NAYYI NAVELLI has an interesting premise but suffers from weak writing and poor execution Movie Review: NAYYI NAVELLI has an interesting premise but suffers from weak writing

Star Cast: Yami Gautam Dhar, Addinath M Kothare, Anurag Thakur, Sunita Rajwar

Director: Balaji Mohan

Nayyi Navelli Movie Review Synopsis: NAYYI NAVELLI is the story of a woman suspected of being a witch. Mohini (Yami Gautam Dhar), the country head of a company, marries Meerut-based Raja Awasthi (Addinath M Kothare) and moves into his joint family household. The family consists of Raja's father S K Awasthi (Suneel Sinha), mother Asha (Sunita Rajwar), brother Bantu (Anurag Thakur), grandmother (Sushmita Mukherjee), Pinky Bua (Mita Vasisht), Pannu Chacha (Prateek Pachori), Rekha Chachi (Babita Pandey), Sumitra Tayi (Sonal Jha) and several others. Mohini wins over every member of the family with her charming personality. However, Bantu grows suspicious of her. After witnessing a series of bizarre incidents, he becomes convinced that Mohini is a 'daayan', aka a witch. He shares his suspicions with the family members, who understandably dismiss his theory. However, Bantu digs into the past and brings up certain incidents that force the family to reconsider their opinion. But there's more to Mohini than meets the eye. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Nayyi Navelli Movie Story Review: Himanshu Sharma has written a story that must have sounded like a winner on paper. However, Divy Nidhi Sharma's screenplay is weak and dry. He tries his best to pepper the narrative with lots of funny scenes, but it fails to entice. Divy Nidhi Sharma's dialogues are okay. Some one-liners do raise laughs but that’s about it.

Balaji Mohan's direction is not up to the mark. To give credit where it's due, a few scenes are handled deftly, especially the portions where Bantu narrates the incidents that lead him to believe that Mohini is a 'daayan'. The sequence involving Vishal IAS (Aaditya Kulshreshth), his marriage to Pinky Bua and his subsequent discovery of the truth is arguably the funniest part of the film. The interval twist is unexpected and manages to catch viewers off guard. It is also smartly placed, as it might discourage viewers from leaving the theatre midway.

On the flipside, despite a promising premise and an assortment of quirky characters, the film fails to engage viewers. Both the weak script and uninspiring direction are to blame. The narrative begins to lose steam quite early, and even the horror-comedy portions in the flashback fail to make an impact. The interval twist raises hopes of an improvement, but the film falters once again in the second half. Several developments are difficult to digest and raise more questions than they answer. The narrative also takes a mythological turn in the latter half, but the execution remains unconvincing. That said, the Ramayana angle may help the film find some takers in the heartland. However, certain scenes are too difficult to digest. In one crucial sequence, Mohini travels to Haridwar and casually asks the priests to reveal the names of Lord Rama's descendants. As expected, she fails to get the answer she is looking for. The entire sequence is childish, and one wonders how it was approved in the first place. Similarly, the scene where the family abandons Mohini and Raja is far from convincing.

Nayyi Navelli Movie Review Performances: NAYYI NAVELLI rests on Yami Gautam Dhar’s shoulders and she puts up a worthy act. She rises above the script and delivers a performance which is restrained yet impactful. Addinath M Kothare is aptly cast. He has a crucial part in the story and does very well. Anurag Thakur makes the goings-on watchable with his performance. But he also goes over-the-top in some scenes. Sushmita Mukherjee and Mita Vasisht come next. Suneel Sinha, Sunita Rajwar, Prateek Pachori, Babita Pandey and Sonal Jha are decent. Aaditya Kulshreshth leaves a mark, while Ajay Pal (Pandit) and Akshat Singh (Gaggu) are fair.

Nayyi Navelli movie music and other technical aspects: G V Prakash Kumar's music is not of the chartbuster variety. Moreover, the songs are not effectively utilized in the film. Nevertheless, 'The World Of Nayyi Navelli' stands out, thanks to its catchy tune. 'Phata Patakha' appears at a point when viewers have already begun to lose interest in the proceedings. 'Awadhiya Ke Raja' is soulful and might work as a standalone track. However, its placement in the narrative is unconvincing, and hence, it fails to leave the desired impact. G V Prakash Kumar's background score, on the other hand, is far more effective.

Rishi Punjabi's cinematography is satisfactory. Ravi Srivastava's production design is realistic, while Rushi Sharma and Manoshi Nath's costumes are appealing. Phantom FX's VFX could have been better, especially the backdrop in the terrace sequence at the Awasthi residence, which looks unconvincing. Mahesh Mathew's action is fair, while Sumeet Kotian's editing could have been sharper.

Nayyi Navelli Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, NAYYI NAVELLI has an interesting premise and a fine performance by Yami Gautam Dhar. However, the weak writing, unconvincing developments and poor execution make the film a disappointing affair. At the box office, it may benefit to an extent from the extended festive weekend and its mythological connection. However, the negative word of mouth is likely to affect its prospects, and the film may struggle to attract audiences in the long run.

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STREET FIGHTER packs action and spectacle but falters on writing, appealing mainly to game fans Movie Review: STREET FIGHTER packs action and spectacle but falters

Star Cast: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Vidyut Jammwal

Director: Kitao Sakurai

Street Fighter Movie Review Synopsis: STREET FIGHTER is the story of two friends caught in a dangerous tournament. The year is 1987. Japanese-born Ryu (Andrew Koji) is an orphan who trains under Master Gouken (Don Lee). Joining him is Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), who has been sent by his parents from the USA to learn discipline. Both develop a strong bond while training under Gouken. The first World Warrior Tournament takes place, with Ryu emerging victorious after defeating the menacing Sagat. However, Ryu's fighting abilities awaken the evil Akuma (Roman Reigns), who murders Gouken, his half-brother. Ryu possesses the power of the sacred Hado, which could have prevented Gouken's death. Ken is disappointed with Ryu and abandons him. The two friends go their separate ways, and Ryu disappears from the fighting circuit and begins running a roadside soup stall. Six years later, in 1993, the second edition of the World Warrior Tournament is set to be held in Metrolao, and Ken is invited to participate. Ken now earns a living as a television star by participating in staged fighting tournaments. The prospect of competing in the World Warrior Tournament excites him, and he agrees to join. Ryu also receives an invitation but declines. However, he travels to Metrolao to warn Ken against participating. Ken is still upset with Ryu over what happened six years ago and refuses to take his warning seriously. Unknown to Ken, M Bison (David Dastmalchian), the man behind the World Warrior Tournament, has ulterior motives. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Street Fighter Movie Story Review: STREET FIGHTER is based on the video game of the same name. The story sounds very interesting and youthful on paper. T J Fixman and Kitao Sakurai's screenplay, however, leaves a lot to be desired and is weak. The dialogues are okay. A few one-liners raise laughs, especially the ones mouthed by Don Sauvage.

