KCdesi – Fall in Love With India. In KC.

Desi Bites – Khate Jao…

This fast-casual Indian restaurant, located inside the new KC India Mart complex in Overland Park, offers a vibrant and flavorful dining experience with a focus on freshness and authenticity. From Indo-Chinese favorites and rich curries to dosas, bhel, chaats, and a wide range of vegetarian dishes, Desi Bites brings together the best of Indian street food and homestyle cooking.

KC India Mart

For the past two decades, this beloved community staple has specialized in providing an exceptional range of over 6,000 authentic Indian products—ranging from fresh produce, rice, flours, and lentils to a wide variety of gourmet snacks, sweets, pooja essentials, and frozen convenience foods. Known for their weekly ad specials and friendly in-store atmosphere, KC India Mart also features a cozy café serving popular Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, samosas, and chaat-style snacks. With a recent expansion into a larger space near 135th and Hemlock, the store continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to quality, tradition, and customer satisfaction.

Welcoming KC India Mart and DesiBites to KCdesi

Welcoming KC India Mart – Greater KC’s Premier Indian Grocery Destination
We are honored to welcome KC India Mart, conveniently located in Overland Park, as a proud KCdesi Prime Partner! For the past two decades, this beloved community staple has specialized in providing an exceptional range of over 6,000 authentic Indian products—ranging from fresh produce, rice, flours, and lentils to a wide variety of gourmet snacks, sweets, pooja essentials, and frozen convenience foods. Known for their weekly ad specials and friendly in-store atmosphere, KC India Mart also features a cozy café serving popular Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, samosas, and chaat-style snacks. With a recent expansion into a larger space near 135th and Hemlock, the store continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to quality, tradition, and customer satisfaction. We are proud to support and collaborate with a business that plays such a vital role in helping the Indian community stay connected to its cultural roots.


Introducing Desi Bites – Fresh, Flavorful Indian Fast-Casual Dining in KC
KCdesi is excited to welcome Desi Bites to our Prime Partner family! This fast-casual Indian restaurant, located inside the new KC India Mart complex in Overland Park, offers a vibrant and flavorful dining experience with a focus on freshness and authenticity. From Indo-Chinese favorites and rich curries to dosas, bhel, chaats, and a wide range of vegetarian dishes, Desi Bites brings together the best of Indian street food and homestyle cooking. Their menu is thoughtfully crafted to suit dine-in, takeout, and catering needs, making it a go-to spot for busy families and professionals alike. With a modern setup, easy online ordering, and quick service kiosks, Desi Bites has quickly become a favorite among food lovers in the KC area. We are delighted to partner with a business that shares our passion for community and cultural celebration through food.


08/23 – The Jamie Lever Show – A Double Dhamaka Night of Comedy in Kansas City!

The Jamie Lever Show – A Double Dhamaka Night of Comedy in Kansas City!

RK Entertainment Inc. is thrilled to bring you an evening of side-splitting comedy, energy, and entertainment with The Jamie Lever Show, happening live in Kansas City on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. Known for her impeccable comic timing, stage presence, and versatility, Jamie Lever, one of India’s leading female comedians and performers, is set to captivate the audience with her one-of-a-kind humor and charm.

This much-anticipated show will be held at the Kansas City Scottish Rite Temple, located at 1330 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64109. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the performance begins at 7:00 PM sharp, so be sure to arrive early to grab your seats and soak in the electric atmosphere.

Double Dhamaka Special – This is not just a show, it’s a full-fledged experience you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of comedy, Bollywood-style entertainment, and live performances that leave a lasting impression.

Ticket prices are affordable and tiered to fit every budget:

  • General Admission: $19, $29, $39

  • Premium Experience: $49

  • Exclusive VVIP Seating also available for those looking to enjoy the best view in the house.

Tickets are in high demand and selling fast, so act quickly to reserve yours and be part of a night filled with laughter and joy.

For ticket bookings or more details, contact Jigar Barot at (631) 507-1542.

Brought to you by RK Entertainment Inc., with support from Suvysoft and B-Live Events, this is Kansas City’s must-attend desi entertainment event of the summer.

Sandy Listing – 7424 Maywood Ave, Raytown

Charming Brick Ranch Home in Raytown – Spacious, Updated & Move-In Ready!

We are pleased to feature this beautifully maintained all-brick ranch-style home located at 7424 Maywood Ave, Raytown, MO 64133, now available for $255,000. Set on a generous .26-acre lot, this spacious home offers over 3,100 sq ft of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a finished walk-up lower level, and an oversized 2-car garage. Recent updates include remodeled bathrooms, solid wood interior doors, oak cabinetry in the kitchen, and modern appliances. The home’s versatile lower level can function as a recreation space or mother-in-law suite, with a full kitchen, family room, and bathroom.

