Tag: Entertainment

Entertainment

Vindaloo Launches Dedicated OTT Platform to Take Konkani Cinema and Culture to the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vindaloo Entertainment Private Limited has launched Vindaloo, a first-of-its-kind OTT platform dedicated entirely to Konkani cinema, Tiatr and Goan cultural storytelling, marking a major milestone for the preservation and global promotion of Konkani heritage.

For decades, Konkani artists and filmmakers have struggled to find a structured digital space to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. Vindaloo aims to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated ecosystem where Goan stories, music, theatre and cinema can thrive while remaining accessible to viewers across the world. With a clear mission to preserve culture and empower creative talent, the platform brings together entertainment, education and cultural archiving in one digital home.

“Our vision is to create a platform that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Konkani entertainment but also provides a voice to the talented artists and filmmakers who have been contributing to the industry for years. We want to take Konkani culture to the world and bring the world to Konkani culture, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among audiences globally,” said Nikhil Desai, Co-founder of Vindaloo.

Siddhant Shetty, Co-founder of Vindaloo, added that Konkani culture is a treasure trove of stories, music and art that deserves global recognition. “We are committed to preserving and promoting it for generations to come. With Vindaloo, we are creating a digital archive of Konkani content that will not only entertain but also educate and enlighten audiences about the rich heritage of Goa and the Konkani diaspora.”

Vindaloo offers a diverse library that includes 20 Konkani feature films by Goan filmmakers, digitised Tiatr performances, and exclusive content from nationally and internationally award-winning directors and actors. With over 30 Konkani titles lined up for release over the next two months, the platform is set to become the go-to destination for Konkani entertainment.

Available on both Android and iOS devices, Vindaloo allows viewers to enjoy their favourite Konkani content anytime, anywhere. Its pay-per-view model enables filmmakers to monetise their work, creating new revenue streams while strengthening the local creative economy.

With global availability across India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, Vindaloo connects Goa with the worldwide Konkani diaspora, strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring that Goan stories continue to inspire audiences across generations and borders.

Films

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Set for OTT Release After ₹110 Billion-Plus Box Office Triumph

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of the year, is finally making its way to OTT after an extraordinary theatrical run that reportedly crossed ₹110 billion worldwide. The film, which turned into a social media phenomenon and a box office juggernaut, is expected to stream on Netflix from January 30, 2026, offering audiences another chance to experience its gripping narrative.

In the film, Ranveer Singh appears in a rugged avatar with scruffy long hair and a beard, portraying an undercover Indian agent leading Mission Dhurandhar. Tasked with dismantling the terror network of Rehman Dakait operating out of Lyari, Karachi, his character navigates a world of high-risk espionage, brutal confrontations, and strategic mind games. The storyline draws loose inspiration from real-life events such as the Parliament attack and the IC-814 hijacking, adding layers of intensity and realism to the cinematic experience.

Written and directed by Aditya Dhar, the film boasts a powerful ensemble cast. Akshaye Khanna delivers a much-discussed performance as the antagonist, with his screen presence and signature moves going viral across platforms. Supporting roles by Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan further elevate the film’s dramatic weight and emotional depth.

Beyond its action set pieces and stylised storytelling, Dhurandhar captured attention for its soundtrack, memorable scenes, and Ranveer Singh’s commanding transformation. The film currently holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10 and reportedly earned more than five times its original production budget, cementing its status as a commercial and critical success.

The movie did not receive a theatrical release in Pakistan, the UAE, or other GCC countries and is unlikely to be available on OTT platforms in those regions. However, audiences in India and select international markets will now be able to stream the film as it arrives digitally at the end of January, extending the life of a film that already left a strong mark on Indian cinema.

Music

Grammys Bring Album Art Back to the Spotlight with New ‘Best Album Cover’ Category

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Album covers are once again stepping into the spotlight as the Grammy Awards introduce a standalone category recognising Best Album Cover, marking the first time in over 50 years that cover art will be honoured independently. The move reflects a renewed appreciation for the role visuals play in shaping music’s identity, particularly in an era dominated by digital platforms and streaming thumbnails.

Among the inaugural nominees is British indie band Wet Leg’s sophomore album Moisturizer, whose unsettling yet playful cover earned lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, a nomination. Art-directed by Teasdale herself, the image emerged from a deliberately experimental process—combining femininity with discomfort to create a visual that mirrors the album’s emotional contrasts. The result is a creature-like portrait that captures themes of love, longing, and feral energy in equal measure.

