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Keerthy Suresh is the new UNICEF India's celebrity advocate for child rights: ‘Children are our greatest responsibility’
Bollywood

Keerthy Suresh is the new UNICEF India’s celebrity advocate for child rights: ‘Children are our greatest responsibility’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

In a moment of pride, actor Keerthy Suresh has been appointed as the Celebrity Advocate for UNICEF India. Known for working across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, the National Award-winning actor will further join the movement to champion the rights of children with UNICEF.

Actor Keerthy Suresh has been appointed as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, aiming to champion children’s rights and mental health.

Keerthy Suresh will talk about children’s mental health

She will not only lend her voice and influence to advance children’s and adolescents’ mental health and well-being, along with other key child rights priorities, but will also help to build greater awareness and action for every child.

Keerthy, who has been recognised for her nuanced portrayal of strong women, has consistently reflected her belief in gender equality, empowerment, and social change through her films.

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey acknowledged the actor’s profound connection with audiences, which she believes will provide a powerful and inspiring platform to advocate for children’s rights and well-being.

“As UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, she brings passion and influence to our shared mission to reach every child, every young person – especially the most vulnerable – with the quality support and services they need to be safe, healthy and equipped to pursue their dreams,” she added, as per a press release.

Keerthy talks about the initiative

The Baby John actor also opened up about her latest initiative and shared, “Children are our greatest responsibility and our greatest hope. I have always believed that nurturing, loving care builds the foundation for children to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. I am honoured to join hands with UNICEF India to raise awareness and inspire action so that every child, regardless of background or ability, can thrive.”

On the work front, Keerthy will be next seen in the upcoming Telugu film, ‘Revolver Rita’. Written and directed by JK. Chandru, the film features Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Sarathkumar, Super Subbarayan, Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Redin Kingsley, and John Vijay among others.

Revolver Rita will hit theatres on November 28. (ANI)

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Vantage Media Buys U.S Rights to The Calling Watch
TV & Streaming

Vantage Media Buys U.S Rights to The Calling Watch

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Vantage Media has acquired US rights to “The Calling Witch” from Storyboard Media. The deal was announced at this year’s American Film Market.

Directed by Mark Wilson and penned by Chris Rett, the film centers around a sinister figure from a bestselling scary story for kids who lures children into the woods so she can devour them. When the story’s author suddenly dies, the witch seems to leap off the pages of the book and into the real world, targeting the author’s children. Alone in their remote family home, the siblings must fight to survive — and uncover the dark truth behind the legend their mother created.

It was produced by Retts, Wilson, Jesse Bontreger and Alex Swickard.

The deal was negotiated by Jessica Russo, COO of Vantage Media, and Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel, President of Storyboard Media, on behalf of the filmmakers.

“’The Calling Witch’ is a chilling homage to classic folklore and ghost stories passed down through generations — tales like La Llorona that warned of spirits luring the innocent,” said Russo. “This film embraces that timeless atmosphere steeped in mystery and unease. It builds tension through mood, performance, and story, delivering a truly unsettling experience that will haunt audiences long after the credits roll.”

“We’re thrilled to partner again with VMI/Vantage following our first collaboration on the Vince Vaughn, Clark Duke & Liam Hemsworth starrer ‘Arkansas’ in 2020,” added Costa de Beauregard Segel. “Given their proven success with genre films, including ‘Popeye the Slayer Man,’ we’re confident The Calling Witch will be another strong success on their slate.

Vantage Media plans to release “The Calling Witch” in Q1 2026.

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Argentine Abortion Rights Historical Drama
TV & Streaming

Argentine Abortion Rights Historical Drama

by jummy84
written by jummy84

“Belén was never presumed innocent. She was always guilty.”

Those words, uttered by lawyer Soledad Deza (Dolores Fonzi) during a climactic courtroom sequence in “Belén,” serve as a thesis that captures the essence of the entire movie. Argentina’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature, which Fonzi also directed and co-wrote with Laura Paredes, is a factually accurate legal drama about a precedent-setting court case that led to the 2020 legalization of abortion in the South American nation. But more than just a topical procedural thriller, the film also plays out like a Kafka novel about endless invasions of privacy and assumptions of malicious intent that converge to form a modern nightmare.

