Reviews

"Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole," directed by Debaloy Bhattacharya, is a brilliantly executed pulp fiction and also the first-ever Bengali movie in this genre. Apart from the two protagonists, Abir Chatterjee and Paran Bandopadhyay, everyone played their roles perfectly. The screenplay is pacy, the plot and dialogues are cleverly written, the editing is crisp, and the songs are perfectly synced with the narration. Personally, I liked "Missile Utshob" and "Nirbashito Chand." This film is not a money-spinner at the box office, but it satisfies film lovers who want to explore different kinds of films. I hope that sooner or later, Dipak Chatterjee will be back to save us from typical family dramas and monotonous thrillers.

"Mirza," helmed by debutant directors Sumit-Sahil, unfolds like a sluggish marathon, stretching over 2 hours and 45 minutes. The pacing feels akin to a slow-motion reel, with the screenplay emerging as the chief antagonist, sabotaging the entire cinematic experience. The storyline appears dated, reminiscent of Bollywood tropes from the '90s. Despite Ankush's earnest attempts to exude charisma in every frame, his efforts fall flat, often overshadowed by inexplicable smoke effects. Kaushik Ganguly's portrayal of the main antagonist, Sultan, stands out amidst the mediocrity. However, the cameos fail to leave an impact. The musical score fails to elevate the viewing experience, residing in the realm of below-average. Ankush's valiant efforts are squandered by subpar writing and direction, leaving audiences yearning for more substance and coherence.

Bade Miya Chote Miyan, helmed by director Ali Abbas Zafar, embarks on an ambitious journey but falters due to its lackluster screenplay, cringe-worthy dialogues, and subpar performances. Each actor, notably Alaya F, fails to deliver convincingly, while the actions feel passé, reminiscent of clichés seen in prior productions. Regrettably, the film lacks standout moments; its plot twists are predictable, and there's a conspicuous absence of gripping action sequences. Cinematography is passable, and the background score, though serviceable, fails to elevate the viewing experience. Moreover, the song choices feel out of sync with the narrative. The narrative's disjointedness leaves viewers bewildered within the first half-hour, resulting in an overall disappointing cinematic experience. Overall, 'Bade Miya Chote Miyan' falls short of expectations, marking an epic letdown.

"Tere Baton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya" offers a delightful blend of light-heartedness and sci-fi comedy, appealing to a wide audience spectrum. However, those seeking intricate and thought-provoking sci-fi narratives may find it lacking. Dimple Kapadia, Shahid Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon shine brilliantly throughout the film, supported by a talented ensemble cast that includes stalwarts like Dharmendra, all delivering commendable performances. The screenplay is executed with excellence, complemented by chartbuster songs and crisp editing. While the possibility of a sequel looms large, one hopes that the directing duo will strike a better balance between scientific elements and entertainment in future endeavors.

"Bogla Mama Jug Jug Jiyo," directed by blockbuster maker Dhrubo Banerjee and based on the novel written by Rajkumar Maitra, is a fun ride for all ages. However, the first half is mundane, and the situational comedy doesn't quite work. The actors are doing a fine job, but the pure humor is missing. Everything feels forced, though the second half is a complete turnaround. It picks up the pace, and the comedy scenes flow more naturally. The last 30 minutes of the film are hilarious, ultimately contributing to an elevated overall outcome. The cinematography and music are quite good, but the editing could have been better. The ensemble cast, with ace actors like Kharaj Mukherjee in the titular role, delivers earnest performances. Kaushik Sen, Riddhi Sen, Aparajita, Rajatava, and others are equally good. In an era dominated by monotonous detective and crime thrillers, we need lighthearted movies like "Bogla Mama Jug Jug Jiyo." I hope the makers will continue this franchise.

Richie Mehta's 'Poacher' beautifully depicts the hard-hitting reality of Indian wildlife conservation and its perilous poaching. The ensemble cast boasts Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and others who have done a stellar job. The episodes are almost 48 minutes on average, with a gripping screenplay and captivating cinematography. This is not a typical thriller that we're used to seeing but hooks the audience from the very first episode. The VFX shots of wild animals are excellent. You will definitely fall in love with wildlife and the forest after completing the series. This is a must-watch series without an iota of doubt.

