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Indo-American News: March 13, 2026

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Tachfine Zelmat, IFFH Board Member; Atul Badwaj, IFFH Board Member; DC Manjunath, Consul General of India; Frank Marchetti, Consul General of France, Sutapa Ghosh, IFFH Founder and Executive Director; Karl Cogard, Director of Villa Albertine, Houston.

FINE ARTS

Indian Film Festival of Houston Celebrates Cinema, Culture, and Collaboration

Houston: The Indian Film Festival of Houston (IFFH) concluded its 18th year with two days of film, dialogue, and cultural celebration on February 27–28, 2026, at the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston. This year’s festival embraced a bold new vision to “Collaborate, Create, and Deliver,” bringing together filmmakers, cultural leaders, and audiences to explore the future of storytelling.

In a new initiative, the festival introduced an annual tradition of spotlighting a guest country alongside India, celebrating its cinema, cuisine, and music. The inaugural guest country was France, widely recognized as the birthplace of cinema.

The festival also launched a collaboration with Producers Without Borders (PWB) to explore the evolving global film industry. Opening night featured a panel discussion titled “What’s Next in the Evolution of Films,” moderated by PWB founder Kayvan Mashayekh and entertainment executive Glenn Gainor. The conversation examined the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, the future of theatrical cinemas, and emerging storytelling formats including streaming platforms, web series, and vertical content. The session concluded with a lively audience discussion about the importance of protecting human creativity and copyright in the age of AI.

During the evening, IFFH Founder and Executive Director Sutapa Ghosh presented the festi-

val’s Leadership Award to Gainor in recognition of his distinguished career, including leadership roles at Amazon Original Movies and the launch of Hollywood Ventures Group.

Another highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Prashant Sona, Consul of India in Houston to longtime Houston broadcaster

José Griñán, honoring his remarkable career and his years of service supporting the festival. The award was accepted by his wife, Katherine Griñán.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a special culinary program celebrating France, prepared by Houston-based French chef David Denis, accompanied by live music from Music Without Borders.

Saturday’s program opened with remarks from D. C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston. A proclamation from John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, recognizing February 27–28 as Indian Film Festival of Houston Days was presented by City Council Member Tiffany Thomas to Ghosh.

Film screenings began with the

French feature Nino, a moving story about a young man diagnosed with cancer who wanders the streets of Paris in search of meaning and connection. The film had just won two César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars. Consul General Manjunath presented a special recognition award for the film to Frank Marchetti, Consul General of France in Houston, and Karl COGARD, Director of Villa Albertine.

The program continued with the short film Soul Trip and the documentary The Patel Motel Story, which chronicles the immigrant families who built a major presence in the American hospitality industry. Co-directors Rahul Rohatgi and Amar Shah joined the audience for a Q&A session.

Between screenings, guests enjoyed energetic performances from Rhythm India, Bollywood dance lessons, and music by DJ Darrell of DJU Entertainment, while sampling Indian delicacies from Verandah Progressive Indian Kitchen.

The festival concluded with the feature film Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan. The biographical drama tells the story of a visionary couple who challenged caste and gender inequality in colonial India and helped spark a social revolution through education. As the festival closed, Ghosh thanked attendees and invited the community to return for the 19th Indian Film Festival of Houston, scheduled for February 2027.

Matias Chavez, Alfred Cervantes, Kayvan Mashayek, Charles Acosta and Monica Monroy.
Sutapa Ghosh and Tiffany Thomas (City Council Member Presenting Proclamation from the Mayor John Whitmire). Right: Sutapa Ghosh and Glenn Gainor (Recipient of IFFH Leadership Award)

Holi Celebrated with Color, Community, and Tradition at Chinmaya Mission

Houston: Holi, an ancient Indian festival, celebrates the arrival of spring, the eternal compassion of the divine figures Krishna and Radha, and the triumph of good over evil. This vibrant and meaningful festival was joyfully observed by the community at Chinmaya Mission Houston, where families and friends gathered for a day filled with devotion, food, games, and color.

The celebrations began with the traditional Holi fire ceremony in the Mission’s courtyard. The event was led by the resident priest, Sri Ganesh Ji, along with the beloved Pujya Acharya Gaurang Uncle. Community members gathered around the courtyard as Ganesh Ji conducted a solemn and austere puja to mark the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Following the ritual, devotees received sacred ash from Ganesh Ji, a symbolic blessing that reflects purification and spiritual renewal.

