Tag Archives: Movie Reviews

Explore our collection of movie reviews, featuring detailed critiques and opinions on the latest releases from the magical world of cinema. Stay up-to-date with our sharings and recommendations.

What To Watch on OTT: March 07, 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 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 Trailer 

Plot & Highlights

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

Baapu (2025) trailer

📺 Streaming on: JioHotstar
🎬 Director: Dayakar Reddy
⭐ Cast: Brahmaji, Aamani, Srinivas Avasarala, Sudhakar Reddy, Dhanya Balakrishna

Plot & Highlights

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.

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

What To Watch on OTT: February 28, 2025

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

Platform: Netflix
Director: Hitesh Bhatia
Cast: Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Nimisha Sajayan, Shalini Pandey, Bhupendra Jadawat, Anjali Anand, Gajraj Rao, Lillete Dubey, Sai Tamhankar

Plot & Highlights: Dabba Cartel (2025)

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

Platform: Netflix
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Regina Cassandra, Arav, Arjun, Anikha

Plot & Highlights: Vidaamuyarchi (2025)

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

Platform: JioHotstar
Director: Vishnu Raghav
Cast: Neeraj Madhav, Gouri Kishan, Aju Varghese, Anand Manmadhan

Plot & Highlights: Love Under Construction (2025)

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

Platform: Zee5
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Cast: Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh, Meenaakshi Chaudhary, VK Naresh, Upendra Limaye, Saikumar

Plot & Highlights: Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025)

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!

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

Officer On Duty (2025)-First Half Hooks, Second Half Cooks

Directed by Jithu Ashraf, Officer On Duty is built on writer Shahi Kabir’s signature investigative thriller framework. If you’ve seen Joseph or Ela Veezha Poonchira, you know what to expect—meticulously crafted police procedural scenes, morally grey officers, and layered storytelling. That was my only reason for watching Officer On Duty, hoping for another gripping police procedural. But this time, there’s a shift. 

OFFICER on Duty Title Card

No Nonsense, Straight to the Case

As expected, there’s no unnecessary drama. Within five minutes, the film is on track. It kicks off with a chilling prologue before shifting to the introduction of CI Harishankar (Kunchacko Boban). I have to appreciate Kunchacko for approving an intro scene where his character harasses a pregnant woman—not something most stars would dare to do. Mollywood continues to stand apart in its willingness to portray morally grey characters, even with leading actors.

The story follows DYSP Harishankar, who is demoted to CI after physically assaulting his senior officer. He’s battling psychological trauma, and on his first day as CI, he gets assigned a counterfeit gold case. But this small case unexpectedly leads him to something much bigger—something connected to his own past. The way Shahi Kabir sets up these connections using the plant and payoff technique is brilliant.

First Half – Packed with Suspense & Character Depth

A major strength of the first half is how it establishes Harishankar’s character. We get to see his shades—his flaws, his aggression, and his vulnerabilities. Sure, there are a few unnecessary moments like Muthumani’s ‘chocolate hero’ commentary or Priyamani’s repetitive domestic scenes, but overall, the first half keeps us engaged, slowly building curiosity for what’s next. Foreshadowing in the writing plays a big role in keeping us hooked.

Second Half – Too Much Drama, Too Many Compromises

Shahi Kabir has a pattern. His second halves usually shift into family drama or emotional conflicts (Joseph, Ela Veezha Poonchira). So, I was expecting that. But in Officer On Duty, the shift felt too drastic. There’s a lot of cinematic drama, and while that might help at the box office, it also dilutes the soul of the film.

The biggest issue? Character inconsistency. Harishankar in the first half and Harishankar in the second half feel like two different people. It’s as if the film forgets its grounded realism and switches into a supercop action thriller. Thankfully, Kunchacko Boban’s performance smooths over some of the rough edges. He carries the weight of the transformation with conviction, but it’s still hard to ignore how much the tone changes.

Repetitive Writing – Fridging and the Same Old Cop Tropes

I have to ask—why are writers so obsessed with ‘fridging’ female characters in investigative thrillers? The idea that a woman must suffer to motivate the hero is overused and outdated. And why is every troubled police officer a failed family man dealing with a divorce? We’ve seen this formula so many times—an emotionally broken cop, a family crisis, and in the end, a personal stake in the case. It’s predictable if you watch thrillers often.

Officer On Duty Trailer

What Worked – Technical Brilliance & Performances

If Kunchacko Boban is the emotional anchor of the film, Jakes Bejoy is the soul. His background score elevates the tension and keeps the narrative gripping. In fact, it was Bejoy and Kunchacko who made this film worth watching for me, not the screenplay.

Kunchacko, as Harishankar, is completely convincing. His haunted eyes, his rough exterior, and the visible trauma in his body language make the character believable. He put in the effort, and it shows.

Kunchako Boban CI Harishankar

Technically, the film shines. Roby Varghese Raj’s cinematography and Chaman Chacko’s editing set the perfect dark, intense tone. The action sequences are well-executed, especially considering the film’s production scale. The mortuary fight and climax sequences were particularly well-shot, making the brutality feel raw but not excessive.

Final Opinion – From ‘What’s Next?’ to ‘Here We Go Again’

Officer On Duty starts off as an exciting investigative thriller, making us wonder, “What’s next?” But by the end, it turns into a supercop action film, filled with predictable twists, overused tropes, and cinematic hero moments for the whistles and cheers.

Does it deserve to be a super-hit? Yes.
Does it work as a solid thriller? Not for me.
I had high expectations from Shahi Kabir, but this time, it felt like he chose commercial appeal over storytelling depth.

Watch it for Kunchacko Boban and Jakes Bejoy. Just lower your expectations if you’re looking for a realistic thriller.

Bromance Movie review

Bromance (2025) – A Comedy That Almost Works

Directed by Arun D Jose, Bromance follows his familiar formula of making youth-centric films, as seen in Jo & Jo and 18+. Here there is a slight shift.

How do you make a comedy film? There are many ways, but in Malayalam cinema, the popular ones are Priyadarshan-style slapstick, dark humour, everyday observational comedy like Premalu, or deadpan delivery, where the humour comes from an actor’s serious and emotionless reactions—like Biju Menon’s humour characters.

Bromance Movie Title Card

Written by Thomas P. Sebastian and Raveesh Nath, Bromance (2025) tries to blend all these styles here and there. But does it work? Only in the second half.

A Cliché Bromance Setup with a Predictable Plot

The movie begins with a cliche Setup. The elder brother, Shinto, is the responsible one, while the younger brother, Binto, is the reckless slacker. As expected, Shinto takes care of Binto, even funding his rave parties.

Then comes The Inciting Incident—Shinto goes missing. This leads to the introduction of characters from Shinto’s world: his ex-girlfriend (Mahima Nambiar), his best friend (Arjun Ashokan), a rowdy (Kalabhavan Shajon), and an ethical hacker (Sangeeth Prathap).

