Lubaba Mahjabin Prima

Contributor for Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz.

‘The Bong Connection’: Tracing identity in a globalised world

When “The Bong Connection”, directed by Anjan Dutt, was released in 2006, legendary director Rituparno Ghosh called actor Parambrata Chatterjee and told him that he could never make a film like that. What was so special about the movie that Rituparno himself was envious of the creation?

3w ago

Ensuring decent and dignified work in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh continues its journey towards economic restructuring, it is imperative to create jobs that provide dignity and security for its people.

3m ago

‘Talvar’: The gripping thriller you can't miss

“Talvar”, released internationally as “Guilty”, is a 2015 crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar and written by Vishal Bhardwaj. Loosely based on the infamous 2008 Noida double murder case, the film chronicles the brutal killings of a teenage girl and her elderly male servant. The case, which captivated public attention, saw her parents and several local servants implicated by various investigative bodies.

5m ago

Why ‘Kahaani’ remains an enduring classic

When “Kahaani”, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, was released in 2012, it created a significant impact. Both critically and commercially successful, the film was lauded for its women-centric theme and realistic approach to filmmaking. Over a decade later, it still stands as a compelling watch.

5m ago

Farooki’s ‘Last Defenders of Monogamy’ is lacklustre

Once musician Xefer took a turn and decided to debut as an actor while also adopting a new look with straightened hair, that too for Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s project, it left netizens mesmerised. Moreover, the awestruck people were also eagerly awaiting her on-screen pairing with seasoned actor Chanchal Chowdhury. However, the anticipation led to much disappointment when the greater bit of the audience did not find the movie appealing.

8m ago

‘Expats’: Of love and loss  

The show begins with the abrupt disappearance of Margaret’s youngest son while he was with Mercy. This incident triggers a series of events, also involving Margaret’s neighbour Hilary. As these women navigate their deep-rooted traumas and terrible sense of loss, the series highlights the role of the megastructures of patriarchy and capitalism in individual lives.

9m ago

A reflection on the not-so-great kitchen of households

Kitchens constitute an essential part of our lives, a space whose power dynamics we often overlook. But if cinema reflects our lives, shouldn't it highlight even the most mundane aspects? "The Great Indian Kitchen", a 2021 Malayalam movie written and directed by Jeo Baby, prompts us to consider just that.

9m ago

Contemplating unanswered echoes of ‘Mr and Mrs Iyer’

More often than not, a film leaves you marred with questions, and you ponder over all the ifs and buts of what will unfold next. The film “Mr and Mrs Iyer”, along with all the emotions it invokes, is one that forces us to wonder about the ‘what ifs’.

11m ago
January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023

‘Double XL’: All bodies are beautiful

For a long time, Bollywood has lacked proper representation for people of all backgrounds, identities and body types. However, now a new wave of movies is changing this stifling absence. Satramm Ramani's "Double XL" is indeed one such breath of fresh air. Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi play the characters of two plus-sized women navigating professional and personal lives in this movie. All women know the stress of looking a certain way and the fear of body shaming. This infused shame is almost palpable in the characters, and as they shed that, the reinvigoration is transmitted to the audience.

January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023

'The Kerala Story': Absence of integrity in filmmaking

The screen lights up to a burkha–clad woman claiming that she is now Fatima, her previous identity being Shalini Unnikrishnan, indicating a case of forced conversion.

December 23, 2022
December 23, 2022

Anirban Bhattacharya, Chanchal dissect the art of acting

Before dropping Part 2 of “Karagar”, Anirban Bhattacharya and Chanchal Chowdhury sat down for a discussion.

December 19, 2022
December 19, 2022

The price of freedom: Reminiscing ‘Joyjatra’

"Joyjatra" begins in a remote village. Even though the Liberation War is already underway, there is a sense of denial regarding the looming danger.

December 12, 2022
December 12, 2022

'Qala': Dissecting the artist behind the art

A complicated mother-daughter relationship, an artist's personal and professional lives, morality and mental health--deeply interesting issues come together to form the brilliant mix that is "Qala".

December 11, 2022
December 11, 2022

A drizzle of ‘November Rain’

On November 4, Guns N’ Roses released a new version of their hit song, “November Rain”, resyncing it with the original music-video, paired with a 50-piece orchestra.

November 14, 2022
November 14, 2022

Shah Rukh, Deepika: An on-screen duo for the ages

Only recently, viewers saw the release of the trailer for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie, “Pathaan”. Since the trailers release, many Bollywood fans are excited at the prospect of what the film will have in store, particularly because it casts Deepika Padukone opposite SRK.

October 28, 2022
October 28, 2022

15 Years of ‘Jab We Met’: How ‘Geet’ redefined the female protagonist

In early 2007, writer-director Imtiaz Ali began working on his second film, casting the then real-life couple Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in their fourth film together. Viewed as an underdog during its making by many, even Kareena herself, the movie went on to not only surprise everyone, but also to set a precedence in terms of quality. Today, even after 15 years, the movie is immensely popular and loved. Sensitively crafted characters, picturesque cinematography, hilarious dialogues and amazing music have earned it a space in our hearts and minds, like no other Bollywood movie.

October 23, 2022
October 23, 2022

10 Years of ‘English Vinglish’

In October 2012, Bollywood witnessed the cinematic comeback of one its greatest stars ever, Sridevi, in the film "English Vinglish”. The immense commercial and critical success of the movie was remarkable in more ways than one, and was pivotal in the way woman-centric cinemas were viewed in South Asia’s film industry. ...

October 22, 2022
October 22, 2022

Leading charts and stealing hearts  

Now, be it TikTok reels or YouTube shorts, her song "Teka Pakhi" from the Chorki Original film "Dui Diner Duniya" is all the rage.