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by whatsonsidsmind

13 Groundbreaking Horror Films of the Last Decade That Will Haunt Your Mind

Written by: Siddhartha Krishnan | 11-Min Read

Horror is my favorite genre because it’s fluid and adaptable, like water—filling any shape, taking on any tone. Its strength comes from something primal: fear, a pulse that flows through every living being, often in ways we barely recognize. It waits quietly beneath the surface, until some trigger—pain, grief, or madness—brings it flooding out. As Guillermo del Toro says, “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win.” Horror endures because fear is universal, a constant that binds us all.

Yet horror is also a genre worn thin; tropes are overused, sub-genres fully explored and jump scares have begun to bore. But every so often, a filmmaker breaks through, pushing the boundaries and bringing fresh depth to the screen. This list celebrates 13 such films from around the world, all available on streaming (except one). Selected for their craft, impact, and originality, these aren’t big-budget spectacles but films that redefine the genre’s limits. Some had quiet releases but have since found a devoted cult following. Each deserves a place on any horror fan’s must-watch list.

Warning – None of the films in this list are for the faint of heart.

13. Longlegs (2024) : Language – English, Country – USA, Director – Osgood Perkins, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

Longlegs introduces a chillingly real villain, Dale Ferdinand Kobble—a character so disturbing he could be the twisted sibling of Hannibal Lecter and Pennywise. Played by an unrecognizable Nicolas Cage, Kobble is the only non-supernatural villain on this list, making him even more terrifying.

The story follows FBI Agent Lee Harker, who is assigned to a long-cold serial killer case. As Harker delves deeper, new evidence emerges, hinting at occult involvement. Soon, Harker discovers a haunting personal connection to Kobble and must stop him before he strikes again.

IMDb rating – 6.7/10

My Rating – 7/10

12. Vivarium (2019) : Language – English, Country – USA, Director – Lorcan Finnegan, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

Gemma (Imogen Poots), a high school teacher, and her boyfriend Tom (Jesse Eisenberg), a landscaper, visit a bizarre suburban development called Yonder. They’re shown house number 9 by an unsettling real estate agent, Martin, who vanishes after learning they don’t have children. As they attempt to leave, they find themselves trapped in a nightmarish maze—no matter the route, they end up back at house 9. With no choice but to stay, they’re supplied with tasteless packaged food by an unknown source. Desperate, Tom sets the house ablaze and spends the night outside with Gemma, only for them to receive a chilling package the next morning: an infant and a note reading, “Raise the child and be released.” What ensues is an absurd, terrifying descent into the surreal, where reality bends in disturbing, darkly humorous ways.

IMDb rating – 5.9/10

My rating – 7/10

11. Babadook (2014) : Language – English, Country – Australia, Director – Jennifer Kent, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

Amelia, an exhausted single mother, struggles to cope with the trauma of her husband’s tragic death, which occurred as he drove her to the hospital while she was in labor. Now, she faces the daily challenge of raising her troubled six-year-old son, Sam, who exhibits erratic behavior and is fixated on an imaginary monster he believes is haunting them. One night, Sam asks her to read a disturbing pop-up book called Mister Babadook, which seems to appear out of nowhere and eerily describes a menacing creature. As the story convinces Sam that his monster is real, a series of terrifying events blurs the line between reality and nightmare, binding Amelia’s past, her grief, and her fears into a haunting tale of psychological horror.

IMDb rating – 6.8/10

My Rating – 7.5/10

10. The Platform (2019) : Language – Spanish, Country – Spain, Director – Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, Streaming – Netflix

The Platform is a Spanish dystopian thriller that explores human nature through a brutal, thought-provoking lens. Set in a massive tower with hundreds of floors, inmates are fed by a descending platform that starts fully stocked at the top but dwindles to scraps—or nothing—by the lower levels. Each floor must survive on the leftovers of those above, and anyone who defies the system faces horrific punishment. Adding to the chaos, residents are randomly reassigned floors each month, thrusting them from privilege to desperation. What unfolds is a harrowing tale of survival that, while not strictly horror, taps into our deepest fears and lays bare the darkness of human behavior in a world of scarcity.

IMDb rating – 7/10

My Rating – 7.5/10

9. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) : Language – English, Country – USA, Director – Yorgos Lanthimos, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

The Killing of a Sacred Deer, directed by the audacious Yorgos Lanthimos, follows Steven, a cardiovascular surgeon, who crosses paths with a peculiar 16-year-old boy named Martin after performing an open heart surgery. Steven invites Martin for dinner, where he meets Steven’s wife and two children and quickly becomes unsettlingly close with the family. As Martin’s presence in their lives intensifies, he begins to invade Steven’s world in increasingly disturbing and inexplicable ways. A series of bizarre, even supernatural events unfold, forcing Steven to confront Martin’s dark, enigmatic motives. Lanthimos crafts a chilling, surreal narrative that leaves audiences with haunting questions—and no intention of offering any answers.

IMDb rating – 7/10

My rating – 7.5/10

8. Talk to Me (2022) : Language – English, Country – Australia, Director – Danny and Michael Philippou, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

Talk to Me, an Australian horror film, breathes new life into the well-worn theme of spirit channeling which includes—Ouija board, table seance etc. The story follows Mia, a teenager grappling with her mother’s death, who attends a high-stakes party seeking escape. There, the kids toy with a sinister new method of contacting the dead—a disembodied hand that allows them to become mediums. What begins as a thrill quickly spirals into horror as they lose control, crossing into dangerous, unseen realms. With clever twists, stylish camerawork, a trippy background score and razor-sharp editing, Talk to Me delivers a gripping, nightmarish ride that reinvents the genre.

IMDb rating – 7.1/10

My rating – 8/10

7. Lamb (2021) : Language – Icelandic, Country – Iceland, Sweden & Poland, Director – Valdimar Jóhannsson, Streaming – MUBI

On the absurdity scale, few films rival the Icelandic film, Lamb. The story follows farmers Ingvar and Maria, a grieving couple, who live a solitary life, unable to move beyond the loss of their only child. Their days are filled with the hard, numbing work of tending to their farm—until a shocking event disrupts their routine. A sheep gives birth to a creature that is part lamb, part human. The couple decides to raise this hybrid as their own child, creating a life that’s as tender as it is unsettling. What unfolds is an eerie, darkly humorous tale that’s hauntingly original.

