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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PRIMETIME is stylish and intriguing, with a terrific Pattinson performance, but uneven writing limits its impact. Movie Review: PRIMETIME impresses but uneven writing holds it back.

Star Cast: Robert Pattinson, Skyler Gisondo

Director: Lance Oppenheim

Primetime Movie Review Synopsis: PRIMETIME is the story of an ambitious television personality. The year is 2006. Chris Hansen (Robert Pattinson) is a television journalist working for NBC and the host of the show ‘To Catch A Predator’. With the help of producer Andie Bender (Merritt Wever) and Xavier Von Erck (Matthew Maher), the eccentric leader of the online civilian vigilante group ‘Perverted-Justice’, Chris introduces a new format on television, in which suspected online child predators are lured to suburban decoy homes rigged with hidden surveillance cameras. The operation also requires an adult who can convincingly pass off as a minor. Twenty-three-year-old Dan Plumb (Skyler Gisondo) fits the bill and joins the team. The bosses at NBC are impressed by the show’s ratings and decide to give it a coveted primetime slot. Chris is on cloud nine, but his joy is short-lived as the show’s growing popularity also brings increased pressure and scrutiny. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Primetime Movie Story Review: PRIMETIME is adapted from the 2007 Esquire article 'Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die' by Luke Dittrich. Ajon Singh's story is inspired by real-life events and is quite fascinating. Ajon Singh's screenplay is a mixed bag. While some scenes are exceptional, several sequences fail to make the mark. The dialogues are okay. As it happens with most films released by PVR Inox Pictures, there are no subtitles and hence, some dialogues might not be easy to comprehend.

Lance Oppenheim’s direction is stylish. What stands out about the storytelling is the manner in which several scenes are presented like an investigative television show from the 2000s. Hence, expect harsh CRT monitor blues, bleeding VHS tones, surveillance-camera footage and extreme close-ups. The narrow 1.50:1 aspect ratio also works well in this regard. The manner in which the team goes about exposing the predators makes for an interesting watch. Dan Plumb’s character and his dilemmas are also presented effectively.

On the flipside, the interest levels dip at several points. The track involving Chris’ personal life fails to engage. Moreover, the narrative style is quite niche and, hence, may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The finale is intriguing but also feels a bit abrupt.

Primetime Movie Review Performances: Robert Pattinson rises about the shortcomings of the writing and delivers a performance that is nuanced and effective. Chris's cold narcissism and an insatiable lust for ratings comes across very well on screen thanks to Robert's performance. Skyler Gisondo has a crucial part and delivers a fantastic performance. Merritt Wever and Matthew Maher leave a huge mark. Phoebe Bridgers (Del Harvey) is okay and doesn't get much scope. The same goes for Anna Faris (Mary; Chris's wife). The actor playing the Murphy police chief and child predators do well.

Primetime movie music and other technical aspects: Ari Balouzian's music is sinister, as per the film's mood. David Bolen's cinematography is one of a kind. Alex DiGerlando's production design and Alex Bovaird's costumes are realistic. Daniel Garber's editing is functional and could have been sharper.

Primetime Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, PRIMETIME boasts of a fascinating premise, stylish treatment and a terrific performance by Robert Pattinson. But the uneven writing, niche narrative and lack of consistent engagement restrict its impact.

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HEART OF THE BEAST is an engaging survival drama that benefits from Brad Pitt’s act Movie Review: HEART OF THE BEAST is an engaging survival drama

Star Cast: Brad Pitt

Director: David Ayer

Heart Of The Beast Movie Review Synopsis: HEART OF THE BEAST is the story of a man surviving against all odds. James Belmont (Brad Pitt) is a retired command sergeant major who is flying his seaplane through the remote regions of Alaska. Giving him company is his dog, Odin (Uber), who served as a combat scouting dog during James’ war days. Odin lost a leg in combat and now wears a prosthetic limb. James developed a deep fondness for him and eventually adopted him. James is travelling through the wilderness, with no humans in sight, and is managing fairly well. However, things go downhill when his health deteriorates and his plane crashes. James survives the accident, but the nearest human settlement is 58 miles away. He and Odin now have to cover the entire distance on foot while battling harsh natural conditions and encounters with wild animals. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Heart Of The Beast Movie Story Review: Cameron Alexander's story is not novel and yet, it is intriguing. Cameron Alexander's screenplay is engaging. Despite Brad Pitt being the only actor, the writing is such that one is fully involved with the proceedings. The dialogues are minimal, while the monologue is lovely.

