Reviewing I am All Girls on Netflix India

I Am All Girls is perhaps one of the most underrated movies on Netflix India. There is every reason the channel,l and more so, its marketing team, should have promoted this title a bit more. Even the online ratings seem a bit poorly done, underestimating the subject tackled in the movie and the manner in which the story has been told. I am All Girls may or may not be for family viewing, ng depending upon how your ecosystem handles movies that are a bit graphic about subjects as sensitive as child abuse, child pornography, child trafficking, and the system that feeds off young girls taken off the streets, taking a toll on their families, and ruining lives without any logic to it.

The only reason you could find a syndicate that needs a constant supply of young girls to be mercilessly abused is that the human race is driven naturally and instinctively to behave in such a horrible way. I Am All Girls is also a movie of revenge and redemption set in South Africa. The starcast is a bit new for audiences like me, but overall, the performances delivered. IAmm All Girls does not try to preach anything. It merely tells the story of how child abuse is there in our society, in our homes, and how the people affected by it continue to be affected by it for their entire lives.

There is nothing pink or typecast about this movie. The plot has very little mystery to it, actually almost none if you have been watching it carefully from the first shot, and tries to explore every step in the managed procedure that helps politicians and the rich feed off children. I Am All Girls is a bit gritty for sure,e but more importantly, it does try to play on the morality of seeking revenge - it makes you feel that yes, some people deserve to have their balls sliced off and shoved down their throats! It was also nice to see characters in the movie speak with a near-native South African accent - that seemed very real. Watch it once, try it once, you won't be let down...but again, not for people who are looking for happy-feel movies. Here, the subject is a bit serious and violent.

The Starling Movie Review [Netflix India OTT]

The Starling is a decent effort if you are not looking for Oscar-winning performances. Not that Kevin Kline and Melissa McCarthy don't do a great job; they have performed rather well, but yes, there are places where the movie fails to live up to its expectations. The story of a couple who are dealing with the loss of their child is told rather well. While Melissa has taken the quiet, let us not talk about it sort of approach, her husband turns suicidal and has to be admitted to a facility for mental wellness. The movie shows the massive difference between the approach the couple takes to deal with their sense of loss.

Movie Review for The Old Ways on Netflix India OTT

Keep your expectations real - The Old Ways does not have a premium starcast or the directorial credentials that make it an obvious pick during your work-from-life. However, like many horror flicks and gore movie plots that performed rather well with their directors and lead performers later blossoming into bigger names in the industry, The Old Ways does many things right to impress. The best part is that it wastes no time in revealing the storyline without unnecessarily stretching it. The first shot happens to be in the room where the supposedly possessed lady has been chained. Yes, this movie, too,o is about possessions and being taken over by ghosts when you venture into the badlands and lesser-visited areas.

The story is not too dramatic, but it is told at a good pace. There is no time to take a popcorn break as Cristina realizes that her body has been taken over, and then gets on a quest to get rid of the unwanted spirit, and later becomes a witch doctor lady of sorts herself. The entire movie presents just about four or five faces. There is no melodrama or too many special effects. This is a good movie if you like a lightweight horror flick where the fear is in the victim's eyes rather than computer-generated graphics. Combine the basic plot with a bit of sorcery and tales that only some village folks would know about, and The Old Ways comes up with a decent concoction. Highly recommended if you don't like to watch something too scary before going to bed, but still want to see something that spooks you a little. A good effort overall, and it also makes me wonder why Netflix India has not been promoting or recommending this movie in any way. Perhaps their content-spotting team needs to do a better job of looking at their own inventory of decent movies and recommending them when a browser chooses the genre-based filter.

Online Shopping Review for Mr. Bowerbird Apparels on Myntra

This review comes after three purchases and some really close inspection - there is a brand on Myntra, called Mr. Bowerbird, and I am pretty sure that the softness and overall quality of the fabric it offers is right up there with some of the luxury brands, and close competitors like H&M. I had been tracking their inventory options for some time. The prices were usually a bit inflated - at least, that is what I felt about the sticker tags. But in the last 10 days or so, the prices have been really cut down. It must be one of those discount schemes that I seldom understand, but yes, it gave me the opportunity to order a bit from this niche brand.

The two, round-neck t-shirts were brilliantly done, ensuring the seams were almost invisible, the fabric ultra-soft, and the slightly relaxed fitting done to perfection. That is what this brand does - Mr. Bowerbird does not try to impress you with iconoclastic designs or color combinations that would challenge a rainbow. Mr. Bowerbird does the basics right, to the extent of perfecting them. It sets new standards for everyday apparel with the loveliest fabrics. Expect a very subtle sheen on the apparel despite using top-quality cotton. This is sure to protect against the visual wear & tear that repeated washing or hard water use causes. Apart from the tees, I have bought two woolen polos. Now, this in itself is a bit unconventional. These are essentially cotton and not woolen t-shirts, done in a simple form for the changing season.

So, you get warm, half-sleeve tees that can be worn as it is or combined with some outerwear to protect against the extreme winters. My usual colors are rust, dark orange, and all hues of maroon, and Mr. Bowerbird provides plenty of options for me. I would recommend this fashion apparel brand to every guy out there who demands everyday apparel options in the best fabrics without the luxury pricing. Want more? And this is perhaps the most lovable aspect of shopping for a Mr. Bowerbird product - they pack the merchandise in small, paper bags that come with tie chords, and each unit has its own notepad! Yes, a simple, plain paper notepad is great for noting down things. Again, there is nothing magical to talk about a notepad, but then, Mr. Bowerbird does this in a similar manner - a good quality product delivered with utter simplicity.

