Hindi Movie Reviews

Toaster Review

OTT Review: Rajkummar Rao’s Toaster – Hindi film on Netflix

by narendhar

Toaster Review

Movie Name : Toaster
Streaming Date : April 15, 2026
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5

Starring : Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, Archana Puran Singh, Upendra Limaye and Others
Director : Vivek Daschaudary
Producers : Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, Tarun Bali
Music Director : Aman Pant
Cinematographer  : Jishnu Bhattacharjee
Editor : Chandrashekhar Prajapati

Related Links : Trailer

Netflix has now come up with the comedy-drama Toaster starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in the key roles. Let’s see how this direct-to-digital OTT release fares.

Story:

Ramakant (Rajkummar Rao) is a miser through and through, who owns a perfume shop. He lives with his wife, Shilpa (Sanya Malhotra), in a society filled with elderly people. One day, the couple attends the wedding of Shilpa’s guru’s daughter. Though Ramakant isn’t pleased, Shilpa gifts the newlyweds a brand-new toaster worth Rs. 5,000. However, the marriage falls apart, and Ramakant decides to retrieve the toaster, leading to a series of chaotic events.

Plus Points:

Rajkummar Rao is the show-stealer of Toaster without an iota of doubt. Known for his impeccable comic timing, the actor amuses with his rib-tickling performance. As an extreme miser, he does a phenomenal job, and his character’s miserliness lands him in multiple troublesome situations, generating laughs.

The backdrop of the film is effective, and it lays the path for some genuinely enjoyable moments. The protagonist going all out for a simple toaster draws us into his stingy nature, which remains consistent throughout. Even after all the chaos, he doesn’t change a bit, which makes the character more likable.

As a woman who is addicted to crime stories on television and tries to solve a murder mystery, Sanya Malhotra does a brilliant job. She attempts to be a private detective, and in doing so, unintentionally generates fun. The rest of the supporting cast does a fine job. Archana Puran Singh takes us by surprise with a bizarre character.

Minus Points:

A few years back, Rajkummar Rao came up with a quirky and unconventional comedy thriller, Monica O My Darling. It stands as one of the best examples of how a crazy concept can gain strength from a well-written and engaging screenplay. Toaster gets it right when it comes to the premise and quirkiness, but the screenplay doesn’t always catch up.

When a film with such a solid premise doesn’t realize its full promise, disappointment is inevitable. It’s not that Toaster is bad, as such. There are some genuinely funny moments, but the movie doesn’t rise beyond them.

The second half, in particular, is filled with repetitive episodes, which bring down the overall impact of Toaster. Had the narrative been stronger here, the film could have turned out to be a much more compelling watch. In the end, we will just wish the storytelling were as wacky as Rajkummar Rao.

Technical Aspects:

Aman Pant’s background score matches the film’s tone, and cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee is effective. The editing and production values are satisfactory, too.

Vivek Daschaudary’s direction works only in parts. The screenplay needed more spice and substance to keep things consistently crazy, just the way the film’s premise promises a quirky ride.

Verdict:

On the whole, Toaster is a partly engaging comedy drama with some genuinely funny moments. The premise is solid, but the screenplay doesn’t help the film live up to its promise. Rajkummar Rao is hilarious and is well supported by Sanya Malhotra and the rest of the cast. What could have been a crazy, eccentric ride is reduced to just an okay watch, with the narrative not quite hitting the mark.

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

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Dhurandhar 2

Review: Dhurandhar 2 The Revenge – Engaging, Explosive & Largely Satisfying

by narendhar

Dhurandhar 2

Movie Name : Dhurandhar The Revenge

Release Date : Mar 19, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 3.75/5
Starring : Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun
Director : Aditya Dhar
Producers : Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Music Director : Shashwat Sachdev
Cinematographer : Vikash Nowlakha
Editor :  Shivkumar V. Panicker

Related Links : Trailer

Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar arrived with decent buzz, but later it went on to script history. After the path-breaking success of Part 1, the franchise has grown into a movement in Indian cinema. Dhurandhar: The Revenge has now stormed cinemas amid a mind-blowing fan frenzy. Let’s see how this much-anticipated Bollywood sequel is.

