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Monday, January 5, 2026
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Topic: Filmi Flashback

‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’ gave India its most popular tragic hero—and a mega hit in Soviet Union

'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar' cemented the partnership between Bachchan and Prakash Mehra who directed the movie. The two had worked together in Zanjeer, which was Bachchans’ breakout film.

‘Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye’ is a classic that has aged well. It sits on Rekha’s able shoulders

Rekha’s entry catapults the movie into a league of its own. She unapologetically questions why society is quick to shame women for their choices while excusing men.

Ek Ruka Hua Faisla held an unsparing mirror to middle-class bias. It’s desi 12 Angry Men

Basu Chatterjee’s 1986 remake of Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men is constrained by Bollywood standards. It relies on the actors to take the story forward.

Love, Bombay, middle-class — Basu Chatterjee’s ‘Rajnigandha’ is relevant even today

‘Rajnigandha’ articulated the conflicting thoughts of its woman protagonist, at a time when inner female turmoil wasn’t considered a crowd-puller or even an interesting film plot.

Rajinikanth-Amitabh Bachchan’s Andhaa Kaanoon started new trend — North-South union

What’s interesting is that Rajinikanth's character in the movie is called Vijay, a name closely associated with Amitabh Bachchan.

1 night, many crooks, & Madhubala’s comedy—Gateway of India isn’t a regular Bollywood masala

Gateway of India stands out as one of the earliest films to compress its plot into just a few hours, showcasing the highs and lows within that tight time frame.

Blind man, cheating wife, bumbling cop—Sanjeev Kumar’s ‘Qatl’ was a perfect Bollywood thriller

‘Qatl’ was Sanjeev Kumar’s last film; he finished dubbing it a day before he died. The premise of the film: Who will believe a blind man can plan the perfect crime?

Karz, 1980 cult classic gave us Simi Garewal as Lady Macbeth and youth anthem Om Shanti Om

Audience initially rejected Rishi Kapoor's reincarnation movie. But like the ugly duckling that turned into a swan, Karz's fan base grew. Today it enjoys cult classic status.

‘Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki’ was a cringy film on adultery. All-forgiving wife was 80s ideal

Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki emphasises the qualities that make an ideal wife, sacrifice at the top of the list, and the ability to forgive her husband for anything and everything.

Gulzar’s Mausam had a plot as old as the hills, still held its own against Sholay & Deewar

Unlike Yash Chopra's Lamhe, which didn’t do well at the box office, Gulzar’s movie was received well.

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.