Analyzing 'Godzilla X Kong's Indian performance compared to Hollywood blockbusters
The Hollywood blockbuster, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has reached a significant milestone in India by crossing the 100cr nett mark at the end of its fifth week.
Are Aditya Roy Kapur Shraddha Kapoor dating again? Ask fans
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur was spotted outside his rumored ex-girlfriend Shraddha Kapoors residence, and the internet is buzzing with excitement. The two actors, who shared a sizzling chemistry in the hit film Aashiqui 2, have always been a favorite among fans. Their on-screen romance sparked off-screen rumors, and fans have been shipping them Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dharmendra turns Bobby Deol's personal paparazzo
Bobby Deol's performance in the recently released 'Animal' has received a lot of praise. His father, Dharmendra, has also given a shout-out to him on social media.
On A Scale Of 1 To Kriti Sanon, How Many Of These Workout Routines Can You Do?
Glute morning, Kriti Sanon captioned her video
Janhvi Kapoor opens Chennai family home Airbnb's 'Icons' experience
Airbnb, the renowned accommodation booking platform, has launched 'Icons', a new venture that provides exclusive access to the homes and experiences of renowned personalities, including Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor, who will open her family's estate ...
Box office: 'Fall Guy' falters on opening day in India
Despite high expectations, the Hollywood film The Fall Guydirected by David Leitch and starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunthas had a disappointing start at the box office.
Mohammedean's David, Aizawl's Lalrinzuala Feature in 26-Member India Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Mohammedean's David, Aizawl's Lalrinzuala Feature in 26-Member India Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Four I-League players were among a 26-member probables list announced on Saturday by India coach Igor Stimac for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification round two matches against Kuwait and Qatar. Mizoram's 23-year-old forward David Lalhlansanga, who played a key role in Mohammedan Sporting's I-League triumph and securing a promotion to the top-tier ISL, has found his name in the forward lineup boasting the talismanic Sunil Chhetri. Aizawl FC's forward Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia was also included alongside Real Kashmir defender Muhammad Hammad and Inter Kashi midfielder Edmund Lalrindika. With Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC playing the ISL final, players of the two ISL heavyweights are expected to be named in the second list of probables to be announced ''in a few days'', the AIFF stated. India will begin training camp in Bhubaneswar on May 10. The Blue Tigers will take on Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before travelling to face Qatar in Doha on June 11 in their last two matches of Group A. India are currently placed second in the group, with four points from as many matches. The top two teams in the group will qualify for round three of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and also book their berth at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. India probables: Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Defenders: Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Muhammad Hammad, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem. Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammad Yasir, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan. Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Parthib Gogoi, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Mrunal Thakur And Other Stars Give A Shout Out To Uorfi Javed's 3D Outfit
Love, wrote Mrunal Thakur
Farhan Akhtar's next centered on 1962 Battle of Rezang La
After a long break, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is making his return to the silver screen.
Jai Ho: Was Sukhwinder The Composer?
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Mizoram reports record GST collections in April, 4 NE states see negative growth
The Boys 4 Trailer: Karl Urban And Team Answer The Call To Save The World
The Boys Season 4 will premiere on June 13
Aamir's daughter Ira drops RARE wedding video
Ira Khan married Nupur Shikhare in a lavish wedding post a registered marriage. A heartwarming video captured emotional moments, including Aamir Khan's heartfelt speech. Their fairytale love story began during the COVID-19 lockdown and evolved into a public 'Popeye' romance.
Nakuul Mehta to star alongside Diana Penty in 'Daring Partners'
Popular television actor Nakuul Mehta has secured the lead role in the upcoming series Daring Partners, per India Today.
Box office: 'Aranmanai 4' earns nearly 4cr on opening day
The latest installment in the popular Aranmanai series, Aranmanai 4, has made a robust debut at the box office, earning nearly 3.6cr on its opening day.
Inside Anushka Sharma's 36th Birthday Celebrations Hosted By Virat Kohli. See Decor Pics
The birthday dinner was a dreamy pink affair
Weather Update: Light to moderate rain with gusty winds at isolated places is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during the next 5 days. IM Weather Update: The Meteorological Department has given relief news amid the scorching heat. Strong winds are likely from Bay of Bengal to Northeast India [] The post IMD Rainfall Update: There will be heavy rain with thunderstorm in these states for 5 days, know the weather condition in your state first appeared on informalnewz .
