In Aftertaste of a Half-Lived Life, Barnali Roy explores the beauty of imperfection through nine poignant short stories. Love, loss, resilience, and rediscovery intertwine as characters grapple with fractured relationships, societal judgments, and personal liberation. The book captures the essence of embracing life’s incompleteness—finding wholeness in halves, strength in vulnerability, and love in unexpected places.
A nostalgic road trip to Kolkata rekindled my love for the city’s soulful charm, rich heritage, and irresistible flavors. From Park Street’s Christmas lights to savoring iconic delicacies, every moment was a celebration. Visiting childhood haunts, temples, and Victoria Memorial reaffirmed—Kolkata isn’t just a place, it’s an emotion.
The movie Mrs critiques the quiet oppression in Indian marriages, where love is overshadowed by domestic servitude. Through Richa’s journey, it exposes gender roles, casual sexism, and the struggle for self-worth. A powerful reminder that real love empowers, not entraps—urging women to reclaim their identity beyond the kitchen and bedroom.
In 2024, the writer aimed to read 50 books, favoring lengthy novels over short stories. Among her top reads were The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, A House Without Windows by Nadia Hashimi, and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. These compelling stories explore resilience, friendship, and life’s profound challenges.
2024 marked the rise of Malayalam cinema, with films like Bramayugam and Manjummel Boys showcasing innovative storytelling and technical brilliance. These films, along with others such as Ullozhukku and Kishkindha Kaandam, have captivated audiences with their compelling narratives, emotional depth, and exceptional performances, making Malayalam cinema a must-watch for all.
Sonali Swain shares a curated list of five must-read books for women, offering diverse perspectives across various genres. The list includes Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions, and Katy Brent’s How to Kill Men and Get Away with It, among others, encouraging self-awareness and reflection on societal norms.
Jigra follows Satya, a fiercely protective elder sister played by Alia Bhatt, who embarks on a perilous mission to save her brother from a death sentence. Though packed with action and sibling love, the film falls flat due to predictable storytelling, weak dialogues, and an unconvincing climax. Rating: 2/5.
Pronounced Guilty delves into second chances and societal redemption. Through the intertwined journeys of Vijendra, Dushyant, and Anusuya—each grappling with loss and stigma—it questions the rigidity of the legal system and our labels of “criminal.” A powerful narrative advocating humane reform, it inspires empathy, action, and belief in new beginnings.
I Want to Talk is a poignant tale of Arjun Sen, a successful man confronting his mortality after being diagnosed with only 100 days to live. As he rebuilds his fractured bond with his daughter, the film explores life, death, and resilience, blending raw emotion with humor to celebrate human connections
This article delves into the harsh realities of freedom for women, using popular series like Made in Heaven 2, Lojja and Noshtoneer to explore the nuanced forms of abuse that persist in society. Despite strides in empowerment, the article questions whether women are truly free in today’s world.
