Vishal Jethwa talks about Homebound winning second runner-up at TIFF : “The film is not just acknowledged, but rewarded”

https://ift.tt/VczNiCd

Actor Vishal Jethwa recently shared his thoughts on the international recognition of Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Jethwa himself. The film began its journey at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and went on to screen at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Most recently, it was awarded the second runner-up prize in the popular film category at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Reflecting on the achievement, Vishal said, “It feels great that the film is not just being acknowledged but also rewarded for the hard work we’ve all put in. First Melbourne, and now Toronto—receiving an award along with recognition feels like a bonus.”

The actor described the journey as "surreal," especially after the overwhelming response at Cannes. “We received a nine-minute standing ovation there, but we didn’t know what to expect elsewhere. TIFF, however, was a completely unique experience. People connected with the film in their own way. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” he shared. Talking more about the TIFF reception, Vishal added, “We got a standing ovation there as well. People were emotional, but also incredibly energetic. What made it even more special was that many people in the audience already knew our work. Even though it was a foreign country, it felt like we were watching the film with our own community.”

With Homebound set to release in Indian theatres on September 26, Vishal said the team is both excited and nervous. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. We’ve all had our share of nerves, but after the international response, my confidence has grown. Even after Cannes, I received calls from top Indian critics, and the way they spoke made it clear that people here are genuinely looking forward to the film. Once the release date was announced, the response on social media was amazing.”

Vishal also shared how the film has impacted him personally. “I’ve been working for years but never had the chance to travel abroad. Thanks to this film, I’ve visited five countries in just one year. Homebound has brought so much good fortune into my life.”

Also Read: Homebound gets release date: Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor starrer to arrive in theatres on September 26, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Benicio Del Toro on why he said “Yes” to Paul Thomas Anderson without reading the script of One Battle After Another

https://ift.tt/PZWxTHi

When Paul Thomas Anderson calls, you don’t ask questions—you just show up. That’s exactly how Benicio Del Toro describes his decision to join the director’s latest film, One Battle After Another. “Three letters. P T A,” Del Toro said in an exclusive conversation. “When Paul Thomas Anderson calls and says, ‘I got a script, and I got a part that I want you to play.’ Before I read it, I was in. Simple as that.”

Del Toro takes on the role of Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a karate instructor whose life becomes entangled with that of Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a desperate father searching for his missing daughter, Willa. For Del Toro, the role offered the chance to play a character with both grit and grace.

“Sensei is a karate instructor of Willa, who is the daughter of Bob,” he explained. “And when the shit hits the fan and Willa disappears, Leo’s character comes to get help from Sensei to try and help him find her. Basically, Sensei helps Bob to get from point A to point C in his journey to reunite with his daughter. Sensei provides protection and transportation for Bob while at the same time juggling with his own situation. Allowing Bob and us to peep into Sensei’s world. One could say that for a moment, Sensei becomes Bob’s guardian angel. He sacrifices himself to allow Bob to continue his journey to find his daughter.”

Del Toro hinted that Sensei’s role in the narrative carries an almost spiritual weight, balancing between guide and protector. It’s a turn that’s bound to resonate with audiences, particularly because it shows the layers beneath the action-thriller surface.

For Del Toro, saying yes to Anderson wasn’t just about reuniting with an old friend in cinema but about joining a project that combines action, emotion, and moral complexity. “Sometimes a role isn’t just about fighting or surviving—it’s about what you’re willing to give up so someone else can,” Del Toro said. “That’s where the heart of Sensei lies.”

One Battle After Another releases on September 26, 2025.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Benicio Del Toro on teaming up with Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another; says, “If Hollywood was a university, we’re from the same class”

Malaika Arora gets candid on being trolled for clothes, career and relationships; says, “I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free”

https://ift.tt/VnPQDdq

Bollywood actor, model, and fitness icon Malaika Arora has opened up about the many judgments she has faced throughout her life for her work, her appearance, and her personal life. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, she revealed how labels like “too bold” or “too outspoken” followed her career until she decided to refuse to live by others’ expectations.

Malaika said, “It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be. I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships you name it. But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.”

