Queen is Dead - A Film, TV and Culture Podcast (Queen Is Dead)
Explore every episode of Queen is Dead - A Film, TV and Culture Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Jun 2020 | On the Cinema Experience #001 | 00:24:09 | |
On today's episode we talk about our first and recent theater experiences and compare it with our experiences with cinema on the small screen (which is not TV anymore).
\\Social
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| 10 Aug 2024 | BEST OF 2024 (SO FAR) #130 | 02:50:35 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Amartya invite Devi (@film.trance) and Adithiyan (@curioseradithiyan) to discuss their favorite films of the year (up to and including July) in a new format! Each of them selects not only their favorite film but also their favorite direction, cinematography, score, screenplay, editing, and performance of the year (so far). Like before, this discussion is not limited to any particular language or industry! And most all film discussions (barring maybe "Challengers") are fully spoiler-free! Listen to the episode, note down titles that interest you, and share your favorites of 2024 (so far)! TIME CODES Introduction & Discussion Format - [00:00 - 08:22] Favorite Performances - [08:22 - 39:20] Favorite Screenplays - [39:20 - 01:03:38] Favorite Musical Score - [01:03:38 - 01:22:02] Favorite Cinematography - [01:22:02 - 01:42:20] Favorite Editing - [01:42:20 - 01:54:54] Favorite Direction - [01:54:54 - 02:20:04] Honorable Mentions - [02:20:04 - 02:29:09] Favorite Films - [02:29:09 - 02:46:44] Outro - [02:46:44 - 02:50:35] Audio Excerpts used under the “Fair Use Provisions” of the Indian Copyright Act. 1. "Paradise" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdy2yY8nLjY. 2. "Ullozhukku" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iElmR97W024. 3. "The First Omen" (2024) - Demonic Possession & Water Break - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO-J_ttajjw. 4. "I Saw the TV Glow" (2024) - Bleachers Scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbibu7Y5OHM. 5. "Maharaja" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otcr-vRuaQs. 6. "Aattam" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UczdNpVB1I. 7. "Shri Swapankumar-er Badami Hyenar Kobole" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqTlTwWH67U. 8. Thaensudare, "Lover" (2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubk_MzyPVrY. 9. Premalola, "Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha" (2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH9ewNKSUhM. 10. Ishq Mitaye, "Amar Singh Chamkila" (2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwUV6AMd5cM. 11. A Time of Quiet Between the Storms, "Dune: Part Two" (2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igtwOdqboT0. 12. "Challengers" (2024) - Churros Scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GvC0-42F58. 13. "Civil War" (2024) - Trailer 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA4wVhs3HC0. 14. "Merry Christmas" (2024) - Katrina Kaif OPENS UP to Vijay Sethupathi about BETRAYAL - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyeXTFjJQtk. 15. "Aavesham" (2024) - Eda Mone Rengan Chettan Kanikkum Paranja Kanikkum - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsvzoeKIlNU. 16. "The Taste of Things" (2023) - The Kitchen Scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ5_6aqJ4Pw. 17. "Bramayugam" (2024) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55pzldrBRJM. 18. "Godzilla Minus One" (2023) - Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7DqccP1Q_4. 19. Evil Does Not Exist, "Evil Does Not Exist" (2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyIRZ3We4SA. Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Adithiyan: https://www.instagram.com/curioseradithiyan/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow us on Letterboxd at: Adithiyan: https://letterboxd.com/curioseradi/ Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 19 Oct 2021 | Some films we watched in September | Part 2 w/ Arijit Paul #027 | 01:26:38 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, Karthik & Arijit each recommend three new films/TV shows they watched this month. The diverse selections lead us to specifically discuss the docu-fiction nature of popular Iranian films, the understated stylisations of Ozu’s color-films, and the rocky recent output from Pixar. Most importantly though, Karthik claims that the best way to watch a David Lynch film is on an iPhone.
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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| 06 Nov 2023 | Mumbai Film Festival-MAMI | Part 2 | Kennedy | Maestro | Stolen #104 | 01:04:46 | |
In QID’s second in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan and Dhruv talk about what all they watched (and stupidly missed) on Day 2 & 3 of MAMI.Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Green Border,” “Stolen,” and “Maestro.” Long, non-spoilery discussion on Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy.” Also, featuring a one-sided argument about why watching films on a laptop is better than watching films at the NMACC from the Balcony. Chapters Intro — [00:00-3:30] Anatomy of a Fall — [03:30-10:20] Dhruv on "Green Border" & "Maestro — [10:20-19:20] Aryan & Sanjeet on "Stolen" — [19:20-27:15] Kennedy (No Spoilers!!) — [27:15-59:40] Outro — [59:40-1:04:45] Social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast | |||
| 12 Nov 2023 | Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 3 | Joram | Rajat Kapoor | Fallen Leaves #105 | 01:05:32 | |
In QID’s third in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about what all they watched on Day 3, 4 & 5 of MAMI.
Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Joram”, "Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa", "Fallen Leaves", Gujarati critical darling "Kayo Kayo Colour" and many more.
Also features, Dhruv discussing his sickness and how MAMI is responsible for it, Aryan's generic socio-political mumbo-jumbo, and Sanjeet falls asleep during the discussion.
Chapters
Intro — [00:00-5:30]
Sanjeet & Dhruv on the new Rajat Kapoor film — [05:30-15:10]
Aryan on "20 Days in Mariupol" — [15:10-26:10]
"The Beast" — [26:10-34:50]
"Totem" — [34:50-38:15]
Aki Kaurismäki's Fallen Leaves — [38:15-43:00]
Aryan on observational socio-political dramas featuring "The Burdened" & "Kayo Kayo Colour" — [43:00-51:20]
Joram — [51:20-01:05:31]
Social -
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
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| 02 Nov 2023 | Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 1 | Killers of the Flower Moon #103 | 01:26:09 | |
In QID’s first in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about their film festival experiences, why MAMI provides ammunition for the “Cinema is Dead” argument, and their non-spoilery thoughts on the first films they watched at MAMI. (Sanjeet and Aryan decided to include “Killers of the Flower Moon” as part of the discussion. That’s what we debate about most in the episode.) Listen to the full non-spoiler episodes to also hear our thoughts about Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist, But Boredom Does.” Chapters MAMI Experience — [00:00-4:00] Festival Experiences — [04:00-25:00] “Killers of the Flower Moon” — [25:00-01:00:00] “MAMI Day 1 Movies” — [01:00:00-01:26:07] Social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast | |||
| 26 Jun 2020 | Anurag Kashyap | 00:57:10 | |
In today's episode, we talk about a seminal director who changed the landscape of Indian Cinema as well as engineering college dorm rooms, the one and only Anurag Kashyap. We delve into his oeuvre filled with stories about flawed personalities and our first experiences with his work. Note: This recording is from June 3rd 2020. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai is out now on Netflix. We shall be reviewing stuff we watched online in the next episode, including Choked - HG \\Social https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba https://www.instagram.com/tejaa707 | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | Wes Anderson's Dahl Houses & Asteroid City #098 | 02:18:23 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Shashwat, and a special new guest -- Srilekha Mitra (writer for High on Films, Youth Ki Awaaz, The Red Sparrow, and other publications) -- talk all about the delightfully artifice-laden worlds of Wes Anderson. First, we discuss Anderson's auteurism, discussing its value (or lack thereof) in today's filmmaking world for audiences and critics alike. Then, we go beyond praising the infinite layers of surface beauty that cover his 2023 output to talk about their softly beating hearts. This includes a spoiler-filled discussion of both his divisive COVID-themed feature, Asteroid City, and adaptations of 4 Roald Dahl shorts currently playing on Netflix -- "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," "The Swan," "The Rat Catcher," & "Poison." Featuring an extended cameo appearance by *drum roll* Lord Sanjeet. TIME CODES ACT I (Wes Anderson's Auteurism) - [00:00 - 26:11] ACT II ("Asteroid City") - [26:11 - 01:03:56] ACT III, SCENE 1 ("Henry Sugar") - [01:03:56 - 01:30:56] ACT III, SCENE 2 ("The Swan") - [01:30:56 - 01:48:11] ACT III, SCENE 3 ("The Rat Catcher") - [01:48:11 - 01:56:23] ACT III, SCENE 4 ("Poison") - [01:56:23 - 02:11:28] EPILOGUE (Unedited) - [02:11:28 - 02:18:23] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! The article referenced in the ep: "Asteroid City: Wes Anderson's Film is Replete with Bekettian Absurdity" [Srilekha]: https://theredsparrow.in/features/asteroid-city-wes-andersons-film-is-replete-with-beckettian-absurdity/ You can (should!) follow Srilekha on: INSTRAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mitra__srilekha_ You can (should!) read her incredible articles here: LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/sri14 Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Shashwat: https://www.instagram.com/filmahole/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Shashwat: https://letterboxd.com/coffeebag569/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Stanley Kubrick's Ultra-Violent & Erotic Odysseys | Lolita | A Clockwork Orange | Eyes Wide Shut #131 | 02:28:16 | |
It's no longer Kubrick Month because we're late recording and uploading this and P4, but regardless, we're here to complete our Kubrickian Odysseys!
Dhruv, Amartya, and Hemant have spent the entirety of July (and will now spend the last week of August and the first week of September) revisiting and discussing 10 (of 13) Kubrick-directed films (the Horror and Noir films will be discussed in October and November, respectively!) plus one conceptualized and obsessed over by him but eventually directed by his dear friend, Steven Spielberg.
In Part 3 (of 4), we focus on three of Kubrick’s most overtly provocative films whose controversial nature and treatment continue to inspire heated discussions.
The least of it, perhaps, centers around “Lolita” (1962). Which is a shame, really, because Kubrick’s formal and tonal command – partly necessitated by the still-strong presence of Hollywood’s Production Code – remains masterful in it: he makes the triggering central conceit of hebephilia (strong sexual interest shown by adults in pubescent children who are early in their adolescence) consistently discomforting even when disguising it within the conventions of seemingly charming romantic comedy.
The opposite may be true in the case of “A Clockwork Orange” (1971) – undoubtedly the director’s most aggressively controversial and confrontational film both in terms of its content and treatment. Its anger towards the individual’s brand of ultraviolence and sexual deviance is outmatched by its contempt towards forced social conditioning that destroys the individual’s free will without ever actually reforming him. Kubrick – unsurprisingly – places us somewhere in between these two modes – at times, troublingly embodying the individual’s POV and other times distancing us from it, making “A Clockwork Orange” what it is – an irresolvable film of conflict that offers NO solutions.
Which is THE problem with “Eyes Wide Shut.” Well, for Amartya and, to an extent, Dhruv. They both find the film incredibly well made but tiresome in its provocative but incredibly prolonged dissection of a marriage, and especially a man’s supposedly certain perception of his wife’s “pure” role within it. Hemant tries to counter that – but much like Tom Cruise in the film itself – retreats, perhaps, because his wife (thank you, Aarti!) also concurs with us.
