Do I Like It?

Suno sunaao, aaya Prabh Deep. In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks to one of the most creative artists of Indian hip hop, Prabh Deep. He just dropped his new mixtape 'DSP', and is all set for more music in the future. Watch this exclusive interview about the musicaln influences behind his albums 'Class Sikh', 'Tabia' and 'King EP'. He opens up about his time at Azadi Records, why he doesn't talk about it in media, and what young artists can do when the music industry gets involved. As we read out some of his lyrics, Prabh reflects on whether rappers should write about political issues in their raps. Watch till the end.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', rapper MC Square talks about why asserting his caste identity is important to him, what being a gurjar means, and why it is important for artists to take a political stand. MC SQUARE is in the house with Gurjar HB, Mandeep Singh, Mark Bhatia, ZeroToOne and Skymerijaan, who make up the crew 'FEROZI'. Listen till the end for a fire cypher by the Ferozi gang, with our inhouse beatboxer 'Noir BBX'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Do I Like It, we dive into the incredible journey behind the making of 'Tumbbad', a 2018 mystical horror masterpiece, which was re-released last week. Created by Rahi Anil Barve, Adesh Prasad, Sohum Shah, and Anand Gandhi, this film took years of perseverance, struggle, and a 'no compromises' attitude to come to life. From dealing with constant rain to building a breathing womb, the making of 'Tumbbad' is as legendary as the film itself. Join me as I explore why 'Tumbbad' is a cinematic miracle that continues to captivate audiences—even years after its release. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A film's ending can leave a lasting impression, but what if the final moments were different? In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo is breaking down some of cinema's most interesting alternate endings and how they affect the overall story. From Sholay's legendary climax to Rang De Basanti's powerful message, we'll show you why these films almost ended in unexpected ways. Which version do you think works better? Let us know in the comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks to one of the weirdest artists of Indian hip-hop (in a good way, we promise). Chaar Diwaari is in the house to talk about his new single 'LOVESEXDHOKA', a song that was originally made for Dibakar Banerjee's film 'LSD 2'.  He also talks about growing up with the internet, maturing as an artist, and dropping out of music school. Listen to the full interview to find out why he learnt to play tabla for three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks to one of the most impactful artists of Indian hip hop, Yo Yo Honey Singh. He talks about his comeback as a producer, the writing process of his album 'Glory', and whether he has used ghostwriters in the past. Watch till the end to find out updates about his much anticipated album 'International Villager 2'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Do I Like It, we dive deep into the world of film adaptations, focusing on the Bollywood film Laal Singh Chaddha and how it reimagines the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump for an Indian audience. From cultural nuances to character transformations, we explore what it takes to Indianize a beloved story like Forrest Gump. Join me as I break down the elements that worked, the ones that didn't, and why I believe Laal Singh Chaddha is a commendable adaptation despite its flaws. Let's discuss the challenges of remaking a culturally rooted film and how Laal Singh Chaddha navigates these complexities. What are your thoughts on Forrest Gump and its Indian counterpart? Share your views in the comments below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', we dive into the enigmatic world of 'Barzakh', the new web series starring Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, and Salman Shahid. We explore the themes, religious imagery, and intricate storytelling that make this Indo-Pakistani co-production a unique viewing experience. From spiritual metaphors to complex world-building, find out why this series demands more than just casual watching. Tune in for a spoiler-free guide to this intense narrative. Leave a comment if you'd like a full spoiler deep dive—12 chosen buzurgs might just make it happen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It,' Prateek Lidhoo dives into the explosive success of Hanumankind's track 'Big Dawgs,' which has taken the international hip hop community by storm. With a Texas-influenced sound and a video that's a perfect blend of desi and global elements, this Bangalore-based rapper is making waves far beyond India's borders. We analyse what makes this track stand out, from its Southern American flow to its raw video. Tune in to hear why even OGs like Project Pat are sharing this banger and what it means for the future of Desi Hip Hop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It,' we explore why some films are still shot in black and white in the age of high-definition color. From the classic film noir era to contemporary examples like 'Bheed' and 'Kota Factory,' discover how black and white can give a unique visual tone and emotional depth to a film. We delve into iconic uses in 'Schindler's List,' 'Oppenheimer,' and even Mammootty's film, 'Bramayugam.' Tune in as Prateek Lidhoo takes you through the artistic and emotional reasons behind this timeless cinematic choice. Join the conversation in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', we dive into the world of cinematic violence inspired by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat's latest film, 'Kill'. Why are we so fascinated by violent films? What's the relationship between cinema and violence? Join me as we explore these questions and more. We'll look at how violence has evolved in Indian cinema, from the 70s' angry young man to today's ultra-realistic, gory action. Along the way, we'll compare Kill with other violent genre films like Animal and draw parallels to Quentin Tarantino's style. We'll also discuss the importance of context and emotion in violent scenes, and how Kill manages to anchor its gore in human emotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', to 'Lagaan', these Hindi films should make a comeback in theatres. In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks about a full proof way to get people in theatres. For some time, multiplex chain PVR has been re-releasing director retrospectives and older hit films, which is a great thing for film buffs. And it makes financial sense too. Let us know in the comment what films you want to see re-released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description: In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks to Ikka, an OG of the Indian hip hop scene, about his new album 'Only Love Gets Reply' released via T-Series. They discuss Ikka's current state of mind, the process of finding the sound for this album, and the clash between lyrical and commercial hip hop. Ikka also shares his thoughts on recent events in desi hip hop and breaks down the process behind his songs 'Nishu', 'Angaar', and 'Urvashi'.

