WATCH: Taskaree
Netflix’s repository of crime thrillers expanded on Jan 14 with the release of the Hindi series, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web. Created by Neeraj Pandey, the show follows a team of honest customs officers stationed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport as they investigate a global smuggling ring. Across seven episodes, the officers’ patriotism and principles will be repeatedly tested as they take down a sophisticated syndicate headed by a notorious kingpin.
Actor Emraan Hashmi is effective as the sharp-minded and duty-bound Superintendent Arjun Meena. He plays the role with an ordinary man’s sensibility, eschewing the typical Bollywood bravado expected of a leading man. The series also offers a fictionalised glimpse into the operations behind one of the world’s busiest airports, casting suspicion toward every traveller and piece of luggage that passes through the terminals.
LISTEN: Haseen
San Francisco-based Punjabi artiste Talwiinder is back in the spotlight with the resurgence of his soulful pop track Haseen on Spotify India’s Top 50 playlist. With over 179 million streams, the sleeper hit currently holds the fourth position on the list as of Jan 15. Released in Feb 2025 and produced by NDS, the chart mainstay blends music genres by layering staccato-style guitar strums with dreamy synth beats.
The result is an evocative modern sound that hooks listeners from the very first play. It complements the heartfelt lyrics penned by Rippy Grewal, which are a tribute to a loved one whose presence has made every aspect of life beautiful. The accompanying music video on YouTube amassed over 178 million views. A remixed and an acoustic version were released on Sep 13 and Sep 20, respectively.
WATCH: 120 Bahadur
A Hindi film about a largely forgotten battle from the 1962 war between India and China is now available to stream on Prime Video. Titled 120 Bahadur (translation: 120 Bravehearts), the film recounts the story of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly to defend the Rezang La pass in the Himalayan mountains of Ladakh. It was theatrically released on Nov 21 and received mostly positive reviews from critics.
However, it bombed at the box office, with a worldwide collection of around Rs23.6 crores (S$3.36 million). Yet, the film is notable for spotlighting a battle often described as the only silver lining in a war India lost, according to the BBC. Farhan Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh, who was posthumously awarded India’s highest military honour, Param Vir Chakra, for his courage and leadership.
RELATED STORIES
6 Jan 2026 16:32
