In life, things happen. And even if nothing happens, that’s something happening. So, on this show, we talk about things that happen. We get an esteemed panel of highly jobless people to answer the million-dollar question: Do I Like It? Now ‘It’ can be a movie, a song, a gadget, or the latest viral trend. But the question remains the same. So, if you like listening to people talk about things, tune in, and we’ll tell you: Do I Like It?
Oscars 2024 Predictions: Clean Sweep for ‘Oppenheimer’? Who Wins Best Actor??
Hold onto your acceptance speeches! On this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo makes his predictions for the 2024 Oscars, and it looks like Oppenheimer might just take home EVERY major award! Is this a historic clean sweep in the making, or are we way off base? Watch and find out!
From Margot Robbie's snub for Best Actress to the Cillian Murphy v. Bradley Cooper fight for Best Actor, this year's Academy Awards have cinephiles worldwide on the edge of their seats. What are your picks for the awards? Share them in the comments below!
2/22/2024 • 13 minutes, 49 seconds
Breaking Down Why Nayanthara's 'Annapoorani' Got Taken Down From Netflix
Is Biryani anti-Hindu?
Should vegetarians be forced to eat chicken?
Did Ram actually eat meat?
I never thought a film would ever take me on that trail of thought. In this episode of ‘Do I Like It’, let’s talk about Nayanthara's Tamil film ‘Annapoorani’ and the controversy that made Zee Studios and Netflix take the film down days after its online release.
The film sparked controversy and faced strong criticism from right-wing groups and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which argued that it offended the religious sensitivities of Hindus and promoted ‘love jihad’. Let us dig deep into some scenes from the film, and try to understand if they warranted any criticism in the first place.
1/13/2024 • 11 minutes, 28 seconds
Sahar Zaman Talks About Talat Mahmood: Bollywood’s OG ‘King of Ghazals’
Forget Drake and The Beatles - meet Talat Mahmood, the original Bollywood heartthrob who pioneered world tours before they were cool. His grandniece, Sahar Zaman, joins me on this episode of 'Do I Like It', on a journey through this unsung legend's life and music.
Sahar, through her book 'Talat Mahmood: The Definitive Biography', takes us down memory lane to talk about Talat's life before entering Bollywood, his independent ghazal music career, the onset of new musical influences, and so much more.
Discover how Talat's ghazals weave through timeless love stories while eerily echoing current music trends. From heartbreak anthems to genre-bending ghazals, prepare to go on a behind-the-scenes journey behind the tunes. Watch till the end.
1/11/2024 • 25 minutes, 23 seconds
2023 Cinema's Unpopular Opinions You Will Roast Me For
Yes! It’s that time of the year when I bombard the internet with my spiciest opinions, my hot takes, and some views that’ll set the comments section on fire.
Looking back at 2023, I had some vastly different takes when compared to what I saw on the internet. Takes where I was like, “Did I even watch the same film as everyone else?” So, let’s go ahead and talk about them.
12/20/2023 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Joram’ and ‘12th Fail,’ Here Are the Best Movies of 2023
Let us go on a trip down this year's best cinematic gems. 2023 was a feast of some mind-blowing movies! Join Prateek as he dives into the films that blew his mind, both on the global stage and closer to home in Bollywood.
From Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', to Vidhu Vinod Chopra's ode to purer times, '12th Fail', this list is bound to add some new recommendations to your year-end watching list. Watch till the end!
12/16/2023 • 13 minutes, 55 seconds
'Dunki' Trailer Review: Does SRK Fit the World of Rajkumar Hirani?
Shah Rukh Khan is back, and this time he might be a 'Dunki' trying to escape India for London! But can Rajkumar Hirani, the director of blockbusters like 3 Idiots and PK, recapture the same wit, heart, and social commentary in this new trailer?
Join me as I dive deep into the Dunki trailer, analyzing Hirani's signature style, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal's characters, and the music. Watch till the end!
12/5/2023 • 10 minutes, 23 seconds
Why You Should Not Like Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal' | Spoilers
Would my review be different if I was not a man?
Should artists always take a moralistic stance while creating complex characters or conflicts?
Can you learn good things from a bad film?
Am I a closet Sandeep Reddy Vanga stan?
These are some questions that came to mind after watching Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna’s Animal, directed, written, and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek talks about what he liked, what he did not like, and why you should not like this revenge saga! Watch till the end.
12/5/2023 • 13 minutes, 7 seconds
'Kantara Chapter 1' Teaser: I'm Super Hyped, But...
After the sleeper hit 'Kantara' hit theatres in 2022, Rishab Shetty comes back with a prequel 'Kantara Chapter 1'. The first look was released with Shetty playing a trident-carrying, firey-eyed character, presumably set during the Kadamba Dynasty.
The internet has been roaring with theories as to what the actual character is. Some say that it is Lord Shiva, others say that it is the deity Panjurli, while others deduce that it might be Parshuram.
While I am excited about the prequel, I also have my fair share of doubts. Listen as I discuss what I like, and what made me a little scared.
11/28/2023 • 14 minutes, 42 seconds
Naezy Talks Life After 'Gully Boy', Mental Health & His 'Mallika'
In this episode of Do I Like It, rapper Naezy opens up about his life after the hit film 'Gully Boy', and how he feels that his story wasn't properly told. He also talks about a new phase of his life where he's working on his mental health, new music, and his state of mind.
He also sheds light on the current independent hip-hop scene and how he feels a responsibility towards the younger crop of rappers. Watch till the end.
11/12/2023 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
DRV & Boyblanck on 'Multani Mitti' & Anurag Kashyap's 'Kennedy'
Desi Hip-Hop's new wave is here! In this episode of Do I Like It, we sit down with rappers DRV and Boyblanck and break down their latest collab album 'Multani Milli'. They also talk about their journey navigating the streets of Bollywood, with projects like Shahid Kapoor's 'Farzi', 'Class', and the awaited 'Kennedy', Anurag Kashyap's next directorial feature.
Listen until the end as the duo reacts to their album and analyze their music.
11/9/2023 • 43 minutes, 5 seconds
Sthal Movie Review: Lesson on Patriarchy Without the Preachiness
Writer-director Jayant Digambar Somalkar’s debut Marathi feature film Sthal (A Match) opens with a dream sequence. Savita, a young girl in her early 20s, sits with 10 other women in a small room and interviews a potential suitor. She is assertive, the women around her are giggling, and they are free.
Simple, yet far-fetching, the dream remains just that. And it sets the tone for the film ahead. Sthal is the only Indian film to have been selected for the festival’s Discovery Programme this year.
9/19/2023 • 6 minutes, 8 seconds
Guns and Gulaabs Review: Raj & DK Shine in This Retro Crime Comedy
Guns and Gulaabs is Raj and DK's latest offering on Netflix. This series has multiple parallel plot lines, whimsical characters, an illegal opium business; basically everything a quintessential gangster comedy would have.
But, does it hit the mark? To know what worked and didn't work for me, tune in to this review!
8/22/2023 • 9 minutes, 28 seconds
Top 5 Films Set During the Indian Independence Struggle
The Indian freedom struggle has always been a time of great dramatic value for artists. From love stories to action-packed thrillers, Indian filmmakers have explored this period with a great sense of detail and historicity.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek lists his favorite Hindi films that were set during the Indian independence struggle and the subsequent partition.
Listen till the end!
8/14/2023 • 9 minutes, 56 seconds
How Rocky Aur Rani Brings Out the Auteur in Karan Johar
If you've seen Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, you would know why it is so unlike yet the very definition of a Karan Johar film. On this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo dissects Karan Johar's directorial style, recurring themes and their evolution over the years.
Delving into the narrative, characterization, and visual aesthetics, Prateek uncovers the underlying themes and emotions that make this movie stand out. From the characterisation to the intricately woven subplots, he examines how RRKPK keeps up with the times without losing the old-school KJo magic.
Tune in for more!
8/7/2023 • 12 minutes, 5 seconds
Lagaan-Gadar & More Same Day Releases Before Barbie-Oppenheimer
In this exciting episode, we delve into historic clashes between blockbuster films released on the same day. From the iconic clash of 'Lagaan' and 'Gadar' to the intense competition between 'Saawariya' and 'Om Shanti Om,' we explore the box office impact and cultural significance of these clashes.
Join us as we discuss the intriguing stories behind these clashes and the unforgettable movies that emerged as winners. Don't miss out on this fascinating journey through Bollywood history!
