From Ikkis to Balan: The Boy, these are the 10 Indian films that truly deserved the loudest applause in the first half of 2026.
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived a first-round knockdown to defeat Kristian Prenga by knockout, clearing the path for his highly anticipated fight against fellow Briton Tyson Fury. Joshua, fighting for the first time since a personal tragedy, showed resilience to secure the win after being floored twice in the opening round.
Riya* tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how a lie she discovered after marriage made her question everything she thought she knew about the man she loved.
'None of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words. There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.'
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career marked by numerous club and international accolades, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup title.
Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, best known for giving life to the heroic Optimus Prime across the Transformers films, has passed away at 85.
"Her heroism lies in finding her own voice and finally choosing to stand up for herself," said Nimisha Sajayan, discussing her role as Babita in 'Babita Singh Reporting'.
On Uttam Kumar's birth centenary, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee shares intimate memories of the Bengali matinee idol, recounting how 'Uttam-jethu' not only launched his career but also profoundly influenced his father, Biswajit Chatterjee, and remained a guiding force for their family.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and Bollywood's ladies made sure to attend the launch of House Of Titan's BeYon, a diamond jewellery brand.
Zombies Actor Carla Jeffery has tragically passed away at 33, prompting an outpouring of tributes from her family and friends.
Celebrate the comedic genius of Johnny Lever on his 69th birthday on August 14 by revisiting his most iconic and side-splitting on-screen phone call scenes that highlight his unparalleled talent for mimicry, slapstick, and animated expressions.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to the US Open after a nearly five-month absence due to a wrist injury, with fellow professionals expressing confidence in his ability to quickly regain form despite the layoff.
'If a character doesn't challenge me, I don't get excited about it.' 'I don't mind failing while trying, but I need to feel that fear of wondering how I'm going to pull it off.'
'Kunal is usually the funniest person in the room, that too from both sides of our family.'
Armand Duplantis won the Lausanne Diamond League pole vault with a 6.21-metre jump, showcasing a strong return to form after recent setbacks.
Country music legend Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter known for hits like I Will Always Love You and Jolene, has passed away at 80, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as the best-selling female country music artist of all time.
If Khalifa: The Ruler continues to bleed at the box office, the odds of a big-budget sequel materialising drop to practically zero. The harsh reality of franchise filmmaking is incredibly simple: If the 'ruler' fails to conquer, absolutely no one is going to care about the 'legacy', no matter how many superstars you cram onto a poster.
Jeetu, as he is known in the IAF, is known for his high intellect, ability to quickly grasp the essentials of complex situations and the readiness to articulate his views clearly and unambiguously. An excellent professional in every sense of the word, he has a well-trained military mind, honed by extensive operational flying and flight testing experience, avers Air Marshal B Manikantan (retd).
Babita Singh Reporting goes past the messy homes and humming markets to reflect the daredevilry of a protagonist coming into her own. What ensues is a raw and thrilling marriage of momentum and meltdown across awkward inquiries made within junkie hideouts, suspicious relatives, battered classmates and Ravan's effigy, applauds Sukanya Verma.
'Sometimes, two people can deeply care about each other, but circumstances can get in the way,' counsels rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, CEO of online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform.
The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.
Tim Curry, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and Annie, has passed away at 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood and fans worldwide.
Double Olympic pole vault champion Mondo Duplantis has released "Gold," the official anthem for World Athletics' inaugural Ultimate Championship. The track, written and performed by Duplantis, is now available on major streaming platforms and will be the signature soundtrack for the event in Budapest, featuring top athletes competing for a $10 million prize fund.
It's a rainy July, and the best way to enjoy it is to curl up on your couch and watch the telly.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows that even superheroes need friends, healthy outlets for their emotions and the courage to learn from their mistakes.
Riya tells Divya Nair how a brief separation from her husband gave her clarity and encouraged her to make peace with her mother-in-law.
Long before social media reels and tagged Instagram stories, friendships were celebrated with simple rituals that made the day unforgettable, says Divya Nair.
Former Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer believes the Indian team possesses the talent and infrastructure to become a dominant force in world hockey but stresses that 'they need to maintain consistency as a team' to realise their true potential.
As Aamir Khan Productions celebrates 25 years, we rank the 10 best films produced by its star, from the iconic Lagaan to the recent critically-acclaimed Laapataa Ladies.
Ohh My Dog has something different to offer. As for dog lovers, this is definitely a film to catch, rave Rajesh Karkera and Mayur Sanap.
From a classic pair of denim shorts and a versatile jacket to a breezy dress, let's decode the best celebrity holiday wardrobes and discover the essentials that definitely deserve a place in your luggage.
Sri Lankan cricket officials are considering a balanced pitch for the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), moving away from a spin-friendly track. This decision aims to provide equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, similar to the Galle pitch, and support their young batting lineup. The SSC pitch character has evolved over the years, with less home advantage since the retirement of legendary players.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is at a critical juncture in his Test career, with his performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka series crucial for his future, especially given his struggles against spin and the presence of Sarfaraz Khan.
Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward, has been named the new head coach for Uruguay's senior and Under-20 national football teams. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who left after Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup. Forlan, a celebrated player and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner, will bring his experience and leadership to the role, starting with the Under-20 squad.
The Iran national women's kabaddi team conducted a six-day practice camp at the Sports Authority of India's Sonepat centre, engaging in matches against the Indian team and local sides.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to make his return to Test cricket against Sri Lanka, a team he has historically performed well against, bringing significant experience in both batting and bowling to the Indian squad.
Hi is a charming, feel-good romcom powered by Nayanthara and Kavin's chemistry, but its predictable second half keeps it from becoming truly delightful, notes Sreeju Sreedharan.
'Who wouldn't want to rub shoulders with the neighbouring country's premier's childhood confidante?' asks Kishore Singh.
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif criticised captain Shubman Gill for not giving spinner Kuldeep Yadav enough longer spells during the first Test against Sri Lanka, suggesting a lack of faith.
Chou Tien Chen, at 36, continues to achieve success in badminton, defying age and a recent colorectal cancer diagnosis. His physiotherapist attributes his longevity to a "miracle," while Chou himself credits his faith and enjoyment of the game. He recently secured another medal at the World Championships, preparing to face Japan's Kodai Naraoka.
