What occurs when Ajith Kumar aka AK makes a comeback with a banger on the field workplace — properly, extra like a remix? But is it any good, unhealthy, or simply plain ugly? What occurs when your consciousness will get digitised? Meanwhile, Black Mirror returns to remind us that the scariest factor about know-how is that we binge-watch it voluntarily and are very happy to lose our minds. Also on the radar this week are Dying for Sex — sure, that’s the true title — and Chhorii 2, each of which lean into real-world horror.
Here’s a have a look at the candy and the bitter, the nice and the unhealthy — and what to look at.
HYPE CHECK: ‘Good Bad Ugly’
Ajith Kumar is again, cruising on the field workplace in a full-throttle fan service automobile. Good Bad Ugly is strictly what it says on the tin. The good is AK, clearly. The unhealthy can also be him. And the ugly? The copyright drama.
GBU is metafiction. AK isn’t simply the message—he’s the medium and the messenger. In the phrases of Tropic Thunder’s Sergeant Lincoln Osiris, right here the “script reads him,” not the opposite method round. There’s even a second the place the director is heard from behind the digicam, asking, “Can we cut to a song with you and Simran for fans?” AK glares. That could be an excessive amount of. The star has spoken, with out saying a phrase. The motion is slick. Bullets-on-beat, punches as percussion—Adhik Ravichandran goes full Edgar Wright with out brakes. Bro… hesitate, bro!
This week, it turned out that Ilaiyaraaja wasn’t impressed that his basic songs had been used with out his consent. He has demanded ₹5 crore in compensation. The producers declare they acquired the rights and have the paperwork to show it. Technically, since older movie music was usually created as work-for-hire, producers are thought-about the authorized “authors” and can assign rights to legacy labels. Morally although, it’s like throwing a get together in Ilaiyaraaja’s honour with out inviting him, since you already purchased the merch.
Should you watch Good Bad Ugly? If you’re an Ajith fan, that is your Diwali and Pongal. If you’re not? First of all — GBU. God bless you, that is. Not within the temper for Tamil mass? Consider The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on Netflix. Nic Cage performs Nic Cage in a Nic Cage film about Nic Cage. A bromance between star and maker, it’s a meta action-vacation stuffed with callbacks and self-parody. Basically, what Ajith and Adhik are doing in Good Bad Ugly, minus the Ilaiyaraaja monitor and plus his blessings.
TV GOLD: ‘Black Mirror’ returns
Charlie Brooker’s dystopian tech-thriller is again on Netflix — and, shock, it’s nonetheless miserable. But additionally: it’s important viewing. Last season went retro — as a result of, let’s face it, we already dwell in a Black Mirror episode. This time, the present dives straight into rising tech.
Neuralink is testing monkeys to see if consciousness will be digitised. Meta is instructing AI to learn your ideas earlier than you publish. In Japan, scientists have managed to digitise goals to 70% accuracy, which is nice information in the event you’ve ever needed your nightmares in HD. What might go flawed?
Brooker affords six solutions. Each episode is a standalone existential disaster. The opener begins with a couple noticing gum caught to the ceiling whereas mendacity in mattress. That tiny, gross, lovely element grounds us in actuality, simply the type of texture we could lose as soon as we begin customising our consciousness to really feel solely what we wish and keep in mind solely what we select.
If you liked episode 4, take into account testing Black Mirror: Thronglets, the Netflix recreation the place you elevate tiny creatures with consciousness as pets. Well, properly, properly… what might presumably go flawed?
HEADS UP: ‘Dying for Sex’
Starring a unbelievable Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex lately dropped on JioHotstar. Don’t be misled by the title—sure, there’s intercourse and nudity, however that’s not the purpose. Adapted from a well-liked podcast, this intercourse comedy follows the journey of a stage-four cancer affected person decided to tick every thing off her intercourse bucket listing.
In a assist group that appears oddly upbeat, Molly (Williams) asks, “Is it a fun cancer?” She’s advised they’re early stagers. “They don’t want to see us. They find us scary. They see us as ghosts.” Depressed together with her personal group, she infiltrates the ‘fun’ group pretending she’s not in stage 4. What follows is a darkly comedian, tender sequence that balances pathos with wit—assume 50/50 however with out the feel-good ending.
Dying for Sex additionally rethinks typical concepts of intercourse. As one character asks, “Normal sex? Who decides what that is?” It’s kink-and-fetish-positive, and takes a essential have a look at the legacy of exhibits like Sex and the City, even blaming Samantha for selling heteronormative frameworks.
Fair warning: this one’s not for everybody. Stories about cancer, demise, and letting go will be cathartic but additionally triggering. Watch it while you’re prepared—and ideally with a pal.
‘Chhorii 2’: Horror within the Real World
Wes Craven as soon as stated: “The best horror films are the ones where the monsters are real — the kind you read about in the newspaper.”
Chhorii 2, simply out on Prime, suits the invoice. The first movie tackled feminine infanticide. This sequel focuses on the horrors confronted by the lady youngster—and the chilling maintain of superstition and blind religion. It’s a bit loud for dwelling viewing, however gorgeously shot and tight sufficient to carry consideration. Nushrratt Bharuccha will get a meaty half, joined by Soha Ali Khan in a sequel that’s fundamental in storytelling however good-intentioned in messaging. Not delicate, however efficient—as a result of the true horror right here isn’t ghosts, it’s the world that nonetheless clings to the darkish ages.
Quick Picks
Hacks is again with a new season on JioHotstar. Last season ended with the protégé pulling off blackmail to power the mentor’s hand. This time, the sparring is sharper, and from the primary couple of episodes, it appears to be like just like the endgame is close to. The query stays: will their working relationship survive?
Published – April 18, 2025 02:07 pm IST
