Dev Patel, who is best known for starring in the multiple Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, is making his directorial debut with the much-anticipated Monkey Man, which enters cinemas worldwide on April 5, 2024.
The film was set to release in India on April 19. However, some media outlets reported that it would be released on different dates in the country as the Central Board of Film Certification was yet to certify the film. But the makers have now confirmed that Monkey Man is releasing in India on April 5.
In addition to Patel, Monkey Man also stars Sobhita Dhulipala and Sikander Kher in pivotal roles. Both actors are set to make their Hollywood debut with the film.
The story of Monkey Man is based in India and is inspired by the tale of Lord Hanuman. The film showcases Patel's character involved in an underground fight club, seeking revenge from his enemies who have taken everything from him.
The movie also stars Makrand Deshpande, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Aditi Kalkunte, and Ashwini Kalsekar.
Charli XCX, known for her music and rebellious spirit, has just been named Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. Held at London’s Grosvenor House, the ceremony recognised the people behind the music, including those who write the lyrics, shape the melodies, and craft the tunes that stick with us. And this year, it was Charli’s moment.
In a cheeky acceptance speech, she quoted lyrics from her own song Club Classics: “I wanna dance to me, me, me…” and followed it up by saying, “I’m hardly Bob Dylan.” But behind the humour was a clear truth: she’s worked hard to create something uniquely her own. Her 2024 album Brat captured both chaos and honesty, mixing club-ready beats with raw questions about fame, identity, and relationships. It was not just a hit on the charts; it sparked a wider cultural moment. Even the word “brat” made it into the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Charli XCX posing after winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 IvorsGetty Images
The Ivors, now in their 70th year, celebrate excellence in songwriting, voted for by fellow songwriters. That makes this recognition feel especially real. Brat may not have won Best Album, that went to Berwyn for Who Am I, but Charli’s influence on pop this past year is undeniable. Her music has been everywhere, with her songs reportedly played over 50 times a day across UK airwaves.
The awards also spotlighted new and rising talent. Lola Young won the Rising Star Award, thanks to the success of her gritty hit Messy, while Myles Smith’s Stargazing took home the award for the most-played song of the year. Orla Gartland’s intimate ballad Mine was named Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Sans Soucis won Best Contemporary Song for Circumnavigating Georgia.
Elsewhere, U2 were honoured with a lifetime fellowship, Brandon Flowers of The Killers won the special international award, and Robbie Williams was celebrated as a music icon.
As Charli XCX said herself, a good song isn’t just about melody; it’s about having a point of view. And with Brat, she’s made hers loud and clear.
Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai, faced two security breaches this week after a man and a woman tried to enter his building on separate occasions. Both individuals have since been taken into custody by the Bandra police and booked for trespassing.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday morning when 23-year-old Jitendra Kumar Singh, who had travelled from Chhattisgarh, was found lingering near the actor’s residence. When asked to leave by security personnel, Singh became agitated and smashed his phone. Later that evening, he managed to sneak inside the Galaxy Apartments compound by following a car into the premises. Security guards apprehended him before he could reach the actor and handed him over to the police. During questioning, Singh reportedly said he just wanted to meet Khan, but security wouldn't let him in.
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Less than 24 hours later, a second breach occurred. Early Wednesday morning around 3:30 am, 36-year-old Isha Chhabra from Khar managed to enter the same apartment complex. Claiming she had been invited, she went up to the actor’s flat and rang the doorbell. Salman Khan was reportedly at home at the time. The building’s staff quickly intervened and called the police after verifying she had no invitation.
Police are now investigating whether either of the intruders had help from someone inside the building. Officers are also reviewing security protocols at Galaxy Apartments, particularly since the actor has been under serious threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
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This isn’t the first time Khan’s safety has come under question. Last April, two men on a bike fired shots outside his home. That attack, allegedly orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, led to increased protection for the actor, including a Y-plus security detail. Additional measures, including surveillance upgrades and tighter building access, were introduced following that incident.
