📽 AT THE MOVIES-

Ahl El Kahf is a revival of Tawfiq Al-Hakim’s classic play. The film is an adaptation of the legendary playwright’s play of the same name, directed by Amr Arafa. The events follow Sabeel (Khaled El Nabawy) and Paula (Mohamed Mahmdouh), two military leaders who convert to Christianity in secret out of fear that the Roman Emperor Dictus (Mustafa Fahmy) will prosecute them. Eventually, their fears are realized as their secret comes out.

Taking refuge in a cave with other believers, twins played by Mohamed Farrag, Malikha (Ahmed Eid, and the wise Khashb (Rashwan Tawfiq) and his infant grandson, they wake up several hundred years later in a world unfamiliar to them.

Even though the film was in production for years, the result was underwhelming. Mamdouh and Eid were standout stars, delivering a natural and uncontrived performance, but the excessive use of colloquial language was jarring, as it didn’t suit the era in which the story takes place. Some of the scenes could have been removed without affecting the plot to make a more streamlined watch.

But the good parts make it worth the watch. The plot is a refreshingly original offering in Egyptian cinema, and the thrilling nature of the story was engrossing. Nothing was wasted on productions, with amazing cinematography, great props, and an exciting soundtrack.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch Ahl El Kahf at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, City Stars Cinema, Point 90, and Cairo Festival City. Watch the trailer here.

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

From rags to riches — prying open India’s pandora’s box with The White Tiger. In Aravind Adiga’s novel, readers are thrown into the tumultuous world of modern India through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a self-made entrepreneur navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing society.

Balram’s narrative unfolds over seven days and nights in Bangalore, where he reflects on his rise from a lowly driver to a successful businessman. Born into poverty in a remote village, Balram escapes his oppressive circumstances by becoming the driver for a wealthy landlord’s son in Delhi. However, a pivotal moment of rebellion leads Balram to commit a shocking act of violence and embark on a journey that ultimately leads him to Bangalore, where he builds a thriving taxi business catering to the city’s burgeoning technology sector.

As Balram navigates the cutthroat world of corruption and exploitation, he grapples with questions of morality, identity, and ambition, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of contemporary Indian society and the stark realities of class struggle, corruption, and inequality lurking beneath India’s economic boom.

Despite its dark subject matter, the novel is infused with dark humor and sharp wit, making it an engaging and immersive read. Ultimately, it challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and the human cost of progress.

You can find it at Amazon.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Award-winning Italian restaurant San Carlo has come all the way from the UK to Om El Donia: From the founders of the globally known Signor Sassi, you’ll find settled in Marassi Marina an authentic Italian gastronomy institution that stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and familial warmth.

Beginning with the Antipasti: It was a no-brainer. It’s summer by the sea — we had to order the Tuna Tartare. While the portion was miniscule, the finely chopped fish and avocado was full of flavor — fresh, tangy and light. It was enough to prepare our palates for what’s to come.

The main we mangiato: It was a carb-fest that was worth the calories. We ordered Pizza Burrata, Pizza Pollo e Funghi, Ravioli Tartufo and Spaghetti Gamberoni.

Starting with the oven-fired pizza: Staying true to Sicilian origins, the Burrata Pizza had the creamy cheese on top of tangy tomato sauce, and a crisp, thin crust. The flavors of the Pollo e Funghi combine tender chicken and savory mushrooms atop a golden crust to offer a hearty yet refined taste.

Moving on to the pastas: The Ravioli Tartufo really caught our attention — and was recommended by the staff, and for good reason too. The delicate pasta envelopes a rich, earthy truffle-infused filling that delights the senses with every bite. While divine, the only drawback is its portion — six individual raviolos to be exact. Perfect — and made — for sharing, the Spaghetti Gamberoni had succulent shrimps and al dente pasta bathed in a shrimp tomato basque sauce. Each forkful delivered that freshness of the seafood and the richness of the sauce. If we had to choose, Spaghetti Gamberoni takes the crown.

NOTE- The restaurant is not for early birds. They operate from 4pm to 3am, so save it for a late lunch — and best reserve during the weekend to avoid the neverending waiting list.

💵 Per person: EGP 800-1200

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

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