tarekali-19909 Reviews

Fallout (2024– )

Amazon has knocked it out of the park with this series

[9/10 · 27 April 2024]

I have played most of the Fallout games since Fallout 3, and I can attest to their deep emotional resonance and the scarring they leave once you wander the wastelands and observe the tattered remnants of humankind 200 years in the future scrambling to get out of the primordial muck the great war created.

Amazon has knocked it out of the park with this series. The ambiance and atmosphere of the games are reproduced down to the bottle caps. Vast destroyed vistas, incredible violence, savage radiation mutated creatures of nightmares, the horrors of failed vaults-it's all here. The great factions of this destroyed war are well represented, barely scratching the surface of their depth. Even the beloved gas station is recreated to the finest detail, as fans of Fallout 4 will attest.

Ella Purnell is incredible as the protagonist of singular courage who dares to leave the comfort of her vault to face the harsh world. Her transformation from a naive, sheltered daddy's girl to a capable survivor is interesting to watch, especially as she resists losing her instinct to do the right thing.

Walton Goggins plays the quintessential cowboy ghoul, immortal and haunted by the ghosts of betrayal centuries past. His anti-hero personality makes him all the more genuine and credible, fitting for such a harsh world.

Aaron Clifton plays a struggling squire seeking to become a knight, and his character development arc is also impressive. Honor and duty matter, and he shows a genuine struggle in this regard.

It's disturbing yet comforting to see the desperation of the survivors, eking out an existence in this hellscape that never recovered, 200 years after the great war. Their grit and determination, optimism, and bravado are formidable. As Chet said aptly, 'We are all cowards. That's why we live in a vault.' As with all Fallout games, the charming soundtrack is exemplary. All the great oldies are used in just the right places with the right tone and theme.

Parasyte: The Grey (2024– )

possible to reproduce the emotion, originality, and breathtaking pace of the masterful anime

[9/10 · 17 April 2024]

I was skeptical that it was possible to reproduce the emotion, originality, and breathtaking pace of the masterful anime, but I was very wrong. Each episode shows insane animation and praying mantis reflex speeds of action and combat. The sheer danger these parasites pose to humankind is made plain and clear.

Jeon So-nee plays the emotionally weakened and vulnerable protagonist; one cannot help but feel overwhelmed with mercy for her sorry plight from childhood into the series itself. The tragedies depicted in this series about the true human cost are quite moving. There is plenty of character growth as well, and there are debates around individuality versus collective objectives of existence.

The series leaves you guessing about identity, with twists and turns at every junction. It was incredible to see a tie-in to the original anime in the last few seconds of the series. I most strongly desire a second series.

Maamla Legal Hai (2024– )

gripping, fulfilling, and hilariously funny legal drama

[10/10 · 9 March 2024]

I have not felt frustrated at the end of a small 8-part miniseries in a long time. I craved many more episodes of this gripping, fulfilling, and hilariously funny legal drama.

Lawyers are considered bottom feeders until they achieve a certain prestige level, at which point all their judicial and legal sins are forgiven. Classism is alive and well in the legal profession too, and this show brilliantly illustrates that. The cases shown here are real and tangible, thorny turns of the road that have remained unresolved for decades. The episodes highlight real human drama and tragedy and the cost of justice denied through delay.

The characters are incredible. Ravi Kishan is the massive planet Jupiter around which the entire show revolves, and he executes this role with gravitas and finesse. This is a lawyer on the cusp of greatness, and he must choose his road. Naila Grewal represents the selfless, idealistic newcomer who still believes in the legal system and is unwilling to bend the rules in a broken system. Nidhi Bisht is the firecracker in the barn, the shameless, fearless lady lawyer who will go to any length to build her unrecognized career. Each knocks it out of the courtroom.

There must be an adjournment to the second season.

Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video (2023)

A searing indictment of the harshness of social media and judgemental society. This movie is a tragedy from the opening to the closing scene, and the heart weeps for Sajini, t

[9/10 · 8 January 2024]

A searing indictment of the harshness of social media and judgemental society. This movie is a tragedy from the opening to the closing scene, and the heart weeps for Sajini, the poor woman at the heart of the story.

