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Queen is Dead - A Film, TV and Culture Podcast

Queen is Dead - A Film, TV and Culture Podcast

By Queen Is Dead

क्वीन इज डेड.
Movies, the universe and everything.
We come to pop culture with an Indian perspective and want to share it with the world.
These are the voyages of the podcast Queen is Dead!
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Currently playing episode

(Not So) Quick Thoughts - Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar #009

Queen is Dead - A Film, TV and Culture Podcast Jun 10, 2021

00:00
48:38
Malayalam Movie Round-Up P1: Aattam & Bramayugam #117

Malayalam Movie Round-Up P1: Aattam & Bramayugam #117

In this episode, Dhruv and Amartya welcome Devi (@film.trance) back to talk about two Malayalam movies recently released on OTT: Anand Ekarshi's morally complex drama/thriller "Aattam" (on Amazon Prime Video) and Rahul Sadasivan's folk horror film "Bramayugam" (on Sony Liv).


Both films serve up narratives and, especially, aesthetic styles largely underexplored by contemporary Indian cinema. Reference points range from international—Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi and A24's elevated horror films—to local—legendary Malayalam filmmaker K.C. George and Rahi Anil Barve's "Tumbbad." But these films feel wholly original, either wanting to tackle thorny subject matters in contemporary society in thorny ways ("Aattam") or creating a new Old world whose order -- even in the wilderness -- eerily resembles that of our reality ("Bramayugam").


Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to know what we thought about each of these movies and how their superior quality makes Dhruv and Amartya want to tear their hearts out when they see contemporary B'wood movies.


TIMECODES


INTRODUCTION - [00:00 - 03:40]

"AATTAM" - [03:40 - 01:11:10]

"BRAMAYUGAM" - [01:11:10 - 02:21:00]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can also follow our Instagram page:


https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/

Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Mar 24, 202402:21:00
Murder Mystery Mubarak | The Last of Sheila (1973) | Gosford Park (2001) #116

Murder Mystery Mubarak | The Last of Sheila (1973) | Gosford Park (2001) #116

In our buildup to discussing Homi Adajania's "Murder Mubarak" on Monday (March 18, 2024), we -- Dhruv, Amartya & Varun -- discuss two similarly high-profile Hollywood whodunnits that have influenced Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" movies, which have subsequently become the template for any modern-day whodunnit mysteries. The rules of these game narratives may vary: if Herbert Ross' "The Last of Sheila" emphasizes its cynically overconstructed mystery mechanics, Robert Altman's "Gosford Park" undermines it. But they both use (or underuse) them to expose the rules (or lack thereof) of their respective wealthy societies in a way that goes beyond the fun mocking of the "Knives Out" films: the revelations elicit discomforting laughter that no amount of silliness can underplay.


Do listen to the full spoiler-filled episode to hear us talk about both these films! We also talk about the whodunnit plot mechanics, in general, and how these films, like "Knives Out," play around with them!


TIME CODES


Chit-Chat - [00:00 - 04:12]

Introduction - [04:13 - 09:03]

"The Last of Sheila" (1973) - [09:04 - 58:46]

"Gosford Park" (2001) - [58:47 - 01:47:48]

Previewing Upcoming Episodes - [01:47:49 - 01:53:16]


Follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can also follow us on Instagram at:


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Varun: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Mar 17, 202401:53:16
Dune Part Two - An Epic of Scale and Substance #115

Dune Part Two - An Epic of Scale and Substance #115

In our latest episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Hemant, and Prithwish talk about Denis Villeneuve's latest science-fiction blockbuster, "Dune: Part Two" -- a film that Dhruv and Amartya were skeptical about because they disliked "Part One," and Hemant and Prithwish were excited for because they loved "Part One." Is there going to be a similar disagreement over "Part Two"?


It seems not! We are unanimously impressed by Villeneuve's second part of Frank Hebert's "unadaptable" book, looking at it through many lenses—auteurism, blockbuster filmmaking, narrative continuation, and adaptation—and finding it hard to fault much about it.


Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to hear us talk about "Part Two's" impeccable use of music and sound, its much-improved characterizations from "Part One," and, most importantly, its unexpected Bollywood connections.


TIMECODES


INTRODUCTION - [00:00 - 05:50]

DENIS VILLENEUVE - [05:51 - 19:12]

"DUNE PART ONE" - [19:13 - 27:01]

"DUNE PART TWO" (PI) - [27:02 - 01:30:46]

THE ZIMMER SHIMMER (ft. Hemant) - [01:30:47 - 01:39:21]

"DUNE PART TWO" (PII) - [01:39:22 - 02:15:26]

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can follow us on Instagram at:

Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Prithwish: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy

Follow us on Letterboxd at-


Prithwish - https://letterboxd.com/prito98/

Hemant - https://letterboxd.com/ganti117/

Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Mar 07, 202402:15:27
The Classical, The Revisionist, and The Spaghetti Western | Stagecoach, Winchester '73, & Once Upon a Time in the West #114

The Classical, The Revisionist, and The Spaghetti Western | Stagecoach, Winchester '73, & Once Upon a Time in the West #114

In this very special episode, Amartya, Aryan, and Dhruv discuss the different styles of the Hollywood Western from its "birth" in 1939 to its "death" in 1968.

We begin by discussing John Ford's 1939 film, "Stagecoach," singlehandedly responsible for resuscitating the A-Movie Western for the talkies in Hollywood's Pre-War Era. It provides us with a broad template for archetypes and narratives that -- through repetition -- became movie conventions for reasons both good and bad. Fast forward to the Golden Era of the Hollywood Westerns, particularly the Post-War period -- and you see filmmakers like Anthony Mann beginning to question these conventions while still largely adhering to them in his 1950 film, "Winchester '73." The fondly remembered Spaghetti Westerns of the '60s push even further in this direction, with Sergio Leone's 1968 film, "Once Upon a Time in the West," simultaneously homaging the West and deflating America's constructed myths.

Listen to the full episode for our deep dive into each film and the historical context that defined their varied narratives and aesthetic styles!

TIME CODES

The Western and its Mythology - Archetypes, Narratives, and Aesthetics: [01:16 - 35:09]
"Stagecoach" (1939) : [35:09 - 58:11]
"Winchester '73" (1950) : [58:11 - 01:22:40]
"Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968) : [01:22:40 - 02:01:04]
The Western's Contemporary Manifestations: [02:01:04 - 02:19:40]

NOTE: The episode is in no way a complete summation of the countless films and directors whose works continue to influence Westerns today. It's intended as a (hopefully) informative celebration of a genre we love!

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page:
instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/

Amartya: www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Dhruv: letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Aryan: letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/

Amartya: letterboxd.com/amartya/
Feb 11, 202402:19:30
Killer Soup - Overflavoured/Undercooked or Deliciously Tasty? #113

Killer Soup - Overflavoured/Undercooked or Deliciously Tasty? #113

Hello, Hello Hello,


In this new episode of QID, Dhruv, Sanjeet, Amartya and Srilekha, discuss the new Netflix show Killer Soup starring the very fantastic Konkana Sensharma & Manoj Bajpayee, directed by common favourite Abhishek Chaubey. Uncommonly, though, we came out with polarized views, with two of us loving the show’s darkly delicious tone and the other two bemoaning its unnecessary edginess. Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss the show’s Coen-esque genre playfulness, and how it stacks up next to the slew of mediocre Indian web shows that have released in the past year.

Jan 25, 202401:46:19
Best Indian Films of 2023 | Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Sapta Sagardaache Ello, Jigarthanda DoubleX & many more! #112

Best Indian Films of 2023 | Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Sapta Sagardaache Ello, Jigarthanda DoubleX & many more! #112

In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome three returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance), Adithiyan (@curioseradithiyan), and Yadhu (@immersive_cinema) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, Kolly, Molly!

The five extensively discuss films that overlap -- a LOT of time is dedicated to lavishing praise on "SSE," "Nanpakal," & "Jigarthanda DoubleX." But they also make sure to pinpoint films that stuck out for them individually -- like "Aachar & Co," "Chittha," "Song of the Scorpions," "Falimy," and plenty more.

