One of the biggest holiday weeks just went by, and both the OTT space and theaters in India were filled with new movie releases. Here's a quick look at how each of them fared:
- Annaatthe (Tamil) 40% - This Rajinikanth starrer opened to heavy expectations among the Tamil, Telugu market but ended up disappointing big time. Not only was the movie criticized for incoherent screenplay but also the lack of impact from actors other than Rajini. Director Siva who has previously given hit rural entertainers seems to have let down his viewers with this one.
- Sooryavanshi (Hindi) - Another movie in the cop-actioner brand of director Rohit Shetty, Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar has opened to mixed reviews. The hero is on a mission to prevent the repeat of the 1993 Mumbai blasts but nothing sets him apart from his predecessors - Singham and Simmba. An entertaining watch nevertheless.
- Eternals (English) - Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao has helmed this 26th movie in the MCU universe but just like Black Widow, this superhero film ends up short on the pizzazz. Kumail Nanjiani is the most fun to watch on this otherwise slow movie.
- Jai Bhim (Tamil) 72% - This week's release with the most positive response from both the critics and viewers is Suriya's Jai Bhim. The movie, despite its focus on caste injustice, comes across as a well made investigative thriller. Director TJ Gnanavel who has written and directed the film, has been praised for not letting Suriya the star, overshadow this true-life-events based important story.
- Enemy (Tamil) 50% - Contrary to Annaatthe, Enemy starring Vishal, Arya came with low expectations and ended up fairing well. However the movie, which revolves around two friends turned foes, makes for a just about watchable affair.
- Manchi Rojulochaie (Telugu) - A comedy entertainer, this film follows the phobias of a character named Gopalam, who is the parent of an adult girl and has to deal with her happy-go-lucky boyfriend. Starring Ajay Ghosh, Mehreen Pirazada and Santhosh Shoban, the movie makes for a one time light-hearted watch.
- Meenakshi Sundareshwar (Hindi) - A Hindi film set in Tamil Nadu with non-native actors playing Tamilians, Meenakshi Sundareshwar is as unusual as it gets. The movie explores the dynamics of an arranged marriage but the writing of the film hinders the entertaining.
- MGR Magan (Tamil) - Sathyaraj and Sasikumar play estranged father and son in this Ponram directorial, who must join hands to save a medicinal mountain in their village from the claws of a wily businessman. Though a comedy, the movie hardly makes one laugh.
MC Pick: Jai Bhim