Film 'Insidious: Out of the Further' Screened and Discussed in Tehran

Following an incident at a school in Andhra Pradesh where a 10th-grade student was injured by an axe, discussions began regarding the influence of violent films on real crimes. This tragedy sparked widespread debate about cinematic violence, with many on social media comparing it to films such as 'Animal' and 'Dhurandhar.'

A specific scene from the film 'Animal' drew attention, where the character Ranbir Kapoor enters a classroom holding a loaded weapon.

Responding to the criticism, Vanga wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, November 4th, addressing those who use this tragic situation to attack filmmakers and their work. He stated: 'When a terrible crime is committed, one should first show sympathy and try to understand the root of the problem, not make cinema a scapegoat.'

The filmmaker also accused some critics of using this horrific event to settle personal scores instead of genuinely caring for the victims and their families. Vanga added: 'This is especially true for unlucky, disappointed, and unemployed actors, some directors, producers, and parasites who declare themselves social reformers as soon as they get a chance to mock someone else's work.'

Concluding his statement, he emphasized: 'In such tragic cases, there should be sympathy, not opportunism. Learn to distinguish between these two things.'

The conflict arose after a young man named Hemant, aged 21, allegedly entered a school in Raptatadu, Anantpur district, Andhra Pradesh, and attacked a 15-year-old 10th-grade student with an axe. During the incident, another student named Lakshmi tried to intervene and save the injured person, sustaining injuries herself.

According to preliminary police investigation, the suspect is a relative of the victim. There are suspicions that he had been stalking the girl for a long time, and the attack occurred after she refused his advances. The injured student is receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, where her condition is reported as stable.

The film 'Tu Hai Meri Kiran' receives mixed reviews: although the idea seems promising, the weak script development leads to viewer disappointment. Similar to Shah Rukh Khan's 'The Gift', the movie explores the theme of obsessive stalking, asserting that such behavior is not a sign of love but an alarming signal.

At the center of the plot is a story that uses time travel technology via an old feature phone, connecting two people separated by a decade. The beginning of the film looks intriguing, but as the events unfold, the plot becomes entangled in themes of love and obsession, making the narrative's meaning unclear.

In this film, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Zakir Iqbal, two strangers living in 2016 and 2026 establish a connection through an old feature phone. Unusual relationships form between Sameer (Zakir Iqbal) and Kiran (Sonakshi Sinha). Initially, the audience expects them to unravel some mystery, change their fate, or prevent a major disaster. However, the narrative takes a sharp turn when it is no longer enough for Sameer just to communicate with Kiran; he begins to desire her at any cost.

The action begins on September 28, 2026. Kiran receives a strange phone call from someone living ten years earlier. Upon hearing about a surgical operation conducted in Pakistan on the radio, Kiran starts to suspect something is wrong. When she asks Sameer to meet at the theater, she sees his double, while in Sameer's timeline, the movie 'MS Dhoni' is playing. It is at this moment they realize there is a ten-year gap between them.

The film's concept is quite fascinating, raising many questions: why did a connection arise between these two? How did they manage to get this phone? And if we had the chance to talk to someone from the past, wouldn't we try to change something in our lives? This story had the potential to explore many themes, but unfortunately, the film does not provide clear answers to these questions.

Regarding the character Sameer, it turns out that despite his self-perception as a loving person, he is not. He lies about his life, spies on his neighbor, and even records compromising videos of him. Furthermore, he quickly realizes that Kiran knows about the future and plans to use this information for speculative profit. Thus, the core revolves around a game of money, not love or destiny.

However, Sameer then experiences genuine love for Kiran. When this feeling turns into obsession, serious problems begin. Not accepting Kiran's refusal, Sameer starts manipulating Kiran's life using the phone, trying to possess her and involve her younger counterpart in his feelings. If 'The Gift' had Rahul, here there is Sameer. Both characters demonstrate that one must understand: stalking and attempts to forcibly hold onto someone are not love.

The film tries to show the difference between love and obsession, and also raises the question of whether fate can be changed through changes in the past. The film hints that some things are predetermined, and no attempt to change them will lead to the desired result. This idea could have been the basis for a good emotional thriller, but the film does not explore these aspects deeply enough.

