According to Maui in Moana, “you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick; you’re a princess.” The argument around a generic stereotype depicting Disney princesses has become so pervasive, it has even made its way in a few of the films. Disney enthusiasts, who have followed and studied the 80-year legacy of Disney Princess films, have watched it transform from frivolous flights of fancy only suitable for young girls, to progressive representations of heroines who are confident, curious, and courageous. The evolution of these films has charted a growth in female heroes.
The progression of these royals is broken into three waves, “Classic”, “Renaissance” and “Modern”. Although Disney has attempted to participate in the debate by creating criteria, including having royal lineage (marriage counts), being the primary character in their movie, and being human, they have even deviated from these ground rules. In the end, what truly creates a franchised Disney Princess is if the character has a crowing ceremony at the park. The most recent was Merida in 2013, becoming the 11th official Disney princess.
The Classic Era
The earliest Disney princesses, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora, could only be described as products of their time. The first feature-length film for the company, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, depicted a young girl (she’s 13 years old in the movie) pining for a prince and turning into a housekeeper for seven grown men (even if they were dwarfs). When matching the story to the time it was created, it predated woman joining the workforce during World War II. Many also emphasized how the character was not fleshed-out because the filmmakers were focusing on the enormous feat of developing a feature-length film.
The next two to arrive on the scene, Cinderella and Aurora, enhanced the convention of damsel in distress. Sleeping Beauty, which is the epitome of this narrative, features Aurora with only 18 lines of dialogue in an hour long movie. In Cinderella, audiences are introduced to a woman who is only able to escape an awful family if she is wed. All three women, products of their circumstance, are not the champions of their own story, do not aid in the defeat of their villain, and continue a female narrative surrounding innocent and helplessness.
The Renaissance Era
After more than 20 years without a princess film, the company began to look to its roots and a new generation of princess was introduced: Ariel, Belle, and Pocahontas. The Little Mermaid provided audiences with a female protagonist who was the first in the legacy to have her own personal independence. She is curious, defiant, and willful, all strengths that then became her downfall. Ariel spends a majority of her movie unable to speak, which causes her to rely on appearance to achieve her goals. As usual, the villain is defeated by a prince.
The next two films, Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas, make huge strides both in creating independence of their heroines. Belle and Pocahontas embodied independent thinkers who fought against traditional expectations. Although her name means beauty, Belle fought against gender norms by having a thirst for reading, and dreaming about adventure. Despite the many historical inaccuracies, Pocahontas fought against the cultural norm of arranged marriage. Both, however, cannot escape the love-story arc that continues to plague the movies.
The Modern Era
As the franchise begins to grow, the new themes adapted into films include princess actively attempt to rescue a meaningful character or redeem the villain, increasing the plot for both protagonists and antagonist. Tiana, in Princess and the Frog, attempts to save the prince, Naveen from an eternity as an amphibian. The 3D animated Tangled found a Rapunzel choosing to sacrifice her own freedom to save Flynn. Then as the scene escalates, the villain, Mother Gothel, is pushed out a window and Repunzel attempts to save her. This marks the first time a Disney Princess has tried to rescue a villain.
As the Modern Age Disney Princess stories develop, writers have started to overthrow the usual romance. Frozen, which focuses on the bond between sisters, even pokes fun at the love-at-first-sight theme in prior movies, with Hans declaring, “You can’t just marry a man you just met!” This film’s climax even differs from its predecessors; instead of a battle scene with a baddy, Anna sacrifices herself to save her sister and the kingdom. Lastly, there is the Pixar Disney movie, Brave, which features no love interest. Although the plot focuses on Merida defying her family to avoid taking a husband, she is not partnered in the end of the movie.
The Future
The culmination of “what is a princess” has started with frilly dresses and has transformed to courage and spirit in Moana. The story focuses on a defiant young girl on a mission to save her people. With the ability to see past the façade of fear around her, she helps liberate Te Fiti, whom transformed from a monstrous volcano to an Earth goddess. This movie has no romantic subplot, no prince that saves the day, and challenges the heroine to think critically, act resourcefully, all with compromise and understanding. It appears that the future of the Princess franchise is teaching the next generation that they don’t need to “wait for their prince to come”, but instead can to face their dragons themselves with real heart and compassion.
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Streaming
Jai lava kusa
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Jai Lava Kusa” is a 2017 Indian Telugu-language action drama directed by K. S. Ravindra (Bobby) and produced by Nandamuri Kalyan Ram under the N.T.R. Arts banner. The film features N.T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr. NTR) in a remarkable triple role, portrays the titular characters Jai, Lava, and Kusa. The supporting cast includes Raashi Khanna, Nivetha Thomas, and Ronit Roy, who makes his Telugu film debut. The screenplay is penned by Kona Venkat and K. Chakravarthy Reddy, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film has a runtime of approximately 159 minutes.
The narrative centers around identical triplets—Jai, Lava, and Kusa—who are separated in their youth due to familial conflicts. As they embark on divergent paths, Jai evolves into a formidable criminal with political ambitions, adopting the moniker “Ravana.” Lava leads a principled life as a bank manager, while Kusa becomes a carefree small-time crook. Their lives intertwine unexpectedly when Jai orchestrates a reunion with his brothers, compelling them to assist in his quest for political dominance.
