Recent Posts – Page 16 – Rigobertha Reviews

March 7, 2025March 8, 2025

Superboys of Malegaon : A solid emotional roller coaster

Reema Kagti’s ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ is an entertaining love letter to the magic of cinema, at the same time it also sheds light on important topics like art versus commerce and the importance of writers.

Superboys of Malegaon (Hindi), 28-02-2025, Comedy, Drama, 2 hours 7 minutes, U/A, Theatre

Main Cast: Adarsh Gaurav, Vineet Kumar Singh, Shashanka Arora, Anuj Singh Dahan, Saqib Ayub, Manjari Pupala, and Muskkaan Jafferi
Director: Reema Kagti
Producer: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani
Music Director: Sachin- Jigar
Cinematography: Swapnil S Sonawane
Rating: 4/5

Malegaon is a town burdened by poverty, communal tensions, and hardships, and Sheikh Nasir, a local man, brings joy to the town by creating his own films.

Starting with a spoof of the classic Sholay, along with his friends, Nasir made movies that entertained the community, offering a temporary escape from their challenges.

The 2008 documentary, Supermen of Malegaon, by Faiza Ahmed, highlighted the struggles of Malegaon residents.

Synopsis

And now, Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon is based on director Sheikh Nasir, with Adarsh Gaurav playing the lead role. It is set in 1994.

Nasir’s elder brother owns a movie parlour, where English movies are often shown, but they don’t sell many tickets. He warns Nasir that English films will no longer be screened.

Adarsh Gaurav in Superboys of Malegaon — Adarsh Gaurav in ‘Superboys of Malegaon’. (X)

While purchasing a pirated copy of Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Raja Hindustani, Nasir encounters a VCR tape seller who introduces him to the magic of film editing.

This sparks an idea in Nasir’s mind, and he begins splicing slapstick comedy sequences from Chaplin with Kung Fu action scenes. This combination makes his parlour a huge success, but the joy is short-lived after an anti-piracy raid.

Deciding enough is enough, Nasir boldly chooses to make homegrown films with the support of his friends. The rest of the story focuses on both their professional and personal journeys.

What works

Shashank Arora in Superboys of Malegaon — Shashank Arora in ‘Superboys of Malegaon’. (X)

A major strength of Superboys of Malegaon is how Reema Kagti has captured the magic of movies through the central characters. For these super boys, watching a movie makes their real-life situations more bearable. The movie opens with these guys somehow going through everyday turmoil and then rushing to get the best seats so that they can forget about the everyday drudgery.

When one of the friends is diagnosed with a disease called cell carcinoma the doctor breaks the news by saying “Wahi jo Anand me Rajesh Khanna ko Hua tha.” Similarly when Nasir talks to his wife about returning the money she simply says I don’t want money, just give me the credit of producer.

Cinema is what drives these super boys. A major reason for them reuniting again after a huge upheaval is cinema as well. Cinema is what gives them and the town of Malageon its distinct identity.

Breaking the stereotypes

Superboys of Malageon is also refreshing in how it places working-class Muslims at the centre of the plot. In the recent past, we have seen a lot of jingoism in the way Muslims have been presented.

A still from the film Superboys of Malegaon — A still from the film ‘Superboys of Malegaon’. (X)

But here Reema Kagti along with the writer Varun Grover shatters those stereotypes by focusing on the everyday lives of working-class Muslims.

The movie also does a wonderful job of showcasing the struggles of a writer through a fabulous Vineet Kumar Singh.

There is a hugely poignant moment when Vineet Kumar’s character Farogh says “Writer baap hota hai”. This portion may come across as an isolated scene but the undertones of what Reema Kagti and Varun Grover want to say come across strongly.

Mention must also be made of how the plot dwells into the struggles of balancing artistic vision with fewer compromises.

The camaraderie between the central characters and how it celebrates their friendship through the ups and downs is a sheer delight to watch as well. There are moments in the movie which make the viewer smile as well making them moist.

Strong performances

Another major backbone of the movie is the towering performances starting from a stellar Adarsh Gaurav. Adarsh pulls off the various shades with absolute finesse.

Characters in Superboys of Malegaon — Characters in ‘Superboys of Malegaon’. (X)

He does a very fine job in capturing the passion of Nasir, there are occasions where Nasir comes across as both insecure and selfish leading to a downfall. Adarsh nails the grey shades too.

Vineet Kumar Singh as Farogh does an excellent job of representing the struggles of an aspiring writer who eventually finds recognition. Shashank Arora plays the role of Shafique in an understated yet very impactful manner.

For a lot of the movie, Shafique comes across as a reticent man with aspirations of seeing himself as a hero, his dream eventually comes true making the viewers clap.

The women get limited scope, still, Muskkaan Jafferi is solid as Nasir’s lawyer life. Their romantic moments in the second half bring a smile to the viewers’ faces.

Manjiri Pupala stands out as a local performer who gets cast for the role of Basmati in Nasir’s version of Sholay’s Basanti.

She does a very good job of portraying the inner strength of an abused housewife. The conversations between her and Shashank are wonderful to watch, making the viewers wish things had panned out differently.

