movies Archives - Exhibit Tech

Turning 18: The Best Releases of 2006

Writer’s note: With Exhibit’s 18th anniversary coming up, I thought it would be interesting to see what else is turning 18 with us. Movies are one of the best mediums of storytelling and entertainment. It’s life brought to a screen and some of the best releases were in 2006. I was surprised to see how old and young some of these movies are in reality. Time passes by us in the blink of an eye, doesn’t it?

Krrish (June 23, 2006)

The hit film, Krrish, with its stunning lead, Hrithik Roshan, is unforgettable. The superhero film was a trendsetter in Bollywood with VFX on par with Hollywood at the time of release. The extensive universe of the Krrish franchise, starting from Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), Krrish introduced a legacy of thrilling superhero films.

Box office: ₹126.5 crore

Cars (June 9, 2006)

Life is a highway and so is the lifespan of Cars. The feel-good animated film is one of the most unexpectedly hilarious experiences. Owen Wilson is Lightning McQueen, an arrogant sentient race car who eventually learns about life and friendship.

Box office: $462 million

The Devil Wears Prada (June 30, 2006)

Are we still debating who the real villain of this movie is? The Devil Wears Prada is a deliciously complicated film with Anne Hathaway as our leading lady and Meryl Streep as the titular devil. The movie portrays the boss-employee relationship in a multi-dimensional way and is still iconic today.

Box office: $326.7 million

Phir Hera Pheri (June 9, 2006)

The sequel to the 2000 Hera Pheri holds a candle to its original story. Phir Hero Pheri is the mess we were all hoping and waiting for. The trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal were back to create chaos and navigate through twists and turns.

Box office: ₹69 crore

She’s the Man (March 17, 2006)

This movie puts sophisticated Shakespeare adaptations to the test. She’s the Man features Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum as our leading couple but not without several obstacles. The movie was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and is one of the best modern adaptations in history.

Box office: $57.2 million

Rang De Basanti (January 26, 2006)

Even the name invokes a sense of nostalgia. Rang De Basanti garnered both domestic and international attention for its brilliant storyline and inspiring performance by Amir Khan. The soundtrack by A. R. Rahman was also considered for an Academy Award nomination, an impressive feat for that time.

Box office: ₹97 crore

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (September 1, 2006)

The satirical comedy film was back again with another absurd plot. Lage Raho Munna Bhai is the sequel to its original, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S (2003) and now focuses on Sanjay Dutt posing as a history professor to impress a new love interest instead of a medical student. How would anything go wrong there?

Box office: ₹126.2 crore

Pan’s Labyrinth (October 11, 2006)

The Spanish dark fantasy film by renowned horror director, Guillermo Del Toro, is a visual spectacle. Pan’s Labyrinth mixes horror with fantasy and is set in the summer of 1944 in Spain, following Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who finds out something life-changing about herself. The movie is considered Del Toro’s magnum opus and received intense praise in many categories.

Box office: $83.9 million

The Pursuit of Happyness (December 15, 2006)

Based on the American businessman Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness is one of the most emotional films you will experience. Will Smith plays Gardner and received much praise for his performance, with his son, Jaden Smith, playing Gardner’s son.

Box office: $307.1 million

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (August 11, 2006)

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is a controversial film, receiving mixed reviews for its complex subject matter. Despite this, their ensemble cast performed to their greatest potential and made one of the highest-grossing Hindi-language films in 2006.

Box office: ₹113 crore

Night at the Museum (December 17, 2006)

This fantasy film is equal parts creative as it is hilarious. Night at the Museum follows Larry (Ben Stiller), the new night security officer at the Museum of Natural History, navigating the wild night as the museum exhibits come alive and create complete chaos. The weird but heartwarming dynamic between him and the exhibits is the highlight of the film.

Box office: $579.5 million

The Pink Panther (February 10, 2006)

The Pink Panther is a massively successful detective, comedy series. It’s actually shocking the 2006 reboot The Pink Panther with Steve Martin as Jacques Clouseau isn’t older than 18 years with its outdated and offensive humour. Still, it’s a lighthearted movie with a simple plot so it’s perfect if you don’t want to watch and overthink.

Box office: $164.1 million

Dhoom 2 (November 24, 2006)

The sequel to 2003 Dhoom, Dhoom 2, is the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006 and one of the most successful Bollywood films. The ensemble cast included Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu and Uday Chopra. It’s a thrilling heist film that brought controversy for its fast-paced and dangerous driving.

