Category: Movie Reviews

It’s been almost 20 days since I wrote my last movie blog. I’ve watched a few movies since then and even thought of writing, but the blank screen stopped me every time. Tho, I was little occupied, I managed to watch two new ones and even rewatched an old favorite. These three movies are perfect for a weekend watch.

I also started a K-drama called Brewing Love. After 3–4 episodes, I decided not to continue. Strange, I know! Anyway, here are my recommendations for this weekend!

KD (2019)

This delightful movie takes me back to the first COVID lockdown in 2020. Movies was my coping mechanism back then. It’s heartwarming and filled with warmth. The story revolves around an old man rediscovering his inner child through a little boy’s company. Their bond is refreshing and pure bliss to watch. The small things they do for each other make the movie special. I won’t spoil it, watch it yourself. It’s available on Netflix and Amazon. Highly recommended!

Kishkindha Kandam (2024)

Initially, I thought this movie would be about monkeys, given the title. But it turned out to be very different and surprisingly good. The story explores the power of memory. Unlike many movies that deal with lost or unwanted memories, this one shows how Appu Pillai has gains the ability to retrieve and delete memories. Though he didn’t wish for this power, curiosity drives him to uncover and destroy parts of his life’s memories. It’s available on Amazon.

Lucky Bhaskar (2024)

This is a great entertainer. I’m unsure if it’s based on a true story, but the plot draws inspiration from Harshad Mehta’s case. The movie portrays middle class mentality and struggles very well. One of the key messages that I understood from the movie is that winners know when to quit. The dialogues are strong and relatable. Maybe, Dulquer’s hairstyle could’ve been better. It’s available on Netflix.

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I finally got around to watching It Ends With Us. Initially, I planned to see it when it was released in theaters, but I ended up watching it now on OTT (pestered few of my friends for movie link or the platform to watch). When it first came out, it was only available for rent. Later, I got busy with work and kept postponing it.

I’ve read a lot of reviews saying the book is far better than the movie. Many readers felt that the characters of Atlas and Ryle didn’t meet their expectations. I stopped reading fiction after COVID. I had started with Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat and read a few books after that, but I’m not sure if I lost interest in fiction or if the gap affected me. Watching this movie, however, makes me want to read the book and understand Atlas better. Some parts of me are curious about the conversations and details from the book.

Now, coming to the movie itself. Since I haven’t read the book, my thoughts are based only on the movie. The title It Ends With Us felt meaningful by the end. The opening scenes were engaging and set the story well. Lily struggles with her feelings about her father, and Ryle has uncontrollable anger issues. The “naked truths” they revealed early on were bitter yet important to the story.

Here are some of my observations:

1. Ryle’s unresolved childhood trauma was revealed as part of his “naked truths” early in the story.
2. Lily’s compassion, whether for flowers or Atlas, stood out. Did she like Atlas because he understood her pain?
3. Atlas’s early warning and the card he left under the case were thoughtful touches.
4. The heart made from oak wood and the heart tattoo near Lily’s collarbone were symbolic and added layers to her character.
5. Alyssa, as Lily’s best friend, did an amazing job supporting her.
6. Lily’s experiences with her parents helped her understand her own abusive relationship. This realization was critical for her decision.
7. Lily’s mom shared how she got used to loving her husband, even though he abused her. She depended on him for many things, like fixing things in the house, which made it hard for her to break free
8. The portrayal of an abusive relationship was simplified, but it still touched on the impact it has on children. The way Lily explained this to Ryle was powerful.
9. Ryle acknowledging that Lily should live alone was amazing (I was like, what he understood easily??).
10. Atlas’s empathy was clear when he told Lily, “If you’re ever ready to love again, fall in love with me.” That scene stayed with me.
11. The way Lily’s father beat up Atlas was terrifying, yet Atlas stood up for her despite the risk. (I know, it’s novel, lol !)
12. The metaphor of roots and lily blooms was beautifully placed. The idea that healthy roots are essential for growth connected well with the story.

Overall, the movie had its moments, but I feel the book might offer more depth, especially with characters like Atlas. I might pick it up anytime sooner. Its available in Netflix.

Cheers

PS: obsessed with Love the Hell Out of You (Lewis Capaldi)

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Happy Deepavali and Halloween to everyone reading! Let light sparkle into your darkness.

