Jason Ancona is the brains behind the wonderful new comedy Dr Cheapskate. Ahead of the film’s screening on Memorial Day, we caught up with Ancona to get the lowdown on the film, whether it’s hard to write laughs, and whether he enjoys producing or directing more.
Q:How would you sum up Dr Cheapskate?
It’s about a lonely, frugal guy hurt by a divorce and not ready to start dating again. He runs into an old classmate, who becomes a friend, and who challenges him to try to meet women, often against his wishes.
Q:Was it a film dictated by the resources and budget available to you or was it simply what you were interested in doing?
I’d say both. Definitely a lot of constraints in terms of what we could do with the budget we were working with. That being said, Dr. Cheapskate is a movie I really wanted to make. And I knew that I could keep the cast small and use a lot of locations I had access to, which helped stay within budget.
Q:Is it tough to write a comedy? Tough to find laughs?
I think writing comedy is tough because there are a lot of different types of humour: satire, silly, witty, dark, over-the-top. Some people like clever banter and others prefer fart jokes. Whereas drama is more straight forward. Yeah, it can be challenging to find laughs sometimes. I really enjoy situational comedy more than one-line jokes. Tried to create scenes in Dr. Cheapskate that were funny.
Q:What makes a good comedy, in your opinion?
Making people laugh or smile. Everyone has their fair share of real-life drama, and sometimes heavy, difficult things to deal with. To make someone laugh or smile is to give someone a moment of happiness.
As to my preference in humour, I enjoy the full spectrum of comedy. Everything from A Fish Called Wanda to Animal House to Dumb and Dumber. I cried laughing at the bathroom scene in Dumb and Dumber when Jim Carrey’s character Lloyd poisons Jeff Daniel’s character Harry with a laxative.
Q:Does a lot of it rely on your actors too? Does it take a certain type of actor to spur laughs?
Yes, it relies on good actors. Has to be believable. Think any good actor can do comedy well in a movie or TV show. But live comedy requires a gifted comedian: delivering jokes onstage, there are no second takes, and comic timing is key because there’s not an editing room to help with that. Look at the show Seinfeld, all the characters and actors are funny. All of them are great actors. Only one of them is great at stand-up comedy. Jerry Seinfeld has worked and honed that craft for decades.
Q:You’ve produced films before but this is the first one you’ve also directed. How different an experience was it?
It was different being able to direct. Loved the experience. You get to play in the world you create. Being able to tell the story in the way you envisioned it, is really cool. When you’re a writer or producer, it feels like you’re on the sidelines once shooting starts. When you’re directing, it feels like you’re the coach, getting to call the plays. Really liked being a coach.
Q:Can you tell us when we’ll be able to see the film and where?
We’re starting our film festival run. We’ll be playing at the Beverly Hills Music Hall on Memorial Day, Monday May 30th at 12:30pm as part of the Independent Film Showcase in Los Angeles.
At the Phoenix Comicon on Friday, June 3rd at 11:30am in the West Hall, room 102B. Will also be playing at the Laugh or Die Comedy Fest at the Landmark Cinema in Peoria, IL, at 12:15pm. Over the 4th of July weekend we’ll be playing in Miami at the Super Geek Film Festival, which is part of the Florida Comicon. We don’t have the exact date or time for that festival yet.

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
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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
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
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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.