Aamir Khan gives tough competition to Ali Fazal at World Pickleball League, watch viral video
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Aamir and Ali were seen exchanging playful jokes and smiles, adding to the entertainment value of the match.
In an interview, Udit Naryan revealed that the viral kissing video from one of his international concerts is months old and hints at a conspiracy to malign his image.
Sonam Kapoor's emotional runway tribute to Rohit Bal: 'Celebrating a designer who was...'
Sonam Kapoor took to the runway in a stunning, heavily embellished ivory ensemble by Rohit Bal, to pay an emotional tribute to the late designer at a runway show on Saturday.
From the near-extinct, flightless kakapo of New Zealand to Australias flying foxes dying in intense heatwaves and South Africas heavily trafficked pangolin, Tortoise Medias new podcast series, The Animal Sensemaker, unpacks the story of one animal at a time to make sense of the world. A spin-off of the popular Sensemaker series, loved for breaking down complex global stories in under 10 minutes, this gripping audio gem does the sameonly now, with animals taking centrestage in the narrative. The Animal Sensemaker lives up to its reputation. Each short audio documentary dives deep into the lives of lesser-known species, blending precise storytelling with vivid imagery that transports listeners to different places: the swampy rainforests of Cameroon, where Goliath frogs are being hunted; the mysterious Madagascar jungleshome to the elusive Aye-Aye lemuror the California Condor, an almost extinct vulture specie making a comeback through virgin births, or reproduction without males. The beauty of The Animal Sensemaker lies in its simplicity. Theres no heavy environmental jargon or preachinessjust crisp, digestible stories that shine a light on lesser-known creatures like the electric-blue gecko of Tanzanias ancient forests or the Somali sengi, a tiny elephant shrew found in Africa. You might even find yourself marveling at how leatherback turtles, giants of the ocean depths, are disoriented by light pollution in their journey spanning thousands of miles. At its core, the podcast does more than highlight endangered speciesit challenges listeners to rethink humanitys fraught relationship with the natural world. By exploring life through the lens of these overlooked animals, The Animal Sensemaker becomes a poignant reminder of whats at stake in the battle against biodiversity loss. More importantly, it weaves the tales of these almost famous creatures with compelling narratives of their conservation. From communities setting up water sprinklers to save panting flying foxes during extreme heatwaves to relocating the entire kakapo population to remote, predator-free islands in New Zealand, the podcast highlights inspiring efforts to protect these species. Clocking in at just 10 minutes per episode, this podcast is perfect for anyone seeking bite-sized insights into the complex interplay between wildlife and the environment. Whether youre a conservation enthusiast or just looking to discover natures hidden underdogs, The Animal Sensemaker will leave you with a sense of wonderand maybe even a touch of guilt. The Animal Sensemaker Hosts: Alexi Mostrous, Tomini Babs and Claudia Williams Genre: Environment Platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Tortoise Media Language: English
Zahan Kapoor recalled how Amitabh Bachchan used to come to his grandfather Shashi Kapoor's home, and he also explained that he realised Shashi's stardom very late.
In the latest episode of his podcast, Elvish Yadav took a dig at Karan Johar, but then Ankita Lokhande came in his defence.
Sky Force has become the first Hindi film of 2025 to cross the Rs 100-crore mark and Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya's film looks super-strong in its second week.
R Madhavan defended his character Madhav Shastri from Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein, and justified why his stalking in the film wasn't 'problematic'
In the South, movies are incomplete without him. Makers especially create a track for him in the script, and he's more popular than the biggest of Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam superstars.
The Marathi film Sabar Bonda, a same-sex love story, has won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Marco, the highest-grossing A-rated Malayalam film of all time, will start streaming on SonyLIV from February 14.
Jaideep Ahlawat called Alia Bhatt a rilliant actress and questioned how she must feel when reading comments calling her a epo kid, questioning if it's her fault that she was born into Mahesh Bhatt's house.
Radhika Kumaraswamy was married to HD Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister and son of former Indian PM HD Deve Gowda, from 2007 to 2015.
