Telephile

Disney's 2025 live-action adaptation of Snow White has sparked widespread discussion, with critics and audiences offering a range of opinions. While the film attempts to modernize the classic tale, its execution has left viewers divided. Pre-Release Controversy: Audience Backlash Before the Premiere Before its release, Snow White (2025) faced significant backlash from audiences due to multiple controversies surrounding its plot changes and casting decisions. One of the primary concerns was Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White . Many fans of the original film criticized the decision, arguing that Zegler's lack of resemblance to the classic character strayed too far from the Disney icon they grew up with. Additionally, Zegler’s public statements about the original 1937 film being outdated and problematic further fueled the controversy, with some accusing her of disrespecting the beloved classic . Another major issue was the removal of the seven dwarfs in favor of “magical c...

  Locked (2025)  The psychological thriller Locked (2025), directed by David Yarovesky, is a remake of the 2019 Argentinian film 4x4 . Starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, this film takes audiences on a nail-biting journey of survival, justice, and psychological warfare—all within the confined space of a high-tech SUV. Plot Summary Eddie (Bill Skarsgård) is a small-time thief struggling to make ends meet. In desperation, he breaks into what seems like an expensive but unguarded SUV. However, he quickly realizes that he has made a grave mistake—the doors automatically lock, the windows become impenetrable, and he is trapped inside. The SUV is no ordinary vehicle; it has been modified by its owner, William (Anthony Hopkins), a retired doctor with a dark past. William watches Eddie from a distance, speaking to him through the car’s communication system. He reveals his true intention: the SUV is a prison, a test, and a form of justice. Eddie must now fight for his surviva...

  Synopsis Set against the backdrop of Visakhapatnam, Court – State Vs. A Nobody narrates the story of Mettu Chandrashekar, affectionately known as Chandu (Harsh Roshan), a diligent young man juggling multiple jobs to support his family. His life turns unexpectedly when he befriends Jabilli (Sridevi Apalla), a student from an influential family. Their innocent friendship faces severe opposition from Jabilli’s uncle, Mangapathi (Sivaji), a staunch supremacist who perceives their bond as a threat to the family's honor. In a bid to protect the family's reputation, Mangapathi falsely accuses Chandu under the POCSO Act, leading to a high-stakes legal battle that forms the crux of the narrative. Sensitive Nature of the Film The film deals with highly sensitive topics such as false accusations under stringent legal frameworks, class divisions, and societal biases. It brings to light how the misuse of legal provisions can lead to devastating consequences for the innocent. The courtroo...

  Introduction Malayalam cinema has a knack for delivering intense, thought-provoking thrillers, and Officer on Duty (2025) is no exception. Directed by Jithu Ashraf in his directorial debut and penned by Joseph and Nayattu fame Shahi Kabir, this film promises a blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth. With Kunchacko Boban leading the cast as the troubled cop Harishankar, the movie offers a compelling narrative that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Plot Summary (No Spoilers) The story revolves around Harishankar, a once-celebrated police officer now demoted to the role of Circle Inspector due to his temperamental and rebellious nature. While adjusting to his new, seemingly uneventful posting, he finds himself entangled in a string of violent crimes that bear an eerie connection to his past. As the investigation unfolds, Harishankar is forced to confront his personal demons, leading to an emotionally charged and action-packed climax. Power-Packed Performances ...

  Ponman (2025)  The Malayalam film industry has been delivering some of the most thought-provoking and socially relevant films in recent years.  Ponman (2025) , directed by Jothish Shankar in his directorial debut, is no exception. Based on G.R. Indugopan’s novel  Naalanchu Cheruppakar , this dark comedy-drama delves deep into the societal obsession with gold and the complexities surrounding dowry. With a gripping storyline and standout performances from Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, and Lijomol Jose,  Ponman  is a film that leaves a lasting impact. Plot Overview Set against the backdrop of Kollam’s coastal regions, Ponman follows the life of P.P. Ajesh (Basil Joseph), a jewelry sales agent with a unique business model. Ajesh provides gold to families for weddings under the agreement that they repay him using the cash gifts received during the ceremonies. However, things take a complicated turn when he lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Steffi’s (Lijomol Jose) fa...

