Dilip Thakur
Eetha trailer launch at Dadar’s Plaza Cinema revives a Mumbai film tradition, says film historian Dilip Thakur
The trailer of Eetha will be launched today at Plaza Cinema, the historic single-screen theatre in Dadar, Central Mumbai. Senior journalist and film historian Dilip Thakur says the choice of venue reflects the film's character and the theatre's own history. "If you do publicity of a film as per the film's nature, it is more impressive," Thakur said. He recalled that film promotions once meant showing songs to the media at Sumit Theatre and hosting parties at Sun n Sand, while today most trailer launches happen in multiplexes. Plaza, running since the 1930s, has "its own image and cul | Click Here...
Capitol Cinema: When Ten Paise Took You to a World of Dreams
Film journalist and cinema historian Dilip Thakur recalls the unforgettable charm of Capitol Cinema, the excitement of watching Hindi films in the 1970s, and the simple pleasures of growing up in old Bombay. With the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) approving a revival plan for the historic theatre, these memories acquire renewed significance. There was a time when Bombay was a paradise for cinema lovers. Single-screen theatres dominated the city's entertainment landscape, films celebrated silver jubilees, and watching a movie was an occasion in itself. Among the | Click Here...
Why Are Women-Led Films Still Struggling to Command Big Box Office Openings?
Women-led films have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to connect with audiences, earn critical acclaim and occasionally deliver impressive box-office returns. Yet, when it comes to generating a bumper opening at the ticket windows, Hindi cinema continues to rely heavily on its male superstars. Even as actresses take centre stage in increasingly diverse narratives, the question remains: why does a film headlined by a woman often have to work harder to draw audiences into theatres? From Mother India, Sujata and Bandini to ChaalBaaz, English Vinglish, Mardaani and Crew, Hindi cinem | Click Here...
Nana Patekar: The Star Who Never Bowed; Film Historian Dilip Thakur Recalls Cinema Icon’s Untold Stories
Acclaimed actor Nana Patekar passed away today, leaving behind a legacy defined by fiery performances, solid authenticity, and an arresting screen presence. A powerhouse who transitioned seamlessly from theatre to cinema, Patekar held a special place among Marathi artists who left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. Remembering the cinema icon, veteran journalist and film historian Dilip Thakur shared a rich collection of anecdotes that capture the actor’s unapologetic nature, professional discipline, and fiercely independent spirit both on and off the set. Patekar’s legend | Click Here...
Gaiety Galaxy’s Golden Age: Film Historian Dilip Thakur Recalls Khuda Gawah’s Launch to Superstars in Disguise
The sudden and unexpected shutdown of Bandra's legendary Gaiety Galaxy complex has sent shockwaves through the Hindi film industry. For decades, the theatre was not just a screening venue, but the ultimate crucible for a Bollywood film's success. Following the heartbreaking news, senior journalist and film historian Dilip Thakur opened his archives to share the forgotten milestones that cemented the complex's iconic status. The Grandeur of Khuda Gawah In a rare cinematic event, the muhurat (launch ceremony) for Khuda Gawah (1992) took place directly inside Gai | Click Here...