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Tabu is onto the next level of her career. In her first Hollywood project she is part of the incredibly revered Dune:Prophecy series.

Tabu’s former brother-in-law Vindoo Dara Singh is full of affection and respect. “She is an eternal superstar.I can’t wait to see her in Dune.”

Tabu’s aunt the formidable Shabana Azmi can hardly contain her pride at Tabu’s achievements. “It is not a small thing to be in the Dune franchise. The series is a global phenomenon. I believe Tabu has made quite an impact. I am so proud of her. She has lived life on her own terms and carved a unique place for herself in her long career. Few know that she has a whacky side to her, is a terrific mimic and can be great fun when she lets her hair down.”

Continues the affectionate Aunty, “Tabu is very special.

Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production proudly present Bun Tikki, a poignant coming-of-age drama exploring the father-son bond, set to have its World Premiere at the prestigious 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) in California on January 5, 2025. Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, who makes their debut as a feature film maker, Bun Tikki stars cinematic legends Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman and Abhay Deol along with Nushrratt Bharuccha and Rohaan Singh. Bun Tikki is a heart-warming tale of family, love and identity.

Bun Tikki follows the journey of seven–year–old Shanu and his single father, Sidhant. Shanu grapples with self-discovery amid societal challenges, while Sidhant navigates grief and societal pressures as a single parent trying to understand his child. Through heartfelt performances and emotionally driven storytelling, the film explores the theme of parenthood, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Faraz Arif Ansari, an international award-winning filmmaker,...

Apc, Hat Trick & Dcd Joins Forces For London Screenings

A trio of distributors will join forces to showcase their latest wares at next year’s London TV Screenings. About Premium Content (Apc), Hat Trick International (Hti) and Dcd Rights will combine to introduce buyers to content at an event on Tuesday, February 25 at the Vue West End in Leicester Square from 4.30pm-7.30pm local time. Apc co-founders Emmanuelle Guilbart and Laurent Boissel and Hti chief Sarah Tong noted how combing efforts would allow time-stretched acquisitions execs access to more programming during an increasingly busy week of international screenings. Dcd Rights and Hat Trick have jointly screened at the Vue for the past two years. Dcd Rights CEO Nicky Davies-Williams said she was “pleased to have Apc join us and Hti for our annual screenings and drinks at the Vue, which has proved to be a must attend event over the past years.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Studios and Stage5 Production’s “Bun Tikki,” starring veteran Indian actors Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman alongside Abhay Deol, has been selected for a world premiere at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2025.

The coming-of-age drama, helmed by first-time feature director Faraz Arif Ansari, follows a seven-year-old named Shanu and his single father Sidhant as they navigate family dynamics and identity. The pic marks the second festival outing for the Jio Studios-Stage5 Production partnership, following “Saali Mohabbat” at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (Iffi).

Stage5 Production, founded by fashion designer Manish Malhotra, produced the film alongside Jio Studios. Malhotra serves as producer with Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra and Marijke deSouza.

The cast is rounded out by Nushrratt Bharuccha and Rohaan Singh. The film centers on themes of parenthood and resilience, with Shanu grappling with self-discovery while his father deals with grief and societal pressures.

Last week, the indomitable Shabana Azmi has finished attending The Three Continents Festival (Festival des 3 Continents) at Nantes in France where she honoured for 50 years of acting.

The audience gave her a standing ovation.

“It was overwhelming, to say the least. I am an Indian actor, and my core audience is Asian. Of course, I know my films have gone beyond the Asian diaspora. But to know that it has gone so far, that my films are watched by so many, is a sobering experience. I can’t say I deserve so much praise,” says Shabana emotionally.

The formidable actress, considered the finest living Indian actress by many, has special words for the learned audience at Nantes. “They do their homework, ask the right questions. They are erudite and eager to know more about our cinema.”

She is now looking at the next level in her career. “I don’t know what it would be.

National Awards are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in Indian cinema, valued for their integrity, lack of commercial flamboyance, and support for alternative, parallel, and small-budget yet impactful films across various languages and regions of the country. The National Award is a badge of honor for the filmography of any actor. Compared to other award ceremonies, National Awards are largely considered more authentic and unbiased, as these awards are selected by a jury of esteemed people.

Over the years, National Awards have diversified with many new awards introduced over some time. However, the diversification of the awards has also led to controversies regarding the awards and their adherence to unbiased selection. Time and again concerns were raised regarding the selection of artists for the National Awards, particularly in the case of films like “Rudaali” (1992), “Daman” (2000), Hum Tum” (2004), “The Kashmir Files” (2021), etc., and artists like Kirron Kher,...

Shabana Azmi is in and out of cities these days. Shabana Azmi’s 50-year journey as an actor continues to be celebrated all over the world. Now it is at the Nantes Film Festival in France.

Sighs the formidable actress, “Nowadays I am living in suitcases. Itni travelling toh maine pehle kabhi nahin kee hai.”

Her work has consistently found favour in France where retrospectives of her films have featured at George Pompidou Centre, Cinematheque , and earlier at Nantes festival of three continents where Godmother was the opening night film in 1997. In 1989 At the Biennale of Human Rights in France she was chosen as one amongst sixteen women including Mother Teresa, Rigoberta Menchu , Albertina Sisulu , who were honoured by President Mitterand for her human rights work for slum dwellers and women’s rights activist and for using cinema as a medium of social change.

At the prestigious Nantes Film Festival,...

Michael Gracey’s “Better Man,” a profile of British pop star Robbie Williams, will open the 55th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) with its Asian premiere. The Australian production kicks off the festival’s run from Nov. 20-28 in Goa.

Veteran filmmaker Phillip Noyce will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival. The Australian director, known for his collaborations with Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, and Angelina Jolie, joins Iffi as the festival spotlights Australia as its Country of Focus.

The competition section features 15 feature films vying for the Golden Peacock award. Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker chairs the international jury, joined by Singaporean writer-director Anthony Chen, British producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and Australian editor Jill Bilcock.

The Indian Panorama section will present 25 fiction feature films and 20 documentaries showcasing the country’s linguistic diversity. Randeep Hooda’s “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” in the Hindi language opens the documentaries segment.

Chand Mera Dil: Ananya & Laksh Are Bringing An ‘Ishq-Wala-Love’ Story! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

If love happens somewhere in the most magical way, it has been in the Dharma Productions film. And Karan Johar’s team is back with another intense love story starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, with both of them enjoying their newfound stardom, turning into Gen-z stars with the success of their recent films Ctrl & Kill!

Their upcoming project, directed by Vivek Soni, is titled Chand Mera Dil. The first look posters of this romantic drama are beautiful with the new romantic couple of Dharma Ananya & Lakshya making for a very believable jodi after Ranbir-Deepika and Varun-Alia.

The tagline for the film says, “Pyaar mein thoda pagal hona padta hai,” with the two stars looking deeply and madly in love. We need to remember this line because we know for sure that it is gonna stay once the...

Shabana Azmi turns all gooey-eyed while talking about dear friend Aparna Sen. “I’m sorry this is going to sound hagiographic but that’s because you’ve caught me in this frame of mind ! She is my dearest dearest friend. I love and respect her. She is an extremely intelligent person and one can discuss any subject with her. She and I have formed a relationship over the years where I immediately fall into a daft mode in her presence and she scolds me like a school teacher!”

Shabana loves Aparna not only as a friend but also as a cineaste. “Her understanding of cinema is deep and I wish I could get her funds to make films without ever caring about budget constraints. It’s not that I adore all her films . I am honest with her about my appraisal of her films and she takes it in the...

On Day 3, spectacular films and hidden gems from World Cinema, Restored Classics, South Asia Competition, Gala Premieres, and other sections were screened. The highlights of the day were:

There was a special screening of Mahesh Bhatt’s directorial Arth at Mami, honoring Shabana Azmi for her 50 glorious years in cinema. During the opening ceremony, she received the Excellence in Cinema Award.

Inder Malhotra (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), a fashionable filmmaker, is married to Pooja (Shabana Azmi) when he starts an affair with film star Kavita (Smita Patil). Pooja leaves him and experiences the social insecurities of a single working woman. Her dilemmas are highlighted by the parallel story of her cleaning lady (Hattangadi), Arth is the story of this woman’s search for her identity.

The Fable, directed by Raam Reddy and starring Manoj Bajpayee, premiered at the Mami Mumbai Film Festival. Manoj Bajpayee, Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Raam Reddy attended the screening.

Here are the highlights from Day 2 of Mami Mumbai Film Festival 2024:

Masterclass With Shabana Azmi

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, recently honored with the ‘Excellence in Cinema Award’ by Mami, participated in a masterclass moderated by the versatile Vidya Balan. It was an enriching experience to hear Shabana discuss her remarkable 50-year journey in cinema. Reflecting on the challenges of performing in theater, she recalled a particularly memorable instance where she had to translate an English play into Hindi at the last moment, due to a language barrier for the audience. She also revealed how she enjoyed working with Mahesh Bhatt on Arth which was made without a proper script in place.

Girls Will Be Girls

Richa Chaddha makes her debut as a producer with Shuchi Talati’s directorial venture Girls Will Be Girls, which was screened on the inaugural day of Mami’s South Asia Competition, attended by Richa and her husband,...

