Modern Monk

Kantara Review and Analysis - A Video Essay

A small brief description about this movie:

Kantara is a Kannada-language film that focuses on a plot involving a conflict of land acquisition and the involvement of demigods to the story.

The film's highlight is how it represents the Tulu culture of celebrating the Bhuta Kola and its traditional dynamics around the film's plot.

Kantara made rounds around the Indian Cinema's space, and now it's being acknowledged around the world too by cinephiles.

Though Kantara have a predictable and common plot about the war between two groups of the same village and who wins the war, but -

The greatest strength of Kantara is the cinematic and thematic elements present in the whole film and how Rishab Shetty, the main lead along with the writer and director of Kantara, represents the Tulu culture of Bhuta Kola in the movie.

Here's my take on "What's the Value of Kantara" for so many people in India, especially the people who are accustomed to the ritual of Bhuta Kola in Karnataka and other areas.

This video gives a brief description of the Bhuta Kola, then went on to give review with how Rishab Shetty materialised this movie and provides an analysis on the story of Kantara, eventually summing up with a conclusion.

So I've been working on this video series dedicated to providing a critical review and analysis on Brahmastra - Part 1: Shiva since the day I watched Brahmastra and realised its potential.

Many of you might not be familiar with the movie, so let me get this straight and narrow down by simply telling you that Brahmastra is a Three-Part (Trilogy) under the name of India's first cinematic universe named "Astraverse".

The man behind this is Ayan Mukerji who spent nearly his 10-years of life thinking and conceptualising the whole idea and execution of the Astraverse - a Cinematic Universe of Astras from Indian Ancient texts.

Now, what are these Astras? What is Astra? How is it related to Indian Ancient texts and how Brahmastra is a part of it? And why does Brahmastra matters?

I've tried to answer this exact question (the last one) in my three-part video series dedicated to Brahmastra, or better I should say, Astraverse, by providing answer to all other things.

Tne three-part videos:

Astra, Cross-Culture Mythologies and Media Adaptations

A Critical Review and Analysis on Brahmastra

Rumi's Connection With Brahmastra

Part 1: Astra, Cross-Culture Mythologies and Media Adaptations

As title suggests, the first part focuses on explaining Astra from Ancient Indian texts. It also gives glimpse into the foreign media similarities to Indian Ancient texts related to Astra. Then it continues with representing parallels between different cultures mythologies, and finally, providing a conclusion to the first part - making way for the second part.

This Part Contains:

Disclaimer

Ayan Mukerji Interview From 2014

Introduction to Video Series

Astra In Ancient Indian Texts

Similarities In Foreign Media

Mythologies Parallel and Media Adaptations

Conclusion To Part 1 Video

Part 2: A Critical Review and Analysis on Brahmastra

As title suggests, the second part here dives into the process to present the Astraverse to the Indian audience with its first venture, first of the trilogy named "Brahmastra - Part 1: Shiva".

Let me simply list down the contents included:

Ayan Mukerji Interview From 2014

Note and A Recap To Part 1

Introduction To Part 2

Work On Building The Astraverse

Writing of the Movie Brahmastra

Performances of Artists In Front of the Camera

Music of Brahmastra

Brahmastra's VFX & SFX

IMAX and IMAX-Worthy Moments

Conclusion to the Part 2

Part 3: Rumi's Connection With Brahmastra (Movie's Ending Decoded)

Though it's not the exact title but this would be if I had space in title. As it's evident in the thumbnail up there, and it suggests that this third and final part focuses on explaining the ending of Brahmastra - Part 1: Shiva by providing information on one of the well-known poets named Rumi, and explaining Rumi's connection with Brahmastra. This part is also dedicated to the heavy criticism of the scene as it is a significant point to consider for the future of Astraverse.

This part is the shortest of all and contains:

Short Message and a Note

"A Meeting Place"

Who Is Rumi?

