Jimmy Donaldson, better known online as MrBeast, is one of the most powerful creators on the internet. But while his videos rake in millions of views and his businesses are reportedly worth over a billion dollars, he says he’s currently short on cash, so much so that he’s borrowing money from his mum to pay for his upcoming wedding.
The 27-year-old YouTuber recently opened up on Twitter, revealing that despite running a growing media empire, he personally has very little money. “I reinvest everything,” he said, noting that he plans to spend around £200 million (₹2,000 crore) this year on content. “Ironically, I’m actually borrowing money from my mum to pay for my wedding,” he added.
MrBeast reveals he’s borrowing money from his mom to pay for his upcoming island weddingTwitter Screengrab
Donaldson got engaged to Thea Booysen, a South African content creator, on Christmas Day 2024. The couple has been together since 2022, after meeting during his visit to her home country. They’ve kept most details of their relationship private, but say their wedding will be an intimate affair, likely on a remote island with only close friends and family.
Despite his modest bank balance, MrBeast continues to push high-budget projects. His reality competition show Beast Games, which gave away £8 million (₹80 crore) in prize money, is returning for two more seasons on Prime Video. He reportedly invested tens of millions into the first season alone. In a podcast interview, he admitted that at one point, his personal account held less than £800,000 (₹8 crore) because nearly all profits go back into production and expansion.
Alongside his content empire, MrBeast runs several brands under Beast Industries, including a chocolate line and packaged food products. In 2024, his company generated close to £380 million (₹3,800 crore) in revenue. But the creator has also faced challenges, including lawsuits from contestants and the Mexican government, the latter accusing him of filming promotional content at protected Mayan sites without proper clearance.
Still, Donaldson insists he’s not focused on luxury or saving. “If I fail, no other YouTuber gets a shot at this,” he said about his move into streaming. For now, his wedding plans are simple: time away with people he loves. Even if that means calling mum for help with the bill.
At a time when the spiritual essence of Sufi music is often diluted by commercial reinvention, Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers Qawwali Group stand tall as torchbearers of an unbroken tradition stretching back more than 700 years.
Sons of the late, legendary Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal, the five brothers continue a sacred musical lineage dating back to the 13th century and the disciples of the genre’s founding figure, Hazrat Amir Khusro.
As they bring their stirring performances to audiences across the UK, the group shares stories from their journey, memories of landmark concerts, and the profound responsibility of carrying forward a legacy rooted in devotion, discipline and divine inspiration. The brilliant brothers – Muhammad Najmuddin, Saifuddin Mehmood, Zafeeruddin Ahmed, Mughisuddin Hasan and Ehtishamuddin Husain – also reflect on their inspirations and the best advice given to them by their legendary father.
How do you reflect on your journey as a group?
We have been on a meaningful journey since childhood, dedicated to presenting traditional qawwali to the world. But this journey began long before us – our family’s connection to qawwali dates back to Hazrat Amir Khusro’s time in the 13th century. Our ancestor was part of the very first qawwali group. So, this is a spiritual journey that has continued across generations, and it lives on through our current UK tour.
What has been your most memorable moment?
We have many wonderful memories – one was performing at Millennium Park in 2013, during the Chicago World Music Festival, where nearly 12,000 people sang along with us. In 2012, on the USA Worldfest tour, we had 1,500 school students singing qawwalis with us. On that same tour, we also performed at the triennial Jewish-Christian-Muslim interfaith dialogue.
Which other moments stand out?
In 2011, we performed at the inauguration of the Islamic Block of Metropolitan Museum in the US. A special highlight was collaborating with the Moroccan group Hassan Hakmoun Ensemble to present a kalam that merged qawwali with Gnawa – a form of African devotional music. In 2002, during a tour of Iran, we performed to an audience of 8,000, who all sang Persian kalaams with us. Honestly, every time we step on stage, it feels special.
How important is live performance to you personally?
We absolutely love performing live. The audience response energises us and adds momentum to our performance. That shared connection is what motivates us to give every show our all and create something unforgettable.
How much do you enjoy touring the UK and performing here?
We always enjoy performing in the UK. After Pakistan and India, the UK has the greatest appreciation for traditional qawwali and music with classical roots. Audiences here are excellent listeners who understand and value authentic qawwali. We hope to see everyone during our current tour, which is being organised by Jay Visvadeva of Sama Arts Network.
What can audiences expect from your shows?
As always, we will give our best kalaams and strive for perfection so UK audiences can experience traditional qawwali in its purest, most powerful form – deeply rooted in ancient tradition.
How do you generate so much power on stage?
