My Ode to Cinema, the timeless Enchantress!

 So this isn't a list of movies that released in 2024 but its from the movies I watched in 2024. I think 2 years is definitely a golden milestone for new mothers, my viewing list jumped tenfold latter half of last year. 1. Family star - So let me start with this absolute mess of a movie. It surprised the hell out of me because after watching the 2.5 hours of so many faces, locations and songs, I sat and wondered. I wondered if there is a single moment in the movie that can shine. I am not looking for an entire scene, just a shot or may be a small micro expression from an actor or something. Like give me anything. Nope, not a single second of those 157 minutes. How did they manage that colossal waste? It reminded me of this old Telugu movie joke where a reluctant job applicant was asked to spell coffee by the interviewer who already decided to hire him and the applicant answers 'KAUPHY'. The interviewer is stunned to see that he answered in a way that not even one letter is ...

 I was watching this video by 'Masala Lab' channel on why we crave deep fried, hot food on a rainy day. Apparently, we want something crispy as everything is wet around and hot as the temperature drops. For entertainment during the holiday season, it goes the same I guess. We want something to feel like the surroundings, with festive spirit and give us the warmth in the coldness around. The go-to movie for the holidays is the popular, 'The Holiday" (Netflix). I remember watching it under the night sky a few christmases ago. This time, I want to expand the list and went on a spree to find out alternatives. So there are the usual "Love Actually" and "New year's Eve" but they are not easily available for OTT in India. I compiled a list which hit the spot for a cozy night date at home with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. 1. Leap Year (Prime Video) - Very unpopular opinion may be. But the exotic scenery of Ireland almost compensates for a stolen plot....

 So this morning I got a question from my husband. What do you think is missing in the current rom coms? I pondered on it for a second and it dawned on me almost as if I have thought about it already. So these romantic comedies of 90s and 2000s had these beautiful flawless characters. Innocence, idealism, hearts of gold. Take Tom Hanks from Sleepless in Seattle or Hugh Grant from Notting Hill. Even if there are flaws, they are always crafted as to increase the likeability, basically even if they hurt others, it's always unintentional. These characters made up heavily for their mistakes too. So the actual plots didn't carry much depth in the way they loved, it didn't showcase a lot of meaning. It didn't question your views or anything. The conversations were simple, dialogue relatable and overall picturization dreamy. Now as I am writing I realise this is the formula for latest phenomenon K drama too But when it came to the later day rom coms and its messy characters tha...

 I am genuinely curious now at the content process of Netflix. So this movie just dropped, 'Do Patti' which I would have probably skipped if not for the review by 'Tried & Refused Productions'. However I wouldn't consider this a review as one, I dont have much to say about the movie and two, I have watched 2 hours and 7 minutes movie in 1 hour 10 minutes or so. But I keep wondering if there are some elements of writing that are unique to Netflix like, 1. Rushed creation process: So it is a business, everyone agrees. I have spent considerable time with business writing, either myself or working with other writers. I know the way it works and how it hinders actual process of creation. On top of that, Google and Meta and their antics. From Do Patti I can definitely gather the rush from the wobbly script that was built. A story and script that otherwise could have been a delight. 2. Need for integrating unnecessary stars for the pull: This again derails the writing ...

In a recent conversation with one of my friends, we were debating the success of South Indian commercial movies and how its attracting masses across India. Their conviction was that the directors from South are new to the industry and from modest backgrounds while the current directors in the Bollywood are not. There is a disconnect with the mass audience when you are brought up with Western ideas and thoughts. While in itself this is a wonderful topic to deep dive into, my happy surprise is the entry of new directors in the Tollywood space who are steering away from misogyny. Look at movies like Zombie reddy or Adbutham, the lead women have such a great presence in the movie with defined (atleast partially) personalities. Either having a dream of their own or revenge, having a "bad" habit they are away from the purity of previous generation portrayals of lead women. Earlier they were shunned, shamed or lectured for their traits and making own decisions. Trust me I do get tha...

You know you are smitten if you find yourselves giggling in the middle of the day. Finally we have a winner on Netflix. ' Nobody Wants this ' is the best so far for me, from Netflix's content, may be adjacent to 'The Chef Show'. But more importantly God, we millenials missed Rom-Com as a genre so much. I grew up watching so many memorable 'chick flicks' of 90s and early 2000s in my dorm room for whole days and lately, there has been very little to consider. 'Upgrade' from this year was a pleasant surprise but it wasn't entirely 'there'. Even the Indian cinema hasn't done great work in this department in the past decade or so. But 'Nobody Wants This' hits the right spot. Must watch if K-drama isn't cutting for you yet mainstream romance feels too abrupt and shallow. (Heavy spoilers ahead) So the main point I couldn't shake off from the series, like aside from the fine wine that is Adam Brody , is the chemistry between M...