Do listen to the full episode to know all the favorites (revealed via time codes also below!)! Let us know what you make of films included/excluded!


TIME CODES

"Ponniyin Selvan II": [02:42 - 10:17] "Viduthalai Part I": [10:17 - 17:08] "Purusha Pretham": [17:08 - 24:00] "Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam": [24:00 - 32:53] "Hostel Hudugaru Bekigiddare": [32:53 - 46:03] "Falimy": [46:03 - 47:44] "SSE Side A & B": [47:44 - 01:15:11] "Aachar & Co": [01:15:11 - 01:19:44] "Jigarthanda DoubleX": [01:19:44 - 01:34:48] "2018": [01:34:48 - 01:47:31] "Rekha": [01:47:31 - 01:51:32] "Thankam": [01:51:32 - 01:55:22] "Kathal & Kaathal - The Core": [01:55:22 - 01:57:33] "Chittha": [01:57:33 - 02:04:46] "Mahaaveeran": [02:04:46 - 02:10:02] "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani": [02:10:02 - 02:17:24] "Three of Us": [02:17:24 - 02:20:29] "12th Fail": [02:20:29 - 02:27:33] "Stolen & Joram": [02:27:33 - 02:41:16] "Aatmapamphlet": [02:41:16 - 02:44:45] "Song of the Scorpions": [02:44:45 - 02:46:54] Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can also follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


Adithiyan: https://www.instagram.com/curioseradithiyan/ Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance

Yadhu: https://www.instagram.com/immersive_cinema/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Adithiyan: https://letterboxd.com/curioseradi/ Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/

Yadhu: https://letterboxd.com/dehosure/

Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/ Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Jan 14, 202402:48:42
Cinema of Rajkumar Hirani #111

Cinema of Rajkumar Hirani #111

In this very special episode specifically designed to counteract the negativity spread by two QID members on our YouTube Livestream, Dhruv and Aryan — two self-proclaimed Hiranites — talk about the director’s pre-“Dunki” and “Sanju” output to celebrate his contribution to contemporary Indian cinema. Aryan does bring up “Dunki” sadly to begin our discussion. But we swiftly move away from it to discuss the gloriously heartwarming, crowd-pleasing pleasures of the Munnabhai films, “3 Idiots,” and “PK.”

Listen to the full episode to hear us relive some of the film’s glorious moments while also making a case for the value of Hirani’s cinema of sincerity. TIME CODES Introduction - [00:00 - 08:00] "Dunki" thoughts - [08:00 - 23:00] "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." - [23:00 - 38:30] "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" - [38:30 - 59:45] "3 idiots" - [59:45 - 01:19:00] "PK" - [01:19:00 - 1:36:00] Outro - [1:36:00 - 01:43:25] Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can also follow us on Instagram at: Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/


Jan 08, 202401:43:25
The Great, Good, and Garbage Men of Bollywood in 2023 | Animal 🤬| Sam Bahadur 🥱| 12th Fail 🥲 #110

The Great, Good, and Garbage Men of Bollywood in 2023 | Animal 🤬| Sam Bahadur 🥱| 12th Fail 🥲 #110

Taking a cue from recent Bollywood releases, we have decided to leave our latest episode unedited. So get ready for the most extensive discussion on Sandeep Reddy Vanga's hollow provocations in "Animal," the most accurate Sanjeet impression (courtesy Aryan) as we collectively gush about Vidhu Vinod Chopra's uplifting "12th Fail," and the most detailed breakdown of Meghna Gulzar's insipid "Sam Bahadur" by a podcast regular who has a personal connection with the subject matter.


Providing necessary order to this otherwise chaotic discussion between four men about three Bollywood men is another QID regular -- Ahendrila. Extending our discussion beyond the text, she helps us situate the role these films play (and will continue to play) within the broader socio-political Indian context. You can guess which film is talked about most here. But, we promise the "Animal" fans that there is a dedicated attempt to also pick out positives in a film that largely didn't work for any of us.


Do listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to hear our detailed thoughts on all three films!


TIME CODES


Introduction - [00:00 - 04:30]

"Animal" (2023) - [04:31 - 01:03:55]

"12th Fail" (2023) - [01:03:56 - 01:34:04]

Ahendrila Asks - [01:34:05 - 01:53:03]

"Sam Bahadur" (2023) - [01:53:04 - 02:49:30]


Follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Varun: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Ahendrila - https://letterboxd.com/ahendrila/ Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Dec 13, 202302:49:31
Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (The Spoiler-Filled Discussion) #109

Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (The Spoiler-Filled Discussion) #109

Away from MAMI contamination, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite Varun and Hemanth to discuss "Killers of the Flower Moon" in full. Everything from specific problems with perspectives to why those problems are not actually major problems are discussed and debated here.


Do listen to the full episode to get a detailed breakdown of what we thought of the film's narrative choices, lead performances, and Martin Scorsese's special appearance!


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast  

You can also follow us on Instagram at:  

Hemant Ganti: https://www.instagram.com/hemantganti/

Dhruv: https: //www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Sanjeet: https: //www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/

Varun: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/

Varun: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Dec 09, 202301:39:40
The Serial Killer Obsession | Se7en | Zodiac | Red Rooms #108

The Serial Killer Obsession | Se7en | Zodiac | Red Rooms #108

In this somewhat unplanned continuation of our David Fincher "The Killer" obsession, Amartya, Dhruv, and Srilekha discuss two of the director's widely acclaimed serial killer films -- "Se7en" (1995) and "Zodiac" (2007) -- that shine more light on the psyche of those pursuing the killer than the killer himself.

Thanks to another podcast regular -- Simon Ezra (@thebongcinephile) -- our Fincher trail also extends to Quebec, Canada. The final film discussed in this episode is Pascal Plante's "Red Rooms" (2023) -- a technologically updated version of the Serial Killer obsession told from the point-of-view of a devout admirer ("groupie") of the serial killer.

Listen to the full episode to hear what draws us to such films, why David Fincher's films are such a major influence on this sub-genre, and why it is so tricky to emulate his style.

Discussion for all three films includes spoilers.

TIME CODES

INTRODUCTION — [00:00-06:30]
THE SERIAL KILLER SUB-GENRE — [06:31 - 19:54]
"SE7EN" (1995) — [19:55 - 57:10]
"ZODIAC" (2007) — [57:11 - 01:23:01]
"RED ROOMS" (2023) — [01:23:02 - 01:55:29]

SOCIAL MEDIA STUFF

More Serial-Killer Film Recommendations:

Amartya's HoF Listicle:
www.highonfilms.com/movies-like-se7en-1995/

Follow our Instagram page:

instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Srileka: www.instagram.com/mitra__srilekha_
Amartya: www.instagram.com/amartya25/
Dhruv: www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Dhruv: letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
Amartya: letterboxd.com/amartya/
Srileka: letterboxd.com/srilekha__mitra/
Nov 22, 202301:55:30
Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 4 | Ghaath | Indi(r)a's Emergency | Priscilla #107

Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 4 | Ghaath | Indi(r)a's Emergency | Priscilla #107

In QID’s last part from the MAMI series, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about what they watched on Days 6, 7 & 8 of MAMI. Short, non-spoilery discussions on Vikramaditya Motwane's new documentary “Indi(r)a's Emergency”, Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla", "Ghaath", "La Chimera" and many more. Also features, Dhruv discussing his sickness and how MAMI is responsible for it, Aryan's generic socio-political mumbo-jumbo, and Sanjeet literally falls asleep during the discussion. Chapters Intro — [⁠00:00⁠-⁠2:20⁠] Sanjeet & Aryan on Paradise — [⁠02:20⁠-⁠09:10⁠] Sanjeet on "Ghaath" — [⁠09:10⁠-⁠13:35⁠] Dhruv on "The Delinquents" — [⁠13:35⁠-⁠21:20⁠] Dhruv on "La Chimera" — [⁠21:20⁠-⁠25:00⁠] Frustrations with Dilli Dark — [⁠25:00⁠-⁠26:50⁠] Frustrations with Priscilla — [⁠26:50⁠-⁠35:00⁠] Vikramaditya Motwane's "Indi(r)a's Emergency" — [⁠35:00⁠-⁠47:50⁠] Outro — [⁠47:50⁠-⁠49:58⁠] Social - Instagram - ⁠  / queenisdead.filmpodcast  ⁠ Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast...⁠ Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QS...⁠ Facebook - ⁠  / queenisdead.filmpodcast  ⁠
Nov 21, 202350:10
David Fincher's The [Stone-Cold] Killer | Neo-Noir & Le Samouraï #106

David Fincher's The [Stone-Cold] Killer | Neo-Noir & Le Samouraï #106

In this unexpectedly topical (it's Noirvemeber!) episode, the QID gang talks about the recently released David Fincher film on Netflix -- "The Killer," starring Michael Fassbender. Rather than just talk about what we liked and disliked about the film, we use its release to look back at the neo-noir film that continues to inspire auteur-driven assassin projects -- Jean Pierre Melville's "Le Samouraï" (1967).


