Cinema Ramblings - Cinema in Words, Emotions in Every Line

Sitaare Zameen Par Review: A Riot of Laughter, Empathy, and Aamir Khan’s Most Unfiltered Performance Yet

Directed by R.S. Prasanna, “Sitaare Zameen Par” marks Aamir Khan’s much-awaited comeback to the silver screen after two crashing failures—“Thugs of Hindostan” and “Laal Singh Chaddha.” Dubbed as the spiritual sequel to the much-acclaimed “Taare Zameen Par” (which Khan himself directed), this film tackles a very different terrain. It's made for kids with Down syndrome,…

June 23, 20250Comments ByRitesh Sharma

Review

Retro Review: A Stylishly Unhinged Drama That Works in Pieces

Karthik Subbaraj’s “Retro” is a drama soaked in blood, sprinkled with romance, and painted with broad caricatures. As expected from a filmmaker like Karthik, the film brims with visual flair and genre-bending ambition. It never quite settles into a singular tone or identity, constantly shifting between being a gangster flick, a romantic drama, and an…

June 20, 20250Comments ByHarish Babu

Review

Bhool Chuk Maaf Review: A Time Loop That Can’t Escape Bollywood Clichés

Karan Sharma’s "Bhool Chuk Maaf" is a movie that loses its plot astonishingly in only five minutes. Yes, that’s all it takes for you to guess the entire narrative. At its core, the story revolves around a boy, Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), and a girl, Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi), who fall in love. But in a regressive…

June 9, 20250Comments ByRitesh Sharma

Review

Cloud Review: Kurosawa Dazzles, Then Disappears into the Fog

Kiyoshi Kurosawa capped off one of the most prolific years of his career in 2024 with "Cloud," his third release of the year and arguably the most idiosyncratic entry in his extensive filmography. Drawing on decades of experience, Kurosawa weaves together his signature techniques to create something that feels both fresh and unmistakably his. Long…

June 9, 20250Comments ByJack Yates

News

This Asian Movie Was the Actual Inspiration for Kill Bill

There is nothing subtle about "Kill Bill." It is a bloody, kinetic opera of revenge that wears its influences on its yellow-suited sleeve. Quentin Tarantino stitched it together from genres and styles he worships, ranging from Shaw Brothers martial arts flicks to spaghetti westerns. But underneath all the layers of homage and visual flair, one…

June 6, 20250Comments ByRitesh Sharma

Lists

20 Best Underrated Asian Horror Films That Will Give You Sleepless Nights

Asian horror cinema hits differently. While Western horror often leans on jump scares, gore, and the age-old trope of exorcisms, Asian horror digs deeper into the psyche, into ancient folklore, into the very fabric of cultural fear. It doesn’t always scream in your face; instead, it whispers, unsettles, and lingers like a shadow in the…

June 6, 20250Comments ByRitesh Sharma

TV Show Recap

Once Upon a Witch’s Death Episode 1 to 10 Recap: Meg’s Journey Against Fate

“Once Upon a Witch's Death” is an anime television adaptation of the eponymous acclaimed manga series, directed by Atsushi Nigorikawa and streaming on Crunchyroll. The fantasy drama centers on Meg Raspberry, a spirited teenager who faces a devastating revelation on her seventeenth birthday: she is afflicted with a fatal curse that will claim her life…

June 4, 20250Comments ByRaunak

Review

Court – State vs A Nobody Review: Conventional Structure, Unconventional Soul

When it comes to courtroom dramas in Indian cinema, most filmmakers tend to lean heavily into melodrama. Every element—from the musical cues to the lighting—is crafted to dial up the tension, making a simple exchange between lawyers feel like a high-stakes duel. While "Court - State vs A Nobody" follows the foundational beats of the…

June 4, 20250Comments ByHarish Babu

Review

Stolen Review: A Thrilling Wake-Up Call on Misinformation and Mob Justice

Directed by Karan Tejpal, “Stolen” is a special movie. It doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of themes or story, but the filmmaking itself is so staggering that you cannot help but marvel at it. One of the best kinds of movies is those that keep unfolding with every passing second you watch them,…

June 4, 20250Comments ByRitesh Sharma

Review

Nocturnal Review: Style Overloaded, Substance Half-Fulfilled

With Korean cinema setting exceptional standards for the crime genre, “Nocturnal,” directed by Kim Jin-hwang, stands out as a compelling addition. The director previously helmed “The Boys Who Cried Wolf,” and this time, he brings a more experienced crew to the helm. Ha Jung-woo leads the film, an actor well known for his powerful performances…

June 1, 20250Comments ByHarish Babu