MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki
Baek Sehee began recording her therapy sessions with the intention of creating a personal reference. She never anticipated that her reflections would resonate with so many, especially among young people. I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki turned into a bestseller, connecting with readers who valued the candid discussion of depression and anxiety. With this sequel, Baek Sehee extends a comforting hand to those who navigate daily despair as a constant part of their life's journey.
Long Island
Long Island is Colm Tóibín’s invigorating novel that explores whether it's possible to truly revisit the past and rekindle a lost love. This book is the sequel to Tóibín's award-winning, bestselling novel Brooklyn. An Irish-accented man arrives at Eilis Fiorello's Long Island home, altering everything. Eilis and Tony have established a stable, happy life since leaving Brooklyn—despite the occasional suffocation from nearby in-laws, their twenty-year marriage and two children promise a bright future. However, a stranger will reveal something that makes Eilis question the life she has built.
A Person Is a Prayer
A Person Is a Prayer delves into the intricate dynamics between family members and the overwhelming silence that emerges when communication breaks down. It reflects on the brevity of life and how our decisions impact future generations. Bedi and Sushma's marriage is arranged, and during their first meeting, they awkwardly discuss happiness and hope, deciding to pursue these together. However, even after their children—Selena, Tara, and Rohan—are grown with families of their own, Bedi and Sushma continue their search.
Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada
Dalit author Shahu Patole's groundbreaking Marathi publication, "Anna He Apoorna Brahma," marked the first attempt to document Dalit culinary history by examining the cooking traditions of two Maharashtrian communities, Mahar and Mang. Presented in the form of a memoir interspersed with recipes, it delves into the social dynamics surrounding food, addressing caste-based discrimination and the classification of food as sattvic (pure), rajasic (fit for royalty), or tamasic (sinful). Now translated into Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada the book sheds light on the simple yet resourceful culinary practices of marginalized communities, emphasizing a diet devoid of luxuries like oil, ghee, and milk, and featuring ingredients often overlooked by mainstream society.
The Remains of the Body
Saikat Majumdar intricately weaves a tale of friendship and intimacy among three Indian immigrants living in North America, penned by a writer renowned for delving into the complex realm of human sexuality.In their mid-thirties, two childhood friends find their profound connection challenged when one's marriage begins to unravel amidst the conflicting pursuits of immigrant success. As the marriage teeters on the brink due to an unexpected affair, the other friend, a bachelor, grapples with unanswerable questions about his own desires.
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Federer
Roger Federer's documentary offers an intimate look at the final 12 days of his illustrious tennis career. Initially a private collection of home videos, Federer never intended to share these vulnerable moments with the world. The documentary not only focuses on Federer but also includes insights from his legendary rivals, who have become close friends. Andy Murray, Djokovic, and Nadal will share their experiences and relationships with Federer, both on and off the court.
Kinds of Kindness
After her outstanding performance in Poor Things, Emma Stone is reuniting with director Yorgos Lanthimos for the upcoming comedy-drama Kinds of Kindness. This film, featuring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Hong Chau, explores the lives of three individuals: a man attempting to alter his predestined fate, a cop who observes a change in his wife's behavior following a drowning incident, and a woman in search of a famous figure for spiritual insight.
The Watchers
Ishana Night Shyamalan, will make her directorial debut with a supernatural thriller titled The Watchers. Adapted from A. M. Shine's novel of the same name, the story follows Mina, a young artist who finds herself stranded in an untouched forest in Ireland. Alongside her are three strangers who are equally trapped and clueless about how to escape. Tormented by mysterious creatures every night, they must unite to survive and solve the mystery haunting the island.
A Quiet Place: Day One
A Quiet Place: Day One is an upcoming apocalyptic horror movie from the United States, helmed by Michael Sarnoski and based on a concept developed with John Krasinski. Positioned as a prequel spin-off and the third chapter in the A Quiet Place cinematic universe, the narrative centers on a character named Sam, portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o, as she grapples with the invasion of New York City by ultrasonic-sound-sensitive alien creatures. Set before the events of the first film, Sam must navigate the perilous landscape to survive alongside a cast including Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff, with Djimon Hounsou returning in his role from "A Quiet Place Part II.”
