Justin Rao is joined by film critic Rahul Desai and journalist Ananya Shankar for the October edition of It's a Wrap on The Hollywood Reporter India. From Rahul's 17 reviews in a crowded month to Ananya's reporting from fashion weeks in India and Dubai, the trio takes stock of the films, shows and conversations that stood out. Rahul explains why Drishyam 3 surprised him, where spy comedies lose their way, and what smaller films and streaming stories offered beyond the big releases.
Ananya unpacks front-row seating politics, the business behind celebrity showstoppers, and the gap between sustainability pledges and measurable change. Justin, Rahul and Ananya also discuss Koffee With Karan, their favourite episodes, and the pressure of online scrutiny on celebrity conversations. They debate what Hindi romcoms can learn from lived experience and Korean dramas, why nostalgia alone cannot revive a genre, and how journalism is portrayed on screen. Looking ahead to Ramayana, Rahul reflects on approaching a major release without being overwhelmed by the hype, while Ananya discusses the debate around its costumes. The episode closes with her reporting on AI in fashion photography, from virtual models and image editing to questions of consent, ownership and personality rights.