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Mayasabha Web Series Review: Great Performances, Weak Writing

Created by Deva Katta, known for Prasthanam and Vennela, Mayasabha from SonyLiv follows the rise of two fictional leaders — Krishnama Naidu (played by Aadhi Pinisetty) and Rami Reddy (played by Chaitanya Rao Madadi) — and how they grow from students to state leaders. The show also stars Sai Kumar as RCR, Divya Dutta as Prime Minister Iravathi Basu, Ravindra Vijay as Pothineni Ramesh, and Tanya Ravichandran as actress Anu Harika. Here is my detailed Mayasabha Review.

But let’s not kid ourselves. This isn’t fiction.

Based on True Political Events in Andhra Pradesh

Who are the real characters in Mayasabha? If you know Andhra Pradesh politics, you’ll spot the references instantly:

RCR (Sai Kumar) is clearly inspired by NTR.
Krishnama Naidu mirrors Chandrababu Naidu.
Rami Reddy is the show’s take on YS Rajasekhar Reddy.
Iravathi Basu and her son Sandeep Basu resemble Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.
Anu Harika’s arc feels like a nod to actress Jayaprada, including her early dance career and political ties. When she was a teenager, she performed a dance at her school’s annual function. A film director in the audience offered her a three-minute dance number in the Telugu film Bhoomi Kosam (1974).

The series ends with an event which exactly resembles the Viceroy Hotel episode , where slippers were thrown at Lakshmi Parvathi and NTR was ousted from his own party, are recreated almost frame by frame — though names are changed.

Mayasabha Plot: The Rise of Naidu and Rami Reddy

The story begins with Krishnama Naidu, a PhD student from Narsipalli, helping farmers in his hometown by threatening middlemen — in a diplomatic way, of course. Meanwhile, Rami Reddy, the son of faction leader Shiva Reddy, is disgusted by his father’s violent politics and leaves Pulicherla to study in Bellary.

From there, we follow:

Student politics, where Krishnama plans to contest elections using strategic caste alliances — and a cabaret dance show (yes, really).
Rami Reddy’s fan wars in college, defending Telugu film stars, leading to cow dung being thrown on posters and eventual expulsion.
Emergency declared in India, vasectomy drives led by Sandeep Basu, and public resistance led by Rami Reddy.
The alliance between Krishnama and Rami Reddy, their entry into politics under Sandeep Basu’s mentorship.
Friendship turning into rivalry, when Rami Reddy feels sidelined for being a goon’s son.

The series ends with the rise of RCR as a mass leader, his friction with Iravathi Basu, the betrayal by Krishnama Naidu, and the political fallout. The final few episodes closely resemble TDP’s internal war, NTR’s downfall, and the power shift to Chandrababu Naidu.

Performances & Technical Aspects

Aadhi Pinisetty as Krishnama Naidu brings seriousness and political sharpness.
Chaitanya Rao delivers an emotional and intense Rami Reddy.
Divya Dutta shines as Iravathi Basu — probably the most believable character in the whole show. Her screen presence is 5/5
Sai Kumar as RCR fits the larger-than-life image but gets limited screen time.
The music by Shakthikanth Karthick is decent — helps set the mood without being intrusive.
The cinematography and period detailing (1975–1995) look polished.
Tanya Ravichandran did her part well with a song and some scenes here and there.

But Here’s the Problem: Everyone’s a Saint

The writing is where Mayasabha falls flat. For example, at one point, the hero tries to win a college election with a cabaret dance by heroine—because in Mayasabha, that’s peak political strategy. Democracy in Mayasabha runs on item numbers and glorifying scenes.

There’s a scene where the heroine says, “People value entertainment more than content. To sell content, the cover page is important.” I’m convinced Deva Katta believes in this too.

For a political series, it lacks grey characters. Krishnama Naidu is always clever and selfless. Rami Reddy is kind-hearted and community-driven. Every major character on the “hero” side acts like a noble soul who’s doing politics only for the people.