'Deva' movie review: Style sans substance
In his hero-entry scene in Deva , Shahid Kapoor, in a buzz cut and a stubble, thrusts his pelvis to Are Diwano Mujhe Pehchano from Don (1978). In a mural, Amitabh Bachchans Vijay, another Salim-Javed anti-hero, lounges in the background. In the desperation to attain mass appeal, the angry young Bachchan has become the new cardboard cutout of every deviant and volatile protagonist in Hindi cinema. In Jigra (2024), Alia Bhatt stuffs her mouth, prepping herself for an odyssey as Agneepath (1990) plays on TV. Ranbir Kapoors Animal reveals his name to be Rann Vijay. Every creator seems to be showcasing their characters as the angry young men or women of the modern age. But nobody is imbibing its essence. In an interview, Javed Akhtar eloquently described his creation: The angry young man wasnt just angry. He was deeply hurt. I dont know what ails todays on-screen rebel. What hurts him? Who is he angry with? What is he angry about? Helmed by Rosshan Andrrews, Deva is a plain and convoluted restructuring of the directors 2013 neo-noir psychological thriller Mumbai Police . Given the source material and leaving the PR aside (which projected Deva as a massy film), the movie was expected to be a nail-biting thriller. With an incessantly smoking Shahid, sporting shades and rugged jeans, Deva clings to the style as it jettisons the substance. It beats the barrel drum of its gritty sensibilities but quite soon the thrills at its centre start ringing hollow. The case is solved when the film opens (but there is a catch). Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor) has found the killer of his friend and colleague Rohan DSilva (Pavail Gulati), a gentle cop who was shot by an unknown sniper at a police felicitation event. Dev meets with an accident before he can reveal the culprits name to his senior Farhan Khan (Parvessh Rana). Dev wakes up with amnesia, having no memory of either his or the murderers identity. As he starts piecing up the puzzle, the audience is introduced to Devs pre-accident, mercurial personality. He never dons the police uniform as he doesnt want to malign the khaki while doing the cops dirty work. He sleeps around with a married woman. He is rude, arrogant and insubordinate but is tolerated by his colleagues and seniors because he is a sharp cop. Kabir Singh with a gun. But Deva isnt just a character study. Its no look-at-the-antics-of-this-animal cinema. In the footsteps of the 2013 Malayalam original Mumbai Police , it tries to be a riveting mystery, which heavily relies on the timely unravelling of the plot. Deva , however, is so unimaginatively arranged that it misses on the thrill train. In Mumbai Police , the viewers were as clueless as its amnesiac protagonist and things slowly fall into place. But in Deva , the viewer is always ahead of the central character. The story unfolds plainly, the narrative is slower than a slow-burn and the reveals are diluted. Mumbai Police questioned the allure of the macho cop and the toxicity of male friendships but Deva restrains itself to rebelling against ideology-less politicians. We also dont spend time with the auxiliary characters to bond with them and thus motivations are half-baked and actions feel abrupt. Deva completely rests on the shoulders of its lead Shahid Kapoor, who must be lauded for both his acting prowess and his choice of roles. And Shahid does try to lift up the sagging storytelling with his livewire acts but it isnt enough. At a runtime of two hours and 36 minutes, Deva becomes dreary. Upendra Limayes cameo as a sharpshooter is the highlight of the film. Pavail Gulatis Rohan should have been the conscience, the beating heart of the film like his counterpart in Mumbai Police (Jayasurya) but it remains a stock character, nothing more than the heros best friend. There is a feeble attempt in Deva to humanise its angry protagonist, to give a cause to this rebel. There are frequent mentions of how Dev put his own father behind jail, how his father once came back home drunk and broke his leg. Daddy issues as the reason behind flawed personalities has become passe. Dev sums it up perfectly when Rohan brings up his own disappointed father during an argument, What dad, dad, dad you are crying about? Let all dads die.
Karan Johar has not been facing accusations of allegedly not supporting outsiders in Bollywood. Kangana Ranaut has frequently slammed the filmmaker for the same in the past.
'Ponman' movie review: A gripping tale of unyielding resilience forged in gold
Theres a saying in Kollam. Dont raise a dog hoping for someone elses sh**. Its meant for men like you. These words, uttered by PP Ajesh (Basil Joseph) in a heated confrontation with Mariyano (Sajin Gopu), encapsulate Ponman a sharp critique of the dowry system. But unlike most films on this subject, Ponman does something fresh. It doesnt merely focus on the suffering bride or the exploitative grooms family. Instead, it follows a gold loan agenta man who ensures weddings happen, not out of charity but as a business. And when that business turns into a nightmare, the film morphs into a well-staged thriller, making it an exhilarating affair. Adapted from GR Indugopans novel Naalanchu Cheruppakkar , Ponman is a rare case where the film outshines the book, especially in its climactic stretches. While the novel mainly revolves around Ajeshs tense battle with Mariyano, the film elevates the newlywed bride Steffy (Lijomol Jose) into a fully realised character with more agency in the story. That said, some stellar portions from the bookparticularly around Steffys mother, Agnes (Sandhya Rajendran)dont make it to the screen. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise remarkable adaptation. Ponman is also a portrait of Kollam. Much like how Maheshinte Prathikaaram captured the soul of Idukki or how Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (JJJJH) made great use of its setting, Ponman weaves Kollam and its surroundings into the fabric of its narrative. The film opens with an impressive montage of the regions backwaters and shores, setting the mood for a tense and grounded narrative with a song dedicated to showcase Kollams landmarks. Jothish Shankar makes an impressive transition from a seasoned production designer to a full-fledged filmmaker with his directorial debut, showcasing a strong visual sensibility and an assured grasp of storytelling. Having crafted immersive worlds in his previous production design ventures, his ability to translate that expertise into directing is evident in the films atmosphere, detailing, and lived-in settings. Instead of excessive dramatisation, he leans into subtlety, trusting the strength of his screenplay and actors. This is particularly evident in how he reimagines certain aspects of the book. Terrence Bruno (Anand Manmadhan), a staunch communist party worker, gets into trouble after attacking the local churchs sexton. When his party abandons him, he finds himself struggling to arrange 25 sovereigns of gold for his sister Steffys wedding. Enter Ajesh, a man who lends gold to families with the agreement that theyll either pay him back for the gold from the donations received or return the unpaid ornaments. But things dont go as planned, and Ajesh finds himself chasing after whats rightfully his. What starts as a simple business transaction quickly spirals into something much bigger. Ajesh, someone who initially sees dowry transactions as just another deal, is now forced to confront the ugly realities of the system when the stakes become deeply personal. The film also subtly explores the idea of God and fate in key moments. When Ajesh finally sets out to reclaim his gold from Mariyano, we see Sharma (Deepak Parambol), an actor in a local drama troupe, dressed as Jesus, tied on the cross. As the scene unfolds, Ajesh remarks that he can fend for himself, implying that a man must rely on his own willpower rather than divine intervention. In another moment, Bruno, whose ideological rigidity has left him rudderless, sees or imagines divinity around Ajesh, the very man who inadvertently helps him find meaning in his life. These elements add layers to the films exploration of self-reliance, redemption and belief. Its difficult to imagine Basil Joseph as someone who means business ruthlessly, even though he has played quirky baddies in JJJJH and Sookshmadarshini. Audiences are used to seeing him in endearing and goofy roles. But here, Basil undergoes a complete transformation. His Ajesh is relentless, pragmatic, and willing to go to any extent to uphold his word. Theres a moment where Ajesh delivers a fiery monologue to Bruno, calling out his self-pity and misplaced righteousness. With close-up shots capturing every ounce of his frustration and determination, this is undoubtedly Basils finest moment as an actor. Lijomol Jose as Steffy Graf is nothing short of spectacular. The film allows her to evolve from a seemingly helpless bride to someone who takes charge of her own fate. Theres a brilliant scene where she turns on Bruno, laying bare his failures as a brother; Lijomol delivers it with a raw intensity thats hard to ignore. The slight tremble in her voice when standing up to Ajesh is also praiseworthy. Whats striking about her chemistry with Basil is its subtlety: the unspoken words in a glance, the weight of a simple conversation. Sajin Gopu, as Mariyano, is menacingly terrific. His body language and sheer physicality make him an intimidating presence, perfectly fitting the build-up given to his character as this mala poleyoru raakshsan (a demon like a mountain). Anand Manmadhan delivers a breakout performance as Terrence Bruno, a deeply flawed yet sympathetic figure. Anand effectively portrays his frustration and helplessness, particularly in scenes where his ideology clashes with reality. Deepak Parambol (as Sharma) and Sandhya Rajendran (as Agnes) also deliver commendable performances. At its heart, Ponman is also about perseveranceAjeshs relentless quest to retrieve whats his, Steffys struggle to secure a future for herself, and Brunos gradual realisation of his shortcomings. Ajeshs resilience is best encapsulated in a moment where he dismisses the notion that dowry is a necessity for a mans survival. A hardworking or genuine man doesnt need to depend on dowry to make his ends meet, he tells Mariyano in a confrontation that feels like the films mission statement. The screenplay by Indugopan and Justin Mathew ensures that the tension never dips. Every time you think Ajesh has found a way out, another obstacle arises, making for a gripping watch. The cinematography by Sanu John Varghese is immersive, capturing the beauty of Kollams landscapes while ensuring that the camera never feels intrusive. The aerial shots of Thalavettichira, the island village where the film mainly unfolds, are particularly outstanding. Justin Vargheses music subtly enhances the films narrative without ever overpowering it. The standout track, Paka, sung by KS Chithra, is beautifully placed after a crucial confrontation. The sound design is also remarkable, subtly enriching the atmosphere and urgency. While the novels climax is primarily focussed on Ajesh outsmarting Mariyano, Ponman expands this moment to include Steffy in a major way, making it all the more impactful. The film doesnt go for an over-the-top resolution, yet it delivers the apt cinematic high, making the conclusion both satisfying and thought-provoking. Also, Ajesh, a man of his word, will stay with you long after the credits roll. Film: 'Ponman' Director: Jothish Shankar Cast: Basil Joseph, Lijomol Jose, Sajin Gopu, Anand Manmadhan, Deepak Parambol, Sandhya Rajendran Rating : 4/5
In the video, Salman Khan looked dapper sporting a cowboy look, dressed in a red shirt, blue jeans, and a brown hat. The video starts with clips of Salman Khan's old interviews and videos that were deemed controversial at the time.
After Shilpa Shirodkar, Chhaiya Chhaiya was offered to both Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty, but they declined for personal reasons. After this, the song fell into Malaika Arora's kitty and went on to become one of the most prominent moments in Bollywood history.
As per the videos circulating online, Udit Narayan could be seen performing his iconic song Tip Tip Barsa Paani when his fans gathered around to click selfies with him. One of his female fans, after clicking the picture, turned around and kissed him on the cheek.
Touted as 'India's biggest war film', Border 2 is the sequel of the 1997 epic war drama of the same name.
