Tag: global cinema

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

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

allycaralgoa

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.

Events in Goa

56th IFFI Concludes with Global Glamour: ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Golden Peacock, Rajinikanth Felicitated for 50 Years in Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a vibrant close at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, bringing together global filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles for a grand celebration of cinematic artistry. Over nine days, audiences were immersed in powerful stories, thought-provoking narratives, and diverse cultural showcases that lit up screens across the state, making this edition of the festival a memorable tribute to the magic of cinema.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the announcement of the Golden Peacock winner, awarded this year to the Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair. The jury praised the film for its bold and stylish storytelling, compelling message, and the seamless harmony of its narration, music, and editing. The film was celebrated for its capacity to humanize and illuminate voices seldom heard, promising to linger long in the minds of its viewers.

Among the major honours, Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Gondhal, a film the jury described as a Shakespearean fable grounded in cultural richness and emotional depth. Ubeimar Rios won the Silver Peacock for Best Male Actor for his powerful performance in the Spanish film A Poet, while Jara Sofija Ostan earned the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor for her nuanced and expressive portrayal in the Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls. The festival also recognized the exceptional talent of emerging filmmakers, with Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand and Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill jointly receiving the Best Debut Director Award for their films My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Fränk respectively.

The closing ceremony also shone a spotlight on Indian cinema legend Rajinikanth, who was honoured for completing 50 years in the industry. The celebrated actor expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the recognition an honour for the entire film fraternity. As dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressed the gathering, they highlighted IFFI’s contributions to India’s cultural legacy and creative economy. The festival’s achievements this year included the successful WAVES Film Bazaar, which generated over ₹1,050 crore in business, the screening of 50 films directed by women, and an array of initiatives supporting young creators and technological innovation.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, emphasized India’s growing role in the “orange economy,” noting that IFFI 2025 had taken major strides in creating opportunities for creators nationwide. The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai marked another significant step toward nurturing future talent and integrating technology into creative production.

The festival fondly remembered icons of Indian cinema who passed away this year, honouring their irreplaceable contributions. Esteemed personalities including Ramesh Sippy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kiran Shantaram, and many others graced the ceremony, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a melting pot of creativity and collaboration. The closing night featured captivating dance performances, cultural displays from the Northeast and Karnataka, artistic showcases by divyang performers, and the inclusion of Indian Sign Language interpreters, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to inclusivity.

New initiatives such as the AI Film Festival and the CinemAI Hackathon captured the spirit of the future, providing platforms for creators to explore AI-driven storytelling and production tools. Workshops, masterclasses, and conversations with cinematic luminaries enriched the knowledge landscape of the festival, offering deeper insights into filmmaking and the evolving global entertainment industry.

As the curtains fell on IFFI 2025, the festival left a lasting impression on audiences and participants worldwide. Its celebration of creativity, innovation, and cinematic diversity strengthened its position as a global cultural beacon. With anticipation already building for the next edition, IFFI continues to serve as a powerful platform for storytelling excellence, artistic recognition, and the flourishing of the creative economy.

Entertainment

Sydney Sweeney Reportedly Offered ₹530 Crore Deal for Bollywood Debut in Mega-Budget Film

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Hollywood’s rising star Sydney Sweeney might soon shine in Indian cinema, as reports suggest she has been offered a record-breaking ₹530 crore (£45 million) deal to appear in one of Bollywood’s most expensive films ever produced.

According to a report by The Sun, a leading Indian production house has approached the actor with a package comprising:

  • £35 million (₹415 crore) fee
  • £10 million (₹115 crore) sponsorship agreements

Producers believe Sydney’s international appeal will help the film expand its reach beyond Indian audiences, making it a global cinematic event.

The film, expected to begin shooting in early 2026, is planned across multiple international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai. The storyline reportedly revolves around a young American star who falls in love with an Indian celebrity, blending cross-cultural romance with global appeal.

An industry insider revealed:

“Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45 million is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. The Indian film industry is powerful and growing, and this movie is designed to bring its productions to the international market.”

While the actor is currently balancing several projects in Hollywood, this opportunity could mark a defining step in her career.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity. Sydney is weighing her options carefully,” added the source.

If confirmed, this collaboration would mark one of the biggest Hollywood-Bollywood crossovers in film history, signaling the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage.

Films

‘Ne Zha 2’ Set for Global Theatrical Release with Michelle Yeoh Leading English Voice Cast

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Chinese animation juggernaut Ne Zha 2 is set to storm international theaters this summer, with a much-anticipated English-language release scheduled for August 22, 2025. Distributed in partnership between A24 and CMC Pictures, the film will open across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — and it’s bringing some serious star power with it.

Leading the English dub is none other than Michelle Yeoh, the Academy Award-winning actress known for Everything Everywhere All at Once and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. “I’m honored to be part of Ne Zha 2, a landmark in Chinese animation,” Yeoh shared, emphasizing the film’s emotionally resonant and universal storytelling.

Directed by Yang Yu, who also helmed the first Ne Zha film in 2019, the sequel draws on The Investiture of the Gods, a legendary Chinese novel. The story follows Ne Zha — a powerful, misunderstood boy born with dangerous magical abilities. Rejected by gods and mortals alike, he must rise above his destiny to confront an ancient evil that threatens humanity itself.

But this isn’t just another animated film. Ne Zha 2 has already smashed box office records, earning 12.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.71 billion), officially dethroning Pixar’s Inside Out 2 as the highest-grossing animated movie globally and placing it eighth on the all-time box office chart.

With a powerful mythological narrative, groundbreaking visuals, and a format available in IMAX and 3D, Ne Zha 2 is more than a film — it’s an international spectacle. While it has already captivated audiences in China, the English version could expand its reach and cultural impact dramatically.

The rest of the English voice cast has yet to be announced, but with Michelle Yeoh leading the charge, anticipation is soaring.

Whether you’re a fan of animation, mythology, or global cinema, Ne Zha 2 promises to be one of 2025’s most thrilling releases.