Listen to the full episode to hear talk in detail about all three of these films and end by debating the controversial ranking of our favorite Kubrick films!
TIME CODES
Intro: [00:00 - 17:02] “Lolita” (1962): [17:02 - 57:25] "A Clockwork Orange" (1971) : [57:25 - 01:36:39] "Eyes Wide Shut" (1999) : [01:36:39 - 02:14:51] Outro: [02:14:51 - 02:28:16] AUDIO EXCERPTS
2. Lolita (1962) - Teaser Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b94tzbyDV9U 3. Kailash Kher - Tauba Tauba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebceE8_aNoA 4. Lolita (1962) - A New Home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHqGIe8AZ1g 5. A Clockwork Orange 4kUHD - Rival Gang Fight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHK5d5a5HJI&t=45s 6. First Reformed | Official Trailer HD | A24 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCF5Y8dQpR4 7. Eyes Wide Shut (Trailer) | Austin Film Society - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDXSmhOQkk4 8. Eyes Wide Shut - Opening [HD] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaNk09usi4 Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Hemant: https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Hemant - https://letterboxd.com/ganti117/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio & Alejandro González Iñárittu's Bardo - The Sublime and the Surreal (or Shit) #070 | 01:13:17 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, and Sanjeet (again!) discuss two newly released Netflix films - GDT and Mark Gustafson's stop-motion iteration of "Pinocchio" and AGI's auto-fiction diary film "Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths." | |||
| 10 May 2022 | Discussing Badhaai Do | Jalsa | Sharmaji Namkeen #051 | 01:45:20 | |
Miraculously, all four QID members (mostly) agree about the merits and demerits of the recent Hindi releases on streaming services. | |||
| 19 Jun 2020 | Why Do Biopics Suck? #002 | 00:22:36 | |
In today's episode, we talk about biopics, the ethics, and the economics of making them, along with some of our friendly, relatable, and bankable banter aimed towards all you millennial friendz.
We come to pop culture with an Indian perspective and want to share it with the world. These are the voyages of the podcast Queen is Dead! \\Social https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba https://www.instagram.com/kaaaarthik https://www.instagram.com/baba_lebowski https://www.facebook.com/707ErrorFilms/
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| 11 Jan 2023 | Fleabag - Packaging Grief in Tears of Laughter #071 | 01:42:57 | |
In this very special, looong, delayed episode, Dhruv welcomes back Devi (@film.trance on Instagram) to gush about both seasons of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's extraordinary series that is very close to both their hearts. | |||
| 26 Feb 2022 | Approaching Indian Cinema from the Outside w/ Film Critic Mike McCahill | A Brief Discussion on "Annette" and "Memoria" #044 | 00:57:01 | |
In this episode, Dhruv interviews freelance film critic Mike McCahill (has previously written for "The Guardian," "The Reader's Digest") about what it is to watch and professionally review Indian Cinema (particularly Bollywood) outside of India. We discuss Mike's introduction to the Indian Film Industry, some surprising (maybe, shocking) films he likes that majority of Indian cinephiles don't, and strategies he uses to "sell" an international film to a local (UK-based) readership. Lastly, we discuss his two favorite 2021 films - Leos Carax's "Annette" and Apichatpong Weerasethukal's "Memoria." Do listen to find out all the details! ************************************** Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Subscribe to the whole Mike Social Media Treehouse - THE CINÉSTHESIA BLOG - https://cinesthesiac.blogspot.com/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mccahill-570a2943/ LETTERBOXD: https://letterboxd.com/mikemccahill/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mike.mccahill2 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/therealmikemccahill/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mike_mccahill ************************************** You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | Slow Cinema 101 w/ Matthew Cody Lang | The Turin Horse, The Headless Woman & Passing Summer #086 | 01:32:59 | |
In this special episode, Dhruv invites Atlanta-based singer, actor, and cinephile Matthew Cody Lang to discuss the hypnotic allure of Slow Cinema -- a broad, relatively new cinematic movement characterized by filmmakers' use of varying aesthetic strategies usually NOT prioritized by mainstream cinema. We first discuss our introductions to it, what we categorize as 'Slow Cinema,' and why we keep returning to it despite its reputation, in select quarters, as "cultural vegetables" cinema. Then, we turn our attention to three films, hoping to dismantle the idea that only movies with "long takes = Slow Cinema." Yes, we are discussing one of Slow Cinema's most emblematic works -- Belá Tarr's "The Turin Horse." But the other two films -- Angela Schanelec's "Passing Summer" & Lucrecia Martel's "The Headless Woman" -- swerve away from the stasis emphasized in Tarr's film. (At times, "Summer" even uses montage.) They still belong to 'Slow Cinema,' though, because they encourage, what we believe, is a form of thinking and feeling based not only on plot but on form and gesture itself. To hear us geek out about all this in detail, please listen to the full episode! ************************************** Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can (& should) follow Cody everywhere! Here are the links: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewlang7019/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/_matthewcodylang_/ LETTERBOXD: https://letterboxd.com/matthewcodylang/ You can watch "Passing Summer" officially here: https://dafilms.com/director/11919-angela-schanelec. You can read the book referenced in the episode here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/j.ctt1g09wrj. ************************************** You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | Michael Haneke - The Austere Austrian Auteur | Code Unknown (2000) | Caché (2005) | The White Ribbon (2009) #118 | 01:53:56 | |
In this very special episode, Dhruv and Srilekha celebrate the thoroughly depressing and despairing films of Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke, who turned 82 a week ago on March 23rd. Listen to the full episode for our spoiler-filled thoughts on these three movies and brief discussions of “Funny Games” and “The Piano Teacher," which we use to introduce listeners to the director's chillingly unnerving worlds. TIME CODES Michael Haneke's Auteurism - [00:00 - 14:15] "Funny Games" (1997) - [14:16 - 24:42] "The Piano Teacher" (2001) - [24:42 - 33:44] "Code Unknown" (2000) - [33:44 - 01:00:52] "Caché" (2005) - [01:00:52 - 01:19:52] "The White Ribbon" (2009) - [01:19:52 - 01:45:54] Haneke & the Lineage of European Art Cinema - [01:45:54 - 01:53:56] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Srilekha: https://www.instagram.com/mitra__srilekha_ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Srilekha: https://letterboxd.com/srilekha__mitra/ | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | Civil War (2024) - Useless or Useful Provocation? #124 | 01:43:03 | |
Hello, Hello, Hello! In our latest episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, and Hemant discuss Alex Garland's Civil War, which is now available to buy/rent on all OTT platforms. Using the film's increasingly divisive reception as a jumping point, we try to reason out its potential explanations; then, we center our main discussion on what we thought about the film itself. Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion that praises Garland's late-70s/early-80s-style direction and character work. But, also debates the merits and demerits of posing such bleak questions without proposing any answers. TIMECODES Intro/Random Chit Chat: [00:00 - 04:20] Alex Garland, the director: [04:20 - 41:00] "Civil War" (2024): [41:00 - 01:28:00] Outro/(more) Random Chit Chat: [01:28:00 - 01:43:03] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow us on Instagram at: Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Hemant: https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Hemant - https://letterboxd.com/ganti117/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ | |||
| 07 Jan 2021 | New Year's Special - AK v/s AK & The Nature Of Fame #004 | 00:46:27 | |
In this episode, we talk about the new Netflix release AK v/s AK starring Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap, a Hindi black comedy thriller, about a fictional Bollywood feud between a real actor and a director, both playing exaggerated versions of themselves. Lots of inside jokes on the industry and jabs at themselves ensue, as a kidnapping plot unravels in real-time.
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| 03 Dec 2024 | Is Gladiator 2 any good? | What is up with FFC's Megalopolis? #137 | 01:44:53 | |
Hello Hello Hello! In this new episode, we discuss two films -- "Gladiator 2" and "Megalopolis" -- directed by two stalwarts of Hollywood cinema -- Ridley Scott and Francis Ford Coppola -- that embody two different filmmaking ethos. Gladiator 2 is the quintessential Hollywood sequel to the 2000 film "Gladiator," winner of the "Best Picture" Academy Award that year. It's bigger, safer, and same-r -- directed by a filmmaker whose content on speedrunning through his filmmaking process to get the studio product out as soon as possible. "Megalopolis," on the other hand, is a self-funded multi-million dollar passion project, mulled over for 20-odd years by its maker, and made with the sort of bonkers sensibility only an old man who made "Apocalypse Now" can have. Is one better than the other? Or do both succumb to different kinds of auteuritis? Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help Follow our Instagram page: Follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/varunonfilm/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ | |||
| 12 Jun 2023 | Succession Finale - The Perfect Ending? #084 | 00:45:34 | |
In this episode, Aryan and Amartya discuss the ending (and critical moments in Season 4 that led to it) of what they describe as "one of the seminal shows of modern Television." Everything from "The Sopranos" to "Game of Thrones" (spoilers for both!) to "The Godfather" films gets a reference as they draw these parallels to explain the tragicomic brilliance of the series. Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled breakdown of the show's themes, motifs, and character dynamics that both the A's believe are central to its success. You can read Amartya's detailed articles on the show he references here: Episode 3: https://www.highonfilms.com/succession-season-4-essay/ Series Finale: https://www.highonfilms.com/succession-series-finale/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow us on Letterboxd at: Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 24 Mar 2024 | Malayalam Movie Round-Up P1: Aattam & Bramayugam #117 | 02:21:00 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Amartya welcome Devi (@film.trance) back to talk about two Malayalam movies recently released on OTT: Anand Ekarshi's morally complex drama/thriller "Aattam" (on Amazon Prime Video) and Rahul Sadasivan's folk horror film "Bramayugam" (on Sony Liv). Both films serve up narratives and, especially, aesthetic styles largely underexplored by contemporary Indian cinema. Reference points range from international—Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi and A24's elevated horror films—to local—legendary Malayalam filmmaker K.C. George and Rahi Anil Barve's "Tumbbad." But these films feel wholly original, either wanting to tackle thorny subject matters in contemporary society in thorny ways ("Aattam") or creating a new Old world whose order -- even in the wilderness -- eerily resembles that of our reality ("Bramayugam"). Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to know what we thought about each of these movies and how their superior quality makes Dhruv and Amartya want to tear their hearts out when they see contemporary B'wood movies. TIMECODES INTRODUCTION - [00:00 - 03:40] "AATTAM" - [03:40 - 01:11:10] "BRAMAYUGAM" - [01:11:10 - 02:21:00] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 23 Jan 2023 | Trial by Fire (2023) - Breaching Conventional Borders #072 | 01:18:52 | |
In this episode, Ahendrila, Aryan, Dhruv & Sanjeet discuss Netflix's latest, potentially best Indian Miniseries, "Trial By Fire," created by Prashant Nair & Kevin Luperchio. The four champion the show's largely unsentimental depiction of a real-life tragedy that keeps its focus squarely on its victims and thier families. Avoiding the cheap sensationalism that has become part-and-parcel of true crime series templates, the show, for them, gets at something that may have been explored before but has never felt as heavy as it does here -- the unbearable weight of injustice imposed by the victims' families (still) ongoing wait for justice. | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | Dune Part Two - An Epic of Scale and Substance #115 | 02:15:26 | |
In our latest episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Hemant, and Prithwish talk about Denis Villeneuve's latest science-fiction blockbuster, "Dune: Part Two" -- a film that Dhruv and Amartya were skeptical about because they disliked "Part One," and Hemant and Prithwish were excited for because they loved "Part One." Is there going to be a similar disagreement over "Part Two"? It seems not! We are unanimously impressed by Villeneuve's second part of Frank Hebert's "unadaptable" book, looking at it through many lenses—auteurism, blockbuster filmmaking, narrative continuation, and adaptation—and finding it hard to fault much about it. Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to hear us talk about "Part Two's" impeccable use of music and sound, its much-improved characterizations from "Part One," and, most importantly, its unexpected Bollywood connections. TIMECODES INTRODUCTION - [00:00 - 05:50] DENIS VILLENEUVE - [05:51 - 19:12] "DUNE PART ONE" - [19:13 - 27:01] "DUNE PART TWO" (PI) - [27:02 - 01:30:46] THE ZIMMER SHIMMER (ft. Hemant) - [01:30:47 - 01:39:21] "DUNE PART TWO" (PII) - [01:39:22 - 02:15:26] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Prithwish: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy Follow us on Letterboxd at- Prithwish - https://letterboxd.com/prito98/ Hemant - https://letterboxd.com/ganti117/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | Satyajit Ray's Calcutta Trilogy w/ Anisha Roy | Pratidwandi | Seemabaadha | Jana Aranya #063 | 01:56:47 | |
In this very special episode, Dhruv and Amartya welcome another Filmstagrammer they have long admired - Anisha Roy, creator of the Instagram handle Maze of Mumblings - to discuss a specific, less talked about part of a filmmaker's filmography whose other work is otherwise consistently discussed. | |||
| 10 Dec 2022 | Monica O My Darling and Qala - Style as Substance? | Upcoming Netflix Releases #068 | 01:24:44 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet discuss the filmmaking excesses of two recent Hindi features currently streaming on Netflix - Vasan Bala's "Monica O My Darling" and Anvita Dutt's "Qala." They talk about the merits of stylization to cover up for a lack of "new" substance and its potential limitations. | |||
| 18 Jul 2021 | Quick Thoughts - Toofaan #016 | 00:45:27 | |
Here are our thoughts on this week's next major release on Amazon Prime, Toofaan, the much-awaited boxing flick starring Farhan Akhtar, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
Please consider supporting the podcast and follow us on Spotify and on Instagram (@queenisdead.filmpodcast) for the latest updates!