I had the chance to watch Lubber Pandhu today—yes, on Disney OTT. The theatres here are all booked! It was a great watch, yet left me thinking about a few things. Some might wonder, “What’s there to think about in a movie?” But each movie can show us something different, whether it’s about competition, cricket, love, ego, or just feeling good. For me, Lubber Pandhu had a mix of it all.

Some observations maybe

• The clash of egos between the men was shown clearly. It showed how relationships can be more important than pride. Between Anbu and Gethu, friend’s clash of ego, the Jolly friends team’s clash.
• Anbu’s sportsmanship and his drive to win were impressive. Gethu’s acting and talent also stood out.
• The bond between couples both the young ones and the parents. It was beautifully portrayed. They each showed love, compassion, and an understanding of what the other wanted. It was good to see their realization that they couldn’t live without one another. Anbu accepting that she might learn to live alone, and Gethu’s tears as he asks her to stay, added depth.
• The lead female characters were strong and confident in their choices
• Friends had a meaningful role too. Important moments were handled with sharp, thought-provoking lines whether it was in the brotherly like scenes or when Akila entered the game.
• The plot was engaging throughout the story.

This film left me with few things to think about, and I’m sure it will resonate with you when you watch.

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I really wanted to watch “Meiyazhagan” on birthday. It reminded me of watching 96 in Trichy on same day, though that plan didn’t work out. Pakka Flop! Finally, the movie came out on Netflix, and I watched it with my family.

Everyone at home was drawn into the story. Maybe it was because of how beautifully it showed relationships and family bonds. The story is full of pure emotions of innocence, care, and affection. Yes, there are some bitter moments and difficult people, but that’s life. This movie felt different to me from others. Today’s movies often portray violence, but Meiyazhagan shows vulnerability and the softer side of men. It was refreshing to watch two men having heartfelt conversations. It left me feeling good and warm.

Karthi and Arvind Swamy (playing Meiyazhagan and Arul) shared the spotlight perfectly. They helped each other find their true selves. Karthi looked up to Arvind Swamy as a role model, learning from him without Arvind even knowing. Even, the bicycle became a symbol of their connection and how it changed Karthi’s life.

When Arvind Swamy moved to Chennai, he seemed to lose himself in city life. You can spot few things where he always wears watches in early scenes, but stops wearing them, people telling him to be gentle. He wears his father’s and yet he miss it again while leaving for Chennai. Giving a wrong number to him and so. Once Karthi showers him with love, he struggles to accept. Guilty? Not sure tho. He tries to flee. He picks up Karthi’s slipper while running (he adores it, actually).

Karthi helps him rediscover himself by having such deeper conversations. The emotional scenes hit hard – like when Arvind Swamy breaks down because he can’t remember Karthi, or when Karthi realizes his hero doesn’t know him. Their tears felt real. It makes you wonder, do men have conversations this heartfelt in reality?

Few more scenes, I loved. The way Arul and Azhagan is having conservation with their wife’s. He was happy seeing her wife talking English. So much of innocence and love.

The other characters add richness to the story. Both men’s wives, sister Bhavani, Latha, his father, uncle and his daughter. Even the animals play a special role in this movie. The cats and parrots in the city, bulls, elephants and snakes in the village. The animal ecosystem wasn’t disturbed. Finally, he request for an archanai at the temple on his name.

Meiyazhagan really shows how an innocent, kind person can impact and touch others’ lives. Even the word “Athaan”, which might seem old-fashioned today, feels natural, pleasing and beautiful here. While some characters show toxic behavior (tho, it was not covered in the movie), the movie balances it with wonderful family relationships.

If you’re looking for dramatic twists or action, this isn’t your movie. But if you want to see slow paced warm ones, you might like this one! Available in Netflix!

Cheers

PS: In hurry!

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After being immersed in the intense drama of Succession, I felt the need for a change and decided to watch Three of Us. Some compared it to Past Lives, but they feel like two different worlds. Three of Us is a delicate, emotional journey about reclaiming lost time while learning to let go. It’s a story of three intertwined lives: Shailaja Desai, her husband Dipankar Desai, and her childhood friend (Crush perhaps), Pradeep.