Kitao Sakurai's direction is decent. To give credit where it's due, he handles the grandeur well. The film begins with a prologue presented in anime style, and it immediately catches attention. In fact, all the flashback portions are also depicted in anime. A few scenes stand out, especially Ryu's fights with Ozeki (Hirooki Goto) and Blanka (Jason Momoa). The love-hate relationship between Ryu and Ken also makes for an interesting watch.

On the flipside, certain developments happen too suddenly and without proper explanation. For instance, one never understands how Chun-Li (Callina Liang) manages to locate Ryu or how the latter figures out that something is amiss with the World Warrior Tournament. In several scenes, the makers try too hard to evoke laughter, but the humour falls flat. The sequence where the fighters attack each other on the night before the tournament is insipid. A few scenes are also edited haphazardly, while the censoring of abusive words with beeps further dilutes the impact. The makers try their best to make the proceedings entertaining, but the film ultimately fails to engage viewers. Lastly, STREET FIGHTER is primarily aimed at those familiar with the video game. Viewers unfamiliar with the game, especially younger audiences, may find it difficult to connect with the characters and the goings-on.

Street Fighter Movie Review Performances: Noah Centineo delivers an entertaining performance and effortlessly switches to serious acting whenever required. Andrew Koji makes his presence felt with his nuanced performance and impressive action scenes. Callina Liang shines in her role. David Dastmalchian is over the top, as required by his character. Andrew Schulz (Dan) leaves a huge mark, and the same goes for Mel Jarnson (Cammy) and Eric André. Among the special appearances, Jason Momoa stands out. Vidyut Jammwal (Dhalsim) is superb, and one wishes he had more screen time. 50 Cent (Balrog), Cody Rhodes (Guile), Olivier Richters (Zangief) and Orville Peck (Vega) are okay.

Street Fighter movie music and other technical aspects: Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson's music is exhilarating, especially during the anime sequences. Ken Seng's cinematography is impressive, considering the amount of action unfolding on screen. Kevin Kavanaugh's production design and Kym Barrett's costumes are top-class. The action is one of the film's biggest USPs and is deftly choreographed, lending authenticity to the fight sequences. The VFX matches global standards. Luke Lynch's editing is decent, though a few scenes are cut too quickly.

Street Fighter Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, STREET FIGHTER scores with its impressive action, grand visuals and fine performances. However, the weak writing and unconvincing developments dilute the impact. The film will appeal mainly to fans of the video game franchise.

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PRAHAAR is a gripping courtroom drama powered by brilliant writing, exceptional performance delivered in an intense, emotionally charged and must-watch cinematic experience Movie Review: PRAHAAR is a must watch experience

Prahaar Movie Review Synopsis:

Some stories MUST be told – and Prahaar is one of those. A gripping, emotionally charged courtroom drama, the film shakes you to the core with its brilliant writing, powerhouse performances and razor-sharp courtroom sequences.

We have read the news reports, watched the news bulletins and followed the developments surrounding the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. But what makes Prahaar a compelling cinematic experience is its gripping portrayal of what unfolded inside the courtroom – how the prosecution pieced together the evidence and, above all, how Ujjwal Nikam fought to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Prahaar Movie Review: Script Analysis:

Director Avinash Arun deserves the highest praise for his command over the material, the performances and the drama. The tension, arguments and counter-arguments, along with the sensitive father-son relationship, are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making those 2 hours and 20 minutes thoroughly engaging. The taut screenwriting is one of the biggest strengths of Prahaar.

The recreation of Kasab's barbaric attack at CST, where innocent people were killed and wounded, is chilling and evokes a range of emotions – anger, grief, helplessness, heartbreak and profound sadness.

A few unforgettable moments in the narrative also deserve a special mention [without spoilers]:

• The sequence where Ujjwal Nikam dismantles Kasab's claim of being a juvenile.

• The powerful pre-interval block.

• The post-interval sequence in which a young girl testifies against Kasab, reliving the horrors of that fateful night.

• The finale.

Brilliant writing. Brilliant acting. Brilliant execution.

Prahaar Movie Review Performances:

Rajkummar Rao is exceptional as Ujjwal Nikam. Powerful, commanding and razor-sharp, he brings immense conviction and intensity to the role. Yet another remarkable performance from an actor who is, without doubt, among the finest talents in the business.

Lalit Prabhakar as Kasab is outstanding. Unsettling and controlled, he avoids unnecessary histrionics, delivering a portrayal that leaves a lasting impression.

Wamiqa Gabbi makes her presence count in a narrative dominated by intense legal proceedings. Jaideep Ahlawat is flawless, as always, lending weight and authority to the drama.

Sikandar Kher is fantastic. His courtroom sequences, as well as the scene with his family in a restaurant, are splendid. Ashish Vidyarthi is top notch, bringing immense credibility and authenticity to his part.

Ritwik Sahore makes a strong impression despite sharing screen space with several stalwarts, while Ajinkya Deo leaves a mark.

A special word of appreciation for child actor Dior Ranju Varghese, who delivers a stunning performance in a crucial courtroom sequence soon after the interval.

Prahaar Movie Review Music and Other Technical Aspects:

There's no scope for songs here, and one doesn't miss them either. The background score is what matters, and it is a major plus, enhancing the tension and emotional impact at crucial junctures.

Prahaar Movie Review: Final Verdict:

A must-watch experience!

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RAJINI: THE JAILER 2 is a paisa vasool mass entertainer packed with whistle-worthy moments Movie Review: RAJINI: THE JAILER 2 is a paisa vasool mass entertainer

Star Cast: Rajinikanth, S J Suryah, Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty

Director: Nelson

Rajini: The Jailer 2 Movie Review Synopsis: RAJINI: THE JAILER 2 is the story of a man facing new enemies. After the events of the first part, Tiger Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) relocates with his family to a remote location in Tamil Nadu. His wife Vijaya (Ramya Krishnan), daughter-in-law Swetha (Mirnaa) and grandson Rithvik (Rithvik) are still mourning the death of his son, Arjun (Vasanth Ravi). Tiger works as a supervisor at a supermarket, and the locals have no idea about his past. Meanwhile, Varman's (Vinayakan) death has dealt a huge blow to the syndicate. Dileep (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a close aide of Varman, is entrusted with the task of finding Varman's killer and retrieving the three truckloads of ancient statues hidden by him. The killer, of course, is none other than Tiger. Meanwhile, Tiger gets into a tiff with a local municipal officer, Bhaskar (Bagavathi Perumal). Tiger is then compelled to work as a driver for a local fruit shop owner, Moorthi (Namo Narayana). A series of events involving Tiger and Moorthi inadvertently leads Dileep's men to Tiger's whereabouts. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Rajini: The Jailer 2 Movie Story Review: Nelson's story organically takes forward the events of the first part. Nelson's screenplay is peppered with loads of mass elevation moments. At the same time, the comic and emotional sequences are also seamlessly woven into the narrative. However, a few developments seem convenient. Nelson's dialogues are massy and clapworthy.

