Tag: film

Films

A Night of Glory: President Droupadi Murmu Confers 71st National Film Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

The 71st National Film Awards transformed Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, into a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence as President Droupadi Murmu honoured the finest in Indian cinema. From revered legends to emerging stars, the awards reflected the breadth and brilliance of storytelling that continues to define India’s cultural landscape.

In a moment that will be etched in the annals of film history, President Murmu conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on veteran actor Mohanlal. She praised his journey from theatre to screen, his embodiment of India’s cultural heritage, and his deep impact on audiences across generations. From the classical Karnabharam to his poignant role in Vanaprastham, Mohanlal’s contribution has been both prolific and profound. With humility and gratitude, the actor dedicated the award to the stalwarts of Malayalam cinema and reaffirmed his commitment to the art form, calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul.”

The President emphasized the unique role cinema plays in reflecting India’s democratic spirit and cultural diversity. She noted the growing representation of women in the industry and underscored the importance of equal opportunities, both on and off screen. The spotlight on young talent, children’s creativity, and environmental storytelling highlighted the evolving nature of cinema as a force for awareness and innovation.

Among the standout winners of the evening was Shah Rukh Khan, who won Best Actor for Jawan, a role that demanded both scale and nuance. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail was recognised for its quiet resilience and authenticity. Rani Mukerji, awarded Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway, delivered a performance that blurred lines between reel and real, embodying a mother’s anguish with raw emotion.

The awards also recognised the unsung heroes—supporting actors who breathe life into narratives. Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar won Best Supporting Actor, while Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala were honoured as Best Supporting Actress, showcasing performances that left a lasting impact.

12th Fail was named Best Feature Film, a testament to the power of hope and determination. Non-feature categories also shone brightly, with Flowering Man and God Vulture and Human being recognised for their compelling storytelling and documentary excellence. India’s growing strength in the AVGC space was acknowledged with Hanu-Man taking home the award in that category, and Giddh: The Scavenger earning the Best Short Film honour.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Mohanlal and reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning India as a global content powerhouse. He highlighted the success of initiatives like Waves 2025 and the International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT), launched in partnership with tech giants like Meta, Google, Microsoft and NVIDIA. The focus on indigenous film equipment production, live concert economy, and regulatory reforms reflects the roadmap towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Secretary Sanjay Jaju encapsulated the spirit of the event, calling cinema a celebration of stories, dreams, and shared experiences. This year, marked by legends and landmark moments, echoed the motto “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon”—a tribute to India’s enduring cinematic passion.

As the hall stood in ovation and hearts brimmed with pride, the 71st National Film Awards reminded the nation that cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, legacy, and the ever-beating pulse of a country telling its story to the world.

Films

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence to Star in Martin Scorsese’s “Ghost Story What Happens At Night”

Tanisha Cardozo

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence are officially set to co-star in Martin Scorsese’s next film, What Happens At Night, a chilling adaptation of the novel by the same name. The project brings together three cinematic powerhouses in what is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in development.

The story, written for the screen by Patrick Marber (Closer), centers on a married couple who travel to Europe to adopt a child. What starts as a hopeful journey takes a darker turn when they check into a cavernous, deteriorating hotel teeming with eccentric guests and haunted histories. The novel, known for its haunting atmosphere and psychological depth, will be brought to life under Scorsese’s visionary direction.

This marks the first time Jennifer Lawrence will work with Scorsese as a director. She is currently set to appear in the feature film Die, My Love, which Scorsese is producing. DiCaprio, on the other hand, has been a longtime collaborator with the legendary filmmaker, most recently in Killers of the Flower Moon. Their partnership has consistently delivered critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, making this new project all the more exciting for fans.

Apple Original Films is currently in discussions to finance and produce the movie, with Studiocanal also in talks to co-produce. If finalized, this would mark another high-profile project for Apple, which has steadily built a reputation for backing bold, auteur-driven films.

Outside of this project, DiCaprio will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, while Lawrence is set to star in the already buzzworthy Die, My Love. Meanwhile, Scorsese is also juggling several other projects, including a Hawaii-set crime drama rumored to feature Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

What Happens At Night promises a return to the kind of psychological storytelling that Scorsese excels at—layered, immersive, and laced with tension. With a stellar cast, a celebrated screenwriter, and one of the greatest directors at the helm, the film is poised to be a standout release in the years ahead.

Films

The Conjuring: Last Rites Shatters Box Office Records with $8.5M Thursday Preview

Tanisha Cardozo

The Conjuring: Last Rites has officially opened in cinemas and is already causing a stir at the box office. The fourth and possibly final installment in the widely successful horror franchise brought in an impressive $8.5 million during its Thursday night previews in North America. This massive haul has now set a new record for R-rated horror movies in the post-pandemic era, overtaking Nope, which previously held the title with $6.7 million.

