Category: Entertainment

Actor Vijay Varma has been garnering praise for his role in the recently released film Gustaakh Ishq. He highlighted the significant impact of renowned fashion designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra in shaping the image of his character, who is depicted as “poor” yet presented with a sense of class through unique styling choices.

Manish’s Artistic Contribution

Vijay emphasized that Manish’s involvement went beyond just production; his creative vision played a crucial role in the character’s appearance. He noted, “His contribution was very important because the film is set in a place, a class, and an environment where there are barely any resources.”

Vijay’s character struggles financially, “My character in the movie is poor and can barely make ends meet. He is struggling to survive and has no money.” He expected his character to look distressed and worn but appreciated how Manish infused a certain swagger into the portrayal. “My character doesn’t have much, but whatever little he owns, he wears with attitude. That’s Manish’s contribution, because he truly understands cinema.”

Transitioning from Antagonist to Lover Boy

Throughout his career, Vijay has established himself as an exceptional actor, often taking on negative roles. However, with Gustaakh Ishq, he is breaking free from that mold, stepping into a more romantic role. “It was a break that I wanted from the negative parts because they tend to weigh down on you,” he shared.

He recalled how fans often expressed their disdain for his characters, saying, “We hated you in that film; we hated you, but you are a brilliant actor.” This prompted him to shift away from the negativity associated with such roles.

Exploring New Themes

Discussing Gustaakh Ishq, he described it as a “sweet, romantic film” filled with love, worship, and complex emotions. “There are a lot of things in it that were there for me to explore as an actor,” he added.

Vijay reflected on the challenge of transitioning from negative to softer roles, stating, “Anything new tends to take a bit of time to adjust to, and it can be difficult.” He recalled a notably intense scene from his film Pink and contrasted it with the poetic dialogues in Gustaakh Ishq, revealing the unique challenge of acting alongside Nasiruddin Shah without losing composure.

Future Aspirations

Vijay expressed excitement about the artistic shifts he is making, saying, “Whenever you switch or change yourself, it can be a bit challenging. But it’s fun.” Looking ahead, he is keen to explore comedy in his future projects.

Set in the retro era of Delhi, Gustaakh Ishq captures the essence of Old Delhi’s charm and romance. The film, which stars Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Shaikh alongside Vijay, released on November 28 under Manish Malhotra’s new production banner, Stage5 Production.

Netflix has unveiled the scintillating trailer of Kunal Kemmu’s upcoming laughter ride, “Single Papa”.

The preview introduces viewers to Gaurav Gehlot, a 30-year-old lovable man-child whose mom still buys his underwear and who relies on pocket money from his father. He shocked his boisterous Indian family by announcing that he’s adopting a baby.

The trailer offers a glimpse into Gaurav’s hilarious journey as he juggles baby bottles and questionable decisions.

Ensemble Cast

Alongside Kemmu, the drama features an impressive ensemble cast including:

• Manoj Pahwa
• Ayesha Raza
• Prajakta Koli
• Neha Dhupia
• Suhail Nayyar
• Dayanand Shetty
• Aisha Ahmed
• Dhruv Rathee
• Isha Talwar

Actor Insights

Talking about his role, Kemmu expressed, “Playing Gaurav has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The character is flawed, funny, and fiercely loving… just like so many real-life single parents. I think audiences will see themselves and their families in this show. The warmth of every character is what makes this show so special and wholesome!”

Prajakta Koli, who takes on the role of Namrata, Gaurav’s sister, shared her thoughts: “Single Papa highlights what a perfectly imperfect Indian family looks like. Noisy, loving, opinionated, dramatic, but always there for each other. Being a single child, I never understood the sibling bickering before Single Papa. The banter with Kunal, the arguments, the affection, just flowed naturally. I think it’s a perfect show to binge-watch with your family.”

Neha Dhupia, portraying the assertive Romilla Nehra, added, “As a parent myself, what touched me the most about Single Papa is how honestly it depicts the chaos, tenderness, and imperfections that define families. Parenting is never linear, never perfect, and the show captures that beautifully. It blends humor and heart in a way that feels deeply real. Being a part of this world was incredibly fulfilling, and I can’t wait for audiences to feel the warmth, madness, and love we’ve created.”

“Single Papa” is set to premiere on Netflix on December 12.

Malayalam star Vinayakan, known for his role in the Mammootty-starrer ‘Kalamkaval’, has confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated Tamil film ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson and featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role.

In a recent interview, Vinayakan revealed that he would reprise his role in ‘Jailer 2’. His performance in the first installment of the franchise was met with overwhelming praise.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth made a return to Chennai after completing a shooting schedule for ‘Jailer 2’ in Goa.

The excitement around ‘Jailer 2’ continues to grow, especially as reports suggest that Vijay Sethupathi has joined the film’s team in Goa. While his portions are being shot, there has been no official confirmation regarding his casting as of yet. Additionally, Mohanlal is expected to join the sets in the near future.

