Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan will lead the Indian delegation at this year's Cannes Film Festival. He will be accompanied by some well-known names from the world of Indian cinema on the red carpet at the French Rivera.
This year too India will be showcasing its cultural heritage at the film festival. Murugan, who hails from Tamil Nadu, has chosen to wear the traditional Veshti on the red carpet instead of a Western outfit.
What is even more interesting is that the shirt that Murugan will wear on the red carpet will have the national flag on the left side and the G20 logo on the right side.
India holds the presidency of G20 and several functions are being held in different parts of the country.
"The embroidery on the shirt has been done by my local tailor. It makes me immensely proud to wear the tricolour on my chest," Murugan told ANI.
"Since we are doing so many events and showcasing our heritage at the G20 year-long plan, it is only fit that we tell the world about it," he added.
Murugan went to the event last year too and India was the Country of Honour.
Like last year when India had a series of celebrities on the red carpet, this time too Oscar award-winning Indian filmmaker Guneet Monga of 'The Elephant Whisperers' fame, Manushi Chillar, Indian actor, model and the winner of the Miss World 2017, Esha Gupta - acclaimed actor of the Indian Cinema and Kangabam Tomba - acclaimed Manipuri actor would walk the red carpet.
Four Indian films have made it to the official selection at Cannes Film Festival. Kanu Behl's 'Agra' will be his second film to have its world premiere at Cannes, at the Directors' Fortnight. His 2014 debut film, 'Titli', was unveiled at the 'Un Certain Regard' section.
Anurag Kashyap's 'Kennedy' is being screened in Midnight Screenings and Nehemich in the La Cinef section of the Festival de Cannes. Apart from these, many Indian films are slotted for being screened in Marche du Films.
A restored Manipuri film 'Ishanhou', will be showcased in the 'Classics' section. The movie was previously played in the festival's 'Un Certain Regard' section in 1991 and its film reels were preserved by the National Film Archives of India. The Manipur State Film Development Society got the film restored through the Film Heritage Foundation & Prasad Film Labs.
India will continue its push for being the content hub of the world, and a one-stop destination from conceiving to making films to also doing post-production including graphics and animation and other modern techniques and tools. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur had spoken about it during his visit to the festival last year.
A special focus this year will be on India's culture and heritage at the India Pavilion. The theme for this year's Pavilion is based on the Goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. It has been designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad with the theme - 'Showcasing India's Creative Economy' to the global community.
The pavilion design has been inspired by the Saraswati Yantra, the abstract representation of the goddess Saraswati, keeper of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom and learning. The colours of the pavilion draw inspiration from the vibrant colours of India's national flag - saffron, white, green, and blue.
Saffron for the strength and courage of the country, white for inner peace and truth, green for showcasing fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land, and blue for the law of dharma and truth. India has a huge reservoir of talent and the Indian Pavilion will provide the platform to the Indian film community to sign distribution deals, greenlight scripts, crack production collaborations and simply network with the world's major entertainment and media players.
Among the top highlight of last year's festival was the premiere of R. Madhavan's Film Rocketry.
Anurag Thakur, who will not be present physically at the festival, will address the inaugural through a video message.
Kristin Cabot, HR chief at Astronomer, was caught on camera at a Coldplay concert in an intimate moment with CEO Andy Byron.
Both Cabot and Byron are married to other people; the viral video led to Byron's resignation.
Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, heir to the Privateer Rum fortune and descendant of the historic Boston Brahmin Cabot family.
The scandal has renewed interest in the Cabots and their place in Boston’s old-money aristocracy.
A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has unexpectedly revived public interest in one of America’s most private upper-class families: the Cabots. Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer at data software firm Astronomer, was seen in a close embrace with now-former CEO Andy Byron during the band’s performance at Gillette Stadium last week. The moment, caught on the stadium’s 'kiss cam', quickly went viral.
It wasn’t just the workplace affair that stunned viewers, both Cabot and Byron are married to others. But what’s fuelling deeper intrigue is Cabot’s family connection: she’s married to Andrew Cabot, a sixth-generation descendant of one of Boston’s most powerful and historically significant families, the Cabots, part of the elite class known as the Boston Brahmins.
Kristin Cabot’s elite Boston Brahmin ties resurface amid Coldplay cheating scandalLinkedIn
What does ‘Boston Brahmin’ mean and who are the Cabots?
The term Boston Brahmin refers to a small group of Anglo-American families who dominated Boston’s political, cultural, and economic life for centuries. Coined in 1861 by writer Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., the label likens these families to India’s Brahmins, evoking an image of cultural superiority and exclusivity.
