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Based on a real mass killing, this 16th-century tale of backstabbing and beheadings is a clunker with a laddish edge ‘A great deal of this actually happened,” reads the title card at the start of this action-packed historical epic. Possibly. But it’s unlikely that anyone actually said these words. Like an episode of Game of Thrones scripted by Guy Ritchie, there is a laddish finesse to the dialogue in this 16th-century tale of backstabbing and beheadings. “That sounds like a load of bollocks,” splutters the Danish king Christian II to an adviser in one scene. The actors are mostly Danes and Swedes speaking lines in English, plus a few Brits with a slight Scandi tinge to their accents. The film is based on real events: the mass killing of Swedish nobles in 1520, ordered by Danish king Christian II (Claes Bang). The script gives history a revisionist twist or two: namely by adding a pair of aristocratic Swedish sisters, beautiful Anne (Sophie Cookson) and skilled hunter Freja (Alba Aug...

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Shyam Benegal, Doordarshan has announced a special screening of the filmmaker’s iconic 1976 classic Manthan. The screening, which will feature the 4K restored version of the film, is scheduled for January 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. This screening marks a significant moment as Manthan is not only a cinematic gem but also a tribute to the man whose contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Restored Version of Manthan to Air on Doordarshan The restored 4K version of Manthan, a monumental film inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution, has been carefully preserved by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF). The restoration was showcased at the Cannes Classic section earlier in 2024. The process was made possible with support from the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (Amul), whose farmers funded the original production. The Film Heritage Foundation confirmed the screening date through a post on their offi...

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan is expanding his impressive property portfolio by purchasing two high-end properties in Andheri, Mumbai. With his rising success in the film industry, the actor is leveraging his increased financial standing to make strategic investments in both residential and commercial real estate. Details of the New Purchases According to a report by Mid-Day, Aaryan has been actively scouting properties with the assistance of veteran producer Anand Pandit. "Since a week, Pandit has been helping Kartik shop in Andheri for two properties—a high-end residential apartment and a commercial space of over 2,000 square feet," revealed the source. A Look at Kartik Aaryan’s Existing Properties The actor already owns several properties across Mumbai, solidifying his position not only in Bollywood but also in the real estate market. Notably, he owns two luxurious apartments in Juhu, each priced at over Rs 17.5 crore. One of these apartments is currently rented out at an...

A Mongolian family is forced to trade the splendour of the desert for the sprawl of the city in this exquisitely filmed documentary Like generations before them, Mongolian herders Davaa and Zaya lead a nomadic life in the Gobi desert, where they tend to their livestock; and life with their four children is a tough but contented one. Moving between the sweeping and the intimate, Gabrielle Brady’s hybrid film juxtaposes the vast splendour of the Mongolian landscape with moments of domestic warmth as the family huddle up together for a nap or a meal, filling the simple shed where they live with laughter. In one scene, the young children take turns telling scary stories of mythical happenings and deadly potions. Reality, however, has become much more frightening than fiction. As a result of the climate crisis, unprecedented natural disasters have wiped out countless herds, including Davaa and Zaya’s own. Left without their animals, the family reluctantly moves to the city for better oppo...

Actor who was catapulted to fame as one of the teen stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet in 1968 When Franco Zeffirelli ’s film version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was released in 1968, it made the two lead actors, Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, into instant stars. Hussey, who has died aged 73, later said that “while it brought me fame – for whatever that’s worth – and glamour, it also thrust me into a spotlight that, while intoxicating, was at times too bright and too revealing”. At the time of the filming in Italy of Romeo and Juliet, Whiting was 17 years old, Hussey 16 (in the 1936 Hollywood version, the lead actors were 43 and 34). Zeffirelli was determined that his star-crossed lovers be credible teenagers. In his autobiography, Zeffirelli remembered that he was not immediately impressed with Hussey, saying “she was unfortunately overweight, clumsy-looking and bit her nails constantly”. But later he took a second look, and found that “she was a new woman: she ...

Aman Gupta, co-founder of the audio brand boAt and a prominent judge on Shark Tank India, recently shared a candid account of his professional challenges with a celebrity brand ambassador. Speaking on a podcast alongside fellow Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal, Aman revealed how the actor's public image clashed starkly with his on-ground behavior. The conversation unfolded as part of promotions for the upcoming season of Shark Tank India, set to premiere on January 6. Discussing the duality in personalities, Aman said, “We had this actor as our brand ambassador. He was an extremely egotistical man. In the news, I had always heard good things about him. People only wrote that he is ‘sweet,’ ‘nice,’ ‘kind,’ and 'humble'... but his attitude was the extreme opposite when he worked with us. This experience taught me that people today have mastered the art of being humble." Netizens Suspect Kartik Aaryan or Diljit Dosanjh Aman's remarks quickly ignited speculation among n...

