HE MAY have starred in a string of successful TV serials, but talented actor Vikas Sethi is a big film fan and selected 10 big screen favourites. He said: “Love for film is an essential part of any actor’s life. But it is quite a dilemma choosing my all-time top 10 favourite movies because I don’t want to leave out any obvious ones, and at the same time one cannot contain all their choices in just a list of 10. So, heavy heartedly, I enumerate my top 10 choices, listed in no particular order.”
On The Waterfront: This heart-wrenching tragedy is an old classic with the incomparable Marlon Brando in absolute raw form. It was a breakout performance on various levels since it shifted the medium of acting towards a more authentic realism. This movie seems relevant. The story resonated universally, wherever there were workers oppressed by factory owners and the authorities had dug deep into the trenches of corruption, power and influence. One underdog stands against the status quo, against his brother and yet it is grounded in its storytelling. Avoiding the cliché melodrama makes this bold movie a class apart.
The Godfather: Another classic which one can never forget. The story is so simple, yet it forms the base for complex characters to rise into enigmatic performances. The transformation of Michael Corleone, from a naïve, Ivy League, war veteran to the successor of his father’s fiefdom is stellar. The whole ensemble of actors leaves a long-lasting impression and each scene in itself is an acting lesson. Plus the direction of Francis Ford Coppola, blocking of the scenes to the narrative pace is simply iconic.
The Godfather Part Two: This sequel is one of those rare second instalments that have been a level up to its predecessor. In this one, we have acting legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino playing off at each other, although they never come face to face in a single scene. We see how a blood legacy is only marred in more blood as we see Vito Corleone’s rise from a lowly bread earner to the head of one of the biggest mafia families in America. We see Michael carrying his torch further, plagued by paranoia and power.
Sholay: Any Bollywood fan cannot miss Sholay. It may not comply with your neo-realism sense of cinematic grammar, but it is enthralling to watch Dharmendraji and Amitabhji (Bachchan) play Jai and Veeru, with their ragged and rustic charisma. Sanjeev Kumar’s performance as revenge hungry ex-cop pulls the story together wonderfully well. Add to that Hemaji’s (Malini) Basanti and a rather restrained performance by Jayaji (Bhaduri). Two hustlers fight an ultimate battle of revenge against the notorious Gabbar Singh played masterfully by Amjad Khan.
Maine Pyar Kiya: The first film of Salman Khan as a lead, introduces him as this innocent son of a wealthy businessman. This movie laid the foundation of what we would see. It has sparks of innocent romance through the perspectives of our protagonists played by Bhagyashree and Salman Khan adorning their own natural personas as the characters they play. No one can escape the boyish charm of Salman’s performance as Prem, whose innocent journey through the various melodramatic familial dramas still retains its magnanimity. If nothing else, this movie reminds you of the first time you fell in love.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: This movie redefined romance and that’s why it’s one of my favourites. It is purely about love in an Indian way, but in a foreign land. It ventures into various aspects of courtship, played wonderfully by Kajol, who evolves from the usual traditionally wound-up girl to an idealistic dreamer who finally falls for the flirtatious, but good-hearted charm of Shah Rukh Khan’s Raj. It is juxtaposed in the backdrop of Indian orthodoxy, and is the
struggle of a young couple who want to change mind-sets rather than flee in raw rebellion. You can win over people if you just try and that is what makes DDLJ stand apart from conventional romances.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun: Introducing the Indian joint family system in mainstream Bollywood, this movie became the most relevant of its time. It includes the ethos of traditional Indian culture mixed with innocent modern romance between Nisha and Prem, who on both sides play the younger siblings of the bride and groom set to be married. Madhuri Dixit as Nisha introduces audiences to a young, smart and charismatic heroine, an archetype that was not emphatically present in Indian movies at that time. This movie worked wonderfully, despite its lack of conflict and endorsed the Indian family unit in a light that never had been done before.
The Silence Of The Lambs: One of the most engaging horror-cum-thrillers gives an uncanny insight into averse aspects of the human condition. It explores deviancy to its basest form through the sophisticated interactions between Anthony Hopkins, whose chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lector raises the hair behind your neck, and agent Clarice Starling. Her journey leads us into the maze of serial killers and FBI profiling techniques. New but bold, she cuts through the manic psychosis of Lector and grabs the killer she has been tracking with his help. The Silence Of The Lambs set the tone for many future psycho-thriller horror films. But in it’s own right, the performances simply shook the audiences to their very core.
