cinema
Jessica Alba, Charli XCX join Dakota Johnson’s directorial debut ‘A Tree is Blue’
Hollywood star Dakota Johnson is set to make her feature directorial debut with A Tree is Blue, written by and reportedly featuring her Cha Cha Real Smooth co-star Vanessa Burghardt.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, singer Charli XCX and actress Jessica Alba are also in talks to join the project, which is scheduled to begin production next month in Los Angeles.
While details about the film’s plot remain under wraps, A Tree is Blue marks Johnson’s transition to directing after her short film Loser Baby, which premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Johnson recently starred in Celine Song’s Materialists alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal and will next appear in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Verity with Anne Hathaway.
Alba, who last appeared in Netflix’s Trigger Warning, will feature next in Maserati: The Brothers alongside Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, and Al Pacino. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning Charli XCX is also producing and starring in A24’s The Moment and composing music for the upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation.
Source: NDTV
4 months ago
Arshad Warsi says Bollywood is playing it safe, praises Saiyaara for taking risks
Actor Arshad Warsi has criticized Bollywood for becoming too cautious, saying the industry is now afraid to take creative risks.
In an interview with India Today, Warsi said the lack of originality is hurting Hindi cinema. “Let’s look at how many movies we’re making and how many are actually doing well — the math is clear,” he said.
He added that filmmakers now prefer to play it safe instead of experimenting. “Somewhere down the line, we don’t take chances anymore, especially in Hindi cinema,” Warsi said.
The actor noted that directors often repeat formulas that worked before. “After RRR, every hero has become a superhero. Where are the real people?” he asked, recalling how a journalist once told him during Jolly LLB 3 promotions that it felt refreshing to finally watch “a real film.”
Warsi said films like Saiyaara prove that taking creative risks still pays off. “It was a simple love story with two new actors, released during a time of superhero films — and it worked beautifully because they took a chance,” he said.
He urged Bollywood to balance commercial cinema with originality, adding, “If you have the money and facilities, take a bit of a risk. Try something different. It might just appeal to the audience more.”
Source: NDTV
4 months ago
Upcoming South Indian Movies in November 2025: Top 12 Releases
The pulse of regional cinema has an endless powerful magnificence, as the storytelling of South Indian cinema shines through Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam releases. This November brings a fresh surge of premieres in exciting genres, including fantasy, adventure, comedy, action, drama, and sci-fi, with romance taking the spotlight. Teasers and trailers are igniting buzz, packed with fiery dialogues and moments that have audiences on edge. Let’s dive into the best 12 South Indian movies set to release in November 2025 with fresh emotions, bold ideas, and cinematic grandeur.
Top 12 South Indian Films Premiering This November
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Jatadhara / Telugu Fantasy Horror / November 7, 2025
Sonakshi Sinha takes on a riveting role in Jatadhara, a mystery that delves into the secrets surrounding the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. The fantasy film blends myth, faith, and speculation to explore the temple’s long-whispered supernatural aura.
Besides writing the project, Venkat Kalyan also takes on the directorial roles with Abhishek Jaiswal.
The compelling ensemble includes Divya Khossla, Sudheer Babu Posani, Rajeev Kanakala, Shilpa Shirodkar, Ravi Prakash, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Indira Krishnan.
Read more: New Bollywood Movie List for November 2025: 10 Best Hindi Films
Credit for producing the horror film goes to Ess Kay Gee Entertainment, Sudheer Babu Productions, and Zee Studios.
School Life / Telugu Romantic Drama / November 14, 2025
Produced under Jeniya Production and Naineesha Creation, ‘School Life’ is set in a quiet village in the 1990s. The drama captures the emotional turbulence of young love caught in the crossfire of caste and family expectations. Nani’s affection for Sweetie collides with his father’s rigid beliefs, leading to revelations that challenge his sense of loyalty and belonging.
Pulivendula Mahesh directs and joins the cast alongside Savithri Krishna, Mude Varun Nayak, Shannu Shaik, Aamani, Suman, Muralidhar Goud, and Palle Vinayshankar.
Andhra King Taluka / Telugu Drama / November 28, 2025
Written and directed by Mahesh Babu Pachigolla, ‘Andhra King Taluka’ unfolds as a heartfelt ode to fandom. It traces the life of Sagar, a devoted admirer whose world orbits around his cinematic hero, ‘Andhra King’ Surya Kumar.
Read more: November 2025 Netflix Originals Lineup: 10 Best Premieres Stealing Spotlight
Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili helm the production, bringing together Mythri Movie Makers and T-Series.
Upendra Rao, Ram Pothineni, Bhagyashri Borse, Murali Sharma, Rahul Ramakrishna, and Rao Ramesh portray the key characters.
Aaromaley / Tamil Romantic Drama / November 7, 2025
Made under the direction of Sarang Thiagu, ‘Aaromaley’ thrives with Bipin R., Aashameera Aiyappan, and Kishen Das as its writers.
The project brings together a lively cast: Kishen Das, Harshath Khan, VTV Ganesh, Megha Akash, Shivathmika Rajashekar, Namritha MV, Sibi Jayakumar, and Sandhya Winfred.
Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for October 2025: The 10 Biggest Releases
The recently released teaser hints at a charming romantic drama that keeps its narrative under wraps for now.
The Girlfriend / Tamil Romance / November 7, 2025
Featuring Rashmika Mandanna and Koushik Mahata in lead roles, ‘The Girlfriend’ boasts Rahul Ravindran as its director and writer.
Rohini, Rao Ramesh, and Dheekshith Shetty round out the supporting cast.
The romantic film narrative unfolds as a nuanced exploration of modern relationships, where love, doubt, and self-discovery intertwine.
Dheeraj Mogilineni Entertainment, Geetha Arts, and Mass Movie Maker oversee the production.
Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in October 2025: 12 Must-watch Pan-Indian Lineup
Kumki 2 / Tamil Musical Adventure / November 14, 2025
Prabhu Solomon returns to familiar emotional terrain with ‘Kumki 2’, a standalone sequel to his acclaimed 2012 film. Produced by Pen Studios, the adventure drama features Arjun Das, Shrita Rao, and newcomer Mathi.
Set against lush natural backdrops, the story captures an unlikely yet tender bond between a young man and a timid elephant, revealing how empathy can transcend both fear and species.
4 months ago
New Bollywood Movie List for November 2025: 10 Best Hindi Films
Bollywood’s enduring charm lies in its ability to reinvent emotions, genres, and storytelling for every generation. The upcoming Hindi films in November 2025 showcase that magic – spanning sci-fi, horror, drama, romance, and comedy. The month welcomes newcomers and rising stars alongside crowd-favourite performers. Let’s dive into the 10 Bollywood movies shaping the cinematic excitement of November 2025.
10 Most-hyped Hindi Movies Lighting Up Bollywood This November
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Haq / Courtroom Drama / November 7, 2025
Penned by Reshu Nath, ‘Haq’ delves into a cross-section of individuals who wrestle with the quiet torment of debt and the fragile balance between dignity and survival. Their personal ties strain under the weight of financial uncertainty, sketching a portrait of contemporary life shaped by economic struggle.
Produced by Baweja Studios, Insomnia Films, and Junglee Pictures, the legal drama is directed by Suparn Varma with music by Vishal Mishra.
Emraan Hashmi, Yami Gautam, Sheeba Chaddha, Aseem Hattangady, Danish Husain, and Vartika Singh portray the major characters.
Read more: November 2025 Netflix Originals Lineup: 10 Best Premieres Stealing Spotlight
Ikkis / Historical War / November 7, 2025
Directed and written by Sriram Raghavan, ‘Ikkis’ retraces the short yet heroic life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, the young soldier who earned the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the 1971 war.
Bankrolled by Maddock Films, the historical drama features Agastya Nanda as Khetrapal. The other pivotal performances come from Dharmendra, Shree Bishnoi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Ekavali Khanna.
Mano Ya Na Mano – Anything Is Possible / Sci-fi / November 7, 2025
From SCI FI Indian Films and Falling Sky Entertainment comes ‘Mano Ya Na Mano – Anything Is Possible’. Besides directing the cerebral science-fiction drama, Yogesh Pagare also wrote it with Jerome Bixby.
The story begins with a seemingly ordinary house party, a joint celebration of Vansh Mehta’s birthday and history professor Manav Kumar’s farewell, which turns extraordinary when Manav discloses his astonishing secret: he has not aged since forty and has lived on Earth for 14,000 years.
Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for October 2025: The 10 Biggest Releases
The ensemble cast includes Hiten Tejwani, Shikha Malhotra, Rajiv Thakur, Nihar Thakkar, Pournima Navani, Hansi Shrivastava, and Sanjeev Srikar, with music composed by Siddharth Saha.
De De Pyaar De 2 / Romantic Comedy / November 14, 2025
Helmed by Anshul Sharma, ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ is a follow-up to the 2019 hit. With writing by Tarun Jain and Luv Ranjan, the comedy film is brought to life by Luv Films and T-Series Films.
The movie stars Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan, Jaaved Jaaferi, Meezaan Jafri, and Gautami Kapoor.
The sequel revisits the world of Ashish Mehra, a 52-year-old London-based investor who sets out to win over the family of his 26-year-old girlfriend, Ayesha Khurana. What begins as a polite family visit turns into a battle of egos when Ashish finds himself out-aged by Ayesha’s father, Dev, sparking a string of awkwardly funny encounters.
Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in October 2025: 12 Must-watch Pan-Indian Lineup
Taking charge of the musical score are Hitesh Sonik and Ariyan Mehedi, with songs by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jaani, Payal Dev, Avvy Sra, and Sagar Bhatia.
Agra / Psychological Drama / November 14, 2025
Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, and O28 Films join forces to bring ‘Agra’ under the direction of Kanu Behl, who wrote it with Atika Chohan.
The narrative centers on Guru, a lonely call center employee trapped between the claustrophobia of his family home and the false intimacy of digital life. His frustrations twist into delusion and self-destruction, capturing the raw ache of isolation in the urban middle class.
The drama film features Priyanka Bose, Ruhani Sharma, Sonal Jha, Aanchal Goswami, Vibha Chibber, and debutant Mohit Agarwal in key roles.
Read more: Bollywood Hindi Movies List for October 2025: Top 10 Biggest Premieres
Karan Gour’s music heightens the unsettling tone.
4 months ago
Netflix to release supernatural mystery film Baramulla on Nov 7
Netflix has announced the release of its upcoming supernatural mystery film Baramulla, starring Manav Kaul, which will premiere on the platform on November 7.
The film, set in the hauntingly beautiful yet turbulent Kashmir valley, is written and directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, best known for Article 370. It is produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios in association with Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar of B62 Studios.
Baramulla follows DSP Ridwaan Sayyed (played by Manav Kaul), a police officer investigating the mysterious disappearance of children in a snow-covered town. As he and his family move into a derelict house, the investigation leads him into a dark confrontation with his past and supernatural forces beyond human understanding.
The film also stars Bhasha Sumbli in a key role.
Director Jambhale said the film aims to merge emotion, suspense, and the supernatural, with Kashmir itself serving as a “living, breathing character.” Netflix India’s Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh called Baramulla a unique thriller that blends emotion with mystery, while producers Aditya and Lokesh Dhar described it as a bold story that challenges mainstream conventions in Indian cinema.
This marks Netflix’s second collaboration with B62 Studios after the 2024 romantic comedy Dhoom Dhaam.
Source:NDTV
4 months ago
Teaser of Touqir Islam's film ‘Delupi’ released
The teaser of ‘Delupi’, the upcoming film by acclaimed OTT director Mohammad Touqir Islam known for hit web series ‘Shaaticup’ and ‘Sinpaat’, has officially been released. The 27-second teaser premiered on Friday afternoon, offering a glimpse into the intriguing storyline.
Set against the backdrop of a serene village road lined with trees, the teaser opens with a young man, Partha, running hurriedly. The teaser can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg4d56n_q3I
The teaser follows the recent official announcement of the film’s title last week, marking the next step in the promotional rollout.
With ‘Delupi’, director Mohammad Touqir Islam makes his much-anticipated debut on the big screen. His previous works, ‘Shaaticup’ (2022), a Rajshahi-based story that won both critical and audience acclaim, and ‘Sinpaat’ (2024), which further established his storytelling capability, have set high expectations for his cinematic venture.
‘Delupi’ is expected to hit the theatres soon, according to the director. The film is produced by Footprint Film Production.
4 months ago
Movie Review: ‘Blue Moon’ — Ethan Hawke shines in Linklater’s tender tribute to a forgotten lyricist
For a filmmaker once associated with the “slacker” generation, Richard Linklater has proven to be one of America’s most versatile and consistently outstanding directors. Among his two dozen films are thoughtful portraits of artists such as Me and Orson Welles and even School of Rock, which celebrated the joy of creative rebellion.
This fall, Linklater presents two new films about artists: Nouvelle Vague, centered on Jean-Luc Godard and the birth of the French New Wave, and Blue Moon, which explores the final chapter in the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart. Both celebrate brilliant, uncompromising creative spirits — and both are pure cinematic pleasure.
