The poster of a new film, titled JNU: Jahangir National University, has sparked a debate on social media with many criticising it as a "propaganda film".
Written and directed by Vinay Sharma, the movie is set to be released in theatres on April 5. It features an ensemble cast of Siddharth Bodke, Urvashi Rautela, Piyush Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Vijay Raaz, Rashmi Desai, Atul Pandey, and SonnalliSeygall.
Rautela shared the film's poster on her Instagram page. The photo features a saffron map of India with the text, "Can one educational university break the nation?"
"Behind closed walls of EDUCATION, brews a conspiracy to BREAK the NATION,
As the LEFT & RIGHT collide, who will win this Battle for DOMINATION?" she posted.
The film's title is in reference to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been at the center of controversies for the past few years.
The poster of JNU was also shared on social media platform X by several personalities, including trade analysts Taran Adarsh and Komal Nahta, inviting polarising reactions from the users.
Many decried the movie as yet another example of a propaganda film.
"This will be nothing more than a bundle of lies! The movie will have nothing to do with the realities of #JNU, the only two purposes of this movie will be to malign the name of one of the best universities in India and to divert the attention of the people from the real issues like unemployment and poverty," one person posted.
"One more propaganda film to be released before the elections on #JNU, surely it’s going to show the university in a bad light," said another user.
On April 5th, #JNUMovie is coming to captivate, challenge, and inspire. This film isn't just a film, it's a movement.
Some social media users also hailed the movie, calling it a hit in the making.
"The real nature of Tukde Tukde gang will be exposed. Watch JNU in theatres near you on 5th April," an X user wrote.
"On April 5th, #JNUMovie is coming to captivate, challenge, and inspire. This film isn't just a film, it's a movement," wrote another.
JNU: Jahangir National University is presented by Mahakaal Movies. It is produced by Pratima Datta.
In his debut UK show – and first international performance – Indian stand-up comedian Shamik Chakrabarti took to the stage at Soho Theatre, London, with a deceptively low-key presence that quickly revealed a sharp wit beneath his ‘sensible nerd’ exterior.
The aptly titled Despite Appearances saw the bespectacled comic defy expectations. His softly spoken, academic demeanour gave way to punchlines filled with sly irony, sarcasm and culturally specific references that regularly caught the audience off guard.
The promising newcomer joins a growing list of Indian comedians making their first international strides through the iconic venue. Performing in English, Chakrabarti opened with locally tailored jabs at British quirks before shifting to idiosyncratic tales from life in India.
What followed was a string of wry observations on topics ranging from his (notably tall) height and online sex bots, to an unforgettable visit to what seemed like a knock-off safari park – complete with deer and what appeared to be a man in a tiger costume.
Rather than delivering rapid-fire gags, the slow-burn set leaned into long, ironic setups and unexpected, sideways punchlines – building a world that felt both absurd and relatable.
The show’s centrepiece was an extended story about losing his laptop in a rickshaw and the surreal events that followed – including trying to explain the situation to bewildered police officers. While this was clearly a crowd favourite and delivered several strong moments, it slightly overstayed its welcome and dragged the pace in the second half.
That said, Chakrabarti’s delivery remains distinctly his own – dry, deadpan and unapologetically niche. It resonated with sections of the audience, though others, perhaps expecting more energy, were less engaged.
With over 25 million Instagram views and more than 8 million on YouTube, Chakrabarti already commands a sizeable fan base – one that is now set to grow. If he can sharpen the storytelling and tighten the structure, he could soon become a regular name on the global stand-up circuit, with the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe as his next big step.
Tom Cruise had a heartfelt moment at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival when his latest film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, received a five-minute standing ovation at its world premiere. The 62-year-old actor was visibly moved as the crowd at the Grand Théâtre Lumière cheered him on, acknowledging his 30-year run as Ethan Hunt in the blockbuster franchise.
Cruise walked the aisle surrounded by applause, joined by director Christopher McQuarrie and co-stars including Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales. Moments later, he took the mic to thank the audience, calling the experience a dream come true. “I’ve been lucky to entertain you with this series for three decades,” he said, adding a heartfelt tribute to McQuarrie, who has directed the last four films in the series.
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The Cannes premiere was a grand affair. A 40-piece orchestra played the iconic Mission: Impossible theme as the cast walked the red carpet. Fans held up posters from Cruise’s earlier films, and some paid tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer. Cruise, known for his genuine connection with fans, took time to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Greg Tarzan Davis, Angela Bassett, Tom Cruise, Tramell Tillman, Hannah Waddingham, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales and Erik Jendresen at Cannes 2025Getty Images
This premiere is, in fact, Cruise’s return to Cannes after Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, which received a six-minute ovation and a jet flyover. While this time lacked such theatrics, the emotional impact was no less powerful. The actor was seen clasping his heart, overwhelmed by the audience’s love.
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The film, which picks up from 2023’s Dead Reckoning Part One, is being touted as the final chapter in the Ethan Hunt saga. Though Cruise hinted it’s a culmination of 30 years of work, he stopped short of calling it his last. “Let people watch it and decide,” he said.
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The Final Reckoning opens in India on 17 May, six days ahead of its global release, and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Given the high production costs and moderate performance of the previous film, the stakes are high. But with Cruise’s relentless promotion across countries and a warm Cannes reception, the franchise may be gearing up for one last big win.
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Lorde announces her highly anticipated Ultrasound World Tour 2025 across the US, UK and Europe
Summer might belong to Lorde, but fall is shaping up to be just as thrilling. Fresh off the release of her new album Virgin in June, the New Zealand singer is taking her show on the road, hitting cities across the US, UK and Europe from September through December. If her surprise performance in Washington Square Park was any indication, fans are in for something special.
