Streaming
True Cooking Master Boy – A Culinary Adventure Worth Binge-Watching
Rating: 8/10
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
True Cooking Master Boy is a feast for the senses, blending intense culinary battles with a heartwarming storyline that is sure to captivate both anime fans and food enthusiasts alike. Set in 19th-century China during the Qing Dynasty, the anime transports viewers to a world where food is not just sustenance, but an art form that can change the fate of nations. This series is a sequel to the original *Cooking Master Boy* and continues to follow the journey of Liu Maoxing (Mao), a young and incredibly talented chef, as he navigates through a world where cooking is a serious, often life-threatening business.
Liu Maoxing (Mao): The protagonist of the series, Mao, is a young chef prodigy who inherits his mother’s culinary skills. With a kind heart and an insatiable curiosity, Mao sets out on a journey to become a Super Chef, the highest title a cook can achieve. His passion for cooking is matched only by his desire to protect his mother’s legacy and ensure that good food is available to everyone, not just the wealthy.
Most of all, food is supposed to bring happiness and not control.
Shirou: Mao’s loyal friend and a talented chef in his own right. Though not as naturally gifted as Mao, Shirou’s dedication and hard work make him a formidable partner in their culinary adventures.
Meili: The daughter of Chouyu, a famous chef, Meili is a skilled cook who is also Mao’s childhood friend. She is deeply committed to helping Mao on his quest and brings a blend of wisdom and emotional support to the team.
Chou yu: The father of Meili and a mentor to Mao, Chouyu is a master chef who provides guidance and wisdom throughout Mao’s journey. His knowledge of cooking is vast, and he often acts as the voice of reason when the stakes are high.
The storyline of *True Cooking Master Boy* is rich with cultural references and historical context, making it more than just a cooking anime. The series kicks off with Mao’s victory at the Guangzhou cooking competition, where he wins the title of Super Chef. However, this is just the beginning of his journey. As Mao travels across China, he encounters various cooking challenges that test not only his culinary skills but also his moral compass.
Each episode features an intense cooking battle, where Mao and his friends must use their ingenuity and knowledge of ingredients to create dishes that surpass the expectations of their judges. The stakes are often life or death, with rivals who are not afraid to use underhanded tactics to win.
What sets this anime apart is its meticulous attention to the culinary arts. The dishes are based on real Chinese cuisine, and the show often delves into the history and technique behind each recipe. This level of detail makes *True Cooking Master Boy* a must-watch for foodies and cooking anime fans.
The animation in True Cooking Master Boy is vibrant and colorful, perfectly capturing the beauty and complexity of Chinese cuisine. The cooking sequences are particularly impressive, with the animators going to great lengths to make each dish look as appetizing as possible. The character designs are faithful to the original series, with a modern touch that makes them more appealing to today’s audience.
True Cooking Master Boy is a delightful blend of action, drama, and culinary artistry that will satisfy your appetite for a good story. The series successfully balances its intense cooking battles with heartfelt character development, making it an engaging watch for both anime enthusiasts and food lovers. Whether you’re a fan of the original series or new to the world of cooking anime, this show is a savory treat you won’t want to miss.
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.
