Cinema
‘Utshob’: An ode to the 90s, when band music ruled the waves
One of the most successful Bangladeshi films in recent years, 'Utshob' is being lauded for its subtle storytelling, intelligent dialogue, and overall presentation with its stellar cast. The film has been the surprise hit of 2025—wooing theatre audiences and wowing critics with its refusal to bow to conventions.
At a time when almost every film slated for commercial release features several songs that form its original soundtrack (OST) and appear in the film as song-and-dance routines, including an almost mandatory item track to satisfy multiplex audiences, essentially turning them into musicals. 'Utshob' completely circumvents that prescription. Even as it serves up an OST featuring two milestones from Bangladesh's popular band music scene — and both in service of its storytelling.
Given that the film’s story is a trip through Nineties nostalgia in a distinctly Bangladeshi cultural context - a period generally regarded as the zenith of the band music movement - achieving this was essential to projecting the story as written (an Eid adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’) on a cinema screen.
The first track is “Tumi”, written and sung by Aiedid Rashid of the band Level Five, one of the most popular alternative rock bands in recent times. Known for their moody melodies, introspective lyrics, and emotionally rich sound, Level Five’s music—including the hit “Tumi” (originally released as a standalone single in 2022, separate from the 'Utshob' soundtrack)—blends indie and post-rock influences, offering a fresh, heartfelt voice in the local rock scene.
The second is an even more precious, well-known song among Bangladeshi band music fans: "Dhusor Shomoy" by the progressive rock icons Artcell. First released on April 1, 2006, as part of their second studio album 'Oniket Prantor', it became one of the band’s most beloved tracks among its legions of fans.
A cult-favorite that became a progressive rock anthem, “Dhusor Shomoy” is celebrated for its poetic depth and emotional intensity. Its inclusion in Utshob added a powerful layer of nostalgia and resonance, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of memory, loss, and emotional complexity.
10 months ago
‘Baahubali’ Turns 10: Rajamouli recalls how Sivagami sparked the epic saga
Baahubali: The Beginning stormed into cinemas and rewrote the rules of Indian filmmaking a decade ago, on July 10, 2015.
Directed by SS Rajamouli and co-written by his father V Vijayendra Prasad, the film introduced audiences to the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati, earning over Rs 600 crore at the global box office and transforming its stars into household names.
From Prabhas’s portrayal of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali to Rana Daggubati’s menacing Bhallaladeva, the film’s sweeping narrative and cutting-edge visuals captivated audiences across the world.
But long before Baahubali became a cultural phenomenon, its roots began with a single character.
‘Night at the Museum’ reboot in development at 20th century studios
In a 2015 interview with Forbes, Rajamouli revealed, “It all started with the character of Sivagami. One day about 9 or 10 years back my father told me about this character. The first scene of the film is what he [Rajamouli's father V Vijayendra Prasad] narrated to me, where Sivagami saves the child and she dies, that was very emotional.”
“But he just told me about that character, there was no story or anything. But the character was there, then a few years later he told me about the character Kattappa, the loyal slave. And later he told me about the character of Bhallala Deva.”
So then about 4 or 5 years back we said why don’t we bring all these characters together to make a story. And then things started falling into place, he added.
Rajamouli said, “Most of the time the creator doesn’t know where he gets his inspiration from. It just gets into your mind, gets churned up with a hundred other stories, and when the output comes you don’t know where the actual source is from.”
The film’s legacy only grew with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, solidifying the saga as one of Indian cinema’s greatest triumphs.
10 months ago
‘Night at the Museum’ reboot in development at 20th century studios
The museum is reopening its doors, with a fresh chapter of “Night at the Museum” officially in the works.
20th Century Studios and 21 Laps Entertainment are developing a reimagining of the beloved franchise, with Tripper Clancy on board to write the script. Plot details are still under wraps, but the upcoming film is expected to feature a brand-new story set in the museum, introducing a fresh cast of characters.
According to Variety, longtime franchise collaborators Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce the project under their 21 Laps banner, with Emily Morris overseeing for the company.
Clancy’s previous writing credits include Stuber, I Am Not Okay With This, Die Hart, and Die Hart 2: Die Harter.
New ‘Superman’ film aims to inspire hope in a cynical world
The Night at the Museum series began in 2006 with Levy directing the original trilogy: Night at the Museum (2006), Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), and Secret of the Tomb (2014).
