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© Nihita Bajaj Kumar
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Welcome to Beyond Cinema with your host Nihita Bajaj Kumar. Since childhood, I've been immersed in the world of movies, captivated by the art of direction, magic of music, and power of storytelling. My love for cinema extends beyond just watching; it's a lifelong admiration, exploring direction, delving into the art of writing, uncovering archives, and venturing behind the scenes. This fascination has inspired me to embark on a journey to explore the nuances of filmmaking, and foster a community where fellow cinephiles can join me in unraveling the magic that makes Indian cinema extraordinary.
35 Episodes
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Director: Shoojit Sircar
Writer: Juhi Chaturvedi
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone & Irrfan Khan
Cinematography: Kamaljeet Negi
Music: Anupam Roy
Writer & Director: Mani Ratnam
Cast: Arvind Swamy, Manisha Koirala, Nassar
Cinematography: Rajiv Menon
Music: AR Rahman
Bombay (1995), directed by Mani Ratnam, is a love story of Shekhar, a Hindu boy, and Shaila, a Muslim girl, who elope to Bombay amidst societal disapproval. Raising twin sons, their world shatters during the 1993 Bombay riots, as communal tensions threaten their family. Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala deliver nuanced performances, enhanced by A.R. Rahman’s evocative music, notably the iconic "Bombay Theme." A powerful film, Bombay explores love, resilience, and hope amidst the devastating reality of religious violence.
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Screenplay: Sudip Sharma & Abhishek Chaubey
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Diljit Dosanjh
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
Music: Amit Trivedi
Background Score: Benedict Taylor
*Udta Punjab* is a bold 2016 film that tackles the drug crisis in Punjab through the intertwined stories of a rockstar (Shahid Kapoor), an immigrant worker (Alia Bhatt), a cop (Diljit Dosanjh), and a doctor (Kareena Kapoor Khan). The film, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, earned critical acclaim for its raw realism, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of addiction and corruption. Despite facing censorship battles, it succeeded commercially and garnered several awards. The film’s edgy soundtrack and intense storytelling pushed Bollywood’s boundaries, making it a landmark film in socially relevant cinema.
Screenplay & Direction: Pankaj Kapur
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Anupam Kher, Manoj Pahwa
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Cinematographer: Binod Pradhan
“Mausam” (2011), directed by veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, is a poignant love story that takes its audience on a journey spanning years and continents, touching on love, separation, and longing. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, the movie is a romantic drama frozen in time, rooted in old-world charm that stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced love stories we often see today.
Writer & Director: Anurag KashyapBased on: Hussain Zaidi’s book “Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts”Cast: Pavan Malhotra, Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Gajraj Rao, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pratima Kazmi, Imtiaz Ali, Nawazuddin SiddiquiCinematography: Natarajan SubramaniamMusic: Indian Ocean
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Screenplay: Mohan Azaad
Dialogues: Mohan Azaad & Masud Mirza
Cast: Tabu, Atul Kulkarni, Ananya Khare
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
Music: Raju Singh
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar in 2001, Chandni Bar is a film that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes a statement. Through its raw, gritty portrayal of the lives of bar dancers and the world they inhabit, it forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The performances, particularly by Tabu and Ananya Khare, elevate the film, making it not just a cinematic experience but a deeply emotional journey.
Director: Omung Kumar
Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Screenplay: Saiwyn Quadras
Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar & Sunil Thapa
Cinematography: Keiko Nakahara
Songs: Shashi Suman & Shivamm Pathak
Background Score: Rohit Kulkarni
Released in 2014, "Mary Kom" is a film that transcends the boundaries of a conventional sports drama. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of a woman's relentless pursuit of her dreams, despite the numerous obstacles in her path. With its compelling story, strong performances, and inspiring message, "Mary Kom" stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary achievements of one of India's greatest sports icons.
