Shaurya Singh Thapa

Shaurya Singh Thapa is a journalist and freelance writer from India who indulges the nitty-gritties of cinema, music, history and pop culture. His interests in cinema range from mainstream Hollywood to regional picks from all his native country and the rest of the world. Instead of Netflix and Prime, he is an unabashed promoter of the streaming platform Tubi mainly because it's free and because it offers some of his preferred low-budget cult classics like The Toxic Avenger, WolfCop, The Evil Bong, Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter and Post Apocalyptic Commando Shark. While he's not a filmmaker by profession, "auteurs" like Tommy Wiseau (The Room) and Ed Wood (Plan 9 From Outer Space) are his role models in life. Thapa also makes Instagram satirical posts/memes and makes parody rap/pop music on the side.

Experience and Education

Thapa's tryst with journalism began in his undergraduate years when he was pursuing History (with the hopes of being Indiana Jones or in his case, "Indian" Jones). As a student reporter in his alma mater Delhi University, Thapa started out as a ground reporter and copy editor for DU Beat, the campus newspaper and India's largest student-run publication. Within a year, he became DU Beat's Web Editor. This was followed by a regular stint as a listicle and features writer for Canadian infotainment site Screen Rant, penning more than 1100 articles on movies, comics, music, books, ending explainers etc. He also spent a year working as a Sub-Editor for the acclaimed India Today magazine's digital section. He also authored news reports and features, conducted guest intervies and manages Instagram content for India Today's subsidiary website DailyO. As a freelancer, Thapa's observations on cinema have been published in CBR, Film Companion, LiveWire and Firstpost.

Favourite Movies and TV-Shows

Thapa bases his personality by quoting The Room (arguably the worst movie ever made or the movie that's so bad that it's good) so that Tommy Wiseau classic is definitely up there among his favourite movies. Other go-to movies include Stand By Me, anything by Spike Lee or Spielberg, The King of Comedy (best Scorsese movie, period), Shrek and a whole lot of Aamir Khan movies from India. He's also a dedicated horror aficionado, deriving pleasure out of Hereditary, The Empty Man and Talk To Me. As for TV shows, any show with a morally ambigious self-hating protagonist works for him (Barry, Fleabag, Bojack Horseman, Succession, The Sopranos, Better Call Saul, Atlanta, Flowers). You can follow him on Instagram at @dalai_thapa.

Shaurya Singh Thapa has written 219 articles on JustWatch. This includes adding news and relevant information to movie & TV show pages.

  • <h1>Where to Watch The10 Best Aditya Roy Kapur Movies</h1>

    Where to Watch The10 Best Aditya Roy Kapur Movies

    Aditya Roy Kapur has established himself as a charismatic Bollywood star with roles in mainstream hits like Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Over the years, he has captivated audiences with his performances in a range of genres, from romantic dramas to action thrillers. If you are a fan of the Fitoor and Ok Jaanu actor, here’s a guide to his best roles so far. Our guide also shows you where you can watch these movies in India. 

    Which Aditya Roy Kapur movies should I watch first?

    The best Aditya Roy Kapur movie to watch first is his breakthrough Aashiqui 2. The 2013 romantic drama was a remake of A Star Is Born and found Kapur playing the troubled alcoholic musician Rahul Jaykar. 

    Some of Aditya Roy Kapur’s earliest movies to watch include the 2009 musical film London Dreams and the 2010 Back to the Future remake Action Replayy. The latter found him playing Akshay Kumar’s on-screen son and gave him more visibility. 

    Following the success of Aashiqui 2, Kapur starred in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), a coming-of-age film where he played the role of Avinash "Avi" Arora, a carefree and fun-loving character. His performance added a layer of depth to the film's ensemble cast, which included Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

    Even though this film starred him in a supporting role, Kapur proved early on his affinity for playing non-lead parts. A quite underrated example is the 2010 tragic romance Guzaarish. Even though Hrithik Roshan led this Sanjay Leela Bhansali drama as a magician seeking euthanasia, Kapur also earned some positive reactions and a Filmfare Best Male Debut nomination for playing the protagonist’s friendly assistant.

