Somehow last night’s Oscars showed that the Academy certainly did care about political movies but not so much they would give them its highest honor.
If you were watching last night you will most likely agree that almost all the films and actors that should have won took home a statue. That was kind of nice. But then Green Book won Best Picture and you could see Hollywood still playing by its old rules.
Before we talk about that though let’s talk about what worked last night. There may have been a bit of a delay but The Academy seems to have finally gotten the #OscarsSoWhite memo as more awards went to people of color than any other year before. And the awards were well deserved. It opened the door for Ruth E. Carter to win for her costume design in Black Panther, a major studio film that focused on Afro Futurism. The film won for production design as well.
In a major upset Into the Spider-Verse took home best animated feature, the first in ages to not belong to Dreamworks or Pixar. This is even more important because not only is the film one of the most creative animated films to come out in years but it revolves around an Afro-Latino superhero. While that detail may seem small it is very important on a cultural level. Bohemian Rhapsody cleaned up as well in a move that really honored everything Freddie Mercury stood for, even if the movie itself had flaws. The whole night seemed to be an apology for years of #OscarsSoWhite.
Then Green Book won Best Picture. The film itself isn’t bad and it has some fantastic actors involved. Anything Viggo Mortensen or Mahershala Ali do is going to be a masterclass in acting. That doesn’t change the fact that the story plays out like a reverse Driving Miss Daisy. A film which, as it turns out, beat out the far superior Do The Right Thing. The same thing seemed to happen last night as Green Book beat out Lee’s exceptional Blackkklansman, a truly timely and hard-hitting film. Even if the Academy ignored Lee’s movie Vice was nominated as well and could have made a statement. It’s as if Hollywood was prepping itself to make a grand statement and backed out at the last minute.
Maybe next year the Academy will be ready to give its highest honor to a more deserving film but for now it seems happy making comfortable decisions that don’t disrupt the status quo.
Best Supporting Actress
Emma Stone (The Favourite)
Rachel Weisz (The Favourite)
Amy Adams (Vice)
Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk)
Marina De Tavira (Roma)
Best Makeup and Hair
Border
Mary Queen of Scots
Vice
Best Documentary
Free Solo
Minding the Gap
RBG
Hale County This Morning, This Evening
Of Fathers and Sons
Best Costume Design
Black Panther (Ruth E Carter) – WINNER!
The Favourite (Sandy Powell)
Mary Poppins Returns (Sandy Powell)
Mary Queen of Scots (Alexandra Byrne)
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Mary Zophres)
Best Film Editing
Bohemian Rhapsody (John Ottman)
Vice (Hank Corwin)
BlacKkKlansman (Barry Alexander Brown)
The Favourite (Yorgos Mavropsaridis)
Green Book (Patrick J Don Vito)
Best Production Design
The Favourite (Fiona Crombie and Alice Felton)
First Man (Nathan Crowley and Kathy Lucas)
Roma (Eugenio Caballero and Barbara Enriquez)
Mary Poppins Returns (John Myhre and Gordon Sim)
Black Panther (Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart) – WINNER!
Best Cinematography
Roma (Alfonso Cuaron)
Cold War (Łukasz Żal)
Never Look Away (Caleb Deschanel)
The Favourite (Robbie Ryan)
A Star Is Born (Matty Libatique)
Best Sound Editing
First Man
A Quiet Place
Bohemian Rhapsody
Black Panther
Roma
Best Sound Mixing
A Star Is Born
Bohemian Rhapsody
First Man
Roma
Black Panther
Best Foreign Language Film
Roma (Mexico) – WINNER!
Cold War (Poland)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali (Green Book)
Richard E Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Sam Elliott (A Star Is Born)
Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman)
Sam Rockwell (Vice)
Best Animated Feature
Incredibles 2
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Isle of Dogs
Mirai
Best Live Action Short
Detainment
Fauve
Marguerite
Mother
Skin
Best Animated Short
Animal Behaviour
Bao – WINNER!
Late Afternoon
One Small Step
Weekends
Best Documentary Short
Black Sheep
End Game
Lifeboat
A Night at the Garden
Period. End of Sentence.
