A feel-good watchlist for when you need a break from ragey cinema
Will it be a good laugh, escapism or nostalgia for you?
Guns blazing, blood flowing and an overwhelming dose of testosterone. That’s how a friend described Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, two minutes after exiting the screening. A lot was said after the trailer launch, yet more was said after the movie’s release. It’s divided the internet into two distinct camps: Cinema lovers who are justifying it in the name of art and creative expression, urging you to watch it as only a film. And the naysayers who are calling out the social repercussions of watching so much unpalatable rage. A film critic’s review described the movie as a violent answer to all the critique raised on Vanga’s previous film, Kabir Singh, while another said she felt like throwing up by the end of it.
Research done and reviewed for years suggests that watching violent films influences aggressive behaviour in humans and reduces inhibition control which can give paani to the paudha of risky decisions. But if one still wants to describe it as ‘art’ despite the psychological evidence, there’s only so much that can be explained. Some people are okay to gulp down the violence with a side of misogyny like a shot of Benadryl, but it’s not for me.
And so if you too are done being neck-deep in Animal’s red universe, these 12 shows will serve as good palate cleansers and wash out the rage as efficiently as Surf Excel – kyunki yeh daag achhe nahi hain.
This feel-good watchlist is what you should be streaming next
The Wheel of Time (2021)
For when you want to escape reality and immerse yourself in a fantasy world.
We don’t believe that denial is the way to go to cope with the anxiety brewing in your chest, but people need a break every once in a while and escape from the drudgery of existence. The Wheel of Time will help you leave the real world behind for a momentary escape.
Based on Robert Jordan’s fantasy novel series of the same name, the world you’ll step into is a magical one. But not everyone is allowed to harness it. Our journey here starts when a mysterious and magical woman Moiraine (played by Rosamund Pike) arrives at a small village and saves five young men and women from an attack.
Watch the fight unfold between Darkness and Light and follow along as we learn of a prophesied hero/heroine, magical powers and beings.
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video
Glamorous (2023)
For when you need some sparkle!
Our beloved Samantha from Sex and the City (SATC), Kim Cattrall returns in a new role as former supermodel and beauty mogul Madolyn Addison in this 10-episode Netflix series. While she brings the same traffic-stopping energy as Samantha, if her SATC character was boisterous, Madolyn channels dignified silence.
Watch this feel-good workplace drama for Marco, the ambitious makeup enthusiast who discovers a mentor in Madolyn and learns to tackle corporate espionage – all with smattering of pop music and drag sequences.
If you loved The Devil Wears Prada and have binged on The Bold Type more than once, Glamorous will make for a fun watch.
The Adam Project (2022)
For when you feel like returning to your childhood.
Ryan Reynolds brings his charm and comic timing to this sci-fi adventure. It’s the year 2050 and Adam Reed (Reynolds) is a fighter pilot who steals a time-travelling jet to go back to the year 2018 but crash lands in 2022 after being injured. There he meets his 12-year-old self and enlists his help to fly back, only to be interrupted by the villains. What ensues is a mission to save the future.
The Adam Project feels like a video game – only, you’re watching it instead of playing. It has all the tones of a superhero movie from love to family, flying jets and lightsabers which give it a touch of nostalgia.
We even get a a mini 13 going on 30 reunion with Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner (Adam’s parents). This movie hits all the right notes – it’s funny, and emotional with a touch of nostalgia.
Hum Paanch (1995)
For a big dose of nostalgia and feel-good fun.
The show first hit TV airwaves in 1995 and still has such a stronghold on our hearts. The comedic dynamics and shenanigans of Anand Mathur and his family always serve as a trip down memory lane and a break from our daily anxieties.
Watch TV favourites Ashok Saraf, Shoma Anand and the late Jatin Kanakia along with a very young Vidya Balan playing one of the five daughters constantly pranking and troubling their father. All in good, light-hearted fun.
It is hard to pick a favourite character from such a great ensemble cast but it’ll have to be Anand’s late first wife whose character exists as a talking portrait routinely jibing and troubling him.
Who’s Your Gynac? (2023)
For when you want something relatable that’ll give your brain cells a rest.
TVF always delivers. Permanent Roommates, Kota Factory, Panchayat and now we have the Saba Azad starrer Who’s Your Gynac? Azad stars as Dr Vidhushi Kothari, a young OB-GYN juggling her professional and personal lives. The show addresses taboos around sexual health with a healthy mix of comedy, as the young doctor tries to establish her practice and tackles newlywed patients and curious teenagers.
A light-hearted watch, the show may jog your memory about your first gynaec visit (we all have an awkward story to tell) and make you chuckle. The 20-minute episodes will breeze past and leave you feeling refreshed.
The Elephant Whisperers (2022)
For when you want to get lost in the story of selfless love.