With beautiful mature trees, a private fenced backyard, and extra pad parking for RV/boat, this home is a true gem in a convenient location close to shopping, dining, and top schools. Listed by Sandy Herrick of ReeceNichols, a KCdesi Prime Member, this property reflects her commitment to quality and care in every listing. For more information, contact Sandy at (913) 205-4333.

New Listing – Perfect for owner occupy or as a investment property.  If you are thinking about getting into real estate investment, please reach out to me and let’s get started.

Contact me for a private showing

Sandy Herrick

ReeceNichols

913-205-4333

 

Sandy Herrick Listing – 5301 Sycamore Dr, Roeland Park

🏡 Spotlight: 5301 Sycamore Dr, Roeland Park, KS 66205

Offered at $380,000 • 3 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 2,371 sq ft

Discover this charming Cape Cod–style home nestled on a corner lot in Roeland Park. Its character-rich interior features arched doorways, original hardwood floors, and dual fireplaces—one in the living room and another in the family room—offering a cozy ambiance throughout.

✨ Home Highlights:

  • Built in 1940, this home maintains its vintage charm while offering modern possibilities.

  • First-floor layout includes 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths; the upper level adds a spacious bedroom, bonus room, and a half bath .

  • Finished basement, single-car garage, and a large fenced backyard with a covered patio and a huge shed—perfect for hobbies and outdoor gatherings .

  • 1.5-acre lot with mature trees and a corner location enhances curb appeal and privacy .

  • Award-winning Shawnee Mission School District, with Roesland Elementary, Hocker Grove Middle, and SM North High nearby.

  • Excellent commute options, close to parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and interstates.

🤝 Meet Sandy Herrick — KCdesi Prime Partner & Trusted Realtor

This property is listed by Sandy Herrick, a respected agent with ReeceNichols – Overland Park, and a proud KCdesi Prime Partner. Sandy brings local expertise and deep community connections to every transaction:

  • 📞 Phone: (913) 205‑4333

  • Recognized for her professionalism and dedication in serving Kansas City area clients .

Why This Listing Matters to KCdesi Readers

5301 Sycamore Dr stands out as both a thoughtful renovation opportunity and a delightful family home. Its blend of classic charm, functional living space, and community advantages—including excellent schools and quick access to city amenities—make it an excellent match for KC’s dynamic Indian community.

Plus, with Sandy Herrick as your agent, you receive personalized attention from a trusted KCdesi partner deeply invested in supporting local Indian families through their home-buying journey.

👉 Explore more details and photos on the original listing here.

Ready to take the next step?

Connect with Sandy Herrick to schedule a showing, learn about financing, or explore how this home aligns with your family’s needs.

07/26 – Laughter For A Cause by Akshaya Patra KC

Akshaya Patra USA Kansas Chapter Presents

Laughter For A Cause Featuring Omi Vaidya

Saturday July 26th 2025 • 7:30 pm
Eagles Landing at Lake Olathe 475 S. Ward Cliff Dr. Olathe, KS 66061

Comedy night in Kansas featuring Omi Vaidya, American & bollywood Actor, American English Comedian and Entertainer. He is best known for his performance as Chatur Ramalingam or “Silencer” in the 2009 buddy-drama film, 3 Idiots. In addition, Vaidya has played roles on The Office and Arrested Development.

For assistance, please contact kansas@apusa.org.

OR

Shanthy Vinjmoor: (913)-402-4396

Deepali Mahabaleshwarkar: (913)-963-4302

Buy Tickets now!

https://give.apusa.org/event/akshaya-patra-kansas-laughter-for-a-cause/e694672

AAP JAISA KOI is a simple love story told stylishly. It also raises an important comment Movie Review: AAP JAISA KOI is a simple love story told stylishly

Star Cast: R Madhavan, Fatima Sana Shaikh

Director: Vivek Soni

Aap Jaisa Koi Movie Review Synopsis:
AAP JAISA KOI is the story of two opposite people in love. Shrirenu Tripathi (R Madhavan) is a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher in Jamshedpur. He lives with his brother Bhanu Tripathi (Manish Chaudhari), sister-in-law Kusum (Ayesha Raza), sister Nisha (Shriyam Bhagnani), uncle Pramod (Sanjeev Wilson) and his wife Pramila (Ritu Chaudhry Seth). He is struggling to find a match for marriage. As luck would have it, a 32-year-old Kolkata-based girl, Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), expresses interest. Both meet and sparks fly. Shrirenu, at first, doesn’t believe his luck and soon comes to term that Madhu indeed accepts him wholeheartedly. All is going well until one day, all hell breaks loose. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Aap Jaisa Koi Movie Story Review:
Radhika Anand’s story is progressive. Radhika Anand and Jehan Handa’s screenplay is imaginative and simple. Radhika Anand and Jehan Handa’s dialogues are one of the USPs of the film.

