What’s new in Indian cinema this week

Two very different films are drawing attention: ‘Masthishka Maranam’, pitched as a sensory, cyberpunk-tinged comedy from filmmaker Krishand starring Rajisha Vijayan, and ‘Accused’, a psychological drama/thriller that enters the fraught terrain of modern gender politics and public judgment. Critics broadly agree on one thing: both films aim high—only one is being widely praised for sticking the landing.

Review: ‘Masthishka Maranam’ — cyberpunk comedy with ideas under the neon

The core critical takeaway on ‘Masthishka Maranam’ is that it isn’t content to be merely a stylized ride. The film’s appeal reportedly starts with its hyper-designed atmosphere—a playful, futuristic visual world that feels built for big-screen impact—but it doesn’t stop there. Under the bright surfaces, it is framed as a work that tries to be more than a mood board, using its genre play to deliver humor with intention.

In practical terms, that means the comedy is not just gag-driven; it is used as a tool to explore a broader “systems” view of society—how technology, identity, and spectacle can blur into each other. When cyberpunk works well, it turns the city into a character and tech into a mirror. The praise here suggests the film leans into that tradition while still keeping entertainment front and center.

Who it’s for

  • Viewers who enjoy bold world-building and films that treat style as storytelling.
  • Fans of genre mashups (comedy + sci-fi texture) that still try to say something.

Reviews: ‘Accused’ — a provocative #MeToo-era drama that splits opinion

‘Accused’ is being discussed less as a conventional whodunit and more as a film about perception, accusation, and the aftermath of public narratives. One prominent reading positions it as a perceptive take on #MeToo-era discourse—interested in raising hard questions rather than supplying easy catharsis. That approach can be powerful: instead of delivering a neat moral, it pushes viewers to sit with discomfort and uncertainty.

At the same time, other reviews suggest the film’s ambition may be its risk. Some critics credit the performances—especially the stabilizing presence of Konkona Sen Sharma—and note that the tension can build effectively. But the most common criticism across the more negative reactions is structural: the story allegedly overreaches and then loses momentum or coherence toward the end, with at least one review pointing to a noticeable drop in impact in the final stretch.

How to interpret the split

The mixed response makes sense given the subject matter. Films engaging with accusation culture and social power can either feel bracingly honest or frustratingly unresolved depending on what a viewer expects. If you want a thriller that ties everything up tightly, the reported late-film wobble may stand out. If you prefer dramas that emphasize moral complexity over closure, the film’s refusal to “solve” every discomfort may feel like the point.

Who it’s for

  • Viewers interested in psychological dramas about reputation, truth, and social judgment.
  • Those open to films that provoke reflection more than they provide resolution.

Also trending: the pull of “good movies” across borders

Beyond reviews, one entertainment story underscores a recurring theme in Indian cinema’s current moment: audiences will travel for theatrical experiences that feel worth it. Commentary around ‘Dhurandhar’ highlights fans flying in from abroad (including Dubai) to watch films in India—an anecdotal but telling reminder that star power, word of mouth, and the promise of a communal big-screen moment can still motivate extraordinary fan behavior.

Verdict: what to watch first

  • Pick ‘Masthishka Maranam’ first if you want a visually charged, playful genre film that critics say has substance beneath the spectacle.
  • Try ‘Accused’ if you’re drawn to contemporary social themes and don’t mind a film that may challenge you—and potentially frustrate you—depending on how you feel about its ending.