June 27, 2025

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Asim Riaz and Rajat Dalal Clash at ‘Battleground’ Event, Shikhar Dhawan Intervenes

Former Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Asim Riaz has once again made headlines after a heated altercation with fellow reality star and YouTuber Rajat Dalal during the promotion of the upcoming fitness reality show, Battleground. The incident took place during a press conference attended by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and actress Rubina Dilaik. In a viral video shared on social media, Asim can be seen aggressively pushing and shoving Rajat while repeatedly telling him to “peeche ho” (move back). Both were visibly agitated, and the situation escalated quickly before Shikhar Dhawan intervened to separate them. Rubina, meanwhile, kept her distance, appearing uncomfortable with the confrontation. What Led to the Fight? The exact cause of the fight remains unclear, but both Asim and Rajat are known for their short tempers. This isn’t the first time Asim has made headlines for losing his cool. He previously walked out of Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 following a heated argument with fellow contestants. On the other hand, Rajat Dalal was involved in a widely publicized altercation with Bigg Boss 18 contestant Digvijay Rathee. About the Show ‘Battleground’ Battleground is a much-anticipated fitness reality show set to stream on Amazon MX Player. It features Indian cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan as the Supermentor, guiding contestants through rigorous training, strategy building, and competitive tasks. The show is structured around four regional teams: The contestants will compete under the guidance of fitness and lifestyle experts within the Battleground House, striving to prove their physical and mental prowess. Mixed Reactions from Fans Social media users are divided over the altercation, with some siding with Asim and others calling out his aggressive behavior. Fans of Rajat have also expressed their disappointment, criticizing Asim for “overreacting”. Meanwhile, Asim’s supporters argue that there might be “more to the story” than meets the eye. While the controversy has undoubtedly added to the buzz around Battleground, it has also raised questions about maintaining professionalism during public events. Neither Asim nor Rajat has issued an official statement addressing the incident. What do you think about the clash? Was Asim justified, or did he take it too far?

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Editor04 mins

Debate Erupts Over Limits of Comedy After Swati Sachdeva’s Viral Clip

Stand-up comedian Swati Sachdeva has found herself at the center of a heated debate after a clip from her recent YouTube episode went viral. In the video, she jokes about her mother finding her vibrator, and the internet has been divided ever since. The joke in question involves Sachdeva humorously recounting her mother’s reaction upon finding the device, with a punchline suggesting that her mother referred to it as a “gadget” or “toy”. Swati even quipped, “I swear, Mom, it belongs to Papa,” to which her mother replied, “Don’t speak nonsense; I know his choice.” The episode, titled “Family First”, features a range of jokes and carries a disclaimer cautioning viewers about strong language and adult humour. Despite this, social media users are questioning whether such jokes cross the line when they involve family dynamics, especially parents. Divided Reactions Online The clip has sparked outrage among some netizens, with users branding it as “vulgar”, “cheap”, and “cringeworthy”. Some have also drawn parallels between Swati’s situation and the recent controversies involving YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina, who faced backlash for their jokes and even legal issues. One user commented: “This is what comedy has become? Just vulgarity and cheap jokes?” Another wrote: “If Ranveer and Samay faced legal action for their jokes, will Swati be next?” However, there’s also a segment of the audience defending Swati, arguing that comedy is meant to push boundaries and that people should be more tolerant of different styles of humour. Context of the Controversy The backlash comes shortly after YouTuber Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia were criticized for controversial content on Raina’s show, “India’s Got Latent”. Raina was questioned by the Maharashtra Cyber Police, while both YouTubers issued apologies following the uproar. The Bigger Question: Should Comedy Have Boundaries? This incident has reignited a long-standing debate: The conversation around boundaries in comedy has been ongoing, with many comedians insisting that offense is subjective and that humour should not be policed. On the other hand, some believe that certain lines should not be crossed, especially when family or intimate topics are involved. What’s your take on this controversy? Should comedians be more careful, or is the backlash overblown?

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Editor04 mins

‘Empuraan’ Faces Modifications Amid Protests and Political Backlash

The Mohanlal-Prithviraj starrer Empuraan is set to undergo modifications following widespread protests and criticism, primarily from the RSS and its affiliated publications. The decision to make changes reportedly comes at the request of the film’s producers, and the revisions are expected to be completed by Monday. Meanwhile, the unmodified version will continue to run in theaters. What Are the Planned Changes? According to sources, more than 17 modifications will be made to the film, including: The modifications are being described as voluntary rather than a result of re-censorship. Interestingly, the Censor Board had initially suggested only two cuts—reducing the duration of scenes depicting violence against women and removing a dialogue that referenced the national flag. Political Controversy Surrounding ‘Empuraan’ The controversy erupted after the RSS and its mouthpiece accused Mohanlal of betraying his fans and Prithviraj of taking an anti-Hindu stance. A leaked document also revealed that the Censor Board’s nominated members did not intervene significantly during the review process, leading to criticism from RSS leaders like A Jayakumar and J Nandakumar. The RSS has labeled Empuraan as an “anti-India agenda movie”, and the debate has sparked a divide even within the BJP. While the BJP’s state leadership has distanced itself from any formal campaign against the film, national council member C Raghunath hinted at internal differences within the party over the issue. Box Office Success Despite Controversy Despite the uproar, Empuraan has been a box office juggernaut, raking in over ₹100 crore in just two days. The film’s success, however, has not dampened the political backlash it continues to face.

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Editor03 mins

David Warner Charges a Whopping Rs 2.5 Crores for 3-Minute Cameo in Robinhood

Australian cricketer David Warner has made his acting debut with the Telugu film Robinhood, starring Nithiin in the lead role. While fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketer on the silver screen, it’s his massive paycheque that has caught everyone’s attention. Hefty Fee for a Brief Appearance According to reports from India TV, Warner charged a staggering Rs 2.5 crores for his cameo, which lasted just 2 minutes and 50 seconds on screen. The cricketer was required to shoot for merely 2 days, effectively earning Rs 1.25 crores per day. With this jaw-dropping fee, Warner has joined the elite list of actors with some of the most expensive cameo appearances in Indian cinema. Fans React to Warner’s Debut Warner’s cameo, although brief, has sparked excitement among fans, who were eager to see the Australian cricketer venture into acting. The film, directed by Venky Kudumula, hit theaters recently and has already garnered attention for Warner’s unexpected yet entertaining appearance. Warner’s Connection with Telugu Cinema Warner has always shown his fondness for Telugu movies and culture, frequently posting videos on social media where he grooves to Tollywood songs or mimics iconic dialogues. His cameo in Robinhood seems like a natural extension of his affection for the Telugu film industry.

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Editor02 mins

Chaos at Oxford: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s Speech Disrupted by Protesters

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced chaotic disruptions during her speech at Kellogg College, Oxford, on Thursday night. The event, intended to be the highlight of her UK visit, descended into disorder as two groups of protesters interrupted her address. Heckling and Accusations The chaos erupted when Banerjee was discussing investment proposals received by West Bengal from various industries. Dr. Rajat Banerjee, who had traveled from Liverpool, questioned her credibility, asking her to name the industries involved. The Chief Minister responded, “There are so many. It may be IBM, it may be Tata,” which led to a major uproar. Protesters pointed out that Tata Motors had withdrawn its Nano project from West Bengal in 2008, citing it as a failure of leadership. One protester, Sushil Dokwal, a British accountant who entered the event from a waiting list, and his friend, Jignesh Patel, shouted, “Tata ran away under leadership.” They were accompanied by several others, echoing similar sentiments. SFI Student Protest Amidst the commotion, seven Indian Bengali students associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), which is aligned with the CPI(M), stood up holding banners. One of the banners read:“TMC engineered violence in 2023 local elections.”Another protester accused Banerjee of allowing Abhaya to be killed, to which she responded, “The case is sub judice and the central government has taken over.” In response to the relentless heckling and accusations of “killing Hindus” and “selling human body parts,” Banerjee emotionally held up an old 1990 photograph of herself in bandages, saying, “This is not a drama platform. Don’t behave like this.” Security Intervention The situation spiraled out of control, with the audience facing the protesters and some shouting at them to leave. Eventually, security officials from the proctor’s office arrived to escort the protesters out. Protesters Justify Their Actions Jignesh Patel, who managed to bring in three placards without being checked, stated, “If we hadn’t gone, the headlines in India would be all creamy that she went to Oxford and spoke all her lies, so our intention was to show that is not the reality.” CM’s Response In a defiant tone, Banerjee asserted, “I am for all — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs. I am for unity and you people are not. Don’t mention one caste only.” Despite the chaos, she maintained that the platform was not a place for political mudslinging.

