;
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Home Blog Page 18

Border 2 opens to mixed reviews: Fans praise emotion, criticise length

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Border 2 opens to mixed reviews: Fans praise emotion, criticise length

Border 2, which released today on 23 January, has opened to mixed reactions from fans and viewers. The movie lead by Sunny Deol, despite its aggressive promotions, has somehow witnessed an average footfall at the box office on the first day, with a section of the audience sharing divided opinions.

Some fans have praised the film’s storyline and the performances of the star cast, also calling it emotionally stirring while others felt that the narrative turns boring after a point and tends to lose its grip at times.

While talking to IANS, few audience shared their views on Border 2.

Speaking about the dialogues and performances, some moviegoers praised the film and described it as deeply emotional. One fan said, “The movie is very emotional. A lot of people were clapping and crying during the emotional scenes. It will definitely touch your heart.”

While viewers lauded the film, they also pointed out that the length of the movie could turn out to be a major deal breaker. According to them, the only disappointment they have is regarding the length of the movie.

One audience pointed out, that that few elements, including love stories of almost every soldier along with wedding sequences, were not much required for the narrative. “It is a war movie and should have been kept like that. Unnecessary things have been added, and only the editing part is not up to the mark. I feel the movie could have avoided becoming this long,” a fan said.

Another viewer also mentioned missing Akshaye Khanna from the 1999 released Border, adding, “I missed watching Akshaye Khanna from Border. Obviously, it is the Dhurandhar effect as well.”

Another audience highlighted the acting of Diljit Dosanjh and said that in every scene he is extremely powerful and his acting touches hearts. The fan also added that Varun Dhawan has also performed extremely well and that everybody who was trolling him should come and watch his acting which is phenomenal. Another fan also lauded Ahan Shetty’s acting and said that he just suits his role and that his dialogue delivery is impeccable.

For the uninitiated, “Border 2” is based on the 1971 war and some true events. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh. The film released on 23 January.

Meanwhile, J.P. Dutta’s blockbuster “Border’ was released in 1997. The film starred an ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in pivotal roles, alongside Tabu, Pooja Bhatt, Rakhee Gulzar, Sharbani Mukherjee, Sapna Bedi, and Rajiv Goswami.

Karan Johar defends Varun Dhawan from trolls and praises ‘Border 2’

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Karan Johar defends Varun Dhawan from trolls and praises ‘Border 2’

Filmmaker Karan Johar has strongly hit back at online trolls,further calling out the negativity that often surrounds actors and films over social media. Without mentioning the name of Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar has highlighted how his powerful performance in Border 2 is enough to shut all gossipmongers.

Taking to his social media account, Karan shared a sharp note in favour of the Student of the Year actor and called out haters for trolling his smile.

Sharing his note, Karan wrote, “Has to be said… the reason why it’s called a virtual world! Real will always score and prove the noise on social media as defunct! You can troll an artist for his smile but then he laughs when the film releases to packed houses and he receives pure authentic audience love! So noisemakers and clickbait seeking content creators can do what they like … truth will always prevail!”

The post was mainly seen as Karan’s befitting reply to haters and trolls who mocked Varun Dhawan for his ‘particular smile’ ahead of the release of Border 2.

In another post, Karan Johar also shared the official poster of Border 2 and highly praised the film for its emotional depth and patriotic spirit. He wrote, “Border 2 moved me to tears in many scenes! Patriotism with a beating heart!! Sure shot WINNER!”

He also tagged Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, director Anurag Singh, T-Series Films and producer Nidhi Dutta in the post.

For the uninitiated, a section of social media users had trolled Varun Dhawan for his smile, claiming that his personality did not suit the role of a soldier, given his fun and urban image. A few even questioned his casting in Border 2, claiming that the movie is going to be a glop because of Varun.

Talking about Varun’s role, the actor will be seen playing the role of ‘Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’. Varun, has apparently, worked very hard to embody ‘Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya’, who led his troops with unflinching courage during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Colonel Dahiya was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic act.

Border 2 was released on 23 January, to mixed reviews from fans.

Salman Khan’s newphew Arhaan Khan set for his Bollywood debut

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Salman Khan’s newphew Arhaan Khan set for his Bollywood debut

Salman Khan’s nephew Arhaan Khan is set to step into the entertainment industry, with a recent social media post fuelling speculation about his debut project.

