Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 87
July 18, 2024
Vicky and friends battle new evil in Stree 2 Trailer
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The town of Chanderi is plagued by a new demon! It’s up to Vicky, the town’s beloved tailor, and his friends to rid their hometown of the evil forces at play.
Maddock Films has unveiled the official trailer for director Amar Kaushik’s new horror comedy, “Stree 2,” starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. The trailer opens with Pankaj Tripathi’s character Rudra, a paranormal expert, explaining how Chanderi’s ancient texts warn that once Stree is gone, a different demon would return to haunt its people—a ghost called “Sarkate,” which literally means headless monster. Fans will remember that Stree was a malevolent spirit who stalked men at night, making them disappear.
Shraddha Kapoor reprises her role as the mysterious woman who helped Vicky and his friends battle Stree the last time, but the first film ended with a twist—she left town with the witch’s hair. “Stree 2” reunites most of the original cast to offer viewers another comical ride into the supernatural world. This time, it’s the women who are in danger from Sarkate, the headless ghost targeting the ladies of Chanderi.
Unlike the teaser, the almost three-minute-long trailer perhaps reveals too much about the supernatural twists in the sequel. Regardless, it promises to be a fun and thrilling follow-up. Stree 2 is slated for an August 15 release in theaters. You can watch the trailer on YouTube, it’s also embedded below.
July 17, 2024
We Are Review: Teases Rainbow Sundae, Serves Vanilla
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
When episode 12 of the Thai series “We Are” premiered on GMMTV’s YouTube channel, I was extremely confused while watching it, wondering to myself, “What are the writers doing? How can the last episode be so bad?!” Only to realize that unlike most GMMTV shows, “We Are” is a 16-part drama. Sure, my fault, I am stupid for not noticing this is a longer show, but that only confounded me further, because this unevenly narrated, laid-back college romance about a big group of friends does little justice to its extended runtime. And like I always complain in my reviews of overstretched GMMTV shows, “Moonlight Chicken” deserved a few more episodes, not this one.
Directed by New Siwaj Sawatmaneekul (A Boss and A Babe/My Only 12%/Between Us), “We Are” is based on a novel titled ‘We are… คือ เรารักกัน’ and follows a group of childhood friends, all of whom are in the same university but different faculties, and their romantic lives. So, essentially, there are four couples in the show, although the major focus is on the “enemies to lovers” development between art student Pheem (Phuwin Tangsakyuen) and engineering student Phum (Pond Naravit Lertratkosum). Last seen together in “Never Let Me Go,” the two of them look great visually, and even their chemistry is cute, but the director should’ve given other pairs more time to grow into the series too. For instance, college-themed drama “Only Friends,” which follows three romantic pairs, balances the runtime between its multiple leads more efficiently.
Episode one of “We Are” quickly introduces all its primary characters, led by talented art majors Pheem and his friend Q (Winny Thanawin Pholcharoenrat), who are busy painting new pieces, hoping to gain a spot in an upcoming exhibition. Their group of friends is comical, chaotic, and quite a handful. Over the next 16 episodes, the series explores their friendships and romances. Pheem’s love story starts on the wrong foot when rich, arrogant student Phum accidentally destroys his painting while playing football, prompting Pheem to kick Phum’s balls in anger. Phum incurs a hefty medical bill despite no real harm done to him, and then makes Pheem run errands for him as payment. As the two keep spending more time together, they fall for each other.
Winny Thanawin Pholcharoenrat and Satang Kittiphop Sereevichayasawat play Q and Toey respectively, the second pair in “We Are.” They didn’t stand out much as a couple in “My School President” (now that is a fun show!) and do not impress with their chemistry in this series either. Although they do have the cutest subplot. Winny’s character Q is Pheem’s friend, a talented, popular art major, and he is also a mentor to junior Toey, who has a major crush on Q. Unknown to Q, Toey and he have an interesting connection, and Q’s friends hilariously scheme together to help Toey win over their clueless artist buddy.
Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran and Boom Tharatorn Jantharaworakarn, who were paired in “Hidden Agenda,” get to play the most cringey couple in “We Are.” Aou plays Tan, Phum’s friend, who has a major crush on Phum’s brother Khaofang. Aou is always baby-talking with Kahofang like he is a toddler and behaves like he is in kindergarten. Even though Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran pulls off the role, a better-written character would’ve made Tan and Khaofang’s courtship a lot more likable. The creators simply fail to maximize the pair’s chemistry and reduce their romantic subplot to a comedic story that’s more annoying than funny.
Marc Natarit Worakornlertsith and Poon Mitpakdee are billed as main protagonists but are reduced to supporting characters. The creators could’ve just omitted their romance and retained them as platonic friends. Marc plays Chain, who is a “player” according to his friends in one of the earlier episodes of “We Are,” even though he is portrayed like a regular, friendly guy who isn’t much different from his other friends. Poon Mitpakdee plays the cheery Pun, who is always getting his friends to work in the university, and Marc’s crush on the clueless Pun gets the least amount of time in the series. Both look adorable when they stand side-by-side because they are attractive men, but do they have any onscreen chemistry together? I don’t know because they don’t get enough scenes, and the few that they do are more on the awkward side.
The first few episodes of “We Are” are quite entertaining, especially the friendship dynamics between Pheem’s group, who often hang out together like college kids, play games, watch movies, gossip, and stuff their faces. The most relatable bits where when the friends would simply line-up besides each other to sleep while having a stay-over or bicker over food. But as the plot keeps progressing, the disparity in the way some characters get way more screen time becomes too apparent and made me lose interest in the others. Why have four pairs if you are going to focus largely on just one?
To be fair, there’s plenty of sparks between Pheem (Phuwin Tangsakyuen) and Phum (Pond Naravit Lertratkosum) and their flirting phase is comically-sweet. However, even their romance begins to drag in the second half of “We Are”. The two kiss like a hundred times (okay, don’t get excited, it’s not as many, but at least more than twice) and even then aren’t sure whether the other person likes them. And it happens with another couple too, where they kiss and despite that, one of them is scared his crush has no romantic interest in him, even though it’s his crush who initiates the kiss. This series becomes a boring drag from episode 9 or 10 onward or maybe even before, I can’t recall since it gets pretty forgettable. The creators should’ve just ended it in fewer episodes or hired a better team of writers to tweak the story for its live-action adaptation.
If you’re looking for a simple, silly college romance featuring multiple couples and don’t mind them behaving like they are still in middle school, you might enjoy “We Are”.
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Land of Women Episode 5 Review
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Recap of Land of Women Episode 4: Gala (Eva Longoria) manages to gather enough wine from the women of La Muga to make a special concoction that will help her make money from the winery. But before Gala can get to work, hitmen Hank (Jim Kitson) and Kevin (Amaury Nolasco) discover her location. The men corner Gala, her daughter Kate (Victoria Bazua), and her mom Julia (Carmen Maura) with guns. Meanwhile, in a hilarious twist, the town’s pastor (Joan Pera) announces to the locals that he is quitting priesthood because he thinks he is Gala’s father.
So, it’s the women versus the gunmen! But before we find out what happens with the gunmen, episode 5 of Apple TV’s “Land of Women” opens with a fun flashback of a younger Julia (Helena Ezquerro) and her sister Mariona (Carla Campra) taking part in local festivities. While we already know from earlier episodes that the sisters loved each other dearly until Julia decided to disappear from Mariona’s life, this new flashback further establishes their sibling bond.
In the present timeline, the grumpy old Hank threatens to kill Gala, Julia, and Kate over their attempts to outwit the men. But come on, we know our protagonists aren’t dying yet! The episode focuses on the ever-enterprising Gala getting her family out of the dangerous situation by striking a deal with her enemies. However, with problems brewing at the winery, Gala faces twin challenges: convincing the women to work for her and producing amazing wine to turn her fortunes around.
