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Phule Review: A Simple, Authentic Film About Jyotirao & Savitribai Phule That Deserves A Watch
Phule Review: You must have read about Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule in school textbooks. But, it was just maybe a chapter that was not much in detail. Now, a biopic on them has been made titled Phule which has hit the big screens today (April 25, 2025). The movie stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the lead roles and is directed by Ananth Mahadevan. Well, the film surely showcases their journey beautifully. Read on to know more. The movie is set in 1800, and back then, no one wanted to educate their girl child, because according to them, women were only suitable for doing household chores and giving birth to children. However, Jyotirao Phule (Prratik Gandhi) and Savitribai Phule (Patralekhaa) dream to educate girls, and they start a school. They face a lot of hurdles in their journey, and the fight is not just for the education of girls, but also against the caste system, which was there in India earlier. How they fight all the odds, forms the rest of the story…
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When it comes to period films in Bollywood, we have got a habit of watching grand-scale movies with huge sets, dance numbers, beautiful costumes, and more. But Mahadevan has taken a different route to narrate Phule. His narration is sweet and simple, mainly concentrating on the authenticity of that era and the social work that Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule did. From opening schools for girls to starting Satyashodhak Samaj, the movie showcases everything that they did for the people of Poona (now Pune) and Maharashtra. While Mahadevan’s narration is not over the top, one negative element about the movie is the pace. The first half is very slow, and even in the second half, a lot of times the film loses its momentum.
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Phule Review – Actors’ Performances
Mahadevan has got the casting perfect! Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule leaves a very strong mark. The Hindi audience knows him for his performance in Scam 1992 and Madgaon Express. But, in Phule, you will get to watch a different Pratik, and he impresses once again.While Pratik is, of course, very good in the movie, the show stealer is Patralekhaa. The movie is filled with some super strong scenes featuring Savitribai Phule, and the actress has nailed it in them. After watching this film, you will surely become a fan of Patralekhaa; she has given an award-winning performance. In the supporting cast, it is Akshaya Gurav as Fatima who grabs our attention with her performance.
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Phule Review- Music The music of Phule is decent, and it suits the film’s theme. But, apart from Saathi, there are no songs that will stay with you once the movie gets over.Phule Review – Final Verdict Overall, Phule is a good film, and Pratik and Patralekhaa’s performance is the highlight of the movie. It showcases the journey of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule wonderfully, but remember the pace is quite slow, and this is not a glossy period drama.Ratings: 3 starsP.S. Phule has nothing objectionable, it just shows the truth that we have read and heard about earlier.
Ground Zero Review: Emraan Hashmi Gives One Of His Career’s Best Performances In This Kashmir-Based Army Movie
Ground Zero Review: Kashmir, army, and terrorism, we have watched multiple films based on this concept, like Mission Kashmir, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Article 370, Amaran, and more. Now, joining the list is Emraan Hashmi starrer Ground Zero which has hit the big screens today (April 25, 2025). The film is inspired by real-life events that took place from 2001 to 2003. Well, Ground Zero is an interesting film with showcases the story of an unsung hero. The movie revolves around Narendra Dubey (Emraan Hashmi) who is a BSF officer in Kashmir. In 2001, after the terrorist attack on Parliament in Delhi, Dubey decides to look for Ghazi Baba, the mastermind behind the attack. From 2001-2003, more attacks took place in the country, and Ghazi is behind them. He has also started a Pistol Gang in Kashmir which has young college boys, and they are told to kill the army officers. What all Dubey does to capture Ghazi and kill him, forms the rest of the story…
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Ground Zero is based on real-life incidents, and it is written by Sanchit Gupta and Priyadarshee Srivastava, and directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar. The first 45 minutes of the movie are strictly average, and you might get a bit bored as well. But before the interval, the movie picks up very well. There’s a chase sequence that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. The second half of Ground Zero starts on an interesting note, and then the movie successfully keeps us hooked to the screen till the climax. While this is an action thriller, there are some emotional scenes also that will surely get a lump in your throat. A special mention to Kamaljeet Negi, whose cinematography takes the movie a notch higher. He has captured Kashmir’s beauty wonderfully.
