Five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), a covert expedition ventures into isolated equatorial zones to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures. Their mission? A potential medical revolution—if they survive the ancient beasts first.

Plot Summary:

In a world still reeling from the fallout of dinosaurs co-existing with humanity, the balance of nature is fragile. A pharmaceutical conglomerate, desperate for the next evolutionary leap in medicine, funds a high-risk expedition to retrieve unique genetic material believed to hold the key to curing degenerative diseases.

The mission takes a diverse team—composed of scientists, mercenaries, and idealists—into uncharted territories where nature has reclaimed dominance. What they find is far beyond what any map or database predicted: three never-before-seen prehistoric giants, deadlier and more intelligent than anything the world has faced before.

As the team grapples with sabotage, hidden agendas, and the terrifying reality of bioengineering gone too far, they must decide what price humanity should pay for survival—and whether rebirth should come at all.

Main Cast:

Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett – Lead geneticist and expedition leader with a hidden past.

Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid – A no-nonsense ex-military survival expert guiding the crew.

Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis – Ambitious evolutionary biologist, fascinated by hybrid possibilities.

Rupert Friend as Martin Krebs – Corporate liaison with dubious motives.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado – Veteran tracker and protective older brother.

Luna Blaise as Teresa Delgado – Reuben’s younger sister, a tech prodigy.

David Iacono as Xavier Dobbs – Young drone operator with a passion for paleontology.

Audrina Miranda as Isabella Delgado – Teresa’s niece, caught in the crossfire.

Philippine Velge as Nina – Idealistic wildlife veterinarian advocating for preservation.

Bechir Sylvain as LeClerc – Logistics expert and pilot with a knack for staying alive.

Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater – Ruthless security contractor hired to protect corporate interests.

Adam Loxley as Williams – Shady biotech engineer with knowledge of the original InGen files.

Niamh Finlay as Desanto – Government agent embedded with her own agenda.

Julian Edgar as Van Dijk’s Barman – Local informant who holds clues to the creatures’ location.

Lucy Thackeray as Helicopter Pilot – Provides airborne extraction and support.

Billy Smith as Cop – First responder to a mainland incident tied to the expedition.

Jonny Lavelle as Helicopter Co-Pilot – Loyal but increasingly nervous air crew member.

A Woman’s Righteous Rage Becomes a Revolution

Among the anti-liquor films released this year, “Bottle Radha” stood out. Now, “Kuyili” takes that rebellion a step further — more complex, more layered, and far more politically intense. At its heart, this film is about the burning rage of one woman and how it transforms into a larger voice against systemic exploitation.

Story Overview:

Kuyili is a poor woman from a backward rural village, who earns a living by herding goats. She falls in love with Veera, a man who paints advertisement boards. The couple builds a simple, contented life with their child. But when alcohol enters their home, everything starts to collapse. Her husband is consumed by addiction, and Kuyili finds herself shattered.

As she sees more women like her — who’ve lost their husbands and homes to alcohol — her personal grief turns into fierce anger. What follows is a powerful journey of a woman who decides to bring change. She joins a leftist movement, learns about class struggle, and recognizes how deeply power structures and alcohol production are intertwined in economic and social exploitation.

Character Arc:

Kuyili’s transformation — from a grieving widow to a politically aware revolutionary — is one of the film’s strongest aspects. The screenplay carefully shapes her arc, showing how she not only finds her voice but becomes the voice of many.

The second half introduces a moral complexity through her son. His contrasting views challenge Kuyili’s ideology, showing that ideals, no matter how just, cannot be forced upon the next generation. This conflict adds realism, though it feels slightly out of sync with the rest of the film’s tone.

Performances:

Tashmika, who plays the younger Kuyili, and Lizzie Antony, who portrays the older version, deliver deeply emotional performances that anchor the film. V.V. Arunkumar impresses as Kuyili’s son and later as the district collector, bringing nuance and maturity to the role.

Final Thoughts:

The film ends with Kuyili taking a strong, symbolic decision — not just as a personal act of defiance, but as a collective scream from countless women whose families were destroyed by alcohol. Kuyili boldly declares that the alcohol menace cannot be eliminated without dismantling the power structures that profit from it.

This is not just a film about addiction; it’s about resistance, political awakening, and a woman’s righteous fury that turns into revolution.