7/20/2023 • 10 minutes, 45 seconds
Guru Dutt: Guru of Cinema & Master of Song Picturisation
The podcast is a tribute to the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt on his 98th Birthday. Though his genus is hard to expound in a limited time capsule, yet Documentary Filmmaker-Writer Deepak Mahaan defines Guru Dutt as a cinematic painter who created poetic philosophies on canvas of film. And while he excelled as a director in all genres, his song picturisations were breathtaking lessons in cinematic metaphors.
7/9/2023 • 11 minutes, 1 second
Lust Stories 2 Review: Who Can Afford the Luxury of Lust?
Lust Stories 2, streaming on Netflix, is the second edition of the anthology that explores sexuality and lust in ways unconventional to Indian mainstream filmmaking. This edition features 4 films directed by R Balki, Konkana Sen Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh and Amit Sharma. Tune into this episode of Do I Like It where Pratikshya Mishra breaks down the evolution of female desire on screen.
7/5/2023 • 8 minutes, 37 seconds
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: The Trailer Revealed Everything!
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani is an upcoming film directed by Karan Johar, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles, alongside Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi. The film is set to be released on July 28, 2023.
In this Do I Like It episode, Prateek talks about the fundamental problem with the trailer and why that might ruin the film's experience. Watch till the end!
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Why am I talking about this film?
1:57 - Some context about Rocky and Rani
3:38 - How TJMM's trailer was on point
4:22 - Me overthinking and spoiling the whole movie, before it even comes out!
6:32 - The problem with Bollywood trailers
7:48 - Final Thoughts
8:14 - Come back to this section after the film releases!!!
7/5/2023 • 9 minutes, 8 seconds
Pasoori Remake Review: Can Arijit Singh Do Justice to Ali Sethi's Classic?
If you've been on the internet today, you must have heard that Ali Sethi's Pasoori from Coke Studio has made its way into Bollywood. And yet again like most remakes, the first reactions to the song have been that "it is ruined". But what exactly is it about the song that works or doesn't work? Could Arijit Singh make it better? Or do remakes just not work?
Tune into this episode of Do I Like It to find out.
6/27/2023 • 14 minutes, 47 seconds
Daredevil Musthafa Review: Love for The Writer Made This Film Possible!
Daredevil Musthafa is a Kannada film directed by Shashank Soghal. It is based on a short story by K.P Poornachandra Tejaswi; and it was the love for this author's stories that over 100 people funded this film and made it possible. Although, what got me introduced to the film was the fact that Karnataka government made it tax-free. So, do I like it? Tune in to find out!
6/24/2023 • 12 minutes, 1 second
Emiway Bantai - King of the Streets Review: I'm So Confused!
After a fun time reviewing KR$NA and Munawar Faruqui's albums, here I am, talking about Emiway Bantai's album 'King of the Streets', because the third time's the charm, you know!
The album consists of 17 tracks, where Emiway chronicles his journey of self-improvement, quitting bad habits, and living a more fulfilling life. But all is not well in this project.
Listen to the full episode to find out why I liked this album, but didn't really like it. Trust me, after recording this, I have more questions than answers.
6/22/2023 • 16 minutes, 8 seconds
Dhuin Review: The Best Film of 2023 That You Haven't Seen
A few months ago I watched a film, that still hasn't left me. In this episode of Do I Like It, let's talk about ‘Dhuin’, Anchal Mishra’s short film. This Maithili film, streaming on MUBI, follows the journey of a theatre actor, Pankaj (played by Abhinav Jha), who treads on the blurred lines of enthusiasm and exhaustion.
The film is set in a lockdown Darbhanga, where financial woes make the protagonist choose between his passion and duties. Even as heavy mist engulfs rural Bihar, the sensitive portrayal of Dhuin's characters cannot remain hidden. Listen till the end!
6/16/2023 • 11 minutes, 29 seconds
Madari Album Review: How is Munawar Faruqui's Debut Rap Project??
In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek talks about Munawar Faruqui's debut hip-hop album 'Madari'. The album features a solid tracklist with beats by industry stalwarts like Sez on the Beat and Karan Kanchan.
After a controversial jail time in 2021 and his subsequent reality show win, will this album capture his state of mind and provide a musical outlet for his distress? Or will it be just another cookie-cutter, pop-rap project?
Listen till the end to find out.
6/12/2023 • 12 minutes, 24 seconds
Fire In The Mountains Review: A Dreamy Hill Station's Sombre Reality
Fire In The Mountains is a 2021 film directed by Ajit Pal Singh. It revolves around a woman in Uttarakhand and is a story that intertwines superstition, patriarchy and a dreamy hill station's sombre reality.It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is now streaming on Sony Liv.
6/6/2023 • 4 minutes, 47 seconds
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Review: Reminds Me Of Gulmohar, TJMM & Baghban
In this episode of Do I Like It, Pratikshya talks about the Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan starter 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke', which was directed by Laxman Utekar. The film follows the story of a young couple who want to build their own house away from their families, and the trouble that ensues afterwards.
Listen till the end to find out why this film reminds us of the 2023 Manoj Bajpayee starter 'Gulmohar', 'Tu Jhoothi Mai Makkar', and the great Indian family drama 'Baghban'
In this episode of Do I Like It, I want to talk about a song that's close to my heart because of two reasons: 1: I love Kashmiri music, and 2: I love wedding music. And Kya Karie Korimol by Alif, Noor Mohammad, and Aashima Mahajan is the perfect blend of the two.
The rendition of Alif's original song talks about a wedding, where all the father is worried about is whether there is enough food to feed everyone. On the other hand, the daughter's mind is racing about the changes that are about to come in her life.
Tune in for my full review.
5/26/2023 • 13 minutes, 6 seconds
Meen Album Review: Yungsta and Sez's Journey Through Music
In this episode of Do I Like It, I talk about Yungsta’s album, 'Meen'. It was executive produced by Sez on the Beat and released on his label 'The MVMNT'. With a star-studded feature list of Calm, Frappe Ash, Ikka, Raga, and many more, Meen marks Yungsta's entry into mainstream desi hip-hop.
The album has a coherent soundscape and a consistent subject matter about an artist, a fish coming out of the proverbial water. Yungi takes us through his journey of introspection.
While not all tracks were created equally on this album, there wasn't anything that I particularly didn't like. Tune in to full episode to find out my full review.
5/17/2023 • 15 minutes, 59 seconds
Amar Colony Review: Such a Real and Raw Film
Amar Colony is a 2022 film directed by Siddharth Chauhan. It premiered last year at the Tallinn Black Nights’ Film Festival where it won the Special Jury Prize. It revolves around the lives of three families living in a dilapidated building in Shimla and deals with themes of loneliness, confinement, and sexual repression.
Tune in for the full review.
5/16/2023 • 5 minutes, 39 seconds
Jaggi Review: I Wish This Film Were Never Made
Jaggi is a 2021 Punjabi film, which after winning accolades at several international festivals, screened at the 15th edition of the Habitat Film Festival on Sunday, 7 May.
It tells the story of Jaggi, a boy in his twenties who lives in Punjab. Grappling with impotency and the stigma, harassment and ridicule it comes with, Jaggi's story is raw, touching and unnerving.
Tune in to listen to the full review!
5/9/2023 • 6 minutes, 16 seconds
Mood Kharaab Review: Biswa Delivers the Perfect Form of Political Comedy
Usually, Biswa and political jokes would rarely appear in the same sentence. But, with his new comedy special titled 'Mood Kharaab', streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Biswa has cracked the perfect way of performing political comedy.
He talks about parental relationships, schools, masculinity, the meta verse and much more. Tune into this review to find out more!
5/6/2023 • 10 minutes, 13 seconds
Afwaah Movie Review: One Rumor Is Dangerous!
I am not a film critic who goes around reviewing movies. But this film by Sudhir Mishra had a huge impact on me and I had to talk about it. Afwaah, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhoomi Pednekar talks about how one rumor can change people's lives. In a society that has stopped doing its own research, one online forward can get you lynched.
And this monster is caste and religion agnostic. It can get anyone. Even the people who spread it. Tune in to this episode to listen to my thoughts.
5/5/2023 • 9 minutes, 1 second
The Song of Scorpions Review: Ethereal Music and Cinematography Can Stun You Into Silence
Anup Singh’s The Song of Scorpions might be Irrfan’s last release in India but it would be unfair to label it a purely Irrfan film because a lot of the film’s spirit comes from Iranian actor Golshifteh Farahani. The film centers a legend of ‘scorpion singers’ – tribal women whose voices can counter even the deadliest of poisons; here, a scorpion’s.
Tune in for the full review!
