Category: Arts Entertainments

Sourcing materials across India while maintaining historical fidelity posed another challenge. “Props came from Mumbai, Chennai, Assam, and Bengaluru. Every prop and every set required careful attention. The coordination, the logistics, and the dedication were extraordinary.” For Banglan, living in Kundapura during the shoot deepened his connection to the project. “I stayed in that village, lived with the land, the people, and the culture. Every frame had to feel lived-in, grounded in the roots of that land. This film has been a turning point for me. The research, the sets, and the collaboration have been the culmination of everything I’ve learned over the years. It’s an experience I will carry forever.” The scale was staggering. “Some sets were spread over ten acres. Every artwork, every prop had to be visualised first in my mind, then interpreted in Rishab’s vision, sketched, converted to 3D in Lumion, and finally recreated manually. Ninety-five per cent of properties were created from scratch. Even local artisans from Kundapura contributed, using regional materials, their expertise, and traditional methods. The director, cinematographer, costume designers, and production design team worked hand-in-hand. It was like one big family.”

NEW DELHI: The two children of Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court seeking share in their late father Sunjay Kapur’s assets reportedly worth Rs 30,000 crore.

The plaint, which is likely to come up on September 10, challenges Sunjay’s March 21 will, which purportedly leaves his entire personal estate to their step-mother, Priya Kapur.

The plaint claims neither Sunjay mentioned about the will, nor Priya, or any other person, ever spoke of its existence.

While the daughter, Samaira Kapur, has filed the plaint through her mother, Karisma, authorising her as her general power of attorney, the son, a minor, is also represented by the mother as the legal guardian.

Karisma and Sunjay married in 2003 but divorced in 2016.

The plaint alleges Priya’s conduct demonstrates “without a doubt, that the alleged will has been fabricated” by her.

“The purported will allegedly executed by the plaintiffs’ father is not a legal and valid document, is forged and fabricated and in any event surrounded by suspicious circumstances. It is for this reason that neither the original of the alleged purported will has been shown to the plaintiffs nor a copy of the alleged purported will has been provided,” the suit claimed.

The plaint has sought partition, rendition of accounts and a permanent injunction with respect to their late father’s estate.

“The plaintiffs do not have the complete information regarding the personal assets and effects of their father at the time of his bereavement,” the plaint added.

It sought a direction to Priya to disclose the entire personal assets and effects of Sunjay at the time of his passing.

Sunjay, a businessman, passed away on June 12 during a polo match in London, when he suffered a heart attack after reportedly swallowing a bee.

According to reports, Sunjay’s mother, Rani Kapur, recently wrote to the UK authorities demanding an investigation into his death, ruling out natural causes and claiming possible murder, conspiracy and financial fraud.

Interestingly, Nidradevi Next Door breaks away from the conventional three-act format. Was he nervous? “Not really,” he says. “The first half sets up the world and makes you wonder why things are happening, while the second half answers everything. Every character carries trauma, and they resolve it differently. The structure is not textbook, and certain sections of audience at the premiere in Mumbai have already given us a big thumbs-up.”

Authenticity, for Suraag, is non-negotiable. “Only when we are authentic can the audience truly connect,” he insists, and agrees that today’s young directors are drawn to emotionally complex stories. “Cinema shouldn’t be about formulas, it should be about experiences,” he adds.

Backing him is producer Jayaram Devasamudra, who has invested heavily in both performance and craft. “A big chunk of the budget went into actors and VFX,” Suraag explains. “We had to create dream worlds in black and white, and those visuals required technical precision. Jayaram, as producer, gave us that freedom.”

After reports speculating that actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth will reunite for a project after over four decades, Kamal has confirmed that the project is indeed in the works.

In a recent award function, Kamal Haasan said that the project is in the works.

He said, “This may surprise many in the business circle. But Rajinikanth is my friend, and this collaboration is long overdue. It was we who decided not to collaborate, as we had to share one biscuit, and then we demanded that the audience give us a biscuit each. Now we have come again to share one biscuit. It is for the audience to decide after watching if it is a ‘Tharamaana Sambavam'”.

Though the reports also suggested that their film will be directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, it is yet to be confirmed.

KOCHI: Actor Navya Nair has been fined around Rs 1.14 lakh (AUD 1,980) for carrying jasmine flowers at the Melbourne International Airport in Australia.

The actor recounted the incident while attending the Onam celebration of the Malayali Association in Victoria. “I am wearing flowers worth over a lakh for this function,” Navya joked in a video that has since gone viral on social media.

The actor said that she had carried a 15cm-long jasmine flower garland gifted by her father right before she left on her trip to Australia. Unaware of the biosecurity rules of the country, she failed to mention that she was carrying the flowers in her declaration form at the airport, which led to the fine.

Biosecurity rules are strictly followed in Australia to protect the indigenous flora and fauna of the country. As per the rules, carrying foreign plants or animals to the country is considered a crime as it might pose a threat to the indigenous species.

According to the Australian government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, such foreign flora or fauna should be brought to the country only after proper declaration and inspection.

The actor has been asked to pay the penalty within 28 days.

The recurring bit, “Places I Have No Business Being,” has quickly become a fan favourite. In one episode, she recounts an evening out where she found herself completely out of her element at a high-fashion event, poking fun at her own discomfort with a mix of wit and warmth.

Perhaps the most powerful quality of Not Gonna Lie is how it resists the shiny veneer of celebrity podcasting. Kylie may be well known because of her connection to the NFL world, but she never relies on that for substance. Instead, she uses her platform to highlight voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Episodes where she interviews mothers balancing careers in sports, or moments where she acknowledges her own struggles with identity outside of being a wife and mother, prove that this is a podcast grounded in inclusivity and empathy.

In a crowded field where many shows strive for attention through gimmicks, Kylie has built a podcast that resonates because it doesn’t try too hard. Her balance of humour, sincerity, and curiosity has already made Not Gonna Lie one of the standout new podcasts of the year. And if the first batch of episodes is any indication, this is only the beginning of something that will continue to grow, inspire, and connect.

At its heart, Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce isn’t just about Kylie—it’s about all of us, and the messy, beautiful, funny, and often challenging stories that make life worth sharing.

ATLANTA: Two children of R&B singer Angie Stone are suing a trucking company, truck manufacturer and others, seeking damages for an Alabama interstate crash that killed Stone.

The lawsuit says the driver lost control of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and when he tried to steer it back onto the highway, it flipped over, with the 63-year-old Stone, her bandmates and entourage inside.

Stone was a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence. She was known for the hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and flourished in the early 2000s as neo-soul began to dominate R&B. She was on her way back to her Atlanta-area home after a performance at a Mardi Gras ball in Mobile, Alabama.

The suit was filed Tuesday in a Georgia state court in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville. It says Stone and the other occupants of the van survived the initial predawn wreck and that passersby pulled over and helped five of the nine occupants crawl out. Stone was still trying to get out when an 18-wheeler carrying a load of sugar slammed into the van, the lawsuit says. That impact ejected Stone and pinned her under the van, where she died, the lawsuit claims. Sheila Hopkins, still inside the van, suffered injuries.

They also promised monthly returns and repayment of the principal amount, the official said.

As per the FIR, the complainant claimed that he transferred Rs 31.9 crore in April 2015 under a share subscription agreement, followed by another Rs 28.53 crore under a supplementary agreement in September 2015.

Despite providing a personal guarantee in April 2016, Shetty resigned as a director of the company in September that year.

Kothari later found that insolvency proceedings were on against the company in 2017 for defaulting on another agreement, the official said.

In his complaint, Kothari alleged that he provided a loan for business, but the money was allegedly diverted for personal use by the accused persons, according to him.

Accordingly, Kothari approached the Mumbai police with a complaint against the actor, her husband and other unknown persons, based on which a case was registered, he said.

A statement was then issued by Shetty and Kundra’s lawyer in connection with the case, which states that his clients deny all the allegations that are purely civil in nature and have been adjudicated by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai on October 4, 2024.

“This is an old transaction, wherein the company went into financial distress and eventually got entangled in a long legal battle at the NCLT,” the statement said.

There is no criminality involved and our auditors have submitted all the necessary supporting documents from time to time, as requested by the EOW, including detailed cash flow statements, it had added.

As one commented, “This should have been a simple photo in her holiday outfit, not this sultry one,” another said, “You should not do this in social media, think about your father’s image please.”

“I love my body, for everything it’s been through and everything it is. I’m keenly aware of what a fight it has been to get here…The inherent arrogance that allows one human to think they have the right to pass judgement on someone in this way is astounding. In 2025, we should be so far beyond this kind of idiocy- there are bigger battles to fight, but I just couldn’t accept this,” she said.

The “Breathing Under Water” artist added that she hasn’t got to this point “only to accept any banal, pathetic comments (male) strangers need to bring into my orbit”.

“For the people in the back: My body is not anyone else’s to comment on. My choices -all of them- are mine to make. To anyone else who receives these kinds of comments, either in public or in private, I see you, and I’m with you. It’s not your shame to carry, it’s theirs,” Shankar added.

That’s how his films come to fruition, he adds. When he visited Jallianwala Bagh, it had a ‘chilling effect’ on him that stayed with him for years until it took the shape of a film. Shoojit says that even he doesn’t know when and how an idea begins to form in his head. “I never imagined that I would end up being a filmmaker. So, all the stories are just coming to me and I am just making them. I don’t think much about ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’,” he says. His last film, I Want to Talk (2024) again told an unusual story of a chirpy man who gets diagnosed with cancer and goes through multiple surgeries with his affectionate grumpiness. Unlike his other films though, I Want to Talk opened to a mixed response from audience and turned out to be a major failure at the box office. “When there is a box office disaster, it definitely affects you. I was shocked when the film didn’t do well,” he says, adding that for him, I Want to Talk was a ‘satirical’ and ‘hilarious’ film about a man who wants to survive. But when he saw the audiences’ reception, he realised that they were not ready to watch a film about a cancer survivor. “Maybe that’s not the state of mind they wanted to be in,” he says. The film, however, got some critical acclaim with unanimous praise for Abhishek Bachchan’s performance. What is the director’s relationship with film criticism then? “I look at some of it and learn from it. But I don’t take every review or criticism seriously. Apart from critics, I also like to listen to what the audience is saying about the film at large,” he responds.

Vijay Antony Film Corporation has previously backed films such as Naan, Salim, India Pakistan, Pichaikkaran, Saithan, Annadurai, Kaali, Thimirupudichavan, Romeo, and Maargan, among others. On the work front, Vijay Antony awaits the release of Shakthi Thirumagan, which is slated for release on September 19. He is also filming for Joshua Sethuraman’s Lawyer, starring alongside Raveena Tandon.

Meanwhile, Vishnu Vishal, who was last seen in an extended cameo in his brother’s acting debut Oho Enthan Baby, is awaiting the release of his action film Aaryan, directed by Praveen K, set to hit screens on October 31. He also has Irandu Vaanam, with his Ratsasan collaborator Ram Kumar, and Mohandas in different stages of production.

Disney Animation is gearing up for a brand-new original adventure. At the Destination D23 event in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer Jared Bush unveiled the studio’s next feature film, Hexed, slated to debut in theatres in November 2026.

The superhero drama, which stars Kalyani as Chandra, a mysterious woman with supernatural powers, is resonating with audiences not just for its visual spectacle but also for its unique narrative. Rooted in Kerala’s rich folklore, the film blends traditional elements with a contemporary cinematic approach, earning praise from critics and viewers alike. Co-writer Santhy Balachandran has also been widely applauded for crafting a woman-centric story that breaks new ground in the genre.

Among the other Onam releases, Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, featuring Fahadh Faasil and Kalyani Priyadarshan, is lagging far behind with only Rs 1.53 crore in earnings. Maine Pyar Kiya, starring Hridhu Haroon and Preity Mukhundhan, has collected a modest Rs 0.29 crore worldwide.

With its blend of myth, modernity and mass appeal, Lokah has clearly captured the imagination of the audience. It now firmly holds the Onam box office crown, with the only remaining question being how high it can soar in the coming days.

How do you balance work, life, and fatherhood? And what is Hrithik like when he is on holiday?

Success is about balance. For years, I chased fame, success, and money. But there comes a point when you realise they’re just means to an end. Eventually, you have to decide what truly matters. For me, that’s my people, my family, my relationships. A few months ago, I went off social media for a bit. That digital detox changed something in me. It’s amazing how much time you find when you’re not scrolling endlessly. I became more present, more aware. I healed in ways I didn’t expect. I started noticing the little moments, things I didn’t even know I was missing. I enjoyed being bored and what to do when boredom sets in. I would advise everyone to try it at least for a week.

On holidays, I plan every single detail—my reservations, itinerary, the works. But the moment I land, I throw the plan out and become spontaneous. I leave room for instinct. That’s my idea of balance, structure, and freedom co-existing.

Ten years from now, what do you hope your future self should be doing?

I hope he’s doing exactly the things he loves without any pressure. I hope he’s found the perfect balance of work, life, and play. And I hope he still dances the way he loves.

Sometimes a film doesn’t bother hiding its intention, but it is not always a bad thing. Lasse Hallstrom’s The Map That Leads to You may be predictable to a fault, but much like a short sojourn in a foreign land, it is a journey worth savouring. Refreshing in its directness, the film skips meandering and gets straight to the point with its romantic theme.

The story follows Heather (Madelyn Cline) and Jack (KJ Apa), two strangers who meet on a trip to Europe and develop an instant connection. The meet-cute happens on a moving train in Europe. Jack, who sleeps in the luggage storage area, has the same Ernest Hemingway book as the one Heather reads in the seat below him. When they introduce themselves to each other and reach out to shake hands, their fingers barely touch—a clever detail that foreshadows what lies ahead, hinting that the two may be meant for each other but still have to rely on what fate has in store for them.

Much like many travel stories, the film takes us to exotic European locations and uses convenient storytelling detours to finally reach its conclusion. Jack keeps his late grandfather’s journal, which he uses to retrace the old man’s experiences traversing Europe during World War II. The journal subtly functions as a plot device to keep the two protagonists together for some time, as Heather, smitten by Jack, accompanies him as they hop from one destination to another.

Vishnu Vishal was last seen in an extended cameo in Oho Enthan Baby, the film that marked the acting debut of his brother Rudra. Although the plotline of Aaryan is currently unknown, the film is anticipated to be a crime thriller featuring Vishnu Vishal as a cop investigating a series of murders that occur over a span of five days. He is joined by actors Shraddha Srinath, Maanasa Choudhary, and Selvaraghavan in prominent roles.

VENICE, Italy: Julia Roberts is making her Venice Film Festival debut with the psychosexual drama “After the Hunt,” which premieres Friday evening.

The film is set in the world of higher education and stars Roberts as a beloved professor whose mentee, played by “The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri, accuses her friend and colleague (Andrew Garfield) of crossing the line.

“After the Hunt” was directed by Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, who is no stranger to the festival. Last year he brought “Queer,” with Daniel Craig, and several years ago had “ Bones & All,” with Timothée Chalamet. His tennis love triangle film “Challengers,” with Zendaya, was supposed to open Venice in 2023 but the Hollywood strikes upended much of that year’s festival and it was pulled.

Guadagnino regulars Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny are also part of the “After the Hunt” ensemble. Amazon MGM Studios plans an Oct. 10 theatrical release in North America.

“After the Hunt” is playing out of competition at the festival, meaning it won’t be up for any of the major awards come Sept. 6. Venice chief Alberto Barbera said that it was strong enough to be in the competition, but the studio requested otherwise.

Two days in, the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival is in full swing with many major premieres to come including Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite.”

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Khan has built a reputation for blockbuster successes but his recent outings like “Sikandar”, “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan”, “Radhe”, “Dabangg 3”, and “Race 3” have not lived up to the expectations of his loyal fan base.

Barjatya, however, is optimistic about Khan’s career and making a huge comeback.

“I think it happens in everyone’s life…it is just that he is a celebrity, that’s why he gets so much attention. But everyone should be allowed to make a mistake, to learn because that is what his life is.

“We have to allow each other to (grow), we should not be so harsh. He is such a good person, he is so strong that he is going to come back in a very big way,” the director said.

Both Barjatya and Khan are busy working on their respective new films.

The filmmaker is looking forward to beginning work on a new family drama set to feature Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari, while Khan has begun work on a much-anticipated war drama titled “Battle of Galwan”.

Based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict, this film is helmed by Apoorva Lakhia.

“Mother”, a film depicting Mother Teresa as a sometimes ruthless figure struggling to reconcile her views on motherhood and abortion, opened the secondary Orizzonti section.

Eyes were set to quickly turn to Hollywood’s favourite leading man, Clooney, who stepped off a water taxi in Venice with his wife Amal on Tuesday.

On Thursday, he will be seen in the premiere of Netflix-produced comedy “Jay Kelly”, directed by Noah Baumbach, in which he plays a top Hollywood actor with an identity crisis.

On the same night is the premiere of sci-fi comedy “Bugonia” from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, which stars Emma Stone as a pharmaceutical executive kidnapped by people who mistake her for an alien.

Roberts, meanwhile, will appear at Venice for the first time on Friday in the out-of-competition cancel-culture drama “After the Hunt”, from Italy’s Luca Guadagnino.

Winners of the festival’s prestigious Golden Bear top prize often go on to Oscar glory, such as “Nomadland” or “Joker” in previous years.

After a long wait, Vinay Rajkumar’s next outing Andondittu Kaala is all set to hit theatres this week, perfectly timed with the Gauri-Ganesha festival on August 29. Directed by Keerthi Krishnappa, the film draws inspiration from episodes in the director’s own life, blending them into a story of love, friendship, and family bonds.

