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Yellowjackets season 3: New faces, shocking twists, and the return of Jackie

Arya Nanda
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Yellowjackets season 3: New faces, shocking twists, and the return of Jackie

The wait is almost over for fans of Yellowjackets, as season three of the hit coming-of-age survival horror series returns on 14 February 2025. A chilling new teaser, revealed at CCXP 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil, hints at the horrors to come—including new characters, more dual timelines, and the much-anticipated return of Ella Purnell’s Jackie.

The teaser opens with a haunting message: “The past will come back to hunt,” overlaid on a figure wearing the Yellowjackets’ infamous cannibalism mask. Creators Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, and co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco have confirmed what fans both dread and expect—season three will delve deeper into the group’s descent into cannibalism.

In the 1996 wilderness timeline, the survivors face their lowest point yet. Left without shelter and starving after the devastating events of season two, the group begins to unravel further. Sophie Nélisse’s young Shauna bitterly remarks, “I can’t believe we didn’t eat them first,” reflecting the escalating tension over leadership and survival.

Ella-Purnell as Jackie in Yellowjackets
Image: Showtime

The season two finale left fans reeling with multiple deaths, a harrowing mourning process, and a mysterious unresolved disappearance. The survivors’ precarious position in the wilderness sets the stage for more shocking twists.

In the present-day timeline, the surviving Yellowjackets—played by Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, and Simone Kessell—continue to grapple with their traumatic past. Ghost Jackie (Ella Purnell) makes a startling return to haunt Shauna, as the group finds themselves under threat once again.

Notably absent from the new season is Juliette Lewis, whose character, adult Natalie, tragically died in the season two finale. Lewis expressed gratitude for her time on the show, calling the writing “beautiful,” while leaving the possibility of a return open.

A Stellar Ensemble and New Additions

Returning cast members include Warren Kole, Sarah Desjardins, Elijah Wood, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Courtney Eaton, Liv Hewson, Kevin Alves, and Steven Krueger as Coach Ben. Joining the series in a guest role is Joel McHale, adding even more intrigue to the already star-studded cast.

The official logline teases the series’ continued exploration of the group’s transformation “from a complicated but thriving team to savage clans.” It also highlights their struggle to piece their lives back together nearly 25 years later, proving that the past is never truly behind them.

Yellowjackets season three launches with two episodes available for streaming on Paramount+ and Paramount+ With Showtime subscribers on 14 February, followed by its linear debut on Showtime on 16 February. With its signature blend of psychological drama and survival horror, season three promises to be its darkest and most compelling chapter yet.

The Traitors season 3: What to expect from the return of BBC’s addictive hit show

Arya Nanda
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The Traitors season 3: What to expect from the return of BBC’s addictive hit show

The Traitors is back, and fans don’t have long to wait. Season three of the wildly popular BBC show is set to premiere on New Year’s Day, with the first episode airing at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The following episode will air at 8pm on Thursday, 2 January, before settling into its regular slot at 9pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. All episodes will be available to catch up on iPlayer.

The news was revealed via the show’s official Instagram account, with a teaser featuring a cloaked figure ascending the iconic castle steps. Fireworks light up the night sky to reveal the words “New Year’s Day,” followed by host Claudia Winkleman’s gothic declaration: “Start the new year with a bang.”

A Recipe for Addictive TV

The premise of The Traitors is deceptively simple but irresistibly gripping. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Scotland’s Ardross Castle, contestants navigate tasks, betrayals, and alliances to win cash, all while trying to unmask the titular “Traitors” in their midst.

Expect tears, tantrums, and plenty of shouting at your screen as the contestants’ trust issues—and your own—are tested. Plus, prepare for another season of stunning fashion moments from Winkleman, who has become a style icon for the show’s fans.

Season three was filmed at Ardross Castle, just over 30 minutes from Inverness. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 1700s, the castle in its current form dates back to 1848. Its historic and imposing structure provides the perfect setting for the show’s high-stakes drama.

