Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Gandhi Godse...: Director Rajkumar Santoshi writes to Mumbai Police, seeks protection

Following the trailer release of the period drama film on January 11, Congress sought a ban on the film in Madhya Pradesh.

Gandhi Godse...: Director Rajkumar Santoshi writes to Mumbai Police, seeks protection

Ahead of the release of 'Gandhi Godse -Ek Yudh', filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi on Monday wrote to the Special Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, requesting additional security for him and his family, claimed that he has been receiving repeated threats.

Director Santoshi announced that he had sought protection in the light of threats at a press conference on Monday.


The letter read, "I, Rajkumar Santoshi, a well-known director of films in the Indian Film industry, am hereby writing this letter to inform you about the interruptions in a press conference during a Horticular press conference held by our team on 20 January 2023 for the release of the film 'Gandhi vs Godse'. My team (director, producer & cast for the movie 'Gandhi vi Godse' was in the middle of the press conference when it was interrupted by a group of people with vested interests. They barged into the press conference which was held at 4 PM at PVR Citi Mall, Andheri. Later, several threats were received from some unknown people asking me to stop the release and promotion for this movie. I feel unsafe and I further submit that grave damage and injury could be caused to me and my family members if such persons are set free and if no steps are taken by your ad-self and further losses would be caused not only to us but the public at large. I Hereby humbly request you to take all necessary steps under law in this matter and further request you to urgently provide me with additional security to protect myself and other members of my family."

Set in post-independence India of 1947-48, 'Gandhi Godse-Ek Yudh' depicts the war of ideologies between Nathuram Godse and Mahatma Gandhi. The trailer showcased a powerful glimpse into the tumultuous period following India's partition.

Following the trailer release of the period drama film on January 11, Congress sought a ban on the film in Madhya Pradesh.

On the criticism he has been receiving for the film, Santoshi earlier said to ANI, "It has come to my notice that some people, claiming to be followers of Gandhiji, burnt my effigies and it might happen in future as well. This surprises me because people who truly believe in him will never resort to violence. They will never come out on the streets with lathis and burn effigies. It only goes to show that they actually don't believe in Gandhian principles. They haven't even seen the film and are reacting to the trailer. It shows that their motive is something else."

He added, "I request people to watch the film with an open mind and not come to theatres with any preconceived notions. Those coming with an open mind will truly enjoy the film. There's not been a single complaint against the film's previews, not even from the censor board."

Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, waded into the controversy around the film, saying, "I'm not surprised because for them (the makers of the film), Godse is a hero, and if they portray him as a hero, it should not surprise any of us. But I cannot comment on the merits or the demerits of the film because I haven't seen it and I don't intend to see films that glorify murderers."

(ANI)

More For You

2025 Oscars: Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and A-List stars set to present

Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson among the A-list stars set to take the stage as presenters at the 2025 Oscars

Instagram

2025 Oscars: Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and A-List stars set to present

The Academy has unveiled a star-studded line-up of presenters for the 2025 Oscars, adding even more glamour to Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining the previously announced 2024 winners—Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Robert Downey Jr.—are A-listers like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amy Poehler.

Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the event, marking his first time leading the prestigious awards show. The telecast is expected to acknowledge the impact of the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles earlier this year. O’Brien has stated that he wants the show to strike a balance between honouring Hollywood’s biggest achievements and recognising the challenges the city has faced.



A new twist on the Oscars' “Fab 5” format will also be introduced this year. Traditionally, past winners present acting awards while sharing personal tributes about the nominees. However, due to controversy surrounding one of this year’s nominees, the format has been adjusted to spotlight behind-the-scenes talent instead.

The new presenters include Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang, adding a mix of Hollywood veterans and fresh faces to the stage. While the specific categories they’ll present remain under wraps, tradition suggests last year’s Best Actor winner, Cillian Murphy, will hand out the Best Actress award, and Emma Stone will return the favour for Best Actor.

Rumours are swirling about a potential opening performance by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both nominated for their roles in the highly anticipated musical. While Grande remained coy about the possibility, fans are already buzzing with excitement.

The Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, with a red-carpet pre-show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET. As the countdown begins, the Academy promises more surprises and announcements in the coming weeks.

With a mix of Hollywood royalty, heartfelt tributes, and a touch of Conan O’Brien’s signature humour, the 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a night to remember.

Keep ReadingShow less
Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

Will Smith’s comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s latest song sparks excitement among fans

Instagram/diljitdosanjh

Will Smith’s shout-out to Diljit Dosanjh sparks viral collaboration buzz

When Hollywood superstar Will Smith drops a comment on your Instagram post, you know something big is brewing. That’s exactly what happened when Diljit Dosanjh, the Punjabi music sensation, shared a snippet of his latest track, Tension, on social media. Smith, known for his iconic roles and global influence, left a simple yet impactful comment: “Fire!.” Diljit, clearly thrilled, responded with, “@willsmith BIG BROTHER 🦾.”

This brief exchange sent fans into a frenzy, with many speculating if a collaboration between the two stars is on the horizon. One fan wrote, “This is BIG!,” while another chimed in, “Hopefully, there are plans for you two to work together!”

Will Smith drops a "Fire!" comment on Diljit Dosanjh’s post, fuelling collaboration rumoursInstagram/diljitdosanjh

Keep ReadingShow less
Police halt Ed Sheeran’s street performance

Sheeran, who began his career as a busker in the UK, said later on his Instagram account that he did have permission to perform.

Police halt Ed Sheeran’s street performance in Bengaluru

A STREET performance by Ed Sheeran in Bengaluru was stopped abruptly by police last Sunday (9), outraging fans and prompting the British singer to issue a clarification.

Sheeran, dressed in a white t-shirt and shorts was seen singing and playing his guitar on a pavement in the centre of Bengaluru ahead of his concert last Sunday night.

Keep ReadingShow less
NIFFA 2025 to open with ‘Superboys of Malegaon,’ biggest line-up yet

Superboys of Malegaon’ set to open NIFFA 2025, Australia’s biggest Indian film festival

Instagram/shashank.arora

NIFFA 2025 to open with ‘Superboys of Malegaon,’ biggest line-up yet

The National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet, bringing over 40 Indian films to Australian audiences. In collaboration with Dendy, the festival will showcase three world premieres and 36 Australian premieres, featuring a diverse mix of films across multiple Indian languages, including some never seen before in Australian theatres.

Reema Kagti’s much-anticipated Superboys of Malegaon will open the festival on February 13, 2025, with a grand red-carpet gala in Sydney. The film, which previously screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, will travel across major cities, including Canberra, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, before a nationwide release by Forum Films.

Keep ReadingShow less