul — Tripti Dimri in ‘Bulbbul’. (X)

Apart from the above-mentioned ones Anushka has also backed movies featuring young talents, a case in point being Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022).

Both these movies featured young actress Tripti Dimri in author-backed roles. They opened to great reviews marking Tripti as a promising young talent which unfortunately the actress has not been able to capitalize on. Bulbbul also had another upcoming actor Avinash Tiwary making a strong impression.

Anushka also produced the critically acclaimed Amazon show Paatal Lok (2020).

Paatal Lok had the Raazi actor Jaideep Ahlawat in a breakthrough performance. The show gave Jaideep space to display his talent and he didn’t disappoint.

The show was also a breakthrough for Abhishek Banerjee, generally known for comic roles in the Stree franchise, the actor was extremely convincing as the deadly assassin.

Priyanka Chopra

Another prominent actress Priyanka Chopra has also backed hatke movies under Purple Pebble Pictures. Apart from the likes of Sky Is Pink (2019) and The White Tiger (2021) Priyanka has produced movies in Marathi as well.

Ventilator (2016) had director Ashutosh Gowariker in a major role. The movie opened to rave reviews apart from being a commercial success. Director Rajesh Mapuskar who also wrote the screenplay won awards for best screenplay and best debut director.

Speaking about her Hindi film, Sky Is Pink featured the actress in a multi-layered character. Her role as a determined parent spans from a young mother to an older woman. As a strong mother who wants to make sure that her child lives life to the fullest amidst a life-threatening disease, Priyanka‘s performance touched a huge chord with the audience.

The grief along with her inner strength is palpable in every scene.

In the English/Hindi movie The White Tiger Priyanka’s role was more of a supporting one, nevertheless, the actress made a striking impression.

The White Tiger had Adarsh Gaurav in the lead role, who got into the skin of his character. The movie opened new doors for the young talent.

A poster of the film Darlings — A poster of the film ‘Darlings’. (X)

The national award-winning actress Alia started her own production house with the movie Darlings (2022).

The film is a dark thriller/comedy about two domestic abuse survivors, with her character Badru representing the numerous housewives who put up with their husband’s abusive behaviour in the hope that they would change one day. This doesn’t happen and eventually, Badru is forced to take things into her own hands.

The transition of Alia’s Badru from a battered housewife to a stronger woman was exciting to watch though the process could have been better etched. It was brave of Alia to choose a subject like Darlings for her debut venture and by playing a domestic abuse survivor she represented numerous Indian women whose patience is mistaken for submissiveness.

Darlings was followed by presenting the Malayalam web series Poacher (2024). Poacher was a crime drama based on the real-life incidents of Elephant poaching. The series had Nimisha Sajayan in an intense performance giving her new fame.

After Poacher came Jigra (2024) which she produced along with Karan Johar.

Jigra is a story about a fiercely protective elder sister, who would do whatever it takes to save her brother from the death sentence. There are intense combat sequences with an ally turned foe in a jungle.

Keeping aside the box office numbers, Alia showcased a different side to her in this movie proving that she can pull off action as well. Apart from being an emotional drama Jigra also touched upon the consequences of a delayed justice system where innocent prisoners are forced to take extreme measures in order to find freedom.

Deepika Padukone

In the year 2020 Deepika produced and starred in the flawed yet gutsy Chhappak movie under her banner Ka Productions.

Deepika took a huge risk with her stardom to play an acid attack survivor. In spite of falling short in a couple of sequences, Deepika was mostly competent in making the viewers feel the agony of Malati Agarwal based on the real-life Lakshmi Agarwal.

Taapsee Pannu

Pink (2014) actress Taapsee Pannu turned producer with the female buddy film Dhak Dhak (2023) under the banner Outsider Films. The movie focused on four women of different age groups and their journey of self-discovery on a long bike trip. It was a well-made feel good movie.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan also turned into a producer with a Hansal Mehta directorial The Buckingham Murders (2024). The name of her production house is Mahana Films.

Unlike her general glamorous roles, Kareena was seen in a very different avatar, a detective going through huge emotional turmoil while investigating a case. Kareena delivered a stunning performance, showcasing her versatility.

