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Malayalam film actor Santhosh K Nayar died in a road accident in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala early Tuesday. His car collided with a van in the early hours. His wife, who was travelling with him, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, reports NDTV. Santhosh K Nayar, who made his film debut with the 1982 movie Ithu Njangalude Katha, appeared in more than 100 films over his career. He was widely recognised for his roles portraying villains as well as comic characters. Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, he hailed from an educated family. His father, C N Kesavan Nair, was a retired headmaster, while his mother, P Rajalakshmiamma, was a retired teacher. During his college years, he was actively involved in politics. Although his sisters pursued careers in medicine as gynecologists, he chose acting as his profession. He also shared a close association with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, as both studied at MG College. Santhosh pursued a degree in Mathematics, while Mohanlal studied Commerce. In interviews, he often recalled their college days, noting that despite being of similar age, Mohanlal became his senior after Santhosh temporarily left his studies to pursue engineering before completing his degree later. His final on-screen appearance was in Mohaniyattam, which is currently running in theatres. The film, released on April 10, serves as a sequel to Bharathanatyam and is set to stream on Netflix from May 8. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the film follows the story of Sasidharan Nair’s family caught in a tense situation. The cast also includes Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinay Forrt and Jagadish.  

Legendary singer of Bangladesh Runa Laila was honored with the prestigious “Minar-e-Delhi” Award at the Delhi International Film Festival. The event was held held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts on May 4. She also shared the stage with legendary Indian singer Usha Uthup. The evening reached a magical high when both icons performed ‘ Ishtishoner ralgarita’ together, creating a truly unforgettable and emotional moment.

If Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar succeeds in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, he could end a 49-year gap by becoming the first film star to serve as chief minister since M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) transformed the state’s political landscape in 1977. MGR’s sweeping victory that year marked the last time a cinema icon directly captured power in Tamil Nadu. He turned fan loyalty into a structured political force, embedded welfare politics into governance, and redefined the link between charisma and policy. While figures like Jayalalithaa rose to power later, her success came through consolidating MGR’s AIADMK rather than building an entirely new political platform. Early trends in the 2026 elections indicate that Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded just two years ago, is performing strongly, with projections placing it between 100 and 118 seats. Even at the lower end, this positions Vijay among the state’s top political power at the higher end, it brings him close to the 118 seats needed for a majority in the 234-member assembly. What makes Vijay’s rise notable is its speed and strategic planning. Unlike many actor-politician who maintained parallel careers in cinema, Vijay began laying the groundwork much earlier. His political journey can be traced back to 2009, when he reorganised his fan clubs into Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, initially focusing on welfare activities. Over time, this network expanded its grassroots presence through relief efforts, educational support and community engagement. In 2011, the organisation backed the AIADMK alliance, marking Vijay’s first direct involvement in electoral politics. In the years that followed, his public appearances increasingly addressed broader issues such as youth unemployment, corruption, exam stress and governance concerns, resonating especially with younger voters. The organisational strength of his network became evident during the 2021 local government elections, where candidates linked to Vijay’s movement secured a majority of the seats they contested. When Vijay formally launched TVK in February 2024, he made his intentions clear: the party would contest independently in 2026, avoid pre-election alliances, and position itself as an alternative to the long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance. He reinforced this commitment by stepping away from films after a three-decade career spanning around 70 movies. Over the next two years, TVK evolved from a loosely organised welfare network into a structured political party with district and booth-level organisation. Its campaign focused on education, employment, anti-corruption and institutional accountability, while projecting Vijay as a responsive and accessible leader. The journey has not been without challenges. A deadly stampede at a TVK-linked event in Karur in 2025 tested Vijay’s leadership. His response—measured and corrective—offered an early glimpse into how he might handle political crises. Current projections suggest that even without a clear majority, a strong showing could place Vijay at the centre of government formation, either as chief minister or a key power broker. His refusal to form pre-poll alliances also means any post-election arrangement will be closely scrutinised. The emergence of TVK has already reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Alongside the DMK-led alliance and a diminished but relevant AIADMK, the state is witnessing a credible three-way contest for the first time in decades. Smaller parties now have a potential third force to align with. Comparisons with MGR are inevitable, but the contexts differ. While MGR rode a wave of populism and political rupture, Vijay’s appeal is tied to generational concerns, dissatisfaction with governance, and the promise of cleaner politics. Whether he ultimately takes power or simply transforms the political dynamics, the 2026 election has already marked a turning point. Vijay may either become the first actor in nearly half a century to lead Tamil Nadu—or demonstrate that such a shift is now within reach. Source NDTV  

