June marks the start of the monsoon season in India. Earlier, actors, filmmakers, producers, and distributors used to bypass their big releases during June as the month also marks the reopening of the schools, and people couldn’t afford to spend money on movie tickets. However, the farewell of covid-19 is pushing people towards the big screens again, and of course, OTTs are always there to cure your boredom.
Major
The biographical action movie follows the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who fought against terrorists and was martyred in action during the 2008 attacks at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India. The film marks the debut of Adivi Sesh in Hindi movies, who also wrote the script. The film also stars Saiee Manjrekar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Revathi and Murali Sharma.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Biography
Directed by: Sashi Kiran Tikka
Samrat Prithviraj
The historical action drama movie stars superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead as Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput king. The film marks the debut of Manushi Chhillar as Sanyogita, one of three wives of Prithviraj Chauhan, who was said to be the incarnation of Tillotama – an apsara from heaven. The movie also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Manav Vij, Ashutosh Rana and Sakshi Tanwar.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Historical
Directed by: Chandraprakash Dwivedi
Vikram
The upcoming Tamil language action thriller film stars one of the most influential star cast we’ve seen in recent times, Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. The film has no connection with the 1986 released movie of the same name, which also starred Kamal Hassan. The storyline of the movie revolves around the lives of two siblings, one being a gangster and the other a politician.
Release: June 3 (in theatres)
Genre: Action Thriller
Directed by: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Maidaan
The biographical sports drama film is based on the golden era of Indian football (1952–1962) and stars superstar Ajay Devgn in the lead as a football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, who managed the Indian football team for 13 years. The music of the movie is composed by popular musician A.R. Rahman. Along with Ajay Devgn, it also stars Priyamani, Gajraj Rao and Rudranil Ghosh.
Release: June 3
Platform: Amazon Prime
Genre: Sports Biopic
Directed by: Amit Sharma
The Boys (Season 3)
The Boys are back with the show’s third season, and the fans can not contain the excitement. The short synopsis of the show suggests the coming episodes will kick off an all-out war between The Boys and The Seven. Also, the third season will introduce a few new characters, which include Superhero: Soldier Boy. The show stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Erin Moriarty in the lead.
Release: June 3
Platform: Amazon Prime
Genre: Science Fiction
Developed by: Eric Kripke
Jungle Cry
The movie documents the true story of India’s under-14 rugby team’s World Cup triumph in 2007. Jungle cry stars Abhay Deol in the lead, along with Stewart Wright and Atul Kumar. The movie showcases the inspiring and triumphant journey of 12 underprivileged children from Kalinga Institute in Odisha. The sports drama is all set to release on Lionsgate Play.
Release: June 3
Platform: Lionsgate Play
Genre: Sports Drama
Directed by: Sagar Ballary
Ms Marvel
A miniseries is based on the Marvel Comics featuring the character Kamala Khan or Ms Marvel played by a debutant Iman Vellani. The miniseries is based on a fangirl of the Avengers, particularly Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel, who struggles to fit in until she gains her powers. It features Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, and Laurel Marsden.
Release: June 8
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Action Adventure
Created by: Bisha K. Ali
Jurassic World: Dominion
The American science fiction action film is the sequel to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), the sixth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise and the last Jurassic World trilogy. The movie takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed and features a stellar star cast, including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, and Daniella Pineda.
Release: June 10 (in theatres)
Genre: Science Fiction
Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
She (Season 2)
The first season of the mini-series “She” ended on a thrilling note, and everyone was aware that the makers would come up with a second season. The series stars Aaditi Pohankar as constable Bhumika Pardesi and shows us how she copes with her personal and professional struggles. Along with Aditi, the series features Vishwas Kini, Kishore Kumar G, Shivani Rangole and Suhita Thatte in pivotal roles
Release: June 17
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Crime Drama
Created by: Imtiaz Ali
The Umbrella Academy (Season 3)
The show revolves around highly dysfunctional and wonderfully funny adopted sibling superheroes who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death. The series is based on the comic book series of the same name written by Gerard Way and published by Dark Horse Comics. The cast features Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, and Robert Sheehan.
The first image of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. May 12th turned out to be a historic day as the astronomers at National Science Foundation (NSF) were successful in getting the first image of the black hole residing at the centre of the Milky Way. Sagittarius A* is located 27,0000 light-years away from the Earth and is 4million times bigger than the sun.
The picture does not show the black hole itself, considering black holes do not permit light to escape from them. Instead, it depicts a darkish central region, known as a shadow, surrounded by a shiny ring-like shape that is sparkling gases across the black hole.
“Our own black hole! Astronomers have just revealed the 1st image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy using the @ehtelescope – a planet-scale array of radio telescopes that emerged from decades of NSF support,” NSF said on its Twitter handle.
Our own black hole! Astronomers have just revealed the 1st image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy using the @ehtelescope– a planet-scale array of radio telescopes that emerged from decades of NSF support. https://t.co/bC1PZH4yD6#ourblackholepic.twitter.com/pd96CH3V0m
— U.S. National Science Foundation (@NSF) May 12, 2022
EHT
The black hole was captured using an Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). The EHT is a network of radio dishes launched in 2015 and involved 80 astronomy institutes. 4 years after the launch of the EHT, the first-ever image of a black hole, M87*, in our galaxy was revealed.
The EHT is a unique network of antennae spread across the world that makes a virtual telescope. The role of the EHT is to detect the light cast when a matter disappears in the muzzle of a black hole. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) records the flash of light produced when planets, debris, or something else comes too close — is sucked right into a black hole’s outer boundary, known as an event horizon, which is the point of no return.
Being a frequent traveller, I’ve learned road trips are not about how quickly you reach your destination, but it’s all about how much you enjoy the journey while heading towards your goal. All you need is a road trip when life hits hard because it will help you focus on the way ahead and help you realise that every exit takes you to an entrance somewhere else. The time has arrived when you must look at life through the windshield, and to help you, we’ve jotted down the top 16 incredible roads in the world for you to take in 2022.
Kolkata to Kumaon
Distance: 1600 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Kolkata→ Varanasi→ Lucknow→ Nainital→ Pithoragarh→ Munsiyari
A road trip from Kolkata to Kumaon is considered one of India’s unique road trips as it takes you on a journey to witness the plains and uphills altogether in one trip. On the first day of the trip, you can seize the longest and the most challenging leg of the entire road trip, which takes you to the holy city of Varanasi. You can start your day two by taking a dip into the River Ganges and head further towards the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow.
Spend a day by visiting the famous tourist attractions in the city of Nawab’s and head towards Bhimtal, which is on the foothills of the Kumaon mountains. The final leg of the road trip will take you on the challenging ride up the hills of Kumaon, from Nainital to Pithoragarh and at the end to Munsiyari, a paradise for travel enthusiasts. Visit the stunning places around Munsiyari, such as Thamari and Maheshwari lake or go on a hike to the glaciers of Ralam and Milam.
Mumbai to Rann Of Kutch
Distance: 950 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Mumbai→ Ankleshwar→ Vadodara→ Bhuj→ Rann of Kutch
People living in metro cities of India are always looking for a quiet place, especially Mumbaikars, who can’t even imagine living peacefully in the middle of their dream. We all need a little peace of mind to function well in a fast-moving world, and the Rann of Kutch is the best destination to bring back peace in your life. On the way to Rann of Kutch, your first pit stop would be Ankleshwar, a small town 10kms away from the Bharuch district of Gujarat, famous for a Golden Bridge, a British era bridge constructed between 1877-1881.
You can stay for a day or two in Vadodara, exploring its beautiful streets, royal paces and plethora of temples. Take an early morning drive to Bhuj and experience the beauty of ruins like Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and Rani Mahal. The final destination of a road trip from Mumbai to Rann of Kutch would make you think how barren landscapes can be so mesmerising? The salt desert looks beautiful when it reflects the moonlight at night. Also, don’t forget to buy embroidered bedsheets, carpets, clothes, sarees, and jackets to treasure the trip winks.
