Chiya-Pop Guff "September Edition"

Hello and Good Morning Everyone, Welcome to the September Edition of Chiya-Pop Guff. In Chiya-Pop Guff, I take a step back from the algorithm-fueled frenzy and just have a chill conversation about the movies I’ve watched, the games I’ve played, and the songs that have been on repeat — the kind of stuff you’d talk about with friends during a late-night call or a random cafe meet-up.

Whether it’s a random indie film that surprised me, a game I finally got around to finishing, or a track that got stuck in my head for days, you’ll find a little bit of everything here. No hot takes just for clicks — just honest vibes, some mild overthinking, and a love for storytelling in all its forms. This month I watched quite a few movies and got around listening a few album and these are the few that caught my liking to write something about it.

And talking about the current state of the country, it’s honestly been pretty dreadful lately. This whole month has felt like a fever dream — from those sleepless horror nights to suddenly seeing history being made with the election of our very first female Prime Minister. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, and at times it’s hard to process everything that’s happening around us. My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives during these times — may their souls rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to carry on. But still, moments like these remind me that there’s hope, and that even in chaos, progress can sneak in. People are tougher than they realize, and I’ve seen little sparks of positivity here and there that make me believe better days will come. With elections right around the corner, I just want to say — let’s all be prepared. Let’s not let the exhaustion of the present stop us from shaping the future we want.

I’ve always leaned more toward Marvel, so naturally, I wasn’t overly hyped about Superman at first, but James Gunn really changed that for me. Having already proven his brilliance with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, I had some pretty high expectations, and honestly, he delivered. This Superman felt so refreshingly different compared to Zack Snyder’s darker take. Snyder’s Superman always came across more like an untouchable god, distant and almost alien in every sense. But Gunn’s version? It finally feels like Superman is a hero first — someone you can root for, relate to, and actually believe in.

The way Gunn handled Clark’s human side was especially impressive. There’s a warmth, vulnerability, and authenticity in this portrayal that makes Superman more than just a powerhouse in a cape — he feels like someone with real emotions, real conflicts, and a heart for people. The balance between his humanity and his otherworldly powers was beautifully struck.

As someone who’s never been much of a DC follower, this movie completely shifted my perspective. It’s given me a genuine reason to be excited about the newly rebooted DC universe. If this is the foundation Gunn is laying, then honestly, I’m all in.

This might just be the best Irrfan project I have ever watched. The dialogues and the pacing make it such a comforting experience, it never feels rushed, and every moment is allowed to breathe. The setting itself adds so much charm; there’s something incredibly soothing about watching a story unfold in the midst of the everyday hustle, where small details carry so much weight. The sheer love and appreciation for genuine food, layered into the narrative, feels almost therapeutic. Amidst all the chaos going on in Irrfan’s character’s life, that connection to food becomes a form of healing — and in many ways, it resonates with us too, because who doesn’t find a bit of comfort in small, ordinary joys?

What makes this film stand out is Irrfan’s performance itself. His quiet, understated acting draws you in without demanding attention — he embodies loneliness, vulnerability, and hope in such a natural way that it feels less like watching a character and more like watching someone you know. The movie doesn’t rely on big twists or flashy drama; instead, it finds beauty in simplicity, in little unspoken gestures, and in the silences between the words. In short, this movie isn’t just about food or routine — it’s about connection, about loneliness, and about the ways we find meaning in everyday life. Definitely one of the most comforting yet powerful films I’ve had the chance to watch, and easily my favorite Irrfan project to date.

This was such a random watch for me, and honestly, it ended up feeling pretty mehhh. The only thing that really kept me going was the cast — and yeah, they definitely tried to carry the movie, but even then it just wasn’t enough to fully save it. The story itself wasn’t terrible; in fact, it had an interesting premise, trying to capture the whole vibe of modern dating culture and the shallow, transactional relationships that often come with it. But the execution just didn’t click the way it should have.

