Recently, there were reports that filmmaker Zoya Akhtar was keen to collaborate with her brother Farhan Akhtar to remake the cult classic Heer Ranjha, featuring veteran actor Raaj Kumar alongside Priya Rajvansh.
A source revealed to an Indian daily, “Zoya wants to remake Heer Ranjha and modernize it. She, along with brother Farhan, showed a keen interest in making the film again. Heer Ranjha is possibly the only film in verse made till date. The dialogues were nothing but poetry. It was written by Kaifi Azmi, their step-mother Shabana Azmi’s father. They wanted to make it as a tribute to the legendary poet.”
However, Farhan and Zoya have been denied the rights to remake the film. “The rights to the 1970 classic were with Chetan Anand and after his death, it’s now with his son Ketan Anand, who doesn’t want to part with the rights,” said the source.
Ketan said, “They didn’t request me personally. But people from Excel Entertainment, their company, got in touch with me. They approached me about five months ago. There was no personal communication with Farhan, Zoya, or Javed Akhtar. I turned them down right away.”
Meanwhile, Zoya Akhtar is set to begin her next film Gully Boy, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Farhan Akhtar, on the other hand, will star in Mohit Suri's next.
Twenty-five years after it first captivated global audiences, Walking With Dinosaurs is making a comeback. The new BBC factual series, narrated by actor Charlotte Ritchie, reimagines the groundbreaking 1999 show using cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art visual effects to explore the lives of six individual dinosaurs. The six-part series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and has been co-produced with PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions.
Charlotte Ritchie, best known for her roles in Ghosts, Feel Good, and Call the Midwife, leads the narration in this latest retelling, bringing emotional depth and clarity to stories rooted in real palaeontological discoveries.
Each episode focuses on a single dinosaur and is built around true fossil finds. This shift from a general overview of species to character-led narratives gives the series a new emotional dimension. “These are real creatures,” said showrunner Kirsty Wilson. “I’ve seen their very remains come out of the rock and I know from the evidence that they lived real, beautiful and complex lives.”
Episode highlights
Episode one, The Orphan, follows Clover, a young Triceratops, navigating the dangers of Laramidia 66 million years ago. Her fossil was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, close to the remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting a real-life predator-prey encounter.
In The River Dragon, viewers meet Sobek, a Spinosaurus who lived in ancient Morocco. Discovered by palaeontologist Dr Nizar Ibrahim, Spinosaurus is believed to have spent much of its life in water. The episode portrays Sobek as a devoted father protecting his offspring while navigating a treacherous environment filled with predators.
Episode three, The Band of Brothers, features George, a juvenile Gastonia discovered in Utah. Covered in protective spikes and plates, George and his siblings face threats from Utahraptors, large predatory dinosaurs thought to hunt in packs.
Rose, a young Albertosaurus, takes centre stage in The Pack. Discovered in Alberta, she is depicted as part of a group of agile predators. Her episode highlights the possibility that Albertosaurus may have hunted cooperatively, based on multiple fossils found in a single site.
In The Journey North, the story follows Albie, a juvenile Pachyrhinosaurus, through a dangerous 400-mile migration. Palaeontologist Dr Emily Bamforth’s work at Pipestone Creek Bonebed forms the basis of this episode, which also explores how these large herbivores may have used their unique horned frills for recognition within vast herds.
The series concludes with Island of Giants, focusing on Old Grande, a colossal Lusotitan from what is now Portugal. His fossil is the most complete specimen of this species ever discovered, offering insights into the behaviour and physical characteristics of one of Europe’s largest dinosaurs.
Bringing dinosaurs to life
The new Walking With Dinosaurs uses the latest VFX technology to recreate prehistoric worlds with unprecedented detail. The dinosaurs were built from digital skeletons outward, incorporating muscle and skin based on fossil evidence. Each episode is grounded in up-to-date palaeontological research, with real dig sites featured throughout.
The team’s commitment to accuracy extended to every element, including simulating realistic movement by physically interacting with natural environments while dressed in blue suits – a method used to later insert the digital dinosaurs seamlessly into real landscapes.
The involvement of scientists like Dr Nizar Ibrahim and Dr Emily Bamforth ensured that the series reflects the most recent findings. For instance, new evidence supports that some dinosaurs, such as Albertosaurus and Yutyrannus, had feathers, and that Spinosaurus was primarily aquatic.
