Must Calendar: July 2024

MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:

Rosarita
Rosarita by acclaimed author Anita Desai, is a poignant novel exploring memory, grief, and a young woman’s quest for independence.Away from her home in India to study Spanish in San Miguel, Mexico, young student Bonita finds solace in the unfamiliar. However, her solitude is interrupted when a woman approaches, claiming Bonita resembles her mother—a long-deceased artist who supposedly journeyed from India to Mexico. Despite Bonita's denial, she follows the woman into a narrative where her mother’s past unfolds, revealing a story of separation and reunion, where the past threatens to reshape the present.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
In Tokyo's Jinbocho neighborhood, known for its abundance of bookstores, the Morisaki bookshop stands out as a cozy family-run store crammed with books. Satoru, the owner, is always ready to assist customers alongside his wife Momoko and their niece Takako. But unexpected visitors and mysteries, like Satoru's strange behavior and a woman with a red umbrella, begin to unravel, revealing the shop's hidden stories and treasures.

A Slight Angle
In the dynamic India of the 1920s, amidst its swirling political and technological changes, we meet a diverse group of young individuals in Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, and Banaras, each forging their own paths. Sheela, once a follower of Gandhi, embraces her independence. Kanta and orphaned Hemlata navigate life with resourcefulness. Sharad and Abhik, both talented and sensitive, confront forbidden love and redefine traditional arts. Hindi writers Mahadevi and Ugra also make brief appearances, enriching the narrative with their presence.

Summer Heat
Melike, a Turkish art historian, agrees to guide Petro, a documentarian, through Byzantine churches. However, the growing intimacy with Petro challenges Melike's resolve to end her extramarital affairs. Bittersweet memories of her grandmother, Safinaz, and her absent father, Orhan, emerge, compelling her to confront inherited wounds. In "Summer Heat," warfare, politics, and cultural conflicts intertwine with personal histories. Orhan's political stances posed dangers, leading to Melike's childhood displacement to a remote island, far from the warmth of Safinaz’s Istanbul hearth. This pain was further intensified by her father's later betrayal. Intergenerational family secrets resurface in Defne Suman’s poignant novel, Summer Heat.

Woman on a Suitcase
Seema Hyderi, newly married, grows weary of being repeatedly expelled from her husband’s home. Now, seated atop her suitcase after a third eviction, she faces a crucial choice: whether to comply with her husband’s demands or trust her instincts and depart indefinitely.With a blend of sharp wit and deep emotion, Haider guides Seema and her suitcase on a whirlwind adventure from Karachi to London and back, capturing the essence of her experiences with delightful prose.

MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:

Kill
Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Kill narrates the tale of Amrit, an Indian army commando, and his companion Viresh, who embark on a journey aboard the Rajdhani Express with Amrit's girlfriend Tulika. However, their plans take a disastrous turn when the train is besieged by Beni and his group of outlaws. With the lives of the passengers in jeopardy, Amrit and Viresh undertake a mission to save them, employing forceful methods to confront Beni and his gang.

Fly Me to the Moon
Fly Me to the Moon a romantic comedy drama is helmed by Greg Berlanti and penned by Rose Gilroy. The movie features Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, the story unfolds around the budding relationship between the NASA director overseeing the Apollo 11 mission and a marketing specialist hired to enhance NASA's public perception and orchestrate a "backup" fabricated Moon landing.

Twisters
Lee Isaac Chung, an accomplished director, offers a revitalized perspective on the tornado-chasing expedition in this sequel to the beloved 1996 film. Twisters is set to captivate audiences once more, aiming to evoke the exhilaration and wonder of its predecessor. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, joined by a cast of contemporary talents. Amid escalating storm activity, Kate, Tyler, and their rival teams confront a life-or-death struggle as multiple weather systems converge over central Oklahoma.

Despicable Me 4
In Despicable Me 4, Maxime Le Mal escapes from incarceration, teaming up with his girlfriend Valentina to seek revenge on Gru and his family, including his infant son, Gru Jr. To protect them, Gru's family goes into relocation, where they encounter their new neighbors, the Prescotts, and their daughter, Poppy. To level the playing field, Gru and his Minions form an alliance with Poppy.

