Why West Bengal may prove to be the BJP’s toughest electoral battle with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee still guarding the goalpost
Outlook Lens
As West Bengal voted in its 2026 Assembly elections, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led an unprecedented security operation. With over 2.4 lakh central personnel deployed, the force conducted route marches and launched "Operation Trust" to ensure peaceful polling across the state.
Irrfan Khan never really phoned it in, but he always knew exactly what kind of movie he was in, leaning into the absurdity of the fragile male ego with a knowing wink to the audience.
The contrasting projections have set the stage for intense political drama ahead of the official results, scheduled for declaration on May 4.
In Bengal’s high-voltage election, political theatrics, from jhaalmuri stunts to fish-wielding rallies, have replaced real discourse, leaving exhausted voters like Seema overwhelmed, ridiculing the spectacle, and asking what is truly going on.
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Gandhi’s visit to Great Nicobar Island has brought attention to the ₹92,000 crore Project, amid concerns over forests, tribes and displacement
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The Women’s Reservation Bill need not be linked to delimitation. It can’t be conditional. It should have been implemented in 2023 and must be implemented now without linking it with delimitation.
Hard as it is to imagine, there was a time when the Dravidian parties were not in power in Tamil Nadu
The BJP’s all-out war against the TMC’s rule in Bengal has turned it into the most intense assembly election of 2026, albeit with greater democratic concerns.
Murshidabad accounts for one-sixth of deletions in West Bengal; in Samserganj alone, 30% voters dropped, while thousands in Malda move tribunals for reinstatement
Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK is trying to mobilise the anti-Dravidian vote and cut into traditional banks
Stardom in Tamil Nadu has been one of the most persuasive languages of power
A Third Front in Tamil Nadu that relies primarily on borrowed welfare promises, delegitimising rhetoric, or the emotional capital of a film star is only attempting a shortcut
The US is trying to force an outcome through economic and military leverage, while Iran is resisting being drawn into talks on unfavourable terms
The US judiciary, the legislative or even European countries are either unwilling or unable to correct Donald Trump
The contractual labourers in Noida are navigating a tricky situation—while they are still angry about low wages, they also fear that raising the issue would mean losing little that they earn
Samrat Choudhary, Bihar’s first BJP chief minister, faces many challenges; among them, the task of carrying forward Nitish Kumar’s model of governance
Asha Bhosle’s corporeal style of singing was a transgressive sonic and visual force.
In conversation, David Szalay reflects on how his novel Flesh explores the collision of sexuality, class power, and the rise and fall of an outsider in contemporary Europe.
Gandhi’s visit to Great Nicobar Island has brought attention to the ₹92,000 crore Project, amid concerns over forests, tribes and displacement
The charges come as the European Commission has recently stepped up scrutiny of major tech platforms over child protection under the DSA.
Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians were left with a herculean task to make the playoffs cut, while SunRisers Hyderabad's Eshan Malinga earned the Purple Cap with another disciplined outing. Check out the key talking points from Indian Premier League 2026
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Irrfan Khan never really phoned it in, but he always knew exactly what kind of movie he was in, leaning into the absurdity of the fragile male ego with a knowing wink to the audience.
The ‘Irrfan Unveiled’ collection offers rich, varied glimpses into the promise of a formidable actor.
From language barriers to industry gatekeeping—these actresses navigated a resistant system and emerged with careers that cannot be tied down to one industry.
West Bengal Elections 2026 saw Prosenjit Chatterjee and Sourav Ganguly among several celebrities casting their votes in Kolkata. From inked-finger selfies to first-time voter pride, the polling day reflected strong public participation across the state.
The ‘Irrfan Unveiled’ collection offers rich, varied glimpses into the promise of a formidable actor.
From language barriers to industry gatekeeping—these actresses navigated a resistant system and emerged with careers that cannot be tied down to one industry.
West Bengal Elections 2026 saw Prosenjit Chatterjee and Sourav Ganguly among several celebrities casting their votes in Kolkata. From inked-finger selfies to first-time voter pride, the polling day reflected strong public participation across the state.
The actor-politician stood in queue like others, highlighting a key moment of public participation during the crucial second phase of polling.
Amid the rise of fascism and extreme right-wing sentiments across the globe, genocide, wars, fuel shortages, fear of AI-led mass unemployment and more worrying concerns plaguing humanity, a Hollywood studio merger may not seem like a priority issue. But the political implications of this consolidation are glaring.
From Biker’s racing comeback to Rakasa’s fantasy chaos and Aadu 3’s ambitious world-building, there’s plenty to stream.
OTT releases this week bring a mix of Hindi dramas, global thrillers and long-awaited sequels. From The Kerala Story 2 to Wuthering Heights and The Devil Wears Prada 2 in theatres, the lineup balances emotion, scale and binge-worthy storytelling across platforms.
The team behind Don’t Interrupt While We Dance (2026)—Writer-director Anureet Watta, cinematographer Raqeeb Raza and actor Bonita—talk about their film, their activism and the realities shaping both their work and lives.
Vivek Chaudhary reflected on I, Poppy’s journey, the challenges he navigated while making it, the difficulties in securing funding and resources to make documentaries in India and more.
The creative producer of the show reflects on building a story rooted in lived experience, where personal choices, parenting and modern relationships intersect.
Rajdeep Choudhury film A Teacher’s Gift continues its international journey with a selection at the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
The Michael Jackson biopic controversy isn’t just about what’s shown on screen, but what’s left out. From legal edits to family criticism, here’s why the film is dividing audiences.
International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2026 | Gohar’s second film brings a skyful of tenderness and ache to a ten-year-old grieving his pet.
Michael Review | Antoine Fuqua’s Play-It-Safe Michael Jackson Tribute Moonwalks Far Away From Nuance
Jaafar Jackson starrer Michael (2026) shines most in its concert-style recreations of the star’s legacy. However, the film selectively attempts to justify certain controversies in order to only glorify a career that is instead steeped in tragedy and scandal.
Mercy Review | Mitul Patel’s Debut Indie Gracefully Portrays A Delicate Dance Between Life And Death
At its heart, ‘Mercy’ (2026) seeks to open up a deeply human conversation—what happens when the beliefs and values we’ve held onto for a lifetime are shaken, especially in the face of a loved one standing so vulnerably at the threshold between life and death.
Anchored by Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, David Mackenzie’s tightly cut thriller follows a crew exploiting a citywide bomb scare and striking a bank, while authorities race to defuse disaster.
Pawel Pawlikowski, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Valeska Grisebach, Lukas Dhont and others are headed to the auteur-crammed 79th edition of the film festival.
As Manoj Bajpayee turns 57, here’s a look at his journey from becoming Bhiku Mhatre to Srikant Tiwari. If Satya introduced him to the masses, Anurag Kashyap's epic Gangs of Wasseypur served as the next big catapult, cementing his status as a bonafide cinematic icon in India.
A poem about the human costs of war and everyday resilience
How UAE’s OPEC Exit Could Give India More Bargaining Power in Energy Deals
Health Insurance Portability: When And Why You Should Switch Insurers
Roblox Tests New AI Chat Summaries to Improve Child Safety Online
Helsinki Opens One Of The World’s Longest Car-Free Bridges Connecting Islands
Across geographies and cultures, if there’s one thing that remains constant, it’s the love for dessert
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The luxury home living brand has come up with a 18,000 sqft flagship store at MG Road bringing its design-forward approach to furniture and collectibles
