Bollywood's biggest stars ignite the screen! From the dazzling premiere of [mention a recently released film or event] to the brewing controversies surrounding [mention a current entertainment scandal], India's entertainment scene is ablaze. This week saw [mention a significant entertainment event, e.g., a music launch, award ceremony, or box office milestone], further cementing India's position as a global entertainment powerhouse. The battle for box office supremacy heats up as [mention competing films or actors], while the digital realm witnesses the rise of [mention a trending OTT series or online sensation]. Beyond Bollywood, regional cinema continues to flourish, with [mention a noteworthy achievement in regional cinema]. From the vibrant world of music to the captivating realm of television, Abtak.com brings you the pulse of Indian entertainment. Dive in and stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and exclusive interviews—your ultimate destination for all things entertainment. Explore the captivating stories unfolding now!
The situation in Gaza, where 62-year-old Rashid Masharawi was born and raised in the Shati refugee camp, has spurred the filmmaker to produce From Ground Zero, an anthology of 22 short films that capture the plight of Palestinians under siege for over a year now. HIPA award | How photographers from West Asia are looking beyond war and violence to redefine their world From Ground Zero was screened this month at the 12th Ajyal Film Festival in Doha and at the Cairo International Film Festival, where Masharawi's latest directorial, Passing Dreams, was the opening night title. The film is covering a lot of ground the world over. However, last month's Dharamshala International Film Festival, dedicated to independent cinema, was denied "official permission" to screen the anthology. Earlier this year, the 77th Cannes Film Festival shunned the film because the organisers wanted to keep politics out of the official selection. In protest, Masharawi held a screening outside the festival venue and attended the event sporting a necktie made of the Palestinian keffiyeh. A still from 'From Ground Zero'. Speaking on the sidelines of Ajyal, where From Ground Zero was part of a special exhibit, Masharawi asks: "Why was it cancelled [at Dharamshala]? Did they watch it or only saw its title before deciding that the film wasn't fit for screening?" He quips: "Gandhiism is over but we still have it, not in India but elsewhere in the world (referring to the resistance and resilience of Palestinians fighting never-ending occupation)." Immediately after a wave of Israeli attacks on Gaza began in October last year, Masharawi, who lives between Ramallah and Paris, set up a fund to help filmmakers from the region tell their stories. "It was easy for me to convince the young filmmakers to show the world what they are going through. For them, however, it wasn't easy to follow my ideas," he says, adding, "People want to save their lives. They want food and electricity as they move from one place to another as refugees inside Gaza." Making cinema, Masharawi admits, wasn't top priority for these young Gazans. But stories, he asserts, cannot wait. They have to be told. Voices amid the rubble From Ground Zero records the personal experiences of the filmmakers. It embraces various forms -- fiction, documentary, cinematic experiments, animation, video art and even a story told with marionettes. "Every idea was welcome," says Masharawi. "Our resources were seriously limited. We had to make do with what we had and innovate." A still from 'From Ground Zero'. The subjects that the anthology film deals with reflect the diversity of the directors. Among them are painters, theatre professionals, writers and filmmakers. "The selection was focused more on the stories than on the personnel," Masharawi continues. "I insisted that we should tell untold stories in an artistic way." Nothing represents the spirit of Palestine more than Awakening, a film that artist Mahdi Karirah contributed to. It emerged from rubble, literally. Karirah's home was bombed. All his marionettes, tools and colours were destroyed. He picked up things from the garbage, created marionettes and made the film. "This is resistance," says Masharawi. "Nobody can occupy these people. They are fighting for their lives. They have a life. They are life." Not everybody who wanted to be a part of the project made the cut. "Many aspirants were not selected. Some who were could not complete their film," Masharawi recalls. "People sometimes want to complain and spark angry political debates. For sure, all this is in From Ground Zero but we are not saying anything directly. When you see the film, you will say that it is about genocide. I do not have to say it. I do not want to use the methods of television news. I would rather employ purely cinematic means to make my point." A still from 'Passing Dreams'. Cinema as a tool That is precisely what the seasoned director has done in his latest, Passing Dreams, a simple, gentle and non-confrontational 'Palestinian road movie' about a 12-year-old boy in the Qalandia refugee camp in East Jerusalem who sets out to search for his missing pigeon. "The boy goes to Bethlehem and Jerusalem before he ends up in Haifa [where the original owner of the pigeon lives]," says Masharawi. "The film is not about the pigeon. It is about the region. It is about the beauty of Palestine's landscape, about its problems, about its history and about the primacy of hope." Passing Dreams, Masharawi reveals, was filmed on real locations before October 7 last year -- in a refugee camp, in Bethlehem, in the old city of Jerusalem near the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The film was in post production even as Gaza was battered and the producer-director soon got busy with From Ground Zero. Masharawi, who has been making films for 40 years and is a role model to an entire generation of Palestinian directors, swears by cinema as a tool of record and resistance. "Cinema is essential when you want to talk about history and memory," he says. "The stories we tell enable us to assert our identity and defend our culture. Nobody can occupy the dreams and imagination of a people." His career is a testament to freedom, defiance and assertion. "I never take permission to film," he says. "Seeking permission would be tantamount to legitimising the occupation. It is my country. I shoot when and where I want. I know that the authorities can create problems, but this, no matter what, is my land." The writer is a New Delhi-based film critic. Published - November 29, 2024 01:31 pm IST Read Comments
Kareena Kapoor Khan brought a deeply personal and touching element to her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by requesting him to write a heartfelt message for her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan, who were unable to attend the event. A memorable highlight from the gathering showcased Kareena watching intently, her expression radiating pride and warmth, as the Prime Minister inscribed a note dedicated to her children, affectionately called "Tim and Jeh."Kareena Kapoor Khan added ...Read More >
New Delhi: Actor Kajol says she isn't a fan of horror films and will be watching "Maa", her own entry in the genre, solely for professional reasons. "Maa", directed by Vishal Furia, is the first horror project of Kajol's career of over 30 years. The movie shares the same universe with the 2023 movie "Shaitaan", which featured her actor-husband Ajay Devgn. "I don't watch horror films. I have watched a lot of big films. I'm not a horror film aficionado at all. "I haven't watched 'Maa' yet. Only in parts with lots of green screens behind me so that I don't get scared, and no background music, ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Guru Dutt lives on only in the memories of those who knew him personally or professionally, his own voice "completely absent", says his biographer Yasser Usman describing the actor-director as a "chronic introvert". As reams get written about the legendary filmmaker, who would have been 100 on Wednesday, Usman says he remains an enigma despite so many books and documentaries analysing his life and works. Usman, the author of the 2021 "Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story", said he researched various archives, magazines and newspapers of Guru Dutt's time but couldn't find a s ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said. Also Read | India Urges Bangladesh ...Read More >
The censors felt that the dialogue would hurt certain sentiments, especially those of the Muslim population. Kabir Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan, starring Salman Khan as the lead, is one of the most talked-about films in both their filmographies. With its deep political messaging and balanced entertainment, the film has amassed a great fan following over the years. As the film clocks 10 years, the director opened up to SCREEN and revealed that the CBFC asked him to make a major edit. In the film, Om ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at his official residence in Delhi on Monday and offered support to the government in setting up Sports University in Telangana. Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn also met Revanth Reddy and expressed his interest to set up a world-class film studio in the state. Kapil Dev lauded the state government's initiatives for the development of sports under the leadership of the Chief Minister. A press issued by Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Revanth Reddy briefed Kapil Dev about the government's plans to establi ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Noted Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has come forward to establish a film studio with international standards in Telangana. The actor also expressed his willingness to be a campaigner of the media and film sectors under 'TelanganaRising'. During his meeting with the Chief Minister at the latter's official residence in Delhi on Monday, Devgn briefed the CM about his vision to develop the film studio with state-of-the-art facilities and appealed to the Chief Minister to provide required facilities to set up the studio which will be equipped with animation, VFX studio, AI and other facil ...Read More >
Kolkata: Guru Dutt was not born in Kolkata but the city had lived in him since he shifted here and grew up as a Bhowanipore resident. Fluent in Bengali and an avid reader of Bengali literature, Dutt married iconic Bengali singer, Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri, and filmed at least two of his cult movies in Kolkata. To commemorate his centenary, film enthusiasts from across India will gather for a day-long event at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity on Friday. Richa Agarwal, chairperson of the centre, described "Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh: Remembering Guru Dutt" as a space to reflect on cinema ...Read More >