Listen to the full episode to -- first -- hear Amartya geek out about neo-noir films, especially Le Samouraï; Dhruv, Aryan, and Sanjeet -- for the most part -- follow suit. Then listen to Amartya freak out about "The Killer," something Dhruv, Aryan, and Sanjeet are themselves split on.


Discussion for "The Killer" and "Le Samouraï" includes spoilers.


TIME CODES


INTRODUCTION — [00:00-05:38]

NEO-NOIR & LE SAMOURAÏ — [05:39 - 43:30]

THE KILLER — [43:31 - 01:38:48]


SOCIAL MEDIA STUFF


Follow our Instagram page:


https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/ Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/ https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Nov 13, 202301:38:49
Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 3 | Joram | Rajat Kapoor | Fallen Leaves #105

Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 3 | Joram | Rajat Kapoor | Fallen Leaves #105

In QID’s third in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about what all they watched on Day 3, 4 & 5 of MAMI. Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Joram”, "Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa", "Fallen Leaves", Gujarati critical darling "Kayo Kayo Colour" and many more. Also features, Dhruv discussing his sickness and how MAMI is responsible for it, Aryan's generic socio-political mumbo-jumbo, and Sanjeet falls asleep during the discussion. Chapters Intro — [00:00-5:30] Sanjeet & Dhruv on the new Rajat Kapoor film — [05:30-15:10] Aryan on "20 Days in Mariupol" — [15:10-26:10] "The Beast" — [26:10-34:50] "Totem" — [34:50-38:15] Aki Kaurismäki's Fallen Leaves — [38:15-43:00] Aryan on observational socio-political dramas featuring "The Burdened" & "Kayo Kayo Colour" — [43:00-51:20] Joram — [51:20-01:05:31] Social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast
Nov 12, 202301:05:33
Mumbai Film Festival-MAMI | Part 2 | Kennedy | Maestro | Stolen #104

Mumbai Film Festival-MAMI | Part 2 | Kennedy | Maestro | Stolen #104

In QID’s second in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan and Dhruv talk about what all they watched (and stupidly missed) on Day 2 & 3 of MAMI.Short, non-spoilery discussions on “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Green Border,” “Stolen,” and “Maestro.”


Long, non-spoilery discussion on Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy.”


Also, featuring a one-sided argument about why watching films on a laptop is better than watching films at the NMACC from the Balcony.


Chapters

Intro — [00:00-3:30]

Anatomy of a Fall — [03:30-10:20]

Dhruv on "Green Border" & "Maestro — [10:20-19:20]

Aryan & Sanjeet on "Stolen" — [19:20-27:15]

Kennedy (No Spoilers!!) — [27:15-59:40]

Outro — [59:40-1:04:45]



Social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Nov 06, 202301:04:46
Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 1 | Killers of the Flower Moon #103

Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI | Part 1 | Killers of the Flower Moon #103

In QID’s first in-person recorded episode, Sanjeet, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about their film festival experiences, why MAMI provides ammunition for the “Cinema is Dead” argument, and their non-spoilery thoughts on the first films they watched at MAMI.


(Sanjeet and Aryan decided to include “Killers of the Flower Moon” as part of the discussion. That’s what we debate about most in the episode.)


Listen to the full non-spoiler episodes to also hear our thoughts about Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist, But Boredom Does.”


Chapters


MAMI Experience — [00:00-4:00]

Festival Experiences — [04:00-25:00]

“Killers of the Flower Moon” — [25:00-01:00:00]

“MAMI Day 1 Movies” — [01:00:00-01:26:07]

Social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/queen-is-dead-a-film-tv-and-culture-podcast/id1518004973 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6z818QSzTpxl0FgkjSSYlR?si=RWvIEF7cTKqWDX1Gwugj8g&nd=1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Nov 02, 202301:26:10
Halloween Special : Japanese Horror #102

Halloween Special : Japanese Horror #102

In this special Halloween episode, Dhruv, Amartya & Simon discuss the explosion of Japanese horror in the late 90s and early 2000's. We discuss their diverse styles that all talk about the alienation caused by the internet boom thematic elements.


Do listen for an in-depth & spoiler-filled discussion of all three films!
**Apologies for some of the background noise in the episode**   
Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast   
You can also follow Simon: https://www.instagram.com/the_bong_cinephile_/     
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!   
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https://letterboxd.com/the_bong_cineph/

Oct 31, 202301:50:20
Leo - A History of Violence on Steroids? #101

Leo - A History of Violence on Steroids? #101

In this new episode, Amartya and Sanjeet discuss the new Lokesh Kanagaraj film "Leo", starring Thalapathy Vijay, among other stars. We discuss what we liked/disliked in the film, championing the film for its decision to move away from the generic star vehicles that have been popular recently in Tamil and Telugu cinema.


Kanagaraj's 5 film career so far has been driven by his unique directorial sensibility, but does the aesthetic of his universe still work for this film? Listen to the full episode to hear about our initial thoughts, expectations, and theories for the future of the LCU.

**Bonus- At the end, Amartya also shares his quick thoughts on Srijit Mukherjee's (surprise! surprise!) new film, 'Dawshom Awbotaar'. Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! You can read Amartya's review of "Leo" for The Red Sparrow here: https://theredsparrow.in/film-reviews/leo-2023-movie-review-an-average-lokesh-kanagaraj-feature-housing-an-above-average-thalapathy-vijay-performance/

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Oct 20, 202301:29:19
Jafar Panahi's Post-Arrest Cinema -- Revealing Ecstatic Truths #100

Jafar Panahi's Post-Arrest Cinema -- Revealing Ecstatic Truths #100

In this very special episode, Dhruv, Aryan, and Ashwani welcome Amith -- handler of the now inactive Mactacritic page on Instagram -- to celebrate the works of arguably THE essential filmmaker of our times, Jafar Panahi. The Iranian filmmaker, already known internationally for his docu-fiction work before his arrest, molded that aesthetic in defiant, perceptive, and self-reflexive ways post-arrest. The objective -- continue to reveal stories about people around him, which meant turning the camera on himself because of his arrest.


Listen to the full episode to hear us first discuss the context surrounding Panahi's arrest, then each of the five films the director made during the filmmaking and travel ban he continues serving. The objective -- not only to situate these films within the context of Panahi's arrest but also to champion the formal excellence that the director often sneaks into his films in the same way these films have, sometimes, needed to be snuck under the noses of Iranian authorities to be sent to international festivals!


Also, cameo (vocal) appearance by the great Werner Herzog!