Kriti Sanon

The last in this list is Kriti Sanon who co-produced the recently released Do Patti (2024) under her banner Blue Butterfly Films. The core concept of domestic abuse and the character graph of Kriti’s Saumya in this is similar to what Jasmeet K Reen already explored in Darlings.

Having said that it has to be mentioned that director Shashanka Chaturvedi brought his aspects too like post-traumatic stress and a jealous identical twin who undergoes a transformation. Playing two vastly different characters Kriti pushed herself as an actress coming up with a good performance.

Through the double act, Kriti showed that she can easily play a grey-shaded or a completely negative role.

Becoming decision-makers

In a way, this is a good trend as actresses are becoming decision-makers in showcasing women’s talent and pushing boundaries.

On the other hand, it is also a sad commentary on the film industry that actresses had to bankroll movies to display their talent, something which mainstream cinema is not giving them enough.

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/bollywood-actresses-turning-producers-a-look-at-women-pushing-the-envelope/

October 25, 2024October 25, 2024

Do Patti: A gripping cautionary tale about the consequences of abusive relationships and how women should fight back

Do Patti movie banner

A common factor binding Do Patti and Alia Bhatt’s debut production Darlings is women taking control of their lives when everything seems to have hit a dead end. Kudos to Kriti Sanon for choosing a sensitive subject like domestic abuse for her maiden production venture.

Starcast: Kriti Sanon, Shaheer Sheik, Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra Kala and others

Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi

Writer: Kanika Dhillon

Producers: Kanika Dhillon and Kriti Sanon

Production Companies: Kathha Pictures, Blue Butterfly Films and Vipin Agnihotri Films

Songs: Sachet- Parampara and Taniskh Bagchi

Streaming site: Netflix

Running time: 2 hours and 7 minutes

In the last few years numerous Bollywood actresses have turned producers pushing the envelope with interesting stories and strong female characters. Irrespective of the box office numbers these characters have created a solid impact. Case in point being the films produced under Anuskha Sharma’s Clean Slate Filmz. A particular mention must be made of her turn in the horror movie Pari. She played a battered young woman with a haunting past. Priyanka Chopra is another actress who has produced good movies like Sky Is Pink and The White Tiger. Her heart wrenching portrayal of a determined mother in the former was nothing less than extraordinary. One of our major commercial stars Deepika Padukone also entered into production with the flawed yet gusty Chhapaak. The biggest star of this generation Alia has produced two movies and presented one Malayalam web series Poacher under Eternal Sunshine Productions. Both Darlings and Jigra dealt with contrastingly different subjects. Darlings focused on a domestic abuse survivor, Jigra on the other hand dealt with the delayed justice system through a morally complex elder sister. Kriti Sanon’s Do Patti is a good addition to the above-mentioned films.

Do Patti is a good addition to the above-mentioned films

The story of Do Patti is set in the fictional hill station of Devaipur. It focuses on a pair of identical twins Saumya and Shelle, they are as different as chalk and cheese. Their relationship has always been strained. Out of the two Saumya needs more care given her constant paranoia. Shelle on the other is the wilder one. From an early age itself Shelle has harbored jealousy towards Saumya. Her feeling is that Saumya gets way more love from the family, according to her Saumya puts up the act of being paranoid to get more love. A good example of Shelle’s animosity is the scene where she cuts a small portion of her sister’s hair as a child. Years later this animosity takes a hugely dangerous turn with the arrival of Dhruv (fantastic Shaheer Sheikh). Dhruv gets quickly attracted to Shelle as her wild nature is more appealing to him over Saumya’s demureness. But in a major turn of events, his marriage takes place with Saumya leading to further friction among the siblings. Initially Dhruv appears to be a good husband but soon his short temperedness comes to the fore. Kajol plays police inspector Vidya Jyothi. This is the story in brief.

Kriti Sanon in a double role

A strong aspect of Do Patti is the depiction of sibling rivalry particularly the characterization of Shelle. Writer Kanika Dhillon is known for writing unorthodox women. The best example being Taapsee Pannu in the Haseen Dil Ruba movies and Manmarziyaan. Here too the writer has given interesting character traits adding to the thrill quotient of the movie. Both Saumya and Shelle carry a deep emotional baggage of their own, it is just that they have chosen different methods. In case of Saumya it is about internalizing, for Shelle escapism is the defense. This has come out well both in terms of writing and the stellar acting performance of Kriti.

