News

Why did Dhanush invest time and money in Why This Kolaveri Di? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The Rayaan star Dhanush became an overnight sensation in 2012 with his song “Why This Kolaveri Di.” The song was part of the film 3, which featured Dhanush, Shruti Haasan, and Sivakarthikeyan. Though the film was average, the songs were a chartbuster hit and introduced us to the sensational singer and composer Anirudh.

The quirky lyrics and Dhanush’s baritone voice became an instant hit amongst the audience, so much so that it is still hummed by many. As it was a mix of Tamil and mostly English, though it didn’t make sense, everyone was grooving to the song back in the day. As YouTube was new to us all, the song was the most searched and played during 2012. And recently, as the film clocked 12 years ago, Dhanush had some interesting revelations.

According to Pinkvilla, he...

Here’s A Look At 7 Major South Indian Cinema Industry Controversies In 2024 ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The year 2024 has been filled with significant controversies in South Indian entertainment industry, capturing national attention. From legal troubles involving top stars to shocking allegations in the industry, these events have kept fans and media on edge. Here’s a summary of the seven most controversial incidents of the year:

1. Darshan Accused of Fan’s Murder

Kannada superstar Darshan Thogudeepa faced serious allegations of murdering a fan, Renukaswamy, alongside his friend Pavithra Gowda. Arrested on June 11, Darshan secured bail on medical grounds, later transitioning to regular bail. The case continues to attract public and legal scrutiny.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darshan Thoogudeepa Shrinivas (@darshanthoogudeepashrinivas)

2. Nayanthara-Dhanush Clash Over Documentary

A dispute arose between actress Nayanthara and actor Dhanush over using a three-second clip from the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in Nayanthara’s documentary,...

Keeping up with the changing times is the secret to enjoying relevance, but does it go against Mani Ratnam’s ways of representing the best of classic? Well, the viewers need not worry for long as Ratnam’s freshest directorial Thug Life is on the way, featuring none other than superstar Kamal Haasan.

A new direction? Haasan in Thug Life

Taking the reins from his role as Sakthivel Naicker from Nayakan, Haasan makes a return in the form of Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker. But will that be the end of all references? Many popular names in Bollywood are also anticipated in the 2025 release, with the likes of Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and even Rohit Saraf joining the ensemble. The budget for Thug Life is at an all time high with filming locations across Siberia to Jaisalmer, also featuring a big scale sequence shot behind the Red Fort in New Delhi.

The...

Nandamuri Balakrishna In Akhanda 2 ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Nandamuri Balakrishna is teaming up again with blockbuster director Boyapati Sreenu for their fourth collaboration, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam. The duo previously scored blockbuster hits with Simha, Legend, and Akhanda. Akhanda 2 follows the success of their earlier hit, Akhanda. This sequel is set to deliver even more action-packed sequences. The film is produced by Raam Achanta and Gopi Achanta under the banner of 14 Reels Plus and presented by M Tejaswini Nandamuri.

The film’s regular shoot started in Hyderabad at Ramoji Film City, with Balakrishna present on the first day. Boyapati Sreenu launched the shoot with an electrifying fight sequence choreographed by Ram-Lakshman. A video released by the makers showcases Balakrishna’s robust dialogue:

“Ee Nela Asurudidi Kaadu ra… Eshwarudidi… Parameswarudidi… Kaadani Thaakithe Jarigedi Thaandavam… Akhanda Thaandavam…”

Trending Sai Abhyankkar Replaces A.R. Rahman As Music Composer For Suriya’s Highly Anticipated Suriya...

Students Run Away From Hostels After Being Inspired From Luky Baskhar ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The Dulquer Salmaan starrer Lucky Baskhar received a tremendous positive response from the masses. The movie was a box office success and garnered critical acclaim. However, it seems that the plot of the film has also had a bizarre impact on some Vizag-based hostel students.

About The Case

According to a news report in M9 News, four schoolchildren from Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, studying in the 9th standard, have run away from their hostel to earn some money and make it big in life. The report further stated that they were heavily inspired by Lucky Baskhar before making this decision. They were seen climbing over the hostel gate and feeling.

Schoolchildren Vow To Return Only After Making It Big

The reports added that the CCTV footage of the same had been obtained by the cops. The schoolchildren...

Sai Abhyankkar Joins Suriya 45 (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Tamil star Suriya’s much-anticipated upcoming film, tentatively titled Suriya 45, is directed by Rj Balaji, with a screenplay crafted by Rj Balaji and Rathna Kumar. Initially, the film’s music was to be composed by the legendary Ar Rahman. However, recent reports reveal that Sai Abhyankkar, a rising talent in the Tamil music scene, has stepped in to take on this responsibility.

Sai Abhyankkar gained widespread recognition for his independently produced hit Katchi Sera, which Spotify Wrapped named the most-streamed Tamil track of 2024. He is also the son of celebrated playback singers Tippu and Harini.