David Ayer's direction is unhurried, which is a departure from some of his hyper-macho and mass-appealing films. The setting and the protagonist are introduced beautifully, and in no time, we get immersed in James’ world. The various encounters he goes through are memorable. But what takes the cake is his bond with Odin. In fact, the dog’s characterization is one of the film’s strongest and novelest aspects. The portrayal of a canine suffering from PTSD is particularly unique and adds considerable emotional depth to the narrative.

On the flipside, the film gives a déjà vu of CAST AWAY [2000], THE REVENANT [2015], etc. A little more explanation was needed as to why James undertook this journey in the first place. The makers smartly don’t reveal the year in which the film is set, and it probably doesn’t take place in the present day. Yet, one does wonder why James doesn’t have access to a mobile phone or even a satellite phone, which could have helped him call for assistance. Lastly, the buzz around the film is quite limited.

Heart Of The Beast Movie Review Performances: Brad Pitt is terrific and the manner in which he displays his physical and emotional vulnerability, while ensuring the performance doesn't go overboard, is exemplary. An Oscar-nominated-worthy performance for sure. The dog, Uber, deserves a mention for sure, as his performance is remarkable, to say the least. J K Simmons (Watkins) is decent in a supporting role. Anna Lambe (girl in the pickup) is memorable.

Heart Of The Beast movie music and other technical aspects: Jared Michael Fry's music is minimal yet very impactful. Mauro Fiore's cinematography is breathtaking. The locales of New Zealand are captured beautifully by the lensman. Greg Berry's production design and Amanda Neale's costumes are authentic. Dody Dorn's editing is functional.

Heart Of The Beast Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, HEART OF THE BEAST is an engaging survival drama that benefits immensely from Brad Pitt’s terrific performance, breathtaking visuals and the touching and novel characterization of the dog. Brad Pitt’s presence gives it an added advantage in India, but in a crowded release period where AVENGERS ENDGAME: ENCORE is expected to dominate, HEART OF THE BEAST will need strong patronage from its target audience to make a mark at the box office.

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LUST STORIES 3 makes for a reasonably entertaining watch, thanks to its interesting concepts Movie Review: LUST STORIES 3 makes for a reasonably entertaining watch.

Star Cast: Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Gurfateh Pirzada, Ali Fazal, Radhikka Madan, Aditi Rao Hydari

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, Vishal Bhardwaj

Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Synopsis: LUST STORIES 3 is the story of couples caught in unique situations. Padma (Radhika Apte) is married to Hemant (Vijay Varma), while her best friend, Shonali (Konkona Sen Sharma), is the wife of Debendu (Abhishek Banerjee). Padma and Shonali are unhappy with their respective sex lives and decide to swap partners. Karan (Gurfateh Pirzada) is a pizza delivery boy who bumps into Lisa (Sana Thampi), a nail artist. Sparks fly between the two. However, Lisa is unaware that Karan has a hidden side that can have disastrous consequences for both of them. Varun (Ali Fazal) marries his sweetheart, Sailee (Radhikka Madan), and a few years later, they decide to separate. But they soon find themselves in a ‘can’t-live-with-can’t-live-without’ situation. Lastly, in 1987 Hyderabad, Saira (Aditi Rao Hydari), unsatisfied by her husband Badru (Siddharth) in bed, finds a unique and naughty way to articulate her unfulfilled desires. However, things don’t go as planned.

Lust Stories 3 Movie Story Review: The stories, as expected, are in the zone of love and lust. The Gurfateh-Sana track, written by Tanaji Dasgupta and Kiran Rao, also has a bit of crime thrown in. The screenplay is largely breezy. Avinash Sampath's screenplay for the Radhika-Konkona track is novel and keeps the interest going. However, the last two stories are stretched. Sumukhi Suresh's dialogues for the Radhika-Konkona track are hilarious and add tremendously to the fun quotient. The dialogues in the Aditi-Siddharth story also work well.