Tight security at Galaxy Apartments questioned after back-to-back intrusionsGetty Images
Khan, while promoting his upcoming film Sikandar earlier this year, admitted that the tight security has affected his daily life. He mentioned that he rarely steps out unless it’s for a shoot, and even then, he travels strictly between the set and his home.
With these latest incidents, questions are once again being raised about whether even Y-plus security is really enough.
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Fans react to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s new Omega campaign with Bond speculation
The search for the next James Bond might be nearing its end, and fans think the latest clue is too obvious to ignore. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was long considered a top contender for the role, has just been announced as the new face of Omega, the luxury watch brand that’s been part of Bond’s look since GoldenEye in 1995.
The announcement, made by Omega on Instagram, shows Taylor-Johnson touring the brand’s headquarters in Switzerland. Fans quickly picked up on the Bond connection, with many commenting that this looks like a carefully placed breadcrumb. “What secret agent do we know wears an Omega?” one user asked. Others simply welcomed him with, “Hello, Mr Bond.”
Omega watches have been a signature accessory for James Bond for nearly 30 years. Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig both wore Omega during their time as 007, so this new partnership has naturally sparked talk that Taylor-Johnson is next in line.
The actor, best known for roles in Bullet Train, Kick-Ass, and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter, hasn’t confirmed anything. When asked earlier this year about the Bond rumours, he dodged the question, focusing instead on promoting his current projects. But he did speak highly of Omega, calling their craftsmanship “impressive” and the factory visit “awe-inspiring.”
Even his wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, teased the idea in a recent interview, saying he’d be “great” in the role. Former Bond Pierce Brosnan agrees, having worked with Aaron in the 2009 film The Greatest. Brosnan praised him as “charismatic” and “bold”—qualities essential for Bond and said he’d be an excellent fit.
Despite the excitement, the role isn’t officially his. Other names like Theo James, Henry Cavill, and James Norton are still in the mix, with betting odds shifting frequently. Amazon MGM now oversees the franchise, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are driving the reboot forward, though no casting announcements have been made yet.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson keeps quiet on Bond role but the clues keep adding upGetty Images
Still, if this Omega partnership is more than just a branding move, fans might already be looking at their new Bond. Whether it’s clever marketing or an actual hint, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is firmly in the spotlight.
When music runs in your veins, it is only a matter of time before the world hears your song. For Gxrnoor, born Gurnoor Anand, music was both a calling and a legacy.
The daughter of acclaimed music director Harry Anand, she grew up surrounded by melody and rhythm, but her sound is entirely her own. Blending sleek pop hooks with the swagger of hip hop, the soul of r’n’b and the spirit of Punjabi beats, Gxrnoor represents a bold new wave of Indian artists unafraid to mix styles and shatter expectations.
From scribbling down Rihanna lyrics as a child to releasing her debut single Relive in 2024, she has been winning hearts with a boss girl energy.
Eastern Eye caught up with the rising music star you will be hearing more about to discuss her songs, inspirations and hopes.
What first connected you to music?
I used to listen to a lot of pop and hip hop as a child – artists like Rihanna, Shakira and Nicki Minaj. Seeing their music videos and performances always intrigued me. They reflected a boss girl energy, and I wanted to be like them someday. I started writing down their lyrics in my notebook, and one day, I thought of writing a song of my own. That is how my journey began. I was only 12 when I wrote my first song and eventually started playing instruments, becoming more inclined towards this path.
How do you reflect on your music journey?
So far, I am grateful. God has been kind. I have received immense love and support in just one year of starting out, and I am eternally thankful for it. There is so much more to come and do – so many things I am yet to achieve. I believe hard work and consistency can get me exactly where I hope to be one day.
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
Seeing people make reels using my songs felt emotional. Watching real people add my songs to their playlists and listen to them daily is a beautiful feeling. Every artist can relate to that. It feels amazing when someone appreciates your craft and connects to it.
Which of your songs is closest to your heart and why?