Ovenstory Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Reviewed

Just a bit crispier and this would have been the clear winner! That is how close Ovenstory Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread comes to taking the honors when it is compared to contemporary favorites in this niche, like Dominos. The latter impresses with a more buttery taste and an outer crust that is done a lot better. Ovenstory Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread has less garlic and instead uses cheese to deliver more gooey goodness in each bite. However, it lags behind in the texture, inside and out. The outer surface is a bit undercooked. The lesser-baked approach just might not work with folks like me who like to bite into the bread rather than gently chewing the bread. Ovenstory Garlic Bread also does away with the tendency to overpower the bread with the garlic flavor, making it a better choice for folks who cannot handle the garlic-heavy flavor.

However, the biggest difference is the insides. Ovenstory Cheese Garlic Bread does not hold back when stuffing the insides with real, not flowy cheese. There is sufficient dairy flavor in every bite. If you press the bread a bit harder, some of the cheese might actually squeeze out - you cannot expect this in Domino's Garlic Bread which seems to use more butter, and even when you order the cheese-stuffed variety, it uses cheese as if the stuff is borrowed from the World Bank on the highest interest rates modern-day nations have seen. But you can expect this from Domino's - putting all the cheese in the TV ads and not actually putting it in what is served to us has been the standard approach for almost 4 years now. In comparison, Ovenstory Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread generously layers it up with good-quality cheese that has an actual taste - again, unlike the neutral, bland cheese that Domino's seems to have sourced - I am thinking there must be an industry of seconds in cheese from which Domino's inventory management team regularly buys. One more piece of advice to the Ovenstory team - garlic bread is not supposed to be so soft inside. You have to find a way of making it stand up a bit more, and not being precariously close to getting spongy soft.

ALSO GATHERED A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE GARLIC BREAD: [USING AI TOOLS LIKE CHATGPT]

The Mediterranean, known for its vibrant culinary traditions, has a long history of using garlic in various dishes. Bread, being a staple food in the region, provided an excellent canvas for experimenting with flavors. The addition of garlic to bread not only added a delightful aromatic element but also enhanced the overall taste. Garlic bread, in its simplest form, typically consists of sliced or crushed garlic combined with butter or olive oil, spread onto bread, and then toasted or baked until golden brown. This simple yet flavorful combination has become a favorite accompaniment to many meals, particularly Italian and Italian-American cuisine. While the exact moment of garlic bread's invention cannot be determined, it gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Italian-American immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, including garlic bread. It quickly became a beloved side dish or appetizer served in Italian-American restaurants, pizzerias, and households across the country.

Over time, garlic bread has evolved to include variations such as the addition of cheese, herbs, or even toppings like tomatoes or bacon. These adaptations have further expanded the range of flavors and textures associated with garlic bread, making it even more appealing to different palates. Today, garlic bread is enjoyed worldwide and has become a staple in many cuisines. It can be found in pizzerias, restaurants, and even in frozen food sections of grocery stores, allowing people to enjoy its delightful taste and aroma in the comfort of their homes. In conclusion, while the exact origins of garlic bread remain somewhat elusive, it is safe to say that variations of bread seasoned with garlic have been enjoyed by various cultures throughout history. The modern concept of garlic bread gained popularity in the Mediterranean region and eventually spread to other parts of the world, becoming a beloved accompaniment to meals and a culinary delight appreciated by many.

7 Influences Clearly Visible in Bhoot Police | Still Does Not Impress

Winchester Brothers: Supernatural was a bit of a breakthrough after Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, as a TV series dedicated to monster hunting and extermination. Add some ghouls, fallen angels, zombies, and other out-of-this-world predators, and Supernatural addressed all of them with the duo of the Winchester brothers kicking some serious ass. Bhoot Police surely borrowed this idea, but the chemistry between Arjun Kapoor and Saif was just not the same. I cannot call this a lame attempt since it was done decently, but it just did not make an impact. 

The Grudge: Hollywood remake of the Japanese horror icon laid new standards for presenting the creepy type of horror, moving away from the horror genre that was typically high on special effects. One thing that every first-time Grudge watcher would remember is the body-twisting and bone-cracking sounds. Bhoot Police borrowed the same on two occasions, if I remember correctly. The impact was missing again. It was done a bit too quickly, without any creepiness.

You Never Really Here is Grim without a Reason and thankfully, it does not try to explain why

If there is Joaquin Phoenix in a movie, I have a reason to watch it - things are that simple for me when it comes to trusting the starcast to choose a movie to watch tonight. But You Never Really Here tests this theory, this faith that the movies Phoenix chooses are invariably high on substance. For starters, the guy hardly speaks throughout the movie. Not that the action sequences are too stretched. There is an intentional slowness to the story, but then again, there is no real story here. Joaquin is remorseful, guilty, passive-aggressive, violently aggressive, repentful, and a lot more, but the plot just does not allow him to really take up the screen space he warrants.

Fel Tauri Might Help to Halt Damage that 'Revenge Pandemic Snacking' Creates

I guess it had to happen at some point - the work-from-home and life-at-home schedule has taken a toll on physical health, too. And it seems I am not the only one. My observations have been along the lines of feeling a bit more breathless and some recurring headaches that indicate rising cholesterol levels. I have to confess, I have been snacking a lot more than my careful usual. Though I have tried to limit it, every now and then, things end up in my hands that I wouldn't have been caught snacking when things were more normal. The regular life meant a daily intake of fruits, sometimes a lot of them, and even more regularity with consuming fiber and staying away from the typically tasty but fried stuff. The last few months have seen me slip. Whereas people have been indulging in revenge travel, my mind seems to be heading towards revenge snacking. What is it?

