Films like Mrs., The Great Indian Kitchen, Thappad, Dor, and more sparked widespread discussion about the value our society assigns to women’s labour and agency. Sarthak Parashar writes about how the impossible choices faced under patriarchal social obligations—in reel and real life.  

In the foreground of young death, the Sanya Malhotra starrer Pagglait (2021) presents a woman unwilling to become the meek, submissive picture of a suffering widow, instead finding an unusual ally to help her navigate inner conflict and chaos. By Harshita Murarka

What’s The Chakkar? Episode 8: We’re listening to Ramya Pothuri; reading Peter Wohlleben and Viet Thanh Nguyen; and watching Pagglait. Featuring Ady Manral, Shaista Vaishnav, and Harshita Murarka. Hosted by Karan Madhok.