“Bubble Gum” Review: A Youthful Entertainer with Mixed Results

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Bubble Gum Review

Debuting actor Roshan Kanakala takes center stage in the youthful film “Bubble Gum,” directed by Ravikanth Perepu. Backed by People Media Factory, the film attempts to blend bold elements with a narrative about self-love and resilience in the face of failed relationships.

Overview

Aadhi (Roshan Kanakala), a youngster from a slum with dreams of becoming a DJ, encounters Jaanu (Manasa Chowdary), a girl from a wealthy family. The film unfolds as their relationship faces challenges due to a communication gap. Aadhi decides to pursue his dreams independently, setting the stage for a revenge drama.

Analysis

While the film kicks off with a bold introduction, it struggles to maintain momentum in the first half, lacking engaging episodes. The interval sets the stage for Aadhi’s revenge, but the second half loses clarity, with some scenes feeling forced and lacking meaning. The film attempts to convey a message about self-love, but the execution falls short.

Performances

Roshan Kanakala impresses with a natural performance, fitting well into the role of Aadhi. Manasa Chowdary’s character appears ultra-modern, but her performance leaves the audience puzzled. Other actors deliver competent performances in their limited roles.

Cinematography and Music

Suresh Ragutu’s cinematography captures varied emotions, while the music, with a mix of steamy kisses and a loud background score, adds a contemporary touch. However, the impact is limited.

Conclusion

Despite Roshan’s commendable performance, “Bubble Gum” struggles to deliver a cohesive message about self-love. The director’s lack of clarity and deviation from the main plot affect the overall narrative. While the film boasts a youthful vibe, it ends up being a mixed bag, with some elements working well and others falling short of expectations.

Final Verdict

“Bubble Gum” offers a glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships and the importance of self-love but falls short of making a significant impact. Despite its youthful appeal, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.

Devil Review: Watchable Period Action Drama

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“Devil” is a new period action movie starring Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as a British agent investigating the murder of a princess in India. The story is interesting, with twists and turns, and Kalyan Ram does a great job. The movie looks good and has some powerful dialogues, but it takes too long to get going and there are a few bad songs. Overall, it’s worth a watch if you don’t mind a slow start.

Devil Review

Good:

  • Interesting story with twists and turns

  • Great performance by Kalyan Ram

  • Beautiful visuals and production values

  • Powerful dialogues

Bad:

  • Slow first half

  • Bad songs

  • Editing could be better

Overall:

Watchable period action drama with flaws. If you like Kalyan Ram and don’t mind a slow start, you can give it a try.

Lights, Camera, Action! This Week’s Entertainment Fix

Upcoming Movies Mania on the Big Screen:

  • Devil (Telugu): Unleash your inner demon with the Telugu thriller “Devil,” hitting theaters on December 29th. Brace yourself for chills and spills!
  • Bubblegum (Telugu): Pop into the world of “Bubblegum,” another Telugu film tickling the funny bone on December 29th. Get ready for some sweet and sassy laughs!
  • Kaatera (Kannada): Embark on a Kannada adventure with “Kaatera” on December 29th. This film promises an epic journey filled with action and drama.
  • Venky (Telugu Re-Release): Relive the magic of “Venky,” the Telugu blockbuster, as it returns to theaters for a victory lap on December 30th. Sing along to the tunes and relive the nostalgia!

OTT Releases: A Stream of Delights:

Netflix Nirvana:

  • Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (Hindi): Dive into the depths of love and loss with the Hindi film “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” on December 26th. This emotional rollercoaster is sure to leave you touched.
  • Annapoorani (Tamil): Travel across languages with the Tamil film “Annapoorani,” now available in Telugu dub on December 29th. Experience a heartwarming story that transcends borders.
  • Berlin (English): Get ready for some international intrigue with the English web series “Berlin” on December 29th. This espionage thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • Three of Us (Hindi): Explore the complexities of human relationships with the Hindi film “Three of Us” on December 29th. This coming-of-age story will resonate with your soul.

Disney Plus Hotstar’s Hidden Gems:

  • Mangalavaaram (Telugu): Celebrate the festive spirit with the Telugu film “Mangalavaaram” on December 26th. This feel-good family drama is perfect for a cozy movie night.
  • 12th Fail (Hindi): Root for the underdog with the Hindi film “12th Fail” on December 29th. This inspirational story will make you believe in the power of second chances.

