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Before the audience sat down to watch the grand Diwali release, Thamma, they were treated to a 60-second-long announcement promo for Shakti Shalini. The film earlier starred Kiara Advani and there were reports that Aneet Padda of Saiyaara (2025) fame has replaced the former. The announcement teaser confirmed the speculations and also revealed that the next film of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will be out on December 24, 2026. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Amar Kaushik, the mentor of the universe and also the producer of Munjya (2024) and Thamma, opened up about this film. Earlier, the plan was to bring 2 more films of Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, namely Bhediya 2 and Chamunda, in cinemas in 2026. When asked if the plan remains or will Shakti Shalini be the sole release of the universe next year, Amar Kaushik said, “There might be just one film (from the universe in 2026). We feel that there should not be an overdose and we should not give too many films in...

Boman Irani pens heartfelt tribute to late actor Asrani: “His commitment to the camera will remain with me forever”

Veteran actor and filmmaker Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on October 20 after a prolonged illness. He was 84. Remembered for his impeccable comic timing and a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s passing has left the Indian film fraternity mourning the loss of a true legend. Among the many who paid their respects was actor Boman Irani, who took to social media to share a heartfelt note about his recent experience of working with the late actor. Reflecting on their time together, Irani revealed that they had collaborated just ten days before Asrani’s passing. In his post, Irani wrote, “Around ten days ago, I had the privilege of working with Asrani ji for the first time. For the shot, I was meant to be injured and on the floor. He, the doctor, had to rush in and help me. While he needed a little help in the dark walking around the crowded set, the magical word ‘action’ had another meaning for him.” The actor went on to describe how Asrani, des...

Regretting You review – sudsy Colleen Hoover adaptation is no It Ends with Us

The second big screen take on one of the hugely successful author’s trauma dramas is a bland misfire and wastes Girls actor Allison Williams in the lead It’s hard to remember now, nearly a year into the legal and reputational slugfest that is Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively , that It Ends With Us , the film at the heart of so much litigious mudslinging – predominantly and relentlessly, it should be noted, by Baldoni’s legal team – was a Hollywood success story. The first big-screen adaptation of bestselling author Colleen Hoover, an initially self-published romance writer catapulted by BookTok to cult-figure status under the mononym CoHo, successfully elevated what many have dismissed as trauma porn fetishizing abuse into glossy, but effective and emotionally mature, adult theatrical fare. Lively, a Taylor Swift-adjacent style icon (to some) who excels at warm-hearted melodrama, was the perfect anchor for a film targeting what celebrity gossip columnist Elaine Lui termed the “miniva...

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle review – serviceable 90s thriller remake

There are some smart updates to the psycho-nanny hit, but without the searing presence of Rebecca De Mornay, this one is unlikely to stick around for quite so long The yuppie-in-peril thriller, a multiplex mainstay throughout the late 80s and early 90s, tried to expose the vulnerabilities of our day-to-day, suggesting that danger could emerge from anyone and anywhere. It could be a co-worker (The Temp, Disclosure), a spouse (Sleeping With the Enemy, Dream Lover), a lover (Fatal Attraction, Don’t Talk to Strangers), a lodger (Pacific Heights, Single White Female), a parent (Mother’s Boys, Benefit of the Doubt), even a child (The Good Son, The Crush), a subgenre that insisted we maintain militant in spaces we’d assumed were safe. One of the era’s most creepily effective examples was Curtis Hanson’s The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, because it played on a specifically awful fear for parents – that the person you’d entrusted to protect your child had a nefarious agenda. Rebecca De Mornay’s...

Diablo review – Scott Adkins enters Cormac McCarthy territory in over-the-border revenge thriller

Its deranged antagonist might be an Anton Chigurh rip-off, but some fantastically flailing fight scenes almost lift this otherwise humdrum action romp No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh was the scariest thing to come out of Latin America since Argentinian inflation. So it’s taken a surprisingly long time to see a direct imitator: the dark-clad avenger El Corvo, played here by Marko Zaror. Not only does he have the gauche coiffuring (bald on top this time), but also the philosophical penchant, asking imminent victims if they’ve given themselves a present recently. If the Cormac McCarthy rip-off wasn’t enough, Ernesto Díaz Espinoza’s ponderous thriller also gives El Corvo a couple of scenes lifted from The Terminator, and the villain from Enter the Dragon’s blade-hand for good measure. Diablo isn’t all cliches though: martial arts multitool Scott Adkins has a potentially interesting role inverting the usual over-the-border revenge mission. He plays former bank robber Kris, who’s be...

BREAKING: Aneet Padda’s Shakti Shalini to release on December 24, 2026

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to confirm that Aneet Padda, who became a nationwide sensation with Saiyaara (2025), has replaced Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. On October 19, we also brought to you the news that Shakti Shalini’s announcement video is attached with Thamma, the grand Diwali release. And now, we bring to you another exciting update from the film. It has come to light that Shakti Shalini will release in cinemas on December 24, 2026. Just like Thamma, Shakti Shalini also belongs to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The blockbuster franchise began with Stree (2018) followed by Bhediya (2022). Munjya (2024) came next and it was a sleeper super-hit. Stree 2 (2024) emerged as the highest Bollywood grosser of all time. Thamma is the fifth film of the universe. When Shakti Shalini starred Kiara Advani, the plan was to release it on December 31, 2025. With the Aneet Padda-starrer having moved to 2026, it means that three films of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe...

