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Serkan Nihat’s story follows a group of Turkish fugitives, but it bites off rather more than it can chew The cinematic response to populism and incipient fascism worldwide over the last decade hasn’t fully mobilised – but this broadside on the authoritarian leanings of Erdoğan’s Turkey doesn’t pull its punches. (Unsurprisingly, it’s produced by a UK-based team.) It’s a shame then that, lambasting the effects on education, policing, freedom of expression and the demonisation of minorities, director Serkan Nihat is wedded to a hectoring, didactic method that dulls the audience’s engagement, instead of firing us up. Nihat opts for the fragmented, multi-character narrative beloved of big-picture global film-makers in the 00s (think 21 Grams or Babel). Academic Hakan (Denis Ostier) becomes a fugitive after his pro-democracy lecture is invaded by regime goons. Hakan is later assaulted by vengeful cop Yilmaz (Murat Zeynilli), his one-time school bully, and then hooks up with another policem...

One of the most or arguably the most awaited films of Indian cinema, Ramayana, is more than a year away from release. However, the excitement is tremendous for it as it will tell a story that resonates deeply with Indians. Moreover, its casting has also grabbed eyeballs and further enhanced curiosity. Since a long time, there have been reports that the teaser will be released. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the unveiling of the promo is finally happening in just a few days. The announcement promo will be launched with great fanfare on Thursday, July 3, at a multiplex in central Mumbai. As per the message sent by the publicity team to the media, the makers plan to exclusively unveil ‘Ramayana: The Introduction, the first official glimpse into the world of Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana, a landmark cinematic event that sets the stage for one of the biggest films ever made’. However, there has been no information on whether the team and cast of the film will be present at this significant...

A careworn husband is accused of murdering his wife in a story inspired by a real life case that dispenses with the genre’s familiar brutality Here is a fictionalised true crime drama, but one that is more stately and sedate than the garish procedural brutality of regular true crime. There is one gruesome crime-scene photo, but otherwise this could really have been based on something by Ruth Rendell. It is co-written and directed by its star Daniel Auteuil and the original French title is Le Fil (The Thread), after an incriminating thread of material found on the corpse – or perhaps it means the thread of logic behind a legal argument, the loose thread which, if pulled sufficiently, might cause the whole thing to collapse. The action is based on a case recounted by Jean-Yves Moyart , a criminal defence lawyer, who blogged under the name “Maître Mô” and who died in 2021. Grégory Gadebois plays Nicolas Milik (“Ahmed” in Moyart’s blog), a devoted, careworn husband to his alcoholic wife ...

Riteish Deshmukh’s portrayal of Sania in Apna Sapna Money Money, where he cross-dressed and adopted the persona of a woman, remains one of his most iconic comic roles. And now, it seems the actor is all set to revisit this memorable character in an upcoming film backed by veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai. On June 30, Ghai took to his social media handle to share a still of Riteish in his female avatar from the 2006 comedy. Alongside the image, he wrote, “She is our next heroine in our forthcoming film under Mukta Arts.” He further described him as “a classic beauty.” While the filmmaker has not disclosed additional details about the project, the post has already generated excitement among fans. It’s worth noting that Apna Sapna Money Money isn’t the only film in which Riteish has played a female character. He also took on similar disguises in Humshakals, a Sajid Khan directorial co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Ram Kapoor. SHE IS OUR NEXT HEROINE IN OUR FORTHCOMING FILM UNDER MUKTA ARTS ...

Despite their debut projects receiving lukewarm responses, star kids Rasha Thadani and Ibrahim Ali Khan continue to enjoy significant popularity on social media. Now, there’s an exciting update for their fans—if reports are to be believed, the two are all set to share screen space for the first time in an upcoming film. According to a report by Mid-Day, a source close to the production revealed, “Ibrahim and Rasha have been doing reading sessions and workshops. The makers were clear that they didn’t want just a glamorous pair, but two actors who could tap into the awkward, exhilarating energy of first love. Rasha and Ibrahim clicked from their very first meeting.” The source further added, “While he debuted with a rom-com, Ibrahim will be seen in intense roles in Sarzameen and Diler, the latter featuring him as a marathoner. After those two outings, this film—with its coming-of-age arc—will showcase a softer and more relatable side of him.” If confirmed, this project would mark Ibrah...