5/1/2023 • 8 minutes, 6 seconds
Ponniyin Selvan 2 Review: Grandeur Without Spectacle
When I stepped into the theatre to watch Mani Ratnam's adaptation of Kalki's Ponniyin Selvan, I was scared that I'd get disappointed. Cuz I'm like a 'Gangs of Wasseypur 1 over 2', and 'Baahubali 1 over 2' kind of a person. I'm usually disappointed with the second part. But this one pleasantly surprised me.
Be it the score by AR Rahman, Aishwarya's enchanting performance, or some of the most inventive cinematography by Ravi Varman, everything worked in tandem to make this epic world of The Cholas alive.
Even with lackluster action sequences, the film holds up because of its humane conflicts and the strong interpersonal dynamic between characters. Tune in for my full review.
4/28/2023 • 16 minutes, 18 seconds
5 Acting Performances by Irrfan Khan We Don't Talk About
In this episode of Do I Like It, let us talk about Irrfan Khan. On 29 April 2020, Irrfan left us after a long battle with cancer. This episode aims to celebrate his legacy by discussing five of his best acting performances. But I won't be talking about obvious picks like The Namesake, The Lunchbox, Paan Singh Tomar, etc. I want to mention some hidden gems from his filmography which don't usually get talked about when we mention his acting but definitely deserve to be mentioned.
Stay tuned and let us know your favourite performances by Irrfan.
4/27/2023 • 16 minutes, 4 seconds
Indian Matchmaking S3 Review: Seema Aunty At Her Saltiest
The third season of Netflix's Indian Matchmaking follows a vivacious group of uber-rich Indians in India, the USA and the UK, as they try to navigate the treacherous waters of arranged marriage, all under the watchful eye of the one and only Sima Taparia from Mumbai.
But what has changed this season? Are Seema aunty's clients getting more and more difficult? And what about Seema aunty herself?
Tune in for the full review!
4/25/2023 • 5 minutes, 1 second
Apocalypse EP Review: Naezy is Struggling, But It Works
In this episode of Do I Like It, I talk about Naezy's latest Eid offering, 'Apocalypse'. After struggling with his music and his faith for years, Naezy seems to have lost the Top 5 Desi Hip Hop artists' spot that he once held. Will this project help him retain his lost glory? Can Naezy keep up with DHH superstars like Divine and Emiway? And should the music of struggling artists be limited to beats and rhymes, tune in to find out!
4/24/2023 • 14 minutes, 1 second
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan Review: Stop It Bhaijaan!
At one point, when a character hears that humans are called ‘homo erectus’, he says of three men in the film, “How can they be homo? They have girlfriends.” By the time this “joke” makes it to Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, I had already checked out. Or in the film’s words, hum switch off ho gaye the.
Listen till the end for the full review!
4/22/2023 • 7 minutes, 50 seconds
Ghar Banduk Biryani Review: Nagraj Manjule as an Action Star
Ghar Banduk Biryani is a Marathi film that portrays the good and bad of an otherwise gray world. While on one hand, we have a larger than life police officer, on the other, we see a gang leader, called ‘Commander’. The director attempts to humanize both the factions, he showcases the corruption overcome by Nagraj Manjule as the cop, and the circumstances which lead to the crime gang forming in the first place.
But, what role does Biryani play in all this? Well, make sure to tune into the full episode to find out!
4/12/2023 • 7 minutes, 13 seconds
Barbie Trailer Review: Ready for Margot Robbie's Rendition
On this episode of Do I Like It, we review the new Barbie trailer starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. While the trailer really entrenches into the history of Barbie, there are some major Easter eggs referencing ‘The Wizard of Oz’, '2001: A Space Oddyssy', and more.
Is that a hint as to the plot of the film? There’s only one way to find out! While Greta Gerwig (or META Gerwig) does her magic, don’t forget to tune into the full review to hear more!
4/8/2023 • 9 minutes, 11 seconds
Photo Review: What Makes The Span Between Birth and Death Fatal
On this episode of Do I Like It, we review Photo, directed by Utsav Gonwar, which was just premiered at the Bengaluru International Film Festival. This Kannada film is pathbreaking in terms of its cinematography; the director portrays his story in terms of political consciousness and not political correctness.
The movie starts with the story of a young son, excited to visit his father in Bengaluru, but slowly morphs into the story of a father hoping to return to his village amidst the lockdown and their collective journey home.
The narrative shift is smooth and does not cause any narrative jerks. Overall, photo is a beautiful amalgamation of several representations whether it be gender, class or societal.
4/3/2023 • 5 minutes
Joyland Review: It Makes You Believe In The Magic of Cinema
In this episode of Do I Like It, we review Joyland - a film by Saim Sadiq- which has recently become a global symbol of Pakistani cinematography. While the movie pushes the boundaries by depicting a love story between a transgender woman and a cisgender man, it also shows the orthodox reality of the misogyny faced by women in general.
Overall, Joyland is the most joyous cinematic experience of recent times and worthy of all the adulation it’s received. Tune in for the full review!
3/28/2023 • 8 minutes, 22 seconds
Bheed Film Review: Didn't Like a Cop as a Protagonist
In this episode of Do I Like It, I review Anubhav Sinha’s latest - Bheed. Bheed not only packs a powerhouse of talented actors, but a story that directly reflects the reality of many. As always, Sinha takes up real life news incidents and fictionalises them to showcase the depth of the issue surrounding his movie. In this case, he does justice to the horrific reality of workers who were trying to migrate during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Although, I have some reservations about a few artistic decisions, overall, Bheed is definitely a must watch. Tune in for the full review.
3/24/2023 • 10 minutes, 7 seconds
Mrs. Chattrejee Vs Norway Review: Rani Mukherjee Alone Carries This Film
An Indian family moves to Norway for better opportunities and a better life but in a somber turn of events, their children are taken away by Norwegian Child Welfare Services (Barnevernet).
This forms the crux of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty (and further based on her book 'The Journey of a Mother').Most of the film's emotional core rests on Mukerji's able shoulders as she emotes and acts with equal promise.The film’s biggest flaw is that most of the themes it touches upon are cursory or anecdotal at best.Tune in to this episode for the full review!
3/18/2023 • 8 minutes, 40 seconds
Zwigato Review: Plight at the End of the Tunnel
In this episode of Do I Like It, we review Zwigato, and no, this is not a new food delivery app; instead a portrayal of the life of a gig worker directed by Nandita Das. Das does an excellent job by using the medium of a food delivery worker to display multiple disparities and prejudices in society regarding gender, caste, and income.
At the same time, it’s refreshing to see Kapil Sharma, a celebrated Indian comic, take on the serious role of a father struggling to make ends meet. Overall, the film moves you and reminds you of the trials and tribulations in the life of a delivery driver, who is more than often overlooked as a rightful member of our society.
Tune in for the full review!
3/17/2023 • 6 minutes, 49 seconds
The Last of Us Review: Nearest to Perfect Show I've Ever Seen
The Last of Us, is a HBO production, which is adapted from the video game of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann explore human relationships, their importance and fragility. Everything from the colour palette to cinematography to acting performances will keep you gripped to the plot. To find out why Verda Subway describes it as a must-watch, tune in!
3/17/2023 • 10 minutes, 22 seconds
Thuramukham Review : A Mini-History Class on Labour Unions
In this episode, we review Thuramukham - a beautiful retelling of labor unions in the 1940’s in Cochin, India. The director does such an excellent job in portraying the daily struggles of labor workers that you feel as though you’re watching a documentary rather than a commercial mainstream movie.
But, as history lessons tend to, the movie seems to lag at certain points with repetitive action and dialogue sequences. Overall, the film is an excellent example of almost hitting the mark.
3/14/2023 • 6 minutes, 32 seconds
3 Idiots to Mela: Why Aamir Khan is the Best & Worst Thing For Bollywood
In this episode of Do I Like It, I discuss the impact of Aamir Khan on Bollywood, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of his contributions. While his films like 3 Idiots and Taare Zameen Par received critical acclaim for addressing pressing social issues, his performances in movies like Ghajini and Mela were heavily criticized.
Aamir's perfectionism and control over his films have been both a blessing and a curse, leading to delays in production and increased costs. While there are varying perspectives on whether he is the best or worst thing to happen to Bollywood, there is no denying his influence on Indian cinema. Tune in and listen till the end.
3/14/2023 • 15 minutes, 36 seconds
Time Will Tell EP Review: KR$NA Raps to Impress Other Rappers
On this episode of Do I Like It, I review KR$NA’s latest EP called Time Will Tell. The project is produced by Karachi-based producers Jokhay and Umair and features vocals from Talha Anjum and Talha Yunus, members of the Pakistani duo Young Stunners.
