A journal of notes & criticism

Achritique

Notes and criticism from Achi Bala: music, movies, and the craft behind the things we love.

Featured essay

MusicJuly 2026

The Lalgudi Bani

On Smt. Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, The Incurable Romantic, and what a family of archivists taught me about memory, lineage, and documentation — beginning with my own grandfather's biography.

Read the essay
Abstract artwork of an agraharam corridor with a hanging pankha
From the archive
  1. 01

    AnnouncementsJuly 2025

    Stay tuned for The Waltz of Chennai

    Seven iconic Tamil songs. Six soundscapes. One Viennese waltz, eighteen months in the making. The announcement essay for the short film.

    3 min read
  2. 02

    MoviesArchive

    Confessions of a recent MCU worshiper

    On Endgame, Thanos as a study in escalation, and why the intricate planning behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe rewards the analytical viewer. Spoilers, naturally.

    6 min read
❦ More essays are on their way from the archive.
Until then, more melodies coming your way.