'Operation Raavan' movie: A dull and tiring whodunit
Operation Raavan Cast: Rakshit Atluri, Sangeerthana Vipin, Rocket Raghava, Radhika Sarathkumar Director: Venkata Satya Rating: 1.5 In Operation Raavan , we are introduced early on to Anand Sriram (Rakshit Atluri), a rookie journalist who joins a TV news channel at a time when the organisation is undergoing a major internal crisis. It is hinted soon after that Sriram is not the simpleton beginner that he claims to be, that his status is far greater in the larger scheme of things. However, even after Sriram comes clean about his past, it remains unclear how his new identity alters the narrative in any manner. A little later, Sriram confronts a mysterious bad man in an elaborate action sequence, whose only purpose seems to be to deliver the mass moment. But heres the thing Operation Raavan , at its core, promised to be a whodunit, a thriller about unmasking a psychopath killer. Unfortunately, the writers of the film continually struggle to be loyal to their core premise while incorporating other elements that they probably deem essential for a mainstream film. As a result, the Rakshit Atluri starrer never picks up momentum. The film, directed by Venkata Satya, doesnt deliver either either as a murder mystery or as a thriller that explores the psychology of a criminal mind. After kicking off the narrative with a gory murder sequence, the film spends too much time establishing the two main spheres the story revolves aroundthe media and the police system. However, these tracks feel half-hearted on an execution level. The one confrontational moment between a journalist and a high-ranking police officer notwithstanding, Operation Raavan never attempts to explore the intense possibilities when these rigorous systems cross each others paths. Apart from being uneconomical in its duration, Operation Raavan is also gravely dull in these sequences. After establishing the mysterious antagonist, the screenplay forgets about their existence for a while. So when the narrative comes back to the central conceit of finding the killer, its incredibly tough for the audience to stay intrigued by the mystery element. In terms of building characters one could root for, theres only Amani (Sangeerthana Vipin), a sincere and righteous journalist who wants to do her job adequately despite all the external pressure and obstacles. But the writers fail to bring any depth to her or any other prominent character, already struggling with an incoherent screenplay thats largely plot-driven. So when Amani makes that one emotional phone call to Sriram, expressing her feelings amidst a tense moment, we find ourselves being strangely apathetic to her situation. Writing decisions like this feel like desperate attempts to sprinkle drama and twists when the script lacks them at its core, especially considering Anands new identity adds nothing to the plot later on. At the end of the day, he remains the prototypical hero who needs to save the heroine, and thats that. (The audience also finds itself consistently distracted by the ghastly dubbing work, where it is evident that many of the dialogues were altered on a post-production level, creating a visually jarring impact.) Things get interesting only for a brief stretch in the second half, when the films focus shifts entirely to a chase sequence between the good guy and the bad guy. Despite its logical loopholes, this stretch is well-paced and keeps us glued to the proceedings. This joy is short-lived, unfortunately, because the film again veers into an irredeemably self-indulgent direction in the final act, when it reveals the culprit, their backstory, and the works. There is also an attempt to incorporate religious iconographies into the central good vs. evil battle, but it falls flat because of awkward execution by the director. Sangeerthana Vipin, in the limited scope she is given, is adequate as Amani. Rakshit Atluri, as Sriram, is strangely stiff in his performance, barely capturing the intensity of his character. The only actor who rises above the script is Radhika Sarathkumar. The veteran actor is barely present in a handful of scenes but makes the most of the material. Radhika brings gravitas to a revelatory moment in the climax, reminding the audience of the potential of this concept had the writers attempted to explore the grayer shades of their story. Alas, Radhikas character stays largely peripheral to the overall scheme of things. And Operation Raavan , in its entirety, remains a tiring and dull whodunit.
'Deadpool' movie review: Extravagant fanservice makes up for a hollow core
The merc with the mouth is back and this time, he wreaks havoc across several universes to make sure that the most-awaited team-up in superhero film history finally happens. Through a montage sequence loaded with quirky humour and upbeat music, we see Deadpool universe-hopping to find the perfect Wolverine. Dredging up decades of referencesall the way from the first X-Men film to LoganDeadpool uses every iteration of joke you can possibly think of to annoy Wolverine , and it is enjoyable for the most part. Once the novelty of the team-up wears off and the film unravels the central plotline, both the quality and the momentum go through a steep drop. The Wolverine and Deadpool combination largely works because there is an inherent charm and chemistry in their constant bickering and wildly contrasting personalities. A lot of humour is leveraged from how Deadpool needs to convince a distraught, uninterested, perpetually irate, and psychologically broken-down Wolverine on a quest to save the universe. Ironically, It seems like Ryan Reynolds Deadpool had to drag along, not just an uninterested Wolverine , but almost everyone involved in the film. From the writing department to the production design, visual effects, and cinematography, every creative output seems to be borne out of an explicit apathy towards the whole project. A major part of the film happens in The Void , an inter-dimensional landmass where rejects from every corner of the multiverse are dumped, to be forgotten. The Void is an interesting concept with raw potential, which gives you a licence to use any character (or possible iteration of a character) in any way imaginable. The film has fun with this concept sporadicallyThe giant version of Ant-Man s suit (with his skeleton still intact) is used as the villains lair, ruins of the 20th Century Fox Logo, crashed down Helicarrier etc. Apart from these minor flashes of ingenuity, the immense potential of several such remarkable ideas is sadly never fleshed out. Deadpool s signature, fourth-wall-breaking humour, almost acts like an immunity against the usual issues of superhero films, which works to an extent in Deadpool and Wolverine . When an exposition starts testing your patience, we get a joke out of it, when the screenplay starts getting formulaic, Deadpool points it out, and even worries about Hugh Jackmans legacy being tarnished is playfully acknowledged. The excessive self-referential humour, real-world references, and fourth wall breaks might take you out of the film at some point. However, they are still effective. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the unapologetic parade of cameos. Marvel is famously known for embracing the vast interconnected web of narratives and its colourful variety of characters. While the recent line-up of MCU films might have received backlash for excessive use of in-universe references, Deadpool, a franchise that was always cognizant of the criticisms against superhero films, was expected to be better. It comes as a surprise when the absurdly simplistic cameo scenes are rolled out one after the other, in a fashion that is eerily similar to an assembly line. Before Deadpool and Avengers, Hugh Jackmans Wolverine stood as the face of Marvel films. A legacy that was cemented through a grand, poignant end in James Mangolds Logan. While Deadpool and Wolverine largely leave that legacy intact and introduce a brand new Wolverine , it still leaves you with mixed feelings, seeing a tired, uninterested Hugh Jackman grunting his way through the performance. Deadpool and Wolverine caters to a very specific set of fans who enjoy the Marvel films in a very specific way. They derive joy from figuring out the edges of the cinematic universe and find delight in knowing that it is expanding while also exuding warm nostalgia by staying connected to familiar characters. In that regard, Deadpool and Wolverine is one of the biggest fanservice films to come out of the MCU. As these ever-expanding stories connect, one wonders if they will also connect to the audience like they used to. Deadpool Director: Shawn Levy Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin Rating : 2.5/5
'Kenda' movie review: A provocative take on Bengalurus underworld with absurdist flair
Sahadev Kelvadi's Kenda ventures into the tumultuous underbelly of Bengaluru in the late 90s and early 2000s, using an absurdist lens to critique societal decay and political corruption. At its core is Keshava, played by Bharath, whose journey from a factory worker to a figure in the criminal underworld parallels broader societal breakdowns. The narrative is rich in period-specific details and cultural references, evoking the era through visuals and references like Debasis Mohanty and Urmila Matondkar. One of the film's defining scenes involves Keshava and a child finding purpose through cricket, encapsulating the narrative's tone. While aesthetically commendable, the film's stylistic choices sometimes overshadow its substantive story. It boldly criticises political corruption and societal breakdowns, focusing on disillusionment among disenfranchised youth. The absurdist approach highlights urban chaos and moral quandaries faced by individuals navigating corrupt systems. Despite its thematic ambition, Kenda faces challenges. Its narrative is coherent but possibly a bit too complex for those accustomed to conventional storytelling. Sahadev's absurdist approach focuses more on social commentary than audience engagement, which might deter viewers who prefer straightforward narratives. This thematic depth risks overshadowing emotional development, which is crucial for compelling cinema. The portrayal of media influence, particularly through Narasimha Shastry (Vinod Ravindran), underscores power dynamics and societal interests, integrating references to the lines from the Bhagavad Gita. However, at times, the film's treatment of these elements may feel heavy-handed, reducing nuanced exploration to overt allegory. It captures the emergence of electronic media and contrasts it with contemporary sensationalism, reflecting on substantial issues like farmers' protests. Visually, Kenda immerses viewers in its period setting, capturing cultural nuances for authenticity. Performances, notably Bharath's portrayal of Keshava, adeptly convey internal conflicts and external pressures. Supporting characters also contribute to enriching Keshava's journey on screen. The film offers a thought-provoking examination of crime, politics, and personal integrity amidst urban decay. Its use of absurdism provides a distinctive perspective and its critical stance on societal issues is commendable. And while the execution may keep it from being a film that resonates with everyone, the film offers plenty for viewers seeking thought-provoking cinema to chew on. Kenda Director : Sahadev Kelvadi Cast: Bharath B V, Rekha Kudligi, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Deepti Nagendra, Pranav and Vinod Ravindran Rating : 3/5
'Roopanthara' movie review: Celebrating the enduring spirit of human stories
True to its title, Mithilesh Edavalath's Roopanthara , an anthology featuring a stellar cast including Raj B Shetty, invites us to ponder the metamorphic transformation of a caterpillar into a resplendent butterfly right at the beginning. Will the caterpillar remain ensnared in its current state, or will it transcend its limitations and emerge as a magnificent butterfly? The film deals with a similar dilemmaone of stagnation versus transformationthrough its four interwoven tales. The beginning of the film, where an elderly man observes a caterpillar forming its chrysalise, is in stark contrast to a once lush and vibrant world that has now succumbed to stagnation and decay. This decline into a wasteland raises significant questions about the disintegration of virtue, the fall of civilisations, and the erosion of integrity. In a future where pristine air and water are relics of the past, the old man wanders through the bleak ruins, finding solace in narrating stories. Mithilesh Edavalath's Roopanthara offers an immersive cinematic journey with an eye for detail and meticulously told stories, celebrating Bengaluru's multifaceted identity. Before we get into the old mans tales, Midhun Mukundan's evocative score and Pravin Shriyan's striking cinematography deserve recognition. Mukundans compositions and Shriyans visuals cut across diverse settings, capturing emotional highs and lows with precision, enriching the anthology. The old man's stories revolve around an elderly couple (Somshekar Bolegaon and Hanumakka) who embark on a city adventure from Bagalkot, only to face heartbreaking news that tests their resilience and love; a beggar (Lekha Naidu) accused of child kidnapping, exposing deep societal prejudices due to their differing appearances; a rowdy (Raj B Shetty) encountering a stranger one fateful night, leading to a tragic event that forces him to confront his violent lifestyle; and a troubled young man (Anjan Bharadwaj) wrestling with childhood trauma through a violent, drug-fueled game, mirroring his inner turmoil and self-destruction. Though Roopanthara presents itself as an anthology, the stories intertwine around a common theme: the human struggle for redemption, justice, and love amid adversity. The old mans journey through a ravaged world, with storytelling as his refuge, highlights the timeless power of narratives. These interconnected tales of struggle and redemption offer a deep critique of human nature and our quest for change, making Roopanthara a deeply affecting cinematic experience. The film masterfully evokes a wide range of emotions, creating a poignant symphony of human experiences that is both breathtaking and devastating. Mithileshs direction ensures each emotionally charged moment is stitched with authenticity, urging viewers to confront their empathy. Every actor in the film paints a vivid yet struggling picture, including notable performances by Bharath BG and Gireesh Jatti. Mithilesh and Raj B Shettys combined efforts bring this evocative story to life, shaping Roopanthara into a captivating journey. Amid these intricate narratives, the enigmatic storyteller stands out, delivering a surprising twist. Roopanthara Director: Mithilesh Edavalath Cast: Raj B Shetty, Anjan Bharadwaj, Lekha Naidu, Somshekar Bolegaon and Hanumakka, Bharath BG and Gireesh Jatti Rating : 3.5/5