Nelson's direction is superb, and he gives fans plenty to lap up. The first part didn't just have great massy moments but also featured some madcap characters who kept the mood light. The same happens here as well. In fact, the first half relies more on humour than action. The character of Moorthi is hilarious, and when he's joined by Vimal (Yogi Babu), the duo brings the house down. The interval point is terrific and is sure to create a frenzy in cinemas. The entertainment continues in the second half with the introduction of some new and vicious characters like Kantha (Vidya Balan), Bodhi Kalpak (S J Suryah) and Chakri Kalpak (Mithun Chakraborty). An emotional sequence also works well, while the special appearances are terrific, to say the least.

On the flipside, certain developments are difficult to digest, even though the film belongs to a genre where one is not expected to look for logic. The villains are menacing, but in a few scenes, they also come across as surprisingly weak. The item song, meanwhile, is not as memorable as the one in the first part. Lastly, the box-office prospects of the Hindi version remain to be seen, considering that it has received a limited release, restricted to non-national multiplex chains and single-screen cinemas.

Rajini: The Jailer 2 Movie Review Performances: Rajinikanth delivers a performance that is sure to be lapped up by audiences, especially his fans. His dialogue delivery is outstanding, but watch out for the scenes where he simply walks or sits down in style; even these seemingly simple moments are enough to send the audience into a frenzy. It's remarkable how, even at the age of 75, he continues to pull off such a performance with effortless swagger and charisma. Vidya Balan has a late entry but makes up for it with her grace and flawless performance. The bond shared by Tiger and Kantha will be loved by the audience. S J Suryah, as expected, is dependable. Mithun Chakraborty has a crucial role and does well. Namo Narayana dominates the first half and in some scenes, even overshadows Rajinikanth! He’s truly the surprise of the film. Yogi Babu, as expected, is funny. Suraj Venjaramoodu lends able support. Ramya Krishnan, Mirnaa and Rithvik are decent. Nora Fatehi looks stunning while Poorna is splendid. As for the special appearances, Hrithik Roshan (Roddy) rocks the show followed by Shiva Rajkumar (Narasimha), Mohanlal (Mathew) and Jackie Shroff (Kamdev).

Rajini: The Jailer 2 movie music and other technical aspects: Anirudh's music and background score are exhilarating. 'One Name', 'Jailer 2 Theme' and 'Hukum Reloaded' are the best of the lot. 'Ala Bolelo' works due to the picturization. 'Bindaas' is underwhelming and nowhere close to 'Kaavaalaa'.

Vijay Kartik Kannan's cinematography is classy. Pallavi Singh and Muthul Hafeez's costumes are appealing, especially those worn by Rajinikanth, Vidya Balan, and S J Suryah. Chetan D'Souza's action is a bit gory but adds to the entertainment quotient. DRK Kiran's production design is satisfactory. R Nirmal's editing is sharp.

Jailer 2 Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, RAJINI: THE JAILER 2 is a paisa-vasool mass entertainer that delivers exactly what Rajinikanth fans expect – electrifying elevation moments, clapworthy dialogues, and whistle-worthy special appearances. At the box office, however, the Hindi version may face an uphill task due to limited buzz, competition from new and holdover releases, and no release in national multiplex chains.

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REPORTING LIVE is a hard hitting drama that tackles the issue of illegal sand mining Movie Review: REPORTING LIVE is a hard hitting investigative drama

Star Cast: Parineeti Chopra, Deven Bhojani

Director: Dhruv Tripathi

Reporting Live Movie Review Synopsis: REPORTING LIVE is the story of a fearless journalist. Sandhya Yadav (Parineeti Chopra) works as a reporter for a Mumbai-based news channel called Azaad Bharati. Her cameraman and best friend is Vinod Sharma (Deven Bhojani). One day, she's asked to travel to the village of Visargaon in Maharashtra, where a bridge has collapsed. A school bus happens to be on the bridge during the unfortunate incident, leading to the deaths of 14 children. While covering the tragedy, Sandhya speaks to several villagers, who claim that the bridge collapsed because of a solar eclipse. Even a local minister makes the same claim. However, Shiva (Amol Palekar) and Mangesh (Pitobash Tripathy) allege that the bridge collapsed due to the government's inaction. Sandhya approaches them, and they inform her that the collapse was caused by illegal sand mining in the region. Due to the excessive removal of sand, the bridge's foundation had weakened, leading to its collapse. Sandhya and Vinod begin their investigation and are threatened by sand mafia goons. Nevertheless, they manage to collect evidence and submit it to their news channel. Azaad Bharati's head honchos, Vidur Dutt (Adil Hussain) and Shyam (Shekhar Suman), are impressed with the exclusive report and air it on the channel. The cops are then compelled to arrest those involved in illegal sand mining. However, within a few days, the illegal activity resumes, while Shyam is pressured to take down the story. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Reporting Live Movie Story Review: Mihir Jadhav and Dhruv Tripathi's story is inspired by real events and is relevant. Mihir Jadhav and Dhruv Tripathi's screenplay is captivating and peppered with some hard-hitting scenes. Mihir Jadhav and Dhruv Tripathi's dialogues are sharp but some one-liners are childish.

Dhruv Tripathi's direction is quite good. What's impressive is that he has managed to bring together such an ensemble cast. Moreover, each actor has a crucial role to play, even if some have limited screen time. The director has chosen the subject of illegal sand mining, an issue that is often reported in the news, but has rarely been explored in Hindi cinema. This gives REPORTING LIVE an edge. The film not only explains the issue in a simple manner but also unabashedly throws light on how cops, politicians, IAS officers and others look the other way for vested interests when laws are broken. At the same time, Dhruv makes sure that he doesn't paint everyone with the same brush. He shows that there are honest officers in the system who are willing to help when required. Similarly, while he exposes the corruption within news channels, he also shows that there are journalists and media bosses who'll go to any lengths to speak the truth. A few scenes are arresting, like Sandhya and Vinod being roughed up at the tea stall, Shyam blasting Vidur, Shiva Kaka blessing Sandhya and Vinod, etc. The climax is clapworthy.

On the flipside, the film begins on a chilling note before going into flashback mode. While this sets the mood, it also makes it possible to guess a crucial development in the story. The impact would have been far greater had the makers not begun the film with the said scene. The sequence where Sandhya, Vinod and Vidur land up at the police station is difficult to digest, especially the way Sandhya reacts. Sandhya could have easily checked the CCTV footage to find out who entered her house. The footage could have also helped the cops identify and nab the culprits. However, the makers don't explore this possibility. Moreover, while the film neatly explains the issue of illegal sand mining, it doesn't shed light on how the practice can be prevented or how other countries are dealing with the problem.