The unraveling of Shaheer Sheikh’s Dhruv, how the role starts off and the eventual revelation of his true colors is also a delight to watch. Shaheer Sheikh plays the unpredictable husband with aplomb making a striking impact.

Shaheer Sheikh plays the unpredictable husband with aplomb

Through Do Patti director Shashanka Chaturvedi and Kanika Dhillon have focused on pertinent topics. The portrayal of post-traumatic stress and childhood trauma have been dealt in a poignant manner.

The depiction of domestic abuse is raw in nature, a scene which needs to be mentioned here is a disturbing altercation between Dhruv and Saumya. It is a very upsetting moment which many domestic abuse survivors will relate with.

Do Patti also plays out like an Agatha Christie Thriller. The twists and turns are fairly engrossing. A big twist leading to a poignant flashback deserves a special mention. Through the flashback there is an important message on reporting domestic violence.

Performances wise Do Patti is very much a Kriti Sanon showreel. She aces both the parts with equal ease whether it is grey shades and the eventual remorse of Shelle or the demure Saumya who will tug at your heartstrings. Kajol as police inspector Vidya Jyothi fits the part of a no- nonsense police officer, she does a fine job in portraying the tough attitude, but the Haryanvi accent feels jarring. The moral dilemmas of Vidya Jyothi at one point also needed better etching. Tanvi Azmi as the supportive caretaker brings in a lot of warmth in her small yet significant part.

Sachet Parampara and Tanishk Bagchi’s songs are just above average. The CGI and the camerawork though are of a high order more so in the portions which have two Kriti’s.

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

12 Years of Alia Bhatt: From the snooty Shanaya Singhania to the sherni Satyabhama

A brief note on the twelve years of impactful characters that have resonated with audiences of different age groups. Looking forward to many more memorable acts and movies

Alia, you stormed into the viewers hearts with your abundant cuteness on October 19th, year 2012. There was little indication of the powerhouse actress who would capture the viewers hearts in the coming times. Excluding the special appearances, you have done 20 movies so far leaving a significant impact.

Through your characters you have represented different facets of a modern woman. For example, in Dear Zindagi you played an ambitious cinematographer going through a midlife crisis. The turbulent nature of Kiara and the anxieties that she goes through is something that numerous modern women can relate with. The final triumph of Kiara when she finally makes her short movie feels personal.

In Badrinath Ki Dulhania you played a small-town girl Vaidehi with dreams of being an air hostess. The persistence of Vaidehi in achieving her goal and how she doesn’t give a damn about the society’s thinking was brilliant to watch. Also, the line where Vaidehi talks about self-respect being more important than love and eventually marrying Badri only after he changes completely was well written and enacted.

Apart from representing the different facets of a modern woman your characters have also covered different societal issues. For example, Darlings was flawed yet an important movie on the topic of domestic abuse. Your character of Badru represented all the housewives who put up with their husband’s abusive behavior hoping they would change one day. How Badru undergoes a transformation taking things into her own hands was exciting to watch even though the transition was a little abrupt. Kudos to you for backing this movie as a debutant producer.

In the latest production Jigra you pushed the envelope further by playing the role of a very protective sister. The grey shades along with emotional intensity of Satyabhama aka Satya was a treat to watch. Apart from the prison break aspect Jigra also talked about the delayed justice system that force innocent prisoners to take things into their own hands. How sometimes anarchy is the best solution to fight against the system came out wonderfully in the brilliantly shot prison riot. After Darlings and the Malayalam web series Poacher you once again showed your penchant for backing up interesting subjects.

This short note wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the national award-winning turn in Gangubai. In Gangubai your character Ganga aka Gangu represents those girls duped by their lovers and have no option other than to become a sex worker. Your empathetic act represented all those sex workers who like us are also humans with normal feelings and desires.

