South Asian Streaming Guide: May 2024
As the volume of streaming options continues to grow, I’m making an effort to be more intentional with my viewing choices - less mindlessly watching Love Is Blind, more seeking out work created by and centering the South Asian community and other communities of color. As I do so, I’ll be creating monthly streaming guides for Kahani Digital to spotlight projects that deserve our attention. Check out May’s recommendations below.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Heeramandi right up until the very end. I am a big fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and was incredibly excited when I first heard this project announced, but this sprawling, eight-episode series is often trying to tell too many stories at once – some about chief courtesan Mallikajaan and her battles with family to gain and retain her seat of power, and some about the larger societal context courtesans exist in. But when the show in its back half finally commits to connecting the courtesans' lives with the fight for Indian independence, that's when it comes alive. That's in part because that storyline is carried by Aditi Rao Hydari's Bibbojaan, the standout actor and character of the series. A warning that the show does become increasingly violent, including sexual violence, making it difficult to watch, but if you can make it to the end, Heeramandi leaves a lasting impression.
Bilal Baig is the co-creator, co-writer, and star of Sort Of, which follows their character Sabi, a non-binary Pakistani Canadian, as they grapple with their identity and future. Sabi is joined on this journey by their best friend 7ven, their mom Raffo and sister Aqsa, and the Kaneko-Bauers, the family they nanny for. Sort Of joins a growing list of shows like Insecure and Ramy that bring the audience into a slice of life they may not be familiar with – in this case, one filled with queer and BIPOC characters. And like the shows I just named, Sort Of immediately makes you invest in and root for these characters. Sabi and 7ven's friendship is a particularly joyful dynamic, and Raffo's attempts to better understand her child in the face of cultural expectations will strike a chord with anyone who's ever struggled to feel seen by their family.
The current season of Hacks, in which Deborah Vance campaigns to be the new host of late night, reminded me of this charming movie from Mindy Kaling that did it first. Emma Thompson plays a Miranda Priestly-esque late night host who is forced to change up her show in order to save it. Her first decision? To hire Kaling's Molly to diversify the writers room. Watching Molly stand up to the sexism and resentment aimed her way while proving her worth is gratifying, but Thompson's Katherine Newbury is the real scene-stealer of the film, particularly when she has to decide how to handle a scandal that could destroy her reputation, career, and marriage. In show biz, stories like this one rarely have a happy ending, so for once, it's nice to see the women come out on top.
We are constantly looking for skilled writers and are open to publishing original pieces on our blogs, if you'd like to contribute email swati.chakraborty@kahanidigital.com.
