DC movies are generally not reviewed well by me. I have a beef with the reliance on CGI for everything in them. The seemingly Marvel lite dialog in the scripts since they noticed no one wants Superman or the entire Justice League to feel like Christopher Nolan directed their cinematic endeavors.
But, it seems that DC is beginning to turn a corner and right the ship of the DCEU. First with a fantastic Wonder Woman film and now with a grand adventure under the sea in Aquaman.
In all honesty I’ve never liked Jason Momoa’s version of Aquaman. Not necessarily because of him but, because he’s a giant frat boy. It grates after a bit to be frank. I did notice though that he was allowed to be a bit toned down from the version we got in Justice League but, there’s enough yelping and woowhoos to remind me of that iteration.
Maybe, the plan is to reduce this aspect of him as he adjusts more to being Atlantean royalty. All I know is, it needs to progressively wane from his being as it is a part of the reason this movie isn’t higher rated. As far as action is concerned this film has the superhero fighting down to a science. I was never bored or felt like “oh that’s been done before whilst watching events on the battlefield unfold.
The one-on-one fights were choreographed well and the large battles felt chaotic and grand. Amber Heard as Mera is there. Not distracting nor does she really add anything to the proceedings she’s just…there. The love story of Arthur Curry and Mera is integral to the Aquaman mythos but, in this particular script it feels forced and unnatural. Willem Dafoe plays Vulko, Aquaman’s trainer and friend. He’s a good guy but, with that signature smile I just kept waiting for him to turn on our hero.
Dolph Lundgren continues to make his comeback, with yet another appearance in another big movie. First Creed 2 and now Aquaman. He plays Mera’s father and king to one of the underwater kingdoms. Ocean Master/Orm was an OK but, whiny villain. With his “everyone loves my half brother but, I wanna be King” schtick that we’ve seen in many a film. The true all-star of the baddies in this one was Black Manta, played by actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. He, rules the screen whenever he’s on it. Bringing an “it’s about to go down!” factor whenever he’s present. It felt like more focus should’ve been placed on him as he has a legitimate beef with the Aquaman.
I absolutely loved how they built the world in this movie as it brought a feel to how large and varied the world Atlantis inhabits is.The film has been called “Underwater Thor” and I feel like it lives up to that nickname through making it feel like a world within the world away from the world of mankind. I really dug that aspect and fully expect them to dive deeper into the other locals and kingdoms going forward.
All in all with the cast holding down the fort whilst Momoa(Aquaman) and Abdul-Mateen II(Black Manta)chewing up scenery and stealing the spotlight I had fun watching Aquaman’s first foray into solo hero work. I loved the world they’re building and hope the franchise and even future Justice League films utilize the varied and plush world they’ve given us. Solid to fantastic action sequences and an awesome Julie Andrews feature Aquaman is my favorite DC film since Christian Bale hung up the pointy ears and cape. I give it 4.25 out of 5.
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.
