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!
IFFK 2025: Kerala Govt Defies Centre, Screens 'Battleship Potemkin' and 18 Films Without CBFC Nod In this report from the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), India Today's Shibi Mol details the state government's decision to defy the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Pinarayi Vijayan administration has decided to screen 19 films that were denied clearance by the Centre, including Sergei Eisenstein's classic 'Battleship Potemkin' and several Palestinian narratives such as 'Once Upon a Time in Gaza' and 'Wajib'. Shibi Mol notes that the state government has 'challenged the center' by asserting they will proceed with the screenings regardless of permission. The move marks another escalation in the standoff between the Kerala government and the Union Ministry over artistic freedom and censorship.
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], September 30 (ANI): Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Abu Shawesh welcomed US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, echoing the sentiments of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Abu Shawesh emphasised that the plan's success hinges on Israel's actions on the ground. Speaking at the Kerala Media Academy, Abu Shawesh stated that while the plan sounds promising theoretically, its practical implementation will determine its effectiveness. Also Read | NHS Takes Down Report on 'Benefits' of First-Cousin Marriages From Website Afte ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], October 10 (ANI): In a scathing attack on the Kerala government amid the escalating Sabarimala gold plating controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader V Muraleedharan on Friday accused the state administration of betraying the trust of devotees and demanded the immediate dismissal of the Devaswom Minister along with the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Muraleedharan said that the Kerala High Court's intervention in the matter was a "clear indictment" of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijay ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], October 22 (ANI): Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan and the dissolution of Travancore Devaswom Board over the Sabarimala gold "theft" issue. He also accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of trying to "brush the issue under the carpet." "Our position as the BJP has been a sharp contrast with the attempts of the CM to try and brush this under the carpet. When 4.5 kgs of gold from a sacred shrine like Sabarimala go missing, we consider it a crime...So, we have maintained from day 1 that ...Read More >
Kottayam: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala and Tamil Nadu have always supported each other, establishing a model of cooperative federalism. He said that when rights of states are being encroached upon, such cooperation should be extended among others. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Vijayan inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Library in Vaikom in Kerala on Thursday, marking a significant occasion in the commemoration of the legacy of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. Several key political leaders from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, underscored the longstanding ...Read More >
T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row."There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital.The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly kn ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, July 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet on Thursday sanctioned Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the family of 56-year-old Bindu who died last week when a part of a building at the state-owned Kottayam Medical College Hospital came down and she was buried under it. There was a huge outrage as two ministers, namely Health Minister Veena George and Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan who reached the spot, categorically ruled out the presence of anyone under the debris as the toilet block had been closed for a while. Later, Bindu's body was pulled out from t ...Read More >
Viewers complain that board allows violence and misogyny in Indian films but not a smooch in a Hollywood release As Indian cinemagoers watched the latest Superman film, many noticed something was amiss. On two occasions as the superhero leaned in for a kiss with Lois Lane, the film suddenly jumped forward, cutting to the aftermath of an embrace. India's censor board had deemed the kissing scenes, including a 33-second smooch, to be "overly sensual" for Indian audiences and demanded they be cut ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...Read More >
KOCHI: The controversy over the use of the name Janaki in the film JSK - Janaki v/s State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, saw a new development on Wednesday with the film's producers informing the Kerala High Court that they are willing to incorporate the suggestions made by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Accordingly, changes will be made to the subtitle of the movie, modifying it from Janaki to Janaki V. With this change, the revised title of the film will be JSK - Janaki V v/s State of Kerala. When the petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, Tamil Nadu the ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, At the age of 104, M A Abdullah Moulavi from Asamannoor in Ernakulam district is incredibly self-reliant in choosing his favourite social media reels and watching important news on YouTube. While searching prayer songs swiftly on his son's smartphone with his fragile fingers and pressing the video call button to talk to his grandchild abroad, Moulavi's wrinkled face beams with pride and happiness. He is one of about 22 lakh persons in Kerala who have become digitally literat ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], September 29 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed the state's solidarity with the people of Palestine during a meeting with Palestine's Ambassador Abdulla Abu Shawesh. The meeting was held at the CM's chamber in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, a statement by the Chief Minister's Office said. Also Read | Typhoon Bualoi: 11 Dead, 33 Wounded and 13 Still Missing in Cyclonic Storm in Vietnam. The Chief Minister told the Ambassador that Kerala has always stood with the people of Palestine. He said that Israel, with US backing, has been ...Read More >
Kozhikode (Kerala): The Kerala government on Saturday stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, saying the opposition to it is "more venomous than narcotic substance". Explaining the government's stance over the matter here, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said a section of people are deliberately creating issues over the matter and nothing harmful for children is being implemented. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty's Statement "The government is ready to hold talks with those who have misunderstandings in th ...Read More >
T'puram: The state govt on Tuesday granted release to Sherin, the life convict in the 2009 murder of her father-in-law, Bhaskara Karanavar. The order came after the law department stating that there was "no legal impediment" for her early release. The legal green light came on the basis that Sherin fulfilled the mandatory 14-year imprisonment clause under Section 475 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), which governs remission in life sentence cases where the death penalty is also a prescribed ...Read More >
