After years of delays and a lot of expectations, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, starring Pawan Kalyan, finally hits theatres. Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi (with A. M. Jyothi Krishna completing the later portions), this period action-adventure tries to blend myth, rebellion, and heist — but ends up somewhere in the middle. In short, this is my review for Hari Hara Veera Mallu. No spoiler detailed review ahead.
Pawan Kalyan & Nidhi Agerwal during HHVM Promotions
First Half: A Glimpse of Promise
For those searching for a quick Hari Hara Veera Mallu plot summary — the film is about Veera Mallu, a Robin Hood-like figure tasked with stealing the Koh-i-Noor diamond from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Sounds exciting, right? And for the first half, it is.
The first half carries the stamp of Krish Jagarlamudi’s storytelling. There’s decent world-building, with grand sets like the Kollur kingdom and Machilipatnam port. The Charminar fight sequence and other action set pieces hold up. MM Keeravani’s background score lifts several scenes, adding emotional weight even when the story itself takes its time to kick in.
Fans around me cheered ( even me 😉 ). There’s some pace, some mass moments and a lot of whistles— it works just enough.
Second Half: Where the Wheels Come Off
This is where the trouble begins — especially for those expecting consistent storytelling or strong visuals.
The VFX issues in Hari Hara Veera Mallu are hard to ignore. From visible green screens (even in hair strands!) to horse chases that look straight out of an old PC game — it’s rough. You can feel the change in direction too. The second half clearly shifts gears under A. M. Jyothi Krishna’s handling, and the patchwork shows.
The film begins to drag. Scenes feel like filler. Important dialogues feel rushed or oddly dubbed. Zero emotional pull. It’s mostly missing the aura of the first half.
HHVM movie Poster
Characters & TechnicalsReview: HHVM
Pawan Kalyan’s new movie is carried by… well, Pawan Kalyan. His screen presence does a lot of heavy lifting, even when the material is uneven.
Bobby Deol is strong in his limited screen time. But a lot more is saved for Part 2.
Nidhhi Agerwal’s Panchami starts off promising with her adorable screen presence, but fades into the background.
Cinematography by Gnana Sekhar VS and Manoj Paramahamsa adds period texture, especially in the first half. But again, the visual effects drag it down.
MM Keeravani’s score is one of the film’s consistent strengths, especially during action sequences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Pawan Kalyan fan, this film has moments. If you’re looking for a tight period action film with emotional depth, this won’t fully satisfy.Despite its strong cast and bold ambition, Hari Hara Veera Mallu ends up as a scattered epic — visually grand in parts, but emotionally underwhelming. And no, it didn’t really need a Part 2 for this pacing.
The best thing about Kerala Crime Files Season 2, written by Bahul Ramesh and directed by Ahammed Khabeer, is its subtle treatment. This blog breaks down the Kerala Crime Files Season 2 ending scene by scene and explains the climax sequence and the true motive behind Ambili’s missing case.
Unlike most detective thrillers that follow the clichéd template of a long lecture at the end by the detective (which often makes you feel like watching only the climax would’ve been enough), this series does the opposite. Watching just the final episode won’t help you understand the story or solution.
⚠️ If you haven’t seen the web series yet, please don’t continue reading.
Ambili is a CPO at a Trivandrum local station. He is a shady, corrupted police officer, but people respect him—mainly because he doesn’t accept bribes directly. Instead, he involves and supports criminals to avoid larger chaos. This is established in an early scene where he’s escorting an accused to court. The accused keeps abusing him on the way, but Ambili remains silent. Minutes later, a few goons enter the bus and assault the accused—showing Ambili’s quiet power.
Even Ambili paid the restaurant bill, showing his character integrity.
Indrans as CPO Ambili (Episode 1, character establishment scene)
Ayyappan is a thief who loves animals. In the past, he met Ambili, who helped clear his charges and got him a job at a government dog shelter. Ambili even made him marry his own ex-wife.
But Ambili is a dominant personality. Though he helps people, he keeps them indebted. Ayyappan eventually realises this, and he even says that Ambili treats him like a chained dog—only unchaining him when he needs something done.
The Crime That Triggered It All
Ayyappan once mediated a quarrel between Mithilaj and Aji over a quarry issue. Mithilaj felt betrayed in the compromise. Seeing this, to compensate for that, Ambili connected him with two criminals from Kasaragod for a forgery attempt in Bengaluru.
Mithilaj explaining to CI KUrian (Lal)
When Bengaluru police began their investigation, they traced the crime back to Kasaragod and arrested the two. They revealed Ambili’s and Mithilaj’s names. Now Ambili was trapped. The Bengaluru police demanded a ₹20 lakh bribe to remove their names from the records.
Ambili turned to Ayyappan for help.
The Dog, the Ring, and Jaismon’s Trauma
If you’re wondering who killed Ambili in Kerala Crime Files Season 2 and why the climax felt ambiguous, here’s a detailed scene-by-scene explanation.
Jaismon, the antagonist, appears properly only in episodes 1 and 6. In the rest, we see his childhood snippets.
Jaismon’s childhood
Jaismon’s father, a mentally unstable petty thief, was also an animal lover. He once brought home a black dog—this dog is shown in Jaismon’s childhood flashbacks. Jaismon formed a deep bond with it. In one instance, when his father was bitten by a snake and no one dared go near him, it was the dog that stayed by his side as he died. This emotional imprint shaped Jaismon’s attachment to dogs.
Jaismon’s pet dog
Years later, Jaismon becomes a dog trainer. In one episode, we see his dog, Terry, suffering from Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. During a museum inspection related to a robbery, Terry goes out of control, bites Jaismon, and accidentally swallows a pin and an antique ring.
Terry englufing a pin from the museum
The vet, suspicious, takes an X-ray and finds something odd alongside the pin. She checks the museum’s CCTV footage and begins to piece things together. Ayyappan, now working as the vet’s driver, assists her.
X Ray showing pin & ring
The vet decides not to operate due to the risk, leaving the ring inside Terry. But Ayyappan learns about the ring from the Vet doctor and informs Ambili.
What Was Ambili’s and Ayyappan’s Plan?
Ayyappan had already informed Ambili about Terry swallowing the ring. That’s why, in a key scene, when Ayyappan asks Ambili, “What should we do now?” Ambili responds, “You told me about it yourself.”It clearly shows that Ambili had already connected the dots and was counting on Ayyappan to do the job.
When Ayyappan mentions, “I have to go to Thrissur tomorrow,” Ambili immediately replies, “Exactly. Thrissur (Dog shelter) is where we need to do it.” — referring to the plan of killing Terry and retrieving the ring.
However, there’s a shift in Ayyappan’s tone. During their argument, Ayyappan says that everything he has done until now was out of will, but this time, he can’t — because he loves dogs.
This emotional hesitation is not random. Earlier, the director had already established Ayyappan’s bond with the animals in a sequence where he’s seen feeding dogs with visible affection and care.
The Betrayal
Desperate for the money, Ambili forces Ayyappan to kill the dog and retrieve the ring. Meanwhile, Jaismon gets approval to adopt Terry from the dog shelter. But the night before the adoption, Ayyappan kills the dog and takes the ring.
To cover it up, the authorities quietly bury the dog, listing it as a natural death. However, the vet reveals the truth to Jaismon.
Jaismon decides to take revenge.
The Disappearance and the Clues
Episode 6 opens with Aju Varghese (SI Manoj) narrating what happened next. Ayyappan sells the ring in Coimbatore and collects the money. On his way back to Kerala, he goes missing.
In Episode 1, Ambili’s visit to Kottarakara
Ambili’s cybercell friend reveals that Ayyappan’s phone was active in Ernakulam between the 19th and 21st. On the morning of the 21st, the number was traced in Trivandrum—exactly when Ambili was there. Later that day, both Ambili and the phone signal moved to Kottarakkara, where Ambili had gone to escort an accused to court. After returning to Trivandrum, the phone’s location also shifted back. This matching travel pattern suggests that the kidnapper was closely tailing Ambili.
Ayyappan likely revealed Ambili’s name under pressure. Jaismon, posing as a friend of Ayyappan, might have handed over the money to Ambili to make the revenge plan believable. Ambili then passed the money to the Karnataka police, and that’s the same money recovered by Aju Varghese later during a patrol.
And from the Karnataka Police, Aju Varghese unveiled the motive behind Ambili and Ayyappan.
The Shocking Truth
Jaismon killed both Ayyappan and Ambili and fed their bodies to stray dogs near Central Stadium. The case takes a turn when a dog vomits a human finger, leading the police to investigate the area.
This is foreshadowed in Episode 5, where Aju Varghese casually mentions to CI Kurian about cases where bodies were disposed of by feeding them to dogs.
DNA testing confirms that the flesh and blood samples belong to Ayyappan and Ambili.
From the vet doctor’s & Jeo Baby (Dog shelter in-charge) confession, police identified the missing piece, why Jaismon killed Ambili and Ayyappan.
Why Didn’t the Doctor Report the Ring to the Authorities After Her Research?
This is a common doubt, but the show actually addresses it subtly.