Reporting Live Movie Review Performances: After SHAQUE: TRUST NO ONE, Parineeti Chopra delivers yet another performance that's hard-hitting yet nuanced. However, she seems a little too mature for the part. She comes across as someone who has already spent five or six years working in the media and, by that stage, should ideally be aware of how the industry functions and that it's not always driven by principles and idealism. Hence, her character's innocence and idealistic outlook seem a bit unconvincing at times. A younger actor might have been better suited to the role. Deven Bhojani is too good and is aptly cast. He dominates several key scenes, and the bond he shares with Parineeti is lovely. Amol Palekar is highly memorable. Adil Hussain is dependable as always and wins hearts. Shekhar Suman gets into the skin of his character seamlessly. Nasser (R Velraj) has a great entry scene and leaves a mark. Pitobash Tripathy, Saswata Chatterjee (J P), Prachee Shah Paandya (Pooja), Samir Kochhar (Karthik) and Geeta Agarwal Sharma (Shobha Deshmukh; municipal officer) lend able support. Bhaskar Jha (Nasir Solkar; who threatens Sandhya and Vinod at the tea stall) does well but gets a raw deal. His character, who plays the radio while beating up people, is interesting, and one wishes he had more to do in the film.

Reporting Live movie music and other technical aspects: The songs are forgettable, but Zubin Balaporia and Vijay Prakash's background score is chilling. R Velraj's cinematography is satisfactory. Mandar Nagaonkar's production design is appropriate, while Shilpa Makhija and Varsha Chandanani's costumes are realistic. The outfits worn by Parineeti Chopra stand out. Futureworks Studios' VFX is fine but could have been better in the bridge collapse scene. Shyam Salgaonkar's editing is sharp.

Reporting Live Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, REPORTING LIVE is a hard-hitting investigative drama that tackles the issue of illegal sand mining with sincerity and conviction, despite a few shortcomings in the narrative.

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THE SOCIAL RECKONING is a relevant drama that exposes darker side of social media Movie Review: THE SOCIAL RECKONING is a relevant and thought provoking drama.

Star Cast: Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong

Director: Aaron Sorkin

The Social Reckoning Movie Review Synopsis: THE SOCIAL RECKONING is the story of a whistleblower. The year is 2019. Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), a data engineer working on Facebook's civic integrity team at its headquarters in San Francisco, USA, is disillusioned after internal research reveals that the platform prioritizes engagement and profits over user safety. During a town hall session, Teddy Marks (Billy Magnussen), Facebook's media relations executive, warns employees against speaking to journalists who are trying to show the social media giant in a bad light. One of the journalists they are warned about is Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White) of The Wall Street Journal. As it turns out, Jeff is indeed working on a story exposing Facebook's wrongdoings. He contacts every member of the civic integrity team, but Frances is the only one who responds. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

The Social Reckoning Movie Story Review: Aaron Sorkin's story is inspired by real-life incidents and is quite relevant. Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is gripping but also unconventional and niche. The dialogues are sharp.

Aaron Sorkin's direction has its share of pluses. To begin with, the film talks about the ill effects of social media, many of which are caused by the profit-first policies of the companies running these platforms. The film is divided into chapters and begins with a prologue. This track is not directly connected to the principal plot, but it helps viewers get a better understanding of the issues at hand. As for the principal plot, the bond shared by Frances and Jeff is lovely. Their banter and even their minor tiffs make for an interesting watch. Moreover, the autocratic manner in which Mark Zuckerberg functions is sure to be an eye-opener for viewers.

On the flipside, the film gets too technical and confusing at times. Many viewers will get a surface-level idea of Facebook's wrongdoings, but several aspects of the issue might go over their heads. Moreover, the extensive focus on American politics might have limited appeal for many viewers in India. The makers also make things a bit ambiguous by not naming a significant American political personality. The decision is understandable, but at the same time, it'll leave many wondering who is being talked about. Also, the congressional hearing, for which Mark Zuckerberg is shown rehearsing, is never depicted in the film. This might disappoint some viewers. Lastly, the film serves as a standalone sequel to THE SOCIAL NETWORK [2010], which had left a much bigger impact. THE SOCIAL RECKONING, however, pales somewhat in comparison.

The Social Reckoning Movie Review Performances: Mikey Madison, who impressed viewers with her Oscar-winning performance in ANORA [2024], delivers yet another power-packed performance. She convincingly portrays a socially awkward tech nerd from the Bay Area and ensures that she never goes overboard. Jeremy Allen White dominates certain scenes and delivers a worthy performance. Jeremy Strong tries his best, but somehow, his performance seems mechanical and a bit off. Bill Burr (Charlie Garrigan) leaves a mark in a supporting role. Wunmi Mosaku (Raya) is too good. Portia Doubleday (Kaylee), Michael Braugher (Deputy Otumbo) and Sierra Capri (Officer Diaz) deserve special mention. They leave a huge mark despite appearing in just one scene each.

The Social Reckoning movie music and other technical aspects: Alexandre Desplat's music is seamlessly woven into the narrative. Jeff Cronenweth's cinematography is functional. Jon Hutman's production design and Susan Lyall's costumes lend authenticity to the proceedings. Alan Baumgarten's editing is sharp.

The Social Reckoning Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, THE SOCIAL RECKONING is a relevant and thought-provoking drama that exposes the darker side of social media. However, the limited awareness, excessive technical details, heavy focus on American politics and comparisons with THE SOCIAL NETWORK might limit its appeal among Indian audiences.

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PREM KEETANU is a decent entertainer but suffers from a weak second half Movie Review: PREM KEETANU is a decent entertainer

Star Cast: Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed, Aparshakti Khurana

Director: Apoorv Singh Karki

Prem Keetanu Movie Review Synopsis: PREM KEETANU is the story of a good-for-nothing guy. Vishal (Veer Pahariya) meets Suhani Sharma (Aafiya Sayed) on the first day of college at Banaras Institute of Science and Technology. The two get into a fight and end up cursing each other that they won’t find a partner during their four years in college. At the last minute, Suhani takes admission to the more prestigious SIT in Delhi. Their personal lives follow a similar trajectory as neither manages to find a partner. Academically, however, their journeys are poles apart. Suhani excels in her studies and lands a job at AFL Software Pvt Ltd through campus placement. Her boss, Ranjit (Aparshakti Khurana), is smitten by her and constantly tries to impress her. Meanwhile, Vishal fails to land a job due to his poor grades. He shifts to Delhi and applies for GRE and TOEFL, with the eventual plan of studying in the USA. He needs Rs. 5 lakhs in his bank account to be eligible for a visa and hence starts looking for a job. Meanwhile, he bumps into Suhani again, and this time, they hit it off very well. But Ranjit has reservations about Vishal. He tries to belittle him out of fear that Vishal might successfully woo Suhani. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Prem Keetanu Movie Story Review: PREM KEETANU is adapted from the 2024 Malayalam film, PREMALU. Deepak Kingrani's story is simple and relatable. Deepak Kingrani's screenplay is breezy, though it falters in the post-interval sequences. Deepak Kingrani's dialogues are straight out of life, and a few one-liners raise laughs.

