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Showing posts from July, 2024

‘David Lynch altered our brains’: fellow directors, friends and fans remember a titan of cinema

His unique, twisted visions shocked and seduced generations of filmgoers. Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Coralie Fargeat and more pay tribute • Ranked: David Lynch’s films and TV shows • Cigarettes were Lynch’s magic wand – and his undoing Paul Schrader, director Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/GMHZC9Q via IFTTT

Sharvari Wagh transforms for YRF's Alpha by undergoing rigorous boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mobility drills

Bollywood actress Sharvari Wagh has stepped into the high-octane world of Yash Raj Films' Spy Universe. Cast alongside Alia Bhatt in the upcoming film, Alpha, Wagh is undergoing a rigorous physical transformation under the expert guidance of fitness trainer Robin Behl. The brief for Wagh's character was clear: strong, sexy, and capable. However, Behl was quick to dispel the myth that strength equates to masculinity. “Sharvari was already in great shape, but for Alpha, we needed to take her fitness to the next level,” he explained it to Mid-day in an interview. “The challenge was to build strength without compromising her femininity or the fluidity of her movements.” The training regimen was a meticulous blend of strength, endurance, and agility. "We focused on building a strong core, powerful legs, and upper body strength," said Behl. "But it wasn't just about lifting weights. We incorporated a lot of bodyweight exercises, handstands, and mobility drills to...

Kensuke’s Kingdom review – Michael Morpurgo’s desert island boy’s own adventure

Morpurgo’s yarn about a kid on a round the world voyage is adapted by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and attractively packaged as a family-friendly animation Michael Morpurgo’s children’s story is a boy’s-own desert island adventure, closer in spirit to The Coral Island than Lord of the Flies, and here attractively presented as a family animated feature, adapted by the children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce. The story itself makes clear that the action must be happening around the time of the original novel’s publication in 1999, and not really the present day. Michael (voiced by Aaron MacGregor) is a moody, lonely boy on a round-the-world sailing trip with his family, but his immaturity and unreliability exasperate his older teen sister (Raffey Cassidy) and parents (Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy). Unbeknownst to any of them, Michael has smuggled his beloved dog Stella aboard and when their craft hits stormy seas, Michael and Stella get washed up on a remote island which he soon discovers...

Aamir Khan likely to star in slice-of-life project, helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi: Report

Aamir Khan is meticulously transforming his production house into a full-fledged studio. The actor-filmmaker has brought on board industry veteran Aparna Purohit, formerly of Amazon Prime Video, to spearhead this ambitious venture. Aamir Khan Productions is currently juggling multiple projects. The production house has a robust pipeline with films like Pritam Pyaare featuring Aamir's son Junaid, Rajkumar Santoshi's historical drama Lahore 1947, Vir Das' comedy Happy Patel, and RS Prasanna's Sitaare Zameen Par in various stages of post-production. According to the Mid-day report, while the studio is actively developing new projects, Aamir Khan's return to the silver screen is also on the cards. A source close to the actor revealed that a slice-of-life film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi is being considered. The project is said to be a blend of humour and social commentary. However, Aamir is prioritizing the completion of Sitaare Zameen Par, an adaptation of the Spani...

Wanna be like who? Meet the man who ranked every Disney song

When musicologist Robert Komaniecki decided to score the cartoon tunes using complex objective criteria (and some ‘vibes’), he found some startling winners. He shows us his workings When Robert Komaniecki started ranking Disney songs, he thought he knew how it would pan out. “I was born in 1990 and so in my mind, those are the best Disney musicals,” he says of the renaissance period that produced Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. “I think a lot of my fellow millennials reading this list reacted in a similar way. They were like, ‘You have songs from The Little Mermaid below a song from Frozen? That’s unthinkable!’” But Komaniecki is a music theorist, and his list removed nostalgia from the equation, instead assigning songs rankings out of 500, scored on lyrics, music, vocals, plot integration and subjective enjoyment (“vibes, basically”). By the time he posted his findings to X, counting down in daily batches of five to fierce debate from followers, he had meticulously analysed and r...

Ranbir Kapoor and Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: 12 opulent sets being erected to recreate Ayodhya and Mithila in Mumbai; shoot resumes late August 2024: Report

Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation of the epic Ramayana is rapidly transforming from a grand vision into a tangible reality. With Ranbir Kapoor in the titular role, the film promises to be a visual spectacle, and recent developments suggest that the director is sparing no expense to bring the mythological world to life. Construction is in full swing at Film City, where sprawling twelve sets are being erected. According to a report in Mid-Day, these opulent sets, designed to accommodate the film's 3D format, will recreate iconic locations like Ayodhya and Mithila, the cities synonymous with Ram and Sita. The ambitious target is to complete these massive constructions by mid-August. Joining Kapoor as the leading lady is Sai Pallavi, who will portray Sita, while veteran actor Arun Govil, best known for his portrayal of Ram in the iconic television series Ramayan, will take on the role of King Dasharath. Yash is signed as Ravana, a role that promises to be career-defining. Whi...

