The beginning of 2026 was an exciting time for Indonesian horror film fans. Several Indonesian filmmakers presented new works that didn't rely solely on jump scares but also adapted local stories with a fresh approach. One title that caught the attention was Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo, a horror film inspired by the Timun Mas folk legend, with a modern twist and a dark, oppressive atmosphere. Depicting the figure of Buto Ijo, a familiar figure from childhood fairy tales, this film seeks to break that classic image. Rather than simply being a monster from a bedtime story, Buto Ijo is presented as a more realistic, mysterious, and meaningful symbol of terror. It's no wonder that from the moment its first trailer was released, the film immediately piqued audiences' curiosity. Synopsis of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo The story of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo centers on a family living peacefully in an old ancestral home. Initially, their lives proceed normally without any significant irre...
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ Indian Historic-Drama Series: Stories of Love and Betrayal in the Life of a Night Woman
Bollywood fans will soon have an epic series by famous Indian film producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The series titled Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has released its first trailer on April 10, 2024. From the short 3-minute 11-second video, it is shown that Heeramandi revolves around the life of women of the night, the audience is also given a glimpse of the world of prostitutes full of intrigue, passion, drama, love, and sadness in it.
At the beginning of the trailer, Mallikajaan (the name of the character in the series) gives advice to the women who work at her place. Mallika herself is a founder of a brothel who is notoriously cunning and fearless.
Not only that, in the next section it is also shown that Heeramandi also highlights the struggle for independence, the colonial period is used as a time setting in this series. Riots broke out in the city as revolutionaries demanded India's liberation from British rule. In this case, Bibbojaan, one of Mallikajaan's own daughters, joins forces to restore India's freedom over the British.
While her brother fights for the freedom of his country, Alamzeb, Mallikajaan's youngest daughter is involved in a love affair with a nobleman and wants to run away and escape the world of Heeramandi.
Amidst the troubles that befall her brothel and the chaos that ensues, Mallikajaan still competes with her enemy, Fareedan, for the title of “Lady of Heeramandi”.
The series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is scheduled to air on Netflix on May 1, 2024, starring Manisha Koirala as Mallikajaan, Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb, Aditi Rao Hydari as Bibbojaan, and Sonakshi Sinha as Fareedan.
Like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's previous masterpieces such as Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, it seems that the concept of this series is also almost the same as those films. Where every scene is made in detail, such as the elements of luxury in the Mallikajaan place, the dramatic scenes during the riots, and the nuances of the competition that occur between Mallika and Fareedan.
As always, Sanjay Leela Bhansali always packs every song and dance in his movies beautifully and lavishly. So, who can't wait to watch this series? Wait for the play date next month.


Comments