A devoted fan from Rajasthan marked Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's 59th birthday with an extraordinary gesture, distributing Being Human clothing worth Rs 6.35 lakhs to those in need. The charitable act coincided with the brand's special birthday discount campaign. Massive Distribution Drive Catches Social Media Attention A viral video captured the fan's generous initiative, showing the distribution of Being Human clothing packages. The brand, owned by Salman Khan, had already announced a 50% discount across all merchandise from December 25-27 to celebrate the star's birthday. "Bhai ka Budday hai, doston! Flat 50% OFF for every true-blue Salman fan – kyunki fandom ka asli swag Bhai ke saath hota hai!" read the official announcement from Being Human's website, encouraging fans to celebrate their idol's special day in style. Fan Community Responds with Warmth The gesture sparked positive reactions across social media platforms. "Jaisa Salman ...

The actor announced on social media that the ‘legal wedding’ was officiated by her sister Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Rebel Wilson has married wife, Ramona Agruma, for the second time in Sydney and this time it was legal. Wilson, the Australian actor and director, revealed the “legal wedding” was officiated by her sister on Sunday via Instagram , in a post accompanied by photos of the couple standing in front of the Sydney Opera House with the Harbour Bridge in the background. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/c9njtAb via IFTTT

Bigg Boss 18, known for its drama, went on to garner much attention recently during the eviction of Sara Arfeen Khan. The actress-host came under the radar when she allegedly pushed and pulled co-contestants during a task and when Karan Veer Mehra attempted to stop her, Khan turned the tables and accused him of hurting her, further threatening to sue Bigg Boss for this. During a certain ski board task, where contestants were supposed to compete on a racecourse, Sara Arfeen Khan was disqualified which further agitated her and she was seen pulling and pushing contestants off the ski board, causing chaos during the activity. In the process, while Chum Darang was about to get hurt, Karan Veer Mehra tried to stop it by pulling Sara away from there, that left Khan extremely angry. During the same, the actress-host fell down and she went on to accuse Karan of causing the fall. Later, when she was confronted by Vivian DSena about the same, Sara insisted that she was scared and alone during t...

From a Hitchcockian thriller to a shocking documentary, Guardian writers pick their lesser-known movies of the year I can’t really blame anyone for not seeing Drugstore June in theaters, considering that scattered, super-limited run lasted just a few weeks. (I caught it in a near-empty cinema, on a weekday-afternoon whim, the day after belatedly seeing the trailer online.) But now that it’s streaming on Hulu in the US, you can check out one of the least-discussed but funniest mainstream comedies in ages. Built around the standup persona of comedian Esther Povitsky, Drugstore June is very much a throwback to a time when any emerging comic figure might be awarded their own thinly conceived vehicle. It wasn’t a great trend – Drugstore June’s director, Nicholaus Goossen, made Grandma’s Boy, to cite one example among many – yet here, revived absent big-studio attention (or maybe just with extra love for the game), it produces an idiosyncratic townie detective comedy, with sheltered, self-c...

While fans eagerly awaited the release of teaser on Salman Khan’s birthday, the same was delayed by a day as a way of honoring former PM of India, Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday. However, despite the same, it couldnt get more special for his fans, who are excited to see their favourite Bhaijaan in a new avatar. On Saturday, the makers of his much-anticipated film Sikandar have released an 80-second teaser, igniting excitement across the nation. The teaser gives a glimpse of what promises to be a high-octane, thrilling cinematic experience. Teaser Sparks Major Excitement The teaser, launched on December 28, shows Salman Khan in his iconic style, setting the stage for an action-packed adventure. Fans are already sharing their excitement across social media platforms, with the hashtag #SikandarTeaser trending in no time. The snippet hints at the intensity and scale of the movie, leaving audiences eager for more details. Epic Collaboration Promises a Cinematic Spectacle Ea...

The much-awaited film Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, is having a disappointing run at the box office. It opened on Wednesday, December 25 at Rs. 11.25 crores, which was below expectations. Yet, there was hope that it would hold well the next day, which was also a working day. Shockingly, the number plummeted to Rs. 5.13 crores. On Friday, the numbers should have been the same or grown. Instead, the collections went further down. At this rate, its weekend collections would be under Rs. 30 crores and it won’t get the benefit of the holiday season and clean period until Republic Day. Realizing that the footfalls are not encouraging, theatres have already started replacing the shows of the film. An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “On Thursday, the film suffered a huge drop which made it clear for the exhibitors that it won’t even grow on Friday. As a result, cinemas across the country have reduced its showcasing. Meanwhile, the Hindi version of the Malayalam film Marco is gra...

Rohit Shetty has a history with cop films, and over the last 15 years, has delivered 5 successful films in the cop universe. While he is directing Golmaal 5 next, we hear that Rohit Shetty is all set to produce a film based on the life of real life hero Rakesh Maria. According to reliable sources, Rohit Shetty has a long term equation with the former Join Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Rakesh Maria and is making a biopic on his life to pay tribute to his heroics. "Rohit Shetty is fulfilling his long-term commitment of making a biopic on Rakesh Maria, who has been a pillar of support for Rohit through the research of all his cop universe film. The script is locked and Rohit is all set to take the film on floors in Summer 2025," a source told Bollywood Hungama. The film will be lead by John Abraham and the actor will be playing the titular role of Super Cop Rakesh Maria in the film. "John is charged up to collaborate with Rohit Shetty. This won't be a part of cop uni...

Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, has once again made headlines by sending actor Jacqueline Fernandez a Christmas gift—a 107-year-old vineyard in southern France. Sukesh expressed his affection and shared this grand gesture in a handwritten letter dated December 25, which has gone viral on social media. Sukesh’s Viral Christmas Letter Addressing Jacqueline as "baby girl," Sukesh began his letter by wishing her a Merry Christmas and lamenting their separation during their "favourite" festival. He wrote, "Being away from you does not stop me from playing your Santa Claus. I have a very special present for you this year, my love." Sukesh revealed the extravagant gift, saying, "Today, I am gifting you not a bottle of wine but an entire vineyard in the country of love 'France,' which you never even dreamed of." The conman went on to express his desire to explore the vineyard with Jacqueline in the future. ...

The director of the latest movie in the bloodsucker tradition explains why he went back to the Transylvanian source for his version of one of cinema’s enduring adaptations We are all drawn to archetypal stories. Fairytales, folktales, fables, myths: we tell them over and over again because they always have meaning in our lives. We can always see reflections of ourselves in Hansel and Gretel, Oedipus and King Lear. They can mean different things at different stages of our lives and be interpreted in different ways by individuals sitting in the same audience. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is among them. It one of the most influential novels of the turn of the last century and, along with the stories of Sherlock Holmes and Jesus Christ, among the most adapted works in cinema history. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/MXsi8Om via IFTTT

PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, is bringing back one of Bollywood’s most cherished films, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, to theatres on January 3, 2025 across 140 PVR INOX Cinemas in 46 cities. This iconic film, which broke box office records and won millions of hearts upon its release in 2013, is set to dazzle audiences once again, offering an unforgettable cinematic experience for fans old and new. The re-release follows the success of another Dharma Productions film, Kal Ho Naa Ho, which was re-released on November 15th, reaffirming the growing popularity of bringing beloved classics back to the big screen. These re-releases have become a defining strategy for PVR INOX, as they unite generations—introducing Gen Z and Gen Alpha to iconic stories while giving older audiences a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Hits like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Rockstar have further cemented the box office potential of this trend, making re-releases an integral part of contempo...

In a mark of respect to the late former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the makers of Salman Khan’s much-awaited film, Sikandar, have postponed the release of the teaser. The teaser, originally scheduled to be unveiled on December 27 at 11:07 AM—coinciding with Salman Khan’s birthday—will now release on December 28 at the same time. Official Announcement by the Makers The makers of Sikandar shared the update via social media. The statement read, “In light of the passing of our esteemed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji, we regret to announce that the release of the Sikandar teaser has been postponed to 28th December 11:07 AM. Our thoughts are with the nation during this time of mourning. Thank you for understanding. - #TeamSikandar.” The 80-second teaser, from the film directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is expected to showcase Salman Khan in a never-before-seen avatar. However, the decision to delay the release reflects the team's resp...

