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To write about the best Indian movies of the year—another year that echoes the same patterns which seemed to kickstart this decade for us as a nation—is less about what’s merely ‘available to watch’ and more about what truly belongs to this year, and needs to be marked. The state of both theatres and streaming is not just dispiriting but actively disheartening. Single-screen cinemas across the subcontinent are all but extinct.

The State keeps pushing its threadbare narratives in film form faster than China exports its goods. Meanwhile, soulless mediocrity churned out by ‘seasoned’ stars floods the Fridays without pause. The star-kid machinery has turned into a trans-ideological crisis—if the production house doesn’t get its faces, the film won’t get made. Re-releases, once nostalgic novelties, have become the norm, as if there’s simply nothing left to show. The surge of blandness is now bleeding into a deeper,...

It’s refreshing when an Indian film dares to challenge conventional folklore in cinema and breathe new life into familiar narrative tropes. First-time director Bhargav Saikia has created an atmospheric, chilling, and sensual folk horror film in Bokshi. Using few special effects and subtly presenting the supernatural, the film maintains an elegantly restrained tone. Sound and visuals create a captivating experience, immersing us in an idyllic and nightmarish world. Skillfully navigating the lines between horror, bullying, psychodrama, and trauma, it is a satisfying work, marked by an impressively fluid visual style and anchored pivotal performances.

Anahita (Prasanna Bisht), a teenager who lost her mother at a young age, struggles to overcome the lingering trauma of her death. In a private act of remembrance, she gets a religious tattoo her mother wore, but this triggers disturbing dreams and a physical ailment of bedwetting. At home, her grandmother is a dominating figure,...

In Amp, and particularly in the case of this writer, genre mashups is a favorite movie style, even more so when they are accompanied by a sense of deliriousness. Bhargav Saikia, in his feature debut, comes up with a film that checks both boxes, and is currently premiering in Rotterdam. “Bokshi” was shot over 80 days across remote Himalayan terrains, was developed over five years and produced independently by Saikia’s Mumbai-based company, Lorien Motion Pictures. The title of the movie is primarily used in Nepali to denote a “witch” or a woman believed to practice black magic. In Nepali culture, this term carries significant negative connotations, often leading to social ostracization and persecution of women labeled as such.

Bokshi is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Anahita is a young girl who is definitely in trouble. Struggling with the trauma of her mother’s brutal disappearance, the girl has frequent nightmares,...

French-u.K. outfit Alief has acquired international sales rights to Indian filmmaker Bhargav Saikia’s supernatural folk horror “Bokshi,” ahead of its world premiere in International Film Festival Rotterdam’s Harbour section.

The film follows Anahita, a troubled teen who finds solace in Shalini, a mysterious history teacher leading a trek to an ancient site called ‘The Navel.’ The school excursion takes an eerie turn as connections emerge between the site and a cult worshipping Bokshi, a feared folkloric demoness.

“Bokshi,” which means “witch” in Nepali, represents a departure from India’s recent horror-comedy trend, instead offering a darker, more atmospheric take on the genre. “At its core, it is a cautionary tale that sheds light on universal and socially relevant themes of women empowerment and humanity’s relation with Mother Earth,” Saikia tells Variety. “The film attempts to subvert the negative idea of the witch prevalent in society and...

Salman Khan Films took to Twitter to share a promo of their film “Farrey,” announcing its premiere on April 5th, exclusively on ZEE5. The film stars Alizeh, Ronit Roy, Sahil Mehta, Zeyn Shaw, and Prasanna Bisht. “Farrey” follows the story of Niyati, a brilliant orphan who earns a scholarship to a prestigious school but finds herself embroiled in a cheating scandal after helping a wealthy yet academically weak classmate during exams.

With an intriguing plot and a talented cast, “Farrey” promises to captivate audiences with its blend of drama and suspense. The film’s teaser has already sparked excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate its release on the popular streaming platform.

They are passing on "Farrey" to you, tomorrow!

The Ott world for the month of April is filled with thrilling dramas to captivating action, offering something for every mood and taste. So, whether you’re in the mood for suspense, laughter, or heartwarming moments, these Ott releases are guaranteed to keep you entertained.

Here is a list of six titles that have caught the attention of Ians —

‘Yeh Meri Family Season 3’

‘Yeh Meri Family’ Season 3 stars Juhi Parmar, Rajesh Kumar, Hetal Gada, and Anngad Raaj. The season follows the Awasthi family, particularly Rishi, as they navigate life’s challenges with a mix of comedy, drama, and old-world charm.

It is streaming on Amazon miniTV from April 4.

‘Ripley’

‘Ripley’ is a limited series starring Andrew Scott, Johnny Flynn, and Dakota Fanning. The show follows the inscrutable Tom Ripley, played by Scott, as he is recruited by a rich industrialist in 1960s New York to bring home his wayward son,...

Actress Nupur Nagpal, who plays the role of Jinal in the series ‘Dillogical’ has opened up about the script of the youth-based show, calling it “wholesome.” The romantic comedy series follows the story of a young and successful man named Saranash, who returns to India to reunite with his childhood sweetheart Jinal.

Talking about the script of the show, Nupur shared: “I have read a lot of youth-based show scripts before, but this one came across as a lot more wholesome when I first read it. That’s because it is not just about friends; the stakes are very high.”

“The story is set at the destination wedding of a family friend, where everyone’s family members are present, and the incidents that transpire there are very interesting. All the characters are different from each other. They face some or other emotional conflict. But, I think the writers and creators...

Actor Priyank Sharma, who currently stars in the romantic series ‘Dillogical’, has reflected upon his beginnings as a choreographer and dance instructor at the Shiamak Davar international dance academy.

The young actor is playing the character of Dhruv, who is a choreographer in the series ‘Dillogical’.

Talking about his first job, Priyank, who has been a part of reality show ‘Splitsvilla’, shared: “When I was 19 years old, I was offered my first job as a choreographer and dance instructor at Shiamak Davar International. It is one of the India’s most reputable platforms for dance.”

Shiamak is a choreographer, who is known to bring contemporary jazz and western forms of dance to India. He is popular for the ‘Shiamak Style’ of dance.

Delving into the details of his role, Priyank further added: “Dhruv is also a dancer and choreographer. He is a carefree man who understands that he is the...

At the prestigious 69th Filmfare Awards ceremony held on Sunday, actress Alizeh Agnihotri emerged victorious, securing the coveted Best Debut (Female) award for her stellar performance in the film ‘Farrey.’

‘Farrey’: A Journey into Human Complexity:

The film ‘Farrey,’ directed by national award-winning filmmaker Soumendra Padhi, intricately explores the complexities of human experiences, emotions, and the challenging choices individuals make when confronted with difficult situations. Alizeh’s portrayal in the film has garnered praise, marking her debut as a standout moment in Hindi cinema.

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Alizeh’s Roots: Daughter of Atul Agnihotri, Niece of Salman Khan:

Alizeh Agnihotri, born into the illustrious Agnihotri family, is the daughter of renowned producer Atul Agnihotri and the niece of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. With these celebrated familial connections, Alizeh brings her talent and charm to the industry, making her mark as a promising newcomer.

In the upcoming episode of ‘Weekend Ka Vaar’, team ‘Farrey’ will be seen promoting their film on the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss 17’. Alizeh, niece of Salman Khan, will be joining the superstar on stage along with Sahil Mehta, Prasanna Bisht and Zeyn Shaw. Mc Stan, who won the previous season of the televised version of the show too will be there.

The Weekend Ka Vaar episode will also have the team of ‘Khichadi 2’ tickling the funny bone of all housemates. J.D. Majethia, Supriya Pathak, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak and Rajiv Mehta too will be present.

This week the nomination task took place and Abhishek Kumar, Ankita Lokhande, Sunny Arya, Firoza Khan, and Anurag Dobhal got maximum votes. However, no eviction will be taking place this week.

In the upcoming episode of ‘Weekend Ka Vaar’, team ‘Farrey’ will be seen promoting their film on the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss 17’. Alizeh, niece of Salman Khan, will be joining the superstar on stage along with Sahil Mehta, Prasanna Bisht and Zeyn Shaw. Mc Stan, who won the previous season of the televised version of the show too will be there.

The Weekend Ka Vaar episode will also have the team of ‘Khichadi 2’ tickling the funny bone of all housemates. J.D. Majethia, Supriya Pathak, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak and Rajiv Mehta too will be present.

This week the nomination task took place and Abhishek Kumar, Ankita Lokhande, Sunny Arya, Firoza Khan, and Anurag Dobhal got maximum votes. However, no eviction will be taking place this week.

Mumbai, Nov 10 (Ians) The upcoming film ‘Farrey’, which stars Alizeh, Zeyn Shaw, Sahil Mehta, Prasanna Bisht, Ronit B. Roy, and Juhi Babbar Soni in pivotal roles, has been picked for an official screening for the upcoming 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (Iffi).

