thefilmiangle

Striker (2010) Review – A Gritty, Honest Film That Strikes Hard Without Trying to Entertain Intro:  Striker  is a  2010 Hindi action drama  written, directed, and produced by  Chandan Arora . The film stars  Siddharth  in the lead role, supported by  Usha Jadhav, Padmapriya, Aditya Pancholi, Ankur Vikal, Anupam Kher, Seema Biswas,Vidya Malvade  and  Anup Soni . Released on  5 February 2010 ,  Striker  made history by becoming the  first Indian film to premiere on YouTube globally on the same day as its theatrical release . Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underbelly, the film uses the game of  carrom  as both a sport and a metaphor for survival. REVIEW ( 90 Words):  Striker  is not an entertaining or feel-good film, and that’s exactly its strength. It’s serious, gritty, and meant for a selective audience. The film stands out for its authenticity, strong performances, and a powerful story that s...

Image - YouTube The Family Man Season 3 Review – High Expectations, Uneven Episodes, But Manoj Bajpayee Still Holds It Together Intro:  The Family Man  returns with its third season on  Amazon Prime Video , created by  Raj & DK . Released on  21 November 2025 , this new chapter once again follows  Srikant Tiwari , played by  Manoj Bajpayee , as he balances family life and pressure-filled duties at TASC. The season brings together a strong cast including  Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Dalip Tahil, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Jaideep Ahlawat , and  Nimrat Kaur , expanding the show’s political, emotional, and spy thriller universe. REVIEW (90 Words):  The Family Man 3  had huge expectations with  Manoj Bajpayee  and  Jaideep Ahlawat , but it’s not close to earlier seasons. Some episodes work, some don’t. The gripping tension and black comedy that made the series special are much lower this time. Even after seven episodes, the s...

Image - YouTube De De Pyaar De 2 Review – A Light, Funny, Feel-Good Rom-Com With Strong Performances Intro:  De De Pyaar De 2  is a  2025 Hindi romantic comedy  directed by  Anshul Sharma , written by  Luv Ranjan  and  Tarun Jain.  A sequel to the 2019 hit, the film stars  Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, and Rakul Preet Singh , and released worldwide on  14 November 2025 . The story continues its fun, messy mix of relationships, family drama, and humour, while introducing new equations and fresh conflicts. Review ( 90 Words ):  De De Pyaar De 2   works even if you haven’t watched the first part — the film gives a quick recap and stands on its own. It’s a fun family entertainer with enough moments to laugh and smile.   R. Madhavan   is terrific and completely overshadows   Ajay Devgn again , especially after his intense image in   Shaitaan .   Rakul Preet Singh   and   Jaaved Jaaferi  suppor...

Image - Zee5 Thode Door Thode Paas Review – A Warm Family Drama About Disconnecting to Reconnect Intro:  Thode Door Thode Paas  is a  2025 Hindi family drama series  created by  Shiirshak S. Anand  and directed by  Ajay Bhuyan . Featuring  Pankaj Kapur, Mona Singh,  and  Kunaal Roy Kapur  in lead roles, the show premiered on  ZEE5 on 7 November 2025 . The story revolves around the Mehta family, where Pankaj Kapur everyone to go on a  six-month digital detox  in exchange for a ₹1 crore reward. What follows is a heartfelt journey of communication, emotions, and rediscovering real connections. Review (90 Words):  Thode Door Thode Paas   highlights a very real problem — families talk more on phones than in person. The digital detox idea shows how communication, emotions, and togetherness change when screens are taken away. The central question stays with you: if someone offered ₹1 crore to quit digital life for ...

Image - YouTube                     Delhi Crime Season 3 Review – Slow, Sensitive & Strong, With Gritty Performances Intro:  Delhi Crime  returns with its  third season , directed by  Tanoj Chopra  and streaming on  Netflix from 13 November 2025 . This crime drama, created by  Richie Mehta , focuses on a new case this time — a human-trafficking network inspired by the tragic  Baby Falak  incident. The series features a powerful ensemble including  Shefali Shah, Huma Qureshi, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Sayani Gupta  and  Mita Vashisth , each adding weight to this emotional and socially relevant story. Review (90 Words):   Delhi Crime Season 3   can be watched on its own, as the story is not linked to earlier seasons. This season is a slow burner, mainly because it deals with human trafficking and a heartbreaking baby case. The show wants you to feel, un...

Image - YouTube Haq (2025) Review – Powerful Performances Meet a Sensitive, Important Story Intro:  Haq  is a  2025 Hindi courtroom drama  directed by  Suparn Verma , starring  Yami Gautam Dhar  and  Emraan Hashmi , with  Sheeba Chaddha  in a strong supporting role. Inspired by the landmark  Shah Bano case  and elements from Jigna Vora’s  Bano: Bharat ki Beti , the film aims to bring a real, emotional, and culturally sensitive story to the big screen. Released theatrically on  7 November 2025 ,  Haq  blends legal drama with human resilience, capturing the fight of an ordinary woman who stood up for her rights. Review ( 90 Words ):  Haq  is a must-watch. The subject is sensitive, but the film treats it with maturity and respect.  Yami Gautam Dhar  and  Emraan Hashmi  deliver outstanding performances, supported by a cast that adds real weight to every scene. The direction is thoug...