Vivek Soni’s direction is excellent. He tells a simple story but in a very stylish way. This is evident from the very first scene. He infuses humour in abundance to get the message across. On top of it, he gives a very dreamy look to the film. The manner in which Shrirenu is unable to believe that Madhu has shown interest in him is amusing as well as heartbreaking. Their courtship is cute while the midpoint of the film is dramatic. It’s the second half where the film gets serious and makes a hard-hitting impact. Also, many films of this genre tend to get dragging but this one moves at a fine pace with a crisp run time of just 115 minutes.

On the flipside, tracks of two characters culminate abruptly. The ‘mummy-daddy’ joke might have sounded funny on paper but doesn’t land properly. Lastly, the entire track Shrirenu asking a student to interview Madhu’s family is very difficult to digest. Wouldn’t have they told Madhu at some point about it? Moreover, no explanation is given who is Chaitali (Dipika Singh), who gives away crucial information about Madhu’s past.

Aap Jaisa Koi | Official Trailer | R Madhavan, Fatima Sana Shaikh | Netflix India

Aap Jaisa Koi Movie Review Performances:
R Madhavan slips into the part of a 42-year-old virgin effortlessly. His expressions and his awkward behaviour are just right for his character. Fatima Sana Shaikh’s look and also some of the aspects of the film might remind viewers of ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI [2023] but soon, the comparisons are forgotten. Fatima brings her own touch to the character and is quite impressive. First METRO…IN DINO and now AAP JAISA KOI, the actress is on a roll. Namit Das (Deepak) is apt for the role of the sidekick. Manish Chaudhari delivers an authentic performance while Ayesha Raza makes her presence felt. Shriyam Bhagnani is memorable in the railway station scene. Sanjeev Wilson has limited screen time but leaves a mark. Shubhronil Chatterjee (Joy Mamaji) looks dashing and delivers a fine performance. Beena Banerjee (Didi Ma) is lovely. Ritu Chaudhry Seth, Anubha Fatehpuria (Anupama; Madhu’s mother), Kumar Kanchan Ghosh (Pritam Mausaji), Pubali Sanyal (Bidhisha Mausi), Ananya Chatterjee (Shona Masi) and Shashie Vermaa (Parikshit Mausaji) don’t get much scope. Karan Wahi (Namit Agarwal) is decent. Sachin Choudhary (Rakesh; student) plays an interesting character and does well.

Aap Jaisa Koi movie music and other technical aspects:
Music should pick up after the film’s release. ‘Jab Tu Sajan’ is visually stunning and kudos to the makers for thinking out of the box. ‘Mila Tujhe’ works as the theme song. ‘Dhuan Dhuan’ is okay while ‘Saare Jag Mein’ is catchy. ‘Jaadu Wali Chimki’ is also well picturized. Justin Prabhakaran’s background score is in sync with the mood of the film.

Debojeet Ray’s cinematography is lovely and the use of lights complements the visuals. Veera Kapur Ee’s costumes are simple in the case of R Madhavan and stunning in the case of Fatima Sana Shaikh. Aparna Sud’s production design has a fairy tale feel. Special mention should also go to Run Frenzy Films for the unique title design. Prashanth Ramachandran’s editing is slick.

Aap Jaisa Koi Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, AAP JAISA KOI is a simple love story told stylishly. At the same time, it also raises an important comment and hence, is bound to find takers.

MAALIK is a routine gangster drama that has stiff competition at the box office Movie Review: MAALIK is a routine gangster drama that treads familiar ground

Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar

Director: Pulkit

Maalik Movie Review Synopsis:
MAALIK is the story of a gangster. The year is 1988. Deepak aka Maalik (Rajkummar Rao) is a gangster based in Allahabad. He has the support of the local political leader Shankar Singh aka Dadda (Saurabh Shukla). Dadda also mentors MLA Balhar Singh (Swanand Kirkire) and he’s fed up with the rising power of Maalik. Things get heated when Maalik kills a cop for stopping his trucks at a checkpost. With no other option, MLA assigns Prabhu Das (Prosenjit Chatterjee) as the new SP of Allahabad. Prabhu has 98 encounters with his kitty and was suspended for his activities. As he commences his duty in Allahabad, he decides to eliminate Maalik once and for all, more so after the latter threatens his grandchild. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Maalik Movie Story Review:
Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit’s story is clichéd. Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit’s screenplay is okay in some parts but overall, it offers very little novelty value. Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit’s dialogues are hard-hitting.

Pulkit’s direction is decent. He treats the film in a massy manner and has peppered the narrative with commercial and action-packed scenes. He has also fleshed out great performances from his lead actors. The intermission point is arresting. The track of Shalini (Manushi Chhillar) in the second half looks forced at first but is the best part of the film.