When CI Kurian (played by Lal) asks her about it, the vet clearly explains her reasoning. Her priority was the well-being of the dog, Terry. The dog was already in a fragile state, and performing surgery in that condition could have been life-threatening.
She feared that any official report might lead to the government approving euthanasia for the dog, considering its health and aggression issues. So, she chose silence — not out of negligence, but out of compassion.
Also, it’s important to clarify that neither Ayyappan nor Ambili were involved in the museum robbery itself. That incident was carried out by a Bihari gang.
Kerala Crime Files S2 Climax Explained
When the police reach Jaismon’s home, we can see that the power is gone; then they find him hanging from a ceiling fan, and the fan is static. It looks like suicide. But when the power returns, the fan starts rotating, revealing the body is still warm, and he could be alive.
SI Noble acts quickly and saves Jaismon.
Lacking solid evidence, the police later planted evidence at Jaismon’s home to close the case.
In the final moments, while police bring Jaismon to the stadium for evidence validation, the same stray dogs from the stadium area runs to him and shows clear affection. It’s a quiet but powerful visual cue—subtly confirming that Jaismon was indeed present there and had fed the bodies to the dogs. A show-don’t-tell approach, but enough to close the loop for attentive viewers.
After watching Season 1 of Kerala Crime Files, I wrote, “Written poor, but executed well.” Season 2 flips that statement. Read the Kerala Crime Files Season 2 review for more, No Major Spoilers ahead.
Trailer Kerala Crime Files Season 2
This time, Bahul Ramesh takes charge of the writing, and similar to Season 1, the story pulls you in from the very first episode. But not through flashy twists or over-the-top reveals—rather, through carefully crafted character layers, subtle cues, and emotional hooks. It’s no longer about “what happens next” but more about “who they are?”
Bahul who previously wrote Kishkindha Kaandam, doesn’t rush to shock you. He builds tension by slowly revealing the people behind the plot. Take Shyju Bhai, the police officer assisting SI Noble. He’s not loud or dramatic—his brilliance lies in small gestures and quiet observations. And it’s exactly this subtlety that makes the show more gripping than many fast-paced thrillers.
If you’ve seen Kishkindha Kaandam, you might’ve noticed—except Aparna Balamurali (who represents the viewer), every character is cryptic, with layers that slowly unfold. Bahul uses the same approach here.
Though it may look like an event-driven thriller on the surface, I found it to be more of a character-driven mystery. That’s rare in Indian web series. What Bahul has done here is borrow the stillness of indie crime films and blend it with procedural drama, adding emotional recall through visual and narrative cues.
CPO Ambili Raju (Indrans) and Ayyappan (Harisree Ashokan), though they don’t get much screen time, leave a lasting impact. Their characters are mysterious, quiet, and reveal themselves gradually with each episode.
Dogs, Details, and a Thematic Echo
If Kishkindha Kaandam used monkeys as a narrative metaphor, here Bahul uses dogs. They aren’t just background elements—they walk silently through every episode, tied to the story, the characters, and the trauma. There’s a murder, an investigation, and a childhood memory—all connected to a dog. Every thread feels intentional.
The way Bahul uses this thematic echo—repeating visuals of dogs, loyalty, bonds, and betrayal—to create emotional undercurrents is brilliant. It reminded me of The Banshees of Inisherin, where animals act as emotional mirrors. It also brought to mind Parinamam by M.P. Narayana Pillai, where dogs are used throughout the novel in a similar metaphorical way. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bahul has read that novel.
Another detail I appreciated: whenever a viewer might develop a doubt, the next scene often features a character voicing that very same question. It’s thoughtful writing that respects the intelligence of its audience.
Same Frame, Better Picture
Despite the change in writers, the overall structure of Season 2 mirrors that of Season 1: a murder, an investigation, and a reveal in the final episode.
Cast: Kerala Crime Files Season 2
In terms of execution, the framework isn’t radically different if you’re a fan of thrillers. Past and present intercut, truth revealed at the end—a Memento-style approach is present here, like Mystic River or our own Malayalam thriller Memories, where a past trauma anchors a current crime mystery.
Instead of revealing everything linearly, the plot is broken into modules—glimpses of childhood, the current investigation, and side character arcs (like Ayyappan, Ambili, and a few other characters). Each piece seems unrelated until the final episode, where they all snap together.
In Season 1, I felt the villain’s motive lacked depth. Here, the antagonist’s motive is much stronger, rooted in emotion and personal pain. By Episode 5, seasoned viewers might start solving the “why” and “how.” Episode 6 completes the puzzle by revealing the “who.”
Abdul Wahab’s music plays gently in the background but rises at the right moments—it complements the scenes rather than dominating them. Jithin Stanislaus’ cinematography, especially in the night sequences, adds mood and shadow to the mystery.
As for performances, Indrans and Harisree Ashokan deliver some of their best, despite their limited screen time. Aju Varghese and Lal maintain the same chemistry and tone from Season 1, adding consistency to the evolving story. Together, the team elevates this season beyond expectations.
Final Verdict
Kerala Crime Files Season 2is still a slow burn, but this time, the fire feels intentional. The emotional weight is stronger. The characters are deeper. The motive is real. And the writing? It finally respects the audience.
This is the second part of my 8-day Udon Thani itinerary. It covers 5 unique temples over 3 days—each one quieter, and impactful for a workation and vaction at temples like Wat Santi Wanaram.
From a giant Buddha on a hilltop to ancient footprints carved into sandstone, this isn’t a checklist for temple-hopping. It’s just what I saw, felt, and noted—maybe it’ll help you feel Udon better, or maybe it’ll just make you slow down a bit when you’re in Udon.
It was 7 AM in Udon. I opened the balcony door with a hot Green Tea; the air smelled of dust, jasmine, and hot tea. The streets were calm—no honking, no hurry, just people moving as if they had time.
I had an omelette and Jok soup at a nearby shop, watching a city that wakes without noise.
By 8 AM, I was headed to Wat Phu Thong Thep, about 50 minutes from Udon Central.
Wat Phu Thong Thep – Udon Thani
It is known for its large statue called “Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon Mahachan Aphipujanee,” or, in our style, we could say a Reverend Father. This statue has a white body and measures 12 metres in width and 17 metres in height, including the base.
Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon Mahachan Aphipujanee
I was curious: why do we need a giant Buddha to pray? According to the monk, the giant Buddha isn’t just about worship—it’s about making peace visible from far away.
The entire height of the Buddha, including the base, is 22 metres, making it a prominent sight that can be easily seen from a distance.
You have to climb at least 100 steps or more to reach the top; the temple walls are filled with paintings, beautifully depicting Buddha stories.
From there, after lunch, I went to Wat Phu Taphao Thong.
Wat Phu Taphao Thong & 2000 Year Old Footprints
It took me around one hour to reach Wat Phu Taphao Thong (วัดภูตะเภาทอง). Imagine a peaceful hill where big, natural rocks lie scattered around.
Pond at Wat Phu Taphao Thong
On top of this hill stands a Buddhist temple. Beautiful railings shaped like snake idols called Nagas surround pools of water. You can find special places like a footprint of Buddha formed in the stone and a quiet cave. From a wooden shelter high up, you can get a lovely sunset view.
On some rocks there, you will find handprints and drawings.
They say those footprints are over 2,000 years old. No one knows exactly who left them behind, but many believe it belongs to Buddha.
Mystery Behind the Footprints
Footprints like these appear in many temples across Thailand. I remembered the word pareidolia—our habit of finding meaning in random shapes. Show us any dent, and the brain can spot a heel and five toes. It is the same trick that lets us see animals in clouds.
Footprints at Wat Phu Taphao Thong
The scientist in me felt proud of that thought, but on the way back, a foreigner explained it to his child in simpler words: “The temple sits on soft sandstone. When the rock is wet, it is easy to scratch. A monk—or any pilgrim—could press a shallow foot shape, then let the sun harden it.”
Wow! That can be possible, interesting theory, he might be a geologist.
Now that footprint is a reminder that someone stood exactly where I was standing and wanted to be remembered.
The walk was silent. The rocks, scattered like old bones in a graveyard. The sun is harsh but not unbearable becuase of some rainy clouds. I didn’t take many photos; the lighting wasn’t great for a classy shot.
Wat Phu Taphao Thong
And for a while, I didn’t think about work, or writing, or the next place, just sat, still, breathing. A lot of butterflies were there, dancing around the stones and orchids.
I don’t know why, but while I was there, I thought about my forefathers. Maybe it’s because ancient places like this remind us that we are not the centre of time. We’re just a dot in the same circle, walking where others have walked, wondering the same things.
By 4:30 PM, I was on my way back to Udon. The city looked the same, but I wasn’t.
I logged in and started my corporate day.
Day 5: A Lake, a Lotus, and Some Fish
Today I have to visit two temples, as coming days I will be going for a long ride.
Around 8 AM, after eating some Tom Yum noodles and a protein shake, I booked a Grab to Wat Pa Sawang Tham. It took me around 40 minutes to reach.
Wat Pa Sawang Tham
Once you reach Ban Don Kloi town, you will start getting the vibes of temple. Almost 40 km away from Udon Central.
