I must begin with a disclaimer: I have not watched the masterpiece called Dhurandhar and have no intention of watching it in this lifetime because I don’t have three hours to spare. I wish I did, though, because I am aware of how acclaimed it is, and how thousands of Indians have spent their money to show how much they love it. Many of them think it is one of the best things they have seen on the big screen. As someone who has long admired the ancient Indian preference for make-believe over reality, I am extremely supportive of this expense. I can’t think of anything better we can spend money on, in this economy, than a movie on how India is vastly superior to its neighbours. That, I tell myself, is money very well spent.

Despite my decision to not watch the film, however, I believe it is one of the best movies ever made. I say this with conviction because if there is another thing I have learned about India over the past decade, it is that conviction alone matters more than anything else. Everything that used to be important a long time ago — facts, honesty, intelligence, common sense — no longer have a place in a country with the world’s fastest-growing economy. I say that last bit with conviction, too, despite how the rupee has been faring against the dollar.