Shane Warne breathed his last on last Friday leaving a void that will never be filled again. He was in talks with a Bollywood production company for a biopic. Shane that an Indian Production company was in talks to make his biopic. The plans got delayed due to the Covid-19 breakout
As per News18, Warne talking about the biopic said, “A guy has written a script about it, this company want to shoot it, so it’s basically a Hollywood movie shot for India. And they’re basing it on my story of how we put together the Royals in 2008 and they’ve ‘Hollywood-ised’ it. It’s all sorts of s*x, dr*gs and rock ‘n’ roll stuff.”
He later added that he wants either Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt to play him in the film. Little did the world know he won’t be alive to see that happen. Shane Warne (52) breathed his last on 4th March in Thailand. The cause of death is suspected heart attack.
Star Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell
Director: Matt Reeves
The Current: 3.5/5
The Batman (Robert Pattinson) teams up with James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) to solve back-to-back murders of some pretty corrupt people. Every murder comes up with a secret cypher for the Batman when he then solves his during his evening tea with his beloved butler Alfred (Andy Serkis). Now, Batman has to fight a villain whose identity lies in the clues he leaves for the dark knight to reach him. He’s the Riddler (Paul Dano) bringing out probably the most underused shade of Batman’s character i.e. being the world’s greatest detective. As he figures out a way to reach the Riddler, he soft-lands on Selina aka Catwoman aka Bat’s Cat (Zoë Kravitz). Aiming towards achieving a mutual goal, they get together to reach the end of all the mishaps happening in the city. Do they succeed?
When Matt Reeves denied using the script already sculpted by Ben Affleck, he told he didn’t want his version of the defender of Gotham to come with the burden of a shared universe. This decision has made Batman, what it is today. Reeves, Peter Craig’s story stretches to almost touching the 3-hour mark, but boy is this the first time I’ve sat through a 3-hour film without keeping a track of the time even once? Because Reeves shared the universe, he optimistically presents a more authentic touch to a story that’s partially known to everyone.
Reeves’ Batman isn’t your next door billionaire, he’s internally broken showing more of what he’s within rather than the blingy stuff outside. Because the outside world, as captured by Greig Fraser’s camera, is so ill-lighted. Fraser masters his focus point only at the things he wants you to see, almost defocusing everything else. William Hoy & Tyler Nelson are the magicians who keep the film just under the 3-hour-mark with their editing prowess. They retain the slow-burning essence (pun intended!) of the script by keeping you intrigued despite spending 176 minutes on your a** (that’s if you’re lucky enough to not get an abrupt break as we do here in India).
Performances
Robert Pattinson shines in the film and is the one who looks the most like Batman from the comics, Reeves’ bleakly vision adds to the charm that Robert brings on screen. With minimal facial expression the actor manages to leave a mark and looks intimidating and pleasant at the same time.
Zoë Kravitz in a scene buries her claws into a bad man’s face and that’s where you see the most amount of Catwoman in her. She once joked she used to drink milk from a bowl to understand the psyche of a cat, and with those smoky, cat eyes of her, Zoë manages to embody the feline flexibility so well with her actions.
Paul Dano as Riddler plays as much behind the mask as he does after stripping it off. Matt Reeves has always mentioned how he wanted to explore the ‘detective’ side of the superhero, he couldn’t have asked for a better antagonist than Riddler to test the caped crusader. The ambiguity built around Dano’s aura gives him another layer to add the surprising factor in his performance. The whole ‘he can do anything at any given time’ works majorly towards making him terrorising.
Colin Farrell is in great form and does complete justice to his character. He doesn’t go all ballistic as Penguins of the past, but his accent adds to the peculiarity he brings in. Andy Serkis as Alfred gets to get closest to the Batman than ever before. Serkis maintains the subtlety of Alfred along with the emotions that come with him after being together with someone for years. John Turturro as Falcone has a short yet pretty sweet role anchoring the dim nature of the script.
Some of the riddles throughout the film could’ve been more engaging, it’s the process that shines bright amid the darkness. Reeves keeps everything extremely gothic yet stylish using various camera tricks of defocusing things.
Highlighting the entire screenplay with two major colours of Red & Black, he doesn’t make you crave for colours as he traps you in his otherworldly world. He focuses more on his Bat being ‘the greatest detective’ and less of the usual American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist he has been before.