Earlier this year, Rajinikanth indicated that the filming for ‘Jailer 2’ would likely extend until December. Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, he mentioned, “Shooting of Jailer 2 is progressing well. It will be December by the time the film ends.”

The interest surrounding ‘Jailer 2’ has been significant, especially given the phenomenal success of its predecessor, which grossed around Rs 650 crores at the box office.

Filming for the sequel commenced in Chennai on March 10, and the production house, Sun Pictures, has teased audiences with an engaging teaser that is both humorous and thrilling.

Recently, actress Ramya Krishnan shared a story marking her first day of shooting for the film, which took place in Attapaadi, Kerala. She stated, “26 years of Padayappa and the first-day shoot of Jailer 2.”

In ‘Jailer 2’, Ramya Krishnan portrays Vijaya Pandian, also known as Viji, who is the wife of Rajinikanth’s character Muthuvel Pandian.

Additionally, actress Mirnaa, who plays Swetha Pandian—Rajinikanth’s daughter-in-law—will also have a significant role in the sequel.

Music for the film is being composed by Anirudh, who was instrumental in the success of the first part.

Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi has surprised fans with his striking portrayal of the iconic filmmaker V. Shantaram in an upcoming biopic. He will play the titular role, bringing the legend’s life to the big screen.

Siddhant recently shared several looks from the biopic on his social media, showcasing his remarkable resemblance to V. Shantaram. Fans are excited about both the film and Siddhant’s performance. In a heartfelt note, he expressed his gratitude for the support received since the film’s announcement, stating, “Thank you for all the love and support we’ve been showered with on the poster. It truly means a lot. Couldn’t have been a better time than now to tell and remind us of a story of rebellion and of the glory of Indian cinema that shaped the country. For me, it’s beyond words.”

Describing the role as a dream come true, he shared, “From a boy who dreamt silently in frames, to standing in the shadow of a legend… AnnaSaheb – V. Shantaram. Every artist waits for that one story that tests your truth, your heart, and your hunger. This is mine.” He concluded with a Marathi saying, “हो आता करूया” (Yes, then let’s start with the picture)… Picture Start!

The first look of Siddhant as V. Shantaram was recently revealed, depicting him in traditional Indian attire along with a Nehru cap. He stands confidently next to a vintage film camera, with a dramatic backdrop featuring a majestic eagle against a cloudy sky, enhancing the cinematic atmosphere.

The announcement included a caption: “The Rebel Who Redefined Indian Cinema Is Back Where He Belongs—On the Big Screen.” This historical biopic aims to spotlight the life and artistry of one of India’s most visionary filmmakers, illustrating his journey from the silent film era through the transition to sound and color, marking his influence on Indian cinema.

Siddhant expressed that learning about V. Shantaram’s life humbled him. He stated, “He wasn’t just a pioneer of Indian and global cinema; he was a visionary who kept pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Stepping into his world has been my most transformative experience as an actor. His life moved me deeply and reminded me of the power of perseverance. It’s a lesson I hope to hold close, both in my work and in every moment of my life.”

The film’s director, Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, remarked, “V. Shantaram has been a huge source of inspiration for me as a filmmaker. His courage to experiment and his vision shaped so much of the cinema we know today. Telling his story is an honour, and I hope we do justice to the man behind the legend. With the first poster, we are sharing a glimpse of that journey, with Siddhant Chaturvedi stepping into a role we always believed he was meant to play.”

For those unfamiliar, V. Shantaram, born Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre in 1901, hailed from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. His illustrious career spanned nearly seven decades, during which he established two prominent film studios: Prabhat Film Company in 1929 and Rajkamal Kalamandir in 1942. He directed the first Marathi-language talkie, “Ayodhyecha Raja,” in 1932 and is known for notable works such as “Duniya Na Mane” (1937), “Do Aankhen Barah Haath” (1957), “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje” (1955), and “Navrang” (1959).

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded India’s highest film honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 1985.

The film, written and directed by Abhijeet Shirish Deshpande, is produced by Rajkamal Entertainment, Camera Take Films, and Roaring Rivers Productions, with producers Rahul Kiran Shantaram, Subhash Kale, and Sarita Ashwin Varde involved in the project.

The makers of director Nalan Kumarasamy’s upcoming film Vaa Vaathiyaar, starring Karthi and Krithi Shetty in lead roles, have released the lyrical video for the song MuDhaLaLi, much to the joy of fans and film enthusiasts.

Musical Details

Composed by Santhosh Narayanan, the song features lyrics by Durai and is sung by Santhosh Narayanan and Sublahshini. Filmed on Karthi, MuDhaLaLi evokes a retro vibe that adds to its charm.

