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  • Movies to Watch When Bored: 5 Stories That Pull You In

    Movies to Watch When Bored: 5 Stories That Pull You In

    Sometimes when I open up a streaming app to watch a film, I end up scrolling after only 20 minutes. This isn’t always because there are no good options. Sometimes it’s because I can’t find a good story to get me excited.

    If you’re looking for movies to watch when bored, here are 5 great Indian films. They are all very different. Some will have you hooked because of the mystery, others for the characters, and one will even make you feel like your local restaurant is the most interesting place on earth!

    1. 12th Fail (2023) – All about second chances

    Language: Hindi

    I didn’t think I would enjoy watching someone preparing for a civil service exam so much, but 12th Fail follows Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man from a poor family with dreams of being an IPS officer. However, he faces many obstacles along his journey, including failures, financial issues and lots of moments when it may seem easier to give up.

    This is a great film because it doesn’t make having ambitions sound like a dream. Manoj has no place to sleep, has to work to earn money and study. Seeing the people around him getting on with their lives can be really frustrating.

    Vikrant Massey plays this character very well. He is very warm, but you don’t get the feeling he is perfect. He is very determined but also makes mistakes, which makes the story more touching.

    Watch if: You enjoy inspiring dramas that also have elements of frustration and uncertainty, with very realistic characters.

    2. Ratsasan (2018) – A great thriller

    Language: Tamil

    If you want to get really hooked by a film, this would be the one to watch. Arun is an aspiring filmmaker who joins the police force. Whilst working there, he gets involved in a murder investigation.

    This is such a hard film to stop watching. Every time a new piece of information is revealed, you begin to see things differently. You also begin to feel like you are getting closer to danger. The way the antagonist is portrayed in this film is really unsettling.

    Some parts of this film do fall into cliché thriller tropes, but the tension is well created. The film knows how to make normal scenes seem threatening. The sound design is really good, and you can sometimes get the feeling something bad is about to happen.

    Watch if: You want a tense crime thriller with disturbing truths and an investigation.

    3. Ustad Hotel (2012) – More than just food

    Language: Malayalam

    This is a very comforting film. It follows a young man, Faizi, who dreams of being a chef in Europe. However, things don’t go according to plan, and he ends up working in his grandfather’s restaurant in Kozhikode.

    The main focus of this film is the relationship between Faizi and his grandfather. They don’t agree on much, especially around food and what makes a successful person. Faizi sees cooking as a career and something to help him get out of the country. However, his grandfather sees it in a more personal way.

    I really enjoyed the scenes set in the restaurant. Whilst food is obviously a big part of the story, the people coming into the restaurant and their conversations are also a big part. It creates a lovely atmosphere.

    Thilakan plays the grandfather brilliantly. The scenes with Dulquer Salmaan are some of the best. I would watch them arguing over food forever.

    Watch if: You enjoy family relationships, food, light-hearted comedy and stories that make you think about what success really looks like.

    4. Kumbalangi Nights (2019) – Four brothers with a complicated family

    Language: Malayalam

    This is one of those films that makes you feel like the setting is a character. Four brothers live together in a coastal village in Kerala. However, their home and relationships are far from perfect.

    Saji, Bobby, Bonny and Franky are all very different people. They often argue, don’t like taking responsibility and can struggle to communicate with each other. Whilst this can be frustrating to watch, this is what makes me love this film. They feel like real people.

    Fahadh Faasil plays Shammi in a very different way. I don’t want to give too much away about his character, but watching his actions throughout the film really adds to the story. He is very uncomfortable to watch.

    The visuals in this film are stunning. The setting in a coastal area, with the water and calmer scenes, really helps the story to flow.

    Watch if: You enjoy character-driven films, complicated family relationships and stories that create tension.

    5. Sita Ramam (2022) – Romantic letters

    Language: Telugu

    I love stories with letters. The wait for a reply and uncertainty about what the other person is thinking really make the romance stand out. Sita Ramam has a lot of this throughout the story.

