'I didn't have a mentor or agency and came from outside Mumbai. I know people quickly box you into stereotypes because I've had to fight those.'
Talented actresses are still struggling to get challenging parts, but the advantage of OTT is that age or star status are not insurmountable hurdles.
Pankaja and O'Sey Balamma bring deeply personal yet universally resonant stories to Sundance. They represent a new wave of South Indian storytelling, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic innovation, and mark an important step in amplifying regional voices on the international stage.
The Great Shamsuddin Family is a seemingly light chamber piece that hides its claws of social commentary under the chirpy banter of an apartment full of women, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Aseem Chhabra ranks the Best of 2025's films that released in theatres, or went directly to OTT platforms.
'A majority of filmmakers cannot truly understand the city because they don't live here,' says Anusha Rizvi, Director, The Great Shamsuddin Family.
Siddiqa Begum, daughter and legal heir of Shah Bano, has served a legal notice on the makers "for immediate restraint on the publication, screening, promotion, or release of the upcoming film."
It's Karva Chauth and Bollywood's divas are prepping up.
'I wanted to go for the heart, and at the same time, open the audience's mind.'
Made at a time when an insidious agenda can be read into it, Haq is an important film that deals with a contentious subject with maturity, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Film folk attended the premiere of Neeraj Ghaywan's new film, Homebound, India's entry for the Oscars.
'I don't know what people will say, but as a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the viewpoint of the film. Because we are not maligning any community, if we were I wouldn't have done this film...'
Given all the talent involved and a rousing real life story at its centre, Haq is looking solid, notes Mayur Sanap.
Police have registered a case against journalist Siddique Kappan and 10 others in connection with a solidarity event held in Kochi condemning the arrest of journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek.
Aryan Khan's much-awaited directorial debut series arrives on OTT this week along with some funny and spicy international content worth binge-watching!
Unlike the TVF shows that manage to mine humour and nostalgia for family bonds that are seen to be fraying in real life, the ordinariness of Bakaiti becomes its stumbling block, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Songs Of Paradise is the story of a female achiever that needed to be told, just as her songs of love and longing deserve to be rediscovered and shared with music aficionados, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Aamir Khan's starry magic, Akshay Kumar's buffoonery and more on OTT this week.
Sickness on screen is a sure shot way of seeking audience sympathy and turning on the waterworks.
'If a survey were conducted, many people wouldn't understand the concept.' 'Thanks to Rangeen, a conversation has started.'
The film also features Sheeba Chaddha and Shreya Dhanwanthary.
A student activist and "independent journalist" from Kerala, Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, has been arrested in Nagpur for allegedly "preparing to wage war against the Government of India." The arrest was made after Sydeek allegedly condemned Operation Sindoor, an Indian Armed Forces operation against terror targets in Pakistan, and criticized operations against Naxalites on his Instagram account. Police found a book about professor G N Saibaba, who faced trial for alleged links with Naxalism, and another about Marxism-Leninism in Sydeek's bag. An English letter seized from his possession appeared to criticize the Indian government for anti-Naxal operations and called for "peace talks between the Indian state and the (banned) CPI (Maoist)".
The Critics Choice Awards saw a lot of talent on the red carpet, as actors got recognised for their work.
Movie stars celebrate Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Lohri in their special ways.
The many episodes in which the characters quarrel, sulk and rehearse would have been boring were it not for the music, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Varun flying around in over-the-top stunts, showing off his dance moves, taking his shirt off and throwing dialogues in masala hero style. A padded-up star vehicle churned out for the nth time, sighs Mayur Sanap.
The temptation for larger-than-life superstardom is understandable but Varun Dhawan is still too much of a Baby to be a John, notes Sukanya Verma.
Film folk were invited to an early screening of this week's Netflix release, Amar Singh Chamkila, in Mumbai.
'Sabra ka phal meetha nahi, Mirzapur 3 hota hai.' 'With Mirzapur 3, we take the narrative to a whole new level.'
Perfect occasion to list 30 real-life educators whose unique methods, unwavering dedication or scholarly persona impressed us.
Perfect occasion to list 30 real-life educators whose unique methods, unwavering dedication or scholarly persona impressed us.
Ishq Vishk Rebound is a drab romance and dull comedy that even the intended teen audience might have a hard time keeping up with, sighs Mayur Sanap.
Film and television stars crossed paths at Ekta R Kapoor's annual Diwali party on Sunday.
Ammy and Triptii have the chemistry of a door-to-door salesman and disinterested customer.' On the other hand, she and Vicky burn down the house with their scorching sensuality, observes Sukanya Verma.
Singer Palak Muchhal is all set to tie the knot with music composer Mithoon on November 6.
In the tribal village of Edamalakkudy, nestled deep within this hill district's lush forests, lives 92-year-old Sivalingam. Despite his age and being bedridden, Sivalingam's determination to vote remains strong.
'With Mirzapur characters, you don't know what's going to happen -- mid season, first episode, last episode -- you could be taken out anytime.'
All India Rank achieves a fine balance of authenticity and sensitivity in the fine portrayals of its young actors and old.
Amazon Prime Video has announced a huge number of assorted Web series and movies, and the slate sure looks interesting.
From damsels versus dragons to showbiz shenanigans, ready to catch all the action on OTT this week?