Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 154

The Silent Bride Review – Of Unsaid Vows & Fraught Ties

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

The premise of “The Silent Bride” by Shalini Boland is crazy intriguing – a bride walks into the church for her wedding but freezes when she fails to recognize her groom, the man she has been dating for over a year. Nobody else, not her family, friends, or even the groom’s side, seems to think anything is amiss. So, is the problem with the bride or some elaborate prank in play? Alice, the bride, must find out where her ‘real’ Seth is, while the fake one has everybody convinced that he is the real deal.

“The Silent Bride” isn’t the kind of novel I usually read, but the premise sounded fascinating, and all the drama in the story held my interest until the end. I did not really like protagonist Alice much; she is one of those people who fail to read red flags and end up surrounded by people who don’t seem to have their best interests at heart. So, even though reading the book was frustrating in parts, I’ll have to admit that all the negative tinged drama and bitchiness through the chapters was quite fun – if you can distance yourself from the experiences and be entertained.

One of the biggest reasons I really enjoyed reading “The Silent Bride” is the fact that I’ve been struggling to find standalone fictional novels that sustain my interest beyond a few pages. I’ve only been reading graphic novels the last few months, making me seriously wonder if I no longer have the stamina/patience for long-form fiction. So, the fact that Shalini Boland’s writing kept me interested until the end has restored my confidence about text-only stories. Her writing style, which is simple, smooth, colloquial, without frills and easy to read. 

Readers are introduced to protagonist Alice as an excited bride getting ready to walk down the aisle with her father. Written in first person, most of the novel is narrated in Alice’s voice and she expresses explicit joy over being dressed in bridal grandeur and getting to marry Seth, a successful handsome doctor, Alice ensures she emphasises on the word “handsome” a bunch of times to confirm his physical attractiveness. But through the almost 300 pages, we never learn more about the handsome doctor, except for the fact that he is good looking and a very very very busy doctor. Alice on the other hand is a hardworking ambitious accountant, hoping to become a partner at her small firm. He literally meets her parents only once before their marriage, and some of her friends tease her about having an imaginary boyfriend. As a reader, you begin to think about the same possibility too! Alice begins to question her sanity, as almost everybody around her implies that she must have cooked up the story about not recognizing her husband-to-be to get out of tying the knot.

“The Silent Bride” doesn’t unfold chronologically and the chapters alternate between the present and the past, so while the first chapter is set on Alice’s wedding day, the next chapter goes back to the day when Seth proposed to her. This back and forth between two timelines works well for the story, as on one hand readers grapple with the protagonist’s life spiralling out of control, the past helps us understand all the other characters who Alice is close to and the possible motives someone might have to wreck her life in such a manner. Although, ironically, one begins to doubt Alice as a narrator herself, because the sheer twist about her not being able to identify her fiancé, when the rest of the world does, makes you wonder if she is cooking up this absurd tale just to wriggle out of the marriage.

Alice has significant anxiety surrounding her wedding day, which is but natural for any bride; but what bums her out most is the fact that except for one or two people, nobody seems to be genuinely happy for her big day. Only one of her close friends called Laurence, her guy best friend, is empathetic and genuinely nice to her, which is also because he is a mental health practitioner. But even their friendship hits a rough patch eventually. It made me wish for some more positive representation of platonic friendship in the tale. Although, those who fail to make lasting nurturing friendships will relate to her character.  Besides, some little plot developments were outright nonsensical. For example, Alice has a work rival who is a narcissistic maniac, and they aren’t close at all. Yet, the rival rings up Alice’s sister to self-invite herself to Alice’s hen party, and the sister gives her a nod without even informing Alice! It’s not even a surprise hen party, so why not have the basic courtesy as the “maid of honor” to call up your sister and ask her if she would be okay with her shitty colleague turning up at a weekend getaway meant for her to relax and have fun.

