Made of movies, books and literature. Occasionally there's a penchant for social commentary.
There’s a scene where three funny thugs flee from a demon in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and slam against an invisible wall. The Netflix theme track ‘tudum’ plays in effect and Sanjay Mishra, in the role of Bade Pandit, remarks “Netflix kaun chaalu kiya be saala?” and I died laughing. I played it again four times... Continue Reading →
The evolution of holiday films mirrors societal changes and audience expectations, starting from silent era narratives emphasizing emotional visuals to modern blockbusters highlighting diversity and inclusivity. Classic themes of family, kindness, and selflessness persist, with contemporary films addressing social issues while integrating humor and cultural exchange, reinforcing their enduring appeal during the festive season.
The holiday season is a vibrant period reflected in films that capture joy and cherished traditions. Classic and modern holiday movies, like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Elf," offer themes of love, family, and community. These beloved films resonate with audiences, making them integral to festive celebrations and cherished memories.
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, marks a significant experiment in Indian cinema, blending science fiction with religious themes. The film portrays a dystopian future filled with class struggles and ethical issues, presenting Kalki as a technologically enhanced hero. Despite narrative flaws, it successfully sets the stage for future sci-fi exploration in India.
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.
Vivek Agnihotri’s Kashmir Files is a blockbuster within 4 days of release and for all the right reasons. I do not remember seeing the audiences connect and discuss a movie with so much emotion before this. Of course, the box office success speaks for itself as well. The primary reason for this is that The... Continue Reading →