Movies

What is it about: Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo), a washed up former recording executive’s excessive drinking drives him to a bar in the Lower East Side where he discovers Gretta James (Keira Knightley) at an open mic, singing a despairing number. Dan’s own miseries finds comfort in the verses Gretta cuts out of her broken relationship. He offers to sign her to the former record label that dumped him, and although she declines at first, she eventually agrees. Without a fancy studio, they set out on a progression of rooftop recording sessions which captures the essence of New York City.

Why we recommend: Begin Again is a wisp of humor and heartache, hitting the sweet spot between music and romance. It’s not often that the redemptive power of music is in the lead while the characters of the movie shape up along with it. This makes for the kind of breezy entertainment you’d want to watch after a long day.

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

About the director: John Carney is an Irish film and TV writer/director. Co-creator of the Irish TV drama series Bachelors Walk, His award-winning 2007 movie Once and the critically acclaimed film, "Sing Street" aligned him amongst one of the finest filmmakers in independent cinema circuit.

2. Notting Hill, 1999

Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant Directed By: Roger Michell

Warner Bros. Pictures

3. Eat, Pray, Love, 2010

Starring: Julia Roberts Directed By: Ryan Murphy

Columbia Pictures

TV SHOWS

Big Bang Theory

The story revolves around the lives of 4 brilliant physicists, who live to explain how the universe works but would fail to do the same for themselves. Leonard and Sheldon, live across the hall from the free spirited Penny, a struggling actress. The narrative between the four friends is whip-smart, fast paced and rich with detailed observations. The geekiness and social awkwardness of the four men juxtaposed with Penny's social skills and common sense urges you to crack up inevitably. Over the whopping length of ten seasons, you can’t help but fall in love with the characters and their charades.

Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is about four childhood friends, Joe, Murr, Sal and Q, who compete in hidden camera prank challenges. Sounds simple enough right? Well, don’t conclude anything just yet. If they fail to complete any challenges, they face a rather humiliating punishment, permanent or temporary, contrived by their supposed best friends. Their chemistry and ability to improvise out of the most uncomfortable situations leaves you in splits every time. It’s the kind of show that invokes the involuntary LOL.