The rest of the movie is about how this mismatched gang tries to solve the case.

Weak Emotional Depth and Character Motivations

The writers attempt to create comedy through contrast—placing Arjun Ashokan’s calm, timid character alongside Mathew’s hot-headed young man. But it doesn’t work.

Over-the-top humour isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s tough to pull off. When we see Manavalan or Dasamoolam Dhamu, we don’t think about logic—we just enjoy the humour because their caricatured personalities are established from the beginning. Here, when Mathew and Sangeeth Prathap go over the top, it feels annoying, clichéd, or like forced cringe comedy.

Another issue is the forced emotional beats. The bond between the brothers isn’t developed organically. Some scenes, like a social media bullying victim taking revenge and saying, “I will share this video with my daughter,” felt completely out of place.

The way the team comes together for the mission also feels unconvincing—why are they all risking it? The writing could have been sharper, with better confrontations to make this an exciting screwball comedy thriller. Instead, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity. Some side characters also feel force-fitted into the story.

Does that mean the film isn’t entertaining? A big No!!!

Second Half Brings the Laughs

Despite all the friction in the first half, the second half is decent. There are genuinely funny moments, especially with Arjun Ashokan, Mahima Nambiar, and Kalabhavan Shajon. They bring energy, presence, and great comic timing.

Since the climax and story are predictable, what surprised me was Arjun Ashokan’s over-the-top performance in the second half.

After Romancham, he proves once again that he can handle humour as well as serious roles—he is a perfect actor to create comedic incongruity. I hope more directors explore this side of him. Similarly, Kalabhavan Shajon’s one-liners and Mahima’s screen presence made the second half more enjoyable.

Bromance Movie Poster

Cinematography & Music: Stylish And Matches the Vibe

Cinematographer Akhil George does a decent job in maintaining the vibrant, youthful visual style, it helped us matching the vibe. The night scenes and party sequences are well-shot, adding a stylish touch, and elevated the film beyond its script’s limitations.

Music by Govind Vasantha follows a familiar template—while it complements the film’s mood, there are no memorable tracks that stand out. The background score does help in setting the comedic tone, but it lacks freshness.

Bromance had the potential to be a great comedy thriller but ends up being just an okay entertainer.

The humour is hit-or-miss, the writing could have been tighter, and some characters feel unnecessary. However, if you can sit through the uneven first half, the second half has enough fun moments to make it worth a watch.

For more reviews and OTT updates, check here.

In the Mood for Love: A Story I Keep Living, Even After It Ended

In the Mood for Love isn’t just a film—it’s a pain. We all have some memories that come and go, but never truly die. This film is a similar memory for me. But what makes In the Mood for Love so powerful? Why does it haunt us, even years after watching it?

This is my favourite movie ever, but I’ve never written a single line about it on any platform. Do you know why?

Because I can’t finish it.

Every time I try, it feels incomplete—like there’s always more to say.

In The Mood For Love DVD Pack

I first got this movie from a friend on DVD when I was a teenager. I watched a few scenes, got bored, struggled to read the subtitles while keeping up with the visuals, and then—I did what every impatient teenager would do—I fast-forwarded through it, searching for any love making scenes. Couldn’t find a single one. Not even a lip-lock scene. I felt completely disappointed and never looked back.

I Didn’t Move On, I Moved In

Then came my first breakup.

I was 21, scrolling for movies to watch, and somehow, this one came back to me. This time, I was older. More patient. No longer obsessed with love making scenes. Started falling in love with stories—where films don’t just tell stories, they flow like an autumn stream.

In The Mood For Love Trailer

Things changed—like a slow poison. I kept consuming it. Every time I felt low, I watched In the Mood for Love. I cried. Slept. I woke up. And then I watched it again. Movies like In the Mood for Love, 3-Iron, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring taught me something—how to escape reality and live inside a fantasy. Because that’s what the heroes in these films do. They build their own world. Find happiness there. They live inside it.

I fell in love again.

But this time, when she stepped back, I didn’t fall. Instead, I found myself slipping deeper into the world of In the Mood for Love. Every year, I went back to her city. I imagined she was still there, waiting for me at the airport. Stayed in the same hotels. I sat at the same temples we once prayed in together. Travelled again and again, not for closure, not for her—but for the world I had built inside my mind.

And now, after all these years, I think it’s finally time to write about this movie.

But a warning—don’t jump into this movie straight away. If you haven’t seen The Lunchbox or Photograph, don’t even think about starting In the Mood for Love yet. It’s injurious to health if you’re not ready.

A Shot from The Lunchbox

So this Valentine’s Day, start small. Watch Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox or Photograph. Or if you’re up for something different, go for Wong Kar-Wai’s Chungking Express.

And when you’re ready—when your heart has learned how to ache beautifully—then step into the world of In the Mood for Love.

And let it ruin you.

🔶 I. The Story: A Love That Could Have Been

1.1 Two Strangers, One Betrayal: A Love Story That Never Was

They met because of someone else’s betrayal.

Hong Kong, 1962. A cramped apartment complex where walls are thin, and your privacy is protected by that thin wall. Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) live in adjacent rooms, separated by nothing but a corridor and the weight of silence.

Their partners are having an affair. A cruel coincidence.

But instead of confrontation, instead of screaming accusations or bitter revenge, Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan do something else—they try to understand.

They meet at a restaurant, recreate conversations their spouses might have had.

A shot from In The Mood For Love

They rehearse the affair like a scene from a play, they step into the shoes of their unfaithful partners, acting out heartbreak with careful, measured words.

I was genuinely shocked when I first watched it. What an approach. What’s the best way to empathize with someone? Step into their shoes.

It doesn’t just make you understand—it makes you calm. It doesn’t just soften the pain—it dissolves the grudge before it can consume you.

And maybe that’s the secret. Maybe that’s how we stop hurting. Not by fighting back, not by seeking closure—but by seeing through their eyes until we can finally let go.

And somewhere in the middle of all that pretending, they start to feel something real.

But they hold back. Because they don’t want to be like them—the ones who gave in too easily.

1.2 The Weight of Hold On: Why Don’t They Give In?

If you’ve ever wanted something so much it hurt, you’ll understand them.

Smoking Scenes: Wong Kar Wai

Every glance between them feels like a confession, every pause between words feels like a decision not made. The way he lights a cigarette. Or the way she brushes her hair. The way they pretend they don’t want what they already know is there.

The Staircase scene

They meet in staircases, in dimly lit rooms, in spaces too small to breathe, but too vast to cross.

They never cross the line, but it’s not virtue—it’s fear.

Fear of becoming like their spouses.
A Fear of gossip.
Fear of what happens if they let go—because once you start, there’s no going back.

