Category: Entertainment

The makers of director Ritesh Rana’s upcoming action comedy, ‘Jetlee’, featuring actor Satya in the lead, have delighted fans by unveiling the first-look poster of Vennela Kishore in the film.

Exciting First Look Poster

Mythri Movie Makers, the production house behind the film, shared the poster on their X timeline. The post read, “Director can hide this man’s NAME, not his AURA (Read it in Subhalekha Sudhakar garu’s voice). Revealing @vennelakishore look from #JETLEE. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. A @RiteshRana’s turbulence. Starring #Satya, RheaSingha, @vennelakishore. Produced by @ClapEntrtmnt. Presented by @MythriOfficial. Music by @kaalabhairava7.”

In the first-look poster, Vennela Kishore is seen holding a book and gazing out of a flight window.

Heightened Anticipation

The film has generated significant interest among fans as actor Satya reunites with director Ritesh Rana. The earlier-released first-look poster featuring Satya created a wave of excitement, depicting him seated atop a thundering aircraft with the phrase “I am done with comedy” boldly stamped above. This ironic statement had fans chuckling, as a Ritesh Rana movie without comedy is as unlikely as a flight without turbulence.

Strength Behind the Production

‘Jetlee’ is produced by Clap Entertainment’s Chiranjeevi (Cherry) and Hemalatha Peddamallu, and is presented by Mythri Movie Makers. The collaboration between these production houses signals the film’s potential strength.

A Unique Blend of Elements

Touted as an action comedy entertainer, industry insiders suggest that ‘Jetlee’ will offer thrills, twists, and high-voltage humour, all delivered in the unmistakable Satya-Rana style. While plot details remain under wraps, expectations are high for a film where danger and laughter co-exist.

Debut of Miss Universe India

Miss Universe India Rhea Singha will make her Telugu cinema debut in this movie, portraying the leading lady opposite Satya. The cast will also include Vennela Kishore and Ajay in significant roles.

Technical Team

The technical team behind ‘Mathu Vadalara’ has joined forces for ‘Jetlee’ as well. The soundtrack will be composed by Kaala Bhairava, with cinematography by Suresh Sarangam. Editing duties are handled by Karthika Srinivas, while Narni Srinivas serves as the production designer.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty embraced the festive spirit of Christmas by celebrating the occasion with her family and loved ones.

The ‘Hungama 2’ actress took to social media to share glimpses of the joyful celebrations. On her Instagram handle, Shilpa offered a peek into the warm and cheerful moments spent together with family. From festive décor to happy family time, her posts beautifully captured the essence of Christmas cheer.

Sharing a series of photos, the actress wrote, “Christmassing Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with love, joy, warmth, family time and being fully present (and also getting presents Merry Christmas all! #gratitude #love #seasonsgreetings #christmas).”

In the photos, Shilpa is seen posing with her husband Raj Kundra and their children, with Santa Claus and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the background. She also shared images of a Christmas cake and her kids enjoying a ride on the swings. The final picture, taken at her restaurant, shows the entire family posing behind a Christmas tree.

On this festive day, several celebrities also took to social media to extend their wishes to fans and share glimpses of their own celebrations.

Meanwhile, Shilpa Shetty recently made headlines as her legal representative clarified that there was no Income Tax raid at her house in Mumbai. In a statement, Prashant Patil, the actress’ legal representative, said, “On behalf of my client Mrs. Shilpa Shetty Kundra, I can confirm that there is no Income Tax ‘Raid’ of whatsoever nature against my client. There is a routine verification by the income tax officials pertaining to follow up with my client Mrs. Shilpa Shetty Kundra.”

He added, “Whomsoever has mischievously claimed in the public domain that these developments have anything to do with the alleged Economic Offence Wing case shall face legal consequences before the appropriate court of law. At the cost of repetition, my client Mrs. Shilpa Shetty Kundra states that there is no income tax ‘RAID’ at her place.”

As producer-actor Jackky Bhagnani celebrated his birthday, his wife Rakul Preet Singh shared a heartfelt message for her “favourite human,” expressing that he is her strength, comfort, and biggest blessing.

A Loving Tribute on Instagram

Rakul took to Instagram to dedicate a special reel to Jackky. In the video, she affectionately described him as her “pillar, work buddy, safe place, biggest cheerleader, calm in chaos,” and her “favourite person to do life with.” She also added a sweet text overlay that read, “Happy Birthday my love.”

In the caption, she urged Jackky to continue being her “happy place.”

“Happy Birthday my favorite human!! You are my strength, my comfort, and my biggest blessing. Thank you for being you—steady, supportive, and endlessly special. Wishing you a year full of success, laughter, and moments that make you truly happy,” she wrote.