'#ParuParvathy' movie review: A long road to self-discovery, measured in distance and emotion
When two individuals from drastically different backgroundseach with their own reasons for embarking on a journeycross paths, it becomes more than just a trip. #ParuParvathy is a tale of contrasts. Payal (Deepika Das), a 26-year-old vlogger, uses travel to escape, documenting every moment through her camera. Yet for all her talk of spontaneity, shes still trapped by her own rules, seeking freedom within the confines of structure. On the other hand, theres Paru (Poonam Sirnaik), a 62-year-old woman with a past filled with childhood marriage, unfulfilled dreams, and a lifetime of silence. As their paths intersect, Payals romanticised view of travel as an escape collides with Parus deeper need for healing and self-discovery. They travel across Karnataka, Goa, Mumbai, Mathura, and finally reach Uttarakhand, but the real journey is internal. This isnt a story about running away from the past but confronting it. Both women are carrying emotional baggage, but through their shared journey, theyre forced to face it head-on. Parus transformationfrom surviving to truly livingis a key part of the film, especially as she reclaims her voice through technology, something that was stolen from her long ago. By the time Paru starts her own YouTube channel, sharing her story, its not a perfect victory. Its a momentraw, unfiltered, and imperfect. Shes still learning, but on her own terms. And then theres Midhun (Fawaz Ashraf)a wildcard who throws a wrench into Payals worldview and forces both women to confront their emotional wounds. Hes no saviour, but his presence cracks open Payals neatly packaged beliefs about freedom. Its messy, its uncomfortable, but sometimes it takes an outsider to make you challenge everything you thought you knew. And the hashtag in the title is a modern-day element that amplifies the films message. The films climax is close to reality and not exaggerated; it is not a candy-floss, happy ending. Paru realises that her journey isnt about arriving somewhere but rather understanding the chains shes been carrying and finally breaking them. Its a metaphor for how we all hold onto the past and how difficult it is to let go. But the film doesnt pretend its easy. Its not about finding peace through a simple mindset change; its about the struggle to break free from the ghosts of our past and find the courage to stop running. The ending isnt tied up in a neat bow. Parus not standing with her transformation completed, but looking out at the horizon, ready for whatever comes next. #ParuParvathy doesnt spoon-feed you a life lesson. Its about facing the hard parts of yourself and realising that the real journey is the one you take within. Writer-director Rohit Keerti ambitiously attempts to weave multiple layers of storytelling, but in doing so, the film feels slightly overextended at times. Clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film could have used a tighter edit to sharpen the narratives tone and pacing. The films simple yet philosophical dialogues, while well-intentioned, are a hit-and-miss. Cinematographer Abin Rajesh, however, succeeds in capturing the beauty of the journey through stunning road shots and drone footage, lending the film a visual charm. The music by R Hari stands out, with the Radhe song, shot amidst the vibrancy of Holi in Mathura, being a standout. Despite the language barrier, Hindi film actor Poonam Sirnaik, making her Kannada debut, pours her heart into the role of Paru. Naturally, the best support comes from Sudharani, who dubs for Sirnaik. Her voice sounds a little younger than the age specified for her role, but it adds an extra layer of emotion and enriches Parus portrayal. Deepika Das, as Payal, the woman masking her inner turmoil, delivers a steady, restrained performance. Shes an independent woman and has less room for emotional depth. It is Fawaz Ashraf, playing Mithuna Malayali-Kannadigawho brings his boundless energy that brightens things up and adds a touch of vivacity to an otherwise sombre narrative. #ParuParvathy is more than just a journey across India; its a story about rediscovery and healing. At its core, it explores the complexities of self-liberation and the power of emotional growth. The bond between Paru and Payal speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with past wounds, and the film ultimately underscores the importance of confronting those wounds to move forward. Paru and Payals shared journey feels like a long road to self-discovery, measured in distance and emotion. #ParuParvathy Director: Rohit Keerti Cast: Deepika Das, Poonam Sirnaik, Fawaz Ashraf, and KS Shridhar Rating : 3/5
Meet top Bollywood actress with a Hitler connection, married to superstar named...
Alia Bhatt's great-grandfather Karl Hoezler ran an underground newspaper against Adolf Hitler. She is married to Ranbir Kapoor and shares a daughter Raha with him.
'Companion' movie review: A genre-bending thriller that keeps you hooked
Fifteen minutes into Companion , director Drew Hancock skips the world-building and dives straight into conflict resolution, keeping us hooked from the get-go. As we remain focused on who powers through and who shuts down, a nerve-racking scene flips the switchThatchers Iris shares a brilliantly written, darkly humorous exchange with a police officer. Its a moment that crackles with tension yet delivers an unexpected laugh, seamlessly upgrading Companion from sci-fi horror into a dark comedy. The film masterfully switches between genresfrom romance to drama to dystopian science fictionwhile keeping the audiences heart rate elevated and their minds whirring. The film revolves around the murder of a billionaire, leading to a chain of events, involving a cat-and-dog chase between Iris, Josh (Quaid), and their friends. Companion doesnt take the conventional route of linear world-building. Instead, we piece together its setting and history on the go, making the viewing experience all the more engaging. This sharp writing choice ensures that fresh twists drop in every ten minutessome we see coming, most we dont. The makers are careful not to bite off more than they can chew, delivering thrills that are both effective and well-calibrated. Jack Quaids character starts off as someone riddled with anxiety. But as his character sinks into deeper, greyer shades, he navigates each turn with remarkable ease. While the film keeps us hooked with its perfectly timed revelations, it also leaves us with an unsettling takeawayone that flips our allegiance. Companion subtly nudges us to side with the machine over the human, repeatedly showcasing just how cruel humanity can be. Josh is the quintessential nice guy, but beneath the surface lies deep-seated entitlement. He treats his partner as something to be controlled rather than understood, manipulating and lashing out when things dont go his way. The film cleverly satirises this toxic mindset, questioning whether Joshs lack of empathy stems from personal arrogance or something more deeply ingrained. Sophie Thatcher completely disappears into Iris, making us question whether shes human at all. With a disturbingly unwavering smile and makeup that never fades, her portrayal taps into our deepest technophobic fears. With a vengeful attitude, Iris is written to honour all women who live with misogynistic men. Once she realises how shes being treated, she sets out by herself to extract revenge, and the way she achieves it in the end is equally fascinating and terrifying. Lukas Gage delivers a commendable performance as Patrick in this genre-bending flick, which at times, doubles as a slasher. Companion is a thrilling ride that keeps its circuits firing on all fronts. With razor-sharp social commentary, pulse-pounding tension, and performances that feel eerily human, the film is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It not only critiques power dynamics but also taps into our fears of technology and control, making us question who the real machine is in the equation. Companion doesnt just compute as another sci-fi horror; its an electrifying, well-programmed spectacle that leaves you debugging your own thoughts on morality, power, and what it truly means to be human. Film: Companion Director: Drew Hancock Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guilln, Rupert Friend Rating : 3.5/5
'Deva' review: Shahid Kapoors livewire act cant salvage this slow burnout
In his hero-entry scene in Deva , Shahid Kapoor, in a buzz cut and a stubble, thrusts his pelvis to Are Diwano Mujhe Pehchano from Don (1978). In a mural, Amitabh Bachchans Vijay, another Salim-Javed anti-hero, lounges in the background. In the desperation to attain mass appeal, the angry young Bachchan has become the new cardboard cutout of every deviant and volatile protagonist in Hindi cinema. In Jigra (2024), Alia Bhatt stuffs her mouth, prepping herself for an odyssey as Agneepath (1990) plays on TV. Ranbir Kapoors Animal reveals his name to be Rann Vijay. Every creator seems to be showcasing their characters as the angry young men or women for the modern age. But nobody is imbibing its essence. In an interview, Javed Akhtar eloquently described his creation: The angry young man wasnt just angry. He was deeply hurt. I dont know what ails todays on-screen rebel. What hurts him? Who is he angry with? What is he angry about? Helmed by Rosshan Andrrews, Deva is a plain and convoluted restructuring of the directors 2013 neo-noir psychological thriller Mumbai Police . Given the source material and leaving the PR aside (which projected Deva as a massy film), the movie was expected to be a nail-biting thriller. With an incessantly smoking Shahid, sporting shades and rugged jeans, Deva clings to the style as it jettisons the substance. It beats the barrel drum of its gritty sensibilities but quite soon the thrills at its centre start ringing hollow. The case is solved when the film opens (but there is a catch). Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor) has found the killer of his friend and colleague Rohan DSilva (Pavail Gulati), a gentle cop who was shot by an unknown sniper at a police felicitation event. Dev meets with an accident before he can reveal the culprits name to his senior Farhan Khan (Parvessh Rana). Dev wakes up with amnesia, having no memory of either his or the murderers identity. As he starts piecing up the puzzle, the audience is introduced to Devs pre-accident, mercurial personality. He never dons the police uniform as he doesnt want to malign the khaki while doing the cops dirty work. He sleeps around with a married woman. He is rude, arrogant and insubordinate but is tolerated by his colleagues and seniors because he is a sharp cop. Kabir Singh with a gun. But Deva isnt just a character study. Its no look-at-the-antics-of-this-animal cinema. In the footsteps of the 2013 Malayalam original Mumbai Police , it tries to be a riveting mystery, which heavily relies on the timely unravelling of the plot. Deva, however, is so unimaginatively arranged that it misses on the thrill train. In Mumbai Police , the viewers are as clueless as its amnesiac protagonist and things slowly fall into place. But in Deva , the viewer is always ahead of the central character. The story unfolds plainly, the narrative is more slow than a slow-burn and the reveals are diluted. Mumbai Police questioned the allure of the macho cop and the toxicity of male friendships but Deva restrains itself to rebelling against ideology-less politicians. We also dont spend time with the auxiliary characters to bond with them and thus motivations are half-baked and actions feel abrupt. Deva completely rests on the shoulders of its lead Shahid Kapoor, who must be lauded for both his acting prowess and his choice of roles. And Shahid does try to lift up the sagging storytelling with his livewire acts but it isnt enough. At a runtime of two hours and 36 minutes, Deva becomes dreary. Upendra Limayes cameo as a sharpshooter (he also played the supremely entertaining guns dealer in Animal (2023)) is the highlight of the film. Pavail Gulatis Rohan should have been the conscience, the beating heart of the film like his counterpart in Mumbai Police (Jayasurya) but it remains a stock character, nothing more than the heros best friend. There is a feeble attempt in Deva to humanise its angry protagonist, to give a cause to this rebel. There are frequent mentions of how Dev put his own father behind jail, how his father once came back home drunk and broke his leg. Daddy issues as the reason behind flawed personalities has become passe. Dev sums it up perfectly when Rohan brings up his own disappointed father during an argument, What dad, dad, dad you are crying about? Let all dads die. Film: Deva Director: Rosshan Andrrews Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pavail Gulati, Pooja Hegde, Parvessh Rana Rating: 2/5
'Oru Jaathi Jaathakam' review: Regressive jokes overpower this supposedly progressive film