The production is a good attempt at proving how well cross-country collaborations can do for the growth of art. Moreover, KR$NA delivers a well-packaged and neatly wrapped present, but perfection can also be a flaw; ultimately, how are we human without our humanity? To know more, tune in to the episode.
3/11/2023 • 13 minutes, 9 seconds
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar Review: Better Chemistry Than Ranbir-Alia
I am not a Ranbir Kapoor fan. I'm very far from it. So, my motivation to watch Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, was solely to come on the mic and diss Ranbir Kapoor. But, the film did surprise me a bit. Being a signature Luv Ranjan film, it had its faults but also a messaging for a change. To know more about what I liked, disliked and barely sat through, tune into this review.
3/9/2023 • 8 minutes, 49 seconds
Emojis Vol. 1 Review: Where was this Fotty Seven All this While?
In this episode of Do I Like It, I talk about Emojis Vol. 1 by Fotty Seven. Fotty Seven, who is a Gurgaon based rapper, attempted to display the 5 stages of grief with his latest project, and partially succeeded. While the rapper’s personal strength lies in his one-liners, is it enough to justify a full project?
Can Fotty Seven shed the baggage of his previous bangers like 'Haan Bhai' and 'Galat Launde', and come up with a new sound? Will he be forever stuck in the 'Tere bhai ka naam kya hai' style of rap? Tune in to find out!
3/6/2023 • 11 minutes
From Consent to Love and Family: Holi Songs and Bollywood
Holi has been a staple in Bollywood films. From Sholay to Darr, to Balam Pichkari in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the festival of colors is used to talk about themes of love, celebration, and families coming together, keeping aside caste and class barriers. But if you go a layer deeper, questions of consent, tradition, and boundaries begin to arise.
In this episode of Do I Like It, I talk about what this festival represents, and why the conversation around Holi needs a close inspection. Tune in!
3/5/2023 • 8 minutes, 26 seconds
Gulmohar Review: Anti-Hero to Hum Saath Saath Hain
Packed with a phenomenal cast including Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee and Simran, Gulmohar can be described as an anti-hero to Hum Saath Saath Hain or a new age Baghban.
The beauty of the film lies solely in its portrayal of family and the class disparity prevalent in our society. The director, Rahul V. Chittella, does an excellent job at not only capturing beautiful shots, but also heartwarming ones.
Tune in!
3/3/2023 • 8 minutes, 13 seconds
Missing Review: Restored My Love For Found Footage Films
Missing, a sequel of Searching (2018), is a found footage film which revolves around a daughter's quest to find her missing mother. Much like it's prequel, it is tightly edited and keeps you in the edge of your seat throughout. For anyone who likes thrillers, Missing is a great watch!
Tune info the full review (along with some spoilers) by Verda Subzwari.
3/1/2023 • 9 minutes, 59 seconds
Alive & Vaccinated Review: Daniel Fernandes Should Leave Standup Comedy
I'm not crazy about Daniel Fernandes, but I have always appreciated him as a very sharp guy; a keen observer of society. I loved his podcast ‘You Started It’ (not the online zoom call version, the OG, Cuckoo Club version).
Daniel Fernandes dropped his special 'Alive & Vaccinated' on his YouTube channel, to be viewed for free on a ‘pay as you like’ model. This special boasts of having 'smart jokes'. But do these smart jokes actually make you laugh? And why do I think Danny should leave standup comedy? Listen in to find out.
2/28/2023 • 9 minutes, 47 seconds
Jealous of Sabziwaala Review: Worth the Rs 299 Membership???
Standup comedian Abhishek Upmanyu just released his first full-length comedy special titled ‘Jealous of Sabziwaala’ not on Netflix, or on Prime, but as a members-only video on his YouTube channel and we are here to discuss if it’s worth the 299 rupees membership!
In this review, we explore the differences between a compilation of jokes and a standup special. Also, what role might cinematography and set design play in this scenario and can it increase the overall quality of the special? Tune in to find out!
2/27/2023 • 11 minutes, 59 seconds
Selfiee Review: Fun for the Audience, Not so Much for a Critic
Raj Mehta’s Selfiee is a remake of the Malayalam release Driving Licence, which pits two unlikely adversaries against each other. Starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles, it's a commentary on celebrities' relationships with their fans. With this film, Kumar is reclaiming his comedy-action roots with his brilliant comedic timing on the screen. Tune in to listen to the full review!
2/24/2023 • 7 minutes, 22 seconds
PRAA EP Review: Prabh Deep & Raftaar is an Interesting Combination
PRAA is Raftaar’s latest EP in collaboration with Prabh Deep featuring four songs - Abbu, Badnaam, Hello, and Trap Praa. While Raftaar and Prabh Deep prove that they still carry the streets of Delhi in their hearts and their music.
The two artists have such diverse journeys in the world of Hip-Hop, that it makes you wonder if their collaboration would be a fruitful one. Tune in to find out!
2/23/2023 • 11 minutes, 59 seconds
Holi Re Rasiya Review: Maithili Shines Among Seedhe Maut & Ravi Kishan
Coke Studio Bharat's second release "Holi Re Rasiya" features Maithili Thakur, Ravi Kishan, and Seedhe Maut.
Right in time for Holi, the song is an energetic one. Combining such different forms and styles of music in a single song is not an easy task. But it's not perfect in its entirety. Tune in to find out!
2/21/2023 • 11 minutes, 43 seconds
The Night Manager Review: Gripping From Premise To Execution
Directed by Sandeep Modi, The Night Manager is a four-hour-long series that doesn't feel four hours long, in a good way. Following the story of a night manager whose life is upturned after a young girl asks him for help, the series is mostly gripping from premise to execution.
As for the thriller and action, it's a good show but beyond that, there's not much to look at. Tune in for the full review!
2/18/2023 • 9 minutes, 34 seconds
Shehzada Review: Can't Decide If It's Worse Than Cirkus
Shehzada is the Hindi remake of the Allu Arjun-starrer Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (AVPL). It stars Kartik Aryan, that's what you'll remember by the end the movie, anyway.
If one were to look for the silver lining (the performances aside), the film is everything a mass entertainer is - if you're completely willing to leave logic at home. But how much does that really count for? Personally? Not much.
Tune in for my full review!
2/18/2023 • 7 minutes, 56 seconds
The Romantics Review: The Father-Son Duo That Changed Indian Cinema
The Romantics is an ode to YRF but more than that, it is a love letter to Indian cinema. Smriti Mundhra’s series puts a spotlight on how Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra came to make the films that they did which became irreplaceable parts of Indian cinema’s legacy in itself.
Tune into full review by Pratikshya Mishra!
2/15/2023 • 9 minutes, 35 seconds
Shotgun Wedding Review: J-Lo Proves That She is a Jack of All Trades
Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel come together on the screen as Darcy and Tom in this action-packed romantic comedy. The plot follows what happens when the the couple decides to bring their families together for their destination wedding and pirates show up.
It's a really light watch but in a good and a terrible way. Tune in for the full review by Verda Subzwari.
2/15/2023 • 4 minutes, 31 seconds
Sairat, Masaan, 96, and Other Valentine's Day Recommendations
February is the month of love. And love in Indian cinema comes in various shades. Sometimes, it is a story of two destined lovers and their struggle against the realities of the world. Sometimes, it's a simple boy meets girl romantic comedy. And sometimes, it's a tragedy of two people whose love could never find fulfillment.
Whatever form these films take, they help us understand love through different lenses and appreciate all the ways it manifests in our lives.
So, in this episode of Do I Like It, I talk about some of my favorite rom-com, tragedies, political, feel-good, and bitter-sweet love stories.
2/12/2023 • 16 minutes, 55 seconds
Thunivu Review: Thala Ajith Shines In His Rustic Gangster Look
Any bank heist thriller calls for an adrenaline rush, and Thunivu was no exception. The anticipation around the Ajith Kumar-starrer was nothing short of a firecracker. The movie came to the theatres in January this year, and is now streaming on OTT platform, Netflix.
Tune into Soundarya Athimuthu's full review!
2/9/2023 • 5 minutes, 16 seconds
Sagavaasi Review: Arivu and Khatija Rahman Revive Coke Studio India
It is said that Coke Studio India has always lacked a sense of rootedness and preferred big names as opposed to bringing out the raw Indian sounds. Well, things seem to change this Season of 'Coke Studio Bharat'.
Case in point, Arivu and Khatija Rahman's Sagavaasi. Continuing with his signature style of writing about the nature, forests and animals, this songs is all about 'co-existence'.