Box office: ₹151 crore

Don (October 20, 2006)

Don (also known as Don: The Chase Begins Again) is another memorable film title on this list. This is one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most iconic roles and he left a historical mark on the action-thriller genre. The film won Best Asian Film at the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival.

Box office: ₹106 crore

Step Up (August 11, 2006)

Surprisingly, this film is now turning 18. Though it’s an arguably bad film, Step Up was a box-office success and now has four sequels and a TV series. It’s a fun experience with intense chemistry between Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.

Box office: $114.2 million

The Omen (June 6, 2006)

Despite being the fifth instalment of The Omen series, The Omen is the remake of the original 1976 film. It’s a classic horror film about a couple adopting an orphan who is the embodiment of the devil and causing tragic events to take place. It’s a must-watch for horror fans.

Box office: $120 million

X-Men: The Last Stand (May 26, 2006)

The third instalment of the X-Men movie adaptations was the most expensive film produced in 2006. X-Men: The Last Stand follows a dark plot around a “mutant cure” that causes serious consequences for mutants and humans alike. The ensemble cast of Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and many more reprise their roles.

Box office: $460.4 million

Paprika (November 25, 2006)

The legendary director, Satoshi Kon, created a masterpiece of a psychological thriller with Paprika. Animation is one of the best mediums of surrealistic storytelling and Paprika nailed it. The movie was Kon’s final feature film before he died in 2010. The movie does include adult themes so be warned.

Box office: $944,915 (overseas)

18 Most Anticipated Releases in 2024

Writer’s note: This list of releases will include movies and TV series alike that you definitely should not miss. I have observed most of these are sequels, remakes or spin-offs of huge franchises but regardless, they are all promising. Let’s look at what’s hot in 2024.

Joker: Folie à Deux (4 October 2024)

Undoubtedly, Joker: Folie à Deux is the most anticipated movie release in 2024. With the massive success of 2019’s Joker, people are excited to see Lady Gaga’s performance as the new Harley Quinn. We have no doubt Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his role as The Joker, will give a fantastic performance for the ages. Notably, the style of Folie à Deux in trailers so far mimics the aesthetic of La La Land (2016).

Deadpool & Wolverine (26 July 2024)

What’s better than one iconic superhero? Two iconic superheroes. Deadpool and Wolverine join forces in Deadpool & Wolverine. The premise we know so far is that the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will capture Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, to change the history of the MCU. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine.

Fly Me to the Moon (12 July 2024)

Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in a rom-com based during the Cold War and the 1960s Space Race. A relationship between the two develops during their collaboration to fix NASA’s public image.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (1 May 2024)

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, or Heeramandi, is a Hindi-language period drama TV series. The series follows the Indian Independence Movement and the lives of tawaifs (successful female courtesans) in the red-light district of Heera Mandi, Lahore. It was created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his other period movies like Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018).

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2 May 2024)

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a historical drama based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Heather Morris. It tells the real-life experience of the Holocaust survivor, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. He was tasked with tattooing his fellow prisoners’ arms with identification numbers. The Tattooist of Auschwitz highlights how he found love along the way but also the immense trauma of genocide and the survivor’s guilt he felt.

Speak No Evil (13 September 2024)

Blumhouse Productions will release yet another horror film in 2024. Starring James McAvoy, Speak No Evil shows how a dream vacation in a gorgeous country house can turn into a nightmare. This is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. You are in for a treat if it’s anything like the original or improves on it.

Dune: The Prophecy (Late 2024)

Dune: The Prophecy or Dune: Prophecy is an upcoming TV series that prequels the 2021 film Dune by 10,000 years. The TV series will focus solely on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood of powerful women who mentally and physically train themselves to gain superhuman abilities. There is no release date announced yet.

Mother of the Bride (9 May 2024)

Mother of the Bride is an upcoming rom-com with Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as the mother-daughter duo. Cosgrove’s character, Emma, returns home to announce she will be getting married in a month. Upon meeting the groom’s family, the mother finds out the groom’s dad is the person who broke her heart years ago. Where will this rom-com go?

The Acolyte (4 June 2024)

Another expansion of the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte, also known as Star Wars: The Acolyte, will follow a Jedi investigation of multiple crimes at the end of the High Republic era and before the Star Wars films. The TV series stars notable actors like Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Rue from the Hunger Games series), Lee Jung-Jae (Squid Game), and Manny Jacinto (The Good Place).

Moana 2 (27 November 2024)

The sequel to the 2016 Moana, Moana 2 will follow the titular character receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Similar to the first, Moana will again embark on a dangerous journey through the seas of Oceania. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles.

