Tired of the usual stuffy costume dramas? These 14 lavish, quick-witted, and gloriously unconventional period dramas offer a fresh perspective on history, with post-punk soundtracks, cross-dressing, and illicit love affairs. From Sofia Coppola’s subversive take on Marie Antoinette to the stunning visuals of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, these films are a must-watch for fans of the genre who crave something different.
Gowri Ramnarayan, granddaughter of renowned Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy, embarks on a journey to translate his epic historical novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ into English, bridging a generational gap and bringing a timeless tale to a wider audience.
Pachinko Season 2 continues the epic saga of Sunja’s life, exploring the intricacies of her relationships and the weight of generational burdens. This season delves deeper into the characters’ motivations, revealing new layers and complexities. The cast, including Kim Minha, Lee Minho, and Jin Ha, discuss their preparation, memorable scenes, and the magic that brought this historical epic to life.
Netflix has greenlit a second season of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious period drama series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ The announcement comes just a month after the show’s lavish debut on the streaming platform. Bhansali Production and Netflix celebrated the renewal with a grand flash mob dance performance at Mumbai’s Carter Road.
In a conversation with TIME, authors Margaret Atwood and Lauren Groff discussed the effectiveness of using historical or futuristic settings to explore contemporary issues. Atwood set her latest novel, “The Testaments,” in 17th-century New England, while Groff’s survivalist novel, “Matrix,” takes place in the near future. Both works grapple with pressing issues facing women, the environment, and society today. Groff emphasizes the power of historical fiction to provide a “slant” on the present, allowing writers to address current events without being tethered to the rapidly changing present day. Atwood notes the challenge of writing about the present, as events move too quickly. The discussion also touches on the growing threat to books and freedom of expression in the United States, with specific reference to Florida’s numerous book bans targeting LGBTQ+ and racial content.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction has announced its six finalists for 2024, showcasing compelling and diverse narratives of migration, motherhood, historical adventures, and wartime experiences. Among the shortlisted works are “River East, River West” by Aube Rey Lescure, which explores the complexities of American migration through the lens of westward and eastward journeys. Isabella Hammad’s “Enter Ghost” delves into the multifaceted return of a Shakespearean actress to her Palestinian homeland. The list also features Claire Kilroy’s “Soldier, Sailor,” which delves into the challenges of motherhood, and Anne Enright’s multigenerational saga, “The Wren, The Wren.” Kate Grenville’s historical adventure “Restless Dolly Maunder” and V. V. Ganeshananthan’s “Brotherless Night,” set during the Sri Lankan civil war, complete the shortlist.
History is often distorted to fit ideological agendas, and Aurangzeb, the longest-reigning Mughal emperor, has been a victim of such biases. Despite building temples for Hindu communities, he is accused of destroying them, and his complex evolution from an aggressive king to a pragmatic ruler is ignored. This book, based on facts but written in a novelistic style, allows Aurangzeb’s spirit to dispel misconceptions and challenge the ideological biases of our time.
Set in post-Risorgimento Italy, ‘The Filomena Case’ follows the captivating tale of Filomena, a woman who defies societal norms and joins a band of bandits. Driven by her desire for freedom and justice, Filomena embarks on a perilous quest to uncover a stolen treasure and challenge the oppressive forces that have shaped her life.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ has already captivated audiences with its stunning trailer. Set to premiere on Netflix on May 1st, this eight-part series promises a world of intrigue, passion, and drama, with every frame steeped in grandeur. Bhansali’s exceptional storytelling and ability to portray Indian narratives in an authentic manner will undoubtedly set a benchmark on the global stage.
