Category: Entertainment

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared director Vijay Kartikeyaa’s action entertainer, ‘Mark’, featuring Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep in the lead, for release with a U/A certificate.

Reputed production house Sathya Jyothi Films, which is behind the project, took to its X timeline to announce the news, stating, “Certified. Charged. Ready. #MARK Kannada – Certified U/A. Releasing Worldwide on Dec 25th. #MARKonDec25 #MARKTheFilm.”

The film has generated significant interest, especially since Kichcha Sudeep and Vijay Kartikeyaa’s previous collaboration, ‘Max’, turned out to be a superhit.

Actor Kichcha Sudeep, placing high hopes on this film, praised his entire unit for their dedication. During a media interaction, he shared his experience of working with a star-studded cast.

Sudeep mentioned, “‘Mark’ was an idea that the director and I came up with. All these people — they made ‘Mark’. That is my experience. Everybody worked very hard. Nobody took any rest.”

In a lighter moment, he pointed out comedian Yogi Babu, saying, “The most busiest person on set was this person (pointing to Yogi Babu). This man has one leg in one set, another leg in another set, his hands in a third set…”

He humorously added, “Yogi Babu sir comes in instalments. If you buy a vehicle, you only pay that money in instalments. Do you get the vehicle in instalments? This person comes in instalments. We would have shot all through the night and would be packing up for the day when we will be called back because Yogi has arrived. ‘If we leave him, he will again go.’”

When a reporter asked if everyone, including him, waited for Yogi Babu, Sudeep replied, “Why did we wait? That is because this man has that kind of talent. He is an asset. I can proudly say my entire team has worked day and night. There was not a single miscommunication. Everybody woke up every morning with the same intention.”

For the unaware, ‘Mark’ features a talented cast alongside Kichcha Sudeep, including Roshini Prakash, Deepshika, Naveen Chandra, Guru Somasundaram, Vikranth, and Yogi Babu.

Produced by Sathya Jyothi Films and Kichcha Creations, the film boasts cinematography by Shekar Chandra and music composed by Ajaneesh B Loknath. The production design is by Shivakumar J, with editing by SR Ganesh Baabu. The film’s stunts have been choreographed by Stunt Silva, Supreme Sundar, Vikram Mor, and Kevin Kumar, while the dance sequences were choreographed by Shobhi Paulraj.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has expressed his delight over the advancements made in the Swachch Bharat initiative, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Railways for their commitment to cleanliness.

Anupam recently shared a video on Instagram from the Varanasi railway station, recalling his journey to Khajuraho. He expressed his pleasant surprise at the station’s cleanliness and upkeep during the early morning hours.

In the clip, he remarked: “I am at Varanasi Railway Station. And I just wanted to show you how neat and clean this is. I am on my way to… First I want to show you this. It’s 5.02 in the morning. I am on my way to Khajuraho International Film Festival. See how beautifully clean and neat it is.”

He described the scene as amazing and conveyed a sense of pride. “But just see, they just cleaned this place. Wow! My train is also coming. Vande Bharat. I missed the flight yesterday. That’s why. Khajuraho International Film Festival. Har Har Mahadev. Jai Kashi Vishwanath,” he added.

In his caption, he stated: “SWACHCH BHARAT is almost becoming a reality! In a country as vast as #Bharat we know it will take time. But it will happen! On my trip to #Khajuraho by train I was so happy to see #Varanasi Railway at 5am so neat and clean.”

While acknowledging that critics might highlight areas that still require improvement, Anupam chose to focus on the positive. “Cynics may jump in and show some unclean places and feel happy to prove me wrong,” he noted.

He emphasized that his optimistic perspective has significantly influenced both his life and career. “But I am an optimist and always see glass half full. I have applied this philosophy to my life and career. And it has worked beautifully!”

Anupam congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Railway Ministry, and its employees for their efforts in making cleanliness a tangible reality. “Congratulations to PM #NarendraModi ji and Railway Ministry and each and every employee for making this effort into a possible reality! Jai Ho! #NayaBharat @narendramodi @railminindia @ashwini.vaishnaw.”

The award-winning film star Leonardo DiCaprio developed an interest in acting because he wanted to “get out of (his) neighbourhood.”

Speaking to Jennifer Lawrence for variety.com, DiCaprio shared, “I think a lot of my propulsion to want to act as a kid was to get out of my neighbourhood.” He revealed that his stepbrother’s success in commercials inspired him. “He was like, ‘Wait a minute, you can get paid to do that? I got to get out of this place.’ I was (our) stage mom, pushing my parents to take me on auditions. I told them, ‘This is going to be my college fund to get me money to try to have some sort of career in something.’ I didn’t book anything for a while.”