All We Imagine as Light (Cannes, May 2024)

Directed by Payal Kapadia, we don’t know much about the plot and journey of All We Imagine as Light. The summary revealed before its debut at the Cannes Film Festival implies that the main characters will go through an intense and passionate journey to a beach town after their subsequent plot points get complicated. Kapadia’s film will be the first Indian film in 30 years to enter the main competition at Cannes.

When Life Gives You Tangerines (2024)

With an unknown release date, When Life Gives You Tangerines (also known as Thank You for Your Hard Work and You Have Done Well) is a Netflix distribution South Korean TV series. Featuring the famous IU (Lee Ji-Eun) and Park Bo-Geum, it’s a slice-of-life series that follows two very bright and spirited individuals through an adventure.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (6 September 2024)

A long-anticipated sequel to the 1988 Beetlejuice, the horror comedy movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, will feature familiar faces and new characters. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara are back again for another Beetlejuice instalment with Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe in the lineup. Let’s hope Tim Burton can live up to the first.

A Quiet Place: Day One (28 June, 2024)

A Quiet Place: Day One is the origin and spin-off story of the A Quiet Place series. It will hopefully answer the mystery behind how everything in A Quiet Place happened. The new film features Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (13 December 2024)

This is a call for all The Lord of the Rings fans. The wait is over with The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, set 261 years before The Lord of the Rings movies and 200 years before The Hobbit. The movie will tell the story of the legendary King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, played by Brian Cox, and how he defended his kingdom against the Dunlendings.

Inside Out 2 (14 June 2024)

This year is filled with sequels. Bringing you yet another, Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 Inside Out by Disney. Now that the protagonist, Riley, is 16 years old and feeling new emotions, Maya Hawke enters the picture as the voice actress for the personified emotion of Anxiety. The film involved lots of care towards representing teenagers’ mental health as they consulted with teenage girls on areas they could improve the film before the final version.

The Crow (23 August 2024)

The Crow is the fifth instalment of The Crow series as well as the remake of the original film (1994). It combines the weird and the wonderful within the horror genre as Bill Skarsgård, playing Eric Draven / The Crow, will take the reigns as the titular protagonist.

Megalopolis (17 May 2024)

With an enticing plot, Megalopolis features a cast of talented actors–Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Giancarlo Esposito most notably. The epic sci-fi film depicts a New York-esque metropolis decaying due to an accident and Driver’s character, Caeser, is seeking to rebuild it against the mayor’s desires.

The Oscar Collection – 18 Oscar-Winning Movies You Must Watch Today

My Fair Lady (1964)

The acclaimed musical drama film, My Fair Lady, deserved all the awards it received. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, the performances were perfect in every aspect and the songs are catchy. The only gripe was Audrey Hepburn’s songs were dubbed over and gained a lot of criticism at the time.

Total Academy Awards: 8

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

While it might be absurd to pick out one movie of a trilogy that is so extensive and connected, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King deserves the spotlight. The extraordinary performance and action made the film win all of their nominations.

Total Academy Awards: 11

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

A24’s most experimental and overwhelming film, Everything Everywhere All at Once swept the box office at $143.4 million and won several other awards. Michelle Yeoh’s performance was one for the ages and her chemistry with Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan was outstanding. The movie will make you laugh, cry, and cheer at the same time.

Total Academy Awards: 7

Forrest Gump (1994)

Who still quotes “Run, Forrest, run!” whenever you see a friend or someone else running? Forrest Gump made us cry our eyes out at the heartfelt scenes but it is argued that, if it were released today, we may not feel the same. The particular way Forrest Gump is portrayed by Tom Hanks is questionable. However, it’s still an inspiring movie worth watching.

Total Academy Awards: 6

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Dev Patel killed it in his debut film as Jamal Malik. Slumdog Millionaire opened the eyes of people around the world towards the state of poverty and its consequences in India. However, the Indian audience found the film more offensive and enforcing stereotypes.

Total Academy Awards: 8

Moonlight (2016)

We can still feel the aftershocks of the impact of Moonlight’s story as well as their sweep at the Oscars. It explores the life of Chiron in three stages, all played by 3 different actors. It’s an intense yet beautiful film and a realistic depiction of the cultures represented. It has been named one of the best films of the 21st century and of all time.

Total Academy Awards: 3

Schindler’s List (1993)

The tragic Holocaust film revolves around the real-life figure Oskar Schindler (portrayed by Liam Neeson) and how he saved more than 1,000 Jewish people, most of them of Polish origin, by employing them in his factory. It is a must for those interested in Holocaust history.

Total Academy Awards: 7

The Last Emperor (1987)

The Last Emperor is a biographical film that tells the life of Puyi (John Lone), the final Emperor of China. The epic film has a booming soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Byrne. However, the film’s history accuracy was questioned.

Total Academy Awards: 9 (all nominations)

West Side Story (1961)

A classic romance musical about star-crossed lovers, West Side Story is still garnering adaptations. Although nobody could ever top Rita Moreno’s performance as Anita, it’s exciting to musicals being revived. The story of Maria and Tony is a tale as old as time and its cultural significance in the musical industry remains strong.

Total Academy Awards: 10

Parasite (2019)

Parasite is a South Korean dark comedy, and thriller film around the themes of social class, wealth disparity and inequality. The brilliance behind every aspect of the film’s creation and characterisation will leave you in awe. It’s also the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards and the first South Korean entry.

Total Academy Awards: 4

Avatar (2009)

With its expansion in more recent years, Avatar is one of the highest-grossing films to win an Oscar. The visual effects and worldbuilding were the best at the time of release and still hold up to this day. It can be a bit dragged out but the action and anticipation of the result are worth it. Not to mention, Zoe Saldana does an incredible job at portraying Neytiri with the motion capture tech back then.

Total Academy Awards: 3

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Based on the 1853 slave memoir by Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave recalls the story of the author’s experience after being kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. The actor for Solomon Northup, Chiwetel Ejiofor, won a BAFTA Award for his performance. Doing justice to the brutal journey Northup had been through must have been quite the feat.

Total Academy Awards: 3

Oppenheimer (2023)

This had to be included on the list. Oppenheimer was the biggest film of 2023 and for all the right reasons. This is arguably the best work by Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy nailed his performance. The movie is garnering criticism from Japan for its incompetence in expressing remorse towards the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings of 1945.

Total Academy Awards: 7

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is the only horror film, to date, to receive Best Picture. The iconic performance by Anthony Hopkins as Dr Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling cemented their names in the horror genre. Hopkins’ ability to bring Lecter’s menacing and intuitive nature to life is well-respected amongst horror fans.

Total Academy Awards: 5 (All major categories)

Nomadland (2020)

The authenticity of Nomadland shook people to their core. A poetic commentary on lives affected by the economic recession, the film portrays the lives of nomads realistically and genuinely. The film also features some real-life nomads as fictional versions of themselves, namely–Charlene Swankie, Linda May, and Bob Wells. Chloé Zhao is also the first Asian woman and second woman to win Best Director.

Total Academy Awards: 3

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music is a fictional retelling of Maria von Trapp’s introduction to the Trapp Family as a governess to the children and her eventual marriage to Georg von Trapp. It’s an emotional journey with cheesy tones and unforgettable music sung to this day.

Total Academy Awards: 5

Ex Machina (2014)

The science fiction film has cemented its influence on the discourse around androids and AI. Ex Machina follows Nathan Bateman, played by Oscar Isaac, who invites a programmer to administer the Turing Test to their prototype humanoid robot. I’m sure you can guess the rest. It shows the intricacies of the Turing Test and the deadliness behind humanoid tech.

Total Academy Awards: 1

Life of Pi

Filmed in 3 different locations, Life of Pi depicts the intriguing journey of Pi Patel as he navigates the seas after surviving a shipwreck with an untamed Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. It delivers a powerful message and has a powerful quote you will never forget, said by the adult version of Pi (Irrfan Khan): “I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.”

Total Academy Awards: 4

5 OTT Releases You Can’t Miss This Week

It’s a miracle that we just started April and there are already a few amazing releases to binge. This week, from 1st to 7th April, has a diverse range of movies and TV series to choose from. Add these to your next watchlist!

Parasyte: The Grey (5 April 2024)

Based on the sci-fi horror manga, Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey is a South Korean live-action adaptation that strays away from the main plot of the manga. Long-time fans of the original manga might hesitate to watch the series. However, South Korean entertainment has a stronghold in the horror genre, especially when it comes to depicting supernatural monsters. Parasyte: The Grey is directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who previously created the famous zombie horror Train to Busan (2016). His style and writing have the creative potential to do Parasyte justice.

Coming soon on Netflix!

Ripley (4 April 2024)

Ripley is a crime psychological thriller designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Andrew Scott as the titular character, this series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955). This will be a short and sweet 8-episode series about Tom Ripley (Scott) stepping into a life of deception, fraud and murder.

