“Trapped in a meta maze where the jokes forgot to show up.”

Synopsis Recap

In Devil’s Double Next Level, we follow Kissa 47 (Santhanam), a flamboyant film reviewer known for his overuse of the word “bro,” who, along with his crew, ends up trapped inside a movie directed by the mysterious and seemingly vengeful Hitchcock Irudhayaraj (Selvaraghavan). The twist? The movie is governed by a magical diary, and escaping it means surviving its convoluted, sometimes deadly plot. What follows is a chaotic meta-adventure through shifting cinematic worlds, as the characters try to write their way out—literally.

Meta Madness Overload

Meta-humor can be refreshing when used wisely. Unfortunately, DD Next Level doesn’t know when to stop. Characters break the fourth wall constantly, making references to film critics, movie-making clichés, and the predictability of genre tropes. What begins as clever quickly becomes repetitive and tedious. The film tries to be self-aware, but ends up being self-obsessed, diluting the impact of its satire.

Comedy: Lost in Translation

For a Santhanam-led film, the laughs are surprisingly rare. Known for his sharp comedic timing, Santhanam seems out of place here, bogged down by one-dimensional dialogue and overused slang. The humor leans heavily on juvenile jokes and toilet humor, lacking both wit and freshness. Rather than elevating the absurd premise with sharp satire or punchy lines, the film drowns it in flat gags and awkward pauses.

Bright Spots in a Dim Comedy

Despite the underwhelming script, a few performances shine. Mottai Rajendran’s Veenpechu Babu brings moments of genuine laughter with his trademark physical comedy and bemused expressions. His scenes with Gautham Vasudev Menon, who plays a deadpan, English-speaking officer, offer glimpses of the absurdist tone the film could have leaned into more effectively. Sadly, these moments are fleeting.

Wasted Potential of the Supporting Cast

Female characters are largely relegated to the background, playing distressed damsels with little agency or character depth. Their roles reinforce outdated stereotypes and do little to challenge or comment on the genre. Even Selvaraghavan, as the mysterious director, fails to leave a lasting impact, serving more as a plot device than a fleshed-out antagonist.

Visual Flair Without Narrative Fire

Visually, the film is more competent than expected. The set designs, from haunted cinema halls to surreal resort islands, show imagination and effort. The VFX, though not groundbreaking, do their job effectively. However, all this visual effort can’t compensate for the lack of a compelling storyline or effective humor.

Final Verdict

Devil’s Double Next Level promises an inventive premise but stumbles in its execution. Over-reliance on meta-humor, stale jokes, and underdeveloped characters make it more exhausting than entertaining. While there are a few redeeming moments and performances, they’re not enough to save the film from its structural and comedic shortcomings.

Verdict Quote:

“A promising concept dragged down by punchlines that never land and meta-humor that quickly overstays its welcome.”

Verdict: “A heartfelt family tale buried under a mountain of over-indulgence.”

Synopsis

Maaman centers around Inba (Soori), a lovable, doting uncle whose life revolves entirely around his sister Girija (Swasika) and her long-awaited son, Laddu (Prageeth Sivan). Things begin to change when Inba marries Reka (Aishwarya Lekshmi), a composed and practical doctor. What unfolds is a tug-of-war between familial love and marital reality, with Laddu at the chaotic center.

A Nephew in the Spotlight – Too Brightly

Laddu, the young nephew, is positioned as the emotional nucleus of the film. His attachment to Inba transcends regular affection—veering into obsessive territory. While the film tries to paint his actions as endearing, the narrative often crosses into discomfort. The audience is expected to smile through antics that would, in real life, require urgent intervention and maybe therapy. This excessive spotlight on Laddu drains emotional sympathy and places the film on shaky ground.

Soori’s Balancing Act

Soori gives a sincere performance as the well-meaning but clueless Inba. His portrayal of a man torn between his new wife and his lifelong family responsibilities is earnest. However, the character arc lacks the evolution necessary to truly resonate. Inba seldom asserts himself, and his passivity becomes frustrating to watch, especially when Reka is portrayed as one of the most reasonable characters in the story.