    Set in the 1960s, Lieutenant Ram (an army officer) receives letters from a girl named Sita. They begin to develop a relationship through their letters. However, we also meet Afreen and follow her journey to deliver a letter.

    Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur have such a lovely dynamic. The visuals in this film make the romance stand out. The music sticks with you.

    This is a fairly emotional film. Some parts are very melodramatic, but this isn’t a bad thing. The film knows what type of romance it wants to be and goes with it. I would suggest watching this if you’re in the mood for something heartfelt.

    Watch if: You enjoy period romance, beautiful music and stories with a slow reveal.

    Which Film Should You Choose?

    It really depends on what type of night I’m having. If I want something gripping, Ratsasan would be the one to watch. If I want something calmer, Ustad Hotel is hard to beat. If I want some motivation, 12th Fail would be a good option. Whereas Sita Ramam is better for when you’re in a more emotional mood.

    If you enjoy watching characters slowly reveal who they are, Kumbalangi Nights would be a great choice.

    Sometimes when you’re looking for movies to watch when bored, you don’t need a film full of action or surprises, but just a good story. These 5 films are all very different and will keep you hooked.

    That’s all for now. Happy watching!

  • Kaun? (1999): How Much Can We Trust What We See?

    Kaun? (1999): How Much Can We Trust What We See?

    SPOILERS! Discusses the ending and biggest twists in Kaun?

    I have a couple of issues with the ending of Kaun? (1999). Once you know who the killer is, it makes you look back at the film with knowing eyes. You pick up on her reactions, phone calls and the fact that she didn’t react too well to knocking at the door. Although some parts do make a bit more sense, there are still many unanswered questions.

    Although it’s a great twist to find out she is the serial killer, I don’t feel the most interesting questions are how she was able to trick everyone. I felt the whole time how much of her actions were really planned out. Was she putting on an act all along? Or are we just giving her too much credit because we know the ending?

    Why did she seem the obvious victim?

    When Sameer first arrives, he doesn’t give much reassurance. He keeps asking for Mr. Malhotra and then Qureshi comes in and claims to be a police inspector with a gun. This means we have more questions.

    The woman seems like an innocent character compared to the two men. She is alone, scared and definitely doesn’t want strangers in her house.

    This is where I think I got confused. I was so focused on trying to figure out why the men were there that I didn’t really consider that she could be hiding something.

    When we find out about the serial killer in the news, we start looking for someone who fits the image of a dangerous stranger. Sameer and Qureshi are much more obvious choices.

    However, it doesn’t need to be a perfectly hidden plot twist. All it needs to do is make us look elsewhere.

    Were her actions planned?

    This one is a bit tricky!

    Once we know who the killer is, it’s easy to look back at her actions and assume she was faking them. Her scared expressions, hesitations and odd reactions all seem like they were planned.

    However, was this really the case?

    Although she may have used the situation to her advantage once the men started acting suspiciously, I don’t feel confident that she planned every moment that happened that night.

    Actually, I think this is a better interpretation. She could have been a dangerous person but still reacted unpredictably. She doesn’t need to be the perfect criminal.

    It also makes Urmila Matondkar’s acting more interesting. When I watched the film without knowing the ending, I interpreted her expressions a certain way. Once I knew the ending, I was looking for signs she was hiding something. However, I’m not sure if they were there.

    The phone

    One thing I noticed much more when I watched the film again was the phone.

    She seems to be speaking to her mother throughout the night. Whilst this seems like a natural reaction to being scared, Sameer finds out that the phone line was disconnected.

    This is a very specific detail.

    When she is tidying up after the murders, she still pretends to be using the phone. This made me question if she was faking the phone calls as well.

    Who was she speaking to?

    This is one of the best hints. It makes us rethink an actual action. She may have wanted the men to think she had someone outside of the house to contact. This makes her look like an average woman wanting help.

    It almost seems like an easy thing to do. Phone calls are something very common, so I didn’t really pay attention to it. However, once I knew the ending, it became one of the details I remembered.

