Cinema Gets a New King
"Jai Bhim" dominates IMDB, "Aarya" returns for a second season, and more.
I hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend for those who celebrate!
This week, I checked out “Jai Bhim,” which is worth every second of the worldwide buzz it has created since its early November release. There are also a couple of exciting new trailers to share with you before we head into December, so without further ado…
Out This Week
“Chhorii” | Film | Starring: Nushrratt Bharuccha | Amazon
“Dil Bekaraar” | Series | Starring: Akshay Oberoi | Hotstar (Hulu)
“Hiccups & Hookups” | Series | Starring: Lara Dutta, Prateik Babbar | Lionsgate Play
What I’ve Been Watching
Pick of the Month: “Jai Bhim” | Amazon Prime Video
“Jai Bhim,” starring Suriya and Lijomol Jose among others, is based on a true story: in 1993, a pregnant tribal woman seeks justice after her husband goes missing from police custody. With the help of Chandra (Suriya), she seeks an answer from the court and the police, as flashbacks unravel what may have happened to her husband.
As a legal drama itself, “Jai Bhim” is engrossing and moving — Suriya’s acting prowess shines through in every single courtroom scene. But what elevates this film is its unflinching look at the horrors of caste discrimination and police brutality. There is no hesitation in pointing out the fraudulent cases that are stamped onto innocent Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi and tribal people, and there is no way to look away from the inhumane torture and abuse they face while in custody.
This lens makes “Jai Bhim” difficult to watch — I admit I had to take several breaks — but also make it incredibly important to watch. Caste atrocities are not new in India, and their portrayals in media have often been skewed, if addressed at all. By taking on a true case, the makers shine a light on important legal precedent that seems all to relevant (and ignored) in the current political climate.
Don’t miss this important film: It is a stark reminder of what allyship can look like as we all work to dismantle caste discrimination. It is on those with privilege to educate themselves and speak up for the atrocities caste-oppressed people face, especially in a system that dehumanizes them.
Read more:
Aseem Chhabra sheds light on the film that is now rated higher than “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Godfather” on IMDB. [BBC]
Dilip Mandal muses about the shifts in the Tamil film industry that have made room for authentic Dalit, Bahujan and Adivasi narratives to be depicted in a way mainstream Hindi films still do not. [The Print]
Give Me More (a.k.a. What I’ve Been Reading)
Beth and Amrita delve into the unusually captivating and mysterious social media presence of star-kid Rahul Khanna (“Earth,” “Bollywood/Hollywood”). [Incurato]
Nik Dodani (“Atypical,” “Dear Evan Hansen”) joins Playbill’s Ryan McPhee to cook some Thanksgiving pie and talk about South Asian and queer representation. [Playbill]
Sadaf Ahsan talks to Bilal Baig about their new series “Sort Of” (HBO Max). [The Juggernaut]
Coming Soon to a Couch Near You
December 3:
“Inside Edge” Season 3 | Series | Starring: Richa Chadha, Vivek Oberoi | Amazon Prime Video
“Cobalt Blue” | Film | Starring: Prateik Babbar, Neelay Mehendale | Netflix | Trailer
“Bob Biswas” | Film | Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Chitrangada Singh | Zee5 | Trailer
December 10:
December 11:
“Hot Mess Holiday” | Film | Starring: Melanie Chandra, Surina Jindal | Comedy Central
December 17:
That’s all I’ve got for you this week! A quick ask before you go: As I compile a “Best of 2021” list for the end of the year, drop me a line or two about your favorite South Asian shows or films that came out this year! And keep an eye out for that list, coming soon. (Here’s my ‘Best of 2020’ list, in case you missed it.) See you next week!