Munnar is the most picturesque destination in South India, thanks to the surrounding hills and tea plantations, making the place popular amongst the British officers during the 19th century and now for everyone looking for the elegant beauty of nature. Bangalore to Munnar road trip via Mysore can be a pleasant one even during a monsoon season, but only if you’re comfortable taking a ride in the middle of rains. The first stopover on this route would be Mysore, a city known for its palace, sweets and highway restaurants.
The next major stop on this route would be Ooty, which would demand an enormous level of patience as when you leave Mysore and get back on the road to Ooty, you’d witness heavy traffic, full of numerous trucks and buses. However, you’ll not regret it, thanks to the abundant natural beauty of the place. Spend a day in Ooty to enjoy beautiful lakes, waterfalls, the famous Nilgiri railway ride and head to the final destination, Munnar, which will tempt you with its greenery and take away all the exhaustion from your body, mind and soul.
Srinagar to Leh via Zoji La Pass
Distance: 420 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: April to July
The Route: Srinagar → Sonamarg → Kargil → Leh
Srinagar and Leh are two of the most famous dream destinations for road lovers, and covering these two in one go is like feeding two birds with one seed. Srinagar To Leh via Zoji La Pass is the best alternative for going to Leh compared to the Manali-Leh road, as it remains drivable for a longer time. The 420-Km road doesn’t offer the regular bushes and forests we see on familiar Indian roads, instead, it presents thrilling passes, mesmerizing mountains, and picturesque valleys.
The Zoji La Pass is one of the world’s most dangerous mountain roads. The pass is a part of National Highway 1 (NH1), which offers stunning views of the valley and heart-stopping arches. The 25.8 km long pass consists of unpaved roads, is the gateway to the majestic Ladakh, but indeed not recommended for Sunday drivers. The route runs through the famous war town of India, Kargil, where you can stop for sightseeing before heading towards your final destination Leh.
Jaipur to Daman
Distance: 1000 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to February
The Route: Jaipur→ Udaipur→ Ahmedabad→ Vadodara→ Daman
“Thelma & Louise” and “Y Tu Mamá También” are two of the most popular films on road trips, and if you ever feel like recreating these two road trips in India, then you should consider taking a drive from Jaipur to Daman. The journey starts from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and till you reach Ahmedabad, you’ll witness vast deserts and grainy yellow sands, just like Utah from Thelma & Louise. After the first half of the trip, when you’re headed towards the beach town of Daman, you’ll catch Y Tu Mamá También vibes.
Jaipur is constantly flooded with tourists, and if you’re a Jaipurian who’s exhausted with all the local sites, then take out that car from your garage and drive down to Daman via Ahmedabad. Explore the city of lakes, Udaipur, which is more peaceful than busy Jaipur and head to Ahmedabad. Spend a day visiting the local diamond cutting shops and have some mouth-watering snacks to satisfy your taste buds. Take a leave from Ahmedabad and head to Daman to enjoy the tranquil beach life you’ve ever desired.
Guwahati to Tawang
Distance: 450 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: September to March
The Route: Guwahati → Tezpur→ Bhalukpong→ Dirang→ Tawang
After Kashmir, the North-East region of India deserves to be called heaven on earth, and even a madman will not say no to the road trip from Gangtok to Tawang. The 450-Km long stretch consists of ancient Buddhist monasteries, mighty landscapes, stunning lakes, and high mountain passes. The unique and adventurous trip is for those who like to go offroad and explore offbeat places but make sure you obtain an Inner Line Permit before entering the region. Arrive a day before in Guwahati, get your body acclimated to the cooler weather, and then begin your road trip.
The first destination on this route would be Tezpur, a city located on the banks of the river Brahmaputra. Halt for a day in the cultural capital of Assam and explore the tourist places such as Cole Park, Bamuni Hills and Kalia Bhomora Setu. On the next day, leave early in the morning as your next stopover- Bhalukpong has a lot to offer, as it is the dawn of scenic vistas of Arunachal Pradesh. The Bhalukpong to Tawang road, which consists of towns like Bomdila and Dirang, will keep you engaged with its beautiful hills and valleys.