IMDb rating – 6.3/10

My rating – 8/10

6. Midsommar (2019) : Language – English, Country – USA & Sweden, Director – Ari Aster, Streaming – Apple TV for rent

In Midsommar, director Ari Aster weaves a disturbing tale of grief, psychological torment, and cultural horror. After a tragic family loss, Dani (Florence Pugh) accompanies her distant boyfriend, Christian, and his friends to a secluded Swedish commune’s midsummer festival. What begins as a peaceful celebration soon descends into a nightmarish ordeal. The group is subjected to brutal rituals, psychological manipulation, and strange communal customs, including sacrificial ceremonies and hallucinogenic trips. As Dani is drawn deeper into the cult’s world, she finds herself torn between horror and acceptance. The final scene’s shocking twist reveals Dani’s unsettling transformation, challenging viewers with its potent blend of folk horror and emotional vulnerability.

IMDb rating – 7.1/10

My rating – 8/10

5. Goodnight Mommy (2014) : Language – Austrian, Country – Austria, Director – Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

In the Austrian psychological thriller Goodnight Mommy, twin ten-year-old boys are unsettled when their mother returns to their idyllic lakeside home after facial surgery, her face swathed in bandages with only her eyes and mouth exposed. Her behavior is cold and unrecognizable—she imposes silence, demands the blinds stay drawn, and insists they only play outside. Convinced this is not their mother but an imposter, the boys take matters into their own hands, tying her to the bed and subjecting her to disturbing acts to make her confess. Far from a simple “torture fest,” the film explores identity and trust in a nuanced, yet chilling descent into horror, made even more haunting by the fact that the perpetrators are children.

The film was remade in English with the same name and released in 2022, starring Naomi Watts.

IMDb rating – 6.7/10

My rating – 8/10

4. Bramayugam (2024) : Language – Malayalam, Country – India, Director – Rahul Sadasivan, Streaming – Sony LIV

Bramayugam draws deeply from the folklore, myths, and legends of Kerala, telling the haunting story of Thevan, a low-caste court singer who narrowly escapes slavery only to find himself in a mysterious, ominous mana (mansion). Its owner, Kodumon Potti, is a menacing figure whose words and intentions are shrouded in deceit. As the story unfolds, it slips into the supernatural, revealing Kodumon Potti’s dark identity and malevolent plans. Set entirely in black and white, director Rahul Sadasivan’s choice evokes nostalgia, recalling tales passed down through generations, while intensifying the story’s eerie, oppressive atmosphere. Bramayugam is both a chilling supernatural thriller and a profound commentary on power, greed, and social oppression, set against the backdrop of a surreal world.

IMDb rating – 7.8/10

My rating – 8.5/10

3. The Witch (2015) : Language – English, Country – USA & Canada, Director – Robert Eggers, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video on rent

Robert Eggers’ haunting directorial debut and a breakout role for a young Anya Taylor-Joy, is a chilling New England folktale set in the 1630s. After a Puritan family is banished over a religious dispute, they build a farm on the edge of a dense, foreboding forest. Soon, sinister forces seem to close in, as their newborn mysteriously vanishes—taken, it seems, by a witch lurking in the shadows. What unfolds is far from a typical supernatural tale; it’s a slow-burning descent into dread, artfully shot and rich with subtext. The film’s use of animals to amplify terror creates an unsettling atmosphere.

IMDb rating – 7/10

My rating – 8.5/10

2. Tumbbad (2018) : Language – Hindi, Country – India, Director – Rahi Anil Barve, Streaming – Currently not streaming since it was re-released in theatres

Tumbbad is arguably India’s finest horror film in recent years—original, intelligent, and hauntingly crafted. Set in 1920s Tumbbad, it follows three generations of a family suffering the consequences of their greed after building a forbidden temple for Hastar, the first-born of the Goddess of Prosperity. Hastar, a cursed entity, can grant gold but brings ruin to those who seek it. Legend has it that when the Goddess created the world, she bore Hastar first, favoring him, but his insatiable greed led him to seize both wealth and food. In fury, his divine siblings overpowered him, sparing his life only on the condition that he would never be worshiped.

The story centers on Vinayak, a man consumed by poverty and desperate for wealth, who uncovers the dangerous secret of accessing Hastar’s riches. Tumbbad explores the boundless depths of human greed with a chilling allegory, underscored by breathtaking cinematography and masterful production and sound design. It’s a timeless tale of temptation and consequence, both eerie and unforgettable.

IMDb rating – 8.2/10

My Rating – 9/10

1. Hereditary (2018) : Language – English, Country – USA, Director – Ari Aster, Streaming – Amazon Prime Video

Ari Aster’s debut film, Hereditary, is a modern horror masterpiece that exemplifies nuanced storytelling. The story follows Annie, a miniature artist, and her family as they grapple with the death of her secretive mother. Soon, buried family secrets begin to surface, and the family’s grief opens a door to the supernatural, pulling both Annie and her family into dark, otherworldly experiences. As they confront generational trauma and sinister legacies, evil forces entwine their lives with terrifying consequences. Haunting cinematography, impeccable framing, and Toni Collette’s powerful performance elevate Hereditary, making it one of the most unforgettable horror films of the last decade.

IMDb rating – 7.3/10

My Rating – 9.5/10

You’ll notice some big-ticket films like Get Out, Train to Busan, and IT aren’t on this list. These movies have already gained massive attention, so instead, this list spotlights hidden gems that may have flown under the radar of horror fans. In terms of craft and originality, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. Hoping it’s of some use.

***

About the author –

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’. A mad dog lover, tripaholic and a tale-weaver who shares his essays, travelogues, book and movie reviews on his blog (www.whatsonsidsmind.com).

by whatsonsidsmind

Book Review – The Fragile Thread of Hope | Pankaj Giri | An Ode to Melancholia

Book Cover – The Fragile Thread of Hope

By Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read

There goes a saying, “Our pleasures are shallow, our sorrows are deep”. The undeniable attribute of melancholia, is that, it is slow and lingering. Unlike happiness it is never in a hurry to leave. Pankaj Giri’s novel, therefore, is a slow burn and deliberately so, which makes it feel like an ode to melancholia. It’s the story of Fiona and Soham and their traumatic past that is unwilling to give in to their resilient present, which hangs by “The Fragile Thread of Hope”. It’s a tale of love, loss, loneliness, regret and the power of hope. Loss is imminent but the baggage that it ensues often leads to regret and ruthless melancholy. The story moves at its own pace but cleverly leads to gut-wrenching moments of loss, which leaves the reader in a daze.