The Diplomat (2025) Review: Bollywood is no stranger to gripping political thrillers, but The Diplomat (2025) takes the genre to a new level with its tight storytelling, grounded realism, and a stellar performance by John Abraham. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film brings to life the harrowing real-life rescue mission of an Indian woman trapped in Pakistan and the unwavering efforts of diplomat J.P. Singh to bring her back home. This political drama delivers an edge-of-the-seat experience with its intense narrative and realistic portrayal of international diplomacy. A Story of Courage and Diplomacy Set against the backdrop of international tensions, The Diplomat follows the incredible journey of Uzma Ahmed (played by Sadia Khateeb), who unknowingly enters a nightmare when she travels to Pakistan under false pretenses. What was meant to be a visit to meet her fiancé’s family turns into a forced marriage, leaving her desperate for escape. Enter J.P. Singh (John Abraham), a high-ranking ...

  The Electric State (2025) Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Woody Norman Streaming on: Netflix Introduction The Electric State is one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of 2025, helmed by the renowned Russo brothers. Based on Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel of the same name, the film takes viewers into a retro-futuristic 1990s America, where robots once coexisted with humans before being exiled after a catastrophic uprising. With an intriguing premise, a visually captivating world, and an all-star cast, does the film live up to expectations? Let's dive in. Plot Overview The story follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a teenage orphan who embarks on a journey to find her missing brother, Christopher (Woody Norman). Accompanied by a sentient robot named Cosmo and a mysterious smuggler, Keats (Chris Pratt), Michelle travels through a desolate yet technologically advanced America. Along the way, she faces numero...

Novocaine (2025): The Action Comedy That Will Leave You Breathless! Hollywood has always had a knack for turning the most unexpected conditions into cinematic gold, and Novocaine (2025) is no exception. This adrenaline-pumping action comedy takes a rare medical disorder and spins it into a high-stakes, fast-paced thrill ride. But does it deliver the knockout punch, or does it fall numb? Let’s dive in. Plot: A Man Who Can’t Feel Pain, But Can He Handle the Truth? Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is just another unremarkable bank executive—except for one thing: he has Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA) , a rare condition that prevents him from feeling physical pain. His life is simple, predictable, and relatively uneventful—until a daring heist at his bank turns everything upside down. When his colleague and love interest, Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder) , is kidnapped by a ruthless crime boss, Simon Greenly (Ray Nicholson) , Nathan is thrown into a world of chaos, crim...

  The Monkey (2024) Review:  Stephen King’s haunting short story The Monkey has finally been adapted for the big screen, promising horror enthusiasts a thrilling experience. Directed by Osgood Perkins ( Gretel & Hansel ), this unsettling adaptation brings one of King’s most disturbing narratives to life. But does The Monkey provide the chilling horror that fans expect from King’s works, or does it fall short among the many adaptations? Let’s take a closer look. Plot: A Childhood Terror That Lingers The film centers on twin brothers Hal and Bill, who stumble upon an old wind-up monkey toy in their childhood home. What initially appears to be an innocuous artifact quickly transforms into a nightmare as the brothers discover that each time the monkey’s cymbals clash, someone dies. Now adults (portrayed by Theo James and Elijah Wood), they must face the malevolent force tied to the cursed toy before it obliterates everything they hold dear. The narrative unfolds with a ...

Mickey 17: When Bong Joon Ho is at the helm of a film, you can expect something extraordinary. His ability to blend social commentary with genre storytelling is unparalleled, as seen in works like Parasite and Snowpiercer . With Mickey 17 , he ventures into the depths of space. Featuring Robert Pattinson in a complex dual role, this sci-fi thriller explores themes of identity, survival, and the essence of humanity beyond just space colonization. Plot: More Than Just Another Space Journey The narrative centers on Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), an "Expendable" tasked with colonizing the icy planet Niflheim. In this future, Expendables are human workers assigned to perilous jobs, fully aware that if they perish, their consciousness will be transferred into a newly cloned body. Sounds convenient, right? However, chaos ensues when Mickey 17, thought to be dead, returns to discover that his replacement, Mickey 18, is already living his life. The existence of two versions of the same i...