Our uniqueness lies in our collective strength – we have always performed as a group rather than relying on a frontman. While many groups have just one or two lead singers, we have five. Audiences appreciate that and are often amazed that each member plays an essential role in the performance. That is why our shows are so dynamic and full of energy.
Them performing liveNajmuddin Saifuddin Qawwal Group
Tell us about the documentary you have made.
The documentary, produced by Kamran Anwar and Professor Katherine Schofield, traces the emergence, history and evolution of qawwali. It goes right back to the disciples of Hazrat Amir Khusro, who is recognised as the first qawwal in history. We are proud to say our ancestor was part of that original group.
How important is it to carry forward a legacy that stretches back centuries?
We are descendants of the leader of the first Qawwal Bachchay group. Ours is a continuous legacy spanning 25 generations, and we will continue to carry it forward. It is both our honour and our responsibility to preserve and pass on this tradition.
What do you most admire about your father, Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal?
He was a true legend of the Khusro tradition. He believed in achieving perfection in every aspect of his work, art, and performance. He taught us every element of this tradition and was generous in sharing his knowledge, not just with us but with anyone who came to him. That is why his legacy extends far beyond the family.
What was the greatest lesson he taught you in your journey?
He always said, “Remain a disciple – never believe you are a teacher.” Being a disciple means you stay open to learning, remain inspired, and keep striving for perfection. The moment you think of yourself as a master, you stop growing, and others start questioning you.
What inspires you as a group?
We are inspired by simplicity, purity and excellence in performance. Our father never stopped striving for more, even though he was revered worldwide. He remained rooted in the Khusro tradition, and that focus continues to guide us. Our audiences also inspire us – whether we are performing for a few or for thousands, the energy they give back fuels us.
Why do you think Sufi music remains timeless and beloved?
Because it originates from the soul and speaks to the spirit. It brings calm, stillness and a sense of divine connection. Sufi music carries a universal message of love, humanity, equality, humility, peace and unity – all beautifully expressed through hypnotic rhythms and heartfelt vocals.
Why should people come to your upcoming UK shows?
Because the kind of qawwali we present is rare. It is not the inauthentic, Bollywood-style version that dilutes the genre. What we offer is real qawwali – in its purest form – and something you will not hear from any other group.
Najmuddin Saifuddin Qawwal Group are touring the UK until late July. Visit sama. co.uk for dates and ticket information.
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Although IO Interactive has yet to officially confirm the identity
Speculation is growing that Irish actor Patrick Gibson may be involved in the next phase of the James Bond franchise, following the release of the trailer for IO Interactive’s upcoming video game, 007 First Light. The cinematic trailer, which debuted on Wednesday during Sony’s State of Play presentation, showcased a younger version of the iconic British spy, and fans were quick to point out the character’s resemblance to Gibson.
The game introduces a 26-year-old Bond in a third-person action-adventure format, set to release in 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Within hours of the trailer’s release, social media was abuzz with fans speculating that Gibson is either portraying or voicing the new digital version of Bond.
Despite his growing profile, he has not previously worked on video game voice acting projectsYouTube/ IO Interactive
One user on Reddit wrote, “I clocked it THE SECOND I saw the dirty smirk of his,” while another commented: “Watching the trailer and knew the face looked familiar. After about a minute or so I screamed ‘DEXTER.’” The 30-year-old actor is currently best known for his portrayal of a young Dexter Morgan in the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin.
Although IO Interactive has yet to officially confirm the identity of the voice or performance actor behind the digital Bond, the character’s facial features and expressions have drawn comparisons to Gibson. According to PC Gamer, the game’s version of Bond features a “smirky” demeanour, similar to Gibson’s previous roles.
Gibson’s filmography includes appearances in Shadow and Bone, The OA, and The Tudors. Despite his growing profile, he has not previously worked on video game voice acting projects. Notably, his Wikipedia page was reportedly edited shortly after the trailer’s release to claim he had been cast in the game, further fuelling the speculation.
007 First Light: A new take on Bond
IO Interactive’s upcoming game represents a departure from previous depictions of James Bond. In 007 First Light, players will take control of a Bond who is not yet the polished secret agent with a licence to kill. Instead, he is described as “a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless new recruit” who has just joined MI6 after a privileged but aimless upbringing.
The game begins with Bond as an air crewman in the Royal Navy, prior to earning his 00 status. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak said the aim was to show Bond “before the tuxedos and the martinis,” as he steps into the dangerous world of espionage.
