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Kiara Advani has delighted her fans by sharing the first glimpse of her five-month-old daughter, Saraayah. The actor posted a short video on her Instagram Stories on Monday evening, January 5, offering a sweet peek into a quiet moment with her baby. In the clip, Kiara is heard affectionately talking to Saraayah while leafing through a magazine that features her own photographs. “Do you want to read mama’s magazine? Okay, let’s see where mama is,” she says as she turns the pages. When her photo appears, Saraayah’s tiny fingers briefly come into view. Kiara captioned the video, “Me and my mini enjoying our Monday magazine read.” Leonardo DiCaprio on the importance of creating cinema over content at Palm Springs Film Festival Kiara and her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, welcomed their daughter on July 15, 2025, at Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. The couple publicly announced their baby’s name in November through a joint Instagram post. Kiara Advani’s upcoming projects On the work front, Kiara is gearing up for the release of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Kannada actor Yash in the lead role. The film is slated for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Shot in both Kannada and English, Toxic will also be dubbed into multiple Indian languages. Kiara essays the role of Nadia, while the film also stars Nayanthara as Ganga and Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth. The ensemble cast includes Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. Kiara was last seen on screen in War 2, where she appeared alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Source NDTV

Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a passionate reminder about the soul of filmmaking at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Friday night, urging Hollywood to prioritize cinema over disposable content. “Films are meant to be experienced together, in a theater,” DiCaprio said in a pre-recorded message. “That belief matters now more than ever. Original films are becoming harder to make and harder to protect. But movies still matter not content  cinema. Stories created by people, meant to be shared in a dark room as a communal experience.” The “One Battle After Another” star accepted his honor virtually, as he was unable to attend the festival in person. According to Variety, DiCaprio’s absence was due to ongoing political tensions involving Venezuela, which triggered widespread flight cancellations across the Caribbean, where the actor had been spending the holiday season. His co-stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor stepped in to accept the award on his behalf. The 37th annual International Film Awards, held in Palm Springs, California, marked the ceremonial launch of Hollywood’s annual awards-season spring, spotlighting many of the year’s most buzzed-about films and performances. The evening unfolded as a celebration of artistry and solidarity, with speakers repeatedly stressing the importance of original storytelling and the preservation of movie theaters as cultural spaces. Michael B. Jordan, honored with the Icon Award, encouraged fellow artists to keep creating stories that connect and uplift audiences. “The films we’re honoring tonight push us to be better, to understand one another more deeply,” he said. “And maybe when the theater lights come up, we can step back into the world together.” Recording artist Cyrus accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her song “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash, calling on artists to move beyond competition and focus on community. “Performance isn’t a scoreboard,” she said. “Every artist bares their soul in a unique way, and each contribution leaves a lasting mark.” Jane Fonda briefly guided the audience through a breathing exercise before presenting the Vanguard Award to Hamnet collaborators Chloé Zhao, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Fonda credited Zhao for inspiring the moment, noting the director often leads similar grounding exercises before screenings. Guillermo del Toro received the Visionary Award alongside his Frankenstein cast and reflected on the recent loss of his older brother. He spoke about the enduring relevance of Mary Shelley’s novel in an era shaped by technological anxiety and social division. “We never learn,” del Toro said, “and sometimes the only way to talk about humanity is through monsters.” Timothée Chalamet was presented with the Spotlight Award and spoke about ambition and self-belief through the lens of his “Marty Supreme”character. Mahershala Ali later honored Ethan Hawke with the Career Achievement Award, recalling how Hawke’s early performances helped shape his own path as an actor.In his speech, Hawke reflected on the friends, collaborators and mentors who influenced his life and career, including the late River Phoenix. “I’m the sum of everyone who helped shape me,” he said. Hawke returned to the stage later alongside former “First Reformed”co-star Amanda Seyfried to present her with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Actress. Seyfried noted the full-circle moment of receiving the same honor as DiCaprio. “Leo inspired me to become an actor,” she said. “So sharing the same award title feels strange  and kind of amazing.” The mood lightened when Adam Sandler accepted the Chairman’s Award from Laura Dern, delivering a brief stand-up routine that imagined a quieter version of his life. “I’d still have a Netflix deal,” he joked, “except I’d be paying them to watch the last season of Stranger Things.” The ensemble cast of “Sentimental Value”received the International Star Award, while Rose Byrne earned the Breakthrough Performance Award for Actress for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”, humorously acknowledging the irony of receiving a “breakthrough” honor in her 40s. The ceremony concluded with Kate Hudson accepting the Icon Award for Actress for her role in “Song Sung Blue”. Awards season continues this week with the Critics’ Choice Awards, followed by the Golden Globes next Sunday. Leonardo DiCaprio, Taika Waititi react to Oscar nominations  