Why was Ar Rahman replaced in Suriya 45?

The official reason for Ar Rahman’s replacement in Suriya 45 is scheduling conflicts, which seems plausible. However, rumors have been circulating that his separation from his wife might have influenced his temporary decision to leave work.

Trending...

Salman Khan’s Key Role In RC16 (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ram Charan and director Buchi Babu Sana are busy with their upcoming film RC16. The project’s first schedule is underway in Mysore. After completing the promotions of Game Changer, Ram Charan is said to join the movie sets for the second schedule soon. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan may play a pivotal role in this RC16 film.

Salman Khan and Ram Charan share a strong friendship. Salman Khan’s appearance in Chiranjeevi’s Godfather was reportedly due to this bond with Chiranjeevi himself, confirming that Salman Khan didn’t charge any fee for his role. Their friendship is evident as Ram Charan hosts Salman Khan whenever he visits Hyderabad, and Ram Charan ensures

Salman Khan a warm welcome in Mumbai. Banking on this friendship, the filmmakers are optimistic that Salman will agree to be part of the film.

South Film Industry Controversies Unveiled ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

2024 was a year full of great films and considerable controversy. While fans witnessed some memorable moments in the South Indian film industry, they also saw significant controversies. From Nayanthara’s feud with Dhanush to Ar Rahman and his wife getting divorced, netizens experienced plenty of drama this year. As 2025 is just around the corner, let us look back at the most significant controversies that shocked everyone.

1. Arshad Warsi’s ‘joker’ comment on Prabhas

The controversy between Arshad Warsi and Prabhas started after the Bollywood star called the latter’s character in Kalki 2898 Ad a “joker.” This upset fans and the Telugu film industry alike. Warsi later clarified his comment was about the character and not Prabhas.

Ani quoted him saying, “Everybody has their point of view, and people like to interpret noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He (Prabhas) is a brilliant actor.

Parineeti Chopra has regrets iver passing on Animal? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

It is common knowledge that Parineeti Chopra was the first choice for the role of Geetanjali in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal opposite Ranbir Kapoor. However, the actress walked out of the film, and the role eventually went to Rashmika Mandanna.

After the film’s record-breaking success, the audiences wondered if Parineeti regretted not being a part of Animal. The actress has now opened up about her decision, revealing that she does not feel bad about quitting Animal as she chose to be a part of Amar Singh Chamkila.

Parineeti Chopra Says She Does Not Regret Quitting Animal

Parineeti Chopra recently appeared on India TV’s Aap ki Adalat, where she was asked if she feels bad about missing out on Animal, which grossed over Rs. 900 crores at the worldwide box office. Parineeti revealed that she does not regret...

Sara Ali Khan’s Rumored Boyfriend Arjun Pratap Bajwa ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Sara Ali Khan might have found the man of her dreams. After being spotted with him several times, the actress has sparked dating rumors with model Arjun Pratap Bajwa. After visiting the Kedarnath Temple with her rumored beau in October, Sara again makes headlines for seemingly vacationing with him in Rajasthan.

Though Sara and Arjun have not shared any pictures from their vacation together, eagle-eyed fans have noticed similarities in the background of their holiday pictures. For those wondering who Sara is dating, here is all you need to know about Arjun Pratap Bajwa.

Arjun Pratap Bajwa is a Politician Turned Model

Arjun Pratap Bajwa is the son of Fateh Jang Singh Bajwa, the Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (Bjp) in Punjab. Arjun, too, started his career in politics but later switched to showbiz and became a model.

Filmfare Ott Awards 2024 Winners Include Kareena Kapoor & Diljit Dosanjh. ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Filmfare Ott Awards 2024 were held in Mumbai on Sunday to celebrate and honor the best talent in the web space. The 5th edition of the ceremony was a star-studded affair, with celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday, and Imtiaz Ali attending.

Kareena and Diljit Dosanjh were the night’s biggest winners as they were declared the Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively, for their films Jaane Jaan and Amar Singh Chamkila. Ar Rahman won two trophies for his work on the background music and music album of Amar Singh Chamkila.

Filmfare Ott Awards 2024: Complete List of Winners Shows Categories: Best Series: The Railway Men Best Actor (Male): Comedy: Rajkummar Rao (Guns & Gulaabs) Best Actor (Male): Drama: Gagan Dev Riar (Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story) Best Actor (Female): Comedy: Geetanjali Kulkarni (Gullak Season 4) Best...

Hrithik Roshan To Play The Villain Against Ajay Devgn (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The dream team of Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn might be seen together in director Om Raut’s next film. Ajay, who worked with Om on their 2020 hit Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is keen on taking the franchise forward with a movie based on another historical. While he will play the hero, he is eager to cast Hrithik as the antagonist. The project is still being developed, and Ajay and Om are figuring out the movie’s storyline. Ajay Devgn Wants to Collaborate with Hrithik Roshan for Om Raut’s Next Film.

