Star Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal

Director: Kussh S Sinha

Nikita Roy Movie Review Synopsis:
NIKITA ROY is the story of a girl fighting blind faith. Nikita (Sonakshi Sinha) is an author and a part of the International Rationalist Community (IRC), London. Her brother Sanal Roy (Arjun Rampal) is also a part of IRC and a staunch rationalist. He is also her mentor and he dotes on her. One day, Nikita’s life comes crashing down when she is informed that Sanal has passed away. As per the cops, he died by suicide. But Nikita is confident that it’s a murder. She finds out that Sanal was working on the case of Godman Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal) of Tru Faith Foundation. IRC members are reluctant to help Nikita as Amar is very powerful and also dangerous. Hence, she decides to fight Amar alone. Help comes from her ex-boyfriend, Jolly (Suhail Nayyar). What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Nikita Roy Movie Story Review:
Pavan Kirpalani’s original story and Kussh S Sinha’s adapted story hold a lot of promise. Pavan Kirpalani’s screenplay (additional screenplay by Neel Mohanty, Kussh S Sinha, Ankur Vijay Takrani) is lacklustre. Belal Khalique’s dialogues are just okay.

Kussh S Sinha’s direction is not up to the mark. He is equipped with a great story about godmen. On top of it, there’s also bit of a supernatural element. Hence, if dealt well, this film could have made for a thrilling watch. Moreover, it starts on a chilling note. The first half is engaging and one expects fireworks in the second half.

Sadly, the post-interval portions are boring. The entire investigate bit falls flat. Nikita presents herself as someone who will expose Amar Dev but in reality, she doesn’t have any plan. She shoots arrows in the dark. Hence, one doesn’t see her in awe. Moreover, a few questions remain unanswered till the very end. The finale raises interest but at the same time, it is convenient and predictable.

Nikita Roy – Official Trailer | Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal

Nikita Roy Movie Review Performances:
Sonakshi Sinha yet again proves that she’s a fine performer and can nicely shoulder a film if given a chance. Paresh Rawal is top-notch as the villain. Suhail Nayyar gives a wonderful performance and has a great screen presence. Arjun Rampal is lovely in a cameo. Kallirroi Tziafeta (Freya) leaves a huge mark. Supreet Bedi (Tina), Kumall Grewal (Krishnan), Paul Coster (Inspector Brian), Beau Baptist (Inspector James), Adi Chugh (Sameer; IRC member), Calin Bleau (Luca; Amar Dev’s assistant) and Zara Zaidi (Rosemary; Amar Dev’s assistant) are fair.

Nikita Roy movie music and other technical aspects:
Abhinav Shekhar’s music is forgettable. ‘Kaali Raatein’ works due to the placement and graphics. Amar Mohile’s background score adds to the eeriness.

Anshul Chobey’s cinematography is normal. Ian Van Temperley’s action is cinematic. Sunil Nigvekar’s production design is convincing while Ankit Patel and Nuri Chimnani’s costumes are straight out of life. Ritesh Soni’s editing could have been better.

Nikita Roy Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, NIKITA ROY is a lacklustre investigative thriller. At the box office, it has released with negligible buzz and will go unnoticed.

Star Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda

Director: Mohit Suri

Saiyaara Movie Review Synopsis:
SAIYAARA is the story of two lovers. Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda) is a closet poet and is all set to get married. After her partner doesn’t arrive for court marriage and dumps her at the last minute, Vaani is devastated. She stops writing poems. Six months later, she gets a job as a journalist. This is when she bumps into Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday). He’s an aspiring singer but has lot of aggression in him. Krish reads Vaani’s poem and gets enchanted by it. He asks her to join him to write lyrics for his songs. Both come closer while working and fall for each other. Sadly, their love story has several obstacles. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Saiyaara Movie Story Review:
Sankalp Sadanah’s story is excellent. Sankalp Sadanah screenplay is dramatic and gripping. But it also gives a dejavu of some past films of Mohit Suri. Rohan Shankar’s dialogues are touching and contribute beautifully to the film.

