A woman stuck in house arrest endures censure for her crimes, isolationist desperation and a growing feeling of impending doom!
It’s near impossible to give a review for this micro Indie hit without giving away a ton of delicious spoilers that really do make the movie great, but I’m gonna try. Some interesting trivia beforehand, the film was shot entirely on an iPhone and edited on a videoshop mobile app while filmmaker Jennifer Zhang was enduring complete self-isolation in her apartment during Covid lockdown. With performances from her co-star Eric Radic literally Skyped in, Zhang chose to use only what she had locked in with her during quarantine, for eight long lonely weeks.
So Charon (Jennifer Zhang), whose name is pronounced like “Sharon”, is in a lockdown of her own making – Charon is a notorious computer hacker who apparently did some very very bad things that negatively affected a lot of angry people, and she’s now under house arrest, pending her subsequent outside judgment. Her only lifeline to the outside world is her boyfriend Jerry (Eric Radic), the only one she’s allowed to talk to, on her computer on a regularly scheduled basis. Not a single one of Charon’s neighbors want a thing to do with her and indeed, many of them appear to be moving out of her apartment complex, in apparent protest.
Charon’s world is very small, encompassing her apartment and little else. She works out, she does martial arts too, she collects Batman fandom things, she cleans, she reads, she waits. Oh, and she talks to Jerry on the computer every evening at a predesignated time. Charon’s current existence, not life because this is far from living, is full of routine and interminable waiting, absolute starvation when it comes to other human contact, and is an excellent commentary on the mood and feel the whole globe endured during the recent Covid lockdowns. Jerry has become Charon’s entire universe pretty much, her only lifeline to the outside world, so when Jerry informs Charon that money has run out and starts making all sorts of getting-darker requests for her to “perform” on camera for funds, Charon begins to suspect all is not as it seems in her tiny microcosm.
The film is very well-made and edited, the creepy score from Korean American composer/mixer Diana Cha is entirely atmospheric, and the ending I did not see coming (which is very rare). A fine ending to the slate of enjoyable films from Horrible Imaginings 2021, Charon is an Indie hit that lovers of irony will all enjoy!
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.
