Author: Akhil Arora
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Can everyone stop fawning over the Ambanis?
While the world is calling for a society without billionaires, Indian media and influencers are busy tripping over themselves to praise the super-rich.
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Damsel review: Millie Bobby Brown-led Netflix movie is in distress
Even a giant talking dragon—voiced by the always wonderful Shohreh Aghdashloo—can’t save this feminist fantasy survival thriller.
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Bhakshak review: all posturing, no heft
Inspired by true events, the Bhumi Pednekar-led Netflix film has little interest in the vitality of local journalism and frequently resorts to grandstanding dialogues.
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Shōgun review: shades of Thrones
Set in feudal 17th century Japan—as the book and the original series—the new Shōgun captures the era’s mood but it has trouble scratching greatness.
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Mr. & Mrs. Smith review: spy comedy but make it richer
Donald Glover’s new Prime Video series—inspired by the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie movie of the same name—is firing on all cylinders.
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Masters of the Air review: Apple’s $250 million bet (mostly) pays off
It’s unlike Band of Brothers and The Pacific in more ways than one—and possibly the last of its kind in the dusk of TV’s fading golden age.
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Killer Soup review: chaotically overcooked
A persistent serving of melodrama and a jar of convenience overwhelm the rare tongue-in-cheek black comedy bits in this dish.
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Echo review: Marvel’s slump drags on
Good thing Echo has been handed Marvel’s new label for a standalone series. It means you can ignore it and move on with your life.
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Kho Gaye Hum Kahan review: lost in the malaise
The new Indian Netflix movie about the ennui of the digital age is wayward, just like its characters.
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The 10 best TV series of 2023
From Beef to Succession, Film Critics Guild member and Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic Akhil Arora lists his favourite TV shows from 2023.