We saw some movies in theater and a lot of movies on TV. But this list is only about the ones that stick on the mind.
Generally, a lot of hit films can only be watched in theaters. On TV or phone screen, in the middle of daily life struggles, they loose their magic or we don't have the patience to gobble a mammoth. Like Sholay, Kantara, RRR and everything in between.
TULU
Circus - Georgia's Bunts Sangha organized a showing of Tulu movie Circus staring Roopesh Shetty, Bolar and more familiar faces. Was a good experience and unique one for my kids.
Entertaining, clean, masala movie with twists and full of Tulu humor. I personally know 5 teenagers who were reluctant to come, but by the end of movie they were all laughing. That’s the power of communal movie watching in theaters.
KANNADA
Achar & Co - full on old world Bangalore nostalgia.
Kshamisi Nimma Khaatheyalli Hanavilla - Diganth movie. Movie where an underdog fights his own case in the court of law on an issue others think are minor inconvenience.
TAMIL
Gutta Khusti - fun movie even for the one with dealing with toxic masculinity. Maybe because they covered a hundred perspectives via the numerous side-characters each with their own angle.
Thiruchitrambalam - Dhanush & Nitya in a sweet film with numerous conflicts and all resolving one by one.
MALAYALAM
Gold - was uneven in the spread of comedy or crime caper.
HINDI
Great ariel stunts. Theatre was blurry so, not sure if CGI or real. Katrina stunts were perfect. This is almost the only Hindi franchise movie where they continue the females lead.
No catchy good songs; maybe only the end credits one. They kill off many important characters.
Collateral damage killings were massive as expected; they put mask on all like stormtroopers.
The only unbelievable part was every sequence hero takes the long route of escape, when he could just turn around & leave fast. Again & again. On paper its supposed to show MC Herogiri; like when bullets never touch him.
Anyway, Tiger 1 (Ek Tha Tiger) is always the best.
Rocky Rani Ki Prem Kahani - Saw in theatres within the 2nd week, so to avoid all spoilers showing up in SM. Didnt need word-of-mouth or reviews to decide on this movie; trailer was enough. It was obvious from the trailer what to expect and so went to see exactly that. Needed this type of entertainer as its a rare thing nowadays.
Went for Alia's sarees, blouses and jewelry, Ranveer's sweetness and movie's drama. Lot of camoes for eye candy plus Sheeba, Akashdeep & "Aja meri gadi mein baitja" song. And then the mid-section was totally taken over by old songs for like an hour. Then more songs were spread out through the movie. Next day I had craving for some of those songs and lo behold Youtube had the Vintage playlist. Next they also put the Songs medley video as well. That's very thoughtful. Now if they can upload "Abhi Na Jao Chod Kar", that will be all we need (which they eventually did).
Apart from songs, there were many "something borrowed". Rocky name is obviously a hat-tip to Shammi Kapoor's name in Teesri Manzil. "Tum Kya Mile" is also a Pooja Bhatt songs in Satwa Aasman.
Shabana's Bengali accent was so right. Churni & Tota were so endearing. Plus a huge lot of lead and supporting characters and thousands of extras in many scenes. Delhi & Kashmir. Every scene was packed with interesting scenes & dialoges.
To crib about, the last 20-30 minutes were all serious and angry confrontations, ending with resolution and a wedding.
Oh yes the movie was packed with multiple topical issues. I called it "krantikari movie" to someone on phone call on the way back from the theatre. Now the wedding was not 2 states, it was in latest bollywood weddings pastel fashion while I waited for a Bengali bride. And yes a lot of unabsahed kizzings.
That this production house made such a movie should not be a surprise. They have all the tools, cast, crew, connections and knowledge bank to make such a movie. The fact that audience needs such movies from time to time, so such productions with all the capability should make these periodically.
Jawan - in theatre ofcourse. Completely South movie on raising public awareness to holding government accountable. Combine with SRK magic. How could we resist. Me & girlfriend went to the theatre for the first weekend show.
Every scene in the movie had violent scene; reminding very much of 80s/90s south movie which scarred my brain very badly. But this one I watched as full grown adult and that for a thankful change, there were no violence on women. There was all other kind of violence and women were in the center of it all as impacted parties.
There was lot of love shown to women especially daughters - Kali's, Nayantara's, Farmers, and more.
OMG2 - what could have been cringe, was not. Elevated watching experience thanks to Pankaj Tripathi, adorable, loving & respectful depiction of God and interesting unfolding of court arguments & sequence.
Bhediya - Biggest pull was the Arunachal wilderness, funny repartees between the 3-4 male characters, Kriti was good.
Tarla - Needed to be made.
Bawaal on Prime. Good one. Varun Dhawan is best in this gen. Made by directors of Dangal & Bareily ki Barfi. Good situations. Allahabad & Europe cities. Mix of comedy & seriousness.
Thank God - Siddarth Malhothra was charming as ever. And as entertaining with emotions as you can expect for Inder Kumar movie.
Ghoomer - rattling new way along with jaded yuppiness of ad makers.
Friday Nigh Plan - cute Babil & cute Juhi
Kathal - Sania can carry a movie on her own.
Tumse Na Ho Payega - watched for Ishwak Singh and movie was not boring at all.
Pippa - adding to the Bangladesh creation stories.
ENGLISH
She Said - The most impressive. For many reasons. It showed an office environment as is. Not the made up Hollywood made up showing of how a corporate office space is. This one was like real life. After 3 years of WFH, I latched on to this movie for the soaking up this sight. Next, for the very premise of young adults starting work. When Lauren says, "I was 21. I lost my voice just when I was beginning to find one." How very profound summation.
Titanic - (In Theatre). They released the remastered copy. It was only in 3D and 3D was totally unnecessary. But this was the only way to see it again with my kid in theater & chatter about nostalgia.
Avataar - Definitely a theatre movie but wont see it more than once. All the water, colors and intricate parts of the animation was mindblowing. Promptly followed it up with Titanic in theatre.
Your Place Or Mine (2023 Netflix) - Endearing actors as we remember even if they have aged with us. Most of the talk was real-life like stuff; no overacting or imaginary problems. No background music in some scenes (which i disagree with). Set in bright locations in beautiful cities and every frame looking stunning - like SF, NYC apartment and Manhatten Bridge scene styled like Paris usually is. Overall felt very glad after watching this movie.
Monk & the Last Case (Peacock) - Natalie in Atlanta !!! My city !Atlantic sea & hotel. Randy Disher project & Lego model scene were good. Natalie says Huh while holding the dog. Dr Bell said Patient A to D are composite of his different patients. Btw the villain is a composite of we know who all. Bartender scene. Molly, “He is with a woman “; Monk, “She saved my life”. Monk punchlines were good. Molly was good actress. Welcome to Monk world. Missed some epic music until that song came on. That emotional scene at park bench brought tears in my eyes. Missed Julie & Benjy
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