Hindi Movie Reviews

Review: Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 – Boring action drama

by narendhar September 6, 2025

Movie Name : Baaghi 4

Release Date : Sep 5, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2/5
Starring : Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, Sonam Bajwa, and others
Director : A Harsha
Producer : Sajid Nadiadwala
Music Director : Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
Cinematographer : Swamy J. Gowda
Editor : Kiran Gowda, Nitin Pathak
Related Links : Trailer

Baaghi 4 is the latest outing from Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff. The film hit the screens today. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:

Ronnie (Tiger Shroff), who survives an accident, is haunted by memories of his lover Alisha (Harnaaz Kaur). But Ronnie’s brother Jeetu (Shreyas Talpade) tells him that Alisha doesn’t exist in reality and that she is just Ronnie’s hallucination. Cut to the next scene, Jeetu is killed by a gang of henchmen. Who are these thugs? What is their connection with Ronnie? Why did they kill Jeetu? Does Alisha really exist, or is she just part of Ronnie’s hallucination? The answers to these questions form the crux of the film.

Plus Points:

Tiger Shroff once again delivers his trademark performance as an action hero. His stunts in the heavy action sequences are captivating. Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Kaur, who plays Alisha, makes a confident debut. She shines in her role, which has multiple shades for the most part.

Sanjay Dutt gets a significant role with ample scope. He looks menacing, and his performance during the action blocks works well. Sonam Bajwa did a decent job. Some action sequences are intense. The interval bang is engaging, while the climax is just about okay.

Minus Points:

In action-driven revenge films like these, the core point must be strong, but this is where Baaghi 4 doesn’t get things right. The hallucination angle in the first half is dragged for no reason and takes too long for the audience to understand.

After a point in time, the stunts performed by the protagonist for the leading lady become tiresome to watch. The love track in the first half is extremely boring. On top of that, the songs add to the woes.

Despite the film featuring good actors, their characterizations are underdeveloped. Sonam Bajwa’s role has no real purpose. She just comes and goes, making one scratch their head. The heroine’s performance in the pre-climax disappoints. The makers’ attempt to run the film completely on heavy action and a love track failed big time.

Technical Aspects:

Director Harsha didn’t have much control over the film. The story, screenplay, and production are handled by Sajid Nadiadwala, leaving the director with little to no scope to make things better. Cinematography is decent. Music also fails to make an impact. Editing could have been way better. Production values are good.

Verdict:

On the whole, Baaghi 4 is a routine revenge action drama that fails to impress. Tiger Shroff’s stunts, heroine’s performance, and Sanjay Dutt’s looks are the very few good things about this flick. The routine nature of the story, boring screenplay, and considerable lag in the narrative make Baaghi 4 a tiresome watch. Action movie lovers are advised to look for other options this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 2/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click here For Telugu Review

September 6, 2025

Review: War 2 — Watchable Spy action thriller

by narendhar August 15, 2025

Movie Name : War 2

Release Date : August 14, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : NTR, Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Director : Ayan Mukerji
Producer : Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films)
Music Directors : Pritam, Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara
Cinematographer : Benjamin Jasper ACS
Editor : Aarik Sheikh

Related Links : Trailer

War 2 is the new outing from Bollywood’s most successful franchise, YRF Spy Universe starring NTR and Hrithik Roshan. Interestingly, Ayan Mukerji was brought on board to helm this prestigious project. Amidst good buzz, War 2 hit the screens today, and let’s see how it is.

Story:

Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), a highly skilled R&AW agent, turns into a freelance contract killer, targeting high-profile individuals. Meanwhile, some powerful nations join forces and form a cartel named ‘Kali’ to plot India’s downfall. Believing Kabir to be the perfect man for the job, Kali tasks him with bringing down both India and R&AW.

However, another R&AW agent, Vikram Chalapathi (Jr. NTR), steps in to stop him. Did Vikram succeed in stopping Kabir? Why did Kabir go rogue? What is his connection with Agent Vikram and Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani)? Who is this Agent Vikram? This is what the movie is all about.

Plus Points:

YRF has indeed pulled off a casting coup for this spy thriller by bringing together two powerhouse performers, NTR and Hrithik Roshan. The casting is undoubtedly the film’s biggest attraction, and it is a feast to watch Hrithik and NTR together in a single frame.

The first half has good action sequences to keep us invested. The intro sequences of the stars are neatly designed, followed by a captivating chase sequence. Despite some shoddy VFX shots, the high-octane action is enjoyable.

The interval twist sets the stage for the second half. Performance-wise, Hrithik Roshan and NTR did a fine job, though the narrative had issues. Hrithik impressed with his ultimate swag and screen presence, while NTR was at his usual best, though the scenes didn’t have much going for the actors to shine. Kiara and others are alright in their roles.

Minus Points:

The problem with War 2 is that the first half is engaging in parts despite the routine nature of the film. Initially, it feels like watching War again, but the action part keeps the film going. Plot-wise, the second half offers something different and better than the recent spy films in the franchise, yet the proceedings aren’t much exciting.

Both actors have grey-shaded roles. On paper, the idea is definitely exciting and might have drawn the interest of the actors, but it hasn’t been effectively translated onto the screen. The potential is clearly visible, but the narration leaves us wanting more.

There is immense scope for emotions and drama, but the scenes just don’t pack a punch. Most importantly, there are no high or enjoyable moments in the latter half to hold the film together. The emotional scene towards the end between Hrithik and NTR is fine, but by then it’s too late to create a significant difference.

No doubt, the stars did a solid job, but they deserved a better presentation. For the story to strike a chord, the narration needs to be gripping with crowd-pleasing moments. This is where War 2 could have been better. The cat-and-mouse game featuring the lead actors is very ordinarily depicted, failing to leave the desired impact.

Technical Aspects:

The songs composed by Pritam are just okay and not particularly memorable. The background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara works well during the action sequences. The choreography of the Salam Anali song could have been much better. Especially when two of the best dancers are involved the expectations would obviously be high.

VFX work is relatively better than Pathaan and Tiger 3, but still doesn’t set the gold standard, considering the huge budget that went into making War 2. Aditya Chopra’s story holds promise and offers ample scope for the actors to go all out, but Ayan Mukerji’s narration is a mixed big, a problem also seen in his previous outing, Brahmastra.

The grey-shaded roles of the protagonists themselves offer immense scope to make the story captivating, but Ayan chose to narrate the movie in a flat way in the second half. The editing could have been tighter. Benjamin Jasper ACS’s cinematography is good in parts.

Verdict:

On the whole, War 2 is a better outing than the recent films in the YRF Spy Universe, but Ayan Mukerji’s narration is a mixed bag. Hrithik Roshan and NTR carry the movie on their shoulders with strong performances, and the action sequences in the first half are fairly engaging. Despite a story that holds promise, Ayan Mukerji’s narration restricts this spy thriller from reaching its full potential. The second half lacks the desired impact with unexciting moments. If you are fine with these issues you can give it a try.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

August 15, 2025

OTT Review: Abhishek Bachchan’s Kaalidhar Laapata – Hindi movie on ZEE5

by narendhar July 7, 2025

Movie Name : Kaalidhar Laapata
Streaming Date : July 4, 2025
Streaming Platform : ZEE5
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Abhishek Bachchan, Mohammed Zeeshan, Ayyub, Daivik Bhagela, Nimrat Kaur
Director : Madhumita
Producer : Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, Nikkhil Advani, Umesh KR Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cinematographer : Gairik Sarkar
Editor : Gairik Sarkar

Related Links : Trailer

In 2019, a Tamil film called K.D. released and went on to become a huge hit. Now, the same story has been adapted into Hindi as Kaalidhar Laapata, with Abhishek Bachchan playing the lead role and Madhumitha returning to direct. The film is currently streaming on ZEE5 and is available only in Hindi. Here’s our review.

