Reviews

Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2 attempts to capture the essence of modern-day struggles through three interconnected narratives set in the age of social media. However, despite its unique premise, the film miserably failed to deliver an engaging storyline, resulting in a tedious and disappointing viewing experience. LSD 2 isn't a film, it's a joke. It's so bad that no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to sit through the whole thing.

Divided into three segments - Love (Like), Sex (Share), and Dhokha (Download) - the film follows the lives of individuals grappling with validation and identity in the digital era. From the story of Noor, a transwoman navigating the pitfalls of reality TV, to Kulu, a transgender sex worker striving for acceptance, and a YouTuber obsessed with subscriber counts, the film explores varied themes but fails to weave them into a cohesive narrative.

LSD 2 is an exhausting watch, with all three segments failing to sustain interest or engagement. Director Dibakar Banerjee's vision feels weak, unable to effectively translate the potential of the premise onto the screen. Despite the efforts of the cast, the film's terrible execution falls flat. The screenplay is convoluted, leaving viewers bewildered and struggling to follow the disjointed plotlines.

Direction 1/5 Acting 1.5/5 Editing 0.5/5 Story 1.5/5 Screenplay 0.5/5.

Do Aur Do Pyaar attempts to navigate the complexities of modern marriages. While the film ambitiously delves into the realities of relationships teetering on the brink, it falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The dragged screenplay blends realism with humor and drama, which falters in the second half.

The movie offers glimpses of brilliance, particularly in its performances and initial setup, but its inability to sustain momentum and pacing issues ultimately relegate it to mediocrity. Despite the promising premise, pacing issues hinder the overall viewing experience. The film struggles to maintain engagement, with scenes often overstaying their welcome.

In terms of performances, Vidya Balan shines with her portrayal, delivering a nuanced and emotive performance. Pratik impresses as well, showcasing palpable chemistry with Balan. Ileana D'Cruz handles her role with ease, although the same cannot be said for Sendhil Ramamurthy, whose portrayal comes across as average.

Direction 2/5 Acting 3/5 Dialogues 2/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2/5.

Maidaan is a riveting sports drama that brings to light the untold story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the man behind India's triumph at the Asian Games. Director Amit Sharma masterfully guides the audience through the world of football in India during the 1950s and 1960s. The cinematography and AR Rahman's evocative background score add to the overall charm of the movie.

While the movie starts at a slightly leisurely pace, it quickly picks up momentum as we delve into the game strategies and discussions between Syed and the Football committee. Although the film's runtime could have been shortened, it is essential for the comprehensive build-up and understanding of the football scenario in India back then. The second half is an exciting ride, with the last 45 minutes being particularly captivating and elevating the film to new heights. The football match sequences are undoubtedly the best part of the film, and they are executed with precision and excitement.

Ajay Devgn delivers an outstanding, award-worthy performance as Syed Abdul Rahim, capturing the essence of the character with ease. Priyamani was decent. Gajraj Rao also impresses with his portrayal of the supporting character. The young actors playing the football players, including Chaitanya Sharma, Amartya Ray, Tejas Ravishankar, Aaman Munshi, and Davinder Gill, among others, deliver remarkable performances that bring authenticity to the film. The movie concludes on a high note of sentimentality, with the end credit scenes featuring the real-life players adding an emotional touch to the narrative.

Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Editing 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.

Madgaon Express is not just a movie, it's a whirlwind of madness that takes you on a thrilling journey through the chaotic yet amusing world of drugs, the mafia, and the police. Directed by Kunal Kemmu, this film is a mass entertainer that promises non-stop fun for the entire family. His direction deserves applause for keeping the film's energy levels high and ensuring that the laughter never fades away.

The film's plot revolves around our protagonists getting entangled in a web of drugs, mafia, and law enforcement, setting the stage for a series of hilarious escapades. The screenplay is peppered with witty dialogues that keep the audience in splits throughout the film. There's never a dull moment as the narrative unfolds with one uproarious scene after another.