    Kapur's other notable romances include Ok Jaanu (2017), a remake of the Tamil rom-com O Kadhal Kanmani. Reuniting with his Aashiqui 2 co-star Shraddha Kapoor, he played the role of Adi, a young man navigating the challenges of modern relationships.

    In 2020, Kapur also forayed in the action thriller genre with Malang. The pandemic release saw him in a more rugged and intense avatar. This film was a departure from his usual romantic roles and highlighted his versatility.

    Another significant film in his career is Ludo (2020), an anthology black comedy film directed by Anurag Basu. Kapur played the role of Aakash Chauhan, a puppeteer entangled in a complex narrative with intersecting stories.

    His filmography also includes Kalank (2019), a period drama set in pre-independent India. Kapur played the role of Dev Chaudhry, a man torn between duty and desire. His portrayal added a significant emotional weight to the film, which, despite mixed reviews, was praised for its grandeur and performances.

    Has Aditya Roy Kapur acted in any TV shows?

    Most recently, Kapur starred in the Hotstar original The Night Manager (2023), a Hindi adaptation of the British television series of the same name. The role of a sweet-talking hotel manager linked with an illegal arms dealer, marked a significant shift towards more mature and layered characters.

    Why is Aashiqui 2 the best Aditya Roy Kapur movie to watch?

    Aashiqui 2 not only established Aditya Roy Kapur as a leading actor but also showcased his ability to portray intense emotions. His chemistry with co-star Shraddha Kapoor was widely appreciated, and the film's music became immensely popular.

    Where can I watch the best Aditya Roy Kapur movies online? 

    Below you can find the latest streaming information for Aditya Roy Kapur's best movies. This includes every offer for viewers in India today. We'll also show you if any of his best movies are available to watch online for free.

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  • <h1>30 of the Best Shashi Kapoor Movies (and Where to Watch Them)</h1>

    30 of the Best Shashi Kapoor Movies (and Where to Watch Them)

    Hailing from Bollywood royalty like the Kapoor family, Shashi Kapoor was quite different from his older brothers Raj and Shammi Kapoor. While Raj Kapoor juggled roles as actor, producer, and director, Shammi Kapoor was the showman. And then comes Shashi who was content at giving his all in both supporting and lead performances. It didn’t bother him if he was often overshadowed by frequent co-star Amitabh Bachchan. And not the one to get satisfied with mainstream projects, Shashi also emerged as one of the earliest Bollywood stars to act in cross-border productions.

    Here’s the very best of Shashi Kapoor’s movies along with all the information you need to stream them.

    Which Shashi Kapoor movies should I watch first?

    To get a more mainstream understanding of Shashi Kapoor’s movies, it’s best to watch his most popular projects. These include a large share of Amitabh Bachchan-led dramas and thrillers like the ever-iconic Deewaar.

    This Yash Chopra-directed classic stars Kapoor as a law-abiding police officer who must track down his estranged gangster brother played by Bachchan. Kapoor and Bachchan’s confrontational climax is immortalised today with the “Mere paas Maa hai” dialogue. 

    Other memorable collaborations with Bachchan included the spy thriller Shaan, the tragic romantic drama Kabhi Kabhie, the revenge saga Trishul, the miner rights’ drama Kaala Patthar, and the masala film Namak Halaal

    Along with familiar genres like romance, crime, and drama, Shashi Kapoor was also actively involved in period dramas. These include a role as a freedom fighter alongside Dilip Kumar in Kranti, and a reckless feudal lord during the Revolt of 1857 in Junoon

    Kapoor was also notably involved in collaborations with non-Indian filmmakers and actors. His own wife was British actress Jennifer Kendal who starred opposite him in Junoon. He also collaborated with Oscar-winner James Ivory for his 1966 drama Shakespeare Wallah that revolved around a travelling theatre group of Shakespearean actors in India.

    The actor was also the lead in the Indo-American epic Siddhartha (based on Herman Hesse’s novel of the same name). Exploring Buddhist concepts of enlightenment, Siddhartha featured Kapoor as the titular prince searching for the meaning of life.

