Madhoo Supports Deepika Padukone’s Exit from Spirit: “It’s a Personal Choice, Not a Conflict”

Veteran actor Madhoo Shah, known for her role in Phool Aur Kaante, has come out in support of Deepika Padukone amid the growing debate surrounding her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, co-starring Prabhas. Madhoo defended Deepika’s decision, calling it a matter of “personal choice and negotiation,” not conflict. “It is not about having conflicts and constantly fighting. Everything in life is negotiation, and one must know their worth,” Madhoo said. Deepika’s Departure Sparks Industry Buzz Deepika Padukone, who recently welcomed her first child, reportedly opted out of Spirit due to scheduling concerns. Sources say she had requested: These conditions were reportedly not accepted by the director, leading to her exit. The development has prompted industry-wide conversations around work-life balance, especially for new mothers in cinema. Madhoo weighed in further, stating: “If Deepika wanted the movie so badly and was willing to make other arrangements, she would have accepted it, but she did not, and that’s her personal choice. So, I don’t see a big reason for debate.” When asked about whether other filmmakers might accommodate such requests, Madhoo responded with candour: “I ask for something, you don’t want to give it, and then you let me go. And that’s it… When you want it very badly, you compromise. When you don’t, you say, ‘Sorry, I’m not doing it.’ It’s a negotiation.” Applauding Changing Norms for Women in Cinema Madhoo also praised the shift being driven by women like Deepika who are not afraid to challenge traditional norms: “They are paving the way for the next generation.” Meanwhile, Madhoo is set to appear in the Telugu mythological epic Kannappa, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh. The film stars Vishnu Manchu in the lead, with special appearances by Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar. As for Spirit, it remains to be seen who will replace Deepika opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-hyped cop-action drama.

Ajay Devgn Announces Son of Sardaar 2 with Mrunal Thakur; Film to Hit Cinemas on July 25

Ajay Devgn is all set to bring back the swagger and action of Son of Sardaar with its long-awaited sequel, Son of Sardaar 2, releasing in theatres on July 25. The announcement was made by Devgn himself on Thursday via his Instagram handle, where he shared a new poster of the film, boldly stamped with the release date. The sequel, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, pairs Devgn with Mrunal Thakur for the first time and also features Vindu Dara Singh in a pivotal role. The film is jointly produced by Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, N R Pachisia, and Pravin Talreja under the banners of Devgn Films, Jio Studios, and others. Captioning the poster, Devgn wrote: “The Return of the Sardaar 🚩 #SOS2 in cinemas near you on 25th July. #SardaarIsBack #SonOfSardaar2” A Decade Later, the Sardaar Returns Son of Sardaar (2012), directed by Ashwni Dhir, was a comedy-action entertainer that became a box office success with a worldwide gross of ₹161.48 crore. It starred Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, and the late Mukul Dev. Devgn played Jaswinder “Jassi” Singh Randhawa, a man who returns to his ancestral village in Punjab from London, only to get embroiled in a violent family feud. While plot details for SOS 2 are being kept under wraps, industry insiders expect it to retain the franchise’s signature mix of humor, family values, and Punjabi machismo, while introducing a fresh emotional arc and new characters. Ajay Devgn, who was last seen in the patriotic action film Azaad, adds another franchise film to his impressive 2025 lineup with this return. Stay tuned for the trailer and more updates as Son of Sardaar 2 gears up to hit the big screens on July 25, 2025.

Film Review: 28 Years Later – Danny Boyle’s Zombie Saga Is the Most Emotional Film of the Week

Three highly anticipated films hit theatres this week: Pixar’s intergalactic tale of loneliness, Elio; Aamir Khan’s sensitively handled Sitaare Zameen Par, featuring special needs actors; and 28 Years Later, director Danny Boyle’s return to the zombie apocalypse franchise. Yet, in an unexpected twist, it is Boyle’s film—disguised as action-packed horror—that emerges as the most emotionally charged and deeply moving experience of the trio. A Misdirected Apocalypse That Finds Its Heart Right from its trailer to the early sequences, 28 Years Later presents itself as a gritty, pulse-pounding zombie thriller, seemingly led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a high-octane role. But the film is far from the usual post-apocalyptic gore-fest. At its emotional core lies a coming-of-age story, driven by 14-year-old Alfie Williams, whose breakout performance could become one for the ages. What we get is not just survival horror — but the tale of a boy navigating lies, death, and disillusionment in a decaying world. Plot That Rises Above Genre Set nearly three decades after the outbreak that decimated Britain in the earlier films, 28 Years Later shows the UK as a desolate quarantine zone while other nations have moved on. A band of survivors exists off the Scottish coast on a tidal island. When Jamie (Taylor-Johnson) takes his son Spike (Williams) to the mainland, secrets unravel — including the lie that a doctor (Ralph Fiennes’ enigmatic Dr Kelson) no longer exists. Spike’s journey back to retrieve his sick mother (Jodie Comer) reveals emotional depths rarely seen in the genre, filled with terror, hallucinations, and self-discovery. A Visual and Sonic Masterpiece While the initial few scenes feel slightly fragmented, the film quickly finds its footing with masterful visuals by Anthony Dod Mantle and a haunting score from Young Fathers. Boyle and writer Alex Garland construct a stylised, almost graphic novel-like world. The cinematography channels the eerie tension of earlier films while adding modern, abstract flair. One standout scene near the climax — with Spike facing mortality — is delivered with breathtaking stillness, drawing gasps and silence in theatres. A Slight Misstep in an Otherwise Bold Vision If the film falters, it’s in the final sequence — a jarring tonal shift into a Tarantino-style fight scene that feels more Trainspotting than 28 Days Later. However, this brief detour is easily forgiven in light of the film’s 110 minutes of restrained, emotionally intelligent storytelling. A Golden Age for Horror Redefined With Nosfearatu bringing noir back to the genre, Sinners fusing horror with musical experimentation, and now 28 Years Later adding a coming-of-age layer, Hollywood seems to be entering a new golden age of “nouveau horror.” Boyle’s film doesn’t just reboot a franchise — it reimagines what horror can emotionally encompass. In a week where a Pixar tale and a heartwarming Aamir Khan film vied for emotional supremacy, it’s Danny Boyle’s bleak, bloodied, yet beautiful 28 Years Later that leaves audiences truly shaken — and deeply moved.

Kuberaa Movie Review: A Measured Mass Drama with a Soft, Sharp Core

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5) Director: Sekhar KammulaCast: Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, Akkineni Nagarjuna (special appearance), Jim SarbhLanguage: Telugu, TamilGenre: Political Drama / Corporate Thriller From the outset, Kuberaa promised to be Sekhar Kammula’s boldest detour yet — a step into the sleek, power-soaked world of corporate greed, far removed from his usual canvas of soft-spoken middle-class tales. But here’s the surprise: even in this high-stakes, high-budget terrain, Kammula’s sensibilities remain intact — gentle, humane, and intelligent. At the heart of Kuberaa lies Deva (Dhanush), a homeless man who stumbles into a power corridor reserved for the elite. What unfolds is a David-meets-Goliath narrative with a twist — the David here never becomes a chest-thumping action hero. Dhanush plays Deva with restraint and grace, allowing Kammula to ground his underdog tale in emotional realism rather than melodrama. The first half of the film is captivating. The writing is layered, the pacing sharp, and the transformation of Deva — from an ignored nobody to an unexpected disruptor in the capitalist arena — is both believable and compelling. Kammula’s strength lies in the way he respects both his character and his audience, never spoon-feeding motives or manufacturing sympathy. However, the second half falters under the weight of its own ambition. The screenplay starts to repeat itself. A few emotionally-charged sequences, though earnest, feel overly stretched. The film’s rhythm slackens, and while its heart remains in the right place, the storytelling feels less assured as it nears the finish line. Still, Kuberaa deserves praise for daring to blend mass appeal with moral inquiry. The film explores class divide, systemic exploitation, and the optics of philanthropy with an unusual tenderness. Even when critiquing ruthless business empires, Kammula does it without turning cynical or preachy. Highlights: Verdict:Kuberaa is not a perfect film — its second half loses steam, and it could’ve used sharper editing. But it stands tall as a rare political-corporate drama that is both soulful and stirring. Sekhar Kammula doesn’t yell. He whispers. And in Kuberaa, that whisper hits home. Worth a Watch — especially for those craving socially conscious cinema with star power.

