France's prestigious Cannes International Film Festival 2026 is set to see a strong presence from India, with a mix of regional cinema, filmmakers, and actors expected to attend the global event from May 12 to May 23.
Aseem Chhabra ranks the Best of 2025's films that released in theatres, or went directly to OTT platforms.
'Today's girls are freer than the earlier generation. They perform more freely.'
It is impossible to discuss Asha Bhosle without mentioning the word 'versatility', notes Dinesh Raheja.
Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is embroiled in controversy after a video featuring him and a transgender person went viral, prompting calls for his removal from office.
Discover the latest OTT releases, streaming between February 23 and March 1.
As Arijit Singh announces his plans for retirement from playback singing, we look back at his most popular Hindi film songs.
Pankaja and O'Sey Balamma bring deeply personal yet universally resonant stories to Sundance. They represent a new wave of South Indian storytelling, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic innovation, and mark an important step in amplifying regional voices on the international stage.
'One is not allowed to smoke on the sets of a Hollywood film even during a break.' 'When I asked an assistant to suggest some place where I could light a cigarette, he recommended the bad boys' corner -- where Jack Nicholson smoked.' 'However, I hesitated.' 'But when I was heading back to my chair after the shot, Jack Nicholson asked me if I wanted to join him for a smoke. We had a long conversation over cups of cappuccino.'
Aseem Chhabra picks his top 10 Indian films of 2024, which includes films that have had theatrical releases or are streaming on OTT.
How wonderful it would be for all of us to watch the Oscar ceremony on March 2, 2025 and watch AWIAL win an Oscar, notes Aseem Chhabra.
'So my question was, 'What is it that you are proud of? What have you achieved? What is your contribution?' 'He had no answer.'
'If you watch songs like Acha Ji Main Haari Chalo Maan Jao Na, Lag Ja Gale or Jhumka Gira Re, you'll notice they're not just a distraction. There's a story unfolding within them.'
Where does Kamal Haasan stand on the issue of imposition of Hindi in the south? "I stand with Punjab. I stand with Karnataka. I stand with Andhra," is his quick reply.
The closing ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) saw a lot of glamour, as stars headed to the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa and made it a night to remember.
'In Mumbai, isolation is a very different isolation.' 'It's not about actual physical loneliness.' 'It's the loneliness in the company of others, and I felt that that is a very Mumbai thing.' 'You can be travelling in the ladies compartment squashed against everybody's armpits and still be really, really sad and alone.'
'When you are in new waters, you have to follow the rules of that water.'
'But when we actually express ourselves, sometimes our parents can surprise us, because they just love their children.' 'Sometimes it's just that simple. That is what I wanted to show in this film.'
Aseem Chhabra rates the movies he's watched in 2023, and tells you where you can watch them!
Jallikattu, the Malayalam feature film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars.
'Or because I am getting a s**tload of money.'
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning the outcome of the recent Maharashtra assembly elections and alleging hypocrisy in the BJP's stance on corruption. He also hinted at internal changes within the MNS, emphasizing the need for discipline and a renewed focus on the party's goals.
Payal Kapadia, Ridley Scott, M Night Shyamalan.., catch the works of these fine filmmakers on OTT this week.
His cinema of compassion inspired me, gave me tools to develop empathy for others. But it also made me understand that serious, socially committed cinema with deeply engaging narratives and great performances is an art form to admire, appreciate and explore. Aseem Chhabra remembers Shyam Benegal, who passed into the ages on Monday evening.
Sumedha Raikar-Mhatre examines the Marathi film industry, which annually produces around 190 dissimilar films that requires an investment of Rs 400 crores.
It's a mixed plate in theatres this October, and OTT has a lot of interesting releases coming up as well.
Bollywood seems to have ignored the month of September, with only two Hindi releases coming up in theatres. But cine-goers need not worry, as Hollywood and south cinema makes up for it.
"Koozhangal" had won the top honour, the Tiger Award for best film, at the 50th International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Aseem Chhabra watched some great films and some huge disappointments in 2021.
Malliwood artistes work on daily wages. They earn a livelihood selling vegetables or working in the textile factory in Malegaon, or run eateries or tea stalls. In the credits their names reflect their professions, like Salim Electrician, Iqbal Chaiwala, or Zaheer Cyclewala.
Laxmikant Shetgaonkar's Paltadacho Munis won the Discovery award at the recently concluded film festival.
'Success is in the hands of the audience. I learn from what they like or dislike, and take the next step further.'
Payal Kapadia's understanding of what it means to be a woman is as poignant as her authentic portrait of Mumbai's hoi polloi, observes Sukanya Verma.
Aseem Chhabra picks the finest Indian films in the 2010-2019 decade.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has come out with a list of 301 feature films eligible for the Oscars with Indian films RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, The Kashmir Files and Kantara making the cut.
Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite Indian films of 2021.
'Nobody told me upfront that you are a Marathi girl so we will not cast you.' 'I questioned myself: 'Am I not good enough?' 'Am I not good-looking to be in this industry?''
Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar celebrates a magnificent 75th birthday on July 10th. Rediff.com picks 15 facts about Sunil Gavaskar you need to know:
Aseem Chhabra looks at the year's best Non-Hindi Indian movies.
'I did not go for the Oscars because I was not invited. I felt bad but I watched the show on television. I had never watched the Oscars before this, it was my first time.' Lion actor Abhishek Bharate looks back at the film.
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