The first thing that strikes you about the book is the investment into its characters and that each chapter is dedicated to a specific character testifies the effort that has gone in. The characters are well-sketched, especially the leads, Fiona and Soham, and the author jumps timelines to unravel their arc. Another unique aspect of the storytelling is the use of delusions and dreams in vivid prose with the atmospherics playing an important role in them. Like this other-worldly experience that Soham goes through in a hospital in Bangalore after a ghastly accident, “A cool breeze caresses his cheeks, Soham finds himself on a chair in front of a wooden study table. Bright light streams in through the transparent panes of the window in front of him, blurring his vision. Observing the balustrade of the balcony beyond the window, he recognizes the place—it is his room in Gangtok”.

The writing has a rich poetic vein about it, which shows in the author’s choice of words and formation of sentences. There is a languid flow to it all. The other commendable aspect of the writing is its symmetry displayed through some clever use of analogies. As a writer I can vouch that this is not an easy task but they are critical to help the reader visualize a scene in their mind. Only skilled writers can pull this off with aplomb. The following is a good example—“She walked past a streetlight, a swarm of moths hovering around it like a gang of flirts”.

In May, 1886, Anton Chekhov once famously wrote to his brother Alexander, who was harbouring literary ambitions, “In descriptions of nature one must seize on small details, grouping them so that when the reader closes his eyes, he gets a picture. This is where the author excels the most as he expertly transports you to places. The following description of a bike ride in Gangtok is a good example, “The farther away the mountains were, the more their colour seemed to drop from green to blue and then lighter shades of blue. Dark clouds looming above the hilly horizon were on the verge of swallowing the setting sun”. 

Melancholy, undoubtedly has its own charm. It is strangely seducing and entertaining in its own way and this book is proof of that. After reading it, I was reminded of lines from a favourite Hindi song,

“Jashn ye raas na aaye,

Maza tho bas gam mein aaya hai.

Maine dil se kahan, dhoond lana khushi,

Na samajh laya gam, tho gam hi sahi!”

(Celebrations are deceiving,

Pain is more honest.

I asked my heart to go find happiness,

But the fool brought back sorrow)

I will recommend the book to all dreamers, brooders, wanderers and eternal romantics. For its well-sketched characters, poetic prose and attention to detail, I think the book is a must read. I will give Pankaj Giri’s masterfully written “The Fragile Thread of Hope” a 4.5/5.

Note – “The Fragile Thread of Hope” has been selected among “Amazon Best Reads” and the author is a finalist of the Amazon Pen to Publish contest (2017). The book has also received accolades from award-winning bestselling authors like Chitra Divakaruni (The Palace of illusions) and Renita D’Silva (The Forgotten Daughter).

The book has been published by Fingerprint publishing and is available at the below places:

India:

Amazon.in

International customers:

Amazon.com

 

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories“. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

 

All rights reserved by http://www.whatsonsidsmind.com

 

by whatsonsidsmind

10 Must See Hindi Short Films on YouTube

Anukul

A scene from the short film “Anukul”

By Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

The great short story writer, Edgar Allan Poe once said, “A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it”. I would like to believe that this logic holds true for short films as well since they are visual adaptations of short stories albeit not written in that format. To make a good short film, therefore, is a subtle art and not an easy task. Filmmakers often fall into the trap of trying too many things in a short film, thereby, leaving the audience confused at the end of it.

An early example of a good short film from India could be the legendary Satyajit Ray’s “Two”. Released in 1964, in “Two”, Ray shows the interaction between two kids—one rich and the other poor, without a word been spoken. He employs simple techniques to deliver the message across without making the screenplay boring. It’s a must watch for cinema lovers and is available on YouTube.

Two 1

Satyajit Ray during the shooting of “Two”

Of late a large number of short films have hit our micro screens, all thanks to YouTube and the instant reach it promises. As a result, established, independent as well as amateur Indian filmmakers have all jumped on the bandwagon to explore the possibilities. Since, the risk is comparatively lower, established filmmakers have used this opportunity to explore topics which they otherwise would not have touched in commercial cinema. While amateur filmmakers have ceased the opportunity to showcase their talent and grab eyeballs. Social media platforms are then used to market and promote these films. What we get as a result are hundreds of short films in multiple Indian languages and picking good films from this endless list is a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

However, this is the task that I have undertaken but I have decided to make things easier for myself by sticking to one language ie. Hindi. This is not to say that good short films have not been made in other languages. Also, my list does not include some of the more famous short films which you might have already seen like “Ahalya”, “Devi” or “Chutney” which have garnered millions of views on YouTube. Those were all interesting short films, however, I will be recommending films which may have missed the radar but surely deserve your attention.

Note – I have tried to keep the descriptions as spoiler free as possible.

10. Lost and Hound:

Lost and Hound

A scene from “Lost and Hound”

Sunanda’s seemingly mundane life in a bungalow on the outskirts of the city is interrupted one day when she is visited by a suspicious cop. There is a subtle social commentary in this cleverly written thriller, the ending of which, has eerie similarities to the Oscar winning “Parasite”.

9. Int Café – Night:

Int Cafe

A scene from “Int Cafe – Night”

This is a heart-warming reunion story of two old timers. The standout feature of the screenplay is how the past and the present has been depicted beautifully in the same frame.

8. Khyali Pulao:

Khyali Pulao

A scene from “Khyali Pulao”

This is a charming little tale of a girl and her unrealistic dream. From the very onset we know that the girl is heading nowhere with her ambition, however, as an audience you are still invested in her journey. It is a quintessential film about nothing, as in, it does not have any specific message to deliver, which is what makes this film stand out. To make such films entertaining is a difficult task and the film surely delivers on that count.