"Little Amélie or the Character of Rain"

In 2014, a pregnancy that Julieta (Camila Pláate) didn’t even know she had suddenly took a turn for the worse. After rushing to a small hospital with severe stomach pains, she suffered vaginal hemorrhage and was quickly informed that she was carrying a fetus that was no longer viable. But as she was treated for a miscarriage, the scene was interrupted with cops accusing her of having an intentional abortion. She quickly became swept up in a legal nightmare that saw her sentenced to eight years in prison.

Fast forward two years later, and the women in Julieta’s life haven’t stopped fighting for her, but their insistence on her innocence falls on increasingly deaf ears in a legal system that has moved onto other things. But Deza, a lawyer who is considerably savvier than the public defenders that her case was previously foisted upon, takes an interest in the injustice and agrees to represent her pro-bono. The rest of the film follows the court case, with “Belén” (Julieta’s pseudonym to preserve anonymity in the case) becoming a revered national figure from young women who see a chance to rewrite the nation’s laws. Deza passionately dissects the systemic flaws of a legal and medical system that, in her words, sees “cops acting as doctors and doctors acting as cops” in order to prove her client’s innocence and set a precedent that she hopes will prevent anyone else from ending up in the same circumstances.

As a director, Fonzi seems to understand the narrative power of the material and is content to let it speak for itself without added flourishes. The bulk of “Belén” is a down-the-middle piece of legal storytelling that’s made even more straightforward by the fact that the true story happened so recently. From a structural standpoint, it’s a classic Hollywood story arc of injustice that begets a passionate legal fight that leads to an eloquent courtroom speech and ends with title cards about the long term victories that followed. But that might be more of a feature than a bug. It doesn’t take a particularly close read to understand why this movie was made now, and it’s hard to imagine the passionate audience for causal storytelling faulting it for narrative predictability.

“Belén” is a film that unfolds through unspoken words and communicative glances, with Pláate, and co-stars Laura Paredes and Julieta Cardinali all giving excellent performances as women who have spent so long running into authority figures they can’t trust that it takes them a long time to open up to the first competent person who sincerely wants to help them. And while much of the film’s message lies in the fact that the anonymous Belén became a universal symbol for thousands of people who saw themselves in her, its best storytelling comes in specific moments when we see the toll that this government has taken on individual people and the gradual process of unthawing when confronted with the possibility that someone genuinely wants to help them.

Perhaps a better film would have prioritized more of the personal over the universal and formulaic, but “Belén” seems more interested in being a rallying cry than a character study. On that count, it will almost certainly succeed, and audiences around the world might soon be chanting “I am Belén” as loudly as Argentine women did in 2017.

Grade: B

An Amazon MGM release, “Belén” is now playing in select theaters. It streams on Prime Video beginning on Friday, November 14.

Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts? Subscribe here to our newly launched newsletter, In Review by David Ehrlich, in which our Chief Film Critic and Head Reviews Editor rounds up the best new reviews and streaming picks along with some exclusive musings — all only available to subscribers. 

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Zubeen Garg’s Manager Breaks Silence On Music Rights And Royalties After Singer’s Death
Bollywood

Zubeen Garg’s Manager Breaks Silence On Music Rights And Royalties After Singer’s Death

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Days after the sudden and tragic passing of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, his longtime manager and close associate, Siddharth Sarma, has issued a heartfelt and detailed statement on Facebook. In an open letter, Siddharth addressed the growing public speculation surrounding the ownership of Zubeen’s vast music catalogue and the revenue generated from his artistic work.

Siddharth began by clarifying widespread misconceptions, particularly regarding who owns the rights to Zubeen’s music. He stated that the majority of Zubeen’s body of work — an estimated 38,000 songs — is owned by various music labels and production companies, not by Zubeen himself.

“Almost all of Zubeen da’s songs, even the biggest blockbusters, were done before I entered his life,” Siddharth wrote. “He often lamented how he was shortchanged — producers and labels earned crores, while he received only modest payments. This can be verified with those companies directly.”

In an effort to reclaim control over his creative output, Zubeen took significant steps in 2021 by launching his own music label, Zubeen Garg Music LLP . Siddharth Sarma was also a partner in the venture, with Zubeen holding a majority 60% stake.

However, Siddharth admitted that the LLP had not yet become a major source of income. “The LLP has generated only a few thousand rupees monthly so far. The entire amount remains untouched in the company account,” he wrote, adding, “I consider it my duty to ensure his family inherits his rightful share.”

