Latest
DU Beat – Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper
Tag

Netflix

Browsing
Arts & Culture

Netflix: A Market of its Own

By

The current generation seems to be getting too engaged with the virtual world of web-series and movies. How has it really affected us, as a generation?

Netflix was launched in India in the beginning of 2016, and though it has not been earning any profits until now, it has managed to become a part of the daily lives of the people who have used it. This article aims to look into the various effects that the coming of Netflix to India has had upon the generation of today.

  • The addiction

Not only has Netflix seeped into our lives with trendy shows and movies, but it has become a part of us. There are shows that have created their own set of fan-base (like Sacred Games, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Riverdale, etc.) and have come up with multiple seasons, only to hook the audience to their respective screens. Where on one hand, it has opened up multiple possibilities for creative minds to explore the realm of filmmaking and content-writing, it has also – in many ways – taken the form of a habit in the present generation.

The association of millennials (especially Indians) with web series and movies is an interesting thing to explore and analyse. A recent study in psychology has shown that the present generation is showing extremely high levels of stress and anxiety. Watching shows online relieves us from this stress, lifts us from our stressful lives, and gives us a glimpse of the world that we yearn to live in. When the casual watching turns into an activity the day seems incomplete without – that is hard to tell. A teacher from the English Department of Daulat Ram College expressed her concern regarding the same by saying, “I’m concerned about sleep deprivation and a neglect of important responsibilities in millennials, which stem as a result of binge-watching the series available on Netflix and other such platforms.” There have been cases of video addiction in recent times where teenagers were reported to be going crazy if they were not allowed to watch something.

  • The procrastination

A second-year student had this to say about procrastination and Netflix- “Both are- to a great extent- proportionate.” This sums up the whole argument of how once one is absorbed by a series, it is difficult to let go of it and, by extension, it results in procrastination. Another second-year student expressed how once when she started watching a particular show, she just couldn’t stop herself as she was overwhelmed by the feeling of getting over with it, and this feeling was intertwined with a fear of spoilers.

It is overwhelming indeed, when the mystery keeps one going incessantly and to a point where it’s hard to tell if we are controlling Netflix, or if Netflix is controlling us. This is exactly where the capitalist approach of the times comes in. Our procrastination is governed by a platform that is basically feeding on our own money.

  • Peer pressure

A major issue in today’s time of Game of Thrones, Sacred Games, 13 Reasons Why, etc. is that one tends to automatically feel left out if one has not watched the shows and the friends cannot stop referring to/talking about it. Subconsciously, we are inclined to think that there is something wrong with us, we are lacking something, or are behind when people all around us make constant allusions to virtual scenarios we are too distant from. It is only natural to think in that way, but at times it compels you to follow in the same old, worn out trend of watching a show just so you can relate better with your peers. The real question to ask here is: what is your relationship based upon, if it depends solely on what somebody else thought about something and how they interpreted it?

The ‘moving with the mob’ mentality has sadly seeped into our brains, and we have been victimised into mere objects for the capitalism-driven world. It is now up to us to decide if we want to step out of it right now, or let it take control of our time and being.

Feature Image Credits: TODAY

Akshada Shrotryia

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Arts & Culture

A Review: Shlok Sharma’s Zoo

By

From the director of Haramkhor (2015), ‘Zoo’ takes you on a journey from the ghettos of Bombay to its elite societies and drug addiction.

Addiction is a disease; it occupies your mind and soul. Drug addiction amongst the Indian youth is a rising concern for the nation. According to a 2015-survey conducted in Punjab, over 83% of drug users were employed, and 89% were literate, showing that drug addiction affects all social classes and, unfortunately, very few get the help they need to battle addiction.

Shlok Sharma’s Zoo, shot entirely on an iPhone 6 Plus, explores drug addiction and identity in the city of Mumbai through the central storyline involving five protagonists, two brothers, two wannabe rappers from the slums of Mumbai, and a girl who refuses to leave her house. The only things connecting their storylines are drug addiction and trade, and their personal conflict with their own identities. The characters involuntarily succumb to their weaknesses.