The temple welcomes you with a long green snake sculpture. After walking along the long-tailed snake, you will reach the temple, where a standing Buddha statue awaits. The chapel and the surrounding lake are so serene. You will find a few Naga statues and monks sitting here and there.
Wat Pa Sawang Tham Chapel Entrance
I couldn’t find many devotees. Inside the chapel, you will find another walkway beautifully designed with Nagas and hanging gardens. A few people were near the lake feeding fish. Thai people consider it a holy act to feed fish at temple premises.
Pu Chao Sri Sutho & Lucky Draw
Devotees of Pu Sri Sutho believe this place brings good fortune. Do you remember Pu Chao Sri Sutho, the same Naga King at Kham Chanot?
It’s common for visitors to respectfully ask Pu Chao Sri Sutho for lottery numbers. Many return regularly, convinced the Nagas blessed them after their wishes were granted.
I lit incense, stood under a tree, and watched a group of elderly women laugh while folding garlands. I didn’t know what they were laughing about, but I smiled anyway.
Wat Santi wanaram -Ban Chiang
Around 2 PM, I reached Wat Santiwanaram, the lotus temple. Another 40 km from Wat Pa Sawang Tham. It’s actually close to Ban Chiang musuem.
This is my second visit to this temple. Last time, I came here and acted like a child, clicking too many pictures and wandering here and there. But this time, it affected me differently.
Wat Santi wanaram
The temple is very similar to the Lotus Temple in Delhi. You don’t expect to find something like this in Udon: a giant white lotus floating on a still lake, like a dream someone forgot to wake up from.
Temples are built for worship, but sometimes, they become mirrors.
We don’t just see the god; we see ourselves—what we long for, what we’ve lost, what we’re quietly carrying. That Tat Tvam Asi (It’s you) moment.
You walk across a bridge guarded by naga serpents, remove your shoes, and enter.
The inside is even quieter than outside. Murals of Buddha’s life wrap the walls. A big Buddha image sits in the centre, calm and complete.
But what stayed with me the most was the silence. It wasn’t the kind of silence you get from emptiness; it was full, as if the temple had something to say but didn’t want to interrupt your thoughts.
I really felt it would be good to hold someone’s hand while sitting there in the peace.
It’s not just memory; it’s how the mind works.
We don’t miss people only in noise; we miss them more in peace.
Lotus Temple and its Impact
I went out and sat beside the pond, just me, the temple’s reflection, and a sky that looked like it forgot how to rain. There were fish looking up with some expectations.
By 5 PM, I was back in the city, logged into work, answered emails, and replied to messages.
Wat Santi wanaram Inside the temple
But my mind was still wandering. Wat Santiwanaram is a place that changes you without saying a word.
I sat quietly, staring at the spinning fan. At high speed, the blades disappear. You hear only a steady hum, drowning out everything else. Most days, I keep the fan running fast, not because I feel hot, but because I need its noise—a noise that helps me forget other noises, other thoughts, other worries.
But if you slow the fan down, something changes. The blades become clear, and I can see the dust that needs to be cleaned. The soft sound isn’t loud enough to hide the quieter thoughts—the ones we push away, the ones that wait patiently inside us.
Wat Santiwanaram slowed me down, just like that fan.
This day just reminded me what peace feels like.
Day 6: A Morning with Garudas and Nagas
Some days begin like a blank page. Day 6 felt like that: no expectations, just breakfast and go somewhere.
I looked through Google Maps and found Wat Hai Soke, about a 50-minute journey away.
Wat Hi Sok – Udon Thani
I left for Wat Hai Soke after breakfast. The road was quiet, the trees looked half-asleep, and then suddenly, there it was—Wat Hai Soke, standing like an old palace (similar to West Bengal’s terracotta palaces) in the middle of Nong Han district.
The architecture felt… proud. Not grand, not flashy, it just stood quietly—as if it had been waiting for someone who notices the details.
This is the first time I’ve seen a temple with this shade of architecture in Udon.
A temple For Garuda and Nagas
Another interesting thing was the Garuda statue. While many temples might have Naga statues, here, along with Nagas, we can see a giant Garuda as well.
Garuda Idol
I heard it was designed by a local architect. I wanted to meet him but couldn’t, but I think I encountered his thoughts. You could see them in the staircases, in the curve of the railings, in the way sunlight touched the corners.
People come here to pray for luck and for happiness. I didn’t pray; I just stood and watched others do it, and somehow, that was enough. Sometimes, watching someone else believe feels more healing than praying for yourself.
Wat Sa Manee aka Wat Sa Mani
By 12 PM, I was at Wat Sa Manee, also known as Wat Sa Mani. The temple follows the Thai golden-textured architecture. At the entrance of the temple, you can find Vinayaka and Brahma idols.
A lot of Naga idols and statues can be seen here. It is written that the temple was built in the year 1795, and Phra Athikarn Ban Buddhachitto was the first abbot of this temple.
The chapel is surrounded by four serpent clans—statues, yes, but they don’t feel like stone. They feel like guards, as if they’re protecting something precious inside the temple.
The Four Naga Clans
There are some interesting stories behind this.
In Isaan culture, as in many parts of Southeast Asia, Nagas are revered as powerful, semi-divine beings. They are often seen as guardians of water sources (rivers, lakes, ponds), the underworld, and sacred sites like temples.
They are generally considered benevolent, bringing rain, fertility, and prosperity. There is a categorisation of Nagas in Isaan beliefs and art: the Golden Family (Phaya Wirupanka), the Black Family (the Kanha Khotmanakarat), the Rainbow Family (Phaya Chapphayaputtanakharat), and the Green Family (Phaya Erawat Nakarat) are the four categories of Nagas in Isaan.
Golden Nagas
According to locals, the golden Naga family descended from the heavens to protect the temple’s relics from thieves and invaders. It is said that during times of danger, the golden Nagas emit a radiant light to blind enemies and guide devotees to safety.
Their shimmering scales are believed to be fragments of the sun, gifted by the gods for their unwavering loyalty to the Buddha’s teachings. I believe the word Phaya Wirupanka might be inspired by Virupaksha.
Black Nagas & Rahu
Another story I heard from Nakhon Phanom Province is that the black Naga family once battled a fearsome river demon that caused floods and drowned villagers.
The demon, Rahu (the same Rahu from Hindu mythology), hid in the Mekong’s (the Mekong is the Ganges of Thailand) depths. He used illusions to pretend as a giant algae, but the black Nagas used their immense strength and vision to drag it to the surface and crush it with their coils.
I was able to connect this story because during my childhood, my grandma told me that Rahu is the master of illusion (Maya). He creates hallucinations in our minds. To overcome this, we should pray Nagaraja (Naga Lord) at Vettikodu temple.
To honour the black Naga’s victory, villagers began weaving black Naga motifs into Bai Sema (temple boundary stones) to ward off evil spirits. Some say the black Nagas still patrol the Mekong at night, their eyes glowing like embers in the dark.
Rainbow Nagas
I believe Rainbow Nagas are likely connected to water, agriculture, and the monsoon. This is related to the Naga fireball phenomenon on the Mekong. A folktale from Bueng Kan Province describes how the rainbow Nagas once ended a devastating drought by weaving their multicoloured bodies into a bridge between the clouds and the earth, coaxing the rain to fall. Farmers still invoke their name during Bun Bang Fai (rocket festivals) to ensure abundant harvests.
Green Nagas
I don’t know much about the Green Naga Family, but one story from Sakon Nakhon, a village in Isaan cursed by a witch’s spell, causing crops to wither and rivers to dry, tells how the green Naga family emerged from a sacred pond, their scales dripping with medicinal dew, and restored fertility to the land.
They taught the villagers to plant rice in harmony with the seasons and to honour the spirits of the forest. Today, green Naga motifs adorn spirit houses and rice barns in Isaan, symbolising their role as stewards of nature.
Some elders claim the green Nagas still dwell in the Phu Phan Mountains, guarding ancient forests from destruction.
An End to the Day, Not to the Mythhh!!
I tossed a coin into the water, not wishing for anything, just thanking the day for being kind. By 3 PM, I was back in Udon, logged in, replied to two dozen emails, fixed some ad copies, took a nap, and woke up calm at 10 PM.
I went out and had some beer. And while sipping it, I kept thinking: You don’t have to believe in spirits or stories, but when the air feels heavy and peaceful at the same time, you just know something sacred is happening—even if science can’t explain it.
Next Two Days – A Road Not Taken
These three days slowed me down in ways I didn’t expect. Somewhere between giant Buddhas, fading handprints, and temples floating on silence, I stopped chasing meaning—and started noticing it. Udon Thani still isn’t done whispering. But you have to walk slowly enough to hear it.
Next, 2 days—if this were a TV serial, the preview might go like this:
Who built a temple deep inside the forest and filled it with murals no camera can capture?
Wat Pha Phu Kon
And why do some temples feel like they’ve been waiting—not for worship, but for someone to simply arrive without answers?
For now, I leave you with this thought: Does a footprint last 2,000 years because sandstone resists the weather, or because humans resist being forgotten?
