updated
A Problematic Tale With Poor Performances
It could have had all of Kartik Aaryan's charms, all of Sara Ali Khan's ardour- but Love Aaj Kal's foundation itself is problematic.
Shifting between two time periods and drawing juxtapositions from two stories, Love Aaj Kal's aim to be this aesthetically pleasing movie meant to be 'one for the ages' changes dramatically. Maybe it would have been average about a decade ago, definitely not now. The parallels drawn from the 'aaj' and 'kal' tales of love aren't satisfactory and seem forced on the audience, a medicine meant to be just gulped down without thought.
With stale performances by Aaryan & Khan, the movie holds up one of the many serious issues relevant in social circles- A No Means A Secret Yes. Randeep Hooda and Aarushi Sharma do the best they can do with the script provided, while Imtiaz Ali disappoints in a way it truly hurts the soul. With masterpieces like Highway, Jab We Met & Rockstar, his good times seemed to be overshadowed by movies like Love Aaj Kal (2020) and Jab Harry Met Sejal, some very failed attempts of living upto his legacy.
Both the female protagonists of the two stories imply that their denial against someone's romantic advances isn't exactly a denial rather 'playing hard to get'. This concept might be considered the typical shy Indian girl trope of the bygone ages, but in the age with feminist movements like MeToo, Love Aaj Kal did not at all win the audience with girl stringing along a guy by taking advantage of his feelings for her.
While Aaryan's characters doesn't do much, Sara's Zoe is another cinema trope we need to break. A woman focused on her career but lacks the sense of emotions in her life, because a woman can not be satisfied with a successful career- she needs a man to validate her self esteem.
It's troublesome plot is certainly a down, but be it the direction or the script- Love Aaj Kal feels like a complete waste of time.
490 views
Loading...
updated
A Few Reasons To Watch Minus One!
Just Human Things’ Minus One comes with an eerie yet pensieve concept- instead of moving on from a bad breakup, Varun and Riya move in- literally- as flatmates. From each other plus one they become each other’s minus one, but does that mean it will change the equation of trust and friendship between them?
Based on true events, Minus One is one exciting roller coaster- from awkward conversations with new baes to some unforgettable memories Riya and Varun have given their history- and here are some reasons why you should watch it:

The Impeccable Chemistry Between Aisha & Ayush
About two years ago, FilterCopy presented us with one of the cutest chemistries ever in the digital media world. Over the years, there has been a constant vying between Ayush-Aisha stans and Ayush-Barkha stans about whose appeal is better. Nevertheless, one must agree Aisha & Ayush have some major winsome chemistry on screen, be it be just as friends or baes. There endearing banters are not only adorable but funny, something which can only be achieved if there is a thriving friendship between the two actors.

The Neoteric Concept
Based on real-life events of one of the writers, Minus One explores a story hardly ever told before. And quite well, I must say. For exes to move in together because they still understand each other’s situations and problems is something uncommon, but surely heartwarming. The aged idea of exes hating each other being replaced by two mature individuals understanding each other cause of the time they have spent together- this is something very interesting to watch and think about.

The ‘Then VS Now’ Theme
The creators do a fabulous job in differentiating what happened when the two main characters were together and what is happening when they aren’t together anymore. Be it them being much more comfortable and friendlier with each other now than they were then or the different ways in which they handle the situations- the evolution of Riya and Varun’s friendship slash relationship is something that not only gives food for thought but also is endearing to watch.

The Society’s Intolerance
No matter what, someone or the other will judge. And there is nothing we can do about it. Varun and Riya’s decision about moving in is met by loads of complications, and while they are perfectly comfortable with each other, the narrow-minded society won't let them be. The ugly truth that they will be judged nevertheless of anyone knowing the truth is something they find hard to cope with, especially Riya. Watching the series makes you realize that as long as you aren’t in the position of the person you’re judging, don’t form an opinion. Period.

The Hilarious Segments
The web series is naturally funny, like those type of random conversations you have with your best of friends. But a few sequences- especially one where Riya’s father arrived unannounced- are something that will make you roll with laughter. Aisha and Ayush’s chemistry works here in a hysterical manner, and the other actors too pitch in to give some real quality entertainment.

The Engaging Side Characters
Tripathi Ji is Riya and Varun’s housemate and is my personal favourite. He may look slightly orthodox but is the most non-judgemental person in the series. There is Vedika, Varun’s almost girlfriend who might not seem likeable at first but trust me, you’ll love her. There is Nikhil, who oh-so-subtly points out to Riya and Varun about why they hide their history if they think they’re right to do what they are doing, and then there is Avi and Meera, who find the solutions of their own fights by judging the two main characters. The side characters are not only absorbing but also add spice to the riveting concept and definitely provide a diversity of personalities.

