Nosferatu is everything you hope to see in a period-gothic dracula movie, and more. I am exactly not sure how to review it per se, the movie actually was everything I was hoping for, without really knowing what I was hoping for (if that makes sense).

Huge shoutout to Robert Eggers for creating a setting sooo perfect, be it be the sets, the costume, makeup, hair, props etc. The scene where Hutter gets into the carriage, the beauty of that scene alone proves how well they worked for it.

Also, absolutely BRILLIANT performances by the entire cast, Lily Rose Depp impressed me more than I had hopes her, Willian Dafoe as usual never missing, but also Nicholas Holt, Aaron Taylor, Simon McBurney and rest of the ing cast. Bill Skarsgard was completely unrecognisable and I only realised it was him after I saw the cast list tbh.

The movie deserves huge appreciation and deserves the applause it has been getting. Definitely not one to miss in theatres.

P.S - Utter hate towards the bunch of girls who were sitting behind me for the movie, and giving their running commentary and opinions about every goddamn second of the movie. It was so fucking annoying I had to literally shushh them and give glares like some aunty. People need to fucking realise the theatre isn’t their ancestral property and stfu and watch the movie. If it wasn’t for this, I really for sure would have enjoyed the movie more than I already did.

( P.P.S - Thanks to my corporate slavery, I haven’t been able to watch any movies since January 1st, and it feels so hollow. )

Ok, did I miss something? I actually couldn’t get what was the huge deal about this movie, tbh. I am not saying it’s bad, but is it greattt? Probably not. 

The strangeness of the concept, did intrigue me. A drug cartel lord in Mexico who wants to transition seeks help from a junior insignificant yet talented lawyer and the entire story made as a musical - how weird lol. However, certain things forced just for the sake of making the movie important. 

Not regretting I missed this IFFK too much anymore.

Watched on Saturday November 9, 2024.

Watched on Sunday November 24, 2024.

Well, the movie was definitely fun to watch, no denial. DQ seems to have comfortably found his place in Telugu industry (a little sad to watch him move further away from Mollywood, but again he seems to enjoy and have developed a good fanbase there - so why not ig?), and definitely was a pookie throughout the movie.

If Scam 1992 was a milestone in financial drama genre in India, this definitely did what it was going for pretty decently. Unlike the series, they also made sure to not overcomplicate it with financial jargon and make it difficult to grasp for all audience. As someone from the financial sector, I do have slight technical icks myself, but it still was a job well done - it especially seems researched for basing the story in that time period ngl.

One of those Netflix movie you watch when you are too lazy to watch anything complex, but wanna watch something; you wanna watch it cozied up under your blanket but also not fall asleep in between.

More of a Tim Burton movie than a Batman movie. 

(Christmas movie date ofc.)

Merry (very red) Christmas Eve for me indeed. 

Rating Marco seems like an incredibly difficult task, to be honest. The movie was promised to be the most violent in the Malayalam film history, and for that - they did keep up with it. It was action packed, violent and gory. They went all in, without giving no fucks whatsoever. 

However there is no denying that the movie has some very evident and basic flaws. Be it be the dialogue writing or a very generic plot script or a better casting for Cyrus, Haneef really could have made it way more better imo.

The dialogues at several points were cringey or almost comical in a very serious situation, that I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Be it be the forced English dialogues, cringey dialogues from Jagadish (“I am bisexual you know?” Like WHYYYYY?? I was physically cringing at that scene istg), or the immense corny introduction of Marco by the kids (“He is the devil… Daredevil” - ‘Pushpa flower allada fire aanu’ vibes only 😂).

The generic plot still could be looked past because it has been proven time and again that you could make a good movie with even that. But the casting for Cyrus specifically was a poor choice. Don’t get me wrong, Unni Mukundan also definitely can’t act - but here, there wasn’t anything that challenging for him to act because he played his strong suit of action. But the villain character literally had a single goddamn expression throughout his entire screen time and it was disappointing.

