Have you heard? Need to be better

Naseeruddin Shah

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed his disappointment in Hindi cinema and said there was hope for it to get better only if films were made without the intention of earning money. Speaking at an event, Shah said, "It really disappoints me that we take pride in saying Hindi cinema is 100 years old but we have been making the same films. I have stopped watching Hindi films, I don't like them at all. Hindustani food is loved everywhere because it has substance. What substance do Hindi films have? Yes, they are being watched everywhere. They say, ‘How exotic, how Indian, how colourful'. Soon they will be bored of it because there is no substance," the actor, 73, said, adding that it is the responsibility of "serious filmmakers" to show the reality of society. "There is hope for Hindi cinema only if we stop seeing it as a means to make money. But I feel it's too late now. There is no solution any more because the films that are being watched by thousands will keep being produced, and people will keep watching them."

Back to the screen

The makers of Barun Sobti and Surbhi Chandna-starrer Rakshak - India's Braves: Chapter 2 unveiled its trailer yesterday. The series showcases the execution of Operation Kulgam, and features combat battle sequences. Speaking about his role, Sobti said: "[The character] allowed me to explore the depths of patriotism with a profound sense of duty. It's a joy to be a part of a story that focuses on the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of our nation's unsung heroes."

Hitting a milestone!

The gross worldwide collection of Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon-starrer Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya stood at R107.8 crore, 10 days after its release. Kapoor took to his social media account to share the development and thanked fans "for your love". First-time filmmakers Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah have written and directed the film that also features Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia.

Getting worse

After Mahabharat actor Nitish Bharadwaj filed a police complaint against his estranged wife, IAS Smita Bharadwaj, accusing her of "abducting" their two daughters, the latter responded by quashing the allegations. Bharadwaj had claimed that Smita kept him from meeting his daughters, causing mental distress, and "misusing" her power as an IAS officer. "I, Mrs Smita Bharadwaj, wife of Shri Nitish Bharadwaj, am now constrained and [find] it necessary to release this statement to the press, and the public at large, in order to protect the interests of my minor twin daughters. My estranged husband has been making false and fabricated statements and allegations/ representations to the press. [News of] the abduction of my own daughters is false and malicious," she wrote.

A bit foolish?

A post by Vidyut Jammwal has invited reactions from users after the actor - set to present his film that promises to showcase high-octane action scenes - appeared to heap praise on those who illegally perform stunts on India local trains. Sharing a video of a few men pulling off such stunts, Jammwal wrote of his film, "My tribute to the real dare devils." While some claimed he was being sarcastic, others chided him.

One more Shivaji

Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh announced his next directorial venture titled Raja Shivaji. The Marathi-Hindi bilingual is set to bring to life the journey of a young Shivaji, who rebelled against mighty powers and achieved success. The actor-director, 45, who will also play the titular role of Maharashtra's greatest warrior, said it was his dream to make a film on Shivaji. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not a mere historical figure; he is an emotion, a timeless saga of valour, and a beacon of hope that has illuminated hearts for over three-and-a-half centuries. A rebel whose courage knew no bounds," he said.

Back with season three

The trailer for the upcoming third season of the streaming drama series Maharani was unveiled yesterday, and shows Huma Qureshi's character, Rani Bharti, serving her sentence in jail for the alleged murder of her politician husband. When her kids are attacked, Rani comes out on bail to avenge the murder of her husband and to settle the scores with those who framed her for her husband's murder. The show is set to stream from March 7.

Eight years on

Eight years since the release of Neerja, Sonam Kapoor and director Ram Madhvani celebrated the film that earned them appreciation. "Let's embrace the timeless lessons that remind us that even in the darkest moments, hope and courage prevail. Always grateful to the Bhanot family and the entire cast and team," read a post shared by Madhvani. The film was among the most acclaimed ones of Kapoor.