Veronica Satsangi

Get your senses heightened. Parasite is one hell of a movie. It’s so hauntingly simple and elegant, I couldn’t believe what happened in the end. I just sat where I was, spellbound. With awesome story, acting, direction, music, exquisite art direction (the interiors of the Park residence took my breath away) and cinematography (even the slum area looks awesome), Parasite totally deserves all of the awards. The piano instrumentals were something I can’t forget. It’s totally worth your time. What shook me was the subtle take on capitalism and the income gap between the rich and the poor. You won’t notice it until you keep thinking of the movie, even after you’ve watched it. The story line is very simple but has elegance added to it. I must say, the first half of the movie was very clever. The second half may pale in comparison to the first half but still, it’s pretty awesome. It has a dark tone to it, but it is very subtle. Very rarely do I see movies like these, which are dark yet subtle. If this is Korean cinema, I’m a fan already. So do yourself a favor and be mesmerised by this thought provoking masterpiece.

Darbar: what a movie! I can’t say if it is really a commercial flick. The movie starts off with a somewhat sluggish speed, but then the intro of the Thalaiva in the flashback was literally amazing. Nivetha Thomas has more significance than Yogi Babu or Nayanthara and has a character you’ll love. Thalaiva, as usual, is amazing but this time he’s serious. I like that. The movie has an existent storyline which is carried by the Superstar’s charisma and some of the scenes, like the ones in the starting of the flashback ( I don’t want to give spoilers) are great. It has emotions as well. But the movie doesn’t seem like it was directed by A.R. Murugadoss. The film has no depth and every character except Superstar’s and Nivetha’s is wasted. It has an abrupt ending. I really hope Murugadoss brings his now-old charisma back to the screen, just like he did in Ghajini, Thuppakki and Kaththi. With a weak villain and a somewhat-convincing storyline, I give it a 4. This comes from a Thalapathian who also watches Thalaiva’s films with the same fervor.

3.5/5 (do not believe the media) Ludicrous was the first word I had for this movie, but due to watching a lot of amazing, good quality Hollywood and Indian thrillers, I guess I can predict the plot twists way before they are revealed in the film. So I'm going easy on this one. Good film. Have some free time to spare. I didn't see the trailer, but after reading the reviews, I saw it with minimal expectations. As a thriller, it is strictly mediocre. There are many unanswered questions. Secondly, I do not like who is the kidnapper during the big reveal. It should've been someone else. The backstory of the kidnapper is fine even though I don't find it compelling. Before lauding the performance of the crew (not the CAST, mind me), I will have to laud the setting of the film. Beautiful sceneries and the weather complement the tone of the movie and the chilling soundtrack by Santhosh Narayan set the mood. I was taken aback by the Kolame song. Now for the cast, there was only Keerthy Suresh who acted as she was told to and about the other cast, they had nothing whatsoever to do in the film. And yes, Keerthy's performance was compelling and proved that she's an able actor. Raghu(Linga) was so unnecessary. And the semi-villain (you'll get it once you watch) tried to imitate Hollywood-standard villains, but failed miserably. TBH, the movie deserved much more. There are some striking dialogues too, such as: "I'm pregnant, not brain damaged." Good attempt for a thriller. Confusing AF, leaving a lot of questions unanswered but covering it all up with a happy ending.