According to sources quoted by Mid-Day, Ajay Devgn is considering casting Hrithik Roshan as the antagonist in the upcoming film. The actor believes Hrithik has the charisma and personality to make him an iconic villain.

“Ajay feels Hrithik has tremendous screen presence and charisma. Couple that with his acting prowess,...

Does Karan Johar Protect Ananya Panday From Criticism? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Karan Johar has often been criticized for protecting star kids from criticism. Ananya Panday, one of Karan’s closest friends in the industry and also a star kid, has now opened up about whether the filmmaker and producer actually guards her.

Ananya has revealed that Karan is not at all protective against criticism. She said that the director instead wants actors to go out there and face the industry’s hardships. She added that Karan supports her but does not feed her about what she should do in her career.

Ananya Panday Reveals Karan Johar Does Not Protect Her From Criticism

Ananya Panday recently appeared on YouTuber Raj Shamani’s podcast, where she discussed Karan Johar’s role in her career. The Kho Gaye Hum Kahan star said that Karan does not believe in shielding actors and wants them...

Is Rajkumar Santoshi’s Andaz Apna Apna Getting A Sequel?(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Andaz Apna Apna is one of Bollywood’s cult classic comedies. For several years, there have been rumors about a potential sequel to the 1994 film. Rajkumar Santoshi, who directed the film, has now finally spoken about the second part. The filmmaker has revealed that he has started working on a movie tentatively titled Adaa Apni Apni. Rajkumar stated that the project will be a comedy, similar to Andaz Apna Apna, but has not confirmed if it will be a direct sequel to the original film.

Rajkumar Santoshi Confirms Working On Andaz Apna Apna-Like Comedy Adaa Apni Apni

Rajkumar Santoshi recently appeared for an interview with Doordarshan, celebrating 30 years of Andaz Apna Apna. During the interview, he announced that he was writing the script for a film called Adaa Apni Apni. He explained that it would be...

What Did Malaika Arora Say In Her New Ig Post Amid Arjun Kapoor Break-Up? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ever since Arjun Kapoor confirmed his break-up with Malaika Arora, the latter has shared several cryptic posts on Instagram. After posting an amusing story about her “relationship status,” the model and actress has now shared a quote about how she does not care if someone does not like her.

Malaika and Arjun dated for almost six years and often made headlines for their adorable romance. During their relationship, they did not shy away from expressing their love for each other on social media. However, Arjun announced he was single in October 2024.

Malaika Arora Shares Social Media Post About People “Who Don’t Like Her”

Malaika Arora recently shared a quote on her Instagram story, which read, “I don’t have time to worry about who doesn’t like me. I’m too busy...

Ar Rahman-Saira Banu Divorce Case! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Ar Rahman and Saira Banu recently announced their divorce after 29 years of marriage. The couple has three children, which raises the question of who will get custody of the kids.

Vandana Shah, the lawyer representing Saira Banu in the divorce proceedings, has now discussed with whom the children will stay after the separation. She also opened up about whether reconciliation between the couple is possible.

Lawyer Vandana Shah Talks About the Custody of Ar Rahman and Saira Banu’s Children

Vandana Shah recently interviewed Vicky Lalwani for his YouTube channel, discussing the custody of Ar Rahman and Saira Banu’s children. The couple has three children: daughters Khatija and Raheema and son Ameen. Vandana revealed that the couple has yet to reach a custody decision.

Trending Janhvi Or Khushi: Who Is Brother Arjun Kapoor Closer To? Actor Reveals

Will Priyanka Chopra...

Has Ali Fazal Finished Filming For Kamal Hassan’s Thug Life? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ali Fazal is recognized for his performances in both Indian and international cinema. He is best known for his roles in Fukrey, Mirzapur, and Death on the Nile, among others. Now, he is all set to debut in the South Indian film industry with the Tamil-language film Thug Life, which also stars Kamal Hassan. It is a highly anticipated film directed by the renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

This new project has been creating a buzz due to its director and the stellar cast, including the legendary Haasan, Trisha, Abhirami, Nasser, Joju George, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Fazal as well. The film’s music is composed by iconic A.R. Rahman. It is currently slated for a release date of June 5, 2025. Amidst the hype, fans have something to be happy about. The film is aiming to complete its filming schedule,...

Double Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has music projects in every corner of the world. But none is bigger than his long-term plan to build a better India through culture.

Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) lifted the veil on his nation-building exercise and some of his immediate projects at a masterclass at the Internation Film Festival of India, in Goa, where he was interviewed by Variety’s Naman Ramachandran and introduced by filmmaker and festival director Shekhar Kapur.

The session was ostensibly held to honor the late playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, who died in 2022. But the scene for a wider-ranging session was set when the “Elizabeth” director said that for all his musical genius Rahman is also “an entrepreneur, a technologist and a spiritualist.”

The session got under way with a clip from “Headhunting to Beatboxing,” a documentary film that Rahman produced set in and about Nagaland, a part of India once considered to be wild frontier territory.