Aha’s Ace of Spades:

  • Keedaa Cola (Telugu): Get your adrenaline pumping with the Telugu action thriller “Keedaa Cola” on December 29th. This high-octane film promises non-stop thrills and spills.

So, grab your popcorn, curl up on the couch, or head to the cinema – this week’s entertainment buffet has something for everyone!

Salaar Review: Part 1 – Ceasefire – A Rollercoaster of Action and Drama

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Prabhas Salaar Review

Release Date: December 22, 2023

Rating: 3.25/5

Starring: Prabhas, Prithviraj, Shruti Haasan, Tinu Anand, Eshwari Rao, Jagapathi Babu, Sriya Reddy, Garuda Ram

Director: Prashanth Neel

Producer: Vijay Kiragandur

Music Director: Ravi Basrur

Cinematographer: Bhuvan Gowda

Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni

After a three-year wait, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, the highly anticipated collaboration of Prabhas and Prashanth Neel, finally hit the big screens worldwide today amidst high expectations. Let’s dive into our review to see if the film lives up to the hype.

Story:

Deva (Prabhas) leads a simple life with a mysterious past, residing with his mother in Tinsukia. The peace is disrupted when a gang searches for Aadhya (Shruti Haasan), a newcomer in town. Deva discovers that his best friend Varadharaja Mannar (Prithviraj Sukumaran) in Khansaar city is behind the scheme. The conflict escalates, raising questions. Who is Aadhya? What connects her to Varadharaj? What caused the rift between the two friends? The movie unfolds the answers.

Plus Points:

After a long break, fans finally see Prabhas in a full-fledged action film, skillfully presented by Prashanth Neel, who knows how to showcase Prabhas in a way fans love.

Prabhas fits perfectly into the role of Deva aka Salaar, making it difficult to imagine another actor in the part. His character involves minimal dialogue but oozes violence, showcasing his physique, dialogue delivery, and overall fan-friendly persona. Prabhas’ intense and ruthless behavior, especially in action scenes, keeps the audience engaged.

Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a solid performance, adding depth to the film. His proficiency in Telugu and compelling scenes with Prabhas enhance the viewing experience.

The first half has a strong impact, featuring Prashanth Neel’s signature fast-paced and engaging screenplay. Impressive action sequences, along with a good score, create moments that fans will cheer for.

Minus Points:

While the story maintains a decent pace in the first half, the second half could have benefited from a more polished narration. Some scenes in the second hour might remind viewers of KGF, affecting the film’s originality.

Despite a strong supporting cast, Prashanth Neel mainly highlights certain actors, sidelining others who could have had more significant roles.

The abundance of violence in the second half may not resonate well with family audiences.

Technical Aspects:

Prashanth Neel again showcases his directing skills, using simple scenes to highlight heroism. A more focused approach to the story and screenplay in the second half could have improved the overall narrative.

Ravi Basrur’s music adds to the scenes, and Bhuvan Gowda’s cinematography is commendable. Anbarivu’s stunts are a highlight. While Ujwal Kulkarni’s editing could have been smoother in the second half, the production values are commendable.

Verdict:

Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire stands out as an intense action drama featuring a fantastic performance by Prabhas, especially in action scenes, and Prithviraj. Well-executed stunts add to the film’s appeal. However, the simple narrative, a somewhat slow second half, and excessive violence are noticeable drawbacks. If you are a fan of Prabhas or enjoy high-energy action movies, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire is worth watching this weekend.

Dunki Review: Adventure with a Funny Flawed Journey

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Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and more

Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Story: Four people from Punjab dream of going to London. They learn English and meet Hardy, a soldier who helps them cross the border illegally. The film follows their journey and explores the reasons behind their choices.

Plus Points:

  • Laugh Out Loud: The first half is packed with funny scenes, typical of Hirani’s style. It’s a fast-paced ride without any dull moments.
  • SRK Shines: Shah Rukh Khan delivers a great performance, especially in a courtroom scene. He’s not just a star, he’s a skilled actor too.
  • Solid Cast: Taapsee Pannu and others hold their own alongside SRK. The film also sheds light on a less-known issue.
  • Second Half Moments: There are some good scenes in the later part too.

