Bollywood Archives

21 Years of Zakhm: A Film About Communalism That is Just as Relevant Today

Mahesh Bhatt’s Zakhm completes 21 years today and feels even more relevant because of the rigidity of this country’s communal compass. The film is proof that Bhatt sees conflict like no other director from the industry.

Manik Sharma March 12, 2016

Bollywood

No Dharma Films, No Koffee with Karan. But Chunky Pandey was a Superstar in Bangladesh

After the success of Aankhen in 1993, Chunky Pandey practically had no work. That’s when directors from Dhallywood, the Bangladesh film industry, came knocking on his door. Pandey dived right in and became an instant superstar.

Sayantan Mondal March 11, 2016

Bollywood

Simmba Review: A Rohit Shetty Film That Will Make Every Woman Say, “Aata Majhi Satakli”

With Simmba, Rohit Shetty reduces rape to a buzzword in an exaggerated comedy to prove that his cinematic universe isn’t all nonsensical. Ranveer Singh almost elevates this testosterone-fuelled drivel into surprisingly entertaining fare, but only until a woman is violated for him to realise his true calling.

Poulomi Das March 11, 2016

Bollywood

John Abraham’s Batla House is “Inspired by True Events”. Will it Acknowledge the Tough Questions Around the 2008 Encounter?

Batla House, the John Abraham-starring film, will no doubt open to praise and paisa, unfettered by the fact that, 11 years later, the actual encounter that saw two alleged terrorists and police officer MC Sharma killed, is still one of the murkiest cases in the annals of Delhi Police’s speckled history.

Karanjeet Kaur March 11, 2016

Bollywood

Befikre, One Last Day: What To Expect From Ranveer Singh’s Bachelor Party

Dressed in his best gender-bending, haute-couture-meets-chappri attire, Ranveer Singh will enter his bachelor party dancing to the acoustic version of “Tune Maari Entriyan.” This is the last time he will be thrusting his pelvis in public without being penalised with a night on the couch.

Arré Bench March 11, 2016

Bollywood

Section 375 Review: A Smug and Ignorant “Not All Men” Proclamation

Section 375 is a sneaky, smug, and ignorant proclamation of "Not All Men" that comes at the expense of the Me Too movement. It doesn't just argue that the system is corrupted to a point where justice is a foregone conclusion. But that women seek revenge by filing false rape charges and the system enables them.

Poulomi Das March 11, 2016

Bollywood

Five Years of Haider: In the Current Political Climate, Will Any Film Honestly Examine the Kashmir Situation?

Five years ago, when Haider released in theatres, the ruling government was still in its early days and the mood of the nation was nowhere close to what it is today. It is practically impossible to see the film make it past the censors in the current political climate.

Parth Pandya March 10, 2016

Bollywood

12 Years of Khosla Ka Ghosla: The Perfect Portrayal of Middle-Class India

Twelve years ago, Khosla ka Ghosla set the template for what was to become a new direction in Hindi cinema. Marked by realism, the film focused on the modest hopes of middle-class India, and how badly those hopes can get shafted.

Bhaskar Chawla March 10, 2016

Bollywood

Thugs of Hindostan Review: A ₹300-Crore Rambo Circus

Vijay Krishna Acharya's Thugs of Hindostan is one of Bollywood’s most unambitious and derivative films; it redefines the idea of an epic disaster. It’s a frightening love-child of Mohenjo Daro and Mangal Pandey — only a thousand times worse.

Poulomi Das March 10, 2016

Bollywood

Why “PM Narendra Modi” Director Omung Kumar Believes He Has Made a Neutral, Apolitical Film

Omung Kumar B, the director of PM Narendra Modi, is a man of contradictions. He claims he is not “politically inclined” but endorses the Prime Minister by directing a biopic on him. He insists that he is a neutral filmmaker, because he did not meet the PM – only sought his permission.

Poulomi Das March 10, 2016