Must Read
Incredible books that need to go on your to-be-read pile this month.
A Return to Self by Aatish Taseer
In 2019, the Government of India revoked Aatish Taseer’s citizenship, thereby exiling him from the country where he grew up and lived for thirty years. In this blend of travelogue and memoir, Taseer casts an incisive eye at what it means to belong to a place that becomes a politicized vessel for ideas defined by exclusion and prejudice and delves deep into the heart of the migrations that define our multicultural world.
The Remnants of Rebellion by Ponnu Elizabeth Mathew
Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala’s rubber plantations, this debut by Ponnu Elizabeth Mathew weaves together the intimate struggles of individuals and the sweeping tides of political uprising. She especially draws from her Syrian Christian Malayali roots, weaving together themes of history, identity, and family legacies. It is a powerful exploration of lives forever changed by the enduring shadows of colonization.
The Scratch and Sniff Chronicles by Hemangini Dutt Majumder
This multilayered story follows Ollie, a young woman with an uncanny sense of smell, an unusual symptom of a health condition, and a rare female wine sommelier and beverage consultant. Her life changes quite dramatically when she and her entire family decide to relocate to their ancestral estate, Neelbari, in Chandannagar, where strange and mysterious incidents begin to unfold. What follows is a gripping whodunnit with ample doses of humour and delicious twists and turns.
Must Watch
Visually stunning stories and high-stakes worlds you won’t want to miss this month.
Dexter, Resurrection
Dexter, Resurrection, set to debut this year on Jio Cinema, brings back Michael C Hall as the infamous serial killer with a moral code, originally inspired by Jeff Lindsay’s novels. Hall portrayed Dexter across eight iconic seasons, from 2006-2013. While many assumed Dexter’s journey was over, he is very much alive. Though murder is central to the franchise, this chapter is also expected to delve deeper into his bond with his son.
The Sandman: Season 2
The world of Dream deepens in this darkly poetic second season, and its layered mythos continues to unfold. Morpheus must face the consequences of the past while new cosmic and personal threats emerge. Out on 3rd July, stunning production design, existential questions, and layered characters will make this season as gripping as it is strange. This is sure to be a beautifully crafted meditation on power, memory, and the unseen rules of the universe.
Vir Das: Fool Volume
Comedian-actor Vir Das is all set for the upcoming release of his newest special Fool Volume on July 18th on Netflix. Although he’s had his fair share of acting stints recently, he’s back to his original forte—good old standup comedy. The title perfectly reflects the crux of the show, which is an embracing of all the times he has been foolish, and all the happiness it has brought him.
Must Listen
Tunes to look out for.
LOOK! I’m Alive: Quinn XCII
Quinn XCII’s latest upcoming album is expected to be an energetic yet deeply introspective album that captures the contradictions of modern adulthood. These songs are supposedly the product of a lot of reflection and gratitude that the singer-songwriter needed now more than ever. A gentle reminder that every moment is worth singing about.
Precipice: Indigo De Souza
In Precipice, Indigo De Souza offers an unflinching look at desire, loss, and self-definition. Her voice is raw, her lyrics emotionally sharp, and the sound is said to alternate between grunge indie rock and haunting balladry. The new album arrives ahead of De Souza’s performances at the Pitchfork Music Festival Paris and London. The LP’s lead single, Heartthrob released two months ago, features the kind of music that fills hearts with euphoria.
I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me: Noah Cyrus
Noah Cyrus returns with a stripped-down, spiritually resonant album that wrestles with grief, longing, and the weight of inherited sorrow. Her second studio album will include singles I Saw The Mountains, Don’t Put It All On Me and a special track featuring her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. She will celebrate the arrival of I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me with an album release show in Los Angeles ahead of an extensive North American tour kicking off in September.
Must Attend
Three events you should attend this month.
Under the Mangosteen Tree
Under the Mangosteen Tree, brought to you by The Perch Collective will premiere across July in Auroville, Chennai and Bangalore. The play is a tribute to the great Malayalam writer, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, known for his unique sense of humour. It will reflect a key element in this writing — the joys of the idiosyncratic every day and pays homage to the legendary Malayalam writer whose words still sparkle with mischief, love, and an unflinching honesty about life.
Waiting for Naseer
On the 75th birthday of the man himself — Naseeruddin Shah — this show is a celebration of theatre, acting, performance, passion and by extension, life itself. Waiting for Naseer will take place at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Bangalore on 19th July. The plot of the play revolves around two fans waiting at the famous Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai, waiting to catch their favourite actor, Nasseeruddin Shah’s show. But what transpires is a tale of lots of ups and downs that leads one to question the very essence of life itself.
Jazbaa ft. Rekha Bhardwaj
Award winning singer and Bollywood star Rekha Bhardwaj is set to celebrate freedom and womanhood through her voice in Delhi on 27th July at the grand Plenary Hall. An evening of musical euphoria is guaranteed.
Words Platform Desk
1.07.2025