Entertainment

Vidya Balan talks about her journey with Hashtag

Vidya Balan returns to theatres with Neeyat, directed by Anu Menon, after her successful stint on digital with three super hits. Vidya is a very choosy actor and is one such actor who never takes up projects easily. Vidya answers a volley of generic questions with Likpika Varma.

After a long time coming on the big screen, what are the emotions you have right now?

I am excited and nervous, I am just praying that people should come to the theatres. Nowadays, you cannot predict anything, let’s hope it does well. I feel this film should be seen on the big screen. Some of the sweeping shots of the castle won’t allure you watching on your mobile phone or small screen.

When you watch a thriller film what are the ingredients you look for?

Unpredictability, and when you feel it’s going in a certain direction with a lot of red headings, then it becomes more interesting. You try to figure out what exactly is going to happen. The joy is when the storytelling outsmarts you.

I am competition with myself- VIDYA BALAN

Do you like to make changes to the script?

As we know various drafts are written before finalizing the script, we just like to work on the script together. Sometimes we work on it for betterment. Sometimes the energies of one and all involved in the filmmaking, but at times we turn blind to the flaws. So that’s the process which keeps us going.

What keeps you going?

I am hungry to work on something exciting also while working on the sets. Everything should interest and allure me. Since our industry is going through a tough time, people are not able to judge what to make and what not to make. Films are being offered but I have to get that feeling so to choose. I believe when the time will come, it will happen.

What is that particular skill you want to earn apart from acting?

I have always wanted to learn how to swim. Maybe I would like to learn an instrument. Also maybe horse riding.

How much do you believe in luck or hard work?

I believe fortune favours the brave, but you have to follow your instinct and do it. Luck is not something external, if you make the right decision then it will serve you very well. Then you will be lucky.

Do you look at any competition with anyone?

I have no competition with anyone. I have never compared my work to anyone else. My journey is mine, you learn as you experience it. For example, when you refuse to do any film and it does well, many question me how do you feel, I just respond by saying I don’t feel anything. Because I feel if I was in the film, it wouldn’t have been successful or the film or vice versa. It works both ways.

I am hungry to work on something exciting also while working on the sets. Everything should interest and allure me.

How do you feel, when you get a film which must have been offered to someone else and then offered to you?

I don’t feel anything. I guess – Daane Daane par likha hai khane wale ka naam. I remember reading reports about the film Namkeen, the first choice was Rekha ji and then Sharmila ji ended up doing its luck.

But Ishqiya came to you after it was offered to others, any comments?

Ishqiya was one film which came to me after being offered to many. It was my luck, guess it was an excellent opportunity and whatever you are destined for will come to you.

What are the challenges you face when you are taking up a role?

It’s just like I am trying to challenge myself and do it to the best of my abilities. I am well aware that sometimes it does well and may not work other times. The only thing I do is follow my instinct. I am meant to go through a film for whatever reason. Sometimes it may be a roaring success and sometimes it may be heartbreaking, all of which happens for a reason. I am constantly looking for challenging roles. But I have done 20-odd films, so it’s tough. Thankfully, I had the fortune of doing varieties of roles. At times when scripts are offered to me it fails to bring forth newness, which is why currently I have not said yes to any film. I have been grappling with an idea that I have not seen myself yet. But I have a film called ‘Lovers’ that will be released. I have said yes to one film that will start next year and will share it once I sign it.

I have no competition with anyone. I have never compared my work to anyone else. My journey is mine, you learn as you experience it.
I am meant to go through a film for whatever reason. Sometimes it may be a roaring success and sometimes it may be heartbreaking, all of which happens for a reason.
I believe fortune favours the brave, but you have to follow your instinct and do it. Luck is not something external, if you make the right decision then it will serve you very well.

July 25, 2023

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Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy