Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Films should raise adult issues with innocence says Ayushamnn

After charming the audience as a sperm donor in his debut Vicky Donor, Ayushmann Khurrana's next film is on the subject of erectile dysfunction, and the actor says adult issues should be dealt with innocence to avoid vulgarity .

RS Prasanna's Shubh Mangal Saavdhan is a love story of a young couple, Ayushmann and Bhumi Pednekar, whose parents come to know about the protagonist's erectile dysfunction.


In an interview, Ayushmann says, "I had asked Shoojit Sircar (director of Vicky Donor), 'Why did you chose me for the role of a sperm donor'? he said, he wanted somebody who has a clean image and looks innocent. If that innocence is taken out of the subject then it may become cheap."

The actor says Shubh Mangal Saavdhan also required an innocent and a lovable person to play the character.

"Bhumi and I had to bring that innocence in our chemistry to deal with the subject. With this subject, innocence will work otherwise it won't work," he adds.

On his experience of re-teaming with his Dum Laga Ke Haisha co-star Bhumi, Ayushmann says, "It's great to be working with someone who is a friend, but you have to be good actors as well. I am glad people like our pairing on screen."

The actor says he was not surprised when the makers approached him to play 'Mudit' in the film.

"It was very ironical when I got to know the subject, I felt life has come a full circle from a sperm donor to erectile dysfunction. This kind of film is required in today's day and age. People are patriarchal, they don't talk about problems and it's sad."

Ayushmann says the movie wants to spread the message that, "We can't brush this problem under the carpet, we have to be open up and talk about it."

Produced by Aanand L Rai, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan releases on September 1.

Ayushmann's last release Bareilly Ki Barfi has been getting him rave reviews both from the critics and audience, and he says he was hopeful that people would like it.

More For You

George Singh: Celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca and its global rise

George Singh

George Singh: Celebrating 30 years of Chutney Soca and its global rise

ASJAD NAZIR

CHUTNEY soca music is a beautiful blend of African, Caribbean, and Indian beats. It has helped define the south Asian diaspora across the Caribbean and is loved by millions around the world.

The brightest shining light of this popular music genre has been the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, which has taken place annually in Trinidad & Tobago for three decades.

Keep ReadingShow less
James Bond reboot plans lighter, campier tone to attract younger fans

James Bond franchise to embrace humor and playfulness in its upcoming reboot, appealing to a new generation of fans

Instagram/jamesbondpostercollection

James Bond reboot plans lighter, campier tone to attract younger fans

The James Bond franchise is gearing up for a major shift as it prepares to reboot after Daniel Craig’s gritty, emotionally charged era. According to a report by The Times, the next version of 007 will ditch the brooding intensity of the recent films and return to the lighter, more playful tone of the Sean Connery and Roger Moore days. The goal? To appeal to a younger, meme-savvy audience.

The report suggests that the new Bond will embrace “quips and camp,” moving away from the “Shakespearean heft” of Craig’s portrayal. The idea behind this shift is to make the franchise more accessible and marketable to younger viewers, with a focus on humour, over-the-top villains, and shareable moments tailor-made for social media. While this might alarm fans who appreciated Craig’s grounded take, it’s a deliberate move to future-proof the series and keep it relevant in a rapidly changing and dynamic entertainment landscape.

The reboot comes amid ongoing challenges behind the scenes. Amazon, which acquired MGM in 2021, is reportedly working closely with Eon Productions to map out the franchise’s future. However, tensions have arisen over creative direction, particularly around potential spin-offs like a Moneypenny series or a young Bond prequel. For now, the focus remains on the mainline films, with casting for the new Bond still up in the air.

This isn’t the first time Bond has undergone a transformation. The franchise has always adapted to the times, from the suave charm of Connery to the gritty realism of Craig. The shift to a campier tone mirrors the success of films like Kingsman, which proved that audiences still enjoy spy stories with a sense of fun.

While some fans may be wary of the change, the move could breathe new life into the 60-year-old franchise. If done right, the next Bond could strike a balance between humour and heart, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation. One thing’s for sure: 007’s next mission will be unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Keep ReadingShow less
King Charles to appear in Amazon documentary on environmental causes

King Charles to share his environmental vision in an upcoming Amazon documentary

Getty Images

King Charles to appear in Amazon documentary on environmental causes

King Charles is set to appear in a new documentary produced by Amazon Prime Video, focusing on his lifelong dedication to environmental causes and sustainable living. Filming has already begun at Dumfries House in Scotland, a location closely tied to his charity work. The documentary will explore the themes of his 2010 book, Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World, which advocates for a deeper connection between humanity and nature.

The project marks a shift for the Royal Family, which has traditionally partnered with British broadcasters like the BBC and ITV for major productions. However, Charles’s decision to collaborate with Amazon reflects a modern approach to reaching global audiences. This move follows in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have a multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix, Amazon’s rival streaming platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
LA FireAid concert brings music legends together for wildfire relief

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day joins Steve Ballmer and others at the FireAid Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at the Intuit Dome

Getty Images

LA FireAid concert brings music legends together for wildfire relief

Los Angeles united in a soul-stirring evening of music and solidarity at the FireAid benefit concert, pouring their hearts into raising funds for California wildfire relief. Held at the iconic Kia Forum and the breathtaking Intuit Dome, the event showcased an unforgettable all-star lineup that transcended genres, showing us that even in the darkest of times, music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring us together as one.

Green Day opened the night with "Last Night on Earth," surprising fans by inviting Billie Eilish to join them for a duet. Later, Eilish and her brother Finneas returned for a stripped-down acoustic set, performing tracks from her latest album. "L.A. is my only home, and I've got you," she told the crowd.

One of the most talked-about moments was the long-awaited Nirvana reunion. Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Krist Novoselic performed together for the first time in years, joined by a rotating lineup of guest vocalists, including St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Grohl's daughter, Violet.

Katy Perry, wrapped in the California state flag, had the crowd singing along to "California Gurls," while Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and Pink delivered high-energy sets. No Doubt's reunion was another highlight, with Gwen Stefani leading the band through hits like "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak."

Dr. Dre made an unexpected appearance with Anderson. Paak, energising the audience with "California Love." Rock and pop legends, including Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Joni Mitchell also rocked the stage.

The lineup stretched across genres, featuring performances from Alanis Morissette, John Mayer, Jelly Roll, Dawes, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, The Black Crowes, John Fogerty, Peso Pluma, Gracie Abrams, Lil Baby, and Tate McRae.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

Shalaka Kurup

Comedian Shalaka Kurup joins The Ladies of Laughter

Eastern Eye

INDIAN stand-up comedian Shalaka Kurup has made a significant impact on the UK scene, earning multiple awards along the way.

Her unique brand of observational humour has connected with audiences from diverse backgrounds, establishing her as a rising star who is set to shine even brighter in the years ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less