I had the opportunity to attend the encore screening of Fil-Am Creations: A Film Maker’s Movement. For those of you that don’t know, this is the premiere Filipino-American short film festival. That’s My Entertainment had the opportunity to interview some of the filmmakers during the original screening. If you haven’t watched the interview with Dante Basco yet, check it out. The evening was a little less formal than the original screening, but presented a great opportunity to hear the directors talk about their inspiration and pieces in an open forum. The evening presented a lot of variety in genre, everything from thrillers, to gangster flicks, comedy, even a slice of life piece that gave insight into Filipino culture.
The Last Straw pulled us into the underground world of competitive Boba drinking, complete with subtle and not so subtle references to Blood Sport. It was enjoyable and showed a lot of promise. I look forward to what the director brings next year.
What You Don’t Say took me right back to those college partying days, fretting over what to say to the girl you like, only to find out it really doesn’t matter anyway. Maybe it was just the 30-year-old in me talking, but I particularly connected with the character too old to party with college kids.
Basketball Ghost was a production made by kids but entertaining for adults. Its cheap green screen effects and timing only add to the production, making you feel like you really are in a child’s dream. Also, the kid brothers are cute as buttons.
Plaza Blvd. showed me what a day in the life of a young Filipino American adult is like, and really took its time in highlighting the amazing food and family values of the culture.
I Don’t Love You I was surprised by how funny this film was. What started out seemingly as an ADR issue turned into a hilarious reveal. I was laughing from beginning to end at the silliness of this tele novella spoof.
Colored Hearts stole the entire festival. A beautifully shot and perfectly acted piece, giving light to the frustrations, pressures, and fear that surround an interracial relationship between a black woman and an Asian man. The editing kept me on my seat wondering if the main characters would make the safe choice, or go with their hearts.
Uncle Eddie Anyone who has ever had siblings knows the no-punches pulled verbal sparring matches that occur. However, Uncle Eddie shows that no matter what is said out loud, family love will prevail, as two sisters bicker their way through the circle of life. “I love you” may never be said between the two, it is felt the entire way through.
Miss Understanding This film initially impressed me by taking a sidestep from the dialogue heavy pieces that preceded it. Miss Understanding is the only silent film. It is a simple and honest story of a man developing a crush on his waitress. However, the film is hurt by its “surprise” ending. What starts as a cute story turns into a joke poking fun at the deaf. While I understand the humor, most of the audience and myself did not laugh. It was a great build up, cheapened by a lazy ending.
Madeira Like a good bottle of wine, once the cork was pulled on Maderia, the flavor of the piece continued to unveil itself the longer the bottle was open. What starts as a casual holiday meet up between friends turns into a more complex story of divorce, pregnancy, and passion. The finish made me applaud harder than I would at any dinner party.
Man of My Dreams After stories of love, comedy, and drama it was good to finally have a legitimate thriller. Showing how meeting someone through a dating app can go terribly wrong, this piece made me almost delete Tinder from my phone. I thought I was going to watch another rom-com. I was very happy what direction this piece took.
Finding Ronwe After spoofs of tele novella, 80’s action, and silent films, it was good to see a director’s take on the Blaxploitation film. While not heavy-handed, it had all the tropes; hometown hero returns after training in martial arts, only to find a crazy villain controlling a large syndicate, and only that hero can take him down. While enjoyable, I wondered what direction this movie was trying to take; serious action flick or spoof, as evidenced by the believable hero having to take on a villain who is trying to control the “candy racket.” No, that’s not a euphemism. They’re literally selling candy on the streets.
Lolo Pepe A gangster style film, showing the rise to power of the “man in the white suit.” The action and suspense of this film were palpable. I was confused at times, partly due to the narration being hard to understand. I was left with several questions when the film concluded.
Pictures of Perla This piece set itself apart from the rest of the other festival entries due to its unique usage of pictures. More a radio show with flashed stills to set the mood than a “movie,” Pictures of Perla shows a date turn into a kidnapping attempt all through the eyes of the photographer. I thought this piece was good, even though there was already an “online date gone awry” film ala Man of my Dreams.
All in all, it was a great festival with a lot of talent shown from all directors, casts, writers, and crew. While some pieces had their drawbacks and others had their triumphs, each was worthy of watching again. I look forward to next year’s Fil-Am Festival. That’s my Entertainment, What’s Yours?
In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few stars have managed to carve a niche as effortlessly as Allu Arjun. Known for his electrifying screen presence, unparalleled dance moves, and ability to adapt to any role, Arjun has become a phenomenon, transcending regional cinema to gain pan-Indian appeal. Whether it’s intense action dramas, heartwarming family entertainers, or stylish romantic films, he has done it all.
Take Pushpa: The Rise (2021), for instance. With a rugged new look and a raw, earthy performance, Allu Arjun transformed into Pushpa Raj, a smuggler who refuses to bow down to power. His signature swagger, powerful dialogue delivery (“Thaggede Le” became a cultural mantra), and intense action sequences made the film a box-office juggernaut. The film’s massive success on Amazon Prime Video only extended its reach beyond Indian borders, turning Arjun into a global icon.
But the star’s magic isn’t just limited to mass action spectacles. In Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Arjun showcased his flair for comedy and family drama, delivering one of the most charming performances of his career. His character, Bantu, a middle-class man who discovers his true lineage, resonated with audiences, and his impeccable dance moves in songs like Butta Bomma took the internet by storm. The film’s presence on Netflix made it one of the most-watched Indian films on the platform.
