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Sunday, April 5, 2026
TopicFilmi Flashback

Topic: Filmi Flashback

1998 film Waaris doesn’t romanticise rural Punjab. Smita Patil stole the show

The way Waaris focuses on land, identity, and community resonates strongly with the larger context of 1980s Punjab, a turbulent time in the state's history.

Jab Jab Phool Khile cemented Shashi Kapoor as a star. Nanda played a rebellious, flawed heiress

Shashi Kapoor’s charm made it believable that a rich heiress could fall for his character Raja. And he deftly portrays Raja’s patriarchal outlook, inner turmoil, and love for Rita.

1976 film Chhoti Si Baat is one of Bollywood’s most progressive portrayals of masculinity

Films such as Kabir Singh and Animal have normalised toxic masculinity to the point where the gentleness of Arun in the 1976 film Chhoti Si Baat is almost disorientating.

Saath Saath begins where most Bollywood love stories end—after the wedding

The film proves that sometimes the most compelling love stories are not about overcoming villains, but about learning how to live through everything life throws your way.

Ittefaq stood out from the musicals and morality of the 1960s. It offered ambiguity

Shot in 28 days, no song & dance—Rajesh Khanna took the spotlight in Yash Chopra's Ittefaq

Before Sholay, there was Mera Gaon Mera Desh. Its Gabbar was more ruthless

At its core, Mera Gaon Mera Desh is the story of a prodigal son and his redemption through Ajit, played by Dharmendra.

Mehbooba started Rajesh Khanna’s downfall. He’s playing Hema Malini’s lover from past life

Mehbooba was Khanna's fourth film with Shakti Samanta after Aradhana, Kati Patang, and Amar Prem.

1978 film Shalimar had Dharmendra, Zeenat, and the biggest budget of its time. It still bombed

Featuring actors such as Rex Harrison and John Saxon, the 1978 film ‘Shalimar’ had scale, ambition, and star power. It was undone by a weak screenplay and uneven execution.

Manchali is Bollywood’s masala take on Shakespeare—a husband for hire and his bratty bride

Directed by Raja Nawathe, Manchali is about a rich, spoilt heiress who can access her inheritance only if she marries. So, she hires a husband.

Raaj Kumar & Meena Kumari’s chemistry saves ‘Kaajal’

Known for his unique dialogue delivery and often stylish avatars, Raaj Kumar opts for subtlety in Kaajal. His eyes alternate with ease between anger and pain.

On Camera

Iraq’s long road to FIFA World Cup qualification is a story of survival, defiance

Historically, football has been used as a lens through which political anger, identity, and resistance come into focus. From Mohun Bagan to Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast, this claim can be easily cemented.

What to expect from China’s new 5-year plan—trade innovation, tensions with partners

ASEAN is struggling against a flood of 'underpriced Chinese goods', while Brazil has imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel.

UAE walks away from financing Rafale F5 due to restricted access to technology, reports French media

French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.

China insulated itself against energy shocks. India is ‘all talk, no walk’

China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.