She described how, for years, societal norms attempted to confine her from what she wore to who she associated with. But now, she claims, she wears those criticisms “like a crown.” As she puts it: “I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now. If I’m “too much” for someone, they’re probably not enough for me.”

Malaika has translated her journey into her professional work as well. In her latest campaign with cosmetics brand HYUE, titled Own It, she said, “Whether in fashion, fitness, or just the choices I’ve made, I’ve never followed a formula. I’ve always believed that real confidence comes when you stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”

She added, “It (the association) felt like they were telling my story through beauty. I’ve had to fight labels, opinions, and expectations all my life. So Own It isn’t just a tagline to me – it’s my lived reality.”

Yet, despite her public confidence, she admits she also faces periods of uncertainty. “Self-doubt is human—it never really disappears. There are days when I question myself, just like anyone else. But over the years, I’ve learned to meet those moments with kindness rather than criticism,” Malaika confesses. And she added, “Confidence, for me, isn’t about never doubting—it’s about moving forward with grace despite it.”

Also Read : Abhinav Kashyap reveals clash between Malaika Arora and Salman Khan over ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ costumes: “They want their women covered up”

Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam’s courtroom drama HAQ set for November 7 release: Report

https://ift.tt/3aAnLuR

Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are teaming up for the first time in director Suparn Varma’s upcoming film HAQ, a hard-hitting courtroom drama inspired by one of the most debated cases in India’s legal history.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the film takes inspiration from the landmark Supreme Court judgement in the Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case, which triggered nationwide conversations on personal laws and women’s rights. Produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, the project is said to delve into themes that promise to stir strong public discourse.

A source quoted in the report revealed, “HAQ has been produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios. It is inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgement of Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan – a case that shook the nation. The exact details have been kept under wraps, but the controversial theme and the courtroom proceedings have the potential to stir a public discourse.”

The film’s teaser, which has already been locked, is expected to be unveiled soon. “The teaser of HAQ is locked and the ones who have seen it can’t stop raving about the content. The teaser will also officially confirm the release date,” an insider said.

As per the report, the makers are eyeing a theatrical release on November 7, 2025.

Yami Gautam, who has recently delivered impactful performances in Article 370 and OMG 2, continues her streak of diverse collaborations, this time sharing screen space with Emraan Hashmi. For Hashmi, HAQ marks another addition to his slate of intense and socially relevant dramas.

Also Read: Awarapan 2: Disha Patani signed opposite Emraan Hashmi in the sequel to cult love story set in gangster world

Aarav Kumar turns 23: Akshay Kumar calls himself “a proud sidekick,” Twinkle Khanna shares touching analogy

https://ift.tt/gGfixaq

September 15 marked a special day for Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna as their son, Aarav, celebrated his 23rd birthday. Both parents took to social media to share heartfelt notes, accompanied by the same candid picture of Akshay with Aarav.

Akshay, in his trademark humorous yet emotional style, wrote, “Happy 23rd, Aarav! When I was twenty three I was learning to beat up people on screen… it’s a strange feeling now to see you beat me everyday right from tech to fashion to arguments on the dinner table. Dekhte hi dekhte itna bada ho gaya hai yaar tu… you make me feel like a proud sidekick in my own story / Love you beta. Cheers to the best 23 years of my life because they’ve been with you.”

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Jolly Mishra - Asli Jolly from Kanpur (@akshaykumar)

Twinkle Khanna, known for her wit and writing flair, chose a reflective tone. She posted, “And he turns 23 / Though I have an undeniable compulsion to hold on to him, it would be wise to remember that children are like the air stored in our lungs, in our custody for just a moment before the next exhalation. This may not be an entirely correct analogy because unlike breaths we can’t keep popping babies in and out constantly, but you get the point right :) Here’s to the birthday boy. May he continue filling the world with his innate kindness.”

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

The posts instantly struck a chord with fans, who filled the comments section with warm wishes for Aarav. Many admired the heartfelt words, while others praised the bond the family shares.