A night at Sardi’s
Blue Moon, the first of the two to be released, unfolds over a single evening — March 31, 1943 — at Sardi’s in New York. Down the street, Oklahoma! is premiering, marking a new beginning for composer Richard Rodgers, who has teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein II, leaving behind his longtime collaborator, Lorenz “Larry” Hart. Within six months, Hart would die of pneumonia after a night spent unconscious on a city sidewalk. He was only 48.
But Linklater’s focus is on Larry that fateful night, holding court at Sardi’s while nursing both his pride and his despair. He entertains bartender Eddie (Bobby Cannavale) and others, including writer E.B. White (Patrick Kennedy), in a witty, melancholic monologue about life, love, and lyrics — all while trying to resist another drink.
“I’ve written a handful of words that are going to cheat death,” he says, referring to timeless classics such as My Funny Valentine, The Lady Is a Tramp, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, and Blue Moon.
Larry’s love for language — and for the right turn of phrase — defines him. His favorite line from Casablanca is telling: “Nobody ever loved me that much.” He admires Humphrey Bogart, noting that the actor “proves you can be both short and a leading man.”
Ethan Hawke’s finest performance
Physically transformed and emotionally unguarded, Ethan Hawke delivers what may be the best performance of his career. His portrayal of Hart — a brilliant, closeted, self-destructive artist — is both magnetic and heartbreaking. Hawke captures the charm of a raconteur and the vulnerability of a man left behind by changing times and his own demons.
When Oklahoma! becomes an overnight sensation, Larry’s bitterness turns reflective. He sees in the musical’s cheerful Americana an exclusion of the melancholy and irony that defined his own work. “It’s a fraudulent portrait of America,” he says.
Yet amid the melancholy, there’s warmth. The late-night gathering at Sardi’s becomes a small, tender act of redemption. Cannavale’s Eddie and the other patrons form a circle of quiet empathy around Larry as they share jokes and toasts — a eulogy in real time.
Also present is Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley), a 20-year-old Yale student who fascinates Larry. His affection for her — drawn from real letters between Hart and Weiland — is less romantic than aesthetic. “I drink beauty wherever I find it,” he insists.
A graceful farewellBlue Moon is adapted by Robert Kaplow, who also wrote Me and Orson Welles. His screenplay captures both Hart’s brilliance and fragility, balancing Linklater’s conversational filmmaking with moments of deep pathos.
If Nouvelle Vague is expansive and crowded with cinematic icons, Blue Moon is its intimate counterpart — a one-man show that feels like a final performance. In its finest moments, the film becomes a loving salute not only to Hart but to every forgotten writer who tried, in his words, to “cheat death” through art.
Source: AP
4 months ago
Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather series, and Father of the Bride, has died at 79, People Magazine reported, citing a family spokesperson. She passed away in California surrounded by loved ones.
Keaton’s career spanned decades, marked by her quirky, vibrant style and depth as an actor. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Annie Hall and earned three additional nominations for Reds, Marvin’s Room, and Something’s Gotta Give. She became an icon of 1970s cinema, especially through her collaborations with Woody Allen, appearing in films such as Sleeper, Manhattan, and Interiors.
Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, when joining Actors’ Equity. She trained under Sanford Meisner in New York and began her career on stage, including Broadway productions like Hair and Play It Again, Sam. Her early film roles included Lovers and Other Strangers before she rose to fame as Kay Adams in The Godfather and its sequels.
Keaton’s signature style—exemplified by Annie Hall’s bowler hats, neckties, and vests—made her a cultural icon. Her collaborations with Nancy Meyers in films like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, and Something’s Gotta Give introduced her to new generations, blending comedy with heartfelt performances.
Despite never marrying, she adopted two children in her 50s, balancing family life with a prolific career. Keaton also wrote several books, including memoirs Then Again and Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty, as well as design-focused works.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide. Leonardo DiCaprio called her “one of a kind,” while Bette Midler praised her humor and authenticity. Keaton’s enduring legacy lies in her ability to make films timeless, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and audiences alike.
4 months ago
From ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘Something’s Gotta Give’: Six iconic Diane Keaton films and where to watch them
Diane Keaton never quite fit the mold of a glamorous Hollywood movie star. Though she appeared in some of cinema’s most celebrated films and dated several of her generation’s biggest names, Keaton has always remained refreshingly original — eccentric, approachable, and effortlessly herself. With her blend of self-effacing humor and magnetic charm, it’s no surprise she became a muse for filmmakers from Woody Allen to Nancy Meyers.