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Ground Zero Review – Actors’ Performances
Emraan Hashmi is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors we have in the industry and he once again proves that. He has given one of his career’s best performances in Ground Zero. The actor nails it one of the emotional scenes in the second half. Talking about the female leads, Zoya Hussain is simply fantastic in her role as IB officer Aadila, and Sai Tamhankar as Jaya, Narendra’s wife, also leaves a mark. In the supporting cast, it is Mir Mohammed Mehroos (Hussain), Lalit Prabhakar (Praveen), and Deepak Paramesh (Binu) who impress us a lot.
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Ground Zero Review – Music In such thrillers, background music plays a very important part. However, in Ground Zero, at many places it is very loud and looks forced, especially in the first half. Talking about the songs, they are decent. Ground Zero Review – Final Vedict Overall, Ground Zero turns out to be a decent film which is good in bits and parts, but if you are an Emraan Hashmi fan, it is a must-watch for you! Also, with the ongoing situation in Kashmir, this movie will connect well with the audience. Ratings: 3 stars
Netflix is about to lose this underrated Mark Wahlberg action movie — here’s your last day to watch
Netflix’s library of gripping action movies is about to get just a little poorer, as Peter Berg’s “Patriots Day” is about to leave the streaming service in a matter of days.It’s not easy viewing, but “Patriot Days” is, in turn, a haunting, emotional and very tense film that recounts the tragic Boston Marathon bombing (and the manhunt thereafter) that shocked the nation in 2013.Never watched it? This action thriller is leaving the streaming service soon — your last day to stream “Patriots Day” on Netflix is Monday, April 28.
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If you’re weighing whether to make time to stream “Patriot Days” before it disappears, you can find more info about the movie, including a round-up of critical reactions, below.What is ‘Patriots Day’ about?Peter Berg’s “Patriots Day” is an action-thriller that’s based on the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.The movie introduces us to Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg), a cop nearing the end of a rough spot in his career who reluctantly works on the Marathon finish line.After documenting the build-up to the bombing, the movie follows Tommy as he joins the brave survivors, first responders, and investigators in the race to find the culprits before they can strike again.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.In addition to Wahlberg, the movie also stars Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons, Michelle Monaghan, Alex Wolff, Rachel Brosnahan, Christopher O’Shea, and more.Why you should stream ‘Patriots Day’ on Netflix (Image credit: Lionsgate/Entertainment Pictures/Alamy)Even if I’m not completely enamored with the movie’s main man as a character (Wahlberg is doing solid work, I just found his wise-ass persona a bit grating), I found “Patriots Day” to be a tense, emotional and ultimately exciting watch, and one that treats the real tragedy with real gravity.Lionsgate bills “Patriots Day” as a “stirring tribute to the Boston community’s strength and courage in the face of adversity,” and I really do think “Patriots Day” nails that sense of spirit.After building tension across peaceful scenes spanning the first half-hour, the bombing shatters that peace, and harrowing scenes play out. From then on, “Patriots Day” becomes a fraught hunt for those responsible, switching gear to edge-of-your-seat action in the back half.(Image credit: CBS Film/Lionsgate/Atlaspix/Alamy)It’s not just me who recommends “Patriots Day,” though: critics, generally, agree that it’s a worthwhile watch.At the time of writing, “Patriots Day” has an 80% score on the review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes, a score generated from a total of 238 accredited reviews.The site’s critical consensus reads: “”Patriots Day” offers a stirring, solidly crafted tribute to the heroes of a real-life American tragedy without straying into exploitative action thriller territory.”Reviewing for The Guardian, Lanre Bakare gave “Patriots Day” a 4-star review, calling it “tense yet respectful” and describing it as “a moving and compelling homage to a city and its spirit, as well as a gripping procedural.”IndieWire’s Steve Greene gave the movie a B grade upon release, and called it “a heartfelt, harrowing tribute to the film’s real-life heroes.”Meanwhile, Variety’s Peter Debruge summed the movie up as “genuinely exciting megaplex entertainment, informed by extensive research, featuring bona fide movie stars, and staged with equal degrees of professionalism and respect.”Already streamed “Patriots Day” on Netflix? For more help finding your next watch, check out our guide to the best action movies on Netflix or take a look at our round-up of the overall best Netflix movies for tons more streaming recommendations.More from Tom’s Guide
Abir Gulaal’s songs deleted from YouTube as Fawad Khan’s film faces boycott calls
The Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, has sparked widespread anger and grief. People across India are saddened by the loss of innocent lives. In the middle of this, a controversy has been raging over the release of Abir Gulaal. The film stars Vaani Kapoor and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Amid the heated debate around its release, the songs of Abir Gulaal have been removed from YouTube India.