Exclusive: Directors of To Kill a War Machine take legal advice as Home Office plans to proscribe protest group The makers of an award-winning documentary about Palestine Action say they fear they will be criminalised if they continue distributing the work after the group is banned under anti-terror laws. The online release of To Kill a War Machine was brought forward to this week after it emerged that the Home Office was going to proscribe the protest group, which takes direct action against Israeli arms companies in the UK. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/HmaYpqL via IFTTT

The latest release, Maa, has managed to put up impressive numbers in its first two days, thanks to the casting of Kajol, the horror genre, and positive word of mouth. However, the makers are unhappy with the release strategy and distribution of the film. A source close to the film told Bollywood Hungama, “Maa has released in around 1500 screens and ideally, a film like this should have got a screen count of around 2000. After all, it has the association of Ajay Devgn and Kajol and moreover, it is a horror film, which is the flavour of the season. Sadly, that didn’t happen and also it was noticed by the makers that the shows weren’t properly allotted across cinemas. Though it’s a horror film, it also appeals to the family as evident by its title and the U/A rating. Hence, it should have got prominent showcasing in the afternoon and evening and also overall more shows but in many places, that hasn’t happened.” The source continued, “As a result, the makers are displeased with the arran...

The acclaimed filmmaker Ritesh Batra’s is set to return to the director’s chair, six years after his last release, Photograph (2019), which starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra. As per a report in Mid-Day, Batra is gearing up to begin production on a new romantic drama—staying true to the gentle, emotional storytelling that has become his hallmark over the past 12 years. The project is expected to go on floors in September. “Ritesh spent a considerable time writing this big romance. The film is in final prep mode,” an insider revealed to the publication. Known for delivering heartfelt Indian romantic dramas like The Lunchbox (2013) and Photograph (2019), as well as international narratives such as Our Souls at Night (2017) and The Sense of an Ending (2017), Batra is now set to bring a cross-cultural love story to life. “It’s a mature romance between an Indian man and a foreigner. It’s the kind of sensitive drama about love and loss that Ritesh has come to be known for,” a s...

The unprecedented success of Stree, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, laid the foundation for Maddock Films to build its own horror-comedy universe. This cinematic world already features popular names like Pankaj Tripathi, Akshay Kumar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Ayushmann Khurrana. Now, the latest buzz suggests that Ranveer Singh may also be joining this growing universe. According to a report by Mid-Day, a source close to the production revealed, “Ranveer has been in conversations with Dinesh for a while. He was at the Maddock office last week. The makers wanted a fresh energy to drive the next chapter, and Ranveer is keen to explore the genre. The paperwork is likely to be completed soon.” The source further added, “The idea is to create an Avengers-style culmination down the road. They are discussing dates, as Ranveer will soon wrap up Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. He has also allotted dates for Don 3. This project is expected to go on floors in early 2026.” As of now, neither ...

Actress Ileana D’Cruz may appear less frequently on the big screen these days and rarely gives interviews. Still, she continues to keep her fans updated about her personal life, be it her pregnancy journey or the challenges of motherhood. On June 28, the actress shared yet another heartwarming update: the birth of her second child, a baby boy, with husband Michael Dolan. For those unaware, Ileana and Michael tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2023 and welcomed their first child, Koa Phoenix Dolan, in August of the same year. Taking to Instagram, Ileana shared an adorable monochrome photograph showing the newborn sleeping peacefully. Along with the picture, she wrote, “Our hearts are so full.” The image also revealed the name and birthdate of their second child, Keanu Rafe Dolan, born on June 19, 2025. Thousands of her fans took to the comments section to congratulate the actress. Among them was her Barfi! co-star Priyanka Chopra, who commented, “Congratulations beautiful.” ...

Shefali Jariwala, best known for her appearance in the iconic music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42. According to news agency ANI, "Mumbai Police received information about this at 1 a.m. Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of death is not yet clear." However, the All Indian Cine Workers Association has claimed that Shefali Jariwala died due to a heart attack. Fans will have to wait for an official confirmation from the authorities or her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.#RIPShefaliJariwala #GoneTooSoon #RestInPeace… pic.twitter.com/ZUnI3WlETr — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) June 28, 2025 For those unfamiliar, Shefali rose to fame with her dance performance in '...

Vidya Balan has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Welspun, a leading name in home textiles. The collaboration marks a significant moment for the brand as it sets out to expand its presence across Indian households with a fresh and relatable face at the forefront. As part of this high-impact partnership, Vidya will feature in Welspun’s upcoming 360-degree marketing campaign, aimed at highlighting the brand’s core promises—durability, comfort, innovation, and daily relevance across its extensive home textile range. The campaign will include brand films and promotional content designed to connect with consumers across both urban and rural India. Speaking about the association, Saumil Mehta, president & business head of domestic home textile at Welspun Global Brands, said, “Welspun’s vision of ‘Har Ghar Welspun’ is about making trusted quality accessible to every Indian home. As millions of consumers move from unbranded to branded choices, we see a powerful opportunity t...