Aishwarya Lekshmi: The Voice of Sanity

In a film filled with eccentric and emotionally volatile characters, Aishwarya Lekshmi stands out. As Reka, she brings balance and subtlety. Her performance reflects the real frustrations of a woman trying to carve a space for herself in a family that never truly makes room. Her restraint and dignity make her the emotional anchor of the film.

Swasika and the Fragility of Maternal Blindness

Swasika delivers a powerful performance, though her character’s denial regarding her son’s problematic behavior feels outdated. The writing gives her no room for introspection or growth, making her less of a nuanced parent and more of an enabler. It’s a missed opportunity to explore the layered realities of motherhood.

Supporting Cast and Missed Opportunities

Rajkiran and Viji Chandrasekhar provide fleeting moments of humor and warmth as an elderly couple. Their interactions feel like glimpses of the film Maaman could have been—mature, emotionally intelligent, and gently humorous. Unfortunately, such moments are few and far between.

The subplot involving Laddu’s absentee father could have added much-needed complexity, but is barely touched upon, reducing what could’ve been a vital narrative angle into a throwaway detail.

Themes That Flicker But Never Burn Bright

Maaman tiptoes around interesting themes—boundary setting in joint families, emotional dependence, marital neglect, and the role of the child in adult relationships. But the writing never commits to examining them thoroughly. Instead, the film relies on repetitive scenes and emotional blackmail masquerading as family love. The drama lacks modulation, and the humor, though occasionally effective, is overwhelmed by melodrama.

Direction & Writing: Sincere but Surface-Level

While the film carries sincerity in tone and intention, its storytelling is overlong and frequently tedious. It aims for warmth but stumbles into exasperation. The pacing suffers due to repetitive emotional beats and underdeveloped subplots. A tighter screenplay and braver character arcs would have elevated Maaman from a passable family drama to a poignant narrative.

Final Verdict

Maaman has its heart in the right place but lacks the narrative discipline to drive its point home. Anchored by strong performances—especially from Aishwarya Lekshmi—the film offers fleeting glimpses of emotional insight but is ultimately bogged down by a flawed central premise and indulgent storytelling.

Archana, who became a household name through her impactful stint on the popular reality television show Bigg Boss, is now carving a niche for herself in the world of cinema and entertainment. With clarity in thought and confidence in her craft, the actress is embracing her journey with deep gratitude and maturity.

Speaking about her time on Bigg Boss, Archana says, “The show didn’t just bring me recognition—it revealed the raw, unfiltered version of me to the audience. People saw me without makeup, with all my moods and flaws. That honesty connected deeply.”

One key takeaway from the show, she shares, is the power of silence. “I’ve always been outspoken. But now, I’ve learnt when to speak and when to remain silent. That balance has brought me a new kind of strength,” she adds.

An engineering graduate, Archana admits her original career path was far from the spotlight. “I could’ve ended up in IT or preparing for the UPSC. My father always dreamed of seeing me as an IAS officer,” she smiles.

Now fully focused on acting, Archana is particular about the kind of roles she wants to take up. “I’m not looking for stereotypical roles. I want to portray strong, layered women—characters that have depth, emotion, and authenticity.”

She is also open to exploring OTT platforms and content-driven cinema. “I never confine myself. Stories that have honesty, emotion, and unique storytelling excite me. I’m not chasing just mass appeal—I’m seeking meaningful connections with the audience,” she says confidently.

Archana also voiced her admiration for stalwarts in Indian cinema. “I’ve always looked up to senior artistes like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Archana, Shobana, and Nandita Das. They’ve left behind a rich legacy and continue to do so even now thus expanding the average professional life span of a heroine , I aspire to contribute in that space and keep that legacy alive through my work.”

On the changing face of the industry, she adds, “The era where only teenage heroines were preferred is behind us. Today, women actors are leading stories at every age. I believe the shelf life for female actors has grown, and I’m ready to deliver my best.”

With her distinctive looks, grounded persona, and fierce determination, Archana is steadily paving her path forward. She concludes, “My hunger for creativity and recognition is strong. I’m here to stay—and I’m just getting started.”

பிக்பாஸ் அர்ச்சனா : “வலுவான புதுமையான கதாபாத்திரங்களே சினிமாவில் என் நோக்கம்!”

