In October, Shraddha Kapoor surprised everyone by announcing that she was set to play a shape-shifting serpent in an upcoming trilogy project, titled Nagin. Set to be mounted on a huge scale, the high-profile film will be bankrolled by Nikkhil Dwivedi under his production house Saffron Broadcast & Media Ltd.
Sharing some interesting details on the first shooting schedule of the film, Kapoor told a publication, “Firstly, I have to say that the moment Nagin was announced, it received so much love just for the announcement that I want to say, ‘Thank you, thank you so much for that.' Of course, that has enhanced the pressure on us and we hope to live up to all the expectations. The shoot for Nagin is going to start in some time, just a little while is remaining (to take the film on floors). Of course, it is an extremely huge project and there are many factors that are a part of it. So, the preparations are on, but I can say that it will definitely start in some time.”
She went on to add, “I think whatever Nikhil sir has said, I'll leave it at that. Right now, I would not want to speak too much on it because I think it is a little too soon also to talk about Nagin but, yes, thank you for all the love.”
Announcing the film in October last year, Shraddha had tweeted, “It is an absolute delight for me to play a Naagin on screen. I have grown up watching, admiring, and idolising Sridevi ma'am's Nagina and Nigahen and have always wanted to play a similar role rooted in Indian traditional folklore.”
Nagin will be directed by Vishal Furia, who has previously directed Criminal Justice (Season 1) for Hotstar Specials.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
Fahadh Faasil says he still wants to retire as an Uber driver in Barcelona, an idea he first spoke of in 2020.
Says driving gives him clarity, peace, and solitude; calls it “a beautiful idea”.
Barcelona is his dream city because of its anonymity and rhythm.
Actor is currently promoting his bilingual comedy-thriller Maareesan, which has received praise from Kamal Haasan.
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has once again confirmed that his retirement dream has nothing to do with the spotlight. In a recent interview, Fahadh said he still plans to retire as an Uber driver in Barcelona, an idea he first mentioned five years ago, and one he says still brings him clarity and joy.
“I still very much think about it,” he said. “Driving someone to their destination feels beautiful.”
The actor, who’s known for avoiding the limelight off-screen, added that driving helps him slow down and think, and that retirement for him isn’t about disappearance, but about choosing peace, routine, and anonymity.
Fahadh explains why he prefers being offline and why emails might soon be the only way to reach himInstagram/fahadhfaasil._official
Why Fahadh Faasil wants to drive an Uber in Barcelona after retiring
Fahadh Faasil’s retirement plan may sound unconventional for a film star, but it’s been consistent. Back in 2020, while promoting C U Soon, he had casually revealed his dream of retiring as an Uber driver in Spain. This week, he said the desire hasn’t faded, and in fact, feels more grounded now than ever.
“That will only happen once people are done with me. But jokes aside, the idea of driving someone from one place to another, that’s a beautiful idea,” he said.
The actor added that he finds the act of driving deeply personal. “It’s something I still enjoy a lot. That’s my time for myself. And it’s really good for thinking while driving.”
Fahadh Faasil embraces minimalism as he distances himself from smartphones and social mediaInstagram/fahad_nazrin
What makes Barcelona the ideal retirement city for Fahadh?
Fahadh has said that it’s not just the job that matters, it’s also the city. Barcelona, with its pace, privacy, and streets full of motion, feels like the perfect place for him to fade into routine life without public attention.
He explained that retirement for him isn’t a dramatic exit from cinema, but a shift in lifestyle. “It’s not about running away from fame,” he said. “It’s about choosing when and how to be seen.”
In his view, being an Uber driver allows him to stay present and observe life in motion, without needing to perform.
Fahadh Faasil plans to retire as an Uber driver and be reachable only by email Instagram/fahad_nazrin
Fahadh on driving as meditation: “Whenever I get the chance, I take the wheel”
The actor shared that he continues to drive whenever he gets the opportunity, whether at home or abroad. “There, here, everywhere… whenever I get the chance, I take the wheel,” he said.
Driving, for Fahadh, is not just transportation. It’s a rare space where he can think, reset, and just be. That quiet, repetitive motion is something he looks forward to embracing full-time someday.
This perspective, in fact, is a contrast to many celebrities who move into production, endorsements, or digital ventures post-retirement. Fahadh, however, is drawn to simplicity and a slower pace.
Fahadh Faasil says luxury isn’t about smartphones as he rejects digital noise and dreams of a quiet life in Barcelona.Instagram/film_club2018
What’s next for Fahadh Faasil before retirement?