The stellar cast, led by Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Upendra Limaye, and Chhaya Kadam, delivers brilliant performances. However, Nora Fatehi remains merely an eye candy, while Remo D'Souza's supporting role adds a decent touch to the ensemble. This film will leave you with a smile on your face and a desire to hop aboard the "Madgaon Express" once again.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 3.5/5 Comedy 4/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

Swatantrya Veer Savarkar struggles to make a lasting impact despite the commendable performance by Randeep Hooda due to his mediocre direction and inconsistent execution. A biopic spanning over a century of India's history, the narrative ambitiously covers key events from Savarkar's life, from the pre to post-independence era.

The portrayal of Savarkar's endurance through years of torture in the cellular jail stands out as one of the film's most poignant aspects. Additionally, the depiction of his family's contributions to the freedom struggle, the formation of the secret society Abhinav Bharat, and the activities at India House are well-executed. Despite its ambitious scope, the film fails to do justice to the remarkable life of Veer Savarkar.

Randeep Hooda shines in his role, bringing depth and conviction to Savarkar's character. Amit Sial also delivers a passionate performance, as he consistently does in his roles. Russell Geoffrey Banks delivers a good performance. However, Ankita Lokhande's portrayal was average. All the other supporting actors were just fine in their roles.

The film suffers from several flaws in writing, pacing, and editing. Its excessive length of nearly three hours becomes a significant drawback, contributing to the sense of a never-ending saga. The second half, in particular, falters both in terms of narrative progression and direction. Another notable issue is the portrayal of the Congress Party and MK Gandhi, depicted solely in a negative light, which detracts from the film's historical accuracy and depth.

Direction 2/5 Acting 3/5 Editing 2/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

Crew is a lighthearted heist comedy that promises an enjoyable ride filled with laughter. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast and an entertaining storyline that keeps audiences engaged. The screenplay keeps the momentum going, aided by good editing that ensures a seamless flow of events. Dialogues are good, although there's a missed opportunity for more humor to be injected into the script. While the story presents ample opportunities for comedic moments, the humor feels somewhat limited in the film.

Special mention must be made of the cinematography and soundtrack of "Crew," which contribute significantly to the film's overall appeal. The first half of the film takes off with a good pace, delivering laughs and building anticipation effectively. However, the second half suffers from rushed writing, with scenes appearing hurried to conclude the film within a specific time frame. Despite this, the movie maintains a balance between humor and a slightly serious tone in the latter half.

One of the highlights of the movie is its stellar cast. Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Kriti Sanon delivered confident impressive performances and they created a riot together on screen. Diljit Dosanjh and Rajesh Sharma deliver decent performances, while Trupti Khamkar shines with her hilarious portrayal. However, Saswata Chatterjee has little to offer, and Kapil Sharma's special appearance is just passable.

Overall, Crew is an enjoyable heist comedy that delivers laughs and entertainment, albeit with some missed opportunities for greater humor. With its talented cast and vibrant presentation, "Crew" is worth a watch for those needing a good laugh.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Music 3.5/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

"Bastar: The Naxal Story" is not for the faint-hearted. Director Sudipto Sen, known for his bold storytelling, delivers yet another hard-hitting narrative in Bastar. Following the success of his previous venture, "The Kerala Story," this time Sudipto didn't deliver his best but managed to dive deep into the complex and brutal world of Maoism in the Bastar region. The film grips you with its unflinching portrayal of terrorism, nationalism, and communism.

The first half opens with a chilling sequence depicting the Maoist leader Lanka's merciless act of chopping a man into pieces for hoisting the Indian flag. This sets the tone for the relentless brutality that unfolds throughout the narrative. The use of intense visuals ensures that sensitive viewers are left disturbed. The script is taut, the dialogue delivery is sharp, and the cinematography & editing work seamlessly to create a gripping narrative. From the harrowing depiction of the 2010 massacre of 76 CRPF Jawans in Dantewada to the chilling portrayal of Indian university students celebrating the atrocity, every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke a visceral response from the audience.

