Movies

In an exclusive conversation on India Today, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discussed their film Dhaira and its exploration of uncomfortable societal questions surrounding crimes against women, judicial delays, and extrajudicial encounter killings. Reflecting on public outrage and the growing demand for instant justice, Meghna Gulzar noted, "Hesitating to talk about it is not going to make it go away." Addressing the dilemma between the rule of law and vigilante justice, she clarified that her intent was not to advocate encounter culture, stating, "I don't believe that we need to become a banana republic and that our police should become trigger-happy." Prithviraj Sukumaran explained his character Raman as an argument reflecting societal frustration with an overburdened judicial system facing millions of pending cases. Gulzar highlighted how the narrative confronts moral gray zones, juvenile justice laws post-Nirbhaya, and the complex reality of justice delivery in India today.

Aishwarya Rai made a rare appearance at Mumbai airport on Saturday, drawing attention with her new look. The sighting triggered social media speculation about a possible Paris Fashion Week visit, though she has not confirmed it.

In this India Today Special conversation, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discuss their film Daayra, addressing thematic complexities surrounding sexual assault cases, extrajudicial encounter killings, and growing public disillusionment with the criminal justice system. The discussion explores how systemic bottlenecks and an overburdened judiciary with millions of pending cases lead to public frustration, often driving societal support for immediate retribution and police encounters over constitutional due process. Reflecting on landmark events such as the 2012 Nirbhaya case and the 2019 Hyderabad police encounter, the creators dissect the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement and citizens alike. Prithviraj Sukumaran elaborates on his role as DCP Raman, explaining how the narrative juxtaposes violent crimes against women with retaliatory police actions to prompt societal dialogue without validating vigilantism or offering simplistic moral conclusions. Additionally, Meghna Gulzar highlights the civic function of cinema in confronting uncomfortable social realities rather than relying on standard commercial tropes. The panel also covers casting decisions, the shifting dynamics between theatrical exhibition and digital streaming platforms, and the increasing convergence between regional and mainstream Indian film industries.

Kartik Aaryan visited Lalbaugcha Raja with his National Award after winning Best Actor for Chandu Champion. He sought blessings at the Mumbai pandal with the prestigious honour in hand.

A controversy has emerged over the Kerala International Film Festival as 31 films await censor exemption and clearance from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Out of 347 films submitted for festival screening, 316 films have received clearance, while 31 short films have neither been approved nor rejected without any reasons cited by the ministry. The Kerala Film Academy has reached out to the ministry regarding the pending permissions. With the documentary and short film festival scheduled to commence soon, state authorities plan to write to the central ministry again to seek clarification and clearance for the remaining films.

A special broadcast highlights the box office run of the devotional film Hanuman Ansh, made on a budget of about two crore rupees, which crossed 231 crore rupees in India net collection and over 272.9 crore rupees in India gross by day 40. The film's director, Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, discussed how word-of-mouth publicity, spiritual devotion, and audience support across generations propelled the film after opening to just 10 lakh rupees. Chaturvedi detailed his spiritual inspiration drawn from Neem Karoli Baba at Kainchi Dham, which shaped the movie's narrative and music, including Bundelkhand folk traditions. Addressing the refusal by major streaming services, he expressed disappointment over the initial rejection of Neem Karoli Baba's story, noting the saint's global influence on figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Chaturvedi also emphasised the immense potential of clean, family-oriented cinema rooted in Indian civilization and culture, and shared plans for his upcoming project focusing on Goswami Tulsidas.

In this discussion show, the panel examines the ongoing online narrative and commentary surrounding actor Katrina Kaif's appearance. The anchor questions the tendency of social media users and commentators to provide biological or postpartum explanations for a woman's weight, highlighting that defending women with medical excuses merely reinforces societal beauty standards. Panelist and author-actor Tara Deshpande emphasizes that women's physical appearance is 'nobody's business' and criticizes the culture of body shaming as an expression of self-loathing, noting that scrutiny around women's bodies is deeply rooted and unacceptable. Actor and philanthropist Sanjana Galrani reflects on her personal experiences dealing with postpartum weight changes in the film industry, asserting that trollers must respect personal boundaries. The panelists conclude that women in the public eye should not be subjected to perpetual scrutiny over their looks.

Actor Katrina Kaif has faced a barrage of online comments regarding her appearance, weight, and visible changes following her public appearance with husband Vicky Kaushal at an Ambani Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Fans quickly defended the actor, pointing out that she is forty and a new mother who does not need to adhere to arbitrary beauty standards. The report notes that several prominent women in the public eye, including Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, and Huma Qureshi, have repeatedly faced scrutiny, harsh critiques, and body policing over natural ageing, physical weight shifts, and postpartum body changes.

Actor Salman Khan arrived in style at brother Sohail's home for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Salman's new look has left fans impressed.

Could Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali be ready to bury the hatchet? The actor was seen at the filmmaker's Mumbai residence on Tuesday, decades after their reported fallout. Her visit comes amid reports that Bhansali has approached Kareena for the female lead in his upcoming film with Dhanush, potentially bringing the two together professionally for the first time.