Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
The long-awaited Snow White live-action remake has finally arrived, but instead of a fairytale ending, it’s found itself at the centre of an all-out internet war. Critics and audiences are clashing over whether this reimagined classic is a bold new take or an absolute disaster. Some are calling it a visually stunning update, while others say it’s proof that Disney has officially lost the plot.
So, what exactly is going on? Let’s break down the Snow White chaos.
Even before Snow White hit theatres, controversy was brewing. The casting of Rachel Zegler as the iconic princess ruffled feathers, with some fans arguing she didn’t resemble the classic character. Then came reports of major script changes. Prince Charming? Axed. The dwarfs? Replaced. The storyline? Completely reworked to focus less on romance and more on Snow White’s independence.
For some, this was a welcome modernisation. For others, it was a step too far. And once the film released, the reviews reflected this massive divide.
Love it or hate it – There’s no middle ground
If you check Rotten Tomatoes, you’d think people watched two completely different movies. Critics praise Snow White for its lush visuals, progressive themes, and Zegler’s performance. Audiences? Not so much. The audience score tells a different story, with many viewers slamming the film for feeling “soulless” and “preachy.”
And then there’s the elephant in the room—review bombing. Some claim trolls are deliberately tanking the ratings, while others insist Disney’s critics’ scores are artificially high. Either way, it’s clear Snow White isn’t just a movie now; it’s a battleground.
Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White has sparked debate, with critics applauding her performance while fans remain split over the casting choiceInstagram/snowwhite_liveaction
YouTube & TikTok have taken over the debate
Forget Rotten Tomatoes because YouTube and TikTok are where the real drama is unfolding. Reaction videos, breakdowns, and heated debates are flooding social media. Hashtags like #DisneyFlop and #NotMySnowWhite are trending… but so are #MagicalMasterpiece and #SnowWhiteRules.
And here’s the kicker: many of the loudest voices in this debate haven’t even seen the movie. Some are forming opinions based on trailers, leaked clips, and second-hand reactions. It’s become less about the film itself and more about what Snow White represents in pop culture today.
The bigger question: Is Disney losing its magic?
Snow White is just the latest in a series of Disney live-action remakes that have left audiences divided. The Little Mermaid faced similar backlash, and even The Lion King, a box office hit was criticised for lacking the heart of the animated original.
From major script changes to review bombing accusations, Snow White has become one of Disney’s most controversial live-action remakesInstagram/snowwhite_liveaction
So, is Disney running out of ideas? Has the magic worn off? Or are audiences simply resistant to change?
Should you watch Snow White?
At this point, watching Snow White feels less like seeing a movie and more like joining a cultural moment. Whether you end up loving it or tearing it apart, one thing is certain, Snow White has people talking.
And in Hollywood, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.
BBC confirms its commitment to Doctor Who regardless of Disney’s future involvement.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s new chief content officer, reassured fans at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Ratings for Season 15 dropped to an average of 3.2M viewers, down from last year’s figures.
Ncuti Gatwa has exited the role, regenerating into Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler.
Spin-off The War Between The Land And The Sea is next in production.
BBC reassures fans over Doctor Who’s future
The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will remain on the broadcaster “with or without Disney”, following speculation about the sci-fi series’ future.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, told delegates at the Edinburgh TV Festival:
“Rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere. Disney has been a great partnership — and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year — but going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC … The Tardis is going nowhere.”
Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s director of scripted, echoed the commitment, adding that the show still performs well with younger audiences.
Ratings concern for Season 15
Despite the BBC’s reassurance, official viewing figures paint a challenging picture. According to BARB seven-day consolidated ratings analysed by Deadline, Season 15 averaged 3.2M viewers across eight episodes — around 500,000 fewer than last year.
Comparisons with Jodie Whittaker’s final series highlight the decline: her 2021 run averaged 4.9M viewers, 1.7M higher than Gatwa’s most recent outing.
While broadcasters prefer 28-day data for a fuller picture, seven-day figures usually reflect the overall trend, suggesting viewership has weakened significantly.
What’s next for the Whoniverse
Season 15 concluded on a cliffhanger as Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler.
Produced by Bad Wolf, spin-off series The War Between The Land And The Sea is the next project in the Whoniverse and will continue under the BBC–Disney partnership for now.
Showrunner Russell T Davies previously admitted that the future beyond the spin-off was uncertain, but the BBC has now made clear the franchise is not going anywhere.
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Olivia Dunne starred in a viral bubble bath shoot for a new Fanatics series.
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model revealed the not-so-glamorous side of filming.
Her TikTok showing behind-the-scenes chaos has gained over 700,000 views.
Fans and family flooded the comments with jokes and questions.
Fanatics partnership and viral moment
Retired gymnast and 2025 SI Swimsuit cover star Olivia Dunne has gone viral again, this time thanks to an unusual shoot for Fanatics.
The brand announced its new digital series, Explained by Livvy Dunne, where the influencer takes on complex topics in a playful style. The launch video showed Dunne in a bubble bath—similar in style to Margot Robbie’s cameo in The Big Short—but with a twist: the tub was set up in the middle of a football field.
On Tuesday, Dunne gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot on TikTok. The clip, which has already attracted more than 700,000 views, showed her sitting in the bath for hours while production staff worked around her to keep her covered with bubbles.
“I sat there for 3 hours😭 @Fanatics #fanatics #football #sports #rosebowl #sportsbetting,” she wrote in the caption.
The video was set to the viral “Jet2 Advert” soundtrack, often used to highlight chaotic twists during seemingly relaxing moments.
Fan and family reactions
The post quickly filled with light-hearted comments. Her sister Julz joked: “I can feel the bath water comments from miles away,” to which Dunne replied, “2021 all over again.”
