We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha: One of our fave onscreen jodis, Ajay Devgn and Tabu reunite for the ninth time—after ‘Bholaa’ and ‘Drishyam 2’—in this melodrama. They play lovers Krishna and Vasudha who were separated in their youth. As Krishna returns from his time in jail, after 23 years and meets Vasu and her husband (played by Jimmy Sheirgill)—the two former lovers rekindle their relationship. The film is directed by Neeraj Pandey.
Unfortunately, reviews are bad. The Hindu writes: Promising to be rousing in its simplicity, it turns out to be a boring, dated, and, at times, inadvertently amusing experience.” Indian Express says the same thing in different words—“instead of being fresh, it feels dated, a vehicle unworthy of its star pair.” Sigh. Our take: We are big fans of both Ajay and Tabu. Enuf said. Watch the movie in the theatres near you.
Ulajh: Releasing ahead of Indepence Day, this espionage-thriller movie is from the makers of ‘Raazi’ and directed by Sudhanshu Sari—best known for his indie film ‘Loev’. Janhvi Kapoor plays a third generation IFS officer named Suhana, posted in London. She finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy involving her personal life and national secrets. Also seen in prominent roles: Roshan Mathew, Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang, and Meiyang Chang.
Reviews are kinda bad but they all agree that Janhvi holds it together. Indian Express is disappointed because “a fine ensemble [is] left to fumble through an amateurish plot-line.” Scroll says “intelligence of the espionage kind is in short supply.” Our take: We would like to see a spy movie that goes beyond mindless action and violence. The film was released in theatres yesterday.
Women in Blue: This Spanish series is inspired by true events. Set in Mexico City in 1971, a serial killer who targeted women was amok. In desperation to catch him, the police invited women to work undercover to bring the murderer in. The crew comprises a housewife named María (Bárbara Mori), her sister Valentina (Natalia Téllez), a fingerprint analyst Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), and Gabina (Amorita Rasgado).
Reviews are great. Variety, off the bat, calls it “a fantastic serial killer mystery” and “smart and reflective.” The Guardian is of the view that: “[I]t is the awkward mishmash — of comedy, terror, frustration and the banal brutality of the patriarchy — that helps ‘Women in Blue’ feel vital and ring true.” Our take: Did someone say true crime? Sign us up! You can stream it on Apple TV+.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: Based on a BookTok-recommended YA fiction series of the same name by Holly Jackson, this series follows a teen named Pip (Emma Myers of Tim Burton’s ‘Wednesday’ fame) and her attempt to unmask the real killer of Andie Bell, as part of her high school senior project. The only problem: Andie died five years before this story takes place, and her boyfriend at the time had already confessed to murder. But no body, no crime, right? Oh did we mention, it has only six episodes—and all under 48 minutes!
Reviews are a mixed bag. ScreenRant concludes it doesn’t compare to the books but “makes for a perfectly fine Saturday binge-watch.” Hollywood Reporter says it’s entertaining with “traces of everything from ‘Nancy Drew’ to ‘Harriet the Spy’ to ‘Veronica Mars.’” Our take: We like that it is a short and engaging watch. You can stream it on Netflix.
Modern Masters: S. S. Rajamouli: This is a documentary film on Rajamouli garu—the blockbuster filmmaker who made ‘RRR’ and the ‘Baahubali’ franchise. The film interviews him, his family, and rest of the film fraternity including directors James Cameron and Joe Russo, and actors Prabhas, and Jr NTR.
There are no reviews yet. Our take: it’ll be interesting to look at how a celebrated film director, who creates larger than life films, lives his life. You can catch the docu on Netflix.
Batman: Caped Crusader: Another Batman origin cartoon? Yes, but also, not quite. This one’s set in a Gotham City resembling 1930s Los Angeles. The villain is a female version of the Penguin and Harley Quinn, who both gang up against our antihero in a 10-episode animated series. The rest of the story follows the usual Batman saga. FYI, Matt Reeves—who directed the Robert Pattison version of ‘The Batman’ in 2022, is one of the producers.
The reviews are great! USA Today says “this cartoon Batman might be the most sensitive, nuanced version of the hero you're likely to see.” The Guardian also writes that it’s “a highly satisfying, bat-to-basics take on the hero.” Our take: You can’t go wrong with a ‘Batman’ binge. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
Here’s a new chapter…
Unstable Season 2: The real life father-son duo Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe are back as Ellis Dragon and Jackson for a chaotic season involving succession in their biotech startup. There’s a new GenZ intern in town and some very old board members who are looking to replace Ellis. The new season dropped on Netflix.
Fresh off the screens…
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: The latest instalment in the ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise is finally on OTT! Directed by Wes Ball—best known for the ‘Maze Runner’ trilogy—the story takes place many years after Caesar, the leader of the apes, has defeated the humans. The movie focuses on the new ape civilization, its emerging tyrannical ruler, and humans living in the shadows. You can watch it on Disney+ Hotstar.
