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Composer Amaal Mallik opened up about the hurdles he faced to bring Sonu Nigam on board for the reprised song “Mere Dholna 3.0” from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, citing restrictive practices in the Hindi music industry. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Amaal said composers often lack freedom to choose singers and may be replaced if their choices conflict with production or label decisions. He recalled how Sonu Nigam, despite being a legendary singer, had to “prove” himself before being confirmed for the track. “They weren’t sure about someone like Sonu Nigam. Yet he finished the toughest song I’ve recomposed in just 45 minutes,” Amaal said, adding that the final sargam at the song’s end is extremely challenging. Grammys fuel celebrity pushback against Trump’s immigration drive Amaal also highlighted the industry’s arbitrary decisions, noting that teams frequently suggest popular singers like Arijit Singh or Vishal Mishra over classical talents. He said Sonu Nigam was the only singer capable of delivering the classical depth he wanted. The composer further revealed the financial imbalance in the industry, citing his party hit “Sooraj Dooba Hain,” which earned Rs 60–70 crore for the label, while he only received minimal publishing rights.  #With inputs from NDTV

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has stirred controversy online by criticising acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan amid casting debates for his upcoming epic film The Odyssey. Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter) to a post questioning reports that Lupita Nyong’o might portray Helen of Troy in the movie. The post argued that casting Nyong’o could be "an insult" to the ancient Greek poet Homer, who described Helen as fair-skinned and blonde in The Odyssey, famously dubbing her “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Reacting to the post, Musk tweeted, “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.” Nyong’o’s potential involvement was first reported by Variety in November 2024, with the film’s title officially revealed in December. Her role in the production remains unconfirmed. The Odyssey features a star-studded ensemble including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, and Elliot Page. Rapper Travis Scott, a ten-time Grammy nominee, has also joined the cast, appearing in a promotional TV spot aired during Fox’s broadcast of the NFL AFC Championship game. The film is being hailed as a technical milestone, marking the first narrative feature to be shot entirely on IMAX cameras. Nolan revealed that a new “blimp” casing system now allows intimate scenes to capture usable sound despite IMAX cameras’ previously loud operation. Details regarding Nyong’o’s character and the official release date for The Odyssey have yet to be announced.   With inputs from NDTV

Rasha Thadani has shared the first glimpse of her character Manga from her Telugu debut film Srinivasa Mangapuram, following the positive response to the previously released Laikey Laikaa first look. The film is directed by Ajay Bhupathi and features Rasha opposite Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni, nephew of superstar Mahesh Babu. Rasha Thadani’s Announcement Rasha took to Instagram to announce the project, expressing gratitude as she steps into Telugu cinema. In her post, she introduced Manga and spoke about beginning her journey in an industry that celebrates rooted storytelling. She described the experience as one that has instilled humility, patience and faith, while thanking the team for trusting her with her debut. She also highlighted that the film is directed by Ajay Bhupathi and features music composed by GV Prakash Kumar. In a follow-up post, Rasha elaborated on her character, calling Manga the emotional anchor of Srinu’s life—his comfort, pain and peace. She described the debut as a moment she will always cherish and thanked director Ajay Bhupathi for his guidance and belief in her. She also appreciated her co-star Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni for being supportive, adding that this marks just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.   Source: NDTV

India’s Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the Supreme Court to hear its views if filmmakers challenge the Madras High Court order on the release of actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan. The Madras High Court had earlier set aside a single judge’s order that directed the board to give the movie a U/A 16+ certificate. The division bench allowed the filmmakers to revise their petition and have it heard again by the single judge if they wish. The court said the single judge acted without giving the CBFC a chance to respond. It also ruled that the petition was not maintainable, as it asked the board to issue a certificate instead of challenging its earlier order. Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to hear the case and told the high court to decide it by January 20. By filing a caveat, the CBFC wants to ensure it can present its position if the filmmakers move the top court. The case shows ongoing disputes in India over film certification and the rights of producers and regulators.   With inputs from NDTV

