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Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey brings Homer's ancient Greek epic to the big screen with a star-studded cast, aiming to make the classic story easy for modern audiences to enjoy. Nolan said viewers do not need to be familiar with the original poem to follow the film. "It's something that we all know a little bit about, some of us know a lot about it, some of us know nothing about it," Nolan told The Associated Press. "We're making the film for that whole range of people's relationship with this foundational text." The film will be released in theatres on July 17. Here is a look at the main characters and the actors portraying them: ·         Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, whose long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War forms the heart of the story. Damon described Odysseus as a deeply human character who struggles with the consequences of his own decisions. ·         Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, Odysseus's loyal wife, who waits 20 years for his return while resisting more than 100 men seeking to marry her and claim the throne of Ithaca. ·         Tom Holland stars as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. Having grown up without knowing his father, he sets out to learn what happened to him. Nolan said the film is both a homecoming story and a coming-of-age adventure. ·         Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the leading suitor trying to marry Penelope. Nolan said Pattinson gives the character a memorable mix of menace and dark humour. ·         Zendaya appears as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who guides Odysseus throughout his journey. Zendaya said she wanted to present the goddess with both strength and humanity. ·         Lupita Nyong'o takes on two roles — Helen of Sparta, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War, and her sister Clytemnestra. She said the film explores the lasting emotional cost of war rather than simply retelling familiar myths. ·         Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island during his long voyage home. ·         John Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who remains loyal to Odysseus despite his long absence. In the film, the character is nearly blind as a tribute to Homer, who some historians believe was blind. ·         Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus, the King of Sparta and husband of Helen, who shares memories of Odysseus with Telemachus. ·         Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. ·         Samantha Morton portrays Circe, the powerful sorceress who crosses paths with Odysseus and his crew. ·         Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's trusted second-in-command who accompanies him through many of the epic's greatest challenges. ·         Elliot Page appears as Sinon, a veteran of the Trojan War drawn from Greek mythology. ·         Bill Irwin portrays the Cyclops, the one-eyed giant and son of Poseidon. Nolan said the production combined puppetry, animatronics and computer-generated effects to bring the character to life while giving him emotional depth rather than presenting him as simply a monster. ·         Mia Goth plays Melantho, one of Penelope's servants. ·         Corey Hawkins portrays Polybus, one of Penelope's suitors. ·         Travis Scott appears as a bard in the royal court of Ithaca. With its mix of myth, adventure and an all-star cast, Nolan's adaptation aims to introduce one of literature's greatest stories to a new generation of moviegoers.  

Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from the streaming platform ZEE5, questioning the state of freedom of speech in India. The film, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's efforts to expose alleged mass killings during Punjab's militancy era, was taken down from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release. The move has drawn criticism from actors, directors and other members of the creative community. Kanwaljit, who portrayed a Punjab police director general (DGP) in the film, said he was surprised by the decision. "I spoke to Honey after the film was taken down, and he has said that they will be taking the matter to court. But what I don't understand is why they had to take it off? Even people who weren't going to see it will want to see it now. It has also been downloaded by so many people, so even though lots of people would be watching it, the producers will be losing out. But I want to ask, what is this freedom of speech? Tell me, I really want to know. That right is being strangled," Kanwaljit told The Free Press Journal. Responding to speculation that his character was based on former Punjab Director General of Police KPS Gill, Kanwaljit said the role was not modelled on any one individual. "People are assuming that I'm playing Gill. However, the brief I followed was to study clippings of different DGPs and police chiefs, and I also have a friend who is a retired DGP with whom I discussed how the character should be," he said. Originally titled Panjab 95, Satluj was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but has yet to receive a clearance certificate. The filmmakers had earlier alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before certification. The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was reportedly cancelled following objections from Indian authorities. Despite the certification issues, Satluj was quietly released on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, after the film began receiving positive reviews, it was removed from the platform. In a statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film but, without specifying the reason for its removal, stated that "in light of current developments" the film is currently unavailable for streaming. #From NDTV