Tune into this episode for full review!
2/8/2023 • 16 minutes, 32 seconds
Fursat Review: Can an iPhone Limit Vishal Bharadwaj's Vision?
What happens when you strip away all the elaborate set-ups and big cameras from a film?
What happens when you restrict a filmmaker in his prime to an iPhone camera?
Fursat is one such experiment where celebrated director Vishal Bharadwaj shot an entire short film on an IPhone 14 Pro. Starring Ishaan Khattar and Wamiqa Gabb, and cinematography by Swapnil Sonawane; the film gives a glimpse of restrictions can sometimes get the best out of a filmmaker.
However, it's not all perfect. To find out, tune into my review!
2/7/2023 • 14 minutes, 4 seconds
Michael Review: Is Ranjit Jeyakodi’s New Film Worth the Hype?
Presented by Vikram fame Lokesh Kanagaraj, Michael is directed by Ranjit Jeyakodi and set in the streets of Mumbai. The story revolves around Michael (Sundeep Kishan), an orphaned kid who raises himself against all odds to become a gangster.
Tune in for Soundarya Athimuthu's full review!
2/7/2023 • 5 minutes, 18 seconds
Faraaz Movie Review: Heartbreaking, But Could Have Been A Lot Better
Faraaz, directed by Mehta and written by Ritesh Shah, Kashyap Kapoor, and Raghav Raj Kakker, tells the story of the 2016 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Tune into this episode of Do I Like It, where Somya Lakhani tells us about the film, its politics, and how it treats the 'Good Muslim vs. Bad Muslim' debate.
2/5/2023 • 8 minutes, 25 seconds
Class Review: A Series That Gets The Focus Right
If you have been a fan of college or school dramas involving mystery and crime, aka Riverdale and Elite, Class is the desi version for you. Class is an eight-part series which revolves around the students at an elite South Delhi school.
Creating a stark contrast between the rich and the newly joined impoverished students, it promised to be a commentary on the 'class' system in India.
Tune into this episode by Pratikshya Mishra to listen to the full review.
2/3/2023 • 9 minutes, 33 seconds
Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat Review: Boomers Will Hate This Film
Anurag Kashyap has claimed in all the interviews that this is a 'Gen-Z' film. After a banging album by Amit Trivedi and Shellee, the Alaya F and Karan Mehta starter releases in theatres.
Was the 50-year-old filmmaker able to explore the complex nuances of young love? Tune in to find out!
2/3/2023 • 15 minutes, 6 seconds
Ved Review: A Great Watch But Disappointing Story
Ved is Ritesh Deshmukh's directorial debut and Genelia Deshmukh's debut into Marathi cinema as an actress. So, the hype around this movie touted it as the "biggest Marathi film of the year".
With some great cinematography and music by some of the best in the industry, Ved is a visual treat. So, what's not to like?
Tune into this review to find out.
2/3/2023 • 7 minutes, 45 seconds
Bas Kar Bassi Review: I Was Disappointed at First, But Then....
Anubhav Singh Bassi has been a fan-favorite comedian, especially in school and college groups with his few YouTube videos. 'Bas Kar Bassi' is his much-anticipated full-length special, which has been in the works for some time.
So the question is clear, was he able to hold his ground as a comedian with enough substance to entertain his audience for over an hour and a half?
To find out, tune into this episode of Do I Like It?
2/2/2023 • 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Alone Review: Expected Much More From a Mohanlal Film
For the Mohanlal fan inside me, Alone promised a great watch with the Malayali superstar occupying the screen for most of its runtime. But weird frames, sloppy writing and a in-your-face screenplay made this film a pure disappointment.
Tune in to listen to my full review.
1/30/2023 • 4 minutes, 7 seconds
Gandhi Godse Review: Rajkumar Santoshi Reimagines History
While the world was watching Shah Rukh Khan's action-packed entertainer 'Pathaan', I took the theater not taken and watched Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh.
The film marks the comeback of filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi after almost a decade. He reimagines an India where Mahatma Gandhi survives the assassination attempt by Nathuram Godse, and they both meet each other in prison and debate everything from Ahimsa to The Gita, and a 'Hindu Rashtra'.
In this episode of Do I Like It, I'll tell you my thoughts about the film.
1/26/2023 • 16 minutes, 2 seconds
Pathaan Review: Shah Rukh Khan's Legacy is Indestructible
After four long years, Shah Rukh Khan is back on the big screen with Siddharth Anand's Pathaan. Alongside Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, the evergreen actor has proved to his fans that he is worth the wait!
With power-packed action sequences, a dash of good old SRK charm, and a healthy mix of emotion, energy, and glamour; Pathaan is an out-and-out mass entertainer. Tune into this episode for the full review!
1/25/2023 • 5 minutes, 55 seconds
Cinema Marte Dum Tak Review: Why Did 'B-Grade' Films Work?
From the directors of B, C-Movies from the 90s. Cinema Marte Dum Tak takes you behind the scenes at the making of their films, starring J Neelam, Dilip Gulati, Vinod Talwar, and Kishan Shah.
This documentary series talks about the parallel line of cinema running beside mainstream Bollywood in the 80s and 90s. The popularity of these films in the Era had certain factors, one of them being sexual scenes that made these films popular.
Tune in to Pratikshya's review to find out, if these films were masterful, or misogynistic.
1/21/2023 • 10 minutes, 3 seconds
Mission Majnu Review: High Stakes But Lacks An Emotional Core
Comparisons to Meghana Gulzar's Raazi were inevitable for Mission Majnu, starring Siddharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna. However, the film does not manage to get close to the Alia Bhatt-starrer.
It starts out with high stakes for the undercover spy, but lacks the depth and emotional core to pull off a realistic portrayal. Tune into the full review by Pratikshya Mishra!
1/21/2023 • 8 minutes
Trial By Fire Review: A Moving, Infuriating Watch
Trial by Fire, directed by Prashant Nair, starring Abhay Deol and Rajshri Deshpande is a seven-part Netflix series based on the Uphaar Cinema tragedy of 1997. It is a gripping story, where episode after episode you feel deeply for the characters and experience their pain and anger.
Tune into the full review by Somya Lakhani, who has been reporting on the fire tragedy since 2016.
1/14/2023 • 8 minutes
Kuttey Film Review: I Was So Excited, But...
Picture this, you spend a month trying to get a reservation at the new restaurant in town and order your favourite dish. After all that, the dish doesn't live up to the hype and you find yourself missing the comfort of the instant noodles you left at home. That's what Aasmaan Bhardwaj's Kuttey feels like.
Tune in to this episode by Pratikshya Mishra for the full review
1/14/2023 • 11 minutes, 21 seconds
Varisu Review: Thalapathy Vijay Shines Like a Superstar
The story of Varisu revolves around estranged Vijay (Vijay) who is the youngest of his two brothers, Jay (Srikanth) and Ajay (Shaam), and his family, helmed by his father Rajendran (Sarathkumar). Vijay fights to create his own identity by breaking free from his father, a business tycoon who treats his family members like mere money-minting machines.
Before the release of Varisu, producer Dil Raju had said that the Vijay-starrer will be a complete package of all the elements that make up a perfect family entertainer. Was he right? To find out, tune into this review by Soundarya Athimuthu
1/12/2023 • 9 minutes, 38 seconds
Did You Know These Hindi Songs Were Composed by MM Keeravani?
I woke up to the news of Naatu Naatu winning a Golden Globe for best Original Song. As MM Keeravani, the music director of RRR walked up to pick his award, the auditorium erupted to the anthem.
He has been working in films since 1990, but its a pity that he still remains a lesser-known figure in the Indian Music Industry.
But actually, many of our favourite Hindi songs were composed by MM Keeravani. So, in this episode of Do I Like It, let's take a look at some tunes he's responsible for.
1/11/2023 • 10 minutes, 21 seconds
Taaza Khabar: Excited To See Where Bhuvan Goes From Here
Tara Kharar is a Bhuvan Bam-starrer original series from Hotstar. The Youtuber and musician turned actor has also written the screenplay and produced the series. After getting a glimpse of his acting chops in the short film Plus Minus and Dhindora, this series promises a unique character for Bam which gives him a chance to prove his versatility and skills as a serious actor. Does he manage to do that?
To find out, tune into this review by Pratikshya Mishra!
1/6/2023 • 10 minutes, 46 seconds
Happy Birthday AR Rahman: 5 Hidden Gems by the Maestro for Your Playlist
AR Rahman is without a doubt one of the greatest musicians our country has produced. With albums like Slumdog Millionaire (which won him an Oscar by the way), Bombay, Rockstar, and many others to his name, you must've heard many of his popular songs on repeat.
