Must Read
Gripping, fresh off-the-press releases that you need to check out this month.
The Dark Hours of the Night
Set in a conservative Tamil Muslim household, this novel follows Rabia, a young girl on the brink of adolescence, as she navigates family expectations, secrets, and the turmoil of growing up. Between forbidden friendships, an unsettling engagement, and a buried family scandal, Rabia begins to question the world around her. In this powerful translation of Salma’s Irandaam Jaamangalin Kathai by GJV Prasad, she wrestles with duty, longing, and resistance.
Loved One
When her best friend Gabe dies suddenly, Julia sets off on a journey to recover his missing possessions. At the centre of the search is a beloved guitar, now held by Gabe’s enigmatic partner, Elizabeth. As the two women clash and connect, long-buried secrets begin to surface. This debut by Aisha Muharrar is set to be a tender and layered exploration of grief, memory, and lingering emotions.
The Unbroken Coast
In this debut by Nalini Jones, a retired historian in suburban Mumbai crosses paths with a young girl from a nearby fishing village. As their unlikely friendship deepens, both navigate personal loss, shifting identities, and a city in transformation. Set against the backdrop of Bombay's evolution into Mumbai, this novel is sure to be a moving meditation on belonging and the fragile bonds that form between people.
Must Watch
Interesting films you don’t want to miss out on this month.
Honey Don’t!
Honey Don’t! premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival a couple of months ago and is releasing in theatres on August 22nd. Starring Magaret Qualley and Chris Evans, this inviting whodunit follows the death of a local woman, which leads characters down a slippery path of cults, pastors and romance, all at once.
Wednesday Season 2
Returning with Jenna Ortega as the sharp, deadpan sleuth, this season of Wednesday dives deeper into the mysteries of Nevermore Academy in August on Netflix. When a chilling series of murders shakes the school and its outcasts once more, Wednesday is forced to face a new nemesis with a familiar face. Packed with gothic thrills, biting humour and supernatural intrigue, Season 2 promises even sharper comebacks.
The Thursday Murder Club
Directed by Chris Columbus and based on Richard Osman’s novel of the same name, this film is one of many book-to-screen adaptations that have hit the theatres this year. Releasing on 22nd August, this film revolves around a quirky quartet of retirees who solve cold cases from their quiet retirement village. When a real murder lands on their doorstep, their amateur sleuthing takes a turn.
Must Listen
Some tunes to get your groove on.
Love Language
Ali Sethi’s long-awaited studio album is all set to drop, and as is characteristic of his music, this album is more than just a song. Blending South Asian tones with global soundscapes, this album explores desire, identity and longing beyond borders. It is said to be intimate and expansive all at once, and a genre-defying listening experience for listeners.
Wishbone
Conan Gray’s fourth studio album Wishbone, was not one he had initially planned to release. Out on August 15th, the songwriter said that he was surrounded by the idea for an album before he knew it, and did not see it coming. This Song and Vodka Cranberry are singles from the album that have already been released, and the rest is certain to expertly document queer love, heartbreak and everything in between.
Bite Me
Blending bold, unapologetic pop with vulnerability, Bite Me is Renee Rapp’s sophomore album, set for release early August. This anticipated release covers themes of self-acceptance and body positivity, and aligns with her usual sassy, honest, raw writing. One of pop’s boldest young voices, this album is sure to entertain.
Must Attend
Stay entertained with these events, including concerts, comedy shows, and festivals.
South Side Story
Featuring Shobana, The Raghu Dixit Project, Thaikudam Bridge, TM Krishna and many more icons of music and dance, Delhi’s beloved South Side Story returns this August with a vibrant new lineup on 30th and 31st August at KD Jadhav Wreslting Stadium. Food is also centrestage at this festival, making it a sensory-rich celebration of South Indian culture.
Lower Back Pain
With shows all over the country through August, comedian Sapan Verma's hilarious take on growing older, dealing with existential dread, bad posture, failed fitness goals, and millennial burnout is irresistible. He is sure to turn the aches and absurdities of daily life into pure comedic gold.
Drukyul Literature & Arts Festival
Taking place August 2nd – 4th in Bhutan’s stunning Thimphu Valley, the 14th edition of DLAF celebrates the legacy of the Fourth King on his 70th birth anniversary with the theme ‘The Wisdom of Balance’. Organized by Bhutan Echoes, it brings together Nobel laureates, filmmakers, writers, artists, some of whom include Shashi Tharoor, Anton Hur and Tishani Doshi.
Ladies Sangeet: A Musical Dramedy
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art presents the critically acclaimed Ladies Sangeet : A Musical Dramedy written and directed by Purva Naresh. A warm and light-hearted look at tradition, gender roles, and changing family relationships in contemporary Indian society, Ladies Sangeet takes place during a lively North Indian wedding, a musical evening traditionally meant for women. The play will take place on 30th August 2025 at Apparel House, Gurgaon.
Words Platform Desk
Date 31-07-2025