Rakul concluded with, “Stay amazing and never stop being my happy place. Loveeeee you more than words can say @jackkybhagnani.”

Their Journey Together

Rakul and Jackky made their relationship official in 2021 and tied the knot in February 2024 in a traditional Hindu ceremony in Goa.

Upcoming Projects

Rakul was last seen in “De De Pyaar De 2,” directed by Anshul Sharma, a sequel to the 2019 film “De De Pyaar De,” featuring Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan. The film’s synopsis reveals: “Love faces its toughest test yet as Ashish visits Ayesha’s family home.”

Next, she will appear alongside Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Ayushmann Khurrana in the eagerly awaited film “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do.”

Ayushmann recently remarked on this project, stating that it takes him back to the 1978 hit starring Sanjeev Kumar, and he added, “It’s a great IP with BR Chopra Films now headed by Juno Chopra. It’s an exciting film, I must say!”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has described the blockbuster “Dhurandhar” as a game-changer that the Indian film industry cannot ignore. He emphasized that it is a film for all those makers who believed in “VFX-ridden, expensive sets, item song-ridden and the Hero worship template.”

Industry Response to “Dhurandhar”

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, RGV wrote: “Whenever a path-breaking and monstrous hit like #Dhurandhar comes, the industry people will wish to ignore it because they will feel threatened by it due to their inability to match its standards. So they will think of it as a nightmare, which will vanish when they wake up in their own films.”

He noted that this sentiment is particularly true for all the “so-called Pan-India biggies” currently in various stages of production. “They were all written and mounted, modelled on the films made before #Dhurandhar, which is the exact opposite of what they all believed will work. What’s even more worrisome is that #Dhurandhar, apart from being an omega hit, is also the most discussed film since the last 50 years.”

Dhurandhar: A Scary Presence

Varma likened the film to a “large, scary dog” that everyone notices, even if they try to ignore it. He added: “Every one of us has experienced an incident like going to visit someone’s house and seeing a large, scary-looking dog that keeps staring at us. In spite of the owner assuring us it’s harmless and advising us to ignore it, the tension will remain and keep growing.”

He mentioned that Dhurandhar will be like that “monstrous dog” invisibly pacing around in every production office where upcoming biggies are being made. “They will try their level best to even avoid uttering the dog’s name, but it will keep loitering in all their minds.”

A Shift in Filmmaking Standards

Unlike formulaic, VFX-heavy, star-driven masala films, Dhurandhar has garnered acclaim for its story and craft rather than just its star power. Varma stated it will be a “horror” film for those still adhering to the “hero worship template.”

“To that extent, #Dhurandhar will actually be like a HORROR film for all those makers who believed in the earlier template of VFX-ridden, expensive sets, item song-ridden and the Hero worship template.”

He believes that with the film being worshipped instead of the star, filmmakers will be getting crucified in their self-created dungeon of masala films. “But no matter how much they wish the dog won’t go away, it will be here to bite whenever their next film releases.”

Varma is confident that Aditya Dhar Films has effectively held up a mirror to the industry, compelling filmmakers to rethink their approach and measure their work against the cinematic standards set by Dhurandhar.

Well-known cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has praised director Suresh Rajakumari’s newly released police drama “Sirai,” stating that the film was so gripping that he didn’t check his phone even once during the entire viewing.

Emerging from the screening, Ashwin shared his thoughts, saying, “Really liked the film a lot. It was a very gripping film. In today’s day and age, watching a film without touching one’s phone is a big thing. I did not touch my phone while watching this film completely. Fabulous acting actually—be it Vikram (Prabhu) and Akshay (Kumar) and all the cast members. The way they have built each character, it didn’t look like a hero’s film at all. It looked like everybody’s movie. It was very nice. Refreshing for Tamil cinema!”

For those who may not know, this gripping police drama has received praise from film critics and industry experts, who were treated to special screenings ahead of its December 25 release. The film features actors Vikram Prabhu and L K Akshay Kumar in lead roles.

Producer S S Lalit Kumar, confident about the film’s success before its release, presented a car to director Suresh Rajakumari to recognize his commendable work. This gesture was made during a pre-release event attended by several celebrities and media personnel, where ace director Vetrimaaran, who mentored Rajakumari, handed the car keys to the director’s mother.

The film’s narrative, inspired by real-life incidents, is penned by director Tamizh, known for the critically acclaimed “Taanakaran.” It is believed that this story was influenced by his personal experiences.

Suresh Rajakumari, who co-directed with Vetrimaaran, has both written and directed this film.

