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KOCHI: The early weeks of December have set the capital in a unique aura, with a mild chill easing spirits as rain plays hide-and-seek with a blazing sun. The air takes on a subtly laid-back vibe as routine activities slow down, though the thrum of traffic during peak hours reminds everyone that the annual break is still weeks away. This is the time when cinephiles gather here for what is regarded as one of the biggest film galas in the country -- the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Stepping into its 30th year, the festival is marking a milestone by focusing on the works of women. The array of experts, films, yesteryear artistes, and more speaks to its commitment to showcasing the feminine spirit, which is making bold and exemplary forays into cinema. This comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry is still emerging from the discussions surrounding the Hema Committee report. The female gaze The female presence is strong, beginning with French film producer Golda Sellam, who continues her role as curator this year. Of the 177 films spread across various sections, 52 are directed by women. French cinematographer Agnes Godard heads the international jury, which also has a formidable female presence. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Hong Kong-based filmmaker Ann Hui, and Shabana Azmi will be felicitated at the opening ceremony for her contributions to cinema. Additionally, women artistes who have made a mark in the industry will be honoured during the festival. The Spirit of Cinema Award (meant for filmmakers who use cinema as tool for social resistance) will be presented to Payal Kapadia, director of 'All We Imagine As Light'.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21: Malayalam cinema's iconic actor Mohanlal turned 65 on Wednesday. The veteran star is celebrating the occasion with his entire family in Thailand. As he nears the golden jubilee of his illustrious acting career, Mohanlal's achievements continue to shine. He has won five National Film Awards, including two Best Actor honours, a Special Jury Mention, a Special Jury Award, and a Best Feature Film award as a producer. He has also been conferred with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India's highest civilian honours. Coincidentally, his birthday comes when two of ...Read More >
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 >
Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal says he will definitely come and work in Hindi movies if filmmakers in Bollywood offer him roles. One of the most influential Malayalam cinema stars, Mohanlal has been part of over 300 films, including all time hits such as "Manichitrathazhu", "Kireedam", "Bharatham", "Drishyam" and "Pulimurugan". "I have done a couple of Hindi films also. But now most of my other films are dubbed into Hindi. When somebody calls me for a role I'll definitely come and work. I don't mind. I don't have a choice. As actors we don't have a choice. Let it come. Let ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Actress Kangana Ranaut has officially announced her return to movie sets for the filming of her new movie, which reunites her with her 'Tanu Weds Manu' co-star R Madhavan. The two actors, who previously delighted audiences with their performances in the successful romantic comedy series, will now collaborate again in a psychological thriller. Also Read | 'Those First Loves Always Stay With You': 'Loveyapa' Pair Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor on True Love, Sibling Rivalry and Inspiration From Actor Parents (LatestLY Exclusive). The announcement came shortl ...Read More >
Oscars 2025: Academy invites 534 new members, including Ariana Grande, Ayushmann Khurrana, Conan O'Brien and more. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the body behind the Oscars) has invited 534 new individuals to become members. It's the biggest batch since 2020, covering a wide range, actors, comedians, cinematographers, directors, musicians, and more. Alongside Hollywood names such as Sebastian Stan, Mikey Madison, and Ariana Grande, this year's list also includes major Indian talent. Actors such as Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, cinematographer Ranabir Das, costume designe ...Read More >
KOCHI: Questioning the censor board's objection to the use of 'Janaki' in an upcoming Malayalam film and the need for modifying its title, the Kerala High Court on Friday observed that 'Janaki' was a common name used everywhere. It also wondered how the name could affect a particular section of society, as it did not belong to any specific caste or religion. Justice N Nagaresh made the remarks during the hearing of the petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the producer of 'JSK-Janaki Vs State of Kerala', which stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles. The Tam ...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, Dec 11 (PTI) A day after the members of Raj Kapoor's family met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan thanked him for inviting them to "commemorate the extraordinary life and legacy" of their grandfather ahead of the cinema icon's birth centenary. The Kapoor family, including actors Ranbir Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Neetu Kapoor, met the prime minister on Tuesday and invited him to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival to be held to celebrate the occasion. December 14, 2024 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor, an actor, editor, a director, and ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...Read More >
New Delhi: Diljit Dosanjh will continue to be a part of the upcoming war drama 'Border 2', despite the uproar surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in 'Sardaar Ji 3'. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which had earlier imposed a non-cooperation order on Diljit, has now temporarily revoked the restriction, but only for this specific project. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, confirmed the development to India Today, stating that producer Bhushan Kumar personally appealed to the federation to allow Dosanjh to continue shooting for 'Border 2'. "Yes, ...Read More >