Sunny Deol To Reshoot Portions Of Lahore! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Fans have been excited about the project since it was announced that Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol would collaborate on a partition drama titled Lahore 1947. Aamir is producing the film, and Sunny will play the lead role opposite Preity Zinta.

The Rajkumar Santoshi-directed film wrapped up its shoot in August 2024. However, according to new reports, the production team is set to reshoot some portions of the film and film additional sequences after Aamir suggested it.

Aamir Khan Suggests Additional Shoots for Sunny Deol’s Lahore 1947

As per a report by Mid-Day, Aamir Khan watched the first cut of Lahore 1947 and felt that certain scenes required some patchwork that would enhance their dramatic effect and result in better storytelling. “The changes aim to ensure the narrative is as compelling as the story demands,” a source close to the project has revealed.

Arjun Kapoor On His Breakup! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Not so long ago, Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora were the power couple in Bollywood. The two stood together despite being targeted by trolls for their age gap and consistently expressed their love for each other.

However, last month, Arjun confirmed his breakup with Malaik after six years of a relationship when he announced to the media that he was single. After confirming the split, the Singham Again actor has now talked about how he sent text messages to his ex at 3 am.

Arjun Kapoor Admits Sending Texts to Ex-Girlfriend at 3 am

Arjun Kapoor recently sat for an interview with Mashable India, where the host asked him if he had sent any 3 am texts to a late-night friend. Arjun then joked about whether the question was specially curated for him. The host then changed the query and asked him, “Have you ever...

A sequel to Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” could soon be in the works at Bridge7, the newly formed production banner from producer Swati Shetty and former CAA agent Grant Kessman. The duo secured film sequel and television rights in a deal struck with the U.K.-based Celador, which produced the original film with Film4.

The 2008 Danny Boyle-directed feature, about a young man from an impoverished background who competes on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” collected eight Academy Awards including best picture and director, with Dev Patel making his film debut as protagonist Jamal. The movie, which was scored by A.R. Rahman, also won seven BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globes.

Los Angeles-based Bridge7 launches with a “focus on universal human stories featuring diverse characters and worlds.”

“Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is undoubtedly one of them,...

Bobby Bedi, one of India’s most successful film producers, unveiled a powerful multinational production slate ranging from dance documentary to soaring fantasy.

Speaking at a private event on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India, in Goa, Bedi introduced “Mudras,” the journey of a Spanish dancer who travels to India in the 1980s and finds her form and identity in a blend of Flamenco, Bharat Natyam and Kathakali. More than 20 years later, the woman’s daughter makes a similar journey but emerges with very different results.

Currently in post-production the feature documentary produced is by Bedi and Anna Saura through Bedi’s Contentflow Studios, with Bedi and Maria Salgado co-directing. Bedi described the film as “a story of two ladies, two countries two cultures and two generations, exploring dance, exploring themselves and discovering themselves.”

The company is in pre-production on “Bandit Queen MP,” a title that builds...

Nana Patekar Joked About Anil Kapoor Being “Bakwaas Aadmi.” ( Photo Credit – Instagram; Facebook )

Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, both titans of Bollywood, are excellent friends in real life. Both are counted among iconic actors of the industry and have worked in some of the biggest movies of all time. Their bond in Bollywood is cemented by their roles as Uday and Majnu in the film Welcome. However, their on-screen history dates way back to the 80s.

The two worked together in the 1989 cult classic Parinda. Vidhu Vinod Chopra directed this film, and it was an instant classic, now remembered for its storytelling and stellar performances, featuring an ensemble cast that included Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar himself.

Nana Patekar Calls Anil Kapoor a Bakwaas Aadmi For His Honesty

The movie Parinda tells the story of two brothers, one of whom is drawn into the world of crime and...

During an extensive masterclass at the International Film Festival of India (Iffi) in Goa, veteran Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam engaged in conversation with actor-director Gautham Vasudev Menon about adapting literature to screen, his approach to period filmmaking, and his creative process.

Discussing his recent two-part historical epic “Ponniyin Selvan,” based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1950s Tamil novel, Ratnam emphasized authenticity in period storytelling. “We wanted to make it look like it really happened, that it’s not just a set or something shot in the studio. There should be sunlight, dirt, sweat – you should feel that you are there at that point in time,” he said.

The filmmaker revealed the practical challenges of shooting a period piece set in the Chola era. “If you go to Tanjore today, you’re not going to get any forts. There’s no palace, nothing left. So we shot in a palace in the...

Preity Zinta Addressed Fights With Rani & Kareena (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Preity Zinta made her Bollywood debut with the film Dil Se in 1988. The actress gained fame and success in the film Soldier, released in the same year. Preity was last seen in Bhaiya ji Superhit in 2018 and is currently shooting for Rajkumar Sanotoshi’s Lahore 1947.

