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In an era where films constantly strive to surprise with twists and unconventional storytelling, Mohit Suri's Saiyaara chooses a different route, it leans into the familiar with confidence. Instead of chasing innovation, it opts for emotional depth and storytelling sincerity. At its heart, Saiyaara is a love story you may have heard before but it's the way it's told that makes all the difference. The narrative might be predictable, but it's infused with genuine emotion that connects.

There are moments in Saiyaara that unmistakably echo the emotional essence of Mohit Suri's earlier works like Aashiqui 2 and Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Yet, instead of coming across as repetitive, the film feels like a heartfelt continuation of that emotional lineage. It stays within the bounds of conventional storytelling, but does so with such conviction that it keeps you hooked especially during the interval and the deeply moving climax, which are bound to stir even the most reserved hearts. Rohan Shankar's dialogues are another strength, providing the emotional spine to the film.

Debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are the soul of Saiyaara. In a film that depends more on emotional resonance than narrative twists, their performances hold the weight of the story. Ahaan brings vulnerability & charm to Krish. Aneet Padda matches him beat for beat, portraying Vaani with grace and quiet strength. Their chemistry crackles on screen, making their love story feel heartfelt and lived-in. Alam Khan, Geeta Agrawal, Rajiv Kumar, and other supporting actors provide strong support, adding emotional gravitas without overplaying their roles.

Director Mohit Suri knows his audience intimately. No Mohit Suri film is complete without a memorable soundtrack, and Saiyaara is no exception. The title track "Saiyaara" is undoubtedly the standout. Other tracks like "Dhun," "Barbaad," "Tum Ho Toh," and "Humsafar" are equally soulful, each one placed perfectly to elevate the emotional beats of the story. Saiyaara is worth your time, the movie proves that sometimes, storytelling isn't about reinventing... it's about resonating.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 3.5/5 Music 4/5 Story 3/5 Screenplay 3.5/5.

Aamir Khan returns to the silver screen with a film that wears its heart on its sleeve. While Sitaare Zameen Par offers nothing path-breaking in terms of plot or narrative structure, it succeeds in delivering a feel-good experience. Based on the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, later remade in Hollywood also, Sitaare Zameen Par is the official Indian adaptation that stays loyal to the original. The story revolves around a group of ten neurodiverse basketball players and their unlikely coach, played by Aamir Khan, who finds himself pushed into a world far removed from his own ego-driven ambitions. It may not surprise you, but it will certainly move you.

The screenplay by Divy Nidhi Sharma and direction by R. S. Prasanna aim straight for the heart, using humor, warmth, and predictable moments to connect with the audience. The dialogues are simple yet impactful. The film's emotional tone is balanced well with laughter, making it suitable for family viewing. On the technical front, the film is a mixed bag. The cinematography is serviceable, and the production design feels lived-in and grounded. However, the editing falters in key moments, several scenes could have been trimmed to improve pacing. The biggest letdown, however, is the music. With Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy at the helm, expectations were high, but the soundtrack is surprisingly forgettable.

The soul of Sitaare Zameen Par lies in its performances. Aamir Khan, returning after the lukewarm reception of Laal Singh Chaddha, redeems himself with a grounded and excellent performance. The real stars of the film, though, are the ten young actors portraying the neurodiverse athletes. Aroush Dutta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharma, Naman Misra, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Ashish Pendse, Samvit Desai, Simran Mangeshkar, and Aayush Bhansali bring innocence, wit, and an unfiltered energy to the screen. Genelia Deshmukh delivers a lovely performance. Gurpal Singh delivers a memorable turn in a crucial supporting role, while Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari and Brijendra Kala lend their trademark charm in limited screen time.

Direction 3.5/5 Acting 4/5 Music 2.5/5 Story 3.5/5 Screenplay 3/5.

Maa, the second film in the Shaitaan universe, promises an ambitious blend of mythology and horror, but ultimately delivers a middling experience. Set in the rural backdrop of Chandrapur, near Kolkata, the film follows a determined mother caught in a terrifying supernatural struggle to save her daughter. In comparison to Shaitaan, Maa feels underwhelming and less cohesive. It neither offers the psychological tension of a horror classic nor the visual spectacle of a mythological epic.

Despite its intriguing premise, Maa falls short of making a lasting impression, both emotionally and cinematically. The concept of weaving mythological elements into a horror framework is undoubtedly rich with potential. Unfortunately, the writing doesn't fully rise to the occasion. The first half is relatively taut and builds up some anticipation, giving the illusion that the film is heading toward a chilling climax. However, the second half rapidly loses steam becoming sluggish, overlong, and predictable.

Maa delivers visuals that are sadly unimpressive. The VFX, instead of elevating the horror, often diminish it with lackluster execution. This becomes even more apparent when compared to the bar set by the Maddock Cinematic Universe. Except for a few standout scenes - notably the car escape sequence featuring Ambika and Shweta being chased by monster girls, there is little tension or immersion.

Kajol carries the weight of the film on her shoulders with an earnest performance. She plays the concerned and fierce mother convincingly, but the script does her no favors. Young talents Kherin Sharma and Rupkatha Chakraborty provide fine support, while Ronit Roy emerges as the film's surprise package. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is reliable as always, but the rest of the cast, unfortunately, leaves a forgettable impression, largely due to flat characterizations.

Direction 1.5/5 Acting 2.5/5 Dialogues 2/5 Story 2/5 Screenplay 2/5.