Fans of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise are in for a treat as the third installment, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on December 27. After a successful run in theatres, the much-anticipated horror-comedy promises to be the perfect family entertainer for the New Year, blending supernatural intrigue and comedic brilliance. Kartik Aaryan reprises his role as the beloved Rooh Baba, a character that became a sensation in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. This time, he is joined by Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, creating a powerhouse ensemble under the expert direction of Anees Bazmee. What to Expect from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 The film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride filled with mystery, laughter, and spine-chilling moments. With its signature mix of horror and comedy, the movie ensures there’s something for everyone. Kartik Aaryan’s return as Rooh Baba adds continuity to the franchise, while the addition of seasoned performers like Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixi...

The singer’s journey to the top is retold through archive clips and audio, efficiently albeit perhaps too straightforwardly The story of Madonna’s leap to stratospheric celebrity is breathlessly and efficiently retold in this documentary that uses only archive clips and existing audio interview material in the now accepted way. It tracks the period from her tough beginnings as a dancer in late 70s New York to the early 90s days of the Blonde Ambition tour and her once-controversial Mapplethorpe-type book of photos entitled Sex. It’s watchable enough, with some interesting things to say about Madonna’s instinctive knack for appropriating a gay aesthetic and repurposing it for her own heterosexual spectacle, and then repaying the debt by becoming an outspoken advocate for HIV/Aids research. Yet the film can also feel breezy and glib. There is no mention of Madonna’s appearances in movies such as Desperately Seeking Susan and Dick Tracy or indeed her appearance in David Mamet’s Speed-t...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand cinematic vision and compelling storytelling, is set to take audiences on a journey of passion and resilience with his upcoming magnum opus, Love And War. The film, already generating significant buzz, stars Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt in pivotal roles. Adding to the excitement, Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has joined the ensemble cast, while Deepika Padukone is set to make a cameo appearance, marking her continued association with the filmmaker. Orry, a socialite and budding actor, has bagged a significant role in the film. He will be portraying a homosexual character who shares a close bond with Alia Bhatt’s character, a cabaret dancer navigating the complexities of life and love during tumultuous times. Orry’s role is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the narrative, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and identity. This marks a bold and exciting move for Orry as he steps into the limelight und...

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has candidly addressed his insecurities about his height, revealing how it impacted him during the initial stages of his career. Standing at 5 feet, 5 inches, Aamir’s height was a source of concern for him when he entered the industry as a leading man in the late 1980s. The actor spoke about this during a conversation with Nana Patekar on Zee Music Company’s YouTube channel. Responding to a question about whether he had ever experienced an inferiority complex about his height, Aamir admitted, “Yes, I did. I used to feel that what if people don’t accept me because of my height. This was my fear. But later, I realised that all of this does not matter at all. But at that time, some kind of insecurity creeps in.” Battling Insecurities and Finding Confidence This is not the first time Aamir has spoken about his initial struggles with confidence. In 2012, while promoting his film Talaash, he recalled being called ‘tingu’ (a colloquial term for someone short) a...

The big Christmas entertainer, Baby John, was released today in cinemas. The film had generated excitement not just due to its mass element, Varun Dhawan’s casting and Atlee’s association but also because of Salman Khan’s cameo. Its glimpse was shown briefly in the trailer and it added to the excitement. It has come to light that the superstar’s special appearance is quite rocking and would be loved by fans. Salman Khan is lovingly called Bhai Jaan by fans and in Baby John, his character is named Agent Bhai Jaan! This tribute will surely be appreciated by his millions of admirers across the world. This is the second cameo by Salman Khan in less than two months. He was also seen in a special appearance Singham Again. However, his appearance in this multi-starrer Diwali release hardly lasted for a few seconds and hence, fans were dejected. But in Baby John, fans would have no complaints. He has enough screen space and he’s seen doing not just action but also comedy. ...

Horror drama about a marsupial in the frame for murder brings earnestness and maudlin backstory where none is needed It is a horror movie truth universally acknowledged that if your killer bounces after its victims, you’d best play it for laughs. But that is something mystifyingly lost on Ryan Coonan’s slasher flick, which appears to have transformed the hench kangaroo meme into a feature-length film. Sadly, Rippy is no antipodean Cocaine Bear; after traversing wastes of maudlin backstory, it waits until the final five minutes before finally delivering some tongue-in-cheek sauce courtesy of a famous marsupial catchphrase. Outback sheriff Maddie (Tess Haubrich) lives in the shadow of her late, toast-of-the-town cop father, who was also a high-school sports champion and war hero. (She saves us having to work this out by telling us off the bat in voiceover.) When his wild-eyed buddy Schmitty (Michael Biehn) wanders in babbling about a humongous homicidal joey, and two drunks wind up ch...