  Image - YouTube Maharani Season 4 Review – From State Power to National Politics, Rani Bharti Still Rules the Game Intro:  Season 4 of Maharani  started streaming on  SonyLIV from 7 November 2025 . The political drama, created by  Subhash Kapoor  (the mastermind behind  Jolly LLB ) and directed by  Puneet Prakash , expands its canvas this time — moving from state-level politics to the national front. The series continues its earthy tone and power-packed storytelling led by  Huma Qureshi , with the ensemble cast keeping the rhythm steady. For detailed insights on the earlier chapters, check out my full review of  Maharani Season 1, 2 & 3  before diving into this one. Review ( 90 Words):  If a show reaches Season 4, it’s clear it has something powerful to say — and  Maharani  still does. Creator  Subhash Kapoor  delivers another gripping round of political drama with Huma Qureshi shining once again as Ra...

Image - YouTube Maharani – Power, Politics, and the Rise of Rani Bharti Maharani  is a  Hindi-language political drama series  created by  Subhash Kapoor  and streaming on  SonyLIV . Loosely inspired by real political events in  Bihar during the 1990s and 2000s , the show follows  Rani Bharti , a homemaker unexpectedly thrust into the ruthless world of politics, portrayed brilliantly by  Huma Qureshi . Across three gripping seasons,  Maharani  evolves from a small-town survival story to a full-blown saga of  ambition, betrayal, and power , supported by strong performances from  Sohum Shah ,  Amit Sial ,  Kani Kusruti , and  Inaamulhaq . You can also check out  Sohum Shah’s finest performance  in  Tumbbad  — where his craft truly shines in a fantasy-horror setting — and  Amit Sial’s intense portrayal  in  The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case , both of which showcase...

Image - YouTube Intro:  Baramulla  is an Indian supernatural horror thriller directed by  Aditya Suhas Jambhale , written by  Aditya Dhar ,  Aditya Suhas Jambhale , and  Monal Thakkar , and produced under  Jio Studios  and  B62 Studios . Starring  Manav Kaul  and  Bhasha Sumbli , this 2025 Netflix release unfolds in snow-covered Kashmir, where a series of mysterious child disappearances leads to shocking truths buried deep within the valley’s haunted past. With strong writing, gripping visuals, and emotional storytelling,  Baramulla  goes beyond fear to explore human trauma and redemption. Review ( 90-word):   Baramulla  starts strong and wastes no time — right from the first minute, it grips you. Manav Kaul shines as DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, with subtle touches like his shivering finger and restrained expressions. The film mixes mystery, supernatural fear, and deep emotional pain, all balanced beautifully. Dialo...

  Image - YouTube Idli Kadai (2025) Review: Warm, Emotional, and Comforting — But Slightly Overcooked Intro:  Idli Kadai  (transl.  Idli Shop ) is a  2025 Indian Tamil-language drama film  written, directed, and co-produced by  Dhanush  under  Wunderbar Films , in collaboration with  Dawn Pictures . The film stars  Dhanush  along with  Arun Vijay, Sathyaraj, P. Samuthirakani, Nithya Menen, Shalini Pandey, Rajkiran , and  R. Parthiban . Blending  rural emotion, family values , and  nostalgia , the movie explores how traditions and relationships define one’s identity. Currently,  Idli Kadai  is  streaming on Netflix . Review ( 90-Word):  Idli Kadai  celebrates  family bonds, rural life , and  the value of simplicity , but the film stretches too long with an unnecessary  revenge subplot . The core message about parents and simple living works well, yet the overemphasis on...

Image - YouTube “A House of Dynamite (2025) Review: A Smart Nuclear Thriller That Lacks Emotional Spark” Intro:  A House of Dynamite  is a  2025 American apocalyptic political thriller  directed by  Kathryn Bigelow  and written by  Noah Oppenheim . The film stars  Idris Elba ,  Rebecca Ferguson ,  Gabriel Basso ,  Jared Harris , and  Tracy Letts . The story revolves around the U.S. government’s response to a  nuclear missile launched by an unidentified enemy , capturing the chaos, decisions, and moral dilemmas of those in power. The film premiered globally on  Netflix on October 24, 2025 , after its theatrical run. Review ( 90-Word):  I started watching  A House of Dynamite  mainly for  Idris Elba  and  Gabriel Basso , having liked them in  Hijack  and  The Night Agent . However, this one didn’t engage me enough. The movie is  technically strong and well-directed , but...

