Talking Talkies

Benny and Minal engage in a comprehensive discussion centered around the cinematic phenomenon that is the 'Dhurandhar' franchise, delving into both parts of the film series. The hosts emphasize the films' significant cultural impact and commercial success, particularly the profound themes of patriotism and sacrifice woven into the narratives. They meticulously analyze the character arcs, especially that of the protagonist, Hamza, portrayed by Ranveer Singh, and the ensemble cast's compelling performances, including Akshaye Khanna and R. Madhavan. Throughout their discourse, Benny and Minal address the controversies surrounding the films, particularly the implications of perceived ideological messaging, while maintaining an objective stance on the storytelling and cinematic techniques utilized by director Aditya Dhar. The episode culminates in an exploration of the music that underpins the films, reinforcing its role in amplifying the narrative's emotional resonance.

Benny and Minal engage in an insightful discourse regarding the cinematic adaptation of Andy Weir's 'Project Hail Mary.' The principal focus of their conversation is the film's exploration of humanity, friendship, and sacrifice, particularly through the unique bond between the protagonist, Ryland Grace, and the alien Rocky. They reflect on the intricacies of character development, emphasizing the compelling portrayal of Grace, whose journey from reluctant participant to selfless hero unfolds against the backdrop of an interstellar mission to save Earth. Furthermore, they delve into the film's effective balance of humor and emotional depth, highlighting its visual storytelling and impactful soundtrack. Ultimately, the hosts express a shared appreciation for the film, rating it a perfect ten, while also contemplating the deeper themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Episode 16: Om Shanti OmRelease Date: 2007 This is the second episode of our dual episodic series where we explore films based on Bollywood. Om Shanti Om is a 2007 Hindi romantic fantasy film written and directed by Farah Khan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone (in her Hindi film debut), Shreyas Talpade, Kirron Kher, and Arjun Rampal - with a slew of high-profile cameos from Bollywood.The film was a huge hit, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2007 and the highest-grossing Hindi film ever at its release.Plot Summary: The story follows Om Prakash Makhija (Khan), an obscure 1970s actor who dies in a suspicious on-set fire involving his crush, well-known yesteryear's superstar Shanti Priya (Padukone). He is reincarnated in the present day as superstar Om Kapoor, seeking to exact revenge on the perpetrator, Shanti's husband and powerful producer Mukesh Mehra (Rampal).The film is a tribute to the 2 OG films based on reincarnation and revenge - Madhumati (1958) and Karz. (1980)Where to watch: Rent on YouTubeFavourite Scenes/Iconic Dialogues: Award SpeechIconic Dialogue - Picture Abhi Baki Hain Mere Dost. Yenna Rascala - Great parody Deewangi Deewangi - 37 cameos from Bollywood stars - inspired by the OG Amitabh’s Song John Johnny Janardan from ‘Naseeb’ movie. Javed Akhtar on writing Dard-E-DiscoEnding CreditsTrivia: All the trivia from this film is here.Soundtrack - One of the best soundtracks of the 00s by Vishal-Shekhar.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterPlease leave us a review or rating on the podcast app.

