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The Wire
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
‘Second Chance': Subhadra Mahajan's Debut Is an Assured Tale of a Reawakening
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories 'Second Chance': Subhadra Mahajan's Debut Is an Assured Tale of a Reawakening Tatsam Mukherjee 6 minutes ago In this day and age, where films tend to boast of a scope of cinematic universes, giant problems, global disarray, Second Chance is a relatively contained effort. A still from 'Second Chances.' Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Nia (Dheera Johnson) is scared. In the first scene of Subhadra Mahajan's Second Chance, we hear the protagonist's voice over a black screen. She's calling Kabir – her partner, presumably. She's pregnant, and doesn't know what to do. 'Please call me back when you see this,' she drops him a text, one of the many that have gone unanswered. The screen comes to life, and she's in the middle of thick snow. It takes a while for us to register that she's in some remote corner in Himachal Pradesh. As details trickle down, we learn that Nia comes from a rich Delhi family, who own a holiday home in the hills. Overcome with fear about the pregnancy, Nia flees from the capital. With limited network coverage in the home (near a bedroom window), a silent boyfriend, and seemingly supportive-yet-distant parents, Nia finds her refuge among the caretaker family of the home: Raju (Rajesh Singh), his son Sunny (Kanav Thakur) and mother-in-law Bhemi (Thakri Devi). Mahajan's directorial debut is shot in black-and-white by cinematographer Swapnil S. Sonawane, also a producer on the film. Second Chance is a breathtaking film to look at, framing Nia's initial isolation among snow-capped peaks, as if her world is caving in. The class commentary is not particularly novel here; with Nia refusing Raju and Bhemi's meticulously prepared meals in the first few days, too consumed by her own grief to be considerate of their labour or the wasted food. As Raju has to step out of town for a court hearing, Nia is left with Bhemi's caution and Sunny's unapologetic wonder. It takes a few days for her to warm up to them – but it takes the extreme winter to thaw their differences. Second Chance could initially appear like it's unfairly indulging its protagonist, given the sparse dialogue, the focus on Nia's grief, and the aesthetically-framed black and white frames of her isolation. But then the film slowly tilts towards the environment and her caretakers. An older shepherd, who brings raw wool to Bhemi to be spun into yarn, appears in two superb scenes, presenting the film's wider eye on the world. 'The weather has changed, man's principles have changed,' he bemoans to Bhemi in one scene. He imparts another gem when Bhemi and Nia visit him, after what appears to be an arduous uphill trek: 'Racing is no way to conquer mountain tops,' he notes. A still from 'Second Chances.' To Johnson's credit – Nia is equally believable as wasted youth, but also as something more. After a stomach ache reveals that her initial abortion attempt wasn't successful, the doctor asks her questions about a possible sexual assault being the cause for the pregnancy. Johnson's face shrinks, her voice quivers as she confesses – ' Meri marzi se hua tha (it happened consensually).' She tries to numb herself with alcohol and cannabis at first, but discovers peace the more she immerses herself into the lives of Bhemi and Sunny. The eight-year-old boy lost his mother during childbirth. In the midst of all his naughtiness, he doesn't forget to kiss his mother's portrait hung in their home. Looking after Nia following her abortion, Bhemi concedes her own secret. The two women both make mental notes of each other's kindness and discretion. A still from 'Second Chances.' A chance visit by a childhood friend reveals that Nia is one of those bratty drifters, responsible for a couple of failed ventures – vegan organic nighties, and vague tea concoctions – which she says were her ideas, but things she was pushed into. We are taken through a journey at the end of which Nia discovers what she wants and is unafraid to communicate it. With its glacial pacing and its silent, observational style, Subhadra Mahajan's film is a modest and assured film of a reawakening. In this day and age, where films tend to boast of a scope of cinematic universes, giant problems, global disarray, Second Chance is a relatively contained effort. While an individual's coming-of-age through trauma and betrayal might seem like a minor undertaking, it's still undoubtedly a well-made film. By the end, Nia is less scared. Maybe that's what we need today, a few more people, less scared than they were yesterday. *Second Chance is playing in theatres. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Delays, a Half-Built Campus, and No Amenities: Inside the Protests at FTI Arunachal Pradesh Post Op Sindoor, Experts Say India Should Look Beyond Traditional Suppliers For Defence Procurement 'Stolen' Embraces Contemporary India With All its Faults and Messiness Two Books Remind Us of the Importance of June 4, 2024 Raj Rachakonda's '23' Takes a Hard Look At Caste and Social Justice Russian Ambassador Says 'Discussion Ongoing' On India Getting More S-400 Air Defence System Units: Report 'Sister Midnight' Is a Feel-Bad Fable That Liberates Radhika Apte From Bollywood Changing Direction: The Wire's Short Film Festival 'India's Foreign Policy Has Collapsed,' Says Rahul Gandhi Targeting Jaishankar View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free concerts, movies and more coming to Downtown Hagerstown this summer
Upcoming events in downtown Hagerstown promise a variety of activities for residents and visitors. According to a community announcement, several events are scheduled throughout June and into the summer months. The first event is a free outdoor performance by Bryan Wiles at Encounter City Park on June 11 at 7 p.m. The performance will take place at the City Park Bandshell, 668 City Park Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Following Wiles, other performances will include Spirit Wind on June 18, Second Chances on June 25, Leslie McKee on July 2, Randy Simpson on July 9, and Bryan Wiles again on July 16. Later in July, Embassy Church will perform on July 23, followed by the Scott Day Band on July 30. In August, Stronger Together will perform on Aug. 6, Crossway on Aug. 13, Fertile Soil on Aug. 20, and Abba Farm on Aug. 27. All performances are weather permitting. More details can be found on the Encounter City Park Facebook page. On June 13, the Back to the 90's Sober Prom will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at University Plaza at 50 W. Washington St. Middle school and high school students are invited to enjoy a night of DJ music, dancing, raffles and more. This event is hosted by the Washington County Health Department, and no RSVP is needed. Additional information is available at Also on June 13, a free outdoor movie will feature Sonic 3 at City Park, 501 Virginia Ave. Pre-movie entertainment will start at 7 p.m., with the movie beginning at dusk. Attendees should bring a blanket or chair. Other movies scheduled for later in the summer include Moana 2 on June 27, Twisters on July 11, Inside Out 2 on July 25, and Wicked on Aug. 15. Any postponements due to inclement weather will be announced by 4 p.m. on the day of the movie. Updates can be found on the Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Facebook page. A Community Yard Sale is set for June 14 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairgrounds Park, 521 N. Cannon Ave. Shoppers can browse 72 different stalls of yard sale items in the stables at Fairgrounds Park. This event is hosted by the City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation. Additional yard sales are planned for Aug. 9 and Oct. 11. For inquiries, individuals can call 301-739-8577, ext. 169, or email parks&rec@ The Safe Summer Kickoff will occur on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hub City Brewery Parking Lot at 25 W. Church St. This free family-friendly celebration will feature music, food, games and community resources. The 2nd Saturday Summer Street Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on South Potomac Street. On June 14, activities will include mini-golf, bounce houses, face painting and more, all free of charge. This event is also hosted by the City of Hagerstown. Additionally, a Dance on the Plaza event is scheduled for June 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at University Plaza. This free event will showcase different styles of dance, fitness and vendors, presented by Slam the Weight and sponsored by the City of Hagerstown. The Sunday City Farmers Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in the Hub City Brewery parking lot. This weekly market will offer local products and is co-hosted by the City of Hagerstown and Hub City Brewery. Every Sunday, the Hagerstown Municipal Band Concert Series will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the City Park Bandshell. The concert on June 15 will feature Elk's Flag Day and the percussion section. A Juneteenth Celebration is planned for Saturday, June 21, from noon to 9:30 p.m. at Wheaton Park, 449 Sumans Ave., hosted by the Doleman Black Heritage Museum and sponsored by the City of Hagerstown. The Miss Maryland pageant will occur on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, starting at 7 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre at 21 S. Potomac St. Finally, Rides with Tommy 202 will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Park Train Hub, 770 City Park Drive, offering special rides for kids. For more information on the events, individuals can contact the City of Hagerstown at 301-766-4258. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. The Herald-Mail is growing its local news: Send your news to us This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Don't miss these free family events in downtown Hagerstown