After spending four years caught in censorship hurdles, "Satluj", previously known as Punjab '95, has finally been released on Zee5, drawing widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and uncompromising portrayal of political oppression and human rights abuses. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film explores the dark chapter of Punjab's militancy era in the 1980s and 1990s. Critics have described it as a hard-hitting political drama that examines how state institutions and police can violate the very laws they are meant to uphold. The film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated cases of disappearances, illegal detentions and mass cremations in Punjab before he himself disappeared in the mid-1990s. While the film changes some names, its central story remains largely faithful to real events. The story follows Jaswant, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a bank employee whose search for a missing friend uncovers evidence of widespread human rights violations. His investigation leads him to police stations, morgues and crematoriums, where he discovers records of hundreds of unidentified bodies, exposing a much larger pattern of abuse. Despite threats from authorities and political leaders, Jaswant continues his investigation with the support of his wife Paramjit, portrayed by Geeta Vidya Ohlyan. His childhood friend, police constable Satnam Singh, played by Saurabh Sachdeva, secretly helps him by sharing information, despite putting his own life at risk. The film also features Suvinder Vicky as a ruthless senior police officer accused of abusing power in the name of fighting militancy. One of the film's most praised scenes shows the officer intimidating Satnam's family, highlighting the fear and misuse of authority during the period. Arjun Rampal plays a senior Central Bureau of Investigation officer who arrives from Delhi to investigate Jaswant's disappearance, while Varun Badola appears as a lawyer representing families seeking justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings. Reviewers say the film offers a disturbing but compelling look at the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of democratic values. Although some parts are considered slightly longer than necessary, the film has been praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances and emotional impact. Diljit Dosanjh's performance has received particular acclaim for portraying Jaswant with restraint, determination and quiet courage. Critics say he fully immerses himself in the role, allowing the story rather than his star image to remain at the centre of the film. Despite its title change from Punjab '95 to Satluj, reviewers say the film has retained its original message and emotional strength, making it one of the year's most significant political dramas. Source: NDTV

The makers of ‘Jailer 2’ have announced that the much-awaited sequel starring Rajinikanth will hit theatres on ‘October 15, 2026’, during the Dussehra festival. The release date was revealed on Thursday through a special action-packed promotional video. Directed by Nelson, the teaser builds excitement without revealing key details about the story. The promo mostly shows Rajinikanth in silhouette before ending with the superstar making a powerful walk down a road. Anirudh Ravichander's background score adds to the dramatic atmosphere, but the teaser does not reveal Rajinikanth's full look or provide hints about the plot. The original ‘Jailer’, released on August 10, 2023, marked Nelson's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. The action film became a huge box office success and was the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year. The movie also drew praise for special appearances by Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar, while Vinayakan received acclaim for playing the main villain. Alongside Rajinikanth, the first film featured Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa Menon and Sunil in key roles. For ‘Jailer 2’, Vijay Kartik Kannan is handling cinematography, while R. Nirmal is in charge of editing. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures, with Anirudh Ravichander returning as the music composer. Rajinikanth is also preparing for another major release. He will next appear in ‘Dharman’, which reunites him with Kamal Haasan. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, the film is among the most anticipated upcoming Tamil releases. Source: NDTV

