Bollywood has had a long history of finding “inspiration”—or barefaced plagiarism. Nivedita Dey recounts the many films, songs, and creators who imitated from the West (and more) and muses on the value of artistic originality.

In the run-up to the 2024 elections, the films that hit the big screens, the books showcased on the windowfronts, and the music crawling into our ears, has mostly sung the songs of propaganda. It’s art without dissent; art that rages for the machine. By Karan Madhok

After a decade of mishaps, the legendary Malayalam and Tamil film star Mammootty chose a path of experimental cinema for himself and his production company, resulting in a slew of unconventional, socially-conscious blockbusters. By Deekshith Pai

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 24: We’re reading books by G.N. Devy and Haruki Murakami; watching the film Laal Singh Chaddha; and listening to music by Ahmer. Featuring Shaista Vaishnav, Prateek Santram, and Aditya Manral. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

Despite being a flawed film, Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha further extends the thesis of the superstar’s life’s work: a pan-India aspiration to live in a better country. By Karan Madhok

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 20: We’re watching Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; reading books by Geetanjali Shree and Dave Eggers; and listening to Shikhar. Featuring Jamie Alter, Saurabh Sharma, and Ady Manral. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 12: We’re reading books by Wendy Doniger and Sophia Naz; watching Lagaan; and listening to Dot. Featuring Saurabh Sharma, Prateek Santram, and Ady Manral. Hosted by Karan Madhok.

From Paatal Lok and Leila to A Suitable Boy and Deepika Padukone’s films, Indian movies and web series face targeted attacks from the outraged right-wing, hell-bent to shape the national narrative to their own terms. Is there a way forward for true creative voices to survive in the mainstream? By Karan Madhok

There are few things that India loves more than cricket and cinema. And yet, the cultural connection between our favourite pastimes have rarely resulted in quality cricket films. Jamie Alter lists some of the best and worst of Bollywood on the willow.