Story:

Kalidhar (Abhishek Bachchan) is a middle-aged man suffering from memory loss who often sees things that aren’t real. His family, more interested in his property than his well-being, abandons him at the Kumbh Mela and files a missing person complaint during the event. A man named Subodh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) is tasked with finding him. Meanwhile, Kalidhar wanders off and finds himself in a new place, where he meets and befriends an orphan boy named Ballu (Daivik Baghela). The film follows how their bond develops and what ultimately happens between Kalidhar and the family that left him behind.

Plus Points:

Slice-of-life films are a familiar genre for Indian audiences, and this one comfortably fits into that space. While it doesn’t try to break new ground, the film delivers moments that make you smile, laugh, and feel emotional. That emotional simplicity is the strength of Madhumitha’s direction, and she handles it with restraint and warmth.

Abhishek Bachchan is fine in the role of Kaalidhar. He doesn’t overplay it and stays within the boundaries of the character, delivering a natural performance. In emotional scenes, especially, he manages to connect and bring some depth to Kalidhar.

The real heart of the film, though, lies in Daivik Baghela’s performance as Ballu. He is confident, grounded, and instantly likable. He commands a good portion of the screen time and makes every scene count with his understated performance.

The scenes between Kalidhar and Ballu are some of the best in the film. Their first meeting, their conversations about Kalidhar’s unfulfilled dreams, and their emotional exchanges about parting ways are written and performed with genuine warmth. These are the kind of moments that give the film its emotional weight.

The dialogues, too, are a highlight. They are simple and accessible, but they carry emotional depth and leave an impression.

Minus Points:

While Kaalidhar Laapata is pleasant and emotionally steady, it doesn’t offer much novelty in its narrative. The story is predictable, and the screenplay follows a fairly linear path without any real surprises. The director clearly wants to deliver a feel-good film rather than one packed with drama or twists, but the middle portion drags a bit and could have been tighter.

The ending is where the film slightly stumbles. It is emotionally safe and expected, but it doesn’t land with the kind of impact it should have. A more satisfying resolution, especially for both main characters, might have left the audience with a stronger emotional payoff.

Abhishek is sincere, but there’s a sense that the character could have been elevated further with a more emotionally immersive performance. While he does well, a more nuanced actor might have brought out the full potential of Kalidhar. Nimrat Kaur, who plays Meera, and a few other supporting characters are not given enough material to leave a lasting impact.

Technical Aspects:

Madhumitha does a competent job as both director and writer, but the film doesn’t recreate the charm of the original. The background score by Tajdar Junaid is subtle and fits the tone of the film. The songs by Amit Trivedi are used thoughtfully and support the emotional flow. Gairik Sarkar, who handles both cinematography and editing, gives the film a pleasant visual tone. The production values are clean and suitable for the story being told.

Verdict:

On the whole, Kaaldihar Laapata is a decent slice-of-life drama. The bond between Abhishek Bachchan and Daivik Baghela provides the emotional center, and their scenes together are worth watching. But the film’s predictability, emotionally safe ending, and a few underwritten characters hold it back from becoming something truly memorable. Still, if you’re in the mood for a heartfelt film that leaves you with a smile and a tear or two, this one is worth your time.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

July 7, 2025

Review: Kajol’s Maa – A boring horror thriller

by narendhar June 28, 2025

Movie Name : Kajol’s Maa

Release Date : June 27, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2/5
Starring : Kajol, Indraneil Sengupta, Ronit Roy, Kherin Sharma, and others

Director : Vishal Furia
Producers : Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande
Music Directors : Rakhi Khanna, Shiv Malhotra, Amar Mohile, Harsh Upadhyay
Cinematographer : Pushkar Singh
Editor : Sandeep Francis

Related Links : Trailer

Story:

According to an ancient superstition in Chandrapur, West Bengal, female children born into certain village families are sacrificed. Born into one such family, Shubankar (Indraneil Sengupta) lives far away from Chandrapur with his wife Ambika (Kajol) and daughter Shweta (Kherin Sharma). One day, Shubankar receives the news of his father’s death, and he returns to his hometown, only to meet his own untimely death.