Episode 5 of “Land of Women” is an interesting mix of fun moments and emotional scenes. Despite its clichéd “sisters falling for the same guy” subplot, the series touchingly explores the sibling bond between Julia and Mariona. Adding a comical twist, Julia’s former lovers Andreu (Pep Anton Muñoz) and the Priest (Joan Pera) band together to settle the mystery of who really is Gala’s father.
There’s some significant progress in Gala and Amat’s (Santiago Cabrera) romantic subplot, but the chemistry between the two actors is colder than the wine they drink. It feels like “Land of Women” should have focused on its women protagonists dealing with their current problems and strengthening their existing relationships, instead of foisting a new romance for Gala. Or the writers should have given Kate a new, exciting crush to woo or be wooed by, for viewers looking for some romantic drama.
For a penultimate episode, this installment is quite entertaining, with some celebratory, cheerful moments towards the climax. Just when things seem to be heating up between Gala and Amat, viewers are left with an unexpected cliffhanger that’s going to significantly shake things up in the last episode of “Land of Women”.
You can stream “Land of Women” Apple TV+
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Supacell Review: Hits A Cool Spot Between Avengers and The Boys
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
It might take more than a few minutes for viewers to get on board with “Supacell,” but once the first episode came to its closing moments, I got goosebumps with the way it ended! It had a fantastic reveal of a dystopian future, with a bunch of superheroes fighting against something. After that, I just couldn’t stop watching this six-episode British superhero show created by Rapman. Its heroes aren’t aliens, gods, demigods, super-rich men, or lab accidents; instead, they are regular men and women, born with unique genes that set them apart from the others.
Tosin Cole plays the primary protagonist Michael Lasaki, a kind, hardworking Londoner with a delivery job, who is looking forward to proposing to his long-time girlfriend Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo). However, Michael’s normal life turns upside down when he is brutally knifed in a South-London neighborhood. Instead of dying, Michael finds time rewinding by a few minutes, which helps him avoid the stabbing. Just when it seems like it could’ve all been a hallucination, a series of events makes Michael realize he can teleport, freeze time for a few seconds, and time-travel! Dude is almost like a Black British Doctor Strange, without having to undergo excruciating training. Michael’s new powers aren’t just scary; he learns Dionne is going to die in the near future, and the only way to prevent the tragedy is by getting some of the other people with superpowers to band with him against an evil organization.
“Supacell” focuses on five different individuals, all of them Black, and how they suddenly discover their superpowers, so we get multiple amusing origin stories. Meanwhile, a shady organization seems to be studying individuals like them in a lab set-up, like how Eleven was under observation for powers in “Stranger Things.” Michael needs to find four other individuals with powers to help him prevent Dionne’s premature demise, and while he doesn’t know it yet, he needs to find them before the evil guys do. Meanwhile, Dionne is on her own quest to decode Michael’s new powers and its possible connection with the missing cases of some Black individuals. Tosin Cole and Adelayo Adedayo have electric on-screen chemistry as Michael and Dionne, so that makes it easy to root for their success.
Tosin Cole and Adelayo Adedayo star in Supacell (Image: Netflix) As an international viewer, some of the colloquial dialogues/phrases were lost on me, although they were largely restricted to the scenes featuring younger character interactions in a troubled neighborhood (high crime rate), all thugs. So I guess it was the gangster slang that was elusive to me. But all the rap and hip-hop music that plays in their scenes is groovy as hell. In fact, most of the “Supacell” soundtrack perfectly complements its gang-wars, violence and superhero shenanigans.