It is coupled with stellar performances, particularly from Adah Sharma, who showcases remarkable growth as a performer, and Vijay Krishna, whose portrayal of the menacing Maoist leader Lanka Reddy leaves a lasting impact. Supporting performances from Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, and Indira Tiwari further elevate the film, with each actor delivering praise-worthy performances. Indira Tiwari, in particular, shines as she effortlessly navigates through a range of emotions, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3.5/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Don't raise your expectations for this recent addition to the lineup of patriotic action films. While Yodha may not soar to the heights of a Shershaah, this Sidharth Malhotra starrer manages to engage and take audiences on a ride through a predictable yet gripping hijacking scenario. The film offers a decent ride for fans of the genre, with enough action and intrigue to keep audiences engaged throughout its runtime.

The first half navigates its storyline with a fair share of exciting moments and twists. While the mid-air stunts deliver the anticipated adrenaline rush, the plot struggles to maintain the same level of engagement. One of the film's strengths lies in its editing, ensuring a tight narrative that never feels stretched despite its turbulence. The background score seamlessly complements the genre, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Sidharth Malhotra, in his uniform-clad avatar, with his striking presence delivers a commendable performance, particularly in the action sequences. Raashii Khanna and Disha Patani, add their own flavors to the mix, with Raashii initially impressive but her character was not written well, while Disha shines brighter in the latter half of the film. Sunny Hinduja also deserves a nod for his confident portrayal, though other supporting actors deliver just passably.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Action 3.5/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Director Vikas Bahl's latest offering, "Shaitaan," is a nail-biting gripping supernatural thriller that deftly sidesteps the clichés of the genre to deliver a fresh and captivating cinematic experience. Penned by the talented duo Aamir Keeyan Khan and Krishnadev Yagnik, the film boasts a captivating plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti's masterful work in creating an atmosphere of dread and darkness. The haunting score from Amit Trivedi enhances the overall tension of the film.

From the first scenes, Shaitaan wastes no time grabbing the audience's attention, with numerous spine-chilling moments scattered throughout the film. The first half of the film sets the stage for the impending terror. The interval block leaves viewers eager for more. The fast-paced second half ensures that there's never a dull moment, keeping the audience engaged and invested.

Ajay Devgn, as the central character, embodies the film's soul with his portrayal of a father driven by desperation and determination to protect his daughter. R Madhavan delivers a standout performance as Vanraaj, bringing a nuanced complexity to his truly exceptional character. Jyotika provides excellent support as the mother and her performance adds another layer of authenticity to the narrative. Anngad Raaj was decent. However, it's Janki Bodiwala's portrayal of the possessed girl that truly steals the show and her performance is mesmerizing & haunting.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 4/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

Breaking Barriers with Wit and Grit. Laapataa Ladies is a cinematic gem that shines a light on the timeless struggle against patriarchy, skillfully set against a rural backdrop. Directed with finesse and fueled by stellar performances, this film is a compelling blend of humor & sarcasm, delivering a poignant message. It's a film that entertains, educates, and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on its audience long after the credits roll.

From its intriguing premise to its captivating sequence of events, the screenplay keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and hits all the right notes, seamlessly weaving humor into its commentary on societal norms. The direction is uncomplicated yet captivating, making the narrative easy to follow while still leaving room for thought-provoking moments.

What truly elevates the film are its star performers. Sparsh Shrivastava delivers praiseworthy performances. Nitanshi Goel delivers a memorable performance. Pratibha Ranta shines as a woman determined to break free from the shackles of patriarchy. Her portrayal is confident, drawing audiences into her character's journey. Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam steal the show with their standout performance.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya attempts to blend romance, science fiction, and family drama into one package, but unfortunately, it falls short of delivering an engaging narrative. The screenplay lacks consistency and fails to maintain the momentum established in the first half. The dialogues are well-worded, but not all jokes land effectively, leaving the audience occasionally chuckling but often checking their watches.

