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As a fan of the Luther TV series, I was excited to see Idris Elba reprise his role as DCI John Luther in the film continuation ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun.’ Released on Netflix recently, the crime thriller film directed by Jamie Payne and written by Neil Cross didn’t disappoint. The movie opens with a gripping and suspenseful introduction, giving the audience a glimpse of what’s to come. We are introduced to David Robey, played by the remarkable Andy Serkis, a wealthy trader and a serial killer. Robey’s meticulously planned and gruesome crimes catch the attention of DCI John Luther, who is assigned to the case. However, things take a turn for the worse when Robey digs up dirt on Luther’s past and gets him fired, prosecuted, and imprisoned. Years later, Robey re-emerges and begins a new killing spree. He coaxes the parents of his victims to a house where he burns their children’s corpses. This sets the stage for the rest of the film, where Luther must race against time to apprehend Robey and bring him to justice. The story is engaging and keeps the audience on edge until the end. While the film isn’t a suspenseful ‘whodunit’ as the audience already knows the perpetrator beforehand, it still maintains a steady pace throughout, making it more of a cat-and-mouse story where the audience journeys with Luther to catch the perpetrator with the evidence. Despite being an absolute thriller, some audiences may find the story a bit predictable though. There are moments in the film where one can feel they have watched the particular plot before. The film in no way compares to the TV series. The film’s strength lies in its compelling performances. Idris Elba once again delivers a charismatic and intense portrayal of DCI John Luther, who is haunted by his past and struggles to make peace with his conscience. His performance captures Luther’s inner turmoil and determination with subtlety and intensity, which is a delight to watch. However, it’s Andy Serkis who steals the show as the unhinged serial killer, David Robey. Serkis channels his inner Joker and delivers a rather creepy performance. Despite rocking a rather questionable and distracting wig, Serkis still manages to turn in an impressive performance that leaves a lasting impact. One thing I particularly appreciate about the film was how it projects violence without visually showing a lot of blood and gore. This approach lets the audience focus more on the character, story, and plot than being visually simulated with violent scenes. The film’s supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Cynthia Erivo playing DCI Odette Raine, the new head of Serious and Serial Crime, and Dermot Crowley as retired DSU Martin Schenk, who provides Luther with valuable insights and assistance. The film’s cinematography and sound design are top-notch, with stunning visuals and immersive sound effects that enhance the film’s suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere. Luther’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with an intense and haunting score that perfectly complements the film’s dark and gritty tone. Who should watch it? ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ is a well-executed crime thriller film that is a must-watch for fans of the Luther TV series. While the story may feel familiar at times, the film successfully maintains the tension and intrigue of the TV show while presenting a new and engaging storyline. The film’s compelling performances, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design make it a cinematic experience that shouldn’t be missed. While it may not be perfect, the film is still enjoyable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGK5qtXuc1Q Luther: The Fallen Sun Genre: Crime/thriller Rating: 3 stars Director: Jamie Payne Actors: Idris Alba, Andy Serkis Run time: 2hr 9mins

“What’s in a name?” Everything! That’s what I initially thought before I watched the latest Netflix release ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’. With a title that sounded so promising, I thought it would be a banger. But how wrong was I? This review is a totally honest opinion about this 2023 Indian heist thriller directed by Ajay Singh and produced by Amar Kaushik, starring Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of a flight attendant named Neha Grover (Gautam) and her boyfriend Ankit Sethi (Kaushal), who come up with a plan to steal a stash of diamonds on the flight to pay off Ankit’s outstanding debt to gangsters. However, their plan takes a disastrous turn as the flight is hijacked by a terrorist group, resulting in a hostage crisis. As the plot unravels, we find out that the hijacking is not a coincidence but a more sinister plan than what Ankit and Neha originally had in mind. But who is behind the plan? That you can only find out if you watch the movie. Unfortunately, the movie fails to deliver on its promise of being a suspenseful thriller. There are plenty of twists and turns in the movie as people try to deceive each other but the script is weak, and the direction is haphazard. The storytelling is too lazy for a suspense