Winner of the Cannes’ Grand Prix 2024, All We Imagine as Light, opened Mami Mumbai Film Festival 2024

Talent marked the opening of the festival included Shabana Azmi, Waheeda Rehman, Payal Kapadia, Rana Daggubati, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Vikramaditya Motwane, Mini Mathur, Kabir Khan, Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy, Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Abhishek Chaubey, Amole Gupte, Jim Sarbh among others.

Mumbai, October 18, 2024

Mami Mumbai Film Festival 2024 opened its six-day celebration of global cinema, creativity, and culture in Mumbai on the 18th of October with the critically acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light,” winner of the Cannes’ Grand Prix 2024.

Festival Opening Ceremony

Interim Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and Artistic Director Deepti DCunha declared the festival open, marking the beginning of a spectacular showcase of cinematic excellence. The ceremony was attended by esteemed members of the film fraternity, festival partners, and dignitaries.

Followed by a Q&a with Payal Kapadia and Anupama Chopra post-screening.

Iconic and one of the best actresses in Hindi films, Shabana Azmi, is celebrating 50 years of incredible, outstanding, brilliant and many more adjectives performances.

Shabana Azmi’s unparalleled triumphs do not impress her. “I don’t feel like The Shabana Azmi at all. It is very important to preserve a sense of normalcy, not to let all the recognition awards and milestones go to your ahead, which I’ve tried to throughout my life. I would kill myself if I behaved like The Shabana Azmi. Tell me, Subhash, did your most favourite Lataji ever behave like The Lata Mangeshkar?I am shocked at how quickly these fifty years have gone by. Mujhe toh pataa hi nahin chala waqt kab nikal gaya,” says the great Shabana Azmi about fifty years acting on stage and on screen.

“It is very therapeutic for me even now, after so many years to perform on stage and on screen.

One of the most esteemed and outstanding actors in cinema, Shabana Azmi has starred in a myriad of genres, showcasing her immense talent. From her debut film Ankur, for which she won a National award, to incredible turns in films like Mrityudand and Fire, to her most recent excellent films What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and so many more, each performance by Ms. Azmi has been exceptional.

In a very special interview, Shabana Azmi talks with Subhash K Jha about why she still has a passion for acting, whether she would ever step behind the camera and so much more.

74, and still India’s finest actress?

Please, itni taarif ki koi zaroorat nahin. I don’t want to get my head swollen at this stage of life. It is very important to be level-headed about one’s achievements and not get carried away.

Shabana Shines

The International Film Festival of South Asia (Iffsa) Toronto 2024 will honor “Halo” and “Fire” star Shabana Azmi‘s five-decade career during its 13th edition, running Oct. 10-20. The festival’s tribute program includes a screening of Shyam Benegal’s “Mandi,” a masterclass, and a musical celebration titled “Shab-e-Sur.”

The festival will feature premieres and events with industry figures including Imtiaz Ali, Deepa Mehta, Boman Irani and Anup Singh. Irani’s directorial debut “The Mehta Boys,” co-written by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris, will open the festival with its Canadian premiere. Ali’s Netflix film “Amar Singh Chamkila” will receive a theatrical screening, followed by a masterclass and a “Chamkila Night” musical event.

The lineup includes Payal Kapadia‘s Cannes Grand Prix winner “All We Imagine as Light” and Madhumita’s “Kaalidhar Laapata” starring Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur. Films from Srijit Mukherji, Leesa Gazi and Kaushal Oza will also be featured.

Preity Zinta’s latest social media update with her son Jai is truly heartwarming! The photo of Jai playing doctor with his toy stethoscope and Preity smiling as his patient is a beautiful snapshot of their family life. It’s clear that the actress is savoring these precious moments with her twins, Jai and Gia, who were born via surrogacy on November 11, 2021.

Preity’s recent post about her children starting school reflects her emotional journey as a mother, balancing personal joy with awareness of the larger world. Her candidness about the bittersweet nature of this milestone highlights her deep connection with her family and her hopes for a better world for her children.

Sharing the picture, Preity captioned the post, “Dr Jai to the rescue (musical notes emojis). If you know you know (red heart and nazar amulet emojis).” She also added the hashtags – family, Jai and ting. Reacting to the post,...

Karan Johar’s twins, Yash and Roohi, are once again showing that they are not shy about critiquing their father’s fashion choices. In a lighthearted video shared by the filmmaker on Instagram, the young siblings hilariously roasted Karan’s outfit, leaving him on the receiving end of some playful banter.