Siddharth also addressed concerns about royalties. He clarified that any royalties Zubeen earned in his role as a composer or lyricist were deposited directly into Zubeen’s personal account. He further stated that these funds will now be transferred to Zubeen’s widow, Garima Garg, ensuring that the singer’s earnings remain within his family.

Zubeen Garg’s Untimely Death

Zubeen Garg, a beloved figure in Assamese and Indian music, passed away on September 19 while visiting Singapore for the North East Festival. He was found in critical condition in the sea by local authorities and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. Despite receiving intensive medical care, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Zubeen’s death has sent shockwaves across the country, particularly in Assam and the Northeastern region, where he was considered a cultural icon. Known for his genre-defying music, multilingual prowess, and relentless passion, Zubeen recorded more than 38,000 songs across various Indian languages during his illustrious career.

 

As the investigation into his death continues, tributes from fans, artists, politicians, and cultural figures have poured in, honouring his immense contribution to Indian music and culture. Many remember him not only as a prolific artist but as a voice that amplified the identity and issues of the Northeast.

Siddharth’s statement offers a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of Zubeen’s professional journey, shedding light on the legal and financial complexities surrounding his work. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of artists having control over their creative rights, even in industries where such control is often elusive.

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China Selects Nanjing Massacre Film 'Dead to Rights' as Oscar Entry
TV & Streaming

China Selects Nanjing Massacre Film ‘Dead to Rights’ as Oscar Entry

by jummy84
written by jummy84

China has chosen Shen Ao’s “Dead to Rights” as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Written by Shen Ao, Zhang Ke, and Xu Luyang, and set against the backdrop of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre and drawing from documented historical events, “Dead to Rights” follows A Chang (Liu Haoran of the “Detective Chinatown” franchise), a postman who assumes the identity of a photo developer to survive the Japanese occupation. Operating from within the walls of a Japanese-controlled studio, he covertly shelters Chinese soldiers and civilians in an act of quiet resistance.

The film is produced by Furuo Qing of “The Wandering Earth” franchise fame. Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios released the film in North America in August.

“Dead to Rights” opened in China on July 25 and has grossed more than RMB3 billion ($415 million). It led the local box office for 16 consecutive days over the summer.

China has yet to win the international feature Oscar. The country has scored two nominations in the category to date, with Zhang Yimou’s “Ju Dou” (1991) and “Hero” (2003). Hong Kong, which submits separately, has earned three nominations: Zhang Yimou’s “Raise the Red Lantern” (1992), Chen Kaige’s “Farewell My Concubine” (1994) and Derek Tsang’s “Better Days” (2021).

Last year, China submitted Fang Li’s documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” which was disqualified by the Academy for not meeting language requirements.

The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on Dec. 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 22.

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Karan Johar Aryan Khan
Bollywood

Karan Johar Gets Relief From Delhi High Court in Personality Rights Case

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Filmmaker Karan Johar has secured significant relief from the Delhi High Court after raising concerns about the misuse of his image, voice, and name on social media without consent. The court affirmed that his personality rights would be protected and directed major tech companies, including Google, Meta, and X, to provide relevant information. Meanwhile, the e-commerce site Redbubble has been ordered to take down content deemed objectionable, with the court promising a detailed order at the next hearing.

 Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora clarified that “Defendants 14, 15, and 16, which comprise the social networking companies Google, Meta, and X, will supply IT log records in addition to Basic Subscriber Information details.” The court also summoned other online platforms like Giphy and Pinterest (defendants 2-5 and 7-10) as part of Johar’s main lawsuit. Summons for the remaining defendants, including Redbubble and the social media giants, will be considered at the next hearing, as they were primarily impleaded for compliance purposes.

The court indicated during proceedings, “In the IA (interim relief application), I will pass a detailed order. Injunction to be granted.” Counsel for Redbubble confirmed they would begin removing infringing material within a week. At the previous hearing, the court had asked Johar to provide a precise list of URLs or posts that required action and to clarify the types of content, such as whether they were defamatory, obscene, or misleading.

Karan Johar

This development comes amid a series of recent decisions by the Delhi High Court protecting celebrity personality rights. Similar orders were recently passed in favour of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, where the court noted that the unauthorized use of their images, voices, and names through technologies like AI constitutes a violation of privacy. The Johar case reinforces the judiciary’s stance on safeguarding individuals against misuse of their digital persona. 

