Yashhraaj Barman

A Tense Thriller That Keeps You Guessing. "Sikandar Ka Muqaddar," directed by Neeraj Pandey and streaming on Netflix, delivers a gripping tale of obsession, crime, and suspense. Featuring a stellar cast including Avinash Tiwary, Jimmy Sheirgill, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta, and Rajeev Mehta, the film revolves around a dedicated police officer whose investigation into an unsolved robbery spirals into an all-consuming quest for the truth, upending the lives of everyone involved. Avinash Tiwary shines in the lead role, bringing depth and intensity to his character. His portrayal elevates the narrative, making it both emotionally charged and compelling. The supporting cast, including Jimmy Sheirgill and Divya Dutta, delivers solid performances, adding nuance to the unfolding drama. The screenplay by Neeraj Pandey and Vipul K. Rawal is tightly woven, with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end. The suspense builds steadily, creating an edge-of-the-seat experience that thriller enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. While the plot leans on some familiar tropes of the genre, it manages to stay engaging through its strong execution and well-paced storytelling. The film’s production values reflect the hallmark of Friday Filmworks, with polished direction and attention to detail evident in every frame. However, while the story is engrossing, some might feel that the obsession-driven arc could have explored its psychological dimensions more deeply. Despite this, the film delivers on its promise of a thrilling ride. Rating: 5/5 – "Sikandar Ka Muqaddar" is a must-watch for fans of suspense and crime dramas. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and unexpected twists, it’s a cinematic experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Don't miss it!

Alia Bhatt Shines in a Gritty Thriller. … “Jigra” (2024) is an action-packed thriller that brings a raw story of courage to the big screen. Directed by Vasan Bala, who co-wrote it with Debashish Irengbam, the film stars Alia Bhatt as Satya, a young woman with a troubled past who is pushed to the edge when her brother Ankur (played by Vedang Raina) is imprisoned and tortured abroad. With nothing left to lose, Satya embarks on an audacious mission to break him out. Produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Alia Bhatt, Shaheen Bhatt, and Soumen Mishra, the film also marks South Indian actor Rahul Ravindran’s Bollywood debut. The movie is gritty, fast-paced, and thrilling, with Alia Bhatt delivering one of her finest performances. She portrays Satya’s desperation and resilience with intensity, holding the viewer’s attention throughout. However, Alia’s screen dominance, while impressive, can feel overwhelming at times, evoking a sense similar to Salman Khan’s solo presence in the “Dabangg” series. The supporting cast does bring balance, with notable performances by Manoj Pahwa as Mr. Bhatia and Rahul Ravindran as Muthu, adding layers to the storyline. The film benefits from solid direction, a tightly woven storyline, and dynamic cinematography by Swapnil S. Sonawane, which captures the tension and stakes with precision. The background music enhances the suspense, further immersing the audience in Satya’s intense journey. With a budget of ₹90 crore, “Jigra” has the production values expected from a Dharma Productions and Eternal Sunshine collaboration. While the box office results remain uncertain, the film’s gripping narrative and Alia’s dedicated performance make it a likely contender to capture audiences’ interest. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – “Jigra” is a thrilling action film that showcases Alia Bhatt at her best, balanced by a talented supporting cast. It’s a must-watch for fans of gritty thrillers, even if the focus on Alia’s character sometimes overshadows the ensemble.

A Gritty, Fast-Paced Action Thriller That Hits Hard. "Kill," a 2024 action thriller directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, delivers a visceral punch with its relentless pace and gritty combat scenes. Inspired by true events, the film takes place aboard a train bound for New Delhi, where a pair of commandos, played by Lakshya and Raghav Juyal, are pitted against an army of invading bandits, turning the train into a high-stakes battleground. The film is fast-paced from start to finish, pulling you in with intense action sequences that rarely give you a moment to breathe. I initially missed it in theaters but caught it on Disney+ Hotstar, and the home experience still left me on edge. The action choreography is commendable, with both Lakshya and Raghav Juyal delivering standout performances as the protagonist and antagonist, respectively. Their physicality and combat skills are gripping, and despite the predictable climax, the tension keeps you hooked until the very end. That said, "Kill" is not for the faint-hearted. The level of gore is high, perhaps even excessive for a Hindi film, pushing the boundaries of what is typically expected in Indian cinema. At times, the brutality was hard to watch, but it adds to the raw realism of the situation. While it's clear that the film is fiction, the presentation feels disturbingly close to reality, heightening the impact of every bloody encounter. The direction, screenplay, and cinematography all work in tandem to create a visually compelling narrative. Rafey Mehmood’s cinematography captures the claustrophobic tension of the train setting perfectly, while the background score by Ketan Sodha amplifies the adrenaline-fueled action. The music, composed by Vikram Montrose, Shashwat Sachdev, and Haroon-Gavin, complements the film without overpowering its more intense moments. Even though the film’s storyline offers few surprises, the thrill of seeing how everything unfolds keeps you invested until the last frame. "Kill" is an action-packed ride that doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal realities of combat, making it a must-watch for action enthusiasts. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 or 9 out of 10 – "Kill" is a brutal, fast-paced action thriller with stellar performances and a gripping narrative. While the gore might be too much for some, it's an adrenaline rush from start to finish, making it a solid entry in the action genre.