On the flipside, it tells a story that we have seen in many gangster films in the past from VAASTAV to the SHOOTOUT series. Even the web is full of such shows. In fact, Maalik gives a strong déjà vu of KHAKEE: THE BIHAR CHAPTER. While the first half is shorter, the second half is nearly 90 minutes long; in some scenes, it tests the patience of the viewers. Also, ideally, the film should have ended with the madness at the abandoned house. The Calcutta scene is unwanted and also plain silly.

Maalik – Trailer | Rajkummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar

Maalik Movie Review Performances:
Rajkummar Rao always gives his best and MAALIK is no exception. He looks completely convincing as a dreaded gangster. The scene where he hangs four people at once is memorable and proves yet again that he’s one of the best actors at present. Manushi Chhillar doesn’t have much to do initially but later she is a surprise. She neatly pulls off the role of a village girl. Anshumaan Pushkar (Badaun) has a crucial part and leaves a huge mark. After 12TH FAIL [2023], this is yet another praiseworthy performance from the talented actor. Prosenjit Chatterjee is decent and one wishes he had more to do in the film. Saurabh Shukla, Swanand Kirkire and Saurabh Sachdeva (Chandrashekhar) are dependable. Rajendra Gupta (Bindeshwar; Maalik’s father) and Baljinder Kaur (Parvati; Maalik’s mother) do well but are completely forgotten after a point. Yogi Raj (Langda) makes his presence felt. The actor playing the checkpoint cop is fair. Huma Qureshi looks stunning in the dance number.

Maalik movie music and other technical aspects:
Songs fail to entice. ‘Namumkin’ works due to the picturization. ‘Dil Thaam Ke’ is forgettable. ‘Raaj Karega Maalik’ doesn’t suit the film’s mood and setting. Ketan Sodha’s background score has a cinematic feel.

Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography is satisfactory. Niharika Bhasin’s costumes are simple while Rita Ghosh’s production design is authentic. Vikram Dahiya’s action is gory. Zubin Sheikh’s editing could have been slicker.

Maalik Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, MAALIK presents Rajkummar Rao in a never-before-seen avatar, but beneath his striking transformation lies a routine gangster drama that treads familiar ground. With stiff competition at the box office, its prospects seem limited, though it might find some takers in the single screens of B and C centres.

SUPERMAN marks an impressive start to the new DC Universe delivering solid entertainment Movie Review: SUPERMAN delivers solid entertainment

Star Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult

Director: James Gunn

Superman Movie Review Synopsis:
SUPERMAN is the story of a superhero fighting a tough battle. Superman (David Corenswet) has been battling evil on Earth for three years and has become a favourite of the local population in Metropolis, USA. He stops the country of Boravia from invading the neighbouring country of Jarhanpur. As a result, he gets into the bad books of billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who has a secret deal with Boravian president Vasil Glarkos (Zlatko Burić). As revenge, Superman is attacked badly by Ultraman aka ‘Hammer Of Boravia’. Lex goes all out and starts a campaign to defame and ultimately destroy Superman. He hits a jackpot when he retrieves a message sent by Superman’s parents. Meanwhile, Superman is living a double life, that of nerdy journalist Clark Kent. As Clark, he works for The Daily Planet and is in a relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). She is aware of his superhero identity and has reservations about certain actions of Superman, causing friction in their relationship. Meanwhile, the allegations against Superman become quite serious, leading to his arrest. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Superman Movie Story Review:
James Gunn’s story is fresh and yet has the trademark stamp of Superman. James Gunn’s screenplay is gripping and fast-paced. The dialogues are well-worded and sharp.

James Gunn’s direction is exemplary. He doesn’t waste time at all in introducing Superman and in a rare instance, even the base of the conflict is not explained. A unique write-up in the beginning sums it up and once that fades away, the narrative progresses ahead. What also strikes is that this is a very today’s film. Hence, it is in sync with the geopolitical tensions of the present age and also touches upon the role of social media. The beginning is fine but what ups the film is the interview between Lois and Superman. The film gets even better once Superman is imprisoned. The tension levels in the pocket universe track are raised significantly. The climax is nail-biting and applause-worthy.

On the flipside, not having a conventional intro is a well-intentioned idea. Yet, it takes a while to settle into the experience since the audience is not used to it. Secondly, this is not exactly a family-friendly fare as the violence is a bit more disturbing than the other superhero flicks. The much-hyped mid-credit and post-credit scenes are random and will disappoint viewers. Lastly, the buzz in India is limited.

