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Jigra might not have been a big hit at the box office, but it is creating a buzz on Netflix.
I chose to watch it because  Alia Bhatt’s movies are usually interesting, so I decided to give it a try. It was fine, even good, as it showcased the bond between siblings.

However, there are also some negatives because many mysteries were left unsolved, and several things felt missing.

Jigra features Alia Bhatt as Satya, a strong and determined woman on a mission to rescue her brother Ankur, played by Vedang Raina, from a high-security prison. Ankur is accused of drug trafficking in a fictional country called Hanshi Dao, where laws are extremely strict, and the punishment for drug-related crimes is death by electrocution.

 The country is undergoing a revolution, but strict laws are still in place. How will Satya manage to achieve the impossible?

Jigra is a must-watch for several reasons. If you’re having trouble deciding what to watch this weekend, give this one a go. The first half of the movie might be a bit slow, which is why it might not have impressed cinematic reviewers, but the second half picks up remarkably well.

The story is set in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, and filmed in Singapore, a country known for its strict drug laws. The characters speak with a Singaporean accent, making the setting feel authentic. Satya finds allies among the people of Hanshi Dao, but the real challenge is rescuing her brother.

Jigra’s storytelling is both predictable and riveting. We knew Ankur would get into deep trouble, but his ordeal was anything but predictable. Satya’s determination to rescue her brother, without relying on any typical Indian movie tropes, makes the film stand out.

The film includes powerful moments like the classic Bollywood song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka’ played during an action scene, adding an emotional touch. Alia Bhatt’s physical fitness is impressive, especially in intense fight scenes. The action is well-executed, making Jigra a thrilling ride.

The character of OIC Hansraj Landa, played by Vivek Gomber, adds to the conflict and tension in the story. The film also explores interesting storytelling techniques, often revealing backstory after a scene unfolds.

However, the movie has its share of flaws. The story begins with the suicide of Satya and Ankur’s father, but the film never explains why this happened. This crucial detail is left out, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.

Ankur, who is shown to be naive enough to get trapped in a false drug case, seems inconsistent considering his strong and savvy sister, Satya. It is hard to believe that Satya, portrayed as very capable, would not have taught her brother how to deal with such situations.

Moreover, the film does not reveal who framed Ankur, which leaves a significant plot point unresolved. The absence of this detail detracts from the film’s overall impact.

Another missing element is the response of the local police after Satya kills ex-police inspector Muthu. Given the strict law enforcement depicted in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, it is surprising that there is no police reaction shown in the film. This oversight weakens the believability of the story. 

Despite these shortcomings, Jigra hooks  you till the end. The film’s strength lies in its female lead, delivering a full-on action thriller without a traditional male lead. Alia Bhatt’s performance is a game-changer for Bollywood, proving that female actors can lead action-packed dramas with panache.

The film is your one-stop Netflix action thriller, perfect for thrill-seekers who crave action, drama, and great performances. It’s not entirely bad, though. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It’s worth watching once, especially over the weekend if you haven’t seen it yet.

Jigra first released in cinemas in October 2024. It is directed by Vasan Bala. It has been available for streaming on Netflix since December 6, 2024.

 Some artists create a legacy that lasts forever, and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan stands out as one of them. His music, filled with deep spiritual power, continues to inspire people around the world.

 Indian singer and politician Hans Raj Hans recently unveiled a deep admiration for the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Journalist Farid Qureshi asked Hans, “What was your experience with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahib?”

Hans Raj Hans replied, “Khan Sahib was a unique entity, I consider him a darvesh not just a singer. Such individuals are born very rarely. When the Almighty showers his blessings upon a creation, legends like Nusrat sahib emerge. These people are not born every day, Nusrat sahib was a genius and incredibly humble.”

During the interview, Hans Raj Hans also spoke about his love for Lahore and its spiritual and cultural richness.

“Upon entering Lahore, the first place I visit is Data Sahib, followed by Nanaka Sahib, and then I head to Pakpattan. I believe that no country feels as good as this one when it comes to Tasawwuf (spiritualism) and art. And when it comes to food, there is no comparison. Whether it’s Phajja’s paye (trotters) or the halwa puris from Lakshmi Chowk, it’s unmatched. Though I’m a vegetarian, I was told that having meat brings real joy.” Here he started thinking and someone from the audience interjected, “Cocoo Den” and he continued, “Yes! That and Phajja Sahab made me such amazing vegetarian that I haven’t had that sort till date”, he said.