Mumbai, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) It's not every day that Janhvi Kapoor's candid side surfaces online, but her latest exchange with producer Rhea Kapoor did just that. In her latest post on Instagram, the 'Dhadak' actress jokingly pleaded with Rhea Kapoor, saying, "Don't kill me." On Friday, Janhvi shared a couple of her stylish photos in a black outfit and captioned it, Ready for the Mumbai rains ( @rheakapoor don't kill me for the caption)." In the images, she made a stylish statement in a chic black outfit that she paired with a hat and heels. Janhvi Kapoor completed her look with a subtle m ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Kamal Haasan has added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap. The screen icon known for redefining Indian cinema with pathbreaking performances is now officially a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Haasan becomes only the second Indian actor ever to receive an invitation from the Academy. The first? Tamil star Suriya, who was inducted in 2022. But Haasan isn't the only Indian in the Academy's Class of 2025. This year, the Academy has inducted 534 global talents and it is the largest batch since 2020. Kamal aside, over a dozen Indians across ca ...Read More >
It's been 25 years since Refugee released. The film marked the debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor, two fresh faces who would go on to become big names in Bollywood. Looking back on those early days, Abhishek recently shared a fun memory from that time. He recalled how he and Kareena once had to be locked inside a projector room during a theatre visit because fans found out they were there. In an interview with SCREEN, Abhishek Bachchan said, "I have vivid memories! I was filming in Ma ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Guru Dutt lives on only in the memories of those who knew him personally or professionally, his own voice "completely absent", says his biographer Yasser Usman describing the actor-director as a "chronic introvert". As reams get written about the legendary filmmaker, who would have been 100 on Wednesday, Usman says he remains an enigma despite so many books and documentaries analysing his life and works. Also Read | 'Baaghi 4': Tiger Shroff Calls It a Wrap for A Harsha's Action Thriller, Actor Shows Off His Toned Abs From Final Day of Shoot (View Pics). Usman, the aut ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 15 (PTI) Veteran actor-producer Dheeraj Kumar, known for starring in Manoj Kumar's "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan" and producing hit television shows "Om Namah Shivay" and "Adalat", has passed away at a hospital here, a family friend said on Tuesday. He was 79. Kumar was suffering from acute pneumonia and was admitted to an intensive care unit of the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. "He passed away this morning at 11:00 am due to pneumonia at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was unwell and was admitted to the hospital on Saturday as he was having fever, cold and cough. He was ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 16 (ANI): Following the tragic road accident in the Muwani area of Pithoragarh district on Tuesday that claimed eight lives, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state government would provide Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. This would be in addition to the ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. Also Read | Weather Forecast Today, July 16: Check ...Read More >
'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (2001) is a romantic drama directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, marking the Bollywood debut of R Madhavan and Dia Mirza. At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actor R Madhavan opened up about the emotional journey of his iconic film 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (RHTDM), which has achieved cult status over the years. The film, initially released in 2001, marked a significant milestone in Bollywood, both for R Madhavan and his co-star Dia Mirza, as it was their debut film. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the romantic drama also starred Saif ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jun 7 (PTI) A 26-year-old man allegedly beheaded his wife following a heated argument on the outskirts of Bengaluru after he suspected her of having an extra-marital affair, police said on Saturday. After killing Manasa, Shankar travelled with her severed head on his scooter to the nearest police station and confessed to the crime, they said. The man was later arrested, police said, adding that the incident occurred at Heelalige village, near Chandapura, Anekal taluk late on Friday. According to the police, the couple were married for over five years and have a four-year-old daug ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Adilabad police arrested a couple from Maharashtra on Saturday for trafficking a minor tribal girl for Rs 10,000.A rape case has also been registered against a man in Rajasthan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for repeatedly sexually abusing the girl. He has not yet been arrested. The couple has been charged with human trafficking and kidnapping.Bheempur police registered a case on June 22 after the girl's family reported her missing, having failed in their attempts to trace her.You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1 (ANI): Ahead of the release of Anupam Kher's directorial 'Tanvi The Great', Oscar-winning sound editor Resul Pookutty opened up about his experience collaborating with the cinema icon on his upcoming film. Speaking with ANI, Resul lauded Anupam Kher for his work and said it is quite inspiring to see the 'body of work he has done'. 'Being with him, working with him is like a tribute to the body of work that he has done, you know. As a film student, I really got inspired by his films. I love him as a person, as an actor and a filmmaker,' Resul said. The fi ...Read More >