7. Suno:

Suno

A scene from “Suno”

The misadventures of the previous night (not shown in the film) has left an unwanted “mark” in the life of a young couple. Now they are trying to find ways to deal with it. This is a strange little film on a familiar theme, however, it asks some difficult questions. The screenplay is fresh and is bound to make you feel uncomfortable.

6. Dhund:

Dhund

A scene from “Dhund”

Set in 1958 in an old Punjabi town near the Indo-Pak border, the film examines the horrors of partition through a humanistic approach. It starts off with the family patriarch holding a pistol to his son’s head over a drink. Mind you he has never touched alcohol before that event. But his intention is to revisit an incident that had happened a decade ago and to unravel a few truths.

5. Anukul:

Anukul-2-UnBumf

A scene from “Anukul”

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh and based on a short story by the same name written by Satyajit Ray, Anukul is a futuristic film on the conflict between humans and artificial intelligence. But the scenes of this film do not unfold in a post-apocalyptic world instead much of it plays out in a living room. What’s more the “Gita” too finds a place in the narrative!

4. Juice:

Juice

A scene from “Juice”

A party hosted by Manju (Shefali Shah) and her husband seems like any other get together of friends until it comes to an unexpected ending. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Dir of “Masaan”) this is a powerful film with a strong social message.

3. Kahanibaaz:

Kahanibaaz

A scene from “Kahanibaaz”

This is a thriller with many layers. Its intention is to show the impact of domestic abuse on children. The over the shoulder shot in the end showing the perspective of the child, thereby, helping the audience to connect all the dots, is one of the highlights of the film. Watch the film for the superlative performance of Ashish Vidyarthi in the lead role.

2. Guest:

Guest short film

A scene from “Guest”

Much through this wonderfully conceptualized film we are left to wonder – what is the catch? This is a great example of how a short film should be written. Without being extravagant the film delivers the requisite punch leaving the audience stunned at the end of it.

1. Tokri:

Tokri-main-1

A scene from “Tokri”

“Tokri” is not in any particular language. I am including it in this list because of the world that its characters belong to.

An unintentional accident leads a little girl to the streets of Mumbai to set things right. The premise of the film seems mundane and you may be right. But what is bound to surprise you is the level of detailing of this stop motion animation film directed by prolific animator Suresh Eriyat. The way every little detail of the Mumbai streetscape has been captured is spellbinding. Again, a film without any specific message but which is bound to leave a smile on your face at the end of it.

eriyat-3

The level of detailing of the Mumbai streetscape

The film has won multiple awards in International film festivals and has also won a National award for best non-feature animation film. It apparently took eight years to complete.

Please note that all the above films are available on YouTube for free viewing.

Pic credits: scroll.in, filmcompanion.com, IMDb, shortoftheweek.com and YouTube.

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories“. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.

by whatsonsidsmind

Liebster Award Nomination

liebster3-500x500

Although, I am not a big believer in the award aspect of these initiatives, however, they are a good way to discover new blogs and leverage each other’s networks. I personally see no wrong in that and believe that at the end of the day it is the content which will speak for itself.

I am grateful to Querida from https://intotheindigo.wordpress.com/ (do check it out) for finding my website worthy of being nominated and sorry for reacting late to the nomination. I’ve been following Querida’s site for a while and reading some of the poetry and musings. It’s heartfelt and she is a worthy contender for this award.

That said,

Here are the general rules w.r.t the Liebster award nomination process:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you, and provide a link to their blog
  • Answer the 11 questions given to you
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers
  • Ask your nominees 11 questions
  • Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post

With regards to the above rules, I honestly feel that the number of nominations and questions should be left to the person nominating. Also, I leave it upon the people I have nominated to operate according to their comfort and conviction. However, in doing so let us also try to stick to the broad framework while allowing a few relaxations.

So here are my answers to the questions asked by Querida J

  1. If you could travel to a destination you have never been before, what would it be?

Outside India – St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) to see the iconic works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. Within India – Kailasanatha Temple (Ellora, Maharashtra) a massive 1300-year-old architectural wonder carved out of a single rock, top down! Although, I am not a deeply religious person, I am extremely interested in ancient history and architecture.

2. What is the one dish you love to eat but can’t be bothered to cook?

Coastal cuisine (seafood) from the coasts of India which includes Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra etc. The variety is mind boggling.

3. What is your favorite/often used phrase?

Of late, this is my favorite motivational quote – “Every Champion was once a contender who refused to give up”.

4. Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My history teacher in high school. She made our boring history lessons interesting and got me hooked onto ancient history. Although, it is not something I pursued professionally, however, I have a keen interest in it. Reading books and watching documentaries on ancient history are my favorite pastimes.

5. Share a scenic photo/landscape artwork (one you have taken/created or one you have seen on the net) that made you feel happy, thoughtful or amazed.

shim 6

The Western Ghats which is a UNESCO world heritage site. This was a pic I had taken on my way back from Goa. If I had a better camera I could have done justice to the view.

My Nominees are as follows:

  1. https://joyfulstephanie.me/
  2. https://orangestrokes.wordpress.com/
  3. https://www.blessingsbyme.com/
  4. https://enaaghuman.wordpress.com/
  5. https://adutchtraveller.com/
  6. https://mastermixmovies.wordpress.com/
  7. https://chrissiemorrisbrady.wordpress.com/

I found each of these sites interesting and unique in their own way. Do check them out.

My questions to the nominees are as follows:

  1. What is that one hobby/interest/talent which you have side-lined but would like to revisit and why?
  2. Who is your role model (if any) and why?
  3. What do you think are your greatest strengths?
  4. What is that one piece of writing/post that you are most proud of?
  5. What do you do to motivate yourself when you are down?

Keen to hear from all the nominees.

Happy blogging all!

Regards,

Sid

by whatsonsidsmind

Indian Regional Cinema (2019) | My Top Picks | A Late Recommendation

kumbalangi-nights-poster

By Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

“How do you make a truly global film?” asked film critic Anupama Chopra to filmmaker Nandita Das in an interview during the Cannes Film Festival, to which the filmmaker responded by saying, “You have to be truly local for it to be global.”

In a bid to appease a mass audience or crossover to an international audience, Indian films both commercial and art-house, have often been guilty of pretension. This manifests into excesses in the storytelling, thereby, turning potentially good films into average ones because honesty often gets sacrificed at the altar of aspiration.