This kind of whitewashing feels awkward — especially in a show that clearly draws from real-life political betrayals, caste alignments, and power games.

Let’s be real: In politics, no one climbs the ladder without ambition. But Mayasabha shows its main men as idealists, while anyone who opposes them is either corrupt, emotional, or forgotten.

Final Verdict: Mayasabha(2025) Review

If you’re watching Mayasabha as a fictional drama, it may keep you engaged for a while. But if you know Telugu politics, you’ll likely find it one-sided, preachy, and borderline fan service. It looks like a fictional retelling, but walks and talks like a strategically polished biopic series.

Mayasabha Review Verdict: 2.5 out of 5

Watch it for the performances — but skip it if you’re expecting sharp, realistic political writing. At the end of the day, even great acting can’t save a story that refuses to show humans as humans — especially in politics, where no one’s a saint.

Su From So (2025) review: A 5-Star Film From Kannada

Su From So, directed by debutant J. P. Thuminad, is my favourite film of 2025 so far. Entertainment, art, aesthetics, writing, music, performances — I don’t even know which topic to start with. Every part of the film is top-notch.

I went to Sumathi Valavu expecting a clean horror-comedy but was disappointed by its cringe-fest. For Su From So, I walked in without even watching a trailer — and what a refreshing, fun ride it turned out to be!

A shot from Su From So - marriage scene — A shot from Su From So

The story takes place in a rural Karnataka village. Ravi Anna, a bachelor in his 40s, is the go-to person in the village, like our Lalettan in Balettan— even 50-year-olds respectfully call him Ravi Anna. Everyone looks up to him. Then there’s Ashoka, a painter who spends more time flirting and indulging in voyeurism. The film introduces a colourful range of characters surrounding these two.

The village believes that Ashoka is possessed by a ghost named Sulochana from Someshwara. What follows is a series of chaotic events, and the movie explores how the village reacts and tries to deal with it.

What stood out for me: The Writing

The most brilliant part of the film is its writing. It follows a cascading structure — chaos leading to more chaos — but everything is beautifully interconnected.

The director introduces all the characters through two village functions. The first function helps establish the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the village. A death is announced, the entire village community gathers for the rituals. That’s where the first spark flies — a subtle friction between Ravi Anna and Ashoka.

Shaneel Gautham as Ravi Anna — **Shaneel Gautham** as *Ravi Anna*

In the second function, more characters are introduced. Then comes the big moment — Ashoka gets possessed. Once again, the director cleverly plants another trigger between Ravi and Ashoka, further deepening the chaos around the ghost and the possession.

Each event naturally flows into the next. Nothing feels forced. Every scene, every character matters. For example, there’s a dream sequence involving Ashoka’s sister. At first, it seemed like a typical horror filler, but later, it became crucial to another chain of events. That kind of thoughtful storytelling is rare. That’s what I like the most: everything & everyone is there for a reason.

Character Consistency & Detailing

One thing every screenwriter should learn from this film is how to write side characters with depth. Most films use them as fillers, but in Su From So, each character has a clear signature, a pattern of behaviour.

Take Prakash Thuminad’s character, Chandra, for example. He’s someone who enjoys the little things in life. He’s excited by experiences. In one scene, he carefully unties a chip packet because he doesn’t want to break it, he wants to enjoy it as it is. In another, he insists on having his glass filled to the brim, so he can sip it properly. He chooses orange soda over regular ones. These moments are funny, but they also make you feel like you’re watching a real person, not a character in the film. This is how films make you believe that you are seeing Auto Driver Chandra from a rural village in Karnataka, not an actor Prakash Thuminad.

Whether it’s Deepak Rai Panaje as Sathisha, Pushparaj Bolar as Bhaava, or especially Shaneel Gautham as Ravi Anna, each actor fully owns their character. Writing of Su From So helped them to leave a signature with his crafting.