Swapnil S Sonawne’s cinematography is also of a very high standard. He captures the place of Malegeon and its local aesthetics wonderfully.

There is a lived-in feel that effortlessly transports the viewers. Sachin Jigar’s music elevates the emotions, particularly in the scenes of heartbreak and triumph.

Final take

To sum it up Superboys of Malegaon is highly recommended. Don’t miss it.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/superboys-of-malegaon-movie-review/

March 7, 2025March 10, 2025

Aashram Season 3 Part 2 : A strong conclusion

Director Prakash Jha once again succeeds in delivering a strong socio political drama headed by the fantastic cast. In spite of a few elongated stretches the series makes the viewers introspect about the hold that these fake babas have.

Aashram season 3 part 2 (Hindi), 27-02-2025, Drama, Thriller, 5 episodes, 16+, OTT

Main Cast: Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and Tridha Choudhary
Director: Prakash Jha
Producer: Prakash Jha
Music Director: Sunny Inder
Cinematography: Chandan Kowli
Rating: 3.5/5

The filmography of Prakash Jha has always been dominated by subjects of social importance.

Whether it is his initial films like Mrityudand (1997) focusing on injustice practices set in Bihar or even the later ones like Gangajaal, Apaharan and others.

The filmmaker has often drawn inspiration from real life. Of course, the results haven’t been always great, particularly in the last few years but the director’s commitment to portraying socially relevant issues is undeniable.

Synopsis

His web series debut Aashram streaming on Amazon MX player, which released its first instalment in 2020, marked the rebirth of both Prakash Jha and Bobby Deol. The core plot of Aashram revolves around a magnetic godman, played by a brilliant Bobby Deol.

Bobby Deol’s Nirala Baba pretends to be a messiah but in actuality, it is just a façade. Aaditi Pohankar’s Pammi starts off as one of his numerous devotees but things take a huge turn when she realizes that Nirala is no saint but a monster with ulterior motives.

In the second season, the viewers see Pammi turning against Nirala fighting a huge battle, and undergoing many tribulations, including the death of her close ones.

Additionally, the mother believes that her daughter has gone ashtray and is maligning the name of Baba Nirala to cover her wrongdoings.

The first part of Aashram’s third season saw Pammi getting some political support but due to certain change of events, she ended up behind bars.

A revenge

Aditi in Aashram Season 3 Part 2 — Aditi in ‘Aashram Season 3 Part 2’. (X)

In the second part of Aashram’s third season, the focus is primarily on how Pammi makes a return back to the Aashram and systematically plots her revenge.

She puts a façade in front of Nirala Baba by saying that she has unnecessarily wronged him and now wants to correct her mistakes.

Baba Nirala arranges her bail and gets her shifted to the Aashram much to the disdain of his friend and partner in crime Bhopa Swami (Chandan Roy Sanyal).

Pammi pretends to be an ardent devotee but her actual intentions are different. The rest of the story focuses on how Pammi reveals the true colours of Nirala Baba to the court along with the back story of this magnetic godman who has several skeletons buried in his closet.

Strengths and flaws

A strong aspect of Aashram season 3 part two is how Pammi goes about her plan in an unhurried manner. The way she tempts Bhopa Swami turning Bhopa and Nirala against each other is interesting to watch.

A still from the film Aashram Season 3 Part 2 — A still from the film ‘Aashram Season 3 Part 2’. (X)

The scenes of Pammi seducing Bhopa gradually might test the patience of some viewers but are necessary in the larger scheme of things.

The back story of Baba Nirala and how his manipulations come back to haunt him has been wonderfully written and enacted. The portions of Baba Nirala’s psychological battles are also gripping to watch.

The series also does a very fine job of raising uncomfortable questions about power and faith. Prakash Jha also does a fine job of showcasing devotion being a double-edged sword and how playing with someone’s faith through numerous lies can take you down however big your empire is.

The characterizations of the three central characters coupled with the performances are another major backbone, the transformation of Pammi from a victim to an avenger treading on a very dangerous path is a delight to watch.

Performances

Aaditi delivers a fantastic act perfectly capturing both the pain and anger while systematically plotting Baba Nirala’s downfall, the way she seduces Bhopa Swami by turning on the charm pretending to have accepted defeat makes for great viewing.

Bobby Deol in Aashram Season 3 Part 2 — Bobby Deol in ‘Aashram Season 3 Part 2’. (X)

Bobby Deol as Nirala Baba delivers once again. This character has played a huge role in the rebirth of Bobby and that is clearly visible this time too.

Bobby once again delivers a first-rate performance portraying the various shades of his character with ease. The actor particularly shines in the scenes when the tables are turned against him like the dramatic breakdown during a crucial moment. His obsession with Pammi has undertones of genuine love.

Chandan Roy Sanyal has a bigger canvas to play with in comparison to the other seasons and the actor does a terrific job.

The devilish charm with which he portrays the role is a delight to watch, at the same time we also see a vulnerable side to him after he gets castrated by Nirala leading to a change in their dynamics. The confrontation scene between the two towards the end is a wonderful example of this.