All in all, Minus One works really well with all the concepts- humour, romance, friendship, reality- and is definitely a mustwatch.
532 views
Loading...
updated
A Heartwarming Show With Satisfying Pleasure
Having seen Ayush Mehra & Barkha Singh's onscreen chemistry, Please Find Attached was something was mildly expected. Two co-workers become housemates and obviously, fall in love. Despite it's predictable plot, Please Find Attached exceeds expectations. While millennials will like the office drama more than what's blooming between Shaurya & Sanya (sounded like siblings at first, not gonna lie), the romance too isn't as cringey as one would have thought it would be.
One of the biggest mysteries of the series remain that how did Sanya's parents ever agree to this arrangement of her living with a male co-worker who is practically a stranger to them without any objection- but I guess the writers decided to turn a blind eye on that topic. Other than the obvious fault which was never solved on the show, the series rubs you off with all the good vibes and though not thought provoking, feels hopeful and cheery.
With endearing moments meant to melt all romcom fans' hearts, it also keeps real with the struggle to stand out in your workplace, something which is rather eased in other shows in my opinion. Both the seasons do a good job rendering how our seniors and co-workers in the office have a great influence in our lives and doesn't present this picture perfect image of a private a job. What's surprising is the cute moments aren't all mushy-mushy but rather fulfilling in a sweet way. Not too much drama but not too much dull, Please Find Attached finds it's story in the little moments of life.
545 views
Loading...
updated
A Buyont Show With The Hashtag Good Vibes
Adulting works in ways it wants to work- a jaunty, lively web series meant to give all the cute aesthetic vibes from it's two vibrantly distinct characters, Ray & Nikhat. It does well for being a feelgood watch for young millennials, but those looking more authenticity might be dissapointed.
Ray & Nikhat, two wildly different people that seem to have nothing in like are housemates in the dreamcity of Mumbai, struggling to to be functional adults. You will think they will not get along at all, but its the so bad it's actually good thing. Ray is an architect, Nikhat a coder. Both are women trying to keep up with the pace of today's trends, be it on social media or be it tryna keep their lives cool by maintaining their super fine house with stuff no broke two people in the city of Mumbai will be able to afford. In its five episode seasons, Adulting explores a bunch of themes which somewhat seems like an anthology but still does well in keeping a steady, continous flow. Yashashwini Dayama and Aisha Ahmed flaunt their onscreen chemistry and do the best they can do with their characters. While Dayama's Ray is quirky, funny, Ahmed's Nikhat is the somewhat shy, insecure girl in the city we all were once.
While the first season explores the dynamics between the two best friends, the second season takes a longer into the real world by touching on small yet big quotidian topics. Though it struggles to feel 'real' and 'relatable', it does makes you think differently about some themes we usually miss upon. The second season is definitely more recommended than the first one, with its diverse storylines that lace into a pretty good plot. What's not pretty is the cast inconsistencies- Nikhat's season one co-workers are nowhere to be seen, and Viraj Ghelani who had played a minor character in the season one finale plays a completely different side character in the second season. Rohan Khurrana does a fabulous job in second season and completely shines in his episode.
Though fresh, Adulting fails to surprise you much. Slightly predictable, you will finish the show feeling not much except a sudden burst of inspiration to redecorate your house or be nicer to your housemates.
511 views
Loading...
updated
A Guilty Pleasure Show For Those Who Love College Stories
Operation MBBS created buzz being one of the very few web series dedicated only for medical students, and while it is a good watch, doctor students might not find the connection they had wished to find in the Dice Media series. Along with the pressure of being a medical student and the changing relationship aspects between three friends, Operation MBBS is a coming-of-age drama that tries to compete with Kota Factory with its phiolosohpical talks but ends up being pretty average.
We have Nishant, son of an affluent doctor which shows the other side of 'nepotism'. Huma, an over-achiever since she was a child who struggles to find her self esteem and worth while getting knocked back the fierce cutthroat competition. Then we have Sakshi, whose sole job seemed like to be an ambassador for Unacademy- I swear- but to be fair she is the most relatable of all, with her humble background and big dreams, small town girl in a big city vibes.
While the shows break many stereotypes- like anatomy being the only subject taught in medical school- and brings forward other hilarious but stressful situations from medical life like getting a boneset, it still lacks showcasing just how much medical students have to work hard to achieve their goal. More like a 5 episode long advertisement for Unacademy, the series does do well. Ayush Mehra, especially, shines with his new learnt UP accent. I was expecting a love triangle of some sort- but thankfully, the makers decided to keep the show void of any romance element which was a breath of fresh air. Some funny, some quirky elements too does not make Operation MBBS seem like a complete waste of time. While the script does fine, it's the other non-existing stereotypes potrayed in the series like doing a 90-degree bow to seniors or a mundance act by a student trying to commit suicide (not for the first time, apparently) that make the series seem spurious. For someone who likes watching college friendships but definitely not in the style Karan Johar presents them, Operation MBBS will be a fine binge-watch. For medical students, the best I can say is just don't take offense.
526 views
Loading...
updated
A Riveting Masterpiece
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's, Jatil Yadav is a no-nonsense cop asked to investigate the perplexing murder of Raghuveer Singh, an affluent landlord with an equally perplexing family. The two and a half hour movie which seems to eat up all your patience rewards you with one of the most intense and fulfilling climaxes of recent times and leaves you with no regrets.
Raat Akeli Hai has a simple, straightforward approach with no intramural themes and instead focuses on weaving the plot into a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat journey. With intricate characters played by a brilliant ensemble cast who just step up each other's game, the movie is a must-watch for all who love a good thrill.
The movie does not handle Radhika Apte's character as well as expected. Radha fulfills the romance element of the movie while also a playing a minor role in the mystery, but at the end is just a wasted opportunity used only to fake deviate the viewers from the real culprit.
Raat Akeli Hai plays right into the elements we deeply loathe- patriarchy, sexism, abuse, racism- and is successful raising goosebumps, though the soundtrack should be given a little more credit for this achievement. Rather a hidden gem of many of Netflix and Nawazuddin's jewels, Raat Akeli Hai shines as a full-on entertainment package.
503 views
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...