Alice’s parents are probably the most relatable characters in the novels, in terms of parental figures. While her father is a self-made man who is strict, authoritative and self-centered. He is the kinds of person who would put his own interests before his children’s, although I do like the fact that he keeps pushing his two daughters to be independent, self-reliant and successful career professionals. Her mother on the other hand is a more generic and genial character – a nervous sweet woman who is happy to be in the background. Anyway… Alice’s fraught relationships serve as interesting lessons on reading the signs of a problematic friendship or family tie. She introspects, investigates and even sees doctors and therapists to understand what is happening with her and why she can’t recognise Seth, the man of her dreams.

After the incredulous beginning, the novel is filled with drama and trouble, although the flashbacks do have entertaining events. The climax is tense, violent and readers finally get a rather far-fetched explanation to what really happened. But I guess, if you are going to succumb to the temptation of reading a book where the bride is the only person who cannot recognise the groom, you know any explanation is going to be absurd in scale. So, brownie points to author Shalini Boland for keeping viewers entertained till the end with this thriller, despite all its flaws and absurdities.

Rating: 3.5 on 5. “The Silent Bride” is also available on Kindle Unlimited.

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The Monkey King Review – Cheeky Quest for Godhood

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

A monkey born out of a mysterious rock aims to become an immortal God and rule heaven. Is it an impossible dream? Not for this special monkey. The 2023 animated movie “Monkey King” is inspired from Chinese epics and is quite like the depictions of the mythical figure in Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel “American Born Chinese”, which was adapted into a live-action series by Disney.

Directed by Anthony Stacchi, “Monkey King” has been written by Steve Bencich, Ron J. Friedman, and Rita Hsiao. The Monkey King is first introduced as a destructive little baby chimp who cannot talk, and then Jimmy O. Yang breathes life into the character as he comes of age. Once older, the monkey is determined to become an immortal heavenly being and decides that defeating 100 demons should help him get the attention of the Gods and make him one of them.

Since the writers have a lot of folklore and legend to rely on for material, the story is obviously entertaining, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the legend, but the animation doesn’t match up to the grand scale of the tale. The first few minutes of the film are engaging, but the animation style begins to get underwhelming as soon as the first demon comes forth in the film. In-fact, except for the Monkey King himself, almost all other character designs are boring, basic and dilute the film’s fun. The Jade Emperor looks ridiculous and even the Buddha’s is designed to look like massive ball of cloud. The immortal sorceress Wangmu looks like a generic drawn witch out of a British children’s book, instead of looking like a regal heavenly being.

In the first half, for about a minute or two, there’s a brief change in animation style to quickly summarize the Monkey King’s fight with 98 demons. The artwork resembled a digital art flipbook, and this change in style was quite impressive, bearing a slight resemblance to fight sequences in the renowned cartoon “Samurai Jack”. The creators should have used this switching of style a little more to keep the animation engaging. Some of the fight scenes are too dark, probably because they unfold late in the evening or at night, but it’s an animated film, so the animators could’ve sacrificed accuracy for brighter captivating battles. Luckily, Jimmy O. Yang’s spirited voice and the Monkey King’s energetic personality keeps viewers engaged for most parts.

Amid all the not so flashy fights, the film’s primary message might get lost on younger viewers. “Monkey King” is all about forging your own path in the world and fighting towards your goals even if you are all alone and don’t have anybody to watch your back. Although, the protagonist does meet an ally during his quest, an enthusiastic peasant girl called Lin (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport), who becomes his assistant and helps the monkey read signs and books. So, the story also emphasizes on the need for friends and family to make one’s journey easier. The biggest lesson in the tale, however, is that regardless of one’s powers, one must be humble and kind to those around them. The Monkey King allows pride and anger to consume himself, requiring the intervention of Buddha descending to Earth to keep him in check.

I couldn’t help but think about Marvel’s 2021 animated series “Hit Monkey” while watching this film, which might not be the exact same genre as “Monkey King,” but is also about a lone monkey fighting evil forces. The Monkey King has a magic stick to take on enemies, while Hit Monkey uses swords, knives, and whatever he can grab to defeat his opponents. Okay, fine, both monkeys are cool in their own ways. Besides, the Monkey King does crazy things like visit both heaven and hell in the same day.