On Tuesday, Prime Video, in collaboration with Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), treated fans to a spectacular surprise on the occasion of Anil Kapoor’s birthday. They dropped a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Prime original movie, Subedaar. Featuring the dynamic actor, alongside popular actress Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter, Subedaar is helmed by the acclaimed director Suresh Triveni. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, this masala action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January. Coming to the first look, the short clip kicks off with gritty visuals, accompanied by an adrenaline-pumping Subedaar theme track that aims at captivating ...

While Bollywood experienced its own fair share of successes this year, the love that Pushpa 2 – The Rule garnered has been record-breaking. The film, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, was the most anticipated movies of the year considering the tremendous success of the prequel. Taking success, fame, and box office figures several notches higher, the second instalment has received love from across the country and now the renowned production house Yash Raj Films has cheered for the film’s success. YRF shares congratulatory note on social media In a rare moment, Yash Raj Films has showcased love and support towards production house Mythri Movie Makers and the movie Pushpa 2 – The Rule as the film has created history at the box office. Applauding the entire team including the cast and crew, YRF shared a heartfelt congratulatory note on social media that read, “Records are meant to be broken and new ones push everyone towards excellence. Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheR...

Actor filed sexual harassment complaint against director amid allegation he launched smear campaign against her Blake Lively is picking up broad support in her battle against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, days after the US actor filed a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint against him on Friday in what was rapidly becoming the most dynamic #MeToo event of the dying year. “Never change. Never wilt,” Colleen Hoover, author of the book that inspired and shares a title with the film, posted on Instagram. Hoover later added, “Blake’s ability to refuse to sit down and ‘be buried’ has been nothing short of inspiring.” Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/fUFEvz8 via IFTTT

Singer Sonu Nigam recently spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about his experience of singing ‘Mere Dholna 3.0’ for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan. The song, a reimagined version of the popular track from the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has generated significant buzz, and Nigam's contribution to the track has been a key highlight. The Preparation Behind the Song Nigam shared how he prepared for the challenging song. "I went very prepared. I knew the song was very tough," he said. "I sat at home, wrote down the entire sargam (musical scale), and made some corrections. I memorized the whole song and when I went to the mic, I just sang it in one go." However, what truly moved Nigam was the emotional response he received from his fans and listeners. The Emotional Impact of Success Speaking about the compliments he received after the song's release, Nigam became visibly emotional. "I became emotional when I received compliments from people,...

Film-maker Guido Hendrikx goes house-to-house in a Dutch suburb, ringing doorbells and then mutely filming – we see what people will say and do to fill the silence Dutch film-maker Guido Hendrikx has given us a funny but also somewhat slippery and disingenuous bit of pass-agg provocation, somewhere between documentary cinema and conceptual art. For just over an hour, we get his point-of-view as he troops about a bland Dutch suburb, ringing on people’s doorbells and just mutely filming them when they appear. We never see the cameraman himself. Some people are baffled, some bemused, some alarmed. Most, having waited in vain for to him to explain himself, are unwilling to be the first to make an aggressive or disapproving move, and certainly unwilling to be filmed doing so, so they are trapped into a kind of smiley stare-out contest. Some are very annoyed; one threatens to trash his camera and another appears to carry out the threat. The cops are called, but they don’t seem too bothered...

Anand Pandit was in the news last year at this time when he threw one of the biggest bashes in recent times on his 60th birthday, on December 21, 2023. This year, around on his birthday, he is once again in the limelight, this time over the star-studded IPO for his company, Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate. As per an article in The Times of India dated December 23, AKP Holdings, a private limited company that used to operates under the brand name Lotus Developers, has changed its name to Sri Lotus Developers & Real Estate. The article further started that on December 4, it made private placements of approx. Rs. 2.7 crore shares to 125 people, including Bollywood stars. It added that the company made this private placement at Rs. 150 per share and was able to mobilize about Rs. 407.60 crores. Reportedly, Amitabh Bachchan bought 6.70 lakh shares at Rs 10 crores. Shah Rukh Khan Family Trust meanwhile bought 6.75 lakh shares for Rs. 10.1 crores. As for Hrithik Roshan, he bought...