An ensemble cast can't save the movie, which has a poor screenplay and plot. The dialogues and songs are top-notch, but the characters are poorly written. After watching for one hour, you will ask yourself why on earth the characters behave like weirdos and why am I watching it even on OTT. Anirban, Isha, Arjun, and Soumya tried their level best, but the poorly written screenplay hindered them from shining. The editing is subpar; the running length could have been 30 minutes shorter. The songs are outstanding but deserve a better movie. Overall, it's a disappointing affair. Give it a try only for Ishan Mitra's soulful voice.

Chemistry Masi, Hoichoi's latest offering helmed by director Sourav Chakraborty, injects a much-needed dose of innovation into the Bengali web series landscape. Marking the return of seasoned performer Deboshree Ray, the six-episode saga is a finely crafted narrative that holds viewers enthralled throughout. With seamless editing ensuring a dynamic pace, the ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, though the final episode's cliffhanger leaves something to be desired. Anticipation runs high for the next season, where audiences hope to see their expectations met and surpassed.let's hope for the best .

Though it was not flawless, it was a nice movie. SRK and Anushka were in top form, showcasing sizzling chemistry. Pritam's music, the variety of exotic locales, and the lead pair's performances are the film's USP. However, Imtiaz could have done better. Understanding Imtiaz's views enhances the film's appreciation; otherwise, it might be a disappointment. According to current trends, the movie is likely to be a box office flop. SRK's bad patches continue, not in performance but at the box office, reminiscent of Ranbir Kapoor's experiences. Hoping the next one will fare better; fingers crossed.

Plus points include the lead pair's performance, cinematography, music, and editing. On the downside, the plot of Harry's past remains unexplained, and there are screenplay issues.

In conclusion, if you appreciate good performances and Imtiaz's unusual storytelling, this movie is for you; otherwise, it is a complete letdown.

Blockbuster maker Avijit Sen's 'Pradhan' deals with serious socio-political issues in West Bengal with great care. The ensemble cast, including Dev, Paran Bandyopadhyay, Anirban Chakraborty, Mamata Shankar, and Sabitri Chatterjee, did a splendid job. The screenplay hooks the audience from the beginning. The songs are mellifluous and well-placed. The use of the title track perfectly matches Dev's super screen presence. The only drawback of the film is its editing; it could have been more crisp. Kudos to the entire team for presenting this type of content. This is no less than bravery. A must-watch movie in this festive season.

It is high time for Prasanth Neel to do something different than his previous ventures. In the sake of storytelling, he ruined Prabhas' stardom. Neither the writing nor the elevation moments work. It becomes a 2-hour 50-minute snooze fest. He should have included some great action moments. The ultra-slow-motion action sequences with bodies flying in the air are too outlandish. Prabhas and Prithwiraj have done a great job, but poor writing ruins it completely. Female characters are poorly written as usual. Songs and BGM are passable . The colour palatte looks similar to KGF so as the set up and world building. But KGF chapter 1 is way better than this average flick.

"Dunki" excited us from the announcement, as we grew up watching SRK and Raju Hirani. Apart from that, Bollywood has never explored such a unique plot. Now, coming back to the movie, "Dunki" is a decent entertainer with a great first half and a weak second half. The screenplay is engaging until the first half; after that, it falters. This is the only weakest point of "Dunki." The music is outstanding and fits perfectly into the scenes. The dialogues are well-written. SRK, Taapsee, and others have done a tremendous job. Overall, it's a great entertainer for the festive season. It might not be Raju Hirani's best, but you have to remember it's still better than others' best work .

SRV keeps his promise by creating a more violent film than "Arjun Reddy" and "Kabir Singh." "Animal" boasts an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika, Bobby Deol, Tripti Dimri, and veteran actors like Prem Chopra, Sunil Oberoi, and Shakti Kapoor. Essentially, it relies on an outdated storyline lifted by extraordinary execution, offering nothing new besides some new tropes. Ranbir Kapoor shines and owns his character, while the rest of the cast does a commendable job. The screenplay is lucid, keeping you engaged throughout the lengthy 3 hours and 21 minutes. The songs are okay, but the thumping BGM elevates important scenes. Some scenes are quite disturbing, but it's important to understand that this is a movie, and the characters are flawed. In the era of fast-paced lifestyles, holding the audience's attention for over 3 hours is no small feat. Overall, it's an enjoyable affair if you don't expect too much, but this movie is not for everyone. After SRK, RK has emerged as an action star this year. Don't miss this one if you are an ardent RK fan.