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Sunday said that everyone has the right to promote their ideas through creative works, responding to debates over films being labelled as propaganda. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after receiving a special award from a city-based jewellery brand, when asked about criticism surrounding films like Dhurandhar. "I don't know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar; it was an excellent film. I liked the first one more than the second," he said. "Every story takes a stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative doesn't suit a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth," Akhtar added. He said that every story carries a viewpoint, and even films based on fictional or fairy-tale themes reflect an underlying ideology. The veteran writer also noted that films often convey a moral message, though audiences may interpret or label it differently. About Dhurandhar, the project features actors including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor. The two-part film series centres on a high-risk covert counter-terrorism mission. The first instalment follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates criminal syndicates and political networks in Karachi, Pakistan, aiming to dismantle a terror network targeting India. The sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, continues the storyline, with the agent pursuing those behind the 26/11 attacks while confronting broader threats. The narrative is loosely inspired by real geopolitical events and conflicts in South Asia.  #Via NDTV

Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered a huge free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with city officials estimating a turnout of around 2 million people. The show followed similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which also attracted massive crowds to the famous shoreline. Shakira’s concert is part of her ongoing “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Taking the stage at about 11 p.m., more than an hour behind schedule, Shakira was greeted by loud cheers as drones illuminated the sky with the message “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese. Reflecting on her early career, the singer recalled first visiting Brazil nearly 30 years ago as a teenager with dreams of performing for local fans. “And now look at this. Life is magical,” she told the audience. During the performance, she delivered a series of hits including “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” before closing with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a track released after her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. She also highlighted themes of resilience, telling the crowd that women grow stronger and wiser through challenges. Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, said the concert made history, noting the massive turnout and referencing Shakira’s hit song “She Wolf.” Experts say Shakira’s enduring popularity in Brazil dates back to the 1990s, helped by cultural similarities between Brazil and her home country, Colombia. Fans at the event expressed deep admiration, with many describing her as a symbol of Latin strength and identity. Some attendees also noted that performances by artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny reinforce a shared Latin American cultural identity beyond the United States. Large crowds began gathering early Saturday to secure spots, while street vendors sold food, drinks, and even items like sandbags to help spectators get a better view near the stage, set up opposite the iconic Copacabana Palace. City officials say the free concert is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations, and June’s Saint John’s Day events. According to estimates, the event could generate around 777 million reais (about $155 million) through increased tourism and spending in local businesses. Data from previous years also show a significant rise in visitors during similar events. Travel platform Airbnb reported a surge in bookings ahead of the concert, with visitors arriving from across Brazil, Latin America, and European cities. For many fans, the concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some traveling long distances just to attend.  