Since Thursday, there have been reports that Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s distributor Anil Thadani and Baby John’s distributor PVR Inox Pictures are having a tussle over show-sharing. Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that the advance booking of Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, is yet to open in several cinemas as PVR has asked for 60% of the shows for their film and 40% of shows for Pushpa 2 – The Rule. Reportedly, the distributor of Pushpa 2 and even some exhibitors have reservations about this arrangement. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Baby John’s producer Murad Khetani on Sunday evening (December 22) and he clarified these reports. He also assured that the advance booking for the film would begin across the country on Monday, December 23. Murad Khetani began by saying, “There’s no issue. MovieMax, Miraj, Mukta etc. have also opened advances. There were some little things that needed to be taken care of, regarding programming...

Her debut at two catapulted the actress to child stardom, while taking the lead in The Great turned her into a household name. Ahead of the much-anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, she discusses subverting expectations, escaping her princess vibe – and why she could have been a tennis pro ‘Technically, I did my first film when I was two,” says Elle Fanning, which, at 26, makes her a youthful old-timer, already more than two decades into a hugely successful acting career. The cliché of the child star is that they will, inevitably, go off the rails at some point, unable to cope with a demanding adult-oriented entertainment business that places its leading lights on a distant and unreachable pedestal, leaving them with no concept of real life and no solid framework to prop them up. But there are other, less headline-worthy outcomes for performers who have been at it for their whole lives. Some child stars, particularly those who seem to be thriving, may be more like professional athletes, sing...

AP Dhillon, currently on his India tour, addressed the audience during his Chandigarh performance and made a surprising revelation about fellow singer Diljit Dosanjh. Dhillon thanked Diljit for a recent shout-out but added a twist, stating in Punjabi, “First unblock me on Instagram and then talk to me. I don’t want to talk about what marketing is happening, but first unblock me. I've been working for three years. Have you ever seen me in any controversy?” The comment referred to Diljit’s acknowledgment of AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla during his Indore concert, where he had said, “Mere aur do bhaiyon ne tour shuru kiya hai Karan Aujla aur AP Dhillon nein, unke liye bhi best of luck (Two of my brothers, Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, have started their tour; best of luck to them, too).”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Abhimanyu Jhingan (@abhimanyujhingan) Diljit’s Response: “Mere Pange Sarkaaran Naal” Diljit Dosanjh wasted no time addressing AP Dhillon’s remarks...

The film-maker’s latest is a three and-a-half-hour epic about the building of a modernist masterpiece, and the toll its creation takes on its architect. The film’s making was almost as gruelling. ‘People told me I’d never make another movie’, Corbet says The Brutalist is a big, muscular American epic that pits the individual against the machine; the artist against the cogs and wheels of commerce. It spins the tale of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born architect who’s beset on all sides, by capricious patrons, unreliable partners, mutinous contractors and an outraged general public. László is determined to make his masterpiece. His wife, though, is spooked by the psychological cost. “Promise you won’t let it drive you mad,” she says. Architecture isn’t so different from independent film-making, says the film’s writer-director, Brady Corbet. It follows the same basic principles, throws up the same problems and provides similar levels of agony and ecstasy, and always more of the former. Corb...

Actress and television host Gauahar Khan has added a luxurious new ride to her collection. The former Bigg Boss winner purchased a brand-new white Mercedes-Benz C-Coupe, worth nearly Rs 1 crore, and celebrated the milestone with her family. Gauahar Khan’s family joined in to welcome the swanky addition to their lives. Photos of Gauahar, her husband Zaid Darbar, and their son posing with the car have been circulating online. In one heartwarming moment, Gauahar was seen cutting a cake to mark the special occasion. Another picture captured her inside the vehicle with her son, beaming with joy. The official Instagram account of the luxury car brand also shared the news, writing, “Glamour meets luxury as Gauahar Khan drives home in her stunning Mercedes-Benz E-Class! Here's to endless journeys in elegance, comfort, and style. Congratulations, Gauahar."   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mercedes-Benz Auto Hangar India Pvt Ltd (@autohangar) Gauahar Khan took to I...