The Cabots, alongside the Lowells, Lodges, and Forbes families, were at the heart of this upper crust. They amassed fortunes in the 18th and 19th centuries through shipping, manufacturing, and trade. Notably, some branches of these families were linked to industries now viewed with scrutiny, such as the opium and slave trades, a dark chapter in the legacy of old New England wealth.
A famous rhyme still recited in Boston schools captures their elite status:
“And this is good old Boston, the home of the bean and the cod / Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots, and the Cabots talk only to God.”
Today, the term survives more as a cultural reference, but the influence of these families still lingers quietly in American institutions.
American Antiquarian SocietyAmerican Experience
Andrew Cabot: The rum heir with a storied lineage
Kristin Cabot’s husband, Andrew Cabot, owns and runs Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based company with deep regional roots. He is a direct descendant of the original Andrew Cabot, an 18th-century merchant whose shipping and manufacturing empire helped build the family’s legacy.
The family’s wealth was partly driven by the production of carbon black, a crucial component in tyre manufacturing. According to a historical estimate, the Cabot fortune in 1972 was valued at around £100 million (₹850 crore), equivalent to over £1.5 billion (₹12,750 crore) today when adjusted for inflation.
The Cabots are known for keeping a low profile, preferring modesty over ostentation. Yet their mark on America remains visible in philanthropy, elite schools, and social traditions still observed among Boston’s old-money class.
Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, the owner of Privateer RumX/@candybarr2009
The Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ fallout: Where things stand
Kristin Cabot’s brief on-screen appearance at the concert has triggered an internal investigation at Astronomer. CEO Andy Byron resigned shortly after the video went viral. Cabot has since gone on leave. Property records show that she and Andrew Cabot recently purchased a £1.7 million (₹14.5 crore) home in New Hampshire.
Both Kristin and Andrew have been previously married. Kristin’s divorce from her ex-husband Kenneth Thornby was finalised in 2022, while Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, removed his surname from her Facebook profile shortly after the concert scandal erupted.
Viral video from Coldplay concert sparks internet speculation of workplace affair Reddit
While the story began as a celebrity-style office romance gone public, it has inadvertently peeled back the curtain on one of America’s most enduring, and largely hidden, power structures: the Boston Brahmins. It’s a reminder that even in 2025, family legacy still quietly shapes public perception and social influence in ways many assume have faded with time.
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India captain Shubman Gill speaks with coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar during a net session at Emirates Old Trafford on July 21, 2025 in Manchester. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA may be forced to shift from its usual playing combination when it faces England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting Wednesday, with key injuries disrupting its settled approach.
The visitors, trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, are yet to win a Test at this venue in nine previous attempts — with four losses and five draws — and will aim to level the series in Manchester.
India had fielded three all-rounders in the eleven after the first Test in Leeds, including Nitish Reddy, who has now been ruled out of the remainder of the tour with a knee injury.
With spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar providing batting depth till number eight, India’s balance could be tested. The team may not have that luxury at Old Trafford.
Shardul likely replacement for Reddy
Shardul Thakur, who played the opening Test, is the likely replacement for Reddy, though he does not offer the same batting contributions. He will also need to deliver with the ball, as Reddy had taken important wickets at Lord’s.
India could revert to the combination used in Leeds, where only Jadeja played as a spinner and the batting line-up extended to number six, featuring Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan.
Uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna are also options if Akash Deep does not recover in time from a groin injury. Kamboj, who was part of the India A tour of England, showed promise during the team’s first outdoor training session and can generate seam movement similar to Deep.
Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are set to retain their spots in the eleven.
Top order eyes recovery after Lord’s loss
India’s batting unit faltered at Lord’s for the first time in the series. Captain Shubman Gill, despite a low score in the third Test, has scored over 600 runs so far and will look to return to form.
Jofra Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal twice at Lord’s, and the Indian opener will be aiming to adjust to the England pacer’s speed in the upcoming match.
KL Rahul has looked composed throughout the series and remains a key part of the top order. Rishabh Pant appears to have recovered from a finger injury and is expected to resume his dual role behind the stumps and in the middle order.
Nair, if selected again, will aim to convert his starts into a significant score. Jadeja, who has scored four consecutive 50-plus innings, will be expected to contribute more with the ball.
India last played a Test at Old Trafford in 2014, and the last Indian century at the ground came from Sachin Tendulkar in 1990.
England, meanwhile, go into the fourth Test with the series lead and unchanged confidence.
