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Joker: Folie à Deux review: A Masterpiece of Tragedy and Theatrics

It masterfully turns fantasy into reality, refusing to indulge the audience’s desire for escape.

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By Inderjit Badhwar

For those seeking the heart-pounding chaos of Gotham—the car chases, explosions, and violent mayhem that punctuated Joker: Folie à Deux’s 2019 predecessor—you’re bound to feel cheated. This film shuns the devilish spectacle, the apocalyptic laughter, and numbing bloodletting that made audiences reel last time. Instead, Joker takes a different path—one that draws you into a theatrical allegory, where sorrow lurks behind every scene like the unspoken melancholy of Busby Berkeley’s gals, whose smiles mask tears behind the brass and drums. It’s a film that will break your heart if you’re willing to look beneath the surface.

Most critics who have panned this work have utterly missed its genius. They’ve approached it as another instalment of the Batman universe or a Marvel spin-off, never realising they should have been viewing it through a Bergmanesque or Kafkaesque lens.

This is not a superhero movie; it is a meditation on despair. In fact, even with its colour palette, the film strikes the mind in grainy black and white, resonating with the heavy weight of reality and the tragedy that lies at its core.

Tragedy reigns in every frame. From the grimy, passionless prison where Joker awaits trial for his previous murders, to his imploding visage as he engages in cramped and joyless lovemaking with Harley Quinn in a dingy cell, the mood is one of relentless gloom. As the film unfolds, we understand one central truth: Joker is already dead. Joaquin Phoenix’s face in the opening shots tells us this immediately—the rest of the movie exists to prove why this is so. It’s not a question of fate; it’s an exploration of inevitability.

This film becomes a tug-of-war—not just between Joker and the world around him—but between director Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix, and the audience. Phillips and Phoenix push a painful reality down the throats of viewers and characters alike, while the world around them begs for fantasy. It’s as though the cast itself, along with the audience, yearns for the Joker of old—the virile, immanent figure who once offered Gotham’s downtrodden an escape, a chance at vengeance, a wild ride through the storm. But that Joker is gone.

Fantasy, it turns out, is what many wanted—and critics, too, missed the film’s central theme of “fantasy as entertainment.” The repeated number, “That’s Entertainment,” becomes the leitmotif, a sardonic nod to an audience desperate to maintain illusion. The powerful Joker of the previous film offered this fantasy. He was an avenging angel, the ultimate escape hatch for Gotham’s wretched—their abused and neglected, whose collective pain he embodied. He thrilled the wealthy, the beautiful people, the theatre-going elite, who saw in him a Marvel comic made flesh.

Even Harley was captivated by this illusion, but unwittingly, she played the role of femme fatale. In love, Joker became Fleck once again, irreversibly human. And this was his fatal flaw. Joker could never survive as a human. His love for Harley shattered the very fantasy he had created, and in doing so, he signed his own death warrant. The human Fleck had to die, tried and convicted not only for his crimes but for betraying those who longed for him to remain the Joker—the untouchable, the fantastical. Even Harley, in the end, turns her back, revealing that she, too, was just another devotee of the illusion.

This film is an extraordinary piece of art, driven by Joaquin Phoenix’s near-flawless artistry and supported by brilliant character performances from an impassioned cast. It masterfully turns fantasy into reality, refusing to indulge the audience’s desire for escape.

Go see it. Joker is not entertainment for entertainment’s sake—it is art, designed to rip away our comforting illusions and force us into deeper reflection. This is not a film that indulges the tooth fairy; it crushes her underfoot, daring us to see the world as it truly is.

Entertainment

Chhaava trailer out: Vicky Kaushal looks majestic as Sambhaji Maharaj, film to release on Feb 14

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava is more than just a historical drama; it’s a visceral and emotionally charged portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

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The wait is over. The trailer for Chhaava, the highly anticipated historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has finally been released, offering a thrilling sneak peek into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The trailer’s release in Mumbai was marked by Rashmika Mandanna’s determined attendance despite a visible leg injury, showcasing her commitment to the project.

The visuals immediately immerse the viewer in the grandeur and brutality of 17th-century India. We see a montage showcasing the multifaceted life of Sambhaji Maharaj – a skilled warrior, a devoted husband, and a king fiercely protective of his kingdom. The trailer expertly interweaves moments of personal intimacy with scenes of intense warfare, highlighting the complexities of his reign.

At the heart of the narrative is a relentless pursuit of vengeance. Aurangzeb, played with menacing intensity by Akshaye Khanna, vows the elimination of Sambhaji Maharaj at any cost, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict between the Maratha and Mughal empires.