Among the rest, Tridha Choudhary does a very fine job as a woman who quietly helps Pammi. Darshan Kumar as the determined police officer is also pretty solid although the screen time is quite limited.

Final take

To sum it up Aashram Season 3 Part 2 is a very satisfying conclusion.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/aashram-season-3-part-2-web-series-review-a-strong-conclusion/

March 6, 2025March 7, 2025

Black Warrant (Confessions of a Tihar Jailer novel): A brilliant insider account

Co written by Sunil Gupta who worked as a jailer in Tihar the novel is both a crisp read and at the same time draws the readers into the notorious world

Black Warrant streaming on Netflix is easily one of the best shows in Hindi language. Vikramaditya Motwane along with Satyanshu Singh and others presented a very gritty picture of the deeply horrifying situations where it’s very difficult for a prisoner to reform. After reading the novel on which the web series is based it must be said that the directors have done absolute justice to the novel’s theme.

For those who haven’t read the book or seen the web series the novel is a memoir of Sunil Gupta who worked in the Tihar jail for a very long time. Sunil Gupta is known for his fantastic work in the field of prison reforms and overall administration. One of Sunil Gupta’s major achievements is starting Tihar’s first legal aid cell. Sunil Gupta is a recipient of India vision award for his contribution in the field of prison reforms. Sunil Gupta actually got a stable job in Indian Railways but he left the safety of that, instead he pursued his dream of donning the khaki uniform. In this process he became a jailer in the notorious place of Tihar.

A strong aspect of the book is how Sunil Gupta along with Sunetra Choudhary presents the world of Tihar in a raw and gritty manner. There is no sense of artificially in the way Sunil Gupta has written about his encounters with controversial prisoners of various kinds. This includes Charles Sobhraj, Afzal Guru, Manu Sharma and some more.

A special mention must be made of how he describes the charisma and the power of Charles Sobharaj. The big reason for Sunil Gupta getting the job of a jailer was the recommendation of Charles Sobhraj. The huge influence that Charles Sobhraj wielded comes across strongly through the writings of both the authors.

Sunil Gupta’s description of both Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhatt is also very engaging. Talking about Maqbool Bhatt Mr Gupta says that he was highly educated and also pious. In fact Sunil Gupta used to practice English language skills with him. Following is a passage from the novel on Maqbool Bhatt.

“It was very clear that Maqbool was a political prisoner and he was treated as one. Unlike others who would spend their time gossiping or trying to make trouble, all he did was read,” Mr Gupta writes in a chapter “The anatomy of hanging” (p.72). He described Bhatt as a victim of circumstances.

About Afzal Guru Sunil Gupta talks about how his attitude was different from the other prisoners regarding how they took execution. He writes that Afzal Guru began singing a Bollywood song while being informed about his execution. The song is ‘ Apne liye Jiye Toh Kya jiye, tu ji ae dil zamane ke liye’ (if you lived for yourself, you’ve hardly lived, live for the world). Afzal Guru claimed that he wasn’t a terrorist but had been labeled one. He added, ‘If I were a terrorist, I wouldn’t have ensured my child became a doctor.’

Both the writers have presented the prisoners from a humanistic point of view. This is very visible in Sunil Gupta’s interactions with them. Another aspect of the novel is the message Sunil Gupta gives to jailers. He says they have a very important responsibility in bringing reforms and for that it’s important to have an empathetic attitude towards prisoners.

How the economic status of a prisoner plays a pivotal role in the jail has also come out well. If the prisoners are wealthy and have strong connections he can buy most things and these include air conditioners, food from hotels, women and more.

How the corruption is deep rooted across all levels of the prison has come out starkly. A good example of this is the case involving Kohli and his employer Pandher. They both were found guilty of rape and murder of a 14 year old girl. While Pandher was acquitted because of his rich background. Kohli a poor housekeeper on the other hand was hanged. This gives a very stark picture on how the rich can get away.

Final word: Black Warrant (Confessions of a Tihar Jailer Novel) is a must read just like the web series.

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/

February 27, 2025February 28, 2025

Crime Beat: A competent investigative drama

‘Crime Beat’ streaming on Zee 5 does a fine job in showcasing the cut throat world of journalism. The integration of the Commonwealth Scam and the characterization of Rahul Bhatt as a gangster/ Robin Hood figure gives the show some of its best moments.

Crime Beat directed by Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul is the latest addition to the trend of novels being adopted as web series.

For those who are not aware the core plot of Crime Beat is based on The Price You Pay written by Somnath Batabayl.

Somnath Batabyl is both a journalist and a writer. He worked as a special correspondent for NDTV in Calcutta for two years. He is also a recipient of The Dhiren Bhagat Award for investigative journalism.

His novel focuses on the journey of a rookie reporter Abhishek wanting to make it big in the world of investigative journalism. Apart from the protagonist another very important character in the book was that of Babloo Shankar a wanted gangster who targets the rich operating as an outlaw on the lines of Robin Hood.

Synopsis

In Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul’s adaptation of the novel Saqib Saleem plays the role of Abhishek Sinha, a very determined reporter from Banaras wanting to make it big.