Kalki 2898 AD
Drawing inspiration from Hindu scriptures, Kalki 2898 AD unfolds in a post-apocalyptic era, specifically in the year 2898 AD. Prabhas takes on the titular character, accompanied by a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. The narrative revolves around a contemporary incarnation of Vishnu, a revered Hindu deity, tasked with safeguarding the world from malevolent influences.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Brat
Brat is the forthcoming sixth studio album by English singer Charli XCX. This album aims to capture the essence of the underground London rave scene where Charli XCX began performing at the age of 14 or 15. Described by Charli XCX as her "most aggressive and confrontational record," it also reveals her most vulnerable side.
Where The Butterflies Go In The Rain.
Neo-soul revivalist Raveena has unveiled her third studio album, Where The Butterflies Go In The Rain. The album's first glimpse was offered earlier this month with the release of the dreamy video for the lead single, "Pluto." Raveena described the single as "a song about loss, but woven into the most joyful soundbed." She reminisced about listening to euphoric pop songs on her walkman, dancing around the yard, or gazing out the window on long drives when she was young. Further, she said, “Butterflies are so delicate that they have to hide in leaves and flowers until the rain passes so that their wings don’t get crushed in the rain.”
The Asylum Albums
The Asylum Albums (1976–1980) is a five-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, scheduled for release on June 21, 2024. This collection marks the thirteenth release and the third box set of remastered albums from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series featuring remastered and previously unreleased material from her personal archives.
Seven Swans
In 2004, Sufjan Stevens introduced his banjo-infused, deeply spiritual fourth studio album Seven Swans. Now, two decades later, Asthmatic Kitty is releasing a deluxe vinyl edition of the album.Including all 12 original tracks, along with a flexi-disc featuring the album's original B-sides "I Went Dancing With My Sister" and "Waste of What Your Kids Won't Have" (making their digital debut), the reissue will be available in zoetrope picture disc edition, silver, and split-colored vinyl options on June 21st.
C,XOXO
C,XOXO is the forthcoming fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Camila Cabello, slated for release on June 28th. Leading up to the album release, singles such as "I Luv It" featuring Playboi Carti and "He Knows" featuring Lil Nas X have already been unveiled.
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
Raghav Meattle Tour
A skilled narrator wielding a guitar and a voice capable of stirring emotions. Yet, he transcends mere musicianship; he's also an innovator, a pioneer, and a formidable presence in the music scene.In addition to his musical talents, Raghav cherishes his album "Intezaar Tera" deeply. It's not just a compilation of tracks; it's a voyage through the intricacies of long-distance love, a motif that strikes a chord with audiences globally. He is performing in various cities this month.
Modern Romance
What sets this experience apart is that the dialogues, characters, and even the storyline are created on the spot, based on audience suggestions. The play, Modern Romance, explores the complexities of contemporary relationships. It features a revolving door of people with expectations, possibilities, and disappointments, where no one is exclusive, and everyone fears missing out on better options. Watch it on June 16 at The Habitat, Mumbai.
Levi
After gaining Instagram fame for his Commercial Afro house sets, DJ Levi is ready to embark on his debut tour in India with Souldout. The tour will take place on June 8th and 9th, covering Mumbai and Delhi. DJ Levi promises to take you on an unparalleled sonic journey. Prepare to dance away your worries and immerse yourself in the euphoria of his captivating mixes.
Traasidi
Traasidi revolves around the feelings of motherhood. The word "mother" exudes a sense of completeness and comfort. However, after her departure, the word "repentance" becomes the most haunting. This story traces a journey from the word "mother" to "repentance." It delves into being consumed by repentance caused by a mother's absence, and through that experience, finding a way to reconnect with her. Watch it on June 9 at Harkat Studios, Mumbai.
Love, Laugh, Glow
SEREKO X Tape A Tale present Love, Laugh, Glow an enchanting evening fueled by the magic of storytelling, poetry, and comedy. This delightful event features a unique lineup, including comedy performances by Shashi Dhiman and Badal Sharma, as well as storytelling and poetry by Kopal Khanna and Vanika Sangtani. With such an exceptional lineup, what more needs to be said? Join them on June 1st at the Piano Man in Delhi
Words Platform Desk
Date 31.05.2024