August 3, 2024August 10, 2024

The Girl with the Seven Lives: Vikas Swarup delivers another engrossing page turner

The concoction of thrills and emotions make it a riveting read

Former Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup has had a fantastic start to his writing career. Both of his novels, Q&A, which was adapted into the movie Slumdog Millionaire, and Six Suspects, have been showered with praise. Six Suspects was made into a web series by Paan Singh Tomar director Tigmanshu Dhulia. A major reason for Vikas Swarup’s success is his ability in choosing plots that reflect different aspects of Indian society. The stories are thoroughly rooted in the Indian milieu making it relatable for the readers.

With his latest The Girl With the Seven Lives the writer has again picked up a subject that effortlessly blends edge of seat thrills with a solid emotional graph. The central character of this novel Devi is a morally complex protagonist. She isn’t always likeable, some of her actions don’t fit the traditional compass of morality. However, we do not completely despise her because Vikas Swarup gives a psychological insight into her wretched past. The novel begins with a young woman Devi being held hostage by a dangerous man. He threatens to shoot her if she doesn’t talk about the 25 years of her life so far. Adding to Devi’s horror is an online auction, in this auction the person who bids the highest will determine her fate. Thus begins a long odyssey taking the readers on a rollercoaster ride. There are some shocking revelations keeping the readers thoroughly engrossed.

The Girl With the Seven Lives wastes no time in setting up the story. The very first chapter begins with the gruesome kidnap. The readers go through a lot of tension on the reasons behind the kidnap and her eventual fate.

The plot thickens further with various attention-grabbing developments. Vikas Swarup’s writing of the various cities like Mumbai and Goa became a character in themselves. The dark underbelly beneath the shining glitter covers some important societal aspects. Whether it is the horrendous treatment of girls in observation homes, racket of fake degrees etc.

The bond between Devi and her dog Sheru also adds an emotional touch even if you aren’t a pet lover. As mentioned above Devi doesn’t fit into the traditional compass of morality but the readers also understand where she is coming from. Her childhood and teenage years are anything but happy. For example, her younger brother Sonu faces a brutal death due to a speedy BMW. A private hospital refused to treat him and a crooked cop showed zero empathy. Additionally, the elder brother is also unlawfully detained and the readers are given the impression of him being dead too. At one point a wealthy woman Devika takes an interest in Devi for her own selfish needs. She offers the comforts of a home pretending to be a kind person, but in actuality Devika just wants to use Devi as a subject to write an authentic novel about the poor. All these experiences shape up the person Devi grows up to be.

The readers root for Devi to come out safe from this ordeal. her journey through multiple identities and overcoming many obstacles give an important message on resilience.

(PS: Recently Vikas Swarup has talked about wanting Alia Bhatt to play central role of Devi if the book was made into a movie. Here’s hoping that his wish comes true.)

May 24, 2024December 3, 2024

Alia Poem: March 15th 2024

A very happy 31st birthday to you Alia

Alia you are like a shining star forever sparkling

You have proved to be a smart cookie in adapting to different on-screen characters

You have made the roles of Gangubai, Veera Tripathi, Safeena, Bauria and more your own

In spite of not being a natural dancer there is so much joy in seeing you dance

I can never forget your Kathak dance in the film Kalank, the grace and those expressions were too good

Similarly, the scene in Gangubai where your character goes into a trance like state while dancing was so well enacted

In Rocky Aur Rani ki Prem Kahani you pulled off both What Jumka and Dhindora Bajare Re in an excellent manner

The first song had undertones of mischievousness and the second was a high energy one which required absolute lack of inhibitions

In both the songs Alia your movements were as smooth as butter without a single false step

Both the songs can be watched any number of times particularly for your expressions

As a producer of course it is early days but the subjects you have backed in both Darlings and Poacher are very commendable

Thank you so much for replying to my comment on your Instagram page regarding Poacher

It felt so good when you replied back with emojis and also took my name Prabhatha

Honestly it felt like I had climbed Mount Everest that day

In my mind I was flying with unadulterated happiness. Wish I had wings really like birds

It is a day that I can never forget and will forever cherish

Keep shining like the star you are

All the very best for your new chapter in professional life starting with Jigra where you will do some hardcore action

You have always proved the sceptics wrong by successfully portraying different characters

I am sure that both Jigra and the solo YRF spy film will showcase a vastly different facet of you

Once again wishing you a very happy 31st birthday from one of your biggest fans, you are truly a queen of hearts and absolute Rani

May you continue to flourish as an actor, producer and businesswomen along with other roles in your personal life

February 26, 2024November 12, 2024

Poacher: This Gripping Ecological Drama Thriller Is A Reminder Of The Need For Peaceful Coexistence Between Man And Nature

Richie Mehta makes a scathing commentary on the human ambition of wanting to dominate every aspect of the world and its repercussions.