Alma’s Rainbow review – rereleased gem of black female empowerment

Pioneering director Ayoka Chenzira gives voice to the inner lives of women at a time when they were mostly ignored, making this coming-of-age story a rare gift to treasure Ayoka Chenzira is a pioneering black director whose films have been finding a new audience with younger generations as she enters her 70s. Her 1994 feature debut Alma’s Rainbow has now been restored and rereleased; it is a coming-of-age movie that is funny and warm, if a little scrappy. It’s set in a Brooklyn townhouse owned by prim and proper Alma (Kim Weston-Moran), who runs a beauty parlour on the ground floor. In this all-women space, Chenzira luxuriates in her female characters. The fact that historically so few films have been made about the inner lives of black women gives Alma’s Rainbow a precious quality, and the feeling that it’s a gem to treasure. Alma lives in the house with her teenage daughter Rainbow (played with charisma and spark by Victoria Gabrielle Platt). Rainbow has been skipping school to pe...

Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan buys two floors in Delhi building, where Gauri Khan grew up, for Rs. 37 crores

It is common to see not just Bollywood stars but even their offspring buying expensive properties in prime areas. Aryan Khan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is the latest to join this bandwagon. As per reports, he has bought a sprawling space in India’s capital, Delhi, for a whopping price. According to an article in The Economic Times, Aryan has brought two floors in the elite Panchsheel Park locality in South Delhi. He paid Rs. 37 crores to acquire this space. Interestingly, this is the same building where his mother Gauri Khan used to live before her marriage to SRK. The family already owns the basement and ground floor of the building, as per The Economic Times. The article further states that the property was registered in May 2024 and Aryan paid Rs. 2.64 crores as stamp duty. Further, Gauri Khan has designed the house. This is probably the first property bought by Aryan Khan. His actor-sister Suhana Khan purchased a 1.5-acre property with three houses in Alibaug for Rs 12.91...

Deadpool’s obnoxious gay panic humour is a tiresome schoolyard taunt

This summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine uses the superhero’s alleged pansexuality as queerbait, but turns it into a punchline Even by the standards of opportunistic franchise cross-pollination that has fed the superhero film genre in recent years, Deadpool & Wolverine is a business merger disguised as a movie: two Marvel Comics characters previously under the jurisdiction of 20th Century Studios, now folded into the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Disney in the wake of the company’s 2019 acquisition of Fox. What fun! For the stern, steel-fingered Wolverine, this union entails more of an identity compromise than glib jokester Deadpool – a character already well-versed in the kind of wink-wink irony the MCU trades in. Co-written by Ryan Reynolds himself, Shawn Levy’s film certainly feels a more obvious extension of the first two Deadpool films than any of Wolverine’s previous vehicles. Played with an air of grizzled get-the-job-done exhaustion by Hugh Jackman , the latter often feels ...

“Taapsee Pannu needs better PR training”: Influencer SLAMS actress after being denied selfie at ‘Hauli Hauli’ song launch event

Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu has found herself amid a social media controversy after denying a selfie request from an influencer at a recent event. The incident occurred during the song launch of ‘Hauli Hauli’ from Taapsee's upcoming film, Khel Khel Mein. The event, which also featured film’s other cast members Ammy Virk and Aditya Seal, was held in Mumbai. A viral video was captured when influencer Ananya Dwivedi approached Taapsee for a selfie, only to be turned down. Influencer Slams Taapsee Pannu For Denying Selfie Request Ananya later took to the comment section of a social media post and expressed her disappointment, questioning the actress's decision given the circumstances. "That's me. And I don't understand why would someone deny a selfie when you're already surrounded by cameras and the only reason influencers like me were called is to promote HER song! She really needs a better PR training," she commented. Tapsee strikes again! Swipe for mor...

‘I didn’t want to be swallowed up’: actor Josh Hartnett on swapping Hollywood for Hampshire

On track for megastardom, the actor turned down the part of Superman (twice) and turned his back on Hollywood. Now living in rural Hampshire, he talks about choosing fulfilling projects, his hippie childhood, the perils of stalkers – and the fun of owning pygmy goats Every morning, as soon as the actor Josh Hartnett wakes up in his home in the Hampshire countryside, there are mouths to be fed. Most obviously, those of his four young children. But also: the dog, several guinea pigs, several more chickens and a small herd of pygmy goats. The goats, Hartnett notes, are his favourites. “They’re the sweetest animals on the planet,” he says, over Zoom, from his home. “They’re like dogs. They would live in the house if they could. In fact, I’ve seen people having their goats in the house with diapers on, but we felt that was kinda cruel.” Hartnett and his wife, the British actor Tamsin Egerton, spent lockdown here. For years they’d been living a ping-pong existence between the UK and the...

