Berlinale 2026 Diary 8 – Amay Mehrishi’s exquisite ‘Abracadabra’, and the weight of a watchlist
This has been a relatively short visit to Berlin. At a press screening, a friend asked if there was a movie I was especially bummed about missing out […]
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Berlin 2026 Diary 7 – Srikanth Srinivasan, Berlinale programmer, speaks about his work and the “use” of film festivals
Srikanth Srinivasan is a film critic and programmer from Bengaluru, India. He has been involved in the selection of films at the Berlin Film Festival, the Berlin Critics
R Gowtham’s ‘Members of the Problematic Family’ (Sikkalaana Kudumbathin Uruppinargal) had its world premiere in the Forum section of Berlinale 2026
R Gowtham’s Members of the Problematic Family (Sikkalaana Kudumbathin Uruppinargal) is structured like a memory piece – though it might be incorrect to use the word “structured”. This
Akhil Sathyan’s ‘Sarvam Maya’ is an easy watch but it’s not as engaging as it should be
Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese make a great team. But after a point, a ghost enters the story and dilutes the earlier focus. There are many interesting ideas
Akhil Sathyan’s ‘Sarvam Maya’ is an easy watch but it’s not as engaging as it should be Read More
Suresh Rajakumari’s ‘Sirai’ is a tight, focused, satisfying drama about a cop and a criminal
The film is about many things. It’s about law versus justice. It’s about the small changes in the character of the protagonist. It’s about the details of police
Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Sholay: The Final Cut’ is the definitive iteration of the greatest masala movie ever made in India
The new film adds bits of outtakes, most importantly a stretch that gives thakur his much-needed catharsis. But even otherwise, even with its minor flaws, ‘Sholay’ remains insanely
KS Ravikumar’s re-released ‘Padayappa’ is a Superstar movie that caps off his nineties’ phase of pure, innocent, populist entertainment
As everyone knows, the story is about Rajinikanth clashing with Ramya Krishnan. As a Superstar vehicle, ‘Padayappa’ works. But the passage of time also allows us to reflect
Jithin K Jose’s ‘Kalamkaval’ is a solid cop-versus-killer movie with top-notch performances
Mammootty and Vinayakan play killer and cop in a story that takes a while to take off. The writing could have been better at times, but post-interval, things
Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ is a smart, skilfully detailed espionage thriller
When the attacks on India become frequent, the IB Chief decides to send an operative into Pakistan. That’s Ranveer Singh. What follows is a film that gives you
Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ is a smart, skilfully detailed espionage thriller Read More
Aanand L Rai’s ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ is an ambitious romantic melodrama that works in parts
Dhanush plays an Air Force pilot who’s been hurt in love. Kriti Sanon plays a psychiatric counselor who’s responsible for that hurt. He bears the name of God.
Aanand L Rai’s ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ is an ambitious romantic melodrama that works in parts Read More
Dinjith Ayyathan’s ‘Eko’ is a very intelligent mystery, even if it remains emotionally aloof
The writer and director of ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ reunite for another mystery story, about a missing man. The clever writing and beautiful filmmaking makes the film well worth it,
Razneesh Ghai’s ‘120 Bahadur’ is a not-bad war movie, helped by superb performances and staging
Farhan Akhtar plays a real-life war hero, and the film shows a battle that played out during the Indo-China war, which has also been dramatised in Chetan Anand’s