3 Things Looking back at 2025: Movies and TV shows that defined this year
Dec 29, 2025
Shubhra Gupta, a prominent film critic at The Indian Express, reflects on the cinematic landscape of 2025. She discusses the trend of sequels dominating a lack of originality in films. Delving into specific titles, she analyzes the jingoistic themes of 'Dhurander' and contrasts it with lighter spy films. Shubhra also highlights essential narratives featuring female perspectives and critiques the limitations of sequels. Looking ahead, she expresses hope for innovative storytelling in 2026 while navigating young audiences shaped by constant media influences.
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Year Of Reckoning For Originals
- 2025 was a year of reckoning where few original stories emerged across OTT and cinema.
- Filmmakers leaned into creature features, superstar-led films, and heightened nationalism to pull audiences back to theaters.
Dhurander's Dominating, Conflicted Appeal
- Dhurander dominated 2025 with record box-office runs and widespread cultural impact.
- The film pairs technical polish with overt jingoism, creating a conflicted but irresistible audience response.
Blurring Fact And Fiction
- Dhurander blurs fact and fiction by inserting real incidents into its narrative.
- That melding intensifies its persuasive power and raises ethical concerns about representation.