Pop Culture Archives

Why Kunal Kamra’s “Bold” Satire Stands Out in the Age of Bollywood’s “Apolitical” Stars

In our vast and diverse democracy, is it really possible for every filmmaker, writer, and performer to have the same rose-tinted view of the country? Obviously not. That’s why Kunal Kamra, whose bracing political satire dares to challenge that status quo, stands out.

Kahini Iyer March 16, 2016

Pop Culture

Excuse Me, Do You Speak Meme?

Shakespeare wasn’t trying to piss schoolkids off, he actually spoke like that. And now people talk lyk dis. Memes are our language. They contain as much context as good literature and a more developed backstory than the last 10 Avengers movies. So why do we still consider them low-brow?

#VALUE! March 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Games of Thrones: I Don’t Even Recognise You Anymore

(Warning, spoilers ahead) As a Game of Thrones fan, I am still excited for the series finale next week. But it honestly seems at this point that, in its rush to get to the finish line, GoT has become one of those shows that have veered so far away from its roots that it almost seems like a different show altogether now.

Jackie Thakkar March 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Official Bhootiyagiri Review: 50 Shades of Sumeet Vyas Bring This Horror Comedy Alive

Official Bhootiyagiri is a horror-comedy series, worth a binge-watch in this lockdown era, for it is the story of a man down in the dumps who makes a comeback. Sumeet Vyas, the former CEO with a social anxiety disorder, brings the series to life and his crisp narration draws astute insights from the world of startups.

Aditya Bhalla March 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Will Rajinikanth, the Superstar Clash with Rajinikanth, the Neta?

The Rajinikanth-Pa Ranjith collaboration, in Kabali and now Kaala, had felt like a chance for the star to move away from decades of roles that celebrated sexism and misogyny. But the brand of politics Rajini seems to be espousing, is completely at odds with his on-screen persona.

Aditya Shrikrishna March 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Only Murders in the Building: A brilliant true crime show, about our obsession with true crime

Murder mysteries land on OTT platforms these days with frightening similar numbers to FIRs in police registers. Only Murders in the Building, is a radically inventive show that aptly critiques this hunger for bloodlust.

Manik Sharma March 14, 2016

Pop Culture

There’s an Indian Flavour to Get Out’s Everyday Racism

The casual racism and stereotyping in the Oscar-winning Get Out is part of everyday India. We assume Christians are alcoholics, Gujjus are food Nazis, Bengalis are over-sensitive, and Marwaris are kanjoos.

Dushyant Shekhawat March 14, 2016

Pop Culture

Eeb Allay Ooo! Review: A Timely Portrait of the Indian Migrant Crisis

There couldn't be a more timely reminder of the fragility of migrant life, the precariousness of their livelihoods, than right now, when we're watching it all unfold in real-time. Prateek Vats' debut, Eeb Allay Ooo!, is a frighteningly perspicacious political satire.

Poulomi Das March 14, 2016

Pop Culture

The Irishman Review: Martin Scorsese’s Poignant Mob Drama is Nothing Short of a Miracle

The Irishman, a 209-minute-long Netflix film, is a slow dimming of the lights on the Martin Scorsese-mob oeuvre that bows out of the ring, having built for itself a legacy akin to a museum that future filmmakers will visit to worship. It is nothing short of a miracle.

Manik Sharma March 14, 2016

Pop Culture

Gangubai Kathiawadi Review: A Memorable Alia Bhatt Showcase

Alia Bhatt single-handedly shoulders this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, and while her performance is the key takeaway you can’t help but feel that the script and writing could have helped her better.

Divya Unny March 14, 2016