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| 05 Aug 2022 | JugJugg Jeeyo, Chupke Chupke & Favorite Hindi Film and TV Comedies w/ Sudeshna Oruganti #056 | 01:10:28 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Aryan welcome cine-enthusiast and writer Sudeshna Oruganti to use Dharma Production's latest release, "JugJugg Jeeyo," as a springboard to talk about the state of comedy in the modern-day Hindi film industry. Using Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1975 film, "Chupke Chupke," as an example of a "clean comedy," they question if it is possible to make a low-stakes, escapist comedy in today's politically charged climate. | |||
| 01 Nov 2024 | Stanley Kubrick's The Shining - The Horrors of Everything (including Book-to-Screen Adaptation) #136 | 01:49:53 | |
It's no longer Halloween Month because we're one day late in uploading this, but regardless, here's our penultimate ep on Kubrick (one more for Noirvember!) and the final episode for Spooky Season! Hemant and Amartya have ditched Dhruv on his much-anticipated trip to the Overlook Hotel, but he's joined by two returning guests -- the perpetually disgruntled Varun and the perpetually enthusiastic Arijit -- each of who provides their contrasting opinions on Stanley Kubrick's most discussed film of all time -- "The Shining" (1980). Everything -- from the film's divergences from Stephen King's original novel to bonkers and fruitful conspiracy theories surrounding the film's layers of subtext to wildly contrasting opinions on the performances of the central cast -- is discussed here. All -- we promise -- in a civil and hopefully organized way. Major spoilers, of course, for everything "The Shining" related -- the novel, the film, "Room 237," and even, to some extent, Mike Flanagan's "Doctor Sleep." Do listen to the full episode to let us know what you think of the film (and the novel!), and if anything we contributed to its already endless discourse was of any value! TIMECODES Context and Crew Details - [00:00 - 06:39] Plot of the Novel vs. Plot of the Film - [06:39 - 14:16] Who Doesn't Like "The Shining"? - [14:16 - 16:04] The Opening Credits - [16:04 - 20:12] The 34-minute Long Set-Up - [20:12 - 39:50] Jack's Deterioration - [39:50 - 54:10] What Exactly is in Room 237? - [54:10 - 01:08:50] Jack's Escalation of Violence - [01:08:50 - 01:21:57] Final Thoughts on "The Shining," Stephen King & "Doctor Sleep" - [01:21:57 - 01:49:53] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast. You can follow us on Instagram at: Arijit: https://www.instagram.com/_tentinquarantino_/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/varunonfilm/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Arijit - https://letterboxd.com/nostradamus/ Audio Excerpts are taken from The Shining & Room 237 -- both of which are discussed and referenced in this episode. | |||
| 01 Jan 2025 | The Most Disappointing Films of 2024 | Disclaimer, Emilia Pérez, Agra & 3 more! #140 | 02:48:29 | |
Hello, Hello, Hello Dhruv and Amartya’s first foray into this type of episode – that we have consciously avoided up until now – comes courtesy of our new QID member and admin of our Twitter page (https://x.com/qidpodcast) – Cris (https://x.com/limjaeseven). Rather than simply bash films released this year that we unanimously hated, however, we’ve tried to talk constructively about a variety of films that have proved divisive amongst critics and audiences. There are some high-profile projects directed by well-reputed auteurs and critically well-received at major film festivals that left all of us scratching our heads (Emilia Perez, Disclaimer, and Blitz). But other films – like Jigra, Agra, and, to a lesser extent, Malaikottai Valliban – divided opinion even amongst the three of us. Listen to the full episode to hear a spoiler-filled discussion and/or rant on these 5 films and 1 limited TV series as we – for once – try to make a case against valuing the auteur theory. TIMECODES Introduction - [00:00 – 11:20] “Emilia Pérez” - [11:20 – 37:33] “Blitz” - [37:33 – 54:05] “Disclaimer” - [54:05 – 01:22:19] “Malaikottai Valliban” - [01:22:19 – 01:49:45] “Agra” - [01:49:45 – 02:23:18] “Jigra” - [02:23:18 – 02:41:26] Outro - [02:41:26 – 02:48:29] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast. Follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Cris: https://www.instagram.com/prdscris/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Cris: https://letterboxd.com/crislim/ Audio Excerpts are taken from the promotional material for Emilia Perez, Blitz, Disclaimer, Malakottai Valliban, Agra, Jigra & Eyes Wide Shut. | |||
| 08 Aug 2021 | Some Movies We Saw For The First Time In July + Q&A Answered! #017 | 01:32:49 | |
In this episode of Queen Is Dead, we talk about three movies each that we saw during the past month and would recommend. We also answer the questions we received from the latest Instagram Q&A.
To participate in future Q&As and for contacting us, follow our Instagram page : @queenisdead.filmpodcast.
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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| 26 Sep 2023 | Sujoy Ghosh's Jaane Jaan & The Problem with Adaptations | Q & A #097 | 01:21:48 | |
In this impromptu episode, Dhruv listens to Amartya vent about the recently released Netflix thriller starring Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma -- "Jaane Jaan." An official adaptation of Keigo Higashino's "The Devotion of Suspect X," Ghosh's film deviates significantly from its source material, squandering the novel's tragic emotionality without adding anything significant of its own to Higashino's story. Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion of "Jaane Jaan" and our answers to the great questions about adaptations and film criticism sent by our listeners on Instagram! TIMECODES Introduction: [00:00 - 01:32] Q & A: [01:33 - 18:48] "Jaane Jaan": [18:49 - 01:21:48] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can read Amartya's review of "Jaane Jaan" for HoF here: https://www.highonfilms.com/jaane-jaan-2023-netflix-movie-review/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ On Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Halloween Special : Japanese Horror #102 | 01:50:19 | |
In this special Halloween episode, Dhruv, Amartya & Simon discuss the explosion of Japanese horror in the late 90s and early 2000's. We discuss their diverse styles that all talk about the alienation caused by the internet boom thematic elements. Do listen for an in-depth & spoiler-filled discussion of all three films! | |||
| 10 Jun 2021 | (Not So) Quick Thoughts - Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar #009 | 00:48:38 | |
Hi! We are back after a hiatus, with an episode on the 2021 Hindi release Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, directed by Dibakar Bannerjee, starring Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. This episode was recorded a few months back, shortly after Sandeep was released in theatres. The film, following its release on Amazon Prime Video, is receiving rave reviews online for its making, performances, and exploration of class, gender and other social themes. Joining us on this episode is a friend of ours, Dhruv Krishna Goyal, a film writer and cineaste.
Follow us on Instagram: @queenisdead.podcast
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| 29 Aug 2022 | Anurag Kashyap's Dobaaraa: Better than Oriol Paulo's Mirage? | Bollywood Cinema Today, Boycotting, IMDb, & KWK #060 | 01:36:15 | |
In the first, totally uncensored part of the episode, Dhruv, Aryan, and Amartya decide which version is better - the Spanish-language time-travel/murder-mystery thriller on Netflix - "Mirage" - or its official Indian remake, "Dobaaraa." By discussing both films individually and then detailing the minor (but integral) differences between the two films, they try to convince each other which version is the most effective. | |||
| 08 Jul 2023 | Nolan Noir | Following, Memento & Insomnia | Nolan Retrospective PART 1 #088 | 01:55:20 | |
Tis' Nolan Month! Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with returning guest Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock), and new guest, Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. In Part 1, we discuss the director's humble beginnings before he took on the "Batman" franchise. Focusing on "Following," "Memento," and "Insomnia," we chart his journey from low-budget indie films to studio indie films that signal a shift in his filmmaking sensibility. The three things that remain consistent, though, are -- (1) his experimentations with time, (2) his film noir inspirations, and (3) his belief in lying (or deception) as a fundamental truth. Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss all this whilst trying not to talk about "Ghajini," Terrence Malick, and "Dhoom 3." TIME CODES Introduction: [00:00 - 07:53] "Following" (1998) : [07:54 - 29:33] Deviation No. 1 - Theatrical Experiences: [29:34 - 33:20] "Memento" (2000) : [33:21 - 01:04:14] "Insomnia" (2002) : [01:04:15 - 01:29:23] Deviation No. 2 - The Nolan Complex(ity): [01:29:24 - 01:37:44] Nolan's Early Inspirations & Later Imitators: [01:37:45 - 01:55:20] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Please follow Varun's awesome blog! Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/ You can also follow Varun at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/ You can follow Prithwish at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 28 May 2023 | Decoding Beau is Afraid (?) #082 | 00:51:33 | |
In this new episode, Sanjeet & Dhruv discuss Ari Aster's new nightmarish surreal comedy, "Beau is Afraid." We juggle between praising his filmmaking and critiquing his indebtedness to the many inspirations -- ranging from Powell & Pressburger's "A Matter of Life and Death" to Guy Maddin's "Cowards Bend The Knees" -- that overpower that very filmmaking. Dhruv remains annoyed (as usual) by the film's never-ending runtime, and Sanjeet mentions the word interesting more than 6 times throughout the recording.
Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the interesting-ness of Ari Aster's therapy session that we paid money to see in the CINEMA. Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can follow on our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow us on Instagram at: Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ | |||
| 06 Feb 2022 | Best Indian Films of 2021 #040 | 01:20:36 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Amartya discuss the best regional films they saw this year as Dhruv bemoans the lack of time he invested in them. All four unanimously agree on one film’s excellence that has sadly been buried by the Netflix algorithm. This episode was recorded before Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana landed on OTT platforms, which we all unanimously agree was amongst the best that released in 2021. Check out this episode to know more! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 25 Jan 2024 | Killer Soup - Overflavoured/Undercooked or Deliciously Tasty? #113 | 01:46:19 | |
Hello, Hello Hello, In this new episode of QID, Dhruv, Sanjeet, Amartya and Srilekha, discuss the new Netflix show Killer Soup starring the very fantastic Konkana Sensharma & Manoj Bajpayee, directed by common favourite Abhishek Chaubey. Uncommonly, though, we came out with polarized views, with two of us loving the show’s darkly delicious tone and the other two bemoaning its unnecessary edginess. Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss the show’s Coen-esque genre playfulness, and how it stacks up next to the slew of mediocre Indian web shows that have released in the past year. | |||
| 16 Sep 2022 | Brahmastra: Part 1 - Shiva - 😭 😡 🤬 #062 | 01:12:07 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Ahendrila, and Aryan share thier pain, anger, frustration, exasperation, and annoyance for the biggest Hindi-language film of the year. | |||
| 13 Apr 2022 | The Art, The Artist, and The Audience #049 | 01:15:21 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Amartya take on the never-ending Art vs. Artist debate fueled by the breaking news of two widely respected international auteurs - Asghar Farhadi and Sian Sono - being charged for two very different offenses. Discussing the severity of the charges leveled at these filmmakers, they get into unsolvable debates about the fine line between plagiarism and inspiration, the inseparability of auteurist art from the artist, and the dynamic role of the spectator. | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | Cinema of Rajkumar Hirani #111 | 01:43:24 | |
In this very special episode specifically designed to counteract the negativity spread by two QID members on our YouTube Livestream, Dhruv and Aryan — two self-proclaimed Hiranites — talk about the director’s pre-“Dunki” and “Sanju” output to celebrate his contribution to contemporary Indian cinema. Aryan does bring up “Dunki” sadly to begin our discussion. But we swiftly move away from it to discuss the gloriously heartwarming, crowd-pleasing pleasures of the Munnabhai films, “3 Idiots,” and “PK.” Listen to the full episode to hear us relive some of the film’s glorious moments while also making a case for the value of Hirani’s cinema of sincerity. TIME CODES Introduction - [00:00 - 08:00] "Dunki" thoughts - [08:00 - 23:00] "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." - [23:00 - 38:30] "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" - [38:30 - 59:45] "3 idiots" - [59:45 - 01:19:00] "PK" - [01:19:00 - 1:36:00] Outro - [1:36:00 - 01:43:25] Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow us on Instagram at: Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ | |||
| 03 Mar 2023 | Pre-OSCARs Blast(ing) PART 1 | Sound, Visuals, Writing, and Performances #076 | 01:33:36 | |
The QID gang gets together in this annual episode to comprehend this year's Academy Awards nominations. There's exasperation, annoyance, disappointment, and (some) acceptance about the merits and demerits of the most prestigious Awards Show for Movies. | |||
| 29 Nov 2021 | Some Movies we Saw in October + Q&A Answered #034 | 01:17:02 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite Youtuber, and fellow podcaster, Sanket Mistry, to talk about three films each that the three of them saw during the past month and would recommend. We also answer some questions that we received from the latest Instagram Q&A. | |||
| 23 Nov 2021 | Last Night in Soho - (W)Righteous Horror #033 | 01:14:48 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Aryan, and another returning guest, Vashist, discuss the audio-visual triumphs and the (potential) narrative and thematic shortcomings of Edgar Wright's latest release. Positioning Last Night in Soho as a brave departure from Wright's usual style, the three welcome the switch-up in style, tone, and genre while also questioning if the director needs to entirely sacrifice some of his usual tricks to adapt to a different film genre. | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | The Fabelmans - Steven Spielberg's Thorny Love Letter to Art and Family #075 | 01:19:51 | |
In this latest episode, Dhruv and Aryan welcome fellow Spielberg fan and blogger Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) to discuss the comfortingly complicated magic of "The Fabelmans" - the Master's semi-autobiographical recollection of his filmmaking roots. | |||
| 21 Feb 2021 | Quick Thoughts - Drishyam 2 #007 | 00:33:17 | |
We talk about the recently released OTT hit Drishyam 2, its relationship with its predecessor, and the film in general. Spoiler-less till we specify. Quick Thoughts is a new segment we are introducing just to encapsulate our views on a newly released feature film. Stay tuned for more.
Follow us on Instagram : @queenisdead.podcast
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| 09 Dec 2023 | Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (The Spoiler-Filled Discussion) #109 | 01:39:39 | |
Away from MAMI contamination, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite Varun and Hemanth to discuss "Killers of the Flower Moon" in full. Everything from specific problems with perspectives to why those problems are not actually major problems are discussed and debated here. Do listen to the full episode to get a detailed breakdown of what we thought of the film's narrative choices, lead performances, and Martin Scorsese's special appearance! Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Hemant Ganti: https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti/ Dhruv: https: //www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https: //www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | Andrew Dominik's Blonde - "Biopic" as (Exhausting & Obvious) Surrealist Horror #065 | 01:09:12 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Amartya discuss the latest Netflix release that everyone loves to hate right now. They try to review the film for what it is vs. what they want it to be—still, concluding that Dominik's technically proficient but painfully unsubtle approach fails to show anything that hasn't been shown before in shorter, more viscerally compelling films. | |||
| 19 Aug 2022 | Dogme 95 w/ The Bong Cinephile | Festen, Idioterne, Julien Donkey-Boy & Open Hearts #058 | 01:34:50 | |
In this very special episode, Dhruv welcomes returning guest Simon Ezra to talk about a film movement recommended by one of our listeners! We try to make sense of the origin of this Danish film movement, its absurdly strict rules (courtesy Lars Von Trier & Thomas Vinterberg), its flailing reputation, its influences, and some of its most seminal films. | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | Post-Oscar Jabs | The Ceremony | Extended discussion on the Documentary and Animated Categories | The Major Winners in the "Big" Categories #047 | 01:56:10 | |
In Part 2 of our Oscar discussions, QID members Dhruv and Aryan welcome High on Films writer Shashwat Sisodiya to briefly discuss (more like destruct) the awards ceremony before championing the Documentary and Animated Categories that were especially forgotten because of the Best (at least most noticeable) Male Performance of the evening. | |||
| 09 Sep 2022 | Jordan Peele's Nope - Intellectualizing the Spectacle? #061 | 01:09:26 | |
In this QID reunion, Dhruv, Aryan, and Amartya welcome back Lord Sanjeet to discuss a film that itself feels like a reinvigoration of the Hollywood spectacle. Critically, though, from a revisionist African American perspective. | |||
| 17 Mar 2024 | Murder Mystery Mubarak | The Last of Sheila (1973) | Gosford Park (2001) #116 | 01:53:16 | |
In our buildup to discussing Homi Adajania's "Murder Mubarak" on Monday (March 18, 2024), we -- Dhruv, Amartya & Varun -- discuss two similarly high-profile Hollywood whodunnits that have influenced Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" movies, which have subsequently become the template for any modern-day whodunnit mysteries. The rules of these game narratives may vary: if Herbert Ross' "The Last of Sheila" emphasizes its cynically overconstructed mystery mechanics, Robert Altman's "Gosford Park" undermines it. But they both use (or underuse) them to expose the rules (or lack thereof) of their respective wealthy societies in a way that goes beyond the fun mocking of the "Knives Out" films: the revelations elicit discomforting laughter that no amount of silliness can underplay. Do listen to the full spoiler-filled episode to hear us talk about both these films! We also talk about the whodunnit plot mechanics, in general, and how these films, like "Knives Out," play around with them! TIME CODES Chit-Chat - [00:00 - 04:12] Introduction - [04:13 - 09:03] "The Last of Sheila" (1973) - [09:04 - 58:46] "Gosford Park" (2001) - [58:47 - 01:47:48] Previewing Upcoming Episodes - [01:47:49 - 01:53:16] Follow our Instagram page:
https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 30 Jun 2021 | Is Netflix's 'Ray' worthy of Satyajit Ray? #013 | 00:59:53 | |
Netflix just released 'Ray', a four-episode adaptation of Bengali writer/director and auteur Satyajit Ray's short stories, on the occasion of his centennial celebrations. We discuss what we liked, disliked and abhorred in this mini-series. The series stars Harshvardhan Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao, Kay Kay Menon and Ali Fazal in major roles. The segments are directed by Srijit Mukherjee, Abhishek Chaubey and Vasan Bala.