The trailer is filled with exhilarating action sequences; Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerful performance, embodying the fearless warrior spirit of Sambhaji as he single-handedly confronts hordes of enemy soldiers in breathtaking battle scenes. The sheer scale of these sequences promises a visually stunning cinematic experience.

The trailer culminates in a truly unexpected and unforgettable scene: Sambhaji Maharaj engaging in fierce, hand-to-hand combat with a lion. This moment serves as a powerful symbol of the king’s courage and unwavering determination.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava is more than just a historical drama; it’s a visceral and emotionally charged portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel, Chhava, the film promises a stirring tale of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a king who fought valiantly to protect his people. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and thrilling action sequences, Chhaava is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Mark your calendars for its theatrical release on February 14, 2025.

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Salman Khan rides in kaali peeli taxi during Sikandar shoots in Mumbai, video surfaces

The video showcases Khan in a compelling new avatar – a rugged, charismatic character far removed from his typical on-screen personas.

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A behind-the-scenes video from the set of Salman Khan’s highly anticipated film, Sikandar, has ignited a frenzy among his dedicated fanbase. The short clip, leaked online, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the action-packed world of the film, directed by the renowned AR Murugadoss.

The video showcases Khan in a compelling new avatar – a rugged, charismatic character far removed from his typical on-screen personas.

The scene depicts Salman, dressed in a simple yet stylish blue shirt and denim jeans, exiting a classic yellow-and-black Mumbai taxi, a “kaali peeli,” alongside his on-screen gang. The atmosphere is charged with energy as they navigate a bustling crowd, hinting at the film’s dynamic and potentially gritty urban setting.

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This brief but impactful sequence perfectly encapsulates the film’s promised blend of high-octane action and compelling narrative.

Previously released teasers have already generated considerable buzz, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience filled with breathtaking stunts and visually stunning sequences. Sikandar is not just another action film; it’s a visual spectacle designed to enthrall audiences with its meticulously crafted action sequences and innovative cinematography. The teaser showcased glimpses of intense fight choreography, daring chases, and breathtaking set pieces, suggesting a level of production value rarely seen in Bollywood.

The film marks a significant reunion for Salman Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, a prolific duo known for delivering several box-office successes, including the iconic Kick and the light-hearted romantic comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.

This collaboration, steeped in a history of successful partnerships, guarantees a certain level of quality and anticipation surrounding Sikandar. The film’s storyline, while shrouded in secrecy, promises an intense narrative that complements the explosive action sequences, creating a captivating and multi-faceted cinematic experience.

With its unique blend of action, intrigue, and the star power of Salman Khan, Sikandar is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Scheduled for release on Eid, the film is set to capitalize on the festive season, promising a blockbuster opening and solidifying its place as a major cinematic event. The leaked video has only amplified the excitement and heightened anticipation for Sikandar’s eventual release.

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Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki co-star Varun Kulkarni hospitalised due to severe kidney issues, seeks financial help

His contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his role in Dunki. He has also appeared in acclaimed shows like Scam 1992 and The Family Man, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite these achievements, the financial realities of his current medical emergency have overwhelmed his resources.

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Varun Kulkarni, a talented actor who graced the screen in Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 blockbuster Dunki, is currently facing a severe health crisis. He is hospitalized, battling a serious kidney ailment that necessitates dialysis two to three times a week. The mounting medical expenses have placed an immense strain on him, prompting a heartfelt plea for assistance from his friend and fellow artist, Roshan Shetty.

Shetty’s emotional Instagram post details Kulkarni’s struggle, painting a picture of an artist grappling with the exorbitant costs of his treatment. The unpredictable nature of an actor’s income, coupled with the frequent and costly dialysis sessions and emergency hospital visits, has left Kulkarni in a precarious financial position. This situation is particularly poignant given his personal history. Orphaned at a young age, Kulkarni has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication, pursuing his passion for acting against significant odds.

His contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his role in Dunki. He has also appeared in acclaimed shows like Scam 1992 and The Family Man, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite these achievements, the financial realities of his current medical emergency have overwhelmed his resources.

Shetty’s appeal underscores Kulkarni’s character, describing him as not only a brilliant artist but also a kind and selfless individual. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the significant impact even small contributions can have. He provides options for donating, including direct contact details for those personally acquainted with Kulkarni and a link to a Ketto crowdfunding page for broader participation.

The post concludes with a powerful call to action, encouraging everyone to contribute to Kulkarni’s recovery and return to the stage. It highlights the collaborative spirit within the artistic community, demonstrating the willingness to rally around one of their own during a time of profound need. The shared hope is to alleviate Kulkarni’s financial burden, enabling him to focus on his health and ultimately, return to the fulfilling world of acting. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many artists, and the crucial role of collective support in overcoming adversity.

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