Ambika, along with her daughter, travels to Chandrapur to sell their ancestral bungalow. The story unfolds the mystery surrounding the superstition in that village. Will the superstition be proven true, or is there something more sinister at play? What challenges does Ambika face with her daughter? What happens in the village ultimately? You need to watch Maa on the big screen to discover the answers.

Plus Points:

While the emotional story of a mother’s love and her determination to go to any lengths for her daughter may seem routine, there are a few moments in Maa that stand out. The film also explores a few elements related to myths and legends, adding an interesting layer to the narrative.

Kajol, as usual, delivers a splendid performance. She displays commendable acting prowess while showcasing determination to protect her daughter. The way her character evolves from being simple in the first half to powerful in the second half is well-executed. The pre-climax and climax sequences leave a lasting impact.

Minus Points:

The lack of novelty in the story is the film’s biggest drawback. The way the story is narrated, much like old films, feels boring. The first half, in particular, is slow and tedious. The lethargic pace of the narrative further drains the audience’s interest.

Even though there are some captivating sequences in the second half, the lag in between them damages the film’s flow. At times, it’s unclear why certain scenes are included in the narrative.

Maa’s story has far too many unnecessary episodes inserted for the sake of advancing the narrative. Despite a well-thought-out climax, the execution fails to live up to expectations.

Technical Aspects:

Director Vishal Furia couldn’t quite handle the film’s narrative and tone. His primary focus was on the horror and VFX elements, which caused the story to veer off course. The cinematography doesn’t add much value, and the editing could have been crisper. On the positive side, the background score is quite good, and the production values are decent.

Verdict:

Maa is a fantasy horror film that fails to captivate the audience. While the performances by the lead actors and the climax episodes are the major strengths of Maa, the lack of an innovative story and the conventional way it was executed are the weaknesses. Fans of the fantasy horror genre may find Maa disappointing.

123telugu.com Rating: 2/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 28, 2025

Review: Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par – An emotional drama that appeals to a niche audience

by narendhar June 21, 2025

Release Date : June 20, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharmaa, Naman Misra, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Ashish Pendse, Samvit Desai, Simran Mangeshkar, Aayush Bhansali, Dolly Ahluwalia, Gurpal Singh, Brijendra Kala, Ankita Sehgal
Director : R. S. Prasanna
Producers : Aamir Khan, Aparna Purohit
Music Director : Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa, ZeeMusicCompany
Cinematographer : G. Srinivas Reddy
Editor : Charu Shree Roy

Related Links : Trailer

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s iconic film, Taare Zameen Par, is acclaimed for its sensitive portrayal of children’s psyche and was also a box office success. 18 years later, Aamir Khan brings its sequel, the emotional drama titled Sitaare Zameen Par. Check out our review to know if this much-awaited movie has succeeded in winning the audience’s hearts like its predecessor, as it releases globally today.

Story:

Gulshan Arora (Aamir Khan) is an assistant coach for the Delhi basketball team. Gulshan’s short temper and other bad habits often land him in numerous problems. On a fateful day of drunk driving, Gulshan is caught by the police. As punishment, he is ordered by the court to coach a team of young athletes who are dealing with autism, invisible autism, Down’s Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome. What kind of challenges does Gulshan face while coaching a team with learning disabilities? What issues arise with his wife, Sunita (Genelia)? What are the shocking truths Gulshan discovers? What does he ultimately achieve with this team? This forms the main crux of Sitaare Zameen Par’s story.

