Reviews of the latest (and sometimes not-so latest) independent films from South Asians everywhere.
Nayantara’s Necklace: Beads of Intrigue
Our review of Jaydeep Sarkar's short film 'Nayantara's Necklace' - the second in the series of Royal Stag Barrel Large Shorts after Sujoy Ghosh's 'Ahalya'.
The Sighs and Sobs of 1971
Children Of War, a little-known film portraying the atrocities of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, stood out for its authenticity and inspired performances. We look back and analyse this relentlessly dark work of passion.
Talvar: An Inescapable Act Of Faith
We examine the impact of Meghna Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Talvar' - a film so powerful that it is impossible to consume - on our collective conscience. Not to be missed; one of the finest examples of procedural storytelling in recent times.
Life Before Wicket
We look back at the documentary 'Beyond All Boundaries' - a quiet, multi-narrative film that explores the struggles of three ordinary Indians using their burning passion - cricket - as an escape from life.
A Dog Day Aftermath
We look back at Feroz Abbas Khan's powerful, patchy sociopolitical satire 'Dekh Tamasha Dekh'; a film with some unforgettable cinematic moments, derivative imagery, and no protagonist.
Manjunath (2014)
We look back at Sandeep Varma's 'Manjunath' - half docudrama, half biopic - a film that is startling in its simplicity, and makes us feel for its wronged (and very real) protagonist.
See much evil, hear no evil
Aankhon Dekhi, one of the finest Indian films of 2014, still shines bright in our minds. We explore and dissect the legend of 'Bauji' - brought to life by the inimitable Sanjay Mishra.
Film Review: ALGORITHMS
We review Ian McDonald's much-awaited documentary; a remarkable film about vision, and driven by vision.
Bioscope (2015)
Bioscope, a Marathi-language anthology of shorts directed by four acclaimed filmmakers, casts an umbrella over the different aesthetics and moods of Marathi cinema.
Strangers in a Strange Land
Surabhi Sharma’s documentary Bidesia In Bambai is a sharp, gritty account of the numerous faceless Bihari migrants, writes Tanul Thakur.
Gulabi Gang (Documentary)
We look back at the fantastic national-award-winning documentary by Nishtha Jain.
Sulemani Keeda (2014)
We look back on a charming little home-grown indie from 2014, Sulemani Keeda - a definitive B-town film about struggling writers and their lives in the Mumbai suburb of Versova.
Ship Of Theseus (2013)
Film critic Tanul Thakur looks back at one of the defining Indian films of 2013.
Critic’s Choice: CELLULOID MAN
Film critic Mayank Shekhar writes about the CELLULOID MAN, an Indian documentary (2012) that explores the work of legendary film archivist P.K. Nair
Film Review: Margarita, with a Straw
A difficult film to watch; not because of the disabilities it tries to deal with, but because of the abilities of its vastly intelligent and afflicted characters to recognise the concept of 'normalcy'.
Film Review: QISSA
Qissa bears a sinking stigmatic framework similar to Pakistani filmmaker Shoaib Mansoor’s groundbreaking 'BOL'—perhaps the highest compliment a social drama can be accorded these days.
Film Review: Surkhaab
Not many seem to have heard about Surkhaab, an independent well-acted Indo-Canadian tale about a Bhatinda-based Judo champ who illegally migrates to Toronto to live with her younger brother.
Film Review: COURT (2015)
Tamhane, unlike most directors, doesn’t feel the need to celebrate his culture and craft. He creates a self-explanatory portrait. His views are there for everyone to see.