MUST READ
Highly-anticipated books of the month:
Raghu Rai: Waiting for the Divine
Explore the world of Raghu Rai by Rachna Singh, the pioneer of Indian photography, through a deeply engaging memoir. This is not just a traditional biography; it’s an honest and introspective dialogue brimming with wisdom, authenticity, and humanity. Accompanied by iconic photographs, it highlights his unwavering dedication to his craft and the philosophies that shaped his remarkable career.
Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth)
Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth) by Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, is a heartfelt, humorous memoir about love, dogs, and nature. When the Zusaks adopt three wild, unruly dogs—Reuben, Archer, and Frosty—chaos ensues: street brawls, property damage, and police visits. Yet, amidst the mayhem, there's an outpouring of love, growth, and family. This memoir is a wild, beautiful exploration of connection, disorder, and the profound impact animals have on our lives.
We Do Not Part
In We Do Not Part, Han Kang’s most revealing book since The Vegetarian, a friendship between two women unravels alongside a forgotten chapter of Korean history. When Kyungha receives an urgent message from her hospitalized friend Inseon, she rushes to Jeju Island to care for Inseon's pet bird. Battling a snowstorm, Kyungha’s journey leads her to uncover a buried family secret—the haunting memory of a massacre on the island.
The World With Its Mouth Open,
In The World With Its Mouth Open, Zahid Rafiq’s powerful collection of eleven stories, the fractured lives of Kashmir’s people unfold against the backdrop of years of war. From a shopkeeper's encounter with a mannequin to a mother navigating a dangerous road, the stories explore themes of loss, grief, violence, and longing, while also capturing the small, poignant moments of everyday life. Despite the darkness, Rafiq’s writing offers glimpses of humor, beauty, and connection, revealing a new voice that observes the human condition with nuance, heart, and remarkable insight.
Unknown City
From Amitabha Bagchi's bestselling novel Above Average, protagonist Arindam Chatterjee, now nearly fifty, revisits key relationships from his twenties in America and after graduating from IIT. He reflects on his connections with Supriya, Lisa, and Razia—each seeking something from him he couldn’t provide. Looking back, he realizes his masculinity had blinded him to the complexities of the human heart.
MUST WATCH
Highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Severance, Season 2
After a three-year wait, Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed series Severance is returning for its highly anticipated second season. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, this intense, darkly comedic, and unsettling show has become a standout hit. It’s not just one of Apple’s top-reviewed shows, but also a relatable experience for anyone who’s ever felt that going to work was like stepping into an entirely different world.
Mo, Season 2
Mo Season 1 won over audiences with its portrayal of Mo Najjar (played by co-creator and executive producer Mo Amer), a Palestinian refugee striving to hold his life—and his family—together in Houston while seeking asylum. Inspired by Amer’s own experiences, this heartfelt comedy uniquely blends the challenges of interfaith relationships and immigration with the lighter moments of life, including the quirks of being a cat owner.
I’m Still Here
Brazil’s official entry for Best International Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards, this political drama has earned widespread acclaim at the Venice International Film Festival. The story focuses on Eunice Paiva, a real-life activist whose husband, a political dissident, vanished in 1971 during Brazil's military dictatorship. Fernanda Torres' performance as Eunice has been particularly praised for its emotional depth and strength.
Wolf Man
Wolf Man is an upcoming horror film centered on Blake (Christopher Abbott), a man who must protect his family from a werewolf during a full moon. The film also stars Julia Garner, Sam Jaeger, and Matilda Firth. Directed by Leigh Whannell, the screenplay is written by Rebecca Angelo, Lauren Schuker Blum, and Corbett Tuck.
All We Imagine as Light
The most critically acclaimed and award-winning Indian film of last year, All We Imagine as Light, is now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by Payal Kapadia, this Malayalam-language film follows the lives of three Indian women as they navigate their experiences in Mumbai.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd is returning with Hurry Up Tomorrow, set for release on January 24, 2025. Known for fusing pop, R&B, and electronic elements, this new track is anticipated to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. The album will be supported by a film of the same title, which will star The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, which is yet to have a release date.
Balloonerism
Mac Miller’s long-lost project Balloonerism has officially been announced, with a release date set for January 17, 2025. A two-and-a-half-minute trailer has been shared on YouTube, showcasing a series of animated vignettes before unveiling the album cover. The trailer includes 'The Song That Changed Everything,' rumored to feature SZA, and ‘5 Dollar Pony Rides,’ both tracks fans believe were originally meant for the album.
Eusexua
Eusexua is FKA twigs' first album in five years, following her 2019 LP Magdalene. During this period, she released ‘Caprisongs’, an expansive mixtape that featured the Weeknd collaboration ‘Tears in the Club.’ In the two years since, twigs has also taken on roles in Nicolas Cage’s The Carpenter’s Son and the remake of The Crow.
Wafia
Wafia is an Australian singer-songwriter with deep Arabic heritage. Originally studying biomedicine at university, she turned to songwriting as a way to escape the monotony of her studies. Over the years, Wafia's music has evolved, yet she has consistently leaned toward pop, blending elements of R&B and electronica. Her upcoming album, Promised Land, out January 17, explores themes of transition, distance, and immigration.
You Are The Morning
The Manchester-based artist, Jasmine t4, is the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers' label, Saddest Factory Records. She is set to release You Are The Morning under Saddest Factory on January 17, 2025. The album was shaped during a period of personal upheaval in 2021. "I came out as trans to my nearest and dearest," she shares. "Some did not accept me, but some did."
Wafia is an Australian singer-songwriter with deep Arabic heritage. Originally studying biomedicine at university, she turned to songwriting as a way to escape the monotony of her studies. Over the years, Wafia's music has evolved, yet she has consistently leaned toward pop, blending elements of R&B and electronica. Her upcoming album, Promised Land, out January 17, explores themes of transition, distance, and immigration.
You Are The Morning
The Manchester-based artist, Jasmine t4, is the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers' label, Saddest Factory Records. She is set to release You Are The Morning under Saddest Factory on January 17, 2025. The album was shaped during a period of personal upheaval in 2021. "I came out as trans to my nearest and dearest," she shares. "Some did not accept me, but some did."
MUST ATTEND
Events that you should attend:
Architecture & Design Film Festival
STIR is bringing the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) to Mumbai from January 9-12, 2025, marking the South Asia premiere of the world’s largest film festival dedicated to architecture and design. Over four immersive days at the iconic NCPA, Mumbai, the festival will showcase more than 20 international films. In addition to the screenings, the event will feature a dynamic public program, including site-specific pavilions, talks, workshops and performances.
To the Origin: An immersive farm adventure with Blue Tokai
Imagine an immersive masterclass led by coffee experts, set right in the heart of the farm where your favourite brew is grown. Guided by roasters and producers from some of India’s top coffee estates, you'll experience every step of the journey that transforms raw coffee into the cup you love. Learn how to hand-pick cherries, explore processing methods, distinguish between varietals, and discover the entire coffee-making process, from planting to your home. This experience blends coffee, community, and culture, offering a unique adventure for anyone eager to learn about India’s coffee heritage—whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur from January 17-19 in Bengaluru.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street arts festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF), is celebrating its 25th Silver Jubilee edition from January 25 to February 2, 2025. This milestone event will feature over 300 programs across 14 categories, spanning 25+ venues in the Kala Ghoda precinct. Known for its creativity, innovation, and inclusivity, the festival offers a diverse mix of visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, cinema, heritage walks, urban design, food, and more.
The Indian Sneaker Festival
The Indian Sneaker Festival, the country’s largest celebration of sneakers, streetwear, and hip-hop culture, will take over from January 31 to February 2, 2025. Headlining the event is global hip-hop icon 21 Savage, marking his India debut. Along with 21 Savage, catch performances by Chaar Diwari, Foosie Gang, Hanumankind, and more. With over 75 brands showcasing the best in fashion and hype wear, the festival is the ultimate destination to shop, discover, and connect with the culture.
Picturing Life
Picturing Life, a film by Harshali Bhanushali, will be screened at G5A Warehouse on January 9. It offers a distinctive cinematic experience that brings Sudhir Patwardhan's paintings to life. The film delves into various facets of his work, structured around his journey as an artist in Mumbai, balancing social and personal themes. It weaves together visuals of the city and his home with glimpses of his paintings and reflective texts, creating an intimate portrait of the artist’s world.
Words Platform Desk
Date 06.12.2024