Join us for a fun revisit of Imtiaz Ali's classic, 'Tamasha.' In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo dives deep into the most misunderstood scene of the film and uncover its hidden layers. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this breakdown is sure to entertain and enlighten. Listen till the end, and tell us in the comments, 'Why did the film end in Tokyo?'

On this episode of our mini series 'Knock Knock, Who's There', Prateek Lidhoo talks to the love guru of the Indian comedy scene. We discuss his hit stand-up show 'Relationsh!t Advice', trying out different formats on YouTube, and his 2021 case, where he was assaulted for feeding stray dogs. Claiming to be knighted by The Queen herself, let's welcome 'Sir' Raunaq Rajani.

Let's go back to the village life with the new season of TVF's 'Panchayat', streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The show stars Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta in leading roles. In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo discusses the screenplay of the show, and talks about why TVF shows always leave us with a satisfying, yet hungry feeling. From solid characters to relatable plot points, we breakdown how the company has distilled the science of screenwriting to extract the maximum possible out of a script. Listen till the end!

No influencers were harmed in the making of this podcast! In this episode of our new mini-series 'Knock Knock, Who's There!', Prateek Lidhoo talks to Sukriti Chaturvedi, a content creator who is known for her relatable characters and short comedy videos. Listen as she talks about her life as a Radio Jockey, and how she found a niche making comedy videos. She also talks about the pressures of being an influencer, and why she doesn't personally assiciate with that term. 

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', we talk about the teaser for the new season of the 'Scam' franchise, based on the 2010 Subrata Roy investor fraud case. After '1992' (Harshad Mehta) and '2003' (Abdul Karim Telgi), this would be the third installment in the series. Listen till the end as Prateek Lidhoo talks about this new trend of turning every succesful IP into a franchise, how that affects the creative landscape, and expectations from this new series. After launching two talented actors like Pratik Gandhi and Gagan Dev Riar into the indian mainstream, it would be interesting to see who plays Subrata Roy, and other characters like Amitabh Bachchan.

In this episode of our new mini-series 'Knock Knock, Who's There!', Prateek Lidhoo talks to Shreeja Chaturvedi, a stand up comedian who took the scene by storm with her dry humor and deadpan delivery style. We talk to her about her signature style, her recent roast of comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, and her journey post Amazon Prime Video's reality show 'Comicstaan'.

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks about 'Srikanth', directed by Tushar Hiranandani and starring Rajkummar Rao and Jyothika in lead roles. The film is a biopic of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired industrialist. Through the episode, Prateek talks about how the film lacks a coherent screenplay, and even with a strong performance by the leads, it fails to leave a lasting impact. Listen till the end! 

It is the World Laughter Day, and with this episode of 'Do I Like It', we start a new mini-series called 'Knock Knock, Who's There!', where we talk to comedians about their writing process, influences, and how they navigate the funny business in 2024. Our guest on this episode is an actor, comedian and 'monkey fact' connoisseur; 1/4th of 'The Internet Said So' podcast, Aadar Malik. Listen till the end, as him and Prateek Lidhoo talk about the death of sketch comedy, split from 'SnG Comedy', running the podcast, and how YouTube has shaped the Indian stand-up comedy scene. 

