Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Tom Holland sustained a concussion during a stunt sequence in Glasgow.
Filming for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been paused indefinitely.
The actor is recovering well but the incident has caused major scheduling issues.
The planned July 2026 release date for the film is now under review.
The Marvel and Sony production of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been thrown into chaos following a stunt injury to its star. Tom Holland is recovering after being diagnosed with a concussion, leading to an immediate halt to filming. This unexpected break has caused a massive logistical challenge for producers, who must now reorganise the entire shoot. The incident brings to light the intense physical pressure on actors in major superhero franchises.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Instagram Screengrab/spidermanmovie
What happens to the schedule after a production halt?
A shutdown like this is a producer's worst nightmare. It's not just about pressing pause. Every single day represents a huge financial investment in crew, equipment and location fees that are now being wasted. The production was deep into a complex shoot in Glasgow, a key part of their plan.
Now the team behind the scenes is almost scrambling. They have to figure out if they can film anything without Holland, maybe scenes with Zendaya's MJ or Jacob Batalon's Ned. If his recovery takes more than a few days, they might have to pack up entirely and come back to Scotland later, again a move that would blow out the budget even further.
Holland has built a reputation for doing most of his own stunt work, something that is both praised and increasingly scrutinised. He is not known for being accident prone, but his commitment to the physicality of the role is absolute.
This has meant enduring gruelling training and performing complex acrobatics across all his Spider-Man films. This concussion, while described as mild, is again in the spotlight for all the risks involved every time an actor steps into the harness, no matter how many safety protocols are in place. It inevitably raises the question of whether A list stars should be so hands on.
Will the Spider-Man: Brand New Day release date change?
Right now, the official line is that the July 2026 date is still locked in. These dates are set years in advance as part of a massive global marketing system. A short delay of a week might be affordable within the production's contingency plan. But if this halt stretches on, it creates a domino effect.
The biggest hurdle is post-production, especially the years of visual effects work needed for a Marvel film. If the shooting runs too long, it squeezes the VFX teams, potentially compromising quality or, in a worst case scenario, forcing the studio to push the entire release. It's a last resort, but it's suddenly a possibility on the table.
Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated prequel to Kantara releases worldwide on 2 October 2025
Trailer teases a blend of folklore, mysticism and high-octane drama
Multi-language launch backed by leading Indian stars positions film as a pan-Indian event
Music by B Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind Kashyap return to the franchise
Three years after Kantara became a cultural phenomenon, director and actor Rishab Shetty has unveiled the trailer for Kantara: Chapter 1. Released on 22 September, the trailer offers a first glimpse of the prequel, which will reach cinemas worldwide on 2 October, coinciding with Dusshera and Gandhi Jayanti.
Folklore at the centre
The new film dives into the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual that anchored the first instalment. Shetty appears in a commanding avatar, with the trailer highlighting an intense trident-wielding sequence set against a rural landscape. The film promises to expand the Kantara universe while retaining its grounding in local tradition and spirituality.
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A pan-Indian launch
To maximise its reach, the trailer was released in multiple languages by some of the country’s biggest stars: Prabhas introduced the Telugu version, Hrithik Roshan unveiled the Hindi edition, Sivakarthikeyan presented the Tamil cut and Prithviraj Sukumaran launched the Malayalam version. The coordinated rollout reflects Hombale Films’ strategy to cement the project as a pan-Indian spectacle.
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Creative team
The production reunites key members of the original’s creative team. B Ajaneesh Loknath returns as composer, providing both soundtrack and score, while Arvind Kashyap handles cinematography. Vinesh Banglan leads production design, promising a rich visual canvas.
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Cast and characters
Alongside Shetty, the film features Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara. The ensemble aims to add depth to the folklore-driven narrative and broaden the cultural scope of the story.
Release plans
Backed by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 2 October 2025. Positioned as both prequel and expansion of the original hit, the film blends mythology, faith and cinematic scale, timed to capture audiences during the festive season.
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Strictly Come Dancing 2025 stuns with Ellie Goldstein milestone, Amy Dowden comeback and shock new voting twist
The launch show confirmed 15 new couples, including historic participation from model Ellie Goldstein.
Professional dancer Amy Dowden makes a return after missing the 2024 series due to injury.
For the first time voting will be entirely online, ditching phone lines.
The first live show is scheduled for 27 September with themed weeks planned.
The gloves are off and the dancing shoes are on as Strictly Come Dancing 2025 finally revealed its celebrity professional pairings in a launch show that did not disappoint. This year’s line up is already being talked about for its refreshing mix of personalities. The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 pairings have set a new tone for the competition, mixing veteran stars with inspiring newcomers.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 stuns with Ellie Goldstein milestone, Amy Dowden comeback and shock new voting twist Instagram/bbcstrictly
So what are the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 pairings everyone is chatting about?