Shailaja, the main character, is in the early stages of dementia. She works, possibly in handling divorce cases in Mumbai, while her husband sells insurance. At the start, she struggles with her memory, writing down everything she forgets. One night, she asks her husband to take time off and go with her to Konkan, where she reveals she spent her childhood.

In Konkan, Pradeep enters the scene, Shailaja’s old friend and now a banker. As they reconnect, layers of the story begin to unfold.

• In the beginning, Shailaja is portrayed as lost, almost disconnected from herself. As the movie progresses, we witness her slowly coming alive again, her memories breathing life back into her.
• There’s a poignant conflict within her—while she clings to the happy memories of her childhood, she desperately wants to forget the painful ones. A mysterious woman in a hut becomes the symbol of her emotional release, allowing her to confront her hidden burdens.
• Her interactions with old friends show glimpses of her former self. She remembers more than we’d expect from someone battling dementia, adding complexity to her character.
• Her graceful Bharatanatyam dance is one of the most touching scenes. It’s a moment of beauty, yet she hides her lapses, especially in front of Pradeep, not wanting him to see her vulnerability.
• Dipankar, her husband, is loving and patient, though his possessiveness subtly creeps in when Shailaja spends time with Pradeep. The way he takes care of her is good, but not quite on the level of Ganapathy uncle and Bhavani aunty in OK Kanmani. There’s a quiet tension as both men realize they each know different sides of her. Despite the unspoken rivalry, they share a mutual understanding.
• Pradeep fits into the story naturally. He doesn’t feel like an outsider, even though he wonders why Shailaja has come back into his life after so many years. He is curious but gentle, wanting to spend time with her.
• Pradeep’s wife, though she doesn’t appear much, plays an important role. She shows a mix of care and admiration for Pradeep’s writing, but also a bit of jealousy, especially when it comes to his time with Shailaja.

The ending ties everything together nicely. The film is about reliving the past while also learning to let it go. If you enjoy emotional stories with deep, meaningful characters, Three of Us is worth watching. Give it try!. Available in Netflix.

Cheers

PS: In hurry!

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I recently watched a show called Nobody wants this. It was recommended to me, and I must say, it surprised me in the best way. At first, I thought it would be just another rom-com, but this one truly stands out. While it’s obviously fictional, the writing feels thoughtful, especially in how the characters speak—particularly the two leads.

The story revolves around a woman searching for a healthy relationship after a string of failed dates. On the other hand, the male lead is a rabbi who has just ended an engagement. Without giving too much away, there were several things that really impressed me.

For one, the characters, including the families, are all vulnerable. Everyone has their flaws and hidden struggles. The open communication between the couple throughout the story is refreshing to see, especially in a rom-com.

Another highlight is how both characters experience personal growth and change. You get to see how the reasons things didn’t work out with Rebecca are different from why things do work with Joanne. The role of family politics is also well-explored, showing how the pressure to “put on a show” to please families can create complications.

One line that really stood out to me was, “I can handle you.” It was simple but carried so much weight in the moment.

OMG, a special appreciation to the writer for crafting such a thoughtful and meaningful scripts. The way the characters’ emotions and vulnerabilities were portrayed felt very real.

I was a bit skeptical when she talked about converting, but the ending wrapped up beautifully. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s definitely worth a watch. Give it a try! Available in Netflix ! In part 2, I liked Shasha more.

Cheers

PS: FI is the illustrations of Lucy Claire Dunbar

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I watched CTRL (Hindi, Indian based) yesterday, after a few recommendations. I should have stuck with my own watchlist (lol). The movie was about raising awareness on privacy settings and social media platforms. Good one tho! The story follows a couple bloggers on social media. The initial story part of plot shows them being happy, exploring places and brands. Showing a perfect couple picture.

Later, the girl finds out the guy is cheating after a tech meetup. Since they are public figures, the news spreads quickly. To delete his digital presence, she uses an AI tool called ctrl.ai. This AI seems talkative and has access to her microphone and video. It also monitors her activities, schedules and more. The AI even gives her tips and helps her regain popularity through brand advertising. She gets used to talking to it.

The ex-boyfriend tries to contact her with something secret, but he’s murdered. When she tries to find the reason, there is something big. He had been trying to spread awareness about privacy policies and how company influence our choices and collects our data. Though, she has evidence, the blame falls on her. The girl feels powerless and withdraws from the fight against the powerful one.

In the end, she gets back back to her dad’s business. To avoid loneliness, she starts talking to the AI again. The movie has a strong message about privacy. How addictive these are. The visuals and interface were stunning. However, the way it’s shown through app interfaces might make it hard for some viewers to follow. The transitions between apps can be confusing.

Overall, CTRL raises awareness, but it’s best suited for viewers with a medium level of understanding about privacy. Privacy is a key theme here, much like in the Korean movie Unlocked also highlights the dark sides of it. Give them a try. Both are available in Netflix.

Cheers

PS: AI? Totally not addictive…? Yup, sure! 😜

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I watched this movie after being intrigued by the trailer and Soori’s role. He did an amazing role here. It’s a slow-paced film. If you’re looking for a clear plot or fast-paced action, this one isn’t for you. The story is open-ended and unfolds at its own pace

The plot revolves around Pandi and Meena, who are traveling to meet a seer. Pandi is Meena’s maternal uncle. He had been abroad for a long time, while Meena is continuing her studies. When he returns, he finds out Meena is in love with a man from a different caste. The movie is set in a rural village. They are on a journey to get advice from the seer, hoping to change Meena’s mind. The film doesn’t spoon-feed the plot through dialogues. Instead, it lets the audience think and understand what’s happening through the scenes.

In the beginning of the scene, Meena’s hair is oiled and plaited while she sits alone at home. A rooster is also tied to a rock, struggling. Both Meena and the rooster are shown as being tied down by the men in their lives.

The conversations between the family members are unsettling, even though they’re within the same family. The film explores interpersonal relationships within the context of culture and village life. The discussions revolve around how others might judge them. There’s talk about the family name being spoiled, in-laws being shamed, and a planned function being ruined. All these conversations are focused on how society perceives them.

One thing to notice is the lack of proper facilities. There are no petrol stations, no proper sanitation, and mostly barren lands during their travel. Houses are scattered, and the unimportant things seem more accessible

The sisters in the movie are the most vocal. They question people, ask Meena’s father to pay the bill, criticize others, and even advise Pandi. But when it comes to talking about menstruation, they fall silent. Are they still hesitant? Or is it still taboo?

While traveling, they come across a ritual being celebrated by a random maternal uncle. Meena stares at a poster. The movie gives you time to think: will Meena follow the same path as the women in the poster? Is this her last innocent smile? Or will she be allowed to make her own choices?

There are two children in the movie: a boy and a girl. The boy, who travels with them, is unaware of what’s going on. He enjoys his snacks and feeds the rooster and stay’s in his world. But he’s the one who cries when Meena is beaten badly. The movie doesn’t reveal a hint whether he will grow up with the same patriarchal mindset. The girl, on the other hand, seems brave, controlling a bull. It’s left to us to interpret whether future generations will be brave like her when Meena looked at her, or if Meena sees herself in that girl.

Meena’s character stands out. She prays silently, bears the beatings, and even hums a love song, suggesting there’s still love for the man she’s in a relationship with. Her role captures the rigidness, silent suffering, and strength to endure the situation. The movie clearly blends themes of caste, superstition, patriarchy, and interpersonal relationships. Meena has to fight against these strong factors.

Pandi’s character is complex. At first, he’s hopeful that Meena will change her mind. He tries to make eye contact and believes she will listen. But as time passes, and after seeing her pray and hum the love song, his hope begins to fade. His ego, fear of losing her, or possessiveness causes him to lash out violently. He loses control, and you can almost see an animalistic rage in him. Even the elder people, Meena’s parents. Unexpected! He did end up of explaining his rage to her father and her mother was ignored.

The ending of the movie is open to us to interpret. When they reach the seer, another family is ahead of them for consultation. There were families irrespective of status. The woman from the earlier family stands still, unresponsive. The seer performs rituals, and at the end, a rooster is killed and tossed aside, its final moments haunting. Pandi walks away deep in thought.