The mythological-horror film Maa was released today, June 27, and it has caught attention due to the genre, trailer, concept and association of Kajol. The film begins with the mention of Sujoy Ghosh and his director-daughter Diya Annapurna Ghosh under ‘Special Thanks’. It's sure to make a lot of people curious about the same as Sujoy is not associated with the project in any capacity. This writer, too, was very curious and reached out exclusively to Sujoy Ghosh to understand the reason behind his and Diya’s mention. Sujoy, who is currently in London, explained, “My daughter Diya held the rights to the title ‘Maa’. She wanted to make a film with that title. One day, Ajay called me and expressed the desire to have the title for his film. I asked Diya about it. She agreed to part with the title. Her script is still under development and it’ll take time before her film can go on floors. On the other hand, Ajay and his team were all set to roll. Hence, we decided to live and let l...

The annual list of creatives invited to join the Academy also includes Andrew Scott, Gillian Anderson, Mikey Madison and Jason Momoa Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Ariana Grande are among the names invited to join the film Academy in this year’s just announced list. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended the invite to 534 names this year, up from last year’s total of 487. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/AtCj8SM via IFTTT

Yash Raj Films (YRF), the powerhouse behind India’s most successful film franchises, has officially announced the global IMAX release of its highly anticipated action blockbuster War 2. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film will hit IMAX theatres across North America, the Middle East, the UK & Europe, Australasia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, simultaneously with its domestic release in India on August 14, 2025. Marking the 50-day countdown to release, YRF also dropped visually striking new posters featuring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani, turning up the excitement for what promises to be the most thrilling chapter yet in the YRF Spy Universe. War 2: Taking the YRF Spy Universe Global Building on the massive success of films like Pathaan, Tiger 3, and the original War, War 2 is poised to become a global action spectacle. The franchise’s last major hit, Pathaan, ranked among the top-grossing IMAX releases in Indian cinema history—raising expectations sky-high for its next i...

The Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 director – and ‘die-hard Bond fan’ – will helm next movie in the spy franchise with Amazon MGM Studios Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. The Oscar-nominated Canadian film-maker most recently directed the hugely successful blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two , as well as Arrival, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049 and Prisoners. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/lSioBEt via IFTTT

Oscar-winning writer returns to subject of his 2010 hit for follow-up based on Wall Street Journal series on Facebook Aaron Sorkin is officially working on a sequel to The Social Network . Last year, the Oscar-winning writer revealed he was working on a film that would revisit the subject of Facebook, and Deadline has now reported that The Social Network Part II is in development at Sony Pictures yet isn’t a “straight sequel”. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/qZUiozn via IFTTT

The Normal People and Twisters star will play Elinor in a new version of the Jane Austen classic Daisy Edgar-Jones is set to lead a new big-screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. The actor, who broke out in the hit miniseries Normal People, will play Elinor in a movie based on the first novel from the author whose 250th birthday is being celebrated by a number of events this year. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/DMebnIi via IFTTT

Emraan Hashmi, who was diagnosed with dengue on May 28 while filming his upcoming pan-Indian film They Call Him OG, has recovered and is back on set. He has resumed shooting in Mumbai. Emraan Hashmi shared, “I am back in action, and it feels good! I took some time off to recover from dengue, but now I am fully recovered and back on set. A big thank you to everyone for all the love and thoughtful messages! I am excited to get back to the hustle and bring something exciting to the screen soon.” It is worth mentioning here that Bollywood Hungama was the first publication to report on Emraan's health. A well-placed industry source told us, "Emraan Hashmi was shooting for OG in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai. That’s where he contracted the disease. He was not feeling well and had dengue-like symptoms. On the recommendation of the doctors, he got his tests done. The test confirmed that he is suffering from dengue." Speaking of the project, OG will mark Emraan Hashmi’s debut ...

Cricket and cinema hold a special place in the hearts of Indians, and when the two worlds collide, the excitement among fans is palpable. After successful biopics on Indian cricketers like MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, audiences have been eagerly awaiting the Sourav Ganguly biopic. Now, it appears the wait is finally over. In a recent conversation with NDTV, Rajkummar Rao officially confirmed that he will be playing the role of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly in the much-anticipated biopic. “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official — yes, I am playing him in his biopic,” Rao said. “I am nervous... It's a huge responsibility, but it's going to be a lot of fun,” he added. Speculations around the casting had been circulating for a while, with names like Ranbir Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana also being considered. However, Ganguly himself seemed to have endorsed Rao recently, giving a strong indication of the actor’s selection. Just a few days ago, in an int...

