Lit fests in India have become vibrant cultural celebrations across India, bringing together celebrated authors, emerging voices, poets, thinkers and passionate readers, many of them very young, under one lively roof.
The fact that a major studio put out a silent film starring some of the biggest names in the industry in these concerning times for the film business is the one big takeaway from Gandhi Talks, notes Arjun Menon.
French President Emmanuel Macron's recent state visit to India concluded with a tribute video featuring the title track from the Hindi blockbuster 'Dhurandhar,' sparking widespread social media buzz.
Boong was the only Indian nominee at the ceremony and the first Indian film to win the Best Children and Family Film award.
'I feel this initiative will help makers like me to tell a lot of stories. I feel very sorry that it's happening so late. If it had happened 10 years ago, I would have told 10 or 12 more stories.'
Vaa Vaathiyar ends up being a bland yet fascinating iteration of a masala film funnelled through the prism of a quirky humorist, notes Arjun Menon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong connection between India and Malaysia through their shared affection for the Tamil language, noting its vibrant presence in Malaysian education, media, and cultural life.
'People are understanding it and taking it in the right way. If they watch the film completely, they will understand.'
'It is truly the icing on the cake. I couldn't be happier. My family and I are celebrating. We've never been happier.'
Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.
'PINK was about consent. Assi asks society, what are we doing about this issue? Where have we gone wrong?'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi of being a key player in an anti-India network and his wife of being a Pakistani agent, leaving it to the 'people's court' to decide on Gogoi's activities against the country.
Beatriz Taufenbach is a Brazilian model-turned-actress, making her big debut in Indian cinema with Toxic.
The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.
The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.
Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor continue to shine in Bollywood in 2026, reinforcing their presence as the industry hunts for reliable next gen talent.
2026 looks promising for cinema lovers, with many highly anticipated, big-budget Hollywood films set to hit theatres this year.
The Union Budget backs skilling across animation, gaming and comics. But creators and studios confront a hard question: who owns what comes next?
'This story has been always there since my childhood because of missing people.' 'I remember a family member who disappeared and I kept wondering what happened to him.'
'Despite acting in some 100 films and television plays, people still remember the daadi of Hum Log.'
Tu Yaa Main feels rather indulgent for a survival drama. You can see where it's headed, and it just grows tiresome after a point, observes Mayur Sanap.
They were at the Elle List 2026 party; it wasn't just another red carpet night where fashion stopped at pretty outfits. This one came with intent.
The Union ministry for information and broadcasting has instructed the producers to remove all references to Baloch.
Nusrat Jahan has always moved comfortably between the worlds of cinema, politicsand fashion.
'People are watching Gujarati films along with these huge films. I still can't process it.'
'Vishal Bhardwaj gave me Hamlet in Haider, which is one of the most intimidating roles for any actor in the world.' 'I'm grateful that he called me again after seven or eight years of us not working together.'
'Her presence lit up the room as she reflected on a remarkable career that has shaped generations of Indian cinema.'
Popular Odia music composer and singer Abhijit Majumdar passed away at the age of 54 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He had been suffering from hypertension, hypothyroidism, and chronic liver disease.
'Audiences are loyal to good content.'
The industry is anticipating 2025 to deliver around Rs 13,500 crore in overall box-office collections, which would cement it as India's strongest box-office year after 2023
Cheekatlo is a run-of-the-mill crime procedural, notes Arjun Menon.
Ashakal Aayiram can be celebrated for the return to form for Jayaram, who owns every scene he is in, but the film around him drags and drags, with no end in sight, notes Arjun Menon.
It's going to be a busy month at the theatres in February.
The Indian Navy has been recognized as the best marching contingent among the armed forces at the Republic Day Parade. Maharashtra won for states/UTs, and the Culture Ministry for ministries/departments.
Mallika Prasad Sinha plays Amma with chilling precision and is perfectly cast for the part.
'This leading filmmaker told me: "Don't let the industry cake you up with makeup and wigs. You are a breath of fresh air".'
AVM Studios launched the careers of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
'A huge big round of applause for everyone especially the makeup and prosthetics dept!'
The Election Commission has allotted the 'whistle' symbol to actor Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Party workers are enthusiastically promoting the symbol across Tamil Nadu.
I once asked him why he hadn't written scripts for his sons Vineeth and Dhyan. 'I made some suggestions about their scripts, and they haven't discussed their scripts with me after that,' he said with his trademark laugh.
