Fathima Thamanna

Stree 2 delivers a stronger and more polished experience than the original, blending horror with comedy in an engaging way. The story continues with Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) trying to reunite with the mysterious Stree (Shraddha Kapoor) to defeat a new supernatural threat, Sarkata. The dynamic between Vicky and his quirky friends—Jana (Abhishek Banerjee), Bittu (Aparshakti Khurana), and Rudra (Pankaj Tripathi)—adds to the humor, with Banerjee and Tripathi standing out for their witty performances. While the film is filled with fun moments and amusing chaos, it does take a step forward in intensifying the horror elements compared to its predecessor. Director Amar Kaushik maintains the entertaining vibe but could have pushed the storyline further to make the sequel even more impactful. The CGI is decent, though some of it feels repetitive, and the music by Sachin-Jigar, particularly the song "Aaj ki raat," adds a nice touch. Overall, Stree 2 sticks to its formula of spooky fun, delivering more laughs than frights, with Banerjee and Tripathi stealing the show. It might not have the depth of the original, but it successfully expands the franchise's world with a bigger scale and more thrilling action.

Kalki 2898 AD is an ambitious, visually stunning sci-fi spectacle that swings for the fences with its blend of mythology and futuristic elements. Directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring big names like Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, the film offers a unique cinematic experience but struggles with consistency. The movie opens with a slow-paced first half, burdened by too many characters and half-baked comedic moments. It’s a bit of a rough start, making you wonder if the film will deliver on its promises. However, things take a sharp turn post-interval when Amitabh Bachchan re-enters the scene, bringing gravitas and energy to the narrative. The second half, filled with high-octane action and gorgeous VFX, redeems the earlier sluggishness and leaves a lasting impression. What truly elevates Kalki 2898 AD is its world-building. The film immerses you in a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with rebels, oppressive regimes, and larger-than-life conflicts. The visual effects are some of the best seen in Indian cinema, giving the movie an epic scale and polish that many sci-fi films struggle to achieve. However, the soundtrack, while serviceable, doesn’t quite match the visual grandeur, feeling somewhat forgettable in comparison. Ultimately, Kalki 2898 AD is a film that finds its footing in the second half, especially with its action-packed climax and dazzling effects. Despite its uneven pacing and a few narrative missteps, it’s an exciting glimpse into the future of Indian cinema’s approach to large-scale, effects-heavy storytelling. If you're into mythological sci-fi or just want to see a film that pushes the boundaries of visual effects in India, this one is worth a watch.