Often described as self-deprecating, Keaton’s modesty stemmed from genuine insecurity. She once admitted struggling with eating disorders and feeling unattractive, even as she built one of Hollywood’s most distinctive careers. Through those vulnerabilities, she delivered performances spanning five decades that remain unmatched in depth and authenticity.
Keaton’s filmography is vast, ranging from her collaborations with Woody Allen to modern favorites like The First Wives Club (available to rent), nostalgic classics such as Father of the Bride (streaming on Hulu), and dramatic roles in Marvin’s Room (on Kanopy) and Shoot the Moon (available to rent).
Here are six standout Diane Keaton films to revisit or discover anew:
The Godfather (1972)
As Kay Adams, the future Mrs. Corleone, Keaton turned what could have been a passive role into something quietly powerful. Her subtle performance balanced the intensity of the male-dominated cast, culminating in one of cinema’s most haunting final scenes.
In a 2023 Instagram exchange, director Francis Ford Coppola revealed why he cast her: “Although you were to play the more straight/vanilla wife, there was something more about you — deeper, funnier, and very interesting. (I was right).”
Where to watch: Available to rent on various platforms, including Prime Video.
Annie Hall (1977)
The definitive Diane Keaton role — quirky, vulnerable, and endlessly charming. Her offbeat style, from the khaki trousers to the tie and vest, became instantly iconic.
Keaton later wrote that she drew inspiration for her wardrobe from “cool-looking women on the streets of New York,” adding that filming with Woody Allen felt spontaneous and unpressured.
Where to watch: Streaming on Fubo TV.
Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)
Released the same year as Annie Hall, this darker drama showcases Keaton’s range. She plays Theresa Dunn, a Catholic schoolteacher who leads a double life — teaching deaf children by day and seeking dangerous encounters in bars at night.
Long unavailable on home video, the film has recently become accessible on digital platforms, reclaiming its status as a bold, unsettling character study.
Where to watch: Available to rent on various platforms.
Reds (1981)
Directed by and co-starring Warren Beatty, Reds is an ambitious historical drama about journalists covering the Bolshevik Revolution. Keaton portrays writer and activist Louise Bryant — a role shaped by her real-life relationship with Beatty during filming.
In her memoir, she recalled, “Everyone knew I didn’t take well to Warren’s direction… Sometimes it felt like I was being stun-gunned. Even now I can’t say my performance is my own — it was a reaction to Warren.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Kanopy.
Baby Boom (1987)
This Nancy Meyers–Charles Shyer comedy stars Keaton as a driven Manhattan executive whose life is turned upside down when she inherits a baby girl. Relocating to Vermont, she rediscovers herself — and romance — with a local vet played by Sam Shepard.
A witty, ahead-of-its-time take on the work-life balance debate, Baby Boom remains a fan favorite. Critic Roger Ebert called it “a fantasy about mothers and babies and sweetness and love, with just enough wicked comedy to give it an edge.”
Where to watch: Available to rent on various platforms.
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
As Erica Barry — the sophisticated playwright with a perfect Hamptons home and an enviable collection of turtlenecks — Keaton shines in one of her most beloved roles. Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, the romantic comedy boldly placed a woman in her 50s at the center of a love triangle with Jack Nicholson and Keanu Reeves.
Keaton has called it her favorite film, partly because “it was so unexpected at age 57” to play a romantic lead — and to share a memorable onscreen kiss with Nicholson.
Where to watch: Available to rent on various platforms.
From complex drama to timeless comedy, Diane Keaton’s performances capture both the insecurities and resilience of modern womanhood — always on her own terms.
Source:AP
4 months ago
Amazon Prime under fire for removing guns from James Bond posters amid fan backlash
Amazon Prime Video faced heavy criticism online after fans noticed that guns were digitally removed from promotional posters of classic James Bond films on its UK platform.
The edited artworks, released ahead of James Bond Day on October 5, showed the iconic 007 agent without his trademark Walther PPK pistol. In posters for Dr. No and GoldenEye, the gun was airbrushed out, while in A View to a Kill, Roger Moore’s arm was unnaturally extended to hide the weapon.
Fans and writers condemned the move on social media, calling it “cultural vandalism.” Author John A. Douglas posted side-by-side images of the altered posters, writing, “They photoshopped all the guns out… just in case you still had hope for Amazon running the franchise.”
British actor Rufus Jones mocked the redesigns, saying they made the stars look awkward, while another user quipped that Amazon was simply “being disarming.”
Following the widespread backlash, Prime Video quietly replaced the altered images with original stills from the films but declined to comment on the controversy.
Source: NDTV
4 months ago