Preity Zinta appeared as a guest on a popular reality talk show, Koffee With Karan, when Karan Johar asked about her catfights and equations with her contemporaries, including Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor. Kjo said, “There was always talk about you and Rani being on the warpath. You and Kareena are having problems. And you know, Rani coming on this very show and saying, ‘Oh, Priety talks too much, and she should keep her opinions to herself.’

In response to this statement, Priety jokingly said that she used to shut her mouth whenever she saw...

Here’s Why Gulshan Grover Was Replaced In Karan Arjun (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Rakesh Roshan is one of the most prominent figures in the Indian film industry. He is known for his contributions as a director, producer, and actor. He has been instrumental in shaping Bollywood cinema, particularly in the 1990s, with several successful films to his credit. One of his most notable works is the iconic Karan Arjun, released in 1995 and becoming an instant classic.

The movie is about two brothers who get reincarnated for revenge for their deaths and the love of their mother. When released, Karan Arjun received a great box office response and has become a cult classic. The film starred two of the most prominent actors in Bollywood history. In addition, the film also included Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, and Amrish Puri. Though its cast is still considered one of the best, another veteran actor was...

Why Was Ravi Kishan Selected Over Aamir Khan In Laapataa Ladies? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

It is well-known that Aamir Khan wanted to play Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar in Laapataa Ladies. The Chulbul Pandey-type character of a corrupt cop with a softer side mesmerized Khan.

He had also undergone a screen test for the role but was outrightly rejected by his producer-director ex-wife, Kiran Rao. While speaking during the screening at the Asian World Film Festival, Khan humorously accused the filmmaker of doubting his acting abilities.

Recalling his experience, Aamir said he took a screen test for the role and got rejected. However, when he saw Ravi Kishan’s test, he was convinced that the 55-year-old actor was best suited for the role. “I was really keen on playing that role, but Kiran and I discussed it. I think my screen test was very good, but we decided to go with Ravi Kishan.

Did A.R. Rahman apologize to Baadshah? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Singer-rapper Baadshah has revealed a startling revelation: The Oscar-winning music composer apologized to him after initially disliking his rap version of the ‘Humma Humma’ song in the 2017 movie Ok Jaanu.

The album Ok Jaanu was composed by A.R Rahman with lyrics penned by Gulzar. However, director Shaad Ali wanted a remastered version of Rahman’s veteran song, Humma Humm, from the movie Bombay (1995) in Ok Jaane.

He had convinced Rahma, who reluctantly nodded. When Tanishq Baqchi and Baadshah came up with a reworked Humma Humma, Rahman was not too pleased.

Trending Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Rejected Bollywood Franchise With 100% Success Ratio + 500 Crore Box Office Collection! Hint: It’s Made A Gen Z ‘Superstar’ Today!

Abhishek Bachchan Box Office: Jr Bachchan Delivered His Last Solo Hit 17 Years Ago, Will ‘I Want To Talk’ Bring Any Luck?

However, Baadshah, in a conversation with Radio Nasha,...

Composing legend Hans Zimmer was the top individual winner at the 15th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards ceremony held Wednesday night, with three wins. The film “Emilia Pérez” also picked up three wins, followed by “The Wild Robot” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” with two apiece.

The HMMAs gave out honors for songs and scores in 39 categories at the event, held at Hollywood’s Avalon. The list of winners for 2024 was an eclectic one that included such well-known names as Elton John, A.R. Rahman, Kris Bowers, Miley Cyrus, Diane Warren, Alberto Iglesias, Maren Morris, Zoe Saldana, Clément Ducol, Robin Carolan, Pinar Toprak, Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Ilan Eshkeri, Olivia Rodrigo, Camille and dozens more. (Scroll down for the complete list of winners.)

Bernie Taupin was the most celebrated honoree of the night, being presented the Outstanding Career Achievement Award for a lifetime of work, on top of sharing in the...

The 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards were handed out on Wednesday night, Nov. 20, during a ceremony that took place at The Avalon in Hollywood. Winners were decided by the Hollywood Music in Media Academy, which consists of journalists, filmmakers, performing artists, publicists, and other industry professionals.

The big winner was Jacques Audiard‘s Netflix musical “Emilia Pérez,” which claimed Best Music-Themed Film, Biopic, or Musical, where it beat other formidable awards contenders like “A Complete Unknown” and “Wicked.” The film’s star Zoe Saldaña also won Best Song (Onscreen Performance) for “El Mal,” defeating Timothee Chalamet playing Bob Dylan‘s “Blowin’ in the Wind” in “A Complete Unknown” and Cynthia Erivo belting out “Defying Gravity” in “Wicked.” Lastly, the film won Best Score (Feature Film) for Clément Ducol and Camille, bringing its total to three, making it the most awarded film of the year.

“The Wild Robot” won two awards,...

Hans Zimmer and Emilia Pérez took home three trophies each to lead the winners at the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media awards, which honor the year’s most memorable film and TV music moments. The Wild Robot was the only other multiple winner, taking a pair of prizes during Wednesday night’s ceremony at The Avalon in Hollywood.