Vineeth Sreenivasans Oru Jaathi Jaathakam attempts to convey a progressive message on finding a compatible life partner, but the makers take a terribly bumpy route to drag through to the destination. Why would the supposed progressiveness in the end matter if 3/4th of the film stinks with obnoxious jokes that leave a poor aftertaste? The damage is already done. Vineeth Sreenivasan plays Mambrath Jayesh, a man in his late 30s, who has been desperate to get married for the last eight years. Right from his intro scene where he has a dream of his marriage getting called off, we see Jayesh frustrated and sulking about finding the perfect life partner. Settled in Chennai (yes, Vineeth Sreenivasan), Jayesh visits his hometown every week in the hope of finding the right match, but his conditions are so silly that his boss often jokes, Finding a girl who meets all your conditions is like searching for a dinosaur in the 21st century. A proud male chauvinist, Jayeshs conservative demands, rigid beliefs in horoscopes, and the unrealistic beauty standards he has for a potential bride make it hard to find a suitable match. Heres a deplorable protagonist with hardly any likeable qualities, but the films light-hearted treatment ensures we laugh at him rather than despise him. Vineeth Sreenivasans performance is also delightfully over-the-top, with the Thalassery slang adding to the fun. Most of the supporting actors are also capable of handling the quirky slang. Among them, PP Kunhikrishnans dialogues and performance work the best. Though scattered, there are some genuinely funny dialogues and hilarious moments in the films initial half, but Rakesh Mantodis writing gets awful when he decides to dish out an extremely insensitive segment on homosexuality. Following a last-minute cancellation of Jayeshs wedding, word spreads that he might be gay. The relentless ridiculing from those around him leads to a point where Jayesh himself starts suspecting his sexual orientation. If not anything else, these scenes would only help reinforce the stereotypes about the LGBTQIA+ community. This stretch, which lasts for nearly half an hour, is abundant with derogatory homophobic remarks, including the repetitive usage of the slur ku**an. From his friends to family to locals, everyone calls him that. Theres even a sequence where Jayesh dreams of getting sexually assaulted by his boss (Babu Antony) in office. Sure, the makers can get away with saying its just a dream sequence intended to highlight the protagonists worst fears. Still, its evident from the way the scene has been shot and enacted that the primary objective was to elicit laughs. It is quite amusing how a much-revered artist like Vineeth Sreenivasan agreed to do such offensive humour. Even while director M Mohanan goes for an all-out comedy treatment, theres a satirical tone while attempting to call out the hypocrisy of people like Jayesh. However, it isnt effectively conveyed due to the lack of a serious and sensitive approach. The treatment is so confusing that we are left wondering if the film really wants to critique or celebrate all the regressiveness. At one point, Jayesh realises the pain and embarrassment he might have caused others when women start rejecting him based on looks. But its disappointing that even at this stage, theres a scene where Jayeshs father mocks harshly at his sons physique. Similarly, during the redemption phase, we hardly see Jayesh owning up to his flaws. He either blames his family for raising him as a traditionalist or his equally sexist friend (Mridul Nair) for influencing him. The film needed more moments of his introspection. Among the slew of women with limited presence, Indu Thampys Pallavi, Chippy Devassys Merin, and Kayadu Lohars Payal leave an impression. Sayanora Philip also makes a mark with her fiery rebuttal in the end. In a way, all these women positively influence Jayesh in shaping up as a better person, but the writing fails to fully explore these ideas. Oru Jaathi Jaathakam had the potential to be a compelling character study on a conservative and flawed individual, but the focus seems to be solely on turning everything into a comedy, even if it means resorting to a brand of humour that the industry has collectively been trying to run away from. Film: Oru Jaathi Jaathakam Director: M Mohanan Cast: Vineeth Sreenivasan, Mridul Nair, Chippy Devassy, P P Kunhikrishnan, Indu Thampy, Babu Antony, Kayadu Lohar Rating : 1.5/5
Despite receiving critical acclaim, I Want To Talk earned less than Rs 2 crore in India. The Shoojit Sircar directorial was headlined by Abhishek Bachchan.
Not Border, Tridev, Rangeela, Hero, or Ram Lakhan; Jackie Shroff won his only Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the 1989 film Parinda.
Gauahar Khan opened up about her new show Lovely Lolla, breaking the set pattern mould. Khan added that she would play the role of on-screen mother, even in her 20s
Though Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde-starrer Deva opened low, it scored the second biggest opener of 2025 yet.
As heroes falter, producers take up the challenge for Bollywood
In a challenging period for the Hindi film industry, independent producers are rising by collaborating based on their skills. With increasing theatre footfalls and encouraging box office performances, producers are optimistic. New funding avenues and strategic partnerships are driving fresh narratives, despite the significant role of traditional studios remaining intact.
Actress Rozlyn Khan has now made new claims against Hina Khan and even accused the latter of 'bribing her doctors' to hide the details of her cancer treatment.
Aamir Khan created box office history by starting the Rs 100 crore club with Ghajini (2008). Now, Aamir Khan and the producer of his blockbuster film, Allu Arvind have discussed Ghajini 2, dropping a major hint about the sequel. On Friday, Aamir attended a special press meet of Naga Chaitanya's Thandel. Aamir stepped forward to support his Laal Singh Chaddha co-star and his Ghajini producer Allu Arvind.
Is the Hindi Film Industry heavily dependent on big budget event films?
Indian film industry shows a growing dependency on big-budget event films, with the top ten films' contribution to total box office collections rising significantly to 41% in 2024. The trend highlights the increasing divide between high-budget spectacles and smaller, content-driven films in attracting theatrical audiences.
As per the news reports, Aamir Khan has found love for the third time. Earlier he was married to Reena Dutta and then filmmaker Kiran Rao.