Plus Points:

The story of Sitaare Zameen Par may not feel drastically different for audiences who have already watched Taare Zameen Par. However, the emotions in SZP are quite distinct. The film beautifully presents the theme of young individuals with Down Syndrome and other intellectual difficulties achieving success when they set their minds to it.

The pacing of the narrative in the first half is quick and engaging and holds the audience’s attention. However, there are a few moments in the second half when the director seems to have lost focus. The challenges Gulshan faces as a basketball coach for the young team with intellectual difficulties are well depicted.

Aamir Khan’s performance as a coach who is determined to make his ‘unusual’ team win is fabulous. The emotional arc of his relationship with his wife, Sunita, is handled with depth. The climax in particular is quite emotional and offers a satisfying conclusion to this emotional drama.

Minus Points:

Having witnessed the critical and commercial success of Taare Zameen Par, fans of the prequel may find Sitaare Zameen Par lacking in comparison. Despite the presence of emotional content, the sequel fails to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

While films like Sitaare Zameen Par don’t necessarily need to focus on entertainment, the emotional mark should definitely not be missed by such movies. In SZP’s case, the backstories of certain characters are treated way too lightly.

In addition, the way Gulshan interacts with a young team dealing with learning difficulties doesn’t connect with the audience. The bond between the coach and his team develops only in the climax, which may be too late to impress the audience. Scenes featuring the hero’s wife and mother seem to let the film down.

Technical Aspects:

Director RS Prasanna does a fine job handling the emotional drama, but he could have focused more on the screenplay and tightened some of the lackluster scenes. The cinematography is solid, while the music, though decent, doesn’t feature any standout tracks, which played a key role in the success of Taare Zameen Par. The editing could have been crisper in a few scenes. The production values are quite good.

Verdict:

On the whole, Sitaare Zameen Par manages to appeal to a niche audience with its strong emotional drama and solid performances. However, if you go in expecting a film on the same level as Taare Zameen Par, you might be left slightly disappointed. The film slows down in certain places, which could deter the audience’s attention. However, for those who watch the film with no preconceived expectations, Sitaare Zameen Par will likely be an enjoyable emotional journey.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 21, 2025

OTT Review: Chhal Kapat – The Deception (Telugu Version)

by narendhar June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Review: Housefull 5 – A routine but partly engaging comedy entertainer

by narendhar June 6, 2025

Movie Name : Housefull 5

Release Date : June 06, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir
Director : Tarun Mansukhani
Producers : Sajid Nadiadwala, Warda Nadiadwala, Firuzi Khan
Music Director : Julius Packiam, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Tanishk Bagchi, and others
Cinematographer : V. Manikandan
Editor : Rameshwar S. Bhagat

Related Links : Trailer

The highly anticipated fifth installment of the superhit Bollywood comedy franchise, Housefull, was released worldwide earlier today. Given the franchise’s success rate and the fanbase it enjoys, the film opened on a huge note. Check out our review to know if the film has managed to meet the sky-high expectations.

Story:

Housefull’s story entirely takes place on a luxury cruise ship. Billionaire Ranjit (Ranjit) writes in his will that his entire property should go to Jolly, the son of his second wife, following his death. Dev (Fardeen Khan), Ranjit’s first wife’s son, along with several board members, plans to grab that property. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Ritesh Deshmukh board the cruise ship, claiming to be Jolly. Who is the real Jolly? Who is committing the murders on the cruise ship? This forms the main crux of the story.

Plus Points:

The star cast of Housefull 5 hints about the craze for the franchise. Watching so many stars on a cruise ship is a rare opportunity for the audience. While Housefull 5’s story follows a routine template, it succeeds in leaving the audiences in splits thanks to the non-stop comedy.

The confusion comedy that drives the narrative has worked out quite well. While the first half runs at a slow pace, the narrative gets on track eventually, getting the audience involved in the movie. That said, the introduction of several lead characters, the comedy scenes, the interval sequence, and the following twist in the story are the major highlights of this installment.