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| 30 Jun 2024 | Queer Coding, Reading and Camp Sensibility in Bollywood | Karan Johar | Farah Khan #127 | 02:32:00 | |
Hello, Hello, Hello! In our third (of three!) episodes on Queerness in Film this month, Dhruv invites Queer Academic & SRK and KJo Fanboy Cris Patrick (@limjaeseven) to discuss the one thing he wanted to talk about most, the thing that in many ways defines his Twitter Page - QUEER CODING, READING & CAMP SENSIBILITY IN BOLLYWOOD. We emphasize the words "Coding, Reading, and Camp Sensibility" most because our focus for this episode is on films that covertly (or, at least, less self-seriously overtly) position themselves as queer narratives about queer people. This includes all films written and directed (yes, even ghost-directed) by Karan Johar and Farah Khan. But for the sake of clarity, we focus most explicitly on Johar's work -- "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (2003) for Queer Coding, "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001) for Queer Reading, & "Student of the Year" (2012) vs. "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" (2023) for Camp Sensibility. Listen to the full episode to first hear us talk at length about embracing Bollywood Camp (or Campy Bollywood) and its inherent Queer Sensibility. (We use Susan Sontag's "Jottings" on Camp and Jack Babuscio's essay on Camp and Gay Sensibility to form our argument.) And then about particular scenes from each of these films that help define what it means to Queer Code & Queer Read (or Queer Bait)! TIME CODES Embracing Camp Bollywood - [00:00 - 16:21] What is "Camp" (ft. Susan Sontag & Jack Babuscio) - [16:22 - 55:24] What's Your Problem if I Want To Queer Read? - [55:25 - 59:54] Queer Coding in "KHNH" - [59:54 - 01:26:53] Queer Reading in "K3G" - [01:26:53 - 01:52:45] Queer Sensibility in "SOTY" vs. "RARKPK" - [01:52:45 - 02:19:44] Planning a Future Farah Khan Ep - [02:19:44 - 02:32:00] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast YOU CAN (& SHOULD!) FOLLOW CRIS IN ALL THESE PLACES - Twitter - https://twitter.com/limjaeseven Letterboxd - https://letterboxd.com/crislim/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prdscris/ Articles & Research Papers Referenced in this Episode - 1. "Notes On Camp" (Susan Sontag). https://monoskop.org/images/5/59/Sontag_Susan_1964_Notes_on_Camp.pdf. 2. "Camp and the Gay Sensibility" (Jack Babuscio). https://comm350queercinema.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/camp-and-the-gay-sensibility.pdf Audio Excerpts - 1. "Kantaben's Encounter - Kal Ho Naa Ho - Comedy Week." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaIdJbfffTM&ab_channel=DharmaProductions. 2. "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDP1GTdo90A&ab_channel=NexusKhan. 3. "The Wedding - Student of the Year." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-El_iQ0i5Og&t=136s&ab_channel=DharmaProductions. | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | Shershaah - To critique or not to critique? #019 | 01:16:11 | |
In this semi-coherent, semi-rambling episode, Sanjeet and Dhruv briefly critique Amazon prime blockbuster “Shershaah” before delving deep into its discourse that, once again, massively divided fans and detractors. As non-fans, the hosts try to understand the immense love for the film while also bemoaning cultish fans who refuse to accept any form of criticism.
You can follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
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| 04 Oct 2024 | Kinds of Kindness & Waves of (Greek) Weirdness | The Absurd Cinema of Yorgos Lanthimos #133 | 01:21:24 | |
In the first (of four!) episodes planned for Halloween month, we're entering not the King-sized American genre worlds populated by slasher killers, raging alcoholics, and traumatized ghosts but a distinctly Greek one. This, as our guest, Panos Liakos (NYU graduate; freelance writer for The New Herald), tells us, is the "Yorgos Cosmos" -- built on exploring the tragi-comic absurdity of human existence. It's a style of horror/dark comedy that's distinctly Greek -- originating from the "Greek Weird Wave" movement, internationally recognized as a representation of and response to the Greek Financial Crisis in 2010. But its -- and especially its most famous figure, Yorgos Lanthimos' growing international appeal -- also speaks to its universal appeal: for who hasn't felt the Kafkaesque dread of getting crushed by a strictly ordered, almost automaton existence and then tried (and failed to) escape in comically absurd ways? Dhruv and Panos discuss all this by first talking about the “Greek Weird Wave,” then Yorgos Lanthimos’ eclectic filmography, and then his latest film, “Kinds of Kindness,” in spoiler-filled detail. TIME CODES Introduction: [00:00 – 08:48] Greek Weird Wave 101 - [08:48 – 30:42] Yorgos Lanthimos’ Cosmos: [30:42 – 49:00] “Kinds of Kindness”: [49:00 - 01:17:26] Outro: [01:17:26 - 01:21:24] ------------------------------------------------------------- You can (and should!) read Panos’ pieces on both Lanthimos and “Poor Things” here: 1. Poor Things: A Traverse into the Cosmos of Yorgos Lanthimos – https://filmbuff.org.in/2024/07/poor-things-a-traverse-into-the-cosmos-of-yorgos-lanthimos/. 2. Yorgos Lanthimos: A Journey from “Kinetta” to Los Angeles – https://daysofart.gr/en/news/days-of-art/yorgos-lanthimos-a-journey-from-kinetta-to-los-angeles-by-panos-liakos/. You can (and should!) follow Panos everywhere: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/liakos_panos?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==. ACADEMIA: https://tisch-nyu.academia.edu/PanosLiakos. ----------------------------------------------------------- Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast. You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/. Hemant: https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti. Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/. You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/. Hemant - https://letterboxd.com/ganti117/. Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/. CLIPS 1. The Lobster Movie CLIP - Choice (2016) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYpycAcxEBQ&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesComingSoon. 2. Kinetta Opening - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-fy4ujo2vs&ab_channel=iamtable. 3. Dogtooth Cat Scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhwzV5WV-Y&ab_channel=zoharbarkan. 4. “I Must Go Punch that Baby" | Poor Things (HDR) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jHDaheGc1E&ab_channel=HigherQualityUploads. 5. Kinds of Kindness Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGOL2_mI9Hw&t=4s&ab_channel=SearchlightPictures. | |||
| 17 Jun 2021 | Films Based On Football! #010 | 00:43:08 | |
Coinciding with the ongoing Euro season, podcast hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv discuss their favourite movies based on football, in this episode of the Queen Is Dead podcast. We also discuss what makes a great football flick, or a sports film in general, why many of them suck, sports movies made in India and much more. Jump in and listen!
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Follow Queen Is Dead on Instagram : @queenisdead.podcast
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| 11 Oct 2023 | Jafar Panahi's Post-Arrest Cinema -- Revealing Ecstatic Truths #100 | 01:53:55 | |
In this very special episode, Dhruv, Aryan, and Ashwani welcome Amith -- handler of the now inactive Mactacritic page on Instagram -- to celebrate the works of arguably THE essential filmmaker of our times, Jafar Panahi. The Iranian filmmaker, already known internationally for his docu-fiction work before his arrest, molded that aesthetic in defiant, perceptive, and self-reflexive ways post-arrest. The objective -- continue to reveal stories about people around him, which meant turning the camera on himself because of his arrest. Listen to the full episode to hear us first discuss the context surrounding Panahi's arrest, then each of the five films the director made during the filmmaking and travel ban he continues serving. The objective -- not only to situate these films within the context of Panahi's arrest but also to champion the formal excellence that the director often sneaks into his films in the same way these films have, sometimes, needed to be snuck under the noses of Iranian authorities to be sent to international festivals! Also, cameo (vocal) appearance by the great Werner Herzog! TIME CODES Introduction to Jafar Panahi: [03:15 - 11:36] "This is Not a Film" (2011): [11:36 - 38:44] "Closed Curtain" (2013): [38:44 - 46:45] "Taxi" (2015): [46:45 - 01:10:17] "3 Faces" (2018): [01:10:17 - 01:20:34] "No Bears" (2022): [01:20:34 - 01:53:55] You can read Ashwani's High on Film piece on "No Bears" here: https://www.highonfilms.com/no-bears-2022-movie-ending-explained-themes-analyzed/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amith: https://www.instagram.com/_amith.km.__/ Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm Ashwani: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amith: https://letterboxd.com/mactacritic/ Ashwani: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ | |||
| 14 Nov 2022 | Park Chan-Wook's Decision To Leave - A Digital Noir for the Ages #067 | 01:21:54 | |
In this episode, the QID gang discusses the head-spinning and heart-breaking pleasures of the Cannes-Best-Director winner! | |||
| 20 May 2024 | In the Mood for Hate (Or Humanism) | R.M.N. (2022) & The Old Oak (2023) #123 | 01:44:20 | |
In another long-overdue episode, Dhruv welcomes Sanket back to discuss two underseen films (both premiered at Cannes but got lost in the mix) that provide a depressing diagnosis of Europe and England's rapidly multiplying racism and xenophobia. Ken Loach's "The Old Oak" (2023) provides potential solutions to it; Cristian Mungiu's "R.M.N." (2022) leaves the decision up to us. Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion on the uncanny thematic similarities between these two films, the tonal differences that make them unique, and other films of a similar ilk that tackle politically charged subject matter in similarly explosive and nuanced ways. TIMECODES Introduction: [00:00 - 05:35] Ken Loach-Paul Laverty Collaborations: [05:35 - 15:11] "The Old Oak" (2023): [15:11 - 55:20] "R.M.N." (2022): [55:20 - 01:34:44] Closing Thoughts: [01:34:44 - 01:44:20] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can subscribe to Sanket's Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CinephileSanketFilmLover/about You can follow us on Instagram at: Sanket: https://www.instagram.com/cinephile_sanket/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Sanket - https://letterboxd.com/cinephilesanket/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 21 Jun 2024 | Queer Desire and its Arrhythmic Rhythm in Claire Denis' Beau Travail #126 | 01:35:09 | |
In the second of three (or maybe even four!) episodes on Queer Cinema this month, Dhruv and Cris rhapsodize about Claire Denis' formally groundbreaking masterwork of queer and post-colonial cinema, "Beau Travail" (1999). Initially, we planned to make this a 25-30 minute "extra" episode because Cris' recent obsession with the film matched Dhruv's unwavering love for it. But the film, loosely based on Herman Melville's unfinished 1888 novella, "Billy Budd, Sailor," about male camaraderie that gives way to envy and jealousy, inspires a much longer discussion. Everything from the film's Godardian influences to Denis Lavant's staggering central performance to Agnès Godard's unforgettably haunting cinematography is discussed in detail here, with Dhruv and Cris recounting numerous instances from the film that continue to prove elusive even after three or four viewings. Listen to the full episode to hear us wax lyrical about Denis' subtle lyricism and her whole-hearted embrace of fragmented, elliptical storytelling. These formal and narrative transgressions, we argue, are what make "Beau Travail" an unforgettable, radical queer text. TIME CODES Introduction - [00:00 - 02:56] Claire Denis - [02:57 - 08:06] Herman Melville's "Billy Budd, Sailor" & Jean-Luc Godard's "Le Petit Soldat" - [08:06 - 12:20] "Beau Travail" - [12:20 - 01:34:55] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast YOU CAN (& SHOULD!) FOLLOW CRIS IN ALL THESE PLACES - Twitter - https://twitter.com/limjaeseven Letterboxd - https://letterboxd.com/crislim/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prdscris/ Audio Excerpts - 1. "Beau Travail Re-Release" Trailer 2. Tarkan's "Kiss Kiss" (1997) 3. Franky Vincent's "Tourment D'Amour" (1991) 4. Corona's "The Rhythm of the Night" (1993) | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | Masaki Kobayashi's Anti-Samurai Trilogy | Harakiri | Kwaidan | Samurai Rebellion #121 | 02:07:05 | |
Looking for your jidaigeki fix after the finale of FX's "Shōgun" (2024)? Travel back to the 1960s and watch the jidaigeki phase of one of the most celebrated (and yet still somehow not as widely known) Japanese filmmakers, Masaki Kobayashi. All these films -- "Harakiri" (1962), "Kwaidan" (1964), and "Samurai Rebellion" (1967) -- take place in the Edo period (the early 1600s to mid-1800s) -- right after the explosive battles of the FX series. In this very special episode, Dhruv and Amartya spend the first half-hour contextualizing the timeline for both those aware and unaware of Jidaigeki films. Then, they make their way through the staunchly anti-authoritarian (hence, anti-samurai) films of Kobayashi that, piece by piece, dismantle what they so proudly call their "code of honor." Listen to the full episode for a detailed appreciation of Kobayashi's formal excellence, screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto's mazey screenplays, and composer Tōru Takemitsu's violently unnerving scores—all discordant elements that, when played together, manage to shake the towering foundation of the spick-and-span Samurai. TIME CODES Masaki Kobayashi: [00:00 - 06:56] Jidaigeki Films: [06:56 - 12:14] Samurai History and Terminology: [12:14 - 27:14] "Harakiri" (1962): [27:14 - 01:07:53] "Samurai Rebellion" (1967): [01:07:53 - 01:27:42] "Kwaidan" (1964): [01:27:42 - 02:07:05] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ On Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 10 Oct 2021 | The (In)Significance of Film Critics w/Hindustan Times critic Rohan Naahar #025 | 00:48:41 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, and Karthik welcome Hindustan Times’ chief content producer and film critic Rohan Naahar to discuss what it means to be a film critic today. We interview him about his life as one for a major publication before delving into the dwindling state of online criticism that increasingly seeks to propagate fanaticism rather than constructive criticism.
