These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Friday. On Friday, Victoria’s Secret reported its financial results for the third quarter ended Nov. 1, 2025, which showed net sales increased 9% to $1.472 billion (compared to net sales of $1.347 billion for the third quarter of …
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Kensington Palace has been trying to do some clean-up on a pretty terrible PR crisis for Prince William in recent weeks, if not months. Personally, I think this latest crisis started in September, when Prince Harry spent four days in England, then traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine. The British media couldn’t hide the fact that William was close to a nervous breakdown because… Harry got good press and Harry met with Charles. It’s been downhill since then, with William and Kate’s refusal to work, their unpopular move into Forest Lodge (a move where they grabbed 150 acres of a public park and shut down a children’s center), and the pièce de résistance, the Earthflop debacle in Brazil, during which William’s big-boy thunder was stolen by his family. We should also note that William surrounds himself with clowns as advisors, which we’ve also seen in recent years, with their horrifically bad crisis management. Which means their version of “clean up” is just “declare victory and pretend that everything is going to plan.” From People Magazine’s curious article:
Optimistic Huevo: “He’s leaving Rio with a renewed sense of optimism about what Earthshot can deliver. We’re seeing the impact Earthshot finalists are delivering. The momentum is really feeling unstoppable,” a palace source tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue.
Credible Bill: “He’s a very credible voice,” the U.K.’s ambassador to Brazil, Stephanie Al-Qaq, tells PEOPLE. “He’s more than ready to step into that space.” Adds Jacinda Ardern, the former New Zealand prime minister and an Earthshot trustee: “He’s pretty consistent. It’s been, ‘How do we do more? How do we scale? How do we better support the finalists?’ ”
The Prince Andrew mess: “William has a strong personal core,” as does his wife, Kate Middleton, says a close source. Together, the insider adds, they embody values “such as constancy, consistency, steadiness and a safe place for the country to reach out to.”
William wants Andrew to be dealt with quickly: In the weeks prior [to Earthshot], the family had confronted the fallout from his uncle’s royal scandal. While William fully supported his father’s decision, there are those who believe he urged closure sooner — and more strongly. “There was pressure from William, who would not want to inherit the headache,” says a source close to the royal household. Adds a palace insider: “He would want it dealt with as quickly as possible.”
Intense Bill: In Rio, William’s environmental purpose took on an unmistakable intensity. From the Sugarloaf summit to Copacabana Beach, the Prince of Wales carried himself less as a royal guest and more as a global advocate. “He’s a door-opener,” says Runa Khan, founder of Friendship, a nonprofit aiding climate-affected communities in Bangladesh, and an Earthshot winner.
Statesman Bill: On Nov. 6, he brought that energy to Belém for the world leaders’ COP30 summit. Stepping off the plane alongside U.K. prime minister Keir Starmer — who had also attended the Earthshot Prize the night before — he looked at home among politicians and heads of state. Following in his father’s footsteps on climate advocacy, William delivered his speech in his own empathetic style, reminiscent of his late mother, Princess Diana, who made her own memorable visit to the country in 1991.
But Harry got attention: The royal remained engaged even as his estranged brother Prince Harry unexpectedly announced a trip to Canada for his own series of Remembrance events — catching palace aides by surprise, despite Harry’s team saying it had informed them.
I find it embarrassing when American outlets cut-and-paste from palace emails. This kind of embiggening coverage is horrible for both People Mag AND William. Once you see how William and Kate force the press to treat them like reluctant toddlers who need wall-to-wall praise for every single thing, you can never unsee it. “William delivered his speech in his own empathetic style, reminiscent of his late mother, Princess Diana.” You are a liar telling lies. “The Prince of Wales carried himself less as a royal guest and more as a global advocate…” They’re still trying to force people to forget those volleyball photos. And the “credible voice” stuff is hilarious – Kate gets the same fluffery too, she’s a “credible expert” on the Early Years, don’t you know. Will and Kate really are the two most credible experts in environmentalism and childhood development, we swear! They’re both global statesmen! William is just like Diana! No, Kate is just like Diana! Embarrassing.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
Featuring: Prince William
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 03 Nov 2025
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Featuring: Prince William
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 03 Nov 2025
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Featuring: Prince William
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 03 Nov 2025
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Featuring: Prince William
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 03 Nov 2025
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Featuring: Prince William
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 03 Nov 2025
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Featuring: Prince William, Prince of Wales
Where: Ilha de Paqueta, Brazil
When: 04 Nov 2025
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Bone health evolves as you age. Long before bone issues begin to show up, you need to start adopting habits that help in maintaining strength, flexibility and density. Building bone strength is essential as it reduces the risks of fractures, joint issues and osteoporosis. Lifestyle habits, from exercise to diet, support bone health, keeping you resilient even in later years.
