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Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed chase FIFA scandal in thriller ‘The Big Fix’

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January 22, 2026

Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed chase FIFA scandal in thriller ‘The Big Fix’

Actor Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed are set to star in the thriller ‘The Big Fix’ with Baltasar Kormakur helming the project, reported Deadline.

Guy Bolton and Justin Haythe are penning the script, with Kormakur producing along with Peter Chernin and David Ready for Chernin.

Inspired by a true story, ‘The Big Fix’ follows a former Interpol cop in a bureaucratic role at FIFA who uncovers an international match-fixing scandal and launches a high-stakes mission to stop whoever is behind it. His target: a passionate hustler who joins forces with Chinese Triads to earn millions rigging football games across the world. As they start to circle one another, a high-octane, globetrotting cat-and-mouse thriller ensues, pitting two men against each other, according to Deadline.

One of Netflix’s big swings for the first half of 2026 is the upcoming survival thriller ‘Apex’, which Kormakur directed with Theron and Taron Egerton starring.

According to Deadline, even before the shooting of the movie ‘Apex’ wrapped, the makers were thinking about another collaboration, finally landing on ‘The Big Fix’.

Once Kormakur was on board, the next step was tapping the two leads at the centre of this story. Wahlberg and Kormakur go way back, with the A-lister starring in the director’s first major studio film, ‘Contraband’, as well as the hit action movie ‘Two Guns’.

As for Ahmed, the Oscar winner is coming off a strong year that included rave reviews for the thriller Relay.

Wahlberg was most recently seen in ‘The Family Plan 2’. Ahmed can be seen next in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s next film, ‘Digger’.

‘Legally Blonde’ prequel ‘Elle’ sets release date and gets season 2 renewal

Rahil Jamil

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January 22, 2026

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‘Legally Blonde’ prequel ‘Elle’ sets release date and gets season 2 renewal

The prequel series of ‘Legally Blonde’ has set its official premiere date, with the show renewed for a second season, reported Variety. The show is titled ‘Elle’.

According to the outlet, ‘Elle’ Season 1 will debut on Prime Video on 1 July. The production of the second season will begin this spring.

Per the official logline, the show “follows Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first ‘Legally Blonde’ film.”

Reese Witherspoon, who played the lead role in ‘Legally Blonde’, calls the prequel a “dream come true” moment for her after the success of the series.

“Twenty-five years after the world met Elle Woods for the first time, it’s a dream come true to share the story of how she became the unstoppable force we all fell in love with,” said “Legally Blonde” star and series executive producer Reese Witherspoon.

“Discovering Lexi Minetree and watching her step into Elle’s fabulous shoes has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I think our series’ themes of kindness, authenticity, and believing in yourself will resonate deeply with fans of the original films and new audiences alike. Working with our incredible Hello Sunshine team, Amazon and our visionary writers and directors to bring Elle’s high school journey to life has been a tremendous joy. I can’t wait to share Season One with the world and start rolling cameras on Season Two!” added Reese Witherspoon as quoted by Variety.

The prequel series stars Lexi Minetree in the lead roles. The cast of the series includes June Diane Raphael as Elle’s mother Eva and Tom Everett Scott as her father Wyatt, as well as Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, Chandler Kinney, and Zac Looker, according to Variety.

Recurring cast members include Jessica Belkin, Logan Shroyer, Amy Pietz, Matt Ober, Chloe Wepper, David Burtka, Brad Harder, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada, and James Van Der Beek.

According to Variety, ‘Elle’ was created by Laura Kittrell, who serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Caroline Dries. Jason Moore directed the first two episodes and also serves as an executive producer.

The first “Legally Blonde” film was a box office success, grossing over 140 million USD worldwide following its release in 2001, reported Variety.

The sequel ‘Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde’ was released in 2003. A direct-to-video third film came out in 2009, though Witherspoon did not star but did serve as a producer.

A stage musical based on the first film debuted on Broadway in 2007, receiving multiple Tony and Drama Desk nominations.

Sydney Sweeney to star as “Original Dangerous Woman” in ‘Custom of the Country’

Rahil Jamil

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January 22, 2026

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Sydney Sweeney to star as “Original Dangerous Woman” in ‘Custom of the Country’

Actress Sydney Sweeney will star in and produce a film adaptation of ‘Custom of the Country’, a classic Edith Wharton novel, reported Variety.

According to Variety, Josie Rourke is directing and writing the adaptation of the classic Edith Wharton novel. Sweeney plays Undine Spragg, an ambitious Midwestern woman who attempts to ascend the social ladder in turn-of-the-century New York.

As described in the official press release, Undine Spragg, “armed with beauty, daring/hustle and sheer force of will and unwavering ambition, battles an entrenched elite, fearlessly courting controversy, until love and fortune align,” reported Variety.