An animated sequel, Kahmunrah Rises Again, directed by Matt Danner, premiered in 2022 on Disney+.
Ben Stiller led the first three films as Larry Daley, a night guard who discovers the museum’s exhibits come to life after dark. The franchise featured an ensemble cast including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, and Rami Malek. The live-action trilogy earned over $1.3 billion globally.
10 months ago
New ‘Superman’ film aims to inspire hope in a cynical world
Superman is returning to the big screen with more than just superpowers — filmmaker James Gunn hopes the iconic hero will reignite hope in an increasingly skeptical world.
“Everybody’s gotten so cynical and ironic,” said Gunn. “Everybody’s ironic about everything all the time. And he (Superman) is a good-natured guy who wants to be kind. And when you see the world through Superman’s eyes, everyone is beautiful.”
Opening in theaters nationwide Thursday, Superman marks a tonal shift for Gunn, known for the irreverent energy of Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy. With this film, optimism takes center stage — fitting for a character who has represented hope since debuting in Action Comics #1 in 1938.
Gunn’s story introduces a Superman already three years into his mission to help those in need. Now, he must grapple with the meaning of doing good in a morally complex world, where adversaries like Lex Luthor question his motives.
“We get to really discover what are his flaws, what are his opinions, what are his ideals,” said Gunn. “I think we get a very intimate look at his relationship with Lois. I also think that it’s a bigger movie than it’s ever been told with Superman before.”
This version of Superman, played by David Corenswet, seeks acceptance from his adopted planet. Gunn asked Corenswet to tap into both physical strength and emotional vulnerability. “Any fantasy I had of transforming into this character sort of got dashed by James’ desire, I think, for me to bring a little more of myself to the role,” Corenswet told The Associated Press.
A Justice Gang with a Purpose
The film also introduces a new group of allies — the so-called “Justice Gang” — including Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Green Lantern member Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). While the name is a placeholder, the theme of collective action runs strong.
Merced said watching the film after a tough week of real-world news left her feeling unexpectedly uplifted. “I was really relieved when I watched it,” she said. “I was having a terrible week, consuming way too much real media and watching this made me feel really light and happy and at least hopeful.”
Gathegi described the film as a “meditation on the human spirit,” adding, “Whatever problem that you’re going through, you can attack. If it’s a big societal issue or interpersonal issue, you have the power to deal with the problems that you can deal with.”
Highlighting Journalism’s Role
While Superman fights villains, his alter ego Clark Kent and the Daily Planet team fight misinformation and injustice. The newsroom is more than a backdrop — it’s part of the film’s core message.
“James’ intentional focus on the importance of journalism and journalistic integrity in this film is potentially more important now than it has been,” said Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane. “It’s been an honor to step into that.”
Beck Bennett, who plays reporter Steve Lombard, emphasized the power of the press: “They are exposing some truth so that people can get the truth and turn on the person who is actually doing them harm.”
Skyler Gisondo, portraying reporter Jimmy Olsen, said the newsroom scenes carried real weight: “Reading the script, you have a sense that the work that we’re doing is just as important as the action itself.”
A Legacy of Hope
The film even includes a cameo by real-life journalist Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, who played Superman in the 1978 classic. “That means a lot to me, and I think that has a lot with what Superman is and represents as a character,” Reeve said of his father’s legacy.
For Wendell Pierce, who plays editor Perry White, superhero stories like Superman have a deeper role in culture: “People want to feel empowered. They want to feel as though they can make a contribution in some way and change the dynamic to change this dysfunctional paradigm.”
He added, “So we turn off the lights and go into a small theater because we want to see collectively, decide what our values are and who we are, where we’ve been, where we’ve failed, where we can triumph... and walk out of the theater and act on those.”
10 months ago
War 2 Plot Leaks Spark Buzz Around Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr
The much-anticipated Bollywood movie ‘War 2’ featuring Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr is set to hit cinemas on August 14, 2025. This high-octane action thriller has already captured attention long before its release. A social media post has claimed to leak the film’s plot, igniting a storm across the online community. Some are surprised by the rumour, others are more thrilled, and many are finding humour in it. Let’s unpack what’s making fans so restless about the upcoming Bollywood film War 2.
A Brief Background: The Growing Hype Around War 2
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the action movie gears up to expand the ever-growing YRF Spy Universe. As a direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War, the movie marks the return of Hrithik Roshan as the elusive RAW agent, Kabir Dhaliwal. His character, shrouded in mystery and grit, continues to fuel curiosity across fan circles.
