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Prahaar (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

Director #AvinashArun adopts a restrained, realistic approach, favoring atmosphere and character over sensational courtroom showmanship. The narrative respects legal procedures and historical events, allowing the drama to emerge organically rather than relying on grandstanding monologues.‌

#RajkummarRao delivers a masterclass in transformation, inhabiting #Nikam with remarkable precision, authenticity and depth to the role. His ability to convey grief, resolve, and professional conviction through subtle gestures anchors the film throughout.

#LalitPrabhakar delivers a chilling performance as #AjmalKasab. Capturing the terrorist’s detached demeanor, ideological conditioning, and calculated evasiveness, he creates an unsettling screen presence, culminating in a confession sequence that ranks among the film’s most powerful moments. #SikandarKher is equally impressive as defense lawyer #Kazmi, portraying the immense personal and societal pressures that accompany such a controversial role. Meanwhile, #RitwikSahore brings emotional intensity as Nikam’s estranged son, lending genuine weight to the film’s family drama. #WamiqaGabbi delivers an earnest and affecting performance, although the makeup and aging work fall short of fully convincing the character’s later-life appearance.

An intriguing thread involving #JaideepAhlawat feels underdeveloped and lacks the screen time necessary to achieve its intended emotional payoff. Similarly, a scene in which Kasab is confronted with the bodies of his deceased accomplices to challenge his ideological conditioning feels somewhat heavy-handed compared to the otherwise measured and realistic tone of the film.‌

Nevertheless, #Prahaar succeeds as a gripping, mature courtroom drama that places faith in strong performances, thoughtful writing, and historical authenticity. More interested in examining the human and institutional dimensions of justice than manufacturing artificial suspense, it stands as a respectful and engaging tribute to a significant chapter in India’s legal history.
@rajkummar_rao @wamiqagabbi @jaideepahlawat @sikandarkher @lalit.prabhakar @ritwik_sahore @avinasharundhaware by @thecinecolumn

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2 days ago

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Mandaadi (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

#Mandaadi takes the familiar framework of a sports drama and places it within a world rarely explored in Tamil cinema: the traditional sailboat races of Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities. That distinctive setting gives the film its strongest identity, as it weaves together themes of rivalry, friendship, revenge, redemption, and the everyday struggles of a seafaring community.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its depiction of the sea and the boat races. These sequences are easily its most exhilarating moments, capturing the unpredictability of the waves, the physical demands of the sport, and the fierce competitive spirit that drives the participants. The result is a palpable sense of danger and excitement that elevates the sporting drama beyond convention.

#Soori delivers an excellent performance as Muthukaali, bringing both physical credibility and emotional depth to the role. His restrained approach works especially well in the quieter, character-driven moments, while the racing sequences allow him to showcase a completely different intensity. #MahimaNambiar also leaves a strong impression, and supporting actors such as #Sathyaraj and #Suhas help flesh out the community and its intricate relationships.

Rather than using the boat races merely as a backdrop for action and spectacle, Mandaadi invests in the culture surrounding them. This attention to local traditions and community life gives the film an authenticity that sets it apart from more conventional sports dramas.

Technically, the film is equally impressive. #SRKathir’s cinematography captures both the beauty and unpredictability of the sea, while #GVPrakashKumar’s music and background score inject energy and emotion into the racing and dramatic sequences alike.

While Mandaadi does not reinvent the sports-drama formula, it succeeds by transporting that familiar template into a visually exciting and culturally rich setting. Strong performances, spectacular race sequences, convincing coastal world-building, and polished technical craftsmanship make it a worthwhile watch.
#MathimaranPugazhendhi @mathimaaran @soorimuthuchamy @mahima_nambiar @gvprakash @pradeeperagav by @thecinecolumn

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11 days ago

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Pooja Meri Jaan (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

#PoojaMeriJaan is an intriguing and thought‑provoking drama that explores rejection, obsession, and the blurred boundaries of accountability. Tackling themes of entitlement and the gendered nature of public judgment, the film raises important questions about how society responds to rejection, even if its courtroom narrative lacks the sharpness needed to reach the impact of modern legal dramas such as Pink.

#MrunalThakur anchors the film with remarkable restraint, portraying Pooja’s fear, confusion, guilt, and quiet defiance without resorting to melodramatic excess. The film’s greatest strength lies in its willingness to confront an uncomfortable social reality: the tendency to treat a woman’s right to say “no” as an affront, while exposing the dangerous impulse to criminalize heartbreak, rejection, and personal choice.