Coming soon on Netflix!

Farrey (5 April 2024)

Initially released for theatre on 24 November 2023, Farrey is a thriller-heist film by Soumendra Padhi. This film is the official Indian remake of the Thai movie, Bad Genius (2017). Alizeh Agnihotri is stunning in her role, starring as the main character – Niyati. Some viewers have described the vibe as straight-up horror rather than a thriller so buckle in!

Finally releasing soon on Zee5!

How to Date Billy Walsh (5 April 2024)

How To Date Billy Walsh is a fluffy British romantic-comedy, directed by Alex Pillai. It revolved around the childhood best friends, Amelia (Charithra Chandran) and Archie (Sebastian Croft), the latter of whom has a crush on her. When he plans to confess, Amelia falls for Billy Walsh (Tanner Buchanan). Archie plans to sabotage this new love but ends up comedically bringing them closer. If you want something light to watch, How to Date Billy Walsh is perfect.

Coming soon on Amazon Prime Video!

Star Trek: Discovery – Season 5 (4 April 2024)

Originally piloted in 2017, Star Trek: Discovery is still going strong. This series follows the crew of USS Discovery, their journey beginning a decade before the events of the original Star Trek. You witness the fall and eventually rise of Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, and her crew. Season 5 sets a more adventurous tone with their goal of finding an ancient power but they aren’t the only ones. Star Trek: Discovery is a great start to your Star Trek journey!

Back soon on Amazon Prime Video!

Sony’s Spider-Verse Introduce Horror Elements in Mental Health-Driven Short Film

With the smash hit of 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, everyone’s been waiting on their third instalment. The movie, Beyond the Spider-Verse, was initially rumoured to be released in early 2024. Still, due to the complex animation style and extensive plotline, it was only natural to be delayed. So it was a treat when the animators announced a short film, The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story, on 27 March 2024.

In collaboration with the Kevin Love Fund, they have created the lesson, “The Hero Within,” a lesson plan with a creative storyboard activity for students who want to express themselves through drawing and writing. The Spider Within revolves around the main character of the Spider-Verse series, Miles Morales, getting overwhelmed with his mountain of responsibilities, both as a teenager in school and as Spider-Man. One of the most unique aspects of Spider-Verse is Miles’ relationship with his parents and how caring they are. Jefferson Morales, his father, immediately senses something is wrong with Miles after he turns down a movie night.

The scene that follows is filled with terrifying imagery of Miles’ inner thoughts and he has an intense panic attack. The animation with the sound design feels as if you can feel his anxiety and stress. He finally reaches out to his dad and opens up about the current state of his mental health. The “The Hero Within” lesson plan aims to get teenagers like Miles to open up to their parents. Mental health can cause people to hold their burdens to themselves and The Spider Within shows us that it’s okay to share them.

Watch now on YouTube for free!

Don’t Miss These Oscar-Nominated Films Already Streaming in India

The Oscars is an event for movie enthusiasts worldwide. On 11 March 2024, the 96th Academy Awards was held, and the selected films were among the strongest. Let’s explore which films were nominated (and won!) and where you can stream them.

Barbie

Now let’s get the obvious ones out of the way first. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was the pinnacle of the 2024 movie culture and theatre-going experience. With pretty much everyone dressed in pastels to match the movie’s vibes, Barbie meant a lot to people with its message of feminism and freedom of expression. It resonated with a diverse demographic.

Where can you stream it? You can stream it on JioCinema or rent it on Amazon Prime for 149.

Nominations received: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor – Ryan Gosling as Ken, Best Supporting Actress – America Ferrera as Gloria, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song – “I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For?”

Oppenheimer

Here’s the other half of Barbie. We all are familiar with Barbenheimer and Oppenheimer’s success was a blast. This is one of Christopher Nolan’s best films to date and another brilliant performance by Cillian Murphy that makes sitting through 3 hours of political and scientific jargon worth it.

Where can you stream it? You can stream it on JioCinema or rent it on Amazon Prime for 119.

Nominations received: Best Picture, Best Director – Christopher Nolan, Best Actor – Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, Best Supporting Actor – Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, Best Supporting Actress – Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound, Best Original Score

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The ambitious and thrilling animated movie revolving around what it means to be the Marvel superhero Spider-Man was the most visually attractive film in 2024. With the vibrant artistic styles and emotional storytelling, you could never go wrong with watching Across the Spider-Verse again. Weaving you right into their (spider) web sets the tone for the next instalment.

