Despite everyone remaining at home this year, tradition still stood true at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. While many directors make regular appearances in Hall H each year, there is only one director that annually receives his own panel regardless of whether or not he has a movie to promote. Since 1995, Kevin Smith has graced the stage of San Diego Comic-Con to basically just chat with the fans. While this year is a little different, he makes up for it by filling our ears with everything he’s been up to in the past year, as well as some new projects on the horizon.
Smith began the panel exactly where he left off last year, presenting the first look at his most recent film, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. From October 2019 to February 2020, Smith hit the road along with his co-star and “hetero-life mate” Jason Mewes for the “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Roadshow Tour”. The dynamic duo took the movie from coast to coast and even overseas, packed to the rafters with diehard fans of the View Askewniverse. Days after the tour ended, COVID-19 shut everything down. However, Smith makes it clear that no pandemic is mighty enough to stop the Smodfather.
Ever since the fall of last year, Smith has been serving as showrunner for “Masters of the Universe: Revelation”, a Netflix sequel series to the popular 80s series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”. While he couldn’t show us any trailers or official images (though he did tease us with a gag portrait of Skeletor in a suggestive pose), he informed us that dialogue recording has been completed and he has seen early animatics of the show.
Smith also plugged his new dedicated fan club site, That Kevin Smith Club. ThatKevinSmithClub.com includes a decade-long library of nearly all his weekly podcasts (the exception being Hollywood Babble-On, which is available at TheRalphReport.com), as well as countless interviews and TV appearances featuring Smith & Co. A welcome new addition to the Club is a morning show titled “Wake & Bake”, in which Smith reads from old production journals, unused screenplays, and of course does as the title suggests. The club has four tiers of membership that include different levels of access to the site’s content, as well as exclusive merchandise delivered to your door every 3 months. The tiers are Clerk ($5/month), Mallrat ($10/month), Funployee ($15/month) and Yoga Hoser ($30/month).
Next, Smith played to the fans of the horror genre, unveiling the first look at his long-in-development anthology film, “Killroy Was Here”. Filmed prior to “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot”, “Killroy” has been sitting on the back burner for nearly three years. Originally conceived as a Krampus-themed film co-written by Smith and his “Edumacation” co-host Andy Mcelfresh, “Killroy Was Here” provides a modern-day urban legend look at the character of Kilroy. Kilroy was made famous by American GIs that would draw the mysterious long-nosed figure peering over walls where they were stationed or had visited, including the caption “Kilroy Was Here”. In Smith’s version, Killroy (adding an extra L) was once Roy Huggins, a man left horribly disfigured after literally having his face melted. Smith describes his version of the character as “The Kid Avenger…ya know, if you F— with kids, Killroy will show up.” “Killroy Was Here” is targeting a release in early 2021.
Smith closed out the panel by giving an official announcement regarding his long-talked-about Mallrats sequel, “Twilight of the Mallrats”. Smith had been trying to get a Mallrats sequel off the ground for the better part of five years, but the success of “Reboot” renewed Universal’s interest. “Twilight of the Mallrats” will see Brodie Bruce (once again played by Jason Lee) dealing with the dying nature of his beloved mall in a post-pandemic world all while tackling fatherhood. The screenplay has been completed and filming is currently targeting a 2021 start date.
For more information on Kevin Smith and all his upcoming projects head over to ThatKevinSmithClub.com and be sure to check out That’s My Entertainment’s podcast, “An Askewed View” wherever you listen to podcasts!
As a devoted fan of South Indian action cinema and an entertainment journalist, I’ve come to admire the sheer charisma, talent, and screen presence of a few iconic actors who have redefined the genre. Here’s a list of my top five favorite Indian action heroes, along with a couple of must-watch movies from each of them that showcase their incredible prowess on screen.
- NTR Jr.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., known as NTR Jr., is an electrifying performer who blends action and emotion effortlessly. His dialogue delivery, intensity, and dance moves make him a powerhouse in South Indian cinema.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action-drama showcases NTR Jr. as Komaram Bheem, a fierce and compassionate warrior.
Temper (2015): NTR Jr. delivers a riveting performance as a corrupt cop who embarks on a journey of redemption.
- Allu Arjun
The “Stylish Star” of Tollywood, Allu Arjun, is celebrated for his fluid dance moves, charismatic screen presence, and action-packed roles. His ability to transform into diverse characters has won him a massive fanbase.
Must-Watch Movies:
Pushpa: The Rise (2021): As Pushpa Raj, a smuggler with unyielding determination, Allu Arjun delivers a gritty and unforgettable performance.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): While not strictly an action film, it features intense fight scenes and showcases Allu Arjun’s versatility.
- Prabhas
Known for his larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has become a global sensation. His dedication to his craft and ability to headline mega-budget films set him apart.
Must-Watch Movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): These iconic films, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, transformed Prabhas into a household name.
Saaho (2019): A high-octane action-thriller where Prabhas portrays an enigmatic cop.
- Yash
Yash’s meteoric rise to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. His raw energy, intense action sequences, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a South Indian action hero.
Must-Watch Movies:
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) & KGF: Chapter 2 (2022): Yash as Rocky Bhai is a cinematic phenomenon, blending larger-than-life action with a gripping storyline.
Masterpiece (2015): A lesser-known gem that highlights Yash’s charisma and action chops.
- Ram Charan
Ram Charan, a dynamic performer, has mastered the art of blending action, drama, and dance in his roles. His nuanced performances and incredible screen presence make him a fan favorite.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): His portrayal of Alluri Sitarama Raju, alongside NTR Jr., is a masterclass in action and emotion.
