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Shah Rukh Khan narrates Netflix’s 10-year India journey film

Rahil Jamil
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Shah Rukh Khan narrates Netflix’s 10-year India journey film

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has lent his voice to a film released by the streaming platform Netflix, marking 10 years of its presence in India, highlighting the evolving relationship between digital storytelling and Indian audiences.

Narrated by Shah Rukh Khan, the film features a voice closely associated with Indian cinema, reflecting decades of screen presence and a connection that spans multiple generations of audiences.

The film celebrates a decade of storytelling in India and the collective experience of watching, feeling, and falling in love with stories together, as per a press release.

It focuses on the emotional connection audiences develop with stories across genres, languages, and formats, underscoring how viewing becomes a personal yet shared experience.

Netflix entered the Indian market in 2016 and steadily broadened its content portfolio, expanding its slate of locally produced titles while continuing to offer international programming. Some of its most-watched global shows in the early years included Stranger Things, Narcos, and House of Cards.

The platform also launched original titles for India, including ‘Love per Square Foot’ and the series ‘Sacred Games’, both released in 2018, marking a key phase in its localisation strategy. In the years that followed, growing interest in OTT platforms led Netflix to roll out a wide range of shows and films across genres, appealing to audiences across generations.

In 2025, Netflix viewership in India was led by high-intensity thrillers. Popular releases include ‘Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins’, ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ and ‘Raid 2’, along with series such as ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’ and ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’. International titles, including ‘Squid Game Season 3’ and ‘Stranger Things Season 5’, also featured prominently among trending content on the platform.

Speaking about the film, Vamsi Murthy, Senior Director, Marketing – Netflix India, said in a statement, “Over the last ten years, Netflix India has grown alongside its audiences by turning great stories into shared experiences. Our journey is inseparable from the fans who embraced these stories, built fandoms around them, and carried them into everyday conversations. This film is both a celebration of that journey and a promise to keep nurturing stories and creating moments that feel personal, deeply Indian, and rooted in community.”

As Netflix completes a decade in India, the film stands as a reflection on the changing patterns of entertainment consumption and the role of familiar voices and stories in shaping audience engagement in the digital era, as per the press release.

Vishal Mishra unveils raw, restless debut album ‘Pagalpan’ with ‘Kya Bataun Tujhe’

Rahil Jamil
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Vishal Mishra unveils raw, restless debut album ‘Pagalpan’ with ‘Kya Bataun Tujhe’

Music composer and singer Vishal Mishra has released the first song ‘Kya Bataun Tujhe’ from his debut album ‘Pagalpan’. The album is expansive in sound, and rooted in raw human feeling. The composer said that the song finds its roots in a “restless place”.

The song that captures restlessness, vulnerability, and the quiet ache of emotions left unsaid. It acts as an emotional entry point into the album, offering listeners a glimpse into the inner landscape that shaped the project.

Talking about the song, Vishal Mishra said, “‘Kya Bataun Tujhe’ comes from a very restless place. The last two years of my life were filled with unease, loneliness, and a quiet kind of pain, and this song was the first emotion that needed to come out. It felt right for it to lead the way into Pagalpan, because it sets the emotional truth of everything that follows”.

He further mentioned, “This album exists because of the blessings of God & my fans. Pagalpan is deeply personal, but it also belongs to people like me,people who feel deeply, who struggle silently, who often don’t find the right words at the right time. This first song is my dedication to everyone who couldn’t express their love or their pain when they needed to. Bhushan ji and I had envisioned Pagalpan a couple of years ago as something truly special,an international album coming from India, bringing together artists ,sounds, cultures, and emotions from across the world to create something that belongs to everyone. We are all lonely in our own ways, we are all healing, and I hope this album becomes a companion for those moments”.

Pagalpan is positioned as an international album rooted in Indian emotion, bringing together diverse artists, sounds, and cultures. The project reflects Vishal Mishra’s evolution as an artist willing to step beyond familiar territory to tell a more honest, global, and emotionally resonant story.

‘Kya Bataun Tujhe’ is now available to stream on all platforms.

Prime Video announces new romantic comedy Don’t Be Shy in collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions

Rahil Jamil
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Prime Video announces new romantic comedy Don’t Be Shy in collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions

Prime Video India has announced its upcoming original movie, Don’t Be Shy, a romantic comedy written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji. Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under their banner Eternal Sunshine Productions, and co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, the film centres on a young woman whose carefully planned life begins to unravel in unexpected ways.

Don’t Be Shy follows Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes she has everything figured out, until an unpredictable turn sends her world spiralling out of control. Framed as a coming-of-age story, the film explores friendship, love and growing up through a warm, humorous and female-forward lens.

Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals at Prime Video India, described the collaboration with Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt as a natural fit, praising the film’s emotionally rich storytelling and relatable characters. He highlighted the freshness of the writing, the strength of its central character and the inclusion of music by Ram Sampath, noting that the film promises to be an engaging and delightful experience for audiences worldwide.

Alia Bhatt, co-founder of Eternal Sunshine Productions, shared that the project resonated deeply with the company’s vision of backing honest stories and distinctive voices. She described Don’t Be Shy as a sincere, coming-of-age film driven by Sreeti Mukerji’s passion and energy, and expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Prime Video, citing its commitment to bold creative choices and meaningful storytelling.

With its blend of humour, heart and youthful perspective, Don’t Be Shy marks another step in Eternal Sunshine Productions’ growing slate of character-driven stories, while reinforcing Prime Video’s focus on original Indian content with global appeal.

John Abraham’s fresh new look takes the fans by surprise

Rahil Jamil
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John Abraham’s fresh new look takes the fans by surprise

John Abraham recently became the centre of social media discussion after being seen in a brand-new look. Known for his signature rugged appearance and well-groomed beard, the actor surprised everyone by appearing completely clean-shaven in a series of new photographs. The sudden transformation has left many fans struggling to recognize him, with some even expressing concern over his well-being.

The images, which began circulating online recently, show John posing alongside his team members. Dressed in a simple black T-shirt, the actor is seen smiling and holding hands with his colleagues. While his relaxed demeanour and salt-and-pepper hair were visible, it was his shaved face that caught the most attention.

As the photos went viral, social media was flooded with speculations. While some fans saw the change as a complete transformation, others were quick to express their confusion and worry. One user commented, “Ye kya ho gaya john ko (What happened to him),” while another pleaded, “Grow that beard back!”

The change in his facial structure led some to speculate about his health. One comment bluntly stated, “He looks ill,” while another follower questioned the authenticity of the images, asking, “Is it a real picture?” Some netizens suggested that weight loss might be the reason behind the different appearance. One fan noted, “It seems like he’s lost weight and with that weight loss his face looks gaunt and his wrinkles more visible.

Despite the comments, many fans rushed to John’s defence, reminding others that aging is a natural process. A fan pointed out, “Face-wise, he is looking how he is supposed to look at his age.” Another urged people to be more kind, writing, “Leave him alone, guys. He is 54. People change at this age. Stop judging. Love you John Abraham.”

For now, fans are left wondering if this new look is for an upcoming role or simply a personal choice.

A$AP Rocky to receive Vanguard Award for Fashion at NAACP Image Awards

Rahil Jamil
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A$AP Rocky to receive Vanguard Award for Fashion at NAACP Image Awards

A$AP Rocky is set to receive the NAACP Image Awards’ Vanguard Award for Fashion, a recognition that cements his status as one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation. The honour celebrates the Grammy-nominated rapper, actor and entrepreneur for his impact on fashion and culture, from reshaping streetwear to redefining the relationship between music and high fashion.

The Vanguard Award recognises creatives who push culture forward, with previous honourees including Essence, designer June Ambrose, fashion model Bethann Hardison and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. This year’s recipient, according to NAACP National Board of Directors vice chair Karen Boykin-Towns, exemplifies the evolution and power of Black artistry, noting that Rocky has “redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations”.

Rocky’s influence within fashion continues to expand. He currently serves as creative director for both Ray-Ban and PUMA and previously made history as the first Black male face of Dior Homme. His creative agency, AWGE, has partnered with brands and institutions including Marine Serre, Amina Muaddi, Selfridges, JW Anderson and MTV, while also helping to launch the careers of artists such as Playboi Carti, slowthai and Smooky MarGielaa. Last year, Rocky co-chaired the Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award.

Beyond fashion, Rocky is also gaining critical acclaim for his work on screen. He is nominated for three NAACP Image Awards for his acting role in Spike Lee’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, which earned nine Image Award nominations overall. His performance opposite Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright has also been recognised by the Gotham Awards and the Black Reel Awards. Earlier this month, he released his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

BET executive vice president Connie Orlando described Rocky as representing “the fearless evolution of Black creativity”, highlighting his influence across fashion, music, art and personal expression on a global scale.

The Vanguard Award will be presented at the Image Awards fashion show on Friday, 27 February, ahead of the 57th NAACP Image Awards telecast on Saturday, 28 February.

‘Varanasi’ has released a worldwide theatrical release date

Rahil Jamil
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‘Varanasi’ has released a worldwide theatrical release date

S.S. Rajamouli, the acclaimed director behind ‘RRR’, is set to return to cinemas with his next ambitious project, Varanasi, which has now secured a worldwide theatrical release date of 7 April 2027. Positioned as one of the most significant international releases of the year, the film marks another large-scale chapter in the filmmaker’s career.

