Shows
The Long TakeFantastic Beasts: The Secrets of DumbledoreIf Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore — out now on streaming and video-on-demand — is the last Wizarding World movie we’re going to get for a while, then what a disappointing way this is for things to have panned out.
Has any other contemporary film franchise been this reactionary to fan concerns? We discuss the film’s convoluted (yet low-stakes) plot, its overabundance of characters (some of whom it keeps forgetting about), and the emotional core of the story, which is the romance between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald.
We also compare Johnny Depp and Mads Mik...2022-06-0435 min
The Long TakeTop Gun: MaverickTop Gun: Maverick is such a refined big-screen experience that you're willing to forgive the movie’s most obvious flaws. In that way, it’s like its star, Tom Cruise.
We discuss Top Gun: Maverick’s meta commentary on Cruise’s career, and how it reflects his insecurities.
We also discuss the visceral IMAX experience, the film’s apolitical tone, and the straightforward but almost scientifically-effective script.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is...2022-05-2736 min
The Long TakeRRRIs RRR—director SS Rajamouli’s epic historical fiction, now on streaming—a rousing patriotic drama, or a blatant attempt at bhakt-baiting?
We discuss the film’s murky morality, over-the-top action scenes, and Rajamouli’s utter lack of interest in writing compelling women.
We also talk about RRR’s homoerotic undertones, its video game-like reliance on jadi-bootis, and the most confusing director cameo ever.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on S...2022-05-2134 min
The Long TakeModern Love MumbaiDid Amazon Prime Video just take a leaf out of Netflix’s playbook?
Modern Love Mumbai—an Indian spin-off of the original American anthology series—has such a poor hit rate that it makes Ankahi Kahaniyan and Ajeeb Daastaans look like early Black Mirror seasons.
We discuss our favourite shorts of the six films, the bizarre choice to adapt these from the American column and not source local stories, and why established directors should stop phoning it in with these projects.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully...2022-05-1334 min
The Long TakeTharThar, the new Netflix film starring father-son duo Anil Kapoor and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor, might claim to be a “neo-noir Western” but it’s actually an old-school revenge thriller at heart.
We talk about the film’s slow-burn storytelling, Anil Kapoor’s immaculate hair and Fatima Sana Shaikh’s immaculate make-up, and a pivotal climax scene that threatens to ruin the entire experience.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts...2022-05-0628 min
The Long TakeGangubai KathiawadiGangubai Kathiawadi—the latest Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, out now on Netflix—proves that the director hasn’t outgrown his worst tendencies.
We discuss the Alia Bhatt-led film’s jarring episodic structure, the fantastical visuals, and Bhansali’s problematic romanticisation of female victimhood.
We also talk about his fear of depicting sex, his puerile portrayal of Mumbai’s red light district, and the Ajay Devgn saviour complex.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is a...2022-04-2728 min
The Long TakeLondon FilesEvery week, we tell ourselves that Bollywood cannot possibly hit new lows, and every week we are surprised.
London Files—the new Voot Select series starring Arjun Rampal—is among the worst things we’ve covered on the podcast.
We talk about the show’s illogical plotting, the seemingly random twists and turns that it throws at you every few minutes, and its bizarre tendency to forget important characters.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long...2022-04-2033 min
The Long TakeMaiMai—the new Netflix thriller starring Sakshi Tanwar—is a deceptively bad show that actively tries to distance itself from its compelling hook.
We discuss the show’s leaps of logic, gaping plot holes, and Tanwar’s two-note performance.
We also find time to chat about Abhishek Bachchan and his analysis of Dhoom, and inevitably conclude by shaking our heads at Netflix India yet again.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is availabl...2022-04-1527 min
The Long TakePadaPada—the Malayalam next-gen movie, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video—has an unconventional structure and uncommon thematic depth. But does it come together?
We discuss the film’s extended opening act, the sudden switch into hostage thriller mode, and the poignant note on which it ends.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Gaana, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long...2022-04-0732 min
The Long TakeSharmaji NamkeenIs Sharmaji Namkeen—Rishi Kapoor’s final film, out now on Amazon Prime Video—a noble failure or an unlikely success?
We discuss the movie’s unconventional production, which was marred by the tragedy of Kapoor’s death; the differences between the two central performances by Kapoor and Paresh Rawal; and whether the film manages to balance its broad humour with genuine moments of drama.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify...2022-04-0126 min
The Long TakePredicting the OscarsAnd just in the nick of time, here are our predictions in every category at this year’s Oscars.
From Best Picture (will it be CODA or The Power of the Dog?) to Best Animated Short (hint, we don’t have a strong take), we predict who will win—and make an argument for who should win.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Gaana, JioSaavn...2022-03-2542 min
The Long Take83To paraphrase Oh Dae-su, just because we don't like 83, does that make us bad people?
Now that the sports drama is out on streaming platforms, we take the opportunity to discuss Kabir Khan’s swing-and-miss.
We also talk about the caricaturish performances of the Ranveer Singh-led cast, and how the movie fails to bring any nuance to its inspirational true story.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Appl...2022-03-2138 min
The Long TakeEternally Confused and Eager for LoveCan Eternally Confused and Eager for Love—the new Netflix sitcom co-produced by siblings Zoya and Farhan Akhtar—stand out amid bigger (and much worse) shows on the same platform?
We discuss the eight-episode series’ lighthearted take on millennial culture, the scene-stealing voice-only performance of Jim Sarbh, and how it can be improved in future seasons.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Gaana, JioSaavn, and wher...2022-03-1832 min
The Long TakeThe Adam ProjectThe Adam Project might be a slight improvement over Ryan Reynolds’ two previous attempts at starting a Netflix franchise—6 Underground and Red Notice—but it’s still a Ryan Reynolds movie, for better or worse.
