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Reviews
Gaami (2024)
A beautiful painting with no heart
It's a really gutsy attempt from the makers to offer a unique experience to the Telugu audience, but that's all where it stops.
Apart from the adventure part, the movie has got two other subplots, which aren't really integrated well into the main plot. Being a medico myself, I predicted the story and the climax right at the beginning. Was waiting how director would execute that, but it was done so lazily. Also, the whole lab experiment seemed pointless, was dealt in the most half-baked manner. Also, the entire Himalayan voyage had so many cinematic liberties, done for the sake of plot convenience and progression.
Technically, the hardwork of all the crew is seen in every frame, superb job.
Director Vidhyadhar has done a decent job, but somewhere that killer punch was missing. Nevertheless, it was a good watch, but expected much more.
Guntur Kaaram (2024)
Babu scores, Trivikram disappoints
Thought AVPL had the weakest story among all Trivikram movies, guess what, GK story is much thinner than that and that's the main issue.
Right from the word go, movie runs on a one note, with bits and pieces of entertainment here and there, few work, thanks to the main lead's screen presence, but when it comes to the conflict, it's just weak and disconnected.
As expected, Superstar Mahesh Babu plays it to the galleries, be the body language, dialogues, especially dances, he solely lifts the movie. Sree Leela did what she can do, flaunt her glamor and dancing skills, don't know why on Meenakshi Chaudhary did this role, instantly regrettable. Rest of the cast don't do much, the important character played Ramya Krishna was severely under-utilized.
Technically, cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa was fine, editing by Navin Nooli was patchy. Music and BGM by Thaman was really below average, but the worst part is the sound mixing, outright bad and terrible.
Coming to writer-director Trivikram, looks like his pen ran out of ink, not a single high moment, zero mass, zero emotion.
BOTTOM-LINE: Trivikram garu, meeru velli PK ki PR ga, guide cheyyandi, movies direction matram vadhu.
Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire (2023)
SALAAR - Ugramm setup in KGF world
SALAAR - Ugramm setup in KGF world
The movie had shades of all, Ugramm, KGF, Game of Thrones, etc. But that wasn't the issue, on paper, this is a solid idea, but the execution just fell short.
It's been a while since we have seen Prabhas in an action avatar and he looks terrific in those sequences, though there's little scope for acting. Prithviraj was good in his role, providing the much needed support, rest of the cast shines well, although Shruti Hassan was irritating.
Technically, cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda was shaky, especially in the action sequences, editing by Ujwal should have taken care of that, KATERAMMA fight was solid, music by Ravi Basrur was alright.
Coming to Prashant Neel, he had exciting ideas on paper, but execution wise, he should have taken better care, the action parts worked out well, but the drama wasn't great and emotionally disconnected.
BOTTOM-LINE : One-time watch action drama, with superb elevations and subpar emotions.
Dunki (2023)
An emotional rollercoaster
The movie tells an important tale of how nothing feels like home, patriotism, just that it doesn't rise above the bar to become a masterpiece.
SRK leads the ship with a good act (happy that the Punjabi accent didn't come across jarring), Tapsee easily shines as the best of the lot, cameo by Vicky is impactful.
Technically fine for a feel good drama, music was wonderful and heart-stirring.
Coming to Rajkumar Hirani, the treatment is typical Hirani style, but the screenplay was too convenient and cinematic at places, which fails to pack a punch at last, overall it's not a great, but a really good movie.
Leo (2023)
Bloody sweet nope, it's bit bittersweet
I haven't watched "A History of Violence", therefore I don't know much of this movie is inspired or created newly. Whatever shown on the screen, one thing I could say is that the movie is good as a standalone, the LCU hype was a scam TBH. And the derailment in the storytelling in the second half only added to the woes.
Vijay is terrific, it's probably one of his best performances, if not the best, in the recent past. But the biggest drawback is the characterisations of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun, treated even averagely on the screen. Rest of them were fine.
Technically though, movie's solid, superb cinematography by Manoj Paramhamsa, especially that single take drone shot, editing by Philomin Raj is good, stunts by Anbariv were raw and gory, music by Anirudh is bad, though the BGM is fine, but nothing outstanding like Jawan or Jailer.
Coming to Lokesh Kanagaraj, his screenplay has left lot to be desired, the first half was superb, perfectly setting up for a intriguing second half, but things just went haywire, though the direction is fine, once again showcasing how brilliant of a craftsman he is and his command over technical finesse.
