This week, theaters are gearing up to showcase diverse films across genres and languages. The enduring buzz around Kalki can probably spill over in terms of interest in other regional features as well, and waves created by Vicky Kaushal’s Tauba Tauba song from Bad Newz are expected to give its initial draw a fillip. Here are our recommended picks from among this week’s cache of releases.
Twisters
Twisters is a disaster film directed by Lee Isaac Chung with a screenplay by Mark L. Smith and it is based on a story by Joseph Kosinski. It is a standalone sequel to the 1996 film Twister and features an ensemble cast of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, and Sasha Lane. The plot involves the female protagonist’s return to the open plains to test revolutionary tracking systems. A run-in with a social media sensation, coupled with intensifying storms, leads to a nail-biting climax. Twisters premiered in London on July 8, 2024, and received positive reviews from critics there.
Bad Newz
Directed by Anand Tiwari and written by Tanuj Dudeja and Ishita Moitra, Bad Newz features Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk in the lead roles. This film is expected to be a zany comedy that touches upon the rather rare subject of hetero-paternal super-fecundation in which Triptii Dimri’s character gets pregnant with both Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk’s twins. The trailer of this film has been well-received and the dance moves of the song Tauba Tauba have won the approval of reel makers on social media. Bad Newz is by far the most anticipated release of the week.
Darling
This upcoming Telugu film is being touted as a romantic comedy. Directed and written by Aswin Raam, it features Nabha Natesh and Priyadarshi in the lead roles. The plot follows the story of the hero, who works diligently at a tourist office and has been saving money for his dream honeymoon in Paris with his future wife. Along the way, he ends up meeting and marrying the heroine, and his life changes drastically. How he faces the subsequent challenges and navigates through them to attain his objective forms the crux of the plot.
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra
Written and directed by MK Shivaaksh, this drama film has Ranvir Shorey, Manoj Joshi and Hitu Kanodia in important roles. The plot is based on the report issued by the Nanavati-Mehta Commission, which was set up to investigate the Godhra train fire. The film aims to uncover what happened in Godhra in 2002 and determine of it was a spontaneous act where some individuals set fire to the train in a fit of frenzy, or a planned conspiracy.
Immaculate
Directed by Michael Mohan and written by Andrew Lobel, Immaculate straddles the horror and thriller and stars Sydney Sweeney (who also produced), Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco in important roles. The plot focuses on a young nun who is invited to reside at an enchanting Italian convent and slowly unveils the terrifying secrets it harbors. Immaculate premiered in foreign markets in March 2024, received mixed reviews and grossed over $27 million worldwide. It is now slated for an Indian release.