The climax is very different from the tone of the rest of the film, but in sync with the original legends surrounding its hero. Overall, this 2023 movie is a decent one-time watch for animation enthusiasts and is completely family friendly.

You can stream “Monkey King” on Netflix.   

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Guns & Gulaabs – Rajkummar Rao, Adarsh Gourav Rev Up Riotous Retro Ride

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

When Netflix first dropped the trailer for “Gun & Gulaabs”, a 90s action-comedy which looked straight out of Bollywood’s Sholay playbook, it was hard to pin down the plot. Which is the mark of a well-crafted trailer that intrigues the viewer without giving the story away. And to keep this review spoiler-free, let’s just say the show is about how the lives of few individuals are affected as two rival gangs attempt to outwit each other and seal a massive illicit opium deal.

Created by Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru, “Guns & Gulaabs” is a fun ode to the 90s, replete with pre-internet era motifs that will thrill nostalgia enthusiasts to bits. Flared pants, phone booths, handwritten letters, mixed cassette tapes, Campa Colas, Ambassador cars… this series is a throwback galore. Spread over seven episodes, the series is set in a fictional hill-town called Gulaabganj and opens with a beautiful shot of its primary character – poppy plants. The cinematography presents an interesting blend of yesteryear campy charm and artistic camerawork, incorporating a variety of angled shots and dynamic explorations of colors and tones.

The first episode does a fantastic job introducing all the main players in the story through a chain of connected events. Satish Kaushik plays Gulaabganj’s crime boss, Mr. Ganchi, who secures a significant opium deal that proves challenging to execute. Adarsh Gourav portrays his sole son, Chhota Ganchi, who is eager to earn his father’s approval by ensuring the success of the deal. Rajkummar Rao plays Tipu, a small-time mechanic and the son of Mr. Ganchi’s recently deceased right-hand man, Babu Tiger. Despite Tipu’s aspirations to establish his own repair shop and marry English teacher Lekha (T.J. Bhanu), he finds himself joining Ganchi’s gang after killing two men with a spanner. Gulshan Devaiah is a notorious contract killer known as ‘4 Cut Aatmaram’, hired by Ganchi’s rival gang to eliminate Tipu and scuttle their opium deal. Amidst the guns and goons, we have “family man” Arjun, an honest cop who is freshly transferred to Gulaabganj and he starts a crackdown on illicit opium soon after his arrival, ruffling quite a few feathers. Everybody in town has their own hidden agenda and motives, and the series follows how these individuals play their cards to get what they want.

Despite its distinctly 90s Bollywood aesthetic, “Guns & Gulaabs” lacks the song-and-dance numbers that were a hallmark of commercial Hindi hits in the past. Nonetheless, the series has a great background score and is peppered with several familiar tunes and classic hits, ranging from R.D Burman’s timeless classics like “Hoga Tumse Pyaara Kaun” to English favorites like Bryan Adams’ “Everything I do, I do it for you”. One endearing character in the series is Nannu (Krish Rao), a teenage school student who excels academically and pens love letters for those in town who are unable to write in English. However, Nannu requires music for inspiration, leading to the incorporation of some of the English hits into the storyline.

The juxtaposition of two distinct worlds, that of the adults who are encircled with opium woes against the cheekier teen students who care more about crushes and exam grades, is done brilliantly. Even though the plotlines involving the younger protagonists seems a little disconnected from the primary plot, the writers cleverly interweave all narratives as the episodes unfold. Krishna D.K. and Raj Nidimoru also strike a great balance between action, romance and comedy, rarely letting the pace slip or slack. And except for a lot of expletive cuss words, the script is surprisingly family-friendly, with no intimate scenes, which is a refreshing change for an action-comedy series laced with violence, blood, and deaths.

