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This tactful documentary follows William, living in a tinfoil-covered cabin and covered in a blanket. But is there anything behind his condition? William lives in a pretty wooden cabin deep in a Swedish forest. It looks like any other cabin, except William has covered it with aluminium mosquito netting. Inside, his bedroom is like a silver cave: walls and floor are lined with industrial-looking tinfoil bubble wrap. And then there is William himself – covered from head to toe in a white blanket. He looks like a kid dressed up as a ghost for Halloween. Except there are no cutouts for his eyes: holes would let in the electromagnetic radiation. So William lives mostly in darkness. This idea that modern life could be making us ill, that there might be health dangers caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields given off by mobile phones and wifi technology, was big in the 00s. The mainstream media took it semi-seriously. Panorama even did a wifi special episode in 2007 , which the BBC’s o...

REVEALED: No change in release plans; Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor starrer Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar to arrive in cinemas on March 8, as originally scheduled

Last week, Bollywood Hungama reported that there could be a change in the release date of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. The makers of the Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor starrer were contemplating releasing the film on Tuesday, March 7, instead of Wednesday, March 8. The thought emerged as the makers thought that it’ll be wise to take advantage of the Holi holiday in several states on March 7. However, we have not learnt that the prepone plans have been dropped. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “There is no change in the plan. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar will release on March 8, as originally scheduled.” The source further said, “A lot of last-minute prep is going on with the film and the makers feared that releasing a day earlier might add a lot of stress to the already overworked team. Moreover, even internationally, the plan was locked for March 8. Hence, a decision was taken to release Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar on March 8.” The source added, “The makers are confident of ...

Bandit review – shallow crime caper is saucer-eyed over real-life 1980s bank robber

Josh Duhamel charms as ‘flying bandit’ Gilbert Galvan, who pulled off nearly 60 robberies across Canada, but this light-hearted retelling lacks any insight Bandit is one of those true-crime films where you come away with the impression that the film-makers have spent a bit too long hanging out with their subject, sitting in smoky bars listening to tall tales about the good ol’ bad days. It’s sincere enough but tells an utterly hokey and indulgent story about armed robber Gilbert Galvan , who went on a stick-up spree across Canada in the 1980s, pulling off nearly 60 robberies in three years targeting banks and jewellers. Newspapers called him “the flying bandit”. The film paints Galvan’s crimes as more or less victimless – repeatedly showing what a polite and cordial bank robber he is, never firing a gun. It’s a glossy old-fashioned movie, mixing a bit of action with tongue-in-cheek comedy. Josh Duhamel gives a performance that’s all charm and no depth as Galvan, a career criminal we ...

‘I couldn’t be less interested in fashion’: the designer who dressed Mad Max and Cruella – and changed the world

Up for a fourth Oscar thanks to Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, Jenny Beavan talks about her bohemian childhood, her early work with Merchant Ivory and how she deals with difficult actors If you spot a woman trying to surreptitiously take a photo of you on the bus – you’d have to look interesting – there’s a fair chance it might be Jenny Beavan. “I am the biggest people-watcher ever,” says Beavan, the British costume director who is up for her fourth Oscar next month. She took a secret photo the other day, she says, of “a fabulous woman. I don’t know whether she was from a sect or something – she was wearing white and had the most extraordinary white hat on. She was amazing; she looked like a sort of strange clown. I snuck a photo.” Elements of it might make it into a film – “I might be doing something to do with ghosts” – but it will be squirrelled away in Beavan’s mind, even if she can’t find the actual photo now to show me. She sighs and puts her phone away. We are sitting in her office...

Subject review – exploitation, trauma and the ethics of documentary-making

The subjects of The Staircase, Hoop Dreams, Capturing the Friedmans and others contribute to this thoughtful film about the duty of care film-makers owe those whose stories they tell If you’ve seen the sensational true crime documentary series The Staircase , you’ll know the story. In 2001, after Kathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of the stairs at her home in North Carolina, police suspicion turned to her novelist husband Michael Peterson. When he allowed a documentary team to film what happened next, Peterson said it was because he was worried about getting a fair trial. His adopted daughter, Margaret Ratliff, 20 at the time, grief-stricken and terrified that her dad could be facing the death penalty, agreed to be part of the film. The loss of her privacy in the years since has been devastating, she admits now. “I can’t tell you how painful it is, reliving my mum’s death over and over again.” This super-thoughtful and sensitive documentary also interviews the “stars” of ...

Ambush review – battle fatigued Nam actioner fights worn-out war tropes

This low-budget effort featuring phoned-in turns from Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart ticks off all the cliches while lacking a moral perspective Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart, the big-name stars of this on-the-cheap Vietnam-war actioner, are definitely on a cushy number here. They live it up above ground as, respectively, an elite tracker and a no-nonsense general, while poor old Connor Paolo has to scurry around in the Củ Chi tunnel system for most of the running time. Hopefully his contract demanded access to a chiropractor. Paolo plays US army engineer Ackermann, sent with his fellow “construction workers” into the netherworld to retrieve a stolen classified binder containing the names of south Vietnamese operatives undercover in the north. He’s got two hours to dodge the punji stake traps and get the job done – at which point, unknown to him, Eckhart’s expedient Gen Drummond is planning to blow the entire complex and the sensitive intel along with it. Up top, M...