The Untouchables: An epic directed by Brain De Palma shows 1930s Chicago ravaged by the notorious Al Capone in the prohibition era. This movie consists of an ensemble cast one just cannot afford to miss. Robert De Niro plays Mafioso Al Capone astoundingly well. Then you have Jimmy Malone, a small-time beat cop played by the amazing Sean Connery, who gathers up the stones to defeat the city’s big devil. Andy Garcia’s performance as Peter Stone sets forth a promising career and how could one forget the no-bullsh*t attitude of Eliot Ness who leads the pack, played wonderfully by Kevin Costner.
Taxi Driver: The neurotic journey of Travis Bickle captures the decadent slurp of New York’s shiny urban landscape. It exposes the underbelly of the purposeless, nihilistic scourge of the American Dream of post-Vietnam war 1970s. The whole movie is a character study of war veteran Travis Bickle, who cannot sleep at night, so he takes up moonlighting New York City as a taxi driver. Robert De Niro who engages us in every single frame with an iconic performance. His gradual journey from a well-wishing New York citizen to a psychotic disgruntled plotter makes you question the fundamental aspects of a society.
Scarlett Johansson becomes the highest-grossing lead actor at the global box office
Her films have now grossed £10.7 billion worldwide
Johansson achieved the feat with fewer films than Jackson or Downey Jr
Latest success comes from Jurassic World: Rebirth, which earned $318 million in its first six days
Johansson overtakes Jackson and Downey Jr at the box office
Scarlett Johansson has officially become the highest-grossing lead actor in global box office history, following the successful release of Jurassic World: Rebirth. The milestone sees her surpass fellow Marvel actors Samuel L Jackson and Robert Downey Jr, cementing her status as one of the most bankable stars in the world.
According to box office tracker The Numbers, Johansson’s films have now earned £10.7 billion worldwide. Jackson and Downey Jr trail slightly behind, with £10.7 billion and £10.5 billion respectively.
Remarkably, Johansson has achieved this with a relatively lean filmography — just 36 films, compared to Jackson’s 71 and Downey Jr’s 45.
A consistent performer over two decades
Johansson's average gross per film stands at £298 million, placing her ahead of both Jackson ($205.7m / £151m) and Downey Jr ($318.1m / £233.5m). Her breakout role came in 2003’s Lost in Translation, and she has since built a diverse portfolio that includes critically acclaimed performances in Marriage Story, Jojo Rabbit, and multiple roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
She made her screen debut at the age of 10 in the 1994 comedy North, later appearing in Home Alone 3, The Horse Whisperer, and Ghost World during the 1990s.
Lead role in Jurassic World: Rebirth
In her latest film, Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a mercenary hired by a pharmaceutical representative (played by Rupert Friend) to accompany palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis (played by Jonathan Bailey) on a mission to retrieve dinosaur DNA. The plot builds on the legacy of the Jurassic Park franchise.
She takes over the lead from Chris Pratt, who led the previous three Jurassic World films as Owen Grady.
Within its first six days in cinemas, Jurassic World: Rebirth has earned £233 million globally, making it the second-highest performing release of 2025 so far, behind only the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2.
A role years in the making
Johansson has previously spoken about her determination to join the franchise.
“I’ve been trying to get into this franchise in any possible way for over 10 years,” she told ComicBook.com.
“I’ll do anything for it — I’ll die in the first five minutes! I can’t believe it’s finally happened.”
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The limited-edition release is the first official product
Royal Mint unveils commemorative Iron Maiden coin for band's 50th anniversary
Features mascot Eddie with hidden references to songs, albums and tours
Designed by artist and lifelong fan Albert “Akirant” Quirantes
Coin available in editions starting at £18.50
Iron Maiden honoured with official UK coin
The Royal Mint has released a new collectable coin to commemorate 50 years since the formation of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
Designed by artist Albert “Akirant” Quirantes, the coin features the band’s long-time mascot Eddie, who has appeared on every Iron Maiden album cover since 1980. The artwork includes hidden references to the band’s extensive discography, stage imagery, and iconic world tours.
The limited-edition release is the first official product to feature the band’s 50th anniversary logo and follows Eddie’s appearance on a set of Royal Mail stamps in 2023.
“A perfect fusion of metal on metal”
Rod Smallwood, the band’s manager, said:
“Having Eddie on an official UK coin is a continuation of his incredible odyssey since we unearthed him back in 1980.”
Rebecca Morgan of the Royal Mint described the coin as a “perfect fusion of metal on metal” and said it is expected to become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Design inspired by fan devotion
Quirantes, a lifelong Iron Maiden fan, said working on the coin was one of the most exciting projects of his career.
“I’ve hidden several references within the design that true fans will enjoy discovering,” he said, pointing to subtle nods to classic albums and songs.
The coin is available in various editions, with prices starting at £18.50.