Jawan (2023)
King Khan's feast delivered in typical Atlee style
Some movies don't tease us with new concepts, rather serves simple recipes, in the most explosive manner. Jawan, just like Pathaan, belongs to the latter category, although in a more massier way.
Shah Rukh Khan's screen presence is magnetic, he makes you hoot and cheer, even if you aren't his ardent fan. No doubt, he's one of the biggest crowd puller in Indian cinema.
Vijay Sethupathi, as usual, plays the antagonist role in his own style, with a tinge of fun angle. Nayanthara looks stylish, but she surprised with her agility in stunts, amazing. Deepika's got a predictable role, yet leaves a mark.
Technically, cinematographer GK Vishnu deserves thunderous applause, really enhanced the scale of the film through his work, slick, stylish and superior. Editing by Ruben is smooth, narrative doesn't feel rushed. Stunts are designed well, especially the interval and truck chase. Production values and VFX of Red Chillies is superb. Anirudh's songs are just good, but he makes it up with BGM, keeping the proceedings alive.
Writing wise, it's a simple solid straightforward story, but screenplay could have been better, especially in the second half. Dialogues by Sumit Arora are whistle-worthy.
Coming to Atlee, as a writer, he did an okayish job, but his direction is top-class, presenting SRK in the most massiest avatar fans could ever imagine. There's a fine line between mass and cringe, he's one of those rare directors who knows that and delivers blockbusters.
Bottom-line: If Pathaan was mass, Jawan is Baap of that.
Jailer (2023)
Superstar's swag and Anirudh saves the day
Not at all a perfect film, yet it entertains, both in Rajini's and Nelson's way.
Superstar Rajinikanth, as usual, is in his elements, more subdued, thanks to the aged role, yet he pulls off the mass scenes effortlessly, without flexing his muscles, he's truly and will forever remain the Indian Superstar.
Vinayakan as Varman was terrific, showing both of his comic and villain shades with ease. Rest of the cast like Yogi Babu, Vasanthan Ravi, Ramya Krishna etc did what was given to them. Sunil wasn't utilised properly, Tamannah's role was of no substance. Last but not least, cameos by Shivanna and Lalettan was lit, especially the climax, enhanced by riveting BGM and was a treat to see the three legends from different industries in one screen.
Technically, visuals by Vijay Karthik was good, editing by Nirmal should have been better, but the real deal is Anirudh, though songs were decent, he literally breathed fire into the proceedings with outstanding BGM
Coming to Nelson, he corrected his mistakes from his previous film as a director, balancing the story and Rajinikanth nicely in the first half, but the second half lacked proper meat, things slow down and pick up only at the pre-climax
Bottom-line: Decent one-time watch with Superstar's and Anirudh's show all the way.
Bro (2023)
Only for PSPK
As with every movie, it's Pawan Kalyan's one man show all the way. Except for his antics and those vintage avatars, there's nothing much to write about.
Sai Tej looks bloated, physically restrained and acting wise, out of depth, so many scenes with lip sync issues, bad performance. Rest of the cast are just generic and stereotypical.
Technically, cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev is good, but letdown by some tacky VFX, editing by Naveen Nooli is okayish, should have trimmed few portions, Thaman's music is disappointing, the songs just act as speed breakers, though the BGM is decent.
Writing by Trivikram is subpar, there's good story at hands, only to be marred by half-baked screenplay.
Direction by Samuthirakani is average, focussing more on PK, he fails to handle the emotional aspects.
Bottom-line: mini meals for Fans, just okayish for others.
Adipurush (2023)
Tiresome Commercialized Ramayan
Don't know where to really start from, this is an epic disappointment on all levels. And the fears really came true, the VFX is so poor that, you start to wonder if this is a beta version of a video game launched several years ago, it is that cartoonish and was an eyesore. Acting wise, none really standout, though the aggressive version of Lord Rama played into the strengths of Prabhas, he was just okayish, Kriti had just to smile and weep. Even with a caricaturish characterisation of Ravan, it was Saif who had put some genuine effort among all the cast and crew. Screenplay is so lazy, the dialogues at places are as cringeworthy as hell. Technically, for a 500Cr project, this has to be the biggest scam in Indian Cinema in the recent times, nothing much about cinematography, as the entire movie was shot indoor, editing is pathetic, action choreography was straight out of many Hollywood movies. Only saving grace is the songs of Ajay-Atul and the score of Sachet-Parampara, it really elevates the proceedings.