ALSO READ: Are you overdoing workouts at gym? Know the risks of overtraining syndrome, bone and muscle damage
To understand what should be the bone health priorities for each age group, HT Lifestyle reached out to Dr Amyn Rajani, Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising in arthroscopy, joint replacement and sports injuries. As per him, the foundation of bone strength is laid much earlier in life, even before you enter your 30s.
“Bones are living tissue. They continuously remodel themselves, building and breaking down throughout life,” Dr Rajani added, highlighting that habits and lifestyle choices contribute to lifelong bone health.
Tweaking the lifestyle choices is essential because Dr Ranjan asserted that the 30s mark the stage of peak bone mass, the point at which bones are at their strongest and densest. The habits formed in your teens and 20s influence the shaping of bone health later in life.
As per the doctor, almost 90% of total bone mass develops during adolescence, from puberty to the late teens. Habits during this time lay the foundation for lifelong bone health.
Dr Rajani recommended focusing on nutrition.“Calcium and Vitamin D are vital for bone growth. Include milk, yoghurt, cheese, green veggies and almonds in the diet. Get 15-20 minutes of sunlight daily for Vitamin D,” he recommended.
During this time, one should also focus on physical activities and avoid certain postures. Elaborating on this, the orthopaedic surgeon added, “To develop dense and strong bones, teenagers must lead an active life, especially with weight-bearing exercises such as running, skipping, basketball, or dancing. They must also be careful not to spend long hours bent over mobile phones or routinely carry heavy loads such as bags, as these can affect the alignment of their spine. ”
Teenagers may also have the habit of indulging in junk food. But the orthopaedic surgeon cautioned, “Teens should avoid sugary soft drinks and processed foods as these can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which would eventually lead to less strong bones.”
Next up, for the twenties, Dr Ranjani revealed that it’s a decade of changes, juggling jobs, studies and social activities. But one shouldn’t neglect bone health.
Dr Ranjani emphasised staying active.“At this age, one must aim for at least 30–45 minutes of physical activity daily, such as walking, cycling, lifting weights, or playing a physical sport.”
The phase of the twenties also sees a lot of work pressure, stuck in front of a laptop for long hours. But it is vital to take necessary breaks and maintain posture for bone health.“Today, when most people spend too much time looking at digital screens, it is easy to forget that our body posture deserves our attention and care too. For better skeleton health, one should keep the screen at eye level, feet flat on the floor and take a short break every hour,” he added.
Lastly, nutrition should be maintained with a steady supply of calcium, protein and micronutrients, as per the surgeon. The 20s also come with a lot of stress, so it is vital to counter this with mindful practices. The doctor noted, “Practices like Yoga and breathing exercises can make a lot of difference in keeping one’s mind calm and relaxed.
When you turn 30s, your bones reach an important milestone. The surgeon revealed, “By the time we hit our 30s, the body shifts gears from building bones to maintaining them.” So, 30 onwards, it is no longer about growth because you have reached the peak. Now it is all about prevention and preservation. In this phase, you introduce nutrients. Dr Ranjani revealed that bones 30 onwards require more than just calcium. “Bones also require protein, Vitamin K, and magnesium. A balanced diet with dairy, lean meat, lentils, fruits, and vegetables keeps this mix right.”
To maintain bone health, you have to include strength-training exercises. Dr Ranjani suggested, “Indulge in strength training, Pilates, or resistance band workouts. These also lower the risk of falls later in life.”