“It’s easy to feel like the world is all doom and gloom, but thank you for making me feel that it’s not and that humanity still exists. I don’t want this to sound like an award acceptance, speech. So please forgive me if it does sound so. In the middle of a really difficult personal journey, I somehow also managed to finish my film Full Plate which I wrote and directed,” she said.

On Tuesday, Ravi Mohan launched his production banner, Ravi Mohan Studios, with a grand function at Chennai Trade Centre. At the event, Ravi Mohan announced that he is all set to make his directorial debut with the production banner’s sophomore film. 

Titled An Ordinary Man, the film is set to star Yogi Babu in the lead role. Speaking at the event, Yogi Babu said, “Back when we worked on Comali, Ravi sir and I had a conversation about doing a film. Generally people forget with time. But Ravi sir remembered his promise even after 6 years, and now we’re doing An Ordinary Man together.” 

On the other hand, Ravi Mohan said, “I am extremely grateful to each and every one who has turned up at this event to support my new venture. I am proud to announce that I’ve become a director!” 

In recent weeks, speculation has linked Dhruva to a possible collaboration with Kerebette director Raj Guru, though no official confirmation has emerged. Adding to the curiosity, CE has now learnt that the actor is currently in talks with none other than Suri — the cult filmmaker behind films like Duniya, Anna Bond, and Tagaru. As we had earlier reported, Suri was preparing to begin his long-planned collaboration with Yuvarajkumar, a film intended to follow Ekka, in association with PRK Productions, Jayanna Films, and KRG Studios. However, sources say that the project has been put on hold and pushed further due to undisclosed reasons. As a result, the director is currently considering other avenues, including a potential team-up with Dhruva Sarja.

Aliens, Frankenstein

New offerings from directors Assayas, Guillermo del Toro, Yorgos Lanthimos and Kathryn Bigelow are vying for the top prize at the festival, which opens Wednesday evening with a love story from Venice regular Paolo Sorrentino.

Sorrentino, best known for “La Grande Belleza” (“The Great Beauty”), has teamed up again with longtime collaborator Toni Servillo for “La Grazia”, set in their native Italy.

Greece’s Lanthimos and Stone — who worked together on the Oscar-winning “Poor Things” — reunite again for sci-fi “Bugonia” about a high-powered executive kidnapped by people who think she is an alien.

“Frankenstein” is a big-budget interpretation of the cinema classic from Mexico’s del Toro, starring Oscar Isaac.

The latest from Bigelow (“Zero Dark Thirty”, “The Hurt Locker”) is “A House of Dynamite”, a political thriller starring Idris Elba. Both films are to be streamed on Netflix.

Fellow American director Jarmusch makes his debut in the main Venice lineup with “Father, Mother, Sister, Brother”, which he has called “a funny and sad film” starring Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver and Jarmusch regular Tom Waits.

Included in the main competition is also the latest documentary from Italy’s Gianfranco Rosi, “Sotto le Nuvole” (“Below the Clouds”), a black-and-white ode to Naples.

Out-of-competition documentaries include Sofia Coppola’s profile of fashion designer Marc Jacobs; the latest from former Golden Lion winner Laura Poitras about veteran US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; and a profile of British singer Marianne Faithfull from filmmaking team Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth.

This movie sees you play Anna as a mother and Anna after she has switched bodies with her teenage daughter. Does that ever get confusing for you?

There are times when you get a little confused, and you have to refer to the script, just to check

Were you able to draw on your own experience as a mother as part of your performance?

No. My son is so young, so we’re a long way off the teenage years yet. I am a big sister to three siblings, so I was able to draw on that a little bit. But mainly, I took a lot of inspiration from Jamie Lee Curtis and how she played Tess as a mother.

How was it getting to work with Jamie Lee Curtis again?

It was so fun. We wanted to do this for so many years, so to finally be back on set together as mother and daughter was so exciting. Any time I get to spend with Jamie is special. We have a lot of trust in each other. She is so kind and wise. It’s really hard to find people like that in life.

What was it getting to reunite Anna’s band, Pink Slip, for the movie?

Amazing. It was one of the best moments of making this movie. To be there with us all back together was just the best. It was like we had never been apart.

LOS ANGELES: The “Dexter” prequel “Original Sin” has been cancelled by Paramount.

The news surfaced months after the announcement of the series renewal in April.

As reported by the entertainment news outlet The Hollywood Reporter, the series was on hiatus since production wrapped, and no start date for production on a second season was ever scheduled, despite the renewal.

The original “Dexter” ran for eight seasons on Showtime and starred Michael C Hall as the titular vigilante serial killer, ending in 2013.

The series was followed by two sequels, “Dexter: New Blood” in 2021 and “Dexter: Resurrection” in 2024, as well as the prequel “Dexter: Original Sin”.

While Hall reprised his role in the sequels, Patrick Gibson played Dexter Morgan in the prequel.

“When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry, he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcement’s radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department,” reads the prequel’s official description which is set in 1991.

Paramount is now focusing on working on a second season to “Dexter: Resurrection”.

The decision comes soon after the closing of the Skydance-Paramount merger.

“Dexter: Original Sin” was created by Clyde Phillips and also starred Christian Slater, Molly Brown, Christina Milian, James Martinez, Patrick Dempsey and Hall.

Written and directed by Tharangam filmmaker Dominic Arun, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is billed as a fantasy entertainer on an ambitious scale for Malayalam cinema. The teaser hinted at a fusion of futuristic, mystical and dystopian settings, while positioning Kalyani’s titular character Chandra as a potential superhero. Alongside Kalyani and Naslen, the film also features Chandu Salimkumar, Arun Kurian, Vijayaraghavan, Raghunath Paleri, Sarath Saba, Nithya Shri, Nishanth Sagar and Tamil actor-choreographer Sandy in his Malayalam debut.

The play follows salesman Loman who feels the pressure to bring his family back on track after prioritising his work life over it. This is not the first adaptation of Death of a Salesman. The 1951 film of the same name, starring Fredrich March and Mildred Dunnock as Willy and Linda Loman, earned five Oscar nominations. There is also a 1985 adaptation featuring Dustin Hoffman and Kate Reid as Willy and Linda Loman, as well as one from 1996 starring Warren Mitchell and Rosemary Harris in the same roles.

Brent Hinds, the former singer-guitarist for the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, the band and authorities said. He was 51.

Hinds was killed while riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle late Wednesday night when the driver of a BMW SUV failed to yield while making a turn, according to Atlanta police. Hinds was described as “unresponsive” at the scene. An autopsy concluded Hinds, whose legal first name is William, died of “multiple blunt force injuries.”

“We are heartbroken, shocked and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many,” the band said on social media.

Mastodon had three albums rise into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart and two that topped the Rock Album chart — “Emperor of Sand” in 2017 and “Once More ’round the Sun” in 2014.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor. Mastodon’s third studio album, 2006’s “Blood Mountain,” was their first to reach the Top 40, peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard 200.

Hinds left the band in March 2025. No reason for the departure was given. The band said they had “mutually decided to part ways,” but comments made by Hinds on Instagram indicated a rocky relationship with the members of his former band.

“We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors,” the band said at the time.

Kavin had two releases last year: Star and Bloody Beggar. In addition to Kiss, he has Mask and Hi, by debut directors Vikarnan Ashok and Vishnu Edavan, respectively, in the pipeline. Preethi Asrani, who made her Tamil debut with Ayothi (2023), was last seen in Election (2024).

Production on the film, with a screenplay penned by Jomon John and Linto Devasia, has been wrapped. In a recent conversation with TNIE’s Express Dialogues, Shane said that he enjoyed working on the investigation thriller, which Jeethu presents. Produced by E4 Experiments in association with Bedtime Stories, the film also stars Sanya, Shobi Thilakan, Krishna Praba Nair, Nandan Unni, Dinesh Prabakar, and Kottayam Ramesh, among others. On the technical front, it has PM Unnikrishnan, editing by Vinayakh, and production design by Sunil Das.

For Paramesh, returning to the paranormal world of Kamarottu was not just about making a sequel—it was about expanding a story that had already struck a chord with Kannada audiences. The 2019 film Kamarottu Checkpost earned him both recognition and respect, and now, with Kamarottu 2, set for release on August 22, he is ready with a bigger canvas. The film is lead by Priyanka Upendra alongside Rajini Bharadwaj and Swaminathan Anantharama, among others.

Lokesh also acknowledged the challenges such a project would pose. “If Rajini sir and Kamal sir agree to work together, the cast and crew would come with salaries of great magnitude. Figuring out a story that fits both their iconic images would be a Himalayan task. I am ready for it, but it has to come from them,” he concluded.

Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has established himself to be a die-hard fan of Kamal Haasan, directed Vikram with the actor in 2022. While Vikram is a part of the filmmaker’s LCU, or Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Coolie will not be, eliminating any chance of future onscreen collaboration between Kamal Haasan’s Vikram and Rajinikanth’s Deva.

Apart from Rajinikanth, Coolie also stars Upendra, Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir. The film also marks a special cameo by Aamir Khan, alongside actors Reba Monica John and Junior MGR in pivotal roles. Produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, the film is slated to hit theatres on August 14.

LONDON: Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman films, has died. He was 87.

His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online, prompting a wave of tributes from and an array of fans and those close to him within the industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA.

The London-born Stamp started his film career with 1962’s seafaring “Billy Budd,” for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA award nominations.

His six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the second of his two BAFTA nominations.

But it will be his portrayal of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II” two years later that most people associate with Stamp. As the Kryptonian arch enemy to Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel, Stamp introduced a darker, charming and vulnerable — more human — element to the franchise, one that’s been replicated in countless superhero movies ever since.

Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his final feature film, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered the actor in an Instagram post as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”

“The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the effect was extraordinary. Terence was a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back,” Wright said.

Bill Duke, who starred with Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

“He brought a rare intensity to the screen, but off-screen he carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity,” he said on Facebook.

Stamp started his acting career on stage in the late 1950s, where he acted in repertory theatre and met Michael Caine, who was five years older than himself. The pair lived together in a flat in central London while looking for their big break.

He got his break with “Billy Budd” and Stamp embarked on a career that would see him in the early 1960s be part of the “angry young men” movement that was introducing an element of social realism into British moviemaking.

That was perhaps most notable in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles’ creepy debut novel “The Collector,” where he played the awkward and lonely Freddie Clegg, who kidnapped Samantha Eggar’s Miranda Grey in a warped attempt to win her love. It was a performance that would earn the young Stamp, fresh off his Oscar nomination, the best actor award at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While part of that 1960s British movement, Stamp learned from some of the most seasoned actors from the classical era, including Laurence Olivier.

“I worked with Olivier briefly on my second movie (1962’s “Term of Trial”),” Stamp recalled in an interview with the AP in 2013. “And he said to me, ‘You should always study your voice.’” Stamp then segued into a spot-on Olivier impersonation, continuing, “‘Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.’”

His career took a bit of a hiatus from the late 1960s after he missed out on the role of James Bond to replace Sean Connery, that included a years-long stint in India and which saw him embrace a more holistic approach to his self.

It was the unexpected role of General Zod that brought him back to the limelight. He played John Tunstall in 1988’s “Young Guns,” the Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace,” appeared in the comedies “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008 and delivered voice performances in the video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp lived a colorful life, particularly during the 1960s when he had a string of romances, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002 at the age of 64 but the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children.

Stamp retained his looks as the years ticked by, his natural handsomeness hardened by a more grizzled look.

He generally sought to keep his standards high — to a point.

“I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent,” he said.

Denzel Washington has made it clear he isn’t losing sleep over cancel culture.

While promoting his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest alongside director Spike Lee, Washington was asked by Complex News if he ever worries about being “cancelled.” The two-time Oscar winner paused and asked, “What does that mean — to be cancelled?”

When the interviewer, Jillian Hardeman-Webb, explained that it meant losing public support, Washington quickly shot back, “Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?”

Hardeman-Webb noted that “followers now are currency”, prompting Washington to deliver a firm response: “I don’t care who’s following whom. You can’t lead and follow at the same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time. I don’t follow anybody. I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God; I don’t follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around; it isn’t working out so well.”

He went on to add, “You can’t be cancelled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.” Stretching his arms out and laughing, Washington joked to Lee, “Don’t get me started. You know, my chest is getting tight talking about it.”

Washington has long expressed a similar disregard for public validation. In an earlier interview with journalist Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Takes, he said he doesn’t act for awards. “I don’t do it for the Oscars. I really don’t care about that kind of stuff,” he admitted.

Reflecting on his decades-long career, he added, “There are times when I’ve won, shouldn’t have won, didn’t win, and should have won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward. I’m not that interested in the Oscars. People say, ‘Well, where do you keep it?’ I say, ‘Next to the other one.’”

Washington concluded, “I’m not bragging. I’m just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, it isn’t going to do me a bit of good.”

The streamer shared the teaser of “The Ba***ds of Bollywood” on its official X handle.

“Zyaada hogaya? Aadat daal lo,” read the caption.

Set against the filmy backdrop, the teaser begins with Aryan narrating the story of a boy and a girl in love with each other, but comes up with a twist at the end, revealing she gets run over by a truck.

Aryan then says his show will be equally “crazy”.

Followed by the glimpses of the upcoming project, featuring Lakshya, Sahher, and Mona.

Adding his show will be all about Bollywood, he concludes by saying, “I am here to toast and roast.”

“The Ba***ds of Bollywood” is executively produced by Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Noted documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma has been chosen for the Lifetime Achievement award in connection with the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), to be held from August 22 to 27 in the state capital. The award carries a purse of Rs 2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.

He has been chosen for the honour, considering his immense contributions in transforming the documentary filmmaking sector in India, dedication to social justice and for his fearless film-related activities.

Rakesh Sharma, known for his 2004 documentary ‘Final Solution’ which sheds light on the 2002 Gujarat riots and traces the origin of Hindutva politics, is the recipient of numerous national and international honours. His films have been screened at more than 120 international festivals.

He has focused on documentaries, centred around themes exposing the politics of hate, for the last two decades. Sharma, who has taken a break from films due to health issues, is planning a comeback, with a slew of new works, including ‘Final Solution Revisited,’ planned as a sequel to his earlier work.

Previous recipients of the IDSSFFK lifetime achievement awards include Anand Patwardhan, Madhusree Dutta, Ranjan Palit, Reena Mohan, Deepa Dhanraj, Naresh Bedi and Rajesh Bedi.

MELBOURNE: Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s moving drama Homebound dominated the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 awards night, bagging the coveted honours of Best Film and Best Director.

Ghaywan’s film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jetwa and Janhvi Kapoor, triumphed at the annual gala, which celebrates the finest in Indian cinema on a global stage, on Friday night.

Homebound, which explores themes of belonging, displacement, and the emotional complexities of returning home, will also serve as the festival’s closing film on 24 August.

In addition to Ghaywan’s double win, the evening saw Bollywood star Aamir Khan receive the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award for his decades-long contribution to the industry.

“I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art, and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of,” Aamir, who most recently starred in the critically acclaimed Sitaare Zameen Par, said in a statement.

Abhishek Bachchan was named Best Actor (Male) for his performance in Shoojit Sircar’s I Want to Talk, while Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) for Angammal, which also took home the Best Indie Film award.

“Life has come full circle for me. I came here in 2022, when I was feted with the Excellence in Cinema Award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me — to receive the Best Actor award on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that is extremely special to me.

KOCHI: The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) made history on Friday, electing Shwetha Menon as its president — the first woman to hold the post in the organisation’s 30-year history. The AMMA election witnessed a surge of woman power, as four women have secured key posts, set against the backdrop of the Hema Committee findings and persistent demands from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for greater representation.

Kukku Parameswaran clinched the general secretary’s post, marking another first for a woman. Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmi Priya were elected vice presidents. Earlier, actor Ansiba was elected unopposed as joint secretary, making a total of four women in AMMA’s key positions. Unni Shivpal was elected the treasurer.

“Now AMMA has an ‘amma’,” Shwetha told reporters after the results. “It is a responsibility, and we will be collectively working. Mammootty, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi are our patrons, and we plan to go ahead with their blessings. Issues in the association will be solved through discussions,” she said.

Shwetha’s election follows the resignation of the committee led by actor Mohanlal in August 2024, soon after the Hema panel’s findings on workplace safety and gender parity in the Malayalam film industry were made public. Since then, AMMA has faced pointed criticism for the absence of women in top positions.

The WCC, which has been vocal about the lack of female voices in decision-making, has consistently called for more women in the executive committee and leadership roles, arguing that meaningful change in the industry requires women at the helm.

The lead-up to the polls was filled with controversy and intrigue: police cases involving Shwetha Menon, actor Baburaj withdrawing from the race following sexual assault allegations, and veteran Jagadish stepping away from the presidential contest.

The much-anticipated box office clash between Coolie and War 2 kicked off with fireworks, but it was the Rajinikanth-led Coolie that emerged as the clear winner on opening day, both in India and internationally. Despite mixed reviews for both films, the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial soared at the ticket counters, driven by Rajinikanth’s unparalleled star power and record-breaking advance bookings.

According to a report by Sacnilk , Coolie raked in a staggering Rs 170 crore worldwide on its first day, marking a historic opening for Tamil cinema. This includes approximately Rs 80 crore gross in India and Rs 90 crore from overseas markets across all language versions, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. It is now Rajinikanth’s biggest-ever domestic opening.

In contrast, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, fell short of expectations. Despite releasing on over 5,000 screens across India, the spy actioner collected around Rs 65 crore domestically on day one, with the original Hindi version contributing just Rs 29 crore net. Globally, the film managed approximately Rs 85 crore gross, respectable, but significantly behind its southern counterpart.

While War 2 is witnessing a boost in collections on its second day owing to the Independence Day holiday and stronger audience ratings, the early lead belongs firmly to Coolie. Whether War 2 can sustain its momentum beyond the holiday remains to be seen, but for now, Rajinikanth has once again proven why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most bankable stars.

Why do we lap up action flicks? A biological reason would be mirror neurons. They fire up inside the brain both when an action is performed or when you observe someone executing the action. So, for instance, if a movie hero performs a somersault kick, it feels like you are making the flip yourself. Or, if he suffers a bloody gash, you flinch a bit. You would have felt these things while watching War 2 if your brain cells would have survived. The hackneyed actioner is capable of corrupting your intelligence files. Error! neurons.

War 2 is an unnecessary addition to an already bloated YRF Spy Universe. It is a factory-line product, assembled purely to cash-in on an established franchise. You take a good-looking Bollywood star, add a South Indian superstar to make things ‘Pan-Indian’, mix it with multiple foreign locations and action sequences in a car, atop a train and even a plane and finally garnish it with a glamorous actress and voila! Blockbuster is ready. Only that it is bland, because neither food nor film can yield an experience by mere compilation.

Hrithik Roshan reprises his role as India’s best soldier/ best agent Kabir. From rogue operative in the previous installment, now Kabir is a mercenary, executing kills purely for money and not ideology. He is soon recruited by the “Kali cartel”, an illuminati-like crime-syndicate consisting of powerful figures from India, as well as neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Sri Lanka. They don’t have a clear mission, except for installing puppet governments in various countries. Even for a film looking out for the lowest common denominator, it’s quite unimaginative. After Kabir kills the R&AW chief, another “best” super-agent is given the job to bring him to justice. Enter Jr NTR as “special unit officer” Vikram, whose only noteworthy trait is a penchant for abbreviations. So, if somebody asks him why would an operative betray his country, his answer would be M.I.C.E (Money, Ideology, Compromise, Ego), or if you try to open up to him, he will ask you to not tell your L.D.B.D (Lambi Dard Bhari Daastan (Long-drawn boring drama). I also have one, S.T.O.P.

But Vikram and Kabir won’t. They will fight it out atop a running train, slide on a flying plane (Newton be damned) and have a showdown in an ice cave. The locations are inventive but the action itself is flaky, like out of a comic book. There is no propulsion, no threat, no urgency. You can choose to focus on Hrithik’s striking looks but that will wear out soon and even his toned biceps can’t lift this slog. The narrative can be defined as action set-pieces loosely tied together, riddled with flashbacks and multiple location jumps to leave you nauseated.

As a new addition to the franchise, Jr NTR, as the hot-headed Vikram gives a laboured performance. The Telugu superstar finds himself directionless, either frowning or fighting or frowning while fighting. Hrithik, on the other hand, holds his own. His presence can hold a viewer but multiple slo-mo shots overdo it. Kiara as agent Kavya gets a half-baked role, the inevitable destiny of female characters in a film with two men on the poster. She gets to shoot some guns in case you were ready to write her off as just an eye candy.

War 2 lacks the star-is-the-character ingredient of its predecessors Pathaan (2023), Tiger series (2012-23) and even War (2019). When Kabir exited the helicopter, hair-swaying, muscle-flexing, you weren’t looking at a secret agent, but at Hrithik Roshan in his full Greek-God glory. That charm is fizzled out in War 2. I have never been so desperate for a cameo. Somebody should come and save this one.

Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan – Jr NTR starrer War 2 set for an epic clash on August 14. However the ticket pricing in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana (TS) has ignited a storm online from Monday. Distributors are awaiting government approval for special hikes that could push multiplex tickets to Rs 300 – Rs 550, significantly higher than in the films’ home markets, Rs150 – Rs 200 for Coolie in Tamil Nadu and Rs180 – Rs 250 for War 2 in North India.

The gap has triggered sharp reactions across X (formerly Twitter), with many calling the hikes “exploitative.” @Just_Spidye questioned the policy: “Why Tamil [films] imposed in Andhra & Telangana? Why giving hikes for Tamil films? This is shame of TFI.” Others, like @ranjithNBK, pointed to audience behaviour, “For a Tier 1 hero, people will go even with hikes… but for Coolie, it’s a risk. If talk is bad, huge drops from day two.”

The disparity has also drawn political jabs. @LoveIndia163 asked, “#Coolie in TN – Rs 150- Rs 200, #War2 in North – Rs 180-Rs 250, Telugu States – Rs 300-Rs 550? WTH?” Similar sentiments were echoed by many users and the topic has been trending on X.

The Akshay Kumar-led comedy Housefull 5, which premiered on Prime Video on 1 August 2025, has clinched the top spot as the most-watched film on OTT for the week of 4 to 10 August 2025, according to Ormax Media. Hot on its heels, however, is the delightful Tamil-language musical comedy Paranthu Po, which is now available for streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

A surprise entry in the coveted list, Paranthu Po’s inclusion is particularly commendable considering the film does not feature a marquee name such as Nithiin, who stars in the Telugu film Thammudu, Siddharth from the Tamil film 3BHK, or Tovino Thomas in the Malayalam outing Nadikar.

Helmed by acclaimed director Ram, Paranthu Po tells the heartwarming story of a sprightly young boy named Anbu and his deepening bond with his father, Gokul. With 2.2 million views amassed between 4 and 10 August, Ormax Media confirms the film as the most-watched South Indian release of the week. In comparison, Siddharth’s 3BHK garnered 1.7 million views, while Nithiin’s Thammudu secured 1.2 million.

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Hindi-language debut Sarzameen, also starring Kajol and Ibrahim Ali Khan, has once again entered the top five, notching up 1.4 million views. The direct-to-OTT film, which premiered on 25 July 2025, is also streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

Tovino Thomas’ Malayalam film Nadikar, which features a stellar ensemble cast including Bhavana, Balu Varghese and Soubin Shahir, currently making waves with the viral track Monica from Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie was another notable release in the southern slate.

Malayalam film Victoria, directed by Sivaranjini J, has been selected for the Discovery Competition at the 27th Seoul International Women’s Film Festival (SIWFF), to be held from August 21 to 27. The Discovery section is a competitive category for first or second feature-length works by directors. The other titles competing in the section include Fury by Gemma Blasco, Fwends by Sophie Somerville, Little Trouble Girls by Urška Djukić, An Oscillating Shadow by Celeste Rojas Mugica, Rainy Blue by Yanagi Asuna, Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė and Where In The Hell by Laramie Dennis.

While the original Jolly LLB was about Arshad’s Jagdish Tyagi, an inconsequential lawyer who argues against Boman Irani’s elite advocate Tejinder Rajpal in a hit-and-run case, Jolly LLB 2 (2017) features Akshay as Jagdishwar Mishra, a shady lawyer who gets a call of conscience when a pregnant woman commits suicide because of his bluff.

MUMBAI: The Mumbai police have provided security for comedian Kapil Sharma in the wake of the firing at his café in Canada, a senior police official said on Monday.

Police have provided adequate security to Sharma, ensuring his safety, he said, without divulging any details about the arrangement.

On August 8, shots were fired at Sharma’s recently-opened restaurant Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, British Columbia, for the second time in less than a month.

The establishment was similarly targeted on July 10, following which the Mumbai police had visited the comedian’s residence in Oshiwara.

The café opened on July 4.

“He’s just as convincing as a villain as he is a romantic lead, or in complex roles that fall somewhere in between—like in Edward Berger’s irresistible tragicomedy ‘Ballad of a Small Player’, where Colin captivates us as a roguish gambler and makes us root for his character.

“Colin Farrell has already worked with many great filmmakers, but under Edward Berger’s direction, he truly reaches new heights.

He carries the film from beginning to end and takes us on an emotional roller coaster that makes us laugh, cry, and marvel,” he added.

Farrell said he is delighted about receiving the Golden Icon Award and coming to Zurich for the first time.

“I’m beyond excited to walk its streets, drink its coffee and move amongst its people.

It’s both generous and humbling to have my years of making film recognised by such a storied festival, one that champions film from all corners of the globe.

“It will be an absolute pleasure to visit later this year and we are thrilled to be bringing ‘Ballad of a Small Player’ to audiences there,” he added.

Previous recipients of the Golden Icon Award include Kate Winslet, Jessica Chastain, Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett and Hugh Grant.

“Ballad of a Small Player” marks Berger’s third consecutive film to be screened at ZFF, following “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Conclave”.

Political correctness in films is now much-discussed…

It’s a confusing space for me. As a filmmaker, you want to show the real thing. I think we should avoid glorifying certain negative things. That’s where I would draw the line. We are a society in which movies have a major influence. In such a society, glorifying negative things is not good, particularly when it’s a movie for family consumption… movies that will be watched by children. I think you need to be careful. On the other hand, there are movies which try to portray certain realistic truths. At times, such movies could be disturbing and shouldn’t be kept for family consumption. Pushing everything under the ‘U’ certificate… glorifying things by saying that it happens in our country… is problematic.

What’s the relevance of the censor board? There’s a perspective that censorship is unnecessary…

In an ideal world, there’s no need for censorship. But the way content is consumed in our country, I don’t know whether we are mature enough to have no certification at all.

You are a filmmaker who works with your own scripts. Is that because you feel it is tough to direct other people’s scripts?

I don’t know. Only now am I working with another writer. I loved the writing, and both our sensibilities are aligned. I’m excited as I’m interpreting another person’s writing. It seems easy, but I can say so only after directing it. Currently, another director is writing for me and I’m writing for another.

There have been reports about disputes within WCC. Are Manju Warrier and Vidhu Vincent still part of the collective?

Vidhu Vincent has officially resigned from WCC. Manju Warrier is a member and participates in meetings from time to time. 

Many people who stepped forward with sexual harassment allegations in the light of the Hema Committee report have withdrawn complaints. Won’t these torpedo WCC initiatives?

If there is a system to handle this, such a crisis can be averted. If there is a system, I can work with anyone. Our fight is to build a system. If there is a system, the producer will benefit the most. People should be aware of what to do and what not to. Now, people are aware to some extent, but that wasn’t the case seven years ago.

The MeToo movement came at a time when a lot of women were taking up behind-the-camera roles. There now seems to be a tendency to keep them away to avoid ‘risk’…

If you have a system, you don’t have to worry about any of this. If unnecessary activities are prohibited, if there’s a POSH clause in employees’ contracts, they will report if required. There’s a mechanism to look into false allegations too.

As a filmmaker, what’s your vision?

I just tell stories. I don’t have any long-term vision. I want to live… storytelling is part of my life. There may come a time when I don’t make cinema, I may move to another medium. Who knows? Storytelling is something I know I’ll be doing all the time… in which medium, I don’t know. Cinema is currently my favourite medium. I share stories that have touched me. It’s building connections… I’d love to connect with an audience. When someone, unknown, and from a faraway, unseen country writes to you after watching your movie, it’s such a beautiful feeling. There’s a thread that connects all of us.

Many young women want to enter cinema, especially behind the camera. What would you say to them?

Don’t listen to anyone, just follow your instinct. In our social context, the hardest part is getting permission from everyone to enter the industry. You have to come into this medium for the right reasons. Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it. Be well-defined about your goals. Observe, learn and be professional. And dont worry about pleasing people and trying to be the good girl. Do what it takes to protect yourself and take creative risks rather than just fall in line with what others expect of you. You need to have an original voice. More than anything, believe in yourself.

Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it. Be well-defined. Otherwise, even if you’re a very good girl, it’s going to be very difficult. Also, I don’t think being the good girl really helps (laughs out).

TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Aparna Nair, Unnikrishnan S, Parvana K B, Varsha Somaraj B P Deepu (photos)

KOCHI: With four Malayalam films scheduled to be released this Onam season, industry stakeholders have their fingers crossed, eager for strong box office performances.

Given that cinemas in the state have been struggling for footfall since Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum went off the screens, film buffs too are waiting to see another Mollywood blockbuster. Lined up for release are Hridayapoorvam, Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, Lokah, and Maine Pyaar Kiya.

Industry insiders believe that these films, with proven as well as fresh faces headlining them, have the potential to attract audiences.

“Hridayapoorvam is a much-anticipated film. A Fahadh Faasil film too is set for release. Also, the audiences now don’t look for names and stars. If the content and story are good, they will come to the cinemas. We expect a good box office collection for the upcoming films,” producer and theatre owner Liberty Basheer told the TNIE.

The Mohanlal-Sathyan Anthikad combo’s Hridayapoorvam is set for release on August 28 while Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira starring Fahadh and Kalyani Priyadharshan, Lokah featuring Naslen and Kalyani Priyadarshan, and Hridu Haroon-Preity Mukhundhan’s Maine Pyaar Kiya will be released on August 29.

“These films are of four different genres,” said K Vijayakumar, president of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEOUK).

“The audience will also have an opportunity to watch different films on various subjects. Also, we have high expectations for Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which is set for an August 14 release.” Balti, starring Shane Nigam, too was slated to be released ahead of Onam, but it has been postponed.

“For the past few months, the cinemas in the state have been struggling as there aren’t any hit films. Mohanlal’s Thudarum, which was released in April this year, was the last superhit Malayalam film. The box office collection of Ronth was relatively better. We expect the Onam releases to breathe life back into cinemas in Kerala,” Basheer added.

After Thudarum, the cinemas in Kerala have been empty, pointed out Vijayakumar.

“The other language films released recently haven’t been able to bring in audiences. The new films will hopefully solve the financial crisis cinemas are currently facing,” he said.

Tovino Thomas’ Ajayante Randam Moshanam, Antony Varghese’s Kondal, and Kishkindha Kandam starring Asif Ali and Vijayaraghavan were the Onam releases last year.

The muhurat has set the stage for an upcoming romantic thriller, headlined by Suraj, known for Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole, Silicon City, and most recently, Ninna Sanihakke. After a brief gap, Suraj is returning to the big screen and is paired opposite Sharanya Shetty, who has done roles in films like Spooky College, and Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi.

Komal Kumar, known for effortlessly blending comedy with emotion in films like Govindaya Namaha, Kal Manja, and Chamkaisi Chindi Udaysi, returns in a new get-up in Rolex. This time, he steps into a role that leverages his strengths but also presents him in a slightly different light — a family man amid humorous chaos.

Dean Cain, the actor best known for portraying Superman on a 1990s television show, wants to join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview with Fox News this week, Cain said he’d already spoken to the agency responsible for carrying out President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security’s spokesperson, said Thursday that Cain would be sworn in as an “honorary ICE Officer” in the coming month.

It wasn’t immediately clear what his duties as an honorary officer would entail. Cain, 59, told Fox News he was already a sworn deputy sheriff and a reserve police officer.

Earlier this week, Cain posted a video to his social media accounts encouraging others to join the agency. The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to expand hiring after a massive infusion of cash from Congress.

Cain has in the past decade been outspoken in his conservative viewpoints and endorsed Trump in three elections. A representative for Cain did not respond to request for comment Thursday.

McLaughlin referenced Cain’s titular role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” which ran from 1993 to 1997, in her statement, saying in her statement that “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes.”

Warner Bros., which released a new “Superman” last month, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The film, which has made over $550 million and stars David Corenswet, became a hot-button topic with right-wing commentators who criticized the movie as “woke” after director James Gunn referred to the character as being like an “immigrant.”

CHENNAI: Madras High Court on Thursday directed the state government to provide security for theatres screening Vijay Devarakonda movie ‘Kingdom’. This move comes after the Telugu movie faced protests from faced protests in Madurai and Trichy from Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) cadres for its alleged portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils in a poor light.

Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy issued the directive stating that the movie makers have the right to express their views and none can disrupt screening of a movie, which is duly certified by the Censor Board, nor threaten the theatre owners against screening.

The court further added that those who have different views can express them through protests but should obtain permission from the Police and hold the stir only at the designated venues. It would be open for them to protest and propagate their own view against the movie’s content. “That liberty is always available to express any contrary view in a democracy, and therefore, the right of the respondent is not curtailed.”

“In a democracy, the creators of a movie have every right to express their views and in this case, it is a fiction, therefore, anything expressed in any movie may be abhorrent and unpalatable to a particular section of the society. Even then, when the censor board cleared the movie for being exhibited in theatre, no third party can prevent its exhibition or threaten the theatre owners,” said Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy on Thursday while disposing of a petition filed by SSI Productions, the producers of ‘Kingdom’, seeking protection to the theatres.

The judge recollected the orders passed by a division bench of Madras High Court in the Perumal Murugan case stating it is better to put the book down or refrain from watching the movie.

Justice Chakravarthy recorded the undertaking given by the government advocate on behalf of the police that they will give due protection to the theatres.

He further stated the Police can take appropriate action, if the screening of the movie is disrupted or any theatre owners are threatened against exhibiting the movie by any person.

Lionsgate recently announced that Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ, will be split into two films. The first part, The Resurrection of the Christ: Good Friday, will be released on March 26, 2027, and the second part, The Resurrection of the Christ: Ascension Day, will be released on May 6, 2027.

Actor Shwetha Menon has been booked by the Ernakulam Central Police on non-bailable charges under multiple sections of law, including Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, for allegedly earning money through films and advertisements containing sexually explicit content. The case was registered following directions from the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, based on a complaint by social activist Martin Menachery.