Shams - Rumi's Inspiration

Rumi's Influence

Final Verdict on Brahmastra

Ranbir - Ayan Interview From 2013

The link for the whole playlist for the video series has been attached below. Click on the link and I wholeheartedly wish for each one of you, whether familiar to Brahmastra or not, will enjoy the process and information provided. Let me know how you like it in the comments ❣️

"Why Brahmastra Matters?" Part 1: Astra, Cross-Culture Mythologies and Media Adaptations - Astraverse Decoded

A 3-Part Review and Analysis Video Series on Brahmastra...

This is rhe first part focuses on explaining Astra from Ancient Indian texts, mythologies parallels in cross-cultural context and media adaptations around it.

Second part will be a straightforward review and analysis on Brahmastra. The third and final part is a secret kept for people yet to watch Part 1 above.

And I'm working on a totally different, new review video on Nope movie. The review video won't only be consisting of the review on movie but also the three different screens I watched and experienced NOPE on at different times and locations... In one day.

That's right people. I travelled to all these different places and watched the same movie 3 times to make sure I make and materialise the video the way I vision it.

I'm done with the thumbnail already (this ain't one) and will start working on the script from tomorrow evening, after I'll be back from my office.

I wasn't being able to be regular here and post. But meanwhile, I've made and uploaded several different videos, including YT Short. Feel free to check them all out by visiting my YouTube channel by clicking on the link in my bio.

BTW, Nope is a visual "spectacle" (pun intended) that I've seen of this genre. Jordan Peele's Nope brings you an amazing camerawork with VFX, SFX and music all aligned to bring you the experience one of its kind in an all exclusively IMAX movie shot with the cameras. I'm not exaggerating. Also, in India it released late (just like how Where The Crawdads Sing has been postponed from 19 August to don't know when)

My first Anime movie experience on the big screen.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is an action-packed fantasy Anime that encapsulate the essence of original Jujutsu Kaisen series, based on a Manga with same name. Hence, the title contains "0" as its events happens before the main series.

Though the series is obviously better as it introduces you to the world of Jujutsu Kaisen and its characters, in detail; the movie here did that a very little due to limited screen time, yet still manages to explain well enough for anyone who even hasn't watched the series.

I'll obviously go with the series more than this movie but only in terms to going in-depth in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. The major difference you'll find between the series and movie is more curse monsters and action, in the movie, compared to the series.

Review video soon ❤️

(Don't miss the post-credit scene BTW. A potential hint to the next season of Jujutsu Kaisen.)

JujutsuKaisen0 - Finally, In India! Review video's link attached below.

While one is a biography and retells the story of the complicated relationship between the King of Rock and Roll "Elvis Presley" and his real-life manager, "Colonel Tom Parker", the other one is a supernatural horror and thriller that is an adaptation of a short story with the same titular name, written by the legendary author's son - Jonah Hill, the son of Stephen King.

No, I'm not writing a full-fledged review as I'm planning to do that later. But sharing with you all about what I felt watching both these movies is something I'm intending to do...

Watching Elvis was a serious delight I must say because everything in Elvis was executed well. I liked the overall technical excellence (cinematography, editing, VFX, and mixing matching of present music with then music) and the pace of the movie as according to how the situation is meant to be received - either well with full enthusiastic energy or slow to let the intensity of the situation be felt and recognised. But the most interesting part in Elvis was actor Austin Butler's performance, who sinked his nails in deep into execution of Elvis impersonation for this movie. And boy oh boy... What a performance 💖

In Elvis, costume design was apt and amazing too to watch. Everyone's costume design, especially for Austin to play Elvis Presley was too good. I almost think Elvis has a similarity with the movie "Judy" based on the singer and actress, Judy Garland who lead almost a similar exhausted life due to her stature and fan following as Elvis did. But then again, it's a movie that focuses on Elvis and his manager, not his life's representation in every little manner. That's why sequences timelines were changed a bit to match a linear flow of the movie and match with the theme of bitter-sweet relationship of Elvis and Colonel.

Oh, and I did my homework too. I bought this book from the World Book Fair. Finally read it because of this movie 😂

The Black Phone is a serious supernatural and creepy movie that gives you a terrifying story of a kid kidnapped by a child serial killer from 70s popularly being named as "The Grabber" among kids, and idk most probably adults too?

