Movie
Orphan First Kill
Orphan released in 2009 was a horror masterpiece in my opinion. I even bought the DVD
(remember those?). Despite having not seen Orphan in several years I can still remember
parts of it quite vividly. The starring role of ‘Esther’ (played by Isabelle Fuhrman); breaking
her own arm using a vice, kicking the hell out of that toilet cubicle, and of course creepily
cutting up her food with all the precision of a skilled surgeon. I can even recall some lines
like Esther threatening her adopted brother with a box cutter blade. Taunting the petrified
young boy by telling him she’s going to cut a certain appendage off before he’s even “learned
how to use it”.
So, when I saw Orphan: First Kill (2022) was now streaming on UK Netflix I was
skeptical. Knowing the genre’s track record for sequels and prequels, I didn’t hold out much
hope for reclaiming the glory of the first film. The first hour of the film is pretty much a
blood by numbers setup. The opening scene finds Esther, whose real name is Leena, trying to
escape from a psychiatric facility for dangerous patients. We are told Esther is the most
dangerous of these patients despite her petite size. We are also reminded of Esther’s
condition. Esther suffers from hypopituitarism; a form of dwarfism, which means she will
remain looking child-like despite her maturity. Esther plays into this in order to con people
into believing she is a harmless child. Orphan: First Kill takes place 13 years prior to Orphan
which means Esther is 20 years old.
The disturbed young woman of course escapes from the facility, resulting in at least
three murders by her own hand. Whilst on the run, she assumes the identity of a missing 9
year old girl named, you guessed it; Esther. This is how Esther gets her alias.
The burgeoning con artist ingratiates herself to the missing girl’s family by pretending
to be their long lost daughter. She takes a particular liking to the father, I’m sure she wants to
call him ‘daddy’ (sorry I had to). All very standard and following the same beats as the first
movie. It was at this point in the movie I resigned myself to returning to my very busy
evening of doom scrolling. But, then! The twist happened! I won’t spoil it but suffice to say I
was impressed with this switch up. I had suspected Julia Stiles (10 Things I Hate About You,
Mona Lisa Smile) wasn’t going to be just a suburban mum whose becoming slightly
suspicious that her miraculously returned daughter is somewhat homicidal. The movie turns
deliciously campy and I couldn’t wait to find out how this truly twisted tale unfolded.
Actress Isabelle Fuhrman returns as Esther and is as formidable as ever in the role.
Some have criticised that at 27 Fuhrman is now too old for the role, even pretending to be an
adult pretending to be a child. In Orphan Fuhrman was 18 years old, so her youthful looks
made her portrayal of Esther all the more disturbing. In the prequel she looks far more like a
grown woman. Despite rumours there was no CGI de-aging, instead the production utilised
child stunt doubles and forced perspective shots. You can play a fun game, as I did, of trying
to guess in which shots Fuhrman was switched for the child stunt doubles. I also hypothesised
that the real Esther’s bedroom furniture was scaled differently to fit Fuhrman’s height which
makes the scenes in the bedroom with the other adult actors look…interesting.
Despite all these machinations the casts performances are excellent. Fuhrman even
makes the egregious Estonian a somewhat sympathetic character regarding the situation she
finds herself in. A special mention goes to the son, Gunnar (Matthew Finlan) who started out
a relatively benign but ended up as a character you love to hate!
Is Orphan: First Kill another horror classic? Not at all, but it’s a surprisingly fun
watch that will take you by surprise.
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
—
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