Here begins my workation. This is the first part of my 8-day Udon Thani itinerary, it covers 3 peaceful, offbeat temples and costs just around 5,000 baht. Wat Kham Chanot is the highlight here. This isn’t ‘Everything You Need to Know on a Workation’; it’s simply a personal journal about temples in Udon Thani. But maybe it will help you plan things a little better.
Day 1: Flying to Isaan
I boarded the Thai Airways flight from Bengaluru at 00:40 AM. Not a minute late. Compared to Indigo, I always recommend Thai Airways because the seat reclined well, with more check-in allowance and more leg room.
By the time we landed in Bangkok, it was still dark, but I could see the red-orange spreading over the blue sky. After my immigration process, the sky became clear white, and the city was waking up to the hustle and bustle. I took a cab to Don Mueang because my next flight was from DMK Airport.
Booked my room at Don Muang Hotelbecause they offer early check-in. I slept for three hours and woke up groggy.
I picked up a protein shake, sandwich, and banana from 7-Eleven for around 100 baht. 7/11 is a blessing for every budget traveller.
By evening, I was on a Nok Air flight to Udon Thani. The flight lasted an hour, but something inside me slowed down. The Udon Thani airport is small. Everything was quiet.
I booked a Grab and reached The Old Inn Hotel. Every time I am in Udon, I book this hotel; its vintage architecture and interior are something that makes me feel better. Even the location is convenient; it’s just five minutes from the night market.
That night, I didn’t go out. I didn’t open my laptop. Just sat at the window and listened to the pouring raindrops outside. I didn’t call anyone, and I didn’t eat anything, just had Lactosoy milk.
Udon is a place where I am not alone. This city allows me to listen to the part of myself I usually ignore. When we stop chasing inputs, the mind starts recovering what it already knows.
Day 2: Walking into 5,000 Years of Silence
Ban Chiang isn’t a name you’ll often hear in travel vlogs or those fancy Instagram reels. But it should be.
Ban Chiang is a museum in Nong Han District, near Udon Thani. It is one of the oldest places in Southeast Asia where people lived, worked, and left art and stories behind. Before the pyramids or big cities, people here made clay pots, used metal tools, and buried their dead with care in pots. Ban Chiang’s pottery is a symbol of Udon Thani.
Ban Chaing Pottery
In Udon province, you will see the Big Clay Pots frequently.
The bus ride was about one and a half hours. Any bus to Nakhon Phanom or Sakon Nakhon will take you to Ban Chiang for less than 100 baht. The closer I got to Ban Chiang, the more rural everything became.
You will find rice fields, barren land, and small townships in between. Most farmers in Isaan grow sticky rice. Farmers wear a chequered cloth called pha khao ma on their head or waist—part towel, part hat, part tool, depending on the hour.
While watching them, I was thinking how Kerala has changed in the last 30 years. What I am seeing now here is something I used to observe in my childhood, but never after.
At Ban Chiang Museum
The museum stood quietly, surrounded by some shops and sleepy dogs.
A home near to Museum
150 baht is the charge for foreigners. You will be welcomed by ladies in traditional Thai costume, which is an indigo-coloured petticoat and top. But you will find this costume only on Thai Airways, in temples, and some places like this.
The museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts unearthed from the Ban Chiang archaeological site. This includes thousands of ceramic vessels of various shapes, sizes, and intricate painted designs, as well as bronze tools, jewellery, and even human skeletal remains. These findings span a remarkable period, from the Late Neolithic to the Iron Age (roughly 2100 BCE to 200 CE). No wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pots, Mor Lam and UdonThani
It’s fascinating to see pots that were buried with the dead. Spiral designs in burnt ochre. The bones of those who once believed the earth was flat and the sky was a god. The sophisticated spiral designs on the pots show how advanced their thoughts were.
While walking through the museum corridors, I remembered a line I once read: “Pottery is the first global language.” It makes sense. Every culture has hands, clay, and fire. Before writing, this was how people said, ‘We live here. We eat together.’
Excavation Prototype
Outside the main museum, there’s Wat Pho Si Nai, just 300 metres away—the open-air excavation site.
I spent four hours there. Didn’t feel like enough.
By 3 PM, I was back at the hotel, logged in, sent some emails, and fixed two landing page copies. Then I shut the laptop.
By 8 PM, I was at the night market.
Udon’s night market isn’t noisy. I remember once a taxi driver told me, ‘In Bangkok, the clocks chase people; in Udon, people chase sunshades.’
I had grilled chicken and some rice. Normally, there would be some music band playing songs, but today I couldn’t find any singers here. But someone played Mor Lam—Isaan folk music with a bouncing khaen flute. The beat is steady, almost like a heartbeat. I enjoyed my dinner with that music.
Mor Lam Music
I walked through the Walking Street, had a beer, and by 10, I was back at my desk. I worked until 1 AM. No pressure, just a chill vibe.
Maybe when you start the day looking at 5,000-year-old bones, you may feel more relaxed. Maybe that’s what ancient places do. They don’t change your life; they just change the way you look at it.
Day 3: Sacred Wells & Kingdom of Naga – A Day That Didn’t Feel Real
My day began the usual way—Jok soup at the market. It cost me 35 baht. Jok is Thai rice porridge. Cooks simmer jasmine rice until it turns thick like oatmeal. Some shops use charcoal stoves, so a light smoke sits on the bowl. My Jok came within 15 minutes with small pork meatballs and fresh ginger strips on top. I added a spoon of thin soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper.
Jok Soup
In Bangkok, people eat it when sick. In Isaan, they eat it as a healthy breakfast. Same bowl, two reasons.
Today I wasn’t visiting just another temple. I was visiting stories. Folk Legends. Places people whisper about- Nagas. Not for any proof. But for a hope.
Wat Pa Dong Nong Tan – The Well That Looks Back
The first stop was Wat Pa Dong Nong Tan. It’s not on the typical tourist route, and you won’t find many influencers here with selfie sticks. But that’s the point.
The architecture and sculptures feel very similar to Indian Hindu styles. You’ll find a long serpent sculpture at the entrance. It’s located in Kutsa, Mueang District—a calm space surrounded by trees. The paths are laid with mud bricks.
10 Wells and Naga King
Inside, there are ten ancient wells. People believe they’re at least 1,000 years old.
I wondered why there were 10 wells in a few square metres of land. I couldn’t find any convincing answers at the location, but I observed that this area has a high water table and soft laterite soil. Digging a shallow well was easy, but the walls would erode. Instead of deepening one, people might have dug a new one every few years, leaving a ring of short wells.
After the wells, I walked to the temple. It’s simple but beautiful in a quiet way. On the chapel walls, you’ll find paintings that tell Buddha’s stories.
Locals believe these wells connect our world to the underground city of Nagas. The wells aren’t decorated or dramatic, just still water surrounded by silence and guarded by Naga King.
I couldn’t sit near the wells—it was too hot, with no trees nearby, just open land and the Naga King’s idol. The entire well area is covered with the Naga King’s tail (as fencing).
So I sat inside the chapel for 20 minutes. I didn’t take a photo, and I didn’t write anything. I just stared at the Buddha as if I was waiting for him to blink.
If you ever go, don’t rush. Let it make you uncomfortable. That’s when the place begins to speak.
The Journey to Kham Chanot – The Island That Doesn’t Sink
After visiting the ancient wells, I headed to Ban Dung district—about 1.5 hours away. My driver didn’t speak much English, but he was good with Google Translate. He told me, “This island never sinks.” Even during floods, he said, it floats, like it’s protected by something.
The road felt wild: forest on one side, dry land on the other. No homes, no shops, just silence. But as we got closer, Kham Chanot started to reveal itself—rows of tuk-tuks, small shops, and a proper car park. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple. The entrance is marked by a massive serpent sculpture, curling over the gate as if it’s guarding something sacred.
Once inside, you walk barefoot. The path is lined with the long, green tails of the Naga—Phaya Nak, as locals call him. The naga is sculpted in vivid green, stretching alongside both sides of the walkway. Some palm species trees (in Thai called Chanot) grow along the way; they look like a mix of a coconut and a palm tree.
Kham Chanot isn’t a usual temple in Udon. It’s an island in the middle of a lake—Wang Nakhin. For devotees, it’s the home of the Naga King—Pu Chao Sri Sutho and his consort Ya Tha Thip. In Thai, Pu Chao means ‘reverend ancestor’, like a great-grandfather. This concept of addressing Naga Lords as Grandfather also exists in Kerala; near my home, there is a Naga temple called Kalloor Appooppan temple, which means Kalloor Grandfather or Kalleli Appooppan temple.
Perhaps some believed Nagas are the reincarnation of ancestors. Who knows?
Kham Chanot Temple – World of Nagas
You don’t see them, but you do see their guards—dozens of serpent statues guarding the paths. There are idols of the Naga King, depicted as a naga in semi-human form. The face and upper body are human-like, with a long tail coiled as a cushion to sit on, and around nine naga heads as a crown.