Fashion designer and filmmaker Vikram Phadnis recently shared a post on Instagram that has sparked excitement among fans. The black-and-white photograph shows Arhaan seated beside Phadnis, appearing focused and attentive, hinting at work underway behind the scenes. While the post suggests that Arhaan is preparing for his first venture, specific details about the project remain tightly under wraps.

Sharing the image, Phadnis wrote in the caption: “From behind the scenes to in front of the lens… his journey begins,” tagging Arhaan and adding a hug emoji. The post has since generated curiosity about the nature of Arhaan’s debut, though no official announcement has been made.

Further insight came from Arbaaz Khan, who told Instant Bollywood that Arhaan is expected to spend another year or two preparing before making his on-screen debut. Arbaaz also expressed confidence that Arhaan would enter the industry first as an actor, focusing on honing his craft before exploring other avenues.

More details about Arhaan Khan’s upcoming work are still expected to be revealed.

Iconic duo Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell reunite for Frankenstein horror comedy

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Iconic duo Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell reunite for Frankenstein horror comedy

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are reuniting on screen for their first feature film together since Good Burger 2. The longtime comedy duo will star in and produce Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein, a modern horror-comedy inspired by the classic Abbott and Costello monster films.

The project was announced on Thursday during Prime Video’s Good Sports, with production set to begin this summer. Co-produced by Artists for Artists and Range Media Partners, the film follows two delivery drivers whose routine job takes a dangerous turn when they make a drop-off at a creepy, out-of-place castle and accidentally awaken Frankenstein’s monster.

The screenplay is being written by Jonah Feingold, whose previous credits include At Midnight and 31 Candles. Thompson said in a statement that the project felt like “the perfect mix of nostalgia, comedy and something completely unexpected”.

“Kel and I have always loved finding new ways to work together,” Thompson said. “We’re excited to bring a fresh take on a classic monster story and have some fun doing it.”

Mitchell described the reunion as a natural continuation of their long-running partnership. “Coming back together always feels natural, and this lets us tap into everything people love about our dynamic while trying something totally new,” he said. “It’s funny, it’s scary and it’s a great ride.”

Artists for Artists partner and producer John Ryan Jr. placed the film within a long tradition of comedic duos tackling iconic monsters. “First it was Abbott and Costello, then Pryor and Wilder. Kenan and Kel,” he said, describing the project as “Shaun of the Dead meets Scooby-Doo”.

Thompson and Mitchell will produce alongside Ryan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Carter Swan. Swan, a former senior producer at PlayStation Productions, has worked on adaptations including The Last of Us, Uncharted and Gran Turismo, and is currently producing Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot. Executive producers include Will Hariton, Azim Spicer and Monica Weber, with Range Media Partners handling sales.

Further casting details are expected to be announced at a later date.

Taapsee Pannu fights for justice in Anubhav Sinha’s courtroom thriller ‘Assi’

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Taapsee Pannu fights for justice in Anubhav Sinha’s courtroom thriller ‘Assi’

After keeping everyone in suspense with intriguing campaigns around “Assi”, the makers have finally revealed that Taapsee Pannu will be seen in the upcoming stirring film, helmed by Anubhav Sinha.

The makers unveiled the motion poster on Friday, offering a gripping glimpse into the film. Taapsee shared it on Instagram, where a girl is seen running along railway tracks, desperately trying to escape as three men chase her. The motion poster flashes the words “An Urgent Watch” on top of the motion poster, which ends on a striking note, with Taapsee’s face smeared in ink.

She wrote: “It’s been long… Long since we normalised this….See you in court….I mean the theatres… #Assi – an urgent watch, only in cinemas from 20th Feb.”

The film also stars Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kani Kusruti, Naseeruddin Shah, Seema Pahwa, Supriya Pathak and many more.

Anubhav Sinha’s ASSI poses a question that stares us in the face every day, one we often choose to look away from.

The campaign began two days ago with two text-only posters that piqued ominous intrigue: “Eighty. Per Day. Every Day. ASSI ,the title and February 20 ,the release date (sic).”

This was followed by another text poster announcing the writer of the film as the highest-paid crew member, clearly establishing the centrality of writing to this project. Perhaps for the first time, a film announced its writer before the studio, director, producer, or cast.

“ASSI”, a relentless investigative thriller, unfolds through an intense, power-packed courtroom drama. As the film concludes, it leaves you questioning Why didn’t I know this? Or did I? Justice must be served, but first, justice must be defined. Are those proven guilty the only culprits?

