Category: Entertainment

Television actress Urvashi Dholakia welcomed the New Year with a delightful girls’ trip to Darjeeling, accompanied by producer Ektaa Kapoor and their friend, actress Charu Mehra.

Urvashi shared a series of photos and videos from their wonderful getaway on social media. The clips featured the trio posing amidst a lush green landscape, striking goofy poses and showcasing their radiant smiles. In the final video, Urvashi was seen on the roadside, channeling her inner child as she captivated her friends with her playful gestures.

“We went chasing views and came back with stories…we may not have had phone signal but our connection was strong 🥂we didn’t just travel, we felt every moment @ektarkapoor @4umehra Darjeeling u have our hearts.” Urvashi captioned her post.

Known for her close bond with Ektaa, the two collaborated on the popular show “Kasautii Zindagii Kay,” where Urvashi portrayed the iconic character Komolika.

Ektaa also took to social media, sharing snippets from her travel diaries. In an announcement of her year-end break, she posted a video featuring Urvashi and Charu, stating, “Signing off the year! Loads of ups n even more downs…..launched #naagin7 n left for year-end break with two real ichadari Nagins!!! Hope u like the show! Ratings in the coming year will tell! JAI MATA DI.”

The seventh season of Ektaa’s popular ‘Naagin’ franchise premiered on December 27, featuring Priyanka Chahar Choudhary in the lead role, along with Alice Kaushik, Karan Kundrra, Eisha Singh, and Namit Paul in pivotal parts.

To jog your memory, the inaugural season of “Naagin” debuted back in 2015, starring Mouni Roy, Arjun Bijlani, and Adaa Khan.

The Shabdotsav 2026 in Delhi showcased a unique blend of film and literature, with Bollywood actor Tej Sapru sharing insights about the evolving film industry.

Tej Sapru on Shabdotsav’s Purpose

Tej Sapru expressed, “The aim of Shabdotsav is to openly discuss every topic and share one’s views. We were invited to discuss the film line, and we expressed our thoughts on the subject in great depth. Such programmes prove to be very helpful for the development of the film world.”

A Journey Through Film

Reflecting on his extensive career, Sapru said, “I started working in films in 1979 and have had the opportunity to collaborate with many great actors. Despite the changes in the industry, I always remember the old days. Earlier, films had more feelings and emotions. The distribution model was different, with various distributors in cities like Mumbai and Delhi handling their respective regions.”

He elaborated on financial shifts, sharing, “Producers used to recover their money first, and whatever remained was shared with the producers. Today, the number of distributors has significantly reduced, concentrating power in fewer hands.”

Shifts in Theatrical Releases

Sapru discussed the transformation of theaters: “Earlier, single theaters were everywhere, and films enjoyed long runs, often lasting 50 to 75 weeks. Golden jubilee awards were common, and many of my films achieved this milestone. Now, even superhit films typically do not last a month; films that run for four weeks are considered major successes.”

He addressed the challenges faced by smaller producers: “This has significantly impacted small producers. In the past, ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ category producers could produce and release films independently, which supported their livelihoods. Today, it’s become increasingly difficult for small and new producers to secure theater space. Rising inflation and high ticket prices often prevent audiences from watching films.”

Nostalgia for Old-School Music and Films

Tej Sapru reminisced about the charm of earlier films and music: “Back then, films featured six songs, all of which were hits. The songs were so popular that people can still recall their lines easily. Achieving such a connection with audiences today is challenging. The impact of music isn’t as profound as it once was.”

He concluded, noting the missing elements in today’s industry: “Comparing this era to the past, we see many things lacking. Today, small artists and filmmakers struggle due to the centralized system dominated by big producers and multiplexes. The personal, passionate approach of the older era, the long-lasting film releases, and the vital role of music have all faded. While change in the film industry is natural, the depth and emotion of the past will always be missed.”