Mamta Kulkarni expelled from Kinnar Akhara days after becoming Mahamandaleshwar for THIS reason
Mamta Kulkarni along with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi got expelled from the Kinnar Akhara.
Aamir Khan was recently spotted near Andheri station, and his caveman look left the bystanders, and netizens stunned, wondering if this for an AD or for his next film.
OMG! Farah Khan reveals she 'used to hate' husband Shirish Kunder: 'I thought he is gay'
Farah Khan opened up about her marital life and how her love for Shirish Kunder matured over the years.
Saif Ali Khan attack case: Facial Recognition test confirms Shariful Islam's role
The Police also confirmed that the accused entered India from Bangladesh and stayed at various locations in Kolkata for several days.
Raftaar ties knot with Manraj Jawanda in a dreamy wedding; SEE FIRST pics
Rapper Raftaar tied the knot with fashion stylist and actress Manraj Jawanda on Friday, January 31, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.
Neha Dhupia faints on Roadies set, details inside
Neha Dhupia fainted on the sets of the new season of Roadies. The incident occurred while filming, leaving everyone concerned. However, Neha is reportedly doing fine now.
Salman Khan's Rakhi sister, Pulkit Samrat's ex-wife Shweta Rohira meets with accident
Shweta Rohira took to Instagram to share her photos from hospital and shared how she met with the accident.
A new promo of Elvish Yadav's podcast with Rajat Dalal has sparked interest and gained a lot of attention on YouTube.
Jaideep Ahlawat opens up on keeping his personal life private, says 'I don't want to feel...'
Jaideep Ahlawat, who is known for keeping his life private, shared his thoughts on the challenges of living under the public eye and why he chose not to participate in the social media frenzy
'Salman Khan wouldn't...': Sooraj Barjatya on why he replaced superstar with Shahid Kapoor in Vivah
Director Sooraj Barjatya revealed why he chose Shahid Kapoor for Vivah, despite Salman Khan approaching him.
Bobby Deol returns as the sinister Baba Nirala in the fourth season of Aashram, and it gives an insight into Baba's dark reign getting crumbled under the law and order.
Swara Bhasker's X account suspended, and the actress penned a long note about it on Instagram.
Fans' prayers have been answered as Priyadarshan is returning to direct the much-awaited, third instalment of Hera Pheri 3, and this could be the best gift for every fan of the iconic comedy franchise.
Bigg Boss 18's 'machardani gang' Karan Veer Mehra, Chum Darang, and Digvijay Rathee reunited at Shilpa Shirodkar's home, and they had a great time getting drunk.
Number of original series released by streaming platforms in India is at a four-year low
The number of original series released by Indian streaming platforms hit a four-year low in 2024, dropping 18% from 2023, per Ormax Media. Fiction series dominated, accounting for 68% of releases. Hindi remained the top language. Streamers prioritize cost-effective acquisitions over originals, with platforms like ZEE5 focusing on direct-to-OTT films while others balance content formats.
Rakesh Roshan has spoken fondly of Sussanne, stating that she will always be a part of their family, regardless of the reasons behind the couple's divorce.
This actress once gave huge flops with South superstars. However, her career got a huge push after making a cameo appearance for an item song.
Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna to share screen space once again? Sikandar co-stars to reunite for...
According to fresh reports, Rashmika Mandanna all set to join Salman Khan for another film, adding even more excitement to her already impressive lineup.
Though his film debut went unnoticed, his breakthrough role in the 1989 blockbuster catapulted him to stardom. Today, he reigns as a Bollywood superstar, delivering blockbuster hits, and earning crores.
Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra's Sholay, made for Rs 3 crore in 1975, would cost Rs... to make in 2025
Have you ever wondered what would have been the budget of Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra's film Sholay if it was made in the year 2025? As per media reports, if the makers had made Sholay in 2025, they would have spent about Rs 300 to Rs 400 crores.
Parliamentary panel to review media laws in meeting on January 31
A parliamentary committee will meet on January 31 to review media laws due to rapid technological changes and evolving consumer behavior. The Press Council of India and the information and broadcasting ministry will offer insights. The exploration of a unified Media Council remains a topic of interest.
Mahira Sharma's mother breaks her silence on actress' dating rumours with cricketer Mohammed Siraj
Mahira Sharma's mother has firmly refuted dating speculations with Mohammed Siraj.
Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan's pairing, at the time, was most of the most successful ones at the box office and Sooraj Barjatya was keen on casting someone who did not have a previous association with Salman Khan.
BTS' Jimin pens touching letter to ARMY, leaves fans emotional: 'It's been quite...'
On January 29, the K-pop star Jimin shared an update on Weverse, giving fans a glimpse into his life in the military.
While the details remain under wraps, fans are eager to know what the couple is working on. RajKummar and Patralekhaa tied the knot on November 15, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh.
Bengaluru Theatre | Vivek Vijayakumarans non-verbal play It Is You explores identity
Religion, climate change, and human connection collide in It Is You, a non-verbal play premiering January 31 at Ranga Shankara, Bengaluru
R Madhavan warns son Vedaant about his 'privileged' life: 'You can't be seen with...'
R Madhavan's son Vedaant has already built an impressive resume, winning five gold medals at the Malaysian Open, along with gold and silver at the Danish Open.