In the trailer, the character M describes Bond as “a bullet without a target,” hinting at a raw, unshaped version of the spy who will evolve into the 007 known to audiences. The game will reportedly combine narrative-driven cutscenes with third-person gameplay, including shooting and melee combat.
Debate over modern Bond and visual choices
Some fans and commentators have questioned the modern direction of the game. PC Gamer remarked that the new Bond, presumably born around the year 2000, has a distinctly contemporary appearance, joking that he looks like someone who “vapes or has opinions about Ethereum”.
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Nonetheless, the studio is expected to share more details at the IOI Showcase on Friday, 7 June at 2 am BST. This presentation is set to feature gameplay footage and may confirm the cast involved in the project.
Bond casting speculation continues
The speculation around Patrick Gibson’s involvement in 007 First Light comes amid ongoing rumours regarding the next actor to play James Bond in the film franchise. Theo James has recently emerged as the frontrunner, with bookmakers BetMGM listing the 40-year-old White Lotus star as the 6/4 favourite to succeed Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as Bond was in 2021’s No Time to Die.
- YouTubeYouTube/ IO Interactive
James, who also appeared in The Gentlemen, is now considered a leading contender among fans and industry insiders for the iconic role.
Meanwhile, 007 First Light marks IO Interactive’s first Bond game since acquiring the licence, and it is expected to be the first in a trilogy developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.
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A post-screening Q&A that revealed how their off-screen camaraderie and improvisational skills helped
The world premiere of Deep Cover lit up the inaugural SXSW London Screen Festival on Wednesday night, with stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed attending a post-screening Q&A that revealed how their off-screen camaraderie and improvisational skills helped shape the film’s comic energy.
The crime caper, directed by Stath Lets Flats creator Tom Kingsley, was screened as the festival’s Centrepiece Headliner and will be available to stream on Prime Video from 12 June.
A story years in the making
The project began over a decade ago, when producers Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly came across a real-life story involving New York police using actors as decoys in criminal investigations. The idea evolved into a feature film script written by the British duo Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, adapting Trevorrow and Connolly’s original concept and relocating the story to London.
Deep Cover follows three improv performers who are enlisted by an undercover police officer to pose as hardened criminals and infiltrate London’s underworld. With comedy and action colliding in unexpected ways, the film balances high stakes with humour.
Action-comedy with an indie heart
Director Kingsley explained that while the film began as a straightforward comedy, the involvement of bigger stars gave the team the resources to explore more ambitious action sequences.
“I think maybe it started more as a comedy. Straight up,” Kingsley said. “As we went on, bigger and bigger stars joined us, and that meant we could aim higher.”
- YouTubeYouTube/ Primevideo
The film was produced independently in London under Trevorrow’s Metronome Film Co. banner. The producers emphasised that creating a film like Deep Cover without major studio backing was a challenge, particularly in today’s economic climate.
“It’s not easy. We’re at a time when getting films financed is harder and harder,” Trevorrow noted. He credited Amazon’s partnership and the dedication of the British crew with bringing the production to life on a competitive budget.
Real locations, real stakes
One of the defining aspects of Deep Cover is its use of real London locations. From Shoreditch to Barking, the film avoids glossy studio sets in favour of gritty, authentic settings.
“We wanted the movie to feel real. I think the comedy is funnier when you really believe in the stakes,” said Kingsley. “We needed London to look a little dangerous, not too picture postcard.”
He revealed that some night shoots required extra security, especially in industrial zones. “We shot in areas that needed some caution – but that’s what gave it a grounded feel.”
Strong chemistry on and off screen
The cast’s chemistry was clear both on screen and during the Q&A. Howard, Bloom and Mohammed all spoke about how much they enjoyed working together and how much that dynamic influenced the film’s tone.
“We all just genuinely get along,” said Howard. “We’re all at similar stages in life. We’ve got kids, so we connect over that.”
Bloom, better known for dramatic and action roles, said the project allowed him to explore a new side of acting. “I’m not known for comedy,” he admitted. “But the writing and direction really supported me in finding the humour through the character’s seriousness.”
For Mohammed, the shift was in the other direction. Best known for his work in Ted Lasso, he found the action element to be a new experience. “Overwhelming,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of action films and blockbuster hits. So working with Hollywood-level stars on this was surreal.”
Improv rooted in structure
Although Deep Cover is about improvisers, the film itself relied heavily on a carefully structured script. Kingsley noted that while improvisation did happen during filming, most of it was trimmed for pacing.
“It’s a really tightly worked out script,” he said. “It goes a mile a minute, and we had to stick to the rhythm.”
Howard praised the collaborative process, saying, “We were never treated like puppets. It was very organic. The improv was more about getting into the scene rather than driving it.”