He recounted landing a Matchbox car commercial where he played a gangster with slicked-back hair, stating, “I had a briefcase and I opened it up.” When asked if he looked like a gangster at the audition, DiCaprio confirmed, “Yes. I slicked back my hair and I put a little leather jacket on. I booked Mickey’s Safety Club, too, an after-school special teaching kids the dangers of drugs. My first television show was The Outsiders. There’s my whole filmography.”

Recently, DiCaprio also expressed that he believes “Titanic” allowed him to become the “conductor of (his) own choices.” The actor starred alongside Kate Winslet in the record-breaking movie back in 1997, stating that the James Cameron-directed project changed the course of his career.

Reflecting on this, DiCaprio told Deadline, “Fully now in retrospect, I look back at that film and realise the thanks and the appreciation that I have for being a part of it, and to have been able to be in this incredibly fortunate position and not only to have been a part of that movie but to be able to be the conductor of my own choices since.”

He noted that the success of “Titanic” provided him the freedom to choose projects that interested him, marking it as a significant turning point in his career. “That has been just the greatest gift,” he added.

Actress Hansika Motwanni recently took to social media to share a fun glimpse of her mood while getting ready, dubbing it a “pointless reel.”

In her Instagram video, Hansika invites her followers to “enjoy” the reel. The actress is seen vibing to a song, dressed in an oversized beige outfit paired with white pants, effortlessly maintaining a relaxed look.

The video showcases a light-hearted side of Hansika, as Sanun Nahar Wale Pool by Noor Jehan plays in the background. A text overlay reads: “The songs I listen to while I look like this.” For her caption, she humorously wrote: “Please enjoy my pointless reel also, because I was ready early as always.”

A Glimpse Into Hansika’s Career

Hansika started her journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor in Hindi films. She later appeared in lead roles in various Telugu movies like Desamuduru, Kantri, and Maska.

Transitioning to Tamil cinema, she made her debut with Mappillai and followed it up with a series of commercially successful films, including Engeyum Kadhal, Velayudham, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru, Singam II, and Aranmanai. She has also showcased her talent in the Malayalam film Villain.

At 34, Hansika began her television career with the popular serial Shaka Laka Boom Boom, followed by her role in Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and as one of the children in Koi… Mil Gaya. She also appeared in the Hindi film Aap Kaa Surroor alongside Himesh Reshammiya.

Hansika was last seen in the 2024 film “Guardian,” directed by Sabari and Guru Saravanan, which also stars Suresh Chandra Menon and Sriman.

Looking ahead, her upcoming projects include a series of films such as “Rowdy Baby,” “Man,” “Gandhari,” and “Love Affair.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has shared insights about his upcoming film, Raja Shivaji, describing it as a humble tribute to the legendary warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He mentioned that while he is “halfway there,” there is still a “long way to go.”

Riteish was responding to actor Suniel Shetty, who extended birthday wishes to him on his 47th birthday. Suniel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Happy happy birthday Riiitzzz…Something tells me this year is going to be really really special. Watching the heart and soul you’re pouring into Raja Shivaji has been truly inspiring. Feels like a blockbuster year written all over you – earned, honest, and deserved. Much love…always @Riteishd.”

In his reply, Riteish expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you my darling Anna, need all your wishes and blessings. Raja Shivaji is a humble tribute to the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje from the entire team working on this film. Halfway there, long way to go. Love you loads @SunielVShetty.”

On December 16, Riteish wrapped up the shooting of Raja Shivaji, which portrays the extraordinary journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most revered kings.

This historical action drama is set for a worldwide multilingual release on May 1, 2026, aiming to bring the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to audiences across the globe.

Filming Details

• Monumental sets were constructed and remained for over six months, designed to reflect the grandeur of 16th-century Maharashtra.
• Extensive research and scanning of historic forts were undertaken to meticulously recreate them, ensuring a visually authentic experience that immerses audiences into the Maratha Empire.

The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banners of Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company. Shot over the last year, Raja Shivaji was filmed in various historic and scenic locations, including Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, and Mumbai.

Actor-producer Ravie Dubey recently took a nostalgic journey as he revisited an unreleased character from the early days of his production house, Dreamiyata. He believes this character will eventually make its debut, and he looks forward to sharing it with the world.

Reflecting on Creative Growth

In an Instagram post, Dubey expressed his thoughts about the numerous ideas and characters that have emerged over the last six to seven years, driven by sheer passion. While some ideas have been outgrown, others have been kept aside, waiting for the right moment.

He wrote: “Over the last six or seven years of Dreamiyata, there have been moments of pure passion—conversations that gave birth to characters that truly moved us. Some of them we outgrew. Some stayed quietly at the back of our minds, waiting. We even shot pieces, created worlds, and lovingly archived them, knowing their time wasn’t now.”