That said, filmmaking is also a money-making business and striking a balance between art and commerce often demands such compromises.

The Hindi film industry which contributes roughly 43% of the revenue generated by the Indian film industry is often faced with this dilemma. It enjoys a clear advantage over other regional film industries because Hindi is a language either spoken or understood across the country. Hence, its films have a Pan India appeal, much like Hollywood films have a worldwide appeal. However, to say that Bollywood (as it is called) makes the best films in India, is not exactly true, although lately, the quality of films has undoubtedly improved.

bollywood -2019 - the week

On the other hand, language and cultural barriers remain the biggest obstacles for regional films to break through to a Pan India audience. Also, producers lack the money power to adequately promote and secure screenings across the country. But herein lies an advantage for regional cinema as well. The presence of a well-defined target audience helps regional filmmakers remain true to their culture and often make films on topics that are not seen in mainstream Hindi films. In other words, they have the freedom to be “truly local” and yet remain profitable. This is not to say that bad and average films are not made in regional cinema, but the pretension is lesser. Moreover, of late, the emergence of OTT platforms has ensured that after these regional films have had their run at the box office they are able to reach out to a wider domestic and international audience who are on the lookout for good cinema.

Personally, when I am in search of good films (not just from India but across the world), my need is simple – I just want to be entertained. In other words, the storytelling must engage me emotionally. The language, genre and scale of the film is inconsequential if the story is unique and keeps me invested from start to finish.

With this context at your disposal, here are 7 Indian regional films of 2019 which I would like to recommend to all movie lovers. A rather late recommendation, but better late than never:

  1. Mallesham (Telegu) | Director – Raj Rachakonda

mallesham - poster - imdb

Loosely based on the life of Chintakindi Mallesham, the man who invented the Lakshmi Asu Machine to reduce the strain on handloom weavers of his village, “Mallesham” is the quintessential story of hope and perseverance. Of late, many films have been made in this genre, like “Padman” and “Sui Dhaaga” to name only a few, but what set this film apart was its minimalism. It starts of like an episode of “Swami and Friends” from “Malgudi Days” and then quickly transforms into a coming of age story. The standout feature for me, however, was the portrayal of the simple village life – the rituals, customs, festivals and daily struggle of handloom weavers. It was a refreshing watch!

The film has been given an 8.5 IMDb rating and you can watch it on Netflix.

  1. Anandi Gopal (Marathi) | Director – Sameer Vidwans

anandi gopal - neha tambe

A biopic based on the life of India’s first female physician, “Anandi Gopal” is an essential watch because it talks unabashedly about women empowerment, gender equality and the incumbent need to question archaic customs. Hence, a lot of heavy lifting is done by the screenplay, especially the powerful dialogues. Since, this was a period film, the production and costume design were critical aspects and the film delivers on these facets as well. But for me it was the performances of the lead actors Bhagyashree Milind (as Anandi Gopal) and Lalit Prabhakar (as Gopal Rao Joshi) which stood out. The crackling chemistry between the on-screen couple kept me engaged throughout.

The film has been given a 9.0 IMDb rating and you can watch it on Zee 5.

  1. Gantumoote or Baggage (Kannada) | Director – Roopa Rao

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At the very onset you realize that “Gantumoote” is much more than a high school romance story. Its a film full of subtexts and social commentary on difficult topics like stalking, influence of cinema, pressure of board examinations and the evils of our patriarchal system. But this commentary is woven so seamlessly into the screenplay and with minimal dialogues that nothing comes across as unnecessary. Mind you, the film is not an easy watch because it shows things as they are through the eyes of a high school teenager. Hence, the overwhelming feeling was that of melancholy, although the film has its fair share of humour and intrigue as well. The atmospherics of each scene is such that you know that something unwanted is round the corner. The performance of actress Teju Belawadi in the lead role of “Meera” was praiseworthy.

The film has been given an 8.2 IMDb rating and you can watch it on Amazon Prime video.

  1. Kedara (Bengali) | Director: Indraadip Dasgupta

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In “Kedara” a ventriloquist devises ingenious ways to cope with his loneliness. He is a deemed failure but is unwilling to give in to the ways of society. The film is a slow burn and intentionally so – how else could loneliness have been portrayed on screen? There is a lot of focus on visual storytelling in this film, hence, be mindful of the nuances. The production and sound design is top notch and significantly aide the storytelling. Kaushik Ganguly in the role of the lead character “Narasingha” carries the film on his shoulder and gives a stunning performance.

The film has been given a 7.4 IMDb rating and you can watch it on the online streaming platform Hoichoi.

  1. Aamis (Assamese) | Director: Bhaskar Hazarika

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Midway through this cute and presumably simple love story oddly titled “Aamis” the director knocks you on your head and drags you into a murky uncharted territory, previously not seen in Indian cinema. The sudden twist in the tale is so bizarre that it is bound to make you cringe and suffocate. But to take everything that is unfolding on-screen literally may not be a good idea since the film is steeped in symbolism. Its trippy, surreal and easily one of the best films of last year.

The film has been given an 8.2 rating on IMDb and you can watch it on moviesaints.com

  1. Kumbalangi Nights (Malayalam) | Director: Madhu C Narayanan

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Four broken men live in a broken house beside the lagoon in a little island village called Kumbalangi. Much like them, their house too is unwanted and is located at a corner. The four brothers pass their days aimlessly doing nothing. Toxic masculinity has put them on a path of self-destruction; hence, pain and loss are inevitable. But “Kumbalangi Nights” is also a story about love, relationships and redemption and is bound to leave a smile on your face at the end of it. It is technically one of the best films of last year—be it screenplay, sound design, music or background score, everything is exemplary. The performances too of all the actors came across as very natural, especially that of Soubin Shahir and Fahadh Faasil. However, for me, the highlight of the film was its imagery, which had a poetic and meditative quality to it. It blends seamlessly into the screenplay and takes the story forward. Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country” and through cinematographer Shyju Khalid’s lens you see why?

With films like Virus, Jallikattu, Helen and Uyare (to name only a few) coming out of its stable, 2019 was a stellar year for Malayalam cinema. The 80s and early 90s is widely considered as the golden age of the Malayalam film industry but a new generation of directors, technicians and actors armed with modern cinematic sensibilities are now putting that notion to the test.