Episode 15: Luck By ChanceRelease Date: 2009 This is the first episode of our dual episodic series where we explore films based on Bollywood. Luck By Chance is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Zoya Akhtar. It is her directorial debut. She also co-wrote the movie with her father, Javed Akhtar. The film stars her brother, Farhan Akhtar, in the lead role along with Konkana Sen Sharma. When it was released, Luck By Chance flopped at the box office and received mixed critical reviews. Over the years, however, the movie has become a cult film, extremely popular with hardcore Bollywood fans. Zoya and Ayan Mukherjee (Wake Up Sid) won the debutant director award. The movie is the most meta movie one can get in Bollywood—it blends humour, satire, and parody on the workings of the Bollywood industry. It has a plethora of cameos from the who’s who of Bollywood, including 17 A-listers, with Hrithik Roshan having an extended cameo. Plot Summary: The film’s plot revolves around the struggle of 2 outsiders trying to enter Bollywood as hero/heroine. Farhan Akhtar plays Vikram, who comes from Delhi to try his luck in Bollywood, and Konkana Sen Sharma plays Sona, a young girl who has escaped her small town life and marriage to try her luck as an actress in Bollywood. Rishi Kapoor plays the producer Romi Rolly, Juhi Chawla plays his wife, Dimple Kapadia plays the yesteryear actress Neena Walia, trying to get her daughter Nikki played by Isha Shravani her debut film with the hugely popular Zafar Khan by Hrithik Roshan.  As Vikram and Sona try to find their way in Bollywood, the audience goes along with their journey and learns about the inner workings of Bollywood. Where to watch: Prime VideoFavourite Scenes/Iconic Dialogues: Best opening credits in a Bollywood movie.Romi Rolly / Anurag Kashyap Scene - Oye Institute - Mein film festival ke liye nahi bana raha hoonAll the cameos - Akshaye Khanna nails itOutTakes:Irony of the Casting: The film is about struggling outsiders trying to get an entry into mainstream Bollywood. It's a movie made by nepotism kids starring nepotism kids—Zoya, Farhan, and Konkana.Soundtrack: One of the best soundtracks by SELBollywood Nostalgia: This film has so much Bollywood nostalgia - every frame has movie posters and meta references.Trivia: All the trivia from this film is here.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterLeave us a review or rating on the podcast app.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around a discussion of our personal favorite films from the year 2024, specifically focusing on "Merry Christmas" and "Aavesham." We delve into the nuances of these films, sharing our thoughts on their narratives, performances, and the emotions they evoke. "Merry Christmas," directed by Sriram Raghavan, is lauded for its engaging storytelling and strong character dynamics, particularly the chemistry between the lead actors. Meanwhile, "Aavesham," featuring Fahad Fazil, captivates us with its inventive plot and the versatility of its central character, which we explore in depth. This episode reflects our cinematic preferences, inviting listeners to consider their own experiences with these films while setting the stage for future discussions on a broader array of cinematic topics.--------------Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Instagram @_talkingtalkiesLeave us a review or rating on the podcast app of your choice!

Episode 14: Laapataa LadiesRelease Date: 2024 This episode is our first listener request. Minal’s cousin Mitali asked us to do a podcast on the recently released movie Laapataa Ladies which is garnering great reviews from critics and audience alike. We are joined by special guest Amit - a marketing professional, an aspiring cricket umpire, and a food lover. You can follow him on Instagram @fooodzilla where he posts about his food, travel, and umpiring adventures. The movie’s greatest strength lies in calling out patriarchy, portraying feminism, and taking every single character big or small on a road to self-discovery, while maintaining a light-hearted tone throughout. Laapataa Ladies is a 2024 Hindi/Bollywood comedy-drama film directed by Kiran Rao whose last directorial venture was Dhobi Ghat/Mumbai Diaries, which was released in 2011. The film is produced by Aamir Khan Productions The film stars two debutants Pratibha Ranta who plays Jaya and Nitanshi Goel as Phool as the 2 brides who get mixed up. Sparsh Srivastav of Jamtara TV series (Netflix)  fame plays the groom DeepakOther supporting cast members include: Chaya Kadam as Mai the tea shop owner, an established actress in Marathi films/TV and theater industry. Ravi Kishan as the inspector who after a not-so-promising career in the 90s in Bollywood moved to Bhojpuri films and became a superstar there. He took up character roles in Bollywood and re-established himself. Geeta Agarwal Sharma - Deepak’s mom who we recently saw in 12th Fail and Fighter. Plot Summary: The film is set in rural India in a fictional state called Nirmal Pradesh in 2001. 2 brides are traveling with their respective grooms on a train and there are many more newlywed couples in the same compartment. As was/is the tradition - the brides are in similar red sarees (bridal attire) with the veil over their faces. One of the grooms gets off at the station at night with the wrong bride and chaos ensues. Do the 2 brides return to their rightful destinations - Laapataa Ladies is the answer to this question. Where to watch: NetflixFavourite Scenes: Inspector Manohar’s funny quips Mai explains the ‘Fraud’ sold to Indian girls Saas, Bahu and Friendship Inspector Manohar interrogates Pushpa/JayaDirector/Cast Interviews: Round table with Neelesh MishraKiran Rao with Anupama Chopra on Film CompanionMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterLeave us a review or rating on the podcast app of your choice!