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Editor04 mins

Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Breaks 123-Day Fast After Supreme Court Intervention

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader from Punjab, has ended his 123-day hunger strike, during which he was demanding the implementation of key agricultural reforms. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Supreme Court about Dallewal accepting water on Friday, marking the end of his fast-unto-death that began on November 26, 2024. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, welcomed the development and expressed relief over Dallewal’s improved condition. Justice Kant remarked, “Very good, very good… Pray for his good health. We have openly acknowledged that he is a genuine farmer leader with no political agenda, only sincere demands.” Demands of the Protest Dallewal had been on a hunger strike to advocate for several demands, including: In January 2025, Dallewal agreed to accept medical aid while continuing his fast and initiated dialogue with the central government. Reopening of Blocked Highways The Supreme Court also acknowledged the reopening of highways at the Shambhu Border and Khanauri Border, which were blocked by protesting farmers. Justice Kant emphasized that the reopening would benefit lakhs of people. The court did not entertain a contempt petition against Punjab officials regarding non-compliance with a previous order to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu Border. Police Action and Detentions On March 19, Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders, including Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, and cleared the protest sites at both Shambhu and Khanauri Borders. The police dismantled temporary structures and removed trolleys and vehicles from the area, prompting allegations of excessive force. Farmer leader Hardo Jhande mentioned that Dallewal had not consumed water since March 19 in protest against the police action and the arrest of farmers. Dallewal resumed consuming water today, signifying the end of his protest. Court’s Observations and Further Steps The Supreme Court praised the court-appointed committee’s efforts to resolve the issue and requested status and supplementary reports from both the committee and the Punjab Government. The contempt proceedings against Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP were dropped due to subsequent developments. With Dallewal’s fast now over, farmer groups are expected to reassess their strategies moving forward, as the central government and states like Punjab and Haryana seem to be on the same page regarding peaceful resolutions.

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Editor04 mins

Justice Nirmal Yadav Acquitted by Special CBI Court in 2008 Cash Bribery Case

A Special CBI Court in Chandigarh has acquitted former judge Justice Nirmal Yadav in the high-profile cash bribery case dating back to 2008. The verdict was pronounced today by Special CBI Judge Alka Malik, bringing an end to the prolonged legal battle. The case traces back to August 2008 when a peon at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, working under Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, reported that a bag containing Rs. 15 lakh in cash had mistakenly been delivered to her courtroom. The judge immediately alerted the authorities and instructed them to apprehend the peon. Following this, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe and alleged that the cash was originally intended for Justice Nirmal Yadav’s residence. In January 2009, the CBI sought permission to prosecute Justice Yadav. Although the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted the sanction in November 2010, Justice Yadav contested the CBI’s request. Her plea to quash the proceedings was dismissed by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, with the latter criticizing her for allegedly delaying the trial through multiple petitions. The President of India’s office finally approved the prosecution sanction in March 2011, following which the CBI filed a chargesheet. During this period, Justice Yadav had been transferred to the Uttarakhand High Court in February 2010 and retired a month later in March 2011. In 2014, the Supreme Court dismissed Yadav’s plea for a stay on trial proceedings, pointing out that her repeated attempts to challenge the process were merely tactics to delay the case. Subsequently, Special CBI Court Judge Vimal Kumar framed charges against Justice Yadav under Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, while four other accused were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy). During the trial, the prosecution listed 84 witnesses, of which 69 were examined. In February this year, the High Court allowed the CBI to re-examine 10 witnesses, instructing the trial court to avoid unnecessary adjournments. The court reserved its verdict on March 27. Justice Nirmal Yadav was represented by advocates S.K. Garg Narwana and Shri V.G. Narwana. The court, while delivering the judgment today, concluded that the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges with concrete evidence, leading to her acquittal.

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Editor04 mins

Comedian Kunal Kamra Faces Three More FIRs for Remarks Against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Renowned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has landed in legal trouble yet again as three additional FIRs have been registered against him in Maharashtra. The cases were filed after Kamra allegedly made derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor). The fresh FIRs, registered in different parts of Maharashtra, were transferred to the Khar police station for further investigation on Friday. The Khar police station is already handling a criminal defamation case against Kamra concerning his controversial remark about Shinde. The police have issued two summonses, asking Kamra to appear for questioning, but his request for a week’s time was rejected. Despite the mounting legal pressure, Kamra managed to secure interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court until April 7. The first FIR against the comedian was filed following a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The latest FIRs were also filed by Shiv Sena members—Mayur Borse from Manmad, Nashik; Sanjay Bhujbal from Jalgaon Jamod, Buldhana; and Sunil Jadhav from Nandgaon Manmad, Nashik. According to the complainants, Kamra’s statements not only defamed Shinde’s moral conduct but also fueled animosity between political parties. The FIRs have been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 353(1)(b), 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation). A police officer confirmed that the Mumbai police may soon issue fresh summons to Kamra in connection with the new cases. The controversy erupted after Kamra performed his stand-up comedy act titled Naya Bharat at Habitat Studio in Hotel Unicontinental, Khar, in February. A video clip from the show was uploaded to YouTube last Saturday and soon went viral on social media. Shiv Sena workers, angered by Kamra’s remarks, vandalized the studio. In response, the police registered a suo motu case against the workers and arrested 12 of them, who were later released on bail. Despite the backlash, Kamra has remained defiant, declaring on social media that he will not apologize for his remarks. He has continued to criticize the government and ministers through additional videos shared on his social media platforms.

