Cinema is a director’s medium and Bollywood boasts of a long list of filmmakers who have used this medium to tell meaningful, engrossing stories that cut across generations.
Whether it seems to be so or not, filmmaking is a difficult art form. While many people take years to master the craft of storytelling on celluloid, some are born storytellers who know how to touch the right chord of the audience. Today, we are going to take a look at some new-age filmmakers who hit a home run with their debut film.
Vinil Mathew, whose latest directorial Haseen Dillruba (2021) shattered several viewership records upon its premiere on Netflix, debuted with Hasee Toh Phasee (2014). Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles, the romantic comedy-drama turned out to be a great success in the year of its release. It was Mathew’s sharp eye for human relationship nuances and courage to represent his stars in a new mould that helped the film win viewers’ hearts and attain cult status.
Wake Up Sid, which marked Ayan Mukerji’s directorial debut in 2009, is counted amongst the most loved films of recent years. Though the film resonated more with the youngsters, it received love from all segments of the audience. Produced by Karan Johar under the banner of Dharma Productions, Wake Up Sid took the audience on a nostalgic trip and made them reminisce about their college life. From moving into a new city to finding one’s voice in the chaos of Mumbai, the filmmaker brilliantly captured the world from a young person’s lens. Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma delivered brilliant performances in the film.
How can one even think of a listicle around the most smashing directorial debuts without mentioning Farhan Akhtar and his cult film Dil Chahta Hai (2001)! Even after 21 years of its release, Dil Chahta Hai remains one of the most relatable and progressive films on college, love, relationship, and friendship. It is true that it has been 21 years since the release of the film, but it still feels as fresh and contemporary as did more than two decades ago.
Rajkumar Hirani
Rajkumar Hirani, one of the most successful filmmakers of Indian cinema, developed a franchise film with his debut film, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. The blockbuster comedy-drama broke the box office by minting record-breaking numbers. Apart from that, Munna Bhai and Circuit, played by Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, are still hailed as some of the iconic characters crafted by the filmmaker. Even after almost two decades of its release, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. attracts a huge audience on its television premieres.
New bombshell Angel Swift, 26, enters Love Island as part of a shock twist
The aesthetics practitioner from Kent says she’s ready to turn heads and split couples
Her arrival could immediately send another girl home
Fans speculate Angel will target Ty, threatening Lauren’s place in the villa
A dramatic shake-up is on the horizon for Love Island as Angel Swift, a bold new bombshell, is set to enter the villa, bringing with her the power to send one contestant packing.
The latest episode of ITV2’s hit dating show ended with a cliffhanger as Shakira read out a surprise text announcing that “the party was far from over.” Moments later, a teaser revealed Angel’s imminent arrival, with narrator Iain Stirling hinting at an explosive twist. The 26-year-old salon owner from Maidstone is not only joining the game late but may be replacing someone the moment she steps in.
Angel Swift enters Love Island with power to dump rival as dramatic twist stuns villaInstagram/ angeliqueswift
Who is Angel Swift and what does she do?
Angel Swift is a 26-year-old aesthetics practitioner and entrepreneur. She owns AngelFace, a salon in Maidstone, Kent, that offers services like fillers, microneedling, and hair extensions.
Known for her confidence, Angel calls herself a “20/10” and insists she’s ready to shake things up. “That’s what I’m in there for,” she said when asked about breaking up couples. “I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone’s head.”
With her ambition and unapologetic energy, Angel seems determined to make an impact from day one, and she’s not worried about stepping on toes to get what she wants.
Angel’s arrival isn’t just another bombshell entry, it’s tied to a ruthless elimination. According to insider reports and fan speculation, she’ll be asked to choose one of the male Islanders to couple up with immediately. That decision will leave the boy’s current partner single and instantly dumped from the villa.
This unexpected format has viewers on edge. One fan posted on X, “Oh damn, I feel like it’s either Toni or Shakira leaving tomorrow ‘cause the bombshell is gonna have to steal one of the boys.”
Others expressed their anxiety about who might be going home. “Apparently a girl has already left the villa today, and I’m very concerned that this new bombshell is going to couple up with Harrison and leave Toni dumped,” one viewer shared.
Angel has her eyes on Ty, a tall, athletic Islander currently coupled with Lauren. Their relationship has been shaky following Harrison’s decision to ditch Lauren for Toni, leaving Lauren emotionally vulnerable.
Angel’s interest in Ty could be the final blow to that connection. “I’m looking for someone family-oriented, with a nice smile and good body,” Angel said. “I’ve been single for a year. I’m ready for something real.”
