Category: Entertainment

Indian cinema had a proud and emotional moment on the global stage as Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, received a thunderous 9-minute standing ovation, making it a landmark occasion for Indian storytelling. As the applause echoed through the auditorium, emotions ran high. Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa shared a warm hug, visibly overwhelmed. Director Neeraj Ghaywan joined the actors onstage, and the trio called Janhvi Kapoor in for a heartfelt group embrace. Watching the touching moment unfold, producer Karan Johar was seen wiping away tears, moved by the film’s reception. Janhvi’s sister Khushi Kapoor and her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya were also spotted in the crowd, enthusiastically clapping as chants of “Bravo!” filled the air. Homebound is a stirring tale of two childhood friends from a North Indian village who dream of becoming police officers to escape societal limitations and earn respect. But as desperation mounts, their once-unbreakable friendship faces a critical test. The screenplay, penned by Ghaywan and Sumit Roy, dives deep into themes of ambition, inequality, and friendship, delivering a story that resonated powerfully with the international audience. As the only Indian feature at Cannes 2025, Homebound not only brought global recognition to its cast and crew but also reaffirmed the potential of Indian cinema to tell raw, grounded, and universally impactful stories.

Actress Kayadu Lohar, who recently rose to prominence with her role in Ashwath Marimuthu’s Dragon alongside Pradeep Ranganathan, is now reportedly under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the TASMAC scam in Tamil Nadu. According to a MidDay report, Kayadu has come under the ED’s radar after individuals arrested during recent raids allegedly named her during questioning. She is reportedly being probed for her alleged involvement, with claims that she charged ₹35 lakh for attending certain “night parties” connected to those involved in the scam. The TASMAC scam revolves around alleged financial irregularities in Tamil Nadu’s state-run liquor distribution agency, TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation). The ED had launched a money laundering probe into the case, citing corruption worth over ₹1000 crore. However, the Supreme Court recently stayed the probe, criticizing the ED for “crossing all limits” and violating federal principles of governance. The law officer, defending the agency’s actions, stated that the case involved significant corruption and that the ED’s actions were justified. As of now, Kayadu Lohar has not issued any public statement addressing her alleged involvement in the case. About Kayadu LoharKayadu began her acting career in 2021 with the Kannada film Mugilpete after winning Fresh Face Season 12. She later ventured into Malayalam and Telugu cinema with Pathonpatham Noottandu and Alluri in 2022, and made her Marathi debut in 2023 with I Prem U.

In a striking new venture, Bollywood action icon Sunny Deol is set to make his OTT debut with Netflix in an intense, high-stakes action film directed by Siddharth P Malhotra. The upcoming film, produced by Suparn Verma, is the official Hindi adaptation of the 2007 Hollywood thriller Death Sentence, which starred Kevin Bacon. The news, first reported earlier this week, has now been confirmed by Pinkvilla, adding to the buzz surrounding Deol’s move to the streaming space. The adaptation will retain the emotionally charged core of the original while incorporating gritty, stylized action—perfectly complementing Deol’s larger-than-life screen presence. A source close to the production revealed, “Sunny Deol is making his Netflix debut with an action-packed feature film, and the same will be directed by Siddharth P Malhotra. The film is based on Death Sentence and has been adapted in Hindi by Suparn Verma.” The yet-to-be-titled film is set to go on floors in July 2025 and will premiere on Netflix in 2026. With a substantial fee and bulk shooting dates allotted by Deol, the makers are aiming for a big-budget, emotionally engaging action thriller that caters to a global digital audience. Siddharth P Malhotra, known for Hichki and the political drama series Maharani, brings a strong narrative sensibility to the project, promising a balance between emotion and adrenaline-pumping action.

