harpalkhambay

‘Little English’ 2022: An Analysis

Pravesh Kumar’s British Indian romantic comedy follows newlywed Simmy (Rameet Rauli) in her attempts to navigate her new family, Britain and being deserted by her new husband Raj (Simon Rivers). Simmy has travelled to the UK from India for this marriage, and as a result only knows a ‘Little English,’ as referenced by the film’sContinue reading “‘Little English’ 2022: An Analysis”

‘Kaur’ 2022: An Analysis

Short film ‘Kaur’ manages to start a complex discussion by zoning into an intimate conversation between father and daughter. Not only does it shine the spotlight on young British Sikhs today, grappling with traditional and cultural ideas, but it also puts a feminist spin on the debate by centring around a young woman, Avani, andContinue reading “‘Kaur’ 2022: An Analysis”

‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ – Fact and Fiction

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s long awaited Netflix series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ is set during the fight for Indian independence, and follows the lives of several tawaifs, in the title district in Lahore. While the series looks incredible and replicates the period detail of Bhansali’s other critically acclaimed works, I would argue that the real lifeContinue reading “‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ – Fact and Fiction”

‘EastEnders:’ Tackling Racism on Screen

Since January, EastEnders have been building a story about racism surrounding George Knight and his adoptive parents Eddie and Gloria Knight. At the beginning Eddie’s racial biases were hinted at, while his and Gloria’s motivations were unclear. It is only recently that George has learnt that his adoptive father Eddie is on trial for theContinue reading “‘EastEnders:’ Tackling Racism on Screen”

Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ 2024: Representation, Reflection and Progression

When I spotted that Avantika Vandanapu, known professionally as Avantika, had joined the cast of 2024’s musical ‘Mean Girls,’ I admit that I was surprised. Although it is less rare to see South Asian actors in Hollywood roles than previously, it is still rarer to see them in leading roles. I was also surprised atContinue reading “Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ 2024: Representation, Reflection and Progression”

‘Nagina’ 1986: An Analysis

‘Nagina,’ was released in 1986 and is now seen as a watershed moment in Indian cinema. Sridevi’s turn as Rajni, an ichchadhari naagin, proved that a woman-centric move could be a commercial success. The film centres around the relationship between Rajni and Rajiv, played by Rishi Kapoor, as they battle against Amrish Puri’s villainous BhaironContinue reading “‘Nagina’ 1986: An Analysis”

‘Barbie’ 2023: An Analysis

Hi Barbie! Barbie is well on its way to being the highest grossing film of 2023, and along with Oppenheimer, is probably the most talked about. I was not sure what to expect when I saw the film, but in retrospect I see it as a smart, satirical almost coming of age story that managesContinue reading “‘Barbie’ 2023: An Analysis”

Rani Padmavati: In Film and Literature

Rani Padmavati is a legendary Rajput Hindu queen. Her story has been most recently bought to modern audiences by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, in his 2018 film ‘Padmaavat,’ which still remains one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. It tells the story of Rani Padmavati, and focuses on the war that her husband, RatanContinue reading “Rani Padmavati: In Film and Literature”

Panjabi Representation in ‘Eastenders’: The Panesars

When EastEnders announced that they were introducing a Sikh Panjabi family in 2019 I will admit that I was surprised. Usually, Asian characters and/or families on screen were either Hindu or Muslim. When I was younger, if I did not fit into the category of Hindu or Muslim then people would be at a loss,Continue reading “Panjabi Representation in ‘Eastenders’: The Panesars”

‘Blonde’ 2022: Some Thoughts

Andrew Dominik’s latest film, ‘Blonde,’ centres around the life of Marilyn Monroe, and since its release it has caused some serious controversy. Generally critics are mixed in their reviews of the film, of which the defining feature seems to be Ana de Armas’s visceral, if not slightly haunting, performance. On a general note, the filmContinue reading “‘Blonde’ 2022: Some Thoughts”