Fans point out major ERRORS in 'Heeramandi'
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi' captivated viewers with opulent sets and grand depiction of Lahore in 1920 pre-independence. However, it is now facing criticism for historical inaccuracies, unrealistic depictions, and language misrepresentations. Despite flaws, the series is lauded for powerful themes and stunning visuals, offering the world one of the most 'visually stunning' series ever created in India.
ED files money laundering case against Elvish Yadav, YouTuber to be questioned soon
ED files money laundering case against Elvish Yadav for allegedly using snake venom at his parties.
Jungkook's words of inspiration for ARMYs
Jungkook's heartfelt words: A source of warmth and inspiration for ARMYs
Watch: 'The Boys' blow up in 'bloody' new S4 trailer
The Emmy Award-winning series The Boys released its official trailer for the upcoming fourth season at the inaugural CCXP Mxico on Friday night (local time).
Kim Soo Hyun tops brand reputation May rankings
Kim Soo Hyun dominates the May brand reputation rankings with 11,625,568 index. Other top actors include Cha Eun Woo, Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Ji Won, and Ma Dong Seok. The rankings also feature Lee Joo Bin, Park Ji Hwan, and Jeon So Nee.
'Emily in Paris' S4 split into two, release dates revealed
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'Building Tak Aaoge?: Malaika asks paps
Actress Malaika Arora, who enjoys a good fan following on social media, frequently finds herself in the limelight for her personal life rather than her professional endeavors.
Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average. Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts. Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution. However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall. Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall. The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs. Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24. The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country. Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average. With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought. Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well. The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources. However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity. Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall. However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall. Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country. (ANI)
Aditya papped leaving Shraddha's home
Speculation arises around Shraddha Kapoor's rumored relationships and Aditya Roy Kapur's past with Ananya. Ananya's cryptic note alludes to valuable lessons and the intricate nature of relationships.
Ji-won and Soo-hyun bond with onscreen baby
The emotional 'Queen of Tears' finale left fans nostalgic. The heartwarming behind-the-scenes clip featuring Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, and their on-screen daughter Su Min resonated with viewers, evoking strong emotional responses and highlighting the cast's genuine bond.
Vijay Deverakonda and Dil Raju announce new film
Despite the underwhelming box office performance of their previous film Family Star, actor Vijay Deverakonda and producer Dil Raju are joining forces once again.
The Fall Guy makes Rs 50 lakh debut in India
The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, became the highest-earning film on Friday, beating out competition from Bollywood film releases at the Indian box office. The film which released on May 3, raked in an estimated $8.7 million from international markets on its opening day and other preview shows.
Adhyayan: I could have gotten into drugs...
Actor Adhyayan Suman, marking his return to acting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi', shared his experience of being out of work despite the success of two relatively well-received films in 2008.
Gaurav Madan's 'Barah by Barah' set for May 24 release
After a remarkable festival run across the globe, Gaurav Madan's art film Barah by Barah is scheduled to be finally released in theaters on May 24.
Suhana Khan's Picture-Perfect Selfie With Brother AbRam, BFFs Ananya Panday And Shanaya Kapoor
Dream Team, Suhana Khan captioned the post
BTS-inspired K-drama disappoints fans
Despite controversy, 'BEGINS YOUTH' impresses with production quality. Fans are divided on support due to distribution model.
Box office collection: Ajay Devgn's 'Maidaan' nears 50cr mark
Ajay Devgn's latest film, the biographical sports drama Maidaan, has garnered over 46cr in its 23-day run at the box office.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan crosses Rs 60 crore
Despite an Eid release, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan struggled at the box office, crossing Rs 60 crore after three weeks. Its fourth-week earnings hit a low of Rs 30 lakh. With few major releases, it continues its run. Akshay Kumar, despite setbacks, has a slate of upcoming films, including Housefull 5 and others.
Snake venom case: ED books Elvish Yadav for money laundering
There seems to be no relief in sight for Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav, who has now been booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), per reports.