Poacher (Malayalam)

Main Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Ankith Madhav
Director: Richie Mehta
Producer: Alia Bhatt and Prerna Singh
Music Director: Andrew Lockington
Cinematography: Johan Huerlin Aidt
Genre: Action Thriller
Episodes: 8
Rating: 4/5
First Published in: Southfirst

Richie Mehta’s Delhi Crime (2019 and 2022) is easily one of the best web series that has come out in the last decade. Both seasons were gripping, not just as an investigative thriller, but the human drama is equally powerful.

Not surprisingly, Shefali Shah got a lot of acclaim for her brilliant performance. The senior actor got a new lease of life with that show.

Now, the director is back with another binge-worthy show. This time around, Richie Mehta focused his lens on the burning issue of poaching (hunting animals illegally) — in this case, the ivory of elephants being smuggled.

The story of Poacher is based on real-life incidents that took place in Kerala.

Through the eight episodes, Richie Mehta makes a scathing commentary on the human ambition of wanting to dominate every aspect of the world and the repercussions of that on wildlife.

Synopsis

At the heart of its story are some determined forest officers led by Mala (Nimisha Sajayan). Mala’s life mission is to ensure that the poachers are apprehended and paid for their crimes.

She has a deep bond with the forest and the wildlife. She is emotionally driven for a reason, which is better understood by watching the web show rather than saying it.

And then, there are Alan (Roshan Mathew) and Neel (Dibyendu Bhattacharya).

These three officers and a few more people lead an extensive investigation from Kerala to Delhi.

The human–animal conflict and the need for wildlife conversation is a critical socio-political issue that concerns the lives of not just animals but also human beings.

Richie Mehta does an amazing job of making the viewers feel empathetic towards the plight of these majestic creatures.

Running parallel to the investigative drama is a much-needed perspective from the animal kingdom. Some scenes showcase the retaliation of animals.

Through these portions, the director makes the viewers contemplate deeply—even those not passionately interested in wildlife about the potential consequences, if the roles were to be reversed.

Many important questions have been raised about the dynamics between humans and animals.

Analysis

Though primarily a Malayalam web series, there are also segments where the actors speak in Hindi, English and a bit of Bengali. But this switch does not hamper the flow thanks to the captivating narration and the brilliant performances.

This is the second web series of this year after Abhishek Chaubey’s Killer Soup, where the characters alternate between different languages. This is indeed a good trend.

Coming back to Poacher, Richie Mehta also does a wonderful job of exploring the intricate world of poaching.

He talks about how poachers are just pawns in the bigger scheme of things and how the bigger evils are the wealthy dealers and the monstrous human beings who want to dominate the food chain.

Poacher is also technically solid, with particular mention of the cinematography of Johan Huerlin. He does a swell job of capturing both the beauty and the terror of the events happening in the forests of Kerala.

Although Poacher is mostly gripping, some of the climatic scenes could have been done with a tighter edit.

The performances across the board are simply fantastic.

Nimisha Sajayan delivers a spectacular performance by effortlessly conveying the grit and turmoil of Mala.

After The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) and Chithha (2023), this is another powerhouse performance from this brilliant actor.

Roshan Mathew works a perfect foil by bringing in some much-needed lightness. He is very effective in bringing out the humour and sensitivity of Alan.

Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s performance is also top-notch. He brings out the hot-headedness of Neel without any hiccups.

The other supportive characters also shine in their respective parts.

Final take

Poacher is a must-watch on many counts. It is easily one of the best web shows you will find this year.

Richie Mehta did it again with a thought-provoking show, and Alia Bhatt consolidated her position as a quality producer.

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/poacher-malayalam-web-series-review/