Martin accused Shwetha of involvement in the trade and circulation of pornographic material online, citing scenes from her past work in films such as ‘Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha’, ‘Rathinirvedam’ and ‘Kalimannu’, as well as an advertisement for Kamasutra condoms. He alleged that such visuals were being widely shared on adult websites and social media platforms, and that Shwetha had profited from their circulation. In addition to the IT Act, she faces charges under Sections 3 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Police have confirmed that an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway.

Kenthiran V has written and directed Vadam, for which dialogues are written by Gnanakaravel. Gnanakaravel has also written lyrics for the film. The technical crew of the film consists of Prasanna S Kumar handling cinematography, Sabu Joseph handling editing, V Sasikumar handling art, and Murugan handling stunts. Veerasekar R is producing Vadam.

Backed by KVC Productions, produced by Samruddhi Manjunath, and presented by Viraat Sai Creations, the film sees Ganesh in a role unlike any he has played before. Known for his signature romantic charm, this time he’s stepping into the shoes of an intellectual deeply connected to music, farming, and nature. The film is described as a romantic family drama with emotional storytelling set against scenic backdrops.

Besides, the film was nominated for Best Male Playback Singer and Best Lyrics (for Periyone Rahmane by Rafeeq Ahammed), but was disqualified partly because the producers did not submit an English translation of the lyrics.

Reacting to the turn of events, director Blessy, in an interview with Cinema Express, expressed his disappointment.

“I don’t know what to say. I think it’s better not to talk about it. They will have a lot of justification to make, but let people respond to it, not me. … At the end of the day, it’s the general audience who are made to look inferior,” he said.

He emphasized that the film met all technical eligibility criteria—censorship was completed before the December 31, 2023, deadline, and it was among six films selected by the regional panel for national consideration.

Prominant writer Benyamin—the author of the original novel—also expressed disappointment in the film not being recognised at the national level.

“When 100 people watch a film, there will be 100 opinions. The Jury Chairman is just one of them. People have embraced the film and expressed their views. That is enough for me… The Jury Chairman, too, has to live in India, does he not? If there was any sincerity, the jury would have acted more truthfully,” he told Cinema Express.

The 71st National Film Awards was announced on August 1, with actor Shah Rukh Khan winning his career’s first Best Actor award for “Jawan” alongside Vikrant Massey for “12th Fail,” which was named the Best Feature Film.

Malayalam cinema also had some fruitful outings with Vijayaraghavan and Urvashi being named best supporting actors in the male and female categories — a rare double win for Mollywood.

Sharing a photo with us of him along with the film’s producer, he said, “However, given the choice, I expressed my desire to remake another film of mine, Myna,” Nagshekar said. The film starred Chetan and Nitya Menen based on a real-life incident and was well-appreciated by the Kannada audience. “They liked the content of Myna, and have given the green signal. More details on when I plan to start the project will be announced soon,” he says.

KOCHI: Malayalam cinema had a very fruitful outing at the 71st National Film Awards, with several honours across feature and non-feature categories. Vijayaraghavan and Urvashi were named best supporting actors in the male and female categories — a rare double for Mollywood. Urvashi was selected for her performance in ‘Ullozhukku’. This is her second national award in the category, having previously won in 2006 for ‘Achuvinte Amma’.

Veteran actor Vijayaraghavan was picked for his role in ‘Pookkaalam’, which also won the editing honour for Midhun Murali. Vijayaraghavan shares the award with Tamil actor M S Bhaskar (‘Parking’).

‘Ullozhukku’, which also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, was adjudged the best Malayalam film. The jury hailed the film for its “intimate character study of a family highlighting patriarchal conditioning and agency through restrained performances.”

“I am very happy to be chosen for the award. I expected an award for ‘Ullozhukku’ as its director Christo Tomy deserved it. I am also delighted for Kuttettan [Vijayaraghavan]. No one else could have essayed his role [in ‘Pookkaalam’],” Urvashi told TNIE.

“I was happy when audiences accepted the film [‘Pookkaalam’] and my role. ‘Pookkaalam’ is one of my favourite films. Now, at this age, I am receiving a national award too for such a film. It only adds to the happiness,” Vijayaraghavan said.

‘2018’, based on that year’s floods, won the production design award for Mohandas. ‘Nekal – Chronicle of the Paddy Man’, directed and produced by M K Ramadas, received a special mention from the jury.

Malayalam film actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas was found dead in a hotel in Chottanikkara here on Friday evening, police said.

The incident came to light when the staff of the hotel, where Navas (51) was staying for a film shoot, alerted authorities.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead, police said.

Police suspect he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Manorama News reported that Navas had completed shooting for his upcoming film Prakambanam on Friday and was preparing to vacate his room.

The report added that a hotel employee found the actor unconscious in his room when he went to confirm his checkout.

According to the police, no suspicious items were found in his room. His body, currently kept at SD Tata Hospital in Chottanikkara, will be handed over to his family after the autopsy on Saturday.

Navas was widely known for his comedic and supporting roles in several Malayalam films, including Mattupetti Machan, Junior Mandrake, and Amma Ammayi Amma. He began his career as a mimicry artist with the famed Kalabhavan troupe, which brought him early recognition. His film debut came in 1995 with Chaithanyam.

Beyond cinema, Navas was active in television and frequently performed at stage events across the state. He came from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts — his late father, Aboobacker, was a noted theatre artist and actor. His wife, Rehana, and brother, Kalabhavan Niyas, are also actors.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a Facebook post, expressed grief over Navas’s untimely demise. “The passing of film and television actor Kalabhavan Navas is deeply saddening. Entering the world of performing arts through mimicry, he brought new dimensions to the craft of comic impersonation and won over many hearts through stage shows. Navas was also an artist who upheld progressive and democratic values. I offer my condolences and join his family and admirers in their grief,” the Chief Minister wrote.

LOS ANGELES : Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, the former NSYNC star said on Instagram Thursday.

Timberlake shared the news in a post commemorating his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped in Turkey on Wednesday, adding that the disease “can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”

The “SexyBack” singer, who described himself as a private person, wrote he considered ending the tour when diagnosed, but wrote that he “decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint paint and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics.

“I honestly don’t know what my future is onstage, but I’ll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It’s been the stuff of legend for me,” Timberlake wrote.

Timberlake canceled and postponed multiple shows throughout the tour’s run, citing health issues including bronchitis and laryngitis. Six of his U.S. shows were postponed from October and November to February, the singer announced on Instagram. Timberlake ultimately canceled the last show of the U.S. leg of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February.

Representatives for Timberlake did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in New York’s Hamptons in 2024. As part of his plea deal, the singer gave a public safety announcement in September, urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking.

The 10-time Grammy winner ended the post thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin, saying “nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”

Yuval Abraham, who co-directed No Other Land, recently revealed that an Israeli settler killed Awdah Hathaleen, a journalist from Palestine, who aided in making the aforesaid Academy Award-winning documentary. Hathaleen hails from a Palestinian community named Masafer Yatta, whose fight against violence from Israeli settlers and soldiers is chronicled in the documentary.

According to Al Jazeera, the suspect, Yinon Levi, has been serving house arrest over the last few days after a Jerusalem-based Magistrate Court refused to keep Levi in custody. Israeli publication Haaretz reports that manslaughter and illegal firearm use charges were made against Levi.

Abraham, meanwhile, revealed that law enforcement arrested Hathaleen’s family as the suspect has been placed under house arrest. “After killing Odeh, Yinon pointed at his family and instructed soldiers to arrest 4 of them,” reads an X post from the filmmaker. He added, “They are still jailed while he was just released for house arrest. A system which punishes the victims (who are under military law) and rewards the shooter (who is under civilian law).”

For Abraham, Hathaleen is “a remarkable activist.”

Basel Adra, the documentary’s other co-director, also weighed in on the matter through social media the other day. Adra wrote, “My dear friend Awdah was slaughtered this evening. He was standing in front of the community centre in his village when a settler fired a bullet that pierced his chest and took his life.” The filmmaker went on to add, “This is how Israel erases us — one life at a time.”

The upcoming feature is Rock’s fourth feature as a director, after Head of State, I Think I Love My Life, and Top Five. Apart from directing the film, Rock will also write the script and produce. Along with Rock, David Worthen Brooks and Peter Rice are producing. Miles Alva, Nelson George, and Shaum Sengupta. A24 is backing the film.

Emcy Joseph made a significant mark with his directorial debut, Vikruthi (2019), a well-crafted drama that earned Suraj Venjaramoodu a State award for his performance. Though Emcy showed much promise as a filmmaker, it has taken another six years for him to return with his second film, Meesha. The gap, though frustrating, was not planned, says the director. “I had announced a film titled Ennittu Avasanam in 2020 with Arjun Ashokan, Anna Ben, and Madhubala, but we had to postpone it due to the second wave of the pandemic. A lockdown was announced just days before we were planning to commence shooting. I lost nearly 2.5 years with that,” reflects the filmmaker, before quickly adding that not all hope is lost regarding the project. “I’ll definitely try to revive it, but I’m not sure if I can bring back the same cast. It’s a female-oriented action film with a shade of dark humour. It’s a unique idea, but right now, the focus is on Meesha. It took me another 2.5 years to develop it from scratch.”

MUMBAI: The much-loved 2005 romantic drama Parineeta, starring Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan, is set to return to cinemas across India on 29 August to mark its 20th anniversary. The film, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel, was the directorial debut of the late Pradeep Sarkar and will be re-released in a newly restored 8K version.

PVR INOX and Vinod Chopra Films made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that the remastered film will be screened nationwide in celebration of its enduring legacy.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who produced the film and recently helmed the critically acclaimed 12th Fail, shared his fondness for Parineeta.

“It’s more than just a film—it’s a journey of love, elegance, and soulful music,” Chopra said. “Every frame carries its own emotion, evolving with the story in a way that touches something deep within. I am proud of Pradeep Sarkar for the way he captured the grandeur of old Kolkata and infused it with timeless beauty. In this restored version, the visuals are even richer, and the locations more breathtaking.”

Set in 1960s Kolkata, Parineeta tells the story of childhood friends Lalita (Vidya Balan) and Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan), whose deepening bond is tested by class tensions and familial conflict. When Shekhar’s father attempts to acquire Lalita’s uncle’s house to build a hotel, the revelation creates a rift—until family friend Girish (Sanjay Dutt) intervenes, causing further misunderstanding between the lovers.

For Balan, who made her Bollywood debut with the film, the re-release is deeply emotional.

“Parineeta is where it all began,” she said in a statement. “Every frame of the film carries a piece of my heart, and I’ll forever be grateful to Pradeep da and Mr Vinod Chopra for believing in me. Even after all these years, people remember the film, the songs, and how it made them feel. People say every frame is like a painting—and that is Pradeep Sarkar’s magic. I hope new generations discover old-world love through Parineeta.”

NEW DELHI: Author Kiran Desai has made it to the longlist for the Booker Prize with her latest novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, 19 years after she won the prestigious award for The Inheritance of Loss.

The list, announced on Tuesday, features a selection of 13 long-form fiction by seven women and six men from nine countries, the Booker Prize Foundation announced.

“There are short novels and some very long ones. There are novels that experiment with form and others that do so less obviously. Some of them examine the past, and others poke at our shaky present. They are all alive with great characters and narrative surprises. All, somehow, examine identity, individual or national, and all, I think, are gripping and excellent,” Roddy Doyle, chair of judges, said in a statement.

Published by Hamish Hamilton, Desai’s latest novel is a “thrilling, globe-spanning novel that mines questions of memory, language, identity and family”.

According to the Booker Prize website, the novel follows the lives of Sonia and Sunny, two young people navigating the many forces that shape their lives – country, class, race, history, and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next.

The list also includes The South by Tash Aw, Love Forms by Claire Adam, Universality by Natasha Brown, One Boat by Jonathan Buckley, Flashlight by Susan Choi, Audition by Katie Kitamura, The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller, Endling by Maria Reva, Flesh by David Szalay, Seascraper by Benjamin Wood, and Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga.

“Oh wow! Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize 19 years after The Inheritance of Loss won. What a staggering return! (Out in September!)” Manasi Subramanian, editor-in-chief and vice-president at Penguin Random House India which overlooks Hamish Hamilton imprint, wrote on X.

At more than 650 pages, Desai’s third novel is also the longest in the list, while the shortest is Universality by Natasha Brown at 156 pages.

For the first time, the shortlist of six books will be announced at a public event, which is to be held at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on September 23.

The six shortlisted authors will each receive GBP 2,500 (approx Rs 2. 90 lakh) and a specially bound edition of their book.

The announcement of the winning book will take place on November 10 in a ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London. The Booker Prize winner receives GBP 50,000 (approx Rs 58 lakh).

CHENNAI: The makers of Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, have announced that the film’s highly anticipated trailer will be released on Saturday, 2 August. Alongside the announcement, a striking new poster featuring the ensemble cast was unveiled, further building excitement among fans.

Taking to social media, Sun Pictures confirmed the trailer drop with the caption: “The wait is over! The highly anticipated #Coolie Trailer from August 2. #Coolie releasing worldwide August 14th.”

The poster showcases all the lead actors, including Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Sathyaraj.

To celebrate the trailer release, a grand pre-release event is scheduled for the same day at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. “Are you ready for the Super Speech? #CoolieUnleashed A visual spectacle awaits on August 2nd!” the makers teased.

Bend It Like Beckham also stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Juliet Stevenson, Shaznay Lewis, and Archie Panjabi, with a screenplay written by the director along with Paul Mayeda Berges and Guljit Bindra. In an interview, the director said, “A lot has changed since the original film, but I think that people still don’t think that women should play football. There are people who still don’t take it seriously.” She also hopes to reunite the original cast.

“Kamarottu Checkpost was made with newcomers and appreciated for its fresh concept,” Rajani recalls. “For the sequel, the director chose a more experienced and technically strong crew. Prajwal, who’s worked with Bhuvan, handles cinematography. Priyanka Upendra is also in the cast, along with Swaminathan, known for Mithuna Raashi, and Raghavendra Rajkumar.”

Deepika shared the news with a post on her Instagram handle on Sunday afternoon. “In tribute to the one and only Gloria Steinem and her 91 years of activism, The Shift is honoring 90 voices shaping our future. @theshiftison grateful for the honour#TheShiftIsOn,” read the caption.

The 39-year-old actor has been an active mental health advocate over the last few years and is the founder of Live Love Laugh Foundation that aims to educate people regarding mental health as well as reduce the stigma associated with it.

Deepika is also set to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, which will make her the first Indian actor to get the prestigious honour. Her latest work is “Singham Again” from Rohit Shetty. The film also starred Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Akshay Kumar and released in 2024.

There’s a certain calm in Raj Shamani’s demeanour, eyes fixated on the person opposite him, as if reading his guest in silence. His podcast room is put together minimally, a table with speakers on both ends and a few book shelves on the dark painted walls, to keep the focus on the conversations. Shamani sits across casually, as if in for an informal conversation over coffee, no matter who the guest is. Perhaps that is why when he dropped the ‘podcast of the decade’ he remained unflinched even as India’s most wanted personality—Vijay Mallya—sat in front of him, answering questions that have remained unanswered for years. The podcast garnered 26 million views and is one of the longest podcasts stretching to four hours. Shamani manages to do what Indian media and even the government couldn’t do in more than a decade—get Mallya to talk about his side of the story. This episode becomes a turning point not only in Shamani’s career but also in the overflooding podcast genre where everyone is a podcaster and content is being supplied more than it is being demanded.

In a world where content creators are churning out content minus quality and relevance, Shamani’s YouTube channel has the biggest leaders in the industry sharing their stories and discussing facts rather than fluff—the reason why the likes of Bill Gates, Martin Garrix, entrepreneur Viraj Bahl, Anupam Kher, Aamir Khan did not hesitate for a bit to sit down over long conversations with Shamani. In seven years, he has managed to churn out relevant episodes with hundreds of guests week after week, strengthening his following among the audiences.

It stars Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer, Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap, London Thor as Jordan Li, Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Asa Germann as Sam Riordan, Sean Patrick Thomas as Polarity and Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher.

Michele Fazekas serves as showrunner and executive producer.

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in collaboration with Kripke Enterprises, Point Grey Pictures, and Original Film.

Executive producers include Eric Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Neal H Moritz, among others. The first season of the series premiered on Prime Video in 2023 and consisted of eight episodes.

“Our conversations with Raj were not always about cinema. They were about life, about how people behave and how stories unfold. That is the most valuable thing,” he adds.
Shaneel calls him “Rajanna”, a name that holds warmth and respect. “He is not just a filmmaker to us. He is the one who saw something in all of us. His production house gave us a platform, but more than that, we love him for the human being he is.”
JP concludes, “We did not have much interaction with Rishab or Rakshit, but Raj has been with us from the beginning. All three Shettys have a great passion for cinema and support new voices. But for us, Raj Anna is family.”
As the team awaits the film’s release, there is a quiet nervousness under their smiles. “What we created is one thing, but how people receive it is not in our hands,” says JP as he concludes, “With mobile screens and constant content, audience judgment is swift. But we made this with sincerity and joy.”

To much fanfare, the highly anticipated trailer for War 2 was unveiled on Friday, 25 July, offering a thrilling glimpse into what promises to be one of 2025’s biggest cinematic spectacles.

Starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in a high-stakes face-off, the trailer is packed with adrenaline-fuelled action, sweeping visuals, and intense drama. Hrithik returns as Kabir, vowing to sacrifice his identity in the fight against evil, while Jr NTR makes a powerful entry, setting the stage for a ferocious showdown.

Marking her first large-scale action role, Kiara Advani is seen not only showcasing her chemistry with Kabir but also diving into combat with flair. The trailer also hints at Tiger Shroff’s character, with Kabir seeking revenge for his death.