‘I said goodbye to Heath Ledger at this urinal’: a stroll round Terry Gilliam’s pivotal places

The studio where he crashed the Life of Brian spaceship, the stage where he put on a Faust that caused fights, the pub where he last spoke to Heath Ledger … the ex-Python takes a hilarious and evocative stroll down memory lane Down an alley in Covent Garden, on a building that was once a banana warehouse, there is a blue plaque. “Monty Python, Film Maker, Lived Here, 1976-1987,” reads the inscription. It’s easy to miss: the plaque is not at eye level as they normally are, but up on the first floor, almost as if the blue plaque committee lost confidence in their uncharacteristic joke. Or perhaps John Cleese put it up. Terry Gilliam arrives. I like his jacket. It looks like it’s been stitched together from bits of blankets. “Me too,” he says. “I got it 30 years ago in a secondhand store in New York.” We’re going to wander around London, revisiting places that have played significant parts in his career, as he approaches his 85th birthday. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian...

Story of Indigenous activist’s murder takes top prize at London film festival

Jury says documentary about killing of Argentinian campaigner Javier Chocobar brings ‘a measure of the justice’ denied by the courts A documentary about the murder of the Indigenous activist Javier Chocobar has taken the top prize at the London film festival, with the jury calling it “a measure of the justice” that has long been denied by the courts. The Argentine film-maker Lucrecia Martel’s first documentary, Landmarks, won the best film award in the festival’s official competition, it was announced on Sunday. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/M6stjEV via IFTTT

Wilfred Buck review – rewarding life of Indigenous American astronomer laid out in the stars

This hybrid documentary about the Cree astronomer offers evocative, poetic insight into a formidable community leader For Cree astronomer Wilfred Buck, the stars hold an immense power that extends beyond the realm of science. Coming from an Indigenous group whose stories have been systematically effaced by official narratives, he looks to these clustered dots of light as both historical document and spiritual manifestation. Echoing Buck’s holistic approach to astronomy, Lisa Jackson’s hybrid documentary draws from a wealth of eclectic visual styles, all woven into a stunning portrait of a formidable community elder. Someone always on the go, Buck is often seen behind the wheel, heading from one job to another. Speaking at academic conferences and workshops, and leading lectures and presentations for young students, he not only makes astronomy accessible but also builds lasting connections between different generations. This sense of togetherness is especially touching considering Buc...

Ayan Mukerji steps back from Dhoom 4; shifts his focus on Brahmastra 2 with Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt

- October 19, 2025

After the debacle of War 2, director Ayan Mukerji has decided to take a backseat as the director of Dhoom 4. Sources close to the development confirm that Ayan has backed off from Dhoom 4 and, in a closed-door conversation with Aditya Chopra, conveyed his reservation. "Ayan believes that films like War 2 and Dhoom 4 were never meant for him, and he wants to do something a lot wider with scope for romance, drama with spectacle vibes and storytelling," an insider told Bollywood Hungama. The insider informed Bollywood Hungama, "Ayan was just executing what was written on paper by Shridhar Raghavan, and had little say on the script and screenplay. He does not want to be on another journey of just execution, as he is a passionate filmmaker who prefers to exclusively work on the written material and bring more to the screen than what's written." The source also confirms that the decision to step back from Dhoom 4 has been taken after a series of conversations with A...

Rajesh Khanna-Dimple Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran to be launched opposite Vedang Raina

The third generation of the illustrious Khanna family is all set to enter the movie industry. Yesteryears’ superstar Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran will make her screen debut in film being produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films. Naomika is the daughter of Rajesh and Dimple’s younger daughter Rinke Khanna who was once an aspiring actress in Filmistan. Rinke did films like Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi and Jis Desh Ganga Mein Rehta Hai. When she was removed by Ram Gopal Varma from his film Company and replaced by Manisha Koirala, Rinke quite the film industry, got married and migrated to the West. Now, her daughter is all set to rekindle the Khanna magic on screen. Naomika’s co-star in her debut film is the talented Vedang Raina, Alia Bhatt’s co-star in Jigra, currently shooting for a film with Imtiaz Ali in Punjab. Also Read: Naomika Saran, Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter, to debut in romantic comedy opposite Vedang...