Gulshan Kumar and T-Series present ASSI, a Benaras Mediaworks Production, directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. The film releases in cinemas worldwide on 20 February.

Harry Styles returns after 3 years with new single ‘Aperture’

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Harry Styles returns after 3 years with new single ‘Aperture’

Harry Styles has released his first new single in nearly three years, unveiling Aperture from his forthcoming fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The track was released on 23 January, following his last standalone single, Satellite, in 2023.

Co-written by Styles and producer Kid Harpoon, Aperture is driven by a lo-fi techno beat and sees the former One Direction star reconnecting with what he has described as the place he feels most at ease: the dancefloor. On the chorus, he sings, “We belong together / It finally appears, it’s only love.”

Styles teased the single three days before its release, sharing a photograph of himself in the studio on Instagram. Wearing a white shirt and smiling broadly, he captioned the image: “Aperture. Jan. 23, 00:00 U.K.”

The announcement followed closely after Styles revealed the title and cover art for Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which is set for release on 6 March. The album marks his first full-length project since 2022’s Harry’s House, which earned three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and produced hit singles such as As It Was and Late Night Talking.

Despite the gap between releases, Styles has previously said he began working on the new 12-track album immediately after completing Harry’s House. The 31-year-old, who has been dating Zoë Kravitz since August, has explained that he structured stops on his Love on Tour to allow for extended studio time in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Austin and Chicago.

“I’m always writing,” Styles told Rolling Stone in 2022, noting that he was again collaborating with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. “I think all of us are so excited to get back to it, which feels insane because we’ve just put an album out.”

Speaking about his creative priorities, Styles has said his main focus remains the music itself. “That’s it. That’s what I want to do,” he said during an appearance on Zane Lowe’s Apple Music 1. “Everything else is what it will be.”

Blake Lively reveals Justin Baldoni’s “bonkers” diss to Taylor Swift

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Blake Lively reveals Justin Baldoni’s “bonkers” diss to Taylor Swift

Newly unsealed court documents have revealed private text messages exchanged between It Ends With Us star Blake Lively and her close friend Taylor Swift, shedding light on a conversation they allegedly had with the film’s director, Justin Baldoni. The documents were obtained by E! News on 20 January.

According to the messages included in the filing, Lively criticised Baldoni after he allegedly told Swift that he was unfamiliar with her music. “The most bonkers part to me is him saying to you he doesn’t know pop culture made me more mad than anything he’s done to me,” Lively wrote to Swift.

Lively, 38, who is suing Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of the Colleen Hoover adaptation, questioned the director’s claim, noting that his public persona centres on challenging toxic masculinity. “His entire brand is disassembling toxic masculinity. He monetises it. He does TED talks,” she wrote, adding that the comment was “rude” and “untrue”.

In the messages, Lively praised Swift’s cultural impact, describing her as “both the most popular artist alive and one of all time”, as well as “one of the most respected and awarded”. She compared Swift’s stature to that of filmmaker Steven Spielberg, suggesting Baldoni would not have made similar remarks to someone of Spielberg’s standing.

Lively also referenced Swift’s honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from New York University in 2022, telling her friend she “deserve[s] to be studied” and calling her “a human masterclass”.

Despite her frustration, Lively said she would stop “digging up hatchets”, adding that she feels “more protective” of Swift than herself. “I’m so much less forgiving when it comes to someone messing with someone I love than when someone messes with me,” she wrote, before expressing her affection and gratitude for Swift.

Swift, in turn, responded warmly to an earlier message from Lively in which the actress said she had “won the lottery” by having her as a friend. “I WON THE LOTTERY,” Swift replied, according to the court documents. “You are the COOLEST PERSON IN THE WORLD and you like me !!”

Lively also thanked Swift for her support during the conversation with Baldoni, telling her she had recounted the exchange to her husband, Ryan Reynolds. “You were so epically heroic today,” Lively wrote, adding that Swift was “the world’s absolute greatest friend ever”.

As outlined in Lively’s July deposition, she had sent Swift the It Ends With Us script but told her she did not need to read it. In a filing dated 20 January, Lively clarified that the message was intended to ensure Swift did not feel pressured.

