Arjun Aravind

"My House My Rules My Coffee" - This film has set high standards for production and complex story writing in a simple way. The script is vibrant panache and punctilious. The narrative is stylishly convoluted. The cast is ‘For Your Eyes Only’ and the directing is so good that it's sometimes invisible. The dialogue delivery is slight of hand funny. First they're polite then testy then tarty then empathetic, searching through their secure insecurities and absurdities. It is Herculean and there are no loose ends. My takeaway from the movie - Evidence can tell a false story and everyone can lie. I can see why this movie is so highly rated among critics. 4.5/5

This biographical film showcases the lives of India’s oldest sharpshooters, Prakashi and Chandro Tomar, and leaves us with an inspiring message. The movie predominantly talks about a patriarchal society that we used to live in and how the two protagonists are conditioned to put up with it. Bhumi and Taapsee are in great form as grandmothers, who are willing to do anything to inspire and the two leading ladies carry the film on their shoulders effortlessly. While there is no doubt that this is an inspirational tale, it meanders a bit too long before finding stable ground. A tighter edit would have made it a far more gripping watch. The narrative stumbles a bit when the game of hide-and-seek between the two daadis and their family starts getting a tad repetitive. The characterisation seems unidimensional and the film drives home the point of women empowerment, celebrates the bonhomie among women wholeheartedly, and attempts at every point to hit the saand ki aankh. 3/5

Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler have created a brilliant masterpiece with Russian Doll! I was drawn to this series after this show had received multiple Emmy nods for a comedy series and Natasha, you’re a genius! At first, this reminded me of something that I had already watched and I felt that it would be the same old story where you try to alter your past to make your present better! However, after the first episode, I was pulled into the main character’s crisis, her conflicts with herself, her past and her take on how to go through life, miserably. Definitely binge-worthy and you’ll finish the series in 4h! There is a large appreciation for art, culture, music and attitudes. I enjoyed the culture envelope of this show as much as I enjoyed the story telling and plot lines. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day/ Month, I found myself hoping that Nadia would somehow navigate this labyrinth of maintaining human connections and mental health through this dark comedy! 4.5/5!

El Camino is a perfect ode and ending to the Breaking Bad saga! Picking off right from the most cathartic and memorable image of "Felina," we finally see Jesse Pinkman get a long-awaited taste of freedom. While so many characters on the show met brutal fates, riddled with bullets or blown up by increasingly complicated explosive devices, the 2h epilogue finally delivered some of the greatest-hit references to past conflicts and some fan-service cameos for the show's ever-faithful audience on its journey to redemption. Creator Vince Gilligan, who wrote and directed this coda-like film with his typically meticulous touch, clearly has a real affection for the crime-ridden junkyards, pastel-colored apartment complexes, and run-down vacuum shops! The Perfect ending! Do give it a watch! Go where the Universe takes you and just live life the way you want to! 4/5!

At the outset, Netflix and Red Chillies can do much better! Bard of Blood is very typical of any movie revolving around India, Pakistan and terrorism with a hint of suspense that you can easily predict and of course some Bollywood masala. I must admire the visuals and the locations where the series was shot - hats off! Acting and dialogue delivery is a little mediocre, and the entire story is a little repetitive! A typical plot of spying and counter terrorism with a cat and mouse chase of how well one can deceive the other and how the other guy responds! Looks like it’s going to be back for another season - it better be good! 2.5/5 and lots of room for improvement for season 2 - if you don’t have anything to watch, you can watch this for the visuals!

Honestly, there have been so many many versions of Joker’s origins, but this one takes it up a notch! Joaquin Phoenix - you’ve won the Oscar for this performance already - what a way to bring out the sadistic and maniacal tendencies of the Joker and bring in a twist to tie it with the Batman storyline too! Honestly, if you are a fan of cinema, go and watch it! NOW! All budding actors - watch it, learn from it! And to all those who feel they’re a nothing to this world, I’m sure this story will get you inspired in a way but I’m not sure if it is supposed to inspire anyone! There’s a disturbing sense about that statement but all you really want to do is to root for the character to overcome that split persona and violent tendencies! You kind of feel and can relate to the character of Joker after this movie! Probably the best version of Joker yet! Joaquin, you’re a legend!