Whether Ty is open to the new arrival remains to be seen, but with Angel’s confidence and the villa’s volatile energy, things could change fast.
Earlier in the episode, the Islanders took part in a rodeo-themed challenge where they ranked themselves based on viewer opinions. Questions included who the most attractive couple was and who seemed the most strategic or inactive.
The results ruffled feathers, especially for Dejon and Meg. Emma emerged as the voice of reason during the task and even offered Dejon some advice on coming across as more genuine.
But all that drama faded into the background once the text about the bombshell dropped, marking a new, unpredictable phase of the show.
With Angel’s arrival and an imminent dumping, Love Island is heading into stormy waters. Who will stay, who will go, and who’s about to fall for the new girl? Friday night’s episode holds the answers.
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Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot caught on Coldplay kiss cam during Boston show
Coldplay’s kiss cam at Gillette Stadium unexpectedly captured Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in a seemingly intimate moment with HR head Kristin Cabot.
Both executives, reportedly married to other people, were seen reacting nervously when spotlighted.
Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” prompting online uproar.
The clip has gone viral across TikTok and X, with social media speculating on a workplace romance.
What was meant to be a fun crowd interaction during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium turned into a viral public scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. A kiss cam segment led to a highly uncomfortable moment that’s now exploded online, sparking affair allegations and potential professional fallout.
Viral video from Coldplay concert sparks internet speculation of workplace affairReddit
Who is Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and why is he trending?
Andy Byron, CEO of the £1 billion (₹10,800 crore) software firm Astronomer, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after being captured in a close, seemingly affectionate moment with Kristin Cabot, his company’s top HR executive. The footage was aired live on Coldplay’s kiss cam during their Boston concert, where Byron and Cabot were seen together, arms wrapped around each other.
Andy Byron’s LinkedIn profile image LinkedIn
As soon as the camera caught them, both reacted in visible panic. Byron pulled away and tried to hide behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face. The awkwardness of the moment was made worse when frontman Chris Martin remarked from the stage, “Oh look at these two... either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The crowd erupted in laughter, but online, the situation took a more serious tone.
How did the Coldplay kiss cam video go viral?
Within hours, the clip hit social media platforms like X and TikTok, where it racked up millions of views. Users were quick to speculate that the two executives were engaged in an extramarital affair. Comments ranged from mocking to furious, with many tagging Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, in sympathy posts.
— (@)
Some viral comments included:
“You wouldn’t act like that unless you had something to hide.”
“Imagine your affair being exposed by Chris Martin in front of 60,000 people.”
“Their reaction confirmed everything. They outed themselves.”
The video has since been dubbed by users as the “Coldplay Cheater Cam,” and has led to wider conversations around workplace relationships.
What do we know about Kristin Cabot?
Kristin Cabot, who joined Astronomer less than a year ago, describes her role as Chief People Officer as one focused on trust and employee engagement. Her own LinkedIn bio says she “wins trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants”, a line many have now highlighted ironically in light of the scandal.
Though Cabot’s marital status hasn’t been officially confirmed, internet sleuths pointed out she appears to wear a wedding ring in her profile photos. Neither she nor Byron have made any public statements since the video surfaced.
Kristin CabotThe Sun
Will Astronomer respond to the alleged affair?
As of now, Astronomer has not released a formal response. The company, headquartered just a few hours from the concert venue, is known for its Astro platform, a data orchestration tool powered by Apache Airflow used by several Fortune 500 firms.
With two of its most senior executives now under intense public scrutiny, calls are growing online for the company to investigate the incident, especially given HR policies around internal relationships.
Coldplay has continued with its tour dates, but this Boston show may be remembered more for its unintended drama than its music. Meanwhile, Byron and Cabot have not been seen in public or online since the video’s release.
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Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy continues with his first ever digital concert tour
Sidhu Moosewala’s official Instagram page announced a 2026 world tour titled Signed to God.
The Punjabi singer-rapper was killed in 2022 in Punjab at age 28.
The tour will use digital tech, possibly holograms, to bring Moosewala ‘back’ on stage.
No official dates or venues announced yet; fan reaction online has been a mix of awe and confusion.
On Tuesday, the late Punjabi singer-rapper’s official Instagram handle dropped a teaser for a 2026 world tour called Signed to God. The announcement stunned fans and sparked immediate speculation over how a concert by a deceased artist is even possible. While the organisers have kept technical details under wraps, reports suggest cutting-edge tech like 3D holograms or augmented reality will be used to recreate Moosewala’s presence on stage.