The birthday celebrations came the same day Twinkle Khanna unveiled the trailer of her upcoming celebrity chat show, Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, which will stream on Prime Video. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar is busy on the professional front, promoting Jolly LLB 3. He recently wrapped the outdoor schedule of Haiwaan, his next collaboration with Priyadarshan, co-starring Saif Ali Khan.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar brings luxe fashion to Bigg Boss 19 in Rs 1.1 lakh velvet statement piece

Rahul Bhat on 6 years of Section 375, “Even today, people come up to me and say the film made them think, argue, even fight about right and wrong”

https://ift.tt/6jguKJt

Filmmaker Ajay Bahl’s Section 375 recently completed six years. The film starred Rahul Bhat in the role of a filmmaker accused of a sexual crime. On the film’s anniversary, he got talking to us about his experience of doing the film in an interview.

Ajay Bahl’s rare film on the MenToo movement in which you played a victim of a false sex offence case, is now 6

It’s hard to believe Section 375 completes six years. That film changed me, it made me dig deep into a very layered character and confront difficult truths about consent and power. Even today, people come up to me and say the film made them think, argue, even fight about right and wrong. That’s exactly what we wanted to do - start a conversation.

It is hard to believe the film actually got made

I will always be grateful to producer Kumar Mangat and director Ajay Bahl and the team for trusting me with such a bold story. For me, Section 375 wasn’t just a role, it was a responsibility, and I’m proud it continues to stay relevant.

Do you feel the MenToo movement got smothered by the MeToo movement?

I do feel that the #MenToo conversation never got the space it deserved. The moment anyone spoke about false accusations or misuse of laws, it was seen as undermining the larger cause of women’s safety, which was never the intention. For me, #MenToo was never about discrediting genuine survivors of assault. It was about acknowledging that justice should be fair to everyone, regardless of gender. There are real victims on both sides, women who face harassment, and men whose lives are destroyed by false accusations. Section 375 tried to show exactly that that the law can be misused, and that we must talk about both justice for survivors and safeguards for the innocent.

Where would you place Section 375 among your films?

If I had to place Section 375 in my career, I’d put it somewhere in the top. Rohan Khurana made me fearless. It taught me to embrace the grey and never shy away from uncomfortable stories.

Why are more such films not made?

Because we’re scared, scared of offending, scared of backlash, scared of losing box office numbers. Films like Section 375 are rare because they make people uncomfortable, and discomfort isn’t always good for business. But that’s exactly why such films matter. Cinema’s job, at its best, is to hold up a mirror and make us reflect. Good cinema should do more than just entertain; it should make us think. Section 375 proved that audiences are ready for uncomfortable truths. It’s the film industry that needs to catch up.

Also Read: Rahul Bhat hosts lavish Kashmiri dinner for The Wives team; director Madhur Bhandarkar attends

Trinamool ex MP Mimi Chakraborty, Urvashi Rautela summoned by ED in 1xbet betting app investigation

https://ift.tt/MFy1gGt

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summonses to former Trinamool MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty and Urvashi Rautela in connection with its investigation into the alleged illegal operations of the online betting platform 1xBet, as per a report by NDTV.

Chakraborty has been asked to appear at the ED’s Delhi headquarters on Monday, while Rautela is to report a day later on Tuesday.

This development forms part of an ongoing probe into several betting apps accused of defrauding large numbers of people and investors of crores of rupees, and allegedly evading substantial taxes.

Specifically, Chakraborty is expected to be questioned about her alleged connections with 1xBet, which is under scrutiny for possible money laundering and tax evasion. ED investigators have already questioned several actors and cricketers in relation to the case, including cricketer Suresh Raina.

Meanwhile, government sources say the market for real money online gaming and betting has been subject to increasing regulatory pressure. The Union government has recently introduced legislation banning such gaming, while it disclosed to Parliament that between 2022 and June 2025, it issued 1,524 orders to block online gambling and betting platforms.

Analysts estimate there are about 22 crores Indian users of various online betting apps, of which roughly half 11 crores are regular users. They say the sector is valued at over USD 100 billion, growing at a rate of about 30% annually.

Also Read : Urvashi Rautela claims her Dior baggage was stolen at Gatwick Airport after flying Emirates; seeks urgent help online