There is something timeless about seasoned Bollywood star Anil Kapoor. While several actors who started out their careers in early ‘80s have hung up their boots long ago, Kapoor continues to work with the same vim and vigour even after spending more than four decades in showbiz. The star of such iconic films as Mr. India (1987), Tezaab (1988) and Parinda (1989), never forgets to thank the Almighty for keeping him occupied with work for such an incredibly long stretch of time.
Last seen in Pagalpanti (2019), Anil Kapoor is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Malang, co-starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani and Kunal Khemu. Ahead of the release of the romantic action thriller, Eastern Eye caught up with the seasoned actor at Luv Films’ office in Mumbai and talked to him about what led him to sign Malang, his working experience with new-age actors, the failure of Pagalpanti, and much more.
You have played a diverse range of characters in your storied career which spans across four decades. What new are you going to bring to the table in Malang?
This is a dark role, a very, very dark role. There is a lot of anger in my character. He is angry with people in his department, he is angry with the whole system. He is angry with himself, also, to some extent. Earlier, he used to be a different kind of person, but now he has completely changed and become somebody else. Goa has gone through some drastic changes from when he started to till now. He is angry with that change too. He is not happy with his department. So, all these aspects are there, which are very dark. He has reached a state where drinking and smoking do not give him that high anymore. He wants to forget himself, so he tries to get solace in intoxication.
How did you prepare for the role?
Before I started shooting for the film, I did my bit of research just to understand as to why do certain people do such things (substance abuse). I talked to a couple of people and watched some films as well.
I have not played such a dark character ever before in any of my films. This is a commercial film, but I have tried to portray my character in a way that it looks believable. It’s true that I have played a cop many a times before, but this type of cop I am playing for the very first time in my career.
Why did you take up this character?
Because I thought I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. But when people around me say that I can do a certain role, I start thinking that how can I do it? When I get that feeling that I can do it, I like to do that character. Then I get into the skin of that character slowly and slowly.
Having said that, while preparing for Anjaney Agashe in Malang, I was constantly thinking that how would I be able to play such a dark, crazy character. Would people love me in that character? I wanted that when the audience watches it on screen, it should look real. It should emerge as an entertaining character that people love it. They should not cringe while watching him. What happens, at times, is that people do not like certain dark characters because actors overdo it. I wanted to stay away from that. Writing plays an important role here. Aseem Arora has written a wonderful script. Besides that, Mohit Suri has made these kinds of films, like Ek Villain (2014), etc. He presents these characters pretty well. The fact that I had a strong team around me boosted my confidence. People working on this project were young, so I thought it would bring freshness to the film as well. These things helped me and boosted my confidence, so I decided let’s do the film.
Historical films are doing wonders at the box-office. You are also set to feature in a one called Takht.
Yes, I am doing Takht. It is a historical film. I am looking forward to it. Since Karan Johar is making it, it will be mounted on a huge scale. It is a big film.
What, according to you, went wrong with your last release Pagalpanti? You seemed very involved in that project as it reunites you with director Anees Bazmee.
I am very involved in every project that I do. I love working with Anees Bazmee, and I thoroughly loved working with him on Pagalpanti also. I am waiting for him to come to me with yet another script. I really enjoy working with him.
People loved my character in that film, and critics also praised my performance. I read a couple of reviews. What else an artist wants? Appreciation, right? At times it happens so that certain films do not release at the right time. Just before Pagalpanti, a couple of films in the same space had already arrived. So, there was some kind of fatigue, you know. Then destiny also plays a vital role.
After working in Bollywood for over four decades, how do you define success and failure?
It all depends on your journey. If your journey was good and you were happy with it, it is success. And if your films did not do well and you did not enjoy your journey, then it is of no use. I enjoyed working all these years. I have had a wonderful journey. Whatever I did, I did wholeheartedly, to the best of my abilities. The audience did not like some films of mine, and we cannot do anything about that. You have to accept it and move on to the next (project). I have been doing this for forty years now (smiles).
What do you see in a project when someone approaches you to be a part of it?
I think the director, the producer, the star cast and the studio backing it. I have to be confident of the fact that whether or not the studio has resources to make a good film, complete it and then release it properly. Then comes my remuneration. So, these are the things I always keep in mind.
Do you ever look back at your journey and analyse your work and think that maybe you could have done certain roles differently?
No, I never get the time. I finish one film and move on to the next. By the grace of God, I always have work in my hand. Instead I look forward and feel that when will I get to play that new character.
How has Bollywood evolved over the years, according to you?
People are working very hard today and good films are being made. Films are doing good business also. People are making different kinds of movies. I feel there should be more theatres though. There are new platforms available. People are doing such good work on digital platforms. Digital films are being made. So, these are the new changes. I do not miss anything from the past. I am enjoying working today.