The film's first half shines with the blossoming romance between Aryan and SIFRA, portrayed with charm by Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Their chemistry is palpable, and viewers are drawn into their love story. The film takes a nosedive in the second half as it veers into predictable family drama. While there are moments of humor sprinkled throughout, much of the second half feels tedious. The climax feels abrupt and lacks the emotional payoff that viewers might expect. The promise of a sequel falls flat as the film struggles to rectify its shortcomings.

Kriti Sanon impresses with her portrayal of SIFRA, capturing the nuances of a robot with admirable skill. From the tender moments of romance to the emotional beats of the family drama, Shahid Kapoor delivers a commendable performance throughout the film. Dharmendra, though with limited screen time, adds a touch of charm, while Dimple Kapadia leaves a mark as expected. Ashish Verma and other supporting actors provide able support to the lead actors.

The music, particularly Laal Peeli Akhiyaan and the Title Track injects energy into the film with their foot-tapping beats and well-choreographed sequences. Akhiyaan Gulaab and Tum Se add a lovely touch to the soundtrack, enhancing the film's romantic elements.

Direction 2.5/5 Acting 3/5 Music 3/5 Story 2/5 Screenplay 2/5.

"Main Atal Hoon," inspired by Sarang Darshane's book 'Atalji: Kavihridayachye Rashtranetyachi Charitkahani,' attempts to capture the essence of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's life. While Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav's story presents a potentially great biopic, the film falls short of its promise. The film fails to capture the depth and resonance required for an impactful biopic. The dialogues, although sharp, lacks the intended impact.

Pankaj Tripathi delivers one of his best performances, truly embodying the character of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, his stellar portrayal is overshadowed by the flaws in the script and its execution. Supporting actors like Pramod Pathak, Raja Rameshkumar Sevak, and Daya Shankar Pandey deliver decent performances.

Ravi Jadhav's direction is commendable in parts, with a few standout scenes, but the film struggles due to its attempt to cover too many life episodes in a disjointed manner. The constant jumping from one incident to another leaves many sequences unimpressive, either due to inadequate explanation or rushed depiction. The screenplay fails to delve into crucial episodes of Vajpayee's remarkable life and career milestones. This lack of depth prevents the audience from forming a meaningful connection with the film.

Main Atal Hoon Movie Rating Direction 2.5/5 Acting 3/5 Editing 2/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 1.5/5.

Rohit Shetty, renowned for his larger-than-life Bollywood action films, takes a leap into the world of OTT with high expectations. Unfortunately, the debut series fails to leave a lasting impression, lacking in various crucial aspects that make for an engaging watch. With a weak storyline, uninspiring screenplay, and sub-par direction, the series falls short of capturing the viewer's attention. Despite the presence of notable actors, the characters fail to leave a lasting impact, making this venture a forgettable addition to Shetty's cop universe.

One of the major setbacks of the series is its lack of a compelling storyline and poor screenplay. The narrative seems to be stuck in the familiar territory of a cat-and-mouse chase between cops and terrorists, a theme that has been exhaustively explored in Shetty's previous works. The action sequences, a trademark of Shetty's films, suffer from a been-there-done-that feeling. While the hand-to-hand combat sequences manage to work to some extent, the big action scenes fall short.

Sidharth Malhotra looks convincing as an action hero but despite his physical prowess, the lack of depth in the role hampers his ability to truly shine. Vivek Oberoi, though performing well, is unfortunately limited in screen time, leaving audiences wanting more. Shilpa Shetty Kundra, given a poorly written character, struggles to make an impact, getting sidelined by the male cops. Her action sequences fail to elevate her character. Mayyank Taandon as the antagonist and Vaidehi Parshurami as Nafeesa manage to salvage some moments with their performances. The supporting cast, while delivering fine performances, fails to lift the overall mediocrity of the series.