‘பிக்பாஸ்’ நிகழ்ச்சி மூலம் புகழ்பெற்ற நடிகை அர்ச்சனா தற்போது சினிமா மற்றும் எண்டர்டெயின்மெண்ட் துறையிலும் தனது பயணத்தைத் தொடங்க ஆர்வமாக உள்ளார். சினிமாவில் என்ன சாதிக்க வேண்டும் என்ற தெளிவான இலக்கு மற்றும் நம்பிக்கையுடன் பயணத்தைத் தொடங்க ஆர்வமாக இருக்கிறார்.

பிக்பாஸ் அனுபவம் குறித்து அவர் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டதாவது, “பிக்பாஸ் நிகழ்ச்சி எனக்கு அடையாளம் மட்டும் கொடுக்கவில்லை. என்னுடைய முகமூடி இல்லாத அசல் முகத்தையும் பார்வையாளர்களுக்குக் கொண்டு சேர்த்தது. இந்த விஷயம் பிக்பாஸ் நிகழ்ச்சியை இன்னும் எனக்கு நெருக்கமானதாக மாற்றியுள்ளது”.

மேலும், ” இந்த நிகழ்ச்சியில் இருந்து ஒரு விஷயம் நான் எடுத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று நினைத்தால் அது அமைதி. நான் அதிகம் பேசக்கூடிய நபர். ஆனால், இப்போது எங்கே பேச வேண்டும் எங்கு அமைதியாக இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதைக் கற்றுக் கொண்டேன். இது என்னுடைய புதிய வெர்ஷனை எனக்கே அறிமுகப்படுத்தியது” என்றார்.

தற்போது திரை நட்சத்திரமாக ஒளிரும் பொறியியல் பட்டதாரியான அர்ச்சனா பேசும்போது, “நான் IT-யில் சேர்ந்திருக்கலாம் அல்லது UPSC-க்கு தயாராகி இருக்கலாம். ஏனெனில், என் அப்பா என்னை எப்போதும் ஒரு IAS அதிகாரியாக பார்க்க வேண்டும் என்று கனவு கண்டார்” என்று புன்னகையுடன் கூறினார்.

தற்போது முழு கவனமும் நடிப்பில் இருப்பதால் எந்த மாதிரியான கதாபாத்திரம் தேர்ந்தெடுத்து நடிக்க வேண்டும் என்பது பற்றியும் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டார், “வழக்கமான கதாபாத்திரங்கள் ஏற்று நடிப்பதில் எனக்கு விருப்பமில்லை. வலுவான, பல அடுக்குகள் கொண்ட, எமோஷனலான பெண் கதாபாத்திரங்களைத் திரையில் கொண்டு வரவே விருப்பம்” என்றார்.

மேலும், “கதை நன்றாக இருந்தால் சினிமா, ஓடிடி இரண்டிலும் நடிப்பேன். மாஸாக நடிப்பதை விட அர்த்தமுள்ள அதே சமயம் பார்வையாளர்களுடன் கனெக்ட் செய்யும்படியான கதாபாத்திரங்களில் நடிக்கவே விருப்பம்” என்கிறார்.

இந்திய சினிமா மீதான காதல் பற்றி கேட்டபோது, “சீனியர் நடிகர்கள் ஷபானா அஸ்மி, ஸ்மிதா படில், அர்ச்சனா, ஷோபனா மற்றும் நந்திதா தாஸ் இவர்கள் எல்லாம் பிடிக்கும். கதாநாயகிகளாக அவர்கள் முத்திரை பதித்துள்ளனர். அதுபோல என் பணியிலும் நான் முத்திரை பதிக்க விரும்புகிறேன்”.

“டீனேஜ் கதாநாயகிகளைப் போலவே கதையின் நாயகியாக எந்த வயதிலும் நடிக்கலாம் என்பதைப் பலரும் இப்போது நிரூபித்து வருகின்றனர். அதனால், என்னுடைய பெஸ்ட் கொடுப்பேன்”.