Rediscovering Inspiration

Recalling a past shoot in London, Ravie shared how he recently found stills from that project while cleaning his phone. This discovery reignited his passion for the character.

“Today, while cleaning my phone, I stumbled upon stills from a shoot we did in London some time ago. And something stirred. The inspiration is still alive. The world still exists. Maybe not today. But someday, this character will find its moment. And when it does, I’ll give it to the world.”

Milestones in Production

In 2019, Ravie founded his own production house alongside his wife, Sargun Mehta, and has co-produced several films since then. In March 2021, they produced the television series Udaariyaan.

Upcoming Projects

Ravie Dubey is set to portray Lord Lakshmana in the much-anticipated film Ramayana: Part 1. Earlier this year, the makers unveiled the first look of this magnum opus featuring stars like Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Yash as Raavan, and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita. Veteran actors Sunny Deol, Amitabh Bachchan, and Lara Dutta also have pivotal roles.

The film boasts cutting-edge CGI, crafted by Prime Focus and Academy Award-winning DNEG, known for their stunning visual effects in Dune.

A Collaborative Effort

Music legends Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman are collaborating on the film’s score, promising an unforgettable soundtrack.

Ramayana is being developed as a two-part live-action cinematic universe, set to scale new heights in Indian cinema. Top Hollywood stunt directors Terry Notary (known for Avengers and Planet of the Apes) and Guy Norris (Mad Max: Fury Road and Furiosa) are choreographing the epic battles featured in the film.

Filming is underway for IMAX, with Part 1 scheduled for a worldwide release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor has highlighted the often-overlooked heroes of filmmaking by praising the technicdigihunt behind the latest blockbuster, “Dhurandhar.” She refers to this film as a significant moment for Indian cinema.

In her Instagram stories, Shraddha expressed that the craft of technicdigihunt is often invisible in great films, yet it is their collective effort that imbues a film with its essence. She stated, “In the greatest films, the work of technicdigihunt is invisible. #Dhurandhar is a big moment for Indian cinema. Let’s make the technicdigihunt of this marvel visible and applaud them @castingchhabra. When every actor is so perfect, it starts at a perfectly chosen cast.”

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Shraddha emphasized that authenticity, power, and raw energy are never accidental. “When a film looks so authentic, badass, and powerful, it’s never by chance. It was created by @vik_now, @sainisjohray, @smriti.schauhan, @shivkumarpanicker, @preetishe. When you feel that ‘resonance’ and your pulse changes with every scene, there are master craftsmen in the audio dept making it happen @shashwatology, @bishwadeepchatterjee, @irshadkamilofficial. Needless to say, @adityadharfilms, @dhar_lokesh, and #JyotiDeshpande formed the bedrock to build this greatness on. #Dhurandhar,” she added.

The actress also expressed her excitement about the film in a previous note, finding it “truly terrible” that filmmaker Aditya Dhar is making people wait for “Part 2.” She wrote, “Truly terrible of Aditya Dhar to make a film like Dhurandhar. And then make us wait three months for Part 2. Don’t play with our emotions, prepone the release please. What a phenomenal experience. Subah shoot nahi hoti toh kasam se abhi hi dobara dekhne jaati,” mentioning that had she not had a morning shoot, she would have gone to watch the film again.

Shraddha also commented on the “rampant negative PR” against the film. “From Yami Gautam having to call out the rampant negative PR machinery to manufactured controversies, Dhurandhar endured it all and came out shining. No bad force can pull a good film down. In audiences, we trust.”

The film features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera, and Naveen Kaushik.

“Dhurandhar” marks the first of a two-part series, unveiling an Indian intelligence mission that unfolds over ten years as an undercover agent infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political realms to dismantle dangerous cross-border terror networks. The film is inspired by real-life events involving geopolitical tensions, such as the 1999 Indian plane hijack, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, along with covert operations undertaken by India’s R&AW related to Operation Lyari and the crackdown on gangs and criminal syndicates.

Television star Hina Khan is currently enjoying an unforgettable vacation in the Maldives with her husband, Rocky Jaiswal.

Sharing delightful moments from her trip with family, Hina took to social media to post a series of stunning photos.

She expressed her feelings, stating, “Beautiful moments created with love, affection and warmth leave a memory to be cherished forever. From the personalised breakfast, private cruises, personally crafted meals, and customised exclusive itinerary to the thoughtful surprises and heartwarming individualised attention to every little thing. Privacy finds its meaning here!”

In one of the photos, Hina was seen walking with her younger cousins at their vacation property in the Maldives. Another snapshot captured her preparing for a scuba diving session. Hina also shared a lovely picture of her mother relishing an impressive breakfast spread.

The couple looked adorable as they posed together, with Hina sporting a cute blue one-piece. It appears they have taken a well-deserved break from their professional commitments after recently completing their fun couple reality show, Pati Patni Aur Panga.

Just a few weeks ago, Hina and Rocky had a great time vacationing in Goa alongside their friends, Rubina Dilaik and her actor husband, Abhinav Shukla. During that trip, Hina shared a carousel post showcasing the joyous moments from their getaway.

Their families joined in the fun as well. Rubina’s mother and her twin daughters were part of the trip, while Hina’s younger brother enjoyed Goa with the trio. The post was captioned, “Friends, family and loads of love,” complete with a red heart emoticon.

The couples were spotted relaxing on the beach, unwinding after months of hectic schedules. Hina, Rocky, Rubina, and Abhinav had built a strong bond during their time on Pati Patni Aur Panga.

For those who may not know, Hina married Rocky in June 2025, and Rubina and Abhinav have been married for nearly eight years, blessed with twin baby girls.

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow recently experienced an awkward moment with her son Moses while watching her steamy scenes in the new sports drama, ‘Marty Supreme’.

In this film, Gwyneth, 53, stars alongside Timothee Chalamet, 29. She brought her 19-year-old son to the Los Angeles premiere earlier this month, as reported by ‘Female First UK’. However, Moses struggled to watch when his mother stripped onscreen. During her appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, she revealed how her son handled the film’s intimate moments, saying, “Not great.” She mimicked Moses’s reaction, crouching down with her hands over her eyes, adding, “He was like this the entire time. He’s not into that.”

As the conversation continued, Gwyneth recalled a similar embarrassing moment from her past. She shared her experience of taking her grandfather to see Shakespeare In Love, which also featured a topless scene. Gwyneth explained, “You know, it’s funny because you grow up doing these things in movies. I remember once that I was so scared because I was taking my grandfather to see the premiere of Shakespeare In Love, and I was like, ‘I have this topless scene, grandpa, but it’s part of the thing because they think I’m a boy’. And I was trying to, like, prep him for the whole thing, and he just goes, ‘Ah, I seen it before. Two eggs, sunny side up’. So I was trying to think of something like that to say to my son, but I couldn’t think of it.”

Gwyneth also confessed that filming intimate scenes with Timothee felt “weird.” On The Drew Barrymore Show, she described it as making out with someone she didn’t know well, stating, “You’re not in a relationship with them. There’s no romance. It’s very mechanical.” Drew agreed, comparing it to being intimate with a colleague. Gwyneth humorously noted, “It’s like choreography but involving tongues.”

Despite the awkward moments, Gwyneth praised Timothee as “such a wonderful young man,” stating she thoroughly enjoyed working with him. “Really, he’s very polite, very talented, just so nice to be with. I’m really having a good time with him.”

Actress and theatre artist Lillete Dubey recently shared enchanting glimpses of her cultural journey in Goa on social media, which included a heartfelt tribute to the legendary tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain.

Tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain

A key highlight of Lillete’s post was the tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose musical legacy continues to resonate through generations. She captured the essence of a segment dedicated to him at the festival in Goa, stating, “A tribute to the legendary Ustad – Zakir bhai (by some of the finest musicdigihunt) moved everyone deeply … with some stunning rare photos from his life.”

In the videos she shared, musicdigihunt poured their hearts into honoring the iconic tabla player, showcasing some of Hussain’s rare images in the process.

Cultural Experience at ‘Serendipity’

Lillete also shared captivating moments from her cultural experience in Goa, particularly from ‘Serendipity’, an event brimming with art, music, and dance. She enthusiastically posted, “Goa… meri jaan… images, images, images from Serendipity… exploding with art, music, dance and more… My curated play ‘Swang-jas ke tas’, a folk piece, delighted & amazed audiences with its wit and wisdom in current times … so proud of all you guys in it!”

Art Everywhere

Reflecting on her time in Goa, Dubey noted, “Contemporary dance, visual arts – we are enwrapped by art wherever we go. With the piece de résistance being the magnificent Caravaggio seen up close & personal in silence and solitude away from the madding crowds!”

She concluded her thoughts with praise for the team behind the event, saying, “Not to mention celebrations with the magnificent team spearheaded by the lovely and dynamic Smriti and her colleague Prerna…on to the next few days of discoveries.”

About Lillete Dubey

Lillete Dubey, renowned for her significant contributions to both theatre and Bollywood, has established an impressive career. She is best known for her roles in films like Zubeidaa, Monsoon Wedding, Chalte Chalte, Baghban, Kal Ho Naa Ho, My Brother… Nikhil, Delhi in a Day, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and many others.