Direction 2/5 Acting 2.5/5 Editing 2/5 Story 2/5 Screenplay 1.5/5.

Sam Bahadur stands as a significant film that demands the attention of every youth in the country. It offers a compelling narrative with impressive cinematography and well-crafted dialogues that are sure to leave an impact. Director Meghna Gulzar takes viewers on a historical journey, shedding light on pivotal events through the eyes of its central character, Sam Manekshaw.

The film, although captivating in many aspects, seems to offer enjoyment only in fragmented segments. This could be attributed to the occasional inconsistencies in the narrative flow or pacing, preventing the audience from fully immersing themselves in the story. However, the screenplay, though engaging in bits and pieces, lacks the consistent flow needed for a seamless cinematic journey. The moments of engagement are strong, but they are not sustained throughout, leaving the audience wanting more coherence in the storytelling.

Vicky Kaushal's superlative performance injects life into the character, delivering a depiction that resonates with authenticity. His excellent performance brings the character to life, providing a portrayal that feels remarkably authentic. The noteworthy characters, including Ayub's General Yahya Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh as Indira Gandhi, Neeraj Kabi as Jawaharlal Nehru, and Govind Namdev as Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel enhance the overall storytelling and contribute to the historical authenticity portrayed on screen.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

Animal is a rare cinematic exploration delving into the intricate tapestry of human emotions and relationships. However, the storyline may not resonate with all moviegoers and the use of gore in movie can be divisive among audiences. Still, the director Sandeep Reddy Vanga ensured that the audience's interest was maintained throughout the entirety of the movie. The film is marked by impressive performances from its cast and the cinematography employed in the movie is noteworthy, contributing to the overall visual appeal. The storytelling is so well-crafted that boredom becomes a rarity, as each scene contributes meaningfully to the plot development. It will keep the viewers glued to their seats throughout its extensive runtime of 3 hours and 21 minutes.

The first half sets the stage for a compelling viewing experience. During this initial portion, the film manages to engage viewers through a combination of gripping storytelling and well-executed action scenes. The narrative unfolds smoothly, capturing the audience's attention and building anticipation for what is to come. As the film progresses into its second half, the momentum established in the first part is maintained, albeit at a slightly different pace. The songs and background score play a crucial role in establishing the tone and intensity of various sequences throughout the movie.

Ranbir Kapoor has delivered an outstanding performance that stands out as one of his best works to date. His portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the character, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Bobby Deol, despite having a limited role, manages to impress the audience with his performance, leaving viewers eager to see more of him in action. Rashmika Mandanna was decent and Anil Kapoor also delivered a good performance, showcasing his seasoned acting skills and adding value to the ensemble. Tripti Dimri, Shakti Kapoor, Charu Shankar, and other supporting actor's collective efforts contribute to the effectiveness of the ensemble, ensuring that each character, regardless of the screen time, adds to the overall impact of "Animal.".

Direction 4/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

The story of a few heroes who rise to save several lives, on the night of a massive disaster. The Railway Men is hard-hitting, powerful, and undoubtedly one of the best series of this year. It has some stellar performances, an engaging screenplay, and a perfect editing. The dialogues, cinematography, and production design are strengths of the series too.

Debutant director Shiv Rawail did a great job and delivered a gripping tale of the heroism of Indian Railway employees. The show picks up the pace right from the first episode. Although there were a few subplots and backstories that seemed unnecessary but it has no dull moments and stays focused on the topic till its last episode. The makers have used real-life footage fittingly to make the viewers feel the pain of that fateful night.