The seer calls for the next family, but Pandi walks toward them, lost in his own wavering thoughts. The movie doesn’t give a clear conclusion. Maybe Pandi saw himself in the earlier family, or maybe he realized Meena won’t change. It’s also possible that his love for her made him decide to let go. I am not sure tho! The film leaves it to the us to interpret what happens next. It is available in amazon prime. Give it try!

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I was waiting for this movie to be released on OTT platforms. It came out on Google TV, but I didn’t have a subscription. So, I waited for it on Disney or Amazon. I have to admit, I missed seeing this in big screen. The quick recap of Inside Out 1, where Riley’s emotions were simple. They were joy, sadness, disgust, anger, and fear which explained her behavior, as well as her parents. The main idea of the joy to make sure that Riley feels happy and good throughout. However, by the end, Joy realized that sadness and the other emotions are necessary to navigate life.

For Inside Out 2, I wasn’t sure if it was meant for teenagers or adults. Some might think it’s just an animated film for kids, but I don’t agree. It helps explain how people act in different situations. When Riley reaches puberty, new emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, envy, nostalgia, and boredom appear alongside her existing ones. At first, the memories from the first movie formed her belief that she is a good person, kind and caring.

When anxiety takes control over the emotional control panel after puberty, Riley starts to predict and deal with the unknown. Her behavior changes to focus on what will help her in the future. Anxiety becomes the dominant emotion, pushing Joy and others aside. Joy struggles to bring things back to how things were. There’s a great line from Joy about adulthood: we have so much to deal with, which is why happiness feels harder to hold onto happiness all the time. Riley’s belief shifts from “I am a good person” to “I am not good enough” when anxiety take control. She worries about fitting in, even thinking, “If I don’t like that band, I’ll never be friends with them.”

The ending was remarkable. When Joy tries to restore Riley’s belief that she’s good and kind, Anxiety steps in, saying, “We don’t define Riley.” That line really stood out. Joy then adds that all of Riley’s memories, even the ones pushed to the back of her mind, contribute to who she is.

In the end, Riley is a mix of all her experiences. She is good, kind, selfish, and more. She accepts her true self, and the final quote was very powerful. But, It is also important to note that our sense of self isn’t static. It grows and adapts with every experience, which is just one of the factors that shape who we are!

I do wonder why emotions like excitement, love, pride, guilt, and loneliness weren’t explored. Maybe they’re saving them for the third part? If so, I’m excited!

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I shouldn’t have trusted IG reels! I was scrolling and came across a reel showing a dating scene from Fresh. So, I decided to give it a try. If you haven’t watched it yet, you should. It’s tough to explain without giving spoilers or hints. Please watch it before reading it any further.

The movie is about Noa, the main character, who pretty much lives alone. She has a close friend called mollie. The bond between her and her friend is great. The code word is love you and love you more between them.

Mollie encourages her to date, but Noa is tired of using online dating apps. Almost every guy she meets is the same. The movie starts with her going on a date with a guy who talks about women from older generations, but then makes her pay at the end. He doesn’t handle her rejection well. After that, she receives some inappropriate messages and gets irritated with the whole online dating apps and culture.

She seems done with dating, looking for real conversations instead of the usual shallow chats. She meets a guy at a store and gives him her number. They go on a date at a bar and really hit it off. Things move quickly, but Noa keeps her friend updated.

No social media, no Instagram, no X, and she doesn’t have much personal info about the guy. Just few things like his name Steve and a surgeon. Luckily, Noa snaps a picture of him and sends it to her. But these seemed like big red flags for Mollie. She gives warning signals, yet she is happy that she is happy.

The guy appears to like Noa, and Steve does a great job switching between different sides of his character. During dinner, while Noa is eating short ribs, he mentions that he doesn’t eat animals, but instead of just saying he’s a vegetarian, it hints at something much darker. I thought he might be a psycho, but it’s worse than that. There’s a whole community feeding on this—literally!

There’s also a scene where his wife takes off a prosthetic leg, hinting she might have been a victim too. She tries to signal Mollie to get away. But mollie persist on finding on her. At the end, she too became a victim.

Noa plays along with the Steve, using her wits to fight back and escape. still wonder why the guy searching for Mollie ran off halfway through. Along with that, why Steve’s wife did support, if she was one among them? Maybe, she got addicted to the taste? eww. Ena kandravi’nu theriyalanga!