Double Oscar winner and 12-time nominee Zimmer won for three different projects: Score – Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Dune: Part Two, Score – Documentary Series for Planet Earth III and Song – TV Show Limited Series for “Love Will Survive” from The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Zoe Saldaña took Song – Onscreen Performance (Film) for “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez, which also scooped the marquee Score – Feature Film award for composers-songwriters Clément Ducol & Camille along with Music Themed Film.

Other songwriter winners included Diane Warren (“The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight); Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin and...

Ar Rahman Singing Passionately On Stage (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman and his wife have separated after 29 years of marriage. The couple tied the knot in an arranged marriage in Chennai on March 12, 1995.

While the exact cause of their separation hasn’t been revealed yet, emotional differences are said to have caused it. This news is an utter shock to Rahman fans and all those who have known the couple for a long time.

The two never had any such issues in their lives. Saira was so in love with Rahman that she would always try to listen to his voice no matter where he went. She loved the songs he sang, even the ones he did not compose.

Trending Kangana Ranaut Reacts To Aryan Khan’s Direction Debut, & It’s Surprisingly Unconventional!

Abhishek Bachchan Wasn’t The First Choice For I Want To Talk?

One song in...

Saira Banu Shares Insights Into Her Marriage With A.R. Rahman (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has separated from his wife, Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage. The two tied the knot on March 12, 1995, in Chennai. It has been reported that “emotional differences” led to the separation.

However, their marriage was a romantic affair from the very first day. According to Kareema Begum, A.R. Rahman’s mother, Saira Banu, had everything Rahman wanted in his wife: she was educated, pious, beautiful, humble, and grounded.

At the same time, Saira Banu knew she wasn’t going into a regular marriage. It was with an acclaimed artist who wouldn’t have an everyday life. A. R Rahman had spoken about this with Saira.

Trending Kangana Ranaut Reacts To Aryan Khan’s Direction Debut, & It’s Surprisingly Unconventional!

Abhishek Bachchan Wasn’t The First Choice For I Want To Talk?...

It’s Musicals Week at IndieWire. With “Wicked” about to sparkle over theaters, we’re celebrating the best of the movie-musical genre.

With all due respect to my colleagues, I feel crazy talking about movie musicals at work.

Every year since I’ve been a full time entertainment reporter, Disney has released an underwhelming live-action version of one of its delightful animated musicals. I witnessed the hype and joy surrounding Jon M. Chu’s “In the Heights” and tepid reception for Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” and continue to live in uncertainty about whether or not there will be a third “Mamma Mia!” film (please!). These days, it seems like every movie musical is anticipated with more than a healthy dose of fear, in case it struggles to recapture the magic of on-screen song-and-dance that was once so easy for this industry.

The reason I feel crazy is that...

Celebrated filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has revealed plans to establish a film school in Mumbai’s Dharavi slum district, with a specific focus on AI technology in filmmaking.

The initiative builds on Kapur’s decade-long experience running The Dharavi Project alongside Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, a hip-hop and rap initiative in Dharavi in partnership with Universal Music that has successfully launched several students to national stardom.

“Those kids have become national stars,” Kapur told Variety. “For years, people have told me, ‘Please start a film school.’ I’m going to start a film school in Dharavi, and the reason is because I think that AI is a new push in cinema.”

Kapur is known for his eclectic oeuvre that spans Indian films “Masoom” and “Mr. India,” hard-hitting biopic “Bandit Queen,” the Oscar-winning “Elizabeth” starring Cate Blanchett, “The Four Feathers” starring Heath Ledger, and rom-com “What’s Love Got to Do With It?...

Which Bollywood Movie Did Daniel Craig Audition For?

(Photo Credit – Instagram)

You read that right—Daniel Craig, now a household name as James Bond, once auditioned for a role in Rang De Basanti that you wouldn’t expect him to touch. In a twist that even the most hardcore Bond fans might not know, Craig tried out for the part of James McKinley, the British jailor who walks the freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev to their execution in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s iconic film.

But things didn’t pan out—because he was also being considered to take on the role of the next 007 at the time. In his autobiography, The Stranger in the Mirror, Mehra recounts how he wanted to create a piece of world cinema, aiming for perfection behind the scenes with a team that included David Reid and Adam Bowling. These two had worked on classics like Lock,...

Here’s revisiting the box office performance of Ranbir Kapoor’s Rockstar!(Photo Credit – YouTube)

The Ranbir Kapoor starrer musical drama Rockstar clocks in 13 years today (November 11). All the movie enthusiasts and music lovers out there abide by the film for establishing a cultural reset with its gut-wrenching plot, a brutally honest performance by Ranbir, and some iconic soundtracks. Many fans also feel that the film did not get its due credit at the box office upon its release 13 years ago and instead was celebrated upon its re-release this year. Let us take a trip down the memory lane and revisit the box office performance of the movie.