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan is expected to hit theatres in July, with its long-awaited censor certificate likely to be issued this weekend, according to sources. The film has faced months of delay due to complications in the certification process. Sources had earlier told NDTV in May that the Revising Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the movie, bringing it a step closer to release. Although the film was initially reviewed by the CBFC's Examining Committee in December 2025, which recommended a few cuts that the makers said they implemented, the certification process stalled after a member of the committee reportedly objected to certain scenes and wrote to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi. Following the objections, the CBFC referred the film to its Revising Committee for another review. The delay prompted the film's director to seek legal intervention, first approaching the Madras High Court and later the Supreme Court over the pending certification. According to sources, the certificate was also held back because of the Model Code of Conduct. The producers are now waiting for the final censor certificate before announcing the official release date. The film has attracted widespread attention because it stars sitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, making it one of the most anticipated Tamil releases in recent years. Producer Venkat K Narayana, founder of KVN Productions, recently told NDTV that the team is ready to release the film as soon as the CBFC issues the final certificate. "We are awaiting the certificate from the CBFC. Once they give their final approval, we will immediately release the film in theatres," he said. Venkat also said Vijay's political rise has given the film's title a new significance. He noted that many fans have suggested replacing the opening title "Thalapathy Vijay" with "Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu." "When we started the film, we never imagined this situation. It is a happy moment that Vijay sir has become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and truly the 'Jana Nayagan' (People's Leader) of the state. Perhaps it was destined that the film would release after he became Chief Minister," he said. Explaining the certification delay, Venkat said the film was initially expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate after the Examining Committee completed its review in December 2025. However, instead of receiving the certificate, the producers were informed that a complaint had been filed against the film, leading the CBFC to refer it to the Revising Committee. The producers challenged the move in court, arguing that objections had been raised before the film's release. During the proceedings, they learned that the complaint had reportedly come from a member of the Examining Committee, who had earlier approved the film. Venkat said the producers immediately applied to the Revising Committee and have since been completing the required formalities while waiting for the final certificate. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju. The film recently made headlines after an illegal online leak. According to PTI, a freelance assistant editor and several others were arrested in connection with the incident. Source: NDTV

Actor Kangana Ranaut gave television star Ram Kapoor a stern reality check during the latest episode of Lock Upp Season 2, telling him to stop defending his behaviour if he wanted to improve. Kangana entered the reality show as "Janta Ki Awaaz", joining hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, and interacted with the contestants during the episode. Addressing Ram Kapoor, known for the television series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Kangana said he appeared to be taking the competition too seriously. "Ramji, you shouldn't have taken the game so seriously. And if you think that you are too big for this jail, then why did you come here? To show your stupidity?" she said. Ram defended his approach, saying, "When the time comes, I will own my truth as well as, or better than, anybody here." Kangana responded with another piece of advice, saying, "Don't defend yourself if you want to improve." Earlier in the show, filmmaker Farah Khan had also criticised Ram during the "chargesheet" segment, saying he had failed to stand out despite usually playing lead roles in his projects. "I want to ask you, in every show you do, you're playing the lead. But after coming here, you have become a background actor," Farah told him. Ram, however, did not appear to welcome the feedback and casually raised his hand as if to stop her from speaking. Reacting to his gesture, Farah said, "From what I can see, I don't want this Ram. It is not funny." Ram remained firm, replying, "For me, it is funny. I am the way I am, just like this." Farah made another attempt to convince him, saying, "What you are doing, this lecturing, you're not like that at all." But Ram refused to change his stance. "Toh nikaal do. I am not going to change. I am the way I am," he said. Farah then joked, "Those people who don't change become dinosaurs." Ram replied with a smile, "I will become a dinosaur." The second season of Lock Upp premiered on June 27. #From NDTV