Story:

After the death of Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), situations escalate heavily in Lyari. Hamza Ali Mazari a.k.a Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) makes Uzair Baloch (Danish Pandor) believe that SP Chaudhary Aslam (Sanjay Dutt) and Arshad Pappu (Ashwin Dar) plotted Rehman’s death. Uzair kills Arshad Pappu, but due to unexpected turns of events, Hamza ends up taking control of Lyari. What follows next, and the story behind Hamza’s past forms the crux of Dhurandhar 2.

Plus Points:

If you have even the slightest worry about the 4-hour runtime, think no further. Because Aditya Dhar’s direction grabs our attention and hooks us throughout the runtime. Forget three hours, lately, films are failing to hold our attention even for two hours, and here is Dhar who makes us sit through all 229 minutes with ease. Dhar casts a magic spell on us, and his brilliance stays in our minds long after we leave the cinema. He is undoubtedly a rare jewel in Indian cinema.

Dhurandhar 2 is a well-packaged entertainer that is both earthy and massy at the same time. Compared to the first installment, this one has more crowd-pleasing moments, which further enhance its reach across every nook and corner of the country.

The drama, action, twists, emotions, and performances are fabulous, to say the least. There are certain twists that none can see coming, and when they arrive, all we can do is sit back and applaud the vision of the director. The patriotism is evoked in a subtle yet powerful manner, and some scenes will bring the house down.

After watching Dhurandhar 2, it’s tough not to become an admirer of Ranveer Singh. While he played his part with restraint in the first chapter, this one gives scope for him to go all out, and he brings his A-game with his towering screen presence and flawless performance that goes down in the history books. His emotional side and vulnerability are also perfectly showcased, giving the character a perfect ending.

The pre-climax to climax stretch is cinema at its absolute best. The explosive and highly satisfying final act further enhances the film’s overall range. The face-off sequence between Ranveer Singh and Arjun Rampal will leave us speechless. Some humor is also sprinkled across both halves of the film, especially in the scenes involving the villain’s father.

After Ranveer Singh, the one who impresses the most is Arjun Rampal. As a fierce antagonist who hates India to the core, the actor performs to the tee. Playing such an anti-national character is a very tough job for any actor, but Arjun Rampal delivers with finesse. Rakesh Bedi lights up the screen towards the end. Sara Arjun is phenomenal, while Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Danish Pandor and others just kill it with their portrayals.

Minus Points:

The film has some political themes, and this time they are more direct than subtle, which may not sit well with a section of the audience. Especially the chapter “Operation Green Leaf” could spark discussions online, as it is portrayed as favorable to a political party.

A couple of redundant sequences could have been avoided in the starting phase of the second half. Background score by Shashwat Sachdev is pretty good. The songs are decent, but not as great as those in the first installment. The content keeps the momentum going, and stronger tracks could have elevated the film even further. This is the only major complaint this time.

Technical Aspects:

The production design, the crafting of action sequences, the cinematography by Vikas Nowlakha, and the editing by Shivkumar Panicker are all world-class, and one can’t point a finger.

Coming to Aditya Dhar, he has indeed outshone himself with Dhurandhar: The Revenge and delivered one of the finest franchises in Indian cinema. It will serve as a textbook example of how to make spy action thrillers, how to etch drama with minimal action, and how to give a proper conclusion to a story.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a highly satisfying sequel that does full justice to the ticket price. Aditya Dhar respects the audience’s intelligence and delivers a solid output that comfortably surpasses the high expectations the film carries. Ranveer Singh’s performance is one to remember for a long time, and he is ably supported by Arjun Rampal and the rest of the cast. The political themes may generate discussions, and the songs could have been still better. Nonetheless, do yourself a favor and experience this gem of a film in the best theatre possible. This one is set to obliterate box office records. Highly recommended.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Assi Movie Review

Review: Taapsee’s Assi – Slow-paced courtroom drama

by narendhar

Assi Movie Review

Movie Name : Assi

Release Date : Feb 20, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, Seema Pahwa
Director : Anubhav Sinha
Producers : Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anubhav Sinha
Music Director : Ranjit Barot
Cinematographer : Ewan Mulligan
Editor :  Amarjit Singh

Related Links : Trailer

Bollywood’s latest courtroom drama Assi, featuring Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti in the lead roles, has hit the big screens today. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Parima (Kani Kusruti) works as a teacher. One day, she gets raped by a group of thugs. Advocate Raavi (Taapsee Pannu) takes up Parima’s case to deliver justice to her.

What shocking facts did Raavi unveil in this regard? Who are the thugs who assaulted Parima? Did the police catch them? Did Parima get justice? The answers will be known in the film.

Plus Points:

There is a high level of intensity in Assi, which is usually present in courtroom dramas. The director has addressed an important issue related to today’s society. He intends to convey that physical assaults on women have become common lately, and this is indeed true.

Kani Kusruti, who played the victim, did a fabulous job. The way she emotes her pain through expressions is very good, and her portrayal will connect with everyone. Taapsee Pannu lived in the character of an advocate, proving how good a performer she is. Kumud Mishra did well in a pivotal role. The core point of the story is presented well.

Minus Points:

The main problem with Assi is its slow pacing. The director took his time to introduce the main plot, and the proceedings that happen after the key event are too dramatic. The way the police look at the sexual assault as just another normal crime feels questionable, and Kani Kusruti’s role isn’t well designed, despite the actress showing her brilliance.

Also, Taapsee Pannu’s role feels underwritten, and she is restricted to the second half alone. Kani Kusruti’s husband’s role is also not effective. Kumud Mishra’s character fails to get a proper ending.

The courtroom scenes in the second half are dragged after a point. Hence, we get the feeling that the movie is progressing at a snail’s pace. A senior actor like Naseeruddin Shah is wasted in a cameo.

Technical Aspects:

Though director Anubhav Sinha chose a strong core point, he struggled to execute it perfectly. Though the film carries an important and necessary message for society, the slow pacing and weak screenplay hamper its impact. The cinematography is alright, while the production values are good. The background score adds depth. The editing could have been much better.

Verdict:

On the whole, Assi is a courtroom drama with an important message, but the execution isn’t effective in conveying the intention strongly. Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti delivered good performances and did justice to their roles. A serious story is weakened by slow pacing and an unengaging screenplay. Hence, the film ultimately falls short.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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O-Romeo

Review: Shahid Kapoor’s O’ Romeo – Mediocre romantic action drama

by narendhar

O-Romeo

Movie Name : O Romeo

Release Date : Feb 13, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.5/5
Starring : Shahid Kapoor,Triptii Dimri ,Avinash Tiwary,Farida Jalal ,⁠Tamannaah Bhatia ,Disha Patani.etc..
Director : Vishal Bhardwaj
Producer : Sajid Nadiadwala
Music Director : Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematographer : Ben Bernhard, BVK
Editor :  Praveen Prabhakar

Related Links : Trailer

A crazy combination in Bollywood, Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj have now come together with a film titled O’ Romeo. This romantic action thriller created decent expectations among the audience and was released in theatres today. Triptii Dimri played the female lead. Let’s see how much the film impresses.

Story:

Set in Mumbai in 1995, the story follows Ustar (Shahid Kapoor), a contract killer. He works for Police Inspector Khan (Nana Patekar) and takes money from him to eliminate criminals. One day, Afshan (Triptii Dimri) approaches Ustar and asks him to eliminate four people who killed her husband. She says Jalal (Avinash Tiwary) played a key role in her husband’s murder. However, Ustar refuses to kill Jalal and sends her away. What happens next? Why does Afshan end up staying with Ustar? Does he fall in love with her? What happens in the end? The film has the answers.