The action-adventure epic reunites Rajamouli with Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, whose song Naatu Naatu from RRR earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Leading the cast is Telugu cinema star Mahesh Babu, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Spanning thousands of years, the story unfolds across multiple continents, travelling from Antarctica to Africa before arriving at the titular Indian city of Varanasi. Described in the film’s publicity material as being “in the vein of Indiana Jones and James Bond”, the narrative promises a globe-trotting adventure on an epic scale.

Mahesh Babu plays the protagonist, Rudhra, while Chopra Jonas appears as a character named Mandakini. Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the role of the primary antagonist, Kumbha. Rajamouli offered audiences a first glimpse of the project with the unveiling of initial footage in November, further fuelling anticipation for the film.

With its international scope, star-studded cast and celebrated creative team, Varanasi is set to arrive in cinemas worldwide in April 2027 as one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Level up the nostalgia: ‘Disney Afternoon Collection’ heads to Nintendo Switch

Rahil Jamil
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Level up the nostalgia: ‘Disney Afternoon Collection’ heads to Nintendo Switch

If you played Disney games in the 90s and own a Nintendo Switch you are in for a treat as the beloved ’90s classic “The Disney Afternoon Collection” will soon be available to play, Atari and Digital Eclipse announced today (29 January).

The updated edition will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 26 February.

In addition to timeless favorites like “DuckTales,” the new collection will introduce two Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) classics for the first time since their debut: “Bonkers” and “Goof Troop.”

“Bonkers,” first released in 1994 and based off the animated Disney series of the same name, will let players navigate “six wacky platforming levels in Toontown filled with Easter eggs for Disney fans,” per the logline.

In one of game designer Shinji Mikami’s earliest titles, “Goof Troop,” first released in 1993, players can solve puzzles with Goofy and Max to attempt to rescue friends from a pirate island.

The full lineup will include “DuckTales,” “DuckTales 2,” “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers & Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2,” “TaleSpin” and “Darkwing Duck.”

The collection will also feature a range of modern upgrades since the games first came out nearly 30 years ago. Players will now have the ability to correct mistakes by rewinding, as well as the option to save their progress. Each game will have new speed-running modes, Time Attack and Boss Rush, with online leaderboards. Fans can enjoy the original soundtracks from the eight games with a music player that will be available in a new virtual museum-like gallery feature, which will also feature behind-the-scenes materials and Disney vault archival content curated by historians from Digital Eclipse.

Fans can pre-order “Disney Afternoon Collection” today on Ataria.com ahead of the 26 February digital release. The physical Switch and Switch 2 editions, featuring game cartridges, sticker sheets, postcards, milk caps and a reversible cover, will ship in May.

Cinema meets the crown: Inside King Charles’ star-studded Windsor Castle screening of Finding Harmony

Rahil Jamil
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Cinema meets the crown: Inside King Charles’ star-studded Windsor Castle screening of Finding Harmony

There aren’t many world premieres where you get to meet and chat to actual monarchs. Likewise, there aren’t many world premieres where meetings with those monarchs are interrupted by bona fide rock legends.

But then, there are very few world premieres like the one for “Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision”. King Charles’ environmental documentary launching on Amazon, that took place on Wednesday (28 January) night at Windsor Castle, the still-active palace founded by William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago.

As Kate Winslet noted in the opening speech of the night, it was “the first time a film premiere had taken place in a royal residence.” According to Variety.

Winslet, who narrates the documentary, was speaking to a room of fellow film royalty (Judi Dench was there alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci), plus experts, academics, charity professionals and entrepreneurs from across the environmental and sustainability worlds. Other assorted notables were also in attendance, including musicians (Jools Holland), former F1 champions (Sebastian Vettel), astronauts (Tim Peake) and TV bosses (Apple TV’s European chief Jay Hunt, whose sister Kristina Murrin runs The King’s Foundation and features in the film).

“It appears we have an archbishop here,” one guest exclaimed to Variety (one of very small handful of press invited) before the screening started as a man played the bagpipes nearby. Indeed, across the room was someone decked out head-to-toe in red Catholic Church robes (actually later confirmed as the Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth). Archbishop or not, this was no ordinary premiere.

And then there was the actual royalty, King Charles and Queen Camilla, seated at the very front (in slightly plusher chairs).

“The King is not going to say any words, he’s going to come in and sit down,” the audience was politely told before the monarch’s arrival, per Variety. As part of strict royal protocol, we were also informed which doors the King and Queen would be exiting out of afterwards and which doors everyone else should depart from.

