OTT Movie Review

OTT Review: Chhorii 2 – Hindi horror film streaming on Prime Video

by 123telugu April 11, 2025

Movie Name : Chhorii 2

Streaming Date : April 11, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Nushrratt Bharuccha, Soha Ali Khan, Saurabh Goyal, Gashmeer Mahajani, Pallavi Ajay, Kuldeep Sareen, Hardika Sharma, and others
Directors : Vishal Furia
Producers : Bhushan Kumar, Vikram Malhotra, Krishan Kumar, Jack Davis
Music Director : Adrija Gupta
Cinematographer : Anshul Chobey
Editor : Abhishek Ojha
Related Links : Trailer

Bollywood horror movie Chhorii, starring popular actress Nushrratt Bharuccha, was one of the films that skipped its theatrical release and had a direct digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video during the Covid lockdown. Following the emphatic response to Chhorii, the makers have now released the much-awaited sequel, Chhorii 2, again on Amazon Prime Video. Check out our review to find out if the sequel has managed to give the chills.

Story:

Sakshi (Nushrratt Bharuccha) surrenders herself to the police, claiming that she killed her husband Rajbir/Hemant (Saurabh Goyal). However, she is not arrested due to lack of evidence. Sakshi and her daughter Ishani (Hardika Sharma) move to the city, where Sakshi starts working as a teacher. Seven years pass, and Ishani is diagnosed with a rare condition where she cannot be exposed to sunlight.

One day, villagers who had once abandoned Ishani, kidnap her and take her back to the village. Why do they hold Ishani captive? Will Sakshi manage to rescue her daughter? What role does her friend-turned-cop Samar (Gashmeer Mahajani) play? What does Desi Ma (Soha Ali Khan) plan to do with the girl? Watch Chhorii 2 on Prime Video to know the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

The expectations on Chhorii 2 were high following the positive response to its prequel. While the original Marathi film didn’t have a sequel, the makers of the Hindi version have come up with an interesting premise for the sequel. The film blends horror with social elements, such as age-old superstitions related to early humans, which works quite well.

Chhorii 2 can be an engaging watch for audiences who enjoy horror thrillers without much expectation. The sequel revisits some key scenes from the first part and makes it accessible to audiences who haven’t watched the prequel. The horror elements effectively kick in right from the beginning.

Some of the horror scenes are executed in a thrilling manner. The second half gets more engaging as it heads towards the climax. The main plot about the “primitive man” is quite intriguing, and the message about child marriage in the climax adds a thoughtful touch.

Nushrratt Bharuccha delivers a solid performance, especially in the climax episodes. Child artist Hardika Sharma also does a fine job. Soha Ali Khan as Desi Ma shines in her character, and Gashmeer, too, performs well in a supporting character.

Minus Points:

While Chhorii 2 has a good premise and a promising setup for a sequel, the story feed dragged on in a few scenes in the second half. Scenes featuring the underground space feel a bit repetitive.

Some sequences featuring Nushrratt could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter grip on the narrative. Samar’s character is underutilized and lacks proper screen time. The pacing slows down in parts due to certain repetitive sequences, which may leave a section of the audience feeling bored.

Technical Aspects:

Chhorii 2 is a technically well-made horror drama. Leading Bollywood production house T-Series has ensured high production values. The film’s eerie atmosphere has been enhanced by the well-designed sets. The impressive cinematography and the background score effectively complement the horror elements.

Director Vishal Furia impressively handles the horror and thriller elements, especially in the first half. However, had he maintained the same grip in the second half, the impact could have been much more effective. The narrative turns lethargic in the pre-climax sequences. Barring these drawbacks, Chhorii 2 works well for the most part.

Verdict:

Chhorii 2 has its fair share of horror and thriller elements that might excite those who are new to the franchise. Nushrratt’s character arc from the start to the end is designed in an impressive manner. However, audiences who enjoyed the first part might be slightly disappointed due to the slow pace and repetitive scenes in the second half. That said, Chhorii 2 is still a decent horror outing for those who watch it without high expectations.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 11, 2025

OTT Review: Madhushala – Telugu movie on ETV Win

by 123telugu April 1, 2025

Movie Name : Madhushala

Release Date : March 31, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 1.75/5
Starring : Varalaxmi Saratkumar, Manoj Nandham, Annie, Ravi Varma, Inaya Sulthana, Tanikella Bharani, Raghubabu, Getup Srinu, Rocket Raghava, and others
Director : G Sudhakar
Producer : Potluri Satyanarayana
Music Director : Sebastian Vargheese

Madhushala is a Telugu movie that premiered directly on ETV Win. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar plays one of the key roles in this OTT film. Check out our review to find out how it is.

Story:

Set in 1991, Pallavi (Annie), the daughter-in-law of MLA Satyam (Goparaju Ramana), goes missing. The MLA claims that his opponent, Venkat Rao (Benarji), is behind her disappearance. Soon, it is revealed that several people, including Madhuravani (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) and Durga (Manoj Nandham), are involved. Who are these individuals? Do they have any enmity with the MLA or Pallavi? What really happened to her? Is she dead? Who is the mastermind behind it all? The answers unravel in the main movie.