Michael Giacchino takes the baton from the likes of Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, Elliot Goldenthal resulting in one hell of a haunting soundtrack. While peeing in the washroom during the interval, I could still listen to the background score but then I realised it was coming from the speakers (but, you do get my point here?). Nirvana’s ‘Something In The Way’ plays an important role as Giacchino smartly weaves some of the song’s notes into Batman’s theme.
So, the song is present throughout the film, at times with lyrics and other times just the notes. A line such as “Underneath the bridge, the tarp has sprung a leak, and the animals I’ve trapped, have all become my pets,” just describes the soul of Batman.
South Korean band BTS has garnered a huge fan following across the world in the last eight years and their every new release sets a new record in the global music market. Apart from their hit songs, the band members also indulge in fun activities, clips of which can be found on several video streaming platforms.
During a recent interview, member Jimin and Jungkook had opened up about getting into a fight, years back, only to reconcile within the next few hours in the most dramatic way possible.
A few weeks back, their managing company announced that the band will be performing at the capital of their home country, South Korea. Most reports also suggest that they are currently working on their next album which will most probably drop before the end of 2022.
During an interaction on BTS Festa, BTS members Jimin and Jungkook had revealed how they got into a fight in one of the studios. “We had a fight in the practice studio on a rainy day. After the fight, I got so angry. I told him, ‘do whatever you want’ and left the room. I walked to our house; it was a 20-minute walk from the studio. Then I got a call from Jungkook saying, ‘Jimin, I am so sorry,’ to which I stated, ‘I said don’t call me!’”
Explaining how the dramatic reunion happened, Jimin further said, “I asked, ‘where are you?’ Then, he said, ‘I don’t know.’ So, I said, ‘Tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.’” Jungkook explained how he decided to take a taxi home that day and almost got jumped on by Jimin making him cry inconsolably.
“Yes. So, I was waiting for him in the rain. When Jungkook arrived. I hugged him tightly like in Slam Dunk calling, ‘Jungkook!’ Jungkook cried a lot that day.”, Jimin added.
Star comedian Kapil Sharma made his OTT debut recently through his Netflix special Kapil Sharma: I’m Not Done Yet. The hour-long comedy special saw the Kis Kis Ko Pyar Karoon actor enthrall audiences with anecdotes from his life, jokes about politics and Bollywood, and some heart-touching moments too.
He candidly talked about his own struggles with depression and alcoholism on the show. Kapil talked about his experiences with therapy when he found himself depressed. “We always believe that depression is something that happens outside (abroad). It doesn’t happen here,” he said, highlighting the lack of awareness about mental health issues in the country. Kapil talked about the time when he had stopped smiling and nothing appealed to him anymore.
The Firangi hero spoke about the darkest phase in his life and said that he restricted himself to his room when he was depressed. He added that he used to drink alcohol, sit in room with his dog and watch Netflix’s Narcos. Kapil also spoke about engaging with fights with people on Twitter, following which articles were published about him.The Firangi star stressed on the importance of seeking help if someone is in depression and said that people are still not aware about such issues.Sharing details about his conversation with a therapist, Kapil said, “She couldn’t believe that I could be depressed. She asked me about how I am feeling. I said I don’t feel like doing anything and I am not enjoying things. So, she quipped, ‘Aap duniya ko hasate hai, main nhi manti’ (You make the world laugh, I don’t believe this).”
Kapil, who is known for his wits, revealed that he quickly replied, “Ma’am, aap kitni khoobsurat hai, aap bhi mujhe achi nhi lag rahi (Ma’am, you’re so beautiful but, I’m not enjoying sitting across you either).”He added, “She turned serious and said- oh my God you’re in severe depression.”
“Mera kisse baat karne ka man nahi karta tha. Mein apne kamre mein band rehta tha aur Narcos dekhta tha.Mein raat ko nashe mein bathke Narcos dekhta that.” (I did not feel like talking to anyone. I would sit in my room with my dog, drink a few glasses of alcohol and watch Narcos in a locked room)
The comedian further revealed how seeking help for mental health illness is important and how these issues are still a taboo in India. Kapil was involved in an ugly spat with Sunil Grover in the past. His tweets during those times had gone crazy viral.
