Martial arts movies hold a place in many people’s hearts. Whether one grows up watching Chinese string martial art movies with the crazy moves mid-air, the realistic Bruce Lee fight scene, Jackie Chan doing crazy stunts with anything he can grab onto or anything in between.
What is it about martial arts that intrigue people to watch them performed in film? Is it the feats they can accomplish? Is it the quickness and crisp moves that can take down an opponent? Perhaps it can be as simple as enjoyment and as complex as the desire to want to do the moves for personal reasons. Whatever the reasons, martial arts movies bring in new actors and actresses who want to showcase their abilities as the real deal and have their movies tell the viewer a great story. One such actress who has been catching eyes outside the “mainstream” Hollywood cinema is Jennifer Linch.
She is a film maker, director, actress and a master of the martial arts; being able to do her own stunt work without the need of a stunt person. She has the look, the skills and the drive to make her films her way and with her own unique style. After watching her short film, Flowers of the Night, it allows the viewer to see her passion, her style, and her ability to kick some butt as well as give her a medium to showcase acting ability as well. She has been working on some new projects and keeping herself busy, but one of her newer projects that she has been tinkering with is her project called, Unsaid.
Unsaid is a first person POV film about a cop who’s wife was kidnapped and murdered, initiating a spree of vengeance on the people who took her away from him. The film uses music to emphasize on mood and emotions, leaving no need for dialogue. Everything is told through visual means as well as orchestrated music. Though it isn’t completely done yet, there is a lot of potential and talent in this film.
When asked what influenced her into making the film this way and how difficult it was, she said she was influenced a lot by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Her writer made her sit down to watch it and after five minutes she got hooked, it became one of her favorite movies. It didn’t have the fancy effects like a blue screen or green screen but just a good script and good acting abilities.
Her motivation for the short was also to test herself and the abilities to create a film where dialogue doesn’t exist. The only emotions you can feel is through the visual and the tone set through the audio, whether it be soft music or adrenaline fueled. She had to rehearse a lot with hand acting (through the POV format) and learn different techniques to showcase the first person acting and fighting sequences in a nice sequential way.
Jennifer also has an eye for detail and her directing abilities are unique. When asked if there was a filmmaker she would like to model herself after, she said Jeong-beom Lee. He is a Korean film maker who directed films like The Man From Nowhere and No Tears For the Dead. The way he was able to use music to set the tone and make the emotions come to the forefront was something she is wanting to continue to learn and use for her own films.
As mentioned earlier, people love martial arts for different reasons. Asking her why she chose martial arts and what it is that she enjoys from it, she says that it was her brother that got her into it. Her brother is a martial arts instructor and when they were younger, he would rent only martial arts movies. Jennifer was intrigued and heavily influenced by studying it and learning from the movies.
One of her goals is to focus on doing martial arts fantasy comedy movies. In fact, she revealed that in January she will be in Toronto doing her feature film called Kung Fu Ghost, which will be a supernatural, romantic, martial art comedy. Sign me up for front row seats. It sounds unique and a nice popcorn feature that will put smiles on peoples faces.
Linch is quite a talented actress and martial artist who loves weapon fighting. So, she’s quite a bad-ass. Movies are filled with stunt people but Jennifer does her own stunts. When asked why she wants to do her own stunts, she states “I like doing stunts myself. I don’t want to cheat my viewers. That’s just my thing.”
Asking how much time is needed to pull off such choreography, she says, “Normally we would need about 3-4 weeks to create a really good fight scene and do it safe but since we are so small, we have 2-3 days.” After hearing that, you have to give it up to her and her creative team. To take precise choreography and fight scenes and only have a couple of days to rehearse, which also involves camera staging, is so refreshing to show how much it means to them. Showing how dedicated their team is to get blocking and the stunt work down, so everyone is safe but looks awesome. Hats off to them all.
She is continuing to hone her craft and film making abilities as well as acting and fighting. In time, she can hopefully get even more notoriety and show her love of martial arts to an even wider audience. It was a pleasure talking with her, learning more about her, the films she loves and some of her dream projects with martial arts. If you would like to know more about Jennifer, check out her YouTube page: youtube.com/user/FoodTravelwithJenny

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.