In what is undoubtedly our most publicized episode, we -- Dhruv, Sanjeet (!), Varun, Aryan, and Prithwish -- discuss half of the peculiar filmography of Imtiaz Ali. The first half of this first part episode on the director is dedicated to "Jab We Met" (2007) and "Jab Harry Met Sejal" (2017) -- two films that share titles and character traits but ta…

In this very special episode, Dhruv and Srilekha celebrate the thoroughly depressing and despairing films of Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke, who turned 82 a week ago on March 23rd. We first discuss his exacting style that has inspired several high-profile European filmmakers (Ruben Östlund and Yorgos Lanthimos, the most famously known amongst th…

In this episode, Dhruv and Amartya welcome Devi (@film.trance) back to talk about two Malayalam movies recently released on OTT: Anand Ekarshi's morally complex drama/thriller "Aattam" (on Amazon Prime Video) and Rahul Sadasivan's folk horror film "Bramayugam" (on Sony Liv). Both films serve up narratives and, especially, aesthetic styles largely u…

In our buildup to discussing Homi Adajania's "Murder Mubarak" on Monday (March 18, 2024), we -- Dhruv, Amartya & Varun -- discuss two similarly high-profile Hollywood whodunnits that have influenced Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" movies, which have subsequently become the template for any modern-day whodunnit mysteries. The rules of these game narrati…

In our latest episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Hemant, and Prithwish talk about Denis Villeneuve's latest science-fiction blockbuster, "Dune: Part Two" -- a film that Dhruv and Amartya were skeptical about because they disliked "Part One," and Hemant and Prithwish were excited for because they loved "Part One." Is there going to be a similar disagreement o…

In this very special episode, Amartya, Aryan, and Dhruv discuss the different styles of the Hollywood Western from its "birth" in 1939 to its "death" in 1968.We begin by discussing John Ford's 1939 film, "Stagecoach," singlehandedly responsible for resuscitating the A-Movie Western for the talkies in Hollywood's Pre-War Era. It provides us with a b…

Hello, Hello Hello, In this new episode of QID, Dhruv, Sanjeet, Amartya and Srilekha, discuss the new Netflix show Killer Soup starring the very fantastic Konkana Sensharma & Manoj Bajpayee, directed by common favourite Abhishek Chaubey. Uncommonly, though, we came out with polarized views, with two of us loving the show’s darkly delicious tone and…

In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome three returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance), Adithiyan (@curioseradithiyan), and Yadhu (@immersive_cinema) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, K…

In this very special episode specifically designed to counteract the negativity spread by two QID members on our YouTube Livestream, Dhruv and Aryan — two self-proclaimed Hiranites — talk about the director’s pre-“Dunki” and “Sanju” output to celebrate his contribution to contemporary Indian cinema. Aryan does bring up “Dunki” sadly to begin our di…

Taking a cue from recent Bollywood releases, we have decided to leave our latest episode unedited. So get ready for the most extensive discussion on Sandeep Reddy Vanga's hollow provocations in "Animal," the most accurate Sanjeet impression (courtesy Aryan) as we collectively gush about Vidhu Vinod Chopra's uplifting "12th Fail," and the most detai…

Away from MAMI contamination, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite Varun and Hemanth to discuss "Killers of the Flower Moon" in full. Everything from specific problems with perspectives to why those problems are not actually major problems are discussed and debated here. Do listen to the full episode to get a detailed breakdown of what we thought of the film's…

In this somewhat unplanned continuation of our David Fincher "The Killer" obsession, Amartya, Dhruv, and Srilekha discuss two of the director's widely acclaimed serial killer films -- "Se7en" (1995) and "Zodiac" (2007) -- that shine more light on the psyche of those pursuing the killer than the killer himself. Thanks to another podcast regular -- S…

In QID’s last part from the MAMI series, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about what they watched on Days 6, 7 & 8 of MAMI. Short, non-spoilery discussions on Vikramaditya Motwane's new documentary “Indi(r)a's Emergency”, Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla", "Ghaath", "La Chimera" and many more. Also features, Dhruv discussing his sickness and how MAMI is re…

In this unexpectedly topical (it's Noirvemeber!) episode, the QID gang talks about the recently released David Fincher film on Netflix -- "The Killer," starring Michael Fassbender. Rather than just talk about what we liked and disliked about the film, we use its release to look back at the neo-noir film that continues to inspire auteur-driven assas…

In QID’s third in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about what all they watched on Day 3, 4 & 5 of MAMI.Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Joram”, "Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa", "Fallen Leaves", Gujarati critical darling "Kayo Kayo Colour" and many more. Also features, Dhruv discussing his sickness and how MAMI is responsibl…

In QID’s second in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan and Dhruv talk about what all they watched (and stupidly missed) on Day 2 & 3 of MAMI.Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Green Border,” “Stolen,” and “Maestro.” Long, non-spoilery discussion on Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy.” Also, featuring a one-sided argument about why …

