After a long break from the Cannes spotlight, Angelina Jolie stepped back onto the red carpet, quietly commanding attention without theatrics. It’s been nearly 14 years since she last appeared at the French film festival, but her recent appearance shows she never really left the scene, she just chose when to re-enter it.
At the premiere of Ari Aster’s Eddington during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Jolie arrived in a strapless white and silver gown designed by Brunello Cucinelli, a label she often turns to for its classy, minimalist elegance. The look was elevated with diamond accessories from Chopard, adding just enough sparkle without overwhelming her understated style.
Jolie keeps it classic in Brunello Cucinelli with Chopard diamonds for Eddington premiereGetty Images
The nude-toned dress was detailed with subtle embroidery and featured a structured A-line silhouette. Its fitted bustier, square neckline, and flowing hem were all about clean lines and classic femininity: nothing flashy, just well-crafted. Her choice of accessories followed the same theme: a pear-shaped diamond pendant, teardrop earrings, and a striking ring.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, parted to the side, and her makeup was balanced with wine-toned nails, muted smoky eyes, a soft pink lip, and feathered brows that framed her face.
The actress makes a graceful return to Cannes after 14 years awayGetty Images
Jolie took on the role of Trophée Chopard godmother this year, an honour that involves presenting an award to two emerging talents in cinema: Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett. The award celebrates the future of film, and Jolie’s presence felt fitting. Over the years, stars like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Charlize Theron have taken on this role, and Jolie now joins that distinguished list.
For the Trophée Chopard dinner, Jolie wore a simple one-sleeved gown with a slit, paired with ankle-strap heels and silver earrings. She kept her makeup light and her hair down, opting for ease over excess.
Angelina Jolie interacting with fans Getty Images
Though she’s been away from the Cannes red carpet, Jolie hasn’t been out of sight. Her recent film Maria, based on opera legend Maria Callas, kept her on the awards circuit earlier this year. She also made headlines as a producer of the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which went on to win big at the 2024 Tony Awards.
Jolie keeps her style effortless for Cannes 2025Getty Images
Angelina Jolie’s Cannes appearance was a glorious comeback. But more than that, it was a quiet reminder of who she is: a woman of style, substance, and selective presence.
Ananya Panday is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s also tired of being stuck under a microscope. In a recent chat with Lilly Singh on her podcast Shame Less, the actor spoke honestly about the constant criticism of her body and the double standards women face in the film industry.
Ananya recalled the early days of her career when, at 18, she was mocked for being too thin. Terms like “chicken legs” and “matchstick” were thrown at her regularly. “They said I had no boobs, no butt, like a flat-screen,” she shared. Fast forward a few years, and as her body naturally changed, new rumours popped up, but this time accusing her of undergoing cosmetic surgery. “Now they say I’ve had my butt done. You can never win,” she said.
What hits harder for Ananya is that this scrutiny often comes from other women. “The harshest comments I get are from women. I rarely see this happening to male actors,” she said, pointing out the gender gap in how public figures are judged.
But Ananya doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility either. She admitted that Bollywood films, including some of her own, have pushed unrealistic beauty ideals. “We’ve shown women waking up with perfect hair and makeup. That’s not real life. I’ve been part of that narrative, and I’m trying to be more aware of it now,” she said. Off camera, she tries to keep things real, reminding her followers that what they see on screen isn’t always the truth.
This honesty is, in fact, a shift in Ananya’s journey, from someone who once felt pressured to fit in, to an actor willing to question the norms she’s grown up with. Her recent work also reflects that change. From light-hearted romances to more grounded roles like her turn as a lawyer in Kesari: Chapter 2, Ananya is clearly making deliberate choices.
Women in the public eye are constantly judged, but it’s time to break that cycle. “If I talk about it, maybe one other girl will feel less alone,” she said. That, perhaps, is the quiet power behind her loudest statement yet.
The buzz around King, Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action-thriller, just got bigger. Rani Mukerji is officially part of the film, stepping in for a role that’s brief but deeply important. Shooting begins on 20 May in Mumbai, with an international schedule to follow.
King is being helmed by Siddharth Anand, the director behind Pathaan and War. This film will not only mark SRK’s return to a high-action role, where he plays an assassin, but also introduces his daughter, Suhana Khan, to the big screen. The cast includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma, making it one of the biggest star-studded projects in recent memory.
