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If you enjoy historical dramas set against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle, Azaad might be a film worth considering. This 2025 Indian Hindi-language period drama, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, features Ajay Devgn, Diana Penty, and introduces newcomers Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadan

Set in 1920s India, the story follows Govind (Aaman Devgan), a young stable boy who forms an unbreakable bond with a spirited horse named Azaad, owned by the feared dacoit Vikram Singh (Ajay Devgn). As Govind’s fascination with Azaad pulls him into conflicts and unexpected adventures, his path crosses with Janaki (Rasha Thadani), the daughter of a ruthless landlord, Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra). Against a backdrop of rebellion and oppression, Govind’s quest to ride Azaad turns into a journey of courage and self-realization, ultimately leading him to a greater fight for freedom.

Azaad was released on January 17, 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the debut performances of Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani, others felt that the narrative lacked depth. The film was praised for its action sequences and its exploration of themes like loyalty, friendship, and love set against India’s pre-independence struggles.

Despite its strong cast and high production values, Azaad underperformed at the box office, failing to meet commercial expectations. For those who appreciate period dramas with themes of courage and self-discovery, Azaad provides a visually rich journey into India’s past, portraying the spirit of freedom through its characters’ personal struggles.

If you appreciate stories about passion and perseverance, Superboys of Malegaon might be a film worth watching. This 2024 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age drama, directed by Reema Kagti and written by Varun Grover, is inspired by the 2008 documentary Supermen of Malegaon. It brings to life the journey of Nasir Shaikh and other amateur filmmakers from the small town of Malegaon.

The film follows Nasir Shaikh (Adarsh Gourav), a wedding videographer who dreams of making his own films. With the support of his friends—Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh), Shafique (Shashank Arora), and Akram (Anuj Singh Duhan)—he embarks on a mission to create low-budget parodies of Bollywood classics. Despite financial struggles and societal expectations, their determination to tell stories fuels their creativity and resilience.

The cast includes Riddhi Kumar as Mallika, Saqib Ayub as Irfan, Gyanendra Tripathi as Nihal, Muskkaan Jaferi as Shabeena, Anmol Kajani as Nadeem, Manjiri Pupala as Trupti, and Pallav Singh as Aleem. Premiering in the Gala section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2024, the film was later released theatrically on February 28, 2025. Critics have praised its heartfelt storytelling and performances. Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert. com awarded it 3. 5 out of 4 stars, calling it “one of the most accessible and entertaining movies about the creative urge that you’ll see. ” Similarly, Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India rated it 4. 5 stars, describing it as “a heartwarming tale of friendship, faith, and films.”With its themes of passion, resilience, and the power of cinema, Superboys of Malegaon has been widely appreciated as an inspiring tribute to the love for filmmaking.

If you enjoy heartfelt dramas about human-animal bonds, you might want to check out Dil Dosti Aur Dogs, a Hindi film that premiered on February 28, 2025, on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by Viral Shah, this film explores the deep connection between people and their canine companions through four interwoven stories set against the scenic backdrop of Goa.

Featuring an ensemble cast including Neena Gupta, Sharad Kelkar, Masumeh Makhija, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Tridha Choudhury, Ehan Bhat, and Tinnu Anand, the film delves into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Each story highlights the transformative impact that dogs can have on human relationships.

While the movie delivers heartwarming moments and celebrates the joy that dogs bring into our lives, it has received mixed reviews. Critics have praised Neena Gupta and Sharad Kelkar for their sincere performances, but some reviews mention that the storytelling relies on clichés and lacks depth, making it less impactful.

Despite its flaws, Dil Dosti Aur Dogs remains a touching tribute to the companionship between humans and dogs, likely to resonate with pet lovers and audiences seeking emotionally uplifting narratives.

If you’re a fan of How to Train Your Dragon, you’ll be excited to know that Universal Pictures is set to release a live-action adaptation on June 13, 2025. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy, this reimagining brings the beloved story to life with a new level of realism.

The film follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, played by Mason Thames, an inventive but awkward Viking and the son of Chief Stoick the Vast, portrayed by Gerard Butler, reprising his original role. In a world where dragons are seen as enemies, Hiccup forms an unlikely bond with a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. As their friendship grows, they uncover truths that could forever change the relationship between Vikings and dragons—while facing new threats to their homeland.

The cast also includes Nico Parker as Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup’s fierce and loyal companion, and Nick Frost as Gobber the Belch, the village blacksmith and mentor. Additional characters are played by Julian Dennison (Fishlegs), Gabriel Howell (Snotlout), Bronwyn James (Ruffnut), Harry Trevaldwyn (Tuffnut), and Ruth Codd (Phlegma).

