The Times of India

Jennifer Lawrence revealed she lost the role of Sharon Tate in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' due to online criticism about her looks, with some deeming her ot pretty enough. While Tarantino was initially interested, industry chatter and Sharon's sister's comments influenced the casting. Lawrence also discussed other Tarantino projects she passed on.

Debut director Vir Das revealed that recent Bollywood spy thrillers like 'Pathaan' and 'Tiger 3' inspired him to rewrite his comedy spy film, 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.' He felt the rising popularity of the genre made it the perfect time to inject humor. Co-star Mithila Palkar also shared challenges, particularly a scene requiring her to slap Das.

Kannada film '45', starring Shivarajkumar and Upendra, is set for its OTT debut on ZEE5 from January 23. Despite a modest theatrical run, the fantasy film, exploring spiritual themes around the 45 days post-death, garnered Rs 15.85 crore worldwide. Critics praised its technical aspects and ambitious narrative, though noted some inconsistencies.

Vir Das humorously inserts himself into Bollywood's spy elite with an AI-generated image alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Hrithik Roshan. This cheeky promotion for his directorial debut, 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos,' perfectly contrasts his character's ineptitude with the polished action heroes. Fans reacted with amusement and support for his film, which released on January 16, 2026.

In a thrilling mix of comedy and suspense, Vir Das' 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos' has officially kicked off its cinematic journey, earning an eye-catching Rs 1.25 crore on its first day in theaters.

Director Rahul Ravindran lauded the Malayalam film 'Ponman' as an absolute modern classic, placing its character PP Ajesh among his top fictional creations. The film, praised for its nuanced portrayal of dowry culture and Basil Joseph's compelling performance, has resonated deeply with audiences, with many calling it a standout of the decade.

On this special day, veteran actress Shabana Azmi poured her heart out in a touching birthday tribute to her husband, the legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar, as he turned 81. She celebrated not only his incredible talents but also their unwavering bond since 1984, expressing her admiration with wishes for vibrant health and exciting new creative adventures.

Will Smith embarks on an extraordinary 100-day global expedition from Antarctica to the North Pole for National Geographic's 'Pole to Pole'. This intense journey across seven continents showcases survival, science, and environmental concerns, featuring Smith's personal growth and encounters with diverse cultures and wildlife. The series promises breathtaking visuals and a profound message about our planet's fragility.

Nivin Pauly's 'Sarvam Maya' has achieved a remarkable Rs 70.09 crores at the box office, demonstrating sustained popularity even after 23 days. The film garnered Rs 11.5 crores in its third week, with night shows showing strong occupancy. Audiences are praising the performances, particularly Nivin Pauly and debutant Riya Shibu, for their captivating roles in this feel-good supernatural dramedy.

Nivin Pauly's upcoming film 'Baby Girl' has released its gripping trailer, hinting at a suspenseful narrative centered around a missing newborn. Pauly portrays a hospital attender with a potentially complex, grey-shaded character, while Lijomol delivers a powerful performance as the distressed mother. The thriller, set for a January 23 release, has generated significant fan excitement.

Dia Mirza reminisced about her debut film, 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein,' by sharing behind-the-scenes photos with co-star R Madhavan. The post coincided with the film's upcoming 25th anniversary, sparking nostalgia among fans who celebrated its enduring music and storyline. The romantic drama has since become a cult favorite.

Pioneering punk and goth rock drummer Kenny Morris has passed away at 68. Known for his work with Siouxsie and the Banshees, Morris was celebrated for his unique drumming style. He also pursued a career in painting, with his art exhibited in Dublin. His friend confirmed his passing, remembering him as a sweet and artistic individual.

In an exciting revelation, Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict in Bridgerton, shared that he has Indian heritage from his grandmother. This revelation adds depth to his character just as fans eagerly await Season 4, where Benedict embarks on a whimsical romantic journey reminiscent of Cinderella.

Jiiva's 'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil' is showing strong box office performance, with a significant jump on its second day, earning Rs 2.50 crores. Word-of-mouth appears to be driving audiences, reflected in healthy theatre occupancy, especially during evening and night shows. While praised for performances and humor, the film's later silliness and excessive chaos are noted.

Joe Keery has officially debunked fan theories about a secret ninth episode for Stranger Things Season 5. Addressing 'Conformity Gate' speculation, Keery confirmed with co-star Charlie Heaton that the finale was not an illusion. He stated there is no additional episode, despite fans hoping for more.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck star in The Rip, a film about Miami cops facing impossible choices. Their tactical narcotics squad unearths millions in cartel cash. Greed fractures the team amid cartel threats. The story is inspired by a real 2016 bust and dedicated to the writer-director's late son.

Despite facing new releases, the action-packed spy drama 'Dhurandhar' continues its impressive run, entering its 76th week. On its 43rd day, the film earned Rs 1.65 crore, outperforming new releases 'Happy Patel: Katarnak Jasoos' and 'Rahu Ketu', showcasing its enduring box office strength.

