It's OK not to be OK

 It's OK not to be OK is a Korean Drama series that is a beautiful and heartfelt watch. Each episode is enthralling and keeps us glued. The series is addictive and the characters are well formed and they give some great performances. The lead characters are adorable and we just cannot get our eyes away from the screen. What is it that makes them so magnetic!

It's OK not to be OK is a South Korean romance drama. The series follows a selfless psychiatric ward caretaker and an antisocial children's book writer. How their relationship with each other moves forward forms the crux of the storyline. The series is thoughtful and moving. It is a great entertainer and at the same time really heartfelt.

Every time the male lead comes on screen, I cannot get my eyes away, he is truly adorable.

I suggest that you watch this series in the Korean language with English subtitles to get the feel of it. Each and every character is exemplary. This Korean drama series is not to be missed. It's streaming on Netflix.

The ABC Murders

 Book Review -The ABC Murders

Author-Agatha Christie

Genre-Mystery/Thriller

I was bowled over by this book! It is difficult to put this one down as we have an urge to know who the killer is. Everything is so mysterious and we start working out in our minds to find the culprit, thinking we are smart enough to guess. Easier said than done. Even at the fag end we think we have the killer and then we are left dumbstruck.

Agatha Christie does it once again with her brilliant story telling. This mystery is about a serial killer, who is seen to be a maniac who kills for the thrill out gives him. He starts with killing a lady whose name begins with the letter A and she also resides in a place that begins with the letter A. An anonymous letter tells us that this is the first among the series is murders that are about to follow, in alphabetical order.

This brings about a state of panic all around. What is the murderer trying to achieve when he is proclaiming in advance about the murders he is about to commit? Mrs Ascher in Andover, Betty Bernard in Bexhill, Sir Michael Clarke in Churston....how long will this list get? Is the murderer successful in completing all the 26 murders and after which must is he actually caught forms the crux of the engaging story.

Hercule Poirot along with his trusted aid, Captain Hastings are a force to reckon with and they are successful in cracking this strange case. The story is well narrated but it is not as impactful as some of the other mysteries. I read this after a superb thriller, 'And then there were None' so maybe it heightened my expectations.

It is always a joy to read when it is raining outside. Reading and raining are a good match!

Crash Landing on You

 I am totally mesmerized by this series Crash Landing on You. It's sentimental, romantic and thrilling. There is drama, action and romance in good measure. The story line is interesting and we can't help feeling in love with the central characters. Each and every character is well defined and you are drawn into story within no time. We laugh with them, cry with them and of course, we feel their love. It's like as if we are there with them. Such amazingly romantic and emotional moments!

The performances are exceptional and I must add that the series has a version dubbed in English but you can feel the essence of the story only if you watch it in the original language. It is so pleasant to watch it in the original language. The story with its many twists and turns, keeps us engaged. The songs are soothing and melodious but I wish they too came with subtitles in English. I cried loads at the emotional scenes and the romance automatically brought a smile on my face. How magical is this series! So glad I did not miss this one. Waiting to watch more of these.

At the end of every episode they have some amazing snapshots of the episode and a preview of the next episode that makes us curious to know what happens next. This series has my heart and I am binge watching it without any regrets.

Do watch this series and thank me later. It's streaming on Netflix.

Luca

 A must watch!

Silencio Bruno!!!

In this world of hate, mistrust and unkindness, this movie Luca is like a breath of fresh air and just the right thing that kids and adults alike need to watch.

The animation is undoubtedly spectacular but the story, voice overs and every character is simply brilliant. I cannot imagine how creative, sentimental and heart warming this movie is.

Luca and his family are adorable sea monsters and they do their best to keep Luca at from the surface. They do not want him to come in contact with the scary humans. As luck would have it, Luca meets Alberto who inspires Luca to challenge his inner negative voices and do what he dreams to do.

What can I say about the sets and location of the story, it's simply fantastic! The colourful sketches shown during the end credits are also amazing! Brilliant music and animation, wonderful story line, great message and heart warming characters makes this movie really special and spectacular.

"Silencio Bruno!" is the mantra to follow as each one of us has to face the nay-sayers and those who always try to bring us down and undermine our worth. These is a must watch for it is a beautiful story about love, going after our dreams, friendship and facing our demons. Each character is life-like and adorable. These are the movies that our kids should watch, as against the violent video games and movies they watch. Most of these Disney movies promote values like love for family, loyalty, kindness, courage and determination.

I wish everyone would watch Luca and understand how each one of us can achieve our dream if only we are willing to put in the right effort. Whatever we do in life, we always need that encouraging friend who will guide and show is the way. Do not miss this one, please!