Mohit Suri’s direction is splendid. He has always been a fine storyteller but watch out for him here as he has evolved and how! His films usually deal with loneliness, alcoholism and a lot more and all these aspects are there. But at the same time, there’s a lot more to the story. Thankfully, the makers didn’t give out the plot in the trailer. Viewers will be astonished with the interval block and kudos to the makers for keeping it hidden. Some scenes that stand out are Krish’s dramatic entry, Vaani admonishing Krish for not being able to pen the lyrics, Vaani confessing about her past while Krish plays cricket. Post-interval, the madness that occurs backstage is very dramatic. The pre climax is gripping while the finale is moving.

On the flipside, though Mohit Suri tries his best to ensure SAIYAARA stands out, one can’t help but remember AASHIQUI 2 and his other films as a few plot points are similar. Some scenes come out as a bit silly and might lead to unintentional laughter in cinemas.

Saiyaara | Official Trailer | Ahaan Panday | Aneet Padda | Mohit Suri | Releasing 18 July 2025

Saiyaara Movie Review Performances:
Ahaan Panday makes a terrific debut. His screen presence is electrifying and he shines the most in emotional scenes. Aneet Padda will surprise as her character is very challenging and she pulls it off like a pro. The chemistry of both is very enticing as well. Alam Khan (KV) leaves a huge mark. Geeta Agarwal (Vaani’s mother), Rajesh Kumar (Vaani’s father), Varun Badola (Krish’s father), Shaad Randhawa (Prince), Sid Makkar (Vinit Rawal; manager), Shaan R Grover (Mahesh Iyer) and Neil Dutta (Cleo) lend able support.

Saiyaara movie music and other technical aspects:
The songs are a USP. The title track is the best track of the lot and is very well shot. The same goes for ‘Dhun’. ‘Barbaad’, ‘Tum Ho Toh’ and ‘Humsafar’ are very soulful. John Stewart Eduri’s background score is in sync with the film’s mood.

Vikas Sivaraman’s cinematography gives the film rich, vibrant look. Laxmi Keluskar, Rajat Poddar’s production design is rich. Sheetal Sharma’s costumes are glamorous. Aejaz Gulab’s action is minimal but entertaining. yFX’s VFX is classy. Devendra Murdeshwar, Rohit Makwana’s editing is satisfactory.

Saiyaara Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, SAIYAARA is a stirring musical saga elevated by Mohit Suri’s deft direction, heartfelt romance, chart-topping music, and stellar lead performances. It strikes a perfect chord between emotion and spectacle, ensuring a captivating cinematic experience.  At the box office, it’s poised for an unexpectedly massive opening, with every chance to rank among the year’s biggest blockbusters.

Star Cast: Shubhangi Dutt, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi

Director: Anupam Kher

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Synopsis:
TANVI THE GREAT is the story of an extraordinary person. Tanvi Raina (Shubhangi Dutt) is a 21-year-old autistic girl who lives in Delhi with her mother, Vidya Raina (Pallavi Joshi), a globally renowned autism expert. Tanvi’s father, Captain Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), was a soldier who died 14 years ago while he was on his way to Siachen. Vidya has to go to New York, USA, for 9 months for a special project related to her field. She asks her father-in-law, Retd Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher), to take care of Tanvi in his absence. Pratap agrees. Tanvi is dropped off at his residence in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. Pratap is used to staying alone and hence, his peace is shattered by Tanvi’s presence. He also struggles to handle her behaviour. Tanvi is happy to be in Lansdowne and enjoys learning music under the guidance of Raza Saab (Boman Irani). At Pratap’s house, she learns more about her father and how it was his dream to salute the Indian flag at Siachen. This motivates Tanvi to fulfill her father’s dream. She decides to join the army. Pratap stops her from doing so, knowing fully that the army doesn’t employ autistic people. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Tanvi The Great Movie Story Review:
Anupam Kher and Abhishek Dixit’s story is novel. Anupam Kher, Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit’s screenplay doesn’t leave the desired impact as it’s impractical and difficult to digest. Anupam Kher, Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit’s dialogues are fine but a few one-liners are tacky.

