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Trigger is a South Korean action crime thriller series written and directed by Kwon Oh-seung. The Netflix series is set in South Korea, where illegal firearms are banned, but when illegal guns flood into the country, a police officer must do everything he can to save innocent people from their effects. Trigger stars Kim Nam-gil, Kim Young-Kwang, Park Hoon, Gil Hae-yeon, and Kim Won-hae. So, if you loved the thrilling and intense drama and compelling characters in Netflix’s Trigger, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Karma (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Karma is a South Korean crime thriller drama series written and directed by Lee Il-hyung. Based on the Kakao webtoon of the same name by Choi Hee-seon, the Netflix series revolves around a group of people as they get embroiled in a toxic and...

Indian Web series Emmy Nominations: From Inside Edge To Aarya (Photo Credit – Prime Video/Hotstar)

As you may know, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honors outstanding shows from around the world in its prestigious Best Drama category. In recent years, several Indian stories have made a mark on the global stage. In fact, four of them came quite close to winning an International Emmy Award in this highly competitive category. While they didn’t win the top prize, their nominations alone marked a proud moment for Indian creators and audiences. Let’s take a look at these standout shows that came close to winning an Emmy and where you can stream them today.

1. Inside Edge Season 1 Creator – Karan Anshuman IMDb Rating – 7.9/10 Emmy Nomination – 2018 Streaming On – Amazon Prime Video

Plot: The series follows the Mumbai Mavericks, a T20 cricket franchise in the Powerplay League, as they get entangled in a web of match-fixing,...

Subhash K Jha revisits Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which directed by Kabir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, released on the big screen in 2015.

Rarely have we seen Salman stay in character throughout the film. The last time he played a character and not ‘Salman Khan’ was in Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger. There he kept slipping in and out of character. Not this time! Not in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. What we see on screen is an avatar of the innocent God-fearing upright and honest ‘Prem’ from Sooraj Barjatya’s cinema, a Hanuman Bhakt whose self-righteousness would have been boring had it been played by any other star-actor.

We could say Salman plays the Son of Prem in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. And let’s not waste any more time in saying this is Salman’s career’s most accomplished performance to date, heartfelt, passionate and emotional, as he takes charge of a...

10 Years Of Bajrangi Bhaijaan(Photo Credit –Jio Hotstar)

Kabir Khan’s critically acclaimed 2015 comedy-drama Bajrangi Bhaijaan is widely regarded as one of Salman Khan’s finest performances and among his most beloved films. As the movie completes ten years today, here’s a surprising bit of trivia: before Salman took on the now-iconic role of Pawan Chaturvedi, the film was reportedly offered to another top Bollywood star. Can you guess who he was? Read on to find out.

The Bollywood Superstar Who Could’ve Starred In Bajrangi Bhaijaan

According to an earlier report by India TV, the role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan was initially offered to Bollywood’s Greek God, Hrithik Roshan. The report reveals that Baahubali helmer S.S. Rajamouli approached eminent filmmaker Rakesh Roshan with the film’s script and wanted Hrithik Roshan to play the lead role. However, things didn’t move forward due to disagreements over the script’s asking price.

IMDb Top 250 Films Worldwide: Aamir Khan Rules 3 Out Of The 8 Spots (Photo Credit – Instagram/Netflix)

Aamir Khan is currently winning hearts at the box office with his latest release, Sitaare Zameen Par. The sports dramedy is 7.3 on IMDb and churning out good numbers for the actor, racing towards the hit mark. However, it is still a good distance from the hit mark!

Top 250 Films On IMDb (Worldwide)

Apart from Sitaare Zameen Par, Mr Perfectionist is currently ruling IMDb as well. In the list of the top 250 films of all time, 8 Indian films have found a spot for themselves. Interestingly, none of them feature in the top 50!

Aamir Khan Rules 3 Spots!

Aamir Khan has one film in the top 100, while he rules three spots in the top 250 films. These three films are 3 Idiots, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal. Meanwhile, two South Indian Films claim a spot in the top 250 films worldwide.

Subhash K Jha revisits the film Mom, starring the brilliant Sridevi, plus as a bonus we also hear from the actress about this revenge drama that released in 2017.

There is a thehrao, a moral narrative equanimity in the storytelling. A lot of it comes from Sridevi’s central performance as a mother craving acceptance from a disgruntled unhappy daughter. They bond after a family crisis. Out of this age-old done-to-death yarn debutant director weaves an exceedingly impressive saga of vendetta that leaves us disturbingly satisfied. The hallmark of a solid revenge tale is the ability for the audience to slip into protagonist’s mind-space and live his or her agony. Here Sridevi doesn’t allow us a moment’s reprieve. It is hard to look away from her anguished responses to her daughter’s predicament for even a second. Yes, she is That effective. Nothing from her past performances prepares...