'Secret' movie review: Ambitious ideas botched by terrible execution
When SN Swamys filmmaking plan was first announced, most Malayali cinephiles, particularly those from the 80s and 90s, were genuinely interested. After all, he is the brain behind some of our most memorable thrillers of those times, including the iconic CBI franchise , Irupatham Noottandu, Moonnam Mura, and Dhruvam. Though Swamys writing genius has waned over the last decade, he is still prominent enough to generate a certain level of expectation. But as it turns out, his directorial debut Secret has done more harm than good to his already diminishing career. Three friends, played by Dhyan Sreenivasan, Aparna Das, and Jacob Gregory, are on a trip to Thanjavur to attend a wedding when one of them suggests visiting an astrologer. Though Midhun (Dhyan) is initially hesitant, he gives in to his friends compulsion and decides to get his horoscope checked. Midhun, whose wedding has already been fixed, is shattered when the astrologer tells him that the marriage will get cancelled because of the brides death. Desperate to find a solution to ensure the prediction doesnt turn true, Midhun meets Mathews (Ranjith), a psychological professor, who heads a community called Believe in You. Though Mathews doesnt have a foolproof solution, he manages to confuse Midhun (and us) by using complicated psychological and scientific terms like System of entropy, Second law of thermodynamics, and Synchronicity. Finally, he comes up with a bizarre solution and he himself admits that theres no rationale behind it. The solutionMidhun has to save three people from dying to save his girlfriend. From writing to direction to performances, Secret is a concoction of such amateurishness. The film has an abundance of gaping loose ends, which are tried to tie up with the repeated usage of the word entropy. Google defines it as a scientific concept thats often associated with disorder, randomness, or uncertainty. While one can understand the concept in a scientific context, its not effectively conveyed in the film. All we see is the characters justifying every bizarre development in the narrative as entropy. How does Midhun find himself amid a mob lynching? Entropy! How does Midhun randomly spot a car accident and rescue the passengers? Entropy! How come a roadside worker is carrying a kitchen knife, which comes in handy in the rescue? Entropy, indeed. In his 734th release of the year, Dhyan doesnt bother sweating as he sticks to his stock expressions. SN Swamy seems to have opted for such a generous approach in handling his actors, which is evident from the performances of both the leads and the junior artists. Last time around, during CBI 5 , when Swamy said the film revolves around a unique concept called basket killings, it invoked a lot of curiosity. But once the film was released, it turned out to be a damp squib. Similarly, Swamy promised to explore many high-concept ideas in Secret , which he called a motivational drama. Unfortunately, the only motivation the film offers is to gather ample strength to sit through its entire runtime. Film: Secret Director: SN Swamy Cast: Dhyan Sreenivasan, Ardra Mohan, Aparna Das, Jacob Gregory, Ranjith Rating : 1/5
'Level Cross' movie review: Oscillates between the outlandish and the mundane
As Chaithali (Amala Paul) tries to escape the endlessly undulating sands of the Sahara in Arfaz Ayubs debut feature Level Cross , one might think this film would be a survival thriller, but it is far from that. The expanse of the parched sands in the Sahara features a varied terrain that is both harsh and beautiful, much like the film itself. Set in an imaginary world, as the director wants us to believe with its unlikely proceedings, Level Cross first establishes the limitlessness of the scarcely inhabited space as a character. It then introduces us to the everyday routine of a lonely railway gatekeeper, Reghu (Asif Ali), living in a house near the level crossing. On a fateful day, after giving the designated signal to a passing train, he finds an unknown woman lying unconscious. This sets the film in motion as the woman, revealed to be Chaithali, wakes up as Reghu begins to nurse her. He cannot hide his excitement and awkwardness at having someone to talk to after being in this barren land for such a long time. After an interesting turn, a distraught Chaithali starts recounting how she ended up in the middle of nowhere, which involves a toxic marriage with Zincho (Sharaf U Dheen) that her parents opposed. In response, Reghu recalls his late mothers dying wish for him to marry. Despite coming from two extremes of the social spectrum, Chaithali warms to Reghus seemingly kind-hearted gestures after initially being wary of him. The problem with the films approach here is that it struggles to convincingly portray the emotional connection that begins to develop between Reghu and Chaithali, seemingly based on their contrasting predicaments. While Amala looks the part perfectly, her exchanges, which are often old-fashioned, do not help the cause. What ultimately makes this psychological thriller both interesting and defeating is that no one is quite what they seem. Despite the reveal about Reghus character, which effectively piques curiosity while leading up to the intermission, the film, unfortunately, loses its way in its attempt to make the audience guess who is telling the truth. After a point, some of its plot twists can be seen coming from afar, barring the final reveal, especially if you are a keen follower of the genre. While Appu Prabhakars visuals are pitch-perfect in painting the loneliness of the terrain so exquisitely that it becomes a character in itself, as the director wanted it to be, the same cannot be said of Arfazs writing, which oscillates between the outlandish and the mundane. To his credit, Arfaz, apart from making the film a technically sound affair, does a fine job of extracting a terrific performance from Asif Ali. As Reghu, with impressive prosthetics, the actor has fabulously managed to inhabit the impulsive rawness of an uncouth man with a dubious past. Film: Level Cross Director: Arfaz Ayub Cast: Asif Ali, Amala Paul, Sharaf U Dheen Rating : 2.5/5
Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri And Suhana Pay Last Respects To Farah Khan's Mom
Farah Khan's mom died at the age of 79 in Mumbai on Friday
Anushka and Virat attend kirtan in London
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli attended a kirtan in London a few days ago and a video has surfaced on the internet, following their spiritual pursuits. They previously visited Neem Karoli Baba's ashram.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' mints Rs 21 crore
'Deadpool & Wolverine' had a robust opening, earning Rs 21 crore in India and $64.8M internationally within two days.The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Emma Corrin in lead roles.