Bad City review – retro homage to 80s Japanese thrillers is elegantly pulpy

A taskforce of honest cops is assembled to tackle the gangsters menacing Kaiko City. Many punches are thrown in choreographed style Director Kensuke Sonomura started off as a stunt performer and coordinator, so it’s no surprise that his second directorial effort contains lashings of hand-to-hand combat. Indeed, just as the climactic cops v gangsters showdown is about to kick off, elderly lawman Torada (Hitoshi Ozawa) urges everyone not to use silly, unsporting guns, and miraculously both sides agree and go to it with fists and knives. It’s just as well because, hitherto, almost every time someone has fired a gun in anger in this film they have missed the target. Does that mean all those movies where folks hit their target with one bullet are lying? Or is this one, where everyone is pants at shooting, the misrepresentation? Either way, it’s almost enough to make you question your core beliefs in the efficacy of cinematic firearms. Anyway, if you like watching actors and stunt folk bat...

Saiyami Kher to essay the role of a para-athlete in R Balki's sports drama Ghoomer

Saiyami Kher will soon be seen in R Balki’s Ghoomer, an emotional and inspiring sports drama. Saiyami plays the role of a para-athlete, a cricket prodigy. Although she grew up playing cricket, this role was especially challenging since she had the role of a para-athlete, something she had to work hard to get into character. Siayami says, “I play the role of a left-handed bowler in Ghoomer and, for me, in real life, I am a right-handed player. I could never actually step into the shoes of a real-life para-athlete, but even the small hurdles I had to overcome being an athlete myself, reminded me of things we take for granted. Preparing and filming for Ghoomer opened my eyes in a way that I never thought would happen to go into it. It was a physically and emotionally challenging time, but my struggles were minuscule when compared to those heroes who make our country proud by participating in so many sports as para-athletes”. Ghoomer, which is expected to release in 2023 is a movie about a...

The Narrow Road review – tough times for the downtrodden in pandemic Hong Kong

After deciding it’s time to seek help with his cleaning business, despairing Chak meets the zanily upbeat Candy Set in Hong Kong during the early days of the pandemic, Lam Sum’s tender drama pictures a city haunted by economic and political uncertainty. Storefronts are plastered with foreclosure and bankruptcy notices, while talk of moving abroad hovers amid everyday conversations. Plagued by faulty equipment, the one-man sanitary service operated by world-weary Chak (played by Cantopop star Louis Cheung) is on the verge of breaking down. When asked by his ailing mother if God is telling him to give up the business, Chak self-deprecatingly describes himself as a speck of dust, so tiny that even the deities would not take notice. Reluctantly hired as an extra pair of helping hands on his cleaning rounds, single-mom Candy (Angela Yuen) enters Chak’s life like a whirlwind of chaos. With her impossibly sunny attitude and colourful fashion sense, Candy could have come off as a manic pixie...

Ranveer Singh becomes the new brand ambassador for Pepsi

Pepsi has announced a blockbuster association with Ranveer Singh, welcoming the actor as its brand ambassador. Crowned by the youth of India as the ultimate superstar, Ranveer Singh has charmed his fans time and again, be it through his powerful performances, fashion statements, musical forays, or his free-spirited personality. Pepsi has always been synonymous with the voice of the youth and believes in empowering them with self-expression, self-confidence, and self-belief. This dynamic match between Pepsi and Ranveer is sure to enthral audiences across the country. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) Commenting on the partnership, Saumya Rathor, Category Lead, Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, said, “Pepsi represents the spirit of youth in a bottle and for us, Ranveer perfectly embodies that very spirit. Ranveer stands for the brand ethos – be it being effortless, audacious, or having the gumption to be your true self. We are thrilled to ha...

Screen Actors Guild awards 2023: Everything Everywhere All at Once breaks record for wins

The multiverse adventure picked up four major categories, while The White Lotus and Abbott Elementary won big for television Everything Everywhere All at Once reigned supreme at this year’s Screen Actors Guild awards, winning four major awards and breaking the record for most wins for a single film. The multiverse fantasy film picked up the night’s biggest award for ensemble in a motion picture, female actor for Michelle Yeoh and both supporting actor awards, for Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/j5zW9KC via IFTTT

Karan Johar hints at paying homage to Yash Chopra, set to kick off last schedule with song shoot for Alia Bhatt – Ranveer Singh starrer Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani

Filmmaker Karan Johar is back to work. The director will begin the last schedule of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. He is set to shoot a massive song with Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh and has hinted that he is paying homage to his favourite filmmaker of all time. Sharing a video of his team on a flight flying to an unknown location, Karan Johar wrote on Instagram, “Shooting the last schedule of our film #rockyaurranikipremkahani…a film i have directed after 7 years…shooting a song which is a homage to my favourite filmmaker of all times… won’t say any more…” Over a month ago, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Karan Johar will shoot the song as a tribute to his mentor Yash Chopra. For the romantic track, Rishi Kapoor and Sridevi in Chandni are the reference points. In 2021, Bollywood Hungama was the first to reveal the title and cast of the upcoming family-centric movie. Starring Gully Boy pair Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead, the film's cast also includes Dharmendra, Jaya...