Superman Movie Review Performances:
David Corenswet makes a risky move by essaying a character which has been played by Henry Cavill beautifully. However, David brings his own touch and does full justice. Rachel Brosnahan has a crucial part and she is exceptional. Nicholas Hoult is too good as the villain. The antagonist here is quite powerful and that adds to the entertainment quotient. Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific) is the surprise of the film. He is like the other main hero of the film. Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Oslen) leaves a tremendous mark while Sara Sampaio (Eve) and María Gabriela de Faría (The Engineer) make their presence felt. Anthony Carrigan (Rex/Metamorpho). Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern) and Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) do well but get limited scope. Pruitt Taylor Vince (Jonathan Kent), Neva Howell (Martha Kent) and Wendell Pierce (Perry; editor of The Daily Planet) are fair. Zlatko Burić is over the top but it works for his character.

Superman movie music and other technical aspects:
John Murphy and David Fleming’s music has a cinematic feel. Henry Braham’s cinematography is breathtaking. The VFX matches global standards and even the 3D is impressive. The action is gory in many places. Judianna Makovsky’s costumes are rich while Beth Mickle’s production design is classy. William Hoy and Craig Alpert’s editing is slick.

Superman Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, SUPERMAN marks an impressive start to the new DC Universe. With its fast-paced narrative, standout performances and edge-of-the-seat moments, it delivers solid entertainment and ensures audiences get their money’s worth. At the box office, it has the potential to surprise and emerge as the third consecutive Hollywood hit, following F1: THE MOVIE and JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH.

LabelAarinya’s Aashaadam/Shravanam Saree Pop-Up Show – July 12 in Overland Park

LabelAarinya’s Aashaadam/Shravanam Saree Pop-Up Show – July 12 in Overland Park

Celebrate the season in style. LabelAarinya invites you to its exclusive Aashaadam/Shravanam Saree Pop-Up Show — a one-day event featuring a luxurious selection of elegant sarees and designer blouses.

Featured Collection Includes:

  • Kanchipuram Silks

  • Gadwal Sarees

  • Raw Mango Sarees

  • Silk Jamdani and Zari Kota

  • Mysore Silks

  • Variety of Fancy Sarees

  • Designer Ready-Made Blouses

Perfect for festive occasions, cultural events, or refreshing your wardrobe with timeless pieces.

Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Venue: Wilshire Farms Clubhouse
15600 Eby Street
Overland Park, KS 66221

Connect with LabelAarinya:

  • Join the WhatsApp group

  • Message on WhatsApp

  • Follow on Instagram @LabelAarinya

Use the QR codes in the flyer to stay connected and receive event updates.

Ram Lakkireddy – Proud Realtor in KC

I AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF MY GROWING KANSAS CITY.
Professional Background – Engineering, Construction, Technology, and Analytics…….,!
An Engineering professional, Describing himself as a positive and progressive individual with impressive career track from Civil Engineering graduation to the varied transits of aligned engineering, construction, management, technology and analytics experience.

Latha Collections Is at India Fest!

🌟 Latha Collections USA is coming LIVE to Indian Fest! 🌟

✨ Explore our hand-picked ethnic collection featuring budget-friendly:

Jewelry, Clothing, Return Gifts

💫 Celebrate tradition in style with carefully curated pieces that bring culture and elegance together.

📍 Local Pickup in Overland Park
🚚 Shipping Available Across the USA
📲 Call/Text: 716-398-9316
📱 10,000+ Followers and Growing

Ainapurapu Photography

Part Art, part Technology, part timing, part perspective – but the whole philosophy of Photography is to capture a moment in time and tell a lasting story. Inspired by this philosophy, I have been trying to capture the most interesting moments in Lives, Landscapes, Architecture and more.

07/07-10 ABKC Clothing Drive for BBBSKC

The Association of Bengalis Kansas City Sangam is organizing a “Clothing Drive” for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (www.bbbskc.org). My name is Sumouli Bhattacharyya, and I am proud to serve as the Event Coordinator for this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City Clothing Drive, taking place on July 10th at Overland Park, Kansas.

This event is a meaningful effort to collect gently used clothing and essential items that will either be donated directly to children and families in need or will be used to help fund BBBS’s youth mentorship programs. We are accepting donations of clean, gently used clothes of all sizes, shoes, jackets, and basic household items. All items should be placed in a trash bag and dropped off at our designated donation site as below. Your support will help provide much-needed resources to local families while directly contributing to the mission of empowering youth through mentorship. Let’s make a difference—one donation at a time.

