Navaneeth Sham

#SecondCaseofSeetharam: A solid comeback for Seetharam, not a nail-biting thriller, but a much improved, engaging crime drama that works better than the first case. The first thing about Vijay Raghavendra, the man doesn't stop. He keeps doing films, and almost every couple of months there's a new release. But here's the thing: when he picks low-budget scripts, the responsibility shifts completely to the story and screenplay. There's no larger-than-life packaging to hide behind. It either works… or it doesn't. This film is the sequel to Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18. And I'll be honest - I didn't like the first part. It was monotonous, emotionally flat, and the characters never made me feel anything. The director failed to make us invest in Seetharam as a person. It felt stretched and at times, boring. But this sequel? It's better. Clearly better. Director Devi Prasad Shetty has improved in storytelling. The narrative this time is tighter, more engaging, and the build-up actually works. You feel curious about what's happening. The screenplay has more grip compared to the prequel, and that itself is a big positive. Is it a fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat thriller? No. Does it try to be overly stylish? Also no. But what it does is stay consistent and focused on the case. And that works in its favour. The technical aspects look better this time. The film feels more polished. The background score & music by Navaneeth Sham supports the mood well. It doesn't overpower, but it adds tension where needed. The story build-up is handled decently, and the investigation portions are engaging enough to keep you watching. Of course, it's not flawless. There are moments where the pacing dips. Some scenes could have been sharper. But beyond those flaws, this is a solid improvement over the first film. For me, this is a decent crime thriller. Not extraordinary. Not groundbreaking. But engaging enough and definitely better than what we got in 2021. If you didn't like the first part like me, give this one a chance. This case works better!

#HebbuliCut: An honest, heartfelt gem that cuts deep, quietly but powerfully. Hebbuli Cut isn't just a coming-of-age film, it's a layered, emotionally resonant portrait of caste, innocence, and quiet rebellion set against the earthy, rooted backdrop of North Karnataka. What begins as a seemingly simple story of a boy trying to impress a girl turns into something far more moving and meaningful. And more importantly, what really struck me was how the film talks about caste and discrimination without ever being loud or preachy. It doesn't deliver lectures, it just shows you a reality that's still around us. And it does that with warmth, humour, and a lot of heart. There's a certain sweetness in the way Vinya looks at the girl, the small things he does to catch her attention, it's all so real and relatable. But beneath that innocence, there's also this simmering tension, and when it hits in the climax, it hits hard. You feel Vinya's pain, his confusion, and the silent anger of being judged for something he never chose. Technically, the film is solid too. The visuals by Deepak Yaragera are beautiful, raw and rooted. Navaneeth Sham's music sits gently in the background, never overpowering the emotions. Ashe Prajwal Vasist's editing keeps things tight. But above all, full credit to Ananth Shandreya and Bheemarao P, the writing and direction feel personal and honest, like this story truly mattered to them. Hebbuli Cut deserves to be seen,not just for its story, but for the dignity with which it tells it. A must-watch. Catch it at a theatre near you.