In the process of establishing his identity, he comes across a major scoop involving a wanted fugitive Binny Chaudhary (a charismatic Rahul Bhatt). As Abhishek dives deeper into the case he unravels some shocking secrets about a huge financial scam involving the Commonwealth Games.

Saba Azad plays Maya, a colleague and a love interest of Abhishek. Maya too has her own ambitions of making it big as an investigative journalist. Sai Tamhankar plays the mole of Binny Chaudhary— Archana Pandey.

Archana is not your stereotypical mole; she is a very capable woman with an agency of her own. Revealing further would be a giveaway to the many twists and turns the show offers.

Strengths

Crime Beat is a thriller drama — ‘Crime Beat’ is a thriller drama. (X)

A strong aspect of Crime Beat is how the two directors have depicted the power struggle among the journalists. At numerous junctures, we see a constant battle for the supremacy of getting front-page exclusives.

The cutthroat rivalry among the journalistic group is very much palpable. This has come out strongly in the dynamics between Abhishek Sinha and Maya.

Initially there is a feeling of them being a lovey-dovey couple but all this changes at a critical juncture when Maya steals Abhishek’s story on Binni Chaudhary after they make love.

Strong characterisation

The background of Saqib Saleem’s character also gives an interesting dimension. Abhishek Sinha unlike Maya doesn’t come from a very rich background. He is a small-town boy whose ambitions are bigger than his financial status. This adds a certain authenticity to the struggles of Abhishek.

Another strong aspect of the web series is that most of the characters come with shades of grey whether it is Saqib Saleem Abhishek or Rahul Bhatt’s Binni Chaudhary. Few very characters in the show are completely black and white.

Talking about Rahul Bhatt’s Binni Chaudhary, there is a lot of enigma in the way the role has been written. Binni Chaudhary isn’t your typical trigger-happy gangster. There is a sense of vigilantism about him. At no point, you can call him a good or bad person. This adds a lot of depth to the show.

The integration of the Commonwealth Games scam and how Binni Chaudhary helps Abhishek in unearthing the huge financial scams has been both well written and enacted.

Performances

Saqib Saleem in Crime Beat — Saqib Saleem in ‘Crime Beat’. (X)

Rahul Bhatt brings in a lot of charisma perfectly capturing the grey shades. After his stellar turn in Black Warrant, this is another noteworthy performance from the actor.

Mention must also be made of Danish Hussain as Editor Aamir Akhtar. He delivers a nuanced performance as a seasoned editor. Aamir Akhtar is someone who can go to any lengths for a good story and Danish is successful in bringing out the nuances.

Sai Tamhankar as Binny Chaudhary’s accomplice adds an extra layer of intrigue with her solid act. She brings in the right amount of oomph, intrigue and menace. She looks every inch the badass woman that Archana Pandey is supposed to be.

Lastly, Saqib Saleem in the role of Abhishek Sinha also delivers a compelling act. He does a first-rate job of portraying both the ambitions of Abhishek and also the internal conflicts of a journalist caught between truth and survival.

Flaws

One major problem with Crime Beat is the undercooked love story. The professional rivalry between Maya and Abhishek is a lot more compelling to watch than their romantic moments.

Saba Azad’s characterization could have done with more meat although the young actress does do a fine job with whatever she has been offered. Also, the jump to the love scenes comes across as rather abrupt. The tonal shift is very jarring, to say the least.

Final take

To sum it up Crime Beat is worth watching for fans of investigative dramas, but don’t expect the quality of Hansal Mehta’s Scoop.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/crime-beat-web-series-review-a-competent-investigative-drama/

February 24, 2025April 16, 2025

Dragon: An entertaining morality tale

Director Ashwath Marimuthu delivers a roller-coaster ride which is in equal parts emotional and also a laugh riot. Through the titular protagonist played by a terrific Pradeep Ranganathan Ashwath breaks the troupe of a rowdy boy being cool. The movie also addresses some serious issues like the consequences of taking short cuts without being overtly melodramatic.

Starcast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Anupama Parameswaran, Mysskin, Kayadu Lohar, George Maryan and others
Story, screenplay and direction: Ashwath Marimuthu
Additional story: Pradeep Ranganathan
Producers: Kalpathi S Aghoram, Kalpathi S Ganesh etc
Music: Leon James
Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy
Running time: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Genre: Comedy/drama

Mainstream cinema often has the habit of fetishizing rowdy boys. They are often looked as cool with girls drooling over them. They are presented in a very flamboyant manner making it look aspirational. The consequences of this kind of behavior isn’t explored much in commercial cinema. The initial portions of Dragon may appear to be a typical fetishizing of a bad boy with a not so likeable protagonist but as the movie progresses the plot switches seamlessly into a morality tale.

The core plot of Dragon is about D Raghavan/ dragon (Pradeep Ranganatham). The movie begins with him getting 96 percent in the 12th board exams. Over the moon Raghavan expresses his love to a girl but she rejects him saying that she only likes rowdy/bad boys. Ranganathan feels depressed leading to a huge change in his behavior. He transforms into a rowdy guy with many backlogs. Anupam Parameswaran as Keerthi plays one of Raghavan’s love interests. Keerthi is seen hugely bestowed with Raghavan’s behavior during college days, they enter into a very serious relationship but the dynamics soon undergo a significant change. Raghavan continuing to be non serious about his career and living of his friends soon gets to her. She agrees to an arranged marriage leaving Raghavan distraught. Consumed by hatred towards Keerthi Raghavan makes a serious decision of doing a high paying job but the path that he takes makes his life hugely chaotic. This is the brief summary of the story.