Not very sure if there is a proper definition for it in Wikipedia, but I can at least try to explain it - a type of snacking that stems from the irritation or frustration that creeps up on account of being home-bound for far too long. This is a new form of psychological snacking. For people who have been through weight-loss battles, emotional snacking is not a new concept. However, the pandemic has dictated a new dimension to it. Essentially, the toll this schedule is taking on the mental faculties is giving way to moments of feeling like having redeemed the day in some way, but snacking, even when I am not hungry. Back to the rising cholesterol levels - I plan to get bloodwork done tomorrow morning. This was pending for almost 2 years since one annual test is mandatory for me with my continuing thyroid issues. Even before this, I was never on the right side of cholesterol, and now, it feels as if the lipids have really returned with a vengeance.

Strangely, this has not led to an addition of inches or centimeters around the waist, but the signs are showing, clearly indicating that it is time to tighten up things - mentally first, so that the physical symptoms are put away for good! One more thing. I had my father-in-law search out something natural and non-drugged up that can help to keep the rising cholesterol levels in check. Turns out, there is actually something helpful in the form of a homeopathic medication called Fel Tauri 3X. The overall opinion is that this medicine is effective enough to lower the rising, bad cholesterol levels in people who have a properly diagnosed, more serious condition, such as chronic high blood pressure levels due to arteries being clogged by rapidly increasing cholesterol levels. I have actually started it, and plan to update the difference it brings about in about 3 weeks.

Reviewing - 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - Disney Hotstar Plus

Expect shades of grey, black, and the small town passiveness we found in Fargo, the movie and not the TV series, in what can be described as a bit of a hidden gem. But then, this is not surprising since both Fargo and 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri start Francis McDormand, and she is as brilliant as you can expect the lead star in a Hollywood production. As far as the storytelling goes, it is a bit twisted and weird in places, but largely it does a fine job of detailing the grief, anguish, vengeance, and redemption around the rape and murder of a young girl near Ebbing. Playing the role of Mildred, Francis McDormand is very convincing as the remorseful and bitter mother whose daughter has been snatched with utter cruelty in a town that does not care much. More precisely, she seems convinced that it is the police department that has done nothing to find the killers. Her vendetta seems more directed at the sheriff, played by Woody Harrelson, who is battling pancreatic cancer and a sense of guilt for being unsuccessful in making any arrests in this particular case. However, the character that shapes up beyond your expectations and delivers a stellar performance is Dixon, played by Sam Rockwell.

Hoping that Bandbudh aur Budbak does not try to Indianize Dumb & Dumber for our Kids!

I realize that the Japanese effect on animation is here to stay. Whether it is watching Titoo on Pogo or catching glimpses of the dubbed version of Shin-chan, a shift towards the Japanese method of creating animated content is very visible. The pout of every character is a bit twisted to one side. The mouth is invariably the size of a planet. The weeping is always exaggerated with a fountain of tears. Largely, the characters in this style of animation have become less lovable, less cute than the period when Disney was the global standard for all cartoons. One such India-specific offering in this genre is Bandbudh aur Budbak. Needless to say that the facial expressions seem strange to me. However, what stands out is the sheer ugliness of the faces. I realize I must sound like a shallow person who seems obsessed with a certain degree of perfection or typicality in everything, but that is not the grounds for this opinion. Bandbudh aur Budbak on Pogo takes the animated ugliness to another level. The teeth are extremely crooked, misshapen to the extent that it looks like the animation creator for these characters is perhaps borrowing from some childhood-day horrors of his own. The clothes are tattered, almost coming apart in places, and all the kids in the supporting roles or background scenes have faces that seem to be intentionally disfigured for the sake of recreating what I just quoted above —— the Japanese style of animating, but even the Japs haven't taken things to this extreme. Sometimes, I get the feeling that the idea was to ensure that the viewers get the feeling that none of the characters here ever takes a bath. Yes, you can almost feel it, which is weird for a cartoon that is engaging the youngest minds across the audience pool. I also think that the idea here is loosely based on Dumb and Dumber, at least the names suggest so. There is a bit of Jim Carrey's look, albeit taken to the childhood years. Even if the creators of Bandbudh aur Budbak confess so, they have done a really, really poor job of recreating close-to-iconic characters. 

Updated for December 2025, on the eve of Christmas, kids these days are better off watching content created in European nations and not the desi animations, especially in the age group of up to 5 years. For some reason, even the feverish popularity of Chota Bheem has tapered, and the age-sensitive audience is more likely to watch YouTube for Kids shows like I Like Nastaya. For some reason, content that seems highly made-up but borders on reality TV-type visuals has better engagement levels. While this suggests a shift in what children prefer to see, it also dangerously highlights the early onset of addiction to social content.

The Pandemic Fear was Inside our Home [when someone tests positive]

My father just got his first shot of the vaccine after waiting out his recovery from what has now become an integral part of our lives - the Coronavirus. While I was making a reminder of the date on which he would be getting his second shot, memories of the first couple of days when my father tested positive rushed in. This happened on April 17th, 2020 - last year. He had been feeling a bit heavy in the head for a few days, and like many folks, his mask-wearing etiquette was rather questionable. He has always been someone proud of his immunity, the fact that he played cricket from the school to club level despite all the hardships, and he would never take a sick leave from his workplace [CITIBANK - the CITI never sleeps]. He did not have the reserves of energy to collect the pathology report, and with my bits-and-piece knowledge about the healthcare genre, I was trusted to gather it and confirm that he wasn't infected - we were rather sure about it. My father, falling ill? A smart betting man would never invest in this preposterous theory!

That time of the month for a Guy but is Mental Menstrual break a reality?

