Hindi Movie Reviews

Review: Dhamaal 4 – Starts Well, Ends Weak

by narendhar July 11, 2026

Movie Name : Dhamaal 4

Release Date : 10 July, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Sanjeeda Shaikh & Esha Gupta.
Director : Indra Kumar
Producers : Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, Kumar Mangat Pathak
Music Directors : Tanishk Bagchi, Aditya Dev, Neelkamal Singh, Sanju Rathod, Guru Randhawa, Gill Machrai, Rony Ajnali
Cinematographer : Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary
Editor : Sanjay Sankla

Related Links : Trailer

The fourth installment of the Dhamaal franchise is now out in theatres. Let’s see how the movie is.

Story:

Dhamaal 4 revolves around the hunt for Shaitaan Singh’s century-old hidden fortune, with multiple gangs competing to get their hands on the treasure. Prithvi (Upendra Limaye) is the only person who knows the details of the map leading to the treasure. Pirate leader Adhoora (Ravi Kishan) relentlessly pursues Prithvi to get hold of the wealth. Guddu (Ajay Devgn), Adi (Arshad Warsi), Manav (Jaaved Jaaferi), Lallan (Riteish Deshmukh), Paaro (Anjali Anand), and Rosy (Sanjeeda Sheikh) also join the race in a bid to become billionaires, leading to chaos and a series of messy situations.

Plus Points:

The first half of Dhamaal 4 is entertaining despite the story not offering anything fresh. From the trailer, it was obvious that the movie would be a madcap ride with no logic, and the first hour fairly holds the attention.

There are multiple episodes in first half that generate a good amount of fun. Especially, the pre-interval sequence where all the lead characters hold onto a cliff discussing the treasure is quite nicely presented. Jaaved Jaaferi unintentionally injuring Sanjeeda Sheikh every time evokes laughs.

Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Mishra’s ghost encounter is also neat. The performances of all the artists are fine. Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, and Anjali Anand stand out among the rest with their impressive portrayals.

Minus Points:

The second half, however, couldn’t maintain the same momentum. Here, the movie leans more towards the adventure and treasure hunt aspects, and the comedy quotient takes a beating. There are very few fun-inducing moments, and even those don’t land as expected.

As the film progresses, we get the feeling that it is running out of steam. The treasure hunt episodes are barely exciting, and the script needed more interesting moments during this particular phase to hold the movie together.

As the writing isn’t sharp, predictability kicks in, and the pacing also slows down in the latter half. Certain moments seem repetitive, and the movie could have benefited from better songs.

Technical Aspects:

The recreation of the Italian song Bella Ciao is nice, but the other songs aren’t catchy. The background score is quirky and suits the film’s mood. Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary’s cinematography is effective.

The VFX is partly good, but in some scenes, the green screen effect is visible. Indra Kumar’s direction is just okay. Had the second half been handled better, the movie could have been thoroughly captivating. The slight emotional touch in the climax is decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dhamaal 4 is an okayish comedy drama that has its share of fun moments. The film begins well with entertaining segments in the first half, but post the halfway mark, the proceedings lose grip, and it ends on a flat note. There are some episodes that cater to family audiences, and the lead actors perform well. However, one wishes the dosage of madness had been higher, given what the franchise is known for.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

July 11, 2026

Review: Alia Bhatt’s Alpha – The Biggest Misfire in the YRF Spy Universe

by narendhar July 4, 2026

Movie Name : Alpha

Release Date : July 3, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 1.5/5
Starring : Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Others
Director : Shiv Rawail
Producers : Aditya Chopra
Music Directors : Rohansh & Abeer
Cinematographer : Rubais
Editors : Aarif Sheikh

Related Links : Trailer

After the massive failure of War 2, YRF has come up with a new film in their Spy Universe, Alpha. The movie stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, and Bobby Deol in the lead roles. Let’s see how the movie is.

Story:

Lt. Colonel Fateh Singh Lakhawat (Bobby Deol) is very much disheartened by the loss of thousands of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. Hence, he comes up with a high-profile plan, “Alpha,” to reduce the damage. However, complications arise, leading to its cancellation and the demotion of Fateh Singh. Determined to take it forward, Fateh Singh secretly continues his mission to make India a powerful nation, and Sita (Alia Bhatt) becomes a part of it. How Sita takes forward Plan Alpha is what the movie is about.