Nick Jonas down with Influenza-A
Nick Jonas has announced that he has postponed concerts after contracting the Influenza-A virus. In an Instagram post, the actor and singer expressed his disappointment over the three-month delay in the Mexico shows that are now rescheduled for August. Meanwhile, Priyanka has been busy filming 'Heads of State' in Europe.
Box office: 'Ruslaan' sees box office decline on eighth day
The Bollywood film Ruslaan, directed by Karan Lalit Butani and produced by KK Radhamohan, has hit the skids.
Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy join 'The Magic Faraway Tree' adaptation
Hollywood actors Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy have been confirmed for the cinematic adaptation of Enid Blyton's popular children's book, The Magic Faraway Tree.
Shah Rukh Khan's next to go on floors around July
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has revealed his plans to return to filming later this year, following a brief hiatus.
The Boys S4 to be bloodiest season yet - WATCH
'The Boys' are back with another bloody, brutal and diabolical new series that will see Butcher racing against time to take down Homelander, this time, with a 'virus that kills Supes'. With the world on the brink, the stakes are higher than ever before. Season 4 premieres on June 13.
'Usire Usire' movie review: A lacklustre film that gasps for quality
Usire Usire comes on the screen with delayed anticipation, yet manages to pique curiosity as it welcomes back cricketer-turned-actor and Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Rajeev, alongside a guest appearance by none other than star Kichcha Sudeep. A film that transcends caste boundaries and adds a valuable climax rooted in a real-life incident, will this promise a breath of fresh air? Set against the backdrop of middle-class life where caste is but a faint whisper, the film follows the intertwined lives of two families from different religious backgrounds. Manu (Rajeev Hanu) and Saira Bhanu (Srijita Ghosh) defy societal norms with their childhood friendship, only to be separated by circumstances when Saira moves to a different town with her parents. Fifteen years later, Manu finds himself entangled in the complexities of love upon reuniting with Saira Bhanu in college. Though Manu initially faces hiccups, his romance with Saira Bhanu blossoms, but against the parents wishes, leading them to elope and start afresh. However, their happiness is short-lived when Manu discovers Sairas severe heart condition. The film raises questions about the endurance of childhood innocence and the sacrifices made for love. As Manu struggles to save his beloved, the narrative crescendos to a climax based on real events, with Sudeep adding value to the film with his emphatic performance. Despite its promising premise, Usire Usire falters in writing and execution. The director loses the plot early on, leaving crucial scenes and character developments disjointed. While Rajeev shines in action sequences, his portrayal lacks depth. Due to a lack of clear vision, the sequences involving Rajeev, which feel repetitive, become tedious to watch and test our patience. Srijita Ghoshs performance feels out of sync with the rooted flavour that the film was going for. Guest appearances by noted Telugu actors Ali and Brahmanandam add little substance, while attempts by Manju Pavagada at humour fall flat, especially his attempts at physical humour, with exaggerated body language. The performances of the rest of the actors including Rajesh Nataranga, Sadhu Kokila, Devaraj, Suchendra Prasad and Tara go unnoticed. Except for the climax and Sudeeps blink-and-miss appearance, with a poignant message, Usire Usire falls short of its potential, delivering a tedious watch marred by inconsistencies. Even with an emotional core, the poor execution leaves a lot of the films potential untapped. Usire Usire Director : CM Vijay Cast: Rajeev, Srijita Ghosh, Ali, Brahmanandam, Manju Pavagada, Rajesh Nataranga, Tara, Sadhu Kokila, and Devaraj Rating : 2/5
'Kangaroo' movie review: Perfect balance of thrills, suspense and emotions
Imagine the tenderness of a kangaroo nurturing its childa universal image of parental dedication. Now, picture that essence transposed into the soul of a film that is wrapped in the cloak of a crime thriller with a chilling touch of horror. Kishore Megalamane crafts this narrative through a series of deaths, tallying up to a staggering 125, with nearly 70 classified, including 12 women, as suicides. Set against the backdrop of Chikkamagaluru, the films focal point of investigations is the Anthony Guest House. Enter Prithvi (Aditya), a dutiful police officer transferred to Chikkamagaluru thrust into a mission that demands sacrifices, a notion accepted by his understanding parents as well as his pregnant wife and psychiatrist Meghna (Ranjani Raghavan). As Prithvi immerses himself in his new assignment, a chilling revelation emergeshis own brother (Nagendra Urs) is