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Reel Take

Netflix’s Recruit looks critically at CIA, isn’t about ‘good guys’ against faceless terrorists

The Recruit isn’t quite a perfect indictment of the bureaucratic bloat, privacy violations and wanton human rights abuses. But it serves up a funny, insightful ride.

Avatar 2 lifts VFX bar to highest ever. Saldana, Worthington’s Na’vi family steal the show

James Cameron has placed his interest in nature and the environment at the core of Avatar: The Way of Water. But the fight in Pandora is personal now.

Hotstar’s Govinda Mera Naam gives a vibe of the 2000s but script falls flat

What costs the film’s enjoyment is the predictability of the murder mystery trope. You might know what transpires, it is not exactly a good whodunnit.

‘The gays are trying to murder me’—Jennifer Coolidge shines in season 2 of The White Lotus

Behind the farce and humour of The White Lotus is a grim message on the futility of relationships.

‘Emancipation’ is no ‘12 Years A Slave’ but watch it for Will Smith’s performance

Instead of committing to an action film, Fuqua appears to be traversing both lines of sensitive history and his signature one-man action hero output.

Decision to Leave won’t let you leave your couch—top performances, impeccable direction

The film, boosted by its overarching theme of male entitlement and mid-life crisis comes across beautifully, thanks to the brilliant cinematography.

With Blurr, Taapsee has found her space in thrillers. Zee5 film is a huge win for Bollywood

The movie shows Bollywood is finally learning how to produce fantastic thrillers with solo female leads.

Revathi’s Salaam Venky a celebration of human spirit. Kajol-Vishal Jethwa pairing unmissable

After the critically acclaimed Phir Milenge in 2004, Revathi takes the road less travelled once again by documenting legal battles tied to medical issues.

Vadh brings Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra together. The result is pure brilliance

Directors Sandhu and Barnwal lucked out in the casting department, as two veterans–Gupta and Mishra–shine through each scene.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Gold is a one-man show. Nothing else glitters here

Murugesan's music and Sukumaran’s acting are the good parts, but they do little to save the day. There's nothing much that stays with you as you leave the theatre.

On Camera

Why Tejashwi Yadav failed—Bihar changed, RJD didn’t

RJD, once a prominent representative of Mandal politics, now finds itself in a political era where welfare, good governance, and new aspirations are overshadowing old caste equations.

Wealth nears $99 trillion, still Asia’s rich don’t have succession plans

Much of this wealth is tied to founder-led businesses that employ millions and help anchor regional economies.

Drone manufacturer ideaForge wins orders worth over Rs 100 crore from Army

ideaForge has formed a joint venture to manufacture and market UAVs in the US. Its Q6 UAV is now included in NATO and allied procurement systems.

INDIA has a Congress-sized hole. And the fix begins with a little humility

Without a Congress revival, there can be no challenge to the BJP pan-nationally. Modi’s party is growing, and almost entirely at the cost of the Congress.