Court Judgements Citing Films
We take a detailed look at the various Indian court judgements that have cited films to make their point.
Elevators in Hindi cinema
Pankaj Sachdeva returns with a fascinating trivia article about the use of "elevators" in Hindi cinema.
iiF Awards, Hindi Cinema, 2018
The fourth edition of our custom-made iiF Awards is here. Rewarding the best and worst of Hindi cinema in 2018.
In Conversation with “Poster Boy” Raj Khatri
Our 'graphic' chat with the passionate Raj Khatri, one of the foremost movie-poster designers in India, about his craft, his personal work and the perception of poster art in a nation still coming to terms with the key mediums of moviemaking.
The Circus of Cinema
Film essayist Pankaj Sachdeva delves into the depictions of the "Circus" - a dying art - in Hindi cinema.
Raazi: If the heart agrees
By Pankaj Sachdeva Meghna Gulzar's Raazi is the story of Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) who is a daughter, a wife, and a spy. The film is based on Harinder Sikka's novel Calling Sehmat which itself was inspired by real events. Sehmat is the twenty-year-old daughter of Hidayat Khan (Rajit Kapur) who dedicated his life to the service of his nation. He asks Sehmat to get married to a Pakistani major's son Iqbal (Vicky Kaushal) so that she can spy on the secret plans of the other nation's army and relay them to the Indian intelligence. Sehmat is raazi (in agreement) to do the same and becomes a raazi (keeper of [...]
Anatomy: “Chaav Laaga” from Sui Dhaaga
Pankaj Sachdeva delves into the themes and images of Sharat Katariya's beautifully designed song, Chaav Laaga, from the upcoming SUI DHAAGA.
Gifts in Hindi Films
From Kahaani to Masaan to Dil Toh Pagal Hai, we take a closer look at the kinds of "gifts" exchanged by Hindi film characters over the years.
Paheli: Of Ghost and God
Pankaj Sachdeva throws back to Amol Palekar's fascinating and "supernatural" leap of faith with Shah Rukh Khan, Paheli (2005).
Phobia: Of Birds and Cages
A closer look at the hidden themes and images of Pavan Kirpalani's well-made horror film, PHOBIA (2016).
Pari: The Demons Within
Young critic Pranav Joshi writes about the latest in Hindi horror cinema, PARI - Not a Fairytale.
Tumhari Sulu: Main Kar Sakti Hain
Pankaj Sachdeva delves deeper into Suresh Triveni's charming "Tumhari Sulu" and its thematic companions.
“Padmaavat” & Cinematic Myth-Making
Young critic Pranav Joshi delves into the emptiness of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat and the lost art of myth-making.
What I Learned from Hindi Movies in 2017
Our film analyst Pankaj Sachdeva lists down his most cherished (and not-so-cherished) moment from Hindi cinema in 2017.
IIF Awards, Hindi Cinema, 2017
Our annual awards "show" across all categories for the best and worst of Hindi cinema.
A Year of Firsts: Best Debut Films of 2017
A YEAR OF FIRSTS: We list the 13 best "first films" of Hindi cinema in 2017.
Diaries in Hindi Cinema
Pankaj Sachdeva writes about the different kinds of narrative significance the common "diary" represents in Hindi cinema.
O. Henry in Hindi Cinema
Pankaj Sachdeva explores the influence of iconic short-story writer O. Henry in Hindi Cinema over the years.
