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Reel Take

Gumnaam turned Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit into a Bollywood masala film

Tina Das - November 9, 2025

Satish Shah played a dead body in ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’. And stole the show

A ghost, war veteran & a lost nation—Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Naukri was ahead of its time

Amitabh and Amjad’s real-life friendship played out in Yaarana. It’s usually different on-screen

Pakeezah is that rare film whose making is as much of a story as the actual plot

Samira Sood - August 1, 2020

Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah took a decade-and-a-half to be made, but is now synonymous with its star, Meena Kumari, who died just after it finally released.

Dil Tera Deewana may have starred Shammi Kapoor, but the real hero was Mahmood

Samira Sood - July 25, 2020

Mahmood's performance in a double role in this 1962 comedy is what holds the film together, even though Shammi Kapoor got all the songs.

Rajesh Khanna’s Safar is a melancholy meditation on life, death, love and duty

Samira Sood - July 18, 2020

Even before the more famous Anand, the superstar had perfected the role of a dying man who wants to spread joy, but Safar is far darker and less feel-good.

Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Guru Dutt’s Muslim social that pioneered the bro code in Hindi films

Samira Sood - July 11, 2020

A love triangle at heart, the movie provides a compelling look at Muslim life & male friendship, with exquisite music & cinematography.

Aar Paar, Guru Dutt’s 1954 film that featured authentic, realistic dialogue by Abrar Alvi

Samira Sood - July 4, 2020

Guru Dutt, Shyama, Shakila and Johnny Walker star in this noirish comedy-thriller with great tunes by O.P. Nayyar.

Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom is as beautifully relatable as it was almost 40 years ago

Samira Sood - June 27, 2020

Starring Naseeruddin Shah & Shabana Azmi, the movie features some of R.D. Burman and Gulzar's finest work, & three adorable kids.

Mirza Ghalib: The movie was the perfect marriage of the poet’s words with Suraiya’s voice

Samira Sood - June 20, 2020

When Jawaharlal Nehru told her she had brought Ghalib's soul back to life with this movie, he was not exaggerating.

Salaam Bombay! is a haunting exploration of child labour in India

Samira Sood - June 13, 2020

The proceeds from the movie were used to set up Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO that works for the welfare of street children.

Raj Kapoor’s Awara is all the more relevant in the context of India’s migrant crisis

Samira Sood - June 6, 2020

The movie, known for bringing Charlie Chaplin into Bollywood, is a gripping drama that shows the vicious circle of crime and poverty.

Sunil Dutt’s one-actor movie Yaadein is an oddly apt watch in these isolated times

Samira Sood - May 30, 2020

Sunil Dutt's National Award-winning directorial debut shows his prowess as an actor & filmmaker, and his willingness to take risks.

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Reel Take

Gumnaam turned Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit into a Bollywood masala film

Satish Shah played a dead body in ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’. And stole the show

A ghost, war veteran & a lost nation—Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Naukri was ahead of its time

Amitabh and Amjad’s real-life friendship played out in Yaarana. It’s usually different on-screen

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