Vicky Kaushal, Vicky Kaushal First Look, Sam Manekshaw, Pakistani military officer, Raazi, Alia Bhatt, Meghna Gulzar, India Pakistan War 1971, Uri The Surgical Strike, Indian armed forces

Real Indian Hero: Vicky Kaushal is Sam Manekshaw in Meghna Gulzar's new movie. But Vicky faces a much tougher battle here

From playing a Pakistani officer to one of India's greatest real-life war heroes, Vicky Kaushal's come a long way. Does he have the acting chops to portray the much-loved Manekshaw?

Sab 'Kaushal' mangal: Why Vicky Kaushal is Bollywood's biggest achievement (IMAGE: VICKY KAUSHAL FOR MARK BENNINGTON)

Sab 'Kaushal' mangal: Why Vicky Kaushal is Bollywood's biggest achievement

Up until 2018, actors like Vicky Kaushal had to be, well, table salt in the otherwise Bollywood mezze. In 2018, that's changed!

If we want good cinema, its watchdogs have to be the first to take action.

No, 'Raazi', 'October', 'Andhadhun' were not ‘great cinema’: How 2018 proved we need better film journalism before better films

If we want good cinema, its watchdogs must fearlessly call out shoddy scripts and bad acting. However, if they're chasing stars for interviews, film critics will be the first to praise their mediocrity.

The writers and directors of this year’s favourite Hindi films talk about their pick of the movies in 2018.

Films: Flashback 2018, future perfect 2019

There’s a thin line between nationalism and jingoism, and in 2018, Bollywood leaned precariously to the other side

5 shades of jingoism: From 'Raazi' to 'Simmba', how Bollywood played with your mind in 2018

The Alia Bhatt-starrer is a beautifully subtle take on what you win, and lose, in war. It shows patriotism isn't chest-thumping. It's about having a heart.

The success of Raazi, 'The End' of ultra-nationalism

The Alia Bhatt-starrer is a beautifully subtle take on what you win, and lose, in war. It shows you patriotism isn't chest-thumping. It's about having a heart.

Bhatt’s dramatic range was first brought to our attention in Imtiaz Ali’s Highway.

Why 2019 could be Alia Bhatt's year in Bollywood

After Raazi, the actor is cleverly opting for a fine balance of big-budget projects and small, independent ones.

Budgets don’t make films better.

Raazi has breathed fresh life into 'women-centric' cinema in Bollywood

Such movies can be mainstream, low-budget, yet successful at the box office.

Why Alia Bhatt is a greater female superstar than all those who came before her

Alia Bhatt — the greatest female superstar than all those before her

Raazi actor has hit a moment never enjoyed by successful seniors like Madhubala, Rekha, even Sridevi.

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