Plus Points:

Shahid Kapoor delivers a good performance in this Vishal Bhardwaj’s directorial. The actor looks impressive as a stylish gangster, and his action sequences are well designed. Triptii Dimri does justice to her role and performs convincingly as a woman seeking revenge.

Some scenes between Shahid and Triptii work well, and their dialogues are neatly written. The theatre action scene at the beginning is stylishly shot. Shahid also portrays the pain in love effectively. A few twists in the film are interesting, especially the one related to Triptii’s character. The scenes where the protagonist goes to extremes for his loved one are impressive. The climax action episode is well designed.

Minus Points:

The film is a blend of gangster, action, and romance elements, which leaves the viewers confused about the genre. Some dialogues meant to make the hero look powerful don’t work well. Though the making is good, the core plot is routine.

A few illogical scenes weaken the narrative. The first half feels slow and may also test the patience levels. Apart from the action, the narration feels flat. The track between the lead pair becomes boring at times. Though there are many actors, their roles don’t get enough importance. Especially, Tamannaah’s role doesn’t leave an impact, and a cameo in the flashback also feels wasted.

While the action scenes are stylish, their placement isn’t always effective. The hero-villain face-off could have been better. The songs aren’t very impactful.

Technical Aspects:

As a director, Vishal Bhardwaj seems to have put in a lot of effort. However, since the core story is simple, he tries to move it forward by adding action and romance. The screenplay could have been much better.

Ben Bernard’s cinematography is okay. The songs are average, but the background score works well. Arif Sheikh’s editing could have been sharper, as several scenes needed trimming. Production values are good.

Verdict:

On the whole, O’ Romeo is a mediocre romantic action thriller that doesn’t impress entirely. Shahid Kapoor’s performance and the stylish action blocks are its biggest strengths. However, weak writing, slow pacing, and unimpressive music hold the film back, and hence it ends up being a below-par watch.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Review: Sunny Deol’s Border 2 – Falls short of the original’s glory

by narendhar

Movie Name : Border 2

Release Date : Jan 23, 2026
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Sunny Deol,Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty ,Sonam Bajwa, Mona Singh and Others
Director : Anurag Singh
Producers : Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar,JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta
Music Directors : Anu Malik, Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, Gurmoh
Cinematographer : Anshul Chobey
Editor :  Manish More

Related Links : Trailer

Bollywood film Border, headlined by Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, and others, is one of the most memorable war action dramas to have come out in Indian cinema. Nearly three decades after the first film, Border’s sequel titled Border 2, has hit the big screens today. Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahaan Shetty headline the second installment. The movie was released amidst good expectations. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Set in 1971, the film depicts the bravery of the Indian armed forces during the India–Pakistan war. Close friends Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Diljit Dosanjh), Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya (Varun Dhawan), and Lt. Cdr. Mahendra S. Rawat (Ahan Shetty) reunite at Sekhon’s wedding before being urgently called back to duty.

As most troops are deployed to East Pakistan, the trio, along with their former trainer Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler (Sunny Deol), faces the challenge of defending the western border from Pakistani attacks across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Plus Points:

The first half of the film revolves around the friendship between the three leads, and these portions work quite well. What begins as an ego clash gradually evolves into camaraderie. The comedy and music are neatly woven into the narrative, keeping the proceedings engaging.

The backstories of the leads are effectively presented with a touch of emotion. Sunny Deol makes a strong and impactful entry, backed by a well-executed action sequence. The interval block, where he warns the enemy with a punchy dialogue, is sure to strike a chord with the masses. His screen presence and dialogue delivery remain solid throughout.

Varun Dhawan, who was heavily trolled for his quirky smile in the promotional material, proves his naysayers wrong with his portrayal of a fierce soldier. He slips into the character effortlessly and delivers exactly what the role demands, without going overboard.

