Tag Archives: Cinema of India

Angwal – A documentary on Kumaoni poetry by Lalit Mohan Joshi

A new documentary, “Angwal” which means “an embrace”, was screened at the British Film Institute in London on 7th August 2023. It was the premier of this very moving film which is made by Lalit Mohan Joshi, the founder director … finish reading Angwal – A documentary on Kumaoni poetry by Lalit Mohan Joshi

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Talk on Satyajit Ray

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“Chhello Show” (The Last Film Show) – India’s entry for the Oscars

When I received a message on my phone telling me that there was going to be a film screening on a Sunday morning at the Alliance Francaise of Pondicherry I was a bit hesitant to go. But I had heard … finish reading “Chhello Show” (The Last Film Show) – India’s entry for the Oscars

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Review of Bengali film “Punascha” (2014)

While everyone is speaking of Soumitra Chatterjee’s Apu in Satyajit Ray’s “Apur Sansar” I am going to talk to you about Soumitra’s film “Punascha” which is one of those films in which he worked in the later part of his … finish reading Review of Bengali film “Punascha” (2014)

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Soumitra Chatterjee, a great actor

When I read that legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee had been hospitalised after testing positive for the Corona virus I was really worried. He is 85 years old so he is much more likely to suffer for a longer spell. But … finish reading Soumitra Chatterjee, a great actor

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Sheeba Chaddha, the actress.

I first saw Sheeba in Pondicherry in the early 1990s when she came along with Atul Kumar, her then partner, to perform in a play in Auroville. She was young and really the carefree, cool woman, the kind one associates … finish reading Sheeba Chaddha, the actress.

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Raat Akeli hai – a film review

For decades we moaned and cried over the fact that Indian films were so unrealistic, unnaturally melodramatic, over the top in the acting department and so repetitive in the themes. Now we have come to a point where the new … finish reading Raat Akeli hai – a film review

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Film Review: Nasir

This has been a strange year. We are still not sure where it is going. But one thing is sure:  much can and will happen online from now. The literary and film festivals which brought large numbers of people together … finish reading Film Review: Nasir

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Film review: ‘Thappad’

I assume that by now everyone who wanted to see this film has already seen it and that those who haven’t seen the film are not going to see it. So I am not going to worry about spoilers. The … finish reading Film review: ‘Thappad’

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Bulbul Can Sing

Every year I get to see some really interesting independent Indian films at the London Indian Film Festival. This year I saw Rima Das’ “Bulbul Can Sing” which later won the national award of the Best Assamese film. The story … finish reading Bulbul Can Sing

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Review of Tamil film “’96”

This is a film that was waiting to be made and C. Prem Kumar was the man who actually went ahead and thought of writing this script and directing the film as well. The difficult part about writing this review … finish reading Review of Tamil film “’96”

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Review of the film “Sir”

This film was appreciated at Cannes last year and received many good reviews. So I knew that if I got a chance I would surely watch it. The London Indian Film festival gave me this opportunity. The screening theatre was … finish reading Review of the film “Sir”

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Film Review – Mission Mangal

This film celebrates the Indian woman scientist who has remained largely unknown. While we were all admiring the movie stars the Indian scientist remained in the shadows doing her work quietly. She is an expert in rocket science but she … finish reading Film Review – Mission Mangal

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Film Review: His Father’s Voice

I just saw “His Father’s Voice” and it fills me with hope for the future because it shows that Indian cinema is now closer to being global cinema in its content and expression. There are all kinds of viewers in … finish reading Film Review: His Father’s Voice

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Konttho (Bengali Film) review

If you have had a smoker in your family you will appreciate this film more than those who don’t know what it is to see someone destroy himself with cigarettes. Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee the film is … finish reading Konttho (Bengali Film) review

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Film Review Gully Boy

I am not at all familiar with the rap culture so I started watching the movie without any expectations. But hardly had I been ten minutes into the story I realised this wasn’t only about the Indian rap scene but … finish reading Film Review Gully Boy

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Film Review: Projapoti Biskut

Bengali cinema is now in such an interesting phase that I watch out for any recent releases and I am often pleasantly surprised by the content. This film is produced by Shibo and Nandita who are usually seen as directors. … finish reading Film Review: Projapoti Biskut

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Book review of “Bimal Roy – The Man who Spoke in Pictures”

I have just finished reading a very enjoyable book. It is a collection of essays on Bimal Roy, the filmmaker. Edited by his daughter Rinky Bhattacharya and his granddaughter Anwesha Arya, the book is a new edition of the previous … finish reading Book review of “Bimal Roy – The Man who Spoke in Pictures”

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Review of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (available on youtube)

This summer I attended a short course, actually it was a series of lectures, at the British Film Institute which was about the screen adaptations of books in Hindi Cinema. The selection of films which were discussed was good and … finish reading Review of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (available on youtube)

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Uma by Srijit Mukherjee

I am really sorry to say that this is not my favourite Srijit Mukherjee film. The idea is good but it has been stretched a bit too much. The screenplay is based on a true story of a Canadian boy … finish reading Uma by Srijit Mukherjee

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