But, there's always more to discover with artists like him. So, here I am with 5 AR Rahman songs that deserve more appreciation. Tune in and tell us how many you remember.
1/6/2023 • 11 minutes, 23 seconds
Vir Das Landing Review: Funniest When He Talks About Himself
After drawing a lot of flak for his poem, "Two Indias" and an Emmy nomination for his special, Vir Das: For India, the stand-up comedian is back with his latest special, Vir Das: Landing. It’s fitting that the special is named that because it seems like the comedian has landed after a period of turbulence. In that sense, Landing is earnest.
Tune in to this episode for the full review by Pratikshya Mishra!
1/2/2023 • 7 minutes, 27 seconds
The 5 Most Underrated Films (and Shows) of 2022
2022 is coming to an end, and everyone is sharing their top 10 lists with you. So I thought, why should I stop. This year I saw a bunch of films and shows, and in this episode of Do I Like It, I will tell you my picks for the 5 most underrated films (and shows) of the year.
Now, before I begin, I have the following criteria for calling a film underrated:
1. I should have liked the film, duh!
2. If I ask a general film viewer, I can be sure that they wouldn't have watched the film/show.
There needs to be an element of discovery in this list. So, super-well-known films like RRR, Kantara and Brahmāstra are disqualified. So are sleeper hits like Love Today and Darlings. Now, let's jump right in.
12/27/2022 • 14 minutes, 5 seconds
Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat Album Review: Magic of Manmarziyan, Again?
Anurag Kashyap and Amit Trivedi together? Now that's a duo that has given us some of the most unforgettable, revolutionary Bollywood music. And with their new album, Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat, we expected a lot of bangers. Did they deliver?
Find out in this review by Prateek Lidhoo on Do I Like It?
Credits:
Host and Producer: Prateek Lidhoo
Editor: Anjali Palod
Executive Producers: Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur
Background Music: BMG Production
12/26/2022 • 10 minutes, 14 seconds
Cirkus Movie Review: Rohit Shetty's Worst Film?
Cirkus, directed by Rohit Shetty is tackling an intriguing concept – the stigma surrounding adoption and the outdated idea of ‘lineage’ or apna khoon (one’s own blood) – but it’s relegated to a few preachy dialogues spoken directly to the audience and then to the characters.
Tune in to listen to Pratikshya Mishra's review of Cirkus.
12/24/2022 • 6 minutes, 44 seconds
TVF Pitchers Season 2 Review: Worth the 7-Year Wait???
In the first season of TVF's hit web show, the gang had to fight their inner demons, sacrifice family, relationships, etc. But now, they’re in the ruthless world of startups. They have 24 employees to take care of. And this is what I feel is Season 2’s biggest strength. Just like their app Pragati.AI, the writers pivoted at the right time to make a feel-good show more mature, realistic, and murky.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo reviews the second season of TVF Pitchers, starring Naveen Kasturia, Arunabh Kumar, and Abhay Mahajan.
12/23/2022 • 12 minutes, 13 seconds
Connect Review: Engaging Thriller But Low on Emotional Connect
Connect is a horror-drama switching swiftly between fear and faith. This Nayanthara-starrer will leave you wanting to take the first step to healing from personal losses. But does the film connect with the audience as deeply as it intends to?
Find out in this review by Soundarya Athimuthu.
12/23/2022 • 6 minutes, 38 seconds
Govinda Naam Mera Review: How Do Typical Bollywood Comedies Work?
Govinda Naam Mera, starring Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani and Bhumi Pednekar, is a typical Bollywood comedy. It has the tropes, the multiple plot lines, the comedy of errors and to top it all - a murder mystery. But does that mean it works?
To find out, tune into this review by Pratikshya Mishra on Do I Like It?
12/19/2022 • 7 minutes, 27 seconds
Tathastu Review: Zakir Khan is the Noam Chomsky of Comedy
Zakir Khan released his much-anticipated special Tathastu on Prime Video on 1st December. I have been a fan of his comedy for a while now, but this one hits closer home. After 3 rewatches, here are my thoughts about not just the special, but Zakir Khan - the comedian, the artist, the man.
12/14/2022 • 11 minutes, 13 seconds
Qala : Exploring Mother-Daughter Relationships in Films
Qala is the tale of a daughter desperate for her mother's approval and love, and this is a theme seldom explored in films, especially Bollywood. There are some international films like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Turning Red as well as animated films like Encanto, which talk about fractured relationships between family members.
So, in this episode, I'm talking how these films portray and deal with this conflict and how similar or dissimilar is Qala. Tune in!
12/7/2022 • 8 minutes, 38 seconds
Gold Review: Quirky But Lacks The Punch
Alphonse Puthren’s classic Malayalam hit Premam, starring Nivin Pauly and Sai Pallavi was released seven years ago. So expectations were high for Gold. With recurring cinematic themes, quirky characters, out-of-the-box edits, and interesting visual storytelling, the 'Alphonse Putheran-touch' is quite evident in Gold.
Was the film worth the hype? Tune in to find out!
12/3/2022 • 6 minutes, 15 seconds
An Action Hero Review: Can Ayushmann Do More Than Comedies?
We've seen him do comedy, we've seen him do social dramas, and some thrillers like Andhadhun too. But, how does he fare in An Action Hero as an action hero? In this review, I talk about all the roles he's done before and what I liked about his latest release.
Tune in as I refer to the film by 3 different names throughout (face palm) and tell you, Do I Like It?
12/3/2022 • 8 minutes, 39 seconds
Bhediya Film Review: Not Logical, but Very Entertaining
Bhediya, directed by Amar Kaushik, is the third installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror universe; of horror comedies with a message. After Stree and Roohi, Vijan now pulls focus to the age-old nature vs development debate, set in the town of Ziro (Lower Subansiri district) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tune in to Pratikshya Mishra's review of the film.
11/27/2022 • 9 minutes, 53 seconds
Agent Kannayiram Review: Where is the Interesting Part?
Agent Kannayiram is the Tamil remake of Navin Polishetty’s superhit Telugu comedy thriller Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya. The movie stars Santhanam, one of the best comedians in the Tamil industry, who has transitioned into a lead hero. I was instantly curious to see how he was going to elevate an already flawless story.
Listen to this review by Soundarya Athimuthu.
11/26/2022 • 7 minutes, 8 seconds
Last Film Show Review: A Great Pick For The Oscars
Last Film Show or Chhello Show is India's official entry to the Oscars this year. The Pan Nalin film explores a kid's undying passion and love for cinema. The film is set in Gujrat where the protagonist shares a special bond with the projectionist at a local theatre.
Tune in to listen to Pratikshya Mishra's full review!
11/24/2022 • 7 minutes, 7 seconds
Wonder Women Review: Ernest Attempt at Exploring Female Friendships
In a heartwarming, feel-good movie, writer- director Anjali Menon explores the lives of six pregnant women in different stages of their preganncy. She plays a balancing act of portraying the joys of motherhood while also shedding light on the burden of expectations it puts on women who are unable or unwilling to bear children.
Tune into the full review by Soundarya Athimuthu!
11/19/2022 • 6 minutes, 40 seconds
Daman Film Review: Proud That This is Coming From Odia Cinema
Daman, a film inspired by true events, starring Babushaan and Dipanwit Dashmohapatra in lead roles, is a biographical social drama in Odia.
DAMaN is actually an acronym for Durgama Anchala re Malaria Nirakarana - a measure by the government to deal with the unprecedented rise in malaria cases in a village in Orissa.
Tune into this review by Pratikshya Mishra to find out, Do They Like It?
11/18/2022 • 8 minutes, 29 seconds
EndaVishesham Album Review: I Want Rebel 7 to get Uncomfortable
Rebel 7 is a rapper, producer, and mix engineer based out of Delhi. EndaVishesham is his first studio album after being signed to Azadi Records.
"He is a master of a style of music I call 'Dilli ka Masculine Music.'" Does this album match up to his usual work?
Tune in to listen to Prateek's review of EndaVishesham.
11/16/2022 • 9 minutes, 40 seconds
Monica O My Darling Review: The Neo-Noir Film Bollywood Deserved
A stunning star-cast, a gripping story and eye-catching visuals make Monica O My Darling the neo-noir Bollywood film we've been waiting for. It stars Rajkummar Rao (as Jayant Arkhedkar), Huma Qureshi (as Monica Machado), Radhika Apte (as ACP Naidu), and Sikander Kher, among others. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
Tune in to listen to Pratikshya Mishra's full review!