Why You Should Tune In

Season two of The Traitors left fans eagerly anticipating more, with its thrilling mix of psychological strategy, dramatic twists, and jaw-dropping betrayals. With its compelling format and Claudia Winkleman at the helm, season three promises to be just as unmissable.

Mark your calendars and prepare for the emotional rollercoaster to begin. The Traitors season three launches on 1 January 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon to reunite for Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2

Arya Nanda
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Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon to reunite for Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2

A sequel to the 2012 hit film Cocktail is reportedly in the works, with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon set to reunite under the direction of Homi Adajania. According to reports, the sequel, produced by Dinesh Vijan, will once again explore the dynamics of a love triangle, much like the original.

Reports suggest that Rashmika Mandanna is being considered for the third lead, although casting is still underway. Shooting for the film is expected to begin in May 2025.

After their recent collaboration in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (TBMAUJ), Shahid and Kriti are set to team up once more in Cocktail 2. A source shared, “After the success of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon are reuniting for Cocktail 2. The duo loved the script and are excited to venture into the world of this romantic comedy.”

The original Cocktail, released in 2012, was a game changer for Deepika Padukone, solidifying her as a leading actress in Bollywood. Directed by Homi Adajania and penned by Imtiaz Ali, the rom-com told the story of a love triangle involving a playboy, a free-spirited photographer, and a conservative woman. The film was a critical and commercial success, noted for its engaging storytelling and stellar performances.

The sequel is expected to carry forward the essence of the original while introducing a fresh storyline. Sources also indicate that Luv Ranjan will be involved in some capacity in the creative process.

What’s Next for Shahid and Kriti?

Shahid Kapoor, who was last seen in TBMAUJ, is currently filming Deva with Pooja Hegde under the direction of Rosshan Andrrews. He has also reportedly signed a film with Vishal Bhardwaj.

Meanwhile, Kriti Sanon, following her roles in Crew and the Netflix film Do Patti, is yet to announce her next projects. However, she recently hinted at a potential collaboration with her sister Nupur Sanon.

Cocktail 2 promises to bring a fresh take on the classic romantic comedy formula and is already generating excitement among fans. Stay tuned for updates on casting and production!

India’s Anuja shortlisted for Oscars 2025 in live-action short film category

Arya Nanda
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India’s Anuja shortlisted for Oscars 2025 in live-action short film category

After Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 in the International Feature Film category, failed to make the shortlist, hopes are now on Anuja. The film, produced by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, has been shortlisted in the Best Live-Action Short Film category.

Set in New Delhi, Anuja addresses the harrowing issue of child labour in the garment industry. The film features Nagesh Bhonsle in a key role and boasts powerful performances by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.

Reacting to the news, Monga shared her excitement: “Having Anuja shortlisted for the Oscars is an incredible honour. Taking Indian stories global has always been a part of my hustle, and it is a privilege to utilise my learnings over the years to ensure beautiful films like Anuja are given the platform they deserve.”

She also praised the film’s creative team, filmmakers Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, for their refreshing screenplay, and highlighted the exceptional performances that bring the story to life.

This marks Guneet Monga’s third nomination at the Oscars. Her previous productions, The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, both won in their respective categories.

Other Contenders in the Category

Anuja faces competition from a diverse range of films shortlisted in the Live-Action Short category, including Clodagh, The Compatriot, Crust, Dovecote, Edge of Space, The Ice Cream Man, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, A Lien, The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, The Masterpiece, An Orange from Jaffa, Paris 70, and Room Taken.

Another strong contender in this year’s Oscars race is Santosh, a British-Indian film directed by Sandhya Suri. The film, starring Shahana Goswami, is the United Kingdom’s official entry in the International Feature Film category. Premiering earlier this year in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, Santosh has been lauded for its compelling narrative and powerful performances.

With Anuja making waves on the global stage, Indian cinema continues to showcase its ability to tell impactful and culturally significant stories, and fans eagerly await the final Oscars nominations announcement.

Atlee and Varun Dhawan’s Baby John set for Christmas release, will it clash with Pushpa 2?

Arya Nanda
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Atlee and Varun Dhawan’s Baby John set for Christmas release, will it clash with Pushpa 2?

