From the edge of extinction

From the edge of extinction

From the near-extinct, flightless kakapo of New Zealand to Australia’s flying foxes dying in intense heatwaves and South Africa’s heavily trafficked pangolin, Tortoise Media’s new podcast series, The Animal Sensemaker,…
Brothers in arms

Brothers in arms

Ranabir and Dhritiman Das were drawn to filmmaking long before they could make sense of the world. Thanks to a neighbour who made ad films. Decades later, the older brother…
Through a new lens

Through a new lens

The teaser of Bad Girl, which was released on Sunday, presented a refreshing coming-of-age tale. Director Varsha Bharath, who makes her debut with the film, reveals that she wanted to…
Tamil cinema unscripted

Tamil cinema unscripted

Films were not Tamil cinema’s strongest suit in 2024. The year saw big-star vehicles cause disappointments, even as some smaller films managed to make an impact. Despite such a lacklustre…
Of flawed creatures and more

Of flawed creatures and more

Director Fikile Mogodi’s Umjolo: Day Ones is set in South Africa and explores themes around interracial relationships, marital complexities, patriarchal values, cultural expectations, and gender roles. The story follows Jessica…
From Shadows to Spotlight

From Shadows to Spotlight

Preity Mukhundhan (Star)In a film that begins as a slice-of-life story about Kavin’s Kalaiarasan and evolves into a broader narrative, Preity Mukhundhan’s brief yet memorable presence as Meera Malarkodi adds…
Where ego sparks a wildfire

Where ego sparks a wildfire

The joy of watching Pushparaj’s character is his unapologetic rejection of social pretenses. He’s a refreshing departure from the self-righteous, do-gooder hero archetype. Pushpa is a product of a corrupt…
Aspirations unbound

Aspirations unbound

The circle is far from complete, I am somewhere in the middle”, says Anupam Kher as he celebrates four decorated decades in the film industry. The veteran’s journey in Bollywood…
The tunes that teach

The tunes that teach

An adaptation of August Wilson’s play, The Piano Lesson, provides an insightful look into the lives of African Americans in the 1930s. The film blends supernatural undertones with a historical…