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.
• Ezra Miller made their first major appearance in years at Cannes 2024. • They said their relationship with Hollywood remains “tentative”. • Miller is co-writing a new film with Die My Love director Lynne Ramsay. • They acknowledged remorse for past behaviour and said writing helped during solitude.
After years of controversy and retreat from public life, Ezra Miller has spoken out about their future in Hollywood and the difficult road it took to get here. The actor, best known for roles in Fantastic Beasts and The Flash, attended the Cannes Film Festival in May, marking their first major public appearance in years.
In a candid interview with Italian outlet Lo Speciale Giornale, published on 19 June, Miller described the experience as a “hard re-entry” and admitted their relationship with the industry remains “on tentative grounds”.
Ezra Miller attends the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Bros. "The Flash"Getty Images
Finding comfort in solitude and storytelling
Miller explained their decision to attend Cannes was rooted in loyalty to long-time collaborator and friend Lynne Ramsay, who was premiering her new film Die My Love. “She asked me to come, and if there’s anything I still believe in, it’s devotion to your people,” they said.
The two are now working on a film together, which Miller believes will be their first major creative project since 2023’s The Flash. “I’ve been writing a lot. You can do that in solitude, which has been friendly to me,” they said, reflecting on how time away from the spotlight has allowed them to stay creatively grounded.
Remorse, reckoning, and a slow re-entry
While Miller did not revisit each allegation directly, including arrests and troubling behaviour between 2020 and 2022, they acknowledged the emotional impact of those years. “Not that I don’t hold a lot of remorse for the things I did,” they said, “but I’m really grateful for the lessons that came with that abyss.”
They added that surviving those personal challenges gave them a deeper sense of empathy for others going through similar struggles. “When we survive our crucibles, we gain the ability to reach toward others in theirs,” Miller said.
Ezra Miller attends the Apple Store Soho presentation Getty Images
Though no new screen projects have been officially confirmed, the collaboration with Ramsay signals a cautious but deliberate creative return.
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.