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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https://letterboxd.com/rohan_naahar/
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https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/
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| 15 Feb 2022 | Gehraiyaan - Productively Complicated or Messily Plotted? #042 | 01:10:46 | |
The OG QID members - Teja and Hemant - are back (at least for this episode)! They join Sanjeet and Dhruv to have a spoiler-filled discussion about the latest Amazon Prime release, "Gehraiyaan," that has initiated incredibly polarized responses. | |||
| 28 Oct 2021 | Halloween Special - Midnight Mass: Contemplative Horror Done Right? #029 | 01:20:35 | |
In this episode, podcast hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv invite frequent guest and collaborator Aryan to monologue their way through Mike Flanagan's latest, most personal project, "Midnight Mass." They briefly discuss Flanagan's filmography and his brand of "art-house meets mainstream" horror that sets him apart from his contemporaries. Championing his patient approach to storytelling and his little (to no) reliance on traditional jump-scares, all three applaud the director for pushing these tendencies to new extremes in his latest series that sharply critiques organized religion's dogmatic principles.
*spoiler warning*: 16:45 onwards
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
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https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
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Sponsorships: on for this episode
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| 06 Jan 2022 | Best Hindi Films of 2021 & The Curious Case of Atrangi Re #037 | 01:20:38 | |
In this episode, podcast hosts Sanjeet, Dhruv, and Aryan get down to talk about the best Hindi films in a year that hardly gave us any. More than the individual films themselves, the three discuss the declining quality of Bollywood films, and the sad predictability of the good films only coming from the people we usually associate with quality films. Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Follow us on Letterboxd at: | |||
| 20 Oct 2023 | Leo - A History of Violence on Steroids? #101 | 01:29:19 | |
In this new episode, Amartya and Sanjeet discuss the new Lokesh Kanagaraj film "Leo", starring Thalapathy Vijay, among other stars. We discuss what we liked/disliked in the film, championing the film for its decision to move away from the generic star vehicles that have been popular recently in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Kanagaraj's 5 film career so far has been driven by his unique directorial sensibility, but does the aesthetic of his universe still work for this film? Listen to the full episode to hear about our initial thoughts, expectations, and theories for the future of the LCU. **Bonus- At the end, Amartya also shares his quick thoughts on Srijit Mukherjee's (surprise! surprise!) new film, 'Dawshom Awbotaar'. Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can read Amartya's review of "Leo" for The Red Sparrow here: https://theredsparrow.in/film-reviews/leo-2023-movie-review-an-average-lokesh-kanagaraj-feature-housing-an-above-average-thalapathy-vijay-performance/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Sanjeet: https: //www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ On Letterboxd at: Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 31 May 2023 | Mainstream Political Cinema in Bollywood 2023 | Bheed, Faraaz, & Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat #083 | 01:40:25 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Aryan invite returning guest Ashwani Kumar Tiwari to discuss Anubhav Sinha's COVID-backdropped social issues drama "Bheed." Before that, however, Sanjeet joins them to talk about two other films directed by filmmakers frequently appearing in the "Special Thanks" section of every Sinha film -- Anurag Kashyap and Hansal Mehta. These three films -- "Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat," "Faraaz," & "Bheed" -- together reflect a specific type of leftist didacticism that exists in opposition to the right-wing films raking in cash at the box office nowadays. We discuss the merits and limitations of this brand of cinema, the divergent specificities with which each filmmaker utilizes them in thier films, and if some approaches work better than others. Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the three movies! TIME CODES "Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat": 00:51 - 17:52 "Faraaz": 17:53 - 45:09 "Bheed": 45:06 - 01:40:00 Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us, if you haven't already, to help the podcast reach more people! You can read Ashwani's High on Film piece on "Bheed" here: https://www.highonfilms.com/bheed-2023-review/ You can read Aryan's Instagram Post on "Bheed" here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs2yh3Pt64i/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm Ashwani: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ Ashwani: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ | |||
| 05 Jul 2023 | Rajeev Ravi: Senses of (Dis)location #087 | 02:08:58 | |
In this special episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite guests Devi (@FilmTrance) and Yadhu (@Immersive Cinema) to discuss Director/Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi's directorial filmography. We touch upon his style & characters that conform to generic templates but still feel consistently expansive because of his unique ability to project them through his varied experiences of Kochi's diverse culture. Briefly, then, we also discuss our favorite moments from his films and how each encompasses certain feelings attached to us personally. To hear us geek out about all this in detail, please listen to the full episode! \\Socials- Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance You can also checkout Yadhu's Immersive Cinema Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UuzqiKsfCGX7kVjt8HI8z Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
Yadhu: https://letterboxd.com/dehosure/ Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 19 May 2023 | The "God's Lonely Man" Cinema of Paul Schrader w/ Gordon Glasgow Goodman #081 | 01:16:29 | |
On the eve of Paul Schrader's latest film's release, Dhruv invites fellow cinema studies student and writer -- Gordon Glasgow Goodman -- to discuss thier obsession with writer-director Paul Schrader. Explicitly focusing on "First Reformed," the two talk about the unifying themes of his work that seems to begin at a point of hardboiled noir -- God's Lonely Man -- before transcending into another variant of it that's less to do with action and more to do with externalizing tormenting questions with no easy answers about faith vs. flesh and the (im)possibility of redemption. Listen to the full episode to hear us talk in-depth about his religious attempts at balancing "hope and despair" in all his films, his slight variations on the "Lonely Man" character at the center of each of his films, and how all this keeps bringing him (and us via him) back to Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" (1959). Spoilers for "First Reformed," "The Card Counter," & "Pickpocket." TIME CODES Introduction to Gordon, His Writing, and His Love-Affair with Cinema: 00:00 - 22:04 The Cinema and Writings of Paul Schrader: 22:05 - 30:39 "First Reformed" and its Brethren: 30:40 - 01:16:30 FOLLOW GORDON'S WRITING HERE: "Calendance": https://calendance.substack.com/ "Trajectories": https://gordonglasgow.substack.com/ Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow me on Instagram at: Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow me on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 21 Sep 2021 | In Theatres Now - Old (& Free Guy briefly) #023 | 00:52:38 | |
In this episode, hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv welcome professional software engineer and aspiring filmmaker, Vashist Thakwani, to discuss the newly released films in Indian cinemas (yes, they do exist!). The majority of the discussion involves a spoiler-filled discussion of Mr. Shyamalan's latest film, "Old," because it is near impossible to constructively critique it without revealing its many, many, oddities. Then, the two hosts briefly share their thoughts on the newest film starring Ryan Reynolds that Vashisht was fortunate to avoid.
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| 20 Aug 2021 | Best Hindi Films of 2021 (so far) #018 | 01:10:04 | |
In this episode, podcast hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv invite guest Aryan to talk about the best Hindi films this year (up till and including July). More than the individual films themselves, the three discuss the declining quality of Bollywood films, and the sad predictability of the good films only coming from the people we usually associate with quality films. Check out this episode to know more.
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| 21 Feb 2022 | Did Mahaan live upto our expectations? #043 | 01:12:36 | |
In this episode, podcast hosts invite Maheedhar to discuss much anticipated Vikram-starrer 'Mahaan'. The film is directed by Karthik Subbaraj and also features the likes of Bobby Simha, Simran, Sananth, and Dhruv Vikram. We discuss what works in the film and what doesn't. We also preface Karthik Subbaraj's filmography and try to put the film in context. Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Maheedhar: https://www.instagram.com/meh.eedhar/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Maheedhar - https://letterboxd.com/maheedhar/ Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Japanese Cinema 101 w/ The Bong Cinephile | Rashomon, In the Realm of the Senses, & Drive My Car #050 | 01:42:27 | |
In this very special episode, Dhruv & Amartya welcome returning guest Simon Ezra to discuss three films representing three different Japanese Cinema styles. They try to go beyond championing the maze-like narrative structure of "Rashomon," the fruitful provocations of "In the Realm of the Senses," and the meditative pacing of "Drive My Car" to contextualize each film as part of a particular style that it started or came to be a part of. | |||
| 19 Sep 2021 | Mumbai Diaries 26/11: Good, Bad and the RGV #022 | 01:11:47 | |
In today's episode, podcast hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv invite guest Aryan (once again!) to discuss the new Amazon Prime show Mumbai Diaries 26/11. They talk extensively about its many positives and its equally noticeable negatives. Before, as usual, ending up in another place all together, discussing the cult of RGV…because why not?
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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| 22 Nov 2023 | The Serial Killer Obsession | Se7en | Zodiac | Red Rooms #108 | 01:55:29 | |
In this somewhat unplanned continuation of our David Fincher "The Killer" obsession, Amartya, Dhruv, and Srilekha discuss two of the director's widely acclaimed serial killer films -- "Se7en" (1995) and "Zodiac" (2007) -- that shine more light on the psyche of those pursuing the killer than the killer himself.
Thanks to another podcast regular -- Simon Ezra (@thebongcinephile) -- our Fincher trail also extends to Quebec, Canada. The final film discussed in this episode is Pascal Plante's "Red Rooms" (2023) -- a technologically updated version of the Serial Killer obsession told from the point-of-view of a devout admirer ("groupie") of the serial killer.
Listen to the full episode to hear what draws us to such films, why David Fincher's films are such a major influence on this sub-genre, and why it is so tricky to emulate his style.
Discussion for all three films includes spoilers.
