Fragmented Frames: Reflections of a Critic

by Bhawana Somaaya

From the advent of moving images more than 100 years ago to the multiple genres and mega projects of today, Indian cinema has really come a long way. The audience that earlier discarded this medium as a 'world of make-believe' is now akin to critics whose verdict determines the success of a film. Even writing on cinema, once referred to as 'yellow journalism' confined to the glossies, has transformed into a serious and respectable profession. What's more, it has even infiltrated into the front-page territory! "Fragmented Frames" is a celebration of this change in perspective, as recorded by an eminent film critic, who has seen cinema developing and achieving greater heights over the three long decades. The book offers her reflections on various aspects ranging from mythology, theatre, television, superstition to literature, scandals, controversies and more. It provides a glimpse of this dream world, and at the same time, discusses certain 'real' issues associated with it.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Bhawana Somaaya is a film critic, columnist and author. She is the former editor of Screen and written biographies of superstars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan. Her books are a point of reference for students studying cinema at Whistling Woods, Mumbai, Manipal University, Mangalore and JNU, Delhi

She is a classical dancer, a podcaster and author of 19 books. She has translated our honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s Gujarati books Saakshi Bhaav and Aankh Aa Dhanya Chhe into English as Letters to Mother and Letters to Self in 2020 and 2022 respectively. She is the Entertainment Editor at 92.7 Big FM Radio Channel.

Somaaya was conferred with Padma Shri in 2017, an honorary Doctorate by Jagran Lake city University in 2021 and Kanak Nartan Puraskaar from Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalay in 2022. Her new book is due for release end of the year.

Reviews

[Preeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I liked the foreword by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker. Gowariker writes that while most books delving on the genesis of cinema have a tendency of becoming boring, Fragmented Frames presents the magic and the madness of showbusiness with passion and delight. After reading the book, I agree that it rare and a compassionate book. Go get your copy now.