“Guns & Gulaabs” may have an ensemble cast of sorts, but Rajkummar Rao stands out with his riotous portrayal of Tipu, who first appears as a practical but romantic softie at first but transforms into a ruthless killer within the first episode. Rajkummar’s last film “Bheed” was a lot more serious and somber in tone, while “Guns & Gulaabs” is a lot more like his 2022 black comedy “Monica, O My Darling.” Adarsh Gourav, who co-starred with Rajkummar Rao in the critically acclaimed “White Tiger,” dons a completely different avatar for this series. He was both intimidating and vulnerable as the arrogant brattish Chhota Gaanchi, a youngster desperate to win the approval of his father. Gulshan Devaiah was very serial-killer-like in his Sanjay Dutt inspired look for his character, although he looks more like a villain from a Ramsay Brothers’ horror movie.

Amidst all these quirky characters, all portrayed with aplomb, Dulquer Salmaan gets overshadowed as the generic honest cop, even though he does have grey shades and isn’t entirely as clean and cute as he is made out to be. T.J. Bhanu is the only woman character who holds her own against the male dominated cast and leaves quite the impression as English teacher Lekha. She is independent, practical, strict and will probably remind a lot of people of their own English teachers when they watch the series.

What I loved best about “Guns and Gulaabs” is how each little twist is astutely foreshadowed by the writers. So, even though there are a lot of events that you will see coming, it’s only because the creators insert subtle scenes to set the groundwork for those surprises. Definitely watch this series if you like action-crime-comedies.

You can stream “Gun & Gulaabs” series on Netflix.

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Down For Love Review – Celebration of Love and Family

“I like it when you’re here”

“Thank you. I love it when YOU are here”

“That’s so amazing”

“You make me smile”

“You make me happy. Thank you so much”

And with that exchange, two participants hug it out on the 2023 Netflix dating show “Down For Love”. The five part series set in New Zealand helps talented young individuals with Down Syndrome find their perfect date and has been created in consultation with New Zealand Down Syndrome Association.

The series revolves around five individuals on a quest to discover love, each embarking on blind dates with peers of similar age. This format stands apart from the usual dating reality shows, where multiple contestants fight for each other’s attention. While all participants are above 18 years old, they reside with their parents, who have embraced the show’s concept, hoping their children would find a loving companion.

Episode one introduces 21-year-old Josh, an aspiring wrestler, who expresses that he’s spent the last four years in search of a girlfriend. His Tinder profile cheekily states, “Happy man, ladies’ man.” Another participant introduced in this episode is 19-year-old Libby, an actor and model, who starred in a film titled “Poppy”. When asked about her dating preferences, she candidly hopes for a partner with Down syndrome, envisioning a deeper connection with someone with the same condition as her. Both Josh and Libby embark on their inaugural dates, though with different companions. The episode delves into the outcomes of these encounters. Subsequent episodes follow a similar pattern: introducing various participants and their families, depicting their dating experiences. While some find love, some don’t.

“Down for Love” features fun dates – boat rides, pottery classes, mini golf sessions, cha cha cha dance lessons – and the participants seem to have the time of their lives in these new experiences. Given that romance is uncharted territory for the majority of contestants, several of them receive guidance and advice from a professional relationship educator. Additionally, the show highlights a couple with Down syndrome who have sustained a relationship for more than a decade. This inclusion aims to provide insights into the unique challenges inherent in a lasting partnership like theirs. Effective communication appears to be the primary challenge for most. For instance, the couple that has been dating for years have conflicting views regarding their desire to have children, yet they appear to be oblivious to this disparity.

Almost everybody on “Down for Love” is incredibly sweet and exudes infectious positivity. There’s no drama, no snide remarks, just a handful of people with dreamy eyes looking for their “happily ever after”, complete with the full support of their families. The series subtly challenges stereotypes surrounding those with neurodevelopmental conditions and makes viewers look at those with Down syndrome in a different light. For example, in episode 2, we are introduced to Carlos, a 30-year-old photographer who has earned awards for his outstanding work. He is also an international swimmer, poet and can speak five languages. “Down Syndrome is not a disease. Some people have it, some people don’t,” Carlos says to the camera while expressing his desire to share his life with a companion.

