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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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