Clothes Drop Off Dates: July 7 – July 9
Dropp Off Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Drop Off Address: 8821 West 132nd Place, Overland Park, KS 66213
BBBS Clothes Pick Up Date: July 10

We invite the Kansas City Community to come together and make a meaningful difference, clean out your closets and donate gently used clothing to help change a child’s life. Every shirt, jacket, or pair of shoes brings us one step closer to building a brighter future for our youth. Give generously—because little things can lead to big changes.
For any question, please call Amit Choudhury: 816-739-8679

Sincerely
Sumouli Bhattacharyya
Event Coordinator BBBSKC Clothing Drive
Association of Bengalis Kansas City Sangam
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 501 C (3) (Federal ID Number: 80-0016559)
www.abkcs.org
https://www.facebook.com/abkcs
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/800016559

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH delivers the expected thrills and adds freshness through the writing Movie Review: JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH delivers the expected thrills

Star Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend

Director: Gareth Edwards

Jurassic World: Rebirth Movie Review Synopsis:
JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH is the story of a group of humans in a no-go zone. The public interest in dinosaurs has waned. They are dead or either dying and the only set of dinosaurs to survive are around the Equator. The zone is prohibited. Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a former ex-military covert operative, meets Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) of ParkerGenix, a pharmaceutical company in New York. Martin asks her to join him in the dinosaur region. The mission is to take blood samples of three creatures, namely Mosasaurus, Titanosaurus and Quetzalcoatlus. It will be used to create a drug that can help in heart problems, a condition faced by many in the World. In return, Martin agrees to give Zora a huge amount of money. Zora realizes that the price offered will secure her life and she agrees. They are joined by palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). The trio head to Paramaribo, Suriname where they meet Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), a close friend of Zora and owner of the boat, Essex. He, too, comes on board. The four of them along with the driver of Duncan’s team, Leclerc (Bechir Sylvain), mercenary Nina (Philippine Velge) and the chief of security on The Essex, Bobby Atwater (Ed Skrein), begin their expedition. Meanwhile, Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), his daughters Teresa (Luna Blaise) and Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono) are heading from Barbados to Cape Town in their yacht when it gets attacked by a dinosaur. They are rescued by Team Zora; the latter doesn’t tell the shipwreck family about their plans. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Jurassic World: Rebirth Movie Story Review:
David Koepp’s story is intriguing. David Koepp’s screenplay is effective. He wrote JURASSIC PARK [1993] and THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK [1997], that is the first two parts of the iconic franchise. As a result, he brings some freshness and also old-school entertainment to the writing. The dialogues are great.

Gareth Edwards’ direction is very entertaining. This is his first JURASSIC WORLD film and provides his own touch. The move pays off as one can sense that one can experience something different from the previous films and yet it remains in the zone that the series is known for. The plot itself is promising and once the expedition begins, it makes for a thrilling ride. Some of the scenes that stand out are Rebuen’s ship getting destroyed, Zora successfully getting the blood samples of the Mosasaurus, Xavier relieving himself while violence breaks out behind him, the madness involving the raft, etc. The scene of Titanosaurus is sweet and brings some relief from the chase and thrill. The finale is nail-biting.

On the flipside, though the plot is not clichéd, the visuals are. The VFX team, of course, has given their best but the tension gets diluted as we have seen it all before. The final fight is stretched and there are cinematic liberties galore in the narrative. It’s also difficult to digest that there is no supervision happening through satellite over boats entering the prohibited zone. Lastly, the film releases amid many other exciting movies and this can prove detrimental.

Jurassic World: Rebirth Movie Review Performances:
Scarlett Johansson brings star value and also delivers a kickass performance. She is no damsel in distress and is the protector here, a part that suits her completely. Mahershala Ali charms with his smile and able performance. Jonathan Bailey is a bit subtle and it works for him. Rupert Friend is apt for the part. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo lends able support and communicates a lot just through his expressions. David Iacono is the surprise of the film. One expects his character to be a certain way but he does the unexpected. Luna Blaise gives an effective performance while Audrina Miranda is cute. Bechir Sylvain, Philippine Velge and Ed Skrein are okay in small roles.

Jurassic World: Rebirth movie music and other technical aspects:
Alexandre Desplat’s music has the JURASSIC WORLD trademark stamp. John Mathieson’s cinematography is breathtaking. The VFX matches global standards. The action is a bit gory but is suitable for family viewing. James Clyne’s production design is rich while Sammy Sheldon’s costumes are stylish yet realistic.  Jabez Olssen’s editing is appropriate.

Jurassic World: Rebirth Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH delivers the expected thrills, with the writing and execution bringing a touch of freshness to the franchise. However, its box office potential may remain underutilized due to the absence of an IMAX release and intense competition from holdover titles, new releases and upcoming films.