England unchanged apart from Dawson in for Bashir
England captain Ben Stokes named his playing eleven ahead of the game, with Liam Dawson replacing injured spinner Shoaib Bashir. Dawson last played a Test in July 2017.
The weather forecast includes light rain throughout the five days, and the recent rainfall in Manchester could leave moisture on the surface for the fast bowlers early on.
Tensions between the two teams have increased through the series. Gill addressed his exchange with England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley on day three at Lord’s.
"The English batsmen on that day had seven minutes of play left. They were 90 seconds late to come to the place. Not 10, not 20, 90 seconds late," Gill said. "Yes, most of the teams use this. Even if we were in a position, we would have also liked to play fewer overs, but there's a manner to do it.
"If you get hit on your body, the physios are allowed to come on and that is something that is fair. But to be able to come 90 seconds late on the grass is not something that I would think comes in the spirit of the game."
England batter Harry Brook said, “Every game we’ve played so far has gone into the last hour of the game, which you do not see very often. I’ve had a lot of people come up to me saying ‘it’s been an amazing series, thank you’. Everybody said that the Lord’s game was one of the best games that they’ve watched, so it’s been an amazing series and I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (vc), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Drishyam 3 marks the return of Georgekutty and his secrets
Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph, is set to begin shooting in September 2025.
The third part will focus more on Georgekutty’s family dynamics, rather than an external investigation.
Jeethu Joseph completed the first draft of the script after a mentally and physically draining process.
Both Malayalam and Hindi versions of the film will release simultaneously, a first for the franchise.
Drishyam 3 is officially in motion, and filmmaker Jeethu Joseph has teased just enough to heighten anticipation for what’s coming next in Georgekutty’s story. At a recent college event in Muvattupuzha, Joseph revealed that this chapter won’t be about outside threats or police investigations; instead, it will turn inward. The narrative will focus squarely on Georgekutty’s family, exploring how they’ve been psychologically shaped by their past.
“Drishyam 3 is about how people within the family perceive past events differently as they grow,” Joseph shared, hinting that this time, the emotional tension will stem more from within the home than from authorities.
Mohanlal as Georgekutty prepares to return in Drishyam 3 with a new emotional arc www.easterneye.biz
How will Drishyam 3 be different from previous parts?
In contrast to the first two parts, where Georgekutty used his wits to protect his family from the law, this instalment is being designed as a more introspective, emotional drama. Joseph hinted that the children’s evolving perspectives and emotional processing of past incidents will be central to the plot.
Rather than resorting to physical confrontations, as mass heroes often do, Georgekutty’s approach will remain grounded in psychological manoeuvring. “If Georgekutty does fight, it will be something raw and restrained, like in Keeradam,” Joseph explained in a separate interview, emphasising the consistency of the character’s everyman persona.
Drishyam 2 poster Instagram/Mohanlal
When will Drishyam 3 start filming?
As per current updates, Drishyam 3 is scheduled to go on floors in September 2025, once Jeethu Joseph wraps up his other ongoing projects. This timeline has also led to another delay in Ram, another anticipated film that pairs Joseph with Mohanlal.
Interestingly, it was Mohanlal who initiated the idea of a third film. After watching Drishyam 2 at Joseph’s home theatre, he casually asked if another sequel was possible. That offhand conversation eventually led Joseph to develop a concept for the climax first, before even structuring the full script.
How did Jeethu Joseph approach writing Drishyam 3?
Writing Drishyam 3 wasn’t easy. In multiple interviews, Joseph revealed that he had to juggle several projects while working on the script. “I’d wake up at 3:30 AM to write before shoots for Mirage or Valathu Vasathe Kallan,” he shared, calling it a mentally and physically exhausting routine.
Despite fans flooding his inbox with suggestions, Joseph didn’t read a single one. “I didn’t want any outside influence on the story,” he said, choosing to stay rooted in his own narrative vision.
‘Drishyam 3’ will follow the same story in Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu, confirms director Jeethu Joseph www.easterneye.biz
What else is Mohanlal working on?
Apart from returning as Georgekutty, Mohanlal has several high-profile films in various stages of production. These include Patriot directed by Mahesh Narayanan, L365 helmed by Austin Das Thomas, and Vrusshabha, a big-budget pan-Indian film. Each project offers something distinct, showing how Mohanlal continues to adapt across genres without losing his grounding in Malayalam cinema.
