Author: Ankita Singh

Actress Shraddha Arya, best known for her work in television, recently attended the Indian Navy’s Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony in Mumbai.

On Wednesday, she shared a series of captivating pictures from the event on her Instagram. She captioned the post, “The Indian Navy’s Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony at the Gateway of India was absolutely phenomenal! A perfect blend of heritage, music, and naval excellence. Swipe to feel the pride.”

Highlights of the Ceremony

The event featured several attractions, including a chopper show and a stunning light display at the Gateway of India. The Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony is an annual showcase of military precision, celebrating maritime heritage and ceremonial traditions. Originating from 17th-century battlefield signals, it marks the symbolic end of daily activities at key naval stations.

The ceremony includes impeccably coordinated performances by the Naval Band, delivering stirring martial tunes, patriotic melodies, and traditional naval compositions. Sailors exhibit synchronized drills, rifle displays, and ceremonial movements that reflect teamwork and discipline. The “Tattoo” segment showcases dynamic formations, often enhanced by illuminated backdrops or laser projections that celebrate India’s naval legacy. Depending on the venue, naval aircraft fly-pasts or ship lighting may also be featured.

This grand ceremony unites service personnel, dignitaries, and civildigihunt, providing a rare opportunity to witness the Navy’s ceremonial excellence. Combining music, pageantry, and tradition, the Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony embodies the Indian Navy’s spirit, honour, and enduring maritime culture.

Personal Life Updates

Shraddha’s husband, Rahul Nagal, serves in the Navy. The couple tied the knot on November 16, 2021, in a private yet widely celebrated ceremony in Delhi. Their marriage gained attention for its simplicity and genuine warmth, a contrast to the typical glamour of television-industry weddings.

Since their marriage, the couple has maintained a low profile on social media, keeping their relationship largely away from the public eye. In November 2024, Shraddha and Rahul welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, marking a significant milestone for their family. Their marriage is often seen as steady, grounded, and filled with affection.

Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt is showcasing class and elegance in Jeddah as she attends the Red Sea International Film Festival. The actress looked stunning and exuded glamour in the pictures she shared on her social media account.

Celebrating Cinema in Jeddah

Alia captioned her post, “A day in Jeddah, celebrating the magic of the movies @redseafilm.” Her outfit radiated grace, channeling old Hollywood charm as she donned a classic black gown with intricate lace detailing.

The flowy silhouette of the outfit contributed to its glamorous and timeless appeal. Alia paired her look with black stilettos and sleek sunglasses. For her makeup, she opted for a soft, dewy look with rosy cheeks, glossy lips, and kohl-rimmed eyes that highlighted her natural radiance. Bhatt styled her hair in loose waves for an effortlessly chic appearance.

Candid Moments and Personal Triumphs

Completing her look, she chose a statement diamond choker. The carousel post shared by Alia includes a candid video of herself greeting fans and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the global film celebration. In another picture, the Raazi actress is seen caught in a candid moment backstage.

Recently, Alia shared some personal milestones on her social media. The proud mommy of Raha offered a glimpse into her daughter’s third birthday celebration on November 6. Additionally, Alia and husband Ranbir Kapoor were captured performing the Griha Pravesh Pooja of their new home, both dressed in ethnic wear.

During the Griha Pravesh ceremony, Alia was also seen greeting and hugging her mother-in-law, Neetu Kapoor. Ranbir, in another picture, was spotted bowing before a photo of Rishi Kapoor.

Alia shared a heartfelt note, writing, “November 2025… You were a month & a half (Sparkles, Sunflower, sun, white flower and yellow heart emojis) (sic).”

The makers of director Dhinesh Kalaiselvan’s upcoming action thriller ‘Mahasenha’, featuring actor Vemal in the lead role, have revealed the look and character name of actress Srushti Dange.

Taking to her social media, Srushti Dange, who plays the female lead, shared her character poster showcasing her role as Bommi. She posted, “Introducing Bommi from Yaali Malai (Kurangani) #Mahasenha universe. Dec 12 This Friday.”

Film Details

Produced by Marudham Productions, ‘Mahasenha’ is an action thriller deeply rooted in nature, spirituality, and forest mythology. The film includes a notable cast:

• Vemal
• Srushti Dange
• Yogi Babu
• Mahima Gupta
• John Vijay
• Kabir Duhan Singh
• Alfred Jose
• Ilakkiya
• Vijay Siyon

Notably, Sena the elephant plays a significant and symbolic role in the story.

Plot Overview

Written and directed by Dhinesh Kalaiselvan, the film explores the eternal conflict between divine natural forces and human greed. It is set against the backdrop of the lush forests of Gudalur, Wayanad, Kollimalai, and Ooty.