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 is the sixth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe and a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. The film promises to push the envelope of Indian action cinema, with globe-trotting locations, sleek choreography, and a gripping narrative at its core.

War 2 is set to release in cinemas worldwide on 14 August in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.

Apart from the three podcasters-cum-investigators, Meryl Streep, Michael Cyril Creighton, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Richard Kind and Nathan Lane will return in guest starring roles. Newcomers for the current season are are Bobby Cannavale, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz, Téa Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest and Jermaine Fowler.

Composer Dharan Kumar has dabbled in multiple genres of music throughout his career, but he is mostly known for his melodies, such as ‘Unnai Kandane’ from Parijatham, ‘Poove Poove’ from Siddhu +2, and ‘Siru Thoduthalile’ from Laadam. He intended even his latest independent single, a dance number titled ‘Chi Pae Thu’, as a melody with some rap portions, but it underwent quite the transformation. “Initially, we thought of having a nice melody to the song and bringing a small portion of rap to it. I was planning to lend my vocals to the song, get a proper lyricist, and introduce a rapper who would just do their rap portion alone. But Vaaheesan, a Sri Lankan rapper, came on board. That is where we got these commercial lyrics, like, ettana, engana, pathana… Even the title came as a result of the rapper being involved. Anyone can relate to the title because it is a common part of conversations in Tamil Nadu. I like the fact that even the kids have caught on to it. So it became a mix of both a fun commercial song and a melodic love track,” says Dharan about his latest hit.

NEW DELHI: Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman, who currently in the US for his Wonderment Tour, cheekily referenced the Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ controversy during a performance at the Tacoma Dome when the cameras panned towards the audience.

“I won’t get you into trouble.Don’t worry,” the 58-year-old said as concert goers erupted into laughter.

Rahman was referencing the viral incident last week when Coldplay concert cameras caught a company’s CEO and HR ducking when they appeared on the ‘kiss cam’, leading to a memefest on social media.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin can be heard saying, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Rahman is currently on his Wonderment Tour across North America, performing in major cities in the US and Canada.

The composer is set to take the tour to the UK, after which he will return to India in November.

The tour focuses on Rahman’s music through the decades.

Set in a high school, the series was about its student navigating a deadly virus outbreak, which turns people into zombies.

The second season will feature returning cast members, including Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, and Lomon.

Additionally, new cast members joining this season are Lee Min-jae, Yoon Ga-i and “Squid Game” actors Kim Si-eun and Roh Jae-won, as the outbreak spreads to a new location and a new group of characters is forced into the fight, said a press release.

Netflix also shared the official logline for season two.

“After surviving the catastrophic zombie outbreak at Hyosan High, Nam On-jo, played by Park Ji-hu, is now a university student in Seoul, struggling to move on from the trauma and the friends she lost.

“But when a new wave of infection suddenly hits Seoul, she finds herself trapped in another deadly fight for survival this time without the people she once depended on,” it read.

The second season will be helmed by Lee JQ and Kim Nam-su, who also directed the first season.

It is written by Chun Sung-il of “King the Land” and “Your Honor” fame.

BHOPAL: Actor-director Anupam Kher’s directorial venture ‘Tanvi the Great’ was declared tax free in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav made the announcement, after watching the special screening of the movie with the film’s cast and crew, including director Anupam Kher.

“Today, I had the opportunity to watch the film, Tanvi the Great with the renowned actor and director Anupam Kher in Bhopal. I announce the film to be made tax-free in MP. This touching film is dedicated to the struggles, determination and dreams of an autistic girl. It inspires people to be more sensitive, humane and compassionate towards special children. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Anupam Kher and his entire team for the wonderful film,” the MP CM posted on X (formerly twitter) after watching the movie’s special screening.

This is the second Hindi movie after the Vicky Kaushal-starrer ‘Chhaava’ to be declared tax free in Madhya Pradesh within five months.

‘Tanvi the Great’ is the fourth movie to have been declared tax free in Madhya Pradesh by the 19-months-old Dr Mohan Yadav government.

Prior to Chaava, Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna-starrer movie ‘The Sabarmati Report’ was declared tax free in November 2024, eight months after Yami Gautam-starrer ‘Article 370’ was granted similar tax benefits in the central Indian state.

Before it, in May 2023, then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had declared Hindi movie, “The Kerala Story” tax free and also watched the movie with the film’s cast and crew in Bhopal.

In June 2022, Chouhan had declared Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ as tax free, just two months after granting similar benefits to Anupam Kher-starrer, “The Kashmir Files.”

But it’s not just BJP regimes which have declared movies tax free in MP, as even the 15-months-old Kamal Nath led Congress regime, had declared Deepika Padukone-starrer Chhapaak (based on the real-life struggle of an acid attack survivor) and Taapsee Pannu-starrer “Thappad” (which dealt with issue of domestic violence) tax free in the state.

Siju, last seen in Detective Ujjwalan, recently announced another film titled Dose, a thriller directed by Abhilash R Nair. He also has debutant Nikhil Geeth’s Munnottu, an investigative thriller directed by Jagan Shaji Kailas, a project with veteran filmmaker Vinayan, and the Ayyankali biopic, Kathiravan, in his lineup.

Actor and racer Ajith Kumar crashed his car and escaped unhurt at the GT4 European Series race held in Italy. The incident took place at the Misano track in the second round of the series.

The official X (formerly Twitter) page of GT4 European Series posted a video of the aftermath of Ajith’s car crash. He had collided with a stationary car on the track but he did not sustain any injuries. Posting the video, they wrote, “Out of the race with damage, but still happy to help with the clean-up. Full respect, Ajith Kumar.” Ajith can be seen standing near his car and surveying the debris.

Accused files bail plea in Saif Ali Khan stabbing case

In his bail plea filed on Friday through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and that he had no prior criminal record.

His plea stated that the investigation into the incident had practically concluded, with only filing of chargesheet remaining. It also said critical evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, was already with the prosecution.

Islam poses no threat of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses, the plea further contended.

“The present FIR is nothing but an imaginary story of the complainant. Therefore, he prays for bail,” the plea said.

The application also raised concerns about the legality of the arrest, citing disregard for section 47 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). As per the provision, the arrested person should be informed of the grounds of his arrest and of right to bail.

LOS ANGELES: The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley is officially off the market. The actor, 41, is engaged to his girlfriend of nearly two years, model Natalie Kuckenburg, 25, in Italy.

Kuckenburg shared the news on her Instagram handle on Saturday, featured her hand with the engagement ring on it.

“Yes, Always and forever,” read the caption of the post.

Kuckenburg and Wesley began dating in 2022. But avoided making any public statement about their relationship despite often being spotted together. They however, didn’t step away from sharing each other’s pictures online.

Aneet plays Vaani, a timid poet, reeling under the trauma of being abandoned at the altar. She keeps a diary handy, in case inspiration strikes or to keep a note in case she forgets something. She forgets quite often. Ahaan is Krish, a young, brattish musician who, in his introductory scene, beats up a journalist for not including his name in his review (each word of mine will now be typed with caution). Krish then accuses him of favouring the “nepo kids.” “You will lap up any shit these blue tick ones throw at you,” he says. Ahaan Panday is the nephew of Chunky Panday and cousin of Ananya Panday. Bollywood continues to amaze me.

Notable Telugu comedian Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, passed away in Hyderabad on Friday. The actor, who was 53 years old, was battling severe health issues, including kidney failure, for a long time.

While the Hyderabad-born actor was largely known for his comic roles and his unique Telangana dialect, especially in films like Bunny, Aadi, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh and DJ Tillu, the actor also played negative roles in many films. His other notable film appearances include Dil, Attarintiki Daredi, and Nayak. The actor’s last film appearance was earlier this year in Coffee with a Killer, which released in January.

Fish Venkat, who began his acting career in 2000, acquired his screen name because of his background of being in the fish-selling business, which he operated from Musheerabad before becoming an actor.

The actor was suffering from kidney-related problems for about 4 years. For the past 9 months, he was undergoing treatment at RBM hospital in Boduppal. The actor was recently placed on a ventilator after his condition worsened and both his kidneys failed. The actor required a kidney transplant, for which the family had been reportedly seeking financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for some time now, but not to much avail. Although, a few days ago, Vishwak Sen provided a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs for the family. 

Fish Venkat is survived by his wife Suvarna and his daughter Sravanthi.

Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who was on Colbert’s show the night he announced it would be ending, said: “If Paramount and CBS ended the ‘Late Show’ for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.”

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who has his own late night program “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for ABC, was among the celebrities that condemned CBS’s decision. “Love you Stephen.”

CBS said in its Thursday statement it was “proud that Stephen called CBS home”, adding: “He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

Colbert, one of the most popular American comedians who made use of humor in his incisive political commentatary, succeeded David Letterman as the host of “The Late Show” in 2015.

Before that Colbert was a regular on Comedy Central alongside fellow talk show host and political pundit Jon Stewart.

The late-night television landscape has long been dominated by satirical comedy shows that blend entertainment with political commentary.

For decades, programmes such as “The Late Show”, “The Tonight Show,” and “Late Night” have served as television touchstones, with hosts like Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman and more recently Colbert and Jimmy Fallon shaping public discourse through humour and celebrity interviews.

MUMBAI: Actor Vaani Kapoor says she does not understand the current wave of “cancel and boycott culture”, which she believes is contributing to a toxic environment and restricting artistic freedom.

The actor, who will soon make her digital debut in Netflix’s Mandala Murders, expressed her views on censorship and online hate during an interview, highlighting the impact such behaviour has on artists and society at large.

“I don’t get the cancel and boycott culture,” said Kapoor. “Censorship, in any form, limits an artist’s freedom to take creative risks and explore new ideas.”

Her remarks come in the wake of the controversy surrounding her recent film Abir Gulaal, a romantic drama co-starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The film, scheduled for release in May, was shelved following the Pahalgam terror attack. In the aftermath, political figures and trade bodies renewed calls to boycott Pakistani artists, ultimately preventing the film’s release in India.

When asked about how the situation affected her, Vaani responded:
“I’m not so into censorship. I believe in certification. Sometimes, there’s no limit — when I hear about censorship, I think, ‘They can cut this or that.’ As an artist or filmmaker, you’re constantly trying to create something new. But with boundaries set around you, how much can you truly explore new territory?”

Kapoor, known for films like War, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, and Raid 2, criticised the rise of “cancel and boycott” movements, which she feels have made public discourse increasingly toxic.

Junior, the upcoming bilingual family drama mounted as a launch pad for Kireeti Reddy, also marks Genelia Deshmukh’s return to South Indian cinema after 13 years. An entire generation has grown up watching her films like Bommarillu, Orange, Ready, and Sye among many more. Genelia looks back at those years with a mix of awe and gratitude. Recalling how she occasionally watches some of her songs and clips, Genelia says, “Sometimes I watch a scene of mine with Prakash Raj or another great actor, and wonder, ‘Did I really do that?’ (laughs) It’s hard to believe I did that work, at times. I see my songs very often, and enjoy it — It was a very special phase of my life.”

At the same time, the Bommarillu actor expresses great pride in her Telugu filmography. She explains, “As an actor, I have been very particular. Even when I was at my peak, I didn’t go on to sign countless films. I did only those films I would be proud of, that a whole family could watch without feeling weird. Not many actors took that route at that point in time. I took that trouble, and I hope the risk was worth it.”  

Genelia also makes an interesting observation about her fanbase while looking back to her work around 2004-2012, before she took a sabbatical from acting. “The male audience likes me too. But when your female audience likes you, you have a responsibility. That’s something I’ve taken personally. So often I have mothers and grandmothers coming to me, calling me ‘Bangaaram’ (precious girl), telling me how the enjoyed my film. That means the world to me. I did not do any ultra-glamorous roles. I have a very loyal audience, and I am respecful of it.”

Sumathi Valavu, as per the makers, revolves around a haunted place called Sumathi Valavu, guarded for centuries by the spirit of a Tamil woman named Sumathi. The film also stars Balu Varghese, Saiju Kurup, Sidharth Bharathan, Sshivada, Shravan Mukesh, Pani-fame Bobby Kurian, Abhilash Pillai, Manoj KU, Gopika Anil, Sija Rose, Nandu, Kottayam Ramesh, Sminu Sijo, Sreejith Ravi, and Sreepathyan and Devananda, the two child actors from Malikappuram.

The film has music by Ranjin Raj, cinematography by Shankar PV, and editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali.

Sometimes, when you start reading a script, you stop at night and continue the next day. But when I read Bahul Ramesh’s script for Kerala Crime Files 2, I started at 10 at night and read it completely before going to sleep. With a script like that, you feel the thrill of wanting to know what happens next. That gives you confidence that the audience will feel the same. When we look at the footage, there are visuals we’ve already imagined. So I edited it with the same excitement I felt during my first reading. The way viewers might have mistaken the red herrings as someone else’s past was exactly how I felt too. Another interesting aspect this season is the presence of subplots. Each layer had its own emotional beats, and balancing them was important. A challenge with any second season, especially a police procedural, is that it has to be just as powerful, if not more, in showing the growth of the main characters. In that way, there was an advantage, because this season starts with a new police officer, Noble (played by Arjun Radhakrishnan), and we, like the audience, don’t know him yet. 

NEW DELHI: Actor-couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani on Wednesday announced the birth of their first child, a baby girl.

The couple shared the joyous news in a joint post on Instagram, writing:
“Our hearts are full and our world forever changed.
We are blessed with a Baby Girl.”

The two actors had revealed Kiara’s pregnancy in February this year.

Malhotra, 40, and Advani, 33, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in February 2023.

Director Prem’s gangster drama KD (Kaali Dasa), starring Dhruva Sarja, has piqued the curiosity and tested the patience of fans. Initially slated for an April or May release and later teased for September, the film has faced multiple delays. Now, after several rounds of speculation, KD is finally eyeing an October release window at the box office.

Having already launched teasers in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi across four languages, the team unveiled the Kannada version in Bengaluru. The event was graced by Crazy Star V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, lead actor Reeshma Nanaiah, producer K Venkat Narayana, Anand of Anand Audio, and others.

Produced on a massive scale by KVN Productions, KD combines high-octane action with deep-rooted emotional storytelling. Producer Venkat Narayana revealed that the teaser showcases all the key characters and promised that the film brings together adrenaline and family sentiment in equal measure. He highlighted that director Prem spent nearly three years sculpting these unique characters, played by Dhruva, Ravichandran, and Shilpa Shetty, who will be featured in never-seen-before roles.

At the teaser launch, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt described his character, Dhaak Deva, as “a completely dangerous and fearsome villain.” He praised Dhruva Sarja, stating, “He’s not just a Kannada actor — he’s an Indian actor in the making.”

“I think we were really restricted with what we could do in the last movie because of COVID; we shot the entire film on stages,” Holland explained. “Now, we’re really going to lean into that old-school filmmaking and shoot in real locations.”

Production is set to begin in Glasgow, where an elaborate set piece will be constructed across the city’s streets. “It’s gonna feel like making Spider-Man: Homecoming again,” Holland said, referencing his 2017 debut. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve done it; it’s going to feel like a breath of fresh air, and I think the fans are going to be over the moon with what we’re putting together.”

Set to swing into theatres on July 31, 2026, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be directed by Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton. Long-time collaborators Amy Pascal and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige return to produce. Zendaya is confirmed to reprise her role alongside Holland, and the cast will also feature Stranger Things breakout Sadie Sink and The Bear’s Liza Colón-Zayas in undisclosed roles.

PUDUCHERRY: San Rachel, a 26-year-old popular model and social media influencer from Puducherry, died by suicide on Saturday night (July 13) at JIPMER, weeks after allegedly consuming an overdose of blood pressure pills.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the fashion and influencer community, where she was known for her bold stance against colourism and her outspoken advocacy for inclusivity in the beauty industry.

Born as Sankarapriya, San Rachel had married fashion designer Satya in June 2024.

According to police sources, she was reportedly under severe financial and personal stress over the past few months. Investigators revealed that she had consumed around 50  BP tablets during a visit to her father’s house in Karamanikuppam on June 5. Though initially rushed to government general hospital, she left after two days  without completing treatment. Her condition deteriorated over the following days, prompting  her husband to admit her at a private hospital in Moolakulam. After several days of treatment , she was finally taken to  JIPMER, where she succumbed on Saturday night.

Police recovered four suicide notes addressed to her father, husband, and mother-in-law.

In these, San Rachel reportedly absolved her family members of any blame. She apologized for withholding the truth about financial matters, particularly a Rs 6 lakh loan she had taken through the wife of her husband’s friend to cover wedding expenses—without informing her husband, who believed the costs were borne by her father.

In her letter to her father, D. Gandhi, San Rachel had urged him to sell his land and repay the loan to a person referred to as “Venkat Anna.” She had been requesting financial help from him over the past year, but he had expressed his inability due to other family responsibilities.

NAGAPATTINAM: Renowed stunt master S Mohanraj died following chest pain during a film shoot near Nagapattinam on Sunday.

The 52-year-old, a native of Poongandam in Kanchipuram district, was working on director Pa Ranjith’s film Vettuvam. The crew had been shooting for the past three days at a salt pan in Vizhunthamavadi village, Nagapattinam district.

During the film shooting on Sunday, Mohanraj complained chest pain and was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital at Orathur near Nagapattinam. The doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The Keelaiyur police registered a case.

Another fan pointed out a goat-like figurine with glowing eyes behind Pranav, suggesting a possible Illuminati or occult reference. Some others speculated whether it symbolises sin or an ancient evil, drawing parallels to the symbolic visuals seen in Sadasivan’s previous works.