After a fantastic last week for Bollywood thanks to the Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, the trade and industry now gears up for another exciting film, Maa. The trailer of the film caught attention due to the casting of Kajol, the horror genre, and the subject. The only concern was that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) might ask for several cuts and even after doing so, they might award an ‘A’ certificate to the film. But with this film, the CBFC has given a pleasant surprise to one and all. As per the cut list, the CBFC has passed the film without a single audio or visual cut. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With CBFC, one can never know. In Sitaare Zameen Par, the members asked for Michael Jackson to be replaced by ‘lovebirds’ and ‘Business Woman’ was changed to ‘Business Person’. That and the insistence on adding a quote from the Prime Minister led to a storm. Hence, the fear was that when a clean film like Sitaare Zameen Par gets such cuts, what would happen ...

After the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian film industry is treading cautiously, distancing itself from collaborations with Pakistani artists. The first major casualty was Abir Gulaal, which was set to mark Fawad Khan’s much-awaited Bollywood comeback alongside Vaani Kapoor. The film was shelved just days before its release. Another film under scrutiny is Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh. Speculation around Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s casting in the project was confirmed when the trailer dropped on June 23. In the same announcement, the makers clarified that the film would release exclusively overseas. However, the move sparked widespread backlash online. Several netizens criticised both Diljit and the producers for casting a Pakistani actress amid heightened tensions between the two nations, especially following Hania Aamir’s condemnation of India’s counter-operation, Operation Sindoor. Now, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a...

Lucian Pintilie’s grimly ironic 1968 film is based on real events, in which delinquents are forced to act out their brawl in front of government cameras Lucian Pintilie’s Romanian film from 1968 is a bizarre and wayward political satire that at first involves just a handful of people – and finally unveils a dreamlike crowd scene with hundreds of non-professionals swarming across the screen, their expressions of incomprehension and incredulity pressed into service for fiction. Yet the whole thing is stranger than fiction – more metaphorical, more metatextual than fiction – and, of course, taken from real life. Pintilie co-wrote the screenplay with Romanian author Horia Patrascu, based on Patrascu’s novel about an extraordinary event that took place in the early 1960s. Two drunken, hapless youths were caught brawling at a riverside cafe and were made to re-enact the event in detail for a solemn instructional film produced by the communist party authorities to be shown in schools, offic...

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has officially rejoined Prayag India, a leading manufacturer of sanitaryware and plumbing solutions, as its brand ambassador, marking a renewed collaboration that draws on shared values of strength, integrity, and trust. This announcement comes with the launch of a fresh campaign, "Prayag Ghar Banaye Shaandar," which aims to strengthen Prayag’s emotional connect with Indian households while reaffirming its commitment to quality and innovation. Devgn, known for his commanding presence and rooted performances, previously represented Prayag in the popular "Prayag Quality Bemisal – Likh Ke Le Lo" campaign—a marketing success that went beyond the screen to become a colloquial phrase among consumers. The brand now looks to build on that legacy with a campaign that emphasizes the role of durable, trustworthy products in shaping modern Indian homes. Nitin Aggarwal, CEO of Prayag India, expressed pride in having Devgn back on board. “His authent...

The stage is set for Kannappa, Vishnu Manchu’s long-awaited mythological epic, as advance bookings officially open today in North America and on June 25 in India. Slated to hit theatres worldwide on Friday, June 27, the film is poised for one of the biggest ever global openings for a Telugu-language film — and possibly the first devotional drama to aim for a ₹100-crore day-one gross. Boasting a massive rollout on 5,400+ screens globally, Kannappa is being touted as a pan-India spiritual spectacle with international appeal. The film will screen in over 4,300 locations across India, including all major premium formats, and over 1,100 locations overseas, with the U.S. hosting 200+ premiere shows — a record-breaking number for a devotional Telugu film. “Our aim is to bring Bhakta Kannappa’s devotion to every home,” says lead actor-producer Vishnu Manchu. “If audiences feel the love we poured in, the numbers will follow.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vishnu ...

In an endearingly whimsical road trip documentary, Floriane Devigne takes calls from her interview subjects in the last remaining phone boxes dotted across rural France The humble telephone box, a souvenir from the days of analogue, can also be an intriguing cinematic locus. Floriane Devigne’s road trip documentary begins with such a relic: the last public phone booth in Paris, which also appears in Jacques Rivette’s mesmerising 1981 film Le Pont du Nord. Unlike their Instagrammable British counterparts, French phone boxes are usually painted in a demure grey and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. As it moves from the capital city to more remote areas, Devigne’s film observes the vanishing of a formerly essential utility as her cross-country odyssey sparkles with an endearing whimsicality. Instead of using talking heads, Devigne ducks into various phone boxes scattered across France, as she takes calls from her interview subjects. Stories of love and longing fill these unassum...