Where can you stream it? You can stream it on Netflix, or rent it on Amazon Prime or Zee5 for 99.

Nominations received: Best Animated Feature.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’s ensemble cast was a guaranteed winner by Wes Anderson. His ability to adapt Roahl Dahl’s stories is unmatched in the industry. Bringing out the weird and the wonderful of Dahl’s narratives is impressive and a well-deserved nomination.

Where can you stream it? You can stream it on Netflix

Nominations received: Best Live-Action Short.

American Fiction

In his directorial debut, Cord Jefferson based American Fiction on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett. It does justice to the satirical genre where the performances sold the story and the characters behind the mess of it all.

Where can you stream it? You can stream it on Amazon Prime.

Nominations received: Best Picture, Best Actor – Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, Best Supporting Actor – Sterling K. Brown as Dr. Clifford “Cliff” Ellison, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score.

Past Lives

A strong directorial debut, Celine Song’s beautiful and symbolic romantic film Past Lives made it big. The profound performances by every cast member and the incredible chemistry made it on par with Barbenheimer. Greta Lee, who plays Nora Moon, gained critical acclaim for her performance.

Where can you watch it? You can watch it on Amazon Prime (Lionsgate subscription required).

Nominations received: Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Cinematic Showdown – The Best Films to Catch in Theatres

Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) / Releasing on 28th March

Are you a fan of heart-pounding survival dramas like 127 Hours, The Revenant, Cast Away, The Impossible, The Martian, and Maryan? If you are, then you won’t want to miss Aadujeevitham, an adaptation of the gripping 2008 Malayalam novel of the same name by Benyamin. The film is based on true events and stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead.

With the national award-winning filmmaker Blessy at the helm, serving as writer, director, and co-producer, this movie promises to be an electrifying cinematic experience that you won’t soon forget. The soundtrack is surely going to be a treat to your ears, as the music is arranged by the legendary A. R. Rahman while the sound is designed by Resul Pookutty.

The First Omen / Releasing on 5th April

Experience the harrowing journey of a young American woman in Rome as she encounters darkness that tests her faith and uncovers a diabolical conspiracy aiming to birth pure evil. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson and featuring Nell Tiger Free, Tawkeef Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy, this spine-chilling tale is based on characters created by David Seltzer and promises to be the most terrifying cinematic ride of the year.

Maidaan / Releasing on 11th April

Syed Abdul Rahim, the visionary football coach who transformed India’s sporting landscape in the 1950s and 1960s. From local pitches to global arenas, Rahim’s leadership and innovation earned the Indian Football Team the moniker “Brazil of Asia,” mastering the thrilling 4-2-4 formation. Amidst societal hurdles, they soared, clinching gold at the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games and pioneering a path to the 1956 Olympics semi-finals. The sports drama is directed by Amit Sharma and stars Ajay Devgn, Priyamani and Gajraj Rao in the lead roles.

Monkey Man / Releasing on 19th April

Indian-origin actor Dev Patel is living proof of the phrase, “You can take an Indian out of India, but you can’t take India out of an Indian.” He first captured our hearts with his lead role in the critically acclaimed Academy Award-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, and now the ‘Lion’ actor is all set to take the film industry by storm with his directorial debut in ‘Monkey Man.’

The upcoming movie is an action thriller inspired by the legend of Hanuman and tells the story of a young man seeking revenge against corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continued to exploit the poor and powerless. The trailer looks impressive, and the dialogue, “Everyday, I’ve prayed for a way to protect the weak,” captured my soul.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire / Releasing on 19th April

The Spengler family finds themselves back at the iconic New York City firehouse. However, they soon realise they are in a world where the spiritual realm intersects with the physical world. In the modern era, the Ghostbusters have honed their skills to heights never seen before. However, when a lost artefact of immense power is discovered, it unleashes a harmful force that threatens to drag the world into an icy abyss.

Now, a new generation of Ghostbusters must team up with the old veterans, putting aside their differences to confront a menace that’s beyond their imagination. As the existence of humanity hangs in the balance, they must gather their bravery and protect their city. The fifth instalment of the Ghostbuster franchise is directed by Gil Kenan and stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Celeste O’Connor in the lead.

Challengers / Releasing on 26th April

Tashi, a once-celebrated tennis player turned coach, ventures to revive her husband’s flagging career. With her guidance, he rises from obscurity to the heights of grand slam success, only to be entangled in a web of defeat. Determined to reignite his passion, Tashi orchestrates a risky move of returning to the grassroots tennis competition at a challenger event.