Readers may recall that Shemaroo Entertainment and producer Sarita Ashwin Varde recently announced the sequel of Bhagam Bhag. Many reports speculated that the OG trio, Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Govinda, will be returning. However, it’s time for the reality check! Interestingly, Govinda has denied being offered the sequel of 2006 film. Govinda REACTS to reports of doing Bhagam Bhag 2 A report by Mid-Day quoted the actor saying, “Nobody has approached me for Bhagam Bhag 2, or sat down for a discussion. There are stories of me doing not just Bhagam Bhag 2, but many other sequels, including Partner.” When asked if offered, would he join the star cast of the sequel, the veteran actor said, “I know sequels are popular today, but one should not go by beliefs, suggestions and popularity. If I do a project, I must discuss it in its entirety—from the remuneration to the script, my character and the director.” Bhagam Bhag 2 Announced For the unversed, the rights for the sequel were recentl...

The last big Bollywood film of 2024, Baby John, will be released in a few days and it has managed to generate excitement due to the casting, mass appeal and association of Atlee. The makers managed to complete the censor process in time and Bollywood Hungama, in this exclusive article, will focus on its cut list. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded Baby John a U/A certificate. However, the Examining Committee (EC) asked for certain modifications. The duration of the opening disclaimer was increased and the makers were asked to add a line, 'The title of the film, Baby John, bears no connection or resemblance to any political figure or entity'. Then, a voiceover and text were added stating that the performance of the child artists has been as per the existing guidelines. A consent letter was also submitted to the CBFC. The EC censored two dialogues in the film. At one place, 'Phule' was muted in a dialogue which referred to Mahatma Jyotiba Phu...

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported the viral news about the show-sharing issues between Anil Thadani’s AA Films, the distributors of Pushpa 2 – The Rule and PVR Inox Pictures, who are releasing Baby John in cinemas this Christmas. The meeting between the two parties went on for a long time yesterday, that is, Thursday, December 19. A little after midnight, the issue was finally resolved, for now. Last night, it seemed like Pushpa 2 – The Rule will be discontinued from the properties of PVR and Inox. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Both parties have decided to take a pause. The issues aren’t solved but nevertheless, Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s advance booking for the third weekend was opened after midnight. However, the multiplexes can sell tickets for the film only until Sunday, December 22. It is yet to be seen how the showcasing plays out for Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24, and of course, once Baby John releases on Wednesday, December 25.” Another source told us, “Many...

Veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has officially confirmed that the much-awaited sequels to his iconic films 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai are currently in the works. While promoting his latest release Zero Se Start, Chopra shed light on the development status of these films and provided insights into his creative approach. Writing Underway for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 Speaking in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Chopra revealed that he is dedicating significant time to crafting the scripts for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. “I am writing both 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. On top of that, I am trying to make a film for kids. The film’s title hasn’t been decided yet. I am also writing a horror comedy, and it is very interesting. First, we will write for 1-2 years, and then it should be made. I think the possibility of 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 is there soon,” Chopra stated. A Commitment to Quality Over Quick Gains Chopra’s approach to filmmaking is deeply rooted in his commitment to delivering...

Yesterday, Sajid Nadiadwala gave an interesting update about his film with Vishal Bhardwaj, which became a major talking point. Their next film, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, will go on floors on January 6, 2025, and will release on December 5 the next year. The announcement also revealed that the film also stars Nana Patekar and Randeep Hooda. Bollywood Hungama has now learned of another aspect of the film. A source told us, “The first schedule of the film will take place in Ballard Pier in South Mumbai. The makers have constructed a huge set for the film where some major key scenes will be shot. The team of the film plans to shoot here for around 20-25 days. All the main actors of the film will be a part of this schedule.” The source continued, “Mustafa Stationwala, who created the sets of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Hindi Medium (2017), Airlift (2016), etc. is the production designer on this film. Sajid Nadiadwala has gone all out, like always, in ensuring that the set ...

Godrej Professional, a leading professional hair brand offering hair colour and hair care from the house of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), announced Bollywood star Sharvari as its first-ever brand ambassador. The reveal took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists on a national stage. Known for her standout performances in films like Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa, Sharvari perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashion-forward persona and values align seamlessly with Godrej Professional, making her the ideal face of the brand. Sharvari dazzled as the showstopper unveiling 2025’s trending hair colour and styling looks in a stunning showcase which was curated by Godrej Professional's dynamic trio: Yianni Tsapatori, Creative Director – Hair; Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head; and Najeeb-Ur-Rehman, Technical Ambassador. Commenting on the development, Abhinav Grandhi, General...

Our favourite animated heroes return, facing arch nemesis Feathers McGraw alongside a malfunctioning AI gnome – it’s an exciting and utterly timeless joy Forget Tom Cruise riding his motorbike off a cliff in Mission: Impossible. Wallace and Gromit are on a comfy narrowboat teetering on the edge of the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, having defiantly chucked a bunch of boots at the villain … weapons which, gloriously, have the sole purpose of facilitating a gag about something getting “rebooted”. Nick Park’s immortal creations return in the first Wallace and Gromit adventure for 16 years, a stop-motion animated sequel to the 1993 Oscar-winning short The Wrong Trousers . It’s exciting, ingenious, funny and an unmissable Christmas treat. Our human and canine heroes are, as ever, inventors, cheese enthusiasts and warriors in the cause of righteousness and their new confrontation with wickedness involves references to Eric Morecambe, Buster Keaton and the Flintstones – but also to Virginia Woolf a...

Shahid Kapoor and acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj are set to reunite for an action-packed entertainer. The much-anticipated film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, has been scheduled to release on December 5, 2025. Filming for the untitled project is set to commence on January 6, 2025, promising to be a cinematic treat for audiences. Shahid Kapoor Hints at a New Role Ahead of the official announcement, Shahid Kapoor shared an intriguing Instagram story, dropping hints about his upcoming role. “Prep time ... Naya saal naya maal ..... Next character next film what can I do that I haven't before ....... lost in the woods.... Sliding into the edgy nasty gangster 90s,” he wrote. Shahid’s last role in Bloody Daddy showcased his dark, intense side, and fans are eager to see how he reinvents himself in this new project. A Power-Packed Collaboration The film marks a reunion for Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, who previously delivered critically...

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has reacted to actress Sonakshi Sinha’s recent remarks criticizing his comments about her upbringing. The debate stems from Khanna’s criticism of Sonakshi’s inability to answer a Ramayana-related question on Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 (KBC 11) in 2019. Mukesh Khanna Clarifies Intent In a statement, Khanna stated he was “surprised” it took Sonakshi nearly four years to respond to his comments. “I knew I was antagonising her by taking her name from that incident,” Khanna admitted, adding, “But I had no malicious intention to malign her or her father, who is my senior, and I have a very cordial relationship with him.” Khanna further clarified that his remarks were meant as a general observation about today’s youth, whom he believes are overly reliant on Google and Wikipedia. "We have a huge and vast knowledge preserved in our culture, Sanskriti and history which every youth of today should know. And not only know but also feel proud about it. That’s all,...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday. While global favorites such as Emilia Perez and From Ground Zero secured spots, India’s official entry, Laapataa Ladies, was conspicuously absent. The exclusion of the Aamir Khan-produced Hindi film, directed by Kiran Rao, has reignited debates on India’s Oscars strategy. Backlash Over Film Federation of India’s Selection The decision to send Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry had sparked controversy earlier this year, with many arguing that Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light was a stronger contender. Following the failure of Laapataa Ladies to make the shortlist, criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI) has intensified. One social media user expressed frustration, writing, "FFI snubbed AWIAL, destroying our chances to be on the list. The Film Federation of India requires a full revam...

Acclaimed documentarian plans documentary on murder of Brian Thompson and larger conversations it has inspired Alex Gibney and Anonymous Content are planning a documentary project on the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson , and the larger public conversation about health insurance companies that the crime inspired. The prolific film-maker’s company, Jigsaw Productions, will partner with Anonymous Content on the as yet untitled project about the dominant US news story of the month, since Thompson was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan on his way to an investor conference on 4 December. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/JeCQvSF via IFTTT

Bollywood power couple Sanjay Dutt and Maanayata Dutt have ventured into the culinary world with the launch of their venture, Dutt’s Franktea, in Dubai. Maanayata is renowned for her culinary skills, while Sanjay shares a deep passion for food and is an expressive foodie who likes to explore cuisine all over the globe. What better way to turn this love for food into a business? When love for cooking meets the joy of eating, it becomes more than just a venture—it's a passion transformed into perfection, with results that are consistently outstanding! This exciting new venture combines international flavors, promising to deliver delicious rolls right to your doorstep. To celebrate the launch, Maanayata Dutt shared a video on Instagram, featuring Sanjay Dutt himself preparing a mouthwatering roll with culinary skills. The video was accompanied by a caption that perfectly captures the essence of Dutt’s Franktea: "Bringing to you, our favourite in-house recipes… curated tastefully...