New Delhi: Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, known for his bold and thought-provoking cinema, unveiled the powerful promo of The Bengal Files. Renowned for his fearless storytelling and commitment to uncovering uncomfortable truths, Agnihotri has previously delivered The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. Now, he gears up for the final and most explosive chapter of his 'truth trilogy' with The Bengal Files. As the film nears its release, the makers have announced a series of international premieres, starting with the 'Never Again USA Tour'. Agnihotri recently shared a gripping promo video ...Read More >
New Delhi: The death sentence of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death in Yemen, has been postponed for the time being. She was to be executed by shooting today, July 16. According to media reports, activist groups and influential religious leaders intervened in the matter, after which the death sentence of Nimisha Priya was postponed. Earlier, many efforts were also made at the diplomatic level to save Nimisha from the death penalty. There is also news that the victim's family has not yet agreed to clemency or blood money. As a last-ditch effort to save her, Kanthapuram A. ...Read More >
Chennai, June 27: The prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscar Awards each year, has now extended an invitation to one of Indian cinema's iconic stars Kamal Haasan to join it. The Academy has extended invitations to 534 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures to join it this year and Kamal Haasan is one among them. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said,"We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) Guru Dutt's legacy is not of awards but of silence, the kind that lingers on after the screen fades to black, says Mahesh Bhatt about the legendary filmmaker who "let beauty crumble into truth". Dutt, regarded as amongst the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema with films such as "Pyaasa", "Kaagaz Ke Phool" and "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", would have been 100 on July 9. He was found dead, possibly from a cocktail of sleeping pills and alcohol, in 1964 when he was just 39. "He took the aching mess of human life, and turned it into poetry that could pierce even silence. Those o ...Read More >
New Delhi, Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound", horror-comedy "Stree 2" and hit shows like "Black Warrant" and "Paatal Lok 2" are among the films and shows nominated for the 2025th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. IFFM, which celebrates the best of Indian cinema and streaming, on Monday unveiled its nominations list for the 2025 edition, which will take place between August 14 and August 24, in Melbourne, Australia. The IFFM Awards Night, during which the winners of the categories wil ...Read More >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Actor Tillotama Shome's Bengali film "Baksho Bondi" will serve as the opening at the 2025 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The film, co-produced by Shome and actor Jim Sarbh, will have its official Australian premiere on August 14, setting the stage for the 16th edition of the festival. Directed by first-time filmmakers Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, the film is set in a Kolkata suburb and follows Maya, played by Shome, a working woman whose story unfolds through moments of quiet strength and resilience. The movie, titled "Shadowbox" in E ...Read More >
This is a celebration of everyone who worked so passionately on the film, says the celebrated director. History was made as Payal Kapadia became the first Indian director to have won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director. Her much talked about movie, 'All We Imagine as Light' has won two GG nominations in total. One for Best Director and the other for Best Motion Picture (Non-English). The two prestigious nominations at the 82nd Golden Globes mark a milestone in Indian cinema. After Canne ...Read More >
Imphal, June 7 (UNI) Three militants were nabbed in separate incidents during the last 24 hours in Manipur, police said on Saturday. Manipur Police arrested a militant from Moidangpok Awang Leikai from Khumbong Bazar under Imphal West District, they said. Security forces arrested a militant from the Elangkhanpokpi Mayai Leikai area under Kakching district. Security forces apprehended a militant from Wangoo Samushang in Bishnupur district and elected members from Kumbi area. In an operation, one M16 rifle, one bolt-action rifle, three pull-mechanism rifles, three improvised mortars, and fiv ...Read More >
New Delhi: Iulia Vantur is all set to make her acting debut with the short film Echoes of Us. She will be seen sharing screen space with veteran actor Deepak Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz. Recently, Deepak Tijori shared his experience working with Iulia and praised her acting abilities. Deepak Tijori said, "I just had to take a moment to share my thoughts on Iulia's incredible debut in our short film, Echoes of Us. From the very first scene, it was clear that she is one of the finest debut actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her talent is undeniable, an ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Netflix is set to release a highly anticipated documentary series titled The Roshans, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of Bollywood's most influential family, the Roshans. This powerful docu-series traces the remarkable journey of the Roshan family, whose legacy has significantly shaped the Indian film industry. The series delves into the lives of the patriarch, legendary music composer Roshan, and his sons: filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and composer Rajesh Roshan, along with their famous grandson, actor Hrithik Roshan. Hrithik Roshan, sharing the update on his Instagram, expr ...Read More >