Earlier in September 2021, opened about his battle with depression at Fever FM’s Bounce Back Bharat Fest and said that he did not understand mental illnesses. He even added saying that his mother who hails from a small village did not know anything about mental illness and depression. ‘So at that moment, you don’t feel that anything will change because all things seem negative at that time. Don’t know what kind of chemical gets released in your brain that doesn’t allow you to think positively. But my family gave me strength at the time, especially my wife, Ginni. She knew everything about what was happening in my life. No one else did’, shared the comedian.
“Paper walon ka bhala ho jinhone likha ‘Kapil Sharma hue depression ka shikaar’. Mujhe pata chala, accha, ye hai mujhe.”
The Firangi star even said that his wife Ginni motivated him to get back to work and gave him all the strength. Kapil said, ‘Ginni stayed with me like a strong pillar. She is a big strength for me in my life. She told me that the public loves me and that I should go back to work. ‘Restart your show, you will feel good’’.
There were reports in Indian media of Kapil arriving late for shoots and canceling shows were reported in 2017. Moreover, several reports were saying that Kapil used to make celebs wait. During the same time, Kapil had a fallout with his co-star Sunil Grover and within no time his career dipped.
Soon after Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and actress Sonakshi Sinha’s fake wedding photo went viral, the Dabangg star reacted to it on Instagram. Sonakshi has reacted to a post on an Instagram page, calling it plain dumb for people to believe it.
Reacting to one such post, Sonakshi Sinha commented, “Are you so dumb that you can’t tell the difference between a real and a morphed picture.” The post, shared on the subreddit Bolly Blinds n Gossip, shows the screenshot of the original picture with Sonakshi’s comment on it.
Since the last few days, a bizarre picture of the duo has been doing the rounds on social media. In the photograph, both the actors could be seen exchanging wedding rings while a thick line of Kumkum rested on Sonakshi’s scalp.
Both of them were seen smiling brightly while participating in the ceremony, instantly triggering the rumour that they have gotten married through an intimate ceremony in the city.
Pakistani A-listers Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz are set to feature in the latest Zindagi original series “Mrs & Mr Shameem”. Touted to be an “unconventional love story”, the show will premiere globally on ZEE5 on March 11.
The series is directed by filmmaker Kashif Nisar, who has helmed dramas like Raqeeb Se and O Rangreza.
Stellar performances
Both Saba and Naumaan have gotten into the skin of their characters, essaying their roles to perfection. A special mention to Naumaan for not making his character a caricature with over the top nuances or dramatic body language. Even supporting cast members are impactful and promising going by the trailer.
Theme
The theme of the series is a trailblazer for Pakistan, the male protagonist is an effeminate man, supposedly from the Queer community who has been presented as colourful and brave rather than a victim. Also their is an angle of an illegitimate child which has been dealt with maturity.
Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said the upcoming drama marks the continuation of their collaboration with Zindagi to present “real and relevant stories but with a twist”.
“It’s an unconventional love story explored through a new lens as it shatters age old gender roles and boundaries defined by the society. It also has a stellar team behind it, and we are excited to bring this forth to our viewers across 190+ countries,” Kalra said in a statement.
Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer, Special Projects, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said “Mrs & Mr Shameem” aims at “redefining the meaning of true love” and challenges society’s preconceived gender biases.
“It is an uncommon bond of two people based on nothing superficial,” she added.
According to director Kashif, the show follows the story of Shameem, who “embodies effeminate traits” while Umaina, played by Qamar, is “outspoken and bold in her ways”.
“Despite their significant personality differences, there develops a beautiful bond between them of love, respect and companionship”.
It is written by Sajjad Gul (Saji), who said the series is a “contemporary story” which traces the journey of Umaina and Shameem discovering love in its “unusual ways”.
“The show challenges the gender barriers that exist in society. We hope that the audience connects with the story as it presents a fresh perspective on love,” the writer added.
Actor Faryal Mehmood has opened up on her divorce with Daniyal Raheal in her latest interview. The Enaaya diva said: “The reason why I didn’t want to talk about it is that it’s not just me who is involved.”
“I don’t want to talk about my ex-husband and his family, who are also prominently involved in the media. Whatever happened between the two of us, I would never want to dish out the details of it.”
