Un-kvlt Year in Review 2022 (Movies) - Ep 01

As has become an annual ritual for this blog, I have put together a compendium of the films released this year which I had seen (either at the cinema or on streaming), segregated based on my personal rankings, with a excerpted opinion on each. Where possible, I have tried to list the streaming network on which the film / program is currently showing in India. Without more ado...

Movies I was pleased with:

Pada (Malayalam, Prime)

Based on incredible but true-to-life events, Pada is the story of how a gang of Naxal revolutionaries hold a government administrator hostage, demanding in ransom a rollback of exploitative rulings about the ownership of land. The film is a terrific example of how when it comes to well-crafted non-preachy gripping humanist dramas, Kerala cinema rules over most other Indian film industries. The first half of Pada is something that Christopher Nolan's best work represents, a textbook of taut multi-threaded rhythmic build-up of narrative. The second half maintains the tension and the final reveal is a brilliant emotional release. Highly recommended, just make sure to not read too much beforehand.

The Batman (English, Prime)

While it is inspired by the tone of the preceding Christopher Nolan series, The Batman thankfully doesn't repeat the already too many times told origin story or try to beat you as much over the head with turgid grandiosity. The bulk of the narrative is a noir-ish cop mystery action drama (where one of the cops just happens to dress up like a bat). The action, when it happens, is furious and grounded, with some stunning shadowy cinematography. Definitely a promising new movie direction for the Dark Knight detective. (Discussed on this site HERE)

RRR (Telugu, Hotstar)

A movie so hyped it needs no introduction. I'm not quite convinced that RRR is the Second Coming, I still think Eega is the best example thus far of director Rajamouli's imagination. but it is good as a bombastic entertainer. The best parts of course are the thrill sequences, where a lot of thought has gone into building the action. The story reminds me of 1985's Amitabh Bachchan starrer Mard, which is an epitome  of giddy ludicrousness. This one doesn't hit that same level, but scores with its greater technical polish. While Bollywood imports Ajay Devgan and Alia Bhatt are empty marquee names here, both Ram Charan and NTR Jr kick ass and take names and blow up a storm. (Reviewed on this site HERE)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (English)

The sequel is a thoughtful expansion of the BP narrative, very respectful of the late Chadwick Boseman's impact with the title character. Sombre threads of loss and grief run through the film, but always in a moving and dignified manner - the scenes between the film's pivotal women characters make for some of its best moments. But the mandatory insertion of jokes from the Marvel Movie Template jar with the film's tone, and the villain Namor, after an intriguing introduction, is reduced to a boilerplate power maniac. WF was certainly more interesting than the last couple of Avengers movies for me, but it undercuts its own potential for a richer narrative. (Reviewed on this site HERE)