Starring the franchise’s stalwart duo Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film also features Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy. Released on September 5, The Conjuring: Last Rites continues the legacy of supernatural investigations and demonic terror that has made the series a fan-favorite.

While critics have been lukewarm, giving the movie a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, audiences have reacted much more positively. The film currently holds a 79% audience score, suggesting that longtime fans of the franchise are responding well to the story and performances.

According to box office projections and industry trackers like Luiz Fernando, the film is on pace to earn between $65 million and $70 million during its three-day opening weekend in North America. This would not only make it the biggest opening for any Conjuring movie but also the top debut for a horror film in 2025 — surpassing the earlier frontrunner, Final Destination: Bloodlines.

With its $8.5 million preview, The Conjuring: Last Rites also lands as the second-highest preview gross for any horror film in the post-COVID era, only behind Beetlejuice Beetlejuice‘s $13 million. Historically, it ranks fourth all-time in horror preview earnings, just behind IT ($13.5M), Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ($13M), and IT: Chapter Two ($10.5M).

If the opening weekend projections hold true, The Conjuring: Last Rites could close out the main franchise on a high note, both commercially and with fans — a rare feat for a horror series four films deep.

Entertainment, Health

Retired Hollywood Actor Bruce Willis Drops an Emotional Note Amid Health Deterioration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Renowned Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, who retired from acting in March 2022, is now facing one of the most difficult chapters of his life. The 70-year-old star, known for his iconic roles in Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and Armageddon, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain disorder that affects behavior, personality, and language. This diagnosis came after an earlier identification of aphasia, which led to his initial retirement.

In an emotional update shared by his wife, actress and model Emma Heming Willis, she revealed the heartbreaking reality of Bruce’s condition. “It is very hard and painful for my husband to deal with all of his illness and we are always there with him always. I am very grateful that he is there with us,” she shared in an interview with the BBC. Her words reflect the immense emotional toll this illness has taken on their family.

Currently, Bruce Willis is living separately under the care of professional caretakers, a decision made for both his wellbeing and the family’s peace of mind. Emma stated, “The caretakers are giving my husband the maximum care and it is the better way. Bruce would be here, but for health aid, it was mandatory to keep him separate, so that he recovers. I want the best for him and his welfare.”

The situation remains deeply painful. Willis, once one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood, is no longer able to speak or remember much about his acting career or his family. Despite the heartbreaking progression of his illness, Emma and their two daughters remain his closest emotional support, even from a distance.

Bruce Willis’s decision to step back from the public eye was first announced in early 2022 when symptoms of cognitive decline and speaking difficulties emerged. Just a year later, his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia confirmed what many had feared—a disease with no known cure that slowly robs individuals of their ability to communicate and connect.

His condition has moved fans and the global film industry, who remember him not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his down-to-earth personality and decades of cinematic contributions. This painful period in his life highlights the silent battles many families face behind closed doors when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders.

As Emma Heming Willis continues to advocate for awareness and care, Bruce’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of compassion, care, and love in the most challenging of times. His legacy lives on through his films and the enduring admiration of millions around the world.

rip

Veteran Punjabi Comedian Jaswinder Bhalla Passes Away at 65

Tanisha Cardozo

Mohali | August 22, 2025: The Punjabi entertainment world was plunged into mourning today as news broke of the passing of Jaswinder Bhalla, one of the most iconic comedians and actors in regional cinema. He was 65.

Bhalla breathed his last early Friday morning at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, following an illness he had been battling over the past few months, according to sources close to the family.

A large gathering of fans, colleagues, and fellow artists is expected at his funeral on August 23 at 12 noon at Balongi cremation ground, Mohali, where the final rites will be performed.

Jaswinder Bhalla was more than just a comedian — he was a storyteller who used humour to reflect society, challenge norms, and spread joy. With his sharp wit, earthy humour, and satirical edge, he became a beloved figure not just in Punjab, but among Punjabi-speaking audiences around the world.

He began his career in the 1980s, gaining fame with his university-stage comedy acts and Chhankata audio cassettes. Over the years, he evolved into a cinematic force, delivering hit performances in films like:

  • Carry On Jatta
  • Gaddi Chaldi Hai Chhalla Maarke
  • Jind Jaan
  • Band Baaje

Each performance left an everlasting smile, embedding his legacy in the very fabric of Punjabi pop culture.

Fans and celebrities from across India’s entertainment industry expressed deep sorrow. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes, memories, and clips of his iconic scenes.

“He was the heartbeat of Punjabi comedy. A genius in every sense,” shared one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Jaswinder Bhalla’s contribution to the Punjabi film industry and comedy will be remembered for generations. His work bridged the gap between satire and storytelling, laughter and learning — making him a rare gem in Indian cinema.

As his admirers prepare to bid him a final goodbye, one thing remains certain — his legacy of laughter will never die.

🕯️ Funeral Details:
📅 August 23, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Balongi Cremation Ground, Mohali