Minus Points:

  • Emotionally Lacking: The film tackles a difficult topic, but Hirani’s usual emotional punch isn’t quite there. It doesn’t hit as hard as his previous works.
  • Missed Potential: Vicky Kaushal’s cameo could have been more impactful, and the interval sequence isn’t as effective as it could be.
  • Technical Glitches: The CGI is shaky in some places, and the editing feels like it left out some important details about SRK’s character.

Overall:

Dunki is a decent film with a unique concept and plenty of laughs. While it’s not Hirani’s best work, it’s still enjoyable thanks to the humor and strong performances. If you’re okay with some flaws, you’ll have a good time. Shah Rukh Khan fans especially won’t be disappointed.

Bonus: The film also clashes with another big release, Salaar, adding to the excitement!

Pindam Movie Review | A Thrilling Horror Story in a Haunted House

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Pindam, the new horror flick in town, promises chills and thrills. But does it deliver real screams or just yawns? Let’s peek inside the haunted house of Suklapet…

The Story:

Antony buys a new house, thinking it’s his dream come true. But soon, spooky stuff starts happening – lights flicker, objects fly, and the family dog hides under the bed. Antony’s wife, Mary, is about to pop a baby, and two little daughters are scared witless. Enter Annamma, the ghostbuster lady, and the mystery deepens. Is it a mean ghost or something darker at play? Buckle up for a twisty ride!

Thumbs Up:

  • The flashback bits are kinda creepy and cool, showing what happened before Antony moved in. Makes you wonder what secrets the house holds!
  • The movie tackles a real-life issue, making you think beyond just ghosts and goons.
  • Sriram plays the worried husband perfectly, and Kushee Ravi shines as the brave wife. The little girls steal the show with their cuteness and screams!
  • The music and setting add to the chills. Think of creaky floorboards and shadows that dance on walls.
pindam movie review; trailer, songs, poster
Pindam Movie Review

Thumbs Down:

  • The haunted house story feels tired. Flickering lights, flying things – we’ve seen it all before. 
  • The first half drags, with just a few creepy moments to keep you awake. You’ll be checking your phone for the time.
  • The jump scares are predictable and lame. You’ll see them coming from a mile away, and they won’t make you jump in your seat.
  • Pindam borrows heavily from a famous Hollywood horror movie. Not very original, eh?
  • The movie drags on forever, and the ending feels rushed and messy. What happened to that other guy?

The Verdict:

Pindam isn’t the scariest movie, but it’s not bad either. Good acting, decent setting, and a few creepy moments keep it watchable. But the predictable story, lack of originality, and weak scares hold it back. If you’re looking for a real screamfest, skip Pindam. But if you want a mildly spooky story with a message, give it a shot. Just don’t expect to be too scared!

There you have it, a super easy Pindam Movie Review! Hope you like it!

Pushpa 2 Allu Arjun’s Twitter post on HiNanna Success

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Congratulations to the entire team of HiNanna. This is a truly heartwarming film that touched my heart deeply. Nani’s performance was effortless and captivating. He perfectly portrays the love and dedication of a father to his daughter. I was particularly moved by his portrayal of the emotional struggles he faces.

pushpa 2 allu arjun's twitter post on hinanna success
Pushpa -2 Allu Arjun Review on Twitter

Congratulations to all the other artists for their neat performances and technicians for their complimenting work especially the cameraman.

Allu Arjun Declares “Animal” a Classic in Indian Cinema with a Detailed Review

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The recent release, “Animal,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Shakti Kapoor, has been making waves at the box office since its debut on December 1. Amidst the film’s success, Tollywood actor Allu Arjun has shared an extensive review, categorizing “Animal” as a classic in Indian cinema.

Box Office Triumph Despite Criticism

“Animal,” an action drama, has managed to win over audiences, achieving remarkable success at the box office. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, the film continues to perform exceptionally well. Allu Arjun, known as the Icon Star, recently watched the movie and took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his detailed thoughts on the film.

Allu Arjun’s Praise for “Animal”

Expressing his admiration, Allu Arjun described “Animal” as mind-blowing. He specifically lauded Ranbir Kapoor’s performance, considering it outstanding. Rashmika Mandanna also received accolades from Bunny, with him declaring her performance as her career-best. Bobby Deol’s impactful portrayal was acknowledged, with Bunny noting his tremendous presence that commands respect. Anil Kapoor’s performance was labeled as effortless and intense. Additionally, Bunny praised Tripti Dimri, describing her as a young talent breaking hearts.