Radhika Madan brilliantly plays a woman who has every door shut in her face, by her family friends and mentors and finds no open roads except one dark abyss. If there is one lesson here, even in the face of a few innocent mistakes, do not slam doors on the face of a loved one lest someone pay the ultimate price.

Nimrat Kaur is in a league of her own, a force of acting second to none, and she delivers an outstanding performance as Inspector Bela Barot, a sleuthing hound who digs up every rock seeking the truth of the great mystery in this tragedy. Ironically, she shows the most empathy for Sajini not even knowing her personally, unlike the traitors who knew her.

The plot moves fast and furious, revealing one layer of hypocrisy, fallacy and tragedy after another. It is a very satisfying and utterly saddening movie.

12th Fail (2023)

This movie should make you want to be a more honest person

[10/10 · 2 January 2024]

This is a tremendously inspiring movie based on a true story and a rare instance where the writers and filmmakers did not take creative liberties. What a tour de force.

We live in a post-truth world where we can see real-time videos of atrocities being committed around the world yet those doing evil deeds lie openly and brazenly in public and private. The principle thesis of this film seems archaic and old-fashioned - that honesty is the best policy.

Vikrant Massey is a genius actor who embodied the real-life character IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma's credo: "We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness." from A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire. Seeing his undying fire restarting, again and again, was truly inspirational, repeated failures are not the end, but strategy must be improved otherwise we embody insanity.

The absolutely gruelling process of the Indian Union Public Service Commission, with its multiple gates and circles in a game of snakes and ladders, is something to be respected and feared. Having gone through a shadow of those trials I can certainly relate. Ultimately as an elder stated late in the film, the point of the process was to select the bold and honest.

Medha Shankar as real-life IRS office Shraddha Joshi is unparalleled and unequalled in the annals of women who believed in their men and inspired them to greatness beyond their own wildest dreams. She embodies loyalty, dedication, fearlessness and above all love that makes me want to stand up and salute. I am blessed to have such a life partner and I know what a difference it makes.

This movie should make you want to be a more honest person, and to seek pleasure in the journey, picking yourself up every time you fall, and take satisfaction from playing the game honestly and avoiding cheating at all costs.

Animal (I) (2023)

This is what a man and son should be

[10/10 · 20 December 2023]

This is by far the very best role of Ranbir Kapoor; he has forged here an unforgettable character that will go down in the annals of Indian films. His searing portrayal of a fearless, loyal, dedicated son who loves his father above all else in the world is something to behold. He is a force of nature, unstoppable, against all odds, a flame burning so bright it seems destined to burn itself alive. The arc of redemption of a fractured father-son relationship is a hard road, and the lucky few reconcile before death comes calling.

Rashmika Mandanna plays the devoted wife, swept away by the sheer power and flame of the Alpha male Vijay, helpless to resist his fiery vision of the world. The immortal evergreen Anil Kapoor plays the fatherly counterpoint, the nexus and purpose of Vijay's life.

The action scenes are mind-blowing and satisfying, and you can see the flamboyant touch of the Tollywood director. Humour is used wisely and provides much relief between tense scenes.

I was particularly impressed by the fierce indomitable loyalty of Vijay's cousins from the village - any man with such blood defenders can consider himself a king.

3 and a half hours went by breathlessly, this was epic filmmaking, modern yet traditional, humble yet arrogant, reverent yet taboo. This is what a man and son should be.

Dhak Dhak (2023)

charming road movie, a real treat after ages

[9/10 · 20 December 2023]

This is a charming road movie, a real treat after ages. Four women at different life stages, all with varied backgrounds and motivations, unite in a mission. They live to ride and ride to live to the top of the world, showing that both the journey and the destination matter, a riddle that has plagued humans for eternity.

The cinematography and music are outstanding, you witness the amazing beauty of India as our bike squad ascends the continent. They undergo a journey of self-discovery and introspection and come to terms with some of the troubles they are fleeing from.

I must give special credit to Ratna Pathak Shah for playing the indomitable matriarch Mahi. She stole every scene and was the true center of gravity for the 3 women seeking meaning in their journey, having already entered the twilight of her own.

Ultimately the timeless question of journey or destination is answered. Life is, after all, about experiences ... and who you meet along the way can change the course of your life.