Subhash K Jha revisits Kabir Khan’s 2009 drama New York which features John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Katrina Kaif, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Irrfan Khan. We also hear from Neil Nitin Mukesh about his thoughts on the film then and 16 years later.

It isn’t as if New York is the first remarkable film to synthesize terrorism and friendship. Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se comes to mind immediately where the enigma of the female terrorist played with supine splendour by Manisha Koirala was often invested into scenes of disarming domesticity. New York goes a step further to explore the evolution of terrorism in the context of home-grown emotions such as friendship and betrayal. Director Kabir Khan, discards the exasperating documentary-like directness of his first feature film, Kabul Express, to transport us into a cinema that needles us into swirling sensations suggesting a close link between cinema and life. The resultant brew...

Excusive: The New York Indian Film Festival has crowned its 2025 winners, including Vipin Radhakrishnan’s Angammal, which won the Best Film prize.

Set in a Tamil Nadu village, the movie sees a man struggling to accept his blouseless mother’s traditional attire, leading to complications before his in-laws’ visit

Best Debut Film (in collaboration with Film Critics Circle of India) went to Humans In The Loop, directed by Aranya Sahay

Best Director went to Rima Das for Village Rockstars 2, while the New York Women in Film & Television Excellence in Directing Award went to Shonali Bose (A Fly on the Wall) and Rima Das (Village Rockstars 2)

Best Screenplay was awarded to Second Chance, written by Subhadra Mahaja, while Best Actor was scooped by Nawazuddin Siddiqui (I’m Not An Actor). Best Actress went to Sharmila Tagore (The Ancient).

The Best Feature Documentary prize was scored by A Fly on the Wall,...

The 25th anniversary edition of the New York Indian Film Festival — one of the nation’s leading showcases of independent Indian cinema — unspools at New York’s Angelika through Sunday, June 22.

Officially opening Friday, June 20 with Raam Reddy’s 2024 Berlinale selection “The Fable,” the festival includes Anurag Kashyap’s intense Hindi-language thriller “Kennedy” as the Centerpiece on June 21. Kashyap will also host a master class on the challenges facing Bollywood and the future of independent cinema in India.

There’s also a tribute to late, great Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, with a 4K restoration of his 1976 landmark “Manthan,” about India’s White Revolution and revived by the Film Heritage Foundation.

As part of a program of films honoring master storytellers, the New York Indian Film Festival will also screen Dev Benegal’s 2024 short for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, “An Arrested Moment.” The film explores Oscar-winning director James Ivory’s...

Director Ribhu Sengupta talked wit Subhash K Jha about 9 years of is film Te3n, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

How do you feel about your film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin turning 9?

I can’t believe Te3n is 9 years old. The love the film still gets is really something special, especially for Mr. Bachchan’s extraordinary performance … the way he portrayed a common man from north Kolkata fighting for justice was the highlight of the film .

Mr Bachchan feels the film is still important for him?

The way he slid, blended into the character of John Biswas, breaking his tall image of ‘angry young man’ of so many years has to be the distinct diverseness in his acting prowess. The film was about detailing and his character, his performance detailed out every small nuisance of the struggle in the story making it emotional and gritty.

Subhash K Jha looks back at 2016’s Te3n plus Amitabh Bachchan reflects at the experience of filming Te3n in a special This Day That Year feature.

debutant director Ribhu Dasgupta’s persuasive portrait of distant discontent Te3n is about John’s atonement, his 15-year long quest for justice and his rather unconventional method of seeking and obtaining a closure to his agonizing journey of pain hurt guilt and loss.

Curiously, 2016 seems to be the year when Mr. Bachchan plays bereaved characters. In Wazir earlier this year he was a wheelchair-bound patriarch seeking revenge for a murdered daughter. In Te3n—the title refers to the three protagonists of this jagged jigsaw of crime and retribution-it’s his character’s wife who is in a wheelchair while Mr Bachchan’s tries to find justice for his granddaughter’s murder.

But get this right. Mr Bachchan’s Omkar Nath Dhar in...

Mani Ratnam Reunites With Kamal Haasan After 38 Years For Pan-Indian Film ( Photo Credit – X )

They last came together in Nayakan (1987), though Kamal Haasan did do a voice-over in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan in 2022. The veteran filmmaker speaks on his new film, alluringly named Thug Life, and his reunion with the acting stalwart after almost four decades when they both individually went places in their respective domains.

First & Foremost, Thug Life Is A Very Interesting Title For A Pan-Indian Film. I Read Somewhere That It Was A Title Liked By Kamal Haasan. How Did This Name Come About?

I think the idea was his. We were working on this script and thinking about titles, and when the story was narrated, this seemed the right idea as it seemed very close to the film’s theme, and so it became the title.

Trending Exclusive! Soundarya Sharma Subtly Shades Bollywood Celebs Prioritising Fashion Over Films At Cannes,...