More than two decades after Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) captivated audiences, Gladiator II (2024) attempts to reignite the magic of Ancient Rome. Starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn, the sequel brings back the political intrigue, intense battles, and emotional weight that made the original a classic. But does it live up to its legendary predecessor? The Story – A New Gladiator Rises The film picks up years after the events of the first Gladiator , shifting the focus from Maximus (played by Russell Crowe in the original) to his son, Lucius (played by Paul Mescal). Raised in exile after witnessing the fall of his family, Lucius is drawn back into the treacherous world of Roman politics and gladiatorial combat. As he fights for survival and justice, he must navigate betrayals, shifting alliances, and the looming shadow of the Roman Empire’s corruption. How It Connects to Real History Like the original, Gladiator II takes inspiration from historic...

Horror films often push boundaries, but The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat, takes body horror and psychological depth to new heights. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, this film delves into themes of identity, vanity, and the dark side of fame. Its bold storytelling and jaw-dropping performances earned it critical acclaim and recognition at the 97th Academy Awards . A Dark and Twisted Journey The film follows a renowned actress (played by Demi Moore) whose obsession with youth and perfection leads her to a mysterious transformation. As she embarks on this unsettling journey, she encounters a young woman (Margaret Qualley) who plays a crucial role in her fate. The narrative weaves a haunting tale that blends psychological horror with grotesque body transformations, making it both disturbing and thought-provoking. Critically Acclaimed Performances Demi Moore delivers what many are calling her career-best performance, embodying both vulnerability and terror with st...

When it comes to animated films, storytelling often relies on dialogue, expressive characters, and vibrant settings. But Flow (2025), directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, defies expectations by delivering a stunning, dialogue-free narrative that captures both the heart and the imagination. Its groundbreaking approach and breathtaking animation earned it the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature , cementing its place as one of the year’s most remarkable films. A Journey Through a Mysterious World At its core, Flow tells the story of a lone black cat navigating a world that has been reclaimed by nature. The absence of human presence is palpable, and the film’s flooded landscapes create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. Along the way, the cat encounters a Labrador, a capybara, a lemur, and a secretary bird—each with their own distinct personalities and survival instincts. Together, they embark on an odyssey, braving obstacles and forging an unspoken bond. A Visual an...

Netflix’s Carry On is an electrifying thriller that delivers non-stop tension and high-stakes drama. From the very first scene, this film grabs your attention and doesn’t let go, making it one of the most intense movies to hit the streaming platform in recent times. A Gripping Storyline with Flawless Execution The movie thrives on its well-paced screenplay, ensuring that every moment keeps the audience engaged. Unlike other thrillers that tend to get overly complex, Carry On excels with an easy-to-follow yet deeply immersive plot. The direction is sharp, making sure that every twist and turn heightens the suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The storytelling is seamless, with no unnecessary diversions, making the film a gripping experience from start to finish. Stunning Performance by the Lead Actor The hero of Carry On delivers a jaw-dropping performance, bringing raw intensity and emotion to every scene. His gripping portrayal adds layers to the character, making ...

Captain America: Brave New World – A Confusing Mix of MCU Elements Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World was expected to be a bold new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but instead, it turned out to be a convoluted attempt at connecting past and present storylines. While it starts by linking itself to The Incredible Hulk and other Captain America films, the movie soon veers off into Eternals territory, leaving audiences with a tangled web of plotlines and numerous loose ends. A Messy Narrative with No Clear Direction One of the biggest flaws of Brave New World is its lack of a cohesive storyline. With more than four writers contributing to the script, the film struggles with consistency, failing to maintain a smooth flow. The result is a disjointed narrative that jumps between different themes and characters without giving them proper depth or resolution. Marvel, once known for its meticulous planning and seamless storytelling, seems to be losing its grip ...