The suspense and comedy hold the entire movie together, leaving the audience engaged. The big surprise reveal in the climax is enthralling. Even though the film features an ensemble cast, the way their characterizations are designed is quite impressive.

Minus Points:

The fate of Housefull 5 would have been different if the screenplay had a perfect finish that’s essential for such a routine comedy entertainer. This aspect is grossly missing in Housefull 5. Adding to this, the lethargic narration in the first half and the lag scenes in the second half only test the audience’s patience. However, the comedy scenes that were churned out one after the other salvage the situation to an extent.

While watching all our favorite Bollywood stars together in a single frame is exciting, proper care should have been taken in handling their roles. One gets a feeling many actors have been wasted in poorly etched roles. The senior actors, in particular, have been given lackluster characterizations. Coming to the music, the songs are just okay, and their placement is bad. The comedy seems to have been forcibly inserted in a few scenes.

Technical Department:

Director Tarun Mansukhani has impassively handled a long list of popular Bollywood stars. However, he should have focused more on the overall output for better audience engagement. Writer-producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s screenplay should have been better. The editing could have been crisper in several scenes. While some songs are captivating on the screen, it’s the background score that earns more points. The cinematography is decent, and the production values are grand.

Verdict:

Housefull 5 is a routine comedy entertainer. The huge star cast, captivating twists, and surprising cameos are the only highlights of this installment. On the other hand, the routine story and the lackluster narrative act as major drawbacks of this movie. If you are a fan of the Housefull franchise, you’ll have to keep your expectations in check while watching this outing.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 6, 2025

OTT Review: Kankhajura – Telugu-dubbed web series on Sony LIV

by narendhar June 1, 2025

Web series : Kankhajura
Streaming Date : May 30, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Roshan Mathew, Mohit Raina, Sarah Jane Dias, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju and others
Director : Chandan Arora
Producer : Ajay Rai
Music Director : Roby Abraham
Cinematographer : Rajeev Ravi, Vinod Illampally
Editor : Vaishak Ravi

Related Links : Trailer

Kankhajura is the latest Hindi crime thriller starring Mollywood actor Roshan Mathew in the lead role. The series is available for streaming on SonyLIV and is also available in a Telugu dubbed version. Here is our review to know how it is.

Story:

After spending 14 years in prison, Ashu (Roshan Mathew) returns to his brother Max (Mohit Raina), who is on the verge of a major breakthrough with his construction business. Ashu appears quiet and naive on the surface, but beneath that calm exterior lies a calculating mind with an agenda of his own. As he slowly embeds himself into Max’s world, his presence sets off a chain of unsettling events. Secrets begin to surface, friendships are tested, and Max’s once-stable life starts to spiral out of control. What begins as a reunion between brothers soon turns into a dark, psychological game – one where trust is shattered, motives are murky, and consequences are brutal.

Plus Points:

The standout performance of Roshan Mathew is sure to be praised. He leads the role with utmost care and ease. He shouldered the entire story and carried it well, and the way he showed variations in performance across many sequences makes us appreciate him for sure.

Mohit Raina as Max also gives his best, and his subtle performance is cool to watch. Ninad Kamat (as Pedro) and Mahesh Shetty (as Shardul) – those who play his friends and business partners – also leave a neat impression throughout.

Sarah Jane Dias, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, and Heeba Shah also give their best in their limited roles.

Minus Points:

The story runs well and keeps one intrigued in the first two episodes, but it slows down afterward. The moments become repetitive and predictable as well. The only thing that hooks you despite these negatives is the presence of Roshan Mathew.

The story is fine and revolves around trust, betrayal, loyalty, and bonding, but a tighter screenplay and less laggy narration could have made it one of the best crime thrillers.

At some places, the scenes seem designed to deliver a big impact and set the stage for major twists, but the slow pacing kills the enthusiasm and makes the show drag, causing viewers to just sit back and think, “let it happen.”

