'Didn't understand why that happened': Ana de Armas confused by 'Blonde' NC-17 Rating
According to Fox News, usually, a movie receives an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America when it has gratuitous violence, obscene sex and/or nudity, and/or coarse language.
Hollywood diva Ana de Armas is perplexed by the NC-17 rating assigned to her next Netflix film, "Blonde," which is based on the life of Marylin Monroe.
According to Fox News, usually, a movie receives an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America when it has gratuitous violence, obscene sex and/or nudity, and/or coarse language. An adult must accompany minors to view movies with an R rating in cinemas, but they are not permitted to see NC-17-rated films. This is why an NC-17 rating is distinct from an R rating.
The Cuban actress claims she has seen films with considerably more explicit content and doesn't understand why "Blonde" received such a high rating.
"I didn't understand why that happened," she said in her L'Officiel cover story. "I can tell you a number of shows or movies that are way more explicit with a lot more sexual content than 'Blonde.'"
She acknowledges that there are some sexual sequences in the film, but she believes they are vital to the narrative they were attempting to portray. "To tell this story it is important to show all these moments in Marilyn's life that made her end up the way that she did. It needed to be explained," she said. "Everyone [in the cast] knew we had to go to uncomfortable places. I wasn't the only one."
De Armas made her film debut in "Knives Out," playing the lead character "Blonde." When her hiring was revealed, Monroe supporters criticised the studio's choice to hire her since she had a Cuban accent and speaks English.
She refused to allow the criticism of her accent to impact her or increase the pressure she already felt, stating that everyone should experience pressure while playing such a legendary character. She went on to say that her performance was not an imitation but rather a method to shed light on the icon's current state of mind.
"I am proud to have Andrew's trust and the chance to pull it off. I feel like whether you're a Cuban or an American actress, anyone should feel the pressure," de Armas said. The actor had the support of the Marilyn Monroe Estate, whose rep, Mark Rosen, told Variety that although the estate doesn't sanction the film, "Ana was a great casting choice as she captures Marilyn's glamour, humanity, and vulnerability."
"Blonde" is set to drop on Netflix on Sept. 28 and is the streaming platform's first NC-17-rated film.
Emma Stone declares her belief in aliens during Venice promotion of Bugonia
The Oscar-winning actor cites Carl Sagan’s philosophy as her inspiration
Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a remake of Korean cult hit Save the Green Planet!
Film stars Jesse Plemons alongside Stone and is set for UK release in November
Emma Stone has said she believes in aliens, making the confession while promoting her new film Bugonia at the Venice Film Festival. The Oscar-winning actor linked her belief to the philosophy of astronomer Carl Sagan, who argued it was “pretty narcissistic” to assume humans are the only intelligent beings in the universe. The subject mirrors the central theme of her latest project, which sees her play a powerful CEO accused of being an alien by two conspiracy theorists.
Emma Stone at the Venice film festival where she admitted she believes in aliens Getty Images
Why did Emma Stone say she believes in aliens?
Speaking at a press conference, the La La Land star was asked whether she believed in an “ultimate intelligence looking down on us.” Stone responded that she did not think in those terms but felt deeply influenced by Sagan’s view of the cosmos.
“One of my favourite people who ever lived is Carl Sagan,” she said. “He very deeply believed the idea that we’re alone in this vast expansive universe is a pretty narcissistic thing. So yes, I’m coming out and saying it: I believe in aliens.”
Her comments came just hours before the Venice premiere of Bugonia, a black comedy directed by long-time collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos.
In Bugonia, Stone plays Michelle Fuller, a high-profile corporate executive who is kidnapped by conspiracy theorists convinced she is an alien intent on destroying Earth. The role pushed the actor into striking new territory, with the trailer showing her character’s shaved-head transformation and tense face-offs with her captors.
The film pairs her with Jesse Plemons, who plays one of the kidnappers, and Aidan Delbis as his accomplice. Alicia Silverstone and Stavros Halkias also feature. The script is adapted by Will Tracy, co-writer of The Menu, and is an English-language remake of Jang Joon-hwan’s 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!.
Following its world premiere on the Lido, Bugonia will open in UK cinemas on 7 November. Focus Features has confirmed the film’s international rollout will include a Halloween-timed US release in October.
This marks Stone’s fourth collaboration with Lanthimos, after The Favourite, Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness. Their last project, Poor Things, won four Oscars earlier this year, including Best Actress for Stone.