Minus Points:

The main problem begins once the war episodes unfold. They lack naturality and look very artificial on the big screen. The war tactics and one-on-one combat sequences feel highly similar to the first installment, offering little novelty.

The air combat portions featuring Diljit and the action sequences on water with Ahaan Shetty look extremely shoddy due to poor VFX. These tacky visuals undo the good impression created in the first half. When aiming for something ambitious, every element must align to leave a lasting impact.

Even without advanced technology, the first film delivered brilliant war sequences. In contrast, Border 2 struggles heavily in this aspect despite having adequate resources. Since war scenes form the heart of the Border franchise, the second installment doesn’t quite hit the mark. Also, the emotional touch that was neatly handled in the original is missing during the war scenes. The second half is stretched unnecessarily.

Technical Aspects:

Apart from the music, the other technical aspects aren’t up to the mark and they restrict the impact considerably. Especially the VFX is subpar and leaves a lot to be desired. The action sequences lack novelty, and the editing isn’t satisfactory. The movie drags after a point, giving a tiresome feeling.

Director Anurag Singh does an okayish job. The first half is watchable, but the second half fails to pack a punch because of below-par war sequences. The content closely mirrors the first part, with the sequel offering very little that’s new.

Verdict:

On the whole, Border 2 falls short of matching the impact of Border and works only to a limited extent. Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan deliver impressive performances and largely shoulder the film, while the supporting cast doesn’t get much scope to shine. The biggest drawback lies in the war sequences, which suffer from unimpressive VFX and weak presentation. The second half fails to live up to expectations and noticeably lacks emotional depth. Although the film may open well due to its strong brand value, its long-term prospects appear modest.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Review: Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar – Gripping spy action thriller

by narendhar

Release Date : Dec 05, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and others
Director : Aditya Dhar
Producers : Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Music Director : Shashwat Sachdev
Cinematographer : Vikash Nowlakha
Editor :  Shivkumar V. Panicker
Related Links : Trailer

Ranveer Singh teamed up with Uri director Aditya Dhar for the spy action thriller Dhurandhar. Amid decent buzz and controversies, the movie hit the big screens today. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Following a few terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan, including the 2001 Parliament attack, IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (Madhavan) plans a bold mission to destroy the enemy country by targeting its underworld. To carry out this risky operation, Sanyal recruits a person who disguises himself as Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh). Did Hamza Ali execute the work designated to him? The answers unfold on the big screens.

Plus Points:

The majority of mainstream Bollywood films in the spy genre have taken a commercial route, with Raazi being one of the few exceptions. Dhurandhar falls into the minority that handles the genre in a realistic, grounded, and intense way, highlighting the risky lives of spies who go to any extent to safeguard the motherland.

Director Aditya Dhar deserves applause for the approach he has taken and for staying true to his vision throughout. The way he showcases Pakistan’s underworld, the fierce gang wars, and the cruelty of certain groups is impressive. One of the best things about Dhurandhar is its solid casting and strong characterizations, which add depth and keep the film from feeling like another routine spy thriller.

Both halves have plenty of moments that make the film worth the ticket price. The drama is well-built from the beginning, following the journeys of multiple characters. The action sequences are brutal, enhancing the film’s realism. There is a second part as well, and the solid ending only increases curiosity for the sequel.

Every actor delivered a phenomenal performance. The show-stealers, however, are Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. Ranveer’s role as Hamza requires restraint, and he nails it completely. When he explodes, he sets the screen on fire with his intense action avatar. At times, Akshaye Khanna takes center stage, and Ranveer shows his security as an actor by respecting the script.

One can’t help but fall in love with Akshaye Khanna as his recent performances are turning out to be magical. While Chhaava showcased his brilliance with minimal dialogues and scenes, Dhurandhar reveals the beast within, presenting him in a far more powerful role. Akshaye Khanna’s commanding screen presence and majestic portrayal dominate every frame, making him one of the film’s biggest assets. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and others provide excellent support.

Minus Points:

The runtime is very lengthy, and this might not sit well with everyone. Some scenes and the marriage song in the second half, involving Ayesha Khan, could have been trimmed for more impact.

Without an iota of doubt, Dhurandhar is a sincere and well-made spy saga, but since Bollywood films have explored this genre heavily in recent times, some sections of the audience might not show interest, and this, unfortunately, acts as a hindrance.

Technical Aspects:

The soundtrack by Shashwat Sachdev is pretty good, and the background score is scintillating, elevating the electrifying moments. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography is solid, effectively capturing the film’s intense mood. The editing is decent, though the movie could have done with trimming a few scenes. The production design is fabulous.

Coming to director Aditya Dhar, he did an excellent job. It’s evident that he has a lot more content up his sleeve, and the way he kept the narrative engaging throughout such a lengthy runtime is no less than a big feat.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dhurandhar is a gripping spy action thriller that is both earthy and intense. The film has enough meat to keep us invested for the most part, while compellingly narrating the tale of a spy inspired by real events. Ranveer Singh plays his role with subtlety, and when the focus shifts to action, he unleashes his raw intensity. However, it is Akshaye Khanna who takes the cake with his outstanding performance. The lengthy runtime and gory scenes might not suit everyone, and the current oversupply of the genre is a major drawback. But if you enjoy realistic spy stories, this one ends up being a good watch. Recommended.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Review: Thamma – Novel idea, Uneven narration

by narendhar

Rashmika Mandanna's Thamma Review

Movie Name : Thamma

Release Date : Oct 21, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Faisal Malik, Rachit Singh, Geeta Agarwal
Director : Aditya Sarpotdar
Producers : Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik
Music Director : Sachin–Jigar
Cinematographer : Saurabh Goswami
Editor :  Hemanti Sarkar

Related Links : Trailer

Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) is one of the successful franchises in Indian cinema and the latest film in this universe is Thamma headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. The film directed by Aditya Sarpotdar is now out in theatres. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Alok Goyal (Ayushmann Khurrana), hailing from Delhi, is a journalist who sets out to a forest along with his colleagues on an assignment. Unexpectedly, he gets attacked by a bear, but Tadaka (Rashmika), a vampire, comes to his rescue. Alok is instantly smitten by her. Little does Alok know that he is about to face the biggest challenge of his life because of Tadaka and her clan, led by Yakshasan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui).

Plus Points:

Thamma features an interesting plot that stands out from other films in the MHCU, and this indeed serves as the film’s biggest USP. Even though the screenplay isn’t very effective, the unique storyline manages to hold our attention to some extent.

Rashmika Mandanna’s role is superbly written and this is easily her best role in Bollywood so far. Playing a vampire is quite challenging. It walks a fine line and even a small mistake can make things look bad. But Rashmika handled it brilliantly and deserves applause for taking up something so unique and difficult.

Ayushmann Khurrana is a fine actor, and once again, he performs with utmost conviction. His role carries dual shades, and Ayushmann pulls them off quite well. The way he portrays the character’s transformation in the second half is particularly impressive. Thamma also offers a few fun moments here and there and the universe fans have a surprise cameo to cheer about.

Minus Points:

While Thamma has an interesting plot compared to other films in the franchise, it doesn’t offer the same level of entertainment and ultimately doesn’t deliver the desired high or impact. There are a few good funny moments, but they’re scattered throughout and lack consistency.

The story makes the film partly enjoyable, but since the good moments are sporadic, it tends to get boring at times. The pacing is the biggest issue for Thamma, and the editing team could have done a much better job. The movie feels very slow in parts, and trimming a song or two would have done a world of good.

The Telugu dubbing is not satisfactory, and the translation sounds quite odd, especially in the songs. Since Thamma comes from an esteemed production house one would obviously expect better dubbing quality. The finale episode falls flat, feels rushed, and doesn’t leave a strong impact. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is effective but it would have been much better if he had more screentime.

