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Showing posts from June, 2025

Coolie (2025) — Lokesh Kanagaraj’s High-Octane Rajinikanth Spectacle

By your  Entertainment  Journalist Following the runaway success of Leo and Vikram , filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj reunites with icon Rajinikanth for Coolie —an epic Tamil action thriller that aims to make a seismic impact this August. 🛠️ Genesis & Filmmaking Project announcement & production : Officially unveiled as Thalaivar 171 in September 2023 and retitled Coolie in April 2024, principal photography began mid‑2024, spanning Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok Crew highlights : Director & Writers : Lokesh Kanagaraj (story/screenplay) alongside Chandhru Anbazhagan . Music : Anirudh Ravichander – marking his fifth collaboration with Rajini and fourth with Lokesh . Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj . Casting : Apart from Rajinikanth , the ensemble includes Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, and a special cameo by Aamir Khan ....

RAID 2 Movie Review: A Gripping Tale of Corruption, Justice, and Political Power

  Last night, I had the opportunity to watch RAID 2 , and it left me with a strong sense of satisfaction and reflection. Building upon the intense legacy of the first film, this sequel dives deeper into the murky waters of corruption, particularly in the realm of income tax raids. What makes RAID 2 compelling is not just its storyline, but the emotional undercurrent of justice and how a single firm decision can rattle an entire corrupt system. A Riveting Narrative with Layered Suspense From the very beginning, RAID 2 draws viewers in with a seemingly negative tone. At first glance, the narrative feels confusing—almost misleading—but that’s where its brilliance lies. As the plot unfolds, layers are peeled back to reveal a powerful story about integrity, sacrifice, and the machinery of corruption. The suspense is maintained masterfully from start to finish, keeping audiences guessing at every turn. Riteish Deshmukh, in particular, delivers a remarkable performance. His character i...

Superman 2025 – A New Dawn for the DC Universe

  The Man of Steel is back—and this time, he’s bringing hope with him. DC Studios is all set to relaunch one of its most iconic heroes with Superman (2025) , a bold and heartfelt reboot that promises to redefine Clark Kent for a new generation. Slated to release on July 11, 2025 , the film is directed by James Gunn , known for breathing life into superhero stories with a perfect mix of emotion, humor, and action. 🌍 A New Superman for a New Era Taking on the cape is David Corenswet , a rising star with a classic Superman look and an emotional depth fans are excited about. He plays a younger version of the hero—already active in Metropolis and working at the Daily Planet, but still searching for his identity and place in a divided world. Joining him is Rachel Brosnahan as the iconic reporter Lois Lane , promising a dynamic partnership that blends sharp journalism with classic DC chemistry. Together, they’re set to explore themes of truth, responsibility, and the balance between p...

Kannappa: The Epic Tale of Devotion Set to Dazzle Telugu Cinema in 2025

  Published: June 2025 Introduction: Telugu cinema is preparing to witness a grand mythological spectacle with the upcoming film Kannappa , a cinematic retelling of the legendary story of a tribal devotee of Lord Shiva. Slated for release in late 2025, this epic drama is headlined by Vishnu Manchu and promises breathtaking visuals, a powerful spiritual narrative, and a celebration of unwavering devotion. The Myth Behind the Movie: Kannappa is based on the legendary tale of Kannappa Nayanar , one of the 63 revered Nayanars in Shaivism. A tribal hunter by birth, Kannappa’s story is one of raw, selfless love for Lord Shiva—culminating in an extraordinary act of sacrifice that immortalized him as a divine figure in South Indian lore. The film aims to reintroduce this ancient tale to a new generation, blending traditional storytelling with modern cinematic tools. Cast & Crew: Vishnu Manchu as Kannappa Prabhas (cameo as Lord Shiva) Mohan Babu in a key role Kajal Aggarwal , Moh...

Raid 2 (2025): Ajay Devgn Returns in a High-Stakes Sequel of Grit and Justice

  Published: June 2025 Introduction: After the roaring success of Raid in 2018, the much-anticipated sequel Raid 2 finally hit theaters in June 2025—and it doesn't disappoint. Starring Ajay Devgn once again as the determined IRS officer Amay Patnaik , this film doubles the intensity, emotional weight, and dramatic stakes. Backed by powerful storytelling and grounded realism, Raid 2 delivers both edge-of-the-seat thrill and a deeper dive into the systemic corruption it seeks to expose. Plot Overview: Raid 2 follows Amay Patnaik as he is reassigned to a politically volatile region in North India, where a notorious business tycoon-turned-politician has built a criminal empire. The story unravels as Amay launches a daring and legally airtight operation to expose unaccounted wealth, tax evasion, and influence-peddling. As the battle intensifies, Amay finds his own integrity and family under siege, testing his resilience like never before. Cast & Crew: Ajay Devgn as IRS offic...

