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TV Analysis: The Case of the Vanishing Character

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Anyone who watches a show for more than one season comes to the inevitable tragedy; your favorite side character leaves a show. No, I’m not talking about when it falls in line with the plot of the narrative; i.e. Gus on Breaking Bad or anyone you love on Game of Thrones. I’m talking about when either contract negotiations go sour or an actor leaves a show to pursue another opportunity, or frankly, the character isn’t working, and they just disappear.

Now, there are two ways to handle this: one is to not acknowledge it whatsoever. Very few people realize that Richie Cunningham on Happy Days had an older brother, Chuck. He went upstairs, never to return, and no one was the wiser. Another great example was Family Matters. Judy, Laura and Eddie’s little sister, just… wasn’t on the show anymore, then Aunt Rachel disappeared, then Grandma Winslow… without any kind of explanation. I guess the rest of the Winslows were just too distracted by the antics of the nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel to notice their family was dwindling. My bet is Urkel was the culprit serial killer, but enough of my FMFF (that’s Family Matters Fan Fiction for short)

The other option, and my personal favorite, is have the characters not only acknowledge cast changes, but to make fun of them. Anyone who has binge watched The New Girl has seen this in the character Coach, played by Damon Wayans. Coach was in the pilot, but was replaced on the second episode by Bishop, played by Lamorne Morris. There are a slew of examples of the writers mocking this, one case where Nick Miller tells his future self, “Don’t be mean to Coach, or he’ll leave us for another group of white people,” which, actually happened. Wayans left the cast of Caucasians on New Girl to be the token black cast member on Happy Endings.

Boy Meets World did this type of thing in spades. Morgan Matthews, Corey and Eric’s little sister, was absent for several seasons. She suddenly came down the stairs, and Corey, aghast, says, “Morgan, long time no see.” Morgan responds, “Yeah. That was the longest time out I’ve ever had.” Two years. No kidding.

The show also had Minkus, the arch-rival dweeb who had stopped appearing after the main characters went into high school. Then, as Corey and Shawn are reminiscing about the friends they may have lost touch with, the camera pans to Minkus. He says that he’s been in the other part of the school and points off camera, then runs to greet Mr. Turner, another mainstay character who had disappeared two years before. It’s season 5, episode 24. I highly recommend you check it out.

Altogether, I don’t envy any writer who has to ax a character for the wrong reasons, but I applaud those who give their audience at least a half-hearted or even comical reasoning as to why a character leaves. I mean, that’s a writer’s job, right? That’s my Entertainment, what’s yours?

Written by: John Stiens

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The rise of Japanese anime in India

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In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.

Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects. 

Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India. 

The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:

Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences. 

Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers. 

Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest. 

Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India. 

The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.

In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.

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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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