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!
Chennai, Jan 27 (VOICE) The teaser of director Varsha Bharath's upcoming Tamil film 'Bad Girl', which was released recently, has stirred up a hornet's nest with one section of the film fraternity calling the film "bold and refreshing" and another section taking offence to the manner in which a Brahmin girl has been portrayed in the film's teaser.Sharing the film's teaser, director Pa Ranjith tweeted on his X timeline. He wrote, "Happened to watch #BadGirl, and it's truly a bold and refreshing film! Director #VetriMaaran deserves immense credit for backing such a daring story. The film powerfully portrays women's struggles and society's expectations through a unique new wave cinema style. Congratulations #varsha.Anjali Sivaraman delivers an amazing performance -- don't miss this one!" However, soon after Pa Ranjith put out this tweet, director Mohan G Kshatriyan responded to it. Quoting Pa Ranjith's tweet, he wrote, "Portraying a Brahmin girl('s) personal life is always a bold and refreshing film for this clan. What more can be expected from Vetrimaran, Anurag Kasyap & Co.. Bashing Brahmin father and mother is old and not trendy. Try with your own caste girls and showcase it to your own family first." The film, which has been directed by Varsha Bharath, features Anjali Sivaraman, Shanthi Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam and Sashank Bommireddipalli among others. Cinematography for the film is by Preetha Jayaraman (ISC), Jagadeesh Ravi, Prince Anderson, music is by Amit Trivedi and editing for the film is by Radha Sridhar. The film, which has been produced by ace director Vetrimaran, is presented by Vetrimaran in association with Anurag Kashyap. Meanwhile, the director of the film, Varsha Bharath, during her speech at the teaser launch of the film, said, her movie was just "the start of a conversation" and that it was not a self-help book. The director said, "I am not telling anybody how to lead their lives. This character is not a hero. She is just a really flawed person. She has mental health issues. She is just trying to survive. Generally itself, I don't think filmmakers are people who can tell you how to live." Claiming that she had seen male characters that were a "thousand times more irredeemable and flawed" than the protagonist's character in her film being hero worshipped, the director said, "This character need not be hero-worshipped but it can be accepted. I am not endorsing that women should drink in this film. I am just telling the story of a girl in this film. Women don't have to be purists. They only need to be human."
Filmmaker Jayan K Cherian; stills from his latest film 'Rhythm of Dammam', on the Siddi Community of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada (north Karnataka). The stunningly shot and evocative Rhythm of Dammam, in Siddi Bhasha, is the first fictional feature ever to be made on the Indian Siddi community that traces its ancestry to Africa. In the film, the pre-teen Jayaram, who lives in Karnataka's Yellapura, is afflicted by his dead grandfather's visions, as his impoverished family fights over supposed buried treasure. But Jayaram is a chosen one, the visitations will lead him to discover his community's ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 5 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Satish Mahana visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday and expressed his admiration for the arrangements, calling them "unique, amazing, and unimaginable." Speaking to ANI, Mahana shared his experience of visiting the Kumbh twice, remarking on the inclusivity of the event, where people from all walks of life--regardless of wealth, caste, or background--gather to bathe in the Triveni Sangam, embodying unity. "I am fortunate to have the opportunity of coming twice to Maha Kumbh. The arrangements her ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...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 >
Mumbai, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood's Khiladi Akshay Kumar showcased his philosophical side as he shared a heartfelt message on the true essence of life. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared a thoughtful note where he emphasized the importance of cherishing small and joyful moments. Kumar also reminded fans that real wealth lies not in material possessions but in the stolen moments of happiness. Sharing his throwback image, the 'Kesari Chapter 2' actor wrote, "In life, we accumulate stolen moments of happiness. That's your real wealth."- A reminder to laugh loud, love deep, and cheris ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 5 (ANI): Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Saturday accused the Congress of misleading the country with its claim that the BJP-led government at the Centre wants to change the Constitution. He added that AICC has now become the 'All India Cheating Congress'. "The words 'secular' and 'socialist' were not there in the Constitution. It was added after the 42nd Amendment. The Amendment was brought during the Emergency. Emergency was a black day in the democratic history of our country. So, the original Constitution did not have the words 'secular' and ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 13: Veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao's passing has left the film industry in mourning. Megastar Chiranjeevi and actor-producer Vishnu Manchu have expressed their grief and paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary actor on social media. Chiranjeevi took to his X handle to remember Rao's remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. He tweeted in Telugu which translates, "The news of the passing of legendary actor and multi-talented personality Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao garu has deeply saddened me. We both began our film careers together with the movie "Praanam Khareedu." Since then, he ac ...Read More >