Director Dhinesh Kalaiselvan described the project, saying, “Mahasenha is not just a film about the jungle — it’s a story about faith, power, and the harmony between man and nature. I wanted to explore how greed disturbs this divine balance and how spirituality restores it. Every frame of this film reflects our respect for nature and the belief that divinity exists in every living being. The forest itself is a character — alive, emotional, and powerful.”

Technical Aspects

Designed to be a visually rich cinematic experience, ‘Mahasenha’ combines stunning real forest landscapes with impressive CGI artistry and a deeply emotional human narrative.

• Background score: Uday Prakash
• Cinematography: D R Manas Babu
• Editing: Nagooran Ramasandiran
• Stunt choreography: Ram Kumar
• Dance choreography: Dastha and Ameer
• Art direction: V.S. Dinesh Kumar

With its unique blend of elements, ‘Mahasenha’ promises to be an engaging experience for the audience.

Actor Akshay Kumar has expressed his support for Aditya Dhar’s latest directorial venture, “Dhurandhar,” amid the ongoing controversy regarding its alleged distortion of facts.

On Wednesday, the ‘Airlift’ star took to his X handle to share his thoughts, describing the film as a “gripping tale.” He commended Aditya for bringing such stories to the audience in a powerful manner. Akshay wrote, “#WatchedDhurandhar and I’m blown away. What a gripping tale and you’ve simply nailed it @AdityaDharFilms. We need our stories to be told in a hard-hitting way and I’m so glad the audiences are giving the film all the love it deserves.”

Akshay’s endorsement comes as the Ranveer Singh starrer faces controversy. The film depicts Sanjay Dutt as the late Pakistani police officer SP Chaudhary Aslam, who was known for leading operations against Karachi’s criminal syndicates. However, Aslam’s wife, Noreen, has reportedly expressed her dissatisfaction about how her husband is portrayed on screen.

Many celebrities have come forward to support “Dhurandhar.” Actress-politician Smriti Irani shared a note praising the action thriller. While posting Ranveer Singh’s image, she wrote, “If you have looked into the eyes of the wife of a fallen soldier and walked her to the cremation ground, if you have visited the Jagti camp in Jammu, if you have seen the deserted temple premises of Sharika Devi in Srinagar, if you have met those who were on duty during the Parliament attack or have family that survived the 26/11 Mumbai attack, then nothing in Dhurandhar should lead you to outrage—after all, it’s just a film.”

In her praise for Aditya’s direction, Smriti commented, “As a storyteller, @adityadharfilms is a craftsperson par excellence; as a research fiend, even more so. It’s the quiver in the face as he pulls the cover off a dead son that makes Akshaye Khanna’s performance a lesson in craft, and @ranveersingh’s piercing eyes that speak when he doesn’t are a must-watch for those who aspire to be consistent in their pursuit of a legacy, and that @rampal72 can be so menacing is a revelation.”

“Dhurandhar” features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan. Set in Pakistan, the film follows the journey of an Indian spy going undercover within the notorious Lyari gangs.

The makers of the much-anticipated action comedy, “Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi,” directed by Kishore Tirumala and starring Ravi Teja, Ashika Ranganath, and Dimple Hayathi, have released the lyrical video of the enchanting single “Addham Mundhu.” This delightful treat has left fans and film enthusiasts excited.

A Soulful Melody

Bheems Ceciroleo has crafted a soulful track that features enchanting beats. Shreya Ghoshal’s expressive voice adds depth and magic, complemented by Kapil Kapilan’s mesmerizing vocals.

Thoughtful Lyrics

Lyricist Chandrabose has penned lyrics that beautifully capture the essence of love. The song portrays a couple so deeply in love that they create their own world, making every moment intimate and heartfelt.

Stunning Visuals

The song is visually captivating as well. Choreographed by Sekhar Master and filmed in picturesque European locales, it showcases the sparkling chemistry between Ravi Teja and Dimple Hayathi. Their romantic exchanges, tender glances, and playful interactions enhance the track, making it a true feast for both the eyes and ears. The combination of a soulful melody, elegant lyrics, and breathtaking visuals ensures this song lingers in your memory long after listening.

About the Film

For those unfamiliar, “Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi” is a full-fledged action comedy entertainer produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner, with Zee Studios presenting the film.

The movie features Aashika Ranganath and Dimple Hayathi as the female leads alongside Ravi Teja. The cast also includes Sunil, Satya, Vennala Kishore, Sudhakar, and Muralidhar among others.

A top-notch technical team is behind this film. The cinematography is handled by Prasad Murella, while National Award winner Sreekar Prasad takes care of the editing. Production design is by A S Prakash. The film is set to hit screens for Sankranthi next year.

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan has expressed his admiration for a recently read book. On Wednesday, he shared a picture of the 2021 novel ‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir on his Instagram.

Film Adaptation Details

The book is set to be adapted for the screen by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay crafted by Drew Goddard.

Hrithik’s Captivating Thoughts

In his Instagram caption, Hrithik wrote, “The Best sci-fi book ever! (I’ve only read 2) Hope the movie lives up to this. The trailer was good in the sense that they didn’t really ‘show’ anything.” He continued, “Ryan Gosling looks and acts unbelievably good as Mr. Grace. Don’t see this coming naturally to him (or me). Not so sure about his space friend though. Damn I hope they get him right. What an amazing read tho!! Super stuff.”

Plot Overview

‘Project Hail Mary’ narrates the journey of an astronaut who awakens aboard a distant spacecraft, devoid of memories about his identity or purpose. As the story unfolds, he discovers that Earth is under an existential threat—the Sun is dying.

His mission transforms into humanity’s last hope as he embarks on a trek across interstellar space to find a solution. Throughout this journey, he forms an extraordinary bond with a benevolent alien companion, representing hope amidst dire circumstances.

Film Release Information

The film blends scientific speculation, survival drama, and a heartfelt narrative centered on trust and interspecies friendship. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, ‘Project Hail Mary’ is slated for release on March 20, 2026.

Recent Work

On another note, Hrithik Roshan was recently seen in ‘War 2’, which received mixed reviews both critically and commercially. The film notably impacted the YRF spy universe, altering the trajectory of one of the most compelling stories in the genre.

Actress-cum-politician Smriti Irani recently praised the movie ‘Dhurandhar’ and its team on her social media.

Heartfelt Appreciation for the Film

Sharing a collage featuring the lead cast—Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, director Aditya Dhar, and actor Arjun Rampal—Irani wrote a powerful and touching note about the film’s essence.

She stated, “If you have looked into the eyes of the wife of a fallen soldier & walked her to the cremation ground, if you have visited the Jagti camp in Jammu, if you have seen the deserted temple premises of Sharika Devi in Srinagar, if you have met those who were on duty during the Parliament attack or have family that survived the 26/11 Mumbai attack, then nothing in Dhurandhar should lead you to outrage—after all, it’s just a film. (sic)”

Commendations for Direction and Performances

Irani lauded Aditya Dhar for his directing skills, saying, “As a storyteller, @adityadharfilms is a craftsperson par excellence; as a research fiend, even more so. It’s the quiver in the face as he pulls the cover off a dead son that makes Akshaye Khanna’s performance a lesson in craft, and @ranveersingh’s piercing eyes that speak when he doesn’t are a must-watch for those who aspire to be consistent in their pursuit of a legacy, and that @rampal72 can be so menacing is a revelation.”

She also expressed her admiration for the film’s music: “And the music, OMG. When a director’s passion meets the keen eye of a casting director like Mukesh @castingchhabra, you can rest assured the screen will explode.”

Cinematic Tribute

Irani emphasized that “Dhurandhar isn’t just a film—it’s the echo of lives lived and lost; and if cinema can make you feel that weight, maybe you owe it more than outrage. Those like me who have had the privilege of being in the vicinity of a legend called Ajit Doval may find it a tad bit weird to watch @actormaddy play a cinematic version of him, but then there could have been no better actor who could so calmly hold a storm within.”

She concluded, “To the men and women known and unknown who have died defending us and are still in pursuit of justice for the everyday Indian—Dhanyawad; our nation holds you in high esteem and is forever in your debt #dhurandhar.”

Positive Reception

‘Dhurandhar’ was released on December 5 and has received an excellent response from audiences and critics alike.

Recently, actress Deepika Padukone also took time from her busy schedule to watch her husband Ranveer Singh’s film. She shared her thoughts on social media: “Dhurandhar has been watched and is worth every minute of those 3.34 hours! So do yourselves a favour and get to a cinema hall NOW! So incredibly proud of you, Ranveer Singh! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! @adityadharfilms | @officialjiostudios (sic).”

The makers of director Rathna Kumar’s upcoming romantic comedy have officially announced ’29’ as the title of the film, featuring actors Vidhu and Preethi Asrani in lead roles.

Title Teaser Released

A title teaser was unveiled, showcasing conversations with various 29-year-old men who are asked, “Who are you?” While some respond with their names, others mention their professions or passions. When the same question is posed to the hero, he admits he doesn’t know. Lost in thought and gazing out of a bus window, the film’s heroine, Preethi Asrani, enters and takes a seat beside him.

High Expectations

The film has generated significant buzz as it is produced by the esteemed production houses of two prominent Tamil cinema directors. G Squad, owned by director Lokesh Kanakaraj, collaborates with Stone Bench Productions, led by Karthik Subbaraj.