Right, let us get straight to it. The big reveal gave us 15 couples. Some look like matches made in heaven, others… well, we will see. Neighbours stalwart Stefan Dennis is with Dianne Buswell in the so called ‘Aussie dream team’. Then there is Ellie Goldstein, the model, paired with Vito Coppola. That partnership is bursting with joy from the first glimpse.
Thomas Skinner, best known for The Apprentice, got Amy Dowden, which is a huge deal given her comeback from that stress fracture. And Ross King is with Jowita Przystał and is already joking about drawing the short straw. The full list is out there, but these are the ones generating the heat early on. It is the mix of sport stars, actors and reality TV faces that makes this year feel different.
How is the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line up shaping the betting odds?
You can always tell the mood by the bookmakers. And boy, did they react fast. Within hours of the pairings being shown the odds shifted dramatically. Gladiators star Harry Aikines A ryeetey, now with Karen Hauer, saw his price slashed from 16/1 to 8/1. Punters clearly fancy his athleticism. Meanwhile Lewis Cope is holding firm as the early favourite.
But it is not good news for everyone. Ross King’s chances have plummeted to 100/1, which basically means the market thinks he is a goner early doors. Thomas Skinner’s odds drifted out too, which is surprising given his popularity. It is a brutal initial judgment, but that is Strictly for you; first impressions count.
What are the big changes for Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
This is not just another series. Strictly Come Dancing 2025has made a significant shift with no more phone votes. After years of premium rate lines it is all moving online. You will need a BBC account to have your say. They are calling the old system “outdated” and too costly. It is a big change, but one that probably makes sense for how people watch telly now. Also Dianne Buswell is dancing while pregnant, which is a first on the show. That adds a whole new layer to the competition dynamics. The show must go on, as they say, but it will be fascinating to see how that plays out over the weeks.
Strictly shakes up voting rules with online-only system for the first timeBBC One Website
When does the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 competition really begin?
Mark your calendars. The first live show is on Saturday 27 September. That is when the judges’ scores will start to count. The public vote opens the week after, leading to the first elimination. And of course the themed weeks are locked in: Movie Week on 11 October, Halloween Week on 25 October and the big trip to Blackpool on 22 November. The final is set for 20 December. So the journey is just starting. The launch was fun, but the real work begins now. Who will cope with the pressure? Who will crumble? We are about to find out.
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My Chemical Romance will celebrate the 20th anniversary
Band to mark 20 years of The Black Parade with a worldwide stadium tour
17 new dates announced across North America, the UK and Europe
Third Wembley Stadium show added after first two sold out
Tour features high-profile support acts including Franz Ferdinand, Iggy Pop, Modest Mouse and The Mars Volta
My Chemical Romance will celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Black Parade with an extensive global tour in 2026. The band has confirmed 17 new stadium shows across North America, the UK and Europe, following sell-out dates in Mexico and strong demand worldwide. Tickets for the new shows go on sale Friday 26 September at 12:00pm local time.
Europe and the UK
The European leg begins on 30 June in Liverpool and concludes on 18 July in Madrid. With both initial Wembley Stadium dates selling out, a third London show has now been added on 11 July. The run also includes stops in Glasgow and Florence.
North America
The North American leg starts on 9 August at Citi Field in New York and finishes with a three-night stand at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles from 21 to 24 October. Each city will feature different support acts, with a line-up that includes Franz Ferdinand, Pierce the Veil, Modest Mouse, Iggy Pop, Sleater-Kinney, The Breeders, Babymetal, Jimmy Eat World and The Mars Volta.
South America and Southeast Asia
Before arriving in Europe, the band will tour South America in January and February, with dates in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. A Southeast Asian run follows in April and May, with shows in South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Festivals
Alongside the main tour, My Chemical Romance will headline several major festivals including Welcome to Rockville in Florida, Sonic Temple in Ohio, Louder Than Life in Kentucky and Hammersonic in Jakarta.
A landmark anniversary
The Black Parade, released in 2006, became one of the defining rock albums of its era, cementing My Chemical Romance’s status as one of the most influential bands of the 2000s. The 2026 anniversary tour will see the album return to stadium stages around the world, underlining its lasting impact and the enduring loyalty of the band’s fanbase.
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Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in What Happens at Night
Martin Scorsese is set to direct a film adaptation of the novel What Happens at Night.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence will star as the lead couple in the project.
The story follows a couple’s eerie and troubling journey to a remote European city to adopt a child.
Apple Original Films and Studiocanal are behind the production.
Martin Scorsese is assembling a powerhouse team for his next cinematic venture. The legendary filmmaker will direct the adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel What Happens at Night. For this project, he reunites with frequent collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio and teams up for the first time with Jennifer Lawrence. The film promises a haunting tale set against a bleak, snow covered backdrop.
Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in What Happens at Night Getty Images
What is the plot of What Happens at Night ?
The story tracks an American couple who travel to an isolated, frigid European city. Their goal is to adopt a baby, but the trip quickly unravels. The wife is seriously ill with cancer, and her declining health threatens to derail the entire adoption process. They check into a vast, almost deserted hotel. The place is strange, filled with characters such as a flamboyant singer, a shady businessman and even a faith healer. Nothing in this town makes much sense, and the couple starts questioning everything, including their own marriage.
Why is this Scorsese project creating so much buzz?
Simple. It’s the team. Scorsese and DiCaprio have a historic partnership, from The Departed to Killers of the Flower Moon. Adding Jennifer Lawrence into that mix is a major deal. It’s her first time being directed by Scorsese, though he did produce her upcoming film Die My Love. And audiences already know DiCaprio and Lawrence have great chemistry from the satirical hit Don’t Look Up. Putting them in a bleak, mysterious drama under Scorsese’s guidance is a recipe for something special.
Martin Scorsese casts Jennifer Lawrence alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in chilling adoption dramaGetty Images
Who is involved in the production?
The project is being shepherded by Apple Original Films and Studiocanal. Studiocanal grabbed the rights to the book last year. Sharp eyed screenwriter Patrick Marber, an Oscar nominee for Notes on a Scandal, is tackling the adaptation. This is a proper prestige production setup, the kind that gets everyone in Hollywood paying attention. It also continues Apple’s strong relationship with Scorsese and DiCaprio after the critical success of Killers of the Flower Moon.
What’s next for the stars?
Neither DiCaprio nor Lawrence are exactly resting. DiCaprio is currently winning praise for Paul Thomas Anderson’s new drama One Battle After Another. Meanwhile, Lawrence’s performance in the Scorsese produced Die My Love has already sparked serious Oscar chatter following its debut at Cannes. Their schedules are packed, which makes their commitment to What Happens at Night a clear sign of their belief in Scorsese’s vision.
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Dulquer Salmaan backed Lokah has become a landmark moment for female led Indian cinema
The superhero film has earned over £12.87 million (₹152.7 crore) at the Indian box office.
Its worldwide gross total has now passed £22.49 million (₹266.81 crore), surpassing L2 Empuraan.
The project is the first instalment in a planned five part cinematic universe.
It has become the first female led South Indian film to cross the £8.43 million (₹100 crore) mark.
Kalyani Priyadarshan has spearheaded a cinematic revolution with Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, shattering the ultimate box office ceiling. The superhero epic has officially become the highest grossing Malayalam film of all time, a monumental achievement for the industry. This Dominic Arun directorial, backed by producer Dulquer Salmaan, continues its record breaking spree by also becoming the first female led South Indian film to cross the £8.43 million (₹100 crore) mark. Its performance is, in fact, redefining commercial success and what audiences will embrace.
Dulquer Salmaan backed Lokah has become a landmark moment for female led Indian cinema Instagram/lokahofficial
How much money has Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra made?
Let us talk numbers, because these figures are frankly wild. The film's total worldwide gross has reached an incredible £22.49 million (₹266.81 crore), which places it at the number one spot in Mollywood history, ahead of L2 Empuraan. In India alone, its net collection stands at a staggering £12.87 million (₹152.7 crore). The film's overseas collection is equally impressive, contributing significantly to its record breaking total.
Why is this success so significant for the industry?
Forget just Malayalam cinema, this is a big moment for Indian film full stop. A female led superhero movie, based on folklore, is not your typical safe bet. Its success proves that audiences are starving for fresh stories and that a film can ride entirely on a female protagonist’s shoulders to become the biggest blockbuster in an industry's history.
It is the first female led South Indian film to cross the £8.43 million (₹100 crore) mark, a huge door kicked open for new narratives and for actresses to headline major projects. Plus, with a controlled budget of around £2.53 million (₹30 crore), the return on investment is massive, which is what really makes studios sit up and listen.
The end credits barely finished before everyone started asking about the sequel. Producer Dulquer Salmaan has been clear this is just chapter one of a planned five part universe. Tovino Thomas had a brief cameo that is definitely setting up a larger role in the next instalment. The hype is already building. With these box office numbers, the team has the confidence and the capital to go even bigger. The foundation is set. The audience is invested. The challenge now is to expand the world without losing the heart that made this first one such a surprise hit.