Hyderabad: A tragic incident struck the sets of Arya and Pa. Ranjith's upcoming film when senior stunt performer SM Raju lost his life during a high-risk car toppling stunt on Sunday, July 13. The accident occurred during the shooting of what is widely believed to be the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 Tamil sports drama Sarpatta Parambarai. SM Raju, who is a member of the Kollywood stunt community, has worked on hundreds of Tamil blockbusters over the years and was renowned for his fearlessness in completing precarious stunts. This unfortunate event has left the film fraternity in sh ...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 >
New Delhi: Tamil cinema star Dhanush expressed his disappointment over the altered AI ending of his Bollywood debut film "Raanjhanaa". The film, which originally came out in 2013, was directed by Aanand L Rai and also starred Sonam Kapoor in the lead role. It was recently re-released in theatres. But this time, the ending was altered with the help of an AI, which got mixed reactions from the audience and was also pointed out by the filmmaker. Now, the lead actor Dhanush shared his take on the same and said it wasn't the film he committed to 12 years ago. The 42-year-old actor shared a post ...Read More >
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to embark on 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Rohtas district on August 17 to register a protest against how the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls was being conducted in the state. This comes at a time when the Opposition is ratcheting up its protest against the SIR and casting aspersions on the integrity of elections. AICC general secretary (organisation) and MP KC Venugopal held a meeting with the INDIA bloc leaders at Sasaram in Rohtas district on Wednesday and reviewed preparations for Rahul Gandhi's visit to Bi ...Read More >
Etawah: The alleged caste-based dispute in this district of Uttar Pradesh has taken a new twist as police registered an FIR against two 'kathavachaks' (priest-narrators) for allegedly hiding their caste identity and molesting a woman. The case was registered on Wednesday night at the Bakewar police station following a complaint by a family. Police said that Jai Prakash Tiwari, a resident of Dadarpur village, accused priest-narrators Mukut Mani Yadav and Sant Kumar Yadav of falsely claiming to be Brahmins and using fake Aadhaar cards to support their identity. "The duo allegedly introduced th ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Congress on Monday termed the only nomination by a candidate from a non-Backward Classes (BC) community for BJP Telangana president's post as a clear testimony that the saffron party is anti-BC. N Ramchander Rao on Monday filed nomination papers for BJP state president post, and an announcement of his election to the top post in the state unit of the party is only a formality now. Rao is a Brahmin. Senior Congress leader and BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar said BJP has three MPs and other senior leaders from BC community. "Congress is not against any caste or community as it is ...Read More >
Kolkata, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The West Bengal unit of BJP, under the leadership of its new State party President Samik Bhattacharya is making all efforts to ensure a political rally in the state, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing it, before Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' day rally in Kolkata on July 21. An insider from the state committee of BJP said that the week before July 21, the Prime Minister is scheduled to go for an election campaign in Bihar where the Assembly polls are scheduled later this year. "We are trying hard so that the Prime Minister can spare some time ...Read More >
Yogi Adityanath alleges a conspiracy to divide Hindus and Sikhs. He claims religious conversions are occurring with fixed rates. Chhangur Baba of Balrampur is accused of Rs 100 crore transactions. Adityanath highlights conversion cases in Pilibhit. He urges caution against religious conversions. He also criticizes Aurangzeb's atrocities and praises Guru Teg Bahadur's sacrifice. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday claimed attempts were being made to drive a wedge between the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) Two people died and four others were injured after a fire broke out at a house in east Delhi's Old Govindpura area on Tuesday evening, an official said. Police have identified the deceased as Tanveer (28) and Nusrat. A call was received at Jagatpuri police station at 8.46 pm regarding a fire incident at Band Gali, Old Govindpura, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said. When a police team reached the spot, it found that 10 people were trapped inside a residential building that caught fire, the DCP said. With the help of police personnel and fir ...Read More >
Chennai, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Pooja Hegde, whose graceful dance moves for the sensational superhit song 'Monica' from Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' has come in for widespread praise, has now disclosed that the song was one of the most physically tough and demanding songs that she had done in her career. The actress also went on to disclose that she had danced the high energy number on a day she had been fasting for Mahashivratri. Taking to Instagram to share BTS clips of the song shoot, the actress wrote, "Thank you for all the love on Monica. Monica was one of the MOST physically tough ...Read More >