As an actor, you have contributed immensely to the industry. Do you want to contribute as a director also?
No, I never feel like (directing). I am happy being an actor. I am happy with acting and production. This is enough for me.
Your film Ram Lakhan (1981) completes 31 years today. Would you like to share some memories from the sets of the film?
Not just Ram Lakhan, I enjoyed working with Subhash Ghai saab on each and every film that we did together. I loved working with him on Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan, Meri Jung (1985) and Taal (1999). I still love the songs of Ram Lakhan. Jackie (Shroff) and I had a lot of fun doing that film. We had great fun. There are some things which I cannot share with you (laughs). Biwi ghar se nikal degi (My wife will throw me out of the house).
Malang has a lot of young actors. How is it different working with young actors than your contemporaries?
It is much more fun working with newcomers. When you work with newcomers, you learn new things from them. You adapt to some of their things. I am not saying that I do not enjoy working with the actors from my age bracket, but working with these new actors is something different. These new actors and directors have new energy. Youth power is youth power, you know.
Janhvi Kapoor spoke about the serious issue of AI morphed images at a trailer launch.
Varun Dhawan interrupted her with a joke about their new film.
A clip of the exchange sparked anger among social media users.
Many criticised Varun for being disrespectful and dismissive of a genuine concern.
A serious conversation about artificial intelligence took an awkward turn at the Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari trailer launch. Janhvi Kapoor was discussing the alarming rise of non-consensual AI morphed images when her co-star, Varun Dhawan, cut her off with a light hearted quip. The moment, captured on video, has since caused a firestorm on social media, with fans criticising Varun for his timing and lack of sensitivity on the pressing issue of digital safety.
Varun Dhawan interrupts Janhvi’s AI deepfake comments with a lighthearted quip Getty Images
What did Janhvi Kapoor say about AI?
Janhvi Kapoor was articulating a worry shared by many public figures. She pointed out the sheer volume of fake AI content created in her likeness that circulates online without her permission. Her central concern was about public perception, noting that while industry insiders might spot a fake, the average person could easily be fooled.
“You and I can say it’s an AI image, but the common man will think, ‘Yeh toh yeh pehen ke pohonch gayi (She actually went out wearing this)’,” she explained, bringing to light the very real damage such falsehoods can cause to a person’s reputation and mental wellbeing. It was a valid point, one that deserved a considered response.
— (@)
Why was Varun Dhawan criticised for his AI comments?
Just as Janhvi was mid flow, Varun interjected. He turned to the film’s director, Shashank Khaitan, and asked, “There is no AI na in this film, Shashank?” His comment, clearly intended as a joke to lighten the mood, completely derailed the conversation. The serious tone Janhvi was setting evaporated instantly, shifting the focus back to movie promotion.
Viewers online perceived this as a dismissal of her valid concerns, interpreting it as a move to prioritise PR over a meaningful discussion. It was not the content of his joke that caused offence, but the jarringly poor timing that showed a lack of engagement with what she was saying.
Social media slams Varun Dhawan for dismissing Janhvi Kapoor’s serious concernsGetty Images
How did social media react to the interruption?
The backlash was swift and largely unanimous. A clip of the interaction spread quickly on X, with most comments siding with Janhvi. One user called it “so disrespectful,” adding that Janhvi “looked so pissed and rightfully so.” Others questioned Varun’s intent, with one asking, “Genuinely, what was even his point? Was he not paying attention?”
The overarching sentiment was frustration that a woman speaking on a serious subject was talked over by a male co-star making a gag. Many labelled the moment immature and attention seeking, criticising his inability to read the room and let a colleague finish her thought.
— (@)
What is the film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari about?
Despite the off screen drama, the project itself remains a major release. The film is a wedding themed comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan, who previously worked with Varun on the Dulhania series. It stars Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles, supported by Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf and Akshay Oberoi.
Produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment, it is one of the most anticipated Bollywood films set for release on 2 October this year. The incident, while sparking conversation, is unlikely to dent the commercial prospects of the large scale production.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Gavin Casalegno, Lola Tung and Christopher Briney attend the "L'Ete Où Je Suis Devenue Jolie" - The Summer I Turned Pretty" - Season Three
Prime Video confirms a feature film will conclude the beloved series.
Creator Jenny Han will write and direct the final instalment.
The announcement came hot on the heels of the season three finale.
The series has become a global sensation for the streaming service.
Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty can breathe a sigh of relief as the story is not over yet. Prime Video has announced that a feature film will serve as the definitive conclusion to the global hit series. The news, confirming the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie, broke during the show’s finale celebration in Paris, promising to deliver one last trip to Cousins Beach for fans obsessed with the Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah love triangle.
Gavin Casalegno, Lola Tung and Christopher Briney attend the "L'Ete Où Je Suis Devenue Jolie" - The Summer I Turned Pretty" - Season Three Getty Images
What will the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie be about?
Right, the big question. What is this film actually going to cover? Details are seriously under wraps, annoyingly so. We know it is being billed as the final chapter, the proper ending for Belly Conklin’s journey. Jenny Han, the author and showrunner who has spearheaded this entire thing, says there is 'another big milestone' that needs a movie's runtime to do it justice. It is a safe bet it will pick up after the events of season three, likely focusing on that core love triangle between Belly and the Fisher brothers. But how? And when? That is the million dollar question!
Who is making the The Summer I Turned Pretty film?
Jenny Han is back in the driver's seat. She is set to write and direct the project, which is a huge relief for fans who want the ending to stay true to the books and the show’s spirit. She will be executive producing alongside her co showrunner Sarah Kucserka.
Amazon MGM Studios bigwigs have gone on record praising the show's 'joy, nostalgia, and connection', so they are clearly throwing their full support behind it. The main cast is expected to return, but that is not officially confirmed yet. Can you even imagine it without Lola Tung, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno? Did not think so.
Jenny Han hints at one last chapter for Belly and the Fisher brothersGetty Images
Why is a The Summer I Turned Pretty movie happening?
Simple. The numbers are insane. The show is a bona fide smash. Season three alone pulled in 25 million viewers globally in its first week. It is a top five returning show on Prime Video. That kind of hype does not just fade away after a finale.
The fanbase is massive, though its intensity has sometimes spilt over into online abuse towards the cast. A movie is a way to capitalise on that success, sure, but also to give a sprawling, passionate audience the closure they desperately want. It is a business move that feels like a gift to the fans.
When will the The Summer I Turned Pretty movie be released?
Do not hold your breath for a 2025 release. Han has to write the script first, the studio has to greenlight it and schedules need aligning for the cast and crew. A production timeline has not been hinted at yet. It is all just fresh news. The wait between seasons was long, so fans might need to brace for another wait. But a film is a different beast from a whole series. Could be a quicker turnaround? Maybe. Hopefully. We just have to be patient.
Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
Keep ReadingShow less
Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement
Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.
The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.
Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision
What is causing the Eurovision 2025–2026 crisis?
The main trigger is Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Casualty figures reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry exceed 64,000 Palestinians by September 2025, drawing international scrutiny. Several European countries argue that Israel’s presence in a major cultural event like Eurovision would appear to normalise the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, Israel insists participation is purely cultural and unrelated to politics.
What countries are boycotting Eurovision over Israel?
So, which nations are taking this stance? The movement gained its most significant momentum with Spain's announcement. Its public broadcaster, RTVE, issued a decisive statement, confirming an overwhelming vote to withdraw. The organisation cited Israel's military actions in Gaza and stated it could not, in good conscience, "look the other way." This move is particularly consequential as Spain is one of the "Big Five" major financial contributors to the contest.
They were swiftly followed by Ireland’s RTÉ, which deemed participation "unconscionable" given the situation in Gaza. Public broadcasters in the Netherlands and Slovenia subsequently aligned with similar positions. Iceland's broadcaster has also indicated it is considering its position, formally "reserving the right" to withdraw. This is not a peripheral protest but a movement emerging from within the contest's core European membership, raising questions about which other countries may follow.
How is the EBU handling the Eurovision boycott calls?
The European Broadcasting Union faces an immense challenge. Its standard operating procedure of promoting unity through music appears insufficient for this geopolitical dilemma. The gravity of the situation can be seen in its unprecedented decision to delay the standard deadline for participation confirmations to mid-December 2025. This extension is dedicated to extensive consultation with all member unions in an effort to find a viable resolution that preserves the contest's integrity.
Concurrently, the EBU has been forced to publicly deny reports from Israeli media outlets suggesting it had advised Israel to withdraw voluntarily to avoid a "humiliating elimination," calling these claims false.
Is this Eurovision situation similar to Russia's exclusion?
This comparison forms the crux of the debate for many. The 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine established a clear precedent; the EBU justified its decision by stating Russia's participation would "bring the competition into disrepute."
Boycott advocates now argue that the same standard must be applied consistently, questioning why Israel's actions in Gaza do not merit an identical response. The EBU will likely attempt to differentiate the cases based on nuanced legalities of membership and the operational independence of the respective national broadcasters. However, in the court of public and political opinion, the perception of a double standard is a significant threat to the EBU's credibility.
What are the arguments for and against the boycott?