A Gritty Tale of Unlikely Alliances and Righteous Fury

Director Uday Kumar’s Akkenam is a taut, grounded thriller that merges personal redemption with social commentary. With a narrative that brings together two vastly different individuals — a fearless cab driver and a recently released convict — the film explores how chance encounters can lead to larger battles for justice.

Story & Screenplay:

At its heart, Akkenam is a story of unlikely brotherhood. The film wastes no time getting into the thick of things, throwing its central characters into danger early on. As they unravel the layers of a sinister conspiracy, the plot steers through gritty streets, emotionally charged encounters, and moral dilemmas. While the screenplay follows a relatively straightforward arc, it is elevated by the organic bond between the protagonists and the looming threat they must tackle.

Performances:

Keerthi Pandiyan delivers a stoic yet emotionally resonant performance as the cab driver — grounded, determined, and quietly heroic.

Arun Pandiyan, as the convict with a conscience, brings gravitas and vulnerability, making his redemption arc believable and compelling.

Adithya Shivpink and Praveen Raja lend solid support, while G.M. Sundar stands out in a key antagonistic role.

Namritha MV makes her presence felt despite limited screen time, adding a much-needed emotional anchor.

Music & Technical Aspects:

Barath Veeraraghavan’s score is minimalistic but effective, never overpowering the visuals. It subtly underscores moments of tension and empathy.
Devathyan Rajendra Prasad’s editing ensures a tight runtime, helping the film maintain its momentum. The cinematography leans into a gritty aesthetic, matching the tone of the narrative — shadows, dim alleys, and urban decay all become characters in themselves.

Direction:

Uday Kumar shows maturity in his debut, allowing the story to speak through its characters rather than gimmicks. His control over pacing and tone is commendable, especially in the quieter, more introspective moments.

Verdict:

Akkenam is a raw, engaging thriller that leans on its characters and their emotional journeys to deliver a satisfying punch. It doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it certainly leaves its mark with sincerity and grit.

Surya Sethupathi makes a scorching debut in Phoenix, a gritty action drama that not only marks his arrival but also showcases renowned stunt master Anl Arasu’s assured directorial entry. Much like the myth it’s named after, Phoenix is about rising from the ashes — in this case, a young boy wrongfully accused, beaten down by the system, and forced to fight for survival in a world stacked against him.

A Story Forged in Fire

Set against the grim backdrop of North Chennai, the plot centers around a teenager framed for the murder of a powerful MLA and thrust into the brutal world of a juvenile home. From assassination attempts to the uncovering of political conspiracies, the narrative keeps the tension high. The prison sequences are particularly gripping, with brutal, tightly choreographed fight scenes that reflect Arasu’s decades of action expertise.

Surya Sethupathi’s Blazing Debut

Surya Sethupathi delivers a surprisingly mature and physical performance for a newcomer. He carries the emotional weight of the role while executing demanding action scenes with the ease of a seasoned actor. While his lineage might draw attention, his performance proves he’s more than just Vijay Sethupathi’s son — he’s an actor to watch.

Strong Supporting Cast

Vignesh (of Kaaka Muttai fame) brings depth and grit to his role.

Devadarshini is emotionally affecting as the boy’s mother.

Sampath delivers menace in spades as the corrupt MLA.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar adds fire as a revenge-driven woman.
Each character has purpose, and no one is wasted.

Technical Brilliance

Cinematography by Velraj lends a raw, realistic texture to the urban chaos.

Editing by Praveen KL ensures the pace never drags.

Sam CS’s rousing score perfectly matches the pulsating action and emotional beats.

Final Verdict

While Phoenix occasionally echoes familiar beats from other revenge-action films, it maintains its identity with strong storytelling, emotional undertones, and relentless energy. The violence may feel excessive for some, but it’s never gratuitous — it’s part of the world the film builds.

Verdict: Phoenix is a crackling, high-octane debut for both its lead actor and director. Gritty, intense, and emotionally resonant, it is a film that announces Surya Sethupathi as a force to reckon with in Tamil cinema.

Watch it for: Surya’s breakthrough performance, Anl Arasu’s action mastery, and an uncompromising tale of survival and redemption.

A heartfelt, whimsical journey into parenting, purpose, and the pursuit of quiet happiness.