Work pressure may also increase, with a high likelihood of your lifestyle turning sedentary. To avoid this, the surgeon recommended that one should stand, stretch, or walk every 45 minutes to keep muscles active, especially if they have desk-bound jobs.
In the 30s, the orthopaedic surgeon highlighted that one can get a simple blood test for Vitamin D and calcium levels, and a bone density scan if needed, as a way to identify the early signs of weakening bones.
Bone health’s requirments evolve with age, as it grows and reaches the peak. While in the teens, the focus was on building a strong foundation, the 20s are about strengthening and protecting the bones. Lastly, as one reaches their 30s, the focus shifts to preservation and prevention, monitoring bone health to maintain density and preventing bone loss.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has reevaluated his harsh public critique of Farhan Akhtar’s performance in the 2013 biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, suggesting that his original remarks may have been overstated. The reversal comes after Akhtar described Shah’s comments as “distasteful” during a recent interview. Now Shah acknowledges the backlash and admits the framing of his critique was amplified beyond his intent.
The original spark for the dispute dates back over a decade. When Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was released, Shah openly dismissed the film and questioned Akhtar’s portrayal of Indian sprinter Milkha Singh. His remarks included statements like “building up muscles and growing your hair is not exactly working hard on your acting” and “at least he should have tried to look like Milkha.”
Fast forward to November 2025, and Akhtar responded strongly. He emphasised that although he welcomes critique, the way it was delivered felt personal and inappropriate in a public forum, given their shared history. “I have known him for so many years… he has known me since I was a child,” Akhtar remarked, calling the approach “distasteful” and noting that a phone call would have sufficed instead.
Shah’s latest comments acknowledge this tension. During a conversation with the media, he said, “He is right but I think my statement has been exaggerated a bit.” When pressed about which part, Shah responded coyly: “I don’t think you need to be a genius to figure that out! Read both statements.”
This exchange highlights deeper undercurrents beyond the immediate disagreement. Shah belongs to a generation of actors known for cerebral commentary on cinema; his blunt critique of Akhtar’s muscle-bound transformation in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag challenged popular conceptions of performance over spectacle. The film itself was a commercial hit and remains widely celebrated, complicating the legacy of his comments.
Yet the incident also underscores how star relationships combine personal history, public scrutiny and professional critique. Credit must be given to Akhtar’s willingness to call out perceived disrespect publicly, while Shah’s later concession demonstrates a rare openness to reassessing past statements in light of evolving norms around public discourse.
From a broader view, the scenario speaks to the challenges actors face when they cross from private to public opinion. Shah’s pivot—from robust denunciation to expressed ambiguity—signals that media amplification can reshape intent. His statement acts as a form of redress, even as he preserves his right of opinion.
Also Read:Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Faint: Govinda Collapses At Home Two Days After Visiting Dharmendra, Rushed To Hospital
What does this mean for industry dynamics? For one, it implies that public critique in cinema now carries layers of personal context. The actor-director-star network is no longer immune to internal critique becoming external news cycles. Both sides of the exchange are aware of the theatre of commentary.
Secondly, it invites reflection on how audience memory preserves star interactions. Twenty years after Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the public revisits the film not just for its narrative but for the cultural conversation around performance, authenticity and legacy. Shah’s remarks then become part of the film’s afterlife.
Lastly, the episode shows that speaking truth—however one defines truth—carries consequences in an ecosystem where history is searchable and reputations live online. Shah’s critique went into archives; Akhtar’s response turned it into a sub-plot. Shah’s concession is his attempt to adapt.
Going forward, the two actors seem poised to move on, professionally if not personally. Shah continues to work on new projects, while Akhtar’s trajectory spans acting, direction and production. The interaction may be less about reconciliation than a mutual acknowledgement of professional boundaries, critique style and public legacy.
In the end, the exchange is less about one film or one performance than how veteran and contemporary figures communicate in a digital age. The movie remains a milestone; the feud becomes a footnote. What remains may be the lesson: that in the glare of media and public memory, even a critical remark has a half-life. Shah’s admission of exaggeration demonstrates that even for a critic of his calibre, context, tone and timing matter.
