Movie Masala

In Episode 52, we break down From the World of John WickFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerina , the spin-off starring Ana de Armas, with Keanu Reeves returning alongside Ian McShane and Lance Reddick. We go over the film’s energetic and inventive action sequences and de Armas' contribution to the franchise. But we also explore the film’s thinner plot and how female action leads are never really s...

In Episode 49, we unpack The Phoenician Scheme , the latest film from Wes Anderson. With a characteristically stacked cast, we highlight standout performances from Michael Cera and Mia Threapleton. But despite the talent, we discuss why this one feels like Wes Anderson on autopilot—visually sharp but emotionally flat. 🎬 Watch the trailer: The Phoenician Scheme | Official Trailer 📲 Follow & l...

In Episode 50, we dive into Nadaaniyan , the Bollywood film packed with nepo babies and influencers. We unpack the painfully unrealistic script, awkward dialogue, and wooden performances that somehow keep getting greenlit. Why do these films keep happening—and who are they even for? 🎬 Watch the trailer: Nadaaniyan | Official Trailer 📲 Follow & listen: linktr.ee/moviemasalapodcast

In Ep 49, we are once more talking about Sinners. Now a certified hit and Anainah having watched it, we go more into it's themes of assimilation versus representation. The incredible performances and how it bends genres to it will. 🎬 Watch the trailer: Watch Here 📲Follow us & listen: ⁠https://linktr.ee/moviemasalapodcast?utm_source=linktree_admin_share⁠

In this episode, we review Death of a Unicorn , the dark comedy starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd. We chat about Ortega’s now-signature performance style—predictable, but still entertaining—and how the film shines most when the cast leans into over-the-top moments. Despite its fun premise, we break down why this satire doesn’t quite bite hard enough. 🎬 Watch the trailer: Death of a Unicorn | Of...

In Episode 47, we discuss  Be Happy , the Indian drama starring Abhishek Bachchan, Inayat Verma, and Nora Fatehi. We discuss Abishek Bachchan's performance and career trajectory, and Inayat Varma's standout performance. We also discuss how the film leans toward sincerity and struggles to stand out in a crowded genre. 🎬 Watch the trailer: Be Happy | Official Trailer 📲 Follow & listen:...

In Episode 46, we discuss The Surfer (2025), the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan and starring Nicolas Cage. We talk about Cage doing what he does best, unpacking the film’s trippy, surreal visuals and debating whether its inconsistent themes hold it back or make it more intriguing. 🎬 Watch the trailer: The Surfer Official Trailer 📲 Follow us & catch every episode: linktr.e...

In Episode 45, we chat about The Royals , our first TV series review—Netflix India’s new rom‑com starring Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, and Sakshi Tanwar. We unpack where it subverts classic soap tropes and where it slips back into the same conventional melodrama, and debate which performances truly shine versus which fall flat. 🎬 Watch the trailer: The Royals | Official Trailer YouTube 📲 Foll...

In Episode 44, we review Emily (2022), the semi-fictional period drama directed by Frances O’Connor and starring Emma Mackey as Emily Brontë. We talk about how the film’s creative liberties deepen its themes and whether the direction does justice to the literary legacy it plays with. 🎬 Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTcOkT72J0 📲 Follow us & listen: https://linktr.ee/movi...

In Episode 43, we break down the latest MCU film, Thunderbolts* (2025), starring Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. We talk about the film’s themes of depression and aimlessness, its strong performances, and how superhero media continues to depict foreign countries through a skewed lens. 🎬 Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sAOWh...

In Episode 41, we talk about Until Dawn (2025), the new horror film adaptation of the hit PlayStation game. Directed by David F. Sandberg, we break down how the movie diverges from the original game and why it might’ve worked better as a completely different story. 🎬 Watch the trailer here: Until Dawn (2025) Official Trailer 📲 Follow us on Social Media & catch every episode: linktr.ee/moviem...

