Sukhpreet Kahlon
Head of Research
Sukhpreet Kahlon believes there is a treasure trove of films waiting to be discovered and brought to the fore in India. She gave up her love for teaching English literature to pursue film research. She has worked with prominent film festivals and likes to keep her finger on the pulse of the growing independent cinema movement. At Cinestaan.com, she writes on cinema and various film personalities. She also makes sure she never misses a Diljit Dosanjh film.
Articles by
Review
White Eye review: An incisive look at the plight of migrant communities
Tomer Shushan’s short film portrays the struggle with one’s humanity when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
Article Hindi Marathi
Remembering V Shantaram’s first foray into sound, Ayodhya Ka Raja — 90th anniversary special
Released on 23 January 1932, the bilingual film was the first talkie by Prabhat Film Company.
Review Tamil
Kanya review: A visually stunning coming-of-age drama
Apoorva Satish’s graduation film captures the reality of growing up in a traditional society.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Baluji traces the indefatigable spirit and generosity of the blind sitarist
Baluji is an ode to a musician who embraced life despite the seemingly insurmountable hurdles in his path.
Review
Pilibhit review: Heart-wrenching portrayal of the desperate struggle to survive
The film questions at what point does one abandon one’s morality.
Article Hindi
Finally doing the kind of work I’ve always wanted to, says Shefali Shah of the web-series Human
Shah discusses what drew her to the character of Dr Gauri Nath in the thriller that was premiered on Disney+ Hotstar last week and the kind of roles she is looking forward to doing next.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Kaliru is a hard-hitting documentary on the plight of pachyderms in India
The short documentary takes us to the heart of the human-animal conflict and makes an earnest plea for saving elephants in the wild.
Review Hindi
Human review: Shefali Shah delivers a riveting performance in this menacing thriller
The Disney+ Hotstar series explores the murky world of big pharma and its unethical practices fuelled by unbridled ambition.
Article Hindi
It was like we were playing a cricket match, says Danish Iqbal on the making of Aranyak
Danish Iqbal speaks about his role in the web-series headlined by Raveena Tandon and Parambrata Chatterjee and his aspirations as an actor.
Review Hindi
Transistor review: Touching short about young love in the time of mass sterilization
Prem Singh’s film brings alive the plight of lovers during a historically agitated period.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Dayalu is a stark portrayal of desperation for survival in the city
The short film is an insightful reflection of society and the skewed opportunities it presents.
Article Punjabi
The story is very close to my heart, says Gill Raunta of Yes I Am Student
The Punjabi writer and lyricist talks about his debut acting role and the kind of stories he wants to bring forth to audiences.
Review
Unresolved review: Hurt runs deep in this emotional family drama
Written and directed by Angad Bawa, the short film stars Rajesh Jais, Manasi Joshi Roy and Meha Kapoor.
Review
The Spell Of Purple review: Capturing the weariness in the long battle against patriarchy
Prachee Bajania’s graduation film at the Film and Television Institute of India was screened at IFFI last month and the Beyond Borders feminist festival this month.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: How She Moves is an ode to a beloved teacher and her resistance
The short documentary traces the inspiring life of Indu Mitha, one of the last remaining classical dance teachers in Pakistan.
Review
Shava Ni Girdhari Lal review: Mediocre rom com about search for a suitable bride
Singer-actor-filmmaker Gippy Grewal’s film is lavishly shot and produced, but the narrative loses steam after some time while the comedy is mediocre.
Review
Aakhri Buransh review: Migration and the haunting loss of a home reverberate in this understated film
Yashasvi Juyal’s film examines a range of issues severely affecting rural areas.
Article
He was a creative storyteller, says Rahul Rawail of his mentor Raj Kapoor
Rahul Rawail’s insightful memoir brings alive Raj Kapoor’s craft, dedication and sheer love for cinema.
Article Hindi
Remembering the unmatched grace of Bhagwan Dada in Albela (1951)
Even 70 years after its release on 14 December 1951, the film is testimony to the innovative dancing prowess of its writer, producer, director and leading man.
Article Hindi
60 years of Kabuliwala (1961): Balraj Sahni as the unforgettable Pathan in this moving film
The poignant story about a father's yearning for his daughter , based on Tagore's short story, was released on 14 December 1961.