We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
The Great Indian Family: This family comedy is the latest Yash Raj Films production that stars Vicky Kaushal and Manushi Chillar. It follows Ved Vyas Tripathi (Vicky Kaushal), a deeply religious Hindu man and bhajan singer who discovers that he is actually Muslim by birth. He is then shunned by his family, and looks to rebuild his life again.
The reviews are mixed. Mint Lounge says the movie is “neither incisive or funny enough to do much justice to its tricky premise” while The Hindu praises Vicky Kaushal’s performance as he “shines in this sharp drama”. Our take: We love Vicky Kaushal’s performances and this one promises to be an entertaining watch together with the family.
The movie is out in theatres!
Jaane Jaan: This is Sujoy Ghosh’s anticipated adaptation of the Japanese novel 'The Devotion Of Suspect X' by Keigo Higashino—starring Kareena Kapoor, Vijay Verma and Jaideep Ahlawat. The movie is set in the hill town of Kalimpong. Maya D’Souza (Kareena) is a single mother and suspected of a murder by police officer Karan Anand (Vijay Verma) and Naren (Jaideep Ahlawat)—her neighbour knows a secret about what went on.
All reviews applaud the trio’s performance. While Indian Express feels Kareena Kapoor both the film’s strength and its weakness, The Hindu says Jaideep Ahlawat steals the show. But FilmCompanion hates the ending of the film and writes: It’s very engaging in real time; the staging and mood and performances keep you hooked. But the second it ends, the whole experience seems shallow.” Our take: We love good murder mysteries and this one looks promising because of the source material and the talented cast and crew. You can watch the movie on Netflix.
The Continental: From the World of John Wick: This is a short spin-off series from the popular ‘John Wick’ saga. The three-parter will look at the origin story behind the world of The Continental—that serves as a haven for international assassins. ‘The Continental’ is set in the 1970s and acts as a prequel to John Wick. You will see younger versions of familiar characters like Winston Scot and the concierge Charon.
The reviews are mixed for this one. The Guardian says the series will be loved by action junkies, “Like Wick himself, it does the job efficiently and with a dash of wit”. But the Hollywood Reporter questions the casting decision of old star Mel Gibson as a villain in this series, “his presence lends a sour note that many viewers will find outright intolerable”, while saying that the series is “decent but for the unbearably casting choice”. Our take: We are big fans of the John Wick franchise and this one will be an enjoyable watch for those who just want that familiar action thriller. The first episode dropped yesterday on Amazon Prime Video.
Sukhee: Shilpa Shetty is back playing the titular role of ‘Sukhee’ where she is a dedicated homemaker whose world revolves around the routine of taking care of her family and fulfilling all obligations of being a daughter, mother and a wife. She receives an invitation to her school reunion and this offers a break from her monotony by reconnecting with her old friends in Delhi. The film follows her adventure of going back to the reunion in Delhi and how it changes her dynamics with the family.
The reviews are not promising. Mashable says that most homemakers will not be able to relate to this film and that the movie is worth skipping. OTTPlay however notes that despite its loopholes the movie is simple, well woven and “leaves you with a smile on your face”. Our take: We wanted an emotional but light-hearted watch, and this fits the bill. You can watch the film in the cinema halls around you.
Still Up: This is an upcoming British comedy series with eight episodes that are set in the after-hours world of insomniacs Danny (Craig Roberts) and Lisa (Antonia Thomas) who bond over their shared challenges in life and slowly develop feelings for each other.
Reviews are good. LA Times concludes: “Sweet without being sentimental, sharp but never nasty, ‘Still Up’ entertains questions of fate and timing that in the end make the comedy powerful and moving.” The Guardian calls it “delightful” and “charming” where “the characters actually talk to each other, and it’s really, really good.” Our take: The plot is cuing us into this one. Besides, we can’t say ‘no’ to a good rom-com. You can catch the show on Apple TV+
Song of the Bandits: Here’s your weekly fix of Kdrama. Set in the 1920s, the plot revolves around the outlaw Koreans who have escaped to the Gando region in China during the Japanese occupation and band together for liberation of their people. The main leads are Kim Nam-gil who was recently seen in ‘Through the Darkness’ and Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun.
Our take: While reviews are not out yet, we are intrigued by this western inspired mystery concept and will definitely be tuning in. The series is on Netflix.
Cassandro: Cassandro is based on the true story of Luchador Saúl Armendáriz—the homosexual cross-dressing amateur wrestler in the Mexico wrestling circle. Directed by Oscar-winning—Roger Ross Williams—this story of the profoundly unusual athlete looks deeply into his journey with all the razzle-dazzle.
The reviews like the movie and Gael Garcia Berna’s performance. Rolling Stone praises the vulnerable narrative of the film and Gael Garcia Bernal’s portrayal as Luchador. Variety says how the movie “nimbly maneuvers past the clichés” and delivers a respectful biopic. Our take: We loved this one for the unique insight it provides into Saul’s journey with his sexuality. Cassandro has been available on Amazon Prime Video since yesterday.
Here’s a new chapter…
Sex Education Season 4: The coming-of-age series which uses sex therapy at the centre of its stories, opening up a larger discussion on gender, desire and self image (and more), is in its anticipated final season. We are super excited to see how our faves—Otis, Eric, Maeve, Adam and Aimee adjust to their first year of college.
As for our main character Otis Milburn: with Maeve studying in America, a new student sex therapist on campus and baby in the house, how will he find the balance in all that he is looking for? Also, we have an exciting addition to the cast: Schitt's Creek’s Dan Levy! The fourth season dropped on Netflix on Thursday.
Fresh off the big screen…
Love Again: The Celine Dion and Priyanka Chopra starrer rom-com is available to watch on home screens now. The plot reminds us of classic chick flicks that have improbable circumstances that bring two opposite people together—journalist Rob Burns (Sam Heughan) gets relationship advice from Celine Dion on how to meet Mira (Priyanka Chopra) who has been sending naughty texts to his phone—while grieving her dead fiancé.