One of the participants comes out as bisexual on the show after having gone on a few unsuccessful dates with two different men. She then goes on a blind date with Libby in episode 5, who is also bisexual and has a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome. Do things work out between the two? You will have to watch the show to find out. With participants spanning ages 18 to 37, a substantial diversity emerges in their personalities and life perspectives. While one individual might want to dance all Friday night at the pub, another would opt to read a classic at home.

Comprising five episodes and featuring multiple couples, the show maintains a well-balanced pacing. However, it’s worth noting that certain participants receive disproportionate screentime without an apparent reason. Shot across various vibrant and sunny locations in New Zealand, “Down for Love” culminates with an endearing date set within an aquarium. In its entirety, the show wonderfully depicts the integral role that supportive families play in the holistic growth of individuals with Down syndrome, notwithstanding their learning challenges.

You can stream the series on Netflix.

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Sing My Crush Review – Peachy Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5.

“Sing My Crush” is the kind of fluffy romantic series you’ll enjoy while watching and then forget all about it after a few days. Directed by So Joon Moon, the eight episode long Korean series features Jang Do Yoon as the lead character, Han Ba Ram, a lead singer with an independent band, whose life gets complicated as he falls in love with his best-friend Im Han Tae (Son Hyun Woo).

Han Ba Ram is introduced as an endearing high-school student with dreams of becoming a singer, but his spirits are crushed when his first ever audition goes wrong and his confession to his music teacher is met with rejection. However, new friend Im Han Tae (Son Hyun Woo) encourages to Han Ba Ram to pursue a career in music and drafts a rough contract to become his manager. As years pass, a possible romance brews between the two.

“Sing My Crush” has a distinctly dreamy autumn palette, with lots of outdoor settings and vibrant orange leaves enveloping scenes. So Joon Moon has previously directed “Love Mate” and “My Sweet Dear“, poorly written romances made watchable only due to all the pretty peachy tones and good looking protagonists. What makes “Singh My Crush” a slight improvement is the fact that the protagonists are introduced as teenagers, so its easier to believe their naivety in dealing with their emotions. Besides, the chemistry between Han Ba Ram and Im Han Tae is adorable, and their already established friendship makes the “friends to lovers” transition smooth. That said, the plot relies on silly old tropes for furthering their relationship, like the unrealistic portrayal of how everybody seems to be clueless about the more than platonic sparks between the two.

First love, friends and music are the primary themes of this series. Han Ba Ram pens an endearing song titled “Letter of Apology” that captures his emotions, a melody that resonates from the very first episode. This song also becomes the primary source of a lot of problems in the tale, all of which are eventually resolved as the plot progresses. Jang Do Yoon’s velvety voice takes the spotlight in the series and he frequently gets to showcase his vocal prowess through his character Han Ba Ram. On the contrary, Um Han Tae’s character lacks depth, appearing as a genial yet one-dimensional figure. He’s depicted as a friendly giant, who has no serious interest, and thus dedicates his time to inspiring and advancing his friend’s independent band.

The climactic episode is surprisingly devoid of any conflict, and gives viewers a fluffy cute romantic ending. “Sing My Crush” is definitely worth a one-time-watch for soft romance fans.

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“Taali” Review: Sushmita Triumphs In 90s Style Trans Tale

Rating: 3 out of 5.

“What’s the first thing you would do if you were crowned Miss Universe?”

“Surgery” responds Sushmita Sen as transgender protagonist Gauri, during a first episode interaction in the 2023 web series “Taali”.

The subtle joke lands well due to its duality, as the actor’s been candid about plastic surgery and the character undergoes gender reassignment surgery.

Created by Arjun Singgh Baran, Kartik Nishandar, and Afeefa Nadiadwala Sayed, “Taali” is a dramatized account of the real-life transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, powerfully portrayed by Sushmita Sen. Spread over six episodes, the first edition is almost pitch-perfect in setting the tone for the protagonist’s turbulent journey from a dreamy-eyed boy named Ganesh to the fierce femme Gauri, who fights for transgender rights. From her modulated voice, vibrant rich sarees, and bold red bindis, Sushmita takes the reins of the show right from the outset.