Even before its release, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey has become one of the most debated movies of 2026, drawing criticism over its casting choices, dialogue and interpretation of Homer's ancient Greek epic. The film, featuring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o and several other stars, is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 17. While many movie lovers are eagerly waiting for Nolan's latest project after the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, the film has also sparked heated discussions online. Most of the controversy has focused on the cast. Some conservative critics questioned Nolan's decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page and rapper Travis Scott in key roles. Others criticised the selection of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, arguing that Homer's original poem described the character as "white-armed." Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh claimed Nolan made the casting choice to avoid accusations of racism, although he provided no evidence for the claim. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also expressed support for the criticism on social media. In response, many users accused Walsh and Musk of promoting racial prejudice. Scholars, however, dismissed much of the debate. Professor Daniel Mendelsohn, whose English translation of The Odyssey was published last year, said the criticism was exaggerated because Helen plays only a small role in the story. He also suggested that Nyong'o's casting fits the poem's long-standing exploration of beauty, arguing that selecting a beautiful African actress continues an ancient discussion rather than contradicting it. Nyong'o herself brushed off the criticism, telling Elle magazine that The Odyssey is "a mythological story" and that the cast reflects today's global society. However, some critics raised a different concern, saying Hollywood once again overlooked Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek culture. Greek-British journalist Chris Cotonou argued that if the film aims to represent the world, it should also include performers with direct cultural ties to the source material. The debate has not been limited to casting. After the first trailer was released, some viewers complained that Agamemnon's dark armour looked too similar to Batman's costume, while others argued that Odysseus' ship resembled a Viking vessel instead of one from ancient Greece. Experts say such criticism overlooks the nature of mythology. Professor Susan Deacy, author of The Greek Gods and Their Worlds, said Greek myths have always been reinterpreted by different generations, and each era creates its own version of Homer's stories. Another issue that drew attention was the film's dialogue. Many viewers were surprised to hear British actors, including Tom Holland, speaking with American accents and using modern expressions. Some social media users argued that contemporary speech weakened the historical atmosphere of the film. Deacy said such criticism is based more on cinematic tradition than historical accuracy. She noted that ancient Greeks did not speak either modern American English or formal British English. According to her, conversational language may actually be closer to the original spirit of Homer's oral storytelling than the formal style often used in historical films. Film experts believe the controversy reflects today's online culture, where major productions often become part of wider political and cultural debates. Author Tom Shone, who has written extensively about Nolan's work, said the director's films often allow audiences with different political views to interpret them in different ways. He added that some conservative viewers may feel disappointed because Nolan's latest film appears more progressive than they expected. Despite the criticism, many analysts believe the controversy may ultimately help the film by generating even greater public interest. With its large-scale production, famous cast and fresh interpretation of one of history's greatest literary works, The Odyssey is expected to remain one of the year's biggest cinematic events when it opens in US and UK theatres on July 17. With inputs from BBC.

Several well-known actors, including Adolescence star Christine Tremarco, Sex Education actor Asa Butterfield and Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, have joined the cast of the upcoming BBC drama series Hamburg Days, which explores the early years of The Beatles. The six-part series will chronicle the legendary band's formative period in Germany, tracing their journey from a group of Liverpool teenagers to global music icons. Bafta-winning actress Tremarco, 49, has been cast as Mimi Smith, the aunt who raised John Lennon. Butterfield, 29, will portray Brian Epstein, the manager credited with helping shape The Beatles’ rise to international fame. Jonny Lee Miller, 53, is set to play Jim McCartney, the father of Sir Paul McCartney. Production on the series began in May in Germany and Liverpool. The drama focuses on the period between 1960 and 1962 when The Beatles played more than 250 shows in Hamburg, a crucial chapter in the band's development. Hamburg Days is inspired by the memoirs of Klaus Voormann, a young artist who befriended the group during their time in Hamburg. Voormann later designed the cover of The Beatles’ landmark 1966 album Revolver and collaborated with John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison on their solo projects. According to the producers, the series will depict the band's encounters with Voormann and photographer Astrid Kirchherr. At that time, the lineup included bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Pete Best, alongside Lennon, McCartney and Harrison. The series has been written by Jamie Carragher, one of the writers behind HBO's acclaimed drama Succession. Director Christian Schwochow, known for his work on The Crown, will serve as showrunner, while Bafta-winning composer David Holmes, who worked on Killing Eve and the Ocean’s film franchise, will oversee the music. The cast also includes Rhys Mannion as John Lennon, Ellis Murphy as Paul McCartney, Harvey Brett as George Harrison, Louis Landau as Stuart Sutcliffe and Patrick Gilmore as Pete Best. Luna Jordan will play Astrid Kirchherr, while Laura Tonke and Casper von Bülow will portray Nielsa Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann respectively. Widely regarded as the best-selling music act in history, The Beatles scored 18 UK number-one singles and 16 UK number-one albums during their career. The band is also the subject of four upcoming films directed by Sam Mendes. The movies are set to feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. With inputs from BBC

