Viswanathan Maruthur

‘Dabaang 3’ proves once again the inverse proportion between the increasing sequel numbers with quality on offer. Sequels can’t be as good as the original is pure wisdom - though there can be, exceptions are rare. Dabaabg 3 is only trying (hard in fact) to infuse life and interest to the hackneyed formula. Bhai mouths dialogues supposed to evoke laughter, beats dozens of baddies single handedly and yes does the mandatory topless act as well. However, absence of a cohesive story or rationale to happenings on the screen (even by Bollywood’s low standards for such hero centric flicks) robs the film much of viewer interest. There is nothing that we haven’t seen before perhaps with the exception of a new method adopted by the villain to torture the hapless females - hanging them over a precipice... So much is the creative bankruptcy. The film meanders with endless flights with we looking at the exit door furtively for a reprieve! Is the Salman charm on decline? Venture to find out if you basically are a Bhai fan. Perhaps you may get saddened by the fact that the superstar is not immune to law of diminishing marginal utility☹️. 2.5/5

Meenakshi Sundareshwar has an interesting premise- ‘long distance’ existence after an arranged marriage. However, the beginning that evoked some genuine interest was overwhelmed by the eventless story (?) leading to a snoozefest. The lead actors are a pleasure to watch - while Sanya Malhotra is a proven performer, Abhimanyu does an endearing act. In fact, they make the otherwise insipid affair worth a watch. The prop of Rajinikanth, the Super Star is used to somehow finish the film at the end of uninspiring 141 minutes. Go for it with meager expectations, keep the coffee handy to flight sleep and you won’t be disappointed. 2.5/5

Ayyappanum Koshyum is interesting even if improbable. Very good acting and makers well versed in the craft make the almost 3 hrs running time taut. It’s the eponymous toxic males who dominate the show, but women too get an occasional voice or two of their own. Prithviraj and Biju Menon are pitch perfect and others too rise to the demanding occasion. Technically also the film is commendable. Sachi, the director and script writer, has much to be proud about this compelling thriller👍

Jersey is an emotional roller coaster as much as cricket drama. Shahid Kapoor shines in the role of the protagonist - a much sober version of Kabir Singh. The actor seems to get better with each outing. Scores centuries in terms of performance on field and while fighting mental demons. His real life father Pankaj Kapoor , the child artist from Telugu original and Mrunal Thakur have all dished out delectable fare. Overall a satisfying Bollywood outing. Get into this Jersey for close to 3 hours. You won’t be disappointed! 3/5

Varane Aavashyamundu is an engaging feel good film. Debutant Anoop Sathyan, son of Sathya Anthikad, the master family story teller of Mollywood justifies the chip off the old block concept. In fact, the curious poser shall be wasn’t it a too safe entry as director! But then with DS donning the Producer garb for the first time, the tried and tested canvass of life in an apartment complex might have occurred as safe for both. And the flick doesn’t disappoint. In what can be considered as a casting coup, Suresh Gopi (jaded sadly) and Shobana (refreshing still) make an interesting comeback. A bunch of talented character actors along with the new face (promising) Kalyani Priyadarshan make the film believable and relatable. For anyone who used to enjoy watching the old world family entertainers of Sathyan Anthikad era, this one comes as cool breeze amongst the rush of muscle flexing Brothers and Shylocks. 👏

Prassthanam is Hindi remake of 2010 Telugu film with the same name by the same director. Sanjay Dutt is the hero in this home production ( strictly so as Manyata Dutt is credited as the Producer!). Bollywood had its own share of political films of Sarkar brand and also UP based ones from Prakash Jha stable. But this Original Telugu story is uprooted and placed in the contemporary UP. Countless killings, fights, ‘netagiri’, misplaced songs and the mandatory item number complete the masala quotient. It’s not trash, but looks silly often. Even Sanjubaba looks tired and disinterested in this mayhem produced by his wife😊. The decision to watch it or not is also political! Do watch if you wish to support the ageing star making efforts to stage a comeback. 2.5/5*

Big Brother is strictly for blind fans of the Complete Actor. In fact the USP of the character is his ability to see through darkness! Think success of Oppam made the makers to take the concept forward. If partially blind hero can pulverise a dozen goons, the inventive streak has led to a hero with owlish nocturnal vision. So the funda is simple, switch off lights and pounce on hapless villains ‘suffering’ from inability to see through darkness😊 In the near future, we may have our heroes with innate ability to walk on water, fly and what not🤔

I am not Judgmental. Go for this Ekta Kangana psychic stuff if you too are not! Given the real life antics of this heroine, one may wonder if this film is peeping into her own life. No denying however of her great acting talent on display, complemented ably by the bankable Rajkumar Rao. If you like the ‘anything but normal’ type of characters, a heroine who is in and out of funny farm and bizarre events crowding the screen.. well Judgmental Hai Kya may keep you invested. Look elsewhere if easy-peasy escape is what you need from a film. Full marks to the makers for taking the less trodden path exploring the mystical world of mentally scarred. 3/5