KAALIDHAR LAAPATA is buoyed by sincere performances but suffers from inconsistent writing, and a sense of déjà vu. Movie Review: KAALIDHAR LAAPATA tugs at your emotions but stumbles

Star Cast: Abhishek A Bachchan, Daivik Baghela, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub

Director: Madhumita

Kaalidhar Laapata Movie Review Synopsis:
KAALIDHAR LAAPATA is the story of an unusual friendship. Kaalidhar (Abhishek A Bachchan) lives in a town in North India with his brother Manohar (Vishwanath Chatterjee), Manohar’s wife Neetu (Madhulika Jatoliya), brother Sundar (Priyank Tiwari) and sister Gudiya (Priya Yadav). Kaalidhar is the eldest sibling and has taken care of his family after the untimely demise of his parents. After Kaalidhar is diagnosed with memory issues, Manohar, Neetu and Sundar realize that it’ll get difficult to take care of him. Hence, they decide to get rid of him. First, they surreptitiously take his thumbprint on property papers. Then they take him to Kumbh Mela and abandon him. They hope that Kalidhar will anyway forget about them due to his condition after which they can go back home and inform everyone that Kalidhar is no more. However, Kalidhar locates them and overhears their hidden agenda. As a result, Kalidhar leaves the town and reaches Bhojpur. Here, he befriends an orphan kid, Ballu (Daivik Baghela) and both strike a friendship. On the other hand, due to a change of circumstances, Manohar, Neetu and Sundar are now desperate to find the whereabouts of Kaalidhar. They take the help of Subodh (Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub), who makes it his life mission to locate Kaalidhar. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Kaalidhar Laapata Movie Story Review:
KAALIDHAR LAAPATA is adapted from the 2019 Malayalam film KD. Madhumita’s story is different from the original version. Madhumita and Amitosh Nagpal’s screenplay is breezy though it could have been better. Madhumita and Amitosh Nagpal’s dialogues are entertaining.

Madhumita’s direction is simple. The plus point of the film is the bond shared by Kalidhar and Ballu and it takes the cake. The performances further add to the impact. A few funny scenes will leave a smile while the emotional scenes also work.

Kaalidhar Laapata Official Trailer | Abhishek Bachchan | Daivik | Premieres 4th July 2025 on Zee5

On the flipside, the beginning portion of the film gives a déjà vu of VANVAAS [2024], which is also about a family dumping the patriarch with fading memory in a crowded religious spot. Kaalidhar’s memory issues are not properly depicted and this is something that will surely bewilder the audience. Moreover, the whole idea of Kaalidhar consuming biryani in such a manner that it tempts other customers to order the same dish is a great idea but somehow hasn’t been executed well.

Kaalidhar Laapata Movie Review Performances:
Abhishek A Bachchan is in his element as expected and genuinely comes up with a fine performance. However, he looks too young for the role. He would have suited this character 10 years from now. Right now, he doesn’t seem apt for a role that his father also did in BAGHBAN [2003]. Daivik Baghela is the surprise of the film and is truly a scene-stealer. Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub is dependable as always. Vishwanath Chatterjee, Priyank Tiwari and Madhulika Jatoliya lend able support. Richa Meena (Subodh’s wife) is okay. Nimrat Kaur (Meera) is superb in a special appearance.

Kaalidhar Laapata movie music and other technical aspects:
Songs are okay. ‘Haseen Pareshaaniyaan’ has a catchy tune while ‘Hans Ke Jaane De’ comes at an important juncture. ‘Dil Banjaara’ is peppy. Tajdar Junaid’s background score is simple.

Ashwini Shrivastav’s production design is straight out of life. Sheetal Iqbal Sharma’s costumes are awkward but at the same time, convincing. Gairik Sarkar’s editing is decent though in some scenes, it’s a bit jerky and needlessly fast-paced.

Kaalidhar Laapata Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, KAALIDHAR LAAPATA has its heart in the right place, buoyed by sincere performances and a few heartwarming moments. However, the inconsistent writing, miscasting and an overwhelming sense of déjà vu from films like BAGHBAN and VANVAAS pull it down. It’s a film that tugs at your emotions but stumbles too often to leave a lasting impact.

METRO… IN DINO is a refreshing, one-of-a-kind musical entertainer Movie Review: METRO… IN DINO is a refreshing, musical entertainer.

