Not that long ago I had the honor of screening a number of films at the San Diego Film Festival. In this report I will be talking about 3 in particular: “In Utero”, “The Eagle Huntress”, and “Borrowed Time”.
I will be keeping this brief out of necessity. To start out there was so much talent on display at the festival! Directors, producers, writers, and the list goes on.
The first film I had the privilege of watching was In Utero. This was an utterly fascinating film centering around how environment effects the unborn fetus. This amazing film what I brought To us by Kathy, and Stephen Gyllenhaal. I’m watching this film I found it to be an ambitious Endeavor into psychology, environment, and maternal sciences. I find it fascinating but they were able to speak to so many professionals and so many of them came to very similar conclusions. Some of the conclusions that we reached where that depending on the environment of the mother certain stressors would be applied directly to the fetus while still in the womb. If the mothers external environment is subject to violence, hardship, depression, or any severe situations like these, it was shown they would have, indeed, a direct effect on the child. Again, this film was fascinating. Find it, watch it!
The next one was “Borrowed Time”. Now, this was an animated film out the highest order! This film falls into the realm of films not really for kids, but not because of inappropriate subject matter, but rather because of the intensity off the story!
This is a tale of a father and son whose misfortune is of the greatest depth. We are introduced to a father and son on a stagecoach. Father is looking at his watch talking to his son about what he needs to do on a stagecoach when a group of Bandits are heard in the background shrouded in a massive cloud of dust as they approach the stagecoach. The father and son try to outrun the bandits but unfortunately run out of road. Both of them survive this but the father just barely as he is stressed over the precipice. The son, looking over the cliff, is able to bring his father back up but there is an unfortunate accident. We fast forward to see that the son has followed in his father’s footsteps and become a sheriff himself. He, however, has never been able to overcome the guilt of his actions, despite it having been a complete accident. He attempts to rectify his past, but is interrupted something in the dirt, and what we see is his father watch from long ago. There’s a very, very, beautiful moment here which ties the film altogether! This film to was excellent!
The last time on this list is one called “Eagle Huntress”. This story revolves around a Mongolian family who has a history of being Eagle Hunters. Those are groups within the community who hunt by the use of an eagle, which they capture for themselves, raise, and train.
The story centers around a young lady who has the desire to be the first female eagle Hunter and how her father takes up her cause, despite what the Elders of her tribe say. There is gorgeous footage of the landscape as well as very touching moments between the father and his daughter. We see that she goes to school 5 days a week away from her family and then still comes home to do some chores. There’s also an incredible shot where she first gets to meet her eagle. She climbs up the steep face of a mountain all the way to the eagle’s nest where she stands there very casually while this giant golden eagle is making very threatening motions towards her. In addition to that the mother Eagle is floating around and is due back at any moment! There’s a lot going on with the story that I don’t want to give away but I will say that this young lady has amazing heart and that the scenery in this movie is stunning. The story is very uplifting especially to anyone who has children!
Overall all 3 get a solid 100 each!!!
Indian cinema has long been known for its ability to weave myth, culture, and grandeur into powerful storytelling. The latest addition to this tradition, Hanuman, directed by Prasanth Varma, is an ambitious retelling of one of India’s most beloved mythological characters. A cinematic marvel, Hanuman is a bold attempt to blend ancient epic with modern storytelling techniques, creating an experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
At its core, Hanuman reimagines the tale of Lord Hanuman, the divine devotee of Lord Rama, known for his strength, loyalty, and courage. The movie isn’t just a retelling of traditional episodes from the Ramayana; it infuses these timeless stories with fresh perspectives, exploring themes of duty, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. While the script takes creative liberties, it stays rooted in the cultural and spiritual essence of Hanuman, making it both an engaging narrative and a respectful homage.
One of the standout features of Hanuman is its visual grandeur. The VFX team has outdone themselves, creating breathtaking battle sequences, celestial landscapes, and larger-than-life depictions of Hanuman’s legendary feats. The use of cutting-edge technology elevates the storytelling, offering audiences a visual feast that rivals global fantasy epics. The cinematography, led by seasoned artist Dasaradhi Sivendra, captures the mythological tone beautifully, blending vibrant palettes with the dark hues of conflict and sacrifice.
Teja Sajja, in the titular role, delivers a performance that is both commanding and heartfelt. His portrayal of Hanuman captures the character’s divine strength and endearing humility, making him an ideal hero. Supporting performances by Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Vinay Rai add depth to the narrative, bringing a spectrum of emotions to the screen.
