The SCMC Chronicle Entertainment Magazine

SPECTATORMarch 2020

Understanding GenZ

Inside: A New-Age Storyteller

Flip to: Love in the Age of Social Media CONTRIBUTORS

SPECTATOR The SCMC Chronicle Entertainment Magazine

Managing Editor: Dr. Sreeram Gopalkrishnan Executive Editor: Liji Ravindran Associate Editor: Supriti Malhotra Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Assistant Editor (Design): Jaideep Kumar Layout and Design: Pratikshya Mishra once said, “My goal is never to be

Pratikshya Editorial Team - Batch 2020 (Journalism) the loudest, or the craziest, but Arpan Cheema Mishra Arpan Audita Bhattacharya the most entertaining.” Gunjan Hariramani Cheema Kavisha Manwani We, at Spectator aim to be all Pratikshya Mishra Kavisha Rohaan Dev three ­­— loud, crazy, and of course, Manwani entertaining. When you hold a A publication of Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication (for internal circulation only) copy of the Spectator in your hand, you’re looking at a land of Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication magic, where entertainment isn’t Symbiosis Viman Nagar Campus, Survey No. 231, off New Airport Rd, just about showbiz, it’s about you. Viman Nagar, Pune 411014, , – Editors, Spectator

Write to: [email protected]

Audita Rohaan Dev Bhattacharyya Gunjan Hariramani Pg 6 Pg 13 Pg 26 Love in the time Fast fashion and the Lights, camera, action: of social media struggle to make degree films and more it’s name in a world Pg 10 ruled by GenZ Pg 36 Catsuits to Captains: Knock, knock, who’s there? The evolution of Pg 16 female superheroes 10 reasons why Pg 44 on screen this generation A new-age storyteller: the can’t help but press story of ’s Jamtara “next episode”

Pg 22 Fit in or stand out?

Pg 24 GenZ and femininity

AND MORE...

4 5 inL the timeO of social media til the end of time. Today, many among the youth fear commit- ment. In any case, being cher- ished will last only when it is tied in with being acknowledged for what one is, not for what one V E appears to be. Today, young - Audita Bhattacharya people who have recently grad- uated from college want things, ome things must not change, like travel a lot, and find satisfaction Slove. Life on the internet may have in their contraptions and appli- allowed youngsters to easily associate cations. But for the more settled online, create connections, and be sure individuals, the online world about themselves; yet it has also led does not always constitute re- to an understanding that all that is said ality. The virtual world is fraught and done online, and the persona that with dangers, and you essen- is created, is somewhat shallow. Ever- tially need to battle unknown lasting love doesn’t exist on the web. online warriors.

This is on the grounds that affection is To experience passionate feel- a deeply individual thing. You have to ings for someone is to perceive submit your entire self to that someone. that somebody exceptional is that, occasionally, the individu- You can’t simply love a person at the out there. Genuine romance als most deserving of it, don’t click of a mouse. You can’t judge how exists, yet the harshest thing is find it at all. wonderful someone is through an im- As you become more sea- age or a post. No selfie can catch the soned, you start to search for magnificence of an individual. You need better things, want numerous to battle with the inquiries regarding ex- progressions in nearly every- istence with this one individual you love thing, until you understand that and revere, and be brave enough to en- having discovered someone dure the cruel responses you may get. else may very well mean a lot of realisations about yourself. Youthful couples these days want the When you love somebody, you entire world to realize the extent of their will discover that it isn’t tied in love for one another. In times past, two with needing to make this indi- spirits who wished to be as one, away vidual the same as you are, or from the world, felt that the one person of copying the happiness of oth- that they needed be with so as to live er people around you, or of be- was their one true love.You had to walk ing praised by all of mankind of kilometers, dream dreams together, being equivalent of the timeless feel sadness and agony together, in the romance of Romeo and Juliet. Photo by luizclas from Pexels belief that the affection would go on un- 6 7 On social media, you can just post what you feel not how you Love isn’t just virtual nearness. feel. Individuals can change It is the solid presence of some- their appearances and edit re- one, where not just their glow volting posts, but not hide awful is felt, but the additional joy of connections. Two decades or their adoration and little demon- so back, courtship was difficult. strations of care and affection. Winning the heart of a truly ex- It is this way: if you are online ceptional woman had to done in spending restless evenings the hardest way possible. You doing what seem like moronic had show restraint in all things. things, over and over again, at You needed to really purchase that point simply try not to. and send her roses, chocolates and what not.