Proponents of the boycott base their position on principles of human rights and conscience. They stress the extensive civilian casualty figures reported by authorities in Gaza, alongside assessments from UN agencies, to argue that Israel’s inclusion on a cultural platform constitutes a form of normalisation of the ongoing conflict.
Conversely, opponents of a boycott contend that cultural events must remain separate from political disputes. They caution that excluding a nation’s artists could veer into prejudice and stress that the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, operates with editorial independence, unlike the state-controlled media of Russia. There is no clear, unambiguous resolution that will satisfy all parties.
What happens if Israel is allowed to compete in Eurovision 2026?
Should the EBU permit Israel's participation, an immediate and consequential withdrawal of several key members is all but certain. The loss of Spain, a major funder, would represent a serious financial and credibility blow. The subsequent absence of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and potentially others would noticeably diminish the contest's scale and diversity.
Furthermore, the event itself would likely become a focal point for large-scale protests, potentially disrupting the broadcast and overshadowing the musical competition, further alienating segments of its global audience.
What happens if Israel is excluded from Eurovision?
An exclusion would trigger a different but equally severe crisis for the EBU. It would face vehement accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly from Israel and its allies. The move could prompt legal challenges and potentially lead to Israel's permanent withdrawal from the union.
It would also establish a new and far-reaching precedent for excluding countries involved in international conflicts, fundamentally transforming Eurovision from an inclusive cultural space into an institution that makes overt political judgements.
The future is decidedly uncertain. The EBU is confronted with a dilemma where any decision carries significant negative consequences. The upcoming General Assembly in December is going to be a tense and potentially historic meeting. While some have speculated about a compromise, such as Israel participating under a neutral banner, the EBU has denied pursuing this option.
The underlying truth is that Eurovision has always been intertwined with politics, from historical participation under authoritarian regimes to contemporary voting blocs. The current crisis has simply stripped away the glittering façade, forcing a direct confrontation with this reality. The contest's future will depend on navigating a path that may not exist, balancing its ideals against an increasingly polarised world.
Keep ReadingShow less
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan announced as lead in Narendra Modi biopic titled Maa Vande.
The film will focus on the Prime Minister's early life and bond with his mother.
A pan-India release is planned for 2026 with a major technical crew attached.
Mukundan is currently riding high on the success of his brutal action film Marco.
Malayalam cinema actor Unni Mukundan is stepping into the biggest role of his career. He has been officially cast as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming biographical film Maa Vande. The project, announced on the PM's 75th birthday, promises a fresh look at Modi's formative years. Instead of another political portrait, the filmmakers are zeroing in on his personal journey and the profound influence of his mother.
Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan
Who is Unni Mukundan and why was he cast?
If you're not deep into Malayalam films, that name might not ring a bell. But down south, he is a proper lead star. He has been working for over a decade, starting off with smaller roles, having a hit with Mallu Singh, and then breaking through with last year’s Malikappuram.
And then Marco happened, a violent film that crossed the £1.2 million (₹100 crore) mark. The actor can portray devotion and then deliver a brutal action scene. Perhaps that versatility is what the filmmakers wanted. Adding to that, he actually grew up in Ahmedabad. He mentioned in a post that he knew Modi as his "Chief Minister" back then. That personal connection is probably a massive factor.
What will the Narendra Modi biopic Maa Vande be about?
The official line is that it traces his journey from childhood to becoming the leader of the nation. But the tagline gives the real focus: "The Anthem of a Mother." So, this is not going to be a policy-by-policy rundown. It is about his relationship with his late mother, Heeraben Modi.
That is the fresh angle, the human story behind the politician. How that relationship shaped him is the emotional hook. It connects with people on a different level. The filmmakers are planning a 2026 release, and it is set to be pan-India, in multiple languages including English.
The crew list is stacked. It is being directed by Kranthi Kumar C.H. and produced by Veer Reddy M. under Silver Cast Creations. The technical team is impressive: KK Senthil Kumar is on camera, the cinematographer of Baahubali. The music is by Ravi Basrur, editing by Sreekar Prasad, and production design by Sabu Cyril. It is clear that this is not a low-effort cash-in. The A-team from Telugu and Malayalam industries has been brought together to mount this project properly. Serious resources are being invested to ensure it looks and sounds huge.
No. Vivek Oberoi played him in a 2019 film directed by Omung Kumar, which was also called PM Narendra Modi. That film focused more on his political rise. Maa Vande seems to be carving its own niche by going back to the start, focusing on his personal roots. It will be interesting to see how they differentiate it. For Mukundan, it is a massive opportunity. After the physicality of Marco, this role is about capturing Modi’s essence, voice, and posture. It is the biggest challenge of his life, no question.