Rajkummar Rao confirms doing Shoojit Sircar's next directorial
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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Why Gen Z, with its Instagram doomscrolling and short attention spans, needs Guru Dutt
An almost still room, its shadows longer than its silences, its characters speaking with pauses that felt heavier than their words. Watching Guru Dutt's Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) felt like stepping back into that forgotten classroom of childhood. The one you only realise was serene once life outside had turned noisy and hurried. It wasn't just a film. It was a reminder of what cinema once used to be: Slow, searching, and unafraid of silence. A world where characters lived beyond the frame, where pauses revealed more than plot, and where thrill was found in the turning of a face, not the twist of a script. Growing up watching Malayalam cinema, I thought I had already seen the many shades of patience, silence, and unhurried observation. With the measured poise of Ramu Kariat in the '60s, the social ironies of Adoor and Aravindan in the '70s, the human warmth of Padmarajan and Bharathan in the '80s, the moral intricacies of Lohithadas in the '90s and the emotional worlds of Blessy in the 2000s, Malayalam cinema had taught me that cinema is not about rushing to the next beat. They taught me that pauses are not absences but presences, that silence is not emptiness but depth. Their grammar was silence, breath, gaze. And watching Guru Dutt for the first time healed many wounds caused by doomscrolling, with a grammar of cinema that was far more human. Today, the grammar of cinema is changing in ways both exciting and troubling. Yes, shorter attention spans demand tighter edits. Yes, social media has trained us to expect a high point every thirty seconds. A filmmaker cannot ignore this new rhythm entirely. But what happens when rhythm becomes frenzy, when scenes exist not to unfold but to explode? The cost is depth. Hindi cinema in particular seems trapped in its maniacal obsession with grandeur. Bigger sets, louder soundscapes, shinier stars. The kind of cinema where the camera swoops endlessly, yet the story goes nowhere. But what use is grandeur without gravity? What remains of Guru Dutt's spirit when his shadows are replaced by neon, his silences by noise? This is not to say the industry has forgotten entirely. There are still moments, rare, and hence precious, that remind us of cinema's older elegance. Take the intimacy of Vikramaditya Motwane's Lootera, where a leaf falling from a tree held more tension than most gunfights. Even in mainstream spaces, a filmmaker like Shoojit Sircar can gift us the quiet tenderness of October and the therapeutic Piku. Small salvations but loud victories. And yet, one cannot shake off the unease. The younger audience, myself included, has been trained to consume thrill as the dominant flavour. Even Malayalam cinema, which once trusted the slow burn, is now churning thrillers with assembly-line efficiency. And they sell because adrenaline rushes are bankable. But that surge does not push aside the calm and tranquil treatment it once valued. More business for thrillers does not mean less audience for others. Think of Kumbalangi Nights with its slow-burning family reconciliations, or Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, where Mammootty slips into dreamlike stillness. These films do not surrender to the tyranny of the 30-second high point. They trust the audience to wait, to watch, to feel. And the audience, remarkably, has responded. These films have travelled far beyond Kerala, winning not just awards but affection from viewers weary of noise. And that is the optimism worth holding on to. Because it means the audience still hungers for cinema that values detail over distraction. A sigh, a gesture, or a hesitant glance are not outdated. They are more radical now than ever. The promise lies in the fact that cinema is not consumed only by algorithms. A film, in 2025, can still be shared in whispers, recommended as an experience, not as a must-watch scene. And the challenge is not whether audiences can handle silence. The challenge is whether filmmakers dare to offer it. Guru Dutt dared. Padmarajan dared. Today, a handful of filmmakers still dare, whether in Mumbai or in Kochi. They still think good art is born when the artist dares to challenge the sensibilities of an audience. As a memory machine, cinema is a keeper of glances and gestures. The question is simple: Do we want to remember only spectacle, or also silence? The grammar is shifting, yes. But grammar is not destiny.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Deccan Herald
Kannada lectures by noted literary critic available online
Rao is a senior Kannada literary critic and translator. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Rajyotsava Award, and the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Swades To Rang De Basanti: 7 Offbeat Patriotic Films To Watch With Family On Independence Day
Last Updated: From the classic Rang De Basanti to the modern Sardar Udham, celebrate this year's Independence Day with these unforgettable cinematic gems. As India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, it's the perfect occasion to revisit the stories that define the spirit of patriotism and freedom. While flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs are traditional ways to mark the day, indulging in films that reflect the nation's journey and heroes with your family can be a moving experience. From the classic 'Rang De Basanti ' to the modern 'Sardar Udham,' the Indian cinema has given us a rich library of patriotic films. So this Independence Day, gather your loved ones and celebrate freedom, courage, and India through the magic of cinema. Can there be any better film to start the list of patriotic films? We think not. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Swades is a cult classic starring Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargav. He portrays an NRI NASA scientist who returns to India to reconnect with his Indian roots. Swades delves into themes of social responsibility, rural life, and identity, resonating deeply with audiences. AR Rahman's stirring soundtrack worked as a cherry on the cake. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) You just can't miss this Rajkumar Santoshi's directorial based on the life of Bhagat Singh. The Legend Of Bhagat Singh chronicles his invaluable contributions to win back India's independence from British rule. Headlined by Ajay Devgn, the film captures the fiery passion of young freedom fighters, questioning injustice and colonial rule with unmatched intensity. The movie also starred Sushant Singh, Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal, D Santosh, Akhilendra Mishra, and Amrita Rao in important roles. Rang De Basanti (2006) Another cult classic by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra deserves a watch. The film revisits the story of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Chandrashekhar Azad. A group of carefree students, while acting in a documentary about India's freedom fighters, realise the need to stand up against corruption in contemporary society. Featuring Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, and Atul Kulkarni, this film undoubtedly touches the hearts of viewers and brings tears every time they watch the movie. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) Remember 'How's the josh?" The dialogue that became a national catchphrase is from this film based on the real-life 2016 surgical strike. Vicky Kaushal stars as Major Vihaan Shergill in this action-packed military drama. The film takes viewers through the remarkable events of the 2016 retaliation to the Uri attack, filling them with immense pride as they witness the unwavering determination of the armed forces. It also starred Yami Gautam, Kirti Kulhari, Mohit Raina, and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles. Shershah (2021) This emotional war biopic traces the journey of Captain Vikram Batra, one of India's Kargil War heroes. Transforming completely from his door-next boy to his career-defining role that captures love, sacrifice, and courage, Sidharth Malhotra's role as a powerful, fearless army man is remarkable. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions, patriotism and love, keeping you hooked throughout. Sardar Udham (2021) Starring Vicky Kaushal, the biographical drama sheds light on the life of a lesser-known Indian revolutionary, Sardar Udham Singh. The film showed how the revolutionary avenged the death of thousands at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, Punjab's lieutenant governor who ordered the massacre. Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance and the film's artistic finesse make it a must-watch. Kesari (2019) How can we forget this epic war drama, Kesari? This gripping drama showcases how 21 Sikh soldiers fought valiantly against 10,000 Afghan invaders in 1897. Based on the legendary Battle of Saragarhi, the film featured Akshay Kumar leading the charge with emotion, grit, and fierce patriotism. As expected, this war drama is one of the fan favourite patriotic films for its epic battle scenes, nuanced performances and beautiful songs. Which one are you planning to watch? First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