We discuss the Deadpool star’s dedication to playing himself in every movie that he does, the admittedly well-done action, and how the movie wastes all its female characters.
We also talk about Walker Scobell’s impression of Reynolds, the digital de-ageing of Catherine Keener, and Shawn Levy’s direction (who reunites here with Reynolds after Free Guy).
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Hosted by A...2022-03-1132 min
The Long TakeThe BatmanThe Batman—director Matt Reeves’ three-hour detective noir, starring Robert Pattinson as the iconic superhero—couldn’t nail the landing.
We discuss the film’s dense plot, its dour tone, and its similarities to Christopher Nolan’s masterful epic The Dark Knight.
And then, we lament about the third act, the ill-conceived romantic angle, and the non-ending that doesn’t adhere to the movie’s internal logic.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is availa...2022-03-0536 min
The Long TakeThe Fame GameJust when we thought that Netflix and Dharma had made something that was merely mediocre and not downright terrible, The Fame Game, in its final episode, burst our bubble.
We discuss the new mystery series’ inept plotting, lack of insight into the film industry and the cult of stardom, and its problematic tendency to look down on the audience.
We also wonder if it was a wise move for Madhuri Dixit Nene to make her streaming debut with something this irrelevant, and what artistic statement Dharma is trying to make about celebrity culture.
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2022-02-2731 min
The Long TakeSeveranceWe aren’t allowed to talk about all nine episodes of Severance—the new mystery box Apple TV+ show largely directed by Ben Stiller—but even if we were, we would show the same restraint.
We discuss the show’s social commentary and the many interpretations you could have of it. Is it, for instance, a takedown of religion or corporate culture? A representation of heaven and hell, or a Matrix-style hero’s journey?
We also wonder—semi-seriously—if creator-writer Dan Erickson is a front for someone really, really famous.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora a...2022-02-2129 min
The Long TakeGehraiyaanJust because they sold Gehraiyaan as an intense romantic drama doesn’t mean it actually is one.
We discuss the completely bonkers final act twist in director Shakun Batra’s new film—out on Amazon Prime Video—and how it derails a perfectly fine story about millennial love.
We also delve into the performances of its three central stars—Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday—as well as Batra’s handling of themes he’s never quite messed around with before.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully boot...2022-02-1139 min
The Long TakeThe Great Indian MurderThe mere whiff of the words ‘Hotstar Specials’ is enough to make us wish for the sweet release of death.
This week, we rant about The Great Indian Murder—the new “murder mystery” starring Richa Chadha and Pratik Gandhi—and wonder what sort of moral bankruptcy enabled the creation of a disaster of such magnitude.
We discuss Tigmanshu Dhulia’s amateurish filmmaking, the strange structure of the plot, and the terrible performances of its central cast.
As we go along, we discover—much to our displeasure—that try as hard as we might, we can’t keep certa...2022-02-0432 min
The Long TakeRocket BoysIs Rocket Boys another win for SonyLIV—over a year since the release of Scam 1992—or is it too ambitious for its own good?
We discuss the show’s narrative scope, its progressive politics, and Jim Sarbh’s magnetic performance as Homi Bhabha.
We also debate whether Ishwak Singh could have been better as his foil Vikram Sarabhai, and if creator Nikkhil Advani deserves to be appreciated for changing his tune.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
2022-02-0439 min
The Long TakeKapil Sharma: I’m Not Done YetKapil Sharma’s debut stand-up special for Netflix—I’m Not Done Yet—makes an incredibly strong case for why he should be.
We discuss the strange thought process that must have gone into putting something like this together, the safe material that Sharma (poorly) performs, and why this barely qualifies as a stand-up special at all.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Gaana, JioSaavn...2022-01-2831 min
The Long TakeThe Tragedy of MacbethWill Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth—available on Apple TV+—appeal to anyone but die-hard Shakespeare nuts?
We discuss what could have possibly motivated Coen to tackle the material at this point in his career, and the pointed visual aesthetic that evokes a very particular period in cinema history.
Along the way, we talk about the performances of Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, and the environment that allows for these kind of auteur movies—Coen is writer, director, and editor—to exist.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Tak...2022-01-1333 min
The Long TakeHarry Potter: Return to HogwartsIs HBO Max’s Harry Potter reunion special a blatant cash grab or the jolt of nostalgia our pandemic-infected souls need?
We take the opportunity to look back—like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and the rest of the cast—on our memories of the Harry Potter movies and how they’ve evolved over the years.
We also talk about the impact directors Alfonso Cuarón and David Yates, in particular, had on the series—and conclude by imagining a dour future for J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora...2022-01-0640 min
The Long TakeBest Movies of 2021To close out the year, we list down our top 10 films of 2021—counting down from 10 to 1.
Our lists span from a Zoom movie to a stellar Malayalam New Wave title, and from a harrowing animated documentary to an impossible-to-describe fantasy epic.
Along the way, we also point out why lists such as this are so arbitrary, and how long we should ideally wait before discussing the best films of 2021.
And for those looking for deeper appreciation, listen to full episodes of some of the titles mentioned in the episode here: The Dig, The Di...2021-12-301h 12
The Long TakeMinnal MuraliIs Minnal Murali—the new Malayalam superhero movie on Netflix—a goofy sendup of the genre or an earnest attempt at creating a bold new homegrown franchise?
