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 Malayalam
1956, Central Travancore review: A meditative exploration of the enchantment of stories
Don Palathara's anthropological film foregrounds the meaning and power of stories, exploring the art of storytelling and its centrality in our lives.
Article Hindi
He was a composer’s composer, says Robin Varma about his uncle, Jaidev – Birth anniversary special
On Jaidev's birth anniversary today, his only sister's son Ravinder aka Robin Varma shares some early memories of the legendary music composer.
Review Hindi
Cinestaan Curates: Happy Birthday Mummyji is about finding some breathing space in a stifling life
The film has been written and directed by popular actress Shefali Shah who also plays the only character in it.
Article Punjabi
Puaada song 'Paunda Boliyaan': Catchy, happy number featuring Ammy Virk’s effortless dance moves
The Punjabi-language feature is set to be released in cinemas on 12 August.
Review Tamil
Rettai Jadai review: A heart-warming tale of sisterhood
The Tamil short delves into the friendship between two girls who stand by each other.
Article Hindi
Revisiting Kalyug (1981): An intense inter-generational film reconfigured for modern times
Even 40 years after its release, Shyam Benegal’s ambitious film remains a compelling watch despite its shortcomings.
Review Malayalam
Cinestaan Curates: Sha Sa Ha is an attempt at rebuilding and finding oneself through adversity
The docu-fiction emphasizes the need to find new ways of navigating an altered world.
Article
No chance of revival unless Hindi film industry starts working on content, says owner of Shimla's sole single-screen theatre
The exhibitor, who has been paying maintenance bills and staff salaries from his own pocket amid the pandemic, remains optimistic about audiences flocking to cinema halls again.
Article English
Want to see the world through the female lens, says filmmaker Jeneffa Soldatic
Soldatic's short film The Honey Makers explores themes of displacement and the struggle to make one’s home in an alien land.
Review Malayalam
Cinestaan Curates: Examining isolation and patriarchy in Kallante Daivam
Devi PV’s short film is a clever critique of patriarchy woven in through religion, with a neat twist at the end.
Article
I like to be ambiguous as an artist, says Brazilian filmmaker Gustavo Milan
In an exclusive interview, the lawyer-turned-filmmaker talks about his award-winning short film Seiva Bruta.
Review English
Creative Artist Of India review: Revelatory film that offers a peek into the fascinating mind of Satyajit Ray
A must-watch for fans of the auteur, the short documentary, based on an interview, highlights his colossal talent and legacy.
Review English
BR Chopra: Milestones In Celluloid review – Insipid portrayal of an exceptional career and legacy
Vinay Vairale’s direction does not do justice to the man who left a colossal impact on mainstream Hindi cinema.
Review Hindi
Cinestaan Curates: Bade Wala TV vividly conjures up the life and times of a film projectionist
The short documentary is an ode to a bygone era of film reels and the people who were integral to film projection and distribution.
Article French
What are the structures of power in the society that we live in, asks Vincent Toi in his film Aniksha
In an exclusive interview, the Mauritius-born filmmaker talks about his interest in capturing the post-colonial experience.
Article Hindi
Too hot to handle: The scene from Chitralekha (1941) that troubled the censors
While Kidar Sharma's masterpiece is lost forever, a surviving still from the film conjures up the scene that was censored 80 years ago.
Article
There are certain things only animation can do, says Weijia Ma about her film Step Into The River
It won the award for the Best Animated Short at the Palm Springs International ShortFest 2021.
Review French
Navozande, The Musician review: A poignant, exquisitely crafted love story
Reza Riahi’s animated short affirms the idea that a picture speaks a thousand words.
Article
My aim was to do something that would put Pakistan on the map, says 1978 producer Abid Aziz Merchant
The short film follows a rock musician whose occupation and way of life is threatened under a repressive regime.
Review Hindi
Cinestaan Curates: The Affair is a comment on the desire for privacy in the city
Released by Drishyam Films, Hardik Mehta’s short captures the experience of countless people in love in a city where private space is a luxury.