Pradeep Ranganathan and Anupama Parameswaran from Dragon

A strong aspect of Dragon is the layered characterization of D Raghavan coupled with Pradeep’s stellar act. For a majority of the first half Raghavan comes across as an absolute jerk whether it is fooling the parents by pretending to do a job or living on his friend’s money. Even his reaction when Keerthi decides to marry a more stable guy makes him an obnoxious personality.

In order to get back at Keerthi Raghavan takes a very dangerous shortcut, he climbs up the social ladder by getting a fake degree certificate. Personally too he is on the verge of marrying a rich girl. Everything is going picture perfect but the screenplay takes a huge turn with a fantastic pre interval block.

At this point you have the re entry of Raghavan’s principal Mayilvahan (an excellent Mysskin). Mayilvahan isn’t your usual caricaturist principal. Yes Mayilvahan is a righteous man but at the same time he believes in giving second chances too. Mysskin brings in a lot of warmth to the part. He is someone who is outwardly stern at the same time there is a strong undercurrent of kindness too in how he pushes Raghavan in making him realize the mistakes he had done.

The dynamics between Raghavan and Mayilvahan takes the graph of the second half to an whole new level. The second half also features some important dialogues on how heroism is about doing the right thing. There is a crucial message about redefining heroism as nobility rather than just as success. A key emotional outburst towards the end elevates Dragon to a higher moral plane, something which we don’t generally see in the mass template.

Talking about the comic portions a particular mention must be made of the scenes involving Raghavan’s interview with the boss of a major company Lateral view played by Gautham Vasudeva Menon. Raghavan is just lip syncing to the answers given by a man who is in the same room. The way the entire scenario pan outs is an absolute riot. There is another portion the second half when Pradeep Rangnathan is seen juggling multiple phone calls. On one level it works as a very good tip off to Pradeep Rangnathan’s super hit movie Love Today, at the same time it also works as situational comedy bringing in many chuckles.

Pradeep Ranganathan as already mentioned delivers a stellar act. It is a performance which is many notches above Love Today. He is very successful in making the viewers despise Raghavan, at the same time he also shines in the emotionally charged sequences where Raghavan talks about his numerous wrong doings. Anupama Parameswaran too does well giving good support. She particularly shines in the second half portions. Kayadu Lohar also does a fair job as Raghavan’s prospective bride.

Leon James music and background score also elevate the movie significantly. The one slight drawback of Dragon is the unnecessary guilt of Keerthi in leaving Raghavan. It doesn’t make much sense as she had every reason to leave Raghavan given how obnoxious he was. It feels absurd that Keerthi apologizes to Raghavan. Still this aspect can be ignored as Dragon for most part is both entertaining and has a good message.

February 16, 2025December 6, 2025

Chhaava review: A strong ode to Maratha valour

This Laxman Utekar’s directorial is a delight for admirers of Maratha warriors. Just like the recent historicals, ‘Chhaava’ too has a strong undercurrent of saffronisation. Still the solid technical work coupled with the towering performances makes this a worthy big screen spectacle.

Chhaava (Hindi), 14-02-2025, Historical drama , 2 hours 41 minutes, U/A, Theatre

Main Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Dinesh Vijan
Music Director: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Saurabh Goswami
Rating: 3.5/5

In the last few years, Hindi cinema has seen a huge increase in the Hindutva influx, this doesn’t just pertain to the numerous war dramas, but this list also includes historical fiction based on the wars involving the Hindu kings, particularly the Rajput and Maratha warriors.

Very good examples of these are Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavaat (2018) and Om Raut’s Tanhaji (2020). In these films, the Muslim rulers are presented as merciless invaders from whom the Hindu nation should be saved.

Laxman Utekar’s first attempt at historical fiction also treads on the same path. After directing a slew of feel-good movies like Luka Chuppi (2019) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) the cinematographer turned director takes an extremely different path from his previous works.

Synopsis

Chhaava meaning a lion cub is based on a novel of the same name written by Shivaji Sawant. The book covered the life and times of the very noted Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

It’s hard to say what percentage of Chhaava is based on its original source material and how much fiction Laxman Utekar has added. but the movie does a very fine job of capturing the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji managing to make the viewers feel for the man particularly if you are an admirer of Maratha warriors.

In simple terms, the core plot of Chhaava focuses on the events which transpired from 1680 to 1689, a period marked by the relentless pursuit of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (a fabulous Akshaye Khanna).

The movie celebrates the valour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji (an outstanding Vicky Kaushal) in fighting against the troops of Aurangzeb. Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai— a very important pillar of support for Sambhaji.

Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji

Chhaava is a historical drama — ‘Chhaava’ is a historical drama. (X)

Chhaava works largely due to the emotional depth brought by Laxman Utekar. He and the screenplay writers don’t just depict Sambhaji as a fierce warrior but also reveal a vulnerable side to him.