Atlee and Varun Dhawan’s highly anticipated mass-actioner Baby John is gearing up for a theatrical release around Christmas. The film, however, will face stiff competition from Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, which is shattering box office records both in India and internationally.

When asked about the potential clash, Atlee clarified the situation at a press conference in Mumbai, stating, “It’s an ecosystem. Me and Allu Arjun sir are very good friends. We’re releasing Baby John in the fourth week of December, not head-to-head. So don’t call it a clash. There’s no conflict here.”

Atlee added that Pushpa 2 had initially been slated for an August release before shifting to December, and he and his team adjusted their plans accordingly. “We’re all professionals, and we know how to handle this,” he said

Speaking about Allu Arjun, Atlee revealed the camaraderie between the two filmmakers. “He congratulated me about the film and spoke to Varun. There’s great friendship and love in this ecosystem,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pushpa 2 continues to dominate the box office. The film has already surpassed the collections of Bollywood juggernauts such as Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Pathaan, and Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2. According to trade website Sacnilk, the Hindi version of Pushpa 2 alone crossed the £60 million mark in just 14 days, while the film is only a few million pounds away from achieving the £100 million milestone at the domestic box office.

About Baby John

Baby John features Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles. The film is a remake of Vijay’s blockbuster Theri, which was also helmed by Atlee. Produced by Priya Atlee, Murad Khetani, and Jyoti Deshpande, Baby John is slated for release on 25 December, perfectly timed to capture the festive holiday audience.

With both films expected to draw massive crowds, Christmas 2024 promises to be an exhilarating season for cinema lovers.

Pushpa 2 premiere tragedy: Allu Arjun’s father visits hospitalised victim 

Arya Nanda
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Pushpa 2 premiere tragedy: Allu Arjun’s father visits hospitalised victim 

Two weeks after the tragic events at the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre, questions continue to arise about the handling of the situation. The stampede-like incident left a woman dead and her young son, Sri Tej, critically injured. While a case has been filed against lead actor Allu Arjun and the theatre management for failing to inform the police of his visit, his father, producer Allu Aravind, visited the hospitalised boy on Wednesday to provide an update on his condition.

Speaking to the press after his hospital visit, Allu Aravind said, “I just visited Sri Tej in the ICU. I have spoken to the doctors looking after him. The boy has been recovering slowly in the last 10 days, but it might take longer. We are ready to support in any way we can to help him recover. I am thankful that the government has also stepped forward to help him reach normalcy.”

Aravind addressed concerns about Allu Arjun’s absence, explaining, “Many people wonder why Allu Arjun hasn’t visited the hospital yet. He wanted to visit them the day after the stampede. However, the hospital authorities asked him to stay put for safety reasons. It’s the same day a case was filed against him.”

He further clarified that their legal team, led by Niranjan Reddy, advised Arjun not to visit the family at this stage. “I have taken permission from the authorities to visit the boy today because [Arjun] felt bad he couldn’t visit them. I thank CM Revanth Reddy, the police, and the hospital authorities for agreeing,” he added.

Timeline of the Incident

The incident occurred on 4 December, when Allu Arjun, accompanied by co-star Rashmika Mandanna and his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy, visited Sandhya Theatre at RTC X Roads in Hyderabad. The unexpected visit drew massive crowds, leading to a chaotic situation that turned deadly.

The police filed an FIR against Arjun and the theatre management for failing to notify authorities about his visit, which could have allowed for better crowd control.

On 13 December, Arjun was arrested by the Chikkadapally Police and held overnight at Chanchalaguda Central Jail. The Nampally Court initially placed him on a 14-day remand. However, the Telangana High Court granted him a four-week interim bail, allowing him to return home.

Since his release, Arjun has spoken to the press, expressing deep grief over the incident. While he has not yet met the victim’s family in person, he has assured the public of his support and cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

The tragedy has sparked intense scrutiny over the management of high-profile events, particularly in crowded urban areas. Fans and critics alike have called for stricter protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, especially for events involving major celebrities.

