I want to state for the record that Daniel Webber has a charming Australian accent, which made doing a phone interview with him all the more wonderful.
Okay so, Marvel Netflix’s ‘The Punisher’. First off, congratulations!
Thank you so much.
First off, how, why, did you land the role?
Still trying to figure it out. Just went through the process of audition. Sent in a tape for a script, which I didn’t know what it was for, it was originally titled something like ‘Crime’, and then you go down the line and meet the producers and eventually figure out its for the Punisher, and it all comes together!
Tell me you did a fanboy squee at that particular moment.
Well to be brutally honest, my guilty secret is, I didn’t know about The Punisher before then. However, I did do my research while I was in the audition process, as much as you can in the short space of time. I was watching a bunch of Jon Bernthal’s work in Daredevil, to get a sense of what the show was, and then later on began to read the comics and went through some of the great artwork in the storylines, like ‘Welcome Back Frank’ from Garth Ennis, and also working with Jon on the set, that’s actually where the fanboy came out. (laughs)
I bet, that’s terrific. It turns out, I’m actually already a large fan of yours, your portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald that you did in ’11.22.63’, I enjoyed the hell out of that show and greatly enjoyed your performance. And I think that performance can actually relate to this new character!
In some ways, sure. They’re not the same, but they’re on a similar journey. Very different human beings, but it’s good to look at these characters from different angles. To look at that sort of character from a different angle, it’s nice because the show looks at soldiers, and going back to war, and it felt like it had a lot of heart and feeling behind it, like they were trying to communicate a really good message and story. And start a conversation about soldiers coming back from war.
That actually works as a lead-in to the next question – your character Lewis is kind of a heavy character, his journey speaks to the issues of troops in our imperfect military care and after care system, that soldiers that come back from war have to deal with, all different mannerisms of PTSD. What did you do to prepare for portraying such a potentially sensitive role?
I think you got to go into a role like this being as respectful as possible, of the story you’re telling and of the men and women who’ve served. I think the show-runners and everybody involved and overall, understood that very deeply. And actual Veterans are involved in this production, I got to meet and work with some of them and am good friends with a few of them now. I was talked through character and script ideas, and the military specifics of how Lewis might do or not do something, whether or not this phrasing was right, like that. I think you have to understand the story you’re telling, to get involved in that world to that extent, I think it’s a respectful conversation they’re having. Having the utmost respect for these men and women was at the forefront of everyones mind.
That’s terrific, and kind of parlays into the next question – some of the scenes where Lewis is having intense flashbacks to his time in combat in various wars, and what do you do to get yourself into the Lewis frame of mind for those particularly dark times?
I don’t know to be honest, it’s still a bit of a mystery to me.
Just something that you as a very fine actor do naturally, which is awesome.
It takes a lot of work of course, but it’s kind of like a painting, layers and layers upon a painting, you put one stroke on and you brush it over, and brush it over again, I think it’s something that builds up and you just sort of develop your own understanding of what that experience might be like, and hopefully it allows you to take a step off that brink and jump in something and you’ll be portraying it truthfully.
So, are you a fan of the MCU, have you seen some of the other Netflix Marvel shows, or the movies, or how about the comic books?
I’m a big fan, I’m going to go see the new Thor movie tomorrow night. Totally excited for that, I cannot wait. Thor and Wolverine are probably two of my favorites, very excited to see what Cate Blanchett does in this new role as well. I didn’t grow up reading comics, I’ve read a few since, for doing the show, and I can see why people love them. So easily digested, so great.
If you had the chance to whatever character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe you could, whether it be hero villain alien or otherwise, what character would you choose to play?
Oh I don’t know. You give me one, what do you think?
(gulp) Oh my. That is a real toughie in all honesty. Actually, given your wonderful portrayal of Oswald in that show I previously squee’d about, I think you could well do one of Punisher’s minions, I mean, associates. One who goes out and y’know, kills a bunch of people, sure, but also has a philosophical introspective side that nobody really expects.
(laughs) Right? I think any role they’re willing to give me in the Marvel Universe is good enough.
What can we expect to see from you in the future? I know you can’t speculate on if there’s going to be a Punisher season 2, but what are you personally doing after season one? What’s next for you?
I’ve got a new film, it just had the premiere two nights ago, a film with Lena Headey who did ‘Game of Thrones’ –
Oh, how did you manage that one?
She’s great, so lovely. It’s called ‘Thumper’, and it’s rather dark and gritty, trying to shine a light on a true part of American society, about a young group of teens who are drawn into dealing drugs and get involved with this very dangerous and charismatic cook, and when a young girl of apparent high school age comes in and gets mobbed in their group, how she sort of upsets the whole dynamic. It’s sort of like ‘Training Day’, its very street and intense.
That happens to be one of my favorite movies, I now have to check out this movie. Is it being released wide in theaters or is it kind of an independent deal, do you know?
I believe they’re releasing it on iTunes and Amazon on November 17th.
Same day as ‘Punisher’ comes out, whee!
Nope, my bad, ‘Thumper’ comes out November 7th.
Terrific, I will definitely check it out then.
And I should be shooting other stuff in New York fairly soon.
Do you have any spoiler-free teasers about your character and about the new Punisher show you can actually share?
(laughs) Get ready to hold onto your butts! It’s gonna be an exciting ride, and it’s not gonna let up. It’s a really really cool journey for Lewis. I know that doesn’t give you much to go on, sorry about it!
Oh, that’s fine. So again without spoilers, can you give us a “no sh*t there I was on the set of ‘Punisher’” story?
Probably looking at Jon Bernthal standing opposite me, and he’s getting into his rage zone, and he’s flapping and screaming and getting all worked up, and me having to step into the ring opposite him. It was like looking at a bull coming at you, so that was pretty damned exciting!
That is excellent and I love it. Thank you so much for talking with me, you have a truly wonderful day, and we all look forward to seeing ‘The Punisher’ very soon!
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.
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
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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
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
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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.
The rise of Japanese anime in India
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat
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