Apoorv Singh Karki's direction is uncomplicated. The biggest strength of the film is that the characters come across as real and relatable, almost like people one encounters in everyday life. Their joys, struggles and insecurities also strike a chord. The makers have made several changes compared to the original and ensured that the story fits organically into the milieu of Delhi, Banaras and Lucknow. The scenes between Vishal and Ranjit are quite memorable, as are Vishal's interactions with his pal, Magan Arora (Nikhil Vijay).

On the flipside, the film loses steam in the second half. Vishal goes overboard during the proposal and the fight sequence, and these portions dent the impact. At times, audiences might also find Vishal childish and may struggle to root for him. The same issue crops up in the interval block, which doesn't work as intended. After a point, the proceedings become such that they may appeal only to a certain section of the moviegoing audience, while viewers seeking more sophisticated or nuanced content may not connect with it as much. The film also feels stretched in places, and the frequent songs end up acting as roadblocks to the narrative.

Prem Keetanu Movie Review Performances: Veer Pahariya is in much better form here than SKY FORCE [2025]. His performance is decent, but it could have been better in the emotional scenes. Aafiya Sayed is a great find. She looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. Nikhil Vijay steals the show with his presence and performance. Aparshakti Khurana, too, puts his best foot forward and gets his act right as the man who is too full of himself. At the same time, he doesn’t let his act go overboard. Rakesh Bedi (Suhani's father) has limited presence in the first half but makes up for it in the post-interval sequences. Sachin Kathuria (Vishal's father) is fair, while Preeti Aggarwal (Suhani's mother) doesn’t get much scope.

Prem Keetanu movie music and other technical aspects: The songs are okay, and there are too many of them. A film of this kind also needed a chartbuster or two. 'Undi Bundi' is the most memorable of the lot, followed by 'Ishq Ka Ghulaam'. The visuals of the latter give a déjà vu of 'Tere Ishq Mein Naachenge' from RAJA HINDUSTANI [1996], and feel slightly unsettling as the film turns heavy at this point. The rest of the songs fail to register. Ketan Sodha's background score is functional.

Arjun Kukreti's cinematography is satisfactory. Veera Kapur Ee's costumes are stylish while also staying true to the setting and characters. Ambika Acharya's production design and Amin Khatib's action are realistic. Ritesh Soni's editing is decent, though it could have been sharper.

Prem Keetanu Movie Review Conclusion On the whole, PREM KEETANU is a decent entertainer with some good performances and entertaining moments. However, the film suffers due to a weak second half and stretched portions. With the film releasing amid minimal buzz and, more importantly, alongside the juggernaut DRISHYAM THE CONCLUSION, it is likely to get completely overshadowed at the box office.

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POOJA MERI JAAN works as a relevant and thought provoking courtroom drama Movie Review: POOJA MERI JAAN works as a thought provoking courtroom drama.

Star Cast: Mrunal Thakur, Huma Qureshi

Director: Navjot Gulati

Pooja Meri Jaan Movie Review Synopsis: POOJA MERI JAAN is the story of a woman in trouble. Pooja Dogra (Mrunal Thakur) lives in Delhi with her father Gulshan Dogra (Rajesh Jais) and mother Nandita Dogra (Madhu Sachdeva). She is an actor who works with the Junoon theatre group and plays Juliet in the play, Romeo And Juliet. The role of Romeo is played by Aniket Srivastava (Vikram Singh Chauhan), who is madly in love with Pooja. However, Pooja has rejected his proposal several times. One day, after successfully staging Romeo And Juliet, Aniket proposes to Pooja in front of the audience. Pooja is stunned and heads to the green room. Aniket follows her, where Pooja blasts him for his actions. She then returns home and repeatedly ignores his calls. Aniket's world comes crashing down and he ends his life. Jatin Trivedi (Vijay Raaz), a lawyer and self-confessed men's rights activist, meets Aniket's mother Alka (Suparna Marwah) and close friend Mukesh (Manuj Sharma), and urges them to file a case against Pooja. Mukesh tells Alka that Pooja had led Aniket on and was responsible for what happened to him. Alka subsequently approaches the police, following which Pooja is arrested. Sana Mehfooz (Huma Qureshi), a common friend of Pooja and Aniket, becomes Pooja's lawyer. The stakes are high as Pooja faces an avalanche of hate on social media and in the court of public opinion. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Pooja Meri Jaan Movie Story Review: Kanishka and Navjot Gulati's story is very topical and novel. Kanishka and Navjot Gulati's screenplay (additional screenplay by Niren Bhatt) is fairly paced and laced with some hard-hitting scenes. However, the writing has its share of blemishes. Niren Bhatt's dialogues are sharp and even acidic in some places.

Navjot Gulati's direction is taut. The film has a runtime of just 117 minutes and hence, the focus remains firmly on the principal story. Aniket’s death takes place within the first 15 minutes and soon after, Pooja finds herself behind bars. The interesting aspect of the film is that Pooja is not portrayed as an all-white character, which further complicates her situation in court. Things take an unexpected turn in the second half when viewers get the complete picture of what transpired in the past, making the proceedings even more engaging. The climax monologue is powerful and can become a talking point on social media.

On the flipside, several developments happen rather conveniently. Sana’s decision to take up Pooja’s case initially seems difficult to digest, considering that she, too, believed Pooja had abetted Aniket’s suicide. The climax leaves an impact but is also unconvincing in parts. The cross-examination of Mayank Joshi (Nikhil Angrish) is one such instance. Moreover, the members of the Junoon theatre group were vehemently against Pooja, and yet some of them later appear as witnesses. A crucial confession by someone close to Aniket, too, comes about rather quickly. Audiences have seen films like SHAURYA [2008] and A FEW GOOD MEN [1992], where lawyers go all out to provoke a witness before extracting a stunning confession. Here, the revelation comes about too easily and too quickly.

Pooja Meri Jaan Movie Review Performances: Mrunal Thakur plays the lead role with sincerity. She gets into the skin of her character and especially delivers in the emotionally charged scenes. Huma Qureshi’s characterization could have been better. Nevertheless, her performance is first-rate. Vikram Singh Chauhan leaves a huge mark in a challenging role. Vijay Raaz, as usual, is dependable. However, his character is said to be ruthless, and that aspect doesn’t come through consistently in the film. Manuj Sharma, the late Rituraj Singh (Asad Mehfooz), Saarthak Gambhir (Shreyansh; Pooja's teenage neighbour), Priyanshu Jora (Vikram Malhotra), Rajesh Jais, Madhu Sachdeva and Suparna Marwah do well. Sunita Rajwar (Sushila Chauhan; cop) and Shilpi Marwaha (Chandni Singhania; prisoner) leave a mark despite limited screen time.