The video starts with Karan focusing the camera on Yash and Roohi, who are adorably twinning in deep blue tees and grey pants while sitting on a sofa. Karan complimented their matching outfits, saying, “I like what you guys are wearing today!” Roohi, in her innocent but sharp way, then questioned why he doesn’t dress like them more “often,” a word she amusingly mispronounced as “office,” prompting Karan to correct her.

When Karan asked his kids if they liked what he was wearing, both Yash and Roohi gave a resounding “no.” Yash admitted that he didn’t understand his father’s style,...

The tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Rg Kar Hospital has understandably elicited strong reactions from both public figures and the general populace. Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi’s comments highlight a deep frustration with the slow progress in addressing and reducing sexual violence in India, despite significant efforts such as the formation of the Justice Verma Committee in 2012.

Azmi’s call to dismantle patriarchy reflects a broader sentiment that systemic issues contribute to the persistence of such heinous crimes. Her remarks underscore the need for ongoing societal change and more effective measures to protect women and address gender-based violence.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar says Javed Akhtar-Honey Irani’s separation impacted his own divorce

President Droupadi Murmu’s response further emphasizes the outrage and dismay felt at the highest levels of government. Her comments about the need to dismantle harmful perceptions of women and...

Farhan Akhtar recently showcased his playful and romantic side by wishing his wife, Shibani Dandekar, a happy birthday in a charming and humorous Instagram post. Farhan shared a stunning photo of Shibani, where she is seen smiling and looking away from the camera, dressed in a white top, jacket, and a large hat. Farhan couldn’t resist adding a quirky twist to his caption, humorously comparing Shibani’s hat to a “sada dosa.” He wrote, “Happy birthday Shu.. I don’t think anyone has looked this beautiful balancing a sada dosa on their head. @shibaniakhtar love you more than you know.”

The post quickly attracted comments from friends and fans alike. Priyanka Chopra joined in the fun, wishing Shibani a happy birthday with a laughing “Haha.” Zoya Akhtar, Farhan’s sister, also chimed in with a playful “Hahahahaha. Happy Birthday.” Shibani’s sister, Anusha Dandekar, added her own humorous touch,...

The celebration of Indian cinema, the International Indian Film Academy (Iifa) Awards, has unveiled the full list of Iifa 2024 nominations and the list is epic! The highly anticipated 24th edition of Iifa is poised to bring together the most brilliant stars, visionary filmmakers, and industry leaders from India and across the world to celebrate the magic of Indian cinema.

The highly anticipated Iifa 2024 nominations have been revealed, with Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ leading the pack with 11 nods. Close behind is Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, which earned 10 nominations. Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 action hits, ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathaan’, have each garnered 7 nominations in the Popular Category, while Vikrant Massey’s ‘12th Fail’ secured 5 nominations.

And the nominees are:

Best Picture

Vidhu Vinod Chopra-12th Fail

Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga-Animal

Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta- Rocky Aur Rani...

Salman Khan’s deep bond with his father, Salim Khan, was once again highlighted during the recent trailer launch of the documentary Angry Young Men in Mumbai. The father-son duo attended the event with other family members, and Salman took the opportunity to express his admiration and love for his father through a heartfelt post on his social media accounts. Sharing a picture where he stands behind his seated father, Salman captioned it, “DadLee Man – My Father God,” showcasing the respect and affection he holds for Salim Khan.

In the picture, Salman Khan is seen wearing a full-sleeved black T-shirt with faded jeans, while Salim Khan is dressed in a light shirt, white trousers, and a puffer jacket. The post quickly garnered attention, with celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, and Aditya Roy Kapur liking it, while fans poured in comments praising them as the “greatest father-son duo of Bollywood.

Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, has enjoyed a prolific career spanning several decades. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s with a string of successful films that established him as one of the leading stars of the era. His memorable performances in movies like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, and The Burning Train cemented his status as a versatile and beloved actor.

As his career progressed into the late 1990s, Dharmendra transitioned into character roles, continuing to impress audiences with his performances in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, and Yamla Pagla Deewana. These roles showcased his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of...

The highly anticipated documentary series Angry Young Men is set to delve into the iconic partnership of the legendary writer-lyricist duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who revolutionized Hindi cinema with their storytelling. The series, releasing on August 20, will feature testimonials and insights from some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Salman Khan, and Farhan Akhtar, among others.

The trailer, released by Prime Video, offers a glimpse into the timeless legacy of Salim-Javed, with Bollywood celebrities reflecting on the duo’s unparalleled impact on the industry. Salman Khan opens the video, expressing his nervousness, while Farhan Akhtar reflects on his personal connection to the films his father, Javed Akhtar, wrote. The trailer also revisits Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic line from Deewar, “Main aaj bhi feke hue paise nahi uthata,” highlighting the powerful dialogues that have become a part of Indian cinematic history.

