We are back again with our monthly reports! August 2023 was undoubtedly the best month for the SonyLIV streaming platform in terms of content. The platform offered several amazing shows and TV series to its viewers last month. Let’s check them out!
The lack of originals is still a major issue that needs to be tackled by SonyLIV. However, the streaming platform largely benefitted from outstanding licensed entries in August 2023.
Fatafati (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 4
Aritra Mukjerjee’s Fatafati is a beautiful Bengali drama that tackles the sensitive issue of body shaming with great care. It treasures some heartwarming performances from the lead artists, particularly from Ritabhari Chakraborty who plays Phullora Bhaduri with perfection. What makes this film great is that it does not tell women about how they should feel about their physical appearances. Instead, it inspires them to think that they are much more than their bodily flaws.
Pareshan (Film/Licensed) – Miss
Streaming release: August 4
Kobbari Matta fame Rupak Ronaldson disappoints with Pareshan. What was supposed to be a laugh riot turned out a complete waste of time. Critics lamented the film’s wafer-thin plot and overreliance on comedic elements, which are also visible in the film’s second half. But thanks to Thiruveer! He does all the heavy lifting in this film and his comic timing looks super.
The Jengaburu Curse (Series/Original) – Hit
Streaming release: August 9
The show revolves around a London-based financial analyst, Priya Das. She is forced to return to Odisha after her father goes missing. Her quest leads her to the shocking discovery of a conspiracy encompassing bauxite mining, which secretly receives the support of an international nexus. This scenario results in several unexplained deaths and a shattered community. The series received acclaim from both critics and viewers, particularly for its performances, direction, intriguing storyline, amazing shots, and suspenseful moments.
Broker (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 11
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s critically acclaimed South Korean drama was chosen to compete at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, and bagged the prestigious Ecumenical Jury Award. The film revolves around the duo of Ha Sang-hyeon (Song Kang-ho) and Dong-soo (Gang
Dong-won) who together run the illegal business of stealing babies from the church’s baby boxes. Their lives take an unexpected turn after So-young (Lee Ji-eun) returns after abandoning her baby. The film stands at a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Confidential Assignment 2: International (Film/licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 11
This one serves as a direct sequel to 2017’s Confidential Assignment. It turned out to be a massive box office success, with critics hailing it as a worthy sequel to the original 2017 entry. Lee Seok-hoon’s direction and performances of the cast members, including Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, Im Yoon-ah, Daniel Henney, and Jin Seon-kyu, were particularly praised by the critics.
The Fabelmans (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 11
The Fabelmans is undoubtedly one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest works. It serves as a semi-autobiographical take on the director’s teenage period and early years as a filmmaker, presented from the perspective of the fictional Sammy Fabelman. The film earned seven nominations at the 95th Oscars. The cast consists of Paul Dano, Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Judd Hirsch, Gabriel LaBelle, and more.
Por Thozhil (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 11
Inspired by Puthiya Aathi Chuvadi, Subramania Bharati’s poem, Por Thozhil is a gripping Tamil crime thriller. It received special praise for its compelling storyline and perfectly executed edge-of-the-seat moments. It also marked the debut of director Vignesh Raja and collected over 50 crores during its theatrical run. The film stars R. Sarathkumar, Nikhila Vimal, and Ashok Selvan.
Aayirathonnu Nunakal (Film/Licensed) – Hit
Streaming release: August 18
This one serves as a slow-burning thriller. It focuses on the deepening conflict among a group of friends, fueled by several shocking past lies. Thamar KV’s skillful direction keeps the film entertaining. The film also stands out in terms of performances, thanks to actors such as Remya Suresh, Shamla Hamza, and Vishnu Agatsya. All actors deliver authentic performances and avoid falling into the trap of melodrama.
SonyLIV’s August 2023 Success Score: 87.5%
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