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Showing posts from August, 2024

Hugh Grant says fourth Bridget Jones film will be ‘funny but very sad’

Actor reprises character of Daniel Cleaver but says he won’t play role of ‘60-year-old wandering around looking at young girls’ It is a universally acknowledged truth that Bridget Jones films are packed with humour and comedic scenes that attract viewers in their droves. However, in a slight departure, Hugh Grant has revealed that the fourth film in the series will also be “very sad”. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/ZJoB2VO via IFTTT

Sanam Teri Kasam to get sequel WITHOUT Harshvardhan Rane or Mawra Hocane: Report

Despite its lukewarm reception upon release, Sanam Teri Kasam has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. The heartwarming tale of love and loss, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, has resonated with audiences, leading to calls for a sequel. And it seems like those calls have been heard!  According to a report by Hindustan Times, a sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam is in development. The original director duo, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, are set to helm the project, promising to continue the romantic saga that captivated audiences. Sanam Teri Kasam Sequel to Feature New Faces? The report quoted a source saying, “The makers want to make a sequel to Sanam Teri Kasam. However, it is at a very nascent stage currently. They have only started the casting process of the film, so it is still in pre-production.”  The sequel, tentatively titled Jaanam Teri Kasam, will reportedly be a musical. The source further added, “It will feature a new cast; the makers didn't want to repeat t

And Their Children After Them review – racism and revenge festers in smalltown France

Venice film festival Nineties-set drama adapted from the bestselling novel zeroes in on tensions in a post-industrial community, sparked by a feud over a motorbike Class and racial tensions come to the boil in this potent tale of disaffected youth in smalltown France. Co-directed by Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma from Nicolas Mathieu’s bestselling novel, this is a state-of-the-nation drama dressed up as a coming-of-age tale (or possibly vice-versa); it is at once intimate and expansive in the way in which it connects the low-rise estates to the posh homes on the hill. It also brings a dose of dirty social-realism to this year’s Venice film festival. The time-frame is the 90s, although its socio-economic tensions still apply, just as the (fictional) burg of Heillange is broadly representative of a thousand other towns in France and elsewhere; living in the shadow of its shuttered steelworks and inhabited by too many people with too little to do. Heillange, we are told, is “a town of har

Mark Kermode on… Martin Scorsese’s love of British cinema

The director’s new BFI season championing hidden gems of British film, hot on the heels of his Powell and Pressburger documentary, reveals some of the inspirations of a film-making great and passionate fan This weekend, the BFI Southbank in London begins a season of films entitled Martin Scorsese Selects Hidden Gems of British Cinema . Among the treats that caught my eye are a terrific Terence Fisher double bill (1948’s To the Public Danger and 1952’s Stolen Face ), Roy Ward Baker’s Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde (1971) , John Hough’s The Legend of Hell House (1973) and a rare nitrate-print screening of Alberto Cavalcanti’s dark 1942 gem, Went the Day Well? The fact that a director whose own extraordinary CV includes Taxi Driver ( 1973), Raging Bull (1980), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Casino ( 1995), Gangs of New York ( 2002), The Wolf of Wall Street ( 2013) and, just last year, Killers of the Flower Moon should curate such a season may seem remarkable. But Scorsese has

Kangana Ranaut drops a video as Emergency faces uncertainty from CBFC amid rising tensions: “People of the censor board are also getting a lot of threats”

Kangana Ranaut, actor and newly elected Member of Parliament, recently addressed the mounting concerns surrounding her latest film Emergency. Ranaut, who portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, revealed that the project faces significant obstacles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In a video message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ranaut clarified the situation, stating, “There are rumours that our film Emergency has got a censor certificate. It is not true. In fact, our film was cleared earlier but its certification has been stopped because of several threats.” #Emergency pic.twitter.com/Klko20kkqY — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 30, 2024 Ranaut further disclosed that both she and members of the CBFC have been receiving threats related to the film's content. According to the actor, pressure is being exerted on the board to censor specific parts of the film, particularly scenes depicting Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the invol

Delhi Crime creator Richie Mehta joins forces with Imagine Entertainment and Baweja Studios for Boy from Andaman

Delhi Crime and Poacher creator Richie Mehta, Imagine Entertainment and Baweja Studios partner on Boy from Andaman. The project is produced by Janice Chua, Rick Ambros, Bhhaskar De and Harman Baweja and directed by Parinaz Jal. Richie Mehta will be the Executive Producer of the upcoming film Boy from Andaman. Making her directing debut is Parinaz Jal. The film's producers are Los Angeles-based Rick Ambros, Vancouver-based Bhhaskar De and Mumbai-based Sharmila Pinheiro and Harman Baweja. Janice Chua are spearheading the project on behalf of Imagine Entertainment. Harman Baweja, who runs Baweja Studios in Mumbai, has come on board as a producer. Based on an original idea by Manu Chopra, the script is written by Jal and Chopra, Boy from Andaman tells the story of Mohan, a post office worker in Mumbai who comes across a letter addressed to "God" from a young boy who has survived the deadly tsunami of 2004 in the Andaman Islands. An unlikely friendship develops between the t

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar nominated at Busan International Film Festival 2024; Sanjay Leela Bhansali says, "I'm grateful"