Jewel Thief movie review: Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta’s heist thriller isn’t Dhoom, but definitely packs a punch, despite poor writing
Watch Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta and Kunal Kapoor-starrer Jewel Thief with little expectations, and you’ll end up enjoying this heist thriller. Directors: Robbie Grewal, Kookie Gulati
Star cast: Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, Kunal Kapoor
Runtime: 1hr 56min
Where to watch: Netflix
Rating: 3 stars
Rehan Roy, aka Jewel Thief (Saif Ali Khan), is forced to steal the precious Red Sun (Africa’s diamond) to protect his family from the wrath of Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat). Rehan gets help from Rajan’s wife, Faraah (Nikita Dutta), and together they try to pull off the most difficult heist. However, apart from obtaining the Red Sun, Rehan has a bigger fight for survival. He also faces opposition from an honest cop, Vikram Patel (Kunal Kapoor). Will he succeed? This forms the crux of Jewel Thief.
First things first, Saif Ali’s Jewel Thief isn’t a remake of Dev Anand’s 1967 classic of the same name. The movie is a slick heist thriller that is best enjoyed when you don’t watch it with much expectation.
Jewel Thief does bring the stylish, cool Saif from the 90s back with James Bondish charm. His easy attitude and witty one-liners are something we missed in recent times.
Jewel Thief works on a very simple story: a man goes to extremes to save his family. However, it is the stylish representation, some silly twists, and believable performances that keep you hooked till the end.
Speaking about performances, Saif plays the superchor in a seamless effort. His charisma adds more value to the role, and he holds a strong hold even in emotional moments, which are very few in this film. Jaideep Ahlawat, the chameleon, is back in what he does so perfectly. Jaideep is a cold, ruthless, money-minded crooked businessman who can go to any lengths for money. He brutally kills with ease, and holds the wafer-thin narrative with Saif.
Nikita Dutta, the girl we know from Kabir Singh, surprises in Jewel Thief. Nikita plays Faraah, wife of Rajan, who bears his injustice, abuses by holding herself strong. There are sequences where Nikita doesn’t have a dialogue, but her eyes speak volumes. Despite a limited screen space, Nikita leaves a mark. Kunal Kapoor gives a deja vu of his brother-in-law, Abhishek Bachchan, from the Dhoom franchise. A righteous cop who’s always one step behind the thief. He does justice to his role, despite being poorly written.
Directors Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal do a decent job of bringing back the heist thrillers, a slick entertainer where the hero doesn’t have to save the world, and is very much interested in keeping his world intact. However, the film could have been way more than that, as it holds the potential.
Speaking about shortcomings, sometimes the developments in the films look like it came straight out of a comic book. A few sequences will leave you questioning logic. I mean, hijacking a plane and landing it in the middle of Istanbul is something you’ll find amusing. The music is a big disappointment. No song stays with you after the film ends. The family track of Rehan, the father-son drama between Saif and Kulbushan Kharbanda could have been explored more deeply for a stronger impact. However, Jewel Thief is still an enjoyable flick, where you can spend your 2 hours, without using much of your brain.
Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collection Day 7: Akshay Kumar And R Madhavan’s Film Ends First Week With A Solid Rs.45 Crore!
Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan’s Kesari Chapter 2 concluded its opening week at the box office with a decent amount of collection. The period courtroom drama, which opened to good reviews from critics and audience has been able to sustain a consistent momentum in its first week.—Advertisement—
Kesari Box Office Collection Day 7
As per reports by Sacnilk, Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2 which also stars Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan opened with a respectable Rs. 7.75 crore on its first Friday. It picked up steam over the weekend by peaking at Rs 12 crore on Sunday. However, the momentum didn’t last long. The film saw a sharp drop on Monday with collections down to Rs. 4.5 crore bringing its total of Rs.45 crore after 7 days.—Advertisement—
About Kesari 2
Kesari Chapter 2 is a historical drama starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday and R Madhavan in the lead roles which had created massive hype. The movie the story of C Sankaran Nair, who fought against the Crown in the court to hold them accountable for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Kesari Chapter 2 has shown decent performance in theatres till now.—Advertisement—
Before the release of Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay shared some behind the scene pictures from the set. He wrote, “You must have heard many stories but this is a storm. C. This story of Sankaran Nair shocked me because we didn’t know someone dragged the entire British umpire to court after the Jallianwala Bagh genocide. Kesari Chapter 2 movie I am doing not just as an artist but as an Indian. It’s not just a movie… It’s an incomplete calculation, it’s a painful memory… And finally it’s fair. Kesari Chapter 2 now in cinemas near you.”
“It’s like a musical” says Tom Hardy of his new ultra-violent Netflix movie
Tom Hardy in a musical number? Not quite! Havoc, the star’s latest all-action flick, is now streaming – and it’s an action-packed and, based on the trailer below, rather violent romp.Today, Friday 25 April, marks the movie’s availability on Netflix, as the streamer’s ongoing commitment to original content and its bid to remain among the best streaming services.The headline quote comes as part of JustWatch’s ‘why to watch’, provided by Hardy himself, as an upsell for the movie’s release. It’s certainly caught my attention, as I’m sure it has yours, too.
HAVOC | Official Teaser | Netflix – YouTube
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“Havoc is exactly what you’d expect – intense, wildly personal, and full of character,” reads the JustWatch’s site.The movie never made it to theatrical release, however, with Netflix keeping this one firmly under its belt as part of its streaming platform only.What’s ‘Havoc’ about?(Image credit: Netflix)Tom Hardy plays Walker in Havoc, a detective dealing with his city’s criminal underworld – in a no-holds-barred kind of way.When a drug deal goes bad, Walker becomes the target, with myriad crooks following his every move in their attempts to take him down.Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 expertsThere’s a secret geek in me that loves acting out in ‘interpretive dance’ through punching and kicking and biting and hitting people with hammersTom Hardy on ‘Havoc’Walker, ever the good guy, finds that a key politician’s son was involved in said drug deal, and while trying to rescue him finds out there’s an unravelling web of corruption to be unpicked.Is ‘Havoc’ well rated?(Image credit: Netflix)On the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, Havoc currently has no rating, as Netflix is keeping this one close to its chest ahead of the release date.Interestingly, Havoc actually wrapped its initial filming way back in 2021, but a variety of reshoots delayed the movie’s release, which is why the final cut is only just out.The movie is directed by Gareth Evans, who IMDB recognises for his work as producer on popular show Gangs of London, but also as writer of 2017’s The Raid, among other major projects.Stream ‘Havoc’ on Netflix now(Image credit: Netflix)Despite its shooting setbacks, it looks like Tom Hardy’s Netflix exclusive is going to be one hard-hitting, all-out action-thriller that’ll take no prisoners.It’s replete with a packed cast, too, including Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olephant, plus Tom Hardy in the lead role, among many other well-recognised names.Enough to tempt you to watch? With the second season of The Last of Us and other great shows out in abundance, time is precious in today’s streaming world.
A Complete Unknown to Havoc: the seven best films to watch on TV this week
Pick of the weekA Complete UnknownJames Mangold directed the excellent Johnny Cash drama Walk the Line, and his latest music biopic – which tracks the groundbreaking early phase of Bob Dylan’s career – has the same rewarding fidelity to time and place. It also features a lead performance that is so much more than an impersonation: Timothée Chalamet is perfectly cast as the single-minded young folk singer, who arrives in New York in 1961 to follow in the footsteps of his hero Woody Guthrie. Dylan wows lovable banjo star Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) with his songs and political stance, but his selfish attitude alienates Monica Barbaro’s equally talented Joan Baez … and most of the folk establishment.
Wednesday 30 April, Disney+HavocView image in fullscreenCry havoc and let slip Tom Hardy! In Gareth Evans’s shamelessly violent crime thriller, Hardy’s dirty cop Walker is caught between his own corrupt colleagues, led by Timothy Olyphant’s Vincent, dodgy politician Beaumont (Forest Whitaker) and a Triad gang whose queenpin (Yeo Yann Yann) is out for revenge after her son is shot dead. There are shades of Batman’s Gotham in the dark, dirty city streets Walker speeds down to save Beaumont’s implicated boy. But Evans is more interested in the exhilarating fight scenes, where one bullet could do the job but 20 are way better.
