Articles

The Melancholic Majesty of Guru Dutt

In the history of Indian cinema, there have been many definitions of masculinity, but few are as seductive as the brooding melancholic. And no one perfected that trope the way Guru Dutt did.

Nimisha Misra July 14, 2016

Pop Culture

American Factory Review: The Obamas’ Netflix Documentary Explores a Possible Threat to the “American Dream”

Co-produced by the Obamas, Netflix’s American Factory is the story of the clash between American and Chinese work cultures. In an age of globalisation, it asks a pertinent question: Can the American dream still exist in a world where its labour rarely has an upper hand?

Poulomi Das July 14, 2016

Sports

Why the Humourless Wimbledon Needs Djoker, the Comeback Clown

Novak Djokovic has been a clown, he has been fragile, he has been gracious, he has been human. There is no way tennis could feel complete without Djokovic, who is now part of the triumvirate of fairytale returns alongside his rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Rahul Desai July 14, 2016

Bollywood

Why Ranbir Kapoor May Never Be the Real Hero of Sanju

The intense buzz around Sanju begs a fascinating question: Is the film riding on Sanjay Dutt’s cult reputation or on Ranbir Kapoor’s acting prowess? Dutt’s colourful life guarantees that the battle is already half-won, but will it be Kapoor’s physical acting that takes the biopic toward the finish line?

Kapil Talwar July 14, 2016

Pop Culture

Why Better Call Saul is 5X Greater than Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul is incredibly ambitious – for 5 seasons now, it has operated without the traditional ruse of a finale. On the other hand, it has consistently dangled the far future, the grim monotonous limbo of a wildly colourful man all the while working in the shadow of some of his life displayed in Breaking Bad.

Manik Sharma July 14, 2016

Gender

The Gurgaon Woman’s Misogyny is a By-Product of Slut-Shaming in Schools

In a now viral video, a Gurgaon woman is seen slut-shaming a girl, saying she and her friends “deserved to be raped” because of the clothes she wore. It reminded me of the culture of aunty establishment that has always been prevalent in our schools, where girls were reprimanded for the length of their uniforms.

Jackie Thakkar July 14, 2016

POV

Work-from-Home Burnout is Real But I’ll Take That Any Day Over Pandemic Paranoia

I am grateful for the escape provided by work. It is saving me from going bonkers, because at least the chaos of work follows a discipline. Grief, heartbreak, the pandemic – these things aren’t disciplined. I’d take work anxiety any day over the anticipation of a dry cough.

Amal Singh July 14, 2016

Bollywood

Chupke Chupke: Parimal Tripathi & Family Are the Perfect Antidote to Our Lockdown Blues

If there were in fact a template of what feel-good movies should follow, Chupke Chupke, which turns 46 today, has all the cues

Runjhun Noopur July 13, 2016

Pop Culture

This is Your Brain on Dudebro

I wasn’t expecting much out of Baywatch. But beneath the testosterone-porn that the film disguises itself as, I’ve realised it is actually a riveting documentary about a world dictated entirely by dudebros.

Poulomi Das July 13, 2016