Review
Past Lives Review: A Quiet Heartbreak That Refuses to Leave
Celine Song's debut earns every minute of its 106-minute runtime and then some.
May 22, 2026
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TheDigitalWise · Editorial Desk · ★ Verified Critic
Tara Mehta
Senior Critic — Bollywood & Indian Cinema
Senior Critic covering Bollywood, Hindi-language cinema, and regional Indian films for The Digital Wise. Twelve years writing for Mint Lounge, Film Companion, and Hindustan Times.
4 stories
12 yrs experience
📍 Mumbai, India
Beat
Hindi cinema, Bollywood, regional Indian (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi), film festivals (Mumbai, Cinevesture, IFFI)
Expertise
Hindi cinema
Bollywood star economy
Indian film festivals
Regional cinema (Tamil
Malayalam)
OTT releases
Languages
English
Hindi
Marathi
Conversational Tamil
Credentials
🎓 Education
MA in Film Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia · BA English Literature, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
📰 Previously
Mint Lounge (2018–2023) · Film Companion (2015–2018) · Hindustan Times (2012–2015)
★ Awards & Memberships
Ramnath Goenka Award shortlist for Arts journalism (2022) · MAMI Critics Choice Best Long-Form Essay (2021)
Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
Spouse works in publishing (not in film). I recuse from reviews of any title where a close family member has a credited role. I do not accept paid travel or accommodation from studios.
Bylines
Stories by Tara Mehta
4 published
Review
Maharaja Review: The Tamil Thriller That Deserves Your Weekend
Don't read about it. Just watch it.
May 22, 2026
Review
12th Fail Review: A Biopic That Earns Its 147 Minutes
Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers the rare Indian biopic that doesn't flatter its subject.
May 22, 2026
Review
Heeramandi Review: Bhansali at His Most Bhansali
Visually sumptuous, occasionally over-stuffed. Worth it for Manisha Koirala.
May 22, 2026
How We Rate
Tara Mehta follows the public Wise Score methodology.
Every score combines four pillars: visuals, story, acting, and rewatch value. Read the full criteria.
Ratings CriteriaTip the Critic
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Casting news, festival announcements, screener requests welcome.
tara@thedigitalwise.comBy the numbers
Tara Mehta at TheDigitalWise
4
Stories Published
12
Years in Industry
May 2026
First Story
6
Expertise Areas
Top categories covered
FAQ
About Tara Mehta
- Who is Tara Mehta?
-
Senior Critic covering Bollywood, Hindi-language cinema, and regional Indian films for The Digital Wise. Twelve years writing for Mint Lounge, Film Companion, and Hindustan Times.
- What does Tara Mehta cover?
-
Hindi cinema, Bollywood, regional Indian (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi), film festivals (Mumbai, Cinevesture, IFFI)
- How can I contact Tara Mehta?
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Email Tara Mehta directly at tara@thedigitalwise.com or on X/Twitter at TaraMehtaWrites.
- How is Tara Mehta qualified to review films?
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Tara Mehta holds MA in Film Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia · BA English Literature, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Prior experience: Mint Lounge (2018–2023) · Film Companion (2015–2018) · Hindustan Times (2012–2015).
- Does Tara Mehta receive payment from studios or streamers?
-
No. Tara Mehta is on salary at TheDigitalWise and has no commercial relationship with studios, streamers, or talent. Every conflict-of-interest disclosure is published on this profile.
- How do I subscribe to Tara Mehta's latest reviews?
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Subscribe to The Morning Brief and you will get the desk's newest reviews — including Tara Mehta's — three times a week. Free, no spam.