. Iromancet isn’t genuine

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

8 9 resentation of women in their in support. Because of her po- selves with their powers, result- cinematic universe. Taika Waiti- litical activism & Infinity War’s ing in shenanigans. But Carol Catsuits to ti’s Thor: Ragnarok introduced post credits scene leading into doesn’t get this luxury, and it’s us to Valkyrie. Tessa Thompson Captain Marvel, the movie was frustrating to watch. Where played the character, whose highly anticipated. When it fi- their anger is righteous and Captains: only ‘likeable’ trait was that she nally released, the story it told just, hers is dangerous and un- could kick ass in a fight. She is was a distinctly female one. welcome. She’s the most pow- the complete opposite of Diana Carol Danvers is constantly told erful character in the MCU, and – cynical instead of hopeful, a to rein her powers in, to not let yet she’s the only one forced the Evolution of Female mercenary instead of a saviour, her anger fuel her actions. She to fight with one hand tied be- disillusioned instead of amazed struggles with her emotions and hind her back. Her memory is Superheros on Screen at the world around her – and instincts, not trusting them and erased and she’s then used as - Shradhdha Das yet, she is a superhero. Where believing that they’re getting in a weapon on the wrong side of Diana was perfect and good, her way. This has never been the war – her agency is stripped Valkyrie is messy and selfish – the case with any of the male in a manner that is jarringly re- and it’s liberating to watch both Avengers – they simply ac- flective of the world we live in. t the turn of the current cen- over his health and safety, lat- in assembling the Avengers. of them have complete control quire their powers and go trig- Atury, there was a slew of fe- er taking over Stark Industries. She’s clearly a key character. over their stories on screen. ger happy with them. There are The definitive moment of the male superhero movies. All of She exists completely in his But despite the long clamouring innumerable funny montages film is when she spares her them tanked at the box office. context; and although it’s clear for a solo movie by fans across In a bid to appeal to increasingly set to quirky music, where male mentor-turned-nemesis, but Cut to 2020 – there are five fe- that she’s essential to him, she the board, the Black Widow diverse global audiences, Mar- superheroes familiarise them- not out of the goodness of her male led franchises releasing never seems important to the movie was announced only af- vel Studios announced Black heart. “I don’t need to prove this year alone, with three big plot. ter the character sacrificed her- Panther and Captain Marvel “I DON’T NEED anything to you” she says, ris- Hollywood weekends reserved self in Endgame in 2019. – with diverse writers and di- for them. How did we get here? Natasha Romanoff is the next rectors working on both proj- TO PROVE major female character to be in- DC and Warner Bros’ Won- ects. Black Panther released ANYTHING TO YOU” Marvel struck gold with Iron troduced, again as Tony Stark’s der Woman was the definitive first – doing extremely well at Man and began to capitalize on demure, beautiful secretary, game changer that led to this the box office, earning Marvel the superhero genre in 2008. where she’s placed to spy long-awaited move. Releasing its first Academy Award nomi- Pepper Potts, introduced in the on him. The other characters in 2017 after the first Women’s nation and becoming a cultural first Iron Man as Tony Stark’s treat her as a mystery, and she March in the US and a renewed phenomenon. It arguably did trusted Girl Friday was primar- keeps cropping up in other peo- feminist movement across the more for female representa- ily a love interest – she worries ple’s films – assisting Nick Fury world in the face of right wing tion than all of the Marvel mov- governments, Wonder Woman ies preceding it. The women was an instant success. Femi- of Black Panther were layered nists and film critics both laud- and multi-dimensional – Shuri ed the film for its portrayal of Di- is a genius scientist/princess, ana Prince. The film is an origin Nakia is a radical secret agent, story that explores how Diana Ramonda is the grieving but is introduced to the man’s world strong queen, and Okoye is and how she ultimately saves it the fiercely loyal chief of the from itself. She values her fem- king’s guard. All of them are ininity, unlike the cookie cutter connected to Challa – through strong female characters that family, duty or romance – but the 2010s were populated with, their character arcs are never and her mission to save the hindered by their respective re- world is ultimately driven (and lationships with the hero. Black won) by empathy and kindness. Panther set a new benchmark for storytelling and represen- In the face of Wonder Wom- tation in the genre, surpassing an’s success, Marvel Studios all expectations. The #MeToo was criticiezed yet again on the movement erupted in 2018 and Image Courtesy: Marvel Studios sheer lack of good, diverse rep- Brie Larson spoke out loudly Image Courtesy: DC

10 11 The actresses have been ruth- lessly trolled online, sat across sexist interviewers who are only interested in tight costumes and overly sexualised by fans and filmmakers alike. The world of SLOW & superheroes has always been unfair to the women who inhab- it it, just like ours. The purpose of stories is to make a variety of STEADY audiences empathise with the protagonists and in turn, em- FAST FASHION AND ITS ing above male validation, quite with the highly entertaining and pathise with the people around literally. The film is a remark- blessedly free of male gaze, them. For ages, these protago- STRUGGLE TO MAKE A NAME ably brazen and timely rejec- Birds of Prey. Harley Quinn nists have been men. It’s 2020 IN THE GEN Z-RULED WORLD tion of the many ways in which has never been a superhero, now, and empathising with a male perspectives and actions let alone a feminist one (see: woman won’t hurt anyone. shape female lives. It also ca- her abusive relationship with - Tanushi Bhatnagar sually made a billion dollars at the Joker), but Margot Robbie’s our Instagram feed is a rabbit hole and as the domestic box office, despite portrayal of her in Birds of Prey you travel down it, you find an overdose a targeted trolling effort which is hilarious, powerful and down- Y of ruffles and flares; colorful sunglasses and significantly reduced its score right insane. It does away with fur-coated heels; neon jumpers; and frankly, on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. all the unnecessary hyper-sex- numerous excuses for ‘shirts’; which are just ualisation and lets the charac- a few, albeit cynical, examples of what we call Post Black Panther and Captain ters be imperfect in a relatable HOW COME YOU ‘Fast Fashion’. Social media empowered the Marvel, fans started demanding and hilarious manner. They are new age, creating a huge advantage for high an all-female Avengers movie. not glorified and put on a ped- GET THE REALLY fashion brands, which now use the perfect Avengers: Endgame featured estal, a phenomenon that has blend of influencer marketing and mind-blow- a now iconic moment where all become sort of an occupational INTERESTING, ing discounts. This contributed to the rising the female superheroes team hazard with strong female char- phenomenon of fast fashion. up to help Carol get the infinity acters across genres. EXISTENTIAL, gauntlet across safely. As cool and badass as it was, the scene While representation seems to QUESTION AND So, what exactly is Fast Fashion? seemed like a cop out, so fans be heading in the right direction, amplified their demands after it has not been an easy ride. I GET THE, LIKE, Fast fashion is the mass production of clothes news broke that the actresses All of these movies have been that are affordable, low-quality, and more of- had pitched an A-Force movie heavily criticised by misogynist RABBIT FOOD ten than not, high-fashion rip-offs. They are to Disney. fans across the world. There usually produced in third-world countries with are versions of Avengers: End- QUESTION? minimal consideration for the labor-force, or While an all-female Marvel game on YouTube – in which all the environmental effects they might have. movie does not seem likely scenes featuring women have Its popularity comes from the fact that these anytime soon, DC made history been edited out. clothes make the wearer look like they’re - Scarlett Johansson on wearing something luxurious. being asked about her It started out as a gimmick to grab the ‘millen- diet right after a nial attention’. Fast fashion was rather easy co- actor was asked to market back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Brands about his acting like H&M, Zara, Forever 21, are the ones to process hold in contempt for cashing in on this concept based on the phenomena of ‘instant gratifica- tion’. Millennials branded themselves around the identity of the brand they shopped for Image Courtesy: Gurbani Sandhu and thus encouraged the idea of fast fashion.