    Did she know what would happen when the men arrived?

    I don’t feel like she had everything planned.

    Sameer and Qureshi have brought their own issues into the house. They both have different stories and intentions, and neither seems very easy to deal with. Although she ends up killing them, this doesn’t mean she had everything planned.

    It’s important to note the difference between someone who has planned everything and someone who can take advantage of situations.

    I think she is more of the latter. She seems to be able to adapt to the situation. This could be scarier as you don’t think she has planned everything.

    Also, most of the film takes place in the house. We don’t really know much about her life outside of it and the film doesn’t fully explain her motivations. Whilst I would have liked to know a bit more, it makes sense that they don’t tell us everything.

    Just because we know who she is doesn’t mean we know everything.

    Why does the last visitor matter?

    Probably my favourite part of the ending is the final bell.

    After she has sorted out the bodies and tidied up, another visitor arrives looking for Mr. Malhotra. This is almost exactly the same situation as the beginning.

    However, we know what is in store…

    We cannot be 100% sure the visitor will be killed, but the film doesn’t show us what happens after she smiles. However, it does seem like she is going to repeat her process.

    What also stood out to me was that she looked directly at the camera. We have spent almost the whole film seeing her through the eyes of the other characters.

    Her smile seemed like an acknowledgment. Finally, we know the truth and she is completely comfortable with it. Perhaps she knows how easily we were tricked.

    The visitor has no knowledge. He is about to walk into what seems like a normal house.

    What should we take from the ending of Kaun? (1999)?

    Overall, I don’t feel like there is enough information given to fully explain why she made the decisions she did. We know she is the killer and the phone shows she was making herself look like she was in a fake situation. However, I wouldn’t make the assumption that everything she did was planned.

    I think she is much better at taking advantage of people’s assumptions. Both Sameer and Qureshi gave us plenty of reasons to be suspicious and she distracted us.

    The ending made me question my own actions. I was looking for a dangerous man and she didn’t really have to do much to keep me distracted.

    As for the final visitor, I’m still questioning whether he is about to become another victim or whether they just want us to imagine.

    Either way, I wouldn’t be very comfortable opening the door.

  • Laapataa Ladies Review: Why This Simple Story Stays With You

    Laapataa Ladies Review: Why This Simple Story Stays With You

    In this Laapataa Ladies review we look at how Kiran Rao uses light-heartedness and memorable characters to bring the themes of identity, independence and expectations onto the screen.

    The bride mix-up

    Set in 2001, two new brides, Phool and Jaya are accidentally mixed up during a busy train ride. As both have on traditional bridal veils, Phool gets left behind with Deepak taking Jaya home.

    This is a brilliant mix of confusion and ridiculousness. Deepak arrives in his village with a girl he doesn’t know and Phool is left behind at the train station with no idea where her husbands village actually is.

    The ghoonghat is not just a practical reason for them to be confused it also acts as a visual reminder that they are hiding a lot of themselves.

    Whilst I like the fact that the film brings these conflicting ideas to light, it isn’t that funny. However it is entertaining.

    Contrasting Characters

    One of the best things about this film is the contrasting characters of the main women.

    Phool (Nitanshi Goel) is a kind, curious and initially very dependant character. She hasn’t had many chances to make her own decisions growing up.

    She finds herself in new situations as she was left behind but also has the chance to learn what she can do on her own.

    Jaya (Pratibha Ranta) is a more reserved character. Once arriving at Deepaks house she realises that this mix-up could be her chance to escape a marriage she didn’t want.

    I found the different characters more interesting. Whilst Phool learns so much about what she can do, Jaya already knows what she wants but needs to find a way to do it.

    Both want to find themselves.

    Memorable Performances

    As the main message is so clear, it could have easily felt like everyone else in the film were just there to explain the message. However there are some great characters in this film.

    Manju Maai (Chhaya Kadam) stood out to me. She runs a small food stall at the train station and plays an important role in Phools life after the mix-up.