Emotional Core without Melodrama

With a horror-comedy like this, it’s easy to turn the film into a series of laughs or scares. But what makes Su From So special is the emotional thread running through it. Without this layer, it would’ve felt like just another horror-comedy skit. But J. P. Thuminad ties the chaos to a meaningful message at the end — and that’s what makes the story stay with you.

The film makes you laugh, it startles you, it makes you whistle — and yes, maybe even shed a tear.

Initially, I felt the women in the film were just filling space. But halfway through, Sandhya Arakere enters with a powerful character, and from that point, the film shifts its lens. Just like K. G. George explored the dark realities of village life in Kolangal (1981), Thuminad breaks the myth of “village innocence” and sheds light on domestic violence, abuses and privacy violations. That layer of social commentary is handled with subtlety and class.

Music & Sound: Elevations at its Peak

The music and sound mixing are another highlight. Whether it’s a celebration, a scare, or a fight — the score enhances every mood. Sumedh K and Sandeep Thulasidas (who composed the background score) deserve a standing ovation. Right from the opening frame, the audio experience pulls you into the world of Su From So.

Final Thoughts

I don’t even know how to describe the performances. Every actor, including Raj B. Shetty (who also co-produced the film), delivers with soul. Whatever J. P. Thuminad wrote, the actors brought to life with depth and honesty. The whole film feels fresh — a new kind of cinema that’s both intelligent and entertaining.

Even the poster design is beautiful and innovative. That sense of originality and detail continues till the final frame.

Su From So — 5/5.
Must-watch.

Kingdom Review – Great Visuals, But Emotionally Thin

Gowtam Tinnanuri’s Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda, Bhagyashri Borse and Satyadev, arrives with the promise of a high-adrenaline action drama wrapped in stylish visuals. But overall, I felt it misses the one thing that holds it all together: emotional impact. Here’s my review of Kingdom (2025). Let’s break it down.

Plot Summary: A Spy Story Tied to Brotherhood

Soori (Vijay Deverakonda) is a rural police constable from Andhra, who finds himself caught in the middle of a high-stakes spy mission. As the mission unfolds, he learns it connects to his long-lost brother Siva (Satyadev). What starts as a spy mission is later becomes personal. And this brotherly bond — forms the core.

Sounds like it could be intense, right? It should’ve been.

First Half: Stylish, But Emotionally Hollow

The film opens with a visually striking British-era setup. Within minutes, you know this is going to be a well-shot movie. Cinematographers Jomon T. John and Girish Gangadharan make every frame look polished and premium.

Once the plot gets going—especially in the first hour—the narration starts to feel flat. The issue, I felt, is in how the emotional beats are handled. There are scenes meant to establish Deverakonda’s Soori as a determined character, and later the director introduces his emotional trigger—his pain and desperation to find Siva. But the way it unfolds feels either too predictable or underwhelming. It’s the kind of moment where you go, “Oh… that’s it?”

Take, for instance, the scene where the brothers smuggle gold from the Navy. The setup feels too convenient. You’re left wondering, “Wait, was it really that easy?” Instead of clever plotting or tension, it comes across like the writer just went with the first idea that popped up.

I felt the film missed a major opportunity. If they had brought in a more impactful star or given Satyadev’s character (Siva) a stronger arc—maybe even played it like a subtle Godfather-style rise—the story could’ve had more gravity. It had the core ingredients, but it needed a little more time to simmer.

Even the villain angle, with a gang operating out of Sri Lanka, feels like a recycled subplot from a dozen action films. Some tension is there. But no freshness. You stay watching because the visuals are neat and the actors are giving it their all — but the writing doesn’t support them with the best.

Second Half: Better, But Still Familiar

The second half picks up a little, especially once Satyadev’s character gets more screen time. There’s one Gory scene that works better than expected. And the moment Satyadev got elevation in that scene. Pure Goosebumps guaranteed from then on. For a moment, it feels like the film’s about to enter beast mode.

