For their next movie venture, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and his actor-wife Pallavi Joshi have zeroed in on the critically-acclaimed Kannada novel, Parva, by S L Bhyrappa.
The 1979 Kannada book is a retelling of the Sanskrit epic 'Mahabharata'. Considered among Bhyrappa's most widely debated and popular works, Parva weaves its tale through the personal reflections of the principal characters.
“I was looking for a historical recounting of ‘Mahabharat’ and then I learned Bhyrappa spent decades researching and that he even visited the places that the epic was set in,” Agnihotri said at the launch of the first-look poster of the film here on Friday evening.
Joshi said there have been debates in society whether 'Mahabharata' is actually "our history or if it is just mythology".
"This book breaks the barriers and explains to us what the truth is. I was a little worried about whether people are ready for the truth. But as we researched more into it, I realised that this is a film that has to be made," she added.
Agnihotri said he will be adapting the book into a three-part film along with Prakash Belawadi, the Bengaluru-based theatre exponent who has also acted in films across many languages.
Belawadi said "Parva" is an interesting material for dramatic exploration.
His eight-hour English stage adaptation of "Parva" is being showcased at Chowdiah Memorial Hall here. The last show will be held on October 22.
“Eight-hour concept is fairly a new experience for an English theatre enthusiast, but quite normal for someone tuned into traditional Indian theatre like Yakshagana. Tala Maddale or Doddata, which have always been all-night affairs,” said Belawadi.
Author Bhyrappa, who released the poster, recalled watching Peter Brook’s "The Mahabharata" in 1989, which lasted for nine hours and ran to a full house at the same venue, Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
“So, 34 years ago, I was thinking to myself that if an outsider can bring his interpretation of 'Mahabharata' to the stage, I should also be able to do it. Now, I am happy that we are even going to have a celluloid interpretation of 'Parva',” he added.
Agnihotri said he is yet to develop the project in detail, including the budget.
The filmmaker revealed that he would be using the newest of technology, AI, to take the tale to a larger audience.
“We will be making the film in two languages first – Hindi and Kannada. But we are also hoping to eventually get it dubbed in English and Spanish, with the aid of AI,” added the director.
Agnihotri's most recent release was The Vaccine War, featuring Joshi and Nana Patekar. The movie made its debut in theatres in September.
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Faye Winter defends Love Island 2025 cast after viewers flood Ofcom with complaints
Faye Winter calls out Love Island viewers after record Ofcom complaints and urges them to stop online abuse
Highlights:
Former Love Island star Faye Winter has hit back at the wave of online hate directed at contestants from the just-concluded 2025 season, calling the comments “vile” and urging viewers to “give them a break.” Her comments come as this year’s series officially became the most complained-about season in the reality show’s history.
Faye, who faced a record-breaking 25,000 Ofcom complaints during her own stint in 2021, took to Instagram to share her frustration with social media users attacking the current Islanders after Toni Laites and Cach Mercer won the £50,000 (₹5,300,000) prize.
Why did Faye Winter speak out against Love Island trolling?
The backlash followed Love Island 2025’s dramatic finale on 5 August, which ended with Toni and Cach crowned as winners. But the season made headlines for another reason: the alarming volume of complaints filed to Ofcom.
Faye, reflecting on her own experience, posted a picture from a flight and a statement slamming viewers for their online cruelty. “These Islanders don’t know you, and you don’t know them,” she wrote. “Before you post that nasty comment, ask yourself, will it actually make your life any better?”
She pointed out the double standards of viewers who demand drama from reality shows and then attack contestants for delivering it. “The performing monkeys you were entertained by are out of the circus now,” she added. “Let them rest… let them process the experience and do their eight seasons of therapy with someone who’s actually qualified.”
How many complaints were made about Love Island 2025?
According to Ofcom, more than 9,000 complaints were received in July alone, primarily concerning the alleged bullying of contestant Shakira. The episodes between 22 July and 25 July drew thousands of viewer complaints, including 2,272 complaints in a single night.
Further allegations were made about misogynistic behaviour by male Islanders, particularly contestants Dejon and Harrison Solomon. Some 1,000 complaints were lodged in mid-July regarding gender-based misconduct and inappropriate comments.
These figures surpass even the explosive 2021 season, when Faye’s heated argument with then-partner Teddy Soares sparked a national debate and 25,000 Ofcom complaints, though the regulator ultimately declined to take action.
Faye lashes out at Teddy | Love Island 2021 youtu.be
What has Faye Winter said about her own experience?
Since leaving the villa, Faye Winter has become one of the few ex-contestants to consistently speak up about the mental health toll of reality TV. On the We Need To Talk podcast hosted by Paul C. Brunson, she revealed she felt “worthless and alone” after coming off the show and even experienced suicidal thoughts.
“I remember feeling like all the pillars in my life were crumbling,” she said through tears. “I didn’t want to be in this house, I didn’t want to be around these people, I didn’t want to be doing this job.”
She echoed these sentiments during an earlier appearance on Fabulous Magazine’s Shamed YouTube series, where she admitted: “At one point, when I came out of Love Island, I thought I was the worst person in the world.”
What is ITV doing to protect Love Island contestants?
In response to growing concern over contestants’ welfare, ITV has implemented stricter duty of care protocols in recent years. These include psychological assessments, training on media handling, and post-show therapy sessions.
A spokesperson from ITV previously confirmed that all Islanders are now given mental health support both before entering the villa and after their exit. This includes therapy access, financial advice, and social media training.
But as Faye’s comments underline, the work may not be enough unless audiences take more responsibility for the impact of their words.