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You Are Not Ready for ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’

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“Do you want to watch a film with me? It’s called Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”

“What?”

“It’s about a little shell named Marcel who wears shoes.”

“…”

And that about sums it up! It’s the blob of a week between Christmas and New Year so it was the optimum time to watch a very surreal film recently added to UK Netflix. 

Released in 2021 (a blob of a year) Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is about a one-inch-tall shell called Marcel who lives with his grandmother, Connie, in an Airbnb. Marcel usually stays out the way of the house’s various guests as he utilizes his only means of fast transportation (a tennis ball) and walks his pet lint on a string (Alan). This is until a documentary filmmaker named Dean, who is staying at the Airbnb, discovers Marcel and his unique lifestyle.

As filmmakers are wont to do Dean begins to film interviews with Marcel, consequently we get an insight into Marcel’s world both inside and out. Yes, Marcel is a stop-motion hermit crab shell with surprisingly expressive googly eyes but he feels very human. I was unsure about Marcel’s age and gender because he sounds a lot like Lisa Simpson, I did even check that Marcel wasn’t voiced by Yeardly Smith. But Marcel is voiced superbly by Jenny Slate. Marcel comes off as quite childlike with his wide-eyed optimism and naivety (he is a shell I suppose). Yet, like many children, Marcel will utter something so profound he will seem more of a fossil than a shell. When Dean uploads Marcel’s interviews onto YouTube Marcel of course becomes a viral sensation. Marcel reads the comments on his videos, using his tiny shoes to activate the laptop touchpad, which is just adorable! Despite his obvious popularity, Marcel remarks; “It’s an audience. It’s not a community.” Which just drives a stake into the heart of social media.

No, Marcel does not become a teeny-tiny-TikToker, he in fact uses the internet to find his lost community. The house used to be full of anthropomorphic objects including Marcel’s own shell family. They had been living in the house for generations, Connie herself came from the garage travelling by coat pocket to the main house; it’s why she has an accent. Among the community there are anthropomorphic pieces of cereal and because the internet notices this stuff; a tampon! An unfortunate event occurred and the community were accidentally removed from their home one tragic night, leaving Marcel and Connie on their own. 

Being an A24 film I knew it would get deep. Marcel’s journey gives the audience a unique perspective of life, death, and community. In a modern world where we are more connected than ever but loneliness has been recognized as a universal health crisis. We could all learn something from this talented little shell and his grandmother. Be like Marcel and don’t get sanded down by life, stay connected to your community and know you are not just rattling around on your own!

It’s a beautifully poignant and quirky film. Despite its metaphysical and existential content, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether it’s Marcel making rope by winding together the pubic hairs he finds in the drain (he calls them ‘hardy hairs’) or sleeping on slices of bread referring to them as his ‘breadroom’. The film is painstakingly detailed and you can see its roots in a short film. It’s a delightful adventure that has something far bigger to say than its minuscule protagonist.

Five stars. 

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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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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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Could Shah Rukh Khan Be Marvel’s Real Dr. Doom? A Bold But Brilliant Possibility

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In the sprawling multiverse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), few roles are as iconic, enigmatic, and intellectually menacing as Victor Von Doom — better known to fans as Doctor Doom. As Marvel prepares for its next phase, whispers of bold, unexpected casting choices are swirling. One name that has recently ignited fan discussions is none other than Bollywood’s megastar: Shah Rukh Khan.

At first glance, the idea of India’s “King of Romance” portraying one of Marvel’s most feared villains may seem like a stretch. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a compelling argument — not just for diversity and international appeal, but for pure cinematic brilliance.

Shah Rukh Khan, or SRK, is not just a movie star; he’s a global phenomenon. With over 30 years in film, his range spans from charming heroes to complex antiheroes. His performances in films like Fan, Raees, and Jawan show a darker, more brooding side — proving he has the intensity and intelligence to pull off a character like Doom. Unlike the stereotypical one-dimensional villain, Doctor Doom requires a sense of wounded pride, imperial intellect, and tragic ego. SRK can deliver all three with chilling precision.

The Marvel Universe is evolving — both in content and casting. We’ve already seen major franchises embrace actors from diverse backgrounds: Simu Liu in Shang-Chi, Tenoch Huerta in Wakanda Forever, and Iman Vellani in Ms. Marvel. Casting SRK as Doom wouldn’t just be a bold step for Marvel; it would be a global statement — signaling a true embrace of the international market.

Latveria, Doom’s fictional homeland, has always been vaguely European. But Marvel has often adapted characters and backstories to better reflect real-world audiences and narrative opportunities. A reimagined Doom — perhaps a brilliant technocrat rising from a war-torn South Asian nation — would add layers of depth and relevance to the MCU’s ever-growing geopolitical canvas.

Doctor Doom isn’t just a villain; he’s a ruler, a genius, and sometimes even an uneasy ally. The character must command every scene — through intellect, menace, and occasionally, a sliver of humanity. SRK has the rare ability to fill a room with charisma, whether he’s speaking with a whisper or a roar. In fact, the very thing that makes SRK such a beloved romantic hero — his commanding presence — could make him an unforgettable Doom.

Imagine millions of fans in India — and the Indian diaspora worldwide — seeing one of their greatest cinematic icons in a pivotal Marvel role. It would be a watershed moment for representation in Hollywood. More importantly, it would challenge outdated notions of what a villain — or any powerful character — should look and sound like.

Of course, this is all speculation. Marvel has remained tight-lipped about the future of Doctor Doom. But the idea of Shah Rukh Khan donning the iron mask isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a thrilling possibility — one that could bring gravitas, global appeal, and a fresh narrative edge to the MCU.

Marvel has always been about breaking the mold. Casting SRK as Doctor Doom wouldn’t just break it — it would forge an entirely new one in vibranium.

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