Shaadistaan

 Watching Shaadisthan on Disney Hotstar and it is a good watch.

Please watch this one!

'Bhaad mein jaaye samaaj!' This line sums up the movie.

Simple and unassuming story with a lot of truth in it. The best thing about these small budget films on the OTT platform is that they are like a slice of life. They are unpretentious and realistic.

The characters are well formed and the story line is interesting and innovative.The acting is also good, no complains there! I am a fan of movies where a journey or road trip is involved. Like in life, we have different routes to take and we should try to make the most of the journey. Every journey is an experience in itself, instead of just waiting to reach our destination, it's important to enjoy the journey.

There is a colourful bus/van that is used by a music band, how exciting is that! A family of three boards this van to reach Rajasthan where they have to attend Cholu's wedding ceremony.What happens doing this journey from Mumbai to Rajasthan forms the crux of the story.

There are some superb songs and the background score is peppy. This is an entertaining watch for sure. Just one familiar face among the artists and yet we don't feel deprived of anything. It really does you show that it is the story and not only the actors that make the film a success. Of course, it goes without saying that it is the good artists that are creating waves all around and no one is eager to watch the big names. So watch this one for wholesome entertainment. There is a message, yet it is not preachy in any way.

Haseen Dillruba

 An unexpectedly good thriller! A love story which is also a murder mystery. Vikrant Massey is really an understated but exemplary actor. He steals the show effortlessly with his screen presence. Tapsee Pannu is good but the story line is the hero here. We keep wondering what happens next and all's well that ends well.

The beginning half has it's hilarious moments. There is a stud and some smooching involved. Some nice love anecdotes and beautiful songs complete this watchable thriller. A bit gory in one scene particularly but otherwise it is an engaging one. Do watch this one!

Chaar

 An anthology of four impressively narrated stories that are simplistic yet so endearing. The stories are written by Parasuram, Sharadindu Bandopadhyay and the one and only, Satyajit Ray.

Had to watch this after I watched the preview of another anthology of Satyajit Ray's work on Netflix. Will be watching that one too as it seems really interesting.

So these short stories are heartfelt and interesting. The first story tells us how a writers novel deeply impacts the readers. The second one acquaints us with two friends who, after making a pact with each other, reunite after 25 long years. The third story is all about a singer who has a experience that bewilders her and the fourth one is about a woman who tests a man's worthiness for marriage.

All the stories have a different impact on the viewers and also provide us with food for thought. Do watch this one before you watch the other anthology titled Ray that is streaming on Netflix.

Descendants of the Sun

 Korean Dramas are truly addictive!

Descendants of the Sun has me hooked. The lead pair is swoon worthy and the storyline is gripping and full of romance and drama in good measures. Its interesting to see all the ups and downs that the characters face as they come closer to each other. This is more than just a romantic series, there is a lot about patriotism, friendship, work ethics and relationships.

This series Descendants of the Sun is a much-loved one and deservingly so. I am still hooked on this one and cannot rest till I watch the last episode. Song Joon ki as Captain Yoo Si-jin or Big Boss is simply fantastic. He has a magnetic screen presence. He falls in love with Song Hye-kyo as Mo-yeon who is a surgeon who works at Haesung Hospital, at first sight but gets rejected by her three times.

Captain Yoo Si-Jin is the Captain and leader of Alpha Team, a fictional elite special forces team of the Special Mission Battalion in South Korea. He followed in the footsteps of his father, a retired Sergeant Major, into the military and graduated from the Korea Military Academy at the top of his class. Si-Jin cares little for the politics of war and believes in protecting and defending those who need help, his country and his men's honour, even if it means having to question his superiors' orders. His light-hearted approach to life and witty sense of humour make him popular with his team and subordinates. The story revolves around the lead couple and the circumstances that lead to their meeting and distancing from each other. Captain Yoo Si-Jin and Mo-Yeon talk about their views on life and realise how different they are. Si-jin, as a soldier, kills to protect lives while Mo-Yeon, as a doctor, honours the Hippocratic Oath and tries to save lives. Due to their philosophical differences, they agree to part ways. Do they part ways forever or does fate bring them together again forms the crux of the storyline.

Malik

 Watching Malik on Amazon Prime. It is an engaging crime drama. Fahaadh Fasil is absolutely exemplary and lives the character he plays. His progression from his teens to the time he is 60 takes the story forward. It is a all about smuggling, politics and one up-manship. Superb characterization and storyline with no dull moment in between.