Zoya Akhtar emphasizes the rarity of Salim-Javed’s success,...

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s joyous journey into parenthood has been warmly received by their fans and friends in the film industry. Their first child, a baby girl, was born on July 16, 2024, and the couple has shared glimpses of their newborn, delighting their social media followers.

On July 29, 2024, Shabana Azmi shared a heartwarming photograph on Instagram featuring new mom Richa Chadha with her baby girl, surrounded by ‘masis’ Urmila Matondkar, Tanvi Azmi, and Dia Mirza. In the picture, Richa is seen sitting on a sofa chair, holding her daughter who is wrapped snugly in a blanket with her face hidden by an emoji. The caption read, “With the khala / Masis of the new mum and baby.”

Dia Mirza reacted to the post, commenting, “One of the best days of our lives.” Fans also expressed their adoration for the photograph, calling it “Adorable” and “A beautiful portrait!!” They poured in...

Abhay Deol, known for his unconventional roles in films like Dev D and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, recently Abhay Deol stirred the internet by appearing in a photo shoot for where he is seen kissing his own reflection in the mirror. In an accompanying interview, he elaborated on his views about sexuality, rejecting the binary Western classification and advocating for a more nuanced Eastern perspective that encompasses the entire human experience. Deol stated, “I refuse the Western way of identifying sexuality because it’s so black and white. The Eastern approach is so different, it recognises the whole of us. I don’t define my sexuality, and this might sound controversial but for me it’s not something that I think can be defined.”

He further explained his belief that everyone embodies both masculine and feminine traits, and thus, “we are all they/them.” He remarked, “I think it’s...

“Halo”, the live-action TV series, adapting the military science fiction, first-person shooter video game, has been canceled after 2 seasons of streaming on Paramount +:

Cast includes Pablo Schreiber as 'John-117', Yerin Ha as 'Kwan Ha', Natasha McElhone as 'Catherine Halsey'…

…Bookeem Woodbine as 'Soren-066', Shabana Azmi as 'Margaret Parangosky', Bentlet Kalu as 'Vannak-134', Natasha Culzac as 'Riz-028' and Kate Kennedy as 'Kai-125'.

"Halo" games, created by Bungie and developed by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios, follows an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the 'Covenant'.

The Covenant, led by religious leaders the 'Prophets', worship the ancient civilization 'Forerunners', who perished in combat during the 'Parasitic Flood'.

Click the images to enlarge ...

New Teaser Released for “Dune: Prophecy”

HBO has released its second teaser for its upcoming original drama series “Dune: Prophecy,” starring Emily Watson and Olivia Williams.

Part of the “Dune“-iverse and based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s “Sisterhood of Dune,” “Dune: Prophecy” is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and follows Harkonnen sisters Valya (Watson) and Tula (Williams) “as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”

Watch the new teaser for “Dune: Prophecy” below:

The prequel series will also star Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha, among others. Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer.

“Dune: Prophecy” is slated...

Halo will not have a third season, at least not at Paramount+. The streaming service has cancelled the sci-fi series inspired by the popular Xbox video gaming franchise of the same name. Season two premiered in February, and the finale aired on March 21st.

Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone, Jen Taylor, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy, Charlie Murphy, Danny Sapani, Fiona O’Shaughnessy, Tylan Bailey, Joseph Morgan, Cristina Rodlo, and Christina Bennington, star in the series which follows how humankind battles an alien race during the 26th century.

Read More…...

Halo video game fans never liked the first season of the series adaptation. However, its popularity among the general audience earned a surprising second season for the Pablo Schreiber-led show. After two seasons at Paramount+, the streamer announced that the series will not move forward with a third season.

A still from Halo | Paramount+

Fans, especially the ones aware of the game lore, welcomed the move from Paramount+. They wished that the series could’ve learned a lesson or two from successful video game adaptations like Fallout and The Last of Us. Interestingly, both seasons of Halo received critical acclaim for their action scenes, cast, and visual effects.

Paramount+ Cancels Halo After Two Seasons and Fans Blame The Derivative Writing Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief in a still from Halo | Paramount+

Paramount+ released a statement announcing the cancelation of its live-action adaptation of the video game, Halo. The series...

Master Chief’s fight has ended. Today, Paramount+ announced that it has cancelled Halo after just two seasons.

In a statement, a Paramount+ spokesperson said: “We are extremely proud of this ambitious series and would like to thank our partners at Xbox, 343 Industries and Amblin Television, along with showrunner and executive producer David Wiener, his fellow executive producers, the entire cast led by Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief and the amazing crew for all their outstanding work. We wish everyone the best going forward.” However, the battle may not be entirely over as Amblin Television, Xbox, and 343 Industries are said to be shopping the series to other buyers.

