Rediscovered short film showcases Irrfan Khan’s acting mastery

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak

is a disturbing portrayal of the hidden violence embedded in everyday life under feudal, patriarchal, and capitalist structures. After 25 years, the rediscovered VHS tape of this 43‑minute short film, directed by , stands as a fitting tribute to ’s artistry. Shot in 2000 but lost before release, it finally surfaced on 29 April 2026 through and has already drawn 589,549 views. Its power of performance and storytelling ensures a lasting legacy.

The narrative revisits themes of gender, honour killing, and class through a haunting monologue carried almost entirely by Irrfan Khan. His presence transforms the abandoned house setting into a stage for memory, grief, regret, and fragile human connection. A slow, violin‑led score intensifies the unease, while the eerie location adds emotional depth to the tale of , a financially broken musician whose creative pursuit unravels a story of love, reconciliation, and despair.

Irrfan Khan’s performance is a masterclass in restraint and nuance, conveying meaning beyond dialogue. ’s brief appearance signals the rise of another formidable talent. Supporting roles by , Annu Khandelwal, , Satish Kalra, and Anand Mishra leave distinct impressions despite limited screen time. The film’s strength lies in its simplicity—raw talent flourishing without excess.

The Last Tenant depicts life and love in a where class dictates creativity and patriarchal honour killing masquerades as cultural norm. Yet characters like Sagar break through these ceilings with sheer creative force, offering hope in a hopeless world.

There are no sweet dreams here, only echoes of alienation. The abandoned house becomes a metaphor for society itself, storing regressive traditions under the guise of honour. How many girls must die to preserve it? How many Sagars must suffer to sustain their art? The film does not answer—it provokes.

Incarceration of Prof Saibaba 'revives' the question: What is crime, who is criminal?

By Kunal Pant* In 2016, a Supreme Court Judge asked the state of Maharashtra, “Do you want to extract a pound of flesh?” The statement was directed against the state for contesting the bail plea of Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba was arrested in 2014, a justification for which was to prevent him from committing what the police called “anti-national activities.”

When Sardar Patel opposed reservation, asked Scheduled Castes to give up their “inferiority” complex

Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel By Dr Hari Desai* It is ironical indeed. Though Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was opposed to any kind of reservation in the government jobs and education as well as in the legislatures (like Mahatma Gandhi), even today his name is being drawn in controversies in the present-day agitations demanding reservation in India.

India’s heatwave crisis: How concrete cities are fueling climate emergency

By Rajkumar Sinha* According to recent studies, urban areas are witnessing a much sharper rise in temperatures than rural regions. The planet is currently heading toward an additional 1.9°C of warming — far beyond the target envisioned under the Paris Agreement . A team of climate scientists associated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has noted that India’s average temperature increased by nearly 0.9°C during the decade between 2015 and 2024 compared to the early twentieth century (1901–1930). In western and northeastern India, the hottest day of the year has already become 1.5°C to 2°C warmer since the 1950s.

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