நிதானமாக ஆனால் தெளிவுடன் தனது சினிமா கனவு நோக்கி நகரும் அர்ச்சனா, “புதுமையான கதாபாத்திரம் அதற்கான அங்கீகாரம் வேண்டும் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருக்கிறேன். அதற்கான விஷயங்கள் நிச்சயம் செய்வேன்” என்றார்.

Archana, who became a household name through her impactful stint on the popular reality television show Bigg Boss, is now carving a niche for herself in the world of cinema and entertainment. With clarity in thought and confidence in her craft, the actress is embracing her journey with deep gratitude and maturity.

Speaking about her time on Bigg Boss, Archana says, “The show didn’t just bring me recognition—it revealed the raw, unfiltered version of me to the audience. People saw me without makeup, with all my moods and flaws. That honesty connected deeply.”

One key takeaway from the show, she shares, is the power of silence. “I’ve always been outspoken. But now, I’ve learnt when to speak and when to remain silent. That balance has brought me a new kind of strength,” she adds.

An engineering graduate, Archana admits her original career path was far from the spotlight. “I could’ve ended up in IT or preparing for the UPSC. My father always dreamed of seeing me as an IAS officer,” she smiles.

Now fully focused on acting, Archana is particular about the kind of roles she wants to take up. “I’m not looking for stereotypical roles. I want to portray strong, layered women—characters that have depth, emotion, and authenticity.”

She is also open to exploring OTT platforms and content-driven cinema. “I never confine myself. Stories that have honesty, emotion, and unique storytelling excite me. I’m not chasing just mass appeal—I’m seeking meaningful connections with the audience,” she says confidently.

Archana also voiced her admiration for stalwarts in Indian cinema. “I’ve always looked up to senior artistes like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Archana, Shobana, and Nandita Das. They’ve left behind a rich legacy and continue to do so even now thus expanding the average professional life span of a heroine , I aspire to contribute in that space and keep that legacy alive through my work.”

On the changing face of the industry, she adds, “The era where only teenage heroines were preferred is behind us. Today, women actors are leading stories at every age. I believe the shelf life for female actors has grown, and I’m ready to deliver my best.”

With her distinctive looks, grounded persona, and fierce determination, Archana is steadily paving her path forward. She concludes, “My hunger for creativity and recognition is strong. I’m here to stay—and I’m just getting started.”

பிக்பாஸ் அர்ச்சனா : “வலுவான புதுமையான கதாபாத்திரங்களே சினிமாவில் என் நோக்கம்!”

‘பிக்பாஸ்’ நிகழ்ச்சி மூலம் புகழ்பெற்ற நடிகை அர்ச்சனா தற்போது சினிமா மற்றும் எண்டர்டெயின்மெண்ட் துறையிலும் தனது பயணத்தைத் தொடங்க ஆர்வமாக உள்ளார். சினிமாவில் என்ன சாதிக்க வேண்டும் என்ற தெளிவான இலக்கு மற்றும் நம்பிக்கையுடன் பயணத்தைத் தொடங்க ஆர்வமாக இருக்கிறார்.

பிக்பாஸ் அனுபவம் குறித்து அவர் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டதாவது, “பிக்பாஸ் நிகழ்ச்சி எனக்கு அடையாளம் மட்டும் கொடுக்கவில்லை. என்னுடைய முகமூடி இல்லாத அசல் முகத்தையும் பார்வையாளர்களுக்குக் கொண்டு சேர்த்தது. இந்த விஷயம் பிக்பாஸ் நிகழ்ச்சியை இன்னும் எனக்கு நெருக்கமானதாக மாற்றியுள்ளது”.

மேலும், ” இந்த நிகழ்ச்சியில் இருந்து ஒரு விஷயம் நான் எடுத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று நினைத்தால் அது அமைதி. நான் அதிகம் பேசக்கூடிய நபர். ஆனால், இப்போது எங்கே பேச வேண்டும் எங்கு அமைதியாக இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதைக் கற்றுக் கொண்டேன். இது என்னுடைய புதிய வெர்ஷனை எனக்கே அறிமுகப்படுத்தியது” என்றார்.

