Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has only been active in films for one and a half decade, but he has carved his own niche in Hindi cinema with a series of critically and commercially successful films such as Vicky Donor (2012), Madras Cafe (2013) and Piku (2015). Critics laud him for his craft and reward with amazing reviews and viewers love him for making carefully observed movies about relationships. After co-producing the path-breaking film Pink in 2016, the acclaimed filmmaker is back with his next directorial October, starring Varun Dhawan and debutante Banita Sandhu. In an interview with our Mumbai correspondent, Mohnish Singh, Shoojit Sircar talks candidly about October, his actors, and much more.
Could you please tell us something about your new film, October?
It’s a very simple film. After watching the trailer, people are responding that the film is intriguing and thrilling, but it’s not. It’s a very simple story, not a love story, but a story about love and relationships. The story can be relatable to anyone. Fortunately, in the film, it’s a boy-girl story but it could be for anyone.
In my films, I try to highlight and tell a story about little moments and emotions of life that every individual goes through. When you will see the film, you will realize that the emotions are simple and relatable. This idea was there with me for a long time, a personal experience since 2004 and that is the backdrop of the film. Then Juhi Chaturvedi created the characters and beautiful scenarios.
How did a newcomer like Banita Sandhu land a lead role in your film?
We were looking for a fresh cast, a new talent. When I saw her, I noticed that she was intelligent and her eyes were very expressive. She didn’t have to do much to express herself. She did very little and yet it expressed a lot. With a little expression, you can see what is going in her mind and that is a good acting on her part. Along with that, my gut and instinct told me that she was the right choice. I clicked a picture of her and sent it to Ronnie and Juhi and suggested that we should go with her for the role.
Banita is not born and brought up in India. So, was the language barrier a problem?
She is from Wales but she learned the language and dubbed herself, and she was perfectly fine. The outcome came out perfectly. The main thing was to express and understand the character. That is very difficult. She is just 20 and is in college, yet she is mature enough to recognize her character which I found in her.
How did Varun Dhawan get cast in the film?
We needed somebody young, around the age 20-21. Varun was not on my casting list. I knew him through his commercial films, and the character in my movie is very different from his previous roles. One day, he came to my office and I saw the honesty and innocence in his eyes. He held something nice and vulnerable within him.
What do you have to say about his performance?
It will be one of his best performances that you will ever see, and now you can’t think of anybody else for this role. He embraced the role perfectly. He is just perfect as that character. It took some time for him to get into the skin of the character. The things he learned up till now, he had to unlearn them. One thing that is very good in Varun is that, in his successful period, he picked up a film which has an unusual and unconventional story. I think that is very brave of him.
What did Varun Dhawan do to perfect his character?
Firstly, he had to unlearn a lot of things. Secondly, we had to calm him down, then the third was to express less, like less is more and lastly, to know the character’s job i.e. training in the hotel industry. I worked in a hotel industry and I really wanted people to know what goes behind in a hotel industry - hundred of people are working behind to make sure you are comfortable.
The trailer shows so much and yet so little, so what should the audience expect from the movie?
As long as it is building the curiosity, making you want to go and watch the film, the trailer’s job is done. And I always try to create a trailer where I can intrigue the audience but contrary to that, everything that is in the trailer shows that you have to put two and two together. Though it’s a very simple film, it’s not a thriller. It’s a very simple slice-of-life story about family, relationship, people and some love.
How was it to work with Banita Sandhu?
There is a process (for acting). It mostly comes from and depends on actors. Is the actor ready to do it or not? Is the actor ready to surrender or not? That she has done it and so did Varun. They completely surrendered and left it to me. She is studying in London and lived in Wales, so much of our starting interaction was through Skype. We did simple exercises and discussed a lot to understand the milieu of the character. It’s like filling the hard disk with a lot of information, so that was my job - talking, talking, and talking. I did that with both of them. Sometimes both of them would say that we have got it but still, I would talk and provide them with enough information.
How was your experience directing October?
When you perform, it’s not easy. You spend the whole night thinking about it. You have to concentrate and when you come and perform it, it takes a toll on you. As a director of the film, I would say that I didn’t feel I had to give too much of an effort because, I think, we were prepared thoroughly. We knew what we were jumping into. We were all on the same page.
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth have been cast as Princess Zelda and Link in the upcoming Legend of Zelda live-action movie.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the casting via X on 16 July.
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film is set to release on 7 May 2027.
The project is co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, marking a major push into cinematic adaptations for the gaming franchise.
Nintendo has officially announced the lead cast for its long-anticipated Legend of Zelda live-action adaptation. British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will step into the iconic roles of Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in a film set to release on 7 May 2027.
The casting was confirmed on Wednesday morning by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary game designer, who shared the news via Nintendo’s X account, alongside first-look images of the duo in costume. The announcement marks a major milestone in the development of the fantasy adventure film, which has been in the works for years.
First glimpse of the young actors in costume from the upcoming Legend of Zelda movieInstagram/zeldanintendo
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth tapped as Zelda and Link
Relative newcomers to Hollywood blockbusters, both Bragason and Ainsworth bring youthful energy to two of gaming’s most enduring characters. Bragason, best known for her work in Renegade Nell and Three Girls, will portray Princess Zelda. Ainsworth, who voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 remake and starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor, takes on the role of Link, the courageous warrior from the land of Hyrule.
Casting speculation had been widespread, with fans campaigning online for actors like Hunter Schafer to be considered. Ultimately, Miyamoto expressed confidence in the final selection, stating, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
Legend of Zelda movie release date and production team
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie will hit cinemas on 7 May 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film is gearing up to be a cinematic retelling of the beloved game series.
Sony Pictures is set to distribute the film, with production shared between Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions. The script was most recently updated by T.S. Nowlin. Miyamoto and Arad will co-produce, continuing their collaboration from earlier projects.
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Plot expectations and franchise history
While official plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to follow Link and Princess Zelda as they battle the dark forces threatening the kingdom of Hyrule, most notably the demonic warlord Ganon. The Legend of Zelda games often explore themes of power, wisdom, and courage through an ever-evolving timeline of reincarnated characters.
Originally launched in 1986, the Zelda franchise has sold over 150 million units worldwide. Notable entries like Ocarina of Time (1998), Breath of the Wild (2017), and Tears of the Kingdom (2023) have helped define the action-adventure genre in gaming.
The upcoming movie follows the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, another Nintendo franchise adaptation that grossed over £1.04 billion (₹10,800 crore) globally.
Reactions to the casting have been mixed but largely curious, with many gamers excited to see fresh faces taking on the legendary roles. Some fans expressed disappointment that more established names were not chosen, while others welcomed the studio’s bold decision to prioritise performance potential over star power.
Meanwhile, early costume reveals of the two leads have already begun circulating online, fuelling discussions about the tone, aesthetic, and faithfulness of the adaptation.
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Emma Watson banned from driving for six months while studying at Oxford after speeding offence
Emma Watson received a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding at 38mph in a 30mph zone.
The Harry Potter star already had nine points on her licence from previous violations.
She was fined £1,044 (₹1,10,000 approx.) by High Wycombe Magistrates' Court; Watson did not attend the hearing.
Her Harry Potter co-star Zoe Wanamaker was also fined and banned the same day for a separate speeding offence.
Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has been banned from driving for six months after a speeding offence in Oxford added to her already full slate of penalty points.
The 35-year-old actress-turned-Oxford University student was caught driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone on Banbury Road on 31 July 2024. The offence pushed her total to 12 points, triggering an automatic driving ban under UK law.
Emma Watson banned from driving after speeding in Oxford while enrolled as university studentGetty Images
Speeding violation pushes Watson over the legal limit
Watson already had nine points on her driving licence from previous offences in October and November 2023 and January 2024. The recent infraction, captured by a speed camera, added three more points and resulted in a mandatory six-month suspension.
At a five-minute hearing held on 16 July at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, Watson was fined £1,044 (₹1.10 lakh approx.), broken down into a £660 (₹70,000 approx.) fine for the offence, a £264 (₹28,000 approx.) surcharge, and £120 (₹13,000 approx.) in court costs. She did not attend the hearing, but her lawyer confirmed she pleaded guilty and would pay the amount in full.
Emma Watson loses driving licence while studying at Oxford after hitting 12 penalty pointsGetty Images
Actress balances academic life with legal issues
Watson, who rose to fame at age 11 in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, has taken a step back from acting in recent years to focus on academics. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Oxford.
While she has stayed largely out of the public spotlight, this isn’t her first run-in with driving issues. In February 2024, her Audi S3 was towed after being parked illegally outside a Stratford-upon-Avon pub.
Emma Watson given driving ban as Oxford student after fourth speeding offenceGetty Images
Harry Potter co-star Zoe Wanamaker fined the same day
Coincidentally, Watson wasn't the only Harry Potter alum facing driving penalties that day. Zoe Wanamaker, who portrayed Madam Hooch in the film series, was fined and banned at the same court on the same day for a separate speeding violation.
Wanamaker was caught driving at 46mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 in Berkshire on 7 August 2024. Like Watson, she had already accumulated nine points and received a six-month ban along with a £1,044 (₹1,10,000 approx.) fine.
Zoe Wanamaker pictured at a public event Getty Images
Harry Potter reboot in the works as original stars make headlines
News of Watson’s driving ban comes as a reboot of the Harry Potter series is in development at HBO. The new adaptation features Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. The show is expected to span a decade.
The new trio cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron step into a world where childhood and fame rarely mix well Instagram/harrypotter/Getty Images
Watson, who last appeared on screen in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 Little Women, has not announced any return to acting. Instead, she has focused on education and sustainability initiatives, including a gin brand she launched with her brother in 2023.
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American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and husband shot dead in LA home
American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and husband Thomas Deluca, both 70, were found dead in their LA home on 15 July.
Police arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, who allegedly shot the couple during a burglary.
The suspect was identified through surveillance footage and forensic evidence.
Kaye worked on American Idol since 2009 and was a respected figure in the music industry.
Veteran American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, musician Thomas Deluca, were found shot dead inside their Encino home in Los Angeles on Monday. Police have arrested a 22-year-old local resident, Raymond Boodarian, in connection with the double homicide.
The couple, both aged 70, reportedly walked in on an intruder during a burglary attempt, which escalated into a deadly encounter. Kaye had worked on American Idol for over 15 seasons and was known in the industry for securing music rights and working closely with contestants. Her sudden death has left colleagues and the music community in shock.
Veteran American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, musician Thomas Deluca, were found shot deadFacebook/Robin Kaye
LAPD arrest suspect after welfare check leads to double homicide discovery
Police were alerted after someone requested a welfare check at the couple’s residence around 2:30 p.m. on 15 July. Officers noticed blood near the entrance and entered the property, where they found Kaye and Deluca shot in separate rooms.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested Raymond Boodarian, who lives in the same Encino neighbourhood. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him scaling a fence and entering the home through an unsecured door. According to LAPD Lt. Guy Golan, the couple returned home roughly 30 minutes later, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in their deaths.
The outside of the Los Angeles home where Kaye and Deluca were found deadThe U.S. Sun
Who was Robin Kaye? Long-time American Idol music executive remembered
Kaye’s music supervision career spanned decades, beginning in Nashville and later expanding into television. She joined American Idol in 2009 and played a key role in securing high-profile tracks for performances, including the rare clearance of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love. She also worked on Lip Sync Battle, Miss Universe, and Hollywood Game Night.
A spokesperson from American Idol released a statement mourning her death: “Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her.”
Former contestants Colton Dixon and Scott MacIntyre also paid tribute, recalling her dedication to helping artists behind the scenes and going “the extra mile.”
Robin Kaye helped clear iconic songs for the show Youtube Screengrab
Thomas Deluca’s legacy as a musician
Deluca, a singer-songwriter, had written music for artists like Kid Rock and Micky Dolenz. He released multiple albums including Street Rock in 2022. The couple had been married for decades and were active in LA’s creative scene.
Deluca’s career started in the Midwest before moving to Los Angeles, where he and Kaye collaborated musically and professionally. Friends described them as a “quiet powerhouse couple” in the music licensing world.
Thomas Deluca was a respected LA musicianFacebook/Tom Deluca
Police continue probe into motive and connections
Investigators are still trying to determine if Boodarian had any prior connection to the victims. While early reports suggested a burglary motive, authorities are examining whether the crime was premeditated or opportunistic.
Police confirmed that just days before the murders, a neighbour had reported someone jumping a fence at the property. However, no forced entry was found at the time, and officers left after a preliminary check.
Police officers seen outside the Encino residence following the double homicideBillboard
Boodarian is currently in custody without bail. Charges have not yet been formally announced. It is unclear whether he has retained legal representation.
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This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner
India’s CBFC trimmed a 33-second kiss between Superman and Lois Lane, calling it “too sensual”.
James Gunn’s Superman has earned approximately £177 million worldwide and around £2.9 million in India during its opening weekend.
American media and audiences criticised India’s censor board for its conservative edits.
Indian fans and celebrities also slammed CBFC’s inconsistent standards on romance versus violence.
The Indian film board’s decision to cut a 33-second kiss between Superman and Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman, calling it “too sensual,” has sparked backlash both in India and abroad. While the film has soared at the box office, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s censorship of romantic scenes has been widely criticised by fans and media alike.
Poster of Superman film releasing on July 11 Instagram/superman
CBFC Superman kiss cut for UA rating
To achieve a UA (13+) rating in India, the Indian film board removed two kissing scenes and muted several expletives in Superman. The most discussed was a mid-air kiss between Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) that was shortened from 33 seconds to just a few fleeting moments. Officials reportedly found the visuals “overly sensual.”
The edit has left Indian viewers frustrated, with many calling out how the scene now feels abrupt and incomplete. The trimmed moment, a beautifully choreographed sequence set after Superman’s final battle, was intended to be a cinematic highlight.
This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner X/ ErikDavis
Superman Lois Lane scene censored draws US media fire
The censorship has not gone unnoticed overseas. US media outlets picked up the story, reporting that the Superman Lois Lane scene was censored for being “too sensual.”
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Social media responses were quick and biting. “Didn’t they literally write the Kama Sutra?” one joked. Others mocked the inconsistency: “You’re fine with gore but scared of a kiss?” The sentiment was clear, many viewers found the move out of touch with the realities of a modern global audience.
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India censor board criticism echoes online
It wasn’t just international viewers speaking up. Indian celebrities and creators added their voices to the backlash. Actor Shreya Dhanwanthary tweeted, “If this is true, this is RIDICULOUS!!! Some ridiculous crap happens every day.” Digital creator Amol Jamwal commented on X, “You can have beheadings in Jaat, crude jokes in Housefull 5, but not a kiss in Superman?”
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Some viewers also compared the Indian film board's actions to their leniency with films like Animal, which was allowed to release with explicit violence and suggestive content. One post read, “They chopped a kiss in Superman but let Animal run wild? That’s hypocrisy in action.”
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Superman 2025 James Gunn romance edit controversy
This isn’t an isolated incident. Indian certification board has been criticised repeatedly in 2025 for similar censorship decisions. Earlier this year, Thunderbolts was released in India with muted language, and F1 had its middle-finger emoji replaced with a fist. In 2023, the CBFC also added a CGI dress to a nude scene in Oppenheimer, triggering international mockery.
Since the 2021 dissolution of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, filmmakers have had no fast-track way to challenge the CBFC’s decisions. Legal appeals through Indian courts are time-consuming and costly, a major concern for global studios with simultaneous international releases.
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani became parents to a baby girl on 15 July 2025.
The couple shared the news via a joint Instagram post, writing: “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed.”
The baby was born at Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, via normal delivery; both mother and baby are doing well.
Fans, friends, and Bollywood celebrities poured in love, calling them “parents to a real-life Shershaah heroine.”
Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani have welcomed their first child, a baby girl, marking a new chapter in their relationship. The couple, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in Rajasthan in February 2023, made the announcement via Instagram on Wednesday morning, sharing their joy with a heartwarming post.
“Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl,” read the note, which was signed off by both Sidharth and Kiara. Decorated in soft pink with hearts and stars, the announcement carried folded hands and evil eye emojis, symbolising gratitude and protection.
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani welcome baby girl, fans call it a ‘Shershaah sequel’ momentGetty Images
Fans react to baby girl news with Shershaah references
As soon as the announcement went live, social media was flooded with celebratory messages. One recurring theme among fan comments was the nostalgic nod to the couple’s 2021 film Shershaah, where Sidharth played Captain Vikram Batra and Kiara essayed the role of Dimple Cheema.
“It feels like the Shershaah family is complete,” wrote one user. Another added, “All Student of the Year kids are now girl parents!” as a reference to Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, Sidharth’s co-stars from his debut film, who both recently became parents to daughters.
Inside the journey: From wedding to baby girl in two years
Kiara and Sidharth’s relationship reportedly began during the filming of Shershaah, but they kept their romance private until their wedding. The couple’s social media presence has been minimal, especially since announcing their pregnancy on 28 February 2025, with a simple photo of baby socks and the caption: “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.”
Kiara made a notable appearance at Cannes shortly after, where she was seen confidently flaunting her baby bump. Since then, both stars maintained a low public profile, choosing to spend the final months of pregnancy in privacy.
Following the baby’s arrival, many from the film industry extended their congratulations. Casting directors Shanoo Sharma and Mukesh Chhabra, designer Manish Malhotra, actors Sunil Grover and Huma Qureshi, and stylist Tanya Ghavri were among the first to comment. Athiya Shetty also posted a heartfelt message.
With this, Sidharth joins Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan as yet another Student of the Year alum to enter parenthood, with playful comments from fans calling them the “SOTY girl dad squad.”
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani welcome baby girl as Shershaah fans celebrate ‘real-life happy ending’
What’s next for the couple professionally
Despite embracing parenthood, both Kiara and Sidharth have a busy year ahead. Kiara will be seen in War 2, alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, directed by Ayan Mukerji and set for release on 14 August. Sidharth will star opposite Janhvi Kapoor in Param Sundari, which hits theatres on 10 October.
Their growing family and upcoming film projects keep them firmly in the public eye, something their fans are clearly happy about.