thriller and the dialogues are not convincing enough. There is revenge, vengeance, and wrath in the movie, but it fails to touch the audience’s hearts or minds. The movie meanders around aimlessly, and even the acting skills of the leads Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal fail to make up for the weak storytelling. The remaining supporting cast also delivers a lackluster performance, making it a forgettable experience. I would blame Siraj Ahmed, Amar Kaushik and Raj Kumar Gupta’s writing and Ajay Singh’s direction for this emotionless movie more than the cast involved. Maybe a case of too many cooks? But not to name names of a few seen and unseen faces, some of the acting performances are totally blameworthy as well. Another one of the weakest aspects of the movie is Ketan Sodha’s background score. A good background score adds to the movie’s overall impact, but in this case, it fails miserably. The score is excruciatingly bad and takes away from any potential suspense that the movie could have generated. The movie’s OSTs are also totally unworthy of even mentioning, making this movie a collective failure on all fronts There are some moments in the movie that are enjoyable, but they are rare. The few twists and turns that exist aren’t strong enough to carry the movie. Maybe I was over-expecting or maybe my standards have become too high, I can barely count the movie’s positives on one hand. As a viewer, you may find yourself checking your phone, pressing the fast-forward button too much, or being distracted by other things, which is never a good sign. Who should watch it? In summary, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga is a disappointment. The movie falls short of being a well-made heist thriller and fails to deliver on its promises. There isn’t much to take positively in the movie, and it’s not worth investing your time in. This movie is meant for people who have a lot of time to kill and are looking for a mediocre watch. I wouldn’t recommend this movie, but if you do decide to watch it, do so with low expectations.   Rating: 1.5 stars Genre: Suspense/Thriller Actors: Yami Gautam, Sunny Kaushal Director: Ajay Singh Run time: 1hr 50mins

Recently released on Netflix, ‘Kuttey’ features an outstanding cast of Bollywood’s best actors and Arjun Kapoor. I was eagerly anticipating the movie’s release on OTT after being captivated by the trailer a few months back. Directed by debutant Aasmaan Bhardwaj, the movie’s unique narrative structure immediately caught my attention. It’s divided into four parts, including an epilogue and three chapters, each with intriguing titles that reveal their significance as the story progresses. The epilogue ‘Laxmi Bomb’ sets the stage for the climax, followed by the chapters ‘Sabka Maalik Ek’, ‘Aata Kya Canada’, and ‘Moong Ki Daal’. The chapter titles contribute to the screenplay’s quirkiness, adding to the movie’s charm. The plot centers around Gopal (played by Arjun Kapoor) and Paaji (played by Kumud Mishra) who are hired to assassinate a politician’s rival. But when a corrupt cop enters the scene and greed takes over, things take a turn for the worse. Amidst this chaos, three groups of strangers collide on a stormy night, all searching for a van carrying millions of cash. The resulting clash between these groups—who fight for their territory like dogs—forms the crux of the movie’s plot. The first half of the movie might seem slow and somewhat aimless but it all comes together in the second half, which is fast-paced and thrilling. The narrative pieces fit together seamlessly, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. While the twist towards the end might be predictable, it adds a much-needed touch of humor to the otherwise dark tale of blood and gore. The humor is still blunt and dark though, which could probably not go down well with a few people. The writers have used known allegories and anecdotes to make sense of what the characters have on their minds. The performances delivered by the lead actors in Kuttey are truly commendable and showcase their versatility as performers. Arjun Kapoor, who has had a mixed bag of performances in his career, finally delivers an earnest portrayal of the trigger-happy Gopal. This is a refreshing change from his previous roles and he manages to carry the film on his shoulders with his intensity and presence. Kumud Mishra is equally impressive in his role as a corrupt cop who takes the law into his own hands. He exudes a rawness and authenticity in each scene, and his actions speak louder than words. It’s evident that he is out of his comfort zone in this role but he manages to portray the character’s shades with finesse. Mishra’s portrayal is a testament to his range as an actor and his ability to breathe life into any character he plays. The camaraderie between the characters is believable and helps to anchor the plot. Additionally, Tabu’s nuanced portrayal of Pammi is so compelling that she steals the show from the other lead actors. Her impeccable comic timing adds a much-needed touch of humor in this otherwise intense movie, providing a break from the tension and giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. It’s