Shashank Arora, who was the lead in Brahman Naman, plays Bicky, a coffee shop worker who pretends to be mute and runs a drug business on the side. His brother who goes by ‘Messi’ (we never learn his real name) is a young, hot-headed footballer who ends up being fascinated with his older brother’s profession. The third protagonist, Misha (played by Shweta Tripathi) is an under-age girl who resorts to drugs in order to deal with her past. She never leaves her apartment, and she refuses to meet her family.

Image from Netflix.
Image from Netflix

Towards the end of the film, we find the reason behind her addiction and a glimpse into her dark past. Two rappers from the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai seem slightly alien to the storyline as  they are in search of their big breakthrough, while the world around them fails to understand their craft. Prince Daniel and Yogesh Kurme deliver excellent performances throughout the film.
The four storylines run parallel to each other, but the characters lack depth. Emotional outbursts and monologues fail to deliver to the potential of the film. We see the bond between the two brothers grow and Bicky’s rising concern for his younger brother, but his emotions fail to make the movie stand out. Misha’s character seems rather bland, as the audience is taken through the journey through relapses and mood-swings, but one is left wondering if there is more to her character.

 

In my perspective, the film would have progressed better if there were fewer protagonists, and the audience would also be able to emotionally connect with the characters. As the movie progresses and delves into the story-line focusing on the extremes of Mumbai, one fails to emotionally connect to a character and root for their victory for there are way too many story-lines and emotions to follow.

For a film shot on an iPhone, the cinematography is excellent. Most of the film is shot in natural light which adds to its rawness. Since the film focuses on love, loss, and addiction, I would love it if there was a separate film revolving around the story of the two rappers, Yoku and Prince. The film ends on a bittersweet note, where a few characters gain the closure they desperately seek, while others meet an untimely (and abrupt) end.

Feature Image Credits: Netflix

Jaishree Kumar

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Arts & Culture

A Review: Shlok Sharma's Zoo

By

From the director of Haramkhor (2015), ‘Zoo’ takes you on a journey from the ghettos of Bombay to its elite societies and drug addiction. Addiction is a disease; it occupies your mind and soul. Drug addiction amongst the Indian youth is a rising concern for the nation. According to a 2015-survey conducted in Punjab, over 83% of drug users were employed, and 89% were literate, showing that drug addiction affects all social classes and, unfortunately, very few get the help they need to battle addiction. Shlok Sharma’s Zoo, shot entirely on an iPhone 6 Plus, explores drug addiction and identity in the city of Mumbai through the central storyline involving five protagonists, two brothers, two wannabe rappers from the slums of Mumbai, and a girl who refuses to leave her house. The only things connecting their storylines are drug addiction and trade, and their personal conflict with their own identities. The characters involuntarily succumb to their weaknesses. Shashank Arora, who was the lead in Brahman Naman, plays Bicky, a coffee shop worker who pretends to be mute and runs a drug business on the side. His brother who goes by ‘Messi’ (we never learn his real name) is a young, hot-headed footballer who ends up being fascinated with his older brother’s profession. The third protagonist, Misha (played by Shweta Tripathi) is an under-age girl who resorts to drugs in order to deal with her past. She never leaves her apartment, and she refuses to meet her family. [caption id="attachment_62159" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Image from Netflix. Image from Netflix[/caption] Towards the end of the film, we find the reason behind her addiction and a glimpse into her dark past. Two rappers from the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai seem slightly alien to the storyline as  they are in search of their big breakthrough, while the world around them fails to understand their craft. Prince Daniel and Yogesh Kurme deliver excellent performances throughout the film. The four storylines run parallel to each other, but the characters lack depth. Emotional outbursts and monologues fail to deliver to the potential of the film. We see the bond between the two brothers grow and Bicky’s rising concern for his younger brother, but his emotions fail to make the movie stand out. Misha’s character seems rather bland, as the audience is taken through the journey through relapses and mood-swings, but one is left wondering if there is more to her character.   In my perspective, the film would have progressed better if there were fewer protagonists, and the audience would also be able to emotionally connect with the characters. As the movie progresses and delves into the story-line focusing on the extremes of Mumbai, one fails to emotionally connect to a character and root for their victory for there are way too many story-lines and emotions to follow. For a film shot on an iPhone, the cinematography is excellent. Most of the film is shot in natural light which adds to its rawness. Since the film focuses on love, loss, and addiction, I would love it if there was a separate film revolving around the story of the two rappers, Yoku and Prince. The film ends on a bittersweet note, where a few characters gain the closure they desperately seek, while others meet an untimely (and abrupt) end. Feature Image Credits: Netflix Jaishree Kumar [email protected]]]>