Actor Akhilendra Mishra, renowned for his impactful roles in films and television, is a familiar name in the industry. His portrayal of the blacksmith in ‘Lagaan’ continues to resonate with audiences. In a recent exclusive interview at the Delhi Shabdotsav, he shared his insights on the essence of being an actor.

The True Role of an Actor

Mishra emphasized that acting goes beyond just taking selfies or signing autographs; it comes with significant social responsibilities. He expressed concern over the current state of cinema, stating that it has become disconnected from literature. According to him, if actors and writers do not engage with literature, they may struggle to create meaningful work or articulate valuable messages. He pointed out that numerous writers in Hindi cinema lack a solid grasp of the Hindi language and its synonyms, yet continue to write extensively in English while working on large-scale Hindi projects.

The Decline of Music in Film

When discussing the music scene in Hindi cinema, Mishra lamented the absence of quality songs. He noted that the situation has deteriorated to such a point that old melodies from 40 to 50 years ago are now being remixed and reimagined. He believes that contemporary songs lack melody, rhythm, and coherence, making it difficult for listeners to even identify the lyrics. This is a stark contrast to older songs, the lyrics of which remain ingrained in people’s memories.

Cinema’s Reflection of Society

Mishra also touched on the relationship between society and cinema. In the past, films often mirrored societal happenings, whereas today’s cinema tends to shape societal narratives. He urged society to determine which films are appropriate for viewing, especially for children, given the significant influence cinema has on the youth. Raising awareness about this impact is crucial for society.

Bollywood Stars and Social Responsibility

On the topic of Bollywood stars and their responsibility regarding various controversies, including the recent Shah Rukh Khan and Bangladesh affair, Mishra stated, “If you open your mouth to eat, then open it to speak.” He believes that actors should actively share their opinions on relevant issues.

This conversation with Akhilendra Mishra sheds light on the evolving landscape of cinema, society, and the responsibilities that come with being an actor.

Hollywood actor Jeremy Allen White recently revealed his sheer terror upon learning that music legend Bruce Springsteen would frequently visit the set of his biopic, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.”

Pressure of Portraying a Legend

At 34, White takes on the iconic role of Springsteen in this biographical musical drama. The added pressure of meeting fans’ expectations of The Boss was magnified when White discovered that the Born to Run hitmaker, who is also a producer on the film, would be critiquing his performance up close, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.

During The Hollywood Reporter’s Actors Roundtable, Dwayne Johnson, known for his role in “The Smashing Machine,” asked, “Jeremy, did you feel, because I felt this on ‘The Smashing Machine’, added pressure inhabiting the skin of one of the greatest ever?”

White responded, “One of the greatest ever, and also, people have their own understanding of Bruce Springsteen, and I felt like, ‘I don’t want to interrupt that understanding’. It’s so pure and powerful, and he’s adored, and I just didn’t want to mess with it. In the beginning, I spent a lot of time with Bruce; he was very gracious and generous with his time. But then he was on set almost every day, which was something that we did not speak about prior. And I was just like, ‘Oh, nooo’.” Fellow actors Jacob Elordi and Mark Hamill expressed their sympathy, with Elordi stating, “I saw pictures of that and felt for you.” Hamill added, “I get vicarious flop sweat just thinking about it.”

A Leap of Faith

According to ‘Female First UK’, despite being the first choice of both Springsteen and director Scott Cooper, White admitted he initially doubted his suitability for the role. However, he ultimately chose to take a “leap of faith.”

He explained, “There are some actors who feel like they can do anything, that they can show up and figure it out. I wanted to make sure I was the right guy. The odds seemed stacked against me. I mean, Scott wanted me to do all the singing in it, but I’d never sung before.”

He continued, “He wanted me to play the guitar for it, but I’d never played the guitar before. And we had just six months to prepare. I was like, ‘I don’t know if that can be done.’ So I took a couple of days. But then it was that thing of, ‘Am I going to shy away from this challenge or am I going to jump and see what happens?’ It was a leap of faith.”