Director Prasanth Varma deserves applause for his vision and execution. Tackling a subject as revered as Hanuman could have easily resulted in a cautious or overindulgent approach. Instead, Varma strikes a balance, creating a story that is both reverent and relatable. The screenplay moves at a brisk pace, though some moments, particularly the expository sequences, could have benefited from tighter editing.
The film’s music, composed by Gowrahari, Anudeep Dev, and Krishna Saurabh, is an emotional anchor, blending traditional Indian sounds with a modern orchestral touch. The background score heightens the drama and spirituality, particularly during pivotal moments like the crossing of the ocean and the climactic battle sequences.
Hanuman is a cinematic achievement that successfully reimagines a beloved figure for modern audiences. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and exposition, these are minor flaws in an otherwise spectacular production. For fans of mythology, fantasy, and visually stunning cinema, Hanuman is a must-watch. It is a testament to Indian cinema’s ability to merge tradition and innovation, reminding us why stories of gods and heroes continue to inspire across generations.
Rating: 4.5/5
This film not only celebrates the timeless tale of Hanuman but also sets a new benchmark for mythological storytelling in Indian cinema.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Duration: 179 minutes
Director: Om Raut
Writer: Om Raut
Stars: Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon, Sunny Singh
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Netflix’s Adipurush aims to reimagine the Indian epic Ramayana in a modern cinematic style, delivering a tale of righteousness, devotion, and the eternal conflict between good and evil. Helmed by Om Raut, the film follows Raghava (Prabhas) as he embarks on a journey to rescue his wife Janaki (Kriti Sanon) from the clutches of the demon king Lankesh (Saif Ali Khan). With a narrative that spans vast landscapes and incorporates mythological grandeur, the film had immense potential but falters in its execution.
While the premise remains faithful to its legendary source, the execution feels lackluster. The screenplay struggles to balance a modern audience’s expectations with the gravitas of its traditional essence. The dialogues, often stilted, fail to evoke the emotional depth and poetic resonance required for a story of such magnitude.
Prabhas, portraying Raghava, delivers a restrained performance that lacks the heroic intensity one expects from the character. Kriti Sanon as Janaki does her best with limited material, bringing grace to her role, while Saif Ali Khan’s over-the-top portrayal of Lankesh is polarizing, leaning more into theatricality than menace. The supporting cast, including Sunny Singh, adds little to elevate the film.
One of the film’s most significant drawbacks is its visual effects. Despite the high budget, the CGI appears subpar, often detracting from the immersive experience. The underwhelming special effects undermine key battle sequences and fantastical elements, which should have been highlights of the film.
On the brighter side, the musical score by Ajay-Atul manages to shine, offering moments of grandeur and emotional heft. The film’s costume design and some set pieces are visually appealing, hinting at what could have been with more polished execution.
Adipurush is a well-intentioned attempt to bring the epic Ramayana to life for a global audience, but it stumbles in critical areas, including visual effects, pacing, and character depth. While it offers a few moments of spectacle and an engaging musical score, the overall experience feels hollow and unworthy of its mythological roots. Fans of the epic may find some moments of nostalgia, but casual viewers are likely to be left disappointed.
Adipurush is a missed opportunity to create a definitive modern retelling of an Indian classic.
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Runtime: 2h 11m
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Writer: Puri Jagannadh
Main Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Sayaji Shinde
Studio: R. R. Movie Makers
Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube (check availability in your region).
“Businessman” is a high-voltage action thriller starring Mahesh Babu in one of his most charismatic roles. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film follows Surya (Mahesh Babu), an ambitious and ruthless man who arrives in Mumbai with a dream of ruling the underworld. With his sharp mind and fearless attitude, he rises to power, challenging both the law and the mafia.
Mahesh Babu delivers a power-packed performance, exuding style, confidence, and intensity in every scene. His dialogues, especially the iconic “Pokka Business,” became instant fan favorites. Kajal Aggarwal plays a conventional love interest but adds charm to the narrative. Prakash Raj is impressive as the antagonist, adding depth to the conflict.
Puri Jagannadh’s screenplay is fast-paced, filled with gripping dialogues and intense confrontations. The film’s action sequences and Thaman’s electrifying background score elevate the cinematic experience. While the plot follows familiar gangster tropes, the film’s execution, Mahesh Babu’s screen presence, and the powerful dialogues keep it engaging.
Final Score: 8.5/10
A stylish and entertaining action film with a magnetic Mahesh Babu, “Businessman” is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and mass entertainers.
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