Category: Entertainment

The release of Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, has coincided with the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, making its Kashmir-set story feel even more charged. Although the film is based on real events from the early 2000s, its depiction of a BSF raid on a terrorist hideout feels uncomfortably current, possibly boosting its theatrical prospects while also complicating its intended messaging. In contrast to highly politicized films like The Kashmir Files or Article 370, Ground Zero leans closer to Shershaah — portraying patriotism with a genuine but simplified concern for Kashmiri civilians. Hashmi plays Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a real-life BSF hero who led the mission to eliminate Ghazi Baba, mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack. The film’s early portions resemble typical action thrillers set in Kashmir, with Pakistan notably absent from the narrative. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar focuses more on internal challenges than cross-border tensions. However, the visuals and dialogues often fall into clichés, and most supporting characters are thinly written, with Dubey being the clear center of gravity. Emraan Hashmi’s performance stands out — portraying Dubey with restraint and depth, a surprising shift from his earlier “playboy” roles. Still, some of the film’s macho one-liners feel outdated against the nuanced tone Hashmi strives for. Key takeaway:While Ground Zero raises important questions — such as whether Kashmir’s people are treated with the same value as its land — the current emotionally charged atmosphere might push audiences to overlook its subtleties.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has cancelled her upcoming concert in Surat, which was part of her All Hearts Tour, in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The concert was scheduled for April 26 at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium. In a joint statement posted on Instagram by Shreya and the organisers, they announced the cancellation, stating: “In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers, along with the artist, have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show… All ticket holders will receive full refunds automatically.” The caption added a heartfelt note of solidarity and condolences for the victims. Earlier, Shreya had shared an emotional message about the Pahalgam attack, expressing heartbreak over the tragedy: “This is a wound to the soul of our nation. My heart goes out to every family shattered by this senseless violence. We grieve with you. And we will remember.” Arijit Singh Cancels Chennai Concert Too Similarly, Arijit Singh also cancelled his April 27 concert in Chennai as a mark of respect to the victims. His organisers issued a similar statement promising full refunds to ticket holders. It’s really moving to see artists like Shreya and Arijit showing such solidarity in these difficult times.

Suriya and Pooja Hegde’s upcoming film Retro is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2025. Slated for a grand theatrical release on May 1, the film has already stirred major excitement among fans. But a recent revelation by director Karthik Subbaraj has added an unexpected twist to the film’s backstory. In a conversation with Galatta, Subbaraj clarified that Retro was never intended for Thalapathy Vijay, as rumors suggested. Instead, the original script was crafted for Superstar Rajinikanth, with a storyline heavily rooted in the action genre, reflecting the larger-than-life image of the iconic actor. However, when the film eventually landed with Suriya, the narrative took a dramatic turn. The story evolved into a romantic drama, allowing for a deeper emotional arc while retaining the intensity of its core themes. Subbaraj shared an interesting anecdote about Suriya’s reaction upon hearing the script. The actor directly asked if the story had initially been pitched to Rajinikanth, indicating how strongly the original tone aligned with the superstar’s persona. “I wrote this script keeping in mind Thalaivar. Initially, it was more in the action zone to suit Thalaivar’s image. After narrating it to Suriya sir, it was changed to a love story,” Subbaraj explained. Set against a nostalgic backdrop, Retro tells the story of Parivel Kannan, a man on a heartfelt mission to find his long-lost love, Rukmini. The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Joju George, and a special cameo by Shriya Saran. Originally titled Suriya 44, the film’s transformation and star power have only added to the buzz surrounding its release. With high expectations riding on its shoulders and a fresh spin on a script once designed for Rajinikanth, Retro is poised to offer audiences a unique blend of nostalgia, romance, and drama.

Rising star Janki Bodiwala, a household name in the Gujarati film industry, has officially made her Bollywood debut with the supernatural thriller Shaitaan. Known for her impactful performances in regional cinema, Janki’s transition to Hindi films has garnered widespread attention, with critics and fans alike praising her screen presence and emotional depth in her first outing. Shaitaan has provided the perfect platform for the actress to break into mainstream Hindi cinema, introducing her talent to a national audience. With her Bollywood journey now underway, industry insiders predict a promising road ahead for Janki, as filmmakers increasingly look toward regional talent for fresh faces and diverse performances. Meanwhile, the Hindi film industry itself is buzzing with anticipation, thanks to Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) newly unveiled slate of theatrical releases. Over the next 12 months, YRF is set to roll out four major titles, promising a cinematic rollercoaster for moviegoers. The first of these is Saiyara, releasing on July 18, 2025. While the studio has kept plot details tightly under wraps, the film is said to be a youthful and innovative story driven by a fresh cast, sparking curiosity among audiences. Hot on its heels is War 2, set for an August 14 release. As part of the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe, the film is already generating major hype, especially with Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan going head-to-head in what is expected to be an electrifying action thriller. With newcomers like Janki stepping into the limelight and studios like YRF pushing boundaries, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for Indian cinema.

Eshwar Harris, the body double of Telugu superstar Jr NTR, has reportedly turned down an offer to work on the much-anticipated action film War 2, citing shockingly low compensation. The stunt double, known for his work in Telugu cinema, was approached to replicate Jr NTR in select scenes for the upcoming film, which is part of the high-profile YRF Spy Universe. However, Eshwar revealed that the pay offered was so minimal that it wouldn’t even cover his travel expenses. Expressing his disappointment, he remarked that despite Bollywood’s big production budgets, the compensation offered to on-ground talent doesn’t always match the scale. “I earn more in Telugu films,” he added, taking a subtle jab at the industry’s wage disparity. War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is the follow-up to the 2019 blockbuster War, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film continues the narrative of the YRF Spy Universe, which includes hits like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, and Pathaan. The sequel stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in lead roles, raising anticipation for an epic showdown between the two powerhouse performers. While the film itself remains one of the most awaited action thrillers in the pipeline, Eshwar’s revelation sheds light on the often overlooked issues surrounding fair pay in the film industry, especially for behind-the-scenes professionals and stunt performers.