Kay Kay Menon has delivered an outstanding performance and honestly, he deserves an award for playing this role. Divyenndu and R. Madhavan have played their part flawlessly. After giving a decent performance in Qala and Friday Night Plan, Babil Khan got a well-written role and he has given an impressive performance. Juhi Chawla, Sunny Hinduja, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya make an impact with their limited screen time. Other supporting actors excel in their respective parts.

The Railway Men Miniseries Rating: Direction 4/5 Acting 4.5/5 Dialogues 3.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.

Brace yourself for an action-packed entertainer. Tiger 3 continues the saga of YRF's spy universe and justifies the craze and expectations of the audience as an addition to the franchise. The movie offers unparalleled high-octane action sequences and manages to entertain in parts but due to its weak storyline do not expect the engaging thrill that usually we expect from a spy film. The story could be slightly stronger if the antagonist part could have been plotted well.

Director Maneesh Sharma makes sure that he wastes no time setting the film's tone. The movie starts on an interesting note with a few plot twists and surprises but then the narrative becomes flat for the most part. The second half offers more exciting moments but still, it will leave the audience craving for more high moments. A few characters from the Tiger franchise were nicely utilized in this part.

Salman Khan is back in perfect form as Tiger and he delivered an entertaining performance. Katrina Kaif excels in her role, she pulls off her role with ease, and her fight scene in the towel with Asian American actress Michelle Lee is very well choreographed. Emraan Hashmi as Aatish Rehman tries his best to be menacing and delivers a decent performance with an average written role, but the hunger for his revenge is not shown convincingly. Kumud Mishra, Simran, Vishal Jethwa, Revathi, and all other supporting actors were fine in their respective roles.

Apart from actions, the cinematography, performances, and the cameos are the strengths of the film. It was a visual treat watching the two biggest superstars of Bollywood Salman & SRK together again in a frame. Whereas dialogues, songs, background score, and the runtime of 2 hours 36 minutes are the drawbacks. Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai had chartbuster songs but Pritam is not able to impress here.

Witness this action spectacle in cinemas now and do not miss the whistle-worthy post-credits scene.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Action 4/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

Mission Raniganj is high on emotions with a gripping screenplay in the second half. The first half of the film tests the patience of viewers but it gains momentum in the latter half. The film becomes intense in the last 30 minutes and gives you several clap-worthy and nail-biting moments. The cinematography deserves applause and the evacuation scenes were shot well.

The execution and storytelling were not able to do entire justice to this remarkable plot. The film's most significant drawbacks are poor VFX, weak writing in the first half, and average dialogues. Also, it gets unnecessarily loud in a few portions and the antagonist characters were not written well.

Akshay Kumar delivers a sincere performance and portrays the real-life hero Capsule Gill's character with full conviction. Parineeti Chopra was decent in her limited role. Jameel Khan, Varun Badola, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya shine in their roles. Other noteworthy performances were given by Sudhir Pandey, Pavan Malhotra, and Rajesh Sharma. Ravi Kishan, Kumud Mishra, and other supporting actors were just fine on their part.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Dialogues 2.5/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

The third installment of the successful comedy franchise Fukrey struggles to retain the charm of Fukrey (2013) and Fukrey Returns (2017) and hasn't been able to live up to the expectations. Mrighdeep Singh Lamba's direction was average and he was not able to deliver a compelling slapstick comedy this time due to its thin plot and mediocre writing.

The first half of the film starts off well and it has some entertaining moments that give several occasions of laughter. But the second half becomes a victim of lazy writing and it is comparatively less on humour & the witty one-liners rarely land. Then the story goes off-track and tries to showcase a serious issue of water supply in Delhi and also it has a disappointing climax too. After a point, the screenplay won't be able to hold viewers and humour also gets repetitive.

Varun Sharma in his tailor-made role as Choochaa and Pankaj Tripathi as Pandit ji delivers an entertaining performance. Both the actors keep the audience engaged with their impeccable comic timing. Pulkit Samrat and Manjot Singh were decent in their roles. Richa Chadha shines again as Bholi Punjaban and gave a good performance. All other supporting actors were just fine in their respective roles.