Mr. Chow once tells Mrs. Chan that when he was single, he was free to do anything. Now, his marriage defines his choices. Mrs. Chan wonders if she would have been happier alone.

They know what love could look like—but they are trapped in the lives they’ve already built.

And so, they hold back.

Not because they don’t love each other,
but because they don’t know how to love without consequence.

1.3 A Love Story Told in Missed Chances

Theirs is not a story of passion—it’s a story of hesitation.

She runs to his hotel room to say something—maybe everything—but she’s too late. He’s gone.

She secretly visits his apartment in Singapore, calls him—but says nothing.

And in the end, he walks past her home, never knowing she’s there.

Love doesn’t die in In the Mood for Love. It just never arrives on time.

🔶 II. The Language of the Film: Wong Kar-Wai’s Visual Poetry

If In the Mood for Love was just a love story, it would have been told in words. But words are too easy. This is where I recommend this movie to every film enthusiasts in the world. Learn the language of cinema with “In The Mood For Love”

Wong Kar-Wai tells it in glances, silences, colors, and reflections. He doesn’t just let you watch—he traps you inside it, making you feel what the characters feel. The longing. The hesitation. The unbearable restraint. Honestly speaking it’s like holding back an orgasm, you really want to burst out, you wish for that till the end, but won’t!!

This is not just storytelling.
This is visual poetry.

2.1 Watching Without Acting: Framing a Love That Stays Unspoken

Have you ever looked at someone through a half-open door? Caught a reflection in a mirror?
That’s how we watch Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan—never directly, always from a distance.

Every shot is framed within a frame.

They are seen through doorways, through windows, in narrow corridors.
They are boxed in, not just by the camera—but by the world, by society, by their own fear.

And we, the audience, are left watching them the way they watch each other—wanting something to happen, knowing it never will.

Wong Kar-Wai doesn’t just show their restraint—he makes us feel it. This is what I love most, see how Nolan did in Memento, you will experience what Shelby is going through. Think about Denis Villeneuve’s Incendies, you will experience rather than watching and sympathising.

Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan are trapped. Not by walls, but by rules, by expectations, by a world that won’t let them choose differently.

Their love is not hide and seek kisses or passionate hugs—
it’s a slow suffocation, a love held in place by invisible hands.

2.2 Costume: Speaking Without Words

Mrs. Chan wears 46 different cheongsams throughout the film. Each one is a second skin, telling us what she cannot say.

Mr. Chow is always in his suit—pressed, polished, pristine.
Mrs. Chan wears cheongsams so flawless, they look like armour.

They never break character.

Society expects them to be dignified, so they are.
They live in a world where gossip can ruin lives, where respectability is everything.

So they dress like people who have it all together—when inside, they are coming apart thread by thread.

They only allow themselves to grieve in secret corners, dimly lit hallways, shared silences over dinner.

Not even once does their dress wrinkle. Not even once does her hair fall out of place.

Every cheongsam is pristine, every strand of hair perfectly pinned, every suit pressed as if it was just taken out of the dry cleaner’s.

Because that dress… that dress isn’t just clothing. It’s distance.

The tight collar, the stiff fabric, the way it clings but never embraces—
It’s a reminder that no matter how close they stand, they are always apart.

It mirrors them perfectly—close enough to feel each other’s warmth, never close enough to touch.

It’s about the way a dress can hold a woman together when her heart is trying to break.

They aren’t just pretending for society.

They are pretending for themselves.

Some days, she blends into the red wallpaper, lost in the background.
Other days, she stands out like a flame, her red dress burning against the world that refuses to acknowledge her heartbreak.

2.3 The Colours of Pain and Loneliness

Red. Green. Blue. The colours of passion, longing, and restraint.

Because when the heart is in chaos, the only thing left to control is appearance. Wong Kar-Wai painted that appearance with colours—red for passion, green for longing, blue for restraint.

Anyone who watches only the frames of this film will fall in love, be hypnotized by its beauty.

Colour palette : In the Mood For Love

But when you look deeper—when you stop admiring and start feeling the characters—you’ll realise that beneath the colours, beneath the elegance, there is only pain.

And once you see it, you can never unsee it.

Because the beauty of this film is unbearable pain masked with colours.

2.4 Slow Motion & Repetition: The Mechanics of Memory

Love doesn’t move fast in In the Mood for Love.
It lingers. Repeats again. It slows down.

Wong Kar-Wai uses repetition, just like memory does.

Have you ever noticed how painful memories never ask for permission? They arrive uninvited, poke at your heart when you least expect it, linger just long enough to make you cry, and then fade away—only to return again when you think you’ve moved on.

It’s a process. A loop.

One moment, you’re fine. The next, a song, a scent, a familiar street pulls you back into a past you thought you had left behind.

That’s exactly how In the Mood for Love unfolds—moments repeat, emotions replay, each time with a little more weight, a little more ache.

A slow-motion walk down the corridor.
A brush of the sleeve.
A glance that lasts a second too long.

The film doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel like you are remembering it.

Because that’s what love like this becomes. Not something lived, but something remembered.

🔶 III. The Cinematic Techniques That Make It Timeless

Memory isn’t linear.
Neither is this film.

Scenes fade in and out, shifting in time without warning, without explanation. One moment, they’re meeting in a quiet alley. The next, weeks—or maybe months—have passed, and everything has changed without us even realizing it.

There is no clear timeline. No obvious markers. Just moments, disconnected yet intertwined—exactly the way we remember things.

This isn’t an accident. Wong Kar-Wai never had a complete script.

But think about it—if our life were a movie, how would it look?

Probably boring. Slow. Uneventful.

In a year, most things wouldn’t change much. No grand confessions. Not any thrilling confrontations. No perfect happy endings wrapped up in a final act.

Because real life isn’t a tight screenplay with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s messy, unfinished, and full of pauses that last longer than they should.

And that’s exactly why In the Mood for Love feels so real—because it doesn’t play by the rules of cinema. It plays by the rules of life.

Reflections

He didn’t direct a movie. He let it emerge.

That’s why watching In the Mood for Love feels less like witnessing a story and more like remembering a feeling you once had.

3.1 The Absence of the Spouses: Shadows Without Faces

You never see their spouses’ faces.
Not once.

You hear them. Sense them. You feel their presence.
But they are never shown—because they don’t matter.

What matters is how Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan feel about them.

Their betrayal is a ghost, haunting every conversation, every hesitation, every missed opportunity.
But like all ghosts, it is intangible—a presence that shapes everything without ever being seen.

By keeping them faceless, Wong Kar-Wai ensures that the film isn’t about them.

It’s about the ones left behind.

3.2 The Role of Music: Love as an Echo

Some directors use music to support a film.
Wong Kar-Wai makes music the film itself.