2025 Hindi Films Report Card (Mid-Year): Hits, Flops & Surprise Blockbusters!

  Published: June 25, 2025 As the first half of 2025 wraps up, Bollywood has already witnessed its fair share of surprises, disappointments, and breakout successes. CineHub recently shared a viral list summarizing the box office verdicts of the year so far, and the results are as explosive as some of the films! Here’s a quick breakdown of the verdicts as per the tweet posted by @Its_CineHub: đŸ”„ DISASTERS & FLOPS This year has been particularly tough for several big-budget and much-anticipated releases: Emergency – DISASTER SkyForce – FLOP Azaad – FLOP Deva – FLOP LoveYapa – DISASTER Sikandar – DISASTER Bhool Chuk Maaf – FLOP Housefull 5 – FLOP These films, despite star power and hype, failed to connect with audiences or justify their production costs. 🌟 BLOCKBUSTERS, HITS & SUCCESS STORIES Not all is gloomy! A few films stood out and delivered impressive performances: Chhaava – BLOCKBUSTER Badass RaviKumar – SUCCESS Crazxy – SUCCESS Kesari Chapter 2 – HIT Rai...

F1: The Movie (2025): Brad Pitt Revs Up for a High-Speed Hollywood Comeback

  Published: June 2025 Introduction: One of the most awaited cinematic events of 2025, F1: The Movie , is all set to hit theaters on June 27, 2025 . Starring the legendary Brad Pitt , this high-octane motorsports drama promises adrenaline-pumping action, real Formula 1 circuits, and behind-the-scenes realism that will enthrall not just racing fans but film lovers worldwide. Co-produced by Apple Studios and Formula 1 itself, this film marks a unique fusion of sports authenticity and Hollywood storytelling. Plot Summary: In F1: The Movie , Brad Pitt plays a retired Formula 1 driver who makes a stunning return to the sport to mentor and race alongside a rising young star, portrayed by Damson Idris. Set against the backdrop of fictional racing team APXGP, the film dives into themes of legacy, competition, mentorship, and personal redemption. As the duo faces off against the world's fastest drivers, they navigate both track drama and emotional conflict. Cast & Crew Highlights: Bra...

War 2 (2025): Hrithik Roshan vs. Jr NTR in India’s Most Anticipated Spy Thriller

  🌍 What’s It About War 2 is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War and the sixth entry in Yash Raj Films’ expanding Spy Universe   Directed by Ayan Mukerji (known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani , Brahmāstra ), marking a stylistic shift from the original’s action aesthetic . Features a tense new rivalry as Hrithik Roshan returns as RAW agent Major Kabir Dhaliwal , facing off against Jr NTR , who makes his Bollywood debut—rumored to portray a morally complex antagonist . đŸŽ„ Cast & Characters Hrithik Roshan reprises his role, going deeper into Kabir’s psyche. N. T. Rama Rao Jr. steps in as the fierce new adversary, making waves with his Bollywood debut . Kiara Advani co-stars opposite Hrithik, adding a fresh dynamic to the roster . Cameo appearances expected from Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan and possibly Anil Kapoor —strengthening franchise ties . ✈️ Scale & Production Shot across six countries— Spain, Italy, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Russia and In...

Madras Matinee (2025): A Quiet Gem Celebrating Everyday Lives

  📅 Release & Overview Madras Matinee , directed by debutant Karthikeyan Mani , hit theaters on June 6, 2025 . This Tamil-language family drama centers on an aging sci-fi writer who turns his lens toward the unsung hero—an ordinary TukTuk driver named Kannan. đŸ§© Plot Summary The story kicks off when the writer’s caretaker challenges him to write about a “common man.” That man turns out to be Kannan (Kaali Venkat), whose life and family offer unexpected warmth, humor, and depth. As the writer delves in, he discovers extraordinary depth in everyday existence . đŸ‘„ Cast & Crew Sathyaraj shines as the skeptical but wise sci-fi writer. Kaali Venkat is delightful and down-to-earth as TukTuk driver Kannan. Roshini Haripriyan and Shelly Kishore feature in pivotal roles, rounding out a grounded ensemble . Music by K.C. Balasarangan and cinematography by Anand G K add warmth and soul to everyday scenes. 🎯 Themes & Tone Celebration of the mundane : The film...

