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India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dibakar Banerjee's ‘Tees': A muted masterpiece?
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated June 9, 2025)It had all the makings of a triumph—an acclaimed director, a powerhouse cast, and a standing ovation at the film's first Indian screening at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) last year. Dibakar Banerjee's Tees drew cinephiles from across the country. Yet, the celebration carried the weight of heartbreak. In 2023, Netflix—the platform that had commissioned Tees in 2019 and to whom Banerjee delivered it in 2022—had quietly pulled the plug on its release, effectively locking away a film that deserved to be by Naseeruddin Shah, Manisha Koirala, Huma Qureshi, Shashank Arora, Zoya Hussain and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles, the 55-year-old filmmaker's triptych of stories follows three generations of a Kashmiri Muslim family. Across three different timelines—political unrest in 1989 Srinagar, communal violence in 2030 and censorship in 2043—Tees unfolds as its protagonists grapple with their identity, voice and systemic excision in an increasingly dystopian the film's commercial release in limbo, Banerjee spent the months since its DIFF premiere hosting private, non-ticketed screenings across India. Yet, it's not something he has done by choice. 'The screenings are a way of generating commercial and critical interest in the hope that somehow Tees lives by being seen,' Banerjee tells india today. Otherwise, unplayed, sitting on a hard drive, the film is as good as extinct. 'In such a situation, an audience connecting deeply with the film is gratifying and saddening. You love the fact that it moves someone but rue the fact that it can't move more.'advertisement To explore Tees's complex themes—rising communalism, generational trauma and queer marginalisation under a surveillance state—Banerjee, who co-wrote, directed and produced the film, pulled from both the personal and the political. This included memories from his childhood and neighbourhood, Indian television epics like Hum Log and Buniyaad, Ashapurna Devi's Prothom Protishruti trilogy and Robert Harris's speculative historical novel Fatherland, which he claims influenced him 'subconsciously'. But the film's urgency came from the filmmaker watching young couples, especially Muslims, trying to rent a flat in Mumbai and from the murder of Gauri Lankesh. SPANNING GENERATIONS |Naseeruddin Shah in a still from Tees Banerjee has been making Hindi movies for nearly two decades—boasting an oeuvre that is both distinct and impossible to replicate. He debuted with Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006), a sharp satire about middle-class aspirations; helmed Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), a found-footage style anthology; and went on to direct a segment in Netflix-backed anthologies Bombay Talkies (2013) and Lust Stories (2018). In many ways, the expansive ambition of Tees was meant to be a culmination of Banerjee's evolution as a filmmaker. But with Tees buried, he became the very figure his film mourns: an artist muted by the between, the filmmaker kept busy, directing a short film and releasing a potent sequel to Love Sex Aur Dhokha. Yet, Banerjee still found himself grappling with waves of anger and frustration. Navigating the emotional toll of the film's shelving while continuing to move forward as a filmmaker was a 'gradual' process—one he credits to therapy and a drive for inventive solutions. 'Choosing your workmates well is virtually half the battle won,' adds disappearance of Tees may be best understood in the context of the controversy that surrounded Tandav (2021), the Prime Video series that drew right-wing ire for its portrayal of dissent and religious imagery. Despite edits, legal cases mounted, and fear took hold. It sent a clear warning to streamers, who became increasingly cautious about supporting projects that might provoke similar backlash. In such a fragile climate, films like Tees have arguably become collateral to Banerjee, filmmaking is an expensive art form that demands 'mediated investment' but which become an easy target because of its ability to reach out to a massive audience. Suppressing art that focuses on truth-telling, questioning and challenging narratives is a surefire way to condition audiences in the practice of distraction. 'A generation growing up on moving images can be better controlled if cruelty, misogyny and empty spectacle are provided through films regularly,' he by existing, Tees defies that conditioning. Invisibilising it makes clear exactly which stories are unwelcome in India today. And yet, its disappearance has only amplified the urgency of what it had to to India Today MagazineMust Watch