    His other acclaimed but underrated projects include the erotic drama Utsav, the coming-of-age drama Vijeta, and the Yash Chopra-directed family drama Waqt. New Delhi Times is also a notable example with Kapoor’s performance of an investigative journalist earning him a National Award. 

    One of his unforgettable final performances was as an aging Urdu poet in In Custody, an adaptation of the Booker Prize-nominated novel of the same name. 

    In 1998, the drama Ghar Bazaar marked his final role with a special appearance. Following this, Kapoor retired from acting and was later honoured with a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award in 2010.

    Why is Deewaar the best Shashi Kapoor movie to watch?

    While Shashi Kapoor’s acting range as a lead is the most impressive in Junoon and New Delhi Times, it’s Deewaar that makes him immortal. Yes, Amitabh Bachchan is the lead actor but it’s Kapoor’s earnest portrayal of Sub-Inspector Ravi Varma that is equally impactful. He is not only the ideal cop but the ideal son, tailoring Kapoor for morally righteous characters. With Yash Chopra’s dramatic direction and Salim-Javed’s quotable screenplay, Deewaar is an undisputed cult classic.

    Where can you watch the best Shashi Kapoor movies online?

    Below you can find the latest streaming information for Shashi Kapoor’s best movies. This includes every offer for viewers in India today. We'll also show you if any of his best movies are available to watch online for free.

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  • <h1>30 Best Govinda Movies (and Where to Watch Them)</h1>

    30 Best Govinda Movies (and Where to Watch Them)

    Dominating the 1990s, Bollywood actor Govinda is known for his impeccable comic timing, energetic dance moves, and charismatic screen presence. The Hero No. 1, Bhagam Bhag, and Partner star has delivered numerous memorable performances over the years. Here’s a rundown of some of his best movies that have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Our guide also offers you the best platforms and deals to stream the best Govinda movies.

    Which Govinda movies should I watch first?

    To get started with Govinda, the quintessential movies to watch are his ‘90s romantic comedies (most of which were directed by David Dhawan). Coolie No. 1 (1995) is a cult favorite in this regard. This film showcases Govinda in a dual role that highlights his versatility. Playing a coolie who pretends to be a wealthy businessman to marry a rich girl, Govinda’s comedic antics, combined with Karisma Kapoor’s lively performance, made this film a major hit.

    Another memorable collaboration with David Dhawan was in Hero No. 1 (1997) which starred Govinda as a wealthy, carefree young man who falls in love with a middle-class girl. His attempts to win over her family with his charm and wit, along with his impeccable comic timing, solidified his status as a comedy king.

    Govinda’s characters in this era often shifted between streetsmart to incredibly foolish. For instance, in Dulhe Raja (1998), Govinda played a smart-talking street vendor who locks horns with a wealthy businessman. But in Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Govinda’s performance as a simpleton who ends up with two wives unknowingly is both humorous and endearing. His chemistry with co-stars Tabu and Karisma Kapoor, coupled with the comedic situations, made this film a memorable entertainer.

    Raja Babu (1994) similarly features Govinda as a village simpleton who tries to impress a sophisticated city girl. His comedic prowess and dance moves in songs like Sarkai Lo Khatiya are iconic.

    But even in the 1990s, Govinda could occasionally break typecast as he took on action-oriented roles as a soldier in David Dhawan’s Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and a vengeance-seeking brother in Hum (1991). In the latter, Govinda shared screen space and played an on-screen brother to Indian film veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth.

    Coming to the 2000s, Govinda’s comedy dominance began waning, barring memorable hits like Bhagam Bhag (2006) and Partner (2007).

    In the Priyadarshan-directed comedy Bhagam Bhag, Govinda and Akshay Kumar play theater actors who get involved in a murder mystery. Govinda’s comic timing with Kumar was praised, and the film’s humorous plot kept audiences entertained.

    In the years to follow, the comedy heavyweight took on supporting roles in relatively serious projects like Mani Ratnam’s tragic romance Raavan and AR Murugadoss’s action thriller Holiday. Taking on experimental comedy roles, he also voiced a bandit monkey in Delhi Safari and played a greedy film producer in Happy Ending.