Baldoni has denied all allegations made against him. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to E! News on 21 January that the evidence does not support Lively’s claims. “A simple read of the newly released message exchanges make the truth abundantly clear,” Freedman said, adding that they remain confident in the legal process and in clearing the names of all parties involved.

Salman Khan unveils patriotic ‘Maatrubhumi’ song teaser for ‘Battle of Galwan’

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Salman Khan unveils patriotic ‘Maatrubhumi’ song teaser for ‘Battle of Galwan’

Days after releasing the teaser for the upcoming action-war drama ‘Battle of Galwan,’ starring Salman Khan, the makers have now unveiled a short glimpse of the film’s first song, titled ‘Maatrubhumi.’

Salman took to Instagram on Friday to share the teaser for his highly anticipated film. The 15-second teaser opens with the sound of a military bugle and shows the Indian flag standing strong. The visuals highlight the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers and the love they have for the country.

The full song will be released on 24 January, just ahead of Republic Day.

‘Maatrubhumi’ is composed by Himesh Reshammiya, with lyrics written by Sameer Anjaan. The song is sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. The music and vocals aim to evoke strong patriotic emotions.

The film’s teaser was released in December last year and gave a glimpse of Salman’s character, who will be seen portraying an Indian Army officer. The teaser shows him with a serious and restrained expression. The visuals depict rough terrain, cold weather, and close combat, offering a glimpse of the challenges soldiers face at high altitudes.

The film is based on the Galwan Valley clash between India and China in 2020, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose, with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, and undertaking activities such as surveying border areas to prevent “possible” Chinese aggression.

Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. The film will be released on 17 April.

Timothée Chalamet makes Oscars history as youngest man with 3 nods

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Timothée Chalamet makes Oscars history as youngest man with 3 nods

Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet has scored his third best actor nomination at the Oscars. His latest nom is for his turn as table tennis protege Marty Mauser in Josh Safdie’s sports dramedy ‘Marty Supreme’.

The actor has become the youngest male actor to earn three acting nominations at 30, reports ‘Variety’.

His previous bids were for ‘Call Me by Your Name’ (which made him the third-youngest nominee ever in the category at 22 years old) and ‘A Complete Unknown’.

As per ‘Variety’, in this year’s best actor race, Timothee Chalamet is nominated alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan and Wagner Moura. ‘Marty Supreme’ also picked up nominations for best picture and best original screenplay, among other categories.

In addition to his best actor nomination, Timothee Chalamet is also nominated for best picture as a producer alongside Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie and Anthony Katagas. At 30 years and 26 days old, he became the youngest person ever to be double-nominated for producing and acting in the same year, surpassing Warren Beatty, who held the record for 58 years. Beatty was 30 years, 10 months and 20 days old when he received his nominations for “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967).

Notably, he was also nominated for directing and screenplay. Timothee Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best actor (comedy or musical) on January 11 for his performance in ‘Marty Supreme’, making history as the youngest winner ever in that category. Last year, he won the best actor prize at The Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) for his turn as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown’. At 29, he is the youngest ever to be awarded that SAG prize.

If Timothee Chalamet were to win the Oscar, he would be the second youngest winner in best actor history behind Adrien Brody, who was 29 when he won for ‘The Pianist’. He would be the sixth youngest male acting winner in any category behind Brody, Timothy Hutton, George Chakiris and Heath Ledger.

Oscars 2026: ‘Sinners’ leads with 16 nominations

Rahil Jamil
-
0
Oscars 2026: ‘Sinners’ leads with 16 nominations

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its highly-anticipated Oscar nominations on Thursday (22 January), setting the stage for what can be described as Hollywood’s biggest night. Leading the race was Michael B Jordan’s ‘Sinners’ with a record-setting 16 nods, closely followed by A-list titles like ‘One Battle After Another’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Sentimental Value’, and ‘Frankenstein’, among others.

Variety has asked both zinzi Coogler and Ryan Coogler on their thoughts processing the record of ‘Sinners’ having the most Oscar nominations in history.

Zinzi Coogler said: “I don’t know that it’s truly settled in yet. We’re still trying to catch our bearings. Like. literally for any morning, it’s so early. But what an insane honor”.

Ryan Coogler said: I was very impressed by everything that my collaborators were doing every day, so I’m so happy that everybody got recognized by their peers. Obviously, I’m biased. I think these folks I work with are some of the best in the world. I feel really fortunate. Because it doesn’t always go that way.

1...171819...569Page 18 of 569
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv