Madhev raj Sriram

This a bold movie exposes how corrupt gujju crony capitalists loot the nation. Hat's off to director!

Ugh, what a disappointment! 'OdeIa 2' shamelessly rips off 'Arundhati' with its tired trope of women being terrorized and, frankly, exploited by a malevolent ghost. The storyline felt cheap and predictable, offering absolutely nothing new to the horror genre. It's like they took the basic premise of a powerful female protagonist fighting a supernatural entity and then stripped away any originality or compelling narrative. The scares were jumpy and uninspired, relying on cheap thrills rather than genuine suspense. The performances were lackluster, likely because the actors had so little to work with in this flimsy plot. Honestly, I felt like I'd seen this movie a decade ago, and done much better. Save your time and money; 'OdeIa 2' is a lazy rehash that offers nothing but boredom and frustration. One star is generous.

This movie remains a provocative and stylish landmark, a visceral dive into late 20th-century malaise and fractured identity.Edward Norton gives a brilliant performance as the unnamed Narrator, an office drone drowning in consumerist ennui and plagued by insomnia.His life implodes when he encounters Tyler Durden (an iconic Brad Pitt), a charismatic, anarchic soap salesman who embodies everything the Narrator represses. Together, they form an underground fight club, a brutal, primal outlet for disenfranchised men seeking escape from societal emasculation and the hollowness of modern life dictated by advertising.What starts as bare-knuckle therapy soon spirals into "Project Mayhem," a dangerous anti-capitalist movement aiming to dismantle societal structures through acts of terrorism.Helena Bonham Carter is unforgettable as Marla Singer, the cynical, chaotic "faker" who disrupts the Narrator's world and becomes entangled in their destructive orbit. The film launches a scathing critique of consumer culture ("The things you own end up owning you") and tackles the perceived crisis of modern masculinity, exploring alienation and the dangerous allure of violence as a path to reclaiming identity.Central to its enduring power is the theme of fractured identity, masterfully revealed in one of cinema's most shocking twists: Tyler Durden isn't real, but a projection of the Narrator's own mind.This unreliable narration forces a radical reinterpretation of everything witnessed. Fincher's direction is technically superb, featuring a dark, gritty aesthetic, meticulously controlled compositions, kinetic editing, and innovative visual effects, all pulsating to The Dust Brothers' distinctive electronic score. Though initially a box office disappointment with mixed reviews , Fight Club achieved massive cult status through home video.It continues to spark debate, hailed as satire by some, condemned for its violence by others, and controversially appropriated by extremist groups—an interpretation Fincher rejects, insisting Tyler is a "negative influence". Fight Club is a challenging, darkly funny, and unforgettable film. Its potent blend of style, subversive themes, and powerhouse performances makes it a complex and enduring cinematic touchstone that still resonates today.

"Captain Miller," set in 1930s British India, is a profound film that tackles caste-based oppression. It follows Analeesan, a man from a marginalized caste who joins the British army to escape discrimination, only to face rejection upon returning home. The temple, built by his community but inaccessible due to caste, symbolizes systemic injustice. His mother’s narration reveals its 600-year history of exclusion, showing oppression predates colonial rule. The film juxtaposes colonial and caste oppression, questioning if independence would end social hierarchies. Analeesan’s remark, "freedom is self-respect," captures this theme. Local rulers’ role in perpetuating discrimination adds nuance, avoiding a simple colonizer vs. colonized narrative. His transformation into Captain Miller, a revolutionary fighting for collective justice, underscores the need for both political and social liberation. Specific instances, like villagers barring temple entry despite their labor, highlight caste stigma. Analeesan’s arc—from seeking personal respect to resisting dual oppression—drives the narrative. The film’s historical context and social commentary resonate with ongoing struggles, urging reflection on justice and equality. Beyond its theme, "Captain Miller" offers complex characters, with an anti-hero protagonist and strong female roles challenging norms. Its vivid portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity enriches the story. A cinematic triumph, it earns five stars for weaving social critique into a gripping tale, making it a must-watch for its insight into historical and contemporary injustices.