Anupam Kher’s direction is okay. He has mounted the film very well and also makes an important comment about autistic people. The intention is pure and it shows. It is also clear that a lot of research has gone into writing the film. Some scenes are lovely, like Samar’s accident sequence, Tanvi meeting Pratap for the first time, Tanvi’s meeting with Major Srinivas (Arvind Swami), etc.

On the flipside, the direction leaves a lot to be desired. The cinematic liberties go to another level once Tanvi joins the army training. The songs add to the length needlessly and a few characters, played by prominent actors, don’t get the desired due. The climax was supposed to induce goosebumps, but that doesn’t happen as it’s far-fetched. The tacky VFX further ruins the experience. Tanvi’s intention to join the army might also not be accepted by the viewers. In fact, the SSB selection scene and Siachen sequence give a feeling of MY NAME IS KHAN meeting 12TH FAIL.

Tanvi The Great | Official Trailer | Anupam Kher | Shubhangi | MM Keeravaani

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Performances:
Shubhangi Dutt gives a wonderful performance and shows a lot of promise. However, the condition of Tanvi is inconsistent. In some scenes, she appears normal. But it’s the fault of the makers here, as she has delivered according to what was instructed to her. Anupam Kher the actor shines as always. Pallavi Joshi is lovely and deserves to be seen more. Karan Tacker is adorable in a cameo. Boman Irani is let down by the writing. Jackie Shroff (Brigadier Joshi), Arvind Swami (Major Srinivas), Nasser (Brigadier K N Rao) and Ashish Kaushik (Dogra; Srinivas’s associate) leave a mark. Iain Glen (Michael Simmons) is just okay. Gautam Ahuja (Mukund) hams.

Tanvi The Great movie music and other technical aspects:
M M Keeravani’s music doesn’t follow the present-day trend and that way, it stands out. But the songs won’t have a long shelf life. The theme music is soothing. ‘Mann Chala Manwa’ is soulful. ‘Oh Mere Mann Mohana’ is a fine song but it is forced. Same goes for ‘Sena Ki Jai’. M M Keeravani’s background score is exhilarating.

Keiko Nakahara’s cinematography is superior. Urvi Ashar Kakkar’s production design is classy. Rohit Chaturvedi’s costumes are realistic. VFX is poor. Tushar Parekh’s editing could have been crisper.

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, TANVI THE GREAT is a heartfelt and well-intentioned film with moments that shine. While the writing and length pose challenges, and the second half loses some momentum, its sincerity is evident. At the box office, it enters a competitive space, but with the right word of mouth, it still has the potential to find its own audience.

Star Cast: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Joshua Orpin

Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie Review Synopsis:
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER is the story of a group of friends and a murder. On the 4th of July, Danica Richards (Madelyn Cline) gets engaged to Teddy Spencer (Tyriq Withers). Their old friends, Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) and Milo (Jonah Hauer-King) arrive in their hometown, Southport, on this happy occasion. They decide to go to a secluded beach to watch the fireworks. They bump into another old friend, Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon), and she also joins them. On the way, they unintentionally cause an accident, leading to the death of a car driver. The friends are divided over the next course of action. Ava and Stevie want to call the cops, but the rest of them realize that if they do so, they can get arrested, affecting their careers. Teddy’s father Giant Spencer (Billy Campbell) is a big shot in Southport and he ensures the case is dismissed as that of a road accident. One year has passed. Ava and Milo return to Southport for Danica’s wedding to Wyatt (Joshua Orpin) after she breaks up with Teddy. During the wedding celebrations, Danica gets a letter simply stating ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. It scares her, Ava, Milo and Teddy. Soon, dead bodies start piling up and moreover, they also learn that a similar spate of killings took place in the town before. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie Story Review:
Leah McKendrick and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s story is intended to take the franchise forward with a dash of nostalgia. Sam Lansky and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s screenplay is weak and full of loose ends. The dialogues are okay.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s direction is not good. To give credit where it’s due, the way Southport is depicted is impressive. A lot of changes have occurred here after the town suffered negativity due to the 1997 killings. This bit is intriguing and also realistic. Some jump scares are also frightening while the suspense is unexpected.

