All stories by ASEEM CHHABRA
Kohrra Review: Haunting
Rediff.com18 Jul 2023Kohrra is a terrific ensemble piece but the two fine leads keep show glued together, applauds Aseem Chhabra.
'Women in Pakistan feel like they are being watched'
Rediff.com26 Jun 2023'There's this presence, a sense of patrolling and surveillance. And it's not coming from a place of safety.' 'It's coming from a place of 'You don't belong here'.' 'It's a malevolent force, the society at large is observing them.'
10 STUNNING Films I Watched In Cannes
Rediff.com6 Jun 2023Twelve days of movie madness and 36 films later, Aseem Chhabra lists his top 10 favourite films from this year's Cannes Film Festival.
'Now I see who my real and fake friends are'
Rediff.com25 Apr 2023'It's everyone's dream to have their pictures show up on Google.' 'In the beginning, you're not used to it.' 'It's a bit weird and even now it's weird.'
When A Country Erases Its Film-makers
Rediff.com5 Apr 2023'The Iranians are very resilient people. So even when they are throttled, they try their best to survive.'
10 Lovely Stories From Across The World
Rediff.com24 Mar 2023Aseem Chhabra highlights 10 films that moved him, films that may show up in theatres near you.
Yes, India Shone At The Oscars, But....
Rediff.com14 Mar 2023India is shining, although I will argue that it is a temporary acceptance until India once again makes a mega-successful film like RRR or another beautiful, moving, documentary like The Elephant Whisperers, notes Aseem Chhabra.
'I knew my film would not have a hero or villain'
Rediff.com6 Mar 2023'Rakesh's life is hard, but he knows how to find joy.' 'He doesn't think his life's value comes from money. He sees no shame in his poverty.'
'Will I die without ever knowing love?'
Rediff.com3 Mar 2023'Love will always be a mystery.' 'The day it stops being a mystery it won't exist.'
'Marriages are going out of fashion'
Rediff.com16 Feb 2023'The point about arranged marriages is -- because I come from a progressive family -- the idea was completely alien. But I have realised over time that there are instances of assisted marriages working very well. If you look at it, really, in a microcosm, it is the same thing as Tinder, isn't it? I mean, if you are trying to meet -- yes, no, yes, no, no.'
Met These Wildlife Crime Fighters?
Rediff.com13 Feb 2023'I am a non-resident Indian. I didn't come to India to shine a light on its negative aspects.' 'I came to India to showcase what I think are remarkable aspects of India and Indians on a global scale.'
The Pathaan Review: A Naatu Naatu Experience
Rediff.com25 Jan 2023The underlying message is clear: Please do not question Shah Rukh Khan's loyalty to India. He is Indian, loves his motherland. And he will continue to entertain India for as long as he can, applauds Aseem Chhabra.
'It's also a love story about two brothers who fall in love with a bird species'
Rediff.com24 Jan 2023After winning awards at Sundance and Cannes, Director Shaunak Sen's All That Breathes has now been nominated for an Oscar in the Documentary Feature Film category.
The Banshees of Inisherin Review: Friends No More
Rediff.com18 Jan 2023People move on, get attached to other people, ending a close bond. But we rarely see that on screen, observes Aseem Chhabra.
Keeravaani's Gracious Act At Golden Globes
Rediff.com11 Jan 2023The composer thanked other artists for the making of the song.
Why There's So Much Global Love For RRR
Rediff.com10 Jan 2023Like Slumdog Millionaire, RRR will remain a one-time phenomenon until another big, larger-than-life, Indian film connects with the critics in the West, predicts Aseem Chhabra.
Watched These Amazing 2022 Movies?
Rediff.com31 Dec 2022Aseem Chhabra presents his list of 10 international films that mattered to him, stories that he connected with and characters that gave him a better understanding of the human condition.
Indian Films Aseem Chhabra Loved In 2022
Rediff.com28 Dec 2022Lovingly made, heartfelt stories that speak the truths about our lives.
'So Many Landmark Indian Films Are Crying Out To Be Restored'
Rediff.com13 Dec 2022'...and showcased in their original beauty.'