"Bad Newz," a sequel to "Good Newzz," explores a complex pregnancy scenario where a woman is pregnant with twins from two different fathers. Featuring Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri, and Ammy Virk, the film includes nostalgic music and glossy visuals. Does the gloss get into the way of sincere storytelling, or do we find ourselves in the midst of an e…

"Kill," directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, is a raw and thrilling film set on a train, featuring intense close-quarters combat and extreme violence. The story follows commandos Amrit and Viresh rescuing Amrit’s girlfriend from dacoits. Despite its brutality, the film captivates with powerful performances, dark humor, and social commentary, blurring th…

"Kalki 2898 AD" is an ambitious film by Nag Ashwin, blending Indian mythology with Western sci-fi. The story, inspired by the Puranas and the Mahabharata, echoes classics like "Dune" and "Metropolis." While the visuals are stunning and the cast star-studded, the film's creativity and ambition shine through, offering a unique cinematic experience. W…

Munjya is a rakshas from Maharashtrian folklore, a malevolent spirit born from an incomplete ritual. In this horror-comedy, a boy's unrequited love and violent tendencies turn him into a Munjya, haunting his love interest. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film blends traditional horror with humor and social commentary, featuring Abhay Verma as the…

In this review, Anupama Chopra dissects “Srikanth," a biographical drama featuring the talents of Rajkummar Rao and Jyotika. She journeys through the film's portrayal of Srikanth Bolla's inspiring life, tracing his journey from adversity to triumph. Delve into the analysis of the missed and laudable narrative opportunities and character dynamics of…

"Manjummel Boys" is a deeply emotional tribute to friendship, inspired by a true incident. Director Chidambaram masterfully captures the bond of ordinary men facing extraordinary circumstances. The film's power transcends screen size, evoking gasps and tears even on a second viewing. Through poignant flashbacks and powerful visuals, it explores the…

Discover the charming journey of Kavya and Anirudh in 'Do Aur Do Pyaar,' as they reignite their love after 12 years of marriage. This Hindi adaptation of 'The Lovers' explores the dynamics of relationships with humor and warmth. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi shine in this relatable tale of rediscovery, where love, friendship, and intimacy take cent…

Amar Singh Chamkila starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra is Imtiaz Ali's powerful exploration of freedom of expression, depicting the tumultuous life of Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Through Chamkila's controversial songs, the film delves into themes of morality, fame, and societal judgment. Check out our review for the film, and tell…

"Maidaan" depicts the remarkable journey of Indian football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, who led the team to unprecedented success in the 1950s and 1960s. Director Amit Ravindranath Sharma captures the emotional intensity of Rahim's story, in a runtime that lasts around 3 hours. Ajay Devgn's portrayal of Rahim is marked by brooding intensity, complement…

Explore Prithviraj's compelling portrayal of Najeeb in Aadujeevitham, depicting the harsh realities of migrant life in the Middle East. Amidst breathtaking visuals and immersive sound design, and music by A.R. Rahman, witness Najeeb's journey of endurance and resilience through the lens of Director Blessy and his astounding direction capabilities. …

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of 'Crew' with our detailed review! Delve into the captivating performances of Kriti Sanon, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Tabu, while navigating through the twists and turns of this star-studded heist comedy. From dissecting the intricacies of the storyline to unraveling the impact of its writing, we offer a nuanced…

Ae Watan Mere Watan is a cinematic exploration of Usha Mehta's courageous journey during the Quit India Movement. Directed by Kannan Iyer, the film delves into the captivating story of the underground Congress Radio and its pivotal role in galvanizing the nation. However, despite its historical significance, is the film's narrative able to captivat…

Sidharth Malhotra shines as Arun Katyal, the head of a special task force named Yodha, in this adrenaline-pumping thriller. Directed by debutants Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, 'Yodha' blends broad-stroked storytelling with dialed-up desh bhakti, delivering an immersive cinematic first-half. Does it fly high and land well in time, though? Find out i…

Experience the chilling depths of 'Shaitaan' where R. Madhavan, in a standout performance, portrays an intruder from hell. Unravel the dark narrative as Vanraj, a black magic connoisseur, inflicts unimaginable torment on a hapless family. Director Vikas Bahl explores the eerie atmosphere of a farmhouse, echoing classic horror tropes. As parental lo…

Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides navigates a visually stunning universe on Arrakis, rich in spice and ripe for exploration. Director Denis Villeneuve's aversion to excessive dialogue pays off with mesmerizing visuals and an entrancing score by Hans Zimmer. However, the most good-looking films have the deepest fault lines. And to find out what they…

Laapataa Ladies, starring Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta - is a charming feminist tale set in 2001's fictional Nirmal Pradesh is a smile-inducing, tear-jerking ode to the strength and struggles of women, leaving you hopeful for their triumphant journey. Director Kiran Rao crafts a grounded fairy tale with sweetness and simplicity, using humour as…