For fans and observers of Indian cinema, the moment matters. It offers a rare glimpse into how star culture adapts—not just through films, but through attitudes toward critique, legacy and one’s own words. And in that sens,e it may last longer than the film itself.
Victoria’s Secret Angels, including supermodels such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Bella Hadid, and others, are renowned for their sculpted and athletic physiques. Every year, they look stronger and more sculpted as they step back on the runway. But is there a secret to them looking incredible every single time they get on the ramp?
Also Read | Diabetologist with 24 years of experience shares 1 tip to reduce heart attack risk by 40%: ‘After eating food…’
In an Instagram video shared on October 29, Kelsey Rose, a fitness trainer, revealed how to train like a Victoria’s Secret model to look ‘strong and sculpted’. She shared that their physique is a result of dedicated and intense fitness routines, which include strength training and a nutritious diet.
According to the fitness trainer, almost every OG Victoria’s Secret Angel swears by strength training. Not to bulk up, but to sculpt lean, defined, and feminine muscle that gives them that strong, confident runway look. She claimed that the foundation of that body isn’t restriction or genetics, it’s consistency, strength, and fuelling it right.
In the video, she stitched together several clips of supermodels, including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Irina Shayk, and Alessandra Ambrosio. While Candice in the video claimed that she doesn’t do a lot of cardio, rather she builds ‘a lot of muscle because she is naturally very skinny,’ Adriana said, “You have to work out every day…You have to maintain the muscles.”
As for Irina Shayk, the secret to her figure is, “Working out and food. Working out five times a week when in New York [for the VS show].” Lastly, Alessandra shared that she achieved her physique by working out at the gym and putting in a lot of effort to improve her body.
Strength training, as per the VS models and the fitness trainer, is the non-negotiable part of every angel’s routine. Kelsey added that while everyone has been talking about Pilates lately, many have been missing out on the foundation that gives a strong, defined, and confident body: strength training.
She clarified that, although Pilates and low-impact workouts are important, it is also essential to understand the importance of strength training. Why? Because, as per the trainer, you can’t tone what you don’t build.
Moreover, nutrition should also be a big part of this routine. Because you cannot build muscle if you are undereating. “A lot of you are working out but not fuelling properly. You heard it from the angels. They are dialling in on their nutrition. You need to eat enough to gain lean muscle and to rev up your metabolism,” she added.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Film:
Maharani Season 4
Bubble Rating:
Director: Puneet Prakash
Writers: Subhash Kapoor, Nandan Singh, Uma Shankar Singh
Cast: Huma Qureshi, Kani Kusruti, Amit Sial, Pramod Pathak, Shweta Basu Prasad, Vineet Kumar, Shardul Bharadwaj, Vipin Sharma
Platform: SonyLIV
Runtime: 39 mins to 57 mins each episode
As rightly compared previously, Politics is just like a game of chess. Huma Qureshi, who portrays Rani Bharti, returns as the CM of Bihar. The opening scene highlights that Navin (Amit Sial) is visited by Murad Patel in jail from the PM Sudhakar Sriniwas Joshi’s (Vipin Sharma) office. He questions how to trouple Rani’s sarkaar and doesn’t leave a stone unturned to find out how. What Rani has to face now is either to trust her own instincts or close people in this game of dirty politics. This season raises questions of whether Rani will become the next PM, challenging Joshi and his alliance. Will Rani be able to keep her alliance close and enemies away? To find out what happens, read our review of Maharani Season 4.
Huma Qureshi, Shweta Basu Prasad, Shardul Bhardwaj, and other cast members play strong roles. Their accent and body language show every actor’s adaptability for their craft. The plot is good, however could have been carried out better. Dialogue writing and delivery are commendable.
Most scenes have been dragged. The plot twists are quite predictable and don’t carry enough weight for a political drama.
