Films

Childhood Era Comes to an End as Doraemon Officially Exits RCTI After 37 Years


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

After an extraordinary 37-year run, Doraemon has officially ended its broadcast on Indonesian television network RCTI, bringing an emotional close to a chapter that shaped the childhoods of multiple generations. First airing in 1989, the iconic Japanese anime quickly became a household staple, accompanying viewers through school days, weekends, and family evenings for nearly four decades.

The absence of Doraemon from RCTI’s programming schedule was noticed by viewers in late 2025 and early 2026, with the show no longer appearing on the channel’s traditional time slots or digital platform. Though no formal announcement was initially made, the removal confirmed what many fans feared — the beloved series had quietly exited one of its longest-running broadcast homes.

For millions, Doraemon was far more than an animated show. Through the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita, and the imaginative gadgets pulled from the robot cat’s four-dimensional pocket, the series delivered humor, emotional depth, and gentle life lessons. Its stories transcended age, language, and time, making it one of the most culturally influential animated series in Asian television history.

The end of Doraemon on RCTI also reflects a broader shift in media consumption. As audiences increasingly move toward streaming platforms and digital content, traditional television schedules continue to evolve, even for legacy programs with deep emotional resonance. While Doraemon continues to live on through other platforms, films, and global broadcasts, its departure from RCTI marks the end of an era that defined childhood for generations in Indonesia.

Though the screen may have gone quiet, the memories of Doraemon, Nobita, and their adventures remain timeless — reminding viewers that while broadcasts may end, stories that shape our growing years never truly fade.

Films

Goan Short Film Fools Fun Furrr Wins 9 Major Awards at World Cinema International Film Festival 2026


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goan independent cinema achieved a remarkable milestone as the short film Fools Fun Furrr created a strong impact at the World Cinema International Film Festival 2026, winning an impressive nine major awards. Directed by Ahmed Shaikh, the film stood out among global entries for its honest storytelling, artistic strength, and social relevance.

At the festival, Fools Fun Furrr received honours for Best Independent Film, Best Hindi Film, Best Art Direction, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Dialogue Writer, Best Screenplay (Drama), Best Experimental Film, and Best Women-Centric Film, marking a significant achievement for a Goan short film on an international platform.

Produced by Aanin Shaikh, the film sensitively explores caste-based judgment among college students, presenting the subject with realism and emotional depth. Rather than sensationalising the issue, the narrative focuses on everyday interactions, internal conflicts, and social conditioning, allowing audiences to reflect on deeply rooted prejudices that continue to exist in modern educational spaces.

The film features performances by Ahmed Shaikh, Tasneem Mogre, Prajwal Pednekar, Mithil Morajkar, Tushar Bacchu, and Soniya Naik, each contributing to the film’s grounded and authentic portrayal of its characters. The ensemble cast was widely appreciated for bringing nuance and sincerity to a challenging subject.

The success of Fools Fun Furrr highlights the growing strength of Goan independent cinema and its ability to tell socially conscious stories that resonate beyond regional boundaries. With this international recognition, the film not only celebrates artistic achievement but also reinforces the importance of meaningful cinema as a tool for dialogue and change.

Films

Rajinikanth’s #Thalaivar173 First Poster Unveiled, Pongal 2027 Release Confirmed


Superstar Rajinikanth has once again set the internet ablaze with the unveiling of the first official poster of his 173rd film, #Thalaivar173, revealed at precisely 11 a.m. IST by Raaj Kamal Films International. The film is slated for a grand Pongal 2027 theatrical release, adding to the festive excitement among fans across the globe.

Directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi, the project marks a major milestone in the filmmaker’s career. In an emotional note shared on social media, Cibi described the journey as a dream come true — recalling how he once wished for a photograph with Rajinikanth and today finds himself directing the legend. Quoting Rajinikanth, he wrote, “Miracles do happen.”