We discuss the film’s bloated length, its dedication to fleshing out both the protagonist and antagonist, and the various subtexts buried underneath its low-key charm.
We also talk about its failures (a lot of fat could be trimmed), its future potential and the unlikely nature of it, and lament about how Marvel has taken over the box office.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Na...2021-12-2436 min
The Long TakeDecoupledWe’re divided on Decoupled, the new Netflix sitcom starring R Madhavan and Surveen Chawla.
We discuss the show’s problematic protagonist, debate whether the humour is tone-deaf or satirical, and wonder how involved director Hardik Mehta was, considering the strong stamp of authorship that creator Manu Joseph has left all over the place.
We also highlight some notable scenes, and draw comparisons to Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Hank Moody from Californication.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you...2021-12-1734 min
The Long TakeAranyakAranyak—the new Raveena Tandon-starrer on Netflix—is so uniformly poor that it has exactly one scene that stands out as being competently made. Otherwise, it never knows what it should be.
We discuss how everything—from Vinay Waikul’s direction to Charudutt Acharya’s writing, and from the accents and forced goofiness to Tandon’s central performance as a small-town cop—is so utterly misguided.
We also talk about how Netflix has been dropping the ball on an annual basis, and why Aranyak wouldn’t have warranted a second glance had it been released on a little-know...2021-12-1034 min
The Long TakeBob BiswasThe deeply-confusing Bob Biswas—the Kahaani spin-off on ZEE5—continues Abhishek Bachchan’s downward career trajectory.
We discuss the film’s convoluted plot, the nods to John Wick and Jason Bourne, and stylistic departure from Sujoy Ghosh’s original.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us...2021-12-0333 min
The Long TakeThe Beatles: Get BackThe Beatles: Get Back—a three-part Disney+ documentary series—is a Shoah-like exercise in self-indulgence from director Peter Jackson, a man who has never seen a piece of footage that he hasn’t wanted to make longer.
We discuss the epic’s aimless structure and its demanding eight-hour run-time, but also the moments of musical magic in it, and Jackson’s fascination with restoring old footage.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on...2021-11-2739 min
The Long TakeDhamakaCan Dhamaka—the new Netflix thriller directed by Ram Madhvani—reintroduce Kartik Aaryan as a serious dramatic performer?
We discuss whether the film lives up to the potential of its high-concept premise, the various grudges that it bears and how it fares, and how reticent it is to deviate from the Korean original on which it is based.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaa...2021-11-1930 min
The Long TakeRed NoticeRed Notice—Netflix’s latest bid at spawning an action film franchise—feels like it has been created by an algorithm in a Hollywood lab. Will it follow in the footsteps of Extraction, or end up more like 6 Underground?
We discuss how tragically it wastes three of the world’s biggest movie stars in Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot—while pondering over the boring and repetitive careers of the former two.
We also talk about the film’s big twist and how it lies to the audience, wonder where the obnoxious amounts of money spent...2021-11-1237 min
The Long TakeEternalsDoes Chloé Zhao’s Eternals really deserve the unenviable tag of being the worst-reviewed Marvel movie?
We talk about the film’s glaring plot holes, its false sense of ambition, and how it wastes stellar performers in Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie.
We also discuss the bland action, the absence of Zhao’s distinct style, and the overstuffed roster of characters.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Pod...2021-11-0643 min
The Long TakeDuneDirector Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune looks wonderful and is filled to the brim with A-list actors, but it is oddly distant and too reverential of the source material. The film’s most subversive moment is when it reveals itself to be half a story.
We discuss its over-reliance on clunky exposition, how it fails to do justice to evergreen themes such as colonialism, and the lack of cultural specificity across tribes and factions in Dune. We also talk about Timothée Chalamet’s uninteresting performance and Zendaya’s glorified cameo.
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H...2021-10-2237 min
The Long TakeSardar UdhamSardar Udham—director Shoojit Sircar’s new film starring Vicky Kaushal as the revolutionary freedom fighter—is an indescribable epic that alternates between a spy thriller and a quiet character study, but has the scope of The Revenant and Lawrence of Arabia.
We discuss the film’s unique time-hopping structure, and the incredible final act, in which Sircar dramatises the Jallianwala Bagh massacre with uncompromising clarity.
We also talk about Sardar Udham’s sustained tone of dread, its dissection of British India and relevance to contemporary India, and the anger that courses through its veins.
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The Long TakeRashmi RocketWith Rashmi Rocket—director Akarsh Khurana’s new film on ZEE5—Taapsee Pannu finds herself in the unenviable position of having starred in three terrible films in the same calendar year. If Pannu were in Hollywood, no filmmaker would touch her.
Not only does Rashmi Rocket do a disservice to the real-life stories it is inspired by, it also disrespects two beloved film genres by making a mockery of sports films and courtroom dramas.
We discuss Pannu’s poor performance—she plays a Gujarati character with a Punjabi accent, go figure—the film’s strange structure, and...2021-10-1438 min
The Long TakeHouse of Secrets: The Burari DeathsEven the random appearance of a Karni Sena guy can’t distract from the fact that House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths—the new true crime documentary series on Netflix—is more than just a by-the-numbers telling of a crime story that gripped the nation.
We talk about our memories of the Burari deaths, the seemingly endless dark spiral that Indian news media is in, and directors Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra’s decision to double down on discussions about the psychological and sociological angles in the case.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naah...2021-10-0929 min
The Long TakeBreak PointBreak Point—the new ZEE5 documentary series directed by Ashwiny Iyer and Nitesh Tiwari—soars on the strength of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi’s compelling story, but it’s no The Last Dance.