Social media platforms like X and Reddit are now flooded with reactions. “What is Rahul cooking this time?” asked one user, while another wrote, “We trust Rahul’s vision he’s redefining horror in Malayalam cinema.”

The buzz around Pranav’s performance has also resurfaced, with one person recalling director Vineeth Sreenivasan’s earlier comment: “While Pranav isn’t a great actor I remember Vineeth Sreenivasan say that he has great potential to play dark characters.”

Pranav was last seen in Varshangalkku Shesham (2024) and made a cameo appearance in Empuraan, released in March 2025.

Produced by Night Shift Studios and YNOT Studios, Dies Irae is set for a Halloween 2025 release. Filming began in April and wrapped up in May, with five months allotted for post-production. Shehnad Jalal handles cinematography, Jothish Shankar is the art director, music is by Christo Xavier, and editing is by Shafique Mohamed Ali. While the rest of the cast remains under wraps, the film’s eerie visuals and mysterious tone have already captured the audience’s imagination.

Can you tell us about your experience casting real police officers in ‘Thondimuthal’? Some of them have gone on to become well-known actors…

The film had many scenes inside a police station with 10–20 characters. We decided that instead of actors trying to portray police officers, it would be easier to cast real cops. They just had to be themselves, so it required less preparation. We held auditions among real police personnel. That approach not only made our job easier but also added authenticity to the film. These officers shared insights about actual police procedures, which helped correct mistakes and refine scenes.

Was ‘Joji’ conceived as a tribute to K G George’s ‘Irakal’?

No, that wasn’t our intention. We started with the idea of adapting Macbeth. During the pandemic, when everyone was feeling down, we wanted to create something in a controlled environment. We decided to adapt a play that would require minimal locations. I had previously worked on a portion of Macbeth during my time at Kalady, so we used that as a starting point and tried to set it in a contemporary context. However, as we progressed, we deviated from the original and focused on the story that organically emerged. The comparisons with Irakal surfaced only after the film’s release, but I don’t see many similarities beyond the setting. K G George sir’s works have deeply inspired us, so perhaps there was some subconscious influence.

The set for ‘Rifle Club’, both on-screen and off-screen, seemed quite unique…

We had great confidence in the project. The narrative was very interesting. The characters were very beautiful. I felt though the movie had many characters, each one had an important role to play. The making of the movie too was interesting, in that it brought back memories of my theatre days.

The film had Anurag Kashyap. How was your interaction with him?

I spoke to him briefly as I’m not too well-versed in any language other than Malayalam (smiles).

Does a Dileesh film aim to deliver a message to society?

My goal is simply to reflect society as I’ve experienced it. I don’t try to convey a political message. I don’t believe a film should deliver a message, we should feel it instead. If the aim is to give a message, then you might as well just give a speech. It’s up to the viewer to decide what message to take away.

There’s also an argument that cinema influences society…

I don’t believe anyone becomes good or bad just by watching a movie. If that were the case, many people would have become better because a lot of good films have been made. There might be a minor influence. And one film won’t do it. Watching 10 or 50 films of the same pattern might influence someone. A cultural change like that can happen slowly.

Doesn’t a filmmaker have a responsibility in that regard?

Filmmakers have the same responsibility as everyone else. I don’t believe this field is meant to fix society. I prefer to view filmmaking more as a professional endeavour. My goal within that is to present society interestingly.

Can you take us through your collaboration with Syam Pushkaran?

Every decision is shaped through discussions. We don’t maintain rigid boundaries between us. Syam, though primarily a writer, has often taken on the role of a director. Similarly, I too have stepped into the role of a writer. We contribute collectively, especially when it comes to developing the plot.

Former Superman star Dean Cain has come out strongly against filmmaker James Gunn for his recent remarks about the superhero. The actor, known for portraying the iconic DC Comics character in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, described Gunn as “woke” for calling the character an “immigrant”. Cain compared DC Studios adapting Superman to modern times with Disney’s recent Snow White remake. “Why are they going to change these characters (to) exist for the times?” asked Cain.

The actor’s comments come shortly after Gunn described Superman as America’s story, which bats for “basic human kindness” at a time when the idea itself has lost its meaning. Meanwhile, the filmmaker’s brother Sean Gunn, playing Maxwell Lord in Superman, supported him and underscored the vital part that immigrants play in American society. The actor stated, “The people that we support in this country are immigrants and if you don’t like that, you’re not American.”

While Cain agreed with the notion about Superman being an immigrant, he argued that the USA has certain rules and policies in relation to immigration for a reason. According to the actor, the country cannot let in every foreigner because otherwise, “society will fail”. He went on to suggest that, if not for these rules, it would be similar to Somalia.

Conservatives in the USA seemingly believe that progressive social agendas have diluted Superman, moving it away from his classic heroic archetype and associating it with undesirable elements, such as the superimposition of ‘MS-13’ on the superhero suit. Besides James and Sean Gunn, actor Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) in Superman, also tried to defuse the controversy, terming it “just a movie”.

Reflecting on her journey, she thanked her audience, family, team, and her 21-year-old self, who “dove headfirst into storytelling… with no plan, no prep, no roadmap just heart.”

From her comedic sketches on YouTube that resonated with everyday Indian life to acting roles in Netflix’s Mismatched and Bollywood hits like Jugjugg Jeeyo and Neeyat, Koli has carved a multifaceted career. In 2025, she also released her debut novel Too Good To Be True, further proving her storytelling prowess.

Beyond entertainment, Koli is a vocal advocate for social change. She has collaborated with global institutions including the United Nations, Gates Foundation, World Economic Forum, International Olympic Committee, and COP Summit.

Her rise from a radio intern to a global influencer featured in Creators for Change alongside Michelle Obama which went on to win a Daytime Emmy has made her one of India’s most recognisable digital figures.

Having already earned spots in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 and GQ India’s Most Influential Young Indians 2025, Koli’s latest recognition from TIME solidifies her position as a global voice in digital storytelling.

Her journey is not just a personal milestone but a moment of pride for the growing community of South Asian creators making waves on the world stage.

Having no luck selling their superhero to the newspapers, they eventually sold the rights to Superman to DC Comics, where Superman achieved huge success. Within a year, there was a syndicated newspaper strip and a spin-off Superman comic book featuring the first superhero with their own exclusive title. Along with extensive merchandising, there was a 1940 radio show, followed by an animation series in 1941, with the inevitable live action serial in 1948.

In this early example of a property crossing multiple media platforms, Superman’s apparent appeal lay with the fantastical aspects, as he battled mad scientists, criminal masterminds and giant dinosaurs.

But in the early issues, Superman’s enemies were noticeably more earthbound and reflected the concerns of an audience reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. In an early story, War in Sante Monte, Superman confronts a corrupt Washington lobbyist, Alex Greer, who is bribing a greedy senator. It transpires that Greer represents an arms dealer who is profiteering by manipulating both sides in an overseas war.

In a later tale, Superman Battles Death Underground, our hero challenges the owner of a dangerous mine who is cutting corners with safety precautions.

In 1932 Siegel’s father, a tailor, died following the attempted robbery of the family shop – so it is no surprise that Superman had a low tolerance for crime and its causes. In the story Superman in the Slums, dated January 1939, the social commentary is plain. When teenager Frankie Marello is sentenced to reform school, Superman acknowledges the impact of the boy’s social environment:

It’s these slums – your poor living conditions – if there was only some way I could remedy it!

His solution is to raze the dilapidated buildings to the ground, forcing the authorities to replace them with modern cheap-rental apartments. In creating new construction work, here is Superman’s extreme version of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Meanwhile, Paranthu Po marks the first collaboration between Shiva and Ram. “Shiva’s sir’s forte is comedy, as evident in projects such as Chennai 600028, Vanakkam Chennai and the Tamil Padam franchise. We love the fun side of his characters, but this (Paranthu Po) operates in a space of intense emotions. Naturally, I wondered how such a collaboration would unfold. Finally, the ship veered into his (Shiva) territory,” says Aju as he bursts out in laughter. He adds, “Even so, the film, when I was part of it, had many funny moments. Comedy is a varied and diverse genre. There is plenty of scope for humour in painful situations. There are many eye-openers and laughter-inducing moments as we travel with the family in Paranthu Po.” The actor adds that such films are quite common in Malayalam cinema, citing examples such as Maheshinte Prathikaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, and Kumbalangi Nights. “In Tamil, I do not come across such films, although Tourist Family came out recently.” The actor also reveals that because he always goes by the script and listens to his director, he did not face any language difficulty while working in his maiden Tamil feature. In a candid admission, he says, “Shiva sir has always been known for his spontaneity, which I do not have. I may be able to say the odd comeback line when in my friend circle, but I do not have it when in character.”

Speaking of which, the actor has also found it challenging to reprise his role in Ahammed Khabeer’s Kerala Crime Files 2: The Hunt for CPO Ambili for multiple reasons. He has graduated from being SI Manoj in the first season to CI Manoj in the second. “Initially, I was scared about reprising the role,” Aju explains. “I moulded SI Manoj based on my director’s inputs, giving him specific mannerisms and expressions that I considered appropriate for the character at the time. Two years later, remembering every detail and avoiding unintended changes that might compromise authenticity proved a real challenge,” says the actor. He also notes, “The second challenge I faced came with the changes in the writers. Ashiq (Aimar) wrote the first season, Bahul (Ramesh) penned the second one. They have different approaches to writing, which means two different ‘voices’ for the same character.”

The teaser revolves around Ramakrishna, played by debutant Manoj Chandra, who is a recording dance organiser in search of a new dancer. Kothapallilo Okappudu appears to explore the quirks and social dynamics of village life through a mix of satire and realism. The cast also features Monika T and Usha Bonela in debut roles, alongside supporting actors Ravindra Vijay, Benerjee, Bongu Satti, Phani, and Premsagar.

The film’s story and dialogues are penned by Gurukiran Bathula. It is produced under the Paruchuri Praveena Vijaya Arts banner. Cinematography is handled by LA-based director of photography Petros Antoniadis, while music is composed by veteran composer Mani Sharma. Kothapallilo Okappudu is scheduled for theatrical release on July 18.

I never met Guru Dutt. I was too young when he was around, and growing up in a city as far away as any Indian city could be from where he lived. And by the time I had watched all his films when they were revived as matinee show re-runs, he was dead.

But I had enjoyed watching Pyaasa, and loved Kagaaz ke Phool, though my friends didn’t, and Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam was one of my three favourite films, along with Madhumati and Mughal-e-Azam. I gave very little thought to the men behind the films, my teen imagination was quite caught up with adoring the stars on screen. But during a film society screening of Pyaasa, I wondered about the man behind the poet on screen and asked myself if he had modelled the brooding persona after himself.

I remember telling a friend that it might have been interesting to meet someone as introverted in real life as his heroes and check out how he could make such amazing films. But, of course, that chance had passed by then.

Or so I thought. Until fate brought me face to face with Abrar Alvi, Guru Dutt’s favourite writer and the man who went on to direct Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam.

A chance reading of an article. An impulse to know more. A phone call and the coincidence of my surname which he was familiar with, started me on a journey of discovery. And a half felt wish began to materialise into an astounding reality.

For Abrar Alvi would introduce me to Guru Dutt. A man he understood more clearly than many of his contemporaries perhaps, because of the professional relationship between them that was steeped in friendship.

For two years, every Saturday, I boarded the time machine that Abrar sahab had moored in a corner of his mind and we would travel back to the sixties, to watch the great films being made, one after the other. Of course though they must have crossed their fingers in hope, none of the team that worked with Guru Dutt knew at that time that these would be counted among the great films of Indian cinema. But they put in their best anyway.

And week after week, as Abrar Alvi traversed through his memories, along with the stories of the films, an intimate portrait of the man behind them began to take shape.

I learnt that the man we all believed was brooding had a fun side. He played practical jokes. And his victims were many, from Abrar sahab himself to Mehmood, the great comedian.

I heard how with a finely-tuned, almost Hitchcockian twist of suspense, he had tested Abrar Alvi for a week, to ascertain for himself whether the young man who boasted of a graduate degree could be the writer of his films.

And then there were a whole host of contradictions: the man who could concentrate fiercely on the scene he was shooting and ignore even a well-established producer or actor who was visiting his sets, could also summarily drop a project even after wading knee deep into it. The number of films Guru Dutt abandoned, after shooting parts of them, may quite outnumber those that we view on screen today.

Like almost every creative artiste, Dutt too was eager to pick up ideas that he could incorporate and modify to make his own. So, CID, was inspired by an English film titled, The man with my face. Then there were the songs that were adapted from Western tunes he had liked.

A collector of books, he had a small ‘library’ of books on cinema, and on cameras. And could speak knowingly on lenses that could best frame a particular shot. Abrar shared a telling story of his mentor instructing him on the right lenses to shoot Meena Kumari in Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam.

His magpie mind picked up ideas and experiences that piqued his interest. On a trip to Paris, he hired a ‘lady of the night’ (Abrar sahab’s words), to engage her in conversation and discover how she lived her life. The fact that French words sometimes sounded the same as words in Hindi fascinated him. Holding a bar of soap, he burst into the room and before Abrar when he realised that savon in French was akin to saboon in Hindi.

Ploughing the fields he owned in the farm in Lonavala, incubating eggs to watch chickens hatch, and thinking nothing of waking up Abrar to make him come across to watch the miracle of life showed the childlike side of a man considered to be melancholy by nature.

And of course his love for music, and amazing sense of visualising and shooting songs is a well known fact.

A complex man, given to deep ups and downs of mood, who thought nothing of attempting to do away with himself more than once. Sadly, the third time proved to be unlucky for us. And Guru Dutt was gone!

His mystique remains. As does his work. To be celebrated, remembered and shared, for decades to come.

The upcoming Suhas starrer Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama marks the Telugu debut for Malavika Manoj, who gained a special following with the Tamil film Joe (2023). Ahead of the film’s release on July 11, she shares how films happened to her by sheer accident, and what slowly drew her to the idea of a film career.

Having done her schooling till 13 in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah, Malavika recounts how she was piqued with interest in working as a model and getting clicked. She elaborates on the story, “In my younger days, I didn’t take my photos much. But after getting one photo, I liked that idea. Later, I would do photo shoots — not that I wanted to be a model per se, but I liked seeing myself.”

Without Malavika’s knowledge, however, her mother had sent her photos to the audition call for a Malayalam film titled Prakashan Parakkatte (2022). Malavika recalls, “I didn’t even know that I was shortlisted in rounds one and two. Later, when they wanted to see me in person for the audition, my mother had no choice but to tell me.”

Malavika frankly admits that she was never particularly interested in acting in films. She recalls, “When I first heard the news, I was not so happy about it. I didn’t have a strong desire to be in cinema — I liked pursuing my studies and attending my classes. Also, I am a shy person. I hadn’t even participated in school dramas ever, so I didn’t know that I could do it. But I also know that nothing comes easily — so I decided to go with the flow.” Talking about what changed her mind, the Joe actor reflects, “After meeting the Prakashan team, I felt like trying. When I watched the film, I liked it. I realised I liked working in films, so I continued my journey.”

Strong female roles in movies are rare these days, Malavika notes as she talks about her part in Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama. “It’s not like every film has importance for female characters. But my role is very prominent here, and I feel lucky to do this in my first Telugu film,” she notes. The Joe actor mentions that she didn’t find much difference in the working style of the Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam industries. She notes, “All the teams I’ve worked with have been sweet and welcoming. While they were all professionals, they were equally concerned about everyone’s well-being on the set. Working with a team like this is very comfortable.”

A native of Kerala, Malavika had to struggle a lot while saying her Telugu dialogues in Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama, she says. The actor explains how the team helped her during the shoot, as she adds, “My team charted the process in a way where the initial days of the shoot had smaller and easier dialogues for me. And slowly, as the shoot progressed, they planned scenes with longer dialogues.”

Director James Gunn and the cast of the upcoming film Superman are pushing back against criticism after Gunn described the iconic superhero as “an immigrant” who came from elsewhere. The comments, initially made in a Times of London profile, ignited flak online and caught the eye of certain publications.

At Superman premiere in Hollywood on Monday, Gunn addressed the controversy directly, stating the film is for “everyone”. He expressed no desire to engage with negativity or pass judgement on any of his critics, emphasising that Superman is about kindness, a universally relatable theme.

Nathan Fillion, the actor who portrays Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) in the film, downplayed the criticism with a passing remark. “Somebody needs a hug,” Fillion quipped, adding, “Just a movie, guys.”

Sreenath Bhasi, Minnal Murali-fame Femina George and a few others are coming together for Karakkam, a horror comedy. It is directed by Subhash Lalitha Subrahmaian, who debuted in 2023 with Charles Enterprises.

Black Turtle Productions and Krown Stars Entertainment jointly produce the film, which was formally launched in January this year, and had its shooting completed in April.

Karakkam is scripted by director Subhash, Nipin Narayanan and Arjun Narayanan based on Dhanush Varghese’s story. It also stars Sidharth Bharathan, Jean Paul Lal, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Anchakkallakokkan-fame Praveen TJ, Manikandan R Achari, Bijukuttan, Midhutty, and Shaun Romy. The film has music by Sam CS, cinematography by Bablu Aju, and editing by Nidhin Raj Arol.

Meanwhile, multiple other horror films are in the making in Malayalam currently. From big-scale productions like Kathanar -The Wild Sorcerer to experiments like Pranav Mohanlal’s Dies Irae, and zombie films like Vala, Manjeswaram Mafia and Jambi, the horror genre has elicited a lot of interest in the industry lately.