Now that we have crossed that, the movie definitely has to be appreciated for its action choreography, colour scheme/grading, and music. The action sequences at several points was incredibly very well done. One worthy mention would definitely be the inspired single action shot in the stairs - absolutely well done action, lighting and camera work. It’s not just that scene though, most of the action scenes, actually was done really well and Kalai Kingson deserves huge appreciation for it. The excellent use of very chilling and ominous tracks by Ravi Basrur was also a HUGE work well done for the movie.

All things said, this movie is definitely gonna be ed and remarked for how violent and disturbing it was - especially that one particular scene before the climax (which traumatised me fr). Even the scene itself might be hated by many for the principle of it, but I personally found the scene itself to be deep in ways of watching the invincible protagonist crumbling physically and mentally, unlike how most ‘larger than life’ characters stories are portrayed. 

Malayalam (2024) - Ranked

Ayyy ayyyy ayyyyyyy. 

I have got to say, with the general genres Ashiq Abu sticks to I was incredibly skeptical of him in an action/mass padam script. But I am impressed, very well done job indeed.

That being said, the real star of this movie for me is without any doubt Rex Vijayan. It was TOP NOTCH music from literally scene one. Back to back banger sound tracks, which build sooooo much power and impact to the entire movie. Rex Vijayan completed this movie, and nobody can argue otherwise. 

Now that we have got that out of the way, even though I have complaints about few things, which I will discuss later on - the movie itself was absolutely fun and incredibly entertaining to watch. It was stylish, sexy and definitely had some really peak moments. I mean, that one scene before the interval break, where Hanumankind shoots across the bar, and the entire Rifle Club just gives them a death stare, without blinking or being shaken, pheww. 

I liked how they used the entire ensemble cast in a really good way, all of them giving brilliant performances. Special appreciation for Hanumankind for his debut - man, his entire screen presence was definitely something else. Everyone else too, Anurag Kashyap (finally a role that suites him well, and not forcing a language on him), Dileesh Pothan, Vishnu (really liking how good performances he has been delivering), Vijayaraghavan (he is on a roll, istg), Suresh Krishna (the one and only convincing star convincing his horrible ex wife to shoot right at a guy’s adam’s apple lol) and even Darshana, Surabhi and Unnimaya did full justice to their roles.

I also appreciate they didn’t end up killing someone for the sake of an emotional drama. However having said that, I do wish the climax itself was a little more mass, and they actually did bring out the big guns from the vault (hate how they just dropped the whole thing when it had so much potential). As much as the last scene with the entire club pointing their gun at Anurag was a good scene, I still felt like they made it a little too easy, you know?

But other than that, it definitely was absolutely a banger to watch.

P.S - Was I tripping or did the movie feel like it ended very fast?

Malayalam (2024) - Ranked

IFFK’24 - Day 3 - New theatres (3:00 PM)

It just didn’t work for me at all. Had a really hard time keeping my eyes open throughout. It was way too yappy for my taste, and pointless yap at that. Nope. 

IFFK #9

IFFK’24 - Day 3 - New Theatres (12:00 PM)

The story is very simple, but also beautiful. I just wish the duration was a little shorter. Great performances btw! 

IFFK #8.

IFFK’24 - Day 3 - New Theatres (9:30 AM)

A comedy award padam?
It’s funny and so incredibly slow at the same time. 

IFFK #7

IFFK’24 - Day 2 - Nishagandhi (9:00 PM)

Guy goes batshit crazy after getting a promotion. Relatable much?

IFFK #6

IFFK’24 - Day 2 - Nishagandhi (6:00 PM)

Goddamn, that was a blast. Imagine watching a story revolving around a stripper, with god knows how many nude and sex scenes (definitely justified for the movie btw) in an open auditorium, with hundreds of people, on plastic chairs in Kerala. That was definitely an experience of a lifetime lol. (I am very curious to see how Substance would be in Nishagandhi and I hate I will miss it, ngl)

As for Anora as a movie, the story itself isn’t anything new but it was definitely a VERY fun one to watch. It was hilarious , veryyyy engaging. The added element of them building moving depth for the character was definitely a bonus as well. Not to mention several subtle layers of gender and societal themes they added in. Great performances , especially by Mikey Madison who REALLY understood the assignment. 