11/14/2022 • 8 minutes, 34 seconds
Yashoda Movie Review: Exciting Ideas, but Loads of Clichés
Named after the mythological character, Yashoda who is the foster mother of Lord Krishna, the plot revolves around a poor woman (Samantha) who chooses to become a surrogate mother.
Why does she do it? To earn money and save her ailing sister, or at least that’s what we are told, at first. Tune it to listen to Soundarya's review.
11/12/2022 • 5 minutes, 3 seconds
Uunchai Movie Review: I Cried So Much
Uunchai is the story of four friends, Amit (Amitabh Bachchan), Javed (Boman Irani), Bhupen (Danny Denzongpa), and Om (Anupam Kher). After Bhupen’s death, the other three decide to complete a trek to the peak of Mt Everest (a notoriously treacherous climb) in an aakhri iccha (last wish) gesture.
Tune in to hear what Pratikshya has to say!
11/12/2022 • 7 minutes, 42 seconds
Soul-Kadhi Review: Love the Initiative by Netflix
Sameeha Sabnis' Soul Kadhi is a part of the Take Ten initiative by Netflix and Film Companion. The film captures the immense potential that indie filmmakers in India have. It is a slice-of-life, heartwarming tale centred around the Goan drink- Sol kadhi.
Tune in to listen to the full review!
11/7/2022 • 10 minutes, 26 seconds
MTV Hustle 2.0: Top 5 Songs From This Season
India's first major Hip-Hop reality show, MTV Hustle just got over with its second season. This time around, we got a new judge, a new format with squad bosses, and some really dope underground artists. Every week, the rappers perform songs from different genres and fight it out to become the biggest underground artist of the year.
But aside from the show, we got some really diverse songs that had a combined runtime of over 4 hours. So I got back and heard all of them. And here's the top 5 list of my favorite songs from this season.
Listen till the end for #1
11/6/2022 • 16 minutes, 10 seconds
Love Today Review: A Relatable Yet Bizarre Modern Love Story
Love Today follows the story of a new-age couple whose love is put to test, after they're made to swap their smartphones for a day. Do they really know and trust each other well? Will their love stand strong despite this adversity, or will it come crashing down? This what the film is all about.
Tune into this review by Soundarya Athimuthu!
11/5/2022 • 6 minutes, 42 seconds
Phone Bhoot Review: It is Not Not Entertaining
Very clearly inspired by the Ghostbusters from Hollywood, Phone Booth is a true 'desi' film, ripe with references to the actors, Hindi films at large and even advertisements. It won't give you much to take away when you leave the theatre but will keep you entertained for its runtime, for sure.
Tune in to listen to the full review by Pratikshya Mishra.
11/5/2022 • 5 minutes, 54 seconds
Double XL Review: Sonakshi and Huma Deserved a Better Film
When I first saw the trailer for Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi's Double XL, I was thoroughly excited. Here were two plus-size women in the public eye, promising a film about two fat women, Saira (Sonakshi) and Rajshri (Huma) fighting for their dreams in a world where their capabilities are diminished because of their size.
Did the film manage to live upto my expectations? Tune into this review to find out.
11/4/2022 • 6 minutes, 27 seconds
Midnights by Taylor Swift Review: Heartfelt, Vulnerable and Groovy
There’s just something so powerful about Taylor Swift’s music. How she shares her most vulnerable self, her biggest insecurities and nightmares but manages to do that in such an effortless, almost groovy way. That is how I’d encapsulate her 10th album, Midnights.
Midnights is the latest album by American singer/songwriter Taylor Swift. Released on 21 October, it’s been around 11 days after the album dropped and I think it’s safe to say that the reception has been massive. With this, she made history as the first musician ever to occupy the entire chart for the BillBoard’s Top 10 hits.
Tune into this episode to listen to my full review.
11/4/2022 • 6 minutes, 23 seconds
The Legend of Maula Jatt Review: Hopefully It Comes on OTT Soon
The legend of Maula Jatt is a Bilal Lashari film that is already touted to be Pakistan’s highest-grossing film worldwide. Starring Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan as well as Hamza Ali Abbasi, this film is an adaptation of the film with the same title released in 1979.
While the film is not currently available in Indian cinemas, we can only hope for an OTT release soon.
Tune in to listen to the full review!
11/3/2022 • 5 minutes, 37 seconds
Gali Guleiyan Review: Gets Better the Second Time
I caught Manoj Bajpayee and Dipesh Jain's Gali Guleiyan in a theatre in 2018. Since then, I have been waiting for it to come to OTT. Now that the film is streaming on Amazon Prime, here's my review of this highly intense film.
The film revolves around Khuddoos, a man living in Old Delhi who peeps into others' lives via CCTV cameras. One day, he overhears a kid getting beaten up by his father. He wants to save him. Will he be able to? Tune in to find out.
11/3/2022 • 9 minutes, 8 seconds
Thank God Review: Doesn't Ask You to Think Much
If there was a modern rendition of the 'Adarsh Balak' posters from the 90s in the form of a film, Thank God would be it. Starring Siddharth Malhotra and Ajay Devgn, this Indra Kumar directorial tests the morality of Ayaan Kapoor, a real estate broker.
Thank God isn’t a film of logic or science, it is purely based on emotion and pathos and in a story like that, predictability can have an adverse effect.
Tune into this episode to listen to the full review by Pratikshya Mishra.
10/26/2022 • 11 minutes, 26 seconds
Ram Setu Review: This Could've Been a WhatsApp Forward
In Abhishek Sharma's Ram Setu, Akshay Kumar plays a star archaeologist and apparently part-time superhero, Dr Aryan Kulshrestha. He is tasked with finding out whether Ram Setu is natural or manmade, and the film revolves around his adventures and discoveries.
Pratikshya Mishra reviews the film in this episode of Do I like It.
10/26/2022 • 9 minutes, 49 seconds
Sivakarthikeyan's Prince: Just Not Satiating Enough
Right from the first scene, Prince registers that it is not here to take any heavily opinionated stands, but rather just explore the absurdities and the silliness of a British-Indian couple’s love story. In this episode of Do I Like It, Soundarya tells us if she felt the quirkiness of Sivakarthikeyan's Prince. Tune in!
10/25/2022 • 7 minutes, 49 seconds
Ammu : A Powerful Story with Authentic Performances
Ammu is a social drama which tells the story of a simple and happy girl and what happens when she gets stuck in an abusive marriage. While this subject has been explored in many movies in the recent past, the authenticity and powerful dialogues set apart this Aishwarya Lekshmi-starrer film.
Tune in to listen to full review by Soundarya Athimuthu
10/20/2022 • 9 minutes, 46 seconds
Kannada Cinema: Do I Like the Sandalwood Wave?
Kannada cinema aka Sandalwood has been making big waves across the country with films like Kantara, KGF and 77 Charlie. What is behind this newfound popularity of Kannada cinema and what does it mean for the filmmakers?
Soundarya Athimuthu talks about the new wave of Kannada cinema. Tune in!
10/19/2022 • 8 minutes, 38 seconds
Modi Ji Ki Beti: More Than Just A Slapstick Comedy?
I don’t want to go very deep into the specifics of it, because honestly, there was nothing even mildly exciting going for in the film. It is a glorified YouTube sketch. But also, I’m not one to just trash a film totally.
Clearly, some effort has gone into the shots and locations etc. So let’s just scratch the review for now and talk about freedom of speech.
10/16/2022 • 7 minutes, 40 seconds
'Doctor G': Finally Women Are Doing the Preaching
Doctor G, directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, starring Ayushmann Khurana, Rakul Preet Singh and Shefali Shah, explores the journey of a male student of gynaecology. The film's entire messaging though, is pretty surface level. It is an important film but the execution let me down.
Tune in to listen to the full review!
10/14/2022 • 11 minutes, 13 seconds
Hasan Minhaj The King's Jester: A Captivating Storyteller Bares His Heart
Hasan Minhaj: The King’s Jester, is the second Netflix special by the stand-up comedian after the raging success of Patriot Act and it is a bold one. The King's jester is an hour-long set which reflects his skills as a captivating, powerful storyteller.
To listen to my full review, tune in!
10/12/2022 • 5 minutes, 37 seconds
Kantara Film Review: The Brahmastra we Deserved, but Didn't Get
Following massive demand, Rishab Shetty's Kantara is getting re-released pan-India in multiple languages. Here's my review of the film.
As an atheist, I really like films about God and belief in the supernatural. I might not personally believe in it, but I really love the passion that some people have for their 'creator'. It's almost as if, for that small duration, I can sense this connection to a higher power. It’s a magical feeling when done right. And boy did this film do it right.