Also Read: Karan Johar and Teja Sajja Talk About Their Love for Samantha and Shah Rukh Khan Respectively

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Karan Johar Gets Relief From Delhi HC In Personality Rights Case
Bollywood

Karan Johar Gets Relief From Delhi HC In Personality Rights Case- Deets Inside

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has been granted relief by the Delhi High Court after he complained about the misuse of his name, voice and photos on social media. Filmmaker Karan Johar has received major relief from the Delhi High Court. He had complained that his picture, voice, and name were being misused on social media without his permission. The court stated that Karan Johar’s personality rights will be protected.

Karan Johar Gets Relief From Delhi HC In Personality Rights Case

Dharma Productions shared a statement, “Karan Johar gets relief from Delhi High Court in personality rights case. The court stated that Karan Johar’s personality rights will be protected – his picture, voice, and name cannot be used on social media without his permission.”

As reported by LiveLaw, the Delhi HC directed companies like Google, Meta, and X to provide details, while the website Redbubble has been asked to remove objectionable content. The court will announce its detailed order at the next hearing. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said that Defendants 14, 15, and 16, which comprise the social networking companies Google, Meta, and X, will supply IT log records in addition to Basic Subscriber Information details.

In Johar’s main lawsuit, the court additionally summoned defendant entities 2-5 and 7-10, which are online platforms like Giphy, Pinterest, etc. The court said, “Summonses are not being issued to the remaining defendants 11-16 as they are being impleaded for compliances and the issuance of summons will be considered on the next date of hearing.” The court further verbally said, “In the IA (interim relief application), I will pass a detailed order. Injunction to be granted”.

What Happened Earlier?

Other platforms like Giphy, Pinterest (Defendants 2-5 and 7-10) were summoned. Counsel for Redbubble (Defendant 11) informed the court that they would initiate the process of removing the infringing content within a week. Defendants 11-16 were not summoned at this time but will be considered at the next hearing. At the last hearing, the court requested Karan Johar to provide a clear list of social media posts or URLs against which action was sought. The court also asked for clarification on the categories of content, such as defamatory, obscene, or misleading.

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

Also Read: Karan Johar Says ‘Box Office Has No Rules’; Highlights Narasimha, Saiyaara Box Office Success Saying, “Every Film Has Its Own Destiny”

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Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara, Tabu and Vijay Sethupathi ran into each other at a film studio.
Bollywood

Netflix Team Meet Allu Arjun and Atlee, Sparks Speculation Over AA22XA6 Digital Rights

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Scale, genre and budget — these are the three elements that strike us when we talk about Allu Arjun’s upcoming film with director Atlee. Ever since the film was announced in April, the project garnered global appeal for the kind of VFX that’s being integrated into the narrative. In fact, top studios in the West have already spoken high about the content… making the film one of the most anticipated ones. While the team of AA22XA6 (working title) recently wrapped up its Mumbai schedule, here’s an interesting scoop about the project. Streaming giant Netflix has reportedly expressed willingness to acquire the digital rights of the film.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor And Mrunal Thakur Bag Allu Arjun’s AA22?

Allu Arjun, Atlee and Allu Aravind with Netflix team

Netflix to buy digital rights to Allu Arjun’s film?

There’s so much being written about Allu Arjun’s new film AA22XA6 under director Atlee. The anticipation grew so much that a team from Netflix flew down to Hyderabad recently. The team met Allu Arjun, Atlee, Allu Aravind (Allu Arjun’s father) and had a lengthy discussion about films, filmmaking and how Indian cinema has been shaping up. But their dialogue wouldn’t have been complete without the mention of AA22XA6. According to reports from Tollywood circles, the OTT streaming giant evinced interest to buy the digital rights of the Allu Arjun-starrer. Apparently, the team from the streaming giant has been holding discussions with several top names from the South Indian film industry. And when the team met the unit of AA22XA6, it sparked major speculation.

Allu Arjun and Atlee during the film’s pre-productionAllu Arjun and Atlee during the film's pre-production

“Allu Arjun’s film unit has reportedly quoted a whopping for the OTT rights. The streaming giant too was game to shell out considering the film’s budget, genre and of course, Allu Arjun’s growing global appeal. While the official deal is yet to be completed, the discussions are still at preliminary stage. But after the picture of team posing with Allu Arjun and Atlee emerged on social media, fans predict that Netflix will seal the deal,” says a source in the know.