Radji review – moving depiction of Sami herders and their reindeer

This documentary follows Sami families as they fight the Norwegian government for the right to take animals along routes used for generations The Indigenous Sami people have lived in Scandinavia for thousands of years, making a living from hunting, fishing and herding reindeer. This mild-mannered but often moving documentary charts one community’s fight to continue herding its reindeer along routes that have been used for generations. The film isn’t doing anything very new: it’s a classic David and Goliath story that pits its plucky Sami underdogs against a big, bad foe (in this case the Norwegian government); but it looks ravishing and is never less than completely engaging. Much of the film is spent with herder Simon Marainen, a lonely figure who has taken over the family flock after his two brothers killed themselves and is now passing his skills down to his children. As summer looms, the Marainens’ reindeer migrate to Norway, then mooch back to Sweden for the winter. Herding the...

Akshay Kumar’s ‘The Entertainers’ concert in New Jersey CANCELLED due to poor demand; the rest of the 4 shows to take place as scheduled

Akshay Kumar recently released his two-hero film, Selfiee, co-starring Emraan Hashmi. After the release of the film, the actor is all set to fly to the USA for a five-city show. Titled ‘The Entertainers’, it will be fronted by Akshay Kumar and also comprises Nora Fatehi, Disha Patani, Sonam Bajwa, Stebin Ben, Jasleen Royal, Mouni Roy, Aparshakti Khurana and Zahrah Khan. Unfortunately, one of the shows of ‘The Entertainers’ has been cancelled. As per a statement released by the promoter of the show, Amit Jaitly, the show that was scheduled at Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey on Saturday, March 4 will not take place. Amit Jaitly attributed the cancellation to the 'slow sale of tickets'. He added that the show wasn’t appropriately marketed and that they had 'less than stellar support for marketing from the Tour organizer'. The statement ended with an assurance that those who had booked tickets will be fully refunded. However, the rest of the four shows of 'The...

Ranbir Kapoor plays cricket at Eden Gardens, denies doing Sourav Ganguly biopic: 'I've not been offered this film'

Following the release of the third single from his upcoming movie Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Ranbir Kapoor is on promotional roll. After Chandigarh, he reached Kolkata for a promotional event on Saturday. At the event, the actor addressed the rumours about him doing the Sourav Ganguly biopic. The actor told media, "I think dada (Sourav Ganguly) is a living legend not just in India, around the world. A biopic on him will be very special. Unfortunately, mujhe yeh film offer nahi huyi hai (I have not been offered this film). I think the makers of Luv films are still writing the script." Sourav Ganguly and Ranbir Kapoor were clicked at Eden Gardens while playing a game of cricket. They wore customised Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar t-shirts as they shared several laighs and conversation. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up for Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar starring alongside Shraddha Kapoor. The film is directed by Luv Ranjan, produced by Luv Films’ Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, and presented b...

Walter Mirisch obituary

Producer whose trust in his film-makers led to a string of popular, Oscar-nominated movies Walter Mirisch, who has died aged 101, was one of the few film producers of the post-Hollywood studio era who had the intuition and the know-how of the old moguls of the 1930s and 40s, combined with the daring and confidence to entrust the movies to the artists themselves. This resulted in a string of films that gained the approbation of mass audiences and critics alike in the decade following the foundation of the Mirisch Corporation (also known variously as Mirisch Production Company and Mirisch Films), the company set up in 1957 by Walter, his brother Marvin and his half-brother Harold. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/VLkHgif via IFTTT

Thousands pay tribute to Olivia Newton-John at Australian memorial service

Elton John, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, Pink, Sir Barry Gibb and Mariah Carey sent video condolences, which were played to the crowd in Melbourne A host of international stars and dignitaries paid tribute to the late Australian star Olivia Newton-John in at a state memorial service in Melbourne on Sunday. Thousands gathered at Hamer Hall and video tributes came from Elton John, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, Pink, Barry Gibb and Mariah Carey. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/xjBhtH1 via IFTTT

Akshay Kumar takes the blame for his films not working; says, “It is my fault, 100%”

Earlier this week, yet another film of Akshay Kumar hit the theatres. Selfiee, co-starring Emraan Hashmi, is an action comedy that is a remake of the Malayalam film Driving License. While the trailer and the remake of the song, ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ from the film was quite well-received, the film failed to make a mark among the audiences. In a recent interview, the actor, who insisted on giving up his Canadian citizenship for Indian citizenship, also opened up about his recent failures at the box office. The superstar also requested everyone to not blame the audience, further taking up the blame on himself about his films not working. In his interview with Aaj Tak, Akshay Kumar opened up about the performance of his recent theatrical releases, and said, "It is a great alarm, aapki film nahi chal rahi to galti aapki hai (If your films are not working, it is your fault). When your films flop in a row, it is an alarm for you that it is time for you to change. Mai koshish kar raha h...

