Category: Films

Films

Farhan Akhtar to Portray Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes’ Ambitious Beatles Biopic

Tanisha Cardozo

Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood feature debut in The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event, an ambitious four-part project from Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes. Backed by Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions, the films are currently in production in the UK, with a theatrical release slated for April 2028.

Akhtar will portray Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitar virtuoso whose friendship with George Harrison reshaped the soundscape of The Beatles and introduced Indian classical music to Western pop culture on an unprecedented scale. Shankar’s influence on tracks such as “Within You Without You” marked a turning point in the band’s musical evolution and signalled a broader cultural exchange between East and West.

Shankar famously hosted members of the band during their 1968 visit to Rishikesh, where they attended transcendental meditation sessions under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. That chapter of Beatles history has since become one of the most mythologised and debated periods in rock lore. Casting an Indian actor of Akhtar’s stature suggests an attempt at a more nuanced and culturally grounded portrayal of the maestro whose artistry transcended borders.

The four-film project will chronicle the lives of the Fab Four from individual perspectives — a structural departure from the conventional cradle-to-grave biopic format. Harris Dickinson is set to play John Lennon, Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will take on George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan will star as Ringo Starr. It marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd and the band have granted full life story and music rights for a feature film, making the project historically significant.

The supporting cast includes Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher, Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Lennon, Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe, Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, James Norton as manager Brian Epstein and Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono. Behind the camera, Mendes has assembled a distinguished technical team, including cinematographer Greig Fraser, editor Lee Smith and executive music producer Giles Martin.

For Akhtar, a National Award-winning director known for films such as Dil Chahta Hai, and an actor recognised for performances in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the role represents a significant international leap. While he previously appeared in a cameo in Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, this marks his first substantial Hollywood feature role. Stepping into the shoes of Ravi Shankar in a project of this scale places Akhtar at the intersection of cinema, music history and cultural diplomacy, underscoring the growing global resonance of Indian talent in mainstream international storytelling.

Films

Court Directs Title Change for Controversial Film, Says Name Violates Public Morality

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A court bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan has directed the makers of a controversial film to change its title, observing that the wording could denigrate a section of society and potentially violate standards of morality and public order.

The title, which combines slang associated with corruption with a term linked to a Brahmin identity, drew criticism from several community groups. Protests were reported in multiple cities, including Bhopal, where demonstrators burned posters, while an FIR was registered in Lucknow following directions from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

During the proceedings, filmmakers — including producer Neeraj Pandey — clarified that the film revolves around a fictional corrupt police officer named Ajay Dikshit. They stated that the word “Pandat” was used merely as a colloquial character name and was not intended to reference or offend any community.

However, the court maintained that public perception and potential impact on social harmony must be considered. The filmmakers have since withdrawn promotional material carrying the disputed title and have been instructed to submit an affidavit confirming a new title by February 19.

The ruling highlights the delicate balance between creative freedom and social sensitivity in India’s entertainment landscape. Legal experts note that the case underscores how film titles and promotional messaging can become focal points for broader debates on identity, representation, and public sentiment.

Films

Goan Documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri Named Quarterfinalist at FLAME FirstCut Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been named a quarterfinalist in the Non-Fiction category at the prestigious FLAME FirstCut Film Festival, hosted by FLAME University, Pune. The recognition marks a proud moment not only for the filmmaker but also for Goan documentary cinema.

FirstCut, regarded as India’s largest international student-run film festival, serves as a vibrant platform for emerging filmmakers across the globe. This year, the festival received over 600 entries from students representing more than 70 countries, making the competition particularly intense. The festival featured four categories—Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Nano—with the Non-Fiction jury comprising distinguished industry professionals including Nandan Saxena, Kavita Bahl, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Dhanashree Mehta Goel.

Directed, narrated, and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri was edited by Mario Pimenta and developed as a college project at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza. What began as an academic project has now grown into a documentary gaining recognition on national and international platforms.

The film offers an intimate look into the lives and craftsmanship of Goan artisans working in the gold industry. Through interviews with goldsmiths Virendra Rivankar, Rashila Shirodkar, and Pranay Shirodkar, the documentary captures the intricate artistry, discipline, and generational knowledge that define their work. It sheds light on a community of skilled craftsmen whose stories often remain untold despite their contribution to Goa’s cultural and economic fabric.

Beyond its festival recognition at FLAME FirstCut, the documentary has also been selected at multiple national and international film festivals and featured in The Film Catalogue of Jyoti Filmato, organised by the Centre for Media Studies at Jyoti Nivas Autonomous College. These selections further strengthen the film’s growing presence in the documentary circuit.

Significantly, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as a powerful example of women-led filmmaking in Goa, particularly in the documentary genre where female directors remain underrepresented. Prachi Shirodkar’s achievement reflects not only a personal milestone but also a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity within Goan cinema.

The film’s success reinforces the importance of documenting local stories and preserving traditional knowledge through cinema. By spotlighting Goan artisans and their craft, the documentary amplifies voices that deserve wider recognition while highlighting the rising presence of women behind the camera shaping meaningful and socially relevant narratives.

Films

Amitabh Bachchan Invites Neighbour Home After Sunday Darshan Video Goes Viral

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Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan once again captured hearts after a touching moment from his famous Sunday darshan surfaced online and quickly went viral. Known for greeting fans outside his Mumbai residence every week, the megastar’s tradition has become a cultural ritual for admirers across generations.

In the circulating clip, Bachchan is seen interacting warmly with people gathered outside his home before inviting a neighbour inside — a gesture that many fans described as genuine and humble. Social media users flooded the comments section with praise, calling the moment a reminder of the actor’s enduring charm and accessibility despite decades of superstardom.

The Sunday darshan tradition began years ago as a way for Bachchan to connect directly with fans, and it continues to draw large crowds who gather to catch a glimpse of the iconic actor. Over time, these moments have evolved into viral highlights that showcase both his star power and personal warmth.

Fans say the latest video reflects why the veteran actor remains deeply loved — not only for his cinematic legacy but also for his respectful and heartfelt interactions with the public. As the clip continues to trend online, it reinforces the emotional bond between the legendary star and his admirers.

Films

Rohit Shetty Picturez Issues Statement Clarifying Golmaal 5 Rumours, Denies links to the classic film ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’

Tanisha Cardozo

Rohit Shetty Picturez has issued a strong official clarification addressing recent reports circulating across online and digital media platforms about the upcoming film Golmaal 5. The production house has firmly denied claims that the film is inspired by or based on the classic movie Do Aur Do Paanch, calling such reports factually incorrect, misleading, and completely untrue.

In the statement, the team emphasized that the rumours being shared across various platforms do not reflect the truth and should not be treated as verified information. They urged media houses, publications, portals, and digital platforms to refrain from publishing or circulating unverified content related to the film or the filmmaker.

Rohit Shetty Picturez also stressed the importance of responsible journalism and accuracy in reporting. The statement clearly mentioned that any news, update, or clarification regarding Rohit Shetty or Golmaal 5 must be verified directly with the production house or through their official PR representatives, Universal Communications, before publication. The team warned that strict legal action would be taken against those who continue to spread false or unverified reports.

In addition, the production house requested all platforms that have already shared the incorrect information to correct or remove those reports at the earliest. The statement concluded with an appeal for cooperation from media organizations in maintaining journalistic integrity and responsibility while covering updates related to the film.

With this clarification, Rohit Shetty Picturez aims to put an end to the speculation and ensure that only accurate and officially confirmed information about Golmaal 5 reaches audiences.