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Monday, January 5, 2026
TopicFilmi Flashback

Topic: Filmi Flashback

Sridevi didn’t need VFX for horror. Nagina was a blockbuster

Harmesh Malhotra’s was a massive box office success and earned Rs 4.75 crores in 1986. It brought together Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor who later did Chandani together.

Kal Aaj Aur Kal brought Kapoors together on big screen. That’s all it’s remembered for

If it weren’t for its memorable songs, Kal Aaj Aur Kal would likely have faded into obscurity with its lacklustre performances, weak writing, and no memorable dialogues.

‘Kunwara Baap’ was closest to Mehmood’s heart. Tested his limits as an actor

Mehmood made the film to raise awareness about polio, which had affected his own son, Maqdoom Ali. It also marked the acting debut of his other son, Lucky Ali.

Kaala Patthar is about workers’ woe. It has real Angry Young Bachchan

What stands out in Kaala Patthar is its inclusion of working women as characters. Parveen Babi is a journalist, Neetu Singh is a bangle seller, and Rakhee plays Doctor Sudha.

Haqeeqat shows the painful futility of war. Doesn’t mask realities with bravado

The 1964 film offers a grim look at the lives of Indian soldiers fighting in tough conditions. Chetan Anand calls out the government’s lack of military preparedness without pulling any punches.

In Subhash Ghai’s Karma, prison drama meets patriotism. It’s a Republic Day staple

Karma is remembered for 'Aye Watan Tere Liye' song. It became a staple patriotic song in the ’80s and ’90s and was played endlessly on radio.

Kamal Amrohi’s ‘Razia Sultan’ lacked the magic of Pakeezah. Only opulence, no substance

Like Pakeezah, Kamal Amrohi’s Razia Sultan had all the right ingredients–superstar Hema Malini as leading lady, Bhanu Athaiya as costume designer, and Khayyam as music director. But none of it could translate into magic on screen.

Raj Kapoor’s Prem Rog is a flawed film on widow remarriage. Rishi Kapoor rescues the damsel

In Prem Rog, the narrative is dominated by male characters. Padmini Kolhapure who plays the female protagonist does not put up a fight.

Shyam Benegal’s ‘Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda’ asks—is love doomed by poverty or saved by rebellion?

Shyam Benegal’s adaptation of Dharamvir Bharati’s novel 'Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda' has a layered narrative structure. Its non-linear storytelling blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Jeevan Mrityu made Dharmendra-Rakhee hit pair. It was a corruption-revenge saga of the 70s

Jeevan Mrityu was a revenge thriller produced by Tarachand Barjatya, a break from the ‘clean’ family entertainers that the production house was then known for.

On Camera

US military intervention in Venezuela — the 3 lessons to remember

The US military operation in Venezuela raises global concern. Experts say that Trump’s action could weaken global legal standards and fuel geopolitical instability.

Trump threatens India with fresh tariffs on Russian oil, calls PM Modi a ‘good guy’

The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.