Keep Reading
By
DUB Speak

Weekend Planner 101

By

This September, there seem to be too many long weekends at our disposal, to utilise efficiently or to laze away. While long weekends bring with them promises of productivity, more often than not, they end up being spent in bed.

DU beat brings you ways of making your long weekend a memorable one.

  • Plan a trip to a nearby hill station

Delhi boasts of being just a few hours’ drives away from some of the most quaint and beautiful hill stations in the country, like Lansdowne, Dalhousie, and Kasol etc. Make the most of this opportunity, get your gang onboard, stuff your backpack and head out on a road trip. It will help you get a time off from the hustle bustle of the city and would surely be a respite from Delhi’s humid weather.

  • Catch up with some old friends

While we all know that college and work hardly ever gives us the time to social, it is equally important to nurture our old friendships. Meeting up with old school friends might just give you an opportunity to rewind and reminisce of much simpler times. It works just as good as a time turner!

  • Head out to Old Delhi

 Getting lost in the streets of Daryaganj and Chandni Chowk, gorging on paranthas and kebabs and visiting the iconic Jama Masjid and Lal Qila; the list just seems to go on. Make a day out of it and explore Old Delhi in all its glory.

  • Netflix and Chill

This one might just seem like an ideal (and the most common) way of spending your weekend and it sure doesn’t hurt to watch all the newly released shows or even some old ones for that matter. If you don’t have a Netflix subscription, fret not, the dark web is filled with crevices with sites that have almost all kinds of shows to offer.

  •  Finish unfinished business

It might strike out as a tad bit serious, but honestly, it can be as simple as completing that assignment that was due last week, or a book, or a painting you haven’t touched in the last two weeks. It might just help you begin from scratch.

While there seems to be no fixed formula on how to spend your weekend, it never hurts to strive for personal fulfillment and make memories along the way. Best of luck figuring out your weekend.

 

Feature Image Credits: The Culture Trip

 Anoushka Singh
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
DUB Speak

THE ANTI COMEDY: NANETTE

By

Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette is riveting and brilliant. Her powerful social commentary would leave you in splits, but at the same time leaves you with something to think about.

In the early days of July, I received tons of texts telling me to watch Hannah Gadsby’s stand-up special Nanette. Truth be told, I had watched the Netflix specials of a lot of outstanding comedians ranging from Ali Wong’s Hard Knock Wife to Sarah Silverman’s A Speck of Dust, not to forget John Mulaney’s Kid Gorgeous. However, no comedy special had been so highly recommended by my pop culture enthusiastic friends.

I watched it and instead of leaving it with a smile, there I was, bawling my eyes out, crying. I closed the tab and I sat there, motionless, thinking. I had changed. I had never felt so validated as a bisexual woman. Hannah Gadsby’s every sentence makes you question the world we live in, questions the very essence of comedy.

Nanette beautifully weaves a story and talks about gender, sexuality, art history, and the power of storytelling. In the first few minutes, it appears to be any other comedy special full of anecdotes and self- deprecating humor. She spoke about growing up in a small town in Tasmania, Australia in the 90s where homosexuality was a crime. She also spoke about the repercussions of her coming out, full of hysterically funny one-liners. Minute 17th, the switch flips, and Hannah announces she’s quitting comedy. The atmosphere shifts dramatically and everything gets real.