Magadheera (2009): A timeless classic that combines action, romance, and fantasy in a spellbinding narrative.
Why These Actors Shine
What makes these stars stand out in the realm of South Indian action movies is their ability to push boundaries, take on challenging roles, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s NTR Jr.’s emotional depth, Allu Arjun’s stylish personas, Prabhas’s epic presence, Yash’s raw intensity, or Ram Charan’s versatility, these actors have set benchmarks in the industry.
So, if you’re an action movie enthusiast like me, dive into their filmographies—you won’t be disappointed!
When RRR stormed onto the global stage, it didn’t just captivate audiences—it redefined Indian cinema’s reach. Among the legion of admirers is none other than James Gunn, the mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and the architect of DC Studios’ cinematic future. Gunn’s vocal admiration for the film, particularly its star NTR Jr., has sparked excitement in Hollywood and beyond. It’s a testament to NTR Jr.’s exceptional talent and a long-overdue recognition of his abilities as an actor of extraordinary caliber.
In interviews and social media posts, Gunn has repeatedly praised RRR for its storytelling, high-octane action, and emotionally charged performances. However, what truly stood out for the acclaimed filmmaker was NTR Jr.’s portrayal of Komaram Bheem. Gunn lauded NTR Jr.’s magnetic screen presence, noting how his nuanced performance struck the perfect balance between raw intensity and heartfelt vulnerability. For Gunn, this wasn’t just an appreciation of a great film—it was a call to collaborate with an actor who embodies the charisma and skill needed for global stardom.
As Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, the prospect of bringing NTR Jr. into the fold feels like a natural progression. With his eye for blending humor, heart, and heroism, Gunn’s creative vision would pair seamlessly with NTR Jr.’s dynamic acting range.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Tarak, is no stranger to acclaim. Hailing from the illustrious Nandamuri family, his rise to stardom was marked by a series of standout performances in Telugu cinema. With each role, NTR Jr. has proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning from emotionally driven characters in films like Yamadonga to action-packed blockbusters such as Temper and Janatha Garage. His role in RRR, however, elevated his craft to an international platform.
In RRR, NTR Jr. brought Komaram Bheem to life with an intensity that left audiences in awe. From the iconic jungle tiger scene to the emotionally wrenching friendship dynamic with Ram Charan’s Raju, he carried the weight of the film on his broad shoulders with effortless grace. His ability to portray strength, resilience, and vulnerability in equal measure cements him as one of Indian cinema’s greatest.
For years, Indian actors have slowly been making their mark on Hollywood, but NTR Jr. is poised to take it a step further. His universal appeal, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a natural choice for a crossover into global cinema. James Gunn’s interest in collaborating with him is not just a compliment—it’s a recognition of the talent that has long deserved a spotlight.
In a time when audiences are demanding more diverse stories and authentic representation, NTR Jr.’s inclusion in a major Hollywood franchise would be a game-changer. Whether as a DC superhero, a cosmic adventurer, or a complex antihero, Tarak has the range to bring any character to life.
Gunn’s admiration for RRR and NTR Jr. signifies more than just a potential collaboration. It’s a validation of Indian cinema’s ability to produce world-class talent and stories that resonate across cultures. As filmmakers like Gunn shine a light on stars like NTR Jr., the gap between Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood continues to narrow, creating a truly global entertainment industry.
For NTR Jr., this could be the beginning of a journey that takes him from an Indian megastar to an international icon. As fans of cinema, we can only hope that James Gunn’s vision materializes, giving us the opportunity to see Tarak in a role that matches his immense potential. After all, it’s about time the world recognizes what Indian audiences have known for years—NTR Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Review By: Raja V. Deva
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Runtime: Approximately 165 minutes
Director: S. Shankar
Writer: Story by Karthik Subbaraj; Screenplay by S. Shankar, Vivek, and Venkatesan
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S. J. Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Jayaram, Samuthirakani
Music Composer: Thaman S
“Game Changer” marks S. Shankar’s foray into Telugu cinema with a political action thriller designed to be grand in scale and ambition. The film features Ram Charan in dual roles: Appanna, a shrewd political leader, and his son, Ram Nandan, an upright IAS officer determined to clean up a corrupt system. However, despite the actor’s valiant efforts, the story doesn’t fully work with Ram Charan in the lead.
Originally conceptualized for another actor, the film’s narrative feels like it was tailored for someone with real-life political aspirations. While Ram Charan brings his star power and intensity to the roles, the weighty political undertones and the narrative’s structure don’t align well with his on-screen persona. His dual performance showcases his range, but the emotional depth and conviction required to anchor such a politically charged film seem misaligned with his strengths.
The supporting cast provides decent performances, with Kiara Advani and Anjali making their presence felt, though their characters lack depth. S. J. Suryah stands out as a formidable antagonist, adding gravitas to the film. Thaman S’s background score enhances the mood, though the songs occasionally disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Visually, the film boasts stunning production values and large-scale set pieces, typical of Shankar’s style. However, even the grandeur and intricate action sequences can’t mask the disjointed storytelling. The screenplay struggles to balance its political commentary with its action-oriented approach, leaving neither element fully realized.
Ultimately, “Game Changer” feels like a project that missed its mark. The story might resonate with audiences interested in political drama or those with a penchant for larger-than-life narratives, but it doesn’t do justice to Ram Charan’s abilities or his established image.
Rating: 6/10
For fans of Ram Charan or political thrillers, it might be worth a watch, but “Game Changer” feels like an opportunity lost to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.
Top 5 Indian Action Movie Stars to Watch Out For
James Gunn’s Love for RRR: The Rise of NTR Jr. as a Global Phenomenon
Review: Game Changer
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