The first teaser trailer, released three months ago, offers a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes of Berk and the detailed design of the dragons, including a more lifelike Toothless. The film also expands the mythology, portraying Berk as a hub for the world’s greatest dragon-fighting warriors from different cultures.

With its mix of adventure, heartfelt friendships, and stunning visuals, this adaptation is poised to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.

If you’re excited about Disney’s live-action adaptations, you’ll be interested to know that Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, is set to release on March 21, 2025. This reimagining of the 1937 animated classic stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

In this version, Snow White joins forces with seven dwarfs to reclaim her kingdom from her cruel stepmother. The film also introduces new characters, including Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, who takes the place of the traditional prince.

Rather than focusing on being rescued, the story highlights Snow White’s journey to becoming a fearless leader. The film will also feature original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including Waiting on a Wish, a brand-new “I Want” song for the protagonist.

The official trailer, released three months ago, provides a glimpse into the film’s visual style and the Evil Queen’s transformation. With Snow White being one of the most anticipated family films of 2025, it continues Disney’s trend of reimagining beloved classics for a new generation

Nadaaniyan is a 2025 Hindi-language teen romantic comedy directed by Shauna Gautam in her directorial debut. The film stars Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, alongside Mahima Chaudhry, Dia Mirza, Suniel Shetty, and Jugal Hansraj.The narrative centers on Pia Jaisingh (Khushi Kapoor), a privileged teenager from South Delhi facing challenges within her dysfunctional family, including her father’s infidelity. After disputes with her family and classmates at Falcon High School, Pia hires Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a middle-class student from Noida attending Falcon High on a scholarship, to pose as her boyfriend. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Pia and Arjun’s arrangement leads them to develop genuine feelings for each other.

Upon its release on Netflix on March 7, 2025, Nadaaniyan received predominantly negative reviews. Critics highlighted the film’s lack of depth and character development, with The Times of India commenting that the storytelling and emotions were “as shallow and filtered as beautified Instagram posts.” Similarly, India Forums described the film as a “bore fest,” criticizing the weak plot and dialogue delivery.

Despite the criticism, some reviews acknowledged the performances of the lead actors. Khushi Kapoor was noted for her “bubbly and warm presence on screen,” even though the material did not fully utilize her potential. Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut was described as “pleasant,” with reviewers noting his likable screen presence. Overall, Nadaaniyan attempts to explore themes of modern relationships and social media’s influence but falls short in execution, resulting in a narrative that feels superficial and disconnected

If Aachari Baa is a heartwarming family drama directed by Hardik Gajjar, then it follows the journey of Jaishnaviben Anopchand Vagadia, known as Baa (portrayed by Neena Gupta), as she navigates an unexpected turn in her life. After longing for years to reunite with her son, she is invited to Mumbai, only to realize that her primary role is to care for the family’s pet dog, Jenny, while they vacation elsewhere. Initially hesitant, Baa gradually forms an unexpected bond with Jenny, leading her on a path of self-discovery and renewed purpose.

If the film beautifully explores themes of longing, resilience, and unforeseen companionships, then it offers a touching narrative about the connections that shape us in the most surprising ways. Also featuring Kabir Bedi, Vatsal Sheth, and Manasi Rachh, Aachari Baa is set to premiere on JioHotstar on March 14, 2025

If Inn Galiyon Mein is a romantic drama directed by Avinash Das that explores the impact of social media on relationships and societal expectations in the digital age, then it delves into the complexities of modern love and human connections in an era dominated by digital interactions.

Storyline: A single father and his exceptionally talented daughter embark on a journey to compete in the nation’s most prestigious dance reality show. To participate, they must adhere to a rule requiring contestants to perform exclusively traditional dance forms, prohibiting modern or fusion styles. This stipulation challenges the daughter’s passion for contemporary dance, leading them to navigate personal conflicts, societal expectations, and the struggle to honor their artistic vision within the competition’s constraints.

This condition introduces a compelling internal and external conflict, emphasizing themes of tradition versus modernity, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of pursuing one’s passion under restrictive circumstances

Director Saki Shah’s SHAILA is a love story that takes place in the picturesque land of Kashmir. The film is about Shaila (Sara Khan), who works as a journalist in one of the local television news channels. One day, while being engaged on her phone while driving, she rams her car into a young man named Kunal (Rohit Chaudhary).

The latter gets admitted in the hospital after he suffers a few injuries. While recovering, he narrates his tragic one-sided love story with a girl (Sonam Arora). Will Shaila help Kunal unite with the girl he loves or will she end up falling in love with him?