Devil’s Double Next Level (2025): Santhanam’s Horror-Comedy Marmalade

  🎭 What It Is Directed by S. Prem Anand , Devil’s Double Next Level (also known as DD Next Level ) hit theaters on May 16, 2025 . It's the fourth film in the popular Dhilluku Dhuddu franchise, starring Santhanam alongside Selvaraghavan , Gautham Vasudev Menon , and Geethika Tiwary . đŸ§© Plot Overview The film weaves horror and comedy in typical Dhilluku Dhuddu fashion. Santhanam's character finds himself entangled in eerie, supernatural mishaps, combining lurches of jump-scare fright with slapstick humor. As crazy events unfold, antics ensue, and unexpected scares hit with tongue-in-cheek flair. 🌟 Cast & Characters Santhanam anchors the film with his signature timing and comic timing, now expanded into the horror genre . Selvaraghavan and Gautham Vasudev Menon join in pivotal roles, adding comedy and drama. Geethika Tiwary completes the main ensemble, contributing to key plot twists . đŸŽ„ Tone, Style, & Production As horror-comedy, Devil’s D...

Kuberaa (2025): Dhanush’s Gritty Descent into Crime & Morality

  Published: June 22, 2025 🗓️ Release & Opening Directed by Sekhar Kammula , Kuberaa hit theaters on June 20, 2025 in Telugu and Tamil, backed by a powerful cast including Dhanush , Nagarjuna , and Rashmika Mandanna . It had a solid opening day in theaters, earning ₹13 crore , predominantly from the Telugu-speaking market . 🎭 Plot & Performances Dhanush portrays a marginalized beggar who rises through the criminal underworld, grappling with wealth, loyalty, and moral consequences. Nagarjuna brings gravitas to a pivotal role, while Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh add emotional and narrative layers . Critics and audiences praised Dhanush’s transformation—his intense, unconventional portrayal earning widespread acclaim . 📊 Critical Reaction & Box Office Critics lauded the film’s raw realism and character depth, highlighting Dhanush’s nuanced take on poverty and crime . However, despite early buzz, the film struggled commercially. Its strong reviews d...

“Bride Hard (2025): Rebel Wilson’s Hilarious Take on ‘Die Hard’—With a Veil”

  💍 What It Is Directed by Simon West , Bride Hard drops the classic Die Hard action-hero into a wedding comedy setup. Rebel Wilson plays Sam , a maid of honor and undercover secret agent, whose mission goes sideways when terrorists crash the bride’s wedding in a Georgian estate in Paris . 🎯 Plot Overview The wedding ceremony kicks off in chaotic comedic mode, plastered with bridal-party antics. When a terrorist group seizes control, Sam—separated from her crew—takes matters into her own hands. What follows is a mix of slapstick, wedding hijinks, and high-stakes action as she fights to save the day while juggling her maid-of-honor duties . 🧑‍đŸ€‍🧑 Cast & Characters Rebel Wilson leads the charge as Agent Sam—she injects her signature charisma and comic timing into the role. Anna Camp and Anna Chlumsky shine as the bride and sweet rival bridesmaid, offering strong comedic support . đŸ€Ł Tone & Style Self-aware & silly : The film leans into its “i...

“Housefull 5 (2025): Slapstick Returns—with a Mystery Twist”

  🎟️ Overview & Release Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala , Housefull 5 premiered on June 6, 2025 . Featuring a massive ensemble—including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, and more—it adds a murder-mystery twist atop its slapstick formula . 🔍 Plot Highlights The plot revolves around a classic Housefull-style misunderstanding: a wedding, two parallel climaxes ( 5A and 5B ), and bumbling cops trying to solve a chaotic murder. The mix of adult jokes, catchy item numbers, and cameos from veterans like Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt keeps the brand’s signature flavor alive . 📈 Box Office & Budget Budget : A whopping ₹350 Cr (~$48 M), making it Akshay’s most expensive film . Opening : Day 1 worldwide—₹37 Cr, marking one of 2025’s largest comedy openings . Week 1 : ₹181–195 Cr global gross . Day 9–11 : Surpassed ₹140 Cr net dom...