Entertainment

Top 10 Films of 2023 that stole the Spotlight

In the realm of cinema, 2023 unfolded as a captivating chapter for enthusiasts, offering a diverse tapestry of genres, narratives, and cinematic approaches. From compelling biographical dramas to whimsical comedies set in fantastical realms, the silver screen delivered a rich array of experiences for audiences. Dhanush Kumar now compiles a curated list of the year’s top 10 movies, showcasing the multifaceted brilliance that graced theatres throughout 2023.

1. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller directed by the famous Christopher Nolan, based on the book American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film chronicles his scientific achievements, moral dilemmas, and eventual downfall due to political persecution. Oppenheimer is a masterpiece of filmmaking, with stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and a gripping story that explores the human cost of scientific progress.

2. Barbie

Barbie is a fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, based on the fashion dolls by Mattel. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, a doll who suffers an identity crisis and leaves Barbieland to explore the real world. Along the way, she meets Ken (Ryan Gosling), a beach bum who becomes her love interest, and other versions of herself, played by Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and others. Barbie is a hilarious and heart-warming film that breaks the stereotypes and expectations associated with the iconic toy.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is an animated superhero film directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson and a sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). It features the voice of Shameik Moore as Mile Morales, a teenager who becomes Spider-Man after being bitten by a radioactive spider. In this film, he teams up with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), another Spider-Person from a parallel universe, to stop a new threat that endangers the multiverse. The film is a visual feast with a unique animation style blends different comic book aesthetics. It also has a thrilling story, diverse characters, and a lot of humour and heart.

4. John Wick: Chapter – 4

John Wick: Chapter 4 is an action thriller directed by Chad Stahelski. It stars Keanu Reeves as John Wick, a former assassin on the run from the High Table, a global organisation of crime lords. In this film, he teams up with old allies and new enemies to fight out of a deadly situation. John Wick: Chapter 4 is a non-stop adrenaline rush with spectacular stunts, choreography, and cinematography. It also expands the John Wick universe’s mythology and lore, introducing new locations, characters, and factions.

5. Pathan

Pathan is an action spy film directed by Siddharth Anand and the fourth film in the YRF Spy Universe. It stars Shah Rukh Khan as Pathan, an exiled RAW agent who works with Rubina Mohsin (Deepika Padukone), an ISI agent, to take down Jim (John Abraham), a rogue RAW agent who plans to unleash a deadly virus on India. Pathan is a high-octane film with breath-taking action sequences, exotic locations, and a riveting plot. It also features a cameo appearance by Salman Khan as Tiger, another spy from the same universe.

6. Jawan

Jawan is an action drama directed by Atlee and the second film of Shah Rukh Khan in 2023. It stars Khan as Jawan, a prison warden who recruits inmates to commit outrageous crimes that expose societal corruption and injustice. He also has a personal motive, as he seeks revenge for a wrong done to him in the past. Jawan is a powerful film with a strong message, a compelling story, and a stellar performance by Khan. It also has a star-studded supporting cast, including Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Deepika Padukone.

7. Bhagavanth Kesari

Bhagavanth Kesari is an action drama directed by Anil Ravipudi, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in the titular role. It is based on the true story of Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari, a gallant circle inspector who fought against the atrocities of a corrupt politician and his son in a tribal area of Andhra Pradesh. The film showcases the bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice of Kesari, who became a legend among the people. It also features Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal, and Kajal Aggarwal in pivotal roles.

8. Virupaksha

Virupaksha is a horror film directed by Karthik Varma Dandu, starring Sai Dharam Tej and Samyuktha Menon. It is set in a village named Rudravanam, where a series of mysterious deaths occur due to ancient superstitions. Tej plays Surya, a man who visits his ancestral village and discovers paranormal activities. He also falls in love with Viji (Menon), a local girl connected to the mystery. Virupaksha is a spine-chilling film with a gripping story, a haunting atmosphere, and a surprising twist

9. Baby

Baby is a Telugu romantic drama film starring Anand Devarakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya. It is directed by Sai Rjaesh Neelam and produced by Mass Movie Makers. It is a coming-of-age story about two childhood friends who fall in love but face challenges when they go to college and meet new people. This movie got many excellent reviews from the audience and the critics and collected a lot of money at the box office. Anand Devarakonda performed his heart out in the movie.

10. Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon is a historical crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the book of the same name by David Grann. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. It is set in 1920s Oklahoma, where the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe, became wealthy due to oil discoveries on their land. However, they also became the targets of a series of murders, known as the Reign of Terror that the FBI investigated. The film follows the lives of Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio), a white man who marries Mollie Kyle (Gladstone), an Osage woman, and William Hale (De Niro), a powerful rancher who is behind the killings. Killers of the Flower Moon is a riveting film with a captivating story, a stellar cast, and a masterful direction by Scorsese.

Conclusion:

In 2023, cinema treated the audience to a remarkable assortment of films across various genres. The year, they had something for everyone, from biographical thrillers to imaginative comedies and action-packed dramas to dramas. These top movies have left a lasting impact on cinema and viewers’ hearts.