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan recently sent heartfelt birthday wishes to Sanjay Khan, the father of his ex-wife, Sussanne Khan.

On Sunday, Hrithik took to Instagram to share a cherished picture alongside Sanjay Khan. In a touching caption, he reflected on their first encounter and expressed his gratitude.

A Special Bond

He wrote, “Today on your birthday Dad, I want to thank you for always being this giant loving and guiding presence in my life. Thank you for always making me feel more special than I think I am. Of every place I’ve ever known, the one corner I was guaranteed unconditional love was when I was around you and mom. I still remember the first words you ever said to me when we met, ‘your name begins with H. It means you are meant for great heights my son’”.

Words of Wisdom

Hrithik shared, “I believed it dad. I believed it cause it came from you. Another golden one I remember was in my early years as an actor I was nervous about a shoot and you looked at me and said ‘before each shot that moment when the clap covers your face, collect all of you, smile and whisper ‘magic time’ and then just let it all go’. That stayed with me dad and I use that till today. Works like magic. Everytime”.

Legacy in Television

Continuing his tribute, he highlighted Sanjay Khan’s contributions: “You have been a pioneer for the Indian television industry. Making a well-researched historical like ‘Tipu Sultan’ way before the internet made research easy – you raised the bar for Indian television long before OTT, and the show continues to be a favorite for so many of us all these years later. Truly nothing stops you dad, you even cheated death and kept building. May you be our guiding light for another 100! We love you. Happy birthday dad. Love you and miss you mom”.

The makers of director Sudha Kongara’s highly anticipated period film, ‘Parasakthi’, featuring Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela in lead roles, have delighted fans with the release of a gripping trailer.

Release Date Change

Originally slated for January 14, the film’s release has now been moved up to January 10 to coincide with the Pongal festival.

Sivakarthikeyan shared the trailer link on social media, writing, “Thee Paravattum (Let the fire spread!) #ParasakthiTrailer. #Parasakthi #ParasakthiFromJan10.”

Trailer Highlights

The trailer opens with an intense fight between Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan on top of a moving train, set in 1964. Sivakarthikeyan’s character works as an engine driver, and his Hindi co-driver urges him to speak Hindi. Sivakarthikeyan responds in broken Hindi, saying, “When a Madharasi goes to Delhi, he’ll speak in Hindi. Similarly, when a Hindi guy comes to Madurai, he must speak in Tamil.”

It also shows a close relationship between Sivakarthikeyan and Atharvaa, who plays his younger brother. Sreeleela portrays a Tamil newsreader whose position irks her senior, who disapproves of her being hired through recommendations.

Political Tensions

The plot thickens when news breaks that a new law making Hindi the official language across all states is set to be passed. An elderly character, portrayed as Sivakarthikeyan’s grandmother, lamentingly states, “I, who have studied up to eighth standard, have been made an illiterate.”

Atharvaa expresses his frustration over Sivakarthikeyan’s job under the Central government, which imposes Hindi. Meanwhile, Sivakarthikeyan attempts to learn the language, asking Sreeleela for help, only to face her teasing.

The Rising Conflict

As tensions escalate, Atharvaa joins protests against the mandatory imposition of Hindi. Ravi Mohan’s character, a ruthless officer from Delhi, is dispatched to quell the unrest. Initially chastising his younger brother, Sivakarthikeyan eventually finds himself at the forefront of a resistance movement, primarily comprised of college students.

Expectations and Production

Anticipation for the film is high among fans and film enthusiasts alike. Sivakarthikeyan began dubbing for the film in late November, with a video from Dawn Pictures showcasing him under director Sudha Kongara’s supervision. Both Sreeleela and Ravi Mohan have voiced their respective roles, with Sreeleela dubbing in her own voice.

The film’s shooting wrapped up in October, with earlier schedules taking place in Madurai, Sri Lanka, and Pollachi. ‘Parasakthi’ is Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, tentatively referred to as #SK25. The film features music by G V Prakash and cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, with action sequences choreographed by Supreme Sundar.

