Through films like Bhakshak, Peepli Live, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and more, Takshi Mehta explores a complex interplay in the representation of media and journalists in Indian cinema, where real and reel stand as opposing mirrors reflecting each other.

Despite an uneven recipe, Abhishek Chaubey’s Killer Soup has enough strong performances and intrigue to make for a palatable—and entertaining—main course. By Karan Madhok

The medical survival thriller Kaala Paani (2023) explores the dehumanization of indigenous communities through the prism of politics, development, and a dangerous pandemic in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By Anusha Prakash

Netflix’s Trial by Fire (2023) explores the true story of the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire and its long aftermath, presenting a heartbreaking narrative which shines brightest in its exploration of human intimacies. By Karan Madhok

Delhi Crime is a breath of fresh air in its realistic portrayal of police investigation and the heroism of intelligent, emphatic cops. But the crime drama leaves a stunning blind spot about the brutalities, corruption, and systematic failures of the Delhi Police itself. By Karan Madhok

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 23: We’re reading books by Jayanth Kaikini and Ernest Cline; watching the film Darlings; and listening to music by Parekh & Singh. Featuring Shaista Vaishnav, Prateek Santram, and Anurag Tagat. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 22: We’re reading books by Shrayana Bhattacharya and Ottessa Moshfegh; listening to music by Blackstratblues; and watching the series Indian Predator. Featuring Shaista Vaishnav, Ady Manral, and Samir Kumar. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 15: We’re watching Decoupled; listening to Amyt Datta; and reading books by Neel Mukherjee and Bill Hayes. Featuring Aditi Murti, Anurag Tagat, and Saurabh Sharma. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

In House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, Leena Yadav moulds the story about a tragedy into an active question of self-reflection for the larger society. - By Atulya Pathak

Through a tight focus in the sphere of the Indian classical music subculture, Chaitanya Tamhane’s 2020 film The Disciple asks larger questions about the relentless pursuit of art and excellence in the face of existential crisis. By Karan Madhok

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 9: We’re watching Ray; listening to Irfana & Taslina; reading Albert Camus and Anthony Doerr. Featuring Prateek Santram, Anurag Tagat, and Shaista Vaishnav. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 8: We’re listening to Ramya Pothuri; reading Peter Wohlleben and Viet Thanh Nguyen; and watching Pagglait. Featuring Ady Manral, Shaista Vaishnav, and Harshita Murarka. Hosted by Karan Madhok.