‘Why are our black boys hurting each other?’ Letitia Wright on the deaths that inspired her directorial debut

The Black Panther star made her name with intense roles in indie films before Marvel came calling. Now she’s telling her own stories, starting with a cast of ‘young kings’ Days before we meet, Letitia Wright found herself cheek-by-jowl with a far-right march in London. This is the year when St George’s flags have been displayed in suburban windows and tied to lamp-posts, and when thousands of people – some more intimidating than others, especially to people of colour – have marched on the centre of the capital and beyond. A friend of Wright’s was visiting the city, and they had moseyed down to the South Bank, unaware of what awaited them. “It was jam-packed,” she says, recalling their struggle to get out of the fray. “I was in the middle of it, and then I was out of it. They were doing their thing – and I was doing mine.” The actor has played refugees twice: once in the BBC Three drama Glasgow Girls , where she portrayed a Somali teenager, Amal, and then in the 2022 film Aisha,...

Giant review – Prince Naseem biopic with Pierce Brosnan on hand misses the punch

London film festival Despite the odd laugh, the story of the boxer’s path from Sheffield gyms to global stardom and his break with mentor Brendan Ingle feels dramatically underweight There’s a really good cast here, in a movie with a real-life story to tell: how Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle mentored a cheeky Sheffield kid from migrant Yemeni parents, “Prince” Naseem Hamed, teaching him to stand up to racist bullies and turning him into a media-friendly world champ in the late 90s, nurturing his showboating arrogance and his lethal fists. But, after becoming wealthy, Hamed brattishly turned against Ingle, cutting him out of the action, and turning him into a combination of John Falstaff and Broadway Danny Rose. Pierce Brosnan plays Ingle; Amir El-Masry is Hamed and Toby Stephens is bullish London promoter Frank Warren who saw the goldmine that Ingle had discovered. But the movie frankly lacks the Prince’s fancy footwork: the boxing sequences run smoothly but the all-important dr...

Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rakul Preet Singh starrer Pati Patni Aur Woh Do to release on Holi, first poster unveiled

Bollywood is gearing up for a star-studded treat next year as the first poster and announcement of Pati Patni Aur Woh Do has been unveiled. The film brings together an ensemble cast of Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rakul Preet Singh in what promises to be a fun, dramatic, and entertaining ride. Directed by the popular filmmaker Mudassar Aziz, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do introduces audiences to the world of Prajapati Pandey, setting the stage for a quirky, vibrant narrative filled with drama, comedy, and romance. The makers have confirmed that the film is scheduled to release on Holi, 4 March 2026, marking a perfect festive launch that aligns with the film’s colourful and lively theme. View this post on Instagram A post shared by tseriesfilms (@tseriesfilms) The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Renu Ravi Chopra, with creative production led by Juno Chopra. Industry insiders suggest that the combination of Ayushmann’s impeccable comic timing, Sara’...

Zaira Wasim ties the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony; see pics

- October 17, 2025

Actress Zaira Wasim has officially announced her marriage. She took to Instagram to share the joyous news with the caption, “Qubool hai x3.” The post featured two serene glimpses from her wedding ceremony, one showing her signing the nikah papers adorned in henna and jewelry, and another capturing her and her husband from behind, gazing at the full moon, symbolizing a sacred new beginning. Zaira, who stepped away from the film industry in 2019 citing her spiritual journey, made a rare social media appearance to share the personal milestone. She did not reveal her husband’s identity or show his face, choosing to maintain the privacy she has long valued. Dressed in a red embroidered bridal ensemble with golden detailing, Zaira looked every bit the traditional bride in a ceremony that seemed intimate and elegant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zaira Wasim (@zairawasim_) Fans and well-wishers flooded the comments section with blessings and congratulatory mes...

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC reduces kissing scene in Thamma by 5 seconds; replaces ‘Azaadi doonga’ with ‘Aiyaashi karata hoon’

- October 17, 2025

Three days are left for the release of the grand Diwali biggie, Thamma, and the excitement is gradually building up. The makers, Maddock Films, completed the censor process on time and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the horror comedy. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for audio cuts in three places and one visual modification as well. The word 'Alexander' was replaced with ‘Sikandar’. In another dialogue, the word ‘Ashwathama’ was muted. In the second half of the film, the words 'Azaadi doonga' were replaced with 'Aiyaashi karata hoon'. The Examining Committee also asked the makers to ‘reduce the slurping sound of drinking blood to minimum’. Finally, a kissing scene in the second half was reduced by 30%, that is, by 5 seconds. The last modification may dampen the excitement of the moviegoers but on the positive side, this is the shortest intimacy cut asked by the CBFC in recent times. In Su...

Neurodiverse collective wins award for ‘creative audacity’ at London film festival

- October 16, 2025

The BFI and Chanel film-maker awards were won by a docufiction film, a queer BDSM biker romance and a film about police corruption in India An experimental feature film co-created by a collective of autistic artists, a queer biker romance, and a film about police corruption in India are the winners of this year’s BFI and Chanel film-maker awards. The awards, which champion “creative audacity” and ambition, come with a £20,000 prize for the three sets of winners. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/Hmv6jZy via IFTTT

EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat screen-sharing battle begins; makers of Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer demand ALL shows in single and two-screen cinemas

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.” The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows o...

Deepika Padukone becomes Meta AI’s first Indian voice, joins global roster including Awkwafina, Judi Dench and more!

