An American's Guide to Bollywood

Hannah & Rose discuss Roja (1992), a drama about a two newlyweds caught up in a terrorist in Kashmir. This film is directed by Mani Ratnam with music by A. R. Rahman. It stars Arvind Swamy and Madhoo. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for young teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Haider, Muthu, … Continue reading "Episode 83: Roja"

Hannah & Rose discuss Sairat (2016), a drama about a low caste man and high caste woman who fall in love. This film is directed by Nagraj Manjule with music by Ajay-Atul. It stars Akash Thosar and Rinku Rajguru. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Dilwale … Continue reading "Episode 82: Sairat"

Hannah & Rose discuss Hum Aapke Hain Koon…! (1994), a romantic comedy about two families joined by marriage. This film is directed by Sooraj Barjatya with music by Raamlaxman. It stars Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Renuka Shahane and Mohnish Bahl. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for all ages. The songs used in this episode are … Continue reading "Episode 81: Hum Aapke Hain Koon…!"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2015 film Dilwale about two men who meet while traveling and the journey they have along the way. This film is directed by Rohit Shetty with songs by Pritam. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon. Recommended for beginners. Rated for older children. Other names mentioned … Continue reading "Episode 80: Dilwale"

Hannah & Rose discuss Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), a romantic comedy drama about three friends and their lives in New York. This film is directed by Nikkhil Advani with music by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for all ages. Other names mentioned … Continue reading "Episode 79: Kal Ho Naa Ho"

Hannah & Rose discuss 2.0 (2018), a superhero movie about a robot who saves India from a bird-shaped threat. This film is directed by S. Shankar with music by AR Rahman. It stars Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for older kids. Other names mentioned in the episode are I, … Continue reading "Episode 78: 2.0"

Hannah & Rose discuss Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1993), a dramedy about a slacker in love with a girl who is in love with someone else. This film is directed by Kundan Shah with music by Jatin–Lalit. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Deepak Tijori. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for all ages. … Continue reading "Episode 77: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa"

Hannah & Rose discuss Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), the tragic love story of a librarian and an ex-con. This film is directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru with music by Himesh Reshammiya. It stars Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane. Recommended for beginners. Rated for preteens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Kamal Haasan, … Continue reading "Episode 76: Sanam Teri Kasam"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2003 film Anbe Sivam about two men who meet while traveling and the journey they have along the way. This film is directed by Sundar C with songs by Vidyasagar. It stars Kamal Haasan, Madhavan and Kiran Rathod. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for older children. Other names mentioned in … Continue reading "Episode 75: Anbe Sivam"

Hannah & Rose discuss Iruvar (1997), the story two friends who become political rivals. This film is directed by Mani Ratnam with music by A. R. Rahman. It stars Mohanlal, Prakash Raj and Aishwarya Rai. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for all ages. Other names mentioned in the episode are Tabu, Dil Se…, Agni Natchathiram, … Continue reading "Episode 74: Iruvar"

Hannah & Rose discuss Muthu (1995), the story of a worker and his landlord who fall in love with the same woman. This film is directed by K. S. Ravikumar with music by A. R. Rahman. It stars Rajinikanth, Meena and Sarath Babu. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for children. Other names mentioned in the … Continue reading "Episode 73: Muthu"

Hannah & Rose discuss Agni Natchathiram (1988), the story of two men who are half-brothers and rivals. This film is directed by Mani Ratnam with music by Ilaiyaraaja. It stars Prabhu and Karthik. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for children. Other names mentioned in the episode are Dil Se.., Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Vansh, … Continue reading "Episode 72: Agni Natchathiram"

Hannah & Rose discuss Maro Charitra (1978), the love story between a Telugu girl and a Tamil boy. This film is directed by K. Balachander with music by M. S. Viswanathan. It stars Kamal Haasan and Saritha. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Singham and Sridevi. The … Continue reading "Episode 71: Maro Charitra"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 film Mulk about the family of a terrorist who are taken to court for his crimes. This film is directed by Anubhav Sinha with songs by Prasad Sashte and Anurag Saikia. It stars Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the … Continue reading "Episode 70: Mulk"

Hannah & Rose discuss Madras Cafe (2013), a thriller about an Indian intelligence agent who is trying to thwart a plot in the Sri Lankan civil war. This film is directed by Shoojit Sircar with music by Shantanu Moitra. It stars John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for teens. Other names … Continue reading "Episode 69: Madras Cafe"

Hannah & Rose discuss Fanaa (2006), a romantic thriller about a tour guide that falls in love with a blind girl. This film is directed by Kunal Kohli with music by Jatin–Lalit. It stars Aamir Khan and Kajol Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Bang Bang, Hrithik … Continue reading "Episode 68: Fanaa"

Hannah & Rose discuss A Wednesday! (2008), a thriller about a bomb threat in Mumbai. This film is directed by Neeraj Pandey with music by Sanjoy Chowdhury. It stars Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Monsoon Wedding, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Prem … Continue reading "Episode 67: A Wednesday!"