Breakout star Ahaan Panday has revealed that neither he nor his Saiyaara co star Aneet Padda expected audiences to turn up in large numbers to watch a film led by two newcomers, even as the movie went on to become one of the biggest hits of 2025. In an interview with Grazia India, Ahaan said he and Aneet had realistic expectations while shooting the film, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films. “Aneet and I even discussed this on set that even if only two people walked out of the theatre feeling something, we would have done our job,” he said. “We knew we could not expect audiences to flock to watch two newcomers on the big screen.” Ahaan, who made his acting debut as struggling musician Krish Kapoor, said he worked deeply on shaping the emotional arc of his character. He revealed that he kept a diary throughout the shoot, noting Krish’s inner thoughts and emotions before every scene. Madonna hails Margate and Tracey Emin as creative haven “When I read the script, I felt there was no softness in Krish initially. There was more duality,” he said, adding that he consciously brought vulnerability and emotional depth to the character in the second half of the film. Recalling a quiet moment on set, Ahaan said he and Aneet once sat together on a beach discussing their anonymity at the time. “I told her that nobody knows my face, and nobody really knows hers either,” he said, noting that both remained grounded by focusing on emotional impact rather than fame. “That’s our job as artists, to move even one person,” Ahaan said, adding that the overwhelming audience response far exceeded their expectations. By the end of 2025, Saiyaara topped IMDb’s list of the Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies of the year. Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda also claimed the top two spots among IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Actors, while Mohit Suri led the platform’s inaugural Most Popular Indian Directors list. Fans pay tribute as Arijit Singh quits Bollywood playback singing Ahaan was later named Best Debutant Actor of the Year at the NDTV Indian of the Year awards in December 2025. Saiyaara explores themes of love, loss and heartbreak, with Ahaan starring opposite Aneet Padda, who plays a young writer diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. #With inputs from NDTV

The glitter surrounding Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit Broadway adaptation, faded sharply after the film failed to secure a single Oscar nomination, despite its predecessor earning 10 nods a year earlier. The absence stunned awards watchers, particularly as the sequel had entered the season as a strong contender. Lead actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both received Golden Globe nominations, while the film was shortlisted in several technical categories and tipped for recognition in best original song and supporting actress. Industry analysts say the disappointment reflects a broader cooling of enthusiasm. Critics were notably less impressed this time, with the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score dropping significantly from the first instalment. Several high-profile reviews labelled the sequel overlong and lacking the spark that made the original a cultural moment. Observers also point to franchise fatigue. Splitting the musical into two films initially seemed bold, but the second half of the story, expanded to feature-length scale, struggled to maintain momentum. Box office figures echoed that decline, with the sequel earning substantially less than the first film worldwide. Marketing dynamics also shifted. While the original benefitted from a vibrant, viral promotional campaign driven by the chemistry between its stars, the sequel’s publicity push was comparatively subdued, offering little novelty to rekindle the earlier excitement. The Academy’s choices this year underlined that change in mood, favouring original, standalone films over sequels. For many in Hollywood, the Oscars shutout signalled that the magic which once surrounded Wicked had finally worn off.   With inputs from BBC

The release date announcement of Shah Rukh Khan–starrer King has created a buzz online, with fans and film personalities reacting with excitement. The film is set to hit theatres on December 24, 2026. Director Siddharth Anand unveiled a teaser video announcing the release date, showing Shah Rukh Khan in a powerful new look. In the clip, the actor urges viewers to be ready for an intense year-end release. Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan shared the video on his Instagram Stories, writing a brief reaction that quickly caught fans’ attention. Filmmaker Karan Johar also shared the teaser and praised the announcement, saying it took the internet by storm. Earlier, on Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday last year, Siddharth Anand had revealed the film’s title, marking their second collaboration after Pathaan. The title reveal was presented as a special tribute to the actor’s long career. The teaser hints at a high-energy action film, featuring Shah Rukh Khan in a striking avatar that fans have not seen before. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, King also stars Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. The film is expected to be a major action release of 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Ryan Coogler’s vampire musical “Sinners” led the 98th Academy Awards with 16 nominations, including best director and screenplay. Michael B. Jordan received his first best actor nod for playing dual roles in the film, now streaming on HBO Max and Prime Video. Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble drama “One Battle After Another” earned 13 nominations, with acting nods for Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Teyana Taylor. It’s available on HBO Max and for rent on Apple TV and Prime Video. Other top nominees include: “Sentimental Value” (9 nominations) – Apple TV, “Marty Supreme” (9) – In theaters, “Frankenstein” (9) – Netflix, “Hamnet” (8) – In theaters, “Bugonia” (4) – Peacock, “Train Dreams” (4) – Netflix, “F1” (4) – Apple TV & Prime Video, “The Secret Agent” (4) – In theaters. Notable two-nomination films streaming include “Sirāt”, “It Was Just an Accident” (Apple TV, Prime Video), “Blue Moon” (Prime Video, Apple TV), and “KPop Demon Hunters” (Netflix). Single-nomination titles include “If I had Legs I’d Kick You”, “Weapons” (HBO Max/Prime Video), and “Song Sung Blue” (Apple TV/Prime Video). These films span genres from musical, thriller, historical drama, and animation to international and socially conscious cinema.

