Cinema is one of the most powerful mediums of expression. Positive or negative, the influence is breathtakingly enormous. We will surely discuss these two faces of cinema in detail but first of all, we will talk about the sheer magic of the art.
“The Miracle Worker” is a 1962 biographical drama directed by Arthur Penn. It adapts William Gibson’s 1959 stage play, which was itself based on Helen Keller’s 1903 autobiography, The Story of My Life. It dramatises the early life of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Keller was a blind, deaf girl who was unable
One of Gulzar‘s finest films, “Namkeen (1982),” is a Hindi-language social drama film. It stars Sanjeev Kumar, Sharmila Tagore, Shabana Azmi, Kiran Vairale, and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles. The film is based on a story by Samaresh Basu (11 December 1924–12 March 1988) and explores the lives of four women who struggle to
When I think about Meena Kumari, I always think of a beautiful, friendly face with heavy-lidded eyes who speaks for themselves and a compassionate smile, which gives the air of a friendly, kind woman, but thinking of her as a frail old lady is always difficult. For that sole reason, I stayed away from “Mere
The 1953 film “Daaera,” directed by Kamal Amrohi, was far ahead of its time, dealing with the themes of marital incompatibility and divorce. It is a film that resonates with the struggles of the human heart, seeking love and connection in a world bound by tradition and expectation. The Story With a Difference The film
Awtar Krishna Kaul’s “27 Down (1974)” stands as a singular achievement in Indian New Wave cinema. Released as his only directorial venture, the film adapts Ramesh Bakshi’s novel “Athara Sooraj Ke Paudhe.” It is a poignant exploration of urban alienation, personal sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The film delves into the complexities of
“Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam“, a cinematic gem, directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by the legendary Guru Dutt. The film, released in 1962, is based on the Bengali novel “Saheb Bibi Golam” by Bimal Mitra. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is widely celebrated as one of the most powerful films, Indian cinema ever produced. The film
Qissa is a Punjabi-language Indian-German drama directed by Anup Singh. The film features Irrfan Khan in a central role, along with Tillotama Shome, Rasika Dugal, and Tisca Chopra. Set against the aftermath of the Partition, it explores gender identity, societal expectations, and the fatal obsession to fulfill dreams and desires. Cinema is a strange medium;
Ismail Merchant’s directorial debut, “In Custody,” also called “Muhafiz,” marks a significant shift from his renowned producing career with Merchant Ivory Productions. Released in 1993 in Urdu with English subtitles, the film is an adaptation of Anita Desai’s novel of the same name. It explores the cultural and linguistic heritage along with decay in human
We are talking about Anurag Basu’s 2007 film “Life in a… Metro,” which is a moving portrayal of the complexities of urban life. The film weaves together the lives of multiple characters, each struggling with their personal dilemmas, against the backdrop of a bustling Mumbai. The narrative style of the film is unconventional, as it
