2020 is the indoor year. All the movies, web series and shows have saved humanity. OTTs and past content creators and digital platforms deserve credit and I am sure their financials are reflecting it.
Amazon Prime has unreleased nostalgia-Doordarshan era in our home. There is bouquet of regional language movies to pick from. And after the civil unrest, they showcased Black Movies for education. That was a good window to a lot of good movies.
And in post-COVID world, OTTs gave us the option for that thrill of a" new movie release".
NEW RELEASES
Gulabo Sitabo (Hindi 2020) was the first one to release I think and receives brickbats from the stakeholders who stand to lose with the shift from theatre to digital release. But soon it was clear, this movie is indeed for home private watch, not a communal theatre watch.
Soon a lot more movies in many languages went ahead with digital release first, as the wait for reopenings got longer.
Shakuntala Devi (Hindi 2020) - Only fate that a movie on SD should open on a OTT called 'Prime' ! Vidya Balan is reliable as ever. Drama hai, humor hai, good acting, good locations, lots of stories.
Lootcase - Such a fine thriller-comedy in the clutter. Every scene, every actor, every dialog - important and funny. Kunal Khemu is an uner-appreciated gem.
C U SOON (Malayalam 2020)- Fahaadh & Roshan Andrews movie made during lockdown times and released on Prime. Totally different format, where every scene is made of screens from online or mobile app tools - for video chat & other windows. A lot of dialogues are by chatting, and since it was in Malayalam, subtitles were excellent support. Also meant you couldn't blink or multi-task while watching this movie. Background music conveyed the mood.
TULU
Paddayi: A Tulu movie which was not the masala slapstick variety. Oh the seascapes in this movie. The slow wrapping of a Shakespearean tragedy. It was highly engrossing.
KANNADA
Avane Srimannarayana - Finally the heartthrob Rakshith Shetty's movie after a long time.
Its a treat to hear Rakshith's DK Kannada style narration and Jackie-Chan style action sequences.
Movie is all in western style and take about half-hour to get adjusted to that. But an explanation is provided by hero-narrator. After that the story becomes involving, and we forget about the whole setup. Much appreciation for the first-class production quality of the movie. CGI and set pieces are good quality.
Malgudi Days - Mix of a tacky storyline pepped with lovely locations.
Such a welcome break from movies with the mandatory goonda elements for some cheap thrills of dishoom-dishoom. Seriously Kannada movie makes need to explore some other path as well. But then I am not the one paying for theatre tickets, so why should those makers listen to me ? But do makers like Rakshith Shetty know something else ? Its online outlet to explore now since theatres are shut from past 5 months & future is in doubt ?
MALAYALAM
So Malayali movies have striking bunch of actors, each one better than the other.
And then they feature them together in so many movies, making multi-starrers, a usual thing.
And then in so many movies (atleast all those listed below), each frame has a huge clutter of people, each doing a unique thing. I know its a big effort production-wise. But amazingly its happening in all movies, all the time - amazing !
And then they feature them together in so many movies, making multi-starrers, a usual thing.
And then in so many movies (atleast all those listed below), each frame has a huge clutter of people, each doing a unique thing. I know its a big effort production-wise. But amazingly its happening in all movies, all the time - amazing !
Virus: This movie is correct dramatization on how Corovirus is being handled today. This 2019 Malayalam movie on NIPAH outbreak, is on Amazon Prime. But they should re-release this movie in theatres. Atleast after the theaters are back in business. Showing it again in theater or TV will help the prevention message reach to larger audience, without the panic that's going on now. Also will be morale-boasting for the doers on the war-front. Also make us appreciate their efforts.
Movie was very engrossing. Such a large ensemble cast, all seasoned actors with equal screen time. So many stories, locations. Mystery tied together in the very end.
Unda: Large ensemble slow-burn movie, which places Kerala cops in Chattisgarh naxal area. Each character with individual background story, which does not take over the movie. Treat for me to watch Mammoty after a long time. He is the epitome of a gentleman.
The climax action sequence made my family pause & watch the screen; who otherwise go about their business while I am immersed in Malayalam movie.
Charlie just for Dulqer Salman & Parvaty (eye-candy), assortment of artistic objects strewn across the screen and a story which hops everywhere in a name of suspense, albeit a good one.