Marvel Studios has released a second teaser for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, highlighting Thor’s emotional fight to protect his daughter. The movie is scheduled to hit theatres on December 18, 2026. The teaser features Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor and focuses on family and sacrifice. It opens in a quiet forest where Thor is seen praying to his late father Odin, asking for strength to keep his adopted daughter Love safe as he prepares for another battle. In brief scenes, Love is shown older than when audiences last saw her in Thor: Love and Thunder. Thor is also seen at home, gently kissing her forehead as a serious voice-over continues in the background. The new teaser comes a week after the first Doomsday teaser, which revealed the return of Chris Evans as Captain America and introduced a surprising family twist involving his character. According to Variety, Love is the daughter of the villain Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale in Love and Thunder. The character is portrayed by Hemsworth’s real-life daughter, India. In the earlier film, Gorr revived Love before his death and asked Thor to raise her as his own. Marvel has earlier confirmed a large cast for Avengers: Doomsday, including Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright and Simu Liu. The film will also bring together characters from the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and the X-Men universe. The teaser suggests an emotional and action-packed chapter as Thor prepares to rejoin the Avengers to face new threats, including Doctor Doom.   With inputs from NDTV

The year 2026 is expected to be a blockbuster one for Indian cinema, with filmmakers lining up a diverse mix of war dramas, mythological spectacles, crime thrillers and emotionally driven stories. Packed with top stars, large-scale productions and ambitious storytelling, the upcoming slate promises something for every moviegoer. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated Indian films scheduled for release in 2026: Ikkis (January 1, 2026)Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this war drama is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who lost his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film introduces Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, and marks the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Dharmendra. Border 2 (January 23, 2026)A follow-up to the 1997 classic Border, the sequel revisits patriotic themes with a new cast alongside Sunny Deol. Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty also feature, and the film’s teaser has already generated strong patriotic sentiment. Ramayana Part 1 (Expected Diwali 2026)Among the most ambitious projects of the year, this retelling of the epic Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Backed by high-end visual effects and a star-studded ensemble including Sunny Deol and Yash, the film aims for grand cinematic scale. Drishyam 3 (October 2, 2026)Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar in the third instalment of the popular thriller franchise. Known for its clever twists and gripping suspense, the film arrives over the Gandhi Jayanti weekend. Jailer 2 (June 12, 2026)Rajinikanth reprises his role in this sequel, promising amplified action and signature style. Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa return, while new cast members include SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anna Rajan. Love & War (2026)Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for the first time in a romantic drama set against a wartime backdrop. Featuring Bhansali’s trademark grandeur and emotional depth, the film’s exact release date is yet to be confirmed. Mardaani 3 (February 27, 2026)Rani Mukerji once again dons the role of fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The third chapter continues the franchise’s focus on crime, social issues and strong female-led action. Toxic (March 19, 2026)Yash headlines this dark, stylised gangster drama titled Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. With its edgy tone and intense narrative, the film is set to clash with other major releases in March. Dhurandhar 2 (March 19, 2026)Following the success of the first film, this sequel delves deeper into espionage and covert operations. Ranveer Singh’s character is expected to take on a more complex and unpredictable arc, with a stronger focus on psychological battles. Battle of Galwan (April 17, 2026)Salman Khan leads this war-action film inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The movie highlights bravery and sacrifice, with Chitrangada Singh in a key role. King (Late 2026)One of the most awaited films of the year, King stars Shah Rukh Khan in a high-octane action thriller. The film also marks the big-screen debut of his daughter Suhana Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone. The Raja Saab (January 9, 2026)Prabhas headlines this romantic fantasy-horror comedy directed by Maruthi Dasari. The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal. O’ Romeo (February 13, 2026)Shahid Kapoor teams up with director Vishal Bharadwaj for this intriguing new project, with Triptii Dimri as the female lead. The film’s promotional material has already stirred curiosity. Alpha (2026)Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh lead Yash Raj Films’ first female-driven spy universe film. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the release was reportedly postponed to avoid a clash with Battle of Galwan. Jana Nayagan (January 9, 2026)Directed by H Vinoth, this film is designed as a tribute to Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s cinematic legacy. Featuring energetic dance numbers, powerful emotions and mass appeal, it is expected to be a major draw.  

The sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from Drishyam 3 has sparked industry-wide discussion, with director Abhishek Pathak revealing the reasons behind the decision and sending a message to the Dhurandhar star. In an interview with ETimes, Pathak said, “People around him suggested he should now focus on projects that revolve entirely around him. I wish him all the best and would say—try doing a solo film now.” The director added that attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, noting, “I stopped trying because he seemed to be on some other planet.” Pathak explained that Akshaye left the film five days before shooting began, despite having approved the look, costumes, and narration, and enjoying the story. A major point of disagreement was Akshaye’s insistence on wearing a wig, which the director felt was inconsistent with the film’s continuity. Currently, Akshaye Khanna is enjoying success with Dhurandhar. Pathak emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “It’s a team effort—writer, director, actors, and many others contribute. It’s not about one person.” Drishyam 3 is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV

Bollywood stars gathered in Mumbai on Monday for a special screening of Ikkis, the final film of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The event drew actors Salman Khan, Rekha, Tabu, Jeetendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Agastya Nanda, and others. The film also features newcomers Simar Bhatia and Agastya Nanda in leading roles, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Vivaan Shah. Salman Khan was seen paying an emotional tribute to Dharmendra by standing beside a poster of the late actor. Sunny Deol also appeared moved but posed for photographs with a calm smile. Bobby Deol attended with his wife Tanya, son Aryaman, and cousin Abhay Deol. Ikkis marks Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance and tells the story of Arun, played by Agastya Nanda, the son of Dharmendra’s character Brigadier ML Khetarpal. The film is scheduled for release on January 1, 2026. The screening reflected an emotional evening for the film industry as colleagues and fans honored Dharmendra’s legacy.   With inputs from NDTV

The Malayalam film industry stood out in 2025 with notable successes such as Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan. The Indian film industry enjoyed an exceptional year in 2025, delivering everything from grand historical spectacles to heartfelt dramas. Films across languages and genres captivated audiences both in India and internationally. While Bollywood had its share of releases, South Indian cinema emerged as a dominant force at the box office worldwide. Among all regional industries, Malayalam cinema made a strong impact with standout films like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan, proving once again its strength in storytelling and production quality beyond regional boundaries. Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu industries also contributed major hits that earned both commercial success and critical praise. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025. Kantara: Chapter 1Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 was produced on an estimated budget of Rs 125 crore. The film became a massive blockbuster, grossing over Rs 852 crore globally. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, it earned acclaim for its stunning visuals, gripping narrative, and powerful action. The story delves into the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition and the mythology surrounding divine guardians of the land. CoolieMade on a reported budget of Rs 400 crore, Coolie starred Rajinikanth in the lead role. Although expectations were high, the film received a mixed response from audiences. Still, it managed to earn Rs 518 crore worldwide. The storyline follows a former gold smuggler driven by vengeance, with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj playing key roles. Mahavatar NarsimhaDirected by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha became a landmark success, emerging as India’s highest-grossing animated film. Produced on a modest budget of Rs 40 crore, the film went on to collect Rs 326.82 crore worldwide. It narrates the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and the clash between the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his devoted son Prahlada. Lokah: Chapter 1 – ChandraThis film marked a historic milestone for Malayalam cinema by becoming its first movie to surpass Rs 300 crore globally. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan and featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore. The plot follows a mysterious woman who uncovers her supernatural powers after surviving a near-fatal incident involving a bat bite. They Call Him OGWith worldwide earnings of Rs 293.65 crore, They Call Him OG also achieved remarkable overseas success, including a record-breaking North American premiere. Starring Pawan Kalyan, the film spans multiple decades and locations, from 1940s Japan to 1990s Mumbai. It centers on Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, who returns after a decade to reclaim his criminal empire and protect his mentor from rival gangster Omi Bhau. L2: EmpuraanThe second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, L2: Empuraan, starred Mohanlal alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier. Produced with a budget of approximately Rs 175 crore, the film earned Rs 266.81 crore worldwide. The narrative follows crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam as he re-enters Kerala amid political unrest and rising extremist forces led by antagonist Balraj. Sankrathiki VastunamReleased in January 2025, this film quickly rose to become one of the year’s biggest South Indian earners, grossing Rs 255.2 crore worldwide. Featuring Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the story revolves around a retired police officer drawn back into action to rescue a kidnapped tech tycoon, with unexpected comedic twists involving his wife and former lover. ThudarumThudarum reunited iconic actors Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years. The film tells the story of a humble taxi driver from Pathanamthitta who shares a deep bond with his old Ambassador car. The plot takes a darker turn when the car is confiscated in a drug-related investigation. The film earned over Rs 234.5 crore globally. Good Bad UglyDirected by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly starred Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Arjun Das. Ajith portrayed a former gangster striving for a peaceful life, only to be pulled back into violence after his son is falsely accused of a crime. Made on a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film collected Rs 248.25 crore worldwide. Su From SoThis Kannada horror-comedy emerged as an unexpected breakout hit in 2025. Set in the coastal village of Marlur, the story follows a carefree young man who pretends to be possessed by a ghost named Sulochana to escape trouble. His act spirals into chaos as villagers conduct bizarre exorcisms. The film earned Rs 122.83 crore worldwide, gaining both commercial success and critical praise.