    I liked that her independence wasn’t portrayed as anything special. She has a job, makes her own decisions and has made a life for herself.

    Ravi Kishan was also a highlight. He plays Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar and adds so much personality to the investigation with his comedic timing.

    Sparsh Shrivastava also played a great character. Deepak isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero and his confusion after losing Phool feels realistic.

    He is an important character as he gets to challenge some of the expectations he has.

    Comedy Tones

    Probably the most enjoyable thing about this film was the tones. It mixes comedy with social commentary but doesn’t feel too serious.

    There are some really funny moments, especially as the characters try to understand what is going on with the mix-up and the police investigation gets more confusing.

    However the comedy often comes from the ridiculous expectations. Whilst the idea that the bride should know her husband from his shoes sounds funny it shows how unreasonable the expectations can be.

    The film uses the rural setting well. The train station, village houses and everyday life gives the film a realistic feel.

    I really like how the train ride leads to two very different experiences for each woman. One gets left behind and the other gets to where she never intended to go.

    Themes Of Social Commentary

    The film touches on some difficult topics such as forced marriages, domestic abuse, dowry expectations and lack of freedom for women. However the world shown throughout is often a more warm and understanding one.

    Many of the supporting characters seem to come along at the right time. The story also has a positive ending with not much focus on the problems they may face.

    I did at times wish they had lingered on some of the more uncomfortable themes but overall the conflicts are easier to solve than they should be.

    However the positivity isn’t lost. The film isn’t attempting to be a gritty social realist drama but is showing a story about women finding opportunities in a society that often doesn’t care about their wishes.

    It is intentionally warm but can sometimes feel a little too convenient.

    Should I watch it?

    Yes! If you enjoy character driven films and ones with a comedic approach to social themes then this is a great choice. It is not a complex story and there aren’t any major plot twists.

    Overall I’m leaving this Laapataa Ladies review on a positive note due to the two main characters. Whilst they don’t have the same story, they don’t need to.

    One learns she can do more than she was taught and the other finds a way to chase her ambitions.

    Overall my main issue is that it can sometimes feel too easy but the strong performances, comedy and message will carry it.

    A simple comedy could have been made from a bride getting on the wrong train however this film shows how women can take control of where they want to go.

    A much more interesting journey!

  • Indian Horror Movies Beyond Jump Scares

    Indian Horror Movies Beyond Jump Scares

    There are many Indian horror movies that I think of that are often more about building up an eerie tension than the sudden scream. These can be anything from a quiet setting, unknown rituals and people acting slightly differently to the usual.

    India has plenty of movies that give that creepy feeling. Whether they use folklore, a scary home setting or are so open to interpretation that they leave you feeling uncomfortable long after they finish. Here are my recommendations of movies that will give you something to really think about.

    1. Tumbbad (2018) – The nightmare of greed

    Language: Hindi

    Director: Rahi Anil Barve

    I would recommend starting here. This follows Vinayak who becomes obsessed with finding hidden treasure. He gets caught up in an ancient, disturbing myth. The setting of this movie is very creepy with lots of rain, rotting buildings and below ground areas.

    What I love about this movie is that it creates this uncomfortable feeling throughout the whole plot. As Vinayak is greedy, he finds himself in dangerous situations because he wants more.

    While it has some gross imagery and sudden jumps, the creepiest parts are the mythology behind it all. The film has an amazing atmosphere and makes you feel greedy, with the visuals meaning the world feels like a nightmare that has been going on for generations.

    Watch if: You love dark fairy tales, creepy mythology and horror with a message.

    2. Bhoothakaalam (2022) – The horror of being stuck in the house

    Language: Malayalam

    Director: Rahul Sadasivan

    This creates a fear of entering dark rooms. However, this movie will leave you wondering what would happen if you couldn’t get out of the room you were in.