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana’s long-rumoured vampire comedy “Thama” will hit Indian cinemas during the lucrative Diwali frame next year, producers Maddock Films confirmed as the picture entered its last fortnight of filming in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Director Aditya Sarpotdar, working from a script by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara, is shooting climactic sequences and a key flash-back that explains antagonist Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s undead origins, after which only two musical numbers remain before wrap.

Khurrana plays Arjun Thama, a present-day historian who uncovers vampire folklore stretching to the 15th-century Vijayanagar empire, a dual-timeline device the actor calls “supremely unique” and a “project of a lifetime”.

The title is a contraction of Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior of the Mahabharata, and signals Maddock’s plan to fuse mythology with the studio’s profitable horror-comedy universe that began with Stree and continued through Bhediya and the forthcoming Munjya.

“Having a...

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy “Thama” has locked in a Diwali 2025 release, marking the first time the critically acclaimed actor will headline a major festive window release in his decade-plus career.

The Maddock Films production, produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, represents a significant career escalation for Khurrana, who has built his reputation as one of Hindi-language cinema’s most bankable stars through unconventional script choices and socially conscious comedies.

“Thama” represents an expansion of Maddock’s horror-comedy universe. The studio, known for releasing films like “Stree 2,” “Munjya,” and “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” in a blockbuster 2024, unveiled a slate of eight interconnected films set to release over the next four years, earlier this year.

The lineup begins with “Thama,” followed by “Shakti Shalini” on Dec. 31. In 2026, audiences can expect “Bhediya 2” on Aug. 14 and “Chamunda” on Dec. 4. The following year includes “Stree 3” on Aug.

Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sanjay Mishra, Raghubir Yadav, Seema Pahwa, Zakir Hussain, Ishtiyak Khan

Director: Karan Sharma

Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review(Photo Credit –Facebook)

What’s Good: Sparkling performances and dialogues

What’s Bad: Too many repetitive sequences in the second half

Loo Break: I don’t think so!

Watch or Not?: This film was to be released in theatres, then on Ott, and is finally in movie halls. Either way, it’s okay to watch it once!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 121 Minutes

User Rating:

Banarasi Babu has been used twice as a film title, with Dev Anand and Govinda playing three quirky characters in the respective 1973 and 1998 films (Dev had a double role). But the quirky quotient those reel-life individuals had is no match for that of Ranjan Tiwari (Rajkummar Rao), the mercurial babu from Benares here,...

Ranbir Kapoor Once Admitted Nawazuddin Siddiqui Did Something He Could Never Pull Off (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The immensely talented Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor has delivered some spellbinding performances over his entire career. From Anurag Basu’s period rom-com Barfi! to Imtiaz Ali’s intense romantic drama Tamasha to his most recent film Animal, his filmography has been splendid, to say the least. As an actor, he is also inspired by other actors, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance has immensely impressed him.

The Performance That Bowled Over Ranbir Kapoor

In an earlier roundtable interview conducted by Rajeev Masand, Ranbir Kapoor was asked about a performance that blew his mind that year. The charming actor promptly replied that the performance that bowled him over was Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s act in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, which came out in 2012.

The Rockstar actor further revealed that when he saw that performance on screen,...

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has carved a unique space for himself in Indian cinema with unforgettable performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Kick, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Sacred Games, Raman Raghav 2.0, and many others. His work continues to be celebrated, with several of these titles now considered cult classics. His latest film, Costao, is a grounded drama based on true events. It tells the story of a dedicated customs officer who spends years battling corruption and powerful criminals who believe that money can bend the system and bury the truth.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Nawazuddin Siddiqui to talk about Costao, his experience portraying a real-life character, and what drew him to this story.

Rishabh Shandilya: You’ve always gravitated toward complex, often conflicted characters. What was it about Costao that felt new or personally challenging, even after all the multifarious roles you’ve done?

Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Honestly,...

Subhash K Jha turns the spotlight on noted actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for completely transforming into his character in films like New York, Gangs of Wasseypur and so many more in this special focus at his varied and storied career.

There was something extraordinary about Nawazuddin Siddiqui when I saw him for the first time in Kabir Khan’s New York. He played a victim of cultural targeting. In a monologue that rips a hole in your soul, Nawaz’s character comes on camera to tell us what was done to him and his family by the cops on suspicion of terror activities.

Nawaz never gave a better performance.

The voice, the eyes, brimming with unspeakable pain, looked like a video recording of a real-life victim, like a Jew or a Kashmiri Pandit telling us what he has gone through during the holocaust. When I asked Kabir where he had got that documentary footage,...

Nawazuddin Siddiqui In A Still From Photograph(Photo Credit –Prime Video)

In his prolific acting career spanning more than 25 years, the immensely talented Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has delivered many outstanding performances. Some of his notable roles include Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur, The Lunchbox, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Raat Akeli Hai, and a memorable appearance in Kahaani. But one performance delivered by the National Film Award-winning actor might not have gained the recognition it deserved. It is a lesser-known film helmed by Ritesh Batra, the director of the widely acclaimed film The Lunchbox.

