Nix

A fresh idea for the serious commitment that marriage is believed to be in India, this film was entertaining to the end of how she played her part well. While Sonam Kapoor is not well received through her work, this film was exemplary with a few other films. The idea was novel to me when it was released, I nevertheless believe it is easy to get away with a similar scam, as marriage is a sensitive and elaborate process between families with not many serious qualifications needed. While it is a light-hearted film about a charming con girl, marriage scams are authentic leaving its victims with serious consequences.

Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011)

One of my first films on con artists, this film too glorifies the illegal profession. With Ranveer Singh as the lead, we first see him scamming a girl to fall in love with him while convincing her father to buy his property from a fake owner. We then see him run a painting scam with a businesswoman, only for her to get conned by him. In her rage at being fired, the businesswoman teams up with other women conned by the same man and plans revenge to get back their money.

Having presented the same topic in college, I stand by my statement, that India is one of the top ten on a list of countries with the most frauds and scams. This movie was charming, convincing us of how good-looking he was that we almost forgave him for his crimes. But in reality, this film, however unintentional, glorified the actions of a con artist. It was one of my favourite films to rewatch, and it still is, not just for the story but for the empowered victims and gave them a course of action. While the tactics are hard to replicate in reality, the film is still entertaining.

Players (2012)

Another classic in this list, this film has a brilliant execution of their elaborate plan of subjective justice for their lives. Initially planning to steal gold with a unique team of individuals, the film spins out of trajectory when their plan goes unfinished. The film then picks off from a different perspective, and with every turn in the movie we zoom out to see that there was a bigger picture than the one we saw before and believed. The film was mindblowing with the nuances added to the plot that made it gripping every single time, and with stereotypes that were not all that unique but still had humane characters.

Having a specific aesthetic through the direction and actors that were skilled and very specific to the character roles, this film is entertaining and compelling until the very end. Being over a decade old, it might initially seem cliche for today’s standard and yet it has a timeless value repetitively ingrained throughout. The film focuses heavily on loyalty and doing right by what is morally expected of someone, even though it is a conflicting topic in this genre of the film. ‘Players’ was thrilling with a sense of humour while keeping us on the edge of our seats on what could unravel next.

Vaastu Prakara (2014)

One of the first films by Rakshith Shetty, this film is a bag of laughs and drama. While conning is not the leading theme here, it is ruled by romance and them deceiving one family for their own reasons. Two men come together for a profession deeply dependent on faith and indigenous science, though their beliefs are inconsistent for the same. With a job that brings romance to one and work to do for both, they both go on a trial of their skills.

With seasoned actors like Ananth Nag and Sudha Rani, this film is an amusing punch. It is easily a family watch despite the romance and the humour. It also highlights the generational gap most people experience with their parents and children. With a controversial director, this film had its fans and critics having unique opinions, but I’d like to point out they only presented a perspective, not the reality.

Roy (2015)

Creating enormous buzz when it came out, this film was a paradox to the audience until someone dissected the storyline to make it sensible. With enchanting directions and captivating actors playing enigmatic characters, the storyline makes sense but somehow leaves a vital dot that needs to be connected that suddenly makes sense in the very end. It starts with a story of an art thief falling in love and changing his direction with another parallel of a filmmaker who meets a captivating woman and connects with her. The rest of the film takes us on a journey that none of us can predict.

With its enchanting music, dreamy visuals and ensnaring plotline, this film is one for an evening that requires contemplation on the experience it was. While the story is not original or unique, the narration and direction of the story makes it distinctive. Somewhat appearing to break the fourth wall of the cinema, this film gives a perspective peek into the lives of the storytellers we regularly consume from.

Special 26 (2013)

Based on a real story, this film entails the time of individuals fraudulently posing as government officers and raiding corrupt politicians and local businessmen. Getting away with it was the easy part, with them being quickly followed and chased by the legal government officials, fleeing them in minutes and having a solid system. It was based on the heist in 1987, where they even interviewed the people for the heist, making it seem like they were actual officers, involving real police authorities for support during the raids.

This film was an enormous success in the theatres and the television when it was released, well-known for the story and the work of prominent actors. While the film seems like an adaptation of a Robin Hood figure, taking black money from corrupt individuals, the money does not flow out to the people as the original story goes. The brilliant execution of the raids, the plot twists and the stunning performance by the actors are unmatched. With a very Indian touch to the film theme and the art of conning being perceptible from the beginning, this film is exceptional.

Drive (2019)

With distinctively bad ratings, this film is a good watch for the first time. Starring Sushanth Singh Rajput and a few other stars from Bollywood, it was refilmed several times to fit into the genre of OTT Platforms. The film starts with a buzz, a corrupt politician hiding her money in the Rastrapathi Bhavan only to hear rumours that it could be stolen by the “King”. With steep conflicts and two officers dispatched to dissolve this situation, the film pans to a group of individuals dabbling in illegal car racing who encounter another mysterious character who offers help with everything and nothing.

With innumerable plot twists and characters revealing their identities layer by layer, this film is mind-boggling and undeniably fictional. The film is like a meld of Dhoom and the Race series, with cliche themes of adrenaline pump and complex characters coming together for the impossible. While the mix is not invalid, somehow the film does not pack the punch either series did. The chase is thrilling, and this film is absolutely recommended to people who love the adrenaline rush. The car races are the icing of the film.

Operation Alamelamma (2017)

A truly underrated gem from the Kannada film industry, this film was hilarious with an excellent plan that was successfully executed. The film starts with a simple man who casually picks up a luggage bag on the street only to get hauled into a kidnapping case making him the prime suspect. Claiming to have picked the bag out of curiosity, the man ends up on a road trip with the police officials scrambling to find the son of a businessman. The story has flashbacks and unique characters, everything coming together in the end with an unimaginable tale.

I was enamoured by this film, not having seen anything like this in any other films of any language. The characters not being con artists in reality, the film is ingenious and out of the ordinary. With nearly all the actors being underrated, the reception was limited amongst the audiences with barely any fame, making it a hidden jewel. The language and setting are local to South Indians and could be a fresh perspective to the prospective global audience. Having very down-to-earth characters and a story that leaves us speechless, this film is like no other.

Race series (2008, 2013,2018)

The first Race film was groundbreaking setting standards high in the con artists and heist experts genre of films, with the second film surpassing the first film with the buzz created. With nearly terrible ratings for the third film, I promptly ignored its existence while rewatching the first two. The film mafia groups, complex familiaes with hidden crimes and agendas, and a plottwist to leave us all in shock. The first film came with a lot of twists and turns, mostly involving family drama between two ambitious brothers. The second film features one of the said brothers and he many heists he gets involved in with a very well-known business tychoon to make money.

Being very young when I first watched both the films, the adrenaline rush and the exciting plot left me entalled in its brilliance. Having rewatched it recently, I can certainly find plenty of faults in the films, but nonetheless, it is fast paced and takes us on a race to the end with the exhilaring story. The films are creative thats for sure, but the characters never seem to evolve which is both good and bad for the story. Race was always a classic in this genre of films, with con artists living the best life while also having incredible music, and each of their entrances with alluring romances.