Other nominated works include Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia, Perfume Genius’ Glory, and Djo’s The Crux. Each cover reflects a distinct visual philosophy, from minimalist nostalgia to surreal portraiture and cinematic storytelling. Notably, this year’s nominees include recording artists themselves as credited art directors in most cases, underscoring how closely sound and image are now intertwined.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has described the category’s revival as a response to the evolving impact of cover art in the digital age. While album covers once lived primarily on vinyl sleeves and CD booklets, today they circulate across social media, streaming platforms, and pop culture discourse, often becoming symbols that outlive the music itself. The decision also aligns with the Academy’s broader goal of recognising the many creative forces that shape a musical project beyond performance alone.

For the artists and creative teams involved, the recognition validates the painstaking work behind constructing these visual worlds. Photographer Neil Krug, nominated for The Crux, describes successful album imagery as part of the “language” that defines a great record. The cover for Djo’s album, set in a fictional hotel scene, draws inspiration from classic cinema and dense urban narratives, with every detail—from background characters to neon signage—carefully designed to contribute to the story.

Similarly, Perfume Genius’ Glory reflects the tension between intimacy and performance, capturing a moment that feels both domestic and theatrical. The image resists easy categorisation, something its creators see as a strength rather than a flaw. For Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, simplicity becomes a statement, using everyday objects and cultural symbols to evoke memory, diaspora, and belonging.

Although physical formats are no longer required for eligibility, all nominated albums are available on vinyl or CD, reinforcing the idea that album art still holds power as a tangible presence in people’s living spaces. As streaming reshapes listening habits, this revived Grammy category signals a broader cultural rediscovery of album art as a meaningful, standalone art form—one that continues to shape how music is experienced, remembered, and shared.

The Best Album Cover award will be presented at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment for the creatives who turn sound into sight.

Entertainment

Varun Dhawan on Revealing Daughter Lara’s Face: “That Choice Should Be Hers”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

Actor Varun Dhawan, who tied the knot with fashion designer Natasha Dalal in an intimate ceremony in 2021, welcomed a new chapter in his life with the birth of their daughter, Lara, on June 3, 2024. Since then, the actor has been candid about how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, while also drawing clear boundaries when it comes to his child’s privacy.

During a recent interactive session with fans on X, Varun addressed a wide range of questions related to his films, family, and health. When a fan asked when he would reveal his daughter Lara’s face on social media, Varun responded thoughtfully, saying that he would rather leave that decision to her. He added that social media should be her choice and not something he wants to decide on her behalf, a statement that resonated with many online.

Another fan asked how he spends his free time, to which Varun replied that he enjoys playing with his daughter. He also shared that he plays padel and cricket when time allows, offering a glimpse into his life beyond film sets and public appearances.

Varun has previously spoken about how becoming a father has changed him. In an earlier interview, he admitted that he is still figuring out what fatherhood means for him and is trying to be a better dad each day. He credited Natasha Dalal for handling most responsibilities during the early stages of parenting, acknowledging the crucial role she plays in their family life.

Reflecting on the experience, Varun shared that being a dad has been a lot of fun and that he is enjoying every moment of playing with his daughter. With humour, he added that even small habits have changed, including watching television at a very low volume to avoid disturbing his wife and child.

On the professional front, Varun Dhawan will next be seen in Border 2, alongside Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film, directed by Anurag Singh, is a follow-up to the 1997 blockbuster Border and is scheduled for release on January 23. He was last seen in Shashank Khaitan’s romantic comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which also starred Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf.

As Varun continues to balance a busy film career with fatherhood, his words reflect a thoughtful approach to parenting—one that prioritises choice, privacy, and presence over public exposure.

Entertainment

An Emotional Farewell: Amitabh Bachchan Gets Teary as Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 Comes to an End

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

The journey of television’s most iconic quiz show reached an emotional milestone as Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 wrapped up its final episode. The finale witnessed host Amitabh Bachchan in an emotional state as he reflected on his long and cherished association with the show and the immense love he has received from audiences over the years.

A special promo from the finale episode shows Big B seated on the hot seat, speaking directly to viewers with visible emotion. With tears in his eyes, he shared how moments lived deeply often feel fleeting when they reach their end. He described the final day of the game as heavy with emotion, noting that the journey felt like it had begun just yesterday, despite spanning more than a third of his life.

Amitabh Bachchan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience for standing by him through every emotion. He spoke about how viewers welcomed him warmly every time he appeared on screen, laughed along with him during moments of joy, and shared his tears during emotional instances. Acknowledging this shared journey, he emphasised that the essence of the show lies in the bond between the game and its viewers, thanking them sincerely for their unwavering presence.

Adding a special touch to the finale, Amitabh Bachchan also mesmerised everyone with his musical side. He delivered a remarkable 32-minute singing performance, presenting a selection of classical songs that filled the studio and viewers’ hearts with joy. His soulful rendition became a memorable highlight of the finale, leaving audiences emotional yet fulfilled.

As Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 comes to an end, the finale stood as a celebration of connection, gratitude, and timeless entertainment, reaffirming why Amitabh Bachchan and KBC continue to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.