Film-maker Hassan Nazer on his love letter to Iranian cinema

The Scottish-Iranian director’s heartwarming new film, Winners, tells the tale of a child in Iran with a passion for movies. He talks about escaping to Europe and juggling four restaurant jobs to fund his early works Hassan Nazer was in his first month at university in Iran when he realised that he would have to leave his homeland to fulfil his dream of becoming a film-maker. As a fledgling theatre director, he had been “red-flagged” – a possibly irredeemable offence – for putting women on stage in the holy city of Mashhad. His father, who ran a family confectionery business from a factory outside Tehran, had been opposed to his career choice from the start, but one of his uncles was on his side. “He said, after you get a red flag in this age, they’re not going to let you work. So basically, if you want to go into cinema or continue with theatre, this is not your place. You need to leave.” Nazer had avoided military service, and had no passport or visa, so his uncle paid for him to b...

Dunki director Rajkumar Hirani speaks highly of Shah Rukh Khan; says, “Sometimes I have kept two days for a shoot and he finishes it in two hours”

Rajkumar Hirani is arguably the biggest director of Bollywood right now. He has delivered five films till now, all of which have been huge successes and have tremendous recall value. As a result, the expectations are tremendous from his upcoming film, Dunki. Moreover, it stars Shah Rukh Khan, who’s on a roll after the blockbuster success of his recently released action entertainer, Pathaan. Rajkumar Hirani rarely gives interviews and mostly speaks to the media around the time of his film’s release. As a result, it was a surprise when he recently spoke to India Today about Dunki. In this conversation, he expressed his love for Shah Rukh Khan and his work ethic. Rajkumar Hirani revealed that he was blown away by Shah Rukh's prep process and that the actor would shoot videos of a scene from his home and send it to him. That’s not all. Rajkumar said, “There will be 15 ways of how he is going to do this. Before I go on the set, I know what he is going to do. Sometimes I have k...

Luther: The Fallen Sun review – grisly violence takes starring role

Feature incarnation of the Idris Elba cop drama sees a ropey but savage snuff-porn plot get too much explicit attention Neil Cross’s smash-hit BBC TV crime drama now gets its own standalone feature film, with Idris Elba returning as the troubled London police officer John Luther , effectively continuing the story from the end of the fifth season. This may well play very effectively to the show’s fanbase and there’s certainly an alpha supporting cast including Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis and Hattie Morahan. But I have to say – and those squeamish about spoilers and cliches had better look away now – that without the extended context of longform TV, the greater emphasis on explicit, violent horror is a bit exhausting. The serial-killer accessories feel hand-me-down; the Scandi noir touch is spurious and storylines in the movies about evil criminal plans to livestream snuff-porn are frankly always lame and implausible. At the dawn of the internet age, the snuff-internet-porn-themed film ...

Paras Kalnawat and Sana Sayyad will be seen as leads in Kundali Bhagya; report

Readers would be aware that after several leaps, villainous moves, and complicated love triangles, Arjun aka Karan Luthra (Shakti Arora) and Preeta Luthra (Shraddha Arya) are finally happily married in the Zee TV show Kundali Bhagya. However, with a fuming Anjali (Sonal Vengurlekar) plotting to separate the lovebirds, the show is soon expected to take a leap of over a decade. Before that, the makers are keen on signing up new faces for the show’s leads and it seems that Paras Kalnawat and Sana Sayyad are expected to join the cast. For the past few years, Shraddha Arya as Preeta Luthra has won hearts with her quintessential bahu avatar and supporting her is also her beloved sister Srishti Luthra, essayed by Anjum Fakih. With the story soon taking a leap with a completely different set of actors on board, reports have it that the makers have approached Paras Kalnawat after the actor quit Anupama to participate in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Besides him, the leading lady is expected to be played ...

BREAKING: The second song of Salman Khan-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan titled ‘Billi Billi’ to be out on March 2

The release of the Salman Khan-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is nearly two months away but the promotions have already begun. Just before Valentine's Day, the first song of the film 'Naiyo Lagda' was released. Although it was ridiculed by some sections, the song grew with each passing day. In less than 2 weeks, it has amassed 60 million views and the viewership is steadily increasing. And now, it has come to light that the second song of this much-awaited film will be out very soon. Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the second track is titled ‘Billi Billi’. The song is expected to be a fun, catchy number and it will be released to the public on Thursday, March 2. Interestingly, the makers have embarked upon an interesting promotional strategy before the release of ‘Billi Billi’. They sent cat masks to several journalists today and informed them through a letter that a similar mask has been used in the song as well. The media persons have been ...

Berlin film festival 2023 roundup – prestige, politics and ethical starpower

This year’s Berlinale continued the tradition of combining earnestness with red-carpet glamour – featuring Kristen Stewart, Bono and Steven Spielberg, and this time some real crowd pleasers Berlin may not be as glitzy as the other big European festivals, Cannes and Venice, but it knows how to make the most of what you might call “ethical starpower”. Hence Steven Spielberg, present this year to accept the Golden Bear for lifetime achievement, who made an eloquent and imposing speech about longevity, healing and – as befits the locale – the weight of history. And hence serious-minded Hollywood actor Kristen Stewart heading a jury including Iranian-French star Golshifteh Farahani and previous Berlinale-winning directors Carla Simón and Radu Jude – a lineup that seems highly likely to make some daring awards choices. But there’s also that long-standing Berlinale tradition of combining red-carpet prestige with a certain earnestness that doesn’t always flourish on the screen. A prime exa...