Agastya Nanda teases fans with a glimpse of upcoming film Ikkis

Arya Nanda
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Agastya Nanda teases fans with a glimpse of upcoming film Ikkis

Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, who is set to star in the highly anticipated film Ikkis, recently treated fans to a sneak peek of the project on Instagram.

The actor shared an image on his Instagram stories, showing himself dressed in a white shirt with his back to the camera while seated on a brown chair. The chair bears the number 21, which translates to Ikkis in Hindi.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a young soldier who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, for his exemplary bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Agastya will star alongside legendary actor Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat in the film, which is produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. Set to release on 10 January 2025, Ikkis promises to be a stirring cinematic tribute to one of India’s most celebrated war heroes.

Agastya Nanda is already gaining attention for his role in The Archies, Zoya Akhtar’s adaptation of the beloved Archie Comics. The film, which explores themes of friendship, love, heartbreak, and rebellion, introduces audiences to the fictional town of Riverdale. Agastya plays Archie Andrews and stars alongside Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Dot, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj Menda.

While fans eagerly anticipate Ikkis, Agastya’s performance in The Archies has garnered praise, establishing him as a promising new talent in Indian cinema.

With Ikkis marking a significant milestone in his budding career, the film’s January 2025 release date is sure to be circled on calendars for fans of Agastya and lovers of impactful war dramas alike.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner reportedly engaged after romantic Christmas proposal

Arya Nanda
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Dua Lipa and Callum Turner reportedly engaged after romantic Christmas proposal

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are reportedly engaged after a romantic proposal during the Christmas holidays. The couple, who have been together for over a year, are said to have quietly gotten engaged, with plans to celebrate their love with friends and family on New Year’s Eve.

The 29-year-old Levitating singer and 34-year-old Fantastic Beasts actor are said to be “so in love” and their friends are thrilled for them after Callum popped the question. The engagement rumours gained momentum when Dua shared a series of festive photos on Instagram, with one image notably showing a sparkling diamond ring on her ring finger. In the picture, Dua is seated with her hands folded in her lap, her ring clearly visible as she posed in a festive headband and fur Moon Boots.

The carousel of images captured a warm holiday atmosphere, including intimate scenes of lavish dining, gift-wrapping, and time spent with close friends. While Dua has yet to officially confirm the engagement, the posts quickly sparked whispers of the proposal.

Reports suggest that Callum may have proposed during the holiday season, marking a magical milestone in their romance. The pair first sparked romance rumours earlier this year when they were spotted together at the premiere party for Callum’s Apple TV+ show, Masters of the Air, in Beverly Hills. At the time, TMZ reported that the couple appeared very close, with Dua even seen slow dancing with Callum.

Since then, the couple has kept their relationship mostly private, although Dua hinted at her views on love in a January interview with Rolling Stone. She admitted that dating is “a little confusing” and shared that meeting new people is often easier through trusted connections.

According to a source; “Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever. They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally, and this is the cherry on the cake.”

As the couple prepares to ring in the New Year, fans are eagerly awaiting further updates from the couple, who seem to be embarking on a joyful new chapter together.

Independent filmmaker strives to amplify Kashmiri voices beyond Bollywood

Arya Nanda
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Independent filmmaker strives to amplify Kashmiri voices beyond Bollywood

Arfat Sheikh, a 39-year-old filmmaker, has set out to challenge Bollywood’s portrayal of Kashmir with his debut feature film, Saffron Kingdom. Drawing from his own experiences in the conflict-ridden region, Sheikh seeks to give voice to a narrative he says has been erased and misrepresented by mainstream Indian cinema.

Sheikh’s journey is deeply personal. His father, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, a renowned Kashmiri musician, was allegedly “disappeared” by police in Punjab in 2003. Growing up in Indian-administered Kashmir, Sheikh witnessed the relentless cycle of violence and repression, leaving scars that never healed.

“I grew up with a sense of loss, of searching for answers that never came,” Sheikh tells The Independent. “What’s happening since 2019 with a lot of these Bollywood films is that the entire premise starts with ‘terrorism of Kashmir.’ Our voices are being suppressed and trampled upon.”