Why is Cable not part of 'Deadpool 3'? This might be the reason
The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Deadpool & Wolverine, does not include Josh Brolin's character, Cable, despite his promising appearance in Deadpool 2.
Natasa on parenting: The world is a hard place
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic announced their mutual decision to divorce after four years of marriage. The couple emphasized their mutual respect and commitment to co-parenting their son Agastya. Natasa shared parenting thoughts on Instagram, attracting support from fans.
Malaika and Arjun avoid each other at ICW 2024
Rumours of trouble in Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor's relationship have been circulating for a while now. The two have been in the news for their alleged breakup. Reports suggested that although Malaika and Arjun had a special relationship, they have decided to part ways. Amid these breakup rumours, Malaika and Arjun attended designer Kunal Rawal's fashion show at India Couture Week 2024, but their behaviour added to the speculation.
Kareena rocks a no-makeup look, says Hello from UK
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Taapsee to support husband Mathias at Olympics
Taapsee Pannu married Mathias Boe in March 2024 and plans to attend the Paris Olympics to support her husband, who coaches the Indian badminton team. The trip will coincide with her birthday. Her new Netflix movie, 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba,' premieres on August 9.
Susi Ganesan: SRK behaved like an AD on Dil Se set
Filmmaker Susi Ganesan recently shared his experiences working with Shah Rukh Khan on the 1998 film 'Dil Se', highlighting the challenges of shooting in Assam and Dharamshala. Ganesan praised Khans professionalism and camaraderie on set. An amusing incident related to a New Years Eve party was also mentioned. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam, features a beloved soundtrack by A.
Kartik wishes Indian athletes for Olympics 2024
Kartik Aaryan wished Indian athletes for the 2024 Olympics. He shared his experience of playing India's first Paralympics gold medallist in the film 'Chandu Champion' directed by Kabir Khan. The movie explores his character's journey through various challenges. Aaryan will next appear in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,' set to release on November 1, 2024.
Bombay HC quashes Mamta Kulkarni's drug case
The Bombay High Court dismissed the 2016 drug case against former actress Mamta Kulkarni due to insufficient evidence. The case involved a Rs 2,000 crore drug haul linked to her husband, Vicky Goswami. Evidence against Kulkarni was mainly based on a retracted statement from co-accused Jay Mukhi.
SRK-Gauri pay their respects to Farah-Sajid's mom
Menaka Irani, mother of Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, passed away on July 26, 2024. Her death has deeply affected her family and friends. Celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan and his family paid their respects. Menaka, born on July 12, 1945, was also the maternal aunt of Farhan and Zoya Akhtar.
Tillotama: A man unzipped his pants and tried to force my hand
Tillotama Shome recently opened up about a terrifying incident she faced in Delhi. She described a harrowing experience that left a lasting impact on her.
Akshay-Twinkle dance with Omahe in Tanzania: Video
Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna are vacationing in Africa, where they recently shared a video dancing energetically with the local Omahe group. Twinkle invited followers to choose who danced better. Fans responded enthusiastically, with comments praising their fun experience. Akshay also shared a Safari video from Tanzania, highlighting a majestic elephant.
Purab Kohli praises PC for their work in Hollywood
Bollywood actor Purab Kohli praised Irrfan Khan for his success in Hollywood, noting his roles in 'Life of Pi' and 'The Namesake'. Now residing in London, Purab splits his work between India and the UK, aiming to further his career in Western cinema despite the challenges of frequent travel.
Zoya Akhtar gives a heartfelt tribute to aunt Menaka Irani
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Chen Shih-hsin on resemblance between her life and Dangal
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'Jolly LLB 3' to release on April 10, 2025
Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi will star in 'Jolly LLB 3', directed by Subhash Kapoor, releasing on April 10, 2025. The date leverages an extended holiday weekend. Production has completed, and the film is in post-production. Saurabh Shukla returns as the quirky judge.
Epic bromances that define our favourite superheroes
Superhero bromances add depth, humor, and emotional resonance to the narratives of comic book heroes. From the chaotic yet heartfelt dynamic of Deadpool and Wolverine to the mentor-student relationship between Iron Man and Spider-Man, these bonds showcase the importance of friendship, loyalty, and emotional connections. As the superhero genre continues to evolve, these bromances will undoubtedly remain a crucial element in defining what it means to be a hero.
When Farah credited her mother for her success
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Viral Video: Anushka Sharma And Virat Kohli Attend Krishna Das' Kirtan In London
The couple recently attended a kirtan by Krishna Das at Union Chapel
Menaka Irani, the beloved mother of filmmakers Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 79. The news of her death comes just days after Farah Khan shared on Instagram that her mother had undergone multiple surgeries.
Ayushmann asks fans to cheer for team India at Olympics
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Ayushmann Khurrana urged support for Team India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ayushmann was given a special team jersey. The Opening Ceremony will be on the Seine River, starting July 26, from Austerlitz Bridge to Trocadro.