TIME CODES
INTRODUCTION — [00:00-06:30]
THE SERIAL KILLER SUB-GENRE — [06:31 - 19:54]
"SE7EN" (1995) — [19:55 - 57:10]
"ZODIAC" (2007) — [57:11 - 01:23:01]
"RED ROOMS" (2023) — [01:23:02 - 01:55:29]
SOCIAL MEDIA STUFF
More Serial-Killer Film Recommendations:
Amartya's HoF Listicle: https://www.highonfilms.com/movies-like-se7en-1995/
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| 09 Aug 2023 | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani - KJo's Return to Form? But When Was He Ever Gone? #092 | 01:17:10 | |
In our second (!) episode that's on all things Karan Johar, Dhruv is joined by returning KJo-Stan Jasmin A. Singh (@jasssipinkman) and a brand new card-holding member of the party, Aryan (@aryantalksfilm), to discuss Karan Johar's latest film that's (to our surprise/shock) being liked by everyone. We reiterate what everyone loved -- Ranveer Singh, his chemistry with Alia Bhatt, and the film's status as a "corrective" to Johar's filmography. But we also try to make a case for what's potentially lost in this KJo-directed film that shone so brightly in his 2000s films that RRKPK wants to update. Listen to this spoiler-filled episode to hear unexpected amounts of K3G gushing, KJo appreciation outside of RRKPK, and the cultural importance of his Big Bollywood Family Melodrama brand. Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Follow us on Letterboxd at: Jasmin: https://letterboxd.com/jasminasingh21/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 13 May 2024 | Malayalam Movie Round-Up P2: Aavesham & Premalu #122 | 02:14:04 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet and Amartya welcome Devi (@film.trance) back to talk about two new Malayalam movies recently released on OTT: Jithu Madhavan's high-voltage action-comedy "Aavesham" (on Amazon Prime Video) and Girish AD's tender rom-com-drama "Premalu" (on Hotstar). Both films serve up narratives that are largely popular in the Indian cinematic landscape but feel unique because their screenplays are shaped by rich characterizations, not elaborate plots. In "Aavesham," Fahadh Faasil's electric performance lights up the screen; "Premalu" is a carefree, almost experiential story of burgeoning youthful love. Interestingly, both films are produced by Faasil. We discuss how his productions' stamp on contemporary Malayalam cinema makes them feel refreshingly unique. Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to know what we thought about each of these movies and how pale Bollywood films look & feel compared to these films. TIMECODES Random baat-cheet - [00:00 - 04:13] Intro - [04:13 - 05:33] "Aavesham" - [05:33 - 01:12:00] "Premalu" - [01:12:00 - 02:14:05] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/
Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 02 Jul 2021 | We Talked To A Professor Of Film... + Kannada Movies 101 #014 | 01:07:00 | |
In this episode, we talk to a professor of media studies, Nithesh Kalnad, who has an upcoming film release on OTT. We discuss the relatively less talked about Kannada film industry and recommend some good gateway films to get into exploring the same. We also answer some fan questions from our Instagram stories' Q and A. If your question hasn't been answered, please stay tuned as we will get to them in our upcoming episodes!
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| 03 Oct 2021 | In Theatres Now - No Time To Die #024 | 01:54:41 | |
In this episode, hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv welcome die-hard (pun not intended) 007 fan, and film reviewer for High on Films and Popcorn Pixel, Amartya Acharya, to discuss Daniel Craig's latest outing as James Bond. What begins as an articulated, non-spoilery, discussion about the joys and exhaustion of his latest adventure gradually becomes more of a spoiler-y "articulated meandering" on the entirety of Craig's stint as 007.
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| 16 Oct 2024 | Horror Movie Catch-Up for 2024! ft. The Substance, Longlegs, Oddity, Strange Darling & many more! #134 | 02:26:20 | |
In our second Halloween-themed episode this month, Dhruv and Amartya are joined by returning guest Arijit (last heard in our “Elevated” Horror film discussion!) to talk about a LOT of 2024 horror films that have already been released and are available to watch online. We first go through a lot of titles we have already discussed in other episodes, asking Arijit to share his non-spoilery thoughts on them before talking about 9 (yes, 9!) horror films that we have randomly selected from this year. 5 of them involve non-spoiler discussions because at least one of us has not seen the film that's the topic of discussion. The Big 4, though – “The Substance,” “Longlegs,” “Oddity” and “Strange Darling” – are spoiler-filled discussions – delving into everything that makes them work (or not!). Listen to the full episode to hear more about general horror movie trends, what the horror genre means to us now, what sub-genre of horror films each of us gravitate to, and much much more! ARTICLE REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE
1. “Welcome to a new era of trans-authored cinema” (Willow Catelyn Maclay) - https://www.polygon.com/24132301/trans-movies-2024-i-saw-tv-glow-peoples-joker-t-blockers-essay. TIME CODES Introduction – [00:00 - 04:16] 2024 Horror Films Already Discussed – [04:16 - 19:23] 2024 Horror Films NOT in Discussion – [19:23 - 25:04] The 9 Horror Films in Discussion – [25:04 - 26:01] “Speak No Evil” (minor spoilers!) - [26:01 - 37:15] “Cuckoo” - [37:15 - 42:41] “Exhuma” - [42:41 - 49:36] “Sleep” – [49:36 - 53:49] “In a Violent Nature” (minor spoilers!) - [53:49 - 01:08:06] “Strange Darling” (major spoilers!) - [01:08:06 - 01:23:14] “Oddity” (major spoilers!) – [01:23:14 - 01:34:48] “Longlegs” (major spoilers!) – [01:34:48 - 01:50:02] “The Substance” (major spoilers!) – [01:50:02 - 02:14:46] Wrap-Up & Outro - [02:14:46 - 02:26:20] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queenisdead/support Follow us on Instagram at: Arijit: https://www.instagram.com/_tentinquarantino_/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Arijit - https://letterboxd.com/nostradamus/
Audio Excerpts are taken from the respective trailers (promotional material) of Speak No Evil, Cuckoo, Exhuma, Sleep, In A Violent Nature, Strange Darling, Oddity, Longlegs, and The Substance. | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | Best Films of 2022 (SO FAR) #055 | 01:20:11 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, Aryan, and returning guest, Shashwat discuss their three favorite films of the year (up till and including July). Not limited to any particular language or industry, this discussion gives you a wide variety of films from all over the world that fascinated us in ways that we had not anticipated. | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | The Films that Changed Our Lives w/ Cinetasticc & Simp For Cinema #041 | 01:22:02 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome not one, but TWO "Filmstagram" influencers - Cinetasticc & Simp_For_Cinema a.k.a Yash & Itish - to discuss the films and filmmakers that made them see cinema and the world in different ways than they ever imagined. This allows them to talk about some common favorites, discuss why they are so obsessed with some filmmakers, and mandate that 8-year-olds should be made to watch "2001: A Space Odyssey." ************************************** Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ You can also follow our guests on Instagram
Simp_For_Cinema: https://www.instagram.com/simp_for_cinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | Best Indian Films of 2022 | Vikram, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Natchathiram Nagargirathu, A Night of Knowing Nothing & many more! #074 | 01:33:10 | |
In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome two returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance) and Maheedhar (@maheedumb) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, Kolly, Molly! | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | Hammer Horror Films 101 | Dracula (1958) | Rasputin - The Mad Monk (1966) #135 | 01:24:48 | |
In our third Halloween-themed episode this month, Varun (playing podcast host) and Dhruv discuss a sub-genre of British horror films best characterized as a cross between classy and exploitation horror. (Think, as Varun says, "somewhere between the B-movie camp classics made by the Ramsay Brothers and Edgar Wright's "Last Night in Soho"). Treating this episode as our introduction to this sub-genre of films produced under the Hammer Production banner (which gives it the name - Hammer Horror!), we first talk about the origin of their horror films in the 50s. Then, we specifically talk about two films (out of a gazillion) that they made in their glory days of the late 50s and 60s. The first, actually very good one is Terence Fischer's adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, titled "Horror of Dracula" in the U.S; the second is Don Sharp's rudderless "Rasputin - The Mad Monk," which both Varun and Dhruv call one of the most "boring" horror films you could make on a character whose life is so full of incident and excitement. Listen to the full episode to hear us talk about why one of them works while the other doesn't and what exactly is the appeal (and limitation) of Hammer Horror films today! TIMECODES The History of Hammer Productions - [00:00 - 11:32] Dracula (1958) - [11:33 - 47:51] Rasputin - The Mad Monk (1966) - [47:52 - 01:17:18] Outro & B'wood Nonsense - [01:17:19 - 01:24:48] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queenisdead/support Follow us on Instagram at: Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/varunonfilm/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Audio Excerpts are taken from the trailers (promotional material) of Dracula (1958) and Rasputin - The Mad Monk (1966). Ajay Devgn's voice is taken from the Vimal Pan Masala ad on YouTube. Satish Shah and Makrand Deshpande's bit is taken from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Ep. 39, which is also available on YouTube. | |||
| 31 Oct 2021 | Halloween Special - Some Horror Films We Love #030 | 01:42:00 | |
In this episode, Dhruv, Sanjeet, and Arijit celebrate the arrival of Halloween 2021 more productively than David Gordon Green and Co. did by cohesively (relatively, ofc) demonstrating their love and admiration for the horror genre and some of their favorites from it. | |||
| 31 Jul 2023 | Nolan At War | Dunkirk & Oppenheimer | Nolan Retrospective PART 4 #091 | 01:47:00 | |
Tis' Nolan Month!
Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions. Ashwani Kumar Tiwari (@safaed_syaahi) returns. And Sanjeet replaces Dhruv for this ep to take control of the exponentially increasing episode runtimes.
In Part 4, we look at two Nolan films set during World War II -- "Dunkirk" and the recently released "Oppenheimer" -- that provide thier unique spins to the traditional War and Biopic genres. Praising him for his ability to make both his least-talky and most-talky films equally compelling, we champion elements -- non-linear-screenplay, intercut editing, and bombastic music specifically -- that make these films incredibly different from each other without ever feeling that they don't belong to Nolan's brand of cinema. Listen to the full episode for an extensive discussion about "Oppenheimer's" merits and demerits as a piece of adaptation, its expansive scope, and its impressive (some not so much) performances!
TIME CODES
"Dunkirk" (2017): [01:50-45:07] "Oppenheimer" (2023): [45:08-01:47:00] Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Please follow Varun's awesome blog! Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/ You can also follow Varun at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/ You can follow Ashwani at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/ You can follow Prithwish at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ | |||
| 11 Feb 2024 | The Classical, The Revisionist, and The Spaghetti Western | Stagecoach, Winchester '73, & Once Upon a Time in the West #114 | 02:19:30 | |
In this very special episode, Amartya, Aryan, and Dhruv discuss the different styles of the Hollywood Western from its "birth" in 1939 to its "death" in 1968.
We begin by discussing John Ford's 1939 film, "Stagecoach," singlehandedly responsible for resuscitating the A-Movie Western for the talkies in Hollywood's Pre-War Era. It provides us with a broad template for archetypes and narratives that -- through repetition -- became movie conventions for reasons both good and bad. Fast forward to the Golden Era of the Hollywood Westerns, particularly the Post-War period -- and you see filmmakers like Anthony Mann beginning to question these conventions while still largely adhering to them in his 1950 film, "Winchester '73." The fondly remembered Spaghetti Westerns of the '60s push even further in this direction, with Sergio Leone's 1968 film, "Once Upon a Time in the West," simultaneously homaging the West and deflating America's constructed myths.