Episode 13: Beauty Inside Release Date: 2015In this episode we discuss the romantic film ‘Beauty Inside’ which had the most unique premise among the romantic films we have watched. The movie blends fantasy with real-life situations and makes you think about what you truly value in the person you love.2015 South Korean romantic comedy film starring Han Hyo-joo and a multitude of actors portraying one character WooJin. The film was moderately successful, both commercially and critically. It led to a failed attempt to remake the film in Hollywood, starring Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones fame, and a more successful attempt to remake it as a Kdrama in 2018 starring Seo Hyun Jin and Lee Min Ki.Synopsis: WooJin the main lead is a young man who wakes up as a new person every single day - it could be a child, an old woman, a middle-aged man or a young college girl - a different body and a different face yesterday. He is a furniture designer but is a recluse and runs his business with help do his best friend. He meets YiSoo, played by Han Hyo Joo, a furniture store salesperson. The movie is about how he falls for her and how their relationship evolves around his unique condition and the challenges it faces. Cast: The WooJins: 123 cast members played WooJin in the movie. Some notable actors/actresses playing WooJin:Park Seo-joon (“Gyeonsong Creature”, “Itaewon Class”, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”, “The Marvels”) Juri Ueno (Japanese actress) Kim Hee-won - The main classroom teacher in ‘Moving’)Lee Dong-wook : Goblin, Touch My Heart, LifeChun Woo Hee: Be Melodramatic, ArgonYoo Yeon Sook: Hospital Playlist, Interest of LoveKim Ju Hyuk: Argon, Reply 1988 (The Elder Taek), Mr. Hong movie. was in the movie Mr Hong ( which was made into the drama Hometown Cha Cha). He died a very tragic death in a car accident and was just 40.  Han Hyo-joo : Plays YiSoo the female lead.Movies: Love 911, Cold Eyes, AlwayDrama: W, Happiness, MovingLee Dong-hwi as Sang-baek (Woo-jin’s friend) – also seen in Reply 1988, Pegasus Market, Movie: Extreme Job, Moon Sook:  Plays Woo-jin’s mom - Tinnel and Mask GirlFavorite scenesWooJin sees YiSoo and falls in loveWoo-jin as a childChun Woo Hee as WooJin and YiSoo - The first revealThe BreakUp Ending SceneMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterLeave us a review or rating on the podcast app

Episode 12: 12th FailRelease Date: 2023In this episode, we discuss the success of the movie '12th Fail’. This is a 2023 Hindi film which is a biographical drama film directed, produced, and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It is based on the 2019 non-fiction book Twelfth Fail - Har Vahi Jo Lada Nahi by Anurag Pathak about Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an Indian Police Service officer.The film stars Vikrant Massey as Sharma, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee. The film received widespread critical acclaim and emerged as a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹69 crore (US$8.6 million) worldwide on a ₹20 crore (US$2.5 million) budget. At the 69th Filmfare Awards, it won five awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor (Critics) (Massey). Synopsis: 12th Fail traces the journey of a young man Manoj Kumar who overcomes poverty and extreme adversities to achieve his dream of becoming an IPS officer after being inspired by an honest police officer in his village Chambal (notorious for its dacoits). Favorite Scenes: DSP Dushyant Singh - Stop Cheating - The moment that changes the course of Manoj’s life.Manoj comes home to learn about his Grandmom’s death - Topnotch performance by both actors (mother-actor Geeta Sharma)Manoj’s dad comes to see him - powerful and right there with the climax as the best scene from the filmGauri Bhaiya backs Manoj as he prepares for his last attempt at the civil services exams  Restart Shraddha’s proposalThe climax - as predictable as it was, it was pure satisfaction. Other movie recommendations to watch:How Phoolan Devi after the atrocities she faced, went on to become Chambal’s famous dacoit known as The Bandit Queen.   Seema Biswas starred in and as The Bandit Queen directed by Shekhar Kapoor.To understand the true genius of Vidhu Vinod Chopra watch the cult classic that changed the course of Bollywood films - the noir film based in Mumbai - Parinda Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterPlease leave us a review or rating on the podcast app!

