Movies
Empowered artistry: Audible’s rising authors & female leads in sports dramas
Mumbai: In a world where storytelling takes myriad forms, the realms of literature and cinema have consistently captivated our hearts. India, a land of diverse narratives, is witnessing a transformative wave, where upcoming authors are crafting tales that resonate globally, while female actors are breaking barriers in the realm of sports-based films. This unique listicle embarks on a journey that amalgamates two powerful forces – the enchanting world of Audible’s upcoming Indian authors and the inspiring portrayals of female protagonists in sports-centric movies. Explore the captivating words that find a voice on Audible’s platform and the spirited performances that grace the silver screen, celebrating the convergence of literature and cinema in India’s contemporary creative landscape.
Ghoomer
R Balki’s upcoming film Ghoomer will release on 18th August 2023 and can be watched at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas. The film revolves around Anina, a young woman batting prodigy who loses her right hand in an unfortunate accident on the eve of her international cricketing debut. An unsympathetic, failed, and frustrated cricketer enters her life, gives her a new dream, and transforms her fate with the most innovative training, making her play for the Indian cricket team again, but this time as a bowler. Ghoomer is the new style of bowling they invent to bamboozle the opposition.
Dangal
The 2016 biopic Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, tells the story of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his relentless efforts to train his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, to become India’s first female wrestlers to compete internationally. The film features outstanding performances by Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Sheikh, and Sanya Malhotra, and the soundtrack adds to the overall impact. Dangal brilliantly portrays a father’s unwavering commitment to turning his daughters into world-class athletes.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom revolves around a young woman who encounters a renowned coach in a boxing gym. She shares her boxing aspirations with him and convinces him to teach her. Despite her father’s disapproval, she follows her passion. The film stars Priyanka Chopra in the lead role.
Chak De! India
Chak De! India revolves around when after failing to score the winning goal, Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), captain of the Men’s Hockey Team is blamed for the team’s loss and fired. Years later he is given a chance to salvage his reputation, when he is offered the position as coach of the Women’s Hockey Team. One of his star players, Vidya (Vidya Malvade), is forced to convince her tradition-minded parents that she should be allowed to play as the team prepares for a big tournament in Australia.
Saand Ki Aankh
Saand Ki Aankh revolves around Chandro and Prakashi, who live in a patriarchal society and are in their 60s, accidentally discover their shooting skills. With the help of an instructor, they participate in various competitions. The film stars Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in pivotal roles.
Novoneel Chakraborty is a renowned writer acclaimed for crafting more than 10 captivating romantic thrillers. Widely recognised as India’s foremost thriller novelist, he is lauded for his distinctive narratives and unexpected turns. His narratives often delve into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the enigmatic realms of suspense. Often dubbed the ‘Sidney Sheldon’ of India by his avid readers, Novoneel is a versatile professional active in Indian television, digital media, and the film industry. Among his notable literary achievements are well-received titles such as ‘You Die Alone,’ ‘Whisper To Me Your Lies,’ and ‘Half Torn Hearts’ to name a few, each a testament to his mastery of blending romance and suspense into compelling literary experiences.
Renowned for her bestselling novel ‘That Night,’ Nidhi wears multiple hats as an engineer and a headhunter. She balances her intrigue for thrillers and engaging in lively interactions with her boys. For those seeking an immersive experience, Nidhi’s literary creation ‘That Night’ is also available in an audiobook format on Audible, offering an auditory journey that complements her distinctive narrative style. Her characters are thoughtfully etched, each layered with emotions and depth that resonate with her readers’ own experiences.
Ajay shifted from aspiring to be a teacher to an IT career. Reading fuels him and perhaps what makes him feel alive. His debut, ‘You Are The Best Wife,’ was based on his life events and went on to become a bestseller soon after its release. It uplifts hearts to cherish love, peace, and happiness in every moment. His works include ‘Everything I Never Told You,’ ‘A Girl To Remember,’ ‘Her Last Wish’ among many more, all available on Audible. In each of these literary endeavors, Ajay’s storytelling encapsulates the essence of cherishing every moment, instilling a profound message of embracing love, peace, and happiness in the fabric of our lives.