Out now, NetflixHigh & Low: John GallianoView image in fullscreenStarting with footage of the British fashion designer’s career-ending antisemitic outburst in a Paris bar in 2010, Kevin Macdonald’s fascinating documentary never shies away from the contradictions at the heart of its colourful subject. Proclaimed a “genius” by journalists and his industry peers, John Galliano rose rapidly from Saint Martins student to ruling the haute couture roost at Dior. But “fashion’s wild boy” was also an alcoholic and prescription drug abuser with an intense workload, leading to egotism, excess and a criminal conviction.
Sunday 27 April, NetflixAnatomy of a FallView image in fullscreenCan a court of law get to the truth of a relationship? That’s the problem facing writer Sandra (a compelling Sandra Hüller) when she goes on trial for the murder of her husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis), after he falls to his death from the attic of their house. Justine Triet’s knotty drama is as much a dissection of a marriage and gender expectations as it is of a potential crime. Audio recordings, sexual history, the plots of Sandra’s novels, even the evidence of their partially sighted son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) – everything is open to interpretation.
Tuesday 29 April, Netflixskip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionWish You Were HereView image in fullscreenPart of a David Leland double bill with The Big Man, the writer’s effervescent 1987 directorial debut centres on a terrifically ebullient turn from Emily Lloyd. Her 16-year-old Lynda is a rebellious character in her dull seaside town in the early 1950s, to the recurring horror of her father (Geoffrey Hutchings). In an era when female independence is just not allowed – and there are predatory older man such as Tom Bell’s projectionist Eric around – Lynda’s future is uncertain, but you can be sure she’ll do it her way.
Tuesday 29 April, 1.40am, Film4Another Simple FavourView image in fullscreenSeven years after the first Favour, Paul Feig has resurrected its two antagonistic moms for another zippy, quippy comic mystery. Anna Kendrick is back as amateur sleuth turned true-crime writer Stephanie, while Blake Lively’s murderous Emily – inexplicably released from jail – is about to get married to an Italian mobster on the sunny island of Capri. Seemingly taking its cues from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the film is a smorgasbord of twists and turns in picture postcard settings, with Lively’s amoral schemer in designer threads again getting the best lines.
Thursday 1 May, Prime VideoOther People’s ChildrenView image in fullscreenThe always top-drawer Virginie Efira gives a performance of aching vulnerability in Rebecca Zlotowski’s drama. She stars as Rachel, a single teacher for whom time is running out to have a child. Then she falls for divorcee Ali (Roschdy Zem), who has a four-year-old daughter Leila (Callie Ferreira-Goncalves). An affectionate relationship develops with the girl but Rachel is painfully aware that she will always be “an extra”. The tantalising taste of parental love when the real mother is still around gives this wonderful film a bittersweet pull.
Thursday, 1.25am, Film4
Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise’s film to make its debut in India, will release in theatres on…
The Hollywood superstar reprises his fan-favourite spy Ethan Hunt for one final mission in the movie, which will be released in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Mission: Impossible Final Reckoning, the eighth and final installment of Tom Cruise’s blockbuster action franchise, will open in Indian cinemas on May 17, six days before its release in the US, Paramount Pictures India announced on Friday.
The Hollywood superstar reprises his fan-favourite spy Ethan Hunt for one final mission in the movie, which will be released in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. “#MissionImpossible – ‘The Final Reckoning’ now releases early in India. New date – 17th May. Releasing in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu,” Paramount Pictures India posted on its official social media handles.
On May 14, the movie will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where Cruise previously showcased Ron Howard’s “Far and Away” (1992) and “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022. Cruise has portrayed the character of Ethan Hunt since the beginning of the franchise with 1996’s “Mission: Impossible”.
He has followed it up with successful sequels — “Mission: Impossible 2” (2000), “Mission: Impossible III” (2006), “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011), “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015), “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018) and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” (2023).
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” also stars Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Vanessa Kirby, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Offerman, Katy O’Brian and Tramell Tillman.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is presented by Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from PTI)