Around him, the scene is alive with chaos and meaning. Flames rise. Sparks float in the smoky air. Spears pierce the war-torn sky. A boar’s tusks slice through the mist. A one-horned buffalo charges. A tiger prowls in the half-light. Sacred ropes swirl above, swords clash in the distance, and a terrified pig crouches near the embers. Each image speaks of rituals, survival, and the deep bond between man, nature, and the divine.

From all these clues, the film seems to be set in a much older time, before the events of Kantara. Rishab Shetty’s story looks like a mythic tale that explores how gods, forests, and people first made a sacred pact that was tested later in the first film. But this one is even more ambitious, extremely multi-layered, and set in a completely different world. The story invites you into a different space altogether where you get transported into something deeper, older, and more intense.

And this rich vision has taken real dedication to bring alive. Filming began late last year and continued for about 150 days, most of it shot in the tough terrains around Kundapura. While the final shot is wrapped, post-production is now happening across 12 studios in India — from visual effects and editing to sound and Ajaneesh Loknath’s soul-stirring, folk-inspired music.

“The Wonderment Tour is dedicated to those who cherish the experience of live music and the profound immersion it offers,” said Rahman. “I aspire to merge tradition with innovation, bridging the past and the future in a grand celebration of music.”

The concert is being presented by Hyderabad Talkies, in association with EVA Live, and in partnership with Xora.

Deepak Chaudhary, founder and managing director of EVA Live, said, “We are thrilled to associate with A R Rahman and Hyderabad Talkies. This collaboration embodies our vision of creating unforgettable moments that redefine live concert experiences.”

General ticket sales will open on July 14 via the District app by Zomato.

Earlier rumours had hinted at Shivarajkumar making a special appearance, but the makers are said to have finalised Sudeep for the role instead. His character details are being kept under wraps, but sources say he is expected to join the shoot later this month.

This marks a reunion for Prem and Sudeep, who last worked together on The Villain, which also featured Shivarajkumar. KD will also be Sudeep’s first with KVN Productions.

Produced by Venkat K Narayana, with Arjun Janya composing the music, and William David and Srinivas P Prabhu handling cinematography and editing, respectively, KD – The Devil is currently in post-production and aiming for a September release.

Directed by Madhumita Sundararaman, the film follows a middle-aged man battling a progressive degenerative illness who, upon discovering his family’s plans to abandon him, escapes into a local fair. During his journey, he forms a touching bond with an orphaned boy.

Kaalidhar Laapata also features Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and includes a special appearance by Nimrat Kaur. The film is the Hindi remake of Sundararaman’s acclaimed 2019 Tamil feature KD Engira Karuppudurai, which starred Mu Ramaswamy and was lauded by audiences for its emotional depth.

Abhishek Bachchan’s performance in the remake has been widely appreciated, adding to his growing reputation for taking on complex and layered roles.

LONDON: British media on Saturday saluted rock legends Oasis as “electrifying” and even “biblical” after their opening comeback concert received an equally ecstatic reception from fans in Cardiff.

The rockers, who shot to fame in the mid-1990s Britpop era, reeled off a string of their biggest hits in front of a 74,000-strong crowd in the Welsh capital on Friday, leaving those there in raptures.

For the Daily Mail, “Oasis fans were blown away as the iconic band reunited after 16 years and delivered an electrifying set, packed with energy and nostalgia.”

“Oasis returned as if no time has passed at all,” said the Daily Telegraph.

Other media were equally gushing after brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher wowed their audience with a batch of top hits including “Morning Glory” and “Supersonic”.

“The band sound, to use Liam’s favourite phrase, absolutely biblical,” said Rolling Stone.

For the Guardian newspaper, the concert was “a shameless trip back to the 90s for Britpop’s loudest, greatest songs.”

The BBC said Oasis showed “a hunger and a passion that was missing from their last shows in 2009.”

The band will now play another 40 tour dates from their native Manchester as far away as Brazil and Japan with around 900,000 tickets sold to date.

Last December, the court suspended the investigation into the case, noting a crucial discrepancy: the hotel where the alleged offense supposedly took place did not exist in 2012.

“The complaint is patently false,” the court observed when staying the probe. It highlighted that the Taj hotel, adjacent to the international airport, began operations only in 2016, four years following the alleged incident, and that the information remains in the public domain.

The court also emphasised that the vivid narration regarding the incident at Taj hotel is not true and a canard.

Furthermore, even as the court stayed the investigation, it pointed out the complainant’s unexplained 12-year delay in lodging the complaint. It termed the complaint a “clear instance of falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus (false in one thing, false in everything).”

The complaint had alleged that the director asked the complainant-actor to visit him in a fourth-floor room of the hotel around the airport in December 2012 and subjected him to sexual abuse.

It also claimed the director captured the complainant’s naked pictures and sent those to a female actor in Kerala.

This latest move follows the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ recommendation to block 16 Pakistan-based YouTube channels after the recent act of terrorism in Pahalgam.

The Ministry alleged that these channels spread communally sensitive and provocative content as well as false information that targets India, its security agencies and armed forces. Besides the YouTube channels, social media profiles of numerous public figures from Pakistan, including actors Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Mawra Hocane remain geo-blocked in India.

Moreover, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has told Indian OTT platforms, digital intermediaries, and media streaming services to stop distributing web series, songs, podcasts, films, and other media content hailing from Pakistan. The Ministry’s advisory mentioned national security as the primary concern. 

Coolie’s ensemble cast includes Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruthi Hassan, with Pooja Hegde making a cameo appearance in the film.

Music for the film is composed by Anirudh, with the first single from Coolie, ‘Chikitu‘, being released recently. The song featured the vocals of the composer, actor T Rajhendherr, and rapper Arivu. Other crew members include, Leon Britto as the director of photography, Philomin Raj as the editor, Sathees Kumar as the production designer, and Sandy as the choreographer.

Sapthami Gowda, who achieved pan-India fame with her appearance in Kantara, will soon be making her Telugu debut with Thammudu. The action-drama, starring Nithiin, will hit theatres on July 4. Ahead of the film’s release, Sapthami interacted with media to talk about her working experience in Thammudu. 

Talking about her role in the film, Sapthami stated, “My look here may resemble my Kantara look, but my character Ratna is very different. She brings fun in an otherwise serious storyline. My role is impactful, even if not lengthy.”

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday decided to watch the film ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala,’ starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, on Saturday at 10 a.m. “Considering the allegations in the writ petitions, I believe it is appropriate to view the movie before making any final decisions. The petitioner is directed to arrange a screening in an appropriate studio on Saturday at 10 am,” said Justice N. Nagaresh. The court clarified that it will close the case on July 9.

The court stated that the representative of each party, the petitioner and the Board, or their counsel, can be present during the screening.

During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner mentioned that there are practical difficulties in screening the movie in court since it is only available for theatrical release. The petitioner can arrange a studio screening at Lal Media, Palarivattom. The court then asked, “Does anybody have an objection to viewing the film at Lal Media?” No one objected.

LONDON: Rap-punk duo Bob Vylan on Tuesday rejected claims of antisemitism over onstage comments at the Glastonbury Festival that triggered a police investigation and sparked criticism from politicians, the BBC and festival organizers.

The band said in a statement that it was being “targeted for speaking up” about the war in Gaza.

Police are investigating whether a crime was committed when frontman Bob Vylan led the audience in chants of “Death to the IDF” — the Israel Defense Forces — during the band’s set at the festival in southwest England on Saturday.

The British government called the chants “appalling hate speech” and the BBC said it regretted livestreaming the “antisemitic sentiments.” U.S. authorities revoked the musicians’ visas.

Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza has inflamed tensions around the world, triggering pro-Palestinian protests in many capitals and on college campuses. Israel and some supporters have described the protests as antisemitic, while critics say Israel uses such descriptions to silence opponents.

In a statement on Instagram, Bob Vylan said: “We are not for the death of jews, arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. … A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.”

Alleging that “we are a distraction from the story,” the duo added: “We are being targeted for speaking up.”

The BBC is under pressure to explain why it did not cut the feed of the performance after the anti-IDF chants. Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said “the airing of vile Jew-hatred” by the BBC was a moment of “national shame.”

“It should trouble all decent people that now, one need only couch their outright incitement to violence and hatred as edgy political commentary, for ordinary people to not only fail to see it for what it is, but also to cheer it, chant it and celebrate it,” he wrote on X.

Avon and Somerset Police said it is investigating Bob Vylan’s performance, along with that by Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, whose pro-Palestinian stance has also attracted controversy. Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been charged under Britain’s Terrorism Act with supporting a proscribed organization for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last year.

Since the war began in October 2023 with a Hamas attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people, Israel has killed more than 56,000 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has sought an explanation from Calicut University for its inclusion of rapper Vedan’s song Bhoomi Njan Vaazhunna idam.

The university recently made it a part of its undergraduate course in Malayalam Language and Literature. However, the Governor has opposed the move and asked for the university’s explanation for it, based on a complaint by a BJP supporter named AK Anuraj. The Governor is also a Calicut University Chancellor, and he has sought the explanation from its Vice Chancellor.

The Governor’s contention stems from the fact that Vedan has been under fire following his arrest for consumption of drugs and possession of a tiger’s tooth. The Governor argued that including his song in the syllabus would make him a bad idol among students, prompting them to follow in his footsteps. It is worth noting that, in 2021, a group of women also accused the rapper of sexual misconduct, a claim to which he agreed and an act for which he apologised. 

Vedan has been in the news following the LDF-led Kerala Government’s invitation to him to take part in a recent event marking its 10th anniversary in power. Subsequently, filmmaker Pa Ranjith supported the embattled rapper as he shared an image carrying a piece of text that read, “We Stand With Vedan”.

KOCHI: A name as old as ancient mythology has ignited a modern-day firestorm in Kerala’s film industry. Janaki vs State of Kerala (JSK), a yet-to-be-released courtroom drama, has triggered furious anger among filmmakers, artists and producers, all rallying against what they call the “arbitrary and choking” decisions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

On Monday, the who’s who of Mollywood — including FEFKA, KFPA and AMMA members — gathered outside the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram, venting frustration over a censorship regime they claim is becoming unpredictable, unreasonable and ruinous for creativity. “This isn’t just about Janaki, this is about artistic survival,” thundered Renji Panicker, head of FEFKA’s Directors’ Union. “What next? Will filmmakers have to name their characters One, Two, and Three because religious names are off-limits? This is a cultural chokehold.”

The immediate trigger? The CBFC’s objection to protagonists called Janaki, a revered name for Ramayana’s Sita, in two films, JSK and Token Number. While mythological names in films are nothing new (think Seeta Aur Geeta or Ram Lakhan), filmmakers are now being asked to rewrite, re-dub, and essentially re-construct their films post-production to appease the board’s new sensibilities.

The Kerala High Court itself was baffled. “If Ram Lakhan and Seeta Aur Geeta didn’t raise eyebrows, why Janaki?” the court asked while hearing a petition filed by JSK’s producer Cosmos Entertainment.

But the damage is done. Director M B Padmakumar was forced to rename his Token Number heroine to avoid a stand-off with censors. “The issue was not just her name, it was her relationship with another character, Abraham,” he said. “We had to fight, but eventually we gave in. And we’re not alone.” Even L2: Empuraan, starring industry giants Mohanlal and Prithviraj, wasn’t spared. After a storm of right-wing outrage post-release, the film was voluntarily re-edited and re-certified, delaying its rollout and denting its momentum.

“It’s now a guessing game,” lamented KFPA vice president G Suresh Kumar. “You finish shooting, editing, spend crores, and then you’re told to change character names to get a certificate? That’s not just censorship. That’s sabotage.”

The first time I met Malini Chib, I was apprehensive. She ‘walked’ in an electric wheelchair, and ‘talked’ by pressing the keyboard of a small typing instrument with ‘one little finger’. Cerebral Palsy did that to her. How was I to talk to ‘such people’? I took a deep breath, pointed to her wheelchair, bent down to her level, and said: “Too bad an excellent career is out of the question for you.” As she looked puzzlingly, I added, “Stand-up comedy.” Wait, what? Why did I say that? Would she be offended? Am I being insensitive? A million questions ran ultramarathons inside my head.

And then Malini laughed. A staccato of “he-he-he-he”, crisp and breathless, like hiccups of joy tumbling over each other, head falling back as if the moment had possessed her. Then: silence; not because it was over, but because the next wave was charging up, too big to stay contained as a rip-roaring laughter erupted from somewhere deep inside her gut, a full-body surrender to delight. Yes, she was drooling, and coughed between laughs – side effects of her condition, but she didn’t care and neither did I, as I couldn’t help laugh at how bad a joke I had cracked.

That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship filled with everything from laughter, tears, fights, to angry outbursts filled with ‘f-bombs’ hurled at each other. You know: a typical dosti. 15 years later, I can understand her even on the phone (a side effect of spending too much time with her infectious presence). And along the way, I have made many other ‘disabled’ friends thanks to Malini’s organization ADAPT – Able Disabled All People Together: Nilesh Singit (a hard talker who doesn’t mince words), Farhan Contractor, Zenia Malegamwala (one of the most vivacious dancers I know), Utpal Shah (a great accountant)… to name a few.

Hence, when the darkness of the theatre swallowed me up, and Aamir Khan flickered to life on the big screen, I was apprehensive — have director RS Prasanna and Aamir done a good job? But instead of Aamir Khan, the superstar, the safe harbour of familiar entertainment, Sitare Zameen Par throws you headfirst into an abyss you didn’t know lived inside. This isn’t a film about disability. It’s a surgical incision into the collective soul of a society that worships ‘normal’’while bleeding out its own humanity.

I watched Gulshan Arora, Aamir Khan’s arrogant, height-obsessed basketball coach, sneer at his new team of “neurodivergent misfits,” and a cold recognition seized me. That sneer? I had worn it. That impatience? I have lived it. That bone-deep discomfort around difference and disability (“Yeh kya baat hui…pagal ko pagal mat bolo“)? It’s the scaffolding I had built my life around before I met Malini. As Gulshan barked orders at the ten luminous souls the world calls disabled, the real horror dawned on me: We—you and I—are the monsters in this story, the real villains, just like Gulshan.

The sugar coating for a bitter pill: Let’s be brutally honest. Aamir Khan is the glittering lure, the brand name that gets our privileged tashreef aka derriere into seats. The film weaponises his stardom against our complacency. His Gulshan isn’t acting—he’s holding up a funhouse mirror to our collective apathy.

Remember the flicker of discomfort you felt when you saw a man with Down Syndrome struggling to order coffee while the barista looked past him? That’s Gulshan. Recall the internal sigh when an elderly woman with a walker slowed your hurried pace on the pavement? That’s Gulshan.

His journey from dismissive coach to humbled human isn’t a character arc; it’s an intervention staged in Dolby surround sound. As he stumbles, fails, and finally sees these ten individuals—not as diagnoses of their condition, but as Satbir with his fierce loyalty, Guddu conquering his terror of water, Golu radiating infectious joy, Lotus navigating the world with quiet grace—the cracking sound isn’t just in the theatre speakers. It’s the brittle shell around your own heart fracturing.

A moment captures this transformation with devastating simplicity. Gulshan, defeated and raw, says: “Jinka dil itna bada ho, unmein koi kami kaise ho sakti hai.” The line hangs in the air, a verdict on our own transactional lives.

The real constellations: Forget Khan. The film’s beating, radiant heart lies in its ten debut stars—Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, Simran Mangeshkar. These aren’t actors playing disability; they are artists sharing fragments of their lived realities with a rawness that scalds the soul.

When Guddu (Gopi Krishna Varma) finally overcomes his paralysing fear of bathing, the triumph isn’t scored with soaring violins but with the quiet, earth-shattering power of a human being claiming agency over his own body. When Golu (Simran Mangeshkar) dances with abandon, her joy isn’t performative; it’s a supernova erupting in the stifling darkness of a world obsessed with “normal”.

As one audience member, the brother of a special needs man, wrote in an emotional letter to Aamir Khan Productions: “My elder brother, who is specially-abled, just kept staring at the now blank screen, silent tears quietly streaming down his face. And then he turned to me and whispered the words that will stay with me for the rest of my life: ‘Yeh bilkul hum jaise hai na?'”

And that’s just one letter. Let me tell you, Aamir, RS Prasanna and Aparna Purohit (producer), tens of millions of others—the Malini’s, Nilesh, Farhan, Zenia and Utpal’s of the world, I know, would be saying the same thing.

The uncomfortable arithmetic of our shared brokenness: We cling to the myth of able-bodied invincibility, of the ‘normal’. But let me ask you: when you were born, were you normal? You were a bumbling idiot and had to be taken care of by your parents for years. So was I. So was my father, in the last two years of his life before he passed away. He wasn’t normal, like I wasn’t when I was born, yet the world didn’t point fingers at us. Why do we point it at ‘them’?

Then, there are cold, hard numbers. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) figures from 2011, about 15% people in the world are disabled. That’s around 1 billion people, a number that’s increasing due to population growth, the rise of chronic diseases, and improvements in measurement metrics. And 15% of India is approximately 222 million Indians. Now, consider the families and friends of these 15%, the parents and siblings of all the disabled people, allies like Kartar Paaji (Gurpal Singh) in the film offering unwavering support, and the total population touched by disability swells to over 50%.

Now add into this the infant who can’t speak, the elders who forget or need help walking, the chronically ill, even me who has myopia, and you’ll realise that over 90% of us are navigating some form of disability right now. So, in this actual normal, where is the place of the mythical ‘normal’ the world keeps harping about?