Action-Packed but Falls Short at the End "Yudhra" (2024), directed by Ravi Udyawar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment, is a fast-paced action thriller with a solid cast led by Siddhant Chaturvedi, Malavika Mohanan, and Raghav Juyal. The story follows Yudhra, a man plagued by anger issues, who embarks on an undercover mission to dismantle a powerful drug syndicate headed by Firoz and his son Shafiq. Yudhra's personal vendetta against Firoz for his parents' deaths adds a layer of emotional intensity to the action-packed narrative. The film kicks off strong, with tight screenplay and well-executed action sequences, particularly in the first half. Siddhant Chaturvedi, in his first solo hero venture, impressively carries the weight of the film on his shoulders. His performance is compelling, and he brings a mix of vulnerability and rage to his character. Malavika Mohanan shines in her action scenes, proving herself to be more than just a side character, while the supporting cast, including Gajraj Rao and Ram Kapoor, adds depth to the story. However, the film falters in the second half, as the screenplay begins to lose its grip and the momentum slows down. The climax, which feels rushed and predictable, fails to deliver the satisfying conclusion one might expect from such a high-stakes drama. The film’s conclusion leaves viewers feeling like there’s something missing, as if the story’s potential wasn’t fully realized. Despite these shortcomings, the direction by Udyawar and editing by Tushar Parekh and Anand Subaya keep the film moving, with slick action sequences and a well-balanced pace for most of the runtime. The music, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and Prem–Hardeep, fits well within the movie, though it doesn’t stand out except for the catchy "Sathiya," penned by Javed Akhtar, which is a memorable highlight. Overall, Yudhra is an entertaining one-time watch with solid performances, particularly from Siddhant Chaturvedi, but is held back by its predictable and somewhat rushed ending. Fans of action thrillers will find enough to enjoy here, but it falls just short of being a standout in the genre. Rating: 4 out of 5 – A well-executed action thriller with a strong lead, but the climax and second half could have been sharper.

A Haunting Masterpiece of Greed and Myth "Tumbbad" (2018), re-releasing in 2024, remains a visually stunning and eerily thrilling cinematic gem that delves into the dark depths of human greed. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, this horror-fantasy film is set in the 1920s and centers on the terrifying myth of Hastar, the first-born of the Goddess of Prosperity. When a family in Tumbbad builds a forbidden temple for Hastar—despite the ancient warnings—three generations are cursed by his power and greed. The story weaves a tale of human nature's darkest tendencies, focusing on how greed consumes everything in its path. The myth of Hastar, a being who tried to seize both gold and food in his greed but was overpowered by his divine siblings, is at the heart of this gripping narrative. Hastar's terrifying allure lies in his ability to grant gold coins to those who dare to seek him out, but at an unspeakable cost. This film’s exploration of greed, guilt, and the consequences of defying the gods is as chilling as it is mesmerizing. The movie is an eerie and drenching experience, with every frame filled with palpable tension. The writing is practically flawless, with the plot unfolding at a thrilling pace that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. The haunting music score only amplifies the tension, weaving seamlessly with the film's visuals to create an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Sohum Shah delivers a jaw-dropping performance as the protagonist, effortlessly embodying the complexity of his character, whose obsession with wealth drives him to the brink of destruction. The supporting cast also shines, but it's Shah's nuanced portrayal that anchors the film. "Tumbbad" is a unique concept and an extraordinary story that defies conventional storytelling. The film's visuals, direction, and performances are all top-notch, creating an experience that’s not only captivating but deeply unsettling. The use of folklore, mythology, and horror elements makes it stand out as a genre-defying masterpiece. Rating: 5 out of 5 – "Tumbbad" is a brilliant watch, a haunting and immersive film that explores the perils of greed. It’s a cinematic experience that should not be missed, especially for fans of horror and fantasy. The re-release only emphasizes its timeless appeal, as it continues to captivate audiences with its dark and gripping narrative.

A Tale of Grief, Mystery, and a Twisted Climax! "The Buckingham Murders" (2024), directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shobha Kapoor, and Ekta Kapoor, is an Indian crime thriller that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and the immigrant experience. Set in Buckinghamshire, the film follows Kareena Kapoor Khan as a British-Indian detective, who, after losing her own child to murder, relocates to a new town to investigate the murder of another child. This emotional journey delves into her unresolved past while tackling a new and disturbing mystery. The film starts off slow, taking its time to build the emotional and psychological layers of the lead character. For those looking for a fast-paced thriller, this might come off as a little underwhelming at first, but the plot does pick up, especially as it moves towards the twisted and surprising climax. Kareena Kapoor Khan, alongside Ranveer Brar and the supporting cast, delivers strong performances. Both actors were key reasons for watching the film, and they did not disappoint. However, Hansal Mehta's direction, while solid, slightly fell short of the high expectations I had, leaving room for a bit more impact in certain key scenes. Cinematography is good, and the screenplay, written by Aseem Arrora, handles the story well, maintaining an engaging balance between the emotional undercurrents and the unfolding mystery. The film's themes are profound and relatable, with the immigrant experience and the need for closure playing pivotal roles. While "The Buckingham Murders" doesn't fully achieve the impact it could have, it is still an intriguing film with a well-crafted plot and compelling performances. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with emotional depth and a twist at the end, this one is worth watching. My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – Despite some pacing issues and a bit of a lag in direction, "The Buckingham Murders" is a solid crime thriller with a surprising finish and stellar performances from the lead cast.

