This week promises to be exhilarating for movie enthusiasts with a great line-up of inspirational storytelling, chilling horror, and nostalgic classics. Whether you’re a fan of haunting tales or cinematic legacies, the big screen is the place to be. While Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate the box office with its electrifying story and performances, the week, apart from the new releases, celebrates legends of Indian cinema with two spectacular events on the big screen. As part of Raj Kapoor’s centenary celebrations, a special retrospective titled Raj Kapoor 100 brings ten of his timeless classics back to theatres. Adding to the excitement, Mani Ratnam’s 1991 masterpiece Thalapathi returns to theatres in honour of Rajinikanth’s birthday. Head to your nearest PVR-Inox Cinemas now!
Zero Se Restart
Directed by Jaskunwar Kohli, Zero Se Restart is an inspiring journey through the making of 12th Fail, the 2023 blockbuster starring Vikrant Massey. Featuring music by Shantanu Moitra, who also composed for 12th Fail, the documentary is a tribute to the challenges and triumphs behind the making of the film.
It also reveals how the 2023 film earned praise from many formidable stars and glowing reviews from critics. The success came after the feature’s release; the doc shows the uphill battle faced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who struggled to find a director willing to take on the project.
Through voiceovers and behind-the-scenes (BTS) moments, Zero Se Restart highlights Chopra’s determination and Massey’s incredible dedication to the role. Fun interactions on set and other touching BTS details, like Vikrant rubbing his slipper to make it look worn, the doc captures the passion that brought 12th Fail to life. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in stories of perseverance and creativity in filmmaking.
Heretic
Heretic brings chills and suspense to the screen in a gripping psychological horror from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the minds behind A Quiet Place (2018). Starring Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Hugh Grant, the film follows two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as they enter the home of a reclusive man, only to uncover a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
With its tense atmosphere and sharp storytelling, Heretic has been hailed as one of the best horror films of 2024, earning high praise since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The undertone of the story is religious, but it subtly explores how people interact with faith and belief, provoking you to think while it terrifies you.
The fans of intelligent horror will be delighted with the haunting experience that Heretic delivers. With stellar performances, this is a must-watch film on the big screen for anyone who loves horror with a deeper message.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim marks a stunning return to animation for the beloved Middle-earth saga after over two decades. Set 183 years before Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy (released between 2001 and 2003), this epic tale dives into the story of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan, as he defends his kingdom against a relentless invasion.
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the film follows Helm (voiced by Brian Cox) as he and his family take refuge in the Hornburg—later known as Helm’s Deep—facing off against Wulf, a vengeful lord of the Dunlendings. Héra, Helm’s determined daughter, is at the heart of the story, who rises as a beacon of hope and leadership amid the chaos, proving that courage runs deep in the House of Rohan.
With stunning animation and a powerful narrative, The War of the Rohirrim expands on the lore of Middle-earth, offering fans both familiar and new an unforgettable cinematic journey. This film is a must-see big-screen experience for any lover of fantasy and adventure, featuring the voice talents of Gaia Wise and Miranda Otto.
Reliving the Legacy: Thalapathi Returns to the Big Screen on Rajinikanth’s Birthday
There’s something about Mani Ratnam’s Thalapathi that feels eternal, like a song you never tire of humming. When it was first released in 1991, it wasn’t just a movie but an experience. And now, decades later, on the occasion of Rajinikath’s birthday on December 12, it is set to create that magic all over again with its re-release.
The film’s lead, Rajinikanth as Surya, embodies raw emotion, playing an orphan whose fiery sense of loyalty becomes both his strength and Achilles’ heel. Opposite him is Mammootty as Deva, a feared yet noble gangster with an unshakable moral compass. Together, the GOATs of Tamil and Malayalam Cinema form a bond that transcends the boundaries of friendship. At its core, Thalapathi is a modern reimagining of Karna and Duryodhana from the Mahabharata—a tale of duty, justice, and the complexities of moral choices.
Mani Ratnam has always been a master at weaving grandeur with intimacy. Whether it’s the nuanced performances of Shobana and Arvind Swamy or Ilaiyaraaja’s haunting melodies that linger long after the credits roll, every frame of Thalapathi feels like poetry in motion. The re-release isn’t just for nostalgia seekers; it’s an invitation for new audiences to witness a piece of Indian cinematic history.
A Cinematic Tribute: Celebrating 100 Years of Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor. The name itself conjures images of laughter, tears, and hope. His stories didn’t just entertain—they connected people, crossing borders and bridging cultures. And now, as the world marks 100 years since the birth of this cinematic giant, a special retrospective brings his timeless classics back to theatres.
Raj Kapoor 100 is a journey through the heart of Indian cinema. From December 13 to 15, PVR INOX theatres across 40 cities will screen ten of Kapoor’s most iconic films in 101 screens for just ₹100—a gesture that feels like it comes straight from his philosophy of making cinema accessible to all. Kapoor’s ability to blend simplicity with grandiosity made his work stand out—not just in India but across the globe. From Russia to Uzbekistan, his films earned him fans in unexpected corners of the world. The Kapoor family’s next-gen stars, including Ranbir and Kareena, are making sure to reintroduce Raj Kapoor’s cinematic genius to today’s fans.
Films like Awara and Shree 420 remain as relevant today as they were decades ago. Who can forget the wanderer’s anthem, “Mera Joota Hai Japani”, or the emotional story of identity in Awara? And then there’s Sangam, a tale of love and sacrifice that still tugs at heartstrings, and Mera Naam Joker, a deeply personal exploration of the life of a performer.
Raj Kapoor’s films have never been just about storytelling but also about capturing humanity in all its shades. The screenings also include gems like Bobby, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Aag, Barsaat, Jagte Raho, and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, making it a nostalgic treat for longtime fans and an education for younger generations. This isn’t just a movie marathon that deserves a trip to the theatres—it’s a celebration of the man who taught us to dream.