However, Arjun’s journey to superstardom wasn’t built on commercial cinema alone. Films like Arya (2004) showcased his ability to bring depth and sincerity to romantic dramas. Playing the role of a selfless lover who believes in destiny, he delivered a performance that remains iconic to this day. His natural charm and emotional depth made Arya a cult classic, solidifying his reputation as Tollywood’s next big thing.
Even when he steps into full-fledged action mode, he never loses his distinct style and charisma. Sarrainodu (2016) was a high-octane actioner where he played an ex-military man fighting corruption. With power-packed fight sequences, catchy dialogues, and foot-tapping songs like Blockbuster, the film became a true crowd-puller.
But one of Arjun’s most underrated performances came in Vedam (2010), a film that explored multiple narratives and showcased him in a never-before-seen role. Playing Cable Raju, a slum dweller pretending to be rich, he brought a rare vulnerability to the character, proving his ability to balance mass appeal with meaningful cinema.
From ruling the box office to winning six Filmfare Awards South, Allu Arjun’s journey is a testament to his unmatched versatility. Whether he’s setting the dance floor on fire, delivering powerful monologues, or simply owning the screen with his presence, he continues to redefine what it means to be a pan-Indian superstar.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Allu Arjun, now is the perfect time to dive into his cinematic universe. His films are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can witness the rise of the Stylish Star firsthand.
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Writer: Murali Gopy
Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas
Studio: Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions
The Good: What Empuraan Gets Right
Mohanlal’s Magnetic Screen Presence: As Stephen/Khurēshi Ab’raam, Mohanlal owns every scene. His silence speaks louder than words, and his layered performance adds emotional gravity to the action.
Prithviraj’s Direction Shines: Seamlessly balancing intense set pieces with political intrigue, Prithviraj proves again he’s one of the most visionary directors in Indian cinema today.
Murali Gopy’s Sharp Screenplay: The film is packed with political subtext, philosophical dialogue, and thrilling twists that reward patient viewers.
Stunning Cinematography and Score: The visuals, spanning locations from India to the Middle East, are breathtaking. Deepak Dev’s music elevates every sequence, especially the high-stakes confrontations.
Strong Supporting Cast: With Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas in key roles, the ensemble delivers solid performances that complement Mohanlal.
The Bad: Where Empuraan Falters
Pacing in the First Half: The film takes its time building the narrative, which may test the patience of action-seeking audiences early on.
Complexity Might Alienate Casual Viewers: With deep political allegories and global criminal dynamics, it’s not exactly light fare — viewers unfamiliar with Lucifer might feel lost.
A Bit Too Long: At 2 hours and 45 minutes, some scenes — particularly flashbacks — could’ve been trimmed without losing impact.
Empuraan Is a Gripping and Ambitious Sequel That Raises the Stakes After the massive success of Lucifer (2019), fans have waited with bated breath for the sequel — and Empuraan does not disappoint. Directed with confidence by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this 2025 Malayalam action thriller expands the universe of Lucifer, diving deeper into the underworld empire of Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) and the origins of the mysterious Khureshi-Ab’raam.
Empuraan is a masterfully executed Malayalam action thriller that expands its cinematic universe with flair. Mohanlal delivers another iconic performance, and Prithviraj continues to evolve as a bold director who knows how to handle scale and subtlety alike. While the film’s pacing and complexity may not appeal to everyone, for fans of intelligent, stylish Indian cinema, Empuraan is a must-watch.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended for:
Fans of Lucifer, Indian political thrillers, Mohanlal admirers, Malayalam cinema lovers, and viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and high-stakes action.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Jr NTR, has consistently enthralled audiences with his dynamic performances and versatile acting prowess. Following the successful release of “Devara: Part 1” on September 27, 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating his forthcoming projects. Here’s an overview of what’s next for this action superstar.
1. Devara: Part 2
After the resounding success of “Devara: Part 1,” which grossed over ₹466 crore globally, the sequel is highly anticipated. Director Koratala Siva has hinted that “Devara: Part 2” will be even more intense, stating that if Part 1 showcased 10% of Jr NTR’s capabilities, Part 2 will unveil the remaining 90%. Filming is slated to commence in the first half of 2026, with a targeted release by the end of that year.
2. War 2
Expanding his horizons, Jr NTR is set to make his Hindi film debut with “War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji. This sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “War” will see him sharing screen space with Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film is part of the YRF Spy Universe and is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, coinciding with the Indian Independence Day weekend.
3. NTR 31 (Tentative Title: Dragon)
In collaboration with acclaimed director Prashanth Neel, Jr NTR will star in a period drama tentatively titled “Dragon.” The film is set to delve into themes of immigration and is expected to be one of the most expensive projects for both the actor and the director. The movie is slated for a grand release on January 9, 2026.
Why Jr NTR is the Action Hero Everyone Wants to See
Jr NTR’s appeal as an action hero stems from his ability to seamlessly blend intense physicality with deep emotional resonance. His performances are characterized by a compelling screen presence, dynamic energy, and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences across diverse roles. This unique combination of skills has solidified his status as a leading figure in Indian cinema, making him the action hero everyone wants to see.
With a lineup of diverse and high-profile projects, Jr NTR continues to push cinematic boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and ability to reinvent himself with each role ensure that fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.
Allu Arjun: The Stylish Star Who Redefined Telugu Cinema
Empuraan (2025) Movie Review – A Thrilling, High-Octane Malayalam Sequel That Delivers Big
Upcoming NTR Junior projects
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