Delhi to Jaisalmer
Distance: 800 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: November to February
The Route: Delhi→ Jaipur→ Ajmer→ Jodhpur → Pokhran → Jaisalmer
The road trip from the capital city of India, Delhi, to the Golden City, Jaisalmer, allows you to explore a number of stunning places and helps you get an experience of a lifetime. One should avoid taking this route or this trip during summers as these regions are one of the hottest zones in India but happen to be one of the best routes during winters due to their major attractions. The first stopover on this road trip would be Jaipur, where you stay for a day to explore the famous spots like the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort.
Leave Jaipur early in the morning and stop at Ajmer Sharif Dargah – the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The next pitstop for the day could be Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur, known for its beautiful architecture. Spend a night in Jodhpur, wandering the local markets, enjoying the starry view from the fort, and head towards the Pokhran to visit Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Pokhran Museum. The trip’s final destination, Jaisalmer, will amaze you with its fort, which has incredible yellowstone architecture and Longewala War Memorial close to the Pakistan border.
Hyderabad to Kannur
Distance: 900 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: November to April
The Route: Hyderabad→ Hampi→ Kannur
It will be unfair if a place from God’s Own Country isn’t included in the top 10 incredible roads list. A road trip from Hyderabad to Kannur via NH167 takes you from the ancient history of the Nizams to Hampi, the medieval Hindu kingdom of the Vijayanagara Empire and at the end to the Manchester of Kerala, Kannur. Once you commence the journey from Hyderabad, stay on the road till the next 380-Km, and you’ll enter into the ancient Hindu Empire. Though all you can see are ruins, they have their own beauty, only if you have eyes for the same.
Spend a few days in Hampi and explore the famous spots such as Matanga Hill, Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables, Lotus Mahal, and Hippie Island by driving down the road, cycling or walking. Next up on the itinerary is Kannur, a city of looms and lores. Head to Kannur, and you’ll witness the exact opposite of what you have seen in Hampi. Kannur is a coastal city often called the crown of Kerala due to its natural treasures and is also known for its handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam. The beaches and backwaters of Kannur are a pleasant sight, and you’ll soon lose the soreness caused by the Hampi ruins.
Visakhapatnam to Pondicherry
Distance: 950 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to March
The Route: Visakhapatnam→ Guntur→ Ongole→ Nellore→ Pondicherry
When water bodies from three sides surround a country, it indeed creates a great chance of having scenic roads that run along the sea, and being a peninsula country, we have a few such roads in our quiver. Mumbai to Goa is one of India’s most-travelled and famous coastal roads, thanks to several Bollywood movies that were shot on this route, but the east coast of India also offers some of the best scenic roadside attractions, and the port city of Visakhapatnam is the Jewel of the East Coast.
The 950-Km route takes you from Vizag – a place of many scenic beaches and drops you at the ex-French colonial settlement where you can explore the preserved French legacy with tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. Pondicherry is a vibrant city located on the south-eastern coast of India and offers a plethora of things to do and see. A drive from Visakhapatnam to Pondicherry would be a pleasant journey, and you’ll not regret the decision of taking your car out on this route.
Old Silk Route
Distance: 350 Km (approx)
Best time to Take the Trip: October to March
The Route: Siliguri → Reshi→ Old Silk Route→ Zuluk→ Gnathang→ Sillery
Hotel Belvédère is the iconic Swiss Hotel on the edge of the Rhone Glacier and perhaps one of the most photographed hotels in the world due to its location. In India, we don’t have such a hotel lying lonely on the beautiful edge of the road, but fortunately, we have a similar route, and it is called the Old Silk Route. The ancient hilly road is a rare confluence of natural beauty and used to play a significant role in cross-country trades and cultural exchanges between the Western and Oriental civilizations.
The route used to connect Lhasa in Tibet via the Jelep La Pass to India, and outlying, it used to connect China and other South Asian countries to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Nowadays, only a tiny part of this route exists in India, in East Sikkim and West Bengal. The Old Silk Route is only a 70-Km long journey, but you must arrive at Siliguri to reach the place. Further, you’ll have to reach Reshi and then drive to Old Silk Route, where you can visit Jelep La Pass, Kupup & Memencho Lake. Later on, you can take the Zuluk→ Gnathang→ Sillery route to reach Siliguri.