Co-owner of west London studios tells of dunking Victoria Beckham, industry upheavals and 25-year labour of love The first time film-maker Barnaby Thompson visited Ealing Studios it was to shoot Victoria Beckham, who at the time was better known globally as Posh Spice , being unceremoniously plunged underwater. “It was 1997, we were making Spice World and there was a sequence where Posh Spice got thrown into the Thames,” says Thompson, whose film credits include Wayne’s World, the remake of St Trinian’s and an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. “We have a tank at Ealing so we shot Posh being thrown into the tank. It was the first time I had been on that hallowed ground.” Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/rsEzjnB via IFTTT

The trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 has stirred headlines after headlines with its unexpected casting and release strategy. Released on social media by Diljit Dosanjh, the two-minute glimpse confirms that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir plays a prominent role alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa, reprising her character as a ghost hunter in the UK-set horror-comedy. However, the trailer reveals a notable rift in distribution plans: the film is set to skip theatrical release in India and will premiere only in overseas markets starting June 27. When fans in India attempt to view the trailer on YouTube, they encounter a geo-block message notifying them of its restricted availability. The decision follows mounting political tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s retaliatory “Operation Sindoor.” Industry bodies like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had urged the CBFC to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3, citing concerns over Pakistani actors' ...

She made her name in Lena Dunham’s landmark series, then starred in Get Out. As she returns in M3gan 2.0, the sequel to the hit horror about a murderous AI doll, she talks about parenting in an age of smartphones, Botox and her famous father If you had wandered the set of the film M3gan 2.0 last year, chances are you would have stumbled into M3gan, the terrifying humanoid doll, staring lifelessly while she waited to be called for her next scene. Sometimes she would stand in the corner of the soundstage, says Allison Williams with a nervy laugh. “The dilemma is: do you turn her around so she’s facing the wall, or do you let her face the room? Both answers are wrong.” In the sequel to the sci-fi horror M3gan, Williams resumes her role as Gemma, a roboticist who has become a crusader against rampant and reckless AI development after her creation – developed for her orphaned niece – became murderous. (She is also a producer on the second film.) Continue reading... from Film | The Guar...

In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan made a major impact at the box office with three consecutive blockbusters — Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. Now, anticipation is building around his upcoming film titled King. While Saurabh Shukla had earlier confirmed his role in the project, actor Jaideep Ahlawat has also revealed in an interview with Lallantop that he is part of the film. Jaideep Ahlawat confirmed his involvement in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King and shared how he became part of the project. He recalled, “SRK sir kaafi time se soch rahe the iss cheez ko, jaisa mujhe pata laga hai, but Siddharth Anand bhai thoda hichak rahe honge ki chota part hai to offer after Jewel Thief. But Khan saab being Khan saab, he said I’ll talk to him. Ab unki baat kaun nakarega (SRK sir had been thinking about this for quite some time, as far as I know. But Siddharth (Anand) bhai was a bit hesitant to offer it since it was a small role after Jewel Thief. But Khan saab being Khan saab, he said, ‘I’ll talk to him.’...

He’s had supporting roles in almost every big TV show of the past few years, but now the man nicknamed Ideal Actor is taking the lead on stage, playing a top politician. He talks about challenging perceptions, being detained by the FBI and ‘redefining the idea of the everyman’ A decade ago, it would have been rare to have an Asian actor playing the British prime minister or leader of the opposition. But in the space of a couple of years, Adeel Akhtar has done both. He was the PM in the Netflix drama Black Doves , which took the world by storm last year, and now he’s stepping into the shoes of a man vying to be leader of the opposition at London’s National Theatre. For Akhtar, who has been working as an actor for more than two decades, there has been an undeniable shift in the kind of roles he’s been offered in recent years. The British Asian experience is no longer a niche subject. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/xG2XhAW via IFTTT

A heartfelt letter from the Elite Games Federation has gone viral on social media after the organization formally requested the Government of Maharashtra to grant tax-free status to the latest release, Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par. In a powerful appeal, the Federation emphasized the film’s core message of empathy, awareness, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Taking to public platforms, the Federation wrote, “This film is not only a cinematic creation but a heartfelt tribute to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It spreads awareness, promotes empathy, and encourages inclusivity — values we, as a society, must collectively uphold and champion.” The Elite Games Federation, a registered not-for-profit under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, is known for promoting sports and supporting para-athletes across the country. The letter further highlighted the organization’s mission to uplift ...

Sitaare Zameen Par has managed to do the unthinkable. The advance booking wasn’t upto the mark and the makers, in a unique strategy, decided not to have shows before 11:00 am on the day of release, possibly to avoid negativity over poor occupancy in these shows. The film opened at Rs. 10 crores, which was a fair opening but below par for a star like Aamir Khan. However, the positive word of mouth along with the credibility that Aamir enjoys has finally come into play. The film jumped dramatically on Saturday. The shows of Sunday also began to get full and looking at the demand, the multiplexes had to add post-midnight shows. The trend of having shows at 1:00 am, 2:00 am and 3:00 am is a post-pandemic phenomenon. The 2021 Diwali biggie Sooryavanshi was the first film to have such shows at night. Later, Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Drishyam 2 (2022), Gadar 2 (2023), Animal (2023), Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023),...