The quiet reverence of the ceremony set a meaningful tone for the day’s festivities, reminding participants of the deeper traditions and spiritual roots of the festival.

No Indian celebration is complete without festive food, and the

Holi gathering at Chinmaya Mission was no exception. Soon after the puja, the courtyard filled with the inviting aroma of freshly prepared dishes. The Chinmaya Mission Food Team served a delicious meal that included chana masala, raita, and parathas. Guests also enjoyed refreshing chaas along with warm cups of chai.

Families and friends gathered on the courtyard lawn, which offered

the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the generous lunch together. Conversations flowed easily as community members shared food, laughter, and the joy of the occasion.

The afternoon festivities soon brought an added burst of excitement, particularly for the younger participants. The first activity was a lively round of freeze dance,

where children danced energetically until the music stopped. This was followed by a game in which kids raced across the grass collecting dolls scattered across the lawn, filling the space with laughter and cheerful competition.

A highlight of the Mission’s Holi tradition is the fun game of tug-of-war. This year’s first round featured women versus men, with a humorous twist — the men were allowed to use only one hand on the rope. Despite the added challenge for the men, the women’s team proved far too strong and emerged victorious, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd. The children also joined in for several spirited rounds of tug-of-war, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The moment everyone had been

waiting for soon arrived — the celebration of colors. As packets of vibrant powder were distributed, excitement spread quickly through the crowd. Within moments, the Mission’s driveway transformed into a joyful explosion of color as participants playfully applied bright powders to one another.

The air filled with laughter, jubilance, and a shared sense of celebration as people of all ages joined in the tradition. Faces, clothes, and the ground itself were soon covered in brilliant shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue.

For the community gathered that day, the celebration created memories that will last long after the colors have faded. At Chinmaya Mission Houston, Holi once again brought people together in a joyful expression of culture, devotion, and community spirit — a vibrant reminder that spring, renewal, and togetherness are worth celebrating. For more information about Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya, and its activities, please visit www. chinmayahouston.org,www. saumyakasi.org or call temple 281 568 1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria 281933-0233

JVB Houston Hosts 24th Annual Family Retreat Camp in Columbus, Texas

“Let Your Best Emerge”

ColumBus, texas: Under the spiritual guidance and presence of Samani Arjav Pragyaji and Samani Swati Pragyaji, Jain Vishva Bharati Preksha Meditation Center, Houston (JVB) successfully conducted its 24th Annual 3-day Family Retreat Camp at the Texas Hindu Campsite in Columbus, Texas, from February 27 to March 1, 2026. More than 110 participants from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin gathered to nurture their souls through powerful discourses, yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques—while enjoying the calm and scenic surroundings of the campsite.

Centered on the theme “Let Your Best Emerge,” the retreat blended spiritual depth with interactive learning and joyful community connection. The program opened Friday evening with registration, introductions, and icebreakers, followed by an inspiring session on “The Ethics of Learning”. Across the weekend, families participated in a thoughtfully designed agenda that began each morning with Bhaktamar recitation and meditation, followed by yoga, laughing yoga and pranayama, wellness walks, and structured learning tailored for adults, youth, and children.

Key highlights included Samaniji-led sessions on ethical decisionmaking, humility, inner strength, and mindful living, alongside engaging activities such as teambuilding games, outdoor experi-

ences, and a Jainism quiz that emphasized discipline, teamwork, and focus. A vibrant cultural program on Saturday evening further strengthened bonds across families and generations. Sunday concluded with an Jainism team quiz, open forum and closing ceremony, leaving attendees energized, reflective, and committed to living Jain values in daily life.

Participants praised the retreat’s warmth, organization, and lasting impact:

“Samanijis sessions and teachings were very informative, impactful and inspiring”- most attendees had this feedback

“This camp is for the books!” shared an out-of-town attendee.

“JVB is like one close big family—everyone was humble and welcoming,” noted a first-time participant.

“The games and quiz were engaging and taught discipline, mindfulness, and teamwork,” shared another family.

