Venkata Shreyas Kabekkodu

Empuraan (Malayalam) – A Grand Spectacle with Layers of Intrigue Watched Empuraan on 30th March 2025 at Big Cinemas, and it was an intense cinematic experience. The film skillfully blends politics, history, action, and mystery, making it a compelling yet debatable sequel. The opening sequences, while gripping, lean heavily into a particular political narrative. The film portrays the Gujarat riots without explicitly naming them but makes the references clear through visuals. However, the screenplay chooses to focus on only one side of the brutality, which may make it appear biased. A more balanced representation—acknowledging both the right-wing and left-wing influences—could have deepened the storytelling. The first 20 minutes, intentionally or not, come across as a propaganda-driven setup. While the director may not have aimed for this, the execution gives that impression. Given the title Empuraan, one would expect Mohanlal’s character to be at the forefront much earlier. However, the film takes nearly 50 minutes to introduce him, which might test the patience of certain sections of the audience. That being said, his entry is nothing short of electrifying! Each appearance is designed to give goosebumps, though at times, the excessive build-up risks making the character feel overly glorified. His struggle is only showcased in the final phase of the film—while this was well-executed, an earlier glimpse into his hardships would have made the narrative more layered. Manju Warrier’s portrayal of Priyadarshini Ramdas deserves special mention. The handcuffs scene was a standout moment, delivering sheer intensity and power. Jithin Ramdas’s character transformation was somewhat predictable, but the unexpected twist in his climax leaves room for intriguing possibilities in the next installment. One of the film’s strengths is its exploration of the Illuminati concept, adding an intriguing mystery element. However, certain violent sequences could have been toned down. While raw intensity is necessary, a mass entertainer should balance its content to avoid alienating sections of the audience. While Empuraan is a grand cinematic spectacle, my personal favorite remains the first part, which had a stronger emotional core and a more grounded approach. This sequel, however, successfully sets up the third installment. The challenge for the next part will be to ensure the screenplay does not unintentionally tilt too much toward a particular ideological spectrum. A well-balanced narrative, acknowledging the influences of both right-wing and left-wing ideologies, could elevate the story even further. Kudos to the team for their efforts—I look forward to seeing how this saga concludes!

"Kalki 2898 AD" Review: A Glimpse into a Dystopian Future Directed by Nag Ashwin, "Kalki 2898 AD" ventures into a futuristic world intricately woven with elements from the Mahabharat Kurukshetra war, delivering a visually striking and intellectually stimulating experience. The direction and screenplay are commendable, skillfully linking futuristic themes with the ancient epic's narrative. However, the film leaves many questions surrounding Prabhas's enigmatic character unanswered, which sets the stage for anticipation in the next installment. Viewers are left intrigued, eagerly awaiting deeper insights into his role and identity. Nag Ashwin's decision to withhold Krishna's face adds an air of mystery, leaving audiences speculating about the casting of Kalki. This bold move enhances the film's mystique and sets high expectations for the sequel. The seamless integration of futuristic technology with mythological undertones is a testament to Ashwin's visionary storytelling. While the film maintains a captivating pace, there is room for the storyline to further develop and explore the complexities introduced. With the promise of a powerful continuation, viewers hope Nag Ashwin will continue to captivate with a compelling narrative that delves deeper into Kalki's journey. In conclusion, "Kalki 2898 AD" is a captivating blend of sci-fi and history, promising an exhilarating sequel that holds the potential to unravel the mysteries surrounding its central characters.

I finally managed to watch the Kannada movie "Kantara". It was one of the most refined and artistic movies ever made in the Kannada Film Industry. We had seen Rishab Shetty as a director, but with this movie, he proved that he is an outstanding actor. The last 30 minutes are one of the best moments of the film. We must not miss this film on a big screen, as this is for the big screen with sound effects. Hats-Off to the entire team for such brilliant work.

Amazing storyline and well scripted!

Awesome screenplay. The way they started the movie and ended it was absolutely brilliant. The final twist was really good. A fresh content to KFI. 🙂👍