Kmanav

The film opens with a confidence that is immediately disarming. Dhurandar doesn't rush. It watches, listens, and slowly allows its world to unfold with a kind of swagger that comes only from total conviction in writing and craft. Within minutes, you realise you aren't merely watching a film-you're entering a vibrant ecosystem of personalities, egos, secrets and ambitions.

The narrative breathes. Every scene feels measured, yet alive. Dialogues crackle with wit, the dramatic beats never overreach, and the emotional undercurrents are surprisingly tender. There is a tonal balance here - satire, sentiment, and sharp observation - handled with the sort of maturity Hindi cinema rarely attempts today.

Performances are the engine, and what an engine.

Rakesh Bedi, the "yesterday's young comedian" who has seen decades of stage and screen, brings a touch of genius. His rhythm is impeccable. He does not try to be funny - he is funny. Even when silent, the eyes comment, the body responds, and the scene wakes up. He steals moments with the ease of a veteran who knows timing is everything.

Akshay Khanna gives a performance that is both brittle and charismatic. There is a wryness in his smile, a melancholy in his gaze, and a razor hidden behind almost every word. He moves through the film like a man who has seen too much and trusted too little, and the audience senses the fragility beneath the surface. His restraint is thrilling.

And then there is Ranbir Singh. Physically, visually, energetically - he looks like he has walked out of a polished Hollywood frame. The grooming, the attitude, the sinewy precision of his movement, the camera loves him. More importantly, he delivers not only glamour but gravitas. His presence lifts the film. There is a quiet command in his performance, the kind that makes every scene feel more expensive, more international, more stylish.

What stays long after the lights come up is the feeling of pleasure - the pleasure of watching actors who know their craft, a director who respects the story, and a film that never underestimates its audience. Dhurandar is witty without being flippant, emotional without being sentimental, and entertaining without ever becoming hollow.

A rare achievement in contemporary cinema.

A film worth applauding.

LOVE ON DISCOUNT

"Lovyapa," directed by Advait Chandan, is a romantic comedy that fails to leave an impact despite its promising premise. Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor make their debuts as Gaurav and Baani, a couple testing trust by exchanging phones before marriage. However, the execution falls flat with a weak screenplay adapted from "Love Today."

The humor feels forced, and the emotional moments lack depth, making it hard to connect with the characters. Junaid Khan's performance is earnest but lacks presence, while Khushi Kapoor struggles to bring nuance to her role. The supporting cast is underutilized, offering little to the story.

The film's reliance on slashed ticket prices is a poor attempt to make up for its shortcomings. While the strategy may attract initial viewers, cheap tickets cannot replace strong storytelling. "Lovyapa" highlights how nepotism can't guarantee success if the content doesn't resonate.

Despite a catchy title track, the film remains forgettable. "Lovyapa" proves that audiences today demand more than just discounts to fill seats.

Action-packed, emotionally charged, and visually captivating-Sky Force flies high as an exhilarating addition to Bollywood's growing lineup of patriotic blockbusters.

Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Kapoor, Sky Force is a gripping war-drama that sheds light on one of the Indian Air Force's most daring missions.

Akshay Kumar once again delivers a commanding performance, bringing depth and gravitas to his character as a seasoned air force officer. But the real surprise is Veer Pahariya, whose debut is nothing short of sensational. He balances vulnerability and courage with finesse, holding his ground next to industry veterans.

The film thrives on its authenticity. The aerial combat scenes are executed with precision, offering a perfect mix of high-octane thrills and technical realism. Cinematographer Sudhakar Reddy's sweeping shots of the sky paired with a rousing background score by Sameer Uddin evoke an overwhelming sense of pride.

Sky Force is not without its flaws. The screenplay occasionally indulges in clichés, and the pacing falters slightly in the second half. However, the sheer emotional core and moments of true heroism more than make up for these minor missteps.

This is a film that commands your attention, pulls at your heartstrings, and makes you want to salute the real heroes of the sky. For fans of patriotic dramas and adrenaline-fueled narratives, Sky Force is an absolute must-watch.