There is a palpable sense of grief in the way Sambhaji speaks about missing his mother’s love and a recurring nightmare involving his father. Some of the dialogues effectively convey the brutalities of war, where countless lives are lost.

As Sambhaji, Vicky Kaushal fully embodies the role, delivering a top-notch performance. With this role, Vicky once again proves why he is a versatile actor, able to adapt to various genres, whether it’s the light-hearted Bad News or the more emotionally intense roles in Sardar Udham Singh and Chhaava.

Vicky shines the most in scenes where he portrays the psychological toll endured by a warrior king. The torture sequence involving Sambhaji is another standout moment where Vicky excels.

While the historical accuracy of these moments may be debatable, the way Vicky portrays Sambhaji’s fighting spirit, even while being physically tormented by Aurangzeb, creates an emotional connection with the character.

Performances

Akshay Khanna as Aurangzeb makes for more than a worthy tormentor. While there is no denying the amazing prosthetic work Akshay Khanna with his acting also makes the part memorable.

Thankfully there are no unnecessary theatrics; Akshay invokes terror with just his demeanour and piercing gaze. He excels in showcasing Aurangzeb’s huge hunger for power.

Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai plays a strong partner in the same mould as her last outing Pushpa 2. She delivers a fine performance perfectly showcasing the inner strength of a warrior’s wife. A particular mention must be made of her act in the portions following Sambhaji’s capture.

Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash shines the brightest among the supporting cast. He plays his part with a lot of warmth. The friendship between Sambhaji and him gives the movie some of its best moments.

Strong technical aspects

Among the strong aspects of Chhaava, the technical department deserves special mention. The fight sequences in the second half are a delight, especially for those who enjoy rustic action. There are numerous instances of the Marathas outsmarting the Mughals using guerrilla tactics. The way these ambush sequences unfold with surprise attacks resembles a gripping chess game.

Cinematographer Saurabh Goswami delivers high-quality work, successfully capturing both the grand scale and intense action set in the forests. Special mention should also be made of the scenes following the destruction of the war, which are staged realistically.

AR Rahman’s background score and music complement the film well. The tune “Aaye re toofan” serves as a powerful war anthem with a touch of Maharashtrian folk. On the other hand, “Jaane Tu,” a romantic number, perfectly captures the understated romance between Vicky and Rashmika.

A major flaw in Chhaava is its core plot, which suffers from a significant hangover of clichés found in numerous films set in the same historical context.

Additionally, the film doesn’t break new ground in its portrayal of Muslim characters. The heavy emphasis on the concept of Swarajya, along with the lack of subtlety in the dialogues surrounding it, can test the audience’s patience.

Final take

To sum it up Chhaava works as a big-screen spectacle, especially for fans of Vicky Kaushal and those who like stories of brave Maratha warriors.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/chhaava-movie-review/

February 16, 2025April 16, 2025

Laila: Vishwak Sen’s latest is a sour experience

‘Laila’ briefly comes alive in the second half when Vishwak Sen dons the lady get up but the weak writing plays a major spoilsport. The major problem is its over-reliance on crass humour and less on emotions.

Laila (Telugu), 14-02-2025, Drama, 2 hours 16 minutes U/A, Theatre

Main Cast: Vishwak Sen, Akanksha Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh, and Babloo Prithiveeraj
Director: Ram Narayan
Producer: Sahu Garapati
Music Director: Leon James
Cinematography: Richard Prasad
Rating: 2/5

Over the years numerous leading men have successfully transformed into female avatars. Whether it is the legendary Kamal Haasan in the rollicking entertainer Avvai Shanmugi (1996) (in Telugu Bhamane Satyabhamane).

In the Telugu film industry too, both Rajendra Prasad and VK Naresh experienced huge success with Madam (1994) and Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1992). These movies have outlandish scenarios but they are backed by cohesive writing and a strong emotional core.

Talking about Hindi actors Ayushmann Khurrana tasted major success with his female get-up in the Dream Girl 2 (2023). And now, actor Vishwak Sen has tried something similar, how did he fare?

Synopsis

Laila directed by Ram Narayan had the potential of being a good Valentine’s treat but the treatment makes it a tedious watch for most of its running time.

Vishwak Sen is a capable young actor, but his selection of scripts has been getting worse and Laila is a perfect example.

The storyline of Laila focuses on Sonu Model (Vishwak Sen). Sonu runs a beauty parlour in the area of the old city. Sonu is extremely popular among the ladies for both his makeup skills and also his helpful nature.

Sonu’s helpful nature is reflected when he allows a customer to use his name for an oil brand. However, this decision leads to a dramatic shift in his life. Due to certain circumstances, Sonu is forced to transform into Laila. The rest of the story revolves around why Sonu undergoes this transformation and the events that follow.

What works and what doesn’t

Laila has very few redeeming qualities and one of them is Vishwak Sen’s avatar as a female. He brings in a certain charm while seducing the men around him particularly Abhimanyu Singh— the comic villain.