New Delhi: Lucky Bhaskar, starring Mollywood heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary in the lead roles, has returned to the spotlight as it is now available for streaming on Netflix. Directed by Venky Atluri, the film has been making waves online, with millions of viewers praising its captivating storytelling, stellar performances, and music. Upon its release on OTT today, netizens took to social media to express their admiration for the film, calling it a "masterpiece." One viewer praised the film's narrative and performances, writing, "Lucky Bhaskar. The best of 2024. A masterpie ...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 >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 29 (ANI): Actor SJ Suryah is set to make his directorial comeback after 10 years with the film 'Killer'. The actor's last directed movie was Isai in 2015. In a post on the social media platform X, SJ Suryah announced his return to direction by sharing the details of his next project titled 'Killer'. Also Read | 'Heads of State' Movie Review: Priyanka Chopra Gets Ample Room To Shine in John Cena and Idris Elba's Fairly Enjoyable Action-Comedy (LatestLY Exclusive). It will be produced by Malayalam production house Sree Gokulam Movies along with SJ Suryah's A ...Read More >
Chennai, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Vishnu Manchu on Monday penned a note of gratitude to actor Suriya after the latter sent a bouquet and a congratulatory note for the success of 'Kannappa', saying he was proud of Vishnu Manchu for creating something that had touched so many hearts. Taking to his X timeline, Vishnu Manchu posted a picture of the flower bouquet and the message Suriya had sent him and thanked him for both the flowers and the message. Suriya, in his message to Vishnu, had said, "Big congratulations dear brother Vishnu on this amazing milestone! Your passion, hardwork, and ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 8 (ANI): Iconic filmmaker Raj Kapoor's family is quite famous for their endless love for food. The members of the famous Kapoor Khandaan often meet with each other and bond over different cuisines. On veteran actor Neetu Kapoor's 67th birthday on July 8, Kareena Kapoor Khan dropped a throwback picture of the two gorging on their favourite "sindhi curry". Also Read | 'L365?: Is Mohanlal Playing a Cop in Austin Dan Thomas' Upcoming Malayalam Film? (View Poster). "Happy birthday Neetu aunty (rainbow and red heart emojis) sindhi curry forever ok lots of love," ...Read More >
Kochi (Kerala) [India], July 8 (ANI): Actor Soubin Shahir was arrested in Kochi, allegedly in a financial fraud case related to the film 'Manjummel Boys'. The court had granted anticipatory bail, and he will be released after recording his arrest, as per the Kochi police. The police had registered a case against Soubin Shahir, an actor-producer, and Shawn Antony, a producer, on a complaint by Siraj Valiathara Hameed that they had not paid him the share of the profit made from the movie, despite his contribution of Rs 7 crore towards its production. Also Read | 'L365?: Is Mohanlal Playing a C ...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 >
'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 >
MUMBAI: Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari are set to share the screen in an upcoming film titled Parivarik ManuRanjan. Described as a heartwarming family entertainer filled with laughter, love, chaos, and music, the film revolves around a "perfectly mismatched duo", according to a statement from the makers. The project is backed by Vinod Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited and Himanshu Mehra. Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar joins the team as creative producer under his banner AAZ Films. Parivarik ManuRanjan will be directed by Varun V Sharma, known for his writing work on Zafar's 2 ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 4: Dreams do come true, says filmmaker RS Prasanna who went from being a cheerleader for Aamir Khan as the accepted an award for "Taare Zameen Par" in 2007 to finally directing him in its sequel "Sitaare Zameen Par". Prasanna, known for "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" in Tamil and its Hindi remake "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", was still in film school in 2007 when he watched "Taare Zameen Par". "I remember bawling my eyes out while watching 'Taare Zameen Par' with my friends, and my then-girlfriend, now wife. When Aamir sir won the Best Debut Director award at the Gollapudi Srinivas Award, ...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 >
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 >
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 10 (PTI) 'I'm Still Here' (Portugal), a 2024 political biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles will be the opening film of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) beginning here on December 13. The movie, a Brazil-France co-production, deals with the story of a mother and activist searching for her missing husband, a dissident politician during the military dictatorship in Brazil. The festival will be officially inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a function to be held at the Nisagandhi auditorium on December 13 evening, St ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari will be featuring together in an upcoming film, titled "Parivarik ManuRanjan". Filled with laughter, love, chaos and music, the family entertainer is about a "perfectly mismatched duo", the makers said in a statement. It is backed by Vinod Bhanushali of Bhanushali Studios Limited and Himanshu Mehra. Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar's serves as the creative producer through his banner AAZ Films. "Parivarik ManuRanjan" will be directed by Varun V Sharma, who served as a writer on Zafar's 2019 movie "Bharat", starring Salman Khan and Kat ...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 >
New Delhi: On this day in 2024, India defeated South Africa by 7 runs and lifted the T20 World Cup title at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. India posted a 177-run target for the Proteas in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Virat Kohli smashed 76 runs off 59 balls with the help of six boundaries and two maximums. Axar Patel also batted brilliantly and scored 47 runs off 31 balls, hitting four maximums and one boundary in his sensational knock. Chasing the target of 177 runs, Bumrah provided India their first breakthrough when he removed Reeza Hendricks in the second over of the run-chase, ...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 >