Definitely one of my favourites for the year.

IFFK #5

IFFK’24 - Day 2 - Aeries plex (11:45 AM)

A little too slow paced for my taste, I guess. The movie in itself is definitely made extremely well, no doubt. Every single frame is so beautiful, not to mention really good performances as well. I appreciate the movie, more than I enjoyed it, to be honest.

IFFK #4

IFFK’24 - Day 2 - Aeries plex (9:15 AM)

Hilarious. Engaging. An absolute BANGER! 
I guess now we have new album to play on repeat to make it to my spotify wrapped next year, eh?

IFFK #3

IFFK - Day 1 - Nishagandhi (6:00 P.M)

A lot of external factors probably played a huge part in the movie experience I had for this one. When I say that, I mean it in a good and a bad sense. Watching a movie in an open theatre setting, with hundreds of movie buffs, all patiently watching and appreciating the movie around you in the midst of heat, sweat, the long opening ceremony, sitting on chairs or floors, later timing after already watching movies through the day was a first time experience for me personally (it is so amazing that despite all these conditions, the audience where soooo engaged, and that too for a foreign subtitled movie,  there wasn’t even a single disruption, just everyone immersed completely and leaving a full room applause). 

The movie in itself, I can definitely understand the political appeal of it. Based on true stories from Brazil, and a very difficult and scary one at that, the crew has done a really good job in trying to put on screen, the events in an almost perfect way. 

The performances by the cast (special mention to Fernanda Torres - an absolute GODDESS), really did make the movie more powerful, making it almost real for the audience. Surprisingly, one other thing that really elevated my experience was actually the music scores used - subtle and almost unnoticeable, yet in some way really hard hitting. I also definitely have to mention, the brilliant work of camera angles, aesthetics and frames throughout the movie.

Honestly, if not for the dragged out opening ceremony, I wouldn’t even have felt the slight drag in the pace here and there (ofcourse it is a historical political drama - the slow pace is a given) and would’ve enjoyed it more. Or even maybe, if I didn’t build my hopes way too much after seeing raving ratings and reviews - I could have had a better experience, I guess.

IFFK #2.

IFFK’24 - Day 1 - Nila  (10:00 A.M)

What an absolutely beautiful way to start my first IFFK experience.

Ann Hui’s July Rhapsody explores the midlife crisis of a teacher, stuck in a very complicated situation in his life. 

The part that reallyy intrigued me in this movie has got to be how brilliantly Ann Hui handles the parallel timelines in the movie. She uses multiple elements such as lighting to make it incredibly smooth for the audience. 

Even though a little slow for me for 20 mins or so in the second act, the movie did eventually pick up again, finishing with a really beautiful ending. The performances and the cinematography is also commendable. 

IFFK #1

2024 has so far given some GREAT hits in Malayalam Industry. It is still very hard to rank most of them, however this would be my honest rankings. Even though, there seems to be few poor ones as well, the top 10 of this still remains very strong. This list only includes movies I have watched till now.

P.S - 7 out of these movies has had a sequel bait, I really think it is high time they realise that this trend is extremely stupid.

1. Bramayugam
2. Aavesham
3. Aattam
4. Kishkindha Kaandam
5. Ullozhukku
6. All We Imagine as Light
7. Premalu
8. Gaganachari
9. Manjummel Boys
10. The Goat Life

...plus 22 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

In no particular order whatsoever, based on the movies I have watched.

• Before Sunset
• The Handmaiden
• The Lunchbox
• Her
• Challengers
• Your Name.
• Jodhaa Akbar
• Thoovanathumbikal
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
• 10 Things I Hate About You

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Spirited Away
• Grave of the Fireflies
• Cinema Paradiso
• The Handmaiden
• Parasite
• Cure
• Kneecap
• Your Name.
• Anora
• The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Mohanlal was named as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema" by CNN-News18.