Mohanlal's line-up includes Patriot, L365, and VrusshabhaGetty Images
The road ahead for Drishyam 3
Drishyam 3 aims to deepen the emotional layers of its characters instead of widening its thriller arc. With Jeethu Joseph’s detailed writing process and Mohanlal’s consistent vision for Georgekutty, the film could offer one of the most thoughtful continuations in Indian cinema. And with the Malayalam and Hindi versions releasing simultaneously, the film also takes a major step in bridging its regional and national fan bases.
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The aircraft had taken off from HMS Prince of Wales on 14 June but could not return to the carrier due to adverse weather conditions.
A BRITISH F-35B fighter jet that had been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for over a month flew out on Tuesday after completing maintenance.
The jet took off at 10.50 am and flew to Darwin in Australia, airport sources told PTI.
"A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on June 14, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. A UK engineering team, deployed since July 06, completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to resume active service," a British High Commission spokesperson said.
In a statement, the spokesperson added that the UK remained very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process.
"We look forward to continuing to strengthen our defence partnership with India," the statement said.
The jet had been moved out of the hangar and positioned at the airport bay on Monday.
The F-35B Lightning fighter jet is part of the British Royal Navy’s advanced stealth fleet. Valued at over USD 110 million, it is considered one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. It had remained parked at the airport since June 14 after developing a technical issue.
The aircraft had taken off from HMS Prince of Wales on 14 June but could not return to the carrier due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, it diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and landed safely.
While on the ground, the aircraft developed an engineering issue, delaying its return to the Carrier Strike Group.
Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and concluded that support from a UK-based engineering team was needed.
The UK accepted India’s offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
To avoid disrupting normal airport operations, the aircraft was moved only after the UK engineering teams arrived with the required specialist equipment.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Early reactions say Fantastic Four First Steps revives Marvel with heart humour and stunning visuals
Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in cinemas worldwide on 25 July
Early reactions praise the cast’s chemistry, visuals, and emotional depth
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn receive high praise for their performances
Fans call it “the best cinematic version of the Fantastic Four to date”
Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps has received glowing early reactions following its world premiere in Los Angeles. Set to hit theatres on 25 July, the film marks the official MCU debut of Marvel’s original superhero team, and early viewers are already calling it one of the studio’s strongest entries in years.
Fantastic Four First Steps hailed as Marvel’s return to form in early audience reactionsIMDB
What is Fantastic Four: First Steps about?
The film reintroduces the Fantastic Four in a stylised 1960s alternate universe within the multiverse. Pedro Pascal stars as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing).
In First Steps, the team battles Galactus, a planet-consuming cosmic entity played by Ralph Ineson, aided by Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer. With a retro-futuristic design and a storyline centred on family, identity, and sacrifice, the film explores deeper emotional layers than past adaptations.
Why are early reactions to Fantastic Four: First Steps so positive?
After the premiere, viewers flooded social media with reactions praising the film’s visual effects, storytelling, and cast performances. Many critics noted that this is the most emotionally resonant and visually striking version of Marvel’s First Family seen on screen.
Critic Matt Neglia called it “a satisfying first step for Marvel’s new team,” while journalist Brandon Davis said it’s “one of the best things Marvel has ever done,” even comparing its visuals to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
Fans also highlighted the film’s emotional core. A widely shared reaction described it as “a story about family above all else,” with each character receiving thoughtful development and screen time.
— (@)
How do the lead performances elevate the film?
Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards has been singled out for its subtle depth, capturing both the intellect and vulnerability of the team’s leader. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is earning praise as a commanding presence, with many calling her the standout of the film. Joseph Quinn brings charisma to the role of Johnny Storm, while Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm has been described as the film’s emotional anchor.
— (@)
What makes this reboot different from past Fantastic Four films?
This is Marvel Studios’ first full control over the franchise since reacquiring the rights from Fox in 2019. Previous adaptations, particularly the 2015 version, received lukewarm to poor responses. First Steps takes a fresh creative direction by setting the story in a unique 1960s aesthetic, which many reviewers say complements the tone and dynamics of the characters.
Director Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, has been praised for balancing the large-scale cosmic action with intimate emotional moments. The script, co-written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, and Jeff Kaplan, avoids formulaic superhero tropes and instead focuses on character-driven storytelling.
— (@)
When does the film release and what’s next?
Fantastic Four: First Steps officially releases worldwide on 25 July. Given the overwhelmingly positive early buzz, fans are hopeful this signals a strong new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With multiverse connections hinted throughout and cameos from X-Men, Black Panther, and Thunderbolts franchises, Marvel seems to be positioning the Fantastic Four as central figures in its next major saga.