Wednesday, April 15, 2020

M for Movies - My favourite things to counter COVID-19 stress

(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.

24 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Some 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

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    1. Hi Yamini - Glad to know you enjoy Malayalam movies :-) Thank you for recommending The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. Shall check that out.

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  2. Even 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.

    Recently 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.

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    1. 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.
      I shall check out Bonus. Thanks.

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  3. 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

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  4. Among the Hindi movies you have listed, yet to watch - 'Meri Pyaari Bindu'. Looks interesting :)
    I 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.

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    1. Hi Anita - Movies on these platforms surely are getting a lot of viewership. Thanks to the lockdown.

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  5. that's an interesting list of movies indeed. Will watch a couple of those Malayli movies you listed.

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  6. I 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.

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    1. Hi 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.

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  7. I love watching movies. Kumbalangi nights has been recommended by another friend, too.

    I'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.

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    1. Hi Arti - Yes, short films are easier to watch. There are many on YouTube.

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  8. Glad to hear you're finding good things to watch.

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  9. Excellent list. I would add Dhrishyam to this list.

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  10. Out of these, I have only seen Kumbalangi nights so far.

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  11. I'll check to see if any of these are available on netflix here.

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    1. Hi Jade - I think there might be geographical restrictions. But do check out.

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  12. I rarely watch films, Pradeep, but some of these sound intriguing! My diversion is to read, I’m afraid.

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    1. Hi 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.

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  13. Do 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.

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    1. Hi Red - Those on Netflix and Prime have English subtitles. Do check out. You might like some of them.

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  14. I don't watch movies except in theaters nowadays. Too much of digital screen exposure! Good to know you are having fun :)

    Destination Infinity

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    1. Rajesh - Nothing like watching movies in theatres. That experience you will never get on TV or laptops.

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