Posts

‘It’s more productive than doomscrolling’: film-maker Ben Wheatley on his secret life as musician Dave Welder

While playing with nine-figure Hollywood budgets, the Kill List and Meg 2 director has become a prolific music producer. Next up is his experimental film, Bulk Dave Welder may just be the most prolific musician you’ve never heard of. In a little more than a year, he has released a staggering 26 records spanning electronica, dub, ambient, kosmische and drone. One of these albums, Thunderdrone, is more than four hours long. Based in Brighton and Hove and described as “a rotating group of musicians and artists”, in reality “Dave Welder” is largely the work of one man who, until now, has been operating in secret: film director Ben Wheatley. “I’ve always wanted to make music,” says Wheatley, whose films include the independent movies High-Rise, Kill List and Sightseers, along with big-budget Hollywood flicks such as the shark thriller Meg 2: The Trench. “I wanted to do it for my films but there was a dissonance. Of all the art forms, I couldn’t really understand it. I would dream that I c...

BREAKING: Digital18 media issues public notice over OMG franchise rights amid buzz around Oh My Goddess

In a development that has raised eyebrows, Digital18 Media Private Limited has issued a public notice asserting its ownership and legal rights over the OMG (Oh My God) franchise. The notice, published on January 10, 2026, in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine, formally cautions all entities against developing, marketing, or producing any derivative, sequel, prequel, or spin-off of OMG 2 (2023) without Digital18’s written consent. According to the notice, Digital18 Media Private Limited, aka Digital18, is the successor-in-interest to the studios business of Viacom18 Media Private Limited, following a court-approved Composite Scheme of Arrangement effective November 14, 2024. This makes Digital18 the joint owner and co-proprietor of all derivative and franchise rights arising from the cinematograph film OMG 2, including its goodwill, brand value, and public association. The strongly worded notice places “all persons and entities” on alert that any communication or arrangement concer...

EXCLUSIVE: Rani Mukerji-starrer Oh My Goddess to go on floors in February; Akshay Kumar to have an extended cameo on the scale of OMG 2

The year 2026 began on a surprising note as news broke that Akshay Kumar had signed on for the third installment of the OMG series. The reports further claimed that this time, he would be joined by Rani Mukerji, who would be headlining the film. And that’s not all. This film won’t be called OMG 3 but instead has been named Oh My Goddess. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the film in question is indeed being made and has found more information on the film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Oh My Goddess goes on floors in February. It was reported that Akshay Kumar would have a special appearance and would shoot for only a day or two. However, the truth is that he has an extended cameo and has devoted many more days to filming. In fact, his screen time is the same or almost as the one he had in OMG 2 (2023).” The source further said, “The script was locked last year. It’s a unique idea and director Amit Rai has gone one step ahead this time to give the audience a novel experience with...

EXCLUSIVE: Ravi Kishan to play antagonist in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla

Bollywood Hungama has been giving readers exclusive updates about one of the most-awaited films of 2026, Naagzilla. A few days ago, we reported that the comic caper might not be able to make it on Independence Day as planned. We now bring to you another exciting news from the sets of the film. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the role of the antagonist is being played by none other than Ravi Kishan. A source told us, “Kartik Aaryan’s character is important and so is that of the villain in the story. The makers realized that Ravi Kishan fits the bill perfectly. He has always been a fine actor and has proved his worth in recent times with his performances in Laapataa Ladies (2024), Mamla Legal Hai (2024), Son Of Sardaar 2 (2025) etc. Ravi was quite excited to come on board this unique film and to play a very interesting and well-written character.” The source further said, “The scenes between Kartik Aaryan and Ravi Kishan are expected to be something to watch out for.” In Naagzilla,...

REVEALED in Madras High Court order: Scenes in Vijay’s Jana Nayagan that triggered CBFC complaint – National Flag visuals, Army references, foreign powers provoking religious conflict

On Friday, January 9, the Madras High Court ruled in favour of Jana Nayagan’s makers and asked the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate. The CBFC immediately challenged that decision and requested a fresh review. Following the appeal, the court put its earlier order on hold for now. It also noted that the producers of the Vijay-starrer appeared to have created an unnecessary sense of urgency about the film’s release date, which may have pressured the court, as reported by Live Law. The case will be heard again on January 21, which puts a question mark on whether the much-awaited flick would be able to make it in cinemas this month. Bollywood Hungama has a copy of the court order, which revealed that the producer had applied for certification on December 18, 2025. The film was screened for the Examining Committee on December 19, and the committee unanimously recommended U/A 16+ subject to modifications. The makers carried out the cuts and s...