'Raayan' movie review: Dhanush cooks a gangster film thats tasty in its restraint
Well before director Dhanush presents us the ten-headed Raavana image of Raayan (played by Dhanush himself), there is plenty of reason to process the protagonist as a reimagination of the demon-god. He has got a sister he dotes on, a feisty sister who is quite capable of fighting her battles. He has got a couple of brothers, one of who seems more noble than the other, one of who feels more traitorous than the other. Raayan and co. feel like a family of asuras, a clan whose bloodline seems prone to violence, each of them being naturally gifted at mayhem-making. Perhaps thats why towards the end, a mother hands over a baby, saying, Unga raththam enakku vendaam. Perhaps the idea for the story itself began with a what if. What if we threw a family of asuras into present-day civilisation? What if we threw them into a mix of poverty, social neglect and lawlessness? The parents of Raayan and siblings step out, never to return. In suffering, Raayan turns to a deity-figure, as youd expect, but then, when has God, in our mythology, taken the side of asuras? For that reason, he is the first to get murdered here. Someone quips, Poojari, la Adhaan kadavul kitta poitaaru. From then on, its a quest for survival for the Raayan family. Unlike Kokki Kumar, who stood for the survival of the fittest, Raayans idea of survival isnt predicated on climbing up the ladder of ambition. Hes smarter; hes more grounded. He prefers to keep his head down and keep his family together, and as we see his siblings oriented towards specific goals (education for Muthu, marriage for Durga), if you squinted, you could maybe even see a bit of Baasha in Raayan. At one point, he frightens a man into submission, and a cop asks, Enna sonninga? I half-expected him to say, Unmaya sonnen. But Raayan says, Kenji ketten sir. Its one of many places in Raayan where director Dhanush shows that his goal isnt to capitalise on easy mass-ification of his character. Raayan is a fascinating characterand is likened to a lion in the film. Much like the animal, he kills with his clawand it leads to some imaginative fight scenes. Much like a lion, he operates in solitude; hes quiet with his kills, and he has limitless patience when his pride of siblings bother him. Dhanush plays him magnificently. When he willingly walks into the lair of wolves (as he goes to meet SJ Suryahs Sethu), he struts every bit like a lion. When he sizes up his prey, his eyes brim with menace and bloodlust. Through Raayan and Durga, director Dhanush presents the beauty of a selfless relationship where one never lets the other down. Isnt that the stuff of poetryto find someone who is ready to sacrifice themselves for you, someone for whom youd willingly sacrifice yourself? Such a relationship fights the selfishness encoded into our biological beingand yet, every now and then, a special love emerges that shatters primal survival instincts. Raayan and Durga can forgive the harm done to themselves, but when it's done to the other Theres a lovely scene where they even verbalise this sentiment. If Dhanush so chose, he could have treated Raayan as a film with elevation moment after elevation moment, set-piece after set-piece, but he doesnt. He observes fascinating restraint and steps into the action zone quite carefully each time. Around the interval point, as Raayan is mopping up the henchmen of a gangster leader (Saravanan), we dont see that happening. We only see the boss, seated in a chair, ruing his decision-making (the Baasha line came to me: Saththam kekkumbodhe nenachen, nee mudichiruppanu.). Later on, as Raayan is prowling the streets and again, eliminating his foes, we dont see it occurring from his perspective. In another moment, the police chief (Prakash Raj) speaks about his reason for wanting to clean up the neighbourhood of its gangsters. Eventually, when Raayan presents his brand of justice to SJ Suryahs Sethu, it got me thinking about the police chiefs dad being burnt alive many years agoand the stray comment from Durai about an old problem. Its not a film thats trying to handhold you through its details. Its not a film thats trying to provide you easy action entertainment eitherand I feel fondly about Raayan for these reasons. When the fighting portions do come, they do with great attention paid to how the scenes are lit, how the stunts are choreographed, and how the music is used. AR Rahman is wonderful with how he plays around with percussion. Muthus fighting is accompanied by some urgent beats, but when the Raayan trio storm inlike trained assassins in some Tarantino filmthe composer opts for ominous, dull thumps. Pay attention to Rahmans score during that portion when Durga toils to save Raayan; pay attention to how Dhanush ensures that Dushara doesnt feel physically inferior. Its all evidence that for director Dhanush, actor Dhanush is a performer, not a star. Thats why he ensures that Dushara gets such an impressive fight scene, in which she uses objects around her to cause such destruction. This is a far cry from women in such cinema who are mostly relegated to being victims. Durga, like the goddess shes named after, is an avenging angel who knows no forgiveness. Seeing the urgency and chaos in that hospital fight scene, Id happily watch a whole film in which Durga channels her inner Beatrix Kiddo and moves from one kill to another. There are issues too in Raayan . The film may be impressive in how it pays no extra respect to the stardom of those in it, but perhaps SJ Suryah has reached a point in his stardom where hes towering above the graph of a rather rooted character like Sethu. There isnt much space for him to play to the gallery as he likes to do, but on occasion, he seems like hes trying to stretch the rules of his character a bit more than he should. It means that when he moves from comedy (Thani aalaa mudichiya? Gang-a mudichingalaa?) to menace (Nee yenakku velai seiviyaa nu kekkala, velai seiya poranu solren.), the effect isnt as powerful; the danger doesnt feel as real. Also, Sethu doesnt feel particularly well-written. Even if I enjoyed how the film gracefully moves from Durai to Sethu, the latter should ostensibly feel more dangerous. Theres a bit about how manipulative he can be, but for lack of serious exploration of the Sethu-Muthu relationship, even Muthus shifting loyalties feel undercooked. And this is a bigger issuesince Raayan and family disbanding ought to create a lot more emotion than it does. For lack of powerful writing in these spaces, the twists dont feel as organically arrived at. The eventual explanation is all right in theory but feels too hurried for such a dramatic transformation. Despite Raayan and Durga helping humanise each other, we still consume the film from a distance, perhaps because of their stoic exterior. I suppose Raayan and Durga dont have the liberty and luxury of being likeable; perhaps when you are fighting fires all