Paranthu Po is a delightful paradox—a film that feels light on its feet but carries the emotional weight of a thousand little truths. Directed by Ram, known for his deeply introspective storytelling, this film takes a refreshing detour into a sunnier, more whimsical world—without ever losing the emotional intelligence and compassion that defines his work.

At the heart of the film is Gokul (played pitch-perfectly by Shiva), an organic product entrepreneur and a father trying to give his son the best of everything—even if it means losing bits of himself in the process. Shiva is a revelation here—equal parts funny, flawed, loving, and introspective. The natural charm he brings makes Gokul relatable, especially in scenes where he balances fatherhood with his own buried dreams.

A Strong, Nuanced Cast
Grace Antony’s portrayal of Glory—Gokul’s wife and a self-made woman—is one of the film’s finest assets. Instead of being reduced to a trope of the “busy mother,” she’s allowed to be layered: a businesswoman, a daughter estranged from her family, a woman dancing freely in an unfamiliar town, and a mother rediscovering joy. Her arc is tender, powerful, and feels deeply lived-in.

Mithul as Anbu, their son, is remarkable. Ram understands children better than most directors, allowing Anbu to be genuinely childlike—curious, petulant, sweet, and sometimes wiser than the adults around him. His loneliness, his yearning for both parents to be present, and his silent acceptance of urban isolation are poignantly portrayed.

Subtle Commentary Beneath the Playfulness
Beneath the film’s warm surface lies a thoughtful critique of consumerism, the modern parenting race, and middle-class aspirations. But Ram isn’t interested in preaching. Instead, he gently nudges us to examine what “success” really means—especially when we’re too busy chasing it to enjoy what we already have. Whether it’s Gokul hoping Anbu will appreciate his sacrifices or Glory hiding her frugality, Paranthu Po finds quiet power in everyday dilemmas.

Musical & Visual Poetry
Santhosh Dhayanidhi’s music and Madhan Karky’s lyrics bring a musical texture that elevates the experience. Ram treats the film almost like a musical, where emotions spill into song—not as an escape, but as a deeper immersion into the world of its characters. NK Ekambaram’s visuals, meanwhile, do something rare: they place humans not against nature but within it. The shots of Anbu playing in ponds, running along winding roads, or climbing trees evoke not guilt about modernity—but longing for connection and wonder.

More than just a “message movie”
There are no villains in Paranthu Po. Even when characters seem like obstacles, the film quickly moves away from judgment. Ram believes in goodness—not in a naive way, but in a hopeful one. Even brief characters like Vanitha (Anjali) and her husband Gunasekaran (Aju Varghese) are painted with nuance, showing how different lives can co-exist without needing to be glorified or vilified.

Final Thoughts
In Paranthu Po, flying isn’t about escaping life—it’s about escaping the weight of expectations. The film’s final message, about finding peace, joy, and goodness even in fleeting moments, is deeply moving. It’s an ode to the tired adult in all of us—to let go, smile, and find hope again, even just for a little while.

Verdict:
Paranthu Po is that rare film which entertains you, moves you, and then gently asks you to be kinder—to your loved ones, to the world, and to yourself. It’s Ram’s most accessible work, yet it still resonates with the emotional depth and integrity that marks his cinema. A must-watch for anyone who’s ever paused mid-chase to wonder if happiness was waiting in the other direction.

Sri Ganesh’s 3BHK is a heartwarming, grounded tale about a middle-class family’s decade-long dream of owning a home. Unlike his earlier film Kuruthi Aattam, which suffered from narrative clutter, 3BHK thrives in its simplicity and emotional honesty. This is not a film about grandeur or big cinematic moments, but rather about small wins, everyday struggles, and that most relatable of Indian middle-class aspirations: buying your own home.

Plot Overview:

The film follows Vasudevan (Sarath Kumar), a hardworking father determined to shift his family out of rented houses and into a place they can call their own. His son Prabhu (Siddharth) faces one professional setback after another, while Shanthi (Devayani) starts a home business to support the family, and their daughter Aarthi (Meetha Raghunath) tries to stay optimistic through financial calculations and sibling banter. The family’s journey spans different rented spaces, each symbolizing a phase in their emotional and financial evolution.

Performances:

Siddharth is excellent, bringing vulnerability and silent frustration to his role. His expressions in scenes of rejection and quiet hope are deeply affecting.

Sarath Kumar delivers a layered performance as the aging patriarch torn between fading dreams and renewed purpose.

Devayani is graceful and strong, depicting the emotional backbone of the family.

Meetha Raghunath adds youthful energy and realism, especially in her chemistry with Siddharth.

Chaithra, in a small but significant role, leaves an impression.

What Works:

Realistic, Emotional Writing – The screenplay sticks to the central theme of home ownership and its emotional stakes, without exaggeration.

Period Details – Scenes recreating the 90s and early 2000s (like waiting for exam results on a slow internet connection) are authentic and nostalgic.

Music by Amrit Ramnath – A standout debut in Tamil, the soundtrack beautifully complements the film’s emotional beats, especially the hauntingly hopeful theme “Kanavellam Nijamaga…”

Family as the Hero – There’s no “heroic” lead here; the film celebrates the entire family as a single unit. That’s its biggest strength.
Verdict:

3BHK is a warm, feel-good film that captures the pulse of every Indian family chasing the dream of homeownership. With strong performances and a sincere, focused narrative, it quietly reminds us of the value of togetherness over square feet. It may not have commercial fireworks, but it glows with emotional honesty — like the comforting light of a home you finally own.

After a critically acclaimed theatrical run, the hard-hitting Malayalam action-drama “Narivetta” is all set for its digital premiere on Sony LIV from 11th July. Directed by Anuraj Manohar and produced by Tippushan and Shiyas Hassan under India Cinema Company banner, Narivetta stars Tovino Thomas in one of his most intense and powerful roles to date.

“Narivetta” Telugu Trailer: https://youtu.be/d–1UVhBOvw?si=QbsgBPS0_bavAu_I

The film follows the gripping journey of Varghese, a principled young man whose sense of duty is tested when he is assigned to Wayanad amidst mounting tension. There, Adivasi communities are engaged in a desperate protest over the State’s delay in allotting them land. What begins as a routine posting soon spirals into a series of devastating events that forever alter Varghese’s worldview and his life.

Alongside Tovino Thomas, the film features stellar performances from Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran, Arya Salim, Priyamvada Krishnan, Pranav Teophine amongst others. With N M Badusha as the executive producer and music from Jakes Bejoy, “Narivetta” masterfully blends social realism with cinematic intensity, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking, character-driven drama.

“Narivetta” streaming from 11th July only on Sony LIV.

India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and a pioneer in delivering bold, innovative, and authentic original content, ZEE5 has once again hit gold with its latest original series, “Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting”. The supernatural thriller has crossed 50 million streaming minutes, quickly becoming a binge favourite among audiences.

With the resounding success of Viraatapalem, ZEE5 is now all set to premiere the recent Telugu box office hit, “Bhairavam”, very soon. After entertaining the viewers with this year’s blockbuster “Sankranthiki Vasthunnam” and the action-comedy “Robinhood”, ZEE5 continues its streak by bringing yet another superhit film, “Bhairavam”, which is a rural drama rooted in friendship and brotherhood.

Starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit in lead roles, Bhairavam explores the emotional bond between three childhood friends and how their relationship is tested by unforeseen circumstances. Directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, the film made a solid mark during its theatrical run and is now all set to reach wider audiences through ZEE5, allowing fans to enjoy it from the comfort of their homes.

Coming back to Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting, the story follows PC Meena (Abhignya Vuthaluru) as she arrives in the mysterious village of Viraatapalem, a place caught up in fear and superstition. With the help of a reformed convict, Meena sets out to unravel a series of mysterious deaths in the village and the dark forces at play. With its gripping plot, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and powerful performances, Viraatapalem has garnered massive appreciation and emerged as one of ZEE5’s biggest hits of the year.

Helmed by Krishna Poluru and bankrolled by KV Sriram, this show stars Abhgnya Vuthaluru as the lead. She is well supported by talented young actor Charan Lakkaraju in a key role.

Premiered on June 26, the series quickly gained both critical and popular acclaim, solidifying ZEE5’s reputation for delivering quality storytelling in the digital space.

Stream Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting now and gear up for the premiere of Bhairavam, exclusively on ZEE5. Also, dive into a wide variety of multilingual superhit content, only on ZEE5.