And if you haven’t seen international cult films like City of God (The idea of “escaping the system” but still being trapped by it), Incendies, or Nolan’s Batman series — Kingdom might surprise you more. Some sequences, especially the prison fight and emotional twists, carry strong inspiration. For casual viewers, these moments land hard. For filmiholics, though, they’ll feel familiar — maybe too familiar.

The climax, though, sticks the landing. Neatly designed and emotionally tighter than the rest of the film. You finally feel that rush the genre promised.

Final Thoughts

Kingdom is a massy action flick, but not with the emotional depth or innovative thoughts that the story demands. It’s held together by two strong performances, first-rate visuals, Anirudh music and occasional goosebump moments.

Gowtam Tinnanuri keeps the core story focused, but the emotional payoffs don’t really hit like his previous film Jersey did.

Still, the sincerity shows. There’s no overstuffing; I can see that they trimmed down Bhagyashri’s scenes, love track, etc. Just a stylish attempt at telling a cliched story sprinkled with Myth, Crime & Guilt. You won’t feel bored, I believe.

Kingdom (2025) Review Rating: 3/5
Watch if you enjoy stylish dramas with moments that echo bigger films — even if they don’t go as deep.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review

Mandala Murders Review

Mandala Murders Review: Myth, Madness, and Murder

After Asur, Paatal Lok, and a dozen dark-toned “let’s-explain-symbolism-in-flashbacks” series, Mandala Murders created by Gopi Puthran is the new entry. Set in the fictional town of Charandaspur, we follow detectives Rea Thomas (Vaani Kapoor) and Vikram Singh (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) as they peel back layers of ritualistic killings, ancient secret societies, and Vikram’s mother’s 20 years old missing case.

Mandala Murders Review Poster — Mandala Murders Poster

On paper, it sounds spicy: a mix of mythology, crime, and occult. But the real question is — does it land, or does it just pretend to be deep?

Direction, Tone, and Storytelling

Gopi Puthran (Mardaani 2) co-directs with Manan Rawat, and The concept is BRILLIANT.
Ayasthis, Mandala sacrifices, energy-as-currency, and ancient tech to revive a god? That’s like Dan Brown meets Asur meets Sacred Games — with a female-led cult.

At first glance, Mandala Murders promises a unique blend: a serial killer thriller wrapped inside a mythological conspiracy. The idea is bold, no doubt. But when it comes to execution—direction, scripting, and pacing—it often struggles to hold the weight of its own ambition.

You’ll keep waiting for that one twist that justifies the build-up — whether it arrives, we’ll see. In my opinion, there are many twists, but everything is predictable for someone who watches thrillers.

The tone sometimes gel with Asur’s vibe, but doesn’t fully commit. — technically correct, emotionally meh. What should feel like high-stakes investigation often ends up looking like disconnected scenes stitched together.

Performances Review: Mandala Murders

The cast does its job partially. Vaani Kapoor as Rea brings sincerity to a layered character, but the writing doesn’t offer enough depth. Eventually, her screen presence falls flat. At no point did I feel convinced she was a brilliant investigative officer.

Vaibhav Raj Gupta (Vikram)’s arc starts strong but ends up confused and falls flat.

Surveen Chawla as a cunning Lady Macbeth looks good on screen, but she couldn’t make an impact in the end.

Too many characters are introduced without space to breathe.

Shriya Pilgaonkar, dressed in a red sari and walking through flames, gets more emotion across in one still frame than some leads do in the whole episode.

Mandala Murders Performances Review — Scene from Mandala Murders

The myth angle — Mandala, rituals, prophecies — is interesting if you like symbolic stories. But if you’re expecting a fast-paced crime thriller with sharp writing and clever twists, you might be disappointed. This isn’t that kind of show. It leans more on mystery and mood than tight investigation or smart reveals.

✅ What Works in Mandala Murders

The core idea of Ayasthis, rituals, and body-part-based resurrection is genuinely original.
There are occasional moments of brilliance—especially when the show reflects on grief, belief, and sacrifice.
The female-driven power structure in the cult is a refreshing take, rarely seen in Indian thrillers.

