We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Shaitaan: Horror enthusiasts, this one's for you! In this thriller, Ajay Devgn and Jyotika play a married couple with two kids on a trip in a farmhouse. Like good samaritan they invite a stranger into their homes who turns out to be an occultist Vanraaj (R Madhavan) who takes control of their daughter Janvi (Janaki Bodiwala) and makes her do heinous acts.
The reviews are not that good but not that bad either. The Hindu says that the film “generates some genuine moments in eerie situations” and praises Madhavan that he “makes sure that one shuts the door the next time one comes across a smooth-talking stranger.” Hindustan Times concludes: “If a raucous and mildly unsettling hostage drama with a more than mildly entertaining R Madhavan is enough for you, go watch it.” Our take: Some of the scariest horror movies are the most predictable and plausible ones so we think this might give us the scare. Watch ‘Shaitaan’ in your nearest theatres.’
The Regime: This is a satirical comedy series set in a fictional country in Central Europe. It follows the quirky Chancellor Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet), an authoritarian leader who rules through surveillance, charisma and violence. Her power is collapsing, the nation’s economy is falling, but Elena is delusional about an illness that doesn’t exist. All of her advisers indulge her whims and what follows is an idiosyncratic dynamic between a dictator and all those around her.
The reviews suggest that the mini-series is mediocre. Variety says that Kate Winslet’s performance “reigns over” the series. The Washington Post considers the show to be “unsure of what it’s doing” but still manages to be hilarious. Our take: We love Kate Winslet, and can’t wait to see her in a comedic role. The series is available to watch on JioCinema.
Showtime: What does a Bollywood studio and producer’s life look like? Is it filled with glamour too or just petty politics? Find out in this new series which is focussed on the insiders who package the Bollywood we see on our screens—headlined by Emraan Hashmi, Mahima Makwana, Mouni Roy and Naseeruddin Shah. The self-aware themes of the show include the role of nepotism and the PR stunts that impresses no one but the producers.
Reviews are decent considering that only four episodes are out. Scroll writes: “The series fares well when it aims for low-hanging fruit, such as the silly things that Bollywood people do because they can’t see beyond their noses.” According to NDTV: “Showtime is a well-packaged, consciously calibrated confessional” that “puts Bollywood under the scanner.” Our take: We find it funny that the show is co-produced by Karan Johar. TBH we want to watch only the parts that stars Naseeruddin Shah! The series is on Disney+ Hotstar.
Damsel: Are you in the mood for a period film, fantasy or survival drama? Don’t worry, Millie Bobby Brown—of ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Enola Holmes’ fame—has got all these genres covered in her latest project. ‘Damsel’ is about a goody two shoes who gets her handsome prince—but her fairy tale ending is marred with sacrifice she never chose to bear. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive. Hence signalling that this damsel is not in distress!
NGL reviews are a bit disappointing. New York Times says: “‘Damsel’ isn’t bad, but it feels a bit gnawed upon.” And that the “movie leaves plenty to be desired.” Variety puts it more objectively: “Deliciously improper at times, ‘Damsel’ adheres to codes that can feel a bit calculated, less organic than crafted in response to a newly progressive corporate agenda.” Our take: We have enjoyed Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayals on screen and will give this one a chance too. The film is on Netflix.
The Gentlemen: Nope, this is not Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film starring Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant—but a new TV series with a similar premise but different story also directed by Guy Ritchie. The story follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James) who unexpectedly inherits his father’s country estate and discovers that it is part of a huge cannabis empire wanted by Britain’s criminals. He has to keep the empire safe for himself and his family.
Reviews are okay. The Guardian notes: “It’s a slightly underpowered Ritchie film on TV. If you like his films, you should watch it.” Screen Rant writes: “The Gentlemen is uneven, but “genuinely enjoyable.” Our take: We will be sitting in front of the TV scrutinising how different the show is from the original! The eight part series is also streaming on Netflix.
Ricky Stanicky: Remember movies like ‘Dumb and Dumber’, ‘Hangover’ and ‘Tag’ which celebrate the ‘boys gang’ and their journey to growing up post marriage? If you want the rush of that nostalgia, this movie is for you. Here, three childhood friends Dean, JT, and Wes (Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler) use the name of a fourth imaginary member—Ricky Stanicky—to bail on family plans. But when their lie is about to get caught, they hire a failed actor-turned-upcoming wrestler to play Ricky (John Cena). FYI: the movie is directed by Peter Farrelly who won an Oscar for ‘Green Book’ in 2019.
In a plot twist, reviews praise John Cena’s performance. Variety says “Cena has proven himself this movie’s MVP.” The Guardian writes: “Cena as Rod/Ricky is the only endearing character in the bunch, so it’s a bit entertaining when he kills it as Stanicky.” Our take: This movie seems like one of those wacky movies you can watch only with your friends. The movie is streaming on Prime Video.
Queen of Tears: Kdrama fans, rejoice! Starring the A-listers Kim Soo Hyun (best known for 'It's Okay Not to Be Okay') and Kim Ji Won (best known for ‘My Liberation Notes’) as a complicated couple Baek Hyun-Woo and Hong Hae-In. He hails from a small town while she is the daughter of the conglomerate’s head. They were once married but now he works under her and has to deal with her arrogant ice cold behaviour.
There are no reviews for the show. Our take: The story isn’t anything new—but we are drawn in because of the impressive cast. First two episodes have dropped on Netflix.
Here’s a new chapter…
Extraordinary Season 2: This is a hilarious sitcom set in a world where everyone gets wacky super powers when they turn 18—except the protagonist Jen (Máiréad Tyers). In season 1, she tried out all sorts of things to discover her super powers—making friends with the outcasts along the way. In this one she and her friends do all sorts of things—including therapy—to keep their lives from falling apart. The series dropped on Disney+ Hotstar.
Fresh off the big screen…
Argylle: This is Matthew Vaughn’s newest spy thriller featuring the oddest cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill and Sam Rockwell—plus cameos from Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose and John Cena among others! The plot is a bit underwhelming: a spy novelist whose stories come true so she finds herself kidnapped by her own characters to pressure her into finishing her espionage novel. Granted, the reviews were not kind but maybe the perfect watch for a chill weekend at home? Watch it on Apple TV+.
Merry Christmas: Speaking of odd cast, the Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sehtupathy-starrer ‘Merry Christmas’ makes its OTT debut this weekend. Helmed by ‘Andhadhun’ director Sriram Raghavan, the film is set in 1980s Mumbai and unfolds when two strangers Albert and Maria meet on Christmas eve and get entangled in an even stranger night involving a homicide. The film builds up like a Hitchockian movie. You can stream it on Netflix.
Laal Salaam: Need more options? Thalaiva Rajnikanth comes to the rescue! Though he has a small cameo. The movie is a socio-political drama that follows two talented cricketers from two different faiths who get caught up in the communal tensions and politics of their town. It is available to stream on Netflix.