Yet, tensions flare when he faces off against Patrick, a former friend and rival, reigniting old conflicts and forcing Tashi to navigate a treacherous path of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of redemption. The upcoming romantic sports drama is directed by Luca Guadagnino and stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist and Jake Jensen in the titular roles.

Netflix’s Damsel: Subverting Expectations with Nothing

Damsel is Netflix’s latest fantasy film that didn’t quite hit their maximum potential. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the movie starts by informing the viewers it isn’t the typical “damsel in distress” trope. For the most part, they kept their promise but at the cost of an inspiring ending. Their main selling point is that their leading lady, Elodie, is played by Millie Bobby Brown. Brown nails the role given to her in every way possible but it only makes the audience want more out of the movie.

Marriages and Rituals

Damsel follows the engagement of Elodie and Henry, played by Nick Robinson, after receiving a proposal from the Queen of Aurea and Henry’s mother, Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright). She and her family set course to Aurea to scope out the kingdom and also help their poverty-struck community. Henry and Elodie don’t hit it off right away until they discover their shared love for travel. However, not all seems rosy as Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett) instinctively feels something is off.

Elodie, despite her stepmother’s advice, does not break off the engagement but everything takes a turn when she is deceived into a deadly ancient “ritual” deep in the mountains. It strikes a series of thrilling events where she has to successfully evade and survive against a dragon looking for her next sacrifice. The dragon is voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, whose deep, gravelly voice brings a hint of terror to the story. Brown’s performance is the saving grace of the movie’s overall lack of nuance.

So What Went Wrong?

The biggest criticism of the movie is that every aspect had wasted potential. The harsh environment could have been utilised more effectively or at least emphasised and explored. The characters deserved fleshed-out arcs with better chemistry. More than that, the ending of the film was predictable and boring. Brown’s performance was inspiring to young girls who need a strong leading female protagonist of their age. However, the overall message the ending conveys is nothing short of lazy. The poor writing choices and inability to fully employ the creative freedom the fantasy genre allows you are disappointing.

Dune: Part Two – How to Revive the Sci-Fi Genre

Whoever said sequels are not worth it must watch Dune: Part Two. The masterpiece of a sequel to the 2021 film Dune (also titled Dune: Part One) has grossed $367.5 million globally. The director of the film, Dennis Villeneuve, shows that the science fiction genre can not only be artsy but also grand. With brilliant sound design and cinematography, Dune: Part Two is a delight for those seeking a thrilling tale of politics, religion and love.

Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya)

Where They Pick It Up From Dune: Part One

The main protagonist, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, and his mother, Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, seek refuge on the desert planet Arrakis after the devastating events of Dune: Part One, witnessing the loss of their family. Part Two explores the impact left on the duo and the universe as a whole by the death of Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides, played by Oscar Isaac. It escalates the long-standing feud between the Harkonnens and the Atreides. It’s hard to top the brilliance of Part One, but Villeneuve has done it again. On top of fleshed-out character arcs, it dives into the different cultures and the surrounding environment’s beauty (and absurdity).

The Story So Far

The native people of Arrakis reluctantly take in Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica, called the Fremen. They are divided in their beliefs of the two. Despite this, Paul has an intense romance with Chani, played by Zendaya, and is guided in the ways of the Fremen. Jessica, on the other hand, converts to a Bene Gesserit Reverend-Mother. Their respective arcs highlight a distinct drift between the mother-son duo. Jessica seems to draw in chaos and Paul wants peace in a possible disaster only he can determine. He must choose between loving someone without political advantages or deciding the fate of their universe.

Javier Bardem returns as the Fremen leader, Stilgar, whose fundamentalist beliefs and his growing devotion towards Paul are terrifying and comedic.

Dune: Part Two also introduces significant additions to the trilogy. Notably, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, is the antithesis of Paul’s story. The bloodthirsty nephew and heir to Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) is a formidable and clever foe. His character adds tension to the stakes and deepens the lore of Dune. The off-screen Emperor Shaddam IV from Dune: Part One finally makes an appearance and is played by Christopher Walken whose presence is demanding and powerful. Opposite him is his daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh). She plays an integral role in the background of the movie’s events. Her intelligence immediately exudes respect from the audience and her actions are like a chess game.