Vikramaditya Motwane's direction is convincing. The idea is crazy, but Vikramaditya handles it like a pro. Moreover, it is rare for an Indian title to show the impact of Korean shows even among the aam junta, who are often binge-watching their Hindi-dubbed versions. The finale is unexpected. Kiran Rao's direction stands out compared to her execution style in DHOBI GHAT [2011] and LAAPATAA LADIES [2024]. Shakun Batra's direction is fine but, compared to the work of the other directors, seems below par. Nevertheless, he captures some moments exceptionally well. Vishal Bhardwaj's direction is over-the-top per the requirement. There has already been a film and a popular web series based on a similar idea, but Vishal takes it on a different tangent, which makes for an entertaining watch.

On the flipside, the length is an issue this time. While LUST STORIES [2018] was around 2 hours long, LUST STORIES 2 [2023] had a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. LUST STORIES 3, meanwhile, runs for 2 hours and 44 minutes. One may not feel the length during the first two stories, but the third story, directed by Shakun Batra, particularly gets lengthy. Moreover, a crucial dinner scene seems unconvincing; the realization that the couple arrives at doesn’t come across organically. The Kiran Rao track has an interesting suspense element that many might not see coming. However, the climax seems rather abrupt, considering that dangerous drug lords are involved. The Vishal Bhardwaj track has fun and naughty undertones, though it doesn’t seem convincing in a few places. Lastly, the biggest drawback is that the earlier instalments had set a benchmark. The Kiara Advani vibrator scene in LUST STORIES and the intimate sequence featuring Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia in LUST STORIES 2 are memorable even today. No such lust-laden or memorable scene exists in LUST STORIES 3, and this may go against the expectations of viewers.

Love Or Lust With Lust Stories 3 Cast On Bollywood Hungama | Radhika Apte, Vijay Varma, Radhika Madan

Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Performances: Both Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma deliver highly entertaining performances. They take the story to dizzying heights with performances that are nuanced and yet very mass-appealing. Abhishek Banerjee and Vijay Varma, too, put their best foot forward. Gurfateh Pirzada looks dashing and proves yet again that he’s an actor to watch out for. Sana Thampi is an excellent find and delivers an arresting performance. Ali Fazal and Radhikka Madan are equally impactful. Aditi Rao Hydari gets her act right and ably delivers as per the requirement. Siddharth is adorable and delivers a sincere performance. Anirudh Surya (David Lobo) in the Radhika-Konkona track leaves a mark. Jiyoung Son (Jin; voiced by Suvela Sharma) and Tenzein Choden (Min; voiced by Sonal Kaushal) are very memorable despite having brief cameos. Rajat Kapoor (Therapist) flawlessly slips into the role. Vijay Maurya (Ravi Uncle) is dependable as always. Gajraj Rao (Abbujaan) is very cute, and only an actor of his calibre could have pulled off the part so effectively. Nivedita Bhargava (Guide Madam), Bhagyashree (Rajjo), Vaishali Bisht (Rajjo’s mother) and Alok Jain (Rajjo’s father) are fair.

Lust Stories 3 movie music and other technical aspects: The songs are well woven into the narrative. ‘Aaye Miyan Khat Phat’ is the only song that stands out. The cinematography is satisfactory. The production design across the four stories is visually appealing and yet remains true to their respective worlds. The costumes are straight out of life and realistic. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the last two stories.

Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, LUST STORIES 3 makes for a reasonably entertaining watch, thanks to its interesting concepts, fine performances and some genuinely engaging moments. However, the excessive runtime, uneven storytelling and, most importantly, the lack of a bold and memorable lust-driven sequence like the earlier instalments prevent it from making the same impact. Nevertheless, given the popularity of the LUST STORIES franchise, it is bound to attract huge viewership.