We talk about the seven-part series’ cheap-looking filmmaking—the fake backgrounds, the cheesy graphics, and the lack of archival footage—and wonder how much better it would’ve been had the Tiwaris put in more effort.
We also discuss the show and its protagonists’ blindspots, whether or not it would make a difference to casual viewers, the highs of its 1999 Wimbledon and 2006 Doha episo...2021-10-0139 min
The Long TakeKota Factory Season 2The second season of Kota Factory—now acquired by Netflix—begs the question: why was this TVF show ever popular in the first place?
We discuss its one-dimensional characters, and its tendency to overuse Jeetu Ex Machina, which involves throwing Jitendra Kumar’s fan-favourite character at every problem.
We also talk about its lack of female perspective on screen, the series’ ignorance of real-world tragedies, and its indifference towards examining why the Indian education system is broken.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider do...2021-09-2434 min
The Long TakeAnkahi KahaniyaSandwiched between two godawful short films in Ankahi Kahaniya—the new anthology on Netflix—is director Abhishek Chaubey’s near-silent near-perfect story about solitude in a big city.
We discuss the jarring discrepancy in quality in these three chapters, how director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari failed to capitalise on an intriguing premise, and why director Saket Chaudhary might get slapped by Meryl Streep.
Along the way, we lament at the state of Bollywood that continues to deny feature opportunities to a talent like Chaubey.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Tak...2021-09-1736 min
The Long TakeMumbai Diaries 26/11Mumbai Diaries 26/11—the new Amazon ensemble series led by Konkona Sensharma and Mohit Raina—is flying under the radar for now, but as we discuss on our podcast, it probably won’t for long.
We talk about the show’s politics, which feel almost revolutionary in the context of what we’ve been made accustomed to seeing. We wonder how creator Nikkhil Advani can deliver both this and The Empire.
And while we shower plenty of praise, we also discuss its melodramatic flashbacks, its outrageous perception of news media, and its baffling decision to deviate massively f...2021-09-0936 min
The Long TakeShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings took us back to cinemas after 18 months—and we liked it so much that not once do we discuss committee-driven filmmaking or cynical-minded China appeasement, topics that should invariably come up while talking about Disney movies.
What we do discuss is Tony Leung’s scene-stealing turn as the “villain”, comparing him and the film favourably to Black Panther, the internalised trauma that is at the heart of Shang-Chi, and why Marvel isn’t going to need Bangladeshi bot farms to bump up IMDb ratings.
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Hosted by Akhil Aro...2021-09-0240 min
The Long TakeThe Green KnightDev Patel-led epic medieval fantasy The Green Knight—written, directed and edited by David Lowery—takes an Arthurian legend and filters it through a millennial lens.
We discuss the film’s momentous scale, its timeless anxieties, and Patel’s near-perfect central performance as a talentless man who believes he’s destined for greatness.
Along the way, we talk about our favourite scenes, the exquisite cinematography and the CGI fox, and gush about its spectacular climactic sequence.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if...2021-08-2533 min
The Long TakeKuruthiKuruthi—the new Malayalam-language movie on Amazon Prime Video—has a lot on its mind: communal hatred, environmentalism, and a Biblical notion of good and evil. But does it do justice to any of those ideas?
We discuss the film’s hyperreal nature and how it could’ve gone further (akin to its inspiration Get Out), director Manu Warrier’s meticulous handling of the home invasion portion, and its lacklustre final act that dissolves into full B-movie.
Later, we talk about Simu Liu’s knee-jerk reaction to Disney CEO Bob Chapek calling (the theatrical-only premiere of) Shang-Ch...2021-08-1838 min
The Long TakeShershaahJust because Sidharth Malhotra looks like a movie star, Bollywood has spent a decade trying to make him one. His latest vehicle, the war drama Shershaah, is a by-the-numbers vanilla biopic that doesn’t do justice to its subject, the Kargil War hero Captain Vikram Batra.
We discuss the film’s strange pacing, director Vishnu Varadhan’s handling of the action and the drama, Dharma Productions’ deliberate efforts to avoid nationalism, and the underwritten character that Kiara Advani has been saddled with.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully boot...2021-08-1237 min
The Long TakeThe Suicide SquadIs James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad a much-deserved apology to DC fans for David Ayer’s mismanaged original film?
We discuss why we are willing to ignore the movie’s thin plot, have come to embrace its ridiculous and over-the-top tone, and believe The Suicide Squad would be deemed “anti-national” if it was made in India.
We also talk about our favourite gags (shout-out to King Shark and Polka-Dot Man), and wonder why Margot Robbie is top-billed even though Idris Elba is the real star of the show.
Later, we delve into gossip abo...2021-08-0738 min
The Long TakeMimiThe Kriti Sanon-led Mimi is an improvement on the 2011 Marathi-language original, and still somehow downright terrible.
We discuss the disingenuous twists, its unwillingness to confront reality, and director Laxman Utekar’s embrace of tonal imbalance as a defining characteristic.
Along the way, we delve into the film’s irresponsible and egregious handling of surrogacy, suicide, bigotry, and other heavyweight topics.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcas...2021-07-2934 min
The Long TakeMalikIs the politically-charged crime saga Malik—the latest Fahadh Faasil-Mahesh Narayanan collaboration, surprisingly picked up by Amazon Prime Video—an ambitious misfire or a brave success?
We discuss the film’s episodic structure, debate if it would’ve been better as a miniseries, analyse its kitchen-sink filmmaking, and list all its influences.
