(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. I am writing this month on activities that keep me refreshed during these depressing days. It's Day 13 today.)
Movies are a good distraction in these trying times. There are too many of them out there on platforms like Netflix, Prime, Hotstar, and YouTube.
I have been randomly watching some over the past weeks, the ones that normally come up as recommendations or suggestions. A good majority of them are run of the mill, one can watch to lighten the mood or just kill the time. I am not mentioning them here.
However, here is a very short list of some recent movies that I have liked. These are just what I can recollect immediately; so, by no means an exhaustive list. I am leaving aside the great yesteryear classics.
Minnaminungu, 2017, Malayalam, Netflix -- It's the story of the travails of a single mother and her college-going daughter. What I liked the most is the untiring strength and spirit of the woman; her will-power to accept difficult times in a positive manner, and finally, accept unreservedly the choice her daughter made for herself.
Kumbalangi Nights, 2019, Malayalam, Prime Video -- The movie is about the love-hate relationship among four brothers in the fishing village of Kumblangi in the outskirts of Kochi.
Tumhari Sulu, 2017, Hindi, Prime Videos - It portrays how the life of an ordinary happy-go-lucky homemaker in Mumbai changes when she unexpectedly lands the job of a radio jockey.
Lust Stories, 2018, Hindi, Netflix - An anthology of four movies. It explores the lives of people in different strata of society: the common theme being lust.
Sudani from Nigeria, 2018, Malayalam, Netflix -- It's the story of a Nigerian football player hired by a club in north Kerala, where football is very popular.
Meri Pyaari Bindu, 2017, Hindi, Prime Videos - It's about a successful writer returning to his roots to write an old-fashioned love story, three years in the making.
Paa, 2009, Hindi, YouTube - It's the story of how a father tries to help his son cope with a rare condition that causes the young boy to age beyond his years.
I have been randomly watching some over the past weeks, the ones that normally come up as recommendations or suggestions. A good majority of them are run of the mill, one can watch to lighten the mood or just kill the time. I am not mentioning them here.
However, here is a very short list of some recent movies that I have liked. These are just what I can recollect immediately; so, by no means an exhaustive list. I am leaving aside the great yesteryear classics.
Minnaminungu, 2017, Malayalam, Netflix -- It's the story of the travails of a single mother and her college-going daughter. What I liked the most is the untiring strength and spirit of the woman; her will-power to accept difficult times in a positive manner, and finally, accept unreservedly the choice her daughter made for herself.
Kumbalangi Nights, 2019, Malayalam, Prime Video -- The movie is about the love-hate relationship among four brothers in the fishing village of Kumblangi in the outskirts of Kochi.
Tumhari Sulu, 2017, Hindi, Prime Videos - It portrays how the life of an ordinary happy-go-lucky homemaker in Mumbai changes when she unexpectedly lands the job of a radio jockey.
Lust Stories, 2018, Hindi, Netflix - An anthology of four movies. It explores the lives of people in different strata of society: the common theme being lust.
Sudani from Nigeria, 2018, Malayalam, Netflix -- It's the story of a Nigerian football player hired by a club in north Kerala, where football is very popular.
Meri Pyaari Bindu, 2017, Hindi, Prime Videos - It's about a successful writer returning to his roots to write an old-fashioned love story, three years in the making.
Paa, 2009, Hindi, YouTube - It's the story of how a father tries to help his son cope with a rare condition that causes the young boy to age beyond his years.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteSome interesting ones there I may follow up - I love that I can now source Hindi films on the tubular! I quite enjoy the Tamil and Malayalam movies too - though fully need subtitles for them (my Hindi manages okayish - for listening - mere bolane ka abhyaas kam hai!)
In a different sphere, I highly recommend The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind; true story from Malawi, with much of it spoken in local tongue with subtitles. Five stars. Watched it twice in two days!!! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Glad to know you enjoy Malayalam movies :-) Thank you for recommending The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. Shall check that out.
DeleteEven at our place- we turn to movies before we call it off the day. Thanks to OTT Platforms- we can pause n resume watching anytime. There have been some movies which have run into days- before we finish it.
ReplyDeleteRecently watched English Medium [ Hindi] and Bonus in Marathi. Try Bonus [ it has subtitles] - its a feel good story of how a rich guy learns to live an ordinary life and in the process learns to value money.
Hi Viyoma - Yes, we need not watch a movie at one stretch. It can be watched like a series, in parts. That's what we do sometimes.
DeleteI shall check out Bonus. Thanks.
Hi Pradeep - excellent to know about these ... we do get a few foreign films via our film society - when that will be up and running again ... we have no idea. I don't have netflix ... but am being quite good and not watching a lot - the odd educational programme. I endorse Yam's suggestion 'Harnessing the Wind' ... take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteAmong the Hindi movies you have listed, yet to watch - 'Meri Pyaari Bindu'. Looks interesting :)
ReplyDeleteI too have watched many movies during this lockdown.
Have been planning to write a post, but then I watch more and the list keeps increasing! have to write Part-1, Part-2...etc. then! :)
Take care.
Hi Anita - Movies on these platforms surely are getting a lot of viewership. Thanks to the lockdown.
Deletethat's an interesting list of movies indeed. Will watch a couple of those Malayli movies you listed.
ReplyDeleteHi Sinjana - You must. Hope you enjoy!
DeleteI haven't watched any of these movies. I know it might sound odd. But I have a specific taste when it comes to movies but after I read the description that you have given in this post, now I know which one I would like to start with.
ReplyDeleteHi Alpana - Even I am very choosy about movies. I can't watch any movie just for the sake of watching. Hope you enjoy some of these.
DeleteI love watching movies. Kumbalangi nights has been recommended by another friend, too.
ReplyDeleteI've started watching short films these days (due to all the time A to Z takes up) and have enjoyed a few gems.
Khamakha (hindi )and Mumbai Varanasi Express (hindi) are really good.
Hi Arti - Yes, short films are easier to watch. There are many on YouTube.
DeleteGlad to hear you're finding good things to watch.
ReplyDeleteExcellent list. I would add Dhrishyam to this list.
ReplyDeleteOut of these, I have only seen Kumbalangi nights so far.
ReplyDeleteI'll check to see if any of these are available on netflix here.
ReplyDeleteHi Jade - I think there might be geographical restrictions. But do check out.
DeleteI rarely watch films, Pradeep, but some of these sound intriguing! My diversion is to read, I’m afraid.
ReplyDeleteHi Vallypee - I haven't watched movies as much as I have in the recent times, because of the lockdown. But otherwise, for me too, books are the first choice, always.
DeleteDo you know if there are English subtitles? I have enjoyed some Indian films and TV in the past, but it is rare, because I need to see the English.
ReplyDeleteHi Red - Those on Netflix and Prime have English subtitles. Do check out. You might like some of them.
DeleteI don't watch movies except in theaters nowadays. Too much of digital screen exposure! Good to know you are having fun :)
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Rajesh - Nothing like watching movies in theatres. That experience you will never get on TV or laptops.
Delete