There is something about living with anxiety that cannot be perfectly portrayed via blogging or publishing a personal diary, and it is almost impossible to express with words. There are times when it comes about unannounced, as if it is saying you forgot me for some time, but now that I am here, I will ensure that you never ignore me again. Hitting the blues, as some people might call it, this feeling is more than just having a bad day. Anybody can have a depressive day, weighed down by deadlines or something that is unrolling within the family. Everybody is susceptible to running into a couple of days of a bad mood, but when you start feeling uncomfortable, when you are asleep and awake, despite nothing in your regular schedule going horribly wrong, you know anxiety is taking over. I wonder if people talk about this, and most importantly, acknowledge it. 

Sometimes, I feel women get little leverage from their otherwise complex and very demanding bodily constitution. The urban mindset largely understands that for a few days in a month, women can get highly irritable, most likely to snap, or they just might get too reserved, as if they always wanted to live alone in an igloo. The concept of "that time of the month" has been here for some time, and people have become far more informed, or at least well-mannered enough to acknowledge it and give women the space they need during this "period". In comparison, my bad days are very hard to talk about and even harder to explain. Elders in the family can say that fundamentally, I don't qualify to worry about anything since more than sufficient fixed deposits have been put in place, with my name clearly filled in the nomination section.

You cannot fight this logic, and if you try to do it, you really cannot win the argument. It seems the odds are stacked against explaining to anybody that this feeling of being unsettled and emotionally exhausted is not your typical definition of Stress. This is just like a bout of bad mental health, but it will be largely interpreted as being stressed despite having a life partner, child, job, and the comfort of your own home and a financial lineage.

While I am doing the daily chores, answering calls, and typing out emails at the speed of light, one part of my mind is also wondering if the childhood OCD has finally gone or did it manage to stimulate some sort of obsessive personality disorder? On such days, even when shopping online, Google searches can also route towards finding the best and easiest ways to boost dopamine or reading about the struggles of people who have been diagnosed with ADHD [adults], or worse, reading about bipolairsm.

When such days are underway, I wonder if we can make people understand that this is something like the flu of the mind? It won't last for too many days, but while it does, I will not have a runny nose or a heated forehead, but I will feel diseased. Taking a vacation or driving to some idyllic destination isn't always an option; sometimes it just isn't feasible. Instead, I will hope for a meal or two to be served in bed, and perhaps, even when applying for a short leave or full-day leave from the workplace, I can actually say, "Sir, I am mentally exhausted and need a small break".

This is something about retirement age and menstrual health, and I believe this could be applicable to men too!

In comparison, women are hopefully taking advantage of clubbing their per-qualified "down" days with a mental health break. If you are a lady out there, and you are not using your time of the month to take a backseat, catch a breath, get some massages, and vent, SHAME ON YOU! While men will never have access to what can be described as Mental Menstruation, you can use the hormonal and biological menstrual days to take a psychological break and reboot your mental reserves, demanding the space you need, just gathering your thoughts and systematically, obliterating the toxic ones - letting them "bleed out" seems like the right thing to do, just for the sake of regaining your mental composure. When one of the genders has something working in its favor, in terms of social acceptance/recognition, at least use it properly rather than trying to be brave about it.

BEYOND PERSONAL OPINIONS: SHARING SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUBJECT GATHERED FROM THE WEB

Are men more vulnerable to emotional breakdowns?

There is no evidence to suggest that men are more vulnerable to emotional breakdowns than women. Emotional breakdowns can affect anyone, regardless of gender. However, societal expectations and stereotypes may make it more difficult for men to express and seek help for emotional distress. This can lead to men experiencing emotional breakdowns in different ways than women, such as through substance abuse or aggression, rather than seeking help from a therapist or counselor.

Do men suffer from monthly hormonal changes?

No, men do not experience monthly hormonal changes like women do during their menstrual cycle. Men have a relatively stable level of hormones throughout the month. Women have hormonal fluctuations that occur as part of their menstrual cycle, which can affect their mood, energy levels, and physical sensations. Men do not have these fluctuations because they do not have a menstrual cycle. However, men do have their own set of hormonal changes that happen throughout their lifetime, such as the decrease of testosterone levels as they age. Additionally, men can experience hormonal imbalances, which can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido, and depression. These conditions can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.

Is there an age group among males that is more vulnerable to mood swings?

There is no specific age group among males that is more vulnerable to mood swings. Mood swings can occur in men of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, medical conditions, and medications. However, some specific ages or stages of life may have a higher likelihood of experiencing mood swings. For instance, during adolescence, boys may experience mood swings due to the hormonal changes that happen during puberty. Similarly, middle-aged men may experience mood swings as they go through andropause, which is the gradual decline in testosterone levels that happens as men age. Additionally, men who have mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety may experience more frequent and severe mood swings. It's always important to talk to a healthcare professional if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing mood swings that are impacting their daily life.

Are men in their 40s more likely to have mood swings?

Men in their 40s may be more likely to experience mood swings due to the hormonal changes that happen during andropause, which is the gradual decline in testosterone levels that happens as men age. Testosterone plays a key role in mood regulation, so a decline in testosterone levels can lead to mood swings, fatigue, depression, and irritability. However, it's important to note that not all men in their 40s will experience mood swings due to andropause, and many other factors can also contribute to mood swings such as stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, medical conditions, and medications. Additionally, as men in their 40s may be facing other life changes, such as career, family, and financial stressors, these can also contribute to mood swings. It's always important to talk to a healthcare professional if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing mood swings that are impacting their daily life.

Should men try hormonal supplements to improve their mental health?

Hormonal supplements, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), may be an option for men who have a diagnosed deficiency in testosterone, which can be confirmed through blood tests. Testosterone replacement therapy can be used to help alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, such as fatigue, depression, and decreased libido. However, it's important to note that TRT is not recommended as a first-line treatment for mood swings or mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, and It should only be considered after other treatments have been tried and have been found to be ineffective. It is also important to note that TRT may have potential side effects and risks, so it should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. It's always recommended to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a physical examination, blood tests, and psychological evaluation, before considering any hormonal supplements. Also, it's important to address any underlying mental health condition and other lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise that may be contributing to mood swings.

