'Each of us will have a beautiful story to tell about him because he went beyond work and touched our lives. That's a rarity in this industry.'
Despite the mediocrity at large, these films had me in raptures for the emotions they evoked within as a cheering audience, critic and cinephile.
What are the reasons why a girl's education falls by the wayside? Why was Safeena a casualty too? Maybe because the education system doesn't give youngsters enough options? Or there are societal issues or pressures?
According to experts, one of the primary causes of toxic behaviour is a lack of adulting in men and women.
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.
Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, with its retro-inspired title song and background score just tries too hard, both with the comedy and the message, feels Deepa Gahlot.
Aseem Chhabra picks his top 10 Indian films of 2024, which includes films that have had theatrical releases or are streaming on OTT.
Is this a shot at patriarchy under the classic tale of mistaken identities? Or a humorous coming-of-age feminist tale as seen in last year's Barbie, wonders Mayur Sanap.
'It felt oh so good to play an ass-kicking role!'
With Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking disqualification over discrepancies in weight at the Paris Olympics just when India was keeping its fingers crossed for a sure shot victory at the finals, spirits have hit an all-time low. Art mirrors life and it won't be a surprise if our sports biopic obsessed film-makers turn this dramatic change of events into a movie one day.
'When we get justice we will stop the protest.'
Decapitated ghosts, ancient ghosts, devil judges, devious cartoons, angry young women, it's a super flavourful platter of assorted goodies on the OTT menu this week.
She quit her career in financial services to pursue her passion for writing.
Sharmajee Ki Beti's airy-fairy approach doesn't quite convince. It's like the women are all angels readily accepting any change or transgression while the men are either super supportive or super schmucks, notes Sukanya Verma.
Original's goodwill, natural bonhomie amongst the actors and wild card entries, Stree 2's spirited return sure has its high points, notes Sukanya Verma.
Maharaj's mediocre social drama lacks the spine and spunk to recreate the relevance of revolutionary decisions in the face of religious fanaticism, observes Sukanya Verma.
'Romance not in a physical manner maybe, but, you know, where you are just sharing dialogues and looking at each other and conversations are happening.'
This year, the festival is probably extra special for Shilpa, as it coincides with her new movie release, Sukhee.
The protest continued even as the Supreme Court intervened in the matter and constituted a 10-member National Task Force to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
With the hugely popular Panchayat's third season ready to drop this week, we look at all the rural themed shows available on OTT.
'Even if we have laws in place, which we must, we need a societal change.' 'Rather than telling our daughters that, "Listen, leave your house at so and so time, come back by so and so time," we must tell the men and boys that "Whatever point of time you encounter a woman in public space or wherever, you treat her with respect, dignity, and as an equal participant in these public spaces".'
'I don't feel like going back to India, to the old Delhi that I grew up in. Because the place doesn't exist anymore.'
'Nobody likes preachy stories. When you lace it with humour, it works.'
I liked how the film finds excitement in Mahendra and Mahima's dull lives and transforms their humdrum existence into an ode to second chances, notes Sukanya Verma.
'Innocent until proven guilty should be the motto of the legal system in India.' 'Innocent until not proven guilty, not guilty until proven innocent.'
'I think because India is a bigger country and Bollywood is such a well-oiled machine, the star thing has become so much bigger than the actor thing.'
'Our study finds that only about 20% of Indians are vegetarians and the rest of the 80% are non-vegetarians or meat-eaters.'
Sukanya Verma recaps everything we learned this year in showbiz.
Hands down, the winner of Anurag Kashyap's patriarchy and privilege pooh-poohing exercise is Amit Trivedi and Shellee's spirited soundtrack, notes Sukanya Verma.
Sci-fiction buffs rejoice, there's much spectacle to behold on OTT this week. Sukanya Verma gives her recommendations.
The Congress has been in the crosshairs after demeaning remarks on Ranaut and Mandi were posted on the social media handles of its leaders Supriya Shrinate and H S Ahir.
Laapataa Ladies is gentle yet firm in calling out the hypocrisies colouring everyday mindsets and prejudices without acquiring the high-handedness of a crusader, observes Sukanya Verma.
'If there is an artiste somewhere in India or in the world who wants to express her art, I hoped that this award would inspire them, and add meaning to their journey.'
Big Girls Don't Cry is too solemn to be fun and too timid to be truly bold, feels Deepa Gahlot.
The simplicity of a spontaneous sisterhood, women getting along with other women, feeling alive in each other's company makes Dhak Dhak a gentle celebration of womanhood, notes Sukanya Verma.
A picture of glamour and grit in the face of an emergency, the air hostess, flight attendant or air stewardess is often the hero we didn't know we needed.
Imaad Shah's Tuesday's Women, Haoban Paban Kumar's Iron Women of Manipur, Shivam Singh Rajput's Ladakh 470 and Samman Roy's The Exile are among 10 titles to watch out for at the 17th edition of the Film Bazaar.
From Vijay's fiery latest to atom bomb origins, brace yourself for some explosive action on OTT this week.
'I see this judgment as a chance to say 'Boo' to the dark. But we shouldn't lose sight of the larger darkness that we have to keep fighting in everyday ways.'
Siddharth Anand's artistry bespeaks an upbringing filled with GI Joes, plastic combat boots and plastic bayonets, fake punching noises and fake sounds of gunshots, rudely interrupted by an adult voice saying, 'Beta, all this is good, but try bringing in some feelings too', observes Sreehari Nair.
