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‘Aquaman’: Simply fluid and impressive (IANS Review, Rating: ****) (Lead, Correcting last para)

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By Troy Ribeiro
Film: “Aquaman”; Director: James Wan; Cast: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Temuera Morrison; Rating: ****

“Life like the sea, have a different way of bringing people together,” narrates Aquaman as he gives us an insight into his origin story.

At the Amnesty Bay in Maine, Tom Curry the lighthouse keeper, rescues Atlanna, the princess of the underwater nation of Atlantis. They fall in love and have a son, Arthur, who is born with the power to communicate with the marine lifeforms.

“Aquaman” is a visually stunning, superhero film, whose story seems to have been adapted on the lines of the legendary King Arthur of medieval Britain, whose fundamental story element has been told a countless times over centuries.

Here, our Arthur – the Aquaman, is entrusted to Vulko, Atlanna’s most trusted and loyal advisor who trains him to become a skilled warrior. But unfortunately, despite being the true heir of the throne of Atlantis, he is rejected by the Atlanteans for being a half-breed.

So in order to claim his birth right, he has to dethrone his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), who seeks to unite the seven aquatic kingdoms in a war against the surface. Of course, Arthur’s path is not as simple as walking, or in this case swimming, towards the throne and claiming it. Also, here instead of the fabled sword, Aquaman has to retrieve a trident to prove his claim.

While the story may sound jaded, the storytelling style of the hero’s journey along with the settings create a truly epic adventure that is fascinating and enthralling. In almost two and a half hours of the screen time, there is no shortage of melodrama which includes, “mommy issues”, humour, impressive action sequences, gladiatorial fights, war of the thrones and an unexpected but welcome environmental comment that falls as a ring to the finger.

With a superbly chiselled physique and a devil-may-care attitude, Jason Momoa holds centre screen easily. He transcends the source material and perfectly embodies Arthur Curry, who is caught between two distinct identities, cultures and pressures of life. He particularly shines towards the final third of the film.

Alongside Momoa, Amber Heard plays a powerful warrior in Mera who is an equal match for Aquaman throughout the film. Nicole Kidman as his mother is impressive, but wasted in an insignificant role. The villains in the film; Patrick Wilson as Orm and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, are larger than life and they widen the scope of the narrative.

Mounted with brilliant visual effects and astounding score, each moment feels stunning, larger than life and simply beautiful. A little bit of editing of the action sequences could have made the film a bit more-taut.

Nevertheless, the fluidity on screen is simply impeccable and a joy to watch. It is easily one of the best from the DC Extended Universe.

–IANS
troy/rb/mr

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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