Disability, as you can hopefully see, isn’t a tragic exception; it is the baseline condition of being human. We enter this world utterly dependent, wailing for care. If we live long enough, we exit it frail, often needing that same care again. The years in between? We’re just temporarily able-bodied, constructing elaborate fortresses of competence to hide our inherent vulnerability.

The film’s quiet genius lies in showing how those we label “disabled” expose this truth daily. They master courage without masks, navigate a world not built for them with relentless resilience, and offer radical tenderness in a world shimmering with cynicism. Their light persists, despite our attempts to curtain it.

The architects we erased: Malini, Mithu, Sathi—giants among us: Now, I’d like to call to attention the character who’s the actual ‘hero’ in the film. No, it’s not Gulshan or the kids. To me, it is equally, perhaps more so—the character of Kartar Paaji, the ally of the disabled. When the world refused to care, he lent his hand and his understanding, bringing, as he does in the film, Gulshan, to understand the truth that there is no normal.

I have been fortunate enough to know many dozen such Kartar Paaji’s in my life. Take Malini’s parents, Dr Mithu Alur who started Spastic Society of India in 1971 (which became ADAPT in the new millennium). Or Sathi Alur who married her later and became more than her own father ever became to Malini and helped the Spastic Society to become a national movement in the next two decades, then a global one—at least spanning the global south, in the last two.

They, and the thousands of people who joined them in the preceding decades, didn’t just start schools; they declared war on a nation’s indifference, brick by painful brick. Sathi Alur, the self-effacing strategist, built systems where none existed.

They fought for inclusion when “disability” was a whispered shame. Their pioneering work birthed the very awareness this film commodifies. Yet, how many people walking into multiplexes this weekend know their names? We celebrate the glittering surface, ignoring the bedrock. This film exists because people like Malini and Nilesh refused to let cerebral palsy silence their voice. It exists because millions of parents turned their living rooms into war rooms for dignity.

The bitter pill coated in political sugar: Even the film’s journey to our screens reveals our national discomfort with raw truth. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) delayed its release, demanding five edits. The most jarring? A mandated quote from the Prime Minister is plastered in the opening frames. Nothing wrong with that, except one word in it ‘divyang’ (divinely-abled).

It rings hollow for many disability rights activists because it’s a saccharine euphemism that airbrushes the daily struggles, systemic barriers, and raw grit required to navigate an inaccessible India. It turns lived reality into feel-good inspiration. Forcing this quote onto the film feels like a desperate attempt to reframe an uncomfortable societal mirror.

True inclusion doesn’t need governmental disclaimers; it needs staircases turned to ramps, inclusive classrooms, and hearts unlocked by stories like Guddu’s victory over water, not political posturing.

Why you must sit in that darkness and let it scorch you: Go. Go watch the film. Not for charity. Not for Aamir. Not even for the ten breathtaking stars. Go because Sitare Zameen Par is the reckoning we’ve spent lifetimes avoiding. It forces us to confront the horrifyingly beautiful truth: We are all, every single one of us, gloriously, irrevocably broken. Our abilities are fleeting illusions. Our independence is a carefully constructed myth. We are all, fundamentally, interdependent. Go, so you can connect with fragile, beautiful, imperfect humanity.

As the final frames fade and the harsh theatre lights stab your eyes, you’ll fumble for your phone, desperate to re-enter the numbing noise of the “real” world. Don’t. Sit in the devastating silence.

Let the tears come – not tears of pity for “them,” but tears of recognition for us. For every time you averted your gaze. For every time you chose efficiency over empathy. For every fortress you built around your own fragility. 

Sitare Zameen Par isn’t just entertainment. It’s a collective funeral for the myth of normalcy. It’s a baptism in the messy, magnificent truth: Every human has a star, a sitara, inside them; it’s just that the darkness stops us from seeing it.

The darkness isn’t out there. It’s the shadow we cast when we refuse to acknowledge our own light, and the light in every shattered, beautiful piece of humanity around us. Go. Be broken. Only then can we begin to mend this fractured world, one raw, authentic, perfectly imperfect heartbeat at a time. The stars on Earth aren’t in the sky. They’re sitting next to you, waiting for you to finally see them.

The greatest disability is not in the body or mind but in the soul that refuses to see its own reflection in the broken mirror.

Actor-filmmaker SJ Suryah is making a directorial comeback after a long time. The actor is set to return to direction with ‘Killer’.

Suryah, known for his directorials such as Vaali, Kushi, and New, will also play the lead in the movie. The movie will be produced by the well-known Kerala-based production house Sree Gokulam Movies along with Suryah’s Angel Studios.

“Hello folks, your director SJ Suryah is back with his dream project, titled ‘Killer’,” Suryah posted on Instagram. “I am feeling blessed to collaborate with the prestigious Sree Gokulam Movies for the project,” he wrote.

Actor Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the ‘Kaanta Laga girl’, passed away at the age of 42, leaving many in shock. She was married to television actor Parag Tyagi.

However, before meeting Parag, Shefali was married to musician Harmeet Singh in 2004 and later separated in 2009. In an interview with Times Now, Shefali expressed that emotional respect was absent in their marriage, putting her in mental distress that pushed her to end the five year long relationship.

“It is very important to understand that you are not being appreciated. Not every kind of violence is physical. There is a lot of mental violence that also happens, and you are very unhappy in your life,” she said.

In several other interviews, Shefali claimed that her financial independence and upbringing empowered her to walk away from a bad marriage.

Post her divorce, Shefali met television actor Parag Tyagi at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. Speaking with Times Now, Shefali shared she was single at that time and her meeting with Parag was an arranged date. “We really liked each other a lot and hit it off instantly. Parag and I are very similar and different in many ways. I think we kind of balance each other out.”

Parag and Shefali dated for a couple of years before getting married in August 2014.

Parag Tyagi is known for his roles in Pavitra Rishta and Jodha Akbar. He also participated in the celebrity dance reality show Nach Baliye with Shefali.

KOCHI: Two days after filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery and actor Joju George entered into a spat over the release of 2021 movie ‘Churuli,’ Lijo on Saturday, withdrew his Facebook post that claimed that the actor received Rs 5,90,000 as remuneration for the role.

The controversy was triggered by Joju’s statement in TNIE’s ‘Express Dialogues’ programme aired on Sunday. In the interview, Joju said he hadn’t received any remuneration for the film and had conveyed his displeasure to the producers. Responding to this, the director wrote on Facebook that Joju had received an amount of Rs 5,90,000 for acting for three days.

“Dear Joju, this clarification is in light of the emotional distress caused to the producers, who are our friends. The film, certified ‘A’, has not yet been released in theatres. The language used was examined by a committee, and a High Court verdict exists. None of us recall misleading Joju during the shoot,” Lijo wrote on Facebook.

Actor Joju, on Thursday, had demanded that the agreement signed before taking up the role in ‘Churuli’ be made public. 

Antony Varghese recently recollected a harrowing flight experience after concluding the second production schedule of his upcoming film, I’m Game, in Hyderabad.

The actor’s journey back to Kochi turned into an unexpected ordeal. “Still in awe of what happened yesterday,” Antony wrote on Instagram.

“After wrapping up the shoot for I’m Game, I boarded Indigo 6E 6707 from Hyderabad to Kochi. What seemed like a routine flight turned into something straight out of a movie.”

When the Indigo flight approached Kochi, the weather took a dramatic turn. Antony detailed the suspenseful moments: “As we approached Kochi, the weather turned wild. The first landing attempt was aborted just a few feet above the runway. The second try was even more intense, we were right there, almost touching down, when the pilot made a split-second decision to pull up and not land. Without even brushing the runway, she lifted the aircraft back into the skies. Goosebumps.”

Antony lauded the professionalism of the crew during the crisis. “With incredible calm and clarity, she diverted the flight to Coimbatore for refueling. You could feel the tension in the cabin, people were panicked, shaken. But the way the crew, all women, handled the situation was nothing short of inspiring.”

After the diversion and refueling in Coimbatore, the flight successfully took off again and landed safely in Kochi.

Antony described the collective relief in the cabin: “After refueling, we took off again and finally landed safely in Kochi. As soon as the wheels touched down, the cabin erupted into applause.”

Antony concluded his account with a heartfelt tribute to the flight crew. “To the phenomenal women in the cockpit and the cabin, your quick decisions, precision, and professionalism turned a terrifying situation into a moment of deep respect and gratitude.

Thank you for showing us what true grace under pressure looks like.”

Nahas Hidhayath, known for RDX, directs I’m Game, a film billed as a mass entertainer with a significant sports element. The film is a collaborative effort, with Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu, and Ismail Aboobacker scripting it, and Aadarsh Sukumaran and Shahabas Rasheed penning the dialogues.

The cast also includes Tamil actor-director Mysskin, Kathir, and Samyuktha Viswanathan. Jimshi Khalid serves as cinematographer, Jakes Bejoy as music director, Chaman Chakko as editor, Anbariv as action choreographers, and Ajayan Chalissery as production designer.

Dulquer Salmaan and Jom Varghese are producing it under the Wayfarer Films banner. I’m Game will see a multi-language release, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, in addition to Malayalam.

The upcoming projects span a wide range of genres, including mainstream entertainers, socially conscious dramas, and high-concept films. Among the filmmakers attached to the slate are several well-known names in Indian cinema, such as Sundar C, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Vetri Maaran, Mari Selvaraj, Prem Kumar, Jude Anthany Joseph, Arunraja Kamaraja, Vignesh Raja, Chella Ayyavu, and Ganesh K Babu. YouTuber VJ Sidhu is also set to make his directorial debut under the Vels banner.

KOCHI: The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) is now set to include OTT revenue in its monthly box office collection report — a notable shift in its approach to industry transparency, amid criticism by a section of members over publicly releasing theatre-collection numbers.

The association hit the breaks after publishing figures for January, February, and March this year. According to KFPA vice-president G Suresh Kumar, the delay is due to the proposal to present a more comprehensive financial picture. “Several films have been sold to OTT platforms. And many producers requested that the monthly numbers reflect both theatre and OTT revenue. Compiling the amounts takes time,” he told TNIE.

The move comes in the wake of opposition from some producers to the release of box office figures. “I don’t know who hired the people to facilitate the release of monthly reports of Malayalam films. These are confidential numbers. If a body authorised or constituted by the state is coming out with these figures, then it is understandable,” Santhosh T Kuruvilla, co-producer of films like ‘Da Thadiya’, ‘Mayaanadhi’ and ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu’, posted on Facebook. He urged those involved to stop spreading false notions about the industry.

KFPA secretary B Rakesh said that the reports for April to June will be published after the association’s general body meeting and election. “Officials are working on annual reports and preparing for the election. The figures of the last three months will be released soon after,” he said.

According to the three reports released by KFPA, only three films — ‘Rekhachithram’ starring Asif Ali, the Prithviraj-Mohanlal film ‘Empuraan’, and ‘Officer on Duty’ featuring Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani — were commercially successful in the first quarter of 2025.

The association maintains that the aim of releasing such data is to raise awareness among producers, particularly newcomers, about financial risks in an industry grappling with mounting losses.

My ear-to-ear knowing grin and slow mental clap threatened to topple me off my potty. In my hand was a local Guwahati newspaper in which a Bollywood actor, 15 years into his career, is smiling in his jeans and sleeveless vest like he’s finally found the meaning of life.

Now this actor is really an actor, a chameleon on screen who has won almost every award in Bollywood’s firmament. But in the glittering cosmos of Bollywood, this is the celestial event that marks his rise to true stardom. Forget Oscars, Filmfare or National Awards; nothing screams “I’ve made it!” louder than a sleeveless vest and a pair of elastic chaddis.

Let’s rewind about a decade, to the Great Indian Bollywood Underwear Uprising. Gossip has it that once upon a Bandra balcony, a starlet – let’s call him “Mr. Salad” – fired his entire team. Their crime? Failing to secure him a baniyan endorsement. Priorities, right? He thought his dad-bod-free physique, sculpted via hours in the gym and flings with every Tina, Diksha and Harita, deserved better. Fast-forward: Captain underpants’ abs now gleam on billboards, his grin plastered across traffic signals. Status achieved.

But why this obsession with endorsing what is essentially a cotton conspiracy? Is it to attract the female gaze? Unlikely.

Most women, bless their souls, aren’t swooning over men vacuum-sealed into their underpants. Are moms and wives buying undies for sons and spouses who look grown only in their bodies, not minds, and still don’t do their laundry? Maybe.

Or perhaps it’s simpler: Bollywood’s macho meter now runs on who can flex harder in a vest. Salman Khan? Dixcy Scott & Lux Venus. Shah Rukh? Lux Cozi. Ranveer Singh? Rupa Frontline. Ajay Devgn, Amul Comfy. Hrithik Roshan, Macroman 20 years ago, a mantle he passed to Ranbir Kapoor in the last decade.

Even the common man-hero Ayushmann Khurrana announced his jacked-up physique by appearing in Ranjit Smart ads. And the newest kid on the block who’s grinning in hoardings and papers across the nation: Rajkumar Rao, bulked up fresh from his nearly Rs 1000 crore Stree 2 for TT Limited, because nothing says “superhit” like a pun about “FiTT”.

The lone wolf to buck this trend: Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan, who has, so far, dodged the underwear-industrial complex in his 52-year acting career. His closest brush? A Ghajini scene where Asin .

“Zoro elastic chaddi. Ye ad aaya toh tumhari nikal padegi,” she quips, imagining banners of him in briefs from Lokhandwala to Marine Drive. Aamir, ever the enigma, has chosen artistic integrity over bicep-baring glory despite bulking up for multiple roles in the last two decades. Meanwhile, every other Bollywood star’s IMDb tacitly screams: “Actor. Dancer. Underwear Model.”

The why of the matter doesn’t need any serious dissection. For starters, it’s a cheat code. Minimal dialogue, maximum cash. Why slog through a 3-hour epic when you can just… stand there? Shirtless. Smiling. Maybe holding a comb, or a woman’s soft back.

It’s egalitarian in a way. Female stars endure endless scrutiny over saris and bikinis; male stars “sacrifice” by maintaining six-packs for the greater good of… underwear sales. Plus, the paycheck? A cool ₹6-10 crore; enough to buy a private island – Kailasa Redux anyone?  

But the real trigger? It’s a status war. Landing a ganji ad is like receiving a golden ticket to the Bollywood Illuminati.

Take Rajkumar Rao. For years, his body was deemed lean and unfit for mass appeal. Then he bulked up in 2020 for Badhai Do, his well-toned muscles going viral, and voilà! The vest bet was on. His agency is now negotiating deals faster than you can say “TT ka FiTT”.

And the ads themselves? A masterclass in absurdity.  across town, followed by a mob of inexplicably enthusiastic extras. Why? Because logic is overrated when you’re selling underwear, and because, as Khansaab declared, “Sabko Mangta Hai.”

Akshay Kumar does something similar, ripping through an office to get to his vest. While Saif Ali Khan castigated a chicken: “Hindi nahi aati” when she laid only two eggs on his kitchen table when he had specifically demanded three in an Amul Macho ad that proved that muscles are optional, but confidence is mandatory.

But wait, what about the ladies? Logic dictates that female stars with their hot bods should dominate innerwear ads. Yet, the industry remains a boys’ club. Exceptions exist, but mostly, it’s men preening in vests while women… well, they’re busy being judged for what they wear, or don’t, in real life. This is equality, Bollywood-istyle .

So next time you spot a Bollywood hunk selling innerwear, remember: it’s not just fabric. It’s a flex. A declaration. A cosmic knock on the door of stardom. And if you ever meet Aamir Khan, ask him if he is ready to badlo his kismat via Zoro elastic chaddis with hoardings from Chandigarh to Calicut.  

P.S.: In case you’re wondering if the chicken understood Saif’s Hindi, she did, and laid the third egg, which Saif baba in ganji promptly made an omelette of – poor cow belt chicken.

CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Police detained another Tamil film actor for questioning on Wednesday in the cocaine bust case in connection with which actor Srikanth was sent to prison a day ago.

Police sources said that actor Krishna appeared before the Nungambakkam police for questioning after special teams were formed by the Triplicane Deputy commissioner of Police (DCP) to apprehend him. The teams were assisted by the cyber crime teams who helped trace his location.

Krishna has been a part of the Tamil film industry since making his debut as a child actor in the 1990 film Anjali.

The case is an outcome of the investigation into an alleged crime syndicate operated by Prasad, an expelled functionary of the AIADMK’s IT wing, and his friends. Prasad is alleged to have sourced cocaine from two peddlers including a Ghana native in Bengaluru and supplied it to his acquaintances in the film industry. His friend Ajay Vandaiyar, a businessman who is also linked to the film industry, has also been arrested and is accused of being involved in fraudulent land deals.

Sources said Krishna might also be subject to a medical examination where his blood samples will be tested for drug consumption. The police investigation is trying to ascertain if Prasad, who is also a producer, had supplied drugs in lieu of drugs.

The director’s transition from television to film feels natural to him. “Whether it’s TV or cinema, for me it’s storytelling,” he explains, “Many of my TV shows had budgets bigger than 80% of the films being made. Mahabharat was a 200-crore project. But cinema is like a novel, something you preserve. You read it, keep it on your shelf. Television is a newspaper read and forgotten.”

What makes this film distinct, he believes, is its emotional thread. “Yes, there is a lot of action,” he says, “but from the first scene to the last, there’s an undercurrent of devotion, identity, and transformation. This is not just a film about a miracle. It’s about how a man with nothing becomes the greatest devotee.”

Singh is conscious of the legacy he is stepping into. “There have been films on Kannappa before,” he acknowledges, “but I have seen them all, and we knew we had to create something new, something that would speak to this generation.”