“It’s our personal lives, don’t say mean things about it. It happened because it was bound to happen, you know. It’s fine.”
However, the actor complained of being tagged as ‘divorced’ when she wasn’t. “When the rumors about us separating blew up on the internet, we were actually together and fine. They just branded us as a divorced couple.”
Furthermore, Faryal disclosed of still getting messages from people pitying for her, but she said to have been at ‘a good point in life’ and is ‘thriving’.
“I left for Italy after that, it was so much fun. I was excited about the future prospects. It’s not that sad. I still get messages about how I apparently look full of remorse in my pictures. ‘Your eyes look so sad,’ people often say. And I always wonder, how is that possible because I am thriving!” She added further.
Earlier on Ahsan Khan’s show she confirmed her divorce, “Yes, it’s true. I mean, I am single but this isn’t something to be discussed,” she detailed.
Veteran actor of Pakistan film and drama industry, Masood Akhtar has passed away this Saturday morning. He was suffering from lung cancer for a prolonged time. His treatment was undergoing in a private hospital in Lahore. He aged 82 years old.
His funeral will be held after Asr’s prayers at Usman Block, Gulshan-e-Ravi.
He has worked in multiple dramas including Punjabi dramas on Pakistan Television. He has acted in around 170 Pakistani films. He was also associated with Lahore Arts Council.
Pakistan has given “Pride of Performance” for his exceptional contribution to the entertainment industry.
Punjab Governor, Mohammad Sarwar has also offered his condolence on the loss of the legendary artist of Pakistan, reports The Express Tribune.
He said, “Masood Akhtar will always be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry of Pakistan. The void he has left can never be filled.”
He added, “With his roles, the late actor always aimed to right the wrongs in society. I pray he receives the highest rank in Jannatul Firdous and may God give his family the patience and strength to bear the loss.”
Punjab Chief Minister, Usman Buzdar also gave his condolences to the versatile actor.
“Akhtar was a versatile actor. He was always convincing onscreen and made several contributions to the field of entertainment. His serials and the characters he played will always be remembered by fans,” he said.
Hollywood actor Daniel Craig has garnered a huge fan base over the years for his famous character in the James Bond series and all the 007 films featuring him.
For the unversed, Daniel appeared as the secret agent 007 in over five movies- Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die. The last one was released in September last year and was heavily affected due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed in most parts of the world.
During the promotion of his film Spectre when he opened up about the problematic qualities in the character James Bond. Speaking to Rudiger Sturm for The Red Bulletin, the actor highlighted how misogynistic Bond has always been. “Many men admire Bond for his way with the ladies. But let’s not forget that he’s actually a misogynist.”, Craig said.
When the interviewer highlighted that James Bond has become slightly chivalrous over the years, as a response, Daniel Craig said, “That’s because we’ve surrounded him with very strong women who have no problem putting him in his place.”
The actor also corrected Rudiger Sturm’s observation that James Bond is now getting attracted to older women. “I think you mean the charms of a woman his own age. We’re talking about Monica Bellucci, for heaven’s sake. When someone like that wants to be a Bond girl, you just count yourself lucky!”, the actor said.
Daniel Craig also made it clear in the interview that there is nothing that one can learn from the character James Bond, according to him. “Surely he must have a couple of inspirational personality traits. Let’s not talk these films up as some kind of life-changing experience. Bond is what Bond does. Bond is very single- minded. He takes his own course. And that’s simple, which is great.”, he concluded.
Actor Affan Waheed appeared on the talk show The Big Pick, on which he opened up about his scandals in the industry.
The Do Bol star revealed that because of his marriage rumours with Shehnai costar Ramsha Khan, many people in his circle and even neighbourhood believed it.
“Women in my neighborhood visited my home and gave “Salami” (wedding token) of 5000 to my mother, fans are highly convinced about the marriage of Ramsha and me.”
Some fans are highly convinced about my rumors, the Salami rumor is about Ramsha and me.”
Talking about his future plans regarding tying the knot, the Pardes actor revealed that he is not ready for love as yet however he added that love is a game of destiny and one can never be certain about their future decisions.
Moreover, the 37-year-old actor further said that sooner or later he surely has plans to get married.
Affan and Ramsha worked together in the light hearted drama serial Shehnai and garnered praise for their reel couple.