Related Interviews: Pablo Schreiber, Bokeem Woodbine, and more talk Season 2 of Halo

“We deeply appreciate the millions of fans who propelled the Halo series to be a global success, and we remain committed to broadening the Halo universe in different ways in the future,...

Paramount+ has cancelled Halo, Deadline has confirmed.

The news comes a few months after Season 2 of the live-action video game adaptation premiered on the streamer in February. Amblin Television, Xbox and 343 Industries are currently shopping Halo in hopes of finding it a new home, Deadline understands.

“We are extremely proud of this ambitious series and would like to thank our partners at Xbox, 343 Industries and Amblin Television, along with showrunner and executive producer David Wiener, his fellow executive producers, the entire cast led by Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief and the amazing crew for all their outstanding work. We wish everyone the best going forward,” a spokesperson for Paramount+ said in a statement Thursday.

Added 343 Industries: “We deeply appreciate the millions of fans who propelled the Halo series to be a global success and we remain committed to broadening the Halo universe in different ways in the future. We...

The live-action “Halo” series has been canceled at Paramount+, Variety has learned.

The big budget series based on the popular Xbox video game franchise aired two seasons at the streaming service. The show originally debuted in 2022, while the second season aired between February and March 2024.

“Paramount+ can confirm that ‘Halo’ will not move forward with a third season on the service,” the streamer said in a stataement. “We are extremely proud of this ambitious series and would like to thank our partners at Xbox, 343 Industries and Amblin Television, along with showrunner and executive producer David Wiener, his fellow executive producers, the entire cast led by Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief and the amazing crew for all their outstanding work. We wish everyone the best going forward.”

According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Xbox, Amblin TV, and 343 Industries will try to shop the series to other outlets.

Season 2 of the live action outer space TV series “Halo”, adapting the military science fiction, first-person shooter video game, will be available July 23, 2024 in 4k, Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Uhd :

Cast includes Pablo Schreiber as 'John-117', Yerin Ha as 'Kwan Ha', Natasha McElhone as 'Catherine Halsey'…

…Bookeem Woodbine as 'Soren-066', Shabana Azmi as 'Margaret Parangosky', Bentlet Kalu as 'Vannak-134', Natasha Culzac as 'Riz-028' and Kate Kennedy as 'Kai-125'.

"Halo" games, created by Bungie and developed by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios, follows an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the 'Covenant'.

The Covenant, led by religious leaders the 'Prophets', worship the ancient civilization 'Forerunners', who perished in combat during the 'Parasitic Flood'.

Click the images to enlarge ...

Buy Halo Master Chief...

Javed Akhtar & Shabana Azmi’s Combined Net Worth Might Surprise You! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are a power couple worth crores. The lyricist-songwriter and the seasoned actress have now increased their combined net worth with a recent purchase adding another asset to their valuables with a rise of around 4 – 5% in the total value of their combined assets.

Javed Akhtar – Shabana Azmi Net Worth

The power couple enjoys a combined net worth of around 206 crore, and they have added another property worth 7 crore to their assets. The veteran screenwriter has purchased an apartment worth 7.76 crore in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu neighborhood.

Javed Akhtar’s Properties

This ready-to-move-in property is spread across 1199.42 square feet. The transaction, completed on July 2nd, included a stamp duty of Rs. 46.02 lakh and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000. The Sholay writer already owns the adjoining apartment that was bought for Rs 7 crore in...

Bigg Boss Ott 3 Contestant Armaan Malik recently compared himself to Sidharth Shukla. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Armaan Malik, a YouTuber who’s competing in Bigg Boss Ott 3, recently spoke with a media portal before joining the reality show. He disclosed that he had a close bond with the late actor Sidharth Shukla, who tragically died in September 2021.

This was after Sidharth won Bigg Boss 13. Malik highlighted the personal connection he had with the late actor by drawing a comparison between himself and Shukla. Armaan opened up to India Today, pointing out parallels between his personality and that of Siddharth Shukla, a popular candidate from Bigg Boss 13.

He stressed their shared tendency to keep a calm temperament and seek seclusion unless circumstances demanded differently. Armaan also revealed that he closely followed Siddharth’s journey throughout the show, feeling a strong connection with his experiences and reactions. This connection revealed to Armaan a...

Top 10 Films On Netflix India From June 17-23, 2024. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was a commercial flop at the box office, with collections of only 66 crores in its lifetime. Tiger Shroff and Akshay Kumar starrer were mounted on a staggering budget of 350 crores, so one can imagine the high losses faced by producers. But there’s a sigh of relief as the action-thriller is being received well on Netflix. In fact, it has dethroned fan favorites like Maharaja and Laapataa Ladies. Scroll below for the Top 10 of this week.

