Language: Telugu
Genre: Action | Drama | Masala
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Producer: V. Doraswamy Raju
Studio: VMC Productions
Runtime: 171 minutes
Release Year: 2003
Lead Cast:

Jr. NTR as Simhadri

Bhumika Chawla as Indu

Ankitha as Kasturi

Mukesh Rishi as Bhai Saab

Nassar as Ram Bhupal Varma

Simhadri is a landmark Telugu masala action film directed by the now-legendary S. S. Rajamouli in his sophomore effort. It was a turning point for Jr. NTR, catapulting him from rising star to full-fledged mass action hero.

The film follows Simhadri, an orphan adopted by a wealthy family who leads a dual life—loyal servant by day, ruthless protector of justice by night. The story blends traditional Telugu family sentiment with high-octane action and melodrama, perfectly aligned with the masala genre.

S. S. Rajamouli’s direction is explosive and ambitious. Even in his early career, Rajamouli had a knack for balancing mass appeal with emotional resonance. He crafts action set pieces with remarkable intensity and paces the film to maintain constant engagement, especially for fans of dramatic twists and adrenaline-pumping sequences.

Jr. NTR’s performance is nothing short of a powerhouse. He balances the fiery, vengeance-fueled action hero with tender vulnerability, particularly in scenes with Bhumika Chawla’s Indu. His screen presence is magnetic, commanding during action scenes and soulful in emotionally heavy moments. Simhadri became a benchmark role that showcased his physical agility, command of dialogue, and capacity for deep emotional expression.

The supporting cast adds weight, especially Mukesh Rishi, who delivers a memorable performance as the antagonist. Bhumika Chawla brings sensitivity to her role, though her character remains more reactive than proactive in the plot. The music by M. M. Keeravani bolsters the emotional arcs and gives Jr. NTR some memorable songs to dance and emote to.

Visually, the film carries the early 2000s aesthetic—slightly exaggerated but vibrantly stylized. The fight choreography is brutal and kinetic, and even two decades later, it retains a raw energy that many modern films lack.

Simhadri is a quintessential Telugu action-drama that delivers on spectacle, sentiment, and star power. It cemented Jr. NTR’s place in the pantheon of Telugu cinema and hinted at the grandeur Rajamouli would later bring to Indian cinema globally.

Rating: 8.5/10 A must-watch for fans of Jr. NTR, Rajamouli, or Indian mass entertainers.

Genre: Animated Comedy, Adventure, Family

Runtime: 78 minutes

Director: Philippe Grimond

Writer: Pierre Tchernia (screenplay), based on the comic book by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

Studio: Gaumont Film Company

Language: French (available with English subtitles and dubbing)

Voice Cast: Roger Carel (Asterix), Pierre Tornade (Obelix), Henri Labussière (Panoramix), Roger Lumont (Caesar)

Now streaming on Netflix, Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is a whimsical and witty animated adaptation of the beloved French comic series. Originally released in 1989, this classic cartoon still delivers laughs and adventure as Asterix and Obelix defend their tiny Gaulish village against Roman invaders—this time without their trusty magic potion.

The story centers on Panoramix (Getafix), the village druid, who loses his memory after being hit by a flying menhir—leaving the secret recipe for the strength-giving potion forgotten. With Caesar and the Romans plotting to defeat the now vulnerable Gauls, it’s up to Asterix, Obelix, and their fellow villagers to outwit the invaders through sheer cleverness and courage.

Director Philippe Grimond maintains the visual flair of the original comics, infusing the film with vibrant colors and playful animation. The writing by Pierre Tchernia balances slapstick humor with subtle satire, making it enjoyable for both kids and nostalgic adults. The film moves at a quick pace, keeping its 78-minute runtime engaging from start to finish.

Voice performances are energetic and full of personality—especially Roger Carel as the sharp and spunky Asterix, and Pierre Tornade as the lovable and literal-minded Obelix. While the animation is old-school by today’s standards, its charm remains undeniable.

Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is a charming animated classic that still packs a comedic punch. It’s an essential watch for fans of European comics, vintage animation, or anyone looking for a light-hearted family movie night.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A funny, fast-moving cartoon that stays true to its comic book roots while delivering timeless fun.

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes

Studio: XYZ Films / Netflix

Director: Gareth Evans

Writer: Gareth Evans

Starring: Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán

Havoc is a gritty, pulse-pounding action thriller that plunges viewers into a brutal underworld as a damaged detective (Tom Hardy) fights through a maze of corruption and violence to rescue a politician’s son. Gareth Evans (The Raid) delivers kinetic fight choreography with his trademark single-take style, blending bone-crunching realism with neo-noir atmosphere. The film doesn’t reinvent the genre but excels in raw physicality and relentless pacing.

Tom Hardy delivers a captivating performance as Walker, projecting strength while grappling with inner turmoil. Forest Whitaker brings depth to the role of the senior officer entangled in bureaucracy, providing a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos. Timothy Olyphant takes on a rare villainous role, portraying a slick and menacing character that adds complexity to the cartel narrative.

Final Score: 8.2/10 A brutal, tightly directed action ride with standout performances, especially from Hardy. Not deep, but brutally effective.