History movies

Evolution of Bengali Cinema— the Cultural Nuances, Portrayal of the Society and the Transformation in Popular Culture – Part 1

The art cinema movement was set in motion with Ray’s Pather Panchali (1955). It was based on the story written by the Bengali author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and was a testament to his deep engagement in Bengali literature which was inspired by Bengal’s deep-rooted reality. Ray’s international recognition, first at Cannes in 1956, and his presence on the international film scene worked to embed among common Bengalis the fascination for Bengali cinema.

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movies philosophy

An Abstract Hunt for the Meaning of life – The Top Layer Philosophy of “The Banshees of Inisherin”

In the film “The Banshees of Inisherin” where two friends standing at two different spots but equidistant from a specific center are re-evaluating the essence of ‘friendship’ via the lens of their individualities that are shaped by external factors. In the lovely cinematic universe of Inisherin (a remote island off the coast of Ireland), Padraic, played by Collin Ferrel and Colm played Brendan Gleeson, are friends on this secluded island against the backdrop of the Irish civil war. We know that war changes life and traps people in the vicious circle of mortality; however, being many miles away from the center of war, the island is not particularly affected, at least not with the visuals of torn human bodies and sabotaged property. But one fine day, Colm decides to take charge of his life and wants to leave a legacy for generations to remember him. Padraic on the other hand lives his life from one moment to the other and believes in the power of kindness.

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movies

When the Characters on Screen Can Hear It Too — Diegetic Sounds in Indian Cinema

The film  ‘Monica O My Darling’ executes the same idea and places the theme music amidst the anarchy that settles in the whole plot.  This is the scene where Rajkumar Rao (Johnny) is following the instructions to murder the common blackmailer, Huma Qureshi (Monica Machado). He boards a train, as discussed with his co-plotters, to aid in the dispersal of the corpse. In this relay race while we are constantly listening to the notes of “Monica O My Darling” in high and low pitches, Rao encounters a broken car on his way to the destination, and to add to the glory of the murderer/plotter, the woman inside the car was also listening to the same song, “Monica O My Darling”.  The music that began as an ode to old Hindi cinema was being played conspicuously; and in this particular scene, the background music makes an organic shift becoming a part of the characters on screen.  Just like how we listen to music via the radio or the internet, but we never know the song that plays itself with the unexpected rhythms of our lives – that too, just organically!

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Culture

Hyperlocal Art Experiences for GenZ & Millennials

Probably, ‘hyperlocal’ is better marketed and consumed today with the advent of technology. However, it raises the ‘Ship of Theseus’ question: how do the Millennials and Gen Z amalgamate the indigenous flavors with modern technology, so that authenticity remains intact while the approach becomes fascinating?

And while we observe and make our notes, what do you think generation Alpha is up to?

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