Nowrunning

Baby Girl is a sincere but flawed emotional thriller that benefits from its thematic focus and a strong performance by Lijomol Jose, yet is weighed down by p...

Rooted in social realities, the film explores themes of discrimination, power, and resilience while delivering a compelling story of hope and redemption.

This lack of narrative clarity becomes a major hurdle, undermining the director's otherwise sincere and loyal approach to storytelling.

Directed by Nadhirshah-who also doubles as the film's music composer-the narrative is peppered with several familiar and predictable beats.

Maharaja Hostel attempts to blend campus life, mythology, horror, and comedy, but its predictable writing and lackluster execution prevent it from becoming an engaging genre entertainer.

While the film boasts a riveting concept, its promise largely remains confined to the script, rarely evolving into an engaging or impactful on-screen experience.

Sheela's fortitude, in contrast, is compelling. Her struggles, particularly her encounters with the wealthy and predatory Zakir (Zakir Manoli), are portrayed with authenticity. Suma Devi delivers a naturalistic performance, effectively conveying Sheela's anguish and strength. Adheesh Damodaran also does justice to his role as a soft-spoken thief, despite limited dialogue. However, Midhun Venugopal's portrayal of Eldho falters, as his exaggerated expressions dampen the film's emotional depth. At one hour and thirty-eight minutes, The Secret of Women intricately reveals how two women subtly yet masterfully manipulate the men who cross their paths. A lingering shot of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile serves as a fitting metaphor for their actions. Underneath the film's mystery, Sen astutely critiques patriarchal structures, demonstrating how power shifts in unexpected ways. While the performances are uneven, the film's thematic strength ensures its impact.