Episode one begins with a brief flashback of a preteen Ganesh, who wishes to be a mother when he grows up and is drawn to feminine things, to the chagrin of his policeman father. We are then introduced to Sushmita Sen as Gauri, one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court case demanding that transgender individuals be legally recognized as a third gender in the country. Maya Rachel McManus plays Amanda, a foreign reporter interviewing Gauri, who begins to tell her gender transformation in a series of flashbacks.

While the make-up team convincingly adds a slight touch of masculinity to Sushmita’s visage for an authentic portrayal of a transgender person, the same cannot be said for the flashbacks where Sushmita herself plays a slightly younger version of Gauri. The make-up screams a gaudy 90s aesthetic, with her face appearing overly cakey, topped off by a horrendous wig that makes her resemble a celebrity impersonator at an 80s disco party. Similarly, Krutika Deo’s portrayal of the teenage Ganesh wasn’t very convincing. Despite the compelling story, the execution falters in episodes two and three. It makes one wonder if the makers should’ve just stuck to showing viewer’s Gauri’s struggles as a trans activist, instead of mawkish depictions of her younger versions.

Nandu Madhav’s portrayal of Ganesh/Gauri’s cop father, Sawant, is stirring. Unlike the typical representations of violent onscreen cop fathers who resort to punishment, Ganesh’s father never hits his son. Instead, he takes him to a doctor, hoping that some pills will help make his son more masculine. So, there’s still cruelty at play, and the fractured father-child relationship stands out as one of the high points of this series.

Sushmita Sen transforms into Gauri in “Taali” (Source: Jio Cinema)

“Taali” gains intrigue and momentum starting from episode 4, when Ganesh’s transformation into Gauri is complete, and she finally embraces her feminine identity through surgery. While many high-profile actors are known to immerse themselves in the practice of “method-acting,” attempting to embody every facet of their character, especially if it’s based on a real individual, Sushmita Sen doesn’t mimic activist Shreegauri’s way of speaking. Instead, she brings her own poise and flair to the character, which significantly enhances her performance. Sushmita transforms from being a simple naïve young transwoman, to an intimidating force to reckon with.

The final episode adopts a distinctly cinematic tone, replete with melodrama and theatrics. Gauri and her community ardently stand up for their rights, refusing to endure the indignities of being treated like invisible outsiders by the heteronormative majority. Ego, anger, wrath, threats, and protests unfold. Yet, a certain disconnect exists between the flashbacks and Gauri’s current legal battle at the nation’s highest court for the recognition of transgenders as a third gender in India. Although the series intertwines Gauri’s intricate relationship with members of her own community, both close friends and adversaries are depicted in a rather generic manner, failing to evoke genuine warmth or chilling hatred. The script does attempt to showcase both sides of the coin – there are trans women aspiring to uplift their lives, while others resist, confined to the oppressed roles of prostitutes and streetlight beggars.

In its endeavour to encapsulate the protagonist’s entire life within six episodes, while also delving into the issue of transgender rights, “Taali” struggles to thoroughly explore its themes of gender roles. Nonetheless, it is a laudable effort towards inclusive representation of sexual minorities. The story concludes on a triumphant note, with Sushmita Sen striding into the sunset as Gauri, a spirited woman of substance, whose actions contribute to a historic chapter in India’s LGBTQ+ history.  

Stream the series on Jio Cinema.

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‘Rakshak – India’s Braves’ Honors Lt Triveni Singh

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Watch on: Amazon Prime Mini TV

The 2023 film “Rakshak – India’s Braves” begins with an inconspicuous scene of a couple seeing their young daughter off at the Jammu Railway station, fussing over the snacks she would need for the journey. This farewell scene is abruptly disrupted by a violent grenade attack, as terrorists take over the station and brutally open fire on innocent civilians. Amidst the smoke and screams that fill the station, a team from the Army’s Rapid Action Unit arrives on the scene to neutralize the terrorist threat. However, before the battle can unfold, viewers are taken a few days back in time to introduce the hero.

