Entertainment

PM Narendra Modi Meets Fauda Team in Israel, Lior Raz Calls It a ‘Huge Honour’


In a unique blend of diplomacy and pop culture, Narendra Modi met the team behind the globally acclaimed series Fauda during his recent visit to Israel, creating a memorable moment that resonated across both political and entertainment circles.

The Prime Minister, who returned to India after a historic two-day state visit, took to social media to share a cheerful selfie with the cast and creators of Fauda. Adding his trademark touch of humour, he wrote, “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! #Fauda,” referencing the show’s intense espionage theme.

The highlight of the interaction was the response from Fauda’s co-creator and lead actor, Lior Raz, who described the meeting as a “huge honour.” Speaking in an interview, Raz praised the Prime Minister’s support for the arts, noting how significant it was for creators to receive recognition from a leader of such a large and influential country.

Raz also reflected on the show’s strong connection with India, recalling its Netflix premiere at the International Film Festival of India held in Goa. He expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations, stating that the team would love to return to India and engage more deeply with its creative industry.

Fauda, developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, is widely regarded as one of the most gripping political thrillers in global television. The series draws inspiration from their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces and follows the story of Doron, an undercover commander in a special unit, navigating high-stakes missions and personal dilemmas.

Since its debut in 2015, the series has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base, including in India, where it streams on Netflix. With four successful seasons already released and a fifth season on the way, Fauda continues to expand its global reach.

Its popularity in India also led to an official adaptation titled Tanaav, which premiered in 2022 and explores similar themes within an Indian context.

The meeting between PM Modi and the Fauda team underscores the growing cultural exchange between India and Israel, where diplomacy extends beyond traditional boundaries into storytelling, cinema, and shared creative aspirations.

Entertainment

Stranger Things Ends Nine-Year Run with Emotional Finale, Crashes Netflix Servers


Netflix’s blockbuster series Stranger Things officially wrapped up its nine-year run on January 1, 2026, delivering an emotional two-hour finale that sent fans into a frenzy and briefly crashed Netflix servers due to unprecedented global demand. The outage marked the third server disruption during Season 5’s rollout, highlighting the show’s massive popularity even at its conclusion.

Fans across the world took to social media to share their reactions, ranging from tears and nostalgia to heated debates. Emotional highs included the long-awaited takedown of Vecna, bringing closure to the central threat haunting Hawkins since earlier seasons. However, some viewers expressed disappointment over the absence of major character deaths and what they felt was a rushed time jump, which left certain story arcs open to interpretation.

The finale also reignited long-standing fandom discussions, particularly among supporters of Lumax and Byler, as shipping debates once again dominated online conversations.

Adding to the historic moment, Stranger Things was screened in select theatres worldwide, an unusual move for a streaming series. The theatrical screenings reportedly generated over $15 million, underscoring the show’s ability to draw audiences beyond the digital space.

As the final credits rolled, a heartfelt montage featuring the cast thanked “the whole party,” paying tribute to the characters, creators, and fans who grew alongside the series. From a group of preteens riding bikes through Hawkins to becoming global pop culture icons, Stranger Things leaves behind a powerful legacy that redefined streaming television.

With its conclusion, the series stands as a defining chapter in modern entertainment—one that blended nostalgia, supernatural thrills, and emotional storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.