Netflix India’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, hailed as a groundbreaking masterpiece, has secured nominations in two categories at the prestigious 29th Busan International Film Festival (Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards 2024) for Best OTT Original and Best Original Song for ‘Sakal Ban.’ This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian storytelling on the global stage as it is the only Indian title to be nominated in the two categories. ACA & G.OTT Awards 2024 will be held on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at the BIFF Theater of the Busan Cinema Center in South Korea. Produced by Bhansali Productions and directed by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar features a stellar cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Shaikh. This saga captivated audiences with a poignant tale of forbidden love and duty. The series' music, a masterful composition by Bhansali himself, enhanc

Shah Rukh Khan’s net worth REVEALED as he makes debut on 2024 Hurun India Rich List

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, known affectionately as the King of Bollywood, has made a significant stride in his financial journey by securing his place on the prestigious 2024 Hurun India Rich List. At the age of 58, Khan's estimated wealth stands at an impressive Rs 7,300 crore. Shah Rukh Khan's Business Ventures Drive Wealth Khan's inclusion in the list is primarily attributed to his strategic investments in various ventures, including the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team and the production company Red Chillies Entertainment. These ventures have played a pivotal role in boosting his overall wealth. Social Media Dominance Beyond his financial success, Khan also holds the distinction of being the most followed individual on the Rich List, with a massive following of 44.1 million on Twitter. This surpasses all other billionaires and celebrities on the list, solidifying his position as a social media powerhouse. Khan's journey to this point has not been withou

Kill the Jockey review – a mercurial, skittish crime drama whose hero is a drug-fuelled rogue

Venice film festival Luis Ortega’s film veers off the racetrack as jockey Remo drifts around the city streets, pursued by a pregnant girlfriend who wants him back and a gangster who wants him dead People ride horses for all sorts of reasons, explains the jockey hero of Luis Ortega’s offbeat and stylish Argentinian crime drama. They ride to arrive at their destination more quickly, or to wage war more effectively. Mostly, he says, they ride to escape. This jockey is familiar with the nagging urge to take flight. He is a study in motion, a figure in flux. Show him a fence and he will promptly jump it – or die trying. There is much to relish in Kill the Jockey, not least Nahuel Pérez Biscayart’s wonderfully stone-faced performance as Remo Manfredini, the rider who absolutely, positively has to win his next race in order to keep a gangster off his back. Biscayart plays Remo as though he is the soulful clown in a silent movie, Buster Keaton with a riding crop. He gives the impression of b

Maria review – Angelina Jolie plays the diva in magnificent stroll around the cult of Callas

Venice film festival Jolie is a painting to be stared at in Pablo Larraín’s opulent drama, tottering around Paris in the 70s and drawing us in to tragedy as thoroughly as Bellini or Pucchini Hide the overflowing ashtrays and move that infernal grand piano – Maria Callas, La Diva, is granting a valedictory TV interview. She’s pacing the halls of her Paris apartment, feeding her poodles and strung out on pills. The visiting journalist is called Mandrax, named after her favourite medication. He takes a seat and checks the mic. By way of introduction, he says, “I’d like to walk with you through your life.” Callas’s life whisked her from the slums of Nazi-occupied Athens to the concert halls of Europe and the US, through a torrid relationship with Aristotle Onassis to collaborations with Pasolini and Zeffirelli. But Pablo Larraín ’s opulent Maria shrewdly homes in on the soprano’s final days, showcasing a stiffly dignified Angelina Jolie as the lioness in winter, four years retired and a

REVEALED: This is what Rajkummar Rao's deleted cross-dressing scene in Stree 2 was all about

Stree 2 was released almost two weeks back and yet, the excitement around the film refuses to die down. Yesterday, its lead actor Rajkummar Rao posted a picture from the sets of the film. It features him in a female avatar and clad in a purple sequin skirt, a red top and a golden shrug. The actor, in the caption, mentioned that it was one of his favourite scenes from the film but sadly, it didn’t make it to the final cut. However, he didn’t give any information about what the scene was all about. Bollywood Hungama has found out exciting details about this scene. A source from the unit said, “It involved Rajkummar cross-dressing and turning into a woman to lure the villain, Sarkata. This is because Sarkata attacked only females and hence, Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) takes this unusual and risky step.” The source added, “Jana (Abhishek Banerjee) is also a part of this scene. He fails to recognize Vicky and mistakes him for someone else, adding to the comic quotient of the scene.” Another sou

Sidharth Malhotra returns to romance, collaborates with Dasvi director Tushar Jalota for Dinesh Vijan film: Report

Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra is gearing up to rekindle his romance with the silver screen. After a series of action-packed films, including Mission Majnu, Yodha, and the web show Indian Police Force, Malhotra is eager to return to the genre that first brought him to fame. A New Romantic Venture with Dinesh Vijan According to a report by Mid-Day, Sidharth Malhotra is set to headline a new love story produced by Dinesh Vijan. The actor has been in discussions with Vijan's production house for some time and was immediately drawn to the script. The yet-to-be-titled project will be directed by Tushar Jalota, known for his work on the film Dasvi. The report quoted a source saying, “Sidharth has been in talks with Dinesh’s production house for some time. He loved the script and is excited to team up with a banner that is known for bringing modern romances to the screen.” Returning to His Romantic Roots With this new film, Malhotra will be revisiting the genre he embraced in his ear

