older feature pieces (non-reviews) by critics/writers and first-person columns of indie filmmakers
Chhapaak: Don’t Be A Nirashavadi
Pankaj Sachdeva delves deep into Meghna Gulzar's CHHAPAAK.
The loneliness of “Tanhayee”
In these times of social isolation, Pankaj Sachdeva writes on Tanhayee, the definitive song on loneliness from Dil Chahta Hai.
Love Aaj Kal (2020): 2+2=5
Pankaj Sachdeva returns with a detailed piece on Imtiaz Ali's latest divisive film, Love Aaj Kal (2020).
The anti-youth of Aunty Sudha, Aunty Radha
Film critic Poulomi Das writes about Tanuja Chandra's intimate new documentary, "Aunty Sudha, Aunty Radha".
Staircases in films
Pankaj Sachdeva writes about the various roles – villain, hero, romantic device – that staircases have assumed in films over the years.
Noblemen: An eye for an eye
By Pankaj Sachdeva In Noblemen, debutante director Vandana Kataria reimagines Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice by setting it in a boarding school in India. Her film tells the story of Shay (Ali Haji) who is selected to play the part of Bassanio from the aforementioned play in the annual function at his school. He is bullied by his senior Baaadal (Shaan Grover) as he wants to play the part of Bassanio as well. In connivance with the school captain Arjun (Mohommad Ali Mir), Baaadal tries to force Shay to withdraw from the play using violence and torture. The only support system Shay has [...]
Some more Hindi film trivia
Pankaj Sachdeva lists down more Hindi film trivia for hawk-eyed cinephiles.
Memorable Hindi film scenes of 2019
Pankaj Sachdeva writes about his favourite Hindi film scenes of 2019.
iiF Awards, Hindi Cinema, 2019
The definitive list of the best and worst of Hindi cinema in 2019.
The poetic solitude of Antaheen
In this detailed piece, Pankaj Sachdeva delves into the lyrical themes of Bengali film ANTAHEEN.
Judgementall Hai Kya: Can Sita save herself?
Pankaj Sachdeva delves deep into the themes and vivid visual texture of the most fascinating Hindi film of the year, Judgementall Hai Kya.
The five worst Hindi films of the decade
We list down the five worst Bollywood movies of this decade. There were many contenders. Only a few won.
Kabir Singh: Suffering is very personal
Pankaj Sachdeva delves into the creases of the most discussed Hindi film of the year, Kabir Singh.
Game Over: Fight like a girl
Pankaj Sachdeva writes about the Taapsee Pannu starrer GAME OVER, Ashwin Saravanan's audacious 2019 movie about video games and sexual assault survivors.
Nerdy movie trivia
Pankaj Sachdeva puts together a charming list of random movie trivia – exploring everything from striking colour palettes and film posters to irreverent opening credits.
18 Years of Dil Chahta Hai
Pankaj Sachdeva looks back at the relationships that formed the core of the 18-year-old DIL CHAHTA HAI, the defining Hindi film of the multiplex generation.
Awarapan: Love will set you free
Pankaj Sachdeva writes about arguably Mohit Suri's best film, the 2007 romantic action thriller AWARAPAN.
Court Judgements Citing Films
We take a detailed look at the various Indian court judgements that have cited films to make their point.