Best Visual Effects
First Man
Avengers: Infinity War
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Ready Player One
Christopher Robin
Best Original Screenplay
Green Book (Brian Hayes Currie, Peter Farrelly and Nick Vallelonga)
The Favourite (Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara)
Roma (Alfonso Cuarón)
Vice (Adam McKay)
First Reformed (Paul Schrader)
Best adapted screenplay
If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins)
A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters and Eric Roth)
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty)
BlacKkKlansman (Spike Lee, David Rabinowitz, Charlie Wachtel and Kevin Willmott)
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Joel Coen and Ethan Coen)
Best Original Score
If Beale Street Could Talk (Nicholas Britell)
Mary Poppins Returns (Marc Shaiman)
Isle of Dogs (Alexandre Desplat)
BlacKkKlansman (Terence Blanchard)
Black Panther (Ludwig Goransson)
Best Original Song
Shallow (A Star Is Born)
All the Stars (Black Panther)
I’ll Fight (RBG)
The Place Where Lost Things Go (Mary Poppins Returns)
When a Cowboy Trades his Spurs for Wings (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs)
Best Actor
Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) – WINNER!
Christian Bale (Vice)
Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)
Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born)
Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate)
Best Actress
Glenn Close (The Wife)
Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born)
Olivia Colman (The Favourite)
Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Yalitza Aparicio (Roma)
Best Director
Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)
Adam McKay (Vice)
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite)
Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman)
Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War)
Best Picture
Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star is Born
Vice

Streaming
Baahubali: The Beginning

Rating
Storyline: 9/10
Performances: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Visuals and VFX: 10/10
Music: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning is a magnum opus that redefined the landscape of Indian cinema. Released in 2015, this epic historical drama captivated audiences worldwide with its grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. With a mix of mythological inspiration and cinematic spectacle, Baahubali: The Beginning sets the stage for an extraordinary tale of power, betrayal, love, and legacy.
The film tells the story of Shivudu (Prabhas), a young man raised in a tranquil village who is drawn to the mysterious and towering waterfall near his home. His curiosity and courage lead him to the kingdom of Mahishmati, where he uncovers his royal lineage and his connection to the legendary warrior, Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas).
The narrative is skillfully interwoven with flashbacks revealing a tale of palace intrigue, betrayal by Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and the valor of Baahubali. The first installment ends on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for answers about the fate of Baahubali and the sinister conspiracy surrounding his death.
Prabhas as Shivudu/Amarendra Baahubali: Prabhas delivers a dual performance that is both regal and relatable. His commanding presence as Baahubali is balanced by the playful and curious nature of Shivudu. Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva: Rana embodies menace and ambition, portraying a formidable antagonist. His physicality and intense expressions add depth to his character. Anushka Shetty as Devasena: Though her role is limited in this installment, her fiery spirit and tragic undertones leave a lasting impression. Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika: Tamannaah brings grace and strength to Avantika, a rebel fighting for Mahishmati’s freedom. Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami: Arguably one of the film’s standout performances, Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of the steely and noble queen is unforgettable.Sathyaraj as Kattappa: Sathyaraj adds emotional weight and intrigue to the story as the loyal yet enigmatic warrior.
S.S. Rajamouli’s vision is unparalleled. His ability to blend mythological grandeur with human emotions ensures the story resonates universally. K.K. Senthil Kumar captures the magnificence of Mahishmati and the breathtaking landscapes with a keen eye for detail. The film’s VFX is groundbreaking for Indian cinema, particularly the waterfall sequences and battle scenes. M.M. Keeravani’s music is a soul-stirring mix of grandeur and emotion, amplifying key moments. The intricate set designs and costumes reflect the film’s epic scale and authenticity.
Baahubali: The Beginning explores themes of heroism, loyalty, family, and the thirst for power. It highlights the cultural richness of Indian storytelling while presenting it in a universally accessible format. The film’s success not only established Telugu cinema on the global stage but also proved that regional Indian films could achieve blockbuster status internationally.
Baahubali: The Beginning is more than a film; it is an experience. Its blend of epic storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and powerful performances makes it a landmark in Indian cinema. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates grand narratives and larger-than-life characters. It leaves you in awe and eagerly anticipating the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion.
Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or someone looking for an immersive cinematic experience, Baahubali: The Beginning is a film that transcends boundaries and sets a gold standard for Indian films on the global stage.
Movie
Love Hurts Delivers High-Octane Action with Heart

Rating: 8/10
Genre: Action, Comedy
Runtime: 83 minutes
Director: Jonathan Eusebio
Writers: Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore
Studio: 87North Productions, Universal Pictures
Stars: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, Sean Astin
Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) is a former hitman who has reinvented himself as a successful realtor in suburban Milwaukee. But his peaceful life is shattered when Rose (Ariana DeBose), his former partner and lost love, reappears with a chilling warning. Adding to the chaos, Marvin’s estranged brother, Knuckles Gable (Daniel Wu), a ruthless crime lord, is on a relentless hunt for him. Forced to confront his past, Marvin must fight his way through old enemies and long-buried secrets—all while trying to keep his new life intact.
From the moment Love Hurts begins, it grips the audience with a pulse-pounding blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth. Director Jonathan Eusebio, best known for his stunt work in John Wick and Deadpool 2, makes a stellar transition to the director’s chair, delivering slick, hard-hitting action sequences that showcase his mastery of fight choreography.
Ke Huy Quan, in his first major leading role since his Academy Award win, is an unconventional yet compelling action star. He brings an everyman charm to Marvin, making him both relatable and surprisingly lethal when pushed to the edge. Ariana DeBose shines as Rose, exuding charisma and wit, while Daniel Wu commands the screen as a menacing yet layered villain.
The film moves at a breakneck pace, balancing high-octane action with well-timed humor and emotional weight. The chemistry between Quan and DeBose adds depth to the story, making their characters’ relationship feel authentic. While the plot treads familiar ground, it’s executed with such energy and style that it remains thoroughly engaging.
Love Hurts is a thrilling action-comedy that delivers intense fight sequences, sharp humor, and a heartfelt story. Ke Huy Quan proves that he’s not just a comeback story—he’s a bona fide action star. While the film doesn’t reinvent the genre, it executes its formula with precision and flair, making it a must-watch for action fans.
Final Rating: 8/10—An electrifying mix of action, comedy, and heart that proves love—and revenge—can hurt in all the right ways.
Movie
Preview: War 2 – NTR Jr. and Hrithik Roshan Collide in an Action Extravaganza This July

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated cinematic showdowns of 2025 as War 2 unites Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. in a high-octane spy thriller. Releasing in July 2025, this sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War promises to be a game-changer for Indian action cinema, combining heart-stopping stunts, gripping drama, and unparalleled star power.
Hrithik Roshan reprises his iconic role as Kabir, the brilliant and unrelenting intelligence officer. Opposite him, NTR Jr. delivers another powerhouse performance following his success in RRR and the recently released Devara. NTR Jr.’s portrayal in Devara, a gritty and emotionally charged action-drama, has already cemented his status as one of the most versatile stars of Indian cinema. His role in War 2 is rumored to bring an intense, enigmatic energy that will complement and challenge Hrithik’s suave and strategic Kabir.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji (Brahmāstra, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani), War 2 is a pivotal entry in YRF’s expanding spy universe, which includes blockbusters like Pathaan and Tiger Zinda Hai. Mukerji’s direction is set to deliver a perfect blend of jaw-dropping action sequences, emotional depth, and a storyline that interconnects the spy universe’s key players.
The combination of Hrithik Roshan’s finesse and NTR Jr.’s raw intensity promises fireworks on the big screen. Both actors have proven their mettle in action-packed roles, and their pairing is already creating a buzz among fans worldwide. The film’s international locales, intricate espionage plot, and adrenaline-pumping action set pieces ensure that War 2 will be nothing short of a visual spectacle.
Having already conquered audiences with his portrayal in Devara, where he showcased his commanding presence and action chops, NTR Jr. brings fresh excitement to War 2. His collaboration with Hrithik Roshan is a casting masterstroke that raises the stakes for this ambitious sequel.
Mark your calendars—July 2025 will be an unforgettable month for Indian cinema as War 2 takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of action, intrigue, and star-studded brilliance.