Sheikh criticises Bollywood films like The Kashmir Files and Pathaan for perpetuating harmful stereotypes by focusing solely on violence and ignoring the lived experiences of Kashmiris. He argues that the region’s portrayal in popular culture has been reductive, romanticising its scenic beauty or villainising its people.

The revocation of Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy in 2019 by the Indian government, accompanied by a curfew, communications blackout, and a crackdown on dissent, was a turning point for Sheikh. It intensified what he describes as an urgency to reclaim his heritage and tell the silenced stories of his people.

Saffron Kingdom is Sheikh’s answer to that erasure. The film, shot primarily in Atlanta, USA, explores the intergenerational trauma stemming from the violent upheavals of the 1990s in Kashmir. It follows a Kashmiri-American family grappling with the lingering impact of conflict and the loss of their identity.

“Art is personal,” Sheikh says. “You cannot create without having a personal connection to what you are making.” However, making the film in Kashmir was not an option. “I would not have even gotten permission to shoot. Art is persecuted in Kashmir,” he explains.

Instead, Sheikh turned to the United States to find a global audience for his story.

Sheikh’s journey as a storyteller began in the non-profit sector, where he travelled to remote areas of Kashmir documenting the stories of others. However, he found the limitations of documentary filmmaking frustrating.

“The documentaries would just go on YouTube and reach funders, but they didn’t have the impact I wanted,” he says.

This led him to fiction filmmaking, where he felt he could recreate and amplify the stories of his people. Saffron Kingdom blends a diasporic narrative with reflections on Kashmir’s history, including the abrogation of Article 370, which serves as a key plot point.

The protagonist, a Kashmiri-American, embarks on a journey to uncover his family’s past and understand why they left Kashmir, mirroring Sheikh’s own quest for answers.

Sheikh hopes his film will counter the dominant narratives in Bollywood and draw attention to the struggles of Kashmiris. “We’ve been kept under their boots for too long,” he says.

For Sheikh, Saffron Kingdom is not just a film—it’s an act of resistance and reclamation. “This is our story,” he says. “And it’s time the world heard it.”

Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor’s Loveyapa set for February 2025 release

Arya Nanda
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Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor’s Loveyapa set for February 2025 release

Newcomers Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor are all set to charm audiences in their upcoming romantic comedy Loveyapa, which will hit theatres on 7 February 2025. Directed by Advait Chandan of Laal Singh Chaddha and Secret Superstar fame, the film promises to deliver a “tangled tale of love and its complications with a mix of fun and laughter,” according to a press release.

Backed by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, the film has been announced with an intriguing tagline: “Situationship? Relationship? Love ka syapa? Ya Loveyapa? See you in theatres on the 7th of Feb 2025,” shared Phantom Studios on its social media channels.

Loveyapa is reportedly a remake of the 2022 Tamil blockbuster Love Today, directed by and starring Pradeep Ranganathan. The Tamil original was widely praised for its fresh and relevant take on modern relationships, setting high expectations for this Bollywood adaptation.

However, not all fans are thrilled with the title change. A user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “Love Today is such a relevant and nice name; these #Bollywood people love to change it into something stupid.”

Another user expressed doubts about the lead pair’s ability to match the Tamil version’s performances: “The original version’s hero and heroine did an amazing job. This pair needs to work hard to match their performance.”

For both Junaid and Khushi, Loveyapa marks their second major project in the film industry.

Junaid, the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, debuted with the historical drama Maharaj, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra. The film, also starring Sharvari, Shalini Pandey, and Jaideep Ahlawat, was released on Netflix to positive reviews.

Khushi, the daughter of the late Bollywood icon Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, made her debut in The Archies (2023), a Netflix film co-starring Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda.

With Advait Chandan at the helm and a remake of a proven hit, Loveyapa has already garnered significant attention. Fans are eager to see how the young actors interpret their roles and whether the film lives up to the legacy of its Tamil predecessor.

As the February 2025 release date approaches, audiences will be watching closely to see if Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor can make their mark in Bollywood’s romantic comedy genre.

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