Made of movies, books and literature. Occasionally there's a penchant for social commentary.
“Any film may well be deconstructed, or even destroyed with a critical approach. The idea, however, cannot be killed.” The makers of Dvamdva, 2023 Kannada film that has been screened at various film festivals believe firmly that the ‘bridge film’ (a term that has been used by the team to refer to a film that... Continue Reading →
Laapataa Ladies being India’s official entry to the Oscars persuaded me to watch the movie. I believe that it is one of the well-made films of the year but I cannot decide if there’s hope at the Academy Awards.
I jumped into Kalki 2898 AD the moment it came on Netflix. The movie has received mixed reviews and I knew that it doesn’t live upto the standards expected of a film based on such a grand theme; but the concept is enticing enough for me to give it a shot. I daresay Nag Ashwin’s... Continue Reading →
The Enduring Impact of the movie "The Stoning of Soraya M" is a beacon for human rights and feminist movements. Based on a book, the movie depicts a horrendous practice employ to ‘punish’ a woman for a crime that she did not commit, showing a complete lack of sympathy or consideration.
[This essay has been recognized with a 'Certificate of Merit' at the Chidananda Dasgupta Memorial Film Criticism competition organized by FIPRESCI-India. The essay has been published and owned by the same. Published version available here.] In a world where faith plays a role bigger than most tangible forces, a filmmaker subjects himself to hand burns... Continue Reading →
Disney’s ‘Cruella’ is, as always, a signature Disney item. A unique girl (unique because she’s born with some strikingly uncommon hair) finds herself in circumstances that allow her a journey of self invention and reinvention. A dream for many, of course. But not in the way she has it – because Estella or Cruella, played... Continue Reading →
12th fail is the story of Manoj Sharma, a simple boy from Chambal who became an IPS officer. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has narrated this rags to riches story in the most compelling way possible.
The sequel in the Akshay Kumar series titled OMG, OMG 2 starts by quite accurately representing the hustle and bustle of the epicentre of Hindu religious faith, Ujjain. The crowded and busy feeling of the Kumbh Mela, the devotional rush that almost suffocates and the commercialisation of traditional beliefs can be seen for a good... Continue Reading →
Rakshit Shetty's film, Saptha Sagaradaache Ello (Side A), doesn't meet the high standards he set in Kannada cinema. Although it features a simple love story set in a jail, the screenplay lacks depth. While it includes experimental elements and evokes emotions, it ultimately falls short of being his best work, leaving anticipation for Side B.
Malayalam cinema has evolved significantly, exemplified by Rojin Thomas' film "Home." This movie showcases the ordinary life of Oliver, reflecting modern themes like technology, familial relationships, and mental health through relatable storytelling. Though simplicity is key, the characters are well-developed, making "Home" a notable example of feel-good, realistic cinema.