Before he swaps scripts for steering wheels, Fahadh Faasil has more stories to tell. He’s currently promoting Maareesan, a bilingual Tamil-Malayalam comedy-thriller co-starring Vadivelu. The film has already received strong early feedback, with Kamal Haasan himself praising its right balance of humour and storytelling.
Fahadh has also made headlines recently for using a rare £9,300 (₹10 lakh) Vertu phone and saying he wants to be reachable only by email by 2026.
Still, when asked about what the future looks like, he circles back to the same image: a car, a quiet street in Barcelona, and a sense of purpose in simply driving someone home.
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Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan selected for world premiere at TIFF 2025
Huma Qureshi-led Bayaan will premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2025
Only Indian film selected for TIFF’s prestigious Discovery section
Directed by Chauranga filmmaker Bikas Ranjan Mishra
Produced by Shiladitya Bora; also features Chandrachur Singh and Sachin Khedekar
Actor Huma Qureshi’s upcoming thriller Bayaan has secured a spot in the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) coveted Discovery section, making it the only Indian film featured in that category this year. Directed by Bikas Ranjan Mishra, the film is set to premiere this September and places Indian independent cinema firmly on the global stage.
Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan selected for world premiere at TIFF 2025 Instagram/iamhumaq
What is Bayaan about and why is it significant?
The film is a character-driven police procedural that explores themes of power, religion, and institutional bias through the eyes of a woman embedded in the justice system. Qureshi plays the lead role, a character she describes as someone navigating "forces much larger than herself" in a deeply flawed system.
In a statement, Qureshi called Bayaan a “timely and powerful story” that gave her the chance to portray a complex woman caught in the crossfire of structural injustice. “There are few scripts that stay with you beyond the set. Bayaan is one of them,” she said, also noting her role as Executive Producer on the project.
The film was developed through Film Independent’s Global Media Makers residency in Los Angeles and supported by the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Bayaan is helmed by writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, known for his critically acclaimed feature Chauranga. The script was shaped during Mishra’s LA residency, where he received mentorship from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and guidance from industry veterans like Jeff Stockwell and Ruth Atkinson.
The film is produced by indie cinema champion Shiladitya Bora under Platoon One Films, in collaboration with Madhu Sharma (Summit Studios), Kunal Kumar, Anuj Gupta, and Sadik Keshwani of Guidant Films (Switzerland).
“This is exactly the kind of script I look for—bold, moving, and globally resonant,” Bora said, calling TIFF the “ideal launchpad” for Bayaan.
BAYAAN, all set to have its World Premiere at TIFF 2025Instagram/iamhumaq
Who stars in Bayaan alongside Huma Qureshi?
Along with Qureshi, Bayaan features Chandrachur Singh, Sachin Khedekar, Paritosh Sand, Avijit Dutt, Vibhore Mayank, Sampa Mandal, Swati Das, Aditi Kanchan Singh, and Perry Chhabra in key roles.
The film’s creative team includes editor A. Sreekar Prasad (RRR), cinematographer Udit Khurana (A Hunt for Veerappan), composer Ajay Jayanthi (Black Warrant), and costume designer Shilpi Agarwal (Indian Predator).
Why TIFF’s Discovery section matters for Indian cinema
TIFF’s Discovery section has a track record of spotlighting emerging global filmmakers, having previously introduced the world to the likes of Christopher Nolan, Alfonso Cuarón, and Barry Jenkins.
For Indian cinema, Bayaan’s selection represents more than just festival recognition; in fact, it signifies international validation of nuanced, socially conscious storytelling that often struggles for visibility in commercial spaces.
Qureshi shared her excitement in an Instagram post, writing, “I took a bet on this film. No safety nets. No studio deals. Just belief. This is a win for all of us.”
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All past and future South Park episodes will now stream exclusively on Paramount+
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone sign a new five-year deal with Paramount Global.
The deal, worth £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore), includes 50 new episodes and exclusive streaming rights.
All 26 past seasons will move from HBO Max to Paramount+.
Season 27 premieres 23 July on Comedy Central, followed by streaming on Paramount+.
After months of negotiations and behind-the-scenes legal tension, South Park will now officially stream on Paramount+. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a massive £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) deal with Paramount Global, ensuring the future of the long-running adult animation for another five years.
The agreement includes 50 brand-new episodes, with all 26 previous seasons moving to Paramount+ globally. The show's 27th season, which was delayed due to contractual disagreements, premieres on Comedy Central this week, followed by streaming availability the next day.
South Park fans call out Paramount Plus for pulling the show worldwide Variety
Why is South Park moving to Paramount+?