Colombian pop icon Shakira is set to perform a free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with Brazilian authorities expecting around 2 million people to gather at the famous seaside venue. The show comes after similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which drew huge crowds to the beach. Shakira’s concert is part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Speaking to Brazil’s TV Globo, Shakira said the Copacabana show could be the biggest of her career. She described performing on the beach as a lifelong dream, calling it a “magical place,” and noted that she learned Portuguese before English. Music experts say Shakira’s strong connection with Brazilian fans dates back to the 1990s, when she first performed in the country. Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist at Paris Nanterre University, said cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil helped her build a lasting bond with audiences. He added that Saturday’s concert reflects that long-standing relationship. Fans have already begun arriving early to secure good spots. Vendors lined the beach selling snacks, drinks and even items like toilet paper and sandbags to help people get a better view of the stage, set up near the Copacabana Palace hotel. Street vendor Simone Paula da Cunha, who came a day early to sell drinks, said she also hoped to watch the performance live. Despite being tired, she said she has been a fan of Shakira since her early days. Entertainment on the beach will begin in the afternoon with DJs, while Shakira is expected to take the stage at 9:45 p.m. local time for a performance lasting about two hours. Another DJ will perform afterward to help manage the crowd as they leave. City officials say the free concert is part of efforts to boost Rio’s economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations and the June Saint John’s Day events. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said such events help create jobs, generate income and strengthen the city’s identity. He added that the financial return from the concert could be up to 40 times the city’s investment. According to estimates by City Hall and Riotur, the show could generate about 777 million reais, or roughly $155 million, driven by increased spending in hotels, restaurants and shops. Officials also noted a sharp rise in tourist arrivals during similar events in previous years. Data shows visitor numbers grew significantly in early May in 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023. Airbnb said bookings have increased ahead of the concert, with visitors expected from across Brazil, Latin America and cities such as Paris and London. Wanderson Andrade, an architect who traveled from central Brazil for the show, said he had missed the chance to see Shakira last year and was determined not to miss this one. “Today is a dream come true,” he said.

Les Fleurs du Manguier – Lost Land (2025), an acclaimed feature film portraying the plight of Rohingya refugees by Japanese director Akio Fujimoto and co-produced by Japan, France, Germany, and Malaysia, had a special screening at the Alliance Française de Dhaka on Saturday. Winner of the Special Orizzonti Jury Prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the 138-minute film follows two Rohingya siblings, Shafi, 4, and Somira, 9, as they leave a refugee camp in Bangladesh and embark on a perilous journey to Malaysia in search of their family. Made in the Rohingya language, with both French and English subtitles, the film highlights the broader human dimensions of displacement, particularly the importance of safety, security, and dignity for Rohingya communities in Bangladesh and beyond. The film’s portrayal of vulnerable journeys also echoes the urgent need to protect individuals from risks that may lead to dangerous or irregular migration pathways, while promoting livelihoods, safety, and self-reliance. The screening, held at 5:00 PM at Auditorium Nouvelle Vague, was open to all and was followed by an engaging and interactive discussion. The session brought together audience members to reflect on the Rohingya crisis, exploring its ongoing challenges and humanitarian dimensions, as well as discussing the film's future trajectory and global outreach. France supports the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees and continues to play an active role in their assistance through sustained financial support and political engagement. Akio Fujimoto is a celebrated filmmaker known for focusing on Southeast Asian migrant experiences. His previous works, Passage of Life (2017) and Along the Sea (2020), have received international acclaim for their sensitive portrayal of displacement and human rights. Drawing on personal and cultural experiences, his work blends fiction and documentary with subtlety and humanism, often focusing on the lives of people on the margins.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, introduced rules addressing the use of artificial intelligence in films for the 2027 Oscars, while also expanding eligibility for international entries. Announcing updated guidelines on Friday, the Academy said AI tools will not be banned but stressed that human creativity must remain central to any film’s eligibility. Under the new rules, the use of AI “neither helps nor harms” a film’s chances of getting nominated. However, voters will consider how much human input was involved in the creative process when selecting nominees and winners. “Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Lynette Howell Taylor, adding that the organisation will continue reviewing its approach as technology evolves. In acting categories, only performances clearly carried out by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible. The Academy said it will review cases involving AI-generated performances individually. The rules are stricter for writing categories, stating that screenplays must be written by humans to qualify. Academy CEO Bill Kramer said the updates reflect ongoing changes in filmmaking and the growing influence of AI across the industry. The Academy also announced major reforms to the international feature film category, which has long faced criticism over fairness and political influence. Films that win top awards at major festivals — including the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival and key prizes at Toronto International Film Festival — will now be eligible for Oscar consideration even if they are not officially submitted by their home countries. Additional qualifying festivals include Berlin International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. This change means films like ‘It Was Just an Accident’ by Iranian director Jafar Panahi could qualify based on festival success rather than national selection. The Academy also said international films will now be recognised by their titles rather than the countries submitting them, with awards presented directly to filmmakers. Directors’ names will be included on Oscar plaques. In another change, actors will now be allowed to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different performances in the same year, aligning with rules already applied in other categories. The organisation also clarified rules for original songs, saying tracks used in end credits must begin before the credits roll and overlap with at least the final 15 seconds of the film to qualify. Officials said the updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Oscars and reflect the increasingly global and technology-driven film industry.