The direction in Maharani season 4 feels uninspired and lacks the precision needed for a compelling political drama. Although the premise holds promise, the storytelling often loses focus, with pacing issues and stretched-out sequences. The energy and urgency that once defined Rani’s political journey are notably absent, replaced by clichés and predictable moments.
The writing disappoints with its repetitive tone and lack of emotional grip. What could have been a sharp exploration of power and politics turns into a routine narrative filled with weak dialogue and forced melodrama. The screenplay struggles to weave together the political tension and personal dilemmas, leaving the overall story feeling scattered and inconsistent.
Huma Qureshi remains the show’s saving grace, bringing sincerity and conviction to her role. However, her efforts are weighed down by an uneven script and an underutilised supporting cast. Performances that could have added layers to the story instead feel flat and disconnected.
Maharani season 4 sadly fails to recreate the spark, intensity, and layered storytelling that once made the series compelling. The direction feels uninspired, with inconsistent pacing and scenes that lack dramatic tension. The writing, once sharp and politically charged, now feels diluted by repetitive dialogue and underdeveloped subplots.
Even the lead actors’ sincere effort can’t lift the show from its sluggish execution and emotional flatness. Supporting performances add little depth, leaving the narrative feeling hollow. Overall, the new season struggles to maintain its political intrigue or emotional resonance, making it a disappointing and forgettable continuation.
We hope our review of Maharani Season 4 will help you decide to watch it.
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Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.
Actress and singer Shehnaaz Gill recently opened up about her views on marriage, saying she doesn’t consider it a necessity in today’s world. Promoting her latest release, Ikk Kudi, Shehnaaz shared that while she has no immediate plans to tie the knot, she isn’t completely dismissing the idea either.
“Marriage is not important. If you don’t want to do it, it’s okay,” Shehnaaz told IANS. “Even though I feel I won’t get married, I can’t say never. Maybe someday I’ll have to do it. I just want to make the right decision for myself.”
Her new film Ikk Kudi, released on October 31, also marks Shehnaaz’s debut as a producer. Directed and written by Amarjit Singh Saron, the film follows the journey of a young woman navigating the challenges of finding the right life partner.
Reflecting on the seriousness of marriage, Shehnaaz added, “It’s a big decision. You leave your parents’ home and give your life to someone you don’t fully know. It’s uncertain, so let’s see what happens.”
Shehnaaz rose to fame after her memorable stint on Bigg Boss 13, where her chemistry with the late Sidharth Shukla won millions of hearts. In Bollywood, she was last seen in the film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, appearing in the song Sajna Ve Sajna.
Also Read: Shehnaaz Gill’s Blessing for ‘Ikk Kudi…’: A Must-Watch in Theatres!
Beginning her career in 2015 with the music video Shiv Di Kitaab, Shehnaaz made her Punjabi film debut in Sat Shri Akaal England (2017). Her filmography includes hits like Kala Shah Kala, Daaka, Honsla Rakh, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, and Thank You for Coming.
The multitalented star has also appeared in several popular music videos, including Shona Shona, Habit, Peg Paun Wele, and Pindaan Diyaan Kudiyaan. Up next, she will be seen in Sab First Class
Cobra Kai came to an end earlier this year, but Tanner Buchanan is holding the memories he made and his acquired martial arts skills close to his heart. In an exclusive interview with Hollywood Life, the 26-year-old actor shared that he keeps in shape through the high-intensity, boot camp-style group exercise course STRONG Nation.
“What I like about it is you can kind of do it anywhere,” Tanner said while explaining how the exercise program fits into his work schedule. “If you can’t make it to a class, I know that they have some classes online that you can always take. And funny enough, with my career, I travel so much, and, and I’m not able to get to the gym a lot, which is not a great thing for me, as I usually have to stay in shape quite a bit.”
Tanner is no stranger to fitness. On Cobra Kai, he played Robby Keene for all six seasons. He began with almost no martial arts experience — which he jokingly called “non-existent” — but ended up performing “95 percent” of his own stunts in the final season, he told Hollywood Life. Tanner also finished the show with lifelong friendships, calling Ralph Macchio and William Zabka the “adopted dads” of the younger cast members. And as fans know, Tanner is engaged to co-star Mary Mouser.