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VIBE works due to Kunal Kemmu’s command over humour, one-liners and performances Movie Review: VIBE works due to Kunal Kemmu’s strong command over humour

Star Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Preity G Zinta, Sparsh Srivastava, Vanshika Dhir

Director: Kunal Kemmu

Vibe Movie Review Synopsis: VIBE is the story of two friends who land in serious trouble. Bhagirath aka Bugs (Sparsh Srivastava) works as a software developer at a company called Next Phase Technologies in Mumbai. His best friend, Hardik Sharma (Kunal Kemmu), is quite sharp but has just been released from drug rehab. Bugs requests his boss to hire Hardik, and the latter joins the company’s marketing department. Here, he meets Kareena (Vanshika Dhir), and sparks fly between the two. All is going well until one day, all hell breaks loose for Hardik and Bugs. A fiery national security agent, Madam H (Preity G Zinta), and her team abduct the duo and compel them to work on a top-secret mission. They can’t back out as it’s a matter of national security. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Vibe Movie Story Review: Kunal Kemmu's story is a bit clichéd but works well within the zone of the film.  Kunal Kemmu's screenplay is simplistic and peppered with hilarious dialogues and moments that keep the interest going. However, the writing falters whenever the film gets serious. Kunal Kemmu's dialogues are one of the high points. The one-liners land effectively, and a few of them will be lapped up big time by viewers. Some of the one-liners are adult in nature, which explains the film's 'A' rating.

Kunal Kemmu's direction is functional. He is a pro when it comes to humour and he proved it with MADGAON EXPRESS [2024]. The film is a bit in the zone of GO GOA GONE [2013] and a few Hollywood films where two simpletons are forced to fight the baddies. However, since it is set in Mumbai and also has a terrorism act, it works well for the Indian audiences. The circumstances under which Hardik and Bugs come into contact with Madam H are hilarious and also quite unexpected. The dinner scene involving Kareena and her father (Mark Bennington) is also very funny, while the intermission point is equally shocking.

On the flipside, the film falters in the second half once humour takes a backseat. The twist involving the villain is just about okay and makes VIBE feel somewhat routine. The makers raise intriguing questions about how a suspicious individual could change her identity and gain access to a prominent tech company, whether an insider was involved, and whether there is a leak within the team. However, the film conveniently leaves these intriguing threads unresolved, making one wonder why they were introduced in the first place. Moreover, the film’s title and overall tone are such that it is likely to appeal primarily to urban audiences.

Vibe Movie Review Performances: Kunal Kemmu is great not just as a writer-director but also as an actor. Playing such goofy roles comes naturally to him and even in VIBE, he essays it with full conviction. Many scenes turn funnier than what was written on paper because of his act. Preity G Zinta looks stunning and performance-wise, she’s first-rate. Her action scene is memorable. Sparsh Srivastava shines and ensures that he doesn’t get dominated by Kunal and Preity. He also gets to show his acting and humour prowess effectively and makes good use of it. Vanshika Dhir is not merely eye candy and has a crucial role. Performance-wise, she’s satisfactory. Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua (Bansi) and Yashpal Sharma (Rawal) are very convincing and also entertaining. Salem Kali (Abid) is just okay, while Mark Bennington leaves a mark. Rajesh Krishnan (Bug's Boss) is funny. Uorfi Javed (Chanchal Screwvala) and Aaditya Kulshreshth aka Kullu (Hardik's colleague) do well in cameo appearances.

Vibe movie music and other technical aspects: Amit Trviedi's music is just okay. 'Raaton Mein Aana' is memorable for its whistle theme and picturization. This is followed by 'Aisi Meri Vibe', 'Rafta Rafta' and 'Sipahi Ek'. John Stewart Eduri's background score is in sync with the film’s happenings.

Kaushal Shah's cinematography is neat. Prachi Deshpande's production design is classy, while Rick Roy's costumes are glamorous. Parvez Shaikh's action and Brahm Chab's stunt design are devoid of gore and entertaining. But it could have been better. Anand Subaya and Sanjay Shrirang Ingle's editing is functional.

Vibe Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, VIBE works due to Kunal Kemmu’s strong command over humour, several hilarious one-liners and entertaining performances. Though the film loses steam in the second half and the villain track feels routine, it has enough madcap moments to keep viewers amused. At the box office, its urban appeal and youth-friendly humour should help it find its target audience.

