Bollywood Archives

Bollywood Mamas: A Little Less Farida Jalal, a Little More Ratna Pathak Shah Please

In between Nirupa Roy’s martyred mom and Farida Jalal’s laissez-faire approach to parenthood, very few Bollywood films have dared to narrate stories of motherhood with the nuance and sensitivity —and sometimes the humour — they deserve.

Runjhun Noopur March 27, 2016

Bollywood

The Most Disappointing Part of The Fakir of Venice is… Farhan Akhtar’s Attitude

Farhan Akhtar, who was supposed to make his debut with The Fakir Of Venice, decided not to promote the film at all. Apparently, he believes that it would “cheat the audience” to see him as he was “12 years ago”. As someone who has watched almost Akhtar since his debut in Rock On!!, I can say this much with certainty — he is just as good/bad/average he was 10 years ago.

Sonali Kokra March 25, 2016

Bollywood

How DeepVeer Made a Top Secret Wedding a Public Spectacle

Like any other “low-key Konkani wedding”, DeepVeer’s wedding involved guests taking a boat and climbing up a hill in custom Sabyasachi while innumerable patrolling boats kept paparazzi at bay. The clincher, the couple’s no-picture rule.

Arré Bench March 25, 2016

Bollywood

Sanju Review: Let’s Blame Everyone But Baba

In Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt’s life, the greatest villain is the media – not Dutt’s self-destructive behaviour. Sanju does exactly what it proudly announces that it doesn’t do: glorify Sanjay Dutt.

Poulomi Das March 24, 2016

Bollywood

From KRK to Kartik Aaryan: Celebs Who Surprised Us with Their Takes on CAA and JNU Violence

Who’d have thought that KRK of the nonsensical reviews fame would actually make sense in a time of political crisis? And Kartik Aaryan would get a thumbs-up from India’s liberals?

Aastha Anupriya March 23, 2016

Bollywood

#Throwback 2018: This Year Belongs to Women on Screen. But What About those Behind the Scenes?

2018 marked the arrival of the “selfish woman” on screen, who dares to prioritise her own desires over social obligations: Think Tabu in Andhadhun and Radhika Madan in Pataakha. But has Bollywood really been more inclusive of women behind the scenes?

Poulomi Das March 23, 2016

Bollywood

So Long and Thank You for the Laughs, Sridevi

Heralded as Bollywood’s first “female superstar” in the 80s’, Sridevi was also Bollywood’s first heroine-comedienne. She taught us that it was okay for girls to be funny, that they could make you laugh.

Poulomi Das March 22, 2016

Bollywood

Hrithik Roshan 2.0 Looks like the Superstar He was Always Meant to Be

Hrithik Roshan has always had the starry quality that accompanied his launch two decades ago, but he has since then been more miss than hit. With War and Vikram Vedha, however, Roshan has possibly laid claim to the title of being Bollywood’s biggest, possibly only superstar.

Pradeep Menon March 22, 2016

Bollywood

Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) Review: A Spy Thriller that Has as Much Suspense As a Delhi Capitals IPL Match

In the borefest set in 1971 called Romeo Akbar Walter, John Abraham plays a RAW spy. For an espionage thriller, the movie has just one chase scene, and even that is so inept that it’ll make you believe that apart from losing cricket matches and wars, Pakistanis also can’t run.

Poulomi Das March 21, 2016

Bollywood

How Dev Anand’s Guide Normalised Falling Out Of Love

Guide stands out for being that rare Hindi film about adultery that also normalises the act of falling out of love, even in a marriage. The film refuses to demonise its characters for the decisions they take, driving home the point that love transcends all boundaries – even those considered as sacred as marriage.

Shakun Saini March 20, 2016