

Movie
Top 5 Indian Action Movie Stars to Watch Out For
As a devoted fan of South Indian action cinema and an entertainment journalist, I’ve come to admire the sheer charisma, talent, and screen presence of a few iconic actors who have redefined the genre. Here’s a list of my top five favorite Indian action heroes, along with a couple of must-watch movies from each of them that showcase their incredible prowess on screen.

- NTR Jr.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., known as NTR Jr., is an electrifying performer who blends action and emotion effortlessly. His dialogue delivery, intensity, and dance moves make him a powerhouse in South Indian cinema.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action-drama showcases NTR Jr. as Komaram Bheem, a fierce and compassionate warrior.
Temper (2015): NTR Jr. delivers a riveting performance as a corrupt cop who embarks on a journey of redemption.

- Allu Arjun
The “Stylish Star” of Tollywood, Allu Arjun, is celebrated for his fluid dance moves, charismatic screen presence, and action-packed roles. His ability to transform into diverse characters has won him a massive fanbase.
Must-Watch Movies:
Pushpa: The Rise (2021): As Pushpa Raj, a smuggler with unyielding determination, Allu Arjun delivers a gritty and unforgettable performance.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): While not strictly an action film, it features intense fight scenes and showcases Allu Arjun’s versatility.

- Prabhas
Known for his larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has become a global sensation. His dedication to his craft and ability to headline mega-budget films set him apart.
Must-Watch Movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): These iconic films, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, transformed Prabhas into a household name.
Saaho (2019): A high-octane action-thriller where Prabhas portrays an enigmatic cop.

- Yash
Yash’s meteoric rise to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. His raw energy, intense action sequences, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a South Indian action hero.
Must-Watch Movies:
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) & KGF: Chapter 2 (2022): Yash as Rocky Bhai is a cinematic phenomenon, blending larger-than-life action with a gripping storyline.
Masterpiece (2015): A lesser-known gem that highlights Yash’s charisma and action chops.

- Ram Charan
Ram Charan, a dynamic performer, has mastered the art of blending action, drama, and dance in his roles. His nuanced performances and incredible screen presence make him a fan favorite.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): His portrayal of Alluri Sitarama Raju, alongside NTR Jr., is a masterclass in action and emotion.
Magadheera (2009): A timeless classic that combines action, romance, and fantasy in a spellbinding narrative.
Why These Actors Shine
What makes these stars stand out in the realm of South Indian action movies is their ability to push boundaries, take on challenging roles, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s NTR Jr.’s emotional depth, Allu Arjun’s stylish personas, Prabhas’s epic presence, Yash’s raw intensity, or Ram Charan’s versatility, these actors have set benchmarks in the industry.
So, if you’re an action movie enthusiast like me, dive into their filmographies—you won’t be disappointed!
Movie
Preview: The New Superman Soars into Theaters July 11, 2025

The Man of Steel is set to make a triumphant return in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman: Legacy, hitting theaters on July 11, 2025. As the first major film in Gunn and Peter Safran’s revamped DC Universe, this movie is shaping up to redefine Superman for a new generation.
David Corenswet (Pearl, Hollywood) steps into the iconic red cape as Clark Kent, bringing a fresh yet familiar energy to the dual role of the mild-mannered reporter and the Kryptonian hero. Opposite him is Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), who will take on the role of the feisty, fearless Lois Lane. Early glimpses of their chemistry promise a dynamic that honors the timeless love story while introducing new layers of complexity.
James Gunn, known for his unique storytelling in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, takes the helm as writer and director. Gunn’s vision reportedly focuses on a younger Superman struggling to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville. This fresh storyline promises a mix of heartfelt emotion and larger-than-life heroics, grounded in the themes of hope and resilience that define Superman.
The supporting cast is just as exciting. Fans will see a DC Universe filled with familiar faces like Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. Gunn’s knack for ensemble storytelling is sure to shine as these characters interact in a world teeming with potential.
With an emotionally resonant story, a talented cast, and James Gunn’s unique creative touch, Superman: Legacy could be the breath of fresh air DC fans have been waiting for. Mark your calendars—this could be the superhero event of the decade!
Movie
Is ‘Call Me By Your Name’ Really A Romantic Movie