This time, the stakes rise even higher with the addition of Telugu cinema icon NTR Rama Rao Jr. For the first time, he’ll share screen space with Hrithik, an on-screen pairing that’s generating serious buzz. Their face-off or alliance remains a tightly held secret, and that's part of the thrill.
Read more: Aditya Roy Kapur–Sara Ali Khan’s Metro... in Dino Off to an Uneven Box Office Run
Adding to the intrigue is Kiara Advani, who appears in a bold new role. A brief glimpse of her in the official promo was enough to spark speculation.
This All Started with A Reddit Thread
The Reddit post paints a high-stakes picture of the ‘War’ sequel, centring on Agent Kabir’s descent into darkness. Once India’s top spy, he’s now portrayed as the nation’s most dangerous enemy. In response, a new force emerges, Agent Vikram, described as a ruthless special units officer fuelled by inner torment. The narrative hints at an intense, globe-spanning confrontation between two formidable operatives. Themes of moral ambiguity, emotional depth, and violent spectacle underscore the synopsis. The thread uses a metaphor by saying ‘Cat versus Rottweiler’, emphasising raw brutality and tactical brilliance.
However, this leaked plot appears designed to stir fan frenzy rather than reveal verified details. While the story reads like an explosive teaser, it remains unsubstantiated by any official word from the production team.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025
10 months ago
Aditya Roy Kapur–Sara Ali Khan’s Metro... in Dino Off to an Uneven Box Office Run
Among the latest additions to Bollywood's mid-year cinema slate, the film Metro... in Dino (2025) quietly steps into the spotlight. With the theatrical debut on July 4, 2025, the musical romantic drama is headlined by Aditya Roy Kapur and Sara Ali Khan. Building on the legacy of a 2007 predecessor and recent musical buzz, this new release quietly gets underway. Let’s take a closer look at the team behind it and how it fares at the box office.
Creative Minds Behind the Frame
Directed and written by Anurag Basu, this musical movie boasts production by Anurag Basu Productions and T-Series Films. The dialogues are crafted by Sandeep Shrivastava and Samrat Chakravarthy.
Pritam reunites with Anurag Basu after nearly two decades of ‘Life in a... Metro’ (2007), reviving a long-standing musical bond. Aditya Roy Kapur and Anupam Kher each lend their voice to a song.
Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025
A Look into the Plot
This film serves as a spiritual follow-up to Anurag Basu’s 2007 drama ‘Life in a... Metro’. The concept traces back to the late Irrfan Khan, who once envisioned a continuation after starring in the original.
Set across Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, it weaves four modern love stories rooted in urban life. Each tale gradually intersects, drawing the characters into a shared emotional arc.
Meet the Ensemble Cast
Konkona Sen Sharma stands as the sole returning actor from the original cast in this new instalment. Besides Sara and Aditya, the new ensemble talents include Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Saswata Chatterjee, and Darshana Banik.
Read more: Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Starrer Ramayana: India's most expensive film franchise
A Sudden Turn in Box Office Ride
The film began its run with a promising weekend, drawing attention despite its modest Rs 100 crore budget. Over the first three days, it collected a total of Rs 16.75 crore. Friday set the pace with Rs 3.5 crore, which increased to Rs 6 crore on Saturday. Sunday proved to be the strongest day, bringing in Rs 7.25 crore.
However, momentum took a sharp turn soon after. On the fourth day, Monday, collections dropped drastically to just around Rs 0.03 crore. This sharp decline signals a challenging road ahead for the movie’s sustainability and potential long-term success.
Verdict
The Metro... in Dino (2025) film brings together a star-studded cast led by Aditya Roy Kapur and Sara Ali Khan. Anurag Basu directs, with music by Pritam, adding to the appeal. The legacy of ‘Life in a... Metro’ helped set expectations. Its concept draws inspiration from the late Irrfan Khan. However, the opening weekend showed steady growth. But the sharp drop on Day 4 casts uncertainty on its box office future. The coming weeks will reveal if it can regain momentum and leave a lasting mark.
Read more: F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt’s Epic Racing Drama Drives Box Office Momentum
10 months ago
Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025
As streaming continues to redefine entertainment, Netflix remains the pulse where audiences discover fresh obsessions. The August 2025 lineup of Netflix Originals spans movies, series, animation, and documentaries. Mystery, horror, thriller, adventure, action, romance, and comedy lead the charge, each project carving out its own rhythm. Let’s explore the 10 upcoming Netflix originals that are set to shape this month’s viewing experience.