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RESIDENT EVIL works due to Zach Cregger’s fresh video game-like treatment, Austin Abrams’ engaging performance and several well-executed scares Movie Review: RESIDENT EVIL works

Star Cast: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis

Director: Zach Cregger

Resident Evil Movie Review Synopsis: RESIDENT EVIL is the story of a man's crazy night. Bryan (Austin Abrams) is a medical courier who reaches a hospital with a parcel. He wants to finish his job and return to his girlfriend Michelle to have an important discussion. However, Dr Maria Stokes (Emily Piggford) tempts him with double the fee to make a high-priority delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Bryan agrees and leaves immediately. The highway to Raccoon City is deserted and slippery from heavy snowfall. All of a sudden, he begins encountering strange creatures who initially appear to need help but instead try to attack him. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Resident Evil Movie Story Review: Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten's story is impressive as it remains in the zone of the RESIDENT EVIL series and at the same time, provides a novel touch. Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten's screenplay is gripping and the inclusion of jumpscares at regular intervals adds to the fun. However, the writing is slightly underwhelming in the second half. The dialogues add a dash of humour to the proceedings.

Zach Cregger's direction is exemplary. He had proved his worth with WEAPONS [2025] and he brings his creative directorial skills once again in this film. RESIDENT EVIL began as a video game and this film is treated like one. As a result, there's a shift in tonality from the rest of the films, but ardent fans won't mind it, as Zach has handled it well. Also, one is aware that the zombies will attack. But when and how they'll attack is what keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This is especially during the madness that occurs on the highway and in the caravan. The climax is also quite arresting and the film ends on a decisive note.

On the flipside, a bit of repetition sets in during the second half. The events of the first half are so nicely done that the second half pales in comparison. The entire underground drain sequence is interesting, but it needlessly drags the narrative and doesn’t add much to the scare quotient. Moreover, despite the makers’ best efforts, some fans may miss the legacy characters. None of them are present, as the makers this time focus on new, original characters. Even the humour, at times, overpowers the scare element. Those watching the film in India may also be disappointed by the anti-alcohol and anti-smoking ticker at the bottom right of the screen, which is quite large and often distracts from the happenings on screen. A smaller ticker would have helped. Lastly, the series does not have a huge following in India.

Resident Evil Movie Review Performances: Austin Abrams dominates maximum screen time and delivers a smashing and entertaining performance. He’s not playing a typical hero. He’s a young lad, confused about his future with his girlfriend, who is now forced to survive amid all the madness and chaos. Hence, his ‘average Joe’ look and approach makes him very relatable. Zach Cherry (Carl) lends able support and Kali Reis (Maxine) is quite good. Paul Walter Hauser (Paul; scientist) is there for just a few minutes but shines. Johnno Wilson (Wilson; sheriff) is fair. Andrea Miltnerová (first zombie that Bryan encounters) rocks the show with her performance and expressions.

Resident Evil movie music and other technical aspects: Hays Holladay and Ryan Holladay's music, along with Dariusz Wolski's cinematography, enhances the eeriness. Special mention must also be made of the stunning locations, which have been captured beautifully by the lensman. Caroline Fahrer's costumes are realistic. Tom Hammock's production design is well-researched. The action is gory but its crucial to the narrative and not added for the heck of it. The VFX is top-class. Joe Murphy's editing is overall satisfactory but could have been crisper in a few parts in the second half.

Resident Evil Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, RESIDENT EVIL works due to Zach Cregger’s fresh video game-like treatment, Austin Abrams’ engaging performance and several well-executed scares. At the box office, its prospects in India may initially be limited by the franchise’s limited following, but it has the potential to spring a surprise if the target audience turns up in large numbers.

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DAAYRA impresses with its premise and performances but falters in the second half and climax Movie Review: DAAYRA falters in its second half and climax

Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prithviraj Sukumaran

Director: Meghna Gulzar

Daayra Movie Review Synopsis: DAAYRA is the story of two cops with contrasting styles of working. A young girl, Ragini (Pragati Mishra), disappears from a highway. Her mother, Parvati (Kshitee Jog), and brother Kabir (Bhavesh Babbani) approach the cops, but they don't take her case seriously. The next day, her burnt body is found on a deserted stretch. The case dominates headlines in the media, adding pressure on the Teerthana police. DCP Raman Kumar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) is given the charge of nabbing the culprits. Within a few days, he and his team arrest four men. Before they can be produced in court, they are shot dead. DCP Raman and his team claim that they tried to escape and even fired at the cops. When the police returned fire, the accused lost their lives. While the country celebrates their deaths, a section of society alleges that it was a staged encounter. The pressure from the Human Rights Department is immense and hence, DCP Ajooni Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan) of the Internal Vigilance Unit is asked to head an SIT and find out the truth. As a result, she heads to Suryapur, the scene of the crime. Ajooni has a no-nonsense and zero-prejudice approach to her work and is determined to find out what exactly happened and whether DCP Raman and his team are guilty. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Daayra Movie Story Review: Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Meghna Gulzar's story is inspired by a particular real-life incident, while the makers have also drawn from other similar episodes to spin a largely interesting tale. Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Meghna Gulzar's screenplay is captivating and peppered with some memorable dramatic moments. However, it gets confusing in a few places and loses steam completely in the climax. Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Meghna Gulzar's dialogues add to the drama, though a few more hard-hitting and sharp lines could have elevated the impact.