#HumaQureshi brings conviction and authority to her role as a steadfast lawyer, while #VijayRaaz adds gravitas to the courtroom proceedings. #VikramSinghChauhan also delivers a sincere performance as Aniket, despite limited screen time.

Where the film falters is in its handling of the legal drama. The courtroom proceedings often feel structured around delivering a message rather than reflecting authentic legal strategy. Additionally, the screenplay only scratches the surface of Aniket’s psychological obsession, leaving his motivations underexplored and reducing the emotional complexity of the conflict.

Nevertheless, Pooja Meri Jaan remains a relevant, engaging, and conversation‑starting drama that courageously examines rejection, entitlement, and societal judgment. While its courtroom execution could have benefited from greater nuance and sharper writing, it succeeds as a solid and thought‑provoking watch that invites meaningful discussion long after it ends.

#NavjotGulati #VipashaArvind @djangokaza @jishnudop @vishalmishraofficial @nirenbhatt @deokanishka @vijayraazactor @sunita_rajwar @vikramsingh_chauhan @iamhumaq @mrunalthakur @vipasha_arvind @navjotgulati #SunitaRajwar #KanishkaSinghDeo #NirenBhatt #VishalMishra #JishnuBhattacharjee #SanyuktaKaza #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis by @thecinecolumn

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12 days ago

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Ohh My Dog (2026)
⭐⭐⭐

Ohh My Dog is an earnest, ambitious, and emotionally grounded crime drama that attempts to blend a touching story of human‑animal companionship with a gritty investigation into underground trafficking. Anchored by strong performances and irresistibly charming canine co‑stars, the film’s heart is unquestionably in the right place, even when its sprawling narrative and overextended runtime threaten to dilute its impact.

Maahi Rai delivers a standout performance as Appu, bringing warmth, vulnerability, and emotional authenticity to the role. His natural bond with Momo, his beloved pet, forms the emotional backbone of the film. Yet it is Oscar, the other canine star, who effortlessly steals every scene and wins over the audience with remarkable screen presence and charm.

The film also deserves credit for its passionate advocacy of animal welfare. By highlighting the plight of Indian street dogs and challenging the obsession with pedigree breeds, it promotes compassion, rescue adoption, and a more humane perspective toward animals.

However, the screenplay struggles under the weight of its ambitions. Attempting to juggle multiple genres and narrative threads, it occasionally loses focus, while repetitive chase sequences in the middle act significantly slow the pacing.

Despite these shortcomings, Ohh My Dog succeeds as a sincere and compassionate tribute to street dogs, childhood innocence, and the bonds that connect them. While its uneven pacing and tonal fluctuations prevent it from reaching its full potential, its emotional core, authentic performances, and heartfelt message make it a worthwhile and rewarding watch.

#OhhMyDog #AmitRai #MaahiRai @pankajtripathi #PankajTripathi @pavanrajmalhotra #PavanMalhotra #RajeshKumar #VijayMishra #GeetaAgrawalSharma #MateHerbai #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn by @thecinecolumn

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13 days ago

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Habeebi (2026)
⭐⭐½

Habeebi is a well‑intentioned and culturally sincere drama that spans four decades of life, family traditions, and unspoken emotions within a southern Tamil Muslim weaving community. While the film deserves praise for its authentic representation of a rarely explored cultural landscape and its heartfelt depiction of the handloom tradition, it ultimately struggles under the weight of familiar melodramatic conventions, uneven pacing, and an overly expansive narrative that loses focus along the way.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its immersive portrayal of community life. The depiction of the traditional weaving industry is infused with warmth, nostalgia, and a genuine respect for the people whose lives are intertwined with the craft. #SamCS enhances this atmosphere with an evocative score that lends emotional depth to key moments and enriches the film’s cultural texture.

However, despite its compelling socio‑economic backdrop, the screenplay rarely explores these themes with the depth they deserve. Instead of delving into the realities of the declining handloom industry, local politics, or the impact of migration, the narrative often becomes sidetracked by familiar family melodrama and underdeveloped subplots that slow the film’s momentum.

The central character, Abu Tahir, also feels only partially realized. While his responsibilities and struggles are evident, the writing never fully develops his internal conflicts or motivations, making it difficult to form a strong emotional connection with his journey. The film’s ambition to cover four decades of change, from handloom hardships to Gulf migration, results in a fragmented structure that frequently feels stretched and unfocused.

On the whole, #Habeebi is an admirable drama rooted in authenticity and heartfelt intentions. Its cultural richness and sincere portrayal of community life make it easy to respect, but its reliance on formulaic melodrama and an unfocused narrative prevent it from achieving the emotional resonance its subject matter warrants.

