Our seasoned columnists with expertise in economics, philosophy, recipes, addiction, and film review share their views and ideas in this section
"Any entrant to the central bank governorship probably starts at the height of their popularity. Some of the actions I take will not be popular. The Governorship of the Central Bank is not meant to win one votes or Facebook “likes”. But I hope to do the right thing, no matter what the criticism, even while looking to learn from the criticism. Read more
If Madhur Bhandarkar scavenges on the Page 3 circuit, Prakash Jha picks his themes from the day’s headlines. Sadly, he’s content projecting the bold print (or its screaming-ranting equivalents on prime time news), never showing the slightest inclination for introspection or analysis. Read more
The constraints under which Indian filmmakers have to operate can be crippling. Especially when it comes to political subjects, given the state’s indifference towards providing an environment conducive for free expression and the increasingly violent pitch of dissent and prejudice. Read more
In writer Rajat Aroraa and director Milan Luthria’s worldview women are commodities men use for distraction or merely as possessions. Even in the women-oriented The Dirty Picture, Silk proudly proclaims that she’s ‘entertainment’, employing bold gestures to please ravenous men. Read more
For a film that keeps reiterating, "Don't underestimate the common man," Chennai Express does precisely that -- displaying unqualified disdain for the audience's capacity to discriminate between intelligent, self-referencing and lazy writing. Read more
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra can’t really be blamed for his grandiloquent approach to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. This is exactly how epics are designed in India and lauded around the world—from Mother India to Lagaan (both Oscar-nominated), heroism, melodrama and a three-hour running time have gone hand-in-hand. Read more
Vikramaditya Motwane’s Lootera is beautiful but soulless. His debut effort Udaan moves me to tears every single time. Lootera too is heart-breaking in its own way -- the film he might have made if greater care was taken in telling a story with feeling rather than merely painting a pretty canvas! Read more
Hindi cinema has a special talent for glorifying losers. Those with suicidal tendencies and proclivity towards wallowing always get our vote. Kundan (Dhanush, flawed diction, electrifying presence) a classical masochist, falls in love at first sight and immediately starts chasing Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), the object of his affection. Read more
Zombie is a term often "figuratively applied to describe a hypnotised person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli”, according to Wikipedia. Read more
Glamorous gold never loses its sheen. Be it in the form of an ornament or investment, uptrend or down - gold never goes out of fashion. Wars have been fought for it, love is still expressed with it and the fact that it is precious and finite, makes it alluring. Read more