Once you reach inside the chapel, it’s a different world: wooden floor, pebbles, a calm and serene atmosphere, a few monks chanting Buddhist mantras, and a holy pond. There is another big Naga statue near the Holy Pond. People leave coins near the holy pond; they believe it brings good luck. And this pond is believed to be the way the Naga comes to land. The orchids and palm species trees, along with the Naga stories, all together gave me a different feeling, a different way of Vipassanā yoga that I experienced in three hours.
The air smells of wet bark. For fifteen minutes, I walk alone. Then I saw a gentle tide of families joining the path, carrying serpent offerings covered in marigold petals and some prayers.
I touched one Chanot tree; it was cold, like stone. Their roots knit the peat together and keep the island whole. Ten acres of these tall fan palms feel like a green cathedral.
Magic of Kham Chanot
Now I understand the magic of this floating island.
The island rests atop a thick, spongy layer of peat—a dense mat of partially decayed vegetation accumulated over centuries. This peat acts like a natural raft: when water levels rise in the surrounding lake or wetlands, the peat absorbs moisture, swelling like a soaked sponge and gently lifting the land by a few centimetres. During dry spells, it releases water, shrinking back down.
This slow, rhythmic movement is like our lungs “breathing,” creating the myth of an immortal island. Adding to this stability are the palm trees that dominate the area, their tangled roots binding the peat into a cohesive mat. Species like the Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) grow well in waterlogged soils, their roots reinforcing the peat like a biological net, preventing erosion and anchoring the land. Together, peat and palms form a dynamic, self-regulating system—nature’s answer to floating architecture.
Kham Chanot: A Harmony between Nature and Humans
I felt proud of polytheism; it’s beautiful when people respect and admire nature.
Historians say ancient Egyptians prayed to the Nile. Greeks built temples for Poseidon by the sea. We Indians worship the Ganges and the Cow. Even early Thai cultures saw the gods in the river Mekong.
I felt this ancient connection clearly here: an island protected by Nagas. It wasn’t superstition; it was gratitude. When you see the land as a god, you think twice before hurting it. Maybe polytheism protected nature by teaching humans to see it as something powerful, not a resource.
And while walking back, I kept thinking: This is how mythologies are born, through places like this that don’t behave the way land is supposed to.
After writing my notes, sitting under a Chanot tree, listening to trees, trusting old stories, I called my driver.
I returned to my hotel by 5 PM, logged in at 5:30, finished two reports, took a break, and worked again from 9 to 2 AM. Not once did I feel tired.
I should’ve been tired. Two temples and a head full of questions. But I wasn’t. My mind was calm. I remembered what my grandma used to say when I am impatient: “You should pray Naga Lords, If the Naga blesses you, Rahu can’t reach you.” Rahu, is the master of illusions, he play with our mind. He will make us restless, anxious, and obsessed..
No one will be ever satisfied. But tonight, that noise was gone. No craving, no loop, no thoughts spinning in circles. Just silence.
Like someone pressed pause on the algorithm inside me. Maybe the Nagas blessed me, they guarded the mind. I don’t remember when I fell asleep. Only that it felt like something had let go before I did.
A Pause Before the Climb
I came here to see temples, but I began to see myself. Udon Thani does not shout its secrets. It waits for you to sit still enough to hear them.
Next, 6 Days, the journey continues. If I have to tell you that in a TV Serial format. It might sound like-
Why does a twenty-two-metre Buddha keep watch from Wat Phu Thong Thep?
Who pressed those perfect handprints into the hill of Wat Phu Taphao Thong?
How can a white lotus hover on a lake without rotting, and why does its silence feel louder than prayer?
For now, I leave you with this thought: Why did ancient hands paint spirals, not stars or squares? Are we drawn to curves because galaxies and Nagas share them—or because the human mind sees itself in every twist?
What are the OTT releases, this week? With so many releases across platforms, here are 2-3 picks that I think are worth checking out. Murmur, Shivamma Yarehanchinnala, and Paru Parvathy are my suggestions. Why I pick those; scroll down to read more.
Streaming now: April 04
Test (2024): Cricket, Choices, and Chaos
OTT Platform: Netflix Director: S. Sashikanth Cast: Nayanthara, R. Madhavan, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine
Test Trailer
Plot & Review Test (2024)
A cricketer struggles with his career while his life becomes complicated by money problems, family stress, and betrayal.
✅ The cricket scenes feel intense and engaging
❌ The story starts strong but gradually loses its charm, becoming confusing
❌ Unnecessary twists and slow pacing make the 145-minute runtime feel longer
My Opinion: Skip this. Even Nayanthara’s performance can’t save “Test” from becoming tedious and frustratingly long. You’re better off re-watching something else.
Murmur (2025): Tamil Cinema’s First Found-Footage Horror
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Director: Hemnath Narayanan Cast: Devraj, Richie Kapoor, Yuvikha Rajendran, Aria Selvaraj, Suganya Shanmugam
Murmur Trailer
Plot & Review Murmur (2025)
Four YouTubers explore a haunted forest to uncover supernatural mysteries but soon face terrifying consequences.
✅ Technically brilliant with immersive sound design and realistic cinematography.
❌ Story pacing is uneven, sometimes dragging despite tense moments.
✅ Unique found-footage style feels authentic and adds genuine scares.
My Opinion: Give Murmur a watch for its fresh style and solid technical execution, especially if you’re a horror fan seeking something new in Tamil cinema.
Machante Malakha (2025): An Outdated Drama of Gender Stereotypes
OTT Platform: Manorama Max Director: Boban Samuel Cast: Soubin Shahir, Namitha Pramod, Shanthikrishna, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Dileesh Pothen
Plot & Review Machante Malakha (2025)
A bus conductor marries a regular passenger, but soon realises marriage isn’t what he expected.
❌ Soubin Shahir struggles to convincingly play the serious parts.
❌ Outdated filmmaking style and poor humour make the viewing uncomfortable.
My Opinion: Skip this one. Machante Malakha is frustratingly old-fashioned and reinforces negative stereotypes without any meaningful storytelling.
14 Days Girlfriend Intlo (2025): A Fun Lockdown Rom-Com
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Director: Sriharsha Manne Cast: Ankith Koyya, Shriya Kontham, Vennela Kishore, Indraja, Prashaant Sharma
14 Days Girlfriend Intlo Trailer
Plot & Review 14 Days Girlfriend Intlo
A carefree guy secretly visiting his girlfriend’s house ends up trapped there for 14 days when her conservative parents unexpectedly return..
✅ Vennela Kishore provides some solid laughs with his comic timing. ❌ The story stays lighthearted but never moves beyond its basic premise. ❌ Predictable plot, lacking depth and emotional payoff.
My Opinion:Watch it only if you’re in the mood for a light cringe binge watch. Good for casual viewing, but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Kaafir (2025): A Powerful Journey of Justice and Humanity
OTT Platform: ZEE5 Director: Sonam Nair Cast: Dia Mirza, Mohit Raina, Dishita Jain
Plot & Review Kaafir (2025)
Based on true events, Kaafir follows a Pakistani woman falsely imprisoned in India and the Indian journalist determined to free her.
✅ Dia Mirza gives a deeply emotional performance as Kainaaz Akhtar.
❌ Story effectively highlights themes of prejudice, resilience, and humanity.
✅ Powerful writing by Bhavani Iyer keeps the narrative engaging and heartfelt.
My Opinion: If you are too bored, watch Kaafir for its performances and moving storyline. It’s a more of a drama that stays relevant but not that impactful.
Paru Parvathy (2025): A Feel-Good Road Trip of Self-Discovery
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Director: Rohit Keerti Cast: Deepika Das, Poonam Sirnaik, Fawaz Ashraf
Paru Parvathy (2025) TRailer
Plot & Review Paru Parvathy (2025)
A young vlogger and a neglected elderly woman bond on a life-changing road trip from Bengaluru to Uttarakhand.
✅ Beautiful cinematography captures scenic roads and landscapes effectively.
❌ The film drags initially and struggles with lip-sync and dialogue delivery issues.
❌ Attempts at deeper messaging feel overstretched and lack clarity.
My Opinion: Watch it if you’re patient enough for a slow start. Paru Parvathy has heartwarming moments and beautiful visuals but needed tighter editing and clearer storytelling.
Shivamma Yarehanchinnala (2025): A Spirited Tale of Ambition and Humour
OTT Platform: Sun NXT (Where to watch or streaming Shivamma Yarehanchinnala) Director: Jaishankar Aryar Cast: Sharanamma Chetti, Shivu Abbegere, Chennamma Abbegere, Shruthi Kondenahalli
What are the OTT releases this week? So many titles out but most of them feel average or above average. But if you’re in the mood to watch something worthwhile, Officer On Duty, Dragon, and Nodidavaru Enantare (2025) are the ones I’d recommend this week. Why I picked these three? Scroll down to read a short review without spoilers.
OTT Releases March 22, 2025
Gandhi Tatha Chettu (2025): A Tree, A Grandfather, and a Young Girl’s Promise
📺 Where to watch:Amazon Prime 🎬 Director: Padmavathi Malladi ⭐ Cast: Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, Anand Chakrapani, Rag Mayur, Bhanu Prakash
Gandhi Tatha Chettu (2025) Trailer
Plot & Review Highlights
Set in a Telangana village in the year 2000, this film follows Gandhi, a schoolgirl, who promises her dying grandfather to protect a neem tree planted in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. As the village faces pressure to sell land to a factory, young Gandhi uses non-violent methods to resist.