Royal stinker: how Henry VIII changed from heroic to hideous on our screens

As Jude Law’s ripe and revolting portrayal of the Tudor monarch opens in cinemas, we look at the film and TV stars who have played him – as comedian, tyrant or heart-throb Greasy, hairy, large and smelly are not words that instantly summon up the image of Jude Law. Until now. Because the actor’s latest role, Henry VIII in the film Firebrand , will show him in an almost entirely unflattering light. And the effect will be topped off in later scenes by the pustulant ulcers shown on his legs. Law is, perhaps unfairly, still best known for his line in clean-shaven leading men, from the inconstant Alfie to the suave Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley . He has clearly relished the chance to look so unappealing on the big screen. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/QXS7e8t via IFTTT

Ranveer Singh to play RAW agent in Aditya Dhar’s next, Sanjay Dutt to be antagonist: Report 

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is set to take on a challenging new role as an R&AW agent in Aditya Dhar’s upcoming action thriller. According to a recent report by Mid-Day, the film promises to be a high-octane espionage drama, drawing inspiration from a real-life mission undertaken by India’s current National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Ranveer Singh To Play RAW Agent In Aditya Dhar’s Next? The report further states that to capture the essence of the story, the film’s production will span multiple locations. The team is slated to commence shooting in Thailand, followed by a schedule in Canada, before wrapping up in Mumbai.  Giving details of the other characters in the film, the report added Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal are playing fellow intelligence officers, while Sanjay Dutt is set to portray the antagonist. CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh Teams Up With Aditya Dhar  It is worth mentioning that the report was published a day after Ranveer Singh made the off...

Salman Khan firing case: Non-bailable warrant issued against Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol

A special court in Mumbai has issued a non-bailable warrant against Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence. The warrant was issued on Friday following a plea by the Mumbai police. Anmol Bishnoi, along with Rohit Godera, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang, has been named as an absconding accused in the chargesheet filed earlier this month. Bishnoi Gang Linked to Firing Incident The firing incident took place on April 14, 2023, outside Salman Khan's Bandra residence. The actor was not injured in the incident. The Mumbai police has since arrested six people in connection with the case, including the two alleged shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal. Lawrence Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, is currently lodged in the Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad. Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godera are believed to be hiding in Canada. Crackdown on Bishnoi Gang Th...

Neelam Kothari and Jackie Shroff reunite after 3 decades for song ‘Tu’; music video to release on July 31

Bollywood’s golden era stars, Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari, are set to mesmerize fans once again. The iconic duo, known for their sizzling on-screen chemistry, is reuniting for a romantic song titled 'Tu'. A Nostalgic Reunion Of Neelam Kothari, Jackie Shroff T-Series recently created a buzz on social media by sharing a joint post featuring Jackie Shroff, Neelam Kothari, and music director Talwinder. The post announced the upcoming song 'Tu' with a captivating snippet. The caption read, "3 Legends in one song! #Tu releasing soon. #tseries #BhushanKumar @apnabhidu @neelamkotharisoni @talwiinder @sanjoyd @agam.mann @azeem.mann." The news sent fans into a frenzy, with excitement palpable in the comments section.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by T-Series (@tseries.official) Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari have shared the screen in several blockbuster films including Doodh Ka Karz, Hum Bhi Insaan Hain, Laat Saab, and Antim Nyay. Their on-sc...

Goli says goodbye: Kush Shah quits Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after 16 years

Kush Shah, the beloved actor who portrayed the character of Goli in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has announced his departure from the show. In a heartfelt video shared on the official TMKOC YouTube channel, Kush reflected on his journey and bid adieu to the audience and his on-screen family. A Heartfelt Farewell The video showcased a nostalgic look back at Kush’s time on the show, from his early days as a young actor to his growth as a beloved character. Expressing his gratitude, Kush shared, “When this show started, when you and I first met, I was very young. You have given me a lot of love since then. And this family has given me as much love as you have given me. I have made a lot of memories here. I have enjoyed a lot here.” He further extended his appreciation to the show’s creator, Asit Kumar Modi, for his unwavering support and belief in him. “I have spent my childhood here and most importantly I want to thank the creator of Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

Alia Bhatt and Bobby Deol lock horns in brutal Alpha action sequence? Here’s what we know

Alia Bhatt is gearing up to showcase a completely new avatar in her upcoming spy thriller, Alpha. The actress is currently engrossed in intense action sequences for the film, which is part of the Yash Raj Films' spy universe. As per a report by Mid-Day, sources reveal that Alia is currently filming a particularly brutal and gory action sequence with veteran actor Bobby Deol, who is playing the antagonist in the film.  Alia Bhatt Shoots For Alpha With Bobby Deol  The duo is locked in intense hand-to-hand combat, as well as weapon-based fights, for a scene choreographed by renowned action director Casey O’Neill. For the unversed, O’Neill, known for his work on blockbusters like Jawan, Top Gun: Maverick, and Jack Reacher, brings his expertise to Alpha to create a visually stunning and high-octane action sequence.  A source told the publication, “It is a no-holds-barred set-piece full of blood, gore and brutality, as Alia and Bobby go at each other with weapons as well as h...