Fox News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Jelly Roll's farm life brings peace and healing from dark times
With his career at an all-time high, Jelly Roll has learned to fully embrace the moments of solitude he finds amid his hectic schedule. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the "Save Me" crooner — who has recently partnered up with shoe brand HEYDUDE to announce the highly anticipated "Second Chances" collaboration restock — opened up about how his farm in Nashville has kept him "on track" when it comes to avoiding the pitfalls of fame and success. "Of all the things I've done, having cows seems to be one of the most surprising to people," Jelly Roll said with a laugh. "And yes, the Hey Dudes have absolutely been over to the farm. But seriously, I want to say thank you for asking about the farm because it reminds me to bring something up. I think it really does in a real way represent what a second chance can really do. But also the reality of getting to that point, too." "I've been honest about how there can still be a real dark corner between my ears at times," he continued. "Ultimately, the farm is someplace that I find a lot of peace in — that space and separation — getting out there and just walking. It's made a big difference for me on a lot of levels. It was a chance to [find] things that keep me on track. And I think it's good when you can share that too." Before finding megastardom, the Nashville-born singer, 40, had his share of personal struggles. After first going into juvenile detention at age 13, Jelly Roll was in and out of jail for years to follow. While behind bars, the country star found sobriety and a new understanding and appreciation for his faith. "I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for what I went through. I think it empowered me. I think it gave me my voice," he told Fox News Digital at the 2023 CMAs. "It taught me a lot about overcoming. It taught me a lot about changing and the ability to change." "I was a horrible human for decades, and to just be able to turn that around and give a message in the music and help people… and just try to give back as much as I can in every way I can is very indicative of where I came from and how important it is to me to always reach back." His collaboration with Hey Dude is just another way for him to give back. "Ultimately, the farm is someplace that I find a lot of peace in — that space and separation — getting out there and just walking." "I don't think that you can honestly tell my story or look back and talk about where I am now from where I was and not believe in or want to encourage the belief in second chances," he told Fox News Digital. "Second chances have a domino effect that impacts not only one person's life but lives but beyond just that one person." "It trickles down into their family, friends, communities and beyond," he continued. "My dad always said that change starts in your heart, then goes to your home, then goes out to your street, then your community and beyond that. The ability to believe in that change, often through the chance to do something differently or make amends from before, is all part of that." Jelly Roll, who has recently taken on the role of being the first-ever "Artist in Residence" on "American Idol," said it's been "rewarding" to be in a position to offer advice and guidance to young contestants looking to make a name for themselves. "Getting to know these kids and be a part of this has been honestly an incredible experience," he said. "And the talent level is just unreal. I think watching it unfold over this season, too, it's been really rewarding to watch each one of them go out there and outperform themselves from the week before, or show a different side of what they can do, really dig in creatively while showing America who they are as artists." WATCH: Jelly Roll talks using his platform to inspire positive change "I am out there cheering every one of them on," he continued. "And I am a really proud parent. I get to see those moments from rehearsals where they are working through something to then, in the show, hitting that note they had to work through in rehearsal or just taking that performance onstage to the next level." The country star, who's heading Stagecoach this weekend, said his role on "Idol" has been humbling in that he finds himself reliving moments from his own career path. "It's also made me relive a lot of my own moments career-wise, that you almost don't stop to take in fully as they are happening because of the pace this industry can move," he said. "But when I am sitting there talking about the first time you go onstage or that first live show, it brings back those moments for me, too. Like the first time I performed on an award show stage, or singing that new song for the first time. So that has been an unexpected surprise of being Artist in Residence, but a really welcome one, and one I am super grateful for."
