Music

Arijit Singh’s Unfinished Melodies: A Goodbye That Doesn’t Quite End


When Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing earlier this year, it felt like a quiet storm passing through the music world. There was no drama, no grand farewell—just a simple note, almost like one of his songs, understated yet deeply emotional. For fans who have grown up with his voice stitched into their memories, it felt personal.

But now, in a message that feels both comforting and bittersweet, Arijit has reminded everyone that endings are rarely absolute. In a heartfelt note shared with his listeners, he expressed gratitude for the love he has received in what he called a “ruthless world.” At the same time, he revealed something that instantly reignited hope—his journey isn’t entirely over yet. There are still many songs left unfinished, and those songs will continue to find their way to listeners over the course of this year, possibly even beyond.

It’s a revelation that changes the tone of his “retirement.” Instead of a sudden silence, what lies ahead is a slow fading echo—new releases that carry the essence of what he has always been known for: emotion, depth, and an uncanny ability to make every listener feel seen. For fans, this means that the connection isn’t being cut off abruptly. Instead, it’s being extended, gently, song by song.

His note, however, wasn’t just about music. It carried a philosophical undertone—advice to step away from noise, to read, to meditate, to find peace. It felt like Arijit wasn’t just signing off from playback singing, but also urging people to reconnect with themselves in a world that rarely slows down. And then came the line that has stayed with everyone: “Who knows what lies ahead?”

That one sentence has sparked countless interpretations. Is it a hint at a possible return? Or simply an acknowledgment that life is unpredictable, even for someone who seems so certain about stepping back? Fans, of course, are holding on to hope. Because when an artist like Arijit leaves the door even slightly open, it’s hard not to imagine him walking back in someday.

Interestingly, his retirement announcement in January had already created waves across the industry. Even Aamir Khan personally visited him, urging him not to quit, especially while working on the title track of Ek Din, a film connected to his son. The moment, captured in a behind-the-scenes video, showed just how valued Arijit is—not just as a singer, but as an emotion that filmmakers rely on. Meanwhile, voices like Shreya Ghoshal stood in support of his decision, respecting the choice of an artist who has given so much over the years.

What makes this phase particularly intriguing is its in-between nature. Arijit Singh is neither fully present in the playback scene nor completely gone. He exists in this space where his past work continues to breathe, and his unfinished songs promise a future that hasn’t entirely closed.

And maybe that’s what makes it so poetic. Because if there’s one thing Arijit Singh has always done, it’s leave us with feelings that linger long after the music stops.

Events in Goa

“This Tempting Madness” Team Unpacks Memory, Misogyny & Survival at IFFI 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The press conference for This Tempting Madness at IFFI carried the same intensity and emotional weight as the film itself. Director Jennifer Montgomery, producer Andrew Davis, and actors Suraj Sharma and Zenobia Shroff came together to explore the responsibility of telling a story born from real pain. Jennifer began with a candid admission that the film is inspired by a true and deeply unfortunate event, a narrative so heavy that even speaking about it remains difficult.

She explained that cinema can often capture emotions and complexities that words alone cannot, offering audiences a space to understand experiences that are usually hidden from view. Andrew expanded on this, acknowledging the delicate balance required when adapting real-life trauma. The goal, he noted, is not simply to retell an incident but to search for meaning, context, and the lingering questions that haunt those affected.

Suraj Sharma spoke with quiet sincerity about how personal the project felt to him. Calling emotional and mental abuse “alarmingly common,” he shared that he had witnessed someone close to him endure abuse and had intervened to help her leave the situation. For him, the film stands as a tribute to those who have lived through such experiences.

Zenobia Shroff added depth with her reflection on portraying an Indian mother navigating cultural pressures and unspoken expectations. She described the familiar but often unexamined dynamic where silence is encouraged, a silence rooted in internalised misogyny. Her hope, she said, was to expose these patterns and shift the narrative toward empowering women and raising better men.

While the film features Indian characters, Jennifer emphasised that the story itself is universal, noting that Simone Ashley was cast simply because she was the best fit for the role. The rest of the cast helped her navigate cultural nuances she was less familiar with. Technically, the film uses intercut memories to mirror the protagonist Mia’s amnesia and confusion.

Jennifer explained that memory loss is inherently unreliable, so the visual language intentionally shifts between the present and fragmented recollections to reflect her disorientation. When asked about literary influences such as Virginia Woolf, Jennifer admitted she had not drawn from them but expressed curiosity to explore that connection now.

Ultimately, she summarised her artistic goal as finding the humanity in every character, acknowledging that everyone faces moments where they feel tempted by their own inner chaos. Andrew closed the conversation on a hopeful note, emphasising that though the story is rooted in real suffering, it is also a testament to strength—people can grow, change, and emerge more resilient.

With themes of trauma, love, confusion, and survival, This Tempting Madness left the IFFI audience with more than reflections on filmmaking; it offered a deeper invitation to consider the unseen battles people carry and the empathy required to understand them.