Sitaare Zameen Par – A Halo Too Bright to Hide

In Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan attempts a spiritual sequel to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, but the glow of his well-intentioned halo proves hard to dim — or ignore. While there’s a clever moment of self-awareness when a neurodivergent player interrupts Khan’s overbearing pep talk with a blunt “Sir, pehle aap chup rahiye,” the film rarely sustains that honesty. Adapted from the 2018 Spanish film Campeones, this version carries a familiar Khan-brand morality, packaging neurodiversity into feel-good inspiration rather than fully realized human experience. Unlike the poignant arc of Ishaan Awasthi in Taare, the ensemble here is largely flattened into cheerful caricatures. Only Hargovind (Naman Misra) gets any substantial development. Others are reduced to smiling montages, serving more as teaching tools than people. This approach raises the question: are we being asked to empathize, or simply applaud from a distance? Khan, as always, centers himself — often to the film’s detriment. His character Gulshan is supposedly on a journey, but the real journey is always the audience’s, steered by Khan’s guiding hand, complete with callbacks to his own past hits. The film tries to have fun — poking at his height, staging comic mishaps — but in the end, it defaults to the same familiar sermon. Director R.S. Prasanna and writer Divy Nidhi Sharma craft a clean, polite, and overly safe portrayal of neurodivergence. The chaos, conflict, and discomfort that inclusion actually demands are mostly absent. Sitaare may teach, but it doesn’t challenge — and therein lies its limitation. Verdict:A well-meaning, watchable film that doesn’t trust the audience — or its characters — enough to go beyond the lesson plan. Aamir Khan remains India’s favorite schoolteacher, halo intact, blackboard always ready. But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let someone else take the chalk.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Teaser to Drop on His Birthday, July 6; A Spy Thriller Rooted in Ajit Doval’s Legacy

After the critically acclaimed URI: The Surgical Strike, director Aditya Dhar is all set to return with another high-octane drama — Dhurandhar, a period espionage thriller starring Ranveer Singh in the lead. Marking their first collaboration, the film is inspired by real-life covert operations conducted during the tenure of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. 🎬 A Stellar Cast for a Larger-than-Life Spy Saga In what is being called a casting coup, Dhurandhar features a powerhouse ensemble including: Each actor will reportedly play an author-backed, intense role, suited to the gritty, high-stakes nature of the story. 📅 Teaser Launch on July 6 According to exclusive information from Pinkvilla, the first official teaser of Dhurandhar will be unveiled on July 6, which also happens to be Ranveer Singh’s birthday. “It’s a birthday gift from the makers to Ranveer Singh and his fans,” a source close to the production revealed. “The teaser gives the first taste of this massive spy world and showcases all the leads in their most powerful avatars.” 🕵️ Set in the Shadows of the 1970s-80s Pakistan The film is primarily set in the 1970s and 1980s, during the peak of India-Pakistan covert tensions, and will dive deep into critical undercover missions. While inspired by Ajit Doval’s real-life intelligence career, the film also weaves in present-day storylines, which are being tightly guarded. “Ajit Doval is still a serving official, and much of his four-decade legacy remains classified. The filmmakers have woven fact with fiction while staying respectful of that reality,” added the source. 🎥 Production Status & Release Plans Backed by Jio Studios, Dhurandhar is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious espionage thrillers in recent Indian cinema, blending star power, historical intrigue, and stylized action under Aditya Dhar’s proven direction.

Shah Rukh Khan Surprises Special Actors on ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ Sets, Wins Hearts Online

As anticipation builds for Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, a heartfelt behind-the-scenes video featuring Shah Rukh Khan’s surprise visit to the film’s set has gone viral, melting hearts across social media. 🫂 SRK Fulfills Aamir’s Wish In the video, Shah Rukh Khan is seen arriving on the sets of Sitaare Zameen Par at Aamir Khan’s repeated request. The superstar reveals that Aamir had been urging him for weeks: “Aamir told me at least ten times—‘Come and meet the actors. They are doing so well.’ Even three days ago, he said, ‘Shah, tu aana yaar!’” The moment Shah Rukh meets Aamir is filled with warmth and camaraderie, as the two hug and laugh before SRK is introduced to the 10 neurodivergent debut actors of the film. 👏 Touching Moments with the Cast SRK personally interacted with each cast member—Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. The actors joyfully shared their favorite Shah Rukh films, including Chak De! India and Don. In a heartwarming gesture, SRK even struck his iconic pose, much to the delight of the young actors, and took time to pose for pictures with the entire group. 💬 Fans React with Love Shared by a fan club on Instagram, the video was captioned: “The man with a golden heart who never stops amazing people around him and making them feel so special.” The internet quickly rallied behind this sentiment. Fan reactions included: 🎬 About Sitaare Zameen Par Directed by RS Prasanna, the film is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and is set to release in theatres on June 20, 2025. Aamir Khan plays a basketball coach guiding a team of players with special needs. The film co-stars Genelia D’Souza and is based on the Spanish movie Campeones. This emotional and empowering tale is already drawing attention not just for its message but for the genuine bonds forming behind the scenes — with Shah Rukh Khan’s surprise visit being a perfect example of the magic of cinema and friendship.

