Latest news with #Mumbai-set
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Andhera Review: Karanvir Malhotra And Priya Bapat Shine In A Flawed But Watchable Horror Saga
Last Updated: Andhera Review: Gaurav Desai's atmospheric horror-thriller blends folklore, sci-fi, and urban myth into a chilling Mumbai-set tale. The Indian streaming landscape has been courting shadows of late. Horror has found a new appetite here, fattened by the success of titles like Khauf and Mandala Murders, each bringing its own peculiar flavour of unease. Into this thriving gloom walks Andhera, Gaurav Desai's latest offering—ambitious, sprawling, and stitched from fabrics as disparate as folklore, science fiction, urban myth, and the private griefs we carry. It wants to terrify, to provoke thought, to be grand, and in its most hypnotic moments, it almost succeeds. It is a creature of familiar bones but fresh skin, imperfect yet difficult to turn away from. Mumbai's skyline has never looked so complicit. Its towers glint in the sun while something unseen stalks its streets, an ancient hunger humming under the concrete. Inspector Kalpana Kadam, stubborn and sharp-eyed, finds herself staring into this abyss after a young woman, Bani Baruah, vanishes. But before she disappears from the city, Bani vanishes from herself—in a sequence that lingers long after it is over. A tranquil lake. A man named Prithvi Sheth, speaking like one who knows the language of despair. An invitation to 'let go." And then the daylight folds in on itself, the air turns heavy, and his voice belongs to something far older, far crueler. By the time Bani returns to her hotel room, the darkness is following her indoors. It whispers through the voice on her father's phone, calls her names that bruise, and begins snuffing out the lights one by one until she is swallowed whole. The narrative fractures here, spilling into a rain-lashed police station where Kalpana pushes against the indifference and sexism of her male colleagues, and into the unsettled mind of Jay, a medical student who has seen Bani's death before it happens. His visions are dismissed as the junkyard dreams of trauma, but they throb with the kind of detail that refuses to be ignored. In his orbit drifts Rumi, a paranormal vlogger with a taste for the unseen, warning that the city itself is about to be pulled under. Their search leads them to Aatma Healing, a wellness centre that feels more like a trap disguised as sanctuary. Ayesha, its chief consultant, greets them with the serenity of a still pond but denies knowing Prithvi Sheth. Patients here escape into virtual realms through silver coronets that promise peace but seem to open other, darker doors. And yet Prithvi is not supposed to be here at all—he has been lying in a hospital bed since an accident with his brother Jay, an accident in which Jay swears he wrestled Prithvi's soul from a shadow that wanted to keep it. This revelation binds the three into a reluctant alliance. Their path through the city's back-alleys and high-rises is littered with figures who seem plucked from half-remembered dreams: Jude, a reformed convict whose yearning for his daughter makes him reckless; Darius, a killer whose eyes are as flat as shut windows; Kanitkar, the sardonic officer who lends Kalpana loyalty and laughter; Omar, a boy who has survived cruelty too soon; and Dr. Sahay, whose presence in the story is a riddle the series refuses to solve too quickly. If Andhera has a single unassailable strength, it is the mood it builds. The city's light feels rationed, as though every beam has to earn its place. The darkness, meanwhile, is lush and sentient. Shadows curl in corners like listening animals. The VFX renders the supernatural with conviction, and the sound design treats silence like a weapon. Raaghav Dhar's direction understands the power of patience; he lets the fear grow roots before he asks it to bloom. The cast wears its characters like second skins. Surveen Chawla and Priya Bapat give their roles a quiet, tensile strength. Karanvir Malhotra charts Jay's transformation from sceptic to reluctant believer without losing sight of his vulnerability. Prajakta Koli's Rumi is a warm ember in a story otherwise chilled to the bone. Vatsal Sheth, Pranay Pachauri, and Parvin Dabas inhabit their spaces fully, keeping the human stakes alive amid the encroaching strangeness. Still, Andhera is not without its blemishes. The script sometimes wanders when it should run, circling back to points already made. Its blend of the supernatural, the speculative, and the folkloric can feel like too many flavours in one mouthful, muting the impact of each. The plot's intricacies, though rewarding for some, may leave others grasping for the thread. And when the ending arrives, it comes with more predictability than shock, softened by the clear intention to lead us into a second season. What remains is a work that feels alive with possibility. Andhera is flawed, yes, but its ambition is a rare and necessary thing. It understands that horror is not only in the monsters we see but in the spaces they leave empty, the truths they make us whisper instead of speak. Should it return with a steadier hand and a sharper ear for its own rhythm, it could grow into something unforgettable. For now, it stands as a half-built cathedral to the genre, filled with corridors you cannot help but walk down, even as the light behind you goes out. First Published: August 14, 2025, 00:29 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sooraj Barjatya casts this actor as new Prem in next family drama. It is not Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan
Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has officially confirmed that a new actor will play the beloved role of Prem in his upcoming Mumbai-set family drama. Stepping into the shoes once famously filled by Salman Khan, will be popular actor Ayushmann Khurrana. Sooraj believes that this actor's role marks a new era for Rajshri, showcasing his versatility in future projects. 'Ayushmann is a dedicated actor' 'We're shooting in Mumbai. Ayushmann is a dedicated and fine actor. It's all about the right story, the right cast, and making the world feel honest and real," Sooraj told PTI. Sooraj Barjatya, known for creating iconic family entertainers like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, emphasised that authenticity and emotional connection remain central to his storytelling. The filmmaker also admitted he still feels nervous before every project, just as he did during his debut with Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989. Ayushmann's casting marks a fresh chapter for Rajshri's brand of heartfelt cinema. "For me, whether it's a film or a show, everyone should feel that the world that I'm creating is honest, it shouldn't look fake, like everyone should feel that this is how my house is. That is my biggest challenge. I want to make what I know, it's important to make every kind of film, but it's important to make family films,' the director added. Ayushmann's upcoming projects Ayushmann Khurrana has an exciting lineup of upcoming projects that highlight his versatility across genres. He will next be seen in Thama, a horror-comedy co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, which is part of Maddock Films' expanding horror universe. Known for blending supernatural elements with social commentary, the film is expected to deliver Ayushmann's signature mix of entertainment and substance. Now, his confirmation to play the iconic character Prem in Sooraj Barjatya's next family drama, set in Mumbai, marks a significant collaboration. The Rajshri Productions are making a return to emotionally rich, traditional storytelling. Additionally, buzz suggests he may soon take on a high-octane action role, signalling an exciting shift in his film choices.
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sooraj Barjatya confirms Ayushmann Khurrana as Prem in his next family drama
Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya shared that his next film, a Mumbai-set family drama, will star Ayushmann Khurrana as the iconic 'Prem' character once played by Salman Khan. The filmmaker, known for classics like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun', said his focus is on creating honest, relatable worlds.'We're shooting the film with them in Mumbai. It's a story set in Mumbai. He is a dedicated and fine actor. It's all about getting the right story, and making it look real and making it with the right cast. Besides them, we've more people in the cast, like how we've it in all my films,' Barjatya said in an interview with this nervousness before the shoot of every film. This has been there even when I made my first film, 'Maine Pyaar Kiya'; it's still the same. As a creator, it's not about how much box office it will do, it's about whether you're able to connect or not, with that thought or scene." the director said. "For me, whether it's a film or a show, everyone should feel that the world that I'm creating is honest, it shouldn't look fake, like everyone should feel that this is how my house is. That is my biggest challenge. I want to make what I know, it's important to make every kind of film, but it's important to make family films,' the 61-year-old director has delivered several Bollywood blockbusters, mostly starring Salman Khan, including 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain, and 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'.As per the media reports, the upcoming film is going to be a family drama, and Khurrana will portray the iconic role of Prem that Salman used to portray in the director's Khuranna is currently occupied with his upcoming film, 'Thama', that will also star Rashmika Mandanna. The film is a part of Maddock's horror universe.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sooraj Barjatya teams up with Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari; family drama set in heart of Mumbai; read more
Legendary filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya is stepping into a fresh cinematic chapter with his next project , a Mumbai-set family drama starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari. Barjatya is placing Ayushmann in the spotlight, with reports hinting he will take on the beloved role of 'Prem,' immortalised by Salman Khan in classics like 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun'. Speaking to PTI about the casting choice, the director called Ayushmann 'a dedicated and fine actor,' praising his ability to bring authenticity to every role. The Heart of Mumbai, the soul of a family film Unlike Barjatya's past films set against grand wedding backdrops and sprawling family homes, this story is grounded firmly in the everyday bustle of Mumbai. Shooting will take place in the city itself, a choice the filmmaker says is about 'making it look real' and ensuring audiences feel the world he creates is genuine. 