clear that Tabu is a force to be reckoned with and her performance in Kuttey leaves no doubt about her talent. This performance makes one eagerly anticipate her big comeback in the industry as her presence on the screen is truly missed. The background music of Kuttey also stands out. Composed by Vishal with lyrics penned by Gulzar, each song is aptly placed in the story and only serves to take the narrative forward. The iconic ‘Dhan Te Nan’ track by Vishal, played throughout the movie, elevates the impact of every important scene. While the movie does have some shortcomings, such as the rushed characterization of Konkona Sen Sharma’s Laxmi and the wasted potential of Naseeruddin Shah’s Khobre, the overall experience is worth watching. Kuttey offers a fresh take on the action-thriller genre and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Who should watch it? Fans of action-thrillers who enjoy an intriguing narrative structure and strong performances from talented actors should definitely give this movie a try. The movie also features excellent background music and memorable characters, especially Tabu’s portrayal of police officer Pammi. Additionally, those who appreciate unconventional and quirky storytelling will find this film to be a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood fare. However, those who are uncomfortable with violence or gore might want to approach it with caution. Rating: 3.5 stars Genre: Action/Thriller Actors: Arjun Kapoor, Kumud Mishra, Tabu Director: Aasmaan Bhardwaj Run time: 1hr 49mins

First of all, I want to apologize for the few weeks of silence. I had some family commitments that demanded most of my time but I’m back now and ready to bring you more reviews. And what better way to start than with the much-awaited ‘Rana Naidu’ on Netflix? This Indian series is a captivating and riveting action crime drama that had me hooked from start to finish. The show is directed by Karan Anshuman and Suparn Verma and it boasts an incredible cast led by Venkatesh Daggubati and Rana Daggubati, both of whom deliver standout performances. The writing and direction are top-notch, making it one of the best things to watch on Netflix right now. The show centers around Rana Naidu (Rana), a ‘fixer of the stars’ who helps his high-profile clients solve their problems. Although his work is highly respected and sought after, his personal life is a mess. His relationship with his wife and two children is strained, and his estranged father, Naga Naidu (played by Venkatesh), is released from prison after serving 15 years for a crime he claims he never committed. The father-son relationship is complex and layered, and the two actors bring it to life with nuance and subtlety. Venkatesh’s performance as Naga is one of the best of his career. He brings charm and gravitas to the role, and it’s a treat to watch him on screen. Rana’s character arc is well-written and executed, and Venkatesh does an excellent job of portraying his emotional journey. Rana Naidu is a story of family, loyalty, and betrayal. The show does an excellent job of exploring these themes and creating a world that is both gritty and compelling. The writing is tight, and the pacing is perfect. There is never a dull moment in the series, and it’s easy to binge-watch in a single sitting. The action scenes are well-choreographed, and the tension is palpable. The show’s cinematography and soundtrack are also noteworthy, adding to the overall experience. In addition to Venkatesh and Rana, the supporting cast is also excellent. Sushant Singh as Tej Naidu (Rana’s elder brother), Abhishek Banerjee as Pawan ‘Jaffa’ Naidu (Rana’s younger brother), and Surveen Chawla as Naina Naidu (Rana’s wife) complete the Naidu family with standout performances and adding depth to the show’s world. The exposure and screen time given to other characters such as Tara (Naga’s love interest), OB Mahajan (politician and Rana’s boss), Bollywood actor and Rana’s associate Prince Reddy, and Surya Rao Naidu (Naga’s older brother and former boss turned arch nemesis) all add another layer of complexity to the show. The characters are all well-written and woven into the storyline, giving them each importance in how the story unfolds. The writing is so deep that the series can have multiple spinoffs, with its lead characters telling their own narratives. Even some of the supporting casts could independently lead their own stories to create more spinoffs, sequels, or prequels if need be. Who should watch it? Rana Naidu is a must-watch series for fans of crime dramas and action thrillers. The show’s writing, direction, and performances are all top-notch, making it one of the best Indian series on Netflix. Venkatesh’s performance is a standout, and it’s a treat to see him in a role like never before. At least for me, this is one of his best acting performances so far. The series leaves viewers wanting more, and the cliffhanger ending sets up an exciting second season. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. Rating: 4 stars Genre: Action/Crime Director: Karan Anshuman and Suparn Verma Actors: Venkatesh Daggubati, Rana Daggubati, Surveen Chawla Run time: 8hrs (approx.)

As a cinephile, I was eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Vadh’ ever since I first watched the trailer on YouTube a few months back. The trailer was intriguing, and the glimpses of Sanjay Mishra’s acting in it made me believe that the movie was going to be a phenomenal work of cinema. I was so impatient to see it that I even tried to watch it on an illegal site, but the poor quality of the video made it impossible for me to get past the opening credits. However, my patience was finally rewarded when it was released on Netflix this week. I have to say Vadh is a hauntingly brilliant piece of cinema that explores the darkest depths of the human psyche. The movie is a triumph for all involved. The masterful storytelling, cinematography, and acting together take it to another level. Set in the small town of Gwalior, the movie revolves around the lives of Shambhunath Mishra and his wife Manju. Shambhunath, a hardworking man, takes out two different loans—from the bank and a loan shark called Prajapati Pandey—to send his son to the USA. His son doesn’t understand why his father is hesitant to take out a second loan to meet his estimated expenses. He promises to pay it back. But once settled in the US, he forgets his promise and Shambhunath soon becomes the victim of Prajapati’s exploitations. Vadh takes its time to build tension, gradually revealing the layers of each character and their motivations. The writing and direction by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajiv Barnwal are exceptional, and their ability to transform a common Indian man into a ruthless killer is truly commendable. The movie depicts the psychology of a man pushed to the brink, showing how far he will go to protect those he loves. There are moments in the movie where the pace slows down a bit too much, but these instances are few and far between. Additionally, Prajapati’s character development could have been better, but his role is cut short in the movie. Despite this, his character is fierce and memorable. The same can be said for the protagonist Shambhunath, who could have had a more interesting backstory, as the lack of a palpable cause for his sudden change in character raises doubts in the audience’s mind. Vadh stands out among other slow-burner Bollywood thrillers as it presents a much more realistic and less gimmicky portrayal of the human psyche. Compared to other similar movies, this one takes a more nuanced approach to its subject matter and delves deeper into the motivations of its characters. The acting performances in Vadh are outstanding. Sanjay and Neena Gupta (who plays Shambhunath’s wife, Manju) bring depth and emotion to their roles, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable. There’s a certain ease between the two actors that translates well on screen. Saurabh Sachdeva’s portrayal of Prajapati, the detestable loan shark, is equally impressive, and Manav Vij’s character as the corrupt cop, Shakti Singh, is noteworthy. The cinematography in Vadh is stunning, with lighting and camera work that create a dark and intense atmosphere, making the audience feel as though they are right there and it’s all unraveling around them. Who should watch it? Vadh is a must-watch for fans of cinema and for those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling. Its slow pace and intense atmosphere may not be for everyone, but for those willing to take the journey, it’s a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and intense film, Vadh is definitely worth checking out. While some of the characters could have been fleshed out better, the acting performances, cinematography, and exceptional writing more than make up for the minor glitches. Rating: 3.5 stars Vadh Genre: Thriller/Drama Actors: Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Manav Vij Director: Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajiv Barnwal Run time: 1h 50m https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5EkZtIXb1Q

Recently released on Netflix, the Indian Malayalam language movie ‘Kaapa’ takes viewers on a pulse-racing journey into the gritty and dangerous world of gang culture in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Written by G.R. Indugopan and directed by Shaji Kailas, the movie tells the story of a seemingly normal couple, Anand (Asif Ali) and Binu (Anna Ben), whose lives are turned upside down when they are unexpectedly pulled into the middle of a deadly gang war. The movie starts off with an intriguing premise as a police officer enters the couple’s home for a ‘routine’ visit, only to inform them that Binu is being mistaken for the head of a notorious gang because of her family background and typically male-sounding name. This sets the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful story that unfolds through Anand’s naive perspective as an IT engineer who is new to this world. Determined to clear his wife’s name, Anand sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth and seek justice. As he delves deeper into the city’s criminal underworld, he finds himself caught in a web of lies, corruption, and deceit. He meets the city’s most powerful gangster, Kotta Madhu (Prithviraj), and