    This film follows Asha and her son Vinu who are dealing with a loss within the family and start to experience creepy occurrences. The setting is important here as the creepy feelings come from the emotional issues they are experiencing. The house doesn’t feel scary because it may be haunted but because there is a tension between the two characters.

    I would recommend this to be watched without any distractions. There is a lot of silence, background noise and shadows which really create the tense atmosphere. If you’re scrolling on your phone it will ruin the impact of it. Even simple scenes can make you feel uncomfortable as you don’t know what to focus on.

    This is interesting as there is a lot of mystery around what the characters are experiencing. This means psychological distress and supernatural elements can be merged.

    Watch if: You like psychological horror that builds up slowly, personal family drama and mystery.

    3. Bramayugam (2024) – The creepy house

    Language: Malayalam

    Director: Rahul Sadasivan

    This follows Thevan, a folk singer who gets caught up in a mysterious mansion run by the imposing Kodumon Potti.

    The first thing I noticed about this movie is the black and white cinematography. This makes the movie feel old fashioned. Due to the shadows, textures and tight spaces, the mansion feels threatening. The black and white visuals mean the world feels quite harsh and unfamiliar.

    Mammootty plays a great role here. He plays a character that can be intimidating but he doesn’t shout or make obvious threats. It is quite creepy not knowing what he will do next.

    I also like how there are power struggles throughout. The mansion becomes a place of control, exploitation and power through family.

    Watch if: You love oppressive settings, folklore inspired horror and actors playing simple characters that feel dangerous.

    4. Kothanodi (2015) – Horrifying folklore

    Language: Assamese

    Director: Bhaskar Hazarika

    This movie is a great choice if you want to try something different to the usual Hindi horror recommendations. This Assamese movie uses traditional folklore. It contains many creepy stories about the family, superstitions and strange supernatural occurrences.

    I often find folklore based horror interesting as it doesn’t always follow the rules of modern horror. The horror might not have a clear explanation and the characters may do things that feel scary as they are following a belief that we aren’t fully aware of.

    This creates a really uncomfortable feel due to the mystery. The stories contain many bizarre and creepy situations that feel personal to the characters. This means it isn’t just a supernatural surprise but makes you consider cruelty, tradition and how harmful actions can become normal over generations.

    This may not be the easiest recommendation as it can be quite strange. However, it is interesting to see how strange and morally uncomfortable the stories can be.

    Watch if: You want regional folklore, unique storytelling and horror that doesn’t provide explanations to the uncomfortable parts.

    5. Bulbbul (2020) – Anger filled gothic horror

    Language: Hindi

    Director: Anvita Dutt

    This movie looks very different to the others on this list. It is set in late nineteenth century Bengal and follows a young girl returning to her ancestral home. She soon starts to notice mysterious deaths in the area.

    This movie has amazing visuals with vibrant colours and stunning compositions. However, it also has some cruelty, fear and issues with patriarchal control. This is why I like this movie. It creates a world that looks beautiful but the characters are suffering.

    Instead of having supernatural elements separate to the plot, this movie links it to women and the violence they face. This means the classic revenge ghost has a new meaning.

    I wouldn’t recommend this just for the scares. The gothic style and emotional themes are equally important.

    Watch if: You love dark fairy tales, stunning visuals and supernatural stories with a feminist view.

    6. Churuli (2021) – The world gets confusing

    Language: Malayalam

    Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery

    I would recommend saving this until last. This follows two undercover police officers who enter a remote village to track down a fugitive. As they spend more time in the village, it becomes more confusing.

    This is not a good recommendation if you want everything explained by the end. This has a confusing atmosphere and the creepy feeling comes from the fact the characters don’t fully understand the situation.

    I think this type of horror is interesting as it changes how you interact with the story. Instead of waiting for explanations, you start to focus on what is happening in the village. You become interested in how the villagers are acting and the feeling that something is wrong.

    This can be a challenging watch as it is not your typical supernatural thriller. The story is strange and the content can be quite abrasive. However, this is part of what makes it unique.

    Watch if: You love surreal films, mysterious and confusing plots and stories that leave you questioning what you saw.