10 Most-hyped Netflix Originals Coming This August
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My Oxford Year / Romantic Comedy / August 1, 2025
Helmed by Iain Morris, this poignant drama brings Melissa Osborne and Allison Burnett’s screenplay to life. Adapted from Julia Whelan’s bestselling novel, originally penned as a script by Burnett himself.
Corey Mylchreest, Sofia Carson, Catherine McCormack, and Dougray Scott bring depth to the pivotal roles.
At the heart of the story is an American student chasing academic dreams at Oxford. Her path takes an unexpected turn after meeting a captivating local. Their connection reshapes not just their futures, but their identities.
Read more: Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Starrer Ramayana: India's most expensive film franchise
The romantic film is produced by Laura Quicksilver and George Berman under Temple Hill Entertainment and Presque Isle Films.
Wednesday / Horror Comedy / August 6, 2025
The fan-favourite horror saga returns with a bold new chapter. Season 2 arrives in two waves – Part 1 on August 6 and Part 2 on September 3, 2025.
This time, Wednesday Addams finds herself back at Nevermore Academy. New enemies begin to stir, and secrets are stranger and darker than ever.
Jenna Ortega reprises her role with magnetic precision. Familiar names like Hunter Doohan, Emma Myers, and Catherine Zeta-Jones are back. Luis Guzman, Victor Dorobantu, Fred Armisen, Isaac Ordonez, Moosa Mostafa, and Georgie Farmer join them once again.
Read more: F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt’s Epic Racing Drama Drives Box Office Momentum
Percy Hynes White and Naomi J. Ogawa bid farewell to the show. Joanna Lumley and Evie Templeton bring fresh intrigue to the cast. And in a highly anticipated twist, Lady Gaga enters in Part 2.
The show remains rooted in Charles Addams’ iconic character. Alfred Gough and Miles Millar serve as creators. Millar Gough Ink, Tim Burton Productions, Toluca Pictures, and MGM Television spearhead the series production.
Fixed / Animated Rom-Com / August 13, 2025
The animated film thrives under the direction of Genndy Tartakovsky, who co-wrote its screenplay with Jon Vitti. The story was crafted by Tartakovsky, Vitti, Steve Greenberg, and Rich Lufrano.
The rom-com movie is bankrolled by Michelle Murdocca on behalf of Sony Pictures Animation.
Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025
Idris Elba, Adam DeVine, Kathryn Hahn, Beck Bennett, Bobby Moynihan, and Fred Armisen lend their creative voices to key characters.
The narrative centres on Bull, a fun-loving dog facing a major change. He finds out he’s getting neutered in the morning. Suddenly, every hour matters. With his loyal crew, Bull sets out for one final night of freedom.
America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys / Sports Documentary / August 19, 2025
This documentary follows Jerry Jones and his bold vision for the Dallas Cowboys. He took charge, rewrote the playbook, and built a sports empire. Under his leadership, the Cowboys clinched three NFL championships in the 1990s. But his story goes beyond wins. It’s about branding, ambition, and redefining the game.
The film features appearances from George W. Bush, Rupert Murdoch, and Deion Sanders. NFL legends Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Jimmy Johnson also weigh in.
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Backed by NFL Films, Skydance Sports, and Stardust Frames Productions, this docu-film boasts Chapman Way and Maclain Way as directors.
Fall for Me / Thriller / August 21, 2025
Lilli travels to see her sister Valeria on a scenic island. She’s stunned to learn Valeria is engaged to a Frenchman named Manu. Soon after, Lilli crosses paths with Tom, a nightclub manager. The spark is immediate. So is the tension. But paradise holds more than love; it hides something dark.
Penned by Stefanie Sycholt, this German thriller flourishes with Sherry Hormann as its director.
Leading roles are played by Svenja Jung and Theo Trebs. The additional cast comprises Thomas Kretschmann, Antje Traue, Victor Meutelet, Tijan Marei, Lucia Barrado, and Anton Kostov.
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The production credit goes to Netflix Studios, W&B Television, and Anima Stillking Films.