Anticipation for Allu Arjun and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Collaboration

Given the success of “Animal,” the collaboration between Allu Arjun and Sandeep Reddy Vanga has heightened expectations among fans. The duo has already announced an upcoming project, and followers of the Pushpa 2 star eagerly anticipate another sensational blockbuster akin to “Animal.”

Extra Ordinary Man Review: A Comedy Drama

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Extra Ordinary Man Overview

The much-anticipated film, “Extra Ordinary Man,” featuring Nithiin, Sreeleela, and others, has hit theaters worldwide. Let’s explore how the movie fares in our review.

The story follows Abhinay (Nithiin), a junior artist aspiring to become a hero. His life takes unexpected turns when he meets Likitha (Sreeleela) and becomes the CEO of her company. As he gets a chance to be a hero, the narrative unfolds mysteries around Abhi’s transformation and his intriguing backstory.

Cast and Crew:

  • Starring: Nithiin, Sreeleela, Dr. Rajasekhar, Sudhev Nair, Rao Ramesh, Rohini, Sampath Raj, Brahmaji, Hyper Aadhi, and others
  • Director: Vakkantham Vamsi
  • Producers: N. Sudhakar Reddy, Nikitha Reddy
  • Music Director: Harris Jayaraj
  • Cinematographers: Arthur A. Wilson ISC, Yuvraj J, Sai Sriram
  • Editor: Prawin Pudi

Pros:

  1. Nithiin’s Comedy: Nithiin impresses with his comedic abilities, showcasing a noteworthy role that brings laughter to the audience.
  2. Supporting Cast: Rao Ramesh delivers delightful moments, and performances by Brahmaji and Hyper Adhi contribute significantly to the film’s humor.

Cons:

  1. Weak Story Execution: The film relies on its screenplay, but the weak story execution, prioritizing characterizations over a robust script, hinders its impact.
  2. Sreeleela’s Role: Sreeleela’s character adds little to her career, seemingly chosen more for looks and dancing skills than substantial character development.
  3. Villain Portrayal: Sudev Nair’s portrayal of the villain Nero falls short, suggesting a more suitable actor could have enhanced the film.

Technical Evaluation:

  1. Writing and Screenplay: Vakkantham Vamsi’s writing shines, emphasizing characterizations, but a more focused script in the second half could have elevated the film.
  2. Music and Cinematography: Harris Jayaraj’s score is decent, but the songs fall short. Cinematographers perform admirably, enhancing the visual appeal.
  3. Editing: The editing could be more refined in the second half for a smoother flow.

Verdict:

“Extra Ordinary Man” offers a mix of engaging comedy and decent performances, particularly by Nithiin and Rao Ramesh. While the film has its moments, it falls short due to a simplistic story, unengaging scenes, and a less compelling second-half screenplay. If you can overlook these aspects, it might be worth a watch this weekend.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga: From Tollywood Sensation to Bollywood Titan

Young and dynamic director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has made a remarkable impact on the Bollywood film industry, establishing himself as a brand that rivals even the legendary Rajamouli. His entry into Hindi cinema with the remake of Arjun Reddy, titled Kabir Singh, garnered immense popularity among the youth and mass audiences of Bollywood.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga has carved a distinct niche for himself in Bollywood, and his latest film, Animal, has further solidified his position as a top-tier director. With an exceptional opening day collection of approximately ₹115 crores worldwide, Animal stands as the second biggest opener for a Bollywood film, only behind Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan.

Similar to his previous work, Animal has generated polarizing opinions. While those connected to the film are raving about it, others are expressing negative sentiments. However, Vanga’s ability to draw audiences into theaters is undeniable. This remarkable feat has led industry experts and movie enthusiasts to declare that Sandeep Vanga has established a brand that surpasses even Rajamouli’s in Bollywood.

Animal is poised to become one of Bollywood’s biggest grossers. Until now, only Rajamouli among Tollywood directors has enjoyed a strong market in Bollywood. However, Sandeep Reddy Vanga has now emerged as a formidable force, commanding significant brand value and audience pull in Bollywood. With upcoming projects like Spirit starring Prabhas and Allu Arjun, Vanga is set to continue his reign as one of Bollywood’s most influential directors.