AshwiniS-14

10 Hours is a taut and engaging Tamil thriller that unfolds in real-time, gripping the audience with its relentless pacing and focused storytelling. The screenplay stays sharp and streamlined, avoiding any distractions while steadily building tension as time runs out.

The actors deliver convincingly understated performances, which enhances the film's sense of realism. What really sets it apart is its ability to sustain suspense without relying on over-the-top background scores or melodramatic twists. It's a smart, restrained thriller that treats its audience with respect. While the modest budget is apparent, the strong narrative and execution more than compensate. A must-watch for those who enjoy tight, fast-moving thrillers.

C/o Kancharapalem is not just a film-it's a quiet revolution in Telugu cinema. Directed by debutant Venkatesh Maha, this indie gem breaks away from commercial formulas to present a deeply human, grounded portrayal of love, society, and individuality.

Set in the unassuming locality of Kancharapalem in Visakhapatnam, the film tells multiple stories of love across different ages, religions, and social backgrounds. What ties them together is not just their geography, but a shared emotional core-each story brims with sincerity, vulnerability, and the quiet resilience of its characters.

One of the film's biggest triumphs is its casting. Rather than using well-known faces, the film features real residents of Kancharapalem. Their natural, unpolished performances add a rare authenticity. There's a lived-in quality to every interaction, making the viewer feel more like an observer of real lives than a passive moviegoer. This casting choice might have been risky, but it pays off spectacularly, especially in a film so reliant on emotional realism.

The cinematography is simple yet effective. The camera doesn't intrude-it lingers, observes, and lets scenes breathe. The streets, homes, and bylanes of Kancharapalem become characters in their own right. There's no artificial polish; instead, there's raw beauty in how everyday life is portrayed-humble tea stalls, narrow alleys, bustling temples, and modest houses all contribute to a strong sense of place.

Sita Ramam, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, is a visually stunning and emotionally rich romantic drama that blends timeless love with patriotism and mystery. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1980s, the film seamlessly weaves through timelines, offering a heartfelt narrative that's both nostalgic and engaging.

At its core, the story revolves around Lieutenant Ram, an Indian Army officer stationed at the border, whose life changes after he receives a letter from a woman named Sita. What unfolds is a deeply moving tale of love, sacrifice, and fate, told through letters, memories, and an unfolding journey to uncover the truth.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of his most compelling performances as Ram. His portrayal is sincere, charming, and filled with emotional depth. Mrunal Thakur, in her Telugu debut, is graceful and enigmatic as Sita, capturing both vulnerability and strength. Rashmika Mandanna plays a key role, adding layers to the narrative with her determined presence.

The film's visuals are nothing short of poetic. Cinematographer P. S. Vinod captures the snow-clad Kashmir valleys, vintage settings, and intricate emotions with finesse. Vishal Chandrashekhar's music enhances the mood beautifully, with songs that linger in your mind long after the film ends.