Crashing Eid (2023– )

refreshing change from saccharine artificial dramas

[9/10 · 26 November 2023]

It has been a while since we saw such a delightful family comedy miniseries. This brave show does not hesitate to delve into the reality of modern families in the Islamic world, especially in the often misunderstood Saudi culture. Ultimately people are no different all over the world, parents and kids struggle to connect, partners try to make marriages work, people in general try to overcome their biases, divorce tears families apart and siblings struggle to find equilibrium in their domination game.

The show gives a nice glimpse of society in modern Saudia Arabia and de-mystifies many misconceptions. Many life lessons I have encountered are illustrated here, with plenty of warnings. Crashing Eid is a refreshing change from saccharine artificial dramas and bravely exposes the raw reality of emotional and family challenges.

The Creator (2023)

had the potential to be great - a real missed opportunity

[8/10 · 18 November 2023]

It's visually stunning but narratively weak. This movie is good but had the potential to be great - a real missed opportunity.

You can see many previous films of note influencing this work, to name a few Independence Day, Elysium, Chappie and the eternal Blade Runner. Imitation is flattery and probably should be appreciated.

The film brings a unique palette in depicting simulants, the perfect fusion of humans and A. I., but missed the chance to create a mythos and epic history behind this paradigm. We seem rushed headlong into action without much world-building. The love and emotions between the creators and the created are touching and charming.

Ultimately this movie falls short in a few narrative structures with some heavily illogical and inconsistent revelations. The plot takes turns that jar the smooth flow of the story, and not in a pleasant way. I am saddened as I always thought Gareth Edwards had potential.

One thing towers above the rest - the absolutely magnificent score by maestro Hans Zimmer - I have heard this almost a hundred times now and I do not tire. The music so beautifully captures the haunting world depicted here, with themes of sadness and longing.

Mumbai Diaries (2021– )

riveting medical drama series that does not pull any punches

[9/10 · 14 November 2023]

Mumbai Diaries is a riveting medical drama series that does not pull any punches. Every episode is tension-filled and thrilling; we watched this in a blur, completely swept away by the realism of human tragedy and character drama.

First of all the gritty realism of the series has to be appreciated. Gone are the sterile white walls of most medical dramas, instead we dive headlong into the gritty grimy reality of public hospitals in developing nations. This is exactly what we expect, organized chaos, doctors and staff fighting against impossible odds to save lives.

Season 1 is a savage realistic rendition of the terrible events of 26/11 and the horrible carnage. The hotel and hospital's siege are depicted with ferocity and brutality. Every moment is nail-biting. Season 2 is a little slower-paced but makes up for it with interesting deep dives into human drama and experiences. There is a beautiful continuity in the series, and I am glad to see most of the characters explored in further depth and background.

Certain performances stand out from the rest. Hats off to Mohit Raina for playing the fearless doctor Oberoi who is willing to bend and break any rule in the pursuit of saving lives. Our original trio of trainee doctors played by Mrunmayee Deshpande, Satyajeet Dubey and Natasha Bharadwaj act as the heart and soul of the series, rising to the challenge while overcoming their own personal demons. Special mention to Balaji Gauri for playing the fearless head nurse Cherian who everyone fears, from the Chief to the janitor, who acts as a beacon of ethics and honesty anchoring all ships around her.

I am most certainly hoping they make a 3rd season of this excellent series.

The Menu (2022)

An utterly shocking movie that leaves you breathless

[9/10 · 2 November 2023]

An utterly shocking movie that leaves you breathless in the end, with the dread realization you will remember this vivid bloody horror for ages to come.

Ralph Fiennes is a master class in depicting a master chef with legendary abilities as a master manipulator. It is mesmerizing to see how strong the hold of such a genius personality can be, especially given the lengths to which people known and unknown will go to please him and fulfill his dark visions. But ultimately he remains vulnerable to the machinations of a chef, to the desire to please his patron.

Anya Taylor-Joy knocks it out of the park with a powerful performance or a will as strong as the antagonist, with the brilliant imagination and wit necessary to outthink and outmaneuver the horrors of the night. In the end, her attention to detail and honesty matter the most, I have such high hopes for this actor.

Overall the movie is a play on the inherent hypocrisy and overblown hubris of the world of fine dining. What is fine food, how is it defined, is it a construct of deified critics or is it a natural evolution of basic human desires? What is the ultimate performance of culinary art, where the diners and dined become one, where the cooks and critics merge? This dark journey will leave you slightly broken and not hungry at all.

Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)

A sweeping epic that addresses a timelessly appealing notion, beings of smokeless fire endowed with tremendous powers by the Creator, but subject to the same laws of destiny a

[8/10 · 24 October 2023]

A sweeping epic that addresses a timelessly appealing notion, beings of smokeless fire endowed with tremendous powers by the Creator, but subject to the same laws of destiny and helplessness as mere mortals.

The rendition of ancient lands and giants of history is breathtaking, especially the treatment of Queen Sheba and later the Ottoman Sultans. The attention to detail and special effects are noteworthy. The rendition of the great sultans Suleiman and Murad are satisfying and mirror history.

The debate between Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba is really the spine and heart of the movie and is a delight to witness. Two great minds sparring away, seeking to best each other like a game of mental and verbal chess played with stories as pieces on the board.

Of course, we are intrigued by the supernatural and unseen, and of course, we are tempted to harness incredible powers to our selfish ends, but there is always a terrible price to pay. My only, ahem, wish is that the epic historical themes ran through the entire movie and that there was less mediocrity in the last act.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023– )

Daryl is on a pilgrimage of redemption and self-discovery

[10/10 · 21 October 2023]

Daryl Dixon is a dark miniseries worthy of the protagonist, a lost man seeking a cause greater than himself. The setting in the old world is gothic and depressing, charming and rustic, terrifying and foreboding - watching Daryl trudge through the ruined glories of France, beauty and horror intertwined.

Just like any other Walking Dead show, there are pockets of human survivors with their specific missions, mandates and cultures. One in particular, formed and led by youth, was particularly touching and moving.

There are always megalomaniacs in these series and Genet does not disappoint as a French iron lady determined to build a new French republic, to make the hard decisions. All her motivations are not fully revealed and I hope future seasons continue the thread.

The religious and destiny-driven aspect of the show, combined with the "holy child" Laurent, adds a layer of mystery and wonder. Daryl is the furthest from a believer you can imagine, but he responds to a higher calling. I hope this journey continues to another season. It almost feels like Daryl is on a pilgrimage of redemption and self-discovery, perhaps the path to faith. But the real question is, will he find happiness as has opined two young souls so far?

Hush Hush (2022– )

A gripping drama series about four close female friends

[8/10 · 5 October 2023]

A gripping drama series about four close female friends, and the various challenges in their personal lives. At the center is their charismatic and beautiful leader Ishi, played to perfection by Juhi Chawla, a power broker in the world of the rich.

We have heard plenty about the perversions and corruption of the elites, and this series delves into a very dark reality of abusing innocents. The powerful control the lives of others like puppeteers, but they cannot cancel or postpone death itself.

As our brave ladies seek to unravel the threads of evil they realize it is just the beginning of a very dark road. The series sets up brilliantly for a second season which I really hope they make.

Bambai Meri Jaan (2023– )

Bollywood is unable to escape the romantic appeal of the old gangsters

[8/10 · 29 September 2023]

Bollywood is unable to escape the romantic appeal of the old gangsters, D-Company and their bosses Dawood, Rajan and Khalid. This is probably the 10th rendition of that golden age of mafia crime, a rags-to-riches story steeped in blood and savagery.

Similar to Mirzapur, this is yet another story of a single fateful wrong decision that sets an entire family spiralling down the path of crime and violence, leaving those responsible a lifetime of regret and reparation. The brutality and savagery of this series are probably normal for today but still cause one to cringe.

The acting is on par and one can really relate to the characters. Ultimately this is a story of an arrogant father and his equally arrogant son, both on opposite ends of the scales of morality.

Amazon deserves kudos for high-quality productions, with immense attention to detail and period accuracy. The set pieces and atmosphere of this series are quite impressive.

Elemental (2023)

The old magic of Pixar returns

[9/10 · 11 September 2023]

The old magic of Pixar returns in this family delight, and I am sad this was not a bigger hit. At the heart of this amazing movie is a timeless love story, of two elementally different individuals seeing the light shining in each other and coming together against all odds. My family and I were swept away by the simple sweetness of this film. Director Peter Sohn has done well.

