Release date:June 24, 2016
Studio:Sony Pictures
Director:Jaume Collet-Serra
MPAA Rating:PG-13 (for bloody images, intense sequences of peril, and brief strong language)
Screenwriter:Anthony Jaswinski
Starring:Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada, Sedona Legge
Genre:Thriller
[divider]This it’s an interesting story nonetheless. There are some very typical plot twists in addition to some pretty good jump scares (for the uninitiated)
The story starts are warmly with Nancy (played by Blake Lively) going to the beach and that her mother visited some twenty years ago. She is skimming through pictures on her phone, which you see on screen in almost a “pop-up” format. The person she is reading list speaks very little English, but does manage to remind her that there is a beautiful world to see, outside of her phone, a trend I’m seeing more and more of and one that I endorse (Ok, enough of the soapbox).
Once they arrive the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking, in fact. There is so much beauty within such a short period of time that it’s almost hard to take it in and yet one’s eyes are, indeed, treated to an amazing blues, greens, sand colors, different textures of the rocks as well as a pristine view beneath the gentle rolling of the ocean.
When they arrive at the destination, it is almost as if the curtains of the theater have been pulled back so as to introduce us to ingenue of the production…the cove. Such a gorgeous display of nature it was quite staggering to look at.
Karen arrives on the beach alone, her friend having bailed out on her due to a case of “Irish fever”, and we see early on that she’s very prepared and organized individual, having packed a first aid kit and other necessities.
There are numerous, gorgeous, establishing shots of her surfing in something in this amazingly clear water. This is to establish why this movie is called “The Shallows”, for just barely under the waves deadly coral and rocks away to shred the first one who might show disrespect. The underwater camera work for these shots is flawless! No well the camera work was amazing, I thought that the sounds of the ocean in these early shots was off. They sounded more like gurgling coagulation then the crisp sounds of the ocean. I’m not sure if they were trying to make us feel as though we were under water with the Surfers or what, but it, for me, was definitely a distraction more than an enhancement, thankfully, later on, this is taken care of.
Now to the action; After a full day of Surfing her two new friends start to head in. While she is out there, there is a rather sudden dissipation of the surf, which was so plentiful earlier. It just stops. Weird!
It is in this place of “Solace” that she sees something on the immediate horizon, a small humpback whale that is out of men killed or just died. The weird thing here is that neither of the two other Surfers noticed this even though they were out there longer and farther out than she was. So, for some reason, she makes her way out to the decimated Beast and notices both of smell and rather good-sized bite taken out of it. Shortly after this is when we are introduced to our “main villain”.
This is where things get a little weird for me. The Beast seems to take an immediate interest in her, despite there being a full whale carcass just a few feet away from it.
The shark continues to behave uncharacteristically throughout the movie. It stalks her, pursuing her as if it had a personal Vendetta against her, even to the point of killing others around her like some psychotic boyfriend.
Karen’s only salvation, at this point, is a small piece of rock which has appeared due to the low tide and in getting there and she is attacked again, this time by piece of fire Coral which cuts and burns her pretty severely. When she message to the Rock, which is barely above the water, she’s able to tend to her wounds, and a rather clever and believable fashion. This is where becomes a waiting game. She has to figure out what to do to get yourself to safety.
There are several more close encounters with a shark and she figured out a couple more things to help her survive and eventually is able to swim to a buoy. This is where it gets strange again, she has to swim through a large, tightly packed, school of jellyfish, which appear out of nowhere. This is one of many plot holes that just don’t make sense. What are the jellyfish suddenly appear from? How is it that you can swim through dozens of jellyfish and not die?
Indian there’s an epic battle with a shark and, of course, in typical Hollywood fashion…well you know how that works out.
I will say that Blake does carry this film very effectively with equal parts of fear, pain, heroism, strength, and survival skills. I thought you did a wonderful job! The main problem I had with this film, however, is that they seem to want to capture the terror of Jaws but there’s no impetus for the sharp pursuing her in such a personal way.
In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few stars have managed to carve a niche as effortlessly as Allu Arjun. Known for his electrifying screen presence, unparalleled dance moves, and ability to adapt to any role, Arjun has become a phenomenon, transcending regional cinema to gain pan-Indian appeal. Whether it’s intense action dramas, heartwarming family entertainers, or stylish romantic films, he has done it all.
Take Pushpa: The Rise (2021), for instance. With a rugged new look and a raw, earthy performance, Allu Arjun transformed into Pushpa Raj, a smuggler who refuses to bow down to power. His signature swagger, powerful dialogue delivery (“Thaggede Le” became a cultural mantra), and intense action sequences made the film a box-office juggernaut. The film’s massive success on Amazon Prime Video only extended its reach beyond Indian borders, turning Arjun into a global icon.
But the star’s magic isn’t just limited to mass action spectacles. In Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Arjun showcased his flair for comedy and family drama, delivering one of the most charming performances of his career. His character, Bantu, a middle-class man who discovers his true lineage, resonated with audiences, and his impeccable dance moves in songs like Butta Bomma took the internet by storm. The film’s presence on Netflix made it one of the most-watched Indian films on the platform.
However, Arjun’s journey to superstardom wasn’t built on commercial cinema alone. Films like Arya (2004) showcased his ability to bring depth and sincerity to romantic dramas. Playing the role of a selfless lover who believes in destiny, he delivered a performance that remains iconic to this day. His natural charm and emotional depth made Arya a cult classic, solidifying his reputation as Tollywood’s next big thing.