Attendees also expressed deep gratitude to the extensive volunteer teams who ensured smooth operations—from hospitality and logistics to cleanliness and meals—exemplifying the true spirit of selfless service.

JVB Preksha Meditation Center is home to a specially designed Preksha Dhyan ‘Pyramid’ Meditation Hall and is located at 14102 Schiller Rd, Houston, TX 77082. For more information and current & upcoming programs please visit www.jvbhouston.org or call 281.596.9642

Photos by Bharath Rao and Ashutosh Kak

ENTERTAINMENT

Colorful Holi Musical Celebration with Voices of ‘Indian Idol’ Singers

Houston: The spirit of Holi came alive in Houston as “Voices of Indian Idol – Celebrating Holi: Festival of Colors” took center stage on February 28 at 6 pm at Unity of Houston,

While the evening featured celebrated Indian Idol stars, it was the musical direction and keyboard brilliance of Shrikant Pabrekar that formed the backbone of this unforgettable celebration.

A respected keyboardist and live music arranger known for his versatility and refined stage presence, Shrikant led the live orchestra with precision and passion.

His arrangements seamlessly blended classical textures with contemporary Bollywood energy, creating the perfect festive atmosphere for the Holi-themed concert. From soulful ballads to high-energy celebratory numbers, his command over musical dynamics elevated every performance.

Headlining the evening was Rishi Singh, winner of Indian Idol, whose powerful and expressive voice has earned nationwide acclaim. Rishi’s versatility—from classical renditions to modern Bollywood hits—shone brightly, supported by Shrikant Pabrekar keyboard harmonies that added depth and grandeur to each song.

Sharing the spotlight was Anjana Padmanabhan, the winner of Indian Idol Junior and a celebrated vocalist with an evolving global career. Known for her maturity in performance and genre-spanning repertoire, Anjana brought grace and energy to the stage.

Shrikant’s musical leadership ensured a seamless flow between her melodic pieces and the vibrant Holi numbers that had the audience clapping along.

The synergy between Shrikant and the two Indian Idol stars created a truly immersive experience. His ability to adapt, support, and enhance each vocalist’s unique style was evident throughout the evening.

The live orchestra responded to his cues with cohesion, transforming the concert into more than just a performance—it became a colorful musical journey reflecting the joy, unity, and exuberance of Holi.

As the final celebratory notes echoed through Unity of Houston, the audience left with smiles, applause, and memories painted in melody.

For Shrikant, the evening was another testament to his role not just as an accompanist, but as a musical anchor who brings concerts to life through artistry, leadership, and heart.

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship

Houston: Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the 2026 Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program. This initiative supports exceptional high school seniors who are preparing to pursue higher education. The scholarship honors students who have demonstrated academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to making a positive impact through community involvement.

A total of $5,000 will be awarded to five selected scholars, with each recipient receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements, the Applicants must:

Be a U.S. high school graduating senior

Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)

Demonstrate financial need for college tuition, books, supplies, and related expenses

Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. college for the 2026–2027 academic year

Required Documents, all the applicants must submit all the following: Completed Scholarship Application Form

Official High School Transcript

Documentation demonstrating financial need (e.g., Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for Free/ Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)

Two Letters of Recommendation (from teachers, counselors, or academic advisors)

A Two-Page Typed Essay addressing:

Financial need for this scholarship

Personal and academic achievements

Academic plans and career goals

Past and future community involvement

Application Process:

Please mail your complete application package to:

Southwestern National Bank

Attn: Scholarship Program – Ling Chuang 6901 Corporate Drive Houston, Texas 77036

Application Deadline:

All materials must be received by May 30, 2026.

Semi-finalists may be required to attend an interview.

Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail in June 2026.