Calvin Demba is Rodney Cullen, a small-time drug peddler who gains super-speed and rightly likens himself to The Flash. Calvin plays the most likable character in the series after Michael. Nadine Mills plays a nurse called Sabrina Clarke, who freaks out when she learns she has telekinetic powers, but it also helps her better protect her sister Sharleen (Rayxia Ojo). Josh Tedeku is Tazer, a volatile young man who is part of a gang that often gets involved in petty thefts and violent fights. When Tazer learns he might have special powers, he tries to use them to become the king of the streets with his thug friends. Eric Kofi Abrefa is Andre Simpson, a divorced dad trying hard to keep his visitation rights, until he discovers super strength.
“Supacell” cleverly illustrates how the first things ordinary individuals will do when they gain superpowers is use it for personal gains. “Making the world a better place” is nowhere on their list. Three out of the five primary superheroes of “Supacell” instantly gravitate towards a life of crime and easy money. Rodney, the Black Flash, starts his own Domino’s Pizza-style offer for his drugs—”get it in 10 minutes or it’s free!” Michael is the only genuinely nice guy among all the superheroes we meet through the series, and he is also the only one who, despite having the coolest abilities, frustratingly fails to use them when necessary.
What might irk some viewers in “Supacell” is the fact that some of its “heroes” are more than flawed. For instance, Josh Tedeku’s Tazer is a young thug who comes from a broken home and is a malevolent killer. He is raised by his grandmother, who laments over how young boys like Tazer are out on the streets murdering their own brothers. It’s the grey shades of its characters that make one think of Eric Kripke’s show “The Boys” (based on the comics by Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson). Although the Supes (short for superhero) in “Supacell” are still just figuring out their powers and aren’t as violent and murderous as the Supes from “The Boys.” So Rapman’s show hits an entertaining spot between the usual superhero stories like “Justice League”/”Avengers” and “The Boys” because its protagonists are neither God-like idealistic idols like Superman or Captain America nor as vicious, unhinged, and homicidal as Homelander.
Episode six, the finale of “Supacell,” ends with Michael and the group taking on the bad guys, but also, it ends with a tragedy that could’ve been easily avoided. It’s one of the dumbest plot twists in the tale, just to give viewers an emotional ending and the protagonists some additional trauma. The tragic twist could’ve occurred in some other manner because the way it unfolds was completely avoidable.
Anyway, despite its sad-dumb climactic twist, “Supacell” is a fun binge-worthy show!
You can stream the series on Netflix.
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July 16, 2024
All You Need to Know About Agatha Harkness for ‘Agatha All Along’
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WandaVision introduced us to many fantastic characters, but none were quite as surprising and delightful as Agatha Harkness! So, she has rightfully gotten her own spin-off series – “Agatha All Along”. And if you haven’t seen WandaVision but are interested in streaming “Agatha All Along”, we tell you who she is, and what makes her tick? Let’s dive into the magical mischief of Westview’s most mysterious resident!
Who is Agatha Harkness? Agatha Harkness, played by the fabulous Kathryn Hahn, starts off as the nosy neighbor, Agnes, in the seemingly idyllic town of Westview. She’s quirky, always popping by unannounced with a cheery smile and a casserole in hand. But as the series unfolds, it’s revealed that Agnes is actually Agatha Harkness, a powerful witch with centuries of magical experience!
Her Backstory: Agatha’s origins date back to the Salem Witch Trials in the late 1600s. Unlike the innocent women falsely accused during that time, Agatha was genuinely practicing dark magic. She even turned against her own coven, absorbing their powers and becoming even more formidable. Fast forward to the present, and Agatha is drawn to Westview by the immense magic radiating from Wanda Maximoff.
Her Role in WandaVision: In WandaVision, Agatha plays the role of the antagonist, though she’s more mischievous than outright evil. She’s been lurking in the shadows, manipulating events and trying to uncover the source of Wanda’s immense power. Agatha’s catchy tune, “Agatha All Along,” reveals she’s been behind some of the weird occurrences in Westview, all while keeping her true nature hidden.
Motivations: Agatha’s main goal is to learn the secret of Wanda’s magic. She’s fascinated by the Scarlet Witch’s ability to warp reality and wants that power for herself. Unlike Wanda, whose powers are driven by emotion and chaos, Agatha’s approach to magic is methodical and calculated. She believes she’s the only one who can truly harness and control such power, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that.