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, joining the list of the global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, including Hollywood celebrities Awkwafina, Judi Dench, etc. The collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity. Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localised and personal. Yet, the biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar. Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice...

‘Theatre is an elitist artform for privileged people’: Daniel Day-Lewis talks class, cinema and his crush on Mary Poppins

Speaking at the London film festival, the triple Oscar-winner mounted a fierce defence of movies and method acting, although he conceded My Left Foot couldn’t be made today The actor Daniel Day-Lewis railed against audiences being priced out of theatres, and what he perceived as a continued snobbery concerning cinema in the UK at an event at the London film festival. Speaking to the critic Mark Kermode for a lengthy conversation in front of an audience at the BFI Southbank, Day-Lewis said he felt “there’s still an elitism in this country that theatre is the superior form”. His drama training at the Bristol Old Vic school had encouraged in him the sense that theatre work was the goal. “Then there’s films: bit dodgy. Television: like, really? OK, you gotta pay the gas bill. That was the thinking. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/iFf2R3C via IFTTT

Ranveer Singh ignites the screen in his fiercest avatar; fans go wild over his ‘Agent’ mode transformation

Ranveer Singh has done it again — setting the internet ablaze with his most intense and electrifying look to date. The superstar, known for constantly reinventing himself, has unveiled a new avatar that’s all grit, command, and raw power. Dressed in full combat gear, his expression steely and unrelenting, Ranveer looks like a man on a mission — focused, fearless, and ready for war. The newly released stills and short clips have left fans speculating about what exactly this project could be. While official details remain tightly under wraps, industry chatter suggests that this could either be a high-octane film or a big-budget brand commercial that’s part of a larger cinematic-style universe. What’s certain, though, is that this reveal marks the beginning of something massive. Adding to the intrigue is the star-studded combination at the center of it all. The project brings together Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol, and Sreeleela — an unexpected yet thrilling trio sharing the screen for the ...

Akshay Kumar moves Bombay High Court to protect his personality rights amid AI deepfake threat

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality rights, becoming the latest A-list actor to take legal recourse amid growing concerns over the unauthorised use of celebrity identities through artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. The matter will be heard by the court on Wednesday. According to reports, the actor has filed a suit to safeguard his name, image, voice, likeness and overall persona from misuse by unknown individuals and digital entities. The move comes shortly after fellow actor Hrithik Roshan filed a similar plea before the Delhi High Court to protect his personal and digital identity from unauthorised commercial use. The issue of AI-generated deepfakes and digitally manipulated content has become a serious concern in the entertainment industry, with several high-profile figures recently turning to the courts for relief. Earlier this month, Justice Arif Doctor of the Bombay High Court granted interim ...

Hrithik Roshan moves Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights amid rising AI misuse

- October 14, 2025

Hrithik Roshan has moved the Delhi High Court by filing a petition seeking safeguards for his name, image, likeness and other aspects of his persona against unauthorised commercial use and misuse. This comes days after veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu sought legal protection for his personality rights, and the matter is expected to be heard on Wednesday, according to a report by Bar and Bench. With the increasing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies, several Indian celebrities have been turning to the courts to protect their digital and personal identities. Hrithik joins a growing list of public figures — including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Kumar Sanu, and even the late Ratan Tata — who have sought injunctions to prevent unauthorised exploitation of their name or likeness, often through AI-generated content. Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, give individuals legal control over how their name,...

Drew Struzan, poster designer for Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, dies aged 78

- October 14, 2025

Artist behind posters for Harry Potter, The Thing and Back to the Future had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease Designer Drew Struzan, known for some of the most iconic movie posters of all time, has died aged 78. His work included posters for films such as Back to the Future, The Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Shawshank Redemption, The Thing and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/Kvbx6XG via IFTTT

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Netflix film Ramree, backed by Ajay Devgn, shelved due to budget constraints: Report

- October 13, 2025

After earning acclaim for his performance in Dhadak 2, Siddhant Chaturvedi seemed set to continue his momentum with Ramree, a two-hero OTT project backed by Ajay Devgn. However, the ambitious period drama has now reportedly been shelved before going on floors. According to a report by Mid-Day, Ramree was conceived as a large-scale film set in 1945. The project, which had been under development for over a year, aimed to blend historical events with cinematic storytelling. However, given its elaborate setting and production requirements, the film’s mounting budget became a major hurdle. A source close to the development told the publication, “For an OTT film, this would have set a benchmark in scale and imagination, but budget constraints caught up with it. Even though the platform heads were excited about the story, there was too much at stake financially. So, they decided not to move forward with it.” Another insider offered a different perspective, suggesting that Ramree never reac...