November 24, 2023

The Rise of Meenaakshi Chaudhary: Reigning Queen of the South India

From donning a crown in beauty pageants to delivering powerful performances on screen, MEENAAKSHI CHAUDHARY’S journey from dentistry to dazzling stardom is nothing short of cinematic. With a string of critically acclaimed roles across Telugu and Tamil cinema, Meenaakshi is fast emerging as a pan-Indian powerhouse. With exciting projects lined up, including collaborations with Naga Chaitanya and Naveen Polishetty, her star power continues to soar, captivating audiences with her blend of talent, grace, and versatility. SINDURI VUPPALA catches up with the actress for an exclusive conversation, tracing her inspiring rise and what lies ahead. Let’s start from the beginning—what drew you to acting, and how did your journey into Telugu cinema begin? Was the transition from pageants and dentistry to movies something you planned, or did it unfold organically? I believe it was a destiny move for me, because I never thought of becoming an actor. I grew up wanting to be Miss India for sure, a doctor and probably in civil services. After I joined Miss India, I got a lot of other opportunities, which I never thought that I could possibly foray into. So, I gave everything a try because whatever comes my way, I never just let it go, and I thought I might as well try it. If I don’t like it, I can continue doing what I’m doing, and I think that’s how my journey began. The transition from pageantry, modelling, dentistry to getting into acting was truly something that just happened and I think when something’s meant to happen, it just finds its own way and that’s truly what happened in my case as well. What inspired you to leave your dental career behind and pursue acting? Was there a specific moment that made you feel this is where I belong? Honestly, I never really thought of considering dentistry as my first option, I

Entertainment

Action Reloaded: Sunny Deol Steps into the South with Jaat

Sunny Deol is riding high on the success of Jaat, his first full-fledged lead role in a South Indian film. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film has struck critical and commercial gold. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Sunny opens up about his experience working in the South, redefining stardom, and why audiences are returning to strong, rooted cinema. Exclusive Excerpts After Gadar 2, would you call this a golden phase in your career? Absolutely. When the first Gadar became a hit, meri dukaan band ho gayi. Then came the second one and dukaan khul gayi. People said Gadar 2 was outdated, but the audience loved it. Today, we’re returning to rooted films. Bollywood directors have moved away from making original, grounded stories—they’re focusing too much on city-centric films. But 99 percent of our audience is Indian, and they want stories they can connect with. How do you define stardom today? Do you consider yourself a star or an actor? I focus on my work, not on stardom. These days, actors feel the need to constantly stay in the public eye. But for me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. If my work is appreciated, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed to be in this industry where we live different lives through our characters, even if it means no weekends and no regular work hours. We are people who love a peaceful life. Is doing physically demanding roles still challenging for you?Honestly, I’ve never found physical roles difficult. That’s just who I am. Age is just a number. If the role suits me and I can live the character truthfully, that’s enough. I don’t shy away from physically demanding work. What precautions do you take while performing

Entertainment

5 Paranormal Podcasts which will send shivers down your spine

Love the thrill of a good scare? Paranormal podcasts are the perfect escape into the unknown, where haunted tales, ghostly encounters, and eerie investigations come alive through chilling audio. If you are looking for something more than just background noise, these supernatural podcasts will tingle your spine and mess with your sleep. Grab your headphones and prepare to get haunted as DHANUSH KUMAR brings five podcasts that are not for the faint of heart. 1. Bhay Originals Created by Ankan Sharmishtha Bose, Bhay Originals has rapidly become a leading name in Indian horror podcasts. With over 2 million organic listens, it offers immersive, movie-style Hindi horror audio dramas that delve into ghost stories, paranormal encounters, and suspenseful narratives. Why it’s popular: High-quality production and original storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge. Listener feedback: Praised for its originality and spine-chilling narratives. 2. Paranormal Reality Hosted by paranormal investigator Jay Alani, Paranormal Reality explores real-life, supernatural phenomena across India. Jay shares his extensive experiences, discussing various entities and their characteristics, making it a compelling listen for those intrigued by the unknown. Why it’s popular: Authentic accounts from a seasoned investigator who provides a unique perspective. Listener feedback: Appreciated for its legitimacy and engaging content. 3. Ghosts Encounters Unfiltered Produced by Scare Events India, this podcast features Pooja Vijay, Sarbajeet Mohanty, and Savio Furtado from the Parapsychology and Investigations Research Society (PAIRS). They dissect infamous paranormal cases, sharing decades of experience and insights into the supernatural world. Why it’s popular: In-depth analysis of well-known paranormal incidents by experienced investigators. Listener feedback: Valued for its detailed discussions and professional insights. 4. Spookcast Spookcast offers original horror stories in Hindi, narrated by Avi and produced by Manjila Basu. The podcast covers a range of spooky tales, from haunted highways to eerie personal experiences, providing

Entertainment

Top 10 Travel Destinations Most Indian Celebrities Flock to During Summer Vacations

From pristine beaches to mountain hideouts and global fashion capitals, Indian celebrities love to escape the spotlight and unwind in some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic destinations during summer. Whether it’s Bollywood stars, cricketers, or influencers, their vacation choices often set travel trends for fans. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 travel destinations by Hashtag Magazine that are hot favourites among Indian celebrities for their summer getaways. 1. Maldives – The Celebrity Island Escape The Maldives continues to top the list as the most Instagrammed vacation destination by Indian celebrities. With its overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and unmatched privacy, stars like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Janhvi Kapoor, and Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma have chosen this paradise for summer getaways. 2. London, United Kingdom – The Summer Chill Spot London’s cool summer weather, art scene, shopping hotspots, and Indian food joints make it a magnet for celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, and Saif Ali Khan. Several Bollywood families often spend weeks at a stretch in their London homes during summer. 3. Paris, France – The Style Capital Paris is not only about romance but also fashion and culture. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone often make it a point to stop in Paris for fashion shows or a summer escape. 4. Tuscany, Italy – Rustic Luxury Tuscany’s scenic countryside, vineyards, and historical villas make it an ideal celebrity retreat. Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma, and even Hrithik Roshan have been spotted exploring this region. 5. New York City, USA – For the Buzz and Vibe The Big Apple is a summer hot spot for Indian celebrities looking for energy, art, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, who partly resides there, and others like Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt visit frequently. 6. Switzerland – The Eternal Bollywood Dream From DDLJ nostalgia to skiing in the Alps, Switzerland remains a dreamy escape for Indian