    Which Indian Horror Movie Should I Watch?

    Ultimately it depends on what type of fear you enjoy. To start with I would recommend Tumbbad as it includes folklore and a clear main theme. If you enjoy psychological tension then Bhoothakaalam would be a great choice. Bramayugam will give you a darker, more claustrophobic feeling. Kothanodi is definitely worth checking out as it has unique Assamese folklore.

    If you like a gothic story then Bulbbul is a great choice as it combines beauty and violence. Churuli is a wild card as it doesn’t fit into one explanation.

    Overall the most memorable Indian horror movies to me are the ones that make you feel uncomfortable in familiar settings, create an uncomfortable feeling around cultural beliefs or make you question people you thought you knew.

    A jump scare only lasts a second but an uncomfortable idea can stay with you for days. 😉

  • Andhadhun Ending Explained: The Final Clue You Missed

    Andhadhun Ending Explained: The Final Clue You Missed

    SPOILERS! Discusses the ending and biggest twists in Andhadhun.

    My issue with the ending to Andhadhun is that it does leave me a little confused. However, it does leave you with a lot to consider. A walking stick, an empty can and a subtle movement. From the Andhadhun ending explained perspective, this makes me question everything Akash has told us. I think from the ending and how everything plays out, we can assume he may have gotten his sight back, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

    Akash meets Sophie two years after the main events and tells her how he managed to survive. However, I wasn’t fully convinced by his story. Whilst it isn’t impossible to believe, Akash knows how to manipulate people and tell them what they want to hear. He has done it before, so why should we believe him?

    What happens at the end?

    Akash meets Sophie in Europe whilst playing music. He tells her that Dr Swami took him and Simi away in a car. Simi then killed Dr Swami. Later, Simi dies due to an accident involving a rabbit.

    Akash says he survived by not taking up the opportunity to get his sight back via a transplant using Simi’s corneas. He is now living his life and playing music.

    This does sound like a good explanation, however…

    We don’t actually see any of this happen. We only hear it from Akash’s perspective. This is important as nearly everyone has something to hide in this film. I was left questioning whether he was telling Sophie the truth or what he wanted her to believe.

    Not necessarily a lie, but I just couldn’t fully believe it.

    Does Akash really have his sight back?

    As Akash walks away, he is holding a walking stick with a rabbit engraved on it. He then hits the can out of his way.

    My first thought was that he did give himself away. The movement looks very intentional, and it is hard not to link it to his sight. After everything we have seen him do throughout the film, this small movement makes me suspicious.

    However, a blind person can use a walking stick to find things and avoid obstacles. This doesn’t prove he can see.

    If I had no prior knowledge of what had happened, I probably wouldn’t have assumed he had given himself away.

    Overall, I don’t think the can proves anything. It leads you to think one thing, but then you start questioning yourself.

    Did he really take up the offer?

    This is the theory that I struggle with the most.

    Earlier in the film, Dr Swami offers Akash the chance to get his sight back. However, it involves Simi’s corneas in a transplant. This makes Akash seem reluctant.

    However, maybe he changed his mind?

    If he did take up the offer, then this makes the ending quite dark. He could have gotten his sight back and continued to pretend to be blind.

    This makes me feel a little uncomfortable. His initial lie was to help his music career, however, it becomes a survival tactic. If he is still pretending to be blind at the end, he hasn’t really changed his ways; he has just become more cautious.

    Just because he survived doesn’t mean he has become a better person. Throughout the film, he has tried to get out of situations that could put him in danger. Whether he has a clear conscience is questionable.

    However, there is a big issue with this theory. We never actually see him having the transplant. It could be possible, but we aren’t given any confirmation.

    Why is the rabbit mentioned?

    The rabbit is mentioned early on in the film. Then again when Akash is telling Sophie how Simi died. Finally, it appears again as the engraving on his walking stick.

    I noticed this, however, I don’t think it gives us a straightforward answer. It makes the beginning and end link together in a more eerie way.

    The rabbit plays a key role in how Akash survived, according to him. It gives his story a bizarre twist. However, we are left wondering whether he was truthful with Sophie, especially as the rabbit appears again.

    Maybe the rabbit symbolises luck. Something unexpected happened, changing his fate and giving him a second chance at life.

    However, I prefer to think it carries a slightly less positive message. It reminds us that we are still seeing the ending from Akash’s perspective. We don’t know what really happened, and this is what makes the ending stick with us.

    The director has mentioned that the ending was intentionally left open. He has also discussed the rabbit and how it links to the idea of a blind animal being hunted. His comments in this interview with Scroll offer an interesting insight. I think this is a more believable explanation than treating the rabbit as a simple clue about Akash’s eyesight.

    Is he lying to Sophie?

    I think he is probably hiding something. However, I’m not sure everything he said was a lie.

    Akash tells Sophie that he survived, didn’t take advantage of Simi’s death and is back to playing music. Overall, he looks like a pretty good guy.

    If he did get his sight back, pretending to still be blind would help him avoid questions. He could keep his secret and appear as though he hadn’t sacrificed someone to regain his eyesight.

    However, it could be that he is still blind. He may have come to terms with what happened and found a way to carry on playing. The movement could just be a normal action, and we are overanalysing it.

    I don’t want to rule this out just because the other theory is more exciting. There are reasons to doubt Akash throughout the film, but nothing proves he is lying to Sophie.

    Overall, I think this makes me question whether we have become too much like the other characters in the film. We are so determined to work out what Akash is doing that we assume everything he does must mean something.

    What did the director mean?

    Whilst I don’t think we should take what the director says as fact, his comments do help. They explain why the film leaves us with no clear answers.

    In the interview with Scroll, Raghavan discusses the symbolism throughout the film, including the rabbit and the idea of a blind animal being hunted. This connects with how Akash spends the film trying to escape people who have power over him.

    However, knowing what the image means doesn’t necessarily tell us whether Akash has regained his sight.

    This is what makes the ending enjoyable. We can consider what the filmmaker intended without assuming that his comments settle every question.

    So, what does the ending really mean?

    My favourite theory is that Akash has regained his sight and chosen to continue pretending. The movement with the can supports this, and we know from his past that he isn’t always trustworthy. However, that still doesn’t make it certain.

    We can’t be completely sure from the film. He could still be blind, and the movement with the walking stick might be exactly what it appears to be. We are probably overanalysing it.

    Overall, I think the Andhadhun ending explained debate comes down to whether Akash has changed or whether he has simply become better at controlling what others think of him.

    I think it’s the latter. It brings his story full circle, and it makes his survival feel less like a happy ending. It feels as though he is still putting on a carefully planned performance.

    As for the can… I still think he could see it, but I can’t prove it.

  • Maharaja Movie Review: Brilliant or Overrated?

    Maharaja Movie Review: Brilliant or Overrated?

    When it comes to a Maharaja movie review, you need to consider how a stolen dustbin can be used to create a creepy thriller. In this Tamil movie by Nithilan Swaminathan, barber Maharaja reports the theft of his beloved Lakshmi.

    The officers are struggling to believe him, but I wanted to find out why he was so keen to find it back.

    This kept me engaged throughout as the timelines began to intertwine. However, as more twists were revealed, I did have mixed feelings. While Maharaja has a brilliant lead performance, clever storytelling and some great moments, there were times where the script felt more like it was trying to shock than persuade.

    The mystery surrounding the dustbin is stranger than it appears

    As soon as Maharaja brings up Lakshmi going missing, it’s taken seriously. However, the officers appear upset that they’re having to investigate. This created a funny scenario but it felt like it didn’t quite complete the joke due to his determination.

    Why is it so important?

    I kept wondering about this question. Throughout the movie, Maharaja doesn’t appear to be trying to create a dramatic effect. He appears to be very personally determined to find the item which made me wonder if it wasn’t actually about the item but about the people questioning him not understanding.