Pooja Meri Jaan movie music and other technical aspects: Vishal Mishra's music is forgettable. 'Saza', 'Qayamatein' and 'Maharani' fail to register. John Stewart Eduri's background score is minimal yet effective. Jishnu Bhattacharjee's cinematography is satisfactory. Mayur Sharma's production design is appropriate, while Sheetal Sharma's costumes are authentic. The outfits worn by Mrunal Thakur are glamorous. Sanyukta Kaza's editing is tight.

Pooja Meri Jaan Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, POOJA MERI JAAN works as a relevant and thought-provoking courtroom drama, with Mrunal Thakur delivering a sincere and affecting performance. Though the courtroom portions are not always convincing, the eye-opening subject stays with you and has the potential to become a major talking point in the days to come.

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Drishyam The Conclusion is a sure shot blockbuster that delivers on every front and is sure to rule hearts Movie Review: Drishyam The Conclusion is a SURE SHOT BLOCKBUSTER.

Drishyam The Conclusion lives up to the mammoth expectations. This is, without doubt, the BEST FILM in the Drishyam franchise and also among the BEST FILMS of 2026. SURE-SHOT BLOCKBUSTER.

Director Abhishek Pathak, who helmed the second part as well, proves yet again why he is among the finest storytellers today. He understands the DNA of the franchise and takes the story forward without recycling its formula. In fact, the direction and writing emerge as the two strongest pillars of the film.

The biggest high point is the Ajay Devgn - Jaideep Ahlawat face-off in the first half. Simply MARVELLOUS. Deserves a standing ovation!

The courtroom sequences are another major highlight. In fact, the very first sequence featuring Prakash Raj with Ajay Devgn and his family is yet another brilliant moment.

Now, to the all-important climax – Does it deliver? Does it culminate convincingly? Does it leave you satisfied? YES, YES, YES. The finale is powerful, gripping, and thoroughly fulfilling.

Ajay Devgn returns as the iconic Vijay Salgaonkar – the soul of the franchise. The lifeline of Drishyam The Conclusion. He navigates this demanding role with remarkable brilliance. His pre-interval sequence with Jaideep Ahlawat, in particular, will certainly drive audiences back for repeat viewings.

Drishyam: The Conclusion | Official Trailer | Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat | Abhishek Pathak

Jaideep Ahlawat is a terrific addition to the Drishyam universe. His performance is controlled yet commanding, and undoubtedly one of the film's biggest strengths. Tabu is fabulous. Anger, hurt, revenge, determination – the varied emotions she portrays prove yet again why she was the best choice for this part.

Prakash Raj is simply remarkable. His authority and unmistakable screen presence add considerable weight to the proceedings. Shriya Saran is in super form, while Rajat Kapoor brings dignity and conviction to his part. Kamlesh Sawant is top notch, adding further weight to the proceedings.

Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav are alright in their respective parts.

There's no scope for music in the narrative, but the background score is electrifying and significantly enhances the tension and drama.

Final word? Drishyam The Conclusion is sure to rule hearts as well as the boxoffice. A finale that delivers on every front.

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DIGGER has its share of engaging moments but is held back by its confusing narrative Movie Review: DIGGER is a satirical film that has its share of engaging moments

Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed

Director: Alejandro G Iñárritu

Digger Movie Review Synopsis: DIGGER is the story of a man who causes historic environmental damage. Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) is a wealthy oil tycoon who ignores warnings about the environmental damage being caused by his deep-drilling offshore rigs in Greenland. One day, the inevitable happens – an iceberg named Judy gets dislodged due to the drilling. Judy is five times the size of Washington DC, according to Dr Nirav Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), Digger's environmental scientist and key technical adviser. Moreover, the iceberg begins drifting rapidly towards Northern Europe, threatening catastrophic tidal waves, widespread devastation and a global environmental chain reaction. The news about Judy reaches US President Compson (John Goodman), who arrives at Digger's mansion to discuss what should be done next. Rather than trying to save Europe, Digger, Compson and other influential political and military personalities try to find ways to control the narrative. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Digger Movie Story Review: Sabina Berman, Alejandro G Iñárritu and Jez Butterworth's story is highly relevant in today's world. However, it's also confusing. Alejandro G Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman's screenplay is peppered with several satirical moments which keep the interest going. But the writing also gets experimental, and it succeeds only partially. The dialogues are acidic and funny and completely in sync with the film's mood.

Alejandro G Iñárritu's direction is quirky and bravura. As always, he focuses beautifully on world-building. The characters are larger-than-life and nasty, but are presented in such a quirky and satirical manner that it enhances the impact. A few scenes are hilarious, especially the President being briefed about the catastrophe and the meeting ending with a prayer, Digger blurting out the truth before the European Council, etc. Some characters also seem to be inspired by real-life personalities, which adds to the fun.

On the flip side, there's a massive twist in the first 40 minutes that will catch viewers completely unawares. Nobody would see it coming. However, it also adversely affects the film's impact, and interest levels immediately drop. Alejandro suddenly takes viewers away from the world he had painstakingly created and expects them to adjust to an entirely different track. Unfortunately, this track is not as immersive as the principal story. Once viewers become aware of this parallel narrative, even the principal track somehow fails to have the desired impact. Moreover, the film often gets confusing; even the niche audience and intelligentsia might find it difficult to connect with certain portions. The final scene is impactful and one finally understands the purpose behind having the two tracks. However, the clarity comes a little too late in the day.

Digger Movie Review Performances: Tom Cruise delivers arguably the finest performance of his career, and is presented in a never-before-seen avatar. He completely sheds his safe action-hero persona and gets into the skin of a character that has to be seen to be believed. Riz Ahmed has a crucial part and is terrific. In fact, he dominates Tom Cruise in several scenes. John Goodman is deliberately over-the-top, and it works very well. Michael Stuhlbarg (Vice President), Jesse Plemons (Kenny) and Robert John Burke (Fitzgerald) do well in small roles. Danny Kirrane (Sandy Clarkson from Greenland) is there for just one scene but leaves a mark. Sandra Hüller (Emma Rockwell), Sophie Wilde (Hannah) and the actor playing Curtis' wife get limited scope.

Digger movie music and other technical aspects: Cosmo Sheldrake's music is unusual and charming. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is highly creative and especially memorable during Digger's monologue before the European Council. Dennis Gassner and Richard L Johnson's production design is spectacular, while Jacqueline West's costumes are in sync with the requirements of the characters. Stephen Mirrione and Conor O'Neill's editing is functional.