If you still haven’t guessed the film’s name, we are talking about the 2019 romantic drama ‘Photograph.’ Read on to know more about the underappreciated film and where you can stream it on Ott.

Photograph – Plot & Cast

Directed by Ritesh Batra, the film’s underlying premise revolves around a Mumbai-based struggling street photographer, Rafi (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui...

Pictured (left to right): Gurinder Chadha OBE and Mukesh Chhabra.

UK Film Conclave 2025, working towards strengthening global cinema ties between UK and India, has unveiled the exciting programme ahead of its return to London on Monday 26th May 2025. Held at the Skyline Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels, the one-day event forms part of India Week by Epg, a broader initiative spotlighting cross-cultural collaboration and economic engagement between Great Britain and India.

The day begins with opening remarks from Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of Epg, setting the stage for a dynamic series of panels, keynote sessions and curated networking opportunities. With an emphasis on filmas a cultural and commercial bridge, this year’s conclave focuses on how global partnerships can

be fostered through storytelling, policy support and strategic investment.

The first panel discussion, India–UK Co-Production Success Stories & The Path Ahead, delves into lessons from existing collaborations and the evolving future of international co-productions.

What Did Harshvardhan Rane Say About Sanam Teri Kasam 2?(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Bollywood star Harshvardhan Rane has made his views clear on the sequel to his blockbuster 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam. The star said he would not work in Sanam Teri Kasam 2 if Mawra Hocane, his co-star in the original film, reprises her role. The move follows a series of controversial statements by Mawra in which she criticized India amid the nation’s ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

Harshvardhan Rane’s Social Media Post In Response To Mawra Hocane

Rane made his position clear through a heartfelt Instagram post: “While I am grateful for the experience, however, as things stand, and after reading the direct comments made about my country, I have made a decision to respectfully decline to be a part of Sanam Teri Kasam part 2 if there is any possibility of the previous cast being repeated.”

The...

Salman Khan Faces Backlash Over Deleted Ceasefire Post(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Salman Khan, who usually keeps a low profile during political or national crises, recently made headlines for a tweet he quickly deleted. The actor had posted a message thanking God for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. But shortly after his post went live, reports surfaced of Pakistan violating the ceasefire with heavy firing and drone attacks across Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Locals in J&k said they heard loud explosions, and drones were reportedly seen near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. As per News 18 reports, within minutes of the fresh attacks, Salman’s tweet was deleted. But the internet had already seen it. Screenshots went viral, and the actor’s name started trending following his actions. Some fans felt he meant well, while others criticized him for being silent during the war and posting only when peace was announced.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Speaks On Bajrangi Bhaijaan Sequel(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Bajrangi Bhaijaan is one of the epic films of Bollywood to come out in the last decade. The heartful performance of Salman Khan combined with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s eternally quirky Chand Nawab render the film an absolute jackpot both critically and commercially.

So, naturally, the excitement reached new heights among fans when the rumor mills started churning chatter about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. But will Nawaz return as the beloved Pakistani reporter? Here’s what the actor has to say!

“Main Pehle Mein Tha, Toh Mujhe Bhi Lo?” Nawazuddin Doesn’t Think So

In an open interview with Hindustan Times, Nawazuddin Siddiqui revealed he has not received any word regarding the sequel. “I don’t have any idea if a sequel is even happening,” he explained.

When asked if he would like to return as Chand Nawab, Nawaz was clear: “It (the...

Was Ananya Panday bullied as a child? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Ananya Panday has been making headlines off late due to her performance in Kesari 2. The actress has garnered immense praise for her work in the movie. While Ananya’s recent works have been well received, the actress had to face major trolling online following her debut in 2019. Although she rose above the online attacks, Ananya once opened up about her real-life experience with bullying.

In a conversation with Barkha Dutt, Ananya revealed how she experienced body-shaming in school. The Kho Gaye Hum Kahan actress said, “When I was in school, social media had just started. I was called all sorts of things, like, hunchback, chicken legs, flat screen. That was in school; we were in our bubble. Now because of social media, the smallest voice can be amplified. It did affect my self-confidence; it still does today. Self-love is a journey,...

What Did Babil Khan’s Family Say About His Viral Video? (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Late actor Irrfan Khan’s son, Babil Khan, recently made the news after a vulnerable clip of him calling out Bollywood and mentioning names of fellow stars, such as Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, and Arjun Kapoor, went viral on Reddit.

The video sparked immediate concerns on social media, with fans worrying about the Logout star’s mental health. However, Babil’s family and team issued an official statement shortly after. “Over the past few years, Babil Khan has earned immense love and appreciation for his work, as well as for his openness about his mental health journey,” the statement began.

“Like anyone else, Babil is allowed to have difficult days — and this was one of them. We want to reassure all his well-wishers that he is safe and will be feeling better soon,...

