Must Calendar June 2025
Must Read
Three incredible stories to add to your reading list this month.Flashlight by Susan Choi
The National Book Award–winning author of Trust Exercise returns with Flashlight, an epic literary novel that sweeps across decades and continents. The story traces a father’s mysterious disappearance and its ripple effects on his family’s memories and identities. Choi’s writing is lush yet incisive, exploring themes of ancestry, loss, and the blurry line between memory and imagination. It’s already named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year, and for good reason.
On the Brink of Belief by edited by Kazim Ali
This first-of-its-kind anthology brings together 24 LGBTQIA+ writers from South Asia and the diaspora. Curated by poet Kazim Ali, the collection features short stories, memoir snippets, poems, and more that explore the intersection of queerness and faith. The voices here conjure worlds where myth and reality, flesh and spirit blur together, offering revelations instead of easy answers. It’s a powerful tapestry of diverse experiences – expect to be moved and challenged.
The Elsewhereans by Jeet Thayil
Celebrated Indian author Jeet Thayil delivers a genre-defying “documentary novel” that melds fiction, travelogue, memoir, ghost story, and family saga. The Elsewhereans unfolds across continents and decades, from the backwaters of Kerala to the streets of Paris, following characters shaped by migration and separation. Thayil’s hypnotic narrative examines themes of exile, identity, loss, and the histories we inherit, all through luminous prose. This novel promises an immersive literary experience that’s equal parts elegy and adventure.
Three captivating shows to go with friends & family or to enjoy alone
Niladri Kumar in ConcertJune 21, 2025, at NMACC
Experience the soul of Indian music in this brand-new production by sitar maestro Niladri Kumar. India Dream is an immersive musical journey through time, tracing how the sitar and Indian melodies evolved from ancient ragas to modern rock fusion Expect a spellbinding evening blending classical Indian instruments with contemporary sounds, all presented with stunning visuals and storytelling.
Van Gogh – An Immersive Story Exhibition
Step inside the paintings of Vincent van Gogh at this 360° digital art extravaganza. Held at The Pavilion, DLF Promenade Mall in Delhi, this immersive exhibition runs from May 24 to August 31, 2025, making it a perfect June outing. Over 300 of Van Gogh’s artworks – including iconic pieces like Starry Night and Sunflowers – come alive via huge, animated projections. The 40-minute walkthrough is set to a dreamy soundtrack and narration that recounts Van Gogh’s artistic evolution, giving you a vivid window into the painter’s life and mind.
Traasadi – A Solo Play by Manav Kaul
Details: June 8, 2025, 6:00 PM at The Quorum, Gurgaon
Famed actor-playwright Manav Kaul brings his latest one-man stage show, Traasadi (which means “tragedy”) to Gurgaon this month. This Hindi monologue dives deep into love, loss, and memory, with Kaul’s powerhouse performance guiding the audience through a poignant tale of grief and repentance. Praised for its emotional richness and receiving standing ovations in other cities, Traasadi showcases Kaul’s talent in an intimate setting – just him on stage, utterly captivating.
MARINA – Princess of Power
Pop singer MARINA (formerly Marina and the Diamonds) is back, embracing a new era of creative freedom. Princess of Power – her sixth studio album – is all about the superpower of love and empowerment. Fun fact: this is MARINA’s first independent release, and she’s poured her heart into making something authentic and unguarded. The album’s vibe channels upbeat electro-pop with a confident twist (even the title feels like a throwback to ’80s heroine vibes).
Turnstile – Never Enough
Hardcore punk goes high-concept with Turnstile’s highly anticipated fourth album Never Enough. These Baltimore rockers have built a reputation for explosive, genre-blending punk, and this record is set to elevate their game even further. Never Enough will drop with 14 adrenaline-fueled tracks and is accompanied by a full visual album film premiering at Tribeca Festival 2025. Early singles like the title track, Never Enough and Seein’ Stars show off Turnstile’s talent for mixing ferocious riffs with surprisingly groovy hooks.
Volbeat – God of Angels Trust
Danish rock titans Volbeat return this month with God of Angels Trust, their ninth studio album and a must-listen for hard rock and metal enthusiasts. Slated for a worldwide release on June 6, 2025, the album promises Volbeat’s signature blend of heavy metal riffs and catchy melodies. The band has already given a teaser with the lead single, By a Monster’s Hand, a foot-stomping track that harks back to their heavier roots. According to their label, this new record is charged with “fresh, metallic energy” across ten tracks, all recorded in an intense five-week creative burst. Volbeat will support the album with a massive global tour, so expect these songs to rock stadiums soon.
28 Years Later
June 20, 2025
The 28 Days/Weeks Later franchise returns with a terrifying new chapter in which the infamous rage virus resurfaces. Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, this sequel promises intense post-apocalyptic thrills. Ralph Fiennes leads the cast (and fans are buzzing about a possible nod to original star Cillian Murphy) as survivors fight to endure humanity’s latest nightmare. If you love smart horror with heart-pounding suspense, this is a must-see.
Elio
June 20, 2025
Disney Pixar’s next animated adventure takes us out of this world. Elio is a shy 11-year-old boy who gets beamed into space and mistakenly appointed Earth’s ambassador to a galactic council of aliens. Expect Pixar’s signature mix of humour and heart as Elio finds the leader within himself among extraterrestrial friends. Boasting colourful cosmic visuals and a heartfelt message about belonging, Elio is fun for all ages.
Rick & Morty – Season 8
Netflix
Wubba Lubba Dub-Dub! Everyone’s favourite mad scientist and his anxious grandson are back for more multiverse misadventures. Season 8 of Rick & Morty kicks off with new episodes premiering weekly starting May 25, 2025 and continues through June on Adult Swim. Despite behind-the-scenes changes, the show retains its absurd sci-fi humour and surprising heart. Gear up for portal-hopping chaos, bizarre aliens, and nihilistic laughs – this season promises to be as outrageously inventive as ever.
Words Harita Odedara
30.05.2025