Tiger 3, the third installment in the Tiger series and the fifth movie in the YRF spy universe, falls short in execution. The plot is good, better than Pathaan, but the screenplay and editing are too poor to salvage the first half. Manish Sharma has failed to deliver what this Tiger sequel needs. The action choreography is not impressive, despite the movie's massive budget, failing to provide wholesome entertainment. Many high points lack engaging background music, though the music itself is hummable. In the acting department, Salman and Katrina have done a decent job. The second half is better, but the half-hearted filmmaking disappoints big time. The cameos are exciting, but one might question whether the story demands them or if they're merely fan service. ETT remains the best spy movie till now. It's high time Aditya Chopra hires a better screenplay writer or brings back Kabir Khan. Overall, Tiger 3 is a decent one-timer, better than Salman's previous movies.

Not a typical whodunit, but it features a multilayered theme with solid performances and dialogues. Indranil Roy Chowdhury once again demonstrates his prowess as a filmmaker.

Who is the real mean person of this society? The affluent individuals with enough money and influence, or the so-called lower strata people who have nothing to lose? Aren't they deprived of everything a human seeks for living? Aren't we the real evil? If you want an answer, you have to watch this. In the midst of the current OTT boom, where Bengali content often struggles to stand out, Zee5's 'Chhotolok' shines as a hard-hitting and gripping gem that demands your immediate attention.

Directed by Parambrata Chatterjee, "Parnoshavarir Shaap" boasts a talented cast including Chiranjit, Arno Mukhopadhyay, Anindita Bose, Gaurav Chakraborty, Suarngana, Roja, etc., delivering a powerful impact. The scenic backdrop of North Bengal is enough to send shivers down your spine. While the genre is currently thriving, most of the content falls short, yet this series stands out due to its superior direction and engaging screenplay. However, character development is nearly nonexistent. It's puzzling why Hoichoi consistently adheres to a 20-minute average running length per episode instead of opting for 40-45 minutes. I'm eagerly anticipating Bhadurimoshai's next adventure. In this Bhoot choturdoshi, 'Parnoshavarir Shaap' is perfect for a binge-watch.

"Duel," released in 1971, provides an adrenaline rush from start to finish. The cinematography is exhilarating, and the editing is crisp. Dennis Weaver, who plays the role of David Mann, delivers an A-class performance, particularly excelling in his facial expressions during intense moments. The supporting cast also does an excellent job. In the modern era, despite directors having enormous budgets, it's challenging to replicate such a gem. This movie serves as a testament to why Steven Spielberg is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. This movie deserves much more appreciation, which is long overdue. Do watch it; you won't be disappointed.

"Mitin Mashi has always been my favorite since my childhood days, and I love Koel Mullick too. It is a double bonanza for me to watch Mitin Mashi, played by none other than my favorite actress. Jongole Mitin Mashi is based on the novel "Saranday Shoytan" written by the late Suchitra Bhattacharya. This film is directed by Arindam Shil. Koel Mullick, Lekha Chatterjee, and Subhrajit Dutta play the main roles. The screenplay is captivating, the editing is crisp, and the dialogues are quite preachy but well-intentioned. The music and background music are excellent. Koel Mullick did a fantastic job. She has some massy action scenes and monologues, and she nails it. Subhrajit Dutta has done a great job too. Tupur, played by Lekha Chatterjee, is good. She looks very beautiful throughout the film. I got an instant crush on her, joking aside. The side characters are not very strong because their character development is not good. The linear screenplay does not offer much, but the film is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. As a Mitin Mashi fan, I want to see the next installment as soon as possible.

Shiboprasad-Nandita duo is a prominent name in the Bengali film fraternity. They started their career with some groundbreaking movies that were ahead of their time. Gradually, their work became monotonous and somehow lingered in the family drama genre. After a long hiatus, they made a comeback with a social-thriller named 'Raktabeej,' featuring an ensemble cast, including the ace actor Victor Banerjee, Anusuya Majumder, Kanchan Mallick, Abir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty, etc. In this tumultuous time when directors are often hesitant to create political films, the director duo showed their courage by choosing a bold subject against the backdrop of the Khagragarh blast. The screenplay and editing of this film are top-notch, and the supporting characters have done an excellent job. The music, while good, sometimes hindered the pace of the film. The linear screenplay is perfectly matched with the festive mood. This movie raises a valid question: 'Is forgiving always the right decision?' Kudos to this director duo for bringing us such unique content in Bengali cinema. I'm eagerly awaiting its sequel.