❤️ Sukriti Veni gives a natural, bold debut — she even tonsured her head for the role ❤️ First half is simple, grounded, and emotionally strong ❤️ Captures rural life with warmth and honesty
❌ The second half turns weak and dramatic ❌ The climax feels rushed and unrealistic
My Opinion: This is not a perfect film — but it dares to speak gently in a loud world. If you have the patience for a quiet story with an honest heart, give it a watch. Sukriti makes it worth it.
Dragon (2025): A Massy Ride With Two Climaxes and One Honest Heart
Ragavan, a gold medalist, turns into ‘Dragon’—a college don—for love. Then comes redemption, success, and a second fall. But wait, there’s more. This film gives two full arcs: one downfall and comeback, then another. Almost like watching two stories in one.
❤️ Pradeep Ranganathan goes full mass and full emotion ❤️ Mysskin as the calm, moral principal is a surprise package ❤️ Every small scene has a smart callback — no filler
❌ Second half feels too convenient at times ❌ Women characters deserved more than being plot bridges
My Opinion: Dragon is like a Rajini-style redemption tale for this generation. Over the top, yes — but sincere. If you’re okay with some cliched moments, this one rewards you with good drama, comedy, and that rare cathartic moments.
Baby and Baby (2025): Old Wine in an Older Bottle
📺 Where to watch: Sun NXT 🎬 Director: Prathap ⭐ Cast: Jai, Yogi Babu, Sathyaraj, Pragya Nagra
Baby and Baby (2025) trailer
Plot & Review Highlights
Two friends mix up their babies on a flight back home. One family wants a baby boy, the other believes a baby girl is lucky. Lies, confusion, and kidnapping plans follow.
❤️ Yogi Babu’s one-liners (some land, some don’t) ❤️ A couple of emotional scenes save it from total collapse
❌ Cringe comedy and dated visuals ❌ Wastes veterans like Sathyaraj and Nizhalgal Ravi ❌ Feels like a 2005 DVD re-release
My Opinion: This isn’t a comedy; it’s a time capsule. Even nostalgia can’t save it. Watch only if you want to test your patience—or enjoy chaos with zero logic.
Nodidavaru Enantare (2025): A Soul-Searching Journey That Doesn’t Play Safe
📺 Streaming on: Amazon Prime 🎬 Director: Kuldeep Cariappa ⭐ Cast: Naveen Shankar, Apoorva Bharadwaj, Padmavati Rao, Ayra Krishna
Nodidavaru Enantare (2025) trailer
Plot & Review Highlights
Siddharth loses love, loses his job, and then loses his father. Instead of fixing things, he hits the road — to escape, to think, and maybe, to start over.
❤️ Naveen Shankar delivers a raw, silent, and moving performance ❤️ Road trip mood meets existential crisis — slow but deep ❤️ Strong visual storytelling, with emotions that don’t need dialogue
❌ Begins clunky and a bit preachy ❌ Not for those expecting commercial payoffs
My Opinion: This is not a feel-good film. It’s a feel-real one. A quiet but sharp look at loneliness, pressure, and choosing dreams over stability. Not perfect — but it lingers.
Officer On Duty (2025): First Half Hooks, Second Half Cooks
📺 Where to watch: Netflix 🎬 Director: Jithu Ashraf ⭐ Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Priyamani, Muthumani
Plot & Review Highlights
CI Harishankar, demoted and damaged, takes up a fake gold case. From their case moves to a deeper, darker past. The first half builds tension. The second half… flips the genre.
❤️ Kunchacko Boban’s intense, layered performance ❤️ Tight first half with solid investigative buildup ❤️ Jakes Bejoy’s background score keeps the grip
❌ Second half turns too commercial ❌ Emotional drama weakens the thriller tone ❌ Same old cop tropes and character shifts
My Opinion: Starts as a gripping police procedural, ends up as a stylised supercop story. Watch it for the craft, not for surprises. 📖 Want a deeper review? Read More Here
Sky Force (2025): A War Hero’s Story Hijacked Mid-Air
📺 Streaming on: Amazon Prime 🎬 Directors: Sandeep Kewlani & Abhishek Anil Kapur ⭐ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur
Sky Force (2025) Trailer
Plot & Review Highlights
Based on India’s first air strike on Pakistani soil, the film should’ve flown high with the forgotten hero Vijayan. Instead, it turns into an Akshay Kumar show — again.
❤️ Veer Pahariya gives it soul, especially in the final act ❤️ Real story behind the 1965 Sargodha strike is powerful
❌ Akshay Kumar overshadows the real hero ❌ Female characters written like props ❌ Too much posturing, too little emotional weight
My Opinion: This could’ve been a landmark war film. But it forgets whose story it is. Watch for the visuals, stay for the last 20 mins, skip the star worship.
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter (2025): Familiar Faces, Flat Storytelling
📺 Where to watch: Netflix 🎬 Creator: Neeraj Pandey ⭐ Cast: Jeet, Prosenjit, Saswata, Parambrata, Ritwik, Chitrangada Singh
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter
Plot & Review Highlights
Set in 2000s Bengal, this cops vs gangsters drama shows the rise of don Shankar Barua and the honest cop Arjun Maitra trying to clean the city. But beyond the setup, the show struggles to rise.
❤️ Saswata Chatterjee nails the flashback portions ❤️ Jeet fits well as the upright officer ❤️ A few interesting twists in the middle
❌ Too many clichés, too little depth ❌ Wasted talents like Parambrata & Chitrangada ❌ Bengal setting feels generic — not rooted
My Opinion: A show with top Bengali actors but no real Bengali soul. It starts with promise but quickly becomes just another slow-moving crime drama. Nothing you haven’t seen before.
Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam (2025): Love, Closure, and a Scene-Stealing Friend
📺 Streaming on: Amazon Prime 🎬 Director: Dhanush ⭐ Cast: Pavish, Anikha Surendran, Mathew Thomas, Priya Prakash Varrier
A song from NEEK
Plot & Review Highlights
Prabhu attends his ex’s wedding hoping for closure — while a new match awaits back home. What follows is a cocktail of confusion, nostalgia, and young love.
❤️ Mathew Thomas & Anikha steals every scene — the true MVP ❤️ Light-hearted take on Gen Z love & heartbreak ❤️ Dhanush’s flavour is everywhere — from house interiors to ringtone choices
❌ Lead pair lacks chemistry, performances feel uneven ❌ Too many threads, not enough depth ❌ Some scenes feel like extended Instagram reels
My Opinion: It’s Dhanush’s weakest directorial so far, but it’s still likeable — not loveable. Watch it for its charm, subtle callbacks, and a reminder that love today comes with 2x speed and emoji reactions.
What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find many great options for you this week, since most releases are average; if you have time, try Ponman (Malayalam) or Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai (Tamil) Why I Pick That; scroll down to read more.
March 15, 2025 OTT Releases
Ponman (2025): A Gritty Drama That Goes Beyond the Gold
This is not just another film about dowry; Ponman doesn’t preach; it shows; it makes you feel the pain; finally, it’s your judgement, not the writer’s.
Gold dealer Ajesh lends gold for a village wedding in Kollam. However, the reluctant bride, Steffi, is not ready to return the gold after the marriage. The story takes a tragic turn when Mariano (Sajin Gopu), her husband, confronts Ajesh.
❤️ Basil Joseph shines —far from his comfort zone ❤️ A realistic, layered take on dowry, without cliché melodrama or preachiness ❤️ Well-written screenplay with gripping moments set in unexpected places ❌ A slow-burn that demands patience
My Opinion: Ponman doesn’t just criticise a system—it immerses you in it, making you see its victims and perpetrators as flawed, complex individuals. A smartly written, must watch film, considering the impact it is worth more than just its weight in gold.
Ramam Raghavam (2025): A Gritty Tale of Family, Betrayal & Redemption
📺 Streaming on: Sun NXT 🎬 Director: Dhanraj Koranani ⭐ Cast: Dhanraj Koranani, Samuthirakani, Satya, Pramodini, Harish Uthaman, Sunil, Mokksha
Plot & Highlights
Raghava (Dhanraj Koranani) is stuck in life, making one bad decision after another. His father, Ramam (Samuthirakani), tries to guide him, but the gap between them only grows. One day, Raghava does something shocking, changing everything. From there, the film becomes a tense battle of emotions and consequences.
❤️ A raw, intense family drama that doesn’t sugarcoat emotions ❌ Misses the emotional depth needed to fully connect with Raghava’s journey ❌ Some characters feel underdeveloped, limiting their impact
My Opinion: Ramam Raghavam takes a complex moral dilemma and presents it in a brutal, unfiltered way. While the execution stumbles, the film stays with you—especially in its haunting final act. Can give it a try if you have time.
Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai (2025): A Bold Step for Queer Cinema
Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai isn’t just about love; it’s about how society decides who deserves it.