Dhoom series (2004, 2006, 2013)

If anything could beat the Race series in its brilliance, its these three films. While the Race series highlighted the cons and the heists from the perspective of the con artists, these three films takes a wider shot including the storyline of the infamous two cops in the three films while also letting us in on the con artists lives behind the crimes. The thieves here are called just the ame and pan out from just India to South and North America with the crimes being greater than the one featured before.

The first film involves heists that are local but frustrating enough to the police officials who are unable to catch them on their own, having to bring in special officers to deduce the mind of this unique crime group. The second film however brings in an artistic persective to the tale with the con artist not just being excellant at his job, but also being a master of disguises. The last film involves Aamir Khan taking the stage as a circus entertainer, brought by his father in the same profession sworn to revenge for a bitter past and brilliant plans for the American Banks.

With a new upcoming season about the fictional Queen from the first two seasons, the series has everyone biding time in anticipation. The series is based on the books written by Julia Quinn, eight books for the eight Bridgerton siblings. The show is said to be adapted a little differently, focussing on different details and following a different narrative. The first season is set like a typical chick flick, with the oldest daughter having regal confidence and feminine finesse with everything expected of her. The second season takes on a bolder tone, showing us the perspective of the older brother, known to be a rake, looking for a gentle wife, only to meet a pair of siblings opposite in their natures, both challenging his opinion of love.

I initially found this series through the buzz on social media and the modern aesthetics it appeals to despite being set in Regent England. The music was what drew me in, being classical adaptations of modern songs, but what kept me was the way women were not shown in any distinctive way but as themselves. The show highlighted the little details people forget are a part of being a woman, such as not being educated on the duties of a marriage or the quiet strength we all possess through our social capabilities and gossiping skills. It was amusingly empowering to watch how the women took power by not doing anything special but only by being a typical women.

Gangubhai Kathiawad (2022)

Based on the story of Gangubhai Harijeevandas, this film involves a girl running away with her lover only to be sold to a brothel and forced to work there. While the story is all too common to an Indian and gives us a chill every time we hear of something similar, this film brings us a side of the story that is often shunned and not accepted. Gangubhai was a prominent figure in Mumbai in the 1960s, fighting for the rights of sex workers and orphans rising from the red light districts. She has been shown to change as her life demands and took charge of the brothel she was sold to and was very well known in Kamathipura.

Chilling and raw, this film gave us the reality of sex workers in a barely romanticized narration. Alia Bhatt's performance is startling, and by the end of the film, we can find ourselves having a different opinion of the women in that profession. They have made it widely clear that she not only promoted their commercial prospects but also highlighted the confidence and sense of power in the women there to give them a choice in their lives. She fought for her life, her freedom, and the freedom of choice for other young girls who found themselves in her place. While many others would say that the film glorified the dangerous space that women and children could be stuck into, I will go ahead and say that things that cannot be erased or changed should at least be provided with the space to adapt as required.

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung (2019)

Set in Joseon, this series is about the historians who worked in the Royal Courts of Korea, noting everything that happened, from simple interactions to actions taken concerning state matters. They were to be present at all places, documenting silently, around the King and the Court Officials. While politics and patriarchy were present nearly everywhere in that era, this show features a fictional prince who presented the idea of having female historians who would record everything that happened around the Queen while also providing challenging work opportunities to women of that era, who were always held back from higher education.

This series is remarkable for anyone interested in Journalism and gender equality. The main character is a modern thinker who goes out of her way to make people have uncomfortable conversations. Another thing that stood out to me from this show was the way they resolved the major conflict using non-violent methods, and the strike of honest intellectuals was justified from their perspectives. The series highlighted the importance of honesty and the way history is recorded. It focuses heavily on dramatic politics and simple romance, but they equally discuss the importance of literature and history, in the process.

Tribhanga (2021)

Another jewel is this list, this film was written and directed by women, with a story involving mothers and daughters. The movie appears to break the fourth wall, where the characters seem to be talking directly to the audience, but as a start, the story begins with a prominent self-made dancer who hears of her mother being in the hospital. The scenes quickly cut to her hurrying there with her newly married daughter to the hospital, where her estranged mother has slipped into a coma. The film continues with Milan, a follower of Nayantara's work, pleading with everyone to talk more about her story as the mother, who was an author, was in the process of writing her autobiography.

The movie was entertaining, to say the least, and a caressing memoir at its best. Through tears and yelling, fights and hardships, the entire story of three generations of women comes to light in the span of this film. It starts with the mother who separated from her family to be a writer and raised her daughter as a single mother, who then grew up through her hardships to become an accomplished dancer and celebrity. Anuradha was a single mother who raised a confident, poised daughter who then chose to marry into a large family to have the life her grandmother had abandoned. The story picks and talks about the nuances of being a woman while feeling like a personal story to every woman who watches it.

Happiness (2021)

An unlikely genre for this list, this series is a horror-thriller show involving a fast-spreading disease that turns humans cannibalistic. Set in South Korea, this disease spreads much like Covid and the authorities take quick action to control the spread. The story mainly focuses on an unusual couple who move into an elite gated community of apartments. With their jobs being a challenge and being discriminated against for their job benefits, the show quickly focuses on the disease and the ripples of fear it has in the community. I put this show here in this list because the character Park Hyungsik plays, who is an unwavering feminist who goes above and beyond for his wife.

With not much buzz about this show, I discovered it in my interest in watching Hyungsik's work and was pleasantly surprised by the way they captured people's reactions to their epidemic. It was accurate with how the Covid pandemic happened and the trauma a disease can bring to any community through its horror elements. While there are numerous female characters in this show, some antagonistic in nature and others part of the complete story, the series can easily be categorized into a work that captures the story through the female gaze. It's a surprise how well the movies and series can be perceived differently when the perception of the director is guided by their gender.

Bell Bottom (2019)

A Kannada film set in the 1980s, the story follows a man struggling to be recognized as a detective and finally finds a crime that seems like a mystery. Rishab Shetty and Haripriya come together to show us a fresh story that scratches the back of our necks until the end. With their romance bringing an easy laugh and dynamics around the small town that keep us engaged, this film is sure to leave the audience thoroughly entertained.

Curious about the actors' work, I found this film a unique slice of entertainment. The cultural details of this story are highlighted excellently, and the feminist factors need to be dug into passionately. But through it all, the film can be called an easy and entertaining watch. Interesting with narratives that audiences are unfamiliar with, this quirky film brings us a unique set of feminists and characters that cannot be put into stereotypes.

Wheel of Time (2021)

Honestly, underrated for the breathtaking show that it is, this series deserves a much bigger audience. Following a prophecy that was foretold and fighting wars that are beyond humanity, this show is filled with beautiful visuals and meaningful narratives. It starts with one woman guiding five others through the trials for the people they are predicted to be and the story takes us through a journey beyond our imagination. With simplified concepts of fantasy and a world of politics, this show is ruled by the many women who control the stories of numerous others in the show.

A show that was exhilarating and left me wanting more, it was led by women in places of power who decided the fate of people with magic. A unique concept of only women having magic, this series brings us a tale that was written decades ago and gives us characters of various cultures coming together to fight against unfamiliar darkness. With every character holding the potential to be a game changer and everyone hustling to be in places of power, this series presents us with an intimidating world, quite similar to the one we are living in right now. And through it all, it also shows us women finding themselves and bonding with other women in ways that are not highlighted in reality nearly enough.

Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016)

Raw and magnetic, this film is about a woman who defies odds thrown in her direction that are beyond ordinary. It starts with a haunting accident and leads a police officer to investigate it, only to find a woman he never expected to see with a daughter. With her daughter missing and criminal charges against her that make no sense, this film takes us on a sombre journey of her past and the things she faced. The movie has a grip over us with Vidya Balan playing Durga Rani and Arjun Rampal playing the police officer. This film is a slap of honesty and mostly focuses on the various women involved in this story who might not always be loyal to their gender.

Shocking me beyond imagination when I first watched it, this story managed to grip me even today with the narrative of a terrified woman facing the world by herself while also taking on responsibilities that were not hers to begin with. With dangerous people always around her, Durga Rani manages to do the right thing by herself and everyone who depends on her. This film empowered me on the struggles of being a survivor and ways one can push themselves to be more than their ruinous experience. Rooted in India and navigating the clutches of patriarchy, this film is a wake-up call to the silent bystanders and people who believe ignorance is better.

How to get away with Murder (2014)

Following the story of Annalise Keating prominently, this show is a dynamic punch for any audience. The show focuses on murders every season, involving the diverse characters of the show, who all grow through the six seasons. While the first season starts off with a student's narration, the following seasons involve the lives of the main characters and conclude with a full-circle story of Annalise. An intimidating woman to most, and a terrific teacher and lawyer to the rest, Annalise is a complex character who can be studied through various approaches. This show was unique with the narration having a feminist approach and having main characters that do not belong to the mainstream crowd.

I began this show hesitantly, expecting it to be a slow watch that would take me aeons to finish. Instead, I finished the entire series in three weeks and was left reeling on how they managed to involve a plethora of ordeals the characters experienced. From losing loved ones to doing the right thing, from being a single mother to experiencing health complications, from menopause to the struggles of being a part of countercultures, this show has managed to put it all together. Women in this show have been shown as the people they are, with their faults and quirks. Women from all stereotypes have been a part of this show, and somehow, the show manages to empower us with its dark truths and dangerous struggles.

Pieces of a woman (2020)

A heartbreaking film on the experience of losing a child, this film focuses heavily on the woman who lost her baby after birth due to complications. While movies exist about the loss of a child and the many labours of miscarriages, a film had never been made before about the experience. The directors, a couple who experienced this personally, brought out this script after surviving the struggle that was never spoken aloud about. Vanessa Kirby has played the character so beautifully it leaves us speechless on the woes a human being could go through.

Having found this film through a friend, we later wrote a paper on this and nuances that would be commonly missed out. The film is incredibly insightful on the details of motherhood and the changes a woman's body goes through post-pregnancy. It focuses on the way loss can affect a woman and a man, and how both adapt to it differently. The most important element highlighted throughout is the way a woman is expected to cope after a miscarriage. While we all hear the numerous pressures a woman goes through in her life, this film sheds light on the way a woman is expected to behave a certain way even through uncertain, hopeless times.

Bombay Begums (2021)

Starting with women in powerful positions this mini-series takes us on a ride with the stories of four women at different times of their lives. They belong to different social classes and have different aspirations, but they all are shown to have challenges that only someone would experience as a woman. While some are struggling for power and money, others are grappling to hold on to relationships and personal-social ties. Some women here are stumbling to balance everything as women are always portrayed to be doing, while others are exploring their options and finding themselves in the midst of everything.

I was confounded when I finished this series, only having imagined it to be a dramatic show with a plot carried by women. It had nuances to their struggles that couldn't have been explained in mere words and brought out their personalities in ways a male director could never. The series humanized the women to the people they were while also shedding light on the experiences that women are privy to. I recommend this show to every woman as it has captured something that has never been done before. The dialogues hit home as the story moves in an unpredictable direction leaving us with a sharp sting of reality over 6 episodes.

Easy A (2010)

A very typical American chick flick, this film is light-hearted and packs a powerful message. It starts with Olive, a seemingly normal high school girl, making up one lie about having a college boyfriend to appease a nagging best friend. The story then spins out of control quickly with wild rumours about her spreading all over her school making her a subject of gossip and school scandals. Being the good-hearted girl she is, she helps out anyone she can with the attention that she now commands, and once again the narrative is taken for a spin to paint her as a girl with loose characters and a nympho.

With a captivating trailer and a novel concept, this series gained admirers from around the globe. Starring IU, nicknamed the nation’s sweetheart, as the main character who is the owner of a mystical hotel, this show was something that one could never come across before. While the series gives an impression of romance and comedy, there is a grim underplot with Man-wol fighting against her dark past. With a mix of modern and classic myths, this series captures the attention of any fan, no matter their genre preferences or their language biases.

With every episode tackling clients with different requirements and a fictional world beyond imagination, this show showed a perspective that felt so distinct in my self-perception. We often see ruined characters among males, but not often do we find shattered yet cheeky female characters that are fashionable and alluring. Having played feminine characters previously, IU was a well-known idol in the industry for her versatile skills. And with numerous famous actors playing cameos in this series, this show is an experience that cannot be recreated by any other.

Strong Girl Bong Soon (2017)

A cute and romantic show with a thriller subplot, it tackles an ironic protagonist. She is short, petite, and extremely cute blessed with the power of incredible strength in her that is inherited by the women in her family. But with great power comes great responsibility, which is why even with that secret, she cannot disclose it to anyone. Being unemployed and trying to figure out her place in the world, our protagonist meets a CEO who wants to hire her as a discreet employee. Anyone into kdramas knows the CEO and commoner romance, but this one stands out for being the cutest one.

A show that I purely pursued being an admirer of the actor’s skills, this show was unexpected with twists and turns uncommon to the genre. Something that surprised me after finishing the show was that the actor was an admirer of the actress who played the protagonist, Park Bo Young. A sweet show with friendships, humour, infatuations, and family tropes, it is guaranteed to leave the audience feeling good and wondering if they could be a part of it too.

Bride of Habaek (2017)

A show that is purely based on Korean-Chinese mythology, this show involves Gods coming down to earth in tales like the olden days. Gods and demigods are often rumoured to be in our realm for punishments, joy, and in search of something, and this show involves a story exactly like that. Quite similar to the history of Greek Deities, these gods here are shown to be all-powerful and yet make poor choices like any human being. This series is about Habaek, the god of water, coming to earth to find a powerful stone to help his accession to the throne.

In all honesty, I had neither heard of this kdrama nor was I intrigued at the beginning. It is old school, not using interesting plotlines and cliches to grab the audience. It does have an appreciable overall storyline and introspective concepts that quirk our minds. The romance attempted in the show is discreet, along with any other obvious archetype. All in all, I found it a muted series which is worth a watch once. It is riveting to fans of indigenous mythology.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

Infamous for the writer’s work, this show was a massive hit in Korea and outreached internationally. While the show is a romance with comedy, it has a tragic underplot based on high fantasy and Korean beliefs of life after death. This show addresses tropes of rebirth and curses in life. Commonly known as the second character syndrome, this show offers two significant romance tropes interlaced with immense history and twisted fates. Also known for the bromance between the two supernatural characters, the goblin and the grim reaper, it gives the audience moments that feel silly but also something to enjoy.