‘I lost a friend of almost 40 years’: Nancy Meyers pays tribute to Diane Keaton

- October 13, 2025

Film-maker who directed Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, and wrote Baby Boom and Father of the Bride, says ‘we have lost a giant’ Film-maker Nancy Meyers has paid tribute to the late Diane Keaton, her “friend of almost 40 years” and collaborator on celebrated comedies Something’s Gotta Give, Baby Boom and Father of the Bride. On Monday, Meyers wrote on Instagram that she’d had a difficult 48 hours since Keaton’s death was announced on Saturday, but “seeing all of your tributes to Diane has been a comfort.” Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/TFc820j via IFTTT

Our Fault review – ultra-glossy Spanish step-sibling melodrama is too bland to be annoying

- October 13, 2025

Third film adapted from the romance novels by Mercedes Ron, originally written in Spanish, feels clunky and cliched This is the third film in a series, after My Fault in 2023 and Your Fault in 2024 , that have been adapted from the Culpable trilogy, romance novels by Mercedes Ron, originally written in Spanish. It’s obviously aimed at a specific market that expects a certain blend of melodrama, softcore sex and lush lifestyle porn, and (more importantly) is invested already in the trilogy’s story. Given those parameters, it probably delivers – although the dialogue, at least judging by the subtitles, is super clunky and cliched. Complete outsiders coming to this cold may be a little baffled by what’s going on, since this concluding instalment makes no effort to fill in any blanks. But even total newbies will get the gist that heroine Noah (Nicole Wallace) still has feelings for her ex Nick (Gabriel Guevara) – who also, somewhat disturbingly, was once her stepbrother, although their ...

Salman Khan takes sarcastic dig at AR Murugadoss for saying he arrived at 8 PM on Sikandar sets: “Madharaasi is a bigger blockbuster”

- October 12, 2025

Actor Salman Khan, who’s currently hosting Bigg Boss 19, didn’t hold back as he addressed director AR Murugadoss’s recent comments accusing him of reporting late to the sets of their film Sikandar. The actor used the popular reality show’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode to respond with his trademark wit and characteristic candour. The Background: Murugadoss's Allegation Earlier, Sikandar director AR Murugadoss had told Valaipechu Voice that working with a major Bollywood star posed challenges. He claimed Salman would “arrive only by 8 PM,” forcing the crew to shoot even day scenes at night. Murugadoss described the schedule as chaotic, saying it affected child actors who had to film late into the night. Despite acknowledging his own creative shortcomings, the director hinted that the erratic timing contributed to the film’s underperformance. Salman’s Retort on Bigg Boss 19 Addressing the issue head-on during Bigg Boss 19, Salman responded to a question from comedian Ravi Gupta about film...

‘How is this possible?’: a new film looks inside the appalling abuses of the Alabama prison system

- October 12, 2025

In the year’s most shocking documentary The Alabama Solution, prisoners share astonishing footage in a plea for help When film-makers Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman visited Alabama’s Easterling prison in 2019, they found a deceptively pleasant scene. Like Alabama’s 13 other prisons, Easterling largely prohibits media access, but allowed the documentarians to film its annual volunteer-run barbecue, a sunny day in which incarcerated men, most of them Black, ate fresh roasts to live music and sermons. On camera, men danced and smiled. But off camera, many more told a different story – horrific beatings, unreported stabbings, unimaginable violence swept under the rug and appalling conditions that “ain’t fit for human society”. Cries for help emerged from inside the sweltering, filthy dorms. When Jarecki approached the voices, a prison official shut down filming, claiming that it was unsafe for him to speak to the men without a police chaperone. “It was very clear that there were ar...

Guneet Monga reveals Karan Johar gave The Lunchbox its GAME-CHANGING headline; says “He spent Rs. 6.50 cr on P&A for our Rs. 10 cr indie film…helped us get 500 screens”

- October 12, 2025

Guneet Monga had a wonderful conversation with Karan Johar about the production aspects, taking Indian films to a global level and a lot more. One of her biggest breakthrough films was The Lunchbox (2013), starring the late Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur. Guneet explained how she raised money for the film and how Karan Johar came on board. Guneet Monga said, “A lot of credit for The Lunchbox working in India goes to Dharma Productions for their genuine marketing. When it was being made, I was told, ‘Isko kaun dekhega?’. Earlier, it was a Rs. 10 crore budget film. Raising such an amount was difficult in India. When we raised Rs. 5.50 crores in France and Germany, the project became commercially viable. I was able to recover the balance Rs. 4.50 crores through MG within 48 hours of the Cannes premiere! India’s rights were yet to be sold, but its collections were going to be a bonus.” She revealed, “I reached out to Karan. He was also in Cannes for the premiere of Bomb...

An ethereally self-aware comedy genius: the loss of Diane Keaton is devastating | Peter Bradshaw

- October 11, 2025

America’s sweetheart was so much more than that: an actor of astonishing singularity and freshness who starred in the very best films of the past century Diane Keaton dies aged 79 Diane Keaton interviewed in 2023 A life in pictures The millpond calm of her face, its beauty, its gentleness, its openness and unworldliness became even more heart stopping when she laughed or cried – and generations of moviegoers felt their own crush on Diane Keaton escalate into something more. She was more than America’s sweetheart: Keaton was the sophisticated, sweet-natured, unaffectedly sensual woman with whom America was unrequitedly in love. Diane Keaton was out of America’s league. In the golden age of the American New Wave in the 1970s, she was at the centre of that era’s great comedy and tragedy: as Kay, the innocent wife of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone in Coppola’s The Godfather (1972), she was the aghast, complicit witness to mob toxicity and murder, paralysed with disillusion and f...