Yumeji’s Theme plays again and again—a melody that drifts in, pulling you back into the same emotions, the same longing, the same sadness.

In the Mood For love: Original Sound Track

It doesn’t just set the mood.
It is the mood.

Like memory, it repeats, loops, reappears, each time carrying more weight, more unspoken pain.

Before you even understand what’s happening, you feel it.
That’s the power of Wong Kar-Wai’s music—it speaks before words do.

🔶 IV. The Ending: A Secret Buried in Stone

Love, when unspoken, doesn’t vanish. It doesn’t fade, it doesn’t die—it just finds new places to live.

That settles into the quiet spaces between your thoughts.
It becomes the lump in your throat when you hear a lyrics like I Love you 3000
And hides in the places you avoid, the streets you no longer walk, the cafe you can’t bring yourself to enter.

That’s why In the Mood for Love doesn’t end with a hug, or a goodbye, or even a glance exchanged across a crowded street.

It ends with a whisper.

A love so restrained, so contained, that it is never spoken aloud—not to the person it was meant for, not even to the wind pass by.

Instead, it is sealed inside an ancient ruin, lost to time.

4.1 The Angkor Wat Scene: Ending Explained

In the end, Mr. Chow travels to Cambodia, alone. He stands before the crumbling walls of Angkor Wat, an ancient temple where time has slowed, where the past still lingers like a faded memory.

Angkor Wat Temple & Red Lillies

Then he steps forward. He leans into a hollow in the stone.
And he whispers.

A secret.
A confession.
A love that will never be answered.

This isn’t just about letting go. It’s about preserving.

When you truly love someone, you preserve every memory—every moment, every touch, every object—like food sealed in a tin can, with no expiry date.

In an old legend, it’s said that people would whisper their deepest secrets into a tree, then seal it with mud—so that no one would ever hear, but the secret would always exist.

Mr. Chow does the same.

Climax: In The Mood For Love

He doesn’t write a letter. Or doesn’t send a message. He doesn’t seek closure.

Instead, he buries his love where no one will ever find it—not even himself.

Because some things are too sacred to be spoken aloud.

And as we watch him walk away, we know—
He will carry it with him, always.

But he will never speak of it again.

🔶 V. In the Mood for Love: A Legacy

I keep travelling.

We all have places we return to—not because we expect to find someone waiting, but because they once held something we can’t let go of.

Every year, I find myself in another Southeast Asian city, in another ancient temple, standing before another Buddha, whispering secrets into the silence. Maybe it’s a habit. Maybe it’s my own version of what Mr. Chow did.

Wat Pa Dong Rai

Every time my flight lands, my heart races. Maybe—just maybe—this time, I’ll see her again. Maybe she’ll be there, in that same cafe, where the sign on the wall reads:

From a restaurant at Nong Khai: {Once in a Lifetime You Be My Guest}

Like Mr. Chow whispering his love into an ancient ruin, we all have stories we keep alive—not in reality, but in memory. Not in words, but in the places we return to, hoping to feel what once was.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung and Wong Kar-Wai

And so, I keep going back. I keep whispering into the void. I keep letting the past exist somewhere between memory and dream.

Because some love stories aren’t meant to be lived.

They’re meant to be remembered.

Get more movie updates and reviews via my instagram channel: I_Filmiholic

Read more untold stories and unwated write-ups here.

What To Watch on OTT: February 07, 2025

What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find any great options for you this week, since all releases are mediocre; if you have time, try The Mehta Boys or Mrs. Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.

Mrs. (2024): A Powerful Tale of Silent Struggles

Platform: ZEE5
Director: Arati Kadav
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit Singh

Mrs. Trailer

Plot & Review: Mrs. (2024)

Richa (Sanya Malhotra), a vibrant young woman, enters an arranged marriage expecting love and companionship. But she soon finds herself trapped in a suffocating routine of a toxic patriarchal system and emotional neglect.

❤️ Sanya Malhotra’s stellar performance—she carries the film with quiet strength.
❤️ Brilliant use of food as a metaphor, showing Richa’s gradual emotional exhaustion.

❌ Some moments feel too on-the-nose, reducing the impact of subtler themes.
❌ The male characters, though well-acted, remain one-dimensional in their toxicity.

My Opinion: Mrs. is a hard-hitting, must watch film that holds a mirror to the silent struggles of countless women. While it may not add much new to The Great Indian Kitchen’s narrative, Sanya Malhotra’s performance and the film’s emotional weight make it worth watching. A must-watch if you appreciate films that challenge societal norms.

Game Changer (2024): A Political Thriller With Instant Highs, But No Lasting Impact

Platform: Amazon Prime
Director: S. Shankar
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Anjali

Game Changer Trailer

Plot & Review: Game Changer (2024)

Ram Nandan (Ram Charan), a principled IAS officer, takes on a ruthless politician, Bobbili Mopidevi (SJ Suryah), in a battle for power and governance. The film blends past and present political drama, tackling themes of corruption and electoral reforms, but prioritises style over substance.

❤️ Ram Charan’s powerful double role, especially his emotional portrayal of Appanna.
❤️ SJ Suryah’s scene-stealing performance adds energy to the film.

❌ The story feels rushed and choppy, lacking emotional depth.
❌ Supporting characters, including Kiara Advani, are underutilised.
❌ The climax drags with an over-the-top action sequence, diminishing its impact.

My Opinion: Game Changer delivers instant gratification with stylish action and a weak political drama but lacks the depth and emotional connection. Watch it for the style, but don’t expect a game-changing experience.

Daaku Maharaaj (2024): A Stylish Action Drama With a Weak Core

Platform: Netflix (Feb 9)
Director: Bobby Kolli
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shraddha Srinath, Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal

Trailer

Plot & Review: Daaku Maharaaj (2024)

When a young girl in a hill station is threatened by local gangsters, a mysterious dacoit, Maharaaj (Balakrishna), steps in under the guise of a driver. As his violent past reveals, the film attempts to mix action, hero worship, and social drama, but struggles to keep the narrative engaging.

❤️ Stylish cinematography and action sequences keep the film visually engaging.

❌ A weak villain (Bobby Deol) fails to create tension.
❌ Unnecessary subplots and underdeveloped characters dilute the impact.
❌ Forced comedy and romance feel outdated and disrupt the pacing.

My Opinion: Daaku Maharaaj delivers slick action and striking visuals, but lacks a solid emotional and narrative core. While Balakrishna and Shraddha Srinath elevate the film, the underwhelming antagonist and stretched screenplay hold it back. Watch it for high-octane action, but expect a headache if you are not used to Balayya tortures.