Casting director Nina Gold is in the process of building the ensemble around Sweeney, according to a press release. Principal photography is expected to begin imminently.

Rourke describes Undine Spragg as the “original dangerous woman” and feels the casting of Sweeney is kismet, adding that it’s as if “Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her,” reported Variety.

“Edith Wharton’s character has forever fascinated, seduced and infuriated readers. ‘The Custom of the Country’ was Wharton’s great American novel and Undine Spragg sweeps across America and through Europe at top speed, during a time of immense economic and social change,” Rourke said in a statement as quoted by Variety.

“The book whistles with modernity and as I was writing this adaptation, Sydney Sweeney lived in my head as this iconic character — it’s as if Wharton sat down a century ago and wrote the role for her,” added Rourke.

Filmmaker Sofia Coppola had planned in 2020 to turn Wharton’s novel into a miniseries starring Florence Pugh, but the project, set at Apple, never came to fruition, as per Variety.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s texts about Justin Baldoni drama revealed

Showbiz

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s texts about Justin Baldoni drama revealed

Blake Lively exchanged a series of private messages with Taylor Swift about It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, according to court documents obtained by E! News on 20 January.

The documents form part of Lively’s ongoing legal case against Baldoni, whom she is suing over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, claims he has denied. In the messages referenced in the filing, Lively allegedly referred to Baldoni as her “doofus director” and a “clown” while asking Swift to review a revised version of the film’s script, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.

According to the documents, Swift responded supportively, replying: “I’ll do anything for you!!”

Lively later thanked the Grammy-winning singer for her support and said she had shared details of the situation with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

“You were so epically heroic today,” Lively reportedly texted Swift. “I recapped every moment to Ryan… This clown falling for all of it. But also resisting it.” She concluded by calling Swift “the world’s absolute greatest friend ever”.

In a transcript of Lively’s July deposition, also obtained by E! News, the actress explained that she had sent Swift the script while the singer was en route to her apartment, where Baldoni was still present for a meeting. Lively said she made it clear that Swift was under no obligation to read the material.

“I sent Taylor the script on her way to my apartment because Justin was still there,” Lively said in the deposition. “I told her she didn’t have to, I didn’t want her to feel pressured, but I hoped that she would.”

In the 20 January filing, Lively further argued that her wording was intended purely to ensure her friend did not feel pressured to get involved.

This is not the first time Swift’s name has surfaced in the legal dispute. Baldoni previously accused Lively of leveraging her friendship with Swift to gain greater creative control over It Ends With Us. In a countersuit, which has since been dismissed, Baldoni included text messages in which Lively compared herself to Game of Thrones character Khaleesi and referred to Swift and Reynolds as her “dragons”.

“For better or worse, but usually for better,” Lively wrote, according to the 2025 filing. “Because my dragons also protect those I fight for.”

In response, a spokesperson for Swift denied any involvement in the film’s creative process, aside from contributing her song My Tears Ricochet to the soundtrack.

“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie,” her representative told E! News in a statement issued in May. “She was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, did not score the film, and never saw an edit or made any notes on the film.”

E! News reports that representatives for Lively and Baldoni were contacted for comment but did not respond. Swift’s representative also declined to comment further.

Harry Styles announces release of new single ‘Aperture’ ahead of fourth album

Showbiz

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Harry Styles announces release of new single ‘Aperture’ ahead of fourth album

Harry Styles seems all ready to officially begin the new chapter in his music career as the singer just announced that his new single, ‘Aperture,’ will be released this week.

The song is set to drop on 23 January and will be the first track from his upcoming fourth album, titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco,” Occasionally.

Last week, Styles also shared that the full album will be released on March 6. The record will feature 12 songs and is being produced by Kid Harpoon, who previously worked with Styles on his 2022 album Harry’s House, according to Variety.

Fans have been waiting for this project for months. According to Variety, Styles had teased it with billboards and online posts in cities like New York, Madrid, and Rome. The signs carried short lines like “we belong together” and “see you very soon,” leading many fans to speculate that new music was on the way.

The buzz around the album grew even more toward the end of 2025 when Styles shared a surprise video. In the clip, he played an instrumental piece on the piano during the last show of his Love on Tour in 2023. The video ended with the words “We belong together” on the screen.

Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally will be Styles’ fourth solo album. It follows Harry’s House, which won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2023. Styles had toured for almost two years with Love on Tour, ending the shows in Italy in July 2023.

Ridhi Dogra on paparazzi culture: “Problem is in identification, not paps”

News

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Ridhi Dogra on paparazzi culture: “Problem is in identification, not paps”

As paparazzi culture has evolved over time, with celebrities photographed anytime, anywhere, staying prepared has become increasingly important. Actor Ridhi Dogra has shared her views on paparazzi culture, saying she does not see any problem with photographers, but believes the real issue lies in proper identification and the impact on personal privacy, particularly for women in public spaces.

