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The Future of the Disney Princess

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According to Maui in Moana, “you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick; you’re a princess.” The argument around a generic stereotype depicting Disney princesses has become so pervasive, it has even made its way in a few of the films. Disney enthusiasts, who have followed and studied the 80-year legacy of Disney Princess films, have watched it transform from frivolous flights of fancy only suitable for young girls, to progressive representations of heroines who are confident, curious, and courageous. The evolution of these films has charted a growth in female heroes.

The progression of these royals is broken into three waves, “Classic”, “Renaissance” and “Modern”. Although Disney has attempted to participate in the debate by creating criteria, including having royal lineage (marriage counts), being the primary character in their movie, and being human, they have even deviated from these ground rules. In the end, what truly creates a franchised Disney Princess is if the character has a crowing ceremony at the park. The most recent was Merida in 2013, becoming the 11th official Disney princess.

The Classic Era

The earliest Disney princesses, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora, could only be described as products of their time. The first feature-length film for the company, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, depicted a young girl (she’s 13 years old in the movie) pining for a prince and turning into a housekeeper for seven grown men (even if they were dwarfs). When matching the story to the time it was created, it predated woman joining the workforce during World War II. Many also emphasized how the character was not fleshed-out because the filmmakers were focusing on the enormous feat of developing a feature-length film.

The next two to arrive on the scene, Cinderella and Aurora, enhanced the convention of damsel in distress. Sleeping Beauty, which is the epitome of this narrative, features Aurora with only 18 lines of dialogue in an hour long movie. In Cinderella, audiences are introduced to a woman who is only able to escape an awful family if she is wed. All three women, products of their circumstance, are not the champions of their own story, do not aid in the defeat of their villain, and continue a female narrative surrounding innocent and helplessness.

The Renaissance Era

After more than 20 years without a princess film, the company began to look to its roots and a new generation of princess was introduced: Ariel, Belle, and Pocahontas. The Little Mermaid provided audiences with a female protagonist who was the first in the legacy to have her own personal independence. She is curious, defiant, and willful, all strengths that then became her downfall. Ariel spends a majority of her movie unable to speak, which causes her to rely on appearance to achieve her goals. As usual, the villain is defeated by a prince.

The next two films, Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas, make huge strides both in creating independence of their heroines. Belle and Pocahontas embodied independent thinkers who fought against traditional expectations. Although her name means beauty, Belle fought against gender norms by having a thirst for reading, and dreaming about adventure. Despite the many historical inaccuracies, Pocahontas fought against the cultural norm of arranged marriage. Both, however, cannot escape the love-story arc that continues to plague the movies.

The Modern Era

As the franchise begins to grow, the new themes adapted into films include princess actively attempt to rescue a meaningful character or redeem the villain, increasing the plot for both protagonists and antagonist. Tiana, in Princess and the Frog, attempts to save the prince, Naveen from an eternity as an amphibian. The 3D animated Tangled found a Rapunzel choosing to sacrifice her own freedom to save Flynn. Then as the scene escalates, the villain, Mother Gothel, is pushed out a window and Repunzel attempts to save her. This marks the first time a Disney Princess has tried to rescue a villain.

As the Modern Age Disney Princess stories develop, writers have started to overthrow the usual romance. Frozen, which focuses on the bond between sisters, even pokes fun at the love-at-first-sight theme in prior movies, with Hans declaring, “You can’t just marry a man you just met!” This film’s climax even differs from its predecessors; instead of a battle scene with a baddy, Anna sacrifices herself to save her sister and the kingdom. Lastly, there is the Pixar Disney movie, Brave, which features no love interest. Although the plot focuses on Merida defying her family to avoid taking a husband, she is not partnered in the end of the movie.

The Future

The culmination of “what is a princess” has started with frilly dresses and has transformed to courage and spirit in Moana. The story focuses on a defiant young girl on a mission to save her people. With the ability to see past the façade of fear around her, she helps liberate Te Fiti, whom transformed from a monstrous volcano to an Earth goddess. This movie has no romantic subplot, no prince that saves the day, and challenges the heroine to think critically, act resourcefully, all with compromise and understanding. It appears that the future of the Princess franchise is teaching the next generation that they don’t need to “wait for their prince to come”, but instead can to face their dragons themselves with real heart and compassion.

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Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

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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

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

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Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

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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.

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Simhadri

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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.

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