Movie
No Question Mark Box Here; Super Mario Delivers a 1-Up in Theaters
If you were born in the ’80s, ’90s, or literally ANY decade after those, you know about Super Mario. A cultural phenomenon was brought to life on the big screen this last weekend. One that has not only stood the test of time but reinvented itself time and time again. This wasn’t even the first time it’s been made into a movie but, well, let’s be honest.. some of us choose not to acknowledge the LIVE action adaptation of the beloved game from 30 years ago.
It was pretty bad… But this was animation. ILLUMINATION animation at that. The Universal company that brought us Gru and his Minions, showed us the Secret Life of Pets, and gave us a reason to SING! Still, I had my reservations and even some concerns, especially when the casting was announced.
Eyebrows were raised. As big of stars as they were on paper, could they really deliver on voicing characters from a staple of our childhood? They did.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day may not be Italian, and Jack Black may not be a King or Turtle creature from the Mushroom Kingdom, but they make the characters their own all while paying homage to the lore of a video game.
From the jump, the story reintroduces us to the brothers that just want to save Brooklyn one clogged sink at a time. We feel an instant connection and relate to these “underdogs of the plumbing world”. The movie is riddled with easter eggs, each of which tugs on the heartstrings of every generation of Mario fandom. And the soundtrack was beautifully put together to not only make us feel like we’re taking a walkthrough of the game but like an experience all its own with some familiar favorites thrown in.
Every word in the movie is pure eye candy for both those that are casual fans, and those analyzing every frame to see what they’ll catch next. Bowser’s ship, the Mushroom Kingdom, Kong’s arena, and the Rainbow Road.. They’re all meant to give us just enough of a “new” look at these amazing worlds, but stay true to how we remember them.
The movie itself moves along at the perfect pace. Although, if you don’t really know ANYTHING about the Super Mario Bros, you may have gotten a little lost and felt left behind in the green tunnel. But that’s ok! It’s an adventure of the imagination and a classic story of a boy that meets a girl and tries to save the world from a monster that wants to destroy it.
What’s funny is that you could easily say this is a story about two characters who couldn’t be more opposite if they tried, battling to win the heart of a princess. Who would’ve thought that the King of the Koopas was just trying to impress his crush?
And that song? Ohhh THAT song! It’s my new ringtone and deserves the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Back to the movie.
Universal and Illumination clearly understood the assignment. Is it missing some things or could things have been done differently or even better? Absolutely! We’re the worst critics of the things we hold nearest and dearest to our hearts. But if you’re up for going on a 90-minute adventure through amazing worlds, with awesome music, and characters that’ll make you smile and laugh, then this is the perfect movie to spring you into that warm summer feeling.
Plus there’s the whole part with karts and shells, and banana peels and oh my goodness how amazing was that?? It’s enough to make you want to stand up and cheer, then go home and destroy your friends and family on your favorite track haha.
The bottom line, it pays homage in all the right ways to the little guy with the mustache, while giving us something new and exciting. Take the kids and go see Super Mario Bros. You’ll be glad you did!
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.
Movie
Could Shah Rukh Khan Be Marvel’s Real Dr. Doom? A Bold But Brilliant Possibility

In the sprawling multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), few roles are as iconic, enigmatic, and intellectually menacing as Victor Von Doom — better known to fans as Doctor Doom. As Marvel prepares for its next phase, whispers of bold, unexpected casting choices are swirling. One name that has recently ignited fan discussions is none other than Bollywood’s megastar: Shah Rukh Khan.
At first glance, the idea of India’s “King of Romance” portraying one of Marvel’s most feared villains may seem like a stretch. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a compelling argument — not just for diversity and international appeal, but for pure cinematic brilliance.
Shah Rukh Khan, or SRK, is not just a movie star; he’s a global phenomenon. With over 30 years in film, his range spans from charming heroes to complex antiheroes. His performances in films like Fan, Raees, and Jawan show a darker, more brooding side — proving he has the intensity and intelligence to pull off a character like Doom. Unlike the stereotypical one-dimensional villain, Doctor Doom requires a sense of wounded pride, imperial intellect, and tragic ego. SRK can deliver all three with chilling precision.
The Marvel Universe is evolving — both in content and casting. We’ve already seen major franchises embrace actors from diverse backgrounds: Simu Liu in Shang-Chi, Tenoch Huerta in Wakanda Forever, and Iman Vellani in Ms. Marvel. Casting SRK as Doom wouldn’t just be a bold step for Marvel; it would be a global statement — signaling a true embrace of the international market.
Latveria, Doom’s fictional homeland, has always been vaguely European. But Marvel has often adapted characters and backstories to better reflect real-world audiences and narrative opportunities. A reimagined Doom — perhaps a brilliant technocrat rising from a war-torn South Asian nation — would add layers of depth and relevance to the MCU’s ever-growing geopolitical canvas.
Doctor Doom isn’t just a villain; he’s a ruler, a genius, and sometimes even an uneasy ally. The character must command every scene — through intellect, menace, and occasionally, a sliver of humanity. SRK has the rare ability to fill a room with charisma, whether he’s speaking with a whisper or a roar. In fact, the very thing that makes SRK such a beloved romantic hero — his commanding presence — could make him an unforgettable Doom.
Imagine millions of fans in India — and the Indian diaspora worldwide — seeing one of their greatest cinematic icons in a pivotal Marvel role. It would be a watershed moment for representation in Hollywood. More importantly, it would challenge outdated notions of what a villain — or any powerful character — should look and sound like.
Of course, this is all speculation. Marvel has remained tight-lipped about the future of Doctor Doom. But the idea of Shah Rukh Khan donning the iron mask isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a thrilling possibility — one that could bring gravitas, global appeal, and a fresh narrative edge to the MCU.
Marvel has always been about breaking the mold. Casting SRK as Doctor Doom wouldn’t just break it — it would forge an entirely new one in vibranium.
Movie
Movie Review: Mad Square (2025)

Directed by: Vamsi Krishna
Starring: Allu Arjun, Nivetha Pethuraj, Rajendra Prasad, and Brahmanandam
In Mad Square, director Vamsi Krishna brings us a fast-paced action comedy that delivers both thrills and laughs with impeccable timing. Allu Arjun, known for his powerful screen presence and charisma, takes the lead as a resourceful yet quirky hero who finds himself entangled in a series of misadventures, balancing his tough-guy persona with slapstick humor. His performance is effortlessly charming, blending action with comedy in a way only he can.
Nivetha Pethuraj, in her role as a sharp-witted, independent woman who matches Allu Arjun’s energy, adds depth to the film. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniably fun, and their playful banter will keep you hooked. Rajendra Prasad’s comic timing is spot-on, and Brahmanandam provides just the right amount of comic relief with his trademark antics.
The screenplay, though not without its clichés, is packed with high-octane action sequences, which are excellently choreographed. Vamsi Krishna balances the action with light-hearted moments, making sure that the film doesn’t lose its comedic essence while still delivering on the action front.
The music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, complements the film’s high-energy sequences perfectly, while the cinematography by P.G. Vinda adds to the film’s visual appeal.
While Mad Square might not break any new ground in terms of plot, it succeeds in entertaining the audience with its blend of humor, action, and star power. It’s a treat for fans of Allu Arjun and anyone looking for a fun, thrilling ride.
Rating: 7.5/10