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The Dink, a new sports comedy arriving on Apple TV this Friday, mixes underdog humour with a familiar redemption story, using the fast-growing sport of pickleball as its backdrop. The film follows Dusty, played by Jake Johnson, a former tennis prodigy whose promising career ended early after a loss to a young Andy Roddick. Now working as a tennis coach at his father's exclusive club, Dusty spends more time talking about his past than building a future. His father Chuck, played by Ed Harris, raised him with dreams of becoming a tennis champion and has nothing but contempt for pickleball. Dusty shares that attitude until a wrist injury forces his doctor, played in a brief but funny appearance by Ben Stiller, to recommend pickleball as part of his recovery. Reluctantly taking up the sport, Dusty finds himself playing alongside a lively group of older women, including characters played by Mary Steenburgen, Cleo King and the late Lynne Marie Stewart. As he spends more time with them, he gradually changes his view of both the sport and himself. Jake Johnson delivers another strong performance as an imperfect but likable underdog. Mary Steenburgen adds warmth and humour, while Ed Harris is convincing as Dusty's demanding father. The supporting cast includes Patton Oswalt as an enthusiastic pickleball player, Chloe Fineman as Dusty's unpredictable former girlfriend and Chris Parnell as a tennis professional. Directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Sean Clements, the film balances comedy with emotional moments without making pickleball or its players the target of constant jokes. One standout comedy sequence, involving minor characters rather than the main storyline, is described as one of the film's funniest moments. Greenbaum, known for directing Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, continues to establish himself as a dependable comedy director at a time when big-screen comedies have become increasingly rare. The review also notes that although audiences still enjoy going to cinemas, many mainstream comedies are now being released directly on streaming platforms instead of theatres. While films like The Dink and Kevin Hart's 72 Hours continue the tradition of straightforward comedy, the reviewer suggests something is lost when audiences cannot share the experience of laughing together in a movie theatre. The Dink begins streaming on Apple TV on Friday. The Motion Picture Association has given the film a PG-13 rating for strong language and sexual material. It runs for 102 minutes and receives two-and-a-half stars out of four.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife, singer-host Shibani Dandekar, have drawn criticism on social media after a video of them performing at a wedding went viral. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows Farhan, dressed in a black suit, singing Pichle Saat Dinon Mein from the 2008 film Rock On!!. Shibani later joined him on stage to perform Pehli Baar from the 2015 film Dil Dhadakne Do. While some users enjoyed the performance, many criticised the couple, saying they appeared "out of sync" and questioning their vocal performance. Several social media comments also suggested that Farhan's singing was below his earlier standards. The viral video comes as Farhan remains in the spotlight over developments surrounding Don 3. The filmmaker has faced speculation about the project following reports that actor Ranveer Singh had exited the film. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan described the past few years as "challenging" and said the experience had taught him to "expect the unexpected." He said no project should be considered certain until filming is complete but stressed that Don 3 remains one of the stories he is committed to bringing to the screen. Source: NDTV

Global music stars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira headlined the FIFA World Cup's first-ever halftime show on Sunday, delivering a fast-paced performance featuring several international artists, Muppets characters and Hollywood celebrities. Held at MetLife Stadium near New York, the 11-minute show was designed to bring a Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle to football's biggest tournament. Unlike the Super Bowl's single-headliner format, the World Cup show featured several performers, each taking the stage for about two minutes. Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 hit Music, joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. After appearing in a pre-recorded roller rink sequence, she entered the stadium in a dune buggy before performing live. Renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel then led an orchestra in a performance of Seven Nation Army, the popular football anthem by The White Stripes. Members of the Muppets, including Animal on drums, also appeared during the performance. K-pop group BTS followed with their global hit Dynamite, wearing red-and-black outfits in a colourful stage performance. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, appearing as their popular "Ted Lasso" characters, introduced Justin Bieber, who performed Everything Hallelujah with an acoustic guitar in a more relaxed segment. Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy then performed Dai Dai, the tournament's official World Cup anthem, which had been played before every one of the tournament's 104 matches. Shakira, dressed in a colourful feathered outfit, was joined by dancers, including children, before Burna Boy joined her on stage. Shakira is well known for World Cup songs, including the iconic 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The halftime show concluded with the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island performing alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the event, Gustavo Dudamel, Shakira and several Muppets and Sesame Street characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and Count von Count. Although Dudamel conducted about 40 musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra on the field, the orchestral music had been pre-recorded earlier in the week. Following Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem celebrated enthusiastically with Spanish supporters inside the stadium. Among other celebrities attending the final were Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and actor Matt Damon, who attended with his wife, Luciana Barroso Damon. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise feature in pre-match ceremony Before kickoff, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Post Malone and Tom Cruise led the World Cup closing ceremony with musical performances and speeches. British singer Robbie Williams performed FIFA anthem Desire, joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Online personality IShowSpeed performed his football-themed song Champions, while Post Malone sang his new track Chrome Heartbreaker before teaming up with Swae Lee for their hit Sunflower. Actor Tom Cruise then addressed fans, celebrating the tournament and welcoming the finalists, Spain and Argentina. The national anthems were performed live before the match. Jennifer Hudson sang the US national anthem, while Spain's La Marcha Real was performed by Spanish Brass. Argentine singer María Becerra sang Argentina's national anthem before kickoff.