There is also a beautiful father-daughter story interwoven into this film, and as the father of 4 princesses, I can definitely relate. The timeless lesson of letting your kids follow their dreams is retold in a beautiful way, and even more so, the critical importance of parent and child respecting each other.

The animation is spectacular, I love how the various elements are represented, and how they interact with each other in various moments. The character design is spot on, and the closer you look the more details emerge. Hats off to how far Pixar animation has come. For some time I thought a 5th unifying element would emerge but that was wishful thinking.

Finally, the soundtrack is a real delight, I truly appreciate the South Asian themes as my region of origin. Master composer Thomas Newman took a bold risk weaving in those elements, and it paid off.

I have not enjoyed a Pixar movie this much since Coco; they need to stay true to such heartwarming story-telling and inspiring imagination.

Mirzapur (2018– )

Mirzapur pushed the boundaries

[10/10 · 10 September 2023]

Mirzapur is an organized crime drama of the finest calibre. Soaked in blood and gore, guile and wit, courage and bravado, it is a tremendously enjoyable ride. You are forced to keep guessing on the direction of each episode, especially on who will die when and how, like riding a fast rapid downstream. At the heart of the drama is the tale of two families, one born into crime and one forced into it. Do we really control our fate when others decide things for us? Do the crimes and mistakes of fathers haunt their kids? Indeed, these things are true. Running through the series is a cautionary tale of the dangers of hubris and the terrible price to pay.

Season 1 showcases how one single fateful decision of misguided ethics and unintelligent posturing can destroy an entire family and drag it down the firing line. Events were set loose that could not be fully controlled or mitigated. This is how normal lives are upended, how normal people can discover how much wrong they are capable of.

Season 2 is the long hard slog back to redemption and revenge, on the ashes of the dead. It is a study of how hubris can destroy a dynasty, and how enemies can lurk invisible in the shadows and in the open, and lunge at the throat in one fell blow. Everyone waits for a moment of weakness before striking, much like a virus in the body.

Season 3 is desired and craved and we remain without closure since Oct 2020. We had some measure of justice and closure but the crime saga is far from over.

Mirzapur pushed the boundaries and set the stage for the series that followed, opening the doors to the depiction of raw brutality which is indeed real life.

Y: The Last Man (2021)

There was no message of peace and hope.

[6/10 · 31 August 2023]

First off the comic book is a masterpiece worth reading end to end, and this series attempts an homage to the spirit of the original work.

The overall scenario and premise are pretty shocking but not unimagined or uncalled for by some members of society today. In summary, how would a world without men function? This is a relevant question given the gender-based introspection and analysis that most communities undertake nowadays.

The production values are adequate for a post-apocalyptic thriller, with the requisite gore and devastation elements. What is more interesting is the psychological and mental state of the survivors as they navigate a new reality.

Y himself, the titular character, is present as a man who did not ask to be last, hence most apparently valuable or precious. It would make sense they would choose a bland uninspiring weak individual to take this role, instead of an uber-ambitious alpha.

It's interesting that in a world devoid of men civilization collapses and the rule of the strong takes over almost instantly, with the weak preyed upon like lambs. It's almost as though gender wasn't the root cause. Of course, every opportunity is taken to start cults of personalities, with the rank hypocrisy of evicting to death those who do not agree with the demagogue's worldview. Perhaps the biggest plot hole would be that the patriarchy offed itself in a giant government conspiracy. You can't make this nonsense up.

I can understand why the series was rejected and cancelled. Towards the end, the descent into tribal feral animalistic tendencies of the surviving women was quite disappointing and at times revolting. There was no message of peace and hope.

The Whale (2022)

The Whale is a triumph of cinema.

[9/10 · 24 August 2023]

First, this movie can only be appreciated by those with an open mind and heart, free of judgement, and those capable of forgiveness. I do not remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed a series of performances by very qualified actors inside a single apartment, with absolutely no change in location, and the only outside reference being the ever-changing weather. Every component of the scenes is a metaphor, richly layered on each other.

Brandon Fraser most certainly deserves the accolades for this performance of a lifetime. His depiction of a bariatric patient in the extreme stages of a health crisis is tremendously authentic and moving. This calm, measured pragmatism about his diminished role in the world, and the harsh judgement of society, should make all hesitate and reserve estimation of others. I can personally relate to some of his experiences, having received the harsh judgement of the world for my own physical shortcomings.