Madraskaaran (2024): A Predictable Action Drama That Wastes Its Potential

Platform: Aha
Director: Vaali Mohan Das
Cast: Shane Nigam, Kalaiyarasan, Niharika Konidela, Aishwarya Dutta

Plot & Review: Madraskaaran (2024)

Sathya (Shane Nigam), a Chennai native, returns to his hometown for his wedding, but a reckless car accident turns his life upside down. A fender-bender with Durai Singam (Kalaiyarasan) escalates into an ego-fueled clash, leading to tragic consequences that force Sathya to uncover the truth behind the accident.

❤️ Kalaiyarasan delivers a strong performance, though the script lets him down.
❤️ Some intense moments in the second half provide mild engagement.

❌ Weak writing choices make key moments predictable and unconvincing.
❌ Female characters are sidelined, despite being crucial to the plot.
❌ The film rushes into unnecessary twists, diluting the emotional impact.
❌ Songs and stretched-out flashbacks disrupt the pacing.

My Opinion: Madraskaaran starts with a promising setup but quickly turns into a formulaic action drama with forced twists and underwhelming execution. Shane Nigam and Kalaiyarasan do their best, but the predictable writing and lack of emotional depth make this a forgettable watch. Skip it unless you’re a fan of ego-driven action thrillers.

The Mehta Boys: A Heartfelt Father-Son Drama with Global Appeal

Platform: Prime Video
Director: Boman Irani
Cast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry

The Mehta Boys Trailer

Plot & Expectations

The Mehta Boys follows Amay (Avinash Tiwary), a young architect grappling with the loss of his mother while trying to balance his career and relationship with his girlfriend, Zara (Shreya Chaudhry). His already complicated life takes an unexpected turn when his father, Mehta (Boman Irani), is forced to stay with him for an extended period. 

❤️ Boman Irani’s Directorial Debut – The veteran actor steps behind the camera for the first time, bringing years of storytelling experience to craft an intimate, emotional, and universally relatable narrative.
❤️ An International Screenplay Touch – Co-written by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman)

Final Thoughts: The Mehta Boys promises to be an emotionally rewarding and explore relationships with a mix of humour, heart, and realism.

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

What To Watch on OTT: January 31, 2025

What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find any great options for you this week, since all releases are mediocre; if you have time, try Identity or The Secret of the Shiledars. Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.

OTT Releases : Jan 31, 2025

Identity (Malayalam): A Twisted Thriller That Overcomplicates

Platform: ZEE5
Directors: Akhil Paul & Anas Khan
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Trisha Krishnan, Vinay Rai

Plot & Review: Identity (2024)

Alisha (Trisha Krishnan), a key witness to a crime, is placed under police protection. Sketch artist Haran (Tovino Thomas) tries to help her identify the killer, but her memory condition complicates things. The first half sets up an engaging thriller, but the second half spirals into chaos—multiple villains, forced twists, and moments where logic completely disappears.

Identity Trailer

❤️ What Works:
✔High production value, well-shot action sequences.
✔Tovino Thomas brings intensity, though his character is built just to highlight his skills.

❌ What Doesn’t:
✖The second half feels overstuffed with unnecessary subplots.
✖Trisha’s character is barely developed beyond her memory condition.
✖Some scenes defy logic—people survive fatal injuries, planes magically land.

My Opinion: While Identity starts as an intriguing thriller, it loses itself in an overcomplicated mess of twists. The film sacrifices clarity for shock value, making the second half feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Watch if you love stylish thriller, skip if you have other choices.

Pushpa 2: The Rule – A King Without a Kingdom

Platform: Netflix
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil

Plot & Review: Pushpa 2 (2024)

Does the sequel justify the hype? I would say no.

The first half revisits familiar themes—Pushpa outwitting the cops, proving his dominance, and flexing his brand. The only standout is the ‘Gangamma Jatara’ sequence, where Allu Arjun, draped in a sari, exudes both ferocity and grace. But beyond these moments, the film stretches itself thin, focusing more on ego battles than storytelling.

❤️ What Works:
✔Allu Arjun’s larger-than-life presence, especially in the Jatara scene.
✔ Stunning visuals and music.

❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ A predictable plot—too many recycled elements from part one.
✖ Shekhawat lacks menace; he’s more ego-driven than strategic.

My Opinion: The highs are high, but the narrative feels stretched, lacking the punch that made the first one special. Watch for the grandeur, but don’t expect anything fresh.

Emakku Thozhil Romance: A Rom-Com Without the Romance or Comedy

Platform: Sun NXT
Director: Balaji Kesavan
Cast: Ashok Selvan, Avantika Mishra, Urvashi, Bagavathi Perumal

makku Thozhil Romance Trailer

Plot & Review: Emakku Thozhil Romance (2024)

Uma (Ashok Selvan) is an aspiring filmmaker who dreams of winning an Oscar but spends most of the film entangled in relationship misunderstandings with Leo (Avantika Mishra).

❤️ What Works:
✔ Urvashi brings life to an otherwise forgettable film.
✔ A few slapstick comedy moments land well.
✔ Short runtime (100 minutes) prevents complete exhaustion ;-).

❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ The romance feels hollow, with no real depth in writing.
✖ The conflicts are forced and repetitive.

My Opinion: While Emakku Thozhil Romance tries to be a lighthearted rom-com, it lacks both charm and originality. Watch if you enjoy mindless entertainment, but don’t expect much else.

The Secret of the Shiledars: A Historical Treasure Hunt With a Modern Twist

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Sai Tamhankar, Gaurav Amlani, Ashish Vidyarthi

The Secret of the Shiledars Trailer

Plot & Review: The Secret of the Shiledars (2025)

Dr. Ravi Bhatt (Rajeev Khandelwal) discovers he is part of the legendary Shiledars, a secret group protecting Chhatrapati Shivaji’s lost treasure. Along with Aditya (Gaurav Amlani) and Priya (Sai Tamhankar), he embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth, battling hidden enemies and solving age-old mysteries

❤️ What Works:
✔ Rich historical backdrop adds depth to the mystery.
✔ Rajeev Khandelwal delivers a solid performance.
✔ Crisp runtime (35 min episodes) keeps it engaging.

❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ The supporting cast lacks strong character development.
✖ A few predictable plot points take away the thrill.

My Opinion: While The Secret of the Shiledars is an entertaining mix of history and adventure, it doesn’t reinvent the treasure hunt genre. Watch if you love mystery thrillers with a historical touch, but don’t expect a mind-blowing revelation.

Dhoom Dhaam (Telugu): A Predictable Comedy That Struggles to Stand Out

Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Sai Kishore Macha
Cast: Chetan Krishna, Hebah Patel, Sai Kumar, Vennela Kishore, Prithviraj, Goparaju Ramana

Dhoom Dhaam Trailer

Plot & Review: Dhoom Dhaam (2024)

Karthik (Chetan Krishna) falls in love with Suhan (Hebah Patel) and plans to marry her with their parents’ blessings. However, things take a turn when he realizes her father, Mahendra Bhupati (Vinay Varma), has a mysterious past connection with his family. What follows is a mix of comedy, misunderstandings, and family drama.

❤️ What Works:
✔ Vennela Kishore’s humor saves the second half.
✔ Decent music and vibrant visuals.

❌ What Doesn’t:
✖ Predictable storyline with no surprises.
✖ The first half lacks energy and feels stretched.
✖ Chetan Krishna’s performance is serviceable but lacks depth.

My Opinion: While Dhoom Dhaam has a few entertaining moments, it mostly feels like an old story with a new cast. Watch if you’re in the mood for a time-pass entertainer, but don’t expect anything fresh.

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

What To Watch on OTT: January 24, 2025

What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, unfortunately, I couldn’t find any great options for you this week, since all releases are mediocre except Night Agent season 2. Why I pick that; scroll down to read more.

OTT Releases Jan 24, 2005

Srikakulam Sherlock Holmes: A Detective Without Direction

Platform: ETV Win
Director: Mohan
Cast: Vennela Kishore, Ananya Nagalla, Prabhakar, Anish Kuruvilla

Plot & Review: Srikakulam Sherlock Holmes (2024)

Balu (Vennela Kishore), a telephone booth operator, finds himself entangled in a mysterious case alongside Brahma (Ananya Nagalla), a police officer, and a group of fishermen. As a private detective, Balu must solve the case within seven days, but the deeper he digs, the more tangled the truth becomes.

❤️ Ananya Nagalla at her best, making the most of her well-written role.
❤️ Some Srikakulam-accented humour works in parts, bringing a lighthearted touch.
❌ Forced twists undermine character consistency, making the story feel insincere.
❌ The film struggles between paying homage to Chiru’s Chantabbai and becoming a shallow imitation.

Opinion: Despite Vennela Kishore’s comedic strengths, Srikakulam Sherlock Holmes fails to balance humour with mystery. Instead of an engaging detective thriller, the film relies on predictable reveals and uninspired writing. 

Hisaab Barabar: A Math Whiz in a Messy Thriller

Platform: ZEE5
Director: Ashwani Dhir
Cast: R Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, Manu Rishi

Trailer: Hisaab Barabar

Plot & Review: Hisaab Barabar (2024)

Radhe Mohan Sharma (R Madhavan), a ticket collector with a sharp mind for numbers, finds himself entangled in the shady dealings of a corrupt banker, Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). As he navigates a financial scam, a police officer (Kirti Kulhari) with a past connection to him complicates matters further.

❤️ Madhavan brings his affable charm, making even dull scenes watchable.
❤️ The film had the potential to be a sharp social satire on corruption.
❌ Neil Nitin Mukesh’s over-the-top villain weakens the narrative.
❌ Forced humour and underdeveloped subplots drag down the storytelling.

Opinion: Hisaab Barabar starts with an interesting premise but quickly loses its footing due to cartoonish villains and clunky execution. Madhavan’s performance is a saving grace, but the film fails to balance its social message with engaging storytelling. A forgettable thriller with wasted potential.

The Smile Man: A Cop, A Killer, A Missed Opportunity

Platform: Aha
Director: Syam-Praveen
Cast: Sarathkumar, Kalaiyarasan, Suresh Menon, Sija Rose, Sreekumar

Plot & Review: The Smile Man (2024)

Chidambaram Nedumaran (Sarathkumar), a retired cop battling Alzheimer’s, is pulled back into a serial killer case. The elusive “Smile Man” leaves behind gruesome victims with eerie carved smiles, and Chidambaram must race against his fading memory to catch him.

❤️ Sarathkumar delivers a committed performance despite the film’s flaws.
❤️ The premise has potential, mixing crime with a psychological edge.
❌ Overuse of flashbacks and sluggish pacing drain the suspense.
❌ The killer’s weak backstory and plot loopholes dull the impact.

Opinion: Despite a gripping setup, The Smile Man turns into a sluggish thriller that never fully utilises its strengths. Sarathkumar shines, but the film’s predictable writing and uninspired execution leave it struggling to stand out. A thriller that needed sharper teeth like Por Thozhil.

Thiru.Manickam: A Moral Tale That Feels Too Preachy

Platform: ZEE5
Director: Nandha Periyasamy
Cast: Samuthirakani, Ananya, Bharathiraja, Nassar, Thambi Ramaiah

Plot & Review: Thiru.Manickam (2024)

Manickam (Samuthirakani), a humble lottery ticket seller in Kumily, discovers that an old man (Bharathiraja) has won a ₹1.5 crore jackpot. Despite his own financial struggles, Manickam embarks on a mission to hand over the prize to its rightful owner. However, his journey is filled with resistance—from his family’s desperation to corrupt police officers trying to seize the money.

❤️ Samuthirakani fits the role perfectly, delivering his signature earnest performance.
❤️ The film attempts to highlight righteousness and social values.
❌ Overt messaging makes the film feel more like a moral lecture than a gripping drama.
❌ Convenient plot points and exaggerated scenarios dilute the impact.

Opinion: While Thiru.Manickam starts with a promising premise, it quickly loses its charm due to heavy-handed storytelling and unrealistic conveniences. It aims to be an uplifting tale of honesty but ends up feeling contrived and repetitive. A film with good intentions but weak execution.

Barroz: A Grand Vision That Falls Short

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Director: Mohanlal
Cast: Mohanlal, Maya Rao West, Guru Somasundaram

Plot & Review: Barroz (2024)

Barroz (Mohanlal), a ghostly guardian, has spent 400 years protecting a hidden treasure, waiting for the rightful heir of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. As modern-day investors plan to turn the palace into a casino, Barroz’s duty is tested, leading to an adventure filled with magic, history, and redemption.

❤️ Mohanlal’s presence adds gravitas to the fantasy setting.
❤️ Some 3D sequences and visual effects are well-executed.
❌ The screenplay feels weak, with overdramatic dialogues that dilute the impact.
❌ The storytelling lacks depth, making it less engaging for children and adults alike.

Opinion: As Mohanlal’s ambitious directorial debut, Barroz had the potential to be a landmark fantasy film. However, its sluggish pacing, inconsistent writing, and uneven VFX make it a missed opportunity rather than a magical adventure. While visually appealing in parts, it struggles to deliver an emotionally compelling experience.

Razakar: History or Hysteria?

Platform: Aha
Director: Yata Satyanarayana
Cast: Raj Arjun, Indraja, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Makarand Deshpande

Razakar Trailer

Plot & Review: Razakar (2024)

Set during the turbulent integration of Hyderabad into India, Razakar attempts to depict the atrocities committed by the Nizam’s private militia. The film follows a brutal, one-sided narrative, showing Hindu villages under attack and portraying the Razakars as bloodthirsty villains. Packed with gory visuals, exaggerated violence, and politically charged storytelling, it prioritises shock value over nuance.