Vikram Prabhu takes the lead role alongside actress Anantha, while L K Akshay Kumar, the son of producer S S Lalit Kumar, makes his acting debut. Actress Anishma plays opposite Akshay Kumar in the movie.

Musical composition for the film is by well-known music director Justin Prabhakaran, with cinematography by Madesh Manickam and editing by the highly regarded Philomin Raj. Stunts are choreographed by Prabhu. The film is produced by Arun K and Manikandan as executive producers.

Filming locations included various sites such as Chennai, Sivagangai, and Vellore.

Hollywood star Sharon Stone has shared festive reminders to infuse a bit of “main character energy” into holiday celebrations.

The actress posted a series of images showcasing her journey through the years and extended warm wishes for everyone to enjoy quality time with family and friends this season.

“A reminder to bring a little main character energy to your holiday. Wishing you a wonderful time with your family & friends this season,” she wrote.

In a playful fashion tip, Stone suggested her iconic look from Nobody 2 as a style inspiration for anyone wanting to stand out. She noted, “If you need an inspo for your fashion tonight, might I suggest my look from Nobody 2? It should keep the conversation… light. xo Sharon.”

Nobody 2 is a 2025 American action thriller directed by Timo Tjahjan and serves as a sequel to Nobody. The film features Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Colin Salmon, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and Christopher Lloyd reprising their roles from the original. New characters are played by John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, and Sharon Stone.

The storyline revolves around Hutch Mansell, a workaholic assassin who takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the quaint town of Plummerville. Soon, he finds himself targeted by a corrupt theme-park operator, a dubious sheriff, and a ruthless crime boss.

Sharon Stone is renowned for her portrayals of femmes fatales and enigmatic women in both film and television. She emerged as one of the most celebrated sex symbols of the 1990s, earning multiple accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award nomination.

Stone made her film debut as an extra in Stardust Memories and had her first speaking role in the horror flick Deadly Blessing in 1981. She attained breakthrough success with her role in Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall, followed by global recognition for her iconic performance in Basic Instinct.

Akshay Kumar has recently shared an exciting update regarding his much-anticipated film “Welcome to the Jungle,” announcing that the project has officially wrapped up.

A Major Milestone in Akshay’s Career

Calling it one of the biggest projects of his career, Akshay expressed heartfelt gratitude to the extensive cast and crew for their dedicated efforts. He took to social media to extend warm Christmas wishes to fans on behalf of the entire “Welcome to the Jungle” team.

In his post, the ‘Airlift’ actor shared a video showcasing the entire cast, emphasizing the film’s significance. He wrote, “Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas from the giant cast of Welcome to the Jungle! In cinemas 2026. Never have I ever been part of something so big…none of us have.”

Excitement for the Audience

Akshay conveyed his eagerness to present this “gift” to the audience, stating, “It’s a wrap, people! Well done, gang. Such a huge effort from everyone involved in making this happen. From our big family to yours at home, we wish you nothing but the best for 2026 #WelcomeToTheJungle #Welcome3.”

The video features the film’s cast, which includes Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Tusshar Kapoor, and others, all walking with confidence and style.

Adding to the excitement, Tusshar Kapoor also announced the wrap-up by posting a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram, captioning it, “And it’s a wrap for the year-end schedule of #welcometothejungle….thank you to the entire crew, we miss you all in this pic #2ndlastsemester.”

About the Film

“Welcome to the Jungle,” presented by Base Industries Group and produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, continues the legacy of the beloved Welcome franchise. Directed by Ahmed Khan, this comedy is set to hit theatres in mid-2026.

Actress Rasika Dugal recently shared delightful glimpses from her cozy Christmas vacation with husband Mukul Chadda on social media.

Festive Break

The actress offered a sneak peek into their holiday joy, showcasing moments filled with warmth, relaxation, and holiday cheer. The couple embraced the spirit of Christmas while enjoying quiet time together. On her Instagram, Rasika posted a series of vibrant photos, captioning them with, “May your cup always be full, may all destinations seem closer than they appear, may you seek more than you know and may you have your carbs and eat it too!”

In another part of her message, she added, “Merry Christmas Everyone! May you have a little (or more) of everything… And may you get to pause and laugh and capture some moments along the way…”

Captivating Moments

The images feature Rasika at various stunning locations amid lush green hills. One candid shot captures her gazing at Mukul as she poses for the camera.

The couple is currently enjoying their vacation in Arrowtown, a picturesque town in New Zealand’s South Island. Rasika further shared more glimpses from their getaway, highlighting their relaxed moments and the scenic beauty around them.