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Editor03 mins

Emraan Hashmi’s Ground Zero Teaser Unveiled: An Intense War Thriller on Real-Life Heroism

The much-awaited teaser of Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Ground Zero has finally been unveiled, giving a glimpse into a gripping war thriller inspired by real events. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of Kashmir and is slated for a theatrical release on April 25, 2025. A Tale of Bravery and Sacrifice The teaser opens with a chilling warning from a terror group, immediately setting a tense atmosphere. The story revolves around a devastating attack on Indian soldiers, resulting in the loss of 70 lives. Enter Emraan Hashmi as BSF Deputy Commandant Narendra Nath Dubey, a real-life hero tasked with leading a high-stakes mission to hunt down the enemy and restore order. Hashmi’s commanding presence is evident as he delivers the powerful line:“Sirf Kashmir ki zameen humaari hai ya yahan ke log bhi?”(Does Kashmir’s land belong to us, or do its people also belong to us?) This thought-provoking dialogue hints at the film’s deeper message about unity and belonging, layered with themes of patriotism and sacrifice. A Stellar Production Team Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, Ground Zero is backed by Excel Entertainment. It is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. The film promises to be an intense and immersive experience, with gritty action sequences, emotionally charged dialogues, and a performance-driven narrative. What’s Next for Emraan Hashmi? Besides Ground Zero, Emraan Hashmi is also set to headline Awarapan 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the cult classic Awarapan (2007). Directed by Mohit Suri, the film will continue the story of Shivam Pandit, a character that became iconic for Hashmi’s intense portrayal and powerful screen presence. Fans can expect another high-octane action drama filled with emotion and redemption. With Ground Zero and Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi seems poised for a major comeback, offering audiences both patriotic fervor and raw action. Get ready to witness his transformation on screen as he brings these impactful stories to life!

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Editor03 mins

“L2: Empuraan” Review: Style Over Substance

A Grand Canvas with a Hollow Core L2: Empuraan bursts onto the screen with gunshots, helicopters, and opulent sets, capturing the larger-than-life presence of Mohanlal’s character — the enigmatic “L” who goes by many names: Stephen Nedumpally, Esthappan, Khureshi Ab’raam, and his most iconic title, Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the sequel to Lucifer (2019) is both a continuation and a prequel, delving deeper into the past while expanding the saga’s grandiosity. But grandeur does not always translate to substance. Empuraan often feels like an exercise in style, with sweeping shots and pulsating music trying to fill the void left by a script that struggles to strike a balance between plot and spectacle. A Tale of Two Halves The film ambitiously merges real-life political undertones with fictional grandeur, particularly drawing parallels to the Gujarat riots of 2002, depicted through disturbing and provocative visuals. However, while it handles the communal violence with some gravitas, its portrayal of Kerala politics feels almost parodic, with caricatured leaders and a lack of nuance. The plot itself gets lost in its own complexity. Prithviraj’s Zayed Masood takes center stage with an extended role, but his backstory — rooted in communal violence — feels both overly dramatized and underexplored. Meanwhile, Mohanlal’s Lucifer remains an enigma, shrouded in shadow and delivered with stoic grandeur, but his limited dialogues, mostly cryptic and metaphorical, leave the audience yearning for more substance. A Galaxy of Stars, Yet Few Shine Bright The ensemble cast is vast and varied, with actors tumbling in and out of the narrative with little to do. Even Manju Warrier’s strong presence feels undercut by a one-note character. Tovino Thomas’s role as the rebellious heir of a political dynasty shows promise but lacks depth. International faces like Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones) and Eriq Ebouaney add flair but not much substance. Amidst the sea of faces, Baiju’s portrayal of a cunning politician stands out as refreshingly natural, breaking the monotony of grandeur with some much-needed realism. Technical Brilliance with a Purpose? Deepak Dev’s music and Sujith Vasudev’s cinematography are undeniably impressive, setting the stage with intensity and grandeur. The visual language of Empuraan is undeniably cinematic, designed to be larger-than-life. But the style often overshadows the story, making the film feel more like a showcase of technical prowess than a compelling narrative. Final Verdict L2: Empuraan is a film made for the die-hard fans who revel in every slow-motion walk and dramatic entry. While the mass moments and action set pieces will undoubtedly draw cheers, the film’s narrative coherence suffers under the weight of its ambition. If you’re in for the spectacle and iconic moments, Empuraan delivers. But for those seeking a nuanced and substantial story, the film’s dazzling visuals might feel like an elaborate distraction from an otherwise hollow core.

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Editor05 mins
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