தற்போது திரை நட்சத்திரமாக ஒளிரும் பொறியியல் பட்டதாரியான அர்ச்சனா பேசும்போது, “நான் IT-யில் சேர்ந்திருக்கலாம் அல்லது UPSC-க்கு தயாராகி இருக்கலாம். ஏனெனில், என் அப்பா என்னை எப்போதும் ஒரு IAS அதிகாரியாக பார்க்க வேண்டும் என்று கனவு கண்டார்” என்று புன்னகையுடன் கூறினார்.

தற்போது முழு கவனமும் நடிப்பில் இருப்பதால் எந்த மாதிரியான கதாபாத்திரம் தேர்ந்தெடுத்து நடிக்க வேண்டும் என்பது பற்றியும் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டார், “வழக்கமான கதாபாத்திரங்கள் ஏற்று நடிப்பதில் எனக்கு விருப்பமில்லை. வலுவான, பல அடுக்குகள் கொண்ட, எமோஷனலான பெண் கதாபாத்திரங்களைத் திரையில் கொண்டு வரவே விருப்பம்” என்றார்.

மேலும், “கதை நன்றாக இருந்தால் சினிமா, ஓடிடி இரண்டிலும் நடிப்பேன். மாஸாக நடிப்பதை விட அர்த்தமுள்ள அதே சமயம் பார்வையாளர்களுடன் கனெக்ட் செய்யும்படியான கதாபாத்திரங்களில் நடிக்கவே விருப்பம்” என்கிறார்.

இந்திய சினிமா மீதான காதல் பற்றி கேட்டபோது, “சீனியர் நடிகர்கள் ஷபானா அஸ்மி, ஸ்மிதா படில், அர்ச்சனா, ஷோபனா மற்றும் நந்திதா தாஸ் இவர்கள் எல்லாம் பிடிக்கும். கதாநாயகிகளாக அவர்கள் முத்திரை பதித்துள்ளனர். அதுபோல என் பணியிலும் நான் முத்திரை பதிக்க விரும்புகிறேன்”.

“டீனேஜ் கதாநாயகிகளைப் போலவே கதையின் நாயகியாக எந்த வயதிலும் நடிக்கலாம் என்பதைப் பலரும் இப்போது நிரூபித்து வருகின்றனர். அதனால், என்னுடைய பெஸ்ட் கொடுப்பேன்”.

நிதானமாக ஆனால் தெளிவுடன் தனது சினிமா கனவு நோக்கி நகரும் அர்ச்சனா, “புதுமையான கதாபாத்திரம் அதற்கான அங்கீகாரம் வேண்டும் என்பதில் உறுதியாக இருக்கிறேன். அதற்கான விஷயங்கள் நிச்சயம் செய்வேன்” என்றார்.

In a move that has set social media meltdown, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, who reprises his iconic role of Kabir in the hugely anticipated YRF Spy Universe’s next offering War 2, took to his social media platforms to announce that he is planning an explosive birthday celebration for NTR on May 20, 2025.

Hrithik’s post read: “Hey @tarak9999, think you know what to expect on the 20th of May this year? Trust me you have NO idea what’s in store. Ready?”

Hrithik’s post broke the internet instantly! He ignited the speculation of a major reveal from War 2 — the second instalment of the franchise being directed by the celebrated young film-maker Ayan Mukerji!

War 2 brings together two of the biggest icons of Indian cinema – Hrithik Roshan as the daredevil Kabir, and pan India superstar NTR. The film is slated for a release on August 14, 2025 in Hindi, Telugu & Tamil.

The YRF Spy Universe is the biggest IP of Indian cinema today, having only delivered blockbusters with all its titles like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan and Tiger 3. War 2 is the sixth YRF Spy Universe film to release.

Link: https://x.com/ihrithik/status/1923249559498543508?s=46

Starring Basil Joseph

“Maranamass” is a dark comedy thriller, that dives into a chilling tale centered around a notorious serial killer known as the “Banana Killer.” This twisted murderer targets elderly men, leaving behind his signature: a Poovan banana tucked in the victim’s mouth. Praised for its absurdist tone and satirical take on toxic masculinity, Maranamass balances dark humor with suspense, offering a fresh perspective on the serial killer genre.