Diane Keaton: a life in pictures

- October 11, 2025

Diane Keaton, who has died aged 79 , started her stellar career in The Godfather and Woody Allen’s early comedies, before going to appear opposite just about every major star in Hollywood. We look back at her six-decade career Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/91eZUrz via IFTTT

Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall and The Godfather, dies aged 79

- October 11, 2025

The legendary actor best known for her many collaborations with Woody Allen, as well as films including Reds, The First Wives Club and Book Club, has died Diane Keaton, one of the best-loved film stars of the past 50 years, has died at the age of 79 in California. The news was confirmed by People magazine . Further details are not available at this time and her loved ones have asked for privacy, according to a family spokesperson. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/TBfmFhg via IFTTT

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha bring home the ultra-luxurious Lexus LM worth over Rs. 2 crore

- October 10, 2025

Bollywood couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha have just upgraded their ride in style; the power duo has added the plush new Lexus LM to their garage, a luxury MPV priced at over Rs. 2 crore. Known for their grounded personalities yet refined taste, the couple’s latest purchase perfectly reflects their blend of sophistication and practicality. The Lexus LM, often dubbed the “Rolls-Royce of MPVs,” is the Japanese automaker’s flagship people mover, combining top-tier comfort, advanced technology, and serene performance. The luxury MPV is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid petrol engine, producing a combined 250 PS of power. It’s paired with an e-CVT gearbox and comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, ensuring a smooth and stable drive — ideal for long hauls or red-carpet arrivals alike. Inside, the Lexus LM redefines indulgence. The cabin boasts a massive 48-inch rear entertainment screen, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and four-zone climate control — turning every driv...

EXCLUSIVE: Rajesh Roshan successfully undergoes open-heart surgery; to be discharged soon

- October 10, 2025

Eminent music composer Rajesh Roshan is currently recuperating at a hospital in Mumbai after undergoing a major heart surgery. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Koi Mil Gaya (2003) music director had gone for a routine health check-up last weekend, during which doctors discovered blockages in his heart. They advised him to undergo an open-heart surgery. We have further learned that Rajesh Roshan was admitted at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre and underwent the surgery on Monday, October 6. The operation was successful and he’s presently under observation. Further, he is recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Rajesh Roshan was very well taken care of by the doctors and hospital staff. His loving family also stood rock solid by his side throughout. The Roshan family now looks forward to his discharge and to celebrating Diwali with him.” In July this year, Rajesh Roshan’s brother, veteran filmma...

Moss and Freud review – Kate meets Lucian and they get on brilliantly with absolutely no funny business at all

- October 10, 2025

London film festival: The supermodel comes across as a dippy trustafarian and the artist like her soppy old grandpa in this bland, legacy-protecting depiction of their friendship When Lucian Freud met Kate Moss turns out to be the encounter of a sweet, cuddly old gentleman and a guardedly opaque hedonist. Both look defanged. Freud’s sensational Naked Portrait 2002 is a nude study of the supermodel, to whom he had been introduced by his daughter, the fashion designer Bella Freud. Moss was pregnant when she sat for him – which lent a fierce, additional frisson to the painting’s candour and intimacy. Ellie Bamber plays Kate and carries off the unclothed moments with great directness and aplomb. Freud is played with Germanic R sounds by Derek Jacobi (who incidentally played Freud’s contemporary Francis Bacon in John Maybury’s Love Is the Devil in 1998) and he has Freud’s buzzard-like look but not quite the sharpness and severity. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://i...

‘It’s like fencing with a close friend. Terrifying in a lovely way’: Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton on taking a gamble with their new drama

The actors star in Edward Berger’s woozy casino film Ballad of a Small Player. Amid the opulence of a Macau hotel, they talk risk, addiction and Fabergé eggs On a humid morning in Macau, a blue-and-orange phoenix embellished with more than 60,000 flowers is hatching from an enormous pink Fabergé egg in the lobby of the Wynn Palace hotel. The haughty bird basks in the attention of onlookers as it rotates on a diamond-encrusted perch to the triumphant sound of clarions, before returning to its shell. Chancing upon this spectacle, you think to yourself, “How lucky that I was passing at that precise moment!” Stick around and you will be disabused of your sense of good fortune: the hatching occurs every 15 minutes without fail. It is summer 2024, and Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton are guests here while shooting Ballad of a Small Player, directed by Edward Berger ( Conclave ) and based on Lawrence Osborne’s clammy 2014 novel about ghosts, guilt and gambling. Farrell plays Brendan Reilly, ...

