Divya Makena

A laugh riot! Minor spoilers ahead: So, the story is about a 30 something woman, who is a workaholic, often to the extent that she neglects her family. When she loses her job, due to a small mishap, she partners with a hot, “sex toys” shop owner. The rest is a bumpy ride of how these two women carry their newfound business venture whilst dealing with their personal lives. Both the female leads acted very well. Actually, every notable character in the film did a damn good job. I would love to see the making videos of some of the scenes, lol how did they hold back laughter! The story was gripping. I guarantee you, there will be something that’ll make you laugh every few minutes. There are a few steamy scenes but they quickly turn funny. However, it’s definitely rated an A, so watch out for that. As I said first, it was a total laugh riot. I also see that this is the first google review, which makes me wonder if this comedy piece isn’t as popular...while the most unoriginal Hollywood comedy flicks (yea, I’m looking at you Adam Sandler) are that popular.. Anyway, if you somehow stumbled across this review, go ahead and watch it, it’ll be a worthwhile 120 minutes. Big thumbs up 👍🏼

A prestigious music academy, students of which, are considerably world class, has it’s own evil little secrets. The movie is very persistent in explaining itself. There’s a bunch of grotesque stuff (for those who can stomach it). Yet, it does catch ones’ attention in its own weird way I guess. Spoiler alert Really Charlotte? You couldn’t think of better ways to save Lizzie than drugging her and getting her hand chopped off?!

Four stories - For Vembu and Mukhil, it takes infidelity, death and anguish in order to transcend their otherwise frigid relationship. Vijay Sethupathi’s brilliant performance as Shilpa showcases the stigma faced by the trans community. However, it’s Rasukutty who clearly won the show(and our hearts) expressing the plight of a child, wanting to reunite with his estranged father. He signifies the pristine nature of children, unscathed by prejudiced society. Arputham struggles with the idea of a superior entity whilst Leela has to deal with her demons, being her own kin. The fun part of the film are three guys and their rendition of beg, borrow and steal. And aliens.. IMO, a series would’ve better justified each individual plot better than condense it all into a 3 hours long movie. Also, the take home message is “procreate, don’t be a hypocrite!” *winkyface*

This drama will remain close to my heart for a very long time to come. I don’t usually write reviews for kdramas, as they come under the category of guilty pleasure for my sappy days. SPOILERS AHEAD! But this drama was so good, it moved me in ways I hadn’t expected. Even the comedy is totally my style, subtle yet hilarious. Like most people who felt the last 2 episodes difficult to understand, I too was confused/annoyed when Jiho left Sehee, even though she had the intention of coming back for love. But it makes so much more sense as I rewatched certain scenes. Very many times, Sehee had the chance to reveal his true feelings towards her, but he kept continuing to hide them, in order to not hurt her. (As per how his ex’s last words hurt him and also his promise to Jiho’s mom). Also, without being able to express himself and also, he blatantly stated **Maslow’s theory of human’s animalistic instincts** or some other logic far too many times whenever she felt emotional and also when she almost confessed her feelings. So, she needed the clarity that he indeed loved her back. Which could only happen if she could break free from the constraints of the contract marriage and start an unshackled love story. Also, how her in-laws viewed her (just a link to get SH closer to his parents) was a contributing reason. Remember how father in law states marriages are not out of love, but convenience? (And Jiho’s dream is one true love!) Initially, both Jiho and Sehee entered this contract only out of convenience but now both their feelings changed but SH wasn’t ready to reveal them. (His room 19). So, she wanted to start afresh, and she wanted “love” to be the reason they’re together. Also, Jiho’s known to make crazily spontaneous decisions as per her friends :P She might not have expected Sehee to be this badly hurt or crushed when she left. (Missed chances to show his true feelings as mentioned above - He responds rather lukewarmly when she wants to end contract(even though he’s dying inside), he doesn’t enter her room that night when she’s crying). But his reaction on her coming back opened a whole new dimension of him to her. :’) sweetest reunion So beautifully done, kudos to the writer. Only negative I can think of is not being able to see more of the new Sehee, his loving and affectionate side. It lasted less than 10 minutes. :( maybe could’ve reduced the screen space for the other characters and give these two a little more. And who can forget the infamous beach kiss scene. One of the best kisses in kdrama history lol..can’t help but confess I’ve rewatched that kiss over a dozen times at the get go :D :D giggling like a teenager all over. And there was some tongue action too :P Jihoo and Sehee will remain close to my heart. A perfectly balanced couple, with no toxic bs/unnecessary self loathing and distancing as in other kdramas.

Okay so manmadhudu 2 was up on Netflix recently. Being a Nag fan and bigger fan of Manmadhudu 1, I tried to watch this film despite the not so stellar reviews but God, were they right.. Sam’s (Nagarjuna) family living in Portugal for 3 generations still believes the prodigal son/brother’s marriage is all about providing him a bride, who can cook for him, clean up after him and take care of him. The fam does all the work for him. Now now.. I’ve nothing against women doing chores. But how could they not teach their son the same. I mean these people are supposedly living in Europe where maid service is pretty rare. People living in such places usually teach their kids, irrespective of gender, to clean up. And these people reject a girl who’s a doctor, A DOCTOR, because she doesn’t know how to do household work. Anyhooo, Sam here decides marriage is bullsh*t and parties the heck out of life whilst remaining a bachelor 20 years after. So the fam decides (*forces*) him to get married now. At this tender age of djbfbjdja.. I still tried to hold on not wanting to judge the whole movie based on liberal views. But nah, the story is just as bad, cringy and unfunny. Another thing! I’ve no qualms with men or women casually dating, drinking, smoking etc. But these aspects just seem to have been overtly emphasised in our hero and heroine. But it really just felt forced, like the director wanted the film to be extremely modern but in retrospect, was extremely archaic. I pretty much lost it after a while and stopped watching..

Our very own desi version of Erich Segal’s ‘Love story’ (1970) with a few alterations. (I mean, frames showing the strained relationship between the protagonist and his dad were copy pasted). Despite that, couldn’t hold back tears cause I’m an emotional train wreck... Suckers for romance will love it.

This movie really hit home. And most people will feel that due to a similar experience at some point of time in their lives. You could’ve been Sun, Jia or Bora, each showcasing the example of submissive, neutral and dominating personas. A must watch for reminiscing on your childhood and also a reminder to teach kids early on, the demarcation between good and bad. Be it your own child, your younger sibling or a niece or a nephew, it’s important to see the signs of depression in them and always be there to help them.

Hilaaaarious! Every minute entertains!