Simran, Lucknow Central, Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi, Thupparivaalan, Magalir Mattum: Know Your Releases

This Friday, Bollywood is all set to witness a face-off between Farhan Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut as their films Lucknow Central and Simran hit the theatres. Easing the tension is Rishi Kapoor-Paresh Rawal starrer comedy Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi. The Tamil film industry has two big, yet unconventional releases lined up — Vishal’s Thupparivaalan and Jyothika-starrer Magalir Mattum. Simran

What’s it about: Directed by Hansal Mehta and featuring Kangana Ranaut, Simran is definitely one of the most awaited releases this season. It is a story of an NRI Gujarati divorcee named Praful Patel (played by Ranaut) who also suffers from chronic kleptomania. She is trying to finding herself through the film, where she meets various people; develops a penchant for gambling; and tries to attain control over her life, shunning every inhibition and restriction. Who is in it: Kangana Ranaut, Mark Justice, Sohum Shah, Catherine Dyer, Evette Young, Jeff Rose Why it may work: The trailer established that Simran essentially belongs to the domain of slice-of-life films, much like Ranaut’s Queen. But it also has a layered plot using Ranaut’s character as the conduit to mark those variations — Praful the single woman, Praful the aspiring independent woman, Praful the pathological kleptomaniac and so much more. Both Ranaut and Mehta are acclaimed professionals in their respective artforms, hence we can expect something worthwhile and intellectually stimulating from their collaboration. Lucknow Central

What’s it about: Farhan Akhtar-starrer Lucknow Central is another prison band film that has a similiar premise to Yash Raj Film’s Qaidi Band. However, unlike Qaidi Band, the supporting cast of Lucknow Central boasts of some phenomenal actors. The film revolves around a group of undertrials who seek freedom through their pursuit of music within the Lucknow Central prison. The film, very slyly, also comments upon the dubious judiciary system of India and the deplorable state of prisons across the country. Who is in it: Farhan Akhtar, Gippy Grewal, Deepak Dobriyal, Inaamulhaq, Rajesh Sharma, Diana Penty, Ronit Roy Why it may work: So far, the movie with its trailer and music has been able to create a fairly positive vibe around the film. Akhtar is usually known for his content-driven films (both as an actor as well as director-producer). With such a phenomenal and diverse supporting cast, the film promises to deliver a hard-hitting yet emotional story. Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi

What’s it about: Sanjay Chhel’s upcoming romantic comedy Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi revisits the old inter-state rivalry sugar coated in humour. The film will put a Gujarati household in a face-off with a Punjabi one and what unfolds is a laugh riot with many regional punches and poking on the age-old stereotypes of Gujjus being money-minded “uncools” and Punjabis being “drunkards”. Who is in it: Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vir Das, Payal Ghosh Why it may work: With Rawal and Kapoor being veterans in the comedy forte, and Das’ youth appeal, the homour packed film is indeed the need of the hour. Thupparivaalan

What’s it about: Mysskin’s upcoming Tamil film with Vishal is a crime-thriller inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes. By the poster itself, one can easily make out how strong the influence is. Who is in it: Vishal, Prasanna, Andrea Jeremiah, Anu Emmanuel Why it may work: If the makers say Holmes is an inspiration, it can be assumed that the plot of the film will be substantial. Crime-detective thrillers can easily drift towards the realms of predictability, but this one promises to be an entertainer. Moreover, amid all the action-oriented Tamil flicks recently, a sleuth tale will only be a breath of fresh air. Magalir Mattum

What’s it about: The English translation of Magalir Mattum is ‘Women Only’; and that is the crux of this film. The film revolves around three women, who were old school friends. They decide to meet after a long time and ensure that they make it to the reunion. Through the film, some light is also thrown on the hassles a working woman has to go through, both in the personal and professional spheres. Who is in it: Jyothika, Urvashi, Bhanupriya, Saranya Ponvannan, Nassar, Livingston Why it may work: Directed by Bramma, the film has a strong and much-relevant message in today’s time and age. With the ongoing debate around feminism, a film like Magalir Mattum becomes all the more important.