Science and storytelling
Unlike the original 1999 series, which focused more on general prehistoric ecosystems, the updated version intertwines factual storytelling with emotional character arcs. Each dinosaur’s tale is inspired by fossil evidence and current scientific theories, adding emotional resonance without sacrificing accuracy.
This mix of factual content and cinematic narrative is at the heart of the reboot. “We wanted this series to feel like a natural history drama taking place today,” said Wilson.
The series also reveals lesser-known facts about the prehistoric world. For example, the grassless environments of the Mesozoic era posed unique challenges during filming, requiring careful location scouting to maintain authenticity.
Production and broadcast
Walking With Dinosaurs was commissioned by Jack Bootle, BBC’s Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. It is produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, with Andrew Cohen and Helen Thomas as executive producers, alongside Wilson as showrunner. The international co-production involves PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions, with global sales handled by BBC Studios.
With Charlotte Ritchie guiding viewers through each episode, the series promises to be a compelling blend of science, storytelling, and visual spectacle, designed to engage both long-time fans and new audiences.
Tia Emma Billinger, known online as Bonnie Blue, is back in the news, and this time not for her record-breaking adult content but for being filmed during an apparent encounter with police. A video shared on her official Instagram account shows her being questioned and searched by officers while leaning against a police car alongside filmmaker Josh Lee Spooner.
Though no official reason for the interaction has been released, her sister later addressed the situation in the post’s caption, confirming that Tia had been taken in. “This wasn’t something we wanted out in public,” she wrote, “but it seems privacy isn’t an option anymore.”
Bonnie Blue first shot to notoriety after claiming she had sex with 1,057 men in just 12 hours, surpassing a decades-old record. Since then, she has regularly made headlines not just for her adult content but also for her outspoken personality and extravagant lifestyle, including boasting a monthly income of around £1.5 million (₹1.58 crore) and even purchasing a custom Ferrari.
Born in 1999 in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, Tia once dreamed of becoming a midwife and dancer before entering the adult industry. She began filming content at a young age and has since won recognition within the industry, including a Pornhub award and an XMA nomination.
Bonnie Blue has a history of making headlines with bold claims and controversiesInstagram/bonnie_blue_xox
Reactions to the recent video, however, have been mixed. Some fans expressed concern, with many commenting “#FreeBonnieBlue,” while others questioned whether the whole scene was staged. One viewer pointed out the car looked like a film prop, and another called it a potential “clout grab.”
This isn’t the first time Bonnie’s online antics have drawn scrutiny. A recent documentary about her Spring Break exploits stirred further controversy, especially for featuring barely legal teens. Still, Bonnie remains unfazed, continuing to build her brand with bold claims and unapologetic transparency.
Fans flooded Bonnie’s post with support and speculationInstagram/bonnie_blue_xox
As for the arrest video, details remain scarce. Her sister has promised updates, but so far, no formal charges have been revealed. Whether it turns out to be a genuine incident or another shock-value moment remains to be seen, but one thing is clear and that is Bonnie Blue knows how to keep attention on her even when she’s silent.
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Die My Love receives a warm reception at the Cannes Film Festival 2025
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has already delivered one of its most talked-about moments: a nine-minute standing ovation for Die My Love, a dark and intimate drama led by Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
Directed by Scotland’s Lynne Ramsay, the film is in the running for the Palme d'Or and has made a powerful impression on critics and festivalgoers alike. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel of the same name, the story delves into the emotional turmoil of a new mother battling postpartum depression and creeping psychosis.
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson reunite on the red carpet for their Cannes premiere Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence plays Grace, a woman unravelling at the seams, while Pattinson stars opposite her as Jackson, her husband caught in the emotional crossfire. LaKeith Stanfield also delivers a strong performance in a key supporting role.
The film premiered on 17 May to an overwhelming reception. Ramsay, visibly emotional, thanked her cast on stage, saying, “I’m so overwhelmed. Thanks to these amazing actors. I’ve got to get it together, I’ll see you in a minute.” Even Stanfield was seen wiping away tears, moved by the reaction from the crowd.
Die My Love cast received extended applause from the Cannes audienceGetty Images
Produced by Lawrence under her banner Excellent Cadaver, alongside Justine Ciarrocchi, Martin Scorsese, and others, the film marks her return to serious drama after her 2023 comedy No Hard Feelings. This is also her first appearance at Cannes since becoming a mother for the second time earlier this year.