People in the middle of real-world problems, spouting existential questions and giving a knowing looks. Its not as bad as it sounds. All of it made it a good time-pass movie.
Driving License - Came for Prithviraj and stayed for the masala-way situation escalated. Each of these were believable. It can happen.
Ayyappanum Koshiyum - 1st hour was filled with dread, heart kept racing about what's going to happen, about how the first guy will harm the second one. 2nd hour was for the 2nd main lead to take over. And 3rd hour was the clash. Good movie to watch, family friendly. No darkness or gore, yet impactful as any horror movie.
This could be compared to Driving License, and Prithviraj is the common factor, in both movies of situation escalation between the 2 leads. While misunderstanding is the reason for escalations in DL, ego is the reason here.
Prime did update a lot of Bengali movies this year. Big relief for me. Bengali movies are my goto for a quite-time/nap-time in afternoons. There is this sthir (Hindi) quality about them, which is missing in Hindi movies.
Bengali movies has this set of maybe 10 leading stars and how amazingly often they star together in same movies, without any overt conflict. They are actors first - Jisshu, Parambratha, Anirban, Ritwick and my fave Abir C. They have acted in so many various movies, yet no baggage of their past accomplishments showup in their current movies.
The climax action sequence made my family pause & watch the screen; who otherwise go about their business while I am immersed in Malayalam movie.
Charlie just for Dulqer Salman & Parvaty (eye-candy), assortment of artistic objects strewn across the screen and a story which hops everywhere in a name of suspense, albeit a good one.
People in the middle of real-world problems, spouting existential questions and giving a knowing looks. Its not as bad as it sounds. All of it made it a good time-pass movie.
Driving License - Came for Prithviraj and stayed for the masala-way situation escalated. Each of these were believable. It can happen.
Ayyappanum Koshiyum - 1st hour was filled with dread, heart kept racing about what's going to happen, about how the first guy will harm the second one. 2nd hour was for the 2nd main lead to take over. And 3rd hour was the clash. Good movie to watch, family friendly. No darkness or gore, yet impactful as any horror movie.
This could be compared to Driving License, and Prithviraj is the common factor, in both movies of situation escalation between the 2 leads. While misunderstanding is the reason for escalations in DL, ego is the reason here.
So glad I saw it without reading any review before that. Not even the FC one. They gave away all the spoilers - connection of the first scene & everything after Hour 1. I mean the power of the movie is all the dread that happens in the first hour. You know what to expect in the next 2 hours , but still has impact. Experience watch. (Prime)
BENGALI
Bengali movies has this set of maybe 10 leading stars and how amazingly often they star together in same movies, without any overt conflict. They are actors first - Jisshu, Parambratha, Anirban, Ritwick and my fave Abir C. They have acted in so many various movies, yet no baggage of their past accomplishments showup in their current movies.
So many Bengali movies and so many recurring actors I am getting familiar with. Prosenjit, who I knew only as a masala movie superstar, has such an diverse collection of movies, its unbelievable. Aparajita Auddy is so endearing one, and then so severe or practical in another. I feel I have seen entire filmography of Rwitobroto Mukherjee. Rajesh Sharma who has an impressive lineup in Hindi, has a parallel life in Bengali movies. That way, I got less of my fav Abhir C.
This years spotlight is on Anirban Bhattacharya - who is a chameleon. I first saw him in Uma where is Mahisa Sur. And then onwards he is different in different movies. Below list has him in almost all. I still can't guess his age.
Ghare & Baire - Keol is that star we have been missing after Madhuri & Jisshu is endearing.
Chhaya O Chhobi - a lovely ensemble cast and movie located in beautiful Darjeeling.
Ghawre Bairey Aaj - quite little story touching upon controversial topics. Simplicity of it all made it fee amateurish. Each side presented lines we have heard a million times in interviews & social media. But amateur filmmaker would not have been able to portray the maturity it did. I played this movie in installments across many afternoons.
Alinagarer Golokdhadha - was not as interesting as Guptodoner Sandane, but it was in the exact same format of treasure hunt with history of Bengal as background.
Gumnaami Baba - very detailed & researched movie. Movie switches between Netaji's pre-50s life in B&W and color for current investigation events as well as that of Baba's life. Again standout performance by Anirban.