Technical Aspects:

The songs composed by Sachin–Jigar are below par, while the background score feels decent in comparison. The cinematography by Saurabh Goswami is quite good, but the editing leaves a lot to be desired. The VFX work is impressive, especially in Ayushmann’s introduction scene and a fight sequence in the second half.

As mentioned earlier the dubbing is the major drawback. The writing team did a neat job, but Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction couldn’t fully translate the written material onto the screen, making the film work only in parts. The narrative falters with multiple stumbling blocks.

Verdict:

On the whole, Thamma has an exciting idea, but the screenplay doesn’t completely do justice to the story that showed promise. Rashmika Mandanna and Ayushmann Khurrana deliver impactful performances, and the film offers a few enjoyable moments. However, the slow pacing, dragged out scenes, and a weak finale prevent it from reaching the next level.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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Review: Akshay Kumar’s Jolly LLB 3 – Works in bits and pieces

by narendhar

Jolly LLB 3

Movie Name : Jolly LLB 3

Release Date : Sep 19, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Amrita Rao, Huma Qureshi
Director : Subhash Kapoor
Producers : Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare
Music Directors : Aman Pant, Anurag Saikia, Vikram Montrose
Cinematographer : Rangarajan Ramabadran
Editor :  Chandrashekhar Prajapati

Related Links : Trailer

Story:

In the Delhi court, Jagadishwar Mishra alias Jolly (Akshay Kumar) and Jagadish Tyagi alias Jolly (Arshad Warsi) keep fighting with each other. They go up against Imperial Group head Haribhai Khetani (Gajraj) in a case filed by a woman farmer. Who actually took up this case? What challenges did they face while fighting against Haribhai Khetani? And who ultimately won the case? This forms part of the crux of the film.

Plus Points:

Among the courtroom dramas, Jolly LLB has a solid craze among the audience. The first two films impressed audiences with their good content and performances. The third part also features solid portrayals by Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. It’s so good to see two Jollys in a single film, and the actors have killed it with their performances.

The film neatly shows how some corporate companies illegally occupy farmers’ lands and the hardships farmers endure after losing them, with a lot of detail given to this aspect. The first half is totally filled with fights between the two heroes to outdo each other, and they work to an extent.

But after taking up the case, the film turns into a serious mode, and the proceedings that come after that are neatly executed. The background score is in line with the film’s storyline and is impressive. Gajraj Rao shines in his role. Saurabh Shukla, who has been part of this franchise, captivates once again with his performance. His portrayal as a judge is the soul of Jolly LLB 3.

Minus Points:

Jolly LLB 3 might not impress those who liked the first two parts. Both those films had solid courtroom drama, but Jolly LLB 3 has fewer court scenes. The film mostly revolves around the main problem it deals with, and it becomes somewhat monotonous after a point.

Though the third part features two heroes, it is Saurabh Shukla who steals the show with his strong performance, which may disappoint fans of the stars. Akshay’s role is fine, but Arshad Warsi’s part could have been written much better. The others don’t get much scope.

The director took more time to get to the point, and this might bore the audience. When the second half is going in a serious mode, the insertion of unwanted comedy tracks breaks the momentum. Hence, we don’t feel the impact of an emotional song. The climax also falls short.

Technical Aspects:

The story chosen isn’t anything new, so there isn’t much excitement. Since the story is routine, the director should have designed the screenplay in a better way. There are many lag moments in the proceedings. The songs are just okay, while the background score is good. Editing is below par, and the production values are good.

Verdict:

On the whole, Jolly LLB 3 doesn’t create the same impact as its predecessors. Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and Saurabh Shukla give good performances, and the court scenes are engaging. However, the weak writing, lack of exciting elements in the story, and the dragged sequences are major drawbacks. Fans of courtroom dramas and the Jolly LLB franchise are advised to watch it by keeping their expectations in check.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team 

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OTT Review: Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood – Hindi series on Netflix

by narendhar

The-Bads-of-Bollywood

Movie Name :  The Bads of Bollywood
Streaming Date : Sep 18, 2025
Streaming Platform : Netflix
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Lakshya Lalwani, Bobby Deol, Sahher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Arshad Warsi
Director : Aryan Khan
Producer : Gauri Khan
Music Directors : Shashwat Sachdev, Shashwat Sachdev, Anirudh Ravichander, Ujwal Gupta
Cinematographer : Jay Pinak Oza
Editors: Nitin Baid

Related Links : Trailer

Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan, has turned director, and his debut web series ‘The Bads of Bollywood’ is now available for streaming on Netflix in multiple languages. Let’s see how it is.