There’s something about human-animal friendships that instantly gives you a pick-me-up and releases a giant dollop of dopamine in your brain. The Elephant Whisperers is an Oscar-winning documentary that captures the unique story of Bomman and Bellie who become caregivers to an injured, orphan baby elephant Raghu. Watching their relationship unfold as the couple bathe, feed and even nap with Raghu will warm the cockles of your heart. It’s fascinating to watch how the baby elephant mirrors human mannerisms, like letting Bomman hold his trunk when walking akin to a child holding their parent’s hand.
Set in the Mudumalai National Park on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the fantastic cinematography transports you into the lush landscape, instantly lifting your spirits.
Jumping from High Places (2022)
For when you need a push to face your fears.
When you’re 16, you imagine your life will be picture-perfect by the time you’re 25. It’s only when you reach this quarter-life crisis mark that you realise it’s much messier than you anticipated. The Italian movie Jumping from High Places delves into navigating this adult-life crisis with the highest highs and lowest lows. The movie focuses on Sole Santoro who has generalised anxiety disorder and struggles with even deciding what ice-cream flavour to get. The analysis paralysis sound familiar to you?
Recovering from the sudden death of her best friend, Sole attempts to face her fears – from swimming to getting a job – and in the process attempts to live her life to the fullest. You’ll find yourself rooting for Sole as she transitions from her anxious self to a confident adult. The movie sensitively portrays the realities of living with anxiety with a side of humour.
Superstore (2015)
For when you want to laugh about work-life without getting into trouble.
We can never get enough of The Office, though now and then we also feel like a bit of a change. If you’re looking for a workplace comedy to remind you of the clowns in your own office then Superstore is what you want to put on.
It follows an ensemble of employees working at mega-store Cloud 9 and their daily struggles and antics interacting with each other and their customers.
You’ll notice parallels in the show from your own work-life – a difficult coworker, customers who don’t listen or a boss who is not responding well to something you asked – but atleast here you can get a resolution and some respite, even if in real-life you haven’t had the chance.
Minnal Murali (2021)
When you need to feel safe watching good triumph over evil.
We love you Krrish but director Basil Joseph has given us Minnal Murali, the Indian superhero we need.
Tovino Thomas plays Jaison, a tailor with big ambitions but little luck. The woman he loves gets engaged to someone else and his dream of travelling to the US are quashed by vengeful cops. But during a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event, Jaison is struck by lightning and day by day he starts to change.
He’s got his nephew by his side, helping him discover his new powers. But Jaison wasn’t the only one to be struck by lightning that night. Shibu took a hit too.
You get some laughs as Jaison’s tormenters get their comeuppance, but there are also moments of deep sadness. We see the build-up of a worthy antihero to Minnal Murali, at times you’re almost rooting for the person who is supposed to technically be the bad guy.
No one is born essentially good or bad, it is our deeds that define us, but what drives us to them? The film leaves you thinking of how grave circumstances change people. But even if you don’t want to think too much into it, you get an entertaining watch of a superhero showdown as Jaison fights the good fight. Guru Somasundaram is phenomenal as Shibu. We recommend watching it in the original Malayalam language with subtitles on.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005)
For when you’re dreaming about your next vacation.
Reintroduce yourself to the OG travel and food influencer. In each episode, the late, great Anthony Bourdain travels to different cities around the world and immerses himself in the local culture and cuisine.
From the fanciest of restaurants to roadside shacks, nothing is off the menu for Bourdain. Live vicariously through his travels around the world, the friendships he makes and the culture you’ve been wanting to explore.
Sure, you can’t feel the sea breeze blowing through your hair or the spicy ramen bowl he’s chowing down on. But considering Japan’s got a lickable TV screen that lets you taste food flavours, that day might not be too far away.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
If you’re in dire need of a dose of laughter therapy.
There’s mystery, intrigue and some gruesome death in this film But, it’s done with such comedic ease that it’s hilarious to watch. That sounds like an oxymoron but this dark comedy by the team behind cult classic Shaun of the Dead makes this another all-time favourite.
Simon Pegg plays a supercop transferred to a small sleepy village. He’s teamed up with Danny Butterman, played by Nick Frost, to solve a series of murders that seems so unlikely in a place that’s the regular winner of ‘Village of the Year’. We’re huge Edgar Wright fans who directed and co-wrote this with Pegg.
Queer Eye season 7 (2023)
For when you need a bit of motivation and the emotional mush of an Adele and Arijit Singh song.
The latest season of Queer Eye features the Fab 5 heading to New Orleans for some life-changing makeovers.
The light-hearted show shows us how beautiful connections can be made with people when you step into the arena with open hearts and minds. Each of the Fab 5 members brings something special to the table that encourages and uplifts their hero of the week.
It seems like they’re just giving this person a new hairstyle, living room or outfit to wear but about showing empathy when people are open about their vulnerabilities and encouraging them to embrace themselves.
This show will also give you a good cry if you need a sweet release. Binge it quickly, the next season is dropping in early 2024.