Professional Update

On the professional front, Rasika Dugal recently featured in the third season of the International Emmy-winning streaming show “Delhi Crime.” She reprised her role as the sharp and principled ACP Neeti Singh, tackling a fresh and complex case while solidifying her authority within the police force.

In a previous interview, she discussed her character’s journey and development over the seasons. Rasika explained, “I think Neeti is a much more confident officer this season. She has understood that she has to work from within the system. The dilemma of ‘Oh this is not what I thought, my idealism is being compromised’ is something she is settled into, like all of us mature.”

The third season of the show was released on Netflix on November 13.

Actress Chitrangda Singh recently reflected on Bollywood’s journey through the first 25 years of the 21st century, marking this phase as a significant chapter in her life. It was during this time that her career as an actor truly began.

Chitrangda’s Career Beginnings

She shared, “I didn’t think of this as the first quarter, but this is when my life as an actor started, so definitely very important for me. Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi was my first film.”

Notable Films

Chitrangda reminisced about her body of work, which includes films like Inkaar, released before the Me Too movement, along with iconic titles such as Three Idiots, Dangal, Sultan, and the internationally acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire.

“I did quite a few films like Inkaar, which kind of came again before Me Too came. I feel a lot of my work came before time. Some of the most iconic films I can remember are definitely Three Idiots. There was Dangal, there is Sultan, there is, lately, Homebound that’s gone all the way, there was Slumdog Millionaire to some extent coming from India,” she added.

Entertainment Landscape

She expressed appreciation for the diverse range of projects, saying, “Vishal Bhardwaj’s work was amazing; Abhishek Chaubey was so good. There is, of course, Spy Universe on the other side. There is Bajrangi Bhaijaan. I feel there’s just too much. It’s been amazing, and I suppose, in retrospect, as much as we criticize and are cynical of the work that’s happening presently, I think when we look back, we should have quite a few things to be proud of.”

Evolution of Storytelling

When discussing the evolution of cinema, Chitrangda observed, “Storytelling has changed. I don’t know if that’s called evolved. Let’s just say it’s different than then. Technically, of course, we’ve become much better. But sometimes technology is the bane of storytelling. It somehow interferes too much.”

She also highlighted recent films such as Dhurandar, where technology and AI were effectively integrated to enhance the narrative.

“Having said that, I think Dhurandar is one of those films lately that we’ve seen where technology, AI, all of those things have just, you know, come so beautifully together to tell a story. So, yeah, I suppose moving forward, we will get better with time.”

Importance of Writing in Cinema

Chitrangda praised groundbreaking films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Rang De Basanti, and Lagaan.

“But at the same time, without the crutches of technology and AI, I mean, all of these things, I hope that we can also spend a lot more effort and time on writing, because that definitely will always, always remain the king. Gangs of Wasseypur was very path-breaking, I thought. Rang De Basanti and Lagaan, I think, were also very important films. So yeah, there are quite a few.”

“Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp, who has been a child actor for nearly a decade, believes that therapy is essential for child actors, describing their lives as “abnormal.”

The actor recently shared that he initially felt he didn’t need therapy, thinking of himself as a “happy-go-lucky kid.” However, he has since started attending therapy and aligns with singer-actress Ariana Grande’s opinion that it should be mandatory for children in the entertainment industry.

“It’s hard to grow up in the public eye. You don’t know yourself, you haven’t figured anything out, and now you’re expected to know everything and have all the answers,” Schnapp mentioned in a conversation with USA Today.

He added, “I was constantly saying the wrong things or being embarrassed by not taking certain things seriously that I should’ve, and then that lives on forever. People grow and learn, and to do that publicly is not easy.”

With the series finale debuting on New Year’s Eve, Schnapp was just 11 when he began filming Season 1 of “Stranger Things,” which started its five-season journey in 2016.

“Through the years, it becomes like, ‘No, this is an abnormal life and you need some type of support system outside of your parents,’” Schnapp stated.

“Growing up, I never understood why people were depressed or turned to drugs or had eating disorders. As you get older, you understand how the pressures of Hollywood can create that,” he reflected.

He also noted, “I always tell my parents, ‘I could never live in LA. I think I would get lost.’”

“Stranger Things” is an American television series created by the Duffer Brothers for Netflix. The show intertwines elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and coming-of-age drama.

Set in the 1980s, the series focuses on the residents of the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The plot kicks off when a young girl with psychokinetic abilities, named Eleven, opens a gateway between Earth and a hostile alternate dimension known as the Upside Down, linked to a nearby human experimentation facility.

Additionally, the show takes inspiration from Cold War-era experiments and conspiracy theories surrounding secret government programs.

The impressive cast features Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Linda Hamilton.