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Actively Black Turns Runway Into Living Tribute Of Civil Rights Icons
Music

Actively Black Turns Runway Into Living Tribute Of Civil Rights Icons

by jummy84
written by jummy84

“This is not a fashion show” became the perfect mantra as Actively Black founder Lanny Smith closed out New York Fashion Week with a cultural statement that stretched far beyond couture.

On Friday (Sept. 12), the brand — in partnership with Mielle Organics — transformed Sony Hall into a living archive of Black history and creativity. What unfolded was part runway, part history lesson and a night filled with emotions, standing ovations, and rare sightings from those who made history and continue the lineage of Civil Rights greats.

The red carpet alone set the tone as Lauryn Hill, Dapper Dan, Tyrese, Ghostface Killah, Naturi Naughton, Dascha Polanco and more attended, adding to the cultural gravity of the evening. Aside from the models rocking athleisure and swim suits that captivated streetwear lovers, it was the Civil rights moment that was the highlight of the night.

Sharing the runway were Dr. Bernice A. King and Ilyasah Shabazz — daughters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X — alongside activists Fred Hampton Jr. and Fredricka Newton, each wearing pieces that paid tribute to their family legacies.

Civil rights photographer Cecil J. Williams followed, striding in a hoodie emblazoned with the historic image of him drinking from a “Whites Only” fountain. Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to desegregate an all-white elementary school, drew a standing ovation with her walk, while Olympic legends Tommie Smith and John Carlos — whose raised fists in 1968 in an enduring symbol of protest — were also honored. Rounding out the moment, Ben Haith, designer of the Juneteenth flag, brought the banner of freedom to the runway.

Other standout moments included appearances by Bob Marley’s grandchildren and Lisane Basquiat, sister of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. The evening also celebrated Black women through the “Black Women Are Superheroes” collection, featuring trailblazers like Valeisha Butterfield Jones and Bozoma Saint John. Terrence J also took the stage to introduce the HBCU-inspired collection, while fellow 106 & Park alums AJ and Free engaged the crowd. Adding to the energy, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters delivered an electrifying performance, joined by dynamic dancers from both New York City and Los Angeles.

Oh, and Fast Life Yungstaz also gave a special performance of the cultural anthem, “Swag Surf.”

Founder Lanny Smith summed the evening up perfectly: “Me being pro-Black doesn’t mean I’m anti-anything else. Tonight was about honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, and reminding the world that our stories, our innovation, and our style are indispensable to the global culture.”

The finale brought it all back to the show’s purpose of love and admiration as Smith and his partner Bianca Winslow revealed they’re expecting a baby boy this December.

Take a look below at photos from Actively Black’s NYFW runway show.

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Massive Attack Announce Brazil Concert Supporting Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice
Music

Massive Attack Announce Brazil Concert Supporting Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Massive Attack will perform at the São Paulo arena Espaco Unimed, on a bill with the Sepultura side project Cavalera, on Thursday, November 13. They timed the event to coincide with the COP30 International Climate Change Summit taking place in the Brazilian city of Belém. The bands partnered with the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon to put on the show, in support of their fight to achieve climate justice and secure immediate recognition and protection for Indigenous lands.

Representatives of Indigenous movements will appear at the event itself, a press release notes, and the two bands will also work within Brazil to support Amazonian Indigenous movements. Sepultura founders Max and Iggor Cavalera will perform the band’s Chaos AD album in full at the show.

Robert “3D” Del Naja added that he is honored to work with the brothers “in support of the extraordinary integrity and vital role of the Indigenous people of Brazil and the wider Amazon region. This is more than a passing of the mic. It’s an opportunity to listen to the knowledge, moral authority and wisdom of the Indigenous alliances and help ensure they are heard in the negotiation rooms of COP30. We’ve never needed their presence within that distorted political space as much as we do right now.”

The announcement comes with a joint statement from three Indigenous bodies: the G9, the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon, and the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. It reads: “We, Indigenous peoples, step onto the stage as if lighting an ancient fire in the heart of the night. Together with Massive Attack and Cavalera, we turn sound into uprising. Our voices—alive, ancestral, untamed—will cut through the air, cross every border, and unite peoples, from the Amazon to the Pacific. We are the roots that resist, the future that insists. We have never left. We are here to remind you: The Earth remembers. And through us, it demands—dismantle the machine that devours her. The answer is already here. It rises from the very ground we walk together. The Answer Is Us. All of us. And we will advance.”

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