his wife Prameela (Aparna Balamurali) in an attempt to clear his wife’s name. But as he becomes more entrenched in the city’s criminal world, Anand finds himself in a race against time to save his wife and himself from the dangers that threaten to consume them both. And unwittingly, Ananda also finds himself engulfed in the war between two rival gangs, where he has to bear the consequences of his involvement. As an action thriller, Kaapa has plenty of twists and turns in its screenplay that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout its runtime. The plot, which starts with the introduction of a seemingly normal couple, thickens as the movie progresses, introducing the audience to the lives of its characters with interesting backstories. Even as it gives glimpses into the lives of its characters, the movie stays true to its premise and plot. There are also some well-conceived background stories, such as one in which Madhu exploits a boy’s poor economic background to commit a crime but the movie does seem to fail to fully explore the characters it focuses on, especially with its female representation. Both Aparna Balamurali and Anna Ben, who play important roles in the movie, are underutilized and have hardly anything to do for much of the runtime. But to its credit, the movie gives a strong suggestion of a sequel right after its climax. And also promises the audience that the action will be led by the two female characters. The acting in Kaapa is top-notch, with Asif Ali delivering a powerhouse performance as the determined Anand and Prithviraj Sukumaran delivering a chilling and multi-faceted portrayal of the ruthless Kotta Madhu. Among the movie’s many characters, Madhu stands out as particularly complex and intriguing. On one hand, he is a villainous force to be reckoned with, but on the other, we see glimpses of a more vulnerable and even sympathetic side to him. As the movie progresses, our understanding of Madhu deepens and evolves, leading to a satisfying shift in audience perception. The movie also delves into the intricacies of the relationship between Madhu and his wife Prameela, as well as the moral dilemmas that arise from living in a world of crime and violence. Who should watch it? Kaapa is a pulse-pounding and action-packed crime drama that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The powerful performances, well-crafted plot, and even pacing make it a must-see film for fans of the genre. Even if you’re not much intrigued by crime thrillers, the package is enough to lure in connoisseurs of drama. Definitely worth the watch. Rating: 4 stars Genre: Crime/thriller Actors: Prithviraj, Aparna Balamurali, Asif Ali, Anna Ben Director: Shaji Kailas Run time: 2hrs 16mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMEI_nRoLGU&t=3s

The Invitation is a horror, thriller movie that was recently released on Netflix and caught the attention of many due to its star, Nathalie Emmanuel who created quite a stir in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. It’s inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic ‘Dracula.’ The movie tells the story of Evelyn ‘Evie’ Jackson, a struggling artist in New York City who discovers dark secrets about her family after meeting long-lost relatives for the first time following her mother’s death. The movie begins with Evie taking a DNA test that leads her to a distant cousin, Oliver Alexander, in England. He reveals to her the scandalous past of her great-grandmother, Emmaline, and invites her to a family wedding in England. Once there, at the New Carfax Abbey, Evie starts to notice unsettling occurrences and begins to uncover the truth behind her family’s dark secrets. One of the strongest aspects of the movie is the acting by Emmanuel, who portrays a common New Yorker suddenly thrown into a wealthy British family. Her performance adds depth to the character, and she manages to shine. You could very well say her portrayal of Evie as a strong, bold, and beautiful woman while being the only colored member in a white family is a highlight of the movie. She effectively conveys the character’s emotions and reactions to the events unfolding around her. Other notable aspects of the movie are the cinematography and lighting. The movie switches between the colorful New York City and the somber English countryside and the darkness of the characters and the setting are well captured through the camera and lighting. The movie’s use of lighting is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease and suspense, as the audience is left wondering what horrors will be revealed next. The use of lighting has also helped in creating a sense of isolation, as the audience is left to wonder about the fate of the characters in the eerie and remote setting of the New Carfax Abbey. However, the storytelling in the movie isn’t particularly noteworthy. The plot is similar to many other horror thrillers and it’s only at the end that the horrors of the house are revealed, leaving the audience anxiously waiting for a ghost or demon to appear. This can make the movie feel slow and predictable at times. Furthermore, the audience is not given much background on the