FANS in blue India jerseys shed tears of joy and danced on tabletops at a sports bar in New Delhi on Saturday (29) as Rohit Sharma's team edged South Africa to win the T20 World Cup and end a global title drought.
India won a thrilling final by seven runs in Barbados to clinch their first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.
India last won a World Cup in 2011 at home under M S Dhoni, who earlier led the team to a T20 World Cup trophy in the inaugural edition in 2007.
Star batsman Virat Kohli played a knock for the ages in his 59-ball 76 to guide India to 176-7, a total their bowlers defended by restricting the Proteas to 169-8.
"It's an out-of-the-world feeling," Abhishek Bhagat, a 34-year-old software professional on a visit to Delhi from Belgium, said outside the sports bar.
"I experienced it as a child in 2007 and then again in 2011 and now again in 2024. It's been a long, long wait and I can't tell you how much fun we will have."
Kohli, 35, announced his retirement from international T20 matches in his man-of-the-match speech, and Bhagat said: "King Kohli is a player who performs when it matters."
Another fan, Rajneesh Duggal said: "It's a proud moment for every Indian. It is a fitting finale for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid and for Kohli. Hope Rohit stays on."
However, Rohit also called it quits from T20 matches for India soon after Kohli's announcement as Indian cricket suffered two major shocks after the triumph.
Thousands of fans took to the streets and drove past the iconic India Gate shouting "Long live India" slogans from their cars and bikes.
South Africa required 16 runs to win after Heinrich Klaasen had put them firmly on course in reply to India’s 176 for seven by smashing 52 from 27 balls including five sixes.
David Miller hit the first ball, a full toss from Hardik Pandya, hight down the ground but Suryakumar Yadav raced around the long-off boundary, knocked the ball into the air, toppled over the ropes and stepped back to complete a stunning catch.
Two boundaries from the final two balls would still have led to a Super Over with the scores tied but Kagiso Rabada was caught off the fifth and the match was over as jubilant Indian supporters swarmed on to the ground.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrate with the trophy . REUTERS/Ash Allen
After Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bat, Virat Kohli finally recaptured his best form with 76 from 59 balls.
After scoring only 75 runs in seven knocks at the tournament, Kohli first anchored the innings after India had lost their top three wickets cheaply before accelerating.
Kohli signalled his intent by striking three boundaries in the opening over from paceman Marco Jansen but South Africa struck back immediately through left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Maharaj dismissed Rohit for nine and had Rishabh Pant caught by Quinton de Kock for a duck off another mistimed sweep.
Suryakumar (three) lofted paceman Rabada to the square leg boundary where Klaasen took a comfortable catch and after the powerplay India were reeling on 45 for three.
Left-hander Axar Patel lofted the first six of the match over mid-wicket in the eighth over as India sought to accelerate, reaching 75 for three at the halfway stage.
Axar was run out for 47 when De Kock threw down the stumps at the bowler’s end with the batter centimetres short of his ground.
Shivam Dube slapped a six and a four and Kohli brought up his half century from 44 deliveries.
Kohli was now in full flow, smashing Jansen for six before being caught by Rabada trying another hit over the boundary.
Bumrah magic
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s strike bowler, almost inevitably struck in his opening over when he clean bowled Reeza Hendricks.
De Kock, however, went on to the attack, taking a four and a six off Kuldeep Yadav and he kept South Africa up with the required run rate to reach 39 from 31 balls when he swung left-arm paceman Arshdeep Singh straight to Kuldeep at fine leg.
Klaasen’s pugnacious innings put his team within sight of victory with 22 runs required off 18 balls when Rohit turned to Bumrah to bowl his final overs.
Bumrah responded by bowling Jansen for two while conceding just two runs to finish with two for 18 in another magnificent spell of bowling.
India have faltered in the knockout stages of International Cricket Council (ICC) events, despite being ranked number one in both T20s and one-day internationals (ODIs) and number two in Tests.
Rohit and his team came agonisingly close to winning the one-day ICC World Cup at home last year but lost to Australia in the final at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
News channels repeatedly showed images Saturday of fans holding Hindu fire rituals to urge the gods to take the team to victory over South Africa.