Early reviews describe Bugonia as surreal, subversive and sharply comic. Critics praised Stone’s performance, alongside Plemons’s portrayal of a conspiracist torn between paranoia and morality. The Hollywood Reporter said the actor-director pairing continues to push boundaries, calling Stone “in top form” and commending her ability to bring depth to a character balancing satire and menace.
orgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone, Aidan Delbis and Jesse Plemons attend the "Bugonia" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film FestivalGetty Images
Lanthimos said he was “immediately blown away” by the script and insisted the story is not dystopian but reflective of the present moment. “Humanity is facing a reckoning very soon, with technology, AI, wars, and denial of reality,” he told reporters.
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Guru Randhawa criticised for Azul music video accused of sexualising schoolgirls
Guru Randhawa’s Azul video has sparked outrage for depicting schoolgirls in a sexualised manner
Sonam Kapoor and others reacted after a viral post highlighted the issue
The singer has also been summoned by a Samrala court over separate objectionable lyrics
Randhawa has restricted Instagram comments amid growing criticism
Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa is facing widespread criticism after his latest release Azul was accused of sexualising schoolgirls. The glossy music video, in which Randhawa plays a photographer visiting an all-girls school, has been slammed as “problematic” and “pornographic” by critics and social media users. The backlash coincides with a separate case where the singer has been summoned by a Samrala court for allegedly promoting drug use through his lyrics in Sirra, intensifying the storm around him.
Guru Randhawa criticised for Azul music video accused of sexualising schoolgirls Instagram/gururandhawa
Why is Guru Randhawa’s Azul music video controversial?
The controversy centres on the concept of Azul, released earlier this month. In the video, Guru Randhawa plays a photographer tasked with clicking a class photo at a girls’ school. What could have been a lighthearted scenario instead portrays female dancers in school uniforms, which viewers say crosses the line into the sexualisation of minors.
A widely circulated Instagram post accused Randhawa of not only depicting schoolgirls in a sexualised way but also comparing them with alcohol brands. The post caught the attention of actor Sonam Kapoor, who ‘liked’ it, signalling support for the criticism.
Many social media users argue that even though the women in the video are adults, their portrayal as underage school students is disturbing and normalises harassment. “It’s 2025, and we are still seeing content that romanticises predatory behaviour. Young people are consuming this message online,” one user wrote.
How have fans and celebrities reacted to Guru Randhawa’s song Azul ?
The reaction online has been intense, with many calling the video socially dangerous. “Objectification of women is not music. Paedophilia is not art,” wrote one X user, reflecting the dominant sentiment across platforms. Others pointed out that artists with huge followings should understand the cultural impact of such portrayals.
— (@)
Actors Mrunal Thakur and Varun Dhawan were among those who liked Guru Randhawa’s celebratory posts about the song’s release, though there is no indication they watched the full video. This drew further debate online, with users questioning whether celebrities should engage with content without knowing its context.
The backlash has forced Randhawa to restrict comments on his Instagram, a move interpreted as an attempt to manage the criticism rather than address it.
— (@)
What is the court case against Guru Randhawa over Sirra ?
Separately, Guru Randhawa has been summoned by a Samrala court to appear on 2 September over allegedly offensive lyrics in his song Sirra. The controversial line, “Jamia nu gudti ch mildi afeem hai” (Newborns are given opium in their cradle), has been deemed objectionable.
Petitioner Rajdeep Singh Mann, through advocate Gurvir Singh Dhillon, argued that the lyric disrespects Sikh religious sentiments, as the word gudhti carries spiritual significance in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The court has directed Randhawa to respond to the complaint, adding legal pressure alongside the social backlash over Azul.
This is not the first time Punjabi pop music has been scrutinised for lyrics. Honey Singh and Karan Aujla previously faced inquiries from the Punjab Women’s Commission over songs deemed derogatory or harmful.
Randhawa, known for chart-topping hits like Lahore and High Rated Gabru, now finds himself at the centre of two major controversies. While Azul has been criticised for sexualising schoolgirls, Sirra has brought legal action for allegedly promoting drugs.
So far, the singer has not issued a public statement addressing either issue. His silence, coupled with restricted social media engagement, has only intensified calls for accountability. Critics argue that as a leading figure in Punjabi and Bollywood music, Randhawa must take responsibility for how his work influences youth culture.
Guru Randhawa restricts Instagram comments after Azul music video backlashInstagram/gururandhawa
With debates around morality, censorship, and creative freedom reignited, the controversies could prove a turning point in how mainstream Indian pop music is held accountable for its messaging.
