This week, cinema lovers are in for a treat as multiplexes showcase an exciting array of films, featuring both new releases and beloved classics. The highlight of this week is the much-anticipated ‘Venom: The Last Dance’, the grand finale of the Venom trilogy. For Bollywood fans, the charming ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ makes a return to the big screen. Additionally, movie buffs can attend the Halloween Film Festival hosted by PVR INOX, offering a spine-tingling selection of horror films.
What’s Playing at Your Local Theatre This Week
Venom: The Last Dance
Prepare for an intense ride with ‘Venom: The Last Dance’, the exciting third film in the acclaimed Venom franchise. Following the successful ‘Venom’ from 2018 and its sequel ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ in 2021, this installment sees Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) and his symbiotic partner, Venom, on the run. They find themselves pursued by a multitude of foes from both the human and supernatural realms. The stakes are higher than ever as Eddie and Venom face a heart-wrenching choice that could end their partnership forever.
Re-releases This Week
Gladiator (2000)
Relive the epic tale of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a former Roman general seeking revenge against the treacherous emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who murdered his family and turned him into a slave. Beyond its thrilling action, ‘Gladiator’ captivates audiences with its heartfelt moments, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. Crowe rightfully secured the Best Actor Oscar, while Phoenix earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)
Step back into the whimsical world of ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’, a delightful romantic comedy featuring Ranbir Kapoor alongside Katrina Kaif, with a memorable cameo by Salman Khan. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film tells the quirky love story of Prem (Kapoor), a good-natured young man, and Jenny (Kaif), an innocent girl who captures his heart. The movie is a rollercoaster of laughs and romance, showcasing Prem’s various escapades in his quest to win over Jenny.
PVR INOX Hosts Halloween Film Festival
This Halloween season, PVR INOX presents a thrilling lineup of ten bone-chilling films. Here’s a peek at some of the horrifying features you can catch this Friday.
IT Series
Based on the iconic novel by Stephen King, the ‘IT’ series follows the chilling tale of Pennywise, a sinister clown who feeds on fear. Directed by Andy Muschietti, ‘IT’ (2017) explores the terrifying experiences of a group of children as they face their worst nightmares, headlined by Bill Skarsgård’s unnerving performance as Pennywise. The sequel, ‘IT Chapter 2’ (2019), reunites the now-adult Losers’ Club as they confront Pennywise once more, blending psychological horror with moments of humor and standout performances from Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader.
The Conjuring Universe
Renowned for rekindling supernatural horror, James Wan’s ‘The Conjuring’ series begins with the Warrens investigating a haunted farmhouse in ‘The Conjuring’ (2013), delivering pure suspense. The chilling narrative continues with ‘The Conjuring 2’ (2016), which delves into the Enfield poltergeist case, filled with unforgettable frights like the Crooked Man and the terrifying nun. The latest chapter, ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’ (2021), mixes courtroom drama with supernatural horror, inspired by a real-life case of demonic possession.
Maddock Supernatural Universe
Fusing Indian folklore with horror and comedy, Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Supernatural Universe (MSU) has taken the genre by storm. ‘Stree’ (2018), based on an urban legend about a ghost that targets men during festivals, successfully marries social commentary with humor. In ‘Bhediya’ (2022), featuring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, the story explores werewolf transformations, equipped with fascinating visuals and witty dialogue. The newest release, ‘Munjya’ (2023), returns to rural folk tales, spotlighting a vengeful spirit, characterized by quirky humor and thrilling scares.
Don’t Breathe (2016)
This gripping thriller flips the home invasion genre on its head. Directed by Fede Álvarez, ‘Don’t Breathe’ follows three robbers who break into a blind man’s house, only to discover that he is anything but defenseless. With nail-biting tension and unexpected twists, this film promises an electrifying experience packed into just under 90 minutes.
Bhoot (2003)
As one of the landmarks of psychological horror in Indian cinema, ‘Bhoot’, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, tells the tale of a couple who unknowingly moves into a haunted apartment. With Urmila Matondkar’s compelling performance conveying a chilling sense of possession, ‘Bhoot’ separates itself from typical Bollywood narratives, leaving a profound impact that lingers long after watching.