A Bold Experiment That Misses Its Mark. "Kinds of Kindness," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, presents an intriguing triptych fable that explores different forms of kindness in the most unconventional ways. With a star-studded cast including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, the film delves into the lives of characters facing complex, sometimes surreal, situations, from a man trying to control his destiny to a policeman haunted by his wife’s mysterious return. The film's intention of highlighting the importance of empathy and small acts of kindness is evident, but it does so in a distinctly Lanthimosian manner that may not resonate with all viewers. While the concept of enhancing empathy and understanding in today’s world is commendable, the execution of this idea feels overly complex and often unnecessarily convoluted. The multiple storylines are difficult to connect with, and the overarching message, though present, feels somewhat lost amid the tangled narratives. The directing is understated, with Lanthimos favoring simplicity and realism. This works to the film's advantage in terms of grounding the more fantastical elements. The decision to rely on live footage and character voices without overusing sound effects is a creative choice, adding a sense of authenticity. However, the lack of strong auditory cues leaves some scenes feeling flat, and the minimal soundtrack, though fitting, doesn't elevate the material as much as it could have. On the acting front, Jesse Plemons undoubtedly delivers the standout performance, effortlessly embodying each of his complex characters. Emma Stone also shines, particularly in the second chapter as "Liz," bringing her usual depth and nuance to the role. Willem Dafoe, as always, offers a compelling performance, particularly in the film's first chapter, though his talents feel somewhat underutilized. While the acting is strong across the board, it often feels like the performances are working harder than the script allows. One of the film's main issues lies in its overly complex characters, whose depth, while impressive, often seems unnecessary to the plot. The end of each chapter feels incomplete, as if something important is missing. Additionally, the film’s reliance on bold scenes, including nudity and sexual content, does little to advance the story and feels gratuitous at times. While "Kinds of Kindness" certainly has its moments and offers a unique cinematic experience, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative. It's a film that will leave an impression, but not necessarily a lasting one, with its missed opportunities for deeper connection and closure. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars – "Kinds of Kindness" is an ambitious and thought-provoking film that struggles to fully realize its potential. It’s a movie for Lanthimos fans and those who appreciate experimental storytelling, but for others, its complexity and lack of resolution may prove frustrating.

"A Gritty and Gripping Sequel that Delivers on Every Front" "Stree 2," the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy hit, returns to the haunted town of Chanderi with a fresh and terrifying twist. Directed by Amar Kaushik and written by Niren Bhatt, the film follows Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and his friends as they once again face off against a supernatural threat, this time a headless entity that is mysteriously abducting women. The film masterfully blends elements of horror, comedy, and suspense, creating a gritty and gripping narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The direction by Amar Kaushik is sharp and precise, ensuring that the story unfolds at a fast pace without losing any of its comedic charm. The cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee captures the eerie atmosphere of Chanderi perfectly, while Hemanti Sarkar's editing ensures a smooth and engaging viewing experience. Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana all deliver standout performances, breathing life into their characters with a perfect balance of humor and tension. Their chemistry and timing are impeccable, making the film as entertaining as it is thrilling. The background score by Justin Varghese is appropriately eerie and enhances the suspense, while the songs by Sachin–Jigar fit well within the film's context, even if they aren't particularly memorable outside of it. The film’s ability to seamlessly integrate its various elements—story, screenplay, and music—into a cohesive whole is a testament to the talent of everyone involved. With a budget of ₹50 crore and a box office collection estimated at ₹199 crore, "Stree 2" has proven to be a commercial success as well, appealing to both horror enthusiasts and fans of the original film. The movie is a must-watch, not just for those who enjoyed the first "Stree," but for anyone looking for a film that combines chills, laughs, and a fast-paced plot. Rating: 9/10 or 4.5/5 – "Stree 2" is a well-crafted sequel that delivers on its promise, offering a perfect mix of horror, comedy, and action. It's a film that engages from start to finish, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and beyond.

"Land and Loss" "Dedh Bigha Zameen" triumphs as a poignant drama that captures the gritty resilience against corruption. Directed by Pulkit, this film, featuring a compelling performance by Pratik Gandhi, narrates the tale of Anil Singh's relentless fight for justice after his family’s land is usurped by power-hungry elites. The film’s tragic yet impactful ending underscores the harsh realities faced by those challenging systemic wrongs, leaving a lasting impression about the high cost of integrity.