A Minecraft Movie, based on the popular video game, has emerged as one of the most significant films of 2025 after topping the US box office and drawing large global audiences, industry analysts say. The film, which stars Jack Black, has become the highest-grossing movie of the year in the United States and ranks among the top films worldwide. Its success highlights changing patterns in cinema-going since the Covid-19 pandemic, with audiences increasingly seeking shared and interactive viewing experiences. Although reviews were mixed, the movie performed strongly from its opening weekend, attracting families, young viewers and long-time fans of the game. Many screenings featured lively audience participation, including cheering, shouting familiar lines and recording moments for social media. The film’s popularity follows a broader trend in Hollywood, where video game adaptations have become major box office draws as superhero films lose dominance. Recent successes include The Super Mario Bros Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog sequels and television series based on popular games. Cinema owners and industry experts say such interactive screenings have helped revive theatres after years of disruption caused by streaming platforms and pandemic closures. Special participation-friendly shows of A Minecraft Movie have since been officially introduced in several markets. Observers note that the film’s rapid rise to cult status reflects how social media and smartphones now shape audience behaviour, turning movie-going into a communal event rather than a quiet, individual experience. With more studios exploring similar releases, analysts expect interactive cinema events to play a growing role in the film industry’s future.   With inputs from BBC

Drishyam 3 is generating strong buzz, especially after reports that Akshaye Khanna has exited the project following the success of Dhurandhar. Amid the excitement, actor Rajat Kapoor, who reprises his role as Mahesh Deshmukh—the husband of Tabu’s character, Meera Deshmukh—has shared a humorous take on his character’s journey in the upcoming film. What he said In a recent interview with SCREEN, Kapoor was asked whether his character would be given more depth in the third installment. Responding with wit, the actor dismissed the idea of a character arc, saying there was nothing new to explore. He joked that his role simply involved standing behind Tabu, adding that nothing had changed this time either. On playing officials in films Kapoor also reflected on his frequent casting as government officials. He has previously portrayed a senior income tax officer in Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 and a police officer in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. Speaking candidly, he said such roles can feel limiting when they lack depth. While he emphasized that every role is about reacting to the script, he noted that generic authority figures—especially those without a strong narrative purpose—often leave actors with little to do. He contrasted this with more layered characters, like Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role, which offered greater scope. About Drishyam 3 The Hindi Drishyam franchise, adapted from the Malayalam original starring Mohanlal, has turned Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar into a memorable on-screen figure—a common man who relies on intelligence and emotional resilience to protect his family. Filming for the third chapter is currently in progress at multiple locations. The original cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, is set to return, along with other prominent actors. The makers have teased heightened suspense and intense drama as the story continues. The film is presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios. It is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who has also co-written the script with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Producers include Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.   source NDTV

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer of The Odyssey, director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic based on Homer’s classic poem, offering audiences an early look at a large-scale battle and survival saga. The film follows Greek hero Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. The trailer opens with the aftermath of the war and shows Odysseus leading his men away from Troy, hoping to reunite with their families. The preview highlights a long and dangerous journey across seas and unfamiliar lands. Odysseus is seen sailing through violent storms, crossing harsh terrain and surviving shipwrecks, with strong visuals focusing on endurance and survival. One sequence confirms that the fall of Troy is part of the opening chapters, showing Odysseus and his men inside the Trojan Horse. Another dark scene hints at mythical threats, suggesting encounters with monsters without revealing them fully. Family ties are also central to the story. Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, while Anne Hathaway plays his wife, Penelope. Dialogue in the trailer is limited, with the story largely driven by visuals. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel and Corey Hawkins. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas and backed by Universal. The film was shot entirely using IMAX’s largest format and is scheduled for worldwide release on July 17, 2026.   With inputs from NDTV