The female lead is also an extraordinary artist. Religion and politics is a deadly combination. Communalism raises it's ugly head and turns the story around. There are some violent scenes and statements that may be be objectionable from some point of view. The movie reminded me of the movie Nayakan/Dayavan where the smuggler and local don becomes a good Samaritan for the locals and they do their best to save him from any harm. The climax is spine chilling. The versatility of this amazing performer is for all to see. All in all a wonderful watch. Beautiful locations, great music, superb dialogues, outstanding cinematography. Fans of FaFa just cannot miss this one!

It's streaming on Amazon Prime.

ToofaAn

 I am a huge fan of films about sports and sportspersons so this was no different. It is inspiring and heartfelt. It invokes a feeling of determination and encourages us to follow our passion and never give up. This is the story of Aziz Ali(Farhan Akhtar), a boy from Dongri who considers himself to be a fan of the boxing legend, Mohammad Ali and aspires to follow the sport of boxing. He has a mentor Nana Prabhu (Paresh Rawal) who guides him to achieve his goal. He finds himself a friend, Dr.Ananya Prabhu (Mrunal Thakur) who goads him on and encourages him to believe in himself. The director, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has done an amazing job with the film.

The journey of Aziz Ali from a ruffian who collects debts from others, to that of a renowned boxer, is well narrated. The exercise routines and his ripping body will make you wide eyed and leave you stunned. It's incredible how much effort Farhan Akhtar has put in for this film. I have immense praise for Farhan's sincere portrayal of Aziz Ali.Mrunal Thakur has also done a wonderful job as his love interest and Paresh Rawal is as usual, a delight to watch as the stern coach. Truly speaking, it was a bit unnerving to see the fighting bouts but then it is all a part of the game, so no complains there. All the blood and punches makes me cringe a bit. I had to look away at times doing during the bouts. Then there is also the Hindu-Muslim angle that is brought to the fore. The opposition and the challenges meet by the lovers is highlighted and finally alls well that ends well in Bollywood.

A good sports drama that can uplift us and encourage us to work to achieve our goals and dreams. Nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and put in the right effort to achieve our goals. Success will belong to those who have grit and work tirelessly without giving up.

Is this movie excellent? No

Is it predictable? Yes!

Is it melodramatic? Yes!

Is it fast paced? No

Does Farhan have a ripped body? Yes!

This is a good film that we can watch one time for the message.

It is engaging and inspirational but a bit of a drag.

Streaming on Amazon Prime.

Navillera

 What an amazing series!

Navillera follows two ballet dancers as they form a unique and life-changing friendship through ballet. Park In-hwan plays the 70-year-old retired mailman Shim Deok-chul, while Song Kang portrays the 23-year-old ballet dancer Lee Chae-rok.

It is emotionally charged and very inspiring. The characters are well defined and they do a marvellous job of making their presence felt in every frame. Song Kang is awesome in every way! I cannot believe he dances so well, like a dream. Park In-wan is also excellent and portrays each emotion with heart.

The story line is touching and makes us wonder about what we want to achieve in life. This series is a reminder that it is never too late to achieve your dreams. Many a times, we are so caught up in the routine life that we fail to follow our heart. Later when we are older and have fulfilled our role as parents, we realise that we have not worked towards our goals and aspirations. We feel it's too late to think of our dreams but this series makes us think about what we can do.

Do watch this series. It is heartfelt and engaging in every episode. I loved the actors,they are so v perfect for their roles. This is a series about ballet soI I can imagine the tremendous amount of effort they have taken to get their dance moves right. The hero is too damn adorable and it's magical to watch him dance. We get to watch some beautiful ballet performances but this series is not just about that.

It is about family and relationships. It's about going that extra step forward to achieve something. It is about doing the right thing when it matters most. It is also a reminder that learning is a life long process and it is never too late to learn.

Age is just a number and we should take motivation from those who have worked towards achieving their goals. I am blessed to know so many people who are working to achieve their goals although they are at an age where people would consider them as 'too old'. At my age, I have heard from so many people that what I am doing is not suitable for my age. I have learnt to turn deaf to their comments and do what I want to do. Many a times we allow people to decide what we can and cannot do and live by their parameters. It is time to break free from the shackles of their measures and decide for ourselves what we are capable of. Let us go forward in life with a goal. Let us learn to live, rather than just exist. I am sure each one of us has that dream at the back of our minds that we want to achieve. Do it for yourself. You owe it to yourself. This is a must watch series, right up there in my list. I am so glad I watched it.

(Please keep a box of tissues handy.)

Nevertheless

 This series has my heart! It is so beautiful to see the romance. This a light hearted story about two individuals who have feelings for each other. This is all about the equation they share and what circumstances lead to as they move ahead as friends. The lead pair have amazing chemistry. There are some steamy scenes too here! Even the simple romantic scenes are adorable and the love scenes are sensous.