Others joined in with their own humour, including:
“Did they warm the water up at least?”
“And my mom said bubble technician was a job with no future.”
“Football and bubble baths are the best things in life.”
Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s Chief Marketing Officer, Selena Kalvaria, said:
“As a disruptor brand, Fanatics Sportsbook is rewriting the category playbook. By working with a cultural force like Livvy, we’re telling our story in a way that expands our reach with existing betting audiences—and speaks to new ones, too.”
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Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance as Gangubai made this film one of Bhansali’s finest works
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among India’s most celebrated filmmakers, blending grandeur with global appeal.
His works have travelled from Cannes to Berlin, while also earning India’s highest film honours.
Here are five Bhansali masterpieces that won National Awards and showcased Indian cinema on the world stage.
1. Devdas (2002)
Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit
One of Bhansali’s most iconic films, Devdas redefined cinematic opulence with Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit in unforgettable roles. Its grand sets and emotional depth won over audiences worldwide. The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to bag the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
2. Black (2005)
Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan
A stark contrast to his grand spectacles, Black was a minimalist and deeply emotional drama inspired by the life of Helen Keller. Featuring powerhouse performances from Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan, the film was honoured as Best Hindi Feature Film at the National Awards. It also travelled to the Los Angeles Indian Film Festival, Cannes’ Marché du Film, the London Asian Film Festival, and later the Seoul International Film Festival — cementing its global reach.
3. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
A sweeping historical romance starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Bajirao Mastani was a visual and emotional triumph. Bhansali won the National Award for Best Director, a recognition of his unmatched craft. The film’s song Deewani Mastani even caught global attention when the Oscars’ official Instagram featured Deepika Padukone’s performance — a rare nod to Indian cinema from Hollywood circles.
4. Padmaavat (2018)
Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor
Bhansali not only directed but also composed the music for Padmaavat, proving his artistry extends beyond visuals to sound. His haunting score won him the National Award for Best Music Director. The film enjoyed huge international success, particularly in the US and Canada, and won praise for its scale, music, and performances, marking yet another Bhansali triumph on the global stage.
5. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance as Gangubai made this film one of Bhansali’s finest works. It earned him two National Awards — Best Screenplay and Best Editing. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, it received a standing ovation, later trending globally on Netflix as one of the top non-English films. It also featured on the BAFTA voting calendar, bringing Bhansali’s work once again into international focus.
What’s Next?
Bhansali is now gearing up for Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal — a film already generating buzz as one of Bollywood’s most ambitious projects.
Dakota Johnson wore two Gucci looks at the Los Angeles premiere of Splitsville.
Her silver corset gown highlighted this year’s metallic fashion trend.
She later changed into an emerald Gucci minidress for the after-party.
Johnson described the film as a “soulful, unique comedy” exploring love and relationships.
Red carpet look
Dakota Johnson turned heads at the Los Angeles premiere of Splitsville, arriving in a striking silver Gucci gown with a leather finish and a draped corset that cinched at the waist. The outfit echoed the metallic trend that has dominated fashion this year.
The actress later switched outfits for the after-party, opting for a long-sleeved emerald Gucci minidress.
Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Splitsville" Getty Images
About the film
Splitsville is set for release on 22 August. The film explores the dynamics between two couples, weaving together the challenges of love, relationships and individuality.
Speaking to Deadline earlier this year, Johnson explained: “It has an interesting tone because I guess, off the bat, it reads as a comedy, but it’s a very soulful, unique comedy about two couples and the challenging dynamics of their relationships individually, and then their relationships intertwined with each other. It’s about the complexities of love.”
Splitsville is set for release on 22 AugustGetty Images
Johnson on non-monogamy
In the film, Johnson plays a woman in an open marriage. Reflecting on the subject, she shared her views on non-monogamy: “I think it’s such an interesting topic because I don’t feel like there’s one right way to love, or one right way to live your life, and I think human beings are being allowed to evolve.”
She added that while some prefer long-term monogamy, others may explore multiple relationships: “If you want to have multiple relationships in your life, great. If you want to go really deep with one person, great. If you want to have both of those at the same time, great. Why not, really? But also scary, you know?”
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The actress revealed that she no longer juggles multiple projects at once
Samantha Ruth Prabhu says she is entering a “new chapter” in her 15-year career.
The actress has slowed down her workload to focus on projects that truly inspire her.
She is prioritising both fitness and films, balancing work with physical and mental health.
Samantha will next be seen in Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom, directed by Raj and DK.
A new chapter in her career
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has revealed she is stepping into a refreshing new phase of her career, where intention and passion guide her choices. After more than 15 years in the film industry, the actress said she is deliberately slowing her pace, focusing only on projects that connect deeply with her.
Choosing projects with passion
In an interview with Grazia India, Samantha explained: “I’ve reached a point where I do things I’m extremely passionate about, and that includes both fitness and films.” She admitted that in the past, not every project was one she fully connected with, but now — whether acting, producing, or investing in businesses — she commits wholeheartedly.
Balancing health and work
The actress revealed that she no longer juggles multiple projects at once, instead prioritising her physical and mental wellbeing. “I no longer shoot five films at a time. One thing I’ve realised is that I need to listen to my body, so I’ve reduced the amount of work I do. But now everything I do and put my energy into matters so much more. Nothing is for the heck of it. The quantity may have reduced, but the quality of projects has definitely increased.”
Recent and upcoming projects
Most recently, Samantha appeared in a cameo role in the Telugu film Subham. She was also seen in Prime Video’s action thriller Citadel: Honey Bunny, where she starred opposite Varun Dhawan in a spy series created by Raj and DK.
Looking ahead, she will feature in Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom, another high-octane series directed by Raj and DK. Currently in production, the project also stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jaideep Ahlawat, and is expected to release in 2026.