SCOOP: Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar's makers contemplating preponing the release of the Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor starrer by a day

The much-awaited romcom, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, is less than two weeks away from its release and there's considerable excitement among the audiences. The trailer and songs of this Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor starrer have worked well and trade expects Luv Ranjan’s directorial to have a huge opening at the box office. And if sources are to be believed, the makers are thinking of releasing it sooner than expected. A source said, "Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is scheduled to release on Wednesday, March 8. But the producers are toying with the idea of preponing it and releasing it a day earlier, on Tuesday, March 7.” The source continued, "The second day of Holi falls on March 7. There has been confusion over this aspect. In many places, the Holi holiday will be on March 7. To take advantage of it, the makers felt that it was wise to come on March 7 since that's when it'll get maximum footfalls." The source, however, also added, “A decision will be taken in a few d...

SCOOP: Sanjay Dutt to play a villain in Hera Pheri’s third part, starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal?

- February 24, 2023

The past week has been dominated by Hera Pheri. It all began with the report that the much-awaited comedy sequel has gone on floors on February 21. The report also stated that Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal will be reprising their characters. Later, it came to light that Farhad Samji will be directing the film and that the team shot for a promo. The next day, Bollywood Hungama broke the news that the third part will not be called Hera Pheri 3. Instead, it has been titled Hera Pheri 4. And now, we bring to you another exciting update. Yesterday, it was reported that Sanjay Dutt has been cast in Hera Pheri 4. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Dutt has indeed signed the film. It is said that he’ll be playing one of the antagonists in the film. His character is blind and is quite quirky. He’s expected to add to the madness quotient of the Hera Pheri series.” The source further said, “Sanjay Dutt is superb in comedy roles and the makers...

‘For me, she had the Jewish chops to play Golda’: director of Golda Meir film addresses casting Helen Mirren

- February 24, 2023

Guy Nattiv defends choosing actor to play the former Israeli prime minister in a new biopic, amid debate about 'authentic casting’ Helen Mirren ducked a question at the Berlin film festival as to whether it had been appropriate to cast her as former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in a feature drama during a promotion event ahead of the film’s world premiere. Having faced criticism for taking on the role amid a debate about authentic casting, with leading British Jews such as Maureen Lipman and David Baddiel suggesting Jewish roles should be reserved for Jewish actors, Mirren turned to her director, Guy Nattiv, to respond to the question from The Guardian. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/qvtjFnQ via IFTTT

Nawazuddin Siddiqui dowry case dismissed by Mumbai court

- February 24, 2023

Readers may be aware that for the past few days, Nawazuddin Siddiqui is in news after his ‘former’ wife Aaliya Siddiqui threw major allegations against his family, including that of house arrest and as well as forcing her and their children to only use selected facilities within their residence. Along with her complaint, she had also alleged that Siddiqui and his family are harassing her for dowry and had moved the court regarding the same. However, as per recent reports, the Mumbai court has dismissed her pleas after their divorce documents were presented. In recent reports, lawyers Adnan Shaikh and Drishti Khurana had alleged that the couple are not married anymore. Presenting evidence to support their argument, the lawyers clarified in their statement that they produced divorce documents of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya Siddiqui aka Zainab. Following this, the court dismissed two pleas. In their statement, the lawyers also alleged how the marriage documents were presented to the co...

Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to manslaughter in Rust film shooting

Actor also agrees to court’s terms to complete the movie after Halyna Hutchins’s death, including no guns and no alcohol The Hollywood star Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty on Thursday to manslaughter over the death of a cinematographer who was shot on the set of low-budget western Rust. The actor also agreed to the court’s terms that will allow him to complete filming of the movie, including a ban on using guns and on drinking alcohol. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/6rfisGj via IFTTT

SCOOP: Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan to shoot together for Tiger 3 in April 2023

Readers would recall that Pathaan featured Tiger aka Salman Khan in an extended cameo and the moment was loved the audiences. The dialogues in the film also indicated that Pathaan will be joining Tiger briefly on the latter’s next mission. Although the makers had hinted on the possibility of this much earlier, even prior to the release of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, now it has not only been confirmed but the superstar has even allotted his dates for the spy actioner Tiger 3 that will once again see Khan reuniting with Zoya aka Katrina Kaif. The success of Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) had promoted the makers to take the franchise of the spy-action drama ahead and it will once again have Salman Khan as Tiger and Katrina Kaif as Zoya. And now as per our trade source, it has been confirmed that the scenes of Shah Rukh Khan in Tiger 3 will be shot in summer. The trade source says, “Watch out for Pathaan’s entry in Tiger 3! As the super-spies start crossing over in each other’s films, which are pa...