Some featured pictures bedecked with flower garlands of Rohit, who has hit three half-centuries in the tournament, holding the World Cup trophy.
India knocked out defending champions England in the semi-final in Guyana and remained unbeaten in the tournament.
Rohit was part of India's T20 World Cup triumph in the inaugural edition in 2007, while Kohli won the ODI prize under Dhoni in 2011.
That was India's previous World Cup triumph, when Dhoni lifted the trophy at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and the country erupted in joy.
Two years later, Dhoni's team beat hosts England in the 50-over Champions Trophy final but fans had to wait for 11 years for another major title.
India lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, before last year's ODI final defeat again left fans heartbroken.
Ollie Pope celebrates his century on day two of the first Test match between England and India at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds on June 21, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
OLLIE POPE scored a fighting century as England responded to India’s 471, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s three-wicket haul and Rishabh Pant’s quick hundred on the second day of the first Test at Headingley on Saturday.
England were 209-3 at stumps, trailing by 262 runs, with Pope unbeaten on 100 after being dropped on 60.
England were 4-1 when Pope walked in, after Bumrah had Zak Crawley caught by Karun Nair at first slip with a delivery that moved sharply in the overcast and bowler-friendly conditions.
Bumrah strikes but Pope holds firm
After Pope reached his hundred, the day ended with two big moments involving Yorkshire players. Joe Root was dismissed for 28, steering a delivery from Bumrah straight to first slip. In the day’s final over, Harry Brook was caught at midwicket by Mohammed Siraj while attempting a pull shot, but the third umpire ruled it a no-ball.
Bumrah finished with 3-48 from 12 overs, having taken all three England wickets to fall so far in this five-Test series.
Pope came into this match after scoring 171 in last month’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe. His record in 13 previous Tests against India had been modest, with an average of 24.60, including a top score of 196 in Hyderabad last year.
He continues to enjoy the support of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
"He probably couldn't walk out in tougher conditions, Jasprit running down the hill with the lights on," said opener Ben Duckett, who made 62 and shared a 122-run partnership with Pope.
"There's no better feeling than that, scoring a hundred against that attack after coming out at 4-1. You can see that in the way he celebrated but it didn't just mean a lot to him, it meant a huge amount in the dressing room as well."
India collapse after strong start
Bumrah could have had more wickets but for dropped catches. Ravindra Jadeja dropped Duckett at backward point on 15. Bumrah eventually got Duckett when the batter inside-edged a drive onto his stumps.
Later, Pope was dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the slips when attempting a steer shot, the same one he had used to reach fifty.
Duckett called Bumrah the "best bowler in the world" and added, "It is hard as an opener as he bowls so many different balls."
Pope reached 95 with a square cut off Shardul Thakur and then brought up his hundred with a single off Bumrah. His 125-ball innings included 13 fours.
Earlier in the day, India looked set to cross 500, with Pant (134), Yashasvi Jaiswal, and captain Shubman Gill all scoring centuries.
But their innings collapsed, with the last seven wickets falling for 41 runs. Stokes took 4-66 from 20 overs, while Josh Tongue took 4-86 and wrapped up the innings.
India resumed on 359-3, with Gill on 127 in his first innings as captain, and Pant on 65. Pant went to his century by hitting Shoaib Bashir for six over deep midwicket, despite losing grip with one hand.
He celebrated his hundred with a somersault. It was his seventh century in 44 Tests and fourth against England. His innings came off 146 balls with 10 fours and four sixes.
Gill and Pant added a double-century stand before Gill was out for a career-best 147, miscuing a shot off Bashir to deep square leg.
Pant was later out lbw to Tongue without offering a shot. Tongue then removed the tail.
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Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation at the White House following US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. (Photo: Reuters)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Sunday that American air strikes had "totally obliterated" Iran's key nuclear sites, as the United States entered the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The move marked a major escalation in the regional crisis.
In a televised statement, Trump warned that the US would carry out more strikes if Iran did not agree to a peace deal soon. Hours later, Iran launched two waves of attacks on Israel.
"Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," Trump said from the White House. He confirmed that the targeted sites included Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment plant at Fordo, and other facilities at Isfahan and Natanz.
"Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," he added.
The air strikes followed Trump's earlier claims that he would avoid another long-term military engagement. His decision to intervene comes after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran last week, prompting warnings from Tehran that it would retaliate if the US got involved.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the US strikes and said, "Trump's decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history."
Iran's armed forces responded by launching missiles at several locations in Israel, including Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv.
Israeli emergency services reported that at least 23 people were injured. Police confirmed at least three direct hits.
In Tel Aviv’s Ramat Aviv neighbourhood, one missile tore through apartment buildings.
"Houses here were hit very, very badly," said Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai. "Fortunately, one of them was slated for demolition and reconstruction, so there were no residents inside.
"Those who were in the shelter are all safe and well. The damage is very, very extensive, but in terms of human life, we are okay."
Israel said it had carried out further strikes on western Iran in response.
The Israeli military said it had "struck missile launchers ready to launch toward Israeli territory, soldiers in the Iranian Armed Forces, and swiftly neutralised the launchers that launched missiles toward Israeli territory a short while ago".
‘Many targets left’
Iranian state media confirmed that Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz were hit.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as "lawless and criminal", and said Tehran would defend its sovereignty.
"The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he wrote on X.
"Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people."
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency said it had not recorded any rise in radiation levels following the strikes. Iran also said there were "no signs of contamination".
Saudi Arabia reported no radioactive effects in the Gulf and expressed "great concern" over the situation.
Keir Starmer urged Iran to "return to the negotiating table" over its nuclear programme. Oman, which has acted as a nuclear negotiator in the past, condemned the US strikes and called for de-escalation.
Trump had earlier said he would decide "within two weeks" whether to support Israel militarily, but acted earlier than expected.
He warned that any future attacks would be "far greater" if Iran did not agree to a diplomatic settlement.
"Remember, there are many targets left," Trump said.
According to US media reports, the strikes involved B-2 stealth bombers using bunker-buster bombs, along with Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines.
‘Full payload of BOMBS’
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a "full payload of BOMBS" had been dropped on Fordo, adding, "all planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors".
Photographs released by the White House showed Trump wearing a red "Make America Great Again" cap in the Situation Room with senior national security officials before the operation.
After his address, Trump warned Iran against any retaliation. Iran and its allied groups have previously targeted US military bases in the region.
On Saturday, Yemen’s Huthi group had said it would resume attacks on US ships in the Red Sea if Washington entered the war.
Trump had increased pressure on Iran since Israel first struck on 13 June, repeating his stance that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Israel and Iran have exchanged a series of strikes since then.
A senior White House official told AFP that Trump had spoken to Netanyahu after the attacks and that Israel was given a “heads up” in advance.
Iran maintains that it is not seeking to develop a nuclear weapon. On Saturday, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said the country’s right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme "cannot be taken away... by threats or war."
(With inputs from agencies)
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His debut novel, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed
By day, Prabhu Ram is a senior executive at a top investment bank in London. But when the suit comes off, another world unfurls – one filled with ancient sutras, secret societies, forgotten kingdoms and cosmic adventure.
His debut novel, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed, is a bold, genre-blending odyssey that bridges the sacred and cinematic, the mystical and the modern.
Set deep within the mythical forests of the Eastern Ghats, it is the first in an ambitious fantasy trilogy. The story follows three young protagonists – siblings Magadh and Yukti, and their friend Rudra – who return from America to India, only to stumble into an extraordinary mission. What begins as a routine visit transforms into a high-stakes race against dark forces and ancient enemies. At the heart of their quest lies the Pure Seed, a potent symbol of wisdom and power that could alter the course of humanity.
“The seed of this story was planted during a hike in Tirumala,” says Ram, reflecting on the moment inspiration struck. “The richness of India’s ancient history and wisdom found in Vedic literature, particularly the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita, have always guided me. I often try to apply the core principles from these timeless scriptures to the corporate world, as an investment banking professional. That desire to bring these ancient ideas to a younger audience in a modern and engaging way became the foundation of this creative journey.