Why do some people still believe that men don't cry?

The belief that men don't cry is a stereotype that is rooted in traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Historically, men have been expected to be strong, stoic, and unemotional, while women have been expected to be emotional and nurturing. These societal expectations have led to the belief that men should not cry or show vulnerability, while women are expected to do so. These beliefs are reinforced by the media, movies, and TV shows, where men are often portrayed as strong and unemotional, while women are shown crying and showing vulnerability. This stereotype is also reinforced by societal and cultural expectations, where men who cry are seen as weak or unmanly. However, it's important to note that crying is a natural human emotion, and it is healthy to express emotions. Crying can help to release pent-up emotions and stress, and can help to improve mental and emotional well-being. Men, like women, have the ability to feel a wide range of emotions, and it is important for them to be able to express them in a healthy way. It's important to challenge this stereotype and to recognize that men are just as capable of experiencing emotions as women and that it's okay for men to cry. Encouraging men to express their emotions in a healthy way can lead to better mental health for everyone. 

Which Hollywood movie broke the stereotype about men's emotional health?

One Hollywood movie that helped to break the stereotype about men's emotional health is the 2017 film "A Star Is Born," directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Cooper and Lady Gaga. In the film, Cooper plays a successful musician who is struggling with addiction, depression, and emotional issues. Throughout the film, Cooper's character, Jackson Maine, expresses his emotions and shows vulnerability, crying and expressing his feelings. This was a departure from the typical Hollywood portrayal of men as strong and stoic and helped to challenge the stereotype that men should not show vulnerability or emotions. The film also showed the struggle of men with addiction, depression, and emotional issues, which are common issues that men face but often are not highlighted or talked about. The movie helped to bring attention to the importance of men's emotional health and the need to support men in expressing and managing their emotions. It's important to note that this movie is not the only one that broke this stereotype, but it's one of the most recent and popular ones that brought attention to the topic.

Which Bollywood movie broke the stereotype about men being sensitive?

One Bollywood movie that helped to break the stereotype about men being sensitive is the 2019 film "Kabir Singh" directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Shahid Kapoor. In the film, Kabir Singh is a highly successful, yet short-tempered and self-destructive young surgeon who falls in love with a first-year student and struggles to come to terms with her marriage to someone else. Throughout the film, Kabir Singh's character shows a range of emotions, including vulnerability, hurt, and sadness, which is not commonly seen in Bollywood movies where men are often portrayed as strong, dominant, and unemotional. The film also highlighted the issues of addiction, self-destructive behavior, and mental health, which are often not explored in Bollywood movies. It's important to note that "Kabir Singh" also faced criticisms and controversies, as the protagonist's behavior was seen as toxic and problematic by some. However, it still managed to spark a conversation about men's emotional health and the need for men to be able to express and manage their emotions healthily. It's important to note that this movie is not the only one that broke this stereotype, but it's one of the most recent and popular ones that brought attention to the topic.

Is there an ad campaign that highlighted men as being sensitive?

Yes, there have been several advertising campaigns that have aimed to break the stereotype that men should not show vulnerability or sensitivity. One example is the "Man Up" campaign, which is a public health campaign from the UK that aims to encourage men to talk about their mental health and to challenge the stereotypes that men should be strong and unemotional. The campaign features men of different ages and backgrounds talking about their mental health and the importance of talking about it. Another example is the campaign "Real Strength is Showing Vulnerability" by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation, which aims to challenge the stereotype that men should be tough and unemotional. The campaign encourages men to talk about their feelings and to seek help when they need it. Additionally, "The Man Box" campaign by Promundo is a global campaign that aims to encourage men to rethink traditional gender roles and stereotypes and to challenge the idea that men should be tough and unemotional. These campaigns and others like them aim to break the stereotype that men should not show vulnerability or sensitivity and to encourage men to express their emotions and seek help when they need it. These campaigns also aim to create a culture where it is okay for men to show vulnerability and sensitivity, and to promote better mental and emotional well-being for men.

Is there a brand that pioneered the cause of showcasing sensitive men?

It's difficult to say which brand specifically pioneered the cause of showcasing sensitive men, as different brands have been working on this topic for different periods. However, some brands have been particularly vocal and visible in their efforts to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes and to showcase sensitive men in their advertising.

One example is the shaving brand Gillette, which in 2019 released an advertisement called "We Believe: The Best Men Can Be," which aimed to challenge traditional masculinity and encourage men to be their best selves. The advertisement featured men of different ages and backgrounds, showing them crying, expressing their emotions, and taking responsibility for their actions. The ad was praised by some for its message of emotional intelligence and self-improvement, and criticized by others as being divisive and portraying men in a negative way. Another example is the men's skincare brand, Dove Men+Care, which has been promoting the idea of "Real Strength" in its advertising campaigns, which aims to challenge traditional stereotypes of masculinity and to showcase men who are sensitive and emotionally expressive. These are just a couple of examples of brands that have attempted to showcase sensitive men in their advertising campaigns, but there are certainly many more brands that have been working on this topic. The message is that it's okay for men to be sensitive and emotionally expressive, and it's important for brands to take a stand for this idea, as it can help break down traditional gender stereotypes and promote better mental and emotional well-being for men.

You might want to read this:

The original text: Male menopause: Myth or reality?

What is this about? The concept of "male menopause" refers to a gradual decline in testosterone levels in men, termed late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone, which is different from the abrupt hormonal changes women experience during menopause. Symptoms may include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. Testosterone therapy is considered for men with significant symptoms after risks and benefits are discussed. Regular monitoring and further tests are recommended to confirm low testosterone levels before starting treatment.