I would like to start with one of my usual prefaces; this is one of my favourite movies so I am loathe to criticise it. It is also not the type of film I usually gravitate towards (my back catalog on this site will show you as much). Despite thoroughly enjoying the book the film is based on, I have to say the film is better.
Not only is Call Me By Your Name a juggernaut of queer cinema it is also the film where the world fell in love with Timothée Chalamet. It’s hard to imagine it now, but he was an unknown at the time (2017). However, his sincere acting ability, kaleidoscope eyes, and aerodynamic hair won the hearts of many. Chalamet plays 17-year-old Elio Perlman a young musician. Elio is an extremely talented pianist, well-read, and bilingual. You would really hate him if he wasn’t played with the heart-rending vulnerability Chalamet brings to most of his characters.
While this cinematic masterpiece earned Chalamet his first Oscar nomination at the tender age of 23, it was the film’s second leading man who was truly surprising. Armie Hammer plays Oliver (no surname) the 24-year-old American graduate assisting Elio’s father, a professor in archaeology, at their holiday home in Lombardy, Northern Italy. This role was before Hammer effectively torched his career with certain accusations which I won’t go into (we literally don’t have the word count). However, at the time Hammer’s portrayal of Oliver proved that he was more than just a cookie-cutter Hollywood handsome hunk.
At the time of the film’s release, there was plenty of discourse about the age difference between the two young men. In both the book and the film there is 7 year age gap between the pair. At certain stages of life, this wouldn’t be a big deal. In fact many argued that in so many romantic films the age difference is somewhat questionable (for example; in Titanic, Rose is 17 and Jack is 20) it only seems to be a problem when the relationship is not heterosexual. Under Italian law at the time of the film being set (1983) Elio and Oliver’s relationship is not illegal, but is it moral?
I have watched the film numerous times but this time I decided to watch it with an eye for Oliver not in fact being a charming foreign student who sweeps young Elio off his espadrilles, but instead being… predatory.
As stated Elio is 17; Chalamet with his slight figure and elfin features can easily pass for a teenager despite being around 21 at the time of filming. Elio is a prodigy and spends his time reading, transcribing, and composing music. The only child of two academics Elio seems somewhat sheltered. He is doted on by his mum Annella (who is low key goals) and even curls up in his parent’s lap to be read stories while his father refers to him as “Elly-Belly”. A deep thinker Elio is all too well aware of his downfalls. He even states to Oliver that he knows very little about “…the things that matter”.
In contrast, Oliver is a self-assured student who has essentially traveled across the world to spend the summer with relative strangers. Everyone is beguiled by Oliver’s good looks, Annella even refers to him as a ‘movie star’ and is endeared by his brutish Americanisms.
It doesn’t help that Hammer was around 30 at the time of filming and between his impressive height at 6 ft 5 and even more impressive body hair, looks every one of his three decades. Elio is not short but is dwarfed in every sense of the word.
Much like the audience, Elio can’t figure Oliver out. The student switches between friendly and standoffish with alarming frequency. I won’t pretend to know the intricacies of flirting between two men but Elio is extremely unsettled. Particularly during a game of volleyball with Elio’s friends where Oliver attempts to give Elio a shoulder massage because he is ‘tense’. Oliver later tells Elio that this is to show Elio that he ‘liked’ him. On this viewing, I noticed the imprint of Oliver’s fingerprints on Elio’s pale bicep from where he was grabbed.
Call Me By Your Name is described as a coming-of-age film and Elio does lose his virginity to his girlfriend Marzia during the film. An embarrassing fumble by a lake for their first time after which Elio becomes remarkably more confident for their second. As the audience we can only wonder what brought on this drastic change. Was it knowing he had captured the attention of an older man? His sexual awakening? Suffice it to say Elio is experienced before ever doing anything sexual with Oliver.
Both the book and film are from Elio’s POV so we can only glean Oliver’s thoughts and motivations from his actions and facial expressions. Oliver barges into Elio’s room whilst knocking where Elio happens to be touching himself. If that’s not enough he tries to make Elio go swimming with him whilst Elio is trying to hide his erection. Was Oliver toying with Elio? In the book, Elio’s anguish over Oliver’s moods is more poignant. Elio even tries to anticipate Oliver’s daily moods by the graduate’s color choice of bathing shorts. Clearly trying to harness any kind of control over the situation, no matter how tenuous.
When Elio finally admits his feelings for the other man Oliver tells him they can’t discuss “such things”. Then shortly after Oliver initiates their first kiss then abruptly tells Elio they need to stop and haven’t yet done anything to be “ashamed of”.
Oliver also initiates their first sexual encounter. After days of silence, Elio can’t stand it anymore. We get a peak into Elio’s journal where he chastises himself for being ‘too harsh’ towards Oliver and worrying that Oliver hates him. He slips a note under Oliver’s door pleading to talk. Oliver answers in kind with a note left on Elio’s desk telling him to ‘grow up’ and that he’ll meet the young musician at midnight. Is Oliver being facetious by saying ‘grow up’? Or does he genuinely want Elio to age about 5 years before midnight?
At midnight the two consummate their situation. And Oliver does ask Elio’s permission to kiss him. The next morning Elio appears maudlin. He rises out of Oliver’s bed without meeting the man’s eyes, ignoring inquiries about his well-being from a nervous-looking Oliver. Elio requests they go swimming. Elio looks extremely vulnerable and young in his oversized jumper. None of the confident swagger after his first time with Mariza. Without being too blunt can we ascertain that this is because Elio was the one who penetrated this time?
Oliver handles this situation by telling Elio to check if he can still get “hard”. Whether this is to assuage any notions Oliver might have about Elio regretting the sex, despite asking for verbal confirmation in a later scene that he doesn’t.
As much I love Elio’s parents in the film I do end up questioning their judgement. They know their teenage son is carrying on a clandestine affair with someone they opened their home to. They then encourage Elio to go on a trip with Oliver to Bergamo (a nearby city) for a few days where Oliver will board a train to begin his journey back home to New England. I know Elio’s parents are bohemian academic types and I know it was the 80s when everyone went home when the streetlights came on and drank hose water by the gallon. But they are sending their teenage son away with someone with someone who could be a serial killer!
Oliver and Elio exchange a tearjerking goodbye at the train station and they don’t speak again for a few months until Winter. Over the phone, Oliver tells Elio he is engaged to be married in the Spring. Oliver also has the nerve to ask Elio “Do you mind?”! How is anyone meant to answer that? Let alone a teenager? We do get a slight insight into Oliver’s family when he says that if his father found out about his relationship with Elio he’d send Oliver to a “correctional facility”.
This all culminates to the iconic final scene which probably earned Chalamet his Oscar nomination; Elio crying in front of a roaring fire.
The cinematography, acting, score, and direction of the film are perfect despite the problematic premise. There are moments that are truly touching moments that make you think that maybe Oliver truly did care for Elio. Or maybe he left a trail of broken-hearted boys and girls across Europe? It is a film to be feasted upon, not unlike the numerous peaches that litter the film’s premise (read into that what you will). I just hope I haven’t ruined it for anyone, or indeed myself!
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.