In a surprising twist of box office fate, “Barbie” has risen above the iconic “The Dark Knight” to claim the throne as Warner Bros. Discovery’s highest-grossing domestic release. With a current earnings total of $537,390,865, “Barbie” has outperformed even the sequel to “Batman Begins,” which held the record with $534,987,076, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
The unstoppable momentum of the “Barbie” phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. The film is now poised to challenge Universal’s animated hit, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which has accumulated $574,243,655 in domestic earnings by Wednesday.
Earlier this month, “Barbie” achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman-directed film to cross the $1 billion mark in global sales. This achievement may soon eclipse the worldwide sales of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which itself has grossed over $1.35 billion.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Barbie” is not just a film, but a cultural force that delves into the existential crisis of the iconic doll, portrayed by Margot Robbie. Since its release on July 21, the film has maintained an unbroken reign as the number one movie at the box office for nearly four consecutive weeks, according to Box Office Mojo.
The all-pink feminist narrative presented in “Barbie” strikes a chord with audiences worldwide, signaling toy giant Mattel’s triumphant entry into the cinematic world. The film’s promotional campaign was as intense as its impact, with highlights including the creation of a real-life Barbie Dreamhouse in Malibu and strategic licensing agreements with fast food chains.
In addition to surpassing “The Dark Knight,” “Barbie” has also overtaken another creation of Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer,” a major blockbuster released this summer. Chronicling the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as “the father of the atomic bomb,” the film has collected $270,024,705 domestically and an impressive $653,975,801 globally.
Upon its shared opening day with “Barbie,” hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic moviegoers flocked to theaters for a unique double feature, aptly named “Barbenheimer,” according to the National Association of Theater Owners.
In conclusion, the rise of “Barbie” to the top of Warner Bros.’ box office hierarchy is not just a testament to its financial success, but a reflection of its cultural significance and the impact it has made on audiences of all ages. As “Barbie” continues to captivate the world, its legacy is undoubtedly etched in the annals of cinematic history.
“Taali” Series Review: Sushmita Sen Shines Bright in a Respectful Portrayal
By Team Gabruu
August 17, 2023
Sushmita Sen takes the spotlight in “Taali,” a biographical drama series that explores the life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. Directed by Ravi Jadhav and available for streaming on JioCinema, the show offers a respectful insight into Sawant’s remarkable journey, anchored by Sen’s captivating performance. While the series does adhere to some conventional storytelling, it successfully presents the diverse struggles and triumphs of its central characters.
Sawant’s inspiring real-life tale is one of resilience and activism. As a petitioner in a historic Supreme Court ruling in 2014, Sawant played a pivotal role in securing legal recognition and civil rights for transgender individuals. Her non-profit organization, the Sakhi Char Chowghi Trust, has dedicated decades to championing trans rights. She even adopted a daughter, Gayatri, in 2008. Sawant’s presence extended beyond activism; she was featured in a widely acclaimed Vicks campaign and graced an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, alongside the esteemed Usha Uthup.
However, “Taali” occasionally struggles to fully encapsulate the depth of Sawant’s life. The series, spanning six episodes and boasting an ensemble cast including Krutika Deo, Ankur Bhatia, Nandu Madhav, Hemangi Kavi, and Ananth Mahadevan, delves into Gauri’s life through traditional flashbacks. From her early years as Ganesh (played affectingly by Krutika Deo), her father’s struggle to accept her identity, to her journey in Mumbai where she navigates odd jobs and social work, the series offers a glimpse into her challenges and achievements.
The show commendably avoids a one-dimensional portrayal of the transgender community in India, highlighting internal divisions based on class and social standing. Gauri’s experiences reflect the complexities within the community, while she also spearheads a common battle for dignity and self-identification. This celebration of diversity resonates throughout the series, showcasing the nonconformity of its central characters.
While the series contains heartfelt moments, Kshitij Patwardhan’s writing occasionally veers into the realm of overt sentimentality. Gauri’s penchant for conversing in rhymes is charming, though it becomes a recurring trait among other characters. The show also employs radio transistors as a metaphor for relationships that remain unresolved. Its structure draws parallels to films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, presenting the classic narrative of an individual rising against adversity to become a prominent figure in their realm.
Sushmita Sen, a powerhouse in her own right, infuses “Taali” with strength and authenticity. While her portrayal of Gauri is more celebratory than biographical, her presence resonates on screen. Sen’s performance captures moments of delight, gratitude, and determination, even if the role occasionally lacks the intricacies that define a truly immersive portrayal.
In conclusion, “Taali” emerges as an honorable tribute to the life of Shreegauri Sawant, with Sushmita Sen anchoring the show with her magnetic performance. The series navigates some common storytelling tropes while effectively emphasizing the diversity within the transgender community. Despite its occasional sentimental tendencies, “Taali” manages to leave an impact, offering audiences a respectful glimpse into the journey of a remarkable activist.
“Taali” is currently available for streaming on JioCinema.