Sunny Leone becomes brand ambassador of World Villas

Entrepreneur-actress Sunny Leone is taking leaps in the business world, and her recent achievement is proof. The actress has been appointed as the brand ambassador of an exclusive 51-acre property ‘World Villas’, which offers the residents a serene and luxurious lifestyle. Expressing excitement about the achievement, the ‘Quotation Gang’ actress said, “This is not just a property; it’s a community that epitomizes luxury and tranquility. The vision and attention to detail in every aspect of World Villas are truly inspiring, and I am excited to be a part of this journey." “A home is more than just a structure; it's a place where you feel safe, cherished, and happy. World Villas embodies these qualities, providing a haven where families can grow and thrive. The attention to detail, from the luxurious interiors to the beautiful outdoor spaces, ensures that every resident feels special and well taken care of. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community and helping o...

Kidman, Clooney, Craig and Jolie join Venice film festival lineup

Stars will descend on the Lido as Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic contends with the Joker and Beetlejuice sequels for this year’s Golden Lion The Venice film festival will this year feature one of its starriest lineups to date, with the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga all expected to descend on the Lido. The 81st edition of the festival, which runs from 28 August to 7 September, is back with a bang after it was deprived of its usual pomp and glamour during last year’s Hollywood strikes. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/QL17DXr via IFTTT

Bigg Boss OTT 3: JioCinema's blunder hints at Vishal Pandey's eviction?

The drama in the Bigg Boss OTT 3 house continues to intensify, as does the speculation surrounding the potential eliminations. Recently, a shocking blunder by JioCinema sent the internet into a frenzy, hinting at Vishal Pandey's possible eviction from the reality show. The streaming platform mistakenly shared a post on its Instagram handle announcing Vishal Pandey's elimination, only to delete it shortly after. This unexpected move sparked widespread speculation among fans and viewers about the authenticity of the post and the possibility of a mid-week eviction. While the makers have clarified that the post was an error, the damage was already done, with fans expressing their shock and disappointment over the potential elimination of Vishal Pandey. The incident has also reignited the debate surrounding the fairness of the show and the treatment of certain contestants, currently, besides Vishal, Lovekesh Kataria, and Shivani Kumari are nominated while Ranvir Shorey, as the hea...

Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani backed Boong to premiere at 49th Toronto International Film Festival

Excel Entertainment along with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures has achieved another remarkable milestone with Boong being selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Boong follows Boong, a young boy from the valley of Manipur, who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes that bringing his father back home would be the most special gift. His search for his father leads to an unexpected gift – a new beginning. Director Lakshmipriya Devi, who has always aspired to tell stories, chose to direct Boong only when a story from her own experiences emerged. This narrative organically developed while seeking closure from a difficult part of her childhood in Manipur, a place she calls home in the northeastern corner of India. Drawing from her experience as a First Assistant Director on landmark Indian productions such as Luck by Chance, Talaash, PK, and A Suitable Boy, Devi makes her directorial debut with Boong. Boong...

Ali Fazal to share screen with Samantha Ruth Prabhu for Raj and DK's 6-part limited show Rakht Brahmand, Aditya Roy Kapur and Wamiqa Gabbi to play key roles; deets inside!

Following the success of the beloved character of Guddu Pandit, Ali Fazal is set to join the cast of Rakht Brahmand as the lead opposite Samantha Prabhu. The ensemble cast includes Aditya Roy Kapoor and Wamiqa Gabbi in key roles. The period drama/fantasy series Rakht Brahmand is helmed by the visionary duo Raj and DK, while Rahi Anil Barve of Tumbbad fame will direct the series. This will be the next major project for Ali following the anticipation of the release of Anurag Basu’s Metro In Dino, Lahore 1947 produced by Aamir Khan, and Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam. A source revealed, “The project is a marvelous vision of Raj & DK, it’s definitely a step forward in its genre of fantasy drama. The cast has finally all been locked and the shoot is set to start next week. Ali will be shooting for the series through August while also completing small schedules of his other projects. The show came to him and the vision of the show was enough to get Ali excited to be part of the seri...

Deadpool & Wolverine review – Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s sarky gagathon mocks the MCU back to life

The highly-anticipated odd-couple action bromance shatters the fourth wall into a million pieces with plenty of juke-box slams to keep blood-sugar content high Can the ailing Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise be redeemed with a metric tonne of frantically self-aware comedy? Now that fewer and fewer people care, can this summer tent pole persuade them to have a laugh at what they used to care about? Can the superhero genre get back on top with a gag riot from Ryan Reynolds’s wisecracking crime fighter Deadpool in an odd-couple action bromance with Hugh Jackman’s wizened Wolverine as his straight man, the careworn spirit of seriousness? Kind of. Deadpool was always the satiric turn – but this is a movie which more or less orders the audience to stop taking any of the proceedings seriously, shattering the fourth wall into a million pieces with material about nerds saving their “special sock” for particular fight scenes. It cheerfully (if sheepishly) makes mock of the MCU’s cosmic time...