thetime, its natural for the soot and ash to become a part of you. Somewhere near the beginning, Raayan compares himself to a dog and says that if the latter can survive without a home, so can he. The difference, of course, is that a dog can wag its tail about even in such suffering and express love to the world, but a human cannotand so, Raayan doesnt, but this means that Dhanush risks Raayan , the film, feeling rather cold (or perhaps thats exactly how he wants it). I do wish though that the film had done more justice to the Muthu-Manickam relationship. Perhaps that might have made me feel a bit more for either of them. Theres a certain purity, however, to Dhanushs directorial voice. That magnificent shot of the Raayan trio in full flight stands testament to his visual imagination. And yet, the film breaks for an interval during a narrative break, as Raayan and siblings are forced to move again. A lesser filmmaker might have prioritised the elevation moment for the Raayan brothers as a better half-way point, but Dhanushs loyalties lie with the story. Thats why we see that at the beginning of the film, around half-way, and at the end of the film, its the same idea being reinforced: Raayan and family moving out to nowhere. Where they go, violence and bloodshed, it seems, follow. Dhanush is great with the smaller touches too. Like Muthu cutting off a wire to switch off a speaker, instead of requesting someone to reduce the volume. Like Manickams repeated attempts at remorse. Like Durga singing a song to Raayan in the terrace, which, again, in a lesser film, might have led to a full song about their relationship. Even when Durga asks him why he keeps cutting his hair off, you warm up for some emotional story. Instead, I laughed out loud at Raayan's reply: Style. You know that a director truly cares about meaningful cinema when he wont even prioritise his own stardom as an actor. This means that in Raayan , Dhanush has the time and patience to address smaller queries. Why isnt Durga keen on marriage? Why does Raayan not care about educating Durga? So uninterested is Dhanush in amping up his own stardom with this film that he doesnt even care about giving himself a particularly special opening sceneand somehow, that makes it more special. Hes wearing an apron and making some fast food. With his directorial work, however, Dhanush is showing that he isnt really interested in fast-food cinema. And that means that even if the dish isnt necessarily perfect, Im quite happy to say, Do keep cooking. Film: Raayan Director: Dhanush Cast: Dhanush, SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan Rating: 3.5/5 stars (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express )
Vikrant Massey on National Awards buzz: Don't want to jinx it...
Vikrant Massey on National Awards buzz: Don't want to jinx it...
Tara Sutaria bags second lead in Yash's 'Toxic'? Actor reacts
Tara Sutaria bags second lead in Yash's 'Toxic'? Actor reacts
Farah's mom share close relationship with Farhan-Zoya
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Zoya Akhtar pays emotional tribute to aunt Menka: Always adored, never forgotten
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Sonakshi Sinha channels her inner 'Fareedan' in new pics from bachelorette
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Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol's intense battle scene in Alpha is under tight security with 100 personnel to prevent leaks. Anant Ambanis haldi ceremony featured playful moments with guests, including Hardik Pandya and Ranveer Singh. Farah Khan and Sajid Khan's mother, Menaka Irani, recently passed away after celebrating her 79th birthday. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni revealed that Raha, the daughter of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, looks like both Alia and Rishi Kapoor.
Salman firing case: Court issues non-bailable warrant
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John Vijay accused of misconduct, Chinmayi posts pics of complaints
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Top 7 highest paid lyricists of India, Javed Akhtar leads
Mumbai: Great lyrics are something that make a song truly memorable and iconic. Sadly, many modern songs just copy or sample music from other pieces, making originality in music rare. While this isnt always the case, its often true. So, its no surprise that talented lyricists can charge a lot of money for a song. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Marvel Studios' chief Kevin Feige receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Marvel Studios' chief Kevin Feige receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
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A look at Deepika Padukone's net worth
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Bollywood stars pay tribute on 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas
As India commemorates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Bollywood stars took to social media to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War of 1999.
Stree 2: Tamannaah Moves Like Magic In This BTS Video
Aaj Ki Raat has been sung by Divya Kumar and Madhubanti Bagchi.
Celebs pay respects to Farah Khan's mother
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Mukesh on how Aamir helped him after Sarfarosh
Mukesh Rishi, celebrated for his role as Inspector Salim in Sarfarosh, recalls Aamir Khan's advice and missed opportunities, including a significant post-release party. Despite this, he has no regrets and values the career boost Sarfarosh provided, particularly its impact on his roles in South Indian cinema.
Sam Bahadur to premiere on Zee Cinema this weekend
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Bryan Adams Announces Five-City Tour In India. Details Here
I'm incredibly excited to be coming back to India, said Bryan Adams
ICYMI: Sonakshi Sinha Is The Life Of Her Sonamandi Themed Bachelorette Party. See Pics
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal got married on June 23
Jennifer wishes Matt LeBlanc happy birthday
Matt LeBlanc celebrated his 57th birthday on July 25, 2024, and his former Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston wished him with a heartfelt Instagram post. In her Instagram story, Aniston wished LeBlanc a happy birthday in a way that made fans of the sitcom smile. She jokingly wrote, I hope you're doing so much nothing today. LOVE YOU! she wrote, along with a previously shared reel.
'Bad Monkey': Trailer, premiere date and more
The comedy series 'Bad Monkey,' starring Vince Vaughn, promises to entertain audiences with its mix of humor, mystery, and Floridian charm. Adapted from Carl Hiaasen's bestselling novel, the show follows Andrew Yancy, a former Miami cop turned health inspector, whose life turns chaotic after discovering a severed arm. 'Bad Monkey' premieres on August 14 with new episodes every Tuesday until October 9.
Dilip Kumar's Pali Hill Bungalow-Turned-Luxury Apartment Sold For Rs 172 Crore: Report
Dilip Kumar died in 2021
Janhvi Kapoor exudes boss babe vibes - Pics
Janhvi Kapoors latest look is perfect for all the corporate girls.
Yo Yo Honey Singh opens up about feud with Badshah
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Malayalam web series boom: fad or future staple?
PR Arun: director of Nivin Pauly starrer upcoming series Pharma; Prasanth Alexander: actor from the latest web series Nagendrans Honeymoons and a post-graduate in media and communications; Dr. Sangeetha Janachandran: OTT consultant and founder of a leading marketing agency; and Siddharth Anand Kumar: producer at Yoodle Films joins ETimes to share their views on the boom of web series in Malayalam.
Janhvi reveals if there should be a Mr. India 2
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Arjun -Malaika seen separately at the airport
Malaika posted an Instagram story this morning before her airport spotting, adding an intriguing twist to the story. The post featured a cryptic note that read Every smile, every loving word, every kind action is a reflection of the beauty of your soul. Happy Morning. Fans were quick to speculate whether this post had any relation to Malaika and Arjun's reunion at the airport.
Twitterati laud Ryan and Hughs bromance in Deadpool and Wolverine
The highly anticipated Marvel film *Deadpool & Wolverine*, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, premiered on July 26, 2024. Early reviews highlight it as one of the best Marvel movies ever, praised for its dynamic action and humor. Releasing on Max in the U.S. on September 6, 2024, and Netflix internationally, its a record-breaking box office hit.
List of superhit films rejected by Vicky Kaushal
Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal is one of the most loved actors of Bollywood who is known for his incredible acting skills, charming personality, and captivating dialogue delivery. He has impressed audiences with his performances in critically acclaimed films like Masaan, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham, Sam Bahadur and more. But do you know, Vicky Kaushal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kim Soo Hyun shows off curly locks
Actor Kim Soo Hyun surprised fans by revealing his naturally curly hair at a recent gallery event, sparking viral reactions on social media. Fans appreciated this fresh and youthful look, contrasting his usual straightened style for on-screen roles.
Deadpool & Wolverine Review: Ryan Reynolds And Hugh Jackman Help The Movie Tide Over Its Lows
Deadpool & Wolverine Review: The film is for Marvel fans. For all others, there is the duo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman rustling up a full-on storm.
Lovely Runner TOPs bestseller script list
Lovely Runner, featuring Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon, made history as the first K-drama scriptbook to top bestseller lists since its July release. Its compelling time-slip romance secured top viewership ratings globally and Netflix streaming rights.
Celebrities including Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal, singer Mika Singh, and music composers Sajid and Himesh Reshammiya, attended the bash. Several of them also shared pictures on Instagram from the party.
'K-Pop Idols' documentary releasing in August
The six-episode documentary series 'K-Pop Idols' premiered globally on August 30, 2024. It features Jessi, CRAVITY, and BLACKSWAN, capturing the dedication and hard work in the K-pop industry.
Arjun Kapoor shares photos from his 'workcation'
Arjun Kapoor shared moments from his solo vacation, hinting at a possible breakup with Malaika Arora. Alongside workout and nature snapshots, he captioned the photos '#workcationvibes.' Birthday celebrations last month added to the buzz. Despite rumors, Malaika's manager denied any split.
Bigg Boss OTT 3: Ranvir Shorey And Lovkesh Kataria's Conversation Upsets Sana Makbul
Sana Makbul defends herself on Ranvir Shorey's comments on her
How you can binge-watch all the X-Men
The X-Men series, which began in 2000 by Fox, is based on Marvel's mutant superheroes led by Professor Xavier. Films can be viewed in chronological or release order and include notable titles like First Class, Days of Future Past, and Logan.
Raid 2 likely to not release this year? Excl
Ajay Devgn's 'Raid 2,' originally set for a November 15 release, is likely postponed to next year. The film, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, wrapped up shooting in May, but post-production delays and Devgn's busy schedule, including 'Son of Sardaar 2' and 'De De Pyaar De 2,' prompted the delay.
Alpha To Feature A No-Holds-Barred Action Sequence Between Alia Bhatt And Bobby Deol
This is one of the most important scenes of the film, and even a fly cannot enter this set, a source revealed
When Rekha wrote about her 'FAVOURITE' person
Rekha's slam book entry has gone viral and netizens are in love with the way she has expressed herself, thus showing her true personality in this slam book. Here are some of her interesting answers!
When Salman dropped THIS hint about Iulia Vantur
Back in 2022, during a playful interaction on the set of Bigg Boss, Salman appeared to confirm that he is not single, a statement that fueled speculation about his long-rumored relationship with Romanian actress and singer Iulia Vantur. The revelation occurred while Salman was having a fun conversation with Shehnaaz Gill. In a light-hearted exchange, Shehnaaz complimented Salman on his appearance, saying, Sir, aap single hi acche lagte ho (You look good as a single only).
Surprise screening of Deadpool delights fans
This surprise screening and the enthusiastic response suggest that Marvel Studios might consider making Comic-Con screenings a new tradition. The successful event has set a festive tone for the weekend and highlighted Comic-Con as a prime location for movie premieres.
Galactus CONFIRMED as 'Fantastic Four' villain
Marvel Studios confirmed Galactus as the villain for the upcoming 'Fantastic Four' film after a surprise screening of 'Deadpool and Wolverine' at Comic-Con. The reveal featured a stunning drone show. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, with Ralph Ineson as Galactus. The release is set for July 2025.
They got into a verbal fight, Kritika brought her face close to Shivani's, and the latter pushed her slightly. Kritika then pushed Shivani with both hands. They kept screaming, and Lovekesh Kataria came forward to remove the knife in Shivani's hand.