Even when he steps into full-fledged action mode, he never loses his distinct style and charisma. Sarrainodu (2016) was a high-octane actioner where he played an ex-military man fighting corruption. With power-packed fight sequences, catchy dialogues, and foot-tapping songs like Blockbuster, the film became a true crowd-puller.
But one of Arjun’s most underrated performances came in Vedam (2010), a film that explored multiple narratives and showcased him in a never-before-seen role. Playing Cable Raju, a slum dweller pretending to be rich, he brought a rare vulnerability to the character, proving his ability to balance mass appeal with meaningful cinema.
From ruling the box office to winning six Filmfare Awards South, Allu Arjun’s journey is a testament to his unmatched versatility. Whether he’s setting the dance floor on fire, delivering powerful monologues, or simply owning the screen with his presence, he continues to redefine what it means to be a pan-Indian superstar.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of Allu Arjun, now is the perfect time to dive into his cinematic universe. His films are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can witness the rise of the Stylish Star firsthand.
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Writer: Murali Gopy
Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas
Studio: Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions
The Good: What Empuraan Gets Right
Mohanlal’s Magnetic Screen Presence: As Stephen/Khurēshi Ab’raam, Mohanlal owns every scene. His silence speaks louder than words, and his layered performance adds emotional gravity to the action.
Prithviraj’s Direction Shines: Seamlessly balancing intense set pieces with political intrigue, Prithviraj proves again he’s one of the most visionary directors in Indian cinema today.
Murali Gopy’s Sharp Screenplay: The film is packed with political subtext, philosophical dialogue, and thrilling twists that reward patient viewers.
Stunning Cinematography and Score: The visuals, spanning locations from India to the Middle East, are breathtaking. Deepak Dev’s music elevates every sequence, especially the high-stakes confrontations.
Strong Supporting Cast: With Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas in key roles, the ensemble delivers solid performances that complement Mohanlal.
The Bad: Where Empuraan Falters
Pacing in the First Half: The film takes its time building the narrative, which may test the patience of action-seeking audiences early on.
Complexity Might Alienate Casual Viewers: With deep political allegories and global criminal dynamics, it’s not exactly light fare — viewers unfamiliar with Lucifer might feel lost.
A Bit Too Long: At 2 hours and 45 minutes, some scenes — particularly flashbacks — could’ve been trimmed without losing impact.
Empuraan Is a Gripping and Ambitious Sequel That Raises the Stakes After the massive success of Lucifer (2019), fans have waited with bated breath for the sequel — and Empuraan does not disappoint. Directed with confidence by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this 2025 Malayalam action thriller expands the universe of Lucifer, diving deeper into the underworld empire of Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) and the origins of the mysterious Khureshi-Ab’raam.
Empuraan is a masterfully executed Malayalam action thriller that expands its cinematic universe with flair. Mohanlal delivers another iconic performance, and Prithviraj continues to evolve as a bold director who knows how to handle scale and subtlety alike. While the film’s pacing and complexity may not appeal to everyone, for fans of intelligent, stylish Indian cinema, Empuraan is a must-watch.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended for:
Fans of Lucifer, Indian political thrillers, Mohanlal admirers, Malayalam cinema lovers, and viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and high-stakes action.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Jr NTR, has consistently enthralled audiences with his dynamic performances and versatile acting prowess. Following the successful release of “Devara: Part 1” on September 27, 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating his forthcoming projects. Here’s an overview of what’s next for this action superstar.
1. Devara: Part 2
After the resounding success of “Devara: Part 1,” which grossed over ₹466 crore globally, the sequel is highly anticipated. Director Koratala Siva has hinted that “Devara: Part 2” will be even more intense, stating that if Part 1 showcased 10% of Jr NTR’s capabilities, Part 2 will unveil the remaining 90%. Filming is slated to commence in the first half of 2026, with a targeted release by the end of that year.
2. War 2
Expanding his horizons, Jr NTR is set to make his Hindi film debut with “War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji. This sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “War” will see him sharing screen space with Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film is part of the YRF Spy Universe and is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, coinciding with the Indian Independence Day weekend.
3. NTR 31 (Tentative Title: Dragon)
In collaboration with acclaimed director Prashanth Neel, Jr NTR will star in a period drama tentatively titled “Dragon.” The film is set to delve into themes of immigration and is expected to be one of the most expensive projects for both the actor and the director. The movie is slated for a grand release on January 9, 2026.
Why Jr NTR is the Action Hero Everyone Wants to See
Jr NTR’s appeal as an action hero stems from his ability to seamlessly blend intense physicality with deep emotional resonance. His performances are characterized by a compelling screen presence, dynamic energy, and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences across diverse roles. This unique combination of skills has solidified his status as a leading figure in Indian cinema, making him the action hero everyone wants to see.
With a lineup of diverse and high-profile projects, Jr NTR continues to push cinematic boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and ability to reinvent himself with each role ensure that fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.
Allu Arjun: The Stylish Star Who Redefined Telugu Cinema
Empuraan (2025) Movie Review – A Thrilling, High-Octane Malayalam Sequel That Delivers Big
Upcoming NTR Junior projects
“Death of a Unicorn: A24’s Twisted Fairytale You Won’t Forget”
WonderCon 2025: A Faith Full Dickens Tale & The King of Kings Animated Movie