In this episode of Do I Like It, I tell you if I liked Rishab Shetty's Kantara. Spoiler Alert: I REALLY LOVED IT!
10/12/2022 • 9 minutes
Ponniyin Selvan 1: The Film, The Buzz, and The Controversy
Recently, filmmaker Vetrimaaran questioned the depiction of Raja Raja Cholan as a "Hindu king." It soon lead to a controversy with some sections, especially politicians and public figures close to the Bharatiya Janata Party, calling the emperor a Hindu. Others, including actor and politician Kamal Haasan, actor-politician Karunas, filmmaker-turned-politician Seeman, and Congress MP S Jothimani, called him a Shaivite Dravidian ruler.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Soundarya tells us what she thinks of the film ten days after its release. She also spoke to spoke to historians to set the record straight.
10/11/2022 • 11 minutes, 17 seconds
Rorschach: An Immersive Film That Commands Your Attention
The story of Rorschach unfolds in a rustic rural backdrop revolving around a foreign-returned Luke Antony (Mammootty). If you stick along with patience, Rorschach lets you experience the joy of connecting the dots at your own terms.
Tune in to listen to Soundarya Athimuthu's full review of Rorschach!
10/10/2022 • 8 minutes, 27 seconds
Maja Ma: Tackles A Lot Of Questions But Lacks Maturity
Maja Ma tells the story of Pallavi (Madhuri Dixit), a woman who is a mother of two, and she must grapple with being outed while trying to come in terms with her sexuality.
From performances, to the messaging, to representation, host Pratikshya Mishra talks about everything in this episode of Do I Like It.
Tune in!
10/8/2022 • 11 minutes, 44 seconds
Goodbye: I Cried, But Only Because I Love My Mom
'Goodbye' is Vikas Bahl's latest release with Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. The story revolves around a family dealing with the loss of a member, Gayatri, played by Neena Gupta. The traditions and superstitions that follow annoy the children, especially Tara, played by Rashmika.
To find out if I like it, tune in!
10/7/2022 • 9 minutes, 46 seconds
The Ghost: I Liked Nagarjuna But Not Much Else
I watched Ratchan, the Tamil dubbed version of Nagarjuna’s Telugu film The Ghost. In many ways, the film feels like a hybrid of two Tamil movies that released recently — Kamal Haasan’s Vikram and Thalapathy Vijay’s Beast. The Ghost borrows some good and many bad moments from the two films.
But, in the end, Do I Like It?
Tune in to find out.
10/7/2022 • 8 minutes, 11 seconds
Don't Worry Darling: It's Gripping But I'm Still Worried, Darling
Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling had been creating buzz long before its promotions even begun. With multiple controversies, and this being Harry Styles acting debut, the film was in the public eye for a while.
Set in a picturesque neighbourhood in the 50s, Don't Worry Darling is the story of what happens when Alice, played by Florence Pugh, discovers a bigger sinister plan that's running their lives.
Tune in to find out, Do I Like It?
10/6/2022 • 8 minutes, 29 seconds
Adipurush Teaser: What Just Happened?
We watched the Adipurush trailer so you don't have to. The film is a retelling of the epic Ramayana, with Prabhas as Ram and Saif Ali Khan playing Ravan.
The teaser has sparked a meme fest on the internet and comparisons with Brahmastra's VFX have been made. Prateek Lidhoo from our team watched the teaser and he will tell you, Did He Like It?
Tune in!
10/4/2022 • 12 minutes, 33 seconds
Blonde: A Good Film with Problematic Messaging
I’m a sucker for biopics. There's just something about watching an iconic real story come to life on screen. Also, I love stories of broken people. Naturally, Andrew Dominick’s Blonde was on my watchlist for sure.
From Ana de Armas' performance as Marilyn Monroe, the portrayal of Norma Jeane to the filmography, there is a lot to look at. So, Do I Like It?
Tune in to find out!
10/3/2022 • 6 minutes, 56 seconds
Vikram Vedha: Same Film with a Different Soul
Pushkar-Gayathri's Vikram Vedha is inspired by the Indian folklore Baital Pachisi. Vikram (Saif Ali Khan), an upright and brave police officer, must find his way out through the maze of riddles and questions that Vedha (Hritik Roshan), a dreaded criminal, throws his way.
In this episode of Do I LIke It, Pratikshya tells us if the film holds up to the original 2017 Tamil film by the same directors.
Credits:
Executive Producer - Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur
Producer and Editor - Anjali Palod
Writer and Host - Pratikshya Mishra
Music from the film Vikram Vedha
Theme Music from BMG Production Music
10/1/2022 • 10 minutes, 18 seconds
Naane Varuven: A Deep Dark World of Human Emotions
In a way, Dhanush’s Naane Varuvean feels like it is part of his Kadhal Konden universe. The same director-actor-music composer trio is back delving into the deep dark world of human emotions.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Soundarya Athimuthu tells us what she liked in Selvaraghavan's Naane Varuven, starring Dhanush.
Credits:
Executive Produced by Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur.
Produced by Anjali Palod
Edited by Prateek Lidhoo
Uses Audio from Naane Varuven
Theme Music from BMG Production Music
9/30/2022 • 6 minutes, 37 seconds
Hush Hush : A Thrilling Premise... Eventually Falls Flat
For a cast packed with brilliant actresses, and with the return of Juhi Chawla on our screens, expectations were high for 'Hush Hush.' The series follows what happens when four best friends land up in trouble after a fateful party.
Does the show live upto the expectations, what makes or breaks the series for them? Our host, Pratikshya Mishra, gives us a lowdown on 'Hush Hush' in the new episode of Do I Like It?
Tune in!
Credits:
Executive Producer - Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur
Producer and Editor - Anjali Palod
Writer and Host - Pratikshya Mishra
Music from Amazon Prime Video
Theme Music from BMG Production Music
9/28/2022 • 9 minutes
A Trip to Infinity: Changes the Way You Think
What is infinity? The film tries to answer this question. 'A Trip to Infinity' gets some really intelligent people, mathematicians, and physicists, and they talk about what infinity means to them. Now if you’re a nerd like our host Prateek, that’s exactly the kind of stuff you want to watch. And even if you’re not, it’s really fascinating if you think about it like that.
Credits:
Executive Producer - Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur
Writer, Host and Editor - Prateek Lidhoo
Producer- Anjali Palod
Music from Netflix
Theme Music from BMG Production Music
9/28/2022 • 5 minutes, 29 seconds
Babli Bouncer: Sounds Great… But Only on Paper
Madhur Bhandarkar's Babli Bouncer attempts to make a naïve young woman from a remote village in India to believe that her life’s purpose can be more than merely finding a prince charming and serving as a birth machine to his children.
In this episode of Do I Like It, Soundarya Athimuthu tells us what she liked in 'Fantastic' Tamannaah's Babli Bouncer, and what she didn't like as much.
Credits:
Executive Produced by Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur.
Produced by Anjali Palod
Edited by Prateek Lidhoo
Uses Audio from DisneyPlus Hotstar
Theme Music from BMG Production Music
9/26/2022 • 5 minutes, 17 seconds
Chup: I Like the Director More Than the Film
What happens when a filmmaker starts killing film critics? Now that's the ultimate revenge of the artist. In this episode, our host Prateek Lidhoo talks about Chup and how its director R Balki views film criticism.
Credits:
Executive Produced by Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur.
Produced and Edited by Prateek Lidhoo
Written by Prateek Lidhoo
Uses Audio from Pen Movies
Theme Music from BMG Productions
9/24/2022 • 8 minutes, 40 seconds
Jamtara Season 2: Higher Stakes, More Sinister But Lacks the Same Charm
Jamtara is back with another season of scams (within scams), stellar performances, and a gripping storyline. In this episode of Do I Like It, host Pratikshya Mishra will tell you how the show's season 2 fares and does she like it.
Jamtara season 2 is streaming on Netflix.
Credits:
Executive Produced by Shelly Walia and Ritu Kapur.
Produced and Edited by Anjali Palod
Written by Pratikshya Mishra
Theme Music from BMG Productions and Netflix
9/24/2022 • 6 minutes, 51 seconds
Trailer: Do I Like It?
In life, things happen. And even if nothing happens, that’s something happening. So, on this show, we talk about things that happen. We get an esteemed panel of highly jobless people to answer the million-dollar question: Do I Like It?
Now ‘It’ can be a movie, a song, a gadget, or the latest viral trend. But the question remains the same. So, if you like listening to people talk about things, tune in, and we’ll tell you: Do I Like It?