Entertainment
Haal makers go to Kerala HC after censor board denies certificate over "Beef Biryani" Scene
Shane Nigam's upcoming romantic drama Haal has landed in trouble after the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested 15 changes in the film, including a scene where the characters eat beef biryani in the movie.
The release of the film Haal is in crisis due to the delay in the certification of the film by the CBFC.
According to the film's Public Relations Officer (PRO), the CBFC has requested the makers to remove 15 scenes, including references to Dhwaja Pranaman, Sangham kawal und, and a scene depicting the consumption of beef biryani.
However, the makers have denied the consumption of beef biryani in the film and called it a mere assumption by the CBFC regarding the scene, as per the film's PRO.
The film is expected to receive an A certificate from the Censor Board if they adhere to the suggested changes.
Ranbir Kapoor: Born into privilege, earned his own success
The makers have approached the Kerala High Court against the Censor Board's decision.
According to the film's PRO, the first preview of the film to the CBFC was held on September 10.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago
Ranbir Kapoor: Born into privilege, earned his own success
Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor on Thursday called himself “a product of nepotism” but emphasized that being born into the legendary Kapoor family did not guarantee success in the film industry.
Speaking at the Celebrate Cinema 2025 festival at Whistling Woods in Mumbai, Ranbir, 43, said he always had to work hard and develop his own approach to acting to prove his talent. “You celebrate my family’s successes, but there are many failures too. You learn from both,” he said.
The Animal actor, son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, also shared insights from his early experiences observing music directors, lyricists, and filmmakers at his grandfather Raj Kapoor’s home. He highlighted filmmaking as a collaborative art and stressed flexibility in acting, noting that each director has a unique style.
Ranbir expressed his desire to mentor young actors, saying film institutes inspire him with their energy and talent. At the event, filmmaker Subhash Ghai announced scholarships in the names of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt for acting students.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago
‘Shaaticup’, ‘Sinpaat’ maker Touqir debuts to big screen with ‘Delupi’
After earning widespread acclaim for his two original series ‘Shaaticup’ and ‘Sinpaat’ on OTT platforms, filmmaker Mohammad Touqir Islam is set to make his debut in full-length feature filmmaking with his new film, ‘Delupi’.
Released in 2022, ‘Shaaticup’, set in the city of Rajshahi, drew praise from critics and audiences alike for its authentic storytelling and strong local essence. Two years later, Touqir followed it up with ‘Sinpaat’, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young directors.
Speaking about his latest project, Touqir said the name ‘Delupi’ is inspired by Deluti Union in Paikgacha upazila of Khulna. “The story is a work of ‘fictional reality,’ drawn from the lives, struggles and relationships of people in that region,” he said.
He added that ‘Delupi’ goes beyond one locality, reflecting experiences of people from all walks of life across the country, making it universally relatable.
From filming locations to the cast, everything about the production is local. “I have always wanted to tell stories about real people,” Touqir said, adding: “The film ‘Delupi’ is a continuation of that effort. Every character and every frame in this film reflects real lives and emotions. Conveying genuine feelings mattered far more to me than big budgets or star names.”
Produced by Footprint Film Production House, the film was officially announced through the company’s social media pages on Thursday, October 9. According to the director, ‘Delupi’ is
2 months ago
Kirkus Prize 2025 honors novel on identity, Iran’s history and ode to belly buttons
A novel exploring identity and loss, a sweeping history of Iran’s revolution, and a children’s book celebrating the humble belly button have been named this year’s winners of the Kirkus Prize — each receiving a $50,000 award.
Lucas Schaefer won in the fiction category for “The Slip,” which follows a man’s search for his long-missing nephew. The nonfiction prize went to Scott Anderson for “King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation,” an account of the downfall of the Shah of Iran.
In the young readers’ category, Thao Lam received the award for “Everybelly,” a playful, illustrated look at belly buttons and the stories they tell.
Founded in 2014, the Kirkus Prize is administered by the trade publication Kirkus Reviews.
“This year’s Kirkus Prize winners bring us vital messages for our time — about the joys of community, the power of self-transformation, and the mutability of history — all delivered through exhilarating prose and pictures,” said Kirkus Editor-in-Chief Tom Beer in a statement on Wednesday.
The finalists included Angela Flournoy’s “The Wilderness”; Nicholas Boggs’ “Baldwin: A Love Story,” a biography of writer James Baldwin; and “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” a memoir by Arundhati Roy.
Source: AP
2 months ago
Ben Affleck supports Jennifer Lopez at NYC film premiere months after divorce
Actor-director Ben Affleck and singer-actress Jennifer Lopez reunited on the red carpet in New York City months after their divorce, showing mutual respect and support for each other’s work.
Lopez, 56, attended the premiere of her upcoming musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, which Affleck co-produced through his and Matt Damon’s Artist Equity company. The former couple posed together and interacted on the carpet, while Affleck also spoke to the press about the film.
For the occasion, Lopez wore a sculptural gown from Harris Reed’s Spring 2026 collection. During her introduction, she thanked Affleck, saying the film “wouldn’t have been made without Ben and Artist Equity,” expressing her excitement over performing in the project.