12 13 Most of the brands marketing themselves as the for acceptance, it is somewhat ing seen twice in a dress al- caterers of fast fashion have a booming online ironic to say that the Gen Z is ready immortalized in a picture presence. Their hassle free service and break- so used to accepting differenc- online is almost a cardinal sin. neck speeds of delivery have become hallmarks es that it is almost odd if one of the industry. Their reliance on social media does not showcase anything Gen Z is more comfortable in comes with a consequence – they sometimes supposedly ‘distinct.’ buying second-hand clothes “It is speak out about the causes the new generation from thrift shops, garage sales, is interested in. However, with the sky-rocketing Our generation has a deep and clothes renting apps than imperative cost of living, a ₹900 dress is more desirable to a understanding of fundamental any other generation. More 20-something than a house or a car. It’s actually human rights, environmental and more brands are taking up a very simple choice – why should one end up causes, and the moral concept ecologically conscious projects that now with debt trying to buy an apartment when they of right and wrong. Dozens of and providing rental services. can just buy a replica of Kylie Jenner’s Balmain brands have lost their credibil- Instead of the ‘instant gratifi- we start outfit for a fraction of the cost? ity and gone out of business, cation’ granted by buying fast owing to their relentless and fashion, these options not only thinking wasteful ways of production. give a chance to showcase a Forever 21 is one of the most distinct style and identity but Photo by Markus Spiske Pexels from of more WHAT commonly known examples. also give the feeling of ‘doing good for the environment.’ ABOUT Brands, which only catered to sustainable millennials so far, now have to THE rethink their marketing strate- ways to gies or will be easily pushed out of the market. Personalized look CLIMATE, advertisements, a call-to-action social campaign, and talking about pertinent issues are es- fashionable We have all watched the vi- THOUGH? sential to building trust with ral video of the Gen Z prodigy, their fresh-out-of-the-womb while Greta Thunberg, attempting cycled or recycled, often go to If there’s one difference be- consumer base. Therefore, to pierce the uncompromising landfills where they are burnt. tween millennials and Gen Z, the shift from ‘being seen as boomer hearts with a “How rocking it’s that millennials grew up the brand wishes to’ to ‘being dare you!” We are also pro- Fast fashion producing compa- knowing of a climate crisis, and perceived through influencers foundly affected by air pollution, nies rarely care about the envi- the Gen Z grew up acting upon as the customers want to’ was a clean and increasing every Diwali. How- ronment; however, they do like it. Being a generation born in a gradual but struck a chord with ever, we conveniently overlook to pretend that they do. A jum- cradle made of smartphones, Gen Z. green earth the effects our clothes can have bled stew of vague terms like they have rarely seen life out- on the environment. “sustainable,” “life,” “conscious- side of the internet and social The new generation is often as our ness,” and “recycled” mixed in media. seen as fickle and constantly Fast fashion, because of the with corporate drivel are used to oscillating between capricious dearth and the high production runway.” distract the consumer and give fashion trends. Raised by a cost of natural fibers, is quite lit- GEN Z and its contribution a false pretense of caring about generation shaped by the re- erally made of plastics and oils. to sustainable fashion the same causes as them. Add- cession, they are actually rath- When washed, these clothes ing a “25% off on your next pur- er practical with their money. release toxic microfibers and Gen Z is changing the shopping chase” coupon simply acts as Monetary value matters to the microplastics into the water norms around the world. They click bait to get consumers to Gen Z as much as the emotion- bodies, which in turn affect the care about their ideologies be- buy more of their clothes. al value attached to the brand marine ecosystem. Their pro- ing reflected in the brands that they shop at; hence, they rarely duction reportedly emits more they invest in. Apart from being are loyal to any one brand. greenhouse gasses than the HOW at the top of their game on so- plane that transports them from cial media, they care about the Recycling clothes is one of the one place to another. Unsold effect those clothes have on the DARE most effective solutions in this products, which could very environment as well. In these age of social media where be- Photo by Simon Migaj from Pexels conveniently be donated, up- YOU? tumultuous times of fighting 14 15 We stand in an era of “can’t just “Just one more episode” have enough” and it applies rather aptly to the impatient and “To be continued?!” curious youth worldwide. The emerging demand of streaming “I have to know how it ends!” sites is not only giving a boost to the concept of binge watching Well we all have been there. This but also changing the dynamics addictive habit of binge watch- of consumer consumption. ing has officially turned into the new normal. With spending What captures one person’s most amount of time on their attention and grabs the inter- screens, millennials and GenZ est automatically spreads like both have created this new cul- a wildfire in the entire group ture. Here are 10 reasons why and ultimately user to user you or I cannot stop doing TV mouth recommendations sells shows marathons even when it the media product in the mar- costs us those dark circles and ket. Once we hit the “play” and under-eyes! I couldn’t agree get hooked to the first episode, more with Netflix’s CEO when it’s just a matter of time that we he said, “We’re competing with start watching rest of the epi- sleep.” sodes.

16 17 Photo by Pexels from JESHOOTS.com

An escape from reality Amidst the draining, machine 3 life that we are living, there is a constant need to vent frus- tration and ease up every now and then. Maybe that’s when an escape from reality seems like a soothing idea to take up. Not all Saturdays The idea of cozying up in beds spectator and couches in front of screens are about partying comes across as nothing less No weekend plans? Netflix and than a welcome refuge. 4 chill is always a backup for all failed plans or no plans at all. The idea of ice cream or pop- corn, and an entire season to watch sounds like the ‘me time’ Procrastinating you need. is the way - Kavisha Manwani When there are 500 things to do 5 and you can’t figure out the way with all the deadlines and stress that comes with them, Netflix Content is the and other streaming platforms master card can be a great way to let your Lot of Catching mind loosen up for a while and Apart from all of the reasons 6 above, the content Netflix and up to do give you a fresh breath of air. other OTT platforms stream are Imagine a show is really popular very different from mainstream 1 among your friends, and while content and that proves out to everybody gets the inside jokes be the USP to hook the binge from the show, you cannot par- watchers. Un-censored content ticipate in the conversation. Uh The race with the Intrigued? Well opens up the gates for diversity huh? That is exactly what leads spoilers and attracts a broader range of to binge watching a show, even Yes... Binge watching the shows with audience. if its much later than its sched- 32% of viewers deliberately put 7 latest updates and new epi- uled timeslot. Stats show more 2 off watching an entire season of sodes are a must to stay away than 61 percent of watchers a show until they can watch it from the floating spoilers on the watch more than four episodes all at once, and 39% say some internet. They are everywhere of the same show in a day only shows are just better when and the only way you can beat to “catch up!” watched back-to-back-to-back. them is by watching everything (Hint: You Know You Love Me. before somebody spills the de- Xoxo Gossip Girl) tails. For example, “Brian Stark sits on the iron throne... Oh shit! You haven’t watched it yet?”

18 19 Recommendations and suggestions “ON THE Tweeting and recommending 8 shows is a great way of ex- ploring like-mindedness and broadening perspectives to- wards new content as well. This INTERNET YOU proves to be beneficial not only for the user-base but also the marketers of the products. You have the remote, literally GET CONTINUOUS Streaming OTT platforms are 9 very user centric, unlike main- stream conventional television. Tailor made Here, the viewer has control interface over the hours and amount of INNOVATION, SO the content he wants to con- As a viewer, these platforms sume. In this fast paced world, 10 give the liberty to enhance they can decide how much to mood in a particular situation watch and when to watch ac- and help people stay in their cording to their convenience comfort zone. If you have had a and flexibility. EVERY YEAR THE bad day at work, a nice comedy show might be the answer. Hav- ing the power to watch whatev- er you feel like gives a sort of independence. “More like this” or “because you watched this” STREAMS ARE A are some examples of this. LITTLE BETTER.”

The fact that the concept of binge watching is accepted as the new normal - Reed Hastings is not only telling about the environment that’s evolving, but also about the choices that we as audiences are making. The post play function, next episode, skip intro and other options are right in our face, nurturing the viewers in a particular mould. Even though the bingeing culture that has come up in this generation does not only limit to watching, binge watching relates to all. It is no longer a choice, it’s a feeling.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ART STREIBER FOR FORTUNE

20 21 of sour candy, it is an acquired own instincts. Everything was taste. Everyone, from my cous- about “what one should do”. It ins to my parents’ cousins ad- was so unlike me. However, I vised me relentlessly on how decided that “fitting in” would one must overcome the vari- perhaps be the best decision, ous obstacles during their col- considering how I would re- lege life. Ironically, they would main uncriticized. I was wrong. contradict themselves in their I was criticized more than ever. pursuit of “preparing me for the real world”. I was deemed to be fake, naïve and more importantly, “incapa- Looking back, it was rather fool- ble of making rational choices ish of me to let their notions de- due to my extreme emotions”, termine the quality of my deci- according to the “incredibly sions in college. At that point in wise words” of a fellow class- Courtesy: Gurbani Sandhu Courtesy: time, my decisions were based mate whom I considered to on others’ advice more than my be a close friend at the time. I was devastated after they said that to me. However, it also gave me a reality check. I de- cided to be me, regardless of In the end, our whether that was perceived as “fitting in” or “standing out”. I decided not to give these per- individuality matters ceptions the authority to deter- most. Every choice mine my character. It suddenly didn’t matter to me, if being myself meant that that we make must I would be “missing out on col- lege life”. In the constant fear rely on our own of missing out, people end up FIT IN OR STAND OUT? doing things that they are un- – Hamsini Narasimhan comfortable with and which perceptions. they often come to regret. It is definitely not worth it. I made ollectively as a society, we as social chameleons is quite we are often expected to think Suddenly, it wouldn’t my own choices, whether it Csurvive on myths. Unfortu- ironic. Social chameleons are different. More often than not, meant that it was something nately, we rely on them as much those who pay attention to so- this very expectation is the root that my family and friends as we rely on oxygen. Every- cial cues and blend seamlessly. cause for us being held captive matter if doing so would disapprove of. thing, ranging from the memory Whereas, ideally, it should be in the dungeons of idealism. I of goldfish being limited to three those who can be themselves still remember my first day in We live in a society where seconds to “purification” rituals fearlessly. college, everything was “new”. meant that we were people misuse the liberty of widely prevalent in remote re- However, “new” doesn’t neces- what they claim to be “stand- gions of India, relies on myths. After spending nearly two years sarily translate to “nice”. We, as ing out” as a means of garner- “fitting in” or ing attention, often a vehicle in college, I believe that we are a species, are conditioned into for meaningless popularity. Contrary to popular belief, cha- all social chameleons, regard- thinking that anything new is meleons don’t change the co- “Standing out”, often serves less of the existing dichoto- nice, because we often asso- lour of their skins in order to my between the interpretation “standing out”. as a medium to make a state- ciate the term with adjectives camouflage, but to communi- of its definition. We are either ment. However, one must un- such as fresh and exciting. cate with each other or regu- tired of fitting in or from stand- apologetically be themselves late their body temperatures. ing out. In a major academic The newness experienced by while doing so. Therefore, classifying people stream like communications, me was rather similar to that 22 23 Photo by Larissa Wolf from Pexels GENZ AND UNCONVENTIONAL Femininity

THE REVOLUTIONIST

Image Courtesy: Gurbani Sandhu Photo by Sides Imagery from Pexels

24 25 Onto Better Places Onto Better Places is the story of Jai accepting and moving on from his younger sister’s fate due to her ill health. He takes a literal journey of acceptance in a fantastical land when he’s been kidnapped by two rath- er mysterious characters. He’s supposedly the “Chosen One” and must lead these two char- acters toward a “Creator” who threatens to destroy their world if one of his possessions is not returned to him. Will they be Director: Arnav Pingale Core Crew: Meha Madan, Varun Menon, Sarthak Verma, able to return this possession in Aishwarya Narayanan, Parth Rahatekar, Prithvi GM time and save their world from LIGHTS being destroyed? CAMERA Pain in the ACTION Present he degree film season is right around the corner, This story speaks about a and the Audio-Visual Communication Batch of woman who is going through T emotions that are best de- 2020 is coming out with not only short films, but also scribed and expressed documentaries. The Spectator brings to you a sneak through the form of dance peek into the amazing content to look out for, as the whilst keeping the abstract director describe it themselves – nature of this film intact. The story speaks of the man- Curated by: Gunjan Hariramani ner in which a woman in an unhealthy relationship tries to cope and struggles each day to get back her family to care for her and to love her back.

Director: Sanjana ND Core Crew: Ajay Babu, Rhea Fernandes, THE FILMS TO WATCH OUT FOR Miyanka Sekhri, Meher Dhillon

Photo by Pratik Gupta from Pexels 26 27 Chingri Boondi Debi ke Laddoo Chingri Debi is a Bengali film, shot in the streets of Kalighat, The city of has crores . The film highlights the of stories living in its dark and presence of the Goddess Kali bright, narrow and wide cor- in every woman with a duality ners. In Boondi ke Laddoo, two in her nature; both love and de- such stories are intertwined via struction. The story begins with fate. In the unlikeliest of scenar- 7-year-old Chingri who lives ios, two characters are faced in an adjusted state of reality with obstacles that test their with her mother Baishnobi, who relationships with their loved she believes is slated to marry ones like never before. Bhairaba. It follows Chingri’s The film studies a contrast in life in parallel to that of the sev- characters that makes a state- eral women in her vicinity, each ment about the stereotypes and Director: Smera Juneja in their own ‘Kali’ moment, car- hypocrisy in our society while Core Crew: Ritika Dwivedi, Tenzin Dasel, Arghya Das rying out their daily chores in making you chuckle at the hys- an ordinary fashion – despite terics of these unorthodox char- Director: Stuti Sengupta feeling intense rage from the acters faced with extraordinary Core Crew: Ronit Soin, Prithwish Patra, wrongs that they have faced. Rahul Kamble, Prachi Rawal situations.

Untapped Blue- bird Underground Blue Bird is a short film about 20 year old Grace, whose life Untapped Underground is a comes crashing down after a documentary about the un- shattering expose on social derground dance scene in media. Bombay which is still unex- Blue Bird is a story that re- plored. It focuses on how the flects the world we live in – a entire hip hop dance scene world where the internet is in Bombay started and who just an extension of our re- were the pioneer crews and ality. Through Grace, we dis- their members. The docu- cover the many shades of mentary explores how the grey that exist in a world that people involved in the scene strives for black and white. economically, socially and And we ask the question that culturally affected. all of us must answer, one day or another, for better or worse: Have you ever lied on the internet? Director: Amar Kate Team: Krysanne Martis, Aishwarya Narayan Core Crew: Khushi Khurana, Ajinkya Bhalerao, Vidushi Singh, Sneha Mendes

28 29 Saifu What’s in A young boy who does not un- derstand politics, religion or the reasons behind them is faced by a name? a situation where all these factors are cultivating riots. To be or not Frustrated by their names be- to be, where to go and who to be ing butchered all their lives, two are all questions he deals with. sixth graders form a secret club ‘Saifu’ is a film that puts us in a to assert their unique identi- scenario where we all are current- ties and make strong bonds of ly, human beings being separated friendship in the process. by the fences of religion. Divid- ed neighborhoods, hatred for the ‘others’, violence and chaos were the central driving forces. Was it the people who had hatred for each other? Or was it the ones in power behind the manipulation? Saifu is our window to these sub- jects in 1980, but is the situation Director: Ritika Dwivedi any different today? Director: Pradyumna Gaikwad Core Crew: Richa Nagare, Nikhil Kujur, Arghya Das, Core Crew: Krysanne Martis, Nikhil Kujur, Tenzin Dasel, Swati Trivedi Simran Alwani, Ritesh Gupta, Sai Vandana

Seasonal Fleeting Greetings Beauty As the seasons hum the melody of love, shedding flowers to the amours, Seasonal Greetings is A woman who loses her sight one such snippet of a florist who as a child regains her sight stumbles upon an unexpected for a fleeting moment & is in event as she meets someone search of answers, if she can along the route of life. truly regain the sight.

Director: Tanmay Madhukar Core Crew: Prapti Kesarkar, Sahej Nandrajog, Director: Kinley Pelmo Adharsh Thangamani, Naimish Joshi Core Crew: Thinley Wangchuk, Imkomkongkumzuk Jamir, Chimmi Dorji

30 31 As she swipes through the plethora of Swiping people that come on her screen, she stumbles upon a certain bio that piques her interest. “Looking forward to having conversations about our environment”, it reads. As she swipes a little more, she FOR sees that more people were interested in having conversations about our political Change structure, feminism and climate change.

–Parvathi Sajiv Kumar

he generation that is poised to Women have also made the shift Tenter the workforce and is reach- from fast fashion – inexpensively ing a position of authority is trying to mass-produced clothes which often change the narrative that has been employ child labour in underdevel- built all these years. This Generation oped countries – to buying much whom we dub “Generation Z” ( peo- more eco-friendly clothes. Recy- ple born in 1997 - 2012) is coming to cling is the new trend that they are the forefront to try to make a differ- following. In fact, seeing the efforts ence from what society was like ear- of this generation, major companies lier. With the dynamics of social roles such as Levi’s and Nike have taken changing with this fast-paced world, a strong stance on social issues in it comes as no surprise how Gener- their marketing campaigns. ation Z has taken it upon themselves to create an impact. Movies have always been the largest platform to create a social message. It is interesting to note how this Gen- Parasite, the winner of the Best Pic- eration’s search for truth has them ture award at the 92nd Academy rejecting major labels, as they try to Awards, throws light on the impact create a niche for themselves. The of environmental changes and how rise of social media forums such as it ties into economic inequality. Reddit portray the same phenome- non where people create niche envi- Even though climate change wasn’t ronments to hold discussions; and a the major focus of the movie, a part community builds as a result. of the movie focuses on how the family is trying to wade through the This generation often makes small floods that have affected their live-

efforts to create a big impact. The lihood. The family is trying to sal- Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels openness around menstrual health vage their possessions from gush- has resulted in many women switch- ing waters mixed with sewage. This ing to menstrual cups, which are a is shown in contrast to the wealthy sustainable and environment friend- family they work for who see the ly alternative to sanitary napkins. rains as a minor inconvenience to 32 33 their lavish plans. Parasite aims to influence the minds to take a strong initiative towards salvaging the last shreds of humanity left to save the climate.

An interesting point to note is how apps have also started catering to “ is one such initiative start- Gen Z needs. Bitmoji - Snapchat’s ed by two YouTubers - MrBeast and AR has also stepped up their game Mark Rober. They managed to raise 20 to take a stand on climate change. Their new WaterLine lens shows million U.S Dollars before 2020 to plant the bleak future that is awaiting us 20 million trees. This initiative was sup- due to rising water levels and global ported by donors such as Elon Musk, warming. Through these small but effective steps, more and more peo- Tobias Lütke, Marc Benioff.” ple are getting involved in the entire fight against climate change.

Another major platform where a di- alogue for climate change has been initiated is in the world of TikTok. This video-sharing app which is used to make hilarious videos and sing along to songs is now being used to advocate against climate change. Climate change is a real threat that ture to want to create a better place Gen Z is not in denial of, and so it pushes them to strive for it. The peo- The app has several posts with the comes as no surprise that they are ple are mobilising to create change. hashtag #GlobalWarming and vid- ready to bring about a sustainable A change that will sustain us and a eos where people cough up gar- change. change meant to divert the narrative bage, covering themselves in waste for future generations. plastic, and applying disease-like There are countless Gen-Zers taking makeup. All these visuals portray the the initiative ahead. Greta Thunberg As important issues take a front dark side of climate change. created a storm when she advocat- seat, swiping right on a person with ed for climate change. views that align with yours seems The iGen is storming each platform like a new way to mobilise and en- one by one. Considering that 81 per Like Greta, many are coming up with sure that the change you want to see cent of the viewership in the US is innovative ideas and their innate na- becomes a reality. Gen Z, several initiatives have been taken by YouTubers to inform their young audiences about the perils of climate change.

As this generation consumes more and more content, streaming ser- vices are also trying to get on the bandwagon of ecologically aware content. The Netflix original doc- umentary “Our Planet” won at the Emmys in 2019. It tries to show the earth for its beauty, reminding the audiences that the reward for saving the planet is the planet itself. 34 35 hat do Bhuvan Bam, then the wild-card guests. The the main question because we WTaapsee Pannu, Richa comedians mentor the celeb- can’t completely separate Bam Chadha, Vishal Dadlani, and rities, and then they enter the from the genre. The sets that Shashi Tharoor all have in stage for their ‘one night of follow elicited a range of reac- common? The answer is sim- comedy’, or rather an attempt tions from cringe to raucous ple, there is no obvious similar- at comedy. This begs the ques- laughter. ity. Yet, this was the seemingly tion- should comedy be left to random combination of people the comics? Taapsee Pannu, one of the comedian Sapan Verma chose night’s filmstars, grabs the spot- for Amazon Prime’s One Mic When Bhuvan Bam, one of In- light like its second nature. It’s Stand. The combination, in it- dia’s fastest growing YouTu- obvious that comedy isn’t her self, is genius. The line-up is bers, enters the stage, the audi- forte but she keeps you hooked filled with some of the best com- ence erupts into cheer which is and most of her jokes land. ics in the stand-up scene, and no surprise. Bam rose in fame combines them with almost magically; and is proba- The composer, Vishal Dadlani stars, a popular YouTuber, and bly the one closest to the genre relies on predictable jokes, and India’s charming dictionary. of comedy among the guests. if the audience reaction is any The reason for Verma’s choice His set exudes the same charm hint, he sometimes swings and becomes increasingly clear- his fans love, which is proba- misses. He attempts to talk there’s something for everyone. bly why he uses the same tac- about mental health peppered tics on stage, and it works. He in with jokes. Does he succeed The format is surprisingly sim- somehow manages to keep the with the social commentary? ple – the set is opened by one of audience hooked, even though Maybe. Does he succeed with the big comic names, followed he follows comedian Zakir the comedy? Sometimes, but by the show’s host Verma, and Khan. It still doesn’t answer we can’t blame him. As tempt- KNOCK, KNOCK! WHO’S THERE? Should we leave comedy to the comedians?

- Pratikshya Mishra

Photo by Kei Scampa from Pexels Image Courtesy: Amazon Prime

36 37 ing as it is to analyze each set bubbling with anticipation, or giving the audience a dictio- ic. In One Mic Stand, Verma and each person that stepped waiting for him to fail.The man nary which I loved.” Even brilliantly paired Tharoor with on that stage, (I understand has become almost synony- though comedians don’t evi- Kunal Kamra, a comedian that I’m not qualified to do that, but mous with complicated words, dently tryevidently try to cater is known for his political satire. when has that ever stopped but surprisingly his set was to millennials, they inevitably anybody?) the point is this – extremely relatable. It was re- do. Millennials, and specifi- One might argue that we can’t these guys managed to do what freshing to watch the man try cally the GenZ, are the new leave comedy to the comedi- they were supposed to – make to dabble in millennial lingo. audience. Comedy and sat- ans anymore because it’s a people laugh. ire have become tools for tool now. People use comedy Rashi Bhattacharyya, 20, change because that is what to make sure the new genera- Critic or not, many people seem says, “He tried to make fun the new generation responds tion is listening. However, that to agree that politician Shashi of himself and tried so hard to. That would also explain doesn’t mean that comedians Tharoor’s set was the high- to use millennial lingo, which why popular OTT platforms throw in their towel. Even as light. The snippet from his set was endearing. He had to fol- like Amazon Prime, Netflix, you read this, you must imag- was also the one that kept the low Kunal Kamra’s act, the guy and Hotstar included all have ine the look on Upmanyu’s face buzz going for the show. Social who is famous for his satire, comedy specials, from Zakir (a very popular meme, in fact) media exploded with people ei- and he still did a great job. He Khan to Vir Das. In this time when he said, “mai kya karu fir? ther gushing over Tharoor and started his set by joking about and age, everyone is a com- job chhod du?”

Even though everybody can attempt comedy (or satire), the world rarely churns out Biswa-s and Kanan-s by the dozen. It’s one thing to be funny once in a while but it’s another to make a “The Brits were lit AF career out of it. Everyone is a comic but we must leave com- edy to the comedians. Every when they saw India. One Mic Stand or Comicstaan isn’t a success. One Mic Stand succeeds mostly because of They thought our resources novelty. The sheer fact that the stars aren’t comedians became a selling point for the show. were snacc. So they built These shows act as great ‘com- ic relief’ from the plethora of content out there but it’s still the this empire that left us big names that sell.

People need to see comedians shook but we resisted like Kaneez or Sebastian in the trailer to tune in to these shows. the empire, Gandhiji That’s true for every industry because every new comedian had a big name before him, ev- and all that, because ery new singer opens for a big- ger name, and every new star YOLO.” works with a legend. Comedy isn’t easy but it’s worth a shot, just ask Tharoor. Oh, Shashi Tharoor and remember to take a Screengrab from YouTube dictionary.

38 39 Who would have thought that the word meme is short for mimeme which has its origin from Ancient Memes throughout History: Greece ! Pronounced mīmēma, it stands for ‘imitated thing’. This term was first coined in the mod- Where Did It Begin? ern times by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene in the year 1976 as Disclaimer: This article will contain unnecessary memes to convey the importance of a concept for discussion of evolu- memes in a serious article in order to increase relatability. tionary principles in explaining the – Arpan Cheema spread of ideas and cultural phe- nomena.

Examples of memes given in the ccording to reports the average attention span of book included melodies, catch- Athe thriving or rather the ‘trending’ millennials is phrases, fashion, and the technol- a whopping twelve seconds and its successive gen- ogy of building arches, a far cry eration, ‘GenZ’ has got it worse, they not only have away from the meaning of memes a shorter attention span of a disappointing eight sec- today. As the Internet advanced onds, they also juggle more screens. In such an en- and became more accessible vironment where information about everything is in to people, memes continued to abundance, it is very difficult to catch the attention of grow. Dawkins’ concept has now millennials, but the ever-evolving internet has found a turned into the hilarity that we way, memes! know as Internet culture. It’s hard to pinpoint the very first Internet In today’s social media raj, it is impossible for someone MEMES ARE THE ONLY TRU- meme, but one of the earliest was to not have been an audience of memes. The meme the 3D Dancing Baby.The Inter- culture has evolved and now its everywhere, in hard- LY GOOD THING IN THE net, by sheer virtue of its instant copy books, in classrooms, in everyday lingo and even communication, is how we now in corporate presentations. spread modern memes to each WORLD RIGHT NOW , THERE other’s inboxes. A link to a You- Memes are a very efficient Don’t know what to say to your Tube video of Rick Astley, a file conversation starter, when in girlfriend? Just send in a cute IS SO MUCH NEGATIVITY attachment with a Stars Wars Kid doubt about what to say, just meme of a fluffy animal, and it movie, an email signature with a send a meme, it makes one can be any animal, the inter- OUT THERE; THEY GIVE YOU Chuck Norris quote—these are a look less rude, still interested net has it all, its favourite is, of few examples of modern meme in the conversation, and also course, the fluffy -furry cat, but UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. symbols and culture spreading can act as an escape to the there are options for a dog per- through online media. Facebook, dying route the conversation In fact, it is seen rude in today’s son too! The last-minute panic Instagram, and , of course, between two individuals was social media culture, if a friend of sending in an assignment continue to lead the pack for in- taking. tags another friend in a funny at midnight sharp can be apt- IN THE ORDER OF stantly viral memes. meme and the person doesn’t ly conveyed by a ‘shooketh’ For the millennials who spent respond to that meme with a meme. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Memes are essentially an idea their childhood in front of com- plethora of laughing emojis. or joke expressed through con- puter screens, and find it hard Having established the popu- 1. MEMES 2. PANDA tent on the Internet. Memes can to express exactly what they larity of memes, where did they be a photo, video, person, fic- want to say, memes are the exactly come from? And before tional character, song, event, gif, perfect mediums, they are Tweet—the possibilities are end- going to the history, is it possible - Mansukhman Jhulka, Batch 20 short, snappy, often sarcas- less. A meme simply a memorable to give a definition of memes, tic and so very relatable, in a piece of content that gets spread world which is obsessed with in a world moving away from widely because of its relatability individuality. boundaries and definitions? and humour.

40 41 The memes swamped the inter- such as the floppy disks, the The category of ‘dark memes’ net in the 2000s but have been Walkman, the Mario Brothers is becoming viral. The news in existence since the 1990s. A video games which were com- and headlines today are mostly lot of memes still go back to the mon amongst the ‘90s kids are negative and bring in a feeling ‘90s building a sense of nos- made and circulated to create of sadness and fear of the dark talgia amongst the millennials a nostalgia and a sense of be- pit of immorality and danger who grew up in this period. longing for the millennials who the world is heading towards. find themselves in a much fast- Millennials have come up with Snapshots from the films which er and complicated world. dark, although sometimes in- most of the millennials have appropriate humour to cope up seen growing up are used as Today, memes have become with the sad events around the the backdrop of memes, they the millennials’ way of hiding world . gain popularity as they are true and terrifying insecurities more relatable and recognis- about how little control they The corona virus memes and able , people can relate and have over their lives. The world the World War three memes understand the memes and of memes is so vast that there being the latest and the most hence they share it. Also, things are various sub-categories. viral products of this concept.

Memes and Marketing I HAVE A YOUNGER According to Mrs Usha Khajuria, 36, who works at , Pune, as the Regional BROTHER WHO HAS Marketing Head, “ Amidst the corporate mar- keting lingo, which makes most of the audi- GROWN UP WITH HIS ence go to sleep, a meme popping up on the projector makes everyone in the conference PHONE, HIS PHONE alert, and it lightens the mood along with mak- ing the concept easier to consume. A lot can MODELS ALSO GROW AS be said and explained in just a meme.” HE GROWS OLDER, HE Creation and sharing of memes on various social media platforms heavily influence the DOESN’T KNOW THE LIFE Internet culture. In a time, everyone wants to remain relevant and fame is temporary, OF BURNING CDS AND memes become a major tool for audience traction. We want to laugh. We want to feel DOWNLOADING MUSIC included in an Internet-wide inside joke. In a highly capitalized society, the users don’t ILLEGALLY FROM THE want annoying promotions or company-made content to interrupt a good time. This is why NET INSTEAD OF USING marketers have gotten in on the fun and share meme-themed content to their social media ITUNES; SUCH MEMES profiles. This is particularly important if the target audience of the product or service is MAKE MY DAY! Millennials—the people who made the meme what it is today. - Shraddhaa Beena, Batch 21 42 43 “ ello Ma’am. I am calling from XYZ they made for the show to satisfy my HBank. You have won a free trip . to Goa as part of our card scheme. I will need your card details in order On a warm sunday afternoon in the to be able to give you your reward.” gardens of NFAI, Pune, I meet Nishank Verma, the person who conceived Sounds familiar? We all have gotten Jamtara. A storyteller, writer and actor, a “spam” call at some point in time in he not just answers my queries about our lives. It, however, wasn’t always the show, but also shares his views evident that these calls were after all, on the content we’re seeing today. He scams. At some point, there were peo- even gives some valuable insights into ple who did fall for these scams and the art of storytelling and acting, both ended up losing large amounts of close to his heart. money from their accounts. The rea- son I am talking about this is because Calm and poised, with a friendly de- there’s not much that the public knew meanor, he begins by telling me where about these scams, until, Netflix came the idea of Jamtara came from. A 2015 out with its new show, Jamtara. Indian Express report talked about the numerous phishing scams across the A Netflix Original, the series revolves country that could be traced back to around the phishing scams in Jamtara Jamtara. The uneducated young boys district of . A blend of fact who carried out a sophisticated scam and fiction, the show gives us a peek like phishing were earning upto a lakh into the operations of these scams. per day, which changed the entire face Personally, more than the fictional of Jamtara – it went from being a tradi- aspect of the show which depicts the tional Indian village to a modern, tech- interpersonal relationships of the char- nologically equipped district. With it, acters, I’m looking for a more detailed also emerged the construction mafia, A NEW-AGE narrative of the scam itself. If I could which was enabling the development only ask the creators about the choices of infrastructure there.

STORYTELLER Nishank Verma – Gunjan Hariramani

44 45 Nishank, along with a few big stories alongside Sacred content scene in India today. were and still is being nudged doesn’t seem organic. One of and says that it is something friends had received calls that Games and Inside Edge still Nishank recollects that back by the producers to involve the greatest things in today’s that he truly relates to.Finally, I didn’t seem genuine, and so continues to have relevance in when he graduated in college, comedy even when it doesn’t fit times, he feels, is that all kinds ask him how aspiring storytell- were saved from the duping. 2020. When I express my dis- the focus was more on unreal- the plot. of content are accessible to all ers and writers like us can find However, to him it was a story appointment as a viewer and istic stories which didn’t interest kinds of people, and that feels our way out in the industry and to tell not only for its relevance, ask him about the choices he him as much. “My world explod- Furthermore, when writers democratic. grow in our fields. “Read, watch but also because, “This could made for the show, he reveals ed when I went to film school. pitch stories, the producers still more and more content, and be our big Indian Story, our own that the control of the story I now had access to Indian as ask about the number of sex The competition amongst travel the length and breadth of Narcos.” was taken away from him, and well as world cinema.” He got scenes that would be includ- shows is not just limited to the the country to find your people hence he couldn’t see the show a head start into developing a ed in the episodes, as it gives Ekta Kapoor brand of shows, and your stories,” he tells me. The era of web series and OTT through the production phase. taste for good work. After TVF them big numbers. “It’s a race but goes beyond borders. That He also tells me the importance platforms was only emerging in (YouTube Channel) came in where people are trying to sell in itself makes writers like Nis- of being open to more ideas to India, but was definitely going He personally would have pro- the early 2010s with sketches, something that is big. It’s not hank more hopeful about their help us create better content. to boom, and so he thought of it duced the story differently by it paved a way for creators to about the writers, but the pro- stories being heard, as for him, as an eight-ten part series with unfolding elaborate details of develop online comedy content ducers who aren’t trusting real the inspiration comes from the “We all should be vulnerable to each episode revealing more stories.” The upside, he adds, the scam itself, while weaving which the people were begin- everyday realities of the people learning new things, because and more details as the show is that the stories we see today a fictional narrative around it. ning to enjoy. However, that in he meets. “The personal is the you never know, it could be your would progress. The idea which are original, realistic and true next big story,” he says sagely, Sipping on our coffees, we then itself meant that even writers most creative,” he quotes Mar- was conceived in 2016 and to their essence and the view- taking his final sip of coffee with move on to talking about the coming with original stories tin Scorcese, like Bong Joon could have been one of the first ers are rejecting content that Ho did in his Oscars speech, a smile on his face. 46 47 Magazine designed and published by students under faculty guidance as part of the experiential learning process at SCMC

SYMBIOSIS CENTRE FOR MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 2020