The war drama received largely positive reviews and earned ₹30 crore in India on its opening day, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. The film registered an overall occupancy of 32.1%, with night shows seeing the highest attendance. Border 2 was screened in nearly 6,000 shows nationwide, including 1,015 in Mumbai and 1,524 across the Delhi-NCR region, trade sources reported. Its opening performance surpassed that of Dhurandhar, which debuted on December 5 with a ₹28 crore first-day haul from 6,146 shows. Dhurandhar went on to record steady growth over its opening weekend due to strong word of mouth, and Border 2 is expected to follow a similar trajectory after viewers praised it as an “epic war drama.” The film marks the biggest opening of Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh’s careers. For Sunny Deol, however, Gadar 2 remains his most successful release, having grossed ₹686 crore worldwide. Among Varun Dhawan’s films, Dilwale (2015) continues to be his highest global grosser with ₹388 crore. Border 2 also represents his first box office success since Bhediya (2023). For Ahan Shetty, who made his debut with Tadap in 2021, this is his first theatrical hit. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 also features Sonam Bajwa and Mona Singh in prominent roles. Read More: Dhurandhar crosses ₹870 crore in India on Day 43; Ranveer Singh starrer continues box office domination Meanwhile, Dhurandhar’s box office run has slowed, with its daily earnings falling below ₹1 crore for the first time in nearly 50 days following Border 2’s release.

Brazilians celebrated the nomination of “The Secret Agent” film to four Oscar categories on Thursday, which many said confirmed the rise of Brazilian cinema and its universal appeal. “The Secret Agent” — nominated for best picture, best actor, best international film and achievement in casting — now shares Brazil's record for nominations, alongside the famed 2002 film “City of God” set in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. “The Secret Agent” follows a widowed father — played by Wagner Moura — who becomes a target of Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s simply because he stands up to a business owner with ties to the regime. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho said that more than one million spectators have seen the film, in a video posted on social media Thursday following the nominations. Last year, Brazilian feature film “I’m Still Here” was also a box office success, drawing millions of moviegoers. It was nominated in three categories and won best international feature, giving Brazil its first Oscar. The back-to-back successes are leading many to say that Brazil is living a particularly fruitful moment for its cinema — including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who said that the local industry is currently “experiencing one of the best moments in its history.” The nominations are “recognition of our culture and of Brazil’s ability to tell stories that move the world,” he said on social media. “I’m Still Here” is also set during the dictatorship, and observers say both films have contributed to nationwide discussion about the dark period in Brazil's history from 1964 to 1985, when people were tortured and disappeared. Reaction to political turmoil Lúcia Espírito Santo, a 78-year-old retired lawyer, said that she herself had to watch her words when she was studying law at university for fear of disappearing. “What we see in the film happened a lot. People would disappear and you didn’t know why. Friends of mine from college disappeared because they spoke out, they advocated for freedom and democracy,” she said, exiting the cinema after seeing the film. Sabrina Guimarães, a 20-year-old student at a Rio de Janeiro university, who went to see the film Thursday, said learning about the country’s history is essential. “Even though we learn this stuff at school, we don’t spend much time on it and it’s not very specific. Feeling like you’re there in the person’s shoes, knowing what was happening at the time is very interesting,” she said. “It’s good to understand what happened in the past so we don’t repeat these things in the future.” Director Mendonça Filho said the film is a reaction to Brazil's past decade of political turmoil, including the far-right administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who last year was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup. But the film also dialogues with the political climate in other places around the world, he said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. “The film is very Brazilian, but it’s also universal, so it can be used to discuss issues in the United States, in Europe or in Brazil,” Mendonça Filho said. “The theme of power being used to crush people and social classes is a theme that’s current, not just historical.” ‘Intense emotion’ Casting director Gabriel Domingues, who was nominated in the new category of “achievement in casting,” said the outpouring of support for the film reflects broader enthusiasm for Brazilian cinema. “Brazilian cinema is really in a moment of intense emotion, beyond just excitement. People get very moved, with this participation in international events and awards and everything,” Domingues told The Associated Press, comparing it to Brazil's atmosphere around soccer. Ana Paula Sousa, an expert in cinema and teacher at the ESPM University in Sao Paulo, said that the achievements of “I’m Still Here” and “The Secret Agent” are changing Brazilians’ relation to the film industry in a country were movie attendance is historically low. “People are talking about Brazilian cinema and thinking it’s cool to talk about it. (…) That's something we didn’t see before, and it’s really great,” she said. Sousa said she hopes the successes will spark more consistent movie attendance among Brazilians. Espírito Santo, the elderly moviegoer in Rio, said that she was incredibly proud of Brazilian cinema following the Oscar nominations. “We’re showing up, stepping onto the red carpet abroad,” she said. “Brazil is starting to look like a producer of films, of well-told stories.”