"Byomkesh o Durgo Rahasya," directed by Birsa Dasgupta, features a solid cast. The main highlight of the film is Superstar Dev portraying the role of Byomkesh for the very first time. Rukmini Maitra plays the role of Satyabati, and Ambarish Bhattacharya plays Ajit. To be honest, many people are skeptical about the cast. The director has chosen a different approach to depict Byomkesh. "Durga Rahasya" is one of the finest Byomkesh stories by Saradindu Bandopadhyay. In this adaptation, Byomkesh is more adventurous than being a Satyanweshi, reminiscent of Shankar and "Durgo Rahasya." Dev plays his role with utmost sincerity, but Rukmini Maitra seems to be a misfit, with most of her scenes slowing down the pace. Ambarish, as Ajit, comes across more like a comedian than a writer. The other cast members perform their parts well, especially Satyam Bhattacharya. Subhankar Bhar's camera work is a treat to watch, and the locations are picturesque. The background music helps engage the audience. Overall, it provides a great theatrical experience if you don't expect this movie to be a typical Byomkesh film. The highlights of the movie are Byomkesh's introduction scene and the climax. Dev is attempting to introduce something new to his old audience, who love masala flicks. This idea is quite revolutionary. To regain our past glory, we need to attract more audiences to the theater.

"Bagha Jatin," directed by Arun Roy, comprises an ensemble cast. Dev plays the titular role, while debutant Sreeja Dutta plays the role of Indubala, and Sudipta Chakraborty plays the role of Binodbala . The film strikes a perfect balance between class and mass moments. The action sequences are well choreographed, and despite subpar VFX (considering the film's budget is only 5 crore), it's relatively negligible. The screenplay of the first half is very engaging, but the second half feels rushed. The music and background score by Nilayan Chatterjee are top-notch, and Gopi Bhagat's cinematography is an absolute delight for the eyes. The film introduces many lesser-known or completely unknown historical characters. If you're a history enthusiast, you'll remain engaged throughout the film. Returning to the acting department, Dev delivers his career-best performance without a doubt. Sudipta Chakraborty is an ace actor, with her subtle contributions enriching the film. Debutant Sreeja is excellent in her limited screen time. Other important characters are portrayed by numerous stage and debutant actors who gave their heart and soul to their roles. However, there are some factual errors in the film, and the narration could have been much better. The scene with the tiger falls flat, which could have been the film's highlight. The high points of the film were poorly executed. Overall, it's a brave attempt that deserves box office success. I recommend going to your nearest theater to watch it; you won't be disappointed.

Every great thing has to come to an end at some point. '22 Se Srabon' should have remained a standalone film. There was no need for the sequel, 'Dwitiyo Purush,' or the prequel, 'Dawshom Avatar.' It seems that 'Dawshom Avatar' was primarily created for profit by capitalizing on nostalgia. Unfortunately, the film fell short in many aspects, except for the songs and acting. The use of slang in the movie felt forced, and the action scenes were quite illogical. The script appeared underdeveloped, and the editing was subpar. This resulted in the film being quite tedious to watch. 'Dawshom Avatar' doesn't quite fit into the thriller or drama genre; it feels more like a money-making endeavor. It might be a good time for Srijit Mukherjee to take a break and return with a stronger, more thought-out script. If you find yourself with no other movie options during this festive season, you might be better off watching this movie in the theater to catch up on some rest. I wouldn't recommend this movie, even for an OTT platform.

After a long hiatus, Bollywood finally gets its due. The emergence of Pan India biggies from South India has been demolishing every Bollywood film for the past three years. But this time, SRK saved Bollywood once again after 'Pathaan.' 'Jawan,' directed by South Indian blockbuster filmmaker Atlee, boasts an ensemble cast comprising Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, and others, with Shah Rukh in the titular role and the main antagonist played by Vijay Sethupati. The screenplay is pacy and keeps the audience hooked until the end. However, the first half is almost too good to be true. The second half is quite rushed, but SRK saves the day with his unmatchable swagger and incredible acting skills. The music by Anirudh is outstanding, elevating every massy moment. 'Jawan' is not a typical no-brainer mass film; it has ample amounts of good content with amazingly choreographed action sequences. Each and every character and crew member gave their best, which clearly shows on screen. Hats off to Atlee for turning SRK into a mass action hero and for giving us something that has been missing for years.