Sadie Sink, Hong Chau and Samantha Morton give stellar performances as various satellites rotating around the protagonist, brimming with love and pity but unable to express it honestly. The desire for said honesty is a primary demand of the film, to be authentic and true. But alas too much honesty will alienate one from the world, as we can find out to our great expense.

Do people do terrible things without rationale or justification? Most certainly. Do they perhaps deserve some forgiveness if they are truly contrite and make tangible amends? Most certainly. The Whale is a triumph of cinema.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A masterpiece of cinema

[10/10 · 10 August 2023]

A masterpiece of cinema, Christopher Nolan delivered with genuine sincerity and vigour.

If Cillian Murphy is denied an Oscar for his haunting portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, it shall be one of the great injustices in cinema history. The supporting cast was brilliant, especially Emily Blunt. I lost count of the ensemble cast of brilliant actors lining up for a few moments of silver screen time in this 3-hour journey that seemed to flash by.

Imax certainly does justice to the vision of Nolan, from overwhelming visuals of the sub-atomic world and the expanded universe to the floor-shaking sound effects. The fast-cut scenes have an emotional impact when layered on unforgiving sounds.

Oppie is a flawed and haunted man, a notion made quite evident from the beginning frames of the movie. He brings the wide-eyed wonder of a child as he journeys around the world in the quest for knowledge, meeting giants of physics upon whose shoulders our modern life rests. In a sense, he goes through a complete anti-hero's journey from naivete, to triumphal power and finally down to defeat, disillusionment and despair. All throughout, we see his constant rationalization and justification of his inevitable march towards becoming the destroyer of worlds. One is torn between sympathy and hatred for this deeply complex genius.

There are so many cautionary tales in this movie, about moments in history when one could swerve in a noble direction instead of taking humanity to the brink of self-destruction. There are other lessons about the politics and machinations of power and the urgency of avoiding enemies through humiliation. The warnings of Einstein delivered throughout the movie hammer home repeatedly.

They say the age of discoveries is past us, and that there is nothing new to unlock anymore. Oppie and his companions were the last great explorers of the universe. What they unlocked remains the final frontier of science, everything that follows rests on their shoulders.

Arnold (2023)

legendary man, mind and body

[10/10 · 24 June 2023]

There is only one Arnold, etched into the world's collective consciousness, legendary man, mind and body.

I grew up with Arnold, from using the Weider fitness pulley workout system with his image to watching the legendary movies Terminator, Commando and Predator. He has been a consistent titan, an Austrian oak towering over the rest. Very few humans have had 3 successful chapters in their life in 3 completely separate domains of human activity.

But this perfect documentary peels back the boy behind the man, shows his innermost motivations and drive, and reveals his most significant vulnerabilities. Arnold learned so much, and now has so much to teach us.

First is the desire to escape a mundane existence, emigrate, and seek greatness. Human history is full of people moving to realize their dreams, Arnold is no exception - his steel will to make it happen is admirable.

Second - vision, the ability to literally visualize the realization of your ambitions, to see the road to achieving them, painful steps at a time. This is very different from useless daydreams.

Third - perfectionism, the mental willpower to push mind and body beyond known limits, to achieve the impossible. 20 sets instead of 3, mental gymnastics to motivate self and trick rivals.

Fourth - adaptability, to dynamically change tack, work with literally anyone, forge ahead with policies and priorities, try anything to see what sticks, to absolutely never take no for an answer.

Fifth - contrition, to admit mistakes personal and professional, to show shame and self-reflection, to own the error of one's ways and move forward from them.

Sixth and finally - humility, to declare really no one is self-made, and that everyone stands with the help of others, on their shoulders, and owes everything to those who guided and helped.

Even now he bikes to Gold Gym, riding past giant art of himself, missing his best friend long deceased, a man of the people. As they rightly say, an elder statesman.

Arnold is one of the few heroes you do want to meet, who will not break your heart. I personally hope he has a productive and fulfilling 4th chapter, as he continues to pump iron, charm and live with zest and ambition.

