In India, Bollywood films get the lion's share of public attention, but fairly recently, the country has awoken to the brilliance of South Indian cinema.
There are four different strands that form the South Indian film industry and while each has its own trademark style – Malayalam-language films typically feature slice-of-life stories, while Tamil cinema boasts larger-than-life action flicks, for example – there are some unique and beautiful films that are worth your time.
In the UAE, a large number of South Indian films are released in major cinemas and subtitled in English, making them easily accessible to those who don't speak the languages.
This year, though, most films were released on streaming platforms, and we've picked the five best.
'Anjaam Pathiraa' (The Fifth Midnight)
A criminologist helps the police track down a serial killer with a penchant for killing cops in this Malayalam-language crime thriller by director Midhun Manuel Thomas. Featuring a gripping plot, thrilling climax and a stellar cast that includes Kunchacko Boban, Unnimaya Prasad, Sharafudheen and Sreenath Bhasi, this whodunnit will keep you guessing until the very end.
'Psycho'
This Tamil-language psychological thriller, which is inspired by the Buddhist story of the demon Angulimala, follows a blind man who becomes part of a murder mystery after his lady-love is kidnapped by a man known to decapitate his female victims.
What makes director Mysskin's film particularly gripping is that the identity of the killer is revealed right at the beginning – yet not knowing what he is going to do next is what keeps you on the edge of your seat. A soundtrack by storied composer Ilaiyaraaja perfectly complements the often tense, disturbing and gritty film, which stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Udhayanidhi Stalin and Nithya Menen. Its unique supporting characters – a quadriplegic ex-police officer and a kooky teacher, for example – also make watching this thriller a unique experience. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.
'C U Soon'
Even the pandemic did not slow down the makers of this Malaylam-language film, in which technology (and the city of Dubai) has an integral role. A large part of the feature plays out over video calls, allowing the filmmakers total control over what they want and don't want to reveal.
Jimmy (Roshan Mathew) falls in love with Anu (Darshana Rajendran) online, and the former’s worried mother entrusts her internet-savvy nephew Kevin (Fahadh Faasil) with getting more details on the girl. Written and directed by Mahesh Narayan, this mystery drama will startle you with an ending you do not see coming. The film is currently available on Amazon Prime.
'Colour Photo'
Set in the late 1990s and inspired by a true story, this Telugu-language film is a tragic love story that tackles colourism and touches on the debate of fair skin versus dark skin – a topic as relevant today as it was in the 1990s.
Suhas stars as Jayakrishna, a poor dark-skinned boy who is ridiculed and discriminated against for the colour of his skin. At college, he falls in love with a fair-skinned rich girl, who reciprocates his love and, despite attempting to keep their relationship a secret, it does not end well when word gets out. An emotional film with amazing performances by a cast that is made up of several debutants, Colour Photo renders a strong message through a simple love story.
'Soorarai Pottru' (Hail the Brave)
Tamil-language film Soorarai Pottru is inspired by the life and struggles of GR Gopinath, founder of Simplifly Deccan, India's first low-cost airline. Tamil actor Suriya stars as Maara, who makes it his mission to make the common man fly by starting a low-cost airline, but despite trying his best, he makes several enemies along the way, who sabotage his attempts.
Popular Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal and actress Aparna Balamurali star in this Sudha Kongara-directed film that tugs at the heartstrings and takes you through a roller coaster of emotions. With a run time of two hours and 33 minutes, it may feel a tad long, but the film also boasts a great soundtrack. It is currently available on Amazon Prime.
Spare
Profile
Company name: Spare
Started: March 2018
Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah
Based: UAE
Sector: FinTech
Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20625%20bhp%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20630Nm%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh974%2C011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
Copa del Rey final
Sevilla v Barcelona, Saturday, 11.30pm (UAE), match on Bein Sports
Pakistan squad
Sarfraz (c), Zaman, Imam, Masood, Azam, Malik, Asif, Sohail, Shadab, Nawaz, Ashraf, Hasan, Amir, Junaid, Shinwari and Afridi
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
RACE CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200
7.05pm Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m
9.25pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m
The National selections:
6.30pm Underwriter
7.05pm Rayig
7.40pm Torno Subito
8.15pm Talento Puma
8.50pm Etisalat
9.25pm Gundogdu