Some characters, such as Nisha (played by Sarah Jane Dias), could have been better developed. Mrs. Deshmukh (played by Usha Nadkarni) is also a nice character whose ending comes without leaving any major twists and turns wasted.

Technical Aspects:

Adapting the Magpie TV series is a nice idea but it could have been narrated for a better viewing experience. The director could have made the show more interesting by adopting a faster screenplay. However, he manages to pique interest by making a few scenes engaging.

Cinematography by Rajeev Ravi and Vinod Illampally is neat and suits the theme well, while the background score by Roby Abraham is okay.

Editing by Vaishak Ravi needs more trimming of scenes to make the series shorter and improve the viewing experience. The Telugu dubbing works fine. Neat production values help the series overall.

Verdict:

On the whole, Kankhajura is a crime thriller that has moments worth watching. However, it fails to keep you engaged throughout due to lag, repetitive scenes, predictability, and some unnecessary parts. Roshan Mathew’s performance is top-notch and the sole reason to watch the series, while the rest of the cast are just fine. If you have enough time, you may give it a try, but it is advisable to keep your expectations in check before starting the show.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

June 1, 2025

OTT Review: ‘Criminal Justice’ Season 4 – Telugu Dubbed Web Series on Jio Hotstar (Only 3 Episodes)

by narendhar May 29, 2025

Web Series: Criminal Justice

Release Date : May 29, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Pankaj Tripathi, Mohammed Zeeshan, Surveen Chawla, Asha Negi, Meeta Vashisht, Shweta Basu Prasad, Khushi Bharadwaj, and others
Director : Rohan Sippy
Producers : Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, Sameer Gogate
Music Director : Sameer Fatehpikar
Cinematographer : Murzy Pagdiwala
Editor : Gaurav Agarwal

Related Links : Trailer

The previous seasons of the ‘Criminal Justice’ web series received a good response and captivated audiences. Today, ‘Criminal Justice Season 4’ has been released for streaming on Jio Hotstar. However, the makers are streaming only 3 episodes of this season. Check out our review to know how much the latest season impresses the audience.

Story:

Dr. Raj (Mohammed Zeeshan) is separated from his wife, Anju (Surveen Chawla). His daughter Ira (Khushi Bharadwaj) also lives with him. However, Dr. Raj is in an affair with Roshni (Asha Negi), who works as a nurse. Everyone knows about their affair. A day after Ira’s birthday celebrations, Roshni is found dead with her throat slit in Raj’s hands. Raj gets arrested by police. Anju goes to lawyer Madhav Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi) to save her husband. What kind of truths does he find out regarding this case? What things do the police find out in this case? Watch Criminal Justice: Season 4 to unravel the mystery.

Plus Points:

With the craze that the previous seasons enjoyed, the expectations for this season have been quite high. Even in season 4, an investigation into a murder and the suspense related to it continue, and Pankaj Tripathi impresses as the lawyer who solves the case. The latter season, too, features all the elements that are normally seen in crime and suspense thriller series.

Pankaj Tripathi impressed once again as the lawyer who solves the case. His expressions in several key moments were top-notch. The screenplay has succeeded in leaving the audiences immersed in the story and engaging them.

Several interesting twists and turns coming to light in the process of solving the murder case engage the audience. However, with only three episodes being streamed, the audience is left with the curiosity of what will happen next.

Minus Points:

The fact that Jio Hotstar and Criminal Justice makers have dropped only the first three episodes of the fourth season has not gone down well with the audiences. Fans of the show are taking to the internet and questioning the makers about such an abrupt planning.

The director takes his own sweet time in the first episode to get the audiences used to the story. Also, the presence of some boring scenes acts as a major drawback.

Proper care should have been taken when casting an actor of Pankaj Tripathi’s caliber. The director should have explored his screen presence in a much more effective manner. Talented actress Shweta Basu Prasad couldn’t leave a lasting impression due to improper characterization. This shortcoming should be resolved in the upcoming episodes.