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh to become Shah Rukh Khan’s neighbours? Couple plans to shift house post arrival of first child: Report 

Bollywood's power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are gearing up for a new chapter in their lives as they prepare to welcome their first child in September. The actress has been making headlines with her stylish maternity looks, and recent reports suggest that the couple is planning to move into a new home after the birth of their baby. Couple to Move into New Apartment Near Shah Rukh Khan's Residence According to a social media post by popular photographer Pallav Paliwal on Instagram, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to move into a sprawling new apartment following the arrival of their baby. Earlier rumours had hinted that the couple might become neighbours to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. NDTV reported that Ranveer Singh, in association with his father Jagjit Sunder Singh Bhavnani's company Oh Five Oh Media Works LLP, had purchased a luxurious sea-facing quadruplex for Rs 119 crore in a high-end Mumbai area near Shah Rukh Khan's residence,

Seeking Mavis Beacon: the search for an elusive Black tech hero

New documentary looks for a woman who was synonymous with typing in the 80s and 90s, with surprising results Before bashing out emails and text messages by thumb became an accepted form of communication, typing was a fully manual skill. In the 80s, “the office” was an exclusive preserve for freaks who could type 40 words per minute at least . Those too modest or miserly to sign up for brick-and-mortar classes could pick up a software program called Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing for $50. At my Catholic high school, the application was the typing class. The priests just switched on the computers. Launched in late 1987, Mavis Beacon quickly assumed pride of place on home PC desks amid floppy disks for SimCity and After Dark . Among other features, Mavis gamified typing drills and tracked typing progress in explicit detail. Its defining feature was the elegant Black woman with a cream suit and slicked-back bob marching proudly off to her high-rise job on the cover of the software package.

Silent Sherlock Holmes film to be screened for first time since 1922 release

The Golden Pince-Nez features Eille Norwood as the detective and has been restored by the BFI national archive A silent Sherlock Holmes film starring Arthur Conan Doyle’s favourite impersonator of the famous sleuth, Eille Norwood, is to be screened for the first time since its release in 1922, following its extensive restoration by the BFI national archive. Titled The Golden Pince-Nez, it is a classic case of Holmes detection, based on a Conan Doyle short story that was first published in the Strand magazine in 1904. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/Nsd8onO via IFTTT

Kangana Ranaut buys office in Andheri west for Rs 1.56 crore: Report

Bollywood actor and politician Kangana Ranaut has made a new real estate investment in Mumbai, purchasing an office space in Andheri (West) for Rs 1.56 crore.  According to registration documents accessed by Propstack, Kangana Ranaut's new office space spans 407 square feet in carpet area.  Details of Kangana Ranaut’s new property The property, located within the Arc One office complex in Andheri (West), was officially registered on August 23. The transaction involved a stamp duty payment of Rs 9,37,500. The Arc One office complex, developed by Chandra Gupta Estates, is a project registered with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) in October 2022. The development is slated for completion by the end of 2026, adding a modern and strategically located commercial space to one of Mumbai's busiest districts. Kangana Ranaut's Expanding Footprint in Mumbai Kangana Ranaut has long been associated with Mumbai, where she has built her career as a leading actre

Kareena Kapoor Khan DEFENDS "Pregnancy Bible" title in Madhya Pradesh HC: “No intentions to hurt”

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has finally responded to the legal notice issued to her by the Madhya Pradesh High Court over her book, 'Kareena Kapoor Khan's Pregnancy Bible'. In her reply to the notice, the actress objected to the petition that sought a ban on the sale of her book, claiming that the title "hurt the religious sentiments" of a community. Kareena's lawyers, Divya Krishna Billaiya and Nikhil Bhatt, stated that the actress had no intention of offending any religious beliefs. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter on September 10. Kareena's lawyer, Divya Krishna Billaiya, categorically denied the allegations of hurting religious sentiments. She stated that the book was not intended to offend any community.  Having said that it is worth mentioning here that in one of the posts to promote her book, Bebo wrote, “This has been quite the journey… both my pregnancies and writing my Pregnancy Bible. There

Jio Studios, Humble Motion Pictures plan global campaign for Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di

Leading content studio Jio Studios has forayed into Punjabi Cinema with Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di starring superstar Gippy Grewal and along with Humble Motion Pictures and Panorama Studios has planned an extensive promotional campaign across Australia, UK, US and Dubai to tap the Indian diaspora. Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di is the third instalment of the hit franchise and Jio Studios is keen for the film to release with an impact. The film is set to release in key international markets, including Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK, so while the distribution team is spreading the release wide the producers are working around the clock to ensure that the excitement for the film releasing reaches audiences worldwide. The promotional tour, spanning multiple countries, is designed to connect with the global diaspora, particularly in regions with strong Indian (Sikh and Punjabi) communities. With a mix of traditional and innovative marketing strategies, Jio Studios plans to showcase the f