Speaking about her experiences, Dogra said she is generally comfortable with the presence of paparazzi and even described many of them as “sweet.” She noted that several paparazzi appearances are often coordinated by public relations teams themselves.

“… I think they are very sweet…most paps are in fact called by PR teams. My PR team calls them when they want to make a noise about something. They call them. And I’m happy..”, Ridhi told ANI.

However, the actor noted that discomfort arises when photographers are present but not clearly identifiable. Recalling instances of being clicked outside salons or offices, Dogra said, “I go to places like a salon or office. They are always there. I always ask them, why are you here? So, there are places you don’t call them…”

Dogra stressed the fact that the lack of proper identification makes it difficult to distinguish between professional photographers and strangers.

“Earlier, photographers used to have cameras so we could identify them. Now, like, I go to my salon, someone was sitting there, and you could not recognise if they were paps or not..If someone comes up and says they are from the media, you are comfortable. You know who they are and why they are there, but if you don’t know who they are, the fans or someone is harassing you, it becomes difficult,” she said, highlighting that such situations can be more challenging for women.

“… We’re also women. So, it unsettles you because somebody is capturing you,” she said.

She added that organised events are different as photographers are clearly segregated and identifiable. “So, I don’t think the problem is with paps. The problem is in identification,” she said.

The actor emphasised that she understands the realities of being a public figure and accepts that being photographed is part of the profession. “Of course, as a public person, you know pictures will be clicked,” she said, noting that maintaining privacy at certain times is important.

Meanwhile, Ridhi has joined the cast of the new reality show ‘The 50’. The show is the Indian version of a global reality format where contestants compete using instinct, strategy and emotional strength.

While talking about the show, she said, “I think reality shows are the way to go for Indian audiences and Indian television and OTT viewing, everybody wants to be on a reality show. And I’m on reality shows all the time… this show is very different. This is about dreams, it’s about strategies and alliances. It’s a game based on what you do. This is a very new concept. And I’m happy to do a show like this.”

The 50 will premiere on 1 February on JioHotstar and Colors.

Emraan Hashmi’s ‘Taskaree’ makes history as Netflix’s first Indian #1 global hit

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Emraan Hashmi’s ‘Taskaree’ makes history as Netflix’s first Indian #1 global hit

Actor Emraan Hashmi has expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans following the success of Netflix series ‘Taskaree: The Smugglers Web’.

Taking to X, he shared a video, saying, “Big, big thank you to everyone out there. Taskaree has become the first Indian title to reach the number one spot on Netflix’s global non-English top 10 list.Ye sab aap logon ke pyar ki vajah se hua hai. I’ve been reading all your comments, all your messages. Thank you for your support, for love. This only goes to show that stories rooted in honesty travel very far…we all are very grateful..”

He wrote in the caption, “Thank you fans for making Taskaree the first Indian title to reach #1 on Netflix’s Global Non-English Top 10 list !”

Netflix’s latest original series, ‘Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web’, has become the first Indian series to debut at the #1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV List in its very first week of release, as per the press release.

Created by Neeraj Pandey and co-directed by Raghav Jairath, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web stars Emraan Hashmi, along with Zoya Afroz, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sharad Kelkar, Nandish Singh Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha. The show explores the high-stakes world of airport customs, highlighting the courage and dedication of officers working behind the scenes to protect the nation.

Neeraj Pandey commented on the series’ success, saying, “‘Taskaree’ becoming the first Indian series to reach the no. 1 spot on the Netflix Global Top 10 Non English TV list is a significant moment, not just for the show but for Indian storytelling at large. It underlines the fact that unique stories rooted in our realities and set in spaces rarely explored can find resonance far beyond India when told with clarity and intent. Netflix gave the story the wings to travel, and the overwhelming response reaffirms our belief in the power of the narrative we chose to tell.”

Emraan said in a statement, “Taskaree is a story we made with sincerity and a lot of respect for the officers who work relentlessly at our airports, and that lens fascinated all of us while making the show.”

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, added, “We’re thrilled that 2026 has begun on such a high note. The audience response to Taskaree has been truly heartening…While the show is deeply local, its themes are universal, which is why audiences everywhere have connected so strongly with it.”

‘Zootopia 2’ becomes Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film, beating ‘Inside Out 2’

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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‘Zootopia 2’ becomes Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film, beating ‘Inside Out 2’

Disney’s hit sequel ‘Zootopia 2’ has hopped onto another milestone, becoming Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film in history, reported Variety.

With a collection of USD 1.7 billion globally, the film has taken over another hit Disney sequel, 2024’s ‘Inside Out 2’ (USD 1.69 billion). On the other hand, the Jared Bush and Byron Howard directorial is the 9th highest-grossing movie ever at the global box office, even surpassing ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Jurassic World’, stated Deadline.

