Bharatiya Junta Podcast BJPod Newsein aur Thoughtien - Dhurandhar, Homebound and films as a machine for generating empathy
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Dec 13, 2025 Join Aditya, Raj, Abbas, and Dr. Medusa, an academic focused on art's socio-political impact, as they dive into what makes a film truly 'good.' They explore the role of art in society—should it comfort or disturb? The panel critiques the recent film 'Dhurandar,' lamenting the absence of benign mainstream cinema and discussing how political awareness shapes film taste. They debate the balance between empathy in storytelling and the risk of propaganda in cinema, all while reminiscing about lost genres and lighter, comedy-driven films.
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Cinema As An Empathy Engine
- Roger Ebert's phrase 'movies are empathy machines' anchors the group's view of good cinema.
- Abbas and others say a good film must hold attention and leave you with catharsis or humility.
Measure Art By Emotional Resonance
- Dr. Medusa measures art by how it makes her react and whether it contributes positively to social issues.
- She compares Watching Godot in Hindi as a benchmark for works that stuck with her emotionally and intellectually.
Waiting For Godot Moved A Student
- Dr. Medusa recalls seeing Waiting for Godot in Hindi during university and crying at the performance.
- She uses that experience as her personal benchmark for powerful art.