Star Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher

Director: Anurag Basu

Metro…In Dino Movie Review Synopsis:
METRO…IN DINO is the story of relationships and their complexities. Monty (Pankaj Tripathi) and Kajol (Konkona Sen Sharma) reside in Mumbai and have been married for nearly two decades. Their relationship might seem perfect from the outside, but they have differences, and as a result, they keep arguing all the time. Intimacy is also missing in their life. Monty’s colleague suggests that he should download a dating app and initiate an extramarital affair. He believes that this would reignite the spark in his marriage. Monty puts the plan in motion, resulting in disastrous consequences. Kajol’s mother Shivani (Neena Gupta) lives in Pune with hubby Sanjeev (Saswata Chatterjee). Theirs is also a soul-less marriage, and she gets a chance to have some excitement in life when her college batch decides on a reunion in Kolkata. This means that she can reconnect with Parimal (Anupam Kher), her boyfriend in college. Kajol’s youngster Thumri aka Chumki (Sara Ali Khan) works in Delhi as an HR professional. She is in Bengaluru for work when she accidentally enters Parth’s (Aditya Roy Kapur) house, leading to issues with her fiancé, Anand (Kush Jotwani). Parth and his friend Shruti (Fatima Sana Shaikh) pretend to be a married couple and make it clear to Anand that there’s nothing between Parth and Chumki. Shruti lives in Bengaluru with her husband Akash (Ali Fazal). Shruti is craving to have a child, while Akash is craving to leave his corporate job and become a singer in films. Realizing that Akash is struggling with his job, she decides to opt for an abortion and shift to Delhi for better career prospects. Akash, meanwhile, lands in Mumbai and begins to struggle while trying his luck in the film industry. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Metro…In Dino Movie Story Review:
Anurag Basu’s story is relatable and in sync with modern times. Anurag Basu’s screenplay is effective. There are several characters and plots, and though he falters at a few places, the overall writing is smooth. Sandeep Srivastava and Samrat Chakraborty’s dialogues are realistic and also dramatic.

Anurag Basu’s direction is great. The film is lengthy (162 minutes) but one doesn’t feel so as there’s so much happening every minute. Hence, one is constantly gripped from start to finish. The storytelling is complemented with the use of music. Just like LIFE IN A METRO [2007], Pritam and his music team can be seen performing in the film from time to time. But this time, Anurag has treated the film like Hollywood musicals like LA LA LAND [2016] and Disney flicks. Hence, expect dialogues in places to be in the form of songs. He attempted this style in JAGGA JASOOS [2017] as well, but this time, there’s a novel touch as the setting is different. Each plot has its charm, but the one involving Monty and Kajol brings the house down. The manner in which Monty is seen conversing on the dating app, not realizing who’s chatting with him, will lead to endless laughter in cinemas. Another remarkable aspect is the homage to the previous METRO film, that too to the track of Irrfan Khan.

On the downside, the film can be confusing at times, making it essential to watch with full concentration. The beginning 10 minutes are a bit odd as Anurag Basu just throws you into their world without a conventional introduction of the characters. Hence, one might feel disconnected initially, though the film picks up well. But in the second half, the film again slips as the happenings in a few plots are over the top, especially the Monty-Kajol track. Even Parimal’s plan seems far-fetched.

Metro…In Dino (Official Trailer) | Aditya Roy Kapur | Sara Ali Khan | Ali Fazal | Fatima Sana Shaikh

Metro…In Dino Movie Review Performances:
METRO…IN DINO has an ensemble cast, and every actor has done a great job. But it’s Pankaj Tripathi who steals the show. There’s a certain innocence to him that helps him big time, and performance-wise, he’s outstanding. In fact, this is one of his most accomplished performances ever. He dominates every other actor, and that’s a feat. Konkona Sen Sharma is the next best and is terrific as always. Sara Ali Khan is alright, while Aditya Roy Kapur effortlessly slips into the part. Fatima Sana Shaikh proves yet again that she’s a powerful performer. Ali Fazal leaves a huge mark but has very limited screen time. Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher are lovely as expected. Saswata Chatterjee, Kush Jotwani, Darshana Banik (Jhunuk), Rohan Gurbaxani (Anand), Pranay Pachauri (Aryan), and the actors playing Kajol-Monty’s daughter Pihu and Cameraman Amay also do very well. The cameos by Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Basu are lovely.

Metro…In Dino movie music and other technical aspects:
The music is the strength of the film. There are more than a dozen songs and the way they have been woven into the narrative is commendable. ‘Dhaagena Tinak Dhin’ takes the cake because of its catchy tune and visuals. ‘Zamaana Lage’ comes next. ‘Dil Ka Kya’, ‘Mann Ye Mera’, ‘Mausam’, ‘Aur Mohabbat Kitni Karoon’, ‘Qayde Se’ etc. are melodious. The recitatives (sung dialogues) are also impressive. Pritam’s background score is soulful.

Abhishek Basu and Anurag Basu’s cinematography is classy and they ensure the cities look charming. Aashish Dwyer’s costumes are as per the character’s traits. The production design is satisfactory. Bodhaditya Bandyopadhyay and Satish Gowda’s editing is functional.

Metro…In Dino Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, METRO…IN DINO stands out as a refreshing, one-of-a-kind musical entertainer that thrives on its relatable characters, engaging mix of humour and drama, and stellar performances. At the box office, it’s well-positioned to resonate strongly with multiplex audiences, who are expected to connect with its heart and soul.