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
Cinestaan Curates: Folklore, myth and a love for stories come together in Kandittund!
Adithi Krishnadas’s animated film captures the fascinating personality of a man with a fertile imagination.
Review
Unlocking Desires review: Intimate portrayal of women’s sexuality and desires
The use of animation in the short documentary enables an anonymity which is vital to the subject, but it also makes the viewer focus on the words and experiences being narrated.
Article Hindi Marathi
We have not really made good horror films in Hindi cinema, says Vishal Furia
The writer-director talks about his love for the genre and his latest release Chhorii (2021).
Review
Teeja Punjab review: Resistance and collective action are the heroes in this tangled social drama
Directed by Amberdeep Singh, the film depicts how the farmers’ protests fuel change in a small village.
Review
Chhorii review: An uneven film about the horrors of patriarchy
Directed by Vishal Furia, the film stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saurabh Goyal and Mita Vashisht.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Khabsurat is a nuanced depiction of patriarchy in our daily lives
Ashutosh Pathak’s short film is being screened at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal in Canada.
Article Hindi
He worked like a newcomer, says Shubham Singh on directing Prakash Jha
The filmmaker opens up about his award-winning film Highway Nights, which will be released in theatres in Los Angeles in December.
Review
Badlaav Republic review: Bringing about change through education and skill development
Manahar Kumar’s short documentary explores the work done by the NGO Chhoti Si Asha.
Article
The purpose is to create connections, build bridges, says SAFF Montreal director Syeda Bukhari
The South Asian Film Festival of Montréal in Canada is being held in hybrid format this year from 19–28 November.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Kulsummante Perakutty reminds us not to judge a book by its cover
Love blossoms in the most unexpected places in Rini Salam’s short Malayalam-language film.
Review
Warning review: Ambitious, long-winding, bloody saga of vengeance
Prince Kanwal Jit Singh shines in this otherwise unimpressive film which lacks depth and is hobbled by inconsistent performances.
Review Haryanvi
Laila Aur Satt Geet review: Poetic, political meditation on a woman's agency
Pushpendra Singh’s film is a visually mesmerizing work that contemplates the predicament of Kashmir.
Review
Succulent review: A profound look at human affection in a dystopian future
Amrita Bagchi’s short film raises philosophical questions about human companionship and navigating loneliness.
Review
Khee review: Raising awareness about increasing stray dog menace in Ladakh
The short documentary was screened as part of the Dharamshala International Film Festival.
Review
Cinestaan Curates: Malota vividly evokes a child’s innocence and concerns
The short film, directed by Krishan Hooda, offers a comment on the education system in India.
Review
Fuffad Ji review: Family entertainer with fresh storyline and notable performances
Binnu Dhillon and Gurnam Bhullar offer an amusing tussle of male egos in this enjoyable family drama.
Article Hindi
Revisiting Mere Apne (1971): Gulzar’s directorial debut about disillusioned youth resonates even today
The film, released 50 years ago, starred Meena Kumari, Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha.
Review Hindi
Cinestaan Curates: Itwaar is an endearing story about the highs and lows of a typical Indian family
Directed by Rahul Srivastava, the short film stars Kumud Mishra and Lubna Salim.
Review Punjabi
Paani Ch Madhaani review: Entertainer with a fresh, imaginative story and powerful message
Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and starring Gippy Grewal and Neeru Bajwa, the film features an unusual story of the struggles of a music troupe in 1980s Punjab.
Article Hindi
Have been facing obstacles with all my films: Prakash Jha on ideology dictating art in India
The veteran filmmaker, who was recently attacked while making his web-series Aashram (Season 3), speaks about his turn as an actor in Shubham Singh’s short film Highway Nights.