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Travis Kelce engagement gift could include £2m racehorse win for Taylor Swift
NFL star Travis Kelce set to give Taylor Swift an unusual engagement present
His horse Swift Delivery lines up for a £2m (₹20.8 crore) race in Kentucky
The four-time winning horse is co-owned with Gary Barber and Team Valor International
Fans and racing circles are watching closely after the couple’s engagement announcement
American football star Travis Kelce's engagement news has sparked worldwide attention, but the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has another reason to celebrate. His racehorse, aptly named Swift Delivery, will run in the £2 million (₹20.8 crore) Mint Millions Invitational at Kentucky Downs next month. Coming just weeks after Kelce confirmed his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, the timing has added to the buzz.
Travis Kelce engagement gift could include £2m racehorse win for Taylor Swift Instagram/taylorswift/killatrav
What is Travis Kelce’s horse Swift Delivery?
Kelce co-owns Swift Delivery with Hollywood producer Gary Barber, Team Valor International, and the Zoldan family. Trained by Canadian Hall of Famer Mark Casse, the four-year-old has already won four races, most recently the Grade 3 Seagram Cup at Woodbine this month. Ridden by jockey Patrick Husbands, the horse powered two lengths clear of Dresden Row, marking its most impressive performance yet.
Barry Irwin, founder of Team Valor International, revealed: “We’re pretty pumped about him. He’s a graded winner now and will tackle the Kentucky Downs mile next.”
Travis Kelce kisses Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII Getty Images
How much is the Mint Millions Invitational worth?
The Mint Millions Invitational, set for 6 September at Kentucky Downs, carries a staggering £2m (₹20.8 crore) prize fund, making it one of the richest turf races in America. It sits alongside other top contests such as the Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes on the same card.
A victory for Swift Delivery would not only be financially rewarding but would also add symbolic weight, as it coincides with Kelce’s personal milestone, his engagement to Swift. Many fans see the racehorse as an unusual but meaningful extension of their love story.
Travis Kelce celebrates his engagement to Taylor Swift while his horse Swift Delivery prepares for a £2m race in Kentucky Getty Images
Why is Travis Kelce linked to horse racing?
Kelce’s involvement in racing began when he joined Team Valor International syndicates earlier this year. The group has a strong track record, famously owning Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner. Co-owner Gary Barber, a former MGM chief executive, also produced the Oscar-nominated Seabiscuit film, further connecting the group to racing and entertainment.
The Zoldan family, who run Phantom Fireworks, have partnered with Team Valor for nearly four decades, backing several champions across international turf. With such experienced partners, Kelce has quickly found himself part of a major operation.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce pictured together at Amerant Bank Arena Getty Images
Will the engagement boost interest in the race?
The answer appears to be yes. When news of Kelce’s stake in Swift Delivery first broke, Irwin said it attracted unprecedented attention. “I grew up in Hollywood, I’m used to celebrities, but I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s on a different level,” he said.
Now that the Travis Kelce engagement is confirmed, both sporting and celebrity media are likely to follow the Kentucky Downs race closely. For Swifties, the idea of Kelce potentially gifting his fiancée a winning racehorse purse worth millions has become an irresistible storyline.
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Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance
Palash Sen’s son Kinshuk Sen stars in Aditya Chopra’s Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical
The UCLA graduate plays Kuljeet, originally portrayed by Parmeet Sethi in the 1995 classic
The stage show has travelled from the US to the UK, earning praise from diverse audiences
Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London and shared a personal memory with Kinshuk
Kinshuk Sen, son of celebrated singer Palash Sen, has stepped into the spotlight with Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ musical, Come Fall in Love. The UCLA graduate, who once pursued cognitive science, now plays the role of Kuljeet in the global stage adaptation of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In a recent conversation, he shared how the journey from research labs to live theatre unfolded, and what it meant when Shah Rukh Khan recognised him with a message linking back to his father.
Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance Getty Images/ Instagram/kinshuksen
What is Kinshuk Sen’s role in the DDLJ musical?
Kinshuk Sen plays Kuljeet, the tough antagonist in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. The character was originally played by Parmeet Sethi in Aditya Chopra’s 1995 blockbuster. Sen’s version comes alive in English-language songs and live performances that are staged with full-band accompaniment, making the role both musically and physically demanding. “It’s nonstop dancing and singing, completely live, no backing tracks,” he explained, noting the challenge of keeping energy levels high for every performance.
The stage adaptation Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical wins international acclaim
How did Kinshuk Sen get cast in Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ musical?
