Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Film Review: THE ARCHIES

 THE ARCHIES

Image Courtesy: https://www.koimoi.com/

Cast: Agastya Nanda (Archie Andrews), Vedang Raina (Reggie Mantle), Suhana Khan (Veronica Lodge), Khushi Kapoor (Betty Cooper), Mihir Ahuja (Jughead Jones), Aditi Dot (Ethel), Yuvraj Menda (Dilton Doiley), Alyy Khan (Mr. Lodge)

The Story:

The story is set in 1964 and is based on the world-famous characters from Archie Comics which were published as an extremely popular series from the year 1942 to 2015, with more than 650 issues.

In this Bollywood film by Zoya Akhtar, Archie and his gang of friends live in Riverdale, which is set in India (instead of the US of A). This town is populated by Anglo Indians who have chosen to remain back in India after the country’s independence from British Raj. The movie revolves around Green Park, a large green sector with lush gardens and age-old trees which is in the centre of the town. 

They are all seventeen years old and finishing school, each one thinking about his/her future. Archie, who plans to go to London for higher studies, is a confused teen who isn’t sure who he loves more—Betty or Ronnie. 

Reggie is keen to join the local newspaper where his father is the chief editor. Jughead, who is fond of food more than anything else, works at Pop Tate’s, a food joint. Ethel who crushes on Jughead, who in turn refuses to be aware of her, works at a beauty salon as a hairstylist.

Veronica (Ronnie) has just now returned from spending two years in London and is excited to be back with her friends. Dilton is a super-intelligent nerd who has invented his own version of the radio. 

Mr. Lodge (Ronnie’s millionaire father) is keen to build a hotel in the centre of Riverdale, which will involve destroying most of the green cover. 

The rest is all about how the teenagers manage to save the day.

My Perception:

Let me be upfront here: It took me a while to get my teeth into the film. To begin with, we are living in the space age, while The Archies is set in a 1964 small town. The pace is gentle while song and dance break out in every other scene.

The only musical I have watched is “Sound of Music” which was probably five decades ago. So, yes, I took some time to acclimatise myself to the pace of the film. But once I got into it (around the halfway mark), I fell in love with The Archies, the characters, the actors, the song and dance, just about everything. 

It was so refreshing and innocent. And was it a joy to watch a movie where I did not see one drop of blood!!!!!!! Which needed to be mentioned here as every single movie which has been released recently is full of blood and gore; rifles and swords. Ugh! 

I watched The Archies twice and only fell more in love with it the second time. Agastya Nanda as the confused 17-year-old Archie, was exceptional; as was Vedang Raina as Reggie. And by the way, Vedang sings too. 

Khushi, Sridevi’s daughter, appears as if the veteran actress has come to life. And as Betty, her acting was as good as her mother’s. As for Suhana, SRK’s daughter, she is not only gorgeous, and charming like her famous father, but has acted so well too. 

Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, Aditi Dot (another wonderful singer) as Ethel, Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley, were equally brilliant. The casting was bang on, especially Alyy Khan as Mr. Lodge (minus the specs).

Kudos to Zoya Akhtar for this beautiful and heart-touching movie which brought back a load of childhood memories to life!

VERDICT: A must watch if you like sweet movies with a lot of song and dance; especially one without gore and blood—which I sincerely believe is the need of the hour. 


*Silly
**Shaky
***Smart
****Snazzy
*****Super

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Book Blitz: BEFORE... AFTER (Romantic Shorts #12) by Sundari Venkatraman

  



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: November 26, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Tall, dark, and handsome, Kedar runs a successful start-up which is growing by leaps and bounds. 

The beautiful and intelligent Aditi needs a job urgently after being made redundant by the MNC she had been working for. 

Kedar finds her tailor-made for the position of his second-in-command in his company. It’s not long before their mutual attraction and respect for each other culminates into love; and marriage.  

Twenty years later, the couple is shaken when they are faced with the biggest fear of anyone's life when Aditi is diagnosed with breast cancer. Will their relationship survive these turbulent times?



Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 66 books to her credit, the latest book being BEFORE... AFTER..., which is the 12th romance novella in the Romantic Shorts series. Her books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Monday, September 4, 2023

Netflix Series Review: QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY

 

Pic Courtesy: https://www.legacyrecordings.com

I have watched the first two seasons of the Bridgerton series on Netflix. While I loved the first season, I did not exactly enjoy the second. As for the books, I’ve read them all. The first 7 books were brilliant. But the last one was drab and boring, as if the hero didn’t have any purpose to his life. 

Recently, I got to know that a separate series had been made for Queen Charlotte, taking off from the Bridgerton series and I had to see it.

I binge-watched the six episodes, totaling more than six hours, in two days; and loved every second of it.

