Titans is a fantastic show when it wants to be but there sure does seem to be a lot of waiting around. This might actually be the one show that could benefit from an old school villain of the week. Instead the audience gets to watch Titans, old and new, gather at headquarters in San Francisco and brood for an hour.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s interesting and there is some character development, but it’s not all that different from last week. That’s a problem and puts the show in danger of getting stale. That being said, there are still some redeeming qualities to this week’s episode.
If the show excels anywhere it’s in its fight scenes. Watching Gar, Jason and Rachel spar (blindfolded no less) is great entertainment. The show has clearly learned from shows like Daredevil and Punisher that all fights tell a story and it approaches each sparring match as an opportunity to further the plot. Unfortunately that’s one of the few times the plot gets furthered.
This is a shame because there are some truly interesting characters in play right now. Deathstroke has returned to get revenge on the Titans and it’s unclear whether he knows that his daughter has fallen in with them. Meanwhile C-list villain Doctor Light actually manages to cause some serious damage while still reinforcing why he’s such a lightweight villain.
This episode and the last seem to be made for world building. They exist to backload better stories down the road. That’s fine but could probably have been done in half the time. Given that the show has so few episodes you would think they would make them count more. Ideally in a show with only 8-10 episodes per season every single second counts. But one gets the impression the Titans are holding their breath for something.
Chances are that something is Connor Kent. Teased at the end of season one the introduction of a Superman clone would change the odds in a fight rather quickly. It’s the same reason Hulk and Thor weren’t in Captain America: Civil War, the introduction of either of them means the other side instantly wins. As great as Deathstroke is he doesn’t stand a chance against Superman or one of his “offspring.”
Still, the show has always been an underdog. No one thought it would succeed when it first came out and it quickly blew everyone away. All good underdogs know how to use it to their advantage. The show seems ready to redeem itself in future episodes but it better do it fast before the audience loses interest.
Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery
Run Time: Approximately 123 minutes
Studio: SRT Entertainments
Where to Watch: Streaming now on Aha (Telugu OTT platform)
Director: Ashok Teja
Writer: Sampath Nandi
Lead Cast: Hebah Patel, Vasishta N. Simha, Sai Ronak, Poojitha Ponnada, and George Maryan
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Odela is a gripping Telugu-language crime thriller that weaves the mysticism of rural India with the suspense of a murder mystery. Based on true events, the film is set in the culturally rich village of Odela, where a series of brutal murders shakes the community. When fear takes over, the villagers believe the killings are the work of a supernatural force, but a determined young trainee IPS officer decides to uncover the truth.
Ashok Teja makes a confident directorial debut, and with the support of seasoned writer Sampath Nandi, the film blends folklore and investigative elements seamlessly. The narrative doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore but rather on tension, cultural realism, and atmosphere, making it stand apart from typical crime thrillers.
Vasishta N. Simha delivers a strong and brooding performance as the local suspect whose silence hides secrets. Hebah Patel brings depth and credibility to her role as the determined officer, breaking stereotypes of female leads in regional thrillers. Sai Ronak and George Maryan round out the cast with solid support, while Poojitha Ponnada adds emotional texture to the story.
The cinematography captures the beauty and eeriness of the village setting, while the score subtly enhances the suspense. What truly stands out is the film’s effort to incorporate the Odela temple culture and beliefs into its storyline, making the mystery feel both grounded and unique.
Unique Setting: Odela village and its spiritual legacy are treated with respect, giving the film a haunting authenticity.
Strong Female Lead: Hebah Patel’s character is refreshingly written and well-acted.
Tight Storytelling: No unnecessary detours or filler content; the movie maintains its pace and tension throughout.
Cultural Depth: Balances folklore and realism without leaning too heavily on superstition.
Rating: 8/10
Odela is a tightly woven, atmospheric thriller that doesn’t rely on spectacle but rather storytelling and culture. It’s a solid step forward for Telugu cinema in the crime-thriller space and worth a watch for fans of mystery films that respect both narrative and regional authenticity.
“Vidaamuyarchi,” now streaming on Netflix, is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed and written by Magizh Thirumeni. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions, the film boasts a runtime of 150 minutes. The narrative follows Arjun (Ajith Kumar) on a relentless quest to rescue his wife Kayal (Trisha Krishnan) after she is abducted by a mysterious group in Azerbaijan. The ensemble cast includes Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, and Arav in pivotal roles.
Drawing inspiration from the 1997 American film “Breakdown,” “Vidaamuyarchi” offers a familiar storyline but is elevated by compelling performances. Ajith Kumar delivers a commendable portrayal of a husband battling against time and adversities, while Trisha Krishnan effectively captures the emotional depth of her character. The film’s cinematography by Om Prakash enhances the tension and atmosphere, and Anirudh Ravichander’s music complements the narrative’s intensity.
However, the film’s predictability and pacing issues may deter some viewers. Despite these shortcomings, “Vidaamuyarchi” provides an engaging experience for fans of the action thriller genre.
Rating: 6.5/10
Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
A Riveting Rural Whodunit Rooted in Tradition Movie
VidaayMuyarchi
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.
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