#MeeraKathiravan #KasthooriRaja #Esha #MalavikaManoj #DhanasreeSudhakaran #AnusreyaRajan @habeebi_movie by @thecinecolumn

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14 days ago

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Baththa (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

#Baththa is a heartwarming, surprisingly hilarious, and deeply wholesome exploration of masculinity, childhood trauma, and vulnerability. Reuniting director #BalajiTharaneetharan with a remarkably selfless #VijaySethupathi, the film cleverly subverts gangster conventions to tell a tender, conversation‑driven story about an intimidating man forced to confront the fears and insecurities he has carried since childhood.

Vijay Sethupathi willingly steps away from the spotlight, delivering an endearingly vulnerable performance as a feared gangster rediscovering his innocence and emotional openness. The true revelation, however, is #SaiPrithviraj, who steals scene after scene as Sabari, bringing warmth, impeccable comic timing, and emotional maturity that form the film’s beating heart. Strong supporting turns from #LijomolJose #SanthyBalachandran #VishnuGovindhan and #HariKrishnan further enrich the narrative.

Balaji revives the dry, repetition‑based humor that made Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom so memorable. The comedy feels organic, lighthearted, and deeply human, emerging naturally from character interactions rather than manufactured situations. More importantly, the film refuses to glorify rural violence, instead deconstructing traditional notions of masculinity and revealing how aggression often masks deeply rooted fears and emotional wounds.

The meticulously recreated 80s setting adds another layer of authenticity, with nostalgic production design, period‑accurate props, and vibrant cinematography immersing viewers in the era. #SaiAbhyankkar’s score and songs effectively heighten the emotional impact, though a few musical cues occasionally feel slightly overproduced and modern for the period backdrop.

On the whole, Baththa is a gem of a film—warm, funny, and emotionally resonant. Anchored by heartfelt performances and a refreshingly compassionate perspective on masculinity and healing, it stands out as one of the most delightful and rewarding Tamil cinema experiences of the year.

#BalajiTharaneetharan @actorvijaysethupathi #SaiPrithviraj @lijomol #SahasraSree @santhybee @vishnu_govindan__ #HariKrishnan @abhyankkar @thecinecolumn by @thecinecolumn

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15 days ago

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Drishyam: The Conclusion (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

Opting for a sleeker, grander, and more overtly theatrical approach than its Malayalam counterpart, #DrishyamTheConclusion delivers a crowd‑pleasing finale that emphasizes large‑scale confrontations and heightened cinematic drama. While the film brings its celebrated game of legal and psychological chess to an ambitious conclusion, a few narrative shortcuts and convenient plot developments expose noticeable loopholes in the writing.

#JaideepAhlawat commands the screen as Special Officer Rajveer Tomar, bringing a menacing charisma and relentless intensity that serves as the perfect counterweight to Vijay’s quiet composure. #PrakashRaj is equally impressive, dominating the courtroom portions of the second half with commanding presence and razor‑sharp legal confrontations. At the center of it all, #AjayDevgn once again excels as Vijay Salgaonkar, relying on controlled silence and understated emotion to portray a desperate father whose calm exterior conceals the mind of a master strategist.

Although the climax delivers the emotional and crowd‑pleasing payoff fans expect, several key twists leading up to it rely on convenient coincidences and logical leaps, slightly weakening the otherwise clever cat‑and‑mouse narrative.

On the whole, Drishyam: The Conclusion provides a satisfying send‑off for the Hindi adaptation of the franchise. While it occasionally sacrifices subtlety and emotional nuance in favor of commercial scale and spectacle, its strong ensemble performances and effective final act ensure a gripping and rewarding experience for fans of the trilogy.

#AbhishekPathak @abhishekpathakk @sudhir_cinematographer #Drishyam3 @ajaydevgn #Tabu @ishidutta @shriya_saran1109 @tabutiful #ShriyaSaran #RajatKapoor @rkrkay @jaideepahlawat @jadhavmrunal73 @joinprakashraj #IshitaDutta #MrunalJadhav #KamleshSawant #SaurabhShukla #SamvednaSuwalka #NishantSingh #NehaJoshi #AjeethSingh #RamchandraSingh #RaviBasrur #SudhirKChaudhary #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn by @thecinecolumn

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15 days ago

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Dorothy (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy is a deeply personal, genre‑bending rural drama that confronts toxic masculinity, caste oppression, and gender identity with remarkable courage. Set against the backdrop of 90s Madurai, the film refuses to romanticize village power structures, instead dissecting the emotional imprisonment created by patriarchal expectations. In doing so, it delivers a compassionate and thought‑provoking plea for queer inclusivity, empathy, and emotional vulnerability.

Sananth delivers a career‑defining performance as Subbu, seamlessly charting the character’s journey from a spirited, defensive young man to someone gradually embracing his authentic self. Rishikanth matches him beautifully as Karthi, capturing his evolving awareness and inner conflict with quiet intensity. Though her screen time is limited, Keerthy Suresh brings warmth, grace, and emotional depth to the narrative, serving as the catalyst that pushes both men toward moments of profound self‑reflection. Muthukumar and Ramachandran Durairaj also leave a strong impression with memorable supporting performances.

Visually, the film is stunning. S. Thiru’s cinematography moves effortlessly between stark monochrome desaturation and soft, dreamlike textures, particularly during the road‑trip sections. Combined with Ilaiyaraaja’s spellbinding and atmospheric score, the film achieves a rare balance between rustic realism and poetic beauty.

Ambitious, courageous, and emotionally resonant, Dorothy stands as one of the most distinctive entries in Karthik Subbaraj’s filmography. By channeling mainstream cinematic craft into a sensitive exploration of friendship, self‑discovery, and systemic bigotry, the film delivers a visceral and deeply thought‑provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

#Dorothy #KarthikSubbaraj #KeerthySuresh #Sananth #Rishikanth #JeevaSubramanian @Dop_tirru #RamachandranDurairaj #Muthukumar #SoundaraRaja #AnthonyDaasan @iam_rishikanth @Ilaiyaraaja_offl #Ilaiyaraaja #STirru #GaneshSiva @thecutsmaker #KumarGangappan @dorothythefilm @ksubbaraj @keerthysureshofficial @sananth__ @Kumargangappan by @thecinecolumn

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22 days ago

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It's a Medical Miracle (2026)
⭐⭐½

#ItsAMedicalMiracle thrives on sheer novelty, built around the inventive idea of using a medical anomaly—hyper‑sensitive hearing—as the driving force of a comedy‑investigation drama. The premise opens vast possibilities for humor and suspense, and #SangeethPratap as Ruben begins strongly, convincingly portraying the physical and psychological toll of waking up to a deafeningly loud world. Yet as Ruben grows increasingly detached from his predicament, the writing falters, leaving the audience emotionally disengaged from his journey.

Technically, the sound design team deserves credit for simulating Ruben’s sensory overload. The effects vividly convey the intensity of his auditory curse, immersing viewers in his disorientation. #SharafUdheen provides reliable relief during key situational interactions, balancing the film’s tonal shifts.

Despite its stellar central idea, the screenplay struggles to sustain emotional depth or tension. Plot twists land with little impact, and the second half feels flat and repetitive. Several sequences are over‑explained long after the audience has grasped their meaning, draining momentum.

It’s a Medical Miracle is an okayish, one‑time watch that rides heavily on the strength of its fantastic premise. Clever concept and strong technical sound design provide occasional flashes of entertainment, but sluggish pacing, repetitive scenes, and plain narrative execution prevent it from becoming the hilarious, high‑stakes thriller it could have been.

@sharaf_u_dheen @sangeeth.prathap
#FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn #TheCineColumn #CinemaOrigin #ZeroSpooilers #FilmCommunity #CinemaReviews #FilmReview #ShyaminGireesh #AkhilaBhargavan #AnandManmadhan #KiranPeethambaran #ParvathyKrishna #KottayamNazeer #NileenSandra @shyamingireesh @itsamedicalmiraclemovie @akhilabhargavan @nileen_sandra @parvathy_r_krishna @kiran_peethambaran @anandmanmadhan @marjarra_vfx @thambijoju by @thecinecolumn

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a month ago

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Resident Evil (2026)
⭐⭐⭐½

Resident Evil is a bold, chaotic reboot that injects fresh energy into the franchise. A high‑octane, real‑time survival horror, it abandons action‑hero clichés in favor of pure gamer‑inspired panic. Inventive set pieces, sharp direction, and Austin Abrams’ engaging lead performance make it a thrilling ride.

Director Zach Cregger leans into survival horror mechanics, mimicking the feel of playing a Resident Evil game—locked doors, grotesque monsters, frantic escapes. He wisely avoids lore dumps, focusing instead on what makes survival horror games compelling: resource scarcity, tense navigation, and the panic of being underprepared.

Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski blends video game‑style angles with cinematic dread, crafting corridors and chase sequences that feel immersive and terrifying. Austin Abrams shines as Bryan, balancing hapless humor with genuine tension. His hilariously relatable, physical performance grounds the film—reacting not as an invincible hero but as a real person consumed by terror, profanity, and desperation.

