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PVR's Aamer Bijli says animated films are working at box office as they are no longer considered 'kids' cartoons'
Bollywood

PVR’s Aamer Bijli says animated films are working at box office as they are no longer considered ‘kids’ cartoons’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

It has been a great year for animation in India. Animated features have broken the glass ceiling when it comes to box office collections in the country. International studios and franchises are tailoring their films to the country in some cases. This boom has largely been the result of a shift in how audiences perceive animated storytelling, believes PVR’s Aamer Bijli.

PVR’s Aamer Bijli talks about the state of animation in India ahead of the release of Shin Chan: Spicy Kasukabe Dancers.

In conversation with Hindustan Times, Aamer touches upon the success of some animated films at the box office, and also how the upcoming Shin Chan film can take it forward.

Why animation is suddenly working in India

Aamer Bijli, Lead Specialist – Innovation, Film Marketing, and Digital Programming at PVR INOX, has been an anime fan for years now. Hence, he is quick to praise the box office success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. The anime has minted ₹65 crore in India. The previous record for an anime in the country was ₹9 crore.

Bijli says, “I think animation has been synonymous in India, especially with cartoons, for a very long time, which has really aided in limiting its acceptance, unfortunately. I was a massive fan of Pokémon, Beyblade, and Dragon Ball growing up. What I have realised is that the initial nostalgia really helps now. There are a lot of parents who are doubling down on that nostalgia by making their children watch all of these things for the first time. I think it’s only creating a newer and larger audience.”

But it’s not just anime that has succeeded in India recently. Mythological epic Mahavatar Narsimha exceeded all expectations by grossing over ₹300 crore worldwide, 10 times as much as any Indian animated film had made prior to that. Talking about its success, Bijli adds, “Mahavatar Narima relied on our roots. It embedded mythology with philosophical insights, and it also resonated with the collective identity of a story that we’re already familiar with. All of this drew the audiences to the cinemas.”

The Shin Chan movie’s India setting

In this climate, the Japanese animated film, Shin Chan: Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, is releasing in India. Shin Chan already enjoys a sizable fan base in India. And on top of that, this film sees the beloved character travel to India. Is the Indian setting a nod to the country’s growing popularity as a market for animation? “I’ve been asked that question a lot,” says Bijli, adding, “I feel that would be an honour if they thought to set something in India consciously. It sure seems like it from the trailer that it is a show specifically done for India. I think it also makes sense considering Shin Chan is one of India’s most-watched international animated IPs, and has an extreme nostalgia-driven loyalty amongst millennials and young adults. So I wouldn’t be surprised.”

You know the different markets I think different horses for different courses right there are a lot of films that do extremely well in the US that don’t translate as well in India and and you know we face it all the time in our distribution business where we bet on films certain you know that that we believe will perform really really well uh in the Indian market due to the trickle down effect from Hollywood but unfortunately that’s not always the case. So I just think that the consumer base is so different sometimes uh that um it doesn’t always translate directly.

Shin Chan: Spicy Kasukabe Dancers is being presented in India by PVR INOX Pictures in association with Japan’s TV Asahi. The film releases in India this Friday, September 26.

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Is Shah Rukh Khan The Reason Why Amrita Rao Did Lesser Films? Main Hoon Na Actress Spills The Beans
Bollywood

Is Shah Rukh Khan The Reason Why Amrita Rao Did Lesser Films? Main Hoon Na Actress Spills The Beans

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Actress Amrita Rao is back on screen with Jolly LLB 3, and fans are thrilled to see her return. She talked about her film journey, including her time working with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the hit film Main Hoon Na. The Vivah actress shared a special memory from the sets, revealing how SRK would often chat with her mother during breaks.

Amrita Rao Opens Up About Shah Rukh Khan’s Advice

Amrita Rao also recalled his valuable career advice, speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia, she said, “He said something very nice that 200 filmein aayengi, par humein sirf do filmein karni hai. Aur fir usmein se vo ek film ho that people are waiting for. (He told me I will be offered 200 films, but I must sign only two in the hope that one of them is the one people are waiting for.) That has been my criterion while signing films, and that’s why I have been so selective in this journey.”

This advice helped shape her careful approach to choosing roles, which is why she’s been selective throughout her career. Speaking more about SRK, Amrita added, “He used to observe that I have newcomers with me and used to take that nervous energy from us. Every time the first take was the best, there were no second takes because his temperament was like second take dena hi nahi hai (don’t ask for a second take), be so focused ki second take dena hi naa pade (ensure you don’t need to).”

Amrita’ Work Front

Amrita reprises her role as Sandhya Tyagi in Jolly LLB 3, the latest part of the popular courtroom drama franchise. Directed by Subhash Kapoor. The film brings back Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar as rival lawyers, both named Jolly.

It also features Saurabh Shukla as the witty Justice Tripathi and Huma Qureshi in a key role. While Jolly LLB 3 has received mixed reviews, many viewers appreciate its mix of humour, courtroom drama, and strong performances. For Amrita, it marks a meaningful comeback, one that reflects both her growth and her continued passion for storytelling.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Fixes Rani Mukerji’s Hair; Holds Her Pallu At National Film Awards; Fans Calls Him ‘True Gentleman’ – Watch

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List of Films by Country
TV & Streaming

List of Films by Country

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Now that the dust has settled, and the majority of film festivals that are influential on the Oscars race, like Sundance, Cannes, and Venice, have already occurred, countries around the world are finalizing which film they will be submitting to represent them in the Best International Feature category.