Later, we talk about the Emmy nominations, where everyone went home happy.
Chapters
(00:00) Review: Malik
(29:48) News: Emmy nominations
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.2021-07-1538 min
The Long TakeBlack WidowIs Black Widow a fitting farewell to Scarlett Johansson or a middling Marvel movie lacking a voice?
We discuss the film’s emotional underpinnings, Florence Pugh’s wry-humour character, the perfunctory handling of its themes, and Marvel’s persistent villain problem made large.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter...2021-07-1037 min
The Long TakeHaseen DillrubaNot content with being a homage to Indian pulp fiction, Haseen Dillruba—the new Netflix movie starring Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey—is also a mix of cringe comedy, ‘90s Bollywood romance, and C.I.D. infused with crime noir. Unsurprisingly, it does none of that well.
We discuss why Pannu needs a better director than Vinil Mathew, his inability to handle the motley of genres at play, and what’s going on with Kanika Dhillon’s screenplay, from the inadvertent undermining of the film’s feminist tone to the tone-deaf tackling of toxic masculinity.
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Hosted b...2021-07-0230 min
The Long TakeNetflix’s RayNot all chapters in Netflix’s new anthology series, Ray—starring Ali Fazal, Manoj Bajpayee, Kay Kay Menon, and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor—are worth watching. But are any of them actually good?
We talk about the uneven quality of the four episodes, how they deviate from Satyajit Ray's short stories on which they’re based, and who among the three directors—Srijit Mukherji, Abhishek Chaubey, and Vasan Bala—fares the best.
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The Long Tak...2021-06-2532 min
The Long TakeSherniIs director Amit Masurkar’s Sherni—starring Vidya Balan as a forest officer—a worthy follow-up to Newton?
We discuss the film’s ambitious ideas, Masurkar’s commentary on India under the Modi regime, and the film’s many passions, including environmental conservation, gender equality, and native representation.
Later, we talk about the behind-the-scenes reshuffle at Netflix India, and what that could mean for the streamer going forward.
Chapters
(00:00) Review: Sherni
(30:23) News: Netflix India shake-up
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The Long TakeThe Family Man Season 2Is The Family Man season 2 a breezy action series or a racist dog whistle for the far-right?
We discuss the indefensible failures of Raj & D.K., the series’ strong points—including those fascinating long takes—and the performances and characterisation of Samantha Akkineni and Manoj Bajpayee.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on...2021-06-1148 min
The Long TakeCruellaDoes Cruella—the latest in the long line of Disney’s live-action reimaginings—earn its edginess?
We discuss the campy performances of stars Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, its derivative storytelling and myriad inspirations, and the film’s wall-to-wall soundtrack.
Later, we talk about Amazon’s $8.45-billion takeover of MGM, and what that could mean for the James Bond franchise going forward.
Chapters
(00:00) Review: Cruella
(29:24) News: Amazon-MGM deal
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The Lo...2021-06-0336 min
The Long TakeNayattuMartin Prakkat’s Nayattu—our first film from the Malayalam New Wave, streaming on Netflix—is a genre-fluid thriller with grave undertones.
We debate the film’s plot holes, discuss its handling of the Dalit struggle, and dive into its broad socio-political themes.
Later, we talk about the teaser trailer for Marvel’s Eternals, and wonder why in the world they chose to ignore director Chloé Zhao—and her recent Oscar wins—altogether.
Chapters
(00:00) Review: Nayattu
(29:08) News: Eternals trailer
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstra...2021-05-2636 min
The Long TakeArmy of the DeadArmy of the Dead, Zack Snyder’s follow-up to his director’s cut of Justice League, is a bloated, boring mess.
We discuss the heist film’s simplistic plot, the lack of imagination in its depiction of zombies, and the thinly written characters.
Later, we talk about the state of piracy in India, prompted by Salman Khan’s angry tweet about Radhe.
Chapters
(00:00) Review: Army of the Dead
(23:37) News: Radhe and piracy
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy...2021-05-2034 min
The Long TakeThe Woman in the WindowThe Woman in the Window—led by Amy Adams and directed by Joe Wright—continues Netflix’s streak of acquiring terrible adaptations of bestselling thriller books.
We discuss the film’s troubled production, speculate what attracted its A-list cast, and wonder if Wright is overrated.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Faceboo...2021-05-1525 min
The Long TakeThe DiscipleIs Chaitanya Tamhane’s The Disciple one of the best films of the year?
We discuss its dissection of idolism, the exploration of generational mindsets, Tamhane’s command of the craft, and its commentary on filmmaking as a whole.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write...2021-05-0133 min
The Long TakeSearching for SheelaSearching for Sheela, a new Netflix documentary about Osho’s controversial former aide Ma Anand Sheela, is a sanitised puff piece pretending to be a serious profile.
We discuss the superficial, slapdash filmmaking, the tone-deaf treatment of serious themes, and the curious lack of a director in what is a Karan Johar production.
Later, we dive into the trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and talk about the casting of Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke in Marvel’s Secret Invasion.
Chapters
(0:00) Review: Searching for Sheela
(21:32) News: Shang-Chi trailer + Secr...2021-04-2232 min
The Long TakeAjeeb DaastaansNeeraj Ghaywan and Kayoze Irani’s films are the only memorable bits about Ajeeb Daastaans, Netflix’s latest collaboration with producer Karan Johar.
We dissect the anthology’s four parts, the awful plot-driven nature of the first two, and the terrific acting of Konkona Sensharma and Shefali Shah.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long...2021-04-1629 min
The Long TakeThe Big BullAbhishek Bachchan was right. The Big Bull isn’t like Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story at all. It’s much worse.
