11 Shows & Movies To Watch After Chernobyl, If You Need To Feel Happy Again
It's fair to say that at one point in time, Chernobyl was an unremarkable Russian town. But today we know it as the town that's unsafe for human life. The new hit series called Chernobyl, that is every binge-watcher¡¯s current obsession, brilliantly takes a detailed look at what went down on the fateful night of 1986, as well as what followed as the government struggled to contain and recover from it.
Any drama that focuses on a dark time in history is bound to be bleak. But Chernobyl seems to have taken bleakness to a whole new level. After watching five episodes of people¡¯s bodies getting destroyed by the effects of radiation poisoning, dogs getting executed or the fact that everything being shown has actually really happened in real life, something to lighten the mood is very much needed. And the following shows and movies that are available to stream right now, will be able to put you in a much less devastating head space. So binge-watch away!
1. Photograph
The director behind the delightful movie, The Lunchbox, Ritesh Batra, brings another simple yet profound tale of love in his fourth film, titled Photograph. The plot revolves around a struggling street photographer (played by the fantastic Nawazuddin Siddiqui) pressured to marry by his grandmother. He convinces a shy stranger (actor Sanya Malhotra) to pose as his fianc¨¦e. The pair develops a connection that transforms them in ways that they could not expect.
2. Master of None
Comic Aziz Ansari and writer Alan Yang are the creators of this Netflix-original comedy, which is loosely based on Ansari's real-life experiences. Ansari plays the role of Dev, a New York-based actor who is struggling to identify what he really wants, both personally and professionally. The series reveals glimpses of Dev's younger years, explores current aspects of his life, including modern etiquette (regarding texting and social media), and what it means to be young and single in New York city.
3. Kota Factory
Kota Factory revolves around the life of Vaibhav (actor Mayur More) a 16-year-old student who moves to Kota with hopes of clearing JEE and getting into IIT. The show follows his journey as he learns to cope and compete under pressure with the help of his friends and teachers. This show tries to establish that not all is wrong in this ultra-competitive world. The popular narrative surrounding Kota and IIT preparation in Indian pop culture is that parents torment their children by pushing them through the process and it¡¯s a one-sided representation. Kota Factory aims to shed a new light on what is popularly believed about IIT aspirants.
4. Elementary
AmazonPrime.com
Elementary is drama series that presents a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle¡¯s character Sherlock Holmes. In this modern day adaptation-Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) is a recovering addict who meets Joan Watson (Lucy Lui) as his 'sober companion'. Initially their relationship is strictly professional, and somewhat frosty, but they grow to understand and work with one another, eventually forming a friendship and partnership.
5. Roar Of The Lion
Produced by Kabir Khan, this documentary showcases how IPL's famed team Chennai Super Kings made its comeback from a two-year ban to winning the Indian Premier League title in 2018. The Hotstar Special trailer had an unmissable headline-grabber: For MS Dhoni, match-fixing is a bigger crime than murder, as a cricketer. Of course, it added to our anticipation as to what the CSK captain would reveal in the documentary. Watch to know!
6. Breathe
This fast-paced thriller explores the lives of ordinary men faced with extraordinary circumstances. As unconventional Crime Branch officer Kabir puts together the pieces of seemingly unconnected deaths of organ donors, it leads him to an unlikely suspect - affable Danny, who seeks an organ transplant for his dying son, Josh. Kabir becomes determined to do whatever it takes to crack the case and deliver justice for the victims' loved ones.
7. Brooklyn Nine Nine
Jake Peralta, a talented detective, along with his diverse but carefree team, struggles when a new commanding officer, Ray Holt, is appointed to their precinct.
8. Californication
Netlfix.com
Hank Moody - a self loathing, narcissistic author struggles to overcome writer's block while balancing his occasional drug use, alcoholism, and borderline sex addiction, all the while trying to get back together with his girlfriend and raise his teenage daughter. This, while living in the ONE city he despises the most - Los Angeles. Viewers reported that once you start watching show, it feels like a party every time you watch an episode.
9. Queer Eye
Queer Eye is the purest thing on the Internet and the perfect slice of television comfort food to get you through any of life's funks or those induced by watching Chernobyl. The show features a team of five fabulous men called 'Fab Five' and they set out to Atlanta to help the city's straight men refine their wardrobes, diet, cultural pursuits, and home d¨¦cor. Hilarious, heart-warming but absolutely on point, Queer Eye is a must watch!
10. The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
It's the late 1950s and Miriam 'Midge' Maisel has everything she has ever wanted - the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York's Upper West Side. Her seemingly idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she realises her husband is cheating on her. As she comes to terms with the devastating reality, she discovers a hidden talent she didn't previously know she had - stand-up comedy.
11. Mere Pyaare Prime Minister
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra¡¯s earnest drama is shown from the perspective of eight-year-old Kanhaiya/Kanhu (Om Kanojiya) and his mother, Sargam (Anjali Patil). Mere Pyare Prime Minister spotlights the issue of open defecation and the lack of toilet facilities for the underprivileged.The story is set in the slums of Mumbai where the happy-go-lucky Kanhu, who does random jobs to earn a few bucks, lives. His mother does embroidery work to support herself and her only child. One night, a solitary visit outdoors to relieve herself takes a dark turn. Seeing his mother so vulnerable, it becomes the little boy¡¯s mission to build a toilet for her.