Sceptical as a romance nonfan, this show was a lot. The story was a little heavy for a casual watch, yet it kept me intrigued to watch till the last minute. The friendships were the highlight compared to the romantic journey of the protagonist, as I found it a little cliche and inane. It was endearing to watch the characters evolve through the show, tackling issues well above their daily dose of mundane. The action scenes and CGI are pretty convincing to not look ridiculous, all in all, the show is a good watch. Please do check out the main track of the show, it is a moving song by one of my favourite artists.

Sweet Home (2020)

Based on a post-apocalyptic webtoon of the same name, this show focuses on several characters surviving the apocalypse in their apartment building. While all the characters are human beings struggling with their humanity to stay the same as others are turning into monsters, the show focuses on the protagonist struggling with the same. Having lost his family in tragic accidents and having lived through high school through a traumatic experience, Hyun Soo is suicidal and finds himself trapped in a conundrum when the apocalypse breaks out.

It was a shock for me, having started the show with no idea of its genre or how visual it was. The show has plenty of violence, a theme broadly like zombies and monsters that are beyond mundane imagination. But the characters all grow on us despite their imperfections and make us root for them despite any circumstance they are thrown in. The show is appealing to youngsters and adults, showcasing concepts comprehensible to everyone. Revealing anything more would be spoiling the show, so do check it out despite any dubiety. But do look out for scenes that could be triggering to sensitive people with plenty of scenes where he talks of suicide and death.

Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)

Constructed on the myths of mermaids, this show places a romantic interest in the mermaid. The show starts with the protagonist making his way into the world as a conman when he accidentally rescues a mermaid, and she decides to follow him and adapt to this world, with more to their history and more to come her way in the self-centred human world. From learning about fashion from a homeless woman to meeting forgotten family members, this show charms anyone who comes it’s way. The simple humour displayed beyond languages is the essence of the story and the love beyond any language.

A sceptic of romance series by Lee Minho, this show was a surprising comfort where the characters were not toxic and actually found a family in each other. This show has concepts of soulmates and reincarnation that could be appealing, with modern twists and antagonists that cannot be predicted. The series really questions our perception of what we as human beings look like to other possible beings and how amidst all our human gifts, we all found ways to cheat each other and compete endlessly.

Korean Odyssey (2017)

A show with an antique narration style, this show takes us back to the 2000s for its approach towards fantasy and myths. Having built on the myths of the monkey king and other demigods this show involves other deities and ghosts living on earth. Quite unusual to this genre, this series is one of the few that is a mix of all possible genres and none at all. It has tropes that are not cliche, some friendships rare in today’s world, and people in love who are not desperate to burn the world over each other. Another thing this show focuses on is the grey characters with nearly no character black or white. The show reflects upon their individual actions and past experiences and how they would introspect and try better each time.

The show has a protagonist who has seen ghosts all her life, and it starts with her making a deal with a mysterious man. And ingeniously, the girl grows up to be a real estate agent, who buys haunted houses and sells them to potential clients. Much like any person with a mental health illness or a physical disability, it was opportune for her to take advantage of her situation. While I was not fond of the show midway for its slow pace, the overall story is not as bad as the initial episodes indicate. The show is a good watch with many fantastical tropes and diverse characters.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)

A popular show in the industry for its cliches and various scenes of CGI elements, romance and brilliant antagonists. Another show with prophecies, kitsunes, and other beings of fantasy, it is a show where they are all crafty and struggling with some version of reality. A kitsune searching for his reincarnated lover works with grim reapers through the years and ends up finding a girl who is exactly like his lover but with no recollection of her past life. But then, at the same time, his brother is here to stir things up. An ancient being is resurfacing now, and with so much to lose and not much to gain from the world, Lee Yeon must do everything he can to get to the bottom of his reality.

Avoiding cliches to avoid the repeated tropes, this was a show that I procrastinated on for a long time before finally watching it. With Lee Dong Wook as the lead, the show was interesting to see how they played with his age to make him look ageless and very old at the same time. The interaction between the brothers was entertaining, and a mysterious presence of something more was always itching at the back of my head. An ending I absolutely did not predict threw me off, but with rumours of another season, this show has much for the audience one can imagine.

Extraordinary You (2019)

A story completely unique, this show is based on a webtoon of the same name. The series has a plot like a Wattpad book, completely enthralling but scary to write a story around. The storyline goes that the characters are all part of a story inside a book, maybe a webtoon, when one day the girl wakes up from being the character. She quickly realizes there are moments where she does things or says things she does not mean like she was made to, and then there are moments where does whatever she wants. In those moments between being the character, this school-going girl learns of the person she is and the way her world works.

It is interesting to consider the perspectives of writing a story where the characters grow their voice and try to find their place in a world beyond their control. While it isn’t something that I have wanted to experiment with as well, this show is wholesome having numerous characters growing their own personalities and finding out that maybe they are not the only people having done that in this particular book. With two trios, one for the plot and one having found each other as individual characters, this show is sure to leave any audience perplexed and sentimental.

The King – Eternal Monarch (2020)

One of the works of a renowned screenwriter, this show gained a large-scale audience who all watched it for the fictional elements and the skilled work of the significant actors in the show. The plot is stupendous having worked with so many minor details and theories of time travel and parallel dimensions. This show houses three main characters, all challenged by the changes in the story. While the narration is personified for only one of them, the show also revolves heavily around the actions and decisions of the other two. Lee Gon, the King of his country; Jeong Tae-ul, a police officer; and Jo Yeong, the King’s closest friend and the Captain of the Royal Guard.

The show is based on the books and the video games, unclear which inspired the other, written prominently by Andrzej Sapkowski and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. The first season was directed and played out in a haphazard style that kept the suspense going, inspired by Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. This high fantasy show is set in a pre-technology era with magic, magical creatures and plenty of violence. The show stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia for the first two seasons, with news of a changed actor in the coming seasons. The witcher has numerous perspectives that make it a compelling watch, along with the complex issues of that time addressed independently with the heart of the story being steady.

Having watched it belatedly, I found the direction of the first season mind-blowing, the details brought into the screen, and the storyline finally making sense with each episode. The characters are shown various levels of growth and evolution throughout the two seasons and so many little things that we can hook into. Not wanting to spoil much of the show for potential audiences, I would safely say it is a strict adult show but has numerous life instances shown that makes it one hell of a watch. Do look out for the ladies of the show who are all stunning and leave you wanting to see more strong female leads!

The Shadowhunters (2016)

Again, this is another show based on the book series The Mortal Instruments, written by Cassandra Clare. As someone who hoards her books, I was deeply upset about the show. But once I read up on why the show ended up that way, it made sense. The show was juggled around by channels a lot, with each season being directed by different people, but the story as a whole was approved by the author.

So as someone who read the books and then watched this show, I would say that the show can be viewed as an alternate reality of what was in the books. And as someone watching the show with no prior bias or idea about the Shadow world, it is a good watch. The show has vampires, werewolves, demons, mentions of angels, and especially angelic warriors. The main character is pretty stereotypical, but the others absolutely steal the limelight as the story progresses. Though it is not accurate to the books, the characters have been woven very well to not disappoint about the show's end. As a special mention, Harry Shum Jr. was an absolute stud in the show, as was his character in the books.

