Showing posts with label Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Show all posts
Heroines go beyond just being accessories in a film, says Neeyat writer Advaita Kala
8:14 AM
Reuniting with Vidya after Kahaani, Neeyat writer thrilled that women-led stories get greenlit more easily than they did a decade ago
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; July 7, 2023)
Murder mystery is a genre that Advaita Kala relishes. So, when the opportunity to write director Anu Menon’s Neeyat came her way, she grabbed it with both hands. The movie marks her maiden collaboration with sister Girvani Dhyani, who is a published author based in New York. “I got my sister on board. We teamed up [to write the film] during the lockdown,” begins Kala.
Starring Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Shahana Goswami, Rahul Bose and Prajakta Koli, Neeyat sees a business tycoon’s birthday bash taking a dark turn when he is found murdered. As soon as the trailer dropped, netizens pointed out that it was strikingly similar to the Knives Out franchise. But Kala defends the murder mystery, which also has Priya Venkataraman as one of the writers, with Kausar Munir penning the dialogues.
“When I first saw the Knives Out trailer, I thought it had an Agatha Christie vibe. While watching Knives Out, I was reminded of Hercule Poirot. Neeyat is an Indian story. Its shoot was wrapped up even before Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery [2022] released. Also, closed-circle mysteries are common in this genre.”
Neeyat not only enabled her to explore her favourite genre, but also boasts of her favourite actor. “Vidya is one of the best actors we have,” says the screenwriter, who had teamed up with her to give us the genre-defining Kahaani (2012).
“Since Kahaani, the industry has changed. OTT platforms have established their audience. Now, there is so much space for female-centric stories. Back then, it was a challenge to get Kahaani made as we not only had a female protagonist, but she was also pregnant. Now, it’s great to see so many stories driven by female protagonists. Heroines go beyond just being accessories in a film.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY by FENIL SETA
2:57 PM
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which releases on Netflix tomorrow, is a rare film that is set in the lockdown and the makers have even incorporated it into its storyline. The first 15 minutes are splendid as also the scenes where the characters reach the island. The film drops from hereon as nothing much happens and the makers take too much time to build up. At the mid-point, the film sets the mood finally. The second half is very impressive and the genius of writer-director Rian Johnson comes to the fore. The climax is unique and hilarious and one wouldn’t have expected something of this sort in a murder mystery. Speaking of performances, Daniel Craig has limited screen time in the sequel but he compensates for it with his highly memorable performance and witty lines. Edward Norton (Miles Bron) is superb as the genius, eccentric billionaire, and he’ll instantly remind viewers of someone. Janelle Monáe (Andi) has an important part and she rocks the show. She also looks quite stunning. Dave Bautista (Duke Cody) leaves a mark. Kathryn Hahn (Claire) is decent but Kate Hudson (Birdie Jay) is memorable. Madelyn Cline (Whiskey) makes her presence felt. All in all, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery works due to the performances, setting and superb second half.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
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