Explore the world of coaching in Kota through 'All India Rank,' a film directed by Varun Grover. Set in the late 1990s, it follows Vivek's journey, blending the pressures of cracking IIT with the essence of life. Grover, a multi-faceted artist, infuses nostalgia and tenderness, making a plea for young minds to wander before finding their true path.…

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya directed by Amit Joshi, Aradhana Sah, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon explores the whimsical scenario of a man falling in love with a stunning robot named Sifra. Despite its potential for social commentary, satire, and comedy, the film's execution fluctuates between fun and flat moments. However do its shinin…

Bhakshak, inspired by the 2020 Muzaffarpur Shelter Home case, addresses the horrifying issue of child abuse. The film follows Vaishali, a determined journalist played by Bhumi Pednekar, as she exposes sexual exploitation in a girl's shelter. While the film highlights societal challenges faced by women, is it able to land all its merits, and all in …

A film soaring on patriotism, Fighter starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor tries hard to be an inspiring aerial actioner; but is the Pathaan and War Director Siddharth Anand able to replicate the same magic felt throughout his previous films, in this? Find out in this review.

Main Atal Hoon is a biopic of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India's most formidable statesmen. The film begins with the Kargil War, with Vajpayee pushing back against Pakistan with force and determination. The film then zips through 60 years, documenting Vajpayee's rise and the way in which the political landscape and the country changed. The film f…

After a stellar 2023 for Indian Cinema, we at Film Companion are back with our top picks on a new day and in a new year. The year ahead seems to have a package of the both mass and class cinema, and we can’t wait to savour it all. From Hrithik Rohan in Fighter to Tabu in The Crew, in this video, Anupama Chopra lists her most anticipated films of ye…

2023 has been a year filled with comebacks, surprises, and unanimously loved characters; all tied together with some stellar storytelling and direction. As the curtains close, we embark on a celebratory journey to unveil the top 5 Indian films that redefined cinematic excellence. In this video, Anupama Chopra lists her favourite movies of the year,…

In Sriram Raghavan's Merry Christmas - under the lights, two strangers, Maria and Albert, try to find solace in each other's lies and broken hearts. In this video Anupama Chopra reviews this Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi starrer, and suggests if you should watch this in a theatre near you, or not. Follow Us On ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/filmcom…

Salaar starring Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Meenakshi Chaudhary is unapologetically over-the-top, and yes, it can be confusing. It's the kind of film that would benefit from a 'KUNJI' – essentially, a guidebook for dummies.Will I return for part 2? Absolutely.Visit us at http://filmcompanion.inHave you subscribed to Film Compa…

The Archies presents a Zoya Akhtar-lite experience, offering a less rich and satisfying rendition of the themes that Zoya and her creative partner, Reema Kagti, have woven into their impressive careers. These themes include coming-of-age, class and cultural conflicts, the significance of inclusion and ambition, the power of storytelling, the transf…

When I interviewed Sandeep following the release of Kabir Singh, our conversation concluded with him stating that "if people thought this was a violent film, he would show them what a violent film actually is." Sandeep has indeed kept his promise. Animal showcases various forms of violence, including emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical. …

Vicky Kaushal's acting talent shines as he effortlessly switches between diverse roles. Earlier, he successfully portrayed an average, clumsy man in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. Now, he transforms into the formidable hero in his latest film, Sam Bahadur. Vicky embodies the character with light eyes, a distinct posture, and a powerful speaking style, mar…

Director Soumendra Padhi, previously known for his notable work on the Netflix hit series Jamtara - Sabka Number Ayega and the National Award-winning film Budhia Singh - Born to Run, demonstrates his exceptional suitability for this film. His direction is especially commendable with the debutant cast, prominently featuring Alizeh. For those who hav…

The first 20 minutes of Apurva are intense. Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat plunges us into the world of four ruthless modern-day dakus in the Chambal. They're sadistic psychopaths who revel in violence, and when they kidnap a young girl, it's chilling to watch. It's so gripping that I almost didn't want to continue watching, and that's a compliment.#m…

Be aware that the law of diminishing returns applies to Tiger 3. It's the weakest installment in both the trilogy and the entire franchise. These films should function like a giant slot machine, consistently delivering dopamine hits at regular intervals, yet this one falls short. However, what does work effectively is the relationship between Tiger…

Pippa has a scale. Some of the battle scenes, shot with vigour by DOP Priya Seth, who also did terrific work on Raja’s 2016 film Airlift, showcase her skill. Despite the roster of fine actors – Ishaan Khatter, Priyanshu Painyuli, and Mrunal Thakur – they aren’t able to fully breathe life into their characters, as they seem more like ideas on paper …

In Ganapath: A Hero is Born, director Vikas Bahl introduces a new hero. For 10 years, Tiger Shroff has been famous in Bollywood for action, dance, and his fit body. But why can't directors find good stories for him? Many focus on his physical skills and forget to create strong characters and stories.Visit us at www.filmcompanion.inHave you subscrib…

