INTELLIGENT INDIA

South Indian Films specially Malayalam movies got hype after covid times on OTT platform. We call it Mollywood and we have seen its highs—award-winning films and a passionate global fanbase—and its lows, especially the systemic issues harming its women. The Justice Hema Committee report, released in August 2024, sparked a #MeToo wave, exposing a grim reality of sexual harassment, exploitation, and power imbalances. Female actors have bravely shared their stories, naming prominent figures, while political ties seem to protect some accused, like Shine Tom Chacko. Here’s a human look at the reported cases and the political dynamics at play, based on what’s known as of April 18, 2025. The Justice Hema Committee: A Wake-Up Call In 2017, the abduction and assault of actress Bhavana Menon shocked Kerala, leading to the formation of the Justice Hema Committee, led by retired Justice K. Hema, actress Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari. Their 290-page report, submitted in 2019 b...

Khauf Series Review: A Haunting Blend of Horror and Social Commentary

Khauf, an eight-episode Hindi horror-thriller streaming on Amazon Prime Video, delivers a chilling narrative that transcends the typical tropes of the genre. Created and written by Smita Singh (noted as Smita Sen in some sources, likely a typo), and directed by Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan, the series masterfully intertwines psychological horror with a poignant commentary on women’s safety in contemporary India. With a stellar cast led by Monika Panwar and Rajat Kapoor, Khauf is a compelling addition to the horror genre, elevated by its atmospheric dread and emotional depth. Plot and Themes Set in the gritty underbelly of Delhi, Khauf follows Madhu (Monika Panwar), a young woman from Gwalior who relocates to the capital seeking a fresh start after a traumatic past. She moves into a low-cost women’s hostel, unaware that her room harbors a violent history. The hostel’s residents, including Nikki, Komal, Lana, and Rima (played by Rashmi Zurail Mann, Riya Shukla, Chum Darang, and Pr...

India Signs Rs 63,000 Crore Deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine Aircraft: A Boost to Naval Power

On April 28, 2025, India and France inked a landmark Rs 63,000 crore (approximately €7 billion) government-to-government deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed remotely by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, marks a significant step in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities and deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The signing ceremony, held at Nausena Bhawan in Delhi, was presided over by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou and attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan. This acquisition, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on April 9, 2025, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to enhance India’s naval aviation prowess, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), amid growing regional challenges. Details of the Rafale Marine Deal The deal encompasses the acquisition...