‘Test’ Movie Review: A Promising Premise Undone by Weak Execution

A Thought-Provoking Theme with Underwhelming Execution“The world doesn’t exist in binary, it’s f*****g unreasonable,” says Madhavan’s character in one of the key moments in Test. This line encapsulates the essence of the film, which attempts to explore the complexities of human nature. People are not just black and white but rather a mix of shades of grey. Over the course of two hours and 25 minutes, Test delves into the intertwined lives of Arjun, Saravanan, and Kumudha, but ultimately fails to make a lasting impact. A Web of Characters and ConflictsThe film follows Kumudha (Nayanthara), a teacher and housewife who supports her husband Saravanan (Madhavan). Saravanan, who runs a canteen, is also striving to get his alternate fuel technology project approved by the government. Meanwhile, cricketer Arjun Venkatraman (Siddharth), an out-of-form batsman, is preparing for what could be his last chance at glory—the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan Test match in Chepauk. Adding to the drama, local bookies orchestrate match-fixing schemes, while police officers, acting on a tip-off, attempt to crack down on corruption. As the high-stakes game unfolds, the paths of Kumudha, Saravanan, and Arjun unexpectedly converge, creating an intense moral conflict. A Story That Slowly Unravels into ChaosWhile Test sets up an intriguing premise, the narrative soon spirals into confusion. The film repeatedly emphasizes that one’s success often comes at the cost of another’s failure, but the storytelling lacks the emotional depth needed to drive this message home. The subplot involving match-fixing and the police investigation feels disjointed, with the law enforcement angle coming across as unconvincing. The screenplay struggles to make the audience feel connected to its characters. Arjun, for instance, is emotionally distant from his wife, Padma (Meera Jasmine), and his son. His stoic expression remains unchanged throughout the film, whether in moments of tension or emotion. Madhavan, on the other hand, appears to overact in key moments, making his character’s transformation feel abrupt rather than moving. Kumudha is arguably the most relatable character in Test, yet her story arc remains underdeveloped. Convenient Plot Twists and a Bloated RuntimeOne of the biggest issues with Test is its overly convenient storytelling. The way the three main characters’ lives intersect feels far too coincidental to be believable. Additionally, the film’s runtime becomes a hindrance. At two hours and 25 minutes, the third act drags, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. Strong Technical Aspects, But Not Enough to Save the FilmDespite its shortcomings, Test does have some redeeming qualities. Composer Shaktishree Gopalan’s music adds depth to key moments, while cinematographer Viraj Singh Gohil crafts visually striking frames. TS Suresh’s editing works well with other technical aspects, but these strengths cannot compensate for the film’s structural weaknesses. Final Verdict: A Missed OpportunityDirector Sashikanth’s Test sets out to explore how people’s moral compass shifts during times of crisis. While the concept is promising, the execution falls short. The film’s underwhelming character arcs, unconvincing storytelling, and overstretched runtime make it a disappointing watch despite its ambitious premise.

L2: Empuraan Becomes Third Highest-Grossing Malayalam Film in India

Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s much-awaited sequel, L2: Empuraan, has set the box office on fire, collecting a massive ₹88.26 crore in its 8-day extended opening weekend. The film has now surpassed Fahadh Faasil’s Aavesham (₹85.15 crore) and Prithviraj’s The Goat Life (₹85 crore), becoming the third highest-grossing Malayalam film in India. Box Office Performance While the dubbed versions (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada) have contributed modestly, the film’s Malayalam version dominates the collections. Where L2: Empuraan Stands Among Malayalam Films in India With strong word-of-mouth and steady weekday trends, L2: Empuraan is now closing in on 2018’s ₹92.5 crore milestone, while Manjummel Boys’ record remains untouchable—for now. The Bigger Picture – A Growing Franchise With its momentum intact, can L2: Empuraan surpass 2018 in the coming days? Fans are eager to see if it will continue to climb the all-time Malayalam box office charts.

Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87, Nation Mourns

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely celebrated for his patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Affectionately called ‘Bharat Kumar’, his contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark. Tributes Pour In from Bollywood and Political Circles Salman Khan Remembers the Legend Superstar Salman Khan paid his respects on X (formerly Twitter), writing:“Manoj Kumar Ji… a true legend. Thank you for the unforgettable films and memories…” Kangana Ranaut: ‘The Nation Mourns’ Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her sorrow, saying:“Today, the nation mourns the loss of an artist who instilled patriotism and national pride in the hearts of every Indian. Om Shanti!” Bollywood Remembers the ‘Kranti’ Star Actors Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Farhan Akhtar, and filmmaker Karan Johar also shared heartfelt tributes. Ajay Devgn recalled Kumar’s kindness towards his father, stunt director Veeru Devgn. Political Leaders Join in Mourning Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Manoj Kumar a “true patriot and a remarkable artist”, while President Droupadi Murmu highlighted his impact on India’s cultural identity. Family’s Statement Manoj Kumar’s son, actor Kunal Goswami, confirmed his passing, stating:“My father passed away today at 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Hospital. He fought every hurdle with resilience and grace. His cremation will take place tomorrow. Sia Ram.” His legacy as an actor, filmmaker, and patriot will forever remain a cornerstone of Indian cinema.