As for the setting, it was a significantly grander departure from the U.K.’s standard world premiere location, the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square. And it no doubt far overshadowed the makeshift cinema put up at the White House recently for Melania Trump’s doc (also with Amazon), although that boasted an equally eclectic list of attendees. There may not have been branded popcorn buckets at the premiere (or any popcorn at all, for that matter according to Variety), but each guest did get a King’s Foundation water bottle on their seat.

Deep within the ancient and sprawling Windsor Castle, lit up majestically for a plethora of blurry outdoor photo opps, the “Finding Harmony” screening took place in the Waterloo Chamber, accessible only after passing numerous displays of medieval armor, canons, muskets and other decorations worthy of he surroundings. Inside the Chamber, glitteringly ornate and boasting several crystal chandeliers, scores of paintings of British royals dating back hundreds of years and dressed in all their regal splendor beamed down from each wall. Impressive they may have looked, but none of them have fronted their own documentary, as per Vareity.

On that note, the film itself, releasing on Prime Video Feb. 6., sees King Charles reflect on more than half a century of environmentalism, his own philosophy when it comes to nature and the founding of The King’s Foundation, which has been putting it into practice for the last 35 years. Of a number of guests speaking on camera about the King’s work, most notable was perhaps Al Gore.

Imtiaz Ali’s next film with Diljit Dosanjh gets 2026 release date

Rahil Jamil
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Imtiaz Ali’s next film with Diljit Dosanjh gets 2026 release date

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s next with Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, and Naseeruddin Shah has already managed to create some massive buzz among movie buffs.

Now, the makers, Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, have announced that the yet-untitled drama, which is currently in its post-production phase, will be released in cinemas on 12 June.

Unveiling the release date on social media, the makers wrote, “Imtiaz Ali’s next, a charming story of love and longing to release in cinemas on 12th June, 2026. Applause Entertainment Presents, A Window Seat Films Production. Starring: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Naseeruddin Shah Directed by Imtiaz Ali Music by A.R. Rahman Lyrics by Irshad Kamil Produced by: Applause Entertainment, Window Seat Films, Mohit Choudhary. (sic).”

Backed by Applause Entertainment, Window Seat Films, and Mohit Choudhary, the project enjoys a contemporary and witty narrative that explores the depth of human connection.

The film also brings back the legendary trio of A.R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil, and Imtiaz Ali.

Imtiaz Ali, the writer and director of the drama, had shared a statement saying, “‘Tum mere paas hote ho goya, Jab koi doosra nahin hota’ (‘You are with me, however, when there is no one else’) -Momin. Can love really be lost? Can home be taken away from someone’s heart?”Ali shared that the film “has a big heart.”

“It has a large canvas, yet is very personal. It is a story of a boy and a girl, but also a country. Wish us well as we dive into the currents of this dynamic story, we hope to emerge next year with a touching cinematic experience in a theatre near you,” the ‘Rockstar’ maker added.

Other details about the much-discussed drama have been kept under wraps for now. The project will mark Diljit’s on-screen collaboration with Vedang and Sharvari. He has worked with Imtiaz Ali in the 2024 biopic, “Amar Singh Chamkila”.

Will Taylor Swift be attending this year Grammys? Producer addresses rumours on Taylor performing

Rahil Jamil
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0
Will Taylor Swift be attending this year Grammys? Producer addresses rumours on Taylor performing

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are set for 1 February, 2026, and Swift fans everywhere are already wondering whether they will get yet another performance from Taylor Swift, if not on the stage, at the front row.

Taylor Swift is not the front and centre for this year Grammys. Why so? Swift has zero nominations this year and not because the Recording Academy forgot about her but simply because of how the rules work.

To get a nomination, only music released between 31 August, 2024 and 30 August 2025, counts. Taylor dropped her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, on 3 October, 2025, one month late to get considered.

Although her latest album had a lot of buzz, sales and attention, Taylor will have to wait until 2027 for a Grammy consideration. So, we will probably not be expecting Taylor to be one of the main attention at the Grammys like the previous years as she has no nominations, no word of her sitting up front, performing or presenting an award.

However, there have been rumours and whispers about a surpise perforamnce or some kind of cameo but as reported by Cosmopolitan, Ben Winston, the Grammy’s executive producer, shut those stories down.

“The only reason people think Taylor might be performing or coming is because HITS decided to print it this week and put it in their HITS List, and it was picked up globally,” Ben said in an interview with HITS published Jan. 22. “But HITS just totally made that up. And now I am getting asked about it by you, as if it’s a real thing, when it was made up in your office!” Ben Winston said, according to E! News.

In addition to cheekily addressing Taylor’s attendance, Ben did call out the irony in being asked by the same publication at the center of the speculation, adding, “That really is a full-circle rumor!”

If Taylor Swift does miss this year Grammys, it is a big deal as she has always been one of the celebrities that gets a lot of attention, whether its nominations, performance or showing support, dancing in the audience.

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