Politics, favouritism and poor taste in cinema have contributed to embarrassing choices for the Oscar race in the past. This little gem from India needs the love, emotional and financial support from the government as well as the Indian film industry, argues Aseem Chhabra.
'So much so we don't feel the need to create anything, but just bask in that glory.' 'It's time to move on.' 'How much burden can you put on a person or the legacy of the person?'
The Disciple is an ode to music and a salute to Mumbai. The city can be harsh, but it also lets the voices of struggling classical musicians exist, although often they live on the edge of society, observes Aseem Chhabra.
'A great loss for the fraternity. Your work will be missed & cherished.'
Aseem Chhabra lists the top 10 films at the recent Toronto International Film Festival.
Pictures from the Dutts' winter holiday.
Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite films, most of them shown at international film festivals held virtually (Berlinale and Rotterdam), hybrid (Toronto) or physical (Cannes and Venice).
It's time to travel to Prague with our desi girl.
The New York Film Festival served an amazing plate of films. Aseem Chhabra picks the best ones.
Do you know Ashaji crooned a seductive night club song, Zooby Zooby Je L'aime Vous for An Evening In Paris?
Aseem Chhabra lists the best non-Hindi language films he watched in 2020, with the hope that they will have a wider reach in the new year.
A lowdown on what's happening in Bollywood.
'What guides Monsoon Wedding through and through is Mira Nair's openness as a film-maker,' observes Sreehari Nair.
In this excerpt from a conversation with Samik Bandopadhyay, Mrinalda discusses three legendary actors he has worked with.
'My father never saw any success for me. 'When I meet him in the next world, I will proudly say that I didn't buy houses and cars, but I made some art that will hopefully stand the test of time.'
'He cooked chicken curry and so because of him, curries entered the British royal kitchens.' 'Eventually, he became a political advisor to the queen.' 'This guy was disrupting the royal household. It sent shockwaves...' Ali Fazal on his character Abdul Karim and working with acting legend Judi Dench.
'When somebody comes forward in Hollywood, they don't risk losing their livelihood.' 'But here, they will risk losing their livelihood.' Richa Chadha opens up.
Aseem Chhabra gives us the top films that enriched his year.
When it comes to celebrating William Shakespeare, can India be far behind?
Aseem Chhabra watched some great films and some huge disappointments in 2020.
'The city was never the same after the attack. It was scarred,' says Nicolas Saada whose movie Taj Mahal offers a unique view of the Mumbai attacks.
Island City should not be missed, raves Aseem Chhabra.
Mira's films are alive, rocking and so true to the reality I know. They are gifts that I keep revisiting, and I cannot wait for what more she will share with us, notes Aseem Chhabra.
The annual Toronto International Film Festival began on September 10.
'Police brutality and lock-up deaths have been relevant forever. I believe this is why the film has appealed to everybody. We can all relate to the subject. We read about it every day. It is this harsh truth, this reality in society that has struck a chord with the people.' Filmmaker Vetrimaaran gets ready for the big Oscar race.
Aseem Chhabra picks his favourite movies from the Telluride Film Festival.
'I don't look forward to seeing my films because this only sort of gives me a deep sense of dissatisfaction that I could have done better, and I lose my self-confidence.'
We go down memory lane look at the iconic moments from late Franca Sozzani's career.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is predictable but who cares? Romance is back with a bang and it is exuberant, entertaining, dazzling and worth your time, writes Sukanya Verma.
Here's this week of photos that prove we live in a mad world.
Bengali film Asha Jaoar Majhe is a must watch, a once in the lifetime kind of work that should be supported by film lovers and experienced on the big screen, writes Aseem Chhabra.
>What happens when two teenagers -- one Israeli and one Palestinian -- discover that they were accidentally switched at birth? The Other Son is a wonderful vision of Israel and Palestine. There is no positive future for the region and its people without this vision, feels Aseem Chhabra.
'It was a spectacular crime, wasn't it? Sepp is on the same scale. He's up there with Lance.' Director Stephen Frears, in an exclusive interview with Rediff.com
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