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks to Madhumita Murgia, the Artificial Intelligence Editor at Financial Times, about her book 'Code Dependent', and how has AI been shaping humanity. From a data labeller in Nairobi, to a doctor's clinic in a village in Maharashtra, the book chronicles stories of everyday people and how AI has influenced their lives. Through the interview, Madhumita discusses the negative effects of mass-scale AI adoption, hallucination, and what you and I can do to make AI more responsible. Listen till the end!

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new Netflix series 'Heeramandi' starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditi Rao Hydari amongst a stellar cast. Let's dive deep into the various plot points, character arcs and understand what this period drama has in common with 'Mean Girls' and 'Student of the Year'. Towards the end, Prateek talks about the one thing that disappointed him the most. Listen till the end! 

In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo talks about Naezy's new EP 'Anti Fitna'. The Mumbai rapper shot to fame after his hit singles 'Aafat' and 'Mere Gully Mein'. After the Ranveer Singh starrer 'Gully Boy', Naezy has dropped numerous singles and EPs. On this project, Naezy discusses his faith, his place in the rap game, and his larger mission in life. Watch till the end, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. #naezythebaa #naezy #desihiphop #hiphop #podcast

Imtiaz Ali didn't make 'Amar Singh Chamkila'. Yes, you read it right. Stay tuned to find out why. In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks about the Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra starrer 'Amar Singh Chamkila', based on the life of the Punjabi singer. Going further than a general review, we dive deep into the visual language of the Netflix film, looking at how editor Aarti Bajaj and cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca created a complex portrait of an atist, without spelling out every little detail. Watch till the end and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo talks about some Hindi films that were written, shot and edited, but never released to be viewed by the public. These films were canned even though they were finished, due to legal issues, censorship, or not being picked up by any OTT platform. Through this list, we try to understand the times we are living in, where some of the best work of Indian cinema is kept away from audiences, lying dormant in a studio's archive. From Shoojit Sircar's 'Shoebite', to the director's cut of 'Bombay Velvet', this episode features some picks you'll be surprised by. Listen till the end and tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Imtiaz Ali's new film 'Amar Singer Chamkila' is set for a Netflix release on 12 April 2024. The biopic stars Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles. In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo talks about the life and career of Amar Singh Chamkila, his wife and collaborator Amarjot, and how they were mysteriously assassinated on the 8 March 1988. Prateek draws parallels to artists like Sidhu Moose Wala, Tupac Shakur and AIB to explore how their art tells us about the fantasies of people who consume this "obscene" art. If you haven't heard Chamkila's music before, this episode is for you! 

In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek Lidhoo talks to Daniel Sloss, whose comedy special 'Jigsaw' is said to have caused more than one lakh breakups. The Scottish comedian is in India for an eight-city tour of his new show, 'Can't', as a part of DeadAnt Live's initiative 'The Loop'. He sat down with us to talk about his favourite Indian food, Indian languages, his comedy style, and why he's no longer a Netflix comic.

In this episode of Do I Like It, let us talk about some of the best actor turned directors in Hindi cinema. Recently, the trailer of Randeep Hooda's directorial debut 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' dropped. While experts are talking about the historical authenticity and political ramifications of the film, Prateek Lidhoo goes down memory lane and discusses some other actors who sat behind the camera to tell their stories. From sentimental nostalgia watches to hard-hitting political dramas, the Hindi film industry is filled with cinematic multitaskers. Listen till the end!

In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo talks about the Kiran Rao directed 'Laapataa Ladies', starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film talks about the chaos that ensues after brides get exchanged in a comedy of errors. Prateek dives deep into the screenplay of the film, and tries to break down what decisions led to this film working over other 'small-town' films, which don't generate as much excitement as their starting premise. From nuanced character development to a meticulous approach of setups and payoffs, 'Laapataa Ladies' is a masterclass in cinematic writing. 

Writer and comedian Varun Grover released his directorial debut film 'All India Rank' on 23 February 2024. Amid praise for its tender storytelling and a strong emotional core, the film is getting inevitably compared to other "competitive exam films" like Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail', and TVF's hit web series 'Kota Factory'. In this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo dives deep into this genre of Indian cinema, and tries to understand what makes 'All India Rank' different. Listen till the end! 

Hold onto your acceptance speeches! On this episode of 'Do I Like It', Prateek Lidhoo makes his predictions for the 2024 Oscars, and it looks like Oppenheimer might just take home EVERY major award! Is this a historic clean sweep in the making, or are we way off base? Watch and find out! From Margot Robbie's snub for Best Actress to the Cillian Murphy v. Bradley Cooper fight for Best Actor, this year's Academy Awards have cinephiles worldwide on the edge of their seats. What are your picks for the awards? Share them in the comments below!

Is Biryani anti-Hindu? Should vegetarians be forced to eat chicken? Did Ram actually eat meat? I never thought a film would ever take me on that trail of thought. In this episode of ‘Do I Like It', let's talk about Nayanthara's Tamil film ‘Annapoorani' and the controversy that made Zee Studios and Netflix take the film down days after its online release. The film sparked controversy and faced strong criticism from right-wing groups and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which argued that it offended the religious sensitivities of Hindus and promoted ‘love jihad'. Let us dig deep into some scenes from the film, and try to understand if they warranted any criticism in the first place.

Forget Drake and The Beatles - meet Talat Mahmood, the original Indian heartthrob who pioneered world tours before they were cool. His grandniece, Sahar Zaman, joins me on this episode of 'Do I Like It', on a journey through this unsung legend's life and music. Sahar, through her book 'Talat Mahmood: The Definitive Biography', takes us down memory lane to talk about Talat's life before entering Bollywood, his independent ghazal music career, the onset of new musical influences, and so much more. Discover how Talat's ghazals weave through timeless love stories while eerily echoing current music trends. From heartbreak anthems to genre-bending ghazals, prepare to go on a behind-the-scenes journey behind the tunes. Watch till the end.

Yes! It's that time of the year when I bombard the internet with my spiciest opinions, my hot takes, and some views that'll set the comments section on fire. Looking back at 2023, I had some vastly different takes when compared to what I saw on the internet. Takes where I was like, “Did I even watch the same film as everyone else?” So, let's go ahead and talk about them.

Let us go on a trip down this year's best cinematic gems. 2023 was a feast of some mind-blowing movies! Join Prateek as he dives into the films that blew his mind, both on the global stage and closer to home in Bollywood. From Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', to Vidhu Vinod Chopra's ode to purer times, '12th Fail', this list is bound to add some new recommendations to your year-end watching list. Watch till the end!

Shah Rukh Khan is back, and this time he might be a 'Dunki' trying to escape India for London! But can Rajkumar Hirani, the director of blockbusters like 3 Idiots and PK, recapture the same wit, heart, and social commentary in this new trailer? Join me as I dive deep into the Dunki trailer, analyzing Hirani's signature style, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal's characters, and the music. Watch till the end!

Would my review be different if I was not a man? Should artists always take a moralistic stance while creating complex characters or conflicts? Can you learn good things from a bad film? Am I a closet Sandeep Reddy Vanga stan? These are some questions that came to mind after watching Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna's Animal, directed, written, and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In this episode of Do I Like It, Prateek talks about what he liked, what he did not like, and why you should not like this revenge saga! Watch till the end.

After the sleeper hit 'Kantara' hit theatres in 2022, Rishab Shetty comes back with a prequel 'Kantara Chapter 1'. The first look was released with Shetty playing a trident-carrying, firey-eyed character, presumably set during the Kadamba Dynasty. The internet has been roaring with theories as to what the actual character is. Some say that it is Lord Shiva, others say that it is the deity Panjurli, while others deduce that it might be Parshuram. While I am excited about the prequel, I also have my fair share of doubts. Listen as I discuss what I like, and what made me a little scared.

In this episode of Do I Like It, rapper Naezy opens up about his life after the hit film 'Gully Boy', and how he feels that his story wasn't properly told. He also talks about a new phase of his life where he's working on his mental health, new music, and his state of mind. He also sheds light on the current independent hip-hop scene and how he feels a responsibility towards the younger crop of rappers. Watch till the end. 

Desi Hip-Hop's new wave is here! In this episode of Do I Like It, we sit down with rappers DRV and Boyblanck and break down their latest collab album 'Multani Milli'. They also talk about their journey navigating the streets of Bollywood, with projects like Shahid Kapoor's 'Farzi', 'Class', and the awaited 'Kennedy', Anurag Kashyap's next directorial feature. Listen until the end as the duo reacts to their album and analyze their music. 

Writer-director Jayant Digambar Somalkar's debut Marathi feature film Sthal (A Match) opens with a dream sequence. Savita, a young girl in her early 20s, sits with 10 other women in a small room and interviews a potential suitor. She is assertive, the women around her are giggling, and they are free. Simple, yet far-fetching, the dream remains just that. And it sets the tone for the film ahead. Sthal is the only Indian film to have been selected for the festival's Discovery Programme this year.