Bafta 2026 film awards longlists hope to avoid #BaftasSoWhite diversity criticism

With strong showings for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and target hit for 50% female directors, criticism that has dogged the prizes in recent years may have been headed off For now, the Bafta film awards appears to have headed off further criticism over its long-running diversity crisis after revealing its longlists on Friday. Despite Bafta overhauling its awards voting system in 2020 after claims of “systemic racism” , outrage re-emerged in 2023 after no people of colour won awards . The longlists, which are an intermediate stage on the way to the final nominations with each category determined by different mixes of membership voting and jury selection, suggest that some progress is being made. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/ws6nORV via IFTTT

BREAKING: The RajaSaab ends with the promise of a sequel titled RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935

The Prabhas-starrer The RajaSaab has sprung a major surprise on audiences, with the film ending on a clear hint that the story is far from over. In a move that will set social media buzzing, the makers reveal in the final moments that the film will continue in a sequel titled RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935. While The RajaSaab largely plays out as a horror-comedy mounted on a lavish scale, its closing stretch opens the doors to a much bigger universe. The title Circus 1935 suggests that the sequel will travel back in time, promising a blend of vintage aesthetics, mystery and spectacle, elements that align well with director Maruthi’s penchant for mixing genre thrills with mass entertainment. With The RajaSaab already generating strong buzz for its scale, visuals and Prabhas’ larger-than-life presence, the announcement of RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935 has only amplified the excitement among fans. Interestingly, the title hints at a darker, more enigmatic setting, with a circus backdrop from the 19...

Salman Khan to star in Telugu director Vamshi Paidipally’s Hindi debut

The popular Telugu director Vamshi Paidipally is all set to make his debut in Hindi, and that too with a project starring Salman Khan. Sources reveal that Salman has given his nod to Vamshi’s project, said to be a fusion of action and drama, and the shooting begins after the release of Salman’s war film Battle Of Galwan. “Salman was looking for a change of pace and mood after the intense Galwan experience. It has left him emotionally drained. He is now looking for a fun film with a touch of drama. Vamshi’s project is just that blues-chaser that Salman needs,” friend of the superstar offered. The film will be produced by Dil Raju. Also Read: SCOOP: Salman Khan partners with Raj-DK and Mythri on “Sultan meets Pushpa” action comedy; to go on floors in August 2026 from Latest Bollywood News | Hindi Movie News | Hindi Cinema News | Indian Movies | Films - Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/HGAEPz8 via IFTTT

Béla Tarr’s quest for cinematic perfection made him my ideal, impossible mentor | László Nemes

The Son of Saul director recalls how getting his first job as assistant to the austere master was a hard but inspiring lesson in the most ambitious kind of movie-making News: Hungarian director Béla Tarr dies aged 70 The last time I saw Béla Tarr was a few years ago at the Nexus conference in Amsterdam. We were invited to speak about the state of the world and of the arts. We both thought light and darkness existed in the world, even if our perception about them differed. Béla was already weakened in his body, but the spirit was still ferocious, rebellious, furious. We sat down to talk. It seemed fairly obvious this would be our ultimate, and most heartfelt, conversation. As the former apprentice, I was able to see the master one last time, with all his rage, sorrow, love and hate. I first met Béla in 2004 when he was preparing The Man from London. I wanted to learn film-making and applied to become an assistant on the film. He gave me my first real job: as an assistant, I had to fi...

Shukla Kumar, wife of Rajendra Kumar and mother of Kumar Gaurav, passes away; prayer meet to be held on January 10

Shukla Kumar, wife of legendary actor Rajendra Kumar and mother of actor Kumar Gaurav, passed away recently. The news has left the Hindi film fraternity and admirers of the Kumar family in mourning. A prayer meet in her remembrance will be held on January 10, as confirmed by close sources. While Shukla Kumar largely stayed away from the public eye, she was a central pillar in one of Bollywood’s most respected film families. Married to Rajendra Kumar, fondly remembered as “Jubilee Kumar” for his unmatched box-office streak, she witnessed the rise and transitions of Hindi cinema from close quarters. Her quiet presence remained constant through the highs of stardom and the inevitable shifts that followed. Her son, Kumar Gaurav, entered the film industry with one of the most sensational debuts Bollywood had seen. His 1981 film Love Story, opposite Vijeta Pandit, turned him into an overnight star and remains one of the most successful debut films in Hindi cinema. The actor was briefly hai...