Rate the films you watched in cinemas (2024 and onwards)

[zen]

Dil Se (1998, Hindi) 4.5/5

 

A re-release. Overall, excellent.
 

You walk in knowing that films from this period would have SRK overacting. The cinematography has its moments but it could have been even better as at times the camera was too close to the actors and on occasions followed the action to create jerky unevenness, imo. The print appeared soft with less contrast during some sequences,  (or maybe those sequences were shot in brighter lights)

 

The positives are the concept, locations esp. Leh, and measured acting by Manisha Koirala. And, of course, the songs are awesome!  
 

PS I watched this twice in 2 days. The show had moved to a different theatre, and probably was the final one, where the print felt relatively better, maybe because the projection system and screen are relatively new. 

Edited November 17, 2025 by zen

[zen]

De De Pyaar De 2 (2025, Hindi) 3/5 

 

Neither good nor bad. Can be watched by keeping expectations “reasonable”. People in general were relaxed and laughing in the cinema. 

[Mariyam]

On 11/8/2025 at 10:25 PM, zen said:

Dil Se (1998, Hindi) 4.5/5

 

A re-release. Overall, excellent.
 

You walk in knowing that films from this period would have SRK overacting. The cinematography has its moments but it could have been even better as at times the camera was too close to the actors and on occasions following the action to create jerky unevenness, imo. The print appeared soft with less contrast during some sequences,  (or maybe those sequences were shot in brighter lights)

 

The positives are the concept, locations esp. Leh, and measured acting by Manisha Koirala. And, of course, the songs are awesome!  
 

PS I watched this twice in 2 days. The show had moved to a different theatre, and probably was the final one, where the print felt relatively better, maybe because the projection system and screen are relatively new. 

Satrangi Re was shot at Lamayuru Monastery.

 

Scenes from Dil Se Re at Uleytokpo and Magnetic road of Leh

 

When I visited Ladakh, made it a point to pose in all of these places.  

[zen]

120 Bahadur (2025, Hindi) 2.5/5 

 

While it has its positives such as concept, location, and selected cinematography,  it is not engaging enough. The backstories of the soldiers can appear like derailment after a while. The fight sequences can get repetitive. The dialogues of dying soldiers, designed to stir emotions, can appear comical at times. 
 

In short, the film is mostly for those who like such subjects. 

Edited November 21, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Sisu: Road to Revenge (2025, English dubbed) 4/5 

 

An enjoyable old fashioned action film. 
 

Edited December 11, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Tere Ishq Mein (2025, Hindi) 2.5/5

 

Overall, the film feels hollow despite its potential as I struggled to connect with the love story. I liked the Air Force base sequences taking place in Ladak relatively more than other parts. 

 

This is the first time I saw Dhanush - his acting is good but it appears as if he has planted Ranjikant inside him so on many occasions his acting comes off as aping Rajnikant. 

 

I like the Awaara Angaara song so was looking forward to seeing it on screen  but it was not shot as per my expectations so appeared wasted in the film to me. Overall, Rehman’s music did not do much for me.

This is a middle of the road film which will be appreciated by those who are into such genre, not much exposed to meaningful world cinema (watching Netflix is not necessarily exposure to “meaningful” world cinema), or/and are fans of the main actors, rest would be served better by skipping this to save their time. 
 

Edited December 2, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Dhurandhar (2025, India) 4/5

 

Overall, a solid film but held down a bit by its length where some parts could have been shortened or omitted. 
 

Also many characters play typical gangsters and politicians which gives the film that “seen it before”vibes. 
 

Madhavan’s parts were good. Akshay Khanna carried the film. Sanjay Dutt did his typical stuff. Sara Arjun’s love story did not connect much. Ranveer played his part but looked old. I did not recognize Rakesh Bedi at first - as expected, he gave a solid performance. 
 

We have seen many gangster-politician nexus action drama films, so such stories would now make more sense taking place in a relatively backward Pakistan.

Edited December 9, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Sholay: The Final Cut (1975, Hindi) 4.5/5

 

The Final Cut implies that it has the original ending. The restoration was solid. 
 

The film has many memorable segments so continues to entertain. However, some segments in the second half can drag the film. 
 

Overall, for the 70s when there was no streaming, no multiple TV channels as we know now, no YT, etc., this was an almost perfect film while being a perfect entertainer. In 2025, it still entertains but could benefit with a tighter and maybe less dramatic (as it changes the tempo in between) cut for today’s audiences.
 

 

Edited December 13, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025, 3D) 3.5/5

 

Overall, a good time pass. I watched The Way of Water (2022) in cinemas once so to me this one felt like a Déjà vu film as if I was watching another version of the 2022 film. For me, this will likely be a one time watch, like the previous film, as well. 
 

It appears as if Cameron is making these films in a fashion where 2 & 3 are similar, and 4 & 5 would be similar too. 

Edited December 29, 2025 by zen

[zen]

Wuthering Heights (2026) 4.5/5 

 

Overall, awesome. VistaVision + Wide Angle = Works! 
 

I can’t fully recall the book and the earlier film versions, so am not sure how  faithful it remains in details (apart from the general storyline) to the source material, but it is a nice adaption. May be it is not for everyone, but those who like such films will appreciate it. 
 

 

[zen]

O Romeo (2026, Hindi) 2.5/5

 

The film gets relatively better as it progresses but it is more of a case of it being bad in such a fashion that it eventually turns into a decent-good timepass. 
 

Expected better from a Vishal Bhardwaj film but I guess once in a while everyone wants to make a senseless film! 
 

Can be watched with low expectations.

 

PS

 

 

 

Edited February 19 by zen

[zen]

Dhurandhar 2 (2026, Hindi) 5/5 

 

If you liked Dhurandhar 1 and are wondering how part 2 compares, I would say it is better especially as a gory action film. 

Dhurandhar 1, which leaned more towards being a gangsters-politicians nexus film in comparison, was dominated by Akshay Khanna, whose style and performance as Sher-e-Baloch were memorable, and Rakesh Bedi, who shone as the chameleon.

 

In Dhurandhar 2, Akshay Khanna is missing and Rakesh Bedi has a relatively short role but that gives other actors the opportunity to pick up their game. The action is almost constant to reduce dramatic moments relatively speaking, therefore, the scope to give a memorable acting performance reduces too. 

Overall, ignoring cinematic conveniences and length, this one is a solid gory action film. Will give it 5/5. 

Edited March 19 by zen