THE CLIFF NEWS

Ram Gopal Varma Reflects on Satya and Its Impact on His Career Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma’s iconic film Satya was re-released in theaters on January 17, 2025, marking its return to the big screen after nearly three decades. For Varma, revisiting the film was a deeply emotional experience, one that stirred memories of the past and prompted him to reflect on his journey as a filmmaker. In a heartfelt confession shared on X (formerly Twitter), Varma revealed the emotional impact Satya had on him after watching it for the first time in 27 years. He admitted to being moved to tears, not just for the film, but for the path his career had taken since its success. He wrote, “By the time Satya was rolling to an end, while watching it two days back for the first time after 27 years, I started choking with tears rolling down my cheeks, and I didn’t care if anyone would see. The tears were not just for the film, but more for what happened since.” The Impact of Success Varma described filmmaking as a creative process akin to giving birth to a child. He reflected on how, during the creation of Satya, he failed to fully appreciate the significance of what he had made, getting caught up in the rush of new projects. He acknowledged that, in hindsight, he often ignored the impact Satya had on both the industry and audiences. “I ignored the countless inspirations Satya sparked by dismissing it as just another step in my journey toward an objectiveless destination,” he confessed. Drunk on Success The filmmaker admitted that after Satya’s massive success, he became “drunk not on alcohol but on my own success and arrogance.” Reflecting on his post-Satya career, he realized how his focus shifted away from the honesty and integrity that defined Satya. Instead, he started making films for shock value, gimmicks, or technical wizardry—elements he now considers meaningless. Varma also expressed feelings of guilt, reflecting on how he betrayed the trust of those who believed in him after Satya’s success. “Coming back to the hotel after the screening of Satya, and sitting in the dark, I didn’t understand why, with all my so-called intelligence, I did not set this film as a benchmark for whatever I should do in the future,” he wrote. He continued, “I cried in guilt for my betrayals of all those who trusted me due to Satya.” A Lesson for Fellow Filmmakers In his emotional reflection, Varma shared advice for fellow filmmakers, urging them to avoid self-indulgence and measure their work against the standard set by their best creations. “I so wish I could go back in time and make this one cardinal rule for myself: before deciding on any film to make, I should watch Satya once again,” he wrote. “If I followed that rule, I’m sure I wouldn’t have made 90% of the films I made since then.” A Promise for the Future Concluding his note, Varma promised to spend the remainder of his career creating films that lived up to the integrity and sincerity of Satya. “Whatever little of my life is left, I want to spend it sincerely and create something as worthy as Satya. And this truth I swear on Satya.” Varma’s reflection on Satya serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that a film can have not only on audiences but also on the creator. His journey through success, arrogance, and self-reflection paints a picture of a filmmaker who, despite missteps, remains deeply connected to the authenticity of his early work.

Karan Veer Mehra has been crowned the winner of Bigg Boss 18, following an intense finale of Salman Khan’s popular reality show. He succeeds Munawar Faruqui, who won Bigg Boss 17. Top 2 Finalists The final showdown featured Karan Veer Mehra and Vivian Dsena, with Karan Veer ultimately clinching the title. Winner’s Prize As the winner, Karan Veer Mehra has taken home: Bigg Boss Past Winners Here’s a recap of notable Bigg Boss winners and their cash prizes: The Bigg Boss 18 finale was a spectacular event, keeping fans glued to their screens until Karan Veer Mehra was announced as the winner of the season.

The fiscal third-quarter earnings season continues with significant announcements from IT services companies, major conglomerates, and now banking heavyweights. While the spotlight initially focused on IT services like TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, attention has now shifted to the banking sector. Banking Sector Outlook This week, key players like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are set to release their Q3 FY25 results. According to Elara Capital, the banking sector earnings are anticipated to display weaker trends with: Broader Market Projections JM Financial predicts modest performance for the Nifty50, with PAT growth projected at 5.8% YoY, while ex-BFSI growth is weaker at 2.1% YoY. Key Earnings Announcements Scheduled for This Week January 20 (Monday): January 21 (Tuesday): Industry Trends While India Inc.’s Q3FY25 performance remains to be fully revealed, this week’s results will provide further clarity on sector-specific dynamics, including the banking, real estate, IT, and renewable energy sectors.

11 Arrested in Crackdown on Illegal Coal Mining in Assam’s Umrangso In a significant operation against illegal coal mining, the Dima Hasao Police have apprehended 11 individuals linked to mining activities at the Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso. Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects have been taken to Haflong Police Station for questioning. The identities of those arrested have been withheld due to the ongoing investigation. Probe into Unreported Fatalities The crackdown has also led to an investigation into unreported fatalities at the quarry, which sources claim have occurred frequently but remain concealed due to compensation provided by mine owners to victims’ families. Safety Concerns and Accountability Frequent fatalities at the quarry have raised serious concerns about the lack of safety protocols and accountability. Sources indicate that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of negligence and exploitation within illegal mining operations. Ongoing Investigation Authorities believe more unreported deaths and additional individuals involved in the illegal mining network may come to light as the probe continues. The arrests mark a step toward addressing the deeply entrenched issues of illegal mining and associated risks to human lives in the region.

The Mumbai Police have uncovered key evidence linking Mohammed Shariful Islam, alias Vijay Das, to the January 16 attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during a failed robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. Fingerprints as Crucial Evidence Police officials revealed that 19 fingerprints belonging to Islam, a Bangladeshi national, were lifted from various locations at the crime scene. These include the bathroom window he used for entry and exit, the duct shaft, and the ladder employed to access the building. While the fingerprint samples did not match any entries in state or national databases, investigators suspected the involvement of a foreign national, considering the lack of records and the common issue of illegal border crossings from Bangladesh. Sequence of Events and Arrest Following the attack, Islam fled Saif Ali Khan’s 11th-floor apartment in the Satguru Sharan building on St. Theresa Road, Bandra West. The police meticulously tracked his movements using CCTV footage: Further investigation revealed his association with Jitendra Pandey, a contractor who had been seen with Islam on CCTV in Andheri. Pandey provided critical details, helping authorities narrow their search to Thane. After an extensive manhunt involving over 100 personnel from Mumbai Police, the Crime Branch, and Thane Police, Islam was found hiding in mangrove bushes. Investigation and Court Proceedings Islam, who has confessed to the crime, is in police custody and has been remanded for five days. Authorities plan to recreate the crime at Saif Ali Khan’s residence to gather additional evidence and verify his account of events. This case highlights the crucial role of forensic evidence, CCTV surveillance, and technological tools in solving complex crimes.

An Army jawan was critically injured during an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials reported on Monday. The gunfight resumed this morning following a brief halt overnight. Encounter Details The operation began on Sunday when security forces, acting on specific intelligence inputs, cornered two terrorists in Gujjarpatti, Sopore. The joint search operation involved the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Gunshots rang out as the security forces intensified their operation. The Army’s Special Forces later joined the effort to strengthen the ongoing mission against the terrorists. Area Secured The area has been fully cordoned off to prevent any escape, ensuring the safety of residents and operational integrity. Official Statement The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps provided an update on X (formerly Twitter), stating:“On 19 Jan 25, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Cordon & Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Gujjarpatti, Sopore, Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress.” Current Status As of now, there are no reports of casualties among the terrorists. Further updates on the situation are awaited as the operation continues.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani extended their congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a private reception in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, January 19, 2025, ahead of his inauguration. The Ambanis expressed optimism about strengthening India-U.S. relations and conveyed their wishes for a transformative second term of leadership under President-elect Trump. Strengthening Global Ties The Ambanis highlighted the potential for collaboration and progress between the two nations and globally during Trump’s presidency. Attending Inaugural Events The Ambanis are slated to attend the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 20. The inaugural festivities began Saturday with a reception and fireworks display at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. On Sunday, Mukesh and Nita Ambani participated in a “candlelight dinner” with President-elect Trump, alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance. High-Profile Attendees Inauguration Day will witness a host of prominent attendees, including billionaire Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. French entrepreneur Xavier Niel and his wife are also among the attendees. Zuckerberg, along with Republican mega-donor Miriam Adelson, is co-hosting a black-tie reception on Monday to celebrate the inauguration, which the Ambanis are expected to attend. Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President Donald Trump, who previously served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021, will take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. India Represented at Ceremony India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent the Indian government at the swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the importance of India-U.S. relations.