The Imaginary
Crafted by Studio Ponoc, staffed by veterans from Studio Ghibli, this hand-drawn animated gem tells the story of Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger. It also explores a town filled with imaginary friends who find work after being forgotten. Based on A.F. Harrold's book, this film offers a chance to revel in the joys of childhood, making it a delightful watch for both children and adults.

MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:

Big Ideas
Remi Wolf is an emerging pop artist known for her psychedelic sound with a touch of rock influence. Leading up to her upcoming album titled Big Ideas, she has dropped singles like “Cinderella,” “Toro,” and “Alone in Miami.” At 28 years old, she is currently touring as the opening act for Olivia Rodrigo on her GUTS World Tour, with her stint concluding by the end of June, just before she releases her second album.

On My Light, My Destroyer
In her third studio album titled On My Light, My Destroyer Cassandra Jenkins follows up on 2021's "An Overview on Phenomenal Nature" by allowing herself the freedom to explore diversions. Highlighting tracks such as “Delphinium Blue” and “Only One,” Jenkins employs subtle musical nuances—a trilling trumpet, the gentle thud of muted bass—to capture how these intricate elements envelop her. In songs like “Petco,” which features “two doves wrapped up in filthy and true love,” Jenkins delves into complex ideals and contrasting symbols throughout her new album.

Charm
Clairo’s album represents her third EP and continues her trend of collaborating with a distinct, singular producer for each release. Following partnerships with Rostam Batmanglij on her debut "Immunity" and Jack Antonoff on "Sling," she has now joined forces with Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, renowned for his analog-rich hip-hop productions.

Y2K
Ice Spice kicked their Y2K era with her signature flair, releasing the club-ready anthem "Think U the Shit (Fart)." Fans can look forward to more hits, including her recent single "Gimmie a Light," when the album drops in July. While specifics are scarce, she has hinted at a "crazy collaboration" for the record— and with Ice Spice, it could be with anyone.

MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:

Mindfool India Tour
Vir Das is set to bring laughter back home with his Mindfool India Tour! Having made a mark on the global stage and garnered fans worldwide, Vir returns to his origins for a comedy tour that promises to be unforgettable. Get ready for an evening of uproarious laughter with his trademark wit and humor. Renowned for his keen insights and side-splitting storytelling, Vir guarantees a night filled with continuous entertainment that you won't want to miss. He will be touring for the whole month in major Indian cities.

Motley’s Old-world
Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah bring you the play Motley’s Old-world in the Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai. At a health resort, a charmingly unconventional woman crosses paths with a quiet, reserved doctor, sparking an instant clash of personalities due to their stark differences. However, as their encounters multiply, an unexpected friendship blossoms, evolving into a contemplation on life's complexities—including love, solitude, grief, and the challenges of aging in contemporary society.

First Move
Abishek and Nirmal return with their crowd work show under a fresh title: First Move! After painstaking efforts and dedication at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, they have taken this show on a global tour. Now, they are thrilled to present it in major Indian cities all over July. Get ready for big auditoriums, their familiar turf, and their latest offering.

The Yellow Diary Tour
The Yellow Diary is embarking on a nine-city tour across India to promote their new song "Kahe Kahe," beginning on July 20 and concluding on September 28. This playful, slinky, and groovy love song is accompanied by a music video produced by Metafilms and directed by Mitali Solanki, depicting a newlywed couple experiencing the highs and lows of their wedding day.

Navrasa: Exploring the Spectrum of Emotions
Navrasa: Exploring the Spectrum of Emotions is a cinematic journey that delves into the profound depths of the nine core emotions that shape human existence. From the miraculous wonder of birth to the complex nuances of joy, sorrow, anger, courage, disgust, fear, peace, and love, this narrative weaves a rich tapestry of human experience. Each emotion is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, offering a holistic journey through life's intricate emotional landscape. These expressive performances are brought to life by the students of Shakti Mohan's dance studio, Nritya Shakti.