Vishwak Sen in Laila — Vishwak Sen in ‘Laila’. (X)

The way he portrays femininity, starting from the body language showcases Vishwak’s capability in attempting different roles. The scenes between him and Abhimanyu are an absolute riot even though it borders on farce.

As Sonu Model, Vishwak Sen does a fair job, particularly in the scenes where Sonu talks about his emotional attachment towards the parlour. Abhimanyu Singh as a married man lusting after Laila gives the movie some much-needed energy.

The way he adores Laila brings a smile to the viewers’ faces, the viewers feel that he is genuinely in love with Laila.

The major problem with Laila is too much emphasis on crass humour. Most of the dialogues are way below the belt producing more groans than laughs. Sonu’s connection with the parlour and him being a makeup artist is a very novel concept but this angle isn’t sufficiently developed.

The love track between Vishwak Sen and Akansha Sharma has also been haphazardly written. Portions involving Akansha’s interactions with Sonu majorly pull down the movie.

The songs composed by Leon James are another downer. None of them come close to standing out. The movie also has some unnecessary references to megastar Chiranjeevi’s films.

Final take

To sum it up Laila leaves a bitter aftertaste. Watch it only if you are in the mood for some senseless fun.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/telugu/laila-movie-review/

February 16, 2025February 17, 2025

The Mehta Boys review: A relatable tale of father and son

In his directorial debut, Boman Irani delivers a bitter sweet story on complex family dynamics. The understated writing coupled with the acting performances makes this a must watch for those who like slice of life movies.

The Mehta Boys (Hindi). 07-02-2025, Drama, 1 hour 56 minutes, U/A, OTT

Main Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhary, and Puja Sarup
Director: Boman Irani
Producer: Boman Irani, and Danesh Irani
Music Director: Gulraj Singh, Ibarisha Lyngdoh, and Raghav Meattle
Cinematography: Krish Makhija
Rating: 4/5

The Mehta Boys, directed and co-written by acclaimed actor Boman Irani, is a perfect example of a well-made slice of life.

The complex family dynamics feel straight out of life without any overt melodrama.

Often times the movie conveys a lot through symbolism.

Synopsis

The core plot of The Mehta Boys focuses on an underconfident architect Amy (Avinash Tiwary) and his father Shiv (Boman Irani).

Shiv is a grieving widower who is having a hard time dealing with the death of his wife. Amy shares a distant relationship with his father.

Shiv is all set to go for the US with his daughter Anu (Puja Sarup). However, a last-minute mishap forces Amy to spend time with Shiv for 48 hours. Over 48 hours a transformative change happens as the father and son navigate how to deal best with the situation.

Emotions which have been buried for a long time resurface leading to introspection. This is the story in brief.

What works

The Mehta Boys is a family drama — ‘The Mehta Boys’ is a family drama. (X)

The best part of The Mehta Boys is how Boman Irani avoids melodrama. Both Shiv and Amy are flawed in their own way, their attempts to find a common ground without any dramatic dialogues and filmy exaggerations is a treat to watch.

As a director and an actor, Boman Irani conveys a lot with the silences between the conversations.

What also makes The Mehta Boys special is how it showcases the importance of acknowledging emotions and doesn’t make it just about fixing the relationships overnight. How Boman Irani gradually showcases the discord between the father and son is a master class in both direction and writing.

Strong on symbolism

The strained relationship isn’t because of hatred, but it has more to do with unresolved pain and the clash of egos, which results in an inability to communicate. This gradual layering makes the viewers introspect about their own relationships.

Boman Irani directorial The Mehta Boys — Boman Irani directorial ‘The Mehta Boys’. (X)

As already mentioned, The Mehta Boys is a movie which rides high on symbolism. A special mention must be made of how Boman Irani uses a leaking roof, a piece of cloth drifting in the wind etc to showcase the inner turmoil of Amy and Shiv.

One of the most poignant moments in the movie involves a tattered cloth floating over Shiv and Amy’s heads resembling their late mother’s saree. This tattered cloth is a reminder that the mother is still there in spirit keeping a watch on them.

The core of The Mehta Boys is how it isn’t always about fixing relationships instead it’s about acknowledging the fact that every person has a different way of expressing their feelings. The healing process doesn’t always need to be dramatic; instead, it can come in the form of small gestures.

Through the profession of Avinash Tiwary’s Amy, Boman Irani also makes scathing remarks on how every building feels the same in terms of the overall architecture, the dialogues related to the high tower buildings work as a perfect social commentary.

A minor issue with The Mehta Boys is that Boman Irani could have gone deeper into the origin of father and son discord. The distance between the two is mostly left for the viewers to interpret; still, this is just a minor in an otherwise powerful movie.

Performances

Avinash Tiwary and Boman Irani in The Mehta Boys — Avinash Tiwary and Boman Irani in ‘The Mehta Boys’. (X)

The performances of the central characters also add a lot of weight to the movie. Boman Irani is a legendary actor who doesn’t need a specific introduction.

As Shiv he is spectacular in portraying a loving yet reserved father. He simply nails the various eccentricities. The actor particularly shines in the portions expressing the character’s grief, guilt and stubbornness.