The Star
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Danang International fireworks fest starts off with a bang
DANANG, (Vietnam): The Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025, themed 'Legacy of Culture', started with performances from reigning champion Finland and the host team Danang on Saturday (May 31). The hosts started a 20-minute performance of 5,000 fireworks set to rock and pop music, including songs Bonjour Vietnam, Titanium and Top of the Rock, with a theme introducing Vietnam on the threshold of a 'New Era on the Rise'. The Danang team's performance at the opening ceremony of the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025. - Photo courtesy of DIFF Meanwhile, defending champions JoHo Pyro Professional Fireworks AB of Finland marked their return to Danang with high-altitude fireworks set to rock performances of Diamond Eyes, Liar and Heroes Are Calling, lighting up the sky over the Hàn River with the beauty of their 'Nordic Lights' theme. This year's festival also marks the first time augmented reality (AR) technology was used, displaying iconic cultural symbols of Danang in an expansive AR environment. Fireworks over the Han River during the Danang team's performance. The host and the defending champion JoHo Pyro Professional Fireworks AB of Finland kicked off the festival with performances on May 31, 2025. - Photo courtesy of DIFF Danang City Mayor Le Trung Chinh said the successful festival will help reach the ambitious target of building the city as Asia's leading destination for events and festivals. The festival is one of the largest and longest firework performance celebrations in the world, with six nights of spectacular displays from May 31 to July 12. Team Vietnam 2 will meet Poland for the second night of the festival on June 7. - Vietnam News/ANN Dancers and other artists perform at the opening of the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025. The event will take place from May 31 to July 12. - Photo courtesy of DIFF
India Today
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dibakar Banerjee's cinema
It had all the makings of a triumph—an acclaimed director, a powerhouse cast, and a standing ovation at the film's first Indian screening at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) last year. Dibakar Banerjee's Tees drew cinephiles from across the country. Yet, the celebration carried the weight of heartbreak. In 2023, Netflix—the platform that had commissioned Tees in 2019 and to whom Banerjee delivered it in 2022—had quietly pulled the plug on its release, effectively locking away a film that deserved to be seen.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
13 Fashionable Favorites For The Cool Mom
Being a mom does not mean sacrificing style, which is why I've rounded up 13 of my current fashion, beauty, and lifestyle favorites to add an extra touch of chic to any mom's life. Whether looking for gift ideas for Mother's Day or simply seeking to treat yourself, here are my picks. Every woman needs a go-to pair of sophisticated black boots, and this pair from Bared Footwear is perfect for balancing style and comfort. Bared Footwear's shoes are specially designed for support, with a biomechanical footbed and a complimentary Fit Kit you can add to customize your boots to the perfect fit. Whether you're wrangling kids, off to a meeting, or just putting together a chic ensemble, these boots will get you through whatever the day brings in style. For anyone who could not stop raving about the iconic fashion in The White Lotus, I have the perfect pair of sunglasses for you! These DIFF x The White Lotus sunglasses take vacation chic to a whole new level with a thick white frame, gradient brown lenses, and an elegant pop of gold on the sides. You'll be ready for your next fashionable getaway! P.S. You can also order these with prescription lenses as well, so you can see and be seen. G/FORE Daytona Plus Carry Golf Bag | $375 G/FORE For the moms who are ready to hit the links and seeking to upgrade their golf gear, G/FORE is the perfect destination for stylish gear and apparel. Their golf bags are stylish, comfortable, and durable, all at once, for ultimate form and function on the green. For an added touch of personalization, you can also get your bag embroidered or monogrammed. And if you need some cute golf clothes do go with your new bag, their Hybrid Quilted Stretch Tech Interlock Jacket is a personal favorite. Venus Et Fleur Aphrodite Porcelain Vase | $799 Venus Et Fleur Flowers are a beautiful upgrade to any home space, but you know what's even more special? Flowers that last over a year! Et Fleur is known for their incredible long-lasting