In this episode, we discuss Rookie (2023), not the Nathan Fillion cop show, but instead the LGBTQ+ Filipino coming-of-age film directed by Samantha Lee. While the story follows a familiar formula, we discuss how its heartfelt execution and charming cast still make it a win. 🎬 Watch the trailer: Rookie (2023) Official Trailer 📲 Follow us & stream all episodes: linktr.ee/moviemasalapodcast

In episode 40, we dive into Chhaava , the controversial Indian historical drama directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal. We discuss how the execution of its narrative further fans flame of division in India and explore the responsibility of art under an authoritarian leadership.

In this episode, we review Sinners (2025), the musical horror film directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan. We absolutely rave about how the film sings—balancing action, horror, and comedy with razor-sharp precision. We break down how the film’s musical choices stitch it all together, and why this might be Coogler’s boldest work yet.

In Episode 38, we talk about Santosh , a powerful Indian drama directed by Sandhya Suri. We explore the film’s heavy but vital themes of justice, gender, and systemic violence, and discuss how its lack of catharsis affects the emotional impact.

In Episode 37, we dig into The Minecraft Movie , starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Danielle Brooks. We talk about the film’s surprising box office success, despite its mediocre story and how the film wasted so much of its potential

In Episode 36, we are doing something different: going over our top 10 films from the last 15 years that very few people have watched. Join us as we go over what has made these films stick with us and why you should also watch them. Films include - Hard Truths (2024) - It's Such A Beautiful Day (2012) - My Favourite Cake (2024) - Joyland (2022) - Bye Bye Tiberias (2023) - Copshop (2021) - Layl...

In episode 35, we talk about Drip Like Coffee , the indie drama from BFI Flare that explores Black sapphic romance. We discuss how its important representation is undercut by a weak script and uneven performances, leaving its conflicts unresolved. While the film has its moments, we debate whether it ever fully delivers on its promise.

In this episode, we talk about Ne Zha 2 , now the highest-grossing film of the year. We break down the film’s quality, how it taps into the right demographics to achieve its record-breaking success, and what it says about the strength of the Chinese box office. Plus, we dive into its themes and whether it lives up to the hype.

In Episode 33, we discuss Sing Sing , the powerful prison drama starring Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin. We go over the authenticity of the script and the actors playing themselves. We also sing the praises of Colman Domingo's incredible performance alongside Clarence Maclin. Visit our socials here: https://linktr.ee/moviemasalapodcast

In this episode, we dive into Mickey 17 , Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi comedy starring Robert Pattinson. We break down Pattinson’s incredible performance alongside a stellar supporting cast and discuss what parts of the film truly shine—and what doesn’t quite land. Plus, we talk about how Mickey 17 feels unmistakably Bong Joon Ho, for better or worse. Link to socials (https://linktr.ee/moviemasala...

In Episode 31, we review Maja Ma , the Queer Indian Gujarati film starring Madhuri Dixit. We talk about how it has a rocky start and feels performative, but really comes through at the end. Giving good insights on allyship, queer women, and the Indian diaspora.

In episode 30, we break down the 2025 Oscars—rants included. Talking about major snubs, the recognition of international films, and everything else that had our eyes rolling or laughing out loud. We also talk about No Other Land’s historic win and debate who actually deserved to take home the gold in multiple categories.

In this episode, we talk about I’m Still Here. Nominated for Best Film and Best International Film at the Oscars, it is a gripping drama that tackles the heavy subject matter of forced disappearances. Featuring incredible performances from Fernanda Torres, and Selton Mello, the film doesn’t hold back in its emotional weight. We discuss how the direction handles these difficult themes and debate wh...

In episode 28, we talk about Conclave. Fresh off its BAFTA win and a Best Film nomination, we break down the film’s sharp writing, the powerhouse performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, and whether director Edward Berger’s restrained approach works in its favour or holds it back.