Reviewed by Alicia Glass
After a mysterious alien artifact lands on earth and all attempts at communication have thus far failed, Captain Niko Breckinridge is tasked with sending the earth spaceship Salvare to discover the point of origin of said artifact!
Normally, everyone would be thrilled to see Starbuck back in action out in space. Except this time, Katee Sackoff is Niko Breckinridge instead of Starbuck, and Niko is rather unpredictable and ruthless. The entire crew of the Salvare seems to live in fear of angering Captain Niko, and apparently with good reason, for when mutiny rears its ugly head in the early days of pre-arrival crisis aboard the ship, Niko responds with merciless, and final, efficiency. She may suffer pangs of guilt after the act, but that doesn’t change the fact that one of her first actions as Captain Niko, was to execute her mutinous second-in-command.
The rest of the crew of the Salvare really doesn’t fare any better, and as they begin to suffer from their Lost in Space –style adventures trying to find the alien artifact homeworld, breakdowns in thinking and order happen and chaos ensues!
It sure doesn’t help that the newly-awoken Cas (Elizabeth Ludlow) was the secret lover of Ian Yerxa (Tyler Hoechlin), the ambitious second who got himself fried in the mutiny attempt by Niko. Or that the ships very own super-sophisticated imprinted AI William (Samuel Anderson) is clearly in love with Captain Niko, and has been in denial about it for some time. The representative of the human government, Sasha Harrison (Jake Abel), ostensibly sent to foster human-whatever relations when they find where the artifact came from, is utterly superfluous and therefore completely useless. Young August, lead engineer of the Salvare, has strange priorities and takes delight in having naked times with shy fellow engineer Oliver (Alex Ozerov) and bold hacker Javier (Alexander Eling), usually at the same time. The crews microbiologist Bernie (A.J. Rivera) has aspirations to be an amateur chef, and doesn’t seem to see anything wrong with including strange newly-found psychotropic plants with the Salvare crews food as a condiment! Zayn Petrossian (JayR Tinaco) is the ships androgynous medic and psychologist, who manages to demonstrate unawares that connection and attraction between persons doesn’t have to be limited to any kind of gender.
Back home on Earth, Niko’s husband Erik Wallace (Justin Chatwin) has been tearing his hair out for months, trying to figure some way of talking to the alien artifact and getting it to respond in some understandable manner. Burdened by his far-too-intelligent daughter Jana (Lina Renna), who’s only interested in when her mother will be coming back to Earth, Erik has to contend with snoopy snarky reporter Harper Glass (Selma Blair) as well, and he’s appropriately beleaguered by all the women in his life. Even after a desperate attempt at alien communication actually works, kind of, Erik is still beset by roadblocks, especially from Egan Harrison (Martin Donovan), Sashas politician father.
The complete lack of discipline evinced by the crew of the Salvare is mildly to be expected, given their never-done-before mission and general humanity in close quarters. But the absurdity that goes on around the freaking alien artifact back on Earth, the severe lack of security and apparent dearth of common sense and decency, combined with the idiocy out in space, make for a poorly-written waste of your TV time. Better pass those psychotropic condiments.
The show has already been confirmed for a Season 2, so here’s hoping the first outing will actually be some lessons learned to carry over!
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.