The world of Westeros is set to return as ‘House of the Dragon’ prepares for its third season, promising bigger battles, more dragons and deeper political drama, all without revealing any spoilers. Based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire & Blood’, the series explores the rise and internal collapse of House Targaryen, set generations before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’ and Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne. With rival factions already formed and tensions escalating, Season 3 is expected to push the story into a more intense and large-scale civil war across the realm. War enters a more intense phase The upcoming season is likely to move beyond early political manoeuvring as the conflict becomes more open and unavoidable. Alliances have already been made, and their consequences are now set to ripple across Westeros. Viewers can expect the story to fully shift into large-scale warfare, with growing consequences for all sides involved. More dragons take centre stage One of the biggest attractions of the series — dragons — is expected to feature more heavily than ever. Season 3 will likely introduce more dragon riders and larger aerial battles, with upgraded visual effects bringing the creatures to life in greater detail. New characters enter the conflict As the war expands, new characters are expected to emerge across Westeros, including nobles, soldiers and political players looking to gain power or survive the chaos. In the world of Westeros, even minor figures can quickly become central to the story. Political intrigue remains key Despite the focus on dragons and warfare, political strategy remains at the heart of the series. Secret alliances, shifting loyalties and tense negotiations are expected to continue shaping the story. The show is known for scenes where words can be as powerful as weapons. Moral lines remain blurred One of the franchise’s defining features is its refusal to present clear heroes or villains. Season 3 is expected to continue this trend, with characters making difficult choices that challenge viewers’ loyalties. Supporters of certain characters may find their opinions shifting as events unfold. Emotional consequences deepen Beyond the battles and politics, the series continues to focus on family conflict, grief and revenge within House Targaryen. The emotional cost of the war is expected to become more prominent, showing that the impact of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield. The world of Westeros expands Season 3 is also expected to explore more regions of Westeros, introducing new locations, houses and political dynamics that broaden the scope of the story. Story moves toward a turning point While the series is not yet nearing its end, Season 3 is expected to act as a major turning point, with decisions made by key characters shaping the direction of the larger conflict. Each choice is expected to carry heavier consequences as the story progresses. Why viewers should catch up For new audiences, *House of the Dragon* offers a more focused entry into the *Game of Thrones* universe, centred mainly on one royal family and its internal war. For returning fans, Season 3 promises the familiar mix of dragons, political tension, betrayals and unpredictable twists that define the franchise. One thing remains constant in Westeros — no character is ever truly safe. Source: NDTV

Director Imtiaz Ali's latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga continues to perform steadily at the box office, collecting Rs 14.60 crore in gross earnings across India during its first seven days in theatres. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film's India net collection reached Rs 12.25 crore by the end of its first week. On its seventh day, Thursday, the film earned Rs 2.20 crore from 2,138 shows nationwide, indicating stable audience interest. Internationally, the film added Rs 0.50 crore on Day 7, taking its overseas gross collection to Rs 7.25 crore. Its worldwide gross earnings now stand at Rs 21.85 crore. The film features an ensemble cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari. Several prominent filmmakers have praised the movie. Zoya Akhtar congratulated the cast and crew on social media, while Anurag Kashyap shared a brief message of appreciation for editor Aarti Bajaj. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also lauded the film, praising Ali's storytelling and the conviction reflected throughout the project. ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ marks the second collaboration between Ali and Dosanjh following their 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila. The film also reunites Ali with renowned composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, who previously worked together on acclaimed films such as Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway and ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’. The film explores themes of Partition and love, weaving together emotional stories that reflect the pain, conflict and human experiences carried across generations. Source: NDTV