Image - SonyLIV “Mirage (2025) Review: Twists That Shine in a Slow, Shaky Thriller” I ntro:  Mirage  is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language  crime thriller film  directed by  Jeethu Joseph , co-written with  Srinivasan Abrol , based on a story by  Aparna R. Tarakad . The movie stars  Asif Ali  and  Aparna Balamurali  in lead roles. After its theatrical release on  19 September 2025 , it began streaming on  SonyLIV  from  23 October 2025 . Known for his storytelling twists, Jeethu Joseph once again explores mystery, deception, and human emotions—but this time, with mixed results. Review (90 Words):  Mirage  starts with promise but moves at a painfully slow pace. The film’s  twists and ending are interesting , yet the  execution feels weak . It takes too long to unfold, making it hard to stay fully engaged. Some scenes feel stretched, and the screenplay doesn’t support its big reveals. The characte...

Image - YouTube Title:   BHAGWAT: Chapter One – Rakshas (2025) Review – A Crime Thriller With Power-Packed Performances but Uneven Depth Intro:  BHAGWAT: Chapter One – Rakshas  is a  2025 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller  directed by  Akshay Shere . The film stars  Arshad Warsi  as Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat and  Jitendra Kumar  as Sameer, a mysterious professor, in lead roles. Produced by  Jio Studios, Baweja Studios, and Dog ‘n’ Bone Pictures , the story revolves around the investigation of a prostitution racket and draws loose inspiration from the  Cyanide Mohan case . It premiered on  ZEE5 on October 17, 2025 . Review ( 90 Words):  Two strong actors make  Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas  worth a watch.  Arshad Warsi  delivers another intense performance similar to  Asur , while  Jitendra Kumar  surprises with a completely new shade, far from his  Panchayat  or  Kot...

Image - YouTube Title:   Greater Kalesh (2025) Review – When Family Chaos Feels Familiar and Real Intro:   Greater Kalesh  is a  2025 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama short film  directed by  Aditya Chandiok  and produced by  Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) . Featuring  Ahsaas Channa  in the lead role, the film premiered on  Netflix on October 17, 2025 . Running for just 50 minutes, this slice-of-life story captures the funny, emotional, and chaotic sides of Indian families — where fights erupt as quickly as they fade, leaving behind laughter, love, and a touch of reflection. Review (90 words): Another movie where you can guess the theme right from the title.  Kalesh  means feud — and this short film perfectly mirrors the everyday chaos of Indian families.  Ahsaas Channa  takes the lead with courage and delivers a heartfelt performance that feels honest and real. The story is simple and predictable may be partially e...

Image - YouTube Title:   The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025) Review – A Chilling Voyage of Mystery and Fear Intro:   The Woman in Cabin 10  is a  2025 psychological thriller film  directed by  Simon Stone , co-written with  Joe Shrapnel and  Anna Waterhouse , based on the bestselling novel by  Ruth Ware . The film stars  Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Art Malik, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, and Hannah Waddingham . Set aboard a luxury yacht, this Netflix release (October 10, 2025) blends  mystery, suspense, and paranoia  in a gripping maritime setting that keeps audiences guessing till the end. Review  (90 Words):  I hadn’t read the book, but the title itself hinted at mystery—someone disappearing or dying in that particular cabin. The movie turned out to be fairly predictable yet engaging, with a few jerks and one unexpected twist that caught my attention. Keira Knightley portrayed strength and vulnerability ...

  Image - YouTube The Diplomat Season 3 :   Power, Politics & Masks — Keeps the Flame Alive Intro:  The Diplomat  is an American political drama created by  Debora Cahn , streaming on  Netflix . The show stars  Keri Russell  as  Ambassador Kate Wyler , a seasoned U.S. diplomat navigating global crises, shifting alliances, and personal turmoil. After the explosive events of Season 2,  The Diplomat Season 3  premiered on  16 October 2025 , continuing its high-stakes storytelling. The series has earned acclaim for its  smart writing ,  intense performances , and  realistic portrayal of diplomacy , making it one of Netflix’s most intelligent political thrillers. (Previous reviews:  Season 1  |  Season 2 ) Review (90 Words):  The Diplomat Season 3  picks up exactly where Season 2 ended, maintaining the same gripping pace and emotional cliffhanger. This is pure  binge-watch gold —you w...

13th: Lessons Beyond Classrooms — A Sincere Journey of Mentorship and Meaning Intro: 13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms  is an Indian Hindi-language drama web series created by Sameer Mishra and directed by Nishil Sheth. Produced by Abhishek Dhandharia under About Films, it stars Paresh Pahuja, Gagan Dev Riar, and Girija Oak Godbole, and premiered on  SonyLIV on 1st October 2025 . Image - Wikipedia Review (90 words):   13th  symbolises the “drop year” many students take after 12th to chase competitive exams. True to its tagline,  Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms , the series focuses on life lessons — humility, ego, gratitude, and balance. It’s a warm, grounded drama that beautifully explores the bond between a mentor and student. Inspired by real-life educator Mohit Tyagi, it shows how self-awareness shapes true success. Though the pacing feels slow at times,  13th  stands out for its sincerity, realistic writing, and deeply relatab...