Ever since The Black Phone was announced, I was excited for it as it has the duo of actor Ethan Hawke and director Scott Derrickson, working together on a project after "The Sinister" (2012). [Fun fact: Science says Sinister is the scariest movie ever made according to tests conducted.]

The Black Phone doesn't qualify as an apt horror movie in my opinion. It's definitely supernatural and thriller. But perhaps our understanding of horror movies are really narrow. Or I'd love to hear from someone what they think as I'd also like to learn.

The Black Phone is almost a metaphorically represented horror movie with a hidden message for kids who becomes a prey of their monsters (both literally for movies and figuratively for real-life). The highlight of this movie was definitely Ethan Hawke who I see is getting comfortable in trying out the negative roles. Following Moon Knight, I think he did marvel-ous job (pun intended) in playing the psychopathic child serial killer in The Black Phone.

Not to forget the kids who played the roles as always how well every child actor plays their individual role in Scott Derrickson's movies (Sinister 1 and Sinister 2 I know so far). And oh, I almost forgot that The Black Phone also marked the trio of these three people coming together back again after Sinister 2 - Ethan Hawke, Scott Derrickson and James Ransone. He is still playing the self-employed detective to get validation from cops. Get a break, Ranson. I mean, his characters like these he plays, not Ranson himself who chose to come back to work with Scott Derrickson.

I'll work on my review video's script today. Hopefully, record it too at the same time if things are like that at my home. As soon as the review video is ready, I'll attach the link in this same post. I wish if people liked this post blog, then they do watch the review video. TC 💕

Lightyear tells the story of Buzz Lightyear, the space toy from Toy Story franchise, stating that it's a movie of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story world, where the main lead of three films named Andy - watched and got the toy as a present (from his mom or someone else on his birthday in Toy Story 1).

Basically it's a movie within a movie (existing in the world of Toy Story from 1995), serving as an origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the space toy from Toy Story franchise.

Although I am going to create a full-fledged review video on this movie, still, in short if I have to give my verdict on points that make this movie worth watching at least once, then it will be -

Movie's animation is top-notch

The visuals are impeccable

Power pack execution

Well presented

Pixar

Toy Story

Chris Evans

Michael Giacchino

IMAX formatted

#Lightyear #ToyStory #IMAX

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I have seen a lot of movies that features animals and their bond with humans. Obviously the most common were Hollywood movies such as 101 Dialamations, A Dog's Purpose, A Dog's Way Home, and others including Dr. Dolittle and even I Am Legend starring Will Smith. The first one must be either 101 Dialamations or Dr. Dolittle.

I come across a very few movies in Hindi circuit of movies that does such a task. Examples include Entertainment, Dil Dhadakne Do (not per se a bond but still), Bollywood classic Teri Meherbaaniyan, and a small yet important role played by a German Shepherd in Salman Khan and Dia Mirza starrer Tumko Naa Bhul Paayenge.

I am reminded of the music video of Marshmello's song "Happier" (with Bastille voice and Miranda Cosgrove act as a teenager finding happiness in her Labrador dog). I cried the first time I watched the video and still feels like this whenever I see that music video and hear the song.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a really little, and tbh, almost no experience in coming across wonderful movies in our Indian Film Industry, featuring a bond between a human and an animal.

#777Charlie announcement and trailer gave me a feeling that this movie might bring a new trend for such movies with its impact on box office or basically excellence in creating such a feature film.

I must tell you that Kannada Film Industry and Malayalam Film Industry, and Bengal Film Industry are those finest industries in our Indian Film Industry space that has a brilliant line-up of genuinely good artists, creative and technical excellence, and unique story to tell. Credits to YouTube channel named Tried & Refused Productions, handled and operated by Anmol for this information through his different videos on his channel (recommended to check out).

As I stepped into the theatre, I knew it is definitely going to be one of the best human-animal bond movies and going to give me an emotional ride. That happened. It did gave me an emotional ride.

TBH, like most commercially made action movies from South India and even Bollywood so often, this movie too had some glimpse into action, but not so much, and definitely no unnecessary show of action put for no reason, and most importantly, it was not as if the main lead is fighting 10 people at a single time and defeating them all with a single blow (which usually happens with most commercial action movies). Only a few instances.