Listen to the full episode for our deep dive into each film and the historical context that defined their varied narratives and aesthetic styles!
TIME CODES
The Western and its Mythology - Archetypes, Narratives, and Aesthetics: [01:16 - 35:09]
"Stagecoach" (1939) : [35:09 - 58:11]
"Winchester '73" (1950) : [58:11 - 01:22:40]
"Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968) : [01:22:40 - 02:01:04]
The Western's Contemporary Manifestations: [02:01:04 - 02:19:40]
NOTE: The episode is in no way a complete summation of the countless films and directors whose works continue to influence Westerns today. It's intended as a (hopefully) informative celebration of a genre we love!
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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| 21 Jun 2021 | Did Jagame Thandiram live upto our expectations? #011 | 00:15:32 | |
In this episode, we talk about the much anticipated 2021 Tamil release Jagame Thandiram. The film, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, starring Dhanush, Aishwarya Lakshmi, James Cosmo and Joju George in major roles, had its online release last week on Netflix India. We discuss its strengths, pitfalls and general impression on us, along with our opinions on its celebrated director.
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| 14 Jan 2024 | Best Indian Films of 2023 | Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Sapta Sagardaache Ello, Jigarthanda DoubleX & many more! #112 | 02:48:41 | |
In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome three returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance), Adithiyan (@curioseradithiyan), and Yadhu (@immersive_cinema) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, Kolly, Molly! The five extensively discuss films that overlap -- a LOT of time is dedicated to lavishing praise on "SSE," "Nanpakal," & "Jigarthanda DoubleX." But they also make sure to pinpoint films that stuck out for them individually -- like "Aachar & Co," "Chittha," "Song of the Scorpions," "Falimy," and plenty more. Do listen to the full episode to know all the favorites (revealed via time codes also below!)! Let us know what you make of films included/excluded! TIME CODES "Ponniyin Selvan II": [02:42 - 10:17] "Viduthalai Part I": [10:17 - 17:08] "Purusha Pretham": [17:08 - 24:00] "Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam": [24:00 - 32:53] "Hostel Hudugaru Bekigiddare": [32:53 - 46:03] "Falimy": [46:03 - 47:44] "SSE Side A & B": [47:44 - 01:15:11] "Aachar & Co": [01:15:11 - 01:19:44] "Jigarthanda DoubleX": [01:19:44 - 01:34:48] "2018": [01:34:48 - 01:47:31] "Rekha": [01:47:31 - 01:51:32] "Thankam": [01:51:32 - 01:55:22] "Kathal & Kaathal - The Core": [01:55:22 - 01:57:33] "Chittha": [01:57:33 - 02:04:46] "Mahaaveeran": [02:04:46 - 02:10:02] "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani": [02:10:02 - 02:17:24] "Three of Us": [02:17:24 - 02:20:29] "12th Fail": [02:20:29 - 02:27:33] "Stolen & Joram": [02:27:33 - 02:41:16] "Aatmapamphlet": [02:41:16 - 02:44:45] "Song of the Scorpions": [02:44:45 - 02:46:54] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Adithiyan: https://www.instagram.com/curioseradithiyan/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance Yadhu: https://www.instagram.com/immersive_cinema/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at: Adithiyan: https://letterboxd.com/curioseradi/ Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/ Yadhu: https://letterboxd.com/dehosure/ Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ | |||
| 25 Aug 2023 | The Friedkin Connection #094 | 01:47:53 | |
In this special episode, Amartya and Dhruv remember William Friedkin -- the great American director who recently passed away at the age of 87. First, we discuss our introductions to his filmography, simultaneously elaborating upon his status as a critical 70s New Hollywood filmmaker. Then, we take a deep dive into 5 of his films, some seminal from the 70s -- "The French Connection" (1971) and "Sorcerer" (1977) -- others cult-classics from the 80s and 2000s -- "To Live and Die in LA" (1985), "Bug" (2006) and "Killer Joe" (2011). ("The Exorcist" is excluded because we will be discussing it come Halloween!) Listen to the full, geeky, spoiler-filled episode to celebrate all things Friedkin (plenty of the director's hilarious anecdotes are discussed and sampled throughout the episode!). TIMECODES Overview: [00:00 - 03:39] Introductions to William Friedkin: [03:40 - 13:43] "The French Connection" (1971): [13:44 - 35:41] "Sorcerer" (1977): [35:42 - 56:36] "To Live and Die in LA" (1985): [56:37 - 01:10:21] Dhruv's "SORCERER IS PG!": [01:10:21 - 01:11:50] Friedkin -- Late 80s to Early 2000s: [01:11:51 - 01:19:32] "Bug" (2006): [01:19:33 - 01:30:49] "Killer Joe" (2011): [01:30:50 - 01:38:56] Friedkinphillia: [01:38:57 - 01:47:53] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can read Amartya's review of "Sorcerer" for HoF here: https://www.highonfilms.com/sorcerer-1977-review/ Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can also follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ On Letterboxd at: Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 15 Jul 2021 | Malik - What We Liked and Disliked #015 | 00:50:17 | |
In this episode, we discuss the strengths and pitfalls of the new Malayalam film, Malik, an Amazon Prime Video Release, starring Fahadh Faasil and written/directed by Mahesh Narayanan. We are joined by guest host Rohit Satish Nair, a critic and film enthusiast, to talk about this much-hyped release.
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| 04 Nov 2022 | Ruben Östlund's Triangle Of Sadness - Sophisticated Slapstick or Sluggish Satire? | Brief Q & A #066 | 01:12:00 | |
We're back! | |||
| 12 Apr 2024 | Imtiaz Aaj Kal | Jab We Met Harry & Sejal | Love Aaj Kal 2009/2020 #119 | 02:36:47 | |
In what is undoubtedly our most publicized episode, we -- Dhruv, Sanjeet (!), Varun, Aryan, and Prithwish -- discuss half of the peculiar filmography of Imtiaz Ali. The first half of this first part episode on the director is dedicated to "Jab We Met" (2007) and "Jab Harry Met Sejal" (2017) -- two films that share titles and character traits but tap into their respective romantic (and, perhaps, even toxic) impulses in distinctive ways. The exact format follows in the second half of the discussion, which involves the two "Love Aaj Kal" films. Listen to the full episode to learn not only what we like/dislike about these individual films (disagreements and civil arguments aplenty) but also what we think of Imtiaz's films of "Aaj" (today) in relation to his films from "Kal" (past). TIME CODES
Matargashtiyan: [00:00 - 07:55] Imtiaz Kal, circa. 2000-2010: [07:56 - 30:29] "Jab We Met" (2007): [30:29 - 01:09:22] "Jab Harry Met Sejal" (2017): [01:09:22 - 01:53:27] "Love Aaj Kal" (2009): [01:53:27 - 02:14:13] "Love Aaj Kal" (2020): [02:14:13 - 02:31:11] Imtiaz Aaj (aur Dibakar Banerjee Kal): [02:31:11 - 02:36:47] Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast You can follow us on Instagram at: Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Varun: https://www.instagram.com/varunonfilm/ Prithwish: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy/ Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Prithwish: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ | |||
| 10 Sep 2021 | Anubhav Sinha #020 | 01:32:17 | |
In this episode of Queen Is Dead, podcast hosts Sanjeet and Dhruv join guest Ashwani Kumar Tiwari, writer for the acclaimed film blog High on Films, to discuss the anomalous filmography of director Anubhav Sinha. While most filmmakers in Hindi cinema have had a downward trajectory in terms of quality of films, Anubhav Sinha's segue into becoming a socially conscious filmmaker over the past decade has given his filmmaking career a new life, along with a reputation that he probably can't get rid off in the near future.
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| 28 Sep 2022 | R. Balki's Chup - ★ or ★★★★★ ? #064 | 01:09:59 | |
In this episode, Dhruv and Aryan respectfully disagree about the merits of the latest Bollywood release that takes a stab at film critics and their volatile relationship with the filmmakers and thier films. | |||
| 04 Sep 2023 | Best of the Year 2023 (so far) #095 | 01:35:30 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, Aryan, and returning guest, Shashwat discuss their three favorite films of the year (up till and including July). Not limited to any particular language or industry, this discussion gives you a wide variety of films from all over the world that fascinated us in ways that we had not anticipated. | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | Classic Film Noir - The Most Mutable Film Style | M, Double Indemnity, Stray Dog #078 | 02:07:33 | |
In this very special episode, Amartya & Dhruv welcome back Varun (@cinephilestock) to discuss the rotten pulsating heart of Classic Film Noir. We begin by discussing the origins of noir in German Expressionism, then move on to extensively investigate its emigration to Hollywood and, finally, observe its mutability in the East. This informs the choice of the three films we have chosen for the discussion -- Fritz Lang's proto-noir "M," Billy Wilder's bridge between war and post-war Hollywood Noir "Double Indemnity," and Akira Kurosawa's definitive post-war noir, "Stray Dog." Listen to the full episode for our deep dive into each film and the historical context that defined them as film noir texts! Lots of productive detours too! TIME CODES Introduction to Film Noir: [00:00 - 31:28] "M" (1931) : [31:29 - 01:02:49] "Double Indemnity" (1944) : [01:02:50 - 01:39:27] "Stray Dog" (1949) : [01:39:28 - 02:01:08] Future Discussion Topics: [02:01:09 - 02:07:32] NOTE: The episode is in no way a complete summation of the countless films and directors whose works continue to influence film noir today. It's a (hopefully) informative celebration of a style we love! Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Please follow Varun's awesome blog! Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/ You can also follow Varun at: Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/ You can follow us on Instagram at: Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ You can also follow us on Letterboxd at - Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ | |||
| 24 Oct 2021 | In [IMAX] Theatres Now: Dune #028 | 01:43:16 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, returning (at least for one episode) host Hemant, and returning guest, Amartya, discuss Denis Villeneuve's ambitious science-fiction adaptation of Frank Gerbert's "unadaptable" Dune. The usual discussion about the theatrical experience abounds, with two of the hosts championing the visceral experience that only an IMAX cinema can provide for such a film. The two others (kind of) disagree. Then, the four of them dive into the Dune-verse to briefly discuss the novel and David Lynch's bizzaro 1984 version before having a spoiler-filled discussion about the many merits and failings of the Villeneuve film.
*spoiler warning*: 48:50 onwards
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!
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| 04 Apr 2022 | Karan Johar and the Affective Value of Mainstream Bollywood w/ Jasmin A. Singh | Discussing Jasmin's short film "Purple" #048 | 01:36:40 | |
In this episode, Sanjeet & Dhruv welcome aspiring filmmaker, currently assistant to Vikramaditya Motwane, Jasmin Singh, to discuss all things Bollywood. Before that, though, we discuss her experience working with Mr. Motwane and the filmmaking choices of her lovely short film, "Purple." | |||