The original text: Signs and Symptoms of Male Hormone Imbalance

What is this about? Male hormone imbalance can significantly impact various bodily functions. Symptoms include weight changes, excessive sweating, disrupted sleep, dry skin, blood sugar and pressure changes, fatigue, headaches, depression, mood swings, anxiety, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Hormonal imbalances can affect appetite, metabolism, sexual function, mood, stress levels, and body temperature. Recent studies indicate a link between lack of sleep, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance, particularly involving testosterone and cortisol, which may lead to Type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, and blood tests, with treatments including lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, supplements, and stress management.

The original text: Androgen deficiency in men What is this about? Androgen deficiency in men is a condition where the body has lower levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone. It can be caused by issues in the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. Symptoms include reduced libido, fatigue, depression, and decreased muscle mass. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, and blood tests. Treatment typically includes testosterone replacement therapy, but it's crucial to accurately diagnose before starting. Self-prescription is unsafe. Older men should be checked for prostate cancer before therapy due to potential risks. The original text: 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Men’s Health What is this about? The YuLife article highlights five lesser-known facts about men's health:

• Men die younger than women, largely due to heart disease and cancer.
• Mental health issues, such as depression and suicide, are prevalent among men.
• Testosterone plays a critical role in protecting heart health.
• Men are less likely to seek medical help and more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
• Regular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly improve men's health outcomes.

Quick, Short Reviews: 4 Amazon Prime Movies Reviewed

It Follows: Watchable, Recommended, Borderline Creepy, Hooks You

Watch this without assuming there is any link between this movie and the IT – this is an entirely different type of animal, albeit very quiet, slow-paced, and tries to thrill you by being a bit creepy. While the first 20 minutes don’t do a lot to get you hooked into it, the last 20 minutes or so are the exact opposite of it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a lot of graphical, flesh-tearing, and blood-spurting that is becoming regular across the horror genre in contemporary cinema. Yes, the following aspect in the title is self-explanatory, but you have to see it to realize that the storytelling is really good. There are no spectacular special effects either, just a slow-moving story that builds up rather well, leading up to the brilliant ending.

Dead Birds: Perhaps one of the worst on Amazon Prime India

Watch this when you don’t have anything planned for the next 2 hours, and it seems like you can digest, perhaps and literally, any type of cinema. Dead Birds is the type of B-grade horror flick that does not scare you, and it does not remain in your memory for more than a few days. It actually does not deserve to last for even 2 days. That is how average the entire effort is. The special effects, or the lack of them, only make it worse, while the scariness just does not develop. Trying the horror genre in the classical landscape does not work here. Try to avoid this at all costs. If you plan an act of sweet revenge on someone, then recommend it further. These types of movies make you wonder how some people even get the resources or the approvals to shoot anything and bring it to celluloid.

Dark was the Night: Too Typical, Very Stereotyped, Nothing Notable 

Sometimes I wonder how movies are rated these days. Take this title, for instance. It has an almost 6 rating on IMDB. The same, small-town landscape with simpletons and secrets is repeated. There is always a sheriff in such plots, and here, the sheriff is grieving for his lost son – again, not the newest idea across any genre. He further has split from his wife or distanced – rings any bells? There is the typical, inexplicable, creature-like thing that is frightening the townspeople – sounds familiar? That is what is principally wrong with this movie. It does not belong to the horror genre. It is not a thriller either. It is not a creature feature either. Then, what is it? It tries to be everything and turns out to be very, very average. Those who have been catching up with the indie sector of movie-making over the last decade will also tell you that the Windigo has become a bit too common, and Dark Was The Night borrows the concept and messes it up – not recommended to my friends.

What Lies Below: Tries Hard & Fails, Confuses Towards the End

This movie has been categorized as Horror-Thriller if you run a Google search for it. However, What Lies Below is not really scary. It is more inclined towards being a bit of sci-fi and puts up a different take on the alien story plots that we have become a bit too accustomed to. A single mom or a separated one, as I don’t recall having a fiancé who is just too perfect. Obviously, her daughter does not agree and has some serious doubts about this man, who seems hell-bent on breeding. Turns out this guy is not really human and is actually trying to rear a species on his own. The plot could have been very interesting if the direction had been better. Sadly, that is not the case. What Lies Below handles the story somewhat loosely. If you Google this movie title more, you will find many search results trying to explain the ending of What Lies Below. The problem is that in the last 5 minutes or so, the movie takes a leap. All of a sudden, the typical storytelling gets complex. The alienist type of guy who is running some sort of alien creature genetic experiments seems to have turned a human into a fully functional, underwater creature of some type – sounds confusing? Watch What Lies Below and let me know if you could understand the ending without a doubt.

Catching up with Fargo on Amazon Prime India

You might say that all the seasons in Fargo have been about crime and criminal syndicates, so another season might not offer something drastically new. That is perhaps where you could go wrong with Season 4 for Fargo on Amazon Prime - this season is heads and shoulders above the earlier three seasons. The storytelling has undergone a bit of transformation. Yes, Fargo has always had a penchant for sharing the background of a character, trying to detail the reasons for someone's ability to kill, unforgive, un-forget, or be a bit maniacally violent. This approach has been bettered in season four. The story plot might not seem too intriguing to you. We are all likely to hit the Google search and get a basic understanding of what the new season of an OTT series brings and this time, you will be told that the battle is underway between the Italian [Fadda] and N gangs [Cannon] in Missouri. What such summaries of the season will not tell you is that Chris Brown is brilliant and so are his deputies, whose names I really did not care to save in my mind.

A really bad attempt at rhyming during the Pandemic...

2021: when birthdays aren’t ‘Less’ than any reason to celebrate!