‘It made him an A-lister’: John Ford’s breakthrough film The Iron Horse at 100

Filmed in the freezing Nevada desert under studio pressure, Ford’s 1924 epic was a huge hit. It was the springboard for the director’s astounding career of westerns, idealism and high drama Had the Oscars been around in 1924, when director John Ford’s epic western The Iron Horse was released, the critically lauded film would have swept up the lot. Though it might be largely forgotten now, this black and white silent movie, which turns 100 on 28 August, marked the point where Jack Ford – a former fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants props guy who also acted a bit, and was first hired as a director by virtue of being available – became master film-maker John Ford, the director many still herald as the greatest of all time. When The Iron Horse was inducted into the Library of Congress film archive in 2011, the official registry citation stated that it “established Ford’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished directors”. Ford remains the most Oscar-decorated director ever, notching

EXCLUSIVE: Binny And Family postponed; to now release on September 20

The debut film of Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan, Binny And Family, was all set to release on August 30. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that its release has been postponed. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Binny And Family will now be released on September 20. The decision was taken collectively by the makers. They are overwhelmed with the response generated by the film at the test screenings. Also, those from the film industry, who have seen the film, have raved about the film’s subject and the performances. Hence, the producers realized that they should look at the best release period. After careful analysis, they realized that September 20 is apt and this is how the new release date was locked.” It now remains to be seen when the trailer of the film will be unveiled. An industry expert commented, “Interestingly, Grandparents' Day will be celebrated on Sunday, September 8. Since the film also revolves around the relationship of a girl with her grandmother and gr

Kangana Ranaut receives death threats ahead of Emergency release, seeks police action

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has once again found herself at the center of a controversy. As her upcoming film, Emergency, nears its release date, the actress has reported receiving death threats and has called on law enforcement agencies in Maharashtra, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh to take swift action. Kangana Ranaut Faces Backlash Over Emergency Kangana Ranaut, who is both the lead actress and director of Emergency, is facing severe criticism and threats, particularly from members of the Sikh community. The film, which portrays India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1975 Emergency, has been accused of depicting Sikhs in a negative light. Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has publicly demanded a ban on the film, asserting that it misrepresents Sikhs and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Dhami's criticism comes amid ongoing concerns about Ranaut's past remarks, which have been perceived as anti-Sikh

Last Things review – stones yield up their memories in poetic vision of life on Earth

Deborah Stratman’s film looks far beyond humanity for answers to the big questions of survival, gathering the words of scientists and imaginative writers Moving from the microscopic to the intergalactic, artist and film-maker Deborah Stratman offers a strikingly expansive vision of life on Earth, one that deliberately decentres human existence. With its collagist approach, this medium-length work turns to rocks for answers to the big question of survival and extinction. Having been around, in some cases, for billions of years, what do these mineral formations remember? As explained by geologist Marcia Bjornerud, whose interviews and lectures form part of the voiceover, rocks do indeed hold memories. A bedrock, for instance, can carry traces of glaciers that no longer exist. These physical manifestations of past and present timelines encourage a different, non-linear way of looking at time and the world at large. This synergistic perspective is also reflected in Stratman’s dynamic, as

Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan are bloodied and bruised on first posters of Yudhra, film to arrive in cinemas on September 20

The action thriller, Yudhra, is set to hit theaters on September 20, and its first posters have just been released, offering a glimpse into the intense and brutal world of the film. The posters showcase the lead actors, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan, in a state of disarray, their faces bloodied and bruised. The images convey a sense of raw intensity and suggest that the film will be filled with heart-pounding action sequences and gripping storytelling. Siddhant Chaturvedi is seen with a determined expression, his body covered in injuries. Mohanan, portraying a strong and independent character, is also shown with visible wounds, is seen hugging Siddhant's character and is covered in blood.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies) Yudhra marks a significant milestone in Siddhant's career as he takes on a role like never before. The actor underwent rigorous training in mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu to

The return of Beetlejuice, Gladiator, Paddington and the Joker – the best films of autumn 2024

Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder are back for more exorcisms and Hugh Grant continues his dive into the dark side in Heretic as the new season’s cinema offerings are unspooled All release dates are UK and subject to change Tim Burton’s fantasy horror-comedy, with Michael Keaton as the anarchic supernatural exorcist Beetlejuice, was a big hit in the 1980s. Now, Burton returns with a sequel and the promise (or threat) of a franchise. Keaton is back as the titular character and Winona Ryder, once the tricky teenager, has a difficult daughter of her own, played by Jenna Ortega. 6 September Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/HZVnqtN via IFTTT

The Crow review – unfathomably awful goth remake

Rupert Sanders’ attempt to resurrect the 1994 cult revenge thriller has become one of 2024’s most atrocious films There are different types of bad movies. There are those that find an unintended audience after the fact, reframing them as sources of amusement to be ridiculed, those that are simply too dull to be thought of ever again and then there are those that are made with such staggering incompetence that they barely even exist. The latter category is the one that I find hardest to endure, films such as The Snowman (a head-scratchingly awful thriller that was technically unfinished yet still released) veering from bad to refund-level unwatchable. It was no real surprise that a tortured update of 1994’s cursed goth revenge thriller The Crow would be a misfire – it’s been in development since 2008 with multiple directors and actors attached ever since – but it’s genuinely startling just how utterly wretched the finished product is and how unfit it is for a wide release. Filmed two

Ajay Devgn to embark on an Indiana Jones-style adventure in Luv Ranjan – Jagan Shakti’s movie; expected to kick off in December 2024: Report

