Assembly Elections – Tale of 2 States and a Blockbuster

I must admit, it was one hell of a state assembly elections in two of the most politically charged and animated landscapes in India’s political history. And the outcome has been nothing short of a revelation.

Let’s start with Tamil Nadu. Dominated by the Dravidian parties for almost 6 decades, I did not expect this coming. Yes, going by the grapevine, I was expecting TVK to grab a few substantial seats and sit comfortably in the opposition, chewing much more than they would expect. But TVK surpassed all my expectations. Competing against a powerhouse like DMK and Stalin is no mean feat, and toppling them in such style is something that only happens in movies. I have only heard about the aura of MGR or the magic of NTR, never expected such a fairy tale to unfold in our times. Though I have no idea about the arsenal Vijay/TVK (apologies, he is now the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) possess nor am I aware about his abilities as a political leader, but nevertheless, this is a story that needs to be told. Obviously the bigger question is – do Vijay and TVK have it in them to fight lineage, powerful political vendettas and swirling controversies to hold the fort – is a matter to debate and talk for the next 5 years (if he is around for 5 years, that is). But for now, we are basking in TVK and Vijay’s glory, and I don’t mind celebrating such an ominous victory at all.

Now, West Bengal. My hometown. What can I say? A political potboiler for decades since Jyoti Basu took his acclaimed position in Writer’s Building as the Chief Minister of Bengal. Rest, as they infamously say, was pure, brutal, unflinching, disastrous history in the making. For me, and let me reiterate that I am not against communism, the Left under Jyoti Basu’s leadership, completely destroyed Calcutta. From being India’s numero uno city in terms of literature, industries, talent marketplace and a hub of job opportunities in the 40s and 50s, the fortunes of Calcutta came dwindling down in the aftermath of communist ideologies and utter lack of vision, the very attribute that Calcutta stood for in that era. Almost 4 decades of CPI(M) rule took away everything Calcutta had, and in the name of progress, there was none. Then in 2011, came TMC and our beloved Didi. She vowed to change the landscape in Calcutta, tall claims were made in the name of leadership and redemption. 2026 happened – and here we are. BJP makes a grand entry in to Bengal, and Didi has been overthrown. Thanks to her political infidelity and assuming invincibility (Saradha Scam, RG Kar incident are fine examples), she remained oblivious of the fact that she was slowly fading away in to obscurity. I think this is what happened – Bengal don’t love BJP, but they definitely don’t love Didi anymore. In fact, people have started despising her, which clearly indicates that the bridges of hope, goodwill and expectations are now burnt and dusted. But will BJP’s resurgence in Bengal help to redeem its lost glory? I don’t know, but certainly would hope for a slice of the pie falling on its lap, which might do Calcutta and Bengal a world of good.

For now, let’s see if the leadership in both these states shines or whines. But as we speak, celebrations galore and for the right reasons.

The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto)

Storytelling at it’s mercurial best, ‘The Secret Agent’ is an ode to the kind of cinema that disrupts, enthrals and keeps you engaged in a series of events that sets the tone for difficult and riveting characters that go through pain, transformation and fight against a corrupt system that overhauls human principles and compassion.

The scenes beautifully oscillates between the principal characters and adjacent antagonists who leave no stone unturned to accomplish their act of vengeance and envy while depicting the powerful political landscape in those times.

Though the one leg syndrome was a bit chaotic and lets you believe for few moments if this film is transcending in to a different genre. Otherwise, for most parts, it sticks to the plot and the troubled characters.

Wagner Moura delivers a restrained, understated performance as the protagonist on the run, trying to defend his family and honour while painfully seeping through the powerful, diabolical system and its people.

This kind of cinema is not for everyone, so admiring this genre in a such an elusive, de-glamourised version might be a hard pill to swallow for most of them. But for me, it symbolises the very essence of cinema – perilously vulnerable and dramatic.

https://mubi.com/films/the-secret-agent-2025/share?utm_source=app_share&utm_medium=ios_app

Kohrra – Foggy Brilliance

I did not watch Kohrra immediately when it was available on Netflix. I had my reservations, Indian web series on Netflix have mostly been disappointing, not living up to the hype despite promising premise and stellar casting. Among many, only a handful stood out for substance and quality of production.

So, it took a while. And I am glad I took my time to take the plunge. Inarguably, one of the most riveting drama I have watched in the recent times, and most definitely, one of the finest Indian web series on OTT today. The darkness, the pulsating negative energy that glows in a tense and breathing Punjab landscape, Kohraa exudes finesse and raw emotions in a nerve wrecking drama that culminates murder, cultural boundaries and personal mayhem in a stitched manner.

I think Mona Singh is brilliant in her complex, tailored role that exudes pain, duty bound and ability to overcome personal loss to uncover the deaths under mysterious circumstances. This will most certainly go down as one of the most underrated performances in the OTT platform. The casting in general is quite apt, with actors who have the flair to deliver in such a tense and gritty drama.

‘Kohrra’ is a must watch, if you prefer serious, raw energy to get you hooked for meaningful number of hours.

My Little One’s First Friend

That look was quite a revelation. He wasn’t the one who was oblivious of each other’s presence, but looked at him with a sense of ease and admiration, perhaps thinking – he can sit on those single rails and fly around but I can’t. I will ask him what was running on his mind then 🙂 (this was shot in Edinburgh, Scotland 4 years ago).