At the end, she almost makes it out and escapes with the other girls. The friendship between Mollie and Noa is something amazing. They did lighten things up with some chats between Noa and the other victims, but I think the movie would’ve been stronger with a more serious tone throughout.

I liked the final scene where Noa finally gets a phone signal, and the first message she receives is from a dating app, asking, “U up?” Lol.

Overall, it’s a solid thriller. Fresh really does serve something unexpected. A taste that you won’t forgot. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re sensitive, though. I almost threw up. It’s available on Hotstar if you want to check it out!

Cheers

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This is a Tamil short film that runs for 40 minutes. I got curious about it after seeing a reel. The story follows a young couple who have lost their love. Even though it’s short, it’s engaging and thoughtful. The plot starts on the female lead’s birthday. She’s on her way to a singing performance, which is a big opportunity for her. But when she gets a message from her boyfriend (the male lead), she drops everything and rushes to Chennai to see him.

There’s tension between them because of their breakup, and she wants to fix things. Throughout the scenes, it’s clear she always put him first. The actress did a great job. Her eyes really conveyed her emotions. In the story, her expectations were simple, like wanting his attention or a jasmine garland, but it was obvious how much sleep she had lost over the situation. The songs also prefectly synced with the scenes. She tries to convince him, but things don’t work out in the end.

The climax focused on both their perspectives. The male lead points out that love alone isn’t enough in life, while the female lead wants love but doesn’t want to be used in it. In the end, she chooses to prioritize herself and buys that jasmine garland for herself. (Maybe Miley Cyrus Flowers could’ve played, lol)

The songs, realistic lighting, the look of the bachelor’s room, and how friends try to help the couple were well done. The male lead’s viewpoint was realistic, especially for today’s world, though more dialogue from him would have added depth and justified his stand. This might seem simple and not worth much attention, but it’s a series of small things that build up, just like what’s shown here. Communication could’ve solved some issues and understanding each other perspectives, wants and values, but some things just aren’t meant to be. Give it a watch. It is available in YouTube.

Cheers

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I haven’t watched any movies that make you think lately. I’ve gotten a lot of recommendations, but I haven’t made much progress. It’s been almost ten days since I talked about movies. So, I picked three good ones to share (you might like them, or you might not). These movies are from different languages and aren’t recent releases, but I watched them recently.

#8 AM Metro

This is a Hindi movie from India. I think we’ve all met people who come into our lives unexpectedly, do something good for us, and then either stay or leave. It’s hard to put labels on those relationships. Maybe this movie taught me that not all relationships need labels. From society’s perspective, it might seem like infidelity, but if you see it from the male lead’s view, it’s about hope for survival, and for her, it helped her rediscover her love for poetry. I highly recommend watching it

#Tune in for love

This is a Korean movie about people trying to live a decent life and move on from their past. The male lead has just been released from prison on probation for pushing his friend off a building (which he didn’t). He starts working at a bakery, where he meets the female lead, who is struggling to run the place. Fate is so complicated that they barely get to meet. I liked a few moments in the movie, especially when he captures life’s rare moments. I won’t say much more, but sometimes, life is just about trust and having someone to rely on.

#Turtles all the way down

This is an American movie that I chose to watch because of its title. It’s about a female lead who wants to be a good daughter, friend, and student but can’t stop obsessing thoughts of bacteria. Disclaimer: if you have OCD, you might want to skip this one. The movie is about how she navigates life with these struggles. There isn’t much of a story, but the script, questions raised, conversations, and science make you think. The idea of ‘turtles all the way down’ is explained well, and I think scenes from Young Sheldon fit this idea perfectly.

Dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum – Rene Descartes

#Drawing closer

This is a Japanese movie (not anime) about two young people who are both diagnosed with cancer and share a passion for drawing. They find hope to live longer and endure the pain by being there for each other. The movie touches on relationships, desires, pain, and dreams. It might even make you fall in love with gerbera flower

Apart from these, I’d recommend Purple Hearts and The Hating Game for binge-watching. Once I watch Inside Out 2, I’ll come up with another post.

Cheers

PS: FI is based on Drawing Closer. If I missed anything, I’ll add it in later.