Kumbalangi Nights has been given an 8.6 IMDb rating and you can watch it on Amazon Prime video.

  1. Super Deluxe (Tamil) | Director: Kumararaja Thiagarajan

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Kumararaja Thiagarajan’s “Super Deluxe” is an anthology like none other—four interconnected stories about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Each story in this thriller is bold and imaginative unlike anything you have seen before in Indian cinema. The film is satirical in nature and takes on topics that one would usually avoid in public discourse. The writing is layered and might demand a couple of viewings from your end to get the inner meanings and depths of each character.

If not for anything watch the film for the performance of Vijay Sethupathi in the role of a transgender called “Shilpa”. The scenes between “Shilpa” and little “Raasakutty” is bound to steal your heart. In my opinion this film should have been India’s official entry to the Oscars last year – a truly local, hence, global film.

The film has been given an 8.4 IMDb rating and you can watch it on Netflix.

To sum up, 2019 was a great year for films in general. But the reason why I watch regional films is that it gives me a little window to escape into a different reality. India is not one thing, its many – a cosmos of an eclectic mix of cultures and languages, some known and many unknown to me. Hence, by watching Indian regional films, I am able to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity. What else can I ask for?

Pic credits: Scroll.in, The Week and IMDb

by whatsonsidsmind

Tunes of the Maestro | Tribute | My Top 15 AR Rahman Songs

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By Siddhartha Krishnan . 10 Min read

Please note: This article contains links (look out for song titles and words in italics) which will direct you to the appropriate songs on YouTube or source materials.

In a quaint little village of Tamil Nadu, blessed with many natural wonders, the sun rose and draped the sky in mesmerizing shades of red, orange and yellow. However, with the rising sun, emerged an unusual tune, the likes of which had not been heard—at least not in Indian cinema!

The year was 1992 and the song I am referring to is “Chinna Chinna Aasai” (Dil Hai Chota Sa – Hindi version) from the Tamil film “Roja”. The Hindi (dubbed) version of the film had not released by then and I was watching it on a 14-inch BPL colour television at my Grandfather’s house in Kerala. I vividly recollect, even today, my aunt going gaga over the songs, while a 9-year-old me, was left to wonder what the fuss was all about?

However, once I was done watching the film, the infectious frenzy got the better of me!

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A still from the song “Chinna Chinna Aasai”

The film’s music was so alien yet so refreshing that it captured the imagination of not just me but an entire country. Its songs were composed by a soft-spoken and unassuming 25-year-old debutante music director called Allahrakha Rahman (birth name A.S Dileep Kumar and known professionally as A.R Rahman). To an industry looking for inspiration, in the early 90s and an audience starved of originality—Rahman came in like a breath of fresh air. He won a National award for his very first film (officially) but this was just beginning!

In the years to come, Rahman went on to win six National Film Awards, two Oscars, two Grammys, one BAFTA and one Golden Globe Award. However, despite all the personal accolades bestowed upon him, Rahman’s greatest achievement is that he put Indian music on the world map.

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Rahman at the Oscars (2009)

In a career spanning over 28 years, Rahman has managed to compose songs that cater to every mood, weather, genre and occasion. Furthermore, he has songs which appeal to all kinds of musical sensibilities. Hence, I have been warned by friends and fellow bloggers that picking a Top 15 list from his treasure trove of absolute gems could prove to be suicidal.

Thus, I’ll start with a confession that I am not here to pick “Rahman’s All-Time Top 15 songs” nor am I here to critically analyse or review his work. This is simply a tribute—a fanboy moment. Its my way of saying “thank you” to the Maestro for brightening my mornings and loosening my evenings with his compositions. In other words, this is “MY TOP 15 AR RAHMAN SONGS”— songs which I have grown up listening and keep going back to.

So, here it goes:

  1. Ishwar Allah – 1947 Earth (1998)

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A scene from the film “1947 Earth”

This is the quintessential song for peace. The combination of Javed Akhtar’s soul stirring lyrics, Rahman’s lingering tune and an exceptional vocal performance makes this song unforgettable. It has the innate capacity to soothe your senses, however, among Rahman’s other songs in this genre like “Ek Tu Hi Bharosa” (Album: Pukar-2000) or “Gurus of Peace” (Album: Vande Mataram-1997) this is a lesser known song. Hence, if you haven’t heard it, you should definitely give it a go.

  1. Vennilave Vennilave (Chanda re – Hindi) – Minsara Kanavu (1997)

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Kajol and Prabhu Deva in the song “Vennilave Vennilave”

Hariharan’s silky smooth voice and Rahman’s melody—what could possibly go wrong? This is a romantic ballad which I keep going back to every now and then, especially when I am down. Prabhu Deva’s choreography was the perfect icing on the cake and is bound to bring a smile onto one’s face.

  1. Dil Se Re – Dil Se (1998)

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A still from the song “Dil Se Re”

Love in the times of war is the central theme of this song. For some mysterious reason, the songs that Rahman has sung in his own voice sound good only in his voice. The feel that he brings to this song is unmatched. To add to that, Santosh Sivan’s breath-taking cinematography, Farah Khan’s eccentric choreography and Gulzar’s poetry makes this song one of Rahman’s most visually stunning songs ever.

  1. Pudhu Vellai Mazhai (Yeh Haseen Wadiyan – Hindi) – Roja (1992)

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A still from the song “Pudhu Vellai Mazhai”

This is my favorite track from “Roja” and mind you the film had some great songs and is still regarded as one of Rahman’s finest works. But this song stands out because of the freshness of its sound. Part of the credit, however, must be given to H. Sridhar, the sound engineer of the film. In 1992, sound engineering was a lesser known aspect of film making in India and Rahman pioneered the movement to give enough emphasis to this aspect of composing a song or musical score for a film. Sridhar collaborated with Rahman in many other films like Dil Se, Lagaan, Bombay, Saathiya and many more.

  1. Uyire Uyire (Tu Hi Re – Hindi) – Bombay (1995)

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Poster of the film “Bombay”

The central theme of this track is yearning for love. The minimalism with regards to orchestration and use of natural sounds (like the sound of waves) is noteworthy. In Hariharan’s voice, the end result is spectacular!