The iconic duo returns to the screen after more than a decadeGetty Images
Rani Mukerji joins the cast in a special cameo as Suhana Khan’s mother. While she’s expected to shoot for just five days, her role is far from minor. Insiders say her character is central to the story’s emotional arc and serves as a turning point in the larger action narrative.
This is also Rani and Shah Rukh’s reunion after more than a decade. The two have a long list of hits together, from the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and their on-screen chemistry is considered the gold standard. Their scenes in King are expected to tap into that nostalgia while adding a fresh layer to the story.
Sources say it didn’t take long for Rani to say yes. The part, though short, left a strong impression on her. “She heard the story and agreed instantly. It’s a powerful role that holds the emotional thread of the film,” one source shared.
Rani Mukerji will join Shah Rukh Khan for the much-awaited KingGetty Images
Interestingly, earlier buzz suggested that Deepika Padukone might play Suhana’s mother in the film, but the final decision went to Rani. This change seems to have added an extra edge to the film’s casting.
Currently in pre-production, King is aiming for a release sometime between October and December 2026. With a cast this strong and a fresh mix of family, action, and suspense, the film is shaping up to be a major event not just for Shah Rukh fans, but for Bollywood itself.
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Vijay Deverakonda prepares for a powerful transformation in Kingdom
With Kingdom set to release on 4 July, anticipation is soaring as fans gear up to witness Vijay Deverakonda in a never-seen-before action avatar. Gone are the days of brooding romance, this time the young heartthrob steps into the shoes of a fierce warrior navigating a war-torn world, blending raw emotion with brute strength. The audience is bracing for high-intensity combat, epic battle sequences, and a performance that redefines Vijay as a full-blown action star. Kingdom isn’t just a film, it’s a bold new chapter in his cinematic journey. Ahead of the release of the much-anticipated film, here are five reasons why Vijay Deverakonda is the ultimate action hero we’ve been waiting for.
Vijay Deverakonda steps away from romance and into full throttle action
1. From romantic rebel to battle-hardened hero
Fan-favourite performances in Arjun Reddy (2017) and Dear Comrade (2019) showcased Vijay’s raw vulnerability and brooding intensity. However, over the past few years, he’s been quietly honing stunt skills and fight choreography, preparing for a seismic shift into high-octane storytelling.
2. Sculpted physique & rigorous training
Under the guidance of top trainers, Vijay has added lean muscle and explosive agility, perfect for hand-to-hand combat sequences. Reports confirm he’s performed many of his own stunts, training in mixed martial arts, parkour, and weapon handling to bring authenticity to every punch and leap.
The actor showcases raw intensity in a war torn cinematic world
3. Kingdom: the 4 July game-changer
Set in a fictional kingdom besieged by rival factions, the film follows Vijay’s character, a battle-scarred warrior fighting for survival and justice. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom promises jaw-dropping set pieces, large-scale warscapes, and a hero who bleeds for his cause. This isn’t just another star vehicle, it’s Vijay’s statement that he’s ready to headline blockbuster action franchises.
4. A line-up of high-voltage projects
Deverakonda’s tentatively titled SVC59 is rumoured to blend espionage thrills with high-speed chases, with Vijay playing an undercover agent tasked with stopping a global cyber-threat. On the other hand, his VD14 is tipped as a gritty, street-level thriller; this film explores the underbelly of organised crime in South India, Vijay as a lone wolf vigilante.
Fans await Vijay Deverakonda’s next chapter as an action hero
Industry insiders say Vijay is mapping out a five-film arc that transitions him fully into action-hero territory, complete with recurring characters and interconnected storylines.
5. Beyond the screen: the man behind the muscles
Born 9 May 1989, in Hyderabad, Vijay made his feature debut in the rom-com Nuvvila (2011) before rising to pan-Indian fame. Apart from being a successful actor, he is also a philanthropist who launched The Deverakonda Foundation, a non-profit organisation, in April 2019.
Vijay Deverakonda is ready to take 2025 by storm with bold new roles
He has multiple Filmfare South Awards, including Best Actor for Arjun Reddy, plus Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list inclusion in 2023, where he was estimated to have earned around £740,000 (₹7.75 crore).
Whether you first fell for him as the tortured lover or admired his off-screen generosity, 2025 is the year Vijay Deverakonda cements himself as the action superstar we’ve all been waiting for. Buckle up because the ride’s about to get explosive!
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Karan Johar says talent matters more than background while defending Alia Bhatt
Karan Johar has never shied away from speaking up for people he cares about. And when it comes to Alia Bhatt, his response to the constant “nepo kid” jibes is simple: enough already!