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I hadn’t planned on watching this movie this weekend. I was thinking of ‘It Ends with Us,’ but my friend, who already read it, advised against it because the characters didn’t meet their expectations. It’s been a long time since I read any fiction, but maybe I should give it a try again.

Back to the movie, I expected one thing but got something else when I came of this movie. Before I review it for my general audience who don’t speak Tamil, let me give you a heads-up. As we know, India is diverse in culture and languages. I won’t get into politics, but there’s an issue, or what I believed it to be, where Hindi, being one of the Indian languages, has been imposed on others to learn. There’s a common phrase often used as a joke to show someone when they are questioned in Hindi: ‘Ek gaon mein ek kisan Raghu Thatha..

In the movie, they used ‘Raghu Thatha’ as the title. It is Tamil movie directed by Suman Kumar. The story centers around a female protagonist named Kayalvizhi Pandian, a banker at a nationalized bank. She also writes inspiring short stories under the male name “Ka Pa” and because she believes people won’t read stories written by women. From what I saw, the story seems to be set in the 1970s, but I might have missed that detail. Kayalvizhi is an activist against the imposed learning of Hindi in Valluvanpettai but is open to it as a language if there is a need. She’s also against cultural rules that limit women (patriarchy). She speaks out against forced marriages, wearing traditional clothing at home, and how women lose their dreams after marriage.

But things change when her supportive grandfather is diagnosed with stomach cancer. She’s emotionally pressured into agreeing to the marriage because it’s one of his wishes. Tamil Selvan, an engineer working for the government on village electrification, meets Kayal on her way to work. He impresses her by reading books and appearing progressive. Due to family pressure and the limited choices offered to her, she sees him as the better companion, believing that he would understand her choices and principles. 

As the story progresses, Kayal is initially charmed by Tamil Selvan’s actions but later discovers that he’s a misogynistic manipulator out to take revenge on her once the wedding gets over. This reminds me of a scene from the movie Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, where the female lead falls in love with a professor who seems progressive but isn’t. Back to the movie, Kayal finds a way out of the marriage by passing her promotion exam (in Hindi), allowing her to move to Calcutta and continue her writing. She also does other mischievous things to escape this marriage. 

Here are my thoughts. Kayal was the stole the show. Throughout the movie, there was a constant push for Kayal to be a role model for many young people, which she had to maintain as it could influence them. The movie’s explanation and comparison of Hindi and its impact on patriarchy were well done, but it didn’t leave a lasting impact because of the mix of mild humor and seriousness. I am sure how far will it reach the audience.

The movie showed how Kayal was losing her principles to escape the marriage but struggled to explain the situation to her grandfather. It was surprising that her progressive grandfather didn’t notice Tamil Selvan’s misogynistic behavior and was willing to sacrifice principles for the marriage. The supporting roles, like Alamelu, the bank manager, and Suneel, were well done. Especially, Kayal’s sister-in-law stands out, even though she was in just a few scenes. She kept suggesting using a lorry driver to solve problems by killing people (LOL). There was one really nice scene where Tamil Selvan’s mom stood up against the marriage and helped Kayal get away. Maybe, the role of Rangu could have been stronger.

I expected Kayal to end up in Calcutta as she wanted to be a writer, but the movie ended showing her at the same bus stop in the same town. The songs were good. The movie had a strong message, but I’m not sure if people will have the patience to sit through it. It might have been better if they focused on either a serious tone or full comedy. Give it try as it running across the theatre.

Cheers

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I found it hard to pin this movie down—it’s a mix of thriller, romance, and drama. I enjoyed it, though I’m unsure how many others will. My initial interest was sparked by Taapsee’s performance in Thappad, but by the end, I became a fan of Vikrant too.

The movie begins with Rani at a police station, reporting that her husband is dead. She recounts their story, often quoting her favorite author, Dinesh Pandit.The story runs around Rani and Rishu, who enter into an arranged marriage. They start off on shaky ground—Rishu is reserved, while Rani is outspoken.

Their relationship is strained, and things take a turn when Rishu’s cousin Neel enters the picture. Rani is drawn to him and eventually falls in love, only to realize she’s been deceived, making her life even more complicated. Vikrant took the screen over with this anger, plots to take revenge. Seeking forgiveness from Rishu, they decide to start over, but just as they do, Neel reappears.