The fight for the universe’s most valuable resource, Spice, that puts a target on Arrakis and their people is a mirror to real-world events. Frank Herbert, the author of the original 1965 novel Dune, did this intentionally through the lens of science fiction. This fight for Spice and the treatment of the Fremen is a terrifying reminder of what people in power will do.

Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler)

Which Format Does Justice to Dune: Part Two?

The best way to dive into Dune: Part Two is without a doubt on IMAX. The massive screen does justice to the expansive world of Dune and the explosive soundtrack, created by legendary composer Hans Zimmer, enhances the experience. If you are craving or want to be introduced to the science fiction genre, Dune: Part Two has got you covered for a journey you won’t want to miss. Dune: Part Two is paving the way for science fiction in 2024 and sets a precedent for better adaptations.

Sandworms, enormous creatures of Arrakis that move at high speed

August 2023 – Top 7 releases of the month

The audience is still under the hangover of Barbenheimer, and looking at the August releases, the calendar looks as busy as a beaver. Let’s take a closer look at these releases, as the anticipation of which title will claim victory adds an intriguing layer, especially considering that several movies are poised for a head-to-head showdown at the box office.

Jailer

Director – Nelson

Release Date – 10th August 2023

The action-packed film starring Rajnikanth is already in the theatres and gaining a lot of attention from the masses. The story is about Muthuvel Pandian, fondly referred to as Tiger – an unyielding jailer juxtaposed with a tapestry of empathy, as he embarks on an unwavering odyssey to safeguard his family from a dangerous gang that tries to rescue their leader from the prison. Along with Rajinikanth, the film stars Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Sunil, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ramya Krishnan in crucial roles.

Gadar 2

Director – Anil Sharma

Release Date – 11th August 2023

Gadar 2 has been making a noise since its announcement, and the re-release of the 2001 film “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha” in the theatres created a wave of excitement in the heart of cinephiles. Continuing the narrative from the original film, Gadar 2 unfolds with a compelling journey where Tara Singh (of course, played by one and only Sunny Deol) resolutely ventures back to Pakistan, driven by the mission to reunite with his son Charanjeet and bring him back to his homeland.

OMG 2

Director – Amit Rai

Release Date – 11th August 2023

Written and directed by Amit Rai, OMG 2 (a sequel to the 2012 movie OMG – Oh My God!) intricately revolves around Kanti Sharan Mudgal, an unwavering devotee of Lord Shiva, whose life takes an unforeseen turn when his son faces expulsion from school due to misconduct allegations. This pivotal event propels Mudgal on an unexpected journey, compelling him to depart from his hometown, only to be guided by a divine intervention towards the pursuit of justice within the hallowed halls of the court.

Heart of Stone

Director – Tom Harper

Release Date – 11th August 2023

“Heart of Stone” stands as a compelling espionage thriller penned by Tom Harper, tracing the journey of a skilled intelligence operative tasked with safeguarding a priceless weapon crucial for global harmony. The imminent Netflix film, headlined by the dynamic duo of Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan, not only promises an engaging cinematic experience but also heralds the Hollywood debut of popular Indian actress Alia Bhatt.

Akelli

Director – Pranay Meshram

Release Date – 18th August 2023

“Akelli,” the forthcoming film helmed by director Pranay Meshram, unfolds as a touching narrative centring around Jyoti, an honest young woman trapped within the explosive confines of a combat zone. Witness her persistent struggle for freedom in the impending thriller drama, scheduled to grace the screens in the latter part of this month. At the heart of this cinematic journey is Nushrratt Bharuccha, who commands the lead role with her compelling performance.

King of Kotha

Director – Abhilash Joshiy

Release Date – 24th August 2023

Dulquer Salmaan takes the lead in the Malayalam action flick ‘King of Kotha’. The film is directed by Abhilash Joshiy, and narrates the journey of IPS Shahul Hassan, whose audacious strategy to dismantle Kannan Bhai and his syndicate sends shockwaves. Alongside Salmaan, the movie features Shabeer Kallarakkal, Prasanna, Gokul Suresh, and Aishwarya Lekshmi, all playing pivotal roles in this high-stakes narrative.

Dream Girl 2

Director – Raaj Shaandilyaa

Release Date – 25th August 2023

Set to grace the silver screens this month is yet another sequel that demands your consideration. Bearing the moniker “Dream Girl 2,” this imminent comedic film features Ayushmann Khurrana and Ananya Panday in significant portrayals. Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the narrative unfolds the tale of Karam, a provincial lad who assumes the identity of Pooja to navigate financial challenges. Regrettably, this choice ushers a wave of even greater turmoil into his already frenzied existence.