While the films do not need to be in the official language of the submitting country, they cannot be in English for a majority of the film, nor can they have been produced inside the United States.

The most controversial part of the submission process is that the films have to have been chosen by a national organization, jury, or committee composed of people from the film industry. In practice, that has led to government interference in the selection process, meaning award-winning Iranian films like “No Bears” and “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” or acclaimed Indian films like “All We Imagine as Light” and “RRR,” for example, are overlooked in favor of films more palatable to officials than to the Academy voters the submissions are meant to impress.

THE LIMEY, Terence Stamp, Lesley Ann Warren, 1999, (c) Artisan Entertainment/courtesy Everett Collection

Last year, there were 89 submissions for Best International Feature. Countries have until Wednesday, October 1, 2025 to make their submissions. Preliminary voting for Best International Feature, as well as nine other categories, will occur from December 8 through 12. The following week, on December 16, the Academy will announce its Oscars shortlists, and voters will later choose the five Best International Feature nominees from a list of the 15 submissions that received the most votes. The 2026 Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, and the 96th Academy Awards will occur on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

See the full list of 2026 submissions for Best International Feature category below, organized alphabetically by country, and updated regularly as more selections are made.

Armenia: “My Armenian Phantoms” (Tamara Stepanyan)
Austria: “Peacock” (Bernhard Wenger)
Azerbaijan: “Taghiyev: Oil” (Zaur Gasimli)
Belgium: “Young Mothers” (Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: “Blum: Masters of Their Own Destiny” (Jasmila Žbanić)
Brazil: “The Secret Agent” (Kleber Mendonça Filho)
Bulgaria: “Tarika” (Milko Lazarov)
Cambodia: “Tenement” (Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea)
Canada: “The Things You Kill” (Alireza Khatami)
Chile: “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” (Diego Céspedes)
Colombia: “A Poet” (Simón Mesa Soto)
Costa Rica: “The Altar Boy, the Priest and the Gardener” (Juan Manuel Fernández)
Croatia: “Fiume o morte!” (Igor Bezinović)
Czech Republic: “I’m Not Everything I Want to Be” (Klára Tasovská)
Denmark: “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” (David Borenstein)
Dominican Republic: “Pepe” (Nelson Carlo de Los Santos Arias)
Ecuador: “Chuzalongo” (Diego Ortuño)
Egypt: “Happy Birthday” (Sarah Goher)
Estonia: “Rolling Papers” (Meel Paliale)
Finland: “100 Litres of Gold” (Teemu Nikki)
France: “It Was Just an Accident” (Jafar Panahi)
Georgia: “Panopticon” (George Sikharulidze)
Germany: “Sound of Falling” (Mascha Schilinski)
Hungary: “Orphan” (László Nemes)
Iceland: “The Love That Remains” (Hlynur Pálmason)
India: “Homebound” (Neeraj Ghaywan)
Indonesia: “Sore: Wife from the Future” (Yandy Laurens)
Iran: “Cause of Death: Unknown” (Ali Zarnegar)
Iraq: “The President’s Cake” (Hasan Hadi)
Ireland: “Sanatorium” (Gar O’Rourke)
Israel: “The Sea” (Shai Carmeli-Pollak)
Japan: “Kokuho” (Lee Sang-il)
Jordan: “All That’s Left of You” (Cherien Dabis)
Kyrgyzstan: “Black Red Yellow” (Aktan Arym Kubat)
Latvia: “Dog of God” (Lauris Ābele and Raitis Ābele)
Lithuania: “Southern Chronicles” (Ignas Miškinis)
Montenegro: “The Tower of Strength” (Nikola Vukčević)
Morocco: “Calle Málaga” (Maryam Touzani)
Nepal: “Anjila” (Milan Chams)
Netherlands: “Reedland” (Sven Bresser)
North Macedonia: “The Tale of Silyan” (Tamara Kotevska)
Norway: “Sentimental Value” (Joachim Trier)
Palestine: “Palestine 36” (Annemarie Jacir)
Panama: “Beloved Tropic” (Ana Endara)
Papua New Guinea: “Papa Buka” (Bijukumar Damodaran)
Paraguay: “Under the Flags, the Sun” (Juanjo Pereira)
Peru: “Motherland” (Marco Panatonic)
Philippines: “Magellan” (Lav Diaz)
Poland: “Franz” (Agnieszka Holland)
Portugal: “Banzo” (Margarida Cardoso)
Romania: “Traffic” (Teodora Mihai)
Singapore: “Stranger Eyes” (Yeo Siew Hua)
Slovakia: “Father” (Tereza Nvotová)
Slovenia: “Little Trouble Girls” (Urška Djukić)
South Korea: “No Other Choice” (Park Chan-wook)
Spain: “Sirāt” (Óliver Laxe)
Sweden: “Eagles of the Republic” (Tarik Saleh)
Switzerland: “Late Shift” (Petra Volpe)
Taiwan: “Left-Handed Girl” (Shih-Ching Tsou)
Thailand: “A Useful Ghost” (Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke)
Tunisia: “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (Kaouther Ben Hania)
Turkey: “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies” (Murat Fıratoğlu)
Ukraine: “2000 Meters to Andriivka” (Mstyslav Chernov)
Uruguay: “Don’t You Let Me Go” (Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge)

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Maddock Films Urges Fans To Wait For Official Updates On Shakti Shalini And Maha Munjya
Bollywood

Maddock Films Reveals NO Casting Finalised Yet For Horror-Comedy Universe Films Shakti Shalini, Maha Munjya; Issues Official Statement

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Maddock Films, the production house behind some of Bollywood’s most successful horror-comedies, has issued an official statement clarifying that no casting decisions have been finalised for their upcoming projects, Shakti Shalini and Maha Munjya. This announcement comes amidst growing speculation and unverified reports about the star cast of these much-anticipated films.