10 months ago
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ bites off $318 million at global box office
Dinosaur fatigue may be a theme in “Jurassic World Rebirth,” but moviegoing audiences don’t seem to have that reservation. The newest installment in the “Jurassic World” franchise ruled the Fourth of July holiday box office with a global, five-day launch of $318.3 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The Universal Pictures release, directed by Gareth Edwards, opened on Wednesday and earned $147.3 million in its first five days in 4,308 North American theaters. An estimated $91.5 million of that comes from the traditional “three day” weekend, which includes the Friday holiday, Saturday and projected Sunday ticket sales.
Internationally, it opened in 82 markets including China, adding $171 million to the opening total. According to the studio, $41.5 million of that came from China alone, where it played on 65,000 screens, 760 of which were IMAX. It's the country's biggest MPA (Motion Picture Association) opening of the year.
“It’s just a tremendous result," said Jim Orr, who oversees domestic distribution for Universal. "'Jurassic World Rebirth is exactly what audiences crave during the summer: a very big, fun, extraordinarily well-done adventure.”
“Jurassic World” was missing from IMAX screens domestically (due to a commitment to continue showing “F1”), but it thrived on the premium large format screens where it played. One of those options was Dolby Cinema, where it made nearly $8 million from only 167 screens in five days.
Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Starrer Ramayana: India's most expensive film franchise
“Rebirth,” starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey, is the fourth movie in the “Jurassic World” series and the seventh since Steven Spielberg’s original Michael Crichton adaptation stormed theaters in the summer of 1993. The new film received mixed reviews from critics, carrying a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, and B CinemaScore from opening weekend audiences.
The studio was struck by the broad audience turnout, from ages eight to 80, and the fact that the film exceeded estimates at every step despite the reviews.
“The word of mouth on it is stellar," Orr said. "And it should point to a very long run throughout the summer as well.”
Factors like the holiday weekend, inflation and post-COVID moviegoing realities make it difficult to fairly compare the “Rebirth” launch to the other films in the “Jurassic World” franchise, the first of which opened to $208 million domestically in 2015. The other two, “Fallen Kingdom” and “Dominion” opened to $148 million and $145 million respectively.
“Jurassic World Rebirth” introduced a new main cast to the series and brought back a familiar voice in “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp to guide the story about a dangerous hunt for dinosaur DNA (not for making dinosaurs this time, but for curing heart disease). It cost a reported $180 million net to produce, not including marketing and promotion costs.
Two Hollywood blockbusters to premiere at Star Cineplex on July 4
The campaign was far reaching, including a global press tour, with stops everywhere from London to Seoul, integrated marketing across NBC Universal platforms and brand tie-ins with everything from Jeep and 7-11 to Johansson’s skincare line.
No major new films dared go up against the dinosaurs, who left last week’s champion, the Brad Pitt racing movie “F1,” in the dust. “F1” fell a modest 54% in its second weekend with $26.1 million, helping bring its domestic total to $109.5 million. It continues to play on IMAX screens with accounted for $7.6 million of the North American weekend ticket sales. Globally, it's nearing $300 million with a running total of $293.6 million.
Third place went to Universal's live-action “How to Train Your Dragon,” which earned $11 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its domestic total to $224 million. Disney and Pixar's “Elio” landed in fourth place with $5.7 million. Globally, “Elio” has just crossed $96 million in three weekends. “28 Years Later” rounded out the top five with $4.6 million.
A 41-year-old movie also made the domestic top 10: The re-release of Rob Reiner's 1984 film “This is Spinal Tap.”
Having the Fourth of July land on a Friday could have negatively impacted the overall box office, but the holiday didn't blow up the weekend's earnings.
Fantastic Four: First Steps final trailer teases Galactus’ arrival on Earth
“We had a solid Friday despite some pretty heavy competition from the fireworks,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.
And there's still some major movies to come in the packed summer movie calendar, including “Superman,” which opens later this week.
“This is one of the most competitive summer movie seasons ever,” Dergarabedian said. "For moviegoers, it’s so much fun.”
Top 10 movies by domestic box officeWith final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. “Jurassic World Rebirth,” $91.5 million.
2. “F1 The Movie,” $26.1 million.
3. “How to Train Your Dragon,” $11 million.
4. “Elio,” $5.7 million.
5. “28 Years Later,” $4.6 million.
6. “Lilo & Stitch,” $3.8 million.
7. “M3GAN 2.0,” $3.8 million.
8. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” $2.7 million.
9. “Materialists,” $1.3 million.
10. “This is Spinal Tap” (41st Anniversary re-release), $931,737.