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Supports Salman Khan Over Sikandar Box Office Failure (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Salman Khan’s latest release, Sikandar, turned out to be a damp squib at the box office. This was Khan’s release after nearly two years. It was expected that Sikandar would roar at the box office on Eid. However, from the first day, negative word-of-mouth worked against the film. The 200-crore budgeted movie has only been able to collect 129.95 crore net at the Indian box office.

Bollywood’s renowned actor, and Salman’s close friend, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, has now spoken up on Sikandar’s failure. According to the ace actor, if a maker is unable to capitalize on Salman’s popularity and stardom, then the responsibility of failure should be on the maker’s shoulders and not on Salman.

During an interview with Lallantop Cinema, the 50-year-old actor said that if the director and writer cannot provide a good script,...

As Bombay Talkies celebrates 12 years since its release, director Dibakar Banerjee speaking with Subhash K Jha, talks about and his part of the incredible anthology, Star, which starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sadashiv Amrapurkaras.

Your segment entitled Star of the omnibus Bombay Talkies is recalled with much fondness.

I absolutely loved working with Nawazuddin, Shubhangi Bhujbal, and all the other amazing Marathi stage and screen actors on this. That little girl must have grown up now! Also, Samreen Farooqi and Shabani Hassanwalia, my co-creators, were the research and ideological force behind the story! I remember the amazing time I had with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia on the music.

What prompted you to tackle this quirky story?

It was based on a Satyajit Ray story. It all started with my hero, Satyajit Ray. It paved the way for two or three more such short films, all lots of fun.

I believe this was Sadashiv Amrapurkar’s last film.

It’s almost a given now, put Nawazuddin Siddiqui in any role, and he’ll turn it into something memorable, and his latest turn as Costao Fernandez is no different. “Costao” is a serious film at heart, but there are these unexpected pockets of humor, mostly when Costao is spending time with his wife and kids. Those scenes feel warm, grounded, and Nawaz adds just the right touch of dry, offbeat humor. These scenes aren’t the highlights of the film, but thanks to their comic timings, they will stick with you.

We’ve seen Nawaz pull this off before, too. Take “Kick” or “Raees,” for example. In the latter, he played a no-nonsense cop, but still managed to deliver hilarious one-liners without breaking the tone of the film. That’s what makes him special. He never lets go of the seriousness of the role, yet finds those small windows...

While the country’s dark underbelly of crimes expand by the day, whose responsibility is it to show the path towards light? Is it only the law enforcement? The answer is larger than that. There are invisible men in the side wings, playing their roles loyally to save the country from corruption, even if it comes at the cost of many sacrifices. Costao—directed by Sejal Shah and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in its titular role of a customs officer in Goa—shows the intrinsic roles that the government servants play to keep the country safe. It is not a made-up tale about a righteous man, but a film inspired by the real-life Costao Fernandez, a customs officer in Goa, who carried out a major raid against a gold smuggling operation and put his personal life at risk to save the country. While he had to face court trials for murder,...

Directed by Sejal Shah, Costao boasts a stellar cast that consists of the fabulous Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the enigmatic Priya Bapat. It’s a simple story about a heroic man who decided to fight against the system and expose the corrupt politician. I personally loved the banter between Costao and his wife; I loved the subtle humor, but I felt that somewhere the writers weren’t able to harness the full potential of a complex character like our protagonist and the dynamic he had with the people around him. That said, let’s find out what happened in the film and if the honest customs officer was able to prove his innocence or not.

Spoiler Alert

Is It Based On A True Story?

The Zee5 film is inspired by the life of Costao Fernandes, the Preventive Officer of the Customs Department from Goa. I wouldn’t deny that had I...

The Bhootnii Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari

Director: Sidhaant Sachdev

The Bhootnii Movie Review(Photo Credit –Facebook)

What’s Good: The occasional one-liner and (occasionally again) Mouni Roy and two supporting actors in parts.

What’s Bad: The rest!

Loo Break: Lots of opportunities

Watch or Not?: Don’t think so

Language: Hindi

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 130 Minutes

User Rating:

A Virgin Tree in Delhi’s St. Vincent College of Arts and Culture is worshipped every Valentine’s Day by those thirsting for true love. On every Holika Dahan Day, a few weeks later, however, a student commits suicide and his soul is “taken away” by a spirit residing there.

The college management is flummoxed, and as their reputation is at stake, they call in a ghostbuster, Baba (Sanjay Dutt), who comes in with his sophisticated gadgetry to decipher the mystery.

For Nawazuddin Siddiqui to be fully convincing as a Goan Catholic customs officer, he needed to first polish up his accent. “Deshing” (for dashing) and “impotent” (for important) just won’t do.

That said (and spoken), Siddiqui’s portrait of an angry government officer who won’t be bribed or silenced has its moments of strong impact, especially when Nawaz lets the simmering emotions of discontent spill over, defining the character more by what he feels rather than what he says.