Affleck, 53, continues to publicly support Lopez following their 2025 divorce. The couple first met in 2002, had an on-and-off relationship over the years, remarried in 2022, and finalized their separation in February 2025.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago
Yash Raj Films to shoot three movies in UK, PM Starmer announces
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films will shoot three major films across the United Kingdom starting early 2026, following his visit to the studio in Mumbai on Wednesday.
The agreement is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy, Starmer said. “Bollywood is back in Britain, bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” he added, highlighting the benefits of the UK-India trade deal.
Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani noted the historic ties between the studio and the UK, citing iconic films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge that were shot in the country. He added that the company is also producing the UK-based stage adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall in Love.
The announcement comes after an eight-year pause in Yash Raj Films’ UK productions. A cooperation agreement between the British Film Institute (BFI) and India’s National Film Development Commission (NFDC) will support co-productions and shared resources between filmmakers from both countries.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo teams up with Zayn Malik for new single
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is set to release a new single, Eyes Closed, in collaboration with British singer Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member.
Jisoo shared the official poster on Instagram, giving fans a first look at the duo together. In the image, both artists appear stylish in matching black outfits, with Jisoo confidently in the foreground and Zayn slightly behind. The post read: “JISOO X ZAYN Digital Single ‘EYES CLOSED’.”
This marks Jisoo’s first release since her solo EP Amortage in February, which featured four tracks: Earthquake, Your Love, Tears, and Hugs & Kisses. For Zayn, it continues his successful solo career in R&B and alternative pop after leaving One Direction in 2015.
Fans had already spotted a connection between the two. In July, Zayn attended BLACKPINK’s concert at New York’s MetLife Stadium with his daughter, Khai, later posting on Instagram: “@BLACKPINKOFFICIAL THANK YOU :) ME & KHAI LOVED IT.”
The single comes while Jisoo takes a break from BLACKPINK’s Deadline world tour, making it a perfect release to keep fans engaged. With Jisoo’s vocals and Zayn’s distinctive tone, Eyes Closed promises to be a treat for fans worldwide.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago
Turkish celebrities questioned in major drug probe amid wider crackdown on artists
Several prominent Turkish entertainers, including singers, television actors, and social media figures, were questioned and given blood tests on Wednesday as part of a drug investigation, according to officials and local media reports.
Istanbul’s chief prosecutor launched the inquiry into individuals suspected of using narcotic or stimulant substances, the prosecutor’s office said.
State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 12 well-known figures were summoned, though none were taken into custody and all were expected to be released after testing.
The investigation comes amid a broader government clampdown on artists and dissenting voices under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Pop singer Mabel Matiz is already facing up to three years in prison over alleged “obscenity” in his song lyrics, while prosecutors accuse the girl-band Manifest of “indecent acts” during a recent performance.
2 months ago
Yuzvendra Chahal denies ex-wife Dhanashree Verma’s cheating allegations
A week after Dhanashree Verma alleged that she caught her ex-husband, cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, cheating in the second month of their marriage, Chahal has responded, dismissing the claims and saying he has moved on with his life. He also suggested that Dhanashree continues to use his name for publicity.
Chahal’s response to cheating claims
“I am a sportsperson and I do not cheat. If someone were to cheat in the second month, how could the relationship have lasted this long?” Chahal told Hindustan Times. “For me, this chapter is over, done and dusted. I have moved forward with my life, and everyone else should too.”
He added, “Our marriage lasted 4.5 years. If cheating had occurred in the second month, who would have continued? I have already moved on from the past, but some people are still stuck there. Some continue to live in that narrative, but I am neither concerned nor affected. I feel this is the last time I will address this chapter of my life.”
The 35-year-old further stated, “I have moved on from this chapter. People may say anything on social media — a hundred claims circulate, but the truth is one, and those who matter know it. For me, the chapter is closed. I do not intend to address it again. I am focusing on my life and my game.”
Dhanashree Verma’s claims
Dhanashree recently appeared on the reality show Rise and Fall, where she hinted at Chahal’s alleged infidelity. Actress Kubbra Sait asked her, “When did you realise your marriage was falling apart?” Dhanashree responded, “First year. Caught him in the second month,” implying that Chahal had an extramarital relationship.
Divorce proceedings
In February 2025, Dhanashree and Chahal were seen outside Bandra Family Court, filing for divorce by mutual consent. They requested a waiver of the six-month cooling-off period, which the court denied. After living separately for 18 months, the couple officially divorced on 20 March 2025.
Source: Agency
2 months ago
Amazon Prime under fire for removing guns from James Bond posters amid fan backlash
Amazon Prime Video faced heavy criticism online after fans noticed that guns were digitally removed from promotional posters of classic James Bond films on its UK platform.
The edited artworks, released ahead of James Bond Day on October 5, showed the iconic 007 agent without his trademark Walther PPK pistol. In posters for Dr. No and GoldenEye, the gun was airbrushed out, while in A View to a Kill, Roger Moore’s arm was unnaturally extended to hide the weapon.
Fans and writers condemned the move on social media, calling it “cultural vandalism.” Author John A. Douglas posted side-by-side images of the altered posters, writing, “They photoshopped all the guns out… just in case you still had hope for Amazon running the franchise.”
British actor Rufus Jones mocked the redesigns, saying they made the stars look awkward, while another user quipped that Amazon was simply “being disarming.”
Following the widespread backlash, Prime Video quietly replaced the altered images with original stills from the films but declined to comment on the controversy.
Source: NDTV
2 months ago