❌ What Doesn’t

World-building falls flat.
The Ayasthi lore is interesting, but it’s not built with enough clarity. We’re told a lot, but shown very little.
For example, how Jimmy decodes the Mandala symbols is never explained properly—it feels like magic, not intelligence.
No real investigative hook.
This is supposed to be a murder mystery, but there’s no standout moment of detective brilliance. The CBI investigation moves more like a background commentary than the central driver.
Pacing is thin and stretched.
Instead of unfolding gradually with suspense, the plot throws twist after twist—making it hard to stay emotionally connected. It often feels like a series of “what’s next” moments, not “why did this happen?”

Manndala Murders: Full Story Explained

Final Verdict

Mandala Murders had the potential to be a genre-defining series—blending Indian myth with modern crime. But in trying to do too much, it ends up delivering less than it could. It’s not a bad show—it just needed sharper writing, better world-building, and a stronger spine to hold its wild ideas together.

Mandala Murders is streaming now on Netflix.

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review : This Week’s Biggest theatrical release

Hari Hara Veera Mallu Review – Kalyan Fights, Fans Clap, But the Film Fumbles

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.

Characters & Technicals Review: 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.

Kerala Crime Files Season 2: Why, How, and Climax Explained

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.

Kerala Crime Files Season 2 Review: (No Major Spoilers)

The Setup: Ambili, Ayyappan, and the Ring

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

EKO MOVIE EXPLAINED: Reading Between The Lines

Kerala Crime Files Season 1 Review

Kerala Crime Files Season 2 Review

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?”

Kerala Crime Files Ending & Doubts Explained : Click here

Writing That Respects Its Characters

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.

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 2 is 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.

Kerala Crime Files : Season 1 Review

More Reviews and Film Analysis Here

OTT Releases This Week: April 05, 2025

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.

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

Shivamma Yarehanchinala – Official Trailer

Plot & Review Shivamma Yarehanchinnala (2025)

Shivamma, a spirited village woman, invests in a risky marketing scheme to escape poverty, leading to humorous yet heartfelt situations.

✅ Sharanamma Chetti is superb with her authentic and lovable performance.

❌ Story remains simple and character-driven, avoiding unnecessary complexities.

✅ Humorous dialogues and Shivamma’s charming confidence bring consistent laughs.

✅ Realistic portrayal of village life and the innocent dreams of ordinary people.

My Opinion: Definitely watch Shivamma Yarehanchinnala. Its warmth, humour, and strong lead performance make it an enjoyable, feel-good experience.

For more updates on movies and theatrical releases, click here.

What To Watch on OTT: March 21, 2025

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.

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

📺 Streaming on: Netflix
🎬 Director: Ashwath Marimuthu
⭐ Cast: Pradeep Ranganathan, Mysskin, Anupama, Kayadu Lohar

Dragon 2025 trailer

Plot & Review Highlights

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.

For more updates on movies and theatrical releases, click here.

What To Watch on OTT: March 14, 2025

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.

Ponman (2025): A Gritty Drama That Goes Beyond the Gold

📺 Streaming on: JioStar
🎬 Director: Jyothish Shankar
⭐ Cast: Basil Joseph, Lijomol Jose, Sajin Gopu, Anand Manmadhan

Ponman Trailer

Plot & Highlights

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

📺 Streaming on: Tentkotta
🎬 Director: Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan
⭐ Cast: Lijomol Jose, Anusha Prabhu, Rohini, Vineeth, Deepa, Kalesh Ramanand

Trailer

Plot & Highlights

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

📺 Streaming on: Netflix
🎬 Director: Kangana Ranaut
⭐ Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Satish Kaushik, Mahima Chaudhary

Plot & Highlights

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

📺 Streaming on: Zee5
🎬 Director: Anil Sharma
⭐ Cast: Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Khushboo, Simratt Kaur, Ashwini Kalsekar, Rajesh Sharma

Vanvaas Trailer

Plot & Highlights

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.

For more updates on movies and theatrical releases, click here.