Watch him laugh maniacally for what seems like an eternity, cringe as he loiters around tourist hotspots in Delhi, and scratch your head as you try to make sense of Kookie Gulati’s baffling direction.
The Big Bull is one of Disney+ Hotstar’s worst “Multiplex” offerings. And that is saying something.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work...2021-04-0825 min
The Long TakeGodzilla vs. KongCan Godzilla vs. Kong be criticised for favouring loud action over everything else?
We discuss the movie’s indifference towards human characters, its pointless world-building, and how the MonsterVerse has evolved over the years.
Godzilla vs. Kong is out on HBO Max and available in cinemas.
Later, we talk about Netflix’s industry-buckling bid of $450 million for two Knives Out sequels.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spo...2021-04-0236 min
The Long TakePagglaitIs the Sanya Malhotra-starrer Pagglait a rare win for Netflix India?
We discuss the film’s place in the new wave of Bollywood small-town dramedies, writer-director Umesh Bist’s eye for detail, and the stacked supporting cast.
Later, we talk about the Oscar nominations.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take o...2021-03-2643 min
The Long TakeZack Snyder’s Justice LeagueIs Zack Snyder’s Justice League worth its punishing four-hour length for anyone except DC fans?
We talk about the social media movement that birthed it, Snyder’s approach to the superhero realm, the differences with the theatrical cut (the good and the bad), and that exasperating epilogue.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Lo...2021-03-1943 min
The Long TakeCherryThe Russo brothers have cashed in the blank cheque they earned with Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War. But is Tom Holland-starrer Cherry an overambitious epic, or an unmitigated disaster?
We discuss the Apple TV+ film’s style-over-substance approach, the Russos’ heavy-handed direction, and the script’s superficial understanding of complex crises.
Later, we talk about the pleasantly-surprising and diverse BAFTA nominations.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Pod...2021-03-1230 min
The Long TakeThe Girl on the TrainThere is nothing that writer-director Ribhu Dasgupta can’t ruin by simply pointing a camera at it.
With The Girl on the Train, he takes a novel that was adapted into a mediocre Emily Blunt film, and somehow makes it worse.
We discuss Parineeti Chopra’s misguided performance, the lack of any internal logic to its godawful narrative, and that Abbas–Mustan-inspired final twist.
Later, we talk about Netflix India’s 2021 slate, and the titles we’re most excited about.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is full...2021-03-0735 min
The Long TakeNomadlandIs Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand, really one of the best American movies of the year?
We discuss Zhao’s documentary-like approach, its Terrence Malick inspirations, and the film’s narrative (or rather the lack of one).
Nomadland is available on Hulu.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on F...2021-02-2729 min
The Long TakeJudas and the Black MessiahJudas and the Black Messiah—produced by Ryan Coogler, and directed by Shaka King—isn’t just a powerful film, it’s powerfully made too.
We discuss the performances of Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, the trumpet-driven score composed by Mark Isham and Craig Harris, its framing of revolutionary politics, and its multi-stage appeal.
We also touch upon the lack of similar films in Bollywood—which takes us into Martin Scorsese’s newest (justified) rant on how cinema is being devalued in the name of content.
Judas and the Black Messiah is streaming on HBO Max i...2021-02-1932 min
The Long TakeNews of the WorldTom Hanks might not be too vocal about his politics, as he lets his work do the talking. In his new film News of the World, director Paul Greengrass takes on the fake news media, despotic rulers, and MAGA culture.
We also discuss how Greengrass embraces classic Western tropes, the movie’s outstanding gunfight sequence, and the performance of 12-year-old co-lead Helena Zengel.
News of the World is available on Netflix globally, and on video-on-demand in the US.
Later, we talk about Marvel Studios’ second Disney+ series—The Falcon and the Winter Soldier—which de...2021-02-1033 min
The Long TakeThe DigThe Dig—a Netflix film led by Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes—is a small film with big ideas.
We discuss Mulligan’s fantastic run, the film’s socio-political subtext, and the trio of creative voices behind its success: director Simon Stone, cinematographer Mike Eley, and composer Stefan Gregory.
Later, we dissect the Golden Globes nominations, and the mysterious ways of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
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The Long Take is av...2021-02-0635 min
The Long TakeTandavTandav—the Amazon original, led by Saif Ali Khan—is offensive, but not for the reasons you might have heard about.
We discuss the Indian series’ idiotic controversies, its reductive politics, the hilarity of its storytelling (or the lack thereof), and how it wastes its ensemble cast.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take...2021-01-2734 min
The Long TakeThe White TigerDoes Ramin Bahrani’s The White Tiger—led by Adarsh Gourav, with Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in supporting roles—live up to the award-winning book it’s based on?
We discuss the film’s exploration of caste and class in India, Rao’s terrible American accent, and how it fits into Bahrani’s filmography.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get...2021-01-2235 min
The Long TakeWandaVisionIs it a loving homage to classic sitcoms or an unabashed Marvel spectacle? We attempt to unpack the first three episodes of WandaVision, the first MCU series on Disney+.
In between, we also speculate about future chapters, discuss Easter eggs, and wonder if it is all an introduction to the multiverse—one that seems to be more committee-driven every day.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podc...2021-01-1429 min
The Long TakeThe Mandalorian Season 2With The Mandalorian season 2, a lifelong film franchise now shows more promise on television. How did this happen?
We discuss Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s instrumental place in spawning the Star Wars cinematic universe, and compare it favourably to two of the best shows in recent memory: Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad.