Making this list, was harder than I expected. Ranking this seems impossible (But I still tried). The list is based on my favourite movies starring Lalettan, rather than his performances (I really don’t think I am capable enough to be a judge of that) and hence movies like Manichithrathazhu being included. 

(Would probably update it into a Top 25 list, once I watch/rewatch few of his other classics.)

P.S - If you are wondering why movies like Amritham Gamaya aren’t there, it is because I watched it when I was younger/haven’t watched it at all (yup, a crime I know), and haven’t rewatched it in a while.

1. Vanaprastham
2. Thanmathra
3. Iruvar
4. Sadayam
5. Manichitrathazhu
6. Thoovanathumbikal
7. Kireedam
8. Dasharatham
9. Bharatham
10. Devasuram

...plus 15 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Virus
• 22 Female Kottayam
• Salt N' Pepper
• Rifle Club
• Mayaanadhi
• Neelavelicham
• Rani Pi
• Daddy Cool
• Da Thadiya
• Naradan

Even after being the State Award winner for Best Director FIVE times, National Film Award (Best Feature film) for three times - most of Shyamprasad’s movies aren’t talked about enough as it is warranted.

This ranking is part of my own venture in watching/rewatching Shyamprasad movies and rating them in the order of my personal preference.

1. Ore Kadal
2. Akale
3. Artist
4. Arike
5. Ritu
6. Hey Jude
7. English: An Autumn in London
8. Ivide

This year again, even though with some very strong films - but only a handful enough. 

I am aware that few films like Thallumaala or Pada or Nishiddho aren’t in that list, and it is solely due to the fact that unfortunately I haven’t watched it soon. Will update the list as I watch any that would alter this list.

1. Appan
2. Mukundan Unni Associates™
3. Thallumaala
4. Aavasavyuham: The Arbit Documentation of an Amphibian Hunt
5. Ela Veezha Poonchira
6. Puzhu
7. Nna Thaan Case Kodu
8. Bhoothakaalam
9. Saudi Vellakka
10. 1001 Nunakal

• Devasuram

  Mundakkal Sekharan

• Kireedam

  Keerikaadan Jose

• Aaram Thamburan

  Kullapilly Appan

• Drishyam

  Sahadevan

• Godfather

  Anapaarayile Achamma

• Anandabhadram

  Digambaran

• Iyobinte Pusthakam

  Angoor Rawther.

• Kumbalangi Nights

  Shammi

• Bramayugam

  Chathan

• In Harihar Nagar

  John Honai

• Iyobinte Pusthakam
• Varathan
• Bheeshma Parvam
• Bougainvillea
• Big B
• Anwar
• CIA: Comrade In America
• Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded

Horror movies have been weirdly something that holds really good memories in my heart (ik weird) - from my teenage years, me and my cousins used to handpick “scariest movie”, and watch it with all lights out. Over the years, with everyone movie away it has gotten less and less how much we watch movies together, and with that I myself rarely end up watching any horror. But here is my list of my top 10 (incase it wasn’t clear, I actually haven’t watched many highly rated movies, since the same were only discovered in past few years - will update as I watch new movies.

(Keeping the list strictly horror, or movies I acknowledge as scary. The list is not based on how much the movies “scared” but based on personal favourites and the thrill it gave me)

• Hereditary
• Get Out
• Midsommar
• Tumbbad
• Bulbbul
• Us
• Bramayugam
• The Substance
• Cure
• Black Swan

Even though, there aren’t much movies to actually create an actual list, he has given some really good movies.

• Take Off
• Malik
• C U Soon
• Ariyippu

• Devdas
• Gangubai Kathiawadi
• Paavat
• Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
• Bajirao Mastani
• Heeramandi

As someone who was way too into Bollywood movies in my teen years, here is a list of my top movies of all time.

