Category: Entertainment

In a dramatic, movie-like escape, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko fled from a plush hotel on the third floor when a police team arrived to investigate a tip-off regarding his possible involvement in drug use. The incident unfolded close to midnight, when Chacko managed to escape through a window, leaping onto the second floor, before taking the staircase to flee the scene, leaving the policemen stunned. Following the escape, the police and excise officials have launched a manhunt for Chacko, but so far, the actor has managed to remain elusive. This comes on the heels of multiple controversies surrounding Chacko’s name in recent months. Vincy Aloshious Names Chacko Amid Allegations of Misconduct The trouble began earlier in the week when Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious publicly identified Shine Tom Chacko as the actor she had previously accused of mistreatment during the shooting of the film Soothravakyam. Aloshious had originally refrained from naming the actor but later revealed to the media that Chacko was the individual who had misbehaved with her, citing an incident where he was seen spitting with white powder coming out. In a statement, Aloshious said she had made a formal complaint to the film authorities but had not intended to escalate the matter to the police. However, after the name of the actor was revealed publicly by Saji Nandiyattu, the General Secretary of the Film Chamber, Aloshious expressed her refusal to cooperate with the organization, citing the breach of confidentiality. Chacko’s Legal Troubles and Drug Allegations Chacko’s legal troubles deepened when a drug peddler implicated him as a client earlier this month. In response, the excise department confirmed it would take action against Chacko, as well as another actor, Srinath Bhasi. This fresh controversy, combined with his recent flight from the hotel, has added to the growing tension surrounding Chacko’s career and public image. As investigations continue, the authorities are focused on Chacko’s potential involvement in drug-related activities, and his escape only adds fuel to the ongoing manhunt and legal scrutiny.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed strong criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and certain factions of the Brahmin community regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Phule, a biographical film on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The movie, directed by Ananth Mahadevan and starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was initially set for release on April 11 but faced backlash, prompting a delay to April 25. The CBFC had granted the film a ‘U’ certificate on April 7 but insisted on several changes before approval. These included removing caste references such as ‘Mahar,’ ‘Mang,’ and ‘Peshwai,’ as well as modifying a line from “3,000 saal purani ghulami” to “kai saal purani ghulami.” According to Mahadevan, these edits were carried out to meet the certification body’s demands. Kashyap took to Instagram to criticize the CBFC’s decision-making process, calling it part of a larger “rigged system.” He questioned the motivations behind blocking films that explore caste issues, mentioning films like Punjab 95, Tees, Dhadak 2, and Phule. Kashyap further blasted what he described as a “casteist, regionalist, racist government” and accused them of being “cowards” for not openly expressing their objections. In addition, Kashyap raised concerns about how groups protesting films are able to access content before its official release, implying that there might be a coordinated effort behind the scenes. “How do these wings and groups see the film before its release? Unless someone’s giving them access. The whole system is rigged,” he added. Kashyap also pointed out the contradictions in the rhetoric around caste, questioning why Brahmins were upset about the portrayal of caste in Phule. “If there’s no caste system, why are Brahmins upset over Phule? Who are you if caste doesn’t exist? Why are you burning with anger?” he posted, urging people to take a clear stance on whether casteism exists in India or not. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also joined the debate, calling attention to the double standards in political discourse versus cinema. “Why should only cinema lie?” he questioned, highlighting the discrepancy in how certain subjects are handled differently depending on the medium. The controversy around Phule continues to stir debate over freedom of expression in cinema and the sensitive subject of caste in India.

Sunny Deol’s action-packed film Jaat has managed to cross the ₹50-crore mark at the Indian box office within six days of its release, but it’s Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly that’s leading the box office race by a wide margin. Released on April 10, Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni, opened with a modest ₹9.5 crore nett — a stark contrast to Sunny’s 2023 blockbuster Gadar 2, which had a roaring ₹40 crore opening. Despite a slight pickup over the weekend, the collections dipped consistently, bringing its total six-day domestic earnings to ₹53.50 crore nett. Tuesday saw the film collect ₹6 crore with an average nationwide occupancy of 19.55%. Jaipur topped city-wise occupancy at 45.75%, while Bhopal was the lowest at 8.50%. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Zee Studios, and People Media Factory, Jaat stars Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, Regina Cassandra, and Jagapathi Babu in pivotal roles. Meanwhile, Good Bad Ugly, Ajith Kumar’s high-octane crime thriller directed by Adhik Ravichandran, is delivering a stellar performance at the box office. Also released on April 10, the film amassed ₹107.80 crore nett in India in just six days. It opened to ₹29.25 crore, followed by strong weekend numbers and a ₹6.50 crore Tuesday collection. On the global front, Good Bad Ugly has raked in ₹171.5 crore worldwide, putting it on course to surpass the lifetime collection of Ajith’s 2023 film Thunivu (₹200 crore). The film’s plot revolves around a gangster, Red Dragon, who must confront his turbulent past to protect his family. The ensemble cast includes Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Sunil, Priya Prakash Varrier, Yogi Babu, Shine Tom Chacko, and Tinnu Anand. Despite Jaat’s decent run, the box office clearly belongs to Good Bad Ugly for now, as it continues its winning streak both in India and overseas.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are embracing a new phase in their lives — not only as soon-to-be parents but also as proud owners of one of Mumbai’s most luxurious residences. The celebrity couple will soon shift into their newly completed quadruplex apartment in Bandra Bandstand, situated close to Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic bungalow, Mannat. Their new home is a breathtaking architectural gem occupying the 16th to 19th floors of a premium high-rise. With approximately 11,266 square feet of lavish interior space and an additional 1,300 square feet of private terrace, the home offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea — a perfect blend of style, serenity, and sophistication. Reportedly purchased at over ₹100 crore, the residence has been custom-designed to reflect Deepika and Ranveer’s distinct taste in elegance and modern comfort. From expansive living areas to luxurious amenities, the apartment promises a nurturing and opulent environment for the couple and their soon-to-arrive daughter, Dua. With this move, the couple joins the league of Bollywood’s elite homeowners in Bandra, creating yet another iconic address on Mumbai’s glittering coastline.