Stranger Things (2016)

As a running show in 2022, this show had an elaborate fanbase for the various trends in America over those years that have been very neatly captured though it is unrelated to the main story. The story involves a missing boy in the first story, with the following seasons covering for the various repercussions that come after that first season. While the show has no touch of modernity and is very era specific with everything, it is set in a small town facing so many things that it was not meant to. With numerous characters, all teenage and those who act their age, the show's fantasy foundation is based on Dungeons and Dragons.

As someone who watched the show only this year, I deeply regret not having watched it earlier. It had an excellent storyline, genuine characters and sensational direction by the Duffer brothers. This show felt like a throwback after the many shows I have watched, with it being old-school style. With so many characters barely in their teen years, the performance on screen is astonishing and unimaginable bearing in mind the storyline of the show. With Millie Bobby Brown as one of the main characters, this show is a strong recommendation.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

This show has been all over the internet since it began and the fandom brought together fans from every possible age. The merch is everywhere, and the drama about the last season was everywhere too. And as someone who mostly watched completed series to avoid the anxiety of waiting for the next episode, this show was a lot. It spanned nearly a decade, and we can see the growth and the decline of some significant characters in the show. The unprecedented fantasy element in this show was the dragons, tree spirits and the main antagonist, the night king.

Is the show as good as the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. The story is so well written with such requisite considerate details for each individual in the story. George RR Martin's story was followed as closely as possible till the second season, however, the following seasons were shot with the novels as a whole rather than one novel per season. I believe that the reason most people were upset by the end of the show was that the story was given an outline by the writer, but written by different directors. While stories have been continued by different people in many instances, the ending felt like it went in an inexplicable direction, considering that the story was built with high expectations of a climax. In all honesty, the show spoke of a lot of things, but something that changed it for me was the amount of nudity. Unexpectedly, it did not seem vulgar after some time, as people like to assume but rather normalized bodies of every kind and did not discriminate against people in general. It even helped my body dysphoria and made me feel human.

Teen Wolf (2011)

The show is old news, I know. It was such gossip for a long time about being a chick show with mainly teen girls watching it for the good-looking guys as some of the main characters. Does this rumour have substance? Yes, it comprises some good-looking actors focussed on the previous era's standards for beauty and trends. But is it baseless and unentertaining? Lord no. It was such a surprise when I watched the show, that issues far more advanced from that time were normalised, and that it was not mentioned anywhere. It speaks of family relationships, friendships, and the importance of trust and diversity. And for once, the characters that were homosexual were not used for queer baiting.

The humour was my favourite bit of the show, and it rarely had any toxic positivity or toxic relationships. The show had genuine characters who were not brought in for the plot and then ripped off; they even had a credible plotline with varieties of antagonists. The characters were not specifically black or white. The fantasy elements were werewolves (obviously), mutated versions of other transforming creatures, banshees, dryads, kitsunes, and so many more. Thankfully it had no vampires because I cannot fathom how they would fit into this show. Honestly, this would be a 10/10 show, with no regrets of watching it after finishing the series.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)

Honestly, this is a highly adult-rated show, not just for the explicit scenes and heavy gore, but also for the questionable morality shown throughout the seasons. I don't refrain from much, but this show was dark and pretty explicit in terms of violence both physical and mental. The plotline seems simple and apparent in the first few seasons, but if we pay attention, it speaks of many things. The show deeply spoke of family relationships, attributes of trust and how most societies work. They're not simple, but they can be functional. The fantasy elements are highly based on satanic beliefs with witches, demons, angelic believers, eldrich terrors and more.

The show was different for me but also familiar. It is attached to the Archiverse and has mentions of Riverdale, with this show set in Greendale. The story has its uniqueness of the main character being half-witch and half-human. It was interesting how all the characters were inherently petty and childish but were also mature and deeply self-aware. There are innumerable instances of redemption and many morally grey arguments. P.S. the black cat was my favourite character.

Shadow and Bone (2021)

This series too was based on a book series Grishaverse written by Leigh Bardugo and is very well directed. The show stars Ben Barnes and numerous actors who have done excellent work in the first season. The second season is yet to come out, but the cinematography is beyond imagination. Often, people who read books feel that the show wasn't as good, but then the characters might be up to it, but the CGI is a letdown. But this show has a CGI enough to compete with The Witcher. The characters are varied, with one society being excessively civilized in a pretentious form of government, and the other is chaotic but thriving for hustlers. And when they all come undone, the characters work to find their place.

The book, when I attempted to read was extremely challenging. In truth, it was a little everywhere and made little sense when I tried the first few chapters. While the show is much quicker, the confusion is evident in the series as well in the beginning. The show, in a change of pattern, inspired me to read the book series. It also showed elitist attitudes, racism and discrimination very well. The roots of the show give an aura of being set in Russia. The characters are challenged with their belief system, which I liked because that is something about the youth years that is rarely highlighted in many shows, morality and personal values.

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Telecast a little over half a decade, this show became news due to the never-ending drama and the wave of memes it brought on that still runs. The show prominently has three prominent characters-Elena Gilbert, Damon and Stefan Salvatore. Yet another show based on books, the series was ten times better than the books. Does it have a lot of drama? Yes, but the story gets more nuanced and actually interesting after the first few episodes. The drama never ends, but it has substance and even gets entertaining after a point. And for the people who like drama, this show is a gold mine. The fantasy elements don't stop with vampires and werewolves but also have witches, hybrids, sirens, and psychics.

It's a lot, and not for the light-hearted, to go through all the seasons and still have the interest to watch through the sequel series. But for people who are into series and long-standing shows, it unquestionably gives you something to hold on to. As someone who read the books, about three series written by the original author L. J. Smith. The books were widely different from the show but had most of the same characters in the show. The book began to irk when there were endless deaths yet they kept coming back to life through ridiculous circumstances. The show, however, made it a little more credible, even though it is highly fiction.

The Originals (2013)

Aired over half a decade this show is a sequel to the Vampire Diaries. It has continuation stories of characters initially antagonists in the previous show, featuring mainly the Mikaelson family. It has pretty much the same fantasy elements but also covers some more nuances into the witch world, exploring nature spirits and more. This show is more into the detailed family drama of this complex family and doesn't require having watched the vampire diaries. While the show is much drama, it also has a lot of violence with the main character being extremely questionable with his morality.

In some ways, I liked this show way more than the Vampire Diaries, considering how it was not based on characters surviving in high school with ridiculous supernatural challenges. While watching the vampire diaries is entertaining, this show had many contradicting core values that stuck. Their values and beliefs on what a family is and the constant struggles they face together. But the evolution of the main characters was the palpable part of the show, which became much more evident and intriguing. A little spoiler, with some of the main characters being centuries-old vampires, the perspectives are always gripping and plausible.

The Legacies (2018)

Another sequel to the series, this series is a direct sequel to the Originals. While the plot is based on teenagers in an unusual school for supernatural folk and people of this decade. The characters are direct descendants of the previous two shows, so fair warning to not watch this before those two if you like no spoilers. This show is quite different compared to those two, with a different pace and drama. But it does have a ridiculous amount of fantasy characters. This show decided to bring in the history of nearly every myth possible and question its reality. While the storyline is questionable with so much going on for the new audience, the base stays constant while connecting to people who watched it after watching the prequels.