Bringing comedy back to the big screen
Producer Colin Trevorrow reflected on the rarity of seeing comedy in cinemas, especially as more films are made for streaming platforms.
“We live in a day and age where we rarely get to see comedy in a packed theatre full of people laughing – something I loved as a kid,” he said. “This film is going to be on Amazon, and we’re grateful for that, but tonight was something special.”
Deep Cover also features British acting veterans Paddy Considine, Ian McShane and Sean Bean in supporting roles.
As it heads to its Prime Video release, Deep Cover offers audiences a blend of improvisational comedy, undercover drama and London grit, all anchored by a cast with genuine chemistry and comedic timing.
Thug Life brings together two giants of Indian cinema, director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan, for the first time since their 1987 classic Nayakan. Hopes were understandably sky-high, especially following Ratnam’s recent success with the Ponniyin Selvan films. Unfortunately, the film struggles to match the weight of its own ambition.
A promising start with technical brilliance
The film opens with style. A gritty voiceover by Haasan sets the tone, followed by a black-and-white flashback in Old Delhi that is visually stunning and thematically rich. Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography and A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing stand out, creating a slick first act filled with betrayal, tension, and dramatic flair.
Kamal Haasan and silambarasan steal the show
Haasan delivers a strong performance as Rangaraya Sakthivel, a gangster who faces repeated brushes with death. His layered portrayal is matched by Silambarasan TR’s intense screen presence. Their performances are the film’s biggest strength, bringing emotional weight to an otherwise uneven narrative.
Supporting cast is underserved by thin writing
While the supporting cast includes notable names like Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, and Nasser, most characters are underdeveloped. Rajshri Deshpande’s brief but memorable appearance proves what could have been achieved with better character depth.
Second half slips into confusion
After the interval, the film loses direction. Key plot twists involving mistaken identities and romantic missteps feel unnecessary and slow the narrative. What begins as a gangster epic shifts into melodrama, undermining the gritty tone set earlier.
Stylised action, but lacking real stakes
The action sequences are well-shot and dramatic, but Sakthivel’s repeated survival through avalanches, explosions, and gunfire makes him feel more like a superhero than a vulnerable gangster. This hurts the film’s credibility and emotional impact.
A film that looks good but lacks heart
Despite its visual richness, Thug Life doesn’t pack the emotional punch expected from a Ratnam film. It touches on loyalty, revenge and power, but without the depth or payoff to leave a lasting impression.
Final verdict
- YouTubeYouTube/ Saregama Tamil
Thug Life is a beautifully crafted but uneven gangster tale. Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan shine, but weak storytelling and a faltering second half stop it from becoming a classic. It’s stylish but lacks the substance fans hoped for.
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The jacket tribute, blending personal sentiment with fashion
Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently paid tribute to her late mother, the legendary Sridevi, by wearing a custom denim jacket inspired by the 1990 Telugu cult classic Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari. Janhvi took to Instagram to share the look and express her admiration for the film and her mother’s performance, calling the experience deeply emotional and nostalgic.
In her post, Janhvi described the jacket and film as something she is “obsessed” with. She revealed she had watched the re-released version of the film a few days prior and was reminded of the cinematic magic that brought it to life. “Mumma is like an angel fairy princess and so funny and so cute,” Janhvi wrote, remembering Sridevi’s ethereal screen presence.
She also praised co-star Chiranjeevi Konidela, director K. Raghavendra Rao, and the late Amrish Puri, among others, highlighting the film’s humour, visuals, and overall impact. “The revival of this new print couldn’t have been executed by more able hands and is a gift to cinema lovers today,” she added, noting that it “felt like a visual spectacle that would give our contemporary films a run for their money.”
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari was recently re-released in cinemas, giving fans and the next generation of film lovers an opportunity to experience the classic once again on the big screen. The film, known for its fantastical elements and musical score, holds a special place in Indian cinema history and in Janhvi’s personal memories.
Sridevi, who passed away in 2018, was regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses. The film remains one of her most iconic roles, and Janhvi’s tribute reflects the emotional bond the actor continues to share with her mother’s legacy.
On the professional front, Janhvi Kapoor is currently enjoying a successful run. She was recently seen in Devara: Part 1 alongside Jr NTR. Her upcoming projects include Param Sundari with Sidharth Malhotra, Homebound featuring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari opposite Varun Dhawan, and Peddi alongside Ram Charan.
The jacket tribute, blending personal sentiment with fashion, has resonated with fans online, reinforcing Janhvi’s connection to her roots and her mother’s iconic cinematic journey.