Noaman Islam

Baaghi 4 is a disastrous low point for the franchise — a dull, overlong film with wooden performances, a laughable script, and comedy so forced it’s painful. Tiger Shroff once again proves he’s better suited to stunts than acting, delivering yet another emotionless performance. A few action scenes and songs barely save it from total collapse, but everything else is pure cinematic torture. Skip this one — it’s the worst Baaghi yet.

Kajol delivers a strong, emotionally resonant performance in Maa, anchoring a film that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The supporting cast also steps up, complementing her with solid, believable portrayals. While the script itself is fairly average and follows familiar emotional beats, the pacing and cleverly placed jumps keep things entertaining. There's never a dull moment, and the film maintains a gripping hold on the audience throughout its runtime. The visual effects, though receiving unwarranted criticism in the media, are absolutely fine for what the film aims to achieve, far from the worst we've seen, and certainly not deserving of the flak they've drawn. Overall, Maa is a good watch. Emotional, engaging, and driven by a powerful lead performance. A solid rollercoaster cinema.

Final Destination: Bloodlines delivers a thrilling return to the franchise’s signature chaos with style and suspense. Exhilarating set pieces and tight pacing keep the tension high, while the fresh cast adds new energy without straying too far from what fans love. It’s engaging, smartly executed, and a bloody good time. A slick, satisfying slice of cinematic mayhem. The best in the series, what a way to return! Watch it in IMAX for the best experience!

Sinners is a decent film that suffers slightly under the weight of its commercial hype. While it offers a modern, more diverse spin on the From Dusk Till Dawn formula (though the latter remains the superior film), it still manages to hold its own with solid performances and competent storytelling. The atmosphere is eerie and suspenseful in places, though these moments are too few and far between to elevate it into classic territory. It lacks the edge or audacity to truly thrill, but it does enough to keep you engaged for a single viewing. A good film but just not a great one. Worth a watch, but unlikely to linger in memory.

Jewel Thief is a film that fails to leave a lasting impression. The only real highlight is Saif Ali Khan, who delivers a commendable performance that briefly lifts an otherwise lacklustre affair. Beyond that, the script is thin, the action sequences are merely serviceable, and the soundtrack fades from memory almost as soon as it plays. Despite the potential for intrigue, the film never quite finds its rhythm, making the entire experience feel flat and forgettable. It doesn’t offer anything new or compelling and truthfully, you won’t miss much by skipping it. Extremely mediocre.

Kesari Chapter 2 is an absolutely outstanding film that captivates its audience from start to finish. Based on true events, the storytelling is powerful, gripping, and deeply moving. The performances are nail-bitingly intense, with the cast delivering each scene with raw emotion and authenticity. What truly elevates this film is the brilliant script delivery and the exceptional score, each piece of music perfectly aligns with the emotional weight of the moment. I found myself deeply moved on multiple occasions, completely immersed in the story and the characters’ journeys. This film is a true masterpiece of cinema. It's not just a must-watch, it is an experience. One that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that captures the very essence of what the franchise has always promised - adventure, exploration, and awe-inspiring discovery. From the moment you start, you’re thrown into a thrilling world of climbing, crawling, diving, shooting, stealthily sneaking around, zip-lining through canopies, and hunting in dense, atmospheric jungles. The story is compelling and mature, with fantastic performances across the board. Visually, the game is breathtaking, intricate jungle environments teeming with life and secrets, beautifully lit tombs, and jaw-dropping set pieces that are a joy to explore. What truly stands out is the game’s commitment to exploration. More so than its two predecessors, Shadow of the Tomb Raider embraces its roots, focusing heavily on platforming, puzzle-solving, and uncovering the ancient mysteries hidden in forgotten tombs. It feels like a love letter to long-time fans, truly living up to the "Tomb Raider" name. The jungle setting is rich and immersive, but there’s a lingering hope this won’t be Lara’s last outing. A shift to a city-based environment, perhaps a gritty, atmospheric take set in London, could be a refreshing evolution, maybe even a modern reimagining of Angel of Darkness done right. In short, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an exceptional game packed with memorable moments and heart-pounding adventure. It’s a fitting chapter in Lara’s journey and a must-play for any action-adventure fan.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers a marvellous adventure that truly captures the spirit of the iconic archaeologist. The game shines with a breathtaking visual presentation from every tomb, temple to each treasure-laden location is crafted with remarkable detail, pulling you deep into its cinematic world. The voice cast and character performances are top-tier, bringing depth and authenticity to the story, which itself is engaging and filled with the intrigue, danger, and globe-trotting flair fans expect. The dynamic mix of first and third person perspectives based on gameplay action is a fantastic design choice, enhancing immersion during exploration and combat. However, the option to stay fully in third person would’ve been a welcome addition for those who prefer a consistent viewpoint. Controls are generally smooth and intuitive, although some mechanics become repetitive over time. The whip while iconic needs refinement, as its utility can feel clunky or unreliable in crucial moments. Stealth elements are also a weak spot; silent kills don’t always register correctly, and there's a noticeable lack of depth when it comes to sneaking mechanics. The environments, while stunning, could benefit from more interactive elements beyond bottles and throwable objects, there’s missed potential in not utilising sand concealment, weather conditions, or camouflage clothing for tactical play. Despite these minor shortcomings, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic experience that offers plenty for both fans of the franchise and adventure gamers alike. It's a bold, cinematic journey that pays homage to a legendary character while setting a strong foundation for future entries. Highly recommended.

Chhorii 2 is an engaging and gripping sequel that more than holds its own. While it may not deliver as many jump scares as the first, it still keeps you hooked with a strong script and well-paced storytelling. The narrative has depth, and the suspense is sustained right to the end. The performances are a standout especially from the three leads, who deliver with conviction and intensity. Their portrayal adds weight and emotion to the unfolding horror, making it more than just another genre flick. What’s truly a shame is that a film of this calibre didn’t get a theatrical release. It deserves the big screen treatment far more than some of the throwaway content that clutters cinemas today. Chhorii 2 proves that quality horror can be both meaningful and entertaining. Here’s hoping there is a third part and this hits theatres because honestly, this series has earned it. Watch it on Prime today!

May the Devil Take You is an extremely mediocre film that relies heavily on overused tropes, possessed characters drenched in blood, repetitive sound effects, and an oddly persistent use of human hair as a horror element. Despite its attempts at being disturbing, the movie offers no real jump scares, and the storyline is weak, predictable, and disengaging. The excessive use of Halloween-style contact lenses does nothing to redeem this uninspired mess. The positive critic ratings on Rotten Tomatoes raise questions about the integrity of media reviews suggesting that high scores can be influenced more by connections or financial incentives than by actual quality. Strongly recommend skipping this one. There’s nothing fresh or worthwhile here.