TIME CODES


Introduction to Jafar Panahi: [03:15 - 11:36]

"This is Not a Film" (2011): [11:36 - 38:44]

"Closed Curtain" (2013): [38:44 - 46:45]

"Taxi" (2015): [46:45 - 01:10:17]

"3 Faces" (2018): [01:10:17 - 01:20:34]

"No Bears" (2022): [01:20:34 - 01:53:55]


You can read Ashwani's High on Film piece on "No Bears" here: https://www.highonfilms.com/no-bears-2022-movie-ending-explained-themes-analyzed/


Follow our Instagram page:  


https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


You can also follow us on Instagram at:


Amith: https://www.instagram.com/_amith.km.__/

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm

Ashwani: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


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Amith: https://letterboxd.com/mactacritic/

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Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/

Oct 11, 202301:53:56
Khufiya — VB Puppeteers a Shayarana Spy #099
Oct 06, 202301:14:15
Wes Anderson's Dahl Houses & Asteroid City #098

Wes Anderson's Dahl Houses & Asteroid City #098

In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, Shashwat, and a special new guest -- Srilekha Mitra (writer for High on Films, Youth Ki Awaaz, The Red Sparrow, and other publications) -- talk all about the delightfully artifice-laden worlds of Wes Anderson.


First, we discuss Anderson's auteurism, discussing its value (or lack thereof) in today's filmmaking world for audiences and critics alike.


Then, we go beyond praising the infinite layers of surface beauty that cover his 2023 output to talk about their softly beating hearts. This includes a spoiler-filled discussion of both his divisive COVID-themed feature, Asteroid City, and adaptations of 4 Roald Dahl shorts currently playing on Netflix -- "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar," "The Swan," "The Rat Catcher," & "Poison."


Featuring an extended cameo appearance by *drum roll* Lord Sanjeet.


TIME CODES


ACT I (Wes Anderson's Auteurism) - [00:00 - 26:11]

ACT II ("Asteroid City") - [26:11 - 01:03:56]

ACT III, SCENE 1 ("Henry Sugar") - [01:03:56 - 01:30:56]

ACT III, SCENE 2 ("The Swan") - [01:30:56 - 01:48:11]

ACT III, SCENE 3 ("The Rat Catcher") - [01:48:11 - 01:56:23]

ACT III, SCENE 4 ("Poison") - [01:56:23 - 02:11:28]

EPILOGUE (Unedited) - [02:11:28 - 02:18:23]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


The article referenced in the ep:


"Asteroid City: Wes Anderson's Film is Replete with Bekettian Absurdity" [Srilekha]: https://theredsparrow.in/features/asteroid-city-wes-andersons-film-is-replete-with-beckettian-absurdity/


You can (should!) follow Srilekha on:


INSTRAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mitra__srilekha_


You can (should!) read her incredible articles here:


LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/sri14


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You can also follow us on Instagram at:


Shashwat: https://www.instagram.com/filmahole/

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Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


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Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/

Oct 03, 202302:18:23
Sujoy Ghosh's Jaane Jaan & The Problem with Adaptations | Q & A #097

Sujoy Ghosh's Jaane Jaan & The Problem with Adaptations | Q & A #097

In this impromptu episode, Dhruv listens to Amartya vent about the recently released Netflix thriller starring Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma -- "Jaane Jaan." An official adaptation of Keigo Higashino's "The Devotion of Suspect X," Ghosh's film deviates significantly from its source material, squandering the novel's tragic emotionality without adding anything significant of its own to Higashino's story.


Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion of "Jaane Jaan" and our answers to the great questions about adaptations and film criticism sent by our listeners on Instagram!


TIMECODES


Introduction: [00:00 - 01:32]

Q & A: [01:33 - 18:48]

"Jaane Jaan": [18:49 - 01:21:48]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


You can read Amartya's review of "Jaane Jaan" for HoF here: https://www.highonfilms.com/jaane-jaan-2023-netflix-movie-review/

Follow our Instagram page:

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Sep 26, 202301:21:48
Jawan - The Angry (Old) Man in a New, Massy Bottle | Review w/ Curioser Adithiyan #096

Jawan - The Angry (Old) Man in a New, Massy Bottle | Review w/ Curioser Adithiyan #096

In this (much longer than planned) discussion of SRK's latest blockbuster, "Jawan" (2023), we spend half the episode setting up multiple contexts that help us each inform our disparate reactions to the film. Amartya, Aryan, and Dhruv talk about the Bollywood context -- the Angry Young Man films of the 70s, SRK, and the industry today. And our special guest, Adithiyan (@curioseradithiyan on Instagram), provides the bulk of the material to set up the Tamil Film Industry context -- from the 60s to Shankar to Murgadoss to Atlee (whose VIjay collaborations dominate a significant part of our discussion).


After setting up all interrelated, industrial, socio-political, and aesthetic contexts, we discuss the merits and demerits of "Jawan" (w/ spoilers).


Do listen to the full episode and tell us you agree/disagree with us!


TIME CODES


Introduction: [00:00 - 04:22]

Context P1 - Bollywood & SRK - [04:22 - 19:01]

Context P2 - The Tamil Film Industry - [19:01 - 32:34]

Context P3 - Atlee's Cinema - [32:34 - 56:45]

"Jawan" Review - [56:45 - 01:48:13]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Articles referenced in the ep:


"Before Jawan" [Adithiyan]: https://theredsparrow.in/features/packaging-matters-a-look-back-into-atlees-filmography-before-srks-jawan/


"Dil Se to Jawan" [Aryan]: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw77wpuI-hW/?img_index=1


"Jawan Review" [Amartya]: https://theredsparrow.in/film-reviews/jawan-standard-atlee-mix-of-hodgepodge-but-the-chemical-x-is-definitely-srk/


"Indian Films and Western Audiences" [Jerzy Toeplitz]: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000134149


You can (should!) follow Adithiyan in these places:


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curioseradithiyan/

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/curioseradi/


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Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/
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Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/
Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Sep 10, 202301:48:14
Best of the Year 2023 (so far) #095

Best of the Year 2023 (so far) #095

In this episode, Sanjeet, Dhruv, Aryan, and returning guest, Shashwat discuss their three favorite films of the year (up till and including July). Not limited to any particular language or industry, this discussion gives you a wide variety of films from all over the world that fascinated us in ways that we had not anticipated.
Check out this episode to know more.
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You can also follow us on Instagram at:  
Shashwat: https://www.instagram.com/filmahole/
Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/   
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/
Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/     
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Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/


Sep 04, 202301:35:30
The Friedkin Connection #094

The Friedkin Connection #094

In this special episode, Amartya and Dhruv remember William Friedkin -- the great American director who recently passed away at the age of 87.


First, we discuss our introductions to his filmography, simultaneously elaborating upon his status as a critical 70s New Hollywood filmmaker. Then, we take a deep dive into 5 of his films, some seminal from the 70s -- "The French Connection" (1971) and "Sorcerer" (1977) -- others cult-classics from the 80s and 2000s -- "To Live and Die in LA" (1985), "Bug" (2006) and "Killer Joe" (2011).


("The Exorcist" is excluded because we will be discussing it come Halloween!)


Listen to the full, geeky, spoiler-filled episode to celebrate all things Friedkin (plenty of the director's hilarious anecdotes are discussed and sampled throughout the episode!).


TIMECODES


Overview: [00:00 - 03:39]

Introductions to William Friedkin: [03:40 - 13:43]

"The French Connection" (1971): [13:44 - 35:41]

"Sorcerer" (1977): [35:42 - 56:36]

"To Live and Die in LA" (1985): [56:37 - 01:10:21]

Dhruv's "SORCERER IS PG!": [01:10:21 - 01:11:50]

Friedkin -- Late 80s to Early 2000s: [01:11:51 - 01:19:32]

"Bug" (2006): [01:19:33 - 01:30:49]

"Killer Joe" (2011): [01:30:50 - 01:38:56]

Friedkinphillia: [01:38:57 - 01:47:53]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


You can read Amartya's review of "Sorcerer" for HoF here: https://www.highonfilms.com/sorcerer-1977-review/

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Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/ Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

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Aug 25, 202301:47:54
The Historical Epic w/ Cinephile Sanket | Ben-Hur (1959) & Doctor Zhivago (1965) #093

The Historical Epic w/ Cinephile Sanket | Ben-Hur (1959) & Doctor Zhivago (1965) #093

In this long overdue episode, Dhruv, Sanjeet, and Amartya invite back Sanket Mistry (@Cinephile Sanket on YouTube) to discuss two different types of films from one of his favorite genres -- The Historical Epic.


