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Reviews
Badhaai Do (2022)
Beautifully handled 😊
Most of the "thou shall not speak of them" topics in Indian society, when are portrayed on the big screen, come through as loud, crass, cringey and sometimes downright insensitive (eg. Shubh Mangal zyada Savdhaan). Exceptions are few and far between. However, Badhai Do, while keeping the comedy sufficient to keep you giggling, does not fail to turn your eyes towards the glaring double standards and lack of knowledge and empathy prevalent in the Indian society towards same sex relationships or marriage. There are a few scenes that are a first time for the Bollywood big screens like a gay couple getting into a quarrel and fight over genuine reasons, lesbians going for a trip etc. The leads don't disappoint, neither do most of the side characters. However special mention is deserved by Rajkumar's Mom and Bhumi's Dad, both putting in heart touching performances and two of the most emotionally powerful scenes of the movie. Overall I would have given it a 9/10 (one or two unnecessary inclusions) but thanks to "progressive" India giving it a 7.3 it's a 10 to even things out a bit. I pray for more such "not for open discussion" subjects to be portrayed in a large scale to provide for more uncomfortable viewing and inducing a bit of "chhheeeeee" from the ultra conservatives. 😌
8/12 Binay Badal Dinesh (2022)
Very well executed
"If you're resorting to non violence in response to the torture the British are doing, then you're committing an act of cowardice".... A no nonsense, crisp, to the point depiction of a hair raising assassination event could not have been done much better (maybe a tad less heavy metal background score would have been nice)... Some scenes provide for uncomfortable viewing, some will make your blood boil while some will drop your jaw in awe of the courage of the then youth of the country. One song of Arijit Singh is so perfectly placed it'll send chills. Patriotism in just the right amount mixed with decent acting and direction considering the low budget is commendable. No wonder one of the busiest chowks in Kolkata is known as Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag more than Dalhousie!
Breathe (2018)
Absolutely BREATHTAKING!
This was the first Indian web series I have watched back when it released. Went in with zero expectation and came out speechless. It's so good that even with the whole story known it can be rewatched. A father battling to save his son in Madhavan came out raw and is till date one of the best negative characters ever portrayed by an actor. A cop with a bad past, inner conflict and struggle with alcoholism in Amit Sadh looks badass and real thanks to this underrated actor's min boggling performance. The direction, writing, pace, background score all add up to make breathe one of the best India has offered till date, if not the best.
Breathe: Into the Shadows (2020)
Who can play better mind games than a psychiatrist?!
Let's be honest. 12 episodes at first seemed stretchy. After the total u turn at the end of the 5th episode (won't give spoiler) it gets interesting and manages to keep you hooked for 7 more episodes. The climax is for everyone to ponder upon. Let's not compare madhavan to bachchan. Bachchan was very good in this one though his supporting actors were better and Amit Sadh was fantastic. Eager for the next season!