As Ranveer Singh continues to bask in the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar, the New Year brought with it a far more personal celebration for the actor. Ranveer welcomed 2026 in New York with wife Deepika Padukone and their daughter Dua, and the glimpses from their holiday captured a phase marked by both professional triumph and emotional fulfilment.

Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, may have been born into one of Bollywoods most celebrated families, but her decision to become an actor came from a moment of rejection rather than privilege. In a new interview with Harpers Bazaar India, Suhana revealed that it was a failed audition during her school days that made her realise how deeply she wanted to act.

Ahead of Army Day 2026, Dr Madhu Chopra, mother of actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, shared a deeply personal throwback that offered a rare glimpse into her life of service with the Indian Army. Posting a photograph of herself and her late husband, Dr Ashok Chopra, dressed in their Army uniforms, Madhu reflected on the years that shaped their family and values.

Filmmaker-producer Karan Johar has bought a premium residential apartment in Mumbais Khar West for Rs 8.05 crore, signalling continued confidence in the citys high-end real estate market.

Priya Sachdev Kapur has approached the Supreme Court seeking divorce documents from Sunjay Kapur and Karisma Kapoor's marriage. This move is seen by Sunjay's sister, Mandhira Kapur Smith, as a deliberate distraction from the ongoing Rs 30,000 crore estate dispute and allegations of a forged will.

Former actress Sana Khan, known for films such as Jai Ho and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and the web series Special OPS, has once again spoken out against claims that she was brainwashed into quitting Bollywood and changing her life. Sana, who rose to fame after Bigg Boss 6, left the entertainment industry in 2020 at the peak of her career, citing a desire to serve humanity and follow the orders of my Creator.

A.R. Rahman addressed the controversy surrounding Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava,' admitting the film was divisive and cashed in on public sentiment. Despite acknowledging the film's polarizing nature and his own initial doubts, Rahman expressed faith in the audience's ability to discern truth from manipulation, calling his association with the film an honor.

Sidharth Malhotra celebrated his birthday with wife Kiara Advani's heartfelt Instagram tribute, calling him daughter Saraayahs favourite human. She shared his photo, cakes saying Saraayahs papa, and a singing video with Karan Johar. The couple, married in 2023, welcomed Saraayah in July 2025. Next up: Vvan: Force of the Forrest.

The South Indian film industry saw a busy January 16 with the wordless 'Gandhi Talks' teaser, Sun TV challenging a court order on Ilaiyaraaja's images, and Vijay Sethupathi's intense 'Slumdog' first look. Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared festive Sankranti vibes, while Nivin Pauly received significant legal relief after a court found a producer misled them.

Nani's highly anticipated action drama, 'The Paradise,' is set for a theatrical release on March 26, 2026. Following its cinema run, the film will stream on Netflix in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. Featuring Mohan Babu as the antagonist and music by Anirudh Ravichander, the socially rooted story promises a compelling watch.

Kareena Kapoor Khan shared throwback pictures from 2016. The photos show her during her first pregnancy with Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi. She posted a mirror selfie and family moments. Pictures included a Vogue cover and a house party before Taimur's birth. Her grandmother Krishna Raj Kapoor also appeared in a hospital photo. Friends reacted positively to the post.

Vivek Oberoi praised Sunny Deol's 'Border 2' trailer, quoting its iconic line and hailing the 1997 roar's return. He lauded Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty's tribute to armed forces. The sequel, directed by Anurag Singh, releases Jan 23 for Republic Day.

The highly anticipated Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga collaboration, 'Spirit', is set to release on March 5, 2027. This cop action thriller, featuring Triptii Dimri and Vivek Oberoi, promises a fierce and dramatic narrative. The film's release coincides with Eid and Maha Shivratri, hinting at a potentially significant box office impact.

Vaani Kapoor's 2025 OTT hit 'Mandala Murders' wowed with patterned killings. Bhumi Pednekar's 'Daldal' teaser echoes it: gruesome murders with phones in throats, spotted by cop Rita Ferreira (Bhumi), haunted by her past. Adapted from Bhendi Bazaar, this Prime Video thriller premieres Jan 30, 2026.

Vikram Prabhu's 25th film, 'Sirai,' a crime drama, is now available on ZEE5 from January 23rd, following its Christmas theatrical release. The film, marking Suresh Rajakumari's directorial debut, features LK Akshay Kumar in his acting debut and explores an escort cop's involvement in a murder investigation. Vikram Prabhu described it as an emotional and personal project.

A legal battle intensifies as Sun Television challenges a court order protecting music maestro Ilaiyaraaja's image and name. The broadcaster argues that using his name and photograph for film and song broadcasts is standard practice. The court previously restricted unauthorized use on social media. Sun TV seeks clarification and modification of the order, stating it impacts normal broadcasting.

