Watched Sinners in a flight from Frankfurt to Chennai. I should've watched it in a big screen with theatrical sound system. It has soul. I interpreted the vampire confrontation as an IRL incident, in which racists cause death and destruction. The community fights back, KKK comes for revenge and the protagonist has the final say in a one-man Commando-style showdown. The music was amazing. A terrific watch. Of the limited films I watched in 2025, this one is up there at the top.
There are at least 3 standalone movies packed in one, which appears to be the movie's main criticism, but I am happy with this version and with my interpretation.
There are at least 3 standalone movies packed in one, which appears to be the movie's main criticism, but I am happy with this version and with my interpretation.
A Real Pain is the first time I watched Kieran Culkin for full 30+ minutes on screen. What a terrific performance! I felt his every facial muscle movement. His eyes when he is alone vs when is with company. I saw his world shatter when he heard his grandma talked about him behind his back - a behaviour which he disapproves of. Jesse was amazing too. Themes about survival, depression, pain and suffering - so poignantly depicted and left to the audience to "feel" them rather than get preached about like its done on most Indian movies. I watched with my daughter and it was a memorable one.
Sapta Sagaradaache Ello - Side A
I knew for a while that this was critically acclaimed movie. On my flight from Chennai to Stockholm I started watching it. The first 20 minutes was a breath of fresh air. The makers have put in their effort and it was showing. The music and visuals were pleasing. I was rooting for the characters. But once I understood where the story was heading I couldn't bring myself to watch the rest of the movie. It was too close to reality, on a topic that was debated and enraged on social media to death. I had to force myself to watch it. Twice. After a while I got hooked to the story again and the love between them was depicted beautifully. The ending was poetic.
I knew for a while that this was critically acclaimed movie. On my flight from Chennai to Stockholm I started watching it. The first 20 minutes was a breath of fresh air. The makers have put in their effort and it was showing. The music and visuals were pleasing. I was rooting for the characters. But once I understood where the story was heading I couldn't bring myself to watch the rest of the movie. It was too close to reality, on a topic that was debated and enraged on social media to death. I had to force myself to watch it. Twice. After a while I got hooked to the story again and the love between them was depicted beautifully. The ending was poetic.
Kamal Haasan's 70 favourite Indian movies
On 70th Indian Independence Day celebrations, Hindustan Times requested Kamal Haasan (big fan) to curate a list of his favourite 70 Indian films and why. For obvious reasons, the list is limited to movies released till 2017.
The article is lost probably in a website rewrite but wayback machine to the rescue. If wayback machine fails here is my local copy sans images.
On 70th Indian Independence Day celebrations, Hindustan Times requested Kamal Haasan (big fan) to curate a list of his favourite 70 Indian films and why. For obvious reasons, the list is limited to movies released till 2017.
The article is lost probably in a website rewrite but wayback machine to the rescue. If wayback machine fails here is my local copy sans images.