On the flipside, the terror level this time is very low, compared to the first two films. The character of Danica is shown to be dumb and instead of amusing viewers, it’ll irritate them. The goings-on are not convincing at all. Agreed that Grant downplays the deaths since he doesn’t want the town to get a bad reputation. But at the same time, his son’s life is also in danger. Yet, he doesn’t take precautions. The 1997 version was believable as CCTV cameras were barely present on the streets. Now, the situation has changed and it shouldn’t have been difficult for cops to track the killer. Also, it is laughable that Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) had CCTV cameras and even motion sensor detectors around her house. But no such security systems were present in Teddy’s palatial residence. The climax is another downer. Ideally, the film should have ended with the boat scene. The extended finale spoils not just the film but also the series.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie Review Performances:
Madelyn Cline is quite over the top. Chase Sui Wonders has the maximum screen time and she performs ably. Tyriq Withers and Jonah Hauer-King deliver fine performances. Sarah Pidgeon leaves a mark. Billy Campbell and Joshua Orpin are okay. Jennifer Love Hewitt is superb while Freddie Prinze Jr (Ray) is decent but is let down by the writing.

I Know What You Did Last Summer movie music and other technical aspects:
Chanda Dancy’s music is in sync with the feel of the film. Elisha Christian’s cinematography is neat. Action is gory. Courtney Andujar and Hillary Andujar’s production design is authentic. Mari-An Ceo’s costumes are glamorous. Saira Haider’s editing is passable.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER fails to impress due to a weak script and disappointing climax. At the box office, it will prove to be a damp squib, despite the popularity of the series.

Star Cast: Rihanna, J P Karliak, Natasha Lyonne, Nick Offerman, James Corden

Director: Chris Miller 

Smurfs Movie Review Synopsis:
SMURFS is the story of a group of mysterious creatures on a mission. Everyone is happy in the Smurf Village and making merry, except No Name Smurf (James Corden). Everyone has been named according to their skills and profession. But No Name doesn’t have either of the two and has been left without a name. This distresses him. One day, he discovers magical powers. He announces it to the villagers, who are delighted with the development. Suddenly, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by the evil Razamel (J P Karliak). Razamel is looking for a magical book and he’s sure that Papa Smurf has it or knows its whereabouts. Papa, however, refuses to disclose the information. Meanwhile, No Name along with Smurfette (Rihanna) and other Smurfs, travel to the real world. They reach Paris, where they meet Papa’s brother Ken (Nick Offerman). He also joins them to find Papa. The Smurfs don’t just get help from Ken but also valuable information about their lineage and the magic book. What happens next forms the rest of the film. 

Smurfs Movie Story Review:
Pam Brady’s story is promising. Pam Brady’s screenplay falters after a point. The dialogues try to add to the humour.

Chris Miller’s direction is okay. On the positive side, the film starts on an entertaining note. The intro of the characters, especially the quirky ones, raise laughs. The conflict is also intriguing and the madness continues once the Smurfs reach Paris.

In the second half, the film drops. The Disney-style songs seem forced. The character arc of No Name should have been exhilarating but the desired impact is just not made. In fact, the humour also gets limited after a point. There have been many films in this space and have been far better; this aspect will also affect the response of the public. 

Smurfs Movie Review Performances:
Speaking of the voiceovers, Rihanna is the biggest draw of the film and she does an impressive job. J P Karliak comes next and he’s praiseworthy since he has voiced not just Razamel but also Gargamel. Natasha Lyonne (Mama Poot) gets the quirk right. Nick Offerman and James Corden come next, followed by Dan Levy (Joel; Razamel’s henchmen) and Sandra Oh (Moxie Smurf). 

Smurfs movie music and other technical aspects:
Henry Jackman’s music is enticing. ‘Everything Goes With Blue’ is foot-tapping. It appears at the very start and enhances interest. ‘Desi Trill’ has Punjabi lyrics and will surprise moviegoers. This song ideally should have been promoted big time. The background score is just okay.

The cinematography is appropriate. The animation is not the usual Disney/Pixar type. It is vibrant in some scenes, but it is also not as enticing. Max Boas’s production design is fine. Matt Landon’s editing is pacy but stagnates in the middle of the second half. 