Deepika Padukone BREAKS SILENCE on 8-hour workday demand after exit from Spirit and Kalki sequel: “If that comes across as pushy, so be it”

Actor Deepika Padukone has addressed the ongoing row surrounding her demand for an eight-hour work shift, a request that reportedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Speaking with CNBC-TV18, the actor highlighted the double standards faced by women in the film industry when compared to their male counterparts. “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it,” Deepika said, responding to criticism. “But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry have been working for eight hours for years, and it’s never made headlines. A lot of them only work for eight hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends.” Deepika further reflected on the need for structure in an otherwise chaotic work environment. “Even though we call it an industry, we have never really worked like one. It’s a very disorganised industry, and I think it’s time we brought i...

The Woman in Cabin 10 review – silliness of Keira Knightley megayacht thriller tips it overboard

Knightley is twice dunked in the briny as she tries to uncover what’s going on aboard Guy Pearce’s boat in this soggy Agatha-Christie-ish mystery As it happens, ITV drama The Hack isn’t the only dramatisation of the Guardian’s investigatory journalism right now. There is also this … erm … entirely bizarre mystery thriller from Netflix, adapted from a novel by Ruth Ware, about an intrepid Guardian reporter called Laura Blacklock, played by Keira Knightley. Fresh off a lid-lifting scoop about Kurdish children, she is invited aboard a colossal private yacht with a party of notables and celebrities, as the guest of sinister plutocrat Richard Bullmer, played by Guy Pearce; he wishes to transport them all to a gala dinner in the Norwegian fjords for an announcement about the charitable foundation endowed by his wife Anne (Lisa Loven Kongsli). Once aboard and out on the open seas, Laura witnesses something deeply strange regarding the woman in cabin 10 – the cabin next to hers – but can’t ...

Good Boy review – Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough turn nasty in Kubrickian absurdist nightmare

London film festival : Jan Komasa’s bracingly wicked tale follows a couple who plan to retrain an delinquent teen with a brutal regimen Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough headline an absurdist nightmare from Polish film-maker Jan Komasa, co-produced by Jerzy Skolimowski and Jeremy Thomas. It’s a movie that could have been made at any time in the past 50 years, with high-concept provocations and talking points that feel like something from the age of Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange or Ôshima’s Max Mon Amour, or even, indeed, Skolimowski’s The Shout. In present day England, Tommy (played by Anson Boon) is a teenage kid completely obnoxious and out of control: clubbing and bingeing booze and coke, evidently paid for with the monetisation income from hugely successful social media streams which show him racing stolen cars with his similarly odious mates. But Tommy’s online profile has caught the disapproving eye of Chris (Graham), a middle-aged road-safety campaigner and family values enth...

Maintenance Required review – Amazon’s synthetic You’ve Got Mail rip-off

- October 08, 2025

The beats of the 1998 rom-com, which was itself a re-imagining of The Shop Around the Corner, are shamelessly regurgitated for this charmless copycat Watching, or rather enduring, Amazon-MGM’s charmless new romantic comedy Maintenance Required, I was so convinced it was an officially sanctioned re-imagining of You’ve Got Mail that I scoured the credits for confirmation. Surely, even in this cursed AI era of copyright erosion, no one would so shamelessly regurgitate the beats of that much-adored film without giving the requisite credit? But try as I might, I could not find a “based on” or even a “thanks to”, the film a copy of a film which was itself a (legally sound) remake of a film which had been inspired by a play (the script even, cheekily, refers to “a sweet little shop around the corner”). In a film that will hopefully be used as evidence in an upcoming lawsuit, a woman tries to keep her struggling local business alive as a big brand competitor opens over the street while she ...

‘AI is here to stay and change things’: Mad Max director George Miller on why he is taking part in an AI film festival

- October 08, 2025

The director believes AI has made film-making ‘way more egalitarian’ – and is set to lead the judges at Omni AI film festival in Australia There’s no arguing the use of artificial intelligence in film-making is getting a bad rap. Last week’s unveiling of Hollywood’s first AI “actress”, Tilly Norwood, generated howls of protest from actors’ unions across the UK and US, where the industry is still reeling from last year’s 118-day strike over, among other issues, the threat of AI. And earlier this week, Australia’s Productivity Commission was pilloried by Liberals and Greens alike for failing to recognise the dire impact AI may have on the country’s creative industries. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/j1RSnU0 via IFTTT

A Want in Her review – daughter’s searing portrait of family addiction and mental illness

- October 07, 2025

Film-maker Myrid Carten exposes her relationship with her mother – who has both bipolar disorder and alcoholism – in this painful but powerful documentary For anyone who has been close to an alcoholic, or someone with mental-health issues or, as is the case here, both at once, this is a hard watch. Film-maker Myrid Carten, who holds the camera much of the time as well as directing, exposes here the open wound that is her relationship with her mother Nuala, who has both bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Nuala often goes missing on binges, and as the film opens we hear Myrid telling someone on the phone how she just spotted her mother on a Belfast street in a total state, but recognisable because of the glamorous high-heeled shoes she was wearing. You’d struggle to realise this is the same woman we see in news footage from years earlier: soignée, composed and described as a social worker who has written a guidance paper for police on how to handle victims of domestic abuse. The Nuala of...