The shift from HBO Max to Paramount+ marks a significant win for the latter in the streaming wars. With HBO Max previously holding domestic streaming rights in a £385 million (₹4,000 crore) deal, Paramount’s move regains control of one of its most valuable franchises.
The company now has both the back catalogue and future episodes, giving it exclusive streaming control worldwide. According to industry insiders, the deal’s high valuation also acts as an advance against streaming revenue, making it a strategic long-term investment for Paramount and its global platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, Comedy Central will remain the first broadcaster of new South Park episodes. Each episode will then stream on Paramount+ in the US and globally the following day.
In total, the deal guarantees 50 new episodes across five seasons. Parker and Stone’s studio, Park County, also retains a unique clause entitling it to about 50% of streaming revenue, one of the main reasons why the duo continue to secure record-breaking deals.
Despite previous legal threats and public frustration over delays, the new contract aligns the show’s creative future with Paramount+ as the central hub.
South Park creators ink a multi-billion deal following delayed Season 27 premiere Amazon
What caused the delay in South Park season 27?
Season 27 was originally slated for 9 July but was pushed to 23 July due to delays in finalising the contract. A major source of friction was the involvement of incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell and the influence of Skydance Media, which is in the process of acquiring the company.
Park County accused Shell of interfering with negotiations involving Warner Bros Discovery and Netflix. The creators even brought in high-profile attorney Bryan Freedman during the dispute, showing the seriousness of the standoff.
Paramount reportedly settled for a shorter, five-year term at £1.1 billion (₹11,600 crore) after shelving a larger, 10-year proposal due to Skydance’s reservations about long-term streaming investments.
Fans can expect new weekly episodes starting 23 July on Comedy Central. This deal also paves the way for more South Park content to live exclusively on Paramount+, potentially including new specials or spinoffs.
In a joint statement, Parker and Stone said they were “grateful for the trust placed in us” and promised to “build something special” with the extended deal. Chris McCarthy, Paramount’s co-CEO, hailed them as “creative forces” who continue to push boundaries and deliver global hits.
With this agreement in place, Paramount+ strengthens its library and stakes a major claim in the adult animation space, while South Park remains one of the most profitable and culturally resonant TV shows of its generation.
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Sydney Sweeney stuns with unrecognisable look as boxer Christy Martin
Sydney Sweeney debuts first look as legendary boxer Christy Martin
Biopic Christy to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025
Sweeney gained 30 pounds and trained intensely for the role
Directed by David Michôd, film explores Christy Martin’s rise and survival story
Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney looks completely unrecognisable in the first official still from her upcoming film Christy, a biopic about American boxing icon Christy Martin. Known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney steps into the ring with a dramatic physical and emotional transformation that has already sparked intense buzz ahead of its September premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Sydney Sweeney stuns with unrecognisable look as boxer Christy Martin Instagram/sydney_sweeney
What is Christy about?
The film follows the remarkable life of Christy Martin, one of the most influential figures in women’s boxing. Rising from a small town in West Virginia to national fame in the 1990s, Christy helped put women’s boxing on the map. She recorded 49 professional wins, 32 by knockout, and became the first woman signed by boxing promoter Don King.
But Martin’s career wasn’t the only part of her life that made headlines. Behind the scenes, she endured years of abuse from her trainer and husband, James Martin, who later tried to kill her. She survived a violent attack in 2010 in which he stabbed and shot her. The film not only charts her sporting achievements but also her fight for survival and her identity as a gay woman in a hyper-masculine sport.
Boxer Christy Martin from the United States bleeds from the nose during the WBC Championship Boxing Lightweight fight against Deirdre Gogarty of Ireland on 16th March 1996Getty Images
How did Sydney Sweeney prepare for the role?
In a June 2025 interview, Sweeney revealed she underwent an intense body transformation, gaining over 30 pounds and committing to a gruelling fitness routine. “I weight-trained in the morning, did two hours of kickboxing midday, and another session at night,” she said. “My body changed completely. I felt powerful.”
Fans first caught a glimpse of her transformation in October 2024 when she shared behind-the-scenes images from her training sessions. But the newly released official photo from Black Bear Pictures shows the full extent of her commitment. Gone are her signature blonde waves, replaced with Christy’s dark curls, boxing gloves, and a steely focus in the ring.
Fans react to Sydney Sweeney’s intense new look in boxing dramaGetty Images
Why this role is different for Sweeney?
Sweeney is known for playing emotionally vulnerable, glamorised characters. With Christy, she takes on a more grounded and gritty role, one that trades red carpets for leather gloves and blood-stained boxing rings.