Smurfs Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, SMURFS is a poorly made animated film. It has limited appeal in India, and hence, its box office prospects look bleak.

Star Cast: Shubhangi Dutt, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi

Director: Anupam Kher

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Synopsis:
TANVI THE GREAT is the story of an extraordinary person. Tanvi Raina (Shubhangi Dutt) is a 21-year-old autistic girl who lives in Delhi with her mother, Vidya Raina (Pallavi Joshi), a globally renowned autism expert. Tanvi’s father, Captain Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), was a soldier who died 14 years ago while he was on his way to Siachen. Vidya has to go to New York, USA, for 9 months for a special project related to her field. She asks her father-in-law, Retd Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher), to take care of Tanvi in his absence. Pratap agrees. Tanvi is dropped off at his residence in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. Pratap is used to staying alone and hence, his peace is shattered by Tanvi’s presence. He also struggles to handle her behaviour. Tanvi is happy to be in Lansdowne and enjoys learning music under the guidance of Raza Saab (Boman Irani). At Pratap’s house, she learns more about her father and how it was his dream to salute the Indian flag at Siachen. This motivates Tanvi to fulfill her father’s dream. She decides to join the army. Pratap stops her from doing so, knowing fully that the army doesn’t employ autistic people. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Tanvi The Great Movie Story Review:
Anupam Kher and Abhishek Dixit’s story is novel. Anupam Kher, Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit’s screenplay doesn’t leave the desired impact as it’s impractical and difficult to digest. Anupam Kher, Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit’s dialogues are fine but a few one-liners are tacky.

Anupam Kher’s direction is okay. He has mounted the film very well and also makes an important comment about autistic people. The intention is pure and it shows. It is also clear that a lot of research has gone into writing the film. Some scenes are lovely, like Samar’s accident sequence, Tanvi meeting Pratap for the first time, Tanvi’s meeting with Major Srinivas (Arvind Swami), etc.

On the flipside, the direction leaves a lot to be desired. The cinematic liberties go to another level once Tanvi joins the army training. The songs add to the length needlessly and a few characters, played by prominent actors, don’t get the desired due. The climax was supposed to induce goosebumps, but that doesn’t happen as it’s far-fetched. The tacky VFX further ruins the experience. Tanvi’s intention to join the army might also not be accepted by the viewers. In fact, the SSB selection scene and Siachen sequence give a feeling of MY NAME IS KHAN meeting 12TH FAIL.

Tanvi The Great | Official Trailer | Anupam Kher | Shubhangi | MM Keeravaani

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Performances:
Shubhangi Dutt gives a wonderful performance and shows a lot of promise. However, the condition of Tanvi is inconsistent. In some scenes, she appears normal. But it’s the fault of the makers here, as she has delivered according to what was instructed to her. Anupam Kher the actor shines as always. Pallavi Joshi is lovely and deserves to be seen more. Karan Tacker is adorable in a cameo. Boman Irani is let down by the writing. Jackie Shroff (Brigadier Joshi), Arvind Swami (Major Srinivas), Nasser (Brigadier K N Rao) and Ashish Kaushik (Dogra; Srinivas’s associate) leave a mark. Iain Glen (Michael Simmons) is just okay. Gautam Ahuja (Mukund) hams.

Tanvi The Great movie music and other technical aspects:
M M Keeravani’s music doesn’t follow the present-day trend and that way, it stands out. But the songs won’t have a long shelf life. The theme music is soothing. ‘Mann Chala Manwa’ is soulful. ‘Oh Mere Mann Mohana’ is a fine song but it is forced. Same goes for ‘Sena Ki Jai’. M M Keeravani’s background score is exhilarating.

Keiko Nakahara’s cinematography is superior. Urvi Ashar Kakkar’s production design is classy. Rohit Chaturvedi’s costumes are realistic. VFX is poor. Tushar Parekh’s editing could have been crisper.

Tanvi The Great Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, TANVI THE GREAT is a well-intentioned flick but suffers due to writing, a weak second half and excessive length. At the box office, it will face tough competition and hence will largely go unnoticed.