Maddock Films On Shakti Shalini, Maha Munjya Casting

The Maddock Films official statement reads, “While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including Shakti Shalini and Maha Munjya, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”

The clarification highlights the studio’s intent to manage expectations and maintain transparency as they continue to expand their horror-comedy universe, which already includes successful films like Stree, Roohi, and Bhediya. Maddock’s unique blend of supernatural elements, humour, and rooted storytelling has carved out a niche in the genre.

About Shakti Shalini and Maha Munjya

Both Shakti Shalini and Maha Munjya are reported to be integral parts of Maddock’s larger cinematic universe, which is gradually taking shape across interconnected storylines and characters. While details are under wraps, Shakti Shalini is rumoured to be a female-led supernatural adventure, and Maha Munjya is expected to explore ancient folklore with a quirky twist.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting news about casting and release dates, but Maddock Films has now made it clear: all reports until now are unconfirmed. Viewers are advised to stay tuned to the studio’s official channels for verified updates. Until then, the mystery and excitement around these new chapters in the horror-comedy universe continue to build.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films To Expand From Horror Comedy Universe; Introduces 2 NEW Cinematic Experiences Fantasy, Chiranjeevi- Report

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Remembering Robert Redford: From The Great Gatsby to Ordinary People, a look at his iconic films
Bollywood

Remembering Robert Redford: From The Great Gatsby to Ordinary People, a look at his iconic films

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most recognized and enduring figures, died Tuesday at his home in the mountains outside Provo, Utah. He was 89. The New York Times confirmed the death, citing his publicist Cindi Berger, who said Redford passed away in his sleep. No cause of death was given.

Robert Redford passes away at 89, take a look at this best movies.(AFP)

Redford gained popularity in the late 1960s, breaking through as the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). By the early 1970s, he had become a dependable star who could carry both box office hits and more serious fare. His role in The Sting (1973) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

As the years went on, Redford expanded beyond acting. He directed Ordinary People in 1980, a drama that won four Oscars, including best picture, and earned him the directing award. He later received another directing nomination for Quiz Show (1994).

Here are 10 films that define Robert Redforth’s legacy

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – Redford’s breakout as Sundance opposite Paul Newman, the role that gave him lasting recognition.

The Candidate (1972) – A sharp take on political campaigning, with Redford playing a reluctant Senate hopeful.

The Sting (1973) – Paired again with Newman, he played a grifter in one of the decade’s biggest hits, earning an Oscar nomination.

The Great Gatsby (1974) – His turn as Jay Gatsby added depth to Fitzgerald’s tragic figure.

All the President’s Men (1976) – As journalist Bob Woodward, Redford brought the Watergate investigation to the big screen.

Ordinary People (1980) – His directorial debut, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director.

Out of Africa (1985) – Starring opposite Meryl Streep, he played Denys Finch Hatton in a sweeping romantic drama.

Also read: Fans remember Robert Redford’s warm portrayal of Death in The Twilight Zone: ‘Hope his death was akin to this’

A River Runs Through It (1992) – Directed by Redford, the film was praised for its quiet storytelling and visual beauty.

Quiz Show (1994) – As director, he revisited the 1950s quiz show scandal, earning another Oscar nomination.

All Is Lost (2013) – Late in his career, Redford carried this survival film almost alone on screen, earning critical acclaim.

FAQs:

When did Robert Redford die?

He died on September 16, 2025, at his home in the mountains outside Provo, Utah.

How old was Robert Redford at the time of his death?

He was 89 years old.

What was Robert Redford’s first major film role?

His breakout came in 1969 with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Did Robert Redford win an Oscar?

Yes, he won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for Ordinary People.

What are some of Robert Redford’s most famous films?

His notable films include The Sting, All the President’s Men, Out of Africa, and Quiz Show.

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Venice 2025 Recap - 8 Outstanding Films to Watch From the Festival
Hollywood

Venice 2025 Recap – 8 Outstanding Films to Watch From the Festival

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Venice 2025 Recap – 8 Outstanding Films to Watch From the Festival

by Alex Billington
September 15, 2025

“What I want to test is not so complex…” Each year, I am lucky for the opportunity to return to the splendid city of Venice in Northern Italy to attend the Venice Film Festival and catch the latest films premiering there. This year’s festival was much better than the previous year (my recap of 2024 here) and I’ve listed the 8 best films of the festival below. This was my ninth year returning to Venice, and I’m always glad to be back, no matter how many terrific films I get to see (or bad films I have to sit through anyway). In total, I watched around 30 films at Venice this year, with many of them ending up being pretty good (phew!). The finest films of the fest were two majestically cinematic works of art by female filmmakers: The Testament of Ann Lee and Silent Friend. I would’ve been so happy with either winning the Golden Lion, but instead they ended up giving it to Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother – one of the worst films I have seen all year. Oh well, it happens. Instead, I want to highlight my favorites from Venice 2025. I always do my best to watch as many films as I can, hoping to find any hidden gems and breakout hits amidst the global selection.

As always, I keep my Letterboxd page updated with screenings and comments daily. And I have also been posting thoughts, photos, and more updates on my main Twitter account @firstshowing during the fest. And I’ve been writing reviews for a number of the films, already published over the last few weeks. Digging into the 2025 selection, more deserve to be mentioned here. Straight Circle is a superb debut by director Oscar Hudson with wildly creative filmmaking; Werner Herzog’s Ghost Elephants doc is a compelling tale of scientists & conservation; Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia is a great conversation-starter film; Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice was a let down for me but I’m happy everyone else is loving it; Mark Obenhaus & Laura Poitras’ doc Cover-Up is an awesome tribute to a fearless journalist but doesn’t go far enough (still good though). Finally – The Voice of Hind Rajab is a vitally important story, about how horrible things are in Palestine, but I don’t think the filmmaking is that interesting & it didn’t deserve to win the top prize. I’m always up for chatting about any of the films from the fest, even the ones I didn’t like can be discussed further anytime. There’s so much to talk about with each one. As for the ones I’m raving about — here we go.

Below are my Top 8 films from the 2025 Venice Film Festival; these are the films that I enjoyed the most, or those that I couldn’t stop thinking about, and I hope everyone else gives them a look, too. My favorites:

Silent Friend – Directed by Ildikó Enyedi

Venice - Silent Friend

This is MY Golden Lion winner. The best film of the 2025 Venice Film Festival – hands down. I am still thinking about how breathtaking it was sitting in the Sala Darsena cinema watching this unravel. Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi is back with her first feature film in four years. Silent Friend is a film featuring three intertwined stories all based around a big, humble, magnificent ginkgo tree (hundreds of years old) in the middle of a garden in a university in Germany (it’s all real – this was filmed at Marburg University). The three stories are set at different times throughout the 1900s (and one in 2020 during Covid-19 lockdowns) but they all connect in a fascinating way exploring: are trees & plants sentient? Are they interacting with & observing us the same as we are observing them? Can we study this and prove this with real data? The cast is wonderful, with the highlights being Tony Leung as a researcher working alone on campus; along with students including Luna Wedler, Enzo Brumm, and Marlene Burow. The score by Gábor Keresztes & Kristóf Kelemen is exceptionally powerful & emotional. This is a kind of film that will be discovered & loved by more and more people over time. And they’ll all come to appreciate how remarkable it is and how it really does make you believe that plants are actually as live as we are and capable of communication, too. 🌳

The Testament of Ann Lee – Directed by Mona Fastvold

Venice - The Testament of Ann Lee

I was not expecting to be this AMAZED by this film. Wow is the word. The Testament of Ann Lee comes to Venice hot on the heels of last year’s The Brutalist (my #1 film of Venice 2024) because it involves the same team – co-written again by the husband & wife duo Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold; it was also shot on film, and also features another all-timer score by Daniel Blumberg, and also tells an epic story from the past. Aside from those details, the films couldn’t be more unlike – though it is still just as brilliant as The Brutalist in many of its own unique ways. It’s a one-of-a-kind musical! The singing, the dancing, the vibes of the whole thing are extraordinary! It’s not really about religion, as many viewers believe, it’s really about a woman figuring out a way to escape the oppressive patriarchy of her time by inventing her own religion. It’s not just about a cult, it’s about a woman inventing and sticking to her dogma in order to envision a better life for her and anyone who wants to join. Amanda Seyfried is phenomenal in this – delivering a glorious best-of-this-decade performance for the ages. Don’t miss this magical cinematic creation! It’s truly stunning.

A House of Dynamite – Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Venice - A House of Dynamite

Tick, tock… What would you do – what would anyone do – if you learned that there was a nuclear missile on its way towards America and there’s now only 20 minutes until it impacts. And you must decide how to respond. Send more nukes back? They don’t even know who fired it! This extraordinarily tense, sweaty palms film is one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve had at the movies this year. It’s unbearably nerve-wracking watching these three different scenarios and many different people within the US government & military figure out what to do when they discover this missile is on the way. Kathryn Bigelow is back after years with her brand new feature film that elevates the tension from The Hurt Locker to the most extreme levels. This is properly scary cinema. It’s scary thinking about all the implications of this really happening since the attention to detail is exceptional (and it’s not about America – it’s about any country responding to a nuke). It’s also scary watching these various government officials scramble, in good and bad ways, to make careful decisions that might just result in humanity’s annihilation. Seriously incredible. Suspenseful filmmaking firing on all cylinders! A must watch film (and one to discuss endlessly) when it opens this fall.

Human Resource – Directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit

Venice - Human Resource

I caught up with this Thai film right at the end of the festival and instantly earned a spot on my Best of the Fest list. Mostly for the filmmaking above all else. Directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit this plays like Thailand’s Ruben Östlund with a dash Roy Andersson. It’s a bleak, melancholic film about how horrible it is to live in the corporate, capitalist system most people are trapped in all over this planet nowadays – following one young Thai woman who works in the HR department. To be honest, it’s hard to recommend because you have to appreciate the extraordinarily dark humor hidden within the bleakness of this film. The director’s decision to let certain shots linger felt so powerful in a “we’re all so screwed” way that might not connect with every viewer. I wrote in my glowing review: “This is clever filmmaking. It’s extremely dark, yet exceptionally sharp, in its perfectly depicted sly criticism of the what-are-we-even-doing-anymore hell we all live in nowadays. I doubt it’ll wake anyone up from the delusions they’re living in. I doubt it’ll suddenly cause the world to stop being so obsessed with capitalism & corporations. But it totally slays anyway.” Yep.