While this was a completely different scene from the intense prequel shows, it covered a lot of good current issues in the series that were not given much importance in the previous shows. The importance of mental health is given a huge priority in this show, with various characters facing so many issues and taking it positively that they require professional help. The ending of the enormously lengthy story was a little questionable but as someone with a penchant for fantasy, this show covered a wide spectrum from greek muses to gargoyles. It was wild, but it was given a full circle ending with so many plots that began through all the previous seasons and shows.

The Wheel of Time (2021)

Having just finished watching this show, I am still in awe at how spectacular the show is and cannot wait for the following seasons. Based on the books written nearly three decades ago, the series is mind-blowing having the characters woven so neatly (pun intended). The show is based on magic and involves the fight against darkness. It is a classic storyline, light against the dark, but the interesting facet is that magic users are only allowed to be women. Something magnificent was the way the music albums were made for this series. Sure, many shows make music for the show specifically, but this show has music that feels like music for the soul of the story. The cinematography also has graphics of such detail and beauty whenever magic is shown on screen.

Something I deeply liked in this show was the characters and the music which synced with it. The way their fates are all intertwined is fascinating to watch through the episodes, and it is understandable how they closely depended on each other with their various backgrounds. The colours and architecture in the show are beautiful beyond imagination, and the story is quite compelling. It has chosen one trope that seems cliche, but it also has things in the story that are not cliche, and bonds that are heart-wrenching.

Merlin (2008)

It is an old show, and the fantasy elements are a little over the head, but it is a long and tedious watch that is worth it. It's a one-time watch, especially if you want to watch something half distracting and half interesting. While there are many versions of the story of King Arthur, Merlin and Morgana, this show gave a plausible story in a way the story came together. The show starts with the characters all in their youth, new to each other and not having known each other. There are classic English fantasy elements in the series that are dragons, magicians, dryads, and nature spirits.

It was taxing in the beginning, with it being an old show and particularly slow-paced. But once I adjusted to the pace, the show was good. It was thorough with the plot, all the characters are given a detailed perspective and storyline and have very old-school story narration. Though personally, I believe some of the characters were signed off unfairly, the show went in an unexpected direction after a point. It was not until after I finished the show that I missed its familiarity, its antique theme music, and the slow life that is shown on the show. We rarely see any shows today that are slow as a whole. Something I have repeated but will say again is that the old-school characters and the lack of toxicity in their personal lives and twisted relationships are very light and good for the heart and mind.

Wanda Vision (2021)

As a huge Marvel fan, this show was my first watch of this era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is the story of Wanda Maximoff after the events of Avengers: Endgame. It begins off-key and makes no sense in the beginning as to why the narrative is as it is going. But as someone who has been into Marvel for over a decade now, I cannot guarantee what this show looks like to people who have no idea about Marvel and the main character. But then again, a lot of the background is given in bits to the story. The fantasy and CGI are mindblowing with the entire power play that comes into focus at the end of the show. While the show is mostly fiction and fantasy, it has a lot of science fiction as the basis.

While I have my prejudice against the characters in the fandom from previous movies, Wanda was a personal favourite with the potential her character has in the comics. Her fashion sense stuck with me, and so did her spirit. With the number of tragedies in her life, this show gave a lot more perspective into her story than any previous movies could have. She was a strong woman, and I significantly looked up to her.

Loki (2021)

This was one of the few shows on Marvel that was more mythology and fantasy than science fiction. While there is plenty of science fiction in the show, Loki was one of the favoured antagonists in the fandom, with many who admired him for his never-tiring spirit and mischief. He was the God of Mischief in Viking mythology but also someone with an explanation of his existence in science fiction. The story moves in a direction that no one predicted him in, where he gets incriminated as a criminal by the time authorities. It is a fascinating narrative for him to be in the situation that he is in. With not much that can be said without spoiling the show, I will say that it is witty, humorous, brilliant, and thoroughly scary at the ending it leaves you with.

As someone who thought Loki was brilliant, an idiot in his circumstances for the things he wanted, but brilliant in his own style, this show was highly entertaining. The god of mischief trying to do right by the time authorities is ironic but a good watch. Does this show need any information about the Marvel Universe for new watchers? Not really, but it helps to make sense of his morality and understand his character that evolved through the eras. All the shows in Marvel Phase 4 are stunning, but this was one personal favourite.

Moon Knight (2022)

This show was entirely alien to me when I began, with no previous introduction to the characters or this supernatural universe. This show is highly based on mythological fantasy rather than science fiction, but not as fantasy based as the other shows in this list. The show stars Oscar Issac as the main character, and it is quickly revealed that he is enduring a mental health condition, which he uses to his benefit. It is set in Egyptian mythology and modern adaptations of what those myths could mean in today's world.

A film by the Dreamworks Animation company, this movie is wholesome and much more. The story starts with a girl from an Asian household, little and quite rebellious. With nearly nothing comforting her in any way, we quickly see her working hard for something that she wants to save up for. At the same time, we see a creature, quite furry and obscure hiding in places and then coming to her roof, where she has a shrine for her father's belongings. What then ensues is a beautiful relationship between a girl and an incredible being.

With no idea of what the film would be about, this movie was enchanting and tear-jerking in a comforting way. The graphics are incredible with the music syncing beautifully with it all. A film that would appeal to children as well as people of all ages, this can be watched any day to spend time together. Mild spoiler, the song by Coldplay in this film feels absolutely beyond the world.

The Sky is Pink (2019)

Another favourite, this was incredible in the new generation of Bollywood films. With quite a bit of adult language and some sensitive topics being discussed in the film, it is a little delicate to watch it with little children. But otherwise, the film is based on the real-life of Aisha Chaudhary, diagnosed with health issues in her infancy, where we see her live her life and talk about love quite like she did as a motivational speaker. While it is easy for us to dismiss a person's lifestyle identifying them as sick or disabled, this little girl shows us how perspectives can be turned around to do anything you want.

With a touch of reality shrouded with cinematic entertainment, this film is a serious must-watch for anyone. The bonding this family has is everything anyone would wish for with little moments throughout the film that heals the soul. And with the actual brother of the protagonist having contributed his music for this film, it is entertaining and gives any individual something to ponder about.

Pan (2015)

We all know the story of Peterpan and Tinkerbell whisking Wendy to the Nevernever Land, away from the orphanage she was in. This film shows us the tale of Peter becoming a part of the Nevernever land, something outlandish and grimmer than imagined. This film shows us Peter picked from the orphanage by people trafficking people into a magical place where Blackbeard is ruling the land. Making new friends and looking for a mother who he never thought he would find, this film is full of beautiful graphics and an amazing storyline.

Having brought many things into the storyline compared to the original story, this film was not as received well by the cinema, and so became an underrated gem. With Hugh Jackman in a significant role, this tale is splendid for all audiences and a really good family watch. With fantasy creatures all over the story and endearing characters, it is a memorable watch.

Over the Moon (2020)

Featuring the story of a young girl who lost her mother due to an illness, this little girl sets out to build a rocket to go to the moon to meet a mystical goddess. With an unusual plot that doesn't make sense without the cultural background, this film is set in a Chinese household where they make mooncakes for a living. A loving father who adored her, FeiFei was still adamant and steadfast in finding the Moon Goddess to prove that she was, indeed, real. With so many challenges in her way with only her mind and will against it all, this story amazes anyone who has a conscience.