The film is presented by Kamal Haasan, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose association has further elevated expectations. The poster, striking in its mass appeal, hints at a powerful narrative rooted in action, emotion, and family values — elements that have defined Rajinikanth’s enduring superstardom.

Earlier teasers such as “ALAPPARA KELAPPAROM” had already created massive buzz, and the poster reveal has only intensified anticipation. Fans flooded social media with celebratory posts, reaffirming Rajinikanth’s unmatched global fanbase.

As #Thalaivar173 heads into production, industry watchers expect it to be one of the biggest Tamil cinema releases of 2027, combining commercial spectacle with emotional depth — a signature Rajinikanth experience.

Films

‘F1’ Crowned Pubity’s 2025 Movie of the Year After Massive Fan Vote


The adrenaline-fueled racing spectacle F1 has emerged as Pubity’s 2025 Movie of the Year, following an overwhelming response in the platform’s official fan vote.

According to the final tally, F1 secured 58% of the total votes, comfortably outpacing Disney’s highly anticipated sequel Zootopia 2, which garnered 42%. The results reflect the film’s massive global appeal and its strong emotional and cinematic impact on audiences worldwide.

Blending high-speed Formula One action with gripping storytelling, F1 captured the imagination of moviegoers with its immersive visuals, intense racing sequences, and compelling performances. Fans praised the film for offering an authentic look into the world of elite motorsport while delivering blockbuster-scale entertainment.

The strong showing of Zootopia 2 highlighted continued audience love for animated storytelling, but F1’s decisive victory underscores a growing appetite for sports-driven cinematic experiences that merge realism with drama.

Winning Pubity’s Movie of the Year cements F1’s place as one of the most talked-about and celebrated films of 2025, marking a major milestone in its journey from racetrack to silver screen.

Films

Bollywood Debuts 2026: Star Kids and Fresh Faces Set to Shine on the Big Screen


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant one for Bollywood, marked by the arrival of several new faces who are set to begin their journey on the big screen. With the new year underway, conversations around fresh talent and debut performances have already gained momentum in the Hindi film industry. From star kids carrying forward celebrated legacies to artists carving their own path through talent and perseverance, audiences can look forward to a diverse mix of performers and stories.

The year began on a notable note with the release of 21 on January 1, starring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda and Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia. The film, based on the life and bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetrapal, has been receiving positive responses from viewers, setting an encouraging tone for debutants in 2026.

Among the most anticipated debuts is that of Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan. After making her OTT debut with The Archies in 2023, Suhana is now set to appear on the big screen alongside her father in King, expected to release in 2026. Her transition from digital platforms to theatres has generated immense curiosity and excitement among fans.

South Indian cinema star Srileela is also set to make her Bollywood debut in 2026 with Aashiqui 3, a romantic musical starring Kartik Aaryan. Although her Hindi film debut was delayed earlier, the film’s posters and music have already struck a chord with audiences, raising expectations ahead of its release.

Another major debut to watch out for is that of Sai Pallavi, who will be seen in two Hindi films this year. She will star alongside Junaid Khan in Mere Raho, which was postponed from 2025 to 2026, and will also play the role of Mother Sita in Ramayan: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama. The scale and significance of these projects make her Bollywood entry one of the most talked-about.

Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of actor Govinda, has also been in the spotlight with reports of his potential Bollywood debut. While earlier rumours suggested his launch in the Hindi remake of the Telugu film Baby, the project has since faced uncertainty, leaving fans awaiting official confirmation on his first film.

Model-turned-actress Medha Rana will also step into Bollywood in 2026 with Border 2, starring Varun Dhawan. Having already appeared in web series such as London Files and Friday Night Plans, Medha’s transition to mainstream cinema has sparked interest, especially after the film’s teaser offered a glimpse of her role.

With a mix of legacy, talent, and fresh ambition, 2026 promises to be a year of new beginnings for Bollywood. Audiences have high hopes from these debutants, and it remains to be seen which of these new faces will truly leave a lasting impression on the hearts of moviegoers.