Her Powers: Agatha possesses a wide array of magical abilities. She can manipulate minds, cast illusions, and perform powerful spells. One of her standout abilities is absorbing magical energy from others, which she demonstrates in a dramatic showdown with Wanda.
Why We Love Her: Agatha Harkness isn’t just a villain; she’s a scene-stealer with a wicked sense of humor and a flair for the dramatic. Kathryn Hahn’s performance is a delightful blend of menace and charm, making Agatha one of the most memorable characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether she’s delivering a sassy one-liner or conjuring a dark spell, Agatha makes every moment on screen magical.
So, there you have it! Agatha Harkness is a centuries-old witch with a hunger for power and a knack for causing trouble. Her journey in WandaVision is a thrilling ride of twists, turns, and a catchy theme song that’s impossible to forget. We can’t wait to see where her story goes next in “Agatha All Along”!
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The Boyfriend Episodes 4-6 Review
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Iced lattes, coffees, confessions, and a whole lot of confusion – episodes 4, 5, and 6 of Netflix dating reality show “The Boyfriend” pack in a lot of surprises that weren’t revealed in the opening episodes. For instance, the special guests on the show who comment on the ongoing events of the participants are all pleasantly surprised by the soaring popularity of the sweet, calm chef Kazuto. At least three men actively express their romantic interest in him, the most upfront, active confession coming from the extroverted Alan. And the other two turn out to be good twists.
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Obviously, Kazuto’s rising popularity is well-deserved. He is good-looking, kind, considerate, and makes killer meals for everybody. Those who say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach knew what they were talking about. I thought the coffee truck the guys have been taking turns running on the show would be a short-term thing, but it’s a staple daily activity. Each day, two guys get to sell coffee and cookies from the truck. To shake things up a bit, the producers now ask contestants to raise their hands if they want to join the chosen person for the day to run the coffee truck. It’s both awkward and cute. However, unlike before, where the coffee truck leader could choose anybody to be their work partner, he must pick from those who raised their hands, so if their crush doesn’t volunteer, too bad.
The only couple that got to go on an exciting date in episode 3 of “The Boyfriend” – Dai and Shun – continue to keep everybody in suspense over where their attraction is headed. Well, it’s mostly Shun, who after showing considerable interest in Dai, has turned cold, aloof, and is confusing Dai with his mixed signals. The makers freeze-frame a funny shot of a frustrated Dai who says, “I don’t know what he (Shun) is thinking!” Nobody knows what he is thinking, Dai, don’t worry, you are not along. But all the guest commentators are rooting for Shun and Dai, pretty convinced they are going to end up together. Their reactions are a lot funnier this time around.
Introverted Usak delivers some of the warmest moments in these episodes by finally picking up the courage to express his feelings; not just that, he also surprises everyone with a thoughtful gesture. Until now, his presence only gave some comedic moments on “The Boyfriend,” due to his serious consumption of chicken breast and how his ration had been messing up the daily budget of the contestants. “Objectively it is funny, but for them, it’s a serious matter,” one of the commentators says on the show, while once again the men find themselves discussing how Usak’s chicken intake is compromising their funds.
I still feel like the format of “The Boyfriend” doesn’t allow its contestants to get to know each other better, even though the men have a lot more time than the Korean show “His Man.” While “The Boyfriend” has its participants spending almost a month together in a gorgeous beach-house, some of the other gay dating shows only span a week. And even though each day the men take turns to work on the coffee truck with someone else, they are busy working their orders and don’t get to bond as much as they would if they were the ones having coffee served to them on a date.
Episode six of “The Boyfriend” includes two big surprises. While one participant leaves for good, the men also have a new man joining them in the “Green Room” (that’s the name of their beach house). So, viewers finally get to meet the ninth face, who is a lot different from the current contestants and offers a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, almost everybody – except the new guy and the carefree Dai – are bummed and nearly miserable on a group beach-side picnic that they go to.