Sceptical to watching a random movie on an OTT platform, I thoroughly did not expect it to be sensitive and thought-provoking to people of all age groups. The film so delicately addresses depression, coping mechanisms and many more things that are still shamed in today's world. A tale of mythical fantasy and childish joy, this film appeals to children and anyone who enjoys a good animated film.

Naanu Nanna Kanasu (2010)

Put together over two decades ago, this Kannada film is beyond time and language barriers. A story about a father learning to deal with his daughter getting married to a man of another culture, it is entertaining and brings relevance to the tale. With Prakash Raj leading as the father, this film is hilarious and speaks of a story perceivable by anyone. A father's daughter as a child, now a grown woman making decisions beyond his imagination, this story shows us a tale that is universal amongst all parents.

Prakash Raj, known for his impeccable acting and quality performance, in this film brings out so many facets of his skills. A father through and through, his character questions her decisions, his worth in her life, and the seriousness of this entire situation. Set in a traditional house in Karnataka, this wedding about to happen is an experience to watch.

Hichki (2018)

A story of a woman stubborn in her ambition to be a teacher, it entails a tale of quirky students being mentored by a teacher with Tourette's syndrome. The world is against her for her ambition in being a teacher and is constantly being mansplained by everyone who interviews her, Rani Mukerjee has done an excellent job as Nina Mathur. Finding a role in an elite school she went attended as a student, this film takes us on a ride till the end.

A school with an obsession with elitism and high marks, and students being admitted with a change in educational policy, this school challenges the students of a different community to keep up with the world. With a narrative that is common to every student of this era and any teacher, this film is familiar and fun to watch at any time of the day. A wholesome story to connect with, this film was eccentric and unorthodox while setting standards.

777 Charlie (2022)

Another gem from the Kannada industry, this film is beyond any age restrictions and appealing to all. It is a story of a man and a dog getting attached beyond reason, and then experiencing a whole new world because of each other. A depressed man living day to day with no direction in his life and a young pup having travelled across cities only to settle outside his home to eat his leftover idlies. With a story that seems cliche and yet unique, this film takes us on a journey beyond our homes and our scepticism on how we can choose to love.

With the film still trending across television channels and OTT platforms, this film is available to watch over any weekend with friends or family. While I was excited that it was a Rakshith Shetty film, known for his style of acting and next-door boy charm, I was hesitant with anticipation to go on the emotional rollercoaster. And the film delivered it wondrously. With the stubborn pup being hell-bent on getting his affections and him being naturally dismissive of affection itself, this duo is enough to make any grown man cry.

Shaandaar (2015)

Not having run that well during its initial release, I believe this film became a cult classic with only selective crowds finding the appeal in its direction and narration. I would call it mildly underrated, even with many significant Bollywood actors due to the narration being highly romanticised, which is appealing to any imaginative individual. An orphan girl adopted into an extremely wealthy family, initially dismissed for her quirks, she develops close bonds with her sibling and her father. Fast forward to the present, the sibling is getting married when somehow Alia meets a man who is constantly competing with her father to prove himself.

With a quirky flair to the dialogues and imagined animation popping every few minutes, I find the film immensely visual and with a unique story. While the dynamic is common, something atypical is Alia Bhatt's character being an insomniac. Much like in fairytales her father would have promised to find her a guy who would make her sleep. While it is cliche, she ironically finds Shahid Kapoor's character is also an insomniac. It is a good watch for a mixed audience and makes for an entertaining time.

Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016)

Ananth Nag and Rakshith Shetty are the leads for the film, which is a story of a workaholic son who is constantly mindless towards his father suffering from Alzheimer's. Having not expected much, with a film title that made no sense, this film is a highly enlightening watch. Between his work calls and regular visits, he loses his father right in front of his house. With no idea on where he could have gone, the son sets out to find him along with his father's daughter. As a mild spoiler, the title comes to light when it is the description used to find his father.

Starring numerous actors of high calibre, this film brings us a story from South India that feels extremely homely and cosy. With the visuals having been crafted very delicately to match each aesthetic, and the narration takes us on a journey on the person Ananth Nag's character was, this film makes us ponder on numerous things while also keeping us entirely engrossed and engaged.

English Vinglish (2012)

Made precisely a decade ago, this film was screened internationally and all over India. It stars Sridevi as the protagonist, a small-time caterer and a housewife in urban India. While her children went to a catholic school and her educated husband worked every day, it was common for them to dismiss her lack of knowledge and skills in English. As the story brings us a wedding scenario where she has to travel to New York to her niece's place, she is terrified of the prospect that she does not know how to communicate in English. This film shows us a perspective that most of us have overlooked easily and brings in a narrative that takes much courage and shows us the strength of this Indian woman.

Having read numerous articles regarding this film and written about it in a college essay, it was this film that woke me in several ways we patronize mothers and women in our household. While it isn't easy to admit, many of us dismiss the knowledge and experience that comes with a woman taking care of a home, much like the protagonist. The dialogues break our hearts, especially her perspective of the treatment pinches us in hidden ways. Gauri Shinde directed this film in dedication to her mother who was also a housewife with no knowledge of English. All in all, this movie is for all audiences, especially children so that they can be illuminated through this.

Instant Family (2018)

The story starts with a classic white couple having a wonderful marriage, travelling places and exploring hobbies. Until they finally acknowledge they have something missing in their lives. But instead of opting for a child of their own, they explore adoption or foster options where they choose Lizzy, who comes as a package with her two younger siblings. With barely any clue on how to be a parent, they welcome three children into their lives and home. But we all know that changes come with challenges. And hence starts their struggle to learn how to be a family.

This film, humorous by nature, has many notable details that make it unique while also challenging our perception of what a family should be. While we may initially laugh at how they all struggle to cope, we also see them being patient with each other and bonding over simple things that seem superficial sometimes. While the kids have moved from foster home to foster home and are inept at handling themselves, they struggle to let an adult take care of them. And while the couple thought it would be easy to manage children with their childhood memories to guide them, they slowly understand the perspective of the children that they brought home. It is insightful to watch this at any age and entertaining to any audience.

Night at the Museum (2006)

With a normal enough name as the film title, this film was brilliant and educated me in many ways when I was a child. The movie starts with a divorced father trying to find a stable job to meet his son regularly, who happens to chance upon the Museum of Natural History in need of a nightguard. With a simple job and three shoes to fill, he takes this job seriously with no idea of what would come next. Larry is terrified and astonished on the first night to discover that the museum comes to life every night to have its moments and breathe.

While the idea is refreshing, we see parts of history that are given a unique voice in this film, and it is also thoroughly entertaining and a classic for fantasy fiction lovers. Being nearly as old as my sibling, this film was a classic repeater on my favourite English movies channel on television. They screened it every week, and what's more, we watched it every time for how layered the story was. While the plot is simple, the story in itself is brilliant for the year it was made and the CGI that brought the imagination to life. With a fresh perspective on history and classic humour, this film is a splendid watch for anyone who likes a good time.

