A personal film journal, with a point of view
Good stories deserve good criticism.
Reviews, recommendations and thoughtful detours through film and television. Honest opinions, useful context, and no pretending every release is for everyone.
The latest from the desk
Recent reviews.
A considered selection, not a wall of identical cards.
↗The Fall of the House of Usher Review: A Bloody, Brilliant but Uneven Mike Flanagan Nightmare
Mike Flanagan brings gothic dread, gruesome deaths and an outstanding ensemble to The Fall of the House of Usher, but the storytelling feels stretched and the horror never fully lands. Our review.
↗The India Story (2026): A Powerful Idea Buried Under Awful Execution
A 2/5 verdict on The India Story: a socially relevant pesticide-contamination drama let down by unconvincing performances, clumsy execution, sluggish pacing and a distracting soundtrack.
↗Carrie (2026): A Binge-Worthy Reimagining That Stumbles at the Finish Line
A longtime Carrie fan's take on Mike Flanagan's Prime Video series: rich character work, an absorbing modern horror story, a terrific Summer H. Howell, and an ending that falls short of its potential.
↗Sondharuchi, Bopal: All the Hype, None of the Taste
My candid Sondharuchi Bopal review: disappointing interiors, limited service, an unpleasant biryani, a forgettable Bengali-style roll, and one saving grace in the chowmein.
Beyond the review
From the journal.
The Streaming Paradox: More Choice, Less Discovery
India's streaming boom has put almost limitless entertainment within reach. But as subscriptions multiply and catalogues swell, finding something genuinely worth watching has become its own problem.
Story-Driven Games to Play With Family: Where to Start on PlayStation
Looking for games that are enjoyable to play around the family? These story-driven and accessible PlayStation games offer different ways to enjoy gaming together.
Indian Spy Thrillers to Watch After Special Ops
Finished Special Ops? Here are Indian spy thrillers and intelligence dramas to explore next, from The Family Man and Mumbai Diaries to newer takes on the genre.
What to Watch After Neagley: 10 Action, Crime & Mystery Series to Watch Next
Finished Neagley? Here are 10 action, crime, mystery and espionage series worth considering next, depending on what you enjoyed about the Reacher spin-off.
The Nilaanjan approach
Personal opinions.
Useful context. No noise.
Every review starts with an actual experience and tries to answer the question that matters most: is this worth your time? This is an independent space for thoughtful criticism, entertainment writing and the occasional rabbit hole.
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