Plus Points:

YRF’s splendid production values are once again on display in Alpha. A massive amount has been spent on the high-octane action. This time, the VFX is considerably improved, and a couple of action episodes are decent.

Sharvari is effective with her action moves, but the film has very little for the actress to do. The scene where the two female leads fight each other is good. Bobby Deol does a neat job as a performer, but the writing makes his character horrible. Anil Kapoor is adequate in a supporting role.

Minus Points:

If Dhurandhar proved what Bollywood is capable of, Alpha proves that the industry still hasn’t learnt from its past mistakes in making spy films. The movie indeed has a Dhurandhar-inspired twist, but it backfires big time, leaving us scratching our heads. YRF may have taken cues from Aditya Dhar’s directorial, but in all the wrong ways. The film makes an absolute mockery of India’s intelligence agencies and the Army.

It is absolutely shocking to see a concept that portrays the nation in such a poor light being greenlit in the first place. Making a bad film is one thing, but showcasing the nation as entirely incompetent in a patriotic film is another achievement, making it a perfect recipe for disaster.

Had the movie been released before the Dhurandhar franchise, it would have had some respite. But when a gold standard has been set for the genre, it’s difficult to get it out of your mind. The timing makes it even worse for Alpha.

The production house had ample time to rectify at least some of the flaws, which could have made the film bearable. If the makers still think that glamour and stylish action set pieces alone are sufficient, they need to rethink.

The screenplay is mostly boring, and Alpha is easily the most tiresome watch in the whole spy universe. Alia Bhatt is one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, but action surely isn’t her forte. The actress looks unconvincing in action sequences, and didn’t suit the tough girl part.

Technical Aspects:

Songs are forgettable, while the background score is below par. Rubais’ cinematography during the fight scenes is neat. Even with a shorter runtime, the film feels boring. The scale is big, but without soul, it feels hollow.

Shiv Rawail, who helmed the acclaimed series The Railway Men, directed Alpha, but both are poles apart in quality, with the latter being outright bad. The cameo by one of the most loved spies in the universe is poorly executed. Normally, cameos aren’t revealed beforehand, but the hint in the trailer already gave us an idea of what’s coming our way. Though the hit films in the YRF Spy Universe aren’t grounded, they had the entertainment quotient going for them, and that is where Alpha fails miserably.

Verdict:

On the whole, Alpha is a very poorly made spy-action thriller that defeats the very purpose of the genre. It feels like the final nail in the coffin for the YRF Spy Universe. The way the antagonist’s backstory is written and presented turns the Indian Army into a mere joke. The Dhurandhar-inspired twist goes horribly wrong, undermining country’s image. Alpha is easily the most boring film in the franchise, with several tiresome moments. Alia Bhatt looks out of place, while Sharvari is competent despite her limited screentime. The damage is already done to the YRF Spy Universe, and Alpha only adds salt to the wound.

123telugu.com Rating: 1.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

July 4, 2026

Review: Akshay Kumar’s Welcome To The Jungle – Too many stars, very little substance

by narendhar June 27, 2026

Movie Name : Welcome To The Jungle

Release Date : June 26, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon and Others
Director : Ahmed Khan
Producers : Firoz A, Nadiadwallah, Rakesh Dang, Vedant Vikaas Baali
Music Directors : Vikram Montrose, Talwiinder, NDS, Anand Raaj Anand, Sajid-Wajid
Cinematographer : Kabir Lal
Editors : Nitin FCP

Related Links : Trailer

The popular Welcome franchise in Bollywood has now returned with the third installment, ‘Welcome To The Jungle.’ Headlined by Akshay Kumar, the movie hit the big screens, and let’s see how it is.

Story:

A popular businessman comes up with a bizarre plan to legalize his black money. He invites two of the worst directors in the film industry, Dev (Rajpal Yadav) and Das (Paresh Rawal), and assigns them the task of making the worst film ever. The directors cast Failure Star Rajeev (Akshay Kumar), gangster Romeo (Arshad Warsi), and Yeda Anna (Suniel Shetty) in the film. They head to a jungle for the shoot, and the movie revolves around the bizarre encounters the cast and crew face there.

Plus Points:

After a long time, it is good to see Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal in a single frame, and it instantly reminds us of the old classic comedies. Akshay Kumar single-handedly carries some of the fun sequences, showcasing his histrionics and impeccable comedy timing.

Though the first half is slow, the 20-minute pre-interval-to-interval sequence has come out very well and evokes solid laughs. The confusion drama, and jokes during this stretch clicked well. Johny Lever, Arshad Warsi, and Shreyas Talpade bring their experience to the table, and the situational gags were decent in some scenes.

Minus Points:

The sharp screenplay and logic that made Welcome Part One a classic are nowhere to be seen in this film. The story lacks clarity, and it appears that some scenes are intentionally included just for the sake of jokes without driving the narrative forward.

The movie features more than 20 popular actors, and their presence on screen only adds to the confusion. Many of them don’t get enough prominence in the plot. In particular, the roles of Lara Dutta and Jacqueline Fernandez are weak. Disha Patani, too, doesn’t get much scope to shine.

The film has a runtime of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and it certainly tests the audience’s patience after a point. Many moments in the second half, in particular, are stretched beyond what is necessary. The visual quality the film demands is missing, and the VFX work is poor. Except for Ek Uncha Lamba Kad, the other songs are forgettable.

Technical Aspects:

Director Ahmed Khan tried to sell the film by banking on the craze of the franchise, but he couldn’t come up with a proper script. Though some dialogues are good, many appear old-fashioned. Though the production values are good, the excessive use of green screen visuals affects the viewing experience. The editing is below par, with many slow moments in both halves.

Verdict:

On the whole, Welcome To The Jungle is a below-par outing compared to the first two films in the Welcome franchise. Akshay Kumar’s comedy timing and the fun moments in the interval block evoke some laughs. However, the weak writing, forced comedy tracks, and lengthy runtime work against the movie.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 27, 2026

Review: Cocktail 2 – A Half-Baked Rom-Com

by narendhar June 20, 2026

Movie Name : Cocktail 2

Release Date : June 19, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna
Director : Homi Adajania
Producer : Dinesh Vijan, Luv Ranjan, Pramita R Vijan, Ankur Garg
Music Director : Pritam
Cinematographer : Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran
Editors : Akshara Prabhakar

Related Links : Trailer

The much-awaited sequel to the blockbuster youthful entertainer Cocktail, Cocktail 2 arrives in theatres amid considerable expectations. Marketed as a contemporary relationship drama, the film explores love, friendship, and emotional complexities through a modern lens. But does it manage to recreate the charm of its predecessor? Let’s find out.

Story:

Kunal (Shahid Kapoor) is in a live-in relationship with Diya (Rashmika Mandanna). However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Ally (Kriti Sanon) enters the picture. What begins as a close friendship gradually evolves into a complicated love triangle. Whom does Kunal eventually choose? How do the relationships between these three individuals unfold? The answers form the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

Kriti Sanon delivers a commendable performance and emerges as one of the film’s biggest strengths. While she brings plenty of energy and charm to her character in the first half, she is equally impressive during the emotional moments in the latter half, portraying them with conviction.

Shahid Kapoor carries the film with his effortless charm and stylish screen presence. He looks at ease in the role and fits perfectly into the film’s youthful setting.

One of the film’s biggest assets is its visual appeal. The picturesque Sicily backdrop adds richness to the narrative, while the lavish production values give the film a glossy and grand look. Pritam’s songs are pleasant, and his background score complements the mood effectively.

Minus Points:

Although the film revolves around modern relationships, it lacks a strong emotional conflict to keep the audience invested. A significant portion of the first half is dedicated to parties, pub sequences, and lifestyle montages, making the narrative feel stretched.

In a relationship drama, the emotional connection between the characters is crucial. Unfortunately, the emotional equations between the lead characters never become compelling enough. Their actions and decisions often feel inconsistent, making it difficult for the audience to fully connect with their journey.

Rashmika Mandanna delivers a decent performance, but her character suffers from weak writing. The role lacks a well-defined arc, preventing it from leaving a stronger impression. Additionally, some of her Hindi dialogues do little to enhance the character.

The second half relies too much on emotional drama and occasionally feels sluggish. The pacing slows down considerably, and the climax twist follows a familiar route, reducing its overall impact.