New Lord of the Rings films in the works at Warner Bros

Announcement comes 20 years after Peter Jackson’s trilogy was released and amid a scramble for franchises at Warner Bros Discovery Cinema is heading back to Middle-earth, with Warner Bros and New Line signing a deal to make more adaptations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Warner Bros Discovery’s chief executive, David Zaslav, announced on Thursday on an earnings call that a deal had been brokered to make “multiple” films based on JRR Tolkien’s books. The cost of the deal with Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming company that owns the rights to most of Tolkien’s world, has yet to be revealed. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/W2iAdUc via IFTTT

Limbo review – hardbitten outback noir with a compassionate heart

Simon Baker plays a ruined cop investigating a cold-case murder in this tough, sandblasted thriller that coolly lays out the racism and discrimination the Indigenous population face Indigenous Australian film-maker Ivan Sen brings to Berlin a terrific outback noir, a cold-case crime procedural that he has written and directed – and also shot in a stark monochrome, which makes the vast skies and cratered earth of South Australia’s abandoned opal mines look like another planet. The setting is the town of Umoona, where a grizzled cop arrives, broodingly listening to a Christian talkshow on the car radio, and checking into a place unsubtly called the Limbo Motel, where his room is a bizarre stone grotto, apparently repurposed from one of the disused mines. This is detective Travis Hurley, played in careworn, weatherbeaten style by Simon Baker – very much resembling Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad. Hurley is a former drug squad officer who has become addicted to heroin; his superiors have ...

Actor Phil Davis resigns Bafta membership over ‘embarrassing travesty’ of TV awards show

The actor, known for films like Quadrophenia and Vera Drake, described the Baftas TV show as ‘toe-curling’ Veteran actor Phil Davis has said he has resigned his Bafta membership in protest at a number of aspects of Sunday’s televised awards ceremony, including the omission of Bernard Cribbins from the In Memoriam section. Describing the show as “an embarrassing travesty”, Davis – best known for a string of films and TV shows including Quadrophenia, Vera Drake, and Whitechapel – announced his resignation on social media . He added: “Cutting deserving winners speeches for toe-curling non-interviews. Poor Richard E Grant pretending to arrive in a Batmobile and no Bernard Cribbens [sic] in memorium.” Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/ojpCsi3 via IFTTT

Maanvi Gagroo ties the knot with fiancé Kumar Varun in an intimate wedding; see pics

It’s wedding season! After Sidharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani, and Swara Bhasker-Fahad Ahmad, popular actress Maanvi Gagroo has also tied the knot with her fiancé Kumar Varun, who is a comedian. Making everything “official” in every way, the Four More Shots Please actress took to her verified social media handle and dropped the images of her intimate court marriage. The photos suggest that the newlyweds opted for a simple indoor wedding ceremony. While Maanvi looked absolutely gorgeous in a red saree, Varun sported a white sherwani. Instagramming the announcement post, Gagroo wrote, “In the presence of our close friends and family, today, on this palindrome-ish date, of 23~02~2023, we made it official, in every way. / You’ve loved and supported us in our individual journeys, please continue to bless us in our journey together.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maanvi Gagroo (@maanvigagroo) As soon as the Tripling actress shared the photos, her fans and friends from...

Shalin Bhanot returns to Colors with Bekaboo, co-starring Eisha Singh and Monalisa

Depicting the ultimate war between good and evil, Colors’ upcoming fantasy revenge drama, Bekaboo captures the journey of a Pari (Fairy) and Rakshas (Demon), who are destined to be warring with the history of their families. Delving into the two separate worlds of fairies and demons, the show will star Shalin Bhanot, Eisha Singh, and Monalisa in lead roles with actors Zain Imam and Shivangi Joshi in cameos. Produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, the show revolves around the epic saga of a Pari and a Rakshas, who are unaware of their magical legacies. What happens after they discover their true identities and the powers of their lineages? On being roped in a lead role in the show, Shalin Bhanot said, “I want to thank my viewers for the overwhelming amount of love they’ve showered on me during my stint in Bigg Boss 16. I’m grateful to have Ekta Kapoor offer me a lead role in Bekaboo just before my exit from the house. I feel that I won the show before the winner was announced. E...

The Strays review – Netflix’s baity social thriller fizzles out

The shadow of Get Out looms over Nathaniel Martello-White’s chiller about a light-skinned woman whose past unravels her manicured suburban life There’s a heavy-handed ominousness from the first frame of The Strays, Netflix’s new entry into the stuffed category of social horror. Dissonant music plays over a concrete block apartment building in London, in which Cheryl (Ashley Madekwe), a light-skinned Black woman, appears in distress. There are bank statements crumpled on the counter, a headline blaring “Black kids betrayed by schools”, a mention of credit card debt in a phone call to her sister, a voice-cracking lament of wanting more. It’s the mid-2000s, and someone keeps calling Cheryl on her old brick phone before she walks out the door with a duffel bag and note about popping to the hairdresser, presumably on the run. It’s an unsettling, propulsive start that provokes several promising questions – where is she going? Why is she leaving? Who is the sinister voice on the answering m...

Rani Mukerji turns singer for the first time ever with Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway?