When Sam (Lijomol Jose) reveals she is in love with Nandhini (Anusha Prabhu), her mother Lakshmi (Rohini) and father Devaraj (Vineeth) struggle to accept it. The film focuses on their hypocrisy, their contradictions, and the silent pain of those forced to justify their existence.
❤️ A rare Tamil film that puts queer identity at the centre ❤️ Rohini delivers a stunning performance as a mother caught in conflict ❌ Sam and Nandhini’s relationship feels underdeveloped ❌ At times, the film feels more like a debate than a story
My Opinion: Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai is not perfect, but it’s important. It doesn’t just argue—it demands to be heard. A much-needed step for Tamil cinema, even if it leaves you wishing for a deeper, more personal look at its queer leads.
2K Love Story (2025): A Forced Take on Friendship That Lacks Heart
📺 Streaming on: Aha Tamil 🎬 Director: Suseenthiran ⭐ Cast: Meenakshi Govindarajan, Jagaveer, Bala Saravanan
2k Love Story Trailer
Plot & Highlights
Can a man and a woman just be friends? 2K Love Story sets out to prove they can, but instead of exploring their bond naturally, it forces the message with clichés and weak storytelling.
Karthik (Jagaveer) and Moni (Meenakshi Govindarajan) run a wedding planning business together. Despite being constantly thrown into situations where love could bloom, they stick to their “friends forever” pact. But when a new person enters their lives, their friendship faces the ultimate test.
❤️ A refreshing idea that challenges relationship stereotypes ❌ Tries too hard to be progressive, but lacks emotional depth ❌ Tonally confused—part love triangle, part comedy, but never compelling ❌ Shallow character development makes it hard to care about their struggles
My Opinion: 2K Love Story wants to be different but ends up feeling staged and empty. Friendship deserves a better story, one with real emotions—not just a forced message.
Emergency (2025): A Selective Retelling of History
Kangana Ranaut plays Indira Gandhi, recreating the events surrounding the 1975 Emergency. While the film captures key moments—the power struggle, the political arrests, and the press censorship—it often feels like a highlight reel rather than a layered exploration. Indira’s strengths are downplayed, her insecurities exaggerated, and her adversaries glorified, creating an uneven narrative.
❤️ Kangana delivers a powerful performance, capturing Indira’s intensity ❤️ Cinematography and music elevates the storytelling ❌ More a political statement than a balanced biopic ❌ Key historical events feel oversimplified or conveniently left out ❌ Fails to provide a nuanced take on Indira’s political journey
My Opinion: Emergency is ambitious but one-sided. While Kangana shines as Indira, the film picks and chooses its facts to fit a narrative rather than offering an honest portrayal. Watch it for the performances, but don’t expect the full picture.
Vanvaas (2025): Nana Patekar Shines in a Predictable Tearjerker
A familiar story of an aging father abandoned by his children, Vanvaas follows Deepak Tyagi (Nana Patekar), a man battling memory loss and betrayal. Left alone in Varanasi, he finds an unlikely ally in Veeru (Utkarsh Sharma), a small-time crook with a heart of gold.
The film sticks to the Baghban-style formula, where the noble parent suffers, the children are heartless, and the saviour arrives in the form of a selfless outsider. While it tugs at the emotions, the storytelling feels outdated and exaggerated.
❤️ Moments of poetic monologues add emotional weight ❤️ Visually rich with glimpses of Varanasi’s culture ❌ Predictable, melodramatic, and overly theatrical ❌ Utkarsh Sharma struggles to match Nana Patekar’s intensity ❌ One-dimensional characters with little depth
My Opinion: Vanvaas is powered by Nana Patekar’s presence, but the film itself feels like a relic of the past. It has moments of emotion, but the outdated storytelling and forced drama hold it back. Watch it if you love old-school family dramas, but don’t expect surprises.
Moana 2 (2025): A Visual Spectacle, But an Unnecessary Voyage
📺 Streaming on: JioHotstar 🎬 Directors: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller ⭐ Cast: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane
Moana 2 Trailer
Plot & Highlights
Moana is back on the seas, but this time, the waves aren’t as thrilling.
When her ancestors warn her about an ancient storm god’s curse, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) sets out on a mission they failed—to reunite the islands and restore balance. Unlike her first solo journey, she’s joined by a crew of fellow islanders, along with the ever-charismatic Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
❤️ Visually stunning, with breathtaking ocean landscapes ❤️ Kakamora pirates steal the show in their brief screen time ❌ Lacks the emotional depth of the first film ❌ Music fails to match the magic of the original soundtrack
My Opinion: Moana 2 is beautiful to look at, but it lacks the soul that made the first film special. While kids might enjoy the adventure, it feels like Disney is just trying to keep the franchise afloat. Not a disaster, but definitely not smooth sailing.
What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find many great options for you this week, since most releases are average; if you have time, try Rekhachithram (Malayalam), Kudumbasthan (Tamil) or Baapu( Telugu). Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.
OTT Releases 07, March 2025
Rekhachithram (2025): A Smart Thriller That Blends Mystery with Cinema Nostalgia
📺 Streaming on: Sony LIV 🎬 Director: Jofin T Chacko ⭐ Cast: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan, Indrans, Saikumar, Manoj K Jayan
Rekhachithram is a gripping investigative thriller. The film follows Vivek Gopinath (Asif Ali), a cop trying to redeem himself, as he investigates a 40-year-old skeleton linked to an 80s film set. As Vivek pieces together clues from a time when technology was limited, the case becomes a thrilling.
❤️ A refreshing take on crime thrillers with a unique premise ❤️ Anaswara Rajan shines as Rekha, adding depth to her character ❤️ A treat for cinephiles with nods to 80s Malayalam cinema
❌ The film’s slow-burn pace may not work for everyone ❌ Manoj K Jayan feels underutilised
My Opinion: Rekhachithram isn’t just a mystery—it’s a love letter to Malayalam cinema.Though it takes its time to build up, the final twist is worth the wait. If you love thrillers with a nostalgic touch, this one is a must-watch!
Kudumbasthan (2025): A Fun Family Comedy with Manikandan’s Winning Touch
📺 Streaming on: ZEE5 🎬 Director: Rajeshwar Kalisamy ⭐ Cast: Manikandan, Guru Somasundaram, Saanve Megghana, R Sundarrajan
Kudumbasthan Trailer
Plot & Highlights
Being the sole breadwinner of a middle-class family is no joke—literally! Kudumbasthan follows Naveen (Manikandan), a newly married man juggling endless financial responsibilities, from funding his mother’s pilgrimage to paying for his wife’s Civil Service exam. Adding to his stress is his brother-in-law Rajendran (Guru Somasundaram), who constantly undermines him. As Kudumbasthan—surviving it is the real challenge.
❤️ Manikandan nails another relatable underdog role ❤️ Hilarious moments keep the film lighthearted and engaging
❌ Some jokes may not work for everyone ❌ The film feels slightly stretched at 155 minutes
My Opinion: Kudumbasthan blends classic family drama with modern humour, making it funny and relatable. Strong performances from Manikandan and Guru Somasundaram keep it engaging. A good watch for those who enjoy heartwarming comedies.
Nadaaniyan (2025): A Glossy but Shallow High-School Rom-Com
📺 Streaming on: Netflix 🎬 Director: Shauna Gautam ⭐ Cast: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza
Nadaaniyan | Official Trailer
Plot & Highlights
Fake relationships, social class struggles, and high school drama—Nadaaniyan brings them all together in a lighthearted rom-com. Pia (Khushi Kapoor) is a rich girl who needs a boyfriend to keep her friendships intact. Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a scholarship student with big career dreams, becomes the perfect candidate. But as their fake relationship unfolds, they must navigate class differences, family expectations, and their own changing feelings.
❤️ Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan bring youthful charm ❤️ Fun, breezy moments make it watchable ❤️ Nods to classic Karan Johar films add nostalgia
❌ A predictable, surface-level story ❌ Social themes feel forced rather than impactful ❌ Characters and settings don’t feel real or relatable
My Opinion: Nadaaniyan is a glossy, high-school rom-com that feels superficial despite its attempts at depth. The lead actors try their best, but the film remains predictable. Skip if you watched movies like Love Today (Tamil) or Perfect Date.
Manamey (2024): A Lighthearted Rom-Com That Plays It Safe
📺 Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video 🎬 Director: Sriram Adittya ⭐ Cast: Sharwanand, Krithi Shetty, Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ravindran
Manamey Trailer
Plot & Highlights
What happens when a carefree man is forced to take responsibility? Manamey follows Vikram (Sharwanand), a happy-go-lucky guy who avoids commitments—until his best friend’s sudden passing leaves him as a temporary guardian for their two-year-old son. Subhadra (Krithi Shetty), a responsible and practical woman, also steps in as the child’s caretaker. As they clash over parenting styles, love slowly blossoms between them.