I rarely watch Bollywood anymore, because the quality has dropped significantly in the last few years, so choose to watch most only if it is very well reviewed, but here is an attempt to list my top picks, everyone should probably watch. 

I have made an attempt to cover both commercial and contemporary films from past few decades, even though I unfortunately haven’t really watched movies from 1950s-2000s, hence this is more of a modern movies ig. 

P.S : This is not a ranked list.


(I haven’t included any sequels/prequels, hence Gangs of Wasseypur 2 is ignored)

• Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1
• A Death in the Gunj
• Masaan
• The Lunchbox
• 3 Idiots
• Piku
• Bulbbul
• Like Stars on Earth
• Rang De Basanti
• Raazi

...plus 15 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

1. My Name Is Khan
2. Swades
3. Chak De! India
4. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
5. Devdas
6. Veer-Zaara
7. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
8. Om Shanti Om
9. Dear Zindagi
10. Kal Ho Naa Ho

Blessy has been always known for he completely destroys his audience. These would be a set of movies, which would probably too heartbreaking to go back to. 

Having said that, ngl I am pretty much a huge fan of almost all of his movies, Thanmathra and Kazcha being two of my all time favourites. Ranking this list was difficult hence, and could be slightly personally biased (for example, my own personal dislike to how the trope of “school sweetheart” still hung up on their partner after several years, not being done so tastefully as I would prefer)

1. Thanmathra
2. Kaazhcha
3. Calcutta News
4. Bhramaram
5. The Goat Life
6. Pranayam
7. Palunku
8. Kalimannu

1. Aavesham
2. Kumbalangi Nights
3. Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
4. Maheshinte Prathikaaram
5. Joji
6. North 24 Kaatham
7. 22 Female Kottayam
8. Diamond Necklace
9. Annayum Rasoolum
10. Malik

Imtiaz Ali (born 16 June 1971) is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for directing Jab We Met (2007), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Rockstar (2011), Highway (2014), Tamasha (2015) and Amar Singh Chamkila (2024).

This is my personal ranking of all his mainstream movies so far. (Only includes ones I have watched till now - hence Socha Na Tha is not covered)

1. Tamasha
2. Highway
3. Rockstar
4. Jab We Met
5. Love Aaj Kal
6. Amar Singh Chamkila
7. Love Aaj Kal
8. Jab Harry Met Sejal
9. The Other Way

Vineeth Sreenivasan (born 1 October 1984)[1] is an Indian playback singer, actor, film director, screenwriter, producer, lyricist, creative director and dubbing artist. He predominantly works in the Malayalam cinema. He is the elder son of actor and screenwriter Sreenivasan.

Here, is my ranked list of all the movies directed by him, even though nobody really asked for it.

(In my defense I was extremely bored, and making lists calms me down.)

1. Thira
2. Thattathin Marayathu
3. Jacob's Kingdom of Heaven
4. Malarvaadi Arts Club
5. Hridayam
6. Varshangalkku Shesham

With a lot of pretty bad movies during this year, compiling a top 10 list wasn’t much of a difficulty, however ranking it was harder than I imagined. Anyways, here is my completely biased and personal take on the malayalam movies of the year 2023.

1. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
2. Kaathal - The Core
3. Romancham
4. B 32 Muthal 44 Vare
5. Purusha Pretham
6. Iratta
7. 1001 Nunakal
8. 2018
9. Falimy
10. Kannur Squad

This list is based on the rankings via poll made in the subreddit - “Malayalam Movies” (r/Malayalammovies).

The ratings, and the movies in the list only includes movies from 2022. 

All the rankings are based on polls in the subreddit, and ranked based on the of the subreddit. This is only an attempt to replicate the list to letterboxd, and is not a personal ranking.

1. Mukundan Unni Associates™
2. Aattam
3. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
4. Nna Thaan Case Kodu
5. Aavasavyuham: The Arbit Documentation of an Amphibian Hunt
6. Manjummel Boys
7. Bramayugam
8. Purusha Pretham
9. Aavesham
10. Kaathal - The Core

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.