Shabana Azmi becomes first Indian actor to be invited to conduct an acting masterclass at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York

- October 07, 2025

The legendary Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, which has trained icons like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, has extended a rare honour to veteran actor Shabana Azmi. After watching her acclaimed solo play Broken Images, the institute’s President Victoria Kraner personally invited Shabana Azmi to visit the school and conduct an acting masterclass for NYU theatre students. This marks a historic moment as Azmi is the first Indian actor ever to receive such an invitation from the institution regarded as the mecca of acting. When this writer reached out to the incomparable Shabana Azmi in the US, she was surprised. “How did you get to know this so quickly? Yes, I have been invited to hold a masterclass at Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. How do I react to this honour? Like I do to all recognition. Just keep working, and never stop to admire yourself. And if the recognition for your work does our country proud, then I am happy.”...

Birthday special: 9 Iconic looks of Mona Singh that define her style

- October 07, 2025

Mona Singh — a name that’s been synonymous with grace, talent, and effortless charm. Over the years, she has captivated audiences across television, films, and web series, bringing magic to every character she portrays. Off-screen, her fashion sense mirrors her vibrant personality — elegant, expressive, and rooted in authenticity. As we celebrate Mona Singh’s birthday, we’re revisiting some of her most stunning fashion moments — each look a reflection of her confidence, individuality, and the timeless charm she carries with ease. Green Grace – Effortlessly Elegant Mona dazzled in a traditional green bandhani-style salwar suit with full sleeves and puffed shoulders. The kurti featured delicate traditional prints on the chest and hem, paired with wide-leg pants and a matching dupatta. Her chic side braid added a festive yet graceful touch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T O R A N I (@toraniofficial) Orange Energy – Vibrant & Joyful Lighting up every fr...

‘Laugh, muchachos’: Spitting Image studio sued after Paddington Bear episode

StudioCanal and author’s estate taking action over video depicting Paddington with South American accent snorting powder For the millions who adore Paddington Bear, Michael Bond’s marmalade-loving character is the epitome of English politeness and understatement – so a new depiction as a drug-taking, potty-mouthed podcast host was always going to prove challenging. But the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the team behind Spitting Image has proved too much for the film studio and estate that own the character’s rights. Continue reading... from Film | The Guardian https://ift.tt/lTkN4uH via IFTTT

Vijay Deverakonda escapes injury after car accident near Hyderabad: Report

Actor Vijay Deverakonda escaped unharmed after his car was rear-ended on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway in Telangana’s Jogulamba Gadwal district earlier today. The incident took place while the Liger star was travelling from Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, to Hyderabad in his Lexus LM350h. Reports indicate that the rear portion of his vehicle sustained damage in the collision. As per reports, the other vehicle involved in the accident did not stop and continued towards Hyderabad. Deverakonda’s driver has lodged a police complaint, and authorities have launched an investigation into the hit-and-run incident. Just a day before the incident, Vijay Deverakonda had visited Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparthi along with his family. His visit followed reports of a private engagement with actor Rashmika Mandanna on October 3, which was said to have been attended only by close friends and family. ???? Vijay Deverakonda’s Car in Minor Accident — All Safe A Lexus carry...

Bharti Singh confirms second pregnancy with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa: “We are pregnant again”

Comedian and television host Bharti Singh and her husband, TV writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have joyfully revealed that they are expecting their second child. The couple made the announcement via a shared Instagram post on Monday evening, much to the delight of their fans. The announcement came from idyllic surroundings in Switzerland, where Bharti and Haarsh are currently vacationing. In the heartfelt post, Bharti is seen cradling her baby bump while Haarsh stands behind her, beaming with affection. The crisp alpine backdrop added charm to their big reveal. Bharti captioned the post with a touching message, “We are pregnant again #blessed #ganpatibappamorya #thankyougod #babycomingsoon.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bharti Siingh (@bharti.laughterqueen) Within hours, the post went viral. Many prominent names in the entertainment industry flooded the comments section with congratulatory wishes. Among those sending their love were Parineeti Chopra, Esha G...

‘No one’s been willing to take a risk’: are Palestinian films still struggling to get seen?

As a genocide continues, the road to audiences has been smoother for Israeli films while Palestinians must get inventive Palestinian film-makers on their favorite Palestinian movies: ‘I felt like I was watching my own story’ This March, two documentaries on the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 attacks reached theaters within days of each other. One, called October 8, focused on the “emergence of antisemitism on college campuses, on social media and on the streets” after Hamas forces killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel, most of them civilians. The film, executive-produced by Debra Messing, was widely released by Briarcliff Entertainment, a maverick distribution studio that has also handled Trump biopic The Apprentice and Jamal Khashoggi documentary The Dissident ; Messing promoted the film on mainstream programs such as MSNBC’s Morning Joe . It ultimately grossed more than $1.3m domestically, a high total for a political documentary. The other film, The Encampments ...

REVEALED: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions merges Dharmatic Entertainment to simplify operations