The secret to living longer: join a club

The documentary Join or Die examines the decline of organizations in America – and how it’s fueled a national crisis Between the 1970s and 1990s, the number of Americans who attended a single local civic meeting in a year plummeted by 40%. The number who went to a single meeting of a club – say, the Rotary or a local tennis team – dropped by 50%. Even the number of picnics Americans joined dropped by 60%. And as the social scientist Robert Putnam has been telling us for decades, this matters – in fact, it may be a question of life or death. That’s because, as Putnam has told audiences, “your chances of dying over the next year are cut in half by joining one group.” And it’s not just a matter of our own health – it’s about the health of democracy itself. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/CxGU0P3 via IFTTT

Toronto film festival: Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Grant and Mike Leigh head lineup

The 49th edition features a string of world premieres for many films hoping to be included in the year’s Oscar race Major new films from the directors Mike Leigh and Angelina Jolie and actors such as Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Grant and Pamela Anderson are toplining this year’s Toronto film festival. The annual festival brings together a host of world premieres at a key stage in the race toward the Oscars . Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/pemIvRO via IFTTT

Ananya Panday buys a Range Rover worth Rs 3.38 crores, hints at Marvel connection with unique number plate

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has upgraded her car collection with a luxurious Range Rover. The actress was recently spotted flaunting her new ride in the city, and it's not just the car that caught everyone's attention but also its unique number plate. Luxurious Addition The Student Of The Year 2 actress’ new Range Rover, priced at a whopping Rs 3.38 crore, is a testament to her growing success in the industry. The actress, known for her stylish appearances, has always had a penchant for luxury cars, and this latest acquisition is a perfect addition to her garage. Number Plate Mystery However, what truly intrigued fans and onlookers was the car's number plate. The number ended with 3000, a number that is not typically assigned but is allotted upon special request. While many speculated that the number might be linked to Ananya's birth date (October 30), others playfully suggested she might be a Marvel fan, referencing the iconic line "I love you 3000". Whe...

Little Thomas marks Anurag Kashyap's return to children's film genre after 17 years; Gulshan Devaiah-Rasika Duggal starrer heads to Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for world premiere

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his globally acclaimed titles such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly and Kennedy, is ready with his next production venture Little Thomas. The film is headlined by two of India's finest actors, Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Duggal, joined by child artist Hridansh Parekh in the charming comedy drama. "Yes, it’s been a while. Maybe I was waiting for a good children’s film script to come my way," Kashyap says on why he took 17 years to return to this space after his animated directorial Return of Hanuman (2007). "It’s a difficult genre actually, to make an authentic children’s film, so one has to ensure that it’s a good script before making it," the filmmaker adds. Little Thomas is set to have its world premiere at the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Besides Kashyap, the film is backed by Ranjan Singh, Rajnikant Oza, Charu Oza, Anushka Shah and Kabir Ahuja. In Little Thomas, Kashyap was impressed by the vision of the Nation...

‘I lied to get the part’: Melvyn Hayes on his ‘angry young man’ beginnings – and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum

He was tipped to be the next Richard Burton – but ended up as crossdressing Gunner Gloria in the now controversial sitcom. As his breakthrough classic returns to the screen, Hayes looks back One day in 1957, Melvyn Hayes was on the set of a film called Woman in a Dressing Gown when a man sat down next to him. “I was getting paid £5 a day and I’d been on location for three days,” the actor recalls. “All I had to do was walk up to a house and put a newspaper through a letterbox. That was my part. Finished. I said to this bloke, ‘I can’t believe the waste of money on this film. Take me. You could have got a newspaper boy on £1 a day to do what I’m doing.’ Then I said, ‘What do you do then, you lazy bugger?’ And he said, ‘I’m the producer.’” Hayes, now 89, giggles at the memory of the cheek of himself at 23. Back then, £5 a day was a decent whack. His first job in showbiz, in the early 1950s, was as assistant to The Great Masoni, a magician who tasked Hayes with “disappearing twice daily...

Toronto film festival: Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Grant and Mike Leigh head lineup

The 49th edition features a string of world premieres for many films hoping to be included in the year’s Oscar race Major new films from the directors Mike Leigh and Angelina Jolie and actors such as Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Grant and Pamela Anderson are toplining this year’s Toronto film festival. The annual festival brings together a host of world premieres at a key stage in the race toward the Oscars . Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/lgcuAqK via IFTTT

Kiran Rao opens up about divorce from Aamir Khan; says, “It's been a very happy divorce”

Kiran Rao has expressed happiness following her divorce from Aamir Khan. Rao revealed in a recent interview that their divorce was a difficult decision to make, but she is glad they did. Aamir and Kiran declared their split in July 2021. “It’s been a very happy divorce,” Rao said during an interview with Faye D’Souza and added, “I feel relationships need to be redefined from time to time because we change as human beings as we grow. We need different things and this (divorce) is what I felt would make me happy and has made me very happy, honestly.” She said, “Before Aamir, I was single for a very long time. I really enjoyed my independence. I was lonely, but now I have Azad (her son), so I tend not to be lonely. I think loneliness is the only thing that most people are a bit worried about when they get divorced or lose a partner. I haven’t felt lonely at all. In fact, I am supported by both families, his family and mine. So, actually, it has been only good stuff. It’s been a very hap...

Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha, Jeetendra, Priyanka Chopra and Sham Kaushal to also feature in Rakesh Roshan's documentary: Report

After a year of filming, director Shashi Ranjan has finally wrapped up the docu-series chronicling the remarkable journey of the Roshan family in Bollywood. Spanning over four to five episodes, the series promises a captivating exploration of the Roshans' enduring influence on Indian cinema. According to a report in Mid-day, the narrative takes us back to 1948, when a young and ambitious Roshan (the family patriarch) arrived in Bombay. With his exceptional talent, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most successful music composers of his era. We then witness the baton being passed down, with Rakesh Roshan, Roshan's son, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in both acting and directing. The docu-series doesn't shy away from the present either. A significant focus is on Hrithik Roshan, the current superstar and grandson of the legendary Roshan. We'll see his meteoric rise to fame, starting with the phenomenal success of his debut film K...

Crossing review – terrific Istanbul-set culture-clash drama

A stern Georgian ex-teacher on a mission to make amends with her trans niece learns a thing or two in Levan Akin’s rich, rewarding ensemble film “I have no future and thus no plans. I’m just here until I’m not.” Stony-faced and severe, Lia (Mzia Arabuli), a retired schoolteacher from Batumi, Georgia, is not in the business of mincing words. But she’s not being entirely honest about her plans. There is one final thing that she hopes to achieve: she aims to track down her niece, Tekla, to make amends for failing her years before in a time of need. Her quest takes her across the border to Istanbul; tagging along with her is Achi (Lucas Kankava), an opportunist kid who has talked his way on to her trip as an interpreter, but really just sees her as a way of escaping his dead-end life in a Black Sea beach shack with his bullying brother. Following a series of false starts, and a few too many evenings of heavy drinking, the pair connect with Evrim (Deniz Dumanli), a trans woman, lawyer and...

Janet Planet review – Annie Baker’s tender, perceptive mother-daughter drama

Julianne Nicholson and newcomer Zoe Ziegler are a dream team in the Pulitzer prize-winning US playwright’s richly cinematic film debut Janet (Julianne Nicholson) is the whole world for her only child, 11-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler). Bespectacled, gauche and still partially unformed as a human, Lacy is fascinated by her casually magnetic mother, examining her hungrily and attempting to read her as if she’s a map to navigate the mysteries of the adult world. It’s an intense relationship, poised on the brink of change, with Lacy’s adolescence lurking just around the corner. But it’s this sense of precious transience that makes Janet Planet , the feature debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, such an exquisite and treasurable account of a complicated mother-daughter bond. It’s a moment caught in the amber light of an endless summer in rural western Massachusetts. And if by the film’s close Lacy is starting to see her mother differently, she’s still not ready to loosen he...

Jasmine Bhasin battles corneal damage after lens mishap, leaves her in pain

Actress Jasmine Bhasin is facing a challenging phase as she copes with her bandaged eye due to corneal damage caused by a lens mishap. She revealed, "I was in Delhi for an event on July 17, for which I was preparing. I don't know what exactly went wrong with my lens, but after wearing it, my eyes started hurting, and the pain gradually intensified." "I wanted to see a doctor, but due to work commitments, I decided to participate in the event first and then visit the doctor" "I wore sunglasses during the event and the team helped me with handling things, as I couldn't see properly after a while." "We went to an eye specialist late at night, who diagnosed me with corneal damage and placed bandages on my eyes." Updating on her current condition, she expressed, "I am in a lot of pain. Doctors have told me I should recover in the next four to five days, but until then, I need to take good care of my eyes. It's not easy because I c...

Pushpa 2: Amid rift rumours, producer Bunny Vasu showers praises on the bond between Allu Arjun and Sukumar; says, “If Sukumar wants the film to be shot for another 6 months, definitely Allu Arjun will oblige”

Allu Arjun, who gained immense love and fame across the globe for his role as Pushparaj, is all set to reprise it yet again on the big screen in 2024. Owing to the massive success of the first instalment, the franchise enjoys a huge fan following who are eagerly awaiting its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule. While this was scheduled to release in August, the same has been pushed to the end of the year, sparking speculations of many kinds, including one where reports claimed that Allu Arjun had a fallout with the makers of the film, especially with director Sukumar. Pusha producer Bunny Vasu clarifies While the Telugu superstar’s manager recently took it upon himself to put out the fire which started on social media owing to these rumoured reports, producer Bunny Vasu too has jumped in to issue a clarification. Recently while attending an event, as the producer were questioned by the media, he told Gulte, “We are actually laughing at all those rumours as people are writing in whichever way ...