Hannah & Rose discuss Dil Se… (1998), a romantic thriller about a radio broadcaster who meets a mysterious woman. This film is directed by Mani Ratnam with music by A. R. Rahman and Gulzar. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Manisha Koirala, and Preity Zinta. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned … Continue reading "Episode 66: Dil Se…"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 horror film Tumbbad about a man who awakens a demon. This film is directed by Rahi Anil Barve with songs by Ajay-Atul. It stars Sohum Shah and Mohammad Samad. Recommended for beginners. Rated for adults. Other names mentioned in the episode are Main Hoon Na, Shah Rukh Khan, Farah … Continue reading "Episode 65: Tumbbad"

Hannah & Rose discuss U-Turn (2016), a horror-thriller about a journalist who is doing an investigation on illegal u-turns . This film is directed by Pawan Kumar with music by Poornachandra Tejaswi. It stars Shraddha Srinath, Roger Narayan, Radhika Narayan, and Dileep Raj. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode … Continue reading "Episode 64: U-Turn"

Hannah & Rose discuss Stree (2018), a horror comedy film about a village festival haunted by an angry ghost. This film is directed by Amar Kaushik with songs by Sachin–Jigar. It stars Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. Recommended for beginners. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Ayushmann Khurrana, Vijay Raaz, … Continue reading "Episode 63: Stree"

Hannah & Rose discuss Manichitrathazhu (1993), a horror film about a couple that moves into a house haunted by the memory of dancer. This film is directed by Fazil with songs by M. G. Radhakrishnan. It stars Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Shobana. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for all ages. Other names mentioned in the … Continue reading "Episode 62: Manichitrathazhu"