Production Insights

Studio Green, the film’s production house, shared the lyrical video link on their X timeline, captioning it: “#MuDhaLaLi is Here. Lyric Video Out Now. #VaaVaathiyaar, In Cinemas December 12! See you in theatres… #VaaVaathiyaarOnDec12 #VaathiyaarVaraar. A #NalanKumarasamy Entertainer. A @Music_Santhosh Musical.”

Cast Ensemble

In addition to Karthi and Krithi Shetty, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Sathyaraj, Rajkiran, Anand Raj, Shilpa Manjunath, Karunakaran, G M Sundar, Ramesh Thilak, P L Thenappan, Vidhya Borgia, Nivas Adthitan, and Madhur Mittal.

Character Dynamics

Karthi takes on the role of a police officer in the film, with Karunakaran playing his subordinate. A teaser released by the filmmakers showcases Karthi in an unprecedented look, stepping out of a police patrol vehicle to join lively dancers celebrating on the streets. This teaser hints that the film will be a full-fledged commercial entertainer packed with humor, romance, and action.

Technical Crew

The film’s cinematography is handled by George C Williams, while Vetre Krishnan takes care of editing. Stunt choreography is by Anal Arasu, and dance choreography is the work of Sandy and Sharief.

Additional Contributions

Lyrics for the songs are contributed by Vivek, Kelithee, and Muthamil. Costume design is managed by Poornima Ramaswamy, Aegan Ekambaram, and Pallavi Singh.

Co-Directors

Notably, the film features three co-directors: Rams Murugan, Navakanth Rajkumaar, and Sundar Venkat.

Vaa Vaathiyaar is set to hit cinemas on December 12.

Bollywood’s evergreen superstar Jeetendra recently graced the Indian Idol stage for a special episode, celebrating unforgettable memories and iconic music while honoring his deep-rooted friendship with the late superstar Dharmendra.

A Deep Connection with Music

Speaking about his experience, Jeetendra remarked, “Music has been a constant companion throughout my life. That’s why every time I step onto the Indian Idol stage, I feel a deep connection with my own memories of rehearsals, recordings, and moments when a song shaped an entire emotion on screen.”

He expressed immense pride in witnessing the contestants chase their dreams, adding, “It shows that the future of Indian music is in very talented hands.”

Honoring Dharmendra’s Legacy

Discussing the significance of the episode, Jeetendra noted, “This episode was special as I got to relive memories of Dharma ji, who is remembered and loved by everyone.” He appeared on Indian Idol season 16 as part of their Yaadon Ki Baraat series.

In a video shared by the show’s host channel on social media, contestants paid tribute to Dharmendra by singing songs featuring him. Judge and singer-rapper Badshah was seen wiping away tears during the celebration of Dharmendra’s legacy. Recently, he also honored the late superstar on the sets of Indian Idol 16.

A Loss Felt Nationwide

The news of Dharmendra’s passing on November 24 sent shockwaves across the nation. For those unfamiliar, Jeetendra and Dharmendra shared screen space in films like The Burning Train, Dharam Veer, Dharma Karma, Kinara, and many more.

Jeetendra’s Musical Journey

Jeetendra’s career is intertwined with the music that defined an entire era of Hindi cinema. Known as the “Jumping Jack” for his energetic dance moves, he delivered several hit songs that became cultural staples, including “Mast Baharon Ka Mein Aashiq,” “Taki O Taki,” “Dhal Gaya Din,” “Naino Mein Sapna,” among others.

IFP, the world’s leading convention for all things Creativity X Culture, concluded its milestone fifteenth season in Mumbai on a high note.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Takes the Stage

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, accompanied by filmmaker and writer Aditya Kripalani, received roaring applause as they took the stage for their session, “Behind the Scene: Main Actor Nahin Hoon.”

Nawazuddin shared insights into his craft and highlighted why the film Bandit Queen stands out as one of the most authentic projects in his acting journey. Reflecting on the film during IFP Season 15, he noted, “Bandit Queen felt so authentic because most of its actors came from theatre acting, something we rarely see in films today. There’s a beautiful saying I truly believe in: the stage demands acting, while the camera discovers only behaviour.”

He elaborated, “For example, if I am holding a glass and flick it, the camera will only catch that small action. But on stage, you have to express it, you have to speak it, and you have to perform it. That’s the only real difference between the two mediums.”

The Importance of Theatre

The actor emphasized the significance of theatre, stating, “For me, theatre is very important because it helps you understand yourself. And with the many diverse forms of theatre we have in India, I feel every actor should experience all of them. It’s incredibly important.”

About Bandit Queen

Released in 1994, Bandit Queen is based on the life of Phoolan Devi, drawing from the book India’s Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi by Indian author Mala Sen. The film was directed by Shekhar Kapur and featured Seema Biswas in the lead role.

Shooting for the much-anticipated Malayalam film ‘Drishyam 3’, directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring the iconic Mohanlal, has been successfully wrapped up, according to industry sources.

Mohanlal recently completed his portions for the film, and a delightful video showing him cutting a cake in celebration with the entire unit went viral online.

A clapboard displaying the phrase ‘Pack Up’ is making waves on social media, confirming that the shooting has indeed concluded. It’s worth noting that Mohanlal began working on ‘Drishyam 3’ just before receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest honour.

The film marks the third chapter in the highly acclaimed franchise and was officially launched with a traditional puja ceremony at a law college near Kochi in September this year.

Director Jeethu Joseph shared insights before the launch, revealing that ‘Drishyam 3’ will delve into the next phase of Georgekutty’s life—Mohanlal’s noteworthy character. “The film focuses on what happens in Georgekutty’s life after four-and-a-half years. That is the crux of the story,” Joseph explained.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator with Mohanlal and a significant force behind the triumph of the Drishyam series, mentioned that the decision to advance with the third installment followed extensive discussions. “The phenomenal response to the first two parts convinced us that Georgekutty’s journey had more to tell. Only after detailed talks with Jeethu did we finalize this new version,” Perumbavoor stated.

The film’s unit conducted shoots in various locations including Thodupuzha and Vagamon, with the final five-day schedule taking place in Ernakulam.

The Drishyam films have gained cult status in Indian cinema due to their compelling storytelling, intricate suspense, and Mohanlal’s celebrated performances. The first film, released in 2013, set new standards in Malayalam cinema, while its sequel in 2021 achieved record viewership both in theatres and on streaming platforms.

According to producers, ‘Drishyam 3’ is slated for release in March 2026, and excitement is already building among audiences in India and beyond.

Television actor Parth Samthaan has been roped in to play the lead in the upcoming show “Seher Hone Ko Hai.”

Character Insights

In an exclusive conversation, Parth opened up about his character, Mahid Niyazi, describing it as a departure from the roles he has portrayed in the past. He emphasizes that Mahid is not your typical hero; he has flaws and shortcomings that make him intriguing to portray.

Parth stated, “This role is very interesting and fresh. I don’t think such a character has been seen before. He is not a typical hero with only good traits. He has his own flaws and shortcomings. The character has a past where he has been through hell. Despite all this, how he moves his life forward on the path of God is something you will get to see in the show.”

Parth also noted that Mahid remains unfazed by others’ opinions, choosing to live life on his own terms. “If anything wrong happens in front of him, he is unable to tolerate it and immediately punishes the culprit in his unique way—whether right or wrong in the eyes of others does not matter to him,” he shared.

Teaser Release

Recently, Parth unveiled the new teaser for “Seher Hone Ko Hai” on social media. The video introduces viewers to his intense character. As he expresses his anger, he attracts the attention of the female lead, Rishita Kothari, who plays Seher in the show. The caption read, “Seher ko hua taajjub, dekhke Mahid ka yeh gusse bhara andaaz (Seher is surprised to see Mahid’s anger).”

Production Details

Backed by Creative Producer and writer Richa Yamini under her banner Icecream Dreams, in association with Aarambh Entertainment, “Seher Hone Ko Hai” marks actress Maahi Vij’s return to television after a significant break.

The drama is set to premiere on Colors TV on December 2 at 10:00 PM.

Popular television actress Ashnoor Kaur has responded to Malti Chahar’s comments about her being ‘selfish’ in the ‘Bigg Boss 19’ house.

In an exclusive chat, Ashnoor shared her thoughts regarding Malti’s remarks as she was leaving the house. Reacting to being called a “kid and selfish,” Ashnoor emphasized that everyone is entitled to their opinions. “I know who I am, and I don’t let such remarks define me,” she stated.

Ashnoor’s journey in the Salman Khan-hosted reality show came to an abrupt end after she was evicted for being violent with fellow contestant Tanya Mittal during the “Ticket To Finale” task. When asked if she would have done anything differently inside the house, she expressed a wish that someone had informed her earlier about Tanya being hurt. “If I had known, I would have apologised immediately,” she said, adding that the sudden end felt like her dream was snatched away just a week before the finale.

Reflecting on her relationships in the house, Ashnoor mentioned that she was pleasantly surprised by some contestants. “Before entering, I didn’t think I’d get along with Aves and Nagma, but they turned out to be absolute sweethearts. We connected instantly,” she noted.

The ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ actress revealed that the show changed her perspective on friendships and alliances. “I found true friendship in Abhishek. I also learned how some people can flip when situations get tough,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Ashnoor shared her plans after ‘Bigg Boss,’ including a New Year trip to Nanded Sahib Gurudwara, where she has celebrated for almost a decade. “There are also conversations happening professionally — things in the pipeline. When they materialise, you’ll know,” she added.