Are they meant for each other?

It's for you to find out when you watch this one.

The lead, Song Kang is amazing and we just can't take our eyes off him. His smile is mesmerizing and he is enticing in every screen. Those eyes are captivating too. His personality is charming and he is a true babe magnet. I just cannot get enough of him. Can't help falling in love with him!

The Shawshank Redemption

 Hope is a good thing.

Maybe it is the best thing.

This movie is all about hope and how it keeps us going.

Tom Robbins and Morgan Freeman are excellent as inmates at the Shawshank Correction Institute. They effortlessly play their roles and carry the movie forward.

The movie is a brilliant narration of events that happen at the jail. It tells us about the inside story of the prison life. There are some exceptionally good scenes and dialogues that stay with you long after the movie. The story is engaging and we are bowled over by what people can accomplish if they set their heart in it and keep their hopes high.

I was waiting for long to watch this one and I am glad I did. It has got many bitter-sweet moments.

It is a must watch movie and is streaming on Netflix.

Encounter

 What a warm and fuzzy feeling you get right in the first episode that you watch of this series!

I wonder how life would be if we all had an amazing love story like this!

The story is romantic and like a dream sequence. I love the way they have included photographs and sketches in the first few episodes, don't know whether it carries forward to the other episodes. Park Bo-gum looks like a dream with his long unruly locks in the first episode. The locations are also enchanting.

The male lead, Park Bo-gum is simply gorgeous and you just can't stop smiling when he smiles. The female lead, Song Hye Kyo is also stunning and they make an adorable pair. Although it is a rich girl meets poor boy story, it is engaging as it has a lot to offer. The background music score is superb and the songs are melodious and catchy. I have to mention that each character stays true to his role and the acting is brilliant. Especially watch out for the scene where the lover boys mother meets his girlfriend and when the couple breaks up. Park Bo-gum is amazing in the scene he visits his girlfriend after the break up. Simply heart-wrenching moments!

There are some beautiful romantic moments captured and there are some lovely lines on love in these series. The songs, sketches, poetry, location and the warm and heartfelt storyline make this series a must-watch. There are some beautiful paintings that are so apt for the story. This series makes me long to travel to Cuba, what an amazing place it is! It is on my travel list now!

I loved what I saw so far in this series. Waiting to see where this story leads. This too is an addictive series, just like so many other KDramas. Do watch this one too! You just cannot miss this one. Park Bo-gum is too adorable for words and he simply lights up the screen with his bright smile. This series is surely not be be missed!

Navarasa

 This is a must watch for the nine short stories that have been presented with love and simplicity. The stories touch your hearts and they seem very realistic. The locations are superb and blend in so well with the stories. These stories bring us a slice of life and the emotions that come with it. The actors are brilliant at what they do. This is a must watch series that is short and can be watched in a day.

It's amazing how we can identify with the emotions portrayed and there are so many similar incidents that have happened in our lives that correspond with these emotions, but in other ways. The songs and the picturization of the title song in the credits is absolutely stunning. I just did not like the eighth story about courage. All the rest were superb. I loved the last couple and their chemistry too.

Nine amazing story tellers have come together to weave this beautiful series. This is a good watch for sure. It's streaming on Netflix.

The Good Doctor

 Just started watching this one and was pleasantly surprised. It is an insightful series about the happenings at a hospital in San Jose.

Some brilliant characterizations and acting on display here. This is all about the trials and tribulations faced by the medical fraternity with a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome among them. This series has some heart-stopping moments.

What are the challenges the doctor has to face to prove his excellence? Is he accepted as one among them? This forms the crux of the story. All those who are a fan of medical cases will enjoy this series to the fullest. Every episode leaves us with a message or something to think about. An amazing series which I am watching as a distraction from the romantic Korean Drama series. This series has been remade in Korean too as Good Doctor so you can watch that one too as an added option to see some Korean oppas.

Do watch this one, you will not be disappointed. I am enjoying every episode so far. Lot of heart, great dialogues and subtle humour.

Streaming on Netflix.

Something in the Rain

 Such a beautiful story!

Complete with love, heart-break, opposition and other challenges. The lead couple is truly adorable. So many heart-warming moments. It is a look at love between an older woman and younger man. The couple have siblings who are friends with each other. There are two songs that constantly play in the background during important events and they are really meaningful and melodious.

It's amazing how even a simple story narrated well can touch your hearts. There is no undue drama, sex or exposure in these Korean dramas yet they are so endearing! The locations, language, food and the bonds they share with their family and friends makes it so realistic and engaging. Do watch this series.