Was the focus on the main lead too much? I'd say, it was not. In most and almost every commercially driven movies has a obsession to keep focusing on the male lead, following his narrative and almost make people worship him. In 777 Charlie, movie begins with the bitch (yes, it's a female dog) and ends with a representation of a human-animal bond.

Storyline in 777 Charlie might feel at times pretty predictable. I felt it's going to be a ripped off version of "A Dog's Way Home". But, it was not. Before interval everything's going well and almost predictable to what's happening, but after interval, I too was having this constant train of thought, wondering what's going to happen. Basically, the movie has an element of surprise, and suspense while giving twists a few times.

The adventure that both bitch, named Charlie, and the main lead, named Dharma, ventured on... Wasn't just limited to a road trip. I won't give details but seeing the movie, and seeing the duo of Charlie-Dharma coming across different scenarios and situations will definitely give you adventurous feeling, that too with your pet. Wow.

Acting by everyone in the movie was good. The comedy didn't feel forced. Neither the dialogues were sleazy or cheap to make anything funny, nor such characters were there who will act stupidly just to make audience laugh on their stupidness. Everything in the movie felt natural.

About acting performance, I shouldn't forget to leave behind mentioning about two artists in front of the camera. First is the actor playing the role of main lead, named Dharma, whose real-life name is Rakshit Shetty. I don't know much about him, and have only read about him a little, only due to this movie. As of now, I haven't watched his movies. Seeing him in this movie today, I'm excited to watch more of his work in other movies. I've heard about Rakshit Shetty's uncanny and unique choices of movies, and his work as an actor. It was his acting that sparked emotions in me and worked as an outlet of, perhaps, what I'm feeling. His acting was so genuinely good that we can feel his pain and happiness both with him, especially in the scenes where he's interacting with Charlie. The second actor, or better say, actress was the bitch (female dog) who played the role of Charlie. I mean, pfft, I know real credits goes to the trainers but hey, I'm talking about the one who acted. I don't know yet what's her actual name though. I know that if it wasn't for this bitch to act so well, I wouldn't be laughing, smiling, and crying as much as I did today watching her scenes play out.

Movie's technicalities were also good. Music, cinematography and editing... Trio of these aspects made all the performances in the movie like putting icing on the cake or cherry on the top. I really like the idea all these technical aspects didn't make the movie too stale to watch, rather accompanied the story with great interest.

As aforesaid, I knew this movie is going to be an emotional ride for sure, and I expect to get emotional time to time. Obviously, it's a sweet innocent and beautiful movie about an animal who fills happiness in the life of a loner, an anti-social guy who is a kind human being, and an absolute sweetheart keeping love for everyone, but trying to keep distance from people and is dealing with his trauma or depression. (Can't say).

Now, what I didn't expect was that I'll be sobbing and crying so much, even after movie ended that one of the guys sitting right beside me would have to give me his last sip of water to drink. Thanks to him BTW. A real kind human being 🌼

777 Charlie is out in the theatres. I'm obviously not saying that watch this movie now and anyhow. Well, do if you can. But do watch when it'll be available on OTT platform as it will also be having English subtitles then, making it easier to reach a wider audience who are ready to enjoy it.

Thank you for reading till this point. This is the first time I have written such a long blog post. Again, I appreciate you giving your time. I wish you the best for your life and your aspirations. ❤️

Lastly, on that note, I also intent to use the above-mentioned post as a script to the review video on 777 Charlie with a few changes. Later 🙂

Updated: attached link below to the review video on 777 Charlie. I'm happy to see that everyone's liking the review. I'm glad I wrote this blog post. Do watch and let me know how you like it ☺️

Here's a short video on mother's dialogue from both the movies, from the each individual's trailer.

Side note: it'd have been as similar as either Voldemort from Harry Potter franchise or Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, if the original look from the comics would've been implemented in character designing. It's mainstream cinema we're talking about. Share your thoughts, what you think?

What did I just watched?!

This is mind-blowing 🤯

And nostalgic, of course ❤️

The world of Pandora awaiting everyone ❤️