Director: Kabir Khan
Story: Aditya Chopra
Screenplay: Sandeep Shrivastava
Cast: John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Irrfan Khan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Cinematography: Aseem Mishra
Songs: Pritam
Background Score: Julius Packiam
Producer: Yash Raj Films
The 2009 Hindi film New York, directed by Kabir Khan, is a raw, unflinching narrative that delves into the traumatic aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The film explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the far-reaching consequences of terrorism. It is a balanced yet emotionally charged portrayal of how lives are irrevocably altered by global events, especially for those who find themselves wrongfully accused due to their ethnicity or religion.
Writer & Director: Prakash Jha
Screenplay: Prakash Jha & Anjum Rajabali
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Naseeruddin Shah, Chetan Pandit, Sarah Thompson & Shruti Seth
Cinematography: Sachin K Krishn
Background Score: Wayne Sharpe
Raajneeti (2010), directed by Prakash Jha, is a compelling political thriller that delves into the complexities of Indian politics, drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata. The film features an ensemble cast with standout performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, and Manoj Bajpayee. Jha’s direction skillfully captures the power struggles, ambitions, and moral dilemmas within a political family. The screenplay, impactful dialogues, and strong social commentary on gender roles and dynastic politics make Raajneeti a significant film that offers a realistic and thought-provoking portrayal of the political landscape.
Director & Producer: Yash Chopra
Story & Screenplay: Honey Irani
Dialogues: Rahi Masoon Raza
Cast: Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman & Anupam Kher
Cinematography: Manmohan Singh
Music: Shiv- Hari
Yash Chopra's 1991 film 'Lamhe' is a bold and timeless love saga that was initially controversial but has since gained cult status. It tells the story of Viren (Anil Kapoor), who falls in love with Pallavi (Sridevi), and later with her daughter Pooja (also played by Sridevi). Sridevi's dual role and Anil Kapoor's nuanced performance are standout elements. The film features beautiful cinematography of Rajasthan and London, and a memorable soundtrack by Shiv-Hari. Despite its initial mixed reception in India, 'Lamhe' is now celebrated for its groundbreaking narrative, emotional depth, and Yash Chopra’s masterful direction.
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Screenplay: Vishal Bhardwaj, Robin Bhatt, Abhishek Chaubey
Based on “Othello” by William Shakespeare
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Konkana Sen Sharma, Naseeruddin Shah, Deepak Dobriyal, Bipasha Basu
Cinematography: Tassaduq Hussain
Dialogues, Music & Background Score: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar
"Omkara," a 2006 crime drama directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s "Othello," set in rural Uttar Pradesh. The film features a stellar ensemble cast and stands out for its authentic portrayal of rustic life, powerful performances, and a gripping storyline. The film’s music, especially the song "Bidi Jalaile," and its numerous awards and accolades cement its legacy in Hindi cinema.
Dor (2006)
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Writer: Sriram Raghavan & Pooja Ladha Surti
Producer: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Saif Ali Khan, Seema Biswas, Aditya Srivastava, Pratima Kazmi
Cinematography: C.K. Muraleedharan
Music & Background Score: Amar Mohile
"Ek Hasina Thi" is a 2004 Hindi neo-noir thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan. The film follows Sarika, a simple woman whose life is shattered when she falls in love with the charming but deceitful Karan. Wrongly imprisoned due to his machinations, Sarika endures brutal prison conditions and transforms into a vengeful force. The film is noted for its gripping screenplay, strong performances, especially Matondkar's and Khan's, and its realistic depiction of betrayal, prison life, and the pursuit of justice.
Dor (2006)
Screenplay & Direction: Nagesh Kukunoor
Based on the Malayalam film “Perumazhakkalam” by Kamal
Cast: Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, Shreyas Talpade, Girish Karnad, Uttara Baokar & Prateeksha Lonkar
Music & Background Score: Salim- Sulaiman
In a cinematic landscape dominated by commercial blockbusters, the 2006 Hindi movie "Dor" stands out as a beacon of nuanced storytelling and emotional depth. Nagesh Kukunoor's masterful direction, combined with stellar performances by Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, and Shreyas Talpade, makes "Dor" a film that is both timeless and poignant. It is a film that deserves to be revisited and celebrated for its artistic merit and the powerful messages it conveys.