Aishwarya Rai-Aaradhya Bachchan's candid pics
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Celebrating Jeon Yeo-been's roles on her b'day
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Malaika Arora shares another cryptic post
Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora's breakup rumours sparked a lot of buzz on social media. Although the couple has not made an official statement, their cryptic posts on social media have been making headline
Iulia Vantur holds Salman Khan close, rare photo breaks internet
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Romanian beauty Iulia Vantur have been rumored to be dating for several years now. While the couple has neither confirmed nor denied their relationship, Iulia is often seen at Salmans family gatherings. The two have also collaborated professionally, with Iulia singing the song Jag Ghoomeya from Salmans film Sultan. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Akshay Kumar Hits Back at Critics Amidst String of Flops, Says He's 'Lucky to Get Work
Akshay Kumar, once the undisputed king of Bollywood, is facing a tough time in his career. With back-to-back flops in the past three years, the actor has been criticized for taking on too many projects and not focusing on quality over quantity. However, Akshay has now hit back at his critics, saying that he is fortunate to have work and should be allowed to continue doing what he does best. In a recent interview with Gazal Alagh, Akshay responded to criticism about his decision to do four to five films a year. They say why does he do four films a year... he should do one film... what will I do on the other days? Come to your house? Son, remember, people are lucky to get work. Every day someone or the other talks about unemployment... let those who get work do it. Akshay's recent films, including Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Selfiee, have tanked at the box office, leading to speculation about his career. However, the actor remains unfazed and is already working on his next projects. In an earlier interview with Forbes India, Akshay had spoken about his recent flops and the lessons he has learned from them. There's a lot of blood, sweat, and passion behind every film. Seeing any film fail is heartbreaking. But you have to learn to see the silver lining. Every failure teaches you the value of success and increases your hunger for it. Fortunately, I learned to deal with it early in my career. Of course, it hurts and affects you, but it's not in your control... what's in your control is to work hard, improve, and give your all to your next film. That's how I use my energy and try to move forward, focusing it where it matters the most. Akshay's fans will be hoping that his next film will mark a return to form for the actor, who has been a staple of Bollywood for over three decades. Despite his recent struggles, Akshay remains one of the most bankable stars in the industry, and his dedication to his craft is undeniable. Only time will tell if he can regain his position as the king of Bollywood. Tamannaah Bhatia and Shraddha Kapoor's Bond Steals the Spotlight at 'Aaj Ki Raat' Music Launch Sonakshi Sinha Wins Hearts of Her In-Laws, Proves to be the 'Ideal Bahu' in Every Way Juhi Chawla Opens Up About Her Recurring Nightmares and Mother's Tragic Death
Lilliput Reveals He Told Amitabh Bachchan Not to Work with Him, Calls Himself 'Unlucky' for Megastar
Veteran actor Lilliput, who has had a career spanning over four decades, has made some shocking revelations in a recent interview. The actor, who has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, has said that he told the megastar not to work with him. Lilliput revealed that he had tried to work with Amitabh Bachchan on two occasions, but both times, the projects were shelved. He said that he had even told Bachchan not to work with him, as he believed he was unlucky for the actor. The actor recalled an incident where director Subhash Ghai had approached him for a film called Sherbahadur, which was supposed to star Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. Lilliput was asked to play the villain, but he had to opt out of the project as he had already signed other films. However, the film never took off, and Lilliput was left without work. Similarly, another film starring Amitabh Bachchan, titled Aalishan, also got shelved. Lilliput said that he had told Bachchan, Don't try to work with me, I'm unlucky for you! However, fate had other plans, and Lilliput eventually worked with Bachchan's son, Abhishek Bachchan, in the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli. The film was a huge success, and Lilliput's performance was well-received. In the interview, Lilliput also revealed that he had initially hesitated to work on Bunty Aur Babli, fearing that his unlucky streak would continue. However, director Shaad Ali had convinced him to take on the role, saying that he didn't believe in such superstitions. Lilliput's revelations have left fans stunned, and many are now curious to know more about the actor's experiences working with Amitabh Bachchan. Despite the setbacks, Lilliput has continued to work in the film industry, and his contributions have been recognized and appreciated by fans and critics alike. Tamannaah Bhatia and Shraddha Kapoor's Bond Steals the Spotlight at 'Aaj Ki Raat' Music Launch Sonakshi Sinha Wins Hearts of Her In-Laws, Proves to be the 'Ideal Bahu' in Every Way Juhi Chawla Opens Up About Her Recurring Nightmares and Mother's Tragic Death
Hardik Pandya drenched in Haldi at Anant's wedding
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Karishma Tanna stuns in casual-chic looks
Karishma Tanna stuns in casual-chic looks
When DP's fake sonogram picture went viral
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh once faced challenges posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the form of a viral photo that falsely claimed to depict them sharing a sonogram of their unborn child. The picture showed a couple holding a polaroid of an ultrasound, with the woman resembling Deepika due to her dimples. However, a fact-check later revealed that the image is not of Deepika and Ranveer but rather belongs to Halime Kucuk, who announced her pregnancy on social media on May 13, 2024.
Ryan Reynolds on Deadpool and Wolverine wait
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman kicked off celebrations at the giant Comic-Con pop culture gathering Thursday with a special screening of Deadpool & Wolverine, their smutty superhero mash-up movie expected to break box office records this weekend. Out in theaters globally this weekend, Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to shatter the box office record for movies with an R rating -- films that children cannot attend without an adult.
Taylor Swift praises 'best friend' Hugh Jackman
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Amitabh Bachchan is all set to don the host's hat once again for his popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16.
When Kiara revealed Sidharth's mushy proposal
Kiara disclosed that Sidharth had recently returned from the trip where he proposed when he appeared on Koffee with Karan with Vicky Kaushal last season. Although Sidharths parents were part of the trip, Kiaras parents couldnt join due to her mothers COVID-19 diagnosis. Kiara had previously asked Sidharth to seek her parents blessing before proposing, after they had discussed their desire to spend their lives together