Patna, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major action against corruption, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Saturday arrested Sub-Inspector Putul Kumari, the SHO of the Women's Police Station in Samastipur, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Her driver was also arrested in the case. The arrest has created a stir within the police department. According to an official, Putul Kumari was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from Rajiv Ranjan, a resident of Chhatauna village under Mufassil police station limits, in connection with an assault case. Rajiv Ranjan had filed a written complaint with ...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: The VELS Film International production studio has unveiled its ambitious slate of diverse films, which are slated for release between 2025 and 2027. Mumbai: Through an Instagram post, VELS shared a video that offers a glimpse into the studio's upcoming titles--spanning commercial blockbusters, socially rooted dramas, and high-concept genre films--further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in Indian cinema. The slate features collaborations with some of the most accomplished and promising filmmakers in Indian cinema, including Sundar C, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Vetri Maaran, Mari ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 14 (ANI): Superstar Rajnikanth paid tribute to the veteran actress B Sarojadevi, who passed away at the age of 87. Taking to his official handle X, he wrote, "The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace. #SarojaDevi" Also Read | Model San Rechal Gandhi Dies by Suicide at 26 Amid Financial Struggles; Here's Everything To Know About the Former Miss Pondicherry. https://x.com/rajinikanth/status/1944638878973087994 Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan also ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 14 (PTI) As actor Khushbu Sundar puts it, with the passing away of legendary actor B Saroja Devi, an era of golden cinema comes to an end. The actress known for her doe-eyed beauty and endearing screen presence made her debut when she was only 17 years old, as a co-star of Honnappa Bhagavathar, one of the pioneers of Kannada cinema in 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' (1955). Bengaluru-born Saroja Devi would eventually be crowned the first female super star of Kannada cinema. Soon after her death, another film legend from Bengaluru who made it big in Tamil Nadu, Superstar Rajnikanth, took ...Read More >
Telugu actor Ram Pothineni debuts as a lyricist for the first single of his film Andhra King Taluka, releasing July 18. The song features Anirudh Ravichander's vocals. Telugu actor Ram Pothineni has now ventured into the world of lyrics, marking a new chapter in his career. The actor announced that he has penned the lyrics for the first single from his upcoming film Andhra King Taluka, making this his debut as a lyricist. The song is set to release on July 18, 2025. Earlier on Tuesday, Ram Poth ...Read More >
Patna, Aug 1 (PTI) Healthcare services were affected at AIIMS-Patna on Friday as resident doctors went on an "indefinite strike" in protest against the alleged high-handedness of Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand. According to a press statement issued by the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), AIIMS-Patna, on Friday, "The RDA expresses deep disappointment and anguish over the lack of action by the administration following the violent and traumatic incident that occurred on Wednesday, when MLA Chetan Anand, his wife and their armed guards breached hospital security, physically assaulted staff, and thr ...Read More >
"First they asked about my caste. When I said I was a Yadav, they accused me of being a Dalit. Then they beat me, chopped off my hair, and shaved my head," recalled Bhagwat Katha narrator Mukut Mani Yadav, trembling after what he says was a brutal caste-based attack in Dadarapur village of Etawah. What began as a religious discourse and public humiliation of a Yadav narrator in a Brahmin-majority village has triggered a fierce backlash, leading to mass protests, violent clashes with police, and ...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 >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 13 (ANI): The Telugu film industry and fans across the country were left heartbroken on Sunday morning with the news of veteran actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao death. He was 83. Soon after the news of his death broke, several political leaders, film stars, and close friends began arriving at his residence to pay their last respects. From Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, many were seen offering condolences to Rao family. Actor Prakash Raj also visited Rao residence to pay his tribute to the late ac ...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 >
Hyderabad: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against filmmaker Pa Ranjith, stunt actor Vinoth, Rajkamal of Neelam Productions, and vehicle owner Prabhakaran in connection with the death of stuntman Mohan Raj, fondly known as Raju. The incident occurred on the sets of the upcoming film Vettuvam during the execution of a high-risk car stunt on July 13. The action has been taken under Section 289, 125, and 106 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). While Section 289 typically pertains to negligent conduct that poses risks to human life, the other sections refer to regulatory and ...Read More >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 29 (ANI): Tamil veteran actor Rajesh passed away at the age of 75 years on Thursday morning. As per his relatives, the actor passed away on the way to Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT) hospital after he suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing. Also Read | 'Sister Midnight' Censored in India: CBFC Blurs Nudity From Radhika Apte's Dark Comedy - View Full List of Cuts. Rajesh has worked in over 100 films in his entire acting career. He started his acting journey with a superhit film, 'Aval Oru Thodar Kathai', which also starred Kama ...Read More >