2025 has been a big year for content all around. From incredible independent music to award-winning books, to movies which have revived the joy of cinema, this year has seen several stellar releases across different mediums of art. For those looking to dive into new content, here are some of the best things to read, watch, and listen to, from the first half of 2025.
To Read
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Suicidal teenager Hai finds an unexpected purpose as he becomes a caretaker for Grazina, an elderly woman suffering from dementia. Through their unlikely bond, Hai begins to find his footing in life.
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq (tr. Deepa Bhasthi)
This collection of 12 stories examines and explores the lives of women and girls in the Muslim communities of South India. The book delves into themes of patriarchy, caste, faith, oppression, resilience, and more.
Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian
Sanjana Satyanand is a PhD candidate struggling with her thesis, one year after leaving her husband, Killian, after a disagreement on the topic of having kids. When she begins receiving congratulations on a pregnancy she didn’t have, she starts to investigate the matter, while also confronting societal expectations and her own life choices.
The Second Book of Prophets by Benyamin
This book reimagines the life of Jesus Christ, depicting him as a man driven by a desire for social change rather than divinity. Benyamin presents Jesus of Nazareth as a revolutionary figure, fighting against religious hypocrisy during the Roman occupation of Judea.
Hot Water by Bhavika Govil
Hot Water follows a small and unconventional family of 3 over one long, hot summer. Mira, Ashu, and Ma all harbor secrets, and as they begin to reveal themselves, the content life they’ve built for themselves finds itself at risk.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Focusing on the lives of 4 women during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book explores themes of womanhood, love, loss, and self-discovery. While the book is set in the pandemic, the narrative delves into stories of the women’s pasts, exploring their inner lives and past choices.
We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Kyungha is asked by a friend, Inseon, to take care of her bird in Jeju while she is hospitalized. As Kyungha makes her way to Jeju, she is met by a snowstorm, complicating her journey to Inseon’s home. Throughout her travels, Kyungha uncovers a dark history related to Inseon’s family, and thus, the book explores how historical trauma can impact individuals and their families.
To Watch
A Nice Indian Boy
[Watch on Prime Video]
When Naveen, an introverted doctor, introduces his white boyfriend to his traditional East Indian family, comedic discomfort ensues. The family must confront their own, somewhat limiting, preconceptions about love and marriage, as they attempt to plan the wedding of Naveen and Jay’s dreams.
Sinners
[Watch on Prime Video]
Twin brothers Elijah and Elias are former soldiers, World War I veterans looking to return to their hometown and start again. As they try to escape their troubled past, they come to realize that a much greater evil awaits them.
Adolescence
[Watch on Netflix]
13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of a classmate, Katie Leonard. What follows is an in-depth investigation into Jamie’s mindset, as well as the aftermath of his arrest, as his family and broader community is impacted.
The Studio
[Watch on Apple TV]
Matt Remick is a studio executive at Continental Studios, a legacy Hollywood studio. Along with his team, Matt struggles to keep up with the times and strike a balance between legacy and adapting, as he navigates the new, commercial world of art. This hilarious take on the business of movie-making is a must-watch.
Stolen
[Watch on Prime Video]
Two brothers bear witness as a baby is kidnapped from an impoverished mother at a rural train station. Guided by his morals, one brother convinces the other to help the mother find her baby, and the two become entangled with the kidnapping case. A debut thriller by Karan Tejpal that will keep you on the edge.
Black Warrant
[Watch on Netflix]
Inspired by the real-life experiences of Sunil Gupta, who was a jailor in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for 35 years, Black Warrant delves into the chaos and corruption inside Tihar in the 1980s. Sunil Gupta is an idealistic young jailor who must confront the injustice and immorality he witnesses in Tihar Jail.
Deli Boys
[Watch on Jio Hotstar]
After the death of their father, two Pakistani-American boys, Raj and Mir, inherit his convenience store, only to soon discover that it’s a front for a criminal enterprise. With the help of their aunt Lucky, the two brothers try their best to navigate the world of crime their father had secretly been running all along.
To Listen
Farebi by Chaar Diwaari ft. Raftaar
Chaari Diwaari’s latest hit tackles his impostor syndrome, all in a catchy tune sure to get stuck in your head with its smooth vocals and staccato accents.
Run It Up by Hanumankind
Hanumankind not only embraces but uplifts his South Indian heritage in Run It Up, mixing native Indian instruments and percussion with his English rap flow.
ESWY by Aman Sagar ft. Sanjeeta Bhattacharya
Travel through time with this song as ESWY blends the old and new, juxtaposing a classical melody, sung by Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, with contemporary love song lyrics written and sung by Aman Sagar.
Khatla Par by Dhanji ft. RASLA
Dhanji’s latest track, "Khatla Par," showcases the bright future of regional language music, especially in the Desi Hip Hop scene, as a Gujarati rap song has taken over numerous DHH playlists across the country.
Between Flowers by OAFF, Amira Gill, Manreet Khara
Between Flowers is a song which blends classical Indian sounds with contemporary sensibilities, a balance between the two reminiscent of the philosophy behind his album of the same name; a balance between happiness and sadness, where flowers accompany both.
Good Kinda Love by Kayan
Good Kinda Love is a catchy yet vulnerable love song, where Kayan hopes for the kind of love we all want, and asks the nervous questions we all have in our heads from time to time.
Galtiyaan by Savera ft. Nikhita Gandhi
This indie pop song is sure to be relatable for many out there, as the lyrics capture the feeling of wanting something, even while knowing it was a mistake the first time.
Words Ayushie Shahane
24.06.2025