Technical Department:

Director Rohan Sippy chooses a good story, and the way he has presented it is quite impressive. However, with only three episodes released so far, fans of the show are eagerly waiting to discover what happens next in the story. The cinematography is good, and the background score is impressive. The editing and Telugu dubbing should have been better.

Verdict:

Criminal Justice: Season 4 is a suspenseful crime thriller that features fine performances by its lead actors. However, the narration in the first three episodes could have been better. While certain elements captivate the audience, the screenplay is not entirely impressive. The first three episodes raise curiosity about how the upcoming episodes will turn out.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

May 29, 2025

Review: Kesari Chapter 2 – Captivating historical courtroom drama

by narendhar May 23, 2025

Movie Name : Kesari Chapter 2

Release Date : April 18, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Regina Cassandra, and others

Director : Karan Singh Tyagi
Producers : Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra & Anand Tiwari
Music Directors : Shashwat Sachdev, Kavita Seth–Kanishk Seth
Cinematographer : Debojeet Ray
Editor : Nitin Baid
Related Links : Trailer

Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, the much-awaited sequel to the blockbuster Bollywood film Kesari, was released in cinemas today. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2, as the title hints, promises to unveil several unknown facts behind the historic yesterday in India’s freedom struggle to the big screen. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday in lead roles. Dive into our review to know if this historical courtroom drama managed to engage the audience.

Story:

Set against the backdrop of the Indian independence struggle, Kesari 2’s story revolves around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The intense courtroom chronicles through time and explores whether a particular individual was the mastermind behind this tragic event. British government advocate Shankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar) files a case against General Dyer, the tyrant who was responsible for the massacre. He is aided by young advocate Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday), while the British advocate Neville McKinley (R. Madhavan) defends Dyer’s actions. Shankaran Nair’s pursuit of justice and how he unfolds the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre offer the audience a gripping journey through one of the most painful tragedies in India’s history.

Plus Points:

The narrative needs to be handled with accuracy when dealing with a historical event to avoid any missteps. Director Karan Singh Tyagi executed Kesari 2 brilliantly. The film showcases how tragic historical events can be effectively depicted through a courtroom drama, making a powerful and lasting impact eventually.

Akshay Kumar takes the film to the next level with his terrific portrayal of advocate Shankaran Nair. The way director Karan Singh Tyagi handled this historical tragedy through a courtroom drama is praiseworthy. The audiences feel as though some of history’s most heartbreaking moments are speaking directly to them, thanks to the arresting screenplay.

The performances by R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday shine throughout the movie with their solid performances. The key aspects highlighted to present the historical truths and their reveal on screen are impressive. The retelling of a historical tragic event through a courtroom drama succeeds in effectively captivating the audience.

Minus Points:

Despite the gripping execution, the narrative sadly suffers from a few flaws and a lethargic pace at the beginning. Director Karan Singh Tyagi took a lot of time to draw the audience into the story.

Versatile actor Madhavan could have been given more prominence. Although his character is interesting, he remains quiet during the crucial pre-climax and climax sequences. A more engaging climax could have done wonders for the movie.

Technical Aspects:

Director Karan Singh Tyagi’s choice to turn a historically significant event into a courtroom drama is commendable. The way he blended the courtroom drama format with a historical context pushes the narrative forward in an interesting manner. The background score by Sashwat Sachdev added intensity to a few crucial scenes. The solid cinematography poignantly captured the essence of the bygone era. The editing could have been a bit sharper for a far more engaging experience. The production values are good.

Verdict:

Kesari Chapter 2 succeeds in engaging the audience with its gripping narrative while meticulously blending historical events with a solid courtroom drama. The way the director presented the historical facts deserves applause. Akshay Kumar and Madhavan breathed life into their characters with power-packed performances. While a few crucial scenes may feel slow, the depth and intensity in the story keep the audience engaged. Fans of historical and courtroom dramas may surely enjoy this film.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

May 23, 2025

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