Renowned actor Dhanush has been officially announced as the lead in the upcoming biopic Kalam, based on the life of Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The film was launched at the prestigious 78th Cannes Film Festival, and Dhanush took to Instagram on May 21 to share the powerful first-look poster. Featuring two silhouetted figures and a missile ascending skyward, the poster symbolizes Kalam’s pivotal role in India’s missile development. Expressing his gratitude, Dhanush wrote, “I feel truly blessed and deeply humbled to be portraying the life of such an inspirational and magnanimous leader — our very own Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, sir.” The film is directed by Om Raut and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Bhushan Kumar under Abhishek Agarwal Arts and T-Series, with the screenplay penned by Saiwyn Quadras. Kalam will chronicle the extraordinary journey of India’s 11th President — from his humble beginnings to becoming the ‘Missile Man’ and the ‘People’s President’. Director Om Raut described the project as a “moral and cultural responsibility,” aiming to inspire global youth with Kalam’s legacy of education, innovation, and humility. Producer Abhishek Agarwal called the film one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious ventures, promising a grand, globally impactful spectacle. The release date for Kalam is yet to be announced.

The much-anticipated comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has landed in controversy after veteran actor Paresh Rawal reportedly exited the film midway through its shoot. In response, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape Of Good Films, has allegedly sent a legal notice to Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages. The news, which broke on May 20, has left the film’s cast and crew stunned. Suniel Shetty, who reprises his beloved role as Shyam in the franchise, expressed complete shock over the development. While promoting his new film Kesari Veer in Delhi, he told India Today, “I have no clue about this. This is absolutely shocking. I first thought about texting him, and then I thought I’d meet him and would discuss it. I have had no word about it with anybody as to what happened.” Shetty revealed that he learned about Rawal’s abrupt exit from his children, Athiya and Ahaan Shetty. “They both sent it to me within 15 minutes, asking, ‘Papa, what is this?’ And I was here doing interviews. I felt like—holy s***,” he said, highlighting how blindsided he felt. Calling the situation a “crisis,” Shetty added, “We are in the middle of this film, and this is the biggest shock. We had already started, in fact. We shot a promo. It’s a big thing. This is so shocking. I can’t make sense of this.” Reports suggest that even Akshay Kumar is “clueless” about the reason for Paresh Rawal’s departure, as confirmed by Shetty. Director Priyadarshan, who returned to helm the third part of the franchise, also expressed dismay, stating that Rawal did not inform the team about his decision. Akshay Kumar had bought the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from producer Feroz Nadiadwala, making him one of the key producers of the sequel. The film had officially begun its promotional shoot earlier this year and was expected to go into full production in 2025. The Hera Pheri franchise, launched in 2000, became a cult classic in Indian cinema, especially due to the character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, portrayed by Paresh Rawal. The sequel Phir Hera Pheri was released in 2006, and the third installment has been in the works for nearly two years. Reflecting on the importance of the film, Suniel Shetty emotionally stated, “You know, this film is important for our mental health. I don’t know what’s going to happen.” As fans await clarity on the future of Hera Pheri 3, the controversy has cast a shadow over what was one of the most eagerly awaited reunions in Bollywood comedy history.

Janhvi Kapoor made a graceful debut on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival 2025, ahead of the premiere of her film Homebound. The young actress chose a delicate rose-coloured ensemble designed by Tarun Tahiliani for the occasion. Featuring a metallic sheen and a flowing veil draped over her low bun, the look was widely interpreted as a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, legendary actress Sridevi. According to fashion watchdog Diet Sabya, Janhvi’s look intentionally paid homage to Sridevi’s iconic elegance. Their post read, “Janhvi channeling mother Sri for first Cannes red carpet Lewk,” sparking similar sentiments among followers who commented, “It’s giving Sridevi” and “Reminded me of Sridevi.” Known for her timeless charm and love for Indian heritage, Sridevi often appeared in traditional ensembles with a modern flair — a signature her daughter beautifully echoed at Cannes. Janhvi’s outfit was a custom-made corset and skirt crafted from real tissue fabric, specially woven in Benaras. The texture was enhanced using a hand-crushed technique, adding depth and richness to the attire. She completed the look with simple yet elegant pearl jewellery, further enhancing the traditional aesthetic with sophistication. The actress was accompanied on the red carpet by her Homebound co-stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, director Neeraj Ghaywan, and producer Karan Johar. The film, which tells the story of two childhood friends from a North Indian village whose bond is tested when they join the police force, was screened in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. Adding to the film’s global appeal, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese has joined the project as executive producer. Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke de Souza and Melita Toscan du Plantier serving as co-producers. Janhvi Kapoor’s appearance at Cannes 2025 not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also served as a touching tribute to her mother’s legacy, blending cultural pride with cinematic ambition on an international stage.