Relive and Darham. Relive is my debut single, so it will always be closest to my heart. I have achieved a lot and been discovered because of that song. Darham was composed in two minutes – it just flowed out, raw and unfiltered. I love the simplicity and airiness of it. Plus, the word itself is unique. Darham means ‘confused’ in Persian.
Tell us about your next song.
I am working on a summer track with a house feel. It is a great melody – very easy listening. I love its vibe and, hopefully, the audience will too. Fingers crossed! Who are you hoping this song connects with most? It is a light, feel-good song that anyone can relate to. You could play it while driving, chilling at the beach, sitting in the park or just going about your day. It has a good, summery vibe.
What is the music masterplan going forward for your career?
India still has a limited number of female artists. If you look internationally, the music scene is largely dominated by women. My masterplan is to bring that change to India – to inspire more women to step forward and chase their dreams without hesitation. Confidence and belief are key. And if I can make it to the top, they will know they can too.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Shubh is a great artist. I would love to collaborate with him someday.
What music genres dominate your personal playlist these days?
(Laughs) There is no in-between. It is either extreme hip hop or extreme melody – the best of both worlds.
Who is your music hero?
My father. I have seen him at his peak, and he inspires me to aim that high. He has sold out stadiums and ruled India’s pop music scene in the 1990s and 2000s. I hope I can follow in his footsteps and make him proud.
If you could master something new in music, what would it be?
I would love to master advanced music production. I only know the basics for now, but if I had more time, I would love to make beats just for fun. It is something that really fascinates me.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. If you leave me in the hills or by the sea for hours, I will come back with ten compositions. It opens up my creativity. I also love stargazing – just staring at the vastness of the universe. That inspires me too. And I admire other artists and their creativity. We should always support each other in this community.
Why do you love music?
I love music! I breathe music! Imagine how empty the world would be without it. Music heals your soul. It connects you to yourself. You do not need company when you are listening to music. It helps you enjoy life.
Instagram: @gxrnoor
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From Aishwarya to Janhvi and Sharmila to Sonam, Indian stars redefined red carpet storytelling at Cannes 2025
The Cannes Film Festival is about films. But it’s also about the stories that walk the red carpet when the cameras flash. This year was no cookie-cutter glamour, no borrowed Hollywood poses. Instead, our stars stormed, blessed, questioned, and, in some cases, completely redefined what it meant to “represent India” on a global stage. Forget the overused phrases about “making heads turn” or “serving looks.” These artists and icons came with messages stitched into every pleat, petal, and pearl. Some brought politics. Some brought poetry. All brought power.
Here are 10 moments that prove India didn’t just attend Cannes 2025. We hijacked it.
1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The queen didn’t return, she reclaimed
In a sea of plunging necklines and sheer gowns, Aishwarya chose ivory silk, sindoor, and rubies that looked like they’d been mined from a queen’s treasury. Swathed in an ivory Banarasi masterpiece by Manish Malhotra, she reintroduced the red carpet to what Indian opulence really means. With sindoor glowing under camera flashes and rubies big enough to fund a film worth over £2 million, her look was unapologetically Indian. Not a throwback but more like a takeover.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stuns in an ivory Banarasi silk saree by Manish Malhotra Getty Images
2. Sharmila Tagore: Grace walked in, time stood still
When Sharmila Tagore walked the Cannes carpet in emerald silk, something magical happened: the noise dimmed, and elegance took centre stage. No sequins, no theatrics. Just a green saree so rich it could’ve been woven from the forests of Aranyer Din Ratri. She simply stood there all radiant, calm, and proud, and Cannes remembered what a real star looks like.
Sharmila Tagore exudes timeless grace in a rich emerald silk sareeInstagram/sabapataudi
Janhvi’s Cannes debut paid homage to her mother with a soft pink Tarun Tahiliani saree look, handwoven in Banaras and accessorised with Chopard pearls worth £50,000. For the second look, she stunned in a green and gold backless Anamika Khanna gown with intricate embroidery, a dramatic long train, and traditional gold jewellery that elegantly draped down her back. From princess-core to regal desi drama, Janhvi served a dual wardrobe win on the Croisette.