It had the perfect masala for a wonderful, heart-rending romance. And what characters!!!

Right from the young Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) and King George (Corey Mylchreest), to Princess Augusta (Michelle Fairley), the queen’s attendant Brimsley (Sam Clemmett), the king’s attendant Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), and the young Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), each actor has rendered his role so beautifully. 

The story is about the arranged marriage between Charlotte from Germany and King George of England; about the nervous disorder the king suffers from; and how the couple make a life together despite all odds.

The English royalty and their secrets are something which is world-renowned. The attendants’ loyalty towards their respective royals has been depicted so splendidly by Brimsley and Reynolds. 

The young Lady Danbury is such a strong character and so very real. I loved her!! 

The series brings the British royals to life and touches your heart. I have to confess that I cried a few times at the young queen and king’s struggles to live their lives away from the spotlight. 

Beautifully made! 

VERDICT: A must watch if you are a fan of regency romance!!



Monday, August 21, 2023

Book Blitz: AQUARIUS REBEL (Written in the Stars #6) by Sundari Venkatraman

  



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: August 19, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Yoga instructor Shreya Udhas from Durban isn't at all interested in getting married, not when she's barely twenty-two. But she's unable to stop her mother from going bridegroom hunting when they are holidaying in Delhi for a couple of months.

Chirag Bhatia runs an ad agency and is based in Delhi. The youngest of three siblings, he's happy to let his older sisters provide the grandchildren for his parents to play with, while he himself prefers to lead the life of a gay bachelor.

Sparks strike when they meet each other for the first time. And it isn’t long before they enter a rocking affair. They don’t even let the distance cramp their style over the next four years.

Until one day, Chirag receives Shreya’s wedding invitation, to someone else. Shocked out of his wits, he’s finally ready to admit to himself that he might be in love. But what if it is too late? 




Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 65 books to her credit, the latest book being AQUARIUS REBEL, which is the 6th and last book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Friday, June 16, 2023

Book Blitz: DANCE WITH ME (Bollywood Bros #2) by Sundari Venkatraman

 



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: June 12, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

An arranged marriage...

At a meeting set up by common friends of the family, it’s instant attraction for Bollywood choreographer Rajiv from Mumbai, when he sets eyes on the beautiful Inaaya from Raipur. Inaaya feels drawn to a man for the first time in her life when she meets Rajiv.

Deeper feelings invoked…

The duo falls under each other’s spell during the few times they meet even before they tie the knot, but are still not sure enough to admit their feelings for one another.

Then the axe falls… creating a rift between the couple 

Despite that, the physical desire between them rages on. But is that enough? Will the hapless duo ever connect on other levels? Or will they go their separate ways?






Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 64 books to her credit, the latest book being DANCE WITH ME, which is the second book in the Bollywood Bros trilogy. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From



Saturday, March 18, 2023

LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED by Sundari Venkatraman

    



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: March 16, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

“I want a divorce.” Shrikant is shaken when his wife of sixteen years greets him with those terrible words when he lands in Singapore, after being separated from her for two long years because of the lockdown which had crippled the world.

Savita knows that she doesn’t deserve a wonderful man like Shrikant, even though she loves him from the bottom of her heart. Which is the reason why she’s ready to leave him; and their teenage daughter, forever.

His heart refuses to let him believe that the woman he loves more than life itself, wants to divorce him. And he tries his best to dissuade her from taking such a drastic step.

But will she listen to him? And what about Shrikant, is his love strong enough to face the truth of why Savita wants to go her separate way?





Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 63 books to her credit, the latest book being LOVE... NO CONDITIONS ASKED, which is a standalone novel. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From





Monday, February 6, 2023

Book Blitz: LIBRA'S FLAME (Written in the Stars #5) by Sundari Venkatraman

     



Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie published)
Publication Date: February 2, 2023
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Romance

STORY-IN-BRIEF

Dipika Sanyal is an established, internationally renowned business woman, running a modelling agency. She is swept off her feet by the handsome Mudit, who simply refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer. The Libra woman is completely floored from the word go.

Mudit Trivedi is the financial director of a multi-million crore business. He is deeply attracted to Dipika the moment he sets eyes on her. The Gemini does not want to wait for even a moment before getting to know her better.

Things go really well for the two in the beginning, until his estranged family enters the picture. Dipika has never met a ruder person than his father. Will their relationship survive the strain placed upon it?

Read the book to find out if this hot and sizzling pair of Libra and Gemini can have a life together.



A preview of #LibrasFlame


Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 62 books to her credit, the latest book being LIBRA'S FLAME, which is the fifth book in the Written in the Stars series. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.

These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press. 

Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.

Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.

Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.


You can stalk her @
      

Grab Your Copy From