The powerhouse of talent, Rani Mukerji, is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film, Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. The posters have intrigued viewers, especially the tagline in the latest poster that reads ‘What would you do if your children were taken from you in another country?’. The trailer of the film will be out tomorrow, that is, February 23, and Bollywood Hungama has come across some interesting information about the film. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway is a special film for Rani Mukerji as this is the first time she has turned singer. A soulful composition in the film has been sung by her and it will be one of the film’s highlights. The song has a mix of Hindi and Bengali lyrics.” This is the first time that Rani Mukerji will be credited as a playback singer in a film. The source further said, “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway is very close to Rani Mukerji’s heart as it tells an incredible and inspiring story. Hence, when the...

The Strays review – Netflix’s baity social thriller fizzles out

The shadow of Get Out looms over Nathaniel Martello-White’s chiller about a light-skinned woman whose past unravels her manicured suburban life There’s a heavy-handed ominousness from the first frame of The Strays, Netflix’s new entry into the stuffed category of social horror. Dissonant music plays over a concrete block apartment building in London, in which Cheryl (Ashley Madekwe), a light-skinned Black woman, appears in distress. There are bank statements crumpled on the counter, a headline blaring “Black kids betrayed by schools”, a mention of credit card debt in a phone call to her sister, a voice-cracking lament of wanting more. It’s the mid-2000s, and someone keeps calling Cheryl on her old brick phone before she walks out the door with a duffel bag and note about popping to the hairdresser, presumably on the run. It’s an unsettling, propulsive start that provokes several promising questions – where is she going, why is she leaving, who is the sinister voice on the answering m...

SCOOP: Hera Pheri’s third part, starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, to be called Hera Pheri 4

Bollywood Hungama in June 2022 was the first one to break the news that Hera Pheri 3 is indeed in the offing. Firoz Nadiadwala in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama confirmed that the same star cast as in the first two parts - Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal - will be featured in the third part. As expected, the news went viral. Yesterday, Hera Pheri 3 was once again in the news after it was reported that it went on floors. A few hours later, news came in that Farhad Samji is the director of the much-awaited film. Bollywood Hungama has now stumbled upon another interesting piece of information. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Although it’s Hera Pheri’s third part, it won’t be called Hera Pheri 3. Instead, the makers have decided to name the film Hera Pheri 4. The makers feel it justifies the story and viewers will understand the reason behind it once they see the film.” The source also shared, “Hera Pheri 4...

Actor Manav Durga grabbed director Dhiraj Kumar's movie Bihaan as Sheru

Who doesn't love watching movies? We all do! Well, at least the majority does, and for all the entertainment buffs out there, we have some great news to share. The emerging actor, Manav Durga, who has stunned us with his amazing acting skills, is now coming back with his next big film. Keep reading to find out more... The actor has landed an upcoming film called Bihaan. The story of this film revolves around women's trafficking and will reveal some harsh and murky realities of a society that aren't often discussed. Besides Manav Durga, the film also features Bollywood's finest actor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Dubai model-turned-actress, Rhea Saggu. It would be exciting to see what happens in the film and how the story unfolds. Manav is expected to play an impactful role in the film. We cannot wait to uncover this character and watch him on screen. The actor, too, is very excited about this film. He says, "The concept of the Bihaan and its story is something unusual and ...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali approaches Rekha again to feature in a special song sequence in Heeramandi

- February 21, 2023

A while back, there were reports claiming that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi would feature yesteryears diva Rekha. However, the rumours were quickly shot down, with confirmed reports that Rekha would not be featuring in the series. Now, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that though the actress was not too keen on featuring in the series, the filmmaker is continuing his pursuit to feature the actress. Revealing details about the same a well-placed industry source informed Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted Rekha to play a prominent role in Heeramandi. However, the actress was reluctant to feature in the series and talks between the two soon fell apart. However, SLB has not given up the idea of having Rekha feature in Heeramandi. As it stands right now, Bhansali is still in talks with Rekha but this time for a much smaller part.” Ask for details of what Bhansali has planned for the actress and the source continues, “Currently, Bhansali is in talk with Rekha to feature in a ...

Aditya Roy Kapur breaks silence on fan forcefully trying to kiss him during The Night Manager promotions: ‘I didn’t get too frazzled by it’

- February 21, 2023

Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur made his digital debut last week with the Indian adaptation of The Night Manager starring alongside Anil Kapoor. The actor has been promoting the web series. A couple of days ago, the actor was surrounded by a bunch of fans when a woman tried to forcefully kiss him. While the actor managed to pull out of the situation, she tried again and the video went viral. Many criticized the fan for not understanding the breach of privacy. Now, the actor opened up about the situation, which occurred last week. Talking to The Indian Express, Aditya said, “To be honest, I didn’t get too frazzled by it. It was just something I had to handle it in the moment. She was strong, let’s put it like that, so I did have to handle it. But I can understand it. I don’t look at it from the eye where I’ll criticize it or say it’s wrong. I can understand it, that this person is feeling this affection and I guess that’s how she wanted to express it. At that moment, I just felt it nee...

