Sakshi Soni

( Honest review without spoilers) Genre- Action, thriller and mythological drama. Kantara, literally translating as mystical or mythical forests is the most appropriate title for the film as the film completely revolves around the community of people who stay in the forest and their beliefs, traditions and folklore. Kantara is written, directed and acted by Rishab Shetty who has done an astounding job. You can barely find any loop holes in any of these areas. It captivatingly portrays the issues faced by indigenous people of a particular region in three different timelines ( 1840, 1970 and 1990). The main theme of the film is conflict. Conflict between nature and humans. Conflict between two classes. Conflict between humans and the supernatural. Conflict between duty and righteousness. Conflict between government and people. Conflict within self. Kantara incorporates a lot of story narration which is well shown by top shot camera angles. Main scenes are shown with slow motion and gritty background scores. Most of the music in the film is sourced from traditional local music and folklore. Fight and action sequels are very well shot from different angles. All the close up shots and transitions keep the audience hooked. However, the film has few drawbacks as well. There is no prominent dignified female character in the film rather eve teasing is shown as a normal and common phenomenon. Locations are real and most of the forest scenes are shot at night time to show the majestic forest. The makeup, costume and dance of Bhoota kola is realistic and on point. Climax is very exciting. The act, expressions and action scenes of Rishabh shetty will give you goosebumps and contentment at the same time. Rishab Shetty both as an actor and director has set the bar way too high. There is so much richness in Indian mythology and local culture that needs to be shown to the masses. It's indeed a local movie for the global audience. I'll rate Kantara 4.5/5. (Sakshi Soni)

Genre- Action, thriller and drama. ( Honest review without spoilers) Pathaan directed by Siddharth Anand starring Shahrukh Khan, Dipika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana has created a great hype in India. Be it the action scenes or the songs and of course the great physique of the actors generated a strong desire in people to watch the film, the trailer itself had been a mega hit. It's a spy thriller which expands the YRF's spy universe. The film is about an exiled RAW agent, Pathaan who takes down Jim, a former RAW agent turned rogue leader of a private terror organisation who is planning to spread a deadly lab generated virus across India. It's an action packed film but most of the action scenes are unrealistic. Vfx used in the film wasn't up to the mark and the faces of actors sometimes felt animated during action scenes. Nevertheless all the twists in plot and cameo made the film very interesting. Also, Pathaan evokes a sense of patriotism and respect for Indian soldiers. All the actors were on point. Srk made a perfect comeback with all the actions and fascinating dialogues. John Abraham looks invincible in the negative role. Deepika's character is stunning who also performs gripping action scenes and has a significant role instead of just being a character whose sole purpose is adding glamour and love angle to the film. Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana are doing justice to their roles. Ashutosh Rana reminds of the movie War. The background score and all the camera angles were on point which made the audience feel as if they were present at that moment. Pathaan has an interesting storyline and fast screenplay because of which you won't feel bored at any point of time but numerous twists will make you forget from where the film started. Also Pathaan seems like an amalgamation of movies like Tiger series, War and Happy New Year with better storyline and twists. Overall Pathaan is a nice entertainment film for those who like action-thriller films. I'll rate the film 3.5/5 ( Sakshi Soni )