Rockstar Box Office Revisit

The Ranbir Kapoor starrer was mounted at a budget of 66 crore. It opened at 11 crores, which was considered a decent opening. The movie managed to rake in numbers due to a positive word of mouth and an immense critical acclaim.

Michael Gracey’s “Better Man,” a profile of British pop star Robbie Williams, will open the 55th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) with its Asian premiere. The Australian production kicks off the festival’s run from Nov. 20-28 in Goa.

Veteran filmmaker Phillip Noyce will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival. The Australian director, known for his collaborations with Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie, joins Iffi as the festival spotlights Australia as its Country of Focus.

The competition section features 15 feature films vying for the Golden Peacock award. Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker chairs the international jury, joined by Singaporean writer-director Anthony Chen, British producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and Australian editor Jill Bilcock.

The Indian Panorama section will present 25 fiction feature films and 20 documentaries showcasing the country’s linguistic diversity. Randeep Hooda’s “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” in the Hindi language opens the documentaries segment.

Manisha Koirala reveals a last-minute script change in Dil Se: Shah Rukh Khan’s character wasn’t supposed to die ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Mani Ratnam’s romantic thriller Dil Se (1998) wasn’t supposed to die, and it wasn’t in the original script. The film’s lead heroine, Manisha Koirala, revealed this.

In the film, Manisha Koirala plays a female terrorist, and in the end, her character dies in a suicide bombing along with Shah Rukh Khan. However, in a recent interview with a news agency, Ani, the Dil Se actress revealed that Shah Rukh Khan’s character wasn’t supposed to die. Per the original script, only her character was supposed to be dead in the end.

“In the original script that we had agreed on, the cause was larger than love for both the characters. In the original version, he lets her die,...

Emilia Pérez leads the 2024 nominees for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, which honor scores and songs in film and other visual media categories. Blitz is next with three, followed by The Wild Robot, Moana 2, and Wicked with two each. See the full list below.

Among the nominees are such hitmakers and composers as Elton John and Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Diane Warren, Pharrell Williams, A.R. Rahman and Linda Perry, among others.

The hardware will be handed out at the 15th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards on November 20 at The Avalon in Hollywood. Several of the nominated songs will be performed live during the ceremony.

The HMMAs will present this year’s Outstanding Career Achievement Award to legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin, who collaborations with Elton John produced some of the greatest pop songs and albums on the 1970s. The duo scored 10 No. 1 singles in the UK and seven in the U.

On Kamal Haasan’s birthday, the makers of his 234th film, Thug Life (KH234), have ignited a wave of excitement with the teaser and release date reveal – an epic gift from the legend himself. The cinematic world has received a seismic jolt, sending fans and cinephiles into a frenzy about the action-packed spectacle that promises to be a true magnum opus. Anticipation mounts as Haasan steps into the gritty role of Rangraya Sakthivel Nayakar. With masterful fight sequences, his portrayal is a raw, time-hardened caracter, and the teaser hints at the epic narrative of underworld grit and survival to come.

Thug Life is a cinematic giant, marking the third collaboration between two titans of Indian cinema—director Mani Ratnam and the legendary Kamal Haasan—following their celebrated work in Nayakan and the Ponniyin Selvan duology. With Ratnam’s visionary direction, A.R. Rahman’s electrifying score, and Haasan’s unmatched prowess,...

Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life Gets An Edge At The Box Office Due To Its Release Date? (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, has built a strong excitement around itself due to several reasons. The biggest reason for all the hype is the collaboration between him and director Mani Ratnam. Other than that, the superstar has been presented in a different avatar, and with whatever promotional material is released by the makers, the film has already managed to catch viewers’ attention. Now, in the latest development, the release date has been officially announced, and we can already sense a box office blockbuster in the making.

According to recent rumors, Kamal Haasan’s next biggie was supposed to compete with Prabhas’ The Rajasaab on April 10, 2025. Despite a clash, both films were expected to do well. However, now, in official development, there’s no clash between these two films, and...

Megastar, Maestro

Veteran Indian actor Kamal Haasan‘s 234th film “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam, has locked a worldwide theatrical release for June 5, 2025. The announcement came on Haasan’s birthday alongside a first-look teaser featuring the actor as his character Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar.

The pair previously teamed on gangster epic “Nayakan” (1987). The film was a watershed in both their careers. It was a box office blockbuster, won Haasan best actor at India’s national film awards and was the country’s entry to the 1988 Oscars.

The “Thug Life” cast includes Silambarasan T.R., Trisha Krishnan, Ali Fazal, Abhirami and Nasser. The film is written by Haasan and Ratnam. It is produced by Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (Rkfi), Ratnam’s Madras Talkies and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies. The producers are Haasan, Ratnam, R. Mahendran and Siva Ananth. Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Grammy winning composer A.R. Rahman provides the music.