Alia Bhatt blasts paparazzi for gross invasion of privacy at her home, tags Mumbai police; Karan Johar, Anushka Sharma, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor rally behind her

- February 21, 2023

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram on Tuesday to blast paparazzi for invading her privacy at her home. The actress was quite furious when photographers clicked her photos inside her house. The actress took to her Instagram story to call out the publication for sharing her pictures and even tagged Mumbai Police. Alia wrote, “Are you kidding me? I was at my house, having a perfectly normal afternoon, sitting in my living room when I felt something watching over me. I looked up and saw two men on the terrace of the neighbouring building with a camera right at me. In what world is this okay and is this allowed? This is a gross invasion of someone’s privacy. There’s a line that you must not cross, and it is safe to say that all lines were crossed today.” Rallying behind her and calling out the invasion of privacy, Karan Johar, Anushka Sharma, Arjun Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor also shared their grievances. Anushka Sharma, who had faced a similar incident, shared Alia’s story and...

The Hollywood crisis #MeToo missed: ‘Every female composer has been through it’

The film scoring industry is largely unregulated, with few protections for assistants. Veterans say abuse is rampant In the wake of the #MeToo movement that toppled Harvey Weinstein and made the the entertainment industry tremble, an up-and-coming musician named Nomi Abadi vowed to expose one of Hollywood’s last dirty secrets: the toxic, abusive work conditions that run rampant behind the closed doors of soundtrack composing studios. Abadi, a former child piano prodigy turned singer and composer, was a sexual abuse survivor and knew of many others in a part of the industry where men still vastly outnumber women and much of the work goes on unregulated at all hours of the day and night. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/7swd26o via IFTTT

CONFIRMED: Aditya Chopra won’t merge his Dhoom Universe with the Spy Universe

Post the success of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan, Yash Raj Films has become the talk of the town. In fact, Aditya Chopra who usually stays away from the limelight has been thrust into the spotlight with the success of the Siddharth Anand directorial and the recent Netflix docu-series The Romantics. While the audience continues to patronize Pathaan, reports have surfaced claiming that Aditya Chopra is considering merging two major franchises. As per reports, rumours floating around say that Aditya Chopra will be merging his Dhoom Universe with the Spy Universe. We can assure you that this information is absolutely incorrect. “Dhoom franchise and YRF Spy Universe are now two of the biggest IP’s in the history of Indian cinema and Aditya Chopra, who owns both these IP’s, will never merge the two because he would want to grow them separately. YRF Spy Universe is a world of super spies and Dhoom is the world of anti-establishment anti-heroes. They can’t come together. He will protect ...

Sonu Nigam gets attacked in a concert in Mumbai; registers complaint against politician’s son for causing chaos

As per recent reports, Sonu Nigam has been admitted the hospital after a few people caused a major ruckus at his concert in Mumbai. The Padma Shri award-winning singer was performing at a finale of a homegrown festival in Chembur when an MLA’s son and his nephew attacked the stage after they were unable to fulfill their wish of getting a selfie with Nigam. While the security guards try to bring the chaos under control, some of them sustained injuries too. From what we hear, Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Phaterpekar’s son and nephew was keen on clicking photographs with the singer and was attempting to interrupt the concert while Sonu Nigam was singing on stage. When the bodyguards and security tried to stop him from entering the stage, the matter worsened as he and his team got into a fight with the guards, which resulted in chaos. A video of the same has been doing the rounds on social media. Although Sonu was rushed to the hospital, followed by the incident, it seems that the singer is doing...

Golda review – lifeless Meir biopic hides Helen Mirren’s talent in a cloud of cigarette smoke

As a drama about the Yom Kippur war, this film is bafflingly dull. As a portrait of Golda Meir, Israel’s prime minister at the time, it’s even worse Helen Mirren’s latexed and enhanced portrayal of Golda Meir, Israel’s “Iron Lady” prime minister during the 1973 Yom Kippur war, has been overtaken by a debate about “Jewface” casting because Mirren is not Jewish – addressing why Jews are casually excluded from the otherwise fiercely policed sensibilities about authenticity and identity on screen. (Would they get a white actor, for example, to black up as President Anwar Sadat?) It’s a valid and important question, but not exactly the problem in this stately, stuffy and at times almost comatose TV-movie-type drama about tension in Israel’s corridors of power as the Yom Kippur war exploded and the country faced off against Egypt, Syria and Jordan in a battle for its very existence. Mirren, normally such a sparkling performer, is lumbered with a grey wig, false nose and jowls, with occasi...

Charm Circle review – Grey Gardens-ish portrait of director’s dysfunctional family

Nira Burstein’s documentary focuses on the acutely troubled lives of her closest relations – and it’s not a happy picture Like so many young artists, film-maker Nira Burstein has taken the advice to write – or in this case, film – what she knows, so for her first feature she’s turned the camera on her own family, a troubled brood from the outer suburbs of New York City. Although Nira holds the camera herself for much of the time, she edits in home movie footage from many years ago which shows how dramatically time and stress have worn the family down. The Burstein patriarch Uri is definitely a character, either the film’s villain, comic relief or hero depending on where you stand. A former realtor and part-time guitarist, he wears a yarmulke most of the time and invokes his Jewish religious beliefs as an excuse when he doesn’t want to attend the wedding of his daughter Adina, Nira’s sister, to two non-binary people with whom she’s decided to form a lasting throuple. Uri’s wife Raya, ...

Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker review – ups and downs of a tennis legend