Technical Aspects:

Director Homi Adajania relies heavily on a stylish and contemporary presentation, but the storytelling lacks the emotional depth needed to make the narrative truly engaging. The cinematography is visually appealing, with the Sicily locations captured beautifully on screen.

The music department does a good job, with both the songs and background score working in the film’s favour. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the second half, where a few unnecessary scenes could have been trimmed. The production values are top-notch, with the makers ensuring a visually rich experience throughout.

Verdict:

On the whole, Cocktail 2 is a half-baked romantic drama that fails to capitalise on the goodwill of its predecessor. Despite its stylish visuals, picturesque locations, rich production values, and a handful of commendable performances, the film is let down by its lack of emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Fans expecting the magic of the original Cocktail are likely to be disappointed, as the weak conflict and inconsistent narrative prevent the audience from fully connecting with the characters and their relationships.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 20, 2026

OTT Review: Ali Fazal’s Raakh – Hindi web series on Prime Video

by narendhar June 13, 2026

Web Series Name : Raakh
Streaming Date : June 12, 2026
Streaming Platform : Prime Video
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, Rakesh Bedi, Dibyendu Bhattacharya
Directors : Prosit Roy, Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket
Producer : Endemol Shine India BhaDiPa
Music Director : Parth Pandya, Shalom Benjamin, Ajay Jayanthi
Cinematographer : Saumyananda Sahi
Editor : Manas Mittal

Related Links : Trailer

Prime Video has now come up with a new crime series, Raakh, headlined by Ali Fazal. Sonali Bendre played a key role. The series is also available in Telugu audio. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Raakh is based on the Ranga-Billa case, which shook the nation in the 1970s. Suman Arora (Divya Sharma) and Sahil Arora (Vivaan Sharma) are siblings and the children of an army officer living in Delhi. One evening, they leave for the radio station where Suman Arora is scheduled to perform. However, the kids go missing, and their parents (Aamir Bashir and Sonali Bendre) soon lodge a complaint.

SI Jayaprakash Jatav takes up the case, and very soon, the cops learn that the kids are gruesomely killed in a forest. Babu (Akash Makhija) and Rajjo (Ramandeep Yadav) commit the crime. What made Babu and Rajjo kill innocent kids? What is their past? Did Jayaprakash catch them? This forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Raakh is helmed by Prosit Roy, the same director who came up with the acclaimed show Paatal Lok. If you loved Paatal Lok, you will be equally impressed by Raakh. Such is the finesse he has displayed with this series. Not just the director, everyone associated with the show has brought their A-game and put forth their best effort.

Normally, there are two ways in which a crime-based series or film is made. Usually, the killers are not revealed until the end, while the other approach is to reveal their identity within the first few minutes itself. Both come with their own set of challenges, but the latter is more difficult to pull off. This is where the makers of Raakh have hit it out of the park.

Yes, the series has been dramatized, but the impact it leaves is such that Raakh will stay with you long after it ends. The decision to come up with a back-and-forth screenplay has helped the show create a great deal of interest and intrigue in the proceedings. This has been done remarkably well. What makes Raakh work so well is not only its grittiness in showcasing its demons (villains), but also its solid emotional depth.

The investigation angle is smartly written, and the parallel tracks of the antagonists keep us glued to the screen throughout. Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav take the cake with their performances, which perfectly showcase the amount of cruelty in their characters. Ali Fazal is solid as a highly determined cop.

Sonali Bendre is impactful as a traumatized mother. Divya Sharma and Vivaan Sharma are splendid, and their vulnerable situation will make tears roll down our faces. Anshul Chauhan, Rakesh Bedi, Sudhir Sangwan, Mukund Pal, and the other actors lend excellent support. The preferential treatment given within the police department and how strict adherence to procedures can sometimes result in criminals walking free have also been neatly shown.

Minus Points:

The makers have adopted a no-holds-barred approach to truly reflect how gruesome and dreaded the real-life killers were, and some moments might be disturbing for family audiences.

The decision to end the show with the disturbing portions involving the children wasn’t a great one, as viewers would expect the series to conclude on a high note with the capture and torture of the criminals.

Technical Aspects:

The background score by Ajay Jayanthi and Parth Pandya is scintillating. The cinematography by Saumyananda Sahi is brilliant, and the production values are commendable. The production design is first-rate, as the show transports us to the olden days. The editing is satisfactory for the most part.