Janhvi Kapoor in a soft pink Tarun Tahiliani Banarasi saree and wows in a green and gold backless Anamika Khanna gownInstagram/janhvikapoor/Getty Images
4. Karan Johar: Florals, but make it fearless
If anyone can make a rose controversial, it’s Karan. While others played it safe in black tuxedos, Karan marched in like a Bollywood maximalist dream in a Rohit Bal rose-embroidered coat priced at £10,000. Producing a serious film like Homebound and still showing up dripping in drama? That’s the duality only KJo can serve.
Karan Johar breaks the mold in a bold rose-embroidered coat by Rohit BalGetty Images
5. Simi Garewal: White isn’t a colour. It’s a command
In a snow-white Karleo gown with clean cuts and zero fuss, Simi proved style doesn’t need sparkle. With her trademark open hair and clutch, she looked like she’d walked straight out of a vintage film reel. Her presence was a quiet answer to anyone who thinks Cannes is only for the young. Legends, she reminded us, don’t fade; they refine.
Simi Garewal commands attention in a crisp white Karleo gownInstagram/simigarewalofficial
6. Jacqueline Fernandez: Red hot and regal at Women in Cinema
While others posed, Jacqueline was honoured, picked by the Red Sea Film Foundation as a Woman in Cinema. She stunned at the Women in Cinema Gala in a strapless red Nicole + Felicia gown worth £30,000 with a corseted bodice and fishtail skirt. The rose-floret drape added drama, while diamond jewellery and a bold red lip sealed this show-stopping look.
Jacqueline Fernandez captivates at the Women In Cinema gala in a strapless red Nicole + Felicia gownGetty Images
7. Vishal Jethwa: Dandy debut done right
Vishal made a strong first impression at Cannes in a sculpted black Kaushik Velendra pantsuit with shimmering shoulders and a golden bird brooch worth £5,000 . Sleek rings, glossy shoes, and a backswept hairdo completed his quietly flamboyant fashion win. It was a refreshing break from the usual red carpet formula, earning him instant sartorial cred.
Vishal Jethwa makes a stylish debut in a black embellished Kaushik Velendra pantsuit with a golden bird brooch Instagram/vishaljethwa06
8. Aditi Rao Hydari: The bride and the starlet in one
One night: a futuristic Rahul Mishra gown. The next? A red Raw Mango saree, sindoor, and all. Aditi didn’t just switch looks; she switched identities. Tradition and modernity, worn like two sides of the same coin. She wore her heritage like armour, proving tradition can outshine trend.
Aditi Rao Hydari transitions seamlessly between a futuristic Rahul Mishra gown and a traditional red Raw Mango saree Instagram/aditiraohydari
9. Mouni Roy: From primetime to prime carpet
She may be a Cannes freshman, but Mouni dressed like royalty. Midnight-blue couture, Chopard diamonds worth £100,000 and a pose that said, “I belong here.” No awkward debut jitters, just a woman who knew exactly when to step into the light.
Mouni Roy shines in midnight-blue couture and Chopard diamondsInstagram/imouniroy
10. Sonam C. Chhabra: The red carpet got political and personal
While others wore sequins, Sonam wore a cape etched with names of terror attack sites: Mumbai, Pulwama, Uri. It wasn’t subtle. It wasn’t supposed to be. Wrapped in white, she turned the carpet into a canvas for grief, pride, and resistance. Fashion can flirt or fight. She chose the latter.
Sonam C. Chhabra delivers a powerful political statement in a white cape etched with names of terror attack sitesInstagram/sonamcchhabra
So, what did India really do at Cannes 2025?
We didn’t just attend. We arrived. With every saree, every scene-stealing moment, and every cinematic victory, India’s stars reclaimed the narrative. This year, it wasn’t about who wore what. It was about who said something with fabric, with film, with fierce intent.
The Riviera might have the sunset, but this year, India owned the light.