Anjali’s Substack

Was Deshadanakili Karayarilla the First Lesbian Malayalam Movie? (Or Maybe Not?)

When we talk about LGBTQ+ representation in Malayalam cinema today, names like Kaathal – The Core, Mumbai Police, or Njan Marykutty often come up.

Sep 29, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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A Non-Malayali’s Guide to Watching Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

What makes Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra so refreshing isn’t just its scale or ambition—it’s the way it breathes life into the folklore Malayalis have grown…

Sep 21, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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August 2025

The Myth of Middle-Class Dreams in Cinema: Who Really Gets to Dream Big?

There’s something undeniably comforting about the “self-made” success story.

Aug 5, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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July 2025

Badnam Basti: the dusty, delicious secret that queer Indian cinema kept for half a century

Every few years, a film resurfaces that makes you question everything you thought you knew about Indian cinema.

Jul 6, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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June 2025

Netflix Wants You to Be Dumb — And It’s a Strategy

There was a time when Netflix India felt like a bold new chapter for Indian streaming.

Jun 14, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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May 2025

Ranking Asif Ali’s Best Performances – From Underrated Gems to Unforgettable Roles

Let’s be honest — Asif Ali’s filmography is a bit of a rollercoaster.

May 27, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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How Indian Films Took Cannes by Storm—A Timeline of Iconic Wins and Ovations

Every May, the French Riviera transforms into the epicenter of world cinema as the Cannes Film Festival — one of the most prestigious and influential…

May 25, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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"Theatres Are Dying" Is Too Simple a Statement - Here’s What’s Actually Happening.

In 2025, we’ve had some great Indian films.

May 19, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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Lights, Camera, Meta! — Indian Movies That Dive Into the World of Cinema Itself

There’s something fascinating about movies that look back at themselves — films that explore the very world they’re a part of.

May 14, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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How AI is Quietly Reshaping Indian Cinema

You’ve probably seen that AI-generated poster of Malayalam movie Thudarum doing the rounds—Mohanlal and Shobhana, looking like they’ve stepped out of a…

May 6, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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A Simple Story, A Big Smile: Why “Tourist Family” Works

This weekend, I did something I’ve never done before — I watched a Tamil movie in theatres.

May 4, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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April 2025

Thudarum Review: The Mohanlal Experience We’ve Been Craving

When you step into the theater for a Mohanlal movie, you carry expectations as vast as the actor’s legendary career.

Apr 28, 2025 • Anjali Pillai

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