More than a hundred songwriters, composers, perfomers and films are represented in the nominees’ list for the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards — from pop luminaries like Elton John & Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Pharrell Williams to celebrated scorers like Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Williams, Kris Bowers and Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross.

The list of nominees was unveiled Wednesday, in advance of a ceremony due to take place Nov. 20 at the Avalon in Hollywood.

“Emilia Pérez” led all films with five Hmma nominations. “Blitz” and “A Complete Unknown” have three nominations apiece. Other films picking up multiple noms include “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot,” “Moana 2,” “The Idea of You,” “Challengers” and “Elton John: Never Too Late.” (Scroll down to see the full lineup of 2024 nominees.)

The Hmma lineup of categories is the most expansive of any awards program recognizing musical achievements in the movies, between breaking down different genre categories for feature films,...

The happy occasion of the festival of lights calls for a house anthem that will have everyone up and on the floor. During this time ,we all hunt for a popular track that will be suitable for celebration. Especially during a festival like Deepavali (Diwali) which is known as the festival of lights primarily celebrated by Hindus across the world, a hip-shaker is the ultimate deal to get in the mood!

Solo Violin: Shaking up Kollywood

Meet the new kid on the block, Tamil banger Solo Violin is currently reaching for the stars! The song has been making the rounds as a viral hit or a popular song that has also come to be associated with festive celebrations. The cinema industry in Tamil Nadu, known as Kollywood, is famous for producing catchy film soundtracks with energetic and vibrant music suitable for dancing. Artists like Anirudh Ravichander, A.R. Rahman, Harris Jayaraj,...

Aamir Khan’s Feelings of ‘Betrayal’ by Ram Gopal Varma (Photo Credit – Koimoi)

Aamir Khan and Ram Gopal Varma have had a cold relationship for 29 years. Yes, it’s true. While their collaboration in 1995 with Rangeela was a mammoth success, Ramu’s bad-mouthing rubbed Aamir the wrong way, and since then, Aamir has maintained his distance from Ram Gopal Varma.

The Sarkar director takes the blame for it. He accepted that Aamir Khan felt betrayed when the media noted his comments on Khan’s performance in Rangeela out of context. In an interview, the filmmaker spoke about a particular scene of Aamir Khan in Rangeela, which he believed was improved by a co-star’s reaction to Aamir’s line delivery.

He said that the interviewer didn’t understand his comment and ran a story with the headline’ The waiter was better than Aamir’ and quoted him. When the news reached Aamir,...

Fall is the season for a glow up. So why should your playlist fall behind? We all have those songs that we would sell a kidney for, just to listen for the first time again. Favourites are constant in a person’s life. But that does not mean you cannot rediscover some timeless music along with some new hits. And if that comes tailored in the form of a list, then who’s to argue?

Music can quite literally be called the soul of South India, yet some find it difficult to move on from their all time repeats. But don’t worry, we have specially curated this list to fit into your playlist! So sit back and enjoy the vibes of our picks for the fall.

Vethalai: Resonating within the street singers and musicians of Tamil Nadu, Vethalai amalgamates the best of the North and the South. In a...

Applause Entertainment’s series on the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi directed by Hansal Mehta, seems to get bigger by the month.

The big announcement on Gandhi Jayanti is that A R Rahman would be scoring the music for this purported epic series.

Rahman is no stranger to historical epics: he has earlier scored music for Ketan Mehta’s Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Raj Kumar Santoshi’s The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti.

On Rahman’s coming up n board Applause Entertainment’s Gandhi, director Hansal Mehta comments, “Gandhi is a deeply human retelling of M K Gandhi’s life story, a story that continues to inspire generations. Having A.R. Rahman join us on this journey is truly a dream come true. His music has the unique ability to elevate storytelling and for a project of this scale and significance, we couldn...

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) has signed on to create the musical score for the upcoming series “Gandhi,” directed by Hansal Mehta and produced by India’s Applause Entertainment.

The announcement was made on Oct. 2 to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, the annual celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday in India.

The series is based on historian Ramchandra Guha’s books “Gandhi Before India” and “Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, 1914-1948.” The first season covers the formative years of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s life as a law student in London and later as lawyer and civil rights activist in South Africa, during which time he conceived the ideas that ultimately led India to independence from British rule. Gandhi became known as Mahatma, or great soul, for his leading part in the independence movement. The second and third seasons will cover the rest of his life.

The series sees the reunion of Applause,...

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books have been beloved for nearly a century. Peter Jackson's movie adaptations are still watched regularly. As we speak, Prime Video is rolling out the second season of The Rings of Power, its Lord of the Rings prequel series. Why not add a stage musical to that lineup?

Way ahead of you. The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale has music by A. R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale, with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus. A version of the show premiered in London way back in 2007, so it's been around for awhile. It was revived recently and just ended a run at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. As it happens, I live in Chicago and couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it. It's going abroad soon, so you may get a chance to see it too.