Ahaan: A world uncomplicated by guile
In a world which is so complex and contorted by ambitions, goals and guile, 25-year-old Ahaan comes across as refreshingly simple and uncomplicated. His dream in life is: “I want my money. I want to buy my…
Photo-Prem: How do you want to be remembered?
My own mother was extremely fond of the camera. And those were the days when cameras reels came with a limited option of 36 clicks. She would dress up and pose, and then would enjoy the display…
The Tehrvi films: Inspired or plagiarized?
It is a strange coincidence that both the films I’ve chosen to watch during a phase when my family is mourning, have the tehrvi, or the ritualistic thirteen days of mourning, as their central theme. The two…
Once again: A film where silences speak
Once in a while, while browsing Netflix I stumble upon a film which I ought to have watched earlier. And although the reviews might seem dated, I feel like writing about films which touched me. Once again,…
Sir: Bridging the divide
I stumbled upon Rohena Gera’s movie, Is Love Enough? Sir, one weekend while browsing through Netflix. It has been a few weeks since I watched it, but the two main protagonists have grown in my mind. I…
Tribhanga: A tale of three women
Renuka Shahane’s directorial debut, Tribhanga, is a poignant tale which eventually makes the turmoil in your head settle down. Peace, as Kajol says in the film, is what you find inside. The movie begins with the incongruous…
Gulabo Sitabo: A tale for fragile egos
Na jaane kya man mein aayi upar wale neBanwayi har ek choohe ki billi ek So go the lyrics of Gulabo Sitabo, Shoojit Sircar’s new directorial venture which released on Amazon Prime on June 12 2020. The…
Pataal Lok: Despair and disparity
His parents have given him the unfortunate moniker — Hathi Ram, which means an elephant. Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays Hathi Ram Chaudhary, a middle-aged cop with the Delhi Police, does remind you of an elephant. He is…
Thappad: Questions our conditioning
The camera stops in front of some affluent Delhi bungalows where two cars are parked adjacent to each other in a driveway. On the left is an ambitious executive who is rushing to office, with his wife…
Chhapaak: Making a splash quietly
The visuals have ended. The screen has turned black. All you hear is Arijit Singh’s soulful voice. The movie has finished. Yet more than half the audience remains seated. Unstirring. Silent. I haven’t seen a movie end…
