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.
Marvel’s first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has fans buzzing, not just about the iconic superhero team, but about the film’s decision to root itself firmly in the 1960s. The 20-second clip, devoid of the main cast, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with a group of children rushing to a storefront to watch the Fantastic Four’s space shuttle launch on a vintage television. This period-piece approach sets the stage for a fresh take on Marvel’s first family, blending retro aesthetics with the cosmic origins of the team.
The teaser’s 1960s setting is a deliberate departure from previous adaptations, which have struggled to capture the essence of the original comics. By anchoring the story in the decade of the Fantastic Four’s creation, Marvel seems to be paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking work. The choice also opens up intriguing narrative possibilities, such as exploring how the team’s emergence impacts a world on the brink of the space race and cultural revolution.
While the teaser avoids showing the titular heroes, it introduces British actor Ralph Ineson as the iconic villain Galactus, hinting at a cosmic threat that could span time and space. The absence of the main cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, has left fans speculating about how their characters will be integrated into this retro-futuristic world.
The decision to set the film in the 1960s also raises some questions about its connection to the broader MCU timeline. Will the Fantastic Four’s story remain in the past, or will it bridge into the present? Marvel’s choice to keep details under wraps has only fuelled anticipation.
As the teaser continues to spark debates, one thing is clear: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is aiming to redefine the team’s legacy by embracing its roots. With its nostalgic setting and cosmic ambitions, the film promises to be a bold new chapter in the MCU. Fans will have to wait until July 2025 to see if Marvel’s gamble pays off.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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