counted among the suicide victims. What commences as a whodunit swiftly morphs into a thriller, offering audiences an edge-of-the-seat experience sprinkled with horror. Yet, amidst the adrenaline rush of the investigation lies an emotional core, lending justification to the unfolding chaos. At the outset, director Kishore Megalamane boldly presents a tale that defies convention as he weaves together elements of crime and horror, while striking an emotional chord with equal measure. My attention was caught when Prithvi makes his psychiatrist wife Meghana a part of the investigation, which transforms into the linchpin of the story. Through her character, the essence of maternal care is delicately woven into the fabric of Kangaroo. From the moment Prithvi assumes command of the investigation, Kishore keeps audiences spellbound, stitching together all the characters and events. Every twist and turn, every interaction with fellow officers and witnesses, is meticulously presented, propelling Kangaroo into a league of its own as a suspense-laden drama. Aditya has often been drawn towards cop roles, although not always captivatingly so. My favourite of his cop roles comes in Edegarike, where his performance stood out, and now in Kangaroo, he brings a similar essence to his charactersubtle yet commanding, devoid of extravagant fights. He navigates most of the narrative through conversation alone, with his eyes and facial expressions effortlessly drawing the audience into his investigations. Credit is due to director Kishroe for extracting such a performance from Aditya. Ranaini Raghavans role is equally compelling; she is the soul of the story, showcasing two extreme shades. Departing from her usual serial appearances, she delivers an impactful performance on screen, stealing the show in the climax while defining the traits of a kangaroo with precision. The supporting cast also shines, enhancing the investigative genre, complemented by Sadhu Kokilas evocative background score. Kangaroo maintains a high standard in the making throughout, ensuring the audience remains engrossed in the investigation and emotional bonds, especially in unravelling a kangaroos identity in this blend of crime and suspense. Kangaroo Director: Kishore Megalamane Cast: Aditya, Ranjani Raghavan, Nagendra Urs, Kari Subbu, and Ashwin Haasan Rating: 3/5
'Aa Okkati Adakku' movie review: A generic take on matrimony site scams
HYDERABAD : Somewhere in the beginning of Aa Okkati Adakku (AOA), a banter ensues between Gana (Allari Naresh) and his sister-in-law Devi (Jamie Lever). There are lines thrown around on how Gana hasnt lost his sense of humour even though he has become more serious lately. This is followed by a discussion about the need for a person to possess content, whether it is serious or funny. The meta nature of this exchange is not lost on the audience. After headlining back-to-back films (Naandhi, Ugram, Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam) that have marketed themselves upfront as social dramas with action, Allari Naresh seems to have returned to the screens with what looks like a comedy. By slyly acknowledging the fact that one can be funny despite adopting seriousness with age, we get the mission statement of AOA, which tries hard to maintain the balancing act. The result is a middling, ill-fitted mess. Naresh plays Ganapathi alias Gana, a middle-aged government employee. After a stable job and a house of his own, all he needs now is a wife to complete the well-settled trifecta. Playing a character close to his real-life age, much like Venkateshs Pellikani Prasadu from the iconic comedy Malliswari (there is also the naku caste feelings levu dialogue in common between both films), Naresh is the butt of his neighbours jokes, while being a source of concern for his family. Unlike Prasad from Malliswari who lives with his older brother and sister-in-law, what adds salt to Ganas injuries is the fact that it is his younger brother who is married with a kid. Surely enough, there is a sanctimonious backstory that explains why Gana has no luck in the arranged marriage market, but more on that later. Writer Abburi Ravi also uses the initial portions of AOA to establish the conservative expectations that surround the theatre of Indian marriage. On one hand, single women who consider joint families as deal breakers for marriage are bemoaned, while divorcees are tastelessly referred to as second-hand goods. Once Gana gets tired of neighbourhood aunty matchmakers, he decides to take the matrimonial service. Through them, Gana meets Siddhi (Faria Abdullah). There are motions of a courtship, till the story prefers to devote its runtime towards exposing the scams that operate behind matrimonial sites. While the films comedy is not the smartest or the funniest, it does keep things in an easygoing fashion. Jamie Lever, Harsha Chemudu and Hari Tejas characters in particular contribute to this lightness during their limited screen time, keeping things