The emptiness outside screamed at us, but it was voiceless,

Lives that have been turned upside down, seem countless.

The perennial worriers are learning how to be fearless,

Life-from-home helped those reconnect who were faithless.

Masked people still try to look good despite being rendered faceless,

Keeping distances nurtured human connections but they were nameless.

As death came knocking in our neighborhood, the circus of life seemed pointless,

The poorest among us were those without friends and not those who were penniless.

While we try to forget what has happened during this time, finding ways not to get restless,

The lessons learned and the memories created will forever remain priceless.

Why John Cena is not impressive as a maturing pro-wrestler?

I was just watching the latest SummerSlam match, which had Roman Reigns compete with John Cena. Though there was nothing too impressive or outright dislikeable about the match, I must say that Cena is not balancing the maturing act too well. Many former and recent superstars from the WWE have run the seasoned course a lot better. However, John Cena seems to be struggling. His 16-time World Champion credentials stand, and he still has the physical strength, but largely, he seems a bit lost, and this is why:

1. The boyhood charm is not working anymore

When John Cena started, one thing that caught everybody's attention was his boyish, cute looks. He seemed a bit undercooked and too much of a collegiate wrestler for many, rather than being a serious pro-wrestling contender. However, as things progressed, the same look became a bit of a signature for Cena. Even when he completed a decade in the industry, the clean-shaven face and the short, cropped hair looked the part. Cena seemed blessed with a sort of anti-aging gene - this is what many people had to say, and yes, his chiseled physique only strengthened this image. However, now that Cena is clearly a senior in the industry, the hair is thinning, and the boyish charm is not radiating. The hip-hop mad looks are not delivering. In fact, he seems to be oscillating in a state of confused identities. I compare him to Michael J. Fox and Tom Cruise - two more faces that refused to age for the longest time, but when aging did start showing up, it just did not blend into their persona. Cena seems to be going through something similar. The white sneakers and the Bermuda-like ring attire seem to contradict that; along with Triple H, he is perhaps the most experienced ex-champion right now.

Work-from-Home Demands Better, Life-at-Home Behaviors

It would be stupid to start this discussion by complaining about what the pandemic has done to our lives. This problem is not going anywhere, not for some time at least. Instead of focusing on the obvious and sounding cynical, I am trying to talk about what can be done in a way that is both practical and effective. The emphasis is not on the usual, like what are the top easy ways to boost your metabolism, simply because these are not easy times. Neither does this discussion put the premium on the top 10 ways to rev up your metabolism because here, the goal is to ensure that, with the limited means available and the limitations of a life-at-home ecosystem, you can speed up your metabolism, or at least prevent it from slowing down considerably. Read ahead for some easy tips:

The big change I am talking about? Kick the tendency to stay still!

Lying or sitting in one position is becoming a chronic problem as we spend more time indoors, more time in the living room or the bed, procrastinating the smallest tasks. Just run a Google search on the dangers of sitting. There is a well-researched piece at the top, by some Australian government organization, and at one glance, you will understand that the mere act of sitting for too long is highly detrimental. Now, these research articles were published during the pre-COVID era! This means researchers were warning us against the downside of sitting for too long at the workplace, and when we got just about 12 hours away from the workplace. If sitting for longer hours was already so harmful to our health, the work-from-home lifestyle has only worsened it, multiplying the risks. The easiest way to avoid this is:

TEAM-UP TO KICK IT

Set up a collaboration with someone at home, someone who constantly reminds you that you have been seated for too long in a spot. Reciprocate the gesture, and this partnership should ensure that neither of you remains seated for too long on the couch or desk. At first, the reminders will irritate you. It will seem like the other person is interfering in your personal space. Give it at least 10 days before this prompting starts to shape up and look like a mutually beneficial relationship. This dynamic is easier said than done. For couples, cooped up inside, this can lead to arguments too. But honestly, this is rather important, as self-discipline can take a beating as we try to stick to better living habits and inculcate small changes in our everyday lifestyle.   

ACCEPT, YOU ARE NO LONGER ROYALTY

Move around for things that can be done without being seated properly. This includes attending phone calls, especially the ones that don't need the laptop data to be examined, and the smaller, odd tasks like whisking the coffee grounds. For ages, I have been the person for whom things are easily fetched. From the morning cup of tea to unceremonious demands at the oddest times, I have taken too many liberties. Right now, I am understanding that there was nothing so royal about it. My new rule for myself: stop calling out for assistance. The smallest things that we often demand from someone moving around, from fetching the remote and passing the pillow to getting a bottle refill, contribute to slowing down the metabolism. Ditch the habit of always asking. This is like a humbling experience, and now, I have started to like it. Sweeping the plant-heavy balconies and taking the onus to assemble, clean up, or get things is helping me stay more mobile during the course of the day. Yes, lazy pangs do hit hard at times, but largely, the earlier version of me, half lying down at most times and demanding things to be handed over, is fading away...rather quickly.

EXPERIENCE STANDING - IT WORKS

Set up a standing workstation. This is a lot easier than it sounds. Even checking the workplace emails and answering office conversations on Skype can be done while standing. Take away the luxury of having a chair all the time. Use a chair only when you really need to sit down and do some serious work. I now have two workstations. One is the proper desk and chair arrangement. The other one is the standing type with no stool or chair near it. I use the latter for repeatedly checking emails and sending out small messages. All the things you read about bad posture when working on your laptop? It does not apply when you do it for a maximum of 5 minutes at a stretch. Please don't try this if you already have a history of spondylosis or some medical condition.