The pacing felt a little off, and there were stretches where it was hard to stay invested. You know that feeling when a movie is supposed to leave you with something; a thought, an emotion, a spark — but instead you’re left sitting there like, “That’s it?” Yeah, that’s how this one felt. If anything, the movie almost felt like a half-baked idea that wanted to say something deep about dating and materialism in today’s world but couldn’t figure out how to deliver it in a way that hits. It’s not the worst watch if you’ve got nothing else to do, but it’s definitely not one that stays with you once the credits roll.

This movie also dives into the themes of modern dating and post-marriage life, but oh wow — the way it handles them is just brilliant. Where so many films either over-romanticize or over-dramatize relationships, Metro… In Dino strikes this delicate balance of honesty and warmth. It feels grounded, it feels lived-in, and most importantly, it feels real. The characters don’t just exist as clichés; they’re people you could imagine bumping into in your own city, carrying their own baggage, joys, and insecurities.

And then there’s the music. Honestly, Papon and Pritam have to be one of my favorite genre when it comes to soundtracks, and their work here was nothing short of magical. The background score didn’t just accompany the scenes, it elevated them. Overall, Metro… In Dino was such a refreshing experience. It had that rare ability to feel comforting and relatable at the same time. By the end, you’re left not just with the story, but with a feeling — a reminder of how messy, funny, painful, and beautiful modern relationships can be. Definitely one of those films that leaves a quiet but lasting impression.

This is exactly the kind of horror I usually go for — more atmospheric, psychological, and unsettling rather than relying on cheap jumpscares (because yeah i'm kinda scared of jumpscares). From the very beginning, the setup had me hooked. The story of a guy struggling with trauma and failing to connect with his girlfriend really lays a strong emotional foundation. It makes you care about the characters, which in turn makes the horror elements feel that much more personal and effective.

Where it lost me a little, though, was in the ending. The shift into the cult angle didn’t land as strongly for me. Maybe it’s because I’m not really familiar with the Native American cultural references the film was trying to draw from, but it felt underexplored and a bit forced. It almost seemed like the story had all this potential to go in a more nuanced, psychological direction, but instead took the cult route as a shortcut to tie things up. It wasn’t bad, but I just think it could’ve been handled better or given more context to make it hit harder.

That said, the atmosphere, the slow build-up, and the emotional weight of the trauma storyline really made it worth the watch. It’s the kind of horror that stays in your mind for a while, even if the ending didn’t fully stick the landing. If you’re someone like me who prefers creeping dread over loud scares, Together is still a solid recommendation.

Having watched the first season of The Last of Us instead of playing the original game, I came into this sequel with pretty high expectations. After all, the source material has always been praised for its storytelling, so I assumed the game would be just as compelling — and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint.

The gameplay is immersive and polished, offering a satisfying mix of stealth, combat, and exploration. The story flow is strong and emotionally driven, keeping you invested from start to finish. Almost nothing feels repetitive, which is impressive for a game of this length. That said, there were a few minor frustrations — the night sequences where you’re navigating almost entirely by torchlight felt unnecessarily drawn out and occasionally disorienting.

Character-wise, Abby is polarizing; for me, playing as her was less engaging, though her story adds depth and complexity to the overarching narrative. Ellie’s journey, on the other hand, is compelling, emotional, and often gut-wrenching, making the main storyline incredibly impactful.

On the technical side, the game is a masterpiece. The graphics are stunning, with highly detailed environments that range from urban decay to overgrown wilderness, making every scene feel alive. The sound design deserves a special mention — every footstep, distant howl, or crackling fire adds to the tension and immersion. The lighting and particle effects, particularly in rainy or foggy sequences, create an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and haunting. The level design encourages exploration, rewarding players with environmental storytelling and hidden details that enrich the experience.

The game is substantial in length, taking around 30–32 hours to complete. Considering the technical finesse, emotional storytelling, and gameplay variety, The Last of Us 2 stands as one of the most ambitious, technically impressive, and emotionally resonant games of recent years.

And that’s a wrap for this month’s edition of Chiya-Pop Guff.

Whether it’s a cozy Nepali film, an emotional video game journey, or a movie you watched just for the plot , there’s always something worth sharing over a good cup of chiya.

Thanks for reading — genuinely. If anything here made you curious, made you smile, or made you want to queue something up for the weekend, that’s all this newsletter is about.