Meghna Gulzar's direction is decent. The filmmaker goes back to her TALVAR [2015] zone with this one and approaches the subject in a similar manner. She doesn’t waste any time and comes straight to the point from the very first scene. The intercuts between the conversations of the two teams are smartly done, and viewers are gradually acquainted with what exactly happened. Meghna also attempts to shatter preconceived notions in the second half. Viewers expect the film to go a certain way, especially with the track involving the accused, but it takes an unexpected turn. A few scenes are memorable, like Ajooni recreating the scene of the crime and finding discrepancies, Parvati being made to wait at the police station and the press conference after the encounter. The intermission point is also memorable.

On the flipside, the film gets a bit stretched in the post-interval portions. In a few places, viewers may briefly get confused as it becomes difficult to ascertain whether the narrative is in flashback mode or unfolding in the present day. The circumstances under which Ragini is fooled are also difficult to digest, especially since a truck is involved. But the biggest issue with the film is that there’s no climax as such. The film ends rather abruptly. One expects fireworks and a confrontation between the two leads, but nothing of that sort happens. Viewers may be stunned when the end credits suddenly start rolling, as the film does not provide the kind of dramatic payoff one expects. This impacts the film heavily.

Daayra Movie Review Performances: Kareena Kapoor Khan keeps her act subtle and yet, delivers an effective performance. Unlike other female cop characters in recent past, she’s not depressed or alcoholic and hence, it makes for a novel watch. Prithviraj Sukumaran is terrific. His dialogue delivery is superb, but watch out for how he communicates merely through his eyes. Kshitee Jog shines, especially in the first half. Bhavesh Babbani, too, puts his best foot forward. Biswapati Sarkar (Commissioner Prakash Anand) does well, but his comic image is so strong that it becomes difficult to imagine him as a Commissioner and Prithviraj’s boss. Jitendra Joshi (Inspector Karad), as always, is dependable. Brij Bhushan Shukla (Inspector Bala; who refuses to file an FIR) leaves a huge mark. Upendra Chauhan (Vishal Mishra; team Ajooni), Ipshita Singh (Aarti; team Ajooni) and the actor playing Gopal lend able support. Trupti Khamkar (SI Jyoti; team DCP) is memorable in the chase sequence. Sandesh Kulkarni (Head constable Vasu; team DCP), Saksham Dayma (Inspector Daya; team DCP), Manoj Sharma (Constable Prasad Nayar and driver; team DCP), Ram Diwakar (Raju), Ashutosh Kumar Gupta (Bablu), Abdul Mani (Mani) and Aditya Kumar (Mastan) are fair. Achint Kaur (Gomti Pujari) and Kanwaljit Singh (Judge Kohli) are impressive in the cameo appearances.

Daayra movie music and other technical aspects: The lone song (by Amit Trivedi) – the title track – is forgettable. However, Ketan Sodha's background score is very impactful and enhances the impact in several scenes.

Saurabh Goswami's cinematography is praiseworthy, especially the use of close shots.Parvez Shaikh's action is minimal and not gory or violent. Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray's production design and Karishma Sharma's costumes are straight out of life. Charu Shree Roy and Meghna Gulzar's editing is smart, especially the intercuts. But it could have been sharper post-interval.

Daayra Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, DAAYRA rests on an intriguing premise and strong performances by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. However, the stretched second half and, more importantly, the absence of a satisfying climax heavily dilute the overall impact. At the box office, the buzz around the film is limited and it will need strong word of mouth from the multiplex audience to make a mark.

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