ENJOYED THAT MEAL? DON'T SIT BACK AND ROMANCE IT 

Don't stay seated post-meals. This is not a revolutionary bit of advice. Health bloggers have been advocating this for ages. You have to avoid lying down at any cost after you have wrapped up a meal. During the pandemic era, mealtime leisure is getting reckless. The tendency to laze around after a good lunch or supper is at an all-time high. Swap this with making that crucial call that could affect your KPI for the month. Even better, take on a regular task that you do only after lunch or dinner, like taking down dried clothing from the balcony, collecting the litter kids leave behind in the living room, or even better...doing the dishes. Personally, I am cutting down on taking the time to savor the special things Moha cooks, along with a piece of post-meal chocolate.

MAKE LAZYBOY YOUR OTT-time ENEMY

COVID lifestyle is teaching us that staying healthy is perhaps going to become the biggest global challenge, more serious than world peace. Until 18 months back, it was common practice to watch marathon OTT series on Netflix or Amazon. Now, you have to rethink how this is affecting your waistline and your overall health. You have to develop a strategy - I suggest not being seated at all times when catching up with the next episode of Kingdom or Marianne. You have to develop the habit of mixing it up. Stand up for a few minutes. Volunteer to pause for a few minutes and make tea for yourself and for someone else. Essentially, you have to fight off the natural behavior of staying glued to a lying-down or seated position that usually happens when watching your favorite TV shows, irrespective of the genre or how Ryan Gosling is looking these days.

THINK ON YOUR FEET - NOT THE METAPHOR, THE PHYSICALITY OF IT

I have been hearing how my friends and colleagues have started rediscovering the luxury of time that they haven't had for more than a decade. Enter the tendency to spend time with your thoughts, often dubbed as ideating or conceptualizing, with a cup of tea or coffee, lazing during the late afternoon hours. Until recently, this 'thinking time' was relegated to a few days in a year, or it was entirely absent. There is nothing wrong with it. I support the cause of reconnecting with what you want in life and taking the time to process the moments, even getting a bit poetic about it. But many times, the thinking hours are simply about planning the day, a quick visit to the mall for supplies, or organizing a week that is going to witness meeting the parents, or hosting a house party. Here, sitting back and hacking out the plan is a luxury we really don't need. I have started planning the workweek during the 30-minute exercise session and when I have some idling time, tending to the balcony garden. 

The idea is not to challenge conventional wisdom...

There is plenty of advice on how to stay active at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the usual advice is about how to plan your workouts and do more household chores. This discussion is aimed at what can be done besides these tips. Not that they are not helpful - some of the advice online is absolutely great. But even if you do work it out daily and then spend considerable time seated or lying down, on your favorite couch or the bedside corner, chances are that your health will suffer. This is because the bump-up in metabolism that comes around with physical tasks also gets flatlined when we are idling. I will follow up on this discussion with other lifestyle-related countermeasures for the challenges COVID lifestyle is unleashing...

Dave Gerhardt Shares:

Remote work can demand more discipline rather than less because much of the external structure of an office disappears. Without a manager watching over your shoulder, colleagues creating momentum or the natural pressure of an office environment, the responsibility for starting, focusing and finishing the work rests more heavily on the individual. That can make actual skills and output more visible, with less opportunity to rely on being socially present, appearing busy or simply being well-liked. Remote work therefore rewards self-motivation, focus, initiative and the ability to get things done even on days when motivation is low. At the same time, working together in person still has value, particularly for connection and collaboration, and office environments can suit people who benefit from greater structure and social energy. The choice does not have to be framed as remote versus office. Different people, careers and stages of life can call for different ways of working.

Dan Schawbel Shares:

Working from home can offer freedom from commuting, unnecessary meetings and some of the distractions found in traditional workplaces, but it also places greater responsibility on the individual to create structure. A consistent routine, clear goals and focused work periods can make remote work easier to manage. Starting the day at a regular time and identifying measurable, specific and attainable tasks helps prevent procrastination and keeps attention on meaningful work. Concentrating on demanding tasks during periods of higher energy can also make the working day more productive, while lighter tasks can be reserved for later. Breaks are equally important. A walk or run, preparing a meal, or meeting a colleague for coffee can provide a mental reset while supporting physical health and social connections. The broader approach is simple: successful remote work requires discipline, but discipline does not mean working continuously. Structure, focused goals and purposeful breaks can make working from home more sustainable.

The Birbal Shares:

Discipline does not have to mean giving up freedom or leisure. It can provide structure by helping align daily tasks with a consistent routine, making it easier to manage both work and personal time. Building discipline, however, rarely happens through sudden and drastic changes. Small habits such as waking up on time and reducing laziness can create a foundation for tackling bigger challenges, including procrastination and inconsistent routines. This becomes particularly important when working from home, where the absence of in-person supervision can make distractions harder to control. A disciplined approach helps with self-regulation, allowing greater focus, efficiency and productivity while working remotely. Developing these habits can also increase motivation and create a greater sense of satisfaction in everyday life. Rather than trying to transform everything at once, gradual improvements in daily behaviour can make discipline easier to maintain and help turn a structured routine into a lasting part of both personal and professional life.

Neolysi Technologies Shares:

Discipline can provide the structure remote and hybrid teams need to maintain focus, meet deadlines, communicate clearly and balance work with personal life. At an individual level, this means building practical habits such as planning priorities, using time-blocking, maintaining a dedicated workspace, tracking tasks and taking intentional breaks. At the team level, consistent communication, agreed workflows, clear responsibilities and respect for different time zones help reduce confusion and improve coordination. These practices can also address common remote-work challenges such as procrastination, home distractions, communication gaps and burnout. Leadership plays an important role by setting clear expectations, modelling healthy working habits and providing tools that support accountability without relying on micromanagement. When discipline becomes part of the working culture, structured processes can improve productivity, collaboration and work quality while helping teams maintain sustainable performance. The goal is not rigid control, but habits and systems that allow flexible work to function reliably.