❤️ Sharwanand shines in a fun, laid-back role ❤️ A few genuinely funny moments keep it entertaining ❤️ Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music adds charm
❌ Predictable story with familiar rom-com tropes ❌ Supporting characters feel underused ❌ Antagonist subplot feels unnecessary and weak
My Opinion: Manamey is a breezy, feel-good rom-com that plays it safe. Sharwanand’s playful performance adds charm, but the film remains predictable. Worth a casual watch, but nothing fresh or surprising.
Thandel (2025): A Beautiful Love Story That Loses Focus in Its Second Half
📺 Streaming on: Netflix 🎬 Director: Chandoo Mondeti ⭐ Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Sai Pallavi, Karunakaran, Divya Pillai
Plot & Highlights
Thandel is about the longing and devotion (melo-drama medium) in a romance shaped by distance. Raju (Naga Chaitanya), a fisherman from Srikakulam, spends most of the year away at sea. Sathya (Sai Pallavi), his love, accepts this way of life with patience and pride. When Raju is caught in a tragic twist of fate and lands in a Pakistani prison, their love is put to the ultimate test.
❤️ Naga Chaitanya deliver heartfelt performances ❤️ Devi Sri Prasad’s music adds emotional depth ❤️ Stunning cinematography captures the vast sea and emotions beautifully
❌ The Pakistan prison subplot lacks depth ❌ Side characters feel underdeveloped ❌ Misses the opportunity to explore the real struggles of the 22 fishermen
My Opinion: Thandel is an average love story but loses its emotional depth when it shifts to the Pakistan prison subplot. The political drama feels rushed, but the romance and music keep it engaging. It works for fans of poetic (chocolate) love stories.
Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal (2025): A Thoughtful, Restrained Family Drama
📺 Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video 🎬 Director: Sharan Venugopal ⭐ Cast: Joju George, Suraj Venjaramood, Alencier Lay Lopez, Garggi Ananthan, Shelly Kishore
Plot & Highlights
When three estranged brothers reunite at their ancestral home as their mother lies on her deathbed, old wounds resurface, and buried conflicts return. Vishwanathan (Alencier Lay Lopez) still carries the weight of past casteist insults, Bhaskar (Suraj Venjaramood) is an outsider in his own home, and Sethu (Joju George) finds himself stuck between them. Meanwhile, the younger generation—Athira (Garggi Ananthan) and Nikhil (Thomas Mathew)—try to make sense of the tensions while dealing with their own unresolved emotions.
❤️ A subtle, character-driven story without melodrama ❤️ Joju George and Garggi Ananthan deliver deeply layered performances ❤️ A realistic portrayal of family conflicts and generational differences
❌ The slow, quiet storytelling may not work for everyone ❌ Lacks big dramatic moments, making it feel subdued
My Opinion: Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is a nuanced, slow-burning family drama that avoids melodrama. A worthwhile watch for those who enjoy subtle, character-driven narratives.
Baapu (2025): A Family Drama with Moments of Brilliance but an Uneven Narrative
Set in rural Telangana, Baapu follows a struggling farmer’s family burdened by debt. Mallanna (Brahmaji) and his wife Saroja (Aamani) are trying to make ends meet through cotton farming, while their children battle their own hardships. Meanwhile, a subplot involving a hidden golden idol adds another layer of intrigue.
❤️ Brahmaji delivers a strong lead performance ❤️ Authentic rural setting and black comedy elements work well ❤️ A few engaging moments, especially around the family’s moral dilemma
❌ Predictable and lacks depth in emotional moments ❌ Romance subplots feel unnecessary and underdeveloped ❌ Feels like a short film stretched into a feature-length movie
My Opinion: Baapu has an interesting premise with its dark comedy and performances. However, weak character arcs and a predictable story hold it back. Watch it for the performances, but don’t expect a deeply engaging family drama.
What are the OTT releases this week? After two weeks of dip in quality, this week’s OTT lineup are packed with good enetrtainers. But if you’re looking for the best picks,Hello Mummy is a fun watch, followed by Love Under Construction and Dabba Cartel. Scroll down for more!
Feb 28 – 2025 – OTT Releases
Dabba Cartel (2025): A Spicy Mix of Crime and Chaos
What happens when a group of ordinary women accidentally step into the world of crime? Dabba Cartel answers that with a mix of thrills, chaos, and dark humour.
Between shady pharma companies, investigating officers, and dangerous criminals, 5 women must outsmart a system built to crush them.
❤️ Shabana Azmi steals the show with her effortless transformation into a no-nonsense matriarch. ❤️ The show balances humour and suspense well, making it an entertaining watch.
❌ Some moments feel exaggerated, making the plot less believable. ❌ The gangsta elements sometimes feel forced.
My Opinion:Dabba Cartel is an entertaining mix of crime and comedy, with a strong female-led cast. A good watch if you like crime dramas with a fresh twist.
Vidaamuyarchi (2025): A Gritty Actioner With a Vulnerable Ajith Kumar
Vidaamuyarchi is about Arjun (Ajith Kumar), an ordinary man thrown into extraordinary circumstances. What starts as a road trip to drop his estranged wife, Kayal (Trisha), at her parents’ place turns into a nightmare. As Kayal is kidnapped, Arjun finds himself in a deadly game where survival is the only option.
❤️ Ajith delivers one of his most grounded performances in years. ❤️ Regina Cassandra surprises with her eerie and unpredictable character. ❤️ The film’s technical aspects—cinematography, action sequences, and background score—are top-notch.
❌ Predictable twists make the suspense feel weak. ❌ Trisha’s character remains underdeveloped, serving only as a plot device. ❌ Some mass moments lack the emotional depth needed for true impact.
My Opinion:Vidaamuyarchi may entertain because of Ajith’s compelling performance and the film’s slick execution. But the film’s predictable screenplay and lack of emotional weight in key moments hold it back from being a great entertainer.
Love Under Construction (2025): A Middle-Class Man’s Battle Between Home and Heart
What happens when your biggest dream becomes your biggest struggle? Love Under Construction follows Vinod (Neeraj Madhav), a middle-class Malayali man living in Dubai, who dreams of building his own home back in Kerala. But as his home construction turns into a never-ending headache, so does his personal life. His relationship with Gauri (Gouri Kishan) is at a crossroads—while Vinod wants a home, Gauri wants to move to Canada. Between family drama, financial struggles, and society’s pressures, Vinod must figure out what truly matters.
❤️ Neeraj Madhav delivers a natural, relatable performance as Vinod. ❤️ Gouri Kishan’s character is refreshingly practical, breaking the usual heroine stereotypes.
❌ Some subplots feel stretched, slowing down the pacing. ❌ The conflicts, though realistic, sometimes resolve a little too easily.
My Opinion:Love Under Construction is a heartwarming and relatable feel good story that every middle-class family can see themselves in. I recommend it to those who ever tried to build a dream—be it a home or a relationship.
Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025): A Comedy Overload That Mostly Works
Anil Ravipudi’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam is an all-out comedy that throws logic out of the window and works on Ravipudi spices. The film revolves around Raju (Venkatesh), a devoted husband stuck between his possessive wife Bhagyalakshmi (Aishwarya Rajesh) and his ex-girlfriend-turned-police-officer Meenakshi (Meenaakshi Chaudhary). When Meenakshi re-enters his life for a high-stakes mission, chaos started, mixing romance, action, and non-stop gags.
❤️ Venkatesh shines, effortlessly balancing comedy and action. ❤️ Aishwarya Rajesh delivers a quirky, endearing performance. ❤️ The supporting cast, especially Upendra Limaye and child artist Revanth, provide some of the biggest laughs.
❌ Too many gags crammed in, leading to moments of exhaustion. ❌ Some jokes and subplots feel unnecessary, especially towards the climax.
My Opinion:Sankranthiki Vasthunam is an entertainer but if you’re looking for realism, this isn’t the film for you. But if you enjoy over-the-top, slapstick humour, then Ravipudi delivers yet another laugh riot.
Hello Mummy (2024): A Fun Horror-Comedy That Keeps You Hooked
Platform:Amazon Prime Video Director: Vaishakh Elans Cast: Sharaf U Dheen, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jagadish, Johny Antony, Aju Varghese, Bindu Panicker
Hello Mummy trailer
Plot & Highlights:Hello Mummy (2024)
Hello Mummy is a mix of horror, comedy, and family drama into an entertaining ride. The story revolves around Boney (Sharaf U Dheen), a spoiled rich kid forced into marriage with Stephy (Aishwarya Lekshmi), an ambitious scholar. But marriage comes with an unexpected guest—Stephy’s mother, Gracy (Jagadish), who just happens to be a ghost!
While Boney just wants a normal married life, Gracy has other plans, leading to a series of comic encounters, spooky moments, and unexpected twists.
❤️ Sharaf U Dheen’s impeccable comic timing carries the film. ❤️ The mix of humour and horror keeps it engaging without getting too dark. ❤️ Supporting cast, especially Jagadish and Johny Antony, add to the fun.
❌ Some subplots feel unnecessary and underdeveloped. ❌ The climax is stretched and could have been tighter.
My Opinion:Hello Mummy is a simple yet laugh-out-loud entertainer that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the second half could have been sharper, the film’s humour and performances make it worth a watch. If you’re in the mood for a fun horror-comedy with a heart, this one’s for you!