Coming to director Om Raut, for a man who directed two critically and commercially successful ventures like Lokmanya and Tanhaji, he perhaps overestimated himself and probably went overconfident in directing this, some of the creative choices like Ravan and Lanka design might not go well with the staunch followers of Hindusim, his version of creating a commercial Ramanaya is the worst decision.
Bottom-line: Wait for Salaar, stay away from this.
Pathaan (2023)
Delivers what it had promised
After a 4 year hiatus, SRK returns to the big screen with a bang, setting stage on fire with his terrific screen presence, style, swag, and of course, the laid back subtle dialogue delivery. John Abraham is the perfect antagonist, looked menacing with his towering personality and Deepika did a fair job with what she was given. Technically, movie's slick with excellent cinematography and crisp editing, though the VFX looked really subpar, hand-to-hand combat sequences were superbly choreographed, rest looked OTT. Siddharth Anand does a superb job in presenting SRK and movie, but the writing sounded cliché and could have done a better job.
Lastly, the cameo appearance was well inducted into the movie and fires up the hall.
Veera Simha Reddy (2023)
Forgettable faction drama
Balakrishna, as expected, dances, throws punches, mouths dialogues, acts, but still he can't save the audience from the mediocrity at disposal. Varalakshmi and Honey were decent, Duniya Vijay was let down by poorly written character, Shruti's forgettable.
Technically, the movie looks basic, in every aspect, cinematography, editing, production values, fights lack any conviction, only Thaman stands out with his riveting BGM. Dialogues pack a punch here and there.
Direction from Gopichand Malineni is the biggest disappointment, with a successful template at hand, his execution was as flat as earth. Thumbs down 👎
Thunivu (2023)
Reboot of Valimai
Writer-Director H. Vinoth, once again, like Valimai, comes with a relatable story, but fails to develop an engaging screenplay, further letdown by clueless direction. First and second halves feel so unconnected, you wonder whether you're watching an anthology film.
Unlike Valimai, the core emotion here has got no connection to the protagonist, who himself is kinda bad boy. Desperate to convey a message, director oversimplifies the second half, completely unrelated to the first half, where everyone felt it's a heist film.
Ajith, as always, saves the day with his swag and style, but talents like Manju Warrier and Samuthrakani are wasted with minor roles.
Cinematography by Nirav Shah is okay, given the limitation due to plot setup, editing could have been better. Stunts by Supreme Sundar might pull the masses, but the climax episode is unreal and over the top. Ghibran's BGM is adequate.
So much was expected from Vinoth-Ajith, after a subpar outing with Valimai, but once again they settle for simplicity rather hitting it out of park.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Wow!! Just wow!!!
When I was a 9-yr old kid, I saw the first part and thought, man, this is a once in a lifetime kinda experience. Now, after 13 yrs, with a bit sharpened and matured mind, once again have stepped into the Pandorian world and boy, didn't it deliver much better than the first one? Salute James Cameron, probably the finest film-maker out there who really knows the nuances of storytelling and is a master in using VFX to enhance it. Talking about the story, plot and run-time which everyone is worried about, well, for me, it was like a family union, with so many underlying basic human emotions, but the standout one has to be "FAMILY IS OUR FORTRESS". Technically speaking...come on, do I have to talk about it? It's probably the best cinematic experience I have ever had in recent times, sadly there's no IMAX in our Telugu states. Book your tickets in the best theater possible, grab a bucket of popcorn and drink and get immersed into the Cameron's cinematic sorcery and spectacle.
Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022)
Saved by SSMB, letdown by writing
First things first, Mahesh Babu's screen presence and swag was worth million bucks. But sadly due to the mediocre writing, the movie felt like a bumpy road, especially in the later half, leaving the audience in a bittersweet taste. BGM from Thaman was below par, mainly the interval fight was bogged down by his work, rest of the technical work looked decent. Parasuram's idea of delivering a social message sounded nice, but focusing too much on the hero's style lead to uneveness in the screenplay. Overall,a one-time watch commercial entertainer.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Sam Raim and Elizabeth show all the way
Straightforward story, Benedict taking the back seat will certainly disappoint a few. Nevertheless,it was Elizabeth Olsen show all the way, with Sam Raimi's mark written all over the movie. Benedict was at his usual best, top-notch job from Danny Elfman and John Mathieson. I won't say lower your expectations, that'd be supporting mediocrity, it's indeed an entertaining watch, just missed the opportunity to become one of the best.
K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
Mass feast
This movie's a treat to mass fans, which has got everything, elevations, reverberating BGM, extraordinary cinematography and novel editing.