Hannah Gadsby starts with telling her audience that she’s done with self- deprecating humor as for a person who already belongs to a marginalised community, it’s not humility its humiliation. It’s causing distress and harm to the people who identify with her. She was taught her entire life that she was not supposed to take spaces and that one should be punished if they are different. All that ever Hannah wanted to do was to be invisible; her confused childhood filled her with shame and self- hatred. In order to make people laugh, she had repackaged her traumatic memories, tinged it with humor and sold it to a straight audience for their comfort, for the sake of not upsetting the status quo. She had denied herself by repeating the story in a form of a joke, the lived experience of the reality. Now, she refuses to do it anymore. She’s tired and believes that it is time to tell the real, actual story whose setup would have tension but there would no punchline to diffuse it.

Gadsby very bravely talks about the time she was sexually abused as a kid and as a woman in her early 20’s. She was brutally beaten up by a homophobic man who believed that it was his right to do so by the powers vested to him by patriarchy. She, very honestly says that she didn’t report it to the police because she believed that she deserved it. The homophobia made her scared to even come out to her own grandmother. Hannah questions comedy, the way it is unable to bring out the true stories. She, through the perspective of art history, breaks the illusion that the art should be separated from the artist and that a man’s reputation is above everything else, even a woman’s humanity. Hannah breaks every notion promoted by sexism from ‘locker room talks’ to ‘don’t be so sensitive, learn to take a joke’, one hilarious joke at a time. She promptly breaks the myth that only suffering can create art.

You can feel her anger as she pleads for men to have empathy, and to understand the fear women have of them and if they really can’t, to ask the women in their lives. People who think they have the right to render another person powerless are weak, she states, and rightfully so. She rightfully speaks how women are what misogynists hate, but want.

Nanette might make you uneasy, uncomfortable. Hannah with her devastating delivery oratory will leave you speechless. The quiver in her voice and rawness, the vulnerability of her words will break your heart. It is undoubtedly one of the most profoundly illuminating specials. The hype is real, watch it and at the end of it, you would want to gif every moment of it.

Disha Saxena
[email protected]
Feature Image Credits: Netflix

Keep Reading
By
DUB Speak

The Science of Binge

By

Bingeing means having a period of excessive indulgence towards an activity. Today, the term is most frequently used in terms of eating and watching shows or movies continuously for a period of time. Let’s explore why we binge…

Till recently, the term “bingeing” had little use in daily life. It is psychologically associated with Binge eating disorder, where the patient eats excessively in order to cope with negative feelings. However, the word has gained currency after being used in the context of excessive T.V. watching, brought about by the rise of streaming services like Netflix.

T.V. shows that are downloaded via torrents or streamed, allow users to watch episodes without waiting another day or week. There is continuous consumption, much like with binge eating. But why does either take place? Or any kinds of excessive behaviour, like shopping needlessly? Bingeing takes place with activities like eating or watching a show one likes, which leads to happiness. This releases dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals that result in a high feeling. By continuously watching a show or eating junk, there is a simulation of being joyous. Often, just as Binge eating disorder patients run towards food upon feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious, T.V. show watchers or compulsive shoppers run to their familial place of comfort upon the onslaught of negative emotions. Bingeing of any form is basically a kind of avoidance, a delusion of happiness. With easy access to T.V. shows, food delivery at our doorsteps, and the lack of restrictions for most of us encounter as we enter the supervision-lacking world of college, it comes down to us to develop self-control. While people generally report feeling happy while indulging in bingeing, the end of the whole episode (pun intend) leads to feelings of guilt and shame. Not just that, but overindulgence of anything is harmful to one’s physical and mental well-being.

It has been suggested that bingeing can be controlled by setting strict limits on consumption and getting better at self-monitoring. If you understand why you’re running to something and find out its root cause, then maybe you can work on eradicating the cause, rather than continuing on with the vicious cycle of bingeing and feeling low. It’s necessary to gain control because only that can save us from the attractive world of delusion.