    Why is Partner the best Govinda movie to watch?

    In this Hindi remake of the Will Smith-led comedy Hitch, Govinda teamed up with Salman Khan to play a lovable and naive office-worker who seeks help from a love guru to woo the woman of his dreams. This film, directed by David Dhawan, was a massive success and showcased Govinda’s ability to shine even in a multi-starrer. His hilarious dance moves in songs like “Soni Di Nakhre” aptly echoed his 90s stardom.

    Where can I watch the best Govinda movies online?

    The list below takes you through every major OTT service where you can watch Govinda’s filmography. We also provide you offers and deals to stream these movies online or rent or buy them in India.

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  • <h1>10 Best Raj and DK Movies and TV Shows (and Where to Watch Them)</h1>

    10 Best Raj and DK Movies and TV Shows (and Where to Watch Them)

    Raj and DK are perhaps the most consistent writer-director duo in the Hindi film and OTT space today. While they started out in 2003 with an under-the-radar NRI comedy called Flavors, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. began building their profile directing acclaimed low-budget features like 99 and Shor in the City. The zombie-comedy Go Goa Gone became a gamechanger and the duo hasn’t looked back ever since.

    As they gear up to direct Citadel: Honey Bunny (the Indian spin-off of Prime Video’s Citadel), have a look at the best movies and TV shows they have been involved in. Our guide also offers you all the options to stream their filmography in India. 

    Which Raj and DK movies should I watch first?

    Go Goa Gone is a must-watch for anyone new to Raj and DK’s filmography. The raunchy and violent zombie-comedy captures the duo’s quintessential style of dark comedy and genre thrills. Featuring memorable performances by Kunal Kemmu, Vir Das, and Saif Ali Khan as a Russian zombie hunter, Go Goa Gone marked a new shift in Indian adult comedies alongside films like Delhi Belly.

    A more family-friendly horror comedy from Raj and DK that is equally entertaining is Stree. The first entry in the Dinesh Vijan-produced Horror Cinematic Universe, Stree roped in Raj and DK as screenwriters and co-producers with Amar Kaushik directing. Shraddha Kapoor starred as a charming witch in this rural fable of a man-hunting spirit with Rajkumar Rao playing the simpleton who falls in love with her.

    But apart from Go Goa Gone and Stree, fans of Raj and DK must also watch their earlier works that blended elements of crime dramas with observational humour. Shor in the City is a fine example which brings out the urban chaos of Mumbai in the face of a kidnapping conspiracy. 99 plays out as a satire on cricket betting scandals.

    Some other films after their mainstream fame include A Gentleman, an entertaining pastiche of James Bond-like spy thrillers with Siddharth Malhotra in the lead. The Amazon Prime anthology Unpaused also found them directing Glitch, a pandemic-inspired short film revolving around the phenomenon of virtual reality-dating.

    Which Raj and DK TV shows should I watch first?

    Almost every TV show that Raj and DK have worked on has become a streaming hit. It all started with their Prime Video thriller The Family Man, a spy drama starring Manoj Bajpayee as a covert security operative. While the show is heavy on action and conspiracy, The Family Man also takes out time to touch upon the everyday life of Bajpayee’s protagonist with hilarious results.

    Farzi was their second effort for Prime, which notably featured Shahid Kapoor alongside Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi. An underdog story disguised as a crime thriller, Farzi found Kapoor’s antihero creating a business around fake currency notes while Sethupathi played the law-abiding cop tracking him down.

    If success on Prime wasn’t enough, the duo also served as showrunners for the stylish ‘90s-set crime thriller Guns & Gulaabs. Heavily inspired by the Bollywood “masala” movies of the era, the Netflix original had ample amounts of the Raj & DK tropes: nail-biting thrills, eccentric criminals, and some blood-soaked comedy.

    Why is Farzi the best Raj and DK collaboration?

