20 Years of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani: In the Age of CAA and “Godi Media”, this SRK Film Seems Prophetic
Posted inBollywood

20 Years of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani: In the Age of CAA and “Godi Media”, this SRK Film Seems Prophetic

Twenty years ago, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani that starred Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, featured a news channel that toed the government’s narrative and paid goons hired by a politician to orchestrate riots. It ends on a positive note where codes of democracy are honoured and protestors usher in a change. Today, as the entire country protests against the CAA-NRC, the film’s subtext has never been more relevant.
Why Vinod Kapri’s 1232 KMS is the Most Important Film You Will See This Year
Posted inPop Culture

Why Vinod Kapri’s 1232 KMS is the Most Important Film You Will See This Year

Vinod Kapri’s documentary 1232 KMS follows seven daily wagers as they undertake a brutal journey from Ghaziabad to Bihar, on cycles, in the middle of last year’s nationwide lockdown. It is an honest memory of the year we are all keen to forget. Even the tiredness of their eyes, in the painful clarity of their purpose, these men carry more than just the weight of their own bodies – they carry this country’s shame.
“What Am I Doing Here?” The Guilt that Comes with Every Outing in the Time of the Pandemic
Posted inPOV

“What Am I Doing Here?” The Guilt that Comes with Every Outing in the Time of the Pandemic

For the first 3/4th of the pandemic, I took pride in being responsible. My resolve remained absolute, my discipline unwavering in the wake of those setting worse examples around me – flocking to Goa, pubbing. Eventually, I gave in. I started travelling and doing things I don’t do even in a normal year, like attending weddings. But each of these outings is accompanied by guilt.
Smog Crisis: Delhi is Not Poisonous, Its People Are
Posted inPOV

Smog Crisis: Delhi is Not Poisonous, Its People Are

Delhi gears up for winter like heroes in sci-fi films prepare to enter cities that have been struck by epidemics – with masks, but raring to go into battle. The Capital’s terrible air quality is due to a combination of reasons – but at this point, Dilliwalas, did you really need a cracker ban to stop yourselves from worsening it?