Director David Michôd (The King) praised her dedication, saying he was stunned when he saw her again on the set of Euphoria season 3. “She was happiest when she was in the ring, getting hit and hitting back,” he said. “Seeing her switch back to Cassie, all glam and soft, was like witnessing two different people.”
From red carpets to boxing rings Sydney Sweeney sheds her glam image Getty Images
What has Christy Martin said about the biopic?
Martin, now 56 and a boxing promoter, has voiced her full support for the film and Sweeney’s casting. “I think she’s young, talented, and hot,” Martin said. “This movie is one fathers will watch with their daughters to talk about domestic violence.”
— (@)
Martin now lives with her wife, Lisa Holewyne, and continues to work in boxing. She sees the film as more than just a tribute to her past—it’s a message of survival, identity, and strength.
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Kim Kardashian poses in corset-style bodysuit drawing attention to her waistline
Kim Kardashian’s corset selfie sparks concerns over ‘unrealistic’ beauty standards
Fans ask “Can you breathe?” after seeing her extreme waistline in latest photos
SKIMS under fire for promoting a new thong some call “an eyepatch”
Social media erupts with debate on body expectations and inclusivity
Kim Kardashian has stirred up fresh controversy after sharing a photo showing off her tiny waist in a revealing black corset bodysuit, triggering widespread criticism online. The 44-year-old reality star and entrepreneur was called out by fans for promoting what many see as damaging and unrealistic beauty ideals.
In the Instagram post, Kim posed in front of a mirror wearing a high-fashion bodysuit with mesh detailing and matching suspenders. With her hair tied up and minimal makeup, she captioned the post simply: “Mugler Magic.” While some followers praised the aesthetic, others were quick to express concern over her body proportions, especially her dramatically cinched waist.
Fans question Kim Kardashian’s visibly altered figure in new selfieInstagram/kimkardashian
Why are fans upset over Kim Kardashian’s latest waist-revealing photo?
The focal point of the backlash is Kim’s exaggerated hourglass figure, which some commenters said looked digitally altered or the result of extreme body modification.
One user wrote, “That waist is terrifying, can you even breathe?” while another added, “This is not just unrealistic, it’s unhealthy.” Several users referenced past instances where Kim’s waistline sparked similar debates, such as when she wore Marilyn Monroe’s dress to the Met Gala or a metallic silver gown that led fans to joke about how many ribs she might have had removed.
Although Kim has previously addressed rumours about cosmetic surgery and waist training, the latest round of backlash reflects a growing fatigue among fans who feel she continues to set harmful beauty standards, especially for young women.
Kardashian’s latest post sparks backlash over harmful beauty idealsInstagram/kimkardashian
What happened with the new SKIMS thong launch?
Just hours before the corset photo went viral, Kardashian was already facing online criticism for a different reason, her brand SKIMS.
The company released a new micro-thong as part of its “Fits Everybody” line, featuring a sheer design with a small, embroidered rose on the front. The piece, which barely covered the model’s body, was immediately ridiculed across social platforms.
“Who exactly is this supposed to fit?” one Reddit user asked, while another sarcastically dubbed it the “SKIMS Eyepatch.” Multiple commenters questioned the practicality of the design and the inclusive claim that the product “fits everybody.”
This isn’t the first time SKIMS has been accused of pushing extreme or exclusionary designs. Critics argue that the brand often fails to accommodate a true range of body types, despite its marketing suggesting otherwise.
Kim’s ‘Mugler Magic’ look triggers fresh wave of body image discussionsInstagram/kimkardashian
Are Kim Kardashian’s posts contributing to unhealthy beauty ideals?
The backlash touches on a broader concern frequently raised in discussions about celebrity influence: the pressure to achieve body shapes that may not be natural or attainable for most people. Kim Kardashian, with over 300 million Instagram followers, is one of the most visible beauty influencers in the world, and her aesthetic choices have long had ripple effects in fashion and cosmetic industries.
Many health professionals and activists have criticised the use of photo editing, waist trainers, and body-altering shapewear promoted by celebrities, saying it fuels body dysmorphia and lowers self-esteem, especially among teens and young adults.
Kim Kardashian criticised for ‘unreal’ body standardsInstagram/kimkardashian
How is the public responding to Kim Kardashian’s recent controversies?
While Kim still commands a loyal fanbase who see her as a fashion-forward icon, the growing chorus of dissent suggests a shift in how audiences are reacting to curated celebrity images.
A mix of concern and satire has filled comment sections, with users increasingly calling for greater responsibility from high-profile figures when it comes to body representation. As one commenter summed it up: “It’s 2025, we should be past this by now.”
Whether Kim or her team respond to the criticism remains to be seen, but it’s clear the conversation about beauty standards and body positivity is far from over.