Entertainment

"Girls Will Be Girls marks a striking debut from director Shuchi Talati. The film, a complex mother-daughter coming-of-age story, explores the delicate balance of sexual awakening and family dynamics. Sixteen-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), the first female head prefect at her strict boarding school, finds her carefully composed world shaken with the arrival of Sri, a charming new student. As Mira's quiet interest in Sri clashes with her mother's watchful presence, a subtle yet intense emotional battle ensues. Talati handles this delicate shift in tone with sensitivity, capturing the unspoken tension between mother and daughter through powerful silences and fleeting glances. The performances from Panigrahi and Kani Kusruti are exceptional, breathing life into the film’s nuanced exploration of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of growing up."*

In response to Mukesh Khanna's repeated criticism of her for failing to answer a question about the Ramayana on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2019, Sonakshi Sinha posted a lengthy note on Instagram, addressing the issue. She wrote, "Yes, I may have blanked out that day, a human tendency, but that doesn’t define me." She also called on Khanna to stop bringing up the incident for the sake of publicity, stating, "Please stop bringing up the same incident time and again to stay relevant at the expense of me and my family."Her father, Shatrughan Sinha, also defended her, questioning Khanna's qualifications to speak on matters of the Ramayana and Hinduism. "What qualifies him to be an expert on the Ramayana?" he asked. He emphasized that not answering the question about the Ramayana didn’t make his daughter any less of a Hindu, and expressed pride in her achievements.

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, aged 73, passed away on December 15, 2024, in a San Francisco hospital after battling serious health issues. Known for his groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical music with global genres, Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in rhythm and melody. A recipient of India's highest honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, he was recently awarded three Grammy Awards, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential percussionists in the world.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, released from jail on Saturday in connection with the Sandhya Theatre stampede case, expressed his respect for the law and pledged full cooperation with authorities. Speaking to the media outside his home, he reassured fans, saying, "I am a law-abiding citizen, I respect the law, and I will cooperate." Arjun also extended condolences to the family affected by the incident, emphasizing that the tragedy was "out of my personal control." He further thanked his fans for their support during the challenging time. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

Actor Allu Arjun has been arrested by the Hyderabad police following a tragic incident during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre on December 4. The stampede, triggered by the actor’s arrival with his security team, led to the death of 35-year-old Revathi and injuries to her son. In addition to Allu Arjun, three individuals from the theatre’s management have been detained. The actor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences and a Rs 25 lakh donation to the victim's family. Despite the incident, Pushpa 2 has broken box-office records, grossing over Rs 800 crore globally in just four days.

Popular Tamil actress Keerthy Suresh has officially tied the knot with Antony Thattil in a beautiful and intimate ceremony in Goa. The actress shared the first official wedding pictures on Instagram, capturing the couple exchanging garlands, with their loved ones cheering. Fans flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages, wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness. Ahead of her wedding, Keerthy visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati with her family to seek blessings for her Bollywood debut in Baby John and her upcoming wedding.

Pushpa 2: The Rule, the latest offering from Allu Arjun and director Sukumar, is set to enter the Rs 1,000-crore club globally. Released on December 5, the sequel has been a major success, particularly in the Hindi market, where it is outpacing the original film. Early estimates suggest that the film will reach the Rs 1,000-crore milestone today, setting a record for the fastest Indian film to achieve this feat. As of December 10, Pushpa 2 has earned Rs 645.95 crore nett in India, with the Hindi version leading the charge at Rs 370.1 crore.

Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, continues to dominate the box office, grossing a remarkable Rs 417.5 crore worldwide in just two days. The film’s second day collection in India reached Rs 90.1 crore nett, bringing its total to Rs 265 crore. The Hindi version has outperformed the Telugu version, with Rs 125.3 crore compared to Rs 118.05 crore. Directed by Sukumar, the film follows Pushpa Raj’s journey as a red sandalwood smuggler, with a stellar cast including Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna. The movie's success is even more impressive following the massive achievements of its predecessor, Pushpa: The Rise.

Pushpa 2: The Rule has made an explosive debut at the global box office, grossing ₹279.20 crore on its opening day. Released on December 5, with paid premieres on December 4, the film shattered multiple records, including the biggest opening in Indian cinema history, with ₹209 crore gross in India alone. It also became the first film to earn over ₹50 crore net in both Telugu and Hindi on the same day. Additionally, Pushpa 2 set new benchmarks for the biggest Hindi film opening and the largest overseas opening for an Indian film. With such massive numbers, the film is expected to cross ₹400 crore worldwide by its second day.

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have officially tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Hyderabad, surrounded by their loved ones. The couple shared their first wedding pictures on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their special day. Sobhita looked radiant in a traditional Kanjivaram silk saree, while Naga Chaitanya complemented her in a matching outfit. The ceremony took place at the iconic Annapurna Studios, a venue close to Chaitanya’s heart, as it was founded by his grandfather. Following the wedding, the couple plans to visit temples to seek blessings for their new journey together.

Vikrant Massey left his fans in shock with an unexpected announcement of his retirement from acting at the age of 37. The actor, known for his standout roles in films like 12th Fail, took to Instagram early on Monday morning to share a heartfelt note expressing his gratitude for the support he's received over the years. He explained that it was time for him to recalibrate and focus on his family and personal life, while also bidding farewell to his acting career. His decision comes amidst the mixed reception of his latest film, The Sabarmati Report, which has drawn comparisons to the success of 12th Fail. Vikrant's fans are now left wondering whether his retirement is permanent or a temporary break.

Raj Kundra has spoken out for the first time following an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on his home, urging the media to refrain from dragging his wife, Shilpa Shetty, into unrelated matters. Taking to Instagram, he emphasized his cooperation with the ongoing investigation and condemned sensationalism surrounding the case. Kundra also called on the media to respect boundaries and not involve his wife in the coverage. In response to the media reports, Shilpa Shetty’s lawyer issued a statement denying her involvement in the case, labeling the reports as "misleading" and requesting that her name, photos, and videos not be used in connection with the investigation.This marks the second money laundering case against Raj Kundra this year, following the attachment of assets worth ₹98 crore in a cryptocurrency case earlier in 2024.