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'The Iron Claw' (2023), directed by Sean Durkin, has unfortunately got the Oscars snub, but - make no mistake - it's a great film. Fortunately, it has had a theatrical release here, in India, and hence one should not feel left out missing it on the big screen. It's not just a wrestling movie, or a typical sports drama, it works on many levels. The star-cast is incredible. Zac Efron, Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, and Stanley Simons play the Von Erich brothers too compellingly, as do Holt McCallany as the patriarch; Lily James and Maura Tierney shine as well, in supporting roles. The tragic undertones in this real-life saga, that stem from toxic masculinity (above all else - if you ask me) and the underlying soulfulness that finds scant expression in the characters, yet rings true in our hearts, make it an unmissable film.

Watched Five Nights at Freddy's (2023) on the big screen, on Halloween, in the company of friends, and that made it a bit extra-special for me. It may not as such be great as a horror film, and may particularly disappoint some of the fans of the game on which it is based, it's a fun-watch nonetheless. Great to see Josh Hutcherson on the screen after quite some time, and the same goes for Matthew Lillard and Mary Stuart Masterson. The music by The Newton Brothers deserves a special mention, fans will be delighted for sure. Though originally rated PG-13, the Indian censor board has stamped it 'Adults Only', which is sad.

As a huge fan of Vijay Deverakonda, I've always felt that he deserves better films than the majority of hits or blockbusters he has starred in. 'Kushi' (2023) makes that feeling echo. When it failed to bag prime showtimes at the multiplexes in Kolkata, I was pained, as I couldn't watch it then. Now that it has released on Netflix, I didn't miss the earliest opportunity to catch it. It has beautiful locales, pleasant songs and colorful visuals, and an interesting pairing of Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha, along with a strong supporting cast. But, despite the broad messaging, which is commendable (though nothing unique), 'Kushi' is peppered with cringe elements throughout, and problematic tropes and vague characterization. On the whole: watchable, but not quite satisfactory (for me).

'Barbie' (2023) is a hugely satisfying film for all, yes, especially 'all', since it's rated PG13; I watched it in a packed theater where children (definitely a noticeable minority, as it should have been for a film whose jokes are primarily targeted at the adults), accompanied by their parents, were also seen having fun for just being able to see a live-version of their familiar toys. The excitement in the theater was palpable. It's the perfect 'meta' summer entertainment that the doctor ordered. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Helen Mirren (as the narrator), the stunning production design and over-the-top costumes, and the glorious soundtrack are more than enough to keep people mesmerized for close to two hours and, hopefully, even buy the subversive message from writer-director Greta Gerwig (and co-scriptwriter Noah Baumbach).

For the 'genuine fans' (yes, such a label does exist) of Ranbir Kapoor, this film is like aerated water in lieu of hazelnut flavored coffee. Watching the song sequences on the big screen gave me the biggest high, to be honest, the rest - barring an unevenly pitched climax - was just fluff, buff and bluster. Shraddha Kapoor was an odd fit, but most in her place would be so in a Luv Ranjan film (rather, a Luv Ranjan multiverse - as evident from this one). When will the Ranbir Kapoor that we are so desirous of seeing (he has no dearth of acting talent), resurface? I'll be waiting for that film, keeping my fingers crossed for such a film to happen.

'Laal Singh Chaddha' (2022) is not just a film, but it's an experience of a lifetime. There have been handsome and robust movie adaptations in the past, and there will be again, but this one stands tall in terms of the sheer audacity in adapting a somewhat sacrosanct Hollywood classic, a movie legend of sorts ('Forrest Gump'), the way it has successfully transcreated that narrative in the Indian milieu is what makes it worth raving about. The thoroughly Indian ethos that the film and its characters are rooted in makes it connect with all of us, unless our desi sentiments and emotional standing is skewed and corrupted. The broad message that is passed on, that we experience and evolve more when we choose innocence and simplicity, taking life as it comes, eschewing narrow personal ambitions, touches our hearts. Life comes a full circle for most of us, like it did for Laal (Aamir Khan). But we can hardly love like him, or live like him, can we? The film impacts us deeply, it makes us ponder about life in general and even challenges commonly held notions regarding happiness or success. Hats off to Atul Kulkarni (who has adapted Eric Roth's original screenplay), to Advait Chandan (who withstood the hazards of filming), to Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya (for creating the beautiful songs for the film that embellish the rich soundscape, and are destined to resonate in our ears and hearts for ages), and to the entire cast and crew - including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and, above all, Aamir Khan (it was Aamir's passion project which he pursued to actualize for several years, and his endeavors has reaped the brilliant results on screen). 'Laal Singh Chaddha' is undoubtedly the best mainstream Hindi (Bollywood, in popular parlance) film of the year. Catch it on Netflix, if you had missed it in theater (although it's best enjoyed on the big screen)!

'Druk' ('Another Round') is one of those films that, despite not having an exceptional or rich premise, gets lifted many notches thanks to exceptional performances by the members of its lead cast and by the sensitive treatment of the material. I've warmed up to the film rather late, after all the rave reviews and the rewards it bagged, as I had deferred watching it till now (waited 2 years) for whatever reasons. Its being culture specific might not let some viewers to appreciate it for its true worth, though most cine-buffs won't miss out on the film's finer qualities.

Although I haven't rated this animated movie as high as I mostly do, 'Riverdance: The Animated Adventure' (2021) has its appeal. The somewhat limited appeal is only on account of its being a celebration of the Irish life, projected through broad stereotypes and depicted in a flimsy manner. However, the animation and the songs are nothing to complain about, even the voice-cast I found to be interesting - with the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Brendon Gleeson thrown in.

Here's my short take on 'KKK' ('Stolen Glances') - It's an immensely enjoyable movie with ample twists (more for those like me who didn't catch the trailer or scan the reviews); thoroughly recommended for: freshness of the plot (actually inspired by an American series), smart execution (thrills galore, along with the regular mainstream mix of humor and romance), mature performances and foot-tapping music (thankfully, even the songs have subtitles, for viewers like me who do not follow Tamil but love Tamil movies nonetheless).