We begin by situating the origin of this type of film to the 50s and 60s. Then, we delve into things that enthrall and frustrate us now when we watch William Wyler's "Ben-Hur" and David Lean's "Doctor Zhivago."


Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion of the narrative characteristics common to both these epics, their different enduring qualities, and why one works more than the other for different people in the panel.


Timecodes


Context: [00:00 - 04:19]

"Ben-Hur" (1959): [04:20 - 42:30]

"Doctor Zhivago" (1965): [42:30 - 01:23:00]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


You can subscribe to Sanket's Channel on Youtube:


https://www.youtube.com/@CinephileSanketFilmLover/about


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Sanket: https://www.instagram.com/cinephile_sanket/

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Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/


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Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Aug 22, 202301:33:18
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani - KJo's Return to Form? But When Was He Ever Gone? #092

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani - KJo's Return to Form? But When Was He Ever Gone? #092

In our second (!) episode that's on all things Karan Johar, Dhruv is joined by returning KJo-Stan Jasmin A. Singh (@jasssipinkman) and a brand new card-holding member of the party, Aryan (@aryantalksfilm), to discuss Karan Johar's latest film that's (to our surprise/shock) being liked by everyone. We reiterate what everyone loved -- Ranveer Singh, his chemistry with Alia Bhatt, and the film's status as a "corrective" to Johar's filmography. But we also try to make a case for what's potentially lost in this KJo-directed film that shone so brightly in his 2000s films that RRKPK wants to update.


Listen to this spoiler-filled episode to hear unexpected amounts of K3G gushing, KJo appreciation outside of RRKPK, and the cultural importance of his Big Bollywood Family Melodrama brand.


Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast    


You can also follow us on Instagram at:    
Jasmin: https://www.instagram.com/jasssipinkman/
Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/     
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/       
Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!  


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Jasmin: https://letterboxd.com/jasminasingh21/

Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/ 

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/


Aug 09, 202301:17:11
Nolan At War | Dunkirk & Oppenheimer | Nolan Retrospective PART 4 #091

Nolan At War | Dunkirk & Oppenheimer | Nolan Retrospective PART 4 #091

Tis' Nolan Month!

 

Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions.

Ashwani Kumar Tiwari (@safaed_syaahi) returns.

And Sanjeet replaces Dhruv for this ep to take control of the exponentially increasing episode runtimes.

 

In Part 4, we look at two Nolan films set during World War II -- "Dunkirk" and the recently released "Oppenheimer" -- that provide thier unique spins to the traditional War and Biopic genres. Praising him for his ability to make both his least-talky and most-talky films equally compelling, we champion elements -- non-linear-screenplay, intercut editing, and bombastic music specifically -- that make these films incredibly different from each other without ever feeling that they don't belong to Nolan's brand of cinema.


Listen to the full episode for an extensive discussion about "Oppenheimer's" merits and demerits as a piece of adaptation, its expansive scope, and its impressive (some not so much) performances!

 

TIME CODES

 

"Dunkirk" (2017): [01:50-45:07]

"Oppenheimer" (2023): [45:08-01:47:00]


Follow our Instagram page:

https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


Please follow Varun's awesome blog!

Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/


You can also follow Varun at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/


You can follow Ashwani at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/


You can follow Prithwish at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy


You can follow us on Instagram at:


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/  


You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -


Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/

Jul 31, 202301:47:00
Nolan's Magic Tricks | The Prestige, Inception, Interstellar, Tenet (briefly) | Nolan Retrospective PART 3 #090

Nolan's Magic Tricks | The Prestige, Inception, Interstellar, Tenet (briefly) | Nolan Retrospective PART 3 #090

Tis' Nolan Month!

 

Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions.

 

New Team Member: Self-Ascribed “Nolan Megafan” Ashwani Kumar Tiwari (@safaed_syaahi)

 

In Part 3, we look at the films that gave birth to Dhoom 3 and Nolan’s annoying fandom. This is, of course, “The Prestige,” “Inception,” and “Interstellar.” Looking beyond that (tiring) discourse, though, we find all three of these films to be intricately structured, thrillingly original, and wildly ambitious works. “Interstellar’s” sentimentality and “Inception’s” style divides opinions. Nonetheless, there’s a general appreciation for the scope, scale, and imagination of all three films.

 

We also talk about “Tenet” briefly.

 

The two things that remain consistent, though, are -- (1) his experimentations with time and (2) his belief in lying (or deception) as a fundamental truth.

 

Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss all this in minute detail!

 

TIME CODES

 

“The Prestige” (2006): [06:50-43:10]

"Inception” (2010): [43:11-01:20:53]

"Interstellar" (2014) : [1:20:54-02:07:30]

"Tenet" (2020) : [02:11:45-02:23:00]


Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


Please follow Varun's awesome blog!


Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/


You can also follow Varun at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/


You can follow Ashwani at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/


You can follow Prithwish at:


Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy


You can follow us on Instagram at:


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -
Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Jul 28, 202302:27:49
Nolan's Knight Trilogy | Batman Begins, The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises | Nolan Retrospective PART 2 #089

Nolan's Knight Trilogy | Batman Begins, The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises | Nolan Retrospective PART 2 #089

Tis' Nolan Month!


Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) and Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions.


In Part 2, we follow Amartya's lead into Nolan's Batcave -- the series that propelled him to fame. Discussing each film from the Trilogy, we note how he fuses his sensibilities with the studio's, sometimes thrillingly. ("The Dark Knight"), other times contentiously ("Begins" & "Rises").


The three things that remain consistent, though, are -- (1) his experimentations with time, (2) his film noir inspirations, and (3) his belief in lying (or deception) as a fundamental truth.


Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss all this in minute detail, with Amartya filling us in with essential comic-book-to-film adaptation context to make us better appreciate the triumphs and shortcomings of Nolan's "Batman" Trilogy.


TIME CODES


Introduction: [00:00 - 04:34]

Before "Begins": [04:35 - 10:19]

"Batman Begins" (2005): [10:20 - 51:40]

"The Dark Knight" (2008) : [51:41 - 01:37:45]

"The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) : [01:37:46 - 02:13:57]

After "Rises": [02:13:58 - 02:18:36]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Please follow Varun's awesome blog!

Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/

You can also follow Varun at:

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/


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Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Jul 14, 202302:18:37
Nolan Noir | Following, Memento & Insomnia | Nolan Retrospective PART 1 #088

Nolan Noir | Following, Memento & Insomnia | Nolan Retrospective PART 1 #088

Tis' Nolan Month!


Dhruv and Amartya conduct a full retrospective of the director's work, with returning guest Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock), and new guest, Prithwish Roy (@little.lord_fauntleroy) joining in for all the discussions.


In Part 1, we discuss the director's humble beginnings before he took on the "Batman" franchise. Focusing on "Following," "Memento," and "Insomnia," we chart his journey from low-budget indie films to studio indie films that signal a shift in his filmmaking sensibility.


The three things that remain consistent, though, are -- (1) his experimentations with time, (2) his film noir inspirations, and (3) his belief in lying (or deception) as a fundamental truth.


Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss all this whilst trying not to talk about "Ghajini," Terrence Malick, and "Dhoom 3."


TIME CODES


Introduction: [00:00 - 07:53]

"Following" (1998) : [07:54 - 29:33]

Deviation No. 1 - Theatrical Experiences: [29:34 - 33:20]

"Memento" (2000) : [33:21 - 01:04:14]

"Insomnia" (2002) : [01:04:15 - 01:29:23]

Deviation No. 2 - The Nolan Complex(ity): [01:29:24 - 01:37:44]

Nolan's Early Inspirations & Later Imitators: [01:37:45 - 01:55:20]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Please follow Varun's awesome blog!

Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/

You can also follow Varun at:

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/


You can follow Prithwish at:

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/prito98/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.lord_fauntleroy

You can follow us on Instagram at:

Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Jul 08, 202301:55:21
 Rajeev Ravi: Senses of (Dis)location #087

Rajeev Ravi: Senses of (Dis)location #087

In this special episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet invite guests Devi (@FilmTrance) and Yadhu (@Immersive Cinema) to discuss Director/Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi's directorial filmography. We touch upon his style & characters that conform to generic templates but still feel consistently expansive because of his unique ability to project them through his varied experiences of Kochi's diverse culture.