BJP Functionary Found Dead in Bengaluru, Alleged Abetment by Congress Leader Sparks Controversy

Vinay Somaiah, a 35-year-old BJP functionary, was found hanging in his office in Bengaluru’s Nagawara area, triggering political tensions. Before his death, he uploaded a social media message alleging that a Congress leader was responsible for abetting his suicide by filing an FIR against him. Background of the Case Vinay, a native of Kodagu district, was arrested two months ago in connection with a comment posted against Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna. The controversy arose when he was identified as the admin of a WhatsApp group where the remark was allegedly shared. Following a complaint filed by Congress worker Tennera Maina, the Madikeri police registered an FIR against three individuals, including Vinay Somaiah. He was arrested but later released on bail. Political Reactions and Investigation The incident has sparked outrage within the BJP, with party members calling for an impartial investigation. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, addressing the media, stated,“The police will investigate the matter thoroughly. The truth will come out, and necessary action will be taken based on the findings.” The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, including the allegations mentioned in his final social media message.

Director Sanoj Mishra Arrested on R*pe Charges in Delhi

Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra was arrested by the Delhi Police on Sunday on charges of rape following a complaint filed by a 28-year-old woman. Mishra, known for previously offering a movie role to viral Mahakumbh girl ‘Monalisa’, was taken into custody after intelligence gathering and technical surveillance. The case was registered at Nabi Karim police station in Central Delhi on March 6. The complainant accused Mishra of rape, assault, causing miscarriage, and issuing threats. According to the FIR, the woman had been in a live-in relationship with Mishra in Mumbai for the past four years. She alleged that he coerced her into undergoing abortion thrice during this period. The complainant stated that on February 18, Mishra took her to a hotel in Nabi Karim and established physical relations with her under the pretense of marriage. However, he later backed out of his promise to marry her, prompting the woman to file a police complaint. Harsha Vardhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), said, “During the investigation, medical documents related to the abortions were obtained from Muzaffarnagar. The Delhi High Court has rejected Mishra’s bail application.” The police further revealed that Mishra is married and resides with his family in Mumbai. The arrest followed a thorough investigation based on the woman’s complaint and corroborative evidence. This incident has sparked widespread attention due to the filmmaker’s connection with the viral Mahakumbh girl and the severity of the allegations. Further proceedings and legal actions will be determined as the case unfolds.

Ajay Devgn’s ‘Raid 2’ Teaser Out: Riteish Deshmukh Joins the Battle of Power and Justice

The much-awaited teaser of Ajay Devgn’s ‘Raid 2’ has finally dropped, and it promises a high-octane battle between power and justice. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the sequel to the 2018 hit Raid sees Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the fearless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who is relentless in his pursuit of justice. A New Antagonist: Riteish Deshmukh as Dadabhai While Saurabh Shukla returns as Rameshwar Singh, the antagonist from the first film, this time he’s behind bars, pondering who Amay Patnaik’s next target could be. The teaser then introduces the new villain, Riteish Deshmukh as Dadabhai, a powerful political leader who is ruthless and cunning. Riteish’s presence as Dadabhai brings a new edge to the story, as his menacing aura perfectly complements Ajay’s unwavering resolve. The teaser is filled with sharp dialogue and intense confrontations, with Ajay delivering one of the most powerful lines:“Mein pura Mahabharat hu (I am the Mahabharat).” Star Cast and Release Date The film also features Vaani Kapoor and Rajat Kapoor in pivotal roles. With power-packed action sequences and confrontations between Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, the teaser has already set social media buzzing. ‘Raid 2’ is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2025. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the epic clash between IRS officer Amay Patnaik and Dadabhai unfolds on the big screen. What do you think about Riteish Deshmukh playing the antagonist? Are you excited to see this face-off? 4o

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: Accused Shariful Islam Shehzad Seeks Bail, Claims Innocence

The Bangladeshi national accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has filed a bail application, claiming he has been falsely implicated in the case. The accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad (30), was arrested two days after the brutal attack on Saif at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, on January 16. Saif Ali Khan, 54, was stabbed multiple times by an intruder inside his upscale apartment, leading to his hospitalization and emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital. Accused Claims Unlawful Arrest In his bail plea, filed through advocate Ajay Gawali before the sessions court on Friday, Shariful argued that his arrest was illegal and arbitrary. He alleged that the investigating agency violated Section 47 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which mandates informing an accused about the grounds of arrest and their right to bail. The plea also pointed out that even if the witnesses’ statements are presumed accurate, they fail to satisfy the criteria under Section 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with robbery or dacoity committed with intent to cause death or grievous hurt. Shariful contended that the investigation is almost complete, with all necessary recovery and discovery conducted. Since the only remaining step is the filing of the chargesheet, he argued that further detention would serve “no useful purpose”. CCTV Footage and Evidence The Mumbai Police claim that CCTV footage from January 9 — a week before the stabbing — helped identify Shariful. The footage allegedly shows him wandering around the Dadar railway station area, as well as parts of Prabhadevi and Worli Koliwada, near Saif’s home. Despite this, Shariful maintains his innocence and insists that his arrest was unwarranted. The plea will be heard on April 1. Public Reactions and Concerns Fans of Saif Ali Khan and the public at large have been following the case closely, expressing both outrage and shock over the incident. While many are calling for strict punishment, others are urging for a fair trial to ensure that justice prevails. What are your thoughts on this development? Should the court grant bail to the accused, or should he remain in custody given the severity of the charges?