Hannah & Rose discuss Pizza (2012), a horror film about a pizza delivery man that gets trapped in a haunted house. This film is directed by Karthik Subbaraj with songs by Santhosh Narayanan. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, Remya Nambeesan, and Aadukalam Naren. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are … Continue reading "Episode 61: Pizza"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a romantic comedy about an arranged marriage between an underachiever and an overweight woman. This film is directed by Sharat Katariya with songs by Anu Malik and Varun Grover. It stars Bhumi Pednekar and Ayushmann Khurrana. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names … Continue reading "Episode 60: Dum Laga Ke Haisha"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2023 film Bholaa, an action thriller about an man who gets out a prison and tries to see his daughter. This film is directed by Ajay Devgn with songs by Ravi Basrur. It stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Deepak Dobriyal. Recommended for beginners. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned … Continue reading "Bonus: Bholaa"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2016 film Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum, a romantic comedy about a woman who goes to Chennai for work and the small-time thug who becomes her unlikely friend. This film is directed by Nalan Kumarasamy with songs by Santhosh Narayanan. It stars Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian. Recommended for beginners. Rated for … Continue reading "Episode 59: Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2015 film Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, a romantic comedy about an actor who fills in for a prince and has to fool his fiancée. This film is directed by Sooraj Barjatya with songs by Himesh Reshammiya. It stars Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, and Neil Nitin Mukesh. Recommended for beginners. Rated … Continue reading "Episode 58: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2010 film Band Baaja Baaraat, a romantic comedy about two people who open a wedding planning business. This film is directed by Maneesh Sharma with songs by Salim–Sulaiman. It stars Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Rab Ne … Continue reading "Episode 57: Band Baaja Baaraat"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2012 film Barfi!, about a deaf-mute man who falls in love with an autistic woman. This film is directed by Anurag Basu with songs by Pritam. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D'Cruz. Recommended for beginners. Rated for all ages. Other names mentioned in the episode are Kites, … Continue reading "Episode 56: Barfi!"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2017 film Secret Superstar, about a teenage girl from a conservative family who dreams of becoming a singing superstar. This film is directed by Advait Chandan with songs by Amit Trivedi. It stars Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, and Aamir Khan. Recommended for beginners. Rated for young teens. Other names mentioned … Continue reading "Episode 55: Secret Superstar"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2005 film Water, a drama about a young girl who is widowed and set to live in an ashram. This film is directed by Deepa Mehta with songs by A. R. Rahman. It stars Sarala Kariyawasam, Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, and John Abraham. Recommended for beginners. Rated for older teens. … Continue reading "Episode 54: Water"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2016 film Pink, a drama about three women who are seeking justice and the lawyer who is trying to help them get it. This film is directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury with songs by Shantanu Moitra and Anupam Roy. It stars Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Amitabh Bachchan, and … Continue reading "Episode 53: Pink"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2006 film Dor, a drama about two women whose lives become unexpectedly linked. This film is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor with songs by Salim–Sulaiman. It stars Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, and Shreyas Talpade. Recommended for beginners. Rated for young teens. The songs used in this episode are Dor Theme, Imaan … Continue reading "Episode 52: Dor"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2017 film Tumhari Sulu about a housewife who becomes a radio DJ. This film is directed by Suresh Triveni with songs by Guru Randhawa, Javed Akhtar, and Vayu. It stars Vidya Balan, Manav Kaul, and Neha Dhupia. Recommended for beginners. Rated for all ages. The songs used in this episode … Continue reading "Episode 51: Tumhari Sulu"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2016 film Rama Rama Re…, about an escaped inmate from death row who ends up on a road trip with an old man and an eloping couple. This film is directed by D. Satya Prakash with songs by Vasuki Vaibhav. It stars K. Jayaram, Nataraj, Dharmanna Kaduru, and Bimbashri Ninasam. … Continue reading "Episode 50: Rama Rama Re…"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2016 film Maheshinte Prathikaaram about a small town and a villager who gets into a fight with some local thugs. This film is directed by Dileesh Pothan with songs by Bijibal. It stars Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, and Alencier Ley Lopez. Recommended for intermediate views. Rated for all ages. The … Continue reading "Episode 49: Maheshinte Prathikaaram"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2012 film Kahaani, a thriller about a pregnant woman who goes to Kulkata to find her missing husband. This film is directed by Sujoy Ghosh with songs by Vishal–Shekhar. It stars Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode … Continue reading "Episode 48: Kahaani"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2019 film Kumbalangi Nights, a comedy-drama about four brothers who live in a small fishing village. This film is directed by Madhu C Narayanan with songs by Sushin Shyam. It stars Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam, and Soubin Shahir. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode … Continue reading "Episode 47: Kumbalangi Nights"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 drama C/o Kancharapalem which tells the story of four couples in a village. This film is directed by Venkatesh Maha with songs by Sweekar Agasthi. It stars Subba Rao, Radha Bessy, Kesava Karri, and Nithyasri Goru. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned in the … Continue reading "Episode 46: C/o Kancharapalem"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2016 drama Veeram, an adaptation of Macbeth. This film is directed by Jayaraj with music by Jeff Rona. It stars Kunal Kapoor, Himarsha Venkatsamy, and Satheesh Menon. Recommended for advanced viewers. Rated for young teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Fahadh Faasil, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Vidya Balan. The … Continue reading "Episode 45: Veeram"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2013 drama Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. This film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali with songs by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Hemu Gadhvi. It stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Supriya Pathak. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode … Continue reading "Episode 44: Ram-Leela"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2014 drama Haider, adaptation of Hamlet. This film is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj with songs by Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar. It stars Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, and Irrfan Khan. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for adults. Other names mentioned in the episode are Sanjay Leela Bhansali, … Continue reading "Episode 43: Haider"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2006 drama Omkara, adaptation of Othello. This film is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj with songs by Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar. It stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, and Naseeruddin Shah. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for adults. Other names mentioned in the episode are Maqbool, Irrfan … Continue reading "Episode 42: Omkara"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2019 action film War about a soldier whose mentor goes rogue. This film is directed by Siddharth Anand with songs by Vishal–Shekhar. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Recommended for beginners. Rated for young teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Aamir Khan, Dhoom 3, 3 Idiots, Jackie … Continue reading "Episode 41: War"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2014 crime comedy Happy New Year about a gang of thieves who plan a diamond heist during an international dace competition. This film is directed by Farah Khan with songs by Vishal–Shekhar. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, and Jackie Shroff. Recommended for … Continue reading "Episode 40: Happy New Year"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 historical adventure Thugs of Hindostan about a small-time conman who gets involved with a band of rebels during the time of the Raj. This film is directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya with songs by Ajay–Atul. It stars Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Recommended for … Continue reading "Episode 39: Thugs of Hindostan"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2018 action comedy Simmba about a corrupt cop. This film is directed by Rohit Shetty with songs by Tanishk Bagchi. It stars Ranveer Singh, Sonu Sood, and Sara Ali Khan. Recommended for intermediate viewers. Rated for older teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Dabangg, Temper, Jr NTR, Ajay … Continue reading "Episode 38: Simmba"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2014 action comedy Bang Bang about an ordinary woman who gets involves with a charming thief. This film is directed by Siddharth Anand with songs by Vishal–Shekhar. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif. Recommended for beginners. Rated for older children. Other names mentioned in the episode are Irrfan Khan, … Continue reading "Episode 37: Bang Bang!"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2010 romance film Kites about a an Indian immigrant in Las Vegas who is a small-time hustler just trying to get by. This film is directed by Anurag Basu with songs by Rajesh Roshan. It stars Hrithik Roshan, Bárbara Mori, and Kangana Ranaut. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other … Continue reading "Episode 36: Kites"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2006 drama The Namesake about a Bengali couple who immigrates to America and their American children. This film is directed by Mira Nair with songs by Nitin Sawhney. It stars Tabu, Irrfan Khan, and Kal Penn. Recommended for beginners. Rated for teens. Other names mentioned in the episode are Hrithik … Continue reading "Episode 35: The Namesake"

Hannah & Rose discuss the 2009 drama Kurbaan about an Indian couple who immigrates to America and is embroiled in a plot in the Indian neighborhood they move into. This film is directed by Rensil D'Silva with songs by duo Salim–Sulaiman. It stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, and Om Puri. Recommended for … Continue reading "Episode 34: Kurbaan"