pleasant. The second half of the film lets go of the few merits from the first half into directions more serious and dare I say, unmemorable. After Siddhi rejects Ganas proposal for marriage, they meet again and instantly strike up a friendship. There are three songs to detail the progression of Gana and Siddhis semi-platonic relationship, who are in their early 40s and mid-20s, respectively. It is odd that a film not shy of displaying the age gap between its leads refuses to ever address it. There is a laundry list of superficial remarks playing out on how divorcees, middle-aged men, NRIs, unemployed men, men with loans, men with families, female doctors, female influencers and women who sound like men fare in the marriage market, but nobody in this universe finds anything wrong with really young women paired with an older man. For a film so filled with opinions, it seems odd that there is no commentary on this awkward situation. Now, there are ulterior motives behind Siddhi pursuing Gana, but what does Gana feel about dating women half his age? These questions echo in the vacuum that exists where Gana and Siddhis chemistry should have ideally been. The films warning cries on scammers, packaged into a drama, is equally hollow. I wish I could say I pondered about why the characters behaved the way they did, but I kept glossing over the details, hoping the film does get better as it goes. Different details of the film are thrown around like breadcrumbs and by the time you reach the end, the pay-off is not just unsatisfying, but also half-baked. A runaway groom (Raja Chembolu) and a hit-and-run victim (Goparaju Ramana) are a few examples of how the films subplots are given the appearance of something serious while they remain wafer-thin. The films final block, a courtroom drama, ideally an event that should give some meaning to what has happened so far, turns into exactly the opposite a reflection of the films lacklustre writing. It was so hamfisted, that it makes one wonder why we had any expectations in the first place. Allari Naresh and Faria Abdullah shine intermittently, and the joke is on us for believing the film could be anything more than that. Film: Aa Okkati Adakku Cast: Allari Naresh, Faria Abdullah, Jamie Lever, Hari Teja, Viva Harsha, Vennela Kishore, Ariyana Glory Director: Malli Ankam Rating:2/5
'Prasanna Vadanam' movie review: A gripping thriller-drama that perfectly plays to Suhas strengths
HYDERABAD : If you are walking into Prasanna Vadanam expecting a thriller, the first half an hour might belie your expectations to some degree. Even though the film unfolds with the visuals of a fatally injured Surya (Suhas) being taken to the ICU, the sequences that follow have a surprisingly laidback energy. We learn that the jovial, good-hearted Surya has managed to overcome the trauma, and learned to lead a normal life free of any emotional baggage. However, just as we are making peace with the narratives nonchalant demeanour, as Surya looks at people around him going about their life with a calm mundaneness on a rainy night, director Arjun YK turns the tables on us, reminding us of his storys true ambitions. The central conflict comes into place as Surya witnesses something horrific, and decides to do something about it. The cards fall in one swift move, instantly taking us into the middle of the action. From this point onwards, Prasanna Vadanam maintains tension in the narrative, springing up one twist after another, barely giving us time to think. Its hard to talk about Prasanna Vadanam without giving away spoilers, but the film truly gets into its groove around the interval mark when we get clarity on who the real antagonist is. Writer-director Arjun YK knows that any taut, thrilling narrative depends equally on its evil forces as much as its goodness, and creates an exciting villain figure here who is repulsive and riveting in equal measure. The film often catches us off-guard with its twists and developments; the antagonist stays ahead of not just the protagonist but the audience itself, and thats a win. Its easy to label Prasanna Vadanam as a plot-driven thriller, but a lot of the credit goes to the tension that stems from the unpredictability of the antagonist. We stay invested in the narrative on two levels, fearing and rooting for Surya while dreading the villains next move. What makes Prasanna Vadanam more compelling is that we are also made privy to the antagonists backstory and motivations, which makes the character more human while not compromising on the menacing aura the villain needs. Despite an occasional hiccup and a few logical loopholes, the narrative manages to keep us engaged due to this compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic between the good and the evil. Moreover, while maintaining its essence as a taut thriller, Prasanna Vadanam acquires a rather free-flowing tonality in the second half. The lines between comedy and tragedy occasionally get blurry in this story about an ordinary