Episode 11: The Year End Wrap - 2023Happy New Year to all our listeners! This is our first episode of 2024 and co-hosts Benny and Minal summarise their 2023 in movies, the notable mentions, and their respective Top 5. Rest assured you will get many movie recommendations from us since we don’t have many overlaps in our lists! These movies were not necessarily the best of the year but the ones we enjoyed watching!If you have any common movies with either of the hosts, tag us on Twitter/Instagram, and if you have any recommendations to share with us, please do so!Top 5 of 2023Benny’s PicksGodzilla Minus One (Japanese)Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3 (American)Spiderman; Across the Spiderverse (American)Sapta Sagaradaache Ello - Side A (Kannada)Jigarthanda Double X (Tamil)Minal’s Picks:Oppenheimer (American/British)12th Fail (Hindi)Vaalvi (Marathi)Wonka (British)Tetris (American/British)Notable MentionsBenny’s PicksDada (Tamil)Barbie (American)Leo (Tamil)Jawan (Hindi)Cocaine Bear (American)Minal’s PicksAir (America)Dhak Dhak (Hindi)Mast Mein Rehne Ka (Hindi)Sajini Shinde ka Viral Video (Hindi)Bheed (Hindi)Afwaah (Hindi)Friday Night Plan (Hindi)Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterLeave us a review or rating on the podcast app!

Episode 10: Inglorious BasterdsRelease Date: 2009In this episode, we discuss the ‘Glory’ of the movie ‘Inglorious Basterds’.This is a 2009 alt-history war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It stars Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Til Schweiger and Mélanie Laurent.Inglourious Basterds is a firm favorite with both the hosts and Christopher Waltz's Hans Landa remains one of their favorite villains. Waltz’s Handa has gone down in movie history as one of the most iconic characters, sweeping all the acting awards that year. Tune into the episode, where the hosts tell you why this movie is rewatchable even after so many years and cannot stop mentioning Waltz/Handa every 5 minutes of the episode - because every favorite scene and dialogue is incomplete without Waltz’s reference. Synopsis: In Nazi-oc cupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers known as the Inglorious Basterds led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine played by Brad Pitt coincides with theatre owner Shosanna Dreyfus’s vengeful plans for the same. Melanie Laurent plays Shossana who had witnessed the slaughter of her family by Colonel Hans Landa played by Christoph Waltz. As the relentless executioners advance and the conspiring young girl's plans are set in motion, their paths will cross for a fateful evening that will shake the very annals of history.Favourite Scenes: Opening Scene - Waltz sends a chill down your spine. Hands down one of the best opening scenes in movie historyStrudel scene : Waltz meets Shosanna. This scene gave rise to many theories - Did Handa recognize Shosanna or not? Handa’s multilingual skills stun the Basterds.The massacre at the Tavern - Rookie mistake Mr Fassbender!Trivia: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/InglouriousBasterdsMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-paradeLicense code: MIE1N7HAVI6KJOSGContact Us:Email: [email protected] Twitter: @_talkingtalkiesInstagram @_talkingtalkiesBenny (@RealBennyMan) / TwitterMi (@Mi_Rambles) / TwitterPlease leave us a review or rating on the podcast app!