    The movie sets up a straightforward issue to solve. I enjoyed following along with this as Maharaja seemed like he had a genuine reason to solve the mystery.

    Vijay Sethupathi is the highlight

    One thing I really like about the movie is how he uses silence as part of the dialogue.

    After Maharaja has said everything he needs to say, his face often shows more questions than answers. However, he never feels like a mystery with no answers but instead feels like a calm yet determined individual. This makes even simple conversations entertaining.

    The calmness helps Maharaja stay relatable despite the script trying to treat him like a piece of a much bigger game.

    Throughout the movie, I stayed engaged with Maharaja. Despite some parts making me question the script, Sethupathi provides a good balance between keeping the audience curious and caring about what happens to him. His performance is one of the strongest points in this Maharaja movie review.

    The movie has a great non-linear structure

    One of the best things about this movie is how the non-linear structure works. As the movie progresses, scenes from different times begin to connect. This creates a sense of meaning behind small details. The viewer is being asked to remember what they’ve seen.

    I love this type of storytelling. It was very satisfying to realise how a previous scene needed to be looked at again.

    However, I did notice that as the movie progressed, I became more focused on the script connecting things together. While I was initially trying to understand Maharaja and why he was bringing up such a strange issue, sometimes I was more focused on how the script was connecting things.

    This is an interesting point to consider. The twist should give more meaning to previous scenes. However, sometimes I felt like the twist was just reminding the audience that they weren’t told everything. While the movie does this well on several occasions, it isn’t consistent throughout.

    Some of the twists don’t feel natural

    While the main issue I have with this movie is not that Maharaja wants to try to surprise the audience, some of the twists don’t feel as natural.

    The review in The Indian Express by Kirubhakar Purushothaman questions how contrived the script was. While The Week acknowledges how captivating the complex structure can be, they do note it has some convenient twists. I can understand these opinions. Overall the movie is captivating but there were a few moments where I became more aware of the writer creating a story.

    This is an important point to consider when writing a Maharaja movie review. While having a clever twist should reward the audience for paying attention, I don’t like it when the twist relies on everything feeling very convenient.

    I’m fine with a thriller deceiving me but if the twist relies on the events feeling very convenient then I don’t like it.

    Despite this, the movie does have a good pace to it and many of the connections are satisfying. I just wish it had more confidence in its best ideas.

    The dark themes lack depth

    While the start of the movie may suggest it has an unusual mystery with some funny moments, it does turn quite dark. The violence and trauma become a huge part of the story. I wouldn’t recommend this thriller without mentioning the dark themes.

    I don’t want the movie to make me feel comfortable with the heavy themes. I want to care about the characters suffering.

    While some scenes do show the impact on their emotions, others can feel like they’re using pain as another way to create tension. This can make the impact feel less earned.

    I also found myself wondering whose viewpoint the movie is focusing more on. While there is a lot of focus on the male characters and their decisions, the females who are impacted by the violence can feel like they’re part of the males’ stories.

    This impacts the emotion of the movie. I would have liked to see more of the females who are at the centre of the dark themes.

    Is Maharaja a masterpiece or over-rated?

    Overall I would say it falls somewhere in the middle. I would still recommend it.

    With its unique concept, non-linear structure and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance, it’s an engaging movie to watch. However, the issues become more noticeable when the script focuses too much on surprising the audience.

    Thankfully, Sethupathi keeps the movie engaging despite the obvious structure. He provides a relatable character that no amount of complex twists can match.

    Overall I would recommend Maharaja to anyone who enjoys Tamil thrillers. As the movie has some dark themes, I’d recommend going in with as little knowledge about the plot as possible. This will help you get more out of the movie as the connections come naturally.

    I left feeling impressed but not fully convinced. The issue with Maharaja coming from a dustbin is a brilliantly strange way to start a thriller and Sethupathi provides a core to the mystery that you can care about.

    I just wish the script had had more confidence in its strong points.

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