 

Image Credits: Herb

Rishika Singh

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Fandom

October Orient: Return of Riverdale and Stranger Things

By

The premiere of Riverdale’s second season is scheduled on 11th October, and that of Emmy-nominated Stranger Things is appropriately just before Halloween, on 27th October. These much-hyped comebacks have a lot of exciting fan theories building up. But, hey, what about college internals? October is the onset of the exam season, with an overflow of assignments and internals. Take a break, watch the reruns of these shows while you wait for the new seasons, and build up some fan theories of your own.

Unlike the upbeat tone of the Archie Comics, the trailer of Riverdale starts off with some quick cuts that take on a noir, suspense-thriller tone. Since hitting our screens in January, Riverdale surprised critics and viewers alike. The Jason Blossom murder mystery has been solved, but there are plenty more questions to answer in this modestly dark town. Season one of the show ended with the murder of Archie’s father, Fred Andrews, in the local diner. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, show’s creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said the identity of Fred Andrew’s shooter will be “the mystery that launches season two”. There are a plethora of fan theories just about who the killer is. Also, Betty’s brother – the abandoned son of Alice Cooper – is to appear in this season, theories say, as Chic Cooper. Can Joaquin the Southside Serpent have Cooper blood? If so, the tense moments between Mrs. Cooper and FP could be somewhat explainable. Hiram Lodge will finally share the screen, answering a lot more questions about his elusive character. Hope all stays good between our beloved Betty and Jughead; after all, he’s a Southside Serpent now and went on to stay in the southern part of the town. Will Veronica and Archie share more chemistry this season? There’s a lot to take in from the 30-second trailer, and it only gets crazier from there. Does Archie have a gun? Why is Jughead sneaking around a dark house with a baseball bat? Who is wearing the mask?

stranger-things__

Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, the first season of Stranger Things focused on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the town, including the appearance of a psychokinetic girl who helps the missing boy’s friends in their own search. The second season is set a year after the first, and deals with attempts of the characters to return to “normal”, as well as consequences from the first season. The second season seems to have scenes set during Halloween having that retro ’80s throwback vibe. It turns out that this season will have a different vibe to the first, adopting a more ‘slow-burn’ atmosphere. “Trick or Treat?” states the caption of the latest poster of Stranger Things,an illustration of a young boy amidst a creepy field of pumpkins. Nancy and Mike are mourning for the apparent losses of their friends Barb and Eleven; however, the major part of the season is that Eleven is still alive! It all started with Will’s disappearance, but it was just the beginning: the adventure is yet to unfold its grasps. Can’t wait more!

 

Feature Image Credits: Tvovermind
Stranger Things Image Credits: Deadline

Radhika Boruah
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Small Screen

Six reasons to give Netflix India a chance!

By

While the Indian rendition may lack our much-loved classics such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S and How I Met Your Mother, Netflix has plenty more to offer!

With multiple additions in the past two months, the ingenious online library of Netflix boasts of a wide range of TV shows, documentaries and movies! So turn off that phone, cancel your Saturday night plans, lay back and grab that one month free membership- we give you 6 reasons why we shouldn’t give up on our very own Netflix just yet.

  1. For all those Marvel fans out there, not only can you find the first season of Jessica Jones with the feisty Ritter, but you can also explore the dark shadows ofDaredevil’s Additional titles include Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Marvel’s game changing series, Defenders.

 

  1. For all the culinary enthusiasts whose deepest desire is to live on the Food Network with Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay, Netflix offers an exciting alternative. With a new documentary series that traces the lives of individuals who’ve made a real difference in the food industry, Chef’s Tableand its extension Chef’s Table : France , Netflix gives you a chance to discover picturesque locations and exotic cuisines. Kicking off with Massimo’s, Osteria Francescana, the third best restaurant in the world, it breathes everything that Indian culinary shows lack- good lighting, presentation and attractive studios.

 

  1. Netflix’s Originals cater to all genres – so whether you are looking for shows that are unique, exhilarating, pacey, thrilling, emotional, humorous or just the perfect mixture of bitter sweet, Netflix has got you covered. With the edgy Narcos and Making a Murdereror the Beasts Of No Nationthat pulls at our heartstrings, the Originals definitely have the potential to occupy those lazy Sundays.