“A Harry Potter-style adventure had long been in my mind. Once I began plotting the characters, the story started to evolve into its best version.”
A bilingual writer and award-winning Tamil poet, Ram’s love for language, particularly his mother tongue, has been a lifelong passion.
“My creative writing journey started in Tamil – one of the world’s oldest languages, with a rich literary heritage. I had the opportunity to study the language in depth, which deepened my admiration for its vast and expressive poetic tradition,” he explains. “Discovering the works of many authentic Tamil poets was a turning point in my journey as a writer. I used to write poetry during long bus rides to school when I was young.”
Ram creates a global narrative tapestryOm Books International
Drawing on ancient Indian epics, Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is a homage to Indian texts, but also a cross-cultural historical reimagining.
Ram creates a global narrative tapestry that includes a hardened Chinese military officer on a covert mission and an ancient enemy waiting to seize the same force. Their paths intersect with the protagonists in a high-stakes race against time that explores lost knowledge, secret societies, and long-forgotten sutras.
At its core, the novel is a fantasy adventure with heart and heritage. Its cinematic storytelling and rich characterisation have struck a chord with younger Indian readers. The book quickly climbed the Amazon India charts to become a bestseller.
“Many readers have described the world-building as outstanding,” Ram shares. “A distinctive feature of the trilogy is the organic integration of scriptures and Sanskrit verses from the Bhagavad Gita and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. This approach has resonated particularly well with younger readers, drawing them closer to our rich spiritual heritage. Reviews from critics have also highlighted this element as a major strength of the work.”
Ram credits his upbringing steeped in literature and the arts, as well as the creative edge demanded by his professional life, as major influences on his writing.
“I try to bring creativity into everything I do, even in my day-to-day work. The corporate world has taught me something important: when you're competing with some of the brightest minds out there, being unique and creative is often the only path to truly stand out. Otherwise, you're just another number in the system.”
His fascination with the cosmos – galaxies, stars and the mysteries of the universe – also plays a role in shaping his imagination.
“These unanswered questions inspire me immensely. They spark ideas, fuel my imagination, and often find their way into my writing in unexpected ways.”
Ram has poured so much passion into crafting the book that he loves every part of it. “But if I had to choose, my top pick would be an epic moment in the story where the modern world suddenly and seamlessly transitions into an enchanting ancient setting. The shift is unexpected and leaves the protagonists completely speechless.”
This turning point in the narrative enables the characters to realise that they are not ordinary individuals, but rather destined for something far greater. It features characters from the lost kingdom of Kishkindha, from the time of the Indian epic Ramayan, who come to life. “Additionally, a pivotal character from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam – a divine bull – appears to deliver a powerful secret that lies at the heart of the story. It’s a moment designed to leave readers truly awestruck.”
Moments like this elevate the book beyond adventure, tapping into themes of destiny and cosmic purpose.
Ram’s literary influences are broad and global. He cites The Lord of the Rings as a foundational inspiration. “Tolkien’s world-building is peerless,” he says. Among Indian writers, Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy made a lasting impact. “I deeply admire the way he reimagines mythology with a fresh, contemporary voice.”
Dan Brown’s fast-paced, code-cracking thrillers also played a part in shaping Ram’s approach to suspense and pacing.
As the trilogy unfolds, Ram promises the stakes will grow higher and offer more adventure in the next two books. His aim from is to captivate young readers and draw them into the fascinating world of ancient history, from India’s rich cultural heritage to other great civilisations. “At the heart of this trilogy is a deeper mission: to subtly introduce key messages and teachings from ancient scriptures, making them engaging and accessible. In the second instalment, readers will meet even more characters drawn from ancient texts who come alive to guide and sometimes challenge the protagonists. The story continues to expand in scope, magic, and meaning.”
He explains that the trilogy draws inspiration from the legendary Samudra Manthan – the churning of the ocean – a pivotal moment in ancient Indian history when there was an epic struggle between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons). “This symbolic event, representing the eternal battle between good and evil, becomes even more central as the series progresses. In the second and third books, this theme intensifies, with antagonists gaining strength.”