Bollywood star Ajay Devgn is set to embark on a thrilling new journey that will take him to the depths of India's ancient forests, scaling towering mountains, and delving into the mysteries of hidden caves. In a departure from his usual roles, Devgn will be stepping into the shoes of an intrepid adventurer, much like Harrison Ford's iconic Indiana Jones. The project, to be produced by filmmaker Luv Ranjan and directed by Jagan Shakti, is currently in development. According to a report in Mid-Day, the script, still in its early stages, promises a high-octane adventure filled with ancient relics, historical significance, and stunning visual effects. A source close to the production revealed, “The film will be a big-budget undertaking, featuring Ajay Devgn in the lead as a fearless adventurer. The filmmakers are aiming to create a cinematic experience that rivals the Indiana Jones franchise. Ajay is particularly excited about this project as it represents a new genre for him.” Se

Akshay Kumar starrer Sky Force to release in January 2025: Report

Earlier this month, Bollywood Hungama reported that the promo of Sky Force which was expected to be attached to Stree 2 has not been unveiled. While the teaser launch of the film was postponed, we had also reported that the film’s release itself may be pushed further. Now, the latest update on that front is that the multi-starrer action aerial entertainer starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, and others has been pushed to the first half of next year in January. It was said that Sky Force is set against the backdrop of the much-loved patriotic theme which prompted the makers to lock October 2, that is Gandhi Jayanti, as the date for the film’s release. While it seems that it will not be possible, we hear that the makers are keen on releasing the film in January 2025 and that too around the 76th Republic Day, which falls on January 26. The news has been shared by journalist Rahul Raut on X, earlier known as Twitter. However, there has been no official confirmation issued by

Kangana Ranaut reveals she rejected Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan; mentions about Ranbir Kapoor ‘pleading’ her to do Sanju

Kangana Ranaut has always had the kindest words to share about the Khans in the industry-Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan - as she asserted that they have always been generous and sweet to her. After showering praises on the Ek Tha Tiger actor at the Emergency trailer launch, Ranaut revealed that she continues to share a good bond with him even after rejecting films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan. In the same interaction, she also mentioned how Ranbir Kapoor had once ‘pleaded her’ to do a role in Sanju. Amid the promotions of Emergency, Kangana Ranaut, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, made some candid statements regarding the movie offers she rejected wherein she revealed that she was offered roles in Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and YRF’s Sultan. The actress said, “Salman offered me a role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I was like ‘Yeh kya role diya hai?’ He then approached me for Sultan. I didn’t take that up. He was like ‘What more do I offer to you now?’” For the unve

Nag Ashwin REACTS to Arshad Warsi calling Prabhas a ‘joker’ in Kalki 2898 AD; requests not to spread hate

Followed by Arshad Warsi sharing his review on the recently released film Kalki 2898 AD which garnered tremendous response at the box office, it has sparked yet another Bollywood vs South, to be more specific Bollywood vs Tollywood debate, which has also angered a few netizens. Director of this dystopian action-drama Nag Ashwin is the latest one to react on this controversy but the peace-loving filmmaker has taken the criticism in his stride and has even gone to request some social media users to stop spreading hatred. Nag Ashwin took to the social media platform X, aka Twitter, to react to the statements made by Arshad Warsi along with asserting that the character will be developed well for the sequel. He responded to the comments, saying, “Let's not go backwards..no more north-south or bolly vs tolly..eyes on the bigger picture.. United Indian Film Industry..Arshad saab should have chosen his words better..but it's ok..sending buji toys 4 his kids..il work hard so tweets fdf

Alain Delon to be buried in grounds of his estate in ‘strictest privacy’

Carefully selected group of 40 mourners reportedly told to seal away phones at ceremony for French actor Alain Delon will be buried in the grounds of his country home on Saturday in “the strictest privacy” according to the wishes of his three children. A carefully selected group of 40 mourners have been invited to the ceremony and instructed not to take pictures. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/amdcJFf via IFTTT

Sidharth Malhotra in advanced talks to join Saif Ali Khan in Race 4; filming to begin in first half of 2025: Report

The Race franchise is set to make a return with Race 4, and the anticipation is palpable. Producer Ramesh Taurani has confirmed that the film will be a reboot, bringing back the original star, Saif Ali Khan, to the heart of the action. Now, a significant development has emerged: Sidharth Malhotra is in advanced talks to join the cast alongside Saif Ali Khan. According to a report in Pinkvilla, Sidharth Malhotra has expressed keen interest in the franchise and has been engaged in discussions with Taurani for some time. A source close to the project shared, “While Ramesh Taurani's in-house writers are working on the basic plot, he's also collaborating with seasoned writers and directors to develop a compelling screenplay. And as the writing process progresses, he's initiated conversations with Sidharth Malhotra to take on the lead role opposite Saif Ali Khan.” The production is gearing up to begin filming in the first half of 2025. The team is currently focused on finalizin

‘It’s like Game of Thrones!’ The return of India’s ancient superhero fantasy epic