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The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake
Wireless Festival 2025 runs from 11–13 July in Finsbury Park, London
Drake to headline all three nights of the sold-out event
New acts include ODUMODUBLVCK, SahBabii, Darkoo and Uncle Waffles
Up to 150,000 attendees expected across the weekend
Final line-up revealed ahead of 20th anniversary festival
Further acts have been confirmed for the 2025 edition of Wireless Festival, as Finsbury Park prepares to host the three-day music event from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UK’s biggest urban music festival, which has evolved into a major platform for rap, R&B, afrobeats and grime.
The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake would headline all three nights — a first for the festival — sparking record-breaking ticket sales. The festival sold out within minutes.
Who's performing this year?
The full line-up now includes a mix of global headliners and emerging talent. Previously announced artists include:
Burna Boy
PARTYNEXTDOOR
Summer Walker
Vybz Kartel
Boy Better Know
Popcaan
Leon Thomas
BigXThaPlug
Lancey Foux
Nemzzz
Spice
Masicka
Newly added names to the roster include Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK, Atlanta’s SahBabii, and UK-based artists Darkoo and Odeal. Saturday’s Old Spice Stage will be headlined by Fimiguerrero, while Uncle Waffles, a leading figure in the amapiano scene, will close the festival on Sunday.
Also joining the line-up are rising R&B artists SAILORR and Nippa, along with a wave of homegrown UK talent including Chy Cartier, kwn, Len, YT, and Skeete.
New experiences and installations
In addition to live performances, festival goers can engage with Pass the Aux, a music-sharing installation on site. The setup allows attendees to print Polaroid song recommendations, inspired by West African studio photography. The project is a collaboration between the V&A Museum and artist-in-residence Michael Akuagwu.
Festival background and impact
Wireless began in Hyde Park as a rock and pop festival, but since relocating to Finsbury Park in 2019, it has cemented its reputation as a leading celebration of hip-hop, afrobeats, and youth culture.
Despite ongoing opposition from local campaigners, Festival Republic signed a five-year deal with Haringey Council in 2023 to continue hosting Wireless at the site. The council has defended the partnership, noting that the event generates significant income for park maintenance.
Last weekend, the park hosted major rock gigs, and further electronic music events are scheduled in August featuring Honey Dijon, CamelPhat, and ANOTR.
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This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner
First reactions to Superman (2025) praise its action, humour and emotional tone
Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman
Premiered in Los Angeles ahead of 11 July theatrical release
Fans and critics call it a strong launch for the new DC Studios era
Superman early reviews call it “exciting” and “hopeful”
Following its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, the first social media reactions to Superman have begun to emerge — and they are largely positive. Though full reviews will be published closer to the 11 July release date, critics, journalists and early viewers have shared their first impressions online.
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What fans and critics are saying
“A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” – Erik Davis, Fandango Film journalist Erik Davis praised Superman as a promising launchpad for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humour and levity,” – Perri Nemiroff, Collider Collider’s Perri Nemiroff highlighted the film’s balance of action and character-driven storytelling.
“Superman delivers on heart, humour and heroism. David Corenswet is perfectly cast,” – @TheNerdyCritic on X A fan reaction emphasised the emotional tone of the film, calling it a “Superman story we’ve been waiting for”.
“Hopeful, fun, and visually impressive — Superman is back!” – @FilmFanCentral Another viewer on social media described the reboot as a return to form for the character and the franchise.
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Meet the new Superman cast
Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The cast also includes:
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
James Gunn’s first film under new DC Studios
Directed by James Gunn, this film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner, co-led by Gunn and Peter Safran since their appointment in October 2022.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn said:
“People are looking for heroes right now... Superman is that.”
Safran added earlier this year that Superman is intended to bring clarity and cohesion to the DC brand, following years of fragmented storytelling by different creative teams.
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What’s next for DC Studios?
Superman launches the new DC Universe (DCU), with upcoming projects including:
Lanterns, an HBO Max series focused on Green Lantern
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to release in 2026
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Superman releases in cinemas worldwide on 11 July 2025.
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The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement
Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs
Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy
Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.
In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”
Gupta concluded her post with a caption that read, “Real toh real hota hai..”, praising the authenticity and craftsmanship of traditional Indian footwear.
Gupta’s post comes shortly after Kareena Kapoor’s Instagram story where she posted a photo of her Kolhapuri chappals with the caption, “Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri.” The comment was interpreted as a subtle response to Prada’s new sandal design, which many users online noted bore a strong resemblance to the traditional Indian style.
Prada presented the footwear at its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan on 22 June. The design, referred to as ‘Toe Ring Sandals’, did not include any reference to its resemblance to the Indian Kolhapuri chappals, sparking debate over cultural appropriation and lack of credit to traditional artisans.
Current projects
Kareena Kapoor was last seen in Singham Again, alongside Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.
Neena Gupta recently appeared in Metro In Dino, which was released on 4 July.