Sen’s casting story reflects chance and persistence. While working in Los Angeles, he received an audition request from his manager and sent multiple tapes for consideration. By the time he applied, most of the cast had already been chosen, but his talent secured him a place. “When I learnt that Aditya Chopra and Vishal-Shekhar were involved, my jaw dropped,” he recalled. The news of his selection arrived unexpectedly while shopping with his family, leaving them “stunned on the couch for five minutes” in disbelief.
The stage adaptation has travelled from San Diego to Manchester, presenting the Bollywood classic to audiences who may not have seen the original. With 18 original English songs, the show introduces Indian culture and storytelling to international viewers while delighting South Asian audiences with its familiarity. Sen said the response has been “phenomenal,” adding that British and American audiences embraced the production with equal enthusiasm. “Desis are thrilled to see themselves represented, while others are blown away by the grandeur,” he noted.
What did Shah Rukh Khan say to Kinshuk Sen during rehearsals?
A highlight of Sen’s journey came in London, when Shah Rukh Khan made an unannounced visit to a rehearsal. The cast performed for him, and Sen found himself at the centre when the song ended. Khan praised the performance and then shared a memory from his early career, revealing that Palash Sen once sang for him in a musical production. “I had goosebumps. It felt like destiny,” Sen recalled. Khan encouraged him warmly: “Tu bas yeh karta reh (just keep at it).” For Sen, the exchange linked his past, his family, and his present role in a way he never expected.
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Chris Columbus says leaked photos of Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot felt like déjà vu
Original Harry Potter director Chris Columbus says leaked set photos of HBO’s series left him unimpressed.
Columbus noted Hagrid’s costume looks “exactly the same” as Robbie Coltrane’s in the films.
The filmmaker said he felt déjà vu, asking “What’s the point?” of the reboot.
HBO’s Harry Potter remake is set to debut in 2027, with Nick Frost playing Hagrid.
Chris Columbus, the director who first brought Harry Potter to the big screen, has questioned the point of HBO’s upcoming television reboot after seeing set photos of Hagrid. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus said the images reminded him too closely of his own work, raising doubts about why the Harry Potter reboot was necessary at all. His comments have reignited discussion about how faithfully the new series should mirror the original films.
Chris Columbus says leaked photos of Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot felt like déjà vu Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial/ Getty Images
Why did Chris Columbus criticise the Harry Potter reboot?
Columbus, who directed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, said he was struck by how little seemed to have changed in the HBO production. Referring to leaked pictures of Nick Frost as Hagrid, he explained: “I’m seeing these photographs and he’s wearing the exact same costume we designed for Hagrid. Part of me was like, what’s the point? I thought everything was going to be different, but it’s more of the same.”
He admitted that while it was flattering to see his original design carried forward, it left him with a strong sense of déjà vu.
‘Harry Potter’ reboot slammed by Chris Columbus as pointless after Hagrid costume looks unchangedGetty Images
Who is playing Hagrid in the HBO Harry Potter series?
British actor Nick Frost, best known for films such as Shaun of the Dead, has taken on the role of Rubeus Hagrid in the new Harry Potter reboot. The late Robbie Coltrane famously originated the character in the film franchise, becoming a fan favourite.
Columbus revealed he recently spoke with Frost and admitted it felt “surreal” to see another actor in the role, especially as he was close friends with Coltrane. The new costume design, which mirrors the original, has sparked debate online about whether HBO is playing it too safe.
Nick Frost takes on the role of Hagrid in the upcoming Harry Potter HBO seriesInstagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial
What can fans expect from the HBO Harry Potter series?
Unlike the films, the HBO reboot will adapt each book across a full season, allowing the show to explore characters and subplots left out of the cinema versions. One example Columbus highlighted was Peeves the poltergeist, a comic figure from J.K. Rowling’s novels who never made it to the big screen due to technical challenges.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu have also joined the ensemble. The show is currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK and is expected to premiere in 2027.
The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images
Has Chris Columbus moved on from Harry Potter?
Despite his criticisms, Columbus was clear that he harbours no envy towards the new creative team. “Jealous? No. It’s time to move on,” he said, adding that he was proud of his films but did not want to revisit the franchise.
Columbus is currently promoting his latest project, Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling crime novels. He also recently voiced disappointment at J.K. Rowling’s public stance on transgender rights, calling her views “very sad.”
For him, the Harry Potter reboot is both a reminder of his legacy and a sign that the wizarding world will continue to be reimagined for new generations, whether or not all fans agree with HBO’s choices.