❤️ Strong production values, especially in cinematography and costume design.
❤️ Powerful background score enhances the intensity of key scenes.
❌ Overly simplistic and one-dimensional portrayal of history.
❌ Excessive, graphic violence desensitises rather than engages the audience.

Opinion: Razakar tries to be a historical exposé but ends up as a loud, sensationalised retelling that prioritises fear-mongering over balanced storytelling. Instead of offering an insightful take on Hyderabad’s past, it leans on exaggerated violence and selective narratives, making it a film that serves a political agenda more than historical accuracy.

The Night Agent 2: Action-Packed But Missing the Spark

Platform: Netflix
Director: Shawn Ryan
Cast: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Arienne Mandi, Amanda Warren, Brittany Snow, Keon Alexander

Plot & Review: The Night Agent (Season 2)

Ten months after saving the President, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is now a full-fledged agent of the top-secret Night Action program. Sent on an intel mission to Thailand, his assignment goes sideways, forcing him to return to New York, where he suspects a mole is working against the agency. Meanwhile, a young Iranian diplomat, Noor (Arienne Mandi), wants to defect but is caught in a dangerous web of espionage and betrayal.

Night Agent season 2 Trailer

❤️ The high-stakes espionage keeps the tension alive.
❤️ Noor’s subplot adds depth, exposing political hypocrisies.
❌ Lacks the gripping romance of Season 1—Peter and Rose feel sidelined.
❌ Over-reliance on action dilutes the character-driven storytelling.

Opinion: While The Night Agent 2 retains the fast-paced action and high-stakes conspiracies, it struggles to recreate the magic of its debut season yet is watchable. The espionage elements remain thrilling, but the emotional core—especially Peter and Rose’s chemistry—feels neglected. With Season 3 already confirmed, here’s hoping the show balances its action with deeper character moments.

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What To Watch on OTT: January 17, 2025

What are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, here are 3 options that I think are worth checking out. I am Kathalan, Paatal Lok 2 and Pani are my suggestions. Why I pick those; scroll down to read more.

OTT Releases this week: Jan 17

Rifle Club: Style and Action, But Lacks Traction

Platform: Netflix
Director: Aashiq Abu
Cast: Darshana Rajendran, Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vani Vishwanath, Hanumankind

Rifle Club Trailer

Plot & Review: Rifle Club (2024)

Set in a remote rifle club deep in the Western Ghats, the film follows superstar Shahjahan (Vineeth Kumar), who arrives hoping to train for a hunting-themed film. However, a massy killing spree follows when a powerful arms dealer, Dayanand (Anurag Kashyap), and his gang invade the club, leading to a violent showdown.

❤️ Stunning cinematography and rich visuals make it a visual treat
❤️ Well-executed action sequences, including a sharpshooter on a bike, add excitement
❌ Weak writing, especially in the climax, leaves the film feeling shallow
❌ Some talented actors feel underutilised in an overcrowded cast

My Opinion: Rifle Club delivers on action and style but lacks depth in storytelling. With sharper writing (more prfoane and anarchy as the script demands), it could have been a knockout thriller.

Alangu: A Simple Yet Engaging Survival Thriller

Platform: Prime Video
Director: SP Sakthivel
Cast: Gunanidhi, Kaali Venkat, Appani Sarath, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sreerekha

Alangu Trailer

Plot & Review: Alangu (2024)

Dharman (Gunanidhi), a socially outcast labourer, finds solace in a stray dog he rescues. When he travels to a village on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border for work, he crosses paths with Augustine (Chemban Vinod Jose), a ruthless man who orders a brutal culling of village dogs. This act triggers a tense battle for survival, testing Dharman’s resilience.

❤️ Gunanidhi delivers a restrained yet powerful performance, carrying the film with ease.
❤️ Strong emotional core with the man-dog bond adding depth to the narrative.
❌ Underdeveloped villains make the conflict feel one-dimensional.
❌ Some predictable moments and an extended runtime slow down the pacing.

My Opinion: Alangu keeps you invested with its emotional moments and raw survival elements. While it doesn’t break new ground, its engaging execution and heartfelt performances make it worth a watch.

Anand Sreebala: A Familiar Yet Engaging Mystery Thriller

Platform: ManoramaMAX
Director: Vishnu Vinay
Cast: Arjun Ashokan, Sangita, Aparna Das, Siddique, Saiju Kurup

Anand Sreebala trailer

Plot & Review: Anand Sreebala (2024)

When Merin Joy, a young law student, is found dead in the backwaters of Kochi, the police quickly rule it as suicide. However, her grieving parents suspect foul play. Journalist Sreebala (Aparna Das) takes up the case for a crime show, and her boyfriend Anand (Arjun Ashokan), an aspiring police officer, joins the investigation. As Anand digs deeper, his past trauma and his late mother’s influence shape his quest for justice.

❤️ Arjun Ashokan delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability and determination.
❤️ The procedural elements keep the mystery engaging despite predictable moments.
❌ Some leaps in logic and convenient deductions weaken the case buildup.
❌ Aparna Das’s character feels sidelined despite being central to the plot.

My Opinion: Anand Sreebala is a watchable thriller with a solid lead performance and a gripping mystery. However, it sticks too closely to old-school investigative tropes, leaving little room for fresh storytelling.

I Am Kathalan: A Relatable Techno-Thriller That Plays It Safe

Platform: ManoramaMAX
Director: Girish A.D
Cast: Naslen, Anishma Anilkumar, Dileesh Pothan, Lijomol Jose

I am Kathalan Trailer

Plot & Review: I Am Kathalan (2024)

Vishnu (Naslen), a directionless engineering graduate with a history of cyber mischief, spirals into hacking after his girlfriend Shilpa (Anishma Anilkumar) breaks up with him. His small-scale pranks escalate into a serious cybercrime that puts him in the crosshairs of an ethical hacker (Lijomol Jose).

❤️ Authentic depiction of hacking, avoiding over-the-top tech jargon.
❤️ Naslen’s minimalistic, introverted performance makes the character relatable.
❌ Lack of high-stakes moments makes the cat-and-mouse game feel underwhelming.
❌ A rushed moral resolution limits the film’s impact.

My Opinion: I Am Kathalan keeps things engaging with its realistic approach and well-timed humour but doesn’t go all in on its cyber-thriller potential. It plays it safe, offering a brisk yet predictable watch.

Pani: A Gritty, Blood-Soaked Revenge Drama

Platform: SonyLIV
Director: Joju George
Cast: Joju George, Sagar Surya, V.P. Junaiz, Prashanth Alexander, Chandini Sreedharan

Pani Trailer

Plot & Review: Pani (2024)

Two amateur criminals, Don (Sagar Surya) and Siju (V.P. Junaiz), commit a brutal murder but soon find themselves in a deadly clash with a powerful mafia syndicate led by Giri (Joju George). What starts as a hit job spirals into a violent power struggle in the underbelly of Thrissur.

❤️ Joju George’s direction keeps the tension alive with sharp pacing and intense action.
❤️ The mafia syndicate’s internal dynamics add depth beyond a typical revenge plot.
❌ Excessive gore and graphic violence might not be for everyone.
❌ Overused tropes like sexual assault as a revenge trigger feel unnecessary.

My Opinion: Pani engages you with its raw execution, gripping action, and strong performances, even if the story follows a familiar revenge template. A brutal, well-crafted thriller that doesn’t hold back.

Paatal Lok 2: A Darker, Sharper, and More Ambitious Sequel

Platform: Prime Video
Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome, Anurag Arora, Nagesh Kukunoor, Jahnu Barua

Paatal Lok 2 Trailer

Plot & Review: Paatal Lok 2 (2025)

After five years, Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) returns, this time drawn into a politically charged murder case linked to Nagaland’s power struggles. As the investigation unfolds, it exposes deep-seated tensions, hidden agendas, and a battle between law and corruption.

❤️ Jaideep Ahlawat delivers another powerhouse performance as the weary but relentless cop.
❤️ The shift to Nagaland adds authenticity, tackling complex regional politics with nuance.
❌ The South Delhi subplot feels unnecessary and underdeveloped.
❌ Some characters drop off midway, leaving a few loose ends.

My Opinion: Paatal Lok 2 raises the stakes with its bold storytelling, blending crime, politics, and human drama. With gripping performances and a layered narrative, it can be marked as one of 2025’s best shows.

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What To Watch on OTT: January 10, 2025

Which are the OTT releases this week? With so many releases across platforms, here are 2 picks that I think are worth checking out Sookshmadarshini (Malayalam) and Black Warrant are my suggestions. Why I pick those; scroll down to read more.

OTT Releases Jan 10

Miss You: A Forgettable Love Story About Amnesia

Platform: Amazon Prime
Director: Rajasekar N
Cast: Siddharth, Ashika Ranganath, Bala Saravanan, Karunakaran

Plot & Review: Miss You (2024)
Vasudevan (Siddharth), an aspiring filmmaker suffering from memory loss after a car accident, tries to piece together his forgotten past. Along the way, he meets Subbulakshmi (Ashika Ranganath), a rebellious spirit. The film talks about their rediscovery of love.

❤️ Siddharth delivers a sincere performance, balancing charm and confusion.
❤️ A few novel ideas, like traffic accidents as turning points, add intrigue.
❌ Predictable storytelling undermines the emotional depth.
❌ Poorly developed subplots and logic gaps leave the narrative feeling patchy.

My Opinion: Miss You starts with promise but falters due to its contrived execution and lack of emotional resonance. Despite a few bright moments, it struggles to leave a lasting impression.

Sookshmadarshini: A Thriller That Almost Connects the Dots

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Director: Tanuj Vasudevan
Cast: Nazriya Nazim, Basil Joseph, Sreenath Bhasi

Trailer

Plot & Review: Sookshmadarshini (2024)
Priya (Nazriya Nazim), a microbiologist and housewife, grows suspicious of her enigmatic neighbour Manuel (Basil Joseph) after he returns to his hometown. As Priya starts her investigation, the movie tries to blend mystery and some humour.

❤️ The climax editing and background score effectively heighten tension.
❤️ Basil Joseph captures Manuel’s mysterious demeanour with commendable subtlety.
❌ Priya’s character lacks emotional depth, making her motivations less compelling.
❌ Predictable twists and overused distractions dilute the narrative’s impact.

My Opinion: Sookshmadarshini offers moments of intrigue but falls short in emotional resonance and character development. While the final act is engaging, it struggles to elevate beyond a passable thriller.

Bachchala Malli: A Boring Tale of Redemption

Platform: ETV Win
Director: Subbu Mangadevi
Cast: Allari Naresh, Amritha Aiyer, Rao Ramesh

Plot & Review: Bachchala Malli (2024)
Malli (Allari Naresh), a self-destructive young man haunted by his father’s betrayal, spirals into despair, leaving a trail of tragedy in his wake. The film navigates multiple timelines but struggles to evoke empathy or deliver an engaging narrative.

❤️ Allari Naresh’s committed performance shines in a flawed screenplay.
❤️ Seasoned actors like Rao Ramesh and Rohini bring depth to their roles.
❌ Directionless storytelling fails to connect emotionally.
❌ Predictable tropes and underwhelming technical execution dilute the impact.

My Opinion: Despite Allari Naresh’s efforts, Bachchala Malli falters with its scattered storytelling and lack of emotional depth, making it a tedious watch

The Sabarmati Report: Tale of Propaganda and Journalism

Platform: ZEE5
Director: Dheeraj Sarna
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, Riddhi Dogra

Plot & Review: The Sabarmati Report (2024)
A vernacular journalist, Samar (Vikrant Massey), investigates the 2002 Godhra train burning tragedy, battling personal demons and systemic bias. 

The Sabarmati Report Trailer

❤️ Vikrant Massey delivers a sincere performance, struggling to inject humanity into a propagandist script.
❤️ Amalendu Choudary’s textured cinematography adds visual depth.
❌ Oversimplified and biased portrayal of events diminishes the narrative’s credibility.
❌ A forced dichotomy between English and Hindi media undermines journalistic integrity.

My Opinion: The Sabarmati Report lacks the nuance required for such a complex subject, opting for dramatics over depth, I felt like a propaganda than an insightful investigation thriller.

Black Warrant: A Period Thriller on Crime and Justice

Platform: Netflix
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Cast: Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Siddhant Gupta

Black Warrant Trailer

Synopsis & Hopes: Black Warrant (2024)
Inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa case of 1978 and the gritty realities of Tihar Jail, Black Warrant promises an intense exploration of crime, justice, and the dark underbelly of India’s most notorious prison. The series talks about rookie jailer Sunil Gupta (Zahan Kapoor) as he uncovers the layers of a brutal yet complex world.

❤️ Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his nuanced storytelling, the series is expected to be raw and authentic.
❤️ The cast, including Siddhant Gupta as Charles Sobhraj, adds intrigue to the layered narrative.
❓ Will the series deliver a balanced portrayal of the justice system, or will it lean towards dramatics?

Hopes: Black Warrant has the potential to be a thought-provoking series, shedding light on both historical crimes and the inner workings of one of the most infamous prisons. It’s one to watch for fans of dark, layered storytelling.

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