There is a specially forceful monologue at the graveside where Siddiqui, the actor, lets the characters take over.

Such free flow of emotions is sadly rare and infrequent in this turgid-to-tepid biopic, which ticks all the ‘trite’ boxes but forgets to loosen up a bit. Sejal Shah’s direction is strictly by the numbers. The screenplay is on the hero’s side unconditionally. Costao was wronged. The film is designed to rectify the imbalance.

Costao Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat & Others

Director: Sejal Shah

Costao Movie Review: A ’22 Carat Gold Story’ Ft. Nawazuddin Siddiqui(Photo Credit –Facebook)

What’s Good: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Headlining this film.

What’s Bad: Nothing worthy enough to be pointed out or discussed!

Loo Break: Might take one if you want but totally not needed!

Watch or Not?: Definitely Yes!

Language: Hindi

Available On: Zee 5

Runtime: 2 hour 4 minutes

User Rating:

“24 carat gold duniya ki sabse sundar but useless cheez hoti hai. Itna soft ki bina milawat uski jewelery bhi nahi ban sakti. Some people are that 24 carat gold, value to bahut hai lekin unka kuch nahi ho sakta hai. Kyunki unme koi milavat nahi hai.” Costao Fernandes is that 24-carat Gold, and director Sejal Shah made sure that she turns his life with the perfect blend of elements to deliver a 22-carat Gold story.

Real heroism comes at a devastating cost in Indian film “Costao.”

“The reality is you don’t always win the way you want to win,” director Sejal Shah tells Variety about her true-story drama premiering on ZEE5 Global. The film chronicles Goan customs officer Costao Fernandes, who made history by intercepting a massive gold smuggling operation in the 1990s only to find his life destroyed when he killed a politically-connected perpetrator in self-defense.

Star Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been one of India’s most prolific and most appreciated actors in recent years. His credits include “Manto,” “Raman Raghav,” “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “The Lunchbox,” and series including Netflix’s “Sacred Games” and Prime Video’s “McMafia.” He received an International Emmy nomination for 2020 Netflix film “Serious Men.”

“The journey of Costao is an amazing one. It’s about bravery, honesty, discipline, and suffering,” Siddiqui says. “Whenever I choose a script, I always...

Top IMDb Rated Irrfan Khan Movies Streaming(Photo Credit –Facebook)

On the occasion of Irrfan Khan’s death anniversary, we remember him fondly and give you the top five highest-rated movies starring the phenomenal actor (as per IMDb ratings) and where to watch them on Ott platforms.

Few actors have left as deep and lasting an impact on cinema as Irrfan Khan. With his effortless performances and expressive eyes, he won hearts across the cinematic world. As we celebrate his remarkable legacy on his death anniversary, here’s a look at five of his highest-rated movies to stream on Ott today. Each film is a testament to Irrfan’s rare ability to make every role unforgettable.

We have collated a list of the brilliant actor’s top five highest-rated movies as per their IMDb scores, and where you can watch these films on streaming platforms. We have considered only those...

Asterix Obelix Animated Adventure(Photo Credit –Netflix/Sony Liv)

As always, Netflix takes the lead this week with three new additions, an animated series, a drama about couples on vacation, and a gripping crime thriller. Meanwhile, Prime Video rolls out the sequel to a popular black comedy film, and Sony Liv brings a fresh Mollywood comedy to its lineup. There’s plenty more to explore, so scroll down to discover all the new titles, along with their trailers and plot synopsis

Netflix

Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight (French) (Animated)

Release Date: 30 April, 2025

The beloved comic book duo Astérix and Obélix have seen several animated adaptations over the years. In their latest adventure, they are facing off against the Romans.

The Four Seasons (English)

Release Date: 01 May, 2025

The Four Seasons is a series based on the 1981 film of the same title. It follows a group of couples, longtime friends, who take annual vacations together,...

Gangs Of Wasseypur 3: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Has A Point To Refuse The Threequel & It Is So Good! ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been missing from the news for a long time. The actor will next be seen in Costao, a film arriving on Zee 5. During the promotions of the film the actor, recently, talked about his first big and iconic character Faizal Khan from Gow, directed by Anurag Kashyap.

The film was released in two parts, and there have been speculations about the third part for a long. But if the third part happens, will Nawazuddin jump into the universe and take it forward?

Well, “Anurag won’t make it. Neither will I act in it,” said Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a recent interview with Mid-Day when asked about Gangs Of Wasseypur 3. He further said, “I get such offers so much. People even tell me, ‘Let’s take your character,...

Stories of ordinary individuals standing tall against corrupt systems, criminal networks, and oppressive powers have long resonated with audiences. With Costao premiering on ZEE5 Global on May 1, the platform once again brings to life a compelling tale of courage and conviction, where one man dares to defy impossible odds.