Frankenstein – Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Venice - Frankenstein

Guillermo is back! Retelling the macabre story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein! I loved this movie. I can’t even fully explain why – I was completely swept away in Guillermo del Toro’s storytelling and visuals and sets and over-saturated cinematic style. From the moment it starts, I was locked in. Guillermo re-imagines this classic tale, focusing more on the emotional storytelling, eventually getting to the most endearing part of the film – the scenes where Jacob Elordi as “The Creature”, the creation of Dr. Frankenstein, runs off on his own and “grows up” in the woods where he learns about his life and who he really is. His performance is exceptional, much more complex than a bumbling monster who can barely speak. He’s matched by Oscar Isaac co-starring as Victor, though his story is much different and takes him down other paths (which may not be as engaging for every viewer). I’ll be raving about this movie for a long time. From my full review: “I can’t wait to watch it again… Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a cinematic triumph. It represents his growth as a filmmaker and exemplifies his storytelling prowess. Much like Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces, I can sense every storyboard, every decision that led to every single shot working as wonderfully as it does on screen.”

After the Hunt – Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Venice - After the Hunt

Easily the most controversial film at the festival this year. But I don’t know why? I was more shaken up and taken aback by Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt than any of the three other Luca Guadagnino movies that played at Venice in the past few years: Suspiria (2018), Bones and All (2022), and Queer (2024). This one is better than those films. Yes, it absolutely is. The negative reviews are being extra harsh because most of them didn’t quite understand the film. It’s exceptionally dense. The screenplay (written by Nora Garrett / not by Guadagnino) is a complex, philosophy-inspired, intellectual breakdown of the #MeToo movement as it relates to universities and campus life. There is a strong point it’s making, it’s not a “whodunit” mystery as advertised, it’s really about denial and how quick everyone is to make assumptions about people. I stated in my full review: it’s “meticulously crafted, entrancing and harrowing to watch” and it “will grow on people with time.” I also wrote an editorial inspired by the misreadings of this film entitled “The Big Question at Venice 2025: Are People Understanding the Films?” because this one really deserves a second look – or even a third – to understand what it’s really saying. I believe Guadagnino is still as terrific of a filmmaker as ever.

Calle Málaga – Directed by Maryam Touzani

Venice - Calle Málaga

This one has been stuck on my mind since the moment it was over. What a beautiful, beautiful film! From acclaimed Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani (also of the very lovely The Blue Caftan from just a few years ago) comes a film set in the city of Tangier, following an elderly Spanish woman named Maria who lives there. She lives in a gorgeous large apartment on a street she knows better than anything. One day her daughter shows up and forces her to sell her home to help with issues back in Spain. But Maria fights back. This is film a bright, beautiful tale of an older woman becoming a badass fighting for her home while uniting her community. Just delightful. Starring beloved Spanish actress Carmen Maura in such a deeply layered, vibrant role as Maria. This should’ve been in the Main Competition at Venice! It’s THAT good. It’s as tender and wholesome and soft as any film can be, while showing how fierce an old woman can be. I was constantly impressed watching with how every moment is handled with such care and authenticity. What a stellar film.

The Tale of Silyan – Directed by Tamara Kotevska

Venice - The Tale of Silyan

One of the best documentaries of 2025! A wonderful, vivid, moving cinematic experience! I am still in awe thinking about the cinematography from this film. How did they get these shots?! How is every single shot so perfect?! Following her Oscar-nominated work on the film Honeyland (from 2019), North Macedonian filmmaker Tamara Kotevska returns with her second feature called The Tale of Silyan. That title is a reference to a fable recited in the film. It’s actually about a farmer family in the European country of North Macedonia as well as the incredible white storks that live in their town. They are everywhere. And they’re such funny creatures! They clap their beaks behind their heads to make noise and communicate. And this remarkable story follows the relationship between an older farmer and a white stork. It’s very touching and uplifting! And unlike so many other eco thriller films recently, this one actually has an invigorating message of hope, a reminder we can return to nature and stop destroying the planet and make things better again. It is possible. Seek out this magnificent doc and watch it on the BIG SCREEN! It’s an unforgettable experience.

Recapping the 2025 Venice Film Festival experience, I would say it was a solid year. Many good films, not as many bad films, much better selection than the previous year (which was a let down). There are at least two or three films that have earned a spot on my all-time favorites list (as mentioned above). Plenty of others I cannot wait for them to open in theaters, for audiences to dig into them and watch them and discuss them. One of the most exciting trends at Venice 2025: women made many of the best films at the fest! So many top notch films made by female filmmakers stood out over all the men this year: The Testament of Ann Lee (dir. Mona Fastvold), Silent Friend (dir. Ildikó Enyedi), 100 Nights of Hero (dir. Julia Jackman), The Voice of Hind Rajab (dir. Kaouther Ben Hania), Cover-Up (co-dir. Laura Poitras), Calle Málaga (dir. Maryam Touzani), The Tale of Silyan (dir. Tamara Kotevska), and Girl (dir. Shu Qi). The only other big question at the festival this year is how they missed getting two major films that played at Telluride & TIFF. Specifically: Hamnet, considering Chloe Zhao already won the Golden Lion back in 2020 for Nomadland; and Rental Family, considering they played The Whale with Brendan Fraser and this would’ve been lovely to share as well. But they can’t show everything! I’m just happy the Venice selection was as exciting and engaging as I was hoping for this year. I’m always ready to discover more cinema each & every year in Venice and beyond.

And that’s all for Venice 2025 (aka #Venezia82), wrapping up our news from the fest. As already covered before, Jim Jarmusch’s film strangely won the Golden Lion award – view the full list of 2025 awards winners here. My coverage is finished now with this list of favorites and final thoughts on the films this year. I’m still looking forward to returning to Venice again in 2026, always an especially invigorating time watching new films there. Ready to discover the latest exciting work from wherever it might be from all around the world.

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10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes And Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner
Bollywood

10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes & Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner

by jummy84
written by jummy84

10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes And Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner
10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes And Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner. (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Bollywood has come a long way when it comes to the portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community on screen. While independent and art cinema was always known to embrace queer characters with sensitivity, commercial cinema has finally followed the suit and has started representing the community authentically.

Over the years, there have been several Indian films that have masterfully depicted the painful struggles, the beautiful romances, and the countless trials and tribulations faced by queer people. Here are the 10 best Indian LGBTQIA+ films that have impressed us with their earnest portrayal of the community.

1. Aligarh (2015)

  • IMDb Rating: &.8/10
  • Director: Hansal Mehta
  • Streaming On: Zee5
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Aligarh tells the heartbreaking true story of Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University, who was sacked from his position on the grounds of ‘morality’ for being gay. Siras was forced to come out after some locals invaded his home and found him in bed with another man. Journalist Deepu Sebastian then decides to help him and the matter is brought to court. Director Hansal Mehta presented the story with utmost honesty and sensibility. Also, full marks to Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao for their nuanced portrayal of Ramchandra and Deepu, respectively.

2. Kapoor & Sons (2016)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
  • Director: Shakun Batra
  • Streaming On: Prime Video
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: One of the first few commercial films to step away from the stereotypical portrayal of queer characters, Kapoor and Sons wonderfully shows a man at peace with his sexuality, whose urban family tries to come to terms with it. This film about a dysfunctional family has some heartfelt moments, especially when the mother discovers that her son is homosexual. The icing on the cake is the amazing ensemble, comprising Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt.

3. Fire (1996)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  • Director: Deepa Mehta
  • Streaming On: Not available
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Back in 1996, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das broke the norm by starring as a lesbian couple in Deepa Mehta’s Fire. The film follows two women, married in the same household, who grow closer while being stuck in loveless marriages. Touted as one of the first mainstream Bollywood films to portray same-sex romance, Fire was met with protests by a section of the crowd at that time and started a much-needed conversation about the rights of gay and lesbian people.

4. Moothon (2019)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
  • Director: Geetu Mohandas
  • Streaming On: Zee5
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Moothon is a Malayalam film that chronicles the journey of a 14-year-old teenager from Lakshadweep who travels to Mumbai in search of his elder brother, Akbar, but gets embroiled in the world of drugs, prostitutes, and trafficking. While being in Mumbai, he learns that his brother had fallen for another man, Ameer and had left home years ago. The film breaks stereotypes around same-sex love with the intense romance between Akbar (Nivin Pauly) and Ameer (Roshan Mathew).

5. Memories in March (2010)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
  • Director: Sanjoy Nag
  • Streaming On: Hoichoi
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Sanjoy Nag’s Memories in March revolves around a single mother named Arati Mishra, who grapples with her son Siddhartha’s sexual identity after his death. As she learns that her late son had a secret lover, Ornob, she confronts him but eventually, the two form a heart-touching bond. Set in Kolkata, the film explores themes of acceptance, grief, and self-discovery. Deepti Naval and Rituparno Ghosh gave powerful performances in the movie as Arati and Ornob, respectively.

6. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

  • IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
  • Director: Hitesh Kewalya
  • Streaming On: Prime Video
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan blended family comedy with gay romance and portrayed queer relationships in an entertaining yet authentic way that made the concept easier to comprehend for even small-town folks. The movie revolves around Kartik Singh (Ayushmann Khurrana) and Aman Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who are in love with each other but the latter’s family disapproves of their relationship. Also starring bundles of talent like Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta, the film became a box office hit and was appreciated for its social commentary draped in a light-hearted narrative.

7. My Brother…Nikhil (2005)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
  • Director: Onir
  • Streaming On: Prime Video
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Starring Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Suri, Onir’s My Brother…Nikhil follows an aspiring swimmer named Nikhil (Sanjay) whose life turns upside down when he is diagnosed with AIDS. As he is thrown out of his house, he gets support from his sister, Anamika (Juhi), and his boyfriend, Nigel (Purab Kohli). With its engaging narrative, the film was credited for making a large section of audiences aware of HIV and AIDS, and was also lauded for its sensible portrayal of homosexuality.

8. Margarita with A Straw (2014)

  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  • Director: Shonali Bose
  • Streaming On: Rent on Apple TV
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: Remembered for Kalki Koechlin’s stellar performance as a girl with cerebral palsy, Margarita with a Straw tells the story of Laila, who falls in love with another woman. As she struggles with her condition and copes with her sexuality, Laila gets a new perspective on life. The Shonali Bose directorial treats the lesbian relationship as a natural part of Laila’s personal growth and touches upon the themes of self-love, inclusion, and self-acceptance, without being preachy.

9. Darmiyaan: In Between (1997)

  • IMDb Rating: 7/10
  • Director: Kalpana Lajmi
  • Streaming On: Not available
(Photo Credit – Amazon)

Plot: One of the lesser-known LGBTQIA+ films, Darmiyaan: In Between follows an actress, Zeenat Begum, who gets to know that her son, Immi, is a eunuch. She leaves the boy with his grandmother and starts wasting her life away on alcohol. However, her son endeavors to save her life. Despite societal taboos, the film fearlessly explores identity, acceptance, and love. Kirron Kher as Zeenat Begum and Arif Zakaria as Immi have given performances of a lifetime in this Kalpana Lajmi directorial.

10. Just Another Love Story (Arekti Premer Golpo) (2010)

  • IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
  • Director: Rituparno Ghosh, Kaushik Ganguly
  • Streaming On: Not Available
(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Plot: One of Rituparno Ghosh’s final films, Just Another Love Story, titled Arekti Premer Golpo in Bengali, follows a transgender filmmaker who travels to Kolkata with his partner to make a documentary film. However, he faces discrimination from society, which leads to mental trauma. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, the film gives the staunch message of not confining oneself to labels and living life authentically.

Check out our recommendations on What to Watch

Must Read: 8 Lighthearted Indian Web Series You Should Watch If You Liked Panchayat

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Films And Series To Watch if you loved Kota Factory
Bollywood

Engrossed By Kota Factory On Netflix? Here Are Other Films And Series To Watch Based Around Similar Themes Of Competitive Exams

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Films And Series To Watch if you loved Kota Factory
Films & Series To Watch if You Love Kota Factory (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Every year, lakhs of students head to Kota, dreaming of cracking their chosen competitive exam. Some succeed in doing so, while others face setbacks. Netflix hit Kota Factory‘s story revolves around a 16-year-old Vaibhav (Mayur More) who moves to Kota from Itarsi to prepare for the IIT-JEE exam.

Initially released in 2019, Kota Factory received much appreciation from the audience for realistically portraying the ever-challenging field of these competitive exams. The show, which also features Jitendra Kumar, Ahsaas Channa, Alam Khan, Ranjan Raj, Revathi Pillai, and Urvi Singh in pivotal roles, released its third season on Netflix in 2024. A fourth season is also reported to be in the works.

If you are impressed by Kota Factory’s storyline, here’s a list of other web series and movies centered on competitive exams in India and the students’ struggles that you must watch.

6. All India Rank (2024)

  • Streaming On: Netflix
  • IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
  • Director: Varun Grover

Plot: Famous comedian and lyricist Varun Grover made his directorial debut with All India Rank. The movie, set in the late ‘90s, follows the story of 17-year-old Vivek Singh (Bodhisattva Sharma). He leaves his home in Lucknow and temporarily settles down in Kota to prepare for the IIT exam. Vivek, who initially suffers from homesickness and has zero clue about his dreams, gets used to the monotonous routine of the aspirants.

The film shows Vivek’s journey of navigating parental pressures, especially from his father, RK Singh (Shashi Bhushan), and overcoming the usual teenage problems. With meticulous attention to the ‘90s ambiance, Varun Grover’s film is infused with authenticity and heartfelt moments, enriching the coming-of-age narrative.

5. Crash Course (2022)

  • Streaming On: Prime Video
  • IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
  • Creator: Manish Hariprasad

Plot: Vijay Maurya’s Crash Course delves into the cutthroat world of coaching institutes in the educational hub of Kota, Rajasthan. The storyline revolves around the lives of eight students who get deeply intertwined in the business of two rival coaching centers in the city. Unlike Jitendra Kumar’s light-hearted Kota Factory, this series follows the dark side of these coaching institutes.

Annu Kapoor, who plays Ratanraj Jindal and owns one of the coaching centers, is an unstoppable businessman. He goes to unfathomable lengths to be at the top of the business, and also ensures his students get top 10 ranks in the IIT-JEE exam. The Amazon Prime series also gives a deep insight into the challenges students face to achieve academic success.

4. Laakhon Mein Ek (2017-2019)

  • Streaming On: Prime Video
  • IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
  • Creator: Biswa Kalyan Rath

Plot: Biswa Kalyan Rath’s Laakhon Mein Ek takes a different approach to the world of competitive exams. The Amazon Prime series delves into the life of Aakash Gupta (Ritvik Sahore), a 15-year-old student forcefully sent to Genius Infinity coaching center in Visakhapatnam for IIT entrance prep. Aakash, who wants to become an internet sensation, aims to fulfill his father’s aspirations despite struggling with inadequate scores and overwhelming pressure.

The story has impressed the audience with a compelling narrative and thought-provoking commentary on the country’s education system. The second season of Laakhon Mein Ek’s features Shweta Tripathi as Dr. Shreya Pathare, who confronts government neglect and local skepticism while organizing a camp in a village.

3. Half CA (2023)

  • Streaming On: MX Player
  • IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
  • Creator: Arunabh Kumar, Harish Peddinti

Plot: Half CA, another TVF production revolving around competitive exams, features Ahsaas Channa, Gyanendra Tripathi, Anmol Kajani, Prit Kamani, and Rohan Joshi in pivotal roles. While a majority of these kinds of series focuses on either UPSC aspirants or IIT-JEE applicants, Half CA series delves into the arduous journey of students who want to pursue Chartered Accountancy in India.

The story follows the journey of Archie (Ahsaas) and Niraj (Gyanendra) who have their minds focused on becoming CAs. This Amazon Prime show encapsulates the struggles, dreams, and complex lives of the protagonists as they give it their all to pursue the prestigious designation. The series also explores the importance of friendship in the lives of the students undertaking this highly competitive exam.

2. 12th Fail (2023)

  • Streaming On: JioHotstar
  • IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
  • Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Plot: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, based on Anurag Pathak’s book of the same name, tugged at the audience’s heartstrings like no other. The film follows the inspiring journey of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, played by Vikrant Massey, who, despite failing in the 12th standard, went on to crack one of the toughest exams in the country, UPSC. Manoj’s journey starts when he gets inspired by DSP Dushyant Singh.

He relocates to Delhi and makes up his mind to clear UPSC. Overcoming several personal obstacles, Manoj finally becomes an IPS and marries his ladylove Shraddha, played by Medha Shankr. The film, which now streams on JioHotstar, encapsulates Manoj’s struggle, determination, and eventual triumph in a compelling narrative of perseverance.

1. Aspirants (2021-2023)

  • Streaming On: Prime Video
  • IMDB Rating: 9.1/10
  • Creator: Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish, Arunabh Kumar, Shreyansh Pandey

Plot: TVF’s Aspirants follows the story of three friends: Abhilash (Naveen Kasturia), Guri (Shivankit Singh Parihar), and SK (Abhilash Thapliyal), who are preparing for the UPSC exam in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. Apoorv Singh Karki’s directorial explores the lives of the three protagonists in two parallel periods: one, their past experiences as aspirants, and second, their present adult lives. The series beautifully explores their personal and professional struggles, highlighting their friendships, ambitions, and familial bonds. Aspirant’s first season is available on YouTube, and the second premiered on Amazon Prime in 2023.

Check out our recommendations on What To Watch

Must Read: Latest OTT Releases This Week (September 15 – September 21): The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, The Trial Season 2, Sinners, Gen V Season 2 & More To Stream!

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Pyaar Ka Punchnama Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety Dream Girl
Bollywood

5 Films That Prove Nushrratt Bharuccha Is The Queen Of Massy Comic Entertainers

by jummy84
written by jummy84

It has been six years since Dream Girl hit the screens, and Nushrratt Bharuccha has firmly established herself as Bollywood’s queen of comedy. From witty one-liners to impeccable comic timing, she has shown that making audiences laugh isn’t just about delivering a joke; it’s about embodying the character with nuance, charm, and mass appeal.

5 Films That Prove Nushrratt Bharuccha Is The Queen Of Massy Comic Entertainers

Pyaar Ka Punchnama

In Pyaar Ka Punchnama, she played the quintessential girl-next-door, effortlessly balancing flirtatious charm with emotional depth. Her character of Neha, became widely popular among young audiences, and her performance added an entertainment factor to the film.

Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2

In the sequel Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Nushrratt returned stronger, showcasing her comedic instincts and ability to hold her own alongside an ensemble cast, which contributed significantly to the film’s massive success among the youth.

Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety

With this film, Nushrratt proved she could deliver massy comedy with flair. Her portrayal of Sweety was mischievous, charming, and relatable, cementing her reputation as an actress who can make audiences laugh while keeping them invested in the story. Every scene she appeared in or her banter with Kartik Aaryan became instantly memorable, showing her uncanny ability to balance humour with a touch of drama.

Dream Girl

In Dream Girl, she elevated herself to a new level of comic stardom. Nushrratt delivered impeccable timing, expressions, and situational comedy as Mahi, making her the heart of the film. Her chemistry with Ayushmann Khurrana turned Dream Girl into one of the year’s most loved entertainers, and audiences couldn’t get enough of her sparkling energy.

Ufff Yeh Siyappa

Continuing her streak, she recently charmed audiences in a silent comedy that demanded pure physicality and expression. Without dialogues, Nushrratt’s performance was a masterclass in visual comedy, proving that her comedic talent transcends words. The actress got critical acclaim for her performance.

Across these five films, Nushrratt Bharuccha has consistently demonstrated versatility, charm, and a natural flair for humour. From rom-coms to mass comedies and silent hilarity, she has carved a niche for herself where comedy meets mass appeal.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur, Shraddha Kapoor To Sharvari, 6 Bollywood Divas Who Flaunt The Maharastrian Nath Like A True-Blue ‘Marathi Mulgi’

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Saturday Night Live Films Ranked From Worst to Best
TV & Streaming

Saturday Night Live Films Ranked From Worst to Best

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Everyone has a hot take about whether Saturday Night Live is still good and which era of the NBC sketch comedy show was best. But we can all agree that most movies with SNL characters — especially most of those in the mid- to late 1990s — have been flops.

But when SNL movies are good, they’re good, and it seems Lorne Michaels and his troupe of writers and actors have often chased that high. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve ranked all 11 SNLmovies from worst to best.

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