Leo, co-written by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Rathna Kumar, and Deeraj Vaidy, is loosely inspired by David Cronenberg’s 2005 classic A History of Violence. The epithet Thalapathy usually precedes his name – it means leader or commander. However, Leo co-writer and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who previously made Master with Vijay, aims to broaden the scope of …

Vishal Bhardwaj's film, Khufiya, starring Tabu, Ali Fazal, and Wamiqa Gabbi, is inspired by the 2012 novel Escape to Nowhere by former intelligence officer Amar Bhushan. Loosely based on a true incident involving a missing suspected spy, the title Khufiya hints at both the mysterious world of espionage and the profound secrets harbored by its main …

Thank You for Coming, starring Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill, Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila, and Shibani Bedi, carries a double meaning in its title. The film relies heavily on the unbridled energy, strong comic timing, and complete lack of vanity of its lead, Bhumi Pednekar. Thank You for Coming juggles many themes – it's not only about female pleasur…

What happens when a popular bhajan singer discovers that he might be Muslim by birth? That is the question posed by Vijay Krishna Acharya’s The Great Indian Family. The film stars Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Manoj Pahwa, and Kumud Mishra. Have you subscribed to Reviews & More yet? Follow us on:https://www.facebook.com/filmcompanion https://www…

Talents like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma shine, yet Jaane Jaan falls short of its potential. Sujoy and DOP Avik Mukhopadhyay, known for Sardar Udham, brilliantly craft an atmospheric mood with rolling fog and stylized lighting. While close-up shots of the leads and Anirban Sengupta's suspenseful sound design stand out, the…

Debutant director Akshat Ajay Sharma's Haddi, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anurag Kashyap, and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, drew inspiration from Hamlet, but its impact falls short of the Shakespearean masterpiece.Visit us at http://filmcompanion.inHave you subscribed to Film Companion yet? Join us here - http://bit.ly/FCsubscribeFollow Us On:https://www.…

Jawan, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Sunil Grover, and Sanjay Dutt, is a bold cinematic venture by blockbuster director Atlee. Embracing his 'More is More' mantra, Atlee's fifth film, Jawan, showcases heroic protagonists, themes of justice, intense action, grand song sequences, and his signature …

When you hear the word Ghoomer, you probably think of Deepika Padukone, resplendent in red, performing the traditional Rajasthani folk dance in Padmavat. But writer-director R. Balki’s new film refers to a bowling delivery that the one-armed Anina specializes in. Listen to the full review by Anupama Chopra.…

The first film was called Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. This one should have been titled Gadar 2: A Screaming Match. Because there’s a lot of shouting in this film. Here's Anupama Chopra's review of Gadar 2. To watch this review, click here: https://youtu.be/W13ZWqnb4X4 Have you subscribed to Film Companion yet? Follow Us On: https://www.facebook.com/filmc…

Watching strong, smart, sexy women kicking butt onscreen is one of my keenest pleasures. Add to that the thrill of seeing one of our finest, Alia Bhatt, go up against Wonder Woman Gal Gadot. I love that director Tom Harper cast a Bollywood A-lister as the baddie in a big Hollywood spy movie. All of which made Heart of Stone seem like a slam dunk. B…

Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is delicious eye-candy with a rebellious core. Despite the flabby portions, I exited with a smile, wishing that Rocky was real and wanting to give my family a japphi. There can be no downside to that. You can also watch the review here, only on Reviews & More by Film Companion.…

Twice in Bawaal, featuring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, Varun, who plays a Lucknow school teacher named Ajay, tells other characters, "The idea is a bit revolutionary, please listen with an open mind." I suspect he's a stand-in for director Nitesh Tiwari instructing his viewers. Because this film, based on a story by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and writ…

At 61, Tom Cruise is so determined to make us happy that he’s willing to risk his life for it. And here’s the thing – he delivers. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1, the seventh instalment in the Mission Impossible series, is a dazzling, consistently pleasurable ride. To know more about the film, listen to the full review by Anupama Chopr…

Neeyat starring Vidya Balan with an ensemble cast including Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank Arora, Shahana Goswami, Neeraj Kabi and Amrita Puri is a film brimming with possibilities. The end twist, though far-fetched, is wicked. And the set-up for a sequel is even more delicious. I can’t wait to see what these characters do next.…

Tarla’s story is fascinating because this stratospheric culinary stardom wasn’t planned. To know more about the movie, watch the full review by Anupama Chopra on Reviews and More by Film Companion. It stars Huma Qureshi, Sharib Hashmi, and Purnendu Bhattacharya.By Film Companion

To get to the meat and emotion of Satyaprem ki Katha starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, you have to plow through a first half brimming with sparkly dance sequences, jokes that don’t land, and that stereotypical portrayal of the Gujarati community that Hindi cinema dishes out often. To know more about the film, listen to the full review by Anu…

The second edition of the Lust Stories anthology isn’t, strictly speaking, just about lust. To know more about the anthology, listen to the full review by Anupama Chopra here.By Film Companion