Hans Raj Hans went on to express his admiration for several legendary musicians from Pakistan, calling them irreplaceable.

“When it comes to music, Pakistan has produced legends like Ustad Niazat, Salamat Ali, Tufail Niazi, Fateh Ali, Amanat Ali, Shaukat Ali, and Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi—the list goes on. You’ve got everything in Pakistan,” he added.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to music, the event organizers honored Hans Raj Hans at the House of Lords in London, England. Lord Rami Ranger hosted the event, organized by Samara Events UK, to celebrate his lasting impact on the music industry.

He has earned the prestigious Padma Shri civilian honor for his achievements. Hans has also released several ‘Punjabi-pop’ albums and collaborated with famous artists, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in the movie Kachche Dhaage.

He has also lent his voice to several Bollywood movies, including Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Mausam, Patiala House, Black & White, Bend It Like Beckham, 23 March 1931: Shaheed, Nayak, Jodi No. 1, Monsoon Wedding, and Bichhoo.

Hollywood star Melissa Barrera recently paid tribute to Hajj AbuDiya Nabhan, who was tragically killed in Israeli fire in Gaza. Barrera honored him by wearing a “Soul of My Soul” T-shirt, which was also the last shirt Nabhan wore.

Barrera’s gesture comes amidst her ongoing support for various causes, including women’s rights. She has been vocal about her stance on social issues and continues to use her platform to raise awareness.

Sheikh Khaled Nabhan, also known as Abu Diaa, was famous for his popular phrase “Soul of my Soul,” which he uttered as he lovingly kissed goodbye his granddaughter Reem, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike.

Khaled was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. He rose to prominence after a video showed him grieving his granddaughter, Reem, who was martyred alongside her brother Tariq, and describing the loss as losing the soul of his soul, i.e., his daughter’s daughter.

Since then, he had been seen helping the elderly, children, and animals of the besieged strip.

After his passing, social media is paying tribute to him, saying that his soul must have reunited with the soul of Reem, his beloved granddaughter.

Earlier, Melissa Barrera opened up about the darkest year of her life after facing a major career setback for taking a stand for Gaza. In a candid interview with The Independent, Barrera shared her journey of self-discovery following her firing from the Scream franchise.

A year ago, Barrera became known as a staunch advocate for Palestine. She actively called out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his regime’s actions in Gaza.

“Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp,” she wrote in an Instagram story in October 2023. “This is genocide and ethnic cleansing.” In another post, she highlighted the struggle to find news on Palestinian suffering, criticizing Western media for showing a biased perspective.

Spyglass, the studio behind the latest Scream films, immediately dropped Barrera from the franchise. The company stated, “We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

Barrera responded by condemning both antisemitism and Islamophobia, stating, “I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.”

Reflecting on that time, Barrera described it as the darkest and hardest year of her life. For nearly 10 months after getting fired, substantial job offers were scarce, and she felt like her career might be over. “It was quiet for, like, 10 months. I was still getting offers for small things here and there — I’m not going to lie and say there was nothing — but the message was, like, ‘Oh, she probably doesn’t have work, she’ll say yes to anything,’” she explained.

Barrera used this time to reassess her identity beyond acting, realizing she was more than just an actor – she was a great sister, daughter, and friend.

Barrera expressed mixed emotions about her time in the Scream franchise. While she appreciated the career boost and loyal fans, the firing and backlash were tough to handle. Fans often bring up the controversy, making her feel like she failed at something. “They’re like, ‘What they did to you is so messed up, I’m so sorry that happened!’ And it’s something, I think, that’s never going to end. Because the franchise is never going to end,” she said.

Right after Barrera’s dismissal, Neve Campbell agreed to return for the forthcoming Scream VII, dividing the franchise’s fans. Some pledged to boycott subsequent installments out of respect for Barrera, while others remained loyal to Campbell.

Barrera is now finding her footing again in Hollywood. She is currently filming an espionage series for Peacock alongside Simu Liu, which she describes as a revitalizing experience. “It felt like I was invisible, and then all of a sudden, there was a switch that made me visible again,” she shared.

This new project has helped Barrera regain confidence. As she continues to rebuild, she is focused on aligning herself with collaborators who share her values and vision. “I was stuck in the dunes for a while, and now I feel like my feet are moving, I have an oxygen tank, and I’m, like … going up.”