Briefly, then, we also discuss our favorite moments from his films and how each encompasses certain feelings attached to us personally.


To hear us geek out about all this in detail, please listen to the full episode!


\\Socials-

Follow our Instagram page:


https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


You can also follow us on Instagram at:


Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/  
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance


You can also checkout Yadhu's Immersive Cinema Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UuzqiKsfCGX7kVjt8HI8z


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Yadhu: https://letterboxd.com/dehosure/

Devi: https://letterboxd.com/cinemamadhuram/

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/  
Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/

Jul 05, 202302:08:59
Slow Cinema 101 w/ Matthew Cody Lang | The Turin Horse, The Headless Woman & Passing Summer #086

Slow Cinema 101 w/ Matthew Cody Lang | The Turin Horse, The Headless Woman & Passing Summer #086

In this special episode, Dhruv invites Atlanta-based singer, actor, and cinephile Matthew Cody Lang to discuss the hypnotic allure of Slow Cinema -- a broad, relatively new cinematic movement characterized by filmmakers' use of varying aesthetic strategies usually NOT prioritized by mainstream cinema.


We first discuss our introductions to it, what we categorize as 'Slow Cinema,' and why we keep returning to it despite its reputation, in select quarters, as "cultural vegetables" cinema.


Then, we turn our attention to three films, hoping to dismantle the idea that only movies with "long takes = Slow Cinema." Yes, we are discussing one of Slow Cinema's most emblematic works -- Belá Tarr's "The Turin Horse." But the other two films -- Angela Schanelec's "Passing Summer" & Lucrecia Martel's "The Headless Woman" -- swerve away from the stasis emphasized in Tarr's film. (At times, "Summer" even uses montage.) They still belong to 'Slow Cinema,' though, because they encourage, what we believe, is a form of thinking and feeling based not only on plot but on form and gesture itself.


To hear us geek out about all this in detail, please listen to the full episode!

**************************************   

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! 


You can (& should) follow Cody everywhere! Here are the links:


YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewlang7019/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/_matthewcodylang_/

LETTERBOXD: https://letterboxd.com/matthewcodylang/


You can watch "Passing Summer" officially here: https://dafilms.com/director/11919-angela-schanelec.


You can read the book referenced in the episode here:

https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/j.ctt1g09wrj.

************************************** 

You can also follow our Instagram page:


https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast 


Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ 


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Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Jun 28, 202301:32:59
The Art & Commerce of Adaptation w/ Sidharth Jain #085

The Art & Commerce of Adaptation w/ Sidharth Jain #085

In this very special episode, Dhruv interviews Sidharth Jain -- the chief storyteller and producer of "The Story Ink," India's biggest book-to-screen adaptation company, and founder of the production house that gave us one of this year's TV shows, "Trial By Fire." We discuss the conception of both his companies and how they both serve the industry's need for stories while also trying to buck away from established trends.


Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific challenges of adaptation, the difference between writing-for-the-page and the writing-for-screen, and the potential of turning something "okay" on paper to "great" on screen.


**************************************   

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people! 


Follow Sid & and House of Talkies here:


SIDHARTH JAIN: https://www.instagram.com/_sidharth_jain_

HOUSE OF TALKIES: https://www.instagram.com/houseoftalkies/


"The Story Ink" Tree Here:


INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the_story_ink/

SUBSTACK: https://thestoryink.substack.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/irocksid

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-story-ink/about/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheStoryInk


************************************** 

You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast 


Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/ 


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Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Jun 21, 202349:18
Succession Finale - The Perfect Ending? #084

Succession Finale - The Perfect Ending? #084

In this episode, Aryan and Amartya discuss the ending (and critical moments in Season 4 that led to it) of what they describe as "one of the seminal shows of modern Television." Everything from "The Sopranos" to "Game of Thrones" (spoilers for both!) to "The Godfather" films gets a reference as they draw these parallels to explain the tragicomic brilliance of the series.


Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled breakdown of the show's themes, motifs, and character dynamics that both the A's believe are central to its success.


You can read Amartya's detailed articles on the show he references here:


Episode 3: https://www.highonfilms.com/succession-season-4-essay/

Series Finale: https://www.highonfilms.com/succession-series-finale/


Follow our Instagram page:

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You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/


Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Jun 12, 202345:34
Mainstream Political Cinema in Bollywood 2023 | Bheed, Faraaz, & Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat #083

Mainstream Political Cinema in Bollywood 2023 | Bheed, Faraaz, & Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat #083

In this episode, Dhruv and Aryan invite returning guest Ashwani Kumar Tiwari to discuss Anubhav Sinha's COVID-backdropped social issues drama "Bheed." Before that, however, Sanjeet joins them to talk about two other films directed by filmmakers frequently appearing in the "Special Thanks" section of every Sinha film -- Anurag Kashyap and Hansal Mehta.


These three films -- "Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat," "Faraaz," & "Bheed" -- together reflect a specific type of leftist didacticism that exists in opposition to the right-wing films raking in cash at the box office nowadays. We discuss the merits and limitations of this brand of cinema, the divergent specificities with which each filmmaker utilizes them in thier films, and if some approaches work better than others.


Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the three movies!


TIME CODES


"Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat": 00:51 - 17:52

"Faraaz": 17:53 - 45:09

"Bheed": 45:06 - 01:40:00


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us, if you haven't already, to help the podcast reach more people!


You can read Ashwani's High on Film piece on "Bheed" here: https://www.highonfilms.com/bheed-2023-review/

You can read Aryan's Instagram Post on "Bheed" here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs2yh3Pt64i/


Follow our Instagram page:  


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You can also follow us on Instagram at:


Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm

Ashwani: https://www.instagram.com/ashwanirdeshak/ Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/   Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/   Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/   Ashwani: https://letterboxd.com/trast_akt/

Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/

May 31, 202301:40:25
Decoding Beau is Afraid (?) #082

Decoding Beau is Afraid (?) #082

In this new episode, Sanjeet & Dhruv discuss Ari Aster's new nightmarish surreal comedy, "Beau is Afraid." We juggle between praising his filmmaking and critiquing his indebtedness to the many inspirations -- ranging from Powell & Pressburger's "A Matter of Life and Death" to Guy Maddin's "Cowards Bend The Knees" -- that overpower that very filmmaking.


Dhruv remains annoyed (as usual) by the film's never-ending runtime, and Sanjeet mentions the word interesting more than 6 times throughout the recording.

Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the interesting-ness of Ari Aster's therapy session that we paid money to see in the CINEMA.


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


You can follow on our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


You can follow us on Instagram at:


Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/ 

May 28, 202351:33
The "God's Lonely Man" Cinema of Paul Schrader w/ Gordon Glasgow Goodman #081

The "God's Lonely Man" Cinema of Paul Schrader w/ Gordon Glasgow Goodman #081

On the eve of Paul Schrader's latest film's release, Dhruv invites fellow cinema studies student and writer -- Gordon Glasgow Goodman -- to discuss thier obsession with writer-director Paul Schrader. Explicitly focusing on "First Reformed," the two talk about the unifying themes of his work that seems to begin at a point of hardboiled noir -- God's Lonely Man -- before transcending into another variant of it that's less to do with action and more to do with externalizing tormenting questions with no easy answers about faith vs. flesh and the (im)possibility of redemption.


Listen to the full episode to hear us talk in-depth about his religious attempts at balancing "hope and despair" in all his films, his slight variations on the "Lonely Man" character at the center of each of his films, and how all this keeps bringing him (and us via him) back to Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" (1959).


Spoilers for "First Reformed," "The Card Counter," & "Pickpocket."


TIME CODES


Introduction to Gordon, His Writing, and His Love-Affair with Cinema: 00:00 - 22:04

The Cinema and Writings of Paul Schrader: 22:05 - 30:39

"First Reformed" and its Brethren: 30:40 - 01:16:30


FOLLOW GORDON'S WRITING HERE:


"Calendance": https://calendance.substack.com/

"Trajectories": https://gordonglasgow.substack.com/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast


You can follow me on Instagram at:


Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/


Follow me on Letterboxd at:


Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

May 19, 202301:16:29
Jubilee: The Bruised Beauty of Golden Age Hindi Cinema #80

Jubilee: The Bruised Beauty of Golden Age Hindi Cinema #80

In this episode, Ahendrila, Dhruv, Amartya & Sanjeet champion the new Amazon Prime show 'Jubilee", directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. Delving deep into Atul Sabharwal’s divisive teleplay, the four discuss key character motivations, and structural elements that not only fit the era’s style in which the show is set, but also, metaphorically, recreate India and Pakistan’s painful Partition.

Lots of praises are singled out for the show’s exquisite camerawork, production design, music, and most of the performances (sorry Nandish Sandhu!)


Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the series's ambitious canvas, favorite moments, and the many exciting details about early Hindi/Indian cinema!


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can follow on Twitter Ahendrila: https://twitter.com/ahendrila_g

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can follow us on Instagram at:

Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

Ahendrila - https://letterboxd.com/ahendrila/

Dhruv - https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Sanjeet - https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/

Amartya - https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

May 10, 202301:32:23
John Wick: Chapter 4 - The Best Action Film since Mad Max Fury Road? #079

John Wick: Chapter 4 - The Best Action Film since Mad Max Fury Road? #079

In this episode, Aryan and Amartya guide you through the entirety of the Wick-verse, mainly focusing on the latest installment, which they deem thier favorite.


Plenty of detours are taken along the way, only to explore the varied inspirations for the precisely choreographed balletic genius of "John Wick: Chapter 4." From the Japanese "Zatoichi" series to Buster Keaton's silent comedies to the top-down shooter game "The Hong Kong Massacre," the two A's bring all their action film/tv/videogame knowledge to justify their giddy love for what they hope is the final installment in a thrilling series.


Do listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion of the John Wick franchise!


Follow our Instagram page:

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You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/


Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!


Follow us on Letterboxd at:


Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/


Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Apr 03, 202301:16:43
Classic Film Noir - The Most Mutable Film Style | M, Double Indemnity, Stray Dog #078

Classic Film Noir - The Most Mutable Film Style | M, Double Indemnity, Stray Dog #078

In this very special episode, Amartya & Dhruv welcome back Varun (@cinephilestock) to discuss the rotten pulsating heart of Classic Film Noir.


We begin by discussing the origins of noir in German Expressionism, then move on to extensively investigate its emigration to Hollywood and, finally, observe its mutability in the East. This informs the choice of the three films we have chosen for the discussion -- Fritz Lang's proto-noir "M," Billy Wilder's bridge between war and post-war Hollywood Noir "Double Indemnity," and Akira Kurosawa's definitive post-war noir, "Stray Dog."


Listen to the full episode for our deep dive into each film and the historical context that defined them as film noir texts! Lots of productive detours too!


TIME CODES


Introduction to Film Noir: [00:00 - 31:28]

"M" (1931) : [31:29 - 01:02:49]

"Double Indemnity" (1944) : [01:02:50 - 01:39:27]

"Stray Dog" (1949) : [01:39:28 - 02:01:08]

Future Discussion Topics: [02:01:09 - 02:07:32]


NOTE: The episode is in no way a complete summation of the countless films and directors whose works continue to influence film noir today. It's a (hopefully) informative celebration of a style we love!


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Please follow Varun's awesome blog!

Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/

You can also follow Varun at:

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/

You can follow us on Instagram at:

Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Mar 21, 202302:07:33
Pre-OSCARs Blast(ing) PART 2 | Best Animated, Documentary, International, Feature Film | Best Direction | Men Crying #077

Pre-OSCARs Blast(ing) PART 2 | Best Animated, Documentary, International, Feature Film | Best Direction | Men Crying #077

The QID gang gets together in this annual episode to comprehend this year's Academy Awards nominations. There's exasperation, annoyance, disappointment, and (some) acceptance about the merits and demerits of the most prestigious Awards Show for Movies.

Listen to PART 2 (of 2) to hear our favorites not nominated in the main categories. We also discuss what we think will win and what we would like to win.

Recurring Titles in Ep that were either completely shut out by the Oscars or did not get the credit they deserved:  

Decision To Leave (QID)
The Batman (QID)
RRR (QID)  

Aftersun (Aryan)
Benediction (Dhruv)
No Bears (Dhruv & Aryan)
Descendant (Dhruv & Amartya)

PART 2 covers - Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature, Best Documentary & Best Animated Feature.

**Apologies for some of the poor audio quality for both Pre-OSCAR episodes. Our excitement got the better of our mics.**

Follow our Instagram page:

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You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/
Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/
Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/
https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/
https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Mar 10, 202301:17:51
Pre-OSCARs Blast(ing) PART 1 | Sound, Visuals, Writing, and Performances #076

Pre-OSCARs Blast(ing) PART 1 | Sound, Visuals, Writing, and Performances #076

The QID gang gets together in this annual episode to comprehend this year's Academy Awards nominations. There's exasperation, annoyance, disappointment, and (some) acceptance about the merits and demerits of the most prestigious Awards Show for Movies.

Listen to PART 1 (of 2) to hear our favorites not nominated in the technical, acting, and writing categories. We also discuss what we think will win and what we would like to win.

Recurring Titles in Ep that were either completely shut out by the Oscars or did not get the credit they deserved:

Decision To Leave (QID)
The Batman (QID)

Amsterdam (Sanjeet)
Armageddon Time (Dhruv)
Aftersun (Aryan)
Benediction (Dhruv)
Crimes of the Future (Dhruv & Sanjeet)
Hit the Road (Aryan & Dhruv)
No Bears (Dhruv & Aryan)
One Fine Morning (Dhruv)
Saint Omer (Amartya & Dhruv)

PART 1 covers everything EXCEPT - Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature, Best Documentary & Best Animated Feature.
All that is in PART 2, releasing soon!

**Apologies for some of the poor audio quality for both Pre-OSCAR episodes. Our excitement got the better of our mics.**

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

You can also follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/
Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/
Amartya: https://www.instagram.com/amartya25/
Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow us on Letterboxd at:

https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/
https://letterboxd.com/Sanjeet_Singh/
https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/
https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Mar 03, 202301:33:36
The Fabelmans - Steven Spielberg's Thorny Love Letter to Art and Family #075

The Fabelmans - Steven Spielberg's Thorny Love Letter to Art and Family #075

In this latest episode, Dhruv and Aryan welcome fellow Spielberg fan and blogger Varun Bhakay (@cinephilestock) to discuss the comfortingly complicated magic of "The Fabelmans" - the Master's semi-autobiographical recollection of his filmmaking roots.

Before reaching this (seemingly) final stop in the director's illustrious career, we try to remember the various places where his cinema worked its ineffable magic on us. Everything from familiar favorites -- "Jaws," "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," -- to newer, underappreciated works -- "The Adventures of Tintin," "Bridge of Spies" -- gets visited briefly. Because all these, in some way or the other, provide routes into "The Fabelmans," which, in return, opens up (re)entry roads to all these wonderful (in some cases, haunting) places.

Please listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion of our favorite scenes and performances in "The Fabelmans." Dhruv spoils the party a little bit with his second-half complaints, though!


TIME CODES

Introductions to Steven Spielberg: [00:00 - 20:24]

"The Fabelmans": [20:24 - 01:11:13]

Awards Season Babble: [01:11:13 - 01:19:43]


Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

Follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Please follow Varun's awesome blog!