In the 1980s, Peter Brook’s adaptation of The Mahabharata enchanted audiences on stage and screen. As Brook’s son presents a restored print at the Venice film festival, he and his team discuss the work’s extraordinary journey When Antonin Stahly was nine years old, his mother took him to the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris to see a production of the ancient Indian epic The Mahabharata, which translates loosely as “the great story of mankind”. More than 20 actors from 16 countries performed on a stage steeped in red earth and scarred by a water-filled trench; fire also played a leading role. Directed by Peter Brook , whom the RSC founder Peter Hall called “the greatest innovator of his generation”, and adapted by Luis Buñuel’s former co-writer Jean-Claude Carrière, this spectacular Mahabharata weighed in at nine hours, plus intervals. Even at that length, it represented a massive compression of its source text, which runs to 1.8m words. Brook and Carrière’s version has been liken

Arshad Warsi joins Vikrant Massey in Rajkumar Hirani's OTT debut Pritam Pedro; shoot to begin in November in Goa: Report

Arshad Warsi is set to reunite with his Munna Bhai filmmaker, Rajkumar Hirani, for his anticipated OTT series. The cyber-crime thriller, tentatively titled Pritam Pedro, will also feature Vikrant Massey in the lead role. Hirani is stepping into the world of digital entertainment with this project. While he will serve as the showrunner-producer, his assistant director, Amir Satyaveer Singh, will helm the series. According to a report in Mid-Day, the series, set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar, revolves around two quirky cyber cops, Pritam and Pedro, played by Vikrant Massey and Arshad Warsi, respectively. The source from the creative team revealed, “While Raju sir is known for his comedies, this series sees him explore a crime drama with his signature humor. He may even direct a couple of episodes himself.” Arshad Warsi's Pedro is a seasoned cop with traditional methods of solving crimes. In contrast, Vikrant Massey's Pritam is a young tech whiz who uses advanced technology to

The Crow review – unfathomably awful goth remake

Rupert Sanders’ attempt to resurrect the 1994 cult revenge thriller has become one of 2024’s most atrocious films There are different types of bad movies. There are those that find an unintended audience after the fact, reframing them as sources of amusement to be ridiculed, those that are simply too dull to be thought of ever again and then there are those that are made with such staggering incompetence that they barely even exist. The latter category is the one that I find hardest to endure, films such as The Snowman (a head-scratchingly awful thriller that was technically unfinished yet still released) veering from bad to refund-level unwatchable. It was no real surprise that a tortured update of 1994’s cursed goth revenge thriller The Crow would be a misfire – it’s been in development since 2008 with multiple directors and actors attached ever since – but it’s genuinely startling just how utterly wretched the finished product is and how unfit it is for a wide release. Filmed two

Animal eclipses co-star Jean Reno in filming of My Penguin Friend

How the five-year real-life friendship between a retired Brazilian fisher and Magellanic penguin became a movie The film My Penguin Friend has two main characters – one played by a Hollywood star and the other by a newcomer – but there was no doubt on set about who should be the most pampered. The first-timer had a “trailer” with a natural saltwater pool and only worked until 3pm. To keep the star from being bitten by a mosquito from the tropical Brazilian beach, a flamethrower would clear the path before and after each scene. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/Iur0LYW via IFTTT

Rani Mukerji and Kajol’s cousin Samrat Mukherjee BREAKS SILENCE on being arrested in accident case; CLARIFIES he is not the Bengali actor who hit a motorcyclist in Kolkata 

Rani Mukerji and Kajol's cousin filmmaker, Samrat Mukherjee, has clarified that he is not the Bengali actor who was arrested for hitting a motorcyclist in Kolkata. The confusion arose after a Bengali actor named Samrat Mukherjee was involved in a road accident in Behala, Kolkata. Many people speculated that the actor was the same Samrat Mukherjee who is related to the Bollywood stars. However, the filmmaker has denied these claims. Samrat Mukherjee Denies Involvement in the Accident In an interview with Times Entertainment, Samrat Mukherjee stated that he is based in Mumbai and is not the same person who was involved in the accident. He further explained that the actor in question is a television star based in Kolkata. He said, “I would like to clarify that the actor Samrat Mukherjee, who met with an accident is not me. The actor Samrat Mukherjee is based in Kolkata and I am a filmmaker, owner of Filmalaya studios, based in Mumbai. Since morning I have been getting calls and tire

Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis trailer allegedly fakes critics’ quotes

Reports suggest Lionsgate may have manufactured quotes by film critics for new trailer of director’s self-funded movie The new trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded epic Megalopolis has been criticised for including allegedly false and misleading quotes. The video, released on Wednesday, starts by going back in time to show negative quotes from established critics for acclaimed films from Coppola’s past such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. “Genius is often misunderstood,” says the accompanying narration. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/PHxorOV via IFTTT

Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage

Actors, dubbed ‘Bennifer’ in 2000s, married in Las Vegas in 2022 after re-sparking relationship from two decades prior After just over two years of marriage, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have filed for divorce. According to a report from Variety magazine, Lopez filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles county superior court. The official separation date is listed as 26 April. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/fWA5moz via IFTTT