Story:

Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya Lalwani) is an outsider determined to make it big in Bollywood. He delivers a blockbuster with his debut film, Revolver, and is soon flooded with offers from top production houses of B-town. But eager to prove his worth and lacking experience, Aasmaan makes a wrong move that snowballs into unexpected chaos.

Plus Points:

Aryan Khan makes a stellar debut as a director, and not once does the series make us think it is handled by a first timer. The web show is a feast for moviebuffs, those who have followed Bollywood for a long time. For someone who is less familiar with the industry, the series provides sharp insights into the chaos that happens behind the silver screen.

The best part of The Bads of Bollywood is that it keeps delivering entertainment from start to finish. It is a madcap, wacky series that is engaging for the most part, filled with self-deprecating humor, amusing star-studded cameos, clever easter eggs, and seeti-maar dialogues.

The first episode ends with the dialogue ‘Say no to drugs’, followed immediately by the card ‘Written and Directed by Aryan Khan.’ Karan quips that he is the one who encourages outsiders the most, while Salman Khan says it’s risky to be a father. Moments like these are examples of how celebs mock themselves on the screen and provide fun.

The show just doesn’t limit itself to laughs, but there is emotion, too. Casting Lakshya Lalwani and Raghav Juyal as friends, after they were pitted against each other in Kill, is an excellent choice. The duo shared superb chemistry, and the conflict between them brings emotional depth to the series. Lakshya Lalwani is brilliant as Aasmaan Singh, who will do anything to climb the ladder.

Raghav Juyal shows the funny side of himself, quite contrasting to his role in Kill. Bobby Deol brings fierceness with his towering screen presence, while Sahher Bambba is impressive as the star kid. Manoj Pahwa, Anya Singh, Manish Chaudhary, Rajat Bedi, and others lend solid support.

Minus Points:

A couple of episodes toward the end could have been better, since the start was solid. There are some over-the-top moments in line with the show’s quirky nature, but some might find them a bit crazy. The Bads of Bollywood does have cuss words and adult moments, making it less family-friendly. The VFX in the final episode isn’t up to the mark and the romantic angle between the lead pair could have been explored better.

Aryan Khan gives a subtle hint of the major plot twist in the initial part of the show, yet many will not see it coming. The twist is shocking and might not appeal to everyone. It does justify the show’s title, but it may still feel like a spoilsport in this otherwise captivating series.

Technical Aspects:

The background score by Shashwat Sachdev neatly complements the show’s eccentric, whimsical tone, and the songs by Shashwat Sachdev, Anirudh, and Ujwal Gupta are equally appealing. Jay Pinak Oza’s cinematography captures the glitter of showbiz perfectly, while the editing is razor sharp.

Though the series mainly focuses on taking a jab at the industry, Aryan Khan ensures there’s a well-woven narrative centered on an outsider. He makes an impressive directorial debut and showcases a solid command on the craft. This sharp satire, coming from the son of one of the biggest stars of the country, is indeed very surprising.

Verdict:

On the whole, The Bads of Bollywood is a wacky entertainer that takes constant jabs at the Hindi film industry while telling the story of an outsider. The entertainment quotient, celebrities’ self-roasting jokes, strong performances, and star-studded cameos are the show’s biggest strengths. Aryan Khan makes a promising debut, though the final episode and twist may not please everyone. The cuss words and adult content might not suit some viewers. If you enjoy satirical comedies, then you can watch this show.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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