The first part ends with them enacting a plot straight out of a Dinesh Pandit crime novel, aiming to escape their current troubles and start anew. It closes with the quote.

If love doesn't push you to the brink of insanity, it's not true love. Only the meek seek refuge in passionless relationships.

The second part picks up with Rani working as a beautician and Rishu, now in disguise, doing odd jobs to save money for a fresh start in Thailand. Their love seems renewed, but life isn’t as simple as they’d hoped. Neel’s uncle, a cop, starts digging into their past, and to avoid prison, Rani marries a dangerous, psychiatric local man named Abhimanyu. He justified the role. The movie follows their attempts to escape from all and start over.

The characters are beautifully written, consistent in both parts—even down to Rani’s hairstyle and nail polish, and Rishu’s mannerism. The film portrays love, anger, lust, fear, betrayal, trust and more with great depth. It may feel a bit psychotic, overly dramatic, and unrealistic at times, but it’s well-crafted with plenty of twists and turns. After all, it’s a movie. The Dinesh Pandit quotes are a highlight, making you want to read his books. Indeed, I miss the beautiful songs the first part had. The second part of the movie ends with

Relationships thrive within the boundaries of right and wrong. True love, however, begins where these boundaries end.

It’s available on Netflix. Give it a try!

Cheers

PS: Lakeeran ♡

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I was really looking forward to watching this movie when it first came out. It wasn’t showing up in my area, so I had to wait for it to be available on a streaming platform. I found out on Twitter that it was playing on Simply South, which was a new OTT service for me. Later, I discovered it was also on Prime.

I’m not sure how well this movie will reach its audience. The visuals aren’t heavy, but the concept is deep. It’s a slow-paced film that requires patience, so you might even fall asleep. The story revolves around two female leads: Leelama (mother-in-law) and Anju (daughter-in-law). Anju, who works as a salesgirl, is in love with Rajeev, but her parents don’t accept their intercaste relationship. They force her to marry Thomas Kutty, Leelama’s son. The setting is a small village in Kerala during the monsoon season, with characters traveling by ferry.

Anju is unhappy with her sick husband and spends time with her ex-lover. After her husband dies, she discovers she’s pregnant. The family assumes it’s Thomas’s child until they uncover her infidelity. Anju also learns that Thomas had cancer before their marriage, making her feel deceived. The story is about two people coming to terms with each other.

The mature conversations between the two women are beautifully portrayed. Without this nuance, the same kind of interactions in the common households could have been chaotic, messy and even uglier. Leelama, who wanted to be a doctor but was forced into marriage, accepts her fate and dedicates herself to her family. Anju, on the other hand, refuses to accept her situation quietly. There’s a clear evolution in their characters: Leelama speaks a lot initially but becomes quieter, while Anju, initially submissive, finds her voice.

Each character is flawed but justified in their actions from their own perspectives.

1. Leelama wants her son to marry despite his health issues.
2. Anju is forced into marriage with Thomas due to her father’s wishes, despite loving Rajeev.
3. Rajeev loves Anju but is also motivated by the desire for property.
4. Thomas focuses on his own needs without understanding his role as a husband.
5. Anju’s father prioritizes his wealth and reputation over his children’s happiness.
6. Anju’s mother knew about Thomas’s cancer but hoped Anju would be happy in a wealthy family.

The conversations between Leelama and Anju are calm and filled with mutual care and understanding. Initially, Leelama seems to be emotionally manipulating Anju to stay, but her actions, like delaying the funeral and her interactions with Anju’s parents, reveal her true intentions. She chooses to give the property to Anju instead of her daughter.

Leelama’s conversation with her sister is particularly praiseworthy. Anju, although emotional, is also logical. Her decision to leave the house was present from the beginning. However, her final choice to stay feels unhurried. It could possibly be influenced by her last conversation with Rajeev.

One surprising aspect was how casually the other characters lived in a house filled with water. Urvashi and Parvathy did justice to the role yet Leelama outstood Anju. I am not sure how leelama would’ve done if Thomaskutty was alive.

This movie isn’t for those who prefer straightforward, fast-paced narratives. For some, it might not even make sense. However, if you’re interested, give it a try on Amazon Prime.

Cheers

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