Disney drops streaming waiver defense over woman’s allergy death at resort

Company agrees to let case go to trial despite earlier claiming terms of free subscription trial invalidated lawsuit Disney has dropped a controversial legal claim that the terms and conditions a widower agreed to when signing up for Disney+ streaming service protect it from a wrongful death lawsuit he brought over his wife’s death after she ate at a resort restaurant. On Monday night, Josh D’Amaro, the chair of Disney Experiences, released a statement announcing that Disney had decided to have the matter proceed in court, rather than through arbitration, as the company had been fighting for just last week. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/mRINVLx via IFTTT

Lollipop review – impassioned, head-butting indictment of the social-care system

Edinburgh international film festival Informed by her own experiences, Daisy-May Hudson’s portrait of a woman trying to regain custody of her kids is surprisingly even-handed Daisy-May Hudson is the British film-maker who in 2015 made a fiercely personal documentary about homelessness: her own. Half Way told the story of how she, her mum and her 13-year-old sister lost their home and then found themselves in the bureaucratic nightmare of hostels and halfway houses, and her camera showed the audience every excruciating moment. Now Hudson has developed these ideas as a fiction feature in the tradition of Ken Loach’s Ladybird Ladybird and Cathy Come Home. It’s an impassioned, humane and urgently performed drama, a vivid look at what it’s like to be reduced to screaming anguish by the system – as well as what it’s like to work for the system, and to be the brick wall getting screamed at. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/tUZzvL4 via IFTTT

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Diler makers ditch London for Mumbai amidst UK unrest; filming to commence in September: Report

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s upcoming sports drama, Diler, has hit a roadblock in its production schedule. The film, helmed by director Kunal Deshmukh, was initially slated for a significant portion of its shoot in the UK. However, due to the escalating unrest and anti-immigration protests in the country, producer Dinesh Vijan has made the crucial decision to cancel the London leg entirely. According to the report in Mid-day, the production team had conducted a recce and look tests in London towards the end of July, with a comprehensive shooting schedule planned. However, the deteriorating situation in the UK prompted the makers to prioritize the safety of their cast and crew. As a source close to the production revealed, “In July-end, the team did recce and look tests in London. Kunal had lined up a straight schedule during which significant portions of the film would have been canned. But after the situation worsened, the makers felt it would be very expensive to hire exhaustive security.” W

CONFIRMED! Biopic on cricketer Yuvraj Singh announced: Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka to produce upcoming film

The biopic of the life of cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been officially announced. The project will be produced by Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka, two prominent figures in the Indian entertainment industry. This untitled biopic promises to be a grand portrayal of Yuvraj Singh's remarkable journey, both on and off the field. Yuvraj Singh is celebrated for his significant contributions to Indian cricket, including his pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. His cricketing career, marked by extraordinary performances, is only one part of his story. The biopic will also delve into his inspiring battle against cancer, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome life’s toughest challenges. The announcement of this biopic has generated considerable anticipation, as fans eagerly await more details about the film. With Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka at the helm, the project is expected to do justice to Yuvraj

Lore review – Brit-horror anthology tells its gruesome stories around the campfire

Richard Brake is well cast as the host for this portmanteau of grisly yarns, where the girls’ tales are made of stronger stuff than the boys’ Anthology films are notoriously hard to pull off but, though it starts shakily, this low-budget British portmanteau has an ace in the hole: horror stalwart Richard Brake, whose grimy leer is normally a kitemark of something at least halfway chilling. (Hopefully his dental hygiene is better in real life.) In Lore, he is a Cryptkeeper-style host for four hikers out for an “immersive” experience in the wilds; informing them that they have pitched their tents above the site of some ancient evil, this campfire compere bids them bring forth their most blood-chilling yarns. The boys, Mark (Dean Bone) and Dan (Miles Mitchell), think basic: the former trots out a warehouse runaround with gang fugitive Daniel (Andrew-Lee Potts) encountering a saw-toothed monster and a last-gasp psychological twist. Dan offers a boilerplate piece of gothic haunted house,

Disney defends use of streaming terms to block restaurant allergy death lawsuit

Jeffrey Piccolo filed wrongful death suit for $50,000 after his wife died of an allergic reaction at Florida resort Disney representatives have defended the company’s legal strategy to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a widower over the death of his wife because of the terms and conditions he agreed to when signing up for Disney+ streaming service several years earlier. Jeffrey Piccolo filed a wrongful death suit against Walt Disney World and Resorts earlier this year, after his wife, Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan, died in October 2023 after eating at the Raglan Road Irish Pub at the resort near Orlando, Florida. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/M8Ch2jN via IFTTT

Key scenes from Khel Khel Mein featuring Fardeen Khan cut in UAE: Director Mudassar Aziz REACTS

Mudassar Aziz has expressed his dismay over the censorship of his latest directorial venture, Khel Khel Mein, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The film, which marks Fardeen Khan's return to the big screen after a 14-year hiatus, has seen crucial segments edited out by the UAE Media Regulatory Office, leaving the filmmaker disappointed. Censorship Alters Fardeen Khan’s Character Arc One of the most significant cuts in Khel Khel Mein involves a key sequence in the climax, which is central to Fardeen Khan’s character development. The scene, which delves into the character’s sexuality, has been removed under local restrictions. This censorship has drastically altered the narrative for audiences in the UAE.  A report by Mid-Day quoted a fan from Dubai, “This edit changes the narrative of Fardeen’s character. It’s disheartening to see such an important moment erased. I felt cheated when I found out from Indian cine-goers about this. Censorship like this denies audiences the full expe