 

  1. In addition to these TV shows, we can also avail a variety of crime and entertainment documentaries. Whether it is the highly sensationaliSed case of Amanda Knox, the American in Italy accused of murdering her roommate or films documenting the lives of icons like Frank Sinatra, Steve Jobs, Amy Winehouse and Gregory Peck, we can get it all.

 

  1. We all know the pivotal role that humour plays in our lives and Netflix understands our need for simple, plain-old downright , no-frills comedy. With Aziz Ansari’s very lovable Master Of None, the hilarious antics of Andy Samberg’s (yes it the man who created Lonely Island) Brooklyn Nine Nine and Russel Peter’s Almost Famous– it is a goldmine of sarcastic, forthright humour. This is also your golden chance to watch the critically acclaimed sardonic yet relatable series, Bojack Horseman. So what you waiting for folks, get on that bandwagon now!

 

  1. Last but not the least; giving into the clichés of clichés, it features the iconic, cult classic, The Breakfast Club. Talk about taste!

Image Credits : bidnessetc.com

By Anahita Sahu

 

Keep Reading
By
Small Screen

Gilmore Girls all set to be revived on Netflix

By

The plot of Gilmore Girls follows the life of a single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory living in the fictitious town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. It captured the hearts of fans and critics in early 2000s for its rapid fire dialogue replete with numerous pop-culture references and for showcasing a unique mother-daughter relationship. At a time when mothers all over were pondering the idea of “being their child’s friend,” the show went beyond just creating the perfect mother-daughter relationship. Family values, education, ambition are at the very centre of the plot of Gilmore Girls. Due in no small part to this, the show garnered acclaim, including being listed as one of TIME magazine’s “All-TIME 100 TV shows” in 2007.

After over an eight year absence, it has been confirmed that  Netflix has closed a deal with Warner Bros. for a limited-series revival slated for arrival by 2016. The revival will be via four 90-minute episodes/mini-movies — a relatively unusual format for a TV continuation. According to an interview with the cast earlier this year, each episode will represent a different season over the course of one calendar year. In other words, there will be a fall chapter, a winter chapter, a spring chapter and a summer chapter. “Winter, spring, summer or fall… all you have to do is call…” just as the opening theme goes.

Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of the series who left before the show concluded owing to contract negotiations, remained hopeful that she would get to conclude the Gilmore story on her terms, via a limited series or movie. “The beauty of Gilmore, and the beauty of family-relationship shows, is you never really run out of story,” she said. “Ten years later, there’s still going to be [material] there to mine and to delve into.” The storyline of the episodes/mini-movies will be based in the present day.

While we eagerly await more news, here are a few things we are looking forward to see!

Richard Gilmore’s funeral

The news of the renewal of the series is bittwerseet, knowing that Edward Herrmann won’t reprise his role as Richard Gilmore. But we have no doubt the series will honor its family patriarch with the dignified, classy farewell that Richard (and his portrayer) deserve.

Team Dean, Team Jess or *cringe* Team Logan

An update on Jess and Rory’s other romantic interests wouldn’t be half bad. There are only two scenarios that come to mind when we think of where Jess could’ve ended up. Either he wound up dead in a ditch somewhere or he really did get his act together after all. I, for one, will always be loyal to Team Dean (Jared Padalecki FTW)

Friday Night Dinners

Although it won’t be the same without Richard at the head of the table, Gilmore Girls without Friday Night Dinner is like Lorelai without a dying need of coffee and tacos.

A Luke/Lorelai Wedding

I want Luke and Lorelai together as badly as Emily Gilmore wants a competent maid. The show’s finale never really resolved the question of whether they actually end up together. Curious minds will be curious.

 

Amidst all the speculation, all fans echo the same sentiment and hopes of getting an ending worthy of the series. I have no doubt Amy Sherman-Palladino will deliver most exceedingly, as she always has. Nothing to do now but wait!

Image Credits: www.christiantoday.com

Surbhi Arora

[email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By