In QID’s first in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about their film festival experiences, why MAMI provides ammunition for the “Cinema is Dead” argument, and their non-spoilery thoughts on the first films they watched at MAMI. (Sanjeet and Aryan decided to include “Killers of the Flower Moon” as part of the discussion. That’s…

In this special Halloween episode, Dhruv, Amartya & Simon discuss the explosion of Japanese horror in the late 90s and early 2000's. We discuss their diverse styles that all talk about the alienation caused by the internet boom thematic elements. Do listen for an in-depth & spoiler-filled discussion of all three films! **Apologies for some of the b…

In this new episode, Amartya and Sanjeet discuss the new Lokesh Kanagaraj film "Leo", starring Thalapathy Vijay, among other stars. We discuss what we liked/disliked in the film, championing the film for its decision to move away from the generic star vehicles that have been popular recently in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Kanagaraj's 5 film career so …

In this very special episode, Dhruv, Aryan, and Ashwani welcome Amith -- handler of the now inactive Mactacritic page on Instagram -- to celebrate the works of arguably THE essential filmmaker of our times, Jafar Panahi. The Iranian filmmaker, already known internationally for his docu-fiction work before his arrest, molded that aesthetic in defian…

In this episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome back QID OG Hemant to talk about Vishal Bharadwaj’s latest espionage thriller recently released on Netflix — “Khufiya.” Starring Tabu, Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi, Bharadwaj’s latest project promises to be both moving and thrilling. But is it?Listen to the full episode to know our thoughts on the film! Afte…

In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Shashwat, and a special new guest -- Srilekha Mitra (writer for High on Films, Youth Ki Awaaz, The Red Sparrow, and other publications) -- talk all about the delightfully artifice-laden worlds of Wes Anderson. First, we discuss Anderson's auteurism, discussing its value (or lack thereof) in today's filmmaking world …

In this impromptu episode, Dhruv listens to Amartya vent about the recently released Netflix thriller starring Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma -- "Jaane Jaan." An official adaptation of Keigo Higashino's "The Devotion of Suspect X," Ghosh's film deviates significantly from its source material, squandering the novel's tragic emotion…

In this (much longer than planned) discussion of SRK's latest blockbuster, "Jawan" (2023), we spend half the episode setting up multiple contexts that help us each inform our disparate reactions to the film. Amartya, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about the Bollywood context -- the Angry Young Man films of the 70s, SRK, and the industry today. And our speci…

In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, Aryan, and returning guest, Shashwat discuss their three favorite films of the year (up till and including July). Not limited to any particular language or industry, this discussion gives you a wide variety of films from all over the world that fascinated us in ways that we had not anticipated. Check out this episod…

In this special episode, Amartya and Dhruv remember William Friedkin -- the great American director who recently passed away at the age of 87. First, we discuss our introductions to his filmography, simultaneously elaborating upon his status as a critical 70s New Hollywood filmmaker. Then, we take a deep dive into 5 of his films, some seminal from …

In this long overdue episode, Dhruv, Sanjeet, and Amartya invite back Sanket Mistry (@Cinephile Sanket on YouTube) to discuss two different types of films from one of his favorite genres -- The Historical Epic. We begin by situating the origin of this type of film to the 50s and 60s. Then, we delve into things that enthrall and frustrate us now whe…

In our second (!) episode that's on all things Karan Johar, Dhruv is joined by returning KJo-Stan Jasmin A. Singh (@jasssipinkman) and a brand new card-holding member of the party, Aryan (@aryantalksfilm), to discuss Karan Johar's latest film that's (to our surprise/shock) being liked by everyone. We reiterate what everyone loved -- Ranveer Singh, …

Tis' Nolan Month! Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. Ashwani Kumar Tiwari (@safaed_syaahi) returns. And Sanjeet replaces Dhruv for this ep to take control of the exponentially increasing episode run…

Tis' Nolan Month! Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. New Team Member: Self-Ascribed “Nolan Megafan” Ashwani Kumar Tiwari (@safaed_syaahi) In Part 3, we look at the films that gave birth to Dhoom 3 a…

Tis' Nolan Month! Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. In Part 2, we follow Amartya's lead into Nolan's Batcave -- the series that propelled him to fame. Discussing each film from the Trilogy, we note…

Tis' Nolan Month! Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with returning guest Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock), and new guest, Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. In Part 1, we discuss the director's humble beginnings before he took on the "Batman" franchise. Focusing on "Followi…

In this special episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite guests Devi (@FilmTrance) and Yadhu (@Immersive Cinema) to discuss Director/Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi's directorial filmography. We touch upon his style & characters that conform to generic templates but still feel consistently expansive because of his unique ability to project them through his va…

In this special episode, Dhruv invites Atlanta-based singer, actor, and cinephile Matthew Cody Lang to discuss the hypnotic allure of Slow Cinema -- a broad, relatively new cinematic movement characterized by filmmakers' use of varying aesthetic strategies usually NOT prioritized by mainstream cinema. We first discuss our introductions to it, what …