Sidhu Moosewala, Indian Singer (Photo: @sidhu_moosewala) www.easterneye.biz
How will the Sidhu Moosewala tour work in 2026?
The teaser post simply featured the tour title and year: 2026, with no explanation on format, locations, or ticket sales. However, sources quoted in Tribune India suggest that the organisers plan to use high-tech visuals, potentially combining holographic imagery with pre-recorded vocals and augmented reality.
This approach is similar to posthumous concerts held for global artists like Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson, whose likenesses were projected via holograms for live audiences. If confirmed, Signed to God would be India’s first full-scale digital tour for a deceased artist, and possibly the first in Punjabi music history.
Fan reaction to the announcement has ranged from excitement to disbelief. The Instagram video gathered over a million likes in 24 hours, with many users commenting "Welcome back, Legend" and "Forever in our hearts." Others were more puzzled, asking: “But who’s going to perform?” and “Is this real or just promotion?”
One user wrote, “Bro took ‘dropping from heaven’ literally,” while another speculated, “They might be doing a hologram show. That’s why it’s 2026.”
While many expressed joy at the idea of seeing Moosewala’s presence honoured live, others questioned whether it would feel authentic, or even appropriate.
Fans react with shock and excitement after Moosewala’s posthumous tour is announcedInstagram/sidhu_moosewala
What does this mean for Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy?
Sidhu Moosewala, born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, rose to global fame with hits like So High, *47*, and The Last Ride. His unique style of Punjabi folk, trap, and drill made him a voice of the youth, especially among the South Asian diaspora. In 2020, he was listed by The Guardian as one of the 50 most promising new artists worldwide.
His murder on 29 May 2022 in Punjab’s Mansa district sent shockwaves across India and abroad. He was shot dead by six assailants, with gang-related motives behind the killing. Moosewala was only 28.
Since his death, posthumous songs and videos have kept his presence alive online. His parents, Balkaur Singh and Charan Kaur, even welcomed a baby boy via IVF in 2024, calling him "Shubh’s little brother," further cementing the idea that Moosewala’s memory is still very much alive in his family and fan base.
Though full details are awaited, the Signed to God tour has already triggered conversations about the future of entertainment and how technology can reshape memorialisation. For Moosewala’s fans across Canada, the UK, Punjab, and the US, this may be a rare chance to experience his stage presence again, digitally.
If successful, the tour could spark a wave of posthumous concerts across South Asia, opening up ethical and creative debates around legacy, digital resurrection, and fan engagement.
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Bookish brings postwar London to life with gripping weekly mysteries
Mark Gatiss stars as Gabriel Book, a crime-solving bookshop owner in post-war London in Bookish.
The detective drama premiered on U&Alibi on 16 July 2025, with two episodes airing weekly.
Critics praise the series for its smart plotting, rich period detail, and modern queer representation.
A second season has already been confirmed, with filming set to begin this summer.
Mark Gatiss, best known for co-creating Sherlock, is back with another brainy sleuth, and this time, it’s personal. Bookish, a 1940s-set detective drama written by and starring Gatiss, follows the eccentric Gabriel Book, a former intelligence agent turned antiquarian bookseller who helps the police crack cases in bombed-out postwar London. The six-part series, which debuted this week on U&Alibi, has already garnered praise for its clever plots, layered characters, and strong sense of time and place, with some calling it “the next best thing to Sherlock.”
Mark Gatiss brings queer detective drama Bookish to life as fans call it the new SherlockInstagram/uandalibi
What is Bookish about? Inside the premise and setting
Set in 1946, Bookish introduces Gabriel Book, a tea-loving, ginger snap-baking bibliophile who runs a bookshop on Archangel Lane. Behind his mild-mannered exterior lies a sharp intellect honed by wartime service. With a quirky filing system and a special “Churchill letter” granting him access to investigations, Book works alongside the police while navigating a double life as a gay man in a repressive era.
His domestic arrangement is just as unconventional: he lives with his best friend Trottie (Polly Walker), in a lavender marriage that hides both their truths. Alongside them is Jack (Connor Finch), a young ex-con taken in as a shop assistant, and Nora (Buket Kömür), a war orphan with a flair for sleuthing.
Each pair of episodes follows a standalone case, from skeletons in plague pits to arsenic-laced murder, while teasing out larger mysteries about Book’s past and Jack’s true identity.
How Bookish compares to Sherlock, and why fans are on board
Though comparisons to Sherlock are inevitable, Bookish offers something distinct. It trades fast-paced modern twists for rich historical textures and a gentler pace, drawing inspiration from classic whodunits à la Agatha Christie. Critics have noted that Gatiss “plays fair” with his audience, offering tightly woven mysteries that reward attention to detail.