Cinephile Stock: https://cinephilestock.wordpress.com/

You can also follow Varun at:

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/varunoakbhakay/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinephilestock/

You can follow us on Instagram at:

Aryan: https://www.instagram.com/aryantalksfilm/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

You can also follow us on Letterboxd at -

Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Aryan: https://letterboxd.com/aryantalksfilms/

Feb 20, 202301:19:51
Best Indian Films of 2022 | Vikram, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Natchathiram Nagargirathu, A Night of Knowing Nothing & many more! #074

Best Indian Films of 2022 | Vikram, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Natchathiram Nagargirathu, A Night of Knowing Nothing & many more! #074

In this annual year-end episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet welcome two returning guests -- Devi (@film.trance) and Maheedhar (@maheedumb) -- to discuss each of thier top 5 favorite Indian films (best is only for the title, it's always subjective!) from the past year. These include films from all Woods - Bolly, Tolly, Kolly, Molly!

The four extensively discuss films that overlap -- a LOT of time is dedicated to lavishing praise on "Vikram," "Nanpakal," & "Natchathiram." But they also make sure to pinpoint films that stuck out for them individually -- like "Kuttavum Shikshayam," "Aavasavyuham," "Thallumalla," "Thiruchitrambalam," and plenty more.

Do listen to the full episode to know all the favorites (revealed via time codes also below!)! Let us know what you make of films included/excluded!

TIME CODES

"Vikram":
[02:50 - 16:17]
"Bheeshma Parvam":
[16:19 - 21:02]
"Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam":
[21:07 - 34:09]
"Thallumalla":
[34:10 - 36:48]
"Monica O My Darling":
[36:49 - 44:15]
"Natchathiram Nagargirathu":
[44:16 - 01:00:34]
"Aavasavyuham, Badhaai Do, & Kantara":
[01:00:35 - 01:07:55]
"Gargi":
[01:07:56 - 01:09:15]
"Thiruchitrambalam":
[01:09:16 - 01:15:00]
"Jalsa":
[01:15:36 - 01:16:44]
"Kuttavum Shikshayam":
[01:16:45 - 01:24:09]
"A Night of Knowing Nothing":
[01:24:11 - 01:31:12]

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

You can also follow our Instagram page: https://instagram.com/queenisdead.filmpodcast

Devi: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance

Maheedhar: https://www.instagram.com/meh.eedhar/

Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/

Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

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Feb 13, 202301:33:11
SRK's Pathaan - Return of the King = Return of Quality? #073

SRK's Pathaan - Return of the King = Return of Quality? #073

In this episode, Aryan, Amartya, and Sanjeet discuss Shah Rukh Khan's long-awaited comeback in Siddharth Anand's "Pathaan" - the "template setter" for the YRF Spyverse. We extensively discuss the subtext/context that informs the text and how director Anand manages to (sometimes not entirely successfully) meld these with action sensibilities most reminiscent of John Woo's "Mission Impossible 2."

We speculate, too, about the future of this franchise!

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

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Feb 03, 202301:06:15
Trial by Fire (2023) - Breaching Conventional Borders #072

Trial by Fire (2023) - Breaching Conventional Borders #072

In this episode, Ahendrila, Aryan, Dhruv & Sanjeet discuss Netflix's latest, potentially best Indian Miniseries, "Trial By Fire," created by Prashant Nair & Kevin Luperchio. The four champion the show's largely unsentimental depiction of a real-life tragedy that keeps its focus squarely on its victims and thier families. Avoiding the cheap sensationalism that has become part-and-parcel of true crime series templates, the show, for them, gets at something that may have been explored before but has never felt as heavy as it does here -- the unbearable weight of injustice imposed by the victims' families (still) ongoing wait for justice.

Listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the series's ambitious structure, favorite episodes, and the many overlapping details between them that make the show stand out from both a narrative and a formal point of view!

Also, at least 2-3 "garbage jokes" and fun digressions are promised!

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https://twitter.com/ahendrila_g

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Jan 23, 202301:18:52
Fleabag - Packaging Grief in Tears of Laughter #071

Fleabag - Packaging Grief in Tears of Laughter #071

In this very special, looong, delayed episode, Dhruv welcomes back Devi (@film.trance on Instagram) to gush about both seasons of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's extraordinary series that is very close to both their hearts.

Do listen to the full episode for a spoiler-filled discussion about the series's deep emotionality that has stayed with us throughout! We especially detail the evolution of the 4th wall-breaking technique throughout the show, the extraordinary performances from the supporting cast, and specific scenes that make us both laugh and cry simultaneously!

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You can also follow Devi's Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/film.trance.

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Dhruv: https://letterboxd.com/aterminalcinema/

Jan 11, 202301:42:58
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio & Alejandro González Iñárittu's Bardo - The Sublime and the Surreal (or Shit) #070

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio & Alejandro González Iñárittu's Bardo - The Sublime and the Surreal (or Shit) #070

In this episode, Dhruv, Amartya, and Sanjeet (again!) discuss two newly released Netflix films - GDT and Mark Gustafson's stop-motion iteration of "Pinocchio" and AGI's auto-fiction diary film "Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths."

Listen to the full episode to hear the three collectively champion the idiosyncrasy of one of these films while being at polar opposite ends about the other!

Time Codes

01:15 - 33:40 - GDT's Pinocchio (Mild Spoilers!)
33:41 - 01:01:00 - Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (Mild Spoilers!)
01:01:01 - 01:07:20 - Oscar Chatter
01:07:21 - 01:12:20 - Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (Again!)

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

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Sanjeet: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_baba/
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Dhruv: https://www.instagram.com/terminalcinema/

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

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Amartya: https://letterboxd.com/amartya/

Jan 03, 202301:13:18
In Inisherin & Bruges #069

In Inisherin & Bruges #069

In this episode, Dhruv welcomes back Mike to discuss the latest tragi-comedy from British-Irish playwright, screenwriter, and director Martin McDonagh - "The Banshees of Inisherin." As the film celebrates the director's reunion with two key cast members from "In Bruges" - Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson - we decide to look back at McDonagh's 2008 directorial debut too, mainly to note how much more we prefer Inisherin's hell to Bruge's purgatory.

Listen to the full, spoiler-filled episode to learn about Colin Farell's incredible eyebrow acting, McDonagh's remarkable ability to make one cry and laugh simultaneously in "Banshees," and why, for Mike, "In Bruges" doesn't really hold up.

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!

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Time Codes

0:00:00 - 0:11:00 - Introduction to Martin McDonaugh + Upcoming Awards Season
0:11:01 - 0:37:36 - "The Banshees of Inisherin" Discussion (Spoilers!)
0:37:37 - 0:56:36 - "In Bruges" Discussion (Spoilers!)
0:56:37 - 01:01:03 - Carter Burwell Appreciation

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Articles and Links Mentioned in the Episode -  

[1] Mike's "Decision To Leave" Review: https://cinesthesiac.blogspot.com/2022/10/someone-to-watch-over-me-decision-to.html

[2] Mike's "The Banshees of Inisherin" Review: https://cinesthesiac.blogspot.com/2022/11/its-good-to-talk-banshees-of-inisherin.html

[3] Carter Burwell Piece: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/14/the-polymath-film-composer-known-as-the-third-coen-brother

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Dec 14, 202201:01:04
Monica O My Darling and Qala - Style as Substance? | Upcoming Netflix Releases #068

Monica O My Darling and Qala - Style as Substance? | Upcoming Netflix Releases #068

In this episode, Dhruv and Sanjeet discuss the filmmaking excesses of two recent Hindi features currently streaming on Netflix - Vasan Bala's "Monica O My Darling" and Anvita Dutt's "Qala." They talk about the merits of stylization to cover up for a lack of "new" substance and its potential limitations.

Also features an extended pre-discussion about soon-to-be-released high-profile Netflix releases - "Glass Onion," "White Noise," "Guillermo del Toro's Pinnochio," and "Bardo" - that we plan to cover in detail sometime later this month/early next year!

Time Codes

0:00 - 08:50: Upcoming Netflix Releases
08:51 - 42:03: Monica O My Darling (Mild Spoilers!)
42:04 - 01:16:15: Qala (Major Spoilers!)
01:16:15 - 01:24:15: Usual Chatter

Do hit 'Follow' on Spotify and rate us if you haven't already to help the podcast reach more people!  

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Sanjeet: https://letterboxd.com/sanjeet_singh/

Dec 10, 202201:24:44