We also talk about our expectations from the other Star Wars series in the works, and where The Mandalorian might go in season 3.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please cons...2021-01-0739 min
The Long TakeWonder Woman 1984How does Wonder Woman 1984—the sequel led by Gal Gadot—waste the goodwill established by the first movie?
We discuss the DC film’s bloated runtime, lacklustre villains—played by Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal—its unwillingness to justify its ‘80s setting and the return of Chris Pine, and complete absence of thematic depth.
Later, we wonder how director Patty Jenkins plans to deliver all of Wonder Woman 3, Star Wars’ Rogue Squadron, and Cleopatra, in light of Warner Bros. “fast-tracking” the next Wonder Woman chapter.
We end by talking about the problems with the DC Extended Un...2020-12-3133 min
The Long TakeBest Movies of 2020In an end-of-the-year special, co-hosts Rohan Naahar and Akhil Arora talk about their favourite films in 2020, counting down from 10 to 1.
The movies come from directors such as Céline Sciamma, Geetu Mohandas, Greta Gerwig, Max Barbakow, Eliza Hittman, and Aaron Sorkin.
Stick around to hear us lament about the domination of American pop culture, and why we’ll never discuss La La Land on The Long Take.
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The Long...2020-12-2958 min
The Long TakeAK vs AKIs director Vikramaditya Motwane’s meta-mockumentary AK vs AK a one-line premise stretched too thin?
We discuss the film’s inventive approach to Bollywood satire, actors Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap’s willingness to lampoon themselves, and cinematographer Swapnil Sonawane’s use of long takes.
Later, we find time to rant about Indian film critics (it us) being treated dismissively by international studios (we’re looking at you, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and Warner Bros.)
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy ou...2020-12-2532 min
The Long TakeTenetWith Tenet, has Christopher Nolan become too Nolan-y, verging on self-parody?
We discuss the filmmaker’s delayed sci-fi espionage thriller, the problems with its time inversion mechanic, the admirable action set-pieces, and—the big question—whether it is worth a trip to the cinemas.
Later, we talk about Disney’s newly-unveiled massive slate, with a focus on Star Wars and Marvel.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podc...2020-12-1833 min
The Long TakeMankCan Mank—an insider tale about ‘30s Hollywood, through the eyes of Citizen Kane co-writer Herman J. Mankiewicz—win Netflix its first best picture Oscar?
We discuss David Fincher’s technical choices, his commitment to a discredited version of events, and the film’s mainstream appeal (or rather, the lack of it).
Later, we talk about HBO Max’s game-changing announcement, which will bring 18 Warner Bros. movies day-and-date on streaming and in cinemas.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work...2020-12-1136 min
The Long TakeMulanWhere does the $200-million Mulan stand in the pantheon of Disney’s live-action remakes?
We discuss the film’s multiple behind-the-scenes controversies, its treatment of Gong Li’s shapeshifting character, and how it panders to Chinese interests (in vain).
Later, we talk about Netflix’s terrible new reality series The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and Asif Kapadia’s documentary film Diego Maradona in light of the great footballer’s death.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
T...2020-12-0531 min
The Long TakeSmall Axe: MangroveIs Steve McQueen’s anthology film series—Small Axe—the most personal he has ever been? We dive into the first film in the series, Mangrove.
We discuss its unexpected similarities to The Trial of the Chicago 7, McQueen’s distinctive direction, and the ambition of his five-film experiment.
Small Axe is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and Amazon Prime Video in the US.
Later, we talk about Delhi Crime’s success at the International Emmys—a first for India—and Netflix’s 62-million hit, The Queen’s Gambit.
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Hosted by Akhil Ar...2020-11-2735 min
The Long TakeThe Crown Season 4Is the fourth season of The Crown—the Netflix drama about the British royal family—the best one yet?
We discuss creator Peter Morgan’s impressionistic take on history, the performances of its ensemble cast—including Olivia Colman, Gillian Anderson, and Emma Corrin—and whether the show is an indictment of the monarchy, or a celebration of it.
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The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, an...2020-11-2032 min
The Long TakeLaxmiiCome for the rants about Laxmii, stay for recommendations on what to watch instead in the realm of transgender cinema.
We discuss Akshay Kumar’s messiah complex, the film’s rotten writing, its harmful depiction of trans people, and whether it can even be described as a “movie”.
Later, we talk about the government’s decision to regulate streaming content, and how that could affect the industry.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is...2020-11-1337 min
The Long TakeScam 1992: The Harshad Mehta StoryIs Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story worth the hassle of dealing with SonyLIV?
We discuss the word-of-mouth hit, including the treatment of its controversial subject, its themes of morality, greed, and corruption, and the performances of its largely unknown cast.
Later, we talk about the artistic counter-attack launched by Hollywood filmmakers against Donald Trump during his presidency, and highlight some of our favourites.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take...2020-11-0841 min
The Long TakeBorat Subsequent MoviefilmIs Sacha Baron Cohen’s secretly filmed satire sequel, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, the final blow to an (hopefully) outgoing president or a pointed exploration of American society?
We also discuss the legitimacy of that outrageous Rudy Giuliani scene, the film’s unexpected feminist values, and the performances of its leads: newcomer Maria Bakalova, and Cohen.
Later, we talk about another Netflix India dud, the Shabana Azmi-starrer horror Kaali Khuhi, and Spike Lee’s inventive new film, David Byrne’s American Utopia.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully b...2020-11-0142 min
The Long TakeA Suitable BoyIs Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy a faithful adaptation of Vikram Seth’s lengthy novel, or does it get tangled up in its own excesses and restrictions?