Social media influencers Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami on Saturday after British authorities requested their extradition over rape and human trafficking charges, the US Marshals Service confirmed. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were taken into custody on a sealed arrest warrant, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. British prosecutors said they are seeking the brothers' extradition over allegations that they raped and trafficked women between 2010 and 2017. Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022 on separate allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but the case has yet to proceed because of legal and procedural issues. The brothers have denied all allegations. Romanian authorities allowed them to leave the country last year, after which they travelled to Florida on a private jet. The Tate brothers are expected to appear before a federal court in Miami early next week, according to a person familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. The latest charges filed in the UK relate to alleged offences involving women in an area north of London, where the brothers grew up. Their lawyers have denied the accusations. Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the brothers, criticised the new charges, calling them an attempt to undermine defamation lawsuits the brothers have filed in the United States. He said he had not yet been able to speak with his clients but expressed confidence they would ultimately be cleared. Andrew Tate first gained public attention in 2016 as a contestant on the British reality television show Big Brother. He was removed from the programme after a video emerged that appeared to show him assaulting a woman. The brothers have built a large online following by promoting wealth, masculinity and controversial views. Andrew Tate has more than 10 million followers on X, although he has been banned from platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating policies on hate speech. He has faced widespread criticism for comments about women, sexual assault and mental health, which critics describe as misogynistic. Tate has repeatedly said his remarks were taken out of context or intended as jokes. In a statement on Saturday, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors had added 38 new charges involving four additional alleged victims, alongside charges announced previously in 2025 involving three women. Both brothers face charges of rape and human trafficking. Andrew Tate also faces an additional charge related to profiting from prostitution, along with 19 further charges involving alleged indecent images of a child and extreme pornography, according to UK authorities. "There is no place for violence against women and girls," said Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas, adding that police would continue to support victims and investigate all reported offences. The Tate brothers continue to deny all allegations against them.

Christopher Nolan's latest epic, The Odyssey, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from early audiences, with many viewers describing it as one of the acclaimed filmmaker's finest works and even ranking it above Oppenheimer and Tenet. Released on July 17, the film has generated widespread discussion on social media platform X, where moviegoers praised its grand visuals, technical excellence and immersive storytelling. Many viewers called the film a cinematic spectacle, highlighting its breathtaking visuals, powerful sound design and emotionally engaging performances. Some noted that the opening section unfolds at a slower pace, but said the story becomes increasingly gripping as Odysseus' journey progresses. Several audience members also recommended watching the film on the biggest screen possible, saying its visual scale and sound are key to the experience. Some suggested that viewers unfamiliar with the story of Troy, the Trojan War or Homer's epic may benefit from reading a brief summary beforehand. One reviewer described The Odyssey as a "cinematic marvel," praising Nolan's direction and saying the film surpasses Oppenheimer while matching or even exceeding the ambition of Tenet. The reviewer also applauded the film's visual effects, cinematography and musical score. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, received widespread praise for his performance, with several viewers calling it one of the best of his career. Tom Holland, portraying Telemachus, also earned acclaim for his emotionally compelling role. Another viewer said the film delivers both entertainment and a fresh cinematic experience, crediting Nolan with creating one of his most immersive films to date. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reactions, some viewers pointed to minor shortcomings, including occasional difficulty following the dialogue, a slower first act and limited emotional connection with a few supporting characters. The Odyssey features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and Charlize Theron. The film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, following the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Early audience reactions suggest Nolan's latest production is poised to become one of the year's biggest cinematic events. Source: NDTV

Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards of India, taking home the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress and Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam superstar Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour. The awards, recognising excellence in Indian cinema for 2024, were announced at a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, honouring outstanding achievements across feature and non-feature films in multiple Indian languages. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370, which also secured awards for Best Feature Film and Best Background Music, composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for his role in the Hindi film Chandu Champion, sharing the honour with Mammootty for his acclaimed performance in the Malayalam film Bramayugam. Tamil filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran, while Srikanth won the award for Best Hindi Film. Science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design. Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 earned two awards for Best Costume Design and Best Screenplay. Among regional cinema winners, Raayan was named Best Tamil Film, Committee Kurrollu won Best Telugu Film, Feminichi Fathima was selected as Best Malayalam Film, Mithya won Best Kannada Film, Chalvhitra Ekhon claimed Best Bengali Film, while Mukkam Post Bombilwadi took the Best Marathi Film award. In the technical categories, Shehnad Jalal won Best Cinematography for Bramayugam, R. Kalaivannan received Best Editing for Amaran, and Manas Choudhury won Best Sound Design for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass won Best Supporting Actress for the Tamil film Maharaja. The Best Children's Film award went to 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, while Captain Miller received the honour for Best Film Promoting National or Social Values. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was recognised as Best Debut Film. In the music categories, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won Best Female Playback Singer for the Malayalam song Angu Vaana Konilu from A.R.M., while Abhay Jodhpurkar received the Best Male Playback Singer award for the Marathi song Navasachi Gauri Mazi from Gharat Ganpati. The awards also recognised achievements in non-feature films. Bhangaar (Obsolete) won Best Non-Fiction Film, while Ram-Nami was named Best Documentary Film. Marathi short film Hamsafar received the Best Short Film award, and Touched As Water won Best Animation Film. Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism was honoured as the Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values, while filmmaker Aanand L. Rai won Best Direction in the non-feature category for Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek. The National Film Awards are India's highest official recognition for cinematic excellence and celebrate achievements across mainstream, regional and independent filmmaking. Source: NDTV

As football fans around the world prepare for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, music can be the perfect way to build the excitement. Whether fans are cheering for defending champions Argentina to win back-to-back World Cups or hoping Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal shines on the biggest stage, these 10 songs capture the spirit, energy and celebration of the tournament. Here are AP's picks: 1. "Dai Dai" — Shakira and Burna Boy (2026)The official song of the 2026 World Cup combines Latin rhythms with Afrobeats in a multilingual anthem celebrating unity, passion and victory. Colombian singer Shakira said a World Cup song should reflect the emotions and excitement that football brings to people around the world. 2. "DNA (More Than A Game)" — Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion (2026)This unique collaboration blends opera, pop, electronic dance music and rap in English, Italian and Korean. The song highlights football as more than a sport, describing it as part of people's identity. 3. "La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)" — Ricky Martin (1998)One of the most memorable World Cup anthems ever released, Ricky Martin's energetic hit became the soundtrack of the 1998 tournament in France and remains a fan favourite. 4. "Despechá" — Rosalía (2022)The upbeat Latin pop hit has become a celebration song for Spain's national team, often played after goals and victories. It is expected to feature again if Spain succeeds in the final. 5. "Mi Gran Noche" — Raphael (1967)Spanish music legend Raphael's classic song has become a regular feature of football celebrations across Spain, thanks to its lively melody and timeless appeal. 6. "La Roja Baila" — Sergio Ramos, Niña Pastori and RedOne (2016)Recorded as Spain's official anthem for the 2016 European Championship, the song celebrates the national team's nickname, "La Roja," and continues to be popular among Spanish supporters. 7. "La Cumbia de los Trapos" — Yerba Brava (2000)This energetic cumbia track has become closely linked with Argentina's football team. It was widely associated with the country's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and remains a favourite among Argentine fans. 8. "Matador" — Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993, remastered 2008)Often played after Argentina scores, the song combines ska, reggae and Latin rhythms. While known as a football anthem, it also carries a deeper message about Argentina's military dictatorship. 9. "Dumbai" — Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso (2024)The Argentine duo's modern Latin pop hit mixes trap, electronic and tropical sounds, making it a popular addition to football celebrations. 10. "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" — Shakira featuring Freshlyground (2010)Widely regarded as one of the greatest World Cup songs ever made, the official anthem of the 2010 tournament in South Africa remains a global favourite for football fans. Its catchy rhythm and uplifting message continue to make it a must-play during every World Cup season.