Screenplay & Direction: Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Based on novel “Pinjar” by Amrita Pritam
Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Suri, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Isha Koppikar, Sandali Sinha, Lillete Dubey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda & Farida Jalal
Cinematography: Santosh Thundiyil
Music: Uttam Singh
Lyrics: Gulzar
Released in 2003, "Pinjar" is a poignant period drama that brings to life Amrita Pritam's classic novel of the same name. Directed by Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, the film is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Partition of India in 1947. Despite its compelling narrative and powerful performances, "Pinjar" remains an underrated gem.
Writer & Director: Rajat Mukherjee
Producer: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Fardeen Khan, Sonali Kulkarni, Suresh Oberoi & Rajpal Yadav
Cinematography: Sanjay Kapoor
Music: Sandeep Chowta
"Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya" (2001) explores the dark side of unrequited love through Ria (Urmila Matondkar), whose obsession with photographer Jai (Fardeen Khan) spirals into madness, jeopardizing his life and marriage. Directed by Rajat Mukherjee, the film delves into psychological drama, marked by haunting performances and intense visuals.
Director: Jag Mundhra
Writers: Carl Austin & Rahila Gupta
Based on: The Circle of Light (book)
Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Naveen Andrews,Ray Panthaki & Nandita Das
Cinematography: Madhu Ambat
Music: A.R. Rahman
In this episode, we delve into the gripping 2006 biographical drama "Provoked," featuring Aishwarya Rai in one of her most powerful roles. The film portrays the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, an Indian woman who endures years of domestic abuse before fighting back and reshaping the British legal system. We explore Rai’s poignant performance, the film’s impactful storytelling, and its contribution to raising awareness about domestic violence among immigrant communities.
Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Based on: Parineeta novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt, Dia Mirza, Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty
Cinematography: Natarajan Subramaniam
Music: Shantanu Moitra
"Parineeta" ("The Married Woman") is a 2005 Hindi-language musical romance film adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella of the same name. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar in his debut, the screenplay was crafted by the film's producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movie features Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and Vidya Balan (making her debut) in the lead roles, with Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, and Dia Mirza in supporting roles. The film includes several notable references to Indian literature and cinema.
Director: Shakun Batra
Screenplay: Shakun Batra & Ayesha Devitre Dhillon
Producer: Karan Johar for Dharma Productions
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor & Ratna Pathak Shah
Cinematography: Jeffery F. Bierman
Songs: Amaal Mallik, Badshah, Arko, Tanishk Bagchi, Benny Dayal, Nucleya
Background Score: Sameer Uddin
"Kapoor & Sons" is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language drama film that stands out as a masterclass in contemporary cinema. Directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film features an ensemble cast including Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rajat Kapoor. With a delicate balance of humor, emotion, and realism, "Kapoor & Sons" delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the underlying tensions that often remain unspoken.
Writer, Director & Producer: Shoaib Mansoor
Cast: Humaima Malik, Atif Aslam, Iman Ali, Mahira Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Manzar Sehbai, Zaib Rehman, Amr Kashmiri
Music: Atif Aslam, Shoaib Mansoor, Sajjad Ali, Jafiey, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Hadiqa Kiyani, Ali Javed
Bol, a Pakistani film directed by Shoaib Mansoor, was released in 2011 and quickly garnered attention for its bold and unflinching exploration of social issues in Pakistani society. This film is not just a narrative but a profound statement on the systemic problems that plague many families and communities. It dives into the depths of gender discrimination, economic hardship, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.
Director: Tanuja Chandra
Writer: Mahesh Bhatt, Girish Dhamija
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta & Ashutosh Rana
Lyrics: Sameer
Music: Jatin- Lalit
"Sangharsh," directed by Tanuja Chandra and penned by Mahesh Bhatt, stands as a hallmark in the genre of psychological thrillers within Hindi cinema. Released in 1999, this film diverged sharply from the conventional narratives prevalent at the time, delivering a chilling exploration of crime, sacrifice, and redemption.
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