Scoop (2023– )

searing indictment of the entertainment-obsessed media culture

[9/10 · 20 June 2023]

Scoop is a searing indictment of the entertainment-obsessed media culture of today, and the wholesale corruption of law enforcement in the face of greed and organized crime. As you watch the terrible fall from grace, fame and power of the animated, ambitious and charismatic protagonist Jagruti Pathak, you cannot but imagine this could happen to anyone in the wrong place and time. The acting of Karishma Tanna is just spectacular, especially as she hits low points in her humiliation and disgrace, showing how a massive ego can be demolished one brick at a time. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Imran played by Ayyub, a lone torch bearer in a sea of sold souls.

As the series progresses your sense of outrage grows, especially seeing the slow wheels of justice grind - reinforcing the credo that delayed is denied. I was outraged at how someone's life could be trampled to bits to suit the agenda of influential people. As Imran aptly asks "Whose mission shall it be to rebuild the destroyed life and career?".

Being rooted in fact this series packs a punch, and certain unresolved dangling threads of injustices make one seethe in anger at the smugness of authorities today. How deep is the reach of organized crime, deep enough to choke off justice?

Dahaad (2023– )

A fantastic crime thriller, truly staggering in depth and complexity.

[9/10 · 12 June 2023]

A fantastic crime thriller, truly staggering in depth and complexity. This is perhaps the first time we have seen a serial killer who operates and thrives in developing nations' archaic, biased and unfair culture, especially in the rural areas of Rajasthan where caste and gender still dominate lives. I was amazed that this is based on a true story.

Sonakshi brilliantly plays Anjali, a lower caste up-and-coming police officer whose passion and ambition outdoes her society-allocated station in life. She shows dogged determination to crack the cases of mysterious disappearances and tragic suicides and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to duty.

The writers of this brilliant series take great pains to keep the viewer guessing, unable to predict the next move of the genius-level serial killer, as tangled webs are woven. The monster disguised as an angel is utterly effective in evading capture.

I also appreciated the fresh take on the personal lives of police officers, who are subject to the same domestic challenges as the rest of us. The harsh backdrop of the sand-blasted towns of Rajasthan is a unique setting for this game of cat and mouse. I hope they continue this series.

1923 (2022–2023)

Taylor Sheridan delivers again

[10/10 · 11 May 2023]

Taylor Sheridan delivers again, picking a monumental period in history. This entire season is set in an amazing era when the ancient world fell away and the roller coaster ride toward modernity began. We can see the seeds of the world today being sown, and of course, the writers take pains to inject wisdom and warnings about the state of affairs today, especially freedom of thought, speech and the pursuit of happiness. The Dutton family is aptly tough as nails, a clear carry over from the struggles of 1883 and carry forward to the ongoing saga of Yellowstone.

Salute to Taylor's courage to explore the painful history of North America after the physical genocide of natives, namely their cultural genocide through church schools, associated humiliation, and many unmarked graves. This issue has barely been addressed in popular media. More historical wrongs are unearthed every year, so this issue needs to be highlighted and reconciled.

The Kenya storyline is sweeping and romantic, taking me back to the glory of Out of Africa. Having spent my childhood there, I was enamoured by the accuracy and authenticity of the storyline. The great pains taken to reproduce Africa of the period were truly impressive. The romance between Spencer and Alexandra is for ages and makes one feel alive, and immersed in destiny.

The calibre of the acting is just top class, especially from Ford, Mirren and Dalton. What gravitas and finesse. It is clear this tale is a multi-season arc of survival and greed, of revenge and ambition. Can't wait to see it unfold.

Farzi (2023– )

very entertaining cat, mouse and lion game

[10/10 · 1 May 2023]

Rags to riches crime stories are pretty common, as hubris before the fall, cautionary tales. But Farzi is a gripping addictive drama that does not relinquish you one bit over 8 savage episodes. One cannot help feeling sympathetic to our protagonist 'The Artist' played so brilliantly by a passionate, idealistic Shahid Kapoor. Many can relate to the desire of the poor to succeed, no matter the ethical or moral cost. As he famously says "Even I do not know what I am capable of." On the diametric opposite is Vijay Sethupathi, playing a drunk detective driven to hunt down counterfeit currency by any means. A very entertaining cat, mouse and lion game. The cliffhangers in the last few minutes of the season finale left me begging for a 2nd season.