On December 23, 2024, Shyam Benegal, the pioneering figure of the parallel cinema movement in India, passed away at 89. Known for his influential films like 'Manthan', 'Zubeidaa', 'Ankur', 'Kalyug', and 'Mandi', his work has left an enduring impact on Indian cinema and culture.
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Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), a remake of his Tamil debut Minnale, remains one of Bollywood’s most debated films. While the film has garnered a cult following over the years, thanks to its soulful soundtrack by Harris Jayaraj and the performances of R Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan, it has also been widely criticized for romanticizing problematic themes like stalking. Despite the backlash, Madhavan recently defended his character’s actions, arguing that... Expand
Akshay Kumar recalls memories from the sets of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, sharing details about a scene with Salman Khan in grass skirts choreographed by Farah Khan. He reminisces about their playful moments and reveals that the film was completed in just 32 days. Kumar has no current plans for another film with Salman.
Senior advocate Majeed Memon's autobiography, My Memoirs, highlights his 50-year legal career, focusing on notable Bollywood cases. He discusses the challenges of representing Sanjay Dutt and reveals how Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan turned hostile witnesses in the Bharat Shah case.
Shahid Kapoor's film 'Deva', directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has maintained a steady presence at the box office, collecting Rs 26.65 crore in its first six days. Despite competition, the film has received positive reviews for its engaging narrative and Kapoor's intense performance as a sharp investigator with memory loss. ETimes rated the action thriller 3.5 out of 5, highlighting the strong performances of the cast, including Pooja Hegde and Kubbra Sait, though some characters were underutilized.
Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's film Empuraan has set new box office records in the Malayalam film industry with a remarkable Rs 9.19 crore on its opening day. As the sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer, it features a star-studded cast and groundbreaking technology, including releases in IMAX and EPIQ formats.
Julianne Moore expressed disappointment after discovering her children’s book 'Freckleface Strawberry' was banned from Department of Defense schools under the Trump administration. The book, promoting self-acceptance and individuality, was banned alongside titles on Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a transgender girl. Moore questioned its ban and highlighted its relevance to children of military families.
Actor-director collaborations are making a strong comeback in Bollywood, promising a slew of exciting films. Notable reunions include Vicky Kaushal with Laxman Utekar, David and Varun Dhawan, and Akshay Kumar with Arshad Warsi. The trend extends to regional cinema with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal. These partnerships aim to blend artistic vision with commercial success.
L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has set a new milestone for Malayalam cinema in North America with advance sales surpassing $575,000. The sequel to 2019's Lucifer, it's also the first Malayalam film to be released in IMAX format. Directed by Prithviraj, the film's unprecedented international success is notable in the UAE as well.
Director Advait Chandan's Hindi remake ‘Loveyapa’, starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, released this Valentine's season, collected ₹2.65 crore net in India over two days. Despite competition from ‘Badass Ravikumar’, the film shows growth in collections. Aamir Khan praises the film's relevance and Khushi's performance, likening her to Sridevi.
Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his role in 'Gadar 2', was kidnapped in a plot that also targeted veteran actor Shakti Kapoor. Khan was lured to Delhi under false pretenses, held captive, and robbed before bravely escaping. Police investigations revealed a planned abduction of Kapoor, foiled by his demand for a larger advance.