The direction by Prosit Roy is praiseworthy. He got excellent support from his writing team and artists, helping him deliver an impact on par with Paatal Lok.

Verdict:

On the whole, Raakh is a gripping crime series that works well due to its arresting screenplay, excellent performances, and gritty treatment. While the first two episodes focus on establishing the premise and key characters, what follows later is a satisfying showcase of police investigation, the ruthlessness of the killers, and emotional depth. Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav’s performances as criminals will send chills down the spine. Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, and the rest of the cast are solid. Some visuals might be deeply disturbing for family audiences, and the pacing drops at a few places. If you love crime dramas, Raakh turns out to be an engrossing watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 13, 2026

Review: Manoj Bajpayee’s Governor – Appeals to a niche audience

by narendhar June 13, 2026

Movie Name : Governor

Release Date : June 12, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Manoj Bajpayee, Adah Sharma, Noushad Mohamed Kunju
Director : Chinmay D Mandlekar
Producer : Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cinematographer : Vishal Sinha
Editors : Meghna Manchanda Sen, Sanjay Sharma

Related Links : Trailer

Manoj Bajpayee’s latest film, Governor, hit the big screens today. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

“Governor” highlights the 1991 balance-of-payments crisis that nearly brought the country to its knees. India’s foreign exchange reserves fall below the desired limit, leaving the country on the verge of bankruptcy. A. Ramanan (Manoj Bajpayee) is newly appointed as the RBI Governor, and the government places the responsibility on his shoulders to save the country from drowning.

Plus Points:

LPG (Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization) is one of the key reasons India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy. We all know when it started and how Dr. Manmohan Singh transformed the Indian economy through LPG, but many of us don’t know what led to its introduction. Governor showcases the events that paved the way for this transformation of our nation.

Thankfully, Governor doesn’t take sides with any political party, and it only shows the events that actually happened, keeping the narrative grounded and rooted. Skyrocketing oil prices, riots triggered by inflation, and political leaders trying to save their positions while the nation is on the brink of collapse — all these are neatly showcased without making things preachy.

Manoj Bajpayee delivers an excellent performance as the RBI Governor. Ramanan approaches some of India’s most serious problems in a calm and composed manner despite political pressures and hurdles, and bringing this to life isn’t as easy as Bajpayee makes it look. The restraint and dignity are superbly showcased by the National Award-winning actor. Madhoo is good as Bajpayee’s wife, while Adah Sharma leaves an impact as a journalist. Noushad Mohamed Kunju as Deputy Governor, C. Rangarajan, and Jaywant Wadkar as a peon do very well. Others lend solid support.

Minus Points:

Governor could have been more effective had the pacing been a bit sharper in the first half. The movie takes time to find its footing, and the editing could have been even sharper. The screenplay in the second half is more punchy, but the first half is decent and not great.

The emotional angle in the subplot of an employee who wishes to settle permanently in the USA doesn’t land as intended, and also it serves no purpose to the main plot. This entire track could have been omitted for more impact.

Governor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those expecting a popcorn entertainer, as the movie is completely devoid of commercial elements. So, it’s important to have the right set of expectations before watching the film. For those interested in financial thrillers, this film works, but the same cannot be said for everyone else.

Technical Aspects:

Amit Trivedi’s music and Mannan Shah’s background score are neat. Vishal Sinha’s frames are first-rate, and Rajesh Choudhary’s production design transports us back to the 1990s. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra once again delivers after Dhurandhar, as the artists chosen are apt for their respective roles.

Chinmay Mandlekar’s direction is authentic. He keeps the proceedings engaging by involving human emotions at key moments. The protagonist’s way of handling issues by deriving ideas and drawing inspiration from the people around him is nicely depicted.

Verdict:

On the whole, Governor is an honest financial thriller that showcases the Balance of Payments crisis India faced in the 1990s and how an RBI Governor saved the nation from economic collapse. Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance and the grounded narration are the film’s biggest highlights. However, the movie has limited appeal, and the first half suffers from some pacing issues. If you like honest storytelling, Governor may work for you, but if you are looking for mainstream entertainment, this film might not be the right choice.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 13, 2026

Review: Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai – Fun in Parts, Falters in Key Moments

by narendhar June 5, 2026

Movie Name : Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai

Release Date : June 5, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy
Director : David Dhawan
Producer : Ramesh Taurani
Music Directors : White Noise Collectives, Tanishk Bagchi, Rony Ajnali, Gill Macchrai (Classy Beats), Javed – Mohsin, Akshay & IP
Cinematographer : Ayananka Bose
Editor : Ritesh Soni

Related Links : Trailer

Varun Dhawan’s latest rom-com entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, also starring Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, has hit the big screens. David Dhawan is the director. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Jaswinder Ahuja, aka Jass Ahuja (Varun Dhawan), is a wedding photographer who falls in love with Baani (Mrunal Thakur) while working at a wedding. Baani too falls in love with him, and they get married in a cinematic fashion. However, five years after their marriage, Baani applies for divorce because Jass Ahuja wants to have kids, but she refuses, citing her professional career and responsibilities. Later, Jass Ahuja moves to London, where he starts dating Preet (Pooja Hegde). To Jass Ahuja’s shock, Baani re-enters his life, leading to chaos and fun.

Plus Points:

The second half is filled with decent entertainment. After the interval twist, the narrative picks up steam as the protagonist juggles between two women. Varun Dhawan’s antics to keep the truth hidden from the female leads generate good laughs.

The hospital sequences in the second half, involving Rakesh Bedi and Chunky Panday, along with the house sequence featuring Maniesh Paul, have come out well. Varun Dhawan delivers an entertaining performance and looks energetic on screen throughout. The fun dialogues are neatly written. For example, the one referring to Shah Rukh Khan from Jawan elicits smiles.

Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde’s roles are largely meant for glamour, and both do well in their respective parts. The film’s runtime is crisp, and there are no significant dull stretches.

Minus Points:

While the jokes and entertainment largely work in the latter half, the film’s impact and the hero’s character are undermined by the climax. It portrays the male protagonist as someone desperate for women, whereas the proceedings until that point suggest otherwise. Jass Ahuja enters into another relationship only because his wife divorces him, and not out of any bad intentions.

Very few jokes work in the first half, while most of them fail to land as intended, making this portion below par. In particular, the love track in the opening half hour is quite ordinary.

Rom-coms generally need good music to elevate the overall experience, but Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai falls short in this aspect, with only one song (the remix) making an impression. There was good scope for emotions in the climax, but the film fails to capitalize on it.

Technical Aspects:

The music isn’t great, and with better songs, the film would have been more captivating. Raju Singh’s background score is decent. Ayananka Bose’s camera work is vibrant, while the editing and production values are satisfactory.

David Dhawan’s direction is a mixed bag. While the first half isn’t very effective, the second half offers some good humor. However, the impact is taken away by the climax and the cameo that follows it.

Verdict:

On the whole, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a romantic comedy that works in parts with a better second half. Varun Dhawan’s entertaining performance, the presence of Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur, and some good humor in the latter half are the film’s strengths. However, a below-par first half, the lack of good music, and the climax weaken the overall impact.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 5, 2026

OTT Review: Madhur Dixit’s Maa Behen – Hindi Film on Netflix

by narendhar June 4, 2026

Movie Name : Maa Behen
Streaming Date : June 4, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5

Starring : Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga, and Ravi Kishan
Director : Suresh Triveni
Producers : Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni
Music Director : Akashdeep Sengupta
Cinematographer : Anuj Rakesh Dhawan
Editor : Dipika Kalra
Related Links : Trailer

Veteran Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit and latest sensation Triptii Dimri played the lead roles in the latest crime dark comedy-drama Maa Behen. The film premiered directly on June 4. Let’s see how it is.

Story

Rekha (Madhuri Dixit) is a lower-middle-class housewife living a simple life with her two daughters, Jaya (Triptii Dimri) and Sushma (Dharna Durga). Their peaceful lives take an unexpected turn when a man from the neighboring house is found dead under suspicious circumstances inside their home.

How did the man die? What do the three women do with the body to avoid police suspicion and keep their neighbors from finding out? The bizarre situations they encounter while trying to cover up the incident form the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

The biggest strength of the film is its lead cast. Madhuri Dixit delivers a solid performance as Rekha, effectively portraying both fear and a mother’s desperation to protect her family.

Triptii Dimri puts glamour aside and delivers a restrained, convincing performance. She particularly shines in an emotional monologue sequence in the second half. Dharna Durga, who plays the younger daughter, provides much of the film’s humor with her witty one-liners and expressive reactions.

The family drama and frequent arguments between the three women feel natural and generate entertaining moments. The first half moves at a brisk pace, with the panic and chaos that follow the discovery of the body leading to some genuinely funny situations.

Director Suresh Triveni’s dark comedy writing works well in some scenes, and few dialogues land effectively. The supporting cast also performs adequately.

Minus Points:

Despite a fair start, the movie loses momentum in the second half. The narrative begins to revolve around the same central point without making significant progress, making portions feel stretched.

A gripping screenplay essential for a dark comedy thriller is largely missing here. The climax twists are fairly predictable, reducing the impact of the mystery reveal.

Although the film is a crime-comedy drama, several scenes feel overly cinematic and also lack logic. The police investigation track is also written rather weakly.

Most supporting characters are underdeveloped and exist merely for convenience. Additionally, neither the songs nor the background score leave a lasting impression.

Technical Aspects:

Director Suresh Triveni chooses an interesting crime-comedy premise but does not fully succeed in sustaining engagement throughout the film’s runtime.

Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan does a decent job, particularly in the indoor sequences. The background score elevates a few scenes but remains average overall. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the second half. Production values are decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Maa Behen is a dark crime comedy that works only in parts. The performances of Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, along with some dark-comedy moments in the first half, keep the film moderately engaging. However, a weaker second half and a predictable climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of crime-comedy films may try it, provided they keep their expectations in check.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 4, 2026

Review: Return of the Jungle – A Decent Animated Ride for Kids

by narendhar June 3, 2026

Movie Name : Return of the Jungle

Release Date : May 29, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Mihir (Voiced by Jaden Mascarenhas, Izaan Mirza), Thatha (Pichai Rangaswamy), Ali (Rohan Yadav, Aariel Narvekar, Arav Bhatia), Sweety (Jhanvi Patro, Sagarika Chandrakanth), Rahul Malhotra (Devansh Doshi), and Others
Director : Vaibhav Kumaresh
Producers : Vaibhav Kumaresh, Suranjana Kumaresh
Music Directors : Ashish Shah (Roto Shah), Advait Nemlekar

Editor : Saikat Ray, Prakash Kurup

Related Links : Trailer

While AI continues to dominate the cinema industry, some filmmakers still choose to embrace traditional animation, and Return of the Jungle is one such effort. Directed by Emmy nominated animation filmmaker Vaibhav Kumaresh, the Hindi animated film is now playing in cinemas. Here’s our review to find out how it fares.

Story:

Mihir Verma, Ali, Rohan, Harpreet, Sweety, and Dhondoo are a group of school-going children and close friends studying at Kendriya Vidyalaya. Mihir registers for a fancy dress competition but is intimidated by Rahul Malhotra, an older student who constantly bullies him. Frightened and unsure of himself, Mihir seeks help from his grandfather, lovingly called Thatha. To guide him, Thatha narrates Panchatantra fables that teach Mihir and his young friends how to handle difficult situations. How Mihir overcomes his fears, succeeds in the competition, and helps his team take on Rahul’s team in a cricket match forms the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

At a time when technology is increasingly influencing the filmmaking process, Return of the Jungle comes as a refreshing change. The makers deserve appreciation for relying on traditional animation to tell stories that have been thoughtfully modernised for today’s children. This itself stands as one of the film’s biggest strengths.

The story is simple and it is not difficult to predict what comes next. However, that observation applies more to adults who have experienced life and encountered countless stories over the years. The film is clearly aimed at children, and in that regard, it succeeds by presenting rooted Indian tales that encourage youngsters to act wisely rather than foolishly.

The two fables narrated by Thatha, which help Mihir tackle both the fancy dress competition and the cricket match, are presented effectively through neatly crafted animation. While delivering valuable lessons, the filmmakers ensure that the entertainment factor remains intact. The animals featured in these stories are modernised in amusing ways, such as a mouse using a landline phone, a bear enjoying chocolate, and a rabbit wearing glasses. The song featuring lions, tigers, bears, and rabbits singing in praise of a fox disguised as a saint is particularly fun to watch and delightful to listen to.