  1. Maa Tujhe Salaam – Vande Mataram (1997)

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Visuals from the song “Maa Tujhe Salaam”

This is one of those songs which has become synonymous with the name AR Rahman. Sung by him, “Maa Tujhe Salaam” epitomises a man’s longing for his motherland. He sings the song with such passion that you are bound to be overwhelmed. The album was released in 1997, the year India celebrated its 50th year of Independence. The visuals of the song conceptualized by director Bharat Bala stir the patriotic spirit and give you goose bumps.

  1. Radha Kaise Na Jale – Lagaan (2001)

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Still from the song “Radha Kaise Na Jale”

Rahman’s understanding of the use of specific instruments to evoke a particular emotion is exemplary and the clever use of indigenous rustic instruments like the dhol and dhandiya in this song is testament to this great talent of his. “Lagaan” which was nominated for the Oscars in the ‘Best Foreign film” category had some great songs and this one was pure gem.

  1. Luka Chuppi – Rang De Basanti (2006)

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Poster of the film “Rang De Basanti”

Whenever I listen to this song, I get teary-eyed. Prasoon Joshi’s exquisite lyrics, Lata Mangeshkar’s ethereal voice and Rahman’s heart-rending tune, makes this song one of the Maestro’s best emotional compositions.

  1. Kun Faya Kun – Rockstar (2011)

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Ranbir Kapoor in the song “Kun Faya Kun”

Ranbir Kapoor’s brooding eyes can take part of the credit in making this song an all-time classic but for me “Kun Faya Kun” is my favorite among Rahman’s Sufi compositions, which by the way, is a commendable list of its own and includes the likes of “Arziyan” – Delhi 6 (2009) and “Piya Haji Ali”- Fiza (2000). I would have loved to have these songs added into this list but alas this is only a Top 15 list.

  1. Hai Rama – Rangeela (1995)

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A still from the song “Hai Rama”

If a song on lust could be made aesthetic and blissful, then this is it. It is nothing short of a masterclass and Rahman builds the emotion through some clever instrumentation. The song traverses through some uncharted territories and leaves you spellbound. You must listen to the track to understand what I am trying to say.

  1. Nenjekulle – Kadal (2013)

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A scene from the film “Kadal”

Whenever Rahman has teamed up with ace director Maniratnam, we have got cinematic gems like “Roja”, “Bombay” and “Dil Se” to name only a few. Maniratnam’s films do not comply to the usual formula and are often path-breaking. “Kadal” was also a result of their partnership and it had some experimental music as expected. Among its many songs “Nenjekulle” was simple and soothing. The eye catching visuals in the song, captured by cinematographer Rajiv Menon, complemented the music perfectly.

  1. Kannalanae (Kehna hi Kya – Hindi) – Bombay (1995)

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Actress Manisha Koirala in the song “Kannalanae”

There is very little orchestration in this song sung by K.S Chitra, however, it feels as if a lot is going on. The Sufi elements in the track, especially a transition toward the beginning leaves you mesmerized. The Guardian has included this song in its list of “1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear” and “Bombay” in its list of “1000 Albums to Hear to Before You Die”.

  1. Raasathi – Thiruda Thiruda (1993)

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A still from the song “Raasathi”

“A capella” — is a kind of chanting, performed mostly in Churches, in which a group sings without instrumental accompaniment. To combine this style of singing with earthy folk elements makes this song one of Rahman’s most experimental compositions ever. Also, to have attempted it in 1993 when such sounds were alien to the Indian audience was courageous.

  1. Bombay Theme – Bombay (1995)

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Live performance of the “Bombay Theme” by the Maestro

At number 2 is the “Bombay theme” which takes me into a trance whenever I listen to it. The transitions of this composition are simply divine and there are several goose bump moments that one might experience while listening to it. Bombay was a difficult film to watch especially in the latter half and this track enhanced the mood/emotion that the film was trying to cultivate within the audience perfectly. It is regarded as one of Rahman’s iconic creations.

  1. Konjum Nilavu – Thiruda Thiruda (1993)

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A still from the song “Konjum Nilavu”

“Konjum Nilavu” occupies the number one spot in my Top 15 list. When I first heard it 27 years ago, it shocked me more than anything else because it was so outlandish, experimental and modern for its times. The song starts of in an opera style followed by an unexpected jaw dropping transition which grabs you by your throat. Then, the electro beats, urumi drums and the husky voice of Anupama Krishnaswamy (perfect for the composition) take over. What we get in the end is a masterclass in rhythm! I can never get over this song because it is so unique in terms of orchestration, sound engineering and vocal performance. If you have a good set of speakers or headphones at home and if you haven’t heard this song, I urge you to listen to it straightaway.

In an interview to film critic Rajeev Masand renowned composer Amit Trivedi recalled the impact that the songs of director Maniratnam’s fun heist film “Thiruda Thiruda” had on his life. It was an experimental film which did not do well at the box office, but Amit Trivedi concedes that this was the album that changed his life and inspired him to become a music director. I was so thrilled to hear this!

As, I go through my list of Top 15 Rahman songs, the overwhelming emotion I feel is guilt. There are so many songs which I have grown up listening to that have not made it to this list—including iconic songs like “Urvasi Urvasi” and “Humma Humma”. In the end, I have no option but to let out a sheepish grin and concede that this is the best I can do since it is impossible to encapsulate the talent of the man through a mere countdown list.

I had recently watched a documentary on Amazon Prime Video called “Harmony with AR Rahman” (2018), in which Rahman travels to different parts of India, to explore the country’s rich musical heritage. He seeks lost arts and, in the process, discovers four specially curated instruments and vocal traditions. The people whom he met and who had mastered these instruments spoke languages that Rahman did not understand. However, he was still able to communicate with them and use their talent adequately to come up with a mesmerizing performance in the final episode of the mini-series.

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A still from the documentary “Harmony with AR Rahman”

Well, as they say music has a language of its own which transcends all boundaries and Rahman understands this language very well. Perhaps, this is the reason why he is called “The Mozart of Madras”.

Pic credit: pinterest, scroll.in, hungama.com, amazon.in, smule, indiatoday and newsminute.