Direction 2.5/5 Acting 3/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 2/5 Screenplay 2/5.

Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the man who made a name with his outstanding films like The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, once again delivered an important film. The Vaccine War is not as powerful and hard-hitting as his previous two films but he manages to give his audience a significant movie that celebrates the sacrifice and achievements of Indian scientists and our healthcare professionals.

The story is divided into 12 chapters that are based on the book by former Director General of The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Balram Bharghav titled 'Going Viral'. The first half of the film brilliantly explores the step-by-step making of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and showcases the challenges that scientists at ICMR & NIV had faced and how they managed to overcome them to bring India's first indigenous vaccine in a record time of seven months.

The screenplay in the second half is less engaging than the first half but it does make you emotional in certain parts. But the pace of the film in the second half becomes too slow and the narrative isn't able to keep you hooked till the climax. The background score of the film could have been better and the runtime of 2 hours 41 minutes feels stretched, the editing could have been tighter here.

The star cast of the film was a powerhouse of talent. Nana Patekar and Pallavi Joshi have delivered an excellent performance. Raima Sen gave a good performance too and her antagonist character will surely make you hate her. Girija Oak and Nivedita Bhattacharya were great in their roles. Kantara's actress Sapthami Gowa gave an impressive act in her limited role. Anupam Kher got less screen time but he managed to give a decent performance.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 4/5 Dialogues 3/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Atyaprem Ki Katha is surprisingly a refreshing take on love stories. It is an endearing musical romantic drama with a heartwarming story. Director Sameer Vidwans handles this unique story and the complex subject with ease and delivers an entertaining family drama film.

The first half is quite funny and enjoyable but post-interval, the film takes a serious turn with a social message. The screenplay in the second half of the film will keep the viewers engaged. The music is the soul of the film, Naseeb Se and Aaj Ke Baad are chartbusters. The cinematography, dialogues, and editing are good. But the length of the film could have been easily trimmed by 10-15 minutes.

Kartik Aryan will surely win the hearts of the audience, he gave a mature and excellent performance. Kiara Advani shines in her role and delivers an outstanding performance when it comes to an emotional scene. Famous Gujarati actor Siddharth Randeria and Gajraj Rao did a commendable job. Supriya Pathak, Shikha Talsania, and other supporting actors did well in their respective roles. Rajpal Yadav is wasted in a cameo.

Karan Johar's return to direction with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, after seven years since Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Director Karan Johar has delivered a complete family entertainer that will make you laugh, cry, and impress the audiences with a social message of women empowerment too.

Apart from the direction, the writers have also done a great job here, they have given a perfect blend of emotions and humour to the viewers. The dialogues, music, cinematography, costumes, and grand set are other strengths of the film. But if you want to enjoy this movie, you must have patience as the runtime of 168 minutes will also show some unnecessarily stretched scenes. The film could've been 20 minutes shorter.

The amazing chemistry of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt will keep you hooked to the screens. Ranveer Singh played his role effortlessly because this 'Delhi ka launda' role was tailor-made for him. Alia Bhatt looks gorgeous and confident in every single frame. Both the lead actors have given excellent performances. Despite having less screen time, veteran actor Dharmendra steals the show. Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, and Churni Ganguly excel in their respective parts. Aamir Bashir and Tota Roy Chowdhary were flawless in their performances.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Rating: Direction 4/5 Acting 3.5/5 Dialogues 3.5/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

Gadar 2 is a decent sequel to the blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Despite having a mediocre plot, the film manages to engage the audience due to its nostalgic feel and action sequences. Director Anil Sharma wasn't able to match the expectations of the first part, but still, he managed to deliver a one-time watch action drama film. The movie has some clap-worthy action scenes & whistle-worthy dialogues but the writers struggle to move the viewers emotionally. The prequel shown as a cross-border love story with a premise of partition whereas the second part is more of a father-son bond and it lacks is a solid premise.