The romantic drama Ek Din attempts to explore love and memory but ultimately falls short, offering a predictable and emotionally underwhelming experience despite an intriguing premise. Backed by Aamir Khan Productions and directed by Sunil Pandey, the film opens with a familiar idea that life rarely mirrors what is shown in movies. However, it struggles to build on that promise in a meaningful way. Junaid Khan plays Dino, a socially awkward and overly kind IT employee in Noida who quietly harbours one-sided feelings for his colleague Meera, portrayed by Sai Pallavi. Dino’s affection borders on obsessive as he remembers minute details about her life, while Meera is involved in an affair with her married boss Nakul, played by Kunal Kapoor. The story takes a turn when the office team travels to Japan for a five-day work trip. There, Dino makes an unlikely wish to spend just one day with Meera as his partner. In a dramatic twist, his wish appears to come true after Meera suffers an accident and develops Transient Global Amnesia, losing her memory for 24 hours. This sets the stage for the pair to share a fleeting day together before she forgets everything. Despite this emotional setup, the film fails to create a lasting impact. The chemistry between Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi remains limited, and the narrative does not fully capture the depth of love, loss or longing it aims to portray. The film also drew comparisons on social media with other memory-loss romances, prompting Aamir Khan to clarify that Ek Din is entirely different. While that may be true, it also lacks the emotional intensity and engagement seen in similar films. Sai Pallavi, making her Hindi film debut, delivers a committed performance as Meera, a free-spirited and somewhat unpredictable character. However, her role lacks depth, leaving her talent underutilised. Junaid Khan shows improvement and growing confidence, though his performance alone cannot elevate the film. Visually, the winter setting of Japan, particularly Hokkaido, adds charm and stands out as one of the film’s highlights. However, scenic beauty alone cannot compensate for the lack of strong storytelling and emotional connection. Overall, Ek Din joins the long list of romantic dramas centred on memory loss but fails to distinguish itself, leaving little lasting impression on viewers. #From NDTV

Ranveer Singh is set to begin filming his upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller Pralay in August 2026, with insiders rejecting recent reports of “creative differences” between the actor and director Jai Mehta. The project, which gained attention following the success of the Dhurandhar franchise, had recently been the subject of speculation suggesting it faced delays due to disagreements between the lead actor and the filmmaker. However, a source close to the production dismissed the claims, saying the film is progressing as planned. “Reports suggesting any uncertainty around Pralay are completely baseless,” the insider told NDTV. “Ranveer and Jai have been in continuous discussions and have firmly locked the script. The project has already moved into pre-production, with the entire team actively gearing up to create a never-before-witnessed gigantic spectacle out of Indian cinema. As it stands, Pralay is on track to go on floors by August 2026.” The film is being developed as a large-scale, VFX-driven action thriller set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, with elements of the zombie genre rarely explored at this scale in Hindi cinema. Jai Mehta has reportedly spent the past year shaping the project, which is expected to be mounted with a budget of around Rs 300 crore. The screenplay has been written by Mehta along with Vishal Kapoor, known for his work on Lootere. The film is being produced by Hansal Mehta under his banner True Story Films, along with Ranveer Singh’s Maa Kasam Films, in collaboration with Applause Entertainment. For Ranveer Singh, Pralay marks a major shift as he explores a new genre and prepares to adopt a completely different look for the role. The actor has not officially signed any other project at the moment, though discussions are underway for a possible collaboration with Aditya Dhar after the completion of Pralay. With pre-production underway and a clear timeline in place, the film appears to be moving ahead as planned despite recent rumours.  #By NDTV