Vaah! Life Ho to aisi (2005)

Available to watch for free on Youtube and on Amazon Prime, this film is a throwback to two decades ago when values were different and so was the universal modern. The story starts with Adi being a part of a big family with his brother's kids to look after along with his older sibling and mother. Working alone for the household, he meets a girl that he quickly falls in love with and they decide to get married. All is going well when suddenly he dies in an accident and is then collected by a very modern-looking Yamraj, a lookalike of Sanjay Dutt. With his family in financial and fraud trouble, he is granted to help them out as long as he promises to come back. What then ensues is for the audience to discover and enjoy.

This award-winning show was one of the classic shows with psychology being used in crime, and the protagonist here is a mentalist. A mentalist can be briefly described as a person with good knowledge of psychology, with other things like cold reading and general knowledge of people's behaviour and society. This show is family-friendly with minimal gore, a fair amount of violence and a running plot for seven seasons. The episodes moved in a fashion where they had active cases to solve in the CBI, but there was also a bigger case that was the big picture throughout the season. This show has a good pace and very rarely tires the audience.

This show is a personal favourite considering it was the first-ever series I ever watched nearly six years ago, it was engaging back then and is exactly that captivating even now. The main character was a con man initially but has now joined as a consultant for the CBI department investigating murders. The characters are all original and fairly do not fit into any stereotype. That makes it interesting because Patrick Jane, the protagonist, is constantly poking at them with his observations of them that they might not always be candid about. It actually gives a new outlook and perspective on people and the human mind through the course of this show. 

Merlin (2008-2012)

A curious perspective to the classic story of King Artur and the wizard Merlin, this series is extremely old-school and a genuine change of pace from the mainstream shows. The show is set in Old England with the characters just stepping into the world as youths and trying to find their place in the world. Being a relatively old show, the graphics of the fantasy elements are a little obvious, but otherwise, it is a good series for a family watch. The story moves slowly, each episode being moralistic in nature, till the plot moves into the details for much more of the structure of the myth.

It was slow at the start, which made me think it would be a tedious watch. But then, the show connected in a way that cannot be explained in simple sentences. The slow lives that are shown on screen, with a lack of technology and simple dreams of living, get alluring. While I didn't like the ending of the series it makes sense considering everything in the plotline. But then again, there is always a possibility of an alternative story. Merlin is light-hearted but also has the immense pressure of being the prophecy. Then there is Arthur, brought up with everything at his beck and call, despite having no real companion. What really made them a great pair in this show was that Arthur always stood by Merlin, and Merlin was the only one to call Arthur's bullshit.

Teen wolf (2011-2017)

A show that was heavily called out for the stereotypes and cliches it represented in the media, it knocked off all my close-minded expectations when I watched it. While the show is about teenagers who gain supernatural powers in high school, it also involves the stories of other characters who are more than just stereotypes and give an insight into a different scenario. The series is slow in the beginning and moves much faster after the first two seasons. It is mostly fantasy and romance drama, including bits of horror in the later seasons. It is an incisive and heartful show. Something that stood out in the series was the friendships, the decisions they had to make, and everything that felt homely old-school.

The series quickly became my favourite after I got attached to the characters. And I find everyone who watched the show does get attached to the characters. Another favourite thing about the show was how stupid they all were. Yes, stupid and petty. But it was what made it more authentic and believable because as much credit the adults might give teenagers, they are still kids learning the way of the ways of the world and their roles in it all. And this show spoke very well for most communities included in the show.

Suits (2011-2019)

Having heard so much of this show from everyone, I know the hype was well-maintained. The first episode blew me away and everything thrown into the show was like an experience in itself. A genius hustling boy and an experienced lawyer looking for growth in his business. Being one of the first shows on law and business that I watched, I still believe that it is one of the best of its kind. The show has incredible women in power and nuances of business that can be easily recognized and appreciated. The characters are all unique, and each case that the duo learn to handle feels like a lesson that anyone can learn.

Unconventionally, I watched the Korean adaptation of the show prior to watching the original show. While all the original fans judged me for it, I liked the order I watched it in. The adaptation has the actor blowing us away from the beginning, and the show also has a different arch for the romance. Another significant thing that the series stars is the Duchess of Sussex, Megan Markle. It is an insightful perspective into the world of lawyers, corporate and hustlers. And as such, the show might always stand as a standard for its calibre.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Highly spoken, the game of thrones is based on the book series of the same name. The books are written by George RR Martin and are collectively called the Song of Ice and Fire. The show had raged across the internet and popular culture for over a decade, it is completely outlandish with its authenticity and the story it brought. While the setting is similar to the world of the Inheritance Cycle written by Cristopher Paolini, this show is much more raw and mature than the latter. Fans and critics have plenty to speak of in this series, but one thing that can be mentioned is the individuality and details that were given in each scene for every character in the tale.

This show was a rebellious genre for me, having been so restricted for its nudity and age restrictions. While the show does have ample nudity and sex scenes with more than enough violence and gore, I believe it was all pieces of the puzzle which would have seemed vacant if it were all left out. The nudity in this show invoked my way of seeing human bodies aesthetically rather than something so precarious and objectified. While there are all sorts of things included in the show, from incestuous relationships to betrayals and found families, this show won over the hearts of over eight million people for a reason. A reason that can only be found by experiencing this show of a lifetime.

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

This show was a sensation when screened and is still running on numerous OTT platforms. It has vampires, witches, werewolves and more. Now, while it is common for this genre to be attractive to teenagers and horror enthusiasts, it can also be watched by anyone interested in drama, romance and fantasy. The show has elements that are more than just one genre by having spanned over that many years it also had an evolution of the characters. What initially started as a horror and fantasy teenage series went on to become a fantasy show that showed incredible stories that were more.

I was sceptical while starting the show, with the books that I read being extremely taxing and disappointing. But the show was many folds better than the book ever was. It does have questionable morals in the beginning, but nearly all the characters have turned out better than the written archetype of them. The show also evolved considering the trend each year and the maturity expected of the characters as they grew up. There are innumerable opinions on the show everywhere, but to be honest it is a good watch. Numerous audios are trending that are from this show, and truly the dialogues were exceptional. There are times it gets tedious with the drama and then there are times the show exceeds expectations to leave an effect on us.

The Originals (2013-2018)

This show is a continuation of the Vampire Diaries series and starts off with the story of a complicated family. Initially antagonists in the prequel, the Mikaelson family is over centuries old and vampires that have an enthralling history. This show unpacks more of their history and the impact they have on their community, along with the head member of the family being a unique type of a vampire. The protagonist is cunning and morally questionable throughout, which is what keeps the story gripping and outlandish. There are similar family tropes in The Vampire Diaries but what makes this different is that The Originals is set in New Orleans and is NOT a high school drama.

This show was wildly different to anything that I had ever watched before, and the protagonist was an art connoisseur. He spoke of the city and his favour for painting which really put a perspective on how I perceived both. They have shown parts of history that were affected by vampires and the supernatural which makes so much sense. Though the books written by E.J Smith do have the characters, the story does not have the same trajectory. Another thing that was emphasized repeatedly is how every family is complicated but sticks through thick and thin.

How to get away with murder (2014-2020)

Having finished this show just now, I can say it was as intense as any show I have ever come across. There was plenty of violence, gore, and sex, considering it is a crime show involving law students who work for a criminal lawyer. While the show seemed very flaky on the morality of their actions throughout, in hindsight, the show makes much more sense and connects all the possible dots without any plotholes. The show ended with a lot of emotions and a full of the journey of the characters, just as a friend mentioned.