For additional information or to request an application, please contact: Ling Chuang

Scholarship Coordinator

Email: ling.chuang@swnbk.com

Celebrating 150 Years of “Vande Mataram”: Musical Homage to the Soul of India

Houston: The Consulate General of India, Houston, in collaboration with the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH), Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj (VPSS) Haveli, and other Indo-American cultural organizations, proudly hosted a special cultural evening celebrating 150 years of India’s iconic national song, Vande Mataram, composed by the revered Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The event was a heartfelt confluence of tradition, music, and emotion, honoring the song that has stirred the spirit of patriotism for generations. Setting the tone for the formal stage performance, the celebration began with a power-packed performance by HMM Moraya Dhol Tasha Pathak, whose rhythmic beats infused the evening with

high energy and vibrant enthusiasm

The formal musical journey began with a serene Veena rendition by the talented artists of the Metroplex Tamil Sangham, setting a devotional tone that echoed India’s deep-rooted musical legacy. The stage then resonated with the soulful strains of Carnatic classical music, presented by a disciple of Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhatt, beautifully interpreting Vande Mataram in the southern classical style. The talented students of Maestro Suman Ghosh presented stirring Marathi renditions of patriotic songs, including “Sagara Pran Talmalala,” one of the most emotionally powerful Marathi patriotic poems by V. D. Savarkar, beautifully representing the cultural spirit of Western India.

The musical journey continued eastward with an enchanting performance by the artists of the Tagore Society of Houston, who paid tribute to the Bengali tradition, evoking the literary and musical richness of Bengal, where Vande Mataram was born.

The evening reached its crescendo with a grand Hindustani classical performance by the talented artists of CICMH, under the profound guidance of Maestro Pandit Suman Ghosh, whose curation brought the essence of unity in diversity alive through music, concluding with Vande Mataram in his soulful voice in Desh Rag. The entire journey was seamlessly woven together by Smt. Shashikala Ghosh, whose eloquent narration tied each act like a garland, connecting traditions, melodies,

and emotions into a single patriotic thread.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Shri D.C. Manjunath expressed deep appreciation for all participating organizations, artists, community leaders, volunteers, and the audience whose enthusiasm made the celebration truly memorable. He reflected on the historic significance of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom movement and its enduring message of unity, devotion, and love for the motherland that continues to inspire generations.

The Consulate extends its heartfelt thanks to Deep Foods for their generous support, and to all partners and performers for making this evening a beautiful musical homage to the spirit of Bharat. A special Vande Mataram exhibi-

tion at the venue offered visitors a glimpse into the song’s historic legacy and enduring place in India’s national consciousness. A Consular Information Desk was also set up by the Consulate to provide guidance on key consular services and engage with members of the Indian diaspora.

The program brought together talented artists and performers who presented a memorable artistic tribute celebrating the spirit of Vande Mataram before an audience of over 800 members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India, reflecting strong cultural bonds and pride in India’s heritage. Together, we celebrated not just a song, but a century and a half of the heartbeat of India!

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at the Consulate General of India

Houston: The Consulate General of India, Houston, hosted a powerful and inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day 2026.

This is the third consecutive year the Consulate has hosted the celebrations, creating platforms that honor women’s leadership and amplify community voices, which

continue to shape the Consulate’s legacy of empowerment and inclusion.

Welcoming the participants, Consul General D.C. Manjunath emphasized the importance of collective progress and the transformative role of women in shaping society.

He also highlighted this year’s

IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” setting the tone for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and celebration.

Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System, delivered a compelling keynote address highlighting the role of individuals who shaped her life and success, including her mother, and

called upon participants to expand the circle of giving to new persons beyond our known circle. Her words resonated with every member of the audience.

A dynamic panel discussion followed the keynote, moderated by Mr. Pradeep Anand, a well-known Business & Marketing strategist and CEO of Seeta Resources. The

panel members, Mayor of Sugarland City Carol McCutcheon, Flight Director, NASA Ms. Pooja Jesrani, Political Commentator & Columnist Ms. Sunanda Vashisht, provided their perspectives on leadership, resilience, and community engagement, which enriched the conversation and inspired all the participants.

INDIA

‘All Help will be Given to Indians in Gulf’: PM Modi Assures in Kerala

KoCHi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured that the Centre would extend all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, saying the government was closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to support Indians in West Asia. Addressing a rally in Kochi, Kerala, the prime minister said India would not abandon its citizens abroad during a crisis.

“India of today does not leave its citizens stranded elsewhere. We are working to ensure that every possible help is provided to Indians in West Asia,” PM Modi said. His remarks come as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt energy supplies and raise concerns for thousands of Indians working in the region.

Using the occasion to push for self-reliance, the prime minister said the ongoing crisis underlined the importance of India becoming energy secure and economically independent.