10 months ago
Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Starrer Ramayana: India's most expensive film franchise
In the heart of Indian cinematic evolution comes Ramayana, a project that redefines scale, vision, and storytelling. This epic fantasy is slated to arrive in two majestic chapters during Diwali 2026 and 2027. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Ranbir Kapoor, the film has sparked widespread buzz, resonating beyond Indian borders. Uniting acclaimed artists behind its making, the production sets a staggering new benchmark in Indian film budgets. Let’s take a concise yet insightful look at this recently buzzworthy and highly ambitious venture.
Ramayana’s Star-studded Cast
Ranbir Kapoor portrays Lord Rama, and Sai Pallavi assumes the role of Mata Sita. Yash embodies Ravan while Sunny Deol steps into the revered character of Hanuman. The ensemble cast also includes Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Vivek Oberoi, Ravi Dubey, and Arun Govil.
World-class Team Crew
Directed by the renowned Nitesh Tiwari, this epic project is supported by Namit Malhotra, an eight-time Oscar-winning producer and the CEO of DNEG and Prime Focus Studios. Joining these two production houses is Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. DNEG is the global VFX powerhouse responsible for visual effects in acclaimed films like ‘Dune’, ‘Oppenheimer’, and ‘Interstellar’. Moreover, ‘Ramayana’ is being filmed specifically for IMAX.
Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025
The soundtrack embodies a unique East-meets-West collaboration, featuring two Academy Award-winning composers. India’s legendary AR Rahman joins forces with Hans Zimmer, a legendary German composer. His iconic scores include ‘The Lion King’ (1994), ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), ‘Inception’ (2010), and the recent work on the two-part ‘Dune’ series.
Adding to the film’s intensity, action sequences are crafted by Guy Norris, famed for his choreography in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’.
Record-breaking Budget
The Ramayana franchise commands an unprecedented production budget of Rs 1600 crore. The initial instalment alone accounts for Rs 900 crore, with Rs 700 crore allocated for the sequel. The reduced budget for the second part stems from the extensive expenditure on world-building and asset creation in the first film. It leaves primarily action sequences to be filmed in the follow-up.
However, this colossal investment establishes the series as the most expensive in Indian cinema history.
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Campaign across Two Continents
‘Ramayana: The Introduction’ premiered simultaneously in nine major Indian cities on July 3. The cities are Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Pune. This groundbreaking launch marked an unprecedented moment in Indian movie history.
Just one day later, the mythological movie crossed continents, making a bold statement in New York’s Times Square. Its striking visuals illuminated one of the world’s most iconic digital billboards, capturing global attention.
Verdict
Buzz is surging around ‘Ramayana’, powered by the star trio – Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. Namit Malhotra’s globally acclaimed production takes India’s most revered myth to new heights with cutting-edge technology. The collaboration of AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack further elevates its stature. The eye-popping Rs 1600 crore budget marks a new pinnacle of Indian filmmaking. In essence, the fusion of exceptional talents firmly positions the project as India’s definitive answer to the Hollywood blockbuster.
Read more: Best South Indian Movies Releasing in July 2025
10 months ago
Suresh Raina to make acting debut with Tamil cricket film
Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina is all set to make his acting debut in a Tamil film directed by filmmaker Logan.
The film, which will revolve around cricket, is being produced by Saravana Kumar under the banner of Dream Knight Stories (DKS), a new production house officially launched on Friday evening in Chennai.
CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube, known for his pinch-hitting role, unveiled the production house’s name and logo at the event.
Raina, who is currently vacationing with his family in Amsterdam, joined the event via video call.
Speaking during the event, Raina expressed his excitement and said he had hoped to attend in person but could not make it due to late notice.
When asked why he chose to make his acting debut in Tamil and with DKS, Raina explained, "I think DKS has a good director and first of all when the director told me the story, it was very close to us. Then being a cricket movie, it has to start from Tamil Nadu because we have been playing a lot of matches for CSK over the years and they have a lot of love, liking and a lot of affection."
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In a lighter moment, Raina was asked what kind of actor he would be, following a similar question posed to Shivam Dube, who had earlier joked that he would have been a romantic hero if not a cricketer.
Raina responded, "I think I will be a very good singer. Having a guitar in my hand. Making a nice dosa for my team mates. Enjoy having rasam rice. I will be chilled out. No stress."
He added with a laugh, "He (Shivam Dube) can be a romantic actor, I can be a romantic singer. So, we can gel along."
Source: NDTV
10 months ago