Mahira Sharma dating Mohammed Siraj? Insider says Bigg Boss 13 fame is 'romantically...'
According to a recent report, Mahira Sharma is said to be dating cricketer Mohammed Siraj.
After Saif Ali Khan was stabbed recently, an old video of him shows him talking about another incident when he was attacked at a night club in Delhi in 1994.
Abhijeet Bhattacharya under scrutiny, accused of insulting Mahatma Gandhi, activists demand FIR
Abhijeet Bhattacharya insulted the Mahatma by stating that `Gandhi was not the father of nation of India but he was the father of nation of Pakistan', claimed Manish Deshpande, the complainant.
Jio Star secures media rights for International Masters League
JioStar secures media rights for the International Masters League (IML), featuring cricket legends with Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara as captains. Matches broadcast live on Disney+ Hotstar and Colors Cineplex channels from February 22 at 7:30 PM, promising nostalgia and competitive play.
Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Court sends accused to 14-day judicial custody
The accused - Mohammad Shariful Islam - was produced before the Bandra magistrate court at the end of his police custody.
Farah Khan hosted the celebration for Javed Akhtar's 80th birthday at her home. Along with multiple Bollywood celebs, Bigg Boss 18 winner Karan Veer Mehra and finalist Chum Darang also attended the party.
Komal Nahta will now host podcasts with top Indian directors, and the first trailer of his new program gave an insight into the interesting lineup.
Headlined by Allu Arjun and helmed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2: The Rule will be streaming on Netflix from January 30, with the additional footage of 23 minutes.
Joker: Folie Deux, or simply Joker 2, has received the most nominations for the 45th Golden Raspberry Awards or the Razzies.
Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt-starrer Double iSmart was one of the biggest Indian flops of 2024, but now has garnered more than 10 crore views on YouTube.
Neil Nitin Mukesh opens up about taking the break of five years, his take on rejecting big projects, and what made him agree to make comeback with Hisaab Barabar.
Over the years, Shahid Kapoor has become known for undergoing drastic hair makeovers for his film roles.
Zeenat Aman reveals why she is 'prone to being misunderstood': 'I really can't fake...'
On a good day, my quietude is read as enigmatic, composed, graceful. Oh, but on a bad day...I can be seen as aloof, brusque, uptight, wrote Zeenat Aman.
Anjali breaks silence on Ram Charan's Game Changer box office failure: 'I feel happy that...'
Apart from Kiara Advani, Anjali played the second leading lady in Ram Charan's Game Changer. The film turned out to be one of the biggest flops in Indian cinema.
Karan Veer Mehra, in his poetic manner, penned a heartfelt note for his love Chum Darang with adorable photos, and his post went viral in no time.
Vimi made her Bollywood debut in 1967 with the successful film Hamraaz, which quickly turned her into a star.
Choreographer Ahmed Khan revealed what inspired Shah Rukh Khan to buy Mannat. Sharing a funny incident while shooting Yes Boss, Ahmed Khan discussed how manifestation came true for Shah Rukh Khan.
Zee Studios and Prerna Arora reunite for thrilling supernatural epic Jatadhara
Jatadhara is a collaboration that promises to bring an exciting new cinematic experience to the audience. The film, produced by Prerna Arora, is an exciting venture by Zee Studios starring Sudheer Babu, marking a significant collaboration following the success of Rustom.
Kudumbasthan: Manikandan's film falls victim to piracy, leaks online
Manikandan's highly praised family drama Kudumbasthan has become the latest victim of piracy, just a week after its record-shattering theatrical debut.
Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan take BIG step against paps after attack, ask them to...
Following the incident, Saif Ali Khan and his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, have requested the paparazzi to refrain from taking pictures of their sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, no matter where they are seen.
In Deva, Shahid Kapoor is essaying the role of a brilliant but defiant police officer. It also stars Pooja Hegde in the role of a journalist. While both are aggressive characters, the actor said his character in Deva was quite different from Kabir Singh.
Kabir Khan's holy dip at Maha Kumbh sparks debate on social media: 'It's Hindu...'
On Tuesday, Kabir Khan visited Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025.
Blake Lively, who filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December, has accused the director of sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of their 2024 film It Ends With Us.
On the work front, Suhana Khan is currently gearing up to begin the filming of King, which will mark her first collaboration with her father Shah Rukh Khan. King will also star Abhishek Bachchan as the antagonist.
Archana Puran Singh meets with accident, undergoes surgery, leaves son Aaryamann in tears
Archana described the accident, showing the bruises on her face that occurred when she fell during the incident.
Paresh Rawal reacts to people calling films like Pathaan, Jawan 'ghatiya': 'Who are you to...'
Paresh Rawal, who has worked in the film industry for more than 40 years, criticised people who try to control what audiences should like by calling popular films 'ghatiya' (terrible).
People expect women to...': Sanya Malhotra talks about disparities between men, women in society
Sanya opened up about the rhetorical nature of the society which asks women to give up on their jobs after the birth of a child in a marriage.
Shilpa Shinde has accused the Bigg Boss makers of fixing the winner and fooling the viewers. She had herself won the reality show in 2017.
Concert economy is boosting tourism, creating jobs: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's vast tourism potential in sectors like weddings, natural healing, and concert economy. Highlighting India's rich heritage, he underlined the importance of developing the infrastructure for tourism and the economic benefits of attracting both global tourists and artists.