The only worry was the inconsistent screenplay, which didn't remain smooth throughout the movie, especially the love track.
Yash's swag and screen presence was on another level, Sanjay Dutt looked menacing and Raveena Tandon has got a meaty role, rest were good.
Not an easy task to pull off such spectacle, especially after the first part's success, but Prashanth Neel and team did it with flying colours.
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) (2022)
Full-on mass masala action-entertainer
It's neither a classic nor an epic,but a full-on mass masala action-entertainer. Don't expect a lecture class about the freedom struggle, it's an out and out commercial movie loaded with tons of hyper-heroism and heavy dosage of sentiment. Technically brilliant, nothing to complain. Only thing is I couldn't watch this in 3D format.
Radhe Shyam (2022)
Neither an epic nor a disaster
What could have been an epic love story turned out to be a regular romantic drama. With 300Cr budget, you can present the story visually in a stunning manner,but it needs to have a soul and that's lacking here.
There's absolutely no chemistry between the lead pair. Prabhas, though looked stylish, his face closeups clearly showed that it has been edited and with no requirement of any heavy duty acting,he did well. Same goes with Pooja,looked beautiful and acted decently.
Technically,the VFX looked unfinished,Manoj Paramahamsa cinematography, Justin Prabhakara n soundtrack and Thaman Score stand out. Direction from Radha was okay, writing left lot to be desired. It has few shining moments,but overall as a narrative,it falls short of expectations.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Fan service at its magnificent best
This is really a treat for the Spiderman fans, watching their hero fall,cry,suffer,rise and finally emerging victorious. Cinematography and action choreography were lit,backed up by superb VFX. The only disappointment is the lack of a strong, menacing and spine chilling villain. Don't watch the spoilers, experience this marvellous extravaganza at the theatres and surely don't miss out on the post credit scenes🔥
Mosagallu (2021)
Patheti, insipid and half baked
A good story was marred by bad screenplay. The direction is all over the place and except for the climax,none of the scenes keep you glued.
The dialogues are below sub-par and outright silly. None of the conversations sound natural or realistic and irritate to the core.
Performance wise,Kajal's fine,Vishnu's American accent helped to an extent,rest of the them hold no weight, even the much hyped ACP Kumar's character played by Suniel Shetty disappoints
Music is just okay, but the making didn't match a feature film's standard
Overall, pathetic, insipid and half baked thriller.
V (2020)
Not worth the hype
This film's a failure on all fronts. First,you cast well noted actors and don't give them proper roles. Nivetha has got nothing to do except looking lustfully at Sudheer. Nani did his best but was useless. Screenplay is predictable,if you've watched the trailers and interviews. BGM has got so much resemblance to Ratsasan. Finally,once again "V" proves that don't judge a book by it's cover. Thumbs down👎
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
Unbearable
The trailers revealed the entire plot. Seriously,no story, screenplay has nothing to boast about. And direction is purely formulaic. Hero just goes through situations, with no scope for performance. Heroine is nothing but a glamour doll meant to be enjoyed by hero. Music is the only saving grace. In terms of acting, only Murali Sharma stands out, which after a point becomes tedious watch. Completely disappointed.
Spyder (2017)
Villainism>>>>Heroism
Mahesh is a Super Star and the director just treats him like an upcoming hero? Ironical, because in ARM movies,you see loads of heroism. Though the concept is good,execution is really bad. The first half was good,but the second half was silly, especially the way hero nabs the villain. Songs are average,BGM is decent. Heroine is dumb,but the villain walks away with the cake. 3 stars for SJ Suryah,1 for Mahesh's attempt of doing different.
Kaappaan (2019)
Torture
This movie wanted to be everything,but doesn't click anywhere. SPG, farming-these two aspects are shown one after the other,but hardly fails. Really sad to see Suriya accepting such roles. The writing is very clumsy. And the characters just irritate you, especially Arya and Boman. Songs are worst,BGM is repetitive, nothing spectacular. Ignore this.
F2: Fun and Frustration (2019)
Frustration only
The director just messed with skits of Jabardasth,Patas and delivered with this 2 hrs long frustrating masterpiece. Not applying into originality but this movie doesn't justify logic and pseudo feminism shown through the female artists is irritating to the core. Venky did far better comic roles than this crap. Varun Tej offers nothing as an actor. Tamannah and Mehreen are just disgusting as torturing wives. No fun,only frustration as the jokes are a vague mixture of Jabardasth Patas jokes(which evoke better fun than this)