Source material: wikipedia, imdb, scroll and quint.

by whatsonsidsmind

Total Recall | Back to 90s | Final Chapter

Cover

Pic credit: Pinterest

By Siddhartha Krishnan . 5 Min Read

They say,

“Nostalgia is a dirty liar that insists things were better than they seemed.”

We humans are often guilty of picking the rosy parts from our past in a bout of nostalgia. In other words, we crib about our “now” only to say good things about it, years later. Hence, a retired man sheds tears of joy when he recalls his glory days under the sun, a hapless lover—now happily married, laughs when he recollects his failed attempts at finding love and a successful corporate person, who was once an inattentive student, smirks when he remembers a cheating episode during an examination.

In this context our reminiscences of the 90s era could be as flawed as the decade itself was. Come to think of it—the 90s began with an assassination and ended with a hijacking. In between there was the demolition of a mosque, terrorist bombings, riots, several political upheavals and even a war. Hence, it is safe to say that this wasn’t a golden era by any stretch of the imagination. In many ways, it was a decade like any other, with its own share of the good and bad. The 90s too grew out of the doings of previous generations as any other decade prior to it.

Hence, let us pause for a minute and ask ourselves – What was different in this decade and why do we 90s kids repeatedly go gaga over it?

The answer may be found in two major events that took place in the 90s and which turned out to be game changers for a country which at that time was struggling to stand on its feet. These were the Economic Liberalization of India in 1991 and the Declaration of India as a full-fledged Nuclear State in 1998. Both these events managed to challenge the status quo and gave the country a chance to become a probable superpower of the future.

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Pic credit: Pinterest and National Herald

While economic liberalization opened up the economy to private and foreign investment thereby creating lakhs of job opportunities in multiple sectors, the success of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests ensured, that India was a force to be reckoned with, in a hostile neighbourhood, while also providing an alternative source of energy to a nation, which was fast depleting its resources. We can debate about the good and bad aspects of these policies, which were initiated by two different governments, belonging to two distinct ideologies (one secular and the other nationalist), but there is no doubt that these were defining moments in our post-independence history.

For the civilian population, the effects of economic liberalization were more visible and as a result, the kids of the 90s, like me, were witness to a few firsts. Among these were the advent of satellite television, introduction to the first PCs/Mobile phones/CDs & DVDs and the emergence of the world wide web. Apart from technological breakthroughs there were many FMCG products that were introduced into the Indian markets, during this decade, which became part of our daily lives.

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Pic credit: Pinterest

But in my opinion what set us apart from the generation before us, which lived in the protectionist era and the generation that came after us, post the turn of the millennium, was the convergence of the old and new in a way that had never been seen before. It is this aspect of growing up in the 90s which I want to delve into because in my opinion this is the differentiating factor.

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Pic credit: Pinterest

The fact that we 90s kids lived dichotomous lives was no secret and we showed off this duality unabashedly. Since, the new had just arrived, the old still had its relevance. So, we played street games like Pithoo or Kho Kho with the same fervour with which we indulged ourselves in video games like Mario or Contra. Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’s keen sense of observation appealed to us as much as Mulder and Scully’s adventures with the paranormal in the X-Files. And, during lunch break, at school, pen fights were as enjoyable as a game of trump cards.

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Pic credit: Pinterest

There was no danger of being side-lined since newer traditions were just beginning to make its way into our lives. Hence, it was cool to climb trees, get drenched in the rain or play Gili Danda while also learning to toggle our joysticks efficiently to move to the next level of a video game. The 90s, in that sense, was a nice blend of the old and new, a kichdi of sorts.

My fondest recollections of the 90s, oddly, are the simple experiences, which I cherish till date. Like,

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Pic credit: Pinterest

Enjoying a bar of ice-candy in the 40-degree heat of Palakkad (my hometown in Kerala) while turning the pages of my favourite comic books which included the likes of Marvel, Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle and Chacha Chaudhary. The delicious ice-candies, made from fresh fruits, turned out to be as unputdownable as the comics I read.

Similarly, in Kolkata (where I spent most of my growing up years), after a gruelling game of gully cricket, we would usually treat ourselves to a glass of Fountain Pepsi—a new arrival into the Indian market at that time. However, a glass of Shikanji at the Maidan, also revived our spirits equally.

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Pic credit: Pinterest

This dichotomy could be seen in the entertainment we sought as well. The Bollywood movies of the 90s were outright bad barring a few exceptions, hence we found solace in the TV programmes of that era. Thanks to satellite television, TV channels like ESPN, Star TV and Cartoon Network had just hit our TV screens and watching WWE on ESPN or Flintstones on Cartoon Network with friends was something we looked forward to in the weekends. But we were equally eager to see what Swami & Friends were up to in Malgudi Days or what mischief Nitu Singh and Noni Singh were going to cause in the next episode of Philips Top 10 due to their ignorance?

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Pic credit: Sportskeeda

However, apart from entertainment, satellite television and later the internet, gave us something that was going to be pathbreaking. This gift of the post liberalization era was access. Thus, Sachin’s straight drive of a 6’5” Australian fast bowler became as aspirational as the rhythms created by Rahman’s piano. A rendezvous with superstar Shah Rukh Khan or Tom Cruise was as inspiring as an interview with emerging business leaders like Narayana Murthy or Bill Gates. And, we realized what Sanjeev Kapoor was doing inside the kitchen was a subtle art and that he wasn’t a “Bawarchi” but a chef.

Today, as the balance shifts heavily towards the new with each passing day, I feel it is this dichotomy and specifically the simpler moments, that we crave for the most. Think about it—We aren’t really complaining about the creature comforts that we have currently and the subsequent materialism that came with it. But neither are we fully adhering to the ways of today, like our children are doing. It’s a strange conundrum that we find ourselves in.

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Pic credit: magicpin

So, when we cajole our children to watch the cartoons and TV programmes, we once watched or introduce them to the games that we played or take them to theme resorts which kindle old memories, it’s the longing for the old, that is manifesting itself. While, we are comfortable with ways of a fast-changing world, there is still a deep yearning for the simpler times.

At a time when the world is under the grip of a deadly pandemic and humanity is locked inside their homes while nature reclaims its spaces—I urge the kids of the 90s to contemplate and decide what they want to take from their experience of the 90s and pass onto their children which might enrich their lives.

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It’s a difficult question to answer, considering the complexities but one that you must seek an answer to.