“The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case” is a gripping web-series that chronicles the 90 day manhunt that followed the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The suicide bombing at an election rally in Tamil Nadu shocked the nation and triggered an intense investigation by the Special Investigation Team. Based on the book Ninety Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins, it offers a detailed look into one of the most consequential investigations.

https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/The-Hunt-The-Rajiv-Gandhi-Assassination-Case-(TAMIL)-1790006636

Lyricist R. Lavarathan, who has earned a distinct identity in the Tamil film industry, hails from the village of Aarchuthipattu in the Thanjavur district and currently resides in Neivasal Samathuvapuram.

In 2016, he completed his M.Sc. in Visual Communication from Thanjai Bharath College. With aspirations of becoming a Tamil film lyricist, he moved to Chennai. However, his initial dreams didn’t materialize immediately. Instead, he pursued an M.A. in Tamil at Pachaiyappa’s College in Chennai.

While working at a private company, he continued to seek opportunities to write songs. During this time, he was introduced to music composer C. Sathya. This led to his debut as a lyricist in the film Theal, starring Prabhu Deva.

Following that, he contributed lyrics to more than 25 films, including Dabangg 3 (Tamil), Yung Mang Chung, Gold (Tamil), Ayothi, Soodhu Kavvum 2, Idimuzhakkam, Gangers, Akkaran, Ninnu Vilayaadu, Ambu Naadu Ombathu Kuppam, and the recent success Maargan, which is featured and music by Vijay Antony.

He has also penned songs for films such as Aye Pulla starring Shanthanu, La La Heartu Nikkala featuring Harshavardhan and Sivangi, Pogadae starring Ammu Abhirami, and various independent tracks with playback singers Mano and Anthony Daasan.

Today, lyricist R. Lavarathan has established a unique place for himself in the Tamil film industry.

தஞ்சை மாவட்டம் ஆர்சுத்திப்பட்டு கிராமத்தை பிறப்பிடமாகவும், நெய்வாசல் சமத்துவப்புரம் கிராமத்தை வசிப்பிடமாகவும் கொண்டிருப்பவர் இரா. லாவரதன்.இவர் 2016 ல் தஞ்சை பாரத் கல்லூரியில் எம்.எஸ்.சி கண்ணி அறிவியல் படிப்பை முடித்துவிட்டு தமிழ்த் திரைப்பட பாடலாசிரியராக வேண்டும் என்ற நம்பிக்கையில் சென்னை வந்தார்.ஆனால் அவரது நம்பிக்கை நிறைவேறவில்லை.அதற்கு பதிலாக சென்னை பச்சையப்பன் கல்லூரியில் எம்.ஏ தமிழ் பயின்றார்.பின் ஓரு தனியார் நிறுவனத்தில் வேலைப்பார்த்தப்படி பாடல் எழுத வாய்ப்பும் தேடி வந்தார்.அப்பொழுது இசையமைப்பாளர் C.சத்யாவின் அறிமுகம் கிடைக்க , பிரபுதேவா நடிப்பில் வெளிவந்த தேள் படத்தின் மூலம் பாடலாசிரியராய் அறிமுகமானார்.அதன் பின்னர் தபங்3 (தமிழ்), யங் மங் சங்,கோல்டு (தமிழ்) அயோத்தி,சூதுகவ்வும்2 , இடிமுழக்கம்,கேங்கர்ஸ்,அக்கரன்,நிண்ணு விளையாடு,அம்புநாடு ஒம்பது குப்பம் தற்போது விஜய் ஆண்டனி நடிப்பு இசையில் வெளிவந்து வெற்றிநடைப் போடும் மார்கன் படம் போன்ற 25 க்கும் மேற்பட்ட படங்களுக்கும், சாந்தனு நடிப்பில் ஏ புள்ள ,ஹர்சவர்தன் ,சிவாங்கி நடிப்பில் லா லா ஹார்ட்டு நிக்காலா, அம்மு அபிராமி நடிப்பில் போகாதே,மற்றும் பிண்ணனி பாடகர்கள் மனோ அந்தோனிதாசன் இசையில் பல தனிப்பாடல்கள் என இன்று தமிழ் திரை உலகில் தனக்கென்று ஒர் அடையாளத்தைப்பெற்றுள்ளார் பாடலாசிரியர் இரா.லாவரதன்.