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Still Alive, Still Selling: Samay Raina and the Art of the Profitable Wound

The applause starts before the comedian has said anything worth applauding. That, perhaps, is the first clue. Samay Raina walks onto a stage in April 2026 to the kind of reception reserved for returning soldiers and absolved saints. The audience is already on its feet. Already forgiving. Already invested in a story they have been algorithmically primed to receive. And over the next eighty…

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DHURANDHAR: A Government Pamphlet Dressed as Cinema

As a storyteller and an independent filmmaker, I believe cinema owes its audience the truth. There is a moment in Dhurandhar when the film reaches its most audacious — and most dishonest — crescendo. The screen fills with the image of demonetisation. November 8, 2016. The night an elected Prime Minister went on television and, with seventy-two hours of planning and zero economic consultation,…

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Echoes of Urban Solitude: When Stages Breathe Life into Metaphors

A Naïve Attempt to Capture the Ineffable In the labyrinthine landscape of contemporary Indian theatre, Pushkar Rangmanch unfurled a tapestry of raw human experience—a weekend performance that would forever etch itself into the chambers of memory. Manav Kaul’s “Park” and Nadira Babbar’s “Dayashankar ki Diary” emerged as profound commentaries on the human condition, each a kaleidoscopic…

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Rural India's Wisdom Transcends Urban Arrogance

In a stunning rebuke to the polarizing politics of hate and division, rural India has emerged as the unlikely torchbearer of democracy and secular values in the recent general elections. The resounding defeat suffered by Narendra Modi’s Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) at the hands of the rural electorate serves as a potent reminder that true wisdom and foresight often reside in the most unassuming…

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India's Historic Election: A Mandate for Democracy and Inclusivity

The recent general election in India has sent a resounding message to the world: The Indian people have spoken, and their voice is one of unity, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to democratic principles. The outcome, though uncertain in terms of the next government’s composition, is a testament to the country’s resilience and its unwavering dedication to the values of democracy. This outcome…

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From the Lens of No Nonsense: India's Tragi-Comic Democracy Under Modi's Reign

In the backstage tricks and curtain raising performances of political theatre, few productions have been as ambitious, bewildering, and tragically hilarious as the current spectacle unfolding in India. The world’s largest democracy, once celebrated as a harmonious symphony of diversity, has devolved into a cacophonous Nautanki under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya…

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From the lens of no nonsense: India's Tragi-Comic Democracy Under Modi's Reign

In the backstage tricks and curtain raising performances of political theatre , few productions have been as ambitious, bewildering, and tragically hilarious as the current spectacle unfolding in India. The world’s largest democracy, once celebrated as a harmonious symphony of diversity, has devolved into a cacophonous Nautanki under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya…

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Political Satire in Indian Cinema: A Scholarly Exploration of Humor, Critique, and Democracy

Indian cinema has long served as a mirror reflecting the complexities and contradictions of society, including its political landscape. One of the most potent tools wielded by filmmakers is political satire, a genre that uses humor and wit to critique the policies and practices of governance. Political satire in Indian cinema represents a nuanced and profound form of artistic expression,…

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The Chameleon's Dance

Caught in a web of his own deceit,A master of masks, a political cheat.Raj Thackeray, a chameleon in human guise,Changing colours with each new sunrise. A firebrand once, a voice so loud,Railing against the powerful crowd.But principles crumbled, convictions sold,For a taste of power, his soul he’d fold. A critic turned sycophant, a mighty fall,Bowing to the very ones he’d once call.Modi’s…

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The Theatre of the Oppressed: Using Performance to Challenge Injustice

The Theatre of the Oppressed is a revolutionary form of participatory theatre that began in the 1960s and 70s in Brazil. Created by visionary theatre practitioner Augusto Boal, it uses performance as a vehicle for promoting critical thinking and social and political change. At its core, the Theatre of the Oppressed aims to transform the passive audience into active “spect-actors” who can observe…

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Democrazy: The Farcical Circus

Step right up, folks, and bear witness to the grandest farce ever staged – the gala event of the century – the farcical circus of Democrazy! Gather here now to witness the grotesque contortions of what was once heralded as the great democratic experiment – where democratic principles are juggled into unrecognizable shapes to serve the whims of a single ringmaster – the autocratic leader. For…

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Frida: A Symphony of Pain and Passion

Advisory: The movie Frida (2002) doesn’t have any explicit sexual content. However, it does touch on themes of sexuality that might not be suitable for very young children. Parental guidance advised. Frida Kahlo’s art transcended mere aesthetics. It served as a powerful visual diary, an unflinching exploration of her physical and emotional pain, her turbulent relationships, and her unwavering…

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Cheluvi: A Masterful Metamorphosis by the Greatness of Girish Karnad

As a devotee of the silver screen, I’ve devoured countless films, each offering a glimpse into a world both familiar and fantastical. Yet, few films have struck a chord as profound as Girish Karnad’s 1992 masterpiece, Cheluvi (meaning “Beautiful Girl” in Kannada). This seemingly simple tale blossoms into a profound exploration of nature, human greed, and the complexities of existence, solidifying…

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A Pinnacle of Acting Excellence called Smita Patil

Smita Patil, a luminary of Indian cinema, remains an enduring symbol of talent, integrity, and artistry. With a career that spanned over a decade, Patil left an indelible mark on the silver screen, captivating audiences with her raw intensity, nuanced performances, and unwavering commitment to her craft. Smita Patil wasn’t just an actress; she was a transformative force who redefined the…

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Unforgettable Antagonist: The Brilliance of Sadashiv Amrapurkar

Sadashiv Amrapurkar wasn’t your typical Bollywood hero. His wasn’t a face that launched a thousand ships, but rather one that sent shivers down spines and etched itself into cinematic memory. While Bollywood thrived on larger-than-life heroes, Amrapurkar carved a distinct niche, captivating audiences for over three decades with his portrayals of iconic villains. His career, spanning more than 300…

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Ardh Satya: A Neo-Noir Masterpiece That Continues to Haunt Indian Cinema

The flickering revival of classic Hindi films on the silver screen is a double-edged sword. While there’s an undeniable charm in revisiting these cinematic gems, one can’t help but wonder if it’s merely a nostalgic crutch for a struggling industry starved of fresh content. New releases seem to be a dwindling stream, replaced by a wave of yesteryear blockbusters. But amidst this recycled…

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A Tale of Two Juries: "12 Angry Men" and "Ek Ruka Hua Faisla"

Imagine a sweltering room, twelve jurors sequestered, the fate of a young man hanging in the balance. This is the premise of both “12 Angry Men” (1957) and its Indian adaptation, “Ek Ruka Hua Faisla” (1986). Separated by decades and cultures, these films share a core idea: the power of deliberation and the importance of a fair and just verdict. But a deeper look reveals how these films not only…

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