Thick wildfire smoke blanketed large parts of the United States on Thursday, stretching from the Great Lakes to the East Coast, prompting health warnings as air quality deteriorated to unhealthy and hazardous levels. The smoke, mainly from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota, reduced visibility and darkened skies across several states. Officials urged residents to stay indoors or wear protective masks, warning that the polluted air could affect everyone regardless of health status. Air quality in Detroit ranked among the worst globally for major cities. Authorities issued hazardous air quality alerts across Michigan, much of Minnesota and parts of Illinois, while New York City moved outdoor activities indoors, opened cooling centres and distributed thousands of face masks. Philadelphia also advised residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Health experts warned that microscopic particles in wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular and other long-term illnesses. A study published this year estimated such exposure contributes to about 24,100 deaths annually in the contiguous United States. Meanwhile, wildfires continued spreading in Minnesota despite firefighting efforts. Officials said smoke hampered helicopter operations, while Canada's Royal Air Force evacuated 11 Minnesota teenagers and four staff members from an Ontario provincial park threatened by the fires. Authorities warned smoky conditions could persist for weeks or even months.

Director Danny Boyle's latest film "Ink," which explores the rise of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former The Sun editor Larry Lamb, has been selected as the opening film of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, organizers announced on Thursday. Adapted from James Graham's award-winning stage play, the film recounts Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of The Sun and the transformation of the newspaper into Britain's most influential tabloid. Guy Pearce stars as Murdoch, while Jack O'Connell portrays Lamb. Claire Foy also features in the cast. In a statement, Boyle said the film tells the story of two men who reshaped modern media long before the emergence of Fox News, social media platforms and digital clickbait. He said the newspaper challenged the establishment and helped redefine the modern media landscape. Boyle described the festival selection as a "huge honor," adding that although he has attended the Venice Biennale many times, this would mark his first appearance in the festival's official film competition. Ink will compete for the Golden Lion when the festival opens on September 2. The complete competition lineup is expected to be announced next week. The original play premiered in London in 2017 before transferring to Broadway in 2019, where it received multiple Tony Award nominations and wins. Playwright James Graham said he wrote the story before Donald Trump and Brexit but aimed to capture the growing wave of populism.

Actor-composer GV Prakash Kumar has postponed the release of his upcoming supernatural horror film Immortal to avoid a clash with Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan. Immortal was originally scheduled to hit theatres on July 23, the same day Jana Nayagan is now set for release. Following the announcement of Vijay's release date, several Tamil filmmakers have reportedly adjusted their schedules, with GV Prakash becoming the first to move his film. Announcing the decision on X, GV Prakash described it as a mark of respect for Vijay. "When Thalapathy arrives, one has to step aside. Especially for this one, the last time. Best of luck, Team Jana Nayagan," he wrote. He also confirmed that Immortal will now release in theatres on September 4. Directed by Mariyappan Chinna and produced by AK Film Factory, Immortal stars GV Prakash alongside Kayadu Lohar. The film follows a young man living in an apartment complex whose fascination with a mysterious new neighbour leads to a series of supernatural incidents. The July 23 release date had been announced only two weeks before Jana Nayagan's release was officially confirmed. Meanwhile, production house KVN Productions announced Jana Nayagan's release on X, saying the film will arrive in cinemas on July 23. The producers said the first show in Tamil Nadu will begin at 9 am, while theatres in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will start screenings from 5 am. Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is expected to be Vijay's final film as an actor before entering full-time politics. The film was initially planned for release on January 9. The movie reportedly faced delays in certification after being submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December 2025. Although it was expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate, reports said objections from a member of the examining committee led to the film being referred to a revision committee, delaying the certification process. Produced by KVN Productions on a reported budget of Rs 500 crore, Jana Nayagan features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju in key roles, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The film has generated significant excitement among fans due to its large-scale production and Vijay's expected farewell appearance on the big screen. Source: NDTV