Jr. NTR’s portrayal of the three distinct characters stands as a testament to his versatility and acting prowess. Each role is meticulously crafted, showcasing unique mannerisms, speech patterns, and emotional depths.
Jai (“Ravana”): As the antagonist, Jai is characterized by his intense demeanor and a pronounced stammer. Jr. NTR delves deep into this complex role, capturing Jai’s internal turmoil and unyielding ambition with a compelling performance.
Lava: Embodying innocence and integrity, Lava’s character is a stark contrast to his brothers. Jr. NTR brings a subtle and restrained energy to this role, effectively portraying Lava’s moral compass and the challenges he faces.
Kusa: The carefree and opportunistic nature of Kusa allows Jr. NTR to exhibit his comedic timing and charisma. This role adds a lighter dimension to the film, and his portrayal ensures that Kusa is both endearing and entertaining.
The film’s direction by K. S. Ravindra ensures a cohesive narrative that seamlessly weaves the three storylines together. Devi Sri Prasad’s musical compositions complement the film’s tone, enhancing both the dramatic and lighter moments. Cinematographer Chota K. Naidu captures the essence of each character’s world, providing a visual distinction that aids in storytelling.
“Jai Lava Kusa” achieved commercial success, grossing over ₹150 crore worldwide. For viewers interested in experiencing this cinematic endeavor, the film is available to stream on Sun NXT in Telugu and on ZEE5 in Hindi.
In conclusion, “Jai Lava Kusa” is a compelling showcase of Jr. NTR’s versatility, offering a blend of drama, action, and emotion. His nuanced performances in three distinct roles elevate the film, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary Telugu cinema. I would rate this film an 8 out of 10.
Movie
HAR HAR MAHADEV! Chhaava announces Itself As A Bold And Exhilarating Cinematic Spectacle.
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Director: Laxman Utekar
Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna
Genre: Historical Action
Running Time: 161 minutes
Final Rating: 4/5 A powerful, immersive experience that demands to be seen on the big screen.
HAR HAR MAHADEV! From the very first frame, Chhaava announces itself as a bold and exhilarating cinematic spectacle. Laxman Utekar crafts an epic introduction, throwing us directly into the battlefield where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) confronts the relentless Mughal invaders. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the grandeur of war, the ferocity of battle, and the indomitable spirit of one of India’s greatest warriors.
This film is more than just an action-packed historical drama—it is a deep dive into India’s rich heritage. The legacy of the Maratha Empire, the resilience of its kings, and the undying spirit that defied foreign invaders are brought to life with remarkable intensity. Chhaava does not merely recount history; it ignites pride and reverence for the past.
Vicky Kaushal, in his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, commands the screen with a performance that is both ferocious and deeply introspective. He seamlessly balances the warrior’s relentless drive with the gentle wisdom of a ruler, embodying the weight of legacy and the burden of destiny. His presence in the climax scene is nothing short of electrifying—without spoilers, it is a moment that truly seals the emotional and thematic weight of the film.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers a powerful supporting performance as the empress, bringing both grace and fire to her role. While her portrayal may not reach the iconic levels of her Pushpa performances, she excels in conveying silent rage, restrained agony, and the poised strength of a queen. Her moments of quiet defiance and deep emotional conflict add layers to the narrative, making her an essential part of the film’s heart.
Stepping into the role of the Mughal Emperor, Akshaye Khanna delivers a compelling performance as the antagonist. His portrayal is nuanced, bringing out the frustration and obsession of an emperor determined to conquer the Deccan, only to find himself thwarted by the bloodline of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His expressions of despair and fury as history repeats itself are some of his finest acting moments.
Chhaava is a grand theatrical experience that blends history, action, and emotion into a stirring tribute to India’s warrior legacy. The film’s scale, cinematography, and performances ensure that it remains engaging throughout its 161-minute runtime. Beyond just a historical drama, it poses a profound question—if a single mortal could embody such power and devotion, imagine the divine force he worshipped.
This is more than a film; it is a cinematic homage to the legends, deities, and myths that shape India’s identity. As the credits roll, one thing is certain—Chhaava is a rousing call to explore the depths of India’s historical and spiritual grandeur on the big screen.
HAR HAR MAHADEV!
Movie
Top Five Most Popular Actors In India
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The popularity of actors in India fluctuates based on box office performance, fan following, and social media engagement. However, as of recent years, these five actors remain the most popular across the country:
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- Shah Rukh Khan
Known as the “King of Bollywood,” SRK continues to dominate with massive global stardom, recent box office hits (Pathaan, Jawan, Dunki), and an unmatched fanbase.
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- Rajinikanth
The “Superstar” of Indian cinema, Rajinikanth commands unparalleled devotion, especially in South India. His films create hysteria, and his influence transcends generations.
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- Thalapathy Vijay
One of the biggest stars in Tamil and Indian cinema, Vijay’s films consistently break records. His mass appeal, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is phenomenal.
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- Prabhas
Post-Baahubali, Prabhas has become a pan-India superstar. Despite some recent setbacks, his upcoming films still generate massive hype.
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- Allu Arjun
With Pushpa: The Rise, Allu Arjun cemented his place as a national icon. His swag, dance moves, and action-packed performances have made him a sensation beyond the Telugu industry.
Honorable Mentions: Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, and Yash, who also enjoy huge popularity across India.
Would you rank them differently?