Director’s Insight

At the title teaser launch, director Rathna Kumar shared a personal anecdote, stating, “The first time I got suicidal thoughts was when I was 29. It was from that point my outlook about life turned positive, and since then, people view me as a person full of positivity.” He recounted how he left his job at HCL to pursue a career in filmmaking, taking 12 years to finally be recognized as a director. “At 29, the pressure at home to get married intensified. When someone turns 30, their horoscopes get rejected; applications get rejected. At this age, I directed a short film called Madhu, which I pitched to 45 producers,” he explained, mentioning that he also formed a friendship with Lokesh Kanakaraj during this period. “One of the most important reasons I am here is Lokesh,” he emphasized.

Film Production Details

Discussing the film further, Rathna Kumar indicated that it was shot over 35 to 40 days. He expressed how this film differs from his previous romantic comedy, ‘Meyaadha Maan’, clarifying that while the latter had a “capital C” for comedy, ’29’ will have an “R” for romance, indicating a stronger romantic emphasis.

Written and directed by Rathna Kumar, ’29’ stars Vidhu and Preethi Asrani, alongside Master Mahendran, Avinash, Shenaz Fathima, and Premkumar, among others. Co-directed by Mathankumar, the film’s music is composed by Sean Roldan, with cinematography by Madhesh Manickam and editing by R. S. Sathish Kumar. Shanmugaraja handles the film’s art direction, while Praveen Raja is responsible for costumes, and stunts have been choreographed by Don Ashok.

The film features lyrics from Uma Devi and Bakkiyam Shankar, with dance choreography by Sherif M and Leelavathi.

Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar is expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his “bhai,” the megastar Shah Rukh Khan.

On Wednesday, SRK heaped praises on KJo’s production, ‘Homebound’, which has been nominated as India’s official entry for the next Academy Awards. SRK wrote, “#Homebound is gentle, honest and soulful. Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts worldwide by making something truly special! @ghaywan #IshaanKhatter @vishaljethwa06 #JanhviKapoor #KaranJohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorvamehta18”.

KJo shared a screenshot of SRK’s social media post on his Instagram Stories, expressing his appreciation: “Bhai, love you and thank you so much for supporting our film, means the world. So glad you watched it and giving you all the love right back.”

About ‘Homebound’

‘Homebound’ explores themes of friendship, dignity, and social injustices in contemporary India. The film follows the journey of two childhood friends—one Dalit and the other Muslim—from a small North Indian village as they dream of joining the police force. Their aspirations are fueled by a desire for the respect society has consistently denied them. However, as their dreams unfold, they confront systemic caste and religious biases that test both their ambitions and their friendship.

The narrative draws inspiration from a real-life incident featured in a 2020 article in The New York Times, which highlighted the migrant crisis during the COVID lockdown. The film premiered in the “Un Certain Regard” section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, receiving a standing ovation that lasted several minutes—a testament to its profound emotional resonance.

The decision to submit the film for an Oscar is significant, as Indian entries in this category have been rare over the years. Only a handful of Indian films have garnered nominations or wins in the “Best International Feature” category throughout history.

Meanwhile, SRK will next be seen in ‘King’.

Bollywood star Kajol is currently embracing the festive spirit, as evident from her latest social media post.

In her pictures shared on her social media account, Kajol is seen dressed in a dazzling green ensemble. She struck a playful note with her caption: “Since ’tis the season… I decided to match a Christmas tree,” complete with a Christmas tree emoticon. The rich emerald tones and sparkling finish of her outfit perfectly echoed the joy of the upcoming festival.

Kajol has recently been making headlines with her talk show, “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle,” co-hosted with her long-time friend and former actress Twinkle Khanna. December marks a significant milestone in Kajol’s career as she joined Shah Rukh Khan at London’s Leicester Square to unveil the bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their beloved film, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Kajol shared that during its making, they never imagined it would become such a global phenomenon for Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt. She stated, “It’s been 30 years, and we are happy to say it’s the longest-running film not only in India but in the world. It’s actually gone into the Guinness Book of World Records, so I’m super kicked to be a part of it. I don’t think we planned for DDLJ to become a global phenomenon for Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt. I think somewhere down the line, DDLJ has become kind of a touchstone for Inddigihunt living abroad.”

Kajol further expressed how the statue will evoke pride among Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt worldwide. “I think for all Inddigihunt who stay in the UK or come here, it might become a moment to go see the statue, to recognise their nostalgia for the film. There is also a familiarity, and there is also a massive pull towards it. So, I’m hoping that everyone feels that touch of home when they see us here in Leicester Square,” she added.

The DDLJ actress also shared her feelings about the honour, saying, “It’s incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history, a story that has truly travelled across generations.”