Reel Deal The Quint

Saand Ki Aankh stars Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar, who are both in their early 30s, in the role of real life characters of shooters Prakshi and Chandro Tomar who are over 60 years old. I discuss why appropriate casting of older female actors is important in today's times and the relevance of the ageism debate in Bollywood. 

Writer-actor Parikshat Sahni, who recently released a book on his father, the legendary actor, Balraj Sahni, talks about the man and the artiste he was when the cameras were switched off. The book is titled 'The Non-Conformist: Memories of My Father Balraj Sahni'. 

In the latest release, Dream Girl, Ayushmann Khurrana plays the role of a man who is forced to take on a female identity at an adult call centre. From references to Sanksrit epics to issues of female consent, I discuss how writer-director Raaj Shaandilya's film fares from a gender perspective. 

Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles, often makes an entry at some of the most crucial times in a film's plot, often juxtaposed with violence.  I discuss some of my most memorable Ganpati Festival moments on screen in the last decade. 

Veteran action director Sham Kaushal, who has over 30 years of experience and has worked on films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat in recent years, discusses how the change in director's vision, storytelling style, special effects and big budgets have changed the way Bollywood does its action.

Sanskrit epics Ramayan and Mahabharat have often found their way into Bollywood film plots in the form of a stage production. From Ayushmann Khurrana's upcoming film Dream Girl to Judgementall Hai Kya and Swades, several films have found contemporary interpretations in mythology and sent out relevant messages on gender equality and fighting modern-day demons.