I hardly go to the theatre these days compared to my teen years, but I constantly surf OTTs to find the best content that keeps me entertained.

I watched quite a handful of movies and shows in the last 20 days; sharing my opinions on a few (also: if there are any spoilers, I will mention to skip that paragraph, so don’t worry about the spoilers and just keep reading <3)

Laapata Ladies (2024)

Laapata Ladies is one of the most soulful and cute stories I have ever watched. It made me smile, cry, and feel happy for the characters in the ways I decided to write about.

I love many things about the movie—where do I start? The native vibe, the subtle humour (and emotions), fewer but purposeful characters, beautiful acting, and incredibly cute, sharp, and impactful dialogue writing—the film is as perfect as it could get. I won’t usually insist people on watching what I like, but with Laapata Ladies, I do.

Skip to the next movie to avoid spoilers:

One of the metrics that determine how much I love a film is how many times I am willing to rewatch a few scenes from the film. I don’t usually rewatch the entire movie, but I occasionally revisit my favourite scenes.

With Laapata Ladies, a few moments have my heart:

• Phool trusting Deepak will find her at any cost and not doubting him for a second - even when everyone around her thought otherwise

• Deepak saying “I love you” to Phool and her reaction

• Manju Maai having Kalakand after Phool reached her home. Loved how she went from believing she has nothing to be happy about to celebrating Phool’s return with a little sweet

• Entire police station drama in the climax (it’s a little over dramatic, but what’s a cinema if it’s not cinemaing)

• AND MY FAVOURITE LINE OF ALL - when Deepak says “Sapne Dekhne Ke Maafi Nahi Maangte” to Jaya

Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022)

I have seen many thriller series and films, but the nativity of the story and the calm crime heads distinguish Khakee from the rest. It just felt different. It was subtle - it did not have the masala to give dopamine - yet it is engaging in so many ways.

The series is based on how an IPS officer posted in Bihar caught one of the most wanted criminals. I liked how the makers gave enough screen time to both the protagonist and antagonist to understand both sides of the coin. I doubt if the over-glorification of the officer (that I felt) took away the story or the villain’s substance a little because the book is from the officers’ POV, but it’s a well-made series nonetheless.

Manjumal Boys (2024)

Brooooo isn’t it great?? WHAT A FILM!!

Cherry on the top, I watched it in the theatre—and it’s a film that needs to be watched in the theatre. I was worried people might forward the movie or not enjoy the music to its fullest on OTT. Turned out, I am happy I was wrong and the OTT release received equal love. What makes my experience even more memorable is I got to watch the movie with the boy gang.

Skip to the next movie to avoid spoilers:

The story is no surprise. Anyone who knows the real story or has seen the trailer understands it is about rescuing a friend who slips into a cave. But the visuals, acting, and music - let me emphasise it - MUSIC turned a predictable story into a suspense-filled movie.

Like lakhs of viewers, I loved the integration of saving Subhash and Kanmai Anbodu Kadhalan in the climax - it’s just too good; no doubt it’s trending. The Telugu version is one of my favourite songs growing up, and it was soooooo delightful listening to it again on the big screen.

Shaitaan (2024)

Films like Shaitaan are rare. I won’t say it’s an extraordinary film, but it’s gripping and gave me a totally new experience of horror/thriller. I’d recommend watching it alone at night or with one other person max.

PS: It’s not that scary. More like disturbing.

Madhavan’s acting was insanely good, but [SPOILER ALERT] I felt the climax didn’t justify the buildup. I’d have loved to know Vanraj Kashyap's backstory and why he did what he did - they mentioned the reasons in some form, but they’re unclear, making me lose the connection with Madhavan’s character.

Despite all this, Shaitaan is worth your time.

More Recommendations:

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That’s all I have for this week! See ya next Sunday ❤️ 

Love,
Vikra