Aamir Khan in talks with director Lokesh Kanagaraj for pan-India project: Report

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly in advanced discussions with acclaimed Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj for a highly anticipated pan-India film. According to a recent report by Telugu entertainment portal Aakashavaani, Aamir is keen to collaborate with Lokesh on a project that promises to resonate across the entire nation. While the collaboration is yet to be officially announced, sources suggest that Aamir, Lokesh, and the production house Mythri Movie Makers are deep in discussions to finalize the details. If all goes as planned, an official announcement could be made in the near future, confirming what is expected to be a landmark project in Indian cinema. Lokesh Kanagaraj has established himself as one of the leading filmmakers in the Indian film industry. His last directorial venture, Leo, starring Vijay, was released in 2023 and became a massive hit. Leo was the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, following the success of his previous films Kaithi an

Alain Delon: a life in pictures

French actor Alain Delon has died aged 88 . Best known for his cinema work in the 1960s, he starred in a string of works by auteur directors before turning producer. Here we look back at his life and career • Peter Bradshaw: Mesmeric and beautiful, Alain Delon was one of cinema’s most mysterious stars Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/l6rfhZo via IFTTT

Gena Rowlands: the fiercest, most incandescent star of US indie cinema

Subtle yet tough and fearless, the actor blazed a trail through American movies in the 70s – in particular in close collaboration with her husband John Cassavetes • Gena Rowlands, star of A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, dies at 94 ‘I was always a BROAD! I can’t stand the sight of MILK!” This is Gena Rowlands at her awe-inspiring toughest in John Cassavetes’ extraordinary drama-thriller Gloria from 1980. She is sexy, smart, a match for any man. Rowlands was a strong, passionate heroine in the tradition of Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis and Lauren Bacall. In fact, her director-husband John Cassavetes was in some ways Bogart to her Bacall. Rowlands staked a claim to the male prerogative of being sensual, dangerous and damaged; a natural survivor. In Gloria, and also in Woody Allen’s Another Woman (1988), in which she plays a severe philosophy professor, Rowlands wears a belted trenchcoat, the kind that Bogart would wear. In recent years, Rowlands was known most widely as the s

Imtiaz Ali reveals that John Abraham was the original choice for Rockstar; expresses surprise that Nargis Fakhri got flak but has been accepted without complaints during re-release

Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011) had a decent run in cinemas but over the years, it achieved cult status. It re-released this year and drew housefull crowds, surprising the industry and trade. During an interaction with Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day, Imtiaz spoke about it and also confessed that John Abraham was the original choice for the role of Jordan played by Ranbir Kapoor. Imtiaz Ali said, “There are certain things that don’t happen in life. So, you don’t know how it would be if it had happened. If John had done that film, would it have affected in some way as an actor or would he have taken a different route, we don’t know.” Imtiaz Ali was slammed for casting Nargis Fakhri in Rockstar. Imtiaz Ali revealed, “Nargis’ mother is from Prague but settled in America. She had gotten married to a man who was from a different nationality. Nargis, strangely, had never been to Prague or the Czech Republic. But through her mother, she had the passport of the Czech Republic.” He added, “She, for s

Vijay Raaz fired from Son of Sardaar 2 after alleged unprofessional behaviour, says Kumar Mangat Pathak

Pinkvilla exclusively reported earlier this week that Ajay Devgn and his team had assembled a large star-studded cast for the comedy caper Son of Sardaar 2, which has begun production in London. We informed our readers that Ravi Kishan, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Raaz, Chunkey Pandey, Vindu Dara Singh, Deepak Dobriyal, Mukul Dev, Ashwini Kalsekar, Kubbra Sait, and Sanjay Dutt will play key roles in the film. And now, in a startling turn of events, we have exclusively learned from the sets that the producers have decided to take a drastic step by pulling Vijay Raaz from the movie. According to insiders close to the project, Vijay Raaz has allegedly been harsh with the producers and crew of Son of Sardaar 2 on the set. We asked Kumar Mangat Pathak, who co-produced Son of Sardaar 2 with Ajay Devgn, for a reaction. The filmmaker said, “Yes, it’s true that we have removed Vijay Raaz from the film because of his behaviour on the sets. He demanded for bigger rooms, vanity van and also overcharged

Streaming: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and the best post-apocalyptic films

George Miller’s latest dystopian instalment follows a well-trodden end-of-the-world path, from the stark ruins of The Road to Pixar’s smartest film, WALL-E You have to hand it to George Miller’s Mad Max franchise, now five films in: it has kept the end of the world going for the better part of half a century. A big, busy, ornately designed prequel to 2015’s delirious series peak Mad Max: Fury Road , the new-to-streaming Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) isn’t exactly meant to be cosy or comforting. It takes place in the same scorched, uninhabitable desert wasteland as its predecessors, a landscape that essentially defined the idea of a post-apocalyptic Earth in the popular imagination. And yet it’s so familiar now as to feel almost nostalgic. Most of Furiosa ’s pleasures relate to the past rather than the future. Miller has assembled another driving, visually lavish, slam-bang adventure of rising to power in a hopeless place, but its iconography abounds in callbacks to previous entri