Arun, 24, is from Kolkata. He's a bartender. Vidya, 8, studies in an English medium school. Her father is a chaiwala. Purvika, 9, has big, bright eyes. Her father works in a beer bar. All of them are united by one cause alone: To become actors and join the film industry.
Sreehari Nair reviews Ayyappanum Koshiyum.
Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga may not appeal to all but fine performances, a decent plot and good music make the film passable fare, writes S Saraswathi.
Here is a look at some of Aseem Chhabra's favourite memories of 2020 in Hindi cinema, performances by well-known and new actors, special moments in films and shows.
'The Tibetan movement will never turn violent during the Dalai Lama's life-time.'
Birdman. Boyhood. The Grand Budapest Hotel...
Gulzar, best known for penning memorable hits like 'Tujhse Naaraaz Nahi' and 'Tere Bina Zindagi Se' besides directing critically acclaimed films like 'Aandhi' and 'Mausam', was on Saturday chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest official recognition for film personalities in India.
There are no heroes or villains in No Fathers in Kashmir, but only helpless characters, who perhaps don't have a choice other than learning to live with what they're subjected to, notes Utkarsh Mishra.
'Keeping quiet is not an option for me. It should not be an option for anyone. If you have a voice, you must use it.' Tamil actor Vishal speaks out.
"We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir Valley," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said before the departure of delegation comprising 30 members from 20 parties.
'What guides Monsoon Wedding through and through is Mira Nair's openness as a film-maker,' observes Sreehari Nair.
'... That they should emerge as role-models to be emulated by the fellow countrymen; and that the middle classes should not stick only to hate-filled and scornful criticism and condemnation against the state of affairs,' remembers Mohammad Sajjad.
Shatranj Ke Khilari was Satyajit Ray's first Hindi film. The Master set the Premchand story against the backdrop of the First War of Independence in 1857. Bijoya Ray, his wife, reveals fascinating glimpses behind the making of the epic in this exclusive excerpt from her memoir.
India boycotted Pak National Day event over invitation to Hurriyat leaders.
All Is Well spends two hours desperately tickling the audience but the overall impact is one of torture, says Raja Sen.
'The potential of one such LAC engagement going out of control and leading to heavy casualties cannot be ruled out,' warns Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).
'Karan Johar said you can be the next Khan of Bollwyood. That was the best compliment I received.' Jhalak Dhikhhla Jaa 8 winner Faisal Khan is enjoying the spotlight.
Chinese mobile brands are deeply entrenched in the Indian market. A move to bar them may send a bold diplomatic message. But its cost for the local industry is anybody's guess. In the event that Chinese brands face curbs, two handset makers - Samsung and Apple - squarely stand to gain.
'...and still managed to grab the attention of audiences.' 'Your work speaks more than your body.'
Sreehari Nair could not put up with turgid and self-serious ones like Super Deluxe and Gully Boy. His list of favourite Indian movies of 2019 contains just five names.
Pakistan's holy trinity -- its government, military establishment and the ISI -- differ on Pakistan's domestic and foreign policy issues. So when India talks to Pakistan's political leadership it can't be sure that the promises can be delivered, says Brigadier S K Chatterji (retd).
'Discussion, dialogue and mutual respect for varied points of view,' is what filmmakers can expect from the Censor Board, its new chief Prasoon Joshi tells Subhash K Jha.
Pakistan, which has propped up the new Taliban leadership, would be keen to use its influence over the group to neutralise India's presence in the region.
The opening collection of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has set a new record. No wonder Salman Khan is a happy man, says Jahnavi Patel.
'Who will give me that (lost) time?' 'The stress I have gone through, the stress my family has gone through.' 'We have not laughed in seven, eight years.'