In a recent interview, the filmmaker did not mince words when addressing the criticism Alia continues to face because of her family background. "Watch Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi, Gangubai,” he said. “If you still think she hasn’t earned her place, then that’s just ignorant."
Karan Johar says he is proud of Alia Bhatt and questions nepotism double standardsGetty Images
Alia made her debut in Johar’s Student of the Year back in 2012. Since then, she’s starred in a wide range of roles, often earning praise from critics and audiences alike. But for some, the tag of ‘nepotism’ has stuck, and that is something Karan finds deeply frustrating.
He’s aware of the reputation his production house, Dharma, has when it comes to launching star kids. His latest project Nadaaniyan, which featured Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim and Sridevi’s daughter Khushi Kapoor, was met with harsh reviews. Karan thinks the backlash was less about the film and more about who was in it. “It’s become trendy to hate films that have star kids in them. People know they’ll get attention for it,” he said.
Karan Johar breaks silence on Alia Bhatt nepotism debate and calls out criticsGetty Images
Karan also pointed out that his company has backed several projects with newcomers and talent from outside the industry, like filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. But these efforts are often ignored. “People don’t see the full picture,” he said. “They just want to pile on.”
The criticism stings even more when it involves Alia. Karan has openly called her the first person he’s ever felt protective of, like a daughter. He’s not interested in pretending otherwise. “Why should I tone it down for the sake of appearances?” he asked. “I love her, and I’m proud of her work.”
Karan Johar calls Alia Bhatt the first person he’s ever felt protective ofGetty Images
He’s aware that his name often comes up in debates about nepotism, sometimes even on podcasts by people he’s never met. “It’s bizarre,” he said. “Random people talking about me like they know me. I’m fine being the villain if that’s what it takes, but let’s at least talk with some honesty.”
For Karan, the problem isn’t people raising questions. It’s the refusal to accept talent when it’s clearly visible.
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Nitanshi Goel makes confident Cannes 2025 debut in black and gold gown combining classic style with today’s fashion
Seventeen-year-old Nitanshi Goel, best known as Phool Kumari from Laapataa Ladies, made a powerful first impression on the global stage at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. On Day 3 of the event, she confidently walked the red carpet wearing a striking black-and-gold gown, custom-designed by Jade by Monica and Karishma.
The gown, built on sheer black tulle, was detailed with Kasab embroidery and fine macramé, reflecting traditional Indian techniques. The silhouette was daring, with a sculpted hip design that echoed 18th-century European art but was reimagined with a modern edge. The structured bodice and long train gave the look both drama and grace. Nitanshi kept her styling simple with her hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, subtle makeup, and minimalist jewellery from CaratLane, letting the outfit speak for itself.
Nitanshi Goel stuns on Cannes 2025 red carpet in black and gold gown blending classic and modern style Instagram/nitanshigoelofficial
What stood out beyond the glamour was her intention. Her stylist duo, Shrey Vaishnav and Urja Amin, helped create a look that represented strength without overpowering her youth. Designer Monica Shah described the concept as "spring florals under moonlight," capturing both softness and sparkle. The result was a mix of tradition, youth, and quiet power.
Nitanshi Goel makes a stylish Cannes 2025 debut wearing a black and gold gown with modern flairInstagram/nitanshigoelofficial
Nitanshi’s presence at Cannes wasn’t limited to the red carpet. For the India Pavilion inauguration, she paid tribute to legendary Bollywood actresses with a thoughtful nod to history. Wearing a pre-draped ivory sari, she styled her hair with pearl strands featuring miniature portraits of icons like Madhubala, Rekha, and Sridevi as a touching homage to the women who paved the way.
Speaking about her Cannes debut, Nitanshi said, “I came into this industry with dreams. From Laapataa Ladies to Cannes, this is my way of showing that young Indian girls with big dreams can make it. I hope to be the voice for every girl who wants to take charge of her life and career.”
Nitanshi Goel makes confident Cannes 2025 debut in black and gold gown that blends old and new stylesInstagram/nitanshigoelofficial
While veterans like Anupam Kher and honourees such as Jacqueline Fernandez also made headlines on Day 3, Nitanshi stood out by being fresh, fearless, and focused. Her appearance wasn’t just about a gown or a photoshoot, but about showing the world a new face of Indian cinema: young, ambitious, and ready for the world!