See a full list of winners below.
CHOICE WEB STAR: FEMALE
Bethany Mota (WINNER)
Eva Gutowski
Grace Helbig
Jen McAllister
Michelle Phan
Lele Pans
CHOICE WEB STAR: MALE
Cameron Dallas (WINNER)
Matthew Espinosa
Joey Graceffa
Ryan Higa
Felix Kjellberg
Tyler Oakley
CHOICE SUMMER SONG
“Worth It” -Fifth Harmony (WINNER)
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar
“Cheerleader” – OMI
“Cool For the Summer” – Demi Lovato
“Fight Song” -Rachel Platten
“Good For You” -Selena Gomez & A$AP Rocky
CHOICE FASHION: FEMALE HOTTIE
Fifth Harmony (WINNER)
Miley Cyrus
Cara Delevingne
Selena Gomez
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
CHOICE MUSIC: FEMALE ARTIST
Fifth Harmony (WINNER)
Barden Bellas
Cimorelli
HAIM
Icona Pop
Little Mix
CHOICE SELFIE TAKER
One Direction (WINNER)
Justin Bieber
Kim Kardashian
Kylie Jenner
Rihanna
Nicole Scherzinger
CHOICE FASHION: MALE HOTTIE
One Direction (WINNER)
5 Seconds Of Summer
Justin Bieber
Ryan Guzman
Austin Mahone
Zayn Malik
CHOICE TV ACTOR: COMEDY
Ross Lynch, Austin & Ally (WINNER)
Anthony Anderson, Blackish
Jamie Camil, Jane The Virgin
Chris Colfer, Glee
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
CHOICE MUSIC: PARTY SONG
“No Control” – One Direction (WINNER)
“BBHM” – Rihanna
“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift
“I Want You To Know” – Selena Gomez & Zedd
“Shut Up & Dance” – Walk The Moon
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
CHOICE TV: DRAMA SHOW
Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
Castle
Empire
The Fosters
Grey’s Anatomy
Nashville
CHOICE MOVIE ACTOR: ACTION
Paul Walker, Furious 7 (WINNER)
Vin Diesel, Furious 7
Ansel Elgort, The Divergent Series: Insurgent
Theo James, The Divergent Series: Insurgent
Taylor Lautner, Tracers
Dylan O’Brien, The Maze Runner
CHOICE MOVIE: ACTION
Furious 7 (WINNER)
The Divergent Series: Insurgent
Kingsman: The Secret Service
San Andreas
Tracers
The Maze Runner
CHOICE TV ACTRESS: SCI-FI/FANTASY
Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries (WINNER)
Candice Accola, The Vampire Diaries
Jennifer Morrison, Once Upon A Time
Danielle Panabaker, The Flash
Emily Bett Richards, Arrow
Eliza Taylor, The 100
CHOICE MUSIC: R&B/HIP HOP ARTIST
Wiz Khalifa (WINNER)
Iggy Azalea
Drake
Nicki Minaj
The Weeknd
Kanye West
CHOICE MALE ATHLETE
Stephen Curry (WINNER)
American Pharoah/Victor Espinoza
Tom Brady
Lebron James
Cristiano Ronaldo
Jordan Spieth
CHOICE MOVIE ACTRESS: DRAMA
Chloe Grace Moretz, If I Stay (WINNER)
Felicity Jones, True Story / The Theory Of Everything
Blake Lively, The Age of Adaline
Britt Robertson, The Longest Ride
Kristen Stewart, Still Alice
Reese Witherspoon, Wild
CHOICE MOVIE ACTOR: Drama
Scott Eastwood, The Longest Ride (WINNER)
James Franco, True Story
Chris Hemsworth, Blackhat
Jonah Hill, True Story
Logan Lerman, Fury
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
CHOICE WEB STAR: MUSIC
Shawn Mendes (WINNER)
Christina Grimmie
Jack & Jack
Tori Kelly
Lindsey Stirling
Sam Tsui
CHOICE TV: BREAKOUT SHOW
Empire (WINNER)
Becoming Us
Blackish
iZombie
Jane The Virgin
Younger
CHOICE MOVIE ACTOR: Sci-Fit/Fantasy
Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 (WINNER)
George Clooney, Tomorrowland
Robert Downey Jr., Avengers: Age of Ultron
Chris Hemsworth, Avengers: Age of Ultron
Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1
Channing Tatum, Jupiter Ascending
CHOICE COMEDIAN
Ellen DeGeneres (WINNER)
Jimmy Fallon
Kevin Hart
Jimmy Kimmel
George Lopez
Amy Schumer
CHOICE MOVIE ACTOR: COMEDY
Skylar Astin, Pitch Perfect 2 (WINNER)
Robbie Amell, The Duff
Jim Carrey, Dumb and Dumber To
Bradley Cooper, Aloha
Kevin James, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
Ben Stiller, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
CHOICE MOVIE ACTRESS: ACTION
Shailene Woodley, The Divergent Series: Insurgent (WINNER)
Jordana Brewster, Furious 7
Alexandra Daddario, San Andreas
Maggie Grace, Taken 3
Michelle Rodriguez, Furious 7
Kaya Scodelario, The Maze Runner
CHOICE MOVIE: Drama
If I Stay (WINNER)
The Age Of Adaline
Fury
The Longest Ride
McFarland, USA
The Theory Of Everything
CHOICE MOVIE: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (WINNER)
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Cinderella
The Hobbit: Battle Of the Five Armies
Mad Max: Fury Road
Tomorrowland
CHOICE MOVIE ACTRESS: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 (WINNER)
Mackenzie Foy, Interstellar
Lily James, Cinderella
Scarlett Johansson, Avengers: Age of Ultron
Mila Kunis, Jupiter Ascending
Brit Robertson, Tomorrowland
CHOICE MOVIE: COMEDY
Pitch Perfect 2 (WINNER)
Aloha
The Duff
Dumb and Dumber To
Night At The Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
CHOICE MOVIE ACTRESS: COMEDY
Anna Kendrick, Pitch Perfect 2 (WINNER)
Raini Rodriguez, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
Emma Stone, Aloha
Mae Whitman, The Duff
Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect 2
Reese Witherspoon, Hot Pursuit
CHOICE MOVIE: VILLAIN
Bella Thorne, The Duff (WINNER)
Rose Byrne, Spy
Vincent D’Onofrio, Jurassic World
Jason Statham, Furious 7
Donald Sutherland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
Kate Winslet, The DIvergent Series: Insurgent
CHOICE MOVIE: CHEMISTRY
Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow, Pitch Perfect 2 (WINNER)
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, Dumb and Dumber To
The Cast of Furious 7
Thomas Mann and RJ Cyler, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Dylan O’Brien and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, The Maze Runner
Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon, Hot Pursuit
CHOICE MOVIE: LIPLOCK
Shailene Woodley and Theo James, The Divergent Series: Insurgent (WINNER)
Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
Blake Lively and Michiel Huisman, The Age of Adaline
Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell, The Duff
Rebel Wilson and Adam DeVine, Pitch Perfect 2
Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, Hot Pursuit
CHOICE MOVIE: HISSYFIT
Anna Kendrick, Pitch Perfect 2 (WINNER)
Lewis Black, Inside Out
Bryce Dallas Howard, Jurassic World
Melissa McCarthy, Spy
Reese Witherspoon,Hot Pursuit
CHOICE MOVIE: SCENE STEALER
Chris Evans, Avengers: Age of Ultron (WINNER)
Adam DeVine, Pitch Perfect 2
Green Bay Packers, Pitch Perfect 2
Nicholas Hoult , Mad Max: Fury Road
Hailee Steinfeld, Pitch Perfect 2
Miles Teller, The Divergent Series: Insurgent
CHOICE MOVIE: BREAKOUT STAR
Cara Delevingne, Paper Towns (WINNER)
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, The Maze Runner
Scott Eastwood, The Longest Ride
Taron Egerton, Kingsman: The Secret Service
Thomas Mann, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Elizabeth Olsen, Avengers: Age Of Ultron
CHOICE SUMMER MOVIE
Paper Towns (WINNER)
Inside Out
Jurassic World
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Spy
Terminator Genisys
CHOICE SUMMER MOVIE STAR: MALE
Channing Tatum, Magic Mike XXL (WINNER)
Dwayne Johnson, San Andreas
Chris Pratt, Jurassic World
Paul Rudd, Ant-Man
Adam Sandler, Pixels
Nat Wolff, Paper Towns
CHOICE SUMMER MOVIE STAR: FEMALE
Cara Delvingne, Paper Towns (WINNER)
Emilia Clarke, Terminator Genisys
Bryce Dallas Howard, Jurassic World
Evangeline Lilly , Ant-Man
Melissa McCarthy, Spy
Amy Poehler, Inside Out
CHOICE MUSIC: MALE ARTIST
Ed Sheeran (WINNER)
Jason Derulo
Nick Jonas
Shawn Mendes
Pitbull
Sam Smith
CHOICE MUSIC: FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift (WINNER)
Iggy Azalea
Selena Gomez
Demi Lovato
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
CHOICE MUSIC GROUP: MALE ARTIST
One Direction (WINNER)
5 Seconds Of Summer
Fall Out Boy
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
One Republic
CHOICE MUSIC: COUNTRY ARTIST
Carrie Underwood (WINNER)
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Hunter Hayes
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
CHOICE MUSIC SINGLE: FEMALE ARTIST
“One Last Time” -Ariana Grande (WINNER)
“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor
“Bang Bang” – Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
“Heartbeat Song” – Kelly Clarkson
“Pretty Girls” – Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
CHOICE MUSIC SINGLE: MALE ARTIST
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran (WINNER)
“Jealous” -Nick Jonas
“Lay Me Down” – Sam Smith
“Stitches” – Shawn Mendes
“Uptown Funk” – Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson
“Where R U Now” – Justin Bieber, Skrillex & Diplo
CHOICE MUSIC SINGLE: GROUP
“Steal My Girl” – One Direction (WINNER)
“Centuries” -Fall Out Boy
“Cool Kids” – Echo Smith
“Sugar” – Maroon 5
“What I Like About You” – 5 Seconds Of Summer
“Worth It” – Fifth Harmony
CHOICE MUSIC: INTERNATIONAL ARTIST:
Super Junior (WINNER)
2NE1
5 seconds Of Summer
Girls’ Generation
Little Mix
One Direction
CHOICE MUSIC: COUNTRY SONG
“Little Toy Guns” – Carrie Underwood (WINNER)
“21” – Hunter Hayes
“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan
“Sippin On Fire” – Florida Georiga Line
“Take Your Time” – Sam Hunt
“That Ghost” – Megan and Liz
CHOICE MUSIC: R&B/HIP HOP SONG
“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth (WINNER)
“BBHM” – Rihanna
“Earned It” – The Weeknd
“Four Five Seconds” – Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney
“I Don’t Like It, I Love it” – FloRida, Robin Thicke & Verdine White
“Watch Me” – Silento
CHOICE MUSIC: ROCK SONG
“Take Me To Church” – Hozier (WINNER)
“Budapest” – George Ezra
“I Bet My Life” – Imagine Dragons
“Renegades” – X Ambassadors
“Tear In My Heart” – Twenty One Pilots
“Uma Thurman” – Fall Out Boy
CHOICE MUSIC: LOVE SONG
“Night Changes” – One Direction (WINNER)
“Black Magic” – Little Mix
“Earned It” – The Weeknd
“Sledgehammer” -Fifth Harmony
“Sugar” – Maroon 5
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
CHOICE MUSIC: BREAK-UP SONG
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
“Don’t” – Ed Sheeran
“Exs & Oh’s” -Elle King
“The Heart Wants What It Wants” – Selena Gomez
“Lips Are Moving” – Meghan Trainor
“Where R U Now” – Justin Bieber, Diplo & Skrillex
CHOICE SUMMER MUSIC STAR: FEMALE ARTIST
Taylor Swift (WINNER)
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Rihanna
Nicki Minaj
CHOICE SUMMER MUSIC STAR: MALE ARTIST
Ed Sheeran (WINNER)
Justin Bieber
Jason Derulo
Andy Grammer
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd
CHOICE SUMMER MUSIC STAR: GROUP
One Direction (WINNER)
5 Seconds Of Summer
Echosmith
Fifth Harmony
Little Mix
Maroon 5
CHOICE SUMMER TOUR
On The Road Again Tour, One Direction (WINNER)
The 1989 Tour, Taylor Swift
Boys Of Zummer Tour, Fall Out Boy & Wiz Khalifa
The Honeymoon Tour, Ariana Grande
Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour, 5 Seconds of Summer
X, Ed Sheeran
CHOICE MUSIC: BREAKOUT ARTIST
Little Mix (WINNER)
Andy Grammer
ToveLo
Rachel Platten
Meghan Trainor
The Weeknd
CHOICE MUSIC: THE NEXT BIG THING
Bea Miller (WINNER)
Clark Beckham
Kailin & Miles
Skate Maloney
Neon Jungle
Spring King
CHOICE MUSIC: COLLABORATION
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)
“Hey Mama” – David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
“Pretty Girls” – Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea
“See you Again” – Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
“Where Are U Now” – Justin Bieber, Skrillex & Diplo
CHOICE MUSIC: SONG FROM MOVIE OR TV SHOW
“See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth, Furious 7 (WINNER)
“Believe” -Shawn Mendes, The Descendants
“Flashlight” – Jessie J, Pitch Perfect 2
“Gotta Be Me” – Teen Beach 2 Cast, Teen Beach 2
“Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding, Fifty Shades Of Grey
“You’re So Beautiful” – Jussie Smolett & Yazz, Empire
CHOICE TV ACTOR: DRAMA
Ian Harding , Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
Keegan Allen, Pretty Little Liars
Jake T. Austin, The Fosters
Nathan Fillion, Nashville
Terrence Howard, Empire
Jussie Smolett, Empire
CHOICE TV ACTRESS: DRAMA
Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Maia Mitchell, The Fosters
Shay Mitchell, Pretty Little Liars
Hayden Panettiere, Nashville
Kerry Washington, Scandal
CHOICE TV: FANTASY/SCI-FI
The Vampire Diaries (WINNER)
The 100
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Arrow
Once Upon A Time
Sleepy Hollow
CHOICE TV ACTOR: SCI FI/FANTASY
Jared Padalecki, Supernatural (WINNER)
Stephen Amell, Arrow
Joseph Morgan, The Originals
Bob Morley, The 100
Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
PaulWesley, The Vampire Diaries
CHOICE TV: COMEDY
The Big Bang Theory (WINNER)
Austin & Ally
Awkward
Girl Meets World
New Girl
Young & Hungry
Choice TV Actress: Comedy
Lea Michele – Glee (WINNER)
Dove Cameron – Liv and Maddie
Emily Osment – Young & Hungry
Gina Rodriguez – Jane The Virgin
Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting – The Big Bang Theory
Zendaya – KC Undercover
CHOICE TV: ANIMATED SHOW
Family Guy (WINNER)
Adventure Time
Gravity Falls
Regular Show
The Simpsons
Star Wars Rebels
CHOICE TV: REALITY SHOW
The Voice (WINNER)
Dance Moms
American Idol
Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Lip Sync Battle
Masterchef Junior
CHOICE TV: VILLAIN
A, Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
Tom Cavanaugh, The Flash
The Dread Doctors, Teen Wolf
Terrence Howard, Empire
Matt Nable, Arrow
Chris Wood, The Vampire Diaries
CHOICE TV: SCENE STEALER
Dylan O’Brian, Teen Wolf (WINNER)
Trai Byers, Empire
Kat Graham, The Vampire Diaries
Sasha Pieterse, Pretty Little Liars
Bella Thorne, Scream
Ashley Tisdale, Young & Hungry
CHOICE TV: BREAKOUT STAR
Grant Gustin, The Flash (WINNER)
Candice Patton, The Flash
Gina Rodriguez, Jane The Virgin
Yara Shahidi, Blackish
Jussie Smolett, Empire
Yazz, Empire
CHOICE TV: CHEMISTRY
Jensen Ackles & Misha Collins, Supernatural (WINNER)
The Cast Of The Big Bang Theory
The Cast Of Empire
Kat Graham & Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
Grant Gustin & Candice Patton, The Flash
Ross Lynch & Laura Marano, Austin & Ally
CHOICE TV: LIPLOCK
Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries (WINNER)
Candice Accola & Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries
Jennifer Morrison & Colin O’Donoghue, Once Upon A Time
Candice Patton & Grant Gustin, The Flash
Emily Bett Richards & Stephen Amell, Arrow
Gina Rodriguez & Justin Baldoni, Jane The Virgin
CHOICE TV: SUMMER SHOW
Teen Wolf (WINNER)
Baby Daddy
Chasing Life
Faking It
Scream
So You Think You Can Dance
CHOICE TV SUMMER STAR: MALE
Tyler Blackburn, Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
David Lambert, The Fosters
Ross Lynch, Teen Beach 2
Tyler Posey, Teen Wolf
Gregg Sulkin, Faking It
Mike Vogel, Under The Dome
CHOICE TV SUMMER STAR: FEMALE
Ashley Benson, Pretty Little Liars (WINNER)
Troian Bellisario, Pretty Little Liars
Willa Fitzgerald, Scream
Laura Marano, Austin & Ally
Maia Mitchell, Teen Beach 2
Italia Ricci, Chasing Life
CHOICE FEMALE ATHLETE
U.S. Women’s Soccer Team (WINNER)
Bella Twins
Simone Biles
Danica Patrick
Ronda Rousey
Serena Williams
CHOICE WEB STAR: COMEDY
Colleen Ballinger (WINNER)
Dude Perfect
Nash Grier
The Janoskians
Josh Peck
Lily Singh
CHOICE WEB STAR: FASHION/BEAUTY
Zoe Sugg (WINNER)
Andrea Brooks
Rachel Levin
Bethany Mota
Ingrid Nilsen
Michelle Phan
CHOICE SOCIAL MEDIA KING
Justin Bieber (WINNER)
Jimmy Fallon
LeBron James
Bruno Mars
Pitbull
Justin Timberlake
CHOICE SOCIAL MEDIA QUEEN
Caitlyn Jenner (WINNER)
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
CHOICE TWIT
Taylor Swift (WINNER)
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
Shakira
Justin Timberlake
CHOICE VINER
Cameron Dallas (WINNER)
Matthew Espinosa
Brittny Furlan
Logan Paul
Josh Peck
Lele Pons
CHOICE INSTAGRAMMER
Ariana Grande (WINNER)
Beyonce
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
Kylie Jenner
Kim Kardashian
CHOICE YOUTUBER
Kian Lawley (WINNER)
Conor Franta
Jenna Mourey
Bethany Mota
Tyler Oakley
Lilly Singh
CHOICE FANDOM
Super Junior (WINNER)
5 Seconds Of Summer
Fifth Harmony
Lady Gaga
Demi Lovato
One Direction
CHOICE DANCER
Chloe Lukasiak (WINNER)
Alison Holker
Derek Hough
Les Twins
tWitch
Maddie Ziegler
CHOICE MODEL
Kendall Jenner (WINNER)
Hailey Baldwin
Cara Delevingne
Gigi Hadid
Karlie Kloss
Robyn Lawley

Movie
The rise of Japanese anime in India

In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.
Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects.
Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India.
The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:
Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences.
Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers.
Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest.
Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India.
The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.
In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.
Streaming
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios
—
Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.
The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.
The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.
Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.
The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.
At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.
Rating: 9/10
Movie
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Runtime: 2h 17min
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
Director: Manoj Rathi
Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh
Studio: Rathi Films India
Cast:
Gavie Chahal as Veeru
Aarushi Sharma as Meera
Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab
Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik
Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon
—
Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.
Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What Worked:
Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.
Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.
Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.
Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.
Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.