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for crafting some of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories, is now lending his voice to a new kind of narrative—one that unfolds far from the glitter of wedding décor and dreamy romantic moments. Johar has been announced as the brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, a first-of-its-kind initiative that focuses not on the big day itself, but on the emotional and mental preparation that comes before and beyond it. “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes,” said Karan Johar and added, “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride. In a world of beautifully curated celebrations, we sometimes forget the inner transformation that marriage brings. The Bridal Retreat places that journey at the centre.” Organised by E-Factor Experiences, The B...

Akshaye Khanna’s 2021 action-packed OTT film State of Siege: Temple Attack is all set to make its theatrical debut under a brand-new title — Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti. Nearly five years after its digital premiere, the high-octane drama will hit cinema halls on July 4, 2025, offering audiences a gripping, large-screen retelling of one of India’s most harrowing terror incidents. Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film is a dramatic recreation of the 2002 terrorist attack on the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat. It captures the horror of the assault and the bravery of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who led the operation to neutralise the attackers. The story, inspired by real events, blends tension, patriotism, and action in equal measure. To mark the announcement, the makers released a new poster on Instagram, which features haunting temple pillars casting the silhouette of a lone armed commando — a striking visual that evokes both reverence and courage. The caption reads, “A...

The overzealous PR machinery around certain stars often spins stories that serve their clients' agendas — even if they’re far from the truth. The latest “news” being floated for Allu Arjun fans is that he’s likely to replace Ranveer Singh in the much-anticipated big-screen adaptation of Shaktimaan, the iconic Doordarshan superhero series that aired from 1997 and ran for eight years. Originally portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, Shaktimaan remains one of India’s most beloved homegrown superheroes. The film adaptation — currently in development — is being written and directed by actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph, who has always had Ranveer Singh in mind for the titular role. While speculative reports of casting changes surface periodically, with the most recent rumour linking Allu Arjun to the role, a source close to the project has dismissed the chatter outright. “No one else is doing Shaktimaan. It is Ranveer Singh and no one else. Whoever is spreading rumours of his replacement clearly has...

Much of Studio Ghibli’s success is down to one man: 84-year-old Hayao Miyazaki, a master animator whose presence towers over the studio’s output Disney, Pixar … Ghibli. For its legions of admirers, the Japanese studiohasn’t just held its own against the American powerhouses, it has surpassed them with the impossible beauty of its hand-drawn animation and its commentary on the ambivalence of the human condition. Although he would refuse to acknowledge it, much of Studio Ghibli’s success is down to one man: Hayao Miyazaki , a master animator whose presence towers over the studio’s output. Making a feature-length anime the old-fashioned way may require a large and multitalented cast, but Miyazaki is the thread running through Ghibli’s creative genius. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/P97Emwj via IFTTT

Items ranged from video cameras and guitars to taxidermy deer heads, props from Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive – and the director’s personal coffee machine Personal effects belonging to the film-maker David Lynch, who died in January , have fetched more than $4m at auction in Los Angeles , with the highest bid of $195,000 going to scripts for his unrealised film project Ronnie Rocket. Wednesday’s auction of almost 450 items included props from Lynch’s films, personal items such as video cameras and music equipment, his director’s chair, two taxidermy deer heads , his 35mm print of his debut feature Eraserhead – and his beloved La Marzocco GS/3 home espresso machine , which fetched $45,500 and presumably produces a damn fine cup of coffee . Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/dMEBNhp via IFTTT

Prime Video, on June 20, announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Ground Zero. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, the film is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Boasting a powerhouse cast featuring Emraan Hashmi, Sai Tamhankar, Zoya Hussain, and Mukesh Tiwari in lead roles, this riveting patriotic action-drama promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Ground Zero is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. Inspired by real events, Ground Zero unfolds against the tense backdrop of Kashmir. The fictional film explores the remarkable two-year investigation led by BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey and his team to uncover the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack. The film stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, resilience, and strategic brilliance of India’s security forces. It delves into the intricate realities of counter-terrorism operations, c...