We also talk about its ensemble cast, the show’s relevance to today’s India, and whether making it largely in English was a good idea.
Later, we discuss the reopening of Indian cinemas during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and whether or not we’d go to the movies if work demanded it.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully boo...2020-10-2340 min
The Long TakeThe Trial of the Chicago 7Where does Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 rank in his illustrious filmography?
We discuss its similarities to the Oscar-winning screenwriter’s past work, the performances of the ensemble cast—including Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, and Jeremy Strong—and the film’s urgent message.
Later, we talk about a viral review of Netflix’s horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor and whether film criticism should be a democratic medium for even non-experts to explore.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please conside...2020-10-1836 min
The Long TakeThe Boys Season 2Is Amazon’s flagship series, The Boys, really as intelligent as it thinks it is? We discuss the show’s recently-concluded second season, its muddled plot-driven storytelling, and sprawling political and cultural themes.
Later, we discuss the reported involvement of Jamie Foxx’s Electro and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange in Spider-Man 3—the sequel to Spider-Man: Far From Home—and the quiet effectiveness of Netflix’s documentary miniseries Bad Boy Billionaires: India.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long T...2020-10-1137 min
The Long TakeSerious MenIs Sudhir Mishra’s satire Serious Men—starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui—one of Netflix’s best Indian films or a half-baked exploration of delicate socio-political themes?
Later, we discuss Disney’s decision to hire Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins to direct The Lion King 2, and co-host Rohan Naahar talks about his return to the world of football.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your pod...2020-10-0432 min
The Long TakeEnola HolmesCan the Millie Bobby Brown-led Enola Holmes be the start of another franchise for Netflix? We also discuss Henry Cavill’s take on Sherlock Holmes and the film‘s Brexit allegory.
Later, we talk about Emmy winners—Schitt’s Creek (which wiped the floor) and (the brilliance of) Succession—and the disappointment that is Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Ov...2020-09-2737 min
The Long TakeThe Devil All the TimeIs Netflix’s star-studded The Devil All the Time a major awards contender or an ambitious failure?
We also discuss how Netflix is doing the sensible thing by going back to the drawing board with Baahubali: Before the Beginning, and why the “alarming” Netflix docudrama The Social Dilemma left us underwhelmed.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Fo...2020-09-2035 min
The Long TakeCargoIs Cargo—Arati Kadav’s debut sci-fi fantasy film, led by Vikrant Massey and Shweta Tripathi—really as original as everyone says it is?
We also discuss whether Warner Bros. is making a mistake by betting on Dune director Denis Villeneuve, and why Mrs. Serial Killer will be considered a masterpiece—in 30 years.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podca...2020-09-1330 min
The Long Takei’m thinking of ending thingsCharlie Kaufman’s new film, i’m thinking of ending things, is a cerebral experience, but is it an emotional one?
We also discuss the death of Chadwick Boseman, the lasting legacy of his films, and why stories about race might be more appealing if told through genre.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Lo...2020-09-0632 min
The Long TakeSadak 2Does Mahesh Bhatt’s awful Sadak 2 have the power to ruin the careers of everyone involved? We also talk about the original Sadak, India’s obsession with godmen, and Alia Bhatt’s immense love for her dad.
Later, we discuss the happenings of DC FanDome, from our hopes and fears surrounding Zack Snyder’s Justice League to why we’re excited for Matt Reeves’ take on The Batman.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is availa...2020-08-3043 min
The Long TakeClass of ’83Does the Bobby Deol-starrer Class of ’83 end Shah Rukh Khan’s dismal run with Netflix? We also talk about the film’s irresponsible tone, its committee-style filmmaking — and the ongoing controversy around Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us at thelongtak...2020-08-2336 min
The Long TakeGunjan Saxena: The Kargil GirlDoes the Janhvi Kapoor-led Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl deserve all the hate coming its way? We also discuss progressive patriotism, the IAF’s efforts to clamp down on the film, and how self-censorship will ruin streaming.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us at thel...2020-08-1637 min
The Long TakePandemic ProgrammingIs the coronavirus pandemic going to change the entertainment industry for good? We discuss the future of streaming, the effect of COVID-19 on Bollywood, and whether the staggered release of Tenet is a good idea.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us at thelongtakepod@gmail.co...2020-08-0933 min
The Long TakeRaat Akeli HaiIs the Nawazuddin Siddiqui-led Raat Akeli Hai a desi version of Knives Out? We also discuss the Emmy nominations, where we sing the praises of Watchmen and its creator Damon Lindelof, and debate Better Call Saul vs Breaking Bad.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us...2020-08-0225 min
The Long TakeDil BecharaIs Dil Bechara the emotional send-off that Sushant Singh Rajput deserved? We also talk about how critics were bullied into giving it positive reviews, the meaninglessness of IMDb ratings, and Zee5’s deceptive marketing tactics.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us at thelongtakepod@gmail.com.2020-07-2630 min
The Long TakeThe Old GuardWill the Charlize Theron-starrer The Old Guard be the biggest superhero movie of 2020? We also talk about Netflix's upcoming Indian slate — including Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and AK vs AK — and whether it is worth the hype.
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Hosted by Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar, The Long Take is fully bootstrapped. Please consider donating if you enjoy our work.
The Long Take is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, JioSaavn, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow The Long Take on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Write to us at the...2020-07-1934 min
The Long TakeA Short TakeCo-hosts Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar introduce their movie podcast — The Long Take — and why you should check it out.2020-07-1900 min