We are under attack. One lousy script and 320 million dollars later, we are presented with the newest Netflix production led by The Russo Brothers. I repeat, the budget of “The Electric State” (starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt) had an abnormal cost of 320 MILLION DOLLARS making it one of the most expensive movies ever made. That is about all the context you need for this one. As you can probably sense by now, I am completely baffled by this project and its potential implications as to where this industry is headed. “The Electric State” is simply awful.

Gone are the days of likable movie stars carrying even the shittiest of movies. Gone are the days of blockbusters containing any well directed set pieces and compelling ethos. Gone are the days of studios caring about the product as well as the filmmakers themselves. Netflix has a track record of making terrible things and patting themselves on the back. “The Electric State” is an attack on cinema and an insult to anyone that enjoys it.

This Might Be Money Laundering

“The Electric State” having a ballooned budget of 320 million dollars sounds simply unbelievable. Watching it leaves more questions than answers as well. It looks like total shit. It’s a CGI hodgepodge filmed mostly on closed sets and green screens. You’d think maybe they’d have real goddamn robots on set with that kind of money.

It’s easy to harp on the budget continually, but this is a narrative that needs to be addressed. Films should not cost this much and leave so much to be desired. The Russo Brothers have their fingers in the Marvel pot and it makes too much sense that they make schlock for Netflix. Their lack of care for the craft is blatant and disgusting frankly. Zero effort directing this and zero attempts to even draw a lick of complement. The Russo Brothers insult everyone who dreams of being a filmmaker in some capacity while they direct slop like this and pass it on as their service to cinema.

Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt (along with every other name in this movie) got their names drawn from a hat to play generic, badly written characters. They are so, so bad in this movie. I can tell they are not having fun with this project and why should I have fun? There was a time where even the worst of action blockbusters had some form of likability and amusement. This is just sad, dude. This makes cinema look like a dying art.

So, yes, the budget is something that should be noted because there were likely other projects that suffered from it. Seeing a budget cut of a smaller passion project and having “The Electric State” piss it away must be demoralizing. The kicker to it all is this being a straight to streaming movie. We’re all stuck at home watching this garbage.

Netflix, Please Stop This

Netflix has been criticized for many business decisions and I think it’s all earned. Upping the price of their service continuously while adding ad interruptions and producing slop such as “The Electric State.” I know I’m being dramatic this entire review/rant, but it’s important to note what this may mean for the future. They have no problem shelling out hundreds of millions for these things. Hell, it’s not even in the theaters right now. What will happen when Netflix decides to produce projects like this forever?

“The Electric State” is a lifeless, terribly directed blockbuster that conjures up nothing that is enjoyable. It is generic, boring, ugly, and is completely insulting to watch. One of the most sizable budgets ever and it got put into this project.

I cannot in good faith suggest anyone watch this for any reason. It’s not even fun bad and the more watch minutes that go into it, the more Netflix believes they actually did something impressive. We cannot let them think that. Don’t watch.

Watch Movies (not this one)

The endgame of a relationship – or maybe the crisis from which the relationship will emerge reinvigorated – is the subject of this likable, low-key two-hander from Polish film-maker Maria Zbaska. A couple is in crisis; one half is musician Zofia Chabiera who is making her confident acting debut as Wanda, bored and aimless, feeling those first intimations of mortality as people in their late 30s tend to; her unused and thwarted passion is beginning to curdle within her.

Wanda is in a stagnant relationship with Jan, played by Marcin Sztabinski, a heavy-set guy who maybe wasn’t quite as heavy-set when they first got together; he runs a bike repair shop, a situation to which he has dwindled having once dreamed of biking around the world. Wanda is irritated beyond endurance at the way Jan does nothing but doom scroll. (Rather shrewdly, she points out that people who spend their time knitting at least have a scarf to show for it.)

But it is Jan who has had the imagination to dream up a plan to challenge them both: they will hike along the remote and icy Baltic coastline, sleeping in a tent and generally braving the terrible cold. If they stay the course, they will stay together – but if either loses heart and leaves the sandy shore, then they are finished as a couple.

Well, perhaps there are no prizes for guessing whether they have cathartic rows and revelations and quirky serendipitous encounters with unusual people along the way. But the relationship between Jan and Wanda looks very real as they trudge along the vast and freezing seascape, like an ice-cold version of David Lean’s desert. And what does it all add up to? Perhaps not all that much: but it’s a charming and plausible relationship drama featuring people who look as if they might actually be in a relationship.

Movie Name : Ponman

Release Date : 14 March, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Basil Joseph, Sajin Gopu, Lijomol Jose ,Deepak Parambol, Anand Manmadhan, Sandhya Rajendran, Rajesh Sharma, Kiran Peethambaran, Reju Sivadas, Jaya Kurupp, Midhun Venugopal, Thankam Mohan, Shylaja P Ambu
Director : Jothish Shankar
Producer : Vinayaka Ajith
Music Director : Justin Varghese
Cinematographer : Sanu John Varghese
Editor : Nidhin Raj Arol
Related Links : Trailer

Ponman, the latest Malayalam film starring Basil Joseph, has made its way to OTT and is now available in Telugu as well. Here’s our take on this dark comedy-drama.

Story:

PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph) has an unusual profession – he lends gold to families in need during weddings, helping them meet societal expectations. When he lends 25 sovereigns of gold to Steffi (Lijomol Jose), he expects an equivalent amount of money to be paid the day after the wedding. However, she refuses and moves to Kollam, her ruthless husband Mariyano’s (Sajin Gopu) hometown. Determined to reclaim what is rightfully his, Ajesh embarks on a risky journey. What challenges does he face? Why did he choose such a precarious profession? Was Mariyano aware of the deal? How does Steffi respond? The film unravels these answers intriguingly.

Plus Points:

Basil Joseph once again proves his knack for picking unique roles. Venturing into dark comedy with a socially relevant backdrop adds an interesting dimension to the film. His performance is compelling, effortlessly balancing humour and emotion.

Sajin Gopu delivers a powerful act as Mariyano, embodying an unpredictable and ruthless character. After making an impression in Aavesham, he surprises with a completely different persona, keeping the audience engaged.

Lijomol Jose makes a mark despite her limited screen presence, portraying Steffi with conviction. The supporting cast, including Anand Manmadhan and Sandhya Rajendran, adds depth to the narrative. The comedy woven into serious moments is a strong highlight of the film.

Minus Points:

While the first half lays a strong foundation, the second half falters in pacing, making the film feel sluggish. The writing loses its grip, leading to sequences that lack the intended impact.

Basil Joseph delivers a solid act, but given his track record in comedic roles, audiences might find it difficult to accept him in a serious setting. The character could have been better suited to an actor with a more intense screen presence.

Certain characters, especially Anand Manmadhan’s, start off well but eventually fade into the background. A more defined character arc would have enhanced their impact on the story.

The climax, which should have been a high point, instead feels abrupt and underwhelming. The final confrontation lacks intensity, and the resolution could have been more gripping.

Technical Aspects:

Director Jothish Shankar presents a decent effort, but a more refined screenplay and stronger character development could have elevated the film. Justin Varghese’s music is functional but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Sanu John Varghese’s cinematography effectively captures the film’s setting, while Nidhin Raj Arol’s editing could have been sharper to maintain a tighter narrative. The production values are decent.

Verdict:

On the whole, Ponman presents a decent premise with a mix of dark comedy and social commentary. While Basil Joseph delivers a commendable performance, the film is weighed down by a slow second half, underdeveloped characters, and an abrupt climax. Despite its flaws, it offers a few engaging moments, making it a passable one-time watch for those who enjoy offbeat dramas.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team