Makeup artist hits back at Anurag Kashyap after the latter slams entourage culture; says, “In his films, he will have to call me to get the dark circles. That’s what his heroines look like”

After Anurag Kashyap set news reports abuzz with his comments as he called out the ‘entourage culture’, makeup artist Shaan Muttathil, who has been working as a hair stylist for Jacqueline Fernandez for years, have hit back at the filmmaker. The makeup artist, who have also styled Radhika Merchant in the past, called out the filmmaker by addressing the de-glam avatars of actors in his films by stating that his actresses wear Rs. 250 worth cotton sarees in his films. Makeup artist accuses Anurag Kashyap of being jealous During the Phitte Muh podcast, Shaan slammed Anurag Kashyap by stating that he is jealous of the kind of money makeup artists and other team members of the entourage earn. “What Anurag sir is saying is his world, his bubble. But there's another world too. Will this Anurag sir, after so many hits, go and do a movie for what a newcomer director will do? No. Of course, there’s a lot of jealousy, and I completely understand. Because we do get paid more than managers, t...

From Twister to Titanic: writers on their favourite disaster movies

As the tornado-chasing sequel Twisters arrives, Guardian writers pick the films that have stuck with them the longest While sadness is never too far from the frame in the disaster genre – the majority of films, after all, do involve the mass erasure of life – it’s rarely felt quite as heavy as it did in 1998’s other comet movie Deep Impact. It unfolds with the frightening urgency of a serious-minded political thriller, as Téa Leoni’s ambitious journalist realises her big scoop is far bigger than she had initially thought, a misunderstood acronym leading her to realise the world might be coming to an end. What always struck, and scared, me as a teenager was just how hopeless things then felt – an aborted mission to throw it off course, a limited and unjust lottery for some to stay safe in shelters, a host of horrible choices to be made – with so much of the film then haunted by the thoughts and fears of people truly facing their own mortality (James Horner’s crushing score is an adde...

Jacqueline Fernandez sets stage for OTT's biggest dance sequence with 200 background dancers in thriller series Goat: Report

While OTT platforms have become synonymous with gripping narratives and character-driven stories, larger-than-life dance numbers haven't exactly been a defining feature. However, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opulent period drama Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar breaking the mold, a new wave might be upon us. Leading the charge on the digital dance floor is none other than Jacqueline Fernandez. According to a report in Mid-day, Fernandez is gearing up to set the screen ablaze with a vibrant dance sequence in her upcoming web series, aptly titled Goat. According to sources, the sequence boasts a whopping 200 background dancers, making it a strong contender for the title of biggest dance number ever seen in Indian digital entertainment. The series, a thriller helmed by director Abhishek Sharma, stars Neil Nitin Mukesh and Siddharth Nigam in pivotal roles. Details about the plot are still under wraps, but the sheer scale of the dance sequence hints at its significance within the na...

BREAKING: Ananya Panday, Neha Sharma have crucial cameos in Bad Newz

The much-awaited film Bad Newz has released today in cinemas and is off to a strong start. This has been possible due to a great response to the trailer and songs, an amusing subject and great casting. The moviegoers who’ll venture out to watch the comic caper will expect some great entertainment from its lead cast – Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk. However, they’ll be surprised to know that two more gorgeous actresses also feature in this film. It turns out that Ananya Panday has a very crucial cameo in Bad Newz. Her presence gives an interesting addition to the film’s plot. In the opening disclaimers, ‘Thank You Ananya Panday’ is duly mentioned. And that’s not all. At another crucial juncture, Neha Sharma makes an appearance as well. She looks ravishing and her presence further contributes to the laughter quotient of the film. Cameos or supporting roles by popular actors usually make a film more exciting. Karan Johar, one of the producers of Bad Newz,...

Scarlett Johansson says OpenAI’s Sam Altman would make a good Marvel villain after voice dispute

Actor, who claimed ChatGPT update used an imitation of her voice, says she declined to provide her own as ‘it went against my core values’ Scarlett Johansson has spoken out against OpenAI and deepfake technology, saying it was “so disturbing” and she was “so angry” after the company seemingly mimicked her voice for its ChatGPT system Sky. The actor made headlines earlier this year when she issued a public statement saying OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, had contacted her in September 2023 to provide the voice for Sky, in an ode to her role in the Spike Jones film Her, but she had declined for “personal reasons”. In May, as the company released Sky, Altman shared a tweet that simply read “her” . Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/QK2jZt5 via IFTTT

Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter to reunite for Dharma Productions’ next with Neeraj Ghaywan: Report

Six years after their Bollywood debut in Shashank Khaitan's Dhadak, Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter are set to share the screen once again. This reunion comes courtesy of Dharma Productions, with National Award-winning director Neeraj Ghaywan at the helm. As per a report in Peeping Moon, the movie is currently in pre-production and is expected to begin filming in Bhopal this October. The film will also star Vishal Jethwa, previously seen in Tiger 3. The report describes this upcoming project as an “emotional human drama.” The film promises a fresh take for both Kapoor and Khatter. “It's a well-written, ensemble-cast drama that Neeraj Ghaywan has been working on for the past two years,” a source close to the development shared. “Both Janhvi and Ishaan have enormous admiration for the director's work and quickly came aboard the film as it offers them roles that are a complete departure from what they played in Dhadak. They had been itching to collaborate once more since the...