Inspired by true events, Costao stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a fearless customs officer who challenges a sprawling empire of smuggling and corruption. This gripping film joins a rich legacy of Indian cinema where singular, unbreakable protagonists fight against the tide. Here’s a look at Costao and other iconic Bollywood and Ott films that spotlight one man’s fight against all odds.

1. Costao (2025)

Platform: ZEE5 Global | Premiere Date: May 1, 2025

Set in the turbulent world of 1990s Goa, Costao is inspired by the real-life story of a heroic customs officer who stood alone against a corrupt empire built on crime and smuggling.

Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman Early Career Days(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Every actor has a different story. Some become popular overnight, but some have endured years of struggle to make a mark in the film industry. In the Indian context, for instance, Hrithik Roshan became an instant Bollywood heartthrob after the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. On the other hand, Nawazuddin Siddiqui struggled for so many years to gain the popularity that he has today. We can call it fate, destiny, or whatever we want, but it’s true.

The Hollywood Actor Who Became a Star At Age 50

Even in Hollywood, a veteran, Oscar-winning actor got his big break as an actor only when he turned fifty years old. We are talking about none other than Morgan Freeman. Whenever we come across his name, we imagine films like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Seven’, and ‘Unforgiven’. But these films came much later in his career.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Top 5 Highest-Rated Movies ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Manoj Bajpayee’s reputation as an actor in the film industry is synonymous with intensity, brilliance, and versatility. From playing a variety of roles, from an honest cop in Shool, to a dreaded gangster in Satya, and a helpless father in Joram, he nailed them all.

On his 56th birthday today, we have collated a list of the National Award-winning actor’s top five highest-rated movies as per their IMDb scores, and where you can watch these films on Ott platforms. We have considered only those feature films in which Manoj Bajpayee played the lead role or at least had a significant role, and that are available on various Ott/online platforms.

1. Satya Year of release – 1998 Streaming Platform – SonyLIV IMDb Rating – 8.3/10

The cult gangster thriller follows the titular protagonist Satya (J.D. Chakravarthi), who becomes friends with a dreaded gangster Bhiku Mhatre...

Global, April 21, 2025: ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, unveils the trailer of the much-awaited and anticipated film – ‘Costao’. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s Goa, Costao tells the gripping story of a fearless customs officer who dared to defy an empire built on smuggling, corruption, and fear.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a powerhouse performance as Costao Fernandes — a sharp, unconventional enforcer whose bold tactics and unrelenting pursuit for justice puts him at odds with both the criminal underworld and the very system he serves. Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, the movie also stars – Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar & Hussain Dalal. Premiering on May 1, Costao is a story about courage, sacrifice, and the brutal price of standing against the face of a corrupt empire.

Trailer Link:

Set in a world steeped in corruption and ruled by crime, as revealed in the trailer,...

Suswagatam Khushaamadeed Teaser Review: Not Sure What Is It Endorsing! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

There have been tons of films on cross-culture. Some sailed, and some tanked. In fact, it seems like Fawad Khan’s upcoming film Abeer Gulaal might also be on the same touchy topic – two cultures or else, let us be specific – a Hindu and a Muslim falling in love. And if the two are in a foreign land, it would be precisely an Indian Hindu and a Pakistani Muslim. Suswagatam Khushaamadeed also seems to explore intercultural love!

Propaganda people also call it Love Jihad, where a Muslim man tries to convert a Hindu girl. But in this teaser, clearly, Pulkit Samrat is doing the reverse of the process, trying to ask his girlfriend Noor not to do the Aadaab and is teaching her Namaste instead.

In the teaser of this unnecessarily long spelling film, Suswagatam Khushaamadeed, Pulkit...

Ground Zero Teaser 2 Review: Will It Assure A Big Box Office Opening? (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Emraan Hashmi’s Ground Zero is all set to arrive in theaters on April 26, and the trailer of the film was received well. The best part of all the teases and promos from the film has been the actor looking the part and not playing a chest-thumping hero chanting some jingoistic slogans.

Now, four days before the film arrives in the theaters, Excel Entertainment has dropped another promo of the film, and despite being a very linear setup, the teaser, trailer, and promo of the film have managed to hold attention with its honesty!

Based on a real-life incident, Emraan Hashmi plays Bsf Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar in Ground Zero. The newly released one-minute promo yet again promises a good film, but without any propaganda! The teaser starts with Hasmi speculating on ‘Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai,...

Saunkan Saunkanay 2 Teaser Review: Already Vibing To ‘Doob Mar, Tu Mar!'(Photo Credit –YouTube)

Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, and Nimrat Khaira have reunited for the Punjabi film Saunkan Saunkanay 2, and the teaser is promising yet another laughter riot! The teaser offers a quick glimpse of the chaos that is about to arrive with Ammy and his two wives.

The teaser establishes the primary premise of the two wives and their shared husband traveling their unconventional relationships, and this sequel might leave fans equally content!

However, the Saunkan Saunkanay 2 teaser hints at rebranding the success of part 1 with the same light-hearted, domestic squabble-based comedy that worked well in Saunkan Saunkne.

Trending Kull Teaser Review: Nimrat Kaur, Ridhi Dogra & Amol Parashar Are Not Impressing With Another ‘Paise Aur Power Ki Ladai!’

Costao Trailer Review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui As A No-Nonsense Customs Officer Is A Nightmare For His Rivals While Unraveling A Murky Smuggling Fiasco!

Costao Trailer Review(Photo Credit –Facebook)

The makers of the Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer ZEE5 film Costao unveiled the trailer of the movie. The gritty crime thriller has Siddiqui playing a no-nonsense customs officer named Costao Fernandes who is on a deadly mission to unravel a gold smuggling case. However, he soon faces several obstacles in the way but nothing big enough to shake his determination.

Costao Trailer Review

The Costao trailer begins with the introduction of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, Costao Fernandes. He is a former naval officer-turned customs official. We are hinted that he has not attained a great success or value in life because he chose to abide by his rightful principles rather than to fall prey to corrupted methods.

However, his life turns upside down when he discovers a huge gold smuggling case which also involves a corrupt official played by Kishore Kumar Huli. Despite knowing the...

Gangs Of Wasseypur Cast Reunion ( Photo Credit – Instagram Story )

Gangs of Wasseypur remains one of the most iconic crime thrillers in Indian cinema, still loved by audiences for its gripping storyline and stellar performances. The legendary cast, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Faizal Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat as Shahid Khan, and Manoj Bajpayee as Sardar Khan, brought unforgettable intensity to the film. Recently, Jaideep Ahlawat shared a picture of his reunion with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Manoj Bajpayee, sparking excitement among fans.

The recent reunion picture has fueled speculations about a potential collaboration. Fans are now wondering if this could hint at another installment of the iconic film. While there has been no official confirmation, the possibility of the Og cast returning has sparked excitement. Given the film’s lasting impact, a sequel or spin-off featuring the trio would be highly anticipated. For now, the nostalgic reunion is enough to keep fans thrilled!

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Dope Thief is a crime drama series created by Peter Craig. Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Dennis Tafoya, the Apple TV+ series is set in Philadelphia, and it follows two best friends who pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers’ houses. Still, when they accidentally rob someone extremely dangerous, their and their family’s lives are put in danger. Dope Thief stars Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Amir Arison, Nesta Cooper, Kate Mulgrew, and Ving Rhames. So, if you loved the intense story, thrilling drama, and compelling characters in Dope Thief, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Banshee (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Cinemax

Banshee is an action crime thriller drama series created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler. The Cinemax series is set in the...

Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui proud of his Indianized look?(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his powerful performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, and Manto, has cemented his place as one of India’s finest actors. Despite his remarkable talent, Siddiqui has often faced bias over his appearance. Throughout his career, he has spoken candidly about the prejudices he endured in the film industry, including being told he did not “look like an actor.”

At the Cinevesture International Film Festival, Siddiqui shared his frustration with being labeled “unconventional” because of his ordinary appearance. He humorously countered the claim by stating that he represents the look of Crores of Indians, while actors like Hrithik Roshan are the real “unconventional” ones. The actor, who enjoys blending into the crowd, also revealed how he was once stopped by a security guard from entering the set of his own film,...

Kapil Sharma went full-throttle to prepare for his part as a delivery in Bhubaneswar in Nandita Das’s elegiacal Zwigato which clocks two years this week.

Apparently, Nandita initially wanted Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the lead.

Kapil admits this to be true. “I’ve also been told that Nawaz Bhai was Nandita Ma’am’s first choice. They had worked together in both her earlier directorials Firaaq and Manto. But this time, Nawaaz bhai had some date issues. I am glad. Otherwise, I’d have missed the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Kapil feels he is the right choice for Zwigato. ” If Nawaz Bhai was in the film, there would be no surprise. He is expected to be convincing in any role, whereas my playing a delivery boy was seen to be shocking, although, for me, the role is not alien at all. I’ve been through the worst phases, and...

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Amar Shaheed Mangal Pandey Excellence award 2025 was organized at Citizen Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai. On this occasion, Sanjay Bhushan Patiala, a well-known film publicist of Hindi and Bhojpuri films, was honored with ‘Amar Shaheed Mangal Pandey Excellence award’ for his remarkable work as a film publicist in the field of cinema.

Earlier, Sanjay Bhushan Patiala has received more than 200 awards for Best Pro so far. These include many awards like Green Cinema Award, Bhojpuri Cinema Screen & Stage Awards, Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award, Sabrang Award and BIFA.

Born on 16 August 1990 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay Bhushan Patiala has been active in the film industry for the last 18 years. Sanjay Bhushan Patiala has so far done the publicity of more than 1000 films including Hindi, Bhojpuri, South and other languages. Apart from this, he is also the personal Pro of many big stars of Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema.