R Madhavan's much-awaited directorial debut, biographical drama Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, will have its world premiere during the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The Palais des Festival premiere will take place during a prime-time slot at 9 pm on Thursday 19th May as part of the celebration of India as the official country of honour at the Cannes Film Market this year – an inaugural tradition that will be continued in future editions.
The launch of the festival tradition is particularly significant during its 75th year, coinciding with 75 years of Indian independence. India’s Ministry of Culture has officially selected Rocketry: The Nambi Effect for its red-carpet world premiere at the prestigious venue.
Actor-turned-filmmaker R Madhavan plays the role of the eponymous Indian scientist, Nambi Narayanan, a former ISRO scientist, an aerospace engineer, and has also directed, produced, and written the film.
Speaking about Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’s world premiere at Cannes Film Festival, R Madhavan said, “I’m in a daze! I just started by wanting to tell the story of Nambi Narayanan and I’m unable to believe all that’s happening. With God’s grace, we’ve waited long and I’m grateful and thrilled to watch all the good things happening for the film. As a debut director, my nervousness is making it difficult for me to breathe & all I hope is to make India proud!"
Capturing the iconic ISRO space scientist Nambi Narayan’s story of struggle, determination, and triumph, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, has been shot simultaneously in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, and English. Its theatrical WORLDWIDE release, scheduled for 1st July, will also feature Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada versions.
Staged on a mammoth scale, the film has been shot in India, France, Canada, Georgia, and Serbia. With a powerful ensemble star cast comprising acclaimed international actors like Phyllis Logan, Vincent Riotta, and Ron Donachie and with special appearances by superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Suriya.
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is produced by TriColour films, Varghese Moolan Pictures, and 27th Investments. The film is being distributed by UFO Moviez and Red Giant Movies in India and will be distributed internationally by Yash Raj Films and Phars Film Co.
Each year, Glastonbury drops a surprise that leaves music fans buzzing with theories, and 2025 is no different. This time, the curiosity centres around a mystery act called Patchwork, oddly positioned in a high-profile Saturday night slot on the Pyramid Stage. The catch? No such band officially exists.
As speculation runs wild, Glastonbury is once again playing its favourite game of musical hide-and-seek.
The second annual Glastonbury music festival, which saw the first use of a pyramid stageGetty Images
From Foo Fighters to fake names: Why fans are obsessed
Last year, a band called The ChurnUps turned out to be the Foo Fighters. This year’s mystery placeholder, Patchwork, has sparked an equally intense guessing game. Leading theories range from Pulp, whose keyboardist recently mentioned a patchwork hobby in an interview, to Haim, who have a free day in their UK tour. Others throw Mumford & Sons and even a possible Robbie Williams–Oasis supergroup into the mix, with hints drawn from album names and tour gaps.
The Pyramid Stage slot fuels wild theories from Pulp to Lady GagaGetty Images
While Pulp initially seemed likely, their official denial has dampened the odds, though fans suspect a bluff. Meanwhile, Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, and even Lady Gaga have surfaced in fan theories, all thanks to strategic schedule gaps and subtle clues.
Glastonbury’s surprise sets: folklore and fan detectives
Secret sets have become a signature tradition at Glastonbury. From Tom Jones in 1992 to Radiohead’s legendary Park Stage appearance in 2011, these spontaneous performances often become the stuff of festival legend. Some speculate that Patchwork could be the long-awaited Glasto debut of The Stone Roses, who’ve never played the main event but once surprised fans with a secret gig in a Somerset village marquee.
Secret sets have become a Glastonbury tradition that fans eagerly chaseGetty Images
Whatever the answer, Glastonbury’s true headliner this year might just be the mystery itself.
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Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun in Atlee pan India epic AA22xA6
Deepika Padukone has officially signed on as the female lead in Atlee’s highly anticipated film with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22xA6. The announcement has come after her controversial exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, making this casting a major talking point in film circles and among fans.
The film’s production house, Sun Pictures, introduced Deepika with a video of her training for what appears to be a fierce action role. Concept sketches depict her as a warrior queen, leaping into battle with a massive axe. The video includes scenes of her practising fight choreography in a motion-capture suit and even riding a CGI horse while wielding a weapon.
The visual cues suggest a fantasy-meets-science-fiction world with Deepika at the centre of it. This will be her first screen outing with Allu Arjun and her second project with director Atlee after the 2023 hit Jawan. The makers are calling it a “magnum opus” and have brought on top international technicians, including VFX experts who have worked on Iron Man 2 and Transformers.
Hollywood-based creators involved in the project have publicly praised the film’s script. From creature designs to large-scale battle sequences, AA22xA6 will be one of Indian cinema’s biggest cross-industry collaborations yet.
Sun Pictures reveals the film logo with a teaser full of actionYoutube Screengrab/ Sun TV
Exiting Spirit, entering strength
Deepika’s casting comes soon after her exit from Spirit, which led to a social media stir. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemed to suggest she made unreasonable demands, sources close to the actor say she simply wanted an eight-hour workday, a choice influenced by her becoming a new mother.
Vanga’s cryptic posts online accused an actor of lacking commitment, but fans and industry insiders were quick to defend Deepika’s professionalism. Some even joked, “She doesn’t need Vanga,” applauding her for choosing stronger projects over toxic work environments. Replacing her in Spirit is Animal star Triptii Dimri.
Director Atlee guides Deepika through motion capture choreographyYoutube Screengrab/Sun TV
With AA22xA6, Deepika is not just stepping into a powerful role on screen, she’s also showing that leading women in the industry can call the shots without compromise.
Identical twins Croo and Sach have gained recognition in the fashion and digital space for their vibrant content, often shot in scenic locations. Heavily inspired by cinema, the ambitious Indian duo make bold style statements with their eye-catching outfits and have big plans ahead.
Eastern Eye asked the rising social media stars to share the 10 things that creatively inspire them most.
Rajesh Khanna’s acting and fashion: The legendary Hindi cinema icon has always been a huge inspiration for us. His romantic aura, unique walk, and killer fashion sense – especially those retro fits – influence a lot of our personal style. We love turning up in vintage clothes because they instantly bring out that old-school Bombay mafia gangster vibe we admire.
Dilip Kumar’s pure acting: There is a reason he is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His raw, natural style is a masterclass for us. We study his expressions and pauses to craft emotion-driven reels. Whether we shoot dialogue-heavy content or silent dramatic clips, his influence is everywhere. He helps us elevate even the simplest concept into something powerful and deeply moving.
Amitabh Bachchan’s persona and vintage style: When the superstar burst onto the scene in the 1970s, his fierce screen presence redefined intensity – and that shapes how we approach high-energy, gritty reel content. We recreate cinematic moments with hard-hitting lines, commanding expressions and dramatic walk-ins. His blazer and sunglasses look and deep baritone also inspire how we style and deliver those punchy, “don’t mess with us” characters on Instagram.
Amitabh Bachchangetty images
The timeless beauty of Madhubala: Often hailed as the most beautiful star of Hindi cinema, Madhubala’s elegance influences how we frame our female leads. Soft lighting, dreamy close-ups and graceful movements – all come from her legacy. We use her timeless charm to blend vintage aesthetics with modern storytelling in our reels.
Madhuri Dixit’s 1990s glamour and dance: The dancing queen made a huge impact in her prime. The multi-talented star’s expressions and dance finesse have definitely inspired our rhythm-based reels. We blend Bollywood thumkas with glamorous visuals and fast cuts – always with her finesse in mind. Her 1990s colour palettes and glam styling also guide how we create fashion transitions in dance reels.
Ranveer Singh’s fashion and attitude: The unique actor’s over-the-top style and wild energy are our go-to when we want to break the internet. Loud outfits, bold moves and unexpected transitions – that is Ranveer’s zone. We love channelling his “no rules” attitude into our fashion-centric reels, adding an unapologetic flair to every frame we create.
Les Twins’ dance and fashion: The French duo – dancers, choreographers, producers, models and designers – have made an impact across multiple creative fields. They completely changed the way we view dance. Their precision, swag and effortless flow inspire us to choreograph sharp, clean and stylish reels. We also love their streetwear aesthetic – it has shaped how we dress, shoot and edit our content with a fresh, global urban vibe.
Ranbir Kapoorgetty images
Shah Rukh Khan’s struggle to stardom: The superstar’s journey really hits home for us. Coming from nothing and building an empire through passion, dedication and relentless hustle – that story is our biggest motivation. We see ourselves in that grind and share the same fire to prove something. Whenever we create reels or any kind of content, we channel his energy – starting small, thinking big and pouring our heart into everything. His romantic intensity, raw vulnerability and on-screen confidence push us to dream bigger and stay true to ourselves. He reminds us that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Ranbir Kapoor’s acting: From the newer generation of actors, Ranbir inspires us with the way he fully becomes his character without ever overdoing it. There is a softness, depth and quiet strength in his performances that we try to bring into our creative reels. His expressions often speak louder than words, and that minimal, emotional style teaches us how to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Instagram: @vaghelabrothers
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Deepika Padukone is redefining what power looks like in Bollywood
It didn’t take a walkout on a picket line or a fiery press conference to shake the Indian film industry; it took Deepika Padukone quietly demanding, “Eight hours.” No dramatic monologue or sensational tweets. Just a simple request: humane hours, overtime pay, and a refusal to push her body and mind past the brink. And just like that, the conversation in Bollywood cracked wide open.
In an industry that glorifies overnight shoots, delayed pack-ups, and “dedication” measured in sweat, Padukone’s decision to exit a high-profile film, Spirit, over her demand for an eight-hour workday was certainly a career move for her. But beyond that, it was a cultural revolt.
Deepika’s decision is pushing conversations beyond the glamGetty Images
When “enough” becomes revolutionary
What made this moment resonate wasn't just who said it, but when. After giving birth to daughter Dua in September 2024, Padukone’s priorities naturally shifted. She didn’t demand luxury. She asked for balance. And Bollywood, unaccustomed to being told “no,” didn’t take it well.
Her terms were straightforward: eight-hour shifts, payment for overtime, profit-sharing, and a refusal to perform intimate scenes or speak in Telugu; reasonable boundaries that suddenly became controversial when voiced by one of the industry’s most bankable stars.
When director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for pushing his cast in emotionally aggressive scenes, reportedly rejected these conditions, Padukone walked away from the project. She was swiftly replaced by Triptii Dimri. Vanga later alluded to “script leaks” and an unnamed actor who had “put down” a younger co-star, setting the entire social media ablaze with speculation.
— (@)
But Deepika wasn’t dragging anyone down; she was raising the floor.
Behind the glamour, Deepika Padukone is leading a quiet revolution in work cultureGetty Images
Not a diva, just done
What’s shocking is how quickly people defaulted to calling her “difficult.” And yet, actors like Shah Rukh Khan are known for avoiding night shoots and Akshay Kumar famously doesn’t work Sundays. No one raises eyebrows when they draw boundaries because it’s framed as “professionalism.” But when a new mother does it? Suddenly, it's "unreasonable."
Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, who worked with Rani Mukerji during Hichki, exposed this double standard: “Rani asked for eight-hour shifts to be with her daughter. Kajol only did one shift a day for We Are Family. It’s only a problem when women say it aloud.”
The industry responds. Some with applause, some with alarm
The dominoes have finally started falling. Mani Ratnam called it a necessary reset. Pankaj Tripathi described his own past of 16-18 hour days as “soul-draining,” while Barun Sobti, an actor-turned-producer, said he’d enforce 8-hour shifts if given the reins. Kajol, ever candid, deadpanned, “I love that you can work less,” while Ajay Devgn added that “honest filmmakers” would never object.
From star to changemaker, Deepika Padukone is rewriting the rules of the setGetty Images
But not everyone cheered
Director Tarun Mansukhani worried about logistical chaos. Some commented: “What happens when mid-budget films start losing their heroes to time clocks?” Others whispered about setting a dangerous precedent.
More than just a star’s schedule
This isn’t just about an actor clocking out early. It’s about rethinking the ecosystem.
Tripathi’s remark: “The actor leaves; the labourers stay”, in fact revealed the hierarchy. Spot boys, technicians, junior artists, they don’t get to negotiate. They wait, often unpaid for overtime, as the “show must go on.” The real question Deepika raises is: if she can’t get fair hours, who can?
And then there’s pay. A producer once told her they couldn't afford to pay her more because it would require cutting the male lead's salary and her response was a simple: 'Goodbye'.
The message? Equal pay isn’t a negotiation; it’s a principle.
When one woman said no to burnout, Bollywood was forced to listenGetty Images
Bollywood vs the world
Hollywood actors operate under union protections like SAG-AFTRA mandates, rest breaks, overtime pay, and hard stop hours. Violate it, and the studio pays. In contrast, Bollywood thrives on chaos masked as passion. People wear sleeplessness as a badge of honour. But glamour doesn’t justify grind.
While some southern Indian industries like Tollywood and Mollywood run leaner and faster, the Bollywood machine is notoriously disorganised, more time wasted in disarray than in shooting.
As one Mumbai-based casting director put it, “We imitate Hollywood’s sparkle but not their structure.”
Challenging the grind: how Deepika is shifting industry norms one demand at a timeGetty Images
Will the industry bend or break?
Deepika's stand has pushed the debate beyond vanity. This is about structure, safety, and sustainability. If the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Producers Council (IFTPC) don’t use this flashpoint to draw up new frameworks, the fallout will continue to be individual actors “opting out” rather than an industry choosing to change.
There’s already noise on social media from mid-tier actors who’ve faced burnout. They described enduring 14-hour shoot days with minimal breaks and have urged producers to build reasonable rest periods into their schedules. The pot’s boiling.
Deepika Padukone’s stand is making work-life balance a power move in Indian cinemaGetty Images
The curtain call
What started with one woman asking to wrap up on time has opened a conversation that Bollywood has avoided for far too long. Deepika Padukone’s quiet battle has exposed the uncomfortable truth: that this industry, which prides itself on discipline and “family vibes,” often forgets that families need time, sleep, and respect.
She didn’t just ask for eight hours. She asked for dignity and, most importantly, balance. And in doing so, she’s invited every actor, technician, spot boy, and choreographer to do the same.
This isn’t a diva’s whim; it’s like labour is stepping into the spotlight, demanding its long-overdue close-up. Bollywood’s glamour will always shine. But maybe, finally, it won’t have to come at the cost of people collapsing under its weight.
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Lokesh Kanagaraj set to direct Aamir Khan in a high-octane superhero film
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has officially revealed that he will be teaming up with Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a large-scale superhero action film. The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.
A rare early reveal from Aamir Khan
Aamir is known for picking his projects carefully, usually choosing one at a time, often after his latest release has had its run. But this time, ahead of the 20 June release of Sitaare Zameen Par, he decided to open up about what’s coming next. In a media interaction in Mumbai, he confirmed that he and Lokesh Kanagaraj have signed on to create a superhero film. “It’s a big-scale action film,” Aamir said, adding that while production is still more than a year away, the plan is firmly in place.
Lokesh, known for action-packed Tamil hits like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, has built a reputation for combining stylish action with grounded storytelling. Aamir, who has dabbled in the action genre with films like Ghulam, Ghajini, and Dhoom 3, is expected to bring emotional weight and mainstream appeal to this pairing.
When asked for more details, Aamir smiled and declined to say more, simply stating that the full picture would emerge in time. For now, both actors and fans will have to wait as the film moves towards pre-production.
No PK sequel, but a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic is in the works
During the same interaction, Aamir also addressed speculation about a sequel to PK. “That’s just a rumour,” he said plainly. “I don’t know where that came from.” Instead, he confirmed he will reunite with director Rajkumar Hirani for a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual follow-up to his acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, will see Aamir play a basketball coach working with a team of individuals with special needs. Directed by RS Prasanna and co-starring Genelia D’Souza, the film also introduces ten new actors.
Aamir Khan dismisses PK 2 rumours and confirms biopic on Dadasaheb PhalkeGetty Images
With multiple ambitious projects lined up, including a superhero film, a historical biopic, and the epic mythological saga, Aamir Khan is entering a creatively fertile phase of his career, balancing scale with substance.