Jawan
Shahrukh Khan brings the star power and Tamil writer/director Atlee, in his Hindi debut, brings his style of emotional over-the-top action, slow-motion fights, and socially relevant commentary to ‘Jawan’. SRK plays a dual role as a war hero father with amnesia, and a son born and raised in a women’s prison. The fresh new pairing of SRK and Nayanthara as his love interest, and Vijay Sethupathi as the villain are also welcome. As the film opens, our hero, the warden of the same women’s prison he grew up in, leads a squad of six women to hijack a train and take passengers hostage. They demand that the government compensate families of farmers in India who committed suicide over unpaid loans. This leads to clever escapes and more social justice hostage-taking. Atlee, who has directed Tamil blockbusters such as ‘Theri’, ‘Mersal’ and ‘Bigil’, and Shahrukh deliver a very entertaining film. Released September 7, 2023
Sam Badadur
“Bahadur” is a title of respect given to a brave and distinguished warrior. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, this biopic is based on the life of Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal. An almost unrecognizable Vicky Kaushal plays him as a charmer who is always the center of attention. The movie spans Sam’s years as a cadet, being trained in the Indian Military Academy in 1934, to his retirement in 1973. The movie is short on emotional drama and details but rather touches on important milestones in his life. Perfect for those who love history, the film is full of historical events, such as the Burma campaign and the Battle of Sittang Bridge during WWII, the partition in 1947 of India and Pakistan, the battle with Pakistan over Kashmir, and the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Sam interacts with many historical figures, such as Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Pakistani President General Yahya Khan, Lord Mountbatten from Britain, and Henry Kissinger from the United States. The film won awards for production design, sound design, and costume design.
Released December 1, 2024.
Satyaprem Ki Katha
‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ is a heartfelt romantic drama that blends love, emotions, and social commentary into a compelling story. Sattu (Kartik Aaryan) is a naive and depressed unemployed lower-middle-class boy. He is the only bachelor left in his neighborhood. He secretly has a crush on Katha (Kiara Advani) ever since he saw her dance at a Garba celebration, but she is already in a relationship. Time passes and Sattu learns that Katha has broken up with her boyfriend and her parents are looking for a suitable groom. Katha’s father thinks that Sattu might be a good prospect and encourages Sattu to visit. To Sattu’s surprise, her family brings a marriage proposal, leaving him overjoyed. Katha accepts reluctantly and they are married. Their journey after marriage is filled discoveries of past indiscretions and hurtful revelations. The film beautifully explores what true love is, consent and non-consent, and redemption. The movie was directed by Sameer Vidwans and you can find it on Amazon Prime Video.
12th Fail
’12th Fail’ is a deeply inspiring and emotional film that brings to life the real struggle of countless students who aspire for success against all odds. Manoj Kumar Sharma is a young man from a humble background. The teachers at his school help students cheat to pass Class 12 exams, but a new plice officer stops the cheating. As a result, Manoj fails the exam. His dream is to become a Deputy Superintendent of Police but many obstacles block his way. This is the story of his journey based on the book by Anurag Pathak. Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra captures Manoj’s resilience and determinationand finally his success. Vikrant Massey is perfect as the person who picks himself up after every set back. The film offers a powerful message about perseverance and the true meaning of success. It is available to stream on Disney-Hotstar.
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai
‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ (Just One Common Man is Enough) is a gripping courtroom drama inspired by real events. Based on the trial of spiritual leader Asaram who had established over 400 ashrams and 40 schools in India and abroad. Manoj Bajpayee brings Advocate P. C. Solanki to life with a powerful performance of this determined yet ordinary man. He wants justice for the sexual assault of a child. As the legal proceedings move forward, witnesses are killed and threatened by Asaram goons. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, the movie is intense, emotionally charged, and thought–provoking. ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ won several Filmfare OTT Awards in 2023: Best Web Original Film, Best Director in a Web Original Film, Manoj Baipayee for Best Actor in a Web Original Film, Best Story, and Best Original Dialogue. You can watch it on Zee5.