India’s T20 WC Story 2026

The coveted trophy comes home, again!

India rounded off a fabulous tournament to bring the most ambitious and the revered trophy in T20 World Cricket. winning the World Cup is always special, but winning back to back, especially in your own backyard is most definitely a wonderful feeling. The fact that no team has ever achieved this feat, makes it all the more spectacular and surreal.

India dominated the tournament except on 2 occasions – the defeat in the hands of a formidable Proteas was a wake up call that we cannot take things for granted. And for around 30 minutes when Jacob Bethell went berserk in pursuit of taking England to the final, there were sure shot butterflies in the stomach. Otherwise, it was a quite a performance – consistent, clinical and looked like a champion side throughout. All the key players chipped in and contributed, Sanju Samson rose to the occasion when it mattered and stole the show, and Bumrah was being Bumrah. Absolutely brilliant!

The biggest win of all, though was this – the ever charming smile on my son’s face when we lifted the trophy was an icing on the cake.

Thank you, Indian Cricket Team!

The Long Shot

In barren lands, this one was meant for sore eyes. Beautifully poised, oblivious of the fact that he is being observed through my lenses (at least that’s the way I saw it), he remained undeterred for me to get in to a most suitable position. The sky above provided the most perfect blanket to lend class to the overall posture.

Clearly, one of my favourites.

@Kaziranga National Park, April 2024

The Views

This place remained with us for a very long time, still refusing to sink in.

The drive was defined by peace and tranquility, my little one was being very patient as we visited monuments and historical places that invoke Deja vu (I am very keen on history and the events that took place centuries ago), so you can say that I found the surroundings very fascinating. We didn’t spend a lot of time there and we have traveled quite a lot in Scotland in the next couple of years but for some sane, delicious reason, these pictures still talk to me.

Dhurandhar – Flashy and Predictable

Yet another espionage saga. A sold premise that doesn’t deserve any retelling. A nobody with nobody to care is picked up by Indian Intelligence and moulded in to a killing machine. Reminds you of the inimitable James Bond? Indeed, it does. There are no full marks for guessing what unfolds in this raunchy, stylish, lengthy and mostly predictable sequence of events.

Dhurandar does say ‘inspired by true events’ but it could have been a tad better if the commentary went something like this – ‘A collage of all the terror attacks that have fallen upon India with disgrace, and India’s bravados infiltrate the most menacing terror organisations to seek retribution’. Well, that’s it. That summarises the movie for me.

Well, I am yet unsure about all the hype and the footage this film managed to garner. It is an ok film, watchable once but it set the cash registers on fire. I think there is so much of mediocrity thrown at us these days that anything close to ‘ok’ is quickly lapped up by the audiences and made to look like a great film. No disrespect intended to the makers, you have definitely succeeded in shattering the box office records but for someone who admires real, authentic, unflinching cinema, it wasn’t ‘Dhurandar’ enough for me.

But one thing is for sure and real – it’s cashing in big time on human emotions and sentiments, especially with the recent tragic events that unfolded in the country. People are high on patriotism and ‘Dhurandar’ is the most desired medicine at the moment, which is being served, hot!

I would certainly like to single out a performance that will shine through for sheer arrogance, uninhibited swagger and electrifying screen presence. Akshay Khanna as ‘Rehman Dakait’ is brilliant. Though an example of pure evil, his character’s demise takes the sheen away from an otherwise ordinary, run-of-the-mill story telling. It does manages to run through with abundance of violence, massy moments and an impressive retro soundtrack but at the end, the same question lingers around. What’s new?

The teaser of the sequel wasn’t very intriguing either. I exactly know what’s coming next, so not expecting any surprises there. So it could be a sequel no one wanted but we will nevertheless wait and watch.

Barren yet Beautiful

It was one of those days that leaves you stunned with emptiness, vastness and the beauty of nature.

3 days of Jeep Safari, a morning with the elephants (on top of them literally), enjoying the surreal feeling of not having anyone else around you except the natural habitat that leaves you in awe – it was a spectacular journey that was so unique in its entirety.

Looking forward to create more such memories with just one single mantra – travel beyond boundaries. Unhinged.

2025 – A Forgettable Year

I won’t mince words. It was a rough year for me and my family. That said, I am not going in to an introspection mode to self evaluate and dissect what we went through. We would like to take the stride forward, thank god for his blessings, profusely thank our friends and well wishers who stood by us during these tough times, and take a bow with gratitude for giving us the strength to endure pain, carry important lessons and look forward to the next year with hope, resilience and remain grounded as we intend to begin the year with purpose and meaningful pursuits.

I have still managed to extract some silver lining from the year amidst the chaos and disturbing moments. We are praying for everyone’s well being and good health.

Speak soon, hopefully in a more joyful mode. 2026 – we are coming for you.

Run on a Sunday

I have now made this a habit, a way of life.

No, not for any athletic recognition (I am far from it) or to indulge in competitive mayhem. I just want to make sure I am fit enough to get up at 3 am, reach the destination at 4 am, sprint around for 10 kms, come back alive, feel famished and grab that sumptuous breakfast waiting for you once you have done the honours and collected the medals. Well, that’s accomplishment in itself and Sunday morning done right, just about.

Cheers!