characters, and the motivations of the characters aren’t always clear. Despite these shortcomings, The Invitation is still an enjoyable horror thriller for fans of the genre. The acting, especially Emmanuel’s performance, and the cinematography and lighting make up for all that’s lacking in the movie. The movie’s use of lighting is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease and suspense. The movie is not likely to become a cult classic, but it’s still fun while it lasts. I’d say it’s a good way to kill some time and get your horror fix. Who should watch it? The Invitation is an average horror thriller movie that only fans of the genre will enjoy. The acting, especially Emmanuel’s performance, and the cinematography and lighting are the highlights of the movie. The themes explored in the movie add a deeper layer of meaning to the story, making it more than just another horror movie. Rating: 2.5 stars Genre: Horror/Thriller Run time: 1hr 45mins Actors: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee Director: Jessica M. Thompson

Bollywood doesn’t make many movies about fat people. In the Indian film industry, roles for overweight people are limited to playing punching bags for insensitive jokes and tools for comic relief. The scene might be changing a bit with films like ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ (2015), but there’s still a long way to go for Bollywood to accept people as they are. With Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi in the lead roles on Netflix’s recent release ‘Double XL,’ I expected a more mature, albeit comic, content that has nuances of body positivity. The movie does disguise itself as a thought-provoking story that challenges the societal norms that restrict women’s career and clothing options based on their weight and body size. But there is very little thought put into its making. Double XL is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language comedy movie that tackles the important themes of body positivity and female friendship. The film follows the story of two plus-size women, Saira Khanna (Sonakshi Sinha) and Rajshri Trivedi (Huma Qureshi), as they navigate life and embrace their bodies despite societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The movie is directed by Satram Ramani and also stars Zaheer Iqbal and Mahat Raghavendra in lead roles, with guest appearances by cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Kapil Dev. At the start of the movie, we are introduced to Rajshri, an aspiring sports presenter from Meerut who faces rejection from a big sports channel due to her body type. As she tries to make a name for herself in the industry, she is constantly subjected to cruelty and criticism, whether it be from strangers or even her own mother, who blames her for not being slim enough to find a husband. Despite these challenges, Rajshri remains determined to succeed and sets off for Delhi in search of opportunities. There, she meets Saira, a fashion designer who is also struggling with body image issues following a recent breakup. The two women quickly bond over their shared experiences and decide to team up, with Saira offering Rajshri the chance to direct a travelogue for her fashion label. The two embark on a journey to London, where they not only work on the project but also discover themselves and celebrate their friendship and bodies along the way. Double XL is a well-intentioned movie that addresses important themes of body positivity and female friendship. The performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi are strong, and it’s refreshing to see these popular female actors tackle these issues on screen. However, the film falls short in its execution, lacking the necessary comic zing and style to fully engage the audience. The male leads, played by Zaheer Iqbal and Mahat Raghavendra, also take away the essence of the main story with their annoying and unnecessary antics. Iqbal’s character, in particular, seems to be there purely for comic relief, constantly pulling outdated impressions and taking up screen time that could have been better utilized to further develop the female leads and their stories. Additionally, the movie suffers from a lack of originality and personality, relying on didactic conversations and cliched plot points to convey its message. While Double XL follows in the footsteps of other successful Bollywood movies that address unrealistic beauty standards, such as Dum Laga Ke Haisha and ‘Bala’, it fails to stand out and make its mark in the same way. Double XL is a disappointing film that fails to live up to its weighty theme of plus-size ambition and body shaming. The actors struggle to make their points, with over-the-top performances and a one-size-fits-all approach that results in double trouble. The writing is banal and fails to create authentic, empathetic portraits of the main characters, played by Sinha and Qureshi, who are reduced to perpetuating stereotypes. Overall, Double XL is a flimsy, padded movie that fails to make a meaningful statement. Rating: 2 stars Actors: Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi Genre: Comedy Director: Satram Ramani Run time: 2h 8m