Janaki vs State of Kerala (JSK), starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, informed the Kerala High Court on Wednesday that the film received the censor board approval on July 11, 2025, and will be released this week. In view of the submission, Justice N Nagaresh observed that the primary grievance of the petitioner -- the film's production company -- stands redressed and disposed of its plea. The court also declared that, given the peculiar circumstances in which a revised version of the movie was ...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 >
The Centre has withdrawn its decision to release 'Udaipur Files - Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder' after the Delhi High Court questioned its authority in ordering cuts. The court directed parties to appear before the government for submissions, with a fresh decision expected soon. This follows petitions challenging the film's release, citing concerns over fair trial rights and statutory compliance. The Centre on Friday informed the Delhi High Court that it was withdrawing its decision granting nod to ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran journalist and author Thayil Jacob Sony George (TJS George), who passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 97. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said TJS George was a distinguished editor and a fearless voice in Indian journalism, whose career became a defining chapter in the history of Indian media. "TJS George was a proud contribution from Kerala to Indian and global journalism. He always stood for fearless and impartial reporting and upheld democratic value ...Read More >
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has alleged that not only the PM SHRI scheme but every new incident in Kerala is part of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Communist Party of India (Marxist) secret understanding. Speaking at a press conference here, Venugopal accused the left government of cooperating with the BJP on multiple fronts while pretending to oppose it publicly. Venugopal clarified that the Congress was not implementing the PM SHRI scheme. "It's wrong to say Congress is implementing P ...Read More >
Pathanamthitta (Kerala) [India], October 22 (ANI): Congress MP Anto Antony on Wednesday slammed the Kerala government after a portion of the helipad tarmac at the Pramadam Stadium sank after the helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu landed earlier in the day during her visit to the Sabarimala temple. The Congress MP accused the State government of laxity in following the security protocols for the President's visit. Also Read | Amit Shah To Inaugurate MLA Housing Project in Gandhinagar on October 23. "When the President visits the state, it is the responsibility of the State Governme ...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 >
Punjab '95 Controversy: Diljit Dosanjh has been awaiting the release of his highly controversial film for a couple of years now. The film has been completed and kept on hold for longer than expected due to several reasons. It was recently announced that the biopic will skip India and will be released internationally without any cuts on February 7, 2025, but has been postponed yet again indefinitely. Dosanjh took to his Instagram stories on 20th January mid-night and wrote, "We are sorry and it pains us to inform you that Punjab '95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our c ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V Sivankutty has once again reacted to the Central Board of Film Certification's objection to the name of the lead character in the upcoming Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala, which stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi. "My name is Sivankutty... Will the censor board be coming this way?!" Sivankutty wrote on social media. Earlier, the minister had also quipped whether it is a "censor board or senseless board." CBFC had informally objected to the title and character name 'Janaki' for a rape victim, citing religious sensitivities. The Kerala High Court ...Read More >
Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Abu Shawesh has emphasised the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue with a "rational perspective." Speaking at a discussion organised by the National Platform for the Rights of Disabled on Sunday, Shawesh also described the recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly as "dangerous." Shawesh specifically responded to Netanyahu's statement at the UN General Assembly, where the Israeli Prime Mi ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram | '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, State Culture ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 19 (PTI) The Kerala government on Saturday said its official Onam celebrations will be held over seven days, starting September 3. Thiruvonam, the most important day of the harvest festival, will be celebrated on September 5. A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan finalised the schedule for the week-long festivities, which will conclude with a grand cultural procession in the capital, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The celebrations will be organised under the aegis of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), with ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Hours after Kerala Governor and ex-officio Chancellor Rajendra V. Arlekar re-appointed K. Sivparasad and Ciza Thomas as interim Vice Chancellors of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and the Digital University, Kerala (DUK), respectively, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to him, seeking the decision be reconsidered. What has irked the Vijayan government was Arlekar issued this orders of reappointment after the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Kerala Governor and the government to harmoniously work towards the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to the A.P. ...Read More >
Kochi, Aug 18 (PTI) Kerala Local Self Government Department (LSGD) minister M B Rajesh on Monday visited M A Abdullah Moulavi, a 104-year-old man who achieved digital literacy through a government programme, and said he is the "hero of the real Kerala story". He said Moulavi, a native of Asamannoor panchayat in Ernakulam district, has proved that age is not a barrier for learning. "Maulavi is Kerala's pride. He is the hero of the real Kerala story," he told reporters here. Stating that Kerala is becoming the first digitally literate state in the country, the minister said Maulavi is the pro ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], October 10 (ANI): In a scathing attack on the Kerala government amid the escalating Sabarimala gold plating controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader V Muraleedharan on Friday accused the state administration of betraying the trust of devotees and demanded the immediate dismissal of the Devaswom Minister along with the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Muraleedharan said that the Kerala High Court's intervention in the matter was a "clear indictment" of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijay ...Read More >
Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis, with 23 deaths, primarily in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The state health minister highlighted that early detection and treatment have significantly reduced the global fatality rate of this rare brain infection. An action plan based on the One Health approach is being implemented to prevent further cases. A total of 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis (brain fever) have been reported so far in Kerala, of which 23 patients have die ...Read More >