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
Article Hindi
You can romanticize the dark, but we had to romanticize the light as it was so fleeting: Anandana Kapur
Anandana Kapur's documentary, which was chosen Best Film on Human Rights at the Woodpecker festival, examines the complex relationships between people and the state through the lens of electricity.
Article Malayalam
Indie films should find a market of their own, says filmmaker Santosh Babusenan
In a candid conversation, controversial filmmaker Santosh Babusenan talks about going overboard with censorship and the essential difference between 'commercial' and 'parallel' cinema.
Article Maithili
The foundation is very personal, says Achal Mishra of his debut film Gamak Ghar
First-time filmmaker Achal Mishra talks about the making of Gamak Ghar, which is winning appreciation at festivals across the country.
Article Malayalam
We come together for joy and put the Kazhcha indie festival together for pleasure: Sanal K Sasidharan
Filmmaker Sanal Kumar, a co-founder of the Kazhcha-Niv Indie Film Festival, discusses his vision for the festival as well as some of its shortcomings.
Article Malayalam
This is a do-or-die situation: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan on Chola's wide release in Kerala
The unprecedented release of Sanal Kumar's Chola in 145 theatres across Kerala is being watched eagerly by independent filmmakers as its success will encourage them to venture towards the box office.
Article Malayalam
Most people don’t watch artistic cinema because it is not reaching them, says Sanal Kumar Sasidharan
Speaking at a panel discussion at the ongoing Kazhcha-Niv Indie Film Festival, filmmakers debate over the blurring of the lines between mainstream and independent cinema.
Article Malayalam
Need to bribe Animal Welfare Board, only then will get certificate for Biriyaani, says Sajin Baabu
In a candid chat, filmmaker Sajin Baabu talks about the impediments faced by him in releasing his latest film, Biriyaani.
Article Bengali Hindi 1 more
One thought making a good film was enough, but it’s not: Saurav Rai on hurdles faced by filmmakers
At a panel discussion at the Kazhcha-Niv Indie Film Festival, filmmakers lamented the state of premier festivals in the country, where space for independent filmmakers seems to be shrinking.
Article Kannada Malayalam
We hope our message gets through: Filmmaker Jiju Antony on 3rd edition of KIFF 2019
The Kazhcha-Niv Indie Film Festival (KIFF) began with a hall packed with an eager audience that welcomed another edition of this festival that continues to break conventional norms.
Article Hindi
This screening of Bhor is very emotional for me: Kamakhya Narayan Singh at Woodpecker closing
The filmmaker recalled the time he had spent in the national capital as a student with fondness and thanked all those who had been a part of his journey.
Article German
To change a world, everybody has to look to themselves: Andreas Ewels on the importance of awareness
Journalist and filmmaker Andreas Ewels talks about his documentary on the darker aspects of vanilla production and the ways in which films about the environment need to create awareness, leading to responsible choices and action.
Article Hindi
Jwar Bhata (1944): When Dilip Kumar's performance got him a zero
On the 75th anniversary of the release of Jwar Bhata, Dilip Kumar’s debut film, we look at the legendary actor's shaky beginnings that eventually congealed into a luminous career through determined effort.
Article Hindi Malayalam 1 more
Lots of stupidity, lots of blunders and survived 40 years, says filmmaker Priyadarshan on his career
At the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the filmmaker sat down for a candid chat with the audience and spoke about his beginnings in cinema and the influences that shaped the films he made over a span of three decades.
Article Hindi
My USP is that people can relate to me: Taapsee Pannu on what sets her apart in Hindi cinema
In a session held today at the ongoing golden jubilee edition of IFFI, she discussed her criteria for selecting scripts with moderator Madhureeta Mukherjee.
Article Malayalam
Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s Chola to be released in Kerala on 6 December
Chola was premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival and won two Kerala State awards for its artistes.
Article Hindi
He did not believe in borders: Syeda Hameed remembers uncle KA Abbas
On the 50th anniversary of the release of Amitabh Bachchan's debut film Saat Hindustani (1969), social and women’s rights activist and writer Syeda Hameed elucidates its relevance in contemporary times.
Review Punjabi
Daaka review: Exciting heist film that leaves one in splits
The film starring Gippy Grewal and Zareen Khan is an enjoyable watch despite the stretched narrative.
Article Hindi
50 years of Aradhana: Ashim Samanta on the incredible story behind the making
Filmmaker Shakti Samanta's son Ashim, a schoolboy in 1969, recalls the making of the film and its premiere.
Article Hindi
A dramatic shift in image: Remembering Nanda's negative role in Ittefaq (1969)
On the 50th anniversary of the experimental film Ittefaq (released on 4 October 1969), we take a look at what was a most unusual role for the film's lead actress Nanda.
Article English (India) Tamil
There is an emergency for this conversation to happen: Priya Thuvassery on Coral Woman
Priya Thuvassery's film traces the unusual journey of Uma Mani, a diver and painter, who works to create awareness about the precarious situation of coral reefs off the country's coast.