“The Middle East crisis and the resulting energy shortage show how important it is for a nation to be atmanirbhar,” he said.

Reliance is Financing a New Refinery in Texas

Brownsville, texas: US President Donald Trump has announced a new refinery in Bronwsville, Texas, thanking India’s private sector refining giant Reliance Industries (RIL) for its “tremendous investment” for the project.

According to Trump, the Brownsville refinery— the first new refinery in the US in five decades— entails a $300-billon deal. The refinery will be built by America First Refining, which plans to break ground on the project in the April-June quarter this year. Diversified conglomerate RIL owns and operates the world’s largest single-location refining complex in Gujarat’s Jamnagar.

“The refinery is specifically engineered to process American light shale oil, which is cleaner, more efficient, and less costly to process than heavier imported crude. Unlike many existing U.S. refineries that depend on foreign oil, this facility is not dependent on—and does not need—imported crude, which strengthens U.S. national and economic security,” America First Refining said.

As for the $300-billion deal that Trump mentioned, it appears that it is the value of crude oil that the refinery will process and the fuels it will produce over 20 years.

The company will officially break ground on the new refinery in Q2 2026

Cricket, Anyone?

Join Wednesday afternoons at Stafford Park for low-stress practice sessions. Recently retired players are welcome. Contact Andy at (281) 851-9602 or andyb@infodatinc.com for more information.

Amid the massive disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, two crude oil tankers -- cumulatively carrying 3 million barrels of West Asian oil -- have arrived in India after transitioning the fraught waters of the Strait. This marks the first instance of non-Iranian crude oil tankers the critical chokepoint, where vessel movements have effectively come to a halt since the conflict started on Feb. 28.

Hoever, Iran on Wednesday attacked a US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, near Iraq’s Basra, killing one Indian national. The rest of the crew of 27 were rescued and taken to Basra.

Indians make up over 15% of the world’s seafarers. As such, Indians could become “collateral damage” in similar attacks, regardless of the

ship attacked.

Earlier, the Shipping minister said that at present 28 Indianflagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 Indian seafarers. Four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indians onboard. A 24-hour control room has been operational at the ministry to monitor developments and coordinate assistance. The ministry also said Indian missions in West Asia are helping Indian nationals stranded in the region due to airspace closures.

Additionally, India’s oil imports from Russia have surged in the first 11 days of March, about 1 million barrels per day.

India’s T20 World Cup Win: Ahmedabad’s Cricket Curse, Finally Lifted

By rugwed damle wickets fell did the true quality of the opening assault fully sink in — the first three had made a difficult surface look deceptively easy.

aHmedaBad: On March 8, 2026 all roads led to Narendra Modi Cricket stadium. The occasion, India’s title defence in the T20 World Cup Final against arch rivals New Zealand. The roads were covered with Orange and Blue jerseys & flags with face painted fans pouring in from all across the globe to watch their team and its superstars. The evening had already grown into something larger than a match.

The build-up unfolded more like a festival than a sporting event. Taking stage first was Gujarat’s beloved Falguni PathakI who pretty much transformed the stadium into a grand scale Garba with tens of thousands instinctively breaking into their steps. Then the energy shifted. With Sukhbir who moved the stadium from a dance to sing-along celebration. The crowd started bouncing, turning the ground briefly into a giant dance floor with nostalgic tracks like Gal Ban Gaye & Oh ho ho. The final flourish arrived with Ricky Martin, whose appearance carried echoes of the 1998 FIFA World Cup anthem that once defined global sporting spectacle. Only after this music and dance party faded, did the night return to its purpose: India versus New Zealand, a World Cup final waiting to be decided.

After winning the toss New Zealand chose to bowl first. India’s reply to the occasion was immediate and emphatic, both openers turned the power play overs into a statement rather than a settling-in period. Abhishek Sharma who set the tone early, attacked from the outset ensuring the powerplay belonged firmly to India. Sanju Samson matched the tempo stroke for stroke, the pair batting with freedom and authority. Even when Ishan Kishan joined the charge, the momentum only grew; the run rate hovered near thirteen an over. By the 15-over mark, India looked well on course for something extraordinary — with whispers of a 260–280 total beginning to circulate around. But then the innings shifted. The quick succession of wicketsstalled the momentum and forced a reset. India still finished with a formidable 255/5. Only after the

New Zealand’s chase began under immediate pressure, the steep target forcing them into attack from the outset. A few early boundaries offered brief encouragement, but India’s bowlers quickly tightened their grip, striking often enough to prevent any meaningful partnership.