The mythological elements, combined with significant historical events, are woven together to create memorable moments for readers. “My goal is not just to make the sequel better, but to elevate it in a massive way. Expect more magic, more fantasy, and a deeper, darker setting where multiple characters chase their own agendas on the path to an ultimate revelation.”
What makes a great novel, he believes, is the ability to completely absorb a reader.
“A great book is unputdownable. It should grip the reader so fully that they do not want to do anything else until they’ve turned the last page. When a novel feels as addictive as binge-watching a Netflix series, the writer has truly succeeded.”
He says for that to happen, everything must align. “The story must connect. The plot must feel fresh and original. The language should be simple yet powerful. The style needs to inspire. The characters must come alive, so much so that the reader feels what they feel, roots for them, fears for them, and even wants to take revenge on the antagonists themselves.”
For aspiring writers, Ram has one central message: don’t stop until you’re holding the paperback in your hands. “That moment is worth every struggle,” he says.
And why should readers pick up his novel now available in UK? Ram smiles: “You don’t just want to read a book, you want to live in it. That’s how I feel every time I pick up a great story. It should pull you in, leave you breathless, and never let go. If you're ready to experience history like never before, in a universe that is both ancient and astonishingly new, then Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is your next adventure. Truly magical. Admirably global. Ambitiously rooted in ancient wisdom. The characters will leave you awestruck. The plot will give you goosebumps.”
Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed is available now, published by Om Books International
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We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well
After a smash-hit UK debut, India’s most-watched crowd-work comedy duo is back – and this time, they’re armed with an even wilder new show. Abishek and Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House invites audiences into a bizarre world where you can anonymously confess your darkest deeds and most questionable opinions.
Staged at Soho Theatre in London from July 21–25, the show will then head to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. It promises their signature fast-paced crowd work and razor-sharp improvisation. With no two shows ever the same, they aim to make every night unrepeatable and unforgettable. Eastern Eye caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about comedy chemistry, on-stage secrets and their biggest influences.
What made you two want to team up?
Abishek: We come from similar backgrounds, consume similar content, and laugh at each other’s jokes. A middle-class upbringing, a love for theatre, and a shared passion for the same kind of humour brought us together.
Did you both expect to become such a successful double act?
Nirmal: It struck me early on during touring. Initially, we’d do 20 minutes each and then come together for the final 20, which audiences really enjoyed. We soon realised our on-stage chemistry worked. We’re also both very physical with our humour and play off each other well. (No innuendo intended.)
What’s been your most memorable moment as a duo?
Nirmal: After every show, we’d go out with some audience members and ask them to show us around their city. I think our last day at Edinburgh Fringe was epic – we were up till 4 am dancing, drinking pints, with a flight back to India at 8 am. Total chaos. Abishek: Touring internationally will always be a core memory. I’ll never forget our first show in Dubai – it felt so surreal. We genuinely felt taller than the Burj Khalifa that day!
How would you describe your brand of comedy?
Abishek: We do a lot of crowd work and improv. Our biggest strength is our physical comedy, combined with (self-proclaimed) impeccable chemistry on stage.
What drew you to interactive comedy?
Nirmal: I love stand-up, but it takes a year or two to build a solid hour. Audience-interactive shows let us flex our improv muscles and keep it fresh every night. We never ran out of shows this way. And repeat audience could enjoy our shows too. It’s liberating – we get to respond to the exact moment we’re in. And we love being surprised by the crowd.
What’s the biggest challenge of interactive comedy?
Abishek: You never know how a joke will land. You have to read the room well and only prolong an interaction if the person is clearly enjoying it.
With no two shows ever the sameInstagram/ theabishekkumar
How much of your routine is planned in advance?
Nirmal: The beginning, middle, end, and format are always set. But that’s it. We’ve built our shows on the road, so we keep adding and experimenting with new bits.
What’s the secret to great improvisation?
Abishek: Ride the scene’s energy – no matter how dumb the premise sounds. Go with the flow. BS with full conviction!
How do you stay in sync on stage?
Nirmal: It’s muscle memory at this point. I know when he’ll take a punchline or jump in, and he knows when I’ll interrupt. It’s built over time by doing this again and again.