Fans can look forward to this cinematic journey that merges personal struggles with broader societal issues in a gripping narrative.

The makers of director Mahesh Narayanan’s much-anticipated action thriller ‘Patriot’, featuring Malayalam cinema icons Mammootty and Mohanlal, have announced that filming has officially wrapped up.

Using the film’s official Instagram handle, the team expressed their excitement: “That’s a wrap. Blood, sweat, belief. #PATRIOT marches on. See you on the big screen.”

Alongside this announcement, they shared a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the cast on set.

The film has generated significant buzz since its announcement and includes an impressive lineup of actors, such as Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathy, alongside the two superstars.

Last year’s teaser amplified the anticipation around the film. It begins with a voiceover stating, “I remember there was a time when this nation was controlled by the two of them. Together. Over these years, what they earned wasn’t just followers. Faith. Trust.”

The teaser presents a mix of captivating and intense scenes, with Mammootty’s voice stating, “They are going to bring social score to people.” Mohanlal’s character, appearing as an army general, poses the question, “There are three of us. Do you think you can stop us?”

The teaser hints at a program called Periscope, with Kunchacko Boban playing a character named Daniel. Nayanthara inquires, “This program which is part of the student laptop scheme. Is that similar to Periscope?” Another voice inquires, “Is this program watching them secretly?” It concludes with Mammootty prompting someone to complete the phrase, “Great Indian traitor… or Patriot.”

Overall, the teaser suggests that the storyline revolves around a group of socially responsible individuals attempting to thwart an illegal government initiative to monitor its citizens.

Director Mohan G Kshatriyan has revealed that his upcoming historical action drama, ‘Draupathi 2’, featuring Richard Rishi and Rakshana Indusudan in lead roles, was completed in just 31 days of shooting.

Shooting Timeline

In a recent conversation, the director shared, “We originally wanted to complete shooting in just 30 days. But things always don’t go as planned. So we had to shoot for one extra day.”

Film Details

‘Draupathi 2’ picks up from the narrative of ‘Draupathi’. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 39 minutes, with only eight to nine minutes set in 2025, while the majority unfolds in the 14th century.

Mohan G Kshatriyan credits his inspiration for the screenplay to a small book called Moondram Vallalla Maharaja, written by historian Annal Kandar. He emphasized, “The prime historical events shown in the film are all based on facts. However, we have used cinematic liberties while developing characters.” The script took nearly a year to finalize as it involved extensive research and discussions with various individuals. The storyline revolves around the third Veera Vallalalar, who ruled with Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu as his capital.

Recent Poster Release

Recently, the makers unveiled a poster featuring actor Chirag Jani as Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, much to the excitement of fans. The director took to his X timeline to share this, captioning it, “Terror Wears A Crown. Unveiling the Delhi Sultanate #MohdBinThugluq…@JaniChiragjani nailed it. Roaring as First-Level Antagonist.”

Production Status

‘Draupathi 2’ is a grand multilingual period film set in 14th-century South India. It has recently completed post-production and received a ‘U/A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for release.

Sources close to the project reveal that the film will feature three powerful villains, with Chirag Jani in the role of the primary antagonist.

Cast and Crew

The film stars Richard Rishi in the lead, with Rakshana Indusudan as the female lead and Natti Natraj in a pivotal role. The ensemble cast also includes Y G Mahendran, Nadodigal Barani, Saravana Subbiah, Vel Ramamoorthy, Siraj Johnny, Dinesh Lamba, Ganesh Gaurang, Divi, Devayani Sharma, and Arunodayan.

Produced by Chola Shakkaravarthi (Netaji Productions) in collaboration with G.M. Film Corporation, the film features cinematography by Philip R. Sundar, music by Ghibran Vaibodha, action choreography by Action Santosh, choreography by Thanika Tony, editing by Devaraj, and production design by Kamalnathan. The dialogues are crafted by Padma Chandrasekhar and Mohan G.