The first half of the film will test your patience and the love track of Jeete and Muskaan feels stretched and unnecessary. The second half gives you an adrenaline rush with its action sequences. The makers recreated the iconic hand pump scene for the fans. The runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes is a tad long and could have been easily trimmed by 20 minutes. The background score and music are good. Recreated versions of the songs Main Nikla Gadi leke and Udd Ja Kale Kaavan take you back in time and are already loved by the audience. The new songs will not disappoint and also go well with the film.

Sunny Deol again delivered a powerful performance. His presence and dialogue delivery as Tara Singh continues to have an impact. Ameesha Patel is hardly there in the film and couldn't able to bring back the innocence of her character. Utkarsh Sharma managed to give a fine performance and didn't waste his re-launch in Bollywood film as a lead actor. Although Manish Wadhwa's antagonist role was outdated still he pulled his act very well. Simrat Kaur and other supporting actors were average in their parts.

Gadar 2 Movie Rating: Direction 3/5 Acting 3.5/5 Action 3.5/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

OMG 2 is a perfect combination of brilliant direction, impactful dialogues, a bold story, and impressive performances with an important social message. Director Amit Rai has done an entire justice to the franchie Oh My God - OMG. With a perfect blend of humour and drama, the makers have successfully delivered an entertaining & socially relevant courtroom drama on the sensitive subject of Sex Education.

The writing of the film is brave and bold which raises an important question to the current Indian education system. At the same time, it is an attempt to reduce the gap between Indian parents and children when it comes to having an informative discussion on sex-related queries.

Pankaj Tripathi is an outstanding actor and once again he delivered an excellent performance. Yami Gautam was perfect for the role of Lawyer Kamini. Akshay Kumar as Messenger of Lord Shiva (after CBFC modifications, his character modified from Lord Shiva) delivered an impressive performance. Other supporting actors are fine in their respective roles.

In one scene, Akshay Kumar humming Udd jaa Kaale Kaava song from the movie Gadar is smartly shown in the film as the two movies (Gadar 2 and OMG 2) clash at the box office.

OMG2 Rating: Direction 4/5 Acting 4/5 Dialogues 4/5 Story 4.5/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

It is a Mega Blockbuster again for Shah Rukh Khan. Jawan is undoubtedly a worth-watching mass entertainer on the big screen. The movie is a package of engaging story, entertaining performances, excellent direction, and electrifying larger-than-life action sequences. Director Atlee has given the viewers a rollercoaster ride of emotions with the perfect blend of whistle-worthy dialogues and clap-worthy larger-than-life action scenes.

The writers have done a great job too, the story delivers pertinent messages to society. It touches upon the corruption in the healthcare system, the bad conditions of government hospitals in our country, and the farmer suicides over the non-repayment of bank loans. The gripping screenplay is full of surprises & exciting cameos, and many scenes can leave you with teary eyes. The intermission and finale scenes are the biggest highlights of the film. The stellar star cast of Jawan won't give you any dull moment in its 169-minute long runtime.

This never-before-seen avatar of Shah Rukh Khan keeps you engaged from start to end. He played his both parts perfectly and his character of Vikram Rathore will surely impress the audience. Watching SRK in high-octane action sequences is a treat for his fans. Nayanthara got a decent debut in Bollywood and she manages to leave the mark. Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Dutt's special cameo appearances were praiseworthy.

Vijay Sethupathi deserved better writing for this role, but he never disappoints even with an underwritten role he delivers outstanding performance. Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, and Lehar Khan were fine in their limited supporting roles. But Sunil Grover and Riddhi Dogra were unable to leave any mark.

Jawan Movie Rating: Direction 4/5 Acting 3.5/5 Action 4.5/5 Story 4/5 Screenplay 4/5.