But it’s the characters, not just the crimes, that are drawing viewers in. Gabriel Book’s sexuality isn’t just a character note; it’s interwoven with the story, giving Bookish a rare kind of queer visibility in the genre. Gatiss has said the show’s concept came from imagining a bookshop as a kind of analogue search engine: “The answer is in there somewhere.”
What do reviews and social media say about Bookish?
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times praised it as “deceptively multifaceted,” while The Telegraph described it as “a witty, well-plotted sleuther.” The Radio Times went so far as to call it “a breath of fresh air” in a market crowded with detective dramas.
On social media, fans have expressed delight at the show’s mix of charm and darkness, praising its performances and historical authenticity. The casting of Daniel Mays as a jovial butcher-turned-killer in the first case had viewers hooked, especially as the storyline spiralled into revelations about murder, plague bones, and mistaken blackmail.
Yes. Before the first episode even aired, Bookish was greenlit for a second season. Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, with a likely release in mid-2026. Gatiss and the core cast, including Walker, Finch, Kömür, Elliot Levey, and Blake Harrison, are all set to return. While no new guest stars have been announced, the structure of the series means fresh faces are expected to appear in each new mystery.
Gatiss expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&Alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve.”
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Kareena continues to break stereotypes with bold film choices at age 44
Kareena Kapoor Khan to star as a ghost in an upcoming genre-bending film
The 44-year-old actress will reportedly be paired with an actor in his early 20s
Script is penned by Hussain Dalal, known for Brahmāstra
The film explores a quirky new take on the ghost genre and is currently unannounced
Kareena Kapoor Khan is reportedly all set to headline a new supernatural film, but with an unconventional twist. The Bollywood star, who turned 44 this year, will be seen playing a ghost in the upcoming project, which is also said to feature a much younger male lead, an actor in his early 20s. If confirmed, this pairing will mark a rare age-reversal in Bollywood casting, where older male actors have long romanced much younger actresses on screen.
According to reports, the film is described as a genre-defying and humorous take on ghost stories. The story is said to be written by Hussain Dalal, known for co-writing Brahmāstra and frequently collaborating with director Ayan Mukerji. While Kareena’s role as a female ghost is being celebrated as bold and experimental, her reported romantic pairing with a 20-something actor is what has caught everyone’s attention.
Kareena Kapoor set to flip the script with a younger co-star and a ghost twistInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Kareena’s ghost character promises a genre shake-up
The yet-to-be-titled film is positioned as a quirky reinvention of the ghost genre. A source close to the production told Deccan Chronicle, “This quirky story featuring Kareena as a ghost has a refreshing script and will carve out a new space in the ghost genre. It’s a fun, genre-bending take, and Kareena is perfect for it.”
While details about the film’s production or release date remain under wraps, the concept has already sparked interest online for both its storyline and the unconventional casting. Kareena, who has consistently picked roles that challenge stereotypes, seems to be pushing boundaries once again.
Fans react to reports of Kareena being paired with a much younger co-starInstagram/kareenakapoorkhan
Reverse age-gap pairing fuels debate in Bollywood
The age difference between Kareena and her rumoured co-star, reportedly over 20 years, is already making headlines, especially at a time when Bollywood’s long history of older male stars being cast opposite teenage or much younger actresses is being widely criticised.
Recent examples include 38-year-old Ranveer Singh paired with 18-year-old Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar, and Salman Khan facing backlash for starring opposite Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar. The shift in Kareena's upcoming role presents a fresh reversal, and possibly a new precedent in how gender and age are portrayed in mainstream cinema.
Kareena’s career longevity defies Bollywood norms
The Jab We Met star has often been a trendsetter, from being one of the few married actresses to continue headlining major films to starring in female-led projects like Veere Di Wedding post-motherhood. If this casting rumour is true, she would become one of the first A-list actresses to take on a romantic role opposite a significantly younger actor in mainstream Indian cinema.
Kareena has also been in the news recently for her Instagram photos from a beach vacation, where she confidently showed off her toned physique in a monokini.
Beyond the ghost film, Kareena is also set to appear in Daayra, a social crime drama directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran opposite her and is co-written by Meghna, Yash, and Sima. Daayra explores how social systems respond to justice and crime and is expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026.
After her ensemble role in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, all eyes are now on Kareena’s upcoming choices, especially this bold new ghost project that might redefine Bollywood’s age-gap narrative.