[HerStoryRecommends] Watch Hasan Minhaj’s hard-hitting Patriot Act on Netflix and curl up with the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series - our top picks of the week

All the women (and men) in Gaborone

I was introduced to the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series around 10 years ago by a friend and have been hooked ever since. Set in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, it revolves around the lives of Precious Ramotswe who uses her inheritance to start a detective agency. Soon she joined in by Grace Makutsi (97 percent in her secretarial exams) who swiftly rises to Co-detective and Director, who along with cast of other adorable characters like JLB Matekoni has made this an extremely popular series.

In the latest installment, Colors of All the Cattle, Precious is persuaded to run for a set on the Gaborone City Council. Though reluctant at first, she agrees when she learns that developers plan to build a Big Fun Hotel next to a graveyard. Also, her opponent is none other than Violet Sephotho, Makutsi’s old nemesis. Precious begins the race by declaring,

“I can’t promise anything – but I shall do my best.”

Like the others in the series, this one too is a heart-warming tale full of humour, compassion and the little things in life.

(Colors of All the Cattle by Alexander McCall Smith)

Also read: Here’s the Rheson Sonam K Ahuja is focusing on ‘every’ girl with her fashion label

Compelling take on Indian politics

This one is from last week – and quite a controversial one at that. Last week’s episode of Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act on Netflix centred around the upcoming Indian elections. The American stand-up comedian of Indian origin goes hammer and tongs at where India stands right now with respect to its right-wing politics, the surge of Hindu nationalism and its recent skirmishes with Pakistan.

Peppered with sarcasm, and jokes on popular culture – the 25-minute act is designed to shock while trying to remain balanced and unbiased. Watch it if you have not already. We, however, reserve no judgement.

(Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix)

Compelling storyline

This week’s film is Kesari - violent, filled with bloodshed and gore. That’s an early warning for those planning to watch the movie with children. Kesari is based on the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi of 1897, in which soldiers of the British Army’s 36th Sikh Regiment fought valiantly against Pathan troops till their last breath. The incident took place at a small outpost, which is now in Pakistan. Akshay Kumar plays Havildar Ishar Singh, head of the Sikh Regiment who hollers and thunders (much in the style of Sunny Deol) his men into action.

The film moves at a trotting pace in the beginning… bracing itself for battle while introducing us to flashbacks with his wife and how he endears himself to the men under his command. Unfortunately, the film is full of stereotypes and exaggeration, whether it’s of the Sikhs or the Pathans and is only watchable because of its compelling storyline.

(Kesari, now in theatres)

Do you have a book, movie, music, a product or an app you think should make it to the HerStory Recommends list? Do write to me at [email protected]

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