L2: Empuraan – A Bold and Uncompromising Cinematic Triumph L2: Empuraan, the electrifying sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer, is a testament to the power of fearless storytelling. this political action thriller dives headfirst into the volatile intersection of crime, politics, and revenge, refusing to temper its narrative to appease right-wing sensibilities. the film is a bold, ambitious project that prioritizes artistic vision over political caution. As the second chapter in a planned trilogy, L2: Empuraan showcases a production and direction team unafraid to provoke, making it a standout in contemporary Indian cinema. Unflinching Courage in Storytelling : The hallmark of L2: Empuraan’s boldness lies in its raw depiction of the 2002 communal riots, a historical wound that remains contentious in India. In a pivotal subplot, the film portrays a Muslim family, including a young Zayed, betrayed and brutally massacred by Hindu rioters led by Balraj—who later emerges as the menacing Baba Bajrangi. The scenes are unrelenting, with harrowing details like the rape of a pregnant woman and the slaughter of Zayed’s family, refusing to soften the brutality of communal violence. This narrative choice is a direct challenge to right-wing narratives that often downplay or reframe such events, and the filmmakers embrace it fully, knowing it could ignite controversy. Equally audacious is the character of Baba Bajrangi, a powerful politician tied to the central government, whose chilling willingness to destroy a dam—and potentially kill millions—for political gain has been widely interpreted as a critique of the BJP and its leadership. Rather than sidestepping the political implications, the production team leans into them, weaving this figure into a story that explores revenge, justice, and the cost of power. This refusal to dilute the narrative, despite the risk of offending right-wing groups, underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to telling a story that pulls no punches. It’s a daring move that elevates L2: Empuraan beyond mere entertainment into a provocative conversation starter. A Defiant Voice in Indian Cinema : L2: Empuraan proudly carries forward Indian cinema’s tradition of grappling with socio-political issues. In the vein of classics by Satyajit Ray or modern works like Article 15, it uses its platform to confront the scars of communal strife and political corruption. The filmmakers’ decision to spotlight the 2002 riots and critique unchecked power reflects a refusal to cater to right-wing sensitivities, opting instead to spark reflection and debate. This defiance is all the more striking in an industry where commercial pressures often encourage safer, less controversial fare. A Triumph of Vision Over Fear : L2: Empuraan is a film that thrives on its audacity. The production and direction teams have crafted a work that stares down controversy with unwavering resolve, delivering a story that’s as artistically rich as it is politically charged. By refusing to let fear of offending the right wing dictate their choices, they’ve created a cinematic milestone that challenges, entertains, and inspires. In an era of cautious filmmaking, L2: Empuraan is a blazing reminder of what cinema can achieve when it dares to speak boldly.

A One-Star Wreck That Ignites More Than Just Criticism "Chhaava," a film ostensibly about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is less a historical drama and more a masterclass in reckless filmmaking. From the outset, it stumbles over its own ambition, delivering a muddled narrative that’s as incoherent as it is inflammatory. The premise—a tribute to a Maratha legend—sounds noble, but the execution is a travesty: The film twists facts into a caricature of history, portraying Sambhaji’s era with such blatant inaccuracies that it feels like a deliberate provocation. Key events are exaggerated or fabricated, cheapening a legacy that deserves reverence. The screenplay lurches between overwrought dialogues—think “epic” lines that land like damp firecrackers—and battle sequences so choppy they’d give a video game editor a headache. Direction by Laxman Utekar is uninspired, failing to stitch these fragments into anything resembling a story. -Vicky Kaushal tries, bless him, but his earnestness drowns in a script that offers no depth. The supporting cast fares worse, reduced to shouting matches or wooden stereotypes. Then there’s the elephant in the room: the Nagpur riots. "Chhaava" fanned the flames of communal unrest. Its skewed portrayal of historical tensions was seized upon by extremists, turning a bad movie into a dangerous spark. This isn’t just poor art; it’s irresponsible storytelling with a body count. In short, "Chhaava" is a cinematic dumpster fire—clumsy, divisive, and forgettable. Watch it only if you enjoy watching history burn.

Draupathi is vile casteist film, focusing on inter-caste marriages as "fake," which may promote harmful stereotypes. Noting it demonizes communities and reduces women to property, making it socially offensive. Movie centers on a man imprisoned for honor killing, who later targets individuals involved in what the film portrays as fraudulent inter-caste marriages. This premise is controversial, as it suggests such marriages are not genuine, potentially reinforcing caste discrimination. The performances is wooden and unconvincing, with characters lacking depth. The direction is uninspired, with disjointed pacing that fails to engage viewers. The cinematography and editing are amateurish, with poor lighting and choppy cuts that detract from the viewing experience. The film revolves around Rudra Prabhakaran, a silambam teacher imprisoned for murdering his wife and sister-in-law in an honor killing. Upon release on bail, he moves to Chennai, posing as a tea seller to track and kill individuals involved in what the movie terms "fake marriages" between different castes. the narrative suggests these marriages are fraudulent, a premise that has sparked controversy for its casteist undertones. The plot also involves an undercover cop and a journalist investigating these murders, but the story shifts focus to a message-driven drama, losing coherence in the process. Draupathi is its casteist storyline, is a regressive and Caste-porn. The film's premise, focusing on "fake marriages" between different castes, suggests that such unions are inherently problematic or illegal, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The movie echoes allegations by PMK Chief Ramadoss, who claimed Dalit men were luring Vanniyar women with material goods, a narrative that demonizes lower-caste communities. This portrayal reduces women to property and fans casteist sentiments under the guise of a "rich vs poor" narrative, as per the review, making it socially irresponsible. Draupathi is a film that fails artistically and ethically, earning a one-star review for its poor execution and casteist narrative. Its portrayal of inter-caste marriages as fraudulent is not only unoriginal but also harmful, reinforcing discrimination and lacking social responsibility. For audiences seeking meaningful cinema, this film is best avoided, as it offers little in terms of entertainment or enlightenment.

Thangaalan is Story of resilience and resistance and perfectly encapsulates the magical realism of the fantasy genre, inspired by Dune series. It's a stunning spectacle on greed, societal oppression and self-assertion. It's A Cinematic Goldmine of Vision and Valor. Thangalaan is a breathtaking triumph that unearths the raw, untamed spirit of Pa. Ranjith’s filmmaking genius, paired with Vikram’s unparalleled dedication. This isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience that grips you by the soul and refuses to let go, blending historical grit with mythical allure in a way that feels both timeless and revolutionary.Set against the haunting backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields, the story follows Thangalaan (Vikram), a tribal chief turned laborer, as he navigates a treacherous quest for gold under British exploitation, only to confront the fierce sorceress Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan) and his own destiny. The narrative is a powerful tapestry of oppression, resistance, and self-discovery, woven with Ranjith’s signature socio-political depth. It’s bold, unapologetic, and brimming with moments that demand reflection.Vikram delivers a performance for the ages—his physical transformation is jaw-dropping, but it’s his emotional ferocity that truly anchors the film. Parvathy Thiruvothu, as his wife Gangamma, matches him with a quiet strength that’s equally captivating, while Malavika Mohanan mesmerizes as the enigmatic Aarathi, embodying both grace and terror. The ensemble cast breathes life into every frame, making the tribal world feel achingly real.Visually, Thangalaan is a spectacle—Kishore Kumar’s cinematography paints a rugged, otherworldly landscape, while GV Prakash Kumar’s pulsating score amplifies the film’s intensity, striking a chord that reverberates long after. Ranjith’s direction is fearless, blending visceral action with poetic symbolism, like the unforgettable day-to-night battle that feels like a dance across time. Yes, the pacing stumbles slightly in the second half, and the VFX could’ve been sharper, but these are minor flecks in an otherwise dazzling gem.This is a film that dares to dream big, challenging conventions and celebrating the resilience of the marginalized. Thangalaan is a five-star marvel—a visceral, thought-provoking journey that cements Vikram and Ranjith as titans of their craft. It’s not just gold they’ve mined here; it’s pure cinematic brilliance.

A Cinematic Masterpiece That Dares to Dream and Defy. Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is nothing short of a revelation—an audacious, soul-stirring exploration of love, identity, and resistance that cements Pa. Ranjith as one of the most fearless voices in contemporary cinema. This film doesn’t just tell a story; it ignites a conversation, challenging societal norms with a raw, unapologetic energy that lingers long after the credits roll.The narrative weaves together a tapestry of diverse characters, each grappling with their own struggles against caste, gender, and sexual politics, yet united by the universal language of love. The standout performances—particularly by Dushara Vijayan, Kalaiyarasan, and Kalidas Jayaram—breathe life into this kaleidoscope of emotions, making every moment resonate with authenticity. The chemistry between the leads is electric, yet it’s the ensemble’s collective strength that truly elevates the film.Visually, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a feast—bold colors, striking compositions, and a theatrical flair that pays homage to art as rebellion. Tenma’s soundtrack pulses with passion, perfectly complementing the film’s revolutionary spirit. Pa. Ranjith’s direction is masterful, balancing the weight of social commentary with moments of tenderness and humor, never letting the message overpower the storytelling.This is a film that dares to ask difficult questions and refuses easy answers, inviting viewers to confront their own biases. It’s provocative, poetic, and profoundly human—a five-star triumph that redefines what Indian cinema can achieve. Watch it, feel it, and let it challenge you.