Director Shankar has revealed that work on Indian 3 will begin soon, with the film expected to be completed in six months. In a recent interview, Shankar confirmed that the film will feature extensive VFX and some patchwork shooting. Despite setbacks with Indian 2 and Game Changer, Shankar is optimistic about the project. In the interview, Shankar mentioned that the storyline of Indian 3 would explore the origin of Veerasekaran Balaram, father of Senapathy, both characters played by Kamal Haasan. The film will feature Kamal Haasan alongside Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, and SJ Suryah. Shankar also spoke about the disappointment of Indian 2‘s box-office performance, stating he didn’t expect the negative reviews and expressing his satisfaction with the film’s message of cleanliness. Indian 3 has generated significant buzz due to the end-credits teaser and anticipation for the film’s grand scale, following the success of the original 1996 classic.

Protests in Punjab Overshadow the Release of Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Kangana Ranaut’s political drama Emergency, which hit theaters on Friday, faced backlash in Punjab as widespread protests led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh organizations disrupted its screenings. Most cinemas in the state refrained from showing the film, citing security concerns and pressure from demonstrators. Protests and Boycott Calls Protests erupted in cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala, with demonstrators accusing the film of misrepresenting the Sikh community. Protesters held black flags and placards that read “Boycott Emergency” and “Ban Emergency,” demanding an immediate halt to the movie’s screening. “We approached both the Central and Punjab governments to stop this film, but no action was taken,” said SGPC spokesperson Partap Singh. Another SGPC member, Rajinder Singh Tohra, added, “The film insults the entire Sikh community. We won’t allow it to be shown anywhere in Punjab.” Objections to the Film Directed, written, and produced by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency portrays the 21-month period of Emergency (1975–1977) under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The SGPC and Sikh groups claim the film portrays Sikh characters in a derogatory manner. “The movie has been made to disturb the peace of Punjab,” said Singh, as the SGPC submitted memorandums to district authorities demanding a ban. Restricted Screenings in Punjab The demonstrations forced many cinemas across Punjab to cancel screenings. In Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Mohali, theater owners halted the movie’s release following objections from Sikh organizations. Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivam Aggarwal confirmed that cinema owners decided not to screen the film amidst the unrest. Kangana Ranaut Responds Kangana Ranaut responded strongly to the protests, labeling the restricted screenings as “harassment of art and the artist.” In a post on X, she stated, “This is propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film. I have the utmost respect for all religions and have closely observed Sikh traditions growing up in Chandigarh.” Political Support for the Boycott Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira backed the SGPC, criticizing Ranaut for her past remarks about farmers and the Sikh community. He called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to impose an immediate ban on the film in the state. Public Poll on the Boycott A public debate has sparked over whether the boycott is justified: The controversy surrounding Emergency highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and community sentiments.

Actress Urvashi Rautela faced severe backlash after her remarks about Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident were deemed insensitive by netizens. While reacting to the brutal attack on the actor, Urvashi diverted attention to flaunting her diamond-studded Rolex watch, gifted by her mother, and expressed concerns about wearing expensive items in public due to insecurity. She said, “It is very unfortunate. Now Daaku Maharaj has crossed ₹105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex. My father also gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don’t feel confident wearing it outside openly. There is this insecurity that anybody can attack us. Whatever happened was very unfortunate.” The remarks, made during the promotion of her film Daaku Maharaj, went viral and drew widespread criticism, with many accusing her of being “ignorant” and “self-centered” about the gravity of the incident involving Saif Ali Khan. Urvashi Issues Public Apology Amid the trolling, Urvashi took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt apology, acknowledging her insensitivity. In the now-deleted post, she addressed Saif Ali Khan directly, writing:“Dear Saif Ali Khan Sir, I hope this message finds you in strength. I am writing with a deep sense of regret and heartfelt apology. Until now, I was completely unaware of the intensity of the situation you are facing. I feel ashamed that I allowed myself to be consumed by the excitement surrounding Daaku Maharaj and the gifts I was receiving, instead of pausing to acknowledge and understand what you are going through.” She continued, “Please accept my sincerest apologies for being so ignorant and insensitive. Now that I know the gravity of your case, I am deeply moved and want to extend my unwavering support. Your grace, dignity, and resilience during such a challenging time are truly admirable, and I have nothing but immense respect for your strength.” Urvashi concluded the note by offering her thoughts, prayers, and assistance, adding, “Once again, I am truly sorry, sir, for my earlier indifference.” Ongoing Backlash Despite her apology, Urvashi continued to face trolling on social media, with users labeling her a “wannabe” and an “attention seeker.” While some appreciated her effort to apologize, many questioned her motives and sincerity, further fueling the controversy. This incident has sparked conversations about the importance of sensitivity and awareness, especially when public figures comment on serious matters.