In a personal note to her fans, Lorde described her concerts as a shared experience: "Every show is about us—bodies and machines creating something bigger together. Twelve years of making music just for us. This time, I’ve stripped things back to give us more space. I think Ultrasound could be our best work yet."
Lorde promises a unique collaboration between artist and audience on her Ultrasound World TourGetty Images
Fans attending the tour will be treated to performances from some stellar opening acts, including Blood Orange, The Japanese House, Nilüfer Yanya, Chanel Beads, Empress Of, Jim-E Stack, and Oklou, making this tour an even more exciting experience.
Ticket sales for Lorde’s tour will begin soon, with presale starting on May 14 at 10 A.M. local time, followed by general sales on May 16 at 10 A.M. local time. If you want to ensure a spot at her concert, it’s advisable to sign up for the presale now through her official website.
Get ready to hear Lorde's new album Virgin live as she takes her show on the road this fallGetty Images
While ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest that prices will range from $49 to $183 in the US and £47.90 to £126.25 in the UK. Depending on your location and seat choice, the prices may vary.
Lorde's North American leg kicks off in Austin, Texas, on September 17 and continues through major cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The European and UK dates will follow, starting on November 9 in Luxembourg and wrapping up on December 9 in Stockholm, Sweden. Fans can expect a mix of intimate venues and larger arenas, giving everyone a chance to experience Lorde’s magic live.
Presale tickets for Lorde's Ultrasound World Tour are now available for fans eager to secure their spotGetty Images
For those looking to grab tickets, be sure to check her website and venues for presale access and keep an eye on specific sales times in your area.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares a candid moment with Raj Nidimoru amid dating rumours
Samantha Ruth Prabhu seems to be in a celebratory mood, both professionally and personally. As her maiden production Subham hits the screens, the actress has been sharing a string of heartfelt posts, many of which feature filmmaker Raj Nidimoru.
While neither of them has publicly addressed the dating rumours, Samantha’s recent Instagram uploads have only added to the speculation. In one of the standout photos, she is seen resting her head on Raj’s shoulder mid-flight, while another shows the duo smiling beside a poster of Subham. Raj, who is credited as the creative producer on the film, appears to be a steady presence in Samantha’s life both on and off the set.
In the caption accompanying the post, Samantha thanked fans for embracing Subham, calling it “the very first step” of their journey at Tralala Moving Pictures. “Fuelled by heart, madness, and the belief that new, fresh stories matter,” she wrote. She also shared a short video of her mother, Ninette Prabhu, enthusiastically complimenting her brief cameo in the film. “Your acting was so nice… the whole theatre was full, maa,” her mother said, as Samantha playfully reminded her she had just one scene.
Fans, as expected, jumped into the comments section. Some found Ninette’s reaction adorable, while others focused on the growing closeness between Samantha and Raj. “That eighth slide, Sam! Everyone’s talking about your love story now,” one follower wrote.
This isn’t the first time the two have been spotted together. They were seen visiting the Tirupati temple before the release of Subham, and they previously worked on Citadel: Honey Bunny and The Family Man Season 2. Samantha is also set to appear in Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom, another collaboration with Raj and his partner DK.
Subham, directed by Cinema Bandi’s Praveen Kandregula and written by Vasanth Mariganti, features six new faces in prominent roles. It is Samantha’s first step as a producer, and fans are clearly taking interest in both the stories she wants to tell and the one she may be living.
Whether it’s work, companionship, or something more, Samantha’s next chapter is unfolding in full view, and her fans are watching closely.
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New South Asian Soundcheck survey aims to tackle music industry bias in UK
A first-of-its-kind survey, The South Asian Soundcheck, has launched to uncover the realities faced by South Asian artists and professionals in the UK music scene. Led by the non-profit Lila, the project is backed by major industry players like UK Music, BPI, Musicians’ Union, and the Music Managers Forum.
The online survey, taking just 10 minutes, will gather crucial data on representation, career barriers, and earnings for South Asians in music, a community long overlooked despite its contributions. The findings could push for real change, from fairer festival lineups to more support for behind-the-scenes professionals.
BBC Radio’s Bobby Friction, a vocal advocate, says this is a pivotal moment. "Canada’s Juno Awards just added a South Asian music category. At Glastonbury, we created the first-ever South Asian stage, ‘Arrivals,’ which is returning as ‘Azaadi’ next year. But to keep this momentum, we need hard data and this survey will give us that."
Vikram Gudi, founder of Lila, stresses this isn’t just a "South Asian issue" but an industry-wide gap. "South Asians have shaped UK music for decades, yet we’re missing from top roles, festival bills, and boardrooms. This survey is step one in fixing that."
Key areas the survey explores:
Who’s working in music—artists, execs, or behind-the-scenes.
Pay gaps—how much South Asians earn compared to peers.
Visibility—why cultural acts often get side-lined.
Funding access—what support is lacking.
Major orgs are throwing weight behind it. UK Music’s Diversity Head, Eunice Obianagha, calls it "vital for driving change," while the BPI notes South Asian music’s growing influence but admits "we need data to back real action." The Musicians’ Union adds that insights from the survey could mirror their own Musicians’ Census in pushing for fairer representation.
Bobby Friction and Vikram Gudi lead the charge for South Asian representation in UK music through the ground-breaking Soundcheck surveygetty images
Results will be public, helping labels, festivals, and funders make smarter moves, whether launching mentorship schemes or earmarking grants. The research is designed by Sania Haq, who’s worked with Spotify and the UK government on similar projects.
Why it matters: Without numbers, the industry won’t act. This survey could finally turn anecdotal struggles into actionable proof.