There’s love, jealousies, drama, and quite some heartache for the boys, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of their stay turns out.
You can stream “The Boyfriend” on Netflix.
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Wondla’s Main Characters: A Quick Guide
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Whether you’re a long-time lover of Tony DiTerlizzi’s enchanting world in “The Search for WondLa” or a newcomer drawn in by Apple’s animated series adaptation, here’s all you need to know about some of the main characters of the sci-fi fantasy adventure. Wondla introduces us to a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own quirks and charms. From the determined Eva Nine to the wise Queen Ojo, the story is filled with fun memorable personalities.
Eva NineEva Nine is our plucky protagonist. Raised in an underground Sanctuary by a robot caretaker, Eva’s never seen the surface world. When she finally emerges, it’s nothing like the Earth she was prepared for. Eva’s got a strong sense of curiosity and determination, making her a natural explorer. She often feels like an outsider, but her kindness and bravery help her forge deep connections with those she meets. Eva’s journey is all about self-discovery and finding her place in a strange new world, and she’s got a knack for turning strangers into friends along the way.
MuthrMuthr (Multi-Utility Task Help Robot) is Eva’s robotic caretaker, kind of like a high-tech, overprotective mom. Programmed to keep Eva safe and educate her, Muthr is full of knowledge but sometimes lacks the emotional understanding that Eva craves. Despite being a robot, Muthr’s concern for Eva feels almost human, and she’s always trying to balance between letting Eva grow and keeping her out of harm’s way. Muthr’s journey is about learning to let go and trusting Eva to navigate the world on her own.
Rovender KittRovender Kitt, or Rov, is an adventurous, wise-cracking alien who becomes one of Eva’s closest allies. He’s got a rough exterior but a heart of gold. With his extensive knowledge of the strange new world Eva finds herself in, Rovender acts as a guide and protector. He’s seen a lot of hardship, which makes him cautious but also deeply empathetic. Rovender’s past is filled with loss and struggle, but his bond with Eva brings a sense of purpose and renewal to his life.
OttoOtto is a giant, gentle water bear who’s unlike any creature Eva’s ever seen. Despite his intimidating size, Otto is a loyal and caring friend. He communicates through telepathy, which creates a unique bond between him and Eva. Otto’s strength and resilience make him a powerful ally, but it’s his quiet wisdom and gentle nature that truly define him. He adds a touch of wonder and mystery to Eva’s journey, embodying the series’ theme of looking beyond appearances and finding friendship in unexpected places.
Queen Ojo
Queen Ojo, initially known as Princess Ojo, is a pivotal character in the “WondLa” series. She’s a ruler with a compassionate heart and a strong sense of duty to her people. When Eva first meets her, Ojo is a bit mysterious and regal, but it’s clear she has a deep wisdom and understanding of the world. Her leadership style is marked by kindness and empathy, often putting the needs of her kingdom before her own. Despite the burdens of royalty, Ojo remains approachable and caring, forming a genuine bond with Eva. Her presence in the story adds depth and richness, showcasing the complexities of leadership and the importance of alliances and friendships in navigating a tumultuous world.
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July 15, 2024
Stranger Things 5 BTS is Nostalgia Overload
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“So I started when I was 10; I am now turning 20. It feels very weird.”
Millie Bobby Brown, AKA Eleven from “Stranger Things,” reminds us all how much we’ve aged since the first season of the hit Netflix show in the behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage for Season 5! The show premiered in 2016, and with Season 5 expected in 2025, it’ll almost be a decade of Demogorgons and Upside Down adventures.
Fans can rejoice knowing we’ll see scenes with all the original four friends who unraveled the supernatural mysteries of Hawkins— Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair). The four of them are seen Of course Sadie Sink’s Max Mayfield will also be joining them. So will the older familiar cast members, including fan favorites Robin (Maya Hawke), and Billy (Dacre Montgomery), who is like their unofficial best-friend/babysitter.
The BTS footage gives a sneak peek at Day 1 of shooting for Season 5, featuring the beloved cast alongside a few new faces joining them for the grand finale. Everyone looks pumped, and they promise this season will be the biggest yet! Viewers also get a sneak-peak to some of the sets, including the scary upside down. One of the best reveals in the BTS footage is a shot that looks strikingly similar to the iconic lighting sequence from Season 1, where Will Byers uses lights to communicate with his mom, Joyce (Winona Ryder). We might be reading too much into it, but who knows?
At the end of “Stranger Things” Season 4, things got wild. Vecna, the new villain, almost killed Max, leaving her in a coma despite Eleven’s efforts to save her. The gang’s fight in the Upside Down caused a massive quake in Hawkins, splitting the town and hinting at the Upside Down merging with the real world. The season closed with everyone staring at the giant rift, bracing for the chaos ahead.
Maharaja Review: Deceptively Twisty Screenplay Rules this Thriller
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“Maharaja” has the kind of first half that makes you think of action flicks like John Wick, where Keanu Reeves’ character goes on a killing spree against the men who killed his pet dog, the last gift from his deceased wife. But as the plot thickens, the 2024 Tamil action-thriller turns out to be more complex than viewers are led to believe.
Directed and written by Nithilan Saminathan, “Maharaja” stars Vijay Sethupathi as the titular protagonist. After some burglars break into his home, Maharaja reports to the police that his “Lakshmi” is the only thing missing and pleads with them to find her. The police are initially baffled when they discover that Lakshmi is not a person, convinced Maharaja is a sentimental madman for wanting something seemingly worthless. However, his relentless determination to pressure the cops into finding the mysterious Lakshmi convinces them that there is more to the case than meets the eye.
Right from the start, Nithilan Saminathan and his team keep the viewers confused about what “Maharaja” is about. Vijay Sethupathi is introduced as an introverted barber, who raises his daughter Jyothi (Sachana Namidass) alone after a tragedy and is fiercely protective of her. Suddenly, the story shifts gears to a random rich guy making a violent ruckus over someone stealing his expensive sunglasses. After which, the focus is on a different burglary at a wealthy man’s house. So, expectations soar over the different characters and their stories converging at some point.
Anurag Kashyap (AK vs AK/Bad Cop/Haddi/Kuttey) plays one of the primary antagonists in the tale, a two-faced thief called Selvam, who carries out burglaries with his friend and often cooks meals at the homes of his victims. Selvam and his friend are creepily ordinary, and Selvam’s deviant side is camouflaged by his regular family life – he is a doting father to a toddler who runs an electrical supplies shop in the day. Selvam isn’t the typical blustering, loud villain we see in action movies, so it feels like a lot of other actors could’ve played the part. What’s interesting is how the characters of Maharaja and Selvam are portrayed like two sides of the same coin. They’re both doting fathers, willing to go to any lengths for their family, but while Maharaja is a law-abiding citizen (at least until the burglary incident at his home), Selvam is a thieving brute. Vijay Sethupathi, on the other hand, is riveting as the reticent Maharaja, a man of few words, who is made to dance around in circles by the cops, but he never gives up on his hunt. All the actors who play corrupt cops taking Maharaja for a ride are excellent in their bit parts.
If there’s one thing that’s irksome about “Maharaja,” it’s some of the unnecessary violence, like in the scene where a wealthy man beats a poor mechanic to a pulp just because he suspects the man of stealing his sunglasses; or another scene where a man lands a tight slap on his wife’s face in front of the cops over a burglary that occurs in their house. Both these scenes could’ve simply been deleted and instead, the makers could’ve given viewers more action scenes with Maharaja facing off with the bad guys. The few brutal action scenes Vijay Sethupathi does get to play are quite killer. The soundtrack accompanying the fight scenes and the rest of the runtime is barely noticeable, which is fine, it neither stands out, nor disappoints.
The story and the screenplay for “Maharaja” are what make it an entertaining action-thriller, and the trick to its good climactic twists lies in the fragmented focus on different characters, along with a non-linear timeline. Much like how George Kutty/ Vijay Salgaonkar paints their own picture for the police in the thriller “Drishyam,” Nithilan Saminathan cleverly deceives the viewers through Maharaja. While I was becoming restless with the way the story was unfolding in the first half, I didn’t see one of the biggest twists in the tale coming. It’s the kind of thriller where you don’t even know there was supposed to be suspense, not until the twist is thrown at you. It’s a slyly constructed tale, where the director takes the risk of tiring out viewers who’d expected a more serious tale because it begins like an absurd action-comedy, and then becomes somber and tragic without warning.
Much like Rajinikanth’s action-thriller “Jailer”, Vijay Sethupathi’s “Maharaja” too treats viewers to not one but multiple surprises in the end, although their nature is very different. The primary conflict in “Maharaja” stems from a misunderstanding, which feels underwhelming, especially considering the horrifying consequences that are a result of one angry man misreading a situation. But one of the final twists in the film almost elevates it to a Greek tragedy, where both the hero and the villain are subjected to a mortifying truth that changes their lives forever. The climax is distressing but satisfactory and the patient viewer is rewarded with poetic justice in the end.
Stream Maharaja on Netflix.
Enjoyed Trigger Warning? You might like these 5 titles on Netflix too
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Jessica Alba’s 2024 action-thriller “Trigger Warning” has met with a lot of mixed reviews, but a lot of viewers are pretty impressed with the movie. It topped Netflix viewing charts around the world for a bit, and if you found it entertaining too, here are some more movies led by women who take on the bad guys. Fans are divided over these titles, some love them, others hate them, so we’ll list the both the pros and cons for you!
1. The Mother
Plot Overview: Jennifer Lopez plays a reclusive assassin who is forced to come out of hiding to protect the daughter she gave up after birth.
Why You Might Like It: If you’re a fan of intense action scenes and strong female leads, Jennifer Lopez delivers a powerful performance that’s both emotional and thrilling.
Why You Might Not: The plot can be a bit predictable and some might find the storyline a tad cliché with its familiar “protecting the child” trope.
2. Wingwomen
Plot Overview: This movie follows the adventures of three best friends who are also skilled thieves. They plan to leave their life of crime behind after one last heist, but things don’t go as smoothly as they hoped.
Why You Might Like It: If you enjoy heist movies with a comedic twist and strong friendships at the core, this movie offers a fun and engaging ride.
Why You Might Not: The humor might not land for everyone, and some might find the plot a bit thin or predictable.
3. Furies
Plot Overview: Set in Vietnam, “Furies” follows three vigilante women who band together to take down a crime syndicate that’s wreaking havoc in their city.
Why You Might Like It: The movie offers intense action sequences and a unique setting, with strong performances from the lead actresses.
Why You Might Not: The violence can be quite graphic, which might not be suitable for all viewers, and the plot might feel a bit rushed at times.
4. Damsel
Plot Overview: In this fantasy adventure, Millie Bobby Brown plays a young woman who is betrothed to a prince, only to discover that she’s actually being sacrificed to a dragon.
Why You Might Like It: Fans of fantasy and adventure will appreciate the imaginative storyline and Millie Bobby Brown’s captivating performance.
Why You Might Not: Some viewers might find the fantasy elements a bit over the top or the plot too predictable.
5. Interceptor
Plot Overview: A tough military officer, played by Elsa Pataky, is the last line of defense at a remote missile interceptor base when it comes under attack.
Why You Might Like It: If you’re into high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat action with a strong female lead, this movie delivers plenty of suspense and thrills.
Why You Might Not: The plot might seem far-fetched to some, and the character development could feel a bit shallow.
Happy Streaming!
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