New Zealand managed only 52 for 3 in the powerplay, well behind India’s 92.

Regular wickets disrupted their momentum and prevented any meaningful partnerships from taking shape. The required rate kept climbing, and with every wicket the chase slipped further away. New Zealand fought, but the chase never quite found its rhythm. India’s bowlers kept tightening the game until the outcome slowly revealed itself under the lights handing India a comprehensive 96-run victory. And when the final wicket fell and the celebrations began, the moment carried a deeper meaning.

Since 2023, Ahmedabad had lingered in Indian cricket’s memory as a place of heartbreak. On this night, as India lifted the trophy, that shadow finally lifted too. The jinx of Ahmedabad had been broken. In the postmatch press conference, Suryakumar Yadav said “The start with the bat set it up,” he said. “After that we just had to stay calm and do the basics well.” It sounded simple and straightforward, though on a night like this, under the lights at Narendra Modi Stadium, very little about it had really been simple or straightforward.

Entrance to the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.
Cricket fans taking the Metro in Ahmedabad.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Subedaar‘:

A Gripping & Gritty Drama

Story: After retiring from the army, Arjun Maurya tries to begin a new life and repair his bond with his daughter. But when he comes up against a powerful sand mafia, he is drawn into a fight against corruption and the anger he has buried for years.

Review: ‘Subedaar’ is an intriguing film that makes you pause and wonder why Anil Kapoor did not tap into his action hero persona more often in his earlier years. Set in the hinterland, this film aims to be more than a routine action drama. At its heart, it is about a father and daughter trying to reconnect, about a friendship built on loyalty, and about a man pushed to correct a deep injustice. As the film unfolds, you begin to marvel at Kapoor’s range and ease on screen. Action drives much of his role, and he handles it with confidence.

The film feels rooted and grounded, committed to showing its world with sincerity. It also marks a clear shift for director Suresh Triveni, who proves he is just as comfortable with action as he is with drama.The plot follows retired army officer Arjun Maurya (Anil Kapoor), who is trying to piece his life back together after years of service. His close friend Prabhakar (Saurabh Shukla), who runs a small security agency, offers him a job so he can earn a steady living.

Through this work, Arjun crosses paths with Softy (Faisal Malik)

and Prince Bhaiya (Aditya Rawal), both linked to the local sand mafia. The true mastermind, however, is Babli Didi (Mona Singh), Prince’s stepsister, who continues to run the illegal sand business from the local jail. Arjun is still carrying the weight of his wife’s tragic death in a road accident involving a sand truck. His temper often surfaces, but Prabhakar stands by him and always keeps him in check. Matters worsen when Prince humiliates Arjun and later damages his new car.

Running parallel to this core conflict, the film also follows Arjun’s daughter Shyama (Radhikka Madan) as she faces harassment in college.What keeps ‘Subedaar’ engaging for most of its runtime is the world it creates. The small town setting feels earthy and harsh, where everyday tasks can turn into battles and the system rarely works in your favour. Law and order seem fragile, and a handful of powerful men dictate how things function.

The director pays attention to small, telling moments. In one

scene, a child pretends to shoot Arjun, and he plays along, offering a rare glimpse of warmth. In another, we see him fall silent when his daughter confronts him about being absent during her growing years. These scenes reveal his vulnerability and give the film emotional weight beyond its action.vcThis film is more like a classic 80s-style action revenge saga, executed with precision and conviction.

Apart from the script, the performances anchor the film. Anil Kapoor brings both strength and restraint to the role of a retired soldier struggling to adapt to civilian life. His grief, anger, and quiet guilt feel believable.

Radhikka Madan lends sincerity to Shyama, capturing the spirit of a young woman determined to shape her own path. Saurabh Shukla adds calm and balance as the dependable friend, while Faisal Malik fits naturally into the role of Softy. Mona Singh leaves a strong impression as the composed yet commanding foul-mouthed Babli Didi. -- ToI

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