While recollecting his favorite emotional Cobra Kai scene, Tanner recalled Robby’s tearful season 6 locker room conversation with his dad, Johnny (played by William), as the character reflects how karate changed his life.
“I remember that last moment … I was crying and getting emotional just because I knew it was that one last scene [before the show ended],” Tanner recalled. “And I do remember a sweet moment from Billy when he hugged me in the scene. And then, when they called ‘Cut,’ he kind of gave me like a little kiss on the forehead, and he was like, ‘First off, that was amazing. Second off, this has been such an amazing experience to be able to share with you.’ So, then I had to pull it back together, and I was like, ‘No, no, no, I can’t cry anymore.’”
An actor’s lifestyle comes with a hectic itinerary, so Tanner chose STRONG Nation to help him stay fit. The course provides students with a combination of body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training synced to original music reverse engineered to match every move, which Tanner noted “keeps your mind off actually working out.”
The intense course promises a calorie-burning experience along with toning arms, legs, abs and glutes. STRONG Nation differs from other exercise courses through its relationship of moving in sync to the music, which includes fast-paced rhythms such as EDM, techno, house, drum, dubstep hip-hop and fusion genres. As a result, students stay focused on their moves rather than tediously counting each rep. While moves like burpees, squats and lunges can seem daunting, STRONG Nation partnered with some of the most famous music producers, including Timbaland, Krewella and Steve Aoki, to make sure students can enjoy their workout while working up a sweat.
Since the STRONG Nation program works with Tanner’s schedule, he can focus on upcoming projects, such as his role in the upcoming supernatural horror Hide and Don’t Speak. The film follows six teens that “play a terrifying viral Japanese game in which the players summon a vengeful spirit for a deadly round of hide-and-seek,” according to its synopsis.
“It’s definitely a horror that I was surprised no one had even done yet,” Tanner teased, adding that the film will “get your heart pumping, that’s for sure.”
Thamma box office collection day 6: Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films expanded its horror-comedy universe with Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film is continuing to hold steady at the box office.
According to trade tracking site Sacnilk, Thamma is performing well at the box office. On day six, which marked the first Sunday after its release, the film earned ₹13 crore, bringing its total collection to ₹91.70 crore.
The film, part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, had started on a strong note on Diwali before slightly dipping over the weekdays. But it seems to be making a healthy recovery over the weekend now. In terms of occupancy, the film had an overall 23.19 per cent occupancy in Hindi on Sunday.
The supernatural-themed film saw a significant boost at the box office on its fifth day, earning ₹13.1 crore. This marked a 31 percent jump compared to the previous day, when the film had raked in ₹10 crore. The surge in collections suggests growing audience interest, indicating that the film is gaining momentum as it continues its theatrical run.
On Saturday, Thamma surpassed the lifetime box office collection of Varun Dhawan’s Maddock horror-comedy Bhediya, which had grossed ₹68.99 crore. Prior to this, the film had already overtaken the domestic earnings of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, which had earned ₹60.35 crore.
The film is working well overseas as well. Thamma has crossed the ₹100 crore mark in terms of worldwide earnings in five days.
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Thamma stars Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as vampires, with Ayushmann playing a journalist caught in the midst of their bloody battle. The film comes with several surprise cameo appearances from other actors in the MHCU, including Varun Dhawan.
Thamma is the fifth instalment in Maddock’s horror-comedy universe after Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya and Stree 2 (both 2024). Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik, the film is described as a bloody love story. It was released on October 21.
While Oscar nominee Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”) could be back at the Oscars for the second year in a row for his subtle, moving performance as manager Jon Landau in “Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” he’s neither rooting for himself nor for another character actor he admires, Sean Penn in “One Battle After Another.” As a member of this year’s Cannes jury, Strong is an unabashed fan of Norway’s Cannes prize-winning Oscar entry, “Sentimental Value.” “Give Stellan Skarsgård the Oscar, please,” he said as we sat down at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles.
