Babita Singh Reporting goes past the messy homes and humming markets to reflect the daredevilry of a protagonist coming into her own. What ensues is a raw and thrilling marriage of momentum and meltdown across awkward inquiries made within junkie hideouts, suspicious relatives, battered classmates and Ravan's effigy, applauds Sukanya Verma.
From Kareena Kapoor Khan's 'cop who wears lipstick' in Daayra to Rani Mukerji's relentless Shivani Shivaji Rao in the Mardaani series, Bollywood has seen a rise in powerful and nuanced portrayals of female police officers tackling brutal crimes and societal challenges.
"Her heroism lies in finding her own voice and finally choosing to stand up for herself," said Nimisha Sajayan, discussing her role as Babita in 'Babita Singh Reporting'.
'I was very sceptical when I was doing a Bollywood film.'
From Mohanlal's commanding act in Company to Dulquer Salmaan's chilling turn in Chup, these Malayalam stars proved they could shine far beyond Mollywood.
'It's a very disturbing thing to go back to my life and say, why did I act in such sexist, C-grade films, films derogatory to women. They were just bad films, bad choices. So I did, and did I sell my soul? Of course I sold my soul.'
The Critics Choice Awards saw a lot of talent on the red carpet, as actors got recognised for their work.
Dabba Cartel's reluctant black comedy in the body of a crime thriller starts out interestingly enough to accomplish its Narcos: Thane aspirations, notes Sukanya Verma.
Poacher neither minces words in condemning these self-seeking slaughterers nor leaves any stone unturned in highlighting the hard work put in by friends of the forest, notes Sukanya Verma.
Mrs succeeds in riling you up for all the right reasons. And without resorting to high-pitched drama, applauds Sukanya Verma.
The top 10 films of the year may not be great by themselves but they stand out amidst the other OTT releases.
The Great Indian Kitchen is one of the most powerful films Divya Nair has watched in recent times. One that will unsettle you long after you've watched it. And that's why everyone -- married or single, man or woman -- must watch it.
'We feel thrust into a motion picture that has all the makings of a carnival but no real fireworks,' Sreehari Nair notes after watching Malik.
As Fahadh Faasil turns 39 on August 8, Subhash K Jha looks back at his favourite films featuring the brilliant actor.