Archana Puran Singh's AAAP ka Parivaar vlog captures family fun: football bonding, ethical brand chats where she snaps at Parmeet, I dont drinkMera naam Kapil ne kharaab kia hai, wardrobe spats over her cupboards, and his claim that Ekta Kapoor owes Rs 2 lakhs for a lost Giorgio Armani suit.

AR Rahman discusses his collaboration with Hans Zimmer for Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana,' highlighting his respect for Hindu mythology despite being Muslim. He emphasizes the epic's moral core and the importance of seeking wisdom universally. Rahman sees the project as a global message of love, uniting diverse backgrounds.

Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom has revealed a starkly different reality of her marriage during her divorce from Karung Onkholer, contradicting her biopic's portrayal of a supportive husband. Her recent accusations of infidelity and financial fraud have resurfaced comedian Samay Raina's old remarks about the risks of making biopics on living individuals.

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani stands firm in defending the artistic direction of 'Freedom at Midnight' Season 2, arguing that creativity should triumph over conventional aesthetics. Reflecting on the backlash faced by 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', he emphasizes that audience sentiment will never steer his narrative choices.

Emraan Hashmi, shining in 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web', shares insights into his distinctive career choices. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he sidesteps traditional hero archetypes, opting instead for rich characters with moral ambiguity.

Director Sandeep Patel reunites with Malhar Thakar and Aarohi Patel for 'Lagan Laagi Re', a romantic comedy exploring modern relationships and the complexities of love and breakups. The film, described as a Gen Z-style musical, promises humor, warmth, and heartfelt entertainment for audiences. 'Lagan Laagi Re' is set to release on February 6, 2026.

Director Raghav M Jairath brings his unique vision to Netflix with 'Taskaree: The Smugglers Web,' where realism takes center stage. The series explores not just the sinister underbelly of smuggling, but also the personal battles faced by dedicated officers fighting against the system's inertia and their own burnout.

'Border 2' trailer dropped January 15, earning rave reviews for patriotic drama and nostalgia. Karan Johar praised Sunny Deol's roar, Varun Dhawan's silences, Diljit Dosanjh's majesty on Instagram. The sequel to 1997's Border features land-air-sea 1971 war action, releases January 23 Republic Day weekend.

Imran Khan's comeback with 'Happy Patel' highlights his heartfelt gratitude towards girlfriend Lekha Washington and his daughter for helping him navigate through depression. This rejuvenation of his career has sparked renewed curiosity about his earlier life, particularly his relationship with Avantika Malik.

Punjabi actress Tania navigated a challenging 2025, marked by career-defining releases amidst a personal crisis. Her father's shooting incident left her spending six months by his side, overshadowing professional triumphs. Despite the hardship, Tania emerged stronger, embracing a new perspective on life and work, and is now open to future opportunities.

Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' faces a crucial juncture on January 20 as the Supreme Court defers to the Madras High Court regarding its censor row. The High Court's division bench will now hear the appeal, with potential outcomes ranging from a remand to a single judge to strict timelines for the CBFC.

Aamir Khan, beyond his acting, is a daring producer championing unconventional films. From the epic 'Lagaan' to sensitive 'Taare Zameen Par' and bold 'Delhi Belly', he consistently backs new voices and risky genres. His latest ventures, 'Laapataa Ladies' and upcoming 'Sitaare Zameen Par', continue this legacy of pushing cinematic boundaries and sparking dialogue.

In 2026's nostalgia wave, Ananya Panday joins the 2016 trend with rare pics: flower crown filter, orange bikini, 18th birthday, Rakhi with cousin Ahaan, dog filter selfie, playtime with AbRam Khan, snaps with Shanaya & Suhana. Caption: 2016 was really it man ��������.

Katrina Kaif shared her initial surprise and pleasant impression of Vijay Sethupathi during their first meeting for 'Merry Christmas'. She found their connection natural and was inspired by both Vijay and director Sriram Raghavan's unique approaches. The article also touches upon Katrina's personal joy after welcoming her son, Vihaan Kaushal.

Superstar Mammootty's ageless charm is once again captivating fans as a recent photo of him in a stylish black shirt and acid-washed jeans goes viral. Meanwhile, his latest film, 'Kalamkaval,' a critically acclaimed investigative thriller exploring a communal riot, has now begun streaming on Sony LIV, drawing praise for Mammootty's performance in unconventional roles.

Director Raghav Jairath has unveiled that 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' was built to depict a complex first season, but the show's growing fanbase might inspire more seasons down the line. He commended Emraan Hashmi's prompt engagement with the role, noting the series' emphasis on psychological unraveling over mere visual excitement.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas's daughter Malti Marie turned 4 on January 15, obsessed with mermaids. Priyanka shared enchanting party snaps with teal decor, seashell balloons, and a sea-themed cake. Nick posted: Our little angel is four ��. Family showered love; Priyanka eyes The Bluff and Varanasi.