In this very special episode, Dhruv interviews Sidharth Jain -- the chief storyteller and producer of "The Story Ink," India's biggest book-to-screen adaptation company, and founder of the production house that gave us one of this year's TV shows, "Trial By Fire." We discuss the conception of both his companies and how they both serve the industry'…

In this episode, Aryan and Amartya discuss the ending (and critical moments in Season 4 that led to it) of what they describe as "one of the seminal shows of modern Television." Everything from "The Sopranos" to "Game of Thrones" (spoilers for both!) to "The Godfather" films gets a reference as they draw these parallels to explain the tragicomic br…

In this episode, Dhruv and Aryan invite returning guest Ashwani Kumar Tiwari to discuss Anubhav Sinha's COVID-backdropped social issues drama "Bheed." Before that, however, Sanjeet joins them to talk about two other films directed by filmmakers frequently appearing in the "Special Thanks" section of every Sinha film -- Anurag Kashyap and Hansal Meh…

In this new episode, Sanjeet & Dhruv discuss Ari Aster's new nightmarish surreal comedy, "Beau is Afraid." We juggle between praising his filmmaking and critiquing his indebtedness to the many inspirations -- ranging from Powell & Pressburger's "A Matter of Life and Death" to Guy Maddin's "Cowards Bend The Knees" -- that overpower that very filmmak…

On the eve of Paul Schrader's latest film's release, Dhruv invites fellow cinema studies student and writer -- Gordon Glasgow Goodman -- to discuss thier obsession with writer-director Paul Schrader. Explicitly focusing on "First Reformed," the two talk about the unifying themes of his work that seems to begin at a point of hardboiled noir -- God's…

In this episode, Ahendrila, Dhruv, Amartya & Sanjeet champion the new Amazon Prime show 'Jubilee", directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. Delving deep into Atul Sabharwal’s divisive teleplay, the four discuss key character motivations, and structural elements that not only fit the era’s style in which the show is set, but also, metaphorically, recreate …

In this episode, Aryan and Amartya guide you through the entirety of the Wick-verse, mainly focusing on the latest installment, which they deem thier favorite. Plenty of detours are taken along the way, only to explore the varied inspirations for the precisely choreographed balletic genius of "John Wick: Chapter 4." From the Japanese "Zatoichi" ser…

In this very special episode, Amartya & Dhruv welcome back Varun (@cinephilestock) to discuss the rotten pulsating heart of Classic Film Noir. We begin by discussing the origins of noir in German Expressionism, then move on to extensively investigate its emigration to Hollywood and, finally, observe its mutability in the East. This informs the choi…

The QID gang gets together in this annual episode to comprehend this year's Academy Awards nominations. There's exasperation, annoyance, disappointment, and (some) acceptance about the merits and demerits of the most prestigious Awards Show for Movies. Listen to PART 2 (of 2) to hear our favorites not nominated in the main categories. We also discu…

The QID gang gets together in this annual episode to comprehend this year's Academy Awards nominations. There's exasperation, annoyance, disappointment, and (some) acceptance about the merits and demerits of the most prestigious Awards Show for Movies. Listen to PART 1 (of 2) to hear our favorites not nominated in the technical, acting, and writing…

In this latest episode, Dhruv and Aryan welcome fellow Spielberg fan and blogger Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) to discuss the comfortingly complicated magic of "The Fabelmans" - the Master's semi-autobiographical recollection of his filmmaking roots. Before reaching this (seemingly) final stop in the director's illustrious career, we try to rememb…

In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome two returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance) and Maheedhar (@maheedumb) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, Kolly, Molly! The four extensively disc…

In this episode, Aryan, Amartya, and Sanjeet discuss Shah Rukh Khan's long-awaited comeback in Siddharth Anand's "Pathaan" - the "template setter" for the YRF Spyverse. We extensively discuss the subtext/context that informs the text and how director Anand manages to (sometimes not entirely successfully) meld these with action sensibilities most re…

In this episode, Ahendrila, Aryan, Dhruv & Sanjeet discuss Netflix's latest, potentially best Indian Miniseries, "Trial By Fire," created by Prashant Nair & Kevin Luperchio. The four champion the show's largely unsentimental depiction of a real-life tragedy that keeps its focus squarely on its victims and thier families. Avoiding the cheap sensatio…

In this very special, looong, delayed episode, Dhruv welcomes back Devi (@film.trance on Instagram) to gush about both seasons of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's extraordinary series that is very close to both their hearts. Do listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the series's deep emotionality that has stayed with us throughout! …

In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, and Sanjeet (again!) discuss two newly released Netflix films - GDT and Mark Gustafson's stop-motion iteration of "Pinocchio" and AGI's auto-fiction diary film "Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths." Listen to the full episode to hear the three collectively champion the idiosyncrasy of one of these films wh…