I can’t help but notice his rusty, close-cropped haircut. He’s in prep to play Mark Zuckerberg in writer/director Aaron Sorkin’s sequel to 2010’s “The Social Network,” “The Social Reckoning” (October 9, 2026), set 17 years later and without Jesse Eisenberg. It covers a stretch between 2018 and 2021, when Facebook moved from “move fast and break things,” said Strong, to “move fast with stable infrastructure. This also tells the story of the Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the Facebook Files.” (He reunites with Jeremy Allen White, who plays Springsteen in “Deliver Me from Nowhere.”)
As soon as Strong got wind of a follow-up to “The Social Network,” he told Sorkin that he had always wanted to play Zuckerberg. Strong played Jerry Rubin in Best Picture nominee “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” which Sorkin wrote and directed, and starred in Sorkin’s directorial debut “Molly’s Game.” “The Social Reckoning” screenplay is “one of the best scripts I’ve ever read,” said Strong. “It touches the third rail, the axis of much of the issues and maladies of our time.”
Per usual, Strong is hoovering up everything he can about Zuckerberg. His prep, influenced by early mentor Daniel Day-Lewis, involves a “deep dive on everything,” he said, “trying to understand and defend a point of view of a character, what it is they believe in, what they’re fighting for, maybe understand what might be blind spots. But the most important thing for me is an empathic connection to a person. We live in an age when there’s a lot of judgment, a lot of maligning of people. We would all do well to walk a day in anybody’s shoes before casting aspersions and judgment.”
Zuckerberg, who at 41 is still running Facebook, is “a real person with a family,” said Strong, who is 46 and has three kids. “He is someone who has shaped the world we live in. I feel an enormous responsibility for accuracy and understanding.”
Zuckerberg is just one of a gallery of real people that Strong has taken on, including powerbroker Roy Cohn, one of the most maligned figures in New York, who Strong not only made believable but empathetic in “The Apprentice.” “I find Roy’s journey a tragic journey,” he said. “I find Kendall Roy’s journey [in the Emmy-winning ‘Succession’], even though he’s a composite character, a tragic journey.”
Day-Lewis gave Strong “a kind of permission,” he said, “by witnessing a level of commitment and a level of preparation and courage and a willingness to just go way the fuck out on the limb,” he said. Strong also admires Anthony Hopkins, his co-star on James Gray’s “Armageddon Time,” who has played Richard Nixon, Adolf Hitler, Pablo Picasso, C.S. Lewis, and John Quincy Adams. Strong is drawn to historic characters, he said: “Those are the best stories with the most complex stories and the highest stakes.”
In “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” Strong plays a real person, Jon Landau, an influential music critic who proclaimed Springsteen as the future of rock in the pages of Rolling Stone and quietly and firmly, behind the scenes, helped his friend to manage his career and recover from debilitating depression. The film is set during the 1982 recording of “Nebraska,” a bare-bones acoustic album of dark songs that Springsteen needed to get off his chest before he could publish such rock anthems as “Born in the U.S.A.,” which he had already written, that would make him a rock legend.
Having gotten to work closely with Springsteen on “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” Strong is a fan: “I’ve just come out of this press conference with Bruce, who gives 10,000 percent. I admire him perhaps more than I admire anyone on this earth: his humility, his devotion, his commitment. It’s about how much he gives, his sincerity, his generosity of spirit.”
Movingly, “Deliver Me from Nowhere” shows how Landau cares for Springsteen and stands up for him at a time when he needs support. “At this moment in time, 1982, it is not a given that Bruce would go on to be the Bruce Springsteen we know him to be today,” said Strong, “simply because of his struggles with mental health and depression, as William Styron said, ‘a darkness visible,’ and that darkness was pressing down on him, and he did not have the equipment internally to handle it. It’s not something anyone can handle on their own.”
A few years older than Springsteen, Landau “was a father figure to Bruce at this time,” said Strong, “had been in therapy, had had a broader education, was steeped in literature and the history of art and the history of music, and he was able to help Bruce take this step to getting professional help. He was almost like a therapist himself, and he understood that the only way out is through. This movie that Scott Cooper has made is the story of Bruce shaking hands with his own past, his trauma, the wounds that we all carry and that often remain untreated or buried. And so this is about the album ‘Nebraska,’ the unearthing of that trauma and the repairing of trauma through art.”