Aamir Khan Rejects ₹120 Crore OTT Offer for Sitaare Zameen Par, Says “Cinema is Meant for the Big Screen”

Ahead of the theatrical release of his much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has taken a bold stand in support of cinema halls — by turning down a ₹120 crore digital rights offer from Amazon Prime Video. 🎬 A Move to “Change the Game” As per veteran trade analyst Komal Nahta, Aamir refused the massive OTT deal not for higher bids, but to revive the theatrical culture. Writing in Film Information, Komal explained: “He politely said ‘no’ because he has decided to try and change the game… A film is meant for the big screen — and Aamir would have it no other way.“ Aamir reportedly wants audiences to return to theatres instead of waiting for a film to drop on OTT just weeks later — a trend that has affected box-office collections across the industry. 💸 A Risk Worth ₹120 Crore? Nahta noted that this offer was “too lucrative for anyone to turn down“, but Aamir’s refusal highlights his faith in theatrical viewing. However, the stakes are high. If the film underperforms in theatres, Aamir stands to lose that hefty ₹120 crore deal. “If this non-availability of his film on OTT indeed increases footfalls in cinemas… it could start a trend of producers emulating Aamir Khan’s example,” Komal added. 🗣️ Encouragement from Amitabh Bachchan In an interview with India Today, Aamir shared that Amitabh Bachchan encouraged him to go for an exclusive theatrical release. Aamir stated: “Yes, it’s a big risk, and there’s a lot of money involved… But I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience.“ 🎥 About Sitaare Zameen Par 🧠 A Spiritual Sequel to Taare Zameen Par Sitare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual successor to Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, which tackled learning disabilities. This time, the focus is on teamwork, inclusivity, and empowerment through sports. With the film releasing on June 20, all eyes will be on how Sitaare Zameen Par performs at the box office — and whether Aamir Khan’s bold move can spark a theatrical revival in an OTT-dominated era.

Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi’s Ek Din Trailer to Premiere with Sitaare Zameen Par on June 20

As Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par hits theatres tomorrow, June 20, audiences will be treated to a special surprise — the first official trailer of Ek Din, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, will be attached to the film’s theatrical release. 🎬 A Double Treat for Moviegoers 🔗 Trailer Release Strategy ⭐ What’s Next?

Director Maruthi Confident ‘The RajaSaab’ Will Cross ₹1000 Crore Mark — Prabhas-Led Horror-Fantasy Set for December 5 Release

Director Maruthi, known for his knack for blending commercial entertainment with unique storytelling, is aiming high with his upcoming horror-fantasy magnum opus ‘The RajaSaab’, starring pan-India superstar Prabhas. At the teaser launch event in Hyderabad, Maruthi confidently declared that the film will “definitely” cross the ₹1000 crore mark, setting sights on the same box office league as Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD. 💬 “It Will Definitely Make ₹1000 Crores” When asked whether The RajaSaab could outdo the collections of Baahubali and Kalki, Maruthi responded in Tamil, “It will definitely make (that sum).” He also referenced his earlier success, saying: “You all know how big a hit ‘Darling’ was in Tamil Nadu. It was a remake of my Telugu film ‘Prema Katha Chithram’. This film too will definitely work in Tamil as well.” 🧛‍♂️ Single Role, Dual Shades Addressing speculation about Prabhas playing a dual role, Maruthi clarified that Prabhas plays a single character—but one with two contrasting shades, as seen in the teaser. One avatar is stylish, magnetic, and charismatic, while the other hints at a darker, supernatural dimension, evoking excitement among fans of the genre. 🏰 India’s Largest Horror-Fantasy Set Adding to the buzz, The RajaSaab has been filmed on India’s largest-ever horror-fantasy set — a massive, haunted mansion steeped in mystery and foreboding. The teaser gives viewers a glimpse of this eerie setting, and the production design has already become a talking point for its scale and detail. 🌟 Stellar Cast Alongside Prabhas, the film features an eclectic ensemble: 🌐 Pan-India Release Produced by People Media Factory, The RajaSaab is slated to release on December 5, 2025, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, cementing its status as a full-blown pan-India spectacle. With massive expectations, haunting visuals, and Prabhas in a never-seen-before avatar, The RajaSaab is gearing up to be one of the biggest theatrical events of the year. Whether it reaches the ₹1000 crore club or not, one thing is certain — Maruthi and Prabhas are pulling out all stops to make it a blockbuster ride.

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