Digger Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, DIGGER is a sharply satirical film that has its share of engaging moments but is held back by its confusing and experimental narrative. Nevertheless, Tom Cruise’s towering presence and never-before-seen avatar will ensure that the film finds a sizeable audience.

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VERITY suffers due to its disturbing treatment, unconvincing finale and ambiguous ending Movie Review: VERITY suffers due to its disturbing treatment.

Star Cast: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett

Director: Michael Showalter

Verity Movie Review Synopsis: VERITY is the story of an aspiring writer who forms an unconventional bond with a bestselling author. Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) lives in New York and has published a couple of books. However, her books have barely found any readership. Her mother passed away due to cancer just a week ago and, to make matters worse, she is on the verge of being evicted by her landlord. At this point, Hachette Book Group approaches Lowen with an unusual assignment — to help bestselling author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) complete her next book, the much-awaited The Nobel Features. Verity’s husband, Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett), is also present at the meeting. He charms Lowen and convinces her to take up the assignment in return for a handsome fee. Lowen agrees and moves to Verity and Jeremy’s remote lake house in Vermont. The couple lives there with their son, Crew (Brady Wagner). Their daughter, and Crew’s twin sister, Harper, died in a boating accident a year ago. Jeremy is grieving not only Harper’s death but also the fact that Verity is now in a comatose condition. Lowen, meanwhile, had not been informed beforehand about the severity of Verity’s condition. Lowen is tasked with going through Verity’s notes and completing the novel in her style. The process gradually consumes her, especially since Verity’s characters and writings are extremely dark. While going through Verity’s study, Lowen also comes across a tell-all manuscript written by the author about her marital life. It’s shocking revelations disturb Lowen even further. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Verity Movie Story Review: VERITY is based on Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name. The story is unconventional but also gets complicated. Nick Antosca's screenplay keeps one hooked as the goings-on are pretty intense. At the same time, the happenings are difficult to digest and often gets disturbing. The dialogues are simple and effective.

Michael Showalter's direction is average. To give credit where its due, the setting is eerie and captivates the audience. To see two popular actresses playing such difficult roles also adds to the fun. One constantly wonders what must have happened in the past and who’s guilty. The runtime is just 117 minutes, which is apt.

On the flipside, the initial portions often give a déjà vu of THE HOUSEMAID [2025], as here too, an unsuspecting woman arrives at a remote mansion, shares a cold equation with the wife and finds herself attracted to the dashing yet troubled husband. Thankfully, the film soon switches tracks and establishes an identity of its own. Even then, the proceedings get increasingly disturbing, and a few sequences are certainly not for the faint-hearted. The finale is not entirely convincing and, moreover, the film ends on an ambiguous note that is bound to leave even the elite viewers scratching their heads. As a result, VERITY is likely to appeal only to a niche section of the multiplex audience.

Verity Movie Review Performances: The performances are very strong. Anne Hathaway is on a roll and, yet again, delivers a performance that stays with you long after the credits roll. Even in the scenes where she is in a coma, she makes her presence felt and comes across as suitably unsettling, as required by the part. Dakota Johnson, too, puts her best foot forward, and her deadpan expressions work well for the character. Josh Hartnett gets slightly overshadowed by the two leading ladies but still manages to register a strong impact. He is especially impressive in the first two sequences. Irina Dvorovenko (Anna) is decent, though her character is underdeveloped. Brady Wagner is endearing, while Ismael Cruz Cordova (Corey) is passable.

Verity movie music and other technical aspects: Volker Bertelmann’s music adds considerably to the eerie atmosphere. Jim Frohna’s cinematography is breathtaking, especially in the Vermont portions. Amy Williams’ production design is classy and distinctive. Jacqueline Demeterio’s costumes are elegant and regal, particularly those worn by Anne Hathaway, while the costumes of the other characters are realistic. Jay Cassidy’s editing is slick and keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

Verity Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, VERITY suffers due to its disturbing treatment, unconvincing finale and ambiguous ending. At the box office, it will face an uphill task, especially with stiff competition from DRISHYAM THE CONCLUSION and THE DIGGER.

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THE VVAAN rests on an interesting premise but suffers due to a messy screenplay Movie Review: THE VVAAN rests on an interesting premise

Star Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sunil Grover, Maniesh Paul, Shweta Tiwari, Anup Soni

Director: Deepak Kumar Mishra

The Vvaan Movie Review Synopsis: THE VVAAN is the story of a man whose actions unleash chaos in his village. Rishi (Sidharth Malhotra) lives in Mumbai with his wife, Mamta (Tamannaah Bhatia). He hasn't visited his hometown, Devanchal, for years, though his brother (Anup Soni) invites him every year to celebrate Chhath Puja. This year, Rishi makes an exception and heads to Devanchal. He also has another reason to visit – his brother has sent him a summons regarding land acquisition. There is a proposal to build a road through a forest near the village. The villagers are strongly opposed to the plan and don't even enter the forest after sunset. They believe that doing so could anger the 'Van Devi' who resides there. Rishi dismisses these beliefs as superstition and supports Deepak (Sunil Grover), who is helping develop the road through the forest. This causes a rift between Rishi and his sister-in-law, Sushila (Shweta Tiwari). Sushila wants Rishi to give up his share in the ancestral land as, according to her, he has done little for the family or the village. Meanwhile, Rishi is determined to prove that the villagers' fear of entering the forest at night is nothing but blind belief. One evening, he ventures into the forest after sunset – and all hell breaks loose. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

The Vvaan Movie Story Review: Arunabh Kumar's story has a lot of promise, as it blends devotion with a dash of mythology and horror. However, Arunabh Kumar's screenplay gets messy, especially in the second half. Anandeshwar Dwivedi's dialogues are funny and, more importantly, have a desi flavour.

Deepak Kumar Mishra's direction is not up to the mark. To give credit where it's due, he succeeds in building an eerie atmosphere. The humour works well, especially in the scenes featuring VP (Maniesh Paul). In fact, the comedy has the classic TVF flavour. Certain dialogues refer to popular series tropes as well as fictional and real-life characters, and these references are sure to be lapped up. Some aspects of the mythology are intriguing too, such as characters venturing into the forest blindfolded after sunset and demons wreaking havoc in the jungle.

On the flipside, the humour involving Sulbha Arya feels forced, while the villain track is the weakest link in the story. A few developments also defy logic and common sense. For instance, it is baffling that no one in the village knows the identity of Raja Vikramaditya's descendant. The descendant has kept his identity a secret, but no convincing explanation is provided for the same. Similarly, a character is shown desperately searching for a powerful anklet. One expects an object of such importance to be cleverly concealed. Instead, it is kept at a location where it could have been found with remarkable ease, making the entire search seem contrived. Lastly, the climax is haphazardly executed and fails to deliver the desired impact. It also evokes a strong sense of déjà vu, particularly of BAAHUBALI.

The Vvaan Movie Review Performances: Sidharth Malhotra is decent, though his performance could have been better. He is, however, convincing in the action scenes. Tamannaah Bhatia has a significant role in the film; performance-wise, she is dependable and looks quite stunning. Her act in the song ‘Chhathi Maiya’, in particular, is memorable. Maniesh Paul, as expected, raises laughs, though a few of his scenes fail to land. Sulbha Arya is funny but goes quite overboard at times. Anup Soni and Shweta Tiwari lend able support. Sunil Grover delivers a sincere performance but is let down by the writing. The same applies to Durgesh Kumar (Reporter). Milind Gunaji (priest) and Avtar Gill (Sarpanch) are wasted and are forgotten after a point. Sundip Ved (King Vikramaditya) registers his presence.

The Vvaan movie music and other technical aspects: 'Chhathi Maiya' is beautiful and stands out for its picturization and melody. 'Samjho Na' is soulful while 'Thummak Thummak' is forced into the narrative. 'Hum Hain' adds to the fear. Sandeep Shirodkar's background score is satisfactory.

Manu Anand's cinematography is superb, with the locales captured exceptionally well. Even the night sequences in the forest are clear and easy to decipher. Parvez Shaikh's action is realistic yet entertaining. Niharika Bhasin's costumes are stylish, especially those worn by Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty's production design is in sync with the film's requirements. The VFX by Labyrinth Studios, Divinity Pictures VFX and New Kore VFX Pvt Ltd could have been classier, while the animation, which appears to have been derived from AI, is not up to the mark. Nitin Baid's editing is functional.

The Vvaan Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, THE VVAAN rests on an interesting premise that blends devotion, mythology, horror and humour. However, a messy screenplay, weak villain track, several illogical developments and a haphazard climax severely dent the film's impact.

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DON'T BE SHY rests on a relatable idea but falters in the treatment Movie Review: DON'T BE SHY rests on a relatable idea and sincere performances

Star Cast: Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Piyush Khati, Bianca Arora

Director: Sreeti Mukerji

Don't Be Shy Movie Review Synopsis: DON'T BE SHY is the coming-of-age tale of a girl. Shyamili Das, aka Shy (Aarushi Bajaj), lives in Mumbai's Girgaum with her father, Joy Das (Anurag Basu), and mother, Jaya Das (Anju Alva Naik). Her parents run a saree shop called 'Shyamili Sarees', which is running at a loss. Shy is embarrassed by her middle-class life and, in college, pretends to come from a wealthy background. She claims to her friends that her parents are based in London and that they run an exclusive boutique store. Her boyfriend is Mayank Jhunjhunwalla (Piyush Khati), the heir to the Jhunjhunwalla Group of Companies, and who also studies with her in the same college. Shy has her life completely planned out. She intends to convince Mayank to let her intern at one of his companies and become its CEO within a decade. In the interim, she also plans to marry Mayank, who, by then, would have taken over the sprawling family business, thus making Shy rich. Sadly, her plans go for a toss when Mayank, on his 21st birthday, announces that he won't be joining his family business and will instead pursue a career as a singer. A stunned Shy reacts sharply and belittles Mayank's ambition, prompting him to break up with her. Meanwhile, her friend Tara Verma (Bianca Arora) and childhood friend-cum-neighbour Dhruv Kumar (Ansh Duggal) add to the fun and chaos in her life. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Don't Be Shy Movie Story Review: Sreeti Mukerji and Sunanya Kumari have written a story that sounds promising on paper. However, Sreeti Mukerji's screenplay (additional screenplay by Sehaj Kaur Maini), though breezy, doesn’t fully convince the viewers. It also gives a déjà vu of several films and shows in this space. Sehaj Kaur Maini and Sreeti Mukerji's dialogues are fine, but a film like this should have had more humourous lines.

Sreeti Mukerji's direction is average. To give credit where it's due, she has handled certain moments well. The idea of a girl pretending to belong to a higher social class in order to ‘fit in’ is relatable. Some of the moments shared by Shy and Dhruv are lovely, while the bond between Shy and Tara is also sweet. Films in this space are often under two hours long. DON'T BE SHY, however, has a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes. Though the film gets stretched, it's bearable.

At the same time, the narrative doesn’t completely involve the viewer either. The biggest issue is that it comes across as pretentious. The film feels like a bhel puri of various titles such as AISHA [2010], STUDENT OF THE YEAR [2012], NEVER HAVE I EVER, TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE, etc. Dhruv seems to be inspired by the character of Mr Darcy from PRIDE & PREJUDICE (and also BRIDE & PREJUDICE). The sequence where Shy gulps down alcohol and sets the stage on fire gives a déjà vu of ‘It’s The Time To Disco’ from KAL HO NAA HO [2003]. Though Sreeti tries her best to add desi elements, including the use of old classics, the film feels too Western and rarely comes across as a story rooted in India. Some of Shy’s actions are unconvincing, while certain developments feel forced. For instance, Shy injuring her wrist seems to serve no real purpose except to facilitate the sequence where she and Dhruv get locked inside a supermarket. As a result, several developments don’t flow organically.

Don't Be Shy Movie Review Performances: However, the performances are of a tall order. Aarushi Bajaj delivers a sincere performance and tries her best to play the character with conviction. Bianca Arora is a great find and puts up an entertaining character without going overboard. Ansh Duggal looks dashing and gives a first-rate performance. Piyush Khati, too, puts his best foot forward. However, his character ends up being a caricature in the end. Anurag Basu and Kunaal Roy Kapur (Mr Q) are adorable and bring in some much-needed humour. Anju Alva Naik (Jaya Das), Aditi Jha (Aashni), Ami Trivedi (Tinaz) and Tahira Nath (Mrs Joshi) lend able support. Neha Dhupia (Nandini Verma) is fair in a cameo while Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman play their usual selves.

Don't Be Shy movie music and other technical aspects: Ram Sampath's music is lovely and the songs are well-woven into the narrative. 'Jhoomo' and 'Re Bawri' stand out, while 'Tum Ho Vahi', 'Tere Sang' and 'Bandey' are decent. Ram Sampath's background score is satisfactory.

Pratham Mehta's cinematography is classy. Amrita Mahal Nakai's production design is too Western. Veera Kapur Ee's costumes are appealing. Redefine's VFX could have been better in the fantasy song. Dipika Kalra's editing is functional.

Don't Be Shy Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, DON'T BE SHY rests on a relatable idea, sincere performances, appealing music and a few endearing moments. However, the treatment is pretentious, several portions lack originality and the narrative fails to achieve the freshness and emotional connect needed for a coming-of-age entertainer. As a result, it fails to leave the desired impact.

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