roses, and this stunning porcelain vase with two dozen roses (which you can pick from a variety of colors from white to red to hot pink) is a wonderful addition to beautify one's home space. These make an excellent gift for the hardworking mom in your life who deserves an extra special thank you! Magic Hour Tea and Tarot to Go Gift Set | $126 Magic Hour Not only is this tea gift set from Magic Hour a perfect choice for a present, it is absolutely stunning to display as well. For any mom who loves tea and a little tarot reading, the Tea and Tarot to Go Gift Set features a beautiful glass apothecary jar to store and protect your tea and with a to-go cup to enjoy your tea on the move. Choose from four Tarot archetypes (The Moon, The Star, The High Priestess, or The Empress) for the perfect flavor and decorations on the set. Carla Rockmore Designs 2-in-1 Tote Bag | $250 Carla Rockmore Designs What's better than one bag? Two, of course! This tote from Carla Rockmore Designs is a perfect solution for any mom who needs to carry around plenty of essentials but does not want to sacrifice style doing so. This vegan leather tote is made for function, with interior pockets, a water bottle holder, a snap strap for your laptop or iPad, and of course, a matching sling bag that you can use to store valuables inside the tote or wear on its own as a crossbody. It makes for a great carryall for work, travel, or a busy day out. Kashwére Kapua Cotton Velour Robe | $180 Kashwére Is there anything chicer than a luxurious robe to relax in at the end of a long day? I think not! This robe is so soft, with Kashwére's own Kapua™ blend of Turkish cotton and velour that will make you want to cuddle up in the robe all day or night long. This is the ultimate way to upgrade one's at-home loungewear for maximum coziness. For a full at-home ensemble that's fashionable and comfortable, I also love the brand's Headwrap and Spa Slippers. Loop Coachella Bundle | $59 Loop The cool mom is still heading to concerts and festivals with her friends and family, but she's responsible enough to know her ears need protection! The Coachella Bundle from Loop features not only a cool orange and blue gradient colorway of their Experience 2 earplugs, but they also come in a Coachella-branded case and with a matching Link so you can keep your Loops secure even while dancing around. Your ears will thank you, and you'll look cool while protecting them. Baggallini Swift Large Hobo Crossbody | $65 Baggallini I love a good crossbody bag but always struggle to find one that is cute and big enough to fit everything I need for the day as a mom, which is why this new hobo crossbody from Baggallini is such a great find! Made with their new B-Lite Nylon, which is made from recycled materials and engineered to be lightweight and easy to clean, this is the perfect everyday bag for any mom. It features an adjustable strap, interior pockets, and comes in both classic neutrals like black and white as well as bold hues like pink and yellow for those who want to add a pop of color! P.J. Salvage Whimsy Palm PJ Set | $90 P.J. Salvage Moms need fun pajama sets, too, and I love this tropical print set from P.J. Salvage. The print is colorful and cool, and the fit of this set is so comfortable to wear on weekend mornings and while sleeping. Style this set for yourself or gift it to a mom in your life who loves a matching pajama moment. Machete Petite French Hair Pin | $70 Machete Some mom moments require you to put your hair up, but who says you can't look stylish while doing so? Say goodbye to your messy buns and upgrade your updo with the use of a French hair pin, like this one from Machete. You'll never go back to ponytails once you try this fashionable pin! Plus, I love that this petite size pin is great for those with shorter or thinner hair. Caraway Cookware Set | $595 Caraway For the cool mom who loves to cook, swap out your old cookware with a gorgeous new set like this one from Caraway. With radiant gold trim contrasted against a glossy white finish, these pots and pans are made for a stylish home kitchen display. They're as functional as they are fashionable, as well, with non-toxic ceramic coating and easy-to-clean material. T3 AIRE 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit T3 There's nothing better than an all-in-one hair tool that can dry and style hair with ease. The T3 AIRE 360 can dry and style your hair in a breeze, with 4 different attachments you can use to dry, straighten, or curl your hair. This multi-use styling tool can deliver voluminous blowouts, straight strands, or bouncy curls, all with minimal heat damage. This product is a must-have for any busy moms looking to cut down their hairstyling time without cutting down on a gorgeous hairstyle.