Arvind is a former corporate leader who hails from Dehradun. Despite a career with giants like GE, Dell, and Barclays, he chose an unconventional path, leaving his corporate role as vice president to pursue writing. With five English books, Arvind’s penchant for thrillers fuels his experimentation. Notably, he channels his creativity into painting and supports various social causes. As an active figure on social media, he also aspires to expand his creative endeavors and see his work embraced by discerning readers nationwide. He’s authored some exceptional books like ‘Messed Up! But All for Love’ His latest title is ‘Not Without Your Love,’ and can be accessed on Audible.
Swéta Rana was born into a Gujarati family in Birmingham and now resides in south London. Swéta’s passion for writing has flourished since childhood, encompassing fiction, film reviews, and articles on Indian culture. Her debut novel, ‘Queuing for the Queen’ emerges as a testament to her creative prowess; readers can avail this novel on Audible as well.
Hollywood
Did the ballet and opera controversy cost Timothée Chalamet his Oscar? Â
The actor’s ‘dying art forms’ comments may have danced away his Oscar chances.
LOS ANGELES: Last night, the 98th Academy Awards delivered a performance that wasn’t in the script, as Michael B. Jordan clinched the Best Actor statue, leaving Timothée Chalamet’s widely predicted win to pirouette away into the night. While Chalamet was long considered the frontrunner for his starring turn in Marty Supreme, many are whispering that a singular, ill-timed performance, not on screen but on the campaign trail, may have rewritten the finale.
For months, the narrative surrounding the race had a singular star, Chalamet, the critics’ darling and the bookies’ bet. However, the closing numbers saw a dramatic plot twist. Chalamet found himself upstaged not just by his fellow nominees but by the ghost of public opinion, following remarks he made during a Variety and CNN actor-on-actor conversation in February.
What started as a breezy discussion turned distinctly frosty when Chalamet, the conversation’s designated trendsetter, took aim at some classical institutions. “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera, where no one is interested anymore,” he said, before branding them “dying art forms.”
The backlash was swift and, unfortunately for Chalamet’s campaign, star-studded. For the film industry, an establishment that often fancies itself as the glamorous custodian of the high arts, the actor’s comments didn’t just strike a bum note. They sounded like a discordant symphony. Academy heavyweights, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg and Steven Spielberg, publicly voiced their disapproval. Spielberg himself countered that the “cinematic experience” and classical performance are bound by a similar dedication to audience engagement, effectively suggesting that Chalamet’s view was perhaps a bit too modern for its own good.
The conversation quickly became a media maelstrom. In a masterstroke of high-culture clapback, renowned ballerina Misty Copeland didn’t just issue a statement. The Academy even choreographed a surprise performance by her for the ceremony itself, a powerful, wordless rebuttal that many saw as a direct riposte to Chalamet’s dismissive claims. Even regional arts institutions joined the choreography. The Seattle Opera offered a cheeky “TIMOTHEE” discount, granting a 14 percent markdown to prove that people do, in fact, care.
Did this cultural counterpoint truly cost Chalamet his win? While some industry insiders argue that Michael B. Jordan’s complex dual performance in Sinners, a performance that also swept the SAG Awards, had simply built up too much momentum, the timing of Chalamet’s comments was undeniably poor. Coming as final Oscar voting began, they arguably soured his narrative and made a vote for him feel, to some, like a vote against artistic unity.
Even the ceremony itself wasn’t finished with the narrative. Host Conan O’Brien, whose sharp tongue is a celebrated feature of these galas, didn’t miss a beat. “Security is extremely tight tonight,” O’Brien jibed during his opening monologue, glancing toward the front row. “I’m told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities. They’re just mad you left out jazz!”
The laughter that followed was pointed, a final public curtain call for a controversy that Chalamet likely wished had closed weeks ago. Whether it was a case of genuine peer disapproval, a sudden surge in support for Jordan’s powerhouse performance, or simply a case of poor footwork on the campaign stage, the ballet and opera debacle has now cemented its place in Oscar history. Chalamet’s experience serves as a clear memo to future contenders. Even when you are the headline act, a solo performance can still fall flat if you forget to play to the entire house.