Bleak, enraging documentary combines firsthand accounts of the disaster with appalling record of official negligence The 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London which caused 72 deaths is now the subject of Olaide Sadiq’s heartwrenching and enraging documentary , digging at the causes and movingly interviewing survivors and their families, whose testimony is all but unbearable. At the very least, the film will remind you that when politicians smugly announce they wish to make a bonfire of regulations, they should be taken, under police escort if necessary, and made to stand at the foot of the tower. As for the housing secretary at the time of the tower’s refurbishment, the abysmally arrogant Eric Pickles, he was made a life peer in 2018. With the very considerable help of the housing-issues journalist Peter Apps , the film shows how the horror was created by a perfect storm of incompetence, mendacity, greed, and (that heartsinking phrase) systemic failure. The local council were keen to sp...

In 28 Years Later, zombies maraud over a Britain broken by more than Brexit. Its director discusses cultural baggage, catastrophising – and why his kids’ generation is an ‘upgrade’ The UK is a wasteland in Danny Boyle’s new film. Towns lie in ruins, trains rot on the rails and the EU has severed all ties with the place. Some residents are stuck in the past and congregate under the tattered flag of St George. The others flail shirtless through the open countryside, raging about nothing, occasionally stopping to eat worms. You wouldn’t want to live in the land that Boyle and the writer Alex Garland show us. Teasingly, on some level, the film suggests that we do. Boyle and Garland first prowled zombie Britain with their 2002 hit 28 Days Later . It was an electrifying piece of speculative fiction, a guerilla-style thriller about an unimaginable world. Since then we’ve had Brexit and Covid, and the looming threat of martial law in the US … The story’s extravagant flights of fancy don’t f...

What begins as a portrait of Argentinian art collective Mondongo snowballs into Mariano Llinás’s infuriatingly brilliant farrago of colour, conflict and existential crisis About as inside-baseball for visual arts as you can get, Mariano Llinás’s three-part portrait of Argentinian art collective Mondongo is knackering, infuriating and, infuriatingly, often brilliant – especially in its more sincere second instalment. The film nominally tries to document Mondongo’s 2021 Baptistery of Colours project , in which the artists catalogued the chromatic spectrum with plasticine blocks inside a dodecahedron chapel. But it quickly snowballs into Llinás’s own scattershot inquiry into colour and portraiture, a tone poem that ceaselessly interrogates its own tones, a crisis of faith about representation, and – as he falls out with artists Juliana Laffitte and Manuel Mendanha – a droll depiction of a director’s nervous breakdown. As Laffitte lets fly at him at one point, Llinás can never resist the...

Sympathetic docu-biography centres on the conceptual artist deemed ‘too shocking for punk’ who inadvertently spawned the industrial music genre Genesis P-Orridge was the performance artist, shaman and lead singer of Throbbing Gristle who was born as Neil Megson in Manchester in 1950, but from the 90s lived in the US. P-Orridge challenged gender identity but it is clear from the interviewees that there were no wrong answers when it came to pronouns: “he”, “she” and “they” are all used. This is a sympathetic and amiable official docu-biography in which the subject comes across as a mix of Aleister Crowley, Charles Manson and Screaming Lord Sutch. The “P-Orridge” surname makes me suspect that Spike Milligan might have been an indirect influence, although there’s also a bit of Klaus Kinski in there as well. Genesis P-Orridge, known to friends and family as Gen, started as a radical conceptual artist, rule-breaker, consciousness-expander and tabloid-baiter who with Throbbing Gristle influ...

The much-awaited film, Sitaare Zameen Par, is all set to release in 2 days and the excitement is tremendous. Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama broke the viral story of the censor cuts in the Aamir Khan-starrer. Today, we bring to you the release strategy opted for by the makers and distributors of Sitaare Zameen Par. An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, "The distributors have sent a list of requirements to all the theatres, now that the censor certificate has been obtained. As per the requirement, there should be no show of the film before 9:00 am. They have asked cinema halls to opt for popular weekend pricing for the film. Usually, big films go for blockbuster pricing, when the rates are sky-high. Aamir, however, has not allowed it, probably as it would have made it unaffordable for a large chunk of the moviegoers." The source further said, "The popular ticket pricing is a bit higher than regular pricing. But for a big film to not go for higher rates is a...

Media mogul faces allegations of creating ‘coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic’ in lawsuit seeking $260m in damages Tyler Perry has been accused of sexual harassment, workplace gender violence and sexual assault in a lawsuit from an actor who said the media mogul used his influence and power to create a “coercive, sexually exploitative dynamic”. In the suit filed in Los Angeles last week and first reported on Tuesday, Derek Dixon, who worked on Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless and The Oval, said Perry promised career advancement but subjected him to “escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery”. Dixon alleges he was subjected to harassment and abuse by Perry while he “held direct control over his employment, compensation, and creative opportunities” and that he faced retaliation when he did not respond favorably to his advances. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/6VBUJkb via IFTTT