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty invest in luxurious Rs 20 crore Pali Hill apartment

Cricketer KL Rahul and his wife Athiya Suneil Shetty have purchased an apartment in Pali Hill area in Bandra, Mumbai, for ₹20 crore, according to property registration papers accessed by IndexTap.com. According to the paperwork, the property measures 3,350 square feet and is located on the second level of the ground-plus-18 floors of the Sandhu Palace building in the Pali Hill district of Bandra. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a partial occupation certificate for the ground-plus-18-floor structure, according to the records. Rahul and Shetty paid stamp duty of ₹1.20 crore and registration cost of ₹30,000, as per papers. The unit has four car parking spaces. The documents show that the transaction was registered on July 15. Recently, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will award ₹125 crore in prize money to the Indian cricket team's winning players among the coaching staff for their World Cup victory. A query submitted to Sandhu Builders a...

Vijay Sethupathi on Maharaja, “When I heard the story, I was shaken”

Vijay Sethupathi’s performance in his new Tamil hit in the form of Nithilan Swaminathan’s Maharaja is so tonally correct—he is a father who won’t grieve until justice is served—I cannot imagine how the timorous structure of the storytelling would have worked without him. In the way he internalizes his grief and the raging need for revenge, Sethupathi reminded me of Nicolas Cage in Panos Cosmatos’s Mandy. It is ironical that at a time when Sethupathi’s role model Kamal Haasan is exploring surface-level revenge stories, Sethupathi has gone so deep into the theme that I feared he may lose his way. He didn’t. Vijay is overjoyed at the success of Maharaja. “Sir, my first Rs. 100 crores film. See, every film I choose like that (to be a success). Some films become a hit like this. Some films connect. Some emotions connect. We choose all the films with so much passion and with so much effort only we do, sir. When this subject came to me, I just loved it. I loved t...

CBFC asks 85 cuts in Diljit Dosanjh starrer Punjab ‘95, based on life of Jaswant Singh Khalra; release remains uncertain: Report

The release of Honey Trehan's directorial venture, Punjab '95, hangs in the balance, facing hurdles from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film chronicles the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the disappearances and killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency (1984-1994). Starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role, Punjab '95 was recently screened by the CBFC, which demanded a staggering 85 cuts. However, the troubles don't end there. Sources suggest that despite complying with the cuts, the board remains hesitant to grant the film a release certificate. According to a detailed report in Mid-day, an insider revealed, “The filmmakers agreed to the 85 cuts, but the CBFC expressed concerns about the film's sensitive subject matter and questioned its suitability for release in the current climate. A final decision is yet to be made.” This isn't the first time Punjab '95 (previously titled Ghallughara)...

Aahana Kumra buys Mercedes worth Rs 78 lakhs: “I've dreamt of this for too long”

Bollywood actress Aahana Kumra is celebrating a major milestone – she's the proud owner of her very first luxury car, a Mercedes GLC! Taking to Instagram, Aahana shared a heartwarming video of the special moment at the showroom, surrounded by her parents. Aahana Kumra Buys Dream Car The caption accompanying the video reads, "Meri life Ki pehli Mercedes! I've dreamt of this for too long!" This heartfelt message reflects Aahana's long-held aspiration of owning a Mercedes. The excitement extends to her family as well, with Aahana expressing her gratitude: "Thank you mom and dad in believing in me always!"   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aahana S Kumra (@aahanakumra) Manifesting Goals Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that back in 2022, she spoke about her dream of buying a house, revealing the sacrifices she made to achieve this goal. Through consistent work and smart financial planning, Aahana has successfully manifested h...

SCOOP: CULT anime film Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama to have a GRAND release in cinemas

Last year saw the release of Adipurush (2023) based on the epic Ramayana. Next year, if all goes well, another film on this subject will be released, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol and Yash. And this year, too, audiences will be treated with a film version of Ramayana, that too, the one which is close to their hearts. As per trade sources, the much-loved anime film Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama is all set to release in theatres this year. A trade expert told Bollywood Hungama, “Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama has been remastered in 4K by the makers. They felt that releasing the movie in cinemas could be a good idea as it never arrived on the big screen. Moreover, they keep getting a lot of love and positive comments on their social media handles. In fact, after Adipurush disappointed moviegoers, many on social media drew parallels with Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama and shared its clips. This proves that ...

Waterloo Sunset review – inside an oasis of affordable living

This highly watchable documentary spends time with the residents of an almshouse in central London – cheerfully dispelling misconceptions about ageing Tourists drifting out of London’s Tate Modern sometimes find themselves peering through the gates of nearby Hopton’s Almshouses , a collection of 20 pretty cottages built around a grass courtyard which looks like a village green. If anyone asks what the place is, one cheeky resident tells them in a low whisper that it’s an institution for the criminally insane. Actually, Hopton’s is a little oasis of affordable housing for low-income over-65s, built in the mid 1700s by a philanthropist fishmonger for “the poor and decaying men of the parish”. Like many other elite men-only spaces it was slow to adapt to change, only admitting women in 2012. It’s like winning the lottery, getting a flat here, says one resident, a former taxi driver. He lost everything after a divorce in middle age; moving to Hopton’s changed his life. This very watchab...