Ott is an added benefit to theatrical releases, especially those that do not recover their budget at the box office. Streaming platforms Netflix, Amazon Prime, and ZEE5, among others, indulge in tough fights to gain exclusive rights in the Ott world, thus increasing the distribution amount. It also provides a second chance to movies that had potential but underperformed on the big screens.

Preity Zinta continues to captivate with her beauty, recently turning heads at Rahul Mishra’s show in Paris. Following her striking presence at Cannes, she wowed in a strapless gown designed by Mishra, highlighting her flawless figure.

Preity Zinta Shines at Rahul Mishra’s Paris Show

Opting for a natural makeup look and flowing hair, Preity exuded elegance and charm. Fans took to social media, showering praise on her timeless beauty and iconic dimples, declaring her their favorite once again.

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Upcoming Comeback

Preity Zinta gears up for her return to the screen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Lahore 1947.” She joins a stellar cast including Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, Sunny Deol, and Karan Deol, promising a compelling performance in this eagerly awaited historical drama.

Anticipation Builds

As anticipation grows for “Lahore 1947,” Preity Zinta’s fans eagerly await her comeback,...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has invited 487 artists and executives to become members, with Sandra Huller, Justin Triet, Celine Song and Da’Vine Joy Randolph among the high profile invitees.

Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.

Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.

Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has invited 487 artists and executives to become members, with Sandra Huller, Justin Triet, Celine Song and Da’Vine Joy Randolph among the high profile invitees.

Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.

Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.

Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.

Every summer, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invites a deluge of new members to join its ranks. Since #OscarsSoWhite back in 2015, the Academy has moved away from its elitist tendencies and toward embracing younger and more diverse artists and executives from all over the world. This year’s invited class is no exception.

If the invitees all accept Academy membership, the total members will number 10,910 and voting members 9,934. And with the addition of the 2024 members, 35 percent of Academy members identify as women, 20 percent of Academy members are from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 20 percent of Academy members are from countries or territories outside the U.S.

As usual, a slew of Oscar nominees and winners are gaining admittance to the club (71 Oscar nominees and 19 winners), including actors Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Sandra Hüller, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), costume designer Holly Waddington...

Jessica Alba, Lily Gladstone, Greta Lee, Catherine O’Hara, and S.S. Rajamouli, director of “Rrr,” are among the 487 artists and executives invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With all expected acceptances, AMPAS membership will rise to 10,910 from 10,817 last year, with 9,934 members eligible to vote in the upcoming 97th Oscars in 2025—an increase from last year’s 9,375.

This year’s invitees include 44% women, a 4% increase from 2023, and 41% from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, marking a significant 7% rise. The actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary, executives, makeup artists and hairstylists branches have invited more women than men. The actors, directors, documentary, and writers branches mainly comprised artists from underrepresented communities.

The directors branch features the most impressive array of filmmakers from both international and domestic spheres, such as Lila Avilés (“Totem”), Jayro Bustamante (“La Llorona”), Jd Dillard (“Devotion”), Alice Diop (“Saint Omer”), Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that it is extending invitations to 487 to join the membership ranks of the Oscar organizer. If all accept, it will bring the Academy’s total membership to 10,910, of which 9,934 would be voting members.

This year’s list across 19 branches include 2024 Oscar winners Da’Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers; Poor Things costume designer Holly Waddington and production design team James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek; 20 Days in Mariupol director Mstyslav Chernov, War Is Over! producer Brad Booker; The Zone of Interest sound duo Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn; the Godzilla Minus One VFX team Tatsuji Nojima, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Takashi Yamazaki; American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson; and Anatomy of a Fall writing duo Justine Triet and Arthur Harari.

Jefferson and Triet are among eight names on the list who were invited to more than one branch (noted...

Sonakshi Sinha’s Rumored Romances: B-Town’s Juiciest Link-Ups(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Bollywood’s latest buzz is all about Sonakshi Sinha and her wedding bells with Zaheer Iqbal! This power couple has recently set social media on fire with whispers of a grand wedding, making fans and tabloids alike go into a frenzy. While Sona has finally settled with her special one, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the juicy link-ups that have surrounded Sonakshi over the years.

1. Salman Khan

Kicking off with the man who gave Sonakshi her big break – Salman Khan. Their sizzling chemistry in the Dabangg series set tongues wagging. Although both have consistently shot down the rumors, their camaraderie is undeniable.

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2. Arjun Kapoor

Back when Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi were co-stars in Tevar, rumors of their close-knit friendship turning romantic took center stage.

Highlights From Arbaaz Khan’s Upcoming Show. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Arbaaz Khan is an Indian actor who works predominantly in the Hindi film industry and is also the younger brother of superstar Salman Khan. The multifaceted actor returns with his celebrity chat show, The Invincibles Series Season 2. Bollywood legends share their life stories, and the latest promo of the show was revealed recently. Ramesh Sippy, Asha Parekh, Shabana Azmi, and other veterans will grace the show in the second season.

Arbaaz is not only an actor but also a director. He directed Salman in Dabbang 2. The actor is also a producer, and his production house is called Arbaaz Khan Productions. Keep scrolling for more.

On Tuesday, Arbaaz Khan shared the promo for his show The Invincibles Series Season 2. The teaser showcased the veteran actors, directors, and producers who would appear in the upcoming season. We have picked up a few highlights from the promo,...

Sara Ali Khan Was Dragged To Court By Kedarnath Producers ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Sara Ali Khan has been one of the few who has never shied away from talking her heart out. She never fails to entertain and always stays connected with her audiences as well. She is one of the few who made her TV debut before her film debut!

Yes, you read that right. Sara, made her presence felt on Karan Johar’s Koffee couch before her film Kedarnath even released. She was one of the few debutants (or probably the only one) who had two releases in one month.

Sara Ali Khan might also be one of the very few starkids who were slapped with a legal notice on their debut film by the producer himself. Yes, you read that also right! Sara’s entry into the film world has been quite adventurous.

Trending Kalki 2898 Ad: Deepika Padukone...

When Shabana Azmi Was Jealous Of Rekha After Getting A Small Role In Mira Nair’s Film: “What Does She Have That I Don’t?” ( Photo Credit – Wikimedia )

Shabana Azmi is a force to be reckoned with. The Actress, who has a celebrated career of decades, continues to charm and surprise her fans with her work and dedication. But while things may seem all rosy now, Azmi is opening up about a time when she fought with dear friend Mira Nair. And it was because she was jealous of Rekha. Shabana revealed that she was pissed when she got a minor role in Mira Nair’s film, and this is what she said to Mira Nair next.

Mira Nair is well-known for her acclaimed films, including 1996’s Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, which starred Rekha. The movie received international acclaim despite being banned in India. After playing a small...

International Father’s Day: Seven From Animal To Piku, Heartwarming Movies That Celebrate Fatherhood (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Fathers have always been celebrated in Bollywood films, whether they are severe, laid-back, have dad jokes up their sleeves, or work hard to help their children achieve their dreams.

B-wood films depict a diverse range of fathers, from those who will go to any length to secure their child’s pleasure (as in Paa and Masoom) to those who will do whatever to ensure their child’s happiness. Some of the best films to watch this Father’s Day primarily include:

1. Masoom

Shekhar Kapur’s film stars Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi as a married couple named Dk and Indu. When they discover that Dk has a son called Rahul from a previous relationship, their world changes. With an interesting story, this movie examines parenting via themes of love, forgiveness, and the bravery to start afresh.

Top Trending News of June 17 (Photo Credit- Instagram)

Another day brings a fresh batch of trending news and entertainment updates you might have missed. The entertainment world is abuzz with the latest news, and we’re here to keep you informed. Pawan Kalyan’s Ex-wife Renu Desai reveals the real reason for their divorce, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Ayushman Khurana to Star in Meghan Gulzaar’s Next, Kartik Aaryan reacts to Shabana Azmi’s praise for Chandu Champion. And Fawad Khan & Sanam Saeed’s Web Series Finds a streaming date. On the other hand, Kangana Ranaut gifted a house to her cousin in Chandigarh and more top trending news from Bollywood, South, and Ott.

Here’s your daily dose of top trending news from the entertainment world. The news wrap brings you the best of Bollywood, Hollywood, South, and Ott!

Kareena Kapoor Khan & Ayushmann Khuranaa To Star In Meghna Gulzar’s Next?...

Swara Bhasker Reacts To Kangana Ranaut’s Slapgate(Photo Credit –Instagram)

The Kangana Ranaut slap incident has received a lot of attention, and many Bollywood celebrities have reacted to it. From Shabana Azmi and Karan Johar To Shekhar Suman, everyone has condemned the incident and its violent nature. The latest celebrity to react to the ‘Slap-gate’ is Swara Bhasker. She also condemned the slap incident with Kangana, but she also brought attention back to when Ranaut was justifying violence herself. Swara also said that Kangana got slapped even though she had her security, while larger issues persist.

Swara Bhasker commented on the incident where Kangana Ranaut was slapped by a Cisf constable in Chandigarh. While it is common knowledge that Swara and Ranaut have different political ideologies, the two women have starred in the Tanu Weds Manu movies. Referring to Kangana’s defense of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars,...