The mix of horror and comedy works surprisingly well, offering levity without undercutting the scares. Practical creature designs and Lovecraftian body‑horror set pieces look and sound bone‑crunchingly real. Yet supporting characters remain underdeveloped, leaving Austin to carry most of the emotional weight.

Resident Evil succeeds as a stylish, chaotic reboot that captures the essence of survival horror while injecting humor and energy. Its lack of narrative depth occasionally holds it back, but it’s easily the most entertaining creature feature to prioritize adrenaline‑fueled gameplay energy over heavy franchise mythology.

@residentevil @residentevilfans_ @zcregger @austinabramsfans @dariusz_wolski_official @legacyeffects #ResidentEvil #ZachCregger #AustinAbrams #DariuszWolski #JoeMurphy #LegacyEffects #WetaFX @wetafxofficial #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn #TheCineColumn #CinemaOrigin #ZeroSpooilers #FilmCommunity #CinemaReviews #FilmReview by @thecinecolumn

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a month ago

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Modha Rathiri (2026)
⭐⭐½

Modha Rathri delivers an honest, family‑friendly narrative centered on societal pressure, communication, and human relationships. The opening stretch generates genuine laughs through chaotic family dynamics, witty dialect‑heavy dialogue, and clever parallel comedy tracks—including an amusing subplot involving a character’s inner conscience.

Cinematographer Surendran Paranjothi makes dynamic use of long single‑take shots and claustrophobic framing, with tight compositions emphasizing how trapped the couple feels under the weight of overbearing relatives. Rishikanth grounds the film as a conflicted, practical groom, while Anishma conveys Muthuselvi’s suppressed frustration and emotional isolation through quiet silences and sudden outbursts. The ensemble cast—especially Bagavathi Perumal, Chetan, Shelly, Abdool Lee, Sangetha Balan, Sumitra and director Raja Karuppasamy—deliver strong supporting performances that add texture to the narrative.

After a riotous first half, however, the film loses momentum as it shifts into heavier emotional territory. Situations stretch unnecessarily, turning the central conflict repetitive and diluting its impact.

As a modest, well‑intentioned debut, Modha Rathri offers a refreshing spin on the marital comedy‑drama template. While pacing missteps in the second half hold it back, sharp directorial instincts and sincere performances make it a watchable effort.

#ModhaRathri #SurendranParanjothi #Rishikanth #AnishmaAnilkumar #BagavathiPerumal #Chetan #ShellyKishore #AbdoolLee #SangethaBalan #SumitraDevi #RajaKaruppasamy @surendranparanjothi @iam_rishikanth @anishma_anilkumar__ @bucksactorofficial @chetan_k_a @shelly.n.kumar @raja_karuppasamy @sangeetha_balan_official @sumithra__devi @abdool_lee #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn #TheCineColumn #CinemaOrigin #ZeroSpooilers #FilmCommunity #CinemaReviews #FilmReview by @thecinecolumn

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a month ago

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Ghamasaan (2024)
⭐⭐½

Shot against rustic terrains, #Ghamasaan is loosely inspired by true events and the life of the notorious dacoit Dadua. While the gritty landscape lends the film an authentic flavor, the storytelling proves uneven—gripping in parts yet disjointed and sketchy in others, with scenes that fail to blend seamlessly into the narrative.

The violence is gory and macabre, but the action and chase sequences feel rehearsed and rudimentary. Beyond #ArshadWarsi and #PratikGandhi, most characters remain underdeveloped, with arcs abandoned midway only to be revisited at the very end. A slicker edit was sorely needed to reduce repetition, smoothen awkward transitions, and highlight the local and political dynamics more impactfully.

That said, Arshad Warsi pulls off a solid, menacing act as Maharaj, while Pratik Gandhi is sincere as the earnest IPS officer. #JatinGoswami stands out as Maharaj’s close aide, and #RajpalYadav leaves a mark despite limited screen time.

On the whole, Ghamasaan is not among #TigmanshuDhulia’s finest works. Though built on an intriguing premise and holding up in parts, the film is ultimately let down by its disjointed storytelling and lack of narrative cohesion.

@pratikgandhiofficial, @arshad_warsi, @ishidutta, @tigmanshudhulia #IshitaDutta @rajpalofficial @jatingoswami_official #JatinGoswami #DevAgarwal #FilmNerd #MovieTalk #CinemaExperience #FilmAnalysis #MovieRater #MovieGuide #MovieLover #TheMovieLover @thecinecolumn #TheCineColumn #CinemaOrigin #ZeroSpooilers #FilmCommunity #CinemaReviews #FilmReview by @thecinecolumn

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a month ago