Plus Points:

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, despite her limited screen time, does an okay job. Negative-shaded roles suit her well, but unfortunately, her character lacks depth. Manoj Nandham also puts in a passable performance.

Other actors, including Raghu Babu, Getup Srinu, Goparaju Ramana, and Ravi Varma, perform decently within the limitations of their roles.

Minus Points:

Much like its 1990s setting, the story feels outdated. The narrative is uninspired, and the execution is weak, making it difficult to stay engaged.

Even with a simple story, strong characterisations could have elevated the film. However, artificiality dominates, and several characters feel completely miscast. Why waste a talented actor like Thanikella Bharani in such an insignificant role? What was the point of casting so many well-known actors only to underutilise them?

Scenes progress randomly without any coherence. A crime thriller should build tension and evoke emotions, but here, even when a serious incident occurs, the characters barely react. This lack of depth in writing is a major letdown.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s performance is okay, but her character serves no great purpose in the story. It’s unclear why she accepted this role, as her scenes are poorly written and fail to add any intrigue.

Technical Aspects:

Director G. Sudhakar completely fails to make Madhushala even a passable crime drama. Weak writing and an uninspired screenplay ruin any potential the film might have had. Technically, the film is just average. The cinematography is decent, but the re-recording is terrible. For instance, the constant creaking sound of the wooden swing (Oonjal) is more irritating than atmospheric. The sound design, in general, makes the viewing experience even worse. Editing is another weak point – several unnecessary scenes should have been trimmed to improve pacing. Production values are also nothing special.

Verdict:

On the whole, Madhushala is a dull and lifeless crime drama that offers nothing exciting. Apart from a few moments from Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Manoj Nandham, the performances are forgettable, and the writing lacks engagement. The screenplay is weak, and the film never manages to create any real intrigue. Even the cast didn’t bother promoting this movie, which speaks volumes about its quality. It’s best to skip this forgettable film and watch something truly worth your time.

123telugu.com Rating: 1.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

April 1, 2025

OTT Review : Ponman – Telugu-dubbed film on Jio Hotstar

by 123telugu March 16, 2025

Movie Name : Ponman

Release Date : 14 March, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose ,Deepak Parambol, Anand Manmadhan, Sandhya Rajendran, Rajesh Sharma, Kiran Peethambaran, Reju Sivadas, Jaya Kurupp, Midhun Venugopal, Thankam Mohan, Shylaja P Ambu
Director : Jothish Shankar
Producer : Vinayaka Ajith
Music Director : Justin Varghese
Cinematographer : Sanu John Varghese
Editor : Nidhin Raj Arol
Related Links : Trailer

Ponman, the latest Malayalam film starring Basil Joseph, has made its way to OTT and is now available in Telugu as well. Here’s our take on this dark comedy-drama.

Story:

PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph) has an unusual profession – he lends gold to families in need during weddings, helping them meet societal expectations. When he lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Steffi (Lijomol Jose), he expects an equivalent amount of money to be paid the day after the wedding. However, she refuses and moves to Kollam, her ruthless husband Mariyano’s (Sajin Gopu) hometown. Determined to reclaim what is rightfully his, Ajesh embarks on a risky journey. What challenges does he face? Why did he choose such a precarious profession? Was Mariyano aware of the deal? How does Steffi respond? The film unravels these answers intriguingly.

Plus Points:

Basil Joseph once again proves his knack for picking unique roles. Venturing into dark comedy with a socially relevant backdrop adds an interesting dimension to the film. His performance is compelling, effortlessly balancing humour and emotion.

Sajin Gopu delivers a powerful act as Mariyano, embodying an unpredictable and ruthless character. After making an impression in Aavesham, he surprises with a completely different persona, keeping the audience engaged.

Lijomol Jose makes a mark despite her limited screen presence, portraying Steffi with conviction. The supporting cast, including Anand Manmadhan and Sandhya Rajendran, adds depth to the narrative. The comedy woven into serious moments is a strong highlight of the film.

Minus Points:

While the first half lays a strong foundation, the second half falters in pacing, making the film feel sluggish. The writing loses its grip, leading to sequences that lack the intended impact.

Basil Joseph delivers a solid act, but given his track record in comedic roles, audiences might find it difficult to accept him in a serious setting. The character could have been better suited to an actor with a more intense screen presence.

Certain characters, especially Anand Manmadhan’s, start off well but eventually fade into the background. A more defined character arc would have enhanced their impact on the story.

The climax, which should have been a high point, instead feels abrupt and underwhelming. The final confrontation lacks intensity, and the resolution could have been more gripping.

Technical Aspects:

Director Jothish Shankar presents a decent effort, but a more refined screenplay and stronger character development could have elevated the film. Justin Varghese’s music is functional but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s setting, while Nidhin Raj Arol’s editing could have been sharper to maintain a tighter narrative. The production values are decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Ponman presents a decent premise with a mix of dark comedy and social commentary. While Basil Joseph delivers a commendable performance, the film is weighed down by a slow second half, underdeveloped characters, and an abrupt climax. Despite its flaws, it offers a few engaging moments, making it a passable one-time watch for those who enjoy offbeat dramas.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

March 16, 2025

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