'I want people to watch and say, 'Yes, this could be my home, my family.' That's the biggest challenge,' Barjatya explained. True to his signature style, the film will feature a large ensemble cast, capturing the warmth, chaos, and bonds that define family life. Nervousness before the magic Despite a filmography filled with blockbusters, the 61-year-old director admits he still gets nervous before every shoot. 'It's the same feeling I had before 'Maine Pyaar Kiya'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo For me, it's never about box office numbers, it's about connection,' he said. While further details about Sharvari's role are under wraps, her pairing with Ayushmann promises fresh on-screen chemistry. On the other hand, Sooraj Barjatya's last directorial venture was 'Uunchal' which was released in the year 2022. The movie starring Amitabh Bachchan , Anupam Kher, Boman Irani , and Parineeti Chopra in the lead, received good reviews. Salman to play double role in Sooraj Barjatya's next
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trans Love Story ‘Lala & Poppy' From Veteran Producer Bobby Bedi Heads to Cannes Film Market (EXCLUSIVE)
Veteran Indian producer Bobby Bedi, who boldly backed Deepa Mehta's landmark LGBTQ+ film 'Fire' in 1995, returns to the frontier of boundary-pushing cinema with 'Lala & Poppy,' a unique love story being presented at the Cannes Film Market. The Mumbai-set drama, directed by Kaizad Gustad ('Bombay Boys'), explores uncharted cinematic territory through its central premise: a love story between a trans woman and a trans man navigating their transitions and relationship in a traditional fisherman's colony. More from Variety Is Mubi Really Worth $1 Billion? Inside Efe Cakarel's Plan to Make the Global Streamer Cooler Than A24 Juno Mak on His Star-Driven Cannes Midnight Screenings Drama 'Sons of the Neon Night': 'My Aim Was to Create a Unique World With Its Own Rules' Spanish Titles at This Year's Marché du Film Bedi's credits include some of the landmark titles of Indian cinema, including Shekhar Kapur's international breakthrough film 'Bandit Queen' (1994), 'Fire' (1996), Rani Mukerji-starring relationship drama 'Saathiya' (2002), Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Macbeth' adaptation 'Maqbool' (2003), Stanley Tong's Jackie Chan starrer 'The Myth' (2005) and Gurvinder Singh's Rotterdam title 'Crescent Night' (2002). 'When Kaizad brought Lala and Poppy to me, I did not see it as an LGBTQ subject but purely a love story between two people living in our world who had as much of a right to be who they want, and live, love and enjoy their lives as anyone else,' Bedi told Variety. The Hindi-language feature, produced by Content Flow Studios, stars transgender newcomers Suraj Rajkhowa as Lala and Vaishali Singh as Poppy, both of whom were involved in the project from its early development stages, bringing their lived experiences to their respective roles. 'The idea came to me over seven years ago. It was a simple, but unique premise,' said director Gustad. 'Boy meets girl – girl meets boy, but the boy is a girl and the girl is a boy. They meet and fall in love. What happens to their love story in a conservative society that won't accept their non-binary status?' Described as 'a joyful and contrasting story, like a bougainvillea growing in the gutters,' the film addresses serious themes of gender dysphoria and societal rejection while maintaining an uplifting tone focused on redemption and authenticity. 'Kaizad brought me into the project right from the inception, when he penned the first draft of the script nearly seven years ago,' said Rajkhowa. 'Finally getting the opportunity to act in the film was a truly surreal experience. Working under Kaizad's direction, with Himman Dhamija behind the camera, felt nothing short of a dream. Despite being newcomers, our ideas were not only heard but genuinely welcomed.' Singh, who portrays Poppy, called the opportunity 'surreal' and emphasized the film's cultural importance: 'It's necessary in today's society for so many people who are cinema enthusiasts to be acquainted with the joys of being your truest self and loving freely.' Gustad added: 'I wanted to ensure authenticity and representation first and foremost. So I reached out to the community and discussed my story at length.' Shot on location in Mumbai's Khar Danda fishing village in April this year, the film features cinematography by Himman Dhamija, who utilized 70's Anamorphic lenses to capture the environment's character while maintaining authenticity. 'I believe that in that imperfection lies beauty that speaks for our location's character and the way that we all have visualised the film – a visual ode to the amorphic cheek by jowl life of our fishing village of Khar Danda and of our characters,' he said. Sound design is by Andrew Beletty, with editing by Danish Shastri and production design by Michri C.B. Sangma. Post-production is currently underway, with completion expected by July 2025. Bedi, whose production of 'Fire' faced significant controversy upon its release nearly three decades ago, noted India's progress on LGBTQ+ rights: 'India is one of the few countries that recognizes many of these rights though much of our society and much of the world doesn't. I hope the film goes some way in changing that.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
