Sunil Adhikari

*Stree 2*, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit *Stree*, delivers a captivating blend of horror and comedy that largely succeeds in entertaining audiences. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film reunites the stellar cast of Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee. This time, the town of Chanderi faces a new menace in the form of a headless demon called Sarkata, who terrorizes women, leading the heroes to once again confront supernatural forces. One of the film's strengths is its sharp writing, which cleverly incorporates references to pop culture and earlier films in the horror-comedy genre. The humor is consistent, and the performances, particularly by Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi, shine through. The VFX and CGI have improved since the first film, making the supernatural elements more engaging and visually appealing However, *Stree 2* does struggle with pacing issues, especially towards the climax, where the narrative becomes loud and somewhat repetitive. The attempt to expand the *Stree* Cinematic Universe with crossovers from other films like *Bhediya* is a bold move, but it sometimes feels forced, diluting the core story Despite these minor shortcomings, *Stree 2* is a solid entertainer, mixing scares and laughs effectively. With standout performances and a memorable cameo by Akshay Kumar, the film proves to be a worthy continuation of the franchise, holding great potential for future installments

**"Laila Majnu" (2018)** is a soulful and intense retelling of the classic love story, set in modern-day Kashmir. Directed by Sajid Ali and produced by Imtiaz Ali, the film beautifully captures the essence of eternal love and madness. Avinash Tiwary as Qais (Majnu) delivers a standout performance, portraying the character's descent into obsessive love with raw intensity. Tripti Dimri as Laila is equally compelling. The film's cinematography, music, and deep emotional narrative make it a poetic and memorable watch, though it might not appeal to everyone due to its tragic and intense nature.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" follows Rani (Taapsee Pannu) and Rishu (Vikrant Massey) as they try to start a new life together, only to be disrupted by new characters, including the enigmatic Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal) and the officer Mrityunjay (Jimmy Shergill). Unlike the original film, this sequel is less of a whodunnit and lacks the pulpy excitement that defined its predecessor. The narrative becomes predictable, but the performances, particularly by Taapsee and Sunny, remain strong. The film has been criticized for its lack of depth and character development, which were stronger in the original. Director Jayaprad Desai faced the challenge of living up to the expectations set by the first film, but the sequel does not quite meet those standards. The screenplay by Kanika Dhillon, while still engaging, misses some of the nuances and layers that made the original more compelling. The cinematography by Vishal Sinha and the music by Sachet-Parampara are notable highlights, with the song "Ek Haseena Thi" being effectively woven into the story. However, the sequel lacks the element of surprise and tension that kept audiences on edge in the first film. The climax is elaborate but ultimately predictable, leaving the film feeling less impactful. Overall, "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" is a decent watch if you avoid comparing it to the original, but it doesn't quite capture the magic of the first film

"Berlin" web series stands out as one of the best, showcasing an exceptional blend of a brilliant plot and meticulous planning. The series captivates viewers with its intricate storyline, keeping them on the edge of their seats. The masterful execution of twists and turns, coupled with well-developed characters, makes "Berlin" a testament to the creative ingenuity and strategic thinking behind the scenes.

"Sita Raman: What a Movie" delivers a powerful message through its compelling love story. The film seamlessly intertwines romance with a meaningful narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. It skillfully explores the complexities of love and relationships, making it a standout in the genre. The well-crafted characters and emotional depth contribute to the film's success in conveying a heartfelt and resonant message.