Directed by Akshay Choubey, “Rakshak – India’s Braves” is based on the true story of the gallant Lieutenant Triveni Singh, who neutralized two terrorists during the dastardly 2004 Jammu Station attack before laying down his life. Varun Mitra portrays Triveni Singh in this on-screen adaptation, which has been written by Bijesh Jayarajan. The screenplay by Animitra Chakravarti deftly navigates between three narratives: Triveni Singh and the army’s efforts to intercept and neutralize threats; the terrorists’ mobilization of resources and logistics for their attack; and the story of Triveni’s family, who are preparing for his upcoming marriage.

With a crisp runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes, the film does its best to establish its lead character as a young, ambitious, patriotic family man who consistently places his duties to the nation above all else. Varun Mitra gets the maximum screen time and convincingly portrays the valiant Lieutenant. However, his confidently mature delivery contradicts the fact that the real-life Triveni Singh was merely 25 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

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The contrast between the harrowing station attack and the joyful domestic scenes depicting Triveni’s family as they prepare to celebrate their son’s wedding aims for emotional impact. Nevertheless, this contrast disrupts the flow of the tense terror attack unfolding at the station. Instead of integrating fully developed family scenes with dialogues amidst the station massacre, it might have been more effective to employ brief musical montages. Mohit Chauhan and Mrinal Kulkarni are affecting in their brief cameos as Triveni’s onscreen parents, while Kanika Mann portrays the fiancé.

“Rakshak – India’s Braves” is commendable in its avoidance of theatricality and bombastic speeches, while still managing to deliver a poignant narrative of a genuine hero. The film pays a fitting tribute to the memory and sacrifice of Lieutenant Triveni Singh. His life story holds immense value, serving as a poignant reminder of the courageous individuals who dedicate themselves to their nation, willingly risking their lives to protect their fellow countrymen.

You can stream the film on Prime Mini TV.

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Celluloid Patriots: 10 Bollywood Films To Watch On I-Day

If you’re searching for a film to honor India’s Independence Day, we suggest ten Bollywood movies that delve into the heart of the nation’s freedom struggle. These cinematic pieces vividly capture the spirit, sacrifices, and determination of those who fought for India’s liberation. From the iconic narratives of historical figures to fictional tales inspired by the era, most of these films provide a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle that paved the way for India’s sovereignty.

1. Kranti (1981) – Directed by Manoj Kumar, who often incorporated patriotic themes into his films, “Kranti” showcases a fictionalized version of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny and the subsequent efforts to overthrow British rule and attain India’s independence.

2. Sardar (1993) – Directed by Ketan Mehta, this biographical film focuses on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the key leaders during the freedom movement and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs of independent India.

3. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) – Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, this film is based on the book “Do and Die” by Manini Chatterjee and depicts the Chittagong Uprising, a lesser-known chapter of the freedom struggle. Definitely an interesting title that’s worth watching on Independence Day.

4. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) – Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, this film is set during the British colonial era and follows a group of villagers who challenge British officers to a cricket match to escape oppressive taxes.

5. Rang De Basanti (2006) – Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, this movie intertwines a modern-day story with flashbacks to India’s freedom struggle, showcasing the impact of past ideals on present youth.

6. Sardar Udham (2021) – A biographical film directed by Shoojit Sircar that chronicles the life of Udham Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab.

7. 23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002) – Directed by Guddu Dhanoa, this movie portrays the life and execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, highlighting their dedication to the freedom movement.

8. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) – Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this film also delves into the life of Bhagat Singh, emphasizing his ideologies and contributions to India’s freedom Independence struggle.

9. Krantiveer (1994) – Directed by Mehul Kumar, this movie tells the story of a man who stands up against corruption and injustice, reflecting the spirit of freedom struggle in a contemporary context.

10. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005) – Directed by Shyam Benegal, this film chronicles the life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his efforts to rally support for India’s freedom from the Axis powers during World War II.

Life of the Party – Short Film Review

In the wake of his wife Eleanor’s passing, grieving Walter’s attempt to hold a quiet, respectful service are thrown into chaos when a party bus arrives at the front steps of the funeral home...

Directed by Jade Mangine, the 5-minute short animated film, “Life of the Party,” feels like a nostalgic throwback to early 2000s Cartoon Network shows, featuring animation is slightly reminiscent of iconic titles such as “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Johnny Bravo,” and “Dexter’s Laboratory.” The artwork is stark, simple and filled with bright colors.

Protagonist Walter’s plans for a low-key funeral for his wife is just disrupted as the coffin takes an unexpected ride on a party bus, eventually making its way through a pub, with a desperate Walter in pursuit. The music accompanying Walter’s frantic run is similar to the techno dance anthem “Rhythm is a Dancer” by SNAP!, infusing the short film with a burst of energy. It’s a delightful creation that concludes with a valuable life lesson: grief is best overcome when shared.

You can watch the film on YouTube, it’s also embedded below.

Good Night Room Nine – Book Review

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

The mere mention of Slovenia is likely to conjure a beautiful image of the dreamy Julian Alps, the deep blue Adriatic Sea, and charming old city streets. However, the supernatural thriller novel “Good Night Room Nine” by Cody Ray George takes readers to an ominous bed-and-breakfast in the Slovenian wilderness, which transforms into a foggy playground for occult practices and human sacrifices during the night.

Jenny Novak, a full-stack coder, is introduced as the protagonist of this 120-page novella. She is visiting Slovenia to re-connect with her grandfather but decides to start by unwinding at a hotel on her first day, rather than diving headlong into an emotional family reunion. With zero knowledge of Slovenian words, Jenny doesn’t feel very welcome at her bed-and-breakfast, a decaying old building which used to be a boarding house for dogs and is filled with creepy portraits of mastiffs and hounds. Author Cody Ray George vividly describes Jenny’s temporary new stay, which is the primary focus of the story.

The BnB, with its shady history, a staple of local occult legends, and oddly decorated rooms, morphs into a foggy hell-hole for Jenny and its other guests, as the exit stairs vanish, rooms shift, and a potential serial killer lurks in the corridors. While the Slovenian supernatural hotel premise is fantastic, what proves to be a disruptively disappointing twist in the tale is the sudden change of protagonists mid-way through the novel. Just as readers begin to warm up to Jenny’s point of view, watching her scramble to ensure safety for herself and others, an older guest at the BnB takes the forefront of “Good Night Room Nine”. Readers are also presented with war flashbacks of this new protagonist, and depending on the reader, these flashbacks will either feel like annoying breaks from the current tension in the tale or intriguing additions to the character’s backstory.

The banter between all the characters stuck in the strange hotel is amusing, with everybody wary of each other, while some are surprisingly more trusting. Given that most guests are foreigners who don’t know Slovenian, there are plenty of subtle comedic moments due to the language barrier. Since they are all trapped in the same floor, with no means of communication, it almost feels like they are the last people around. Their situation was reminiscent of the dystopian novel ‘The Last’ by Hanna Jameson, where a group of people try to survive the end-of-the-world in a remote hotel.

While the writing in the first half of the novel is crisp, descriptive, and vivid, some of the descriptions in the second half aren’t as straightforward, making it a bit of a struggle to imagine the bizarre proceedings clearly. While the antagonist initially appears as a young human, the story does introduce a supernatural deity-like villain; however, unfortunately, their appearance is too brief, leaving one wanting more. To compensate for the drastic change in protagonist, the author makes amends with readers towards the end. The climax feels like a nightmare finally coming to a close; it’s open-ended and interesting enough to leave readers with their own conclusions.

“Good Night Room Nine” is available on Kindle Unlimited. Click here for GoodReads link.

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Also Read: The Madman’s Library – Book Review (audio version below)