Mufasa: The Lion King
From the visionary director Barry Jenkins comes Mufasa: The Lion King, a heartfelt tale that explores the origins of one of the most iconic characters from Disney's The Lion King. The musical drama takes viewers back to the Pride Lands, chronicling Mufasa's journey from an orphaned cub to his rise as one of the greatest kings.
The film explores Mufasa's relationship with his brother Taka, who eventually becomes Scar, the infamous antagonist of the Pride Lands, in their formative years. Told through flashbacks narrated by Rafiki to Kiara (Simba and Nala's daughter), the story is enriched by Timon and Pumbaa's signature wit, making it emotional, entertaining and comedic.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel as well as a sequel to the 2019 remake of the beloved 1994 classic. The 2019 film was a blockbuster in India, redefining the genre's box office potential alongside hits like The Jungle Book. With its stunning visuals, timeless musical legacy, and themes of resilience and family, Mufasa: The Lion King is a perfect holiday season treat for audiences of all ages. Adding to the excitement, powerhouses Shah Rukh Khan and Mahesh Babu have lent their voices to regional dubs, bringing the magic of the Pride Lands closer to Indian audiences.
With its breathtaking visuals, emotionally rich narrative, and incredible soundtrack, Mufasa: The Lion King is set to be a visual and emotional extravaganza that families will cherish. It is a must-watch for fans of Disney's timeless tales. Don't miss the chance to witness the making of a legend this holiday season.
Viduthalai Part 2
Following the powerful and widely praised first chapter that left audiences spellbound in 2023, Viduthalai Part 2, helmed by the celebrated Vetrimaaran, returns with a gripping continuation. The eagerly awaited sequel takes a closer look at Perumal, or 'Vaathiyar,' portrayed brilliantly by Vijay Sethupathi, exploring his past and the beliefs that drive his rebellion. The movie explores Vaathiyar's struggle against structural injustice with surprising twists for the audience.
This chapter is also about the moral struggle of Kumaresan, a police constable (Soori in his lead role debut). Torn between his duty to the uniform and growing empathy for the oppressed, Kumaresan transforms after understanding Vaathiyar's motives. The sequel also introduces Manju Warrier as Vaathiyar's wife, adding emotional depth to the story.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Anurag Kashyap, and Rajiv Menon, who bring authenticity to this hard-hitting narrative. Ilaiyaraaja's evocative score and R Velraj's raw, atmospheric cinematography bring emotional depth and striking visuals and amplify the story's impact.
Building on the critical acclaim and box-office success of the first instalment, Viduthalai Part 2 is set to deliver a powerful conclusion to this two-part saga. With Vetrimaaran's compelling narrative exploring themes of communism, rural oppression, and justice with cinematic brilliance, for those gripped by the first film, the finale is essential viewing. Don't miss this bold, hard-hitting and impactful sequel in theatres.
UI
Nearly a decade after his last directorial venture (Uppi 2 in 2015), Kannada superstar Upendra is back with UI, an action-packed drama with compelling storytelling and cutting-edge technology. The film features the acclaimed actor-filmmaker, Upendra in dual roles alongside Sunny Leone and offers an engaging and impactful cinematic journey.
Known for his unique approach to storytelling breaking conventional barriers, the filmmaker sets this story in a dystopian 2040. UI tells the story of twin brothers born under vastly different circumstances—one during an auspicious moment, raised by a priest, and the other during an inauspicious time, raised by a thief. Their lives take contrasting paths: one strives to bring positivity and hope to society, while the other, scarred by personal loss, seeks to dismantle it. This intense conflict plays out in a world affected by global warming, economic struggles, AI dominance, wars, and the lingering aftermath of COVID-19.
The film offers a layered narrative that critiques how society clings to outdated notions like caste while being misled by those in power, encouraging viewers to see beyond surface-level distractions and examine the issues affecting their lives. Upendra's dual performance effortlessly combines his vision as a director.
The film also introduces groundbreaking technology to Kannada cinema, including a sequence shot using a VR pipeline and a photo-realistic CG double of Upendra created with over 200 DSLR cameras. Catch UI, one of the most anticipated Kannada movies of the year, in theatres and experience a powerful story of two brothers, their opposing ideals, and a society caught in their battle.
Marco
Haneef Adeni's upcoming Malayalam neo-noir action thriller, Marco, takes audiences on an intense journey into the life of the antagonist from his 2019 film Mikhael. Starring Unni Mukundan in the titular role, the film offers a fresh perspective by focusing on Marco's backstory and his transformation into the feared kingpin, separate from the hero of the original film.
Breaking away from conventional narratives, Marco centres entirely on the villain, highlighting his rise to power and the events that shaped him. Joining Mukundan is a stellar supporting cast, including Kabir Duhan Singh, Yukti Thareja, Anson Paul, Siddique, Arjun Nandakumar, Durva Thaker, and Abhimanyu Shammy Thilakan, who add depth to the unfolding story.
The film is further elevated by Ravi Basrur's electrifying music, which is known for creating unforgettable soundscapes in the KGF series. With its sharp visuals, gripping storytelling, and focus on a compelling character arc, the film is a unique addition to the Malayalam cinema landscape.
Haneef Adeni, celebrated for his work on acclaimed films like The Great Father and Abrahaminte Santhathikal (as a writer), ventures into bold new territory with Marco. Touted as one of the most violent and unrelenting Malayalam films ever made, it draws parallels to action masterpieces like Kill (2023) and the John Wick film series. Mukundan pushes the boundaries of Malayalam action cinema with his portrayal of the titular character, undergoing rigorous physical training to deliver raw, authentic, and visually stunning action sequences. His transformation and commitment to the role will leave audiences spellbound, making Marco not just a movie, but a milestone in the evolution of Malayalam action cinema. Marco will be a riveting experience for fans of action thrillers and character-driven stories. Mukundan's performance and Adeni's bold storytelling promise to make this a must-watch for the season.
Vanvaas
Director Anil Sharma, known for his blockbuster Gadar franchise, takes a step back from epic-scale action to deliver a deeply moving family drama with Vanvaas. Starring the versatile Nana Patekar, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, and Rajpal Yadav, the film, set in the spiritual city of Varanasi, portrays the strained relationship between an ageing father who has dementia and his family, exploring the emotional impact of abandonment in old age.
Patekar shines in the heartfelt role of a father struggling with memory loss and neglect, while Utkarsh Sharma plays a son caught between familial obligations and personal desires. The story captures the raw emotions of a family grappling with love, loss, and responsibility, offering a thoughtful reflection on the value of caring for our elders.
With its moving performances and poignant themes, Vanvaas reminds us of the importance of family and the enduring bonds that hold us together. It examines the intricate dynamics of parent-child relationships—an essential narrative that resonates deeply in today's context. This beautifully told tale is set to touch hearts this week in theatres.