There was a lighter moment on the red carpet too when Pattinson accidentally stepped on Lawrence’s trailing gown, leading to shared laughter and a quick apology from the actor.
A red carpet moment as Robert Pattinson shares a laugh with Jennifer LawrenceGetty Images
However, the night wasn’t without mishaps. A palm tree fell on a producer during the festivities, causing injury and leading to a temporary shutdown of part of the Croisette.
Despite the chaos, Die My Love has emerged as a standout at Cannes this year, both for its raw subject matter and strong performances. With such a response, the film is now being seen as a serious contender not only for the Palme d’Or but also for the upcoming awards season. A theatrical or streaming release date is yet to be announced.
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Sadie Sink could make her Marvel debut as Mayday Parker in Spider-Man Brand New Day
The buzz around Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel’s next big web-slinging adventure, is growing louder, and it’s bringing some fresh faces and familiar names into the spotlight. Slated for release on 31 July 2026, the film might see new villains step into the fray and introduce a potential future hero from an alternate timeline.
At a recent Disney consumer products event, fans got more than they bargained for. An Instagram post from someone who reportedly attended the presentation briefly revealed potential details about Brand New Day before being deleted. Still, it didn’t go unnoticed. Several outlets quickly shared what they found: a possible villain trio consisting of Scorpion, Boomerang, and Tombstone. While these characters have shown up before mainly in animated versions like Into the Spider-Verse, this would be their first appearance in the current live-action storyline.
Sadie Sink’s role may link to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man timelineGetty Images
But it’s not just the bad guys who are stirring excitement.
A major shift in fan theories came after entertainment insider John Rocha spoke on The Hot Mic podcast. According to him, Sadie Sink, best known for her breakout role in Stranger Things, is being considered for the role of Mayday Parker, better known in the comics as Spider-Girl. She’s the daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, and depending on the timeline, that might link her not to Tom Holland’s Peter, but to Tobey Maguire’s version of the character.
This theory aligns with Tobey’s lines in No Way Home, where he hints at his ongoing relationship with MJ, suggesting a longer-term future together. Mayday, as a character, first appeared in Marvel’s What If...? comics and later developed her own identity as a web-slinging hero. While she had a baby cameo in Across the Spider-Verse, this would be her first live-action appearance, if confirmed.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton is leading the project, which is expected to begin filming once Tom Holland wraps up his current commitments. Until Marvel officially opens up about the plot or cast, fans are holding on to every leak and insider hint, piecing together what could be the next evolution in the Spider-Man legacy with new enemies, a grown-up Peter, and maybe even the rise of his daughter.
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Simi Garewal and Sharmila Tagore return to the Cannes stage 55 years after the film’s release
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, a quiet but powerful celebration of Indian cinema took place. A newly restored 4K version of Aranyer Din Ratri, Satyajit Ray’s 1970 Bengali film was screened under the Cannes Classics section and received a full standing ovation. Among those present were the film’s lead actors, Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, both of whom played key roles in the original.
Sharmila Tagore, dressed in a green saree, stepped onto the stage after the screening, met with thunderous applause and an emotional crowd. Her daughter, Saba Ali Khan, who attended the event alongside her, captured the moment on video and shared it online with simple pride. Soha Ali Khan, too, posted a heartfelt “That’s my Amma,” sharing the personal joy of seeing her mother honoured on an international platform.
Originally based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel, Aranyer Din Ratri follows four middle-class men from Kolkata who head to the forests of Palamau seeking escape from city life. What begins as a carefree getaway slowly turns into a subtle exploration of class, loneliness, and self-awareness. Sharmila plays Aparna, a composed and observant city woman, while Simi portrays Duli, a tribal girl with a strong presence.
The film was presented by Wes Anderson, a long-time admirer of Satyajit Ray. He introduced the screening and stood alongside the cast and the restoration team. The project was spearheaded by Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation through the World Cinema Project, in collaboration with Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films, and Criterion Collection, with support from the Golden Globe Foundation.
This return to Cannes marked a full-circle moment for Sharmila Tagore, who had previously walked the red carpet in 2009 as part of the festival jury. Her earlier collaboration with Ray, Devi, had once been in the running for the Palme d’Or.
Fifty-five years since its release, Aranyer Din Ratri has aged like a quiet classic with its themes still relevant. The Cannes tribute was like celebrating Ray’s lasting impact in world cinema, and of the enduring grace of actors like Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal who helped bring it to life.