Asim Riaz and Rajat Dalal Clash at ‘Battleground’ Event, Shikhar Dhawan Intervenes

Former Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Asim Riaz has once again made headlines after a heated altercation with fellow reality star and YouTuber Rajat Dalal during the promotion of the upcoming fitness reality show, Battleground. The incident took place during a press conference attended by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and actress Rubina Dilaik. In a viral video shared on social media, Asim can be seen aggressively pushing and shoving Rajat while repeatedly telling him to “peeche ho” (move back). Both were visibly agitated, and the situation escalated quickly before Shikhar Dhawan intervened to separate them. Rubina, meanwhile, kept her distance, appearing uncomfortable with the confrontation. What Led to the Fight? The exact cause of the fight remains unclear, but both Asim and Rajat are known for their short tempers. This isn’t the first time Asim has made headlines for losing his cool. He previously walked out of Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 following a heated argument with fellow contestants. On the other hand, Rajat Dalal was involved in a widely publicized altercation with Bigg Boss 18 contestant Digvijay Rathee. About the Show ‘Battleground’ Battleground is a much-anticipated fitness reality show set to stream on Amazon MX Player. It features Indian cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan as the Supermentor, guiding contestants through rigorous training, strategy building, and competitive tasks. The show is structured around four regional teams: The contestants will compete under the guidance of fitness and lifestyle experts within the Battleground House, striving to prove their physical and mental prowess. Mixed Reactions from Fans Social media users are divided over the altercation, with some siding with Asim and others calling out his aggressive behavior. Fans of Rajat have also expressed their disappointment, criticizing Asim for “overreacting”. Meanwhile, Asim’s supporters argue that there might be “more to the story” than meets the eye. While the controversy has undoubtedly added to the buzz around Battleground, it has also raised questions about maintaining professionalism during public events. Neither Asim nor Rajat has issued an official statement addressing the incident. What do you think about the clash? Was Asim justified, or did he take it too far?

‘Empuraan’ Faces Modifications Amid Protests and Political Backlash

The Mohanlal-Prithviraj starrer Empuraan is set to undergo modifications following widespread protests and criticism, primarily from the RSS and its affiliated publications. The decision to make changes reportedly comes at the request of the film’s producers, and the revisions are expected to be completed by Monday. Meanwhile, the unmodified version will continue to run in theaters. What Are the Planned Changes? According to sources, more than 17 modifications will be made to the film, including: The modifications are being described as voluntary rather than a result of re-censorship. Interestingly, the Censor Board had initially suggested only two cuts—reducing the duration of scenes depicting violence against women and removing a dialogue that referenced the national flag. Political Controversy Surrounding ‘Empuraan’ The controversy erupted after the RSS and its mouthpiece accused Mohanlal of betraying his fans and Prithviraj of taking an anti-Hindu stance. A leaked document also revealed that the Censor Board’s nominated members did not intervene significantly during the review process, leading to criticism from RSS leaders like A Jayakumar and J Nandakumar. The RSS has labeled Empuraan as an “anti-India agenda movie”, and the debate has sparked a divide even within the BJP. While the BJP’s state leadership has distanced itself from any formal campaign against the film, national council member C Raghunath hinted at internal differences within the party over the issue. Box Office Success Despite Controversy Despite the uproar, Empuraan has been a box office juggernaut, raking in over ₹100 crore in just two days. The film’s success, however, has not dampened the political backlash it continues to face.

David Warner Charges a Whopping Rs 2.5 Crores for 3-Minute Cameo in Robinhood

Australian cricketer David Warner has made his acting debut with the Telugu film Robinhood, starring Nithiin in the lead role. While fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketer on the silver screen, it’s his massive paycheque that has caught everyone’s attention. Hefty Fee for a Brief Appearance According to reports from India TV, Warner charged a staggering Rs 2.5 crores for his cameo, which lasted just 2 minutes and 50 seconds on screen. The cricketer was required to shoot for merely 2 days, effectively earning Rs 1.25 crores per day. With this jaw-dropping fee, Warner has joined the elite list of actors with some of the most expensive cameo appearances in Indian cinema. Fans React to Warner’s Debut Warner’s cameo, although brief, has sparked excitement among fans, who were eager to see the Australian cricketer venture into acting. The film, directed by Venky Kudumula, hit theaters recently and has already garnered attention for Warner’s unexpected yet entertaining appearance. Warner’s Connection with Telugu Cinema Warner has always shown his fondness for Telugu movies and culture, frequently posting videos on social media where he grooves to Tollywood songs or mimics iconic dialogues. His cameo in Robinhood seems like a natural extension of his affection for the Telugu film industry.

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