Furthermore, the film contains flaws that make the viewer doubt the logic of what is happening. Although the entire story is built on the principle of time travel, the rules of this phenomenon remain unclear. Why did a connection arise between Sameer and Kiran? What are the consequences of trying to change the past? And why should Kiran bear the burden of such manipulations over time? The film poses these questions but provides no answers. At some point, the viewer stops trying to solve the mystery and starts doubting the authors' understanding of the material.

Moreover, the film has errors concerning dates and chronology. The film 'Durdhangar' was released in March, whereas 'MS Dhoni' was released on September 30th. Consequently, the joint screening of these films in theaters on September 28th seems impossible. When the plot relies on precise dates, historical events, and film information, their correctness is critically important. However, such errors spoil the viewing experience and distract the audience from the film itself.

The first half of the film makes a strong impression thanks to a fresh idea that sustains interest in the further development of events. Nevertheless, in the second half, the narrative completely falls apart. The number of twists and unexpected moments becomes so great that it becomes difficult to follow the course of events. Many questions remain unanswered, and no answers are provided. Although the film demands close attention to detail from the viewer, ultimately the feeling is that despite all efforts, no significant result was achieved.

The Bollywood film industry often attempts to combine spy plots, patriotism, and comedy to entertain audiences and evoke excitement. However, this formula does not always work. The film 'Udta Tir,' starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, is one such attempt, merging a spy mission, identity confusion, and comedic elements. The question arises whether the film can harmoniously weave all these elements into an engaging spectacle or if the plot will become convoluted.

Despite the fact that Bollywood already has many films about patriotism and espionage, 'Udta Tir' stands out by adding a comedic touch to this mix, causing the story to gradually transform into a source of amusement. The picture's strength lies in its unique approach, where mistaken identity, espionage, and funny situations collectively entertain the audience.

In the film, Ayushmann Khurrana plays Vikrant, who believes he is an employee of the Indian intelligence agency CTS. However, the main twist is that he is actually Bilal, a Pakistani agent whose memory was lost after an accident. Subsequently, he begins to hunt his own people. This play with identities generates both comedy and suspense.

The film requires about half an hour to unfold the plot and characters, so patience may be needed at the beginning. But as the story progresses, amusing events and a series of unexpected twists create the desired atmosphere. Although the first half after the interval seems a bit sluggish, the film picks up pace later. There are no moments in the movie that leave the viewer tense; small comedic jokes and gags that appear occasionally do an excellent job of making people laugh.

Ayushmann Khurrana once again demonstrates a departure from his usual roles. He convincingly portrays the confusion and naivety of a person caught between two different identities. His performance supports the film's narrative and looks good even in comedic scenes.

Rahul Bose's performance is particularly striking. It is interesting to watch him in such a humorous role, and he repeatedly steals the public's attention. His comedic timing enhances the film's entertainment value, and his character is likely to be remembered for a long time.

The late actor Mukul Dewa also leaves his mark on the film. His contribution adds substance to the story, and his presence on screen feels special. Watching 'Udta Tir' as his last film might evoke strong emotions, as it is an important moment related to his memory for viewers.

Suhail Nayyar gets a good role and utilizes it fully. Sara Ali Khan and Smita Tambe match their characters. Furthermore, Ram Kapoor, Bridgendra Kala, and Gulshan Grover also add an element of entertainment to the plot. Thanks to the supporting cast, the comedy becomes brighter in many scenes.

The songs in the film do not make a strong impression and seem mediocre. On the contrary, the background music enhances the suspense and comedic moments of the plot. The cinematography and editing are done reasonably well, although the pacing of the narrative could be better in some places.

Director and writer Akash A Kaushik presents an entertaining film that combines patriotism, action, suspense, and comedy. Although there are moments of slowing down the pace, the powerful plot twists, Rahul Bose's brilliant comedic acting, and Ayushmann's unique style compensate for these shortcomings. If you are looking for a film where confusion caused by mistaken identity and constantly changing situations provide a reason to laugh, then 'Udta Tir' is worth watching.