In a rare and historic meeting at Vatican City, Hollywood legend Al Pacino and producer Manasvi Mamgai were officially received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, marking a spiritual and symbolic beginning for the upcoming film Captivated. The project, backed by 32RED Entertainment, has commenced filming in Rome. This meeting holds several firsts — Al Pacino, known globally for The Godfather and other iconic roles, became the first film star to be formally received by the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV. It also marked the first time Pacino met with a Pope. For Manasvi Mamgai, co-founder of 32RED Entertainment, the moment was equally significant as one of the few Indian-origin producers to receive such an audience. Mamgai reflected on the moment, saying, “Meeting His Holiness, the Pope, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As an Indian-origin producer, standing alongside Al Pacino in such an extraordinary moment felt surreal and deeply meaningful. No better way to start a movie than to...

In this moving and funny documentary, Swedish TV presenters Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson try to rekindle Filip’s father’s zest for life on a road trip to France ‘Do you want to rot away in an old armchair?” asks Filip Hammar, a Swedish TV presenter, talking to his dad. In this charming, often hilarious documentary, Hammar takes 80-year-old Lars on a road trip to the south of France; the idea is to rekindle Lars’s spark, shake a bit of life back into him. Since retiring as a French teacher, Lars has been sitting around at home, steadily more depressed and frail. Hammar wants to show his dad that life is worth living. But as you’d expect from a documentary this heart-warming, Hammar has a lesson or two to learn himself. For the trip, Hammar has bought a knackered old Renault 4, the same car the family had when he was a kid. Their destination is the apartment they rented every summer holiday (judging from the old photos, this was pre-factor 50 sunscreen; everyone was a livid shad...

Actress Mannara Chopra’s father, Raman Rai Handa, passed away on Monday, June 16, at the age of 72. Handa, who was also the paternal uncle of Bollywood actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Parineeti Chopra, had reportedly been unwell in recent days. He was in Mumbai with his family at the time of his passing. The Chopra family released an official statement expressing their grief. It read, “With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad demise of our loving father who left us for his heavenly abode on 16/06/2025.” The statement further added, “He was the pillar of strength for our family.” Mannara, a former Bigg Boss contestant and actress, mourned her father’s demise through an Instagram Story, echoing the sentiments of loss and respect shared by her family. Raman Rai Handa was a lawyer at the Delhi High Court. He is survived by his wife Kamini Chopra and daughters Mannara and Mitali Chopra. Kamini is the paternal aunt of Priyanka and Parineeti Chopra. Further details about the caus...

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli is currently busy with his upcoming project SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is shaping up to be a visually ambitious cinematic experience. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the team has completed two major filming schedules and is now working on a critical segment set in Varanasi. Instead of shooting on location, Rajamouli has opted to recreate the holy city at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. The reason: the logistical challenges of filming in Varanasi, one of India’s most densely populated and spiritually active cities. The massive set is estimated to have cost nearly Rs 50 crores. Significant portions of the film, including action scenes featuring Mahesh Babu, will be shot here. Rajamouli's hallmark use of green screen technology and VFX will once again be central to his vision. Some of the most reputed Hollywood VFX studios have been brought on board to deliver world-class visuals, with a large...

Drag is a tool of self-expression and of protest in this kaleidoscopic portrait of the city’s vibrant underground art The queer defiance of Fil Ieropoulos’s kaleidoscopic documentary manifests not only through its subject, but also through its form. Centring on a group of drag performers and gender-nonconforming artists in Athens, this shape-shifting film celebrates a vibrant underground scene that thrives in a homophobic system, rife with state-sanctioned discrimination and violence. Introduced through an episodic structure, figures from the community light up the screen with their artistry and activism as they carve out a safe haven of their own. In each of the vignettes, we get a glimpse of both the joy and the peril of navigating the city as a queer person. Decked out in extravagant costumes and makeup inspired by Leigh Bowery, Kangela Tromokratisch struts in towering high heels, while her drag performances, with their vaudevillian feel, parody heteronormative ideals of motherhoo...

On June 16, actress Raveena Tandon took to social media to reflect on the recent Air India tragedy that claimed over 240 lives. Sharing a series of poignant images from inside an aircraft, the actress expressed sorrow, solidarity, and a quiet strength in the face of national grief. In her caption, Tandon wrote, “New Beginnings… to rise and fly again against all odds… to pick up and start all over, new resolve towards greater strength.” She continued with a moving description of the flight’s atmosphere: “The atmosphere solemn and the crew’s welcoming smiles, tinted with sadness. The silent passengers and crew bonding with unspoken condolences and subtle confidence.” She ended her note by offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, stating, “A wound that will never heal. Godspeed always @airindia. Fearless and a will to overcome and be strong again.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Raveena Tandon (@officialraveenatandon) The emotion...