What has performing in the UK been like?
Abishek: Amazing. We’ve toured the UK multiple times now, and every visit feels like coming home, thanks to the huge Indian diaspora.
How do UK audiences compare to those in India?
Nirmal: I love our international audiences – they come for a sense of familiarity. They’re away from home, and our references, language, and vibe create that comfort. For at least an hour and a half, it feels like home.
The beginning, middle, end, and format are always setInstagram/ theabishekkumar
Do you have creative differences – and how do you manage them?
Abishek: We do, but we don’t shy away from tough conversations. We’re brutally honest with our feedback and open to change. That’s the healthy part of this duo.
Tell us an embarrassing secret about each other.
Nirmal: When Abishek is sleep-deprived, he goes full chaos mode – like an elephant about to mate. He starts doing sixth-grade-level pranks on everyone around. This is a 30-year-old man. Abishek: Nirmal has to poop before every show. The moment the announcement plays, he’s off to the loo.
Who are your comedy heroes?
Abishek: Robin Williams, Russell Peters, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Ricky Gervais... and Indian legends like Nagesh and Crazy Mohan, who’ve had a huge influence on me. Nirmal: Kanan Gill, Rahul Subramanian, Kenny Sebastian, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari and Dave Chappelle.
Why should people come to your London shows?
Nirmal: To feel like you’re in South India for a whole hour. It’s better than the North. (I say this in jest.) I could have said I’m joking, but I had to say jest, didn’t I? It is a nice word though.
Abishek & Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House at Soho Theatre in central London from July 21-25. www.sohotheatre.com
Grenfell Uncovered, Netflix’s new feature-length documentary about the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, has been widely praised by reviewers and early viewers for its serious and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of the UK’s worst modern tragedies.
Directed by Olaide Sadiq, the film retraces the events leading up to the fire that claimed 72 lives and sparked a national reckoning over building safety, housing policy, and corporate responsibility.
Reviewers highlight structured storytelling and emotional impact
Critics have noted that while the film does not introduce new findings beyond what was already published in the 2024 final report of the Grenfell Inquiry, it succeeds in conveying the scale and depth of the disaster to a global audience. Several reviewers praised the documentary’s editing, with The Guardian calling the timeline “agonisingly well-paced” and noting its ability to balance personal accounts with broader systemic failings.
The film weaves together the first 999 call, testimony from bereaved families, and a detailed exploration of decisions made by companies and public authorities. Reviewers have drawn attention to how the documentary contrasts human loss with what the inquiry called a “merry-go-round of buck-passing” by corporations and officials.
Personal stories placed at the centre
The emotional core of Grenfell Uncovered, according to several reviews, lies in the personal testimony from those who lost loved ones. These are presented alongside findings about companies such as Arconic and Celotex, which the public inquiry found engaged in “systematic dishonesty” in relation to the cladding materials used on the tower.
Critics have said the film powerfully illustrates how profit motives, weak regulation, and political decisions intersect with devastating human consequences.
Praise for Netflix’s decision to commission the documentary
Media observers have commended Netflix for producing a one-off film on such a politically sensitive topic at a time when many streaming platforms are opting for safer, more commercial programming. Some called it a “rare act of public-interest filmmaking” and noted that, despite global trends favouring true crime and celebrity-driven content, Grenfell Uncovered focuses on accountability and justice.
- YouTubeYouTube / Netflix
Political figures featured in the film
The film includes an interview with former Prime Minister Theresa May, who addresses criticism of her response to the fire, particularly her decision not to meet survivors during her first visit to the site. Reviewers have pointed out that while May has previously expressed regret, the interview adds weight to the film’s broader themes of inaction by those in power.
Other institutions, including the Cameron government, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Fire Brigade, are also examined in relation to their roles in the lead-up to and aftermath of the fire.
A reminder, not a revelation
While some reviewers noted that the documentary does not reveal much beyond what was already known, they argue that it is an important retelling for audiences who may not have followed the inquiry closely. In this context, critics say the film succeeds in its aim: to remind viewers of the tragedy’s preventability and the need for lasting change.
Grenfell Uncovered is currently available to stream on Netflix.