“Nebraska” also marked a moment in time before Springsteen was about to hit big. “James Baldwin once used the phrase ‘trying to find an honest place to stand,’” said Strong. “Bruce was looking to find that honest place to stand. He was lost in the vortex of this world that we’re in, the pressures and expectations of success, fame. And Bruce needed to locate. Bruce said once that all of his songs are about a person trying to find and save some part of himself. And Bruce, at this time in 1982, needed to find and save some part of himself. And Jon Landau had the compassion, love, devotion, depth of understanding, and insight to support and enable that.”
Landau also had to be savvy enough to manage CBS Records. It’s surprising the executives went along with “Nebraska” at all. Landau had to coax them into it. “‘The River’ was a massive album,” said Strong, “but he wasn’t yet in the stratosphere that he then went on to be. When Jon Landau goes into Columbia Records and sits down with Al Teller, people listen to Jon Landau. He had an authority, but he also was a bodyguard for what is sacred. Jon was perceiving what was essential in that record and why it was essential for fertilizing the growth of Bruce Springsteen, the artist. He was not perceiving in a calculated way why this would or wouldn’t be a savvy career move — not that he didn’t give a shit about career, because he did.”
Strong and Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen bonded effectively to create this close relationship. “Easily and almost without words,” said Strong. “I’ve admired Jeremy for a long time. Part of what you do is you create a dynamic that mirrors a dynamic, and it was easy for me to feel a devotion and a love for Jeremy, also given what was at stake, similar to Sebastian [Stan] having to play Donald Trump, a character that is an iconic, monolithic character. You are vulnerable. You are up there like Philippe Petit, walking on that high wire. So it was easy for me to feel a solicitude, a protectiveness, and an empathy and care for him. You look after him a bit without words, let him know that you’re there for him, which is what Jon does. They don’t talk a lot.”
One key scene between the two men involves a piece of music, instigated by Strong. “In the early ’70s, they used to come over to each other’s house and listen to records,” said Strong. “They would play each other music all night. And it was the night before we were shooting this scene, where Jon goes over to Bruce’s house in Colts Neck, a beautifully scripted scene where they say the things that they’re feeling to each other. Jon expresses his deep concern for Bruce, his wish for what the road trip will be. I felt a sense that the Jon that I had come to understand might not have worded all those things as overtly, and I had an instinct that maybe I should play him a song in the scene. I sent Bruce and Jon some texts. I asked them: ‘I’m thinking of playing a record for you in the scene tomorrow. If you were going to play a song, if you were trying to save your friend’s life, what song would you play?’”
The three men exchanged texts for three hours. Strong listened to each song suggestion. Springsteen went to bed. About 45 minutes later, he texted Strong and Landau: Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers’ “Last Mile of the Way.” “I listened to it,” said Strong, “and was floored. It’s emotionally huge, and it’s the story of the movie. It’s about passing through a dark valley before you get to arrive somewhere.”
The next day, Scott Cooper shot the scene as scripted. Strong had secretly asked the sound mixer and prop department to prepare a cassette with the song on it and have the boom box in the room. And after they shot the scene, he said, “Scott, can I try something?” And Cooper said, “Can you tell me what it is?” And I said, “No, I’d rather not.”
Strong also asked White if he wanted to know what he was going to do. He said, “No.” “That’s what’s in the movie,” said Strong. “It’s a big-budget Disney studio movie, but it has a Cassavetes soul. There’s a spiritual dimension to that song and that sequence in the movie. It captured something about them and their essence and their journey.”
Next up: Strong plays the lead in the remake of “The Boys from Brazil,” a limited series written by Peter Morgan (“The Crown”). “It’s a five-hour film that Bob Elswit is shooting, an allegory of the rise of fascism in the world.” Also in the works is a Paramount six-hour limited series created by Tobias Lindholm about September 11 first responders. “There’s an embarrassment of riches right now,” said Strong, “and I don’t take it for granted.”