Iffi is set to be held in Goa from November 20 to November 28.

‘Farrey’ has been directed by Soumendra Padhi and written by Abhishek Yadav and Padhi. The film delves into the complex world of academic deception, where a scholarship recipient, the orphaned genius Niyati, becomes unwittingly entangled in a high-stakes cheating racket orchestrated by her affluent peers.

Talking about the film’s screening at Iffi, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan said: “Iffi is a very prestigious event and I am happy that Farrey is being screened at it. I have some fond memories of Iffi over the years and with Farrey making it to the...

Mumbai, Nov 10 (Ians) The upcoming film ‘Farrey’, which stars Alizeh, Zeyn Shaw, Sahil Mehta, Prasanna Bisht, Ronit B. Roy, and Juhi Babbar Soni in pivotal roles, has been picked for an official screening for the upcoming 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (Iffi).

Iffi is set to be held in Goa from November 20 to November 28.

‘Farrey’ has been directed by Soumendra Padhi and written by Abhishek Yadav and Padhi. The film delves into the complex world of academic deception, where a scholarship recipient, the orphaned genius Niyati, becomes unwittingly entangled in a high-stakes cheating racket orchestrated by her affluent peers.

Talking about the film’s screening at Iffi, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan said: “Iffi is a very prestigious event and I am happy that Farrey is being screened at it. I have some fond memories of Iffi over the years and with Farrey making it to the...

Superstar Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh Agnihotri is all set to embark on her Bollywood journey with her debut film ‘Farrey’ releasing on November 24. Speaking to the media, she revealed how there was no pressure put on the cast by Salman while they were shooting for the film.

Alizeh, daughter of Salman’s sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri and actor-producer Atul Agnihotri, spoke about how the cast members were under no pressure, though her uncle is the presenter of the film.

When asked if her uncle wanted them to act in a particular way, or put any pressure on them, Alizeh said, “There was no pressure from him at all. He gave us all freedom and never interfered while we were shooting the film. We all had only one motive and that was to have fun.”

Of course, the burden of expectations is growing. “I feel the expectations and the pressure...

Superstar Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh Agnihotri is all set to embark on her Bollywood journey with her debut film ‘Farrey’ releasing on November 24. Speaking to the media, she revealed how there was no pressure put on the cast by Salman while they were shooting for the film.

Alizeh, daughter of Salman’s sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri and actor-producer Atul Agnihotri, spoke about how the cast members were under no pressure, though her uncle is the presenter of the film.

When asked if her uncle wanted them to act in a particular way, or put any pressure on them, Alizeh said, “There was no pressure from him at all. He gave us all freedom and never interfered while we were shooting the film. We all had only one motive and that was to have fun.”

Of course, the burden of expectations is growing. “I feel the expectations and the pressure...

New Delhi, Nov 7 (Ians) Singers-songwriters Badshah, Sachin-Jigar and Aastha Gill’s new track ‘Ghar Pe Party’ from the upcoming film ‘Farrey’ is the ultimate party track as it really sets the vibe for a never-ending party and narrates the joy of simply living in the moment, to live and let go.

Very straightforward, simple and to-the-point, ‘Ghar Pe Party’ is exactly what it sounds like, a bunch of young kids having a ball atAlizeh Agnihotri’s character’shouse who is simply living in the moment with her friends.

Celebrating the joys of friendship, youth, and life, this exuberant piece incorporates rap, Edm, techno, electro-pop, and elements of film music.

The rapping of Badshah is neither freestyle nor gangsta, but rather just a simple beat down where he is simply talking about the party.

This is coupled with the singing of Sachin-Jigar and Aastha Gill, who go pure electronic and even use auto-tune.

New Delhi, Nov 7 (Ians) Singers-songwriters Badshah, Sachin-Jigar and Aastha Gill’s new track ‘Ghar Pe Party’ from the upcoming film ‘Farrey’ is the ultimate party track as it really sets the vibe for a never-ending party and narrates the joy of simply living in the moment, to live and let go.

Very straightforward, simple and to-the-point, ‘Ghar Pe Party’ is exactly what it sounds like, a bunch of young kids having a ball atAlizeh Agnihotri’s character’shouse who is simply living in the moment with her friends.

Celebrating the joys of friendship, youth, and life, this exuberant piece incorporates rap, Edm, techno, electro-pop, and elements of film music.

The rapping of Badshah is neither freestyle nor gangsta, but rather just a simple beat down where he is simply talking about the party.

This is coupled with the singing of Sachin-Jigar and Aastha Gill, who go pure electronic and even use auto-tune.