Kishore Kumar Junior - mast musical journey, featuring loads of Kishore Kumar songs, sung by Kumar Sanu, in a mashup of Hindi and Bengali versions. Also a road movie traveling in Kolkatta & Rajasthan border. Ends on a bitter-sweet note.
This years spotlight is on Anirban Bhattacharya - who is a chameleon. I first saw him in Uma where is Mahisa Sur. And then onwards he is different in different movies. Below list has him in almost all. I still can't guess his age.
Ghare & Baire - Keol is that star we have been missing after Madhuri & Jisshu is endearing.
Chhaya O Chhobi - a lovely ensemble cast and movie located in beautiful Darjeeling.
Ghawre Bairey Aaj - quite little story touching upon controversial topics. Simplicity of it all made it fee amateurish. Each side presented lines we have heard a million times in interviews & social media. But amateur filmmaker would not have been able to portray the maturity it did. I played this movie in installments across many afternoons.
Alinagarer Golokdhadha - was not as interesting as Guptodoner Sandane, but it was in the exact same format of treasure hunt with history of Bengal as background.
Gumnaami Baba - very detailed & researched movie. Movie switches between Netaji's pre-50s life in B&W and color for current investigation events as well as that of Baba's life. Again standout performance by Anirban.
Kishore Kumar Junior - mast musical journey, featuring loads of Kishore Kumar songs, sung by Kumar Sanu, in a mashup of Hindi and Bengali versions. Also a road movie traveling in Kolkatta & Rajasthan border. Ends on a bitter-sweet note.
Asur - argh really argh. What 3 main characters ! Each one more puke worthy than other. Only lasted till the end due to fav Abhir C.
Generation Ami - treatment of two sensitive topics was well. Actually student-performance-load part was laid out well. The other one was not. Even if it was not joltsy like Gantumoote, it is trigger worthy. About the student-performance part, parents side was also presented. It was shown more as a disconnect between the two party rather than parents as villains.
Mayurakshi - yes to watch it.
TELUGU
MARATHI
Girlfriend - I needed this to revive Amey's image, after I saw him in Asur. Good pleasant watch.
HINDI
Mardaani & Mardaani 2
It was a good police procedural. A very believable team dynamics, not over the top usually it is. I had avoided it all this time because of the topic. But it managed to see it by forwarding the disturbing bits and sticking to the investigation part.
Bioscopewala - its a warm movie at the cusp of Hindi & Bengali. Takeoff from Kabuliwala movie, has a few loopholes, but Danny, Geetanjali Thapa & Brijendra Kala make up for it.
Choked - good thing it was not the usual Anurag Kashyap profanities flavored movie. All characters were well drawn. Story was engrossing and we really needed to know what happens next and what he/she did. Ending properly closed all threads and pretty much happy ending.
KOREAN
Little Forest - if you are looking for meditative peace without any spirituality talk, then this film is it. Just watch 3 friends, lovely rural house, watch veggies grow & watch her cook with those grown veggies & fruits. Watched on Prime.
ENGLISH
Lady Bird - Had heard of Greta Gunsberg's genius debut and needed to see it after watching Little Women.
Last Black Man of San Francisco
I always wanted to see it but got to see it once Amazon showcased it in their promotion of Black Movies after the civil unrest starting mid-year.
Very meditative and poetic way even to convey intense voilent feeling of some. It could almost be set in Bangalore to represent then & now.
The Other Half of it - very poetically made movie on high-schoolers. Tone & styling was same as Ladybird. No false notes. Got me rooting for both Ellie Chu & Paul Munksy. For a movie set in some small town somewhere cold north-west, it pulled in Bollywood - via a train scene from Ek Villian movie.
Top Gun - Cant believe I never saw this movie before ! Even if I have been an active 80s & 90s kid. Well thanks to Am Prime, saw this 1986 movie with full family. Movie had leather jackets, motorbike and jet-planes; even ships. No wonder it was a big hit. The simplistic story was matched with brilliant airflight technology they had & choreography they did. And the music - Ah !
Speaking of 80s, also caught up with Big Business and 10 things I Hate About You. Nothing better than some of the 80s fare to cheer you up. Oh the music.
My Yearly Movies List here.
My Yearly Movies List here.
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