Meanwhile, China’s ‘Ne Zha 2’ continues to hold the record as the biggest animated movie, with a collection of USD 2.25 billion.

“This milestone belongs first and foremost to the fans around the world whose enthusiasm made it possible. We’re incredibly proud of our filmmakers Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Yvett Merino and the entire team at Walt Disney Animation Studios for creating a film that connects so deeply with audiences everywhere. ‘Zootopia 2’ is an extraordinary achievement, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life,” Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman said in a statement, as quoted by Variety.

Opened in theatres during the Thanksgiving holiday, ‘Zootopia 2’ made a collection of USD 156 million across America and USD 559.5 million globally over the course of five days, becoming the highest global animated opening of all time as well as the year’s biggest worldwide debut.

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the film follows the story of a rabbit police officer (Ginnifer Goodwin) and con artist fox (Jason Bateman) as they come together once again to pursue a mysterious new reptilian resident (Ke Huy Quan).

Disney is yet to announce ‘Zootopia 3’.

Daldal Trailer: Bhumi Pednekkar hunts down “cold-blooded” serial killer in thrilling crime saga

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Daldal Trailer: Bhumi Pednekkar hunts down “cold-blooded” serial killer in thrilling crime saga

The trailer for the Bhumi Pednekkar-starrer ‘Daldal’ is out, giving viewers a first clear look at what they can expect from the upcoming crime drama.

The series is set in Mumbai and follows a police officer chasing a serial killer. The two-minute, one-second trailer shows Bhumi in the role of DCP Rita Ferreira, who leads a tough investigation as a series of murders shakes the city. The trailer shows that the case puts heavy pressure on her both at work and in her personal life.

Talking about her role in the series, Bhumi, according to a release, said, “Playing Rita Ferreira has been one of the most intense and creatively fulfilling experiences of my career. She is a woman forged by ambition, haunted by doubt, and burdened by the weight of her past – a character who demanded that I explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength in ways I had never done before.”

Daldal is directed by Amrit Raj Gupta and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Suresh Triveni under Abundantia Entertainment. The series is created by Suresh Triveni and written by Sreekanth Agneeswaran, Rohan D’Souza, Priya Saggi, and Hussain Haidry.

Along with Bhumi Pednekkar, the show also stars Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in key roles.

The story is based on Vish Dhamija’s book Bhendi Bazaar. It focuses on how the police track a killer who plans his crimes carefully and leaves behind few clues.

Daldal is set to premiere on Prime Video on 30 January.

Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s ‘O’Romeo’ trailer unveils dark gangster romance

Rahil Jamil

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January 21, 2026

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Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s ‘O’Romeo’ trailer unveils dark gangster romance

The trailer for Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s much-awaited dark romance ‘O’Romeo’ has been finally unveiled, taking audiences into a fierce, bloodied, and intense tale.

Shahid Kapoor as the lead protagonist appears on a murderous rampage as Ustara – “a raw, untamed, and deeply conflicted gangster shaped by love and violence.”

The trailer opens to show a glimpse of a world driven by passion, power, and survival against the shadowy uynderbelly of Mumbai. Said to be inspired by true events, the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial presents Triptii as a woman in distress who seeks help from Ustara, only for things to go south over their feelings.

Their compelling chemistry takes centre-stage in the trailer, with their relationship expressed through silences, restrained emotions, and unspoken longing.

Avinash Tiwary, who appears as the villain, fights and kills bulls in an arena, suggesting the savage tone of his character. Nana Patekar also makes a striking appearance alongside the likes of Farida Jalal, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Disha Patani.

Disha and Shahid come together for a peppy dance number.

Meanwhile, actor Vikrant Massey is also set to make a special appearance in the film.

Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri were present at the grand trailer launch of their film in Mumbai, where the makers also unveiled a large poster of ‘O’Romeo’. The actors were seen twinning in black and white ensembles, showcasing a sweet bond at the event.

While Shahid chose a black blazer paired with a V-neck white t-shirt and black trousers, Triptii looked gorgeous in a white ethnic outfit.

Enhancing the film’s emotional landscape is the powerful collaboration of Vishal Bhardwaj with Arijit Singh and Gulzar, promising music that resonates with the film’s intense and poetic tone.

Earlier this month, the makers dropped the song ‘Hum To Tere Hi Liye The’ from O’Romeo. Set against the gritty, brooding backdrop of O’Romeo, ‘Hum To Tere Hi Liye The’ becomes a striking emotional contrast where harsh realities collide with fragile emotions.

Sajid Nadiadwala presents O’Romeo, a film by Vishal Bhardwaj. Produced under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, O’Romeo will release in Valentine’s Week on 13 February, 2026.