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, who is receiving a positive response for his recent film ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’, shared an interesting tidbit about his sister’s wedding.

Family Wedding Fun

During his appearance on the streaming sketch comedy show ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ alongside co-star Ananya Panday, Kartik opened up about the wedding festivities of his sister, Kritika Tiwari. He humorously stated to host Kapil Sharma, “Everything was done by mother and my sister. I was the guest in my own family’s wedding festivities. I also danced at the wedding for free; my sister didn’t give me a single penny.”

Generational Perspectives on Love

In another segment of the show, Kartik and Ananya discussed relationship norms, including red flags, green flags, and what Gen Z truly wants from love. Their conversation promised bold opinions and relatable chaos, potentially sparking debates online.

Comedic Highlights

The episode also featured actor and comedian Sunil Grover, who delivered a fresh dose of superstar satire. Viewers couldn’t help but joke that even AI struggles to match his precision. The stage quickly filled with comedic characters, featuring Kiku Sharda as Sona, the security lady, and Krushna Abhishek portraying the dramatic Monalika, while Kartik reverted to his Rooh Baba persona to confront yet another bhoot.

Gen-Z vs. Millennials

Amidst the laughter, the episode leaned into a fun Gen-Z versus millennial moment within Kapil’s Mastiverse. Ananya revealed Chunky Panday’s clever plan, explaining that he believes that appearing together means earning less. Therefore, it’s smarter for each family member to appear individually on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ to keep the money flowing—logic that had the couch in splits.

With a blend of comedic chaos and layered entertainment, the episode embraced Kapil’s trademark style of masti, making it loud, layered, and undeniably entertaining.

‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ is available for streaming on Netflix.

Hollywood actor Miles Teller, renowned for his role in ‘Whiplash’, has revealed that his grandparents significantly inspired his performance in the upcoming film ‘Eternity’.

Character Background

At 38, Teller portrays Larry in the romantic comedy, a man who must compete for the love of his wife, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), after she reconnects with her first love, Luke (Callum Turner), in the afterlife. He mentioned that his grandparents provided valuable insights during his preparation for the role, staying with him prior to filming in 2024.

Grandparents’ Influence

In an interview with ‘People’ magazine, Miles remarked, “It was really nice to just… observe them. They’re so in love. Oftentimes when people have been married for that long, when one goes, the other usually isn’t far behind. It’s like a broken heart kind of thing. So I just think it’s really special.”

Teller shared that his grandfather, who passed away in December 2024, was particularly influential. “I come from a long line of great men, and so I’m proud to represent that,” he said.

The Appeal of ‘Eternity’

According to ‘Female First UK’, Teller has expressed that the portrayal of “ordinary love” in ‘Eternity’ drew him to the project. He explained, “I love an ordinary love, you know? I grew up with a lot of men who were devoted to their wives and always tried to make them happy. Her happiness was his happiness. I thought this film offers a beautiful peek behind the curtain of people you just pass in the grocery store, those who have stuck it out together. It affected me greatly when I read the script.”

Approach to Filmmaking

Teller also shared his approach to working with directors for the first time. He stated, “On that first day, if I haven’t worked with that director or those producers before, I want to show them, I can do this whole movie. I’m so prepared. But I have to remind myself to play the truth of this one scene. You don’t need to demonstrate all the different colors. Yet, I always feel like I’m going to mess up during the first couple of days. That feeling never goes away.”

Producer Role

Miles has served as an executive producer on both ‘The Gorge’ and ‘Eternity’, cherishing his involvement in the development process. He noted, “I’m at a point now where I get involved early, and as a producer, I can develop projects. Whether I end up shooting all of them, who knows? But I enjoy the development process. Some projects may not be studio-funded and really need that initial push. If I’m passionate about something, I’m happy to help bring the pieces together and seek financing.”