    When it comes to delivering an all-out entertainer, Raj and DK perhaps succeeded the most with Farzi. Following a Breaking Bad-like underdog journey in the crime world, Farzi balances both humour and drama in equal amounts. An easily binge-worthy watch.

    Where can I watch Raj and DK’s movies and TV shows online?

    The list below guides you through all the OTT platforms where you can stream, buy or rent the best movies and TV shows by Raj and DK.

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  • <h1>10 Best TV Shows to Watch If You Like Paatal Lok (and Where to Stream Them)</h1>

    10 Best TV Shows to Watch If You Like Paatal Lok (and Where to Stream Them)

    One of the finest Hindi crime dramas on streaming, Paatal Lok, premiered in 2020. But the show’s cult status makes it regularly trend on the Indian streaming charts. The gritty police procedural finds two morally righteous policemen (Jaideep Ahlawat and Ishwak Singh) investigating an assassination attempt on a journalist. But as the plot thickens, the cops question their morals in front of a society breaking down with religious intolerance, casteism, and corrupt bureaucracy.

    If you love the Amazon Prime Video original, we offer you many other shows similar to Paatal Lok and where to stream them.

    Kohrra

    Created by Paatal Lok showrunner Sudip Sharma, Kohrra investigates the dark side of Punjab. Much like Sharma’s previous show, Kohrra’s leads include a veteran cop and his relatively innocent rookie. As they dig deeper into the disappearance of a bridegroom, they fall into the depths of toxic masculinity and the troubled history of the Indian state.

    The Broken News

    If you loved Jaideep Ahlawat’s convincing lead performance as Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok, you should also watch the ZEE5 original The Broken News. Exploring the sensationalism of Indian TV news, Ahlawat delivers another masterclass performance as a top-ranking channel’s editor.

    True Detective

    Fans of Paatal Lok seeking some shows from the West must try out a few seasons of True Detective. The HBO anthology series is similar in tone as a slow-burning investigative drama. The lead characters are often morally broken individuals with each season delving into the psychological impact a crime can have on the investigator.

    Sacred Games

    In terms of the social issues Paatal Lok addresses with its violent storyline, Sacred Games makes for a perfect companion watch. The first-ever Indian Netflix original, this Emmy-nominated series is a binge-worthy thriller with Saif Ali Khan playing an obsessive cop and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a megalomaniac gangster.

    Adhura

    Ishwak Singh was the breakout star of Paatal Lok, thanks to his performance as Hathiram’s rookie Imran Ansari. To get more of him in the thriller genre, watch the supernatural mystery Adhura. The Prime Video series finds Singh playing a man who revisits his school after decades. But when strange things begin occurring, the mysterious protagonist must question his actions from years ago.

    Taj Mahal 1989

    Neeraj Kabi played a journalist who becomes the target of a bigger mystery in Paatal Lok. But the veteran theatre, TV, and film actor has also shown in vastly different roles in the OTT space. If you need more of Kabi’s dramatic energy, Taj Mahal 1989 can be a good watch to begin with. The Netflix romantic anthology is set in the titular year and stars Kabi as a poetic middle-aged teacher.

    Scoop

    Along with criminal investigation, Paatal Lok is also an interesting show to know more about the current state of Indian journalism. The fact-based thriller Scoop is a similar example recounting an investigative journalist’s struggle to prove her innocence after she’s falsely accused of murder.

    Mirzapur

    While it is pulpier and bloodier than Paatal Lok, Mirzapur makes for an entertaining watch if you need more popular Indian crime thrillers on Amazon Prime.

    Delhi Crime 

    Much like Paatal Lok’s lead characters, Delhi Crime humanises its khaki-wearing protagonists without any forced glamorisation. Shefali Shah leads a talented ensemble with a story that draws on some of Delhi’s most shocking cases.

    Rocket Boys

    Apart from Paatal Lok, Ishwak Singh’s other notable performances include his portrayal of nuclear scientist Vikram Sarabhai in the period drama Rocket Boys. Recounting the early years of India’s first nuclear programme, this Rocket Boys is uplifting, informative, and truly binge-worthy.

    In the list below, we offer you all the options on where to watch these shows in India.

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