The vibrant color palette and pleasing background score further enhance the viewing experience, adding another strong positive to the film.

Minus Points:

Since the film is primarily aimed at children, adults may not find it equally engaging. Most of the Panchatantra stories and the lessons they convey are already familiar to older viewers, making several portions feel predictable. As a result, the film may not offer enough novelty or surprises to keep adults fully invested throughout.

The language limitation is another drawback. Considering the universal appeal of the stories and the film’s target audience, releasing it in more regional languages could have helped it reach a much wider section of children across the country.

Technical Aspects:

Vaibhav Kumaresh deserves appreciation for bringing this animated feature to life. He successfully adapts timeless Indian fables into a format that feels accessible and entertaining for today’s young audience. Apart from directing the film, he also does a fine job as its producer and screenwriter.

The dubbing is well done and suits the characters perfectly. The score by Ashish Shah and Advait Nemlekar blends smoothly with the narrative, adding a refreshing touch even to a story whose direction can often be predicted. Editors Saikat Ray and Prakash Kurup have ensured a neat flow, while the production values and animation quality remain consistently impressive.

Verdict:

On the whole, Return of the Jungle is a simple and heartwarming animated tale aimed at children. While the story may feel predictable, the life lessons from the Panchatantra conveyed through Thatha’s storytelling never lose their relevance. The animation is colourful and engaging, while the dubbing further enhances the experience. Older viewers may find the narrative somewhat familiar because of the well-known nature of these tales, but children are likely to enjoy both the fun and the valuable messages. If you enjoy animated films, this one is worth a try, especially as a family watch with young kids.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

June 3, 2026

Review: Bhooth Bangla – Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s Film Falls Flat

by narendhar April 17, 2026

Movie Name : Bhoot Bangla

Release Date : April 17, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.25/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jisshu Sengupta, Manoj Joshi, Mithila Palkar, Asrani Ji, Rajesh Sharma
Director : Priyadarshan
Producers : Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R. Kapoor
Music Director : Pritam
Cinematographer : Divakar Mani
Editor : Aiyappan Nair M.S

Related Links : Trailer

The highly anticipated reunion of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan is finally here with Bhooth Bangla. Given their legendary track record, expectations were naturally high for this horror comedy. Let’s see if the film manages to live up to the hype.

Story:

The plot kicks off when Akshay Kumar’s character returns to India from London. His plan is simple: host his sister’s wedding at their grand ancestral bungalow. However, things quickly take a turn when he experiences a series of unexpected events on the property. He soon uncovers a shocking secret tied to the house. What exactly is hiding inside the bungalow? Will the wedding still happen there? The rest of the movie answers these questions.

Plus Points:

Akshay Kumar is easily the biggest strength of the film. His signature comic timing is still intact, and he manages to pull off some genuine laughs. Seeing Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal share the screen again brings back great memories from their classic hits, and their performances give the audience some much-needed relief. On the visual side, cinematographer Diwakar Mani does a fine job. The bungalow set design looks grand, and the camera work captures the scale nicely.

Minus Points:

The biggest problem with Bhoot Bangla is the core story. It feels like a recycled script from decades ago, offering absolutely nothing fresh in the screenplay. A good horror comedy needs to either scare you or make you laugh out loud, but the spooky scenes here fall completely flat.

Instead of feeling thrilling, they just drag on. The comedy in the second half feels forced and awkward. To make matters worse, the climax is incredibly predictable and ends on a dull note.

Technical Aspects:

Director Priyadarshan unfortunately fails to recreate the magic of his earlier blockbusters. Because the core story lacks depth, even his vast directing experience isn’t enough to save the film. Pritam’s music is okay, but the songs pop up at the wrong times and interrupt the flow of the narrative. The editing by Aiyappan Nair also needed tighter work, as trimming down the second half would have made a big difference.

Verdict:

On the whole, Bhooth Bangla is a horror comedy that fails to impress. Aside from Akshay Kumar’s comedy and very few fun moments, there isn’t much to keep you hooked. The outdated narrative and boring horror sequences heavily weigh the movie down significantly. Hence, it ends up as a disappointing watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 17, 2026

Newer Posts

Older Posts