India’s premier OTT platform, ZEE5, made this summer exciting with the digital premiere of the recent superhit Telugu movie Robinhood, starring Nithiin and Sreeleela. Upon its digital premiere, this action-comedy has received a unanimous response from viewers, crossing 50 million streaming minutes on the platform.

Robinhood premiered both on television and ZEE5 on May 10, and it got a fantastic response across both platforms. The film continues to trend on ZEE5 by providing non-stop fun and entertainment for viewers.

Directed by Venky Kudumula, Robinhood features Rajendra Prasad, Shine Tom Chacko, Devdatta Nage, Vennela Kishore, and Shubhaleka Sudhakar in key roles. Australian Cricketer David Warner made his silver screen debut by playing a cameo in the movie.

Robinhood’s story follows Ram (Nithiin), an orphan who steals from the rich to help the poor. To sum it up, he is a modern-day Robinhood. His life takes a serious turn when he locks horns with a powerful international drug mafia. The film is filled with action, comedy, and surprising twists that keep viewers hooked right from the beginning to the end.

Robinhood is produced by Naveen Yerneni and Yalamanchili Ravi Shankar under the Mythri Movie Makers banner. Renowned music director GV Prakash Kumar composed the music for the film.

If you haven’t watched Robinhood yet, stream it right away on ZEE5. Also, don’t forget to check out ZEE5’s wide collection of movies and shows: your perfect destination for top-quality entertainment!

A Soulful Symphony of Dreams, Struggles, and Redemption

Verdict: “A poignant tale of passion and perseverance, beautifully told with heart and craft.”

Introduction: A Tale Rooted in Emotion and Identity

Jora Kaiya Thattunga, directed by Vineesh Millennium, is a bold departure from formulaic cinema. It ventures into the deeply personal terrain of self-identity, resilience, and acceptance, all wrapped within the story of a misunderstood magician in rural South India. The film is a testament to the director’s commitment to storytelling that resonates beyond screen time.

Plot: The Magician and His World

The film centers on a solitary magician, played with heart and subtlety by Yogi Babu, who carries the emotional burden of his late father’s dreams. Living in a village that ridicules his unconventional art, he becomes a symbol of silent endurance. The journey he undertakes—from rejection and alienation to self-belief and social recognition—forms the emotional crux of the film.

It’s not merely about magic tricks or illusions; it’s about the magic of inner strength. The narrative beautifully explores how passion, when nurtured with determination, can transcend societal norms and bring about transformation—not just in the individual but also in those around him.

Performances: Quietly Powerful

Yogi Babu delivers one of his most nuanced performances yet—shedding the comedic shell to embrace the vulnerability and depth required for this role. Shanthi Rao plays a pivotal role with quiet grace, while Hareesh Peradi adds gravitas to the supporting cast. Each actor contributes meaningfully to the film’s emotional weight without overwhelming the central narrative.

Technical Merits: Aesthetic and Evocative

Cinematography by the renowned Madhu Ambat is a visual poem in itself. Rural landscapes, fading twilight, and symbolic frames turn every scene into a canvas of emotion. The visual storytelling is subtle yet striking, mirroring the inner world of the protagonist.

Editing by Sabu Joseph keeps the pace tight and engaging, allowing the emotional beats to land without dragging the story. The transitions are smooth and purposeful, aiding the film’s reflective tone.

Music by Arunagiri S.N. stands out—not by overwhelming scenes with loud scores but by gently cradling emotions. His compositions elevate the protagonist’s journey and draw the audience into a state of empathy and contemplation.

Direction & Message: Art That Reflects Life

Vineesh Millennium’s direction is patient and poetic. He allows his characters to breathe, think, and evolve without rushing them through tropes. The film speaks strongly to the idea that true acceptance comes not from changing who you are, but from owning your truth with courage.

There’s a clear message: passion, when pursued with sincerity, can overcome even the harshest of societal judgment. The director never preaches, but the inspiration seeps through every frame.

Final Thoughts: A Meaningful Cinematic Experience

Jora Kaiya Thattunga is not just a film—it’s a gentle reminder of the battles we fight within, the dreams we inherit, and the courage it takes to stand by them. It is visually poetic, emotionally stirring, and thematically universal.

Short Verdict:

“A poignant tale of passion and perseverance, beautifully told with heart and craft.”