Avinash Tiwary is also terrific in providing solid support. He perfectly embodies the angst of a son who wants to be acknowledged and understood. The way he portrays the internal battles of Amy is a sheer delight to watch.

Shreya Chaudhary as Amy’s girlfriend Zara also makes her presence amply felt. Although the story is essentially a father and son drama she too leaves a significant impact, more than holding her own opposite Boman Irani.

Her character of Zara thankfully isn’t just a supportive girlfriend, Zara has an agency of her own and Shreya excels in portraying the various shades. Puja Sarup as the daughter also deserves a special mention.

Final take

To sum it up, The Mehta Boys is a perfect watch for fans of slice-of-life movies with relatable scenarios. The film is now streaming on Prime Video.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha.)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/the-mehta-boys-movie-review/

February 16, 2025February 17, 2025

Mrs review: Smashing internalized patriarchy down

Director Arati Kadav’s adaptation of ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ is equally gripping like the original. Arati brings in small but significant changes like the profession of its male protagonist.

Mrs (Hindi), 07-02-2025, Drama, 1 hour 51 minutes, 13+, OTT

Main Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Kanwaljit Singh, and Nishant Dahiya
Director: Aarti Kadav
Producer: Harman Baweja and Pammi Baweja
Music Director: Sagar Desai, and Faizan Hussain
Cinematography: Pratham Mehta
Rating: 3.5/5

Jeo Baby’s The Great Indian Kitchen released in 2021 was a very impactful movie on internalised patriarchy. The movie focused on the lives of the women who manage our homes, the category whom we take for granted.

These women constantly put the needs of the men above their dreams relegating themselves to the kitchen. Through the story of newly married women finally breaking out of conventions, Jeo Baby held a mirror to society.

What added to the impact of The Great Indian Kitchen was also the terrific Nimisha Sajayan.

Before Mrs, The Great Indian Kitchen was remade into Tamil with another equally good actress Aishwarya Rajesh. Now you have the Hindi adaptation with the talented young actress Sanya Malhotra.

Synopsis

For those who aren’t familiar with the source material, Mrs focuses on a newlywed woman Richa (an excellent Sanya Malhotra). Nishant Dahiya takes over from Suraj Venjaramoodu, but in this movie, the profession of the male character is changed as is the setting.

A still from the film Mrs — A still from the film ‘Mrs’. (X)

Nishant Dahiya plays a gynaecologist, this adds an interesting layer something which I will touch upon later. Coming back to Mrs, Richa has a passion for dancing, she wants to make a career out of it but the role of a traditional housewife starts taking a toll. This is the story in brief.

The best part of Mrs is how Arati Kadav showcases internalized patriarchy using the kitchen and the constant cooking of food as a metaphor.

The kitchen in Mrs is more modern in comparison to the one showcased in The Great Indian Kitchen. There are more windows and also shiny appliances but the drudgery of the main character is the same.

The clash between the old and new ways has been represented wonderfully by Arati Kadav. A striking aspect of the kitchen is that although the structure here is more modern the dripping of dirty water is constant.

Just like The Great Indian Kitchen there are numerous cooking shots of the same nature but these are necessary as it gives the viewers a psychological insight.

Characterisation

Mrs is a remake of The Great Indian Kitchen — ‘Mrs’ is a remake of ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’. (X)

The characterization of Sanya Malhotra coupled with her acting is another backbone of the movie. Richa is someone who starts as a lively young girl wanting to do something with her life, the initial days of her marriage flow smoothly but soon she gets stuck in a depressing cycle of pleasing her husband and father-in-law.

How this starts affecting her and the moment where she decides that enough is enough has come out wonderfully both in the writing done by Harman Baweja, and Anu Singh Choudhary along with Sanya Malhotra’s act.

Many young girls would connect to Richa’s dreams and cheer for her when she finally decides not to succumb to the vicious cycle of patriarchy.

Internalized patriarchy

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

As a society, the issue of internalized patriarchy looms large however modern people pretend to be. The theme of internalized patriarchy also comes out in the scenes between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law.

When Richa complains about being overworked, the other woman responds with a dismissive attitude saying ‘Yeh Sab toh Sikna Hoga (You have to learn this)’

As already mentioned director Arati Kadav brings in small but significant changes. The profession of Nishant Dahiya’s character adds an interesting contrast to his behaviour while doing his job and how he is as a husband.

There are scenes of Diwakar trying to force himself on Richa not caring whether she also wants to participate in that particular moment. There is a very mechanical process adopted by Diwakar with no foreplay and build-up.

Again through these scenes, Arati Kadav makes a strong comment on the general attitude of misogynistic men.

Performances and technical aspects

Apart from Sanya Malhotra’s brilliant act, both Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh also make a strong impact. Nishant Dahiya is completely convincing as a doctor who pretends to be outwardly respectable but is actually regressive. Kanwaljit Singh is also exceptional in making the viewers hate him.

The songs and the background score though leave something to be desired. Both these aspects stick out like a sore thumb in an otherwise powerful movie.

Final take

The last word, Mrs is highly recommended even for those who love The Great Indian Kitchen. The film is now streaming on Zee5.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/mrs-movie-review/