Entertainment

Crunchyroll Brings Anime Magic to Hyderabad Comic Con 2025


Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 is all set to become an anime paradise as Crunchyroll brings its signature energy, fandom, and immersive experiences to the city. Fans visiting the Crunchyroll booth can look forward to a variety of interactive activities, installations, and exclusive collectibles designed to celebrate the world of anime.

One of the highlights is the My Hero Academia-themed Guess Who? game, which challenges fans to test their knowledge and reflexes by identifying their opponent’s secret hero or villain. Fresh from its success at CCXP 2025, the game promises to bring excitement and competition to anime enthusiasts in Hyderabad.

Fans can also step into the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba with a life-size inflatable of Tanjiro Kamado, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Another must-visit attraction is the life-sized recreation of the SPY x FAMILY living room, where visitors can pose as part of the Forger family for Instagram-worthy shots.

The Crunchyroll booth will also host trivia sessions, high-energy challenges, and surprise giveaways throughout the day, all while a live DJ spins iconic anime tracks including “Gurenge” by LiSA, “Uta” by Ado, and “Ao no Sumika” by Tatsuya Kitani, keeping the atmosphere electric and immersive.

Exclusive collectibles are also part of the experience, including custom Crunchyroll tote bags, wristbands, Anya masks, and My Hero Academia postcards — giving fans a chance to take a piece of the convention home with them.

The event promises to be a hub of anime excitement where fans of all ages can connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in their favorite worlds. Whether you are a hero-in-training, a Demon Slayer, or a Forger in disguise, Crunchyroll at Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 is an experience not to be missed. The event will be held from October 31 to November 2, 2025, at HITEX, Hyderabad, from 11 AM to 8 PM each day.

Films

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle—Part 1: Akaza Returns Surpasses Titanic in Japan, Earns $28.5M in IMAX Before Global Release


The anime juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down—before even hitting major markets like the U.S., Europe, and China.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle—Part 1: Akaza Returns, directed by Haruo Sotozaki, is rewriting the global box office playbook.

According to trade analyst Luiz Fernando, the film has already raked in a staggering $28.5 million from IMAX screenings alone—without launching in the world’s biggest markets. Currently running in Asia Pacific territories including Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, the film’s early performance hints at a massive global impact once it rolls out internationally.

In South Korea, the movie opened to a record-breaking $13 million in its first 3-day weekend, setting a new benchmark for animated features in the country.

But the real triumph came in its home country. In Japan, Infinity Castle has officially surpassed James Cameron’s Titanic with a total of ¥28 billion (~$190.1 million) in box office earnings, climbing to the 3rd highest-grossing film of all time in Japan.

Not just in revenue—Demon Slayer also broke into the elite league of audience admissions. With 20.3 million tickets sold, it overtook Disney’s Frozen, becoming the 3rd most-watched film in Japan’s cinematic history.

The film continues the epic saga of Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps as they descend into Muzan Kibutsuji’s domain—the terrifying Infinity Castle—for one final, climactic showdown. The return of Akaza and the rise of the Upper Rank demons sets the stage for one of the most intense arcs in anime history.

With anticipation building for its North American release in September, global exhibitors are preparing for a box office surge that could see Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle enter the ranks of the top-grossing animated films of all time.

Fans worldwide are bracing for the final battle—anime, it seems, is no longer a niche but a global box office force to be reckoned with.

Entertainment

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra Expecting Their First Child: A New Chapter in Their Love Story


Bollywood’s beloved couple, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, have announced that they are expecting their first child together. The exciting news was shared on Instagram, where the couple posted an adorable picture of themselves holding baby socks, captioned “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.”

A Love Story that Captivated the Nation
Kiara and Sidharth’s love story began on the sets of their 2021 movie “Shershaah,” where they played the lead roles. Their on-screen chemistry soon translated into a real-life romance, and the couple has been inseparable ever since. Their relationship has been widely admired, and fans have been eagerly awaiting news of their next step together.

A New Chapter Begins
The announcement of Kiara’s pregnancy marks a new chapter in the couple’s journey together. As they prepare to welcome their little bundle of joy, fans and fellow celebrities are overjoyed, flooding social media with congratulatory messages. The couple’s love story has been a source of inspiration for many, and this new development has added another layer of excitement to their already enchanting tale.

A Union of Love and Commitment
Kiara and Sidharth tied the knot in February 2023 in a beautiful ceremony in Jaisalmer. Their wedding was a grand affair, with friends and family in attendance. The couple’s commitment to each other has been evident in their public appearances and social media posts, and now they are taking this new step in their journey together.

Congratulations Pour in from All Quarters
As soon as the news of Kiara’s pregnancy broke, social media was filled with congratulatory messages from fans, fellow celebrities, and friends. The couple’s happiness is palpable, and everyone is thrilled to see them embark on this new journey together.

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s love story has been a source of inspiration for many, and this new development has added another layer of excitement to their already enchanting tale. As they prepare to welcome their little bundle of joy, we can’t help but feel happy for the couple and wish them all the best on this new journey.