man straddling a chaotic situation, and Arjun YK makes space for some absurd humour too. There are plenty of moments in the second half where the protagonists vulnerabilities add to the tension, like a riveting action sequence that takes place in a public toilet. The director uses the dynamics of a constrained physical space to great effect, as we see Surya struggling to break free from the clutches of two psychopaths. At the same time, Prasanna Vadanam doesnt shy away from delving into moral ambiguity or the messier parts of its protagonist Suryas predicament either. At one point, Surya threatens a baddie with killing his infant baby if he doesnt help him out. We know Surya eventually wont do it, but are caught off-guard nonetheless, wondering for a quick moment whether Surya has actually become capable of evil, after enduring ill-treatment. In the final act, Arjun YK makes ingenious use of the romance track which up until now had felt completely perfunctory, without coming across as gimmicky. These portions offer a roller-coaster of emotions, as we empathise with Suryas helplessness while being fully aware that something macabre could occur at any moment, and this tension again goes back to having a tragicomic protagonist at its root. Prasanna Vadanam benefits hugely from an exemplary actor like Suhas, who breathes life into his role. The actor often elevates minor moments, lending a lot of rawness and humanity to a character that could have easily come off as a typical hero figure in the hands of another star. Suhas never makes Surya invincible, always reminding us of his ordinariness with small touches, like the one where his shoulder flinches after he pushes open a locked door, or when he desperately picks up a half-smoked cigarette from the pavement while being on the run for hours. These moments ring true, but more crucially, they remind us that, at its core, this is the story of a common man who is not above moments of deprivation or utter despair. Film: Prasanna Vadanam Cast: Suhas, Rashi Singh, Harsha Chemudu, Payal Radhakrishna Director: Arjun YK Rating: 3.5/5
'The Fall Guy' movie review: Barely amusing but loaded with ample romance & action
The Fall Guy has an inherent charm but the charm feels algorithmically structured. It has all the right doses of action, comedy, and romance, built around each other in the right proportions, in a perfectly balanced screenplay. However, the human tendency to seek out inauthenticity keeps pointing out that the charm feels plastic and manufactured. Take for instance The uncanny valley effect, where humans would look at a humanoid robot or a CGI creation that looks vaguely human, and feel mildly unsettled because a primal part of our brain keeps telling us that what we are looking at isnt quite human. While this is largely a visual attribute, the screenplay of The Fall Guy does evoke an uncanny valley effect, with how much it tries to be a whimsical action-comedy. While we do stay engaged with the flow of the story, we cannot shake the feeling that the film is not quite what it is trying to be. After superstar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) disappears, his stunt double Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) must find him and get him back on the set so his ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) can finish her big debut film, and maybe Seavers can get the love of his life back. The quirky premise has the sweet nostalgic aftertaste of an 80s romantic comedy. With a splendid chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, the romance largely works. We feel the spark and even though you know where the will-they-wont-they eventually leads to, you still want the characters to end up together. However, the biggest debilitating factor of the film ends up being the humour and the dialogue. The Fall Guy religiously follows the recipe of modern comedies. We have meta commentaries on the storys structure, excessive pop culture references, drug-induced hallucination jokes, cameos nobody asked for, and a post-credit gag to wrap it all up. The humour is watered down, and bland, and the best reaction it gets out of you is that you are mildly amused, which happens sparsely. The one aspect of the film that makes the best use of the genre is the action. Director David Leitch leverages the Hollywood setting of the story and delivers a stunt sequence wherever possible. And the action is appropriate to the lightheartedness of the genre as well. There are different types of action on film. Some are intense and gripping while others, in the vein of television wrestling, look thoroughly amazing with no intention of raising your pulse. The action in The Fall Guy belongs to the latter category. In a time when films drench the screen with blood and gore, it is refreshing to see a light-hearted shade of action. It reminds us of the early 90s Jackie Chan action comedies, where visual gags are ingrained in whimsical fight sequences, where even the protagonist is not immune to failures and stunt gags. While Emily Blunt stands out with her expressive, emotionally resonant performance, Ryan Gosling amps up the charm with his laid-back, restrained approach that goes well with the overall tone of the film. The supporting characters blend into the background and refuse to stand out. The Fall Guy has all the right ingredients: An engaging story, likeable performances, romance that connects with you and is loaded with plenty of action. However, the film delivers the bare minimum and fails to hold your attention on account of a flimsy screenplay and ineffective humour. It belongs to the genre of film that entertains you by not straining your attention, that amuses you but exerts no effort to keep you hooked. You can carelessly zone in and out of focus and still feel like you had fun. The Fall Guy is the kind of action-comedy you play on your screen at home while youre doing something in the background, but when someone asks, you still say you had fun. Film: The Fall Guy Director: David Leitch Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson Rating: 2.5/5
Mr & Mrs Mahi: Never A Dull Day At Work For Janhvi Kapoor. See Pics From IPL Match
Mahi's day out, Janhvi Kapoor wrote
'Nadikar' movie review: A lost opportunity, high on broad strokes
In one of the early scenes of Nadikar, superstar David Padikkal (Tovino Thomas) is ready for his shot and starts reciting the lines that he has memorised. Feel evide? (Where is the feel?), shouts a veteran director (Ranjith), frustrated on seeing his lead actor hamming his way through, sans any emotion. This sequence comes after a well-shot montage illustrating Davids sudden propulsion to stardom, leading him to taking things for granted with an unmistakable air of arrogance. As the film progresses nonchalantly, one cannot be blamed if the audience, too, start pondering the same question. Feel evide? Several years after a streak of success catapulted him to fame, David is now gradually losing everything, courtesy a string of flops. The general public, the media, and his entourage are all questioning his relevance as an actor. It reaches a point where he becomes open to the idea of hiring a professional acting coach, who could potentially breathe new life into his waning career. Soon, Bala (Soubin Shahir), a dispassionate acting instructor with a strong theater background comes into the picture and it is anything but smooth for him to tame Davids tantrums. It is the second time Lal Jr is attempting a film centered around the life of a film star after Driving License (2019), which, thankfully, had the backing of a solid script that did not pull its punches. Coming to Nadikar, the intentions are evident in its portrayal of the evolution of an unruly superstar, but unfortunately, Suvin S Somasekharans lackadaisical writing approaches this narrative with broad strokes. Barring some of the sporadic humour, mostly involving Suresh Krishna and Balu Varghese, the film tries too hard to find a solid footing. Nadikar begins on a humble note with the video footage of an interview featuring Malayalams first superstar, Prem Nazir, sharing pearls of wisdom on how stardom is not a bed of roses and emphasising the importance of discipline to stay relevant. The film attempts to examine this notion of stardom as a meta-commentary in todays times, showcasing how the Malayalam film industry operates. Unfortunately, apart from barely scratching the surface of the underlying themes and featuring some customary tongue-in-cheek gags related to the industry, it offers hardly anything new that we have not seen before. The first hour of Nadikar moves at a brisk pace as it leaves no stone unturned in portraying Davids unhinged and insecure life as a junkie and womaniser, who cant move on from his ex-lover. However, it significantly falters in engaging the audience post the interval when David reluctantly starts embracing Balas pieces of advice on how to act. As David, Tovino does manage to deliver an impressive performance while walking a tightrope between portraying a haughty star consumed by vanity and a mediocre actor who cannot even care to move a finger to improve his craft. The film falters when it lazily tries to explore the inner turmoils of David as an orphan, which becomes the cornerstone of the characters reinvention as an actor. Soubin, too, gets to shine in a few emotional scenes opposite Tovino, but the writing around his one-note character leaves a lot to be desired. Among the supporting cast, the standout performer was the hilarious Suresh Krishna as Davids manager, reminiscent of Antony Perumbavoors association with Mohanlal, as referenced in the film. Balu Varghese, too, provides comedic relief as part of the entourage. It was also refreshing to see Bhavana in a composed-yet-fun portrayal, even though her limited presence is peripheral to the story. One aspect that soared high in the film is, of course, the costumes and styling departments who understood the assignment. While most of the technical departments were satisfactory, the sync sound and mixing felt subpar as many dialogues were partially inaudible. On the whole, Nadikar is a lost opportunity that lacks both energy and emotional connection. It could have been a compelling coming-of-age of a narcissist and a potent satire on the idea of stardom, but its unimaginative writing makes it a lacklustre affair. Film: Nadikar Cast: Tovino Thomas, Soubin Shahir, Bhavana, Suresh Krishna, Balu Varghese Director: Lal Jr Rating : 2.5/5
'Aranmanai 4' movie review: An in-form Sundar C finds the sweet spot between humour and horror
CHENNAI : Some ideas are par for the course in the Aranmanai franchise, like the nightly ghost routine, the not-so-novel use of heroines, the hit-or-miss comedy... Despite all of this, Aranmanai 4 doesnt succumb to franchise fatigue, mainly due to refreshing plot twists and Sundar Cs mastery of commercial filmmaking. Truth be told, the film doesnt get off to a good start. Advocate Saravanan (Sundar C) fights bad guys who are against a love marriage, with the scene serving as a mere exposition of his love for his sister Selvi (Tamannaah), who, we learn, eloped with her lover (Santhosh Pratap) 10 years ago. Having not heard from her for a very long time, the news of his sister and brother-in-laws sudden deaths shatter Saravanan, who leaves for the village where they reside to learn that their deaths arent as straightforward as being reported by the police. In fact, the veracity of their deaths comes under question. Things get murkier when Saravanan goes out on an investigation. And all of this is what Aranmanai 4 is all about. In a refreshing departure from the franchise, the evil being in Aranmanai 4 has no personal vendetta with the family in question. This wise choice by writers Sundar C, Venkatt Ragavan, and SB Ramadass has rendered the screenplay flexible enough to conjure mystery by showing seemingly unrelated events in random peoples lives that ultimately have a connection. Neither does the connection lack originality nor are we able to guess the eventual reveal. This suspense, a rarity in an Aranmanai film, is sustained gainfully in the first half. Discovering the presence of the evil creature, Baak, and certain qualities ascribed to it in the second half is instrumental in introducing the twists and the eventual challenges in taking it down. All of this adds spice to the second half. Audiences familiar with the Aranmanai franchise will not mind tonal inconsistency, especially when the comedy scenes evoke laughter. This film is an example of how comedy on paper can convincingly get replicated on screen. Just like the film itself, the comedy scenes also begin underwhelmingly but gradually get better. The pre-climax scene, in particular, is a laugh riot. Sundar Cs Saravanan is laudable for taking the back seat for the majority of the runtime. Feeling clueless about what happened to his family and what is going on in the village makes us empathetic towards the character. Morphing into a superhero for the climax fight has long ceased to be an oddity; it is still not readily acceptable given what we have seen of him for over two hours. Also, a relatively less problematic portrayal of the leading ladies makes Aranmanai 4 better than its predecessors. Tamannaahs Selvi is a compelling character, and the actors performance sells the mandatory flashback. To a lesser degree, Raashii Khannas Maya is useful too, and crucially, isnt wasted on a romantic track or relegated to being mere eye candy. The otherworldly elements in this film, no matter how far-fetched they are, still need to come with certain rules within the storys universe. And yet, I found myself wishing that the evil spirit had been written better and not restricted to just being the cause of jump scares. Another letdown is the supposed powers of the good spirit and how the film doesnt really get into it. These are scenes that try to make the most of VFX, which too is just par for the course. Yet, Sundar C keeps things engaging enough with suspense and twists, and add some effective comedy, emotional strength, and measured music by Hip Hop Adhi, and you have got the recipe for an entertaining Aranmanai film. The cameos at the end and the lead to a fifth installment only add to the intrigue, making a strong case for the extension of this franchise. Sundar C clearly has something to fall Baak on. Film: Aranmanai 4 Director: Sundar C Cast: Sundar C, Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, Santhosh Pratap, Yogi Babu, Kovai Sarala Rating: 3/5
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Just Bobby Deol Living His Animal-Print Moment. Pic Courtesy: Son Dharam
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Kareena exits Yash's Toxic due to THIS reason
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Cannes Lions 2024 shortlisting jury announced; six Indians included
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